Account balance is used after these nouns:

account book

account booknoun

Account book is used after these nouns:

account for

account forphr verb

Account for is used with these nouns as the subject:

export, import, sale

Account for is used with these nouns as the object:

discrepancy, fact, per cent, variation

accounting

accountingnoun

Accounting is used before these nouns:

clerk, firm, irregularity, method, package, period, practice, record, rule, scandal, software, standard, system, trick

Accounting is used after these nouns:

cost

accredited

accreditedadj.

Accredited is used with these nouns:

counsellor, programme

accrue

accrueverb

Accrue is used with these nouns as the subject:

benefit, interest, profit

accumulate

accumulateverb

verbADVERB | VERB + accumulate | PHRASESADVERBgradually, slowlysteadilyquickly, rapidlyVERB + accumulatebegin tobe allowed toDirt must not be allowed to accumulate.tend toToxic chemicals tend to accumulate in the body.PHRASESaccumulate over the years, accumulate over time

Accumulate is used with these nouns as the subject:

debris, dirt, evidence, fat

Accumulate is used with these nouns as the object:

arrears, asset, capital, debt, evidence, fortune, point, reserve, wealth

accumulated

accumulatedadj.

Accumulated is used with these nouns:

dirt, wealth, wisdom

accumulation

accumulationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + accumulation | PHRASESADJECTIVErapidgradual, steadythe steady accumulation of evidence by the policeslowgreat, large, massivea massive accumulation of facts about the motor industrycapital (finance)VERB + accumulationlead toreducepreventPHRASESthe rate of accumulationThe rate of accumulation has slowed dramatically.

accuracy

accuracynoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF ACCURACY | VERB + accuracy | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEabsolute, complete, deadly, perfect, pinpoint, total, unerringThe needle has to be positioned with pinpoint accuracy.amazing, considerable, great, high (technical), remarkable, uncannyHe predicted the election results with uncanny accuracy.reasonable, sufficientimproved, increasedfactual, historical, scientific, technicalThe film-makers went to great lengths to achieve historical accuracy in every detail.… OF ACCURACYdegree, levelThe missiles are capable of a very high degree of accuracy.VERB + accuracyachieveDigital techniques achieve exceptionally high accuracy.improve, increaseWe are hoping to improve the accuracy of our forecasts.check, confirm, test, verifyensureGreat care is taken to ensure the accuracy of research data.doubt, questionMany people began to question the accuracy of his statement.PREPOSITIONwith accuracyIt is possible to predict the outcome with reasonable accuracy.

accurate

accurateadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbe, proveHis predictions proved accurate.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.deadly, highlyamazingly, remarkably, surprisingly, uncannilyHer assessment turned out to be remarkably accurate.completely, perfectly, totallynot completely, not entirely, not quite, not strictly, not whollyThe figures he gave were not strictly accurate.partiallybroadly, generally, largely, reasonably, sufficientlyfactually, historically, scientifically, statistically, technicallyAlthough this book is historically accurate, it is not a history book.PREPOSITIONtoResults are accurate to within 0.2 seconds.PHRASESfull and accurateHe gave a full and accurate account of his movements.

Accurate is used with these nouns:

account, approximation, assessment, barometer, bowling, calculation, clock, comparison, copy, count, data, description, determination, diagnosis, estimate, feedback, figure, forecast, gauge, guide, identification, imitation, impression, indication, indicator, information, judgement, map, measure, measurement, method, navigation, observation, perception, picture, portrayal, prediction, reading, reconstruction, record, recording, reflection, replica, representation, reproduction, result, summary, thermometer, timing, translation, understanding, version

accurately

accuratelyadv.

Accurately is used with these verbs:

align, assess, calculate, capture, compare, complete, convey, date, define, depict, describe, detect, distinguish, draw, estimate, evaluate, fire, forecast, gauge, identify, inform, interpret, judge, locate, measure, mimic, model, perceive, plot, portray, predict, quote, recall, reconstruct, record, reflect, report, represent, reproduce, shoot, simulate, state, summarize, term, translate, understand

accusation

accusationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + accusation | accusation + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEseriousbaseless, false, unfounded, unsubstantiatedridiculous, wildbittermutualThey sank into mutual accusation and recrimination.publicveiledShe made a lot of thinly veiled accusations.renewed, repeatedVERB + accusationhurl, level at, makeThey have the nerve to level these accusations against one of our most respected members.faceTheir father now faces an accusation of murder.deny, dismiss, refute, rejectprove, substantiate, supportNew evidence has emerged which supports the accusation against her.accusation + VERBfly, fly aroundThere seem to be a lot of wild accusations flying around.PREPOSITIONamid accusationsHe fled the country amid accusations of fraud.accusation againstYou made a public accusation of misconduct against Saunders.accusation ofHe was forced to defend himself against accusations of plagiarism.PHRASESbring an accusation against sbShe rejected all the accusations brought against her.

accusatory

accusatoryadj.

Accusatory is used with these nouns:

Accuse is used with these nouns as the subject:

accuse

accuseverb

verbADVERB | VERB + accuse | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBfalsely, unjustly, wrongfully, wronglyangrilyopenly, publiclyThey openly accused her of dishonesty.practically, virtuallyShe practically accused me of starting the fire!VERB + accusecannotYou couldn't accuse him of being selfish.PREPOSITIONofNo one could ever accuse this government of not caring about the poor.PHRASESstand accused ofHe stands accused of murdering his wife and children.

critic, report, side

Accuse is used with these nouns as the object:

defendant, media, minister

accused

accusednoun

Accused is used before these nouns:

killer, murderer, rapist

accuse of

accuse ofphr verb

Accuse of is used with these nouns as the subject:

indictment

Accuse of is used with these nouns as the object:

adultery, cover-up, cowardice, disloyalty, favouritism, impropriety, incompetence, involvement, negligence

accusing

accusingadj.

Accusing is used with these nouns:

finger, glance

accustomed

accustomedadj.

adj. accustomed to sthVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecome, get, growShe had grown accustomed to his long absences.ADVERBquite, wellHe was well accustomed to hard work.

accustom to

accustom tophr verb

Accustom to is used with these nouns as the subject:

Ace is used with these nouns as the object:

ace

acenounverbadj.

I. noun1 playing card2 winning first hit in tennis3 person who is very good at sth1 playing card2 winning first hit in tennisVERB + aceVERB + aceserveNadal has served 15 aces in the match so far.

3 person who is very good at sthADJECTIVEADJECTIVEfighter, flying, goal (BrE), soccer, tennisstaff (AmE)Staff ace Robert Robson helped the team to its first win this season.

II. verb

class, exam

III. adj.

Ace is used with these nouns:

reporter

acerbic

acerbicadj.

Acerbic is used with these nouns:

wit

acetic

aceticadj.

Acetic is used with these nouns:

Ache is used with these nouns as the subject:

ache

achenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + ache | ache + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconstant, deep (figurative), dull, nagging, throbbingfamiliarmuscular, stomach, tummyVERB + achebe aware of, feel, haveShe kept feeling the nagging ache in her heart.I felt the familiar ache in my lower back.easeHe changed his position once again to ease the ache in his back.ache + VERBthrobA dull ache throbbed at the back of David's head.PREPOSITIONache ina nagging ache in her kneeShe could hardly speak for the ache in her heart.ache insideache ofthe ache of loneliness inside himPHRASESaches and painsHe was always complaining about his various aches and pains.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBbadly, really, terriblyMy feet ached badly.a little, slightly, etc.My left foot ached a little.PREPOSITIONfromI still really ache from all that running yesterday.PHRASESache all overHer head felt hot and she was aching all over.

back, body, chest, ear, head, heart, joint, knee, leg, lung, muscle, neck, side, throat, tooth, tummy

achievable

achievableadj.

Achievable is used with these nouns:

goal, target

achieve

achieveverb

verbVERB + achieveVERB + achievefail toThe present law has failed to achieve its objectives.be able totry tobe designed tobe difficult to, be easy to, be impossible to, be possible to

Achieve is used with these nouns as the object:

acceptance, accuracy, aim, ambition, aspiration, balance, breakthrough, ceasefire, clarity, climax, closure, coherence, competence, conformity, consensus, consistency, control, disarmament, distinction, distribution, diversity, dominance, domination, dream, economy, effect, effectiveness, efficiency, end, equality, erection, excellence, expression, fairness, fame, feat, finish, fit, flight, fluency, freedom, gain, goal, grade, greatness, growth, happiness, harmony, height, ideal, immortality, impact, implementation, improvement, increase, independence, integration, intimacy, justice, level, liberation, literacy, look, majority, margin, mastery, maximum, milestone, notoriety, objective, orgasm, outcome, penetration, perfection, popularity, position, potential, proficiency, profitability, progress, prominence, prosperity, purpose, rank, rating, ratio, realism, recognition, reconciliation, recovery, reduction, representation, resolution, respectability, result, return, revolution, sale, salvation, saving, score, serenity, settlement, solution, stability, standard, stardom, stature, status, success, superiority, target, tenure, total, transformation, understanding, unification, uniformity, unity, velocity, victory, vision, wealth

achievement

achievementnoun

noun1 thing done successfully2 act of achieving sth1 thing done successfullyADJECTIVE | VERB + achievement | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEamazing, considerable (esp. BrE), extraordinary, fine, great, important, impressive, major, monumental, no mean (esp. BrE), notable, outstanding, real, remarkable, significant, tremendousIt's a monumental achievement for such a young athlete.This was no mean achievement for the government.rareuniquepositivecrowning, main, supremeHe regarded that victory as the crowning achievement of his career.lastingpersonalmath, mathematics, reading (all AmE)low reading achievement in childrenartistic, athletic (esp. AmE), cultural, economic, educational, engineering, literary, scientific, sporting (esp. BrE), technical, technologicalRutherford was knighted in recognition of his scientific achievements.The Olympics are all about celebrating sporting achievements.VERB + achievementbe, constitute, representThis conference in itself represents a solid achievement.celebrate, honour/honor, recognizeThis award honours/honors the achievements of American women in medicine.PREPOSITIONachievement inShe was given a prize for her achievements in textile design.PHRASESquite an achievementTo be offered this job is quite an achievement.

2 act of achieving sthADJECTIVE | … OF ACHIEVEMENT | VERB + achievement | achievement + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEhightwo years of consistently high achievementindividual, personalhumanThe moon landing of 1969 was seen as a high point of human achievement.academic, educational, intellectualWinners are selected on the basis of high academic achievement.Success should not be measured solely by educational achievement.… OF ACHIEVEMENTlevel, standardVERB + achievementmeasurestandards by which to measure human achievementachievement + NOUNgapthe achievement gap between white and minority schoolchildrenawardHe won a lifetime achievement award for cinematography.test (esp. AmE)amazing achievement test scoresPHRASESa feeling of achievement, a sense of achievementClimbing the mountain gave him a tremendous sense of achievement.a lack of achievementa record of achievementan impressive record of achievement

aching

achingadj.

Aching is used with these nouns:

arm, back, joint, loneliness, muscle, pain, void

achingly

achinglyadv.

Achingly is used with these adjectives:

beautiful, tender

achy

achyadj.

Achy is used with these nouns:

joint

acid

acidnounadj.

I. noun1 chemical compound2 illegal drug1 chemical compoundADJECTIVE | VERB + acid | acid + VERBADJECTIVEconcentrated, strongdilute, weakacetic, citric, folic, hydrochloric, lactic, nitric, sulphuric/sulfuric, etc.the increasingly painful build-up of lactic acid in your musclesamino, nucleicfatty, trans-fattyfish that are rich in omega-3 fatty acidsstomachVERB + acidproduceneutralizeYou will need a special chemical to neutralize the acid.acid + VERBburn sthThe acid burned a hole in her coat.break sth downStomach acids can break down the poison.

2 illegal drugVERB + acid | PREPOSITIONVERB + aciddropThey smoke joints and drop acid.PREPOSITIONon acidHe described the music as ‘Brahms on acid’.

II. adj.

Acid is used with these nouns:

emission, rain, rock, salt, soil, solution, stomach

acid-free

acid-freeadj.

Acid-free is used with these nouns:

acidic

acidicadj.

Acidic is used with these nouns:

Acknowledge is used with these nouns as the subject:

acknowledge

acknowledgeverb

verbADVERB | VERB + acknowledge | PHRASESADVERBfullyfreely, readilygrudgingly, reluctantlyclearly, explicitlyimplicitly, tacitlyThe peace settlement effectively acknowledged the country's independence.formally, officiallyopenly, publiclyHe acknowledged publicly that he might have made a mistake.privatelygratefullybarelydulyThe company duly acknowledged receipt of the letter.herebyI hereby acknowledge receipt of your letter of July 25.VERB + acknowledgefail to, refuse tobe forced toMental illness can exist for years before families are forced to acknowledge the truth.PHRASESbe generally acknowledged, be universally acknowledged, be widely acknowledgeda truth that is universally acknowledged

document, report

Acknowledge is used with these nouns as the object:

applause, assistance, compliment, contribution, debt, error, existence, extent, fact, failing, fault, greeting, help, importance, influence, letter, liability, limit, limitation, merit, mistake, nature, need, possibility, presence, problem, reality, receipt, responsibility, right, role, salute, shortcoming, superiority, support, supremacy, truth, validity, weakness, wrong

acknowledged

acknowledgedadj.

Acknowledged is used with these nouns:

expert, master, masterpiece

acknowledgement

acknowledgementnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + acknowledgement | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbriefexplicittacitopen, publicformal, officialVERB + acknowledgementamount to, beThis amounted to an acknowledgement that she had been wrong.get, receiveI wrote to them but never got any acknowledgement.grunt, nod, waveShe merely nodded acknowledgement of his statement.PREPOSITIONin acknowledgement (of)He raised his hand to her in acknowledgement.acknowledgement fromShe is still waiting for some acknowledgement from her fellow academics.

acne

acnenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + acne | acne + VERBADJECTIVEbad, severe, terribleVERB + acnehave, suffer fromHe had terrible acne when he was younger.develop, getA lot of teenagers develop acne.causecure, treatDoctors can treat acne with creams.acne + VERBclear, clear upAcne often clears up by itself.

acoustic

acousticadj.

Acoustic is used with these nouns:

guitar, instrument, melody, music, piano, signal, wave

acquaintance

acquaintancenoun

noun1 person you know2 knowledge of sb/sth1 person you knowADJECTIVE | VERB + acquaintance | PHRASESADJECTIVEcasualI ran into a casual acquaintance in town.newclose, oldbusiness, childhood, mutual, personal, socialVERB + acquaintancebump into (esp. BrE), meet, run intogreetHe greeted all his old acquaintances.PHRASESfriends and acquaintances

2 knowledge of sb/sthADJECTIVE | VERB + acquaintance | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEnodding, passing, slighta man with whom I had a passing acquaintancebrief, shortclose, intimatechanceVERB + acquaintancemake sb's/sth's (= become acquainted with sb/sth)I first made his acquaintance in 2006.strike upI first met Simon in 1998 and struck up an acquaintance with him.renewPREPOSITIONof sb's acquaintance (formal)He introduced me to a reporter of his acquaintance.acquaintance withher acquaintance with modern philosophyPHRASEShave an acquaintance withThey have little acquaintance with colloquial English.on close acquaintance, on closer acquaintanceon first acquaintanceOn first acquaintance she seemed a little odd.

acquainted

acquaintedadj.

adj. familiar with sthVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecome, getI would like to get acquainted with her.ADVERBfully, intimately, wellpersonallyI am not personally acquainted with her.PREPOSITIONwithAre you fully acquainted with the facts?

acquire acquired

acquiredadj.

Acquired is used with these nouns:

characteristic, immunity, taste

acquisition

acquisitionnoun

noun1 thing you have obtained2 act of obtaining sth3 company bought by another company; act of buying a company1 thing you have obtainedADJECTIVEADJECTIVElatest, new, recent

2 act of obtaining sthADJECTIVE | VERB + acquisitionADJECTIVEdata, language, propertyLanguage acquisition begins in the first months of a baby's life.VERB + acquisitionmake

3 company bought by another company; act of buying a companyADJECTIVE | VERB + acquisitionADJECTIVEbig, major, substantialsmallstrategicpossible, proposedVERB + acquisitioncomplete, makeThe company has just made another acquisition.

acquit

acquitverb

Acquit is used with these nouns as the subject:

court, jury

Acquit is used with these nouns as the object:

defendant

acquittal

acquittalnoun

nounVERB + acquittalVERB + acquittalreturn (BrE), vote for (AmE)The jury returned an acquittal after only 22 minutes.She claimed she had been intimidated into voting for acquittal.direct (BrE), orderThe trial judge ordered an acquittal.obtain, secure (esp. BrE), win (AmE)lead to, result inThe trial resulted in an acquittal.upholdThe judge upheld their acquittal.

acre

acrenoun

Weights and measures … ofI always drink gallons of water.half a … , a quarter of a … half a pound of hama half/quarter hour, inch, mile, ounce, pint, pounda quarter pound of cheesecubic … , square … a maximum flow of 3 300 cubic feet a second … squareThe room is about 25 feet square. … broad, deep, high, long, tall, thick, wideThe new dock was 230 m long and 92 m wide. … bigger, cooler, faster, heavier, lighter, slowerThe climate was several degrees warmer than it is now.about … , approximately … , around … 1 kilogram = approx. 2.2 poundsbe … , cover … , measure … , span … , stretch (for) … (used with measures of distance and area)The National Park covers 3 000 acres.The sandy beach stretches for over four miles.be … , weigh … (used with measures of weight)She weighed over 200 pounds.be … , last … , take … (used with measures of time)It takes approximately 365 and a quarter days for the earth to revolve around the sun.in a … How many inches are there in a foot?in … We were asked to estimate the temperature of the room in degrees centigrade.to a/the … My car does 25 miles to the gallon.a … , per … They're $4.50 a dozen.ten ounces of platinum per ton of oreby the … Apples are sold by the kilogram.of … The path will be built to a width of two and a half feet. … in area, length, size, volume, weightKiller whales are up to 30 feet in length. … by … a huge room measuring 50 m by 18 mto the nearest … Give your answer to the nearest mile.

acrid

acridadj.

Acrid is used with these nouns:

fumes, smell, smoke, stench, stink

acrimonious

acrimoniousadj.

Acrimonious is used with these nouns:

debate, dispute, divorce, exchange, split

acrobatic

acrobaticadj.

Acrobatic is used with these nouns:

catch, feat, move

across-the-board

across-the-boardadj.

Across-the-board is used with these nouns:

cut, increase, reduction, tariff

acrylic

acrylicadj.

Acrylic is used with these nouns:

nail, paint, painting

act

actnounverb

I. noun1 thing that sb does2 law made by a government3 entertainment; entertainers4 division of a play5 insincere actions1 thing that sb doesADJECTIVE | VERB + act | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcharitable, kindheroic, selflessa heroic act of braveryaggressive, barbaric, hostile, provocative, terrorist, violentHe was arrested on suspicion of planning terrorist acts.appalling (esp. BrE), cowardly, despicable, heinous, horrific, immoral, outrageous, terrible, unspeakableappalling acts of crueltyhorrific acts of violencecriminal, delinquent (esp. AmE), illegal, unlawful, wrongfulcareless (esp. BrE), foolish, impulsiveconscious, deliberate, intentional, positive, voluntary, wilful/willfulThe company says that the explosion was no accident but a deliberate act of sabotage.private, publica private act of revengecreative, dramatic, physical, political, symbolichomosexual, sex, sexualrandomrandom acts of violenceVERB + actcarry out, commit (law), perform, perpetrateimages of African Americans performing heroic actscharged with committing an act of gross indecencycondemncondone, justifypreventwitnessPREPOSITIONin the act of (= while doing something)act ofFor Jane, the act of writing was always difficult.PHRASESan act of faith, an act of love, an act of violence, an act of will, an act of worshipa hard act to follow, a tough act to followTheir contribution will prove a hard act to follow.catch sb in the act (of doing sth)He was caught in the act of stealing.the simple act of doing sth, the very act of doing sthThe very act of writing out your plan clarifies what you need to do.

2 law made by a governmentVERB + act | act + VERB | PREPOSITIONVERB + actbring in (BrE), introduce, passThe Act was passed by a majority of 175 votes to 143.amendrepealThe old act has now been repealed.breach (esp. BrE), contravene (BrE), violate (esp. AmE)The company had violated the Data Security Act of 2006.act + VERBbecome law, come into force (BrE)The new Children's Act will become law next year.contain sth, say sth, state sthThe act contains regulations for financial institutions.apply to sthThe 1995 act applies only to food and not to dietary supplements.require sthprohibit sthPREPOSITIONunder an/the actHe was charged under the Firearms Act.

3 entertainment; entertainersADJECTIVE | VERB + actADJECTIVEclass (informal) (used for sb who does sth well)Their new player looks a class act.solodoublecomedy double act French and Saunderslivetheir reputation as one of rock's most impressive live actsmain, supportThe main act will come on at about ten o'clock.openingcabaret, circus, comedy, dance, drag, music, musical, novelty, stage, stand-up, varietyThe club offers live music and cabaret acts.The group is merely a novelty act (= an act that is only interesting because it is strange or unusual).hip-hop, pop, rock, etc.balancing, disappearing, juggling, vanishing (all figurative)The cat had done a disappearing act.The UN must perform a difficult balancing act between the two sides in the conflict.VERB + actdo, performHe does a little novelty act.rehearse, work onI have to work on my act.

4 division of a playADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEopeningfinal, lastfirst, second, etc.PREPOSITIONin (the) actThe king is killed in the opening act.

5 insincere actionsVERB + actVERB + actput onDon't take any notice—she's just putting on an act!

II. verb1 do sth/behave2 perform in a play, film/movie, etc.1 do sth/behaveADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBat once, immediately, promptly, quickly, swiftlyThe government must act promptly to change this law.appropriately, correctly, legally, properlydishonestly, illegally, improperly, inappropriately, unconstitutionally, unlawfully, wronglyThe country's highest court ruled that police had acted unlawfully.rationally, reasonably, responsibly, sensibly (esp. BrE), wiselyAll citizens have a duty to act responsibly and show respect to others.irrationally, irresponsibly, rashly, unreasonablyoddly, strangely, suspiciouslyJenny has been acting rather strangely recently.bravely, heroicallydecisivelyThe government was criticized for failing to act decisively.aggressivelyindependently, unilaterallyeffectivelyin self-defence/self-defenseThe jury accepted that he had acted in self-defence/self-defense.accordinglyGeorge knew about the letter and acted accordingly.PREPOSITIONagainstThe government needs to act against the sale of these dangerous toys.for sb, on behalf of sbHis lawyers are continuing to act for him.likeStop acting like a spoiled child.hormones in the brain that act like natural painkillersonAlcohol acts quickly on the brain.out ofI suspected that he was acting out of malice.PHRASESact as ifShe was acting as if she owned the place.act in sb's best interestsWe are all acting in the best interests of the children.act in good faithHis excuse was that he had acted in good faith.

2 perform in a play, film/movie, etc.ADVERBADVERBbrilliantly, wellThe play is well acted.badly, poorly

Act is used with these nouns as the subject:

Act is used with these nouns as the object:

age, part, scene

act against

act againstphr verb

Act against is used with these nouns as the object:

interest

act for

act forphr verb

Act for is used with these nouns as the object:

client

acting

actingnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + acting | acting + NOUNADJECTIVEbrilliant, excellent, good, superbbad, poor, woodenThe movie is spoiled by some very wooden acting.voiceThe game's voice acting is excellent.methodVERB + actingdoI did a lot of acting when I was in college.acting + NOUNcareer, professionclass

II. adj.

Acting is used with these nouns:

capacity, chair, chairman, chief executive, deputy, director, governor, premier, president, prime minister, secretary

action

actionnoun

noun1 process of doing sth2 legal case3 fighting1 process of doing sthADJECTIVE | VERB + action | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdecisive, effective, firm, strong, vigorousHe urged the government to take decisive action against music piracy.aggressive, violentimmediate, prompt, swift, urgentappropriateUnless appropriate action is taken, our sales will decline.drastic, emergencyThe situation calls for drastic action.collective, concerted, joint, united (esp. BrE)direct, positive, unilateralcorrective, evasive, remedialpre-emptive, preventative, preventivedisciplinary, legal, military, strikeDisciplinary action will be taken against students who cheat.(see also industrial action)congressional (esp. AmE), government, governmental, legislative, political, state (esp. AmE)affirmative (esp. AmE)

Affirmative action was most successful in creating opportunities for college-educated women.VERB + actiontakeWe'll take whatever action is necessary.call foragree onThe leaders have agreed on joint action to combat terrorism.leap into, spring into, swing intoThe emergency services swung into action as soon as the disaster was reported.carry out, performOnly the priest can perform these actions.galvanize sb into, prod sb into, spur sb intoWe have to galvanize people into action.bring sth into, put sth intoWe need to put these ideas into action.keep sb/sth out of, put sb/sth out ofA fire has put the factory out of action.PREPOSITIONin actionI have not yet seen the machines in action.out of actionHe is out of action following an ankle injury.action againstaction against drug dealersaction onThe government is taking strong action on refugees.PHRASESactions speak louder than words (saying)a course of actionIs this the best course of action to follow?

2 legal caseADJECTIVE | VERB + action | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcourtcivil, criminal, libel, tortclass (AmE)VERB + actionbring, file, initiate, takeI considered taking legal action.They took out a libel action against the newspaper's owners.Her husband brought a civil action against her after their divorce.PREPOSITIONaction against

3 fightingADJECTIVE | VERB + action | PHRASESADJECTIVEcombat (esp. AmE), enemyHe was killed during enemy action.terroristcovertparamilitary covert action teams working overseasVERB + actionseeI never saw action during the war.PHRASESkilled in action, missing in action, wounded in actionHe was reported missing in action.

actionable

actionableadj.

Actionable is used with these nouns:

activate

activateverb

Activate is used with these nouns as the subject:

switch

Activate is used with these nouns as the object:

alarm, mechanism, muscle

activated

activatedadj.

Activated is used with these nouns:

carbon

active

activeadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecomekeep (sb), remain, stayTry to keep active in the cold weather.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highlya highly active volcanoincreasinglymentally, physicallyIt's important to remain mentally active after retirement.sexuallyBy the age of 18, 65% of teenagers report being sexually active.economically, politicallyWhen did you first become politically active?PREPOSITIONagainstdrugs that are active against cancersinShe has been active in local politics for some years.

Active is used with these nouns:

campaigner, collaboration, combat, complicity, component, compound, consideration, construction, cooperation, discrimination, dislike, document, duty, encouragement, engagement, euthanasia, faith, feminist, force, hepatitis, hostility, imagination, ingredient, interest, intervention, involvement, learning, life, lifestyle, market, member, membership, military, opposition, part, participant, participation, partner, population, pursuit, recruitment, resistance, retirement, role, roster, service, sport, step, substance, support, supporter, suspension, user, verb, vocabulary, volcano, wear, window

active-duty

active-dutyadj.

Active-duty is used with these nouns:

military, soldier

actively activism

activismnoun

Activism is used after these nouns:

student, union

activist

activistnoun

Activist is used before these nouns:

Activist is used after these nouns:

community, disability, labour, party, peace, student, union

activity

activitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF ACTIVITY | VERB + activity | PHRASESADJECTIVEfrantic, frenetic, heightened, increased, intenseThe scene was one of frenetic activity.criminal, illegal, subversive, suspicious, terroristHis income was derived from criminal activity.class (esp. AmE), classroom, groupafter-school, extra-curricular, leisure, leisure-time, outdoor, recreational, socialShopping is now a leisure activity.mental, physical, sexualThey had engaged in sexual activity in the past three months.aerobic, strenuousbusiness, commercial, cultural, economic, industrial, intellectual, political, scientificgovernment, military, police, unionhumanelectrical, seismic, volcanicThe islands were formed by volcanic activity.… OF ACTIVITYburst, flurryThere was a flurry of activity as the movie star appeared on the balcony.levelNewspapers report a higher level of activity in the foreign-exchange markets.VERB + activityconduct, do, performHere's an activity you can do with mixed-ability classes.be involved in, engage in, participate in, take part in, undertakeWe suspect he may be involved in illegal activities.Teachers here are not allowed to engage in any political activity.stop, suspend, terminateThe party's activities have been suspended.stimulateIt will only be possible to stimulate business activity with an injection of public funds.curb, inhibitcoordinate, regulatemeasure, monitorresumebustle with, buzz withThe room was buzzing with activity.PHRASESa hive of activity (= a very busy place)The classroom was a hive of activity as the children prepared for the concert.a sign of activityPolice watched the house all day, but there was no sign of activity.

act on

act onphr verb

Act on is used with these nouns as the subject:

Act on is used with these nouns as the object:

advice, hunch, impulse, information, instruction, recommendation, suggestion, tip-off

actor, actress

actor, actressnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + ACTOR/ACTRESS | ACTOR/ACTRESS + VERBADJECTIVEaccomplished, brilliant, consummate, experienced, fine, good, great, talented, wonderfulHe's a brilliant actor!I just signed a talented young actor.celebrated, famous, leading, principal, star, veteran, well-knownsuccessfulOscar-winningMarlon Brando, the two-times Oscar-winning actorA-list, B-list, etc.mainbit-part, struggling, unknownamateur, non-professionalprofessionalserious, trainedaspiring, wannabe, would-beThe college is offering aspiring actors the opportunity to work with a professional cast.out-of-work, unemployed (esp. BrE)character, classical, comedy (esp. BrE), comic, dramatic, Shakespearean, straightOlivier was hailed as the leading classical actor of his generation.film (esp. BrE), Hollywood, movie (esp. AmE), screentelevision, TVstage, theatre/theaterchildsupportingthe award for best supporting actorVERB + ACTOR/ACTRESShireaudition, castACTOR/ACTRESS + VERBact (sth), perform (sth), play (sb/sth), portray sb/sthThe same actor plays three different parts in the movie.rehearse (sth)auditionHe was one of many actors who auditioned for the part of Hamlet.

act out

act outphr verb

Act out is used with these nouns as the object:

fantasy

actual actually

actuallyadv.

Actually is used with these adjectives:

true

Actually is used with these verbs:

care, entail, exist, experience, function, happen, hurt, imagine, implement, observe, solve

actuarial

actuarialadj.

Actuarial is used with these nouns:

valuation

acumen

acumennoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + acumenADJECTIVEconsiderable, greatbusiness, commercial (BrE), financial, legal, political, technicalVERB + acumendemonstrate, showHe had demonstrated considerable business acumen.have, possessShe has great financial acumen.lack

acupuncture

acupuncturenoun

noun… OF ACUPUNCTURE | VERB + acupuncture | acupuncture + NOUN… OF ACUPUNCTUREcourseI was recommended a course of acupuncture.VERB + acupuncturehaveI'm having acupuncture for a bad back.give sb, practise/practice, useIn China, acupuncture has been used to treat people for thousands of years.acupuncture + NOUNpointNeedles are inserted into specific acupuncture points in the body.needle

Acupuncture is used before these nouns:

point, treatment

acute acutely

acutelyadv.

Acutely is used with these adjectives:

aware, conscious, embarrassed, embarrassing, ill, inflamed, observant, painful, self-conscious, sensitive, uncomfortable, vulnerable

adnoun

noun (informal)ADJECTIVE | VERB + ad | ad + VERB | ad + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdisplay, full-pageclassified, small (BrE), want (AmE)They put classified ads in local papers.You can put your own small ads in local papers.magazine, newspaper, print, radio, television, TVbanner, button, online, pop-upcampaign (esp. AmE)cereal, detergent, job, etc.VERB + adplace, put, take outShe took out a full-page ad in a women's magazine.air, publish, run, showpostpullanswer, reply to, respond toad + VERBappearThe ad appeared on all major channels.say sth, show sthfeature sb/sthad + NOUNcampaignagencyexec, executiverevenuePREPOSITIONin an/the adA lot of claims are made in the ad.ad forTV ads for cars

adamant

adamantadj.

Adamant is used with these nouns:

refusal

adamantly

adamantlyadv.

Adamantly is used with these adjectives:

opposed

Adamantly is used with these verbs:

deny, insist, oppose, refuse

adapt

adaptverb

verb1 change your way of behaving2 change a thing1 change your way of behavingADVERB | VERB + adapt | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBsuccessfully, wellThe children have adapted well to the heat.quicklyeasily, readilyThe company can easily adapt to changing demand.accordinglyWe need to assess the new situation and adapt accordingly.VERB + adaptbe able to, canbe unable to, cannothave to, mustneed tolearn toPREPOSITIONtoPHRASESthe ability to adaptSome animals have a remarkable ability to adapt to changing environments.find it difficult to adapt, find it hard to adaptA lot of companies have found it hard to adapt to the new system.

2 change a thingPREPOSITION | PHRASESPREPOSITIONforto adapt a book for televisionfromThe radio play had been adapted from a novel.PHRASESspecially adaptedThe classroom has been specially adapted to take wheelchairs.

Adapt is used with these nouns as the object:

article, model, novel, recipe, style, system, technique

adaptable

adaptableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, provemake sb/sthADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highlyThe company provides highly adaptable business systems.easily, readilyendlessly, infinitelyPREPOSITIONtoThe vehicles are large and not easily adaptable to new uses.

adaptation

adaptationnoun

noun1 a change/the process of changing2 for cinema/movies, TV, etc.1 a change/the process of changingADJECTIVE | VERB + adaptation | adaptation + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEsuccessfulspecialevolutionaryVERB + adaptationmakeplans for making adaptations to your homeadaptation + VERBoccurAdaptations in plants occur over thousands of years.PREPOSITIONadaptation forThe Antarctic species have few special adaptations for polar life.adaptation ofthe adaptation of buildings for military purposesadaptation toadaptation to the workplacePHRASESa process of adaptationThe process of adaptation to a new school is difficult for some children.

2 for cinema/movies, TV, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + adaptation | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcinematic, film (esp. BrE), movie (esp. AmE), screen, stage, television, TVHe specializes in screen adaptations of classic novels.comic, musicalfaithfulVERB + adaptationdevelopdirect, film, make, produce, shoot, stagePREPOSITIONadaptation ofa screen adaptation of ‘The Lord of the Rings’

adapter

adapternoun

Adapter is used after these nouns:

plug

adapt to

adapt tophr verb

Adapt to is used with these nouns as the object:

change, environment, suit, surroundings

add

addverb

verbADVERB | VERB + addADVERBhastily, hurriedly, quicklysoftlyHe added softly, ‘I missed you.’thoughtfullybitterly, pointedlyVERB + addhasten toI hasten to add that I knew nothing of the fraud at the time.

Add is used with these nouns as the subject:

index, report

Add is used with these nouns as the object:

air, amendment, bulk, butter, character, clarity, clause, colour, comment, complication, component, conversion, credibility, dash, decoration, depth, dimension, drama, elegance, element, emphasis, energy, essence, excitement, extension, fat, feature, figure, flair, flavour, flavouring, flour, flourish, glamour, gloss, herb, impetus, information, ingredient, interest, layer, link, log, mass, milk, module, mustard, number, paragraph, parsley, paste, pepper, personality, perspective, powder, qualification, realism, refinement, remark, salt, sauce, section, service, signature, spark, sparkle, spice, spin, storey, strength, style, substance, sugar, supplement, surcharge, sweetness, texture, touch, twist, uncertainty, value, variety, vegetables, veneer, vitamin, voice, warmth, weight, wing, zest

added addict

addictnoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEcocaine, drug, heroin, etc.computer, television, etc.Many young boys become computer addicts.

addicted

addictedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecome, getADVERBtotallyhopelesslyPREPOSITIONtoShe had become addicted to painkillers.

addiction

addictionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + addiction | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEalcohol, cocaine, drug, etc.VERB + addictionbecome, turn intoA habit can easily become an addiction.havecause, lead tofeedHe stole money from his parents to feed his addiction.treatbeat, cure, overcomeHe was struggling to beat his heroin addiction.PREPOSITIONaddiction toShe had an addiction to heroin.

addictive

addictiveadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomeADVERBextremely, highly, veryCocaine is a highly addictive drug.

Addictive is used with these nouns:

behaviour, drug, narcotic, personality, substance

addition

additionnoun

noun1 sth that is added; process of adding sth2 process of adding numbers/amounts3 (AmE) part added to a building1 sth that is added; process of adding sthADJECTIVE | VERB + addition | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEuseful, valuable, welcome, worthyimportant, major, notable, significantlatest, new, recentVERB + additionmakeWe have made several additions to the collection recently.PREPOSITIONin additionThere is, in addition, one further point to make.addition tothe latest addition to the family (= a new baby)

2 process of adding numbers/amountsADJECTIVE | VERB + additionADJECTIVEsimpleHe worked it out through simple addition.VERB + additiondoShe can do addition, but she hasn't learned subtraction yet.

3 (AmE) part added to a buildingSee also extensionADJECTIVE | VERB + addition | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbuilding, roomtwo-story, three-story, etc.490-square-foot, 2 000-square-foot, etc.VERB + additionbuilddesigna 22 000-square-foot addition designed by a Japanese architectPREPOSITIONaddition toa family-room addition to his home

additional

additionaladj.

Additional is used with these nouns:

advantage, benefit, burden, capacity, charge, complication, confirmation, consideration, convenience, copy, cost, cover, dimension, disadvantage, evidence, expenditure, expense, factor, feature, fee, finance, flexibility, fund, funding, guidance, help, incentive, income, information, ingredient, input, insight, insurance, investment, layer, manpower, material, measure, payment, precaution, premium, profit, protection, requirement, reserve, resource, responsibility, restriction, revenue, risk, safeguard, share, source, spending, step, storage, subject, supplement, support, thanks, troops, verification, workload

additive

additivenoun

Additive is used after these nouns:

food, gasoline

add-on

add-onnoun

Add-on is used before these nouns:

module

add onto

add ontophr verb

Add onto is used with these nouns as the object:

Address is used with these nouns as the subject:

address

addressnounverb

I. noun1 where you live/work2 in computing3 speech1 where you live/workADJECTIVE | VERB + address | address + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEhome, privatebusinesscontactPlease leave a contact address.forwarding, returnThere was no return address on the back of the envelope.mailing, postal (esp. BrE), snail-mailbillingfullPlease write your full postal address.false, wrongHe gave a false address to the police.correct, rightusefulsecretVERB + addressgive, leave, writeaddress + NOUNbookPREPOSITIONat a/the addressI'm afraid there's nobody called Williams at this address.PHRASESa change of addressPlease inform us of any change of address.name and addressno fixed addressa man of no fixed address

2 in computingADJECTIVEADJECTIVEemailWhat's your email address?Internet, Web, website

3 speechADJECTIVE | VERB + address | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEshortcommencement (AmE), farewell (esp. AmE), inaugural, keynote, openingwelcomingpublica public address systemradio, televised, televisionelectionpresidentialVERB + addressdeliver, giveThe Secretary General delivered the keynote address at the conference.PREPOSITIONin a/the addressHe gave details of the policy in an address to party members.address byan address by the Dean of the Universityaddress toa radio address to the nation

II. verb1 write name and address2 say sth to sb3 deal with problem1 write name and addressADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBcorrectly, properly (BrE)personallyThe president did not reply to my letter although I addressed it to him personally.PREPOSITIONto

2 say sth to sbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBby name, directlyShe did not address him by name.He never addressed her directly.PREPOSITIONtoHe addressed his comments to the chairman.

3 deal with problemADVERB | VERB + address | PHRASESADVERBdirectly, explicitly, specificallyfullyadequatelyThese concerns were not adequately addressed in the report.successfullyVERB + addressseek tothe problems we are seeking to addressfail toPHRASESaddress yourself to sthThe authors of the book address themselves to the question of unemployment.

article, chapter, conference, essay, report

Address is used with these nouns as the object:

argument, aspect, audience, bias, cause, chair, challenge, class, complaint, complexity, congregation, congress, convention, correspondence, crisis, criticism, crowd, deficit, disagreement, disparity, divide, envelope, failing, gap, gathering, grievance, imbalance, impact, implication, inequality, issue, letter, limitation, matter, meeting, misconception, need, objection, paradox, parliament, point, problem, question, rally, remark, risk, role, session, shortage, shortcoming, situation, subject, theme, threat, topic, vulnerability, weakness

add to add together

add togetherphr verb

Add together is used with these nouns as the object:

figure, number

add up

add upphr verb

Add up is used with these nouns as the subject:

figure

Add up is used with these nouns as the object:

figure, takings

add up to

add up tophr verb

Add up to is used with these nouns as the object:

total

adept

adeptadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seembecomeADVERBextremely, fairly, veryhighlyequallyShe is equally adept in the pop and classical fields.especially, particularlytechnically, technologicallyPREPOSITIONatHe was highly adept at avoiding trouble.

adequate

adequateadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, prove, seemremainconsider sth, think sthThese measures are not considered adequate by conservationists.ADVERBreally, veryperfectly, quite, totallymore thanThe system is more than adequate to deal with any problems.barely, hardly, less than, not entirely, not whollyThe financial assistance given to students is less than adequate.merelymore or lessThe amount of money we have been given is more or less adequate.no longerPREPOSITIONforThe old software is still perfectly adequate for most tasks.

Adequate is used with these nouns:

amount, answer, assessment, compensation, consideration, defence, definition, degree, diet, evidence, exercise, explanation, facility, flow, food, fund, funding, housing, incentive, instruction, insurance, intake, job, justification, level, lighting, margin, nourishment, number, nutrition, pension, precaution, preparation, progress, protection, provision, reason, record, remedy, replacement, representation, reserve, resource, response, rest, return, safeguard, sanitation, service, sleep, space, standard, stock, substitute, supervision, supply, support, training, understanding, ventilation, warning

adequately adhere

adhereverbPHRASAL VERB

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBproperly (BrE), wellThe tiles may not adhere well if you do not use the correct glue.PREPOSITIONtoThe glue would not adhere to the metal surface.

PHRASAL VERBadhere toADVERBADVERBclosely, firmly, rigidly, rigorously, scrupulously, strictlyThis principle must be strictly adhered to.fully, properly (esp. BrE)The guidelines were not always fully adhered to.

adherence

adherencenoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEblind, close, faithful, firm, rigid, slavish, strictPREPOSITIONadherence tostrict adherence to a diet

adhere to

adhere tophr verb

Adhere to is used with these nouns as the object:

agreement, belief, budget, convention, doctrine, guideline, principle, rule, timetable, treaty, view

adhesive

adhesiveadj.

Adhesive is used with these nouns:

bandage, label, pad, tape

ad hoc

ad hocadj.

Ad hoc is used with these nouns:

basis, committee, explanation, fashion, manner, tribunal

adjacent

adjacentadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, be situated, lie, standThe vineyards of Verzy lie adjacent to those of Verzenay.ADVERBdirectly, immediatelyThere is a row of houses immediately adjacent to the factory.PREPOSITIONtoThe miller's house stands adjacent to the mill.

Adjacent is used with these nouns:

building, county, property, room

adjectival

adjectivaladj.

Adjectival is used with these nouns:

phrase

adjective

adjectivenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + adjective | adjective + VERBADJECTIVEattributive, predicativeAttributive adjectives precede the noun.comparative, superlativegradable, non-gradablepossessive‘My’ is a possessive adjective.VERB + adjectiveapply‘Enterprising’ is not an adjective you would apply to him!adjective + VERBdescribeadjectives describing texturemodify, qualifyAdjectives qualify nouns.followPredicative adjectives follow the noun.precede

adjoin

adjoinverb

Adjoin is used with these nouns as the subject:

land, room

adjoining

adjoiningadj.

Adjoining is used with these nouns:

bathroom, premises, property, room, wall

adjourn

adjournverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBindefinitely, sine die (law)The trial was adjourned indefinitely.PREPOSITIONforThe case was adjourned for a week.pendingThe inquest was adjourned pending further investigations.toShall we adjourn to your office?

Adjourn is used with these nouns as the subject:

congress, magistrate, meeting

Adjourn is used with these nouns as the object:

case, court, enquiry, hearing, inquest, meeting, trial

adjudicate

adjudicateverb

Adjudicate is used with these nouns as the object:

adjunct

adjunctadj.

Adjunct is used with these nouns:

faculty, professor

adjust

adjustverb

verb1 change sth slightly2 get used to new situation1 change sth slightlyADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBslightlyfinelyIt is important to have equipment that can be finely adjusted.automaticallycarefullyaccordinglyChildren are sensitive to family attitudes and adjust their attitudes accordingly.downwards/downward, upwards/upwardThis estimate may have to be adjusted downwards/downward.PREPOSITIONforSalaries are adjusted for inflation.

2 get used to new situationADVERB | VERB + adjust | PREPOSITIONADVERBquickly, rapidlygradually, slowlyVERB + adjustbe difficult to, be hard toneed time to, take time toIt may take a little time to adjust to the climate here.try toPREPOSITIONtoShe will gradually adjust to her new role.

Adjust is used with these nouns as the object:

aim, angle, balance, belt, binoculars, collar, dial, dosage, dose, estimate, glasses, grip, height, knob, level, lighting, margin, medication, price, sail, schedule, setting, sight, size, spectacles, stance, stirrup, strap, style, sunglasses, tension, tie, voltage

adjustable

adjustableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBfullyThe straps are fully adjustable to fit any size.

Adjustable is used with these nouns:

setting, sight, strap

adjustable-rate

adjustable-rateadj.

Adjustable-rate is used with these nouns:

loan, mortgage

adjuster

adjusternoun

Adjuster is used after these nouns:

claim, insurance

adjustment

adjustmentnoun

noun1 small change made2 process of changing1 small change madeADJECTIVE | VERB + adjustment | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdelicate, fine, minor, slight, smallimportant, major, significantappropriate, necessaryautomaticfinancialVERB + adjustmentmakeThe mechanic made the necessary adjustments to the engine.need, requireThe dosage may need adjustment to suit the individual.PREPOSITIONadjustment fora cut of 1.5% in real terms (after adjustment for inflation)adjustment inadjustments in the exchange ratesadjustment toa few minor adjustments to the schedule

2 process of changingADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEsuccessfulemotional, personal, socialPREPOSITIONadjustment toThe company's adjustment to the new markets has been successful.PHRASESa period of adjustmentThere was a long period of adjustment under the new boss.the process of adjustmentThe process of adjustment to life in another country can be very difficult.

adjust to

adjust tophr verb

Adjust to is used with these nouns as the subject:

Adjust to is used with these nouns as the object:

gloom

administer

administerverb

verbADVERB | VERB + administerADVERBeffectively, efficientlycentrally, locallyThe legislation was to be centrally administered by the Board of Education.jointlyVERB + administerbe difficult to, be easy to, be simple tobe cheap to, be expensive to

Administer is used with these nouns as the object:

affair, anaesthetic, antibiotic, antidote, beating, communion, dose, drug, electric shock, exam, examination, first aid, fund, injection, justice, medication, medicine, oath, oxygen, poison, programme, punishment, questionnaire, scheme, sedative, shock, survey, test, treatment, will

administration

administrationnoun

noun1 organizing how sth is done2 people who manage an organization3 government4 giving a drug1 organizing how sth is doneADJECTIVE | VERB + administration | administration + NOUNADJECTIVEeffective, efficient, goodpoorThe college loses a lot of money through poor administration.day-to-day, routinegeneralofficebureaucraticcentralarts, business, educational, financial, justice, socialgovernment, publicVERB + administrationbe in charge of, be responsible foradministration + NOUNcosts

2 people who manage an organizationADJECTIVEADJECTIVEcollege, hospital, prison, etc.

3 governmentADJECTIVE | VERB + administrationADJECTIVEcolonial, federal, local, municipal, provincial, regional, statethe handover of sovereignty by the British colonial administrationcivil, imperial, royalConservative, Labour, etc.Democratic, Republican, etc.Bush, Clinton, etc.caretaker, interim, temporarythe role of the UN in the setting-up of an interim administrationcoalition, jointminoritycivilian, militaryVERB + administrationformOn September 27 a new coalition administration was formed.

4 giving a drugADJECTIVEADJECTIVEintravenous, oraldrug

administrative

administrativeadj.

Administrative is used with these nouns:

apparatus, arrangement, assistant, autonomy, blunder, building, burden, bureaucracy, chaos, chore, competence, convenience, cost, district, division, duty, efficiency, error, expense, fee, framework, headquarters, hierarchy, incompetence, institution, law, leave, machine, nightmare, office, officer, organ, oversight, personnel, position, practice, procedure, purpose, receiver, record, red tape, reform, responsibility, staff, structure, support, system, task, work, workload

administratively

administrativelyadv.

Administratively is used with these adjectives:

feasible

administrator

administratornoun

Administrator is used after these nouns:

art, college, database, election, hospital, network, office, school, site, system, university

admirable

admirableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbefind sb/sthADVERBverywhollyShe had acted in ways that he found wholly admirable.truly

Admirable is used with these nouns:

clarity, job, quality, restraint, trait

admirably

admirablyadv.

Admirably is used with these adjectives:

suited

Admirably is used with these verbs:

cope, fulfil, perform, succeed, suit

admiral

admiralnoun

nounADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVErear, vicePHRASESAdmiral of the Fleet (BrE), Fleet Admiral (AmE)

admiration

admirationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + admiration | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeep, genuine, great, sincere, tremendousfrank, opensneaking (BrE)Inwardly, I had a sneaking admiration for them.grudging, reluctantmutualVERB + admirationbe filled with, be full of, feel, haveI'm full of admiration for him.I have the greatest admiration for the nurses.express, showShe wrote to him expressing her admiration.compel, draw, fill sb with, gain, wina dignity that compels admirationThe way he dealt with the crisis filled me with admiration.He gained the admiration of thousands of people.be worthy ofAs a writer she is certainly worthy of admiration.loseHe never lost the admiration of his students.PREPOSITIONin admirationShe stared at him in open admiration.with admirationHe gazed at her with admiration.admiration foradmiration for his workPHRASESa gasp of admiration (esp. BrE)The picture was greeted with gasps of admiration.have nothing but admiration for sb/sthI have nothing but admiration for the way she tackled those bullies.

admire

admireverb

verb1 have high opinion of sb/sth2 look at sth attractive1 have high opinion of sb/sthADVERB | VERB + admire | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBdeeply, enormously, greatly, hugely, particularly, reallyHe admires you enormously.ratherclearly, openlysecretlyShe secretly admired and envied him.VERB + admirehave toYou have to admire their dedication and commitment.PREPOSITIONaboutWhat do you most admire about her?forI rather admire him for his determination.PHRASESbe generally admired, be widely admiredHe is widely admired as a journalist.can't help admiring, can't help but admireI couldn't help but admire his determination.you can only admire sb/sthYou can only admire her courage and determination.

2 look at sth attractiveVERB + admireVERB + admirepause to, stop tostand back to, step back toHe stood back to admire his handiwork.

Admire is used with these nouns as the object:

beauty, bravery, courage, honesty, ingenuity, painting, reflection, scenery, sunset, view, work, workmanship

admirer

admirernoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF ADMIRERS | VERB + admirer | PHRASESADJECTIVEardent, devoted, fervent, great, keen (esp. BrE)secretPerhaps the flowers were sent by a secret admirer!… OF ADMIRERSband, circle, hostShe was always surrounded by a circle of admirers.VERB + admirerhavegain, winShe soon gained admirers in England and France.PHRASESfriends and admirersThe funeral was attended by the singer's friends and admirers.

admiring

admiringadj.

Admiring is used with these nouns:

crowd, glance

admiringly

admiringlyadv.

Admiringly is used with these verbs:

gaze

admission

admissionnoun

noun1 entrance2 statement admitting sth1 entranceADJECTIVE | VERB + admission | admission + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfree, half-priceemergencyemergency admissions to hospitalcinema (BrE), theatre/theateraccident and emergency (abbreviated to A & E) (BrE), emergency-room (abbreviated to ER) (AmE), hospital70% of hospital admissions are associated with alcohol.college, law-school, school, universitygraduate, undergraduate (both esp. AmE)open, selective (both esp. AmE)VERB + admissionapply for, seekHe's applied for admission to the local college.gainto gain admission to one of the best schoolsgrant sbrefuse sbadmission + NOUNcharge, fee, pricecriteria, policyprocedureratehospital admission ratesadmissions department, admissions officeadmissions director, admissions officerprocessadmissions requirements (esp. AmE)PREPOSITIONon admissionOn admission to hospital you will be examined by a doctor.admission to

2 statement admitting sthADJECTIVE | VERB + admission | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEclear, frank, fullThis is a clear admission that you were wrong.tacitgrudgingVERB + admissionmakePREPOSITIONadmission ofShe has made no admission of any involvement in the plot.PHRASESan admission of defeat, an admission of failure, an admission of guilt, an admission of liabilityShe saw his leaving the company as an admission of failure.by sb's own admissionBy his own admission he should never have driven so fast.

admit

admitverb

verbADVERB | VERB + admit | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBfreely, readilyHe freely admitted that he had taken bribes.frankly, honestlyopenlyprivatelySome admit privately that unemployment could continue to rise.grudgingly, reluctantlyIn the end he'd done a good job, Carol admitted grudgingly.VERB + admitbe forced to, have to, mustI must admit that the results were disappointing.refuse tobe honest enough to, be prepared to, be the first to, be willing to, dare (to), have the courage toHe was honest enough to admit his mistake in the end.She would be the first to admit that she is very difficult to work with.She dared not admit her fear.be ashamed to, be embarrassed to, be loath to, be reluctant to, be unwilling to, hate to, not care toI hate to admit it, but I think he is right.He had caused her more pain than she cared to admit.PREPOSITIONtoHe admitted to feeling a little tired.PHRASESI don't mind admittingI was scared and I don't mind admitting it.

Admit is used with these nouns as the subject:

judge, report

Admit is used with these nouns as the object:

adultery, allegation, applicant, charge, defeat, error, evidence, existence, failure, fault, feeling, guilt, ignorance, involvement, liability, mistake, murder, patient, possibility, problem, responsibility, truth, visitor, weakness

admittance

admittancenoun

nounVERB + admittance | PREPOSITIONVERB + admittancegainThey were unable to gain admittance to the hall.allow sbdeny sb, refuse sbPREPOSITIONadmittance toThe ticket will allow you admittance to the concert.

admittedly

admittedlyadv.

Admittedly is used with these adjectives:

imperfect, limited

admit to

admit tophr verb

Admit to is used with these nouns as the subject:

report

Admit to is used with these nouns as the object:

existence, fault, hospital, mistake

ad nauseam

ad nauseamadv.

Ad nauseam is used with these verbs:

repeat

adobe

adobenoun

Adobe is used before these nouns:

brick

adolescence

adolescencenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + adolescence | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEearly, lateVERB + adolescencereachPREPOSITIONduring adolescence, in adolescenceShe developed the problem in early adolescence.

adolescent

adolescentnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEyoungpimply (AmE), spotty (BrE)awkwarddisturbed, troubled

II. adj.

Adolescent is used with these nouns:

behaviour, boy, daughter, development, fantasy, girl, male, mother, psychiatry, rebellion, suicide

adopt

adoptverb

verb1 child2 take and use sth1 childADVERB | PHRASESADVERBlegallyThe child has now been legally adopted.PHRASEShave sb adoptedShe was forced to have her baby adopted.

2 take and use sthADVERB | VERB + adoptADVERBformally, officiallyThe policy has not yet been formally adopted.VERB + adopttend todecide tobe forced to

Adopt is used with these nouns as the subject:

conference, congress, council, parliament

Adopt is used with these nouns as the object:

accent, alias, amendment, approach, attitude, baby, bill, child, code, constitution, convention, course, creed, criterion, custom, declaration, definition, directive, disguise, doctrine, document, guideline, habit, identity, ideology, kid, law, legislation, lifestyle, line, manner, mannerism, measure, method, mode, model, motion, motto, name, nationality, orphan, perspective, philosophy, plan, point of view, policy, position, posture, practice, procedure, profile, pseudonym, reasoning, recommendation, reform, register, regulation, religion, resolution, rhetoric, role, rule, scheme, slogan, solution, stance, standpoint, strategy, style, suggestion, surname, system, tack, tactic, technique, technology, terminology, tone, view, viewpoint

adopted

adoptedadj.

Adopted is used with these nouns:

child, country, daughter, home, homeland, parent, sister, son

adoption

adoptionnoun

noun1 of child2 taking/using sth1 of childVERB + adoption | adoption + VERB | adoption + NOUNVERB + adoptionoffer sb for, place sb for, put sb up forShe has decided to put the child up for adoption.be available forWhen will the child be available for adoption?adoption + VERBgo throughThey were so happy when the adoption went through successfully.adoption + NOUNagency

2 taking/using sthADJECTIVE | VERB + adoptionADJECTIVEgeneral, widespreadformalThe widespread adoption of new information technology could save $162 billion a year.The party announced the formal adoption of George Smith as their election candidate. (BrE)VERB + adoptionrecommend, urgeThe committee recommended the adoption of new safety procedures.

adoptive

adoptiveadj.

Adoptive is used with these nouns:

family, father, mother, parent, sibling, sister

adorable

adorableadj.

Adorable is used with these nouns:

couple

adore

adoreverb

verbADVERBADVERBabsolutely, simplyShe absolutely adores her grandchildren.clearly, obviously

adoring

adoringadj.

Adoring is used with these nouns:

crowd, fan

adoringly

adoringlyadv.

Adoringly is used with these verbs:

gaze

adorn

adornverb

Adorn is used with these nouns as the subject:

decoration

Adorn is used with these nouns as the object:

cover, wall

adrenal

adrenaladj.

Adrenal is used with these nouns:

Adult is used with these nouns:

adrenalin

adrenalinnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF ADRENALIN | VERB + adrenalin | adrenalin + VERB | adrenalin + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEpure… OF ADRENALINburst, flow, rush, surgeHe felt a surge of pure adrenalin as he won the race.VERB + adrenalinfeeladrenalin + VERBcourse, flow, pump, surgeThe adrenalin was coursing through his system.adrenalin + NOUNrushPHRASESget the adrenalin flowing, get the adrenalin goingWe'll start with some dancing to get the adrenalin going.

adrift

adriftadj.

adj.VERBS | PREPOSITIONVERBSbecomeI nearly suffocated when the pipe of my breathing apparatus came adrift.go (figurative)Our plans had gone badly adrift.cast sb/sth, cut sb/sth, set sb/sthTheir boat had been set adrift.PREPOSITIONfromHe had been cut adrift from everything he knew. (figurative)inShe felt cast adrift in a vulgar, materialistic society. (figurative)of (BrE)The team are now just six points adrift of the leaders (= behind their score).

adult

adultnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | adult + NOUNADJECTIVEyoungThis book will definitely appeal to teenagers and young adults.singleThe number of single-adult households has doubled in the past 30 years.consentingWhat consenting adults do in private is their own business.responsibleI simply can't believe that responsible adults allowed a child to wander the streets.adult + NOUNeducation, literacypopulation

II. adj.

bird, child, conversation, daughter, diaper, education, entertainment, fare, fiction, form, illiteracy, incest, learner, life, literacy, male, mortality, novel, offender, patient, population, reader, responsibility, site, size, son, specimen, stage, supervision, ticket, tooth, video, viewer, woman

adulterous

adulterousadj.

Adulterous is used with these nouns:

affair, liaison

adultery

adulterynoun

nounVERB + adultery | PREPOSITIONVERB + adulterybe guilty of, commitaccuse sb ofadmitPREPOSITIONadultery withHe admitted adultery with several women.

adulthood

adulthoodnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + adulthood | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEearly, youngVERB + adulthoodattain, reachchildren who lose their parents before reaching adulthoodmake it to, survive into, survive toPREPOSITIONduring adulthood, in adulthoodHis problems began in early adulthood.into adulthoodHer childhood problems persisted into adulthood.towards/toward adulthooda step towards/toward adulthood

advance

advancenounverbadj.

I. noun1 forward movement2 development3 money4 advances sexual1 forward movementADJECTIVE | VERB + advance | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVErapidAllied, British, German, etc.VERB + advancemakeThe regiment made an advance on the enemy lines.orderThe general ordered an advance to the front line.halt, resist, stopPREPOSITIONadvance onthe advance on Madridadvance to, advance towards/towardthe Russian advance towards/toward Berlin

2 developmentADJECTIVE | VERB + advance | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, considerable, dramatic, enormous, great, spectacular, substantial, tremendousHindu science made great advances in astronomy and mathematics.important, major, notable, remarkable, significantRecent years have seen significant advances in our understanding of the human genome.rapid, steadyrapid advances in science and technologyrecenteconomic, educational, medical, political, scientific, social, technical, technologicalThe design incorporates the most recent technological advances.theoreticalVERB + advancemakeWe need more money if we are to make any further advances in this area of science.PREPOSITIONadvance intwo major advances in medical scienceadvance onan advance on the existing techniquesadvance towards/towardan advance towards/toward a better understanding of God

3 moneyADJECTIVE | VERB + advance | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElargecashVERB + advancegive, payThe publishers have paid me an advance.get, receivePREPOSITIONadvance ofan advance of $10 000advance onHe was paid £5 000 as an advance on royalties.

4 advances sexualADJECTIVE | VERB + ADVANCES | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEamorous (humorous), sexualVERB + ADVANCESmakeHe made amorous advances to one of his students.PREPOSITIONadvance to

II. verb1 move forward2 develop1 move forwardADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBquickly, rapidlycautiously, slowlyPREPOSITIONfromtroops advancing from the southintoThe troops advanced into central Europe.on, uponThe army advanced on the capital.towards/towardHe advanced towards/toward me in aggressive style.

2 developADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBconsiderably, greatly, significantlyrapidlyPREPOSITIONbeyondSociety needs to advance beyond prejudice and superstition.

Advance is used with these nouns as the subject:

army, rebel, tank, technology, troops

Advance is used with these nouns as the object:

agenda, argument, career, cause, concept, explanation, frontier, interest, knowledge, plot, profession, proposition, science, theory, thesis, understanding, view

III. adj.

Advance is used with these nouns:

booking, copy, directive, guard, notice, notification, order, party, payment, planning, preparation, publicity, purchase, registration, ticket, warning

advanced

advancedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highlya highly advanced economyrelativelyindustrially, technically, technologicallyfar, wellThe disease was too far advanced for doctors to operate.

Advanced is used with these nouns:

age, beginner, capability, capitalism, case, civilization, class, country, course, degree, directive, economy, engineering, feature, instruction, level, maths, nation, old age, science, search, society, stage, state, system, technique, technology, training, tuition, version

advancement

advancementnoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEindividual, personalcollectivecareersocialmaterialsociety's need for material advancementeconomic, scientific, technical, technologicalPREPOSITIONadvancement inadvancements in scienceadvancement in the professionadvancement toher advancement to the position of SupervisorPHRASESan opportunity for advancementThere are good opportunities for advancement within the company.

advancing

advancingadj.

Advancing is used with these nouns:

age, army

advantage

advantagenoun

noun1 thing that helps2 take advantage of make use of1 thing that helpsADJECTIVE | VERB + advantage | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, considerable, enormous, great, huge, overwhelmingclear, decided, decisive, definite, distinct, material, obvious, positive, realThe new design gives us a clear advantage over our competitors.important, key, main, major, significantdubiousunfairThe company has an unfair advantage over its competitors.added, additionalThese computers have the added advantage of being cheap.specialpotentialcomparative, relativemutualThe plan would be to our mutual advantage.naturalthe natural advantages of a fertile soilcommercial, competitive, economic, educational, electoral, financial, military, personal, political, practical, psychological, social, strategic, tactical, technical, technologicalThe company was able to gain a competitive advantage over its rivals by reducing costs.cost, price, speed, taxVERB + advantagehavegain, getHe would gain considerable advantage from staying in that job.bring (sb), give sb, offer (sb)Another qualification would give me a big advantage at job interviews.press homeThe commanders were anxious to press home their advantage with a further offensive in the north.outweighThey argue that the possible risks attached to such vaccines vastly outweigh any advantages.PREPOSITIONto sb's advantageIt is to your advantage to delay things for as long as possible.advantage inThere may be some advantage in laying down a clearer procedure.advantage overEast coast resorts have the advantage over west coast ones.advantage tothe advantage to both countries of closer economic tiesPHRASESto good advantage, to sb/sth's best advantageThe bright lighting showed the jewels to their best advantage.

2 take advantage of make use ofADJECTIVEADJECTIVEcomplete (esp. AmE), full, maximumWe took full advantage of the hotel facilities.I took complete advantage of the situation.

advantageous

advantageousadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, proveIt may be advantageous to buy in bulk.Membership of the union could prove advantageous.becomemake sthLower fares make it advantageous to travel in winter.consider sth, deem sth, find sthYou may find it advantageous to wait a few weeks before replying.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highly, particularlymutuallyThis trade arrangement could be mutually advantageous,economically, financiallypoliticallyPREPOSITIONforThis plan could be advantageous for people on low incomes.toThe new tax system is advantageous to small businesses.

Advantageous is used with these nouns:

mutation

adventure

adventurenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + adventure | adventure + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, epic, exciting, great, wonderfullittleWe had a little adventure yesterday.dangerous, periloushair-raisingI had some hair-raising adventures when I was backpacking.romanticfantasy, foreign, historical, military, sexualVERB + adventureembark on, havebe looking for, wantThose of you looking for adventure can shoot the rapids.offerPerhaps the army offered adventure, a chance to travel.adventure + NOUNfilm (esp. BrE), movie (esp. AmE), novel, storyholiday (BrE), tour (AmE), vacation (AmE)playground (BrE)PHRASESquite an adventure (= very exciting)Our trip to Mexico was quite an adventure for the children.a sense of adventure, a spirit of adventureThe trip began with a sense of adventure.

adventurous

adventurousadj.

Adventurous is used with these nouns:

design, spirit, streak, traveller, type

adverb

adverbnoun

nounADJECTIVE | adverb + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEinterrogative, sentenceadverb + VERBmodify sth, qualify sthAdverbs qualify verbs.PHRASESan adverb of degree, an adverb of manner, an adverb of place, an adverb of time

adverbial

adverbialadj.

Adverbial is used with these nouns:

clause, phrase

adversary

adversarynoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEfearsome, formidableworthyThe British considered him a worthy adversary.oldThe two of them were old adversaries.

adverse adversely

adverselyadv.

Adversely is used with these verbs:

affect, comment, influence, react, respond

adversity

adversitynoun

nounVERB + adversity | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + adversitybe faced with, meet withWhen faced with adversity she was never tempted to give up.overcome, triumph overPREPOSITIONin adversitypatience in adversityPHRASESin the face of adversitycourage in the face of adversity

advert

advertnoun

noun (BrE)ADJECTIVE | VERB + advert | advert + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEclassified, front-page, full-pagemagazine, newspaper, television, TVchocolate, job, etc.banner, pop-upHow can I block those annoying pop-up adverts?VERB + advertplace, put, take outI put an advert in the local newspaper.She took out a full-page advert in a magazine.carry, publish, run, showThe paper ran our advert last week.find, see, spotI saw the advert in ‘The Times’.answer, reply to, respond toadvert + VERBappearThe advert appeared in ‘The Guardian’.say sth, show sth, state sthfeature sb/sthThe advert featured a dolphin swimming around a goldfish bowl.PREPOSITIONin a/the advertA lot of claims are made in the advert.advert foran advert for jeans

advertise

advertiseverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBheavilyThese products have been advertised very heavily.widelyThere are plans to advertise the job more widely.locally, nationallyPREPOSITIONforWe are advertising for a babysitter.

Advertise is used with these nouns as the subject:

banner, campaign, leaflet, poster, shop, sign

Advertise is used with these nouns as the object:

cigarette, job, product, service, wares

advertisementnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + advertisement | advertisement + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgooddiscreetmisleadingclassified, front-page, full-pageThe classified advertisements are on page 25.magazine, newspaper, press, television, TVbanner, online, pop-upcigarette, job, political, etc.walkingHe's a walking advertisement for healthy living.VERB + advertisementplace, put, take outWe placed advertisements in a number of national newspapers.carry, display, publish, run, showTelevision and radio refused to carry advertisements for the album.find, see, spotanswer, reply to, respond toadvertisement + VERBappearsay sth, show sth, state sthfeature sb/sthPREPOSITIONin a/the advertisementA lot of claims are made in the advertisement.advertisement for

advertising advice

advicenoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF ADVICE | VERB + advice | advice + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEconstructive, excellent, good, helpful, practical, sensible, sound, useful, valuableThat's very sound advice.bad, wrongI think my lawyer gave me the wrong advice.unsolicitedI will refrain from giving unsolicited advice.cleargeneraldetailedconflictingconfidentialimpartial, independentfreeThe website gives free, impartial advice on all aspects of saving energy.expert, professional, specialistIt is essential to seek expert advice from a mental health professional.financial, legal, medical… OF ADVICEbit, piece, wordCan I give you a friendly word of advice?VERB + advicegive (sb), offer (sb), pass on, provide (sb with)I hope I can pass on some useful advice.get, obtain, receive, takeI think you need to take legal advice.ask, ask for, go to sb for, seek, turn to sb forGo to your doctor and ask for advice.She asked her mother's advice.accept, act on, follow, heed, listen to, takeI wished that I had followed her advice.disregard, ignore, rejectadvice + NOUNcentre (BrE)The Local Authority runs an advice centre in the town.columnShe writes a weekly advice column in the local paper.PREPOSITIONagainst sb's advicePermission was given against the advice of the planning officers.on sb's adviceOn the advice of his experts he bought another company.advice aboutadvice about bringing up childrenadvice forHere is some advice for pregnant women.advice onCan you give me some advice on where to buy good maps?advice toMy advice to you would be to wait a few months.

advisable

advisableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemconsider sth, deem sth, think sthWe thought it advisable to seek police assistance.ADVERBalwaysIt is always advisable to make a will.

advise

adviseverb

verb1 tell sb what you think they should do2 inform sb of sth1 tell sb what you think they should doADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBstronglyI strongly advise you not to do this.badly, wronglyWe were badly advised by our lawyer.properlylegallyPREPOSITIONaboutWe can advise parents about education.againstThey advised me against visiting the troubled south of the country.onWe will be happy to advise on any financial matters.PHRASESbe ill advised to do sth, be well advised to do sthJohn would be ill advised to rely on their support.You would be better advised to consult an accountant.

2 inform sb of sthVERB + advise | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + advisebe pleased toI am pleased to advise you that your application has been accepted.regret toPREPOSITIONofPHRASESkeep sb advisedPlease keep me advised of new developments in this case.

Advise is used with these nouns as the subject:

attorney, expert, report

Advise is used with these nouns as the object:

caution, client, investor, minister, president

adviser

advisernoun

(also advisor) nounADJECTIVE | VERB + adviser | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEchief, principal, senior, special, topthe government's chief economic adviserclose, trustedthe president's most trusted adviserpersonalexpert (esp. BrE), professionalindependentgovernment, presidentialeconomic, medical, military, policy, political, scientific, security, technicaltop foreign policy adviserscampaign (esp. AmE), public relations (BrE)business (esp. BrE), financial, investment, legal, taxcareers (BrE), faculty (AmE)Students can sit down with a careers adviser and discuss what to do next.thesis (AmE)VERB + adviseract asappoint, appoint sb (as)haveDo you have a financial adviser?consult, consult with (AmE), see, speak to, talk toYou ought to consult an independent legal adviser.PREPOSITIONadviser onan adviser on environmental issuesadviser toShe acts as an adviser to the president.

advisory

advisoryadj.

Advisory is used with these nouns:

board, body, capacity, committee, council, panel, role, service

advocacy

advocacynoun

Advocacy is used before these nouns:

group

advocate

advocatenounverb

I. noun1 sb who supports sth2 lawyer1 sb who supports sthADJECTIVE | advocate + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEardent, effective, firm (esp. BrE), great, outspoken, powerful, staunch, strong, tireless (esp. AmE), vocalShe's a staunch advocate of free trade.chief, leading, prominentlong-standingadvocate + VERBargue, claim, sayPREPOSITIONadvocate forHe is one of the leading advocates for a more modern style of worship.advocate ofan advocate of pacifism

2 lawyerADJECTIVEADJECTIVEsolicitor (BrE)judge

II. verbADVERB | PHRASESADVERBstronglyHeart specialists strongly advocate low-cholesterol diets.openly, publiclyPHRASESbe widely advocatedThese policies have been widely advocated.

Advocate is used with these nouns as the subject:

report

Advocate is used with these nouns as the object:

approach, creation, disobedience, doctrine, establishment, murder, policy, practice, reform, return, system, use, view, violence, withdrawal

aerial

aerialnounadj.

I. (BrE) nounSee also antennaADJECTIVE | aerial + VERBADJECTIVEradio, television, TVaerial + VERBtransmit sthpick sth up, receive sthThe aerial receives signals from the ground.

II. adj.

Aerial is used with these nouns:

assault, bombardment, bombing, combat, display, imagery, manoeuvre, photograph, photography, reconnaissance, shot, stunt, surveillance, survey, view, warfare

aerobatic

aerobaticadj.

Aerobatic is used with these nouns:

display, pilot

aerobic

aerobicadj.

Aerobic is used with these nouns:

activity, exercise, fitness, training, workout

aerodynamic

aerodynamicadj.

Aerodynamic is used with these nouns:

aeronautical

aeronauticaladj.

Aeronautical is used with these nouns:

engineer, engineering

aeroplane

aeroplanenoun

(BrE) (AmE airplane) nounSee also planeADJECTIVE | aeroplane/airplane + NOUNADJECTIVEmodel, paper, toyaeroplane/airplane + NOUNengine

aerosol

aerosolnoun

Aerosol is used before these nouns:

can, spray

aerospace

aerospacenoun

Aerospace is used before these nouns:

engineer, engineering, industry

aesthetic

aestheticadj.

Aesthetic is used with these nouns:

appeal, appreciation, beauty, consideration, delight, dimension, ideal, judgement, merit, pleasure, point of view, preference, quality, taste, value

aesthetically

aestheticallyadv.

Aesthetically is used with these adjectives:

appealing, pleasing

affair

affairnoun

noun1 event/situation2 sexual relationship3 sth that concerns one person/small group4 affairs important matters1 event/situationADJECTIVE | VERB + affair | PHRASESADJECTIVEwholeShe saw the whole affair as a great joke.glittering, grandI knew that the wedding would be a grand affair.intimate, low-key, simplecommunity, localmessy, sad, sordid, sorry (esp. BrE), squalid (esp. BrE)the newspaper article that exposed this whole sordid affairVERB + affairdeal with, handleMany people have criticized the way the government handled the affair.be involved ininvestigatePHRASESsb's involvement in the affairHe has tried to play down his involvement in the affair.a state of affairsHow did this state of affairs come about?wash your hands of the affair (= to refuse to be responsible for sth or involved in sth)

2 sexual relationshipADJECTIVE | VERB + affair | affair + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbrief, casualclandestine, illicit, secretadulterous, extramaritalHe had an extramarital affair with his secretary.passionate, steamy, torridscandalousunhappylove, romantic, sexuala torrid love affairgay, homosexual, lesbianallegedVERB + affaircarry on, conduct, haveHe's having an affair with a colleague.cover up, denyexposeaffair + VERBgo onHow long has the affair been going on?PREPOSITIONaffair betweenIt's the story of a secret affair between a married teacher and her teenage student.affair withan affair with a married man

3 sth that concerns one person/small groupADJECTIVE | VERB + affair | PHRASESADJECTIVEfamily, sb's own, personal, privateIt's a family affair.VERB + affairinterfere in, meddle inPHRASESsb's affairWhat I do at home is my affair.no affair of sb'sThat's no affair of yours.

4 affairs important mattersADJECTIVE | VERB + AFFAIRS | PHRASESADJECTIVEcurrenta current-affairs magazinepublichumandomestic, home, internal, nationalcivic, community, localexternal, foreign, global, international, worldthe minister for foreign affairsbusiness, financial, legalcommercial, consumer, cultural, economic, environmental, military, political, religious, socialVERB + AFFAIRSadminister, arrange, attend to, conduct, manage, runI am trying to arrange my father's financial affairs.get in order, put in order, set in order, settle, wind upShe went back home to put her affairs in order before she died.PHRASESaffairs of stateThe Cabinet will be discussing certain affairs of state.a state of affairsthe current state of affairs in schools

affect

affectverb

verb1 influence2 make sb sad/angry1 influenceADVERB | VERB + affectADVERBdramatically, greatly, materially, radically (esp. BrE), significantlypositivelybarely, hardly, not undulySales did not seem unduly affected.slightlyclearlydirectly, indirectlydisproportionatelyadversely, badly, negatively, seriously, severelyVERB + affectbe likely todevelopments that are likely to affect the environment

2 make sb sad/angryADVERBADVERBdeeply, profoundlyHer death affected him deeply.

Affect is used with these nouns as the subject:

ban, bias, change, depression, disaster, disease, disorder, drought, erosion, factor, gene, illness, influence, injury, issue, mutation, policy, politics, restriction, syndrome, tragedy, violence

Affect is used with these nouns as the object:

ability, accent, balance, behaviour, business, climate, commerce, coordination, course, decision, development, effectiveness, election, environment, extent, fate, flow, frequency, growth, health, hearing, joint, likelihood, livelihood, mood, morale, nonchalance, organ, outcome, perception, performance, practice, preference, probability, process, productivity, quality, recovery, response, result, right, situation, success, survival, taste, view, well-being

affection

affectionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + affection | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeep, genuine, great, real, special, strong, warmmutualbrotherly, maritalphysical (esp. AmE)VERB + affectionfeel, have, hold sb in (esp. BrE), retain (formal)He has a great affection for animals.He was held in great affection by hundreds of students.display, express, give sb, show (sb)get, receivereturncrave, need, wantHe just wants a bit of affection.gain, winShe had tried hard to win his affection.developShe had developed a real affection for him.PREPOSITIONwith affectionHe'll be remembered with genuine affection.affection forI have a deep affection for his mother.affection to, affection towards/towardThe teacher showed affection to all her students.PHRASESa display of affectionI don't go in for public displays of affection.a feeling of affectiona strong feeling of affectionlove and affectionI yearn for the love and affection I once had.the object of sb's affectionsThe object of his affections was a young opera singer.a show of affection, a sign of affection

affectionate

affectionateadj.

Affectionate is used with these nouns:

hug, kiss, memory, nickname, pat, squeeze, tribute

affectionately

affectionatelyadv.

Affectionately is used with these verbs:

call, know, pat, refer

affiliation

affiliationnoun

Affiliation is used after these nouns:

affinity

affinitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF AFFINITY | VERB + affinity | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEclose, great, real, special, strongI felt a great affinity with the people of the islands.naturalHe has a natural affinity with numbers.… OF AFFINITYdegree, levelVERB + affinityfeel, have, shareIt's important that you share an affinity with your husband.A house design should have some affinity with the surrounding architecture.display, showHis work shows some affinity with current trends in design.PREPOSITIONaffinity betweenan affinity between the two womenThere is a close affinity between these two species.affinity forMany girls do show an affinity for craft skills.affinity towards/towardJo feels a great affinity towards/toward Pamela.affinity withan affinity with animalsShe felt an affinity with earlier poets.

affirm

affirmverb

Affirm is used with these nouns as the subject:

Affirm is used with these nouns as the object:

belief, commitment, conviction, decision, existence, faith, identity, importance, right

affirmative

affirmativeadj.

Affirmative is used with these nouns:

action, answer, reply, resolution, response, sentence, vote

affirmative action

affirmative actionnoun

Affirmative action is used before these nouns:

affirmatively

affirmativelyadv.

Affirmatively is used with these verbs:

answer, respond

affix

affixverb

Affix is used with these nouns as the object:

signature

afflict

afflictverb

verbADVERB | PHRASESADVERBbadly, severelyPHRASESbe afflicted withHe's badly afflicted with a skin disorder.

Afflict is used with these nouns as the subject:

disease, illness, problem

affluent

affluentadj.

Affluent is used with these nouns:

country, district, family, lifestyle, nation, neighbourhood, society, suburb

afford

affordverb

verbADVERB | VERB + affordADVERBeasily, wellShe can well afford to pay for herself.barely, hardly, ill, just, not really, only justan amount which we could ill afford to payVERB + affordbe able to, canWe can afford to go to Miami this year.be unable to, cannotI couldn't possibly afford to eat in that restaurant.

Afford is used with these nouns as the object:

amusement, chance, cost, fee, glimpse, insight, insurance, luxury, opportunity, payment, premium, protection, remedy, rent, shelter, slip, tuition, upkeep, view

affordable

affordableadj.

Affordable is used with these nouns:

home, housing, luxury, price, rent

affordably

affordablyadv.

Affordably is used with these verbs:

affront

affrontnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + affront | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpersonalVERB + affrontregard sth as, see sth as, take sth asHe took his son's desertion as a personal affront.PREPOSITIONaffront toThis remark caused affront to many people.

aficionado

aficionadonoun

Aficionado is used after these nouns:

art, music

afloat

afloatadj.

adj.1 floating on water2 able to survive financially1 floating on waterVERBSVERBSbekeep, remain, stayset sthThe children set their new boat afloat on the lake.keep sthThey were struggling to keep the vessel afloat.

2 able to survive financiallyVERBSVERBSkeep, stayHe is struggling to keep afloat after a series of emotional and health problems.keep sthThey had to sell their assets to keep the business afloat.

afraid

afraidadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbe, feellook, seem, soundbecome, growmake sbWhat has made you so deeply afraid of your boss?ADVERBextremely, rather, verydeeply, desperately, mortally, terriblyreally, trulyalmostShe was tense, almost afraid to open the letter.a little, slightly, etc.halfHe was half afraid to look at her.just, simplyYou do know, don't you? You are just afraid to tell me.genuinelysuddenlyHe stopped abruptly, suddenly afraid to say the words out loud.physicallyPREPOSITIONforRoger was very afraid for her.ofCharlie is afraid of marriage.PHRASESnothing to be afraid ofDon't worry. There's nothing to be afraid of.

A-frame

A-framenoun

A-frame is used before these nouns:

tent

African

Africanadj.

African is used with these nouns:

bush, elephant, rhythm

African American

African Americanadj.

African American is used with these nouns:

English, literature, male, precinct

Afro

Afronoun

Afro is used before these nouns:

wig

aft

aftadj.

Aft is used with these nouns:

deck

after-Christmas

after-Christmasadj.

After-Christmas is used with these nouns:

after-dinner

after-dinneradj.

After-dinner is used with these nouns:

conversation, drink, speaker, speech, walk

aftermath

aftermathnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + aftermath | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEimmediateThe president visited the region in the immediate aftermath of the disaster.VERB + aftermathcope with, deal withHow does a country cope with the aftermath of war?PREPOSITIONin the aftermath ofHe first took office in the aftermath of the civil war.

afternoon

afternoonnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + afternoon | afternoon + VERB | afternoon + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEthis, tomorrow, yesterdayFriday, Saturday, etc.early, lateApril, May, etc.spring, summer, etc.longthe long sunny afternoonsgolden, hot, sunny, warmgrey/gray, rainy, wetVERB + afternoonspendWe spent the afternoon sitting by the pool.afternoon + VERBprogress, wear onAs the afternoon wore on he began to look unhappy.afternoon + NOUNsnack, teaAfternoon tea is served on the terrace.heat, light, sun, sunlight, sunshineThe afternoon sun shone full on her.napPREPOSITIONby afternoon, during the afternoon, in the afternoon, on Monday, etc. afternoonPHRASESan/the afternoon offYou deserve an afternoon off.

after-sales

after-salesadj.

After-sales is used with these nouns:

after-school

after-schooladj.

After-school is used with these nouns:

activity, programme, special, sport

aftershave

aftershavenoun

Aftershave is used before these nouns:

lotion

after-tax

after-taxadj.

After-tax is used with these nouns:

earnings, income, profit, return

age

agenounverb

I. noun1 how old sb/sth is2 period of history3 ages/an age (esp. BrE) a very long time1 how old sb/sth isSee also old ageADJECTIVE | VERB + age | age + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEearly, tender, youngHe was sent away to school at an early age.advanced, great, old, ripeHe was still active even at the advanced age of 87.White hair is a sign of great age.She dreaded old age.advancing, increasingmiddle, third (BrE)a pleasant woman in early middle agechildbearing, pensionable (BrE), retirement, school, school-leaving (BrE)children of school agedrinking, voting, workingmental, reading (esp. BrE)VERB + ageattain, get to, live to, reachWhen you get to my age you get a different perspective on life.She lived to the age of 75.act, feel, lookAct your age!She was beginning to feel her age (= feel that she was getting old).lower, raiseThe voting age was lowered from 21 to 18 years.age + NOUNgroup, rangelimitPREPOSITIONat a/the ageAt your age I had already started work.between the ageschildren between the ages of five and elevenby the ageHe could read by the age of four.for sb's ageHe's quite a big boy for his age.over (the) ageTwelve million people are over retirement age.under ageIt is illegal to sell alcohol to children who are under age (= not legally old enough).under the ageIt is illegal to sell alcohol to children under the age of 18.with ageA lot of wines improve with age.age ofHe left school at the age of 18.PHRASESthe age of consentThe general age of consent for sexual activity is 16.sb's own ageShe needs a friend of her own age to play with.years of ageHe's 20 years of age.

2 period of historyADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEanother, bygone, differentThis exquisite little hotel seemed to belong to a different age.Bronze, Ice, Stonecomputer, digital, industrial, modern, nuclear, etc.Elizabethan, Victorian, etc.goldenthe golden age of HollywoodPREPOSITIONduring the … ageHe lived during the Victorian age.in a/the ageShe lived in an age when few women became politicians.through the agesan exhibition of Islamic art through the agesage ofthe age of the computerPHRASESin this day and age (= in the period we now live in)Why dress so formally in this day and age?

3 ages/an age (esp. BrE) a very long timeVERB + ages/an age | PHRASESVERB + ages/an agespend, takeIt took an age for us all to get on the boat.PHRASESabsolutely agesI've been sitting here for absolutely ages.ages agoCarlos left ages ago.for agesWe had to wait for ages!

II. verbADVERBADVERBa lot, reallyThe shock has aged her a lot.My mother has really aged since she got sick.a littleHe had put on weight and aged a little.quickly, rapidlya rapidly ageing/aging populationprematurelygracefully, wellThis wine has not aged well.

Age is used with these nouns as the subject:

population, skin, wine

Age is used with these nouns as the object:

skin, wine

aged

agedadj.

Aged is used with these nouns:

manure, parent

ageing

ageingadj.

Ageing is used with these nouns:

father, mother, parent, population, process, veteran, workforce

agency

agencynoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEofficialfederal, government, governmental, public, stateregulatoryUNexternal, independent, outsidecommercial, privatevoluntary (esp. BrE), volunteer (esp. AmE)international, localadoption, dating, travelestate (BrE), real estate (AmE)aid, health, relief, welfare (esp. AmE)news, pressemployment, recruitment (esp. BrE)temp (esp. AmE), temping (BrE)She was hired from a temp agency.I've signed up with a temping agency.intelligence, law enforcement (esp. AmE), police (esp. AmE)ad, advertising, marketingappropriateDetails of the problem will be logged by the Help Desk staff who will then contact the appropriate agency.PREPOSITIONthrough an/the agencyHe found a job through an agency.

agenda

agendanoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + agenda | agenda + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfive-point, etc.An 18-point agenda was drawn up for the meeting.hidden, secretHe accused the government of having a hidden agenda.realfullWe have a very full agenda of issues to discuss.broad, narrowThe party has a rather narrow political agenda.clearA clear agenda will win votes in the next election.agreed (esp. BrE)ambitious, radicalpublicpersonaldomestic, international, nationaleconomic, ideological, legislative, policy, political, research, socialconservative, liberal, progressiveVERB + agendahaveagree on, draw up (esp. BrE), establish, setThe college needs to establish an agenda for change.follow, pursueThey were pursuing their own agenda.advance, further, pushI'm not trying to push any agenda here.add sth to, put sth onI will put this on the agenda for the next meeting.remove sth from, take sth offThe question of pay had been taken off the agenda.circulateA copy of the agenda is circulated to delegates a month before the conference.agenda + NOUNitemPREPOSITIONon a/the agendaSafety at work is on the agenda for next month's meeting.off the agendaChild poverty has been pushed off the agenda.agenda forWe have an agreed agenda for action.PHRASESfirmly on the agenda (esp. BrE), high on the agendaIn our company, quality is high on the agenda.an item on the agenda, a point on the agendanext on the agendaNext on the agenda is deciding where we're going to live.top of the agendaImproving trade between the two countries will be top of the agenda at the talks.

agent

agentnoun

noun1 works in an agency2 spy3 person/thing that has an effect1 works in an agencyADJECTIVE | VERB + agent | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbooking, ticket, travelelection (BrE), parliamentary (BrE)advertising, press, publicityland (BrE), leasing (AmE), letting (BrE), managing (esp. BrE), rental (AmE)estate (BrE), real estate (AmE)They were advised by the real estate agent that their house would not be saleable.border-patrol, law enforcementinsuranceliterary, sports, talentlocalThe company has developed sales through local agents in key markets.VERB + agentemploy, have, useI have an agent who deals with all my contracts.appoint, get (sb), hire (esp. AmE)If you want to get published, get yourself an agent!act asfire, sack (BrE)PREPOSITIONthrough an agentShe got the work through an agent.agent foran agent for a shipping company

2 spyADJECTIVEADJECTIVEintelligenceenemy, foreignfederal, governmentcovert, secret, special, undercoverdoubleAs a double agent, he worked for the Americans and the Russians.

3 person/thing that has an effectADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEchief, main, primary, prime, principaleffectivehumanmoral, rationalfreeI told him I couldn't stop him and that he was a free agent.PREPOSITIONagent forThe charity is an agent for social change.PHRASESan agent for change, an agent of change

age-old

age-oldadj.

Age-old is used with these nouns:

argument, custom, debate, enmity, problem, superstition, tradition

age-related

age-relatedadj.

Age-related is used with these nouns:

decline

aggravate

aggravateverb

verbADVERBADVERBseriously, severelyTheir negative reactions have greatly aggravated the situation.slightlyfurther

Aggravate is used with these nouns as the object:

condition, crisis, injury, pain, problem, situation, symptom

aggravated

aggravatedadj.

Aggravated is used with these nouns:

assault, burglary, felony, murder

aggravating

aggravatingadj.

Aggravating is used with these nouns:

aggregate

aggregateadj.

Aggregate is used with these nouns:

effect, expenditure, output, score

aggression

aggressionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF AGGRESSION | VERB + aggression | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEnaked, open, overta display of naked aggressionpent-upways of releasing pent-up aggressionunprovokedphysical, sexual, verbalexternal, foreignThe president announced that the country would not tolerate foreign aggression.American, British, etc.armed, military… OF AGGRESSIONactActs of aggression against against gays and lesbians are not always reported.VERB + aggressiondisplay, exhibit, express, showthe brutality and aggression displayed by the soldierschannel, directHe manages to channel his aggression into football.control, deterreleaseencourageDo toy guns encourage aggression?PREPOSITIONaggression against, aggression byAggression by one nationality against another often leads to war.aggression towards/towardIt showed no aggression towards/toward other dogs.

aggressive

aggressiveadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, look, seem, soundbecome, get, grow (esp. AmE), turnmake sbWatching violence on TV makes some children more aggressive.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highly, particularly, reallythe company's highly aggressive marketing techniquesincreasinglyopenlyHer mood became openly aggressive when his name was mentioned.physically, verballysexuallyPREPOSITIONtowards/towardHe warned that his dog was aggressive towards/toward strangers.with (esp. AmE)Dogs of this breed can be aggressive with other dogs.

Aggressive is used with these nouns:

act, action, approach, attitude, behaviour, campaign, child, conduct, diplomacy, display, driving, encounter, expansion, impulse, instinct, manner, marketing, move, nationalism, player, posture, pursuit, questioning, response, stance, strategy, style, tactic, tendency, tone

aggressively

aggressivelyadv.

Aggressively is used with these adjectives:

masculine

Aggressively is used with these verbs:

act, behave, campaign, compete, confront, court, defend, expand, invest, lobby, market, price, promote, pursue, push, react, recruit, respond, seek, slash

aggrieved

aggrievedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, look, soundADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.deeply, mucha little, slightly, etc.PREPOSITIONatJames was rather aggrieved at Cameron.byDiners feel deeply aggrieved by the inflated prices charged for wine.

Aggrieved is used with these nouns:

party, tone

agile

agileadj.

Agile is used with these nouns:

agility

agilitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + agility | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEamazing, considerable, great, surprisingmental, physicalI admired his considerable mental agility.VERB + agilityhavedemonstrate, showShe shows great agility on the tennis court.lackPREPOSITIONwith agilityHe jumped over the wall with surprising agility.

aging

agingadj.

Aging is used with these nouns:

father, mother, parent, population, process, veteran, workforce

agitated

agitatedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbe, feel, look, seem, soundHe sounded very agitated on the phone.become, get, growmake sbADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highlyincreasinglya little, slightlyobviously, visiblyPREPOSITIONaboutShe's agitated about getting there on time.atShe started to grow agitated at the sight of the spider.PHRASESin an agitated stateBy now he was in a very agitated state.

agitation

agitationnoun

noun1 worry/excitement2 public protest1 worry/excitementADJECTIVE | VERB + agitation | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEacute, extremeVERB + agitationshowShe was trying not to show her agitation.conceal, hideHe could not hide his agitation.PREPOSITIONin sb's agitationHe knocked his glass over in his agitation.with agitationShe was wriggling on the seat with agitation.PHRASESa feeling of agitation, a state of agitation

2 public protestADJECTIVE | VERB + agitation | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgrowingmass, popular, publicpoliticalVERB + agitationengage in, turn toThe organization is turning to political agitation in order to achieve its aims.stir upPREPOSITIONagitation againstThere has been mass agitation against the president.agitation forThere is growing agitation for reform of local government.

agonized

agonizedadj.

Agonized is used with these nouns:

cry, scream

agonizing

agonizingadj.

Agonizing is used with these nouns:

cramp, death, minute, pain, scream, wait

agonizingly

agonizinglyadv.

Agonizingly is used with these adjectives:

slow

agony

agonynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + agony | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEexcruciating, extreme, intenseabsolute, pure, sheer, utterexquisitemental, physicaldeathThe little creature squirmed in its death agonies.VERB + agonyendure, go through, sufferHe endured the agonies of loneliness.They went through agony in the search for their missing relatives.cause, inflictShe was causing David a great deal of agony.prolongDon't prolong the agony—just tell me the result!PREPOSITIONin agonyThe soldier died in agony.in an agony ofShe mumbled an apology in an agony of embarrassment.PHRASESa groan of agony, a scream of agonygroan in agony, scream in agonybe contorted in agony, writhe in agonyHis face was contorted in agony as he tried to lift himself out of the chair.

agrarian

agrarianadj.

Agrarian is used with these nouns:

economy, reform, revolution

agree

agreeverb

verb1 share opinion2 say yes; decide1 share opinionADVERB | VERB + agree | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBemphatically, heartily, strongly, very muchI very much agree with your point.absolutely, completely, entirely, fully, quite, totally, wholeheartedlyI agree entirely with what you have said.basically, broadly, generally, largelyIt is generally agreed that more funding is needed for education.unanimouslyprivately, secretlyVERB + agreecannothave toI would have to agree with you there.be inclined to, tend toI'm inclined to agree there's nothing we can do.PREPOSITIONaboutWe don't always agree about everything.on, uponAre we all agreed on this?withDo you agree with me that the plan won't work?PHRASESI couldn't agree moreI couldn't agree more with what has just been said.I quite agreeI'm sure you will agreeI'm sure you'll agree that this issue is vitally important to the success of the company.

2 say yes; decideADVERB | VERB + agree | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBhappily, readily, voluntarily, willinglyShe suggested a walk in the open air and he readily agreed.grudgingly, reluctantlygraciously, kindlyMs Harlow has kindly agreed to help.secretly, tacitlyexpressly (BrE)provisionally (esp. BrE)It was provisionally agreed that August 12 was to be the date.VERB + agreebe unable to, fail toThe two countries were unable to agree on a common strategy.PREPOSITIONtoHe agreed to our proposals.PHRASESagree to differ, agree to disagreeWe must just agree to disagree on this point.(be) mutually agreedWe are working towards/toward mutually agreed goals.internationally agreed, nationally agreednationally agreed guidelines

Agree is used with these nouns as the subject:

authority, conference, country, court, expert, judge, minister, observer, scientist, session, side, signatory, union

Agree is used with these nouns as the object:

arrangement, ceasefire, date, deal, fee, merger, minute, objective, plan, price, programme, resolution, settlement, solution, sum, truce, verdict

agreeable

agreeableadj.

adj.1 pleasant2 willing to accept/do sth (formal)1 pleasantVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, look, soundIt all sounds very agreeable.find sb/sthHe finds her very agreeable.make yourselfShe did her best to make herself agreeable.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.mostIt was a most agreeable evening.mutuallyWe tried to negotiate a mutually agreeable solution.

2 willing to accept/do sthVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeADVERBperfectly, quitePREPOSITIONtoHe was perfectly agreeable to the idea.

Agreeable is used with these nouns:

companion

agreed

agreedadj.

Agreed is used with these nouns:

agenda, maximum, minimum, overdraft, procedure, signal, sum

agreement

agreementnoun

noun1 contract/decision2 state of agreeing1 contract/decisionADJECTIVE | VERB + agreement | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdraftThe draft agreement will be available before the meeting.formal, signed, writtenbinding, legalThe agreement will be legally binding.tentativeinformal, verbaltacit, unspokenvoluntarydefinitivebilateral, international, multilateralceasefire, peacetradecontractual, licensingprenuptialThe Hollywood stars signed a prenuptial agreement before marrying last year.confidentialitycredit, hire-purchase (BrE), lease, rentalVERB + agreementnegotiate, work outThey are working out a formal ceasefire agreement.conclude, enter into, reach, signAfter hours of talks the government and the union have reached an agreement.haveWe have an agreement to always tell each other the truth about everything.be bound byWe signed the agreement so we are now bound by it.adhere to, honour/honor, keep to, stick toYou have not kept to our agreement.break, go back on, renege on, violateSome employers reneged on agreements once the recession set in.PREPOSITIONin an/the agreementa clause in the agreementunder an/the agreementUnder the agreement, the farmer is not allowed to use this field.agreement betweenan agreement between the company and the unionsagreement onThey signed two agreements on improving economic cooperation.agreement witha trade agreement with ChinaPHRASESbreach of agreement (esp. BrE)He sued the company for breach of agreement.the terms of the agreementThe terms of the agreement do not allow such exports.

2 state of agreeingADJECTIVE | VERB + agreement | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEabsolute, complete, full, totalbroad, general, widespreadmutualVERB + agreementarrive at, come to, reachI am hopeful that we can come to an agreement.The two sides failed to reach agreement.nodHe nodded his agreement.getWe will need to get the agreement of local organizations.PREPOSITIONby agreementThe separation is by mutual agreement.in agreementI think we are all in agreement that prices should be kept low.in agreement withI am in agreement with you that she should be given more responsibilities.with agreementWith the agreement of all members of the club, we decided to organize a trip.agreement amongThere is agreement among teachers that changes need to be made.agreement betweenAs yet there is no agreement between the two sides.agreement onAs yet there is no agreement on policies.

agree on

agree onphr verb

Agree on is used with these nouns as the subject:

Agree on is used with these nouns as the object:

action, agenda, compromise, date, deal, price, programme, resolution, solution, sum, term, timetable, truce, verdict

agree to agree upon

agree uponphr verb

Agree upon is used with these nouns as the object:

solution

agree with

agree withphr verb

Agree with is used with these nouns as the subject:

finding, result, verb

Agree with is used with these nouns as the object:

argument, assertion, point of view, recommendation, sentiment, verb, view

agricultural

agriculturaladj.

Agricultural is used with these nouns:

application, chemical, college, commodity, cooperative, crop, economics, economist, economy, engineer, engineering, enterprise, export, heartland, implement, import, improvement, industry, labourer, land, machinery, output, pest, pesticide, policy, pollution, produce, producer, product, production, productivity, reform, revolution, science, scientist, sector, settlement, show, society, subsidy, surplus, system, tariff, tool, tractor, trade, village, waste, work, worker

agriculture

agriculturenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + agricultureADJECTIVEmodernintensiveorganicsustainableconventional, traditionallarge-scale, small-scalepeasantsubsistenceslash-and-burnVERB + agriculturebe employed in, be engaged in, work inbe dependent on, depend on50% of the country's population depends on agriculture.

ahead

aheadadv.

Ahead is used with these verbs:

book, call, edge, jump, march, peer, plan, plunge, race, stare, stretch, stride, walk

aid

aidnounverb

I. noun1 money, food, etc.2 help3 person/thing that helps1 money, food, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + aid | aid + NOUNADJECTIVEemergencyhumanitariancash (esp. BrE), development, economic, financial, food, legal, medical, military, reconstruction, reliefLegal aid is a fundamental part of our system of justice.federal, government, stateforeign, international, overseasThe country relies on foreign aid.VERB + aidappeal for, call forThe country's president has appealed for international aid in the wake of the disaster.extend, give (sb), provide (sb with), send (sb)get, receivedepend on, rely onpromisecut, cut off, suspend, withdraw, withholdThe government has now suspended humanitarian aid to the area.aid + NOUNagency, workerbudget, package, programme/programa $240 million aid package

2 helpVERB + aid | PREPOSITIONVERB + aidask for, enlistWe enlisted the aid of John and his family.come to sb's, go to sb's (= to help someone)She screamed loudly and two people came to her aid.PREPOSITIONin aid of (esp. BrE)We were collecting money in aid of charity.with the aid of, without the aid ofShe is now able to get around with the aid of a walking stick.

3 person/thing that helpsSee also first aidADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEeffective, essential, useful, valuableteaching, training, visualhearing, walking (BrE)memorynavigationalsleep (AmE)buoyancy (BrE)PREPOSITIONaid toDictionaries are essential aids to learning.

II. verb

Aid is used with these nouns as the object:

development, digestion, recovery, relaxation, sick, victim

aide

aidenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + aide | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEclose, trustedone of the President's closest aidessenior, topcongressional, legislative (AmE), personal, presidential, royalVERB + aideact as, serve as, work asPREPOSITIONaide toHe served as an aide to the former president.

AIDS

AIDSnoun

(BrE usually Aids) nounADJECTIVE | … OF AIDS | VERB + AIDS | AIDS + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEfull-blownNot all of those infected will develop full-blown AIDS.… OF AIDScaseSix cases of AIDS have been reported.VERB + AIDSbe infected with, fight, have, suffer frompeople fighting AIDSbecome infected with, contract, develop, getdie ofdiagnoseAIDS + NOUNpatient, sufferer, victimvirusepidemicpreventionPHRASESthe spread of AIDSa worldwide campaign to prevent the spread of AIDS

AIDS-related

AIDS-relatedadj.

AIDS-related is used with these nouns:

ailing

ailingadj.

Ailing is used with these nouns:

economy, father, mother

ailment

ailmentnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + ailmentADJECTIVEcommon, minor, trivialchronic, seriouschildhoodphysicalmysteriousheart, respiratory, stomachVERB + ailmentbe afflicted with, get, have, suffer, suffer fromI got all the usual childhood ailments.cure, heal, treatcause

aim

aimnounverb

I. noun1 purpose/goal2 pointing weapon, etc.1 purpose/goalADJECTIVE | VERB + aim | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbroad, general, overallbasic, central, fundamentalchief, first, key, main, major, overriding, primary, prime (BrE), principalsoleHis sole aim in life is to enjoy himself.clear, explicit, specificIt is important to have a clear aim in view.ambitioushigh, noble, worthy (esp. BrE)Simple truth must be the highest aim of any real investigation.limited, modestlegitimatecommonI want to see a strong and united country in which people work together with common aims.immediate, initialoriginaleventual, ultimateHis ultimate aim was to force the chairman to resign.long-term, short-termavowed, declared, express, expressed, statedThe express aim of the treaty is to keep the whole region free from nuclear weapons.warpolicy, political, strategicVERB + aimhaveset (yourself)accomplish, achieve, fulfil/fulfillYou will have to work hard to achieve your aim.further, pursueThey were intent on furthering their aims.The country is still pursuing its aim of joining the EU.PREPOSITIONwith the aim ofShe started the organization with the aim of helping local people.PHRASESaims and objectivesWhat are the aims and objectives of this visit?

2 pointing weapon, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + aim | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcareful, direct, steadyI'll take more careful aim next time.poorHis aim was poor and he missed the target.VERB + aimtakeadjustPREPOSITIONaim atHe took aim at the target and fired.

II. verb1 try/plan to achieve sth2 intend sth for sb3 point/direct sth at sb1 try/plan to achieve sthPREPOSITION | PHRASESPREPOSITIONatShe's aiming at a scholarship this year.forHe is aiming for a win in this race.PHRASESaim high (= to attempt to achieve a lot)a young man who is prepared to aim high

2 intend sth for sbADVERB | PHRASESADVERBclearly, directly, squarelydeliberatelylargely, mainly, mostly, primarily, principallyparticularly, specificallysolelyPHRASESbe aimed ateducational courses aimed particularly at older people

3 point/direct sth at sbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBdirectly, straightcarefully, deliberatelyPREPOSITIONatShe aimed the gun straight at the intruder.forAim for his legs, not his body.

Aim is used with these nouns as the object:

arrow, blow, bow, camera, cannon, gun, kick, laser, missile, pistol, revolver, rifle, shot, shotgun, weapon

aim at

aim atphr verb

Aim at is used with these nouns as the subject:

gun, study

Aim at is used with these nouns as the object:

effect, target

aim for

aim forphr verb

Aim for is used with these nouns as the object:

aimlessly

aimlesslyadv.

Aimlessly is used with these verbs:

drift, roam, search, wander

aim to do

aim to dophr verb

Aim to do is used with these nouns as the subject:

study

air

airnounverb

I. noun1 gas/space2 for planes3 impression1 gas/spaceADJECTIVE | … OF AIR | VERB + air | air + VERB | air + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEhot, warmchill, cold, cool, crispclean, clear, fresh, pureThere are regulatory requirements for clean air and water.We need some fresh air in this stuffy room!sweetThe air was sweet with incense.foul, foul-smelling, polluted, stalethe polluted air of our citiesthe musty smell of stale airdamp, humid, moistdrystillNothing moved in the still air.thinIt's difficult carrying such heavy loads in the thin air of the mountains.thickThe air was thick with cigarette smoke.compressedThey have developed an engine powered by compressed air.country, mountain, seaevening, morning, nightMusic filled the night air.… OF AIRblast, gust, rushWe felt a blast of cold air as she opened the door.currentwarm currents of airbreathHe drew in another breath of air.VERB + airbreatheLand crabs breathe air and cannot swim.breathe in, gulp in, inhale, suck inShe gulped in the fresh mountain air.I sat for a moment, inhaling the fresh forest air.fight for, gasp forShe was gasping for air as she ran out of the burning house.smell, sniffThe dog stretched and sniffed the air.fill, hang inThe tang of some wild herb hung in the air.blowpolluteclear (figurative)The argument helped to clear the air between them.punchHe punched the air in triumph.pierceSuddenly a scream pierced the air.air + VERBblow, circulate, flow, rise, rush, waftThe cool night air wafted in through the open windows.air + NOUNpollutionqualityequipment to monitor air qualitypressurecurrenttemperatureconditioningconditionerPREPOSITIONin the air, into the airI kicked the ball high into the air.through the airSpicy smells wafted through the air.PHRASESin the open air (= outside)The market is held in the open air.

2 for planesair + NOUN | PREPOSITIONair + NOUNtravelfaretrafficWe are cleared by Air Traffic Control to taxi and take off.crash, disasterattack, defence/defense, raid, strikeThree buildings were bombed last night in an air strike on the city.PREPOSITIONby air (= by plane)It only takes three hours by air.from the airThe hideout is clearly visible from the air.

3 impressionVERB + air | PREPOSITIONVERB + airhave, retainYou have an air of authority.add, bring, give (sth)A stone balcony gives the building an air of elegance.lendPREPOSITIONwith an/the airHe leaned over to Melissa with an air of confidentiality.air ofHe had an air of mystery about him.

II. verbADVERBADVERBin public, openly, publiclyThe issues were openly aired and discussed by the group.

Air is used with these nouns as the subject:

commercial, station

Air is used with these nouns as the object:

ad, commercial, documentary, episode, grievance, interview, movie, opinion, prejudice, programme, room, video, view

airborne

airborneadj.

Airborne is used with these nouns:

assault, brigade, division, dust, force, pollutant, pollution, radar, troops, virus

air-conditioned

air-conditionedadj.

Air-conditioned is used with these nouns:

coach, office

air conditioning

air conditioningnoun

Air conditioning is used before these nouns:

system, unit, vent

aircraft

aircraftnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + aircraft | aircraft + VERB | aircraft + NOUNADJECTIVEfixed-wing, jet, light, low-flying, supersonicThree men were flying in a light aircraft at low altitude when a passenger jet approached.attacks by helicopters and fixed-wing aircraftsingle-engined, twin-enginedmanned, unmannedThe army is using unmanned aircraft to survey the area.microlight (BrE), ultralight (AmE)cargo, civil, civilian, commercial, passenger, privateattack, combat, fighter, military, reconnaissance, stealth, strike, surveillance, transportenemymodel (esp. BrE)His passion is making model aircraft.VERB + aircraftfly, operate, pilotThe aircraft was flown by a young American pilot.landboardThe passengers boarded the aircraft.hijackdestroy, shoot downTo be an ace you had to shoot down five enemy aircraft.aircraft + VERBfly, operateThere are approximately 6 700 commercial aircraft operating in the United States.land, take offThe aircraft is due to take off at midnight.crashcarry sthattack sth, bomb sthaircraft + NOUNindustryproductionmanufacturermaintenanceengine, partsengineercommanderhangarcarriera US Navy aircraft carriernoiseSignificant progress has been made in reducing aircraft noise.He claimed that aircraft noise was the worst form of pollution.

air defence

air defencenoun

Air defence/air defense is used before these nouns:

artillery

air force

air forcenoun

Air force is used before these nouns:

base, commander, helicopter, jet, officer, pilot, reserve

air hockey

air hockeynoun

Air hockey is used before these nouns:

airily

airilyadv.

Airily is used with these verbs:

say

airing

airingnoun

Airing is used before these nouns:

cupboard

air-launched

air-launchedadj.

Air-launched is used with these nouns:

airless

airlessadj.

Airless is used with these nouns:

airlift

airliftverb

Airlift is used with these nouns as the subject:

helicopter

airline

airlinenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + airline | airline + VERB | airline + NOUNADJECTIVEbig, large, majordomestic, international, national, regionalcommercial, privateHe operates a private airline.state, state-owned (both BrE)charter, scheduledPrices on charter airlines are usually lower.budget (esp. BrE), discount (esp. AmE), low-cost, low-fare (esp. AmE), no-frills (esp. BrE)He's the founder of Europe's biggest no-frills airline.VERB + airlineoperate, runfly (esp. AmE), fly withI'll never fly this airline again.airline + VERBfly, operateThe airline operates mainly between Florida and Puerto Rico.airline + NOUNbusiness, company, industryFrom 1984 to 1996 the international airline industry grew dramatically.flight, serviceAll scheduled airline services will be affected by the strike.employee (esp. AmE), pilot, staff (esp. BrE)passengerreservation, ticketstrike

airliner

airlinernoun

Airliner is used after these nouns:

jet

airmail

airmailnoun

Airmail is used before these nouns:

envelope, letter

air out

air outphr verb

Air out is used with these nouns as the object:

airplane

airplanenoun

noun (AmE) See aeroplane

airplay

airplaynoun

Airplay is used after these nouns:

radio

airport

airportnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + airport | airport + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, large, majorsmallbusydomestic, international, local, regionalhubMost major hub airports have three or four runways.commercial, militarydeparture, destinationThe pilot made the decision to return to the departure airport.VERB + airportdepart from, fly from, take off fromWe fly from Guarulhos airport.arrive at, land at, touch down atThe plane touched down at Narita airport just before midday.pass through, useleaveairport + NOUNbuilding, terminalcheck-in, loungehotelscreener (AmE), securityAirport screeners failed to spot the fake bomb.employee (esp. AmE), official, staff (esp. BrE), workerPREPOSITIONat an/the airportThey were waiting at the airport.

air raid

air raidnoun

Air raid is used before these nouns:

shelter, siren, warning

air-sea

air-seaadj.

Air-sea is used with these nouns:

rescue

airspace

airspacenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + airspace | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcontrolled, restrictedinternational, nationalenemyBritish, French, US, etc.VERB + airspacecross, cross into, enter, fly in, fly into, penetrate, stray into, use, violateThe jet had crossed into Russian airspace.leaveclose, openThey have decided to open their airspace to commercial aircraft.control, defendPREPOSITIONin … airspaceThe glider was in Dutch airspace.out of airspaceThey were now out of controlled airspace.PHRASESa violation of airspaceThe president said that all future violations of our airspace would result in serious consequences.

airtight

airtightadj.

Airtight is used with these nouns:

container, jar, lid

air-to-air

air-to-airadj.

Air-to-air is used with these nouns:

combat, missile

air-to-ground

air-to-groundadj.

Air-to-ground is used with these nouns:

air-to-surface

air-to-surfaceadj.

Air-to-surface is used with these nouns:

air traffic

air trafficnoun

Air traffic is used before these nouns:

control, controller

airy

airyadj.

Airy is used with these nouns:

aisle

aislenoun

Aisle is used before these nouns:

Aisle is used after these nouns:

candy, grocery, supermarket

ajar

ajaradj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, standThe office door stood ajar.leave sthShe had left the kitchen door slightly ajar.ADVERBslightly

akin

akinadj.

adj. akin to sthVERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, seemADVERBclosely, muchThis game is closely akin to hockey.somewhatA balalaika is an instrument somewhat akin to a guitar.PHRASESsomething akin to sthShe was wearing something akin to a pineapple on her head.

alabaster

alabasternoun

Alabaster is used before these nouns:

Alarming is used with these nouns:

alarm

alarmnoun

noun1 fear/worry2 warning of danger3 device1 fear/worryADJECTIVE | VERB + alarm | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsiderable, greatgrowingsuddenpublicThere is growing public alarm at this increase in crime.unnecessaryVERB + alarmcause, create, provokeThe school's policies have caused alarm among parents.The incident created serious public alarm.expressMany people have expressed alarm at the plans.PREPOSITIONin alarmHe shouted out in alarm.to sb's alarmTo her parents' alarm, she announced that she intended to travel the world.with alarmThe news has been greeted with alarm.alarm about, alarm at, alarm overThere has been considerable alarm about the new proposals.PHRASEScause for alarmI see no cause for alarm, as she often arrives late.

2 warning of dangerADJECTIVE | VERB + alarm | alarm + NOUNADJECTIVEfalseThe police were called, but it was a false alarm.VERB + alarmgive, raise, soundThe guard raised the alarm when he discovered that six prisoners had escaped.alarm + NOUNcallMany birds give alarm calls to warn of danger.

3 deviceADJECTIVE | VERB + alarm | alarm + VERB | alarm + NOUNADJECTIVEfire, smokeburglar, intruder, securitycarpanic (esp. BrE), personal, rape (BrE)Carry a personal alarm with you and make sure you know how to use it.radioVERB + alarmsetI set my alarm for 6.30.activate, set off, trigger, tripUnfortunately any little noise can set off the alarm.disable, switch off, turn offbe fitted with (BrE)The fire brigade recommends that every house is fitted with a smoke alarm.fit (BrE), installtestalarm + VERBgo off, ring, soundThe alarm went off at 7 o'clock.Suddenly the alarm sounded and they all had to leave the building.alarm + NOUNbell, clock, systemcall (BrE) (wake-up call in AmE)Book an alarm call if you need to make an early start.

alarmed

alarmedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbe, feel, look, seem, soundbecome, get, growShe began to grow alarmed when she realized how late it was.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.seriouslyincreasinglya little, slightly, etc.(not) undulyThe government is not unduly alarmed by these figures.PREPOSITIONatShe was alarmed at the prospect of being alone.byI was slightly alarmed by what Susan told me.PHRASESnothing to be alarmed aboutThe doctors have decided to keep him overnight but there is nothing to be alarmed about.

alarming

alarmingadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemfind sthI find the prospect of being without work extremely alarming.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.particularlya little, slightly, etc.

degree, ease, frequency, number, proportion, rapidity, rate, regularity, rise, situation, tendency

alarmingly

alarminglyadv.

Alarmingly is used with these adjectives:

complacent

Alarmingly is used with these verbs:

slump, sway

Alaskan

Alaskanadj.

Alaskan is used with these nouns:

salmon, wilderness

album

albumnoun

noun1 book2 music1 bookADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfamily, weddingphoto, photographstampPREPOSITIONin an/the albumI keep the photographs in an album.

2 musicADJECTIVE | VERB + album | album + VERB | album + NOUNADJECTIVEbest-selling, good, greatTheir best-selling album has won three awards.debut, firstdoublelive, studioconceptThe band is working on a concept album about Nostradamus.soloIt's the singer's first solo album.compilationlatest, newTheir new album has been getting good reviews.greatest-hitsVERB + albummake, produce, recordThe singer recorded her second album in Los Angeles.put out, releaseShe has not put out a new album this year.downloadYou can download an entire album with a click of a mouse.album + VERBcome outHis latest album comes out in the spring.album + NOUNcharttrackcover, sleeve

alcohol

alcoholnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF ALCOHOL | VERB + alcohol | alcohol + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEexcess, excessivethe dangers of excessive alcoholpureIs it possible for cars to run on pure alcohol?strong (AmE)grain (AmE)rubbing (AmE)… OF ALCOHOLdropunit (esp. BrE)You need to be careful how many units of alcohol you drink in a week.bottle, glasslevelThe driver had more than the permitted level of alcohol in his blood.VERB + alcoholconsume, drinkavoid, not touch, stay away from (esp. AmE), stay offI haven't touched a drop of alcohol for three weeks.abuse (formal)Most drinkers do not abuse alcohol at all.servealcohol + NOUNcontent, levelIt can take a long time for blood alcohol levels to fall.consumption, intake, useabuse, addiction, dependence, misuseproblemPeople can find it hard to admit they have an alcohol problem.prohibitionPHRASESunder the influence of alcoholHe had been driving while under the influence of alcohol.

alcohol-free

alcohol-freeadj.

Alcohol-free is used with these nouns:

Alcoholic is used with these nouns:

alcoholic

alcoholicnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + alcoholic | alcoholic + VERBADJECTIVEchronicraging (AmE, informal)recoveringrecovered (esp. AmE), reformedVERB + alcoholicbecomeTaylor was becoming an alcoholic because of the stress of his job.alcoholic + VERBrecoverI don't think an alcoholic can recover without proper medical help.

II. adj.

drink, excess, father, liquor, strength, stupor

alcoholism

alcoholismnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + alcoholismADJECTIVEchronicVERB + alcoholismsuffer fromThree people in the family suffer from alcoholism.treatbattle, combat, overcome

alcohol-related

alcohol-relatedadj.

Alert is used with these nouns as the object:

crash, disorder, incident

ale

alenoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF ALE | VERB + ale | ale + NOUNADJECTIVEfine (esp. BrE), goodreal (= made and stored in the traditional way), traditional (both BrE)the growth in demand for real alebrown (BrE), ginger, light (BrE), palestrong… OF ALEpint (esp. BrE)barrel, bottle, glass, tankardFresh barrels of ale were brought up from the cellar.VERB + aledown (informal), drink, sipbrew, makeale + NOUNhouse (usually alehouse) (BrE, old-fashioned)

alert

alertnounverbadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + alert | alert + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEheightened, highThe country has put its troops on high alert.fullamber, orange, red, yellowHis sudden disappearance triggered a red alert among his friends.nationwidebomb, fire, flood, pollution, security, terrorA security alert was issued after four men escaped from the prison.emailReceive regular email alerts about breaking news.VERB + alertissue, put out, raise, soundThey rang the bells to sound the alert.spark (esp. BrE), triggercall offThe alert was called off when it was found that the bomb was not live.alert + VERBgo outA nationwide alert went out for three escaped prisoners.PREPOSITIONon the alertalert forYou should always be on the alert for anyone who looks suspicious.PHRASESbe on full alertThe security forces are now on full alert.place sb on alert, put sb on alertThousands of police were put on full alert at all main roads leading to the city.keep sb on alerta state of alertThe army was yesterday placed on a state of alert in case of more riots.

II. verb

authority, police, press

III. adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, look, seembecomeremain, staykeep sbThe machine should help to keep the pilot alert.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.fullyimmediately, instantly, suddenlyThere was a noise outside and he was suddenly alert.always, constantlymentallyHe was as mentally alert as a man half his age.PREPOSITIONtoClimbers need to be alert to possible dangers.

Alert is used with these nouns:

expression, reader

A level

A leveladj.

A level is used with these nouns:

exam, examination, syllabus

al fresco

al frescoadv.

Al fresco is used with these verbs:

dine

algebraic

algebraicadj.

Algebraic is used with these nouns:

equation, formula, geometry

alias

aliasnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + alias | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEknownOne of his known aliases is Ed Neil.email, onlineOn his website he uses the online alias ‘Maddox’.VERB + aliasadopt, assume, go by, useAfter her escape from prison she adopted the alias Daryl Crowe.Oscar Wilde assumed the alias Sebastian Melmoth after being released from prison.PREPOSITIONunder an/the alias (= using another name)Five years ago he had lived in France under an alias.

alibi

alibinoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + alibi | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcast-iron (BrE), good, ironclad (AmE), perfect, solidShe was in the office all of Wednesday and so has a solid alibi.falseVERB + alibihaveestablish, provide, supplyThey relied on witnesses to establish alibis for the accused.concoct (esp. BrE), create, inventIt was alleged that the accused had created an alibi to save himself.PREPOSITIONalibi forThe accused was not able to provide an alibi for the evening.

alien

aliennounadj.

I. noun1 non-citizen2 creature from another planet1 non-citizenADJECTIVE | VERB + alienADJECTIVEenemyDuring the war, he was imprisoned as an enemy alien.illegal, undocumented (AmE)Illegal aliens are usually deported to their country of origin.criminal (AmE)undesirableresidentVERB + aliendeportThe provisions would broaden the government's ability to deport aliens.apprehend, arrest, detain (all esp. AmE)hire (esp. AmE)It is illegal for employers to hire aliens not authorized for employment. (AmE)

2 creature from another planetADJECTIVE | alien + VERBADJECTIVEspaceDo you genuinely believe that space aliens have landed on our planet?giantintelligentFew movies represent intelligent aliens as physically different from humans.alien + VERBabduct, kidnapHe was convinced that he'd been abducted by aliens.invadeIn the movie aliens invade Earth.

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, seembecomefind sthIt was an act of violence that she found alien and shocking.ADVERBso, verycompletely, entirely, totally, utterlyquite, somewhatessentiallyWhat is it like to live in an essentially alien culture?PREPOSITIONtoThey spoke a language totally alien to him.

Alien is used with these nouns:

being, concept, creature, culture, encounter, environment, land, menace, monster, planet, presence, race, smuggling, species, territory, world

alienate

alienateverb

Alienate is used with these nouns as the object:

ally, audience, constituency, fan, supporter, viewer

alienation

alienationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + alienation | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgrowing, increasingwidespreadcultural, political, socialSuch policies foster social alienation and discontent.VERB + alienationexperienceexpressPREPOSITIONalienation fromhis growing alienation from his familyPHRASESa feeling of alienation, a sense of alienationThere is a growing feeling of alienation among young people.

alight

alightadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbecatch (esp. BrE)His clothing caught alight.remain, stay (both esp. BrE)The fire should remain alight overnight.set sthThe building had been set alight by the killer.keep sthThe fires had to be kept alight each night.ADVERBwell (esp. BrE)The fire should be well alight by now.PHRASESalight with excitement, laughter, pleasure, etc. (figurative)The children's eyes were alight with excitement.

alight from

alight fromphr verb

Alight from is used with these nouns as the object:

carriage, train

align

alignverbPHRASAL VERB

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBaccurately, closely, correctly, perfectly, properlyfullyroughlyhorizontally, verticallyPREPOSITIONalongThe house is aligned along an east-west axis.He argued that important historical sites were aligned along straight lines of mystic energy.withThis pillar is roughly aligned with the others.

PHRASAL VERBalign yourself with sb/sthADVERBADVERBclosely, firmlyThe group does not want to align itself too closely with the government.

Align is used with these nouns as the object:

edge, sight

alignment

alignmentnoun

noun1 arrangement in correct position2 political support1 arrangement in correct positionADJECTIVE | VERB + alignment | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcorrect, properVERB + alignmentbring sth intoPREPOSITIONin alignment (with sth)The door needs to be in alignment with the frame before you start work on it.out of alignmentA few of the tiles were clearly out of alignment.

2 political supportADJECTIVE | VERB + alignment | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEclosemilitary, politicalVERB + alignmentestablish, formmaintainPREPOSITIONalignment betweenIt has been very difficult to maintain the alignment between the two countries since the trade dispute.alignment toIT needs to have a closer alignment to business.alignment withChina has formed a close alignment with some African countries.

alike

alikeadj.adv.

I. adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, look, seemADVERBremarkably, very, very muchexactlyThough Pedro and Paulo look exactly alike, they act differently.PREPOSITIONinThe two towns are very much alike in size and population.

II. adv.

Alike is used with these verbs:

alimony

alimonynoun

Alimony is used before these nouns:

payment

A-line

A-lineadj.

A-line is used with these nouns:

A-list

A-listadj.

A-list is used with these nouns:

actor, actress, celebrity, star

alive

aliveadj.

adj.1 living2 full of life3 continuing to exist4 aware of sth1 livingVERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, seemremain, stayLost and so far from other human life, he faced a desperate struggle to stay alive.escape, get outHe considered himself lucky to escape alive.returnThey had little chance of returning alive.keep sbDoctors fought to keep her alive.be buried, be burned, be eatenbe found, be leftFive people were found alive in the wreckage.be captured, be takenADVERBvery muchThe old rascal is still very much alive.barely, only halfFor four days he seemed barely alive.stillI wasn't sure if he was still alive.PHRASESalive and kickingMy mother is still alive and kicking.alive and wellAt any moment he may turn up alive and well.dead or aliveThe police are desperate to catch this man dead or alive.lucky to be aliveIt was a very narrow escape and we are lucky to be alive.more dead than alivePoor child, she looks more dead than alive.

2 full of lifeVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, seemI feel really alive in the country!comeThe city comes alive at night.bring sb/sthThe wealth of detail in his book really brings it alive.ADVERBreally, truly, veryfullyintenselyonly halfShe realized that she had only been half alive for the last four years.suddenlyHis eyes were suddenly alive with excitement.PREPOSITIONwithThe hall was alive with the sound of voices.

3 continuing to existVERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSberemainkeep sthThe people try to keep the old traditions alive.ADVERBvery muchThe old customs are still very much alive in this region.PHRASESalive and wellThe art of debate is alive and well in our schools.

4 aware of sthVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecomeremainADVERBvery muchPREPOSITIONtoHe remained very much alive to the dangers.

alkaline

alkalineadj.

Alkaline is used with these nouns:

battery, soil, solution

all

alladv.

All is used with these adjectives:

alone, black, coy, curly, edgy, enthusiastic, excited, fuzzy, innocent, muddy, quiet, ready, sad, set, shaky, shy, slimy, soft, sticky, stiff, sweaty, swollen, tangled, uptight, wobbly, wrinkled, wrong

all-American

all-Americanadj.

All-American is used with these nouns:

hero

all-around

all-aroundadj.

All-around is used with these nouns:

athlete, champion, performance

allay

allayverb

Allay is used with these nouns as the object:

anxiety, concern, fear, suspicion

all-boys

all-boysadj.

All-boys is used with these nouns:

all-comers

all-comersadj.

All-comers is used with these nouns:

all-consuming

all-consumingadj.

All-consuming is used with these nouns:

love, passion

all-day

all-dayadj.

All-day is used with these nouns:

kindergarten, meeting, seminar, session

allegation

allegationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + allegation | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdamaging, seriousbaseless, false, spurious (esp. BrE), unfounded, unproven, unsubstantiated, untrue, wildmaliciousdefamatorycredible, trueThe defendants in the libel case maintain that their allegations are true.fresh, further, newThere have been fresh allegations of atrocities.widespreadcorruption, fraud, rapeVERB + allegationlevel (esp. BrE), make, publish, reportretract (esp. BrE), withdrawI advise you to withdraw your allegation before I contact my lawyer.be at the centre/center of, be confronted with, facethe school at the centre/center of these allegationsadmitShe refused to admit the allegations.deny, dismiss, dispute, rejectanswer, contest, counter, refuteThe president has the right to answer specific allegations.He will need to counter allegations that he accepted money from criminals.confirm, prove, supportThe committee found no evidence to support allegations of smuggling.disproveIt took over two months to disprove the allegation.give rise to, lead to, prompt (esp. BrE), provokeThe sudden collapse of the business led to allegations of corrupt deals.examine, investigate, look into, probe (used in journalism)The governor of the prison is investigating allegations that a prisoner was attacked and beaten by a prison warden.PREPOSITIONamid allegationHe has resigned amid corruption allegations.allegation about, allegation concerningallegations about the president's private lifeallegation againstHe has made certain allegations against the company.

allege

allegeverb

Allege is used with these nouns as the subject:

article, case, charge, complaint, indictment, plaintiff, prosecution, prosecutor, report

Allege is used with these nouns as the object:

abuse, discrimination, negligence

alleged

allegedadj.

Alleged is used with these nouns:

abuse, accomplice, affair, assault, atrocity, bias, breach, complicity, confession, conspiracy, corruption, crime, extortion, failure, fraud, impropriety, incident, incompetence, infringement, involvement, killer, leak, libel, link, misconduct, misuse, murder, murderer, offence, offender, plot, rape, rapist, shortcoming, subversive, terrorist, victim, violation

allegedly

allegedlyadv.

Allegedly is used with these adjectives:

illegal, obscene

Allegedly is used with these verbs:

assault, confess, kill, leak, mislead, murder, plot, rape, threaten, try, violate

allegiance

allegiancenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + allegiance | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfull, strongWe will give our full allegiance to the party.traditionalshiftingIt is hard to keep up with the shifting allegiances between the various political parties.national, political, religiousblindLove of one's country does not mean blind allegiance to a regime.trueHe keeps everyone guessing about his true allegiance.primaryclass, partyVERB + allegiancegive, oweHe owed his allegiance to the organization that had given him all his opportunities.declare, pledge, profess (esp. BrE), swearThe rebels now have to swear allegiance to a leader they hate.showfeelabandonMany people have abandoned their traditional party allegiances.change, shift, switch, transferclaimThe various splinter groups all claim allegiance to the true spirit of the movement.claim, commandCatholicism claims allegiance from more than 80% of the population.retainThe union needs to retain the allegiance of all its members for the strike to succeed.PREPOSITIONallegiance toHe is now very rich but his allegiance to his working-class origins is still strong.PHRASESan oath of allegiance, a pledge of allegianceNew officers take an oath of allegiance to their country.Every day the children say the Pledge of Allegiance. (in the US)

allegorical

allegoricaladj.

Allegorical is used with these nouns:

reading

allergic

allergicadj.

Allergic is used with these nouns:

rash, reaction, response, symptom

allergy

allergynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + allergy | allergy + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfoodmilk, nut, peanut, penicillin, pollen, etc.respiratorybad, life-threatening, serious, severeVERB + allergyhave, suffer fromdevelopdiagnosecause, triggerHair and feathers can trigger allergies.prevent, treatallergy + NOUNsuffererspecialistYou may wish to consult a food allergy specialist for help in planning your diet.symptomattacktestdrug, medication (esp. AmE), medicine (esp. AmE), shot (AmE)In severe cases your doctor may recommend allergy shots.seasonthe beginning of the allergy seasonPREPOSITIONallergy toHe developed an allergy to pollen.allergy inEggs are common sources of food allergies in children.

alleviate

alleviateverb

verbADVERB | VERB + alleviateADVERBconsiderably, greatly, significantly (esp. BrE)These problems have been greatly alleviated by the passing of the new Act.partially, partly, somewhatVERB + alleviatebe designed to, help (to)These measures are designed to alleviate the situation.do little to, do nothing toHer words did little to alleviate his fears.

Alleviate is used with these nouns as the object:

anxiety, boredom, concern, condition, congestion, crisis, depression, distress, fear, guilt, hunger, impact, misery, pain, plight, poverty, pressure, problem, shortage, stress, suffering, symptom, unemployment, worry

alley

alleynoun

nounADJECTIVE | alley + VERB | alley + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdark, darkeneddeserted, empty (esp. AmE)little, narrowa maze of narrow alleyscobbled (esp. BrE)back, sideblind (figurative)Over-reliance on statistics has led us down a blind alley.alley + VERBlead onto sth, lead to sthThe alley leads to the restaurant kitchen.alley + NOUNcatPREPOSITIONalong an/the alley, down an/the alley, up an/the alleyI walked back along a side alley.a bar down a little alleyin an/the alleyThey had cornered him in an alley.through an/the alleyShe wandered through the back alleys.

all-girls

all-girlsadj.

All-girls is used with these nouns:

Allied is used with these nouns:

alliance

alliancenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + alliance | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbroadThe organization is a broad alliance of many different groups.grandclosepowerful, strongfragile, loose, uneasya loose alliance of opposition groupsThe uneasy alliance between such different people just cannot last.shiftingthe shifting alliances among the various political groupsformal, informalstrategic, workingunholyan unholy alliance between the Fascists and the Communistsunlikelytemporaryglobal, transatlantic, Westerndefensive, militaryelectoral (esp. BrE), politicaloppositionmarriageVERB + alliancehaveThey have alliances with other companies.seekannouncebuild, build up, create, develop, enter into, establish, forge, form, make, strike upThe government has tried to forge alliances with environmentalists.joinSeven more countries have been invited to join the alliance.cement, strengthenThe marriage was meant to cement the alliance between the two countries.To cement the alliance with England, Charles married Margaret, sister of the English king.maintainseekPREPOSITIONin alliance withThe government, in alliance with the army, has decided to ban all public meetings for a month.alliance againstold alliances against enemies that no longer existalliance betweenan alliance between the USSR and Indiaalliance withan alliance with ChinaPHRASESalliance of convenienceIt was an alliance of convenience, not of conviction.

allied

alliedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeADVERBcloselylooselyan offensive by seven loosely allied guerrilla groupsPREPOSITIONtoThe US remains closely allied to Saudi Arabia.His decision to move to London is closely allied to his ambition to become manager of the company.withThe party is allied with the Communists.

advance, army, commander, force, power, soldier, troops

alligator

alligatornoun

Alligator is used before these nouns:

clip

all-inclusive

all-inclusiveadj.

All-inclusive is used with these nouns:

resort, vacation

alliterative

alliterativeadj.

Alliterative is used with these nouns:

all-natural

all-naturaladj.

All-natural is used with these nouns:

ingredient

all-night

all-nightadj.

All-night is used with these nouns:

marathon, party, session, vigil

allocate

allocateverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBrandomlyefficientlyLocal authorities have to learn to allocate resources efficiently.PREPOSITIONaccording to, byMillions of dollars were allocated by the government.forMore money should be allocated for famine relief.toMore funds will now be allocated to charitable organizations.

Allocate is used with these nouns as the object:

budget, capital, finance, fund, funding, money, quota, resource, responsibility, task, work

allocated

allocatedadj.

Allocated is used with these nouns:

seating

allocation

allocationnoun

noun1 process of giving sth out2 amount given to sb1 process of giving sth outADJECTIVE | VERB + allocationADJECTIVEefficient, inefficientrandomfairasset, budget, budgetary (esp. BrE), grant (esp. BrE), housing (esp. BrE), land, resource, timeVERB + allocationmakeThe allocation must be made according to a strict set of criteria.announceHe announced the allocation of additional funds for the campaign.

2 amount given to sbADJECTIVE | VERB + allocationADJECTIVEtotalfairVERB + allocationget, receiveincreaseThe charity is trying to get its allocation increased for next year.cut, reduce

all-or-nothing

all-or-nothingadj.

All-or-nothing is used with these nouns:

proposition

allotment

allotmentnoun

Allotment is used before these nouns:

allotted

allottedadj.

Allotted is used with these nouns:

span

all-out

all-outadj.

All-out is used with these nouns:

assault, attack, blitz, brawl, effort, offensive, strike, war

all-over

all-overadj.

All-over is used with these nouns:

tan

allow

allowverb

Allow is used with these nouns as the subject:

approach, authority, bill, circumstance, constitution, deal, design, facility, feature, judge, law, legislation, loophole, mechanism, move, permit, program, programme, provision, rule, scheme, size, state, system, technique, technology, weather

Allow is used with these nouns as the object:

access, admittance, appeal, bail, claim, clearance, comparison, creation, development, discount, distribution, diversity, entry, escape, establishment, evidence, examination, exception, exemption, expansion, export, extradition, flexibility, flow, freedom, glimpse, goal, identification, import, indulgence, inference, insight, inspection, latitude, liberty, margin, maximum, movement, passage, penetration, pet, possibility, recognition, recovery, removal, representation, run, scope, smoking, time, transfer, union, use, ventilation

allowable

allowableadj.

Allowable is used with these nouns:

expense, limit

allowance

allowancenoun

noun1 amount of sth that you are allowed2 amount of money sb receives regularly1 amount of sth that you are allowedADJECTIVE | VERB + allowance | PHRASESADJECTIVEbaggagetaxholiday (BrE)VERB + allowancebe entitled to, get, haveYou're entitled to a baggage allowance of 28 kilos.I get four weeks' holiday allowance a year.PHRASESrecommended daily allowanceThe recommended daily allowance of vitamin C is 60–90 milligrams.

2 amount of money sb receives regularlyADJECTIVE | VERB + allowance | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgenerous, largemeagre/meager (esp. BrE), smallannual, daily, monthly, weeklyattendance, child, disability, family (esp. BrE)clothing, housing, travelVERB + allowancebe entitled toYou may be entitled to a clothing allowance if your job requires it.get, receiveclaimgive sb, grantThe company gives me a travel allowance.spendShe spends her allowance on clothes.PREPOSITIONallowance ofan allowance of $25allowance forThe weekly allowance for each child is £15.

allow for

allow forphr verb

Allow for is used with these nouns as the subject:

facility, rule, size

Allow for is used with these nouns as the object:

creation, distribution, diversity, establishment, exaggeration, expansion, possibility, wastage

allow in

allow inphr verb

Allow in is used with these nouns as the object:

inspector

alloy

alloynoun

Alloy is used before these nouns:

wheel

Alloy is used after these nouns:

copper, metal

all-party

all-partyadj.

All-party is used with these nouns:

delegation, support, talk

all-points

all-pointsadj.

All-points is used with these nouns:

bulletin

all-purpose

all-purposeadj.

All-purpose is used with these nouns:

cleaner, flour

all-round

all-roundadj.

All-round is used with these nouns:

athlete, education, improvement, performance, sportsman, sportswoman

all-seater

all-seateradj.

All-seater is used with these nouns:

stadium, venue

all-star

all-staradj.

All-star is used with these nouns:

cast, panel

all-terrain

all-terrainadj.

All-terrain is used with these nouns:

all-time

all-timeadj.

All-time is used with these nouns:

classic, favourite, hero, high, low, peak, record

allusion

allusionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + allusion | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEclear, directfrequentindirect, subtle, vague, veiledShe was made uncomfortable by his veiled allusion to the previous night.biblical, classical, cultural, historical, literary, ShakespeareanVERB + allusioncontain, includemakeHe makes several allusions to these events in his latest book.PREPOSITIONallusion to

alluvial

alluvialadj.

Alluvial is used with these nouns:

all-volunteer

all-volunteeradj.

All-volunteer is used with these nouns:

army, force, military

all-weather

all-weatheradj.

All-weather is used with these nouns:

pitch, track

all-wheel

all-wheeladj.

All-wheel is used with these nouns:

all-women

all-womenadj.

All-women is used with these nouns:

shortlist

ally

allynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + ally | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreat, important, key, powerful, strongcloseCharles remained a close ally of the French king.loyal, reliable, staunch, trustednatural, strategic, useful, valuablelong-time (esp. AmE), old, traditionalPortugal is a traditional ally of England.erstwhile, formerwartimepotentialEuropean, NATO, Western, etc.politicalVERB + allyhaveLois felt that she had an ally.find, gain, getalienate, losePREPOSITIONally againstHe now had an ally against his boss.PHRASESfind an ally in sb, have an ally in sbShe had found an ally in her old teacher.a friend and allya friend and ally of the president

all-you-can-eat

all-you-can-eatadj.

All-you-can-eat is used with these nouns:

buffet

almighty

almightyadj.

Almighty is used with these nouns:

bang, crash, explosion, roar, row

almond

almondnoun

nounADJECTIVE | almond + NOUNADJECTIVEwhole almondsblanched almonds, flaked almonds (BrE), ground almondsa cake made with ground almondssugared almonds, toasted almondsbitter almondsalmond + NOUNessence (BrE), extract (AmE), oil, pasteblossom, tree

almost

almostadv.

Almost is used with these adjectives:

absent, accidental, afraid, apologetic, ashamed, asleep, audible, automatic, bald, bankrupt, bare, barren, bearable, beautiful, black, blasphemous, blind, bound, breathless, casual, certain, cheerful, circular, clean, clinical, closed, comic, comical, commonplace, comparable, complete, constant, contemptuous, convinced, dark, dazed, dead, defenceless, defunct, derelict, deserted, desperate, devoid, disappointed, drunk, dry, eerie, effortless, embarrassed, embarrassing, empty, endless, envious, equal, equivalent, essential, exclusive, extinct, faint, fearful, feminine, flat, forlorn, frantic, friendly, frightened, frightening, full, funny, gentle, glad, grateful, guilty, handsome, harmless, helpless, heroic, hopeful, hysterical, ideal, identical, ill, illiterate, immaterial, immediate, immobile, immortal, immune, impassable, impassive, impenetrable, imperceptible, impervious, impossible, inaccessible, inaudible, incapable, incidental, incomprehensible, inconceivable, incredible, indecent, independent, indestructible, indifferent, inedible, inevitable, infinite, inhuman, insane, insensitive, inseparable, insignificant, insoluble, instant, instantaneous, instinctive, insulting, insurmountable, intact, interchangeable, intolerable, invincible, invisible, irrelevant, irresistible, lazy, level, lifeless, light, ludicrous, lyrical, mad, magical, meaningless, menacing, miraculous, motionless, naked, negligible, nervous, non-existent, numb, obligatory, oblivious, obscene, obsolete, opaque, oval, overwhelming, painful, painless, parallel, patronizing, perfect, permanent, perpendicular, perverse, physical, pleasant, poetic, pointless, positive, predictable, pretty, professional, prophetic, proud, purple, random, ready, relieved, reluctant, respectable, ridiculous, right, rigid, ripe, sacred, same, seductive, self-evident, self-sufficient, serene, shocked, shy, sick, silent, sinister, smooth, smug, sober, solid, sorry, speechless, spiritual, standard, static, straight, stunned, subdued, submerged, suicidal, superfluous, sure, symmetrical, synonymous, tame, tearful, tender, threatening, tolerable, transparent, triumphant, trivial, true, unable, unaffected, unanimous, unavoidable, unaware, unbearable, unbeatable, unbelievable, unbroken, unchanged, unconscious, uncontrollable, unheard-of, unintelligible, unique, universal, unknown, unlimited, unnatural, unnoticed, unprecedented, unreal, unscathed, unthinkable, upright, useless, violent, visible, warm, worse, worth, worthless

Almost is used with these verbs:

beg, blind, block, bump, burst, cease, choke, collapse, collide, crush, cry, destroy, double, drop, eliminate, envy, exhaust, faint, fall, finish, flinch, forget, frighten, gasp, guarantee, halve, hate, hit, ignore, imagine, jump, kill, laugh, leap, lift, match, mirror, obliterate, obscure, outnumber, overcome, overlap, overwhelm, paralyse, persuade, plead, reach, reverse, scream, sense, shake, shout, shriek, smell, snarl, snatch, sob, spill, stagger, strangle, stumble, succumb, surround, tear, touch, treble, trip, triple, vanish, weep, whisper, wipe, wish, wreck, yell

alone

aloneadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, sit, standThese islands are too small to stand alone as independent states.feelI've never felt so alone as I do now.leave sb, let sbDon't touch me! Leave me alone!ADVERBvery muchI felt vulnerable and very much alone.all, completely, entirely, quite, utterlyCarol felt all alone in the world.He felt lost and completely alone.togetherFinally the two of us were alone together.PREPOSITIONwithShe did not want to be alone with him.

along

alongadv.

Along is used with these verbs:

bob, crawl, drift, hum, invite, limp, pull, roll, shuffle, skip, slither, stumble, trot, trudge, wander

aloof

aloofadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, look, seemfind sbSome people find her aloof and unfriendly.hold (yourself), keep (yourself), remain, standSome thought that Britain was standing aloof from Europe.ADVERBsomewhata little, slightly, etc.PREPOSITIONfromHe has remained somewhat aloof from the business of politics.

aloud

aloudadv.

Aloud is used with these verbs:

cry, curse, gasp, groan, laugh, murmur, mutter, ponder, pray, read, say, scream, shout, shriek, sob, wonder

alpha

alphanoun

Alpha is used before these nouns:

male, test

alphabet

alphabetnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + alphabet | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEArabic, Cyrillic, Greek, Hebrew, Latin, Roman, etc.phoneticVERB + alphabetknow, learnrecitePREPOSITIONin the alphabetHow many letters are there in the Greek alphabet?PHRASESthe letters of the alphabet

alphabetical

alphabeticaladj.

Alphabetical is used with these nouns:

index, list, order

alphabetically

alphabeticallyadv.

Alphabetically is used with these verbs:

arrange, file, order

alpine

alpineadj.

Alpine is used with these nouns:

ski, skiing

already

alreadyadv.

Already is used with these adjectives:

balding, dark, dead, evident, familiar, perfect, strained

Already is used with these verbs:

assemble, cite, embark, exist, mention, note, start

altar

altarnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + altar | altar + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhigh, mainmakeshift, portablesacrificialVERB + altarapproach, go up toThe bride approached the altar.facedecorateThe altars were decorated with images.dedicatean altar dedicated to Saint JohnbuildHe built an altar to God and made a sacrifice.altar + NOUNboycloth, frontalrailtablecall (esp. AmE)He accompanied his friend to the front during an altar call.PREPOSITIONat an/the altarHelen and Tony kneeled at the altar.before an/the altarHe lay prostrate before the high altar.on an/the altarHe placed the candles on the altar.altar ofthe high altar of the church

alter

alterverb

verbADVERB | PHRASESADVERBcompletely, considerably (esp. BrE), dramatically, drastically, fundamentally, greatly, profoundly, radically, significantly, substantiallyHe had not altered greatly in the last ten years.slightlyforever, irreversibly, irrevocably, permanentlyPHRASESnot alter the fact thatUnemployment has come down slightly but this does not alter the fact that it is still a major problem.

Alter is used with these nouns as the subject:

expression

Alter is used with these nouns as the object:

angle, appearance, balance, behaviour, composition, consciousness, course, destiny, environment, fate, form, landscape, level, meaning, nature, pattern, perception, practice, property, reality, schedule, setting, shape, stance, structure, style, understanding, view, will, wording

alteration

alterationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + alteration | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdramatic, extensive, fundamental, major, radical, significant, substantial (esp. BrE)minor, slight, small, subtleVERB + alterationcarry out, do, makecauseundergoneed, requireThe leaflets require no alteration from year to year.PREPOSITIONalteration inThere will be no alteration in the level of subsidy.alteration toWe will have to make a slight alteration to the plans.

altered

alteredadj.

Altered is used with these nouns:

consciousness, perception, state

alternate

alternateadj.

Alternate is used with these nouns:

approach, ending, means, month, reality, route, spelling, universe, year

alternating

alternatingadj.

Alternating is used with these nouns:

current, layer

alternative

alternativenounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + alternative | alternative + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEattractive, effective, good, radicalacceptable, reasonable, suitableavailable, credible, practical, real, realistic, serious, viableIs there a viable alternative to prison?clear, obviouscheap, healthy, interesting, safea healthier alternative to fried chickenVERB + alternativehaveWe have two alternatives.offer, provideHis idea seemed to offer a possible alternative.develop, find, seekWe'll have to find an alternative.They are seeking alternatives to fossil fuels.consider, discuss, explorepresent, propose, suggestalternative + VERBbe available, existPREPOSITIONalternative forThere is no alternative for those with no car of their own.alternative toIs there an alternative to surgery for this complaint?PHRASEShave little alternative (but to), have no alternative (but to)She had no alternative but to do as he said.leave sb with no alternative (but to)He was left with no alternative but to hobble to the nearest hospital.

II. adj.

Alternative is used with these nouns:

approach, arrangement, comedian, comedy, conception, definition, ending, energy, explanation, fuel, hypothesis, idea, interpretation, lifestyle, means, mechanism, medicine, method, model, music, perspective, point of view, premises, procedure, pronunciation, religion, remedy, rock, route, scenario, solution, source, spelling, strategy, suggestion, technique, technology, theory, therapy, treatment, type, universe, venue, view, viewpoint, vision, way, world

altitude

altitudenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + altitude | altitude + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEextreme, great, highlowmaximum, minimumcruisingThe plane took off and climbed to cruising altitude.VERB + altitudecruise at, fly at, maintainThe aircraft maintained an altitude of 28 000 feet.reach, rise toThe aviators reported the columns of smoke rising to an altitude of 2 000 feet.gainloseThe plane suddenly started to lose altitude.altitude + NOUNsicknesstrainingShe plans to carry out altitude training before going to the Olympics.PREPOSITIONat (an/the) altitudeNo trees will grow at that altitude.people who lived at high altitudesIt's harder to breathe at altitude.altitude ofThey fly at altitudes of up to 15 000 feet.

alto

altoadj.

Alto is used with these nouns:

altogether altruistic

altruisticadj.

Altruistic is used with these nouns:

love, motive, reason

aluminium

aluminiumnoun

Aluminium/aluminum is used before these nouns:

bat, can, container, foil, pan

alumnus

alumnusnoun

Alumnus is used before these nouns:

reunion

always

alwaysadv.

Always is used with these adjectives:

advisable, alert, amazed, fatal, grateful, hungry, interested, interesting, keen, pleased, popular, ready, welcome, willing, wise, worth

Always is used with these verbs:

amuse, check, dread, dream, enjoy, hanker, harp, hate, imagine, insist, like, long, pray, prevail, refer, remember, remind, seek, smile, strive, suspect, triumph, want, warn, wonder, yearn

always-on

always-onadj.

Always-on is used with these nouns:

connection

amalgam

amalgamnoun

Amalgam is used before these nouns:

filling

amass

amassverb

Amass is used with these nouns as the object:

army, capital, collection, data, fortune, library, wealth

amateur

amateurnounadj.

I. noun1 sb who does an activity for pleasure, not money2 sb who is not very good at sth1 sb who does an activity for pleasure, not moneyADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgifted, talented, topenthusiastic (esp. BrE), keen (BrE)gentleman (BrE)International affairs today are no longer for gentleman amateurs.PREPOSITIONas an amateurI was competing as an amateur.

2 sb who is not very good at sthADJECTIVE | … OF AMATEURSADJECTIVEbumbling (esp. BrE), complete, rankThe others had often been skiing before and made her feel like a rank amateur.… OF AMATEURSbunchThey're just a bunch of amateurs.

II. adj.

Amateur is used with these nouns:

actor, actress, archaeologist, artist, athlete, athletics, boxing, circuit, cook, detective, football, footballer, gardener, golf, golfer, historian, jockey, musician, orchestra, painter, performance, performer, photographer, photography, production, rank, rugby, singer, soccer, sport, sportsman, sportswoman, status, theatre, tournament, video

amaze

amazeverb

verbADVERB | VERB + amazeADVERBreallyHis skill as a dancer really amazed me.stillIt still amazes me that people are willing to pay money for modern art.VERB + amazecontinue to, never cease to, never fail toIt never ceases to amaze me what some people will do for money.

Amaze is used with these nouns as the subject:

Amazing is used with these nouns:

amazed

amazedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbe, look, seem, sound, standADVERBabsolutely, completely, just, pretty (esp. AmE), quite, really, totally, truly, utterlygenuinelyalways, constantly, continuallystillI am still amazed that she won first prize.PREPOSITIONatFrances was amazed at her sudden strength.byI was totally amazed by the brilliance of her paintings.PHRASEScontinue to be amazed, never cease to be amazedI never cease to be amazed at the way people hurt one another.shocked and amazedI was shocked and amazed at what I was seeing.

amazement

amazementnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + amazement | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcomplete, sheer, utterstunned, wide-eyedmockShe raised her eyebrows in mock amazement.VERB + amazementexpressPREPOSITIONin amazementHe stared at the animal in amazement.to sb's amazementTo her amazement, she got the job.with amazementLaura looked around her with amazement.amazement atHe expressed amazement at being left out of the game.

amazing

amazingadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, look, sound, tastefind sb/sthADVERBabsolutely, pretty, rather (esp. AmE), really, simply, truly, utterlya truly amazing achievementjust, quiteHe remembered our names from ten years ago— isn't that just amazing?mostI saw the most amazing movie yesterday!PHRASESbe nothing short of amazing (esp. AmE)The results of the treatment were nothing short of amazing.

accomplishment, accuracy, achievement, agility, array, bargain, capacity, coincidence, collection, combination, comeback, discovery, facility, feat, feeling, gift, job, journey, knack, luck, phenomenon, piece, rapidity, recovery, regularity, resilience, result, revelation, sight, sound, speed, story, success, tale, talent, thing, transformation, variety

amazingly

amazinglyadv.

Amazingly is used with these adjectives:

accurate, beautiful, brave, cheap, cool, easy, expensive, fast, happy, intricate, light, quick, realistic, resilient, simple, stupid, successful, talented, versatile

ambassador

ambassadornoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + ambassador | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEformerBritish, French, US, etc.unofficialspecialrovingShe served as a roving ambassador, with 51 trips to foreign countries by 1999.goodwillThe Hollywood actress talked about her role as a UN goodwill ambassador.VERB + ambassadoract as, serve asappoint, appoint sb (as), make sbShe's been appointed ambassador to the UN.sendThe King sent an ambassador to Paris.recall, withdrawThe US ambassador was recalled to Washington in protest.expelPREPOSITIONambassador inthe Israeli ambassador in Londonambassador for (often figurative)He's a great ambassador for the sport of bodybuilding.ambassador toHe served as ambassador to Syria.

amber

amberadj.

Amber is used with these nouns:

alert, bead, eye, traffic light

ambient

ambientadj.

Ambient is used with these nouns:

condition, humidity, lighting, music, noise, sound, temperature

ambiguity

ambiguitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF AMBIGUITY | VERB + ambiguity | ambiguity + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcertain, possible, potentialThe poem contains a certain ambiguity.moral, sexualinherentthe inherent ambiguity of language… OF AMBIGUITYdegree, elementThere is a degree of ambiguity in this statement.VERB + ambiguitylead toIncorrect choice of words leads to ambiguity for the reader.avoidThe document has been carefully written to avoid ambiguity.clarify, reduceeliminate, remove, resolveThey had to change some of the wording in the document to resolve the ambiguity.ambiguity + VERBarise, occurAmbiguity arises when students' spoken English is very limited.surroundthe ambiguity surrounding the concept of ‘reality’PREPOSITIONambiguity aboutThere will always be some ambiguity about what actually happened.ambiguity inThere was some ambiguity in what he said.PHRASESa source of ambiguity

ambiguous

ambiguousadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSberemainleave sth, make sth, render sthThe paragraph is rendered ambiguous by the writer's careless use of pronouns.ADVERBhighly, veryrather, slightly, somewhatdeliberately, intentionallyI suspected that he was being deliberately ambiguous.morally, sexuallyHe is portrayed as a dark and somewhat morally ambiguous character.

Ambiguous is used with these nouns:

concept, message, reference, term, word, wording

ambiguously

ambiguouslyadv.

Ambiguously is used with these verbs:

Ambitious is used with these nouns:

ambition

ambitionnoun

noun1 strong desire to be successful2 sth you very much want to have/do1 strong desire to be successfulADJECTIVE | VERB + ambition | ambition + VERBADJECTIVEdriving (esp. BrE), great, nakedShe's a woman of driving ambition.personalVERB + ambitionhaveHe has no ambition.lackambition + VERBburnAmbition burned within her.

2 sth you very much want to have/doADJECTIVE | VERB + ambitionADJECTIVEbig, burning, driving (esp. BrE), great, high, main (esp. BrE), ultimate (esp. BrE)Her biggest ambition was to climb Everest.lifelong, life'sAt last he had realized his life's ambition.long-held, long-standing (both esp. BrE)grandiose, loftymodest (esp. BrE)personalsecretyouthfulfrustrated, thwarted, unfulfilledThis is a tale of jealousy and thwarted ambitions.artistic, career, literary, political, presidential, social, sporting (BrE)global, imperial, imperialist, nuclear, territorialthe company's global ambitionsVERB + ambitioncherish, harbour/harbor, have, nurture (esp. BrE)He had only one ambition in life.abandon, give upachieve, fulfil/fulfill, realizelimitfrustrate, thwartHe felt great resentment at having his ambition frustrated.

ambitious

ambitiousadj.

adj.1 determined to be successful2 difficult to achieve1 determined to be successfulVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seemADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highlyHe is a highly ambitious politician.fiercely, ruthlesslypolitically, sociallyPREPOSITIONforShe is very ambitious for her four children.

2 difficult to achieveVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seemADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.hugely, wildlyoverlyPhases 2 and 3 seem overly ambitious.PREPOSITIONinThe book is ambitious in scope.

agenda, aim, effort, enterprise, entrepreneur, goal, idea, piece, plan, programme, project, proposal, scale, schedule, scheme, target, undertaking, venture, work

ambivalence

ambivalencenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + ambivalence | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdeep, profoundShe feels a profound ambivalence about her origins.moral, sexualVERB + ambivalencefeelexpress, reflect, showThe document expressed some ambivalence over the doctrine of predestination.resolvePREPOSITIONwith ambivalenceShe viewed her daughter's education with ambivalence.ambivalence abouttheir ambivalence about supporting the governmentambivalence inThere is a sexual ambivalence in her public image.ambivalence overhis ambivalence over moneyambivalence towards/towardShe felt a certain ambivalence towards/toward him.

ambivalent

ambivalentadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, seem, soundremainADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.deeply, highly, profoundlyThe party's position on nuclear weapons is deeply ambivalent.morally, sexuallyIn his latest film, he plays a sexually ambivalent bartender.PREPOSITIONaboutHe feels rather ambivalent about his role as teacher.

Ambivalent is used with these nouns:

attitude, feeling

ambulance

ambulancenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + ambulance | ambulance + VERB | ambulance + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEair, field, landHe had to be flown by air ambulance to a Las Vegas hospital.emergency (esp. BrE)waitingI was put straight into a waiting ambulance and rushed to the hospital.VERB + ambulancecall (for), get, phone (for) (esp. BrE), ring (for) (BrE), telephone (for) (BrE)Quick, call an ambulance!sendAn ambulance was sent to the scene of the accident.load sb into (esp. AmE), put sb in, put sb intoHe was put into an ambulance and taken away.driveambulance + VERBbe on its wayDon't worry—the ambulance is on its way.arrive, comeWhen the ambulance came, I carried her out to it.ambulance + NOUNservice (esp. BrE)crew, personnel (BrE), staff (BrE)driverman, paramedic, technician, worker (all BrE)chief, spokesman (both BrE)station (BrE)trust (BrE)the region's three ambulance trustschaser (figurative, esp. AmE)Her attorney is nothing more then an ambulance chaser.PREPOSITIONby ambulanceShe was rushed to hospital by ambulance.Eloise was taken by ambulance to St Mary's Hospital.in an/the ambulanceHe went in the ambulance with Louise.

ambulatory

ambulatoryadj.

Ambulatory is used with these nouns:

Ambush is used with these nouns as the object:

ambush

ambushnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + ambush | ambush + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeadlyenemyVERB + ambushlay, prepare, set upThe soldiers set up an ambush on the road.carry out, spring, stageThey staged an ambush on an army patrol.be caught in, run into, walk intoWe ran into an ambush in the valley.ambush + VERBtake placePREPOSITIONin an/the ambushTwelve men were killed in the ambush.ambush onan ambush on an army patrolPHRASESlie in ambush, wait in ambushThe soldiers lay in ambush for the enemy troops.

II. verb

convoy, patrol

ameliorate

ameliorateverb

Ameliorate is used with these nouns as the object:

condition, effect, situation

amenable

amenableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, proveseemfind sb/sthrender sthADVERBhighly, most, particularlyThe manager was most amenable. Nothing was too much trouble.PREPOSITIONtoYou should find him amenable to reasonable arguments.

amend

amendverb

Amend is used with these nouns as the object:

act, bill, charter, clause, constitution, law, legislation, statute, treaty

amended

amendedadj.

Amended is used with these nouns:

return, version

amendment

amendmentnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + amendment | amendment + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEimportant, major, significantA major amendment was introduced into the legislation.minor, slight, smalldraft, proposedsubsequentThe States Reorganization Act of 1956 and the subsequent amendments in 1960 and 1966constitutionalbalanced-budget (AmE), budget (esp. AmE)congressional, federal (both in the US)Lords, parliamentary (both in the UK)rebel (BrE)In total 217 MPs backed the rebel amendment opposing the government.Fifth Amendment, First Amendment, etc. (= of the US Constitution)He is simply exercising his First-Amendment rights.VERB + amendmentintroduce, makedraftThe committee does not adequately consult others when drafting amendments.move (BrE), offer (AmE), propose, put forward (esp. BrE), suggest, table (BrE)He moved an amendment limiting capital punishment to certain very serious crimes.addThe Senate added numerous amendments to the bill.withdrawShe withdrew her amendment and left the meeting.repeal (esp. AmE)a call to repeal the 22nd amendment to the Constitutionback, endorse (AmE), supportaccept, adopt, approve, pass, ratify, vote forThe Senate accepted the amendment and the bill was eventually passed.On a free vote, the amendment was carried by 292 votes to 246.oppose, vote againstdefeat, rejectamendment + VERBpass (sth) (esp. AmE)The amendment passed in 2001.The amendment passed the Senate by unanimous consent.ban sth, outlaw sth, prohibit sth (all esp. AmE)a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriageguarantee, protect (both esp. AmE)PREPOSITIONwithout amendmentThe new clause was accepted without amendment.amendment toan amendment to the Clean Water ActThey have proposed an amendment to the federal constitution.

amenity

amenitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + amenityADJECTIVEexcellentbasiclocal (BrE)The campsite is close to all local amenities.moderna hotel with all modern amenitiespublicThe building will be developed as a public amenity.cultural, environmental, leisure (esp. BrE), lifestyle (esp. AmE), natural (esp. AmE), recreational, socialthe diverse cultural amenities of citiesThe building project would be harmful to the environmental amenities of the area.VERB + amenityhaveThe hotel has excellent amenities.offer, provideThey will provide an amenity for local residents.lackAll of the houses lacked basic amenities.improve (esp. BrE)

American

Americanadj.

American is used with these nouns:

football, history, premiere, twang

American-style

American-styleadj.

American-style is used with these nouns:

breakfast

amiable

amiableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, look, seem, soundADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.perfectly (esp. BrE)a perfectly amiable young manenoughI've only met Annie once but she seems amiable enough.

amiably

amiablyadv.

Amiably is used with these verbs:

chat, grin

amicable

amicableadj.

Amicable is used with these nouns:

divorce, parting, settlement

amicably

amicablyadv.

Amicably is used with these verbs:

chat, live, resolve, settle

amino acid

amino acidnoun

Amino acid is used before these nouns:

sequence

ammo

ammonoun

Ammo is used before these nouns:

belt, clip

ammunition

ammunitionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF AMMUNITION | VERB + ammunition | ammunition + NOUNADJECTIVEliveblank (esp. BrE)artillery… OF AMMUNITIONroundVERB + ammunitioncarry, haveloadfire, usebe out of, run out ofA few of the jeeps had run out of ammunition.ammunition + NOUNdepot, dump, store (esp. BrE)

amnesty

amnestynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + amnesty | amnesty + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEblanket (esp. AmE), generalpoliticaltax (esp. AmE)firearms, gun, knife (all BrE)VERB + amnestygive sb, grant, offerThe government granted an amnesty to all political prisoners.announce, declareoppose, supportamnesty + NOUNprogram (AmE)the President's amnesty program for illegal aliensPREPOSITIONamnesty forThey announced a general amnesty for crimes committed during the war.

amniotic

amnioticadj.

Amniotic is used with these nouns:

fluid

amoebic

amoebicadj.

Amoebic is used with these nouns:

dysentery

amorous

amorousadj.

Amorous is used with these nouns:

advance

amount

amountnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + amount | amount + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEconsiderable, copious amounts, enormous, huge, immense, incredible, large, massive, significant, substantial, tremendous, vasta considerable amount of moneyHe drank copious amounts of beer.high, lowexposure to high amounts of oxygenadequate, reasonabledisproportionate, excessive, inordinateincreasingdecent, fair, good (esp. AmE)There was a fair amount of traffic on the roads.certainYou have a certain amount of freedom to explore new techniques.limited, minimal, minute, moderate, negligible, small, tinyfull, totalYou must pay back the full amount of money that you owe.maximum, minimumHe aimed to cause the maximum amount of embarrassment.exactrightThe sauce has just the right amount of salt.equal, equivalentMix the ingredients in equal amounts.an amount equivalent to 3% per annumvaryingTap water also contains varying amounts of rust and grit.VERB + amountdouble, increasedecrease, limit, reduceThey want to limit the amount of cash available.amount + VERBdouble, increaseThe amount of reclaimed glass used in industry has doubled in the last five years.decrease, fallThe average amount of sunshine fell this year.PREPOSITIONamount of

amount to

amount tophr verb

Amount to is used with these nouns as the subject:

arrears, bill, expenditure, sale

Amount to is used with these nouns as the object:

acknowledgement, discrimination, per cent, snub

amp

ampnoun

Amp is used after these nouns:

amphibious

amphibiousadj.

Amphibious is used with these nouns:

assault, force, invasion, ship, vehicle

ample

ampleadj.

Ample is used with these nouns:

bosom, breast, evidence, food, hip, indication, justification, opportunity, parking, precedent, proof, room, scope, space, supply, testimony, warning

amplifier

amplifiernoun

Amplifier is used after these nouns:

amplify

amplifyverb

Amplify is used with these nouns as the subject:

Amplify is used with these nouns as the object:

effect, signal

amply

amplyadv.

Amply is used with these adjectives:

justified

Amply is used with these verbs:

compensate, demonstrate, illustrate, repay, reward, supply

amputate

amputateverb

Amputate is used with these nouns as the object:

arm, leg, limb

amputated

amputatedadj.

Amputated is used with these nouns:

limb

amputation

amputationnoun

Amputation is used after these nouns:

limb

amuse

amuseverb

verbADVERB | VERB + amuse | PREPOSITIONADVERBgreatly, no end (BrE), to no end (AmE)Her discomfort amused him greatly.His impersonation of the President amused me (to) no end.alwaysVERB + amuseseem toThe thought of me on the stage seemed to amuse him.try tonever cease to, never fail toIt never fails to amuse me how excited people can get about winning a game.PREPOSITIONwithHe amused us with his stories.

Amuse is used with these nouns as the subject:

Amused is used with these nouns:

amused

amusedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, look, seem, soundShe looked faintly amused.keep sbHe kept the children amused for hours.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.greatly, highly, much, thoroughly, vastlyHe was much amused by all this talk.not at allI was not at all amused to find they had eaten all the cake.a little, slightly, etc.faintly, mildly, vaguelyclearlyMr Stopes was clearly amused by the confusion.genuinelyquietlyeasilyI am very easily amused.PREPOSITIONatTony was very amused at the story.byShe seemed greatly amused by his jokes.

chuckle, disbelief, expression, eyebrow, glance, grin, laugh, look, smirk, twinkle

amusedly

amusedlyadv.

Amusedly is used with these verbs:

watch

amusement

amusementnoun

noun1 feeling of wanting to laugh2 sth that makes time pass pleasantly1 feeling of wanting to laughADJECTIVE | … OF AMUSEMENT | VERB + amusement | amusement + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreat, much (esp. BrE)faint, mildquietironic, wrygenuine, obvious, realpersonalHe kept the diaries for his own personal amusement.… OF AMUSEMENTglimmerhint, note, traceThere was a note of amusement in her voice.VERB + amusementafford sb (formal), cause (esp. BrE), provideI am happy to have afforded you some amusement.derive, find, getHe seemed to be deriving amusement from her discomfort.showconceal, hideamusement + VERBshowA glimmer of amusement showed in her eyes.PREPOSITIONfor (sb's) amusementWhat do you do for amusement around here?The play was written for the amusement of the other students.in amusementHer wide mouth twitched in amusement.to sb's amusementMuch to their amusement, I couldn't get the door open.with amusementShe chuckled with amusement.PHRASESa source of amusementHis son was a constant source of amusement to him.

2 sth that makes time pass pleasantlyADJECTIVE | amusement + NOUNADJECTIVEpopularShe disapproved of popular amusements such as fairs.amusement + NOUNarcade (BrE), parkan amusement-park ridemachine (BrE)

amusement park

amusement parknoun

Amusement park is used before these nouns:

Amusing is used with these nouns:

amusing

amusingadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, soundfind sth, think sthADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highly, most (esp. BrE), particularlymildly, slightly, vaguely (esp. BrE)PHRASESnot remotely amusing, nothing remotely amusingThere is nothing even remotely amusing about the situation.

anecdote, antics, incident, joke, story

anaesthetic

anaestheticnoun

(BrE) (AmE anesthetic) nounADJECTIVE | VERB + anaesthetic/anesthetic | anaesthetic/anesthetic + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgeneral, localVERB + anaesthetic/anestheticadminister, give sb, injectHe was given a general anaesthetic.A local anaesthetic is injected in an area over your lower spine.useThe operation was completed in ten minutes using only local anaesthetic.haveShe had a local anaesthetic to stop the pain.come around from, come round from (BrE), recover fromanaesthetic/anesthetic + VERBtake effect, workThe anaesthetic began to take effect.wear offPREPOSITIONunder (an/the) anaestheticIt would have to be done under anaesthetic.without (an/the) anaestheticThey had to operate without anaesthetic.

anal

analadj.

Anal is used with these nouns:

intercourse, penetration, sex

analogous

analogousadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeappear, seemADVERBcloselydirectly, exactlybroadly, roughly, somewhat (esp. AmE)The two situations are roughly analogous.PREPOSITIONtoThe company is in a position closely analogous to that of its main rival.withThe national debt is analogous with private debt.

analogue

analogueadj.

Analogue/analog is used with these nouns:

cable, camera, computer, display, input, recording, signal, transmission, video, watch

analogy

analogynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + analogy | analogy + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEappropriate, apt, good, usefulclose, obvious, perfect (esp. AmE)A close analogy with the art of singing can be made.simplebad, falsehistorical, musical, sporting (BrE), sports (AmE), etc.VERB + analogydraw, make, suggest, useShe drew an analogy between running the economy and a housewife's weekly budget.analogy + VERBfit, holdThe Wild West analogy does not fit here.PREPOSITIONby analogy, by analogy to, by analogy withWe can understand this theory by analogy with human beings.analogy betweenShe suggested an analogy between the human heart and a pump.analogy forThe computer is a useful analogy for the brain.analogy withThere is an analogy here with the way an engine works.PHRASESargument by analogy, argument from analogyArgument from analogy is not always valid.

analyse

analyseverb

(BrE) (AmE analyze) verbADVERB | VERB + analyse/analyzeADVERBcarefully, critically, fully, in depth, in detail, painstakingly, systematicallyThe results must be analysed in detail.quantitatively, statisticallyVERB + analyse/analyzeattempt to, try tobe difficult to, be impossible toThe precise reasons for the disaster are difficult to analyse.be possible to

Analyse is used with these nouns as the subject:

researcher

Analyse is used with these nouns as the object:

relation, relationship, role

analysis

analysisnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + analysis | analysis + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcareful, close, comprehensive, detailed, in-depth, serious, systematic, thoroughbriefobjectivecomparative, critical, qualitative, quantitative, statistical, theoreticalWe performed a comparative analysis of genes from different species.cost-benefit, critical, economic, financial, historical, legal, linguistic, political, strategic, structuralcontent, data, discourseResearchers identified themes from the content analysis of interviews.chemical, genetic, sequencea DNA sequence analysisVERB + analysiscarry out, conduct (esp. AmE), do, make, perform (esp. BrE)They carried out an in-depth analysis of the results.give (sb)She gave a brief analysis of the present economic situation.He gave me a fascinating analysis of the sport's history.analysis + VERBindicate sth, reveal sth, show sthAnalysis of the wine showed that it contained dangerous additives.PREPOSITIONin an/the analysisIn his analysis of the novel he discusses various aspects of the author's own life.PHRASESin the final analysis, in the last analysisIn the final analysis, the people were stronger than the generals.

analyst

analystnoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEleading, principal, senior (esp. AmE)a leading business analystbusiness, computer, data, financial, industry, intelligence, investment, legal (esp. AmE), market, media, military, policy, political, research (esp. AmE), retail, security, systemsCIA, Wall Street, etc.PREPOSITIONanalyst ofHe was a shrewd analyst of players' strengths and weaknesses.

analytic

analyticadj.

Analytic is used with these nouns:

method, philosopher, philosophy

analytical

analyticaladj.

Analytical is used with these nouns:

approach, brain, capability, chemist, chemistry, framework, method, mind, precision, rigour, skill, technique, thinking, thought, tool

analytically

analyticallyadv.

Analytically is used with these adjectives:

distinct

anaphoric

anaphoricadj.

Anaphoric is used with these nouns:

pronoun

anaphylactic

anaphylacticadj.

Anaphylactic is used with these nouns:

shock

anarchy

anarchynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + anarchy | anarchy + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEcomplete, totalnear, virtualThe high number of strikes resulted in near anarchy.moralinternationalVERB + anarchybring, cause, create, lead to, result inThe defeat of the government would lead to anarchy.collapse into, descend into, slide intoIf prices rise, the country could slide into anarchy.prevent, save sth fromThe parties joined forces to save the country from anarchy.anarchy + VERBreignAnarchy reigned in the countryside as bandits attacked government convoys.PHRASESthe brink of anarchy, the edge of anarchyThe strikes brought the city to the brink of anarchy.

anatomical

anatomicaladj.

Anatomical is used with these nouns:

structure

anatomically

anatomicallyadv.

Anatomically is used with these adjectives:

correct, distinct

anatomy

anatomynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + anatomy | PHRASESADJECTIVEanimal, humanfemale, malecomparativeVERB + anatomystudyI'm studying human anatomy.PHRASESa part of your anatomy (often humorous)He was hit in a rather sensitive part of his anatomy.anatomy and physiologya college-level course in anatomy and physiology

ancestor

ancestornoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + ancestorADJECTIVEdirectThe builder of the house was a direct ancestor of the present owner.immediateancient, distant, early, remotea distant ancestor of mineOur earliest ancestors lived in a world fraught with danger.commonThe two species share a common ancestor.ape-like, humanillustriousThe Romans built these monuments to glorify their illustrious ancestors.literary, spiritual, etc. (figurative)He claims as his literary ancestors such giants as Henry James and William Faulkner.VERB + ancestorbe descended from, have, shareA lot of the people there are descended from a common ancestor.trace (esp. BrE)He can trace his ancestors back to the reign of Elizabeth I.honour/honorThey honour/honor their ancestors and believe in the spirits of nature.

ancestral

ancestraladj.

Ancestral is used with these nouns:

home, homeland, house, land, past, shrine, spirit, tradition

ancestry

ancestrynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + ancestry | ancestry + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEcommon, sharedThe two species have developed from a common ancestry.African, Japanese, etc.VERB + ancestryclaim, have, shareHumans share a common ancestry with chimpanzees.traceWe can trace our ancestry back to the 17th century.ancestry + VERBgo back toThe company claims an ancestry going back to 1727.PHRASESbe of Irish, German, etc. ancestryHe is of Chinese ancestry.

anchor

anchornounverb

I. nounVERB + anchor | PREPOSITIONVERB + anchorcast, drop, lowerThe ship cast anchor in the bay.We dropped anchor off a small island.raise, weighWe raised the anchor and set sail.We weighed anchor next morning and sailed south.lie at, ride atThe ship lay at anchor in the bay.PREPOSITIONat anchorthe ships at anchor in the bay

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBfirmly, securely, wellThe crane is securely anchored at two points.PREPOSITIONtoThe ropes were anchored to the rocks.

Anchor is used with these nouns as the subject:

ship

Anchor is used with these nouns as the object:

boat, vessel

anchovy

anchovynoun

Anchovy is used before these nouns:

fillet

ancient

ancientadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, lookADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.incrediblypositivelyThe man looked positively ancient.

Ancient is used with these nouns:

ancestor, art, belief, building, castle, city, civilization, craft, culture, curse, custom, dynasty, empire, enemy, festival, forest, goddess, Greek, Hebrew, heritage, historian, history, homeland, kingdom, language, legend, magic, manor, manuscript, monastery, monument, mystery, myth, mythology, nation, origin, palace, past, philosopher, philosophy, prophecy, relic, religion, remains, remedy, ritual, rivalry, ruin, scripture, sculpture, settlement, shrine, site, statue, superstition, symbol, tablet, teaching, temple, text, time, tower, town, track, tradition, treasure, truth, university, village, warrior, wisdom, wood, world, writer, writing

ancillary

ancillaryadj.

Ancillary is used with these nouns:

staff

anecdotal

anecdotaladj.

Anecdotal is used with these nouns:

evidence, information, report

anecdote

anecdotenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + anecdote | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEamusing, entertaining, humorous, interestingtellingThe biographer provides a telling anecdote about the President's actions at this time.personalVERB + anecdoterecount, relate, tellShe is good at telling anecdotes.exchange, share, swapPREPOSITIONanecdote aboutWe swapped anecdotes about old friends.

aneroid

aneroidadj.

Aneroid is used with these nouns:

barometer

anesthetic

anestheticnoun

noun (AmE) See anaesthetic

anew

anewadv.

Anew is used with these verbs:

begin

angel

angelnoun

noun1 heavenly being2 good/kind person1 heavenly beingADJECTIVE | … OF ANGELS | VERB + angel | angel + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEguardianavengingHe liked to think of himself as an avenging angel fighting for justice.fallena book about anti-heroes and fallen angelssnow (AmE)We lay back in the snow and made snow angels.… OF ANGELSchoir, hosta whole host of angelsVERB + angellook likeShe looks like an angel.angel + NOUNwingsShe wore a white costume with big furry angel wings.PHRASESthe face of an angel, the voice of an angela singer who has the voice of an angel

2 good/kind personADJECTIVE | angel + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEabsolute, little, perfect (esp. AmE)Deborah's children are little angels.ministeringI could hardly see Lisa in the role of ministering angel.angel + NOUNinvestorAn angel investor provided the start-up capital.PHRASESbe an angel (esp. BrE)Be an angel and make the tea, will you?be no angelI'm no angel, but I wouldn't dream of doing a thing like that.

angelic

angelicadj.

Angelic is used with these nouns:

anger

angernounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | … OF ANGER | VERB + anger | anger + VERB | anger + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbitter, deep, fierce, great, intense, seethinggenuine, realgrowing, mounting, risingmounting anger among teachers and parentssuddenrighteousCatherine appeared in the doorway, shaking with righteous anger.controlled, pent-up, suppressedpopular, publicwidespread (esp. BrE)… OF ANGERburst, fit, flash, outburstHe slammed the door in a fit of anger.She felt a brief flash of anger.VERB + angerbe filled with, feel, seethe with, shake with, tremble withHis eyes were filled with anger.She was trembling with anger.express, release, show, vent, voiceChildren express their anger in various ways.channel, directHe tried to channel his anger into political activism.Much of the public's anger was directed at the government.control, hide, suppressIt is not healthy to suppress your anger.arouse, cause, fuel, provoke, stir upHis words only served to fuel her anger.change to, give way to, turn into, turn toHis joy soon turned to anger when he heard the full story.anger + VERBboil over, boil up, bubble up, build up, flare, flare up, grow, mount, rise, well upHank stood up, his anger rising.abate, drain, evaporate, fade, subsideThe anger drained from his face.Her anger subsided as quickly as it had flared up.anger + NOUNmanagementYou could probably benefit from anger management classes.PREPOSITIONin angerHe raised his voice in anger.with angerHis face was flushed with anger.anger againsther feelings of anger against the murdereranger atI felt a sudden anger at his suggestion.anger overThere is much anger over plans to close the hospital.anger towards/towardher anger towards/toward her parentsPHRASESa feeling of angerin a moment of angerHe had walked out in a moment of anger.

II. verbADVERBADVERBdeeply, greatlyI was deeply angered by their lack of concern.easilyHe is not easily angered.

angle

anglenoun

noun1 space between lines/surfaces that meet2 position from which you look at or consider sth1 space between lines/surfaces that meetADJECTIVE | VERB + angle | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEacute, oblique, obtuse, right45-degree, 90-degree, etc.external, internalnarrow, sharp, steepThe plane started descending at a steep angle.shallow, slight, wideThe instrument has a wide angle of view.awkward, crazy, odd, unnatural, weirdThe calf's legs were splayed out at awkward angles.jauntyHe wore his hat at a jaunty angle.VERB + angleform, makeThe vertical line makes an angle with the horizontal line.drawDraw a 130° angle in your notebooks.adjust, alter, changeShe adjusted the angle of the legs to make the table stand more firmly.increase, reducecalculate, measuremove through, rotate throughEach joint can move through an angle of 90°.PREPOSITIONat an angleThe tower of Pisa leans at an angle.angle betweenthe angle between these two lines

2 position from which you look at or consider sthADJECTIVE | VERB + angle | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEinteresting, strange, unusualThe subject is considered from an unusual angle.cameraThe variety of camera angles gives her photographs interest.viewingVERB + angletakeHe took a different angle on the story.PREPOSITIONfrom an angleSeeing herself from this angle, she realized how much like her mother she looked.PHRASESangle of visionHow you see the building depends on your angle of vision.from all angles, from every conceivable angle, from every possible angleYou need to consider the question from all angles.We've looked at the problem from every possible angle but still haven't found a solution.

angled

angledadj.

Angled is used with these nouns:

Anglican

Anglicanadj.

Anglican is used with these nouns:

archbishop, bishop, cathedral, priest

Anglo-Saxon

Anglo-Saxonadj.

Anglo-Saxon is used with these nouns:

archaeology

angora

angoranoun

Angora is used before these nouns:

sweater

angrily

angrilyadv.

Angrily is used with these verbs:

accuse, ask, bark, blush, confront, cry, curse, demand, denounce, deny, exclaim, flash, flush, glare, glint, growl, grunt, hiss, interrupt, look, mumble, mutter, protest, push, react, reply, respond, retort, say, scowl, shout, sigh, slam, snap, snarl, snort, stride, throw, whisper, yell

angry

angryadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSappear, be, feel, look, seem, soundbecome, get, grow, turn (esp. AmE)remain, stayShe couldn't stay angry with him for long.get sb (esp. AmE), make sbThat man makes me angry every time I see him.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.bitterly, furiously, incredibly, terriblya little, slightly, etc.increasinglysuddenlyclearly, visiblyunderstandablyThey are understandably angry that some workers will be fired.PREPOSITIONaboutLocal people are very angry about the plans to close another hospital.atThe members of the group are frustrated and angry at their lack of power.withI got terribly angry with him.PHRASEShave every reason to be angry, have every right to be angry, have a right to be angryShe had every right to be angry about the damage to the house.have no reason to be angry, have no right to be angry

Angry is used with these nouns:

bee, bellow, buzz, clash, crowd, customer, demonstrator, denunciation, email, exchange, expression, eye, face, fist, frown, frustration, gaze, gesture, glance, glare, growl, grunt, letter, look, meeting, mob, murmur, outburst, parent, protest, protester, reaction, response, retort, roar, scene, scowl, shout, tear, tone, voice, word

angst-ridden

angst-riddenadj.

Angst-ridden is used with these nouns:

anguish

anguishnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + anguish | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbitter, deep, great, realinner, personal, privateemotional, mental, physical, spiritualVERB + anguishcauseThe loss of a pet can cause some people real anguish.experience, feel, sufferHe suffered the anguish of watching his son go to prison.PREPOSITIONin (sb's) anguishto cry out/groan/scream in anguishIn her anguish, she turned to her father for help.with anguishHis mouth felt dry with anguish.anguish at, anguish overhis anguish at the death of his sonPHRASESa cry of anguish, a scream of anguishpain and anguishAll the pain and anguish inside her rose like a tidal wave.

anguished

anguishedadj.

Anguished is used with these nouns:

cry, wail

angular

angularadj.

Angular is used with these nouns:

feature, shape

animal

animalnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + animal | animal + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEdead, live, livingthe export of live animals for slaughtercold-blooded, warm-bloodedhigher, lowerdumbstuffedglass cases of stuffed animalsShe sleeps with lots of stuffed animals.furrydangerousendangered, rareextinctsocial, solitarytameferal, stray, wildexoticnon-human (technical)research with humans and non-human animalscaged, trapped, wounded (often figurative)He was pacing the room like a caged animal.barnyard (AmE), companion, domestic, domesticated, farm, lab (informal, esp. AmE), laboratory, zooaquatic, forest, land, marinedraught/draft, packpack animals such as mulesVERB + animalhave, keepIn court he was banned from keeping animals.breed, raise, rear (esp. BrE)animals bred in captivitycloneMost cloned animals die at a premature age.feedThe animals were fed only on pasture.tame, trainThis animal can be trained to follow simple orders.hunt, trapbutcher, kill, slaughtersacrificeanimal + NOUNlife, speciesbehaviour/behavior, instinctloverhusbandryexperimentation, experiments, testing, testsprotests against animal experimentscrueltyrights, welfarefat, productsPHRASESthe animal kingdom, the animal worldthe wonders of the animal kingdoma species of animal

II. adj.

Animal is used with these nouns:

cunning, instinct, lust, magnetism, passion

animal rights

animal rightsnoun

Animal rights is used before these nouns:

protester

animated

animatedadj.

Animated is used with these nouns:

cartoon, character, conversation, discussion, face, film, movie, sequence, series, show, video

animatedly

animatedlyadv.

Animatedly is used with these verbs:

chat, talk

animation

animationnoun

Animation is used before these nouns:

art, studio

Animation is used after these nouns:

anime

animenoun

Anime is used before these nouns:

series

animosity

animositynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + animosity | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpersonallong-standingVERB + animositybear, feel, have, hold (esp. AmE)Despite everything, she bore her former boss no animosity.arouse, create, stir upPREPOSITIONwithout animosityThey managed to discuss their past disagreements without animosity.animosity betweenThe two rivals for party leadership insist that there is no animosity between them.animosity towards/towardI feel no animosity towards/toward the military.

ankle

anklenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + ankle | ankle + NOUNADJECTIVEbad, broken, injured, sprained, swollen, twistedI had a broken ankle.slender, slim, well-turnedShe has long legs and slender ankles.VERB + anklebreak, fracture, hurt, injure, sprain, turn, twistankle + NOUNinjury, sprainbone, joint, ligamentboots, socks (BrE)bracelet

ankle-length

ankle-lengthadj.

Ankle-length is used with these nouns:

dress, skirt

annex

annexverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBformally, officiallyThe region was formally annexed in 1892.illegallyPREPOSITIONtoThe territory had been annexed to Poland.

Annex is used with these nouns as the object:

territory

annexed

annexedadj.

Annexed is used with these nouns:

territory

annihilation

annihilationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + annihilationADJECTIVEcomplete, totalnuclearVERB + annihilationfaceThey were to surrender immediately or face total annihilation.threaten, threaten sb/sth withThe two superpowers threatened each other with nuclear annihilation.avoid, escape

anniversary

anniversarynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + anniversary | anniversary + VERB | anniversary + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfirst, second, etc.weddingdiamond, golden, silver, etc.The event celebrates its silver anniversary this summer.VERB + anniversarycelebrate, commemorate, honour/honor (esp. AmE), markThey held celebrations to mark the anniversary of Mozart's death.anniversary + VERBbe, fallThe anniversary of the founding of the charity falls in November.approach, come upOur 20th anniversary is coming up.anniversary + NOUNcelebration, partyedition, issuethe 100th anniversary edition of this classic novelyearthe 200th anniversary year of Darwin's birthPREPOSITIONanniversary ofthe anniversary of their son's deathon an/the anniversaryon the 20th anniversary of his deathHe bought her a diamond ring on their tenth wedding anniversary.

annotate

annotateverb

Annotate is used with these nouns as the object:

text

annotated

annotatedadj.

Annotated is used with these nouns:

bibliography

announce

announceverb

verbADVERB | VERB + announce | PREPOSITIONADVERBformally, officially, publiclyhappily, proudly, triumphantlyThe company proudly announced the launch of its new range of cars.loudly‘I'm hungry!’ he loudly announced.VERB + announcebe expected to, expect toWe expect to announce details of the plan later this week.be delighted to, be pleased to, be proud toMr and Mrs James are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Louise.regret toWe regret to announce the death of our chairman, Tony Rossi.PREPOSITIONtoHe announced to the crowd that the war was over.

Announce is used with these nouns as the subject:

email, government, headline, letter, loudspeaker, minister, newspaper, president, proclamation, radio, sign

Announce is used with these nouns as the object:

alliance, allocation, amnesty, appointment, arrival, award, birth, cancellation, ceasefire, closure, crackdown, creation, cut, cutback, date, deal, decision, departure, discovery, dividend, earnings, end, engagement, enquiry, establishment, finding, freeze, improvement, increase, indictment, initiative, intention, introduction, launch, merger, moratorium, move, news, plan, postponement, promotion, reduction, redundancy, release, reorganization, resignation, result, retirement, return, review, revision, sale, scheme, shortlist, squad, support, verdict, victory, visit, willingness, winner, withdrawal, work

announcement

announcementnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + announcement | announcement + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEformal, officialpublicpublic-service (AmE)They placed public-service announcements on TV about bullying.governmentdramatic, startling, stunning, surprise, surprisingPhillips issued his surprise announcement after two hours of talks.earnings, merger (both esp. AmE)His resignation follows a disappointing earnings announcement by the company.birth, retirement, wedding (all AmE)We can produce personalized birth announcements.VERB + announcementissue, makeWe will make a formal announcement tomorrow.greet, welcomeThe announcement of the ceasefire was greeted with relief.await, expectWe are still awaiting an announcement on the possible closure of the plant.hearWe heard a security announcement.delayHe wanted to delay the announcement until after the holidays.announcement + VERBcomeThe announcement of further job losses comes at a bad time.PREPOSITIONin a/the announcementIn an announcement to the press, the spokesperson said that the peace negotiations would continue.announcement aboutan official announcement about the disasterannouncement by, announcement froman announcement from the president

announcer

announcernoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEcontinuity (BrE), radio, television, TVThe TV announcer warned that trains were running late.baseball, basketball, sports, etc. (esp. AmE)public address (abbreviated to PA)The PA announcer called out the score.

annoy

annoyverb

verbADVERB | VERB + annoy | PHRASESADVERBintensely, reallyHis air of calm superiority annoyed her intensely.It really annoys me when people forget to say thank you.VERB + annoybe beginning to, be starting toThe wasps were beginning to annoy me.PHRASESdo sth just to annoy sb, do sth only to annoy sbI only stay out late to annoy my parents.

annoyance

annoyancenoun

noun1 feeling of being annoyed2 thing that annoys1 feeling of being annoyedADJECTIVE | … OF ANNOYANCE | VERB + annoyance | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreat, intenseA look of intense annoyance crossed his face.obviousShe tapped the table with her pen in obvious annoyance.mild, slightHe had a look of mild annoyance on his face.mockShe rolled her eyes in mock annoyance.pure, sheer, utterHe wore an expression of pure annoyance.… OF ANNOYANCEflickerA flicker of annoyance crossed his face.VERB + annoyancecauseHe had been causing annoyance to the other guests.feelI felt some annoyance when he told me his plans.express, showShe tried not to show her annoyance.hidePREPOSITIONin annoyanceHe shook his head in annoyance.with annoyanceHer cheeks flushed with annoyance.annoyance at, annoyance over, annoyance withher annoyance with him over his failure to cooperatePHRASESa look of annoyanceThere was a look of annoyance on his face.to sb's annoyance, much to sb's annoyanceI dropped out of college, much to the annoyance of my parents.

2 thing that annoysADJECTIVEADJECTIVEminor, pettyA leaking roof is just one of life's petty annoyances.

annoyed

annoyedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, look, seem, soundbecome, getmake sbHis attitude made me extremely annoyed.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highlythoroughlyincreasinglya little, slightly, etc.mildly, vaguelyclearly, obviously, visiblyPREPOSITIONaboutI was a little annoyed about the whole thing.atWe enjoyed the game but were rather annoyed at being beaten.byI was annoyed by her remarks.withLianne felt slightly annoyed with herself.

Annoyed is used with these nouns:

expression, groan, grunt, look, sigh, tone, voice

annoying

annoyingadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, provebecome, getPlease stop making that noise—it's getting annoying.make sthfind sthI found it really annoying not to be able to communicate.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highly, incredibly, etc.a little, slightly, etc.mildlyespecially, particularlyPREPOSITIONtoThe background hum of the fan may be annoying to some users.

Annoying is used with these nouns:

bug, buzz, habit, problem, quirk, sister, thing, voice

annoyingly

annoyinglyadv.

Annoyingly is used with these adjectives:

loud, smug

annual

annualadj.

Annual is used with these nouns:

allowance, average, award, banquet, basis, bonus, budget, catch, charge, check, check-up, conference, congress, consumption, contribution, convention, cost, cycle, dinner, dividend, earnings, estimate, evaluation, event, examination, excursion, exhibition, expenditure, expense, fair, fee, festival, fixture, flow, fluctuation, forecast, funding, gain, gala, gathering, grant, holiday, import, incidence, income, increase, inspection, instalment, intake, interest, leave, lecture, limit, loss, lunch, luncheon, maintenance, meeting, membership, migration, mileage, outing, output, parade, payment, pension, physical, pilgrimage, premium, presentation, production, profit, quota, rainfall, rate, receipt, register, renewal, rent, rental, report, requirement, retreat, return, reunion, revenue, review, rise, salary, sale, seminar, show, snowfall, spending, statistics, subscriber, subscription, subsidy, sum, summit, survey, target, temperature, total, trip, turnover, vacation, variation, visit, visitor, wage, weed

annualized

annualizedadj.

Annualized is used with these nouns:

return

annually

annuallyadv.

Annually is used with these verbs:

award, elect, inspect, perform, produce, renew, review, spend, update

annul

annulverb

Annul is used with these nouns as the object:

anoint

anointverb

Anoint is used with these nouns as the object:

king

anointed

anointedadj.

Anointed is used with these nouns:

king

anonymity

anonymitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + anonymityADJECTIVEcomplete, totalrelativeThis Canadian author has chosen to live in relative anonymity on a Pacific island.VERB + anonymityassure, ensure, guaranteemaintain, preserve, protectOur company promises to preserve the anonymity of all its clients.demand, insist on, prefer, request, seekSome people prefer the anonymity of life in a big city.

anonymous

anonymousadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbebecomeremain, stayADVERBcompletely, entirely (esp. BrE), totallylargely, relativelythe largely anonymous perpetrators of terrorist actsPHRASESprefer to remain anonymous, wish to remain anonymousMy client wishes to remain anonymous.

Anonymous is used with these nouns:

author, benefactor, call, donation, donor, editorial, letter, message, poem, quote, report, sex, source, tip, tip-off, writer

anonymously

anonymouslyadv.

Anonymously is used with these verbs:

publish, write

answer

answernounverb

I. noun1 sth that you say/write/do as a reply2 solution to a problem3 to questions in a test/competition1 sth that you say/write/do as a replyADJECTIVE | VERB + answer | answer + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbrief, one-word, quick, shortThe short answer to your question is that he has acted completely illegally.blunt, direct, straight, straightforwardI expect a straight answer to a straight question.cleardetailed, full, precisedefiniteI cannot give you a definite answer just yet.immediatefinalaffirmative, positivenegativehonest, truthfulseriousreal, reasonable, satisfactory, sensibleunclear, vagueVERB + answerget, have, receiveDid you ever get an answer to your letter?demand, wantI want some answers before I agree to anything.needawait, wait forexpectHe was clearly expecting a different answer.deserveThe question deserves a proper answer.give sb, offer, provide, supplyPlease give her your answer, so she can make the necessary arrangements.We can provide answers to any questions you may have about the system.formulateI struggled to formulate an answer.guess, knowI think you can guess the answer—they won't lend us the money.dread, fear‘Is it true?’ she asked, dreading the answer.hearHe left without waiting to hear her answer.answer + VERBcomeShe pounded on the door, but no answer came.PREPOSITIONin answer toIn answer to your question, I can only say that we did not find her work of a satisfactory standard.answer toher answer to his question

2 solution to a problemADJECTIVE | VERB + answer | answer + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEeasy, instant, pat, ready, simple, straightforwardThere are no easy, pat answers.clear, clear-cut, obviousThe obvious answer would be to cancel the party.logical, plausible, reasonable, sensibleadequate, real, satisfactorycomplete, convincing, definitive, effective, good, perfectlong-termpartialVERB + answerhave, knowWe are aware of this problem, but we do not have the answer.look for, seekarrive at, come up with, discover, findWe have arrived at an answer which we hope will satisfy everyone.give sb, offer, provide, suggest, yieldIf you really want to save time, this machine will provide the answer.answer + VERBcome to sbThe answer came to him in a flash.depend on sth, lie in sthThe answer lies in a combination of factors.PREPOSITIONanswer toThere is no easy answer to the problem.PHRASEShave all the answers, know all the answersHe's so arrogant, he thinks he knows all the answers.

3 to questions in a test/competitionADJECTIVE | VERB + answer | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEacceptable, appropriate, correct, rightincorrect, wrongwrittenThis part of the exam requires a written answer.long, short (both esp. AmE)the short-answer section of the testVERB + answergive, submitguessIt's not worth guessing the answer, as you may lose points.knowfindThe students are allowed to use textbooks to find the right answer.print, writePlease print the answers to questions 1 and 2.PREPOSITIONanswer toDo you know the answer to the question?

II. verbADVERBADVERBaffirmatively, in the affirmativeShe answered in the affirmative.in the negative, negativelyhonestly, truthfullyHe tried to answer as honestly as he could.correctlyfullyWhat he told me does not fully answer the question of what his motives were.satisfactorilyevasively, vaguely (esp. AmE)confidently, firmlyimmediately, promptly, quicklyfinallyhesitantly (esp. AmE), nervously, slowlycoldly, coolly, curtly, shortlybluntly, flatlycalmly, matter-of-factlyquietly, softlysimplyShe answered simply, ‘No.’drily, sarcasticallypolitelycasually, nonchalantlycheerfullysheepishly

Answer is used with these nouns as the subject:

Answer is used with these nouns as the object:

ad, advert, advertisement, allegation, bell, call, challenge, charge, correspondence, critic, criticism, door, doorbell, email, enquiry, knock, letter, mail, objection, phone, prayer, query, question, request, summons, telephone, yes

answering machine

answering machinenoun

Answering machine is used before these nouns:

answerphone

answerphonenoun

Answerphone is used before these nouns:

ant

antnoun

Ant is used before these nouns:

colony, mound

antagonism

antagonismnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + antagonism | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgreat, strong (esp. AmE)mutualclass, personal, racialVERB + antagonismfeel, haveShe felt nothing but antagonism towards/toward her boss.He seems to have an antagonism to the local people.expressarouse, cause, create, lead toThe new rules will create a lot of antagonism.PREPOSITIONantagonism betweenthe antagonism between the two brothersantagonism toan attitude of antagonism to the legal professionantagonism towards/towardher antagonism towards/toward her mother

Antarctic

Antarcticadj.

Antarctic is used with these nouns:

circle, expedition, explorer, water

antebellum

antebellumadj.

Antebellum is used with these nouns:

era, slavery

antenatal

antenataladj.

Antenatal is used with these nouns:

care, clinic

antenna

antennanoun

noun1 of an insect2 (esp. AmE) for radio, TV, etc.1 of an insectantenna + VERBantenna + VERBquiver, twitch (often figurative)Certain words make reporters' antennae quiver.

2 (esp. AmE) for radio, TV, etc.See also aerialADJECTIVE | VERB + antennaADJECTIVEradio, television, TVGPS, microwave, radar, satellite (all BrE, AmE)dish (BrE, AmE)Wi-Fi, wireless (both BrE, AmE)rooftopVERB + antennainstall, mountThey installed a dish antenna on the roof.

anterioradj.

Anterior is used with these nouns:

part

anthem

anthemnoun

Anthem is used after these nouns:

anthology

anthologynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + anthology | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEliteraryhorror, poetry, short-story, etc.VERB + anthologycompile, edit, publish, put togetherWe have put together an anthology of children's poetry.PREPOSITIONin an/the anthologyThe essay first appeared in an anthology of feminist criticism.anthology of

anthropological

anthropologicaladj.

Anthropological is used with these nouns:

study

anthropology

anthropologynoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEcultural, linguistic, social, etc.Social anthropology examines family relationships in detail.

anti-abortion

anti-abortionadj.

Anti-abortion is used with these nouns:

extremist, legislation, lobby, movement

anti-aircraft

anti-aircraftadj.

Anti-aircraft is used with these nouns:

artillery, battery, fire, gun, missile, rocket, shell, weapon

anti-American

anti-Americanadj.

Anti-American is used with these nouns:

backlash, propaganda, riot, sentiment, terrorism

antibacterial

antibacterialadj.

Antibacterial is used with these nouns:

soap

anti-ballistic

anti-ballisticadj.

Anti-ballistic is used with these nouns:

Antibiotic is used with these nouns:

antibiotic

antibioticnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | … OF ANTIBIOTICS | VERB + antibiotic | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEeffectiveoralbroad-spectrum… OF ANTIBIOTICScourse, doseThe doctor put her on a course of antibiotics.VERB + antibioticbe on, takeDid you remember to take your antibiotics?be given, receiveMeat from animals that receive antibiotics could not be classified as organic.administer, give sb, prescribe, put sb on, treat sth withThe doctor prescribed antibiotics.overprescribe, overusePREPOSITIONantibiotic forI got an antibiotic for my ear infection.

II. adj.

cream, regimen, resistance, treatment

antibiotic-resistant

antibiotic-resistantadj.

Antibiotic-resistant is used with these nouns:

strain

antibody

antibodynoun

Antibody is used before these nouns:

production, response

Antibody is used after these nouns:

HIV

anti-cancer

anti-canceradj.

Anti-cancer is used with these nouns:

Anticipate is used with these nouns as the object:

anticipate

anticipateverb

verbPHRASESPHRASESbe eagerly anticipated, be highly anticipated, be hotly anticipated, be keenly anticipated (esp. BrE)one of the most eagerly anticipated arts events of the yearbe widely anticipatedIt is widely anticipated that she will resign.

arrival, disaster, move, problem, release, return, worst

anticipated

anticipatedadj.

Anticipated is used with these nouns:

outcome

anticipation

anticipationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + anticipation | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreat, keen (esp. BrE)breathless, eager, excitedWe look forward to your lecture with eager anticipation.Following weeks of breathless anticipation, the winner was announced.anxious, nervousgrowingThere is growing anticipation that the chairman will have to resign.VERB + anticipationbe full ofWe are full of anticipation, and can't wait to visit you.heightenThese brief glimpses heightened their anticipation of when they could be together.PREPOSITIONin anticipation ofPeople are buying extra groceries in anticipation of heavy snowstorms.PHRASESa feeling of anticipation, a sense of anticipationThere was a sense of anticipation in the audience as the curtain went up for the premiere.a shiver of anticipation, a thrill of anticipationThe unexpected news sent a thrill of anticipation through the group.

anticlockwise

anticlockwiseadj.

Anticlockwise is used with these nouns:

direction, motion

anti-communist

anti-communistadj.

Anti-communist is used with these nouns:

hysteria, paranoia

anti-corruption

anti-corruptionadj.

Anti-corruption is used with these nouns:

campaign, drive

antics

anticsnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + anticsADJECTIVEamusing, crazy, playfulwacky, zany (both informal, esp. AmE)childishVERB + anticsget up to (esp. BrE), performThe youngsters got up to all sorts of amusing antics.a comic who performs wacky antics on his TV showbe amused by, enjoy, laugh at, smile atShe was laughing at his antics.

anti-dandruff

anti-dandruffadj.

Anti-dandruff is used with these nouns:

shampoo

antidepressant

antidepressantnounadj.

I. noun

Antidepressant is used before these nouns:

prescription

II. adj.

Antidepressant is used with these nouns:

medication

anti-discrimination

anti-discriminationadj.

Anti-discrimination is used with these nouns:

legislation

antidote

antidotenoun

noun1 against poison/disease2 thing that takes away the effects of sth unpleasant1 against poison/diseaseADJECTIVE | VERB + antidote | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEeffectivenaturalVERB + antidoteadminister, giveThe doctor administered an antidote.PREPOSITIONantidote forQuinine is a natural antidote for this fever.antidote toWe do not have an effective antidote to this poison.

2 thing that takes away the effects of sth unpleasantADJECTIVE | VERB + antidote | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEeffective, good, perfect, potent, powerfulbracing, refreshing, welcomeVERB + antidoteact as, serve asoffer, provideThe resort offers the perfect antidote to the pressures of modern life.PREPOSITIONantidote forI think that stricter punishment is the best antidote for crime.antidote toCreative activity serves as an effective antidote to depression.

anti-drug

anti-drugadj.

Anti-drug is used with these nouns:

campaign, drive, message, task force

anti-drugs

anti-drugsadj.

Anti-drugs is used with these nouns:

anti-feminist

anti-feministadj.

Anti-feminist is used with these nouns:

backlash

anti-fungal

anti-fungaladj.

Anti-fungal is used with these nouns:

cream

anti-gay

anti-gayadj.

Anti-gay is used with these nouns:

prejudice, slur, violence

anti-globalization

anti-globalizationadj.

Anti-globalization is used with these nouns:

movement, protester

anti-government

anti-governmentadj.

Anti-government is used with these nouns:

demonstrator, faction, protest, protester, rally, rebel, sentiment, slogan

anti-hunt

anti-huntadj.

Anti-hunt is used with these nouns:

lobby

anti-inflammatory

anti-inflammatoryadj.

Anti-inflammatory is used with these nouns:

drug, medication, medicine

anti-inflationary

anti-inflationaryadj.

Anti-inflationary is used with these nouns:

anti-lock

anti-lockadj.

Anti-lock is used with these nouns:

brake

anti-malarial

anti-malarialadj.

Anti-malarial is used with these nouns:

anti-missile

anti-missileadj.

Anti-missile is used with these nouns:

defence

anti-nuclear

anti-nuclearadj.

Anti-nuclear is used with these nouns:

antioxidant

antioxidantnoun

Antioxidant is used before these nouns:

vitamin

antipathy

antipathynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + antipathy | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdeep, stronggrowingmutualThey have a mutual antipathy to each other.personalDespite his personal antipathy to me, he was still able to be polite.naturala natural antipathy for people in authorityVERB + antipathyfeel, haveexpressPREPOSITIONantipathy betweenThere was a lot of antipathy between the two doctors.antipathy forhis antipathy for his bossantipathy to, antipathy towards/towardI feel a profound antipathy to using any weapon.His antipathy towards/toward swimming dates back to childhood.

anti-personnel

anti-personneladj.

Anti-personnel is used with these nouns:

mine

antique

antiquenounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + antique | antique + NOUNADJECTIVEfinegenuineprecious, priceless, valuableVERB + antiquecollectantique + NOUNdealerantique shop, antiques store (AmE)antiques fair

II. adj.

Antique is used with these nouns:

chair, coin, collector, dealer, desk, furniture, jewellery, market, mirror, quilt, shop, watch

antiquity

antiquitynoun

noun1 ancient times2 a work of art, etc. from ancient times3 great age1 ancient timesADJECTIVE | VERB + antiquity | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEclassical, Greek, Roman, etc.legends from Greek antiquitylateremoteVERB + antiquitydate back to, go back to, survive frombe lost inThe origins of this ancient structure are lost in antiquity.PREPOSITIONfrom antiquitya study of urban life from antiquity to the present dayin antiquityvases that were manufactured in late classical antiquity

2 a work of art, etc. from ancient timesADJECTIVE | VERB + antiquity | ANTIQUITIES + NOUNADJECTIVEclassical, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, etc.pricelesslooted, stolenVERB + antiquitycollectHe collects Egyptian antiquities.ANTIQUITIES + NOUNantiquities dealer

3 great ageADJECTIVEADJECTIVEconsiderable, greatthe considerable antiquity of the rocks in this region

anti-racism

anti-racismadj.

Anti-racism is used with these nouns:

march

anti-racist

anti-racistadj.

Anti-racist is used with these nouns:

anti-Semitic

anti-Semiticadj.

Anti-Semitic is used with these nouns:

propaganda, remark, slur, violence

antiseptic

antisepticnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + antisepticADJECTIVEpowerfulmildMint is a mild antiseptic.VERB + antisepticapply, put onYou should put some antiseptic on that cut.

II. adj.

Antiseptic is used with these nouns:

cream, property

anti-smoking

anti-smokingadj.

Anti-smoking is used with these nouns:

antisocial

antisocialadj.

Antisocial is used with these nouns:

behaviour, habit, hour, personality

anti-tank

anti-tankadj.

Anti-tank is used with these nouns:

gun, mine, missile, rocket, weapon

anti-terrorism

anti-terrorismadj.

Anti-terrorism is used with these nouns:

bill, effort, task force

anti-terrorist

anti-terroristadj.

Anti-terrorist is used with these nouns:

squad

antithesis

antithesisnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + antithesis | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEabsolute, complete, exact, veryVERB + antithesisbe, representPREPOSITIONantithesis betweenthe sharp antithesis between their viewsantithesis ofThe company represented the antithesis of everything he admired.

antitrust

antitrustadj.

Antitrust is used with these nouns:

case, exemption, lawyer, suit, violation

antiviral

antiviraladj.

Antiviral is used with these nouns:

drug, medication, medicine

antivirus

antivirusadj.

Antivirus is used with these nouns:

protection, scan, software, update

anti-war

anti-waradj.

Anti-war is used with these nouns:

backlash, demonstration, faction, message, movement, protest, protester, rally, riot, sentiment, slogan, stance

anti-Western

anti-Westernadj.

Anti-Western is used with these nouns:

sentiment, terrorism

anti-wrinkle

anti-wrinkleadj.

Anti-wrinkle is used with these nouns:

cream

anxiety

anxietynoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF ANXIETY | VERB + anxiety | anxiety + VERB | anxiety + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEacute, considerable, deep, greatchronic, constant, naggingfree-floating (esp. AmE), generalizedWe seem to live in a state of free-floating anxiety that can attach itself to anything.growing, increasing, mountingunderstandable (esp. BrE)needless (BrE), unnecessarypubliccastration, separation, etc. (psychology)… OF ANXIETYlevelthe high level of anxiety created by entering a new environmentVERB + anxietyarouse, bring, cause, create, provokelead toexperience, feel, suffer fromShe felt a nagging anxiety that could not be relieved.express, shareThe mothers were able to share their anxieties with each other.betray, reflectHis face betrayed his anxiety.cope with, deal with, overcomeskills to cope with anxietyallay, alleviate, assuage, dispel, ease, lessen, quell, reduce, relieve, sootheThe aim is to reduce anxiety and help the patients relax.exacerbate, heighten, increaseanxiety + VERBgrowThe more reports I study the more my anxiety grows.arise, arise from sth, arise out of sth, surfaceA few anxieties surfaced during the meeting.surroundA lot of anxiety surrounds the issue of human cloning.anxiety + NOUNattackdisorderpatients suffering from an anxiety disorderdreamI keep having this anxiety dream where I've forgotten to do something important.levelPREPOSITIONanxiety abouther growing anxiety about her healthanxiety atanxiety at the deterioration of relations between the powersanxiety fordeep anxiety for the whole familyanxiety overThere are anxieties over the effects of unemployment.PHRASESanxiety and depressionPhysical activity can help reduce anxiety and depression.fear and anxietyThey were encouraged to express their fears and anxieties.

anxious

anxiousadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, feel, look, seem, soundbecome, get, growThe bus was late and Sue began to get anxious.make sbThe delays only made him more anxious.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.desperately, incredibly, terriblyincreasinglyShe was watching the clock and becoming increasingly anxious.a little, slightly, etc.naturally (esp. BrE), understandablyStudents are understandably anxious about getting work after graduation.overly (esp. AmE), undulyThere's no need to get unduly anxious on my account.PREPOSITIONaboutI'm becoming very anxious about my son.forWe are extremely anxious for her safety.

Anxious is used with these nouns:

anticipation, expression, eye, face, glance, look, moment, mother, parent, thought, wait

anxiously

anxiouslyadv.

Anxiously is used with these verbs:

ask, await, enquire, glance, hover, listen, look, pace, peer, scan, wait, watch

apace

apaceadv.

Apace is used with these verbs:

proceed

apart

apartadv.

Apart is used with these verbs:

break, burst, drift, live, pull, space, split, spring, tear

apartheid

apartheidnoun

Apartheid is used before these nouns:

era

apartment

apartmentnoun

noun1 (esp. AmE) a flat2 apartments (BrE) set of rooms1 (esp. AmE) a flatADJECTIVE | VERB + apartment | apartment + NOUNADJECTIVElarge, spaciouscramped, small, tinycozy (AmE)comfortable, luxurydingy, shabbyColin lives in a dingy one-room apartment with his pet turtles.modernone-bedroom, two-bedroom, etc., one-bedroomed, two-bedroomed, etc. (BrE)studiofirst-floor, second-floor, etc.downstairs, upstairsthe people who live in the upstairs apartmentbasement, loft, penthousehigh-riseLarger cities have many high-rise apartments.rental (AmE), rentedemptyholiday, self-catering (both BrE)VERB + apartmentbuylease, rent, subletWe will be renting the apartment for a year.live in, share, stay inI share an apartment with two friends.look forI'm looking for an apartment on the east side of the city.findmove into, move out ofclean, decorate, furnish, renovateapartment + NOUNblock (BrE), building (AmE), complex, house (AmE)high-rise apartment buildingslivingdwellerApartment dwellers can participate in community gardens.

2 apartments (BrE) set of roomsADJECTIVEADJECTIVEprivate, royal, statethe private apartments of the imperial family

apathetic

apatheticadj.

Apathetic is used with these nouns:

electorate

apathy

apathynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + apathy | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgeneral, widespreadpolitical, public, voterVERB + apathysuffer fromfall into, sink intoOnce defeated, he sank into apathy.lead toSuch attitudes can only lead to apathy.PREPOSITIONapathy amongwidespread apathy among studentsapathy towards/towarda general apathy towards/toward politics

ape-like

ape-likeadj.

Ape-like is used with these nouns:

ancestor, creature

apnoea

apnoeanoun

Apnoea/apnea is used after these nouns:

apocalyptic

apocalypticadj.

Apocalyptic is used with these nouns:

scenario, vision

apocryphal

apocryphaladj.

Apocryphal is used with these nouns:

gospel, story

apologetic

apologeticadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, look, soundADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.profuselygenuinely, sincerelyalmostLeroy sounded almost apologetic.a little, slightly, etc.vaguelysuitably (BrE)I hope she was suitably apologetic afterwards.PREPOSITIONaboutHe was profusely apologetic about the mistake.forShe was apologetic for taking so long.

Apologetic is used with these nouns:

letter, look, shrug, smile

apologetically

apologeticallyadv.

Apologetically is used with these verbs:

grin, murmur, say, shrug, smile

apologize

apologizeverb

(BrE also -ise) verbADVERB | VERB + apologize | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBsincerelyprofuselyHe apologized profusely for the damage he had caused.humbly, meekly, sheepishlyI do apologize most humbly. (formal)formally, personally, publiclyThe president of the company apologized personally for the tragic accident.hastily, immediately, quicklyVERB + apologizeought to, shouldwant to, wish to, would like toI would like to apologize most sincerely for any embarrassment caused.PREPOSITIONforShe apologized for being late.toHe apologized to his colleagues.PHRASESI do apologize, I must apologizeI must apologize for not letting you know sooner.

apologize for

apologize forphr verb

Apologize for is used with these nouns as the object:

delay, inconvenience, wrong

apology

apologynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + apology | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEabject (esp. BrE), humble, profuseIt was a mistake. My profuse apologies.heartfelt, profound, sincerehalf-heartedHe mumbled a half-hearted apology and quickly left.fullformal, officialpublicwrittenVERB + apologyconvey, give sb, issue, make, offer (sb), publish, send (sb)The newspaper has issued an apology to those concerned.get, receivedemand, deserve, expect, wantWe expect a full written apology.owe sbShe certainly owes you an apology.mumble, murmur, mutter, whisperJohn muttered an apology then went back to his book.stammer, stutteracceptPlease accept my sincere apologies.rejectShe rejected my apology, saying it was not enough.PREPOSITIONwithout apologyHe backed out arrogantly and without apology.apology foran apology for arriving lateapology fromApologies have been received from the Browns.apology tomy apologies to your wifePHRASESextend your apologies (formal)If anyone has been offended, I extend my sincere apologies.a letter of apologymake no apology for, make no apologies forI make no apologies for bringing this issue to your attention once again.

appalling

appallingadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, look, soundADVERBreally, trulyabsolutely, the most, quite, utterlyThey had to wait for hours in the most appalling weather.

Appalling is used with these nouns:

act, atrocity, condition, crime, dilemma, hardship, ignorance, injury, massacre, mess, record, scene, state, stench, taste, thing, tragedy, weather

appallingly

appallinglyadv.

Appallingly is used with these adjectives:

bad

apparatus

apparatusnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF APPARATUS | PHRASESADJECTIVEbreathing, electrical, experimental, scientificadministrative, bureaucratic, ideological, legal, party, security, statethe state's powerful security apparatusrepressive… OF APPARATUSpiecea very sophisticated piece of laboratory apparatusPHRASESthe apparatus of government, the apparatus of the state

apparel

apparelnoun

Apparel is used before these nouns:

retailer

Apparel is used after these nouns:

motorcycle

apparent

apparentadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seembecomeIt soon became apparent that the company was losing money.make sthHe made it apparent that he was very annoyed.ADVERBglaringly, particularly, strongly, veryfully, quiteincreasinglyall tooHis unhappiness was all too apparent.quickly, soonimmediately, instantlyThe extent of their injuries was not immediately apparent.easily, readilyclearlypainfullyLocal suspicion of the incomers was painfully apparent.PREPOSITIONtoHis lack of experience was quite apparent to everyone.

Apparent is used with these nouns:

benefit, calm, complicity, contradiction, demise, difference, disappearance, discrepancy, disregard, ease, failure, heart attack, heir, inability, incompatibility, inconsistency, increase, indifference, innocence, lack, madness, paradox, reason, recognition, refusal, reluctance, reversal, similarity, simplicity, sincerity, snub, success, suicide, threat, trend, weakness, willingness

apparently

apparentlyadv.

Apparently is used with these adjectives:

arbitrary, casual, content, contradictory, convinced, deserted, diverse, easy, effortless, empty, endless, engrossed, excellent, fruitless, futile, genuine, haphazard, harmless, healthy, helpless, hopeless, hostile, identical, immortal, impervious, impossible, incompatible, inconsistent, indifferent, inevitable, inexhaustible, inexplicable, infinite, innocent, innocuous, insignificant, insoluble, insurmountable, intact, intent, interested, irrational, irreconcilable, irrelevant, irresistible, lacking, lifeless, limited, meaningless, minor, miraculous, modest, mundane, negative, neutral, normal, objective, oblivious, obvious, overwhelming, paradoxical, pleased, pointless, positive, random, rational, ready, related, relaxed, reluctant, respectable, restricted, satisfied, separate, simple, sincere, solid, spontaneous, stable, straightforward, trivial, unable, unaffected, unaware, unconcerned, uncontrollable, unique, universal, unknown, unlimited, unmoved, unprovoked, unreasonable, unscathed, willing

Apparently is used with these verbs:

conflict, disappear, exclude, ignore, lack, prefer, recover, rule, sense, succeed

appeal

appealnounverb

I. noun1 attraction/interest2 serious request for sth you need/want very much3 formal request to sb in authority4 event for raising money1 attraction/interestADJECTIVE | VERB + appeal | appeal + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEconsiderable, great, growing, obvious, powerful, special, strongimmediate, instant (esp. BrE)the book's immediate appeal to young childrenenduring, lasting, timelessHer charming children's stories have timeless appeal.limited, littlebroad, crossover, mainstream, mass, popular, populist, universal, wide, widespreada publication designed for mass appealaesthetic, commercial, electoral, emotional, intellectual, visualUnfortunately the movie lacks commercial appeal.sexVERB + appealhave, holdHis views hold no appeal for me.retainlosebroaden, extend, widenWe are trying to broaden the appeal of classical music.boost, enhance, increaseappeal + VERBlie in sthHis considerable appeal lies in his quiet, gentle manner.PREPOSITIONappeal forCollege lost its appeal for her in the second year.

2 serious request for sth you need/want very muchADJECTIVE | VERB + appeal | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdesperate, emergency (esp. BrE), emotional, urgentdirect, personalfresh (BrE)a fresh appeal for witnesses to come forwardVERB + appealissue, makeThey made a direct appeal to the government for funding.PREPOSITIONappeal foran appeal for helpappeal toan appeal to reason

3 formal request to sb in authorityADJECTIVE | VERB + appeal | appeal + VERB | appeal + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEformal (esp. BrE)court, legalShe won the right to make another court appeal.furtherThere is a possibility of a further appeal to a higher court.VERB + appealbring, file (AmE), lodge (BrE), makeHe's bringing an appeal against the size of the fine.dropThey have agreed to drop the appeal.exhaustAll appeals have been exhausted and his execution is imminent.winloseconsiderHis lawyer is considering an appeal to the Supreme Court.allow (formal), hearThe judge has agreed to allow his appeal.The court will hear the appeal on June 10.uphold (esp. BrE)His appeal was upheld and he was released immediately.deny, dismiss, reject, throw out (esp. BrE), turn down (esp. BrE)appeal + VERBfailsucceedappeal + NOUNappeal court (BrE), appeals court (AmE)tribunal (BrE)hearingappeal judge (BrE), appeals judge (AmE)appeals procedure, appeals processsystem (esp. BrE)PREPOSITIONon appealOn appeal it was held that the judge was correct.The case was upheld on appeal.under appeala case currently under appealappeal againstan appeal against his conviction of fraudappeal foran appeal for leniencyappeal toan appeal to the High CourtPHRASEScourt of appeal (BrE), court of appeals (AmE)grounds of appeal (BrE)a right of appealYou have the right of appeal to the Constitutional Court.pending appealThe players have been suspended pending appeal.

4 event for raising moneyADJECTIVE | VERB + appeal | appeal + VERB | appeal + NOUNADJECTIVEcharity (esp. BrE), fund-raisingVERB + appealhold, launchAn appeal is to be launched on behalf of the refugees.back, supportappeal + VERBraise sth (esp. BrE)The appeal raised over three million pounds.appeal + NOUNfund (BrE)

II. verb1 make serious request for sth2 to sb in authority3 be attractive/interesting to sb1 make serious request for sthADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBdirectlyHe went over the heads of union officials, appealing directly to the workforce.PREPOSITIONfor, toPolice appealed to the public for information about the crime.

2 to sb in authorityADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBsuccessfully, unsuccessfullydirectlyPREPOSITIONagainstShe appealed unsuccessfully against her conviction for murder.toHe has decided to appeal to the European Court.PHRASESgive sb leave to appeal, grant sb leave to appeal (both BrE)

3 be attractive/interesting to sbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBreally, stronglyThe prospect of teaching such bright children appealed to her enormously.The idea of retiring early really appeals to me.directlyprimarilyComputer games used to appeal primarily to boys.PREPOSITIONtoThese characters will appeal directly to children's imaginations.

Appeal is used with these nouns as the object:

conviction, decision, dismissal, ruling, sentence, suspension, verdict

appeal against

appeal againstphr verb

Appeal against is used with these nouns as the object:

conviction, decision, dismissal, expulsion, sentence, suspension, verdict

Appeal Court

Appeal Courtnoun

Appeal Court is used before these nouns:

appeal for

appeal forphr verb

Appeal for is used with these nouns as the subject:

Appeal for is used with these nouns as the object:

aid, calm, donation, fund, help, leniency, penalty, volunteer, witness

appealing

appealingadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, look, seem, soundmake sthThe large salary made their offer even more appealing to him.find sthI find his manner very appealing.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.enormouslyespecially, particularlyimmediatelyaesthetically, visuallyPREPOSITIONtoThese toys are not immediately appealing to children.

Appealing is used with these nouns:

aspect, feature

appeal to

appeal tophr verb

Appeal to is used with these nouns as the subject:

Appeal to is used with these nouns as the object:

conscience, constituency, instinct, nature, palate, prejudice, sense, taste, vanity, voter

appear

appearverb

verb1 come into sight/existence2 perform/be seen in public3 in court1 come into sight/existenceADVERBADVERBsuddenlyA man suddenly appeared in the doorway.from nowhere, magicallyA police officer appeared as if from nowhere and ordered us to halt.first, initially, originallyModern contact lenses first appeared in the 1940s.usuallySymptoms usually appear within two to three days.recentlySome exciting new products have recently appeared on the market.

2 perform/be seen in publicADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBcurrentlyfrequently, occasionally, oftenThe Senator has appeared frequently on this show.rarelyShe rarely appears in public.brieflyHe appears briefly in the movie as a waiter.PREPOSITIONatShe is currently appearing at the Playhouse.PHRASESappear on televisionShe regularly appears on television.

3 in courtPREPOSITION | PHRASESPREPOSITIONat (BrE)He will appear at Manchester Crown Court next week.PHRASESappear before a court, appear before a judge, appear before a magistrateThe man will appear before magistrates later today.appear in courtA man has appeared in court charged with the murder of seven women.

Appear is used with these nouns as the subject:

ad, advert, advertisement, article, bloom, book, bruise, bud, commercial, crack, doubt, edition, exhibition, face, flaw, flower, frown, gap, ghost, glint, grin, illustration, leaf, letter, line, message, moon, name, notice, photograph, poster, rash, reflection, report, review, shape, shoot, sign, split, star, sun, sweat, symptom, tear, work, wrinkle

appearance

appearancenoun

noun1 way that sb/sth looks2 arrival of sb/sth3 act of appearing in public1 way that sb/sth looksADJECTIVE | VERB + appearance | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEattractive, handsome, youthfuldistinctive, odd, strange, strikingdishevelled/disheveled, scruffy (esp. BrE), unkempt, unprepossessingWith his dishevelled/disheveled appearance he often looks as though he's just fallen out of bed.external, outer, outward, physical, surface, visualIn outward appearance the two types of tomato are similar.personalattention to personal appearance and hygienegeneral, overallattempts to improve the general appearance of the townVERB + appearancehaveInside, the house had the appearance of a temple.take onTowns merged to take on the appearance of a city.create, giveThe report gives an appearance of scientific credibility.alter, changeShaving off his beard changed his appearance dramatically.checkHe stopped at the mirror to check his appearance.enhance, improvemimicman-made materials that mimic the appearance of woodavoidWe must avoid any appearance of impropriety.keep up, maintain, preserveThey tried to maintain the appearance of normality.PREPOSITIONin appearancerather bird-like in appearancePHRASEScontrary to appearances, despite appearancesThe American president, despite appearances, has only limited power.judge (sb/sth) by appearancesTo judge by appearances, Roger was rather embarrassed.keep up appearances (= hide the true situation and pretend that everything is going well)When she lost all her money, she was determined to keep up appearances.

2 arrival of sb/sthADJECTIVE | VERB + appearanceADJECTIVEabrupt, dramatic, sudden, surprise, unexpectedbrieffirst, initialSince its first appearance in the 19th century, cholera has killed millions.VERB + appearancemake, put inShe made a sudden appearance just as we were about to leave.I feel I must put in at least a brief appearance at the party.markThis marked the appearance of a new genre in American music.

3 act of appearing in publicADJECTIVE | VERB + appearance | appearance + NOUNADJECTIVEfirst, second, etc.her first appearance on the stagefinal, lastfrequent, occasional, rare, regularrecentlive, personalpubliccameo, guestcourt, radio, stage, television, TVone of the actor's rare television appearancesscheduledThe singer had to cancel her scheduled appearance.VERB + appearancemakeShe made a cameo appearance in the movie.cancelShe was forced to cancel her appearance as keynote speaker at the event.appearance + NOUNfee, money (both sports, esp. BrE)

appease

appeaseverb

Appease is used with these nouns as the object:

conscience, wrath

appellate

appellateadj.

Appellate is used with these nouns:

judge, jurisdiction, lawyer

append

appendverb

Append is used with these nouns as the object:

signature

appendectomy

appendectomynoun

Appendectomy is used after these nouns:

emergency

appendicitis

appendicitisnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF APPENDICITIS | VERB + appendicitisADJECTIVEacutesuspected… OF APPENDICITIScaseVERB + appendicitishavegetdiagnose

appendix

appendixnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + appendix | appendix + VERBADJECTIVEburst, inflamed, perforated, rupturedHe was taken to the hospital with a burst appendix.VERB + appendixremove, take outDoctors had to take out his appendix.have outShe might have to have her appendix out.appendix + VERBburst, ruptureIf the condition is not treated, the appendix can rupture.

appetite

appetitenoun

noun1 desire for food2 strong desire for sth1 desire for foodADJECTIVE | VERB + appetite | appetite + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, enormous, gargantuan, good, healthy, hearty, huge, insatiable, large, ravenousspecial double-decker sandwiches for big appetitespoor, smallThe symptoms of depression can include poor appetite.I have always had a small appetite.jaded (BrE)magnificent meals to tempt the most jaded appetitesVERB + appetitehaveShe had no appetite and began to lose weight.losebuild, build up, develop, work upI went for a walk to work up an appetite for breakfast.get back, regainAfter a week she had regained her appetite.give sbAll that digging has given me an appetite.increase, stimulateThe cold air had given an edge to my appetite.control, curb, decrease, reduce, suppress, take away, take the edge off (esp. BrE)Some drugs can suppress the appetite.ruin, spoilThis is something you can eat between meals without ruining your appetite.satisfyThis meal will satisfy even the healthiest appetite.appetite + VERBgrow, increasecome back, returnHis appetite has returned to normal.PHRASESa lack of appetite, a loss of appetiteThe symptoms include aching limbs and a loss of appetite.

2 strong desire for sthADJECTIVE | VERB + appetite | appetite + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEenormous, great, huge, insatiable, voraciousan insatiable appetite for booksgrowingThe airport cannot accommodate the growing appetite for flights.publicThe website recognizes the public appetite for serious information.sexualintellectualThe website has enough good content to satisfy its users' intellectual appetite.VERB + appetitehavelosegive sbfeed, fuel, increase, whetReading the first story whetted my appetite for more.dullsate, satisfyHe sated her appetite for adventure and intrigue.indulgeWe get into debt to indulge our appetite for consumer goods.appetite + VERBgrow, increasePREPOSITIONappetite forHis appetite for power had grown.

appetizer

appetizernoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + appetizerADJECTIVEtastychicken, mushroom, salmon, etc.VERB + appetizerorderLet's order appetizers.

appetizing

appetizingadj.

Appetizing is used with these nouns:

aroma, meal

applaud

applaudverb

verb1 clap your hands2 praise sb/sth1 clap your handsADVERBADVERBenthusiastically, heartily, loudly, wildlyThe audience applauded loudly.politely

2 praise sb/sthADVERB | PHRASESADVERBwarmly, widelyThe decision to save the company has been warmly applauded.PHRASESis to be applauded, should be applaudedHis efforts to help people should be applauded.

Applaud is used with these nouns as the subject:

audience, fan

Applaud is used with these nouns as the object:

courage, decision, effort, move

applause

applausenoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF APPLAUSE | VERB + applause | applause + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdeafening, loud, thunderous, tumultuous (esp. BrE)enthusiastic, rapturous, warm, wildprolonged (esp. BrE), sustainedspontaneousa little burst of spontaneous applausemuted (esp. BrE), politeTo muted applause a small flag was raised over the building.… OF APPLAUSEburst (esp. BrE), ripple (esp. BrE), roar, roundThe crowd gave them a round of applause.VERB + applausebe greeted with, draw, earn, get, receive, winThe speech drew loud applause.break into, burst intoThe audience broke into applause.hearacknowledgeShe stood back and acknowledged the applause of the crowd.deserveHe deserves the respect and applause of his colleagues.applause + VERBbreak out, erupt, greet sb/sthA great roar of applause broke out.Wild applause greeted this remark.echoApplause echoed around the hall.growdie away, die down, subsideThe applause died down as the curtain closed.PREPOSITIONto applauseHe left the stage to thunderous applause.applause forThere was a ripple of applause for the speaker.applause fromThis remark brought applause from the audience.

apple

applenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + apple | apple + NOUNADJECTIVEsweetsharp, sour, tartAdd some sugar to the stewed apple—it's still a little tart.juicycrispgreen, redshinycider, cooking, dessert, eatingwindfall (BrE)bakedcandy (AmE), caramel (AmE), toffee (BrE)bruisedThe apples were all bruised after being dropped on the floor.rottenVERB + applebite into, eat, munch, munch onHe just sat there munching on an apple.core, grate, peel, sliceapple + NOUNcrisp (AmE), crumble (BrE), pie, tartjuicecorepip (esp. BrE), seedsliceorchard, tree

apple-pie

apple-pieadj.

Apple-pie is used with these nouns:

order

appliance

appliancenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + applianceADJECTIVEmodernenergy-efficientfaulty (esp. BrE)electric, electrical, electronic, gascooking, heatingcombustion (AmE)Turn off all combustion appliances such as water heaters.domestic, home, household, kitchenstainless-steelmajorAll major appliances such as refrigerators must have an energy guide label.surgical (BrE)VERB + applianceswitch on, turn onswitch off, turn offAlways switch off appliances that are not in use.plug in, unplugrun, useMany household appliances are expensive to run.

applicable

applicableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, prove, seemnew developments that could prove directly applicable to the treatment of some cancersbecomemake sthADVERBbroadly, generally, widelyuniversallydirectlyimmediatelyequallyThe rules have now been made equally applicable to all members.easily, readilyThe theory does not seem easily applicable in this case.very (esp. AmE)His message is very applicable to high-school students.especially, particularlyPREPOSITIONforThe offer is only applicable for flights during the week.toThe law is applicable to everyone.

applicant

applicantnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + applicant | applicant + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpotential, prospectiveeligible, qualified, suitable (BrE)Grant payments will be made to suitably qualified applicants. (BrE)lucky (esp. BrE), successfulunsuccessfulUnsuccessful applicants may appeal against the decision.black, minority, whitecollege, studentjobvisaasylumVERB + applicantseekThe company will seek applicants nationwide.attractThe advertisement attracted a number of applicants.shortlist (esp. BrE)Eight applicants were shortlisted.evaluate, screensoftware that lets employers screen job applicantsinterviewadmit (esp. AmE), appoint (BrE), selectreject, turn away (esp. AmE), turn downapplicant + VERBapplyAll applicants should apply in writing.PREPOSITIONapplicant forThere were over fifty applicants for the job.

application

applicationnoun

noun1 written request2 practical use3 computing1 written requestADJECTIVE | VERB + application | application + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEformal, writtensuccessfulI am pleased to tell you that your application for the position has been successful.unsuccessfulgrant, job, membership, patent, planning (BrE), visa, etc.All planning applications should be submitted to the local council.There has been a drop in visa applications.After many job applications and interviews, BethAnn finally got lucky.VERB + applicationfile, lodge (BrE), make, send, send in, submitThe applicant must file a written application to the court.fill in (BrE), fill outProspective members fill out an online application.withdrawconsider, examine, process, review, screenIt takes time to process each application.invite (esp. BrE)Applications are invited for the post of Lecturer in French.acceptWe accept permit applications year-round.approve, grant (law)His application for bail was granted.refuse (law), reject, turn downapplication + NOUNformguidelinesdeadlinefeeprocedure, processPREPOSITIONby application (formal)Admission is obtained by written application.on applicationA permit is available on application to the company.application foran application for a new permitapplication toan application to the authorities

2 practical useADJECTIVEADJECTIVEpractical, real-worldWhat are the practical applications of this work?generalThe program is designed for general application.widepotentialThe research has a wide range of potential applications.agricultural, clinical, commercial, industrialtherapeuticthe reported therapeutic applications of bee venom

3 computingADJECTIVE | VERB + application | application + VERB | application + NOUNADJECTIVEsoftwaredatabase, multimediae-business, e-commercedesktopWeb, Web-basedbusiness-critical, mission-criticalstand-aloneinteractivemobile, wirelesskiller (usually killer app)I believe email is the one single killer app since the invention of computers.VERB + applicationlaunch, run, useYou can run several applications at the same time.downloadinstallaccessUsers access the applications via the Web.build, create, develop, writeintegratean operating system that can integrate other applicationsapplication + VERBrunapplication + NOUNprogram, softwaredeveloperdevelopmentperformance

applied

appliedadj.

Applied is used with these nouns:

art, chemistry, economics, geology, linguistics, mathematician, mathematics, maths, physics, psychology, research, science

apply

applyverb

verb1 be relevant2 put/spread on a surface1 be relevantADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBequallyThese principles apply equally in all cases.PREPOSITIONtoThese restrictions do not apply to us.PHRASESthe same appliesUS companies are subject to international laws and the same applies to companies in Europe.

2 put/spread on a surfaceADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBdirectlyevenlyliberallysparinglyApply the insecticide sparingly.carefullyI carefully applied a creamy foundation.externallyPREPOSITIONoverApply the glue evenly over both surfaces.toNever apply the cleaning liquid directly to the surface.

Apply is used with these nouns as the subject:

applicant, argument, condition, convention, exemption, fee, guideline, maxim, principle, provision, reasoning, regulation, restriction, rule

Apply is used with these nouns as the object:

adjective, antiseptic, approach, argument, Band-Aid, brake, coat, coating, concept, cosmetic, cream, criterion, decoration, discipline, doctrine, dressing, expertise, fertilizer, finish, force, formula, glue, guideline, idea, ink, insight, knowledge, label, lacquer, law, layer, lesson, leverage, lipstick, logic, lotion, make-up, manure, mascara, maxim, method, nail polish, ointment, paint, paste, patch, penalty, plaster, polish, powder, preservative, pressure, principle, procedure, reasoning, rigour, rule, sanction, skill, spray, standard, stress, system, tactic, tape, technique, technology, term, test, theory, thinking, varnish, voltage, yardstick

apply for apply to

apply tophr verb

Apply to is used with these nouns as the subject:

act, ban, description, exemption, finding, law, rate, regulation, remark, scheme, term

Apply to is used with these nouns as the object:

council, tribunal, university

appoint appointed

appointedadj.

Appointed is used with these nouns:

representative, time

appointee

appointeenoun

Appointee is used after these nouns:

cabinet

appointment

appointmentnoun

noun1 agreement to meet sb2 (esp. BrE) job/position3 choosing sb for job1 agreement to meet sbADJECTIVE | VERB + appointment | appointment + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEimportant, urgentfirst, initialfollow-upscheduledmissedPatients may be charged for missed appointments.businessdental, dentistdoctor's, medicalhospital, outpatient (both esp. BrE)The hospital needs to allow more time for outpatient appointments.hair, nailtherapy (esp. AmE)VERB + appointmenthavearrange, book, fix (esp. BrE), make, schedule (esp. AmE), set upI'd like to make an appointment to see the doctor, please.reschedulegetI didn't know if I would get an appointment at such short notice.give sbTom has been given an appointment at the local hospital.attend, keepHe failed to keep his appointment.forget, missShe has already missed three appointments.cancelappointment + NOUNbook, calendar (AmE)The receptionist checked the appointment book.timeI assume he'll come at his usual 10 a.m. appointment time.PREPOSITIONby appointmentViewing is only allowed by appointment.with an appointment, without an appointmentHe called without an appointment.appointment withan appointment with a doctor

2 (esp. BrE) job/positionADJECTIVE | VERB + appointmentADJECTIVEpermanent, temporarylifetime (AmE)tenured (AmE)full-time, part-timeseniorpublic (BrE)court, judicial (both BrE, AmE)cabinet (BrE, AmE), federal (AmE), government (BrE), ministerial (BrE), political (BrE, AmE)executiveacademic (BrE, AmE), faculty (AmE), universityVERB + appointmentholdEmployees may not hold any other appointments.give sb, offer sbHe was offered an appointment in the English Department.acceptget, obtain, receivetake upHe takes up his appointment in January.resign, resign fromMs Green resigned her appointment as our regional representative.terminateThe college terminated the appointments of six professors.secureThe President secured the appointment of a close friend.

3 choosing sb for jobADJECTIVE | VERB + appointment | appointment + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEkeyThe company has made five key appointments at its Chicago office.formal (esp. BrE), officialpresidential (AmE)staff (esp. BrE)recentthe recent appointment of Lars Nittves as directornewThey announced a series of new appointments of key security officials.VERB + appointmentmakeannounceconfirmThe board has confirmed the appointment of Howard Kendall as Sales Manager.approveblockConservatives launched a furious campaign to block his appointment.appointment + NOUNprocessPREPOSITIONappointment tothe first appointments to the new government

apportion

apportionverb

Apportion is used with these nouns as the object:

blame

appraisal

appraisalnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + appraisal | appraisal + NOUNADJECTIVEhonest, realisticdetailed, fullA detailed appraisal of the plan will now be carried out.independentcriticaleconomic, financial (both esp. BrE)project (BrE)performance, staff, teacher (all BrE)a formal system of performance appraisalVERB + appraisalcarry out (esp. BrE), give, makeHe was asked to give an independent appraisal.She made an appraisal of the other guests.appraisal + NOUNinterview (BrE)We are holding staff appraisal interviews.

appraise

appraiseverb

Appraise is used with these nouns as the subject:

Appraise is used with these nouns as the object:

appreciable

appreciableadj.

Appreciable is used with these nouns:

loss, proportion

appreciate

appreciateverb

verb1 recognize good qualities2 be grateful3 understand1 recognize good qualitiesADVERBADVERBreally, trulyfully, properlyThe sound quality was poor so we couldn't fully appreciate the music.especially, particularlyTeachers will especially appreciate the lists at the back of the book.

2 be gratefulADVERBADVERBdeeply, genuinely, greatly, highly, really, sincerely, totally (esp. AmE), truly, very muchWe do really appreciate your help.especially, particularlyYounger kids might especially appreciate a trip to the zoo.

3 understandADVERB | VERB + appreciate | PHRASESADVERBfully, totallyI fully appreciate your concern. We will do all in our power to help.easily, readilyThe problems should be easily appreciated.VERB + appreciatefail toThe government failed to appreciate the fact that voters were angry.PHRASESbe generally appreciated, be widely appreciatedIt is generally appreciated that the rail network needs a complete overhaul.

Appreciate is used with these nouns as the subject:

asset, value

Appreciate is used with these nouns as the object:

ability, art, beauty, benefit, comment, complexity, compliment, concern, contribution, difference, diversity, effort, enormity, extent, fact, feedback, flavour, generosity, gravity, help, honesty, humour, impact, implication, importance, input, joke, kindness, magnitude, merit, music, nuance, point of view, role, scale, seriousness, significance, subtlety, suggestion, support, value, wonder, work, worth

appreciation

appreciationnoun

noun1 understanding and enjoyment of sth2 feeling of being grateful for sth3 understanding of what sth involves1 understanding and enjoyment of sthADJECTIVE | VERB + appreciation | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdeep, great, realaestheticart, musicnew, new-foundhis new-found appreciation for artreneweda renewed appreciation of traditions once branded as primitivepublicThe organization aims to promote public appreciation of photography.VERB + appreciationhaveThey have little appreciation of the arts.shareHe doesn't share my appreciation for opera.showdevelop, gainI have now developed an appreciation of poetry.fosterWe hope the course will help foster a lifelong appreciation of music.enhance, increasePREPOSITIONin appreciationShe gazed in appreciation at the scene.appreciation for, appreciation ofThey had a new-found appreciation for Japanese music.

2 feeling of being grateful for sthADJECTIVE | VERB + appreciation | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeep, genuine, heartfelt, sincereVERB + appreciationexpress, showI would like to express my appreciation and thanks to you all.extend (formal, esp. AmE)The authors extend their sincere appreciation to everyone who contributed to the book.PREPOSITIONin appreciation (of)I'll be sending them a donation in appreciation of their help.with appreciation‘Thank you,’ she murmured, with heartfelt appreciation.appreciation forhis appreciation for all the work she had donePHRASESa lack of appreciationa token of your appreciationAs a token of our appreciation we would like to offer you this small gift.

3 understanding of what sth involvesADJECTIVE | VERB + appreciation | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbetter, clear, deep, full, great, keen, real, true, widergrowingThere is a growing appreciation of the need for change.newThe article gave me a new appreciation for the work which went into the album.VERB + appreciationhavegainThe course helped me to gain a deeper appreciation of what scientific research involves.PREPOSITIONappreciation ofShe had no appreciation of the difficulties we were facing.

appreciative

appreciativeadj.

Appreciative is used with these nouns:

audience, crowd

appreciatively

appreciativelyadv.

Appreciatively is used with these verbs:

murmur, nod, sniff

apprehend

apprehendverb

Apprehend is used with these nouns as the object:

alien, culprit, intruder, suspect

apprehension

apprehensionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + apprehension | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsiderable (esp. AmE), great, growingslightVERB + apprehensionbe filled with, be full of, feelThey were filled with apprehension as they approached the building.express, showsenseMarisa seemed to sense my growing apprehension.causeThe change in the law has caused apprehension among many people.PREPOSITIONwith apprehensionSchool reports are always received with some apprehension.apprehension about, apprehension overher apprehension about being in the hospitalapprehension atShe felt some apprehension at the thought of seeing him again.PHRASESa feeling of apprehension, a sense of apprehensiona look of apprehension

apprehensive

apprehensiveadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, look, seem, soundbecome, get, growremainmake sbThe long delay had made me quite apprehensive.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.deeply (esp. BrE)a little, slightly, etc.PREPOSITIONaboutShe was extremely apprehensive about her future.ofHe was rather apprehensive of failure.

Apprehensive is used with these nouns:

apprehensively

apprehensivelyadv.

Apprehensively is used with these verbs:

ask, look, watch

apprentice

apprenticenoun

Apprentice is used before these nouns:

chef, electrician, jockey

approach

approachnounverb

I. noun1 way of dealing with sb/sth2 act of coming nearer3 discussion with sb in order to ask them for sth1 way of dealing with sb/sthADJECTIVE | VERB + approach | approach + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEconventional, orthodox, traditionalalternate (AmE), alternative, different, fresh, new, novelWe need to try alternative approaches to the problem.cautious, conservativeproactiveThe company is taking a proactive approach to easing the energy crisis.creative, innovativeflexibleeclecticbalanced, common-sense, no-nonsense, positive, practical, pragmatic, problem-solving, rational, sensible, straightforward, usefula pragmatic approach to the role of religion in politicsdirect, hands-onhands-off, indirectwait-and-seestep-by-stepone-size-fits-allHe criticized the one-size-fits-all approach to learning.piecemealformal, informalaggressivelow-keyright, wrongbasic, generalanalytical, disciplined, scientific, structured, systematic, theoreticalmethodologicalholistic, integratedThe therapy takes a holistic approach to health and well-being.interdisciplinary, multidisciplinarytwo-prongedbottom-up, top-downsimplisticcomprehensiveVERB + approachhaveSome teachers have a more traditional approach to teaching.adopt, apply, develop, employ, follow, implement, pursue, take, try, use, utilizeWe need to adopt a more pragmatic approach.pioneerThe US army pioneered this approach.advocate, favour/favor, preferNext time I'd advocate the direct approach.change, modify, rethinkHe challenges teachers to rethink their approach.abandonevaluatedescribe, outlinetestI spent some time testing this approach.extendThis approach can be extended to other fields.Extending this approach to the rest of the planet became the focus for our international negotiations.approach + VERBallow sth, enable sthThis approach allows students to learn at their own pace.offer sth, yield sthThis approach offers many advantages.Taking a fresh approach often yields interesting results.fail, workThis approach works for me.PREPOSITIONapproach toI liked her approach to the problem

2 act of coming nearerADJECTIVE | VERB + approach | approach + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEshallow, steepVERB + approachmakeThe aircraft had to make a steep approach to the landing strip.signalThe swishing of the grass signalled the approach of a person.approach + NOUNspeedroutePREPOSITIONat the approach ofThe children fell silent at the approach of their teacher.with the approach ofThe weather turned warmer with the approach of spring.approach toThe plane crashed during its approach to the runway.

3 discussion with sb in order to ask them for sthVERB + approach | PREPOSITIONVERB + approachmakehave, receive (esp. BrE)PREPOSITIONapproach fromWe've received an approach from the director of a rival company.approach toWe'll have to make an approach to the chief executive.

II. verb1 come nearer2 come nearer in time3 speak to sb, usually to ask for sth4 come close in amount/quality/style1 come nearerADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBslowlycarefully, cautiously, warily, with cautionPREPOSITIONfromThe army approached from the south.

2 come nearer in timeADVERBADVERBfast, quickly, rapidly, swiftlyThe time is fast approaching when we will have to replace these old machines.

3 speak to sb, usually to ask for sthADVERB | VERB + approach | PREPOSITIONADVERBdirectlyIt's best to approach her directly.VERB + approachbe easy tobe difficult toShe found her father difficult to approach.PREPOSITIONaboutHave you approached John about doing a concert?forI approached the bank for a loan.

4 come close in amount/quality/styleADVERBADVERBcloselyHere Wordsworth's verse movement closely approaches that of Gray.not remotelyThere is no other player even remotely approaching her.

Approach is used with these nouns as the subject:

anniversary, deadline, death, dusk, election, footstep, midnight, train, war

Approach is used with these nouns as the object:

altar, birthday, checkpoint, climax, coast, corner, counter, death, destination, door, end, infinity, limit, mark, matter, maturity, menopause, middle age, old age, perfection, problem, puberty, retirement, saturation, shore, subject, task, topic, turn

approaching

approachingadj.

Approaching is used with these nouns:

army, death, figure, footstep, siren, storm, train

appropriate

appropriateverbadj.

I. verb

Appropriate is used with these nouns as the subject:

congress

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seemconsider sth, deem sth, feel sth, think sthIt was thought appropriate to award her the prize.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.entirely, perfectlyculturallyPREPOSITIONforIt might be appropriate for him to attend the course.toTutors can construct tests appropriate to individual students' needs.

Appropriate is used with these nouns:

action, adjustment, agency, analogy, answer, authority, balance, box, channel, choice, compensation, context, degree, expertise, facility, fashion, fee, feedback, instrument, limit, manner, means, measure, metaphor, place, precaution, punishment, qualification, recognition, reference, remedy, replacement, response, safeguard, sentence, setting, size, starting point, time, training, use, venue, way, wording

appropriately

appropriatelyadv.

Appropriately is used with these adjectives:

qualified, trained

Appropriately is used with these verbs:

act, behave, dress, label, modify, name, react, respond, treat, use

approval

approvalnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + approval | approval + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfull, warm (esp. BrE), wholeheartedThe plan did not win wholehearted approval.grudging, qualifiedgeneral, overwhelming, popular, public, unanimous, universal23%, etc. (esp. AmE)The latest poll has him at 47% approval and 49% disapproval.final, initial, preliminary, priorAll development requires the prior approval of the planning authority.tacitwrittenformal, officiallegislative (esp. AmE), regulatoryboard, congressional, court, federal, government, judicial, parliamentary, presidential, royal, Senateshareholder, voterparentalsocialdrugWe need to streamline the process for new drug approval.VERB + approvalneed, requireseek, submit sth forWe have submitted a design for approval.awaitThe deal is awaiting approval from the Federal Communications Commission.haveWe already have approval for six products.gain, get, meet, meet with, obtain, receive, secure, winI hope the meal met with your approval.You are not allowed to build without first obtaining the approval of the planners.earnI could tell I had earned her approval.recommendThe committee is expected to recommend approval of the new drug.give, grantThe government has now given its approval for the new examinations.refuse (esp. BrE), withholdexpress, nod, nod in, roar, show, voiceThe people listening nodded approval.The crowd roared its approval for the song.approval + NOUNprocessratingThe president's approval ratings were slipping.PREPOSITIONon approvalThe goods were supplied on approval (= they could be sent back if they were not satisfactory).with approvalJane's father regards her fiancé with approval.with sb's approval, without sb's approvalYou may not decorate without the landlord's approval.approval forHe won approval for his project.approval fromWe're waiting for approval from the authorities.PHRASESa nod of approvalShe gave him a nod of approval.a roar of approvalThere was a roar of approval from the crowd.sb's seal of approval, sb's stamp of approvalThe government has given its seal of approval to the project.subject to approvalThe offer is subject to approval at the Annual General Meeting.

approve

approveverb

verb1 like sb/sth2 agree to sth1 like sb/sthADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBfully, heartily, strongly, thoroughly (esp. BrE), very much, wholeheartedly (esp. BrE)I wholeheartedly approve of his actions.personallyI don't personally approve but I'm willing to live with it.PREPOSITIONofI very much approve of these new tests.

2 agree to sthADVERBADVERBformally, officiallyHis appointment has not been formally approved yet.federally (AmE)The chemical has never been federally approved as a pesticide.personallyHe personally approved a huge contract for 20 jets.overwhelmingly, unanimouslynarrowlyThe Legislature narrowly approved an amendment to the Massachusetts Constitution.

Approve is used with these nouns as the subject:

authority, committee, conference, congress, council, delegate, judge, legislature, meeting, member, minister, ministry, panel, parliament, referendum, resolution, shareholder, voter

Approve is used with these nouns as the object:

amendment, application, appointment, bill, budget, charter, constitution, creation, deal, directive, document, draft, drug, expansion, expenditure, funding, guideline, initiative, legislation, measure, merger, minute, motion, package, permit, petition, plan, policy, procedure, proposal, recommendation, referendum, renovation, report, request, resolution, revision, sale, scheme, treaty, use

approved

approvedadj.

Approved is used with these nouns:

contractor, pesticide, social worker

approving

approvingadj.

Approving is used with these nouns:

glance, nod

approvingly

approvinglyadv.

Approvingly is used with these verbs:

cite, nod, note, quote

approximate

approximateadj.

Approximate is used with these nouns:

calculation, dimension, equivalent, estimate, figure, guide, number, proportion, translation

approximately

approximatelyadv.

Approximately is used with these adjectives:

constant, equal, equivalent, level, perpendicular, proportional

Approximately is used with these verbs:

correspond, double, halve

approximation

approximationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + approximationADJECTIVEaccurate, close, good, nearest, reasonableThis is the nearest approximation of cost that they can give us.crude, roughThis is only a crude approximation of the actual conditions in the area.VERB + approximationmakeWe do not have the true figures so we will have to make some approximations.give (sb), provide (sb with)

apricot

apricotnoun

Apricot is used before these nouns:

jam, pit, yogurt

apt

aptadj.

Apt is used with these nouns:

analogy, comparison, description, metaphor, phrase, summary

aptitude

aptitudenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + aptitude | aptitude + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgreat, intrinsic (esp. AmE), natural, specialHe has a natural aptitude for this work.mathematical, musical, etc.VERB + aptitudehavedisplay, showchildren who show an aptitude for musicaptitude + NOUNtestPREPOSITIONaptitude foran aptitude for mathematics

aptly

aptlyadv.

Aptly is used with these verbs:

call, describe, illustrate, name, sum, summarize, term

aqua

aquanoun

Aqua is used before these nouns:

blue, green

aquarium

aquariumnoun

Aquarium is used before these nouns:

fish

aquatic

aquaticadj.

Aquatic is used with these nouns:

animal, bird, creature, environment, insect, life, mammal, organism, plant, snail, vegetation, weed

aqueous

aqueousadj.

Aqueous is used with these nouns:

solution

aquiline

aquilineadj.

Aquiline is used with these nouns:

feature, nose

Arab

Arabadj.

Arab is used with these nouns:

quarter, unity, world

Arabic

Arabicnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEclassical, modern

II. adj.

Arabic is used with these nouns:

alphabet, script

arable

arableadj.

Arable is used with these nouns:

crop, farm, farmer, farming, field, land

arbitrarily

arbitrarilyadv.

Arbitrarily is used with these verbs:

choose, decide, divide, impose, select

arbitrary

arbitraryadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemADVERBcompletely, entirely, purely, quite (esp. BrE), totally, whollyfairly, rather, somewhatessentiallyapparently, seemingly

Arbitrary is used with these nouns:

arrest, classification, convention, decision, detention, distinction, execution, exercise, fashion, limit, manner, nature, power, restriction, rule

arbitrate

arbitrateverb

Arbitrate is used with these nouns as the object:

Arc is used before these nouns:

arbitration

arbitrationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + arbitration | arbitration + NOUNADJECTIVEbindingBoth sides have agreed that the arbitration will be binding.independent (esp. BrE), internationalsalary (esp. AmE)VERB + arbitrationagree to, go to, submit to (esp. BrE)Both parties agreed to independent arbitration.The matter will go to arbitration.refer sth to (BrE), submit sth to (esp. BrE), take sth tooffer sb (esp. AmE)determine sth by, settle sth by (both BrE)The matter will be settled by arbitration.arbitration + NOUNprocedure (esp. BrE), process, scheme (BrE), service (BrE), systemcasehearingpanelawardHe had won an arbitration award against the company.

arc

arcnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + arc | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbroad, great, high, huge, long, sweeping, wideThey fired shells in a high arc over our heads.perfect, smoothgracefulVERB + arcdescribe (technical), form, makeThe jet trail formed a perfect arc in the sky.follow, tracePREPOSITIONin an arcThe islands lie in a wide arc just off the mainland.

furnace

arcade

arcadenoun

Arcade is used before these nouns:

machine

Arcade is used after these nouns:

amusement, shopping, video

arch

archnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + arch | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpointed, round, roundedbrick, steel, stone, etc.monumental (esp. BrE), triumphalGothic, Romanesque, etc.prosceniuma performance space with a traditional proscenium archrailway (BrE)Homeless people slept under the railway arches.gracefulthe graceful arches of the bridgeVERB + archbuild, erectThis huge triumphal arch was erected at the beginning of this century.form, makeThe branches of the trees formed an arch over the bench.PREPOSITIONbeneath an/the arch, through an/the arch, under an/the archHe rode under the arch.

II. verb

Arch is used with these nouns as the subject:

back, eyebrow

Arch is used with these nouns as the object:

back, brow, eyebrow

archaeological

archaeologicaladj.

Archaeological is used with these nouns:

dig, discovery, evidence, excavation, expedition, exploration, find, importance, museum, record, remains, site, survey, trace, treasure

archaeologist

archaeologistnoun

(AmE also archeologist) nounADJECTIVE | archaeologist + VERBADJECTIVEamateur, professionalarchaeologist + VERBexcavate sthdig sth up, discover sth, find sth, uncover sth, unearth sthexamples of life thousands of years ago, unearthed by archaeologists

archaeology

archaeologynoun

(AmE also archeology) nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEAnglo-Saxon, classical, medieval, etc.industrial, marine, underwater

archaic

archaicadj.

Archaic is used with these nouns:

archbishop

archbishopnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + archbishop | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEAnglican, Roman Catholiccardinal (AmE)VERB + archbishopbe appointed (as), be consecrated, become, be enthroned (as) (BrE), be made, succeed sb asHe was enthroned as archbishop in Canterbury Cathedral in 1980.PREPOSITIONarchbishop ofHe was made Archbishop of Milan.

arched

archedadj.

Arched is used with these nouns:

doorway, eyebrow, window

archery

archerynoun

Archery is used before these nouns:

range

architect

architectnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + architect | architect + VERBADJECTIVEfamous, great, leading, master (esp. AmE), noted, prominent, renowned, well-knownchief, executive (esp. AmE), seniorlicensed, registered (both AmE)practising/practicinglocalcontemporary, modern, modernistdesign (esp. AmE)church, city, landscape, naval, residential (AmE)VERB + architectappoint (esp. BrE), commission, employ (esp. BrE), hire (esp. AmE)consultarchitect + VERBdesign sth, draw up plans (for sth)The house was designed by architect Louis Kahn.create sthThe architects created an elevated lake.specify sth

architectural

architecturaladj.

Architectural is used with these nouns:

conservation, decoration, design, designer, drawing, element, equivalent, fashion, feature, gem, heritage, historian, innovation, interest, intern, landmark, masterpiece, merit, monument, splendour, style, treasure, wonder

architecturally

architecturallyadv.

Architecturally is used with these adjectives:

interesting

architecture

architecturenoun

noun1 style/design of a building2 design and structure of a computer system1 style/design of a buildingADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEclassical, contemporary, medieval, modern, modernist, traditionalvernacularcolonial, Gothic, Victorian, etc.sustainablechurch, domestic, landscape, naval, residential (esp. AmE)PHRASESa school of architecture, a style of architecture

2 design and structure of a computer systemADJECTIVEADJECTIVEclient-server, hardware, information, network, processor, software

archival

archivaladj.

Archival is used with these nouns:

collection, material, photograph, record

directory

directorynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + directory | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbusiness, telephone, trade (esp. BrE)I found the company's name in a trade directory.Internet, online, Weban online directory that shows who lives at what addresssearchablea searchable directory of lawyers and law firmscity (esp. AmE), localthe 1801 Philadelphia city directorymembership (esp. AmE)the association's 2009 membership directorycomprehensivea comprehensive directory of training resourcesVERB + directorycheck, consultShe decided to check the business directory for the address.compile, createeditproduce, publishPREPOSITIONin a/the directoryNames are listed alphabetically in the directory.directory ofa directory of names and numbers

dirge

dirgenoun

Dirge is used after these nouns:

Dirty is used with these nouns:

dirt

dirtnoun

noun1 substance that makes sth dirty2 (AmE) soil/mud3 harmful/unpleasant information about sb1 substance that makes sth dirtyADJECTIVE | … OF DIRT | VERB + dirt | dirt + VERB | dirt + NOUNADJECTIVEexcess, looseShe brushed the loose dirt off her coat.ingraineddog (BrE)accumulatedClean your face with soap to remove accumulated dirt and oil.… OF DIRTspeckstreakHe had streaks of dirt all over his face.layerVERB + dirtbe covered in, be covered withHis shoes were covered in dirt.brush off, clean off, dust off (esp. AmE), remove, rub, rub off, scrape, scrub off, shake, wash off, wipeHe rubbed the dirt off his face. (BrE)He rubbed the dirt from his face. (AmE)sweepHe swept the dirt out onto the porch.showThe white rug really shows the dirt.attract (esp. AmE)This material does not attract much dirt.loosen (esp. AmE)Massage your scalp to loosen any dirt.dirt + VERBaccumulateDirt had accumulated in the corners of the windows.coverBlood and dirt covered his face.dirt + NOUNfleck (AmE), particle, speckSunlight steamed through the dirt particles in the air.

2 (AmE) soil/mudADJECTIVE | … OF DIRT | VERB + dirt | dirt + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEexcess, looseShe filled the hole with loose dirt.softHer fingernails raked the soft dirt beneath her.dry, weta floor of dry dirthard-packed, packedHe landed hard on the packed dirt.bare (AmE)The front lawn has patches of bare dirt.coldHe picked himself up off the cold dirt.filla couple of inches of fill dirtinfield (AmE)Rose picked the ball up off the infield dirt.ingrainedfreshthe mounds of fresh dirt over all the graves… OF DIRTlayerVERB + dirtbe covered in, be covered withHis shoes were covered in dirt.dig, move, shovelThe men started to shovel dirt into the open grave.throwThey threw dirt into my face.dirt + NOUNcourse, driveway, lane, path, road, street, strip, track, trailthe Palermo dirt coursefloor, groundwallThe blow knocked him against the dirt wall.lot, parking lot, yardthe dirt yard in front of the barnfarmerfarmHe grew up on a dirt farm in upstate New York.clod, clumpThey throw sticks and dirt clods up into the air.mound, pilesmudge, stainI tried to rub off a dirt stain on my sleeve.PREPOSITIONin the dirtchildren playing in the dirt

3 harmful/unpleasant information about sbVERB + dirt | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + dirthaveget (esp. AmE)We need to get some dirt on her.dig, dig upHe could dig up so much dirt on her.PREPOSITIONdirt onDo you have any dirt on the new guy?PHRASESdish the dirtShe just loves to dish the dirt (= tell people unkind/unpleasant things about sb).

dirty

dirtyadj.adv.

I. adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, lookgetGo and play football if you like, but don't get dirty!get sth, make sb/sthHe's not frightened of getting his hands dirty (= doing physical work). (figurative)The soot had made everything dirty.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.filthy (informal, BrE), horribly (esp. AmE), incrediblyEverything in the room was incredibly dirty.a little, slightly, etc.

blonde, bomb, business, clothes, deed, diaper, dish, finger, fingernail, floor, foot, habit, hand, handkerchief, job, joke, kitchen, laundry, linen, look, magazine, mark, mind, money, movie, nappy, needle, plate, play, politics, rag, rice, room, secret, shoe, slush, snow, sock, street, syringe, talk, trick, underwear, war, washing, water, white, window, word, work, yellow

II. adv.

Dirty is used with these verbs:

fight

dirty tricks

dirty tricksnoun

Dirty tricks is used before these nouns:

disability

disabilitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + disability | disability + NOUNADJECTIVEchronic, profound, serious, severe, significantmild (esp. AmE)Many children with mild disabilities are integrated in general education.lifelong, long-term, permanent8 000 babies a year develop long-term disabilities resulting from this infection.cognitive, developmental, emotional (AmE), intellectual, mental, physical, psychiatric (esp. AmE), psychological (esp. AmE)children who have severe developmental disabilitieshearing, visual (both esp. AmE)lectures for students with hearing disabilitieslearning, reading (AmE)Up to 20% have a learning disability.hiddenthose with a visible or a hidden disabilityVERB + disabilityexperience, have, suffer, suffer frompatients who have suffered disability after strokecauseNo one knows what causes learning disabilities.cope with, live withpeople who are learning to live with disabilitydiagnose, identifyan attempt to identify learning disability among childrenovercomeShe has overcome her disability to become an artist.preventThe drug's utility in preventing long-term disability is unproven.disability + NOUNmovement, organizationdiscriminationrightsan article on disability rightsactivist (esp. AmE)She was a vocal disability activist.issuesStaff members have been educated in disability issues.allowance, benefit, check (AmE), claim (esp. AmE), compensation (esp. AmE), pay (AmE), payment, pensionShe saved the money from her monthly disability payments.coverage (AmE), insurance (esp. AmE)status (esp. AmE)the criteria required for disability status

disable

disableverb

Disable is used with these nouns as the object:

alarm

disabled

disabledadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebe bornbecomeleave sbThe accident left him badly disabled.ADVERBprofoundly (esp. BrE), seriously, severely, verya new home for severely disabled peoplepartiallypermanentlydevelopmentally (esp. AmE), mentally, physically

Disabled is used with these nouns:

bay, child, facility, people, person, relative, shopper, toilet, veteran

disabling

disablingadj.

Disabling is used with these nouns:

condition, stroke

disadvantage

disadvantagenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + disadvantage | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, considerable, decided (esp. AmE), distinct, grave, great, huge, major, obvious, real, serious, severe, significant, substantialLack of qualifications is an obvious disadvantage.main, primary (AmE), principalslightadded, additionallong-termcompetitiveThese requirements will have to be standardized if some banks are not to suffer a competitive disadvantage.strategic, tactical (both esp. AmE)The fog was giving them a tactical disadvantage.economic, educational, financial, racial, social, socio-economicthe problems of racial disadvantage and povertycost (esp. AmE)This put them at a crippling cost disadvantage.possible, potentialA potential disadvantage of this method is that it requires considerable expertise to perform it accurately.inherentthe inherent disadvantage that low-income communities faceunfairSome students were at an unfair disadvantage.VERB + disadvantageexperience, face, have, suffer, suffer fromthe disadvantage experienced by older people in the workplaceThe present system has the disadvantage that nobody really understands how it works.Competition has its disadvantages.offset, outweighThe plan's advantages outweigh the disadvantages.overcomeavoidPREPOSITIONat a disadvantageWe were at a distinct disadvantage compared with children from richer families.There was no reason for her to feel at a disadvantage.despite a/the disadvantageDespite these disadvantages, many older people maintain an active social life.to sb's disadvantageThis change in the law will be to the disadvantage of small companies.disadvantage foranother disadvantage for the night-workerdisadvantage inThere are disadvantages in using this treatment.disadvantage toThere are disadvantages to all those approaches.PHRASESadvantages and disadvantagesEach plan has its own advantages and disadvantages.place sb at a disadvantage, put sb at a disadvantageThe fact that he didn't speak another language put him at a disadvantage.

disadvantaged

disadvantagedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomeADVERBextremely, veryseriously, severely (esp. BrE)slightlyeconomically, educationally, financially, materially, socially, socio-economically

Disadvantaged is used with these nouns:

background, child, community, neighbourhood

disaffected

disaffectedadj.

Disaffected is used with these nouns:

Disagree is used with these nouns as the subject:

disagree

disagreeverb

verbADVERB | VERB + disagree | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBemphatically (esp. AmE), passionately, profoundly, sharply, strenuously, strongly, vehemently, vigorously, violently, wholeheartedlyThe only time we sharply disagreed was over the children's education.completely, entirely, totallyI disagree totally with this policy.fundamentallyflatlyI flatly disagree with that policy.respectfullyI must respectfully disagree with her on this point.simplyHe and I simply disagree.openly, publiclyI feel uncomfortable publicly disagreeing with a colleague.personallyI personally disagreed with several elements of the proposal.obviouslyVictoria and I obviously disagree on this issue.not necessarilyVERB + disagreebe difficult to, be hard to, can hardlyWhen I pointed out that it had been her idea in the first place, she could hardly disagree.PREPOSITIONaboutFrank and Alison disagree about everything.onWe disagree on this matter.overMany in the government disagree over the scale of the changes.withI disagree strongly with this idea.It is difficult to disagree with the chairman on this point.PHRASESto agree to disagree (= to agree with sb that you have different opinions about sth)

court, judge, scientist, side

disagreement

disagreementnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + disagreement | disagreement + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbitter, considerable, deep, major, profound, serious, sharp, significant, strong, substantial, substantive (esp. AmE), total, wide, widespreadThere is wide disagreement on this issue.minor, slightbasic, fundamentalcontinuinginternalinternal disagreements within the partygenuine, honestHonest disagreement is often a healthy thing.respectful (formal, esp. AmE)I would like to note my respectful disagreement with this sentiment.ideological, moral, principled (formal, esp. AmE)I'm sure you have principled disagreements with several of Dean's positions.legitimate, reasonableThere are legitimate disagreements about the best way to help the poor.publicthe incessant public disagreements among the commissionersfamilypolicy, politicalinevitablethe inevitable disagreements over what tactics they should useVERB + disagreementbe in, haveThey were in disagreement about the move to Ohio.They had a disagreement about the best way to get to the beach.express, indicate, register, show, voiceShe expressed disagreement with the government's policy.resolve, settle, solveHow is a basic disagreement of this nature to be resolved?address (esp. AmE), discuss, handle (esp. AmE)a forum for both sides to address their disagreements over the issuescause, lead to, provokeavoidGreat care is taken to avoid overt disagreements within the group.reflectThese exchanges reflected fundamental disagreements about methods and goals.disagreement + VERBarise, occurA disagreement arose over who should pay for the trip.existDisagreement exists over the pattern of demand for coal.remaincentre/center around sb/sth, centre/center on sb/stha disagreement centring/centering on the link between crime and unemploymentPREPOSITIONin disagreementHe shook his head in disagreement.disagreement about, disagreement as to, disagreement overThey had a major disagreement over who should clean the car.disagreement amongThere is considerable disagreement among art historians as to the age of the sculpture.disagreement betweena serious disagreement between the two expertsdisagreement onThere is fundamental disagreement on these matters.disagreement withHe had a disagreement with his girlfriend.PHRASESan area of disagreementThere are several areas of disagreement between the two governments.a point of disagreementAnother point of disagreement was over privacy issues.a source of disagreementMoney was a constant source of disagreement.room for disagreement, scope for disagreement (BrE)There is plenty of room for disagreement in this controversial area.

disagree on

disagree onphr verb

Disagree on is used with these nouns as the subject:

disagree with

disagree withphr verb

Disagree with is used with these nouns as the object:

point of view, recommendation, sentiment

disallow

disallowverb

Disallow is used with these nouns as the object:

Disappear is used with these nouns as the subject:

disappear

disappearverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBaltogether, completely, entirely, fully (esp. AmE), totallyall but, effectively, essentially, largely, mostly, nearly, practically, virtuallyThe traditional way of life has all but disappeared.literallyThe woman literally disappeared on her way home from work one night.gradually, slowlyabruptly, immediately, instantly, overnight, promptly, quickly, rapidly, soon, suddenlyHe started the treatment and his symptoms disappeared overnight.With that, Matt promptly disappeared.a rapidly disappearing way of lifebriefly, momentarily, temporarilyHis grin momentarily disappeared from his face.eventually, finallyforeverA number of species could soon disappear forever.subsequentlymagically, miraculously, mysteriouslyThe controversy is not going to magically disappear.without a trace, without trace (esp. BrE)Her father disappeared without trace when she was ten.quietlyHer personal website quietly disappeared from the Internet.apparently, seeminglyjust, simplyThe plane suddenly just disappeared from the radar screen.PREPOSITIONbehindThe sun disappeared behind a cloud.fromWildlife is fast disappearing from our countryside.into, through, under, etc.PHRASESdisappear from sight, disappear from viewShe watched until he had disappeared from view.

custom, effect, frown, grin, habitat, hope, job, ozone, pain, shyness, sun, symptom, vision, worry

disappearance

disappearancenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + disappearance | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEabrupt, suddenHow could he explain his abrupt disappearance from the party?rapidthe rapid disappearance of our countrysidegradualsubsequenteventualrecentthe recent disappearance of two CIA agentscomplete, totalvirtualapparentmysterious, strange (esp. AmE), unexplainedVERB + disappearancecause, lead toModern farming practice has led to the virtual disappearance of this bird.investigatePolice are investigating the mysterious disappearance of two young men.explainsolve (AmE)The police can use that information to solve her disappearance.noticeLuckily no one had noticed my disappearance.report48 hours have passed since his disappearance was reported to the police.PREPOSITIONdisappearance fromthe disappearance of money from my desk

disappearing

disappearingadj.

Disappearing is used with these nouns:

act, trick

disappoint

disappointverb

Disappoint is used with these nouns as the object:

expectation, fan

disappointed

disappointedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, look, seem, soundleave sbThe decision left them very disappointed.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.bitterly, deeply, desperately (BrE), greatly, hugely (esp. BrE), sadly, sorely, terriblyI was bitterly disappointed when I didn't get into college.If you think I'll agree to that, then you're going to be sadly disappointed.almostHe seemed almost disappointed when I agreed to go.a little, slightly, etc.mildlyclearly, obviouslyvisiblygenuinelyJerry sounded genuinely disappointed.PREPOSITIONaboutI'm disappointed about John not coming.atThey're disappointed at the result.byI was slightly disappointed by her attitude.inHe's disappointed in his daughter.withWe're disappointed with the new car.

Disappointed is used with these nouns:

expectation, look

disappointing

disappointingadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, prove, seemfind sthADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.bitterly, deeply, desperately (BrE), hugely (esp. BrE), terriblyThe movie was terribly disappointing.a little, slightly, etc.PREPOSITIONforThis was very disappointing for all the fans watching the game.toThat was very disappointing to me.

Disappointing is used with these nouns:

aspect, display, draw, finish, news, performance, result, return, run, sale, season, showing, start, turnout

disappointingly

disappointinglyadv.

Disappointingly is used with these adjectives:

dull

Disappointingly is used with these verbs:

end

disappointment

disappointmentnoun

noun1 sadness because sth has not happened, etc.2 sb/sth that is disappointing1 sadness because sth has not happened, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + disappointment | disappointment + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbitter, considerable, deep, extreme, great, immense, intense, profound, sharpcomplete, total, utterTo their utter disappointment they found nothing.mild, slightRiley blinked to hide his mild disappointment.obviousinitialHis initial disappointment at losing gave way to a new resolve.VERB + disappointmentbe aware of, feel, senseHe was aware of sharp disappointment and betrayal.She couldn't quite conceal the deep disappointment she felt.hear, seeShe must have seen the disappointment in my expression.express, voicebetray, reflect, showHis voice betrayed his disappointment.bite back, conceal, cover, hide, mask, swallowHe bit back his disappointment.Her laugh covered her disappointment.feignHe feigned disappointment. Secretly, he was relieved.avoidTo avoid disappointment, we recommend you reserve your seat early.handle, overcomeHe couldn't help Anita overcome her disappointment.faceI just can't face the disappointment of my family and friends.bringEvery failed attempt brings disappointment and discouragement.be doomed toTheir expectations were doomed to disappointment.noticeEthan noticed the disappointment in Lisa's eyes.shareI know you will share our disappointment at the lack of progress on this issue.disappointment + VERBshowHe let his disappointment show.fill sbHe couldn't help the feelings of disappointment that filled him.set inThe problem must be rectified before disappointment sets in.PREPOSITIONto sb's disappointmentTo her disappointment, they didn't go through Oxford but skirted around it.disappointment aboutCross expressed disappointment about the damage.disappointment atPaul couldn't hide his disappointment at not being asked to the party.disappointment in (esp. AmE)his disappointment in his sondisappointment overCampaigners have voiced disappointment over the government's decision.disappointment withHe expressed to me his disappointment with art in the 20th century.PHRASESa feeling of disappointment, a sense of disappointmenttears of disappointmentimagine my disappointmentYou can imagine my disappointment at finding all the plants damaged by caterpillars.

2 sb/sth that is disappointingADJECTIVE | VERB + disappointment | disappointment + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, bitter, crushing, grave, great, huge, immense, major, sad, serious, severe, terribleI'm afraid I was a sad disappointment to my mother.realThe ending of the book is a real disappointment.complete, totalThe Mandarin Bar is a complete disappointment.minor, slight, smallA small disappointment for me was the poor quality of the photographs.inevitablepersonalromanticHer past is marred by romantic disappointments.box-officeThe film was a box-office disappointment.VERB + disappointmenthaveShe's had a lot of disappointments in the past.experience, sufferOver the years they suffered one disappointment after another.come asThis news has come as a disappointment to local business leaders.bringThe following year brought a major disappointment.proveHe has proved a great disappointment to those hoping for change in the region.be consideredHer 2004 season will be considered a disappointment.disappointment + VERBcome, follow sthHis second disappointment came last year when he failed to get selected for the first team.PREPOSITIONdisappointment forThe dropping of these tour dates was a great disappointment for the many fans of the band.disappointment toIt was a big disappointment to us when she left.

disapproval

disapprovalnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF DISAPPROVAL | VERB + disapproval | disapproval + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEstrongSeveral countries have expressed their strong disapproval of the law.faint, mildwidespreadofficialpublicThe decision met with widespread public disapproval.parentalparental disapproval of smokingmoral, social23%, etc. (esp. AmE)The latest poll has him at 47% approval and 49% disapproval.… OF DISAPPROVALnoteThere was more than a note of disapproval in her voice.VERB + disapprovalexpress, indicate, mark, register, show, voiceTo mark his disapproval he refused to go to the wedding.Her face registered her disapproval.The students are showing their disapproval by refusing to attend lectures.feel, senseEven at this distance she could sense his disapproval.disapproval + NOUNrating (esp. AmE)The President's disapproval rating has hit 55%.PREPOSITIONin disapprovalHer lip curled in disapproval.with disapprovalMarcos noted the boy's earring with disapproval.disapproval atShe was stiff with disapproval at the notion.disapproval forThere is strong social disapproval for these activities.disapproval ofhis disapproval of Wallace's conductPHRASESa chorus of disapproval (esp. BrE)There was a chorus of disapproval from the crowd.an expression, a frown, a look, etc. of disapprovalSeeing the look of disapproval on the doctor's face, I put out my cigarette.a hint of disapprovalMore than a hint of disapproval was in the boy's voice.a murmur of disapprovalEarly murmurs of disapproval were quickly silenced.a sign of disapprovalAgatha took this as a sign of disapproval.

disapprove

disapproveverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBstronglythoroughly (esp. BrE)morally, socially (both AmE)bigots who morally disapprove of homosexualitysocially disapproved behaviorPREPOSITIONofHe strongly disapproved of the way his daughter was behaving.

disapproving

disapprovingadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, lookADVERBverymildly, slightly

Disapproving is used with these nouns:

frown, glance, look, tone

disapprovingly

disapprovinglyadv.

Disapprovingly is used with these verbs:

frown, look

disarm

disarmverb

Disarm is used with these nouns as the object:

bomb, militia

disarmament

disarmamentnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + disarmament | disarmament + NOUNADJECTIVEnuclearThey campaigned for nuclear disarmament.general, global, international, multilateralThe party supports multilateral disarmament.unilateralcomplete, full, totalpeacefulVERB + disarmamentdemanda UN resolution that demands the disarmament of the countrysupportachieveHe believes in using limited force to achieve disarmament.disarmament + NOUNnegotiations, talksagreement, treatyprocessprogramme/program (esp. AmE)a spokesman for the UN-backed disarmament programme/programissue (esp. AmE)diplomatic efforts to resolve remaining disarmament issuesobligationfailures to comply with disarmament obligations

disarming

disarmingadj.

Disarming is used with these nouns:

disarmingly

disarminglyadv.

Disarmingly is used with these adjectives:

candid, frank, simple

disarray

disarraynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + disarray | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcomplete, total, uttergeneralsomefinancialVERB + disarrayfall intoHis personal life fell into disarray when his wife left him.throw sth intoOur plans were thrown into disarray by the strike.PREPOSITIONin disarrayThe meeting broke up in disarray.disarray withina period of disarray within the partyPHRASESa state of disarray

disaster

disasternoun

noun1 bad event/situation2 a failure1 bad event/situationADJECTIVE | VERB + disaster | disaster + VERB | disaster + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEawful, big, catastrophic, devastating, enormous (esp. AmE), great, horrible, huge, large-scale (esp. AmE), major, massive, terrible, worstthe biggest disaster in the history of the industrydeadly (AmE)the deadliest natural disaster in US historyimminent, impending, loomingEveryone had the feeling that disaster was imminent.It seemed that nothing could prevent the impending disaster.possible, potentialcertainIt would spell certain economic disaster for our local community.coming, futureHe called for a full investigation to help prevent future disasters.unforeseenthe unforeseen disaster that has just been thrust upon usunprecedentedThis is an unprecedented natural disaster.global, nationalnaturalearthquakes, floods and other natural disastersman-madeair, ecological, environmental, flood, flooding, hurricane, military, mine (esp. AmE), mining, nuclear, rail, tsunamifears of a nuclear disasterhuman, humanitarianthe world's worst humanitarian disastereconomic, financial, socialTheir departure spells social disaster for the region.personalunfoldingthe unfolding storm disaster in the SouthcostlyHurricane Katrina was the costliest natural disaster in history.VERB + disasterbring, cause, create, lead toOne person's mistakes can bring disaster to someone else.attempts to find out what caused the disastermean, spellJust one mistake can mean disaster.The drought spelled economic disaster for the country.avert, avoid, prevent, save sb/sth from, stave off, ward offA major disaster was averted only just in time.What can be done to ward off environmental disaster?anticipate, foresee, predictIndependent analysts in the market predicted disaster.court, inviteIt's courting disaster to go into the mountains without proper weatherproof clothing.be heading forhis firm belief that the whole world was heading for disasterfaceIn the last match of the series England were facing disaster.experience, sufferThere are many who have suffered personal disasters but managed to rebuild their lives.handleNo government could have handled a disaster of this magnitude effectively.overcome, surviveIt was a miracle any of the passengers or crew survived the disaster.end in, result inThe show ended in disaster when the tent collapsed.disaster + VERBhappen, occur, strike, take placeWill we ever find out why the disaster occurred?Everything was going fine. Then, without warning, disaster struck.When disaster struck, no one was prepared.unfoldEurope's worst environmental disaster is unfolding at this very moment.befall sb/sth, hit sb/sth, strike (sb/sth)the economic disaster that befell the countryaffect sb/sthcommunities affected by disastersloom, threatenWe could all see that disaster loomed for the company.ensueHis prediction was not heeded, and disaster ensued.disaster + NOUNarea, scene, site, zoneOnly rescue workers are allowed into the disaster area.The area has been declared a disaster zone.aid (esp. AmE), assistance (esp. AmE), relief, responsecounties eligible for federal disaster assistanceThe disaster relief operation will continue over the summer.recovery (esp. AmE)The majority of enterprises aren't spending very much on disaster recovery at all.plan, planning (both esp. AmE)We have a disaster plan in place before every mission.preparation, preparedness (both esp. AmE)the planning and implementation of disaster preparednessmanagementThey had no real experience in disaster management.declaration (AmE)This morning I signed a disaster declaration for the state.fundthe governor's disaster fundvictimscenarioIt become a financial disaster scenario.film (esp. BrE), flick (informal), movie (esp. AmE)a Hollywood disaster moviePREPOSITIONin a/the disasterIn a disaster everyone needs to keep calm.PHRASESa disaster waiting to happenAny one of these nuclear plants may be a disaster waiting to happen.in the aftermath of a disasterIn the aftermath of the disaster people were too shocked to give a clear picture of what had happened.a recipe for disasterLetting her organize the party is a recipe for disaster (= sth that is likely to go badly wrong).a walking disaster, a walking disaster area (both figurative, esp. BrE)I am a walking disaster when it comes to paperwork.a victim of a disasteran organization which provides help for the victims of the disaster

2 a failureADJECTIVE | VERB + disaster | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEabsolute, complete, real, total, unmitigated, utterThe play was a complete disaster from beginning to end.business, economic, electoral, fashion, financial, political, public relations (abbreviated to PR), socialthe greatest electoral disaster of the centuryThe shirt was a definite fashion disaster.Buying that house turned out to be a financial disaster.VERB + disasterprove, turn out to beHigh-rise buildings proved a social disaster.become, turn intoI can already foresee the night turning into a total disaster.PREPOSITIONa disaster for sb/sthThe festival ended up being a financial disaster for the promoters.

disastrous

disastrousadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, provebecomeADVERBabsolutely, completely, quite, truly, utterlyThe policy was absolutely disastrous for the economy.fairly, prettypotentiallyecologically, economically, environmentally, financially, politicallyequallyThis could have equally disastrous consequences.

Disastrous is used with these nouns:

consequence, defeat, effect, failure, fire, harvest, holiday, impact, marriage, mistake, policy, result, run, season, showing, slump, start

disastrously

disastrouslyadv.

Disastrously is used with these adjectives:

wrong

Disastrously is used with these verbs:

end

disband

disbandverb

Disband is used with these nouns as the object:

army, committee, militia, organization

disbelief

disbeliefnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + disbelief | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEabsolute, complete, outright, pure, sheer, total, utterwidespreadopenmockHe raised his eyebrows in mock disbelief.suspendedA look of suspended disbelief came across his face.amused, astonished, furious, horrified, shocked, stunnedVERB + disbelieffeelI felt disbelief first of all, then outrage.expressThe president publicly expressed his disbelief at what had happened.hear, see, senseI could see the disbelief in her eyes.She could sense his disbelief.greet sth withMy stories were greeted with disbelief.shake your head in, stare in, watch inWe could only watch in disbelief as the car rolled into the water.suspendIf you don't mind suspending your disbelief, you should enjoy this movie.PREPOSITIONin disbeliefMy mouth dropped open in disbelief.to sb's disbeliefTo my horrified disbelief, the animal was running in my direction.disbelief atHilary shook her head in disbelief at the news.PHRASESan expression of disbelief, a look of disbeliefwith looks of utter disbelief on their facessuspension of disbeliefThe movie version requires greater suspension of disbelief than the book.

disbelievingly

disbelievinglyadv.

Disbelievingly is used with these verbs:

shake, stare

disc

discnoun

(also disk esp. in AmE) noun1 computer disk2 music, video3 part of the body1 computer diskSee also disk2 music, videoSee also CDADJECTIVE | VERB + disc | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcompact, DVD, vinylI have an old vinyl disc of her singing.VERB + discplayinsertHe inserted the disc into the machine.hear, listen to, watchburn, produce, recordrecommendI highly recommend this disc.releaseThe disc was released in 1998.eject, loadI ejected the disc before the end.PREPOSITIONon (a/the) discHe is one of the greatest singers on disc.The Prokofiev sonata comes first on the disc.disc ofa disc of Mozart quartets

3 part of the bodyADJECTIVE | VERB + discADJECTIVEherniated (esp. AmE), prolapsed, slippedHe's in bed with a slipped disc.VERB + discslipShe's slipped a disc.

discard

discardverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBcompletely, entirelyThese ideas have now been completely discarded.largelyquicklyRose quickly discarded the idea.simplythe parts of the animal that people may simply discard as inedibleeasilyPREPOSITIONin favour/favor ofOlder managers have been discarded in favour/favor of younger people.

Discard is used with these nouns as the object:

embryo, liquid, wrapper

discern

discernverb

verbADVERB | VERB + discernADVERBclearly, easily, readily (esp. AmE)She could clearly discern a figure walking up to the house.barely (esp. AmE), dimly (esp. BrE), just, onlyVERB + discernbe able to, canbe difficult to, be hard tobe possible tobe easy to

Discern is used with these nouns as the object:

meaning, pattern, truth

discernible

discernibleadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomeADVERBclearly, easily, readilyThe difference between the two is readily discernible.justbarely, scarcelyHer face was barely discernible in the gloom.immediately

Discernible is used with these nouns:

impact, shift, trace, trend

discerning

discerningadj.

Discerning is used with these nouns:

buyer, eye, palate, reader, traveller

discharge

dischargenounverb

I. noun1 act of discharging; thing discharged2 from court3 from army, navy, etc.1 act of discharging; thing dischargedADJECTIVE | VERB + discharge | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEthicknasal, vaginal, etc.industrial, sewage, wasteocean, riverelectrical, radioactive (esp. BrE)thunder and lightning caused by an electrical dischargeaccidental (esp. AmE)an accidental discharge from a dropped gunVERB + dischargehavePREPOSITIONdischarge froma thick discharge from the nose

2 from courtADJECTIVE | VERB + dischargeADJECTIVEabsolute (BrE)conditional (BrE)VERB + dischargegiveHe was given an absolute discharge but banned from driving for twelve months.

3 from army, navy, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + dischargeADJECTIVEdishonourable/dishonorable, honourable/honorableearlyVERB + dischargeget, receivegive

II. verb1 from army, navy, etc.2 from prison/court3 gas/liquid4 (formal) duty5 (formal) gun1 from army, navy, etc.ADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBdishonourably/dishonorably, honourably/honorablyPREPOSITIONfromHe was found guilty and dishonourably/dishonorably discharged from the army.

2 from prison/courtADVERBADVERBconditionally (BrE)He was conditionally discharged after admitting the theft.formallyShe was formally discharged by the court.

3 gas/liquidADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBdirectlyPREPOSITIONfromintoRaw sewage was discharged from the treatment plant directly into the river.

4 (formal) dutyADVERBADVERBfully, properly (esp. BrE)He could not properly discharge his duties.faithfully (esp. AmE)I will faithfully discharge my duties.

5 (formal) gunADVERBADVERBaccidentallyThe police officer accidentally discharged a firearm while unloading it.

Discharge is used with these nouns as the object:

cargo, duty, firearm, liability, obligation, patient, pollutant, responsibility, sewage

disciple

disciplenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + discipleADJECTIVEardent, devoted, faithful, loyalShe was an ardent disciple of Freud.belovedJohn, the beloved disciple of JesusVERB + disciplebecomemakeHe commanded them to go out and make disciples of all nations.

disciplinary

disciplinaryadj.

Disciplinary is used with these nouns:

action, charge, code, committee, enquiry, hearing, measure, offence, procedure, record, rule, sanction, system, tribunal

discipline

disciplinenounverb

I. noun1 training people to behave; behaving well2 controlling yourself3 subject of study1 training people to behave; behaving wellADJECTIVE | VERB + discipline | discipline + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEeffective, firm, good, rigorousWe need better discipline in our schools.harsh, iron, rigid, strictstrict military disciplinelax, poorDiscipline was too lax.student, teamchurch, military, party, prison, school, social, workparentalVERB + disciplineenforce, exercise, imposethe discipline that the party exercises over its membersinstil/instillWe need someone who is good at instilling discipline.maintainThe teacher was unable to maintain discipline.submit toThey submitted to the discipline imposed by their leaders.learnStudents have to learn discipline.haveThe school was criticized for having very poor discipline.lackModern schools lack discipline.needShe believes children need discipline.restorediscipline + NOUNproblemPHRASESa breach of discipline (esp. BrE)It's unfair to dismiss somebody for a single breach of discipline.a breakdown in discipline, a breakdown of disciplinea breakdown of discipline in the classrooma lack of disciplineorder and disciplineHe quickly brought order and discipline to the regiment.

2 controlling yourselfADJECTIVE | VERB + discipline | PHRASESADJECTIVEgood, greatIt is good discipline to learn to delegate.strictpersonalmental, spiritualphysicalbusiness, commercial, financial, fiscal, industrial, market, monetaryThe government has stabilized the economy through strict fiscal discipline.message (= the practice of only talking about what is relevant to your aims, by a politician) (AmE)VERB + disciplinehaveHe'll never get anywhere working for himself—he has no discipline.showlackapply, bringsomething to help you bring discipline to your decision-making processdemand, require, takeIt takes great discipline to learn a musical instrument.PHRASESa lack of discipline

3 subject of studyADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcore, main, majorStudents are to be tested on the three core disciplines: mathematics, English and science.different, distinct, independent, individual, separateWhen did sociology emerge as a distinct discipline?established, traditionalemerging, newrelatedsocial work and its related disciplinesacademic, intellectual, scholarlyThey established psychology as an academic discipline.professional (esp. AmE)humanities, science, scientific, etc.PREPOSITIONacross disciplinesThere is a lack of communication across disciplines (= between teachers and students of different subjects).within a/the disciplineWithin a discipline there may be more than one school of thought.PHRASESdifferent disciplines, diverse disciplinesacademics from diverse academic disciplinesmultiple disciplines (esp. AmE)experts in multiple disciplinesa range of disciplinesThe university offers a wide range of disciplines.

II. verb

Discipline is used with these nouns as the object:

disciplined

disciplinedadj.

Disciplined is used with these nouns:

approach

disclaim

disclaimverb

Disclaim is used with these nouns as the object:

responsibility

disclose

discloseverb

verbADVERB | VERB + disclose | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBfullyHe had not fully disclosed all his business dealings.publiclyvoluntarilyVERB + disclosebe obliged to, be required to, mustState law requires unions to disclose financial information.be reluctant tofail to, refuse toHe failed to disclose all the information.PREPOSITIONtoShe was accused of disclosing confidential material to a competitor.PHRASESpreviously disclosedThe amounts of money were higher than previously disclosed.prosecution material not previously disclosed to the accused

Disclose is used with these nouns as the subject:

source, survey

Disclose is used with these nouns as the object:

detail, document, figure, identity, information, source

disclosed

disclosedadj.

Disclosed is used with these nouns:

document

disco

disconoun

Disco is used before these nouns:

ball, beat, dancing, light, music, track

discoloured

discolouredadj.

Discoloured/discolored is used with these nouns:

varnish

discomfort

discomfortnoun

noun1 slight pain2 embarrassment1 slight painADJECTIVE | … OF DISCOMFORT | VERB + discomfort | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEacute (esp. BrE), considerable, extreme, great, severegrowingHe became conscious of a growing discomfort.little, mild, minimal, minor, slightYou may experience some slight discomfort after the operation.obviousbodily, physicalabdominal, chest, etc.… OF DISCOMFORTamount, degreeVERB + discomfortcomplain of, experience, feel, get, have, sufferSome of the patients complained of discomfort.I didn't have much discomfort after the operation.causeease, lessen, minimize, reduce, relieveNot eating late at night should help to relieve the discomfort.PREPOSITIONin discomfortHe appeared to be in great discomfort.with discomfort, without discomfortYou should be able to drive without discomfort after about two weeks.PHRASESpain and discomfort, pain or discomfortthe discomfort associated with sththe discomfort associated with wearing a wig

2 embarrassmentADJECTIVE | VERB + discomfort | discomfort + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreatobviousgrowinga little, slightVERB + discomfortcauseThe revelations caused some discomfort to the president.enjoyPaula smiled, enjoying her sister's discomfort.notice, senseSensing her discomfort, he apologized for mentioning her boyfriend.hideshowI tried not to show my discomfort with the situation.discomfort + VERBgrow, increasePHRASESa sense of discomfort

disconcerting

disconcertingadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomefind sthADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.I found all that noise rather disconcerting.highlya little, slightly, etc.

Disconcerting is used with these nouns:

habit

disconcertingly

disconcertinglyadv.

Disconcertingly is used with these adjectives:

direct

disconnect

disconnectverb

Disconnect is used with these nouns as the object:

battery, cable, electricity, phone, supply, telephone, wire

disconsolately

disconsolatelyadv.

Disconsolately is used with these verbs:

trudge, wander

discontent

discontentnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + discontent | discontent + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgeneral, widespreadgrowing, increasingsimmeringpopular, publicPublic discontent with the economy remained at a high level.political, socialVERB + discontentbreed, cause, give rise to, lead to, provokeThe higher tax provoked widespread discontent among the poor.fuelOvercrowded conditions will only fuel discontent among prisoners.feelthe discontent that many people feltseethe withThe country was seething with discontent and the threat of revolution was real.express, voiceThe peasants expressed their discontent.discontent + VERBgrow, spreadPREPOSITIONdiscontent amongdiscontent among the workforcediscontent about, discontent at, discontent overdiscontent among students about the lack of funding for educationdiscontent withgrowing discontent with the governmentdiscontent withinThere were reports of growing discontent within the army.PHRASESa feeling of discontent, feelings of discontentmurmurs of discontent, rumbles of discontent, rumblings of discontenta source of discontent

discontinue

discontinueverb

Discontinue is used with these nouns as the object:

treatment, use

discord

discordnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF DISCORD | VERB + discord | PHRASESADJECTIVEinternalfamily, marital, relationship (AmE)political, social… OF DISCORDhint, noteA note of discord surfaced during the leaders' meeting.VERB + discordcause, create, sowavoidPHRASESa source of discordThe contrasts between rich and poor nations are a source of discord.

discordant

discordantadj.

Discordant is used with these nouns:

Discount is used with these nouns as the object:

discount

discountnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + discount | discount + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, deep (esp. AmE), generous, good, large, significant, steep (esp. AmE), substantialhuge, major (esp. AmE), massive (esp. BrE)specialThere is a special discount for employees.employee (AmE), staff (BrE), tradeThey offer a trade discount to builders.groupcashWe offer a 5% cash discount for prompt payment.bulk, volumepriceVERB + discountallow sb, give (sb), offer (sb)They only give you a discount if you buy more than a certain amount.get, obtain, receivebe entitled to, qualify forIf you collect ten bonus points, you will be entitled to a discount.negotiateIt is important to negotiate a good discount and obtain books on approval.discount + NOUNcard, coupon (esp. AmE), voucher (BrE)Members are given a discount card which entitles them to 20% off.a prescription drug discount card (AmE)program (AmE), scheme (BrE)price, rateshop, store (= that regularly sells goods at a discount)airline, carrier (both AmE)PREPOSITIONat a discountTickets are available to members at a discount.discount ofa discount of 30%discount onCustomers are allowed a discount on orders over $500.PHRASESa rate of discount

II. verb

importance, possibility

discounted

discountedadj.

Discounted is used with these nouns:

fare, flight, price, rate

discourage

discourageverb

verbADVERB | VERB + discourage | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBactively, positively (esp. BrE), stronglySmoking is actively discouraged in the university.effectivelyOur system effectively discourages investment.VERB + discouragetry toPREPOSITIONfromWe tried to discourage him from resigning.PHRASES(not) easily discouragedChildren are easily discouraged from reading.I'm not easily discouraged.

Discourage is used with these nouns as the object:

development, immigration, import, innovation, intruder, investment, participation, practice, shopper, use, vandal, vandalism

discouraging

discouragingadj.

Discouraging is used with these nouns:

discourse

discoursenoun

Discourse is used before these nouns:

analysis

discover

discoververb

verbADVERB | VERB + discover | PHRASESADVERBquickly, soonWe soon discovered we'd been mistaken.suddenlysubsequentlyeventually, finallyaccidentallyfirst, originallyVERB + discoverbe amazed to, be astonished to, be astounded to, be surprised toShe was surprised to discover he was perfectly capable around the house.be alarmed to, be appalled to, be dismayed to, be horrified to, be a shock to, be shocked toIt was a terrible shock to discover the full extent of the problem.be delighted to, be fascinated to, be intrigued tobe fascinating toIt would be fascinating to discover more about the town's history.be a surprise to, be surprising tobe difficult tobe possible toaim toattempt to, try toWe are trying to discover the truth about his disappearance.be able to, be unable toPHRASESan attempt to discover sthnewly discovered, recently discoveredrecently discovered evidenceonly to discover sthI arrived at the campsite, only to discover that it was closed for the winter.an opportunity to discover sthwaiting to be discoveredThere's great talent out there just waiting to be discovered.

Discover is used with these nouns as the subject:

archaeologist, explorer, researcher, scientist

Discover is used with these nouns as the object:

answer, body, bug, cause, clue, compound, connection, corpse, correlation, culprit, cure, discrepancy, error, evidence, existence, extent, fate, fault, find, flaw, galaxy, gold, identity, joy, leak, link, love, lump, mistake, moon, mystery, oil, passion, principle, problem, reason, recipe, relationship, relic, remains, secret, self, skeleton, strain, strength, talent, trace, treasure, truth, virus, vulnerability, way, wonder, wreck

discovery

discoverynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + discovery | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, great, important, major, significantpotentially the biggest scientific discovery for fifty yearsstartling, surprising, unexpectedamazing, remarkableexcitingfascinating, interestinggrim (esp. BrE), grisly, gruesomethe grisly discovery of a decapitated bodylatest, new, recentaccidental, chanceAll these were chance discoveries made by scientists engaged in other investigations.fortuitous, serendipitousarchaeological, medical, scientificdrugpersonalThe story tells of a man's journey of personal discovery.VERB + discoverymakeNew scientific discoveries are being made all the time.lead toTheir work led to some important medical discoveries.awaitThere may be many unexpected treasures awaiting discovery.announce, reportPREPOSITIONdiscovery bya discovery by a French scientistdiscovery ofthe discovery of oil in the North SeaPHRASESa process of discoverya journey of discovery, a voyage of discovery (both figurative)To tour Sri Lanka is to take a voyage of discovery through a land of endless variety.share a/your discovery (with sb)

discredit

discreditnounverb

I. nounVERB + discredit | PREPOSITIONVERB + discreditbring, reflectBy telling lies he brought discredit upon the Army.Your failure reflects no discredit upon you—you did your best.bring sth into, do sb (both BrE)She brought the whole system into discredit.It does us great discredit to treat foreigners so badly.PREPOSITIONto sb's discreditHis selfish decision is greatly to his discredit.discredit toThey were a discredit to their country.

II. verb

Discredit is used with these nouns as the object:

argument, witness

discreditable

discreditableadj.

Discreditable is used with these nouns:

conduct

discreet

discreetadj.

Discreet is used with these nouns:

advertisement, distance, enquiry, veil

discreetly

discreetlyadv.

Discreetly is used with these verbs:

cough, tuck

discrepancy

discrepancynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + discrepancy | discrepancy + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, glaring, great, huge, large, major, marked, material (law, esp. BrE), serious, significant, substantial, widethe glaring discrepancy between the crime and the punishmentminor, slight, smallapparentVERB + discrepancyaccount for, explainHow do you explain the apparent discrepancies between the money and the receipts?discover, find, note, notice, observeShe failed to notice the discrepancy between the name on the letter and the name on the passport.point outreveal, showignorereconcile, resolvediscrepancy + VERBexistarise, occurPREPOSITIONdiscrepancy betweenDiscrepancies occurred between the written and electronic records.discrepancy inThere were wide discrepancies in the evidence.

discrete

discreteadj.

Discrete is used with these nouns:

category, entity, unit

discretion

discretionnoun

noun1 freedom to make decisions2 being discreet1 freedom to make decisionsADJECTIVE | VERB + discretion | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbroad, considerable, full, widegreater, moreabsolute, complete, sole, unfettered (law)They give themselves complete discretion as to what information they will hand out.executive, judicial, management, managerial, personal, professionalThe president used his executive discretion to pardon the two men.VERB + discretionhaveexercise, useThe courts exercise discretion in the area of minor traffic violations.give sbThey would like local bodies to be given greater discretion as to how the money is spent.PREPOSITIONat sb's discretionBail is granted at the discretion of the court.There is no service charge and tipping is at your discretion.discretion aboutWe have discretion about how much to charge.discretion as toShe has considerable discretion as to how the money is spent.discretion overJudges should be given more discretion over sentencing.PHRASESan abuse of discretion (esp. AmE)the exercise of discretionleave sth to sb's (own) discretion‘Do you want me to do the job myself or hire a photographer?’ ‘I'll leave it to your discretion.’

2 being discreetADJECTIVE | VERB + discretion | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreat, the utmostVERB + discretioncall for, need, requireThis case calls for the utmost discretion.rely onThis is confidential, but I know that I can rely on your discretion.PREPOSITIONwith discretionto act with discretionPHRASESa lack of discretion, a need for discretion

discretionary

discretionaryadj.

Discretionary is used with these nouns:

award, grant, income, spending

discriminate

discriminateverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBpositively (esp. BrE)activelyunfairly, unlawfully (law, esp. BrE)raciallyHe claims he was racially discriminated against when he applied for the job.PREPOSITIONagainstThe present law discriminates unfairly against women.in favour/favor of (esp. BrE)They discriminate positively in favour/favor of workers from ethnic minorities.on (the) grounds ofCompanies must avoid discriminating on the grounds of race or gender.

discriminate against

discriminate againstphr verb

Discriminate against is used with these nouns as the object:

minority

discriminating

discriminatingadj.

Discriminating is used with these nouns:

palate

discrimination

discriminationnoun

noun1 treating a person/group unfairly2 ability to recognize differences1 treating a person/group unfairlyADJECTIVE | … OF DISCRIMINATION | VERB + discrimination | discrimination + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgender, sex, sexual, sexual-orientation (esp. AmE)age, class, race, racialreligious, socialdisabilitypregnancy (esp. AmE)viewpoint (AmE)the First Amendment's ban on viewpoint discriminationwidespreadThere is widespread discrimination against doctors of Asian origin.active, blatant, direct, overtevidence of active discrimination against black workerssubtleintentionaldirect, indirect (both BrE)perceivedpositive (BrE), reverse (AmE)positive discrimination in favour of disadvantaged racial groupsThey claim to be the victims of reverse discrimination.illegal, unlawfulOvert sex or race discrimination is illegal.legalemployment, job, workplace (esp. AmE)housing (AmE)government, institutional, institutionalizedinstitutionalized discrimination against women in the police… OF DISCRIMINATIONlevelLevels of discrimination against recent immigrants are high.VERB + discriminationamount to, constituteRacist remarks by an employer to an employee can amount to unlawful discrimination.encounter, experience, face, suffer, suffer fromMany disabled people suffer discrimination at work.practise/practiceallege, claimlawsuits alleging discriminationbe opposed to, combat, fightban, bar (esp. AmE), forbid, outlaw, prohibiteliminate, end, stopdiscrimination + VERBoccurThe discrimination occurred at the shortlisting stage, not the interviews.existDoes racial discrimination still exist in the workplace?PREPOSITIONdiscrimination againstdiscrimination against womendiscrimination bydiscrimination by age/racediscrimination in favour/favor ofSome companies practise discrimination in favour of older people. (BrE)Some companies practice discrimination in favor of older people. (AmE)discrimination on the grounds ofIt's time we banned discrimination on the grounds of age.PHRASESan act of discriminationdiscrimination based on sthdiscrimination based on sexualityevidence of discriminationa form of discriminationracial and ethnic discrimination (AmE)The law now prohibits racial and ethnic discrimination.a victim of discrimination

2 ability to recognize differencesADJECTIVE | VERB + discrimination | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfine, greatcolour/colorVERB + discriminationmakeYoung children find it difficult to make fine discriminations.showShe showed great discrimination in rejecting the poor quality teas.PREPOSITIONdiscrimination betweendiscrimination between right and wrong

discriminatory

discriminatoryadj.

Discriminatory is used with these nouns:

law, practice, treatment

discuss

discussverb

verbADVERB | VERB + discuss | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBexhaustively, fully, in detail, thoroughlyThe plan was discussed in great detail.at length, endlessly, extensivelyThese ideas will be discussed at greater length in the next chapter.brieflyfurtherfreely, openlyThis problem has never been discussed openly before.informallycritically, intelligently, seriouslyStudents should be encouraged to discuss critically the information they are given.publiclyexplicitly (esp. AmE)VERB + discussconvene (sth) to, meet toto convene a conference to discuss the country's political futureThe committee meets regularly to discuss these issues.want to, wish to, would like toneed torefuse toHe refused to discuss it with me.be able tobe prepared to, be willing toI'm not prepared to discuss this on the phone.PREPOSITIONwithI'd like to discuss this matter with you later.PHRASESas discussedWe will send you an invoice as discussed.a forum to discuss sthhave sth to discussCan you leave us alone? We have business to discuss.an opportunity to discuss sthwidely discussedThe proposals have been widely discussed in the media.

Discuss is used with these nouns as the subject:

article, cabinet, chapter, essay, meeting

Discuss is used with these nouns as the object:

alternative, arrangement, aspect, business, concept, detail, disagreement, experience, extent, feasibility, feeling, finding, future, hypothesis, idea, implementation, implication, importance, incident, issue, matter, merit, motion, nature, plan, point, politics, possibility, problem, proposal, pros and cons, question, reason, recommendation, reform, religion, report, research, sexuality, situation, strategy, subject, tactic, technicality, theme, thing, topic, view, work

discussion

discussionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + discussion | discussion + VERB | discussion + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdetailed, extensive, full, in-depth, thorough (esp. AmE)They had a detailed discussion of the issues.extended, lengthy, longbriefconsiderableAfter considerable discussion, they decided to accept our offer.initial, preliminaryongoingfurtherThe plan was agreed without further discussion.broad, general, wide-ranginga wide-ranging discussion on women's rightspublicformal, informalAfter the lecture there will be an opportunity for informal discussion.bilateral, class, classroom, group, panel, round-tablea series of bilateral discussions with North KoreaWomen were asked to take part in small group discussions.one-on-one (AmE), one-to-one (esp. BrE)face-to-facecandid, frank, honest, openconstructive, helpful, meaningful, usefuldeep, insightful, serious, thoughtfulanimated, heated, intense, livelya heated discussion about politicsfascinating, interestingcriticalrationalacademic, philosophical, scholarly, technical, theoreticalpoliticalemail, onlineVERB + discussionhave, holdWe had a long discussion about the plans for next year.The two governments are to hold discussions on the border issue.enter intoWe are hoping to enter into discussions with union leaders.be involved in, join in, participate in, take part inThey refused to take part in the discussions.generate, initiate, prompt, provoke, sparkThese latest findings have generated a lot of discussion of the moral issues involved.encourage, facilitate, stimulatemerit, warrantset upways of setting up discussions between children to explore each other's viewpointsbegin, open, startWho is going to start the discussion?dominate, leadThe discussion was led by the director of marketing.bring sth up for, come up for, open sth up forThe issue should come up for discussion at the conference.The topic must be opened up for general discussion.open upWe need to open up a discussion on the basic aspects of the theory.confineI wish to confine the discussion to income taxation.sum upLet us sum up the discussion so far.conclude, endWe decided to end the discussion before it got out of hand.continueWe'll continue this discussion some other time.defer, postponefollow upDiscussion should be followed up by a written report.discussion + VERBtake placeDiscussions have taken place between the two leaders.centre/center on, focus on, revolve aroundDiscussion centred on the contribution different groups would make to the project.break out, ensueAn intense discussion broke out about the importance of intuition.Adam raised the issue of multimedia and much useful discussion ensued.continuediscussion + NOUNgroupdocumenttopicboard, forum, listonline discussion forumsI unsubscribed from every email discussion list I was on.PREPOSITIONfor discussionthe subject for discussionduring a/the discussion, in a/the discussionDuring our discussions we raised many issues that need deeper consideration.in discussion withThe company had been in discussion with companies in Brazil.under discussionPlans for a new road are still under discussion.discussion about, discussion onan important forum for discussion about the artsWe had a discussion about political reform.discussion amonga discussion among parents, teachers, and studentsdiscussion as toDiscussion continues as to the relative merits of the different plans.discussion betweendiscussions between the company and the unionsdiscussion ofa discussion of the issues involveddiscussion withdiscussions with the governmentPHRASESa basis for discussionWe can use the draft document as a basis for discussion.discussion and debateThe incident has provoked much discussion and debate.a forum for discussionThe group provides a forum for the discussion of ideas.the outcome of a discussionThe outcome of the discussions is a decision to proceed with Phase 2 of the project.a subject for/of discussion, a topic for/of discussion

discuss with

discuss withphr verb

Discuss with is used with these nouns as the object:

representative

disdain

disdainnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + disdain | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreatutterobviousaristocratic, haughty, snobbish, snooty (informal, esp. AmE)VERB + disdainfeel, haveShe did not hesitate to express the disdain that she felt.express, showJudges sometimes show great disdain for the law.look on sb/sth with, look upon sb/sth with, treat sb/sth withTraditionalists look upon the changes with disdain.hideMarcus had trouble hiding his disdain for the man.PREPOSITIONin disdainShe turned her head away in disdain.with disdainWhy does he treat his father with such disdain?disdain forHe has an aristocratic disdain for money.PHRASESan expression of disdain, a look of disdain

disdainfully

disdainfullyadv.

Disdainfully is used with these verbs:

sniff

disease

diseasenoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF DISEASE | VERB + disease | disease + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcommonobscure, raredangerous, seriousmildacute, chronic, severedebilitating, degenerativedeadly, fatal, incurable, killer, life-threatening, terminalfears of a new killer diseasecurable, treatablepreventablecommunicable, contagious, infectiousnon-communicablecongenital, genetic, hereditary, inheritedchildhoodchildhood diseases such as mumps and chicken poxtropicalblood-borne, insect-borne, waterborneHIV and other blood-borne diseasesoccupationalbowel, heart, liver, etc.He suffered from coronary heart diseasecardiovascular, pulmonary, etc.mentalsexually transmitted, social, venerealpatients suffering from venereal diseasesautoimmune, circulatory, respiratory, etc.bacterial, viralAlzheimer's, Crohn's, Parkinson's, etc.foot-and-mouth, hoof-and-mouth (AmE), mad cow, etc.Dutch elm… OF DISEASEoutbreakfears of an outbreak of the diseaseVERB + diseasehave, suffer fromHe has a serious lung disease.catch, contract, develop, getYou can't catch the disease just from physical contact.She got a rare liver disease when she was only twenty.die from, die ofChildren are still dying in their millions from preventable diseases.causea disease caused by a vitamin deficiencycarry, pass on, spread, transmitthe ticks that carry the diseaseSuch unhygienic practices spread disease.The disease is transmitted by mosquitoes.inheritdetect, diagnosetreatcombat, fightThe government must take action to fight this deadly disease.control, managenew drugs which help to control the diseasecurepreventIt's better to prevent disease by ensuring a clean water supply.eradicate, stamp out, wipe outThe disease has been eradicated from the world.disease + VERBspreadThey want to stop the disease from spreading.affect sb, afflict sb, occur, strike sbdevelop, progresskill sbThe disease has killed 500 people so far this year.PREPOSITIONwith a/the diseasethe number of people with this diseasedisease inAvian flu can cause severe disease in humans.disease ofa disease of the digestive systemPHRASESa cure for a diseasethe incidence of (a) diseasethe overall incidence of disease in the worlda patient with a disease, sufferer from a diseaseSufferers from Alzheimer's disease can't cope at home.the progression of a diseaseDrugs can slow down the progression of the disease, but not cure it altogether.resistance to diseaseTobacco lowers the body's resistance to disease.the risk of diseasethe risk of coronary heart diseasethe spread of (a) diseasemeasures to prevent the spread of the diseasethe symptoms of a diseasethe treatment for a disease, the treatment of a disease

diseased

diseasedadj.

Diseased is used with these nouns:

liver, lung, tissue

disease-resistant

disease-resistantadj.

Disease-resistant is used with these nouns:

variety

disembark

disembarkverb

Disembark is used with these nouns as the subject:

disembodied

disembodiedadj.

Disembodied is used with these nouns:

disenfranchise

disenfranchiseverb

Disenfranchise is used with these nouns as the object:

voter

disengage

disengageverb

Disengage is used with these nouns as the subject:

clutch

Disengage is used with these nouns as the object:

clutch

disentangle

disentangleverb

Disentangle is used with these nouns as the object:

strand

disfigure

disfigureverb

verb be disfiguredADVERBADVERBbadly, grossly, hideously, horribly, severelyHe was badly disfigured by the accident.permanentlyfacially

disfiguring

disfiguringadj.

Disfiguring is used with these nouns:

birthmark

disgrace

disgracenoun

noun1 loss of respect2 disgraceful person/thing1 loss of respectVERB + disgrace | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + disgracefall intoTheir father fell into disgrace and lost his business.bringHis crime had brought disgrace upon his whole family.be sent home in, be sent off in (BrE)She was sent home from the Olympics in disgrace.PREPOSITIONin disgraceHe's in disgrace for having left his room in a mess.PHRASESthere's no disgrace in sthThere's no disgrace in being poor.

2 disgraceful person/thingADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEabsolute, utter (both esp. BrE)This room is an absolute disgrace (= because it is very dirty/untidy)!national, publicThe state of our hospitals is a national disgrace.PREPOSITIONdisgrace toThe filthy streets are a disgrace to the town.

disgraceful

disgracefuladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBabsolutely, quite (esp. BrE), utterly (esp. BrE)There's litter everywhere. It's absolutely disgraceful.

Disgraceful is used with these nouns:

conduct, situation

disgracefully

disgracefullyadv.

Disgracefully is used with these verbs:

behave

disgruntled

disgruntledadj.

Disgruntled is used with these nouns:

Disguise is used with these nouns as the object:

disguise

disguisenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + disguise | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEclever, goodthinState regulation often served as a thin disguise for corruption.VERB + disguiseadopt, don, put on, wearShe adopted an elaborate disguise to help her pass through the town unrecognized.beHis angelic look is just a disguise.see throughWe all saw through his disguise immediately.PREPOSITIONin disguiseHe preferred to travel in disguise.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + disguise | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBcleverly, cunninglyShe was cleverly disguised as a policewoman.VERB + disguisecannottry toPREPOSITIONfromYou cannot disguise what you are doing from your family.PHRASESan attempt to disguise sthHe made no attempt to disguise his liking for her.disguise yourself as sb/sthHe was disguised as a police officer.heavily disguised, well disguisedHe spoke in a heavily disguised voice.barely disguised, poorly disguised, thinly disguisedIn her speech she made several thinly disguised attacks on the president.

fact, identity, taste, voice

disguised

disguisedadj.

Disguised is used with these nouns:

contempt

disgust

disgustnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + disgust | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreatabsolute, complete, pure, total, uttermild, slightobviousMr Haynes shook his head in obvious disgust and walked off.publicVERB + disgustfeelexpress, showhideShe tried to hide the disgust that she felt.fill sb withDecent people were filled with disgust for whoever committed the crimes.turn away in, walk away inHe threw her one look, then turned away in disgust.shake your head in, wrinkle (up) your nose inPREPOSITIONin disgustMarion threw down the book in disgust.with disgustThey both looked with disgust at the men.disgust atI couldn't find the words to express my disgust at his actions.disgust overexpressions of public disgust over the affairdisgust withPeople are showing their disgust with the existing regime.PHRASESa snort of disgustHe gave a snort of disgust.an expression of disgust, a look of disgusta feeling of disgust, a sense of disgustmuch to your disgustMuch to his disgust, he found himself sharing a carriage with a noisy young family.

disgusted

disgustedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, lookbecomeADVERBreallyabsolutely, quite, thoroughly, totallyrather, slightlyPREPOSITIONatI'm quite disgusted at the way he's treated you.byI was absolutely disgusted by the whole business.withI was thoroughly disgusted with the brutality of the system.

Disgusted is used with these nouns:

face, look

disgusting

disgustingadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, look, smell, sound, tasteThat soup tastes disgusting!find sthI find his conduct disgusting.ADVERBparticularly, really, trulyabsolutely, quite, totally, utterlyI think the way she's treated him is absolutely disgusting.pretty, ratherHe has some rather disgusting habits.

Disgusting is used with these nouns:

habit, mess, pig, smell

dish

dishnoun

noun1 container2 the dishes plates, bowls, etc.3 type of food1 containerADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdeepflat, shallowemptybaking, roasting, servingovenproof (esp. BrE)china, glass, metal, plastic, silvercasserole, gratin (esp. BrE), pie, soufflé, soupbutter, candy (AmE), food, soap, vegetableyour pet's food dishculture, lab (informal), laboratory, PetriPREPOSITIONin a/the dishArrange the salad in a serving dish.

2 the dishes plates, bowls, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + THE DISHESADJECTIVEclean, washeddirty, unwashedThe dirty breakfast dishes were still in the sink when we got home.breakfast, dinnerVERB + THE DISHESclean (AmE), do, washIt's your turn to do the dishes.dryHe dried the dishes and put them away.clear, clear away, put away

3 type of foodADJECTIVE | VERB + dish | PHRASESADJECTIVEmain, sideServe one or two main dishes with a choice of salads and nibbles.favourite/favoriteDo you have a favourite/favorite dish?delicious, tasty, wonderfulpopularelaboratesimplea simple dish, beautifully preparedclassic, traditionalexoticsavoury/savory, sweetspicycold, hotinternational, local, national, regionalThe national dish is ‘feijoada’—pork with beans.Chinese, French, etc.vegetariancheese, egg, fish, meat, pasta, rice, seafood, vegetableGoulash is a meat dish.breakfast, dinner (esp. AmE), lunch, supper (esp. BrE)Smoked salmon makes a wonderful supper dish.signature (= a dish that identifies a particular restaurant/chef)VERB + dishcook, make, prepareShe cooked us a delicious French dish with pork and tomatoes.servea restaurant that serves traditional Indian disheseatrecommendordersample, tryThey sampled all the local dishes.PHRASESthe dish of the dayI can recommend the dish of the day.

dishevelled

dishevelledadj.

Dishevelled/disheveled is used with these nouns:

appearance, clothes, hair

dishonest

dishonestadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seembecomeconsider sth, regard sth asWhat they are doing is not considered dishonest.ADVERBdeeply, thoroughly (esp. BrE), verydownrightI think he's downright dishonest!basically, fundamentallyintellectually

dishonestly

dishonestlyadv.

Dishonestly is used with these verbs:

act, conceal

dishonourable

dishonourableadj.

Dishonourable/dishonorable is used with these nouns:

discharge

dishonourably

dishonourablyadv.

Dishonourably/dishonorably is used with these verbs:

discharge

dish out

dish outphr verb

Dish out is used with these nouns as the object:

punishment

dishwasher

dishwashernoun

nounVERB + dishwasher | dishwasher + NOUNVERB + dishwasherload, stack (esp. BrE)empty, unloadrunIt wastes energy to run the dishwasher half empty.dishwasher + NOUNdetergent, liquid, powder, tablet (esp. BrE)

dishwashing

dishwashingnoun

Dishwashing is used before these nouns:

soap

disillusioned

disillusionedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feelbecome, get, growADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.deeplycompletely, thoroughly, totally, utterlya little, slightly, etc.increasinglyPREPOSITIONbyThey felt bitter and disillusioned by the decision.withLater in life he grew rather disillusioned with communism.

disillusionment

disillusionmentnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + disillusionment | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgeneral, popular (esp. AmE), public, widespreadgrowingpoliticalVERB + disillusionmentcausePREPOSITIONdisillusionment amongThere is widespread disillusionment among young people.disillusionment withThere is growing public disillusionment with the present system of government.

disinfect

disinfectverb

Disinfect is used with these nouns as the object:

contact lens

disinformation

disinformationnoun

Disinformation is used before these nouns:

disintegrate

disintegrateverb

verbADVERB | VERB + disintegrate | PREPOSITIONADVERBcompletelyThe plane completely disintegrated on impact.quickly, rapidlyslowlyThe social fabric of this country is slowly disintegrating.VERB + disintegratebegin toThe bag had begun to disintegrate.PREPOSITIONintoThe country has disintegrated into separate states.

disintegration

disintegrationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + disintegrationADJECTIVEcomplete, totalgradualthe gradual disintegration of traditional valuesrapidslowpolitical, socialindicators of social disintegration such as divorce, suicide and petty theftVERB + disintegrationlead to, result inThis defeat led to the disintegration of the empire.

disinterested

disinterestedadj.

Disinterested is used with these nouns:

disk

disknoun

nounSee also discADJECTIVE | VERB + disk | disk + VERB | disk + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcomputerhardCD-ROM, DVDCD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, etc.floppy, zip (esp. AmE)masterThe master disk can be duplicated as many times as required.backupprogramdataserver, systembootblanklaser, magnetic, opticalVERB + diskinsert, put inInsert the disk into the drive slot.remove, take outformatreadThe computer reads the disk.burn, copy, duplicateI'll copy the disk into a file.copy (sth) to, save (sth) to, save sth onThe program automatically saves to disk every 15 minutes.Save the document to disk before closing it.The information can be saved on a disk.erase, wipeIf you wipe that old disk, we can use it again.hold sth on, store sth onThe records will be stored on the computer's hard disk.disk + VERBcontain sthThe disk contains the program you'll need.hold sthEach disk holds 4.7 GB.disk + NOUNcapacity, spaceI'm running out of disk space on my computer.drivestoragePREPOSITIONfrom diskThe information required can then be retrieved from disk.on (a/the) diskDo you have the file on disk?the data on the diskonto diskIt is safest to save your design onto disk.to diskYou simply download the pages to disk.

dislike

dislikenounverb

I. noun1 feeling of not liking sb/sth2 sth you do not like1 feeling of not liking sb/sthADJECTIVE | VERB + dislike | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeep, extreme, great, intense, real, strong, violent, visceralSeveral committee members expressed their intense dislike of the chairman.growinggeneralConsumers show a general dislike for genetically modified food products.obviousimmediate, instantinstinctiveactiveShe threw him a look of active dislike.personalmutualIn spite of their mutual dislike and hostility, they often worked together.VERB + dislikefeel, harbour/harbor (esp. BrE), haveShe felt dislike rather than sympathy as he told his story.My father has a great dislike of long hair on boys.express, showdevelopHer husband developed a strong dislike for the dog.PREPOSITIONwith dislikeSonia stared at me with dislike and distrust.dislike forShe had a deep dislike for Robert's wife.dislike oftheir dislike of central governmentPHRASESa feeling of dislike, a look of disliketake a dislike to sbI took an instant dislike to my new colleague.

2 sth you do not likePHRASESPHRASESsb's likes and dislikesI've told you all my likes and dislikes.

II. verbADVERB | PHRASESADVERBcordially, greatly, heartily, intensely, really, stronglyShe disliked her boss intensely.particularlysimplyHe simply disliked working with committees and avoided it whenever possible.instinctivelyactivelyThere are very few foods that I actively dislike.PHRASESbe generally disliked, be universally disliked, be widely dislikedThe new teacher was universally disliked.

dislocate

dislocateverb

Dislocate is used with these nouns as the object:

arm, elbow, finger, hip, jaw, joint, wrist

dislocated

dislocatedadj.

Dislocated is used with these nouns:

elbow, finger, hip, jaw, shoulder

disloyalty

disloyaltynoun

nounVERB + disloyalty | PREPOSITIONVERB + disloyaltyshowaccuse sb ofHer friends accused her of disloyalty.PREPOSITIONdisloyalty toHe has shown disloyalty to the party and is not to be trusted.

dismal

dismaladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, lookbecomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.Last year's results were fairly dismal.It was a really dismal day.

Dismal is used with these nouns:

failure, performance, picture, record, run, showing, weather

dismally

dismallyadv.

Dismally is used with these verbs:

fail, perform

dismantle

dismantleverb

Dismantle is used with these nouns as the object:

barricade, empire, network, system

dismay

dismaynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + dismay | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeep (esp. BrE), great, utterThe government has expressed ‘deep dismay’ at police violence against protesters.growingwidespread (esp. BrE)VERB + dismayfeelI felt a mounting dismay at the prospect.express, voicehideIt was impossible to hide my dismay at what I had seen.causeThe laws on hunting cause dismay to many animal lovers.PREPOSITIONin dismayLouise stared at the torn letter in dismay.with dismayI read of her resignation with some dismay.dismay athis dismay at her reactiondismay overBrady made no secret of his dismay over his treatment.PHRASESfill sb with dismayWhat she heard filled her with dismay.(you can) imagine my dismayImagine my dismay when I saw his picture in the paper.(much) to sb's dismayMuch to my dismay, she was out when I called.

dismember

dismemberverb

Dismember is used with these nouns as the object:

corpse

dismiss

dismissverb

verb1 decide sth is not important2 remove sb from a job1 decide sth is not importantADVERB | VERB + dismiss | PREPOSITIONADVERBquicklyimmediately, out of hand, summarilyHe dismissed her suggestion out of hand.blithely, casually, cavalierly (esp. AmE), easily, lightly, readily, simplyChildren's fears should never be dismissed lightly.contemptuouslyShe contemptuously dismissed their complaints.completely, entirely, outrightHis plan was dismissed outright by his friends.routinelySuch reports are routinely dismissed as hysteria.VERB + dismissbe unable to, cannotnot be possible toIt is no longer possible to dismiss the link between climate change and carbon emissions.be difficult to, be easy toIt is easy to dismiss him as nothing more than an old fool.try toPREPOSITIONasShe dismissed their arguments as irrelevant.fromShe tried to dismiss the idea from her mind.

2 remove sb from a jobADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBfairlyunfairly, wrongfully (esp. BrE)The court ruled that Ms Hill had been unfairly dismissed.constructively (BrE)summarilyPREPOSITIONfromHe was summarily dismissed from his job.

Dismiss is used with these nouns as the subject:

court, judge, tribunal

Dismiss is used with these nouns as the object:

accusation, allegation, appeal, argument, batsman, case, charge, claim, class, complaint, concern, criticism, employee, idea, importance, indictment, juror, meeting, minister, notion, petition, possibility, report, side, speculation, staff, suggestion, suit, view, worker, worry

dismissal

dismissalnoun

noun1 from a job2 refusing to consider sth1 from a jobADJECTIVE | VERB + dismissal | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEautomatic, immediate, instant (esp. BrE), summaryHis attack on the manager led to his instant dismissal.constructive (BrE), unfair, wrongfulShe won her claim for constructive dismissal because she had been pressured into resigning.an employee claim for unfair dismissalVERB + dismissallead tocall forCrash victims are calling for the dismissal of the bus driver.be faced with, be threatened with, face, riskThey were warned that they risked dismissal if the strike continued.warrantThese mistakes were not nearly serious enough to warrant his dismissal.appeal (AmE), appeal against (BrE), claimCooke, who was with the firm 30 years, claims unfair dismissal.uphold (esp. AmE)The court upheld the dismissal.PREPOSITIONdismissal forhis dismissal for poor performancedismissal on the grounds ofShe is now faced with dismissal on the grounds of misconduct.PHRASESgrounds for dismissal, reason for dismissal

2 refusing to consider sthADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEarrogant, casual, cavalier (esp. AmE), easyabrupt, curt, offhandoutright, wholesaleHis wholesale dismissal of women composers is indefensible.PREPOSITIONdismissal ofhis callous dismissal of her father's illness

dismissive

dismissiveadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seem, soundADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.overly, verycompletelyopenlyequallyOther critics were equally dismissive.a little, slightly, etc.PREPOSITIONofShe was very dismissive of his achievements.

Dismissive is used with these nouns:

attitude, gesture, shrug, tone, wave

dismissively

dismissivelyadv.

Dismissively is used with these verbs:

shake, shrug, wave

dismount

dismountverb

Dismount is used with these nouns as the object:

disobedience

disobediencenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + disobedience | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcivilHe called for a campaign of civil disobedience.the threat of mass civil disobediencewilful/willfulVERB + disobediencepunish (sb for)practise/practiceThoreau practiced civil disobedience against an imperialist war.advocateHe advocated non-violent civil disobedience as a strategy to achieve civil rights.PREPOSITIONdisobedience totheir disobedience to authorityPHRASESan act of disobedienceHis outburst was seen as an act of disobedience.

disobedient

disobedientadj.

Disobedient is used with these nouns:

disobey

disobeyverb

Disobey is used with these nouns as the object:

command, instruction, master, order

disorder

disordernoun

noun1 untidy state; lack of order2 violent behaviour/behavior3 illness1 untidy state; lack of orderADJECTIVE | VERB + disorder | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcompleteVERB + disorderthrow sth intoThe country was thrown into disorder by the strikes.PREPOSITIONin disorderHe died suddenly, leaving his financial affairs in complete disorder.PHRASESa state of disorder

2 violent behaviour/behaviorADJECTIVE | … OF DISORDER | VERB + disorderADJECTIVEserious (esp. BrE)widespreadviolent (esp. BrE)alcohol-related, drink-related (both BrE)the pressures on police caused by drink-related disordercivil, crowd (BrE), public (esp. BrE), socialpoliticalyouth (BrE)problems of youth disorder in our cities… OF DISORDERoutbreak (esp. BrE)There have been outbreaks of serious public disorder.VERB + disordercreate, lead toquellTroops were sent in to quell the disorder.combat, curb, tackle (all esp. BrE)The initiative aims to tackle alcohol-related disorder in towns.tolerate (esp. BrE)The police will not tolerate disorder of any kind on our streets.preventnew restrictions aimed at preventing social disorder

3 illnessADJECTIVE | VERB + disorder | disorder + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEserious, severechroniccommon, raregenetic, inheritedblood, brain, etc.circulatory, eating, etc.Anorexia is a common eating disorder.physicalbehavioural/behavioral, emotional, mental, nervous, neurological, personality, psychiatric, psychologicalattention deficit, bipolar, obsessive compulsive, post-traumatic stress, seasonal affective, etc.VERB + disorderhave, suffer fromShe suffers from a rare blood disorder.developSome people develop psychological disorders as a result of trauma.causethe argument that thin models in magazines cause eating disorderspreventConsumption of fatty acids may help prevent the disorder.treatdiagnoseHer doctor diagnosed a thyroid disorder.disorder + VERBaffect sthdisorders affecting the very old, such as senile dementiaPREPOSITIONdisorder ofdisorders of the digestive system

disorderly

disorderlyadj.

Disorderly is used with these nouns:

conduct

disorganized

disorganizedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seembecomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highly, hopelesslyHe never gets anywhere on time. He's hopelessly disorganized.completely, totallya little, slightly, etc.

disparaging

disparagingadj.

Disparaging is used with these nouns:

comment, remark

disparagingly

disparaginglyadv.

Disparagingly is used with these verbs:

speak

disparate

disparateadj.

Disparate is used with these nouns:

collection, element, strand

disparity

disparitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + disparity | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEconsiderable, enormous, great, gross, huge, vast, widegrowingglaring, obviouseconomic, income, paythe glaring economic disparities between different groups in our societyethnic, gender, racial (all AmE)the issue of gender disparity in the student populationVERB + disparityaddress, reduceAmerica should address the racial disparities in its criminal justice system.eliminateincreaseexplainreveal, showPREPOSITIONdisparity betweenThe great disparity between the teams did not make for an entertaining game.disparity inthe disparity in their salariesdisparity ofa disparity of resources

dispatch

dispatchverb

Dispatch is used with these nouns as the object:

envoy, helicopter, penalty

dispel

dispelverb

Dispel is used with these nouns as the object:

anxiety, confusion, doubt, fear, gloom, illusion, misconception, myth, notion, perception, stereotype, suspicion

dispense

dispenseverb

Dispense is used with these nouns as the object:

justice, medication, medicine, prescription, wisdom

dispenser

dispensernoun

Dispenser is used after these nouns:

cash, soap, tape, towel

dispense with

dispense withphr verb

Dispense with is used with these nouns as the object:

formality

dispensing

dispensingadj.

Dispensing is used with these nouns:

chemist, optician, pharmacy

disperse

disperseverb

verbADVERB | VERB + disperse | PREPOSITIONADVERBquickly, rapidlywidelyThe population in this area is very widely dispersed.evenly, uniformlyThe bird-feeding system evenly disperses food and water.randomlygeographically, spatiallygeographically dispersed political and economic powerVERB + dispersebegin toThe crowd slowly began to disperse.PREPOSITIONaroundMembers of her family are now dispersed around the world.overThe seeds are dispersed over a wide area.throughoutWarm air rises and disperses throughout the building.

Disperse is used with these nouns as the subject:

cloud, crowd, demonstrator, fog

Disperse is used with these nouns as the object:

crowd, demonstration, demonstrator, heat, mob, seed

displaced

displacedadj.

Displaced is used with these nouns:

people, person, refugee

display

displaynounverb

I. noun1 arrangement of things2 performing a skill3 showing a particular feeling/quality4 on a computer screen, etc.1 arrangement of thingsADJECTIVE | VERB + display | display + VERB | display + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEattractive, beautiful, colourful/colorful, dazzling, excellent, fine, good, interesting, stunningeye-catching, prominentThere was a prominent display of her photographs in the living room.specialpublicpermanent, temporarystaticThe jewels are normally kept on static display in the museum.audio-visual, interactive, visualAn audio-visual display gives visitors an idea of what life was like aboard a sailing ship.floral (esp. BrE)a beautiful floral display in the parkin-store, wall, windowmuseum, shop (esp. BrE), store (esp. AmE)VERB + displayhaveThe museum has a fine display of old medical instruments.featureThe show featured a display of some of Mack's costume designs.arrange, create, mount (esp. BrE)We plan to mount a display of the children's work in the lobby area.go onExamples of her work will go on permanent display in the new museum.put sth onThe birds were put on display at the zoological society.see, viewPeople waited for hours to see the display.display + VERBillustrate sth, show sthThe display illustrates the traditional industries of the town.feature sth, include sthThe display includes examples of her work in progress.display + NOUNboard, cabinet (esp. BrE), case, rack, shelf, standa glass-fronted display cabinetwindow (esp. AmE)the display windows of a department storearea, spaceThe spacious lobby also functions as a display area.PREPOSITIONon displayDesigns for the new museum are on public display in the library.On display are necklaces and bracelets made from amber.display ofa display of Roman coins

2 performing a skillADJECTIVE | VERB + display | display + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEastonishing, awesome, breathtaking, brilliant, devastating (esp. BrE), great, impressive, magnificent, outstanding, spectacular, spirited (BrE), superb (esp. BrE), virtuosoa virtuoso display of guitar playingdisappointing (BrE), lacklustre (BrE), poor (esp. BrE)firework (esp. BrE), fireworkspyrotechnicThe sun set in a pyrotechnic display that burned up the whole sky.aerial, aerobatic, air, flying, parachute (BrE)Hundreds of people experienced the dramatic aerial display.the RAF Falcon parachute display teamcourtship, mating, sexualVERB + displaygive, perform, put onThe male performs a magnificent courtship display.They put on a spectacular fireworks display.treat sb toThe crowd was treated to an impressive display of tennis.see, watchdisplay + NOUNteaman aerobatic display teamPREPOSITIONdisplay ofThey gave a virtuoso display of disco dancing.

3 showing a particular feeling/qualityADJECTIVE | VERB + display | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVErareimpressive, incredible, strikingMembers of the community closed ranks in an impressive display of unity.open, publican open display of affection for her husbandoutwardDespite his outward display of friendliness, I sensed he was concealing something.conspicuous, ostentatious, overtan ostentatious display of wealthelaborate, extravagantHe made an elaborate display of surprise.aggressiveThere may be specific events which trigger aggressive displays in your dog.VERB + displaysee, witnessI witnessed a rare display of affection between them.PREPOSITIONdisplay ofShe slammed the door behind her in a display of ill-temper.

4 on a computer screen, etc.ADJECTIVE | display + VERB | display + NOUNADJECTIVEcomputer, screendata, graphical (esp. AmE), graphics, video, visualcolour/color, monochromehigh-resolution, low-resolutiona high-resolution computer displayLCD, LED, liquid crystal, plasmaflat-panel (esp. AmE), flat-screen, widescreenanalogue/analog, digitaldisplay + VERBindicate sth, show sthThe LCD display shows the time in hours and minutes.display + NOUNdevice, panel, screen, unitdisplay screen equipmenta visual display unitsystem

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBclearly, prominentlyHis football trophies were prominently displayed in the kitchen.proudlyopenly, publiclyPREPOSITIONtoShe proudly displayed her certificate to her parents.

Display is used with these nouns as the subject:

gallery, monitor, museum, shop

Display is used with these nouns as the object:

advertisement, affection, affinity, aggression, aptitude, array, arrogance, art, attitude, badge, banner, behaviour, bias, bravery, characteristic, collection, commitment, competence, confidence, contempt, courage, decrease, document, elegance, emotion, exhibit, exhibition, exuberance, genitals, graphics, grit, heroism, ignorance, image, independence, indifference, information, ingenuity, initiative, insensitivity, intolerance, judgement, knack, logo, loyalty, map, mastery, maturity, modesty, originality, page, painting, perseverance, picture, piece, portrait, poster, preference, property, prowess, quality, range, reluctance, remorse, sculpture, sense, sensitivity, sign, skill, spirit, subtlety, symbol, symptom, tact, talent, taste, tendency, trait, wares, wealth, willingness, work

displeasure

displeasurenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + displeasure | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEextreme, greatThe President indicated his great displeasure with the media coverage.divinethe belief that eclipses are signs of divine displeasureVERB + displeasureincurHis tactless words had incurred his father's deep displeasure.express, make known, register, show, voiceThe veterans made their displeasure known to the senator.He wrote her a letter registering his displeasure.hideHe made no attempt to hide his displeasure.PREPOSITIONdispleasure athis displeasure at being ignoreddispleasure withher displeasure with her colleagues

disposable

disposableadj.

Disposable is used with these nouns:

asset, battery, camera, contact lens, container, cup, diaper, income, lighter, nappy, razor, society, syringe

disposal

disposalnoun

nounADJECTIVE | disposal + NOUNADJECTIVEsafeillegalultimatethe problems of the ultimate disposal of nuclear wastegarbage (AmE), refuse (esp. BrE), rubbish (BrE), sewage, trash (AmE), wastebomb (esp. BrE), explosive ordnance (military)land, landfilldisposal + NOUNfacility, siteThe waste must be taken to an approved disposal facility.methodsystem, unit (esp. BrE)a kitchen waste disposal unitcompanya waste disposal companyexpert, squad (BrE), teamThe device was defused by army bomb disposal experts.

disposed

disposedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, seemADVERBfavourably/favorably, kindly, wellnaturallyPREPOSITIONtoShe seems well disposed to the move.towards/towardPeople are naturally disposed towards/toward speculation.

dispose of

dispose ofphr verb

Dispose of is used with these nouns as the object:

asset, garbage, mine, nappy, property, rubbish, stock, waste

disposition

dispositionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + disposition | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcheerful, cheery (AmE), happy, pleasant, sunny, sweetfriendlygentlenervousmelancholic (esp. AmE), melancholy (esp. BrE)nasty, sour (both AmE)genetic, naturalDo people have a natural disposition to be good?VERB + dispositionhave, showThese dogs show a very sociable disposition.PREPOSITIONof a … dispositionThis movie is not recommended for those of a nervous disposition.

disproportionate

disproportionateadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seemADVERBgrossly, hugely, vastly, wildlycompletely, quite, totally, wholly (law, esp. BrE)PREPOSITIONtoThe punishment was grossly disproportionate to the crime.

Disproportionate is used with these nouns:

amount, effect, impact, influence, number, percentage, representation, share

disproportionately

disproportionatelyadv.

Disproportionately is used with these adjectives:

concentrated, large, likely

Disproportionately is used with these verbs:

affect, benefit, contribute, represent, suffer

disprove

disproveverb

Disprove is used with these nouns as the object:

allegation, claim, existence, myth, theory, thesis

dispute

disputenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + dispute | dispute + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsiderable, major, seriousThere is considerable dispute over the precise definition of ‘social class’ as a term.The incident sparked off a major dispute between the two countries.minor, pettyacrimonious, bitter, heateddamaging (BrE)continuing, lengthy, long-running, long-standing, ongoing, protractedoutstandingHe proposed a negotiated settlement of the outstanding disputes between the two countries.publicinternational, localinternalThere were lengthy internal disputes between the two wings of the party.custody (esp. AmE), domestic, family, maritalindustrial (esp. BrE), labour/labor (esp. AmE), pay (esp. BrE)border, boundary, land, territorialjurisdictionala jurisdictional dispute between the Army and the CIAlegalcontract, contractual, patentideological, politicalcommercial, financial, tradedoctrinal, religious, theologicalVERB + disputecause, lead to, provoke, sparkone of the many factors that led to the disputeengage in, enter, enter intobe drawn intoGovernments are often drawn into disputes about matters of public taste and decency.be embroiled in, be engaged in, be involved inThey became embroiled in a dispute with their competitors.deal with, handlePolice have difficulties in dealing with domestic disputes.adjudicate, arbitrate, arbitrate in (BrE), decide, mediate, mediate in (BrE)The purpose of industrial tribunals is to adjudicate disputes between employers and employees.end, resolve, settle, solvelose, winavoid, preventbe open toHis theories are open to dispute (= can be disagreed with).dispute + VERBarise, begin, erupt, occurNo one could remember exactly how the dispute had arisen.escalateconcern sthdisputes concerning environmental protectioninvolve sb/sthPREPOSITIONbeyond disputeThe matter was settled beyond dispute by the court judgment (= it could no longer be argued about).in dispute (with)The actual sum of compensation due is still in dispute (= being argued about).The employees have been in dispute with management for three weeks.under disputethe matters under disputedispute about, dispute overdispute amongThe exact relationship between the two languages is a matter of dispute among scholars.dispute as toThere is no dispute as to the facts.dispute betweena long-standing dispute between the families over ownership of the land.dispute withPHRASESa matter, point, subject, etc. of disputethe resolution of a dispute, the settlement of a dispute

II. verbADVERB | VERB + disputeADVERBhotly, strongly, vigorouslyThe effectiveness of this treatment is still hotly disputed.VERB + disputecanNo one can dispute the fact that men still hold the majority of public offices.

Dispute is used with these nouns as the object:

allegation, assertion, authenticity, charge, claim, contention, election, fact

disputed

disputedadj.

Disputed is used with these nouns:

border, election, penalty, succession, territory

disregard

disregardnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + disregard | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcomplete, total, utterblatant, flagrantcallous, cavalier, cynicalreckless, wantontheir reckless disregard for human lifeblithe, fine (ironic, esp. BrE)With a fine disregard for geography, she decided to drive to the island.apparentVERB + disregarddemonstrate, showPREPOSITIONdisregard forHe showed complete disregard for the feelings of his family.disregard oftheir flagrant disregard of the rules

II. verb

Disregard is used with these nouns as the object:

advice, comment, rule, wish

disrepair

disrepairnoun

nounVERB + disrepair | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + disrepairfall intoThe building had fallen into disrepair.PREPOSITIONin disrepairMuch of the old building was still in disrepair.PHRASESa state of disrepair

disreputable

disreputableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, look, seemADVERBthoroughly, veryrather, slightly, vaguelyHe had a vaguely disreputable appearance.intellectuallyThis approach remains intellectually disreputable even now.

disrepute

disreputenoun

nounVERB + disrepute | PREPOSITIONVERB + disreputefall intoThe old system had fallen into disrepute.bring sth intoSuch wild claims bring science into disrepute.The players' conduct is likely to bring the game into disrepute. (BrE)PREPOSITIONin disreputeThis theory is now in disrepute.

disrespect

disrespectnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + disrespect | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcomplete, total, utterblatanthealthyVERB + disrespecthave, show, treat sb/sth withShe felt he had total disrespect for women.mean noI mean no disrespect to the team, but their performance was poor.PREPOSITIONdisrespect forThe new manager showed a healthy disrespect for formality.PHRASESno disrespect intended, no disrespect to … No disrespect intended sir; it was just a joke.

disrupt

disruptverb

verbADVERB | VERB + disrupt | PHRASESADVERBbadly (esp. BrE), seriously, severely, significantlyThe bad weather has seriously disrupted supplies of food.completely, totallypartially, temporarilypotentiallyThey warned that climate change could potentially disrupt economic activity.VERB + disruptthreaten toattempt tobe designed toThe attacks are designed to disrupt plans for the elections.PHRASESan attempt to disrupt sth

Disrupt is used with these nouns as the object:

balance, class, communication, ecology, economy, flow, habitat, meeting, offence, plan, process, production, rhythm, sleep, supply, system, traffic

disruption

disruptionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + disruption | disruption + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEconsiderable (esp. BrE), great, major, massive, serious, severe, significantminimal, minimumhow to organize the building work so as to cause minimum disruptionwidespread (esp. BrE)economic, family, political, socialthe effects of family disruption during childhoodtrafficsupplyThe war has led to supply disruption of crude oil.VERB + disruptioncause, create, lead toexperience, sufferThe city suffered some disruption due to a bomb scare.avoid, preventminimizedisruption + VERBoccurPREPOSITIONdisruption toThe bombing campaign caused massive disruption to industry.disruption inan unexpected disruption in Internet service

disruptive

disruptiveadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, become, proveADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highlya highly disruptive group of studentspotentiallypotentially disruptive elements in societysociallyPREPOSITIONtoLong working hours are very disruptive to home life.

Disruptive is used with these nouns:

behaviour, force, influence, pupil

dissatisfaction

dissatisfactionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + dissatisfaction | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeepgrowing, increasinggeneral, widespreadpopular, publicconsumer, customermarital, sexualbody (esp. AmE)We're seeing an increased trend in body dissatisfaction.jobVERB + dissatisfactioncause, create, lead toPay cuts have led to widespread dissatisfaction.express, voicePREPOSITIONdissatisfaction about, dissatisfaction overdissatisfaction over the slow progress of the peace processdissatisfaction amongThere was widespread dissatisfaction among the public.dissatisfaction atShe expressed deep dissatisfaction at the way the interview had been conducted.dissatisfaction withThere is growing dissatisfaction with the current style of management.PHRASESa feeling of dissatisfaction, a sense of dissatisfactiona cause of dissatisfaction, a source of dissatisfactionMy salary is still a source of dissatisfaction.

dissatisfied

dissatisfiedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feelbecome, growremainleave sbMany people will be left dissatisfied.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.deeply, highly, profoundlyThe decision left us feeling deeply dissatisfied.increasinglya little, slightly, etc.PREPOSITIONwithShe's very dissatisfied with her current job.

Dissatisfied is used with these nouns:

customer

disseminate

disseminateverb

Disseminate is used with these nouns as the object:

information, message

dissemination

disseminationnoun

Dissemination is used after these nouns:

dissent

dissentnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + dissent | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEserious, strong, vigorous (esp. AmE)The war provoked strong dissent.growinginternalinternal party dissentlegitimateefforts to suppress legitimate dissentpolitical, religiousPolitical dissent is not tolerated.VERB + dissentcauseexpress, register, showThere are many ways of expressing dissent.It is easier to register dissent in the Internet era.brook, toleratecrush, quash, silence, stifle, suppressThe regime ruthlessly suppresses all dissent.PREPOSITIONdissent againstpopular dissent against the Churchdissent fromHis dissent from his family's religious beliefs caused a lot of ill-feeling.PHRASESa voice of dissentIn the early 1960s the voices of dissent began to rise.

dissenting

dissentingadj.

Dissenting is used with these nouns:

opinion, sect, view, voice, vote

dissertation

dissertationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + dissertation | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEresearchdoctoral, Master's, undergraduate (BrE)MSc, PhD, etc.15 000-word, etc.unpublishedVERB + dissertationdo, prepare, writeStudents can either do a dissertation or take part in a practical project.publishcomplete, finishpresent, submitCandidates are required to present a dissertation of between 8 000 and 12 000 words.defendPREPOSITIONdissertation onHe wrote his Master's dissertation on rats.

disservice

disservicenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + disservice | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgrave, great, terrible, tremendousVERB + disservicedo sbPREPOSITIONdisservice toThis violence will do a grave disservice to their cause.

dissident

dissidentnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + dissidentADJECTIVEleading, prominentpolitical, religiousexiled, imprisonedVERB + dissidentimprison, jailregimes that murder political opponents and imprison dissidents

II. adj.

Dissident is used with these nouns:

faction, wing

dissimilar

dissimilaradj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, lookADVERBhighly, markedly, radically, verycompletely, entirely, quite, totally, whollynot altogether, not entirely, not tooPREPOSITIONfromHis views are not dissimilar from ours.toThe way of life here is not altogether dissimilar to that in other parts of India.

dissipate

dissipateverb

Dissipate is used with these nouns as the subject:

energy

Dissipate is used with these nouns as the object:

heat

dissolvable

dissolvableadj.

Dissolvable is used with these nouns:

stitch

dissolve

dissolveverb

verb1 become/make sth liquid2 end sth officially1 become/make sth liquidADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBcompletelyThe aspirin hasn't dissolved completely yet.gradually, slowlyinstantly, quicklyeasily, readilyawayThe limestone has simply dissolved away.PREPOSITIONinDissolve the sugar in water.

2 end sth officiallyADVERBADVERBformally, officiallyTheir marriage was formally dissolved last year.effectivelyThe civilian government was effectively dissolved.

Dissolve is used with these nouns as the subject:

stitch, sugar

Dissolve is used with these nouns as the object:

army, aspirin, assembly, clot, company, congress, grease, junta, marriage, parliament, partnership, party, salt, sugar, union

dissonant

dissonantadj.

Dissonant is used with these nouns:

Distant is used with these nouns:

distance

distancenoun

noun1 amount of space between two points2 point a long way away/being far away3 not being too closely involved1 amount of space between two pointsADJECTIVE | VERB + distance | distance + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsiderable, enormous, fair, good, great, huge, large, long, vastThe town is a considerable distance from the coast.It's quite a good distance to the nearest town.The people travel vast distances to find food.short, smallreasonablecertain, givenaverage, meanthe average distance covered during pursuits by cheetahsequalmaximum, minimumoptimal (AmE), optimumcorrect, rightexactestimatedfullextrafixedvaryinginfinitecomfortable, discreet, respectful, safeThe cat sat and watched us from a safe distance.braking (esp. BrE), stoppingAllow for greater stopping distances when pulling a loaded trailer.geographic (esp. AmE), geographical (esp. BrE), physicalThese immigrants face problems of physical distance.VERB + distancecover, cross, go, move, travel, traverseHe moved a short distance up the valley.The spacecraft has the ability to traverse great distances.Nobody thought he would last 15 rounds but he went the full distance. (figurative)drive, fly, swim, walk, etc.The young birds were soon flying distances of 200 feet or more.She sprinted the entire distance.bridge, spanThe arch spans a distance of 285 feet.keep, maintainI kept a comfortable distance behind the van.close, shortenHe was gradually closing the distance between himself and the other runners.calculate, determine, measureestimate, gauge, judgeIt is very difficult to judge distances in the desert.distance + NOUNrunner, swimmera champion distance swimmerrunningPREPOSITIONat a distanceShe followed them at a discreet distance.at a distance fromWhen launching a kick, it is essential to be at the correct distance from your opponent.at a distance ofThe town is situated at a distance of twenty miles from Porto.from a distance (of)Visitors can only view the painting from a distance of three yards.over a distance (of)The sound can be heard over a distance of more than five miles.within a distancechildren living within a certain distance of the schooldistance away fromThe house is a short distance away from the bus station.distance betweenWhat's the distance between London and Edinburgh?distance fromdistance tothe distance from our house to the schoolPHRASESa … distance ahead, away, apart, etc., some distance ahead, away, apart, etc.The leaders in the race were a considerable distance ahead.A bomb exploded some distance away.within commuting distance, within driving distance, within walking distanceThe bars are within walking distance.within shouting distance, within spitting distance, within striking distance, within touching distance (esp. BrE)The cat was now within striking distance of the duck.We came within spitting distance of winning the cup. (figurative)

2 point a long way away/being far awayADJECTIVE | VERB + distance | distance + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfar, middleI could just see the hills in the far distance.VERB + distancegaze (off) into, look (off) into, stare (off) intostretch (off) intoThe road stretches off into the distance.distance + NOUNeducation (AmE), learningThe college offers a wide range of distance-learning courses.visionto have good distance visionPREPOSITIONat a distanceAt a distance it is difficult to make out the detail on the building.from a distanceWe admired the palace from a distance.in the distanceIn the distance was a small town.

3 not being too closely involvedADJECTIVE | VERB + distance | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcritical, professionalemotional, psychological, socialVERB + distancekeep, maintainShe was warned to keep her distance from Jay if she didn't want to get hurt.Sociologists must maintain critical distance from the ideas of society at any particular time.PREPOSITIONdistance fromHe felt a sense of distance from the others.PHRASESa sense of distance

distant

distantadj.

adj.1 far away in space2 far away in time3 not friendly/not paying attention1 far away in spaceVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbe, soundbecome, growThe sound of the engine was growing more and more distant.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.far (literary)in far distant landsrelativelyincreasinglygeographically, physicallygeographically distant areas of the worldPREPOSITIONfromThe stars are more distant from the earth than the sun.PHRASEStwo miles distant, three days distant, etc.These sites were often several miles distant from each other.

2 far away in timeVERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbeADVERBimpossiblyThe medieval mind can seem impossibly distant.historicallyPHRASESin the far distant futurein the not too distant future, in the not too distant pastIn the not too distant future, we may witness the cloning of human beings.the dim and distant past (BrE)stories from the dim and distant past

3 not friendly/not paying attentionVERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, feel, look, seem, soundHe felt oddly distant from her.become, growremainfind sbADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.increasinglyTheir relationship has grown increasingly distant in recent years.a little, slightly, etc.oddly, strangelyEven his children found him strangely distant and impersonal.emotionallyPHRASEScold and distantWhen they met, he was very cold and distant.

ancestor, bell, corner, country, cousin, descendant, dream, drone, echo, explosion, father, future, galaxy, gleam, gunfire, hill, hillside, hope, horizon, kin, land, look, memory, mountain, murmur, object, past, peak, planet, relation, relationship, relative, roar, rumble, shore, shout, siren, sound, star, thunder, voice, wail

distantly

distantlyadv.

Distantly is used with these adjectives:

Distantly is used with these verbs:

hear

distaste

distastenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + distaste | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeep, extreme, great, profound, stronggeneralThey are country people with a general distaste for all things urban.personalgrowingobviousShe regarded the child with evident distaste.VERB + distastefeel, haveexpress, showShe was trying not to show her distaste.hideHe couldn't hide the deep distaste that he felt for many of their customs.eye sb/sth with, look at sb/sth with, regard sb/sth withPREPOSITIONin distasteShe wrinkled her nose in mock distaste.with distasteJim looked with distaste at the cockroach in his soup.distaste atHe couldn't hide his distaste at having to sleep in such a filthy room.distaste forJoe had a profound distaste for violence.PHRASESan expression of distaste, a look of distaste

distasteful

distastefuladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seemfind sthADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.deeply (esp. BrE), highly, particularlyI find his attitude highly distasteful.a little, slightly, etc.PREPOSITIONtoIt all seems a little distasteful to me.

distended

distendedadj.

Distended is used with these nouns:

belly

distil

distilverb

Distil is used with these nouns as the object:

brandy, essence, whisky

distilled

distilledadj.

Distilled is used with these nouns:

distiller

distillernoun

Distiller is used after these nouns:

distillery

distillerynoun

Distillery is used after these nouns:

Distinct is used with these nouns:

distinct

distinctadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbeappearbecomeremainkeep sthIt is necessary to keep these two issues distinct.consider sth as, regard sth as, see sth asADVERBverycompletely, entirely, quite, radically, totally, whollyfairlyessentially, fundamentallyclearlysufficientlyManufacturers hope their new products will be sufficiently distinct to command higher prices.analytically, conceptually, formally (= distinct in form), qualitativelyPolitical power should be regarded as analytically distinct from economic power.anatomically, genetically, geographically, historically, physically, etc.geographically distinct regionsPREPOSITIONfromThe various dialects are quite distinct from one another.PHRASESas distinct fromShe was studying lung cancer, as distinct from other types of cancer.

advantage, category, class, conception, difference, dimension, disadvantage, discipline, echo, entity, facet, feature, feeling, identity, impression, improvement, kind, lack, minority, odour, part, perception, personality, phase, possibility, recollection, region, role, shift, sign, smell, species, stage, strand, type

distinction

distinctionnoun

noun1 clear difference2 excellence/fame1 clear differenceADJECTIVE | VERB + distinction | distinction + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcritical, crucial, important, key, main, major, vitalbasic, essential, fundamentalclear, clear-cut, obvious, real, rigid, sharp, strongfine, subtleIt was a subtle distinction but a very important one.broad, generalsimplelogicalmeaningful, significant, useful, validarbitrary, artificial, false, meaninglessabsoluteIs there always an absolute distinction between right and wrong?conventional, old, traditionalthe conventional distinction between pure and applied sciencecategorical, conceptual, formal, qualitative, semantic, theoreticallegal, moralclass, cultural, gender, racial, socialVERB + distinctiondraw, makeShe draws an important distinction between the different kinds of illness.note, recognize, see, understandWe can see a sharp distinction between ambition and greed.blur, collapse, erase (esp. AmE), obscureThe distinction between amateur and professional players is being blurred.distinction + VERBlieCultural distinctions lie at the heart of these issues.existNo legal distinction existed between cities and other corporations.PREPOSITIONwithout distinctionAll groups are entitled to this money without distinction (= without a difference being made between them).distinction betweendistinction ofa society without distinctions of class and privilege

2 excellence/fameADJECTIVE | VERB + distinction | distinction + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEconsiderable, greatdubiousrareuniqueacademic, intellectual, professional, socialElection to the NAE is an indication of professional distinction.VERB + distinctionhaveHe has the dubious distinction of being the world's most famous gangster.achieve, earnShe achieved distinction in several fields of scholarship.distinction + VERBbelongNew York does not have the nation's oldest subway system; that distinction belongs to Boston.PREPOSITIONof distinctionShe is a historian of great distinction.with distinctionHe served with distinction in the First World War.

distinctive

distinctiveadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highly, particularly, trulyThe shell has a highly distinctive pattern.visually

Distinctive is used with these nouns:

appearance, aroma, aspect, call, character, characteristic, element, feature, flavour, identity, landmark, logo, look, nature, niche, odour, personality, quality, shape, signature, smell, sound, stripe, style, taste, tattoo, trait, type, variety, voice

distinctly distinguish

distinguishverb

verbADVERB | VERB + distinguish | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBclearly, sharplycarefullyeasily, readilyThe adult bird can be readily distinguished by its orange bill.accurately, reliablyTroops cannot always reliably distinguish between combatants and civilians.VERB + distinguishbe able to, can, could, etc.be unable tobe difficult to, be hard to, be impossible to, be possible tobe important to, be necessary toIt is important to distinguish between cause and effect.PREPOSITIONbetweenIt is often difficult to distinguish clearly between fact and fiction in this book.fromShe could not distinguish one child from another.PHRASEShave difficulty distinguishing, have difficulty in distinguishing, have trouble distinguishingSmall children have difficulty distinguishing fiction from reality.

Distinguish is used with these nouns as the subject:

feature

Distinguish is used with these nouns as the object:

category, shape, type

distinguishable

distinguishableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecomeADVERBclearly, easily, readilybarely, hardly, scarcelyPREPOSITIONbyThe animal is easily distinguishable by the black stripes above its eye.fromThe male bird is barely distinguishable from the female.

distinguished

distinguishedadj.

Distinguished is used with these nouns:

artist, biologist, career, chemist, collection, contribution, critic, diplomat, economist, fellow, gentleman, guest, historian, mathematician, musician, painter, panel, pedigree, philosopher, physicist, poet, professor, record, scholar, scientist, surgeon, tradition, writer

distinguishing

distinguishingadj.

Distinguishing is used with these nouns:

attribute, characteristic, feature, mark

distort

distortverb

verbADVERBADVERBgrossly, seriously, severelyHe was accused of grossly distorting the facts.completelyslightlydeliberately

Distort is used with these nouns as the object:

history, image, market, meaning, perception, reality, shape, truth, vision, word

distorted

distortedadj.

Distorted is used with these nouns:

image, impression, perception, perspective, picture, reflection, sound, view, vision

distortion

distortionnoun

noun1 change in shape/sound2 changing sth so that it is shown falsely1 change in shape/soundADJECTIVE | VERB + distortionADJECTIVEsevereslightinevitableimageVERB + distortioncause, create, lead toThe wrong chemical balance can cause severe distortion of the photographic image.avoidminimizecorrect

2 changing sth so that it is shown falselyADJECTIVE | VERB + distortionADJECTIVEgross, seriousHis report was attacked as a gross distortion of the truth.deliberateVERB + distortioncorrectEvery mistake or distortion that they print must be corrected.

distract

distractverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBeasilyHe's easily distracted from his workmomentarily, temporarilyA noise outside momentarily distracted her.PREPOSITION(away) froman attempt to distract attention away from the real problems in the country

Distract is used with these nouns as the object:

attention

distracted

distractedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSappear, be, look, seembecome, getIt's easy to get distracted when you're studying.ADVERBsomewhat, verya little, slightly, etc.She seemed slightly distracted, as if something was worrying her.momentarilyLuke looked momentarily distracted.

distractedly

distractedlyadv.

Distractedly is used with these verbs:

distraction

distractionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + distraction | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEunwantedgood, nice, welcomebrief, momentaryconstantminorbig, huge, majorHer odd appearance is a major distraction whenever she is on screen.unnecessarydriver (esp. AmE)new laws to address driver distraction caused by phone conversationsVERB + distractioncause, createShe caused a distraction by setting off the alarm.provideThe TV provided a distraction from his work.useBecca used the distraction to make a run for it.eliminate, minimizeavoidPREPOSITIONwithout distractionShe worked hard all morning, without distraction.distraction fromWork was a welcome distraction from her problems at home.PHRASESdrive sb to distractionMy kids drive me to distraction at times.love sb to distraction

distraught

distraughtadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, look, seem, soundShe sounded absolutely distraught.becomeleave sbHis mother's death left him utterly distraught.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.absolutely, completely, utterlyemotionallyPREPOSITIONatThey were extremely distraught at the news of his accident.

Distraught is used with these nouns:

mother, parent

distress

distressnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + distress | distress + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEacute, considerable, deep, extreme, great, immense (BrE), severe, significantgenuine, realobviousunnecessary (esp. BrE)generalemotional, mental, moral, personal, physical, psychologicalthe physical distress of hungerthe personal distress associated with unemploymenteconomic, financial, socialThe causes of social distress include inadequate housing.marital, relationship (both AmE)an unhappy young couple in acute relationship distressVERB + distresscause (sb)experience, feel, sufferthe distress that she felt when her parents arguedThe animals suffer great pain and distress when hunted.show (signs of)She seemed calm and showed no signs of distress.hideHe tried to hide his distress, but the tremor in his voice was unmistakable.expressHall expressed his distress at the court's failure to uphold his rights.avoidalleviate, ease, reduce, relievesee, senseShe saw the distress in Christy's eyes.Sensing her distress, Luke walked over and patted her shoulder.distress + NOUNcall, signalThe sinking ship sent out a distress call.PREPOSITIONin distressThe child was clearly in distress.a ship in distressto sb's distressHe dropped out of college, to his family's distress.distress ather obvious distress at hearing such bad newsdistress overThe president issued a statement expressing her distress over the affair.PHRASESa damsel in distressmedieval ballads about a knight saving a damsel in distressa source of distressGetting old is a source of distress to men as well as women.

distressed

distressedadj.

Distressed is used with these nouns:

parent

distressing

distressingadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecomefind sthI found the story deeply distressing.ADVERBextremely, verydeeply, highlyquite, ratheremotionallyPREPOSITIONforThe divorce was extremely distressing for the children.

Distressing is used with these nouns:

scene, symptom

distribute

distributeverb

verb1 give sth out2 spread sth3 supply sth for sale1 give sth outADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBequally, fairlyunequallywidelyThe leaflets have been widely distributed.freeCopies of the book were distributed free to each school in the district.PREPOSITIONamongWe distributed the money equally among the team members.betweentoAid is being distributed to people in need.by, viaViruses are often distributed via email.

2 spread sthADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBevenly, uniformlyWealth is not evenly distributed between age groups.unevenlynon-randomly, randomly (both technical)Smokers were randomly distributed in the sample interviewed.identicallyirregularly, patchily, sparselybroadly, widelyThe trend is broadly distributed and not just a big-city phenomenon.wellGenerous workspaces must be well distributed throughout the library.globallyThe plant is globally distributed.geographicallyPREPOSITIONacross, among, between, throughoutThere are over 35 000 species of orchid distributed throughout the world.

3 supply sth for saleADVERBADVERBinternationally, nationallynationally distributed brands of fruit juiceexclusivelyThe cheese is imported and distributed exclusively by Norland Inc.illegally

Distribute is used with these nouns as the object:

condom, copy, dividend, film, fund, handout, information, land, leaflet, magazine, memo, movie, music, pamphlet, product, questionnaire, resource, wealth, weight, workload

distribution

distributionnoun

noun1 way sth is shared or exists over an area2 giving/delivering sth to people3 payment1 way sth is shared or exists over an areaADJECTIVE | VERB + distribution | distribution + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEegalitarian, equitable, fairto ensure a fair distribution of wealthinequitable, unfairequalan equal distribution of wealth between people of different age groupsunequaleven, uniformAfter applying the cream, comb through to ensure even distribution.unevenThe country was noted for its uneven distribution of land resources.patchyoptimal, optimumrelativethe relative distribution of continents and oceansgeneral, overallthe general distribution of earthquakes around the worldbroad, wide, widespreadthe broad distribution of Bronze Age artefactsthe wider distribution of wealth throughout societylocal, localizedFish populations assume highly localized distributions within each river.global, regional, worldwidespatialstatisticalincome, wealthweightage, class, geographical, population, sex, socialthe social class distribution of the male populationnormal, skewed, smooth (all technical)a normal distribution with a bell-shaped frequency curvenon-random, random (both technical)binomial, frequency, probability (all technical)VERB + distributionachieve, ensureThe engine is mounted in the middle to achieve a more even weight distribution.analyse/analyze, examine, investigate, observedetermineRadiology was used to determine the distribution of the disease.haveThese birds have a wide geographical distribution.exhibit, show (both technical)IQs within the population show a normal distribution.distribution + NOUNpatternAnimal herds may form in response to the distribution patterns of food.mapdistribution maps of the most important tropical diseasescurve (technical)people at the low end of the distribution curve of intelligencePREPOSITIONdistribution acrossthe distribution of resources across societydistribution amongdata on wealth distribution among age groupsdistribution betweena disparity in age distribution between groupsdistribution overthe distribution of trees over the estatedistribution throughoutuniform distribution of the chemical throughout the timberPHRASESa change in distributionchanges in the distribution of wealth and income

2 giving/delivering sth to peopleADJECTIVE | VERB + distribution | distribution + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfreeThe document contains sensitive information and is not suitable for free (= unrestricted) distribution.The previously free (= not paid for) distribution of textbooks will now be confined to students who are needy.generalOur catalogue lists all our books that are available for general distribution.selectiveexclusiveThe publisher has signed an agreement for the exclusive distribution of the books in the US.properelectronicthe electronic distribution of software to customersglobal, international, local, national, worldwideRoads are used for local distribution of goods.electricity, food, fuel, gas, land, water, etc.land distribution policiesretail, wholesalethe wholesale and retail distribution of a huge variety of goodsVERB + distributioncontrol, handle, organizeThe company is to handle the distribution of the product in Europe.be available for2 000 copies of the booklet have been printed and are available for distribution.ensureto ensure the proper distribution of medical aidallow, allow forto allow for the distribution of aiddistribution + NOUNagreement, arrangement, dealHer company has signed a non-exclusive distribution agreement.listI attach a copy of the distribution list so you can see who got the last edition.email distribution listsrightscostschannelWe have many distribution channels for our software, including electronic.chain, infrastructure, network, pipeline (AmE)There are more firearms in the distribution pipeline than most people realize.methodprocesssystemfacilitiesThe company wants to invest in new distribution facilities.base, centre/center, depot, outlet, point, siteThe company has decided to use Chennai as its distribution base.platformThe Internet is our distribution platform now.operationThe company has distribution operations in 33 countries worldwide.business, companyindustryPREPOSITIONfor distributionfree leaflets for distribution overseasdistribution amongfood for distribution among the homelessdistribution betweenthe distribution of the health budget between various hospitalsdistribution bythe distribution by the government of a leaflet explaining the new taxdistribution throughdistribution through department storesdistribution toThe food was packed up for distribution to outlying communities.PHRASESa/the chain of distributionThere are savings to be made by bypassing retailers in the chain of distribution.a channel of distribution

3 paymentADJECTIVE | VERB + distributionADJECTIVEcapital, dividend, sharecashVERB + distributionmakeWhen are distributions likely to be made to creditors?

distributive

distributiveadj.

Distributive is used with these nouns:

justice

distributor

distributornoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + distributor | distributor + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEglobal, international, overseas, worldwidelocal, nationalexclusive, soleauthorized, licensedindependentbig, large, leading, main, major, primaryWe are the primary distributor of the system in Mexico.smallwholesalefoodfilm, movie (AmE)softwareVERB + distributorappoint (sb) asWe have been appointed sole distributor of a number of Hungarian wines.act asWe will act as the exclusive distributor for these Russian goods to the world market.distributor + NOUNnetworkPREPOSITIONthrough a/the distributorYou can get the book through your local distributor.distributor forthe exclusive distributor for these goodsa distributor for the German marketa distributor for Hewlett-Packard

district

districtnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + district | district + VERB | district + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEneighbouring/neighboring, surroundingFire crews from all the surrounding districts helped to fight the fires.central, downtown (AmE)Every city has its central business district.The apartment is approximately fifteen minutes from the downtown district.outlying, remotea new station to help people commuting from outlying districtsnorthern, southern, etc.affluent, exclusive, rich, wealthypoor, working-classthe shacks in the poorest districts of the cityslumhistoricconservation (AmE)coastal, country, local, metropolitan, rural, suburban, urbanbusiness, commercial, financial (AmE), industrial, residential, warehouse (esp. AmE)arts, entertainment, shopping, theatre/theaterTimes Square is the entertainment district of New York.garment, meat-packing, mining (all AmE)administrativeelectoral, polling, voting (AmE)congressional, federal, judicial, legislative (all in the US)a federal district court in New Yorkpostal (in the UK)Democratic, RepublicanIt's a heavily Democratic district.swing (= in which people often change who they vote for) (AmE)home (esp. AmE)He hasn't yet registered to vote in his home district.health (esp. BrE), military, school (AmE)He has been transferred to a hospital in a different health district.The company supplies milk to Maine school districts.red-lightVERB + districtcreateefforts to create a single business district in downtown Beijingdraw, redraw (both AmE, politics)This Houston district was originally drawn to elect a Hispanic Democrat.They redrew districts to make sure Republican candidates would win.representHe represented his district in Congress.win (AmE)Clinton barely won the district in 1996.district + VERBstretchTheir district stretches from the mountains to the sea.include sthThe district includes much of the Ribault River.offer sth, provide sthdistrict + NOUNauthority, councilthe district health authority (in the UK)attorney, judge, official (all in the US)councillor, nurse (both in the UK)court (in the US)hospital (in the UK)officeboundaryRedrawing district boundaries would change the election results.PREPOSITIONin a/the district, within a/the districtThe hotel is located within Beijing's business district.

district court

district courtnoun

District court is used before these nouns:

distrust

distrustnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + distrust | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeep, deep-seated, profoundgrowingwidespreadgeneralHe had a general distrust of the government.publicmutualhealthyShe has a healthy distrust of door-to-door salesmen.VERB + distrustfeel, haveexpress, showcreateThe many policy changes have created growing distrust among employees.overcomeGreat efforts were made to overcome public distrust.PREPOSITIONdistrust betweendistrust between the two governmentsdistrust ininvestor distrust in the equity marketsdistrust ofa distrust of the mediaPHRASESa climate of distrust

disturb

disturbverb

Disturb is used with these nouns as the object:

balance, concentration, intruder, neighbour, nest, peace, privacy, rest, site, sleep, wildlife

disturbance

disturbancenoun

noun1 actions that upset the normal state of sb/sth2 (esp. BrE) violent public event3 emotional/physical upset1 actions that upset the normal state of sb/sthADJECTIVE | … OF DISTURBANCE | VERB + disturbance | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgreat, major, seriousminimal, minimum, minor, slightenvironmental, physicalenvironmental disturbances caused by roads and traffic… OF DISTURBANCElevelan unacceptable level of disturbance to our staffVERB + disturbancecause, create, makeThe traffic causes serious disturbance to residents.experience, sufferfeel, senseFish can sense disturbances in the water.minimizereducepreventShe moved the nest very carefully to prevent disturbance to the birds.PREPOSITIONwithout disturbancea place where you can work without disturbancedisturbance fromdisturbance from noisy trafficdisturbance ofthe disturbance of marine life caused by oil spillagesdisturbance toBuildings should create minimum disturbance to the environment.

2 (esp. BrE) violent public eventADJECTIVE | VERB + disturbance | disturbance + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEseriousThe decision led to serious disturbances in all the country's main cities.violentpubliccrowd (BrE)civil, political, racial, socialdomestic (BrE, AmE)Police had been called to a domestic disturbance.VERB + disturbancecause, give rise to, lead to, triggerHe was arrested and charged with causing a disturbance.An influx of refugees has triggered disturbances in the city.be involved inLarge numbers of workers involved in the disturbances have been arrested.deal with, put down, quellTroops were brought in to put down the disturbance.disturbance + VERBoccurinvolve sbdisturbances involving members of a crowd of 550 demonstratorsPREPOSITIONduring a/the disturbance, in a/the disturbanceSeveral people were injured during a disturbance in the capital city.disturbance amongThere had been violent disturbances among the prisoners.disturbance betweendisturbances between members of two rival factionsPHRASESa disturbance of the peace (law, esp. BrE) (usually disturbing the peace in AmE)

3 emotional/physical upsetADJECTIVE | VERB + disturbance | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEserious, severebehavioural/behavioral, emotional, mental, psychiatric, psychologicalteenagers suffering from a psychological disturbancemenstrual, visualsleepmood, personalityVERB + disturbanceexperience, have, suffer from9% of children have a serious emotional disturbance.reportMany patients reported sleep disturbances after taking the drug.PREPOSITIONdisturbance ina disturbance in liver functionemotional disturbances in children

disturbed

disturbedadj.

adj.1 mentally ill2 very anxious1 mentally illVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seembecomeADVERBdeeply, highly, seriously, severely, veryMany of our patients are severely disturbed.behaviourally/behaviorally, emotionally, mentally, psychologicallyemotionally disturbed children

2 very anxiousVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feelbecomeADVERBdeeply, greatly, profoundly, veryquite, rathera little, slightly, etc.vaguely (esp. AmE)PREPOSITIONbyI felt vaguely disturbed by the incident.

Disturbed is used with these nouns:

adolescent, sleep

disturbing

disturbingadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomeremainfind sthADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.deeply, highly, profoundlya profoundly disturbing experiencea little, slightly, etc.vaguelyoddly

Disturbing is used with these nouns:

aspect, detail, dream, fact, image, implication, memory, news, picture, reading, report, sight, sign, thought, trend, vision

disuse

disusenoun

nounVERB + disuse | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + disusebe inMuch of the factory is in disuse.fall intoA new bridge was built ten years ago and the old one has fallen into disuse.PREPOSITIONfrom disuse, through disuse, with disuseHer muscles had become weak through disuse.PHRASESa period of disuse

disused

disusedadj.

Disused is used with these nouns:

cellar, factory, garage, mine, railway, warehouse

ditch

ditchnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + ditch | ditch + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdeep, wideshallow, smallopenThe drainage system consisted of a few open ditches to facilitate run-off.muddydrainage, irrigationroadsideVERB + ditchdigditch + VERBrunThe ditch ran parallel to the road.surround sthThe lettuce beds are surrounded by a deep ditch.PREPOSITIONin a ditch, into a ditchI tripped and fell into a muddy ditch.

II. verb

Ditch is used with these nouns as the object:

diva

divanoun

Diva is used after these nouns:

pop

dive

divenounverb

I. noun1 of an aircraft2 move/jump/fall1 of an aircraftADJECTIVE | VERB + diveADJECTIVEsteep, verticalgentle, shallowspiralVERB + divego intoThe plane went into a steep dive.pull out ofThe pilot seemed to be having difficulty in pulling out of the dive.

2 move/jump/fallADJECTIVE | VERB + dive | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEheadlong, nose (usually nosedive) (both often figurative)The economy is on a headlong dive to disaster.His acting career took a nosedive.suddendeeprunningShe made a running dive to get across the crevasse.VERB + divemake, takeShe made a dive for the door.He took a dive in the penalty area and won his team a controversial penalty.The market is volatile and profits could take a dive. (figurative)PREPOSITIONdive forThere would be a dive for the bar as soon as the show finished.

II. verb1 jump into water2 of birds/aircraft3 move/jump/fall1 jump into waterADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBdeep, head firstdownPREPOSITIONforto dive for pearlsfromShe dived from the top diving board.intoHe dived head first into the water.offPHRASESgo divingHe went to Greece to go diving.

2 of birds/aircraftADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBsuddenlyverticallyUnlike some birds, it does not dive vertically.PREPOSITIONfrom, toThe plane suddenly dived from 10 000 feet to 5 000.

3 move/jump/fallADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBhead first, headlongback, down, forwardPREPOSITIONbeneathintoHe dived headlong into the ditch.throughunderPHRASESdive for coverWe heard an explosion and dived for cover.

Dive is used with these nouns as the subject:

duck, submarine, whale

dive for

dive forphr verb

Dive for is used with these nouns as the object:

diverge

divergeverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBconsiderably, dramatically, sharply, significantly, widelyslightlyrapidlyPREPOSITIONfromThis country's interests diverge considerably from those of other countries.

divergent

divergentadj.

Divergent is used with these nouns:

path, thinking, view

diverse

diverseadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seembecomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.enormously, exceptionally, highly, incredibly, remarkably, widelyrichlyThe school is a richly diverse community.wildly (esp. AmE)The 1970s saw wildly diverse roles for the actor.increasinglyrelativelyapparently, seeminglyculturally, demographically, economically, ethnically, geographically, linguistically, racially, religiously, sociallyan ethnically diverse populationbiologically, genetically

Diverse is used with these nouns:

array, assortment, audience, background, bunch, clientele, collection, community, crowd, culture, element, group, heritage, influence, interest, interpretation, mix, neighbourhood, people, pool, population, range, repertoire, set, society, subject, topic, type, viewpoint, workforce

diversify

diversifyverb

Diversify is used with these nouns as the object:

diversion

diversionnoun

noun1 change of direction2 (BrE) temporary route3 distraction4 pleasant activity1 change of directionADJECTIVE | VERB + diversion | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbrief, short (esp. BrE)major (esp. BrE)waterVERB + diversionmake, takeFrom Poiso we make a short diversion to drive to the top of the mountain.PREPOSITIONdiversion fromthe diversion of water from the river into the reservoirdiversion toThe pilot set the aircraft up for a diversion to the nearest suitable airfield.

2 (BrE) temporary routeSee also detourADJECTIVE | VERB + diversion | diversion + VERBADJECTIVEtemporaryA temporary diversion has been set up to take traffic away from the accident site.trafficVERB + diversionset upsignpostThe road will be closed for two days; diversions have been signposted.diversion + VERBbe in operationThe main road is now closed and diversions are in operation.

3 distractionADJECTIVE | VERB + diversion | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEwelcomeVERB + diversioncreate, provideThe fire was started to create a diversion, allowing some prisoners to escape.PREPOSITIONdiversion fromTV provided a welcome diversion from our routine.

4 pleasant activityADJECTIVE | VERB + diversionADJECTIVEfun, nice, pleasantlittle, minor (esp. BrE)VERB + diversionmake, provideThe party would make a pleasant diversion in his rather dull social life.

diversionary

diversionaryadj.

Diversionary is used with these nouns:

diversity

diversitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + diversity | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEconsiderable, enormous, extraordinary, great, immense, remarkable, rich, tremendous, wideThere is need for greater diversity and choice in education.the rich diversity of the city's cultural lifegrowing, increased, increasinghigh, lowThe south-east has the highest diversity of freshwater fish in the country.biological, ecological, gene, genetic, speciesthe need to preserve biological diversitycultural, ethnic, gender, intellectual (esp. AmE), linguistic, political, racial, religiousideologicalgeographic (esp. AmE), geographical, regionalglobalVERB + diversityachieve, createencourage, enhance, foster, promoteOur party believes in encouraging cultural diversity, not division.celebrate, embracePeople are being encouraged to celebrate the diversity of their communities.a racist society with a reluctance to embrace diversityappreciate, respect, valueYou're lucky to work for a company which values diversity.maintain, preserve, protectThe producer was under pressure to maintain a diversity in his output.reflect, representThe teaching profession does not yet reflect the diversity of the population.increasedecrease, reduceallow, allow forTyrannies do not allow diversity and disagreement.PREPOSITIONdiversity indiversity in the style of the reportsdiversity ofThere is a wide diversity of views on this subject.

divert

divertverb

Divert is used with these nouns as the object:

attention, flight, flow, money, resource, river, traffic

divide

dividenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + divide | divide + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, deep, great, sharpgrowingnorth-south, etc.class, cultural, economic, ethnic, gender, generational, ideological, political, racial, religious, sectarian, socialpartisan (esp. AmE), partydigitalthe digital divide between people with access to technology and those withoutVERB + dividecreatewidenpolicies which have widened the divide between rich and poorclose, narrowbridge, cross, straddleadvice on bridging cultural dividesIt's a friendship which crosses the divide of social class.a style which straddles the divide between classic and modernaddressattempts to address the racial divide in this countrydivide + VERBwidennarrowopen, open upseparate stha divide separating those who have access to computers and those who don'tPREPOSITIONdivide betweenthe sharp divide between rich and poor regionsdivide inThe leader's speech aimed to close the embarrassing divide in party ranks.

II. verb1 separate into parts2 share3 cause disagreement1 separate into partsADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBbroadly, roughlyThis report is divided broadly into two parts.exactlyclearlyconveniently, neatlyVegetarians divide neatly into two groups.evenlyarbitrarily, randomlyThey were randomly divided into three groups.PREPOSITIONintoThe children divided into three teams.PHRASESdivide in twothe point where the river divides in two

2 shareADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBequallyPREPOSITIONamongThe money was divided equally among his sons.betweenThey divided their time between London and Boston.

3 cause disagreementADVERB | PHRASESADVERBbitterly, deeply, seriously, sharplyThis issue has bitterly divided the community.increasinglyclosely, evenlyethnically, politically, raciallyThe fragile peace has deteriorated in this ethnically divided city.PHRASESbe divided about sth, be divided on sth, be divided over sthBoard members were deeply divided on the issue.

Divide is used with these nouns as the subject:

cell, gulf, line, partition, path, watershed

Divide is used with these nouns as the object:

booty, country, electorate, nation, number, spoils, vote, world

divided

dividedadj.

Divided is used with these nouns:

electorate, highway, loyalty, nation, society

divide into

divide intophr verb

Divide into is used with these nouns as the object:

camp, fourth, module, part, quarter, region, section, sector, square, third, unit, zone

dividend

dividendnoun

noun1 payment on a company share2 benefit/reward1 payment on a company shareADJECTIVE | VERB + dividend | dividend + VERB | dividend + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, high, large10%, etc.totalgross, net (both BrE)annual, quarterlyfinal, interim (both BrE)company, corporateshare (esp. BrE), stock (esp. AmE)Investors will still pay tax on their foreign share dividends.cashVERB + dividendpaydistributeget, receiveannounce, declareThe company has not yet declared its dividends for this year.boost, increase, lift (BrE), raisehold, maintainThe interim dividend is maintained at 2.5 cents per share.cut, reduce, slashtaxdividend + VERBbe upThe dividend is up 10.6%.go up, grow, riseThe dividend should rise to 5 cents.stayThe dividend stays at 0.5p.be payableThe final dividend, payable on July 1, is reduced to 1p.dividend + NOUNpayment, payoutdistributiongrowth, increasecutincome, total, yieldThe fund has a dividend yield of 5.75%.ratetaxcheque/checkstocks (AmE)policyPREPOSITIONdividend onThey have announced the quarterly dividend on the shares.PHRASESan increase in a dividend

2 benefit/rewardADJECTIVE | VERB + dividend | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, great, handsome, huge, large, richeconomic, politicalpeaceVERB + dividendbring, pay, produce, reap, yieldHer hard work paid dividends when she won the school dancing competition.The company reaped rich dividends with its new strategy.PREPOSITIONdividend inThe chain's investment in new stores is bringing dividends in new customers.

dividend-paying

dividend-payingadj.

Dividend-paying is used with these nouns:

stock

divide up

divide upphr verb

Divide up is used with these nouns as the subject:

partition

dividing

dividingadj.

Dividing is used with these nouns:

divine

divineadj.

Divine is used with these nouns:

attribute, authority, being, blessing, consciousness, decree, displeasure, essence, favour, forgiveness, grace, guidance, inspiration, intervention, justice, love, mandate, mercy, mystery, nature, perfection, presence, realm, retribution, revelation, right, sanction, spark, truth, will, wisdom, worship, wrath

divinely

divinelyadv.

Divinely is used with these adjectives:

inspired

Divinely is used with these verbs:

sanction

diving

divingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + diving | diving + NOUNADJECTIVEdeep-sea, scuba, sub-aqua (BrE)commercial (esp. BrE)VERB + divinggodiving + NOUNboardequipment, gear, suitbellA diving bell is usually used for operations below 150 feet.coach, instructorexpedition, tripaccident

divinity

divinitynoun

Divinity is used before these nouns:

divisible

divisibleadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeADVERBinfinitelyHe argued that all matter was infinitely divisible.evenlyA prime number is evenly divisible only by itself and 1.PREPOSITIONbyTwelve is divisible by four.intoPlants are divisible into three main groups.

division

divisionnoun

noun1 dividing sth into separate parts2 differences between two groups, things, etc.3 section of an organization4 in sports5 dividing one number by another1 dividing sth into separate partsADJECTIVE | VERB + division | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEclear, simpleSometimes there is no simple division between good and evil.complexrigidbroad, roughequal, fairunequalan unequal division of the cakeconventional, traditionalthe traditional division of language into grammar and vocabularyhierarchicalhierarchical division between ‘workers’ and ‘management’threefold, three-way, tripartitecellnuclearVERB + divisionmakeYou can make a rough division of his music into ‘light’ and ‘serious’.PREPOSITIONdivision amongHis will detailed his assets and gave instructions for their division among his children.division betweenthe division of the money between the membersdivision intoIn selling there is a broad division into direct and indirect methods.PHRASESthe division of labour/laborthe division of wealth

2 differences between two groups, things, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + division | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbitter, deep, great, sharpThere are sharp divisions within the party over the proposals.fundamentalfactional, internalfactional divisions within the partynorth-southclass, cultural, ethnic, gender, ideological, political, racial, sectarian, socialVERB + divisioncause, create, provokeexploitdeepen, exacerbate, reinforcehealThe speech is intended to heal divisions within the party.overcome, transcendfaith and love which transcends every division and prejudicePREPOSITIONdivision amongThere are reports of serious divisions among senior party members.division betweendivision withindivision within the government

3 section of an organizationADJECTIVE | VERB + division | division + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEregionalinternational, multinationalmanufacturing, marketing, news, retail, sales, training, wholesaleadministrativethe administrative divisions of the empireairborne, armoured/armored, infantryVERB + divisioncommand, head, lead, oversee, runestablish, formlaunchThe company recently launched its publishing division.deploy (= an army division)division + NOUNchief (esp. AmE), commander (= in the army), director, head, leader, manager, president (esp. AmE)headquartersPREPOSITIONin the … divisionShe works in the marketing division.

4 in sportsADJECTIVE | VERB + division | division + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfirst, high, junior, low, premier, second, senior, top, etc.He's now playing in the higher divisions.heavyweight, lightweight, middleweight, etc. (= in boxing, etc.)VERB + divisionclinch, win (both AmE)The Ravens finished 10–6 and won the division.dominatedivision + NOUNchampionship, crown, titleThe team won its tenth consecutive division title.competition, game, series (all AmE)champ (informal), champion, winnerrivalslead (AmE)The team have a three game division lead.PREPOSITIONin the … divisionThey compete in the senior division of the chess league.

5 dividing one number by anotherADJECTIVE | VERB + division | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElongVERB + divisiondoCan you do long division?PREPOSITIONdivision bydivision by three

divisional

divisionaladj.

Divisional is used with these nouns:

manager

divisive

divisiveadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.deeplypotentiallypolitically, racially, sociallyHe believes that unemployment is socially divisive and is leading to the creation of an underclass.

divorce

divorcenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + divorce | divorce + VERB | divorce + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEamicable, uncontestedno-faultacrimonious, bitter, messy, nasty, painful, uglyquick, quickie (informal)parentalParental divorce can have lasting negative consequences for children.civilThe church may disapprove but Catholics can and do obtain civil divorces.VERB + divorcewantapply for, ask for, file for, petition for, seek, sue forShe filed for divorce in 1996.initiateThe majority of divorces are initiated by women.get, have, obtainHe told her that he was married but getting a divorce.experience, go throughShe watched her parents go through an acrimonious divorce.agree to, consent tocontestThese days divorce is rarely contested.finalizeOnce the divorce is finalized, I plan to move to Bermuda.handlethe lawyers handling their divorcegrant (sb)Over 50 000 divorces were granted last year.end inAn increasing number of marriages end in divorce.considerNeither partner had considered divorce.divorce + VERBcome throughHe is waiting for the divorce to come through before he remarries.divorce + NOUNcourtcase, proceedings, processpetitionpapersHe hasn't signed the divorce papers yet.decree, settlementfigures, rate, statisticsThe divorce rate has been growing steadily since 1971.lawattorney (AmE), lawyermediationPREPOSITIONdivorce fromher divorce from the stardivorce on the grounds ofShe is seeking a divorce on the grounds of cruelty.PHRASESgrounds for divorceHe cited adultery as grounds for divorce.

II. verb

Divorce is used with these nouns as the object:

husband

divorced

divorcedadj.

Divorced is used with these nouns:

father, mother, parent, wife, woman

divulge

divulgeverb

Divulge is used with these nouns as the object:

detail, information, secret

DIY

DIYnoun

DIY is used before these nouns:

retailer, store

dizygotic

dizygoticadj.

Dizygotic is used with these nouns:

dizzily

dizzilyadv.

Dizzily is used with these verbs:

sway

dizzy

dizzyadj.

Dizzy is used with these nouns:

height, spell

dizzying

dizzyingadj.

Dizzying is used with these nouns:

array, height, whirl

DJnoun

DJ is used before these nouns:

booth

DJ is used after these nouns:

club, radio

DNA

DNAnoun

DNA is used before these nouns:

code, evidence, molecule, profile, sample, sequence, test

doverb

Do is used with these nouns as the subject:

Do is used with these nouns as the object:

A level, abortion, account, act, acting, activity, addition, alteration, analysis, arithmetic, arrangement, article, assessment, assignment, athletics, audition, autopsy, battle, book, bookkeeping, boxing, business, calculation, catering, check, check-up, chore, circuit, climb, comedy, commentary, commercial, composition, comprehension, cooking, count, course, courtesy, credit, crime, crossword, damage, dance, dancing, deal, deed, degree, delivery, demonstration, dictation, discredit, dish, dissertation, disservice, division, doctorate, documentary, drawing, duty, encore, episode, errand, essay, evaluation, evil, exam, examination, excavation, exercise, experiment, favour, feat, feature, fieldwork, filling, film, final, food, garden, gardening, gig, good, graft, groundwork, gymnastics, hair, harm, homework, honour, housework, imitation, impression, injury, injustice, interview, introduction, ironing, jigsaw, job, judo, jump, justice, karate, knitting, knot, lap, laundry, length, level, lunch, magic, maintenance, make-up, manoeuvre, marketing, master, meditation, menu, mile, mileage, miracle, mischief, model, module, monologue, nail, overtime, packing, painting, paper, paperwork, parody, part, pee, penance, photocopy, pitch, planning, poll, portrait, post-mortem, practice, preparation, presentation, problem, programme, project, promotion, puzzle, question, quiz, race, reading, reconnaissance, recording, rehearsal, renovation, repair, report, research, retreat, reverse, review, revision, ritual, round, scan, search, seminar, sequel, service, session, sewing, share, shift, shopping, shorthand, sightseeing, sketch, solo, song, sport, spreadsheet, stint, stitch, stretch, stroke, study, stunt, sum, surgery, surveillance, survey, swap, swing, task, tattoo, test, thesis, thing, thinking, tour, track and field, trade, trail, training, transaction, transfer, translation, transplant, trial, trick, trip, turn, typing, U-turn, update, valuation, version, video, walk, waltz, wash, washing, washing-up, wee, work, workout, workshop, writing, wrong, X-ray, yoga

do away with

do away withphr verb

Do away with is used with these nouns as the object:

docile

docileadj.

Docile is used with these nouns:

Dock is used with these nouns as the subject:

dock

docknounverb

I. noun1 place for loading/unloading ships2 the dock in a court of law1 place for loading/unloading shipsADJECTIVE | VERB + dock | dock + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcommercialcoal, fish, etc.boat, ferry, shipping (all esp. AmE)fishing (AmE)VERB + dockbuild, constructarrive at, arrive inenterleavedock + NOUNcompanystrikeworkerPREPOSITIONat a/the dockA car pulled up at the dock.in dockThe ship is in dock for repairs.on a/the dockthe cargo stacked on the dock

2 the dock in a court of lawVERB + the dock | PREPOSITIONVERB + the dockenter, go into, step intoappear in, be inShe was in the dock on charges of attempted fraud.PREPOSITIONfrom the dockan outburst from the dockin the dockThe defendant stood in the dock.

II. verb

boat, ferry, ship

Dock is used with these nouns as the object:

boat, pay, tail, wage

docking

dockingadj.

Docking is used with these nouns:

bay

dockside

docksidenoun

Dockside is used before these nouns:

warehouse

doctor

doctornoun

Health practitionersbe … , practise/practice as … He practises/practices as a clinical psychologist.have a dentist, doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist, therapistDo you have a family doctor?find … What's the best way to find a therapist?consult … , consult with … (AmE), go to … , see … , visit … I think you ought to see a psychologist.refer sb to … Patients are often referred to a specialist. … practises/practicesdoctors who practise/practice from home … examines sb/sth, … sees sbI had an ear, nose and throat specialist examine my sinuses.The doctor will see you now. … treats sb/sthHe is being treated by the therapist. … advises sb/sthThe doctor advised me to rest.a dentist, doctor, psychiatrist, specialist prescribes (sb) sthThe psychiatrist prescribed antidepressants.

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + doctor | PHRASESADJECTIVEexcellent, goodfemale, male, womanqualifiedexperiencedtrainee (BrE)junior, senior (both BrE)medicalmilitary, prison, school, teamfamily (esp. BrE), local, primary-care (AmE)Who is your family doctor?hospitalemergency-room (abbreviated to ER) (AmE)NHS (in the UK)privatelocum (BrE)eyeflying (in Australia)witchVERB + doctorregister with (BrE)You should register with a doctor as soon as possible.call, fetch (BrE), get, send forWe called the doctor immediately.(For more verbs see note.)PHRASESa doctor's appointmenta doctor's office (AmE), a doctor's surgery (BrE)doctor's orders

He left the hospital against doctor's orders.

doctoral

doctoraladj.

Doctoral is used with these nouns:

candidate, degree, dissertation, graduate, programme, student, thesis, training

doctor-assisted

doctor-assistedadj.

Doctor-assisted is used with these nouns:

suicide

doctorate

doctoratenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + doctorate | doctorate + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhonoraryengineering, music, etc.VERB + doctoratedo, study for, takeShe's doing a doctorate in ancient history.complete, finishHe's completed his doctorate on bees.have, holdThe applicants all have doctorates from good universities.be awarded, be granted, gain, get, obtain, receivedoctorate + NOUNdegreeprogram (AmE) (usually doctoral program)PREPOSITIONdoctorate froma doctorate from Cornell Universitydoctorate ina doctorate in Business Administrationdoctorate ofa doctorate of divinitydoctorate ona doctorate on post-colonial development

doctrinal

doctrinaladj.

Doctrinal is used with these nouns:

Document is used with these nouns as the subject:

doctrine

doctrinenoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF DOCTRINE | VERB + doctrine | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVECatholic, Christian, Islamic, etc.churcheconomic, legal, military, political, religiousclassical, conventional, established, orthodox, traditionalcontemporary, currentprevailingbasic, centralfalse… OF DOCTRINEpointcommunities divided on points of doctrinebodyan influential body of doctrineVERB + doctrineadvocate, expound, preach, proclaim, teachdefenddevelop, establish, formulateaccept, adhere to, adopt, be committed to, believe, believe in, embrace, follow, subscribe to, support, upholdThey were all committed to the doctrine of social equality.abandon, oppose, reject, undermineShe rejected the traditional Christian doctrines.apply, invokePREPOSITIONin doctrineThe Church welcomed all who were considered sound in doctrine.

document

documentnounverb

I. noun1 official paper/book2 computer file1 official paper/bookADJECTIVE | … OF DOCUMENT | VERB + document | document + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEimportant, keyone of the key documents in this caserelevantlengthy, longbrief, short10-page, etc.complete, entire, wholeThis statement must be understood in the context of the entire document.detaileddraftrevisedfinaloriginalThe original document has been lost or destroyed.paper, printed, writtenpublished, unpublishedattached, enclosedPlease sign the enclosed document and return it to me.singleA constitution need not be a single document.classified, confidential, privileged (law), secret, sensitive, top-secretprivatedeclassified, publicavailableDocuments will be available at the news conference.internaldetails of internal UN documentssigned, unsigneddisclosed (esp. BrE), leakedincriminatingauthentic, genuinefake, false, forged, fraudulent (esp. AmE), phoney/phony (esp. AmE)court, government, legal, officialpolicy, strategytravelKeep your travel documents in a secure place.registration (esp. BrE)the car's registration document (BrE)contract, offer (BrE), tender (BrE) (all business)He has promised to send out a formal offer document to shareholders by Monday.briefingconsultation (BrE), consultative (BrE), discussion, planning, workingThe Department issued a consultation document.a working document in the discussions for a final treatybasic, framework (esp. BrE)guidancesupportingbinding, contractual (BrE)A document signed in another country is as legally binding as one signed at home.constitutional, founding (esp. AmE)The 1840 treaty is widely regarded as New Zealand's founding document.historical… OF DOCUMENTcopyVERB + documentdraft, draw up, prepare, produceThe government has produced an important new policy document.type, writerevisedisclose (law), issue, publish, releasea consultative document issued by the Departmentdeclassifyobtain, receivefileCopies of the relevant documents must be filed at court.hand sb, hand over, present, submitSupporting documents must be submitted to the supervisory authority.produce, showHe was unable to produce the document that he claimed would prove his case.circulate, send, send outleakdocuments leaked from the government to the pressdestroyHe was trying to destroy documents that testified to his guilt.go through, read, read throughGo through the document checking for errors.search throughI had to search through 4 000 documents to find the information I needed.consider, examine, studyreview (esp. AmE)adopt, approve, execute (law), signThe conference adopted a document on minority rights.authenticateforgerefer toattach, encloseThe relevant documents are enclosed for your information.scanExisting paper documents could be scanned into a computer.document + VERBconcern sth, deal with sth, focus on sth, relate to sthcontain sth, cover sth, include sthdocuments covering various points of concernrefer to sthacknowledge sth, describe sth, detail sth, explain sth, indicate sth, list sth, note sth, outline sth, record sth, say sth, set out sth, state sth, tell sb sthThe document says they are against tax rebates.call for sth, propose sth, suggest stha document calling for a ceasefirereveal sth, show sthsummarize sthconfirm sthbe called sth, be entitled sth, be headed stha document entitled ‘Guidelines for Good Practice’be writtenThe document is written in Chinese.be dated … , date back to … , date from … documents dating back to the 1920sThe document is dated 775.PREPOSITIONaccording to a/the documentAccording to leaked cabinet documents, no compensation would be paid.in a/the documentHe particularly criticized the terminology in the document.throughout a/the documentThere is a disclaimer throughout the official documents.document about, document concerninga document concerning arbitration procedures in Cairodocument ofa document of 2 000 wordsHer journal is an important document of 19th-century rural lifedocument ona government document on education policyPHRASESa draft of a document, a version of a documentthe authenticity of a documentThere is little reason to doubt the authenticity of this document.

2 computer fileADJECTIVE | VERB + document | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEelectronicprintedHTML, XML, etc.hypertext, textnewI saved my work and opened a new document.savedactive, currentHighlight a passage in the active document and click on the print icon.VERB + documentclose, opendisplayto display documents on screenviewretrievedownloadscroll throughScroll through the document using the scroll bar.searcha software tool for searching documentscreate, generateTo create a new document, select New from the File menu.editsaveSave the document before closing.formatspellcheckreceive, sendSend and receive documents at the click of a button.print, print outattachPREPOSITIONin a/the documentCut and paste is used to move text to a new place in the document.

II. verb

photograph, report, study

Document is used with these nouns as the object:

change, effect, history, instance, occurrence

documentary

documentarynounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + documentary | documentary + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfilm, radio, television, TVcontroversialscience, wildlife, etc.forty-minute, half-hour, hour-long, etc.feature (esp. AmE), feature-lengthfly-on-the-wall (esp. BrE)VERB + documentarydo, make, produceShe has made a television documentary on poverty in our cities.filmair (esp. AmE), broadcast (esp. BrE), showsee, watchdocumentary + NOUNfeature, film, programme/program, seriesa documentary film makerPREPOSITIONin a/the documentaryThere were some interesting interviews in the documentary.documentary about, documentary ona documentary about identical twins

II. adj.

Documentary is used with these nouns:

evidence, film, photograph, photographer, photography, programme, proof, record, series, source, video

documentation

documentationnoun

Documentation is used after these nouns:

customs

documented

documentedadj.

Documented is used with these nouns:

case, instance

dodge

dodgenounverb

I. noun

Dodge is used after these nouns:

Dodge is used with these nouns as the object:

II. verb

attack, blow, bullet, draft, fare, fire, missile, question

dodger

dodgernoun

Dodger is used after these nouns:

dodgy

dodgyadj.

Dodgy is used with these nouns:

knee, outfit, penalty, stomach

doff

doffverb

Doff is used with these nouns as the object:

cap, hat

dog

dognounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | … OF DOGS | VERB + dog | dog + VERB | dog + NOUNADJECTIVEdomestic, family, petstrayferal, wildpedigree (esp. BrE), pure-bred (esp. AmE)mongrellap, toyThe lady was kissing a little lap dog.puppy (often figurative, esp. AmE)He looked at me with puppy-dog eyes.faithful, friendlygood, well-behaved, well-trainedbadBad dog! What are you doing there?dangerous, fierce, savage, viciousjunkyard (AmE, figurative)election lawyers who are mean as junkyard dogsmad, rabidmangyshowRex was a champion show dog.workingbird (AmE), gun, hound (AmE), huntingsledguide, Seeing Eye dog™ (AmE)The labrador is being trained to be a guide dog for the blind.policebomb-sniffing (AmE), cadaver (AmE), drug-sniffing (AmE), sniffer (esp. BrE), trackerSniffer dogs were used to find the drugs.attack, fightingguardrescuefarmtop (often figurative)The team wanted to prove that they were top dogs in the region.… OF DOGSpackVERB + doghave, keep, ownThe dog's owner was banned from keeping dogs for five years.breedThese dogs were bred to hunt small animals.trainHe's trained his dog to sit on the back of his bike.feedtake for a walk, walkI'm just going to walk the dog.pet (esp. AmE), stroke (esp. BrE)neuter, spay (esp. AmE)We didn't want puppies so we had the dog neutered.wormThe stray dogs are wormed and treated with flea powder.muzzledestroy (esp. BrE), put down, put to sleepA dog that bit a five-year-old child was later destroyed.We recently had to put our dog to sleep.dog + VERBbark, bay, howl, pant, whineThe dog barked loudly at the stranger.growl, snarlyap, yelpThe little dogs were yapping at my ankles.run, scamper, walkbound, leapThe dog bounded up to me and started licking my hand.roam (sth), wander (sth)Stray dogs roamed the streets at night.attack sb/sth, go for sb/sth (BrE)The dog went for him and bit him twice on the leg.bite sb/sth, snapmaul sb/sth, savage sb/sth (esp. BrE)lickchew sth, chew sth up, gnaw sth, gnaw at sthThe dog chewed up one of my shoes.A dog was gnawing at an old bone.sniffA dog was sniffing around my heels.prick up its ears, wag its tailscratchThe dog was scratching at the door to be let in.foul sth (BrE)Owners who allow their dogs to foul the footpath will be fined.dog + NOUNbasketbiscuit, foodcollarlead (BrE), leash (esp. AmE)dirt (BrE), excrement (formal), faeces/feces (formal), mess (BrE), poo, turdbreeder, handler, lover, owner, trainer, walkercatcher, wardenThe dog warden rounds up stray dogs and takes them to the pound until claimed.fightpoundshowracingtrackRaces have been held at this dog track for seventy years.park (AmE)

II. verb

Dog is used with these nouns as the subject:

dog-eared

dog-earedadj.

Dog-eared is used with these nouns:

copy, page

dog-eat-dog

dog-eat-dogadj.

Dog-eat-dog is used with these nouns:

dogged

doggedadj.

Dogged is used with these nouns:

determination, insistence, perseverance, persistence, pursuit

doggedly

doggedlyadv.

Doggedly is used with these verbs:

cling, fight, insist, persist, pursue, stick

doggy

doggynoun

Doggy is used before these nouns:

dogma

dogmanoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + dogmaADJECTIVEold, traditionalcurrent, prevailingrigidcentralthe central dogma of molecular biologyparty, political, religiousThe newspaper seeks to be independent of political dogma.Catholic, Christian, Marxist, etc.VERB + dogmaacceptchallenge, questionPeople are beginning to question the old dogmas.reject

dogmatic

dogmaticadj.

Dogmatic is used with these nouns:

assertion, insistence, theology

dojo

dojonoun

Dojo is used after these nouns:

judo

dole

dolenoun

noun (BrE)VERB + dole | dole + NOUN | PREPOSITIONVERB + doleclaim, go on, sign onShe lost her job and had to claim dole.As soon as he was made redundant, he signed on the dole.draw, getThe factory closure will mean another few hundred people drawing the dole.dole + NOUNmoneyqueueSchool-leavers were joining the dole queue every day.officePREPOSITIONoff the doleMany had come off the dole and set up their own small businesses.on the doleShe was on the dole for three years before she got a job.

dole out

dole outphr verb

Dole out is used with these nouns as the object:

punishment

doll

dollnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + doll | doll + NOUNADJECTIVElittle, tinychina, paper, plastic, porcelain, rag, woodena child playing with a rag dollbabymechanicalRussianvoodoo (often humorous)She'll be sticking pins in a voodoo doll of her ex-boyfriend.blow-upVERB + dollplay withdoll + NOUNdoll house (usually dollhouse) (AmE), doll's house (BrE)

dollar

dollarnoun

domain

domainnoun

nounADJECTIVE | domain + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEprivate, publicInternetdomain + NOUNnameRegister a domain name if you want people to find your website.registrationPREPOSITIONin a/the domain, within a/the domainThis information is all in the public domain.outside a/the domainthings that happen outside the domain of the home

domain name

domain namenoun

Domain name is used before these nouns:

registration

dome

domenoun

Dome is used before these nouns:

shape, tent

Dome is used after these nouns:

onion

domed

domedadj.

Domed is used with these nouns:

ceiling

domestic

domesticadj.

Domestic is used with these nouns:

affair, agenda, airline, airport, animal, appliance, architecture, arena, arrangement, assault, banking, beer, bliss, breed, cat, cattle, chaos, chore, circumstance, comfort, commerce, commitment, competition, competitor, conflict, constituency, consumer, consumption, context, counterpart, currency, customer, demand, dispute, disturbance, dog, drama, duty, economy, environment, fiction, flight, football, freezer, fridge, fuel, goddess, happiness, harmony, heating, help, helper, household, incident, industry, inflation, investment, investor, issue, kitchen, life, manufacturer, market, news, oven, partner, partnership, pet, pig, plumbing, policy, politics, poultry, producer, product, production, purpose, realm, reform, refuse, responsibility, routine, row, rubbish, sale, scene, security, servant, service, setting, sheep, situation, slave, slavery, spending, sphere, squabble, stock, strife, subsidy, supply, task, terrorism, terrorist, trade, travel, trophy, trouble, turmoil, unrest, violence, virtue, wares, waste, work, worker

domestically

domesticallyadv.

Domestically is used with these verbs:

Domesticated is used with these nouns:

domesticated

domesticatedadj.

adj.1 used to living with people2 able to cook, clean, etc.1 used to living with peopleVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeThese animals are only partly domesticated.ADVERBfully

2 able to cook, clean, etc.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seembecomeADVERBverythoroughlyHe is thoroughly domesticated and cooks a delicious chicken casserole.quite

domestic partner

domestic partnernoun

Domestic partner is used before these nouns:

benefit

domestic violence

domestic violencenoun

Domestic violence is used before these nouns:

domiciliary

domiciliaryadj.

Domiciliary is used with these nouns:

Dominant is used with these nouns:

dominance

dominancenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + dominance | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEabsolute, clear, complete, overwhelming, totalgrowing, increasingcultural, economic, military, political, social, territorialmarketmaleglobal, worldthe competition for new markets and global dominanceVERB + dominanceachieve, assert, assume, establish, exert, gainThe company soon achieved complete dominance in the marketplace.have, maintain, retainThe company is determined to maintain dominance in the market.demonstrate, showHe had to show his dominance by beating the other men.challenge, undermineEx-colonial countries began to challenge the cultural dominance of Europe.PREPOSITIONdominance inAmerican dominance in heavyweight boxingdominance overHe asserted his dominance over the other party members.

dominant

dominantadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seembecomeremainADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.completely, fully, overwhelmingly, totallyincreasinglyeconomically, politically, sociallythe economically dominant class

characteristic, class, culture, element, faction, feature, figure, force, gene, group, idea, ideology, influence, language, male, motif, narrative, partner, personality, position, presence, religion, role, species, theme, tone, tradition, trait, trend, value

dominate

dominateverb

verbADVERBADVERBabsolutely, completely, entirely, overwhelmingly, thoroughly, totally, utterlyShe completely dominated the conversation.clearlyincreasinglyHis work increasingly dominates his life.largely

Dominate is used with these nouns as the subject:

cathedral, party, politics, side

Dominate is used with these nouns as the object:

arena, competition, conversation, coverage, debate, discussion, division, economy, field, game, headline, landscape, league, life, market, media, news, page, parliament, period, politics, scene, skyline, society, sport, thinking, trade, valley, world

dominating

dominatingadj.

Dominating is used with these nouns:

presence

domination

dominationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + domination | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcomplete, totalcultural, economic, ideological, military, politicalclass, racialmale, patriarchal, whitecolonial, foreign, imperial, Westernglobal, worldcorporatemarketVERB + dominationseekcountries that seek world dominationachieve, establishThey achieved political domination of the area.maintain, retainThe company has struggled to maintain its domination in the marketplace.come under, fall underThe country came under foreign domination.be free from, be free ofThe country longs to be free of colonial domination.PREPOSITIONunder sb's dominationThe country is still under foreign domination.domination overtheir economic domination over the Far East

domineering

domineeringadj.

Domineering is used with these nouns:

father, mother, wife

Dominican

Dominicanadj.

Dominican is used with these nouns:

monastery, monk

domino

dominonoun

Domino is used before these nouns:

don

donverb

Don is used with these nouns as the object:

armour, coat, costume, disguise, fancy dress, hat, helmet, jersey, mask, robe, uniform, wig

donate

donateverb

Donate is used with these nouns as the subject:

benefactor, donor

Donate is used with these nouns as the object:

blood, collection, egg, embryo, money, organ, painting, proceeds, sperm

donated

donatedadj.

Donated is used with these nouns:

sperm

donate to

donate tophr verb

Donate to is used with these nouns as the object:

charity

donation

donationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + donation | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgenerous, large, sizeable, substantialsmallcompany, corporatepersonal, privatepublicThe project is funded by public donation.anonymousvoluntarycharitable, politicalcampaign (esp. AmE)cash, financial, monetary (esp. AmE)tax-deductibleonlineblood, egg, organ, sperm, etc.VERB + donationgive, make, sendHe made a generous donation to the charity.accept, get, receive, takeappeal for, ask for, solicit (esp. AmE)collectdepend on, need, rely onPREPOSITIONin donationsThe charity has received over $10 million in donations.donation toa donation to a charitydonation towards/towarda donation towards/toward the building of a new hospital

done

doneadj.

Done is used with these nouns:

donkey

donkeynoun

nounVERB + donkey | donkey + VERB | donkey + NOUNVERB + donkeyridedonkey + VERBbraygrazedonkey + NOUNcartride (esp. BrE)work (figurative, esp. BrE)I've done all the donkey work (= the hard boring part of a job).

donor

donornoun

noun1 gives a part of their body2 gives money/goods1 gives a part of their bodyADJECTIVE | donor + VERB | donor + NOUNADJECTIVEblood, bone-marrow, egg, kidney, organ, sperm, etc.potential, prospectivecompatible, suitableThe operation will go ahead as soon as a suitable donor can be found.healthylivingdonor + VERBdonate sth, give sthDonors give blood twice a year.donor + NOUNblood, egg, organ, sperm, etc.Donor organs are constantly required for transplant operations.cardHe carried a donor card.

2 gives money/goodsADJECTIVE | donor + VERB | donor + NOUNADJECTIVEwealthybig, generous, large, majoranonymousThe charity received £50 000 from an anonymous donor.privatecorporateaidJapan has been one of the country's biggest aid donors.campaign (esp. AmE)donor + VERBgive sth, make a donation, pledge sthDonors pledged a total of $1 000 million in relief aid.donor + NOUNcountry, governmentloans from rich donor countries to developing nations

donut

donutnoun

Donut is used after these nouns:

chocolate, jelly

doom

doomnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + doom | PHRASESADJECTIVEimpendingcertainVERB + doomspellFuel shortages spelled the doom of such huge gas-guzzling cars.PHRASESdoom and gloomIt's not all doom and gloom and there is lots to look forward to.a feeling of doom, a sense of doomAs I approached the exam room, I had a feeling of impending doom.meet your doomPrepare to meet your doom (= die).seal sb's doomHe sealed his own doom by having an affair with another woman.

doomed

doomedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, seemADVERBinevitablyultimatelyPHRASESdoomed to extinctionThe species was doomed to extinction.doomed to failureThe project was doomed to failure from the start.

Doomed is used with these nouns:

love, lover, romance

doomsday

doomsdaynoun

Doomsday is used before these nouns:

scenario

door

doornoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + door | door + VERB | door + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEopenclosed, shutlocked, unlockedhalf-openThe door was half-open when we got there.back, front, rear, sidethe back door of a housethe rear door of a carentrance, maininner, internalThe inner door leads to the safe and is always locked after 5 p.m.external, outerAll external doors should be bolted top and bottom.big, great, heavy, huge, massive, solid, thickShe had trouble pushing the heavy door open.narrow, wideiron, oak, steel, wooden, etc.glazeddouble, French (esp. AmE), patioGo along the corridor and through the double doors.screen (esp. AmE)automatic, folding, revolving, sliding, swing (BrE), swinging (AmE)He got stuck in a revolving door.She pushed her way through the swing/swinging doors.apartment (esp. AmE), bathroom, flat (BrE), kitchen, etc.closet (esp. AmE), cupboard (esp. BrE), fridge, refrigeratorelevator (AmE), lift (BrE)cubicle (esp. BrE), shower, stall (AmE)barn, Dutch (AmE), stablegaragecardriver's, passengerstagefire (= a heavy door used to prevent a fire from spreading in a building)trap (usually trapdoor)magic, mysterious, secretVERB + doorfling open, open, pull open, push open, throw openHe flung the door open and caught them stuffing a document back into a briefcase.tryI tried the door but it was locked.bang, close, shut, slampull closed, pull shut, pull to (BrE), push to (BrE), slam shutHe pulled the door shut.bar, bolt, lockHe arrived home to find the door barred.Remember to bolt the door before you go to bed.unbolt, unlatch (esp. AmE), unlockkeep closed, keep shut, leave closed, leave shutleave on the latch (BrE)I left the door on the latch so that I could sneak back in later.keep open, leave ajar, leave open, prop openSomeone had propped the fire door open with a pile of books.come in, go income out, go out, slip out ofHe came in the side door.approach, head forbang on, knock at, knock onI banged on the door for several minutes but still couldn't wake them.answerGo and answer the door.work (AmE)He was working the door at the event.see sb tobreak down, kick down, kick inThey had to break the door down to get into the house.blockdoor + VERBcreakburst open, creak open, fly open, open, slide open, swing openThe door burst open and a little boy ran in.swing shut, swing to (BrE)hang openbe ajar, stand ajarThe door stood ajar so I could see a narrow section of the room.be open, stand openbe jammed, be stuckThe door was jammed shut.bang, rattle, shakeI was woken by a door banging in the wind.The door banged shut.click shut, close, shut, slam, slam shutconnect sthThe door connecting the two offices is kept locked.face sthlead to sth, open onto sthThis door leads to my bedroom.The door opens onto a sunny terrace.be set in the wallI stopped at a low oak door set in the stone wall.bear sth, be marked sthThe door bore a notice saying ‘Private’.I went through the door marked ‘Waiting Room’.door + NOUNhandle, knob (usually doorknob)frame, jambHe leaned against the door jamb.furniture (BrE, technical), knockerbell (usually doorbell)chain (esp. BrE), latch (esp. AmE), lockAlways put the door chain on.keymat (usually doormat)stop (usually doorstop)This book would make a good doorstop.openerautomatic garage door openershingea creaking door hingemirror (esp. BrE), panel (on a car)Parking is helped by wide door mirrors.man (usually doorman), staffprize (= a prize for having the winning ticket handed out at the entrance to a social event) (AmE)PREPOSITIONaround the door, round the door (esp. BrE)She stuck her head around the door to say goodbye.at the doorThere's someone at the door.in the doorHe stood in the door for several minutes before deciding whether he'd stay.through the doorHe looked through the door to make sure the children were all right.She poked her head through the door to say goodbye.door into, door tothe door into the backyarddoor betweenthe door between the laundry room and the garagePHRASESclose, shut etc. the door behind youHe banged the front door behind him as he left.hold the door for sb, open the door for sbblow a door off its hinges, pull a door off its hinges, take a door off its hingesshut, slam, etc. the door in sb's face

doorbell

doorbellnoun

nounVERB + doorbell | doorbell + VERB | PHRASESVERB + doorbellpress, ringanswerHe refused to answer the doorbell.heardoorbell + VERBchime, ring, soundI heard the doorbell ring, and went to see who was there.PHRASESa ring on the doorbell (esp. BrE)

doorstep

doorstepnoun

Doorstep is used before these nouns:

recycling

door-to-door

door-to-dooradj.

Door-to-door is used with these nouns:

enquiry, salesman

doorway

doorwaynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + doorway | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEopennarrowarchedshop (BrE)We sheltered in a shop doorway.bedroom, kitchen, etc.VERB + doorwayblockPREPOSITIONin a/the doorwayA tall figure was standing in the doorway.through a/the doorwayWe passed through the doorway and found ourselves in a walled garden.doorway into, doorway tothe doorway to the living room

dope

dopenoun

nounVERB + dope | dope + NOUNVERB + dopesmokedope + NOUNsmokingfiendpedlar/peddler (esp. AmE)test (esp. BrE)She was disqualified from competing for a year after failing a dope test.

doping

dopingnoun

Doping is used before these nouns:

scandal

Doric

Doricadj.

Doric is used with these nouns:

column

dorm

dormnoun

Dorm is used before these nouns:

building, lounge, room

Dorm is used after these nouns:

college, student

dormant

dormantadj.

Dormant is used with these nouns:

dormer

dormernoun

Dormer is used before these nouns:

dormitory

dormitorynoun

Dormitory is used before these nouns:

building, town

Dormitory is used after these nouns:

college, student

dosage

dosagenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + dosageADJECTIVEhigh, lowcorrect, proper (esp. AmE), recommendedstandard, usualdailyVERB + dosagegive (sb), takeAlways take the correct dosage.increasedecrease, lower, reduceadjust, change

dose

dosenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + doseADJECTIVEhigh, large, massive, stronga strong dose of painkillershealthy, heftyThe movie also contains a healthy dose of comedy. (figurative)low, smallcorrect, recommendedstandard, usualdouble, full, singlemaximumcumulativedailyfatal, lethala lethal dose of radiationVERB + doseget, receive, takepatients who receive high doses of this drugI had forgotten to take my dose of antibiotic.administer, deliver, give sbThe nurse will administer the correct dose.She needs to be given a daily dose of the medicine.prescribeincreasereduceadjust, change

dot

dotverb

Dot is used with these nouns as the object:

countryside, hill, hillside, landscape

dotcom

dotcomnoun

Dotcom is used before these nouns:

boom, company, crash, entrepreneur, era, mania

doting

dotingadj.

Doting is used with these nouns:

father, grandfather, grandmother, grandparent, mother, parent

dotted

dottedadj.

Dotted is used with these nouns:

Double is used after these nouns:

double

doublenounverbadj.adv.

I. noun

stunt

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBmore thanOur profits have more than doubled this year.almost, nearly, practically, virtuallyThe price of houses has nearly doubled in the last ten years.at leasteffectivelyapproximately, roughlyeasilyThis percentage could easily double.PREPOSITIONinThe town has approximately doubled in size since 1960.toThe party almost doubled its share of the vote to 21%.

Double is used with these nouns as the subject:

amount, crime, number, population, price, turnover, unemployment, value, volume, workforce

Double is used with these nouns as the object:

amount, budget, income, number, output, pay, price, profit, rate, risk, salary, sale, size, value, workforce

III. adj.

Double is used with these nouns:

act, agent, album, bed, bedroom, bill, bind, blow, booking, bow, brandy, CD, celebration, chin, chorus, click, cream, date, digit, door, dose, duty, duvet, fault, figure, first, garage, gate, gin, handful, helping, homicide, knot, layer, letter, life, mattress, meaning, murder, murderer, play, pneumonia, portion, quote, ration, room, row, save, sheet, shift, sink, spread, standard, stroller, suicide, talk, taxation, time, track, vision, wardrobe, whisky

IV. adv.

Double is used with these verbs:

bend

double-action

double-actionadj.

Double-action is used with these nouns:

pistol, revolver

double-barrelled

double-barrelledadj.

Double-barrelled/double-barreled is used with these nouns:

name, shotgun, surname

double bass

double bassnoun

nounSpecial page at MUSIC

double-blind

double-blindadj.

Double-blind is used with these nouns:

trial

double-breasted

double-breastedadj.

Double-breasted is used with these nouns:

coat, jacket, suit, tuxedo

double-click

double-clickverb

Double-click is used with these nouns as the object:

icon, mouse

double-click on

double-click onphr verb

Double-click on is used with these nouns as the object:

double-decker

double-deckernoun

Double-decker is used before these nouns:

bus

double-digit

double-digitadj.

Double-digit is used with these nouns:

gain, increase, inflation, unemployment

double-dip

double-dipadj.

Double-dip is used with these nouns:

recession

double-edged

double-edgedadj.

Double-edged is used with these nouns:

sword

double-entry

double-entryadj.

Double-entry is used with these nouns:

bookkeeping

double-glazed

double-glazedadj.

Double-glazed is used with these nouns:

double glazing

double glazingnoun

Double glazing is used before these nouns:

salesman

double-page

double-pageadj.

Double-page is used with these nouns:

spread

doubles

doublesnoun

Doubles is used before these nouns:

partner, tennis, tournament

double-sided

double-sidedadj.

Double-sided is used with these nouns:

doubly

doublyadv.

Doubly is used with these adjectives:

difficult, important, interesting, ironic, sure, true, unfortunate

doubt

doubtnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + doubt | doubt + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsiderable, grave, real, serious, severeslightWithout the slightest doubt this is a remarkable exhibition.gnawing, lingering, nagging, nigglinggrowing, increasingpersonal, privateHe made clear his own private doubts about it.reasonableWe have established beyond all reasonable doubt that the painting was indeed by Rembrandt.It is almost impossible to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt. (esp. BrE)It is almost impossible to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. (esp. AmE)religiousVERB + doubtraiseHis failure to appear raises serious doubts as to his reliability.entertain, feel, harbour/harbor, haveShe still felt the same niggling doubt: was he really telling the truth?express, voiceclear up, dispel, erase (esp. AmE), remove, resolveThe announcement dispelled any doubts as to the prince's intentions.cast, throwHer record of dismissals casts doubt on her ability to hold down a job.call sth into, throw sth intoThe proposed development has been thrown into doubt by the decision.be open toTheir honesty is open to doubt.doubt + VERBappear, ariseDoubts have arisen over the viability of the schedule.existConsiderable doubt exists as to the precise origin of this custom.persist, remainsurround sthFrom the start, doubts surrounded her claim to be the missing heiress.PREPOSITIONbeyond doubt, beyond a doubt, beyond all doubt, beyond any doubtThe evidence proves beyond doubt that he is innocent.in doubtThe arrangements for the event still seemed to be in doubt.If in doubt, consult your doctor.without doubt, without a doubtShe is without a doubt the best player I know.doubt about, doubt overSome committee members still had doubts about the plans.doubt inThere is no doubt in my mind that this man is Tom.PHRASESbeyond a shadow of (a) doubt, without a shadow of (a) doubtThis proves without a shadow of doubt that we were right.have your doubts about sthThey say they'll be here on time, but I have my doubts about that.leave no, little, some, etc. doubtShe leaves no doubt as to her view of Picasso's work.there is little doubt (that)There is little doubt the documents are fake.

II. verbADVERB | PHRASESADVERBhighly (esp. AmE), seriously, very muchI never seriously doubted his story.privatelyLee privately doubted the truth of this statement.PHRASESnot doubt sth for a moment, second, etc.I didn't doubt for a second that she was telling the truth.

Doubt is used with these nouns as the subject:

sceptic

Doubt is used with these nouns as the object:

ability, accuracy, authenticity, correctness, existence, feasibility, importance, judgement, love, loyalty, reliability, sanity, sincerity, suitability, truth, validity, wisdom, word, worth

doubtful

doubtfuladj.

adj.1 feeling doubt2 unlikely1 feeling doubtVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, look, seem, soundEric was far from sure and Marion looked doubtful.becomeremainADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.a little, slightly, etc.PREPOSITIONaboutShe was rather doubtful about the wisdom of eating the seafood.

2 unlikelyVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, look, seemremainADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highlyEven if we could go, which is highly doubtful, John wouldn't be able to come with us.increasinglya little, slightly, etc.

Doubtful is used with these nouns:

expression, legality, look, origin, validity, value

doubtfully

doubtfullyadv.

Doubtfully is used with these verbs:

ask, eye, look, shake

dough

doughnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF DOUGH | VERB + dough | dough + VERBADJECTIVEfirmsoftsmoothstickybread, cookie (esp. AmE), pastry (esp. AmE), pizza, etc.… OF DOUGHball, lump, pieceVERB + doughmakeknead, shapeKnead the dough lightly, then shape it into a round loaf.roll out, turn outTurn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.dough + VERBriseLeave the dough to rise.

doughnut

doughnutnoun

Doughnut is used after these nouns:

chocolate, jam, jelly

do up

do upphr verb

Do up is used with these nouns as the object:

belt, bra, buckle, button, collar, fly, harness, house, jacket, shoelace, strap, zip

douse

douseverb

Douse is used with these nouns as the object:

fire, flame

do without

do withoutphr verb

Do without is used with these nouns as the object:

luxury

Dow Jones

Dow Jonesnoun

Dow Jones is used before these nouns:

Down is used with these nouns as the object:

down

downverbadj.

I. verb

ale, beer, brandy, coffee, drink, helicopter, pint, tool, whisky

II. adj.

Down is used with these nouns:

arrow, escalator

downcast

downcastadj.

Downcast is used with these nouns:

downed

downedadj.

Downed is used with these nouns:

helicopter, pilot

downfall

downfallnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + downfall | downfall + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEeventual, ultimatedramatic, tragicVERB + downfallbring about, cause, lead toa scandal that brought about his downfallcontribute to, hastenThe failure of this plan contributed to her eventual downfall.plotThey were found guilty of plotting the downfall of the government.downfall + VERBcomeThe movement's downfall came with the failed coup d'état.PHRASESbe sb's downfallHis greed was eventually his downfall.

downgrade

downgradeverb

Downgrade is used with these nouns as the object:

rating

downhill

downhilladj.adv.

I. adj.

Downhill is used with these nouns:

gradient, skiing, slide, slope

II. adv.

Downhill is used with these verbs:

slide

download downplay

downplayverb

Downplay is used with these nouns as the object:

extent, importance, incident, role, seriousness, significance

downpour

downpournoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEheavy, torrentialrelentless, steadysuddentropicalPREPOSITIONin downpourWe got caught in a torrential downpour.PHRASESa downpour of rain

downright downs

downsnoun

Downs is used after these nouns:

chalk

downsize

downsizeverb

Downsize is used with these nouns as the object:

Downstairs is used with these nouns:

downstairs

downstairsadj.adv.

I. adj.

apartment, bathroom, bedroom, flat, hallway, neighbour, room

II. adv.

Downstairs is used with these verbs:

race, run, rush, walk

downstream

downstreamadv.

Downstream is used with these verbs:

drift, float, swim

downtown

downtownadj.

Downtown is used with these nouns:

area, building, congestion, district, neighbourhood, park, restaurant, shopper, shopping centre, skyline, skyscraper, street, traffic

downturn

downturnnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + downturn | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEserious, severe, sharp, significantmild, slighteconomic, marketglobalcyclicalVERB + downturnexperience, suffer, takeThe building industry is experiencing a severe downturn in its workload.survive, weathersee, witnessPREPOSITIONdownturn inThe 1990s witnessed a sharp downturn in the party's fortunes.downturn ofa sharp downturn of the economy

downward

downwardadj.adv.

I. adj.

Downward is used with these nouns:

curve, direction, mobility, momentum, motion, movement, plunge, pressure, pull, revision, slide, slope, spiral, stroke, thrust, tilt, trend, turn

II. adv.

Downward is used with these verbs:

adjust, float, jerk, plunge, revise, slope

downwardly

downwardlyadv.

Downwardly is used with these adjectives:

mobile

downwards

downwardsadv.

Downwards is used with these verbs:

adjust, float, jerk, plunge, revise, slope

downy

downyadj.

Downy is used with these nouns:

dowry

dowrynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + dowry | dowry + NOUNADJECTIVElarge, substantialsmallVERB + dowrygive sb, pay (sb)havebringHis family hoped that his bride would bring a large dowry.dowry + NOUNsystemdeathThere were 187 reported cases of dowry deaths (= women killed by their husband for their dowry).

doze

dozenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + dozeADJECTIVElightVERB + dozehaveShe had a little doze after lunch.drift into, fall into, slip into (esp. AmE)Sitting in an armchair in front of the fire, I soon fell into a doze.

II. verbADVERBADVERBfitfullyI dozed fitfully for a few hours.lightly

drab

drabadj.

Drab is used with these nouns:

brown

draconian

draconianadj.

Draconian is used with these nouns:

cut, measure, penalty, restriction

draft

draftnounverbadj.

I. noun1 rough/early version of a written document2 the draft (esp. AmE) order to serve in the armed forces3 (AmE) current of air1 rough/early version of a written documentADJECTIVE | VERB + draft | draft + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEearly, first, initial, original, preliminaryrough, workingrevisedfinalVERB + draftdraw up, prepare, produce, writeShe produced an initial draft of her plans.complete, finishI finished the first draft in late August 2007.send, submitI sent an early draft to an agent.The students were invited to submit drafts for feedback.reviewHe reviewed an earlier draft of this manuscript.approveThe preliminary draft of the agreement has been approved.issue, publish, releasedraft + NOUNagreement, bill, budget, constitution, contract, document, letter, report, treatylaw, legislationplan, proposalPREPOSITIONin a/the draftThese details were not included in the preliminary draft.PHRASESin draft form (esp. BrE)The document is still in draft form.

2 the draft (esp. AmE) order to serve in the armed forcesSee also conscriptionADJECTIVE | VERB + the draftADJECTIVEmilitaryVERB + the draftavoid, dodgeoppose, supportbring back, reinstate

3 (AmE) current of airSee also draughtII. (also draught esp. in BrE) verbADVERBADVERBcarefully, properly (esp. BrE), wellbadly, poorlySome of the clauses in the contract had been very poorly drafted.originallyThe bill as originally drafted would have made the tobacco companies a lot more vulnerable to lawsuits.hastily, quicklyhastily drafted pieces of legislation

Draft is used with these nouns as the object:

amendment, bill, charter, constitution, contract, document, law, legislation, letter, memo, memorandum, paper, petition, plan, player, proposal, resolution, tackle, treaty, will

III. adj.

Draft is used with these nouns:

agreement, amendment, animal, beer, bill, budget, charter, constitution, convention, copy, directive, document, guideline, horse, legislation, manuscript, paper, proposal, recommendation, regulation, report, resolution, riot, script, strategy, text, treaty, version

drafting

draftingnoun

Drafting is used before these nouns:

drafty

draftyadj.

Drafty is used with these nouns:

corridor, room, window

drag dragging

draggingadj.

Dragging is used with these nouns:

footstep

drag on

drag onphr verb

Drag on is used with these nouns as the subject:

meeting, war

dragon

dragonnoun

Dragon is used before these nouns:

tattoo

drain

drainnounverb

I. noun1 pipe/hole that dirty water goes down2 sth that uses up time/money/resources1 pipe/hole that dirty water goes downADJECTIVE | VERB + drain | drain + NOUNADJECTIVEblocked (esp. BrE), clogged (AmE)stormVERB + drainblock (esp. BrE), clog (AmE)clear, unblock (BrE), unclog (AmE)layThey were busy laying the drains for the new houses.drain + NOUNcleanera bottle of drain cleaner

2 sth that uses up time/money/resourcesADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEheavy, major, seriousemotional, energycash, financialbrainscientists joining the brain drain (= moving to a country where they can work in better conditions and earn more)PREPOSITIONdrain onThese losses have been a major drain on the company's resources.

II. verb1 make sth empty/dry2 make sb/sth weaker, poorer, etc.1 make sth empty/dryADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBthoroughly, wellRemove the artichokes, drain thoroughly and allow to cool.well-drained soilpoorlyThe soil is poorly drained.quickly, slowlyaway, outThe water quickly drained away down the sink.The surgeon drains out any excess fluid.PREPOSITIONout ofThe blood drains out of the body.

2 make sb/sth weaker, poorer, etc.ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBcompletely, totally, utterlyemotionally, mentally, physicallyawayThe country's coal reserves are being drained away.PREPOSITIONofHis voice was utterly drained of emotion.out ofHer energy seemed to drain out of her.PHRASESbe drained, feel drainedSue felt exhausted and emotionally drained.

Drain is used with these nouns as the subject:

anger, blood, colour, confidence, strength, tributary

Drain is used with these nouns as the object:

abscess, battery, beaker, bean, can, coffee, cup, energy, fat, fluid, glass, liquid, marsh, mug, pasta, pint, pond, pool, purse, resource, rice, soil, spaghetti, tank, tub, water, will

drainage

drainagenoun

Drainage is used before these nouns:

canal, channel, ditch, hole, pipe, system

drain away

drain awayphr verb

Drain away is used with these nouns as the subject:

confidence, energy, strength

drain of

drain ofphr verb

Drain of is used with these nouns as the object:

drain off

drain offphr verb

Drain off is used with these nouns as the object:

fat, liquid

drainpipe

drainpipenoun

Drainpipe is used before these nouns:

jeans, trousers

drama

dramanoun

noun1 play for the theatre/theater, etc.; plays2 exciting event3 excitement1 play for the theatre/theater, etc.; playsADJECTIVE | VERB + drama | drama + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcompelling, powerfulgritty, hard-hittinga gritty police dramaclassical, contemporary, moderndaytime, prime-time (both esp. AmE)hour-long, one-hour, etc.She stars in a new one-hour drama about a woman judge.two-part, four-part, etc. (all esp. BrE)comedy (esp. BrE), musicalradio, television, TVcostume, historical, periodepic, tragicGreek, Jacobean, etc.courtroom, crime, hospital, medical, policeMillions follow this hospital drama twice a week.psychologicaldomestic, familyThe movie is a heart-warming family drama.ensembleromanticteenVERB + dramawriteIt is very difficult to write good drama.create, produce, stagethe first episode of a new police drama produced for televisionwatchdrama + NOUNproductionserial (BrE), seriesfestivalcriticthe drama critic for the Timesclass, club, department, school, trainingteachermajor (AmE), studentHe's a drama major at Howard University.PREPOSITIONin a/the dramathe actors in a dramadrama abouta powerful television drama about city life

2 exciting eventADJECTIVE | drama + VERBADJECTIVEhumanreal-lifeThe actor was involved in a real-life drama when he was held up at gunpoint last night.drama + VERBplay out, unfolda collection of people watching the drama unfold outside the nightclub

3 excitementADJECTIVE | … OF DRAMA | VERB + drama | drama + VERB | drama + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEhighhumanArt should deal with the human drama and tragedy of everyday life.… OF DRAMAtouchThe argument added a touch of drama to an otherwise dull day.VERB + dramabe full ofThe afternoon was full of drama and excitement.add, heightenThe arrival of the police heightened the drama further.drama + VERBsurround sthThe media loved all the drama surrounding their divorce.drama + NOUNqueen (= someone who makes situations seem more serious than they really are)PHRASESa moment of drama

dramatic

dramaticadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, soundADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highly, intenselyespecially, particularlyoverlyI don't want to sound overly dramatic, but it changed my life.suitablyHer entrance was accompanied by suitably dramatic music.

Dramatic is used with these nouns:

act, actor, actress, advance, alteration, announcement, appearance, art, backdrop, change, cliff, climax, comeback, confrontation, contrast, convention, cut, decline, decrease, demonstration, departure, difference, downfall, drop, effect, end, ending, entrance, entry, episode, escalation, event, example, exit, expansion, fall, fashion, finale, finish, flair, flourish, gain, gesture, growth, illustration, image, impact, improvement, incident, increase, irony, landscape, leap, lighting, loss, moment, monologue, move, music, news, pause, performance, picture, piece, poem, poetry, presentation, progress, reconstruction, recovery, reduction, reform, rescue, result, return, reversal, rise, role, scenario, scene, scenery, sequence, setting, shift, showdown, skyline, society, soprano, spectacle, step, story, stunt, surge, sweep, swing, symbol, tension, text, thrust, tone, transformation, turn, turning point, twist, U-turn, upsurge, upturn, variation, victory, view, work

dramatically

dramaticallyadv.

Dramatically is used with these adjectives:

different, new, worse

Dramatically is used with these verbs:

accelerate, affect, alter, boost, change, contrast, cut, decline, decrease, deteriorate, differ, diverge, drop, enhance, enlarge, escalate, evolve, expand, fall, fluctuate, grow, heighten, help, highlight, illustrate, impair, improve, increase, influence, intensify, narrow, pause, reduce, reverse, rise, shift, shorten, shrink, slash, slow, slump, soar, transform, vary, weaken, widen, worsen

drape

drapenounverb

I. (AmE also drapery) noun (esp. AmE)See also curtainADJECTIVE | VERB + drape | drape + VERBADJECTIVEheavy, thickfloralsilk, velvet, etc.hangingVERB + drapeclose, draw, pullThe heavy drapes were drawn shut.open, pull backdrape + VERBhangcover

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBcasually, looselyelegantlyPREPOSITIONacross, overaround, round (esp. BrE)He sat with his arm draped casually around her shoulders.PHRASESbe draped in sth, be draped with sthThe body was draped in a blanket.

Drape is used with these nouns as the object:

banner, casket, cloak, jacket, shawl, towel

drastic

drasticadj.

Drastic is used with these nouns:

action, change, cut, cutback, decline, decrease, drop, improvement, increase, measure, move, reduction, reform, remedy, revision, solution, step, turn

drastically

drasticallyadv.

Drastically is used with these adjectives:

different, wrong

Drastically is used with these verbs:

alter, change, curb, curtail, cut, decline, decrease, drop, improve, increase, limit, modify, overhaul, prune, reduce, reform, revise, shorten, simplify, slash

draught

draughtnounverbadj.

I. (BrE) (AmE draft) nounADJECTIVE | VERB + draught/draft | draught/draft + VERB | draught + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcold, icyA cold draught of air blew in from the open window.VERB + draught/draftcreatepreventdraught/draft + VERBblow, come, whistlea draught coming under the doordraught + NOUNexcluder (BrE)Fit draught excluders to the bottoms of doors.PREPOSITIONdraught fromthe draught from the windowPHRASESa draught of air

II. verb (esp. BrE) See draft III. adj.

Draught is used with these nouns:

animal, beer, horse

draughty

draughtyadj.

Draughty is used with these nouns:

corridor, room, window

draw

drawnounverbPHRASAL VERBS

I. noun (esp. BrE)ADJECTIVE | VERB + draw | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgoalless, scorelessone-all, three-three, etc.creditable, honorabledisappointingconsecutive, successiveHull City were held to a second successive draw.VERB + drawend inThe game ended in a two-all draw.earn, get, secure, snatchforce, hold sb toSan Marino held them to a goalless draw.PREPOSITIONdraw against, draw withtheir 1–1 draw with United

II. verb1 make pictures2 pull3 attract1 make picturesADVERBADVERBaccurately, beautifully, carefully, clearly, wella beautifully drawn pictureHe draws very well.badly, crudely, quickly, roughlya crudely drawn child's face

2 pullADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBhalf, partlyThe blinds were partly drawn.backShe drew back the curtains and let the sunlight in.aside, to one sideI tried to draw him aside so I could talk to him in private.awayHe approached her but she drew away.upShe sat with her legs drawn up on the sofa.outThe ducts draw out stale air.together (figurative)The project enables students to draw together their skills and experience.randomlyWe drew names randomly out of a hat.PREPOSITIONontoShe drew me onto the balconyout ofHe drew the cork out of the bottle.toI drew my chair up to the fire.towards/toward

3 attractADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBimmediatelyinevitably, inexorably, irresistiblyHer gaze was drawn irresistibly to the scene outside.instinctivelyAnimals are instinctively drawn to those who like them.increasinglyHe was increasingly drawn to the idea of making short films.PREPOSITIONfromThe plan has drawn interest from local businessmen.toWe asked the surfing champion what first drew him to the sport.

PHRASAL VERBSdraw on/upon sthADVERBADVERBheavilyThe novelist draws heavily on her personal experiences.

draw sth upADVERBADVERBprofessionally, properlyMake sure the contract is properly drawn up.

Draw is used with these nouns as the subject:

artist, chimney, footstep

Draw is used with these nouns as the object:

admiration, analogy, angle, applause, arrow, attention, audience, bath, baton, beer, benefit, blade, blind, blood, border, boundary, bow, breath, caricature, cart, cartoon, character, cheque, chuckle, circle, cloak, comfort, comment, comparison, conclusion, condemnation, connection, consolation, contrast, criticism, cross, crowd, curtain, customer, dagger, diagram, distinction, district, dole, drape, encouragement, example, finger, fire, foul, game, glance, graph, gun, idea, immigrant, implication, inference, inspiration, interest, knife, laugh, laughter, lesson, likeness, line, map, match, moisture, moral, nourishment, opposition, outline, parallel, pension, picture, pint, pistol, plan, plough, portrait, praise, raffle, rebuke, response, retort, revolver, salary, sample, shade, shape, shawl, shopper, sign, sketch, spectator, strength, support, suspicion, sword, tourist, traffic, triangle, truncheon, veil, viewer, visitor, wagon, weapon, wrath

draw back

draw backphr verb

Draw back is used with these nouns as the object:

bolt, fist

drawback

drawbacknoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + drawback | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, main, major, real, serious, significantminor, slightobviouspossible, potentialVERB + drawbackhave (its, their, etc.), suffer fromThis strategy has its drawbacks.The system suffers from two major drawbacks.overcomeWe have to find ways of overcoming these drawbacks.outweighThe benefits of this system far outweigh the drawbacks.PREPOSITIONdrawback ofThe drawbacks of this method are obvious.drawback toBad weather was the main drawback to camping in the north.drawback withThe one big drawback with the plan was its high cost.

drawer

drawernoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + drawer | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdeep, shallowa desk with two deep drawers on either sideopenlockedbottom, middle, topkitchenbedside table, bureau (esp. AmE), desk, dresser (esp. AmE), nightstand (AmE)file-cabinet (AmE), filing-cabinet (esp. BrE)cutlery (BrE), silverware (AmE)cash, file (AmE), junk (esp. AmE)sock, underwearsecretVERB + draweropen, pull open, pull out, slide openShe pulled open the second drawer down to find the money had gone.close, push in, push shut, shut, slam shutHe pushed the drawer shut with a bang.lock, unlockreach intoShe reached into the drawer and found the key to the safe.go through, look through, rummage in, rummage through, searchWhat do you think you are doing, rummaging through my drawers?emptyclean out (esp. AmE), organizePREPOSITIONfrom a/the drawer, out of a/the drawerShe took the gun from the drawer.in a/the drawerHe put the letters in the drawer.

drawers

drawersnoun

Drawers is used after these nouns:

kitchen

draw in

draw inphr verb

Draw in is used with these nouns as the subject:

Draw in is used with these nouns as the object:

breath, moisture, viewer

drawing

drawingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + drawing | drawing + VERB | drawing + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEchalk, charcoal, ink, line, pastel, pencila set of charcoal drawings by a local artistblack-and-whiteoriginal, preliminary, preparatoryThe bridge looked quite different from the architect's original drawings.scalea scale drawing of a jetarchitectural, engineering, technical, workinga working drawing of the proposed power stationlifeHe earned money as a model for life-drawing classes.VERB + drawingcreate, do, execute, makeHe made a drawing of how the Roman villa must have looked.drawing + VERBdepict sth, show sthThe drawing shows the Market Square.accompany sth, illustrate sthBeautiful line drawings accompany the text.drawing + NOUNboardThese days, designers spend more time at the computer than at the drawing board.PREPOSITIONin a/the drawingThe door opened onto a courtyard, as shown in the drawing.drawing bya pencil drawing by Picasso

draw into

draw intophr verb

Draw into is used with these nouns as the subject:

Draw into is used with these nouns as the object:

conversation, syringe

drawl

drawlnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + drawl | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeep, softlanguorous, lazy, slowslightnasalSouthern, Texan, etc.VERB + drawlhaveHe had a slow, Southern drawl.PHRASESin a drawl‘Howdy, pardner,’ he said in his slow Texan drawl.with a drawlShe spoke with a soft Southern drawl.

II. verbADVERBADVERBlazily, slowly, softly‘Come in!’ he drawled softly.sarcastically, sardonically

drawn

drawnadj.

Drawn is used with these nouns:

curtain

drawn-up

drawn-upadj.

Drawn-up is used with these nouns:

draw off

draw offphr verb

Draw off is used with these nouns as the object:

pint

draw on

draw onphr verb

Draw on is used with these nouns as the subject:

writer

Draw on is used with these nouns as the object:

cigar, cigarette, experience, expertise, fund, imagery, influence, pipe, reserve, resource, strength

draw out

draw outphr verb

Draw out is used with these nouns as the subject:

Draw out is used with these nouns as the object:

account, implication, knife, money, syllable

draw out of

draw out ofphr verb

Draw out of is used with these nouns as the subject:

Draw out of is used with these nouns as the object:

account, bag

drawstring

drawstringnoun

Drawstring is used before these nouns:

bag, closure, pants, waist

draw to

draw tophr verb

Draw to is used with these nouns as the object:

close, end, halt

draw together

draw togetherphr verb

Draw together is used with these nouns as the subject:

brow

Draw together is used with these nouns as the object:

brow, strand, thread

draw up draw upon

draw uponphr verb

Draw upon is used with these nouns as the object:

influence, reserve

dray

draynoun

Dray is used before these nouns:

Dread is used with these nouns as the object:

dread

dreadnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + dread | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreat, mortalHer greatest dread was that she would lose her job.existential, nameless (both esp. AmE)constantcreeping, growing, mountingVERB + dreadfeel, havethe dread she felt at the thought of meeting him againHe had a dread of hospitals.live inHe lived in constant dread that one day he might be found out.fill sb withDoes the thought of flying fill you with dread?PREPOSITIONin dread ofAfter her shoplifting spree she lived in mortal dread of being found out.dread ofher dread of discoveryPHRASESa feeling of dread, a sense of dread

II. verbADVERBADVERBabsolutelyI have to go to the dentist tomorrow and I'm absolutely dreading it!ratheralwaysHe had always dreaded being singled out.

answer, moment, prospect, thought

dreadful

dreadfuladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, look, smell, sound, tastePoor thing! You look absolutely dreadful! (= very ill)ADVERBreallyI feel really dreadful about letting you down.absolutely, quite (BrE), trulya truly dreadful hatpretty, ratherjust, simplyPREPOSITIONforIt must have been dreadful for you!

Dreadful is used with these nouns:

accident, bore, condition, cost, crime, mistake, ordeal, shock, state, thing, time, truth, weather

dreadfully

dreadfullyadv.

Dreadfully is used with these adjectives:

dull, sorry, wrong

Dreadfully is used with these verbs:

miss

dream

dreamnounverb

I. noun1 while you are asleep2 sth that you want very much to happen1 while you are asleepADJECTIVE | VERB + dream | dream + VERB | dream + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEawful, bad, disturbing, horrible, terriblea child frightened by a bad dreambizarre, odd, strange, weirdfeveredpleasantlucid, vividerotic, wetrecurrent, recurringpropheticHe had a prophetic dream about a train crash the night before the disaster.day (usually daydream), wakingHis waking dream was rudely interrupted by the telephone.VERB + dreamdream, haveShe fell asleep and dreamed strange dreams.I had a very disturbing dream last night.awake from, wake frombe awoken from, be woken fromI was awoken from my dream by a knock at the door.rememberI hardly ever remember my dreams.interprethaunt, invade, plagueImages of the crash still haunted his dreams years later.dream + VERBcome trueI hope my dream about prison won't come true!haunt sb, plague sbvivid dreams that regularly haunted himShe is plagued by strange dreams.fade, fade awayShe opened her eyes and the dream faded.dream + NOUNinterpretationPREPOSITIONin a/the dreamIn her dream, she was on board a ship heading for America.dream abouta recurrent dream about being late for an examPHRASESas (if) in a dreamShe found herself standing in front of the crowded hall and making her speech, as if in a dream.sweet dreams‘Sweet dreams!’ she said, turning off the light.

2 sth that you want very much to happenADJECTIVE | VERB + dream | dream + VERB | dream + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, greatHer biggest dream was to become a singer.lifelong, long-heldher lifelong dream of swimming with dolphinsboyhood, childhooddistantHis plans to travel the world now seemed like a distant dream.crazy, impossiblePeace no longer seemed an impossible dream.pipeHe spent his life chasing pipe dreams (= fantasies that are unlikely to come true).unfulfilled, unrealizedbroken, shatteredutopianromanticShe had this romantic dream of living in a windmill.VERB + dreamcherish, havethe great utopian dream that they have cherished for so longachieve, fulfil/fulfill, live, live out, realizeAt last his dreams were fulfilled.By this stage in my life I expected to be living the dream.chase, follow, pursueHe left his job to pursue his dream of opening a restaurant.abandonHe never abandoned his dream of finding his real mother.crush, shatterThe injury shattered her dream of running in the Olympics.keep aliveThe victory keeps San Marino's dream of a World Cup place alive.dream + VERBcome trueHe put all his efforts into making his dream of a united country come true.turn into a nightmare, turn sour (esp. BrE)Their dream turned into a nightmare as the ship began to sink.dream + NOUNholiday (BrE), home, house, job, vacation (AmE)After Betty retired, she designed and built her dream house.land (usually dreamland) (esp. BrE), worldThe government is living in a dream world if they think voters will agree to higher taxes.PREPOSITIONdream oftheir dream of a fairer worldPHRASESthe American dreamBorn a poor boy in Kansas, he lived the American dream as a successful inventor.the … of sb's dreamsthe house of her dreamsthe girl of his dreamsbeyond sb's wildest dreamsThey achieved a success beyond their wildest dreams.a dream come trueTheir cruise in the Bahamas was a dream come true.hopes and dreamsShe confided in him all her hopes and dreams.live the dreamAt last I feel I'm living the dream.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + dream | PREPOSITIONADVERBalwaysAs a child she always dreamed of working with animals.oftenHe often dreamed of owning a house right on the beach.neverI never dreamed I'd actually get the job.stilllongPeople have long dreamed of an egalitarian society.just, onlyIt was the kind of trip most of us can only dream about.VERB + dreamwouldn'tI wouldn't dream of going without you (= I would never go without you).PREPOSITIONabout, of

Dream is used with these nouns as the object:

dream

dreamily

dreamilyadv.

Dreamily is used with these verbs:

gaze, sigh

dreamless

dreamlessadj.

Dreamless is used with these nouns:

dreamlike

dreamlikeadj.

Dreamlike is used with these nouns:

quality

dream up

dream upphr verb

Dream up is used with these nouns as the object:

idea, scheme

dreamy

dreamyadj.

Dreamy is used with these nouns:

expression, look

dreary

drearyadj.

Dreary is used with these nouns:

morning, room, winter

dredge

dredgeverb

Dredge is used with these nouns as the object:

river

drench

drenchverb

Drench is used with these nouns as the subject:

drenching

drenchingadj.

Drenching is used with these nouns:

Dress is used with these nouns as the object:

dress

dressnounverb

I. noun1 piece of clothing2 clothes for either men or women1 piece of clothingADJECTIVE | VERB + dress | dress + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbeautiful, elegant, gorgeousplain, simpleShe looked elegant in a simple black dress.ankle-length, floor-length, full-length, knee-length, longshortskimpyclinging, figure-hugging (esp. BrE), skintight, tight, tight-fittingloose-fitting, shapelessbackless, halter (AmE), low-cut, off-the-shoulder, revealing, sleeveless, straplessflowing, silky, slinkyfloral, flowered (esp. AmE), flowery, frilly, sequinned/sequined, sparklycotton, silk, etc.designer, fancy (AmE)ball, cocktail, evening, party, prom (AmE)bridesmaid (AmE), bridesmaid's (esp. BrE), weddingcommunionEastermaternityVERB + dressunzip, zip, zip uphitch up, lift, pull upShe hitched up her long dress so it wouldn't drag in the mud.pull downsmooth, straightenShe sat down and smoothed her dress over her legs.go with, matchThe hat went with her new dress wonderfully.rip, ruin, teardress + NOUNshopdesignersizePREPOSITIONin a/the dressShe appeared in a slinky satin dress.

2 clothes for either men or womenADJECTIVE | dress + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEceremonial, formalcasual, informaleveningmodernperiodnational, traditionalHe was wearing traditional Scottish dress.fancy (= clothes that make you appear to be a different character) (BrE)the costumes worn at the fancy-dress balla fancy-dress shopbattle, militaryciviliandress + NOUNcodeThe club has a strict dress code.senseHe has poor dress sense.coat (AmE), pants (AmE), shirt, shoes (AmE), suituniformin full dress uniformPREPOSITIONin … dressa performance of ‘Hamlet’ in modern dress

II. verb1 put on clothes2 wear clothes1 put on clothesADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBhurriedly, quicklyslowlycarefullyPREPOSITIONinHe dressed carefully in the brown suit he had been married in.PHRASESbe fully dressedShe lay down on her bed, fully dressed.get dressedShe got dressed quickly.

2 wear clothesADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBbeautifully, elegantly, fashionably, immaculately, impeccably, nattily (old-fashioned), neatly, nicely, smartly (esp. BrE), stylishly, wellSusan always dresses very elegantly.She was determined to be the best dressed woman at the wedding.badly, poorly, shabbilyappropriately, suitablyinappropriatelydecently, modestly, properlyconservatively, plainly, simply, soberlyprofessionally (esp. AmE)She was dressed professionally in a business suit.formallycasuallyexpensivelyflamboyantly, ostentatiously, richlyprovocatively, scantilywarmlyalike, identically, similarlyThe twins were dressed identically.differentlyShe began to act and dress differently.PREPOSITIONasThe waiters were dressed as clowns.forI have to dress smartly for work.inThe women were all dressed in blue skirts and white blouses.likeWhy does she always dress like a boy?PHRASESdress to the nines (esp. AmE), dress up to the nines (BrE)She always dresses (up) to the nines.

cut, salad, timber, wound

dressed

dressedadj.

Dressed is used with these nouns:

dresser

dressernoun

Dresser is used before these nouns:

drawer, mirror

dressing

dressingnoun

noun1 covering put on a wound2 sauce for food, esp. salads1 covering put on a woundADJECTIVE | VERB + dressingADJECTIVEclean, fresh, sterilesurgical, woundgauzeVERB + dressingapply, put onClean the wound and put on a fresh dressing.changeremove

2 sauce for food, esp. saladsADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcreamyhome-madefat-free, low-fat (both esp. AmE)French, salad, vinaigretteblue cheese, Ranch™ (AmE), Thousand Island, etc.PREPOSITIONin a dressing, with a dressingsalad with a vinaigrette dressingdressing fora herb dressing for fish

dressing gown

dressing gownnoun

Dressing gown is used before these nouns:

cord

dressy

dressyadj.

Dressy is used with these nouns:

look, pants, shoe

dribble

dribbleverb

Dribble is used with these nouns as the subject:

baby, blood, saliva

Dribble is used with these nouns as the object:

dribbling

dribblingnoun

Dribbling is used before these nouns:

skill

dried

driedadj.

Dried is used with these nouns:

bean, beef, blood, chilli, fish, flower, fruit, herb, meat, milk, mud, mushroom, pasta, pea, soup

drift

driftnounverbPHRASAL VERB

I. noun1 slow movement2 general meaning of sth3 pile of snow/sand made by the wind1 slow movementADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgradual, slowleftward, rightwardHe criticized the rightward drift of the party.continentalPREPOSITIONdrift (away) fromthe drift of people away from rural areas into urban slumsdrift (back) toAs the strike went on, there was a gradual drift back to work.drift intohis drift into crimedrift towards/toward

2 general meaning of sthADJECTIVE | VERB + driftADJECTIVEgeneral, mainVERB + driftcatch, follow, getI didn't follow the speech exactly, but I caught the main drift of what was being said.

3 pile of snow/sand made by the windADJECTIVEADJECTIVEdeepsand, snow (usually snowdrift)

II. verb1 be carried along by the wind/water2 move slowly/without purpose1 be carried along by the wind/waterADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBslowlyhelplesslyCold and hungry, they drifted helplessly closer to the Arctic.downstreamThe boat drifted slowly downstream.along, back, down, out, up, etc.Smoke drifted up from the campfire.PREPOSITIONfrom, to, towards/toward, etc.They were drifting out to sea.withWe drifted with the current.

2 move slowly/without purposeADVERB | VERB + drift | PREPOSITIONADVERBaimlesslygradually, slowlyHer gaze gradually drifted to the bookshelf.quietly, silentlyeventually, finallyHe finally drifted back to his home town.about (esp. BrE), around, back, down, round (esp. BrE), up, etc.Voices drifted up through the floorboards.apart, away, offOver the years the two friends drifted apart.VERB + driftbegin toseem toallow sth to, let sthHe allowed his thoughts to drift back to his conversation with Carrie.PREPOSITIONabout (BrE), around, round (esp. BrE)He spent the day drifting aimlessly around the house.acrossShe drifted across the room to where we were standing.betweenShe began to drift between sleep and wakefulness.fromWe seem to be drifting away from the point.intoHe drifted into teaching, but never really enjoyed it.out ofHe drifted in and out of consciousness.

PHRASAL VERBdrift offADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBgradually, slowly

PREPOSITIONintoHe drifted off into a deep slumber.PHRASESdrift off to sleepShe closed her eyes and slowly drifted off to sleep.

Drift is used with these nouns as the subject:

attention, boat, breeze, cloud, continent, conversation, eye, fog, gaze, mind, mist, music, scent, smell, smoke, snow, snowflake, word

drift away

drift awayphr verb

Drift away is used with these nouns as the subject:

drift back

drift backphr verb

Drift back is used with these nouns as the subject:

thought

drifting

driftingadj.

Drifting is used with these nouns:

sand, snow

drift into

drift intophr verb

Drift into is used with these nouns as the object:

doze, sleep, unconsciousness

drift net

drift netnoun

Drift net is used before these nouns:

fishing

drift off

drift offphr verb

Drift off is used with these nouns as the subject:

attention, voice

drift off to

drift off tophr verb

Drift off to is used with these nouns as the object:

Drill is used before these nouns:

drill

drillnounverb

I. noun

hole, sergeant

Drill is used after these nouns:

evacuation, fire, hand, practice, pronunciation

II. verb

Drill is used with these nouns as the object:

army, hole, shaft, tunnel, well

drill for

drill forphr verb

Drill for is used with these nouns as the object:

drilling

drillingnoun

Drilling is used before these nouns:

operation

Drilling is used after these nouns:

drily

drilyadv.

Drily is used with these verbs:

answer, ask, comment, laugh, murmur, mutter, note, observe, remark, reply, respond, retort, say

drink

drinknounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | … OF DRINKS | VERB + drink | drink + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcold, cool, iced, refreshingI could do with a nice cool drink.hot, warmmilky (BrE)sugary, sweetfruit, fruity (AmE)carbonated, fizzy (BrE)non-alcoholic, softalcoholicstiff, strong (= with a lot of alcohol in it)mixed (AmE)diet, low-calorieenergy, sports (esp. AmE)caffeinatedlongShe took a long drink of cold water.quiet (esp. BrE)quickafter-dinner, pre-dinnerThey invited us for pre-dinner drinks.early-evening, lunchtime (esp. BrE)celebratoryfarewell (esp. BrE)welcome (esp. BrE)You will be offered a welcome drink on arrival at the hotel.freeThe entrance charge includes a free drink.… OF DRINKSroundWe ordered a round of drinks while waiting for a table.VERB + drinkconsume (formal), drink, haveI'll just drink my drink then we can go.She had a hot drink and went to bed.enjoyThey were enjoying a drink by the pool.wantDo you want a drink?needI really need a cold drink.sipdown, finish, knock backHe knocked back his drink in one go and ordered another one.takeHe took a drink of his beer and sat down.go for (BrE), go out forWould you like to go out for a drink after work?buy (sb), get (sb), grab, offer (sb), order (sb)Can I buy you a drink?Let's go grab a drink.pour (sb), serve (sb)He poured himself a stiff drink to calm his nerves.make, mixHe taught her how to mix drinks.refillShe went around refilling everyone's drinks.spillSome idiot spilled my drink.spikeThe robbers spiked his drink before taking his wallet and passport.drive sb toHer money problems drove her to drink (= made her start drinking a lot of alcohol).turn to (esp. BrE)After his wife died, he turned to drink.drink + NOUNdrinks partyWe've been invited to a drinks party.drinks cabinet (esp. BrE)She took a bottle from the drinks cabinet.problem (BrE) (drinking problem in AmE)She suspected her boss had a drink problem.bottlePlastic drink bottles can be recycled.PREPOSITIONin a/the drinkDo you want ice in your drink?drink ofI'll have a drink of milk, please.PHRASESfood and drink (esp. BrE), food and drinksa stand serving food and drinks

II. verb1 take liquid into the body2 drink alcohol1 take liquid into the bodyADVERB | VERB + drink | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBgreedily, thirstilyI opened the can and drank thirstily.deeplyShe drank deeply from the stream.down, upHe filled a cup with water and drank it down in one gulp.Drink up, and let's go home.VERB + drinkfind sth to, get yourself sth to, have sth toGo and get yourself something to eat and drink.PREPOSITIONfromHe drank from a tumbler.throughShe was drinking soda through a straw.PHRASESeat and drink, eat or drinkDo you want something to eat or drink?

2 drink alcoholADVERB | PHRASESADVERBexcessively, heavily, to excess, too muchHe's been drinking heavily since he lost his job.in moderation, moderately, responsibly, sensibly (esp. BrE)ads that tell people to drink responsiblysteadilyShe had been drinking steadily since the early morning.regularlyShe had never been someone who drank regularly.aloneI never drink alone.legallyAt that age they can legally drink alcohol.PHRASESdrink and driveThe campaign aims to persuade people not to drink and drive.drink like a fish (= drink a lot)Simon was drinking like a fish that evening.drink yourself to deathHe knew that he was probably drinking himself to death.

Drink is used with these nouns as the object:

alcohol, ale, beer, bottle, brandy, can, champagne, chocolate, cider, cocktail, coffee, coke, cup, drink, fluid, gin, glass, juice, liquid, liquor, milk, mouthful, mug, pint, poison, sherry, sip, soda, soup, spirit, tea, toast, water, whisky, wine

drinker

drinkernoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEbinge, hard, heavyThis liver condition is common in heavy drinkers.light, moderatehabitual, regularproblemhelp for the families and friends of problem drinkersunderageShe claimed advertisers were targeting underage drinkers.socialShe is a social drinker only—she never drinks at home.beer, coffee, tea, etc.I'm not a big tea drinker.

drink from

drink fromphr verb

Drink from is used with these nouns as the object:

beaker, can, cup, flask

drink in

drink inphr verb

Drink in is used with these nouns as the object:

gulp

drinking

drinkingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + drinking | drinking + NOUNADJECTIVEbinge, excessive, heavythe health problems associated with heavy drinkingmoderateteen (AmE), underagenew measures aimed at preventing underage drinkingVERB + drinkingcontrol, cut down on, limit, reduceHis doctor had advised him to limit his drinking.stopdrinking + NOUNbout, sessionbuddy, companion

drink into

drink intophr verb

Drink into is used with these nouns as the object:

drink out of

drink out ofphr verb

Drink out of is used with these nouns as the object:

beaker, cup

drink-related

drink-relatedadj.

Drink-related is used with these nouns:

disorder

drink up

drink upphr verb

Drink up is used with these nouns as the object:

Drip is used with these nouns as the subject:

drip

dripnounverb

I. noun1 water dripping2 drop of water that falls down from sb/sth3 medical equipment1 water drippingADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEslow, steadyPREPOSITIONdrip ofthe steady drip of water from the tap

2 drop of water that falls down from sb/sthVERB + drip | drip + VERB | PREPOSITIONVERB + dripcatchThere were buckets to catch the drips from the ceiling.drip + VERBfallDrips fell from the roof of the cave.PREPOSITIONdrip fromdrips from the tap

3 medical equipmentADJECTIVE | VERB + dripADJECTIVEintravenous (abbreviated to IV)morphine, salineVERB + dripfix up, set upbe attached to, be onHe is on a saline drip.attach sb to, put sb ontake sb offHe was taken off his drip last night.

II. verb

blood, dew, faucet, liquid, rain, saliva, sarcasm, tap, water

Drip is used with these nouns as the object:

sarcasm

drip down

drip downphr verb

Drip down is used with these nouns as the subject:

perspiration

dripping

drippingadj.adv.

I. adj.

Dripping is used with these nouns:

faucet, tap, water

II. adv.

Dripping is used with these adjectives:

wet

drive

drivenounverb

I. noun1 trip by car2 way a vehicle is moved3 (esp. BrE) path/road outside a house4 energy/determination5 desire/need6 effort7 computing8 in sports1 trip by carADJECTIVE | VERB + drive | drive + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElongeasy, shorteight-hour, sixty-mile, etc.leisurelyscenicIt's one of the most scenic drives in Europe.testVERB + drivego for, takeLet's go for a drive.drive + NOUNtimeThe spots will run during drive time radio.the afternoon/morning drive timea housing development within a 30-minute drive time from the airportPREPOSITIONwithin a driveAll my family live within an hour's drive.PHRASESa … drive awayThe lakes are only a short drive away.

2 way a vehicle is movedADJECTIVEADJECTIVEall-wheel (esp. AmE), four-wheel, front-wheel, rear-wheelleft-hand, right-handLeft-hand drive cars make driving in Britain difficult.

3 (esp. BrE) path/road outside a houseSee also drivewayADJECTIVE | drive + VERB | drive + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEwindinggraveltree-linedprivatefrontdrive + VERBlead to, lead up toHe pulled into a long drive leading up to a large villa.drive + NOUNblockA number of police cars blocked the drive.PREPOSITIONdown the drive, in the drive, on the driveThere was a car parked on the drive.up the driveHe walked up the front drive of the vicarage.

4 energy/determinationADJECTIVE | VERB + driveADJECTIVEcompetitivepersonalnarrativeYou need to inject more narrative drive into the story.VERB + drivehavelackHe lacks the competitive drive needed to succeed.

5 desire/needADJECTIVEADJECTIVEbasic, innate, inner, instinctive (esp. BrE), instinctual (esp. AmE)humancreativeemotional, sex, sexual

6 effortADJECTIVE | VERB + drive | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbigrelentlessnational, nationwideexport, marketing, salescost-cutting, efficiency (both esp. BrE)membership, organizing (AmE), petition (AmE), recruitment, voter-registration (esp. AmE)fund (AmE), fund-raising, pledge (AmE)blood, clothing, food (all AmE)We organized a food drive for the city's homeless shelters.anti-corruption, anti-drug, etc.VERB + drivelaunch, organizeWe're going to launch a big recruitment drive in the spring.spearheadThe Popular Front spearheaded the drive for independence.PREPOSITIONdrive againsta drive against corruptiondrive bythe recent recruitment drive by the policedrive forthe country's drive for modernizationdrive towards/towarda drive towards/toward higher safety standards

7 computingADJECTIVE | VERB + drive | drive + NOUNADJECTIVECD-ROM, disk, DVD, flash, floppy, hard, optical, zip (esp. AmE)external, removablebuilt-in, internalVERB + driveformat, reformatdefrag (informal), defragmentinstallinstall sth on, install sth ontodrive + NOUNbay

8 in sportsADJECTIVE | VERB + driveADJECTIVEpowerful, strong, thunderous (BrE)angled, crisp (both BrE)scoring, touchdown (both AmE)line (in baseball)He hit a line drive straight at me.left-foot, right-foot (in football/soccer)Cole scored with a thunderous left-foot drive.backhand, forehand (in tennis)a forehand drive down the lineVERB + drivehithook, slice (in golf)

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBfast, quicklyYou shouldn't drive so fast!She drove quickly back to the office.slowlycarefully, safelyrecklesslyHe was arrested for driving recklessly.around, away, back, off, onShe got into the car and drove away.homeI'll drive you home.PREPOSITIONdown, from, toWe drove from Quebec to Ottawa.PHRASESdrink and drive

drive across

drive acrossphr verb

Drive across is used with these nouns as the object:

drive away

drive awayphr verb

Drive away is used with these nouns as the object:

shopper

drive down

drive downphr verb

Drive down is used with these nouns as the object:

cost, wage

drive in

drive inphr verb

Drive in is used with these nouns as the object:

nail, pin

drive-in

drive-innoun

Drive-in is used before these nouns:

movie, theatre

drive into

drive intophr verb

Drive into is used with these nouns as the object:

corner, frenzy

drive off

drive offphr verb

Drive off is used with these nouns as the subject:

Drive off is used with these nouns as the object:

ferry

drive over

drive overphr verb

Drive over is used with these nouns as the object:

driver

drivernoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEcareful, good, safebad, dangerous, recklessdrunk, drunken, hit-and-run (esp. BrE)He was killed by a drunken driver.experienced, inexperiencedlearner (BrE), student (AmE)Learner drivers are not allowed on the motorways.designatedI didn't drink because I was the designated driver.cara campaign aimed at car drivers to promote walking and cyclingambulance, bus, cab, coach (BrE), engine (BrE), limo (informal), lorry (BrE), tanker (esp. BrE), taxi, train, truck (esp. AmE), van (BrE)F1 (esp. BrE), race-car (AmE), racing, rally (esp. BrE)back-seatI can't stand back-seat drivers.

drive-time

drive-timeadj.

Drive-time is used with these nouns:

radio

drive up

drive upphr verb

Drive up is used with these nouns as the object:

cost, sale

driveway

drivewaynoun

nounSee also driveADJECTIVE | VERB + driveway | driveway + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEwindingconcrete, dirt (AmE), gravelcircular (esp. AmE)large, long, steepVERB + drivewayshovel (AmE)When it snows I have to shovel the driveway.linehuge evergreens lining the drivewayblockA number of police cars blocked the driveway.driveway + VERBlead to, lead up toa long driveway leading up to the wineryPREPOSITIONdown the driveway, in the driveway, on the drivewayThere was a car parked on the driveway.up the drivewayHe walked up the driveway to the house.

driving

drivingnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + driving | driving + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEgood, safea new campaign to promote safe drivingaggressive, bad, careless, dangerous, erratic, recklessShe was charged with reckless driving.drink (BrE), drunk (esp. AmE), drunken, impaired (AmE)Police stopped 30 motorists for drink driving on New Year's Eve.off-roadMost people who own a Jeep never use it for off-road driving.VERB + drivingdo theI usually do the driving and he navigates.be banned from (esp. BrE), be disqualified from (BrE)He was banned from driving for six months after failing a breath test.driving + NOUNconditionsseat (esp. BrE)test (see also driving license)instructor, lesson, schoolexperience, skilloffence/offense (esp. BrE)chargeThere wasn't enough evidence for a dangerous driving charge.ban (esp. BrE)She was given a large fine and a two-year driving ban.PHRASESdriving under the influence (abbreviated to DUI), driving while intoxicated (abbreviated to DWI) (both AmE)

II. adj.

Driving is used with these nouns:

ambition, ban, condition, direction, force, glove, goggles, instructor, lesson, licence, need, offence, permit, rain, range, record, rhythm, school, seat, skill, snow, test

driving licence

driving licencenoun

(BrE) (AmE driver's license) nounADJECTIVE | VERB + driving licence/driver's licenseADJECTIVEvalidcurrentclean (esp. BrE)full (BrE)commercial (AmE)provisional (BrE)VERB + driving licence/driver's licensehave, holdget, obtainloseissue

drizzle

drizzlenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | drizzle + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfine, light, slightpersistent, steadydrizzle + VERBfallLight drizzle fell all afternoon.PREPOSITIONin a/the drizzle, through a/the drizzleWe walked home through the drizzle.

II. verb

Drizzle is used with these nouns as the object:

drizzling

drizzlingadj.

Drizzling is used with these nouns:

Drone is used with these nouns as the subject:

drone

dronenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + drone | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElowdistantconstant, continuous, steadymonotonousVERB + dronehearPREPOSITIONwith a droneThe planes flew overhead with a low drone.drone ofthe continuous drone of the engine

II. verb

drone on

drone onphr verb

Drone on is used with these nouns as the subject:

drool

droolverb

Drool is used with these nouns as the subject:

droop

droopverb

Droop is used with these nouns as the subject:

eyelid, head, lid, mouth, shoulder

drooping

droopingadj.

Drooping is used with these nouns:

eyelid, lid

droopy

droopyadj.

Droopy is used with these nouns:

moustache

drop

dropnounverb

I. noun1 reduction2 vertical distance down from a place3 small round mass of liquid1 reductionADJECTIVE | VERB + drop | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, considerable, huge, large, massivemarked, noticeable, significant, substantialdramatic, drastic, precipitous, rapid, severe, sharp, suddenslight, smallsteadypressure, price, temperatureA sudden temperature drop could lead to a new ice age.VERB + dropexperience, sufferThe restaurant has suffered a big drop in trade.cause, lead toPREPOSITIONdrop inThe glut of coffee led to a sharp drop in prices.

2 vertical distance down from a placeADJECTIVEADJECTIVEprecipitous, sheer, steep, verticalThe cliff plunged in a sheer drop down to the beach.long

3 small round mass of liquidADJECTIVE | VERB + drop | drop + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEsingleWe mustn't waste a single drop.tinyTiny drops of sweat appeared on her forehead.tear (usually teardrop)dew, rain (usually dewdrop, raindrop)VERB + dropwipe, wipe offShe wiped a drop of water from her chin.drop + VERBfallGreat drops of rain started to fall.roll down sthPREPOSITIONdrop ofLarge drops of sweat rolled down her face.

II. verb1 allow sth to fall2 jump/move downwards3 become lower4 slope downwards5 no longer include sb in sth6 stop doing sth/be stopped1 allow sth to fallADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBaccidentallycarelessly, casuallyHe casually drops the latest buzzwords into the conversation.almost, nearlyinstantly, promptlyHe saw Emma and promptly dropped his tray of drinks.PREPOSITIONin, into, on, ontoI accidentally dropped my glasses into the water.

2 jump/move downwardsADVERB | VERB + drop | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBheavilygently, lightlyimmediately, instantly, quicklyslowlyHe slowly dropped to the floor.limplyHis arms dropped limply to his sides.down, openHer mouth dropped open in disbelief.VERB + droplet sthShe smiled and let her eyes drop again.be ready toI'm ready to drop (= because I am so tired).PREPOSITIONinto, onto, toThe cheese drops onto a conveyor underneath.PHRASESdrop like a stone (figurative)Her heart dropped like a stone at this news.

3 become lowerADVERB | VERB + drop | PREPOSITIONADVERBconsiderably, dramatically, drastically, significantly, substantiallyThe price of oil has dropped significantly.fast, rapidlyabruptly, precipitously, sharply, suddenlysteadilyslightlyfurtherVERB + dropbe likely to, be unlikely toSales are likely to drop further.PREPOSITIONbelowThe temperature rarely drops below 40°.byThe price has dropped by 15%.from, toThe number of children in the class has dropped from 25 to 18.

4 slope downwardsADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBsharply, steeplyawayPREPOSITIONinto, to, towards/towardThe land dropped steeply away into a small valley.

5 no longer include sb in sthADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBquietlyunceremoniouslyShe was unceremoniously dropped by her record label.PREPOSITIONfromHe has been quietly dropped from the England team.in favour/favor of

6 stop doing sth/be stoppedADVERB | VERB + drop | PREPOSITIONADVERBquietlyThe subject was quietly dropped.immediately, quickly, suddenlyHe suddenly dropped his habitual banter.eventually, finallyaltogetherWhen nobody volunteered, the idea was finally dropped altogether.VERB + droplet sthCan't we just let the matter drop?agree to, decide toBoth countries have agreed to drop border controls.PREPOSITIONin favour/favor ofThe formal grade of Geologist was dropped in favour/favor of Scientific Officer.

Drop is used with these nouns as the subject:

arm, attendance, barometer, breeze, count, export, eye, face, hand, head, helicopter, humidity, import, income, index, jaw, leaf, level, mouth, number, percentage, price, productivity, profit, rate, rating, revenue, sale, shoulder, standard, stock, sun, takings, tear, temperature, turnover, usage, voice, weight, wind, yield

Drop is used with these nouns as the object:

accent, acid, anchor, appeal, backpack, bag, ball, baton, bomb, bombshell, briefcase, case, catch, ceiling, charade, charge, claim, class, clutch, crumb, flare, formality, gaze, gun, head, hint, insistence, jaw, kiss, leaflet, litter, load, matter, name, needle, objection, opposition, pants, pass, per cent, plan, point, pretence, price, proposal, receiver, reference, sail, shoulder, stipulation, stitch, subject, suit, suitcase, torpedo, tray, trousers, voice, weapon, wrapper

drop-dead

drop-deadadv.

Drop-dead is used with these adjectives:

gorgeous

drop-down

drop-downadj.

Drop-down is used with these nouns:

drop-in

drop-inadj.

Drop-in is used with these nouns:

session

drop off

drop offphr verb

Drop off is used with these nouns as the subject:

berry

Drop off is used with these nouns as the object:

bag, passenger

drop on

drop onphr verb

Drop on is used with these nouns as the object:

dropout

dropoutnoun

Dropout is used before these nouns:

Dropout is used after these nouns:

drop out of

drop out ofphr verb

Drop out of is used with these nouns as the object:

college, course, high school, race, school

dropped

droppedadj.

Dropped is used with these nouns:

kerb, pass

dropper

droppernoun

Dropper is used after these nouns:

medicine

droppings

droppingsnoun

Droppings is used after these nouns:

bird, horse, mouse, pigeon, rat

drought

droughtnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + drought | drought + VERB | drought + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdevastating, extreme, severe, terrible, worstIt has been the worst drought in the country's history.long, prolongedsummerVERB + droughthaveEngland has had several summer droughts in recent years.causebreak, endA week of good rains has broken the drought.survive, tolerate, withstandplants that can withstand droughtdrought + VERBaffect sthLarge areas of Africa are affected by severe drought.drought + NOUNconditionsresistance, tolerancecrops that are chosen for their drought tolerancePREPOSITIONduring a/the drought, in a/the droughtSome of the newer plants in the garden died during the drought.PHRASESin times of droughtmonths, years, etc. of drought

drown

drownverb

Drown is used with these nouns as the object:

sorrow, word

drowned

drownedadj.

Drowned is used with these nouns:

sailor

drowning

drowningnoun

Drowning is used before these nouns:

drown out

drown outphr verb

Drown out is used with these nouns as the subject:

Drown out is used with these nouns as the object:

noise, word

drug

drugnoun

Illegal drugsdo … (informal), experiment with … , take … , try … , use … She confessed to having experimented with drugs in her youth.be/get high on … They committed the crime while high on drugs.be addicted to … , be dependent on … , be/get hooked on … (informal)bodybuilders who are addicted to steroidsbe on … (informal)He seemed to be on acid most of the time.be off … , come off … He's tried several times to come off cocaine.possess … She was arrested on charges of possessing narcotics.deal … , deal in … , sell … , smuggle … , supply … , traffic … , traffic in … The country imposes the death penalty for trafficking in marijuana.seize … The heroin seized has an estimated street value of £600 000. … abuse, … addiction, … consumption, … useHeroin abuse has increased sharply. … habit (informal), … problemShe allegedly has a $500-a-day coke habit. … overdoseHeroin overdose is a major cause of death among users. … addict, … userheroin users … dealer, … trafficker, … smugglera cocaine dealer … production, … smuggling, … trade, … traffickingThe authorities have been accused of active involvement in the narcotics trade.abuse of … , addiction to … , dependence on … , use of … the use of cocainetrade in … measures to combat the trade in narcotics

noun1 substance used as a medicine2 illegal substance1 substance used as a medicineADJECTIVE | … OF DRUG | VERB + drug | drug + VERB | drug + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpowerful, strongeffectivesafemodern, newwonderThey're hailing it as the new wonder drug.anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-malarial, antiviral, etc.sedativepsychoactiveMore and more children are being prescribed psychoactive drugs.prescriptionYou used to be able to buy this medicine over the counter, but it is now a prescription drug.non-prescription, over-the-countergenericWe want to make it possible for African companies to produce cheaper generic drugs.brand-name (esp. AmE)performance-enhancingan athlete who tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs… OF DRUGcourse, doseVERB + drugbe on, takeAre you taking any other drugs at present?prescribe (sb), put sb onThe doctor put me on anti-inflammatory drugs.give sb, treat sb withadminister, give sbThe nurses came around to give the patients their drugs.develop, manufacture, producenew drugs that have been developed recentlymarkettestapproveSome veterinary drugs are not approved for use in food-producing animals.be resistant to, not respond toSome infections are now resistant to drugs.drug + VERBcure sth, help sth, treat sthdrugs that help the growth of skin tissuedrug + NOUNcompanypricesPrescription drug prices rose.PREPOSITIONdrug againsta powerful drug against tuberculosisdrug forHe's taking drugs for depression.

2 illegal substanceADJECTIVE | VERB + drug | drug + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEillegal, illicitaddictivehallucinogenic, mood-altering, psychoactive, psychotropicclass A, dangerous, hardheroin and other hard drugssoftSome addicts start on soft drugs.designer (= artificially produced)She had taken a new designer drug.recreationalThey had a liberal attitude to recreational drugs.VERB + druginject (See note for more verbs.)drug + NOUNbaron, kingpin (esp. AmE), lordpushercartelmisusescreening, testingSome workplaces have introduced mandatory drug screening.drug offense (AmE), drugs offence (BrE)drug charge (esp. AmE), drugs charge (BrE)sentencing (esp. AmE)a review of the drug sentencing laws to make penalties harsherdrug squad, drugs squad (both BrE)drug czar (AmE), drugs tsar (BrE)The new federal drug czar claimed the nation was winning the war on drugs.the government's former drugs tsarwarthe latest moves in the drug war(See note for more nouns.)PHRASESdrink and drugs (BrE), drugs and alcohol (esp. AmE)

the dangers of drugs and alcohol

drug-free

drug-freeadj.

Drug-free is used with these nouns:

drug-induced

drug-inducedadj.

Drug-induced is used with these nouns:

hallucination, hepatitis, stupor

drug-prevention

drug-preventionadj.

Drug-prevention is used with these nouns:

drug-related

drug-relatedadj.

Drug-related is used with these nouns:

arrest, crime, death, felony, offence, violence

drug-resistant

drug-resistantadj.

Drug-resistant is used with these nouns:

germ, strain

drug-sniffing

drug-sniffingadj.

Drug-sniffing is used with these nouns:

Drum is used with these nouns as the subject:

drum

drumnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + drum | drum + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEbass, bongo, electronic, kettle (usually kettledrum), kick, side, snare, steeltribalwarjungleVERB + drumbang, beat, hit, poundplaydrum + NOUNkit, set (esp. AmE)stick (usually drumstick)machine, padbeat (usually drumbeat), pattern, rhythm, roll, soundmusicworksolotrackHe showed us how to program a drum track.loop (= repeated pattern of sounds made by an electronic drum)circle (= a group of people playing drums together) (esp. AmE)major, majorette (esp. BrE)PHRASESa roll of drums

II. verb

Drum is used with these nouns as the object:

drummer

drummernoun

Drummer is used after these nouns:

drumsticks

drumsticksnoun

Drumsticks is used after these nouns:

chicken

drum up

drum upphr verb

Drum up is used with these nouns as the object:

business, interest, support

drunk

drunkadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbe, feel, look, soundI was beginning to feel very drunk.getHarry went out and got drunk last night.get sb, make sbAndrew decided to try and get Sharon drunk.The wine had made him drunk.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.blind, completely, roaringHe came home blind drunk, as usual.almost (often figurative)She was almost drunk with all these new impressions.halfHe was still half drunk.a little, slightly, etc.PREPOSITIONwith (figurative)drunk with fatiguePHRASESdrunk driver, drunk driving (both esp. AmE)She was arrested for drunk driving.

Drunk is used with these nouns:

driver, driving

drunk driving

drunk drivingnoun

Drunk driving is used before these nouns:

arrest

drunken

drunkenadj.

Drunken is used with these nouns:

binge, brawl, bum, driver, driving, father, idiot, laughter, man, night, orgy, rage, row, sailor, sleep, stupor, teenager, thug, uncle

drunkenly

drunkenlyadv.

Drunkenly is used with these verbs:

sway

dry

dryverbPHRASAL VERBadj.

I. verbADVERB | VERB + dryADVERBcarefully, completely, properly, thoroughlyWait until the paint has completely dried.Always dry clothes thoroughly before you wear them again.partiallyquickly, rapidlyslowlynaturallyoff, outWe left the wood in the shed to dry out.overnightAllow the paper to dry overnight.VERB + dryallow sth to, leave sth to, let sthIt's best to let your hair dry naturally.

PHRASAL VERBdry up1 become empty of water2 be no longer available1 become empty of waterADVERBADVERBcompletelyIt's been so hot this year that the pond has dried up completely.

2 be no longer availableADVERBADVERBcompletelyFunds have completely dried up.virtually

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, look, seembecome, get, go, runCome into the warm and get dry, both of you.Ruth felt her mouth go dry.The wells in most villages in the region have run dry.Vaccine supplies started to run dry as the flu outbreak reached epidemic proportions. (figurative)keep, remain, stayWe managed to keep dry by huddling in a doorway.There is every prospect of the weather remaining dry this week.pat sb/sth, rub sb/sth, towel sbRinse the mushrooms and pat dry.Towel yourself dry before getting dressed.bleed sb, milk sb, squeeze sb, suck sb (all figurative)The big corporations are bleeding some of these small countries dry (= taking all their money).keep sthThis type of wound is best kept dry without a dressing.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.bone, completely, perfectly, quite, thoroughly, totallyThe river was bone dry.Make sure the paint is thoroughly dry.almost, nearlybarely, hardly, scarcely (often figurative)The ink was scarcely dry on the agreement before fighting broke out again.mainly, mostlyThe day will start bright and mainly dry.a little, slightly, etc.reasonably (esp. BrE), relatively

Dry is used with these nouns:

air, biscuit, bone, cargo, champagne, cider, climate, cloth, clothes, condition, cough, desert, diaper, dirt, earth, evening, eye, food, grass, ground, hair, heat, humour, ingredient, land, laugh, leaf, lip, milk, month, mouth, mud, mustard, paint, patch, run, sand, sarcasm, scalp, season, sense of humour, sherry, slope, sob, soil, spell, sponge, storage, store, summer, throat, toast, tone, towel, twig, weather, well, wine, wit

dryer

dryernoun

Dryer is used after these nouns:

clothes, hand, spin

drying

dryingadj.

Drying is used with these nouns:

rack

dry out

dry outphr verb

Dry out is used with these nouns as the object:

dry-slope

dry-slopeadj.

Dry-slope is used with these nouns:

skiing

dry up

dry upphr verb

Dry up is used with these nouns as the subject:

conversation, funding, river, tear

DSL

DSLnoun

DSL is used before these nouns:

connection, line, technology

dual

dualadj.

Dual is used with these nouns:

carriageway, citizenship, function, identity, loyalty, meet, nationality, nature, personality, purpose, role, strategy

dubious

dubiousadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seem, soundbecomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highlysome highly dubious informationincreasinglya little, slightly, etc.ethically, morallyIt sounds a morally dubious proposition.constitutionally (esp. AmE), legally, politically

Dubious is used with these nouns:

advantage, character, claim, distinction, honour, legality, merit, penalty, pleasure, privilege, proposition, relevance, reputation, tactic, taste, validity, value

dubiously

dubiouslyadv.

Dubiously is used with these verbs:

Duck is used with these nouns as the object:

duck

ducknounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | … OF DUCKS | VERB + duck | duck + VERB | duck + NOUNADJECTIVEwildlong-tailed, mallard, etc.plastic, rubberA rubber duck floated in the bath.roast, roasted (esp. AmE)… OF DUCKSflockA flock of ducks bobbed near the shore.VERB + duckfeedEvery afternoon they went to the park to feed the ducks.huntduck + VERBquackpaddle, swimThe ducks paddled furiously to grab the bread.bobdivedabblewaddleA family of ducks waddled along the river bank.nestflymigrateduck + NOUNbreastSlice the duck breast and serve.confiteggfatIn a large saucepan, melt the duck fat.pondblind (= a small shelter from where you can watch ducks) (AmE)hunter, hunting (both AmE)season (= the time when ducks are hunted) (AmE)

II. verb

head, responsibility

duckpin

duckpinadj.

Duckpin is used with these nouns:

bowling

duct

ductnoun

Duct is used before these nouns:

Duct is used after these nouns:

tear, ventilation

ductile

ductileadj.

Ductile is used with these nouns:

dud

dudadj.

Dud is used with these nouns:

due

dueadj.

Due is used with these nouns:

care, caution, consideration, credit, date, impartiality, process, prominence, recognition, regard, respect, reverence, solemnity, warning, weight

duelling

duellingnoun

Duelling/dueling is used before these nouns:

pistol

dues

duesnoun

Dues is used after these nouns:

membership, union

dues-paying

dues-payingadj.

Dues-paying is used with these nouns:

member

dugout

dugoutnoun

Dugout is used before these nouns:

canoe

duke

dukenoun

Aristocratic titlesfirst … , second … , etc.the 17th Earl of Lauderdalebecome … , be created … , be made … She was made a baroness in 1992.succeed (sb) as … He was succeeded as third Baron Northwick by his nephew.

dulcet

dulcetadj.

Dulcet is used with these nouns:

tone

dull

dullverbadj.

I. verb

Dull is used with these nouns as the subject:

Dull is used with these nouns as the object:

appetite, mind, pain, sense

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSappear, be, look, seem, soundbecome, getThe work gets a little dull at times.make sthThe long lectures made the afternoon dull.find sthADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.deadly, dreadfully (esp. BrE), incredibly, mind-numbinglyThe movie was long and deadly dull.a little, slightly, etc.disappointingly

Dull is used with these nouns:

ache, blade, brown, child, colour, complexion, existence, eye, gleam, glow, hair, headache, knife, metal, murmur, pain, red, roar, routine, rumble, sky, throb, thud, thump

dully

dullyadv.

Dully is used with these verbs:

gleam, reflect, think

duly

dulyadv.

Duly is used with these adjectives:

impressed

Duly is used with these verbs:

acknowledge, elect, note, oblige, perform, punish, record, register, reward, sign, summon, warn, win

dumb

dumbadj.

adj.1 unable to speak2 (esp. AmE, informal) stupid1 unable to speakVERBS | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbebecome, be struckThey were struck dumb with amazement.PREPOSITIONwithShe sat there, dumb with rage.PHRASESdeaf and dumb

2 (esp. AmE, informal) stupidVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, look, seem, soundI'm sure my question sounded really dumb.act, playI decided to act dumb.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.incrediblyplain (informal)

Dumb is used with these nouns:

animal, blonde, excuse, joke, kid, luck, mistake, move

dumbly

dumblyadv.

Dumbly is used with these verbs:

dummy

dummyadj.

Dummy is used with these nouns:

bomb, run

dump

dumpnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | dump + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgarbage (esp. AmE), refuse, rubbish (BrE), trash (AmE), wastethe cleaning up of a toxic waste dumpnuclearcity, towndump + NOUNsiteLocal residents have organized a protest against the planned dump site.truck (AmE)PREPOSITIONat a/the dumpRadioactive waste has been found at the dump.to a/the dumpThey took the mattress to the dump.dump fora new dump for nuclear waste

II. verbADVERBADVERBillegally, legallyThe company had illegally dumped toxic waste.unceremoniouslyThey carried him down to the beach and dumped him unceremoniously in the freezing water.quicklysimplyThe waste is often simply dumped overboard.at sea (esp. BrE), in the ocean (esp. AmE), overboardThe sewage was dumped at sea.downHe dumped the boxes down in the kitchen.

Dump is used with these nouns as the object:

bag, boyfriend, bucket, car, chemical, content, fuel, garbage, load, pile, refuse, remains, rubbish, sewage, share, suitcase, trash, waste

dumper

dumpernoun

Dumper is used before these nouns:

dumping

dumpingnoun

Dumping is used before these nouns:

ground

dunce

duncenoun

Dunce is used before these nouns:

cap

dune

dunenoun

Dune is used before these nouns:

buggy

Dune is used after these nouns:

sand

dung

dungnoun

Dung is used after these nouns:

cow, elephant, horse

dunk

dunkverb

Dunk is used with these nouns as the object:

biscuit

duplicate

duplicatenounverbadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + duplicate | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEexactThe ring was an exact duplicate of her mother's ring.VERB + duplicatecreate, makeWe made a duplicate of the key.PREPOSITIONin duplicateThe contract is prepared in duplicate, so that both parties can sign it.

II. verbADVERBADVERBexactlyThe original experiment cannot be exactly duplicated.simplyI wanted to avoid simply duplicating work that had already been done.easily (esp. AmE)This is a natural look which you can easily duplicate at home.

Duplicate is used with these nouns as the object:

CD, CD-ROM, disk, effort, feat

III. adj.

Duplicate is used with these nouns:

copy, key

duplication

duplicationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + duplicationADJECTIVEunnecessary, wastefulDuties have been reassigned to avoid wasteful duplication of work.VERB + duplicationavoid, eliminate, prevent, reduceThe new procedures should reduce duplication of medical care and treatment.

durable

durableadj.

Durable is used with these nouns:

fabric, finish, goods, peace

durables

durablesnoun

Durables is used after these nouns:

consumer

duration

durationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + duration | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbrief, shortlimitedJobs were of limited duration and usually paid low wages.long, prolongedindefinitemaximum, minimumoverall, totalThe overall duration of the flight was 11 hours.average, meanexpected, likelythe expected duration of the diseasedesired, idealVERB + durationdecrease, reduce, shortenTaking antibiotics will shorten the duration of the illness.limitextend, increasecalculate, determine, estimate, measurePREPOSITIONfor the duration (of)She stayed there for the duration of the trip.of … durationThe next contract will be of shorter duration.throughout the duration ofThis continued throughout the duration of their marriage.

dusk

dusknoun

nounADJECTIVE | dusk + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgatheringdusk + VERBapproach, fall, settle, settle in (AmE)Dusk was falling as we drove home.PREPOSITIONafter duskat duskbefore duskin the duskThe lamps twinkled in the gathering dusk.PHRASESfrom dawn to dusk

dusk-to-dawn

dusk-to-dawnadj.

Dusk-to-dawn is used with these nouns:

curfew

dusky

duskyadj.

Dusky is used with these nouns:

pink

dust

dustnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | … OF DUST | VERB + dust | dust + VERB | dust + NOUNADJECTIVEfineairborneradioactivehouse, householddesert (esp. AmE)cosmic, moonbrick (esp. BrE), chalk, coal, gold, etc.fairy, magic, pixie (esp. AmE)… OF DUSTcloud, layerThe tractor came up the track in a cloud of dust.There was a layer of fine dust on the table.particle, speckRemove any particles of dust on the surface of the paint.microscopic specks of dustVERB + dustcollect, gatherHer chess set lay on a shelf gathering dust.be covered in, be covered withbrush, remove, shake, sweep, sweep up, wipeHe brushed the dust off his clothes.She shook the dust from her hair.blowThe wind was blowing dust through the streets of the city.dust + VERBlieThe dust now lay in a thick layer on her piano.coat sth, cover sthDust covered the whole shelf.settleThe dust settled on everything in the kitchen.I waited for the dust to settle from her resignation before talking to her about it. (figurative)blow, float, fly, swirlDust swirled around them like a misty cloud.fall, risefill sthHe started coughing as dust filled his lungs.clearThe dust cleared and Hari could see a tiger.dust + NOUNcloudgrain, mote (old-fashioned), particlestormball, bunny (= a mass of dust and small pieces of hair, thread, etc.) (informal) (both AmE)devil (= a small column of dust over land, caused by the wind)bowlmitea house dust mitecover (esp. AmE), sheet (BrE) (= for furniture, etc.)cover (esp. AmE), jacket (= of a book)mask

II. verb

Dust is used with these nouns as the object:

Dustbin is used with these nouns:

dustbin

dustbinnounadj.

I. (BrE) nounVERB + dustbin | dustbin + NOUN | PREPOSITIONVERB + dustbinchuck sth in, dump sth in, throw sth inShe chucked the potatoes in the dustbin.go inThese old shoes can go in the dustbin now.be consigned to, be destined for (figurative)The politicians who lost the elections will be consigned to the dustbin of history.emptyHow regularly are the dustbins emptied?put outWe put out the dustbins on a Wednesday morning before the van comes.dustbin + NOUNbag, linerlidmanThe dustbin men forgot to empty our bin this morning.PREPOSITIONdustbin of (figurative)The pollution in this country makes it the dustbin of Europe.

II. adj.

bag, lid

duster

dusternoun

Duster is used after these nouns:

dust for

dust forphr verb

Dust for is used with these nouns as the object:

fingerprint

dusting

dustingnoun

Dusting is used before these nouns:

powder

Dusting is used after these nouns:

dust off

dust offphr verb

Dust off is used with these nouns as the object:

dirt, sand

dusty

dustyadj.

Dusty is used with these nouns:

attic, floor, ground, lane, pink, road, room, shelf, street, town, track, trail, volume, window

Dutch

Dutchadj.

Dutch is used with these nouns:

cheese, door

dutiful

dutifuladj.

Dutiful is used with these nouns:

daughter, son, wife

dutifully

dutifullyadv.

Dutifully is used with these verbs:

follow, report

duty

dutynoun

noun1 sth that you have to do because it is right or expected2 tasks that you do when you are at work3 tax1 sth that you have to do because it is right or expectedADJECTIVE | VERB + duty | duty + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcontractual, legal, statutory (esp. BrE)Retailers have a statutory duty to provide goods suitable for their purpose.fiduciarythe company's fiduciary duty to its shareholdersconstitutional (esp. AmE)general, primarythe general duty of the police to preserve the peaceprofessionalcivic, publicI feel it is my civic duty to vote.patrioticChristian, religiousfamily, filial, parentalethical, moralHe felt it was his moral duty to help others.absolute, bounden (formal), sacred, solemn, swornI feel it's my bounden duty to try and help her.VERB + dutyhave, owe (law)You have a legal duty to take reasonable care.The company owes a duty of care to all its customers.carry out, do, fulfil/fulfill, meet, performI suppose we'd better do our duty and report the accident.She felt she had fulfilled her duty by providing him with a son.fail inHe had failed in his duty to his daughter.breach, violateShe had violated her legal duty of confidentiality.avoid, neglect, shirkI'd be shirking my duty if I didn't warn him.abandonI can't abandon my duty.assign, charge sb with, imposeIt was a duty imposed by her father.assume, take onHe took on the duty of maintaining the family home.duty + VERBcallI wanted to stop and chat, but duty called and I went back to the office.PREPOSITIONunder a/the dutyYou are under a statutory duty to keep accurate records.duty ofIt's the duty of each and every one of us to do their best for the team.They have a duty of confidentiality.duty to, duty towards/towardThey have a duty to their parents to work hard.PHRASESa breach of dutyIt was a clear breach of professional duty.do your duty by sbYou feel that you have to do your duty by your children.be duty bound to do sthAn employer is not duty bound to provide a reference when an employee leaves.(above and) beyond the call of dutyThe time he put in helping new recruits went beyond the call of duty.duty doneShe put down the phone and went out, her duty done.feel it your duty to do sthI felt it my duty to go to the police.in breach of a duty (formal, esp. BrE)It was ruled that the injured man was in breach of his duty by not wearing the safety equipment provided.a sense of dutyI did it out of a sense of duty.

2 tasks that you do when you are at workADJECTIVE | VERB + duty | duty + VERB | duty + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElightWhen I returned to work after my illness I was put on light duties.onerous (esp. BrE)day, nightAt 10.45 p.m. she reported for night duty.combat (esp. AmE), escort, guard, occupation (esp. AmE), patrol, peacekeeping, point (BrE), sentryThe troops are here to perform peacekeeping duties.The traffic lights were not working so there was a policeman on point duty.active, inactive (in the military)He's been suspended from active duty.daily, regular, routinetemporaryfull-time, part-timeofficialadministrative, operational, professional, teachingdomestic, householdMy household duties were not particularly onerous.kitchenHe was was on kitchen duty.assignedHe was unable to perform his assigned duties because of ill health.militaryjury (esp. AmE)Several years ago I was called for jury duty.double (esp. AmE)The regular presenter does double duty as a staff writer.VERB + dutyhaveThe members of staff each have their own duties.pull (AmE, informal)Sergeant Wilson had pulled parking-lot duty.see (military)veterans who saw combat duty in Vietnamcarry out, complete, discharge, do, execute, perform, undertakeShe was unable to carry out her duties because she was too ill.handle (esp. AmE)The company prefers to handle translation duties in-house.come on, go on, report forColleagues became suspicious when he failed to report for duty.come off, go offWhat time do you go off duty?avoid, neglect, shirkHe was accused of neglecting his professional duties.resume, return toHe leaves the hospital tomorrow and is expected to resume his duties at the beginning of next month.relinquishbe released fromHer son was released from duty in the army to visit her in hospital.be relieved of, be suspended fromWhen he failed to turn up for training, he was relieved of his duties as captain.share, split (esp. AmE)I share the cooking duties with Bell.duty + VERBfall to sbThe cleaning duties now fell to Rachel.duty + NOUNmanager (BrE), officerthe supermarket's senior duty managerHe went to the police station and spoke to the duty officer.doctor, nurse (both esp. BrE)station (AmE)The soldier was sent to his new duty station.assignment (AmE)He has volunteered for temporary duty assignments in counterterrorist activities.PREPOSITIONoff dutyI'm off duty tomorrow night.on dutyYou're not allowed to drink alcohol on duty.PHRASESthe execution of your duties, the performance of your dutiesThe company is liable if you are injured during the execution of your duty.

3 taxADJECTIVE | … OF DUTY | VERB + duty | duty + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEheavy, highthe heavy duty on cigaretteslowcustoms (esp. BrE), excise (BrE), export, importexcise duty on spiritsalcohol, fuel, tobacco, etc. (all BrE)Tobacco duty is a major source of revenue for the government.death (BrE, old-fashioned)stamp (= a tax in the UK on some legal documents)The bank will urge ministers to raise the 1% stamp duty threshold.… OF DUTYamountWe tried to estimate the amount of duty we would have to pay.VERB + dutyimpose, slap on sb/sthThey are going to slap duty on foreign cars.increase, put up, raiseThey're going to put up the duty on tobacco.cut, lower, reducepayavoid, evadeThey claim that the wine is for personal use and so evade the duty.be liable toPerfume is liable to import duty.be exempt fromBeer for personal use is exempt from duty.duty + VERBbe payable (BrE)There will also be stamp duty payable at the applicable rate.PREPOSITIONin dutyBy changing its supplier, the company saved thousands of pounds in import duty.duty onYou have to pay duty on all electrical goods.

duty-free

duty-freeadj.

Duty-free is used with these nouns:

shop, shopping

duvet

duvetnoun

noun (BrE)See also quiltADJECTIVE | VERB + duvet | duvet + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdouble, king-size, singlelight, lightweight, thick, thinwarmVERB + duvetpullShe climbed into bed and pulled the duvet over her.fling back, kick off, throw backHe flung back the duvet and got out of bed.duvet + NOUNcoverPREPOSITIONbeneath a/the duvet, under a/the duvetHe snuggled down under the warm duvet.

DVD

DVDnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + DVD | DVD + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEblankrecordable, rewritablebonus, special-editionThe first edition of the album comes with a bonus DVD.bootleg, pirate (esp. BrE), piratedVERB + DVDsee, view, watchI haven't seen the first DVD so I can't compare them.playI want a system that will play DVDs.rentcreate, make, producereleaseburn, copy, rippop inPop this DVD in and sit back and relax.DVD + NOUNplayer, recordera multi-region DVD playerdrivethe DVD drive in my PCburner, ripper (AmE), writerdiskcasepackage, setcollectionformat, versionThe movie is available in DVD format.technologyplaybackConsumers are demanding high-quality DVD playback.releasemovierental, salesPREPOSITIONon DVDThe movie is now available on DVD.DVD ofDVDs of his movies are distributed by this company.

DVD-R

DVD-Rnoun

DVD-R is used before these nouns:

disk

dwarf

dwarfadj.

Dwarf is used with these nouns:

shrub, tulip

dweller

dwellernoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEcity, town, urbancountry, ruralslumthe poor slum dwellers of the capital citycave, cliff, forestapartment (esp. AmE)Apartment dwellers are still primarily couples and singles.

dwelling

dwellingnoun

noun (formal)ADJECTIVE | VERB + dwelling | dwelling + NOUNADJECTIVEmakeshift, temporarypermanenthumble, modestprivatefamily, singlehumanThe building looked more like a doll's house than a human dwelling.cliffthe ancient Native American cliff dwellingsVERB + dwellingbuildconvert sth intoan application to convert the old barn into a dwellingoccupydwelling + NOUNhouse (BrE, law), place (old-fashioned), unit (technical, esp. AmE)

dwindle

dwindleverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBfast, quickly, rapidlySupplies of coal are dwindling fast.gradually, slowlysteadilyaway, down (esp. AmE)Membership of the club had dwindled away to nothing.PREPOSITIONintoThe group's support dwindled into insignificance.toProfits slowly dwindled to nothing.

Dwindle is used with these nouns as the subject:

number, population, reserve, stock, supply

dwindling

dwindlingadj.

Dwindling is used with these nouns:

band, stock, supply

dye

dyenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + dye | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfabric, food, hair, etc.chemical, syntheticnatural, organic, plant, vegetableblue, red, etc.fluorescentVERB + dyeuseinjectThe researchers injected a fluorescent dye into an area of a rat's brain.PREPOSITIONin (a/the) dyeThe cloth is then soaked in blue dye.

II. verb

Dye is used with these nouns as the object:

cloth, hair, wool, yarn

dying

dyingadj.

Dying is used with these nouns:

breed, father, fire, man, mother, ray, second, sun, swan, wish, word

dynamic

dynamicadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seembecomeremainThe business has managed to change and remain dynamic.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highly, trulyThese countries are characterized by highly dynamic economies.inherentlyvisuallyIt is important that a poster be visually dynamic.

Dynamic is used with these nouns:

economy, entrepreneur, force, leadership, nature, personality, preacher, relationship, tension

dynamics

dynamicsnoun

Dynamics is used after these nouns:

dynamite

dynamitenoun

noun1 explosive2 sb/sth that causes great excitement, shock, etc.1 explosive… OF DYNAMITE | VERB + dynamite | dynamite + VERB… OF DYNAMITEstickVERB + dynamiteblow sth up with, useThey used five tons of dynamite to blow up the rock.dynamite + VERBexplode

2 sb/sth that causes great excitement, shock, etc.ADJECTIVEADJECTIVEabsolute, purepoliticalDon't mention the war—it's political dynamite.

dynastic

dynasticadj.

Dynastic is used with these nouns:

succession

dynasty

dynastynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + dynasty | dynasty + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEancientthe last surviving heir of an ancient dynastygreatpolitical, royalfamilyrulingthe ruling dynasties of the VisigothsVERB + dynastybuild, establish, foundoverthrowdynasty + VERBbegincome to an end, endreign, rulePREPOSITIONduring a/the dynastya porcelain figure made during the Tang dynastyfrom a/the dynastybowls and pots from the twelfth dynastyunder a/the dynastyThe civil service was established under the previous dynasty.PHRASESthe end of a dynasty, the fall of a dynasty, the rise of a dynastythe rise and fall of the Habsburg dynastythe founder of a dynastya member of a dynasty

dysentery

dysenterynoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF DYSENTERYADJECTIVEamoebic… OF DYSENTERYattackoutbreak

dysfunction

dysfunctionnoun

Dysfunction is used after these nouns:

liver, nerve

dysfunctional

dysfunctionaladj.

Dysfunctional is used with these nouns:

family

dyslexic

dyslexicadj.

Dyslexic is used with these nouns:

Eager is used with these nouns:

eager

eageradj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, look, seem, soundbecomeADVERBextremely, only too, really, veryThey were only too eager to help us.overly (esp. AmE)He wasn't overly eager to give us any information.especially, particularlyMuir's friends were especially eager for him to write the book.quitePREPOSITIONforWe were eager for news.

anticipation, hand, listener

eagerly

eagerlyadv.

Eagerly is used with these verbs:

accept, ask, await, devour, embrace, enquire, join, lean, listen, nod, participate, respond, seek, seize, wait, watch

eagle

eaglenoun

nounADJECTIVE | eagle + VERB | eagle + NOUNADJECTIVEbald, golden, etc.eagle + VERBcircle, fly, soarswoopnestbreedeagle + NOUNfeathernestpopulationeye (figurative)The tiny error didn't escape the eagle eye of her boss.

eagle-eyed

eagle-eyedadj.

Eagle-eyed is used with these nouns:

reader

ear

earnoun

noun1 part of the body2 ability to recognize sounds1 part of the bodyADJECTIVE | VERB + ear | ear + VERB | ear + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEleft, rightinner, middleexternal, outerbig, largelonga rabbit with long floppy earspointed, pointyfloppypiercedtornBlood from his torn ear was soaking his collar.listeningIn the silence everyone seemed to be aware of listening ears.sensitiveBlackbirds have such sensitive ears that they can hear a worm moving beneath soil three feet away.humanDogs can hear things that human ears can't hear.attentive, open (BrE), receptive, sympatheticEven if my fears were silly, he always had an open ear.She did not like the plan, as she made clear every time she found a receptive ear (= sb willing to listen).She always provided a sympathetic ear for students with problems.modernSome of the words used in 18th-century writing sound strange to modern ears.WesternChinese music uses a scale that is unfamiliar to Western ears.VERB + earplug, stopHe plugged his ears to drown out the music.At first I stopped my ears to what I did not want to hear.block, close, cover, shutThe music was so loud I had to cover my ears.strainI strained my ears to catch the conversation in the other room.cock, prick upThe dog pricked up its ears.flatten, lay back, pin back, put backA horse may show annoyance by putting its ears back.flick, twitchThe horse lifted its head and flicked its ears.nibble, nibble on, nuzzleShe nibbled on his ear.pierceI've just had my ears pierced.clean, clean out, syringe (BrE)He could hear much better after having his ears cleaned out.echo in, pound in, ring inThe voices buzzing all around echoed in her ears.My heart was pounding in my ears.He went home with the teacher's warning ringing in his ears.fill, floodThe sound of the blast filled my ears.assault, greet, hit, meet, strikeA blast of punk rock music assaulted her ears.reachIf news of the break-in reaches the boss's ears, we're in trouble.hurtThe music was so loud that it hurt my ears.hiss in, whisper (sth) inshout in, yell inpressHe pressed his ear to the door, but heard nothing.ear + VERBcatch sth, detect sth, hear sth, pick sth upWhen the notes are played so close together the ear hears no space between them.prick, prick up, twitchHis ears pricked up when he heard his name mentioned.tell sb sthShe couldn't see, but her ears told her that the guards had arrived.be alert, listenHe waited in the darkness, his ears alert for the slightest sound.Her ears listened expectantly.strainShe stood outside the room, her ears straining to hear what they were saying.popIf you swallow as the plane takes off, it stops your ears from popping.ringThe explosion set my ears ringing.ache, hurt, poundreddenChristopher felt his ears reddening.stick outHe has really big ears that stick out.ear + NOUNcanal, drum, lobeinfection, problemwax (usually earwax)dropsplug (usually earplug), protectorprotectionflap, muffs (usually earmuffs)She put on her earmuffs and went out into the snow.a big hat with ear flapsbuds (esp. AmE), phones, piece, set (usually earbuds, earphones, etc.)I love my portable music player, but I hate earbuds.tagEach animal receives an individual ear tag.piercingHe had three ear piercings.cuffSee also earringPREPOSITIONin your ear‘Taxi?’ said a voice in my ear.PHRASESbe all earsCome on, tell me, I'm all ears (= I want to hear).beam, grin, smile, etc. from ear to earHe was beaming from ear to ear.bend sb's ear (= talk a lot to someone about something)She bent my ear about it for three days.can't believe your earsShe actually apologized. I couldn't believe my ears!catch sb's earA small noise caught his ear.clap, hold, put, etc. your hands over your earsShe put her hands over her ears to block out what he was saying.(have) a word in sb's ear (esp. BrE)Have a quiet word in her ear about it before it's too late.sb's ears are burning (= a person thinks that someone is talking about them)‘We were talking about you last night.’ ‘I thought my ears were burning.’fall on deaf earsTheir complaints about the poor service fell on deaf ears (= were ignored).for sb's ears aloneI have a few words for your ears alone.keep an ear open, keep your ears openI'll keep my eyes and ears open for a second-hand bike for you.lend an ear (= listen to what someone is saying)He was always willing to lend an ear.music to sb's earsHe arrived home hungry, and the noise from the kitchen was music to his ears.go in one ear and out the otherI knew that my words were going in one ear and out the other (= the person wasn't listening to what I was saying).have sb's earThis was the woman who had the ear of the President.(= was trusted by him/her)talk sb's ear off

I'm sorry for talking your ear off.(= talking a lot)turn a deaf ear to sth

The teacher turned a deaf ear to the boy's requests (= ignored them).with half an earHe listened to her with only half an ear as he watched TV.

2 ability to recognize soundsADJECTIVE | VERB + ear | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfine, good, keen, sharpHe has a keen ear for dialogue.His sharp ears had picked up the uncertainty in her voice.trained, untrainedTo the trained ear the calls of these birds sound quite different.VERB + earhaveattuneIt takes time to attune your ear to the local accent.PREPOSITIONby earShe usually plays the guitar by ear, rather than reading the music.ear forHe has a good ear for accents and can usually tell where a speaker comes from.PHRASEShave a tin ear for sth (esp. AmE)She has a tin ear for melody (= does not appreciate it).

earl

earlnoun

Earl Grey

Earl Greynoun

Earl Grey is used before these nouns:

tea

earlier

earlieradj.

Earlier is used with these nouns:

century, conviction, date, era, generation, incarnation, insistence, post, posting, research, round, study

earliest

earliestadj.

Earliest is used with these nouns:

date, mention, recollection

early

earlyadj.adv.

I. adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, seemADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.awfullyYou're here awfully early, aren't you?a little, slightly, etc.I'm sorry I'm a little early.relativelysurprisingly, unusuallyThese discoveries were made at a surprisingly early date.ridiculouslyI have to get up ridiculously early.PREPOSITIONforIt's a little early for lunch.inHe discovered these pleasures early in life.

Early is used with these nouns:

abortion, adolescence, adulthood, afternoon, age, ancestor, arrival, association, autumn, booking, breakfast, childhood, Christianity, church, civilization, completion, crop, dawn, day, death, decade, demise, departure, detection, diagnosis, dinner, discharge, draft, Easter, edition, election, embryo, emergence, encounter, end, English, enthusiasm, entrant, epoch, estimate, euphoria, evening, evolution, exit, experience, experiment, explorer, exponent, fall, favourite, feminist, finding, flight, forecast, forerunner, form, frost, grave, hint, history, hope, hour, identification, implementation, impression, indication, infancy, influence, inhabitant, intervention, introduction, lead, leader, learning, life, light, lunch, mammal, man, manhood, manifestation, manuscript, marriage, martyr, memory, menopause, middle age, miscarriage, month, morning, mortality, music, night, observation, onset, optimism, origin, painting, parole, part, payment, penalty, period, phase, photograph, pioneer, pregnancy, promise, prototype, recognition, record, recording, reference, release, repayment, reply, report, researcher, resolution, result, retirement, return, round, session, setback, settlement, settler, shift, sign, skirmish, spring, stage, start, success, summer, sun, supper, teens, termination, time, train, tulip, version, warning, winter, work, writer, writing, year, youth

II. adv.

Early is used with these verbs:

arrive, awake, awaken, book, cite, detect, mature, mention, note, outline, quote, retire, rise, sow, wake

early-childhood

early-childhoodadj.

Early-childhood is used with these nouns:

education

early-evening

early-eveningadj.

Early-evening is used with these nouns:

drink

early-morning

early-morningadj.

Early-morning is used with these nouns:

hour, raid, sun

early-stage

early-stageadj.

Early-stage is used with these nouns:

cancer

early-term

early-termadj.

Early-term is used with these nouns:

earmark

earmarkverb

Earmark is used with these nouns as the object:

fund, money

earn

earnverb

verb1 to get money for work, etc.2 to get sth you deserve1 to get money for work, etc.ADVERB | VERB + earn | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBconsistentlyreportedly, reputedly (esp. BrE)She reportedly earns more than $475 000 a yearVERB + earnhave to, need toexpect toThe company expects to earn €600 million on sales.PREPOSITIONfromprofits earned from real estate salesPHRASESa/the chance to earn sth, a/the opportunity to earn sththe opportunity to earn more moneyearn a living as sththe difficulty of earning a living as an artistearn enough to do sthThe workers barely earn enough to live on.sb's/the ability to earn sthhis ability to earn a living lecturing

2 to get sth you deserveADVERB | VERB + earnADVERBreally‘I feel I've really earned this!’ she said, picking up her cup of coffee.richly, rightfully (esp. AmE), rightly (esp. BrE), trulyHe has truly earned the admiration of his colleagues.quicklyHe quickly earned the respect of his colleagues.VERB + earnhave to, need toFirst you have to earn their respect.seek to, try tobe likely togo on toHe went on to earn a PhD in astronomy from the University of Maryland.

Earn is used with these nouns as the subject:

effort, employee, worker

Earn is used with these nouns as the object:

acclaim, accolade, applause, approval, award, badge, bonus, booking, bronze, cash, certificate, championship, commission, confidence, contempt, credentials, credit, degree, diploma, distinction, draw, enmity, equivalent, esteem, fame, fee, fortune, grade, gratitude, honour, income, interest, keep, laugh, livelihood, living, love, loyalty, master, medal, mention, money, nickname, notoriety, ovation, pay, penalty, point, praise, premium, profit, promotion, rating, rebuke, recognition, replay, reprieve, reprimand, reputation, respect, return, revenue, reward, royalty, salary, scholarship, score, silver, spot, sum, sympathy, title, total, trust, wage, win, wrath

earned

earnedadj.

Earned is used with these nouns:

income

earner

earnernoun

Earner is used after these nouns:

income, wage

earnest

earnestadj.

Earnest is used with these nouns:

desire, look

earnestly

earnestlyadv.

Earnestly is used with these verbs:

pray, speak, strive, talk

earning

earningnoun

Earning is used before these nouns:

capacity, power

earnings

earningsnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF EARNINGS | VERB + earnings | earnings + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEhigh, record, stronglow, meagre/meageraverageannual, hourly, quarterly, weeklyfirst-quarter, second-quarter, etc.expected, future, projectedthe company's projected earnings for the next twelve monthsreportedtotalaveragegross, pre-tax, taxableafter-tax, netHer net earnings last year were $15 000.realBlue-collar workers saw their real earnings diminish.export, investmentcompany, corporatecareer, lifetimeHer win in Australia has taken her career earnings through the million-dollar barrier.lost (law)damages awarded for lost earningsimmoral (= by working as a prostitute) (BrE, law)He was jailed for six months in June for living off immoral earnings.… OF EARNINGSlevelLevels of earnings are still rising.VERB + earningshavePeople with a university education tend to have higher earnings.generateearnings generated by investing your incomecalculate, estimatedeclareYou must declare all earnings to authorities.taxboost, increase, lift (esp. AmE), push (esp. AmE), raiseThe show has pushed her earnings past $2 million a year.announce, post, report (all business)The company reported earnings of $2.9 million.earnings + NOUNestimate, forecast, projectionhis 2008 earnings estimate of 73 cents a sharetargetannouncementthe second-quarter earnings announcementgrowthshortfallAn earnings shortfall might point to problems with our forecasting abilities.PREPOSITIONearnings fromChile's earnings from exports rose by 2%.earnings ofannual earnings of £20 000PHRASESten times, twenty times, etc. earningsThe stock trades at about 40 times earnings.growth in earningsthe growth in average earnings over the last ten yearsloss of earningsShe is also claiming compensation for loss of earnings.revenue and earnings, revenues and earningslong-term increases in corporate revenues and earnings

ear, nose and throat

ear, nose and throatnoun

Ear, nose and throat is used before these nouns:

specialist

earphone

earphoneadj.

Earphone is used with these nouns:

earphones

earphonesnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF EARPHONES | VERB + earphones | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEstereoMP3 player… OF EARPHONESpair, setVERB + earphoneshave on, wearput on, take offPREPOSITIONthrough earphonesShe was listening to her MP3 player through earphones.

ear-piercing

ear-piercingadj.

Ear-piercing is used with these nouns:

scream, shriek

earring

earringnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF EARRINGS | VERB + earringADJECTIVEdrop, hoop, studclip-onchandelier (AmE), danglydiamond, pearl, etc.gold, silver, etc.matchingShe was wearing a diamond necklace with matching earrings.… OF EARRINGSpair, setShe wore a pair of dangly earrings.VERB + earringhave on, wearput in, put ontake off, take out

ear-splitting

ear-splittingadj.

Ear-splitting is used with these nouns:

roar, scream

earth

earthnoun

noun1 the world2 the ground; soil1 the worldADJECTIVE | VERB + earth | earth + VERB | earth + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEthe entire, the wholeVERB + earthcircle, orbitsatellites orbiting the earthcreatedestroyprotect, saveinhabithumans and other species that inhabit the earthroam, walk, wanderwhen dinosaurs roamed the earthShe's the most beautiful woman to ever walk this earth.a lost spirit, wandering the earthruleDinosaurs ruled the earth for hundreds of millions of years.hit, reachthe last asteroid that hit the earthleaveNo one knows what happens to us after we leave this earth.earth + VERBorbit sth, revolve, rotate, spinThe earth orbits the sun.The earth revolves on its axis.earth + NOUNhistory, sciencesscientistorbitPREPOSITIONabove the earthWe are flying at 30 000 feet above the earth.around the earth, round the earth (esp. BrE)the moon's orbit around the earthon (the) earthThe island was there before there was life on earth.to earthThe astronauts were able to send the information back to earth.PHRASESinherit the earthThe Bible says the meek will inherit the earth.(the) planet earththe future of life on planet Earththe centre/center of the earth, the surface of the earththe earth's atmosphere, core, surface, etc.

2 the ground; soilADJECTIVE | … OF EARTH | earth + VERB | earth + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbareThere was nothing but bare earth to be seen.fertilebarren, infertilerichsofthard, soliddry, parcheddamp, moist, wetcold, frozenwarmfresh, freshly duglooseI filled the pot with a handful of loose earth.baked (esp. BrE)The sun beat down on the baked earth.scorchedThe wreckage of the plane was scattered across the scorched earth.the retreating army's scorched earth policy (= to set fire to crops, buildings, etc.).chalky, sandydark… OF EARTHclod, clump, lumpMy boots were caked in big clods of wet earth.earth + VERBshake, trembleearth + NOUNbank, moundI scrambled to the top of the steep earth bank.tremorFurniture fell over as the room was shaken by an earth tremor.PREPOSITIONin the earthThe plants must have their roots in the earth.under the earthin mines deep under the earth

earthenware

earthenwareadj.

Earthenware is used with these nouns:

bowl, jar, jug, pot

Earth-like

Earth-likeadj.

Earth-like is used with these nouns:

planet

earthly

earthlyadj.

Earthly is used with these nouns:

delight, existence, happiness, paradise, realm, remains

earthquake

earthquakenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + earthquake | earthquake + VERB | earthquake + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, great, huge, large, major, massive, powerful, severe, strongdevastatingminor, smallundersea, underwaterthe tsunami caused by an undersea earthquakeVERB + earthquakecause, triggerexperienceThe area has not experienced a major earthquake in more than 700 years.feelI don't understand why we felt the earthquake and you didn't.survive, withstandThe school was built to withstand earthquakes.predictYou can't accurately predict earthquakes.recordIt was the biggest earthquake ever recorded in the US.earthquake + VERBhappen, hit (sth), occur, strike (sth)The earthquake hit the city at two in the morning.rock sth, shake sthThe earthquake shook buildings throughout the business district.destroy sth, devastate sth, kill sb, leave sb homelesscause sthmeasure sthan earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter scaleearthquake + NOUNactivityan organization which monitors earthquake activityzonesurvivor, victimdamagepredictionhazard, riskPREPOSITIONin a/the earthquakeThe building was destroyed in an earthquake.PHRASESthe epicentre/epicenter of an earthquakethe evacuation of coastlines within 600 miles of the earthquake's epicentre/epicenterthe magnitude of an earthquake

earthy

earthyadj.

Earthy is used with these nouns:

colour, smell, tone

ease

easenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEconsummate (esp. BrE), greatastonishing, incredible, remarkable, surprisingalarming (esp. BrE)I obtained the drugs with alarming ease.comparative, equal, relativeAll questions were handled with equal ease and mastery.apparent, seemingI was surprised at the apparent ease with which he got into the building.contemptuous (esp. BrE)She returned her opponent's serve with contemptuous ease.practised/practicedPREPOSITIONfor ease inThe back of the garment is split for ease in walking.for ease ofThe whole machine is designed for ease of use.with easeThey passed the exam with ease.ease ofThe car brings ease of access to the countryside.

II. verb1 make sth less painful/serious/difficult2 move carefully1 make sth less painful/serious/difficultADVERB | VERB + easeADVERBconsiderably, greatlyThe situation would be considerably eased if more money were made available.slightly, somewhatgraduallyawayThe pain in my leg gradually eased away.VERB + easehelp (to)The new road should help ease traffic problems.begin toTensions between the two countries are beginning to ease.try to

2 move carefullyADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBcarefully, gentlyslowlyI eased myself slowly out of bed.away, back, down, forward, etc.Jean eased back on the pillows and relaxed.PREPOSITIONaway fromintoHe eased himself into the driving seat.out ofShe carefully eased the car out of the garage

Ease is used with these nouns as the subject:

pain, pressure, tension

Ease is used with these nouns as the object:

ache, anxiety, ban, blockade, bulk, burden, concern, congestion, conscience, cramp, crisis, discomfort, distress, embarrassment, fear, guilt, loneliness, mind, misery, nerve, pain, path, plight, pressure, problem, restriction, shortage, situation, strain, stress, suffering, symptom, tension, transition, workload, worry

easel

easelnoun

Easel is used before these nouns:

painting

easily

easilyadv.

Easily is used with these adjectives:

acceptable, accessible, adaptable, amused, apparent, applicable, attainable, available, avoidable, best, comparable, comprehensible, detachable, discernible, distinguishable, excitable, explicable, intelligible, justified, manageable, marketable, noticeable, obtainable, portable, predictable, preventable, readable, recognizable, recyclable, reversible, separable, soluble, susceptible, transferable, understandable, visible

Easily is used with these verbs:

absorb, accommodate, accomplish, adapt, afford, anger, appreciate, argue, arrange, assemble, assimilate, avoid, beat, bleed, bore, break, breathe, bruise, burn, chat, check, clean, communicate, compare, comprehend, conceal, confuse, control, cope, cut, deal, deceive, deduce, defeat, define, degenerate, demonstrate, destroy, detect, deter, digest, discard, discern, dismiss, dissolve, distinguish, distract, double, duplicate, erode, escape, evade, exaggerate, exceed, explain, exploit, fit, fix, flow, fool, forget, forgive, frighten, grasp, guess, handle, hide, identify, ignite, ignore, imagine, incorporate, install, integrate, interpret, irritate, justify, laugh, lie, lift, locate, maintain, manage, manipulate, manoeuvre, master, measure, misinterpret, mislead, miss, mistake, mix, navigate, negotiate, obscure, offend, outnumber, outweigh, overcome, overlook, penetrate, perceive, persuade, predict, qualify, reach, recall, recognize, recover, remedy, remember, remove, repair, replace, reproduce, resolve, respond, result, roll, scare, score, secure, see, separate, shock, sit, sleep, slide, slot, snap, solve, split, spot, spread, store, succumb, summarize, surpass, swallow, sway, switch, tear, thwart, tire, trace, transfer, translate, transmit, treat, understand, upgrade, upset, visualize, win, wipe

east

eastnounadj.

I. nounII. adj.

East is used with these nouns:

coast, exit, shore, side, wind

eastbound

eastboundadj.

Eastbound is used with these nouns:

track

Easter

Easternoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + Easter | Easter + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEearly, lateEaster is early this year.VERB + Easterhave, spendHave a good Easter.I prefer to spend Easter at home.celebrateEaster + NOUNeggcelebrations, festival, holiday, season (AmE)Day, Monday (esp. BrE), morning, Saturday (esp. BrE), Sunday, week, weekenddinner (AmE)serviceMany people attend an Easter service at their local church.storythe Easter story in the Biblebreak (esp. BrE), holidays (BrE), vacationbunnybasket (esp. AmE)PREPOSITIONat EasterThe house opens to the public at Easter.for EasterWe usually go away for Easter.over EasterThe library is closed over Easter.PHRASESHappy Easter!, wish sb a happy Easter

easterly

easterlyadj.

Easterly is used with these nouns:

eastern

easternadj.

Eastern is used with these nouns:

bloc, coast, cookery, country, county, fringe, front, frontier, philosopher, philosophy, religion, shore, theology, thought, tradition

eastward

eastwardadj.

Eastward is used with these nouns:

expansion

east-west

east-westadj.

East-west is used with these nouns:

direction, highway, relation, road, route

easy

easyadj.adv.

I. adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbe, look, seem, soundbecome, getLife is getting easier for us.remainmake sthThese changes should make your job easier.find sthI found the exam quite easy.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.awfully, exceptionallyespecially, particularlyenough, reasonablyIt is easy enough to see how it happened.comparatively, relativelyamazingly, incredibly, remarkably, ridiculously, surprisinglyThe written test was ridiculously easy.apparently, seemingly (esp. AmE)not exactlyDoing all that while injured isn't exactly easy.increasinglydeceptivelyIt looks deceptively easy to hit the ball into the hole.PREPOSITIONforWriting is not easy for her.PHRASESall too easyIt was all too easy to forget why we had been sent there.as easy as 1, 2, 3, as easy as ABC, as easy as as pie (= very easy)the easiest thing in the worldIt is the easiest thing in the world to blame your parents.be no easy taskContacting everyone was no easy task.make sth as easy as possibleWe want to make it as easy as possible for members to participate.not as easy as it looks, seems, sounds, etc.Playing tennis is not as easy as it looks.quick and easya book designed for quick and easy reference

Easy is used with these nouns:

acceptance, access, answer, assembly, availability, banter, catch, charm, choice, climb, confidence, conscience, decision, delivery, descent, dismissal, drive, exam, excuse, exercise, exit, explanation, familiarity, feat, fix, flow, grace, identification, job, journey, kill, labour, life, maintenance, manner, mark, money, movement, navigation, option, parking, part, prey, problem, rapport, read, recipe, reference, remedy, removal, resolution, rhythm, ride, road, route, scapegoat, smile, solution, stride, stroll, subject, sum, target, task, test, thing, transition, victim, victory, virtue, walk, way, win, winner, work

II. adv.

Easy is used with these verbs:

easy-going

easy-goingadj.

Easy-going is used with these nouns:

personality

easy-to-follow

easy-to-followadj.

Easy-to-follow is used with these nouns:

direction

eat

eatverb

verbADVERB | VERB + eat | PHRASESADVERBwellWe ate very well most of the time (= had lots of nice food).a lot, enough, too muchHe's not eating enough.healthfully (AmE), healthily, properly, sensiblyI'm trying to eat more healthily.She doesn't eat sensibly (= doesn't eat food that is good for her).poorlyhungrily, ravenouslyheartilysparinglyBarton did not feel very hungry and ate sparingly.barely, hardlyHe'd barely eaten any breakfast.quickly, slowlyin silence, quietly, silentlyhappilyEveryone happily ate the huge meal.alone, togetherVERB + eatfind sth to, get (yourself) sth to, grab sth to, have sth toDo you have anything to eat?have enough totry and, try toTry and eat something. It will do you good.PHRASESa bite to eat (= some food)Do you want to grab a bite to eat?eat and drinkGo and get yourself something to eat and drink.eat like a horse (= eat a lot)She's very thin but she eats like a horse!eat sb out of house and homeHe's eating us out of house and home (= eating a lot of our food).go eat (esp. AmE)Let's go eat.good enough to eat (figurative)You look good enough to eat!go out to eatWe went out to eat for a Chinese New Year celebration.a place to eat (= a cafe or restaurant)Are you looking for a place to eat?sit down to eatWe eventually sat down to eat at 8.30 p.m.

Eat is used with these nouns as the subject:

lion

Eat is used with these nouns as the object:

apple, avocado, banana, beef, berry, biscuit, bowl, bun, cake, calorie, candy, carbohydrate, carrot, cereal, chicken, chip, chop, coconut, corn, crisp, cuisine, dessert, diet, dish, fat, feast, fish, flesh, food, fruit, grape, grass, ham, helping, ice cream, jelly, lunch, meat, morsel, mouthful, orange, pasta, pea, portion, potato, produce, ration, salad, salmon, sandwich, sausage, seafood, slice, snack, soup, starter, steak, sweet, thing, tomato, vegetables, wheat, word

eater

eaternoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEfish, fruit, meat, plantThe bats live in the tropics and are fruit eaters.I am a meat eater but I am also an animal lover.big, good, hearty (esp. BrE), voraciousAll my children are big eaters.finicky (AmE), fussy, pickyHe eats anything—he's not a fussy eater.healthybinge, compulsivemessy

eating

eatingnoun

Eating is used before these nouns:

apple, binge, disorder, establishment, habit, plan

Eating is used after these nouns:

binge

ebb

ebbnounverb

I. nounebb + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESebb + NOUNtideThey left port on the ebb tide.PREPOSITIONagainst an/the ebbIt was difficult sailing upstream against a strong ebb.on an/the ebbBy this time, the tide was on the ebb.We floated away from the beach on the ebb.with an/the ebbThey went out to sea with the ebb.PHRASESthe ebb and flow of sththe natural ebb and flow of waterWe see a constant ebb and flow of jobs. (figurative)

II. verbADVERB | VERB + ebbADVERBawayHe knew that his life was ebbing away.slowlyCalla felt her fear slowly ebbing away.VERB + ebbbegin toHer strength began to ebb.seem to

Ebb is used with these nouns as the subject:

strength, tide

ebb away

ebb awayphr verb

Ebb away is used with these nouns as the subject:

strength

ebony

ebonyadj.

Ebony is used with these nouns:

e-business

e-businessnoun

E-business is used before these nouns:

application, initiative

eccentric

eccentricadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, look, seembecome, getThe old lady was getting very eccentric.consider sb, find sb, regard sb asWe were definitely regarded as eccentric.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highly, wildly (esp. BrE)a little, slightly, etc.mildlyendearingly (esp. BrE)his endearingly eccentric nature spilling into his speechincreasinglyIn his last years, he became increasingly eccentric.

Eccentric is used with these nouns:

genius, habit, orbit, professor, taste, uncle

ecclesiastical

ecclesiasticaladj.

Ecclesiastical is used with these nouns:

court, establishment, hierarchy, jurisdiction, office

echo

echonounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + echo | echo + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdistant, faintclear, distinct, loud, strong (often figurative)There are clear echoes of Elvis Presley in his vocal style.holloweerie, ghostlyThe initial reports had an eerie echo of the attacks two weeks earlier.ghostly echoes of Virginia's pastreturningThe bat compares the sound of its cry with the sound of the returning echo.VERB + echohear, listen for, listen toWe could just hear a faint echo.make, produce, send back, send outTheir footsteps on the bare boards sent out hollow echoes.contain, have (both figurative)The story has echoes of Alice in Wonderland.find (figurative)The political upheavals find an echo in the art of the time.echo + VERBbounce back, bounce off sth, rebound, reverberateThe echoes reverberated through the auditorium.come back, returnAn echo came back from the walls of the building.die, die awayThe echo slowly died away.PREPOSITIONecho fromthe echo from a brick wall

II. verb1 come back as an echo2 repeat/agree with sb/sth1 come back as an echoADVERB | VERB + echo | PREPOSITIONADVERBfaintly, slightly, softlyloudlyeerily, strangelyominouslyhollowlyThe sound echoed hollowly through the tall empty house.stillbackTheir voices echoed back across the water.VERB + echoseem toPREPOSITIONacrossThe protest seemed to echo across the room.around, round (esp. BrE)His voice echoed around the room.downHer footsteps echoed down the corridor.inHer screams still echoed in his ears.offThe call echoed off the walls of the cave.throughLaughter echoed through the house.withThe great hall echoed with laughter.

2 repeat/agree with sb/sthADVERB | VERB + echoADVERBexactlywidelyan opinion that is widely echoed in the tabloid pressclearlymerely, only, simplyIn his statement, the police chief merely echoed the views of his deputy.incredulously‘He's gone!’ Viv echoed incredulously.VERB + echoseem toTheir ideas seem to echo our own.

Echo is used with these nouns as the subject:

applause, bang, boom, crack, cry, explosion, footstep, gunfire, roar, scream, shout, sound, thunder, voice, word

Echo is used with these nouns as the object:

concern, refrain, sentiment, view, word

echo through

echo throughphr verb

Echo through is used with these nouns as the object:

eclectic

eclecticadj.

Eclectic is used with these nouns:

approach, bunch, collection, mix, mixture, taste

eclipse

eclipsenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVElunar, solarpartial, totala total lunar eclipsePHRASESan eclipse of the moon, an eclipse of the sun

II. verb

Eclipse is used with these nouns as the object:

ecological

ecologicaladj.

Ecological is used with these nouns:

awareness, balance, catastrophe, consequence, crisis, destruction, devastation, disaster, diversity, engineering, footprint, impact, importance, niche, restoration

ecologically

ecologicallyadv.

Ecologically is used with these adjectives:

disastrous, responsible, sensitive, sound

ecology

ecologynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + ecology | ecology + NOUNADJECTIVEfragilenaturalNon-native plants have colonized the area and altered the natural ecology.animal, human, plant, wildlife (AmE)forest, marinebehavioural/behavioral, evolutionary, physiologicallandscape (AmE)global, localVERB + ecologydamage, disruptstudyecology + NOUNmovementresearch

e-commerce

e-commercenoun

E-commerce is used before these nouns:

application, initiative, site, transaction

economic

economicadj.

Economic is used with these nouns:

achievement, activity, advance, advancement, advantage, adviser, affair, agenda, aid, analysis, appraisal, arena, argument, aspect, assistance, austerity, autonomy, backdrop, background, base, benefit, blackmail, bloc, blockade, boom, boycott, burden, calculation, capacity, catastrophe, centre, challenge, change, chaos, characteristic, circumstance, climate, clout, collapse, commentator, competition, complexity, concept, condition, consequence, conservatism, consideration, context, cooperation, coordination, crisis, cutback, cycle, decline, demand, dependence, depression, deprivation, destiny, deterioration, devastation, development, difficulty, dimension, disadvantage, disaster, disparity, disruption, distress, divide, dividend, doctrine, dominance, domination, downturn, efficiency, elite, embargo, end, enterprise, entity, environment, equality, espionage, exclusion, expansion, expectation, exploitation, fabric, factor, failure, fairness, fate, feasibility, fluctuation, folly, force, forecast, fortune, forum, foundation, framework, freedom, fundamentals, future, gain, geography, gloom, grievance, ground, growth, hardship, harm, historian, history, idea, ideology, imbalance, impact, imperialism, implication, importance, improvement, inactivity, incentive, incompetence, independence, indicator, inefficiency, inequality, influence, information, initiative, injustice, insecurity, instability, institute, institution, integration, interest, intervention, issue, justice, justification, ladder, landscape, leverage, liberal, liberalism, liberty, life, lifeline, link, logic, loss, management, market, matter, measure, mess, migrant, miracle, misery, mismanagement, mobility, model, motivation, motive, nationalism, nature, necessity, need, news, objective, opportunity, oppression, order, orthodoxy, outlook, performance, phenomenon, philosophy, plan, planning, plight, point of view, policy, position, potential, power, pressure, problem, productivity, programme, progress, proposition, prospect, prosperity, question, reality, reason, recession, reconstruction, record, recovery, reform, refugee, regime, region, regulation, relation, relationship, renewal, repercussion, report, reprisal, resource, restraint, retaliation, return, revival, revolution, reward, role, ruin, sabotage, sanction, secretary, sector, security, self-interest, sense, shock, siege, significance, situation, slavery, slide, slump, sociology, sovereignty, specialization, sphere, spin-off, squeeze, stability, stagnation, standing, standpoint, statistics, status, stimulus, strait, strategy, strength, stress, structure, struggle, success, suicide, summit, support, supremacy, survival, system, target, term, theory, thinking, thought, tie, transaction, transformation, trend, turmoil, uncertainty, unification, union, unity, unrest, upheaval, upturn, viability, vitality, vulnerability, war, warfare, weakness, wealth, weight, well-being, windfall, worry, worth, zone

economical

economicaladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbe, seemSolid fuel would be more economical.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highly, remarkablyThis new oven is highly economical.PREPOSITIONinThis arrangement is more economical in its use of staff.ofmore economical of time and resourceswithThis arrangement is more economical with space.PHRASESeconomical with the truthShe accused him of being economical with the truth (= not telling the truth).

economically economics

economicsnoun

nounADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEapplied, theoreticalclassical, conventional, mainstream, orthodoxfree-market, Keynesian, laissez-faire, liberal, market, Marxist, monetary, neoclassical, supply-side, trickle-downcontemporary, moderntrends in modern economicsglobal, internationalbasic, simpleHe shows an understanding of basic economics here.agricultural, behavioural/behavioral (esp. AmE), business, development, environmental, health, industrial, labour/labor, welfarePHRASESa school of economics

economics-based

economics-basedadj.

Economics-based is used with these nouns:

economist

economistnoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEchief, leading, prominent, senior, topdistinguished, eminent, influential, respectedprize-winningacademic, government, professionalclassical, free-market, Keynesian, liberal, neoclassical, etc.conservative, mainstream, progressivecontemporary, modernagricultural, business, development, environmental, health, labour/labor, politicalglobal, international, regional

economy

economynoun

noun1 operation of a country's money supply2 careful use of money/time/resources1 operation of a country's money supplyADJECTIVE | VERB + economy | economy + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEbooming, buoyant (esp. BrE), dynamic, healthy, prosperous, robust, sound, stable, strong, thriving, vibrantexpanding, growingimproving, recovering, strengtheningailing, bad (esp. AmE), declining, depressed, failing, faltering, flagging, moribund, sagging (esp. AmE), slowing, sluggish, slumping (esp. AmE), sputtering (esp. AmE), stagnant, struggling, troubled, weakeningThe government devalued the currency to try to revive the flagging economy.fragile, vulnerable, weakoverheatedbubbleIn order for our bubble economy to continue expanding, Americans must continue spending.competitivesustainableadvanced, developed, moderndeveloping, emerging, new, third-worldagrarian, agricultural, capitalist, free-market, industrial, industrialized, knowledge-based, liberal, market, mixed, monetary, planned, political, rural, socialista modern industrial economydomestic, global, globalized, internal, international, local, national, worldthe increasingly competitive global economyblack, illicit (AmE), informal, undergroundThe black economy booms when there is high unemployment.VERB + economybuild, create, rebuildEach party has its own strategy for building a strong economy.control, handle, manage, regulate, runThe government was accused of failing to run the economy competently.bolster, boost, develop, expand, grow (esp. AmE), improve, jump-start, kick-start, rescue, revitalize, revive, spur, stimulate, strengthencripple, damage, destabilize, destroy, devastate, disrupt, harm, hurt, ruin, undermine, weaken, wreckdrive, fuelIncome from this exported crop drove the economy of Mali.slowGovernment measures to slow the economy failed to curb fuel demand growth.shape, transformThis massive retailer has been shaping the economy for a decade.benefit, help, support, sustainWe want to support the local economy.threatenShould we be worried that a dollar crisis threatens the economy?fix (esp. AmE), stabilizereform, restructureliberalize, modernizeJapan has successfully modernized its economy.diversifyCuba should have been able to diversify its economy.dominateTourism clearly dominates the local economy.economy + VERBboom, develop, expand, flourish, grow, improvebe in recession, go into recessioncollapse, contract, decline, fail, falter, shrink, slow, stagnate, struggle, sufferpick up, rebound, recover, stabilize, turn around, turn round (esp. BrE)be based on sthThe region has an economy based on services and finance.emerge from sthThe South African economy emerged from decades of international isolation.experience sthIt has been a while since the economy experienced a deep economic downturn.function, operate, performThe economy is functioning very poorly.moveIt's the industry which keeps our national economy moving.hum (AmE), hum along (esp. AmE)The economy is humming along at a healthy 4% pace.create sth, generate sth, produce sthPHRASESan area of the economy, a sector of the economyDrivers are needed in all sectors of the economy.the backbone of the economy, the mainstay of the economyAgriculture was the backbone of the economy.a downturn in the economy, a downturn of the economyA downturn in the economy is affecting many small businesses.growth in the economy, growth of the economyA small manufacturing sector inhibits growth in the economy.control, handling, management, etc. of the economy37% approved the president's handling of the economy.the size of the economy, the state of the economyThe government has been criticized over the state of the economy.

2 careful use of money/time/resourcesADJECTIVE | VERB + economy | economy + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEsignificantfalseBuying cheap shoes is a false economy.fuelThe company has improved the fuel economy of all its vehicles.VERB + economyachieve, makeWe could achieve major economies in time with this new machinery.economy + NOUNdrive (BrE)Savings are being planned as part of a huge economy drive.PREPOSITIONeconomy inpossible economies in telephone costsPHRASESeconomy of effort, economy of movementIt was impressive to see her economy of movement as she worked the machine.economy of scaleBigger markets can provide significant economies of scale.

economy class

economy classnoun

Economy class is used before these nouns:

passenger, ticket

ecosystem

ecosystemnoun

Ecosystem is used before these nouns:

management, restoration

Ecosystem is used after these nouns:

ocean

ecstasy

ecstasynoun

noun1 feeling2 Ecstasy drug1 feelingADJECTIVE | VERB + ecstasy | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpure, sheerreligious, sexualVERB + ecstasyfeelHe had never felt such ecstasy as he did that night.PREPOSITIONin ecstasyecstasy atKate closed her eyes in ecstasy at the thought of a cold drink.ecstasy overI was in sheer ecstasy over the prospect of meeting my idol.

2 Ecstasy drugecstasy + NOUNecstasy + NOUNpill, tablet (esp. BrE)

ecstatic

ecstaticadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, lookbecomeADVERBabsolutely, positivelynot exactlyPREPOSITIONaboutAnnie was ecstatic about the idea.atMartin was not exactly ecstatic at the news.

Ecstatic is used with these nouns:

joy, trance

ecstatically

ecstaticallyadv.

Ecstatically is used with these adjectives:

happy

ectopic

ectopicadj.

Ectopic is used with these nouns:

pregnancy

ecumenical

ecumenicaladj.

Ecumenical is used with these nouns:

council, movement, theology

edge

edgenounverb

I. noun1 place where sth ends2 sharp side of sth3 advantage1 place where sth endsADJECTIVE | VERB + edge | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEtop, upperthe top edge of the picture framebottom, lowerinner, insideouter, outermost, outsidefront, rearleft, rightthe left edge of the imagenorthern, southern, etc.far, near, oppositeShe could see rocky cliffs on the opposite edge of the lake.bevelled/beveled, curved, raised, rounded, scalloped, smooth, straightthe rounded edges of her collarbonea mirror with a bevelled/beveled edgeexposedcut, frayedFlip the fabric over so the cut edge is now to your left.My fingers played with the frayed edges of my jeans.veryErosion has left the house perched on the very edge of the cliff.cliff, forest, water'sA row of boats was beached at the water's edge.VERB + edgereachWe had reached the edge of the map and didn't know which way to go.skirtThe road skirts the western edge of the forest.clutch, grab, grasp, gripI gripped the edge of my desk to steady myself.catchMy foot caught the edge of the table.border, lineTrees lined the edges of the path.define, markA trellis provided shade and defined the edges of the courtyard.formThe building forms the northern edge of the courtyard.alignsand, seal, trimPREPOSITIONalong the edge, around the edge, round the edge (esp. BrE)Smoke was making its way around the edges of the door.at the edgeSoon we were at the edge of the woods.on the edgeShe sat on the edge of her bed.over the edgeThe car rolled over the edge of the cliff.PHRASESright on the edgeThey live right on the edge of town.

2 sharp side of sthADJECTIVE | VERB + edgeADJECTIVErazor-sharp, sharpcuttingserrateda knife with a serrated edgejagged, ragged, roughsmoothbluntVERB + edgesharpen

3 advantageADJECTIVE | VERB + edge | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcompetitiveslightbig (informal, esp. AmE), decided, decisive, definitewinningextraTheir training gave them an extra edge.technologicalVERB + edgegive sb/sthgain, have, holdto gain a competitive edge over rival supplierskeep, maintain, retainTaiwan still retained a decisive edge in many industries.losePREPOSITIONedge overThe intensive training she had done gave her the edge over the other runners.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBcarefully, cautiously, nervouslyslowlybackward, forwardaheadThe Italian edged ahead to win the race.PREPOSITIONahead ofHe drew level and for a moment edged ahead of his rival.alongHe edged carefully along the narrow ledge.away fromHeaton began to edge away from Jed and headed for the stairs.towards/towardWe slowly edged our way towards/toward the exit.PHRASESedge your way

Edge is used with these nouns as the object:

edge up

edge upphr verb

Edge up is used with these nouns as the subject:

inflation

edgy

edgyadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, feel, seem, soundbecome, getHe began to get very edgy.make sbShe made Jeff edgy with her constant demands.ADVERBall, veryShe was all edgy that evening.a little, slightly, etc.She had been a little edgy all day.PREPOSITIONaboutHester seemed edgy about something.withHe was rather edgy with her.

edible

edibleadj.

Edible is used with these nouns:

mushroom, snail

edit

editnounverb

I. noun

Edit is used before these nouns:

menu, suite

II. verb

Edit is used with these nouns as the object:

anthology, article, book, collection, copy, dictionary, directory, document, edition, encyclopedia, file, film, image, journal, letter, magazine, manuscript, movie, newspaper, page, paper, text, video, volume, work

edited

editedadj.

Edited is used with these nouns:

highlight, transcript, version, volume

editing

editingnoun

Editing is used before these nouns:

facility, software, suite

edition

editionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + edition | edition + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfirst, second, etc.a dealer that specializes in rare first editionsearlyThe passionate collector will go for early editions.laterLater editions had a glossary.the latest, new, recentcurrent, the originalforthcoming, future, upcoming (esp. AmE)limited, specialThe book appeared in a limited edition of 3 000.10th-anniversary, 50th-anniversary, etc.de luxehardback, hardcover (esp. AmE), leather-bound, paperbackpocketabridgedThey have brought out an abridged edition of the encyclopedia.expandedillustratedrevised, updatedcriticala critical edition of Shakespeare's playsscholarlyfacsimilea facsimile edition of Dr Johnson's Dictionary of 1755electronic, onlineprint, printedliveThere will be a live edition of the show tomorrow night.evening, morningThe story made it into the evening edition of the newspaper.VERB + editionbring out, issue, print, produce, publish, releaseedit, illustrateread, watchreviewedition + VERBappear, be out, come outThe first edition of the newspaper appeared in 1859.contain sth, feature sth, offer sthThis edition features a new section on Chinese cooking.PREPOSITIONin a … editionThe encyclopedia will shortly be out in a revised edition.edition ofthe November edition of ‘Vogue’

editor

editornoun

noun1 prepares text, video, etc. for publication2 of a newspaper/magazine1 prepares text, video, etc. for publicationADJECTIVEADJECTIVEgeneralassistant, seniorcommissioning (esp. BrE)copyfreelancebook, film, movie (esp. AmE), programme/programart, fiction, medical, music, picture

2 of a newspaper/magazineADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEchief, executive (esp. AmE), managing, top (esp. AmE)deputyassistant, associatecontributing (esp. AmE)consulting (AmE)joint (esp. BrE)foundingguestjournal, magazine, newsletter, newspaper, tabloid (esp. BrE)editorial page (AmE), features, news, op-ed (AmE), reviewRussell did a terrific job as book review editor.photo, picturespecialistCity (BrE), economics, fashion, financial, foreign, literary, medical, political, sports, technical, travelOn page 12, our economics editor comments on the takeover bid.onlinePHRASESa letter to the editor

editorial

editorialnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + editorial | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEnewspaperfront-pagelead (esp. AmE)The lead editorial in today's New York Times criticized the policy.full-pagelengthyguest (esp. AmE)anonymous, unsigned (AmE)VERB + editorialwritecarry, publish, runThe paper only occasionally carries editorials.The newspaper ran a hard-hitting editorial criticizing the government's economic policies.PREPOSITIONin an/the editorialHe declared his support for the president in an editorial.editorial onan editorial on the problem of crime

II. adj.

Editorial is used with these nouns:

board, cartoon, column, comment, content, copy, director, independence, intern, judgement, meeting, office, page, policy, process, slant, staff, team, writer, writing

editorial page

editorial pagenoun

Editorial page is used before these nouns:

editor

educate

educateverb

Educate is used with these nouns as the object:

audience, child, consumer, employee, kid, public, student, worker, workforce, youth

educated

educatedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seem, soundADVERBhighly, very, wellShe seemed intelligent and well educated.poorlyreasonably (esp. BrE)properlyfullybroadlythe need for a broadly educated workforceclassically, formallyLess formally educated people can acquire professional competence.liberallyexpensively (esp. BrE), privately

Educated is used with these nouns:

class, electorate, elite, guess, guesswork, man, professional, woman, workforce, youth

education

educationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + education | education + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdecent, excellent, first-class, good, high-quality, quality, well-roundedpoorcompulsoryformalAlthough he had had little formal education, he could read and write well.classicalHe received a classical education.liberalall-round (BrE), basic, generalHe'd received an excellent general education in Poland.comprehensive (esp. BrE), public-school (= provided by the government) (AmE), universalthe party's policy on comprehensive educationNigeria committed itself to universal primary education.early-childhood (esp. AmE), preschoolelementary, primary (esp. BrE)secondary (esp. BrE)adult, continuing, further (BrE), higher, tertiarya college of further education41% had some post-secondary education.college (esp. AmE), high-school (in the US), public-school (= private) (in the UK), universitygraduate, undergraduate (both esp. AmE)remedial (AmE), specialin-service, professional, vocationalmilitary, teachermaternal, parentalHow well a child does at school is influenced by the level of parental education.distance, online (both esp. AmE)Technology allows distance education to occur at all levels.AIDS, healthsex, sexuality (AmE)arts, music, science, etc.religious, theologicalfull-time, part-timepublic, stateprivateparents who choose private education for their childrenCatholic, Christian, etc.single-sexResearchers have found that single-sex education may benefit girls.bilingual, multiculturalVERB + educationacquire, get, have, obtain, receiveHe was at a disadvantage because of the poor education he had received.pursueShe brought up two children while pursuing a college education.deliver, give sb, offer, provide (sb with)The school provides an excellent general education.deny sbNo one is denied an education because they are poor in this country.lackMany people lack the education and training that is needed for these jobs.enterstudents entering higher educationcontinue, extendShe went to college to continue her education.leaveyoung people who are just leaving full-time educationcomplete, finishHe went to America to complete his education.improve, reformThe project seeks to improve education for students.promotefinance sb's, fund sb'sThey set up an account to fund their daughter's education.education + NOUNauthority (in the UK), committee, department, ministry (in the UK), sector, service, systemfunds provided by the local education authorityWe need to invest in the higher education sector.officer (esp. BrE), officialminister, secretary (both in the UK)policyreformreformerbillcampaign, initiative, programme/program, project, scheme (BrE)The department has launched a new health education campaign.activitiesThey want to broaden their research and education activities.facilities, materials, resourcesbudget, fundingspendingclass, course, sessionadult education coursesprocessParents should begin the sex education process long before it begins in school.centre/center, college, establishment, institution, providersettingchildren in early education settingscommunity (esp. AmE), worlda policy that has been adopted by the entire education communityexpert, leader, specialistrequirement (AmE)There are additional education requirements for nurses on this course.levels, standardsefforts to improve education standardsloan (AmE) (student loan in BrE)PREPOSITIONin educationstudents in full-time educationthrough educationWe acquire much of our world knowledge through education.education abouteducation about danger on the roads

educational

educationaladj.

Educational is used with these nouns:

achievement, administration, advance, advantage, aspiration, assessment, background, benefit, CD-ROM, chance, charity, consultant, context, credentials, curriculum, development, disadvantage, endeavour, environment, establishment, excellence, exhibit, expense, experience, experiment, facility, grant, implication, improvement, inequality, information, initiative, innovation, institute, institution, intervention, issue, leadership, level, material, mission, need, objective, opportunity, outcome, partnership, philosophy, planning, policy, preparation, programme, progress, project, provision, psychologist, psychology, publisher, purpose, pursuit, qualification, record, reform, requirement, research, researcher, resource, role, seminar, setting, software, standard, status, success, system, technology, tool, toy, training, value, video, visit, website, work, workshop

educationally

educationallyadv.

Educationally is used with these adjectives:

backward, disadvantaged, subnormal

educator

educatornoun

Educator is used after these nouns:

childbirth, nurse, peer

Edwardian

Edwardianadj.

Edwardian is used with these nouns:

era, splendour

eerie

eerieadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, look, soundADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.distinctly (esp. BrE), downrightThis place has a distinctly eerie atmosphere.almosta silence so long that it was almost eeriea little, slightly, etc.

Eerie is used with these nouns:

calm, echo, feeling, glow, howl, hush, premonition, quiet, resemblance, sensation, shadow, silence, similarity, stillness

eerily

eerilyadv.

Eerily is used with these adjectives:

beautiful, empty, familiar, prophetic, quiet, reminiscent, silent, similar

Eerily is used with these verbs:

echo

effect

effectnounverb

I. noun1 change that is caused by sth2 use of an official rule, plan, etc.3 impression that a speaker, book, performance, etc. gives4 techniques used when making sth1 change that is caused by sthADJECTIVE | VERB + effect | effect + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdecisive, dramatic, far-reaching, important, marked, powerful, profound, pronounced, significant, strongmarginal, minimal, modest, negligiblemain, major, principalfullThe full effects of the new tax have not yet been felt.no apparent, no appreciable, no detectable, no discernible, no measurable, no noticeable, no visibleThe drug was devoid of any apparent effect.There was no discernible effect on cell growth.likely, possible, potential, predictable, probablesubtledisproportionateresidualadverse, catastrophic, crippling, damaging, debilitating, deleterious, destructive, detrimental, devastating, disastrous, harmful, ill, negative, serious, traumatic, undesirable, unfortunatethe crippling effect of sanctions on the economyHe didn't seem to have suffered any ill effects from his fall.chillingIt's a policy that will have a chilling effect on free speech.destabilizing, stabilizingthe oppositeHis comment was intended to calm the situation but it had the opposite effect.unintendedbeneficial, positive, salutarythe desiredWe had problems with mosquitoes, but this spray had the desired effect.moderating (esp. AmE)magical, remarkableGiving up smoking had a magical effect on his stamina.immediatedirect, indirectshort-termlasting, long-term, permanentdomino, knock-on, ripple, spillover (esp. AmE), trickle-downAny delay in delivery of materials will have a knock-on effect throughout the production process.(see also side effect)practicalaggregate, combined, cumulative, net, overalldeterrent

The deterrent effect of the death penalty has long been questioned.inhibitoryThe drug has well-documented inhibitory effects on sexual function.calming, hypnotic, sedative, soothing, soporifictherapeuticprotectiveplacebotoxicinflationarycorrosivegreenhousepolicies to reduce emissions of gases which cause the greenhouse effectVERB + effectbring about, exert, have, produceThe drug exerts a powerful effect on the brain.takeThe medicine started to take effect after a few minutes.experience, feel, suffer, suffer fromWomen feel the effects of alcohol more quickly than men.recover fromnote, observedetectdemonstrate, exhibit, illustrate, reveal, showanalyse/analyze, assess, determine, estimate, evaluate, examine, explore, investigate, measure, monitor, quantify, study, testdocumentI am interested in documenting the effects of international events on ordinary people.compareblunt, buffer (esp. AmE), cushion, diminish, lessen, limit, minimize, mitigate, reduce, softento minimize the effects of economic changeamelioratecancel out, eliminate, negate, nullifycounter, counteract, counterbalance, moderate, neutralize, offsetblock, combat, suppressa face cream designed to combat the effects of ageovercomereverseamplify, compound, enhance, exacerbate, magnify, maximizemimic, simulatedrugs which mimic the effects of hormonesavoidaim atThat is precisely the effect I was aiming at.be worried about, fearoverestimate, underestimateignore, neglectpredictdescribe, explaineffect + VERBexist, occurspreadlastarise from sth, result from sththe serious health effects which result from obesitydisappear, wear offHow soon will the effects of the drug wear off?differ, varyPREPOSITIONin effectThe border closure meant, in effect, that no trade took place between the countries.to this effect, to that effectThey told us to go away, or words to that effect.with … effectThe plague struck again with devastating effect.effect on, effect uponThe dry weather had an adverse effect on the potato crops.PHRASEScause and effectkey historical concepts such as cause and effectto little effect, to no effectThe air conditioning came on, to little effect.

2 use of an official rule, plan, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + effect | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEimmediateVERB + effectcome intoThe new regulations come into effect next month.bring sth into, put sth intoThe recommendations will soon be put into effect.PREPOSITIONin effectSome laws from the 18th century are still in effect.with effectThe bank has cut interest rates with immediate effect.

3 impression that a speaker, book, performance, etc. givesADJECTIVE | VERB + effect | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdramatic, startling, striking, stunningmaximum, optimumthe desiredI found that by adding white I could achieve the desired effect.overallThe overall effect of the painting is overwhelming.VERB + effectgive (sth), haveThe stage lighting gives the effect of a moonlit scene.achieve, createenhance, heightenThe dramatic effect was heightened by her black dress and dead white face.spoilPREPOSITIONfor … effect‘You know why I'm here?’ Doug paused for maximum effect.to … effectShe uses animal sounds to startling effect in her music.

4 techniques used when making sthADJECTIVEADJECTIVEspecialcinematicaudio, soundoptical, visuallightingelaboratedigital

II. verb

Effect is used with these nouns as the object:

change, cure, improvement, reconciliation, transfer, transformation

effective

effectiveadj.

adj.1 producing the result you want2 of laws/rules1 producing the result you wantVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, look, prove, seemmake sthfind sthWe find advertising on the radio very effective.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.enormously, especially, extraordinarily, highly, incredibly, remarkably, tremendouslya highly effective techniquecompletely, fully, totally, trulyespecially, particularlymoderately, partially, reasonablyequallygenerallyThe drug is generally effective in reducing pain.increasinglysurprisinglyconsistentlyenoughThis method is effective enough with greenfly.not sufficientlyimmediatelypotentiallydevastatingly, powerfullySneezes are devastatingly effective at spreading infection.politicallyWhat makes a speech politically effective?PREPOSITIONateffective at keeping out the windineffective in helping people to stop smoking

2 of laws/rulesVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomeremainADVERBfullypartiallydirectly, immediatelydirectly effective treaty provisionslegally

Effective is used with these nouns:

action, administration, advocate, agent, aid, alternative, answer, antibiotic, antidote, barrier, birth control, blockade, camouflage, campaign, campaigner, challenge, change, channel, collaboration, communication, contraception, contraceptive, control, cooperation, coordination, counter, counter-attack, critique, cure, date, defence, delegation, deployment, deterrent, diplomacy, discipline, drug, enforcement, engagement, execution, exercise, exploitation, expression, implementation, instrument, intervention, leader, leadership, learning, legislation, liaison, management, marketing, means, measure, mechanism, method, mode, monopoly, operation, opposition, organization, participation, partnership, piece, ploy, policy, presentation, protection, reform, remedy, removal, representation, resistance, resolution, response, ruler, safeguard, sanction, solution, strategy, supervision, system, teaching, teamwork, technique, tool, treatment, use, vaccine, veto, way, weapon, writing

effectively

effectivelyadv.

Effectively is used with these adjectives:

impossible, infinite, inseparable, invisible, isolated

Effectively is used with these verbs:

abandon, abolish, act, administer, argue, ban, bar, blackmail, block, campaign, cease, challenge, clean, combat, communicate, compete, conceal, contribute, control, convey, cope, cut, deal, defend, deliver, demonstrate, deny, deploy, destroy, deter, devalue, disappear, discourage, dissolve, double, eliminate, employ, end, endorse, enforce, engage, ensure, erase, establish, evaluate, evoke, exclude, exercise, exile, exploit, fight, freeze, fulfil, function, govern, guarantee, halt, halve, hand, harness, ignore, illustrate, implement, impose, incorporate, inhibit, integrate, intervene, limit, manage, mark, market, mask, measure, mobilize, monitor, negotiate, neutralize, operate, organize, participate, perform, pitch, prevent, prohibit, promote, protect, remove, replace, respond, restrict, ruin, rule, seal, separate, shift, signal, silence, solve, stall, stimulate, suppress, suspend, tackle, teach, terminate, train, translate, treat, undermine, use, utilize, veto, wipe, work, wreck

effectiveness

effectivenessnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + effectiveness | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEoverallgreat, high (esp. AmE), increasedmaximumlimitedrelativepotentiallong-termThe drug's long-term effectiveness has yet to be established.operational, organizationalpoliticalcombat (esp. AmE), militaryteacherExam results are sometimes used as a measure of teacher effectiveness.clinical, therapeutic, treatmentVERB + effectivenessanalyse/analyze, assess, check, determine, estimate, evaluate, examine, gauge, investigate, judge, measure, monitor, study, testcomparedemonstrate, indicate, prove, showThe exam results demonstrated the effectiveness of the teaching.achieve, ensureYou may need to increase the dose to achieve maximum effectiveness.maintainaffect, impact, influenceboost, enhance, improve, increase, maximizedecrease, destroy, diminish, hamper, impair, limit, reduce, undermineloseThe drugs work well at first but gradually lose their effectiveness.questionMany people questioned the effectiveness of economic sanctions.PREPOSITIONeffectiveness asThey're doing tests to evaluate the effectiveness of this herb as an antiseptic.effectiveness inthe effectiveness of penicillin in controlling bacterial infection

efficiency

efficiencynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + efficiency | efficiency + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEruthlessgreat, highattempts to achieve greater efficiency in the production processimproved, increasedincreasingmaximum, peak (esp. AmE)The optimum design allows bartenders to work at peak efficiency.lowreducedoverallrelativecostenergy, fuel, thermalmental, physicaladministrative, business, economic, industrial, management, mechanical, operational, organizational, production, technicalVERB + efficiencyachievemaintaindemonstrate, showbring, create, deliver, offer, provideThe Internet's promise to bring more efficiency to the distribution chain is still materializing.boost, enhance, gain, improve, increase, promotemaximizedecrease, reduceloseassess, calculate, determine, estimate, evaluate, examine, measure, testefficiency + NOUNdrive (esp. BrE), measuresNew procedures had been introduced as part of an efficiency drive.benefits, gains, improvements, increases, savingsthe efficiency gains resulting from improved technologylosseslevels, standardsWe have failed to improve fuel efficiency standards.rating, scoreexpert (esp. AmE)PREPOSITIONwith efficiencyThe uprising was put down with ruthless efficiency.efficiency ingreater efficiency in energy use

efficient

efficientadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, look, seem, soundbecomemake sthADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highly, incredibly, remarkablyperfectlyWe already have a perfectly efficient system—why change it?brutally, ruthlesslyHe was ruthlessly efficient in acquiring estates.increasinglyreasonably, relativelyeconomically, environmentally, technicallyPREPOSITIONatTheir equipment was not as efficient at finding gold as today's machinery.inThe heating system is very efficient in its use of of fuel.

Efficient is used with these nouns:

administration, allocation, collection, delivery, deployment, exploitation, machine, management, manner, means, method, operation, organization, producer, production, running, service, system, technology, transfer, transport, transportation, use, way

efficiently effluent

effluentnoun

Effluent is used after these nouns:

sewage

effort

effortnoun

noun1 physical/mental energy needed to do sth2 attempt to do sth1 physical/mental energy needed to do sthADJECTIVE | … OF EFFORT | VERB + effort | effort + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsiderablehardIt took a whole day of hard effort to knock down the wall.constant, sustainedextraminimalan outfit which enables you to look good with minimal effortwastedphysicalintellectual, mental… OF EFFORTamountthe amount of effort requiredVERB + effortdemand, need, require, takeIt takes constant effort to become fluent in a language.devote, exert, expend, invest, put inAll the team members have put in a great deal of effort.wastespare noNo effort has been spared to make this hotel a welcoming, comfortable place.be worthThe walk is difficult but well worth the effort.effort + VERBgo intoA lot of effort went into making the costumes.PREPOSITIONwith effort, without effortThis can be done quickly and with very little effort.PHRASESa great deal of efforttime and effortSenior leaders are investing time and effort in studying the issue.The staff spent considerable time and effort developing a national policy.

2 attempt to do sthADJECTIVE | VERB + effort | effort + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEambitious, big, enormous, great, Herculean, huge, major, massive, remarkable, special, tremendousI can see you have made a big effort to clean up.brave, heroic, superhuman, valiantall-out, concentrated, determined, strenuous, tirelesspainstakingdesperate, frantictheir frantic efforts to put out the firefinal, last, last-ditchThe UN General Secretary flew in in a last-ditch effort to save the talks.continuing, ongoing, sustainedthe continuing effort to find the missing girlsrenewedpioneeringpioneering efforts to restructure the industrygenuine, good-faith (AmE), positive, real, serious, sincereDistricts have not made a good-faith effort to implement public school choice.feeble, half-heartedShe made a feeble effort to smile, then started crying again.successfulworthwhilefailed, fruitless, futile, unsuccessful, vainmisguidedcollaborative, collective, combined, concerted, cooperative, coordinated, joint, teamStudents, teachers and families got together in a team effort to decorate the school.internationalconscious, deliberateI have to make a conscious effort to be polite so early in the morning.voluntaryThe museum relies on the voluntary efforts of enthusiasts.diplomaticDiplomatic efforts to end the crisis failed.grass-rootsa grass-roots effort by workers to transform their countryget-out-the-vote (AmE)The Democratic get-out-the-vote effort placed heavy emphasis on the youth vote.fund-raising, marketing, outreach (esp. AmE), recruitmenthumanitarian, recovery, relief, rescueanti-terrorism, counterterrorismclean-up, conservation, rebuilding, reconstruction, restorationVERB + effortmakeinitiate, launchThey launched an AIDS education effort.mount, undertakeThe report outlines the efforts undertaken by the industry.fundaccelerate, expand, increase, intensify, redouble, renew, step upThe police have renewed their efforts to find the murderer.continuechannel, concentrate, focusThe police tried to channel their efforts into searching the forest.redirect, refocuscoordinate, orchestrate, organizecombine, poolGovernments are pooling their efforts to stem international terrorism.duplicateWe tried to ensure that efforts were not duplicated.lead, spearheadHe spearheaded efforts to raise money for the school.targetWe're targeting our efforts at making our website appealing to younger people.fail inHe failed in his efforts to give up smoking.resistThe wound resisted all my efforts to stop it from bleeding.abandoncomplicatederail, frustrate, hamper, hinder, impede, sabotage, stymie (informal, esp. AmE), thwart, undermineCritics said the plan would undermine efforts to address the current crisis.be rewarded for, rewardHer efforts were rewarded when she won an Oscar.applaud, praiseThe gallery owner applauded the efforts of firefighters to save the exhibits.appreciateWe all appreciate your efforts.oppose, supporteffort + VERBcome to nothing, fail, fall flat, fall shortpay off, succeed, workculminate in sth, produce sth, result in sthbe aimed at sth, be targeted at sth, focus on stheducational efforts targeted at children from ethnic minoritiesearn sb sthHer efforts earned her a Nobel Prize.PREPOSITIONin an/your effortThe club has changed the rules in an effort to make them fairer.through sb's effortThrough their efforts, enough money was raised to buy the equipment.PHRASESyour best effortsDespite our best efforts, we didn't manage to win the game.a reward for your effortsSecond prize was a fair reward for his efforts.make every effortWe are making every effort to obtain the release of the hostages.

effortless

effortlessadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSappear, be, look, seemTom made the jump look effortless.ADVERBapparently, seeminglyher apparently effortless performancealmost

Effortless is used with these nouns:

grace, superiority

effusive

effusiveadj.

Effusive is used with these nouns:

effusively

effusivelyadv.

Effusively is used with these verbs:

EFL

EFLnoun

EFL is used before these nouns:

egalitarian

egalitarianadj.

Egalitarian is used with these nouns:

distribution, society

egg

eggnoun

noun1 of birds/as food2 cell from which a new young creature is formed1 of birds/as foodADJECTIVE | … OF EGGS | VERB + egg | egg + VERB | egg + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEfreshbad, rottenfree-range, organicchicken, duck, hen's, quail's, etc.unhatchedboiled, devilled/deviled, fried, hard-boiled, poached, scrambled, soft-boiledrawbeatenScotch (BrE)chocolate, Easter… OF EGGSclutchShe lays a clutch of four eggs on average.box (BrE), carton (AmE)VERB + egglay, producedeposit (of insects, reptiles, etc.)The beetles deposit their eggs in fields.hatchincubateemerge from, hatch fromguard, protectThe males stay and guard the eggs.buryMany reptiles bury their eggs.collectboil, cook, fry, poach, scramblebreak, crackCrack two eggs into the mixture.separateSeparate the eggs, putting the whites to one side.beat, whiskbrush sth withBrush the pastry with a little beaten egg.egg + VERBhatchbreak, crackegg + NOUNshell (usually eggshell)white, yolkbox (BrE), carton (AmE)laying, productioncupmayonnaise, noodles, pasta, roll (= a type of Chinese food consisting of a thin tube of pastry filled with vegetables and/or meat and fried) (AmE), salad, sandwichwashBrush the dough with egg wash.timerbeater (esp. AmE) (whisk in BrE)huntWe're just decorating eggs for the egg hunt.PHRASESthe white of an egg, the yolk of an eggbacon and eggs, ham and eggsa breakfast of bacon and eggs

2 cell from which a new young creature is formedADJECTIVE | VERB + egg | egg + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEfertilizedunfertilizeddonorMany women conceive through the use of a donor egg.VERB + eggfertilizeOnly one sperm fertilizes an egg.produce, releasedonateegg + NOUNdonordonationremovalformationcellsacPHRASESthe nucleus of an egg

egg-shaped

egg-shapedadj.

Egg-shaped is used with these nouns:

object

ego

egonoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + ego | ego + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, bloated, enormous, huge, inflated, large, massive, stronga conceited man with a very big egofragile, weakbruised, woundedHe was lucky to escape with just a bruised ego when he fell off his bike.healthyhuman, maleVERB + egohaveHe has a huge ego.boost, feed, flatter, inflate, massage, strokeShe likes to mix with people who flatter her ego.satisfyprotectbruise, crush, damage, deflate, dent, hurt, woundego + NOUNboostgratification (esp. AmE)tripPHRASESa blow to sb's egoIt was a huge blow to his ego to find out he was so unpopular.a boost to sb's egocheck your ego (at the door) (AmE, informal)Professionals need to check their egos (= be less egoistic) and change their techniques.

egotistical

egotisticaladj.

Egotistical is used with these nouns:

egregious

egregiousadj.

Egregious is used with these nouns:

error, example, sin, violation

Egyptian

Egyptianadj.

Egyptian is used with these nouns:

antiquity, goddess

eight-term

eight-termadj.

Eight-term is used with these nouns:

Congressman, Congresswoman

eject

ejectverb

verb1 push/send sth out2 make an emergency exit1 push/send sth outADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBforciblyphysicallysummarily (esp. BrE)They were summarily ejected by the security guard.PREPOSITIONfromHe was forcibly ejected from the restaurant.

2 make an emergency exitADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBsafelyPREPOSITIONfromAll the crew members ejected safely from the plane.

Eject is used with these nouns as the subject:

pilot

Eject is used with these nouns as the object:

cassette, disc

ejection

ejectionnoun

Ejection is used before these nouns:

ejector

ejectornoun

Ejector is used before these nouns:

eke out

eke outphr verb

Eke out is used with these nouns as the object:

existence, living, victory

elaborate

elaborateverbadj.

I. verbADVERB | VERB + elaborate | PREPOSITIONADVERBfurtherThis point will be elaborated further in the next chapter.at lengthbrieflyLet me briefly elaborate on this.VERB + elaborateattempt to, try torefuse toPREPOSITIONon, uponThey refused to elaborate on the reasons for their decision.

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, look, seem, soundThe plans looked very elaborate.becomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highlyhighly elaborate carvingsincreasingly

Elaborate is used with these nouns:

ceremony, charade, costume, deception, decoration, design, dish, display, effect, funeral, hoax, lie, network, plan, precaution, preparation, pretence, ritual, ruse, scheme, story, structure, system, version

elaborately

elaboratelyadv.

Elaborately is used with these adjectives:

carved

Elaborately is used with these verbs:

decorate, design, embroider, stage

elapse

elapseverb

Elapse is used with these nouns as the subject:

decade, fortnight, minute, month, period, time, week, year

elastic

elasticnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | … OF ELASTIC | elastic + VERBADJECTIVEloose, tightan old skirt with loose elastichair (AmE)knicker (BrE)… OF ELASTIClength, pieceThe skirt is held up by a length of elastic around the waist.elastic + VERBbreak, go (esp. BrE), snapThe elastic in these socks has gone.

II. adj.

Elastic is used with these nouns:

bandage, cord, strap, waist

elasticated

elasticatedadj.

Elasticated is used with these nouns:

waist

elated

elatedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, look, seem, soundADVERBveryabsolutelystrangelyPREPOSITIONatI felt strangely elated at the news.byelated by our victorywithelated with his success

elation

elationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + elation | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreat, pure, sheerunbelievablemildcuriousmomentaryVERB + elationexperience, feelPREPOSITIONelation atShe showed her elation at having finally achieved her ambition.PHRASESa feeling of elation, a mood of elation, a sense of elationI felt a strange sense of elation.tears of elation

elbow

elbownounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + elbow | elbow + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEleft, rightsharpdislocated, fracturedsorepitching, throwing (both in baseball)VERB + elbowlean, place, restHe rested one elbow on the wall as he spoke.lean on, prop yourself up on, raise yourself up onShe opened her eyes and propped herself up on one elbow to look at him.catch, grasp, takeHe caught her elbow to steady her.jab, slam (esp. AmE), thrustShe thrust her elbow into her attacker's face.bend, flexextend, straightenbang, hitI banged my elbow on the table as I got up.dislocate, fracture, injurelockExtend your arms without locking your elbows.elbow + NOUNjoint, ligamentinjurypain, problemsurgerypadroomThe office cubicles give you hardly any elbow room.PREPOSITIONabove the elbowat your elbowA voice at my elbow said, ‘Please sit down!’below the elbowThe whole of his arm below the elbow was badly burned.beneath your elbow, under your elbowShe slid a hand under his elbow to guide him.by the elbowHe took his guest by the elbow and steered him in the direction of the bar.on one elbowHe raised himself on one elbow and looked at the bedside clock.PHRASESbe up to your elbows in sthHe was up to his elbows in hot water.the crook of your elbowShe was cradling a small bundle in the crook of her elbow.dig your elbow into sb's ribsShe dug her elbow into Jim's ribs to remind him not to give the secret away.rub elbows with sb (figurative, AmE)He had been rubbing elbows with celebrities.

II. verb

Elbow is used with these nouns as the object:

Elder is used after these nouns:

elder

eldernounadj.

I. noun

church, village

II. adj.

Elder is used with these nouns:

abuse, boy, brother, daughter, sibling, sister, son, statesman

elderberry

elderberrynoun

Elderberry is used before these nouns:

elderly

elderlyadj.

Elderly is used with these nouns:

aunt, couple, father, folk, gentleman, lady, man, mother, neighbour, parent, patient, people, person, population, relative, shopper, uncle, victim, widow, woman

eldest

eldestadj.

Eldest is used with these nouns:

boy, child, daughter, sibling, son

elect

electverbadj.

I. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBannuallyMembers of the council are elected annually.locally, nationallydemocratically, freely, popularlyunanimouslydirectly, indirectlyIt was decided that the president should be elected directly in free elections.duly, formallylegally, legitimatelyPREPOSITIONtoShe was the first black woman elected to Congress.He was elected to Parliament in 1997.PHRASESbe elected, get electedWhat changes will he make if he gets elected?be declared electedAny candidate with more than half the votes shall be declared elected.be elected unopposedFive were successful, three being elected unopposed.newly elected, recently electedthe newly elected chairman

Elect is used with these nouns as the subject:

congress, voter

Elect is used with these nouns as the object:

assembly, candidate, chairman, committee, Congressman, Congresswoman, council, delegate, deputy, fellow, government, governor, judge, leader, mayor, member, minister, parliament, party, politician, pope, premier, president, prime minister, representative, secretary, senator, steward, successor, treasurer

II. adj.

Elect is used with these nouns:

president

elected

electedadj.

Elected is used with these nouns:

assembly, body, chamber, council, executive, leader, legislature, member, office, official, parliament, politician, representative

election

electionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + election | election + VERB | election + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEclean (esp. AmE), fair, free, openfraudulent, rigged, stolenclosePredicting the result of close elections is a perilous game.landslideThe party won a landslide election.contested, disputedThey demanded a rerun of the disputed presidential election.historiccompetitivepopularthe democratic concept of popular electionsdemocratic, multiparty, non-partisandirect, indirectfresh, newlastrecentearlyThe prime minister may decide to call an early election.scheduledthe scheduled Lebanese elections in Mayforthcoming, upcoming (esp. AmE)specialprimary (in the US), run-off (esp. AmE)midterm, off-year (AmE)recall (= an election to remove an elected official from office) (AmE)The Governor faces an unprecedented recall election.county, federal, local, municipal, national, nationwide, provincial, regional, state, statewide (AmE)congressional, council (esp. BrE), general, gubernatorial (AmE), judicial, leadership, legislative, local-government, mayoral, papal, parliamentary, party, presidential, Senateschool boardstudent council (AmE), student government (AmE), student union (BrE)VERB + electionconduct, have, hold, runcallcontest, fightrun for (esp. AmE), stand for (esp. BrE)disputea bitterly disputed electionlose, winconcedesweep (AmE)The party swept Turkish elections in November.affect, influencesway (esp. AmE), swing, tip (esp. AmE)votes which could swing the entire national electiondecide, determineThe people will decide this election and they will prove all the polls wrong.organize, schedule (esp. AmE)monitor, oversee, supervisecancel, delay, postponederailThe violence in the country will not derail the elections.fix, manipulate, rig, stealclaims that voter fraud had stolen the election for the Republicansboycottelection + VERBtake placebe due, be scheduled forElections are scheduled for November.approach, loomelection + NOUNcampaignmanifesto (esp. BrE), pledge (esp. BrE), promisestatementissueEducation is a key election issue.debatestrategybattle, contestturnoutThe election turnout in 2008 was high.ballot, polloutcome, result, returns (esp. AmE)A lot hangs on the election result.All counties have now certified their election returns.defeat, victorybroadcast (esp. BrE), coverage, newsprocedure, process, systemcandidateadministrator (AmE), commissioner, judge (AmE), monitor, observer, official (AmE), workerboard (esp. AmE), commissionofficedate, day, eve, night, period, season, time, yearIt was successful in rallying voters at election time.cycleThe US is reaching the end of its latest presidential election cycle.fraudreformPREPOSITIONat a/the election, in a/the electionin the 2001 general electionby electionMembership of the committee is by election.election toher election to the SenatePHRASESthe outcome of an electionthe run-up to an electionopinion poll results in the run-up to elections

elective

electiveadj.

Elective is used with these nouns:

abortion, course, office, surgery

elector

electornoun

nounADJECTIVE | elector + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEregistered (esp. BrE)presidential (esp. AmE)Democrat, Republicanhis efforts to persuade Republican presidential electors to cross party lineselector + VERBchoose sb, vote (for sb)Not all the registered electors actually voted.PHRASESthe register of electors (BrE)If your name is not on the register of electors, you will not be able to vote.

electoral

electoraladj.

Electoral is used with these nouns:

advantage, alliance, appeal, campaign, chance, commission, constituency, contest, defeat, disaster, district, fortune, fraud, gain, irregularity, landslide, majority, mandate, map, outcome, pact, platform, politics, process, prospect, rebuff, reform, register, result, roll, strategy, strength, success, suicide, support, swing, system, triumph, turnout, victory, vote

electorate

electoratenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + electorate | electorate + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEeducated, informedapathetic, sceptical/skepticaldivided, polarizedgeneralHis statements are likely to cost him dearly among the general electorate.totalCatholics make up over a quarter of the total electorate.local (esp. BrE), nationalmassThe rise of a mass electorate forced politicians to broaden their appeal.middle-class, working-class, etc.American, British, etc.Democratic, Republican, etc.VERB + electoratedivideissues which have divided the electorateelectorate + VERBgo to the polls, votethe representative chosen by the electoratePHRASESthe electorate as a whole, the electorate at largethe need to appeal to the electorate at large

electric

electricadj.

Electric is used with these nouns:

appliance, atmosphere, bell, bike, blanket, blue, bulb, cable, car, cart, clock, cooker, cord, current, engine, fan, fence, field, fire, flex, furnace, grid, grill, guitar, heat, heater, heating, instrument, iron, kettle, keyboard, knife, lamp, lift, light, lighting, meter, motor, organ, outlet, oven, piano, plug, power, railway, range, razor, shock, shower, socket, spark, storm, stove, switch, torch, train, tram, utility, vehicle, violin, wheelchair, window, wire, wiring

electrical

electricaladj.

Electrical is used with these nouns:

activity, apparatus, appliance, circuit, component, conductor, connection, contractor, cord, current, device, discharge, engineer, engineering, equipment, fault, field, fire, fitting, flex, gadget, generator, goods, grid, impulse, industry, machinery, outlet, power, property, recording, repair, retailer, shop, signal, socket, stimulation, store, storm, switch, system, tape, utility, wire, wiring

electrically

electricallyadv.

Electrically is used with these adjectives:

charged

Electrically is used with these verbs:

operate, stimulate

electrician

electriciannoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + electrician | electrician + VERBADJECTIVElicensed (AmE), qualified, trainedapprentice (esp. BrE)self-employedVERB + electriciancall in, hire (esp. AmE)We need to call in an electrician to sort out the wiring.electrician + VERBrewire sth, wire sthYou'll need a qualified electrician to rewire your house.install sthcheck sth, fix sth, repair sth

electricity

electricitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + electricity | electricity + VERB | electricity + NOUNADJECTIVEhigh-voltage, low-voltagemains (BrE)staticcheap, low-costfreewholesaleclean, green (esp. BrE), renewable (esp. BrE)solar, wind-generatedVERB + electricitycreate, generate, make, producedeliver, provide, supplyThe hydroelectric plant provides electricity for half the island's population.haveAll the houses now have electricity.conductMetals conduct electricity well.be powered by, consume, usecut off, disconnectHer electricity was cut off when she didn't pay her bill.loseMore than a million customers lost electricity following the flooding.restoreCrews did their best to restore electricity after the storm.saveI switched the light off to save electricity.sellbuy, purchaseelectricity + VERBflow, runElectricity flows through the wires in the circuit.surge through sthelectricity + NOUNbillInsulating your house could cut your electricity bill by half.charges, costs, prices, rates (esp. AmE)a 10% drop in electricity pricesmeter (esp. BrE)board (esp. BrE), company, industry, sector, suppliersupplygrid, network, systemThe town will soon be connected to the national electricity grid.marketconsumption, demand, usage, useshortagecrisisthe company's role in California's electricity crisisblackoutA high-voltage fault sparked an electricity blackout.generation, productionderegulationgenerator, plant, substation (esp. BrE)pylon (esp. BrE)cable, line, wire

electric shock

electric shocknoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF ELECTRIC SHOCKS | VERB + electric shock | ELECTRIC-SHOCK + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEmassive (esp. BrE), powerful, severe, strongmild, small… OF ELECTRIC SHOCKSseriesa series of electric shocks to her brainVERB + electric shockget, receive, sufferadminister, delivergive sb/sthbe tortured withELECTRIC-SHOCK + NOUNtherapy, treatmentPREPOSITIONelectric shock onHe felt a strong electric shock on his back.electric shock toThey administer electric shocks to the heart.

electrified

electrifiedadj.

Electrified is used with these nouns:

electrifying

electrifyingadj.

Electrifying is used with these nouns:

electromagnetic

electromagneticadj.

Electromagnetic is used with these nouns:

field, force, radiation, spectrum, wave

electromotive

electromotiveadj.

Electromotive is used with these nouns:

electron

electronnoun

Electron is used before these nouns:

beam, microscope, transfer

electronic

electronicadj.

Electronic is used with these nouns:

appliance, archive, ballot, banking, calculator, camera, cash register, circuit, commerce, communication, component, copy, database, device, diary, dictionary, distribution, document, drum, edition, engineering, equipment, equivalent, file, form, gadget, goods, guide, instrument, journal, keyboard, library, lock, machine, mail, manipulation, means, media, medium, message, monitoring, music, percussion, piano, publication, publisher, publishing, record, resource, revolution, signal, signature, sound, spreadsheet, submission, surveillance, system, tag, technology, text, till, toy, trading, transaction, transfer, transmission, version, waste

electronically

electronicallyadv.

Electronically is used with these verbs:

communicate, control, file, link, lock, monitor, operate, record, scan, store, submit, transfer, transmit

electronic mail

electronic mailnoun

Electronic mail is used before these nouns:

Elegant is used with these nouns:

electronics

electronicsnoun

nounADJECTIVE | electronics + NOUNADJECTIVEhigh-tech, sophisticated, state-of-the-artdigitalautomotive (esp. AmE), consumer, defence/defense, home (esp. AmE), medicalelectronics + NOUNbusiness, company, firm (esp. BrE), giant, groupTheir company merged with a Japanese electronics giant.industry, maker (esp. AmE), manufacturermarket, sector (esp. BrE)retailer, supplierstore (esp. AmE)device, equipment, productengineer, specialist, technician (esp. AmE)

elegance

elegancenoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF ELEGANCE | VERB + eleganceADJECTIVEgreatclassicalcasual, simple, understateda certainThe original poem has a certain elegance that is lost in the translation.sartorial (esp. BrE)John has never been known for his sartorial elegance.… OF ELEGANCEair, touchThe ironwork lends a touch of elegance to the house.VERB + elegancedisplay, haveThe building has great elegance and charm.lackadd, give sth, lend sthThe pillars give a classical elegance to the room.

elegant

elegantadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, lookADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.particularlybeautifullythe beautifully elegant spire of the churchcasually, quietlythe quietly elegant wives of the directorsclassicallya classically elegant hotelsurprisinglysupremely (esp. BrE)the artist's supremely elegant portraits of society beauties

boutique, clothes, dining room, dinner, dress, exterior, finger, furniture, gown, hotel, house, lounge, prose, restaurant, room, simplicity, staircase, style, suit, surroundings, sweep

elegantly

elegantlyadv.

Elegantly is used with these adjectives:

furnished, simple

Elegantly is used with these verbs:

decorate, demonstrate, design, drape, dress

element

elementnoun

noun1 one part of sth2 the elements bad weather1 one part of sthADJECTIVE | VERB + element | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbasic, core, critical, crucial, decisive, distinctive, essential, fundamental, important, key, main, major, necessary, principal, significant, vitalconsiderable, largeThere is a considerable element of danger in her job.dominantThe promise of tax cuts became the dominant element in the campaign.fringeThese ideas are not just the province of a fringe element in the party.competitiveThere is too much of a competitive element in the sales department.disparate, diversethe disparate elements brought together in these paintingsracial, sexualPolice say there may have been a racial element to the attacks.humanHe emphasizes the human element of the story.constituent, constitutive (esp. AmE)the constituent elements of the universefunctional, structuralarchitectural, decorative, design, musical, visualthe narrative and decorative elements in Pop artVERB + elementbe, comprise, constitute, formcontain, have, include, involveThese stories do contain an element of truth.blend, combine, fuse, incorporate, integrate, mixan offbeat theatrical production that combines elements of fantasy and satirea visual style that fuses film noir elements with traditional horroradd, introducePREPOSITIONelement inThis constitutes one of the key elements in their reform package.element ofPractical work will form a major element of the syllabus.There may have been an element of jealousy in her response.

2 the elements bad weatherVERB + THE ELEMENTS | PHRASESVERB + THE ELEMENTSbraveI put on my thick coat ready to brave the elements.battle, battle againstHe told us stories of how he had battled the elements on his mountaineering trips.be exposed to, be open toThe place was completely exposed to the elements.be protected from, be sheltered fromPHRASESprotection from the elements, shelter from the elements

elementary

elementaryadj.

Elementary is used with these nouns:

class, education, fairness, level, mathematics, maths, mistake, school, teacher, textbook

elementary school

elementary schoolnoun

Elementary school is used before these nouns:

curriculum, principal, teacher

elephant

elephantnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF ELEPHANTS | VERB + elephant | elephant + VERB | elephant + NOUNADJECTIVEAfricanAsian, Indianbull, cowfemale, malebabytrainedwildrogueorphaneda conservationist who cares for orphaned elephants… OF ELEPHANTSherdVERB + elephanthunt, poach, shootIt's been about five years since the last elephant was poached for its ivory.cull, killelephant + VERBtrumpetcharge, stampedetrample sbelephant + NOUNherdpopulationtuskivorydungconservationgun

elevate

elevateverb

Elevate is used with these nouns as the object:

level, mood

elevated

elevatedadj.

Elevated is used with these nouns:

blood pressure, cholesterol, concentration, count, highway, level, pressure, rate, risk, track, train

elevator

elevatornoun

noun (AmE)See also liftADJECTIVE | VERB + elevator | elevator + VERB | elevator + NOUNADJECTIVEglassexpress, high-speedcreakyWe took a creaky old elevator up to the third floor.freight, grain, serviceThe agents in the station sent the checked baggage down stairs on a freight elevator.hotelVERB + elevatorride, takeHe rode the elevator to the 43rd floor.useboard, enterexit, leavecallYork pressed the button to call the elevator.installelevator + VERBgo updescend, go downarrive, reach sthstopclose, opendingThe elevator dinged and the door opened.elevator + NOUNshaftOne guy fell down the elevator shaft.doorThe elevator doors closed behind her.buttonlobbymusicman, operatorridesystem

elfin

elfinadj.

Elfin is used with these nouns:

elicit

elicitverb

Elicit is used with these nouns as the object:

chuckle, comment, emotion, information, laughter, reaction, reply, response, sympathy

eligibility

eligibilitynoun

Eligibility is used before these nouns:

criterion, requirement

eligible

eligibleadj.

Eligible is used with these nouns:

applicant, bachelor, expense, participant, voter

eliminate

eliminateverb

verbADVERB | VERB + eliminate | PREPOSITIONADVERBaltogether, completely, entirely, totallyThe risk cannot be eliminated altogether.This procedure does not completely eliminate the possibility of an accident.almost, nearly, practically, virtuallylargelyeffectively, essentiallyGetting this job has effectively eliminated his financial worries.successfullypossibly, potentiallyeventually, ultimatelya policy that they claim will eventually eliminate corruption in the industrygraduallyquickly, rapidlyimmediatelyVERB + eliminateseek to, take steps to, try tohelp (to)be designed toThe single market is designed to eliminate barriers to free movement.be impossible toPREPOSITIONfromTry to eliminate fatty foods from your diet.

Eliminate is used with these nouns as the object:

ambiguity, backlog, barrier, bias, bureaucracy, chance, clutter, competition, confusion, corruption, debt, deficit, delay, discrimination, disparity, distraction, duplication, effect, emission, enemy, error, exemption, fat, gap, guesswork, hassle, hazard, incentive, inefficiency, influence, interference, job, middleman, mistake, need, odour, penalty, pollution, possibility, poverty, practice, prejudice, problem, reliance, requirement, restriction, risk, rival, subsidy, suffering, tariff, tax, taxation, threat, uncertainty, vestige, waste

elite

elitenounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + elite | PHRASESADJECTIVEgoverning, power (esp. AmE), rulingHe was an influential member of the ruling elite.powerful, privilegedcorrupteducatedlanded, moneyed (esp. AmE), wealthymetropolitan, urbanlocal, nationalforeignWesternblack, whiteconservative, liberaltechnocraticthe European Union's technocratic elitesbusiness, corporate, cultural, economic, intellectual, media, military, political, professional, secular, socialVERB + elitecreate, formThese people form an elite who have the power to make decisions.joinPHRASESa member of an elitea club for members of the business elite

II. adj.

Elite is used with these nouns:

athlete, circle, class, corps, force, guard, gymnast, institution, member, squad, status, troops, university

Elizabethan

Elizabethanadj.

Elizabethan is used with these nouns:

age, mansion, theatre

elliptical

ellipticaladj.

Elliptical is used with these nouns:

galaxy, orbit, shape

elongated

elongatedadj.

Elongated is used with these nouns:

Eloquent is used with these nouns:

eloquent

eloquentadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbewaxHe waxed eloquent about her talents as an actress.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.a very eloquent speakerremarkablyespecially, particularlyPREPOSITIONabout, onHe grew very eloquent on the subject.

speech, testimony

eloquently

eloquentlyadv.

Eloquently is used with these verbs:

argue, express, put, speak, write

elucidate

elucidateverb

Elucidate is used with these nouns as the object:

nature, role

elude

eludeverb

Elude is used with these nouns as the object:

capture, police

elusive

elusiveadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, proveFurther movie roles have proved somewhat elusive for the young actor.becomeremainADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.a very eloquent speakerhighlyeverHe was searching for the ever elusive ‘perfect job’.strangelyA cure has proved strangely elusive.notoriouslyTruth is a notoriously elusive quality.frustratingly, maddeninglyThe murderer remained frustratingly elusive.

Elusive is used with these nouns:

character, concept, goal, quality

emaciated

emaciatedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, lookbecome, growADVERBseverelyhis severely emaciated body

emailnounverb

I. (also e-mail) nounADJECTIVE | VERB + email | email + VERB | email + NOUNADJECTIVEjunk, spam, unsolicited, unwantedabusive (esp. BrE), angry (esp. AmE), nasty (esp. AmE)incoming, outgoingVERB + emailcompose, type, writefire off, sendWhen I saw what he'd written I fired off an angry email.get, receiveexchange emailsuseSome members used email to renew their membership.haveIf a member does not have email, a letter is sent.access, check, open, readsoftware which allows you to access your emails from any computerMost people check their email several times a day.answer, reply to, returnHe never returns my emails.forwarddeletearchive, storeretrievedownloadprintscanmonitorSome companies monitor all employee email.postYou cannot post private emails to the website.block, filterfiltering devices that block unwanted emailemail + VERBarriveAn email arrives in your inbox.announce sth, claim sth, say sth, state sth, tell sb sthan email announcing his promotionask sth, request sthI sent an email asking about their products.contain sthThe email contains a link to the retailer's website.email + NOUNaddressmessageattachmentservice, systema free email serviceserverproviderWeb-based email providerssubscriber, useraccountbox (esp. AmE), inboxprogram, softwareaccessEach of the rooms has Internet and email access.linkreply, responseThe next day I got 400 email responses.listAdd your name to the email list.alert, reminder, update, warningYou can sign up to receive email alerts.confirmation, enquiry (esp. BrE), invitation, notification, query, requestUsers receive email notification of special offers.campaign, surveycommunication, conversation, correspondence, discussion, exchange, interviewcontactShe is in constant email contact with a number of college staff.newslettertrafficthe rise in corporate email trafficspamhoax (esp. AmE), scamvirus, worm

II. verb

Email is used with these nouns as the subject:

viewer

Email is used with these nouns as the object:

article, copy, curriculum vitae, letter, picture, résumé

emanate

emanateverb

Emanate is used with these nouns as the subject:

music, smell

Emanate is used with these nouns as the object:

aura

emanate from

emanate fromphr verb

Emanate from is used with these nouns as the subject:

aura, odour

emancipate

emancipateverb

Emancipate is used with these nouns as the object:

emancipated

emancipatedadj.

Emancipated is used with these nouns:

embalm

embalmverb

Embalm is used with these nouns as the object:

body, corpse

embargo

embargonoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + embargo | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcomplete, strict, totalpartialmandatorycripplingthe crippling economic embargo against Haitiinternationaleconomicarms, oil, tradeVERB + embargoimpose, place, put, put in placeCongress put an embargo on trade with these countries.enforce, tightenend, liftThe government has agreed to lift the embargo imposed ten years ago.break, violateWe knew the arms embargo was being broken.PREPOSITIONembargo againstthe international embargo against the countryembargo ona strict embargo on oil imports

embark

embarkverbPHRASAL VERB

Embark is used with these nouns as the subject:

PHRASAL VERBembark on/upon sthADVERB | VERB + embark on/uponADVERBimmediatelyreluctantlyrecentlyThe company has recently embarked on a new venture.alreadyShe has already embarked on her studies.VERB + embark on/uponbe about to, be ready toShe was now ready to embark on her adventure.

embark on

embark onphr verb

Embark on is used with these nouns as the subject:

Embark on is used with these nouns as the object:

adventure, career, crusade, enterprise, exercise, expansion, expedition, programme, quest, tour, venture, voyage

embarrassed

embarrassedadj.

adj.1 shy/awkward/ashamed2 not having any money1 shy/awkward/ashamedVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, look, seem, soundbecomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.acutely, deeply, terriblyalmosta little, slightly, etc.faintlyHe looked faintly embarrassed.clearly, obviously, visiblyPREPOSITIONaboutShe's embarrassed about her height.atHe felt acutely embarrassed at being the focus of attention.byShe seemed almost embarrassed by her own outburst.forAmy felt embarrassed for him.

2 not having any moneyVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBfinancially

Embarrassed is used with these nouns:

laugh, silence

embarrassing

embarrassingadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, prove, soundbecome, getmake sthMy mother's presence made the situation even more embarrassing.find sb/sthI found the whole evening deeply embarrassing.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.acutely (esp. BrE), deeply, excruciatingly, highly, particularly, terribly, toe-curlingly (BrE)a deeply embarrassing momentincreasinglyalmosta little, slightly, etc.potentiallypoliticallyPREPOSITIONforIt was acutely embarrassing for us all.toThis latest incident could be embarrassing to the government.

Embarrassing is used with these nouns:

defeat, error, incident, memory, mistake, moment, muddle, position, question, revelation, silence, situation, snub, subject, U-turn

embarrassingly

embarrassinglyadv.

Embarrassingly is used with these adjectives:

bad

embarrassment

embarrassmentnoun

noun1 feeling of being embarrassed2 sb/sth that makes you embarrassed1 feeling of being embarrassedADJECTIVE | VERB + embarrassment | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEacute, considerable, greattotal, utterslightShe smiled to hide her slight embarrassment.furtherobviouspersonalpublicThe agreement was made in secret to avoid public embarrassment.VERB + embarrassmentfeelI felt some embarrassment as we shook hands.sufferHe suffered great personal embarrassment after failing the tests.cover, hidecauseriskPender decided to risk embarrassment and seek help.avoid, preventThe government wishes to avoid further embarrassment over the affair.blush with, flush with, squirm with (esp. BrE)I still squirm with embarrassment at the thought of it.die from, die of (figurative)I could have died of embarrassment when I saw her standing behind me.ease, relievesave sb, spare sbHelen changed the subject to save me the embarrassment of replying.PREPOSITIONin embarrassmentWe all watched in silent embarrassment as Mr Rogers started to cry.with embarrassment, without embarrassmentI could finally talk about my problem without embarrassment.embarrassment ather embarrassment at being found outembarrassment overthe government's embarrassment over the affairPHRASES(much) to sb's embarrassmentMuch to his embarrassment, Mike realized that a small crowd was watching him.feelings of embarrassmenta flush of embarrassmentA flush of embarrassment came to her cheeks.a source of embarrassment

2 sb/sth that makes you embarrassedADJECTIVE | VERB + embarrassment | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgreat, huge, major, serious, severe (esp. BrE)potentialfinancial, political, socialnationalThe president became a national embarrassment.VERB + embarrassmentbe, become, proveThe protests were becoming something of an embarrassment to the government.consider sb/sthPREPOSITIONembarrassment forThe episode was a huge embarrassment for all concerned.embarrassment toThe poor child was considered an embarrassment to his family.

embassy

embassynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + embassy | embassy + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEforeignAmerican, British, Chinese, etc.VERB + embassyclose, openThey broke off diplomatic relations and closed the embassies in each other's country.reopenattack, bomb, stormguardembassy + NOUNbuilding, compoundofficial, personnel, staffspokesman, spokeswomanbombingPREPOSITIONat a/the embassyShe works at the Malaysian embassy in Buenos Aires.in a/the embassya fire in the Spanish embassyoutside a/the embassya protest outside the American embassy

embedded

embeddedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecomeADVERBdeeply, firmlyculturallysocieties where tattooing is culturally embeddedPREPOSITIONin, withinThese ideas are deeply embedded in our culture.

Embedded is used with these nouns:

chip, journalist, link, reporter

embellish

embellishverb

Embellish is used with these nouns as the object:

embezzle

embezzleverb

Embezzle is used with these nouns as the object:

fund, money

embody

embodyverb

Embody is used with these nouns as the object:

attribute, essence, ideal, principle, spirit, tradition, value, virtue

embrace

embracenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + embrace | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEclose, strong, tight, warmthe comfort of her warm embracecomforting, gentle, loving, sweet, tenderpassionatefriendly, protectivelong, quickVERB + embracebe locked in, hold sb inThey were locked in a passionate embrace on the station platform.tightenHe closed his eyes and tightened his embrace.feelShe would give anything just to feel his warm embrace again.shareThe two friends shared one last embrace.acceptShe accepted his warm embrace.return (esp. AmE)He returned the embrace for a moment.escape, escape from, free yourself fromHe managed to free himself from her embrace.release sb fromHe released her from his embrace.PREPOSITIONin an embracetwo lovers in a tight embraceinto an embraceHe drew her into his embrace.

II. verb1 put your arms around sb2 accept sth1 put your arms around sbADVERBADVERBtightly, warmlyHe rose from his chair and embraced her warmly.gently, passionately

2 accept sthADVERBADVERBgenuinely, really, trulythe only party which fully embraces the concept of democracycompletely, fullywidely (esp. AmE)Soccer has become more widely embraced by Americans.eagerly, enthusiastically, happily, passionately, readily, warmly, wholeheartedly, with enthusiasmShe embraced the feminist cause with enthusiasm.increasinglyopenly, publicly

Embrace is used with these nouns as the object:

capitalism, cause, change, communism, concept, creed, culture, diversity, doctrine, future, heritage, idea, ideal, ideology, movement, philosophy, principle, reform, religion, revolution, role, technology, view, vision, whole

embroider

embroiderverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBbeautifully, delicately, exquisitely, finelyelaboratelyheavily, richlya robe of richly embroidered silkPREPOSITIONonShe embroidered flowers on the front of the dress.withShe embroidered the dress with flowers.

Embroider is used with these nouns as the object:

initial, story

embroidered

embroideredadj.

Embroidered is used with these nouns:

blouse, handkerchief, linen, robe, shawl, textile, vest, waistcoat

embroidery

embroiderynoun

Embroidery is used before these nouns:

needle, stitch, thread

embryo

embryonoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + embryo | embryo + VERB | embryo + NOUNADJECTIVEdevelopingfertilizedearlythe cells of an early embryofrog, human, etc.frozenfrozen embryos stored at a fertility clinicclonedVERB + embryocreate, produceThe couple has produced three embryos for implantation.implantTwo or three embryos are implanted into the woman's body.transferdonateclonethe current debate over cloning human embryosfreezedestroy, discard, killSome people believe that destroying an embryo is murder.embryo + VERBdevelopembryo + NOUNdevelopment, growthcellresearch

embryonic

embryonicadj.

Embryonic is used with these nouns:

emerald

emeraldnoun

Emerald is used before these nouns:

Emerge is used with these nouns as the subject:

emerge

emergeverb

verb1 come out2 become known3 start to exist1 come outADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBslowlysuddenlyeventually, finallyfullyThe plant has fully emerged from the soil.PREPOSITIONfromThe world is only slowly emerging from recession.intoThey suddenly emerged into brilliant sunshine.out ofthe musical forms that emerged out of the American black experiencePHRASESemerge fully formedHis enormous talent had emerged fully formed.

2 become knownADVERB | VERB + emerge | PREPOSITIONADVERBclearly, stronglyOne thing emerges very clearly from this study.graduallyquickly, soonThe answer to the problem quickly emerged.recentlylater, subsequentlyIt subsequently emerged that he had known about the deal all along.eventually, ultimatelyWhat eventually emerged from the election disaster was a realization that it was time for change.VERB + emergebegin to, start toProblems with this drug are now beginning to emerge.PREPOSITIONfromSeveral facts started to emerge from my investigation.

3 start to existADVERB | PHRASESADVERBrapidlyThe Pacific region has rapidly emerged as a leading force on the world stage.gradually, slowlynaturallyPHRASESnewly emerged, newly emergingnewly emerging areas of science

butterfly, consensus, detail, difference, evidence, explanation, finding, idea, inconsistency, leaf, message, news, party, pattern, phenomenon, picture, problem, regime, relationship, report, shape, shoot, story, sun, theme, thread, trend, truth, word

emergence

emergencenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + emergence | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgradualrapid, suddenrecentearly, lateVERB + emergencelead toConditions after the war led to the emergence of a new type of political party.herald, mark, signaltracesee, witnessThe last decade saw the emergence of a dynamic economy.encourage, facilitate, promoteThe annual competition has encouraged the emergence of several talented young musicians.preventPREPOSITIONemergence ashis emergence as the party's leaderemergence fromthe island's emergence from the sea

emergency

emergencynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + emergency | emergency + VERB | emergency + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdire, extreme, major, real, serious, trueDon't call me unless its a real emergency.life-threateningsudden, unexpected, unforeseencomplexinternational, national, statein times of national emergencyhealth, medical, surgicalIt's a disaster and a public-health emergency in the making.Make sure your policy covers you in case of medical emergency.familyHe missed the meeting because of a family emergency.militaryhumanitarianin-flight (esp. AmE)fire, snow (both AmE)VERB + emergencyhaveWhen a member of staff has a family emergency, a project can get delayed.cope with, deal with, handle, respond tofirefighters on call to respond to emergenciesdeclareThe assembly declared a national emergency.be, constituteComplete retention of urine constitutes a medical emergency.emergency + VERBarise, happen, occurCall this number if any unforeseen emergency should arise.emergency + NOUNsituationWould you know what to do in an emergency situation?action, measures, plan, procedures, responsepreparedness (esp. AmE)managementlaws, legislation, regulationspowersThe police have been given emergency powers to deal with the crisis.ruleThe government imposed emergency rule and suspended civil rights.meeting, session, summit, talksan emergency session of the United Nationscover (esp. BrE)The army provided emergency cover when the ambulance service went on strike.checklistservicesThe emergency services are struggling to cope with the number of call-outs.crew, official, personnel (esp. AmE), responders (AmE), workerAn emergency crew was called out.the New York police and fire and emergency respondersaid, assistance, funds, help, relief, supplyEmergency supplies of food have been flown to the area.fundleave (AmE)He got emergency leave when his Dad died.callThe ambulance crashed while answering an emergency call.backup (esp. AmE), rescueshutdownan emergency shutdown of the nuclear reactorcentre/center, department, room (esp. AmE), wardone of the busiest accident and emergency departments in Scotland (BrE)doctor (esp. BrE), physician (esp. AmE), vetadmission, caseEmergency admissions to the hospital are given top priority.care, medicine, operation, surgery, treatmentcontraceptionappendectomy, Caesarean, etc.kitrepairsexitlandingevacuationthe emergency evacuation of more than 300 passengersbrakeshelterbutton, equipment, vehiclelightsgeneratorPREPOSITIONfor emergencyShe told me to keep the money for emergencies.in an emergencyI need to know what to do in an emergency.PHRASESin case of emergency, in case of emergenciesThere's a fire blanket on the kitchen wall in case of emergencies.a state of emergencyThe president immediately declared a state of emergency.

emergency room

emergency roomnoun

Emergency room is used before these nouns:

admission, doctor, nurse, visit

emergency service

emergency servicenoun

Emergency service is used before these nouns:

personnel

emerging

emergingadj.

Emerging is used with these nouns:

artist, consensus, discipline, economy, field, market, nation, star, technology

emeritus/emerita

emeritus/emeritaadj.

Emeritus/emerita is used with these nouns:

professor

emery

emerynoun

Emery is used before these nouns:

board

emigration

emigrationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF EMIGRATION | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElarge-scale, mass… OF EMIGRATIONwaveHe called for a halt to the recent wave of emigration.PREPOSITIONemigration fromemigration from Europe to Americaemigration to

eminent

eminentadj.

Eminent is used with these nouns:

barrister, economist, historian, mathematician, philosopher, physician, physicist, professor, psychologist, scholar, scientist, surgeon, writer

eminently

eminentlyadv.

Eminently is used with these adjectives:

desirable, logical, practical, qualified, rational, readable, reasonable, respectable, satisfying, sensible, suitable, suited

emission

emissionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + emission | emission + VERB | emission + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEharmful, noxious, toxicgaseousautomobile (esp. AmE), exhaust, tailpipe (AmE), vehicleindustrialatmosphericgreenhouse gasthe Kyoto protocol on cutting greenhouse gas emissionsacid, carbon, carbon dioxide, lead, mercury, methane, sulphur/sulfur, etc.globalglobal emissions of carbon dioxideVERB + emissiongenerate, producecurb, cut, lower, minimize, reduceWe must take action to cut vehicle emissions.eliminatecontrol, limit, regulateoffsetNew power plants must offset emissions by funding climate-change projects.measure, monitoremission + VERBincreasedecrease, fallemission + NOUNlevels, ratesPREPOSITIONemissions frommeasures to reduce harmful emissions from traffic

emit Emmy

Emmynoun

Emmy is used before these nouns:

winner

emotion

emotionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF EMOTION | VERB + emotion | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeep, extreme, intense, overwhelming, powerful, profound, strong, violentgenuine, heartfelt, real, truecomplexconflicting, contradictory, mixed, tangledShe felt torn by conflicting emotions.strangedark, destructive, negative, violentWe teach people to handle negative emotions such as fear and anger.positiveinner, innermostbasic, primarypure, rawa moving performance full of raw emotionpainfulheightenedthe heightened emotions which resulted from the terrorist attackpent-up, suppressedYears of pent-up emotion came out as he sobbed.humanFear is a normal human emotion.… OF EMOTIONflicker, hint, traceThere wasn't a hint of emotion in his eyes.flood, rush, surge, waveShe felt a sudden rush of emotion at the thought of seeing him again.displayShe could not cope with such public displays of emotion.VERB + emotionexperience, feelthe emotions that we experience as childrenHe felt no emotion as she left.be choked with, be filled with, be overcome withHer voice was choked with emotion.be devoid of, be drained of, lackcommunicate, convey, display, express, showDrama can help children to express their emotions.The woman's face showed no emotion.captureThe film captures the real emotion of this terrible event.releaseReleasing these emotions is part of the healing process.channelshareBoys often find it difficult to share their emotions.betray, revealshake with, tremble withShe realized she was shaking all over with emotion.bottle up, conceal, hide, hold back, mask, repress, stifle, suppresscontrol, regulatecope with, deal with, fight, handle, manageconfrontVictims of crime are encouraged to confront their emotions.arouse, elicit, evoke, provoke, stir, stir up, triggeran incident that has aroused strong emotions locallybe charged with, be full ofa speech that was charged with emotionread, senseYou could read his emotions by looking into his eyes.PREPOSITIONwith emotion, without emotionShe spoke with deep emotion.PHRASESdepth of emotion, intensity of emotionThe movie has a surprising depth of emotion for a comedy.emotions run high (= people feel very angry, nervous, excited, etc.)Emotions are running high on the issue.a gamut of emotions, a range of emotionsHer performance in the play covered the whole gamut of emotions.

emotional

emotionaladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbe, feel, look, soundbecome, get, growHe got very emotional during the speech.make sbHaving all her friends around her made her very emotional.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.deeply, highly, intenselyoverlyPREPOSITIONaboutDon't be so emotional about everything!PHRASESin an emotional stateHe was in a very emotional state.

Emotional is used with these nouns:

abuse, adjustment, anguish, appeal, atmosphere, attachment, awareness, baggage, blackmail, bond, breakdown, burden, climate, climax, commitment, competence, complexity, conflict, connection, consequence, core, crutch, damage, demand, dependence, deprivation, depth, detachment, devastation, development, difficulty, dimension, disability, disorder, distance, distress, disturbance, drain, drive, energy, engagement, environment, exhaustion, experience, expression, farewell, fulfilment, harm, high, honesty, impact, injury, insecurity, instability, intelligence, intensity, intimacy, investment, involvement, isolation, journey, lift, make-up, manipulation, maturity, meeting, mess, moment, need, neglect, nourishment, nuance, outburst, outlet, overtone, pain, paralysis, plea, problem, pull, punch, reaction, release, repertoire, repression, resilience, response, restraint, return, reunion, satisfaction, scar, scene, security, shock, sincerity, speech, stability, stake, state, stimulus, strain, strength, stress, suffering, support, tear, tension, tie, toll, torment, trauma, tribute, turmoil, upheaval, upset, vulnerability, warmth, weight, well-being, wound, wreck

emotionally emotionless

emotionlessadj.

Emotionless is used with these nouns:

mask, voice

emotive

emotiveadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seembecomeADVERBhighly, powerfully, veryHe raised the highly emotive issue of bullfighting.

empathy

empathynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + empathy | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeep, greatgenuine, realhumanVERB + empathyfeel, havedemonstrate, express, showdeveloplackPREPOSITIONempathy betweenThe nurse should try to develop empathy between herself and the patient.empathy forI felt real empathy for my mother and what she had been through.empathy withShe had a deep empathy with animals.PHRASESa feeling of empathya lack of empathy

emperor

emperornoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + emperor | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEreigningfuturelateVERB + emperorbe, becomecrown sbCharlemagne was crowned Emperor on Christmas Day, 800 AD.PREPOSITIONunder an/the emperorIt was under the emperor Justinian that these advances were made.emperor ofthe emperor of JapanPHRASESthe reign of an emperorduring the reign of the last emperor

emphasis

emphasisnoun

noun1 special importance/attention2 stress on a word/phrase1 special importance/attentionADJECTIVE | VERB + emphasis | emphasis + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig (informal), considerable, great, heavy, hugeschools that put a heavy emphasis on sporting achievementstronglittleLittle emphasis was placed on educating people about the dangers.growing, increasingcontinuedrenewedcurrent, new, recentwith the new emphasis on individuality and creative expressiontraditionalmain, major, primaryWe discussed where the main emphasis should be placed.particular, special, specificExamine the events leading to the war, with particular emphasis on France's role in them.exclusiveequalBoth subjects should be given equal emphasis.added, extra, increasedexcessive, undueI believe the education system places undue emphasis on exam results.culturala cultural emphasis on educational achievementVERB + emphasisgive, lay, place, putThe company lays great emphasis on customer care.have, receiveEducation received special emphasis.change, shiftThe Democrats shifted the emphasis away from direct taxation.addemphasis + VERBmove, shiftIn recent years, the emphasis has moved away from punishing drug addicts towards/toward helping them.fall on sthPREPOSITIONemphasis on, emphasis uponThe emphasis is on keeping fit rather than developing lots of muscles.PHRASESa change of emphasis, a shift of emphasis

2 stress on a word/phraseADJECTIVE | VERB + emphasis | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgreat‘I’, he said with great emphasis, ‘was the one.’slightHis slight emphasis on the word ‘lady’ was definitely mocking.extraHe put extra emphasis on the word ‘never’.VERB + emphasisputPREPOSITIONwith emphasisShe repeated the question with emphasis.emphasis onPut the emphasis on the second syllable.

emphasize

emphasizeverb

(BrE also -ise) verbADVERB | VERB + emphasizeADVERBclearly, heavily, stronglyrightlyThe new law rightly emphasizes parental responsibility.consistently, continually, repeatedlyincreasinglyespecially, particularlyVERB + emphasizemust, shouldI must emphasize that this is only a summary,be important toIt is important to emphasize this point.seem to, serve to, tend toAll the arguments serve to emphasize the controversy surrounding this disease.fail tobe at pains to, be keen to (esp. BrE)I have been at pains to emphasize the positive aspects of discipline.

Emphasize is used with these nouns as the subject:

article, report, text, tradition

Emphasize is used with these nouns as the object:

aspect, belief, complexity, continuity, contrast, credentials, difference, extent, fact, gulf, importance, nature, necessity, need, point, relevance, role, teamwork, value, word

emphatic

emphaticadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.equallyPREPOSITIONaboutHe was most emphatic about me leaving.

Emphatic is used with these nouns:

victory, win

emphatically

emphaticallyadv.

Emphatically is used with these verbs:

agree, assert, deny, disagree, nod, reject, shake, state

empire

empirenoun

noun1 group of countries2 group of companies/organizations1 group of countriesADJECTIVE | VERB + empire | empire + VERB | empire + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, great, large, mighty, vastpowerfulfar-flungcolonial, overseasthe decline of the old colonial empiresworldancientOttoman, Roman, etc.VERB + empireestablish, founddestroy, dismantleThe Japanese empire was quickly dismantled.expand, extendruleloseBy now Britain had lost its empire.empire + VERBgrowcollapse, crumble, fall, fall apartThe mighty empire finally crumbled.empire + NOUNbuildingbuilderPHRASESthe break-up of an empire, the decline of an empire, the fall of an empirepart of an empirea country that is still part of the empire

2 group of companies/organizationsADJECTIVE | VERB + empire | empire + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, huge, large, vastlittle (figurative)All the bureaucrats jealously guarded their own little empires.business, commercial, financial, industrial, mediaglobalVERB + empirebuild, build up, createHe has built a huge business empire from humble beginnings.expandrunthe staff who help run his hotel empireempire + VERBcollapse, crumblePHRASESthe collapse of an empire

empirical

empiricaladj.

Empirical is used with these nouns:

data, enquiry, evaluation, evidence, finding, investigation, observation, proof, proposition, research, result, science, study, test, truth, verification, work

empirically

empiricallyadv.

Empirically is used with these verbs:

demonstrate, establish, evaluate, examine, investigate, measure, test

emplacement

emplacementnoun

Emplacement is used after these nouns:

Employ is used with these nouns as the subject:

employ

employverb

verb1 pay sb to work2 use3 be employed be busy doing sth1 pay sb to workADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBactively, directlyBy 1960 the arms industry directly employed 3.5 million people.indirectlycurrentlyMark is currently employed as a Professor of Linguistics.PREPOSITIONinA large part of the workforce is employed in agriculture.PHRASESbe fully employedbe gainfully employedThose not gainfully employed are dependent on their savings.be permanently employed, be temporarily employedbe irregularly employed, be regularly employed

2 useADVERBADVERBcommonly, extensively, frequently, often, regularly, widelyThe safety net is an image commonly employed in everyday life.generally, primarily, routinely, typically, usuallyincreasinglySelf-checkout terminals are increasingly employed by retailers.effectively, successfully, usefullyproperlyWhen properly employed, non-lethal weapons will save lives.

3 be employed be busy doing sthADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBbetterYour time would be better employed doing something else.busily, usefullyPREPOSITIONinWill and Joe were busily employed in clearing out all the furniture.

college, firm, method, workshop

Employ is used with these nouns as the object:

agent, approach, architect, army, assistant, consultant, contractor, crew, design, employee, firm, force, imagery, immigrant, labourer, measure, mercenary, metaphor, method, phrase, practice, procedure, reasoning, rhetoric, servant, staff, strategy, tactic, tank, technique, technology, trainee, trick, tutor, violence, worker, workforce

employee

employeenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + employee | employee + VERB | employee + NOUNADJECTIVEpaid, salariedfull-time, part-timeWe have around 100 full-time employees.hourly (= paid per hour of work) (AmE)permanentseasonal (AmE), temporaryretiredentry-level (AmE), junior, low-level (esp. AmE)seniorgraduatekeyfront-line (esp. AmE)rank-and-file (AmE)long-serving (BrE), long-time (AmE), loyaldedicated, hard-workingpotential, prospectivenewformerfellowfemale, malemanualskilled, unskilledblue-collar, white-collarnon-union, union, unionized (all esp. AmE)at-will (= a worker who does not have a lot of legal rights) (AmE)civiliana civilian employee of the Armycity (esp. AmE), council (BrE), federal, government, municipal (esp. AmE), public, public-sector, stateairline (esp. AmE), bank, factory, hotel, postal (esp. AmE), store (esp. AmE), etc.disgruntleda disgruntled employee seeking revengevaluableVERB + employeeemploy, haveThe company has only 60 employees.hire (esp. AmE), recruitthe company's battle to recruit and retain employeesdismiss, fire, lay off, make redundant (BrE), sack (esp. BrE), terminate (esp. AmE)a fair reason for dismissing an employeeThe company made hundreds of employees redundant.evaluate, screenattractThe company has worked to attract older employees.retainmanagemotivateeducate, traincompensate (esp. AmE), rewardpayemployee + VERBjoin sth, participate in sthworkemployees who work more than 20 hours per weekperform (sth)employees who can perform comfortably in a highly diverse work environmentleave, quit (esp. AmE)Why do my employees keep quitting?retireearn sth, get sth, receive sthcomplain (about sth)sue (sb)an employee who sued for unpaid overtimeemployee + NOUNbenefitsIn addition to a competitive salary, the company offers attractive employee benefits.status (esp. BrE)Freelance workers do not enjoy the benefits of employee status.relationsretention, turnover (both esp. AmE)morale, satisfaction (both esp. AmE)performance, productivity (both esp. AmE)development, trainingincentive (esp. AmE)handbook (esp. AmE)base (esp. AmE)Maintaining a diverse employee base requires ongoing commitment.salariespension (esp. AmE)The value of state employee pension plans has plunged over the past three years.discount (esp. AmE)theft (AmE)The retail industry loses $13 billion annually to employee theft.involvement, participation

employer

employernoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + employer | employer + NOUNADJECTIVEbig, large, major, topone of the region's major employerssmalllocalcorporate, privategovernment, publicciviliangoodThe hotel prides itself on being a good employer that treats its staff well.unscrupulous (esp. BrE)the use of illegal workers by unscrupulous employersequal-opportunities (BrE), equal-opportunity (AmE)future, potential, prospectivecurrentformer, previousVERB + employerhave, work forsueHe sued his employer for personal injuries.force, requireThe action forced the employers to improve their pay offer.employer + NOUNsanctions (AmE)employer sanctions that penalize employers who hired unauthorized workerscontributionsemployer contributions to pension plans

employer-provided

employer-providedadj.

Employer-provided is used with these nouns:

Empty is used with these nouns as the object:

employment

employmentnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF EMPLOYMENT | VERB + employment | employment + VERB | employment + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEpaid, salariedfull-time, part-timelifelong, lifetime, long-term, permanent, stable, steadycontinuedshort-term, temporaryregularcasualformalseasonalgainful, meaningfulThe company was one of the first to offer meaningful employment to the blind.full, totalThe government aims to achieve full employment within three years.high, lowan area of very low employmentskilled, unskilledblue-collar, white-collarfactory, officefederal, publicfemale, maleyouth… OF EMPLOYMENTlevelpolicies aimed at maintaining a high level of employmentVERB + employmentlook for, seekrecent graduates seeking employmentfind, gain, get, obtain, secureHe finally secured employment in a local factory.accept, take up (formal)He took up employment with the company in May 2002.give up, leave, loseShe lost her employment when the company closed.terminateOne company terminated his employment after 30 days.give sb, offer sbcreate, generate, provideThis investment will certainly create employment in the area.The steelworks provided employment for thousands of people.ensure, guaranteeboost, increase, raise, stimulatepolicies designed to stimulate employmentemployment + VERBgrow, increase, risedecline, fallemployment + NOUNopportunities, options, possibilities, prospectsThere are few employment prospects in the town for unqualified young people.rightsdiscrimination (esp. AmE)laws prohibiting employment discriminationtrainingprogramme/program (esp. AmE)a state-subsidized employment programme/programagency, servicestatusThe survey studied the employment status of people within the community.historyInterviewers will look carefully at a candidate's employment history.agreement, contractconditions, termsdata, figures, records, statisticslevels, ratepicture, situationThe employment picture is not good.patterns, trendsgrowthmarketgraduates entering the employment marketpolicythe government's full-employment policylaw, legislationlawyertax (AmE)practicesThe company's employment practices have been widely criticized.PREPOSITIONin employmentMost of last year's graduates are now in employment.out of employmentShe had been out of employment for three years.PHRASESconditions of employment, terms of employmentUnion negotiate conditions of employment.a contract of employmentpatterns of employment, trends of employmentsignificant changes in patterns of employment

empty

emptyverbadj.

I. verb1 make sth empty2 become empty1 make sth emptyADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBcompletelyThe cupboards had all been completely emptied.outWe emptied out the tank.PREPOSITIONofHe emptied the bottle of its contents.

2 become emptyADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBcompletelyquickly, rapidlyslowlydirectlyWater from the underground pipes empties directly into nearby streams.outThe room gradually emptied out.PREPOSITIONintoThe castle had a deep moat which emptied into the lake.ofThe streets soon emptied of shoppers.

account, bag, beaker, bladder, bottle, bowel, bowl, box, bucket, can, clip, content, cup, dishwasher, drawer, dustbin, glass, jug, larder, liquid, lung, mind, plate, pocket, pond, sack, tank, trash, tub, wallet, washing machine

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, feel, lie, look, seemThe box lay empty on the bed.becomeremain, stand, stayThe city is letting useful housing stand empty.leave sthThe house had been left empty for several weeks.ADVERBcompletely, entirely, quite, totally, utterlyThere was a vast expanse of totally empty sky to look at.almost, nearly, practically, virtuallylargely, mostlyhalfa half-empty box of chocolatesfairly, quite, rather, relativelySome parts of the city are desperately overcrowded while others are relatively empty.veryWe all feel very empty now she's gone.apparently, seeminglyeerily, strangely, surprisinglyThe house felt strangely empty without the children.otherwiseThere were a few chairs, but the room was otherwise empty.PREPOSITIONofThe streets were empty of people.

Empty is used with these nouns:

alley, apartment, auditorium, bag, beach, bed, belly, bench, berth, boast, bottle, bowl, box, bucket, building, calorie, can, carriage, chair, clip, container, corner, corridor, cubicle, cup, cupboard, desert, desk, dish, exercise, existence, expanse, feeling, flat, fridge, gesture, glass, hall, hallway, highway, house, land, larder, lot, mug, packet, page, pail, pavement, phrase, plate, pool, promise, refrigerator, rhetoric, ritual, road, room, seat, shelf, shell, shop, sidewalk, sky, slogan, socket, space, stage, stall, stomach, street, stretch, suitcase, table, talk, tank, threat, throne, train, tummy, vessel, void, wallet, word, wrapper

emulate

emulateverb

Emulate is used with these nouns as the object:

feat, hero, idol, style

emulsion

emulsionnoun

Emulsion is used before these nouns:

enable

enableverb

Enable is used with these nouns as the subject:

approach, design, feature, loophole, scheme, system, technique, technology

Enable is used with these nouns as the object:

comparison, creation, establishment, identification, recovery, use

enact

enactverb

Enact is used with these nouns as the subject:

congress, legislature, parliament

Enact is used with these nouns as the object:

ban, constitution, law, legislation, measure, policy, reform, regulation, ritual, scenario, statute

enamel

enamelnoun

Enamel is used before these nouns:

bowl, paint

Enamel is used after these nouns:

encapsulate

encapsulateverb

Encapsulate is used with these nouns as the object:

essence

encircle

encircleverb

Encircle is used with these nouns as the object:

waist, wrist

enclose

encloseverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBcompletely, fully, totallyThe non-smoking section was completely enclosed in glass.partiallyPREPOSITIONin, withinThe ring is enclosed in a plastic case.

Enclose is used with these nouns as the subject:

envelope, letter, wall

Enclose is used with these nouns as the object:

copy, courtyard, document, wrist, yard

enclosed

enclosedadj.

Enclosed is used with these nouns:

area, courtyard, document, field, space

encode

encodeverb

Encode is used with these nouns as the object:

encompass

encompassverb

Encompass is used with these nouns as the subject:

category, definition

Encompass is used with these nouns as the object:

range, whole

encore

encorenoun

nounVERB + encore | PHRASESVERB + encoredo, give, playThe singer gave four encores.getYou'll never get an encore if you perform like that!call for, demandThe audience called for an encore.PHRASESas an encore, for an encoreFor an encore he sang an unaccompanied folk song.

encounter

encounternounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + encounter | encounter + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbriefI did not see him again, except for a brief encounter on a train.first, initiallast, previousearlyher early encounters with contemporary artrecentfinalcasual, chance, random, unexpectedIt was a chance encounter that led to the setting up of the new political party.close, intimateI decided not to risk a second close encounter with the snakes.face-to-face, personaldirectThe press conference was her first direct encounter with the media.fateful, strangeaggressive, armed, dangerous, unpleasant, violentcultural, socialthe language we use in everyday social encounterscolonialthe colonial encounter of indigenous craftsmen with Europeanserotic, sexualromantichomosexualalienexamination of UFO sightings and alien encountersVERB + encounterhaveI had my first encounter with him two years ago.surviveFew men survive an encounter with her!winavoidrecall, rememberdescribeencounter + VERBoccur, take placeresult in sthPREPOSITIONencounter betweenviolent encounters between police and protestersencounter withmy first encounter with my new boss

II. verbADVERB | VERB + encounterADVERBcommonly, frequently, often, regularlyWalruses were commonly encountered in the Shetland Islands until recently.normallyoccasionallyrarelyneverfirstan idea I first encountered when I was in the armypreviouslyVERB + encounterbe likely toWhat are the difficulties you are most likely to encounter?

Encounter is used with these nouns as the object:

barrier, delay, difficulty, discrimination, hazard, hostility, interference, obstacle, opposition, prejudice, problem, resistance, roadblock, situation

encourage

encourageverb

verbADVERB | VERB + encourage | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBgreatly, highly (AmE), stronglyWe were greatly encouraged by the support we received.Speaking your mind is highly encouraged at these sessions.especially, particularlyShe especially encouraged young scientists.actively, positivelyThe government must actively encourage investment in these areas.deliberately, explicitly, openlyinadvertently, unwittinglyVERB + encourageaim to, try to, want tobe designed toThese questions are designed to encourage debate.be likely toNewspapers should not publish material that is likely to encourage discrimination.PREPOSITIONinHer head of department encouraged her in her research work.PHRASESan attempt to encourage sth, an effort to encourage sth

Encourage is used with these nouns as the object:

aggression, awareness, belief, bloom, competition, confidence, consumption, conversation, cooperation, creation, creativity, debate, development, dialogue, discussion, diversity, emergence, engagement, enquiry, enterprise, establishment, expansion, export, flexibility, flow, growth, idea, immigrant, immigration, improvement, independence, industry, initiative, innovation, integration, investment, investor, move, participation, partnership, practice, production, reflection, reform, reliance, research, shopper, speculation, spread, student, submission, teamwork, thinking, tourism, use, value, violence, wildlife

encouragement

encouragementnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + encouragement | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsiderable, great, stronga little, gentlethe slightestGiven the slightest encouragement, he'd leave his job.extra, furtherWe needed no further encouragement to stop work.constantactive, positivetacitverbalVERB + encouragementgive sb, offer (sb), provide (sb with)Mick was always ready to offer advice and encouragement.shout, yelluseInstead of criticism, use encouragement.needdraw, find, get, have, receive, takeI draw great encouragement from the fact that the library is always full.PREPOSITIONwith encouragementWith a little encouragement, she could do really well.encouragement by, encouragement fromYou need encouragement from people who understand what you are trying to do.encouragement toGetting the boss's support was a great encouragement to those involved.PHRASESsupport and encouragementWe are grateful to all our friends for their support and encouragement.words of encouragementPerhaps I can offer a few words of encouragement to those who did not win any prizes this time.

encouraging

encouragingadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, look, seem, soundremainADVERBextremely, highly, immensely, most (esp. BrE), really, tremendously, veryThis news is most encouraging.mildly, quite, reasonablyhardly

Encouraging is used with these nouns:

aspect, news, remark, report, response, result, sign, smile, start, word

encouragingly

encouraginglyadv.

Encouragingly is used with these verbs:

nod, smile

encrypt

encryptverb

Encrypt is used with these nouns as the object:

file, message, traffic

encrypted

encryptedadj.

Encrypted is used with these nouns:

encyclopedia

encyclopedianoun

(BrE also -paedia) nounADJECTIVE | VERB + encyclopedia | encyclopedia + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEonlineillustratedmedicalbaseball, football, etc. (esp. AmE)VERB + encyclopediaconsult, find sth in, look sth up in, usecompile, writeeditpublishencyclopedia + NOUNarticle, entryPREPOSITIONin an/the encyclopediaI looked the Civil War up in my encyclopedia.PHRASESan entry in an encyclopediaThere are over 20 000 entries in the encyclopedia.

encyclopedic

encyclopedicadj.

Encyclopedic is used with these nouns:

dictionary, knowledge

end

endnounverb

I. noun1 furthest part of sth2 last part of sth3 aim/purpose4 death1 furthest part of sthADJECTIVE | VERB + end | end + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbottom, lowertop, upperback, hind (esp. AmE), rear, tail (figurative)I just caught the tail end of the movie.frontextreme, far, veryThat's his wife sitting at the far end of the table.opposite, otherround, squarepointed, sharpcheap, lowhousebuyers at the cheap end of the marketexpensive, highdeep, shallow (of a swimming pool)The company believes in throwing new employees in at the deep end with no training. (figurative)free, looseTake the free end of the rope and pass it through the hole.The author tied up all the loose ends of the story in the final chapter. (figurative)west, western, etc.the southern end of the lakeVERB + endcome to, get to, reachContinue until you reach the end of the street.blockgrab, grasp, take hold ofjoin, tieTie both ends of the string together.attach, connectcut, trimend + NOUNpart, piece, portion, sectiontablepanel, wallzone (in American football)PREPOSITIONat the endTurn into Hope Street and our house is right at the end.on endStand it on end (= upright).PHRASESat one endThe rope was unfastened at one end.change endsThe teams changed ends at half time.close to the end, near the endend over end (AmE)The car was lifted up by the winds and tumbled end over end along the ground.end of the spectrumThe two parties represent opposite ends of the political spectrum.end to endThey arranged the tables end to end.from end to endThe beach was filled from end to end with tanned bodies.The famous Las Vegas Strip is about three miles from end to end.right at the endThe bank is right at the end of the street.split endsYou should have your hair trimmed every few weeks to get rid of split ends.

2 last part of sthADJECTIVE | VERB + end | end + VERB | end + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEabrupt, suddenearly, premature, untimelyThe injury brought her career to an early end.dramatic, tragicinevitablefittingThe award was a fitting end to a distinguished career.VERB + endcome to, get to, reachThe meeting finally came to an end at six.I'll never get to the end of this book!approach, draw to, nearAs the evening was drawing to an end, the firework display took place.bring (sth to), putTalks were in progress to bring an end to the fighting.call for, demandcall for an end to the violenceannounce, declarecelebratemark, mean, signal, signify, spellcatch, see, watchI only caught the end of the game.end + VERBbe in sightThere's no end in sight to the present crisis.end + NOUNuserpointproduct, resultThe movie's backers were delighted with the end product.credits (= of a film/movie, etc.)PREPOSITIONat an endThe proceedings are expected to be at an end by 6 p.m.at the endThey get married at the end of the movie.by the endHe wants the reports by the end of the month.in the endIn the end, they decided to spend Christmas at home.to the endHe won't win, but he'll keep fighting to the end.towards/toward the endI was getting bored towards/toward the end of the talk.till the end, until the endI'm staying until the end of this week.up to the endIt stayed hot right up to the end of September.end toWhat the business community wants is an end to the recession.PHRASESat the very end, right at the endYou don't know who the murderer is until right at the end of the book.from beginning to endHis story was one big lie from beginning to end.the beginning of the endIt wasn't the end of their marriage, but it was the beginning of the end.the end of an eraHer death marks the end of an era.the end of the line, the end of the road (both figurative)The loss of this contract could signal the end of the line for the shipyard.to the bitter end, until the bitter endWe will fight this case to the bitter end.

3 aim/purposeADJECTIVE | VERB + end | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEnoble, worthwhile, worthydesirable, desiredultimatedestructivepractical, pragmaticcommonDespite our differences, we were working to a common end.selfishcommercial, economic, ideological, political, social, utilitarianVERB + endaccomplish, achieve, attainShe was prepared to lie in order to achieve her ends.further, pursue, work toservebecomePREPOSITIONto … endsThe money might have been used to more worthy ends.to this endShe wished to have a house built, and to this end she hired a local architect.PHRASESan end in itselfFor her, shopping had become an end in itself.a means to an endI don't enjoy studying computing—it's just a means to an end.the end justifies the meansHe defended a morality in which the end justifies the means.for your own ends, to your own endsShe is exploiting the current situation for her own ends.with this end in view (= in order to achieve this)

4 deathADJECTIVE | VERB + end | end + VERBADJECTIVEsad, tragicbad, horrible, sticky (informal, esp. BrE), violentto come to a sticky (= unpleasant, but deserved) endHe was bound to meet a violent end one day.untimelyVERB + endcome to, meet (literary)He met his end at the Battle of Little Big Horn.end + VERBcomeThe end came when he collapsed after playing golf.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBabruptly, suddenlyThe meeting ended abruptly when the chairman was called away.prematurelyat last, eventually, finallyAt last the war ended.all but, effectively, virtuallyA back injury effectively ended her career.inconclusivelyThe peace talks have ended inconclusively.neverWe thought they'd never end.happily, peacefully, wellbadly, disappointingly, unhappilydisastrously, tragicallyquicklyPREPOSITIONinThe attempt finally ended in failure.withThe show ended with a song.PHRASESend in disasterThe military action could end in disaster.end in tears (figurative)After all that excitement the day was bound to end in tears (= unhappily).end on a … noteHis speech ended on a positive note.

End is used with these nouns as the subject:

battle, bombardment, career, century, conference, conflict, conversation, decade, dynasty, era, exam, exhibition, fighting, film, friendship, hostility, index, injury, journey, letter, marriage, meeting, movie, occupation, period, rally, recession, relationship, resemblance, romance, run, sale, season, semester, session, shift, siege, similarity, story, strike, talk, tenancy, treaty, war, world, year

End is used with these nouns as the object:

battle, blockade, bloodshed, boycott, call, career, chance, charade, conflict, conscription, contract, controversy, conversation, corruption, crisis, cycle, deadlock, discrimination, discussion, dispute, drought, embargo, engagement, evening, existence, feud, fighting, friendship, hope, hostility, hunger, impasse, isolation, life, litigation, meeting, misery, monopoly, occupation, partnership, period, persecution, poverty, practice, pregnancy, proceedings, racism, rationing, recession, relationship, run, sanction, season, segregation, sentence, session, siege, slaughter, slavery, speculation, stalemate, stoppage, streak, strife, strike, struggle, subsidy, suffering, talk, tenure, tyranny, uncertainty, violence, war

endanger

endangerverb

verbADVERB | VERB + endanger | PHRASESADVERBgreatly, seriouslyTaking these drugs could seriously endanger your health.recklesslyVERB + endangerbe likely toThey are accused of causing an explosion likely to endanger life.PHRASEScritically endangered, highly endangered14% of primate species are highly endangered.

Endanger is used with these nouns as the object:

existence, health, life, safety, security, wildlife

endangered

endangeredadj.

Endangered is used with these nouns:

animal, bird, habitat, mammal, species, wildlife

endear

endearverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBhardly, not exactlyPREPOSITIONtoShe had an unfriendly manner which did not exactly endear her to her colleagues.

endearing

endearingadj.

Endearing is used with these nouns:

feature, habit, quality

endearingly

endearinglyadv.

Endearingly is used with these adjectives:

eccentric

endeavour

endeavournoun

(BrE) (AmE endeavor) nounADJECTIVE | VERB + endeavour/endeavor | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcollaborative, collective, cooperative, jointbrave, heroichonestthe government's honest endeavours to improve the lives of the poornoble, worthwhile, worthylifelongLearning a foreign language well can be a lifelong endeavour.futurefruitless, futile, unsuccessfulsuccessfulhumanEnthusiasm is a vital ingredient in all human endeavour.artistic, creativeShe always encourages her children in their artistic endeavours.commercial, educational, entrepreneurial (esp. AmE), intellectual, political, scientificVERB + endeavour/endeavormake, pursue, undertakeYou must make an endeavour to work harder.PREPOSITIONin an endeavourWe wish her every success in this endeavour.In an endeavour to improve the service, they introduced free parking.PHRASESyour best endeavours (BrE)Despite her best endeavours, she couldn't persuade anyone to volunteer.a field of endeavourHe has the ability to achieve success in whatever field of endeavour he should choose.make every endeavourWe will make every endeavour to obtain sufficient supplies.

endemic

endemicadj.

Endemic is used with these nouns:

corruption, violence

end in ending

endingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + ending | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhappysad, tragic, unhappybad, gooddramaticfairy-taleThe crowd cheered on the unknown Tunisian, hoping for a fairy-tale ending to the race.perfectThe meal was the perfect ending to a great weekend.abruptI was surprised by the abrupt ending to the conversation.originalalternate (AmE), alternative, differentVERB + endinghaveThe book has a sad ending.ruin, spoilI don't want to ruin the ending for you.writechange, rewritePREPOSITIONending toThis is a happy ending to a rather sad story.

endless

endlessadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemThe long walk back seemed endless.ADVERBalmost, nearly (esp. AmE)practically, virtuallyapparently, seeminglya seemingly endless list of repairs to be carried outpotentiallya potentially endless sequence of repeated shapes

Endless is used with these nouns:

array, barrage, chatter, conversation, corridor, cycle, debate, energy, expanse, fascination, flow, list, litigation, loop, meeting, ocean, patience, pleasure, possibility, procession, pursuit, quest, queue, repetition, replay, round, row, sea, series, speculation, stream, struggle, succession, suffering, supply, toil, trouble, variation, variety, void, wait, whirl

endlessly end-of-semester

end-of-semesteradj.

End-of-semester is used with these nouns:

end-of-term

end-of-termadj.

End-of-term is used with these nouns:

end-of-year

end-of-yearadj.

End-of-year is used with these nouns:

Endorse is used with these nouns as the subject:

endorse

endorseverb

verbADVERB | VERB + endorseADVERBenthusiastically, heartily, strongly, warmly, wholeheartedlyentirely, fullyoverwhelmingly, unanimouslybroadlyThe government has broadly endorsed the research paper.explicitly, openlyThe plan does not explicitly endorse the private ownership of land.implicitly, tacitly (esp. AmE)formally, officiallyThe newspaper has formally endorsed the Democratic candidate.publiclyeffectivelyVERB + endorsefail to, refuse to

minister, resolution

Endorse is used with these nouns as the object:

amendment, bill, candidate, cheque, initiative, policy, practice, product, proposal, recommendation, religion, report, sentiment, use, view

endorsement

endorsementnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + endorsement | endorsement + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEenthusiastic, full, overwhelming, ringing, strong, unanimouslukewarmThe new design only received a lukewarm endorsement from head office.officialimplicit, tacitcelebrity, government (esp. AmE)productVERB + endorsementbe, constituteimplygive sth, make (AmE), offer sthWe are happy to give the product our full endorsement.withdraw, withholdrequireseekThey are now seeking endorsement for their ideas.get, receive, winhaveThese measures have the strong endorsement of the party.endorsement + NOUNcontract, deal (both esp. AmE)He signed a four-year endorsement deal.PREPOSITIONendorsement asher endorsement as leader of the delegationendorsement byendorsement of the product by the appropriate bodyendorsement forendorsement for the planendorsement fromHis presidential campaign won endorsement from several celebrities.

endow

endowverb

Endow is used with these nouns as the subject:

nature

Endow is used with these nouns as the object:

endowment

endowmentnoun

Endowment is used before these nouns:

mortgage, policy

endurance

endurancenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + endurance | endurance + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreat, long (esp. AmE), remarkablesheermental, physicalhumanVERB + endurancehave, showShe showed great endurance in the face of pain.testThe astronauts will undergo a series of trials to test their physical and mental endurance in space.build, build up, enhance, improve, increaseSwimming a little farther each session will build endurance.endurance + NOUNtestexercise, trainingathlete, runnerracePREPOSITIONbeyond enduranceHe felt he had been provoked beyond endurance.The shoes hurt her feet beyond endurance.PHRASESa feat of enduranceThey are capable of amazing feats of endurance.the limit of your endurance, the limits of your enduranceShe was almost at the limits of her endurance.powers of enduranceThe task was a test of their powers of endurance.strength and enduranceHeavy manual work calls for strength and endurance.a test of enduranceRunning a marathon is seen by many as the ultimate test of endurance.

endure enduring

enduringadj.

Enduring is used with these nouns:

appeal, attachment, fascination, image, influence, legacy, love, memory, mystery, myth, popularity, relationship, tradition

enduringly

enduringlyadv.

Enduringly is used with these adjectives:

popular

end with

end withphr verb

End with is used with these nouns as the subject:

End with is used with these nouns as the object:

finale, flourish, vowel

enemy

enemynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + enemy | enemy + VERB | enemy + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbitter, deadly, great, implacable, mortal, swornbiggest, worstdangerous, formidable, powerfulchief, main, principalThe lion is the zebra's chief enemy.ancient, old, traditionalIn today's game England play their old enemy, Scotland.Iraq's traditional enemy, Iranreal, truecommonThey united in the face of a common enemy.naturalThe Church and the Communist Party were natural enemies.perceivedinvisible, unseenpotentialexternal, foreignpoliticalVERB + enemyhaveShe didn't have an enemy in the world.makeHe made many enemies during his brief reign.I didn't want to make an enemy of Mr Evans.attack, fight, fight againstHe was prepared to use any weapon to fight against his enemies.defeat, destroy, eliminate, killconfront, engage, face, meetHe turned to face his enemy.knowIt is important to know your enemy.defend sth against, protect sb/sth against, protect sb/sth fromThe cat uses its claws to protect itself against enemies.deterThe skunk releases a pungent smell to deter the enemy.enemy + VERBattack sb/sthenemy + NOUNarmy, forces, soldiers, troops, unitdefences, lines, positions, ranksThe spies managed to penetrate behind enemy lines.campaction, attack, bombing, firethe first casualty from enemy actionThe men came under enemy fire.activityIntelligence reported enemy activity just off the coast.country, territoryaircraft, fighter, plane, ship, tankmissile, weaponpropagandaprisonertargetPREPOSITIONagainst an/the enemyThey decided to use the weapon against the enemy.enemy ofan enemy of GodPHRASESyour own worst enemySome dancers become their own worst enemies, criticizing themselves for every imperfection.fall into enemy handsThe document must not at any price fall into enemy hands.in the face of the enemyHe was shot for desertion in the face of the enemy.an enemy of the StateThousands of perceived enemies of the State were imprisoned.public enemySince the scandal he has become public enemy number one (= very unpopular).

energetic

energeticadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, seemADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highly, remarkablyQuasars are the highly energetic cores of distant galaxies.She seems remarkably energetic for a woman her age.quiteI'm feeling quite energetic today.

Energetic is used with these nouns:

performance, pursuit

energetically

energeticallyadv.

Energetically is used with these verbs:

pursue

energize

energizeverb

Energize is used with these nouns as the object:

energy

energynoun

noun1 ability to be active/work hard2 source of power1 ability to be active/work hardADJECTIVE | … OF ENERGY | VERB + energy | energy + VERB | energy + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEboundless, endless, inexhaustible, limitless, unflagging, unlimitedI admire her boundless energy.pure, raw, sheerexcess, surplusnervous, restlessmanicyouthfulcreativeThere is a lack of creative energy in the industry.emotional, mental, physical, sexualpent-upnegative, positive… OF ENERGYamount, levelYou can judge how healthy you are by the amount of energy you have.great dealBringing up twins requires a great deal of energy.burstWith a sudden burst of energy, he ran to the top of the hill.VERB + energybe bursting with, be full of, haveThe children are always full of energy.I don't seem to have any energy these days.exude, radiatefeelYou could feel the energy coming back to you from the audience.lackHe never seems to lack energy.putShe put all her energy into her work.I will put all my energies into improving the situation. (esp. BrE)expend (formal), spend, usechannel, concentrate, devote, direct, focus, turnPrisoners are encouraged to channel their energy into exercise.add, bring, giveboostconserve, savework offThe kids were running around, working off their surplus energy.wasteWe don't want to waste our energy trying to persuade people who are just not interested.drain, sapThe hills sapped his energy and he got off his bike for frequent rests.muster, muster up, summon, summon upShe eventually summoned up the energy to cook dinner.investWe must invest our time and energy in the development of our craft.energy + VERBflagIt was late and my energy was beginning to flag.dissipate, drain awayenergy + NOUNlevel, reservesMy energy levels are still low.bar, drinkboostSugar provides an energy boost.PHRASESenergy and enthusiasmShe always works with energy and enthusiasm.an outlet for your energyFootball gives them an outlet for their energy.time or energyI don't have the time or energy to argue with you.a waste of energyIt's a waste of energy cutting this grass—nobody's going to see it.

2 source of powerADJECTIVE | … OF ENERGY | VERB + energy | energy + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEalternative, clean, green, renewablethe change from fossil fuels to renewable energyatomic, nuclear, solar, wave, windcheap… OF ENERGYamountThe new power station produces vast amounts of energy.VERB + energygenerate, produceharnessattempts to harness solar energyreleaseprovide, supplyconsume, usestoreNo battery could store enough energy to turn over a car's engine.conserve, savewasteneed, requireenergy + NOUNproductionconsumption, usedemand, needs, requirementstotal energy requirements for the coming yearsupplyThe nuclear plant provides a fifth of the nation's energy supplies.resources, sourcesreserves, storesconservationsavingsequipment that offers long-term energy savingsefficiencybill, costs, pricescrisis, problem, shortageThe country could face an energy crisis if demand continues to rise.company, industry, sectorstate control of the energy industriesmarketThe cost of solar power needs to fall before it makes an impact on the energy market.plan, policy, programme/program, project, strategya government-sponsored renewable energy projectmanagementindependence (esp. AmE)PHRASESa demand for energyThe demand for energy is expected to increase dramatically.a form of energya source of energy

energy-efficient

energy-efficientadj.

Energy-efficient is used with these nouns:

appliance, bulb

energy-saving

energy-savingadj.

Energy-saving is used with these nouns:

bulb, feature

enforce

enforceverb

verbADVERB | VERB + enforceADVERBfully, rigidly, rigorously, strictly, stringently, vigorouslyThe rules were strictly enforced.consistentlyselectivelyeffectively, properlylegallyVERB + enforcecanThe ban cannot be legally enforced.be difficult to, be hard to, be impossible tohelp (to)a system of local inspectors to help enforce presidential decreesseek to, take steps toThe government may take steps to enforce compliance with the new measures.decline to, refuse to

Enforce is used with these nouns as the object:

ban, blockade, ceasefire, code, conformity, contract, curfew, decree, discipline, embargo, guideline, law, limit, order, patent, penalty, policy, prohibition, quarantine, recommendation, regulation, requirement, resolution, restriction, right, rule, sanction, segregation, standard, treaty, zone

enforceable

enforceableadj.

Enforceable is used with these nouns:

contract

enforced

enforcedadj.

Enforced is used with these nouns:

exile, inactivity, isolation, retirement

enforcement

enforcementnoun

nounADJECTIVE | enforcement + NOUNADJECTIVElawpeacesoldiers involved in peace enforcement operations overseascivil rights (AmE), drug (esp. AmE)border, immigration (both AmE)effective, properrigorous, strict, stringent, strong, vigorousbetter, tighter, tougherNewspapers called for tougher enforcement of the existing laws on drugs.laxselective (esp. AmE)the selective enforcement of immigration lawsjudicial, legal, policeenforcement + NOUNagent, officer, officialpersonnelagency, authority, bodyfederal law enforcement agencieslaw enforcement bodiesmachinery, mechanism, systemThe court is ineffective because it lacks the necessary enforcement machinery.powersaction, efforts, measures, methods, operations, practices, procedures, proceedings

engage

engageverbPHRASAL VERB

verbADVERB | VERB + engage | PREPOSITIONADVERBactively, directlyOur contributors are actively engaging with tradition.fully, seriouslyconstructively, effectively, successfullycritically, emotionally, intellectually, politicallyThe party is attempting to engage young voters politically.VERB + engagefail to, refuse toPREPOSITIONwithWe acknowledge the need to engage directly with these problems.

PHRASAL VERBengage (sb) in sthADVERB | VERB + engage inADVERBactivelypeople who actively engage in shaping the world they live inconstructivelyThey constructively engage critics in debates.openlyregularly, routinely (esp. AmE)The army was regularly engaged in combat.VERB + engage inattempt to, seek to, try toHe tried to engage me in conversation.be eager to, be willing tobe reluctant to, be unwilling to

Engage is used with these nouns as the subject:

clutch

Engage is used with these nouns as the object:

audience, clutch, consultant, enemy, first, gear, imagination, mind, staff, student, sympathy, target, tutor, worker

engaged

engagedadj.

adj.1 doing sth2 having promised to marry sb1 doing sthVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeADVERBdeeply, heavilythose who are deeply engaged in party politicsfully, totallylargely, mainly, primarilyactively, directlyHe is actively engaged in strategic discussions.busilyconstantlycurrentlyintellectually, politically, sociallyotherwise (formal)I'm afraid Mr Wilson cannot see you now as he is otherwise engaged.PREPOSITIONinShe was engaged in conversation with a client.onHe is actively engaged on several projects.withWe need to become more engaged with our history as a nation.Mrs Scott is engaged with a customer at the moment. (BrE)

2 having promised to marry sbVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbebecome, getThe couple got engaged last month.ADVERBhappilynewly, recentlyPREPOSITIONtoShe's engaged to an actor.PHRASESengaged to be married

Engaged is used with these nouns:

couple, tone

engage in engagement

engagementnoun

noun1 appointment2 agreement to get married3 being involved1 appointmentADJECTIVE | VERB + engagement | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEprevious, priorMrs Meyer regrets that she is unable to attend owing to a previous engagement.importantbusiness, official, public, socialroyaldinner, lunchspeakingVERB + engagementhavekeepIt is important that I keep this engagement.carry out (formal, esp. BrE)The chairman will carry out no official public engagements during the month of August.cancelThe president was forced to cancel all public engagements.PREPOSITIONengagement withHe had an important engagement with his financial adviser.

2 agreement to get marriedADJECTIVE | VERB + engagement | engagement + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElongbrokenVERB + engagementannouncecelebratebreak (esp. AmE), break off, cancel, endengagement + NOUNringpartyPREPOSITIONengagement toHe announced his engagement to his long-time girlfriend.

3 being involvedADJECTIVE | VERB + engagement | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEconstructive, effectiveactiveintense, passionate, serioushis serious intellectual engagement with this issuecreative, emotional, imaginative, intellectualcivic (AmE), politicalHigher education can contribute to civic engagement.the decline in political engagementVERB + engagementencourage, promote (esp. AmE)Her church promoted civic engagement. (AmE)facilitate (esp. AmE)increasePREPOSITIONengagement inthe lack of engagement in politicsengagement withFeminist criticism is a starting point for a deeper engagement with the text.

engaging

engagingadj.

Engaging is used with these nouns:

personality, read, smile

engender

engenderverb

Engender is used with these nouns as the object:

backlash, confidence, controversy, enthusiasm, feeling, loyalty, trust

engine

enginenoun

noun1 part of a vehicle that produces power2 vehicle that pulls a train1 part of a vehicle that produces powerADJECTIVE | VERB + engine | engine + VERB | engine + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, powerfulsmalltwin enginesa large plane with twin engines2-litre/2-liter, 1200 cc, 20-valve, four-cylinder, two-stroke, etc.300-hp (esp. AmE), 200-bhp (= brake horsepower) (BrE), etc.a 580-horsepower enginediesel, gas (AmE), gasoline (AmE), petrol (BrE)internal-combustion, jet, outboard, piston, turbine, turbo, turbochargedaircraft, airplane (AmE), rocketcarVERB + enginecrank, crank up, fire, ignite, start, switch on, turn onThe rocket engine is ignited.cut (informal), kill (informal), shut down, shut off, switch off, turn offHe pulled up under some trees and cut the engine.gun (AmE), rev, rev up, runShe sat at the traffic lights revving the engine.powerIts engine is powered by both gasoline and electricity.repair, service, tunelubricatebuildfit (sth with), installThe new model is fitted with a more powerful engine.engine + VERBrunShe waited with the engine running while he bought a paper.The engine runs on diesel.idle, tick over (BrE)I kept the engine ticking over.catchI pressed the starter and the engine caught first time.fire, fire up, startThe engine's firing on all four cylinders now.shut down, shut off, stopbreak down, die, fail, quit (AmE), seize (AmE), seize up, stallmisfireoverheatcough, splutterThe engine coughed and died.roar, screamThe plane's engine roared as it prepared for take-off.hum, purrrace, rev, rev upHe heard a car engine racing behind him.engine + NOUNcapacity, power, speedcompartment, roomthe ship's engine roomcomponent, partoilfailure, problems, troubleIt looks as if we've got some engine trouble.builder, maker, manufacturerplantThe engine plant was the first one to be built.noisePREPOSITIONin an/the engineYou need more oil in the engine.PHRASESbe powered by a … engineThis model is powered by a diesel engine.the noise, roar, sound, etc. of the engine

2 vehicle that pulls a trainADJECTIVE | VERB + engine | engine + NOUNADJECTIVElarge, powerfuldiesel, electric, steamrailroad (AmE), railway (BrE)VERB + enginebuildengine + NOUNdriver (esp. BrE)shed (BrE)

engineer

engineernounverb

I. noun1 designs/builds engines, roads, etc.2 repairs machines/equipment1 designs/builds engines, roads, etc.ADJECTIVE | engineer + VERBADJECTIVEchiefchartered (BrE), qualified, skilled, trainedYou need the advice of a qualified engineer.consultant, consultingaeronautical, aerospace, aircraft, flightautomotive (esp. AmE)electrical, electronicscomputer, softwarerecording, soundmanufacturing (esp. AmE)civil, highway, mining, railway (BrE), structuralcitydesign, productionprojectagricultural, chemical, marine, mechanicalengineer + VERBbuild sth, design sth, develop sthengineers who designed and built advanced military aircraft

2 repairs machines/equipmentADJECTIVE | VERB + engineerADJECTIVEqualified, skilled, trainedmaintenance (esp. BrE), service, supportWe were on the phone with a technical support engineer.heating, lighting, telephone (all BrE)VERB + engineercall in, call out (both BrE)

II. verb1 manage to arrange sth2 design and build sth1 manage to arrange sthADVERB | VERB + engineerADVERBbrilliantly, carefully, deliberatelyShe carefully engineered a meeting with the chairman.VERB + engineerseek to, try to

2 design and build sthADVERBADVERBcarefully, finely, preciselysuperbly, wellThe car is superbly engineered and a pleasure to drive.specially, specifically (esp. AmE)This heavier-weight paper is specifically engineered for inkjet printing.sociallygeneticallygenetically engineered plants

Engineer is used with these nouns as the object:

coup

engineering

engineeringnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF ENGINEERING | engineering + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEheavy, lightprecisionadvancedaeronautical, aerospacecivil, structuralagricultural, industrialelectrical, electronicprocess, systemschemical, design, ecological, genetic, mechanical, software, etc.socialreverse… OF ENGINEERINGpieceThe bridge is a fine piece of engineering.engineering + NOUNcompany, firm, groupindustryprojectserviceswork, works (esp. BrE)Train services on Sunday will be restricted because of engineering works. (BrE)PHRASESa feat of engineeringThe building is a remarkable feat of engineering.

English

Englishnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEplainYou'd have no trouble understanding his point if he'd written the article in plain English!spoken, writtenconversationalThey taught conversational English to a group of Japanese students.accented (esp. AmE)He spoke in heavily accented English.American, British, Indian, etc.ChinaAfrican American Vernacular, BlackBBC, the Queen'sproperpidginEarly, Middle, Modern, Old

II. adj.

English is used with these nouns:

accent, breakfast, dialect, dictionary, expression, fare, mustard, origin, settler, spelling, subtitle, tradition, translation, usage

English-speaking

English-speakingadj.

English-speaking is used with these nouns:

country, world

engrave

engraveverb

Engrave is used with these nouns as the object:

inscription

engraved

engravedadj.

Engraved is used with these nouns:

decoration

engraving

engravingnoun

Engraving is used after these nouns:

wood

engrossed

engrossedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, look, seembecome, getADVERBdeeply, verycompletely, thoroughly, totallyapparentlyPREPOSITIONinHe seemed completely engrossed in his book.

engrossing

engrossingadj.

Engrossing is used with these nouns:

read

engulf

engulfverb

Engulf is used with these nouns as the subject:

fire, flame, scandal

enhance

enhanceverb

verbADVERB | VERB + enhance | PHRASESADVERBconsiderably, dramatically, greatly, much, significantly, substantiallyThe attractiveness of the book is much enhanced by Mark Stevens's drawings.directlyfurtherundoubtedlyVERB + enhancecan, could, may, mightthings that can significantly enhance the quality of your lifehelp (to), serve tobe designed to, seek toreforms designed to enhance market efficiencyPHRASESdigitally enhancedThe images have been digitally enhanced.surgically enhancedHas he had his nose surgically enhanced?

Enhance is used with these nouns as the object:

ability, accountability, appeal, appearance, appreciation, awareness, beauty, capacity, chance, clarity, communication, confidence, cooperation, creativity, credibility, delivery, development, diversity, effect, effectiveness, efficiency, endurance, enjoyment, experience, fitness, flavour, flow, health, image, impact, knowledge, likelihood, management, mobility, mood, motivation, offering, perception, performance, prestige, productivity, profitability, prospect, quality, recovery, reliability, reputation, return, safety, skill, stability, standing, stature, status, taste, understanding, utility, value, visibility, well-being

enhanced

enhancedadj.

Enhanced is used with these nouns:

capability, feature, productivity, version

enhancement

enhancementnoun

Enhancement is used after these nouns:

performance, productivity

enhancer

enhancernoun

Enhancer is used after these nouns:

flavour, performance

enigmatic

enigmaticadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSberemainADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highlyHis reply was highly enigmatic.a little, slightly, etc.equally

Enigmatic is used with these nouns:

character, expression, smile

enigmatically

enigmaticallyadv.

Enigmatically is used with these verbs:

Enjoy is used with these nouns as the object:

enjoy

enjoyverb

verbADVERB | VERB + enjoy | PHRASESADVERBenormously, greatly, hugely, immensely, really, thoroughly, tremendously, trulyShe greatly enjoys her work.We enjoyed the game immensely.especially, particularlyquite, rathersimplyI simply enjoy the feeling of power.clearly, obviouslyalwaysVERB + enjoybe able toseem toThe kids all seemed to enjoy themselves.begin toI was just beginning to enjoy it when the rain came down.PHRASESenjoy yourselfEveryone seemed to be enjoying themselves.just enjoy it/sthDon't feel guilty about it—just enjoy it!

antics, atmosphere, autonomy, banquet, banter, beauty, benefit, break, breather, challenge, chance, circulation, companionship, company, concert, confidence, cuisine, cup, currency, delight, discomfort, drink, entertainment, esteem, evening, exemption, existence, experience, fame, fantasy, favour, feast, feeling, festivities, film, flavour, flight, following, food, freedom, fruit, goodwill, health, hobby, hospitality, immunity, increase, independence, intimacy, joke, latitude, laugh, liberty, life, lifestyle, limelight, luxury, massage, moment, monopoly, music, outing, pastime, peace, pension, picnic, pleasure, popularity, prerogative, prestige, privilege, prosperity, rapport, read, reception, refreshment, relationship, reputation, respite, retirement, revival, reward, ride, right, run, scenery, sensation, sight, solitude, spectacle, spoils, standard, status, stay, stint, stroll, success, sunshine, superiority, support, supremacy, taste, thrill, time, trip, vacation, victory, view, vogue, warmth, wealth, weather, work

enjoyable

enjoyableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, look, soundbecomemake sthI always try to make my lessons enjoyable.find sthADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highly, hugely (esp. BrE), immensely, most, thoroughlyWe had a most enjoyable evening.especially, particularly

Enjoyable is used with these nouns:

evening, experience, hobby, holiday, pastime, read, stay, time

enjoyment

enjoymentnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + enjoyment | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreat, huge, realfull, maximumA large income is not necessary for the full enjoyment of life.pure, sheerFor sheer enjoyment, you can't beat this game.evident, obviousquiet, simpleVERB + enjoymentderive, find, get, have, takeThey found real enjoyment just in being together.bring (sb), give sb, provide (sb with)The show brought enjoyment to millions of viewers.add to, enhance, increaseFood is there to keep you healthy and enhance your enjoyment of life.spoilPREPOSITIONfor (sb's) enjoymentI play tennis purely for enjoyment.with enjoymentMackie was smiling with enjoyment.enjoyment inI still find enjoyment in the job.enjoyment ofYour enjoyment of the movie depends on being able to overlook the terrible acting.PHRASESa source of enjoymentHer little grandson has been a source of great enjoyment to her.for your own (personal) enjoymentI did this work for my own enjoyment, not for money.

enlarge

enlargeverb

verbADVERB | VERB + enlarge | PREPOSITIONADVERBconsiderably, dramatically, greatly, vastlyThe castle was enlarged considerably in the 15th century.slightlygraduallyVERB + enlargeseek toThe gallery is seeking to enlarge its holdings of Danish art.PREPOSITIONtoThe images were enlarged to the size of a wall of a room.

Enlarge is used with these nouns as the subject:

blood vessel, pupil

Enlarge is used with these nouns as the object:

blood vessel, image, penis, photograph, pupil, scope, vocabulary

enlarged

enlargedadj.

Enlarged is used with these nouns:

gland, liver, negative, photograph, version

enlargement

enlargementnoun

Enlargement is used after these nouns:

breast, penis

enlightened

enlightenedadj.

Enlightened is used with these nouns:

mind, ruler, self-interest

Enlightenment

Enlightenmentnoun

Enlightenment is used before these nouns:

philosopher, philosophy

enlist

enlistverb

Enlist is used with these nouns as the subject:

soldier

Enlist is used with these nouns as the object:

aid, cooperation, help, recruit, support

enlisted

enlistedadj.

Enlisted is used with these nouns:

personnel

enmity

enmitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + enmity | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbitterage-old, lasting, long-standing, old, traditional, undyingHe had earned their lasting enmity.personalVERB + enmityearn (sb), incurput asidePREPOSITIONenmity betweenthe fierce enmity between the two groupsenmity towards/towardhis enmity towards/toward the Church

enormity

enormitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + enormityADJECTIVEfull (esp. BrE), sheerIt took time for the full enormity of the attack to sink in.VERB + enormityappreciate, grasp, realize, recognize, understandIt's difficult to grasp the sheer enormity of the tragedy.bring homeHer words brought home the enormity of what was happening.

enormous

enormousadj.

Enormous is used with these nouns:

advance, advantage, amount, appetite, bang, benefit, boost, breast, burden, capacity, challenge, change, clout, complexity, confidence, contribution, cost, crowd, damage, danger, debt, deficit, delay, demand, difference, difficulty, dignity, disaster, disparity, distance, diversity, effort, ego, enthusiasm, expansion, expense, explosion, eye, faith, fireplace, foot, fortune, fun, gain, gamble, gap, growth, gulf, help, house, impact, implication, importance, improvement, increase, influence, investment, leap, leverage, loss, mouth, number, obstacle, overdraft, pile, pleasure, popularity, potential, power, pressure, prestige, privilege, problem, profit, promise, proportion, publicity, quantity, range, relief, resource, respect, responsibility, risk, room, sacrifice, scope, self-confidence, significance, size, statue, strain, strength, stress, stride, success, suffering, sum, talent, task, toll, tragedy, trouble, undertaking, upheaval, value, variation, variety, vitality, volume, waste, wave, wealth, weight, workload

enormously enough

enoughadj.adv.

I. adj.

Enough is used with these nouns:

flexibility, food, leverage, room, space

II. adv.

Enough is used with these adjectives:

amiable, bad, broad, challenging, comfortable, commonplace, convincing, decent, easy, effective, familiar, flexible, genuine, harmless, hot, impressed, innocuous, interested, interesting, large, light, long, nice, numerous, old, persuasive, pleasant, pleased, powerful, precise, profitable, quiet, rare, real, realistic, reasonable, relaxed, reliable, respectable, safe, satisfied, secure, senior, sensible, sensitive, shallow, sincere, skilled, smart, sober, solid, sophisticated, stable, strong, stupid, sweet, tough, unlucky, unusual, vague, varied, warm, willing, worthy, young

Enough is used with these verbs:

care, eat, recover

enquire

enquireverb

(also inquire esp. in AmE) verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBfurtherpleasantly, politelyAdam enquired politely whether they had enjoyed the show.anxiouslyeagerly, hopefullycuriouslycasually, innocentlyevenlygently, mildlyquietly, softlycoldly, coolly‘You wish to speak with me?’ he enquired coldly.sarcastically, sweetly (ironic)‘Do you mean blackmail?’ she enquired sweetly.PREPOSITIONaboutTo enquire about tickets, call the number below.after (esp. BrE)Rose was enquiring after you (= asking how you were).She enquired after my mother's health.as toHe didn't enquire as to my identity.into (esp. BrE)A commission has been set up to enquire into alleged malpractice.

enquiring

enquiringadj.

Enquiring is used with these nouns:

eyebrow, mind

enquiringly

enquiringlyadv.

Enquiringly is used with these verbs:

enquiry

enquirynoun

(also inquiry esp. in AmE) noun1 (esp. BrE) official investigation2 (esp. BrE) request for information3 asking questions/collecting information1 (esp. BrE) official investigationADJECTIVE | VERB + enquiry | enquiry + VERB | enquiry + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdetailed, thoroughfull, full-scale, majorinitial, preliminaryimmediateongoingopen, publicconfidentialinternalindependentjointa joint enquiry undertaken by the two departmentsformal, officialinformalcongressional, government, judicial, parliamentary (in the UK), policedisciplinary (BrE)criminalfatal-accident, fraud, murder, etc. (all BrE)VERB + enquirycarry out (esp. BrE), conduct, have, hold, undertakeannounceThe governor announced an enquiry into the events.begin, establish, initiate, launch, open, set up, startPolice have launched a murder enquiry.completeadjourn (BrE)reopencall for, demandNewspapers are calling for a full independent enquiry into the affair.orderThe government has ordered a public enquiry into the affair.be subjected to, faceYou may be subjected to a disciplinary enquiry.attend (BrE)be involved inchair, head, leadThe enquiry will be chaired by a judge.enquiry + VERBbe underway, take placeA major enquiry is underway after the death of a union official.The enquiry will take place behind closed doors.begin, commence, starthear sthThe enquiry heard this week that the crash was unavoidable.consider sth, examine sth, investigate sthreveal sthconclude sth, establish sth, find sthAn enquiry found that the vintage plane was in good working order.rule sth (BrE)The enquiry ruled that the cars should be fitted with bigger bumpers.blame sb/sthenquiry + NOUNreportteamprocessPREPOSITIONat an/the enquiryAt the enquiry they maintained that nothing illegal had been done.during an/the enquiry, in an/the enquiryarguments during the enquirypending an enquiryThe director has been suspended, pending an internal enquiry.enquiry bythe outcome of enquiries by the policeenquiry intoan enquiry into the environmental effects of the proposed new roadPHRASESa steward's enquiry (in horse racing)the outcome of an enquiry, the result of an enquirythe subject of an enquiryHe now finds himself the subject of an enquiry after reports of financial irregularities.

2 (esp. BrE) request for informationADJECTIVE | … OF ENQUIRIES | VERB + enquiry | enquiry + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEexhaustive, extensive, thoroughI've made exhaustive enquiries, but haven't been able to find what I want.detailedgeneral, specificOur office is open every day and can help you with all your general enquiries.discreetinformalroutineinitial, preliminarycustomer, mediadoor-to-door, house-to-house (both BrE)Police officers carried out house-to-house enquiries.email, phone, telephone, written… OF ENQUIRIESflood, streamAfter the disaster, the police had a flood of enquiries about missing relatives.VERB + enquirymake, pursueThe police are still pursuing their enquiries. (BrE)sendwelcomeThe faculty welcomes enquiries from prospective entrants.get, have, receiveWe've had many enquiries from concerned customers.be inundated withanswer, deal with, handle, respond toassist (sb) in/with, help (sb) in/withPolice believe he can help them with their enquiries into a robbery.enquiry + NOUNdesk, office (both BrE)service (BrE)formYou are requested to complete an enquiry form.PREPOSITIONpending enquiryShe has been released on bail pending further enquiries.enquiry about, enquiry as to, enquiry concerning, enquiry regarding, enquiry relating toenquiries as to the whereabouts of Eve Smithenquiry byenquiries by policeenquiry fromenquiries from the publicenquiry intoI'm making enquiries into the possibility of going by train.PHRASESdirect an enquiry to sbThe committee directed its enquiries to Mrs Taylor.

3 asking questions/collecting informationADJECTIVE | VERB + enquiry | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcareful, systematicfurtheracademic, intellectual, scholarlycritical, empirical, rational, seriousfree, openWe should proceed in a spirit of open enquiry.historical, philosophical, scientific, sociological, theologicalThe purpose is one of scientific enquiry.VERB + enquiryencourageThe subjects on the curriculum encourage intellectual enquiry.PREPOSITIONenquiry concerning, enquiry intoenquiry into the origins of the universePHRASESan area of enquiryThe purpose of the research is to open up this area of enquiry.a board of enquiry, a commission of enquiry, a committee of enquirya line of enquiryThe police have assured us that all possible lines of enquiry are being pursued.a method of enquiryMethods of enquiry vary from subject to subject.a spirit of enquiryChildren are born with a spirit of enquiry.

enrich

enrichverb

Enrich is used with these nouns as the object:

life, soil, stockholder, understanding, vocabulary

enriched

enrichedadj.

Enriched is used with these nouns:

uranium

enrichment

enrichmentnoun

Enrichment is used after these nouns:

uranium

enrol

enrolverb

Enrol/enroll is used with these nouns as the object:

student

enrol in

enrol inphr verb

Enrol/enroll in is used with these nouns as the object:

class, programme

enrolment

enrolmentnoun

(BrE) (AmE enrollment) nounADJECTIVE | VERB + enrolment/enrollment | enrolment/enrollment + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhigh, lowlarge (esp. AmE)totalTotal enrolment fell between 1991 and 1997.open (= not restricted)college, school, universityan explosion in public school enrollmentsstudentfreshman (AmE), graduate, undergraduateblack, hispanic, minority, etc.VERB + enrolment/enrollmentboost, increaseenrolment/enrollment + VERBbe up, go up, grow, increase, risebe down, decline, go down, fallPREPOSITIONon enrolmentThe full fee is payable on enrolment.enrolment forEnrolment for engineering courses is low this year.enrolment inenrolments in evening classesenrolment on (esp. BrE)enrolment on a computer course

Enrolment/enrollment is used after these nouns:

college, student, undergraduate

enrol on

enrol onphr verb

Enrol/enroll on is used with these nouns as the object:

ensemble

ensemblenoun

Ensemble is used before these nouns:

cast, drama

Ensemble is used after these nouns:

percussion

ensue

ensueverb

Ensue is used with these nouns as the subject:

argument, battle, chaos, complication, consequence, disaster, discussion, fight, fighting, panic, riot, scuffle, silence, struggle, wrangle

ensuing

ensuingadj.

Ensuing is used with these nouns:

chaos, confusion, decade, month, uproar, year

en suite

en suiteadj.

En suite is used with these nouns:

bathroom, bedroom, facility, shower

ensure

ensureverb

(also insure esp. in AmE) verbADVERB | VERB + ensure | PHRASESADVERBpractically, virtuallyeffectively(not) only, simplyThe system not only ensures maximum discounts, but also helps the company track usage.The alternative simply ensures that the problem will get worse.VERB + ensuremustaim to, try totake action to, take care to, take steps toWe must take steps now to ensure the survival of these animals.be designed toprovisions designed to ensure safe conditions of workhelp (to)be important to, be necessary to, be sufficient toIt is important to ensure that delegates have been properly briefed.PHRASESan attempt to ensure sthefforts to ensure sth, measures to ensure sththereby ensuring sthThe therapist must treat the cause of the problem, thereby ensuring the symptoms do not return.

Ensure is used with these nouns as the subject:

mechanism

Ensure is used with these nouns as the object:

accountability, accuracy, anonymity, availability, confidentiality, conformity, consistency, continuation, continuity, control, cooperation, coordination, delivery, distribution, effectiveness, employment, equality, existence, fairness, fit, flow, health, implementation, independence, integrity, passage, privacy, protection, recovery, relevance, reliability, representation, reproduction, return, security, stability, success, succession, suitability, supply, survival, uniformity, viability, victory, well-being

entail

entailverb

verbADVERBADVERBactuallyWhat does the job actually entail?inevitably, necessarilyRestructuring will inevitably entail compromises.logicallySuch sweeping changes must logically entail a redefinition of the conceptsimplyThis procedure will simply entail the interviewee answering yes or no.often, typically, usually

Entail is used with these nouns as the subject:

Entail is used with these nouns as the object:

risk

entangled

entangledadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecome, getThe fishing lines had become hopelessly entangled.find yourselfCarlos finds himself deeply entangled in police corruption.ADVERBhopelessly, inextricablydeeplyincreasinglyromanticallyMolly became romantically entangled with her boss.PREPOSITIONinHe became entangled in legal disputes.withSara got entangled with some political group.

enter

enterverbPHRASAL VERB

verb1 come/go into a place2 add information to sth1 come/go into a placeADVERB | VERB + enter | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBillegallypeople who enter the country illegallycautiouslyquickly, slowlyquietly, silentlysuddenlyVERB + enterallow sb/sth to, permit sb/sth toHe stood back to allow us to enter.forbid sb toPREPOSITIONby, throughWe entered through a large iron gate.fromThe dancers entered from the side of the stage.PHRASESenter and exit, enter and leaveThey pass each other as they enter and exit the building.

2 add information to sthADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBmanuallyYou may need to enter this information manually.automaticallyPREPOSITIONinYour details have been entered in our database.into, on, ontoPlease enter all your personal details on the form provided.Enter the data onto the computer.

PHRASAL VERBenter into sthADVERBADVERBfreely, voluntarilyStaying married is a choice that is freely entered into.

Enter is used with these nouns as the subject:

army, bullet, competitor, cubicle, immigrant, team, train, troops, vessel

Enter is used with these nouns as the object:

academy, airspace, arena, army, atmosphere, bankruptcy, bar, battle, bloodstream, business, cabinet, camp, century, chamber, chart, church, college, command, competition, confines, consciousness, contest, convent, conversation, country, data, debate, decade, dispute, dock, education, elevator, equation, era, event, field, final, folklore, forest, foyer, game, grade, ground, hallway, harbour, head, high school, industry, inheritance, kindergarten, league, lung, mainstream, mall, mansion, market, marketplace, menopause, middle age, military, mind, minefield, ministry, mode, monastery, mythology, name, navy, number, office, orbit, paradise, parliament, partnership, password, period, phase, plea, politics, port, precinct, premises, production, profession, programme, prostitution, puberty, quiz, race, raffle, rally, rank, realm, recession, repertoire, restroom, retirement, ring, room, roundabout, school, season, service, stage, strait, talk, territory, theatre, tournament, trance, treatment, tunnel, turn, university, usage, vagina, valley, vehicle, vocabulary, war, week, workforce, world, yard, zone

enter for

enter forphr verb

Enter for is used with these nouns as the object:

event

enter in

enter inphr verb

Enter in is used with these nouns as the object:

raffle, register

entering

enteringnoun

Entering is used before these nouns:

class

enter into enter on

enter onphr verb

Enter on is used with these nouns as the object:

inheritance, register

enterprise

enterprisenoun

noun1 plan/project2 a business3 development of businesses4 abilities/imagination1 plan/projectADJECTIVE | VERB + enterprise | enterprise + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgreatexcitingambitious, difficult, hazardoussuccessfulcollaborative (esp. AmE), collective, common, cooperative, joint (esp. BrE)The project is a joint enterprise with the Business School.criminalacademic, research, scientificVERB + enterpriseembark on, start, undertakeThey are willing to undertake a new enterprise.abandonenterprise + VERBfail, succeedPREPOSITIONin an/the enterpriseThe team leader will be the most important factor in this difficult enterprise.

2 a businessADJECTIVE | VERB + enterprise | enterprise + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElarge, large-scalesmall, small-scaleprofitable, successfulfamily, privategovernment-sponsored (AmE), public, social (esp. BrE), state, state-ownedglobal, multinationalbusiness, commercial, for-profit (esp. AmE)the complex organization of a business enterpriseagricultural, economic, farming, industrial, manufacturingVERB + enterprisebuild, createcontrol, manage, runHe runs a successful small enterprise.invest inprivatizeenterprise + VERBoperateexpand, grow, succeedfailPREPOSITIONin an enterprise, within an enterprisesomething that affects all the workers in the enterprise

3 development of businessesADJECTIVE | VERB + enterprise | enterprise + NOUNADJECTIVEfree, privateThe Act will encourage private enterprise.localcorporate, individualVERB + enterpriseencourage, promoteenterprise + NOUNculture (esp. BrE)The government has promoted the enterprise culture.

4 abilities/imaginationADJECTIVE | VERB + enterprise | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreatI thought she showed great enterprise.VERB + enterpriseshowPHRASESa spirit of enterprise

enterprising

enterprisingadj.

Enterprising is used with these nouns:

reporter

entertain

entertainverb

verb1 invite sb to eat/drink with you2 interest/amuse sb3 think about an idea/hope/feeling1 invite sb to eat/drink with youADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBlavishlyThe Bradfords always entertained lavishly at Christmas.PREPOSITIONto (BrE)They entertained us to lunch in their new house.

2 interest/amuse sbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBthoroughlyEveryone was thoroughly entertained.PREPOSITIONwithShe entertained us with stories of her travels.PHRASESentertain and educate, entertain and enlighten, entertain and informFilms can entertain and educate, make you laugh or cry.keep sb entertainedWe hired a magician to keep the children entertained.

3 think about an idea/hope/feelingADVERB | VERB + entertainADVERBseriouslyI am amazed that such a crazy idea could be seriously entertained.brieflybriefly entertaining hopes that he might keep the affair a secretVERB + entertainbe prepared to, be willing toShe would make no promises, but was willing to entertain the idea.refuse to

Entertain is used with these nouns as the object:

crowd, doubt, fantasy, guest, hope, idea, illusion, notion, possibility, suspicion, viewer, visitor

entertainer

entertainernoun

Entertainer is used after these nouns:

Entertaining is used with these nouns:

entertaining

entertainingadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, soundbecomemake sthHe tried to make his speech more entertaining.find sthThe others seemed to find my discomfort hugely entertaining.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highly, hugely, immensely, incredibly, marvellously/marvelously (esp. BrE), vastly, wildly (esp. AmE), wonderfullyIt was highly entertaining for the people around them.thoroughlymildly, moderately (esp. AmE)PHRASESentertaining and informativeThe book is an entertaining and informative read.

anecdote, companion, fashion, film, football, game, movie, read, show, story, talk, yarn

entertainment

entertainmentnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + entertainment | entertainment + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElavishpureIt's pure entertainment and there's nothing wrong with that.goodescapist, mindlessfreeliveevening, nightlyPassengers can enjoy free nightly entertainment.half-time, pre-game (AmE), pre-match (BrE)the half-time entertainment at football gameshome, in-flight, public, streetmass, popularMovies were the new mass entertainment.family, light, wholesomeVote for your top light entertainment show.adultdigital, videointeractivemusical, sportsVERB + entertainmentlay on (BrE), offer, provide, put onThey provided lavish entertainment for their guests.enjoyentertainment + NOUNbusiness, company, industry, media, worldcentre/center, complex, venuedistrict (esp. AmE)Tokyo's entertainment districtprogramme/programshownewsThe leading piece of entertainment news in the US is the Oscars.valueThe movies were bought for their entertainment value.licence (BrE)PREPOSITIONfor sb's entertainmentLadies and gentlemen, for your entertainment, we present Magic Man.PHRASESa form of entertainmenta place of entertainmentplaces of entertainment such as barsa source of entertainmentThe television was his only source of entertainment.the world of entertainmentstars from the world of entertainment

enter upon

enter uponphr verb

Enter upon is used with these nouns as the object:

inheritance

enthral

enthralverb

(BrE) (AmE enthrall) verbPHRASESPHRASESbe enthralled by sth, be enthralled with sthThey were enthralled with the play.hold sb enthralled, keep sb enthralledShe kept her audience enthralled throughout her twenty-minute performance.listen enthralled, watch enthralledThe children listened enthralled as the storyteller unfolded her tale.

enthusiasm

enthusiasmnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF ENTHUSIASM | VERB + enthusiasm | enthusiasm + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEburning, enormous, extraordinary, immense, passionate, tremendousconsiderable, greatlittlegenuine, realobviousgrowingboundless, unbounded, unbridledThe cruise director demonstrated boundless enthusiasm and energy.undiminishedexcessivespontaneous, suddennew, new-found, renewedWe went about our task with renewed enthusiasm.early, initialgeneral, widespreadpopular, publicpersonalinfectiousboyish, youthfulinnocentnaturalreligious… OF ENTHUSIASMburst, surgeAfter an initial burst of enthusiasm for jogging, I gradually lost interest.VERB + enthusiasmbe full of, feel, haveHer voice was full of enthusiasm.convey, express, showShe managed to convey an enthusiasm she did not feel.The team have shown enthusiasm and commitment.muster, summon upfeignHe accepted the invitation with feigned enthusiasm.conceal, hidesharemaintainloselackarouse, engender, fire (sb with), generateThe trip has fired his enthusiasm for all things French.curb, dampen, dent (esp. BrE), temper (esp. AmE)This weather would dampen anyone's enthusiasm for swimming.enthusiasm + VERBbubble over, bubble upHe tried to hide the boyish enthusiasm bubbling up inside him.growfade, wane, wear offPREPOSITIONwith enthusiasm, without enthusiasmI look forward to the challenge ahead with great enthusiasm.enthusiasm aboutFew people expressed enthusiasm about the current leaders.enthusiasm amongThe idea aroused immense enthusiasm among party workers.enthusiasm forThe initial enthusiasm for the project was wearing off.PHRASESsb can't contain their enthusiasmShe grinned, unable to contain her enthusiasm.energy and enthusiasmCruise brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm to his roles.a lack of enthusiasmBoth sides have shown a distinct lack of enthusiasm for discussion.

enthusiast

enthusiastnoun

Enthusiast is used after these nouns:

art, bird, cricket, firearm, fitness, gun, music, racing, rail, railway, rugby, sport

enthusiastic

enthusiasticadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, look, seem, soundbecome, getADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.all, highly, immensely, incredibly, wildlyShe's all enthusiastic about China now that she's been there.The audience was wildly enthusiastic.less than, not overly, not particularly, not tooNeil did not seem particularly enthusiastic about his job.largelyFilm critics are largely enthusiastic about the thriller.fairly, quitegenuinelyPREPOSITIONaboutHe was very enthusiastic about the idea.inWe were enthusiastic in our support of him.

Enthusiastic is used with these nouns:

amateur, applause, audience, collector, convert, crowd, endorsement, follower, following, gardener, member, ovation, participant, reception, recommendation, response, review, support, supporter, volunteer, welcome

enthusiastically

enthusiasticallyadv.

Enthusiastically is used with these verbs:

applaud, clap, embrace, endorse, greet, join, nod, participate, receive, recommend, respond, say, support, talk, wave, welcome

entice

enticeverb

Entice is used with these nouns as the object:

buyer, customer, viewer

entire

entireadj.

Entire is used with these nouns:

body, budget, building, concept, continent, crowd, cycle, decade, document, earth, evening, existence, face, family, fault, fleet, future, gamut, globe, herd, incident, length, life, lifetime, mess, month, nation, neighbourhood, night, ordeal, package, perimeter, period, range, region, saga, semester, sequence, series, set, society, span, spectrum, story, transcript, truth, universe, week, width, workforce, world, year

entirely

entirelyadv.

Entirely is used with these adjectives:

absent, abstract, acceptable, accidental, alien, alone, anonymous, appropriate, arbitrary, artificial, autonomous, avoidable, believable, beneficial, black, blameless, blank, bogus, characteristic, coincidental, comfortable, commendable, compatible, composed, comprehensible, conceivable, concerned, confident, consistent, contrary, conventional, correct, covered, dependent, devoid, different, dissimilar, distinct, empty, exempt, explicable, factual, fair, faithful, false, familiar, feasible, fictional, fictitious, fitting, foreign, free, futile, genuine, honourable, hostile, hypothetical, ignorant, illogical, imaginary, immaterial, immune, impartial, impractical, inaccurate, inadequate, inappropriate, incidental, incompatible, incorrect, independent, ineffective, innocent, instrumental, intact, irrelevant, isolated, justifiable, justified, lacking, legitimate, likely, logical, male, misguided, misleading, misplaced, missing, mistaken, naked, negative, new, normal, objective, occupied, one-sided, opposed, optional, plausible, pointless, positive, possible, practical, pragmatic, predictable, preoccupied, preventable, proper, random, rational, reasonable, reliant, respectable, responsible, rigid, safe, secular, self-contained, self-sufficient, selfish, sensible, separable, separate, serious, silent, sincere, sober, subject, subjective, suitable, superficial, supportive, sympathetic, transparent, typical, unacceptable, unaffected, unaware, understandable, unfounded, united, unknown, unnecessary, unnoticed, unprecedented, unreasonable, unscathed, unsuitable, useless, voluntary, worthy, wrong

Entirely is used with these verbs:

abandon, abolish, agree, base, cease, concentrate, concur, confine, consist, cover, depend, destroy, devote, disagree, disappear, discard, dismiss, dominate, eliminate, endorse, eradicate, erase, exclude, fill, finance, focus, fund, gear, ignore, lack, neglect, obliterate, omit, overlook, rebuild, rely, remove, replace, rest, rule, surround, transform, vanish

entitlement

entitlementnoun

Entitlement is used after these nouns:

holiday, leave, pension

entitle to

entitle tophr verb

Entitle to is used with these nouns as the subject:

voucher

entity

entitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + entityADJECTIVEdiscrete, distinct, independent, separate, singleChurch and empire were fused in a single entity.basicabstractartificialbiological, physicallivingbusiness (esp. AmE), commercial (esp. AmE), corporatefor-profit, non-profit (both AmE)The organization would not be a for-profit entity because it would violate guidelines.federal (esp. AmE), government (esp. AmE), governmentalnational, sovereignprivate, publiceconomic, legal, political, religious, socialA company is a separate legal entity.VERB + entitycreate, formThe two companies will combine to form a new entity.become

entrance

entrancenoun

noun1 door/place through which you enter sth2 act of coming in3 right to enter a place1 door/place through which you enter sthADJECTIVE | VERB + entrance | entrance + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEnarrow, widemainback, front, rear, sideseparatenorth, west, etc.secretservice (AmE), tradesman's (esp. BrE)cave, church, harbour/harbor, school, subway (AmE), tunnel, etc.VERB + entranceuseWhile the front door is being repaired, please use the side entrance.markThe little porch marked the entrance to a churchyard.haveThe building has only one entrance.blockShe stood firm, blocking the entrance.guardentrance + NOUNarea, foyer, hall (esp. BrE), hallway (esp. AmE), lobbydoor, doorway, gate, porchpassage, wayrampPREPOSITIONat the entrance, by a/the entranceThe band left by the rear entrance to escape photographers.in the entranceShe stood in the entrance to the ward.through the entranceGo through the main entrance into the yard.entrance fromThere is a back entrance from West Street.entrance toHe was waiting at the entrance to the cave.

2 act of coming inADJECTIVE | VERB + entrance | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, dramatic, grandVERB + entrancemakeShe made a grand entrance once all the guests were assembled.gainSome of the protesters tried to gain entrance to the meeting.PREPOSITIONentrance intoher entrance into politics

3 right to enter a placeVERB + entrance | entrance + NOUNVERB + entrancegainstudents hoping to gain entrance to collegedeny sbentrance + NOUNcharge, feeticketan entrance ticket to the zoorequirementsexam, examination

entrant

entrantnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + entrant | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEnewearly, latecollege, school, university (esp. BrE)the entry requirements for medical school entrantscompetitionwinningThe winning entrant received tickets to the movie.VERB + entrantattractThe competition attracted 46 entrants.PREPOSITIONentrant forthe entrants for the awardentrant inYou will automatically be registered as an entrant in the prize draw.entrant intoanother new entrant into the multimedia marketentrant tothe number of entrants to higher education

entrenched

entrenchedadj.

Entrenched is used with these nouns:

conservatism

entrepreneur

entrepreneurnoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEgood, great, successfulcreative, innovativeambitious, dynamiclarge-scale, small, small-scaleindividual, privatebudding, potential, would-bea recent MBA graduate and budding entrepreneurexperienced, veteranseriala serial entrepreneur who had founded four companiesbusinessdotcom, Internet, music, property (BrE), real estate (esp. AmE), retail, etc.

entrepreneurial

entrepreneurialadj.

Entrepreneurial is used with these nouns:

capitalism, class, endeavour, flair, skill, spirit, success, venture

entrust with

entrust withphr verb

Entrust with is used with these nouns as the object:

task

entry

entrynoun

noun1 right to enter sth2 act of coming in3 sb/sth that enters a competition4 one item in a list/book5 (AmE) entrance to a building, room, etc.1 right to enter sthADJECTIVE | VERB + entry | entry + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfreeThe club offers free entry to women on Thursdays.college, school, university (esp. BrE)VERB + entryapply forgainallow sb, grant sbThey were later allowed entry into the country.deny sb, refuse sb, restrictIt has been necessary to restrict entry into the club.guarantee sbdelayentry + NOUNcriteria, qualifications, requirements, standardbarrier (business)The state should reduce entry barriers for developing countries.visapass, ticketEntry tickets to most attractions are included in the price.feePREPOSITIONentry intoThe course will ease students' entry into a career.These qualifications will not guarantee you entry into the police. (BrE)entry toundocumented workers seeking entry to the USEntry to university should be based on academic potential. (BrE)PHRASESright of entryThe landlord had the right of entry to the building with due warning.

2 act of coming inADJECTIVE | VERB + entry | entry + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEforced, forcibleThe house was quiet, and there were no signs of a forced entry.unauthorizedThe sign on the gates read ‘No Unauthorized Entry’.illegaldramatictriumphalCaesar's triumphal entry into RomeVERB + entryforce, gainHe found the door locked, but he forced an entry.bar, block, preventFire marshals barred entry to the hall.A branch blocked their entry.makeThe champion made his usual dramatic entry into the arena.entry + NOUNpointDrugs are believed to come into the country through five main entry points.code (esp. AmE)PREPOSITIONentry intoHungary's entry into the EUentry toShe wondered how she could gain entry to the building.PHRASESa/the point of entryNew York was the point of entry for most immigrants arriving in the US.

3 sb/sth that enters a competitionADJECTIVE | VERB + entry | entry + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEwinningThe winning entry will be published in next month's issue.lateVERB + entrymail (AmE), post (BrE), send, send in, submitSend in your entry as soon as possible!attract, get, have, receiveThe show attracted entries from all over the country.We have had a lot of entries this year.judgeentry + NOUNcoupon (BrE), formfeedeadlinePREPOSITIONentry forWe had too many entries for this event.entry inThere were a record 2 000 entries in the under-17 section.entry toone of the best entries to our competition

4 one item in a list/bookADJECTIVE | VERB + entry | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdiary, journal (esp. AmE)dictionary, encyclopediablog, weblogcatalogue, databaseVERB + entrymake, writepostI post the occasional blog entry.readcontainPREPOSITIONin an/the entryVery little information is given in the diary entries.entry forLook at the dictionary entry for ‘welcome’.entry inthe last entry she made in her diaryentry onFirst examine the entries on the marriage register.

5 (AmE) entrance to a building, room, etc.entry + NOUN | PREPOSITIONentry + NOUNway (usually entryway)halldoor, gatePREPOSITIONentry tothe dramatic entry to the gallery

entry-level

entry-leveladj.

Entry-level is used with these nouns:

entwine

entwineverb

Entwine is used with these nouns as the object:

finger, leg

enunciate

enunciateverb

Enunciate is used with these nouns as the object:

envelop

envelopverb

Envelop is used with these nouns as the subject:

cloud, darkness, fog, silence

envelope

envelopenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + envelope | envelope + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbulky, fat, thicklarge, smallsealedreturn (AmE), self-addressed, stamped addressed (BrE)Please enclose a self-addressed envelope if you would like a reply.a self-addressed stamped envelope (AmE)postage-paid, prepaid, reply-paid (BrE)To apply, use the enclosed reply-paid envelope (no stamp needed).paddedairmailbrown, buff, manila, plain, whitean official-looking manila envelopeVERB + envelopeopen, rip open, slit open, steam open, tear openThe letter was suspicious, and I considered steaming open the envelope.address, markan envelope addressed in my mother's round handwritingThe envelope was marked ‘Personal’.sealmail (AmE), post (BrE), sendstuffYou don't earn much stuffing envelopes.envelope + VERBcontain sth, enclose sthPREPOSITIONin an/the envelopeI had put the letter in the wrong envelope.into an/the envelopeHe quickly stuffed the money back into the envelope.on an/the envelopeI couldn't read the address on the envelope.envelope ofHe gave her the envelope of certificates.PHRASESthe back of an envelopeI scribbled his phone number on the back of an envelope.

enveloping

envelopingadj.

Enveloping is used with these nouns:

warmth

enviable

enviableadj.

Enviable is used with these nouns:

position, record, reputation

envious

enviousadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, feel, look, seem, soundShe tried not to appear envious.becomemake sbDon't tell me any more—you're making me envious!ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.almosta little, slightly, etc.PREPOSITIONofHe had always felt envious of his brother.

enviously

enviouslyadv.

Enviously is used with these verbs:

look, watch

environment

environmentnoun

noun1 conditions of the place where you are2 the environment the natural world1 conditions of the place where you areADJECTIVE | VERB + environment | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEimmediateCold-blooded animals depend on the temperature of their immediate environment.externalalien, new, unfamiliarnaturalmarine life in its natural environmentchanging, ever-changing (esp. AmE)comfortable, protected, safe, secure, stablefriendly, supportivehospitable, pleasantclean, healthystimulatingfavourable/favorable, idealThis period provided an ideal environment for the spread of communism.uncertain, unstabledangerousnoisycompetitivestressfulextreme, harsh, hostilefragileWalkers can unwittingly damage the fragile environment in which the birds live.built, urbanthe quality of our natural and built environmentsruralcold, warmaquatic, coastal, forest, marine, mountaindomestic, family, homeChildren learn best in their home environment.physicalcultural, emotional, socialoffice, work, working, workplaceA comfortable working environment will increase productivity.onlineclassroom, educational, learning, school, teaching, trainingeconomic, financialInvestors are showing more caution in the current economic environment.politicalbusiness, commercial, corporateShe now had to transfer her design skills to a commercial environment.professionalVERB + environmentcreate, foster, provideparents who strive to provide a stimulating environment for their children to grow up inadapt tocreatures that have adapted to hostile desert environmentsalter, changeshapeimproveexploreThe cat walked around, exploring its new environment.controlPREPOSITIONin an/the environmentpeople working in increasingly competitive environmentsenvironment foran environment for economic growthenvironment ofan environment of fearPHRASESan environment conducive to sthThe hospital architect tries to create an environment conducive to healing.today's environmentIn today's competitive business environment, companies focus on minimizing costs.

2 the environment the natural worldADJECTIVE | VERB + the environment | environment + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEnaturalglobal, worldlocalVERB + the environmentpreserve, protect, safeguard, saveThe government should do more to protect the environment.clean up, improveaffect, have an impact on, impact (AmE)factors that have a huge impact on the environmentdamage, harm, polluteindustries which damage the environmentthreatenenvironment + NOUNagency, committee, department, group (all esp. BrE)chief (BrE), minister (esp. BrE)spokesman, spokeswoman (both BrE)correspondent, editor (both BrE)policy (esp. BrE)protection (esp. BrE)issuesPREPOSITIONin the environmentthe amount of carbon in the environmentPHRASESconservation of the environment, protection of the environmentdamage to the environmentfarming methods that minimize damage to the environmentharmful to the environmentThe label identifies the products that are least harmful to the environment.pollution of the environment

environmental

environmentaladj.

Environmental is used with these nouns:

affair, amenity, aspect, awareness, benefit, biology, catastrophe, cause, challenge, change, chemical, chemistry, concern, condition, conscience, consciousness, consequence, conservation, consideration, contamination, context, cost, crisis, damage, data, destruction, deterioration, devastation, directive, disaster, disturbance, economics, economist, ethics, factor, geology, group, harm, hazard, health, history, impact, implication, importance, improvement, influence, initiative, injustice, issue, journalist, justice, legislation, lobby, matter, message, monitoring, movement, niche, objective, organization, performance, planning, policy, politics, pollutant, pollution, preservation, problem, project, protection, protester, record, reform, refugee, regulation, report, requirement, responsibility, restriction, risk, safeguard, safety, science, scientist, standard, stimulus, strategy, stress, tax, technology, threat, tourism, treaty, vandalism, variation, watchdog, work

environmental health

environmental healthnoun

Environmental health is used before these nouns:

officer

environmentally

environmentallyadv.

Environmentally is used with these adjectives:

acceptable, aware, beneficial, benign, conscious, damaging, destructive, disastrous, efficient, friendly, harmful, harmless, hazardous, preferable, responsible, safe, sensitive, sound, unfriendly

envisage

envisageverb

(esp. BrE) verbADVERB | VERB + envisage | PHRASESADVERBinitially, originallyIt was originally envisaged that the talks would take place in the spring.currentlyalways, neverIt was never envisaged that this would be a long-term solution.clearlyVERB + envisagecanI can envisage difficulties if we continue with this policy.be difficult to, be hard to, be impossible tobe easy to, be possible toPHRASESenvisage yourself doing sthI cannot envisage myself playing again next season

Envisage is used with these nouns as the subject:

Envisage is used with these nouns as the object:

Envision is used with these nouns as the subject:

envision

envisionverb

(esp. AmE) verbADVERB | VERB + envision | PHRASESADVERBinitially, originallyThe work took longer than initially envisioned.easilyI can easily envision them working together.currentlyalways, neverclearlyVERB + envisioncanCan you envision such a scenario?be difficult to, be hard to, be impossible tobe easy to, be possible toPHRASESenvision yourself doing sthHe envisioned himself dying in a pool of his own blood.

Envision is used with these nouns as the object:

envoy

envoynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + envoy | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpersonal, specialsenior, topdiplomatic, peacepapal, presidential, royalUNAmerican, British, etc.VERB + envoybe, serve asappoint (sb as)The government has not yet appointed an envoy to the area.dispatch, sendA special peace envoy was sent to the area.PREPOSITIONenvoy froma special envoy from the American presidentenvoy toHe served as envoy to the French government.

envy

envynounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | … OF ENVY | VERB + envy | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEextremeunconsciousclass, socialpenisthe Freudian concept of penis envy… OF ENVYtinge, touchI detected a tinge of envy in her tone.pang, stab, twingeI felt a twinge of envy for the people who lived there.VERB + envybe consumed with, be green with, feel, haveI had no envy of his success.express, showarouse, excite, fill sb with, inspireHer youth and looks aroused extreme envy in her rivals.PREPOSITIONwith envyI look with envy on those lucky people with big families.envy atI was filled with envy at their adventurous lifestyle.envy forthe envy she felt for her sisterPHRASESbe the envy of sb/sthBritish television is the envy of the world (= is admired by everyone).an object of envyHer car was an object of envy among her friends.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBgreatly, reallysecretlyalmostPREPOSITIONforI secretly envied her for her good looks.

enzyme

enzymenoun

Enzyme is used before these nouns:

deficiency

Enzyme is used after these nouns:

liver

epic

epicadj.

Epic is used with these nouns:

adventure, battle, drama, film, grandeur, journey, novel, poem, poet, poetry, proportion, saga, scale, scope, story, struggle, sweep, tale, voyage

epidemic

epidemicnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + epidemic | epidemic + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEmajorglobal, national, worldwidegrowingdeadly, devastatingcholera, flu, foot-and-mouth, typhoid, etc.crack, heroin, etc.silentVERB + epidemicbecomecombat, fightcauseepidemic + VERBbreak out, occur, strike (sth)A typhus epidemic struck in the winter of 1919–20.spread, sweep (sth)the flu epidemic sweeping the countryPREPOSITIONduring an/the epidemic, in an/the epidemicOver fifty people died during the flu epidemic last winter.epidemic ofan epidemic of choleraPHRASESreach epidemic proportionsMarriage breakdown in the West has reached epidemic proportions.

II. adj.

Epidemic is used with these nouns:

proportion

epileptic

epilepticadj.

Epileptic is used with these nouns:

episode

episodenoun

noun1 one separate event in sb's life/a story2 one part of a TV/radio drama1 one separate event in sb's life/a storyADJECTIVE | VERB + episode | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdramatic, excitingbizarre, extraordinarysad, tragicshameful, unfortunate, unpleasantlatestShe has only told you about the latest episode in a long history of mental illness.briefmajoracute, severe (medical)an acute episode of pneumoniarecurrent (medical)depressive, manic, psychotic (all medical)VERB + episoderememberforgetexperiencePREPOSITIONduring an episodeduring a brief episode of socialist ruleepisode fromI still remember that episode from my childhood.episode inan extraordinary episode in American historyPHRASESthe entire episode, the whole episodeHe says he just wants to forget the whole unfortunate episode.

2 one part of a TV/radio dramaADJECTIVE | VERB + episode | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEexciting, thrillingDon't miss next week's exciting episode!classicnext, upcoming (esp. AmE)previousfirst, second, etc.pilotpremiere (AmE)final, lasttwo-parthalf-hour, hour-long, one-hour, etc.VERB + episodecatch, see, watchI caught a few episodes of seasons one and two.missdo, film, make, record, shootThe next episode has not yet been filmed.directair (esp. AmE), broadcastrepeat, rerun (AmE)PREPOSITIONduring an/the episode, in an/the episodeIt happened in the final episode of ‘Star Trek’.

epistolary

epistolaryadj.

Epistolary is used with these nouns:

novel

epitaph

epitaphnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + epitaph | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfittingVERB + epitaphwritemake, stand asThese movies stand as an epitaph to the great director.PREPOSITIONas an epitaphHe wanted these lines as his epitaph.epitaph forShe wrote the perfect epitaph for the poet.epitaph on (esp. BrE)Joyce's epitaph on King Edward VIIIepitaph toIt makes a fitting epitaph to a great career.PHRASESbe sb's epitaph

epoch

epochnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + epoch | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEnewmodern, presentearly, pasthistoricalVERB + epochmarkThe dropping of the first atom bomb marked a new epoch in warfare.PREPOSITIONduring an/the epoch, in an/the epochthe importance of the computer in the present epochepoch ofan epoch of great social changeepoch inWelfare reform was an epoch in the history of US social policy.PHRASESthe beginning of an epoch, the end of an epoch

eponymous

eponymousadj.

Eponymous is used with these nouns:

hero, heroine

equal

equalnounverbadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + equal | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEintellectual, socialVERB + equalconsider sb (as), regard sb as, treat sb asHe did not regard himself as her intellectual equal.PREPOSITIONas an equalHe talks even to small children as equals.between equalsAn interview should be a conversation between equals.without equalHis guitar playing is without equal.PHRASESbe sb's equalI shall never be his equal at chess.first among equalsHe was regarded as the ‘first among equals’ by the other office clerks.have few equalsWhen it comes to plain speaking, she has few equals.have no equalIn fighting, they had no equals.

II. verb

Equal is used with these nouns as the object:

per cent, record

III. adj.1 same in size, quantity, value, etc.2 having the same rights3 equal to sth able to do sth1 same in size, quantity, value, etc.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecomemake sthWe moved some of the better players to make the two sides equal.ADVERBabsolutely, exactly, in every way, preciselyTheir test results were equal in every way.almost, essentially (esp. AmE), nearly, virtuallyabout, approximately, more or less, relatively (esp. AmE), roughlyThe EU nations together have an economy about equal in size to that of the US.justat leastFitness is important in soccer, but of at least equal importance are skills.PREPOSITIONinThe two books are more or less equal in length.toOne pound is roughly equal to two dollars.

2 having the same rightsVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebe bornI believe everyone is born equal.ADVERBgenuinely, truly

3 equal to sth able to do sthVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, prove, seemI hope that he proves equal to the challenge.becomemake sbI felt that nothing could make me equal to the demands being made of me.ADVERBmore thanI felt more than equal to the task.

Equal is used with these nouns:

access, amount, balance, chance, contest, distance, distribution, division, ease, emphasis, footing, importance, instalment, number, part, participation, partner, partnership, pay, piece, probability, prominence, proportion, recognition, representation, respect, right, share, size, standing, status, stress, treatment, validity

equality

equalitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + equality | PHRASES | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcomplete, full, perfectgreatergenuine, trueformalthe goal of formal equality before the laweconomic, legal, political, socialgender, race, racial, sexualhumanVERB + equalityhaveWomen do not yet have true equality in the company.achievedemand, fight for, seek, strive for, wantpromote, supportestablishensure, guaranteedenyPHRASESequality before the lawThe State shall not deny anyone equality before the law.equality of opportunityPeople from these minority groups must have equality of opportunity.PREPOSITIONequality betweenThey fought for greater equality between the sexes.equality forthe task of achieving equality for gay menequality inThese women are demanding fairness and equality in their pay.equality withThe women are demanding full equality with the men of their tribe.

equalize

equalizeverb

Equalize is used with these nouns as the subject:

equalizing

equalizingadj.

Equalizing is used with these nouns:

equally equal opportunities

equal opportunitiesnoun

Equal opportunities is used before these nouns:

employer, opportunity

equal opportunity

equal opportunitynoun

Equal opportunity is used before these nouns:

employer, opportunity

equate

equateverb

verbADVERB | VERB + equate | PREPOSITIONADVERBdirectlyThe constellations in the night sky cannot be directly equated with the heroes of Greek mythology.roughlysimplyautomaticallyoftenEducation is often equated with intelligence.not necessarilyInvention and progress do not necessarily equate with improvement.mistakenlyVERB + equatecanMoney cannot be equated with happiness.be difficult to, be hard toIt's hard to equate this gentle woman with the monster portrayed in the newspapers.PREPOSITIONwithWe are taught to equate beauty with success.

equation

equationnoun

noun1 mathematical statement2 situation1 mathematical statementADJECTIVE | VERB + equation | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbasic, simpleThis can be shown by a simple equation.complex, complicatedalgebraic, math (AmE), mathematicaldifferential, quadratic, simultaneous, etc.VERB + equationsolve, work outI could not find a way of solving the equation.derive, obtainThe ideal gas equation is derived from this model.satisfythe range of values of x which would satisfy this equationbalancewritePREPOSITIONequation forthe equation for a straight linePHRASESa side of the equationthe numbers on the right-hand side of the equation

2 situationVERB + equationVERB + equationbe a part of, come into, enter, enter intoThe availability of water is also part of the equation.Money also comes into the equation.

equator

equatornoun

nounVERB + equator | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + equatorcrossstraddlePREPOSITIONaround the equatorRainforests occur around the equator.at the equatorThe sun heats the sea more at the equator than at the poles.close to the equator, near the equatorin an area near the equatoron the equatorThe lake lies exactly on the equator.PHRASESnorth of the equator, south of the equatorThe island is just 80 miles north of the equator.

equatorial

equatorialadj.

Equatorial is used with these nouns:

climate, region

equestrian

equestrianadj.

Equestrian is used with these nouns:

portrait, sport, statue

equilateral

equilateraladj.

Equilateral is used with these nouns:

equinox

equinoxnoun

Equinox is used after these nouns:

autumn, fall, spring

equip

equipverb

verbADVERB | VERB + equip | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBlavishly, splendidly (esp. BrE), superbly (esp. BrE), wellThe resort is well equipped for sailing.badly, poorlycomprehensively, fully, properlyadequately, suitablyspeciallyVERB + equipseek to, try toPREPOSITIONforThe hostel is specially equipped for wheelchair access.withThe car is fully equipped with all the latest gadgets.PHRASESbe equipped to deal with, be equipped to handle sthPeople have to be emotionally equipped to handle their success.come equipped withRooms vary in size and come equipped with television and telephone.

Equip is used with these nouns as the object:

equipment

equipmentnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF EQUIPMENT | VERB + equipment | equipment + VERB | equipment + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEthe latest, modern, state-of-the-art, up-to-datehigh-tech, sophisticated, technicalexpensivesensitiveheavyportablebasic, standardessential, necessary, vitalHospitals are increasingly depending on charity for vital equipment.special, specialist (esp. BrE), specializeddefective, faultyoutdatedkitchenschoolexercise (esp. AmE), gym, sportsplay, playgroundThe local council is supplying new play equipment for the playground.business, officelaboratory, scientificcomputer, electrical, electronicmedicalmilitarycommunication, navigation, radar, radio, telecom, telecommunicationscamera, digital, photographic, videolife-saving, protective, safety, securityrescuegarden, gardeningconstruction (esp. AmE)mental, physical (both figurative)He lacks the mental equipment to succeed in politics.… OF EQUIPMENTitem, pieceVERB + equipmentbuy, purchasesellprovide, supplyuseThe plane uses state-of-the-art navigation equipment.installupgradeoperatetestneed, requireNo special equipment is needed.equipment + VERBconsist of sthThe basic equipment consists of a plastic mask and a length of rope.workmalfunctionequipment + NOUNmaker, manufacturersupplier, vendorhire (BrE), rental (esp. AmE)PREPOSITIONequipment forhigh-tech equipment for keeping the temperature steadyPHRASESthe proper equipment, the right equipmentNever go climbing without the proper equipment.

equitable

equitableadj.

Equitable is used with these nouns:

distribution, redistribution, system

equitably

equitablyadv.

Equitably is used with these verbs:

treat

equity

equitynoun

Equity is used before these nouns:

capital, finance, fund, investment, investor, market, premium, stake, trading, valuation

Equity is used after these nouns:

gender, pay

equivalent

equivalentnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + equivalent | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdirect, exactapproximate, closest (esp. AmE), nearest (esp. BrE), roughthe nearest equivalent we have to a carnivalcontemporary, modern, modern-daythe modern equivalent of the Roman bathsmoralThe campaign says that hunters are the moral equivalent of murderers.aural, visualThese drawings are the visual equivalents of stage whispers.verbalarchitectural, cinematic, journalistic, literary, musical, sporting (esp. BrE), etc.digital, electronic, onlinethe online equivalent of the telephonefemale, maleAmerican, British, etc.cash (business)The company has $43.8 million in cash and cash equivalents.VERB + equivalentbe, be considered, representbecomehavea word which has no direct equivalent in Englishproduce, provideearn, receiveeach sponsor received the equivalent of £1millon worth of advertising.pay (sb)He's only paid the equivalent of $200.PREPOSITIONequivalent forThere is no exact male equivalent for witches.equivalent inIt is the approximate equivalent in height to the Matterhorn.equivalent ofThis qualification is the equivalent of a degree.equivalent toThis concert hall is the American equivalent to London's Albert Hall.

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seembecomeADVERBexactly, preciselyalmost, essentially, practicallyapproximately, broadly, more or less, roughlythe price we would pay elsewhere for a broadly equivalent houselogically, mathematicallymorallyPREPOSITIONin, toThese first computers were equivalent in power to a modern calculator.

Equivalent is used with these nouns:

amount, proportion, size

era

eranoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + era | era + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgolden, greatthe golden era of radionewdifferentpresentmodernbygone, earlier, past, previousThe room had the elegance of a bygone era.antebellum (AmE), pre-warpost-warapartheid, civil rights, colonial, post-imperialCommunist, Nazi, Soviet, etc.dotcomClinton, Thatcher, etc.Edwardian, Napoleonic, Victorian, etc.Baroque, Classical, Romantic, etc.Christian, Commonthe early centuries of the Christian Erasilentmovies of the silent eraVERB + eraherald, mark, usher inThe fall of the Berlin Wall ushered in a whole new era.enter, move intoThe country has entered an era of high unemployment.characterize, defineera + VERBbeginendPREPOSITIONduring an/the era, in an/the eraWe live in an era of religious uncertainty.into eraa practice that has survived into the present eraera ina new era in the history of artPHRASESthe beginning of an era, the dawn of an era, the dawning of an eraIt feels like the dawning of a new erabe on the threshold of a new erathe end of an era

eradicate

eradicateverb

verbADVERB | VERB + eradicate | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBcompletely, entirely, totallysuccessfullyVERB + eradicatetry tohelp (to)be difficult to, be hard tobe impossible toThese insects are very difficult to eradicate.PREPOSITIONfromThe disease has now been successfully eradicated from the world.PHRASESan attempt to eradicate sth, an effort to eradicate sth

Eradicate is used with these nouns as the object:

disease, malaria, pest, poverty, prejudice, racism, smallpox

erase

eraseverb

verbADVERB | VERB + erase | PREPOSITIONADVERBcompletely, entirely, fullypartiallyvirtuallyeffectivelyThis event has been effectively erased from written records.accidentallydigitallyVERB + eraseattempt to, seek to, try towant toShe wanted to erase the message before her parents heard it.be determined toThey are determined to erase the bad memories of last year's defeats.PREPOSITIONfromThese people have been virtually erased from the history book.

Erase is used with these nouns as the object:

blackboard, debt, deficit, disk, distinction, doubt, file, memory, mistake, past, record, tape, trace, word, wrinkle

eraser

erasernoun

Eraser is used after these nouns:

Erect is used with these nouns as the object:

erect

erectverbadj.

I. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBhastily, quicklyspeciallyThe event will take place in a specially erected marquee.PREPOSITIONaroundAn electric fence was erected around the campus.onA large monument was erected on the battlefield.PHRASESnewly erected, recently erectedthe newly erected station buildings

arch, barricade, barrier, building, fence, garage, marquee, memorial, monument, partition, scaffolding, shelter, shrine, sign, statue, tent, wall

II. adj.1 standing/sitting straight up2 stiff1 standing/sitting straight upVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbesit, stand, walkHe sat very erect, listening intently.hold sthShe held her head erect as she walked proudly up to the platform.keep sth/oneselfKeep your trunk erect throughout the exercise.ADVERBveryperfectlyJanice was standing perfectly erect.

2 stiffVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomeADVERBcompletely, fully

Erect is used with these nouns:

nipple, penis, posture

Erect is used with these verbs:

sit, stand

erection

erectionnoun

nounVERB + erectionVERB + erectionachieve, get, havemaintain, prolong, sustainlosegive sb

ergonomic

ergonomicadj.

Ergonomic is used with these nouns:

design, keyboard

ergonomically

ergonomicallyadv.

Ergonomically is used with these verbs:

design

erode

erodeverb

verbADVERB | VERB + erodeADVERBbadly, seriously, severely, significantly, substantiallyWalkers should stick to obvious paths, even if they are badly eroded.The experience had seriously eroded his confidence in himself.completelyfurthereventually, gradually, slowlyThe distinction between social classes is slowly being eroded.steadilyThe river bank had been steadily eroded over the years.quickly, rapidlyeasilyawayThe rocks have eroded away over time.VERB + erodebegin to, start toWithout adequate protection from plants, the river banks began to erode.continue toOur trade position continues to erode.threaten tothe commercial pressures that threaten to erode local traditionstend to

Erode is used with these nouns as the subject:

coastline, inflation

Erode is used with these nouns as the object:

confidence, credibility, liberty, margin, support, trust

erogenous

erogenousadj.

Erogenous is used with these nouns:

Erotic is used with these nouns:

erosion

erosionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + erosion | erosion + VERB | erosion + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEserious, severe, significantAcid rain has caused severe erosion on the hillside.furtherHe risks further erosion of his support among voters.rapidgradual, slow, steadythe steady erosion of their civil libertiesbeach, coastal, shoreline, soilglacial, water, windpricethe steady price erosion that has occurred in JapanVERB + erosioncause, contribute to, lead to, result incontrol, minimize (esp. AmE), prevent, protect sth from, reduceexperience, suffer, suffer fromThe area suffers badly from coastal erosion.increaseThis damages soil structure, which increases erosion.see, witnessThe country has seen a progressive erosion of constitutional freedoms.erosion + VERBaffect sththe areas worst affected by soil erosionoccurerosion + NOUNratePHRASESthe erosion of sththe erosion of civil libertiesthe rate of erosion

erotic

eroticadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomefind sthADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highly, powerfully, strangelymildly, vaguelyblatantly, overtlyThere were some overtly erotic scenes in the movie.

art, attraction, desire, dream, encounter, fantasy, fiction, imagery, love, thriller

erotically

eroticallyadv.

Erotically is used with these adjectives:

charged

errand

errandnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + errand | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElittle, smallsimpledaily (esp. AmE)last-minuteVERB + erranddo, go on, runShe made her brother run some little errands for her.complete, finish (both esp. AmE)send sb onMy boss kept sending me out on errands.PREPOSITIONon an errandShe's gone on an errand for her mother.

errant

errantadj.

Errant is used with these nouns:

husband, pass, shot

erratic

erraticadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seembecomeremainADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highly, wildlycompletelyincreasinglytheir increasingly erratic policy decisionsa little, slightly, etc.

Erratic is used with these nouns:

driving

erratically

erraticallyadv.

Erratically is used with these verbs:

behave

erroneous

erroneousadj.

Erroneous is used with these nouns:

assumption, belief, conclusion, idea, impression, information, interpretation, perception, report

erroneously

erroneouslyadv.

Erroneously is used with these verbs:

attribute, believe, interpret, report

error

errornoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + error | error + VERB | error + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEegregious (esp. AmE), fundamental, glaring, grave, great, grievous, major, seriousThe report contained some glaring errors.fatalHe made the fatal error of borrowing more than he could pay back.minor, smallcarelessembarrassing, unfortunatepastThe ability to learn from past errors is vital in business.commongrammar (esp. AmE), grammatical, spelling, typing, typographicalfactualexperimental, statisticalstandard (statistics)random, systematicmeasurement (esp. AmE), samplingHis research interests include measurement error in survey research.rounding (esp. AmE)The difference is due to a rounding error in the first calculation.unforced (sports)The American produced five double faults and 35 unforced errors.tacticalThe Kenyan athlete made a tactical error in starting too fast.administrative, clerical, medicalhuman, pilotThe plane crash was caused by human error, not mechanical failure.VERB + errorcommit, makeHe had committed a grave error in letting them see the document.She made several serious errors during the race.causeerrors caused by illegibly written orderscontainThe document contained a lot of typing errors.introduceAn editorial error was introduced into the copy.catch (esp. AmE), detect, discover, find, identify, spotThank you for catching that silly error on my part.I found several factual errors in the report.point outThe error was pointed out to her by one of her colleagues.reportrealize, recognizeI only realized my error when it was too late.acknowledge, admitHave the courage to admit your error.avoidShe has avoided the common error of writing too much.preventrepeatDo not repeat the errors of your parents and grandparents.correct, eliminate, fix (esp. AmE), rectifyGlasses can correct most errors in your vision.minimize (esp. AmE), reducethe use of computer systems to reduce hospital errorsregret (esp. AmE)We regret the clerical error made in the letter sent to Mr Finlay.compoundThe paper accidentally printed the victim's address, then compounded their error by printing her name the next day.error + VERBarise (from sth), occur, result (from sth)errors arising from inadequate informationerror + NOUNdetectioncorrectionmessageAn error message comes up when I try to open the program.ratemachines with relatively high error ratesPREPOSITIONin error (= by mistake)The machine had been switched off in error.error inHe checked his letter for errors in spelling.He realized his error in not attending the funeral.PHRASESa comedy of errorsHis attempts to arrange a party ended up as a comedy of errors.an error in judgement/judgment (esp. AmE), an error of judgement/judgment (esp. BrE)The president had made an amazing error of judgement.an error of factThe speech contained many errors of fact.a margin of errorThe margin of error for a racing driver is tiny.the error of one's waysWill they realize the error of their ways before it is too late?

erstwhile

erstwhileadj.

Erstwhile is used with these nouns:

ally

erudite

eruditeadj.

Erudite is used with these nouns:

Erupt is used with these nouns as the subject:

erupt

eruptverb

verbADVERB | VERB + erupt | PREPOSITIONADVERBviolentlythe volcano which erupted violently last monthsuddenlyHis anger suddenly erupted into furious shouting.periodicallyEpidemics periodically erupted throughout the 19th century.occasionallyViolence occasionally erupts between the opposing factions.spontaneouslyThe audience spontaneously erupted into a standing ovation.finallyMichael finally erupted, jumping up from his seat.VERB + eruptthreaten toPREPOSITIONinThe crowd erupted in cheers and sobs of joy.intoviolence that threatened to erupt into a full-scale warwithThe room erupted with laughter.

applause, argument, battle, chaos, cheer, clash, commotion, conflict, controversy, crisis, crowd, debate, dispute, explosion, fight, fighting, fire, flash, furore, fury, gunfire, pain, rage, riot, roar, row, scandal, storm, violence, volcano, war

erupting

eruptingadj.

Erupting is used with these nouns:

erupt into

erupt intophr verb

Erupt into is used with these nouns as the object:

Escalate is used with these nouns as the subject:

eruption

eruptionnoun

noun1 explosion of a volcano2 sudden start of sth loud/violent1 explosion of a volcanoADJECTIVE | VERB + eruption | eruption + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, great, major, massive, violentIt was the biggest eruption of Vesuvius for some years.explosivevolcanic clouds from explosive eruptionsminorvolcanic, volcano (AmE)VERB + eruptionpredicteruption + VERBhappen, occur, take placePREPOSITIONin an/the eruptionThe temple was destroyed in a violent eruption.

2 sudden start of sth loud/violentADJECTIVE | VERB + eruption | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEsuddena sudden eruption of fightingVERB + eruptioncause, triggerThe news could trigger an eruption of violence.PREPOSITIONeruption of

escalate

escalateverb

verb1 become/make sth worse2 increase1 become/make sth worseADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBquickly, rapidlygradually, steadilyViolence between the two sides has been steadily escalating.The risks gradually escalate.suddenlyPREPOSITIONintoThe conflict could escalate rapidly into a full-scale war.toa small local disagreement that escalates to civil war

2 increaseADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBdramaticallyPrices had recently escalated dramatically.sharplyThe cost of raw materials has escalated sharply.PREPOSITIONtoThe budget escalated to £32 million.

conflict, cost, dispute, situation, violence, war

escalating

escalatingadj.

Escalating is used with these nouns:

conflict, cost, demand, tension, violence

escalation

escalationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + escalation | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdramatic, major, seriousrapidgradualfurthermilitary, nuclearthe threat of nuclear escalationVERB + escalationlead toThe reorganization has led to a dramatic escalation in costs.preventrepresentThis bill represents another escalation in the war on drugs.see, witnessThis week witnessed a significant escalation in the global financial crisis.PREPOSITIONescalation ina serious escalation in the fightingescalation intothe escalation of the conflict into an all-out warescalation ofan escalation of the level of violence in video gamesescalation to (esp. AmE)It could result in escalation to major ground action.

escalator

escalatornoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + escalator | escalator + VERBADJECTIVEdown, upkids running up a down escalatorVERB + escalatorride (AmE), take, useWe rode the escalator up toward our restaurant.Take the escalator down to the lower level.ascend, go updescend, go downescalator + VERBcarry sbPassengers are carried by escalator to the first floor.lead to sththe escalator leading down to the lower level

escape

escapenounverb

I. noun1 getting away from a place2 avoiding sth unpleasant or boring1 getting away from a placeADJECTIVE | VERB + escape | escape + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEattemptedsuccessfulgreatone of the greatest escapes of all timedaringthe daring escape of a Resistance fighter from prisonhasty, quickI made a hasty escape.VERB + escapemake, make goodHe made his escape through the window.I found an open door and made good my escape.planattempta group of slaves that attempted an escapeblock, preventHe stepped in front of me, blocking my escape.allowThe ground became swamped, allowing no escape.escape + NOUNattempt, bid (esp. BrE)routevehiclehatch, ladder, tunnelplanTogether they formulated an escape plan.PREPOSITIONescape fromhis escape from the prison campPHRASESa means of escape, a way of escapeShe looked around for a means of escape.a possibility of escapeThere was clearly no possibility of escape.

2 avoiding sth unpleasant or boringADJECTIVE | VERB + escape | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEclose, narrow, nearlucky, miraculous, remarkableA driver had a lucky escape after a brick was dropped on his car from a bridge.temporaryyoung people's need for temporary escape from the demanding journey into adulthoodperfect, ultimate, welcomeFor many, the ultimate escape is a tranquil beach filled with white sand.VERB + escapehaveplan, plotCeline has been plotting her escape for months.need, seekcity dwellers seeking escape from stressfindCraig finds escape in dreams.offer, provideThis play offered an escape from the everyday.PREPOSITIONescape fromHe had a narrow escape from gunfire.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + escape | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBbarely, just, narrowlyThey narrowly escaped being killed in the fire.The survivors barely escape in whatever ships they can find.not completely, not entirely, not fullyThe head of department cannot entirely escape responsibility for this situation.somehowApparently, they had escaped somehow and gotten home.largelyThe city largely escaped bombing in the campaign.eventually, finallyShe eventually escaped to the US.neverTony may never escape his emotional struggle.easilyThey're so small they can easily escape notice.safely, successfullypilots who successfully escaped while their aircraft was being shot downVERB + escapecannotbe impossible tobe easy toIt was easy to escape in the confusion of the besieged city.attempt to, seek to, try tostruggle toHe got hurt while struggling to escape.hope to, want to, wish toa lonely man who wants to escape his lifestyleneed toI need to escape. I want to go away from here.manage tolet sbIt was stupid of Lee to let them escape.help sb (to)PREPOSITIONfromto escape from prisonintoThey escaped into the forest.toThe family escaped to the West.withThieves escaped with property worth over $5 000.withoutThe driver escaped without injury.PHRASESescape aliveOnly two of the men escaped alive.escape sb's clutchesHe had managed to escape the clutches of the police yet again.escape from it allWe would always go there to escape from it all.escape (sb's) noticeerrors that had escaped my noticeescape unharmed, escape unhurt, escape uninjured, escape unscathedescape with your lifeShe was very lucky to escape with her life.

Escape is used with these nouns as the subject:

cry, fumes, gasp, inmate, laugh, sigh, sob, steam, tear, whimper, word, yawn

Escape is used with these nouns as the object:

annihilation, arrest, attention, bankruptcy, blame, captivity, capture, censure, clutch, confinement, confines, conviction, criticism, danger, death, destiny, destruction, detection, embrace, execution, extradition, fate, fighting, grasp, hell, influence, injury, jail, jaw, justice, massacre, mind, nightmare, notice, oppression, penalty, poverty, predicament, pressure, prison, prosecution, punishment, recession, repression, responsibility, rigour, scrutiny, slavery, tax, throat, torment, trap, tyranny, worst, wrath, wreck

escaped

escapedadj.

Escaped is used with these nouns:

convict, prisoner, slave

escape from

escape fromphr verb

Escape from is used with these nouns as the object:

bankruptcy, captivity, clutch, custody, embrace, jail, jaw, nightmare, past, persecution, predicament, prison, reality, recession, tyranny, world, wreck, zoo

escape into

escape intophr verb

Escape into is used with these nouns as the object:

atmosphere, world

escapist

escapistadj.

Escapist is used with these nouns:

entertainment, fantasy

escort

escortnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + escort | escort + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEarmed, military, motorcycle, police, securityconvoy, destroyer, fighter (esp. AmE) (all military)female, maleVERB + escortbe accompanied by, haveShe had a police escort to the hospital.give sb, provide (sb with), sendCan you give us an escort?The army provided a small armed escort for the delegation.need, requireThe referee needed a police escort as he left the stadium.escort + NOUNvehicle, vesselduty, mission (esp. AmE)Get your planes ready for escort duties.servicePREPOSITIONunder escortThe opposition leader was arrested and taken to the capital under escort.with an escort, without an escortThey left with a small escort.escort foran escort for the Queen's carescort ofan escort of ten soldiers

II. verb

Escort is used with these nouns as the subject:

guard

Escort is used with these nouns as the object:

convoy, shipment

ESL

ESLnoun

ESL is used before these nouns:

esoteric

esotericadj.

Esoteric is used with these nouns:

taste

especially

especiallyadv.

Especially is used with these adjectives:

adept, annoying, appealing, applicable, bad, beneficial, busy, careful, complex, concerned, conducive, costly, dramatic, eager, easy, effective, eloquent, enjoyable, evident, exciting, fascinating, favourable, fond, good, grateful, gratifying, helpful, illuminating, important, impressed, impressive, influential, informative, instructive, intense, interested, interesting, inviting, keen, kind, large, likely, marked, memorable, notable, noteworthy, noticeable, numerous, odd, oily, partial, pertinent, pleased, poignant, popular, potent, powerful, prominent, prone, pronounced, proud, rare, regrettable, relevant, remarkable, rich, risky, sensitive, severe, shocking, significant, skilled, striking, suitable, suited, susceptible, touched, true, useful, valuable, vicious, vigilant, vulnerable, wary, weak, welcome

Especially is used with these verbs:

appreciate, design, emphasize, encourage, enjoy, favour, focus, like, remember, welcome

espionage

espionagenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + espionage | espionage + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcorporate, economic, industrialThe big computer companies are very worried about industrial espionage.internationalAmerican, British, etc.VERB + espionagebe engaged in, be involved in, conduct (esp. AmE), engage inbe executed for, be imprisoned forespionage + NOUNactivity, operations (esp. AmE)evidence of espionage activities in Australiacase (esp. AmE)one of the most important espionage cases of the 20th centuryinvestigationagent (esp. AmE)network (esp. AmE)thriller (esp. AmE)She has written eight espionage thrillers.PREPOSITIONespionage againstShe was found guilty of espionage against the United States.espionage on behalf ofespionage on behalf of foreign statesPHRASESthe world of espionagethe shadowy world of espionage

espouse

espouseverb

Espouse is used with these nouns as the object:

belief, idea, ideal, ideology, philosophy, view, virtue

espresso

espressonoun

Espresso is used before these nouns:

machine

essay

essaynoun

noun… OF ESSAYS | VERB + essay | essay + VERB | essay + NOUN | PREPOSITION… OF ESSAYSanthology, collection, selection, series, set, volumeIn 2001 she published a collection of essays.VERB + essaydo, writeHave you done your essay yet?finishI finished my essay about 10 o'clock last night!concludeHe concludes the essay by calling for a corrective.publishhand in, turn in (esp. AmE)Essays handed in late will not be accepted.contribute, submitpresentA version of this essay was presented at the Astronomical Society.readcollectThe fifteen essays collected in this volume.essay + VERBbe entitled sth, be titled sth (esp. AmE)an essay entitled ‘Memory’address sth, discuss sth, examine sth, explore sthThe essays explore Einstein's personal development.provide sthThis essay provides a comprehensive overview of the subject.argue sth, suggest sthessay + NOUNquestion, title, topicYou have to answer three out of eight essay questions in the exam.assignmentLunch was the only time she could finish her essay assignment.competition (esp. BrE), contest (AmE)the teenage winner of an essay contestcollection (esp. AmE)PREPOSITIONin an/the essayHe made some very good points in his essay.essay about, essay onWe have to write an essay on the environment.essay byan essay by Montaigne

essence

essencenoun

noun1 basic/most important quality of sth2 (BrE) concentrated substance1 basic/most important quality of sthADJECTIVE | VERB + essence | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEreal, true, verydivine, inner, spiritualThe girl has her own spiritual essence.humanpureVERB + essencecapture, distil, embody, encapsulateThey distilled the essence of their message into three principles.His paintings embody the very essence of the post-war years.definegrasp, understandconvey, express, represent, revealpreservemissHis work misses the essence of what Eastern religion is about.destroy, losePREPOSITIONin essenceHis theory was not new in essence.essence ofThe freedom to pick your leaders is the essence of a democracy.PHRASESof the essenceTime is of the essence.

2 (BrE) concentrated substanceSee also extractADJECTIVE | … OF ESSENCE | VERB + essenceADJECTIVEalmond, coffee, vanilla, etc.flower, herbal, plant… OF ESSENCEdropAdd a few drops of vanilla essence.VERB + essenceadd, use

essential

essentialadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, seembecomeIt is becoming almost essential for students to have a second language.remainmake sthIncreased competition makes it essential for the business to innovate.consider sth, deem sth, find sth, regard sth as, see sth as, think sthDo you consider these textbooks essential for the course?ADVERBreally, truly, very (AmE)absolutelyalmost, virtuallyfairlyclearlyA printer is clearly essential to such a task.equallyDiet is crucial; exercise is equally essential.by no meansAlthough useful, the accessories are by no means essential.PREPOSITIONforthe skills essential for successtoHe believed that some form of religion was essential to human life.

Essential is used with these nouns:

accessory, accompaniment, aid, aspect, attribute, character, characteristic, component, concept, core, detail, difference, dilemma, dimension, distinction, element, equipment, facility, feature, function, guide, ingredient, item, link, maintenance, mineral, nature, need, oil, part, preliminary, prelude, prerequisite, principle, property, protein, quality, reading, reference, repair, requirement, role, service, skill, spirit, step, task, thing, tool, training, truth, unity, vitamin, vocabulary

essentially essentials

essentialsnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + essentialsADJECTIVEbare, basicthe bare essentials for existenceVERB + essentialsgrasp, learnJust try and grasp the essentials of the argument.You need to learn the essentials of HTML.provideThe relief agencies are trying to provide food and other basic essentials.concentrate onDon't let's worry about the details at this stage. Let's concentrate on the essentials.coverThe basic course covers the essentials of setting up your own company.lacktakeI tried to take the bare essentials.

establish

establishverb

verb1 start/create sth2 make sth known and accepted3 make certain of sth1 start/create sthADVERB | VERB + establish | PHRASESADVERBinitially, originallyThe Internet was originally established by scientists to share information.formallyThe League was formally established in 1920.VERB + establishattempt to, seek to, try toWe try to establish links with schools.help (to), help sb (to)agree toThe two countries agreed to establish full diplomatic relations.be able tobe important toPHRASESan attempt to establish sth, an effort to establish sthnewly established, recently establishedHe was appointed to the newly established Department for Safety.

2 make sth known and acceptedADVERB | VERB + establish | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBfirmly, securelyHis position in the organization is now firmly established.fullyBy the 7th century Buddhism was fully established in Japan.effectivelyclearlyWe have now clearly established ourselves as the leader in the market.successfullyWe have successfully established clear rules that most students accept.VERB + establishattempt to, seek to, try tohelp (to), help sb (to)The exhibition helped her establish herself as an artist.PREPOSITIONasHe has now established his reputation as a popular musician.PHRASESbecome established, get establishedThe festival has become established as an annual event.previously establisheda previously established formula

3 make certain of sthADVERB | VERB + establish | PHRASESADVERBconclusively, definitely, definitively, unequivocallyempirically, scientificallyThe effectiveness of the new drug has not yet been scientifically established.VERB + establishattempt to, seek to, try toPolice are still trying to establish the identity of the dead man.help (to)be able tobe possible tobe difficult tobe important toPHRASESan attempt to establish sth, an effort to establish sth

Establish is used with these nouns as the subject:

convention, enquiry, evidence, settler, treaty

Establish is used with these nouns as the object:

agenda, alibi, alignment, alliance, arrangement, atmosphere, authenticity, authority, base, body, bond, border, boundary, branch, bureau, business, camp, category, chair, channel, church, claim, clientele, code, colony, commission, committee, common ground, communication, company, confederation, congregation, connection, contact, context, continuity, control, convent, correlation, council, crèche, credentials, credibility, criterion, database, democracy, department, detail, diagnosis, dialogue, dictatorship, division, doctrine, dominance, domination, dynasty, empire, enquiry, equality, existence, expectation, extent, fact, farm, feasibility, federation, firm, foothold, foundation, framework, friendship, fund, goal, government, guideline, guilt, habit, headquarters, health service, hierarchy, hotline, identity, innocence, institute, lead, liaison, limit, link, memorial, mission, monarchy, monopoly, mood, motive, movement, museum, myth, neighbourhood, network, niche, objective, office, panel, partnership, party, pattern, peace, perimeter, picture, policy, position, practice, precedent, presence, principle, priority, procedure, programme, quota, rapport, record, refuge, regime, register, registry, relation, relationship, relevance, republic, reputation, requirement, reserve, residence, right, role, routine, rule, schedule, scheme, settlement, slavery, socialism, society, sovereignty, standard, state, structure, style, subsidiary, superiority, supremacy, system, task force, territory, tie, timetable, tone, tradition, tribunal, trust, truth, validity, venture, zone

established

establishedadj.

Established is used with these nouns:

artist, church, client, composer, convention, custom, discipline, doctrine, favourite, firm, institution, limit, norm, order, practice, precedent, procedure, regime, religion, reputation, technique

establishing

establishingadj.

Establishing is used with these nouns:

shot

establishment

establishmentnoun

noun1 act of starting sth2 business, organization, etc.3 the establishment people in positions of power1 act of starting sthADJECTIVE | VERB + establishment | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEformalthe formal establishment of the republic in 1948gradual, rapidsuccessfulVERB + establishmentadvocate, call for, propose, recommend, supportThe commission is calling for the establishment of a national holiday.agree tolead toThis report led to the establishment of a special committee to investigate the matter.allow, allow for, enable, encourage, facilitate, provide forWe would like to encourage the establishment of new farm businesses.preventannounceseeThe months that followed saw the establishment of a strong military presence in the region.PREPOSITIONwith the establishment ofWith the establishment of major new markets, the economy is thriving.

2 business, organization, etc.ADJECTIVEADJECTIVEdrinking, eatinglicensed (esp. BrE)the supply of alcohol in licensed establishmentscommercial, retail (both esp. AmE)educational, military, religious, etc.research, trainingShe's now running a small government research establishment.

3 the establishment people in positions of powerADJECTIVE | VERB + the establishmentADJECTIVEmainstreamthe mainstream political establishmentacademic, art, literary, media, medical, military, musical, political, scientificthe Washington media establishmentclerical, ecclesiastical, religiousBritish, French, etc.The British Establishment is very slow to accept change.conservative, liberala pillar of the liberal establishmentDemocratic, Republican, etc.VERB + the establishmentoffendHis abstract paintings offended the art establishment.challengeO'Connor challenged the liberal establishment on many things.

estate

estatenoun

noun1 land owned by a person/family/organization2 (BrE) land with a lot of buildings of the same type3 (law) property that sb leaves when they die1 land owned by a person/family/organizationADJECTIVE | VERB + estate | estate + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, great, huge, large, substantial, vastsprawlingthe family mansion and sprawling country estatesmallcountry, ruralthe family's country estategrand, palatialHe owned a palatial estate in California.royalfamilythe family estate at Kostromalanded (esp. BrE)Gilbert was heir to an extensive landed estate.sugar, wineBordeaux's most famous wine estatefreehold, leasehold (both BrE, law)VERB + estatehave, ownThe family owns a large estate in the north.buyQueen Victoria bought the estate in 1848.manage, runestate + NOUNmanager, owner, worker (BrE)managementagency, agent (both BrE) (real estate agency, real estate agent in AmE)PREPOSITIONon an/the estatethe number of people living on the estateestate ofan estate of 20 000 acresPHRASESan heir to an estateThe young prince is the heir to a vast estate in the west of the country.

2 (BrE) land with a lot of buildings of the same typeADJECTIVE | VERB + estate | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElarge, massivesmalldeprived, run-downyoungsters living on deprived housing estatescouncil, housingprivateindustrial, tradingThe factory is on a large industrial estate on the outskirts of town.VERB + estatebuildPREPOSITIONon an/the estateShe lives on a council estate in Leeds.

3 (law) property that sb leaves when they dieADJECTIVE | VERB + estate | estate + VERB | estate + NOUNADJECTIVEpersonaltaxableassets from your taxable estateVERB + estatebequeath (formal), leaveThe bulk of his estate was bequeathed to his son Jacob.She left her whole estate to her niece.inheritShe inherited her father's estate.ownHis personal estate is worth $30 million.settleIt took seven years to settle the estate.estate + VERBbe valued at sth, be worth sthestate + NOUNtax (AmE)to transfer estate taxes to the next generationsale

esteem

esteemnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + esteem | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreat, highlowpersonalI needed to do it for my own personal esteem.mutualWe parted with expressions of mutual esteem.critical, popular, public, socialHer work has been steadily gaining critical esteem in recent years.VERB + esteemearnShe had earned the esteem of everyone in the town.enjoy, havethe high public esteem now enjoyed by the armed forcesloseHe had lost all of his personal esteem.accord sbthe level of social esteem accorded to doctorsboost, build, build up, raiseRecent reviews of her work have raised her esteem.PREPOSITIONin … esteemthe status of teachers in the public esteemesteem forthe public's esteem for the presidentI have great esteem for you.esteem ofThe school's aim is to build the self-esteem of the children.PHRASEShold sb/sth in great, high, low, etc. esteemHe is held in the highest esteem by all who know him.a mark of esteem, a token of esteemWe would like to offer you this gift as a mark of our esteem.

estimate

estimatenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + estimate | estimate + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEofficial, unofficialcurrent, recentCurrent estimates suggest that supplies will run out within six months.early, initial, original, preliminarylatestInflation could rise by 15% according to the latest estimate.accurate, inaccurateInaccurate estimates can lead to overproduction.fair, good, realistic, reasonable, reliablebestFlight times in the brochure are based on our best estimate, and will be confirmed as soon as possible.approximate, roughpreciseThe manufacturers will not make precise estimates.conservative, lowI think 15 000 will turn out to be a very low estimate.high, inflatedAccording to the highest estimate, over 100 000 men died in the battle.optimistic, pessimisticoverallan overall estimate of test performanceannualannual estimates of total costcost, earningsThe slump is causing analysts to revise earnings estimates for next year.populationannual population estimates for small geographic areascasualtyCasualty estimates vary considerably.VERB + estimatecalculate, makeCan you make an estimate of the numbers involved?generate, give (sb), produce, provide (sb with), submitThree companies submitted estimates for the work.obtainHow can one obtain the revised estimates?adjust, refine, revisecompareWe compared estimates for various materials.exceedIt appears that the total will exceed the estimate.estimate + VERBbe based on sthindicate sth, predict sth, reflect sth, say sth, show sth, suggest sthOne estimate suggests that 30 000 jobs may be lost.put sth atSome estimates put the figure as high as 50%.differ, range, varyCost estimates vary from $50 000 to $200 000.PREPOSITIONaccording to an/the estimateAccording to the revised estimate, four million people will be without homes.at an estimateEven at a conservative estimate, there is a lot of work to be done.in an/the estimateIn his first estimate, he suggested a figure of £5 000.estimate by, estimate fromBy one estimate she earns $80 million a year.estimate forWe will send you an estimate for the repairs.estimate ofan estimate of profitsan estimate of £300

II. verbADVERB | VERB + estimate | PREPOSITIONADVERBcurrentlyinitially, originallypreviouslysubstantially more than previously estimatedaccurately, correctly, precisely, reliablyroughlyhow to roughly estimate your caloric intakeconservativelyIt is conservatively estimated that not less than half a million people died in the famine.VERB + estimatebe difficult to, be hard to, be impossible tobe easy to, be possible toThis made it possible to estimate the effect of workplace ventilation.be used toThe results of the survey were used to estimate the preferences of the population at large.PREPOSITIONatWe estimated the cost at €50 000.

Estimate is used with these nouns as the subject:

Estimate is used with these nouns as the object:

concentration, cost, density, diameter, distance, duration, earnings, effect, effectiveness, efficiency, expenditure, extent, frequency, impact, length, likelihood, magnitude, number, percentage, probability, proportion, rate, risk, size, toll, value, volume, worth

estimated

estimatedadj.

Estimated is used with these nouns:

cost, distance, expenditure, frequency, saving, total, value, worth

estimation

estimationnoun

nounVERB + estimation | PREPOSITIONVERB + estimationgo up in (esp. BrE), rise inHe went up in my estimation when I heard about his charity work.go down in (esp. BrE)PREPOSITIONin sb's estimationIn my estimation, you've done a good job.

estranged

estrangedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feelbecomeADVERBdeeplycompletelyincreasinglyPREPOSITIONfromHe felt deeply estranged from the society he lived in.

Estranged is used with these nouns:

father, husband, wife

eternal

eternaladj.

Eternal is used with these nouns:

bliss, friendship, gratitude, happiness, hell, life, love, mystery, optimist, peace, quest, salvation, soul, suffering, torment, truth, vigilance, youth

eternally

eternallyadv.

Eternally is used with these adjectives:

grateful, indebted, thankful

eternity

eternitynoun

Eternity is used before these nouns:

ring

ethereal

etherealadj.

Ethereal is used with these nouns:

ethernet

ethernetnoun

Ethernet is used before these nouns:

connection

ethic

ethicnoun

Ethic is used after these nouns:

conservation, work

ethical ethically

ethicallyadv.

Ethically is used with these adjectives:

acceptable, dubious, indefensible, justifiable, justified, neutral, questionable, responsible, wrong

ethics

ethicsnoun

nounADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEpersonalShe resigned over an issue of personal ethics.socialHe teaches a class on social ethics.Christian, Jewish, etc.business, corporate, environmental, journalism (AmE), journalistic, media, medical, professional, etc.The study was approved by the medical ethics committee.PHRASESa code of ethicsThere should be a code of business ethics which indicates how clients are to be served.a matter of ethics, a question of ethics.It's the committee's job to decide on matters of ethics.

ethnic ethnically

ethnicallyadv.

Ethnically is used with these adjectives:

diverse, homogeneous, mixed

Ethnically is used with these verbs:

divide

ethnic minority

ethnic minoritynoun

Ethnic minority is used before these nouns:

recruitment

ethnographic

ethnographicadj.

Ethnographic is used with these nouns:

fieldwork

etiquette

etiquettenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + etiquette | etiquette + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEprofessional, socialHe showed his contempt for social etiquette by not wearing a tie.correct, properWhat's the correct etiquette when addressing a judge?He did not know the proper etiquette for greeting people of such high rank.strictthe strict etiquette of palace lifebad, poorShe considered it poor etiquette to invite people over and then cancel just the day before.email, phoneHow good is your email etiquette?businessa business etiquette expertcourta breach of court etiquetteVERB + etiquetteknowI don't know the etiquette required here.etiquette + VERBdemand sth, dictate sth, require sthEtiquette requires that winners make a speech.PHRASESa breach of etiquetteThe lawyer was accused of a breach of professional etiquette.matters of etiquette, questions of etiquetteHe is an expert on matters of etiquette.the rules of etiquetteShe knew how to address bishops according to the rules of etiquette.

etymological

etymologicaladj.

Etymological is used with these nouns:

dictionary

EUnounadj.

I. noun

EU is used before these nouns:

country, directive, minister, regulation, subsidy

II. adj.

EU is used with these nouns:

summit

Euclidean

Euclideanadj.

Euclidean is used with these nouns:

geometry

euphemistically

euphemisticallyadv.

Euphemistically is used with these verbs:

call, name, term

euphoria

euphorianoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF EUPHORIA | VERB + euphoria | euphoria + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEearly, initialafter the initial euphoriageneralintense, puremildpatriotic, post-war… OF EUPHORIAwaveThe news sparked a wave of euphoria across the country.VERB + euphoriafeelthe euphoria we all felt when they were finally defeatedinduce, produceThese substances produce euphoria when taken in small doses.euphoria + VERBevaporate, fadePREPOSITIONeuphoria aboutAll the euphoria about the ‘new methods’ soon faded.euphoria ofthe euphoria of victoryeuphoria overBy then, the euphoria over the fall of the Berlin Wall had evaporated.PHRASESa feeling of euphoria, a state of euphoria

euro

euronoun

European

Europeanadj.

European is used with these nouns:

ally, bloc, championship, civilization, convention, counterpart, court, cup, currency, descent, diplomacy, integration, nation, point of view, power, settlement, settler, title, tour, tournament, tradition, trip, unification, unity, vacation

Eustachian

Eustachianadj.

Eustachian is used with these nouns:

tube

euthanasia

euthanasianoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + euthanasiaADJECTIVEvoluntaryinvoluntary, non-voluntaryactive, passiveVERB + euthanasiaperform, practise/practicelegalize

evacuate

evacuateverb

verbADVERB | VERB + evacuate | PREPOSITIONADVERBimmediatelysafely, successfullymedically (esp. AmE)6 000 soldiers have been medically evacuated since the war began.VERB + evacuatehelp (to)to provide aircraft to help evacuate refugeesneed toorder sb toEvery police unit has been ordered to evacuate all civilians.PREPOSITIONfromHelicopters were used to evacuate people from their homes.toThe man has now been safely evacuated to the mainland.

Evacuate is used with these nouns as the object:

bowel, building, passenger

evacuation

evacuationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | evacuation + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElarge-scale, mass, massiveemergency, immediateforced, mandatory (AmE)Officials called for a mandatory evacuation.voluntary (esp. AmE)medical (esp. AmE)an airborne medical evacuationcasualtywartimefirea fire evacuation drillevacuation + NOUNarea, zoneroute (esp. AmE)Make sure children know the emergency evacuation routes.centre/center (esp. AmE)The high school was used as an evacuation center.orderplan, scheme (BrE)drilltsunami evacuation drillseffortsprocedures, processPREPOSITIONevacuation fromthe evacuation of civilians from the areaunder evacuation (esp. AmE)The county was under a mandatory evacuation.

evade

evadeverb

verb1 escape2 avoid dealing with sth1 escapeADVERB | VERB + evadeADVERBnarrowlyThey narrowly evaded a police car which was approaching.successfullyVERB + evadeattempt to, try tomanage toHe managed to evade capture and escaped over the border.help (to)

2 avoid dealing with sthADVERB | VERB + evadeADVERBsimplyHer response was simply to evade the problem altogether.carefully, neatly, skilfully/skillfullyeasilyResponsibility could not be so easily evaded.altogether, completelyVERB + evadeattempt to, seek to, try tohelp (to)continue to

Evade is used with these nouns as the object:

arrest, capture, creditor, detection, duty, issue, police, question, responsibility, tax

evaluate

evaluateverb

verbADVERB | VERB + evaluateADVERBeffectively (esp. AmE), fully, properly, thoroughlycarefully, rigorously, systematicallyThe evidence should be carefully evaluated.accurately (esp. AmE)constantly, continually, continuously, regularly (all esp. AmE)criticallypositivelyThe role of stay-at-home mother is more positively evaluated in working-class communities.honestly (esp. AmE)independently, objectively (esp. AmE)his ability to objectively evaluate the merits of the works he considersempirically, scientifically, statisticallyThese probabilities can be evaluated empirically.VERB + evaluateaim to, attempt to, be designed tohelp (to)to help evaluate the success of the campaignbegin tocontinue tobe used tocriteria used to evaluate employees' performancebe difficult to, be hard tobe impossible toIt was impossible to evaluate the safety of the new drug.be possible toHow is it possible to evaluate a company?

Evaluate is used with these nouns as the object:

applicant, approach, benefit, claim, competence, condition, effect, effectiveness, efficiency, employee, evidence, extent, feasibility, hypothesis, impact, importance, influence, likelihood, merit, outcome, performance, progress, quality, relationship, reliability, result, risk, role, situation, success, usefulness, utility, validity

evaluation

evaluationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + evaluation | evaluation + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcomprehensive, rigorous, systematic, thoroughcareful, detailedindependent, objective (esp. AmE)subjective (esp. AmE)subjective evaluations of the costscritical, empirical, statisticala critical evaluation of the filminitial, preliminaryWe'll revisit our initial evaluation.negative, positive (both esp. AmE)She generally gets positive evaluations from her managers.formaljob (esp. BrE), performance (esp. AmE)a new pay structure based on job evaluationsstudent (AmE)the end-of-course student evaluationsannual (esp. AmE)his employees' annual evaluationsclinical, medical, psychiatric, psychological (all esp. AmE) (usually clinical, etc. assessment in BrE)the results of clinical evaluationsVERB + evaluationcarry out, conduct, do, make, performWe still have to carry out an evaluation of the results.receive, undergoHe is undergoing psychiatric evaluation.completea recently completed evaluation of primary health carerequiresymptoms that require medical evaluationevaluation + NOUNprocedure, processstudyform (esp. AmE)During dinner, guests fill out a wine evaluation form.criteriaThe project developed a set of evaluation criteria.PREPOSITIONin an/the evaluationIn their evaluation of the project, they considered only certain aspects of it.under evaluationThe new system is still under evaluation.

evangelical

evangelicaladj.

Evangelical is used with these nouns:

Christian, Christianity, church, fervour, minister, ministry, missionary, movement, preacher, religion, sect

evaporate

evaporateverb

Evaporate is used with these nouns as the subject:

anger, confidence, euphoria, moisture, optimism, solvent, water

evaporated

evaporatedadj.

Evaporated is used with these nouns:

evasion

evasionnoun

Evasion is used after these nouns:

evasive

evasiveadj.

Evasive is used with these nouns:

action, manoeuvre, reply

evasively

evasivelyadv.

Evasively is used with these verbs:

answer, reply

eve

evenoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEChristmas, Midsummer's, New Year'selection (AmE)a special election eve showPREPOSITIONon the eve ofopinion polls published on the eve of the electionThe vote was held on the eve of the anniversary.

Eve is used after these nouns:

Christmas, election

even

evenadj.adv.

I. adj.1 level/smooth2 same size/level3 equal1 level/smoothVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, lookThe floor isn't completely even.ADVERBveryabsolutely, completely

2 same size/levelVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomekeep sthTry to keep your stitches absolutely even.ADVERBveryabsolutely, completelyfairlyTry to keep the room at a fairly even temperature.

3 equalVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemremainADVERBveryfairly, more or less, relativelyThe scores remained more or less even throughout the competition.deadAnalysts say the race is dead even.

Even is used with these nouns:

balance, breathing, contest, distribution, flow, number, pace, split, stroke, surface, temperament, tenor, tone, tooth

II. adv.

Even is used with these adjectives:

better, worse

Even is used with these verbs:

contemplate, hint

evening

eveningnoun

noun1 part of the day2 event happening in the evening1 part of the dayADJECTIVE | VERB + evening | evening + VERB | evening + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEthis, tomorrow, yesterdayFriday, Saturday, etc.weekday (esp. BrE)a popular place to hang out on weekday eveningsApril, May, etc.spring, summer, etc.longthe long winter eveningsdarkquietbalmy, beautiful, fine (esp. BrE), golden, warmromanticThe two spent a romantic evening together.cold, cool, dryearly, lateIt was early evening and very still.previous8 o'clock the previous eveningfollowing, nextThe ball would take place the following evening.entire, wholeHe spent the entire evening chatting with friends.VERB + eveningspendWe spent the evening walking around the town.begin, startWe started our evening by watching TV.endWhat a way to end an evening!enjoythoroughly enjoying a quiet evening at homeruin, spoilI don't want to ruin your evening.evening + VERBprogress, wear onAs the evening wore on, Phil became very drunk.evening + NOUNlight, sky, star, sunair, breezethe cool evening airmeal (esp. BrE)stroll, walkshiftclass, courseentertainment, event, performance, reception, showprayer, servicerush hournews, newscast (AmE), newspaper, paperPREPOSITIONduring the eveningfor an/the eveningHer parents were out for the evening.in the evening(on) Friday, etc. evening, on the evening ofon the evening of May 15PHRASESan evening off, an evening outYou deserve an occasional evening out.good evening

2 event happening in the eveningADJECTIVE | VERB + evening | evening + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgala, musical, socialopen (BrE), parents' (esp. BrE)Prospective students were invited to the school's open evening.enjoyable, fun, lovely, memorable, nice, perfect, pleasant, successful, wonderfulVERB + eveningholdThe club will hold a social evening to welcome new members.hostHe hosted the evening in front of a celebrity audience.openThe orchestra opened the evening with an overture.evening + NOUNclothes, dress, gown, wearPREPOSITIONduring the evening, for the evening

evening primrose

evening primrosenoun

Evening primrose is used before these nouns:

evenly evenly contested

evenly contestedadj.

Evenly contested is used with these nouns:

game

even-money

even-moneyadj.

Even-money is used with these nouns:

favourite

event

eventnoun

noun1 sth that happens2 planned social occasion3 race/competition1 sth that happensADJECTIVE | VERB + event | event + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, great, important, major, significanthistoric, key, landmark, life-changing, momentous, pivotal, seminal, watershed (esp. AmE)Tonight's show looks back at the key events of the year.dramatic, remarkablemainhappycataclysmic, catastrophic, sad, stressful, tragic, traumaticrareOutside big cities, murder is a rare event.current, recentin-depth articles related to current eventsrecent events in Saudi Arabiafutureour inability to forecast future eventssubsequentSubsequent events proved him wrong.historical, politicalVERB + eventwitnessWhen the ship finally reached land, only a few of the crew were left to witness the event.recordWe had a huge party, and hired a photographer to record the event.describe, recount, relateCarter related the events of the past hour to him.recall, rememberShe tried to recall the events of the previous night.celebrate, commemorate, markToday is the hospital's fiftieth anniversary, and there will be a party to mark the event.event + VERBhappen, occur, take place, unfoldTV viewers watched in horror as events unfolded.lead to sthThese events quickly led to confusion.lead up to sthThe police are trying to establish a picture of events leading up to the killing.PHRASESa chain of events, a sequence of events, a series of eventsthe course of eventsWould it have been possible to change the course of events?in any eventI think the economy will recover in any event.in the eventIn the event though, the dinner was a very entertaining affair.in the event of sth, in the event that … In the unlikely event of a crash, please remain calm.

2 planned social occasionADJECTIVE | VERB + event | event + VERBADJECTIVEbig, important, landmark, main, major, specialTheir 1981 production was a landmark event.popularprestigiousThe Birmingham meeting is one of the most prestigious events in the racing calendar.inauguralinternational, nationala new international art eventannual, regularcharityThey host frequent charity events in their home.galaa special opening-night gala eventforthcoming (esp. BrE), upcoming (esp. AmE)Forthcoming events are listed on the back page of the local newspaper.fund-raising, musical, social, sportingblack-tie, formala black-tie event at the Waldorf AstoriaVERB + eventhold, organize, stageThe event will be held in the grounds of the house.hostWe hosted a charitable event for a local organization.plan, scheduleForty such events are scheduled this year.publicizeattend, supportI would like to thank everyone who attended our charity evening for supporting the event.sponsorThey sponsored various community events.boycottSeveral leading players boycotted the event in protest.event + VERBtake place

3 race/competitionADJECTIVE | VERB + event | event + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, mainThis race will be the main event of the afternoon.international, nationalLocal winners compete in a national event in September.individual, teammen's, women'sfield, trackdistance, long-distance, middle-distance, sprintbackstroke, breaststroke, freestyle (all in swimming)Olympicone-day, two-day, etc.VERB + evententer, enter for, take part inA record number of teams have entered the event.winhostThe Association hosted a special three-day sailing event.event + VERBtake placeThe team events will take place later this week.PREPOSITIONin an/the eventAfrican runners swept the medals in the distance events.

eventful

eventfuladj.

Eventful is used with these nouns:

day, night

eventual eventually

eventuallyadv.

Eventually is used with these adjectives:

successful, victorious

Eventually is used with these verbs:

abandon, arrive, break, cease, collapse, concede, dawn, decide, defeat, destroy, disappear, discover, drift, drop, eliminate, emerge, end, erode, escape, evolve, finish, gain, heal, incorporate, kill, lead, manage, meet, notice, overcome, persuade, prevail, provoke, reach, realize, recover, regain, reject, release, replace, require, resolve, result, return, reward, secure, settle, slow, solve, split, spot, subside, succeed, succumb, surpass, surrender, tire, transfer, triumph, undermine, weaken, win, withdraw

ever

everadv.

Ever is used with these adjectives:

elusive, likely, popular, present, ready, vigilant

Ever is used with these verbs:

forgive, imagine, learn

ever-changing

ever-changingadj.

Ever-changing is used with these nouns:

environment, marketplace, pattern, world

evergreen

evergreenadj.

Evergreen is used with these nouns:

foliage, shrub, tree

ever-increasing

ever-increasingadj.

Ever-increasing is used with these nouns:

demand, rate

everlasting

everlastingadj.

Everlasting is used with these nouns:

life, love

ever-present

ever-presentadj.

Ever-present is used with these nouns:

danger, threat

ever-widening

ever-wideningadj.

Ever-widening is used with these nouns:

gap

every

everyadj.

Every is used with these nouns:

excuse, justification, kind, likelihood, opportunity, precaution, shred, stripe, time

everyday

everydayadj.

Everyday is used with these nouns:

clothes, context, conversation, demand, existence, experience, folk, food, language, life, object, occurrence, practice, product, reality, speech, task, thing, usage, use, vocabulary, wear, word, work, world

everywhere

everywhereadv.

Everywhere is used with these adjectives:

scattered

evict

evictverb

verbADVERB | VERB + evict | PREPOSITIONADVERBforciblyunlawfully (esp. BrE)VERB + evictattempt to, seek to, try to, want toPREPOSITIONfromThey were forcibly evicted from their home.

Evict is used with these nouns as the object:

tenant

eviction

evictionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + eviction | eviction + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEillegal, unlawful (esp. BrE)He claimed damages for unlawful eviction.forcedVERB + evictionbe threatened with, faceresisteviction + NOUNnotice, order (esp. BrE), warrant (BrE)proceedingsPREPOSITIONeviction fromThey are facing eviction from their home.

evidence

evidencenoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF EVIDENCE | VERB + evidence | evidence + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEabundant, ample, considerable, extensive, plentiful, significant, substantial, sufficient, widespreadThere is ample evidence that the world is getting hotter.growing, increasing, mountingclear, compelling, conclusive, convincing, decisive, definitive, good, hard, incontrovertible, irrefutable, overwhelming, persuasive, positive, powerful, solid, striking, strong, unambiguous, unequivocaladequateflimsy, inadequate, insufficient, limited, little, scantconcrete, direct, firm, first-hand, objective, physical, tangibleThe figures provide concrete evidence of the bank's claim.credibleWe found no credible evidence to support this allegation.indirectavailable, current, presentAvailable evidence points to pilot error as the cause of the crash.additional, fresh, further, more, newcrucial, important, valuable, vitalThey accused the prosecution of withholding crucial evidence.prima facie (law)I'll accept this as prima facie evidence that there might be a problem.corroborating, corroborative, supportingThey convicted the wrong man on the basis of a signed confession with no corroborative evidence.conflictingAnother team of scientists has come up with conflicting evidence.damning, incriminatingThe scandal is damning evidence of the government's contempt for democracy.anecdotal, circumstantial, materialThere is plenty of anecdotal evidence to suggest that crime is beginning to rise.There was a mass of circumstantial evidence linking Watson to the murder.documentary, observational, photographic, statistical, textual, video (esp. BrE), visible, visualThe court was shown photographic evidence.archaeological, empirical, factual, formal, historicalclinical, DNA, experimental, forensic, medical, scientificfalseShe admitted giving false evidence to the court.… OF EVIDENCEpiecescrapShe mulled over these scraps of evidence.body, massA body of evidence emerged suggesting that smoking tobacco caused serious diseases.VERB + evidencehaveWe do not have the evidence to prove these claims.look for, search foraccumulate, collect, come across, come up with, discover, find, gather, obtain, produce, uncoverScientists have found fresh evidence to suggest that a huge explosion led to the extinction.offer (sb), provide (sb with), show (sb)The tapes provided evidence of her intentions.give, present (sb with), revealShe was hoping she would not have to give evidence in court.seeHe says he's been working hard, but I haven't seen any evidence of it.consider, examine, studyevaluate, weighThey will weigh this evidence and come to a rational conclusion.reviewcite (sth as)The team cited evidence from a recent earthquake to back up their idea.The rise in crime is often cited as evidence of a general breakdown of authority.submit, use sth inThe police officer took a statement which was later used in evidence.hearWe must wait to hear his evidence before we make any judgement.admit, allowThe judge can decide whether to admit or exclude evidence.excludedestroyProsecutors say they destroyed evidence related to the case.evidence + VERBexistcome to light, emergeaccumulate, grow, mountEvidence is accumulating that a defective gene may be responsible for this disease.confirm sth, demonstrate sth, establish sth, indicate sth, point to sth, prove sth, reveal sth, show sth, suggest sth, support sthThe evidence pointed to the existence of an international smuggling network.be based on sth, be derived from sth, come from sthevidence of growing poverty based on extensive surveyscontradict sthNo new evidence has contradicted this research.implicate sb/sth, link sb/sthevidence linking her to the crimePREPOSITIONas evidenceHe cited Australia's success as evidence for his theory.in evidenceA photo of the victim's injuries was produced in evidence.on … evidenceOn present evidence the team will be lucky to make the final.on the evidence ofOn the evidence of his latest exhibition, Miller is an artist who is past his best.evidence about, evidence concerning, evidence regarding, evidence relating toThe team have been collecting evidence about war crimes.evidence againstThe woman went to court to give evidence against her attacker.evidence forWhat evidence do you have for that claim?evidence fromevidence from historical documentsevidence ofScientists are looking for evidence of life on other planets.evidence onThe first chapter reviews the evidence on how children learn language.PHRASESto be in evidencea trend that has been much in evidence in recent yearsin the face of evidence, in the teeth of evidenceThe company denies, in the face of overwhelming evidence, that smoking causes cancer.in the light of evidenceIn the light of new evidence, a new enquiry into the crash is likely to take place.lack of evidenceThe kidnapping charge was dropped because of lack of evidence.not a scrap of evidence, not a shred of evidenceHe made the accusations without a shred of evidence to back them up.

evident

evidentadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, seembecomeremainmake sthThe silence of the forest was made evident by the occasional snap of a twig.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.abundantly (esp. AmE), clearly, plainly, readily (esp. AmE), stronglyThose characteristics are abundantly evident in Webster's essay.fully (esp. AmE), perfectly, quite (esp. BrE)especially, particularlyincreasingly, morelessTheir symptoms may be less evident to their caregivers.equallyThe commitment to local products is equally evident on the restaurant's wine list.immediatelyalreadyIt is already evident that new roads only generate new traffic.painfullyThe strain of her work schedule was becoming painfully evident.PREPOSITIONfromIt was fairly evident from her tone of voice that she disapproved.inHis anger was evident in his attitude to the others.toIt was evident to me that the mission would fail.

Evident is used with these nouns:

delight, enjoyment, relief, reluctance, satisfaction

evidently

evidentlyadv.

Evidently is used with these adjectives:

surprised, unaware

evil

evilnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + evil | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreatabsolute, purethe pure evil in his soulintrinsicthe intrinsic evil of taking a human lifelesserThis sort of job is a lesser evil than unemployment.moral, socialto combat the social evils of poverty, disease and ignoranceVERB + evilcommit, doHis simple message was that God will punish those that do evil.combat, fight, resistYou can always choose to resist evil.defeat, destroy, overcomea duty to defeat the evil of terrorismPHRASESthe forces of evila perpetual struggle between the forces of good and the forces of evilgood and evilnot a simple choice between good and evila necessary evilHe calls war ‘a necessary evil’.the root of all evilHe sees money as the root of all evil.

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, look, seembecomeADVERBparticularly, really, truly, veryKristin smiled a particularly evil smile.completely, totally, whollybasically, inherently, intrinsicallyHe believes that all people are basically evil.

Evil is used with these nouns:

cackle, character, creature, curse, deed, demon, design, force, genius, grin, ideology, influence, intention, laugh, laughter, menace, monster, motive, omen, person, plan, plot, presence, scheme, smell, smirk, spirit, thought, trade, twin, tyrant, villain, woman

evilly

evillyadv.

Evilly is used with these verbs:

cackle, grin, laugh

evince

evinceverb

Evince is used with these nouns as the object:

interest

evocative

evocativeadj.

Evocative is used with these nouns:

imagery

evoke

evokeverb

verbADVERB | VERB + evoke | evoke + NOUNADVERBbeautifully, clearly, effectively, nicely, powerfully, successfully, vividlyThe novel vividly evokes the life of the Irish in Australia.immediatelystillHer face, though sad, still evoked a feeling of serenity.VERB + evokeattempt to, seek to, try to, want tohelp (to)products that help evoke an old-fashioned moodbe able to, manage toseem tobe designed to, be intended to, be meant tonarrative techniques that are intended to evoke sympathy from the readeruse sth toMusic can be used to evoke childhood.evoke + NOUNthe ability to evoke sth, the power to evoke sththe actor's ability to evoke a variety of emotions

Evoke is used with these nouns as the subject:

music, painting, word

Evoke is used with these nouns as the object:

association, emotion, feeling, image, imagery, memory, mood, nostalgia, pity, response, spectre, sympathy

evolution

evolutionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + evolution | evolution + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgradual, slowrapidcontinued, continuous, ongoinglong-termthe long-term evolution of ecosystemsearlyduring the early evolution of animalsnatural, organicorganic evolution by natural selectionpeacefulthe peaceful evolution to democracybiological, cultural, historical, political, social, spiritual, technologicalparallelthe parallel evolution of science and artanimal, human, mammalianDarwinian, naturalistic (AmE)VERB + evolutiontracea book tracing the evolution of the English languagedrive, influence, shapethe forces that drove the evolution of the European financial systemundergoThe movement is undergoing an ideological evolution.evolution + VERBhappen, occur, proceed, take placeEvolution proceeds by a series of small changes.workcompeting theories as to how evolution worksrequireEvolution requires intermediate forms between species.PREPOSITIONevolution from … to … his evolution from comedian to serious actorevolution ofthe evolution of the human speciesevolution towards/towardthe country's gradual evolution towards/toward democracyPHRASESthe theory of evolutionpeople who reject the theory of evolution

evolutionarily

evolutionarilyadv.

Evolutionarily is used with these adjectives:

evolutionary

evolutionaryadj.

Evolutionary is used with these nouns:

adaptation, biologist, biology, change, development, ecology, genetics, history, ladder, origin, past, path, process, progress, psychologist, psychology, scale, science, theory, trend

evolve

evolveverb

verbADVERB | VERB + evolve | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBgradually, slowlyquickly, rapidlyeventuallythe theory which eventually evolved from this studyconstantly, continually, continuouslysteadilyVeterinary medicine is steadily evolving to meet the demands of pet owners.considerably, dramatically, significantlyThe market has evolved considerably in recent years.naturallydifferently, independently, separatelyMonkeys in the New World evolved separately from those in the Old World.togetherAfrica and its wildlife evolved together.VERB + evolvecontinue totend toOnline games tend to evolve over time.PREPOSITIONaccording toOur products have been evolving according to the requirements of the times.fromMore complex animals gradually evolved from these very simple creatures.intoThe protest movement has evolved into a well-organized political party.out ofA lot of Michael's work has evolved out of his experience with travel.towards/towardthe idea that society evolves towards/toward greater complexityPHRASESfully evolved, highly evolvedThese are very highly evolved animals.

Evolve is used with these nouns as the subject:

design, gene, idea, market, practice, process, relationship, technology

Evolve is used with these nouns as the object:

style

evolving

evolvingadj.

Evolving is used with these nouns:

exacerbate

exacerbateverb

Exacerbate is used with these nouns as the object:

anxiety, condition, crisis, division, effect, imbalance, injury, pain, problem, shortage, situation, symptom, tension

exact exacting

exactingadj.

Exacting is used with these nouns:

demand, standard

exactly

exactlyadv.

Exactly is used with these adjectives:

alike, analogous, comparable, contemporary, equal, equivalent, identical, parallel, right, same, square, synonymous

Exactly is used with these verbs:

calculate, clarify, coincide, conform, copy, correspond, define, describe, determine, divide, duplicate, echo, explain, express, fit, know, match, measure, mimic, mirror, offset, pin, pinpoint, predict, quote, remember, repeat, reproduce, reverse, specify, spell, state, tailor

exaggerate

exaggerateverb

verbADVERB | VERB + exaggerate | PHRASESADVERBgreatly, grossly, vastly, wildlyThese figures have been greatly exaggerated.a little, slightly, etc.rather, somewhatfurthereasilyThe historical significance of these events can be easily exaggerated (= it is easy to think they are more significant than they are).deliberatelyVERB + exaggeratetend toJohn does tend to exaggerate slightly.be easy tobe difficult to, be hard to, be impossible toIt is difficult to exaggerate the importance of developing good study habits.PHRASEShighly exaggeratedThe allegations were highly exaggerated.

Exaggerate is used with these nouns as the object:

difference, extent, importance, problem, significance

exaggerated

exaggeratedadj.

Exaggerated is used with these nouns:

claim, motion, politeness, sigh

exaggeration

exaggerationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF EXAGGERATION | VERB + exaggeration | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreat, gross, huge, wildmild, slight… OF EXAGGERATIONdegreeThere was a degree of exaggeration in his description of events.VERB + exaggerationbe given to, be prone toJohn is not usually given to exaggeration.allow forTheir results, even allowing for exaggeration, are impressive.PREPOSITIONwithout exaggerationThere were, without exaggeration, hundreds of applications for the job.PHRASESa bit of an exaggerationIt would be a bit of an exaggeration to say that I'm desperate to leave.it is no exaggeration to say sthIt is no exaggeration to say that having a baby changes your life.

exalted

exaltedadj.

Exalted is used with these nouns:

circle

exam

examnoun

noun1 formal test2 (AmE) medical test1 formal testSee also examinationADJECTIVE | VERB + exam | exam + VERB | exam + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdifficulteasyentrance, placement (AmE) (placement test in BrE)exit (AmE), final, graduation (AmE)the California high-school exit examend-of-semester (esp. AmE), end-of-term (esp. BrE), end-of-yearsemester (AmE)midterm (esp. AmE)college (AmE), schoolGirls are doing better than boys in every school exam. (BrE)I just finished my last law school exam. (AmE)professionalexternal (esp. BrE)A level, GCSE (in the UK)SAT (in the US)certification, licensing, qualifying (all AmE)students who passed the national teacher certification exambar (AmE)the New York state bar examchemistry, French, geography, etc.comprehensive (AmE)a Master's program's comprehensive exammock (BrE)I did badly in the mock exam but passed the real thing.multiple-choice, oral, practical, writtenVERB + examcram for (esp. AmE), prepare for, review for (AmE), revise for (BrE), study forI can't go out because I'm revising for end of year exams.do (BrE), sit (BrE, formal), sit for (AmE, formal), takeWhen do you sit your final exams?resit (BrE), retakepassIn spite of her worries, she passed the exam.fail, flunk (informal, esp. AmE)ace (AmE, informal), do well in (BrE), do well on (AmE)I want to do well in my exams.do badly in (BrE), do badly on (AmE)cheat in (BrE), cheat on (AmE)Candidates found cheating in/on any exam will be disqualified.setThe final exam is set by an external board.administer, invigilate (esp. BrE), proctor (AmE)grade (AmE), mark (BrE)exam + VERBbegin, startbe coming upThe midterm exams are coming up.be over, end (esp. AmE), finish (esp. BrE)As soon as the exams are over I'm off to Mexico.exam + NOUNpractice, preparation, revision (BrE)paper, questiongrade, marks (BrE), results (esp. BrE), score (esp. AmE)pass (esp. BrE)technique (BrE)nerves (BrE)Most students suffer from exam nerves to some extent.period, time, week (esp. AmE)There is a subdued atmosphere in the school at exam time.board (BrE)The regional exam boards try to ensure equal standards.roomPREPOSITIONin an/the exam (BrE)He did badly in his history exam.on an/the exam (AmE)We had to study to do well on the exam.exam foran exam for nursesexam inan exam in chemistryexam onWe had an English exam on this play.

2 (AmE) medical testADJECTIVE | VERB + exam | exam + VERB | exam + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEthoroughShe performed a thorough exam and didn't find anything unusual.routinefollow-upThe follow-up exams showed the baby was healthy.physicalgynecological, neurological, etc.abdominal, pelvic, rectal, etc. (all medical)breast, chest, eye, etc.You should have a clinical breast exam every year.ultrasound, X-ray, etc.VERB + examdo, performhaveI had an eye exam.exam + VERBreveal sth, show sthA cardiac exam revealed a regular rate and rhythm.exam + NOUNroom, tablePREPOSITIONexam ofan ultrasound exam of the babyexam onThe doctor will then perform a physical exam on the child.

examination

examinationnoun

noun1 (formal) formal test2 looking at sth carefully1 (formal) formal testSee also examADJECTIVE | VERB + examination | examination + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcertification (AmE), entrancefinalHe has just completed his final examinations at São Paulo University.school (esp. BrE)formalcompetitiveEntrance was by competitive examination.external (esp. BrE), publicOne of the teacher's principal duties is to prepare students for external examinations.A level, GCSE (in the UK)multiple-choice, oral, practical, writtenVERB + examinationprepare for, study fordo (BrE), sit (BrE), sit for (AmE), takeShe will take her examinations later this year.fail, passsetThe examinations are set by individual teachers.administerexamination + NOUNpaper, question (both esp. BrE)He was marking school examination papers during the summer vacation. (BrE)results (esp. BrE), scores (esp. AmE)hall, roomprocess, systemthe faults in the examination systemboard (BrE)PREPOSITIONexamination inHe failed his examination in history.examination onan examination on human anatomy

2 looking at sth carefullyADJECTIVE | VERB + examination | examination + VERB | examination + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcareful, close, complete, comprehensive, detailed, full, in-depth, lengthy, rigorous, systematic, thoroughEach of the proposals deserves careful examination.brief, cursory, superficialinitial, preliminaryfurtherMost of them don't really bear further examination.criticalThe school curriculum has undergone critical examination in recent years.microscopica microscopic examination of the cell structureclinical, forensic, medical, physical, post-mortem, psychiatric, scientificbreast, oral, pelvic, rectal, etc.ultrasound, X-ray, etc.annual, follow-up (esp. AmE), periodic, routinea periodic health examinationa routine breast examinationintimate (BrE)genital checks and other intimate examinationsvisualA visual examination corroborated this.VERB + examinationcarry out, conduct, do, make, perform, undertakeHe carried out a post-mortem examination.We will make a more thorough examination of the area later.come under, be subjected to, be subject to, have, undergoI was advised to have a full eyesight examination.requireThis argument requires examination from several angles.allow, permitConstraints of space do not permit a thorough examination of all of these points.deserve, warrantThese figures warrant closer examination.stand up toHis ideas do not stand up to close examination.examination + VERBconfirm sth, demonstrate sth, reveal sth, show sthA medical examination showed no signs of hypertension.indicate sth, suggest sthexamination + NOUNcouch (BrE), tablePatients were asked to lie on the examination table.She lay on the examination couch and waited for the doctor to return.room (esp. AmE)They rushed her into the examination room.PREPOSITIONon examinationOn closer examination the wood was found to be rotten.under examinationSeveral items of clothing are still under examination.examination onWe did examinations on the bodies.

examine

examineverb

verbADVERB | VERB + examine | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBcarefully, closely, in detail, minutelyEach case must be carefully examined.We shall now proceed to examine these two aspects of the problem in detail.exhaustively, fully, properly, really, thoroughlymeticulously, rigorously, systematicallyThis survey systematically examined their claims.briefly, quicklyindividually, separatelyThis claim needs to be examined separately.directly, explicitly, specificallythe few studies that have specifically examined the effectiveness of the drugfurthercriticallyCritically examine your work as if you were looking at someone else's efforts.empirically (esp. AmE)one of the very few studies to empirically examine this problemmedicallyVERB + examineaim to, attempt to, be designed to, propose to, seek to, set out toThis study sets out to examine the possible effects of climate change.proceed tostop toAnna stopped to examine a plant growing by the stream.begin toOnly recently have historians begun to examine its impact and influence.continue toWe continue to examine new ways of doing business.be necessary to, need tobe helpful to, be instructive to, be useful to, be worthwhile toIt is instructive to examine the data we have so far.want to, wish tonot bother toHe didn't even bother to examine the note.fail toHe fails to examine the implications of such a development.PREPOSITIONforThe room was examined minutely for clues.PHRASESlet us examine … Let us examine the implications of this theory.

Examine is used with these nouns as the subject:

article, chapter, conference, enquiry, essay, eye, paper, pathologist, report, research, researcher, scientist, study, survey, vet, veterinarian, workshop

Examine is used with these nouns as the object:

allegation, application, archive, aspect, association, behaviour, body, cause, characteristic, collection, conscience, consequence, correlation, credentials, data, detail, difference, distribution, document, effect, effectiveness, efficiency, evidence, expression, extent, fact, feasibility, file, finding, fingernail, hypothesis, impact, implication, incidence, influence, issue, link, log, map, matter, merit, motive, nail, nature, patient, perception, phenomenon, possibility, problem, profile, property, prospect, question, record, reflection, relationship, relevance, remains, report, response, role, situation, strain, subject, surroundings, theme, usefulness, utility, witness, workings, wound, wreckage, X-ray

examine for

examine forphr verb

Examine for is used with these nouns as the object:

fingerprint

examining

examiningadj.

Examining is used with these nouns:

example

examplenoun

noun1 sth that is typical/demonstrates a point2 person thought to be a good model1 sth that is typical/demonstrates a pointADJECTIVE | VERB + example | example + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcharacteristic, classic, prime, quintessential, stellar (AmE), supreme, textbook, typical, ultimateThis is a classic example of a badly designed building.excellent, fine, good, great, impressive, magnificent, outstanding, perfect, stunning, superb, wonderfula magnificent example of 18th-century architecturefascinating, interesting, intriguingnotable, prominent, remarkable, striking, tellinga telling example of how difficult it can be to succeed in businessisolatedThis is far from an isolated example.graphic, vividdramatic, extreme, spectacularclear, obvious, simple, straightforwardblatant, flagrant, glaringHis treatment of his secretary was a blatant example of managerial arrogance.egregious (AmE), worstthe most egregious example of his mishandling of the situationThis is among the worst examples of corporate greed.poorThis film is a poor example of the genre.notoriousfamiliar, famous, well-knowncommonrareillustrative, representativehelpful, illuminating, instructive, salient, usefulpracticalThe book is full of practical examples of classroom activities.concrete, particular, specificLet me give a concrete example of what I mean.real-life, real-worlda book filled with real-life examples that anyone can relate tohypotheticalcontemporary, historicalHe uses a number of historical examples to support his thesis.VERB + examplegive sb, offer, provide (sb with)Let me give you a few examples of what I mean.contain, illustrate, include, present, represent, showThe leaflet includes several examples of bad grammar.Twenty-seven examples are presented in this video.the example shown in Figure 2cite, draw, take (sth as)She illustrates her point with examples drawn from contemporary newspaper accounts.To take an obvious example, if there is a good harvest the price of grain will fall.useFisher used a hypothetical example to illustrate his point.considerConsider the following example … seeWe've seen other examples of this same problem recently.findexample + VERBdemonstrate sth, highlight sth, illustrate sth, show sthindicate sth, suggest sthThese examples suggest that there is a connection between the two processes.PREPOSITIONfor exampleAn athlete, for example, might turn the pedals 80 times a minute.in an/the exampleThe teacher in our example is clearly wrong.example ofWe can still find examples of discrimination today.

2 person thought to be a good modelADJECTIVE | VERB + example | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgood, great, inspiring, shining, sterling (esp. AmE)She is a shining example of how to organize your time.bad, poorVERB + exampleset, showYou must set a good example to the children.followI think all schools should follow the example of this one.hold sb/sth up asThe film was held up as an example of good cinema.be inspired byI was inspired by the example of the athletes who trained so hard.PREPOSITIONby exampleChildren learn by example.example toHis generosity is an example to us all.PHRASESmake an example of sbThe teacher made an example of him by suspending him from school.

exasperated

exasperatedadj.

Exasperated is used with these nouns:

groan, look, sigh, tone

exasperatedly

exasperatedlyadv.

Exasperatedly is used with these verbs:

Excavate is used with these nouns as the subject:

exasperation

exasperationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF EXASPERATION | VERB + exasperation | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEsheer, uttermild… OF EXASPERATIONhintVERB + exasperationfeelexpress, ventThe organization has expressed its exasperation with the government.hidePREPOSITIONin exasperationShe rolled her eyes in sheer exasperation.He groaned in exasperation.with exasperationHe snorted with exasperation.exasperation atthe exasperation he felt at his failureexasperation withtheir exasperation with the government rulesPHRASESa groan, grunt, sigh, etc. of exasperationWith a groan of exasperation, he picked up the bags himself.

excavate

excavateverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBcompletely, fullyThe area has not yet been fully excavated.extensivelypartially, partlycarefullyPREPOSITIONfromPottery has been excavated from the site.

archaeologist

Excavate is used with these nouns as the object:

remains, site, tunnel

excavation

excavationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + excavation | excavation + VERBADJECTIVEarchaeologicalrecentrecent excavations of underground burial chambersextensiveVERB + excavationcarry out, conduct, doFurther excavations at the site are now being carried out.excavation + VERBreveal sth, uncover sth, unearth sthExcavations of the site have revealed an Iron Age settlement.take placeThe excavations took place between 1925 and 1939.

exceed

exceedverb

verbADVERB | VERB + exceedADVERBconsiderably, far, greatly, significantly, substantially, vastlyclearly, comfortably (esp. BrE), easilyThe House voted by 327 votes to 93, comfortably exceeding the required two-thirds majority.slightlybarelyTheir numbers barely exceed 100 in the wild.consistently, frequently, often, regularly, routinely, typicallyrarely, seldomSummer temperatures rarely exceed 27°C.generally, normally, usuallyVERB + exceedbe expected to, be likely toIncome is expected to exceed expenditure.be unlikely to

Exceed is used with these nouns as the subject:

demand, expenditure, income, inflation, level, population, sale, sum, temperature, turnover, value, volume

Exceed is used with these nouns as the object:

authority, average, budget, demand, estimate, expectation, figure, income, level, limit, limitation, maximum, minimum, overdraft, per cent, projection, quota, rate, requirement, speed limit, supply, target, threshold

exceedingly

exceedinglyadv.

Exceedingly is used with these adjectives:

complex, dangerous, difficult, expensive, generous, handsome, large, popular, rare, shallow, unlikely, wealthy

excellence

excellencenoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF EXCELLENCE | VERB + excellence | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEacademic, artistic, athletic (AmE), culinary (esp. BrE), design, educational, journalistic, literary, manufacturing, musical, operational (AmE), professional (esp. AmE), scientific, sporting (BrE), technicalhumancontinuedour pursuit of continued excellence… OF EXCELLENCEdegree, level, standardThis book shows the degree of artistic excellence the community has now achieved.The restaurant's standards of excellence have won it several awards.VERB + excellencepursue, strive forThe school strives for academic excellence.demandWe demand excellence here at Trinity Hill School.achieve, attainmaintain, sustaindemonstrateShe had to demonstrate excellence as a dancer, singer, and comedienne.recognize, rewardThis award recognizes excellence in urban design.promoteThe mission of the festival is to promote excellence in children's films.PREPOSITIONexcellence inThe Business School has a reputation for excellence in research.PHRASESa centre/center of excellenceThe college aims to be a world centre/center of excellence in the field of marine biology.the pursuit of excellenceher relentless pursuit of professional excellence

excellent

excellentadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, look, prove, remain, seem, soundconsider sthThe school is considered excellent.ADVERBmost, really, trulyabsolutely, quiterathergenerallyThe meals are generally excellent.consistently, uniformlyThe performances and recordings are uniformly excellent.apparentlypotentiallyotherwiseIn an otherwise excellent issue, I found Creed's article very unconvincing.PREPOSITIONatClancey was excellent at keeping the kids under control.forThese potatoes are excellent for baking.

Excellent is used with these nouns:

accommodation, acting, advice, amenity, article, balance, bargain, base, book, buffet, camouflage, candidate, cast, champagne, chance, character, chef, choice, coffee, collection, command, condition, conductor, cook, coordination, credentials, crop, cuisine, dancer, description, design, dinner, display, doctor, education, example, excuse, eyesight, facility, fit, food, foundation, fun, goal, goalkeeper, GP, grade, guide, health, hearing, hotel, idea, illustration, impression, ingredient, instinct, introduction, investment, job, lawyer, library, match, meal, memory, model, mother, museum, musician, news, opportunity, package, performance, photograph, piece, play, player, point, presentation, progress, prospect, pub, quality, range, rate, record, recording, recovery, reference, report, reproduction, reputation, resource, restaurant, result, return, review, run, save, score, selection, service, shape, shop, shot, source, speech, start, starting point, subject, suggestion, summary, taste, teacher, training, try, tutorial, value, vehicle, visibility, vision, weather, win, wine, work

excellently

excellentlyadv.

Excellently is used with these verbs:

perform, play

exception

exceptionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + exception | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, great, important, main, majorthe one great exception to thatclear, conspicuous, glaring, notable, noteworthy (esp. AmE), noticeable, obvious, significant, strikingMost industries have suffered badly in the recession, but there have been a few notable exceptions.minor, rarelone (esp. AmE), only, single, soleMy family grew closer over the years. The only exception was my aunt.all American presidents, with the sole exception of CarteroccasionalThere are occasional exceptions to my generalization.limited, partialall of them – with the partial exception of Irelandcertain, specificThere should be specific exceptions written into the plan.specialWe are making a special exception for Emma because of her condition.possibleWith the possible exception of the US, no other nation experienced a more severe depression.interestingThere was an interesting exception to this general pattern.honourable/honorable (esp. BrE)With a few honourable/honorable exceptions, politicians kept quiet about the corruption.VERB + exceptionmakeNo parking is allowed, but an exception is made for disabled drivers.carve, carve out (both AmE)The reform bill carves out several specific exceptions for treatment of health expenses.allow, grantShe asked the state Supreme Court to grant an exception.remainSuch initiatives remain the exception, rather than the rule.representThey represent an exception to the rule.PREPOSITIONwith the exception ofThe whole of the island was flooded with the exception of a small area in the north.without exceptionWithout exception, all employees must carry their identity card with them at all times.exception toGuide dogs are the one exception to the store's ban on dogs.PHRASESbe no exceptionThe weather had been rainy for days, and the day of the race was no exception.be the exception rather than the ruleNowadays a job for life is very much the exception rather than the rule.the exception to the ruleMost of his family are sports enthusiasts, but he's the exception to the rule.with a few exceptionsWith a few exceptions, the songwriting is very good.

exceptional

exceptionaladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSberemainconsider sb/sthThe teacher considers Jamie's performance truly exceptional.do sthADVERBhighly, pretty, really, veryquite, truly, wholly (esp. BrE)PHRASESnothing exceptionalThere is nothing exceptional about east LondonThe food was quite tasty, but nothing exceptional.something exceptionalWe will have to do something exceptional to win.I realized I was watching something exceptional.

Exceptional is used with these nouns:

ability, bravery, case, circumstance, clarity, degree, merit, performance, quality, record, talent

exceptionally

exceptionallyadv.

Exceptionally is used with these adjectives:

beautiful, brave, bright, busy, complex, diverse, easy, fast, favourable, fine, friendly, gifted, harsh, hot, large, long, lucky, mobile, nice, powerful, pretty, productive, rare, rich, severe, sharp, skilled, smooth, strong, stupid, talented, tall, tender, useful, valuable, violent, warm, weak, wealthy, wide

excerpt

excerptnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + excerpt | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbrief, little, shortlengthy, longHere is a rather lengthy excerpt from the essay.5-minute, 10-minute, etc.This DVD contains a 10-minute excerpt from the stage show.exclusive (esp. AmE)an exclusive excerpt from his new bookfollowingThe following excerpts all come from the ‘Spring Symphony’.book, video (both esp. AmE)She compiled dozens of book excerpts about the country.VERB + excerptcontain, feature, include, play, present, print, provide, publish, quote, read, run (esp. AmE), showThe article included excerpts from various interviews.Let's run a little excerpt of what Governor Dixon had to say.PREPOSITIONexcerpt fromThe paper published some short excerpts from Mandela's memoirs.excerpt of (esp. AmE)a short excerpt of a poem by Keats

II. verb

Excerpt is used with these nouns as the object:

article

excess

excessnounadj.

I. noun1 too much of sth2 an amount by which sth is larger than sth else1 too much of sthADJECTIVE | VERB + excess | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVErhetorical, stylistic, verbalHis statements cannot be simply dismissed as rhetorical excess.financialscandalous, wretched (AmE)Washington has always been a city of wretched excesses.alcoholic (BrE)worst excessesthe worst excesses of the 1980sVERB + excessavoid, contain, curb‘Avoid excess’ is the golden rule for a healthy life.commit excesses, perpetrate excessesthe worst excesses committed by the occupying armyPREPOSITIONin excessThe drug can be harmful if taken in excess.to excessThey never smoked or drank to excess.

2 an amount by which sth is larger than sth elseADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElargeslightPREPOSITIONin excess ofThe car can travel at speeds in excess of 150 miles per hour.excess ofa large excess of gas

II. adj.

Excess is used with these nouns:

alcohol, baggage, calorie, capacity, demand, dirt, energy, fat, fluid, heat, inventory, moisture, mucus, profit, return, speed, supply, water, weight

excessive

excessiveadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSappear, be, seembecomeconsider sth, regard sth as, see sth asHe considered the level of tax excessive.ADVERBgrossly, wildlyrather, somewhata little, slightly, etc.perhapsThe influence of her ideas was perhaps excessive.clearly, manifestly (BrE, law)The sentence which was imposed was manifestly excessive.

Excessive is used with these nouns:

alcohol, amount, bleeding, bureaucracy, caution, claim, cleanliness, consumption, delay, demand, dependence, drinking, emphasis, enthusiasm, expenditure, exposure, force, growth, heat, indulgence, intake, level, overtime, politeness, preoccupation, rainfall, regulation, reliance, secrecy, strain, stress, taxation, use, violence, wastage, wear, workload, zeal

excessively

excessivelyadv.

Excessively is used with these adjectives:

cautious, intrusive, long, optimistic, rigid, shy

Excessively is used with these verbs:

drink, perspire, worry

exchange

exchangenounverb

I. noun1 giving/receiving sth in return for sth else2 angry conversation/argument3 of foreign currencies4 visit1 giving/receiving sth in return for sth elseADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfairmutual, reciprocal, two-wayWe get together once a month for a mutual exchange of ideas.PREPOSITIONin exchange (for)Wool and timber were sent to Egypt in exchange for linen or papyrus.exchange betweenThere were exchanges of goods between the two regions.exchange forShe considered free language lessons a fair exchange for a place to stay.

2 angry conversation/argumentADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbriefacrimonious (esp. BrE), angry, bitter, heated, sharpspiritedThey've had many spirited exchanges.franka full and frank exchange of viewsfreea free exchange of ideas and opinionsverbala bitter verbal exchangePREPOSITIONexchange aboutangry exchanges about the problem of unemploymentexchange betweenThere were many acrimonious exchanges between the two men.exchange overan exchange over the question of Joe Hill's guiltexchange withMembers got into heated exchanges with the chairperson.PHRASESan exchange of viewsShe had a full and frank exchange of views with her boss before resigning.

3 of foreign currenciesexchange + NOUNexchange + NOUNrate (also rate of exchange esp. in BrE)

4 visitADJECTIVE | VERB + exchange | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEacademic, cross-cultural (esp. AmE), cultural, inter-cultural (esp. AmE)a constant cultural exchange by young people on the Internetstudent, youthofficialVERB + exchangego onPREPOSITIONon an/the exchangeShe is in France on a student exchange.exchange withan exchange with a German student

II. verb

Exchange is used with these nouns as the object:

anecdote, banter, blow, confidence, contract, correspondence, currency, data, farewell, fire, gift, glance, gossip, greeting, gunfire, idea, information, insult, joke, kiss, look, money, nod, present, ring, view, vow, word

exchange rate

exchange ratenoun

Exchange rate is used before these nouns:

fluctuation

excise

excisenoun

nounVERB + excise | excise + NOUN | PREPOSITIONVERB + exciseimpose, levythe excise levied on beer and tobaccoincrease, raisecut, reduceexcise + NOUNduty (BrE), tax (AmE)licence (BrE)applications for vehicle excise licencesgoods (BrE)PREPOSITIONexcise onto increase the excise on beer

Excise is used before these nouns:

duty, tax

excitable

excitableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seembecomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highly, overly (esp. AmE)He isn't overly excitable.easilyThe horses have easily excitable nervous systems.

excite

exciteverb

Excite is used with these nouns as the object:

comment, controversy, envy, imagination, interest

excited

excitedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, look, seem, soundbecome, get, growget sb, make sbDon't get the children too excited.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.all, highly, terribly, tremendously, wildlyHe was all excited about his new car.By now the crowd was wildly excited.overly (esp. AmE)Maura tried not to look overly excited.increasinglya little, slightly, etc.strangelysexuallyPREPOSITIONaboutThe kids seem pretty excited about the holidays.atexcited at the newsbyHe was puzzled but strangely excited by the commotion.

Excited is used with these nouns:

anticipation, chatter, crowd, murmur, talk, voice, whisper

excitedly

excitedlyadv.

Excitedly is used with these verbs:

ask, bark, chat, chatter, clap, cry, exclaim, explain, talk, wave, whisper, yell

excitement

excitementnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF EXCITEMENT | VERB + excitement | excitement + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsiderable, extreme, great, high, intense, tremendousbreathless, feverish, giddy (esp. AmE), heady, wildgenuine, pure, real, sheerFor sheer excitement, white-water rafting is hard to beat.initialsuddengrowing, heightened, mountingadded, furthersuppressednervouspleasurablestrangechildlikeI step lightly, with childlike excitement.youthfulintellectual, physical, political, sexual… OF EXCITEMENTbuzz, flurry, flush, frisson (esp. BrE), ripple, rush, surgeShe felt a surge of excitement when she heard the song.elementlevelVERB + excitementbe bubbling with, be filled with, be flushed with, be giddy with, be tingling with, be trembling with, feelShe was filled with excitement and apprehension.Her face was flushed with excitement.cause, create, generateThe news caused tremendous excitement among scientists.bringMy visits always brought great excitement to my family.conceal, contain, control, hide, suppressHe couldn't suppress the excitement in his voice.addThe element of risk just adds excitement.excitement + VERBbuild up, grow, mount, riseThe tension and excitement built up gradually all day.bubble, bubble upExcitement was bubbling up inside her.course through sb/sth, run through sb/sthShe could feel the excitement coursing through her veins.fill sb/sthBoth fear and excitement filled her mind.die down, wear offPREPOSITIONin excitementShe clapped her hands in excitement.with excitementYou'll jump up from your seat with excitement.excitement amongThe news has caused great excitement among scientists.excitement ather excitement at the prospect of a new jobexcitement ofthe excitement of meeting new peoplePHRASESan air of excitementThere was an air of excitement about the place.a feeling of excitement, a sense of excitementa state of excitementa lack of excitement

exciting

excitingadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, look, seem, soundbecome, getThe movie was just getting exciting when we had to leave.make sthto make the race more exciting for spectatorsfind sthShe found the idea terrifically exciting.keep sthIt keeps my life exciting and challenging.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.enormously, especially, extraordinarily, immensely, incredibly, particularly, terribly, terrifically, tremendously, unbelievably, wildly, wonderfullyequallynot overly (esp. AmE)It wasn't an overly exciting moment.potentiallythe germ of a potentially exciting innovationgenuinely, trulya genuinely exciting time to be studying computingvisuallya book that is attractive and visually excitingsexuallyPHRASESexciting newan exciting new magazine

Exciting is used with these nouns:

adventure, aspect, challenge, change, climax, contest, development, discovery, enterprise, episode, film, finale, find, finish, football, future, holiday, idea, initiative, life, match, news, opportunity, player, possibility, programme, project, prospect, range, sequence, story, thing, venture

exclaim

exclaimverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBloudly, softlyangrily, indignantlyexcitedly, happilytriumphantlysuddenlyPREPOSITIONat, overThey all exclaimed over her beautiful clothes.in, withThey exclaimed in horror at the price.She exclaimed with delight at the sight of the presents.to‘Listen to this child!’ he exclaimed to his companions.

exclamation

exclamationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + exclamationADJECTIVEsharp, suddenloudmuffled, smallVERB + exclamationgive, let out, utterShe gave a loud exclamation of delight.makeShe took his hand and made an exclamation of shock.stifle, suppress

exclude

excludeverb

verbADVERB | VERB + exclude | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBaltogether, completely, entirely, totallynot absolutely, not whollyThe possibility of error cannot be absolutely excluded.virtuallygenerally, largelypermanentlypreviouslyapparentlyclearlyautomaticallyUnlawfully obtained evidence is not automatically excluded from a criminal trial.necessarilyactively, deliberatelyexplicitly, expressly, specificallyeffectivelyWomen in such societies are effectively excluded from public affairs.rigorously, systematicallyunfairlyhistorically, traditionallya club that has traditionally excluded minorities and womenVERB + excludebe designed toattempt to, try toseek to, want to, wish toa clause that seeks to exclude liability for death or serious injurytend toCertain groups tend to be excluded from full participation in society.serve toThe measure would serve to exclude certain voters.appear to, seem toPREPOSITIONfromWomen were excluded from the club.PHRASESfeel excludedMany local people felt excluded from decisions that affected their own community.socially excluded (esp. BrE)services designed to assist the socially excluded

Exclude is used with these nouns as the object:

confession, evidence, immigrant, possibility, pupil

exclude from

exclude fromphr verb

Exclude from is used with these nouns as the object:

mainstream

excluder

excludernoun

Excluder is used after these nouns:

draught

exclusion

exclusionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | exclusion + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcomplete, systematic, totalvirtualpermanentcontinuedwomen's continued exclusion from political lifeeconomic, political, socialthe problem of social exclusionracial (esp. AmE)exclusion + NOUNzoneA 20-mile exclusion zone was set up around the power station to guard against further explosions.order (BrE)an exclusion order to keep your partner out of your homePREPOSITIONto the exclusion ofDon't study a few topics to the exclusion of all others.exclusion fromdisciplinary measures including exclusion from school

exclusive

exclusivenounadj.

I. noun

Exclusive is used after these nouns:

news

II. adj.1 belonging to/used by only one person/group2 not welcoming to everyone3 not able to exist/be true at the same time1 belonging to/used by only one person/groupVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeADVERBalmostthe course's almost exclusive concentration on grammarnot necessarilyThe recording deal is not necessarily exclusive. The band can record material for other companies as well.PREPOSITIONtoThese products are exclusive to our outlets.

2 not welcoming to everyoneVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomeremainkeep sthThe owners of the golf club are determined to keep it exclusive.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.a somewhat exclusive venueracially, socially

3 not able to exist/be true at the same timeVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBmutuallyThe two options are not mutually exclusive (= you can have them both).

Exclusive is used with these nouns:

boutique, clientele, club, competence, concentration, contract, coverage, deal, distribution, distributor, district, emphasis, excerpt, focus, interview, jurisdiction, licence, occupation, partnership, photo, possession, prerogative, preview, privilege, province, reliance, report, resort, responsibility, restaurant, right, shop, story, suburb, use

exclusively

exclusivelyadv.

Exclusively is used with these adjectives:

composed, concerned, male, masculine

Exclusively is used with these verbs:

base, concentrate, confine, consist, design, devote, direct, distribute, feed, focus, gear, market, occur, rely, reserve, talk, use

excrement

excrementnoun

Excrement is used after these nouns:

excruciating

excruciatingadj.

Excruciating is used with these nouns:

agony, detail, pain

excruciatingly

excruciatinglyadv.

Excruciatingly is used with these adjectives:

embarrassing, painful, slow

excursion

excursionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + excursion | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbrief, little, shortday, evening, full-day, half-day, weekend, week-longthree-day, two-day, etc.annualoutdoorboat, coach (BrE), trainshopping, sightseeingshoreWe signed up for a shore excursion to New Orleans.VERB + excursiongo on, make, take (sb on)We decided to make an all-day excursion to the island.arrange, organize, planoffer, runOur ship offers 13 different excursions.Princess Tours runs independent excursions from selected hotels.PREPOSITIONexcursion into (figurative)her first excursion into businessexcursion toHe took us on an excursion to the ruined city.

excuse

excusenounverb

I. noun1 reason given2 bad example of sth1 reason givenADJECTIVE | VERB + excuse | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEperfect, wonderfulexcellent, good, great, legitimate, validconvincing, decent, plausible, reasonableacceptablean acceptable excuse for missing schoolbad, feeble, flimsy, lame, lousy (esp. AmE), pathetic, poor, weak (esp. AmE)convenient, easy, handyThe children provided a convenient excuse for missing the party.dumb (AmE), ridiculous, stupidHe made up some stupid excuse to the teachers.standard, usualbuilt-in (AmE)a built-in excuse for failurepossibleWhat possible excuse could he have?everyShe seized on every excuse to avoid doing the work.the slightestHe became moody and unreasonable, flailing out at Katherine at the slightest excuse.VERB + excusehaveHe had no excuse for being so late.give, make, offerShe made some feeble excuse about the car having broken down.You don't have to make excuses for her (= try to think of reasons for her actions).It's late. I'm afraid I'll have to make my excuses (= say I'm sorry, give my reasons and leave).give sb, offer sb, provide (sb with)Delivering the stuff for George gave me an excuse to take the car.Her mother's illness provided her with an excuse to stay at home.needlook forcreate, find, invent, make up, think of, think upShe had to find a valid excuse for leaving the room.He made up a rather lame excuse for the work being late.use sth asThe political crisis is being used as an excuse to dock people's pay.run out ofHe's run out of excuses for not cleaning his room.becomeDon't let perfectionism become an excuse for never getting started.mumbleJustin mumbled some excuse and left.accept, believe, buy (informal, esp. AmE)hearI don't want to hear any more excuses.rejectPREPOSITIONexcuse aboutHe invented a pathetic excuse about losing his watch.excuse forIt's just an excuse for a party.PHRASESthere is no excuse for … There's no excuse for such conduct.

2 bad example of sthADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElousy (esp. AmE), miserable, pathetic, pitiful, poor, sad, sorry (esp. AmE)She's a pitiful excuse for an actress.a sorry excuse for a manPREPOSITIONexcuse forWhy get involved with that pathetic excuse for a human being?

II. verb

Excuse is used with these nouns as the object:

behaviour, failure

excused

excusedadj.

Excused is used with these nouns:

absence

exec

execnoun

Exec is used after these nouns:

executable

executableadj.

Executable is used with these nouns:

code, file

execute

executeverb

verb1 kill sb as an official punishment2 perform/carry out sth1 kill sb as an official punishmentADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBsummarilyillegallypubliclywronglyinnocent people who are wrongly executedPREPOSITIONasHe was executed as a martyr to his Catholic faith.forHe was executed for treason.

2 perform/carry out sthADVERB | PHRASESADVERBbeautifully, boldly, brilliantly, cleanly, flawlessly, neatly, perfectly, properly, skilfully/skillfully, successfully, superbly (esp. BrE), wellThe movement was beautifully executed.The second goal was superbly executed.carefully, meticulouslya carefully executed and well-presented studyfaithfully (law, esp. AmE)I swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States.badly, poorlyPHRASESduly executed (law, BrE)The agreement had been duly executed.

Execute is used with these nouns as the object:

campaign, code, command, contract, document, drawing, duty, exercise, hostage, instruction, manoeuvre, mission, move, movement, murderer, order, painting, plan, play, prisoner, program, step, strategy, tackle, turn, U-turn, warrant, will

execution

executionnoun

noun1 killing sb as an official punishment2 carrying out a plan/order1 killing sb as an official punishmentADJECTIVE | VERB + execution | execution + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEpublicmassjudicialextrajudicialfederal, state (both esp. AmE)a senator's request to suspend federal executionsstate-sponsored (esp. AmE)arbitrary, summaryHuman rights organizations have accused the army of summary executions.politicalmockscheduledthe hours before his scheduled executionimminent, impendingjuvenile (AmE)the Supreme Court decision to ban juvenile executionsVERB + executionorderThe tribunal ordered the execution of 42 coup plotters.faceIf caught, the men could face execution.awaitprisoners who are on death row awaiting executionsuffer (formal)She was taken prisoner and suffered eventual execution.escapedelay, postpone, stay, suspendThe US Supreme Court refused to stay the execution.halt, stopoverseeThe army oversaw the trial and execution of the king.carry outExecutions were carried out in the prison yard.attend, watch, witnessexecution + VERBgo ahead, take placeA bell was tolled when executions took place.PREPOSITIONexecution byexecution by hangingPHRASESa stay of executionThe judge had granted a stay of execution.

2 carrying out a plan/orderADJECTIVE | VERB + execution | PHRASESADJECTIVEeffective (esp. AmE), successfulthe successful execution of the planproperproper execution of the exerciseflawless, good, perfect, precisegreat ideas and flawless executionpoorthe poor execution of the filmVERB + executiondelay, stay (law), suspend (law)The court has discretion to stay or suspend execution of the order. (BrE)PHRASESthe execution of your dutyShe was charged with obstruction of a police officer in the execution of his duties.

executive

executivenounadj.

I. noun1 person with an important job in business2 part of a government/organization1 person with an important job in businessADJECTIVEADJECTIVEchief, seniorhigh-flying (esp. BrE), high-level (esp. AmE), high-powered, high-ranking (esp. AmE), top, top-level (AmE)a top executive in a large corporationjuniorkeycontracts to prevent the loss of key executivesbusysuccessfulone of the most successful TV executives aroundformer, retiredfemale, womanThe contract gives a female executive maternity leave rights.business, company, corporate, industryoil company executivesaccount, advertising, finance, legal (BrE), marketing, public relations (abbreviated to PR), salesmedia, network (esp. AmE), news (AmE), record (AmE), studio, television, TVOne TV network executive has already called for more deregulation.airline, auto (AmE), oil (esp. AmE), technology (AmE)

2 part of a government/organizationADJECTIVE | VERB + executive | executive + VERB | executive + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEcentral, nationalShe is a member of the party's national executive.politicalgovernment, party, union (esp. BrE)strongConservatives are believers in a strong executive.electedruling (BrE)VERB + executivecontrol (esp. BrE)Parliament's ability to control the executiveexecutive + VERBdecide sthexecutive + NOUNmember (esp. BrE)the council's executive member for education (BrE)meeting (esp. BrE)board, committeePHRASESa member of an executive

II. adj.

Executive is used with these nouns:

appointment, architect, assistant, board, boardroom, body, box, branch, chairman, chef, committee, compensation, council, desk, dining room, director, discretion, editor, jet, leadership, lounge, mansion, meeting, office, order, paper, power, presidency, producer, recruitment, retreat, secretary, session, suite, summary, toy

exemplary

exemplaryadj.

Exemplary is used with these nouns:

behaviour, character, fashion, record

exemplify

exemplifyverb

verbADVERBADVERBclearly, perfectly, well

exempt

exemptverbadj.

I. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBexpressly, specificallyPREPOSITIONfromSmall businesses are expressly exempted from the requirements of this legislation.

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecomeremainconsider sthResearch might be considered exempt from regulation.ADVERBcompletely, entirely, fully, totally, whollylargelypartiallypreviouslyPREPOSITIONfromThis income is totally exempt from taxation.

exemption

exemptionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + exemption | exemption + VERB | exemption + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcomplete, full, totalblanketThe bill gives sensitive police files a blanket exemption.partialtemporaryspecialpersonal (esp. AmE)taxpayers seeking to claim a personal exemptionreligious (esp. AmE)religious exemptions from statutes and administrative rulesmedicaltaxantitrust (AmE)VERB + exemptionbe entitled to, be subject to, enjoy, qualify for, receiveThese goods are subject to exemption from tax.They enjoyed exemption from customs duties on goods to be used by themselves.apply for, claim, request, seekgain, get, obtaingive (sb), grant (sb)allow, provide (esp. AmE)The regulations provide an exemption from this law.refuseeliminate (esp. AmE)loseexemption + VERBapply (to sb/sth), cover sb/sth, relate to sb/sth (esp. BrE)The exemption applies to home buyers.exemption + NOUNclausePREPOSITIONexemption forThere are parking restrictions with exemptions for disabled drivers.exemption fromYou may be able to apply for exemption from local taxes.exemption ontax exemptions on gifts to spouses

exercise

exercisenounverb

I. noun1 use of the body to keep healthy2 set of movements/activities3 set of questions4 use of a power/a right/a quality5 for a particular result6 for soldiers/police1 use of the body to keep healthyADJECTIVE | VERB + exercise | exercise + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgood, healthyhard, heavy, high-intensity (esp. AmE), intense, strenuous, vigorousgentle, light, moderateTry to do fifteen minutes of gentle exercise every day.regulardaily, morningadequateaerobic, cardiovascular, weight-bearingWeight-bearing exercise increases the health of bones.endurancemental, physicaloutdoorVERB + exercisedo, get, take (BrE)John never does any exercise.Do you take enough exercise?needrecommendThe doctor recommended regular exercise.exercise + NOUNprogramme/program, regime, regimen (esp. AmE), routinesessionclassball, bike, equipment, machinematroom (esp. AmE)videoPREPOSITIONduring exerciseStop frequently to rest during exercise until you are fitter.PHRASESa form of exercise, a kind of exercise, a type of exerciselack of exerciseLack of exercise is a risk factor in heart disease.

2 set of movements/activitiesADJECTIVE | … OF EXERCISES | VERB + exerciseADJECTIVEgreatThis is a great exercise for the upper back.basic, simplewarm-upbreathing, relaxation, strengthening, stretchingchest, leg, etc.daily, morningHe began his daily exercises.mental, physicalMental exercises can help older people to sustain their mental abilities.floorCombine yoga with stretching and floor exercises.group… OF EXERCISESseries, setVERB + exercisedo, execute (AmE), performRemember to do your breathing exercises every day.You may find it helpful to perform this exercise in front of the mirror.tryI did try some basic relaxation exercises.repeatrecommendShe recommends the following exercises to increase circulation.

3 set of questionsADJECTIVE | … OF EXERCISES | VERB + exercise | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEeasy, simpledifficult, hardpractical, writteninteractivepracticecomprehension, grammar, listening, translation, writing… OF EXERCISESseries, setVERB + exercisedotryAsk your students to try this exercise before the next class.completeYou will complete these exercises for homework.practise/practicePractise/Practice the following exercise at least twice a day.give sbcreatePREPOSITIONexercise inan exercise in translation

4 use of a power/a right/a qualityADJECTIVE | VERB + exercise | PHRASESADJECTIVEeffectivethe effective exercise of power by the governmentfreethe free exercise of informed choicelegitimate, properimproper (law, esp. BrE)an improper exercise of a discretionary powerVERB + exerciselimit, regulate (law)justifyPHRASESthe exercise of authority, the exercise of powerto limit the exercise of political powerthe exercise of discretion

5 for a particular resultADJECTIVE | VERB + exercise | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEsimple, straightforwardmajor, massive (esp. BrE)The Government instituted a massive exercise in social control.successfulfascinating, interesting, useful, valuable, worthwhilearbitrary, cosmetic, cynical, empty, fruitless, futile, pointlessIn the end it proved a pointless exercise.academic, intellectual, mental, paper (esp. BrE), practical, technical, theoreticalThis is not a purely academic exercise: it should have a real impact on the way we work.costly, expensivepoliticalThe whole consultation process was just a cynical political exercise.consultation (BrE)cost-cutting, damage-limitation, marketing, propaganda, public relations (abbreviated to PR) (all esp. BrE)evaluationrole-playing, team-buildingWe run team-building exercises with employees at each office.VERB + exercisecarry out, conduct, performThe company has just carried out a major cost-cutting exercise.embark on, mount (both BrE)Before embarking on any exercise, you should conduct a cost-benefit analysis.PREPOSITIONexercise inThe seminar was a valuable exercise in information exchange.PHRASESthe aim of the exercise, the object of the exerciseThe object of the exercise is to increase public awareness of environmental issues.

6 for soldiers/policeADJECTIVE | VERB + exercise | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEmajorfield, field-training (AmE), trainingWe were out on a field exercise.live-fire (AmE)tacticaljointUS forces took part in joint exercises with the British Navy.military, navalVERB + exerciseconduct, do, execute (AmE), take part inWe have conducted training exercises in seven separate states.completeThey recently completed a four-week exercise in Poland.PREPOSITIONon exerciseHalf the regiment was away on exercise.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + exerciseADVERBeffectively, properly (esp. BrE)fullythe conditions necessary to fully exercise these rightslawfullyfreelythe right to freely exercise your religionVERB + exercisebe able to, be unable toThey found themselves unable to exercise influence and maintain independence.be free toManagers are free to exercise their discretion in these cases.have the right toThey have the right to exercise self-determination.choose toEach of us has a vote—if we choose to exercise it.be necessary to, need toIt is necessary to exercise caution when making recommendations.continue toThe all-powerful steering committee continued to exercise control.fail toThe company's representative failed to exercise due care.

Exercise is used with these nouns as the object:

authority, autonomy, care, caution, choice, clout, common sense, control, diplomacy, discipline, discretion, franchise, freedom, imagination, influence, judgement, jurisdiction, leadership, mind, monopoly, muscle, option, patience, power, prerogative, privilege, responsibility, restraint, right, self-control, skill, sovereignty, supervision, tact, taste, trade, veto, vigilance, will

exert

exertverb

Exert is used with these nouns as the object:

attraction, authority, control, dominance, effect, effort, fascination, force, impact, influence, leverage, pressure, pull, stress, will

exertion

exertionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEconsiderable, extreme, great, strenuous, vigorousmental, physicalTry to avoid physical exertion.PREPOSITIONfrom exertionShe was hot and breathless from the exertion of cycling uphill.with exertionflushed and sweating with exertion after digging

exfoliate

exfoliateverb

Exfoliate is used with these nouns as the object:

exhale

exhaleverb

Exhale is used with these nouns as the object:

breath, smoke

exhaust

exhaustnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | exhaust + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEauto (AmE), automobile (AmE), car, engine, vehicledieselDiesel exhaust contains a lot of soot.exhaust + NOUNemission, fumes, gas, pollution, smokea plan to reduce exhaust emissionsairducts which draw out exhaust air and replace it with freshfan, manifold, pipe, systemPREPOSITIONfrom an/the exhaustpollution from car exhausts

II. verb1 make sb very tired2 use sth up completely1 make sb very tiredADVERBADVERBcompletely, totally, utterlyThe swimming had completely exhausted him.emotionally, mentally, physicallyThe experience had exhausted her physically and emotionally.

2 use sth up completelyADVERBADVERBcompletelyalmost, nearlyThe funds are nearly exhausted.quickly, rapidlyTheir limited resources were quickly exhausted.

Exhaust is used with these nouns as the object:

appeal, avenue, muscle, patience, remedy, reserve, resource, supply

exhausted

exhaustedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, look, seem, soundShe found herself exhausted most of the time.become, getfind yourselfleave sbThe row had left him physically exhausted.ADVERBreallyabsolutely, completely, quite, thoroughly, totally, utterlyHe fell into bed utterly exhausted.pretty, ratheremotionally, mentally, physicallyShe felt emotionally exhausted.PREPOSITIONfromI was exhausted from the day's work.withShe was exhausted with fear and the constant tension.

Exhausted is used with these nouns:

eye, sigh, sleep

exhausting

exhaustingadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomefind sthADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.a really exhausting dayutterlyemotionally, mentally, physically

exhaustion

exhaustionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + exhaustion | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcomplete, pure, sheer, total, utterextremeemotional, mental, nervous, physicalheatVERB + exhaustionsuffer fromShe was taken to the hospital suffering from exhaustion.feelNever had she felt such utter exhaustion.be close to, be near to, nearHe was hollow-eyed and seemed very close to exhaustion.The rowers were nearing exhaustion.be overcome by, be overcome with, collapse from, collapse with, drop from (esp. AmE)Two of the horses collapsed with exhaustion.drive sb to, lead toDon't work too hard and drive yourself to exhaustion.be dead from, be dead withdie from, die ofPREPOSITIONin exhaustionHe fell silent, with his head bowed in exhaustion.with exhaustionShe was faint with exhaustion.PHRASESat the point of exhaustion, to the point of exhaustiondriven to the point of complete exhaustiona state of exhaustiona wave of exhaustionSuddenly a wave of exhaustion hit him.on the brink of exhaustion, to the brink of exhaustionThey have been pushed to the brink of exhaustion.

exhaustive

exhaustiveadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBby no means, hardly, not necessarily (esp. BrE)This list is by no means exhaustive.fairly, nearly (esp. AmE), prettyAfter a fairly exhaustive investigation, they were able to put things right.seeminglyThe report includes a seemingly exhaustive list of 160 benefits.

Exhaustive is used with these nouns:

definition, detail, enquiry, list, research, search, test, treatment

exhaustively

exhaustivelyadv.

Exhaustively is used with these verbs:

discuss, examine, research

exhibit

exhibitnounverb

I. noun1 (AmE) collection of things shown to the public2 single object in a museum, etc.1 (AmE) collection of things shown to the publicSee also exhibitionADJECTIVE | VERB + exhibit | exhibit + VERB | exhibit + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEartphoto, photographic, photographyinteractive, multimedia, online, virtualhands-ontouring, travelinga traveling exhibit of antiqueschanging, rotatingThe library has a policy of mounting changing exhibits.permanent, temporarybig, smallmajora major exhibit of the painter's workeducationalpublicspecialThe library is celebrating its tenth anniversary with a special exhibit.soloThe artist is now having her first solo exhibit in New York.VERB + exhibitsee, tour, viewcreate, curate, design, mount, organize, planfeature, have, host, houseThe museum features rotating exhibits.exhibit + VERBopenThe exhibit opened to the public on July 1.runThe exhibit runs through February 1.be called sth, be entitled sth, be titled sthexplore sth, feature sth, highlight sth, include sth, present sth, show sthThe exhibit features unique photographs of San Francisco in the 1900s.exhibit + NOUNgallery, hallarea, floor, spacethe museum's new exhibit spaceboothHundreds of companies had exhibit booths.coordinator, curatorPREPOSITIONon exhibitThere are forty gigantic works on exhibit.exhibit ofan exhibit of video artexhibit onan exhibit on local history

2 single object in a museum, etc.VERB + exhibitVERB + exhibitsee, viewtouchdisplay, house

II. verb

Exhibit is used with these nouns as the subject:

artist, gallery, museum

Exhibit is used with these nouns as the object:

aggression, art, behaviour, bias, characteristic, collection, decrease, difference, distribution, effect, exuberance, genitals, improvement, painting, pattern, picture, piece, portrait, preference, property, range, response, restraint, sculpture, sign, skill, symptom, tendency, trait, valour, variability, work

exhibition

exhibitionnoun

noun (esp. BrE)See also exhibitADJECTIVE | VERB + exhibition | exhibition + VERB | exhibition + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, largesmallimportant, majora major exhibition of the painter's workannual, summer (BrE)internationalpublicpermanentchanging, loan, special, temporaryThe library has a policy of mounting changing exhibitions.There is a series of special exhibitions throughout the year.touring, travelling/travelinga touring exhibition of Impressionist drawingsgallery, museumonline, virtualart, craft (BrE)photo, photography, photographiccollaborative (BrE), group, jointone-man, one-woman, soloBy 1914 Picasso had held solo exhibitions in England, Germany and Spain.retrospectivetradethe international food trade exhibition in CologneVERB + exhibitionhave, hold, hostThe museum hosted a big exhibition of her work last year.houseThe old factory has been converted to house an exhibition.attend, go to, see, visitarrange, curate, organize, plandisplay (BrE), install, mount, present, put on, put together, show (BrE), stageThey plan to stage an art exhibition in the library.launch, openThe mayor will open the exhibition next week.sponsorgo on (BrE)The portrait is going on public exhibition for the first time.accompanythe catalogue that accompanies the exhibitionexhibition + VERBopenThe exhibition opens at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in July.close, endappear (AmE), be on (BrE), be on view, continue, run, take placeThe exhibition is on view from 11 April to 5 July.be called sth, be entitled sthbring sth together, comprise sth, contain, feature sth, include sth, show sthThe exhibition includes drawings by Rembrandt.chart sth, cover sth, illustrate sth, trace sthan exhibition illustrating the history and development of the universitybe dedicated to sb/sth, be devoted to sb/sthan exhibition devoted to female paintersexhibition + NOUNarea, centre/center, floor, gallery, hall, room, space, venue (BrE)The new wing will provide a new exhibition space.stand (BrE)Hundreds of companies had exhibition stands.catalogueprogramme/program, schedule (esp. AmE)the gallery's exhibition schedule for next yearPREPOSITIONon exhibitionA selection of her paintings is on exhibition at the Whitechapel Art Gallery.exhibition ofan exhibition of contemporary artexhibition onan exhibition on local history

exhilarating

exhilaratingadj.

Exhilarating is used with these nouns:

exhume

exhumeverb

Exhume is used with these nouns as the object:

body, remains

exile

exilenounverb

I. noun1 being sent to live in another country2 person forced to live in another country1 being sent to live in another countryADJECTIVE | VERB + exile | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElongpermanentenforced (esp. BrE), forcedself-imposed, voluntaryinternalMany spent decades in prison or in internal exile.tax (BrE)They are in tax exile from the UK.VERB + exilebe driven into, be forced into, be sent intoflee into, go intoHe went into exile after the overthrow of the government.live inThey joined the many other Armenians living in exile.die inrecall sb fromreturn fromHe still hopes to return from exile one day.PREPOSITIONin exileShe had spent 40 years in exile.exile fromDante died in exile from Florence.exile tohis exile to AmericaPHRASESa place of exile, sb's return from exilethe story of the emperor's return from exile

2 person forced to live in another countryADJECTIVE | exile + VERBADJECTIVEpoliticaltax (esp. BrE)returningexile + VERBlivea political exile living in LondonreturnA general amnesty was granted, allowing political exiles to return freely.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBpermanently, temporarilyeffectivelyHe was effectively exiled after a failed bid for power.forciblyPREPOSITIONforHe was exiled for his beliefs.fromThe family was exiled from France.toHe was exiled to Siberia.

exiled

exiledadj.

Exiled is used with these nouns:

dissident, king

exist

existverb

verbADVERB | VERB + existADVERBactually, reallyDo these creatures really exist?already, stillFew of these monkeys still exist in the wild.previouslyno longer, not any moreI didn't think people like that existed any more.not yetThe technology did not yet exist.currentlyonly, solelycompanies that exist solely for the purpose of mortgage lendingprimarilyindependentlyHe argued that ideas do not exist independently of the language that expresses them.VERB + existbe known tothe enormous volcanoes now known to exist on Marsappear to, be believed to, be supposed toThey appear to exist in significant numbers.a species with only about a thousand believed to exist in the wildcontinue tocease to

Exist is used with these nouns as the subject:

alternative, attitude, bias, bond, case, challenge, competition, condition, consensus, controversy, correlation, danger, difference, disagreement, discrepancy, discrimination, distinction, doubt, effect, evidence, explanation, facility, god, gulf, imbalance, inequality, link, need, opportunity, parallel, phenomenon, possibility, practice, problem, rationing, record, regime, relationship, similarity, situation, suspicion, system, technology, tension, tradition, trust, uncertainty, vacancy

existence

existencenoun

noun1 state of existing2 way of living1 state of existingADJECTIVE | VERB + existence | existence + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEactual, realEl Cid's actual existence is not in doubt.Since her illness, other people had no real existence for her.possiblethe possible existence of life beyond Earthbriefcontinued, continuing, future10-year, 50-year, etc.over the course of his company's 20-year existenceveryThe peasants depend on a good harvest for their very existence (= in order to continue to live).mereThe mere existence of these strange creatures fascinated him.entire, wholeThroughout its entire existence, it has been a deeply contested concept.autonomous, independent, separateany organism capable of independent existencehumanthe mystery of human existencematerial, physicalsocialearthly, mortalChristianity taught that our earthly existence was merely a preparation for life after death.VERB + existencebe inThe idea has been in existence for centuries.havea virtual world that has no real existencecome into, pop into (AmE, informal), spring intoThe organization came into existence ten years ago.What are the chances of these molecules springing spontaneously into existence?fade from, fade out of, go out ofThere was a fear that the club might go out of existence for lack of support.bring sth into, call sth intoThey are striving to bring into existence a new kind of society.be aware of, know ofbe unaware ofaffirm, assertassume, posit, postulate, presupposeThe theory assumes the existence of a ‘meritocracy’—that there is equal opportunity for all.accept, acknowledge, admit, admit to, believe in, recognizeHe didn't believe in the existence of God.denydoubtquestionShe questioned the existence of God.imply, indicate, suggest, supportThere is research that strongly supports the existence of repressed memories.discover, revealconfirm, demonstrate, establish, prove, validate, verifyScientists were able to verify the existence of this particle.disproveexplainHow do you explain the existence of closely related species in widely separated locations?justifyforget, ignoreThe girl's parents continued to ignore her very existence.endanger, jeopardize, threatenClimate changes threaten the continued existence of the species.endHe wanted to end his existence once and for all.oweThe school owed its existence to the generosity of one man.ensure, guaranteemaintainLet's battle on to maintain our existence.be vital toA super-efficient sense of smell is no longer vital to our existence.existence + VERBdepend on sth, depend upon sthThe company's existence depends on continued growth.PREPOSITIONin existencethe only instrument of its kind in existencePHRASESthe struggle for existenceDarwin viewed the struggle for existence as being the major promoter of evolution.

2 way of livingADJECTIVE | VERB + existence | PHRASESADJECTIVEbare, hand-to-mouth, meagre/meager, miserable, precariousHe lived a hand-to-mouth existence in the less attractive areas of London.comfortable, peaceful, quietshelteredShe had lived such a sheltered existence.middle-classa comfortable middle-class existencemeaningfulhis yearning for a more meaningful existenceboring, dull, humdrum, mundanepathetic, pitiful, wretchedmeaninglessempty, isolated, lonely, solitarynomadicrural, suburban, urbandaily, day-to-day, everydayprevious, priorHe claimed to be able to remember a previous existence.VERB + existenceenjoy, have, lead, liveeke out, endureThey eke out a precarious existence foraging in the forest.PHRASESa mode of existencethe transition from one mode of existence to another

existential

existentialadj.

Existential is used with these nouns:

dread, philosophy, proposition

existing

existingadj.

Existing is used with these nouns:

building, client, contract, customer, expertise, facility, framework, hierarchy, home, institution, literature, order, pattern, premises, regime, regulation, remains, research, reserve, rule, saver, shareholder, stock, stockholder, system, technology, tenant, user

exit

exitnounverb

I. noun1 way out2 act of leaving3 for traffic1 way outADJECTIVE | VERB + exit | exit + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEback, rearsideeast, south, etc.He left through the south exit.mainI walked through the school's main exit.airport, school, etc.emergency, firethe nearestShe headed for the nearest exit.secretI remember that there's a secret exit here.VERB + exithead for, make forbolt for, make a beeline for, make a dash for, run for, rush forreachbar, blockDo not leave bags lying around which could block the emergency exits.guard, watchseal, seal offexit + NOUNsigndoor, gate, pointroutePREPOSITIONto the exit, towards/toward the exitThey moved towards/toward the exits.exit fromthe exit from the hallexit toan exit to the street

2 act of leavingADJECTIVE | VERB + exit | exit + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfast, hasty, quick, rapid, speedy, swiftabrupt, suddenCarole's abrupt exit from their liveseasyemergency doors providing for easy exit in the event of a firedignifiedgracefulShe was trying to make a graceful exit from public life.grandThen we made our grand exit.dramaticThe students made a dramatic exit toward the end of his speech.early, prematureher early exit from the tournament, in only the second roundmassplay-off (AmE, sports)The team is likely to make a quick play-off exit.first-round, second-round, etc. (sports)VERB + exitmakeShe turned on her heel and made what she hoped was a dignified exit.exit + NOUNvisapollExit polls showed that more than 70% of voters opposed the proposal.plan, strategyHe was searching for an exit strategy.exam (AmE)You have to pass the exit exam in order to graduate.interview (esp. AmE)We go back and look at our exit interviews as to why people leave.PREPOSITIONexit froma mass exit of members from the party

3 for trafficSee also junctionADJECTIVE | VERB + exit | exit + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfreeway, highway, interstate (all in the US)motorway (in the UK)northbound, southbound, etc. (BrE)the nextI pulled off the road at the next exit.VERB + exitget off at (AmE), takeYou need to get off at the next exit.Take the first exit over the bridge.exit + NOUNramp (esp. AmE)pointthe number of entry and exit points on the main road networkPREPOSITIONexit forThe driver took the exit for LaGuardia.exit toThey took the exit to the hospital.

II. verb

Exit is used with these nouns as the object:

bankruptcy, car, carriage, elevator, restroom, room, train, vehicle

exorbitant

exorbitantadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seem, soundADVERBgrossly (BrE, law)The rate of interest is grossly exorbitant.quiteThe hotel charges quite exorbitant prices.pretty

Exorbitant is used with these nouns:

cost, fee, price, rent, sum

exorbitantly

exorbitantlyadv.

Exorbitantly is used with these verbs:

exorcize

exorcizeverb

Exorcize is used with these nouns as the object:

demon, ghost, spectre, spirit

exotic

exoticadj.

Exotic is used with these nouns:

animal, beast, beauty, bird, bloom, creature, dancer, delicacy, destination, dish, flavour, flower, food, fruit, ingredient, location, pet, plant, scent, species, spice, tree, vacation, wildlife

exotically

exoticallyadv.

Exotically is used with these verbs:

Expand is used with these nouns as the subject:

expand

expandverb

verbADVERB | VERB + expand | PREPOSITIONADVERBconsiderably, dramatically, enormously, exponentially, greatly, massively, radically, significantly, vastlyThe business has expanded greatly over the last year.furtherglobally, internationally, nationally, nationwide, worldwideA number of the rental companies are expanding globally.abroad, overseasInternet companies expanding abroadfast, quickly, rapidlyaggressivelyBoth companies are aggressively expanding their business models in Europe.successfullySeveral brands have successfully expanded their market presence.gradually, slowlyconstantly, continually, continuouslysuddenlysteadilyoutwards/outwardVERB + expandaim to, be eager to, be keen to, hope to, intend to, look to, plan to, seek to, want to, work toThe company is looking to expand its operations overseas.attempt to, try toAmerican publishers attempted to expand their markets overseas.need toI needed to expand my possibilities of making a living.help (to)The store has helped expand the British cheese market by encouraging small dairy farmers.begin to, start tocontinue toseem toPREPOSITIONbeyondHe has plans to expand beyond computer consulting to include engineer training.fromThe number of managers has expanded from 700 to 1 300.intoThe town has expanded into a city.to

business, chest, company, economy, enterprise, firm, industry, market, metal, scope, trade, universe, workload

Expand is used with these nouns as the object:

availability, balance sheet, base, business, capability, capacity, choice, circle, collection, coverage, credit, definition, economy, effort, empire, export, facility, focus, franchise, frontier, horizon, influence, initiative, knowledge, limit, market, membership, memory, menu, network, offering, output, partnership, per cent, pool, presence, production, programme, range, reach, repertoire, role, sale, scale, scope, service, size, trade, understanding, vocabulary, workforce, workload

expanded

expandedadj.

Expanded is used with these nouns:

definition, edition, role, version

expanding

expandingadj.

Expanding is used with these nouns:

economy, market, trade, universe, waistline

expanse

expansenoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbroad, endless, great, huge, infinite, large, limitless, long, vast, widea vast expanse of sandunbrokenbarren, bleak, desolate, emptya bleak expanse of concreteflatShe stood looking out over the flat expanse of fields.opengrassy, treelessblue, green, grey/gray, whitethe white expanses of the frozen northshiningthe desk's shining expanse of polished woodPREPOSITIONexpanse of

expansion

expansionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + expansion | expansion + VERB | expansion + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, considerable, enormous, great, huge, major, massive, significant, substantial, vastThe company was now set for major expansion.maximumdramatic, marked, remarkable, unprecedentedan unprecedented expansion in linguistic studies at universitiesrapidsuddengradualcontinuing, further, ongoingcontinued, steady, sustainedrelentlesscurrentfutureThis is land being held for future expansion.million-dollar, 5 million-dollar, etc.an $80 million expansion of its Madras factoryeastward, westward, etc.global, international, overseas, worldwidesuccessfulaggressiveThe board decided to embark on aggressive overseas expansion.healthyplanned, proposedreckless, uncontrolledbusiness, commercial, corporate (esp. AmE)economic, industrial, marketmonetaryThis will slow the rate of monetary expansion.capitalist, imperialistcolonial, imperial, territorialmilitaryan unprecedented military expansion around the globegeographic (esp. AmE), geographicalthe geographical expansion of industry in the late 19th centurypopulationurbanairport, prison (esp. AmE), etc.the largest prison expansion in American historyVERB + expansionshowThe economy is still showing healthy expansion.experience, undergoThe museum is undergoing a major expansion.accommodate, allow, allow for, permit, provide forThe design of the front pockets allows for expansion.be set for (esp. BrE)The company is set for further expansion into niche areas.call forproposeShe proposed a modest expansion of unemployment benefits.planThey are planning a major expansion in research and development.approve, favour/favorThe executive board has approved this expansion.encourage, facilitate, promote, supportdrive, fuelForeign investment fuelled/fueled this expansion.limit, restrictslow, slow downopposeHe opposed expansion of the army and navy.block, halt, stoppreventembark onfinance, fundIn order to finance expansion on this scale, the government has relied heavily on borrowing.expansion + VERBoccur, take placeexpansion + NOUNplan, programme/programPREPOSITIONexpansion intoexpansion into the luxury car marketexpansion ina great age of expansion in trade and scienceexpansion toRussian expansion to the East and SouthPHRASESa period of expansiona period of rapid economic expansionthe rate of expansionThe rate of expansion of our overseas trade has been spectacular.potential, room, scope, etc. for expansionThe company believes there is scope for expansion in this sector.

expansionist

expansionistadj.

Expansionist is used with these nouns:

expansive

expansiveadj.

Expansive is used with these nouns:

definition, gesture, mood, view

expansively

expansivelyadv.

Expansively is used with these verbs:

gesture

expatriate

expatriateadj.

Expatriate is used with these nouns:

community

expect

expectverb

verbADVERB | VERB + expect | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBconfidentlyShe confidently expects to win.fullyMy parents fully expect us to get married.rightlyThey rightly expect to be obeyed.not necessarilyI do not necessarily expect an easy answer to this question.not reallyI didn't really expect them to come.halfI was half expecting to see Jim at the concert.initially, originallyhonestlyDid you honestly expect me to believe that?seriouslyYou can't seriously expect me to sympathize with you.VERB + expectbe fair to, be natural to, be reasonable to, can, can realistically, can reasonablyWe can expect to see an improvement in the weather over the next few days.be unfair to, be unrealistic to, be unreasonable to, can hardlyIt would be unreasonable to expect them to do all that work for free.You can hardly expect to learn a foreign language in a few months.be foolish toIt would be foolish to expect this at his age.be naiveWas she really naive enough to expect that he had changed?would, would normallyI would expect the factory to be working again as normal by next week.be entitled to, have a right toYou are entitled to expect certain minimum standards of hygiene.PREPOSITIONfromWe expect good results from our employees.PHRASESas expectedAs expected, they lost the election.(only) to be expectedThe wine list is excellent, as is to be expected from such a high-class restaurant.This kind of tantrum is to be expected from a two-year-old.be widely expectedThe economy is widely expected to pick up in the first half of next year.expect a lot, too much, etc. of sbI think my parents always expected too much of me.when you least expect sthAn accident can happen anywhere, at any time, just when you least expect it.

Expect is used with these nouns as the subject:

observer

Expect is used with these nouns as the object:

announcement, answer, apology, arrival, assistance, baby, backlash, call, child, company, failure, favour, honesty, loyalty, miracle, news, obedience, perfection, reception, recompense, recovery, reply, reprisal, return, sale, snow, submission, summons, twin, upturn, visitor, worst

expectancy

expectancynoun

Expectancy is used after these nouns:

expectant

expectantadj.

Expectant is used with these nouns:

crowd, face, father, hush, mother, mum, parent, silence

expectantly

expectantlyadv.

Expectantly is used with these verbs:

look, pause, wait, watch

expectation

expectationnoun

noun (usually expectations)ADJECTIVE | VERB + expectation | expectation + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, great, high, lofty (esp. AmE)modestI have modest expectations about what my research can accomplish.lowMany children start with low expectations.growing, risingheightened, increased, raisedHeightened expectations for educational progress had not been realized.diminished, loweredoptimistic, positivenegative, pessimisticnormalIt doesn't conform to people's normal expectations of what a zoo is.clear, confidentlegitimate (law), rational, realistic, reasonablefalse, inflated, naive, unrealistic, unreasonabledisappointed, unfulfilled, unmet (esp. AmE)Low growth is likely to bring unfulfilled expectations.wildThis realization of our dreams surpassed even our wildest expectations.initial, originalThey've found success far beyond their initial expectations.priorThis result is contrary to our prior expectations.futurecommon, general, widespreadThere is still a general expectation that married couples will have children.popular, publicconventional, traditionalfamily, parentalcultural, social, societal (esp. AmE)gender (esp. AmE)Religion reinforces traditional gender expectations to varying extents.consumer, customermarketeconomic, financial, inflation, inflationaryearningscareer, lifeVERB + expectationhave, holdYou have unrealistic expectations.differences in the expectations held by different social groupsestablish, formthe way in which expectations are formedbaseThese high expectations are based on the fast pace of technological developments.arouse, build, build up, create, generate, raise, set, set upthe high expectations aroused by civil rights legislationchange, reviseUsers have changed their expectations of library services.heightenlower, reduce, temper (esp. AmE)Her approach sought to lower people's expectations.manageHere are some tips to help you manage your expectations for yourself.influence, shapecome up to (esp. BrE), confirm, conform to, fit (esp. AmE), fit in with (esp. AmE), fulfil/fulfill, live up to, match, meet, reach, realize, satisfyHer new car has not lived up to her expectations.beat, exceed, go beyond, surpassdisappoint, fall short ofThe reality of the cruise fell short of our expectations.confound, contradict (esp. AmE), defy, violate (esp. AmE)The rise in share price confounded expectations.She has defied all expectations with her career.expectation + VERBgrow, risechangeIn later years his expectations changed.PREPOSITIONabove expectationSales came in above expectations this week.against expectationAgainst all expectations, she was enjoying herself.contrary to expectationThe building work was completed on time, contrary to expectation.below expectationWhat should you do when an employee's performance is below expectation?beyond expectationThe course has produced results way beyond expectation.He had been successful beyond his expectations.in the expectation of, in the expectation thatThey bought real estate in the expectation of a rise in prices.expectation aboutthe government's expectations about the economyexpectation forWe have high expectations for her future.expectation ofWe certainly had a reasonable expectation of success.expectation regarding, expectation with regard toShe has high expectations regarding the deal.expectation surroundingthe tensions and expectations surrounding the showPHRASEShave every expectationI have every expectation of cheering the team on to victory in the final.in line with expectationsProfits are broadly in line with expectations.

expected

expectedadj.

Expected is used with these nouns:

arrival, direction, duration, earnings, frequency, improvement, number, outcome, profit, rate, result, return, revenue

expedient

expedientadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, proveappear, seemIt seems expedient to clarify the concept.becomemake sthconsider sth, deem sth, judge sth, think sthfind sthThe government found it expedient to relax censorship a little.ADVERBpolitically

expedite

expediteverb

Expedite is used with these nouns as the object:

implementation, process

expedition

expeditionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + expedition | expedition + VERB | expedition + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEmajora major expedition to climb Mount Everestlittle, smallinternational, jointThe Canadians agreed to a joint expedition with the French.foreignsuccessfulill-fatedJohn Franklin's ill-fated expedition to the Arcticclimbing, diving, fishing, hunting, scouting, shopping, etc.archaeological, research, scientificmilitary, navalpunitiveThe army sent a punitive expedition into Mexico.Antarctic, Everest, etc.British, Spanish, etc.Spanish exploratory expeditions in the 16th centuryVERB + expeditiongo on, makeHe had made two expeditions to Spain to study wild plants.embark on, set off on, set out on, undertakeShe was about to embark on a major expedition.head, leadjoinaccompanyEvery scientific expedition was accompanied by a photographer.organize, planlaunch, mountThey plan to launch an expedition into the mountains.finance, fund, sponsorsendexpedition + VERBleave, set off, set out, startreturnThe expedition returned only two weeks after it had left.arrive, reach sthOn January 21 the expedition reached the South Pole.expedition + NOUNleader, memberparty, teamPREPOSITIONon an/the expeditionShe was out on a shopping expedition.expedition againstHe led a military expedition against the rebels.expedition intoan expedition into the interior of Australiaexpedition toa naval expedition to West AfricaPHRASESthe leader of an expedition, a member of an expedition

expeditionary

expeditionaryadj.

Expeditionary is used with these nouns:

Expel is used with these nouns as the object:

expel

expelverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBforciblyThey were forcibly expelled from their farm by the occupying authorities.immediatelypermanentlyAny student may be permanently expelled for coming to school with a weapon.PREPOSITIONforfromExpel all the air from your chest.PHRASESbe expelled from school (esp. BrE), get expelled from school (esp. AmE)He was/got expelled from school for taking drugs.

ambassador, faeces, pupil, refugee

expel from

expel fromphr verb

Expel from is used with these nouns as the object:

expend

expendverb

Expend is used with these nouns as the object:

calorie, capital, effort, energy, resource

expenditure

expenditurenoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF EXPENDITURE | VERB + expenditure | expenditure + VERB | expenditure + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsiderable, great, heavy, high, huge, large, major, massive, significantThe group is calling for higher expenditure on education.low, minimum, modestaveragethe family's average expenditure on foodaggregate, overall, totalgross, net (both esp. BrE)additional, extra, furtherdecreased, increasedexcessivenecessary, unnecessaryestimated, planned, projected, proposedactualThe next two items refer to actual expenditures incurred, rather than estimates.current, futurePay constitutes two thirds of all current expenditure.annualgeneralper capitathe country with the highest per capita expenditure on health care in the EUdirectthe total direct expenditure on trainingoperatingbudgetcapitalThe company reduced capital expenditure on plant and machinery.Capital expenditure can be financed by borrowing; operating expenditure should not.financial (esp. AmE)energylocal, nationalfederal, government, public, statePublic expenditure was running at 44.6% of GNP.business, corporate (esp. AmE)household, independent (AmE, politics), personal, personal-consumption (AmE), privateconsumeradvertising, marketing, research, research and development (abbreviated to R & D)defence/defense, education, health, health-care, medical, military, security, social, tax, welfare, etc.… OF EXPENDITUREitemYou may wish to take out a loan for a major item of expenditure.amountlevelVERB + expendituremake (esp. AmE)They intended to make capital expenditures for equipment and expansion.increasecontrol, cut, limit, minimize, reduceplans to cut health expenditureestimateapprove, authorizemonitorjustifyThe results justified the expenditure.incur (esp. BrE)Mr Davis incurred substantial expenditure on the farmhouse.involve, requireMalls require huge expenditures on air conditioning.haveBoth brands had heavy advertising expenditure.finance, fund, meetMake sure you have enough in the current account to meet expenditure.expenditure + VERBgo up, grow, increase, risefall, go downamount to sthTotal expenditure amounted to approximately £1 million.exceed sthpeople whose annual expenditure exceeds their incomearise from sth, arise out of sth (esp. BrE)extra expenditure arising from the commission's report into health and safetyexpenditure + NOUNcutpublic expenditure cutslimitlevelpatternPREPOSITIONexpenditure forThey incurred enormous expenditures for publicity during the launch years.expenditure ofgovernment expenditure of more than £500 millionexpenditure onincreased expenditure on the rail networkPHRASESa cut in expenditure, a reduction in expenditurean increase in expenditure, a rise in expenditure

expense

expensenoun

noun1 cost/money spent on sth2 sth that makes you spend money3 expenses money spent for a particular purpose1 cost/money spent on sthADJECTIVE | VERB + expense | expense + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsiderable, enormous, great, huge, significant, vastadded, additional, extraannual, monthlyYour monthly housing expense should not be greater than 28% of your income.unexpected, unforeseenunnecessarypublicThe bridge was built at public expense.personalVERB + expensego to, incurThey went to all the expense of redecorating the house and then they moved.involve, put sb to (esp. BrE)Their visit put us to a lot of expense.bear, cover, meetShe had to meet the expense herself.spare noNo expense was spared (= they spent as much money as was needed) to make the party a success.avoid, saveSave the expense of calling out a plumber by learning some of the basics yourself.cut, minimize (esp. AmE), reduceYou can reduce your expenses by selling your old car at a good price.be worthThe results are well worth the expense.justifya claim large enough to justify the expense of insurance policy premiumsexpense + VERBriseMy expenses are constantly rising and my income stays the same.PREPOSITIONat sb/sth's expenseThey had to repair the damage at their own expense.He built up the business at the expense of his health.at … expenseThe house was transformed at great expense.The package includes admission to the park at no extra expense.PHRASESat taxpayer expense (AmE), at taxpayers' expense, at the taxpayer's expenseIt emerged that they had received free first-class travel at the taxpayer's expense.

2 sth that makes you spend moneyADJECTIVEADJECTIVEbig, considerable, major, significantincidentalRelocated employees received grants towards/toward incidental expenses like buying carpets.ongoingInsurance is an ongoing expense.business, managementMeetings, and the time for them, are a considerable management expense.capitalThe process turned out to be a significant capital expense.depreciation, interest (both esp. AmE)Net interest expense increased to $5.9 million from $4.1 million.

3 expenses money spent for a particular purposeADJECTIVE | VERB + EXPENSES | EXPENSES + VERB | expense + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEhigh, lowMedical expenses can be quite high if you are not insured.Look for a fund with low expenses.allowable, eligible (esp. AmE), legitimate, reasonableYou can claim back the tax on legitimate business expenses.deductible, tax-deductibleStart keeping track of deductible expenses such as charitable contributions.basicThe guides are unpaid except for basic expenses.miscellaneousongoingyour ongoing expenses such as your employees' salariesout-of-pocket (= paid for by an employee, to be claimed back later from the employer)Any out-of-pocket expenses incurred on the firm's business will be reimbursed.totalTotal employee expenses were up about 6%.personallivinghouseholdadministrative, maintenance, operating, operational, overhead (all esp. AmE)business, work-relatedmarketing (esp. AmE)travel, travelling/traveling (esp. BrE)moving (esp. AmE), relocation, removal (BrE)childcare, college, educational (esp. AmE), health-care, legal, medicalfuneralVERB + EXPENSESincurcover, defray, meet, offset, pay, reimburseHe was given a sum of money to cover his travel expenses.claim, claim back (BrE), claim forThey are claiming expenses for travel and meals.recoupWe will recoup our expenses within 24 months.deductYou will have to pay income tax on the rent you receive, although you can deduct expenses such as insurance.cut, lower (esp. AmE), minimize (esp. AmE), reducein an effort to reduce expenses and boost profitsEXPENSES + VERBarise from sth, arise out of sth (both esp. BrE)You can expect to receive compensation for all expenses arising out of the accident.increase, riseOperating expenses rose by more than 23% last year.expense + NOUNexpense accountPut the cost of the meal on your expense account.expenses claim (esp. BrE), expense report (AmE)expense reimbursement (AmE)You will receive expense reimbursement for up to $5 000 for legal representation.PREPOSITIONon expenses (BrE)I think we deserve a night out on expenses.PHRASESall expenses paida two-day, all-expenses-paid trip to New York Cityspare no expenseWhen it came to the wedding, no expense was spared (= a lot of money was spent).

expensive

expensiveadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, look, prove, seem, soundHer suit looked extremely expensive.become, getFood in this country is getting very expensive.make sthAdding these safety features would make the cars too expensive.find sthI found the food very expensive.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.amazingly, astronomically, enormously, exceedingly, extortionately, extremely, hideously, highly, horrendously, horribly, hugely, incredibly, insanely, ludicrously (esp. BrE), massively, outrageously, prohibitively, ridiculously, ruinously (esp. BrE), terriblySome of these legal cases are enormously expensive.Giving every patient an annual flu shot would be prohibitively expensive.moderatelya little, slightly, etc.increasinglycomparatively, relativelynotoriouslyobviously

Expensive is used with these nouns:

boutique, champagne, cigar, clothes, coffee, commodity, cosmetic, cut, delicacy, end, equipment, exercise, fare, flop, gadget, gift, habit, hobby, hotel, house, import, item, jewellery, lifestyle, litigation, luxury, mistake, option, perfume, proposition, purchase, repair, restaurant, shop, suit, taste, toy, undertaking, venture, version, waste, wine

expensively

expensivelyadv.

Expensively is used with these adjectives:

educated, furnished

Expensively is used with these verbs:

Experience is used with these nouns as the subject:

experience

experiencenounverb

I. noun1 knowledge/skill obtained by seeing/doing sth2 the things that have happened to you3 event/activity that affects you1 knowledge/skill obtained by seeing/doing sthADJECTIVE | VERB + experience | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsiderable, extensive, great, long, vast, widelimited, littlecompanies with limited experience in the fieldgood, invaluable, valuableShe didn't get paid much but it was all good experience.relevantBoth candidates for the presidency were short of relevant experience.previous, priorDo you have any previous experience of this type of work?direct, first-hand, hands-on, practical, real, real-worldthe importance of hands-on experience as well as academic trainingprofessional, workclinical, teachingfield (esp. AmE)Students require field experience rather than just observation.combatVERB + experiencehavelackgain, getoffer, providebringThe returning soldiers bring valuable experience to the Army.broadenShe wanted to broaden her experience in international affairs.usePREPOSITIONexperience ofShe has considerable professional experience of translation.PHRASESa lack of experience, a wealth of experienceThe new player will bring a wealth of experience to the team.

2 the things that have happened to youADJECTIVE | VERB + experience | experience + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpastWe're in for a difficult couple of weeks, if past experience is anything to go by.recenthistoricaldirect, first-hand, hands-on, lived, personalShe has brought personal experience to bear on her analyses of business history.vicariousI love reading: I have an insatiable appetite for vicarious experience.subjectiveExperience is subjective and very hard to measure.common, sharedhis peers, with whom he shares the common experience of being black in a white societycommonIt is a matter of common experience that disorder will increase if things are left to themselves.daily, everydayChoose illustrative examples from the children's everyday experience.humanThere are few areas of human experience that have not been written about.sensoryVERB + experiencehavesharelearn by, learn fromWe all learn from experience.be based on, draw onThe book is based on personal experience.In her book, she draws on her first-hand experience of mental illness.reflectThese views reflect my own personal experience.experience + VERBsuggest sth, teach (sb) sthExperience has taught me that life can be very unfair.show sthExperience shows that this strategy does not always work.PREPOSITIONby experience, from experienceWe know from experience that hot objects are painful to touch.in sb's experienceIn my experience, very few people really understand the problem.experience ofHe has direct experience of poverty.

3 event/activity that affects youADJECTIVE | VERB + experience | PHRASESADJECTIVEenjoyable, exhilarating, good, great, interesting, memorable, pleasant, positive, rewarding, rich, unforgettable, valuable, wonderfulbad, harrowing, negative, painful, traumatic, unnerving, unsettlingI had a bad experience with fireworks once.hair-raising, nerve-rackinga hair-raising experience of white-water raftingemotionalhumbling, salutary (BrE), soberingpersonal, subjectivecollective, common, sharedThe use of drama can motivate students by allowing them to share a common experience.commonIt is a common experience to feel that an author writes well, without being able to say why.uniqueoverall, wholeHe found the whole experience traumatic.real-lifepastchildhood, early, formativeEarly experiences shape the way we deal with crises in later life.educational, learningsensorylistening, viewinguserThe goal is to enhance the user experience on computing devices.mystical, religious, spiritual, visionarypsychicsexualhis first sexual experienceculturalnear-deathout-of-bodyVERB + experienceenjoy, go through, have, undergoI think you will enjoy the experience of taking part in the show.She has been through a very traumatic experience.come through, get overIt could take him years to get over this experience.describe, discuss, recount, relate, report, talk aboutshareDoes anyone have any experiences—good or bad—that they would like to share with the group?reliveReliving past experiences can release powerful feelings that have been pent up too long.be based onThe novel is based on his experiences in the war.create, offerWe aim to create an experience the consumer will remember.enhanceThe sound system greatly enhances the experience of the movie.PHRASESquite an experienceIt was quite an experience being involved in running the festival.

II. verbADVERBADVERBactuallydirectly, first-hand, personallyHe hadn't directly experienced the fighting in the city.people who have actually experienced these problems first-handvicariouslyIt was wonderful to go to the movies and vicariously experience the struggles of others.subjectivelyfully

economy, immigrant, industry, participant

Experience is used with these nouns as the object:

abuse, alienation, anguish, anxiety, attack, benefit, block, boom, conversion, crisis, death, decline, decrease, defeat, delay, depression, deprivation, deterioration, diarrhoea, difficulty, dip, disability, disadvantage, disappointment, disaster, discomfort, discrimination, disruption, distress, disturbance, divorce, downturn, drop, earthquake, effect, elation, emotion, episode, erosion, expansion, failure, fatigue, fear, feeling, flash, flavour, fluctuation, frustration, grief, growth, guilt, hallucination, hardship, headache, high, horror, illness, improvement, incident, increase, influx, injury, injustice, intimacy, irritation, isolation, joy, loneliness, love, magic, menopause, migraine, nausea, pain, pang, period, persecution, pleasure, pressure, problem, racism, reaction, recession, recurrence, reduction, relapse, relief, revival, rush, sensation, sense, setback, shift, shortage, sickness, side effect, spasm, stress, strife, success, suffering, surge, symptom, thrill, tragedy, trauma, turmoil, twinge, upheaval, urge, vision, wonder

experienced

experiencedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seem, soundbecomeADVERBextremely, highly, really, vastly (esp. BrE), veryThe staff are all highly experienced.quitesuitably (esp. BrE)The task needs the skills of a suitably experienced engineer.widelya widely experienced and articulate politiciansexuallyPREPOSITIONinShe's very experienced in caring for children.

Experienced is used with these nouns:

actor, actress, campaigner, crew, diplomat, doctor, driver, entrepreneur, eye, golfer, GP, guide, instructor, interviewer, journalist, judge, lawyer, manager, nurse, observer, operator, performer, personnel, photographer, physician, pilot, player, politician, professional, programmer, researcher, sailor, soldier, specialist, staff, teacher, technician, therapist, trainer, user, writer

experiment

experimentnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + experiment | experiment + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEanimala few hippies protesting against animal experimentsfield, laboratoryeducational, medical, psychological, scientificpracticalsimplebrieffurtherFurther experiments will be carried out to verify this result.careful, control (science), controlledindependent (science)successfulfailed, unsuccessfulthe USSR's failed experiment in social planningpilot, preliminaryearly, pioneeringclassic, classical, famous, well-knownPavlov's famous experiment with the dog and the dinner belluniqueBrazil's unique experiment with alcohol-powered carsboldthe country's bold experiment with economic reforminterestingingeniousVERB + experimentcarry out, conduct, do, perform, runtryThe school decided to try an experiment in single-sex teaching.repeatdesignset updescribe, reporta classic experiment reported in 1964experiment + VERBconfirm sth, demonstrate sth, find sth, illustrate sth, prove sth, reveal sth, show sth, support sthindicate sth, suggest sthbe aimed at sth, be designed to do sthan experiment aimed at cutting road deaths resulting from excessive speedinginvolve sth, use sthbe successful, workIf the conditions are not right, the experiment will not work.failPREPOSITIONby experimentThe appropriate concentration of the drug is best determined by experiment.during an/the experimentThe animals seemed healthy during the experiment.in an/the experimentIn these experiments, chilling is necessary.experiment inthe country's brief experiment in multiparty democracyexperiment onThe team carried out experiments on cancer tissue.experiment withan experiment with zinc chips and hydrochloric acid

II. verbADVERB | VERB + experiment | PREPOSITIONADVERBsuccessfullyfreelyThe students freely experimented with paints.sexuallyVERB + experimentbegin tocontinue toPREPOSITIONonThey experimented successfully on the plants to discover disease-resistant varieties.withWe have experimented with various different designs of kite.

experimental

experimentaladj.

Experimental is used with these nouns:

apparatus, condition, confirmation, context, data, design, error, evidence, farm, fiction, finding, method, model, music, phase, physicist, physics, poetry, procedure, psychologist, psychology, research, result, science, setting, stage, study, surgery, technique, test, theatre, treatment, trial, verification, work

experimentally

experimentallyadv.

Experimentally is used with these verbs:

confirm, demonstrate, investigate, measure, observe, test

experimentation

experimentationnoun

Experimentation is used after these nouns:

experiment with

experiment withphr verb

Experiment with is used with these nouns as the subject:

Expert is used with these nouns:

expert

expertnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | … OF EXPERTS | VERB + expert | expert + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVErealleadingacknowledged, recognizedprofessional, qualifiedself-proclaimed, self-styledso-calledinternational, worldShe is a world expert on butterflies.localindependent, outsidecomputer, financial, gardening, health, industry, legal, marketing, medical, military, scientific, security, technical, etc.… OF EXPERTScommittee, panel, teamA panel of experts will answer questions from the television audience.VERB + expertask, consult, talk toseek advice from, take advice from (both esp. BrE)hireexpert + VERBadvise sb/sth, agree sth, argue sth, believe sth, claim sth, fear sth, predict sth, reckon sth (esp. BrE), recommend sth, say sth, suggest sth, tell sb, think sth, warn (sb)Experts agree that a balanced diet is the key to great health.PREPOSITIONexpert atHe's an expert at getting his own way.expert inan expert in skin careexpert onan expert on European art

II. adj.

advice, adviser, assistance, consensus, consultation, eye, gardener, guidance, hand, help, knowledge, opinion, panel, supervision, testimony, tribunal, tuition, witness

expertise

expertisenoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF EXPERTISE | VERB + expertise | expertise + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsiderable, extensive, greatlimitedappropriate, relevantEach area of the curriculum should be led by a staff member with appropriate expertise.necessaryAn outsider will lack the necessary expertise to run the company.existingparticular, special, specialist (esp. BrE), specificareas of special expertisecollective, combinedThey met regularly to develop their collective expertise.in-house, local, outsideWe sometimes have to call on outside expertise.staffsubjectacademic, business, clinical, engineering, financial, legal, management, managerial, marketing, medical, professional, scientific, technical, technological… OF EXPERTISEdegree, levelA high degree of expertise is required for this work.VERB + expertisehaveShe has great expertise in these matters.lackneed, requireacquire, develop, gainbuild onThis project builds on the existing expertise of our staff.lend, provideProfessor Simpson provided expertise in engineering.apply, bring, bring to bear, useHow could he apply his academic expertise to practical matters?He will bring a great deal of expertise to bear on this issue.bring together, call on, draw onThe project brings together expertise in teaching and library provision.We need to draw on the professional expertise of a large number of teachers.rely onoffer, pass on (esp. BrE), shareThe teachers would be available to share expertise and offer advice.expertise + VERBbe availableWe need to discover what relevant expertise is available to us.PREPOSITIONexpertise inI have gained expertise in specialist financial areas.expertise onShe brings expertise on general financial and technical matters.PHRASESan area of expertise, a field of expertisea range of expertiseThe variety of technology requires a wide range of expertise.

expertly

expertlyadv.

Expertly is used with these verbs:

direct, guide, land, manoeuvre

expiate

expiateverb

Expiate is used with these nouns as the object:

sin

expiration

expirationnoun

Expiration is used before these nouns:

date

expire

expireverb

verbVERB + expireVERB + expirebe due toHis contract is due to expire at the end of this year.

Expire is used with these nouns as the subject:

contract, copyright, credit card, deadline, deal, lease, licence, passport, patent, permit, policy, tenancy, term, truce, visa, warranty

expiry

expirynoun

Expiry is used before these nouns:

date

explain

explainverb

verbADVERB | VERB + explain | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBin detailI explained the issues in great detail.fullyThe reasons for the accident have not been fully explained.adequately, properly, really, satisfactorily, wellpartially, partlyThis partly explains why he was so late.exactlybrieflyquicklyeasily, readily, simplyThis phenomenon can be easily explained.clearlycarefullycalmlyhelpfully, patientlyThe doctor explained patiently what the treatment would be.concisely, succinctlyThe general principles behind the method used are explained clearly and concisely.excitedlyVERB + explainbe able to, be unable to, canI know I'm late, but I can explain why.attempt to, seek to, try toIt is a book which seeks to explain the birth of Greek tragedy.help (to)purport toMany theories purport to explain growth in terms of a single cause.be difficult to, be hard toIt's difficult to explain exactly how the system works.hasten toShe saw his quick frown and hastened to explain.let sbLet me explain what I mean.PREPOSITIONaboutShe tried to explain about her fears and anxieties.toShe explained the plan to me very carefully.PHRASESexplain everythingI have a letter here which explains everything.go a long way, some way, etc. towards/toward explaining sthThis goes some way towards/toward explaining the hostility between the two groups.

Explain is used with these nouns as the subject:

article, difference, document, factor, leaflet, letter, page, paragraph, report, theory

Explain is used with these nouns as the object:

absence, background, basics, complexity, concept, conduct, decision, detail, difference, disappearance, discrepancy, disparity, effect, existence, extent, fact, failure, feeling, finding, idea, implication, importance, inability, incidence, incident, meaning, motivation, motive, mystery, nature, occurrence, origin, paradox, phenomenon, popularity, predicament, principle, reason, reasoning, reluctance, rule, shift, similarity, situation, success, teaching, term, thing, thinking, variation, view, workings

explanation

explanationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + explanation | explanation + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconvincing, credible, good, likely, logical, natural, obvious, plausible, probable, rationalThe most likely explanation is that his plane was delayed.implausible, inadequate, unlikelyacceptable, adequate, reasonable, satisfactory, sufficientfurtherNo further explanation is necessary.no apparentThere was no apparent explanation for the attack.clear, coherentcomplete, comprehensive, detailed, fullpartialcomplex, complicatedeasy, simpleinnocent, prosaicThere's sure to be a perfectly innocent explanation for all this—though I admit it looks bizarre.convenientaccepted, traditionalThere is no generally accepted explanation of this practice.officialpossiblealternativecorrect, real, truebrieflengthy, longverbalgeneralcommonthe common explanations for canceronly, soleIt's the only explanation that makes any kind of sense.causalThe causal explanation must be that old age causes poverty, not that poverty causes people to be old.ad hoccultural, historical, political, psychological, scientific, sociological, technical, theoreticalVERB + explanationhaveI had no explanation for her strange mood.give (sb), offer (sb), provide (sb with)He only offered a partial explanation for his lateness.go into, launch intoShe launched into a detailed explanation of every aspect of her work.advance, propose, put forwardone explanation advanced by Marxist historianscall for, need, require, wantAn explanation is clearly called for.look for, seekfind, think ofI can think of one possible explanation for her reaction.ask for, demandShe wrote to the company demanding an explanation.wait fordeserve, meritI suppose you deserve an explanation.owe sbI think you owe me an explanation.receiveacceptdefyHer success has been so remarkable as to defy explanation.explanation + VERBlieThe simplest explanation for his achievements lies in his greater ability and superiority over his contemporaries at college.emerge, occur to sbNo single clear explanation emerged from the experiments.A more credible explanation now occurred to her.existSeveral possible explanations exist.suggest sthPREPOSITIONin explanation‘I've worked with them before, you see,’ he added, in explanation.without explanationShe left suddenly and without explanation.explanation aboutHe entered into a technical explanation about software and programming.explanation as toHe provided no explanation as to why he was late.explanation forThere is probably some perfectly logical explanation for their absence.explanation fromWe are still waiting for a full explanation from the teacher concerned.PHRASESan attempt at explanationThe men left quickly with no attempt at explanation.by way of explanation‘I had to see you,’ he said, by way of explanation.

explanatory

explanatoryadj.

Explanatory is used with these nouns:

leaflet, letter, memorandum, model, note, statement, text

explicable

explicableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seembecomeADVERBeasily, readily (both esp. BrE)The sudden increase in sales is easily explicable.These atrocities are not readily explicable by any of the usual analyses of politics.entirely, perfectly, whollyHis actions are entirely explicable.largelypartlyPREPOSITIONbyThe delay is partly explicable by the roadworks.in terms ofThe differences in the children's achievements were not wholly explicable in terms of their social backgrounds.

explicit

explicitadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecomemake sth, render sthWe think such information should be made explicit and not left vague.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highlya highly explicit description of tortureabsolutely, fully, quiteOur orders were quite explicit.increasinglysexuallyPREPOSITIONaboutThe government has been quite explicit about its intentions.as toShe told him he needed to improve, without being explicit as to how.

Explicit is used with these nouns:

acknowledgement, aim, authorization, consent, criticism, denial, detail, goal, guideline, instruction, lyrics, material, mention, permission, policy, recognition, reference, rejection, request, sex, statement, threat

explicitly explode

explodeverb

verb1 blow up2 get angry/dangerous/moving1 blow upADVERB | VERB + explodeADVERBsimultaneously20 bombs exploded almost simultaneously.accidentally, prematurelyA bomb might explode prematurely.spectacularly, violentlyoutwards/outward, upwards/upwardVERB + explodefail toA blast bomb was thrown but the device failed to explode.

2 get angry/dangerous/movingADVERB | VERB + explode | PREPOSITIONADVERBliterallynearly, practicallyMy heart was nearly exploding in fright.Jessie practically exploded with laughter.suddenlyfinallyVERB + explodebe about to, be ready to, be set toA disagreement over public spending is set to explode.be liable to, be likely toseem toPREPOSITIONintoHe suddenly exploded into action.withShe literally exploded with anger.

Explode is used with these nouns as the subject:

boiler, bomb, dynamite, firework, grenade, jet, mine, mortar, rocket, shell

Explode is used with these nouns as the object:

bomb, myth

explode onto

explode ontophr verb

Explode onto is used with these nouns as the object:

scene

exploding

explodingadj.

Exploding is used with these nouns:

deficit

exploit

exploitnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEdaring, heroiclegendaryHis courage and exploits were legendary.wartimemilitary, sexualHe was always bragging about his sexual exploits.goal-scoring, record-breaking (both esp. BrE)

II. verb1 treat sb unfairly for your own advantage2 make the best use of sth1 treat sb unfairly for your own advantageADVERBADVERBmercilessly, ruthlesslyThe workers are ruthlessly exploited by their employers.cynicallyHe pursued his own interests, cynically exploiting his privileged position as trustee.shamelesslydeliberatelysexually

2 make the best use of sthADVERB | VERB + exploitADVERBextensively, heavilyfully, to the full (esp. BrE), to the fullest (esp. AmE)The company has been successful in exploiting new technology to the full.Birds exploit these wind patterns to the fullest.furtherwidelyeffectively, profitably, successfullyproperlyquicklyeasilycleverly, skilfully/skillfullyThe architect has cleverly exploited new materials and building techniques.commerciallyShe was eager to exploit her discovery commercially.VERB + exploitbe determined to, be keen to (esp. BrE), hope to, seek tobe quick toThe team were quick to exploit their competitive advantage.attempt tofail to

Exploit is used with these nouns as the object:

consumer, division, fear, gap, loophole, niche, potential, resource, seam, situation, source, strength, technology, tragedy, vulnerability, weakness, worker

exploitation

exploitationnoun

noun1 unfair use of sb2 use of sth1 unfair use of sbADJECTIVE | VERB + exploitationADJECTIVEbrutal, ruthlessher ruthless exploitation of popular fearcynical, shamelessblatantcapitalist, class, economic, industrial, sexuallabour/labor (esp. AmE)VERB + exploitationpreventstruggle againstThe party's avowed aim was to struggle against capitalist exploitation.be open to, be vulnerable toMigrant workers are vulnerable to exploitation.be based onsocieties based on the exploitation of slaves

2 use of sthADJECTIVE | VERB + exploitationADJECTIVEeffective, efficient, full, successfuldirectthe direct exploitation of natural forestslarge-scalesustainablecommercialmineral, resourcehumanTurtles are increasingly threatened by human exploitation.VERB + exploitationbe ripe forEmergent democracies created markets that were ripe for exploitation.

exploration

explorationnoun

noun1 of a place2 of an idea/subject1 of a placeADJECTIVE | VERB + exploration | exploration + VERB | exploration + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEenergy (esp. AmE), gas, mineral, oil, petroleumpolarspaceoffshorethe heavy cost of offshore oil explorationarchaeological, scientificextensivedetailedfuturehumanVERB + explorationcarry outExtensive exploration was carried out using the latest drilling technology.begincontinueexploration + VERBtake placeareas where mineral exploration is taking placeexploration + NOUNactivityExploration activity slowed during the 1970s.programme/programcompanyan oil exploration companyPREPOSITIONexploration forspeculative exploration for oil

2 of an idea/subjectADJECTIVE | VERB + explorationADJECTIVEbriefextensivedeep, full, in-depth, thoroughcareful, detailedMy ideas needed more careful exploration.furtherThese findings merit further exploration.creative, criticalcreative exploration of music as a medium in educationintellectualpersonalher personal exploration of spiritualityVERB + explorationneed, requirebegincontinue

exploratory

exploratoryadj.

Exploratory is used with these nouns:

meeting, operation, stage, surgery, talk

explore

exploreverb

verb1 travel around an area2 think about sth in detail1 travel around an areaVERB + explore | PREPOSITIONVERB + explorebe keen to (esp. BrE), want to, wish tobe free toIn the afternoon you'll be free to explore a little on your own.PREPOSITIONforcompanies exploring for oil

2 think about sth in detailADVERB | VERB + exploreADVERBextensivelybrieflyfully, thoroughlyThese questions have not been fully explored yet.properly, systematicallycarefully, deeply (esp. AmE), in detailThis idea is worth exploring in some detail.furtherusefullyThe movie usefully explores some of the issues surrounding adoption.VERB + exploreneed tobe keen to (esp. BrE), want to, wish toaim to, seek tobegin to, continue to

Explore is used with these nouns as the subject:

article, artist, chapter, essay, exhibit, paper, research, researcher, study

Explore is used with these nouns as the object:

alternative, area, aspect, avenue, cave, complexity, concept, connection, consequence, delight, difference, dimension, effect, environment, extent, feasibility, frontier, galaxy, heritage, idea, impact, implication, influence, issue, limit, link, meaning, moon, mystery, myth, nature, neighbourhood, ocean, paradox, perception, possibility, potential, problem, question, reach, reason, region, relation, relationship, relevance, role, root, sexuality, strategy, subject, terrain, territory, theme, topic, unknown, way, wilderness, wonder, workings, world, wreck

explorer

explorernoun

nounADJECTIVE | explorer + VERBADJECTIVEgreatthe great Portuguese explorers of the 15th centuryintrepidearlyAntarctic, Arctic, polardeep-sea, underwaterspaceexplorer + VERBdiscover sthThe waterfall is named after the explorer who discovered it.

explosion

explosionnoun

noun1 sudden loud bursting/exploding2 sudden large increase1 sudden loud bursting/explodingADJECTIVE | VERB + explosion | explosion + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEalmighty (esp. BrE), big, deafening, enormous, great, huge, large, loud, major, massive, powerful, tremendous, violentminor, smallmuffledThere was a muffled explosion somewhere on their right.distantThe floor shook with a distant explosion.controlledtesta nuclear test explosionaccidentalbomb, chemical, gas, mine, volcanicatomic, nuclearterroristsocial (figurative)If no action is taken, the country runs the risk of a social explosion.VERB + explosioncause, create, set off, triggerThe build-up of gas caused a small explosion.carry out (esp. BrE)Bomb disposal experts carried out a controlled explosion on the suspect package.hearpreventsurviveexplosion + VERBcome, happen, occur, take placeThe explosion came 20 minutes after a coded warning to the police.The explosion occurred just after noon.erupt, go offA massive explosion erupted behind him.rock sth, shake sthA huge explosion rocked the entire building.The explosion shook nearby homes.blow sth out, destroy sth, rip through sthAn explosion blew out the front windows.A massive explosion ripped through the chemical works.injure sb, kill sbcause sthThe explosion caused major structural damage.echo, soundA loud explosion echoed around the valley.PREPOSITIONin an/the explosionThree people were injured in the explosion.

2 sudden large increaseADJECTIVE | VERB + explosion | explosion + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEsuddengreata great explosion of creativityveritableIn the 1860s a veritable explosion of major scientific publications took place.populationinformationHow can we keep up with the information explosion?price, wage (BrE)VERB + explosionsee, witnessI believe we will see an explosion in lawsuits of this kind.explosion + VERBoccur, take placePREPOSITIONexplosion ina sudden explosion in the number of studentsexplosion ofan explosion of interest in learning Japanese

explosive

explosivenounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + explosive | explosive + NOUNADJECTIVEhigha bomb containing 200 lb of high explosivepowerfulhome-made, improvisedconventionalchemical, liquid, plasticVERB + explosivemake, manufactureusecarryplantThey planted explosives in the tunnel.findExplosives were found near the scene.detonate, set offexplosive + NOUNexplosives expert

II. adj.1 capable of exploding2 causing strong feelings1 capable of explodingVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBhighlya highly explosive mixture of gases

2 causing strong feelingsVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highlyRace is a highly explosive issue.potentiallyThe political situation is potentially explosive.politically

Explosive is used with these nouns:

belt, bullet, burst, climax, device, eruption, force, gas, growth, mixture, situation, temper

explosive ordnance

explosive ordnancenoun

Explosive ordnance is used before these nouns:

disposal

exponent

exponentnoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEchief, foremost, leading, main, principal, prominentgreat, outstandingbest-known, famousearlyHe was an early exponent of multimedia in the classroom.PREPOSITIONexponent ofa leading exponent of the flute

exponential

exponentialadj.

Exponential is used with these nouns:

growth, increase, rise

exponentially

exponentiallyadv.

Exponentially is used with these verbs:

expand, grow, increase, multiply, rise

export

exportnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | … OF EXPORTS | VERB + export | export + VERB | export + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEchief, important, main, major, principalbiggest, largestCoffee is the country's biggest export.recordThe industry has achieved record exports in the past year.totalIn 2001 total exports were valued at $2 billion.netBritish, US, etc.worldThe US share of world exports has declined.illegalWe must stop the illegal export of live animals.livelambs for live exportcapital, commodityagricultural, farm, industrial, manufactured, manufacturingarms, banana, beef, coal, coffee, food, grain, oil, timber, etc.… OF EXPORTSlevel, value, volumeVERB + exportboost, encourage, expand, increase, promotelimit, reduce, restrictplans to restrict the export of arms to certain countriescontrolallowban, prohibitprevent, stopexport + VERBgrow, increase, riseOil exports have risen steadily.drop, fallbe valued at sth, total sthExports will total $30 billion by 2036.account for sthOil exports account for nearly 80% of the country's foreign earnings.go to89% of Mexican exports go to the US.export + NOUNcrop, goodsbusiness, industry, trademarket, sectorearnings, revenue, sales, valuefigures, performancea strong export performancegrowthcontrols, licence/license, quota, restrictions, subsidy, taxa call for tougher art export controlsbanan export ban on live cattledrivethe export drive by Japanese industryorderhow to win more export ordersPREPOSITIONfor exportThis is where the fruit is packaged for export.export fromexports from the EU to Canadaexport ofthe export of cattleexports of beefexport toPHRASESa ban on exportsto place a ban on exports of toxic wastea decline in exports, a fall in exportsan increase in exports, a rise in exports

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBwidelyThe local wine was widely exported.abroad (esp. BrE), overseas (esp. AmE)illegally, legallyillegally exported works of artPREPOSITIONfromLast year 2 000 birds were exported from the island.toThe country exports sugar to Europe.

Export is used with these nouns as the subject:

Export is used with these nouns as the object:

file, goods, job, oil, produce, product, slave, waste

exporter

exporternoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, large, majorleading, topChina is the top exporter of telecommunications equipment.second-largest, third-largest, etc.second-biggest, etc. (esp. BrE)food, grain, oil, etc.the biggest oil exporter in the worldnetThe country is a net exporter of food.PREPOSITIONexporter ofexporters of wine

expose

exposeverb

verb1 uncover sth2 show the truth3 to sth harmful1 uncover sthADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBcompletely, fullybrieflysuddenlydeliberatelya gesture that deliberately exposed the line of her throatPREPOSITIONtoThese drawings must not be exposed to the air.

2 show the truthADVERB | VERB + expose | PREPOSITIONADVERBfullyclearlya report which clearly exposes the weakness of the government's economic policypubliclyHe was publicly exposed as a liar and a cheat.cruelly (esp. BrE)He was outclassed by a team that cruelly exposed his lack of pace.VERB + exposethreaten toseek to, try toPREPOSITIONasShe has been exposed as a fraud.

3 to sth harmfulADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBdirectlyconstantly, repeatedlyThe general public is constantly exposed to radiation.regularlyPREPOSITIONto

Expose is used with these nouns as the object:

affair, belly, conspiracy, corruption, failing, film, flank, flaw, folly, genitals, hoax, identity, ignorance, inadequacy, injustice, lie, limitation, myth, penis, scandal, scar, shortcoming, truth, vulnerability, weakness, workings, wrong

exposed

exposedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feelbecomeleave sb/sthDepletion of the ozone layer leaves the earth's surface increasingly exposed to harmful radiation from the sun.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.heavily (business), highlyThe country became highly exposed to the vagaries of international markets.completely, fully, totallypartiallyincreasinglyrelativelydangerously, painfullyThe postponement of difficult decisions left the government dangerously exposed to American influence.PREPOSITIONtoThe house is very exposed to westerly winds.

Exposed is used with these nouns:

beam, breast, edge, flesh, hillside, rock, shore, skin, timber, wire, wiring

expose to

expose tophr verb

Expose to is used with these nouns as the object:

radiation, ray, ridicule, temperature

expository

expositoryadj.

Expository is used with these nouns:

passage

exposure

exposurenoun

noun1 to sth harmful2 to experience3 showing the truth4 on TV, in newspapers, etc.1 to sth harmfulADJECTIVE | VERB + exposure | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhigh, massivemaximumexcessiveincreasedlow-levelchronic (medical), long, long-term, prolongedbrief, short-termconstant, continued, continuous, regular, repeatedcumulativechemical, radiation, sunasbestos, pesticidehumanlong-term human exposure to mercuryoccupational80% of patients with this form of cancer have had some occupational exposure to asbestos.prenatal (medical)prenatal exposure to cigarette smokeVERB + exposurereceive, suffer, suffer fromShe suffered a massive exposure to toxic chemicals.increaselimit, minimize, reduceBanks will seek to minimize their exposure to risk.avoidPREPOSITIONexposure toThe report recommends people to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight.

2 to experienceADJECTIVE | VERB + exposure | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbriefgreaterlimitedVERB + exposuregive sb, provideget, haveincreasePREPOSITIONexposure toWe try to give our children exposure to other cultures.

3 showing the truthADJECTIVEADJECTIVEfullfull exposure of the links between government officials and the arms tradepublic

4 on TV, in newspapers, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + exposureADJECTIVEmedia, press, televisionregular (esp. BrE)He receives regular exposure in the papers.VERB + exposuregive sb/sth, provideThe magazine aims to give exposure to the work of women artists.gain, get, have, receivea would-be television personality who is constantly trying to get media exposure

expound

expoundverb

Expound is used with these nouns as the object:

doctrine, idea, view

express

expressverbadj.

I. verbADVERB | VERB + express | PHRASESADVERBwellPerhaps I have not expressed myself very well.fullyShe expresses herself most fully in her paintings.forcefully, stronglyrepeatedlyexplicitlyopenly, publiclyHe expressed his anger openly.privatelyfreelyDifferences of opinion were freely expressed in public debate.clearlysimplycogentlyStudents must learn to express a point of view cogently and with clarity.exactly, preciselyconcisely, succinctlyeloquentlyThe poet eloquently expresses the sense of lost innocence.VERB + expressbe able to, feel able tobe unable to, feel unable toMany patients feel unable to express their fears.find it difficult toPHRASESa chance to express sth, an opportunity to express sth

Express is used with these nouns as the subject:

report, union, word

Express is used with these nouns as the object:

admiration, affection, aggression, alarm, alienation, amazement, ambivalence, anger, annoyance, antagonism, antipathy, anxiety, appreciation, apprehension, approval, astonishment, attitude, belief, bitterness, concern, condemnation, condolences, confidence, congratulations, consternation, contempt, conviction, creativity, criticism, delight, desire, determination, devotion, disagreement, disappointment, disapproval, disbelief, discontent, disdain, disgust, dislike, dismay, displeasure, dissatisfaction, dissent, distaste, distress, distrust, doubt, emotion, empathy, enthusiasm, envy, essence, exasperation, exuberance, faith, fear, feeling, frustration, fury, gratitude, grief, grievance, hatred, hope, horror, hostility, idea, identity, impatience, indifference, indignation, individuality, interest, irritation, joy, judgement, love, loyalty, meaning, milk, misgivings, need, opinion, opposition, optimism, outrage, pain, passion, personality, pessimism, point of view, preference, prejudice, pride, proposition, rage, readiness, regret, relief, reluctance, remorse, resentment, reservation, revulsion, sadness, satisfaction, scepticism, self, sentiment, sexuality, shock, solidarity, sorrow, support, surprise, suspicion, sympathy, thanks, thought, uncertainty, unease, unhappiness, view, viewpoint, willingness, wish, wonder, worry, yearning

II. adj.

Express is used with these nouns:

aim, authorization, checkout, coach, consent, delivery, elevator, instruction, lane, mail, permission, provision, reference, term, train, undertaking, wish

expressed

expressedadj.

Expressed is used with these nouns:

aim, wish

expression

expressionnoun

noun1 on sb's face2 showing feelings/ideas3 words1 on sb's faceADJECTIVE | VERB + expression | expression + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEneutralblank, dazed, glazed, vacantThey all just looked at me with blank expressions.deadpanHe cracks jokes with a deadpan expression on his face.curious, enigmatic, inscrutable, odd, strange, unreadablecalmguardedthoughtfuldreamy, wistfuldoubtful, waryanxious, concerned, troubled, worriedbleak, grim, seriousannoyedangry, fierce, furious, sternhangdog, hurt, melancholy, mournful, pained, sadHe hung around with this pathetic hangdog expression on his face.intense, rapthorrified, shocked, stunned, surprisedbaffled, bemused, bewildered, confused, puzzled, quizzicalalertboredamused, wrybenign, sympatheticsatisfied, smuginnocentfleetingfacialThe actors's gestures and facial expressions are perfect.VERB + expressionhave, hold, wearShe had a very bewildered expression on her face.The children's faces all wore the same rapt expression.assume, put onShe carefully put on her most innocent expression.take onRose's face took on the fierce expression of a schoolgirl talking about her most hated teacher.showHis face showed no expression.catch, notice, seeCatching a fleeting expression on Lucy's face, she persisted with her question.examine, observe, watchgauge, readI looked at her, trying to read the expression on her face.changeHis face never changed expression.expression + VERBalter, changeHis expression changed to embarrassment.grow … , turn … His expression grew thoughtful.Her expression suddenly turned serious.remain sthrelax, softenHis expression softened when he saw her.darken, hardenHer expression hardened into one of strong dislike.freezebetray sth, reveal sth, show sth, suggest sth, tell sb sthHer expression betrayed nothing of her thoughts.His grim expression told her it would be useless.cross sth, flit across sthShe had been watching the expression that crossed his face.appear on sthA surprised expression appeared on her face.PREPOSITIONwithout expression‘Go on,’ she said, without expression.expression ofHe wore an expression of anxiety on his face.PHRASESthe expression in sb's eyes, the expression on sb's faceHe looked at her with a very strange expression in his eyes.

2 showing feelings/ideasADJECTIVE | VERB + expression | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEclearHer statement was a clear expression of her views on this subject.concrete, material, practical, tangibleThe report gave concrete expression to the fears of many immigrants.directJust because there is no direct expression of prejudice, that does not mean the prejudice does not exist.fullThe new concept of form reached its fullest expression in the work of Picasso.highest, perfect, ultimateHis highest expression of praise was ‘Not bad!’the highest expression of human creativityeffective, powerfulsimplenaturalHe wanted to write a verse drama in which the verse would seem a natural expression of modern life.spontaneousfreethe right of free expressionopen, overt, publicthe open expression of emotionoutwardthe outward expression of inner emotional feelingsformalcharacteristic, classicModernism was the characteristic expression of the experience of modernity.uniquecollectiveThe harvest festival was the occasion for the collective expression of a community's religious values.individual, personalto allow scope for individual expressionvisible, visualemotional, physical, sexualoral (esp. AmE), verbal, writtenthe verbal expression of one's feelingsA constitution is the written expression of the people's will.artistic, creative, cultural, linguistic, literary, musical, poetic, political, religioushumanVERB + expressionachieve, find, reach, receivean anger and frustration that finds expression in (= is shown in) violencegive sthOnly in his dreams does he give expression to his fears.PREPOSITIONbeyond expressionShe suddenly felt happy beyond expression (= so happy that she could not express it).PHRASESfreedom of expressionFreedom of expression (= freedom to say what you think) is a basic human right.a means of expressionWords, as a means of expression, can be limiting.

3 wordsADJECTIVE | VERB + expression | expression + VERBADJECTIVEcommoncolloquial, slang, vernacularvulgarstrange, unusualfavourite/favoritefigurative, idiomatic, metaphoricalAmerican, English, etc.geographicalUntil the mid-nineteenth century, ‘Italy’ was just a geographical expression.VERB + expressionuseHe tends to use strange expressions like ‘It's enough to make a cat laugh’.hearI've not heard that expression before.expression + VERBmean sth

expressionless

expressionlessadj.

Expressionless is used with these nouns:

eye, face, mask

expressive

expressiveadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.deeply, highly, wonderfullyShe has a wonderfully expressive voice.emotionallyPREPOSITIONofHis art is deeply expressive of emotions.

Expressive is used with these nouns:

face, gesture, language, nuance, vocabulary

expressly

expresslyadv.

Expressly is used with these verbs:

agree, deny, design, exclude, exempt, forbid, grant, incorporate, mention, permit, prohibit, reject, state

expropriate

expropriateverb

Expropriate is used with these nouns as the object:

expulsion

expulsionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + expulsion | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEautomaticimmediatemassforced, forcibleVERB + expulsionlead to, result inCopying from another candidate results in automatic expulsion.call for, demandorderThe government ordered the immediate expulsion of the two men.be threatened with, faceSeveral students now face expulsion.appeal against (BrE)an ex-party member who intends to appeal against his expulsionPREPOSITIONexpulsion fromher expulsion from the societyPHRASESgrounds for expulsionHis disruptive conduct was felt to be sufficient grounds for his expulsion.

exquisite

exquisiteadj.

Exquisite is used with these nouns:

agony, beauty, craftsmanship, delicacy, taste, workmanship

exquisitely

exquisitelyadv.

Exquisitely is used with these adjectives:

beautiful, detailed, sensitive

Exquisitely is used with these verbs:

embroider, paint

extend

extendverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBgreatly, significantlyNext year we will greatly extend the range of goods that we sell.PREPOSITIONbeyondThe country's power extends far beyond its military capabilities.from, toThe repayment period will be extended from 20 years to 25 years.

Extend is used with these nouns as the subject:

influence, scope

Extend is used with these nouns as the object:

aid, appeal, appreciation, approach, arm, benefit, boundary, choice, claw, condolences, congratulations, contract, coverage, credit, deadline, duration, education, elbow, empire, finger, franchise, frontier, generosity, gratitude, greeting, hand, hospitality, house, influence, invitation, jurisdiction, knowledge, lead, leg, length, limit, mandate, mercy, metaphor, overdraft, palm, period, range, reach, repertoire, right, run, scope, service, stay, streak, sympathy, term, thanks, tradition, trip, understanding, visa, vocabulary, warranty, welcome, wing

extended

extendedadj.

Extended is used with these nouns:

absence, arm, discussion, family, finger, kin, leave, metaphor, monologue, period, sequence, solo, stopover, trip, vacation, version, visit, warranty

extended-wear

extended-wearadj.

Extended-wear is used with these nouns:

contact lens

extend into

extend intophr verb

Extend into is used with these nouns as the object:

infinity

extend to

extend tophr verb

Extend to is used with these nouns as the object:

infinity

extension

extensionnoun

noun1 (BrE) part added to a building2 extra time3 making sth larger/taking sth further4 taking an argument/a situation further1 (BrE) part added to a buildingSee also additionADJECTIVE | VERB + extension | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEplanned, proposedhome, kitchenone-storey, two-storey, etc.VERB + extensionadd, buildPREPOSITIONextension toThey're building an extension to their house.

2 extra timeADJECTIVE | VERB + extensionADJECTIVEone-week, two-year, etc.contractThe player has signed a five-year contract extension.VERB + extensionapply for, ask for, requestHe's applied for an extension of his visa.negotiateget, receiveShe got an extension for writing her essay.give sb, grant sbsign

3 making sth larger/taking sth furtherADJECTIVEADJECTIVEconsiderable, great, major, massive (esp. BrE), significantmodestfurtherThis new job is a further extension of his role as a manager.graduala gradual extension of the powers of central governmenthairHair extensions make your hair look longer.brand (business)The company sees brand extensions as a means of tempting back customers.

4 taking an argument/a situation furtherADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElogical, natural, obviousThe team appraisal is a logical extension of the individual appraisal interview.PREPOSITIONby extensionThe blame lies with the teachers and, by extension, with the politicians.

extensive

extensiveadj.

Extensive is used with these nouns:

alteration, archive, array, bibliography, change, check, collection, consultation, correspondence, coverage, criticism, damage, data, dealings, discussion, enquiry, evidence, excavation, experience, expertise, exploration, facility, fieldwork, gallery, ground, injury, interview, investigation, knowledge, library, list, literature, menu, modification, network, note, preparation, publicity, résumé, range, reading, record, reference, remains, renovation, repair, repertoire, report, research, restoration, review, revision, search, selection, surgery, survey, test, tour, training, travel, use, vocabulary, wardrobe, work

extensively

extensivelyadv.

Extensively is used with these adjectives:

used

Extensively is used with these verbs:

debate, discuss, employ, excavate, exploit, explore, investigate, modify, publish, quote, rebuild, renovate, research, restore, review, revise, rewrite, study, test, tour, train, travel, utilize, vary, write

extent

extentnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + extent | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfull, greatest, maximum, overallThe overall extent of civilian casualties remained unclear.actual, exact, precise, truegeographical, territorialVERB + extentreachThe network had reached its greatest extent in route mileage.seeconsider, examine, explore, investigateassess, calculate, estimate, evaluate, gauge, judge, measuredefine, determine, establish, identifya statement defining the extent of Latvia's territorydiscoveracknowledge, appreciate, realize, recognizeknow, understandWe do not yet know the extent of her injuries.demonstrate, illustrate, indicate, make clear, reflect, reveal, showThe operation revealed the extent of the cancer.discussclarify, explainemphasize, highlight, underline (esp. BrE), underscore (esp. AmE)The victory underlined the extent to which Prussia had become a major power.increaseexaggerate, overstateShe was exaggerating the true extent of the problem.downplay, understateThose figures actually understate the extent of the problem.overestimate, underestimateignoreconceal, obscurelimit, reduce, restrictto reduce the extent of deforestationaffectPREPOSITIONin extentThe park is about 20 acres in extent.to an extentTo an extent (= to some degree) East-West distrust continued throughout the war.to a … extentHe had withdrawn from the company of his friends to an alarming extent.PHRASESat sth's greatest extent (esp. BrE)At its greatest extent the empire comprised most of western France.to a considerable extent, to a great extent, to a large extent, to a significant extentto a certain extent, to some extentTo some extent, we are all responsible for this tragic situation.to a lesser extent, to a limited extent, to a small extentThe pollution of the forest has seriously affected plant life and, to a lesser extent, wildlife.to the extent possible (esp. AmE), to the fullest, greatest, maximum, etc. extent possibleI will answer your questions about this case to the extent possible.to the same extentPeople no longer live in small communities to the same extent as they used to.

extenuating

extenuatingadj.

Extenuating is used with these nouns:

circumstance

exterior

exteriornounadj.

I. noun1 outside of a building2 way sb appears or behaves1 outside of a buildingADJECTIVE | VERB + exterior | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEelegantVERB + exteriorclean, decorate, paintPREPOSITIONexterior ofthe exterior of the buildingbehind an/the exteriorHidden behind a plain exterior is a wonderful hotel.on the exteriorThere is an abundance of fine sculpture, both on the exterior and inside.

2 way sb appears or behavesADJECTIVE | exterior + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcalm, placidHer calm exterior hides very passionate feelings.cool, icybluff (BrE), gruff, rough, toughexterior + VERBbelie, conceal, hideHis bluff exterior belied a connoisseur of antiques.PREPOSITIONbehind sb's exteriorBehind his cool exterior lurks a reckless and frustrated person.beneath sb's exterior, underneath sb's exteriorBeneath her charming exterior lies a very determined woman.

II. adj.

Exterior is used with these nouns:

finish, lighting, paint, shot, surface, wall, woodwork

extermination

exterminationnoun

Extermination is used before these nouns:

external

externaladj.

External is used with these nouns:

affair, agency, aggression, angle, appearance, assessment, assistance, auditor, contractor, course, customer, debt, demand, diameter, door, drive, ear, enemy, environment, exam, examination, factor, finance, force, funding, influence, interference, intervention, microphone, modem, observer, parasite, pressure, reality, sign, skeleton, source, stimulus, supplier, surface, tariff, temperature, threat, trade, training, trappings, use, wall, world

externally

externallyadv.

Externally is used with these verbs:

apply, fund, impose

extinct

extinctadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecome, gomake sthpresume sth, think sthThe species was presumed extinct.ADVERBcompletely, totallylongDinosaurs are, of course, long extinct.all but, almost, nearly, practically, virtuallyThe numbers of these animals have been falling steadily and they are now almost extinct.

Extinct is used with these nouns:

animal, bird, mammal, species, volcano

extinction

extinctionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + extinctionADJECTIVEglobal, mass, total, widespreadthe mass extinction of the dinosaursnear, virtualimminenteventuallocalspeciesVERB + extinctioncause, lead toModern farming methods have led to the total extinction of many species of wild flowers.be doomed to, be in danger of, be on the brink of, be on the edge of, be on the verge of, be threatened with, faceThe island's way of life is doomed to extinction.These animals are now on the verge of extinction.preventbe saved from, survive

extinguish

extinguishverb

Extinguish is used with these nouns as the object:

blaze, candle, cigar, cigarette, fire, flame, light

extinguisher

extinguishernoun

Extinguisher is used after these nouns:

extol

extolverb

Extol is used with these nouns as the object:

benefit, virtue

extort

extortverb

Extort is used with these nouns as the object:

extortion

extortionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | extortion + NOUNADJECTIVEattemptedallegedextortion + NOUNracketHe was known for running a brutal extortion racket.

extortionate

extortionateadj.

Extortionate is used with these nouns:

extortionately

extortionatelyadv.

Extortionately is used with these adjectives:

Extra is used with these nouns:

extra

extranounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + extra | extra + VERBADJECTIVElittleThere was no money left over for luxuries or little extras.optional (BrE)hidden (esp. BrE)£400 is a lot to pay, but there are no hidden extras.addedRegular guests also get added extras like free room service.DVDThe DVD extras include trailers and a behind-the-scenes feature.VERB + extrahave, includeThe DVD has a couple of interesting extras.No extras are included.extra + VERBinclude sthOptional extras include anti-lock brakes and an electric sunroof.

II. adj.

attention, bonus, boost, bulk, burden, calorie, care, cash, caution, charge, confidence, convenience, copy, cost, credit, demand, dimension, distance, edge, effort, emphasis, encouragement, expenditure, expense, facility, fat, feature, fee, finance, flavour, flexibility, fund, funding, help, helping, impetus, incentive, income, information, ingredient, investment, layer, leverage, material, money, motivation, precaution, premium, profit, protection, push, ration, refinement, resource, revenue, risk, room, safeguard, safety, sparkle, spice, step, storage, strength, supplement, support, thanks, troops, tuition, twist, vigilance, weight, work, workload

extract

extractnounverb

I. noun1 passage from a book/piece of music2 substance taken from another substance1 passage from a book/piece of musicADJECTIVE | VERB + extract | extract + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbrief, shortlongVERB + extractread (esp. BrE)publish (esp. BrE)extract + VERBbe from, be taken fromThe extract is taken from a long essay.PREPOSITIONextract fromHe read out a brief extract from his book.

2 substance taken from another substanceADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEnaturalconditioners made from natural plant extractsherbalgreen tea, malt, meat, plant, root, yeast, etc.almond, vanilla (both AmE) (almond, etc. essence in BrE)PREPOSITIONextract ofextract of apricot

II. verb

Extract is used with these nouns as the object:

cell, concession, confession, gold, information, juice, mineral, oil, ore, plutonium, promise, sap, silver, tooth

extract from

extract fromphr verb

Extract from is used with these nouns as the object:

ore

extraction

extractionnoun

Extraction is used after these nouns:

mineral

extractor

extractornoun

Extractor is used before these nouns:

extra-curricular

extra-curricularadj.

Extra-curricular is used with these nouns:

activity

extradite

extraditeverb

Extradite is used with these nouns as the object:

suspect

extradition

extraditionnoun

nounVERB + extradition | extradition + NOUN | PREPOSITIONVERB + extraditionavoid, escapeIt won't be easy for them to escape extradition.ask for, demand, request, seekThe new government will seek the extradition of the suspected terrorists.allow, order (esp. BrE)A judge ordered her extradition to Britain.waive (esp. AmE)await, face (esp. BrE)The man is in prison tonight, awaiting extradition to Syria.fightHis lawyer announced that he will fight extradition.extradition + NOUNhearing, proceedings (esp. BrE)agreement, treatyThere is no extradition agreement between the two countries.requestPREPOSITIONextradition from, extradition to

extrajudicial

extrajudicialadj.

Extrajudicial is used with these nouns:

execution, killing

extramarital

extramaritaladj.

Extramarital is used with these nouns:

affair, sex

extraneous

extraneousadj.

Extraneous is used with these nouns:

extraordinarily

extraordinarilyadv.

Extraordinarily is used with these adjectives:

beautiful, clever, complex, complicated, detailed, difficult, effective, exciting, generous, gifted, handsome, important, interesting, lucky, mobile, moving, popular, powerful, prolific, rapid, rare, rich, subtle, successful, talented, vivid, wide

extraordinary

extraordinaryadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSappear, be, feel, look, seem, soundmake sthWhat makes it so extraordinary is that the experts had all dismissed her theories as nonsense.find sthI find her attitude quite extraordinary.regard sth as, see sth asADVERBmost, really, trulyabsolutely, quite, simplyIt seems absolutely extraordinary.rather

Extraordinary is used with these nouns:

ability, achievement, bravery, circumstance, claim, coincidence, collection, complexity, congress, courage, degree, diversity, enthusiasm, episode, feat, generosity, gift, heroism, luck, measure, meeting, mixture, performance, poise, range, resilience, saga, scene, session, sight, situation, skill, step, story, success, tale, talent, thing, variety, woman

extrasensory

extrasensoryadj.

Extrasensory is used with these nouns:

perception

extrasolar

extrasolaradj.

Extrasolar is used with these nouns:

planet

extraterrestrial

extraterrestrialadj.

Extraterrestrial is used with these nouns:

Extravagant is used with these nouns:

extravagant

extravagantadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, seemI go to that restaurant for lunch if I'm feeling extravagant.becomeADVERBparticularly, very, wildlyHe had a wildly extravagant lifestyle.rather, somewhata little, slightly, etc.PREPOSITIONwithYou mustn't be so extravagant with other people's money.

claim, display, gesture, lifestyle, praise, taste

extreme

extremenounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + extreme | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEopposite, polarTheir views are at opposite extremes from each other.logicalnewShe has taken cleanliness to a new extreme.climatic, political, temperatureIt's a difficult place to live because of its climatic extremes.VERB + extremeavoidAvoid any extremes of temperature.go to, reachThere is no need to go to such extremes.carry sth to, take sth toIt's foolish to take any dieting to extremes.representPREPOSITIONat an/the extremeAt the extreme, some nuclear waste is so radioactive it has to be kept isolated for thousands of years.between extremesThere has to be a solution between these extremes.in the extremeHis voice was scornful in the extreme.to the extremeShe was always generous to the extreme.extremes ofThese photographs show extremes of obesity and emaciation.PHRASESat one extreme, at the other extremeAt the other extreme, women still childless at 32 were more likely to be from a professional background.go from one extreme to the otherShe goes from one extreme to the other, and either works very hard or does absolutely nothing.go to the opposite extreme, go to the other extremeAfter always putting too much salt in her cooking, she went to the opposite extreme and banished it completely.

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbeappear, seem, soundbecomeconsider sthADVERBparticularly, really, verya bit, fairly, a little, quite, rather, somewhatSome of his views seem rather extreme.PHRASESat its most extremeThis is hero-worship at its most extreme.

Extreme is used with these nouns:

agitation, agony, altitude, brutality, care, case, caution, circumstance, climate, close-up, cold, complexity, condition, corner, cruelty, danger, degree, delicacy, deprivation, difficulty, disappointment, discomfort, dislike, displeasure, distaste, distress, drought, emergency, emotion, end, environment, envy, example, excitement, exertion, exhaustion, fatigue, form, gravity, hardship, heat, hostility, hunger, imbalance, importance, instance, jealousy, left, limit, manifestation, measure, nationalism, nationalist, nervousness, old age, pain, paranoia, politics, position, poverty, precision, provocation, reaction, reluctance, repression, right, scepticism, sensitivity, shyness, simplicity, sport, stress, subtlety, tactic, temperature, tiredness, top, type, urgency, variability, variation, version, view, violence, vulnerability, weather, wing, youth

extremely

extremelyadv.

Extremely is used with these adjectives:

able, abstract, abusive, accurate, active, adaptable, addictive, adept, advanced, advantageous, afraid, aggressive, aggrieved, agitated, agreeable, alarmed, alarming, alert, ambitious, ambivalent, amiable, amused, amusing, ancient, angry, annoyed, annoying, anxious, apologetic, appealing, apprehensive, appropriate, articulate, artificial, attractive, authoritarian, awkward, backward, bad, bad-tempered, battered, beautiful, beneficial, biased, big, bitter, bizarre, bleak, bold, bored, boring, brave, breathless, brief, bright, broad, bureaucratic, businesslike, busy, calm, capable, careful, careless, casual, cautious, challenging, chaotic, charming, cheap, cheerful, chilly, civil, claustrophobic, clean, clear, clever, close, cloudy, cold, comfortable, comforting, comical, committed, common, compelling, competent, competitive, complacent, complex, complicated, complimentary, composed, comprehensive, concerned, confident, confused, confusing, conscious, conservative, consistent, conspicuous, content, contentious, contrived, controversial, convenient, conventional, convincing, cool, cordial, costly, courageous, courteous, coy, creative, creepy, critical, cross, crowded, cruel, curious, cynical, damaging, damp, dangerous, dark, dated, decorative, dedicated, deep, defensive, delicate, demanding, dependable, depressed, depressing, deprived, desirable, desperate, despondent, destructive, detailed, determined, detrimental, devoted, difficult, dignified, direct, dirty, disadvantaged, disappointed, disappointing, disconcerting, disillusioned, dismal, dismissive, disorganized, disruptive, dissatisfied, distant, distasteful, distinctive, distraught, distressing, disturbing, diverse, divisive, dominant, doubtful, dramatic, drunk, dry, dubious, dull, dumb, dynamic, eager, early, easy, eccentric, economical, eerie, effective, efficient, elaborate, elegant, eloquent, elusive, embarrassed, embarrassing, emotional, emphatic, encouraging, energetic, enigmatic, enjoyable, entertaining, enthusiastic, envious, erotic, erratic, evident, excitable, excited, exciting, exclusive, exhausting, expensive, experienced, explicit, explosive, exposed, expressive, faint, faithful, familiar, famous, far-fetched, fashionable, fast, favourable, fearful, feminine, fertile, fickle, fine, firm, fit, flammable, flat, flattered, flattering, flexible, fluid, flushed, fond, foolish, formal, formidable, forthright, fortunate, fragile, fragrant, frail, frank, frequent, fresh, friendly, frightened, frightening, fruitful, frustrated, frustrating, full, funny, fuzzy, generous, gentle, gifted, glad, glamorous, good, good-looking, grateful, gratifying, gregarious, gruesome, guilty, handsome, handy, haphazard, happy, hard, harmful, harsh, hazardous, hazy, healthy, heavy, helpful, hierarchical, hoarse, honest, honoured, hopeful, hostile, hot, humorous, hungry, hurt, ignorant, ill, illuminating, imaginative, immature, immoral, impatient, impersonal, impertinent, implausible, important, impractical, imprecise, impressed, impressionable, impressive, improbable, inaccurate, inadequate, inappropriate, inconvenient, indignant, ineffective, inefficient, inexpensive, inexperienced, inflexible, influential, informal, informative, infrequent, ingenious, inhibited, insecure, insensitive, instructive, insulting, intelligent, intense, interested, interesting, intolerant, intricate, intriguing, intrusive, intuitive, inventive, involved, ironic, irresponsible, irritated, irritating, isolated, jealous, keen, kind, knowledgeable, lame, large, late, lazy, lengthy, lenient, liberal, light, light-headed, likeable, likely, limited, literate, logical, lonely, long, long-lived, loud, low, loyal, lucky, lucrative, luxurious, mad, marked, marketable, masculine, mature, mean, mellow, memorable, menacing, mild, militant, minor, miserable, misleading, mixed, mobile, modest, motivated, muddled, muddy, mundane, muted, naive, narrow, nasty, neat, negative, nervous, nice, noisy, noticeable, novel, nutritious, obscure, observant, obvious, odd, off-putting, offensive, oily, old, old-fashioned, opaque, open, optimistic, organized, original, ornate, orthodox, overcrowded, overgrown, overweight, painful, pale, passive, patchy, patient, patriotic, patronizing, peaceful, peeved, perceptive, permissive, perplexed, persistent, personal, persuasive, pertinent, perverse, pessimistic, plain, plausible, pleasant, pleased, pleasing, pleasurable, poignant, poisonous, polite, popular, positive, possessive, potent, powerful, practical, pragmatic, precious, precise, predictable, prejudiced, preoccupied, prestigious, pretty, privileged, productive, professional, proficient, profitable, prolific, prolonged, prominent, promising, prone, pronounced, prosperous, proud, provocative, puzzled, questionable, quick, quiet, radical, rapid, rare, reactionary, readable, realistic, reasonable, reassuring, refreshing, regrettable, relaxed, relevant, reliable, relieved, religious, reluctant, remote, repellent, repetitive, repressed, repulsive, reputable, resentful, reserved, resilient, resistant, resourceful, respectable, responsible, responsive, restrained, restricted, restrictive, revealing, rewarding, rich, rigid, risky, romantic, rude, rural, sad, safe, sarcastic, satisfied, satisfying, scarce, scared, sceptical, secretive, secure, seductive, selective, self-conscious, self-contained, selfish, sensible, sensitive, serious, severe, sexy, shaken, shaky, shallow, sharp, shocked, shocking, short, shy, sick, significant, silly, similar, simple, simplistic, sincere, sinister, skilful, skilled, skinny, slack, sleepy, slender, slight, slim, slippery, slow, small, smart, smooth, smug, soft, solemn, solid, sombre, sophisticated, sorry, sound, sour, spacious, spicy, stable, staid, stale, startled, steady, steep, sticky, stiff, stimulating, straightforward, strained, strange, stressed, stressful, striking, strong, stupid, subdued, subjective, subtle, successful, suggestive, superficial, supple, supportive, surprised, surprising, susceptible, suspect, suspicious, sweaty, sweet, swift, swollen, sympathetic, talented, tall, tame, tasteful, taxing, technical, tedious, temperamental, tender, tense, thankful, thick, thin, threadbare, threatening, tidy, tight, tiny, tired, tolerant, touched, tough, toxic, traditional, tranquil, traumatic, treacherous, trivial, troubled, typical, ugly, unbalanced, uncertain, uncomfortable, uncommon, undesirable, undignified, uneasy, unfair, unfortunate, unfriendly, unhappy, uninhibited, unlikely, unlucky, unnatural, unorthodox, unpleasant, unpopular, unreasonable, unstable, unsuitable, unsure, untidy, unusual, unwell, up to date, upset, uptight, urgent, useful, vague, valid, valuable, variable, varied, versatile, viable, vicious, vigilant, vigorous, violent, vivid, vocal, volatile, vulnerable, warm, wary, weak, wealthy, weary, weird, welcome, wet, white, wide, widespread, wild, worried, worrying, worthwhile, wrinkled, young

extremist

extremistnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | extremist + NOUNADJECTIVEleft-wing, right-wingan attack by right-wing extremistsradicalpolitical, religiousanti-abortionChristian, Hindu, Islamic, Jewish, etc.extremist + NOUNelement, group, movement, organization, party

II. adj.

Extremist is used with these nouns:

group, ideology, Muslim, view

extrinsic

extrinsicadj.

Extrinsic is used with these nouns:

extrovert

extrovertadj.

Extrovert is used with these nouns:

personality

exuberance

exuberancenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + exuberanceADJECTIVEsheerShe was laughing from the sheer exuberance of the performance.youthfulThe band displays a youthful exuberance and sense of fun.naturalVERB + exuberancedisplay, exhibit, express (esp. AmE)curbHe has to learn to curb his natural exuberance.

exude

exudeverb

Exude is used with these nouns as the object:

aura, charm, confidence, energy, self-assurance, self-confidence, warmth

eye

eyenounverb

I. noun1 part of the body2 ability to see3 way of seeing1 part of the bodyADJECTIVE | VERB + eye | eye + VERB | eye + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEleft, rightamber, blue, brown, dark, golden, green, grey/gray, hazel, pale, etc.big, enormous, huge, large, wideShe just looked at me with those big blue eyes of hers.His eyes were wide with horror.narrowclose-set, wide-setdeep, deep-set, heavy-lidded, hollow, hooded, sunkenbeady, piggybaggy, puffy, swollenbleary, bloodshot, exhausted, red, red-rimmed, sleepy, tired, wearyHer bleary eyes showed that she hadn't slept.bright, brilliant, glowing, luminous, lustrous, sparkling, starry, twinklingclear, limpid, liquidsoft, warmcloudy, misty, moist, rheumy, tear-filled, tearful, teary (esp. AmE), waterydrysightless, unseeinghalf-closed, narrowedunblinkingdazed, unfocusedmad, staring, wildangry, cruel, fierceanxiousgreedy, hungryThe dog's hungry eyes were on my sandwich.curious, pryingHe drew the curtains to make sure no prying eyes saw what he was doing.intelligent, keen, sharp, shrewdpenetrating, piercingintensecold, dull, expressionless, glassy, glazed, lifeless, steely, vacantdowncast, sad, solemn, soulfulVERB + eyeopenclose, shutlift, raiseloweravertShe averted her eyes from his face.cast, turnI cast my eyes around the room but couldn't see any familiar faces.He turned his eyes to the door when he heard the handle turning.rollShe rolled her eyes in disgust.blinknarrow, screw up, squeeze shutHe screwed up his eyes against the glare of the sun.Tina squeezed her eyes shut and bit her lip.widenfocusstrainI didn't want to strain my eyes to read, so I turned on the light.protectSkiers wear goggles to protect their eyes from the sun.shade, shieldHe held up the newspaper to shield his eyes from the sun.covertestgougeShe reached up and tried to gouge her attacker's eyes.rub, wipecatchA movement in the reeds caught my eye (= attracted my attention).look sb in, meetShe looked her father straight in the eye and answered his question truthfully.He seemed unwilling to meet my eyes.eye + VERBdilate, fly open, grow wide, open, round, shoot open, snap open, widenHer eyes dilated with horror at what she had done.Her eyes flew open in surprise.His eyes rounded in mock amazement.close, shutflutter open, flutter shutstream, waterMy eyes stream when I chop onions.hold sthHis eyes held a mischievous gleam.be alight with sth, blaze, brighten, flare, flash, gleam, glint, glisten, glitter, glow, light up, shine, smoulder/smolder, spark, sparkle, twinkleShe laughed, her eyes alight with excitement.His eyes blazed with menace.mirror sth, reflect sthHis eyes reflected his anguish.blur, brim with tears, cloud, fill with tears, mist, well, well updarken, dim, dull, glaze, glaze overHer eyes glazed over when I said I worked in dictionaries.harden, softenHis eyes hardened as he remembered how they had laughed at him.narrow, sharpenburn, hurt, prick, prickle, smart, stingHer eyes prickled with unshed tears.be drawn to sb/sth, follow sb/sth, turn to sb/sthHis eyes were drawn to a bundle of papers in the corner.My eyes followed his every move.fall on sb/sth, land on sb/sth, settle on sb/sthcatch sthHer eye caught mine.gaze at sb/sth, stare at sb/sth, watch sb/sthfasten on sb/sth, fix on sb/sth, focus on sb/sth, lock on sb/sthShe tried to sit up, her eyes fixed on Jean's face.be fixed on sb/sth, be glued to sb/sth, be intent on sb/sth, be riveted on/to sb/sth, be trained on sb/sthlinger on sb/sth, rest on sb/sthnot leave sb/sthHis eyes never left mine.look at sb/sth, peer at sb/sth, regard sb/sthglare at sb/sthlock, lock together, meetTheir eyes locked together in a battle of wills.dart, flick, flicker, flit, glance, go, leap, move, run, shift, shoot, travelHis eyes darted from face to face.roll, swivelShe tried the door, her eyes rolling in panic.danceHer eyes danced with amusement.roam, roveHe let his eyes roam around the scene.drift, slide, slip, stray, wanderHis eyes drifted over to Helen's chair.probe sth, rake sth, scan sth, scour sth, search sth, sweep sthHis eyes scanned the room as he entered.drop, fall, lowerHer eyes dropped to her lap as she answered.liftbore into sb, pierce sbShe could feel the old lady's eyes bore into her.accustom to sth, adjust to sth, become accustomed to sth, grow accustomed to sthAs my eyes accustomed to the darkness, I could make out a shape by the window.blinktwitchcrinkle, crinkle up, squint, wrinkleHis eyes crinkled up at the corners as he smiled.Her eyes squinted against the brightness.strainMy eyes strained to make anything out in the darkness.slantbulge, popHis eyes bulged in fury.betray sb/sth, give sb/sth away, show sthHis narrow eyes betrayed his impatience.She responded softly, her eyes showing concern.tell (sb) sthHer eyes told me nothing.question (sb)laugh, smilepleadmock sbappraise sb/sth, examine sb/sth, scrutinize sb/sth, study sb/sth, survey sb/sthtake sth inMy eyes took in every detail as I entered the house for the first time in twenty years.eye + NOUNmuscles, socketcontactI knew he was lying because he wouldn't make eye contact with me.movementRapid eye movements frequently accompany dreaming.doctor, specialist, surgeonhospitaloperation, surgery, treatmentexam, examination, testdamage, defect, disease, disorder, infection, injury, straindropsThe doctor gave me eye drops to put in three times a day.protectionIt is essential to wear some form of eye protection.liner (usually eyeliner), make-up, shadow (usually eyeshadow)colour/colorlevelYour computer screen should be at eye level.candy (informal, figurative)The series has plenty of eye candy (= people that are pleasant to look at).PREPOSITIONin your eyesThere were tears in his eyes as he spoke.The sun was in my eyes and I couldn't see the road.under sb's eyeI want you under my eye (= where I can see you).PHRASESas far as the eye can seeThe tide was out, leaving nothing but mud as far as the eye could see.before your very eyesBefore our very eyes, the bird snatched the fish from the plate and flew off.can't keep your eyes off sb/sth, can't take your eyes off sb/sthHe couldn't keep his eyes off the girl sitting opposite him.roll your eyes heavenward (= to show that you are annoyed or impatient)She rolled her eyes heavenward when she saw what her husband was wearing.a gleam in sb's eye, a glint in sb's eye, a twinkle in sb's eyeHe looked at me with a twinkle in his eye.have an eye on sb/sth (= be watching)The store detective had his eye on a group of boys who were acting suspiciously.keep an eye on sb/sth (= watch)Could you keep an eye on my bag for a moment?keep an eye out for sb/sth, keep your eyes open for sb/sth (= watch out for)I walked around the store, keeping an eye out for bargains.lay eyes on/upon sb/sth, set eyes on/upon sb/sthTom fell in love the moment he laid eyes on her.From the moment he set eyes on her he knew that he wanted to marry her.out of the corner of your eyeOut of the corner of her eye, she saw Harry start forward.tears fill sb's eyesto/with the naked eye, to/with the unaided eyeThe planet should be visible to the naked eye (= without a telescope).under sb's watchful eyeA boy was playing outside under the watchful eye of his mother.with your own eyesIf I hadn't seen his jump with my own eyes, I would never have believed it possible.

2 ability to seeADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEeagle, good, keen, quick, sharpThe children's eagle eyes spotted an ice-cream seller half a mile away.A surgeon needs a good eye and a steady hand.PREPOSITIONeye forHer skill at working with wood is coupled to a keen eye for design.

3 way of seeingADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcareful, cautious, close, suspicious, wary, watchfulThe government is keeping a close eye on the economy.critical, sternjaundicedfresh, newHe saw his students with new eyes now that he had a child of his own.kindly, sympatheticdiscerningexperienced, expert, practised/practicedTo an expert eye, the painting is an obvious fake.inexperienced, untrainedartisticPREPOSITIONin sb/sth's eyeShe can do no wrong in his eyes.In the eyes of the law his knife was an offensive weapon.through sb's eyesYou need to look at your website through the user's eyes.to sb's eyeTo my eye, the windows seem out of proportion.with a … eyeShe viewed the findings with a critical eye.with the eye ofHe looked at the design with the eye of an engineer.PHRASESin your mind's eye (= your imagination)He pictured the scene in his mind's eye.

II. verbADVERBADVERBkeenly (esp. BrE), narrowly, sharply, shrewdlycuriously, speculatively, thoughtfullycarefully, cautiously, suspiciously, warilynervouslydoubtfully, uncertainlycoldly, coollygreedily, hungrilyThe children eyed the cakes greedily.

eyebrow

eyebrownoun

nounSee also browADJECTIVE | VERB + eyebrow | eyebrow + VERB | eyebrow + NOUNADJECTIVEheavy, thickthinbushy, shaggyplucked, shapeddarkarched, cocked (esp. AmE), lifted, raisedEllen looked at me with a raised eyebrow.amusedmocking, sardoniccynical, sceptical/skepticalenquiring, questioning, quizzicalVERB + eyebrowarch, cock, lift, quirk, raise‘Really?’ she said, raising a cynical eyebrow.furrowHe furrowed his eyebrows in confusion.pluckShe spent hours in front of the mirror, plucking her eyebrows.eyebrow + VERBarch, lift, rise, shoot upHer eyebrows arched quizzically.His dark eyebrows lifted in surprise.furroweyebrow + NOUNpencilringShe had short blonde hair and an eyebrow ring.

eye-catching

eye-catchingadj.

Eye-catching is used with these nouns:

display, feature

eyelash

eyelashnoun

(also lash) nounADJECTIVE | VERB + eyelash | eyelash + VERBADJECTIVEthicklongblack, darkfalseVERB + eyelashbat, flutterShe smiled and fluttered her eyelashes at the ticket inspector.curlCurl your eyelashes and add a couple of coats of mascara.eyelash + VERBflutter

eyelid

eyelidnoun

nounSee also eyelidADJECTIVE | VERB + eyelid | eyelid + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElower, upperclosed, half-closeddrooping, heavy, hoodedVERB + eyelidliftShe lifted one eyelid to see what he was doing.close, openeyelid + VERBdroopflutterPREPOSITIONbehind (your) eyelidShe watched him from behind half-closed eyelids.

eyeliner

eyelinernoun

Eyeliner is used before these nouns:

eyesight

eyesightnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + eyesight | eyesight + VERBADJECTIVEexcellent, good, keenSharks have excellent eyesight.bad, failing, poorFailing eyesight finally forced her into an old people's home.VERB + eyesighthaveOwls have good eyesight.loseShe has started to lose her eyesight.eyesight + VERBdeteriorate, fail

eyewitness

eyewitnessnoun

Eyewitness is used before these nouns:

account, identification, report, testimony

F1noun

F1 is used before these nouns:

driver

fabric

fabricnoun

noun1 cloth2 basic structure of a society/way of life1 clothADJECTIVE | … OF FABRIC | VERB + fabric | fabric + NOUNADJECTIVEbeautiful, luxurious, richrich fabric wall coveringsdelicate, fine, light, lightweight, sheer, soft, thincoarse, durable, heavy, thickstretch, stretchy (informal)breathablewaterprooffloral, patterned, plain, printedcotton, nylon, woollen/woolen, etc.knit (esp. AmE), knitted (esp. BrE), wovennon-wovensyntheticcurtain, dress, upholstery… OF FABRIClength, piece, stripswatchVERB + fabricmake, produce, weaveThe fabric is woven on these machines.cut, tearfabric + NOUNconditioner (esp. BrE), softenerMy clothes smell of fabric softener.swatchfabric swatches of the different types of mattress coveringa wallet of fabric swatches

2 basic structure of a society/way of lifeADJECTIVE | VERB + fabric | PHRASESADJECTIVEbasicthe basic fabric of family lifeeconomic, moral, political, socialhistoricThe city retains much of its historic fabric.urbanVERB + fabricdestroyThe government's policies have destroyed the social fabric.threatenHe believes that such legislation would threaten the fabric of our society.PHRASESthe very fabric of sth, the whole fabric of stha threat to the very fabric of society

fabricate

fabricateverb

Fabricate is used with these nouns as the object:

charge

fabulous

fabulousadj.

Fabulous is used with these nouns:

prize, wealth

fabulously

fabulouslyadv.

Fabulously is used with these adjectives:

rich, successful, wealthy

facade

facadenoun

Facade is used after these nouns:

brick

face

facenounverb

I. noun1 front part of the head2 expression on sb's face3 front part/side of sth4 person5 particular character/aspect of sth1 front part of the headADJECTIVE | VERB + face | face + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEangelic, beautiful, cute, handsome, lovely, perfect, pleasant, pretty, sweetplain, terrible, uglycolourless/colorless, grey/gray, pale, pallid, whiteflushed, pink, red, ruddyHer face was flushed after her run.tanneddarksallowheart-shaped, oval, round, squarebearded, freckled, unshavensmoothlined, wrinkledpock-markedfat, plumpShe had a plump, pretty face.gaunt, haggard, lean, pinched, thin, wizenedcraggy, ruggeda craggy face with deep-set eyes and bushy browsdelicateelfinHer short hair suited her elfin face.babypaintedhappy, smilingtear-stained, tear-streaked (esp. AmE)humanVERB + facehaveShe has a beautiful, oval face.tilt, turnShe turned her face away.He tilted her face up to his.bury, cover, hideface + VERBlook, peer, stareA face peered around the door at him.appearPREPOSITIONin the/sb's faceThe ball hit him in the face.His eyes were sunken in his gaunt face.on the/sb's faceShe put some powder on her face.PHRASESa sea of faces (= many faces)From the stage, he looked down at a sea of faces.

2 expression on sb's faceADJECTIVE | VERB + face | face + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEanimated, cheerful, friendly, grinning, happy, radiant, smilingthe sight of Sarah's smiling face beaming up at himsmileyShe drew a little yellow smiley face.anxious, concerned, troubled, worriedfrightened, shocked, surpriseddisgustedShe made a disgusted face at that and walked away.angry, furioushard, set, sternHis face was set and hard.grave, grim, serious, solemnlong, sadThe news for the company isn't good, judging from the long faces in the boardroom.tiredfunnyShe made a funny face and gave a snorting sort of laugh.honest, innocent, kindexpectantraptexpressive, openShe looked at the honest, open face of her husband.blank, expressionless, impassive, pokerHis face remained impassive, so strong was his self-control.VERB + facemake, pullWhat are you pulling a face at now?searchHe searched her face for some clue as to what she meant.appear on, cross, spread acrossA slight smirk appeared on his face.A wry smile crossed his face.face + VERBlook, seemHis face looked a little confused.grow, turnHer face suddenly grew serious.brighten, glow, light upHer little face lit up when I gave her the present.beam, smileThe face smiled benignly at him.break into a smileHer face broke into a wide smile.cloud, crumple, drop, fallHer face crumpled and she started crying.‘I can't come,’ she said. His face fell.clearHis face cleared and she smiled back.darken, harden, setHer face darkened with anger.His face set in grim lines.softenThe father's face softened as he hugged his little boy.burn, flame, flush, go red, reddenJack's face flushed with embarrassment.go white, paleHer face paled with fright.contort, crease, pucker, tighten, twistHer face contorted in pain.betray sth, reveal sth, show sthHer face betrayed no emotion at all.PREPOSITIONon sb's faceShe had a big smile on her face.PHRASESa face like thunder (= a very angry face) (BrE)Mr Hibbs came in with a face like thunder.keep a straight face (= not laugh or smile, although you find sth funny)an/the expression on sb's face, a/the look on sb's faceThe look on his face was priceless.a grin on sb's face, a smile on sb's face, a smirk on sb's facea frown on sb's faceHe had a slight frown on his face.

3 front part/side of sthADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEfront, rearNorth, South, etc.steepWe slowly climbed the steep face of the crag.cliff, rockclockPHRASESface down, face downwards/downwardShe placed the cards face down on the table.face up, face upwards/upward

4 personADJECTIVE | VERB + faceADJECTIVEfamiliar, oldI looked around for a familiar face.I'm so bored with seeing the same old faces!different, fresh, new, strange, unfamiliarfamous, well-knowna restaurant where you often see famous facesVERB + facesee

5 particular character/aspect of sthADJECTIVEADJECTIVEhumanbureaucracy with a human faceacceptable, unacceptable (both esp. BrE)Social deprivation is the unacceptable face of capitalism.publicHe has become the public face of the company.truechangingthe changing face of Britainentire, wholeThis discovery changed the whole face of science.

II. verb

Face is used with these nouns as the subject:

challenge, country, danger, dilemma, door, flat, house, immigrant, industry, issue, palm, peril, problem, room, task, wall, window

Face is used with these nouns as the object:

accusation, allegation, altar, annihilation, army, arrest, assault, axe, backlash, bankruptcy, barrage, barrier, batter, battle, bill, blackboard, camera, catastrophe, censure, challenge, challenger, chaos, charge, choice, closure, collapse, competition, competitor, consequence, constraint, court martial, courtyard, crisis, criticism, cross-examination, crossroads, crowd, cut, danger, deadline, death, decision, defeat, deficit, delay, demand, demon, deportation, depression, destiny, detention, difficulty, dilemma, direction, disadvantage, disappointment, disaster, discrimination, dismissal, enemy, enquiry, eviction, execution, expulsion, extinction, extradition, fact, famine, fate, fear, fight, fine, firing squad, future, hardship, hazard, hostility, humiliation, hurdle, imprisonment, indictment, intimidation, issue, jail, justice, limitation, mankind, mirror, mountain, mutiny, nightmare, obstacle, onslaught, opponent, opposition, oppression, ordeal, penalty, peril, persecution, pitcher, possibility, predicament, prejudice, pressure, prison, problem, prosecution, prospect, punishment, question, questioning, reality, rear, redundancy, repatriation, reprisal, resistance, retaliation, revolt, ridicule, rigour, risk, rival, roadblock, ruin, sack, scrutiny, sentence, setback, shake-up, shortage, showdown, situation, spectre, starvation, storm, struggle, suit, suspension, task, termination, test, threat, tragedy, trauma, trial, tribunal, truth, uncertainty, unemployment, unknown, wait, wall, world, wrath

faceless

facelessadj.

Faceless is used with these nouns:

bureaucrat

face-recognition

face-recognitionadj.

Face-recognition is used with these nouns:

face-saving

face-savingadj.

Face-saving is used with these nouns:

formula

facet

ADJECTIVE | VERB + facetADJECTIVEimportantinterestingdistinct, particulardifferent, many, multiple, variousMy job has many different facets and is never the same from day to day.newVERB + facethaveShe has another important facet to her personality.

face-to-face

face-to-faceadj.adv.

I. adj.

Face-to-face is used with these nouns:

communication, confrontation, contact, conversation, discussion, encounter, interaction, interview, meeting, negotiation, talk

II. adv.

Face-to-face is used with these verbs:

meet

face up to

face up tophr verb

Face up to is used with these nouns as the object:

consequence, reality, responsibility, truth

facial

facialadj.

Facial is used with these nouns:

deformity, expression, feature, grimace, hair, injury, mask, muscle, nerve, paralysis, reconstruction, shape, skin, wrinkle

facially

faciallyadv.

Facially is used with these verbs:

disfigure

facial-recognition

facial-recognitionadj.

Facial-recognition is used with these nouns:

Facilitate is used with these nouns as the object:

facilitate

facilitateverb

verbADVERB | VERB + facilitateADVERBgreatlyThe use of computers has greatly facilitated the company's ability to keep accurate records.furtherVERB + facilitatebe designed to, help (to)

commerce, communication, comparison, cooperation, coordination, creation, delivery, development, discussion, emergence, engagement, establishment, expansion, flow, identification, implementation, innovation, integration, introduction, learning, management, meeting, movement, negotiation, participation, passage, penetration, process, progress, recognition, recovery, removal, resolution, restoration, return, trade, transfer, transmission, understanding, use

facility

facilitynoun

noun1 (usually facilities) buildings/services/equipment2 (esp. AmE) a building used for a particular activity3 special feature of a machine/service4 natural ability1 (usually facilities) buildings/services/equipmentADJECTIVE | VERB + facility | facility + VERB | facility + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEexcellent, first-class, goodadequate, appropriate, proper, suitableinadequate, poor (esp. BrE)basic, limiteda hotel with only basic facilitiesmodern, state-of-the-art, up-to-dateextensiveextra (esp. BrE)available, existingWe are looking to upgrade the existing facilities.essential, necessaryto improve access to essential facilitiescommunity (esp. BrE), localhospitals, schools and other major community facilitiescommunal, sharedThe communal facilities were in a bad state.publicdisabled (BrE)The stadium was criticized for its lack of disabled facilities.conferenceairport, hotelbar (BrE)leisure (esp. BrE), recreational, social (esp. BrE)sporting (esp. BrE), sportsplay (esp. BrE)transport (esp. BrE), transportation (esp. AmE), travel (esp. BrE)parkingshopping (esp. BrE)diningcatering (BrE), cooking (esp. BrE), kitchen (esp. BrE)baby-changing (BrE), bathroom, laundry, sanitary, shower, toilet (BrE), washing (esp. BrE)en suite (esp. BrE), privateAll bedrooms offer private facilities (= a private bathroom).health, health-care, hospital, medicalchildcare, crèche (BrE), day-care, nursery (esp. BrE)educational, traininglibrary, researchlaboratoryVERB + facilityhave, offer, provideimprove, upgrademake use of, useI made full use of the computing facilities.facility + VERBbe available, existinclude sthFacilities include a large indoor pool, jacuzzi and sauna.facility + NOUNmanagement, managerPREPOSITIONfacility forThe school has no facilities for the teaching of music.The hotel provides excellent facilities for children.PHRASESa range of facilities

2 (esp. AmE) a building used for a particular activityADJECTIVE | VERB + facility | facility + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElarge50 000-square-foot, etc.modern, state-of-the-artpurpose-built (BrE)newexistingplans to renovate an existing facilitypermanent, temporarya temporary storage facility for blood sampleslong-termresidents of long-term care facilitiesfederal, local, stateprisoners in state and federal facilitiescommunity, publicprivatecommercial, industrialmaintenance, manufacturing, processing, production, storage, testing, transport, … treatmenta water treatment facilitycorrectional, detentionHe spent 90 days at the county's local correctional facility.militaryweaponschemical, nuclearhealth, health-care, hospital, medicala mental health facilitydiningchildcare, day-careeducational, trainingfitness, sportspracticeShe trains with the team at their practice facility.researchlab (informal), laboratorycommunication, communicationsVERB + facilitydesignbuild, constructexpandopenThe company expects to open its facility by late September.useThe old facility is now used for storage of dry products.manage, operatemaintainlease, renttour, visitA doctor visited the facility and found deplorable conditions.facility + VERBbe locateda production facility located in New MexicohouseThe 100 000 square-foot facility houses labs for NASA's research.PREPOSITIONfacility fora new facility for military training

3 special feature of a machine/serviceADJECTIVE | VERB + facility | facility + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcentralThe archive offers a central facility for cataloguing and indexing data.backupThe report warns that there are no backup facilities if the reprocessing plant breaks down.supporttraining and other support facilitiesspecialusefultechnicalcredit, loan, overdraft (BrE)a bank account with an overdraft facilityediting, help, mail, search (all computing)VERB + facilityhave, offer, provideusefacility + VERBallow sth, allow for sthThe software's ‘list’ facility allows users to compile their own list.PREPOSITIONfacility forThe device has a facility for storing any sound you like.

4 natural abilityADJECTIVE | VERB + facility | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEamazing, greatVERB + facilityhaveshowPREPOSITIONwith facilityHe played with great facility.facility forShe showed an amazing facility for mind-reading.

facing

facingnoun

Facing is used before these nouns:

facsimile

facsimilenoun

Facsimile is used before these nouns:

copy, edition, transmission

fact

factnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + fact | fact + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEimportant, interesting, relevant, salientYou must look at all the relevant facts.basic, simplecold, concrete, hard, incontrovertible, inescapable, observable, obvious, plain, straightforward, true, undeniableThe police have to support their case with hard facts.These are all incontrovertible facts.bare, disturbing, harsh, sad, stark, unpalatable (esp. BrE), unpleasantthe bare facts of wara rather harsh fact of lifeknownThe known facts of the case are as follows.little-known, well-knownIt is a well-known fact that girls do better than boys at school.provenhistorical, scientificmereThe mere fact of your being there will arouse their suspicions.VERB + factbe aware of, have, knowWe don't have all the facts yet.She already knew the facts she needed.ascertain, establish, find outthe best way of establishing the factscheck, consider, examine, look atI think you need to check your facts.For God's sake, look at the facts!proveThese facts have not yet been proved.collect, gatherselectHistorians must first select the facts that they present.give, present, report, stateThe job of the teacher is not simply to impart facts.I'm not making excuses—I'm just stating a fact.interpretdifferent ways of interpreting the factsaccount for, explainHow do you account for the fact that unemployment is still rising?accept, acknowledge, appreciate, face, recognizeShe wouldn't accept the fact that she had lost.I appreciate the fact that you're under a lot of pressure at the moment.I'm afraid you'll have to face facts. She'll never marry you.graspHe doesn't seem able to grasp this basic fact.learndeny, disputeNo one can deny this fact.forget, ignore, overlookThis approach ignores the fact that people, not computers, commit crimes.be oblivious toconceal, disguise, hideIf he was bored, he managed to hide the fact very well.obscureThe recent improvements should not obscure the fact that general standards are still far too low.changeThis does not change the fact that a crime has been committed.draw attention toThe report draws attention to the fact that the country is now a net exporter of the product.emphasize, highlight, underline (esp. BrE), underscore (esp. AmE)confine sb/yourself to (esp. BrE), stick toJust stick to the facts.be based ona novel based on historical factreflectPrices reflect the fact that the company is aiming at the luxury market.stem fromHe knew their bitterness stemmed from the fact that he was in charge.be explained by, be supported bybe complicated by, be compounded by, be exacerbated byThe problem was compounded by the fact that I had no idea what I was looking for.hate, lament, regret, resentWe waited miserably, lamenting the fact that our suitcases had been put on the wrong plane.She resented the fact that I had more freedom than her.fact + VERBremainThe fact remains that we are still two teachers short.PREPOSITIONafter the factOn some vital decisions employees were only informed after the fact (= when it was too late to change them).apart from the factShe was happy, apart from the fact that she could not return home.despite the fact, in spite of the fact, notwithstanding the factHe got the job, despite the fact that he has no experience.due to the factDue to the fact that they did not read English, the prisoners were unaware of what they were signing.given the factThe findings are not surprising, given the facts: … in factI used to live in France; in fact, not far from where you're going.fact aboutWe learned several interesting facts about elephants.PHRASES(as) a matter of factIt's not wild speculation! It's a plain matter of fact.‘I suppose you'll be leaving soon, then?’ ‘No, as a matter of fact I'll be staying for another two years.’facts and figuresAll the facts and figures were presented at the meeting.the fact of the matterA new car would be wonderful but the fact of the matter is that we can't afford one.the facts of the caseThe facts of the case are quite straightforward.a fact of life (= a situation that cannot be changed)It is an sad fact of life that the most deserving people do not often achieve the most success.the facts of life (= the details about sex and how babies are born, esp. as told to children)fact or fiction?The Loch Ness Monster: fact or fiction?the facts speak for themselves (= further explanation about sth is unnecessary because the facts prove it is true)get your facts right, get your facts straight, get your facts wrongIf you're going to make accusations, you'd better get your facts right.have the facts at your fingertipsWhen making your presentation, it is important to have all the facts at your fingertips (= to have the information you need and be able to find it and use it quickly).in actual fact, in point of factI thought the work would be difficult. In actual fact, it's very easy.in view of the fact that … Voluntary work was particularly important in view of the fact that women were often forced to give up paid work on marriage.know for a factDo you know for a fact that he is in London?not to mention the fact that … It's very hard to do this on a home computer. Not to mention the fact that it's actually illegal.a question of fact, a statement of factIt's a simple statement of fact.a recognition of the fact that … a growing recognition of the fact that learning may take different forms

fact-finding

fact-findingadj.

Fact-finding is used with these nouns:

commission, mission, tribunal, visit

faction

factionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + faction | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdominant, main, majorinternalcompeting, opposing, rival, warringHe brokered a ceasefire agreement between the warring factions.breakawaydissident, rebelarmedmilitary, parliamentary, politicalethnic, religiousconservative, hard-line, left-wing, liberal, moderate, radical, right-winganti-government, anti-war, etc.VERB + factionleadPREPOSITIONfaction inthe largest faction in the civil warfaction withinthe dominant faction within the government

factional

factionaladj.

Factional is used with these nouns:

division, fighting, strife

factor

factornoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + factor | factor + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, important, main, major, relevant, significantone of the most significant factorscritical, crucial, deciding, decisive, determining, key, vitalThis is regarded as the crucial factor in deciding who should get priority.Money proved to be the deciding factor.contributing, contributoryPoor organization was certainly a contributory factor to the crisis.complicatingA complicating factor is her parents' refusal to cooperate with the police.limitingmitigatingThe appeal judges spoke of strong mitigating factors in the case.aggravatingadditionalsingleThe closure of the mine was the single most important factor in the town's decline.commonLook for the common factor in all these cases.external, extraneous, extrinsicExternal factors in the production of disease include pollution of the environment.internal, intrinsiccausal, causativeriskStudies have established that smoking is a risk factor for cancer.contextual, demographic, economic, environmental, genetic, political, psychological, situational, socialhumanThe human factor is crucial to success in team management.VERB + factorconsider, take into accountA variety of other factors will be taken into account.identifydepend onfactor + VERBbe involved, operatethe contextual factors which operate to hinder understandingaffect sth, be responsible for sth, cause sth, contribute to sth, determine sth, influence sth, predispose sb/sth to sthenvironmental factors which predispose children to middle-ear infectionsexplain sthconstrain sth, inhibit sth, militate against sthone of the factors that influenced his decisioninteractWe examine how economic and social factors interact.include sthbe at playThere are several factors at play here.PREPOSITIONfactor behindthe main factors behind the dollar's weaknessfactor ina key factor in the decisionPHRASESa combination, number, variety, etc. of factorsThe outcome will depend on a number of factors.

factory

factorynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + factory | factory + VERB | factory + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElargesmallmodernabandoned (esp. AmE), disused (esp. BrE)aircraft, auto (esp. AmE), automobile (esp. AmE), carclothing, garment, textilechemical, munitions, etc.VERB + factorybuild, open, set upcapital to set up a ceramics factoryclose, close down, shut, shut downThey had to close the factory down in the recession.manage, own, runfactory + VERBmake sth, produce sthopenclose, close down, shut, shut downThe factory closed down ten years ago.factory + NOUNmanager, owner, workerjob, production, workbuildingsclosurefloora worker on the factory floorfarm, farmingthe factory farming of beef, pork and chickenPREPOSITIONat factory, in factoryHe works in a shoe factory.

factual

factualadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBentirely, purely, strictlybasically, largelysupposedlythe speculative nature of the supposedly factual information conveyed through the media

Factual is used with these nouns:

account, accuracy, assertion, background, basis, data, detail, error, evidence, inaccuracy, inconsistency, information, knowledge, programme, report, truth

factually

factuallyadv.

Factually is used with these adjectives:

accurate, correct, inaccurate, incorrect, true

faculty

facultynoun

noun1 natural ability of the body/mind2 university department3 (AmE) the teachers at a university1 natural ability of the body/mindADJECTIVE | VERB + faculty | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhigherthe evolution of man's higher facultiescognitive, intellectual, mental, rationalHe is not in full possession of all his mental faculties.creative, critical, imaginative, moralhumanVERB + facultybe in possession of, haveShe is over eighty but still has all her faculties.losedevelopWe try to develop the student's critical faculties.PREPOSITIONfaculty forour faculty for picking up speech even in noisy environments

2 university departmentADJECTIVE | faculty + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEArts, English, law, medical, etc.faculty + NOUNmemberPREPOSITIONin a/the facultystudents who are doing degrees in the Arts Facultyfaculty ofthe Faculty of ArtsPHRASESa member of the facultythe dean of (the) faculty, the head of (the) faculty

3 (AmE) the teachers at a universityADJECTIVE | VERB + faculty | faculty + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcollege, departmental, universityfull-time, part-timeadjunctTeachers are typically part-timers and adjunct faculty.junior, seniortenured, untenuredThe degree of job security for tenured faculty is high relative to most other jobs.non-tenure-track, tenure-trackVERB + facultyhire, recruitretainjoinShe joined the faculty of the University of Maryland.be onHe is currently on the faculty at the University of Texas.faculty + NOUNappointment, positionI was fortunate to receive a faculty appointment at Ohio State.development, recruitmentLarger grants may ensure more funding for faculty development.researchgovernancecommittee, senatea hearing before a faculty committeeunionadviser, mentorMy faculty adviser made an effort to contact me.PREPOSITIONon the facultyher colleagues on the facultyfaculty atthe faculty at public institutionsfaculty ofthe faculty of the University of Iowa

fad

fadnoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcurrent, latest, newpassingmanagementfood (esp. BrE)Most children have food fads at some time.PREPOSITIONfad forthe fad for cosmetic surgery

fade

fadeverb

verbADVERB | VERB + fade | PREPOSITIONADVERBfast, quickly, rapidlyHopes of a peace settlement were fading fast.soongradually, slowlyquietlyIt was impossible for her to fade quietly into the background.awayVERB + fadebegin toseem toAll else seemed to fade into insignificance.PREPOSITIONfromThe smile faded from his face.intoTheir voices faded into the distance.

Fade is used with these nouns as the subject:

anger, beauty, birthmark, bloom, bruise, colour, daylight, dream, enthusiasm, euphoria, footstep, fury, grin, hope, image, light, love, memory, music, noise, pain, scar, screen, signal, smile, sound, strength, vision, voice, word

fade away

fade awayphr verb

Fade away is used with these nouns as the subject:

dream, footstep, music, noise, sound, word

faded

fadedadj.

Faded is used with these nouns:

colour, grandeur, jeans, memory, photograph, sign, silk, splendour, T-shirt, velvet, wallpaper

fade out

fade outphr verb

Fade out is used with these nouns as the subject:

fading

fadingadj.

Fading is used with these nouns:

faecal

faecaladj.

Faecal is used with these nouns:

incontinence, sample

faeces

faecesnoun

(BrE) (AmE feces) nounADJECTIVE | VERB + faeces/feces | faeces/feces + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfreshinfectedThe disease can be transmitted through contact with infected faeces.dog, human, etc.VERB + faeces/fecesdeposit, expelbe excreted in, be passed inThe larvae may be excreted in the faeces.collectA sample of fresh faeces should be collected each day.faeces/feces + NOUNsamplePREPOSITIONin the faecesThe amount of blood in the faeces was measured.

Faeces is used after these nouns:

Fail is used with these nouns as the subject:

fail

failverb

verb1 not succeed2 fail to do sth not do sth1 not succeedADVERB | VERB + fail | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBdismally, miserablyI tried to cheer her up, but failed miserably.spectacularlyShe came up with several plans that failed spectacularly before finally achieving success.neverThat joke never fails.VERB + failcannotThe song can't fail to be a hit (= will definitely be a hit).can hardlybe bound to, be destined to, be doomed toan enterprise that was doomed to fail from the startPREPOSITIONinDoctors are failing in their duty if they do not warn their patients of the dangers.PHRASEStry and failOthers have tried and failed.

2 fail to do sth not do sthADVERBADVERBcompletely, totallyThe authorities have totally failed to address this problem.

appeal, approach, attack, attempt, bid, brake, business, campaign, claim, company, crop, diplomacy, economy, effort, engine, enterprise, experiment, eyesight, firm, gamble, harvest, health, heart, initiative, light, manoeuvre, marriage, merger, mission, move, negotiation, nerve, plan, rebellion, referendum, reform, relationship, revolution, scheme, sight, signal, strategy, strength, system, tactic, talk, word

Fail is used with these nouns as the object:

A level, audition, class, course, exam, examination, final, inspection, physical, practical, subject, task, test

failed

failedadj.

Failed is used with these nouns:

attempt, bid, coup, diplomacy, effort, experiment, marriage, merger, mission, project, relationship, robbery, romance, state, uprising, venture

failing

failingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + failingADJECTIVEgreat, major, serious (esp. BrE), worstVanity is her worst failing.common, humanthe very human failing of wanting to tell other people what to domoralpersonalintelligencean official report into intelligence failingsVERB + failinghaveWe all have our failings.expose, highlight, identifyThe investigation exposed huge failings in the system of medicines regulation.acknowledge, recognizeaddressThe committee is being urged to address failings in the law.

failure

failurenoun

noun1 lack of success2 unsuccessful person/thing3 not doing sth4 of a machine, system, part of the body, etc.1 lack of successADJECTIVE | VERB + failure | failure + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEcomplete, totalabject, humiliatingThe attempt ended in abject failure.inevitablecostlyalleged, apparent, perceivedrelativeinitialInitial failure was followed by unexpected, if modest, success.ultimateWar is the ultimate failure of public communication.personalmoralacademiceconomic, financialmilitaryVERB + failurebe doomed to, end in, result inAll her efforts were doomed to failure.admit, tolerateHe was too proud to admit failure.I will not tolerate failure.lamentHe lamented his failure to formulate a satisfactory theory.explainattribute, blameHe attributes the failure of the project to lack of government support.I blame the failure of our relationship on my husband.expectChildren who are doing badly tend to expect failure and criticism.fearavoidfailure + NOUNrateThere is a high failure rate with this treatment.PHRASESfear of failureFear of failure should not deter you from trying.a history of failureJohn had a long history of academic failure.a possibility of failure, a risk of failurea sense of failure

2 unsuccessful person/thingADJECTIVE | VERB + failure | failure + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, great, seriouscomplete, total, uttercatastrophic, disastrousabject, conspicuous, dismal, humiliating, lamentable (esp. BrE), miserablecostlyheroic (BrE)If she could not succeed, she would at least be a heroic failure.alleged, apparent, perceivedrelativepastto learn from past failuresrare (esp. BrE)The movie was one of the rare failures in his career.unexpectedpersonalcollectivemoralacademiceconomic, financialeconomic failure and increasing unemploymentmilitaryVERB + failurebe, representproveThe venture proved a costly failure.experience, havefeel (BrE), feel like (esp. AmE)I felt (like) a complete failure.consider sb/sth, regard sb/sth asbrand sb/sth (esp. BrE)Her parents had long since branded her a failure.failure + VERBarise from sthfailures arising from circumstances beyond your controlPREPOSITIONfailure ofThe decision to withdraw funding represents a failure of imagination.

3 not doing sthADJECTIVE | VERB + failureADJECTIVEfundamentalgeneralmanifestconsistent, constant, continued, continuing, persistent, repeatedgovernment, managementgovernment failure to listen to the voice of the electorateVERB + failureexcuse, justifyNothing can excuse your failure to ask my permission.constituteThis breach constitutes a serious failure in performance.

4 of a machine, system, part of the body, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + failure | failure + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEmechanical, structural, technicalbattery, brake, component, computer, engine, equipment, power, systemhardware, software (both computing)bank, business, commercial, company, corporate, institutional, marketBusiness failures rose by 30% in 2001.heart, kidney, liver, organthe commonest cause of acute liver failurecardiac, hepatic, renal, respiratory (all medical)patients with chronic renal failurecrop, harvestcommunicationintelligence, policyVERB + failurecause, lead to, result ina rare viral infection that can lead to heart failureexperience, sufferThe aircraft seems to have experienced an engine failure.preventfailure + VERBoccurA power failure occurred between 4 and 5 p.m.PREPOSITIONfailure ina failure in the computer system

faint

faintverbadj.

I. verbADVERB | VERB + faint | PREPOSITIONADVERBalmost, nearlyVERB + faintbe about to, be going toHe was so pale she thought he was going to faint.PREPOSITIONatHe would faint at the sight of blood.fromShe fainted from lack of air.withShe almost fainted with shock.

II. adj.1 not strong or clear2 near to losing consciousness1 not strong or clearVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, soundHis voice sounded faint and far away.become, growThe whispers grew fainter and fainter, then stopped altogether.ADVERBextremely, veryI can't make out the number—it's very faint.rather

2 near to losing consciousnessVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, lookADVERBextremely, veryalmosta bit, a little, quiteI was beginning to feel a little faint.PREPOSITIONwithI was faint with hunger.

Faint is used with these nouns:

amusement, aroma, aura, birthmark, blur, blush, breeze, bruise, click, colour, cry, curl, disapproval, echo, flicker, flush, frown, gleam, glimmer, glow, grin, haze, hint, hiss, hope, hum, idea, image, light, line, memory, mist, moan, moonlight, murmur, noise, note, odour, outline, possibility, praise, pulse, recollection, reflection, resemblance, roar, rumble, rustle, scar, scent, shadow, shout, signal, smell, smile, sneer, sound, star, streak, suggestion, tinge, tinkle, tint, trace, trail, tremor, voice, whiff, whisper

faintest

faintestadj.

Faintest is used with these nouns:

inkling

fainting

faintingnoun

Fainting is used before these nouns:

fit, spell

faintly fair

fairnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + fair | fair + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEannualantiques, art, book, craft, horse (BrE), school (esp. AmE), steam (BrE)career, job, science, tradefun (usually funfair) (BrE)local, streetcounty, state (both AmE)VERB + fairattend, go to, visithave, hold, hostThe city is holding its annual trade fair in May this year.organizeShe is organizing next year's book fair.fair + VERBtake placePREPOSITIONat a/the fairI bought it at a local craft fair.

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASES | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seemmake sthI'll give you ten pounds each to make it fair.consider sth, think sthI didn't think it fair that the others should be allowed to go but not me.ADVERBscrupulously, veryIt's important to be scrupulously fair when grading the final exam paper.absolutely, completely, entirely, perfectly, quite, totallyI don't care what he thinks. It seems perfectly fair to me.That doesn't seem quite fair.hardly, not reallyIt's hardly fair that I should be working while everyone else is enjoying themselves!pretty, reasonablyPHRASESto be fairTo be fair, we hadn't really spent enough time on the job.PREPOSITIONtoThat seems fair to all sides.

Fair is used with these nouns:

allocation, amount, assessment, balance, bet, bit, catch, chance, comment, comparison, compensation, competition, complexion, compromise, contest, copy, criticism, cross section, deal, degree, description, distance, distribution, division, election, estimate, exchange, fight, guess, hair, head, hearing, imitation, indication, inference, measure, number, offer, percentage, play, price, proportion, reflection, rent, representation, return, sex, size, skin, slice, summary, system, test, trade, treatment, trial, use, vote, wage, warning, weather, while, wind

fairer

faireradj.

Fairer is used with these nouns:

fairground

fairgroundnoun

Fairground is used before these nouns:

organ, ride

fair-haired

fair-hairedadj.

Fair-haired is used with these nouns:

Fair Isle

Fair Islenoun

Fair Isle is used before these nouns:

jumper

fairly

fairlyadv.

Fairly is used with these adjectives:

able, abstract, acceptable, accurate, active, adaptable, adept, advanced, advantageous, aggressive, aggrieved, agitated, agreeable, alarmed, alarming, alert, ambitious, ambivalent, amiable, amused, amusing, ancient, angry, annoyed, annoying, anxious, apologetic, appealing, apprehensive, appropriate, arbitrary, articulate, artificial, attractive, authoritarian, autonomous, awkward, backward, bad, bad-tempered, balanced, barren, battered, beautiful, benign, big, bitter, bizarre, bleak, bold, bored, boring, brave, breathless, brief, bright, broad, bureaucratic, businesslike, busy, calm, capable, careful, casual, cautious, central, certain, challenging, chaotic, characteristic, cheap, cheerful, chilly, civil, claustrophobic, clean, clear, clever, close, cloudy, cold, comfortable, comforting, comical, committed, common, commonplace, compelling, competent, competitive, complacent, complete, complex, complicated, complimentary, composed, comprehensive, concerned, conclusive, confident, confused, confusing, conscious, conservative, consistent, conspicuous, constant, content, contentious, contrived, controversial, convenient, conventional, convinced, convincing, cool, cordial, costly, courageous, courteous, creative, creepy, critical, cross, crowded, crucial, cruel, curious, cynical, damaging, damp, dangerous, dark, dated, decent, decorative, dedicated, deep, defensive, delicate, demanding, democratic, dependable, depressed, depressing, desperate, despondent, destructive, detailed, determined, detrimental, devoted, difficult, dignified, direct, dirty, disappointed, disappointing, disastrous, disconcerting, disillusioned, dismal, dismissive, disorganized, disruptive, dissatisfied, distant, distasteful, distinct, distinctive, distraught, disturbing, diverse, divisive, dominant, doubtful, dramatic, drunk, dry, dubious, dull, dumb, dynamic, early, easy, eccentric, economical, eerie, effective, efficient, elaborate, elegant, eloquent, elusive, embarrassed, embarrassing, emotional, emphatic, empty, energetic, enigmatic, enjoyable, entertaining, enthusiastic, envious, erotic, erratic, essential, even, evident, excitable, excited, exciting, exclusive, exhausting, exhaustive, expensive, explicit, explosive, exposed, expressive, extreme, faithful, familiar, famous, far-fetched, fast, favourable, fearful, feminine, fertile, fickle, fine, firm, fit, flat, flattered, flattering, flexible, fluid, flushed, fond, foolish, formal, formidable, forthright, fortunate, fragile, fragrant, frail, frank, free, frequent, fresh, friendly, frightened, frightening, fruitful, frustrated, frustrating, full, fundamental, funny, fuzzy, generous, gentle, glad, glamorous, good, good-looking, gregarious, gruesome, handsome, handy, haphazard, happy, hard, harmless, harsh, hazardous, hazy, healthy, heavy, helpful, hierarchical, hoarse, homogeneous, honest, hopeful, horrific, hot, humorous, hungry, ignorant, illuminating, imaginative, immature, immoral, impatient, impersonal, impertinent, implausible, important, impractical, imprecise, impressed, impressionable, impressive, improbable, inaccurate, inactive, inadequate, inappropriate, inconvenient, independent, indignant, ineffective, inefficient, inexpensive, inexperienced, inflexible, influential, informal, informative, infrequent, ingenious, inhibited, innocuous, insecure, insensitive, insignificant, instructive, insulting, intact, intelligent, intense, interested, interesting, intolerant, intricate, intriguing, intrusive, intuitive, inventive, involved, ironic, irresponsible, irritated, irritating, isolated, jealous, junior, keen, kind, knowledgeable, lame, large, late, lazy, lengthy, lenient, liberal, light, light-headed, likeable, likely, limited, literate, logical, lonely, long, long-lived, loud, low, low-key, lucky, lucrative, luxurious, mad, marked, marketable, masculine, mature, mean, meaningless, mellow, memorable, menacing, mild, militant, minor, miserable, misleading, mixed, mobile, moderate, modest, motivated, muddled, muddy, mundane, muted, naive, narrow, nasty, natural, neat, negative, nervous, neutral, new, nice, noisy, normal, noticeable, novel, nutritious, objective, obscure, observant, obvious, odd, off-putting, offensive, oily, old, old-fashioned, opaque, open, optimistic, orderly, ordinary, organized, original, ornate, orthodox, overgrown, overweight, painful, painless, pale, passive, patchy, patient, patriotic, patronizing, peaceful, peeved, perceptive, permissive, perplexed, persuasive, pertinent, perverse, pessimistic, plain, pleasant, pleased, pleasing, pleasurable, pointless, polite, popular, positive, possessive, potent, powerful, practical, pragmatic, predictable, prejudiced, preoccupied, prestigious, pretty, privileged, productive, professional, proficient, profitable, prolific, prolonged, prominent, promising, prone, pronounced, prosperous, proud, provocative, puzzled, questionable, quick, quiet, radical, random, rapid, rare, reactionary, readable, realistic, reasonable, reassuring, recent, regular, relaxed, reliable, relieved, religious, reluctant, remarkable, remote, repellent, repetitive, representative, repressed, repulsive, reputable, resentful, reserved, resilient, resistant, respectable, responsible, responsive, restrained, restricted, restrictive, revealing, rewarding, rich, rigid, risky, romantic, rude, rural, sad, safe, satisfied, scarce, scared, sceptical, secluded, secretive, secure, seductive, selective, self-conscious, self-contained, self-evident, selfish, senior, sensible, sensitive, serious, settled, severe, sexy, shaken, shaky, shallow, sharp, sheltered, shocked, shocking, short, shy, sick, significant, silly, similar, simple, simplistic, sincere, sinister, skilful, skilled, skinny, slack, sleepy, slender, slight, slim, slippery, slow, small, smart, smooth, smug, sober, soft, solemn, solid, sombre, sophisticated, sorry, sound, sour, spacious, specific, spectacular, spicy, stable, staid, stale, standard, startled, static, steady, steep, sticky, stiff, stimulating, straight, straightforward, strained, strange, stressed, stressful, striking, strong, stupid, subdued, subjective, subtle, successful, suggestive, superficial, supple, supportive, sure, surprised, surprising, susceptible, suspect, suspicious, sweaty, sweet, swift, swollen, sympathetic, talented, tall, tame, tasteful, taxing, technical, tedious, temperamental, tender, tense, thick, thin, threadbare, threatening, tidy, tight, tiny, tired, tolerant, touched, tough, toxic, traditional, tranquil, transparent, traumatic, treacherous, trivial, troubled, typical, ugly, unbalanced, uncertain, uncomfortable, uncommon, understandable, undesirable, undignified, uneasy, unfair, unfortunate, unfriendly, unhappy, uninhibited, unique, unlikely, unlucky, unnatural, unorthodox, unpleasant, unpopular, unstable, unsuitable, unsure, untidy, unusual, up to date, upset, uptight, urgent, useful, useless, vague, valid, valuable, variable, varied, versatile, vicious, vigorous, violent, vivid, vocal, volatile, vulnerable, warm, wary, weak, wealthy, weary, weird, wet, wide, widespread, wild, worried, worrying, wrinkled, young

Fairly is used with these verbs:

compensate, deal, dismiss, distribute, grade, judge, price, represent, trade, treat

fairness

fairnessnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + fairness | fairness + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbasic, elementary, simpleThis is a matter of basic fairness.scrupulous (esp. BrE)Dr Jones was treated with scrupulous fairness by his employers.procedural (law)economicissues of economic fairness and personal equalityVERB + fairnessachieve, ensure, guaranteea way of achieving fairness to the accusedquestionMany people questioned the fairness of the election.fairness + VERBdemand sth, require sthFairness demanded an equal division of the winnings.PREPOSITIONin (all) fairnessIn all fairness to him, I should say that most of his story is true.with fairnessThey were all treated with strict fairness.fairness inthe need for fairness in applying these rulesfairness toThe new system of waiting lists should guarantee fairness to all patients.PHRASESa sense of fairnessChildren have a very strong sense of fairness.

fair-weather

fair-weatheradj.

Fair-weather is used with these nouns:

friend

fairy

fairynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + fairyADJECTIVEgoodbad, wicked (esp. BrE)toothVERB + fairybelieve in

fairy-tale

fairy-taleadj.

Fairy-tale is used with these nouns:

castle, ending, romance

faith

faithnoun

noun1 trust in sb/sth2 strong religious belief3 religion4 intention to do right1 trust in sb/sthADJECTIVE | VERB + faith | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEenormous, great, tremendousabsolute, complete, implicit, total, unshakable, unwaveringlittleI have little faith in doctors these days.blindHe seems to have a blind faith in his boss.abidingan artist whose work reflects his abiding faith in humanityrenewedtouchingShe showed a touching faith in my ability to resolve any and every difficulty.publicBusiness crime undermines public faith in the business system.VERB + faithhavepin (esp. BrE), place, putHe distrusted political systems and placed his faith in the genius of individuals.She did not pin much faith on their chances of success.showshareI wish I shared your faith in the jury system.lack, losepeople who lose faith in themselvesshake, underminedestroyrenew, restoreThey are trying to restore faith in the political system.regainretainIf the company can retain its customers' faith it could become the market leader.affirm, express, proclaimPREPOSITIONfaith inHer faith in human nature had been badly shaken.PHRASESan act of faitha lack of faitha leap of faithThese reforms are totally untested and will require a leap of faith on the part of teachers.have every faith in sb

2 strong religious beliefADJECTIVE | VERB + faith | faith + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEreligiousdeep, genuine, strong, truesimpleunquestioningnew-foundher new-found faith in Jesusactivea large decline in the number of people who have an active faith of any sortpersonalVERB + faithhavecome to, findHe found faith gradually, rather than in a sudden conversion.lack, loseshake, undermineregainstrengthenproclaimfaith + NOUNhealer, healingPREPOSITIONthrough faithThey believe that people can come to salvation through faith.faith inAfter her son's death she lost her faith in God.PHRASESan article of faith (often figurative)the team's greatness was an article of faith for him (= a belief that could not be questioned).

3 religionADJECTIVE | VERB + faith | faith + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVElivingChristianity is a living faith which has shaped their history.worldThe study of other world faiths is an important part of religious education.Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, etc.VERB + faithprofesspractise/practiceChristians were allowed to practise/practice their faith unmolested by the authorities.keep alive, upholdTheir aim was to keep alive the traditional Jewish faith.pass on, preach, spread, teachthe role of parents in passing on the faith to their childrenHe felt the call to preach the faith to others.faith + NOUNtraditioncommunity, groupa committee which is made up of members of different faith groupsschool (BrE)the debate on faith schoolsPHRASESpeople of different faiths

4 intention to do rightADJECTIVE | VERB + faith | PHRASESADJECTIVEbad, goodThe judge did not find any bad faith (= intention to do wrong) on the part of the defendants.VERB + faithbreak (= break a promise to sb)PHRASESin bad faithThet had entered into the contract in bad faith.in good faithWe printed the report in good faith, but have now learned that it was incorrect.keep faith with sbAs manager, he was not prepared to keep faith with (= keep a promise to) the players who had failed him.keep the faithThey kept the faith (= remained faithful) in the face of ridicule.

faith-based

faith-basedadj.

Faith-based is used with these nouns:

charity, initiative, organization

faithful

faithfulnounadj.

I. noun

Faithful is used after these nouns:

Faithful is used with these nouns:

II. adj.1 loyal2 accurate1 loyalVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSberemain, staysoldiers who stayed faithful to the kingADVERBextremely, veryHe has been a very faithful friend to me.absolutely, completely, utterlyPREPOSITIONtoHe had remained completely faithful to his wife.

2 accurateVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.remarkablycompletely, entirelyPREPOSITIONtoThe movie is faithful to the original novel.

adaptation, adherence, Catholic, Christian, companion, copy, disciple, dog, follower, following, friend, husband, reader, representation, reproduction, servant, service, steward, translation, version, wife

faithfully

faithfullyadv.

Faithfully is used with these verbs:

copy, discharge, execute, follow, interpret, mirror, observe, perform, preserve, promise, record, reflect, repeat, represent, reproduce, restore, serve

fake

fakeverbadj.

I. verb

Fake is used with these nouns as the object:

accent, death, illness, injury, look, orgasm

II. adj.

Fake is used with these nouns:

beard, blood, bomb, breast, champagne, coin, diamond, document, fur, goods, gun, invoice, laugh, money, moustache, nail, name, nose, passport, sincerity, smile, snow, tan

fall

fallnounverb

I. noun1 accident2 of snow/rocks3 decrease4 defeat5 (AmE) autumn1 accidentADJECTIVE | VERB + fall | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbad, nasty, terribleShe took a bad fall while out riding.accidentalVERB + fallhave, suffer, takeThe doctor says she's had a very nasty fall.break, cushionLuckily a bush broke his fall.surviveThe chances of surviving a fall under a train are almost nil.preventPREPOSITIONin a/the fallHe was hurt in a fall at his home yesterday.fall fromShe broke her neck in a fall from a horse.

2 of snow/rocksADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEheavylightfresha fresh fall of snowrock, snow (usually snowfall)PREPOSITIONfall ofcovered by a light fall of volcanic ash

3 decreaseADJECTIVE | VERB + fall | fall + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, dramatic, great, large, marked, massive, significant, substantiala big fall in house pricesThis triggered the recent dramatic falls on the Tokyo stock exchange.modest, slight, smallsteadyrapid, sharp, steep, suddenunexpectedcontinuing, furtheroverall (esp. BrE)catastrophicVERB + fallbring, cause, contribute to, lead to, triggersee, sufferShare prices suffered a slight fall yesterday.record, reveal (esp. BrE), showThe opinion polls show a significant fall in her popularity.reportBoth companies reported a fall in profits in the first quarter of this year.represent (esp. BrE)This figure represents a fall of 21% on the same period last year.fall + VERBoccurThe fall in age at first marriage occurred during the second half of the 18th century.PREPOSITIONfall ina large fall in share prices

4 defeatVERB + fall | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + fallbring about, cause, contribute to, lead tothe actions that led to his eventual fall from powerPREPOSITIONfall fromPHRASESthe rise and fall of stha book charting the rise and fall of the Habsburg Empire

5 (AmE) autumnADJECTIVE | fall + NOUNADJECTIVElast, this pastthe following, next, this, this comingearly, latefall + NOUNweathercolorThe trees were on fire with vibrant fall colors.foliageNew England's gorgeous fall foliageharvestequinoxsemester, termHe returned to school a month into the fall semester.

II. verb1 drop to the ground2 suddenly stop standing3 decrease4 belong to a group1 drop to the groundADVERB | VERB + fall | PREPOSITIONADVERBheavilyShe fell heavily to the ground.steadilyThe rain was falling steadily.freelyTears fell freely from her eyes.limplyHer hands fell limply to her sides.down, off, overboardA tile fell off the roof.He fell overboard in heavy seas.VERB + fallbe about tolet sb/sthShe lifted her arm, but then let it fall.PREPOSITIONfromHe fell from the fourth floor.intoOne of the kids fell into the river.onthe snow falling on the fieldsontoLoose bricks were falling down onto the ground.toThe plate fell to the floor.

2 suddenly stop standingADVERB | VERB + fall | PHRASESADVERBalmost, nearlyHe stumbled and almost fell.headlongShe fell headlong, with a cry of alarm.down, overOne of the children fell over.backwards/backward, forwardVERB + fallbe about toThe house looked as if it was about to fall down.PHRASESstumble and fall, trip and fall

3 decreaseADVERB | VERB + fall | PREPOSITIONADVERBdramatically, rapidly, sharply, significantly, steeplyThe price of coal fell sharply.slightlysteadilyVERB + fallbe expected to, be likely toDemand is likely to fall by some 15%.continue toPREPOSITIONbelowWinter temperatures never fall below 10°C.byExpenditure on education fell by 10% last year.fromThe number of people unemployed has fallen from two million to just over one and a half million.toHer voice fell to a whisper.

4 belong to a groupADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBsquarelyPREPOSITIONintoOut of over 400 staff there are just 14 that fall into this category.outsideThat topic falls outside the scope of this thesis.underThis falls under the heading of scientific research.withinThis case falls squarely within the committee's jurisdiction.

Fall is used with these nouns as the subject:

amount, anniversary, ash, attendance, axe, barometer, blossom, blow, bomb, catch, circulation, cliff, coalition, concentration, confetti, confidence, consumption, cost, count, curl, currency, curtain, darkness, debris, deficit, demand, density, dew, drip, drizzle, drop, dusk, dust, emission, empire, employment, enrolment, expenditure, export, eye, face, fort, fortress, fortune, funding, gaze, government, hail, hair, head, horse, hush, import, incidence, income, index, inflation, investment, leaf, level, light, missile, moonlight, mortality, night, number, odds, output, percentage, population, premium, pressure, price, production, productivity, profit, proportion, rain, rate, rating, receipt, record, regime, rent, reserve, revenue, sale, shadow, share, shell, silence, size, skirt, snow, snowflake, spending, standard, standing, stock, stress, sunlight, supply, support, tax, tear, temperature, tide, total, tourism, tower, trade, tree, turnover, unemployment, value, volume, vote, wage, wall, waterfall, wave, weight, word, workforce

Fall is used with these nouns as the object:

heir, per cent, point, victim

fallacious

fallaciousadj.

Fallacious is used with these nouns:

argument

fall apart

fall apartphr verb

Fall apart is used with these nouns as the subject:

coalition, deal, empire, marriage, world

fall away

fall awayphr verb

Fall away is used with these nouns as the subject:

cliff

fall back against

fall back againstphr verb

Fall back against is used with these nouns as the object:

pillow

fall back on

fall back onphr verb

Fall back on is used with these nouns as the object:

pillow

fall behind on

fall behind onphr verb

Fall behind on is used with these nouns as the object:

mortgage

fall behind with

fall behind withphr verb

Fall behind with is used with these nouns as the object:

mortgage, rent

fall below

fall belowphr verb

Fall below is used with these nouns as the object:

peak

fall down

fall downphr verb

Fall down is used with these nouns as the subject:

house, wall

Fall down is used with these nouns as the object:

flight, well

fallen

fallenadj.

Fallen is used with these nouns:

angel, branch, hero, idol, leaf, log, soldier, tree, trunk, warrior

fall for

fall forphr verb

Fall for is used with these nouns as the object:

flattery, hoax, trick

fall in

fall inphr verb

Fall in is used with these nouns as the subject:

Fall in is used with these nouns as the object:

fold, heap, importance, love, pitch, volume

falling

fallingadj.

Falling is used with these nouns:

attendance, debris, demand, intonation, leaf, level, market, price, profit, rock, roll, snow, standard, star, stock, unemployment, wage

fall off

fall offphr verb

Fall off is used with these nouns as the subject:

bit, number, plaster, sale, wheel

Fall off is used with these nouns as the object:

bicycle, bike, ladder, motorcycle

fall on

fall onphr verb

Fall on is used with these nouns as the subject:

blame, burden, emphasis, eye, glance, responsibility, spotlight, suspicion

Fall on is used with these nouns as the object:

Fallopian

Fallopianadj.

Fallopian is used with these nouns:

tube

fall out

fall outphr verb

Fall out is used with these nouns as the subject:

filling, tooth

fallout

falloutnoun

Fallout is used before these nouns:

shelter

fall out of

fall out ofphr verb

Fall out of is used with these nouns as the object:

fashion, favour, love

fall over

fall overphr verb

Fall over is used with these nouns as the subject:

chair, silence

fallow

fallowadj.

Fallow is used with these nouns:

fall through

fall throughphr verb

Fall through is used with these nouns as the subject:

arrangement, deal, plan, sale

fall to

fall tophr verb

Fall to is used with these nouns as the subject:

duty, responsibility, task

Fall to is used with these nouns as the object:

bottom, floor, ground, knee, low

fall under

fall underphr verb

Fall under is used with these nouns as the object:

domination, heading, influence, spell, suspicion, train

false

falseadj.

adj.1 not true, genuine or real2 not showing your true feelings1 not true, genuine or realVERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, look, prove, soundADVERBabsolutely, completely, entirely, quite, totally, utterlyThe gossip about her later proved to be entirely false.simplyThis claim is simply false.certainlyblatantly, clearly, demonstrably, obviously, patentlyTheir claim was patently false.knowinglyThe law can punish knowingly false statements.PHRASEStrue or falseLagos is the capital of Nigeria. True or false?

2 not showing your true feelingsVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, ring, soundElla's enthusiasm rang false.ADVERBveryslightlyHelen's voice sounded slightly false.

False is used with these nouns:

accusation, address, alarm, alibi, allegation, analogy, arrest, assertion, assumption, beard, belief, bottom, bravado, ceiling, charge, claim, conclusion, confession, confidence, consciousness, dawn, distinction, doctrine, document, economy, evidence, expectation, eyelash, front, god, hope, idea, identity, idol, illusion, image, impression, imprisonment, information, innocence, interpretation, invoice, lead, memory, modesty, moustache, move, nail, name, nose, note, notion, optimism, passport, perception, picture, prediction, presumption, pretext, promise, prophecy, prophet, reading, reassurance, religion, report, representation, rumour, sincerity, start, statement, step, story, suspicion, testimony, tooth, trail

falsely falsetto

falsettonoun

Falsetto is used before these nouns:

Falter is used with these nouns as the subject:

falter

falterverb

verbADVERB | VERB + falterADVERBslightlyneverHis courage never faltered.momentarilybadlyThe team's performance faltered badly after the break.VERB + falterbegin toThe economy is beginning to falter.

economy, smile, strength, voice

faltering

falteringadj.

Faltering is used with these nouns:

economy, step

fame

famenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + fame | fame + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsiderable, greatthe years of his greatest famelocalnationalinternational, world, worldwideShe gained international fame as a dancer.lastingfleeting, momentary, temporaryinstant, suddennew-foundposthumousLargely unknown in his lifetime, Mendel's discoveries earned him posthumous fame.VERB + fameenjoyHe was enjoying his new-found fame.achieve, come to, find, gain, rise to, shoot to, winShe found fame on the stage.He shot to fame in 1997 when he won the US Open.bring sb, earn sbHIs adventure brought him both fame and notoriety.seekfame + VERBrest on sthHer fame rests on a single book.come to sba man to whom fame came very lategrow, spreadThe restaurant's fame spread quickly.PHRASESat the height of sb/sth's fameIn 1934, when at the height of his fame, he disappeared.sb/sth's biggest, chief, greatest, main, etc. claim to fameThe town's main claim to fame is being the home of one of the strangest buildings in the world.fame and fortuneAfter this concert she was firmly on the road to fame and fortune.a/sb's rise to fame

famed

famedadj.

Famed is used with these nouns:

attorney, photographer

familial

familialadj.

Familial is used with these nouns:

Familiar is used with these nouns:

familiar

familiaradj.

adj.1 well-known2 familiar with sth having a good knowledge of sth1 well-knownVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, look, seem, smell, soundThe place felt faintly familiar to me.becomemake sthADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.awfullyHis face looked awfully familiar.entirelyincreasinglyfaintly, reasonably, vaguelyenoughThe report's conclusions were already familiar enough to the government.alreadyimmediately, instantlyHis face was instantly familiar, even after all those years.somehowa name that was somehow familiarcuriously, eerily, oddly, strangelyHer face looked strangely familiar.comfortinglyThe kitchen smelled warm and inviting and comfortingly familiar.all too, depressingly, hauntingly (esp. AmE), horribly (esp. BrE), painfully, sickeninglya situation which has become all too familiar to most teachersPREPOSITIONtoThe name sounded vaguely familiar to her.

2 familiar with sth having a good knowledge of sthVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seembecome, get, growI was now getting much more familiar with the local area.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.intimatelycompletely, fully, thoroughlyYou will need to be thoroughly familiar with our procedures.overlyI'm not overly familiar with these issues.increasinglyreasonablyremotelyAnyone even remotely familiar with Germany knows that beer plays a significant role in its culture.already

ache, complaint, dilemma, example, face, feeling, figure, ground, image, landmark, melody, name, object, odour, pang, pattern, phrase, refrain, routine, scenario, scene, scent, sensation, shape, sight, smell, sound, story, surroundings, tale, terrain, territory, theme, tune, turf, voice

familiarity

familiaritynoun

noun1 knowing sb/sth well2 friendly informal manner1 knowing sb/sth wellADJECTIVE | VERB + familiarity | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreater, intimatebasic, passing (esp. AmE)VERB + familiarityhaveI had only a basic familiarity with computers.acquire, gainOver the years, he gained greater familiarity with the culture and way of life in the country.assumeThe article assumes a basic familiarity with the main issues.require60–70% of jobs now require some familiarity with IT.PREPOSITIONfamiliarity withher detailed familiarity with her subjectPHRASESa lack of familiarity

2 friendly informal mannerADJECTIVEADJECTIVEcomfortable (esp. AmE), easyHe treated her with the easy familiarity of an equal.

family

familynoun

noun1 group of people related to each other2 children1 group of people related to each otherADJECTIVE | VERB + family | family + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, largeentire, wholea summer movie for the whole familyclose, close-knitWe are a very close-knit family and support each other through any crises.happy, loving, supportivedysfunctionalThe movie is a portrait of a dysfunctional family.nuclear, traditionalthe nuclear family of parents and childrenaverageimmediateWe've only told the immediate family (= the closest relations).extendedIt was difficult to maintain contact with members of his extended family.lone-parent (BrE), one-parent, single-parentthe difficulties faced by one-parent familiestwo-parentadoptiveThey help find emotionally damaged children placements with adoptive families.realpatriarchalmilitaryShe grew up in a military family.workingmiddle-class, working-class, etc.low-income, middle-incomeoldaristocratic, imperial, noble, royalpowerful, prominentaffluent, landowning, rich, wealthy, well-to-dopoortax incentives for low-income familieshomelessbereaveda helpline set up to counsel bereaved familieshumanthe rights of all members of the human familyVERB + familybelong to, be one of, be part of, come fromHe belonged to an aristocratic family.We all knew her so well that we felt she was almost part of the family.Many of our students come from poor families.marry intoShe married into a wealthy family.run ina medical condition which runs in the familybe inThis painting has been in our family for generations.family + NOUNbackground, historyDo you know anything about her family background?a family history of heart diseasetraditionIn 1941 he carried on the family tradition and enlisted in the army.connections, relationships, tiesThey prefer to stay in their home country because of family ties.group, memberfriendlifebusinesshomecommitmentsThe job wouldn't really fit in with my family commitments.incomedoctor (esp. BrE), physician (AmE)holiday (BrE), vacation (AmE)feudheirloommottoname (= surname)planningPREPOSITIONin a/the familyThese problems occur in all families.within a/the familyissues which create conflict within the familyPHRASESfamily and friendsThe support of family and friends is vital.a member of a family

2 childrenADJECTIVE | VERB + family | family + NOUNADJECTIVElarge, smallyoungparents with young familiesVERB + familyhaveI always wanted to have a large family.startThey got married last year and plan to start a family (= have children) soon.bring up, raiseIt's a struggle to bring up a family on a low income.feed, supportIt is difficult for them to earn enough to feed their families.family + NOUNsizeAverage family size has decreased since the 19th century.mana good family man, completely devoted to his wife and kids

family-friendly

family-friendlyadj.

Family-friendly is used with these nouns:

family-owned

family-ownedadj.

Family-owned is used with these nouns:

business, company

family planning

family planningnoun

Family planning is used before these nouns:

family-run

family-runadj.

Family-run is used with these nouns:

Famous is used with these nouns:

famine

faminenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + famine | famine + VERB | famine + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdevastating, great, severe, terriblewidespreadman-madeVERB + famineface, sufferFour million people are now facing famine.countries that regularly suffer faminessurvivecausepreventfamine + VERBstrikeWhen famine strikes, it is often women and children who suffer the most.famine + NOUNreliefvictimPREPOSITIONduring a/the famineThousands of people died during the terrible famine of that year.PHRASESa threat of famine

famous

famousadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbebecomemake sb/sthThe school was made famous by its association with Charles Dickens.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.equallyinternationally (also world-famous)internationally famous rock starslocallyjustly, rightlyThe city is justly famous for its nightclubs.PREPOSITIONasHe was famous as both a teacher and a scientist.forThe town became famous for its lace.PHRASESrich and famousOne day I'll be rich and famous, you'll see!

actor, actress, architect, artist, author, battle, book, brand, celebrity, collection, composer, conductor, designer, example, experiment, exponent, face, father, figure, footballer, incident, inscription, landmark, maxim, monument, museum, musician, name, novel, novelist, painter, painting, passage, people, person, personality, philosopher, photograph, photographer, phrase, physicist, poem, poet, preacher, quotation, quote, remark, saying, scholar, scientist, sculptor, sight, singer, slogan, song, sportsman, sportswoman, tenor, victory, warrior, win, word, writer

famously

famouslyadv.

Famously is used with these verbs:

declare, observe, remark

fan

fannounverb

I. noun1 enjoys watching/listening to sb/sth very much2 machine that creates a current of air1 enjoys watching/listening to sb/sth very muchADJECTIVE | VERB + fan | fan + VERB | fan + NOUNADJECTIVEadoring, ardent, avid, big, dedicated, devoted, great, huge, keen (esp. BrE), loyal, number-one, real, trueI'm a big fan of Italian food.one of the team's biggest fansThe singer says her dad is her number one fan.lifelong, long-timediehard, hard-coreOnly diehard Tolkien fans will enjoy this book.obsessive, rabid (humorous, esp. AmE)a film that millions of rabid fans have waited years to seeThe actress is asking the court to protect her from an obsessive fan.casual (esp. AmE)armchair (BrE)For armchair fans back home, it was one of the highlights of the Olympics.baseball, basketball, cricket, football, racing, rugby, soccer, sports, etc.jazz, music, rock, etc.film (esp. BrE), movie (esp. AmE)home (esp. BrE)The goal was greeted by jubilation from the home fans.away (BrE), travelling (BrE), visiting (esp. BrE)opposing, opposition (BrE), rival (esp. BrE)There were clashes between opposing fans after the game.VERB + fanbe, becomeI'm a big fan of her music.delight, please, satisfyThe big band sound of Syd Lawrence and his Orchestra will delight fans.attractalienatedisappoint, let downFans will not be disappointed.fan + VERBflock, gather, turn out, turn upTennis fans flocked to Wimbledon.More than 40 000 fans turned up for the 12-hour event.pack sth, pack into sthOver 120 000 fans packed into the stadium.line up (esp. AmE), queue (BrE), queue up (BrE), waitwatch sthapplaud (sb/sth), boo (sb/sth), chant sth, cheer (sb/sth)Over 25 000 fans applauded both teams off the field.clamour/clamor (for sth)Hundreds of fans clamoured/clamored to catch a glimpse of the star.fan + NOUNclub, site, websiteletter, mailfictionI have a piece of fan fiction on their website.baseThe show has an extensive and loyal fan base.

2 machine that creates a current of airADJECTIVE | fan + VERB | fan + NOUNADJECTIVEelectriccoolingextractorceiling, overheadfan + VERBblowa fan blowing cold airfan + NOUNbelt, blade, heater (esp. BrE)

II. verb

Fan is used with these nouns as the object:

fire, flame

fanatic

fanaticnoun

noun1 (informal) person who is enthusiastic about sth2 person with extreme views1 (informal) person who is enthusiastic about sthADJECTIVEADJECTIVEbaseball, cricket, football, sports, etc.He's a real football fanatic.fitness, keep-fit (BrE)self-confessed (esp. BrE)a self-confessed football fanatic

2 person with extreme viewsADJECTIVE | fanatic + VERBADJECTIVEreligiousright-wingcrazed, murderousfanatic + VERBattack, kill, murder

fanatical

fanaticaladj.

Fanatical is used with these nouns:

devotion, following, supporter

fancied

fanciedadj.

Fancied is used with these nouns:

horse, runner

fancier

fanciernoun

Fancier is used after these nouns:

pigeon

fanciful

fancifuladj.

Fanciful is used with these nouns:

fancy fancy dress

fancy dressnoun

noun (BrE)See also costumeVERB + fancy dress | FANCY-DRESS + NOUN | PREPOSITIONVERB + fancy dressdon, wearSeveral of the managers donned fancy dress for the office party.FANCY-DRESS + NOUNball, partyWe've been invited to a fancy-dress party.costumeshopPREPOSITIONin fancy dressMany of the marathon runners compete in fancy dress.

fanfare

fanfarenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + fanfare | fanfare + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreat (often figurative)The new building was opened with great fanfare in January 1895.little (figurative)The movie was released with little fanfare in 2006.trumpetVERB + fanfaregive, play, soundfanfare + VERBsurround sth (figurative)It was a bold law but there was a distinct lack of fanfare surrounding its passage.PHRASESa fanfare of trumpets

fang

fangnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + fangADJECTIVElongsharpwhiteVERB + fangbare, reveal, showThe wolf growled and bared its sharp fangs.sinkThe snake sank its fangs into its victim.

fanny

fannynoun

Fanny is used before these nouns:

pack

fantastic

fantasticadj.

adj.1 very good2 strange1 very goodVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, look, smell, sound, tasteI felt fantastic after my swim.This cake tastes fantastic.ADVERBreally, truly, utterlyWe had really fantastic weather in Rio.absolutely, just, pretty, quiteThe sense of freedom was absolutely fantastic.

2 strangeVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, look, seem, soundADVERBratherIt may sound rather fantastic, but it's the truth.

Fantastic is used with these nouns:

beast, finish, job, journey, news, scenery, story, tale, trip, turnout

fantasy

fantasynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + fantasy | fantasy + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEmere, pure, sheer, totalMost of what they told us was pure fantasy.ultimatethe ultimate human fantasy: being able to flyutopianwildShe dismissed the idea as a wild fantasy.escapistparanoidviolentrevengeShe was seething with anger and filled with revenge fantasies.personal, private, secretchildhood, childishadolescenterotic, romantic, sexualmaleVERB + fantasyenjoy, entertain, have, indulge inShe didn't entertain silly fantasies about love at first sight.They indulge in teenage fantasies about being the greatest rock band in the worldbuild, create, weaveShe had woven a whole fantasy about living near the coast.feed, feed off, fuelact outChildren can act out their fantasies in a secure environment.fulfil/fulfill, indulge, live, live out, play out, satisfyMy childhood fantasies were finally fulfilled.He was willing to indulge her wildest fantasies.He was able to play out his fantasy of rock stardom.fantasy + NOUNlifeland, realm, worldYou're living in a fantasy world.figurechildren that project their own identities onto fantasy figuresadventure, book, film, game, genre, movie, novel, story, writerbaseball, basketball, football, sports (esp. AmE)league, teamPREPOSITIONfantasy aboutShe had a fantasy about going to live on a South Pacific island.fantasy ofadolescent fantasies of power, glory and recognitionPHRASESthe realm of fantasy (esp. AmE), the realms of fantasy (BrE)The idea belonged in the realms of fantasy.a world of fantasyShe felt she had entered a world of fantasy.

FAQ

FAQnoun

FAQ is used before these nouns:

Far is used with these nouns:

far

faradj.adv.

I. adj.

bank, corner, country, distance, edge, end, future, hill, horizon, left, post, reach, recess, right, shore, side, wall

II. adv.

Far is used with these adjectives:

advanced, better, different, distant, preferable, superior, worse

Far is used with these verbs:

exceed, outnumber, outweigh, penetrate, stray, stretch, surpass, travel, venture, wander

far and wide

far and wideadv.

Far and wide is used with these verbs:

spread, travel

faraway

farawayadj.

Faraway is used with these nouns:

country, land, look, place

farce

farcenoun

noun ridiculous situationADJECTIVE | VERB + farceADJECTIVEcomplete, totalThe whole procedure has become a complete farce.VERB + farcebecome, degenerate into, end in, turn intoThe debate degenerated into farce when opposing speakers started shouting at each other.

fare

farenounverb

I. noun1 money paid to travel by bus, taxi, etc.2 passenger in a taxi3 food; material for listening to, reading, etc.1 money paid to travel by bus, taxi, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + fare | fare + VERB | fare + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEexpensive, highcheap, lowadult (esp. BrE), full, normal, standard (BrE)child's (esp. BrE), concessionary (BrE), discounted, half (esp. BrE), reducedlast-minute, sale, walk-up (all AmE)one-way (esp. AmE), single (BrE)return (BrE), round-trip (AmE)first-class, second-classcoach (= cheapest seats on a plane) (AmE)air, bus, cab, coach (= bus) (BrE), ferry (esp. BrE), rail (esp. BrE), subway (AmE), taxi, train, tube (BrE)VERB + farepayI'm afraid you will have to pay the full fare.chargeBuses charged a standard fare of about 20 pence per mile.increase, put up (BrE), raisecut, lower, reduce, slashair fares slashed by a massive 30%introduce, offerThe airline has introduced a cheap fare to New York.dodge (BrE)They caught him trying to dodge bus fares.fare + VERBcost (sb) sthThe fare will cost you less if you travel midweek.start at sth, start from sthLast-minute fares start at $219 each way.range from sth to sthRound-trip fares range from $118 to $258.go up, increase, risefare + NOUNhike (esp. AmE), increase, rise (BrE)structurea simplified fare structurePREPOSITIONat … fareChildren travel at half fare. (esp. BrE)PHRASESan increase in fares, a rise in fares (esp. BrE)a reduction in faresThe company promised reductions in fares.

2 passenger in a taxiVERB + fareVERB + farepick upThe taxi driver picked up a fare outside the opera house.

3 food; material for listening to, reading, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + fareADJECTIVEgourmet, richplain, simplehearty, light (esp. AmE)healthy, wholesome (esp. BrE)localvegetarianEnglish, Italian, Mexican, etc.Christmasaverage, daily, normal, regular (esp. AmE), standard, staple, traditional, typical, usualTrials involving celebrities are the daily fare of newspapers.The band's music was standard rock fare.familyThis movie is perfect family fare.television, TVVERB + fareoffer, servea restaurant serving traditional Scottish faresampletourists seeing the sights and sampling the local Mexican fare

II. verbADVERBADVERBbadly, poorly, wellShe should fare better in this competition.This movie fared poorly at the British box office.He fared well against his main rival.

farewell

farewellnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + farewell | farewell + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfondemotional, tearfulsadsilentI said a silent farewell to my home as I left for the city.final, lastVERB + farewellbid sb/sth, say, wish sbWe bade them a final farewell.waveI waved farewell to my friends from the deck of the ship.makeThe families made their farewells to each other.give sbThe team was given an emotional farewell by a crowd of 500 000.exchangeThey exchanged fond farewells at the station.beIs this farewell or will we see each other again?farewell + NOUNappearanceThis famous warplane is about to make its farewell appearance.address, speechceremony, concert, performance, tourthe band's farewell tourdinner, partygift, presentletter, notea farewell letter to my familykissLet me give her a farewell kiss.PREPOSITIONin farewellHe raised his hand in farewell.farewell toShe was sorry to bid farewell to Portugal.

far-fetched

far-fetchedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seem, soundADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.The whole story was extremely far-fetched.a little, slightly, etc.

far-flung

far-flungadj.

Far-flung is used with these nouns:

corner, empire, region

farm

farmnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + farm | farm + VERB | farm + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, largelittle, small100-acre, 200-hectare, etc.local, nearby, neighbouring/neighboring, surroundingisolated, outlying, remotehill (BrE)family, homeconventional, traditionalprivatecollective, cooperativecommercial, corporate (AmE)statefactory, industrial (esp. AmE), intensive (esp. BrE)experimental, research (esp. AmE)modelTen model farms have been set up to showcase modern production methods.workingThe area combines a working farm and a farming museum.organicarable (BrE), livestock, mixedbreeding (esp. AmE), horse (esp. AmE), stud (esp. BrE)chicken, coffee (esp. AmE), dairy, fish, fruit, hog (AmE), pig, poultry, sheep, shrimp (esp. AmE), tree (esp. AmE), trout, turkey, etc.truck (AmE)windcontroversial plans to build a wind farm on the islandVERB + farmhave, ownmanage, operate, runwork, work at, work onDuring the war, few men were left to work the farm.The children had to work on the family farm.build, establish, set up, startlive onbe raised on (esp. AmE), be reared onI was raised on a country farm.The pigs are raised on factory farms. (esp. AmE)inheritvisitfarm + VERBbe located, lieThe farm lies on the hills above the lake.grow sth, produce stha farm growing tobaccoa dairy farm producing gourmet cheesesoperateThe 80-acre farm now operates around the clock.farm + NOUNproduce, productFarm produce, including fruit and corn, was their principal export.farm products such as eggs and vegetablesanimallabourer/laborer, workerlabour/laborchore (esp. AmE), workI helped him with his farm chores.manager, ownermanagementfield (esp. AmE), land (usually farmland)buildingequipment, implements, machinery, tractorpolicy (esp. AmE)billRepublicans hope to pass the farm bill in the current fiscal year.program (AmE)the US farm program for wheatsubsidiesThe EU has decided to cut farm subsidies.exports, production (both esp. AmE)We anticipate our overall farm production next year to be lower.incomeFarm incomes rose 11% last year.economy (AmE), sector (esp. AmE)The farm economy was stable.Today, the farm sector employs about 3% of our workforce.lifevillage and farm lifeboy, girl, kid (informal, esp. AmE)family, household (both esp. AmE)a poor farm familycottage (BrE), house (usually farmhouse)shop (BrE), stand (AmE), store (AmE)The farmer's wife runs the farm shop.Bo was working the farm stand.supply store (AmE)Local farm supply stores are expected to lose business.community, country, state, town (all AmE)the rolling farm country of central Kentuckyan Illinois farm townbelt (AmE)the Kansas farm beltroad, track (esp. BrE)PREPOSITIONat a/the farmThe police are investigating a fire at a nearby farm.down on the farmThe myth of happy animals down on the farm is now far from the truth.on a/the farmHe had lived on that farm all his life.

II. verbADVERBADVERBheavily, intensivelyThe land has been intensively farmed.organicallyThey farm organically now.

Farm is used with these nouns as the object:

fish, land, salmon, sheep

farmed

farmedadj.

Farmed is used with these nouns:

fish, salmon, trout

farmer

farmernoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEbig, large, large-scalesmall, small-scalea new plan to help the small farmerpeasant, tenantpoor, subsistenceSettlers were primarily subsistence farmers.rich, successful, wealthygentleman, yeomanJefferson's ideal of a nation of yeoman farmersfamily (esp. AmE)independentcommercialhill (BrE)rurallocal, neighbouring/neighboringorganicconventionalA lot of conventional farmers have converted to organic.arable (BrE), grain (AmE)livestockdairycattle, chicken, fish, hog (AmE), pig, poultry, sheep, etc.coffee, corn, cotton, peanut, potato, rice, soya bean (BrE), soybean (AmE), tobacco, wheat, etc.truck (AmE)

farming

farmingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + farming | farming + NOUNADJECTIVEsmall-scaleThey lived by fishing and by basic small-scale farming.familythe decline of traditional family farmingsubsistencehill (BrE)conventional, traditionalmoderncommercial, corporate (AmE)battery (BrE), factory, industrial (esp. AmE), intensiveorganic, sustainablearable (BrE), livestock, mixeddairyfish, poultry, sheep, etc.VERB + farmingbe engaged in, work infarming + NOUNcommunityindustry, sectorbusiness, operation (esp. AmE)a farming operation where sheep are raisedmethod, practice, system, techniquelandarea, town, villagefamily

farmland

farmlandnoun

Farmland is used before these nouns:

preservation

farm-raised

farm-raisedadj.

Farm-raised is used with these nouns:

salmon

farmyard

farmyardnoun

Farmyard is used before these nouns:

manure

far-off

far-offadj.

Far-off is used with these nouns:

far-reaching

far-reachingadj.

Far-reaching is used with these nouns:

change, consequence, effect, impact, implication, influence, recommendation, reform

farther

fartheradj.adv.

I. adj.

Farther is used with these nouns:

shore

II. adv.

Farther is used with these verbs:

venture, wander

farthest

farthestadj.

Farthest is used with these nouns:

Fascinating is used with these nouns:

fascinating

fascinatingadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, look, prove, soundHis testimony in court could prove fascinating.becomeseemIt just seemed really fascinating to me.make sthfind sthADVERBdeeply, especially, incredibly, most (esp. BrE), particularly, really, terribly (esp. BrE), truly, verya most fascinating book‘This is all very fascinating,’ said Wilcox,‘but I have a meeting in five minutes.’absolutely, quite, utterlypretty, ratherI find him rather fascinating.endlesslyI find the natural world endlessly fascinating.oddly, strangelyequallyRenoir's later life is equally fascinating.PREPOSITIONtoWhat was fascinating to me was the way the creatures moved.

account, array, article, aspect, book, collection, conversation, country, detail, discovery, discussion, example, exercise, glimpse, history, insight, lecture, material, mix, mixture, museum, phenomenon, read, reading, story, subject, tale, variety, work

fascination

fascinationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + fascination | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeep, greatparticular, peculiar, specialcertainThese two artists share a certain fascination with the female body.growingcontinuing, endless, enduring, lifelong, long-standing, ongoing, perennialcurrentour current fascination with nationalismhorrifiedI watched in horrified fascination.morbid, strange, unhealthya morbid fascination with deathpublicthe public fascination with crimeVERB + fascinationhave, holdThe sea holds a fascination for all children.develop, feel, find, haveHe had a deep fascination with all types of train.exertThese exotic plants exert a fascination all of their own.shareShe shared his fascination for motorcycles.PREPOSITIONin fascination, with fascinationShe watched in fascination as the cat pounced on the mouse.He looked on in horrified fascination as the ship drew nearer to the rocks.fascination forShe developed a fascination for these creatures.fascination inHe found great fascination in her quiet, frank manner.fascination witha lifelong fascination with musicPHRASESpart of the fascinationSeeing over a thousand species of fish is part of the fascination of the reef.a source of fascination for sb, a source of fascination to sbHis letters have been a source of fascination to a wide audience.

fascist

fascistadj.

Fascist is used with these nouns:

dictatorship, movement, party, regime, salute, thug

fashion

fashionnoun

noun1 style of dressing, etc. popular at a particular time2 way you do sth1 style of dressing, etc. popular at a particular timeADJECTIVE | VERB + fashion | fashion + VERB | fashion + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcontemporary, current, latest, modern, newchanging, passingchanging fashions in educationThis theory, though recent, is more than a passing fashion.highThe store sells everything from casual clothes to high fashion.classicclassic fashions for your wardrobedesignerthe influence of Italian designer fashion on the industrypopularthe popular fashions of the dayautumn (esp. BrE), fall (AmE), spring, summer, winterThe new summer fashions have arrived.French, Italiana passion for French fashions and goodsfemale, male, street, youtharchitectural, cultural, intellectual, literaryVERB + fashionbe, be inShe wore a wig, as was the fashion of the day.Black is always in fashion.become, come intoPessimism has become the fashion.When did flares first come into fashion?fall out of, go out ofCareful spending has gone out of fashion in our consumer society.be out ofcome back intobe back inset, startHe set a fashion for large hats.follow, keep up withI've given up trying to keep up with the latest fashions.wearShe always wore the latest fashions.loveShe loves fashion and make-up.fashion + VERBchangeThe book traces how fashions have changed over the years.fashion + NOUNstatementFlares were a fashion statement of the seventies.trendthe latest fashion trendmodelShe started her career as a fashion model.showshootphotographers at fashion shootsmagazineplate (esp. AmE), spreadShe looked like a fashion plate.a magazine fashion spreadscenefresh interest in the New York fashion scenecapitalParis, the world's fashion capitalrunway (AmE)the fashion runways of Italy and Francebusiness, industry, market, trade, worldHer summer collection took the fashion world by storm.brand, company, house, label, lineone of the most successful fashion houses in MilanI've started my own fashion line.retailer, shop (BrE), storedesign, photographydesigner, director, editor, photographer, stylist, writerconsultant, expert, guru, maven (AmE)the world's top fashion expertsiconShe was respected as a fashion icon.senseShe had no fashion sense whatsoever.advice, tipI need your expert fashion advice.accessory, itemvictimthis season's must-have accessories that no fashion victim will be seen withoutdisasterWhat were your worst fashion disasters?police (humorous)Somebody call the fashion police, please!PREPOSITIONafter the fashion ofShe spoke in French after (= copying) the fashion of the court.fashion forthe fashion for long dressesfashion inFashions in art come and go.PHRASESchanges in fashionthe fashion of the daythe height of fashionThe palazzo represents the height of architectural fashion for the mid-17th century.the world of fashionhousehold names in the world of fashion and design

2 way you do sthADJECTIVE | VERB + fashion | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEtrue … He insisted the meeting be held, in true spy novel fashion, in the open air.normal, standard, usualApplication for the course can be made in the normal fashion.conventional, time-honoured/time-honored, traditionalThey celebrated their win in traditional fashion by spraying champagne everywhere.properAddress me in a proper fashion.characteristic, classic, typicalHe delivered his speech in classic fashion.We had just gone out when, in typical fashion, the rain came down.identical, same, similarEach chapter is structured in a similar fashion.differentLight and sound are recorded in such different fashions.limitedHe has a small vocabulary and is only able to express himself in a limited fashion.negative, positivewhen people confront you in a negative fashionno uncertain (esp. BrE)Karpov struck back in no uncertain fashion to win the seventh game.meaningfulbest (often ironic), exemplary, fine, impressive‘Like hell they are!’ he replies in best John Wayne fashion.She has corrected that oversight in fine fashion.appropriatecavaliercoherent, consistent, controlled, orderly, organized, regular, systematicWe need to tackle this problem in a coordinated fashion.ad hoc, desultory, haphazard, piecemeal, random, roundaboutarbitrarydirect, honest, straightforwardHe asked questions in a direct fashionseriousShe writes in a serious fashion about the futuredeliberateThey act in a purposeful and deliberate fashion.leisurely, relaxedShe was strolling in a leisurely fashion in the opposite direction.logical, predictableconvincingShe laid out her argument in a convincing fashion.circular, linearThe story moves in circular fashion.Costs and revenues are assumed to behave in a linear fashion.timelyI strive to get my work done in a timely fashion.dramatic, spectaculargrandslowly descending the stairs in a grand fashionbizarre, curious, odd, peculiar, strangemysteriousfriendlyentertainingHe presents it in an entertaining fashion.businesslikedemocraticVERB + fashionact in, behave inproceed inPlease proceed in an orderly fashion to the promenade deck.The convention proceeded in the normal fashion.PREPOSITIONafter a fashionSo they became friends, after a fashion (= to some extent).in a fashionWhy are they behaving in such a ridiculous fashion?The troops embarked in an orderly fashion.

fashionable

fashionableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, lookbecomeremainmake sthconsider sthADVERBextremely, highly, veryFurnishings of this sort are now highly fashionable.increasinglyquite, rathercurrentlynewlysuddenlya young and suddenly fashionable actorno longerPREPOSITIONamongThese cars are no longer fashionable among the young.

Fashionable is used with these nouns:

accessory, clientele, clothes, resort, shoe

fashionably

fashionablyadv.

Fashionably is used with these adjectives:

late

Fashionably is used with these verbs:

Fast is used with these nouns:

fast

fastnounadj.adv.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + fastADJECTIVElongVERB + fastgo on, keep, observeAll members of the religious community keep these fasts.breakIn the evening the people break their fast.

II. adj., adv.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemHer pulse seemed very fast.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.I suppose delivery in two days is pretty fast, really.I should make a very fast profit on these.awfully, exceptionally, particularly, remarkably, surprisinglyreasonably, relativelya little, slightly, etc.amazingly, blazingly, blindingly, impossibly, incredibly, unbelievably, unusuallyHe came around the corner blindingly fast.dangerously

acceleration, access, bowler, bowling, car, computer, current, dance, delivery, descent, exit, film, food, friend, gallop, growth, horse, lane, lap, learner, link, modem, pace, passage, progress, pulse, rate, reaction, reactor, reader, recovery, reflex, relief, return, rhythm, road, route, runner, service, speed, stretch, stroke, tempo, time, track, traffic, train, trot, turnover, typist, walk, worker

III. adv.

Fast is used with these adjectives:

asleep, stuck

Fast is used with these verbs:

approach, beat, breathe, change, decline, drive, drop, dwindle, expand, fade, fill, flow, fly, grow, pedal, progress, recede, recover, ride, rise, run, shrink, sink, spin, spread, think, travel, update, walk

fast-breeder

fast-breedernoun

Fast-breeder is used before these nouns:

fast-changing

fast-changingadj.

Fast-changing is used with these nouns:

Fasten is used with these nouns as the object:

fasten

fastenverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBfirmly, properly, securely, tightlyWe fastened all the windows securely.uptogetherShe fastened the papers together with a paper clip.PREPOSITIONtoShe fastened the rope to a tree.

belt, buckle, button, clip, harness, noose, seat belt, strap, suitcase

fastener

fastenernoun

Fastener is used after these nouns:

zip

fasten on

fasten onphr verb

Fasten on is used with these nouns as the subject:

fast-flowing

fast-flowingadj.

Fast-flowing is used with these nouns:

current, river, stream, traffic

fast food

fast foodnoun

Fast food is used before these nouns:

chain, franchise, joint, outlet, restaurant

fast-forward

fast-forwardverbadj.

I. verb

Fast-forward is used with these nouns as the object:

cassette, tape, video

II. adj.

Fast-forward is used with these nouns:

fast-growing

fast-growingadj.

Fast-growing is used with these nouns:

shrub

fast-moving

fast-movingadj.

Fast-moving is used with these nouns:

fastness

fastnessnoun

Fastness is used after these nouns:

fast-paced

fast-pacedadj.

Fast-paced is used with these nouns:

Fat is used with these nouns:

fat

fatnounadj.

I. noun1 substance directly under your skin2 in your diet/used in cooking1 substance directly under your skinADJECTIVE | VERB + fat | fat + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEexcess, extra, storedAre you carrying extra fat around your middle?bodybaby (AmE), puppy (BrE)He had lost all his baby fat/puppy fat.VERB + fatgain, put onIf you eat too much you will put on fat.go to, run toShe was middle-aged and running to fat.burn, burn off, lose, shedExercise helps you burn off excess fat.storethe amount of fat stored in the bodybreak downClaims that anti-cellulite creams can break down fat are controversial.fat + VERBaccumulateThe waistline is usually the first area where fat accumulates.PHRASESnot an ounce of fatHis body was all muscle, with not an ounce of fat.a roll of fatHe had great rolls of fat around his middle.

2 in your diet/used in cookingADJECTIVE | VERB + fat | fat + VERB | fat + NOUNADJECTIVEdietaryadded, excess, extrareduceda reduced-fat diethighvisibletotalEat a diet low in total fat.healthful (AmE), healthy, unhealthythe best wholefood sources of healthy fatsCut down drastically on unhealthy fats.animal, vegetablehydrogenated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, saturated, trans, unsaturatedmargarines that contain polyunsaturated fatscookingbacon, beef, duck, pork, etc.renderedrendered bacon fathotPut the chicken in hot fat and braise thoroughly.VERB + fatcontain, haveThis cheese has a lot of fat in it.be high in fat, be low in fatIce cream is high in fat and sugar.consume, eatThe amount of fat you eat can affect the health of your heart.cut down on, reduceIt's easy to cut down on fat without changing your diet too much.Reduce saturated fats in your diet.avoid, cut out, eliminateAvoid excess saturated fats as found in meat, poultry, and eggs.She has cut out fat altogether in an effort to lose weight.cut, remove, trimTrim any visible fat off the meat before cooking.drain, drain off, pour off, skim offRemove the turkey from the pan and drain off the excess fat.addAdd the remaining duck fat and chicken stock and bring to a boil.fat + VERBcontain sthFats contain more calories than carbohydrates.fat + NOUNintakethe relationship between fat intake and cholesterol levelscontentDespite its very low fat content, it is deliciously creamy.

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, feel, lookbecome, get, growmake sbTry to cut out the foods that are making you fat.call sbAre you calling me fat?ADVERBenormously, hugely, immensely, really, veryquite, ratherPHRASESbig fatI was sitting next to a big fat man.a big fat envelope stuffed with money

belly, body, cat, cheque, cigar, contract, envelope, face, fee, finger, gain, kid, leg, lip, man, margin, pig, profit, stomach, thigh, tummy, tyre, wallet

fatal

fataladj.

adj.1 causing death2 causing serious trouble1 causing deathVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, proveADVERBnearly (esp. AmE)He has not driven since his nearly fatal accident earlier this year.(near-fatal in BrE)always, invariablyoften, sometimes, usuallyrarelypossibly, potentially

a possibly fatal setback to his plansThe disease is potentially fatal.PREPOSITIONforThis kind of accident is almost always fatal for the pilot.toa chemical which is invariably fatal to small mammals

2 causing serious troubleVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, proveADVERBabsolutelyultimatelyHer disregard of this advice was ultimately fatal.PREPOSITIONtoTax increases have proved fatal to the nation's business community.

Fatal is used with these nouns:

accident, attack, attraction, blow, complication, consequence, crash, disease, dose, error, flaw, haemorrhage, heart attack, illness, incident, injury, mishap, mistake, outcome, overdose, poisoning, shot, side effect, smash, sting, stroke, weakness, wound

fatal accident

fatal accidentnoun

Fatal accident is used before these nouns:

enquiry

fatality

fatalitynoun

Fatality is used before these nouns:

Fatality is used after these nouns:

road, traffic

fatally

fatallyadv.

Fatally is used with these adjectives:

flawed, ill, injured

Fatally is used with these verbs:

compromise, maul, shoot, stab, undermine, weaken, wound

fate

fatenoun

noun1 sb/sth's future2 power controlling everything1 sb/sth's futureADJECTIVE | VERB + fate | fate + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEawful, grim, horrible, terriblecruel, unhappyWhat an unfortunate fate the gods had condemned her to.sad, tragicbetter, worseJackson deserves a better fate than this.They decided to kill themselves rather than suffer a worse fate at the hands of their enemy.common, usuallikelyUnder-representation is the likely fate of small parties.eventual, final, ultimateinevitablethe almost inevitable fate awaiting gorillas and tigersuncertain, unknownShe faces an uncertain fate.The ultimate fate of the captured troops is unknown.the same, similarShe broke her ankle before the big game, then suffered the same fate a month later.differentHis brother met an altogether different fate.economic, politicalThey're worried about their political fate.VERB + fatefaceHe faces a grim fate if he is sent back to his own country.meet, suffer, undergoshareHe had no desire to share the fate of his executed comrades.avoid, be spared, escapeFortunately, Robert was spared this cruel fate.She managed to escape the fate of the other rebels.deserveWhat had he done to deserve such a terrible fate?accept, be resigned toThe condemned men were resigned to their fate.bemoan, curse, lamentInstead of just bemoaning your fate, why not do something to change it?contemplate, pondercontrolShe has taken steps to control her own fate.choosethe rights of a woman to choose the fate of her bodysealHe had signed his confession and sealed his own fate.decide, determineAn extraordinary general meeting to decide the company's fate will be held on Thursday.affect, alter, change, influenceWill it change the fate of the company?abandon sb/sth to, leave sb/sth toThe generals abandoned the men to their fate.rescue sb/sth from, save sb/sth fromdiscover, hear, hear of, know, know of, learn, learn ofHe will learn his fate in court tomorrow.predictthe prophet who predicts fate and can see the futureawaitThe convicts awaited their fate in prison.fate + VERBawait sb/sth, be in store for sb/sth, lie in store for sb/sthThey were warned of the dreadful fate that awaited them if ever they returned to their homes.befall sb/sthWorst of all was the fate that befell the captured rebel general.be in the balance, hang in the balanceThe fate of the African wild dog hangs in the balance (= is uncertain).be tied to sthOur fate is tied to yours.depend on sthThis team's fate depends on how it performs today.PHRASESleave your fate in sb's hands, place your fate in sb's hands, put your fate in sb's handshave sb/sth's fate in your hands, hold sb/sth's fate in your handsThe jury held the fate of the accused in their hands.a fate worse than death (often humorous)Getting married seemed a fate worse than death.sb's fate rests in sb's handsHis fate rests in the hands of the judges.

2 power controlling everythingADJECTIVE | VERB + fate | fate + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEcruelHe believed that the universe was controlled by the whims of a cruel fate.kindFate was kind to me.VERB + fatebelieve inSuch coincidences are almost enough to make one believe in fate.temptIt would be tempting fate to say that we will definitely win the game.leave sth toI have a great deal of trust and I leave everything to fate.fate + VERBdecide sth, decree sthFate decreed that she would never reach America.interveneHe secretly hoped that fate would intervene and save him having to meet her.strikeOnly weeks later fate struck again, leaving her unable to compete.deal a/its hand, deal sb a handAnne accepted the cruel hand that fate had dealt her.take a handFate took a hand in (= influenced) the outcome of the championship.have in store for sb/sth, hold in store for sb/sthLittle did she know what fate had in store for her.conspire against sbFor some reason fate conspired against them and everything they did was problematic.smile on sb, smile upon sbFate was not smiling upon her today.PHRASESan accident of fate, a turn of fate, a twist of fateIt seemed a cruel twist of fate that the composer should have died so young.let fate take its courseHe was content standing aside, letting fate take its course.the hand of fateThe new job had come at just the right time for him. Was it the hand of fate?

fateful

fatefuladj.

Fateful is used with these nouns:

day, decision, encounter, meeting, morning, night, word

fat-free

fat-freeadj.

Fat-free is used with these nouns:

cheese, dressing, milk, yogurt

father

fathernounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + father | father + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVElone (esp. BrE), singleAs a single father, he found it a struggle bringing up three children.married, unmarrieda married father of twodivorcedwidowedabsent, absentee, estrangedlong-lostRyan has gone looking for his long-lost father.biological, natural, real, trueadoptive, fostersecond, surrogateI always thought of you as a second father.Elena's brother was a surrogate father to her kids after her husband died.expectantHe paced like an expectant father.newMeet your new father.The new father took his son into his arms.doting, proudHe has just become the proud father of a baby girl.youngageing/aging, elderly, oldailing, dying, sickHe has an ailing father and two younger brothers to support.dead, deceased, lategrievingthe grieving father of two children lost at seacaring, devoted, good, great, loving, responsible, wonderfulHe is very good with children and would make a devoted father.He was a wonderful father to her.beloved, dearShe kept the books that had belonged to her beloved father.badHe was both a bad husband and a bad father.distantHe had a domineering mother and a cold, distant father.domineering, overbearing, overprotective, strictabusive, alcoholic, drunken, violentfamousHe followed the footsteps of his famous father into the film industry.doctor, engineer, immigrant, etc.Their musician father encouraged their love of music.VERB + fatherresemble, take afterThe two boys were like their mother in character, but Louise took after her father.follow, succeedShe followed her father into the legal profession.He succeeded his father as Professor of Botany.inherit sth fromShe inherited the urge to travel from her father.honour/honor, love, obey, respectTry your best to honor your father.loseI lost my father when I was nine.buryI buried my father, and mourned his death.father + NOUNfigureSome of his students regard him as a father figure.PHRASESa father of two, etc.Smith, a father of two, was arrested on charges of theft.father to sbJesse is now married and father to a young son.follow in your father's footstepsHe followed in his father's footsteps and became a motor mechanic.from father to sonThe land passes on from father to son.the death of your father, the loss of your father

II. verb

Father is used with these nouns as the object:

fatherless

fatherlessadj.

Fatherless is used with these nouns:

fatherly

fatherlyadj.

Fatherly is used with these nouns:

love, pride

fathom

fathomverb

Fathom is used with these nouns as the object:

mystery

fatigue

fatiguenounverb

I. noun1 great tiredness2 fatigues clothes worn by soldiers1 great tirednessADJECTIVE | VERB + fatigue | fatigue + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEextreme, severeswimmers who are in a state of extreme fatiguegrowingchronicconditions such as chronic fatigue, insomnia and depressiona study of chronic fatigue syndromegeneralmental, physicalmuscleCorrecting your posture prevents muscle fatigue and injury.battlesoldiers suffering from battle fatiguecompassionCompassion fatigue among donor countries means there is less money for worthy causes.drivercar accidents caused by driver fatigueVERB + fatigueexperience, feel, suffer fromTom began to feel fatigue and weakness once more.combat, fight, fight off, reduceThe right vitamins help you combat fatigue.avoid, preventsimple lifestyle strategies to prevent fatiguecausefatigue + VERBset inShe had to stop work when fatigue set in.overcome sbPREPOSITIONfrom fatigueHe was crying from cold and fatigue.with fatigueThe man was shivering with fatigue.PHRASESa feeling of fatiguesigns of fatigue

2 fatigues clothes worn by soldiersADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEarmy, battle, combat, militarycamouflagePHRASESin fatiguesoldiers in combat fatigues

II. verb

Fatigue is used with these nouns as the object:

fatigues

fatiguesnoun

Fatigues is used after these nouns:

army, combat

fat-soluble

fat-solubleadj.

Fat-soluble is used with these nouns:

vitamin

fatten

fattenverb

Fatten is used with these nouns as the object:

pig

fatty

fattyadj.

Fatty is used with these nouns:

acid, beef, deposit, fish, food, liver, meat, substance, tissue

faucet

faucetnoun

noun (AmE)See also tapADJECTIVE | VERB + faucet | faucet + VERB | faucet + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEwatercold-water, hot-waterdripping, leakyShe repaired a leaky faucet.bathtub, sinkbathroom, kitchen, outdoorbrass, chrome, etc.VERB + faucetopen, turn onShe turned the sink faucet on.turn offfix, repairinstallfaucet + VERBdrip, leakIs the faucet dripping again?faucet + NOUNhandle, spoutPREPOSITIONfrom faucetthe water from a faucetunder faucetHe stuck his head under the faucet.

fault

faultnoun

noun1 responsibility for sth wrong2 weakness in sb's character3 sth wrong or not perfect with sth4 in tennis5 geology1 responsibility for sth wrongADJECTIVE | fault + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEstupidIt's his own stupid fault his car was stolen—he should have kept it locked.entireIt was my entire fault. I ruined everything.fault + VERBlie with sbThe fault lay not with her but with her manager.PREPOSITIONat faultThe party at fault in a court case usually pays the other party's legal costs.through sb's faultMany of the soldiers died through his fault.without faultHaving made an error of judgement she was not without fault in the matter.PHRASESbe all sb's fault, be entirely sb's faultIt's all your own fault, you know.be largely sb's fault, be partly sb's faultfault on sb's part (law)the absence of fault on the part of the prosecutionthrough no fault of your ownpeople who, through no fault of their own, have lost their homes

2 weakness in sb's characterADJECTIVE | VERB + fault | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, greatHer great fault was that she thought too much of herself.My biggest fault was my laziness.moralpersonalVERB + faulthaveWe all have our faults.be blind to, overlookHe is blind to his son's faults.She was prepared to overlook his faults.point outNo one had ever pointed out my faults to my face before.accept, acknowledge, admit, admit to, realize, seeAt least he admits to his faults.I have to accept and realize my faults.PREPOSITIONfault inIncorrectness in speech was considered a great fault in a gentleman.PHRASESfor all sb's faultsFor all her faults (= in spite of her faults) she was a great woman.to a faultHe is generous to a fault (= perhaps too generous).

3 sth wrong or not perfect with sthADJECTIVE | VERB + fault | fault + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEmajor, minordangerous, seriouscommona common fault with this type of machineglaring, obviousThese are just a few of the glaring faults that ruined the movie for me.realThe only real fault of the book is its looseness of structure.possibledesign, electrical, mechanical, structural, technical (all esp. BrE)Of course, minor mechanical faults sometimes occur.VERB + faulthaveThe engine has a serious fault.developThe car soon developed another fault.look fordetect, diagnose, discover, find, identify, locateThey've found a major fault with the electrical system.When she tested the recorder she could find no fault with it.find, pick (BrE)My mother did nothing but find fault with my manners.He's deliberately picking fault with the meal to get a reduction on the bill.correct, fix, rectify (esp. BrE), repairWe're trying to correct the faults in the program.report (esp. BrE)You should report any fault directly to the phone company.fault + VERBoccurlie in sthThe fault lay in the structure of the economy.PREPOSITIONfault inDiabetes is caused by a fault in the insulin production of the body.fault withShe was always finding fault with his manners.PHRASESfor all its faultsFor all its faults (= in spite of the faults), we love this city.

4 in tennisADJECTIVE | VERB + faultADJECTIVEdoublefootVERB + faultserveEven tennis champions sometimes serve double faults.

5 geologyADJECTIVE | fault + NOUNADJECTIVEearthquake, geologicalfault + NOUNlinescarpsystem, zone

faultlessly

faultlesslyadv.

Faultlessly is used with these verbs:

perform

faulty

faultyadj.

Faulty is used with these nouns:

appliance, brake, equipment, goods, intelligence, logic, memory, reasoning, valve, wiring, workmanship

faux

fauxadj.

Faux is used with these nouns:

finish, fur

favour

favournounverb

I. (BrE) (AmE favor) noun1 sth that helps sb2 approval or support for sb/sth1 sth that helps sbADJECTIVE | VERB + favour/favorADJECTIVEbig, great, hugelittle, smallspecialpersonalAs a personal favour to me, please don't release my story to the press.lastShe had one last favour to ask her brother.political, sexualVERB + favour/favoraskI came here to ask you a big favour.expectI don't expect any favours from my friends on the tennis court.bestow, do, grant sbRodrigo accepted the favours bestowed on him by the new king.Do yourself a favour and cut your credit cards in half.owe sbI'll ask Jane. She owes me a favour.repay, returnThanks very much. I'll return the favour one day.seekneedHe needed another favour from her.get, obtainaccept, receive

2 approval or support for sb/sthADJECTIVE | VERB + favour/favor | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgood, great, high, particularTraditionally, vigilante groups have found greater favour on the political right.He stood in high favour at the court of Lewis the Pious.divine, government, political, royalIn the Christian tradition, the world exists only as an act of divine favour.publicThis did not meet with public favour.VERB + favour/favorbe in, enjoy, haveThe bishop was said to have enjoyed the king's favour.find, gain, winHer political views have not found favour in recent years.court, curry, seekWhy are we trying to court the favour of critics?He tried to curry favour with the teachers.Artists sought the favour of wealthy patrons.showAs an examiner, she showed no favour to any candidate.be out offall from, fall out of, loseThe senior officials were punished and rapidly fell from favour.This idea has long since fallen out of favour.be back in, bring sth back into, come back intoA style of art can go out of fashion and then come back into favour fifty years later.argue in, speak inShe argued in favour of this policy.speak out inNo one was willing to speak out in favour of their colleague.come down in, come out in, decide in, find in, resolve in, rule in, vote inThe committee came down in favour of setting up a national body.The court found in favour of the plaintiffs.work inEnvironmental conservation generally works in favour of maintaining the status quo.go inThe golf tournament went in the Americans' favour (= they won).PREPOSITIONin favour ofHe is strongly in favour of capital punishment.Early in his musical career he abandoned blues in favour of jazz.in sb's/sth's favourThis piece of software has two points in its favour: it's fast and inexpensive.favour amongThis argument found favour among advocates of multiculturalism.favour withShe is too popular with the public to find much favour with the critics.PHRASESan argument in sb/sth's favouran argument in favour of censorshipa bias in sb/sth's favourlook with favour on sb/sth, look with favour upon sb/sthDepth of training is looked upon with favour by many employers.without fear or favour (= in a fair way)

II. (BrE) (AmE favor) verbADVERB | VERB + favour/favor | PREPOSITIONADVERBgreatly, heavily, overwhelmingly, stronglyWe strongly favour reform of the system.especially, particularlyHaitians especially favour seafoods.clearlyincreasinglyPot plants are increasingly favoured as gifts by guests.slightlyThe polls slightly favour the Republicans.consistentlypersonallyI personally favour this last option.traditionallyVERB + favour/favorappear to, be known to, be likely to, be thought to, seem to, tend toThe prime minister is thought to favour an early referendum on the issue.continue toShe continues to favour large-scale developments.PREPOSITIONat the expense ofHe favoured some individuals at the expense of others.forThe Democrat candidate is favoured for re-election.overNews coverage should not favour one party over another.

favourability

favourabilitynoun

Favourability/favorability is used before these nouns:

rating

favourable

favourableadj.

(BrE) (AmE favorable) adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, look, seembecomeremainconsider sthterms that could hardly be considered favourableADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.exceptionally, highlyShe gained a highly favourable impression of the company.overwhelminglyespecially, particularlymostly, relativelybroadly (BrE), generally, largelyHis proposals met with a largely favourable response.consistentlyPREPOSITIONforConditions are now favourable for skiing.toThe court's verdict was favourable to their client.

Favourable/favorable is used with these nouns:

attitude, balance, circumstance, climate, comment, comparison, condition, coverage, environment, feedback, impact, impression, opportunity, outcome, position, publicity, rating, reaction, reception, report, response, result, review, ruling, situation, term, treatment, verdict, view, vote, wind

favourably

favourablyadv.

Favourably/favorably is used with these adjectives:

disposed, impressed, inclined

Favourably/favorably is used with these verbs:

comment, compare, compete, contrast, influence, position, react, receive, respond, review, view

favoured

favouredadj.

Favoured/favored is used with these nouns:

customer

favourite

favouritenounadj.

I. (BrE) (AmE favorite) noun1 sb/sth that you like more than others2 competitor expected to win1 sb/sth that you like more than othersADJECTIVE | VERB + favourite/favorite | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEabsolute, big, firm (BrE), great, hands-down (AmE), huge (esp. BrE), particular, specialThis painting is a particular favourite of mine.The movie is one of my absolute favourites.all-time, established, long-time, old, perennial, traditionalThis movie is my all-time favourite.You will find all your old favourites in this book of poems.newThey perform their greatest hit and a new favourite.family, personal, popularcultThe movie has become a cult favourite.sentimentalHe began recording sentimental favourites.fan (esp. AmE)a theme song that remains a fan favouriteaudience, crowdThe band started with a crowd favourite.holiday (esp. AmE)It may become a holiday favourite on video.childhoodThey were singing their childhood favourite, ‘Waterloo’.VERB + favourite/favoritebecome‘Show Me Love’ became a festival favourite.remainchoose, pickIf I had to choose a favourite, it would be Monet's ‘Water Lilies’.PREPOSITIONfavourite amongHe is a favourite among his teammates.favourite forThe forest was a favourite for family walks.favourite ofThis song is an old favourite of mine.favourite withThe song is a firm favourite with their fans.

2 competitor expected to winADJECTIVE | VERB + favourite/favorite | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, clear, clear-cut, firm (BrE), heavy (esp. AmE), hot, odds-on, overwhelming, red-hot (BrE), solid (esp. AmE), strongShe is odds-on favourite to win an award.secondjoint (BrE)slightearlyChina was the early favourite to win the bidding.even-moneyThe horse is an even-money favourite.2–1, etc.Tiger Woods is 3–2 favourite to win the Challenge.3-point, 6-point, 12-point, etc. (all AmE)The Colts are 5.5–point favourites at San Francisco this weekhome (esp. BrE), hometown (esp. AmE), localrace, title (BrE)pre-seasonprohibitive (AmE)Gunn and Moran are prohibitive favourites.VERB + favourite/favoritelook (BrE), look like, start (as)On paper, Stanford looks like the favourite.The Brazilians still look firm favourites to take the title.emerge asPREPOSITIONfavourite forJopanini is second favourite for Saturday's race.PHRASESfavourite to winThe Spanish are the favourites to win.

II. adj.

Favourite/favorite is used with these nouns:

author, bar, blog, book, brand, cause, celebrity, charity, cousin, customer, destination, dish, expression, feature, food, haunt, hobby, kind, meal, memory, pastime, piece, ploy, pub, pursuit, recipe, record, resort, retreat, saying, site, spot, subject, target, theme, topic, toy, tune, type, uncle, website, writer

favouritism

favouritismnoun

(BrE) (AmE favoritism) nounVERB + favouritism/favoritism | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + favouritism/favoritismshowaccuse sb ofPREPOSITIONfavouritism to, favouritism towards/towardShe denied showing favouritism to any of her students.PHRASESaccusations of favouritismHe resigned over accusations of favouritism.

fax

faxnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + fax | fax + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEincomingjunkVERB + faxsend (sb)get, receivefax + NOUNmachinenumberlinemessagemodem, softwarepaperservicePREPOSITIONby faxThere was still time to receive copies by fax.fax from, fax to

II. verb

Fax is used with these nouns as the object:

letter, message

FBI

FBInoun

FBI is used before these nouns:

sting

FCE

FCEnoun

FCE is used before these nouns:

syllabus

fear

fearnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + fear | fear + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, deep, deep-seated, genuine, great, intense, overwhelming, pure, real, terrible, utterMy biggest fear was that my children would get sick.It was the first time she had experienced real fear.worstgrowinggeneral, widespreadconstant, naggingthe constant fear of discoveryirrational, unfounded, unreasonableOur fears proved unfounded.legitimate, well-foundedprimalthe most primal fear, that of deathmortal, paralysing/paralyzingpublicPublic fears about the disease increased.childhoodthe girl's childhood fear of being eaten by monstersVERB + fearexperience, feel, haveShe did not know why she should feel such fear.be filled with, be gripped by, be paralysed/paralyzed by, be paralysed/paralyzed with, tremble withexpress, show, voiceThe boy showed no fear.Doctors have voiced fears that we may be facing an epidemic.confront, facecause, inspire, instil/instillthe fear that her mother had instilled in herfuel, heighten, raise, stokeThis incident will fuel fears of a full-scale war.This stoked fears of financial difficulties.exploitconfirmMy worst fears were confirmed.allay, alleviate, assuage, calm, conquer, dispel, ease, overcome, quellThe government is anxious to allay the public's fears.She managed to overcome her fear.hide, maskfear + VERBabate, subsideWhen she heard the news, some of her fear subsided.grow (esp. BrE)Fears are growing of a new oil embargo.grip sb, haunt sb, overcome sbA sudden fear gripped him.course through sb, wash over sb, wash through sbstrike sbPREPOSITIONfor fear ofNobody refused for fear of being fired.in fearHe ran away in fear.in fear ofThe men hesitated in fear of whatever was to come next.out of fearHe lied out of fear.through fearThe students obeyed through fear of punishment.with fearHis face was white with fear.without fearShe stared at him without fear.fear abouthis fear about what might happenfear formy fear for her safetyfear ofThey have a terrible fear of failure.fear overnew fears over terrorismPHRASESfear and loathingfear and trembling, fear and trepidationThe men set off in fear and trepidation.live inThe people live in fear of attack by the bandits.strike fear into (the heart of) sbThe sound of gunfire struck fear into the hearts of the villagers.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + fear | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBgenuinely, greatly, reallyThis disease is greatly feared.I really feared that this might be the end.rightlyEveryone rightly feared the coming war.VERB + fearseem tobegin tolearn toHe learned to fear and respect this force of nature.PREPOSITIONforWe feared for their safety.PHRASEShave little to fear, have nothing to fearYou have nothing to fear from him.have reason to fear sthhave no reason to fear sth

Fear is used with these nouns as the subject:

critic, expert

Fear is used with these nouns as the object:

answer, backlash, consequence, death, effect, failure, persecution, rejection, repercussion, reprisal, retaliation, retribution, worst, wrath

fear for

fear forphr verb

Fear for is used with these nouns as the object:

safety, sanity

fearful

fearfuladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, feel, look, seem, soundbecome, growremainleave sb, make sbThe experience had left her fearful and uncertain.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.deeplyalmosta little, slightly, etc.PREPOSITIONaboutunderstandably fearful about the futureforI felt fearful for my life.ofHe was fearful of every shadow.

Fearful is used with these nouns:

row

fearfully

fearfullyadv.

Fearfully is used with these verbs:

ask, glance

fearless

fearlessadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seemmake sbADVERBabsolutely, completely, quite, totally, utterlyPREPOSITIONinShe was fearless in her attacks on public figures.

Fearless is used with these nouns:

warrior

fearsome

fearsomeadj.

Fearsome is used with these nouns:

adversary, beast, reputation

feasibility

feasibilitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + feasibility | feasibility + NOUNADJECTIVEeconomic, technicalVERB + feasibilityconsider, discuss, examine, explore, investigate, look at, look into, studyassess, determine, establish, evaluate, testa drilling project to assess the feasibility of bringing the water four miles into the towndemonstrateconfirm, provedoubt, questionSome of them doubted the feasibility of the proposal.feasibility + NOUNstudyThey have launched a feasibility study for the construction of a new road.

feasible

feasibleadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSappear, be, look, seembecomeconsider sthA tunnel was not considered economically feasible.prove sthThe treatment has not proved feasible.ADVERBentirely, perfectly, quiteIt's perfectly feasible to produce electricity without creating pollution.barely, hardly, not reallyadministratively, commercially, economically, financially, politically, technically, technologically (esp. AmE)

Feasible is used with these nouns:

proposition, solution

feast

feastnoun

noun1 special meal2 religious festival1 special mealADJECTIVE | VERB + feast | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdeliciousveritable (often figurative)a veritable feast of musicbig, grand, great, huge, lavish, sumptuousVillagers used to hold a great feast at harvest time.celebratory, family, holiday (AmE), village (esp. BrE), weddingChristmas, ThanksgivingVERB + feastgive, have, hold, hostmake, prepareThe women were busy preparing the wedding feast.provide (sb with)The salmon provide a delicious feast for the brown bear.attendeatFirst everyone ate a grand feast.enjoyPREPOSITIONat a/the feastfeast ofa feast of Spanish food and wine

2 religious festivalADJECTIVE | VERB + feast | feast + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEmovableVERB + feastcelebratefeast + NOUNdayPREPOSITIONon the feast ofon the feast of St Johnfeast ofthe feast of Passover

feat

featnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + feat | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEamazing, astonishing, brilliant, extraordinary, impressive, incredible, remarkable, spectacularconsiderable, greatmajorheroic, superhumansuperhuman feats of strengthdifficult, no mean, no smallDragging the fully laden boat across the sand was no mean feat.rareunprecedentedan unprecedented feat in the history of the industryeasyimpossibleacrobatic, athletic, intellectual, physicalphysical feats of strength and skillengineering, technical, technologicalThe tunnel was one of the greatest engineering feats of the 19th century.VERB + feataccomplish, achieve, do, manage, perform, pull offpeople doing unbelievable featsHe has pulled off an extraordinary feat in completing the voyage single-handedly.be capable ofShe was capable of remarkable feats of endurance.duplicate (esp. AmE), repeatmatchemulate (esp. BrE)He emulated the feat of the legendary athlete Jesse Owens.attemptPREPOSITIONfeat ofa remarkable feat of strength

feather

feathernoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + feather | feather + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEbreast, neck, tail, wingostrich, peacock, etc.flighta fledgling with new flight feathersprimarydowny, fluffythe downy feathers on the duck's breastVERB + featherpreena swan preening its feathersfluff, fluff out, fluff upThe owl fluffed out its feathers.ruffleIts feathers were ruffled by the chill breeze.pluckI had to pluck the dead hen's feathers.growThe chicks have grown their adult feathers.feather + NOUNbed, mattress, pillowdusterboa, headdressPHRASESas light as a feather

feature

featurenounverb

I. noun1 important part of sth2 features sb's face3 newspaper article/television item1 important part of sthADJECTIVE | VERB + feature | feature + VERBADJECTIVEbasic, central, critical, crucial, essential, fundamental, important, key, main, major, principal, significantconspicuous, distinct, distinctive, distinguishing, dominant, notable, noteworthy, noticeable, predominant, prominenta distinctive feature of his poemsoutstanding, remarkable, strikingappealing, attractive, endearing, eye-catching, niceinteresting, peculiar, special, specific, unusualsalientHe took me around our new offices, pointing out all the salient features.handy, usefulcool, neat, nifty (all informal)characteristic, classic, defining, identifying, particular, typicaluniquecommon, sharedthe common feature in all these casespermanent, regularThese walks became a regular feature of his day.recurringSelf-deprecation is a recurring feature as Stevenson talks.redeemingThe one redeeming feature of the plan was its low cost.desirable, favourite/favoriteoriginalThe house retains most of its original features.built-instandardadded, additional, extraoptionaladvanced, enhanced, innovative, new, novelsome of the more advanced features of the softwarearchitectural, constructional, design, physical, structuralgeographical, geological, landscape, topographicalstylisticenergy-saving, safety, securitya car with new built-in safety featuresinteractiveThe site brims with interactive features.VERB + featurebrim with, have, include, incorporateThe site had a number of interesting features.retainaddWe're adding new features and functionality every month.offerThe network offers interactive features.shareTheir life histories shared many common features.lackpoint outfeature + VERBdistinguish sththe essential feature that distinguishes anorexia nervosa from other eating disorderscharacterize sthA feature that characterizes all anteaters is a slow metabolic rate.include sthSpecial features include passenger airbags.allow sth, enable sthA touch-screen feature allows visitors to call up relevant information.

2 features sb's faceADJECTIVE | VERB + FEATURES | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEattractive, beautiful, handsome, nicedelicate, fine, softa slim figure with delicate featurespaleneata woman with small, neat featuresstrikingher striking, dark-eyed featuresruggedI admired his rugged features.angular, chiselled/chiseledsharpHe had sharp features, with high cheekbones.aquiline, hawk-likeboyishmasculinefacialphysicalHe has the right physical features for the role.VERB + FEATUREShaveShe has very delicate features.contortsoftenPREPOSITIONwith featurea young woman with fine features

3 newspaper article/television itemADJECTIVE | VERB + feature | feature + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, major, specialregularThe magazine runs a regular feature on ethnic cooking.daily, monthly, weeklyin-depthVERB + featuredo, have, publish, run, writeNext month they will publish a special feature on computer books.feature + NOUNwriterfeatures editorfeatures sectionstoryPREPOSITIONfeature onan in-depth feature on the Italian fashion scene

II. verb1 include sth as an important part2 have a part in sth1 include sth as an important partADVERB | PHRASESADVERBregularlyWomen's magazines regularly feature diets and exercise regimes.rarelyfrequently, oftentypicallyHis movies typically featured torrid romances.PHRASESbe featured in sth, be featured on sthHis work is featured in a special documentary tonight.The school has been featured on television.

2 have a part in sthADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBheavily, highly, largely (esp. BrE), prominently, stronglyReading over his past speeches, you'll see that housing, public health and education feature strongly.PREPOSITIONinGarlic features prominently in her recipes.

Feature is used with these nouns as the subject:

ad, advert, advertisement, article, campaign, cast, commercial, conference, display, edition, exhibit, exhibition, festival, film, gallery, hotel, magazine, menu, movie, museum, newspaper, page, painting, performance, poster, scene, sequence, show, site, soundtrack, track

Feature is used with these nouns as the object:

array, art, article, artist, cast, character, collection, commentary, cuisine, display, excerpt, exhibit, interview, introduction, logo, mix, photograph, range, recipe, selection, single, solo, speaker, work

featured

featuredadj.

Featured is used with these nouns:

guest, performer, speaker

feature-length

feature-lengthadj.

Feature-length is used with these nouns:

documentary, film, movie

February

Februarynoun

fecal

fecaladj.

Fecal is used with these nouns:

incontinence, sample

feces

fecesnoun

noun (AmE) See faeces

Feces is used after these nouns:

Fed

Fednoun

Fed is used before these nouns:

governor

federal

federaladj.

Federal is used with these nouns:

administration, agency, agent, aid, amendment, appointment, approval, assistance, authority, ban, bill, budget, building, bureau, bureaucracy, bureaucrat, census, charter, commission, constitution, contract, court, crackdown, crime, custody, cut, cutback, debt, deficit, department, district, election, employee, employment, entity, execution, expenditure, facility, felony, fund, funding, government, grant, guarantee, guideline, help, highway, holiday, incentive, indictment, initiative, injunction, inmate, inspector, institute, interference, intervention, investigation, investment, judge, jurisdiction, land, law, legislation, legislature, level, litigation, magistrate, mandate, marshal, minimum, money, offence, office, official, parliament, permit, police, policy, power, prison, prohibition, prosecution, prosecutor, provision, recognition, register, regulation, report, republic, requirement, restriction, revenue, rule, ruling, spending, standard, statute, structure, subsidy, supervision, support, surplus, tax, taxation, trial, troops, witness

federally

federallyadv.

Federally is used with these verbs:

approve, fund, guarantee, recognize, regulate

federation

federationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + federation | federation + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElooseHe proposed a loose federation of local groups.national, regional, state (AmE)international, worldthe International Judo Federationathletics, soccer, etc.the British Athletics Federationemployers', labour/labor, police (BrE), trade-unionVERB + federationcreate, establish, formThey were now ready to create a national federation.federation + VERBbreak upThe federation broke up in 1989.PREPOSITIONin a/the federationthe six republics in the federationwithin a/the federationHe urged them to remain within the federation.federation ofa federation of over 3 000 organizationsPHRASESa member of a federation

fed up

fed upadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, look, seem, soundbecome, get, growThe children were starting to get a little fed up.ADVERBreally, veryYou look really fed up!absolutely (esp. BrE), completely, quite (esp. BrE), thoroughly, totally (esp. BrE)pretty, rather (esp. BrE)a little, slightly, etc.PREPOSITIONabout (esp. BrE)He still sounds pretty fed up about everything.of (not considered correct in standard English)Trent was fed up of being lied to.withI'm absolutely fed up with the whole thing.

fee

feenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + fee | fee + VERB | fee + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEexorbitant, fat (informal), hefty, high, huge, large, substantialI expect you had to pay a fat fee to your divorce lawyers.low, modest, nominal, reasonable, smallWe had to pay a nominal fee to join the club.Their fees are reasonable.fixed, flat, setMany tax advisers now offer fixed-fee interviews.fullreducednormal, standard, usualappropriateSend the form, together with the appropriate fee, to this address.additional, extra, top-up (BrE)There is no additional fee for this insurance cover.university top-up feeslate (esp. AmE), outstanding (esp. BrE), unpaid (esp. BrE)We will be taking active steps to collect the outstanding fees.upfrontannual, hourly, monthly, yearlyone-off (BrE), one-time (AmE)enrolment/enrollment, initiation (AmE)a $1 200 initiation feeattorney (AmE), court, filing (AmE), legalconsultancy (esp. BrE), consulting (esp. AmE), contingency, management, professionalthe professional fees of the lawyers and accountants involvedadmission, entrance, entry, joining (esp. BrE), membership, subscriptiona £30 membership feeuseradministration (esp. AmE), administrative (esp. AmE), application, arrangement (BrE), booking (BrE), cancellation, franchise (esp. AmE), handling, licence/license, licensing, processing, referral, registration, royalty, service (esp. AmE), set-up, transactioncollege (BrE), course (BrE), school (BrE), student, tuitionrentalmaintenance (esp. AmE)parkingtransfer (= charges paid by a sports team buying a player from another team) (BrE)green (BrE), greens (= a charge to use a golf course) (AmE)VERB + feecharge, imposeThey charge higher fees to overseas students.incurEmployees are reimbursed for any legal fees incurred when they relocate.paycollect, command, earn, generate, receiveThe company will earn a fee for every barrel of oil produced.waiveHe agreed to waive his usual fee.refund, reimburseincrease, raiselower, reduceagree (BrE), negotiateShe negotiated a fee of $1 800 a week.setFreelance writers often set their own fees.coverYou'll need money to cover fees and expenses.affordfee + VERBbe due, be payableAll fees are payable when the invoice is issued.applyAdditional security fees apply.cover sth, include sthThe fee includes the cost of testing the electric wiring.go up, increase, riseThe admission fee has gone up.fee + NOUNincome, revenueThe company's consultancy fee income rose by 3% last year.paymentschedule (AmE)structureincreasePREPOSITIONfor a feeFor a small fee, anyone can use these facilities.fee forWe now charge a fee for museum entrance.fee onthe administrative fees on the pension scheme

feeble

feebleadj.

Feeble is used with these nouns:

attempt, effort, excuse, grasp, grin, light, mind

feebly

feeblyadv.

Feebly is used with these verbs:

Feed is used before these nouns:

feed

feednounverb

I. noun

barley, mill, trough

Feed is used after these nouns:

cattle, satellite

II. verb1 give food to a person/animal/plant2 eat3 supply sth1 give food to a person/animal/plantADVERB | VERB + feed | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBproperly, wellHave they been feeding you well?poorlyThe children were poorly fed.barelyShe could barely feed and clothe herself.regularlyVERB + feedhelp (to)How can we feed a hungry world?afford toHe could no longer afford to feed his family.PREPOSITIONonShe fed the children on junk food.toMost of the crop is fed to the cattle.withThe animals are fed with hay and grass.PHRASESa mouth to feedHe saw the new baby as just another mouth to feed.

2 eatADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBvoraciouslyThe bears feed voraciously in summer and store energy as fat.mainly, mostly, predominantly, primarilyexclusivelyPREPOSITIONonThe seals feed mainly on fish and squid.

3 supply sthADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBdirectlyconstantlyReceptors constantly feed information into the system.PREPOSITIONintoThe data is fed directly into a computer.throughThis feeds the paper through to the printer.to, withThe media were being fed with accusations and lies.

Feed is used with these nouns as the subject:

baby, calf, goose, shark, tributary

Feed is used with these nouns as the object:

addiction, animal, appetite, baby, cat, diet, dog, duck, ego, family, fantasy, fire, flame, food, frenzy, imagination, infant, meter, misinformation, myth, pet, pig

feedback

feedbacknoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + feedback | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEconstructive, favourable/favorable, good, great, helpful, positive, useful, valuablenegativeappropriate, relevanthonestcriticaldirectaccurateimmediate, instantThe writer gets no immediate feedback and simply has to imagine the reader's reaction.regularinformalemail, verbal, writtenThe the facilitator offers verbal feedback to each student.consumer, customer, reader, student, userThe Internet can be a useful source of customer feedback.VERB + feedbackgive sb, provide (sb with), sendI invite you to send your feedback to our editors.offerget, have, obtain, receivecollect, gatherask for, seek, solicit (esp. AmE)appreciate, welcomePREPOSITIONfeedback about, feedback onThey will be given feedback on their performance.feedback fromI've had a lot of very constructive feedback from the students about this.feedback toWe provide advice and support to members.

feeder

feedernounadj.

I. noun

Feeder is used after these nouns:

Feeder is used with these nouns:

II. adj.

feeding

feedingnoun

Feeding is used before these nouns:

bottle, frenzy, ground, habit, trough, tube

Feeding is used after these nouns:

bottle

feed off

feed offphr verb

Feed off is used with these nouns as the object:

fantasy

feed on

feed onphr verb

Feed on is used with these nouns as the subject:

Feed on is used with these nouns as the object:

diet, food, remains

feel

feelverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBdeeply, stronglyShe felt her mother's death very deeply.reallyI really felt bad about what I had done.keenlyHer loss has been keenly felt.PREPOSITIONaboutHe feels very strongly about a lot of issues.forI really feel for you in your position.

Feel is used with these nouns as the object:

ache, admiration, adrenalin, affection, affinity, age, allegiance, ambivalence, anger, anguish, animosity, annoyance, antagonism, antipathy, anxiety, apprehension, attachment, attraction, awe, beat, bitterness, blow, bond, breath, breeze, bum, bump, burden, chill, cold, coldness, compassion, compulsion, concern, confidence, connection, consternation, contempt, contentment, craving, desire, despair, desperation, difference, dig, disappointment, disapproval, disbelief, discomfort, discontent, disdain, disgust, dislike, dismay, distaste, distress, distrust, disturbance, doubt, dread, earthquake, ecstasy, effect, elation, embarrassment, embrace, emotion, empathy, energy, enthusiasm, envy, euphoria, exasperation, excitement, exhaustion, failure, fascination, fatigue, fear, feeling, flame, flare, flash, flicker, flush, flutter, fondness, force, foreboding, frustration, fury, glow, gratitude, grief, guilt, hand, happiness, hatred, heartbeat, heat, hope, horror, hostility, humiliation, hunger, hurt, impact, impatience, impulse, inclination, indifference, indignation, irritation, itch, jab, jealousy, jolt, joy, loathing, loneliness, longing, love, loyalty, lump, lurch, lure, lust, magic, misery, motion, nausea, necessity, need, nervousness, nostalgia, nudge, obligation, outrage, outsider, pain, pang, panic, passion, pity, pleasure, premonition, presence, pride, pull, pulse, rage, rapport, regret, relief, remorse, repercussion, resentment, respect, responsibility, revulsion, ripple, rumble, rush, sadness, satisfaction, sensation, sense, shame, shiver, shock, shudder, solidarity, sorrow, spark, spasm, spite, spurt, squeeze, stab, sting, strain, surge, sympathy, tap, taste, temptation, tenderness, tension, terror, texture, thrill, throb, thud, thump, tickle, tighten, tinge, tiredness, tremor, tug, twinge, unease, urge, vibration, void, warmth, wave, way, weariness, wonder, wrath, wreck, yearning

feel for

feel forphr verb

Feel for is used with these nouns as the object:

pulse

feel-good

feel-goodadj.

Feel-good is used with these nouns:

movie, story

feeling

feelingnoun

noun1 sth that you feel/sense2 feelings opinions/emotions/love3 understanding/sensitivity/sympathy4 (also feelings esp. in AmE) anger5 ability to feel physically6 atmosphere1 sth that you feel/senseADJECTIVE | VERB + feeling | feeling + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEstrongoverwhelmingRielle had an overwhelming feeling of guilt.definite, distinctnagging, sneaking, sneaky, vagueI had a nagging feeling that I had forgotten something.amazing, awesome (informal, esp. AmE), glorious, good, great, incredible, marvellous/marvelous, nice, pleasant, warm, wonderfulIt was a good feeling to be arriving home again.fuzzyIt gave me a warm fuzzy feeling to hear him say that.awful, bad, horrible, nasty, queasy, sick, sickening, sinking, terrible, tightHe suddenly had a terrible sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach.I have a tight feeling in my stomach.painfulthe painful feeling in his gutcreepy (informal), uncomfortable, uneasyShe gives me this creepy feeling.empty, hollowguiltycurious, eerie, funny, odd, peculiar, strange, weirdfamiliarI started to get a familiar feeling in my stomach.gut, instinctiveMy gut feeling was that we couldn't trust her.general, popular, public, widespreadThe general feeling of the meeting was against the decision.nationalist, patrioticThere's a great patriotic feeling in the country.VERB + feelingexperience, feel, get, haveHe felt a wonderful warm feeling come over him.Do you get the feeling that we're not welcome here?give sb, leave sb withShe was left with the feeling that he did not care.shakeI couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong with him.know (informal)‘I really resent the way he treated me.’ ‘I know the feeling (= I know how you feel).’arouse, evoke, inspirea case that has aroused strong public feelingignoreShe ignored the queasy feeling in her stomach.enjoy, like, loveShe loved the feeling of being close to him.hateI hated the feeling of uncertainty.feeling + VERBcome over sb, creep over sbbe mutual‘I'm going to miss you.’ ‘The feeling's mutual (= I feel exactly the same).’PREPOSITIONfeeling aboutI had a feeling about that place.feeling ofa feeling of excitement

2 feelings opinions/emotions/loveADJECTIVE | VERB + FEELINGS | FEELINGS + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeep, intense, strongambivalent, mixedI had mixed feelings about meeting them again.genuinea sweet old man with genuine feelings for Virginiapositive, tender, warmbad, hostile, ill, negativehurt, injured (esp. BrE)guiltI don't have those guilt feelings any more.inner, innermost, real, truepent-upShe could finally release her pent-up feelings.personalhumanreligioussexualromanticI can bring out Aminta's romantic feelings.VERB + FEELINGSexperience, harbour/harbor, have, sufferShe experienced a whole range of feelings.He still harboured/harbored feelings of resentment.She was lucky that she had suffered no more than hurt feelings.developThey begin to develop feelings for one another.admit, confess, express, give vent to, let out, release, reveal, show, vent, voiceHeather is slowly admitting her feelings.He finds it difficult to express his feelings.I finally gave vent to my feelings and started yelling at him.He wanted just to be able to let his feelings out.articulate, convey, describe, discuss, explain, talk aboutWe discussed our innermost feelings.capture, reflectHer poems reflected her personal feelings.bottle up, bury, deny, fight, fight back, hide, hold back, keep to yourself, mask, repress, suppressI fought back my feelings of jealousy.I kept my feelings to myself.She tried to hide her true feelings.ignoreI tried to ignore my irrational feelings of jealousy.hurtI'm sorry if I've hurt your feelings.spareWe didn't tell Jane because we wanted to spare her feelings.arouse, engender, evoke, inspireThe debate aroused strong feelings on both sides.heightenIt was the practical aspect of life that heightened her feelings of loneliness and loss.sort out, understandreciprocate, returnAlthough she did not reciprocate his feelings, she did not discourage him.shareHe had never been one to share his feelings.FEELINGS + VERBsweep over sb, wash over sb, well up inside sbrun high (esp. BrE)Feelings were running high as the meeting continued.PREPOSITIONfeeling aboutI don't have any strong feelings about it one way or the other.feeling forShe still had a lot of feelings for David.It makes no difference to my feelings for you.feeling ofhis feelings of griefHe was determined to banish all feelings of guilt.feeling onI have mixed feelings on that.What are your feelings on this issue?feeling towards/towardher feelings of anger towards/toward himPHRASESno hard feelings (informal)Someone has to lose. No hard feelings, eh?

3 understanding/sensitivity/sympathyADJECTIVE | VERB + feeling | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgreat, wonderfulgenuineWhat I love about this book is its genuine feeling for people.VERB + feelinghaveYou have no feeling for the sufferings of others.developHe had developed a feeling for when not to disturb her.PREPOSITIONwith feelingShe spoke with feeling about the plight of the homeless.feeling forShe has a wonderful feeling for texture.

4 (also feelings esp. in AmE) angerADJECTIVE | VERB + feeling | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbad, illVERB + feelingcause, create, lead tostir upPREPOSITIONfeeling againstTheir aim was to stir up feeling/feelings against the war.feeling betweenI don't want any bad feeling/feelings between us.

5 ability to feel physicallyVERB + feeling | PREPOSITIONVERB + feelingloseregainPREPOSITIONfeeling inAfter the accident he lost all feeling in his legs.

6 atmosphereVERB + feeling | PREPOSITIONVERB + feelingcreate, recreateThey have managed to recreate the feeling of the original building.PREPOSITIONfeeling ofThe drink gave me a feeling of confidence.

fee-paying

fee-payingadj.

Fee-paying is used with these nouns:

feety

feetyadj.

Feety is used with these nouns:

pyjamas

feign

feignverb

Feign is used with these nouns as the object:

disappointment, enthusiasm, ignorance, illness, indifference, injury, innocence, insanity, interest, look, nonchalance, shock, sickness, sleep, surprise

feigned

feignedadj.

Feigned is used with these nouns:

indifference, innocence

feisty

feistyadj.

Feisty is used with these nouns:

heroine

feline

felineadj.

Feline is used with these nouns:

grace

fell

fellnounverb

I. noun

Fell is used before these nouns:

runner, running

II. verb

Fell is used with these nouns as the object:

timber, tree

felling

fellingnoun

Felling is used after these nouns:

Fellow is used with these nouns:

fellow

fellownounadj.

I. noun1 man2 in a college, university, etc.1 manADJECTIVEADJECTIVEold, youngbig, little, tallgood-looking, handsomeclever, smart (esp. AmE)charming, decent, fine, good, jolly (esp. BrE), nice, splendid (esp. BrE)interestingstrangeluckypoor (= unlucky)The poor fellow had his wallet stolen.

2 in a college, university, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + fellow | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEjunior, seniorhonorary (esp. BrE), research, teachingpostdoctoral (esp. AmE)resident (AmE), visiting (esp. AmE)distinguished (AmE)VERB + fellowelect sb, name sb (AmE)PREPOSITIONfellow ofShe was elected a fellow of the Academy.

II. adj.

believer, competitor, employee, inmate, man, member, participant, passenger, prisoner, professional, scientist, senator, shopper, soldier, student, sufferer, teacher, traveller, warrior, worker

felon

felonnoun

noun (esp. AmE)ADJECTIVE | felon + VERBADJECTIVEconvictedformerviolentfelon + VERBserve sthfelons who have served their sentence

felonious

feloniousadj.

Felonious is used with these nouns:

assault

felony

felonynoun

noun (AmE)ADJECTIVE | VERB + felony | felony + NOUNADJECTIVEfederalseriousfirst-degree, second-degree, third-degreeaggravatednon-violent, violentdrug, drug-relatedVERB + felonycommitbe punishable bya felony punishable by up to six years in prisonbe charged withfelony + NOUNchargeconvictionoffenseassault, murder, etc.He was charged with felony assault.

felt

feltnoun

Felt is used before these nouns:

felt-tip

felt-tipadj.

Felt-tip is used with these nouns:

felt-tipped

felt-tippedadj.

Felt-tipped is used with these nouns:

female

femaleadj.

Female is used with these nouns:

anatomy, body, chorus, colleague, companion, companionship, counterpart, cousin, dancer, deity, doctor, elephant, employee, employment, equivalent, escort, executive, fashion, friend, gender, genitals, goat, heir, homosexual, hormone, identity, infant, infertility, inmate, intuition, kin, lead, lover, member, model, nurse, occupation, orgasm, parent, partner, perspective, population, prostitute, reader, relative, representation, role, servant, sex, sexuality, sibling, soprano, specimen, teacher, trait, twin, uterus, vanity, victim, virtue, voice, worker, workforce, writer

feminine

feminineadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feelHe made her feel feminine.lookShe looked very feminine with her hair like that.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.decidedly, distinctlyalmosttraditionallyHer name fits in with a traditionally feminine image.stereotypicallystereotypically feminine qualities like compassion

Feminine is used with these nouns:

attribute, beauty, charm, curve, identity, intuition, modesty, noun, pronoun, quality, side, touch, trait, vanity, virtue, voice

feminism

feminismnoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEcontemporary, modernliberal, socialistmilitant, radicalpioneeringmainstreamlesbianblacksecond-wave, third-waveWestern

feminist

feministnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEactive, committedmodernearly, pioneeringmilitant, radicalliberallesbianblack, whiteWestern

II. adj.

Feminist is used with these nouns:

consciousness, criticism, critique, heroine, icon, idea, ideology, literature, movement, philosopher, philosophy, politics, scholar, slant, theory, thinker, thinking, thought, writer

femme

femmeadj.

Femme is used with these nouns:

lesbian

fence

fencenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + fence | fence + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhigh, talllowbarbed-wire, chain-link, iron, mesh, metal, picket, rail (esp. AmE), steel, stone (AmE), wire, wood (AmE), wooden, wrought-ironThe house was surrounded by a white picket fence.electric, electrified (AmE)back, backyard (AmE), gardenborder (esp. AmE), boundary, perimeter, securitythe airport perimeter fenceinvisible (= to keep pets in) (AmE)left-field, outfield, right-field (all in baseball)privacy (AmE)She walked over to the tall wooden privacy fence.political (figurative)a proposal approved by people on both sides of the political fenceVERB + fencebuild, erect, put upclimb, climb over, hop (AmE), hop over (esp. AmE), jump, jump over, scalemend (figurative)The White House already is struggling to mend fences with Europe.fence + NOUNpostline (esp. AmE)the fence line separating the United States from MexicoPREPOSITIONover a/the fenceShe leaned over the fence.fence around, fence round (esp. BrE)a fence around the site

II. verb

Fence is used with these nouns as the object:

fenced

fencedadj.

Fenced is used with these nouns:

fencing

fencingnoun

Fencing is used before these nouns:

master

Fencing is used after these nouns:

perimeter, wire

fend

fendverbPHRASAL VERB

PHRASAL VERBfend for yourselfVERB + fend forVERB + fend forbe able tobe left to, have toThe children were left to fend for themselves.learn toClara learned to fend for herself.let sbWe can let our guests fend for themselves.

fender

fendernoun

noun (AmE)See also wingADJECTIVE | VERB + fender | fender + NOUNADJECTIVEfront, rearVERB + fenderdentfender + NOUNbender (= a minor accident) (informal)I had a fender bender on my first day.

feral

feraladj.

Feral is used with these nouns:

animal, cat, dog, grin, pig

ferment

fermentnoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgreat, intenseartistic, creative, cultural, intellectualtechnologicalsocialpolitical, revolutionarya period of intense political fermentPREPOSITIONin (a) fermentThe country was in ferment.

ferocious

ferociousadj.

Ferocious is used with these nouns:

assault, beast, row, storm

ferociously

ferociouslyadv.

Ferociously is used with these verbs:

battle, growl

ferocity

ferocitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgreat, sheerPREPOSITIONwith ferocityIt attacks its prey with great ferocity.

ferrous

ferrousadj.

Ferrous is used with these nouns:

Ferry is used with these nouns as the subject:

ferry

ferrynounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + ferry | ferry + VERB | ferry + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcar, passengercross-Channel (BrE)VERB + ferryget, ride (AmE), take, usewait forcatchboarddrive off, get offoperateferry + VERBcarry sb, take sba ferry carrying more than a thousand peoplearrive, come in (esp. BrE), dockWe watched the ferry dock.depart, go, leave, sail (BrE)The ferry departs at 8 p.m.The last ferry sails at 4 p.m.cross sththe ferries that cross the Mekong RiverrunFerries run every hour or so.ferry + NOUNcrossing, journey (BrE), ride, triprouteboatpassengerpilot (AmE)dock, port, terminalline, operator, servicePREPOSITIONaboard a/the ferry, on a/the ferry, on board a/the ferrythe people on the ferryby ferryWe went by night ferry.ferry across, ferry overWe caught the ferry across the river.ferry betweenthe ferry between Cape Cod and the islandsferry for (esp. BrE), ferry toWe caught the ferry to Fire Island.the ferry for Italyferry fromthe ferry from Toronto to Rochester

II. verb

boat, helicopter

fertile

fertileadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, lookbecomeprovewomen who proved particularly fertileremain, stayADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highly, particularlya highly fertile soil

Fertile is used with these nouns:

brain, earth, field, ground, imagination, land, mind, plain, soil, source, valley

fertility

fertilitynoun

Fertility is used before these nouns:

clinic, god, goddess, problem, rate, ritual, specialist, symbol, treatment

Fertility is used after these nouns:

fertilize

fertilizeverb

Fertilize is used with these nouns as the subject:

sperm

Fertilize is used with these nouns as the object:

egg, field, soil

fertilized

fertilizedadj.

Fertilized is used with these nouns:

egg, embryo

fertilizer

fertilizernoun

(BrE also -iser) nounADJECTIVE | VERB + fertilizerADJECTIVEnatural, organicartificial, chemical, inorganic, synthetic (esp. AmE)nitrogen, phosphateliquidVERB + fertilizerapply, spray, spread, useHe spread fertilizer on the field with a rake.

fervent

ferventadj.

Fervent is used with these nouns:

admirer, belief, believer, Catholicism, desire, hope, nationalist, prayer, supporter, wish

fervently

ferventlyadv.

Fervently is used with these verbs:

believe, hope, pray, support, wish

fervour

fervournoun

(BrE) (AmE fervor) nounADJECTIVE | VERB + fervour/fervor | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgreatevangelical, moral, religiousnationalist, nationalistic, patriotic, political, revolutionaryVERB + fervour/fervorarouseThe speech aroused nationalist fervour.loseIts followers have lost their religious fervour.PREPOSITIONwith fervourHe took up the cause with evangelical fervour.fervour fortheir fervour for the cause

festering

festeringadj.

Festering is used with these nouns:

sore, wound

festival

festivalnoun

noun1 series of performances/events2 religious celebration1 series of performances/eventsADJECTIVE | VERB + festival | festival + VERB | festival + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, huge, majorannualspring, summer, etc.three-day, five-day, etc.international, local, national, regional, villageoutdoor, streetarts, culturalart, film, literary (esp. BrE), music, poetrydance, drama (BrE), opera, theatre/theaterfolk, jazz, rock, etc.beer, winegay pride, prideChristian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, etc.flower (BrE)VERB + festivalhave, holdhostattend, go to, visitorganize, runsponsorparticipate in (esp. AmE), take part in (esp. BrE)The school has taken part in the festival since 1997.appear at, play, play atI like to play any big festivals.openThe dance troupe will open the festival on June 13.festival + VERBtake placebegin, open, startattract sbThe festival attracts thousands of visitors every year.feature sb/stha festival featuring five local bandscommemorate sth, mark sthfestival + NOUNdirector, organizerevents, programme/programperformanceaudiencecircuitthe film festival circuitgroundsPREPOSITIONat a/the festivalHe's appearing at a local folk festival tonight.during a/the festivalthe movies shown during the eight-day festivalin a/the festivalthe events in this year's festival

2 religious celebrationADJECTIVE | VERB + festival | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgreat, important, majorannualpagan, religioustraditionalancientChristian, Hindu, etc.harvestVERB + festivalcelebrate, observeThe family always celebrates the Jewish festivals.PREPOSITIONat/on a/the festivalthe pilgrims who arrived on major festivals

festive

festiveadj.

Festive is used with these nouns:

atmosphere, celebration, decoration, greeting, meal, mood, occasion, period, season, shopper, spirit, touch, treat, wreath

festivities

festivitiesnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + festivities | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEChristmas, holiday (AmE), seasonal (esp. BrE)anniversary, weddingevening, weekendinaugural (esp. AmE)VERB + festivitiesjoin, join in, take part inattendenjoyPREPOSITIONduring the festivities

fetal

fetaladj.

Fetal is used with these nouns:

monitor, monitoring, position

fetch

fetchverb

Fetch is used with these nouns as the object:

doctor, help, pail, price, sum, water

fetid

fetidadj.

Fetid is used with these nouns:

stench

feud

feudnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + feud | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElong, long-running, long-standing, oldongoingbitterbloodypettybloodBlood feuds added to the local crime rate.family, internecine, personal, privatea long-standing family feudpublicVERB + feudhavestartThe incident started a family feud.settlea time to settle old feudsendPREPOSITIONfeud betweenthe feuds between rival companiesfeud overThey had a long-running feud over money.feud withhis personal feud with the city authorities

feudal

feudaladj.

Feudal is used with these nouns:

lord, society, tenure

fever

fevernoun

noun1 high temperature2 nervous excitement1 high temperatureADJECTIVE | … OF FEVER | VERB + fever | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhigh, ragingShe had a very high fever.mild, slightpersistentglandular (BrE) (mononucleosis in AmE), rheumatic, scarlet, etc.… OF FEVERboutHe suffered from recurrent bouts of fever.VERB + feverhave, run, suffer fromHe put his hand to my forehead as if I was running a fever.catch, come down with, contract, develop, getJames has come down with a fever.causedie ofbring down, reducedrugs which can help to bring down the feverbe accompanied byInflammation is frequently accompanied by fever.PREPOSITIONwith a feverHe was in bed with a fever.

2 nervous excitementADJECTIVE | fever + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbaseball, election, gold, war, World Cupfever + VERBgrip sbElection fever suddenly gripped the nation.PREPOSITIONin a fever ofShe was in a fever of anxiety about him.

fevered

feveredadj.

Fevered is used with these nouns:

brow, dream, imagination, mind

feverish

feverishadj.

Feverish is used with these nouns:

excitement

feverishly

feverishlyadv.

Feverishly is used with these verbs:

Fibre is used before these nouns:

fib

fibnoun

nounVERB + fibVERB + fibtellDon't tell fibs!

fibre

fibrenoun

(BrE) (AmE fiber) noun1 in food2 material/body tissue1 in foodADJECTIVE | VERB + fibre/fiber | fibre/fiber + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEdietaryyour total daily intake of dietary fibrevegetableVERB + fibre/fiberbe high in, be rich infoods that are rich in fibrefibre/fiber + NOUNcontentfoods that have a high fibre contentintakesupplementPHRASESan intake of fibre, a source of fibrePeaches are a good source of fibre.

2 material/body tissueADJECTIVE | VERB + fibre/fiber | fibre/fiber + NOUNADJECTIVEcoarseMechanical filters draw air through flat, coarse fibres.hollowstrongnaturalartificial, man-made, syntheticcotton, nylon, polyester, silk, textile, woolasbestos, carbon, coconut, paper, woodcarpetglass, opticalmuscle, nervemoral (figurative)It isn't just a lack of moral fibre that leads to a rising divorce rate.VERB + fibre/fiberbe made from, be made ofWear underwear that is made from natural fibres.fibre/fiber + NOUNoptics

content, intake

Fibre is used after these nouns:

carbon, coconut, cotton, glass, muscle, nerve, vegetables

fibre-optic

fibre-opticadj.

Fibre-optic/fiber-optic is used with these nouns:

cable

fibrous

fibrousadj.

Fibrous is used with these nouns:

tissue

fickle

fickleadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.a little, slightly, etc.notoriouslyThe television world was a notoriously fickle one.

Fickle is used with these nouns:

nature, weather

fiction

fictionnoun

noun1 stories that are not true2 sth that is not true1 stories that are not trueADJECTIVE | VERB + fiction | PHRASESADJECTIVEcontemporary, modernclassicpopular, pulpliterary, seriousshortShe has written novels and short fiction.experimentalmainstreamadult, children'scrime, detective, domestic, erotic, fan, genre, Gothic, historical, horror, romantic, science, speculativeVERB + fictionpublish, writecreatereadPHRASESa work of fictionHe has written over 20 works of fiction.a writer of fictiona well-known writer of crime fiction

2 sth that is not trueADJECTIVE | VERB + fiction | PHRASESADJECTIVEpureDon't believe what she says—it's pure fiction!legalVERB + fictionkeep up, maintainShe still tries to maintain the fiction that she is happily married.createPHRASESfact and fictionFact and fiction became all jumbled up in his report of the robbery.

fictional

fictionaladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeThe names of the characters are entirely fictional.ADVERBcompletely, entirely, purely, wholly

Fictional is used with these nouns:

account, character, context, detective, hero, heroine, narrative, representation, story, universe, world

fictionalized

fictionalizedadj.

Fictionalized is used with these nouns:

Fictitious is used with these nouns:

fictitious

fictitiousadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeHis story is wholly fictitious.ADVERBcompletely, entirely, purely, totally, whollylargely

fiddle with

fiddle withphr verb

Fiddle with is used with these nouns as the object:

knob

fiddly

fiddlyadj.

Fiddly is used with these nouns:

fidelity

fidelitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + fidelity | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgreatabsolutemarital, sexualVERB + fidelitymaintainPREPOSITIONwith fidelityThe story is told with great fidelity to the original.fidelity toThey still maintain fidelity to their religious tradition.

fidget

fidgetverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBnervously, uncomfortablyslightlyconstantlyPREPOSITIONwithShe was fidgeting nervously with her pen.

fiduciary

fiduciaryadj.

Fiduciary is used with these nouns:

duty, responsibility

field

fieldnounverb

I. noun1 on a farm2 subject/activity3 practical work4 for playing a sport5 the field competitors in a sport/business6 in science7 computing1 on a farmADJECTIVE | VERB + field | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcultivated, ploughed/plowedWe had to walk across a ploughed/plowed field.grass, grassy, greenthe green fields of my homelandmuddy, snowyenclosedopenneighbouring/neighboring, surroundingfertilearablefallowirrigatedpaddy, ricecorn, wheat, etc.VERB + fieldwork inPeople were working in the fields.cultivate, workDespite the war, they continued to work the fields.plough/plow, tillplant, sowHe planted fields full of sunflowers.irrigatefertilizecleargraze inPREPOSITIONacross a/the field, through a/the fieldWe walked across the field.(out) in a/the fieldtractors working out in the fieldfield ofa field of wheat

2 subject/activityADJECTIVE | VERB + field | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEchosen, specialistAll of them are experts in their chosen field.specializedresearchcareer (AmE)burgeoning, emergingevolving, growingrelatedmedicalacademicVERB + fieldwork inpeople who work in this fieldopen upThis discovery has opened up a whole new field of research.PREPOSITIONin a/the fieldThere has been no solid research in this field.outside a/sb's fieldI can't answer that—I'm afraid it's outside my field.field ofI work in the field of computer science.PHRASESan expert in the field, a leader in the fielda field of research, a field of studyin their respective fieldsThese academics are world leaders in their respective fields.

3 practical workVERB + field | field + NOUN | PREPOSITIONVERB + fieldwork infield + NOUNexperiment, investigation, research, study, trialmethodstripWe went on a geology field trip.PREPOSITIONin the fieldessential reading for those working in the field

4 for playing a sportSee also pitchADJECTIVE | VERB + field | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEplaying, sportsfootball, rugby, soccer, etc.VERB + fieldtake (BrE)Today they take the field (= go on to the field to play a match) against county champions Essex.PREPOSITIONon a/the fieldpeople walking their dogs on the school's playing fieldoff the fieldPlayers need discipline both on and off the field (= when playing and in other areas of their lives).

5 the field competitors in a sport/businessADJECTIVE | VERB + the field | the field + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEstrongcrowdedmale-dominatedVERB + the fielddominate, head, leadShe managed to head the field across the finishing line of the marathon.They lead the field in home entertainment systems.enterleavethe field + VERBinclude sbThe strong field includes three world record holders.PREPOSITIONahead of the fieldHis superb technique puts him head and shoulders ahead of the field.

6 in scienceADJECTIVE | field + NOUNADJECTIVEenergy, forceelectric, electrical, electromagnetic, gravitational, magneticthe earth's magnetic fieldfield + NOUNstrength

7 computingADJECTIVE | VERB + fieldADJECTIVEdata, display, inputVERB + fieldcreateYou will need to create separate fields for first name, last name and address.move betweenthe use of keys to move between fields

II. verb

Field is used with these nouns as the object:

army, call, candidate, query, question, side, team

field training

field trainingnoun

Field training is used before these nouns:

exercise

fieldwork

fieldworknoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + fieldwork | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEextensive, intensiveethnographicVERB + fieldworkbe engaged in, carry out, conduct, do, participate in, undertakePREPOSITIONduring fieldwork, in the course of fieldworkevidence obtained during fieldworkfieldwork onextensive fieldwork on chimpanzees

fiend

fiendnoun

Fiend is used after these nouns:

dope, sex

fiendish

fiendishadj.

Fiendish is used with these nouns:

plan, plot

fiendishly

fiendishlyadv.

Fiendishly is used with these adjectives:

clever, complicated

fierce

fierceadj.

Fierce is used with these nouns:

anger, assault, attack, battle, blaze, blizzard, campaign, clash, combat, competition, competitor, controversy, critic, criticism, debate, denunciation, desire, determination, dog, expression, eye, fight, fighting, fire, frown, heat, independence, intensity, look, loyalty, onslaught, opponent, opposition, passion, pride, resistance, rival, rivalry, roar, row, storm, struggle, temper, warrior, weather, whisper, wind

fiercely

fiercelyadv.

Fiercely is used with these adjectives:

ambitious, committed, competitive, critical, defensive, determined, independent, loyal, nationalistic, opposed, patriotic, protective, proud

Fiercely is used with these verbs:

argue, attack, battle, burn, cling, compete, contest, criticize, debate, defend, deny, fight, glare, glitter, growl, guard, kiss, mutter, oppose, quarrel, resist, say, scowl, shake, stare, struggle, whisper

fiery

fieryadj.

Fiery is used with these nouns:

ball, crash, furnace, passion, preacher, red, rhetoric, sermon, sunset, temper, temperament

fifty-fifty

fifty-fiftyadj.

adj., adv.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbedivide sth, go, split sthWe'll divide the profit fifty-fifty.We went fifty-fifty on the meal.ADVERBabout, around, roughlyThe chances of reaching the survivors in time are about fifty-fifty.

Fifty-fifty is used with these nouns:

chance

fiftyfold

fiftyfoldadj.

Fiftyfold is used with these nouns:

reduction

fight

fightnounverb

I. noun1 struggle using physical force2 trying to get/do sth3 competition4 (esp. AmE) argument1 struggle using physical forceADJECTIVE | VERB + fight | fight + VERB | fight + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbigfiercebrutal, nasty, viciousrealSuddenly the argument developed into a real fight.goodThere's nothing he likes so much as a good fight.clean, fairIt was a fair fight and Stephen won.closerunningHe was killed during a series of running fights outside a disco.stand-up, straightIn a straight fight the army usually won.bar (AmE), pub (BrE), streetgangfist, knife, swordfood, pillow, snowball, waterchampionship, titlethe world title fight between Tyson and Lewisprofessionalheavyweight, etc.bull (usually bullfight), cock, dogboss (in computer games)VERB + fightpick, startHe tried to pick a fight with me.I don't know who started the fight.be asking for (esp. AmE), be looking for, be spoiling for, wantAndy was drunk and spoiling for a fight.be in, get into, get involved in, haveDon't get into any more fights!break up, stopThe fight was broken up by a teacher.winlosesee, watchfight + VERBtake placeThe dog fights took place every Sunday morning.break out, erupt, startensueA fight ensued which left one man dead.fight + NOUNscene, sequenceclub (esp. AmE)fanPREPOSITIONin a/the fightHe killed a man in a fight.fight about, fight overThey nearly had a fight over who should move first.fight betweenfights between hostile clansfight withThey got involved in a fight with some older boys.

2 trying to get/do sthADJECTIVE | VERB + fight | fight + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbrave, good, strongShe died at the age of 43 after a brave fight against cancer.hard, long, real, tough, uphill (AmE)a long fight to beat inflationbitter, desperatelegalcustody (esp. AmE)VERB + fightput upCoal workers are determined to put up a fight to save their jobs.lead, spearhead (esp. BrE)lawyers leading the fight for compensation for the injured workersjoin, join inDoctors have now joined in the fight to make this treatment available to all.faceNow he is facing his toughest fight yet—back to fitness after a series of injuries.be engaged inHe is still engaged in a bitter fight with his old company.carry on, continue, keep upShe said they would continue their fight to find a cure for AIDS.step upThe government has vowed to step up the fight against crime.takeShe vowed to take her fight to the High Court.winloseAre we losing the fight against illegal drugs?give upShe just gave up her fight for life.fight + VERBbe onThe fight is on to have this brutal practice stamped out.continue, go onThe fight for justice goes on.PREPOSITIONwithout a fightI'm not giving up without a fight!fight against, fight with (AmE)a new weapon in the fight against car crimehis fight with cancerfight fortheir fight for a fair dealPHRASESa fight for life, a fight for survivalthe company's desperate fight for survival in a cut-throat markethave a fight on your handsUnion leaders know that they have a real fight on their hands.

3 competitionADJECTIVE | VERB + fight | fight + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbrave, good, great, strong, tremendousstraightVERB + fightput upThe team put up a good fight (= they played well) but were finally beaten.fight + VERBbe onPREPOSITIONfight betweenThis will be a straight fight between the two parties.fight forThe fight for supremacy in the sport is on.PHRASESa fight to the death (figurative)By 1807 politics had become a fight to the death between the two factions.a fight to the finishIf the polls are wrong and it's a fight to the finish, the result may not be known until all the votes have been counted.have a fight on your handsShe now has a fight on her hands (= will have to play very well) to make it through to the next round.make a fight of itNo doubt Ferguson wants his team to make a fight of it.

4 (esp. AmE) argumentADJECTIVE | VERB + fightADJECTIVEbig, huge, terriblepetty, stupidlittleVERB + fighthavecauseget into, pick, provoke, start

II. verb1 in a war/battle2 struggle against/hit sb3 in a contest4 try to stop/achieve sth5 argue1 in a war/battleADVERB | VERB + fight | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBbravely, gallantly, valiantlybitterly, fiercely, hardeffectivelyback, offVERB + fightbe prepared to, be ready toHe did not believe that the enemy was ready to fight.continue toPREPOSITIONagainstThey fought bravely against the enemy.alongsideHe fought alongside his comrades.forThey fought for control of the island.overThey were fighting over disputed land.withHe taught me how to fight with a sword.PHRASESfight to the deathThe soldiers were prepared to fight to the death if they had to.

2 struggle against/hit sbADVERB | VERB + fight | PREPOSITIONADVERBbitterly, harddirtyback, offHe was stabbed as he tried to fight the robbers off.VERB + fightbe prepared toPREPOSITIONagainstShe fought hard against his strong grip.withRiot police fought with militants demonstrating in support of the uprising.

3 in a contestADVERB | VERB + fight | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBbitterly, hardsuccessfullyVERB + fightbe determined to, be prepared to, be ready toWe need a good manager who is prepared to fight for a fair share of the funds.continue toPREPOSITIONforRegional monopolies were bitterly fought for.PHRASESfiercely foughtThe second half was fiercely fought, but neither side managed to score.

4 try to stop/achieve sthADVERB | VERB + fight | PREPOSITIONADVERBhard, like a tiger, tooth and nail (= in a very determined way)He fought hard to overcome his disability.She'll fight like a tiger to protect her children.The residents are fighting tooth and nail to stop the new development.doggedly, stubbornly, tenaciouslydesperatelysuccessfullybackIt is time to fight back against street crime.VERB + fightbe determined to, be prepared to, be ready to, vow tocontinue tohelp (to)PREPOSITIONagainstThey are committed to fighting against racism.forWe are fighting for equal rights.

5 argueADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBbitterlyconstantlyPREPOSITIONaboutIt's a trivial matter and not worth fighting about.overChildren will fight even over small things.withHe's always fighting with his brother.PHRASESfight like cat and dog (BrE), fight like cats and dogs (AmE)

Fight is used with these nouns as the subject:

army, firefighter, hero, military, protester, rebel, soldier, troops, veteran, warrior

Fight is used with these nouns as the object:

AIDS, army, bacteria, battle, blaze, campaign, cancer, communism, corruption, crime, demon, discrimination, disease, election, emotion, enemy, epidemic, evil, extradition, fatigue, feeling, fire, flame, foe, force, grin, HIV, illness, impulse, infection, inflation, injustice, instinct, menace, monster, occupation, opponent, oppression, plan, pollution, poverty, prejudice, racism, rebel, recession, revolution, seat, sexism, system, temptation, terror, terrorism, tyranny, urge, virus, war, way

fight against

fight againstphr verb

Fight against is used with these nouns as the object:

enemy, injustice, oppression, racism, sexism

fight back

fight backphr verb

Fight back is used with these nouns as the object:

feeling, grin, tear, urge, yawn

fighter

fighternoun

Fighter is used before these nouns:

ace, aircraft, escort, jet, pilot, plane

Fighter is used after these nouns:

champion, enemy, guerrilla, jet, militia, rebel, resistance

fight for

fight forphr verb

Fight for is used with these nouns as the object:

air, cause, compensation, crown, custody, democracy, equality, honour, liberty, life, right, space, supremacy, survival

fighting

fightingnounadv.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + fighting | fighting + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbitter, fierce, hard, heavy, intense, seriousbloodycontinued, continuingfresh (esp. BrE), renewedsporadicconstanthand-to-handThe sword and mace were the preferred weapons for hand-to-hand fighting.house-to-house, street, urbanfactionalVERB + fightingend, halt, stopThe talks are intended to end the fighting.take part inThe conspirators took no part in the fighting which ensued.be killed in, die inescape, fleerefugees fleeing the fightingfighting + VERBtake placebegin, break out, erupt, flare, startFierce fighting broke out among the refugees.ensue, followcontinue, go onrageFor nearly two months the fighting raged.intensifydie away, die down, diminishEven if the fighting dies down, no answer is in sight to the political crisis.cease, end, stopresumePREPOSITIONduring the fighting, in the fightingHe was badly wounded during the fighting.fighting betweenThere has been renewed fighting between the government forces and the rebels.PHRASESdo the/sb's fightingHe prefers others to do the fighting for him.a lull in the fighting

II. adv.

Fighting is used with these adjectives:

fight off

fight offphr verb

Fight off is used with these nouns as the object:

bacteria, challenge, competition, fatigue, illness, infection

fight-or-flight

fight-or-flightadj.

Fight-or-flight is used with these nouns:

response

fight through

fight throughphr verb

Fight through is used with these nouns as the object:

tangle

figurative

figurativeadj.

Figurative is used with these nouns:

art, artist, expression, language, meaning, painter, painting, sculpture, sense, usage, work

figure

figurenounverb

I. noun1 amount/price2 person3 shape of a person4 shape of sb's body5 picture/diagram1 amount/priceADJECTIVE | VERB + figure | figure + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEhighlowdoubleFour players reached double figures in the scoring column.accurate, exactapproximate (esp. BrE), ballpark, rough, rounddollar (AmE)You can't put a dollar figure on the lives ruined by the hurricane.real, reliable, trueofficiallatestinflatedtargetattendance, census, sales, trade, unemploymentaudience, viewing (both esp. BrE)VERB + figurereachThe rate of inflation has now reached double figures.exceedadd, add together, add up, calculatecompiledisclose, releaseThe government has just released new unemployment figures.cite, give, quoteinflatefigure + VERBadd upThese figures don't add up.be bandied aboutLots of different figures were being bandied about.indicate sth, suggest sthreflect sthPHRASESaccording to (the) figuresThe industry remains in the doldrums, according to official figures out today.in round figures

2 personADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgreatcentral, key, pivotalimportant, influential, leading, major, powerful, prominenta key figure on the committeefamous, well-knownlarger-than-lifepopular, respectedcontroversialpublicnationalseniorfamiliarHe was a familiar figure in the town.unlikelyThey were visited by the unlikely figure of Bill Clinton.authority, dominantfather, mother, parentaltragiccomic, ridiculouscult, heroic, iconic, legendary, mythical, mythologicalhistoricalliterary, political, religiousgovernment, oppositionPREPOSITIONfigure ofa figure of authority/fun

3 shape of a personADJECTIVE | figure + NOUNADJECTIVEcloaked, hooded, masked, robedlife-sizedark, shadowyghostlyseated, standing, etc.The seated figure in the corner beckoned me over.approaching, retreatingsleepingcentralthe central figure in the photolone, single, solitaryhumanfigure + NOUNpainterdrawing, painting

4 shape of sb's bodyADJECTIVE | VERB + figure | PHRASESADJECTIVEbeautiful, fine, good, handsome, lovely, stunningShe still had a lovely figure.curvy, hourglasssexylean, slender, slimbulky, full, large, stockylanky, tall, toweringdashing, imposing, strikingslight, small, tiny, trimlitheVERB + figurecut, haveHe cut a dashing figure in his uniform.keepShe's kept her figure after all these years.watchYou need to watch your figure.losePHRASESa fine figure of a man, a fine figure of a woman

5 picture/diagramVERB + figure | figure + VERBVERB + figurerefer to, seeSee Figure 8.figure + VERBillustrate sth, show sth

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBlargely, prominently, significantly, strongly (esp. BrE)hardly (esp. BrE)Vegetables hardly figure at all in their diet.PREPOSITIONamongThis man did not figure among the suspects.inThe issue figured prominently in our discussion.

figure-hugging

figure-huggingadj.

Figure-hugging is used with these nouns:

figure out

figure outphr verb

Figure out is used with these nouns as the object:

mystery, plan, problem, puzzle, way

file

filenounverb

I. noun1 collection of papers2 on a computer/disk1 collection of papersADJECTIVE | … OF FILES | VERB + file | file + VERB | file + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbulging, bulky (BrE), thickbox (BrE), card, lever-arch (BrE), Manila, papersix box files bulging with notesofficialconfidential, personal, secretdetailedcaseThe work involves preparing case files and attending court.informationclient, customer, personnelcourt, newspaper, office, police, securitymedical… OF FILESbox, stackA stack of files awaited me on my desk.VERB + filehave, keep, maintainThe company keeps secret files on all its employees.Personnel files are kept in secure storage.keep sth onYour application will be kept on file (= kept for possible future use).collate, compile, prepareHe had compiled a file of largely circumstantial evidence.enter sth into (esp. BrE)The details of the incident will be entered into the file.openThe police have opened a file on the case.closeThe file on the murder was closed five years ago.She closed the file and put it aside.reopenPolice have reopened the file on the missing girl.reviewupdateIt is important to update customer files.pull, pull out, remove, take outShe went to the filing cabinet and took out a file.check, examine, go through, look at, read, scanI'll check the files for any information on the case.burn, destroyfile + VERBcontain sthfile + NOUNcabinet, drawer (both AmE) (filing cabinet in BrE)folderclerk (AmE)PREPOSITIONin a/the filethe information contained in the police fileson fileAll the details of the transaction are on file.file onThe police already have a thick file on that family.

2 on a computer/diskADJECTIVE | … OF FILES | VERB + file | file + VERB | file + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElargecomputer, digital, electronicdata, database, document, spreadsheet, textexecutable, programsystemaudio, music, soundgraphics, imagemultimediavideomasterbackupto make/take a backup filelogHTML, PDF, etc.compressed, ZIPinfectedhelp… OF FILESdirectory, list, setVERB + filecreatedownload, uploadhold sth in, store sth inthe information held in this fileclose, opensaveloadinstallaccess, read, viewYou need a special password to access this file.back up, copyedit, modifydelete, erasedelete sth fromData has been deleted from this file.name, renamerecover, retrievehow to recover deleted fileshold, storeThe files are stored in Mac format.compresssend, transferFiles are transferred between workstations.export, importshareattachoverwriteencryptfile + VERBcontain sthfile + NOUNnameformat, sizeserversharingsystemtransferextensionmanagerPREPOSITIONin a/the fileThe names and addresses are all kept in computer files.

II. verb1 put sth in a file2 record sth officially3 walk in line1 put sth in a fileADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBalphabeticallyelectronicallymentallyShe mentally filed the name away for later.awayThese notes should be carefully filed away for future reference.PREPOSITIONunderThe card is filed alphabetically under the name of the editor.

2 record sth officiallyADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBformally, officiallyHe has now formally filed a complaint against the police.jointlyPREPOSITIONforto file for bankruptcy/divorcewithA copy of the notice must be filed with the court.

3 walk in lineADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBsilentlyout, pastThe long line of mourners filed silently past.PREPOSITIONin, into, out of, past, through

File is used with these nouns as the subject:

attorney

File is used with these nouns as the object:

action, appeal, application, challenge, charge, claim, complaint, document, grievance, indictment, injunction, litigation, nail, notice, objection, paper, paperwork, patent, petition, plan, record, registration, report, statement, story, suit, writ

file cabinet

file cabinetnoun

File cabinet is used before these nouns:

file for

file forphr verb

File for is used with these nouns as the object:

bankruptcy, divorce

file-sharing

file-sharingnoun

File-sharing is used before these nouns:

network

filial

filialadj.

Filial is used with these nouns:

duty

filibuster

filibusterverb

Filibuster is used with these nouns as the object:

nomination, nominee

filing

filingnoun

Filing is used before these nouns:

cabinet, clerk, fee, system

Filing is used after these nouns:

bankruptcy

filing cabinet

filing cabinetnoun

Filing cabinet is used before these nouns:

filings

filingsnoun

Filings is used after these nouns:

iron

fill

fillnounverb

I. noun

Fill is used before these nouns:

Fill is used with these nouns as the subject:

II. verbADVERB | VERB + fill | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBfast, quickly, rapidlyAt the moment, most reservoirs are filling fast.suddenlygradually, slowlypartiallyimmediately, instantlycompletely, entirelyupVERB + fillbegin toThe sails began to fill.seem toHe seemed to fill the room with his presence.PREPOSITIONwithFill the bucket with water.PHRASESbe filled to capacityThe school is filled to capacity—we simply can't take any more students.be filled to the brim (with sth)The drawers were all filled to the brim.

aroma, boat, disappointment, dust, excitement, fragrance, light, lung, mist, music, panic, perfume, rage, roar, sadness, sail, scent, sensation, silence, smell, smoke, sound, sunlight

Fill is used with these nouns as the object:

air, auditorium, bag, barrel, basket, bath, beaker, belly, bottle, bowl, box, bucket, can, closet, container, crack, cup, ear, flask, freezer, fridge, gap, glass, hall, hallway, heart, hole, jar, jug, kettle, larder, lung, meter, mind, mould, mouth, mug, need, niche, nostril, notebook, opening, order, page, pail, pipe, pitcher, pocket, pond, pool, position, post, pot, prescription, quota, radiator, rank, refrigerator, role, room, roster, sack, sail, screen, seat, shelf, shortage, silence, sink, sky, skyline, space, square, stadium, stench, stocking, street, syringe, tank, tooth, tub, vacancy, vacuum, valley, vessel, vision, void, whole

filled

filledadj.

Filled is used with these nouns:

pastry, roll

filler

fillernoun

Filler is used before these nouns:

cap

Filler is used after these nouns:

stocking

fillet

filletnounverb

I. (AmE also filet) nounADJECTIVE | fillet + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfishanchovy, cod, haddock, salmon, etc.beef, porkfillet + NOUNsteak (esp. BrE)knifePREPOSITIONfillet offillet of beef with a red wine sauce

II. verb

Fillet is used with these nouns as the object:

fish

fill in

fill inphr verb

Fill in is used with these nouns as the object:

application, blank, box, coupon, form, gap, hole, paperwork, questionnaire, space, survey

filling

fillingnounadj.

I. noun in a toothADJECTIVE | VERB + filling | filling + VERBADJECTIVEdentalamalgam, gold, whiteVERB + fillinghaveShe's only eight years old and she already has five fillings.I went to the dentist yesterday and had two fillings.do, give sbThe dentist said she would do the filling immediately.replacefilling + VERBcome out, fall out

II. adj.

Filling is used with these nouns:

meal

fill in on

fill in onphr verb

Fill in on is used with these nouns as the object:

fill out

fill outphr verb

Fill out is used with these nouns as the object:

application, coupon, form, paperwork, questionnaire, roster, survey

fill up

fill upphr verb

Fill up is used with these nouns as the object:

jug, radiator

fill up with

fill up withphr verb

Fill up with is used with these nouns as the object:

petrol

fill with

fill withphr verb

Fill with is used with these nouns as the subject:

sponge

Fill with is used with these nouns as the object:

admiration, consternation, cream, disgust, dread, envy, foreboding, gloom, horror, panic, petrol, rage, shadow, tear

film

filmnounverb

I. noun1 (esp. BrE) moving pictures2 used for taking photographs3 thin layer of a substance/material1 (esp. BrE) moving picturesSee also movieADJECTIVE | VERB + film | film + VERB | film + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElongshortfeature-lengthentertaining, exciting, good, great, interestingblockbuster, successfulawful, bad, boringepicviolentShe thought the film far too violent to show to children.R-rated (AmE), X-ratedanimatedsilentblack-and-whitebig-budget, low-budgetBollywood, Hollywoodindependent, indietelevision, videoaction, adventure, children's, comedy, documentary, gangster, sci-fifeatureporn, pornographichorror, slasher, snuffclassiccultmainstreamforeign, foreign-languageupcoming (esp. AmE)VERB + filmsee, view, watchenjoy, like, lovego to (see), take sb to (see)direct, make, produce, shootShe makes children's films.The film was shot on location in Kenya.be in, doCruise does around four films a year.takefilm taken by security camerascut, editThe film was heavily edited for screening on television.distribute, release, screen, showThe film was finally released after weeks of protest by religious groups.promoteban, censorfilm + VERBbe on, showThere's an interesting film on at the multiplex.come out, open, premiereThe film came out last week.be based on stha film based on the novel by Charles Potterbe called sth, be entitled stha film entitled ‘Bitter Moon’capture sthThe film manages to capture the mood of the times.contain sth, include sthThe film contains explicit scenes of violence.depict sth, portray sth, present sth, represent sth, show sthThe film depicts immense courage amid the horrors of war.tell sthThis film tells the remarkable story of a disabled actor.feature sb, star sbThe film stars Nicole Kidman as a nightclub singer.record stha film recording the first powered flightdeal with stha film dealing with old ageopenThe film opens with a bird's-eye shot of London.endbe a hit, be a successbe nominated for sthfilm + NOUNdirector, editor, maker, people, producer, writerThe script has plenty of what film people call ‘bankability’.crew, team, unitworldactor, actress, legend, starpart, rolecareer, debut, workcreditsWe stayed for the film creditsHis film credits (= the films he has made) as director include ‘Mood Music’ and ‘Lies’.critic, reviewerreviewbuff, fan, loverpremierecensor, censorshipscreenplay, scriptmusic, score, soundtracknarrativescenestuntHe was killed when a film stunt went wrong.posterstudiosetThey built a massive film set of an airport.adaptation, versionthe film version of the best-selling novelclassicthe film classic ‘Fantasia’documentary, dramagenreclip, footage, sequencereportThe news always contains several film reports.seriesthe ‘Star Wars’ film seriesarchives, librarybusiness, company, industrymogulTyrannical Hollywood film moguls ruled their stars' lives.distributormaking, productionfestivalshowawardscamera, equipment, projector, recorderrightsThe scramble for the film rights to her next novel has already begun.school, studentPREPOSITIONin a/the filmThere is a great car chase in the film.on filmThey captured the incident on film.film abouta film about Nelson Mandelafilm froma film from Spanish director Luis Eduardo Autefilm ofThey've just started shooting a film of the novel.film witha film with an all-star castPHRASESthe beginning of the film, the end of the filmbe in films (= work in the film industry)the climax of a filmthe plot of a filma film with subtitlesthe screening of a film, the showing of a film

2 used for taking photographsADJECTIVE | … OF FILM | VERB + filmADJECTIVEblack-and-white, colour/colorfastFast film is best for action shots.35 mm, etc.… OF FILMreel, rolla roll of 35 mm filmVERB + filmload, put inremove, take outrewinddevelop, processI get my film developed locally.exposeIn the darkroom they found that only half the film had been exposed.spliceHe spliced the two lengths of film together.

3 thin layer of a substance/materialADJECTIVE | VERB + film | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfine, thinsurfaceplasticVERB + filmbe covered in, be covered withThe books were covered in a thin film of dust.PREPOSITIONfilm ofThere was a fine film of sweat on her forehead.

II. verbADVERB | PHRASESADVERBsecretlyThe controversial experiment involved secretly filming a group of children.on locationThe serial was filmed on location in Italy.PHRASESbeautifully filmedfast-paced, well acted and beautifully filmed in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Film is used with these nouns as the subject:

Film is used with these nouns as the object:

adaptation, documentary, episode, movie, scene, sequence, series, video

filming

filmingnoun

Filming is used before these nouns:

schedule

film-maker

film-makernoun

Film-maker is used after these nouns:

wildlife

filo

filonoun

Filo is used before these nouns:

parcel, pastry

filter

filternounverb

I. noun

Filter is used before these nouns:

coffee, paper

Filter is used after these nouns:

charcoal, water

II. verb

Filter is used with these nouns as the subject:

moonlight, sunlight

Filter is used with these nouns as the object:

email, water

filtered

filteredadj.

Filtered is used with these nouns:

filtering

filteringadj.

Filtering is used with these nouns:

filter out

filter outphr verb

Filter out is used with these nouns as the object:

ray

filter through

filter throughphr verb

Filter through is used with these nouns as the subject:

daylight, news, ray

filthy

filthyadj.adv.

I. adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, look, smellgetleave sth, make sthHe always leaves the bath absolutely filthy!ADVERBreallyabsolutely

Filthy is used with these nouns:

clothes, finger, habit, hand, rag, slum, street, temper, window

II. adv.

Filthy is used with these adjectives:

dirty, rich

fin

finnoun

Fin is used after these nouns:

shark, tail

final

finalnounadj.

I. noun1 last game/match in a competition2 finals exams1 last game/match in a competitionADJECTIVE | VERB + final | final + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgrandHe got through to the grand final of the competition.area (esp. BrE), national, regional, state, worldmen's, women'schampionship, cup (BrE), tournamentVERB + finalhold, host, stage (BrE)Never before have two countries hosted the finals.be through to, enter, get through to, go through to, make, make it to, qualify for, reachIf we play well, we hope to make it to the final.He entered the finals as the tournament leader for the second year.compete in, contest, meet sb in, play inRussia met Canada in the final.winfinal + VERBbe played, take placePREPOSITIONin the finalWho is in the men's final?

2 finals examsADJECTIVE | VERB + FINALSADJECTIVEcollege (AmE), school (AmE), university (BrE)VERB + FINALSrevise for (BrE), study fordo (esp. BrE), have, sit (BrE), takefail, pass

II. adj.

Final is used with these nouns:

act, answer, appearance, approval, arrangement, assault, assembly, assessment, balance, battle, bell, bend, bid, blow, briefing, burst, chance, chapter, check, chorus, climb, closure, coat, concert, conclusion, confirmation, confrontation, credit, curtain, dash, decision, defeat, demand, demise, descent, destination, destruction, detail, diagnosis, dividend, document, draft, effort, encounter, episode, exam, examination, farewell, fate, fixture, fling, flourish, form, frontier, grade, harvest, haul, hearing, humiliation, hurdle, illness, impression, instalment, instruction, insult, invoice, irony, judgement, kiss, lap, leg, match, meeting, minute, moment, month, movement, negotiation, number, offer, outcome, page, paragraph, parting, passage, payment, phase, play, plea, point, preparation, product, proof, push, recommendation, remark, reminder, replay, report, request, resolution, result, revision, rinse, round, ruling, sacrifice, salary, salute, scene, score, script, section, selection, sequence, session, settlement, shape, shortlist, showdown, sip, solution, spot, sprint, spurt, stage, step, stretch, syllable, text, third, thought, time, toll, total, touch, track, tribute, triumph, twist, update, verdict, version, vestige, volume, vote, vow, vowel, voyage, warning, whistle, wish, word, year

finale

finalenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + finale | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdramatic, exciting, rousing, thrilling (esp. BrE)The evening ended with a grand finale of fireworks and music.climactic, grandfittingseason, series (both AmE)VERB + finaleend in, end with, have, reachThe game ended with a thrilling finale, with three goals scored in the last five minutes.The reality show had a thrilling finale last night.provide (esp. BrE)This victory provided a fitting finale to a brilliant season for the club.PREPOSITIONfinale toa rousing finale to an evening of enthralling music

finalize

finalizeverb

Finalize is used with these nouns as the object:

arrangement, deal, design, detail, divorce, plan, preparation

finally

finallyadv.

Finally is used with these adjectives:

ready

Finally is used with these verbs:

abandon, answer, arrive, begin, burst, cease, collapse, concede, crack, dawn, decide, defeat, disappear, discover, drift, drop, emerge, end, erupt, escape, explode, finish, fulfil, gain, grant, halt, heal, incorporate, kill, lead, manage, meet, notice, overcome, persuade, prevail, provoke, reach, realize, recognize, recover, regain, reject, release, relinquish, remember, replace, resolve, result, return, reward, say, score, secure, settle, slow, snap, solve, split, spot, stumble, subside, succeed, succumb, surrender, triumph, understand, unveil, wake, win

final-round

final-roundadj.

Final-round is used with these nouns:

victory, win

finance

financenounverb

I. noun1 (AmE usually financing) money needed to fund sth2 managing money3 finances money available1 (AmE usually financing) money needed to fund sthADJECTIVE | VERB + finance | finance + VERB | finance + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcheap (= borrowed at low interest)necessaryadditional, extra (BrE), further (BrE)the need to obtain additional financelong-term, medium-term, short-termjointexternalinternationalprivate, publicprivate-sector, public-sectorbridging (BrE)You may require bridging finance until the sale of your own property is completed.debt, loan (esp. BrE)equitybankthe availability of bank finance for small businesseshousing, mortgage, real estate (AmE)structuredVERB + financeallocate, provideneed, requirefinance + VERBbe availablethe finance available to local governmentarrange, get, obtain, raiseShe struggled to get the necessary finance for her training.finance + NOUNcompany, house (BrE)industry, sectorThe banking and finance sector was booming.PREPOSITIONfinance for (esp. BrE)Several banks are providing finance for the project.PHRASESa source of finance

2 managing moneyADJECTIVE | finance + NOUNADJECTIVEhighthe world of high finance (= finance involving large companies or countries)company, corporategovernment, local-government, public, stateconsumer, personalthat most emotive of personal finance issues—taxationglobal, internationalfinance + NOUNdirector, minister, officerLocal government finance officers found the tax very difficult to administer.committee, department

3 finances money availableADJECTIVE | VERB + FINANCES | FINANCES + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEhealthy, sound (both esp. BrE)Our family finances are not very healthy at the moment.tightprecariousThe company's finances are looking a little precarious.companygovernment, public, statefamily, household, personal, privatecampaign (AmE)VERB + FINANCEShaveWe don't have the finances to throw a big party.lackcontrol, deal with, handle, manage, plan, runhow to plan your finances for a comfortable retirementget in order, keep in order, sort out (esp. BrE)The company was under pressure to get its finances in order.bolster (esp. AmE), boost (esp. BrE), improvebe a drain on, put a strain on, strain, stretch (esp. BrE)Buying a new car need not put a strain on your finances.FINANCES + VERBbe a mess (esp. AmE), be in a mess (esp. BrE)Their finances are (in) a mess.PHRASESthe state of sb's finances

II. verbADVERB | VERB + financeADVERBentirely, whollylargely, mainlypartially, partlyprivately, publiclyThe new roads will be financed privately.jointlyThe project was financed jointly by the British and French governments.directlyproperly (esp. BrE), wellthe introduction of a properly financed systemVERB + financehelp (to)be needed to, be required tothe money needed to finance the redevelopmentbe used to

Finance is used with these nouns as the object:

campaign, deficit, development, education, expansion, expedition, expenditure, health service, import, programme, project, retirement, scheme, spending, venture

financial

financialadj.

Financial is used with these nouns:

accountability, acumen, adjustment, administration, advantage, advice, adviser, affair, aid, analysis, analyst, appraisal, arena, arrangement, aspect, assessment, asset, assistance, autonomy, backing, base, benefit, boost, burden, calculation, capital, catastrophe, centre, chaos, circumstance, climate, clout, collapse, column, commitment, compensation, conglomerate, consequence, consideration, constraint, consultant, controller, corruption, cost, crash, crisis, cut, cutback, data, deal, dealings, deficit, demand, dependence, difficulty, disadvantage, disarray, disaster, discipline, dispute, distress, district, donation, drain, editor, embarrassment, empire, environment, excess, expectation, expenditure, expert, expertise, failure, flexibility, flow, footing, forecast, framework, fraud, future, gain, gamble, hardship, help, imbalance, impact, implication, impropriety, incentive, independence, indicator, inducement, industry, information, insecurity, instability, institution, instrument, integrity, interest, intermediary, investment, irregularity, journalist, leverage, liability, lifeline, limit, limitation, link, literacy, loss, management, mania, market, marketplace, matter, mess, misconduct, mismanagement, motive, muddle, necessity, need, news, newspaper, nightmare, obligation, officer, ombudsman, outlay, package, page, panic, penalty, performance, peril, plan, planning, plight, policy, position, predicament, press, pressure, problem, professional, profile, programme, projection, reason, recompense, record, reform, regime, regulation, relationship, reorganization, repercussion, report, reporter, representative, rescue, reserve, resource, responsibility, restraint, restriction, result, return, review, reward, risk, ruin, sacrifice, sanction, saving, scandal, secretary, sector, security, sense, service, setback, settlement, shape, side, situation, specialist, speculation, sphere, squeeze, stability, stake, standing, standpoint, state, statement, status, stock, strain, strait, strategy, strength, stress, structure, subsidy, success, summary, support, system, target, term, tie, transaction, transfer, trouble, turmoil, uncertainty, venture, viability, vulnerability, watchdog, wealth, well-being, windfall, workings, worry, worth, year

financially financial services

financial servicesnoun

Financial services is used before these nouns:

sector

financing

financingnoun

Financing is used before these nouns:

deal

Financing is used after these nouns:

Find is used with these nouns as the subject:

find

findnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + findADJECTIVEgood, great, realexciting, interesting, remarkable, spectacularThe letters were a real find.big, important, major, significantrarenew, recentluckyA lucky find is telling us a lot about life 10 000 years ago.unexpectedarchaeological, fossilmedieval, prehistoricVERB + finddiscover, make, unearth (esp. BrE)prehistoric finds made in an unexplored caveyieldTo date the site has yielded many interesting finds.reportI reported my find to the landowner.

II. verb

archaeologist, autopsy, census, committee, court, enquiry, experiment, hand, inquest, judge, poll, report, research, researcher, scientist, study, survey, tongue, trial, tribunal

Find is used with these nouns as the object:

acceptance, accommodation, advert, advertisement, ally, alternative, amusement, answer, apartment, association, average, balance, bargain, bearing, blog, body, bug, buyer, cab, cause, client, clue, comfort, common ground, companionship, compromise, connection, consistency, consolation, contentment, corpse, correlation, courage, cover, culprit, cure, damp, date, defect, delight, deposit, destiny, diameter, difference, discrepancy, echo, employment, encouragement, enjoyment, error, escape, evidence, example, excuse, explanation, explosive, expression, faith, fame, fascination, fault, favour, fingerprint, first, fix, flat, flaw, food, foothold, footing, footprint, forgiveness, form, formula, fortune, freedom, friend, fulfilment, fun, galaxy, girlfriend, god, gold, happiness, haven, help, home, hope, hotel, husband, identity, improvement, inaccuracy, incidence, inconsistency, indication, information, inspiration, intruder, job, joy, justification, killer, lead, leak, link, location, loophole, love, lover, lump, mark, match, mate, material, meaning, merit, motel, motive, murderer, nerve, nest, niche, occupation, oil, opportunity, outlet, owner, paradise, parallel, partner, path, peace, perfection, pleasure, position, precedent, premises, pretext, proof, publisher, pulse, ratio, reason, reassurance, recipe, recruit, redemption, reference, refuge, relationship, relative, relief, religion, remains, remedy, replacement, resistance, resolution, rest, restroom, result, rhythm, role, romance, room, root, route, safety, salvation, sanctuary, satisfaction, saving, scapegoat, seat, selection, self, serenity, shelter, short cut, sign, similarity, site, skeleton, solace, solitude, solution, source, specimen, sponsor, sponsorship, spot, strength, style, success, successor, sum, support, survivor, sympathy, talent, target, taxi, tenant, thread, time, touch, trace, trail, treasure, use, variation, venue, violation, vocation, voice, volunteer, way, website, word, work, wreck, yearning

finding

findingnoun

noun1 (usually findings) result of research into sth2 decision by a court1 (usually findings) result of research into sthADJECTIVE | VERB + finding | finding + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEimportant, key, significantI'll now summarize the key findings from these studies.maingeneralinterestingstriking, surprising, unexpectednovelpositiveconflictingearly, initial, originalinterim, preliminaryHe will present his preliminary findings at the conference.new, recentThe original results conflict with more recent findings.scientificlaboratoryclinicalempirical, experimentalresearch, study, surveyVERB + findingrecord, write upStudents were asked to write up their findings in the form of a report.summarizeannounce, give, present, publish, reportThe findings of the commission have not yet been made public.They will present their findings to senior police officers.make public, release, revealexplain, interpretexaminecomment on, discussconfirm, corroborate, supportUN official reports supported the preliminary findings.contradictchallengeScientists have challenged the findings of the researchers.replicatefinding + VERBbe based on sthThe findings are based on interviews with more than 2 000 people.relate to sthOur findings relate to physically rather than visually handicapped students.apply to sthThe findings from the case study school may apply to schools elsewhere.demonstrate sth, reveal sth, show sthOur findings point to a lack of training among social services staff.imply sth, indicate sth, point to sth, point towards/toward sth, suggest sthagree with sth, be consistent with sth, be in agreement with sth, be in line with sth, confirm sth, support sthOur recent findings are in line with those of an earlier study.conflict (with sth), contradict sthlead to sthThe findings led to the conclusion that … provide sthThe research findings will provide practical assistance for teachers.be madeSimilar findings were made in Spain.emergeSimilar findings emerged from a later experiment.PREPOSITIONfinding aboutrecent scientific findings about sleep patternsfinding forThe findings for one group can be applied to the others.finding fromfindings from a recent research projectfinding onnewly published findings on the depopulation of the countryside

2 decision by a courtVERB + finding | PREPOSITIONVERB + findingmakejustifyThe facts of this case do not justify a finding of negligence.upholdThe appeal court upheld a finding that the agreement was unlawful.PREPOSITIONfinding againsta finding against him by the commissionfinding in favour/favor ofThe court made a finding in favour/favor of the defendant.

find out

find outphr verb

Find out is used with these nouns as the object:

detail, fact, identity, motive, reason, secret, truth, worth

fine

finenounverbadj.adv.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + fine | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, heavy, hefty, huge, large, massive, stiff, substantialHe was forced to pay a hefty fine.smallmaximumtwo-hundred-dollar, five-hundred-pound, etc.parking, speedingcivil (esp. AmE), criminalVERB + fineget (esp. BrE), receiveI got a fine for parking illegally.paygive (sb) (esp. BrE), impose, levyHeavy fines were levied on offenders.be liable for, be liable to, face, riskDrivers risk heavy fines for driving without insurance.be punishable by, carry, lead toViolations carry a maximum fine of $1000.increasePREPOSITIONin fineThey face up to five years in prison and more than $1 million in fines.fine fora fine for water pollution

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBheavilyAny company found to be breaking these rules will be heavily fined.PREPOSITIONforHe got fined £200 for parking illegally.PHRASESget fined

Fine is used with these nouns as the subject:

Fine is used with these nouns:

III. adj.1 good enough/suitable2 in good health/happy and comfortable3 (esp. BrE) bright and sunny/not raining4 thin/small1 good enough/suitableVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, look, seem, smell, sound, tasteturn outI knew that everything would turn out fine in the end.ADVERBabsolutely, completely, just, perfectly, totally, truly (esp. AmE)Don't worry. Your voice sounds absolutely fine.exceptionally, particularlyHe has done an exceptionally fine job of reorganizing things.PREPOSITIONforThis paper's not very good quality, but it's fine for rough work.

2 in good health/happy and comfortableVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, look, seemGeorge looks fine now.ADVERBabsolutely, completelyI feel absolutely fine.physically

3 (esp. BrE) bright and sunny/not rainingVERBSVERBSbeturn outIt's turned out fine again today.keep, remain, stayLet's hope it stays fine for the wedding.

4 thin/smallVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.Her hair is very fine.a very fine distinctionexceptionally

achievement, actor, actress, adjustment, ale, antique, array, art, artist, ash, athlete, balance, beach, bone, book, brain, brush, building, champagne, china, chocolate, clay, cloth, clothes, coating, collection, composer, cotton, crack, craftsman, craftsmanship, cuisine, dancer, day, detail, discrimination, display, disregard, distinction, drizzle, dust, ear, evening, example, fabric, fashion, feature, fellow, figure, film, finish, flavour, folk, food, football, form, furniture, game, grain, hair, horse, hotel, house, illustration, instrument, jewellery, job, judgement, lace, lad, lady, layer, library, line, linen, man, material, mess, mist, morning, mountain, music, musician, needle, net, nuance, painting, performance, performer, piece, player, poem, point, porcelain, pottery, powder, print, quality, rain, record, recording, reputation, restaurant, run, sand, save, scale, selection, sentiment, shading, shape, shop, shot, shred, sieve, sight, silk, silt, singer, singing, skin, snow, soldier, son, specimen, spine, spray, start, style, talk, taste, textile, texture, thread, tradition, tribute, tube, view, vintage, voice, weather, whisky, win, wine, wire, wool, word, work, workmanship, wrinkle, writer, writing, yarn

IV. adv.

Fine is used with these verbs:

suit, work

fine art

fine artnoun

Fine art is used before these nouns:

gallery, photographer, photography, reproduction

fine dining

fine diningnoun

Fine dining is used before these nouns:

finely fine-mesh

fine-meshadj.

Fine-mesh is used with these nouns:

net

finest

finestadj.

Finest is used with these nouns:

hour, mind, moment

finger

fingernounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + finger | finger + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfirst, index, pointer (AmE)middlering, third, weddingI noticed the ring on the third finger of her left hand.little, pinky (AmE)broken, dislocated, injured, severedpointingaccusatory, accusing, warningThe teacher raised a warning finger and we stopped talking.delicate, elegant, graceful, slender, slimlongbony, lean, skeletal, skinny, thinchubby, fat, plump, podgy (BrE), pudgy, stubbycalloused/callused, clawed, gnarledgentleShe took off his bandages with gentle fingers.capable, deft, nimble, skilful/skillful, skilledHer nimble fingers undid the knot in seconds.nervous, numbshaking, shaky, tremblingclumsyHis clumsy fingers struggled with the buttons.limpcold, frozen, icyextended, outstretchedintertwineddirty, filthy, grubby, stickyglovedmanicuredtriggerVERB + fingerpoint‘It was them!’ she cried, pointing an accusing finger at the boys.The investigators pointed the finger of blame at the driver of the crashed bus. (figurative)drawThe man drew a finger across his throat in a threatening gesture.insert, jam, poke, put, shove, stick, thrustEveryone put their fingers in their ears when the shooting started.jab, stabThe protester was jabbing a finger aggressively at a policeman.entwine, interlace, intertwine, lace, threadHe gently laced his fingers between mine.hookShe hooked her fingers in the belt loop of his jeans.hold up, raiseShe raised a finger to her lips to ask for silence.wag, waggle, wave, wiggle‘None of that!’ cried the teacher, wagging her finger.twiddleDad started twiddling his fingers nervously.dipI dipped my finger in the sauce and licked it.lickrun, trace, trailShe ran her finger along the dusty shelf.Sally trailed her fingers in the water idly.drum, tapHe was drumming his fingers nervously on the arm of the chair.click, snapWe were swaying and clicking our fingers in time to the music.He snapped his fingers and the waiter came running.shut, trapThe child needed treatment after trapping her finger in the car door.cut, slicebreak, dislocatecrookHe crooked a finger to tell us to go over to him.clench, close, curlTina curled her slender fingers into a fist.extend, spread, stretch, stretch outHe held up his hand with the fingers extended.flexprickThe nurse pricked my finger to get some blood.finger + NOUNbones, jointsmovementinjurypuppetPREPOSITIONwith your fingersIt's easiest to eat corn with your fingers.PHRASESthe finger of blame, the finger of fate, the finger of suspicion (all figurative)The finger of suspicion was pointed at the construction company.the tips of the fingers

II. verb

Finger is used with these nouns as the object:

fingerless

fingerlessadj.

Fingerless is used with these nouns:

glove

fingernail

fingernailnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + fingernail | fingernail + VERB | fingernail + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElongsharpblack, dirtybrokenmanicuredpainted, redVERB + fingernailclip (esp. AmE), cutpaintbite, chewbreakdig inShe dug her fingernails into my neck.runtapShe tapped her fingernails against the table impatiently.examine, inspect‘Actually, I'm leaving,’ she said, examining her fingernails.fingernail + VERBdig inscrapethe horrible sound of fingernails scraping across a blackboardgrowfingernail + NOUNpolish (esp. AmE)clippersPREPOSITIONunder the/your fingernailsI noticed I had dirt under my fingernails.

fingerprint

fingerprintnoun

noun… OF FINGERPRINTS | VERB + fingerprint | fingerprint + NOUN… OF FINGERPRINTSsetThe police were able to obtain a set of fingerprints from the suspect.VERB + fingerprintleaveShe was careful not to leave any fingerprints.check (sth) for, dust sth for, examine sth for, look forThe car is being examined for fingerprints.findtakeThe investigator questioned him and took his fingerprints.matchThe suspect's fingerprints have been matched with those found at the scene of the crime.fingerprint + NOUNreader, scanneranalysis, identification, recognitiondatabaseMany states have their own fingerprint databases.

fingertip

fingertipnoun

Fingertip is used before these nouns:

finicky

finickyadj.

Finicky is used with these nouns:

eater

finish

finishnounverb

I. noun1 last part/end of sth2 look/feel of sth1 last part/end of sthADJECTIVE | VERB + finish | finish + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEexciting, fantastic, good, great, thrilling, tremendous (esp. BrE)His best finish was 11th in the Hungarian Grand Prix.perfectIt was the perfect finish to a wonderful day.disappointingsprint, storming (BrE), strongThe runners came around the bend for a sprint finish in the home straight.close, dramatic, nail-biting, photo, tightIt was a photo finish, with three horses neck and neck at the finishing line.second-place, etc.last-place (AmE), runner-upThe team had another last-place finish.podiumThe pair just missed out on a podium finish when they took fourth place.uphillHe won a hard uphill finish at the recent Tour de Suisse.VERB + finishbe in at (BrE)Her car suffered from gearbox trouble, but she was still in at the finish.finish + NOUNline (AmE)PREPOSITIONat the finishSeveral runners needed medical attention at the finish.to a/the finishThey fought bravely right to the finish.finish toa dramatic finish to the gamePHRASESfrom start to finishHe was in the lead from start to finish.

2 look/feel of sthADJECTIVE | VERB + finish | finish + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgood, neat (BrE), perfectprofessional (esp. BrE)decorativefine, smoothtexturednaturalfaux (AmE)The walls have a faux finish that mimics old plaster walls.paint, paintedpolishedgloss, glossy, matt/matte, mirror, satin, shinychrome, metallic, nickel, stainless-steel, wooda guitar with a natural wood finishsurfacedurableprotectivefloor, wall, etc.The wall and floor finishes are all of the the highest standard.exterior, interiorVERB + finishhaveThis paint has a gloss finish.achieve, getWith our new tool you get a perfect finish every time.create, give (sth), produce, provideThis trim really does give the garment a professional finish.matchThe wall has been painted to match the finish of the original.applyMake sure the surface is clean and smooth before the finish is applied.finish + NOUNcoat (AmE)PREPOSITIONto a finishSand the wood to a fine finish using steel wool.with a finisha door handle with a metallic finishfinish onHow did you achieve that finish on the wood?

II. verbADVERB | VERB + finish | PREPOSITIONADVERBalmost, nearlybarely, justMurdo had barely finished talking to Mikey when the bell rang.She had just finished dressing when the telephone rang.recentlysooneventually, finallyquicklyI quickly finished my tea.lamely, quietly, softly‘I had no idea … ’ I finished lamely.offHe finished off by welcoming the new arrivals.VERB + finishlet sbLet me just finish what I'm doing.PREPOSITIONbyHe finished by telling us about his trip to Spain.withThe evening finished with a few songs.Have you finished with the vacuum cleaner yet?

Finish is used with these nouns as the subject:

exam, work, year

Finish is used with these nouns as the object:

assignment, brandy, business, call, career, coffee, college, conversation, course, cup, degree, dissertation, doctorate, draft, drink, education, errand, essay, grade, high school, homework, jigsaw, job, journey, lap, manuscript, marathon, master, meeting, novel, packing, painting, paperwork, pint, preparation, project, school, schooling, season, semester, sentence, session, shift, stint, study, task, thesis, training, university, whisky, work, workout

finished

finishedadj.

Finished is used with these nouns:

article, basement, garment, look, painting, piece, product, work

finishing

finishingnoun

Finishing is used before these nouns:

line, move, nail, post, school, touch

finish with

finish withphr verb

Finish with is used with these nouns as the object:

flourish, score

finite

finiteadj.

Finite is used with these nouns:

clause, limit, number, resource, set, verb

fire

firenounverb

I. noun1 destructive flames2 burning fuel for cooking/heating3 (esp. BrE) apparatus for heating rooms4 shots from guns1 destructive flamesADJECTIVE | VERB + fire | fire + VERB | fire + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, hugefierce, ragingseriouscatastrophic, devastating, disastroushouse, kitchenbush, forest, wild-land (AmE)electricalVERB + firebe onThe house is on fire!catchA lantern was knocked over and the barn caught fire.cause, set sth on, startGroups of rioters attacked and set the police headquarters on fire.ignite, sparkA missile ignited a fire that burned for three days.fanStrong winds fanned the fire.add fuel to, fuel (both figurative)Frustrated ambitions can fuel the fire of anger and resentment.extinguish, put outdouse, smotherThe sprinkler system came on and doused the fire.fightHe joined the crowds of men and women fighting the fire.contain, controlFirefighters struggled to control the fire.preventbe damaged by, be damaged in, be destroyed by, be destroyed inThe factory was destroyed in a fire started by arsonists.be killed by, be killed in, die insurvivefire + VERBoccurbreak out, erupt, startA fire broke out in the mail room.go outblaze, burn, rageThe fire burned for three days before it was finally contained.engulf sb/sth, spread, sweep through sthIn 1925 a disastrous fire swept through the museum.lick sth, lick at sthThe fire licked the roof of the house.damage sthconsume sth, destroy sth, gut sthThe fire gutted the building, leaving just a charred shell.fire + NOUNsafetylegislation related to fire safetyhazard, riskFoam-filled couches are a serious fire hazard.drill, practice (BrE)We have regular fire drills.(see also fire alarm)brigade (BrE), department (AmE), service (BrE)

Call the fire brigade/department!crewFire crews arrived and began to fight the flames.chief, commissioner, marshal, officer, officialstationengine, truck (AmE)hydranthose, sprinklerextinguisherescapeThe thief got away down the fire escape.doordamageThe building suffered extensive fire damage.code (AmE)fire code violationspreventionseason (esp. AmE)In 2008, the fire season started with a huge fire in New Mexico.PHRASESbring a fire under controlFirefighters have now managed to bring the fire under control.set fire to sthSomeone had set fire to her car.

2 burning fuel for cooking/heatingADJECTIVE | VERB + fire | fire + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEblazing, crackling, hot, roaring, warmdying, smouldering/smolderingflickeringlittleopencharcoal, coal, log, oil, woodcamp (usually campfire)cookingVERB + firebuild, makekindle, lightKim had managed to kindle a little fire of dry grass.feed, poke, stir, stoke, stoke up, tendShe fed the fire with the branches next to her.On cold nights we stoked up the fire to a blaze.put sth onPut some more wood on the fire.cook on, cook overWhen we go on safari we like to cook on an open fire.fire + VERBburnAlthough it was summer a fire burned in the hearth.roarA fire roaring in the hearth added warmth to the room.kindle, lightWe had plenty of dry wood, so the fire lit easily.die, die downThe fire was beginning to die down.burn itself out, burn out, go outcrackleglowflickersmokeThe fire smoked instead of burning properly.PHRASESthe glow from a fire, the glow of a fireThe interior was only lit by the golden glow of the fire.

3 (esp. BrE) apparatus for heating roomsADJECTIVE | VERB + fire | fire + VERBADJECTIVEelectric, gasVERB + firelight, put on, switch on, turn onUse a match to light the gas fire.switch off, turn offfire + VERBbe off, be onIs the fire still on?

4 shots from gunsADJECTIVE | … OF FIRE | VERB + fire | fire + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEheavy, withering (esp. AmE)anti-aircraft, covering, friendlyThe commandos pushed forward under the covering fire of their artillery.Several soldiers were killed in friendly fire due a mistake by allied forces.enemy, hostiledirect, indirectincomingautomaticrapidartillery, snipercannon, machine-gun, mortar, rifle… OF FIREbursta burst of machine-gun fireVERB + fireopenThe troops opened fire on the crowd.returnShe returned fire from behind the low wall.exchangecease, hold‘Cease fire!’ He yelled.They were told to hold their fire until the enemy came closer.be under, come underWe were under constant fire from enemy snipers.The EU came under fire from the US over its biotech policy. (figurative)drawA few soldiers were sent out to draw (= attract) the enemy's fire.avoid, dodgefire + VERBrain downEnemy fire continued to rain down.hit sb/sthPHRASESbe in the line of fireUnfortunately he was in the line of fire (= between the people shooting and what they were shooting at) and got shot.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + fire | PREPOSITIONADVERBblindly, indiscriminately, randomly, wildlyShe fired blindly into the mass of shadows.directlyA dense volley of missiles was fired directly at the ship.rapidlycontinuously, repeatedlyaccidentallyaccuratelywideWhitlock purposely fired wide.backoffThey fired off a volley of shots.VERB + firebe ready toHe grabbed the shotgun, ready to fire if anyone entered.order sb toHe ordered the troops to fire over the heads of the crowd.PREPOSITIONatShe fired a revolver at her attacker.intoHe fired the gun into the air.on, uponThe police fired on protesters in the square.

Fire is used with these nouns as the subject:

cannon, engine, gun, helicopter, rocket, tank

Fire is used with these nouns as the object:

agent, ammunition, arrow, assistant, barrage, beam, blank, bullet, cannon, clay, employee, engine, flare, furnace, grenade, gun, imagination, laser, manager, missile, mortar, pistol, pottery, question, revolver, rifle, rocket, round, shell, shot, shotgun, staff, torpedo, volley, weapon, worker

fire alarm

fire alarmnoun

nounVERB + fire alarm | fire alarm + VERB | FIRE-ALARM + NOUNVERB + fire alarmset offIt was thought that the fire alarm had been set off as a prank.installFire alarms have been installed in the building.fire alarm + VERBgo (esp. BrE), go off, soundThe fire alarm went off when I was making a coffee.FIRE-ALARM + NOUNsystem

fire-and-brimstone

fire-and-brimstoneadj.

Fire-and-brimstone is used with these nouns:

preacher

firearm

firearmnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + firearm | FIREARMS + NOUNADJECTIVEimitation (BrE), replicaunlicensedloadedconcealeddefensive (AmE)VERB + firearmbe in possession of, own, possessThe police charged her with possessing an illegal firearm.carrylock up, storehandle, usenew army recruits learning how to handle firearmsdischargeFIREARMS + NOUNtrainingenthusiast, expert, instructordealer, retailersalesbusiness, industrycompany, manufacturerownerownership, possessioncertificate (BrE), licence/licensesafetylawoffence/offense (esp. BrE)He is wanted for robbery and firearms offences/offenses.accidentdeath

firebrand

firebrandnoun

Firebrand is used before these nouns:

preacher

fire-engine

fire-engineadj.

Fire-engine is used with these nouns:

red

fire escape

fire escapenoun

Fire escape is used before these nouns:

ladder

firefighter

firefighternoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + firefighter | firefighter + VERBADJECTIVEfull-time, part-timevolunteerVERB + firefightercall, call outFirefighters were called to a house in Summertown.killA wildfire near Sydney killed three firefighters.firefighter + VERBbattle sth (AmE), fight sth, tackle sth (BrE)Firefighters tackled a warehouse blaze.battleFirefighters battled to save a historic building after arsonists set it alight.put sth outrescue sb, save sbFirefighters rescued a driver trapped in the wreckage of his car.die

fireman

firemannoun

Fireman is used after these nouns:

volunteer

fire off

fire offphr verb

Fire off is used with these nouns as the object:

fire on

fire onphr verb

Fire on is used with these nouns as the subject:

Fire on is used with these nouns as the object:

demonstrator

fireplace

fireplacenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + fireplace | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, enormous, great, huge, large, massivesmallopenoutdoor (esp. AmE)brick, cast-iron, marble, stone, etc.gas, wood-burning (both AmE)workingVERB + fireplacehaveEvery room in the house has a fireplace.build, installPREPOSITIONin a/the fireplaceA log fire crackled in the fireplace.

fireside

firesidenoun

Fireside is used before these nouns:

chat

fire up

fire upphr verb

Fire up is used with these nouns as the subject:

firework

fireworknoun

nounVERB + firework | firework + VERB | FIREWORKS + NOUNVERB + fireworklightBe very careful when lighting fireworks.let off, set off, shoot (AmE), shoot off (AmE)They set off fireworks in their backyard.watchThousands of people jammed into People's Square to watch the fireworks.firework + VERBexplode, go offlight up sthFIREWORKS + NOUNdisplay, showThe festival culminated in a a fireworks display.

firing

firingnoun

Firing is used before these nouns:

line, mechanism, offence, range, squad

firing squad

firing squadnoun

nounVERB + firing squad | PREPOSITIONVERB + firing squadfaceHe could face a firing squad if found guilty of the charges.be executed by, be shot byShe was executed by firing squad.PREPOSITIONbefore a/the firing squad, in front of a/the firing squadMany died in front of the firing squad.

firm

firmnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + firm | firm + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, large, majormedium-sizedsmallwell-knownsuccessfulprestigiousestablishedstart-up (esp. BrE)start-up firms in the booming computer marketprivatefamilyinternational, multinationalforeignlocalBoston-based, Tokyo-based, etc.accountancy (esp. BrE), accounting (esp. AmE), audit, auditing, consulting, engineering, law, manufacturing, marketing, PR, software (esp. BrE), etc.mail-order (esp. BrE)VERB + firmestablish, found, launch, set up, start, start up (esp. BrE)She set up her own software firm.head, head up, manage, runmerge withThey are likely to merge with a bigger firm.acquire, buy, buy out, take overThe firm was taken over by a multinational consultancy.close, close downthe decision to close down the firmownwork forjoin, leaveemploy, hireShe hired a firm of private detectives to follow him.firm + VERBbe based in stha firm called Data Inc., based in Chicagoexpand, growmergecompeteLocal firms are finding it difficult to compete in the international market.operateUS firms operating in Chinaclose, close down, collapse, fail, go bust (esp. BrE), go into liquidation (esp. BrE)The well-established firm closed down with the loss of 600 jobs.develop sth, make sth, manufacture sth, produce sth, sell sthspecialize in stha firm specializing in high-tech productsemploy sb, hire sb (esp. AmE)The firm employs 85 000 people around the world.PREPOSITIONin a/the firm, within a/the firmthe different departments within the firmPHRASESa client of a firma firm of accountants, consultants, solicitors, etc. (BrE)a partner in a firm

II. adj.1 solid/strong2 not likely to change1 solid/strongVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, look, seemremain, stayExercise is important if you want your muscles to stay firm.make sthUse extra stuffing to make the cushions firmer.keep sthexercises to keep your muscles firmADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.

2 not likely to changeVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, soundhold, remain, standJo held firm: nothing else would do.We stand firm on these principles.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.PREPOSITIONwithI have always been quite firm with my children.

Firm is used with these nouns:

action, adherence, advocate, assurance, base, basis, belief, believer, breast, buttock, chin, commitment, conclusion, conviction, date, decision, denial, diagnosis, discipline, dough, evidence, favourite, flesh, foothold, footing, foundation, friendship, government, grasp, grip, ground, grounding, guarantee, guidance, hand, handshake, hold, idea, impression, indication, instruction, intention, jaw, leadership, line, mattress, mouth, offer, order, plan, prediction, pressure, promise, recommendation, resolution, shake, smack, stance, stand, statement, stomach, support, surface, texture, thigh, tone, tug, voice

firmly

firmlyadv.

Firmly is used with these adjectives:

attached, closed, committed, convinced, embedded, fixed, opposed, rooted, shut, stuck, united

Firmly is used with these verbs:

adhere, align, anchor, answer, attach, base, believe, bolt, clamp, clasp, clench, cling, close, clutch, declare, deny, establish, fasten, fix, focus, glue, grasp, grip, ground, hold, insist, kiss, link, massage, oppose, pin, place, plant, press, push, reject, repeat, reply, resist, rest, say, screw, secure, shake, state, stick, strap, strike, subordinate, tape, tell, tie, tuck, uphold, warn, wedge, wrap

first

firstnounadj.adv.

I. noun1 (also first gear) lowest gear on a bicycle/vehicle2 (BrE) highest level of university degree1 (also first gear) lowest gear on a bicycle/vehicleVERB + first | PREPOSITIONVERB + firstget into, move into, slam intoAs he moved into first, the engine made a strange noise.engage (formal)She engaged first gear and pulled off.put sth intoPut the car into first and pull off slowly.findIt's very difficult to find first on this car.PREPOSITIONin firstI had to drive all the way home in first.

2 (BrE) highest level of university degreeADJECTIVE | VERB + first | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdoubleShe did Philosophy and English Literature and got a double first.VERB + firstbe awarded, gain, get, obtainPREPOSITIONfirst inHe got a first in modern history.

II. adj.

First is used with these nouns:

communion, world

First is used with these nouns:

act, aim, album, anniversary, appearance, appointment, arrival, attempt, ballot, batter, bid, boyfriend, chamber, chapter, choice, course, cousin, dance, date, degree, division, draft, edition, encounter, episode, finger, floor, frost, gear, generation, girlfriend, glimpse, guess, half, hint, hurdle, husband, importance, impression, impulse, inclination, inhabitant, inkling, instalment, instinct, job, kiss, lady, language, lap, leg, love, manifestation, marriage, measure, meeting, memory, mention, mortgage, mouthful, move, movement, name, night, novel, objective, offence, offender, offer, option, overtime, page, pang, part, phase, portion, position, post, preference, pregnancy, prerequisite, priority, prize, quarter, rank, reaction, recommendation, record, recording, refusal, report, round, row, rule, school, secretary, seed, semester, sergeant, settler, shock, shot, sign, signatory, single, sip, skirmish, snow, snowfall, soprano, stab, stage, step, storey, syllable, symphony, taste, team, term, thing, third, thought, time, train, trimester, try, violin, visit, volume, voyage, warning, wave, wife

III. adv.

First is used with these verbs:

appear, discover, encounter, introduce, meet, propose

first aid

first aidnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + first aid | FIRST-AID + NOUNADJECTIVEemergencyVERB + first aidadminister, giveWhile one of you gives first aid, the other should call an ambulance.receive (BrE)be trained inOne member of staff should be trained in first aid.FIRST-AID + NOUNbox, kitcourse, trainingthose who've had first-aid trainingpost (BrE)

first-born

first-bornadj.

First-born is used with these nouns:

child, daughter, son

first class

first classadv.

First class is used with these verbs:

travel

first-class

first-classadj.

First-class is used with these nouns:

carriage, compartment, cricket, degree, education, facility, fare, honour, hotel, lounge, mail, passenger, post, return, rugby, service, stamp, ticket, training, travel

first-degree

first-degreeadj.

First-degree is used with these nouns:

burn, felony, murder

first-floor

first-flooradj.

First-floor is used with these nouns:

apartment, bedroom, flat, gallery, landing, room, window

first-generation

first-generationadj.

First-generation is used with these nouns:

immigrant, migrant

first-grade

first-gradeadj.

First-grade is used with these nouns:

first-half

first-halfadj.

First-half is used with these nouns:

First-hand is used with these nouns:

first-hand

first-handadj.adv.

I. adj.

account, evidence, experience, knowledge, look, observation, report

II. adv.

First-hand is used with these verbs:

experience, see

first-line

first-lineadj.

First-line is used with these nouns:

treatment

first-night

first-nightadj.

First-night is used with these nouns:

first person

first personnoun

First person is used before these nouns:

narrative, pronoun

first-place

first-placeadj.

First-place is used with these nouns:

prize, vote

first team

first teamnoun

First team is used before these nouns:

football, squad

first-time

first-timeadj.

First-time is used with these nouns:

buyer, mother, offender, parent, user, visitor, voter, winner

fiscal fiscally

fiscallyadv.

Fiscally is used with these adjectives:

conservative, irresponsible, prudent, responsible

fish

fishnoun

noun1 animal that lives and breathes in water2 fish as food1 animal that lives and breathes in waterADJECTIVE | … OF FISH | VERB + fish | fish + VERB | fish + NOUNADJECTIVEfreshwater, marine, saltwater, seacold-water, tropicalaquariumpredatoryfarmedwild… OF FISHschool, shoalVERB + fishcatch, landHe landed a big fish.breed, farm, have, keepfish farmed in CanadaHe keeps tropical fish.fish + VERBswimhatchbiteThe fish aren't biting (= taking the bait) today.fish + NOUNspecieseggsbowl, pond, tankfoodpopulation, stocksthe depletion of fish stockshookfarmfarmingfarmer

2 fish as foodADJECTIVE | … OF FISH | VERB + fish | fish + VERB | fish + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEfreshdried, frozen, salted, smokedfatty, oilywhiterawfried, grilled… OF FISHbit, piecefillet/filetVERB + fisheat, haveclean, fillet, gut, prepare, skinI cleaned and filleted the fish.marinatebake, cook, fry, grill, poach, steamfish + VERBtasteThis fish tastes funny.fish + NOUNbonefillet/filetdishcake (usually fishcake) (esp. BrE), finger (BrE), paste, pie (BrE), sauce, soup, stew, stick (AmE), stockoilmarket, shop (BrE)knife, slice (BrE)PHRASESfish and chips (esp. BrE)

fish-and-chip

fish-and-chipadj.

Fish-and-chip is used with these nouns:

supper

fisherman

fishermannoun

nounADJECTIVE | fisherman + VERBADJECTIVEavid (esp. AmE), keen (esp. BrE)goodlocalLocal fishermen are protesting about the latest government regulations.commercialrecreational, sport, sports (AmE)deep-seafisherman + VERBcatch sth

fishery

fisherynoun

Fishery is used before these nouns:

biologist

Fishery is used after these nouns:

herring, salmon, trout

fish-eye

fish-eyeadj.

Fish-eye is used with these nouns:

lens

fish for

fish forphr verb

Fish for is used with these nouns as the object:

compliment, salmon, trout

fishing

fishingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + fishing | fishing + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgoodThis stretch of the river is renowned for its good fishing.coarse (BrE), deep-sea, drift-net, saltwater, seaOne of his hobbies was coarse fishing.game, salmon, shark, trout, etc.She has been big game fishing off the coast of Kenya.commercial, industrialrecreationalillegalVERB + fishinggoHe goes fishing every weekend.fishing + NOUNequipment, gear, line, rod, tackleboat, craft, fleet, trawler, vesselharbour/harbor (esp. BrE), port, town, villagearea, grounds, spot, zonethe rich fishing grounds off the coast of NamibiaJust below that bridge is a good fishing spot.dock, pier (both AmE)activitycontrols on fishing activityquotasagreementThe two countries have signed a new fishing agreement.banrightsFishing rights are held by the local angling club.licence/licenseYou need a fishing licence/license to fish in the lake.expedition, holiday (BrE), tripclublodgebusiness, industrymethods, techniquesPREPOSITIONfishing forEcuador announced a ban on fishing for shrimp.

fishnet

fishnetnoun

Fishnet is used before these nouns:

pantyhose, stocking, tights

fish oil

fish oilnoun

Fish oil is used before these nouns:

capsule

fishy

fishyadj.

adj. (informal)VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, look, seem, smell, soundIt all sounds very fishy to me.ADVERBverydefinitelya little, slightly, etc.PHRASESsomething fishyThere was definitely something fishy going on.

Fishy is used with these nouns:

smell

fission

fissionnoun

Fission is used before these nouns:

reaction, reactor

fist

fistnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + fist | fist + VERB | fist + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEballed (esp. AmE), clenched, closed, tightlooselittle, small, tinygiant, huge, large, massiveglovedbareHe was punching the man with his bare fists.left, rightflyingI managed to duck his flying fists.angryDiago pounded an angry fist against the wall.VERB + fistform, makeHe closed his fingers to form a fist.ball (esp. AmE), clench, close, tightenunclench, uncurlbang, beat, hit, plant, pound, punch, slam, smack, smash, strike, thumpHe banged his fist loudly on the table.He punched his fist in the air.drive, ram, shove, throw, thrustHe thrust his fist forward and smashed her face.shake, waveThe man was shaking his fist at us through the window.pump‘Yeah, you did it!’ Sally said, pumping her fist in the air.lift, raiseShe raised her fist in a gesture of defiance.swingHe swung his fists wildly at his attacker's head.bring back, draw back, pull backShe drew back her fist and threw a punch at his nose.useCailean was tired of using his fists to get everything he wanted.fist + VERBball, clench, curl, tightenShe saw Joe's fists clench.collide with sth, connect with sth, hit sth, strike sthHe felt Michelle's fist connect with his jaw.pound (sth), slam (sth), smash (sth)A fist slammed on the table in front of her.landHis fist landed forcefully against Mike's jaw.flyShe ran at him, her fists flying.fist + NOUNfightPREPOSITIONin your fistShe was holding a hammer in her fist.PHRASESclench your hand into a fist

fit

fitnounverbadj.

I. noun1 way sth fits/way two things match2 sudden attack of illness3 short period of coughing/laughter/strong feeling1 way sth fits/way two things matchADJECTIVE | VERB + fit | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEexcellent, good, niceWe need to achieve the best fit between the staff required and the staff available.correct, exact, ideal, perfect, proper, rightbad, poorThe door was a poor fit and didn't open properly.close, snug, tightloosecomfortableThe sweater is a comfortable fit—not too tight and not too loose.naturalcustom (esp. AmE)The cap is made of 92% polyester with 8% Spandex for a custom fit.VERB + fitachieve, get, produceFile away any excess metal until a snug fit is achieved.ensureThe shoe has a special strap to ensure a good fit.PREPOSITIONfit betweena good fit between the recruit and the jobPHRASESa lack of fitHe argues that there is a lack of fit between our system of values and capitalism.

2 sudden attack of illnessADJECTIVE | VERB + fit | fit + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEconvulsive, epileptic, faintingVERB + fithave, sufferShe suffered a major fit last year.suffer fromHe suffers from fits of depression.bring on, cause, triggerHe suffers from a brain disorder that can trigger convulsive fits.controlnew drugs that can control fitspreventfit + VERBhappen, occurThe fits usually occur at night.PREPOSITIONduring a fitShe hurt her arm during one of her fits.

3 short period of coughing/laughter/strong feelingADJECTIVE | VERB + fit | fit + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcoughing, sneezingcrying, giggling, laughing, screaminghystericalsuddenIn a sudden fit of anger, he snatched the book from her hand.uncontrollableHe burst into an uncontrollable fit of laughter.majorVERB + fithave, pitch (AmE), throwMy dad will throw a major fit if he finds out!burst into, collapse in, collapse into, erupt in, erupt into, fall intoShe collapsed in a fit of laughter.bring onThe cold air brought on one of his coughing fits.fit + VERBbe over, passWhen her coughing fit was over she continued to speak.PREPOSITIONin a fit ofHe pushed the referee in a fit of temper.fit ofa fit of anger/gigglesPHRASESin fits (BrE), in fits of laughterThe comedian had them all in fits of laughter.

II. verb1 right size/type2 agree/match; make sth suitable1 right size/typeADVERB | VERB + fit | PREPOSITIONADVERBclosely, neatly, nicely, securely, snugly, tightly, wellThe pencils fit neatly into this box.looselyexactly, perfectlyThe screws fit the holes exactly.properlyThe shoes don't fit properly.badly, poorlyIf the top of the box fits badly, the contents will spill out.barely, hardlyjeans which barely fit his stout bodyeasilyThat chair should fit into the room easily.comfortablyPDAs are designed to fit comfortably in a jacket pocket.togetherThese two pieces of wood fit together to make the base.VERB + fitbe designed toThe waste unit is designed to fit under the sink.PREPOSITIONin, into, onto, over, under, etc.Will this box fit into the cupboard?

2 agree/match; make sth suitableADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBperfectlyseamlesslyThe haunting melody fits seamlessly within the song.PREPOSITIONfor (esp. BrE)Your experience fits you perfectly for the job.withThe words fit perfectly with the music.

Fit is used with these nouns as the subject:

analogy, description, shoe, size

Fit is used with these nouns as the object:

alarm, arrow, budget, carpet, category, criterion, data, definition, description, engine, expectation, heating, image, lifestyle, lock, meter, model, mould, need, niche, panel, part, personality, plug, preconception, preference, profile, rail, requirement, role, situation, stereotype, strap, tile, tyre, valve, windscreen

III. adj.1 healthy2 suitable1 healthyVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbe, feel, look, seembecome, getthe struggle to get fit and stay fitkeep, stayGo for a little jog to keep fit.make sbExercising once a week is not enough to make you fit.keep sbgentle exercises designed to keep you fitADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.fighting (esp. BrE)He seemed fighting fit and ready for action.fully (BrE)John isn't fully fit yet after his operation.physicallyShe felt physically fitter and more alive than she could ever remember.PREPOSITIONfor (BrE)The doctor said she was now fit for work.PHRASESas fit as a fiddle (= very healthy)fit and healthy, fit and well (esp. BrE)She looks really fit and healthy.fit and readylean and fit

2 suitableVERBS | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSconsider sth, see, thinkThe newspaper did not see fit to publish my letter.You must do as you think fit.PREPOSITIONforThe food was not fit for human consumption.PHRASESfit and proper (law, esp. BrE)circumstances in which someone is not considered a fit and proper person to run a bankfit for a kingIt was a meal fit for a king.in no fit stateHe's so angry he's in no fit state to see anyone.

Fit is used with these nouns:

body, state

fitful

fitfuladj.

Fitful is used with these nouns:

night, sleep

fitfully

fitfullyadv.

Fitfully is used with these verbs:

doze, sleep

fit into

fit intophr verb

Fit into is used with these nouns as the object:

category, mould, pattern, schedule, society, surroundings

fit in with

fit in withphr verb

Fit in with is used with these nouns as the object:

expectation, preconception, surroundings

fitness

fitnessnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF FITNESS | VERB + fitness | fitness + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEfull, peaklowgeneral, overallindividual, personalaerobic, physicalcardiorespiratory, cardiovascularmentalmatch (BrE)Tomkins is back to match fitness and is expected to play in the final.… OF FITNESSdegree, levelYou need a good level of physical fitness for this sport.VERB + fitnessattainHe has attained peak fitness this season.maintainRegular exercise helps to maintain physical fitness.be back to, get (sb) back to, regain, return tobuild, build up, enhance, improve, increase, work onA special trainer has been brought in to work on her fitness.measureproveThe coach has given him a week to prove his fitness.fitness + NOUNlevelFirst, determine your present fitness level.trainingplan, programme/program, regime, regimen (AmE), routineclassequipmentvideoassessment, check (BrE), testgoalcentre/center, club, facilitya fitness club with gym and squash courtsbuff, enthusiast, fanatic, freakShe's a bit of a fitness freak. She goes running every night.consultant, expert, gurucoach, instructor, trainerindustrybenefitsSkiing offers many fitness benefits.PHRASEShealth and fitnessWalking is good for health and fitness.

fit on

fit onphr verb

Fit on is used with these nouns as the object:

fit onto

fit ontophr verb

Fit onto is used with these nouns as the object:

fitted

fittedadj.

Fitted is used with these nouns:

bathroom, carpet, cupboard, jacket, kitchen, sheet, T-shirt, wardrobe

fitter

fitternoun

Fitter is used after these nouns:

Fitting is used after these nouns:

fitting

fittingnounadj.

I. noun1 on a piece of equipment2 (BrE) in a house1 on a piece of equipmentADJECTIVE | VERB + fittingADJECTIVEstandardspeciallightmetal, plastic, etc.brass, copper, etc.VERB + fittingremove

2 (BrE) in a houseADJECTIVE | VERB + fitting | PHRASESADJECTIVEoriginalinterior, internalelectrical, plumbingbathroom, kitchenVERB + fittinginstallOur bathroom fittings are easy to install.PHRASESfixtures and fittingsThe room still has the original fixtures and fittings.

bathroom, light, plumbing

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemIt seemed entirely fitting that she should be wearing black.consider sth, think sthI did not think it fitting to ask James about his daughter's death.ADVERBveryentirely, perfectly

Fitting is used with these nouns:

climax, conclusion, description, end, epitaph, finale, memorial, monument, punishment, reward, testament, tribute

fit with

fit withphr verb

Fit with is used with these nouns as the object:

preference, tyre

five-a-side

five-a-sidenounadj.

I. noun

Five-a-side is used before these nouns:

football, soccer

II. adj.

Five-a-side is used with these nouns:

five-bar

five-baradj.

Five-bar is used with these nouns:

gate

five-barred

five-barredadj.

Five-barred is used with these nouns:

gate

five-point

five-pointadj.

Five-point is used with these nouns:

harness

five-star

five-staradj.

Five-star is used with these nouns:

hotel, restaurant

fix

fixnounverb

I. noun1 solution to a problem2 amount of sth, esp. a drug3 difficult situation1 solution to a problemADJECTIVE | VERB + fixADJECTIVEquickThere is no quick fix to the breakdown in negotiations between the two companies.easy, simpleThere are no quick or easy fixes.short-term, temporarylong-term, permanenttechnical, technologicalbugThe new software incorporates many bug fixes and product improvements.VERB + fixfindmakeThey made a quick fix of part of the problem.

2 amount of sth, esp. a drugADJECTIVE | VERB + fixADJECTIVEdaily, regularmy daily fix of coffeenextHe was like a heroin junkie needing his next fix.caffeineI need my caffeine fix!VERB + fixhaveHe gets withdrawal symptoms if he hasn't had his regular fix.needget

3 difficult situationVERB + fixVERB + fixbe inI was in a fix.get in, get intoHow did you get into such a fix?get (sb) out ofI lent her the money to get her out of a fix.

II. verb1 (esp. BrE) attach sth firmly2 repair/correct sth1 (esp. BrE) attach sth firmlyADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBfirmly, securelydirectlyPREPOSITIONonto, toThe handrail can be fixed directly to the wall.PHRASESfix sth in place, fix sth in positionFix the bars in position with the screws provided.

2 repair/correct sthADVERB | PHRASESADVERBeasilyquicklya problem which can be fixed quicklyPHRASESget sth fixedWe need to get the TV fixed.

Fix is used with these nouns as the subject:

Fix is used with these nouns as the object:

appointment, bayonet, border, boundary, bug, car, collar, computer, date, economy, election, error, faucet, fault, flaw, gaze, hair, leak, link, lunch, machine, make-up, mess, mistake, plumbing, price, problem, puncture, race, rail, rate, rent, sight, snack, tariff, tear, thing, time, tyre, vulnerability

fixed

fixedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seembecomeremain, stayADVERBveryfirmly, securely (both esp. BrE)Check that the boards are all securely fixed.rigidlyHis gaze was rigidly fixed ahead.relativelypermanently

Fixed is used with these nouns:

asset, bayonet, budget, capital, charge, commission, cost, distance, fee, gaze, idea, income, instalment, interval, limit, menu, number, penalty, percentage, period, point, price, proportion, rate, rent, scale, sight, smile, sum, target, term, wing

fixedly

fixedlyadv.

Fixedly is used with these verbs:

stare

fixed-penalty

fixed-penaltyadj.

Fixed-penalty is used with these nouns:

ticket

fixed-price

fixed-priceadj.

Fixed-price is used with these nouns:

fixed-rate

fixed-rateadj.

Fixed-rate is used with these nouns:

loan, mortgage

fixed-term

fixed-termadj.

Fixed-term is used with these nouns:

contract

fixed-wing

fixed-wingadj.

Fixed-wing is used with these nouns:

fix on

fix onphr verb

Fix on is used with these nouns as the subject:

eye, gaze

fixture

fixturenoun

noun1 sth fixed in a house2 (BrE) sporting event1 sth fixed in a houseADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEoriginalan exceptional example of Victorian architecture with the original fixtures intactlightThe apartment still has the original light fixtures.permanent (often figurative)The new conductor is now a permanent fixture in the orchestra.PHRASESfixtures and fittings (BrE)

2 (BrE) sporting eventADJECTIVE | VERB + fixture | fixture + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEimportant, majordifficultaway, homeannual, regularopeningfinalinternationalfriendlyleaguesportingVERB + fixtureplayThe team is playing an important fixture this evening.fulfilThe club was fined for not fulfilling its fixtures at the weekend.make sthThere are plans to make the race an annual fixture.arrange, schedulestageThe golf club has staged many international fixtures.postponefixture + NOUNlista full fixture list of friendly matchesPREPOSITIONfixture againsta home fixture against Leeds

fix up

fix upphr verb

Fix up is used with these nouns as the object:

drip

fizzy

fizzyadj.

Fizzy is used with these nouns:

drink, wine

flabby

flabbyadj.

Flabby is used with these nouns:

stomach, thigh

flaccid

flaccidadj.

Flaccid is used with these nouns:

penis

flag

flagnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + flag | flag + VERB | flag + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEnationalbattleburningtatteredA tattered flag hung from the roof of the burned-out building.chequered/checkeredHamilton took the chequered/checkered flag to win his fourth Grand Prix of the season.whiteoffside (in football/soccer, hockey, etc.)warning (usually figurative)The fact that it was so cheap should have been a warning flag for me.VERB + flagfly, hang, hang out, hoist, raise, run upa ship flying a Russian flagplantlowerwaveThe crowd all waved flags as the president came past.unfurlcarrysalutecaptureburnflag + VERBhangflap, flutter, fly, wavea flag fluttering in the breezebe at half mast, fly at half mastflag + NOUNpole (usually flagpole)PREPOSITIONunder a/the flaga ship sailing under the Liberian flagflag ofa flag of trucePHRASESflag of convenienceflag of surrender

II. verb

Flag is used with these nouns as the subject:

energy, interest

Flag is used with these nouns as the object:

cab, taxi

flag down

flag downphr verb

Flag down is used with these nouns as the object:

cab, taxi

flag-draped

flag-drapedadj.

Flag-draped is used with these nouns:

casket, coffin

flagging

flaggingadj.

Flagging is used with these nouns:

career, economy, fortune, spirit

flag-raising

flag-raisingnoun

Flag-raising is used before these nouns:

flagrant

flagrantadj.

Flagrant is used with these nouns:

abuse, breach, disregard, example, foul, violation

flagrantly

flagrantlyadv.

Flagrantly is used with these verbs:

violate

flagship

flagshipnoun

Flagship is used before these nouns:

product, programme, show, store, track

flail

flailverb

verbADVERBADVERBdesperately, helplessly, wildlyShe ran along, her arms flailing wildly.He flailed around helplessly in the water, shouting ‘I can't swim!’

Flail is used with these nouns as the subject:

arm, leg

flailing

flailingadj.

Flailing is used with these nouns:

arm, limb

flair

flairnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + flair | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEconsiderable, greata certainrealnaturalartistic, creative, design, dramatic, entrepreneurial (esp. BrE), imaginative (esp. BrE), theatrical, visualVERB + flairhaveShe has a natural flair for languages.showlackHis designs are all right, but he lacks artistic flair.developaddPREPOSITIONwith flairjazz guitarists who improvise with flairflair foran activist with a flair for publicity

flak

flaknoun

Flak is used before these nouns:

jacket

flake

flakeverb

Flake is used with these nouns as the subject:

flaked

flakedadj.

Flaked is used with these nouns:

almond

flake off

flake offphr verb

Flake off is used with these nouns as the subject:

flaking

flakingadj.

Flaking is used with these nouns:

flaky

flakyadj.

Flaky is used with these nouns:

biscuit, crust, pastry, scalp, skin

flamboyant

flamboyantadj.

Flamboyant is used with these nouns:

gesture, style

flamboyantly

flamboyantlyadv.

Flamboyantly is used with these verbs:

Flame is used with these nouns as the subject:

flame

flamenounverb

I. noun1 hot bright stream of fire2 flames fire1 hot bright stream of fireADJECTIVE | … OF FLAME | VERB + flame | flame + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEhotsmallbrightdancing, flickering, leapingnaked (BrE), open (AmE)pork cooked over an open flameNever smoke near a naked flame.candle, gasOlympic… OF FLAMEball, sheet, tongueThe plane crashed in a ball of flames.Sheets of flame shot into the air.VERB + flameignite, light, spark (often figurative)His childhood interest in the game had ignited a flame of passion for football.rekindle (often figurative)They tried to rekindle the flames of romance.blow out, extinguish, snuff, snuff outfeel (often figurative)She felt a flame of anger flicker and grow.flame + VERBburn, crackleThe flame burned brightly.growdie, go outThe candle flame flickered and went out.leap, rise, shootFlames leaped from the burning house.Flames shot high into the air.lick (sth)Orange flames were already licking around the foot of the stairs.dance, flickerFlames danced in the gas lantern.PHRASESthe crackle of flames

2 flames fireADJECTIVE | VERB + FLAMES | FLAMES + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEblazing, burning, crackling, roaringintenseVERB + FLAMESbe engulfed ingo up inAll the historical records have gone up in flames (= have been destroyed by fire).burst into, erupt in, explode in, explode intoThe helicopter burst into flames.fuel (often figurative)Ethnic tensions helped fuel the flames of civil war.Oxygen tanks helped fuel the flames.fan, feed, stokeWinds fanned the flames.fightHe fought the flames for two hours.controlFirefighters have been trying to control the flames.douse, extinguish, put out, quench, smotherMen came with buckets of water and began to douse the flames.be beaten back byThey tried to get into to the house but were beaten back by the flames.FLAMES + VERBroardie downspread, sweep through sthThey watched the flames sweep through the old wooden barn.burst from sth, erupt from sthconsume sth, engulf sthThe flames quickly spread and engulfed their home.light sth, light sth upThe flames lit up the skyline.PREPOSITIONin flamesA large part of the building was in flames.The aircraft was shot down in flames.

II. verb

cheek, face

flamenco

flamenconoun

Flamenco is used before these nouns:

dancer, dancing

flameproof

flameproofadj.

Flameproof is used with these nouns:

casserole

flaming

flamingadj.

Flaming is used with these nouns:

red, row, torch, wreckage

flammable

flammableadj.

(also inflammable esp. in BrE) adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBextremely, highly, very (AmE)These materials are highly flammable.

Flammable is used with these nouns:

gas, liquid, material

flan

flannoun

Flan is used before these nouns:

tin

flank

flanknoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + flank | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEleft, rightnorth, northern, etc.lowerthe lower flanks of VesuviusVERB + flankattackThey decided to attack their enemy's southern flank.cover, defend, guard, protect (all often figurative)expose (often figurative)This meant exposing his flanks to his political enemies.PREPOSITIONalong a/the flankalong the eastern flank of Greenlanddown the flanka beautiful pass down the right flankon a/the flankThe army was attacked on the left flank.

flannel

flannelnoun

noun (BrE)See also washclothADJECTIVE | VERB + flannel | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdamp, wetcoldfaceVERB + flanneluseUse a damp flannel to clean the skin.PREPOSITIONwith a flannelShe wiped his eyes and nose with a wet face flannel.

Flannel is used before these nouns:

pants, pyjamas, shirt

flap

flapnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + flapADJECTIVEsmallloosea loose flap of skintentpocketa stylish jacket with leather cuffs and pocket flapscat (BrE)VERB + flaplift, lift back, lift up, open, pull back, push asideHe pulled back the tent flap.closelowerThe pilot lowered the flaps as the aircraft came into land.

II. verbADVERBADVERBgentlywildlyThe sails flapped wildly in the stiff breeze.

Flap is used with these nouns as the subject:

flag, sail, wing

Flap is used with these nouns as the object:

arm, wing

flare

flarenounverb

I. noun1 bright unsteady light/flame; sudden feeling2 device producing a bright flame1 bright unsteady light/flame; sudden feelingADJECTIVE | VERB + flareADJECTIVEbrief, suddenThere was a sudden flare as a fuel tank exploded.brightsolarRadiation comes from the sun during solar flares.VERB + flarefeelShe felt a sudden flare of anger.

2 device producing a bright flameADJECTIVE | VERB + flare | flare + VERB | flare + NOUNADJECTIVEdistress (BrE), signal (AmE)VERB + flareseeIf they did not see a green flare in ten minutes, they were to launch the attack.fire, sendThe ship's crew sent up a distress flare.dropThe bomber dropped a flare to illuminate the target.flare + VERBburnThey could see orange flares burning in the distance.illuminate sth, light sth, light sth upFlares lit up the night sky.flare + NOUNgun

II. verbADVERB | PHRASESADVERBsuddenlyAnger suddenly flared in his eyes.brieflyA light flared briefly, then went out.brightlyPHRASESflare into lifeThe fire flared into life again.

Flare is used with these nouns as the subject:

anger, eye, fighting, hatred, heat, hope, nostril, pain, spark, temper, torch, trouble, violence

flared

flaredadj.

Flared is used with these nouns:

jeans, pants, skirt, trousers

flare up

flare upphr verb

Flare up is used with these nouns as the subject:

anger, conflict, pain

flash

flashnounverbadj.

I. noun1 sudden bright light; sudden idea/emotion/action2 bright light for a camera1 sudden bright light; sudden idea/emotion/actionADJECTIVE | VERB + flash | flash + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgreatblinding, bright, brilliantsuddenbrief, momentary, quickoccasionalrarea rare flash of witlightninglasernews (usually newsflash)hot (AmE) (hot flush in BrE)She was experiencing hot flashes as part of menopause.VERB + flashexperience, feel, haveHe felt a brief flash of jealousy.She had a sudden flash of inspiration.emitcatch, detect, notice, seeWe caught a flash of white in the bushes.flash + VERBeruptilluminate sth, light sth, light sth upA bright flash of lightning lit up the sky.blindWe were blinded by the flash.PREPOSITIONflash fromThe flashes from the guns illuminated the sky.flash ofa sudden flash of light

2 bright light for a cameraADJECTIVE | VERB + flash | flash + VERB | flash + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbuilt-incameraVERB + flashuseI don't think the picture will come out in this light. Try using the flash.flash + VERBgo off, workThe flash didn't go off.flash + NOUNphotographyPREPOSITIONwith (a) flashI took it with flash.

II. verb1 shine2 show emotion1 shineADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBbrieflyIt was only the sun, flashing briefly on her hair.brightlyPREPOSITIONatA car flashed its headlights at me.

2 show emotionADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBsuddenlyangrily, dangerously, menacinglyHer eyes flashed angrily.PREPOSITIONwithHer eyes suddenly flashed with anger.

Flash is used with these nouns as the subject:

bulb, camera, eye, headlights, light, lightning, message, screen, sign, tooth, torch, window

Flash is used with these nouns as the object:

badge, grin, headlights, light, look, smile, torch

III. adj.

Flash is used with these nouns:

card, drive, flood, memory, point

flash across

flash acrossphr verb

Flash across is used with these nouns as the object:

flashback

flashbacknoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + flashback | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEsuddenVERB + flashbackget, havePREPOSITIONin (a) flashbackThe story is told in flashback.flashback toI had a sudden flashback to the time immediately after the war.

flashing

flashingadj.

Flashing is used with these nouns:

light, sign

flashlight

flashlightnoun

noun (esp. AmE)See also torchADJECTIVE | VERB + flashlight | flashlight + NOUNADJECTIVEpocket, smallVERB + flashlightpoint, shineNeesha pointed her flashlight at the floor.Don't shine the flashlight in my face!flashlight + NOUNbeamThe flashlight beam revealed a pile of sacks.

flash through

flash throughphr verb

Flash through is used with these nouns as the subject:

idea, pain, thought

flash up

flash upphr verb

Flash up is used with these nouns as the subject:

flashy

flashyadj.

Flashy is used with these nouns:

graphics, jewellery

flask

flasknoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + flask | flask + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEmetal, silverwaterhip (BrE)conical, culture, glass, round-bottom (all science)Thermos™, vacuum (both BrE)VERB + flaskfillcarryWhen he climbed in the snow he always carried a silver flask of brandy for emergencies.pull outShe pulled out her flask and drank from it.open, unscrewdrink (sth) from, take a swallow from, take a swig fromflask + VERBcontain stha culture flask containing 4 ml of the mediumPREPOSITIONflask ofHe had a flask of Scotch in his pocket.

flat

flatnounadj.adv.

I. noun1 (BrE) set of rooms2 flats low-lying land1 (BrE) set of roomsSee also apartmentADJECTIVE | … OF FLATS | VERB + flat | flat + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, spaciousmodestcramped, little, poky, small, tinycomfortable, cosybeautiful, niceluxury, poshshabbymodernself-containedpurpose-builtfurnished, unfurnishedone-room, studioone-bedroomed, two-room, etc.bachelor, grannyEven the prices of small bachelor flats are unbelievable.They converted two rooms of their house into a granny flat for Tony's elderly mother.attic, basement, bottom, downstairs, first-floor, ground-floor, penthouse, top, top-floor, upstairsthe people who live in the downstairs flathigh-risea block of high-rise flatsempty, unoccupiedrentedcouncilholidaynextThey live in the next flat.… OF FLATSblockThe tall blocks of flats dominated the skyline.VERB + flathave, ownThey have a flat in Paris and a house in Normandy.rentThe musician rented a flat in a fashionable area of London.let, subletThe landlady found they had been illegally subletting the flat.buy, sellfind (sb), look forDo you think that the council could find me another flat?get (sb)We got her a flat in the same block as ours.live in, occupy, stay inOur flat is one of the two occupied in the block.sharemove intomove from, move out from, move out ofbuilddecorate, refurbisha contract to refurbish 18 council flatslock, lock uplet sb/yourself intoShe let herself into the flat with the spare key.leave, let sb/yourself out ofbreak intoevict sb fromflat + VERBbe locatedThe flat is located in a modern development.face sth, overlook stha luxury block of flats overlooking the marinaPREPOSITIONat a/the flatI'll meet you back at your flat.in a/the flatShe lives in the top flat.PHRASESconvert sth into flats, divide sth into flats, make sth into flats, turn sth into flatsThe house has now been converted into flats.

2 flats low-lying landADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcoastal (esp. BrE), tidalmud (usually mudflat), salt, sandmud and sand flats rich in animal lifePREPOSITIONon the flatThese birds live on the tidal flats.

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, lookbecomelie, stayI can't get this material to lie flat.She lay flat on the ground.remain, stayInterest rates have remained flat.fold sth, get sth, make sth, press sthShall I fold the paper flat or roll it up?knock sbHe knocked me flat on my back.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.absolutely, completely, perfectlyThe sea was almost completely flat.almost, nearly

Flat is used with these nouns:

base, battery, beer, belly, calm, cap, chest, contradiction, countryside, denial, desert, dish, door, expanse, fee, foot, ground, intonation, iron, land, nose, number, paint, palm, plain, plane, racing, rate, refusal, road, rock, roof, sandal, screen, sheet, shoe, slab, statement, stomach, surface, tax, terrain, tone, tummy, tyre, voice, vowel

III. adv.

Flat is used with these adjectives:

broke

flatbed

flatbednoun

Flatbed is used before these nouns:

lorry, trailer, truck

flat-bottomed

flat-bottomedadj.

Flat-bottomed is used with these nouns:

flat-front

flat-frontadj.

Flat-front is used with these nouns:

pants

flat-leaf

flat-leafadj.

Flat-leaf is used with these nouns:

parsley

flatly

flatlyadv.

Flatly is used with these verbs:

answer, contradict, declare, deny, disagree, refuse, reject, reply, respond, say, state, tell

flat-out

flat-outadj.

Flat-out is used with these nouns:

lie

flat-pack

flat-packnoun

Flat-pack is used before these nouns:

flat-panel

flat-paneladj.

Flat-panel is used with these nouns:

display, monitor

flat-screen

flat-screenadj.

Flat-screen is used with these nouns:

display, monitor, television

flatten

flattenverb

Flatten is used with these nouns as the object:

building, ear

flatten out

flatten outphr verb

Flatten out is used with these nouns as the subject:

curve

flatter

flatterverb

Flatter is used with these nouns as the object:

ego, vanity

flattered

flatteredadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feelADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.immenselya little, slightly, etc.PREPOSITIONatShe felt vaguely flattered at the suggestion.

flattering

flatteringadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbefind sthADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.hardly, less thanThe descriptions of her were less than flattering.PREPOSITIONtoThis style of dress is flattering to most women.

Flattering is used with these nouns:

Flaunt is used with these nouns as the object:

flattery

flatterynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + flattery | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEartificialVERB + flatteryuseSalespeople are often accused of using artificial flattery.fall forShe falls for his flattery every time.PREPOSITIONthrough flatteryHe thinks he can get his way through flattery.with flatteryShe persuaded him with flattery.

flaunt

flauntverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBopenly, proudlyopenly flaunting their wealthPREPOSITIONin front ofShe flaunted her success in front of the others.

wealth

flavour

flavournoun

(BrE) (AmE flavor) noun1 taste of food2 particular quality/atmosphere1 taste of foodADJECTIVE | VERB + flavour/flavor | flavour/flavor + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdelicious, fine (esp. BrE), good, lovely (esp. BrE), pleasant (esp. BrE), wonderfulcharacteristic (esp. BrE), distinctive, particular, uniquefull, pronounced (esp. BrE), rich, strongcomplex, intensedelicate, mild, subtleextrafreshsweetbitter, sharp, sour, tangysaltyspicysmokyexoticcheese, chocolate, fruit, lemon, mint, nutty, etc.ice-creamnaturalartificial (AmE) (usually artificial flavouring in BrE)VERB + flavour/flavorhaveIt has a very mild flavour.keep, retainDelicate herbs keep their flavour better when frozen.loseadd, give sth, impart, lend (sth), providea spice that gives a characteristic flavour to a range of dishesherbs that add flavour to a range of dishesbring out, enhance, improve, releaseThe lemon juice brings out the natural fruit flavours.Bay leaves should be broken to release their flavour.spoildestroyCooking the vegetable destroys its wonderful delicate flavour.appreciate, enjoy, savour/savor, tasteEnjoy the flavour of fresh fish.flavour/flavor + NOUNenhancerSalt is a common flavour enhancer.PREPOSITIONfor flavourCream may be added to the sauce for extra flavour.in flavourIt is stronger in flavour than other Dutch cheeses.with a flavoura dish with a strong spicy flavourPHRASESfull of flavourvegetables that are fresh and full of flavour

2 particular quality/atmosphereADJECTIVE | VERB + flavour/flavor | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdistinctive, particular, uniquestrongThe festival has a strong international flavour.international, local, regionalThe festival has a strong international flavour.American, Scandinavian, etc.politicalVERB + flavour/flavorhaveThe college has a truly international flavour.acquire, take onThe music festival has taken on a distinctly German flavour.loseadd, give sth, impart, provideThe intervention of the authorities gave union struggles a decidedly political flavour.experience, getThe children experienced the flavour of medieval life.She rotated around the departments to get a flavour of all aspects of the business.appreciate, enjoycaptureThe movie captures the flavour of rural life in this area.conveyPREPOSITIONwith a … flavoura TV show with a Mexican flavour

flavoured

flavouredadj.

(BrE) (AmE flavored) adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeThe food they eat is very highly flavoured.ADVERBhighly, intensely, richly, strongly, well (BrE)delicatelya delicately flavoured clear soupPREPOSITIONwithThis dish is flavoured with basil and garlic.

Flavoured/flavored is used with these nouns:

coffee, milk, water

flavouring

flavouringnoun

(BrE) (AmE flavoring) nounADJECTIVE | … OF FLAVOURING/FLAVORING | VERB + flavouring/flavoringADJECTIVEartificial (esp. BrE), naturalThis product contains only natural flavourings.foodvanilla (esp. BrE)… OF FLAVOURING/FLAVORINGdropAdd a few drops of vanilla flavouring.VERB + flavouring/flavoringcontainuseWe don't use any artificial flavourings in our products.add

flaw

flawnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + flaw | flaw + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, main, major, seriousbasic, critical, fatal, fundamentalinherentminor, smallobviousdesignsecuritycharacterVERB + flawcontain, haveUnfortunately, this plate has a small flaw in it.look fordiscover, find, identify, see, spotIt took me a long time to find the flaw in her logic.Engineers have identified serious design flaws in the proposed nuclear waste dump.expose, highlight, point out, point to, revealThe markets have exposed the fatal flaw in the government's economic policy.correct, fixflaw + VERBappear, become apparentFlaws have appeared in the new version of the software.PREPOSITIONflaw inone of the major flaws in his character

flawed

flawedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemremainADVERBbadly, deeply, highly (AmE), hopelessly, seriouslyfatallya series of fatally flawed judgementsfundamentallyinherentlyslightly, somewhatconceptually, methodologicallyThe study was methodologically flawed.

Flawed is used with these nouns:

assumption, logic, policy, reasoning

flawless

flawlessadj.

Flawless is used with these nouns:

complexion, diamond, execution, performance, skin

flawlessly

flawlesslyadv.

Flawlessly is used with these verbs:

execute, function, perform, work

flaxseed

flaxseednoun

Flaxseed is used before these nouns:

flea

fleanoun

nounVERB + flea | flea + VERB | flea + NOUNVERB + fleaget, havebe infested withcontrol, killThis drug is given to dogs to control fleas.flea + VERBbitecarry disease, spread diseaseflea + NOUNbitecollar, powder

fleck

flecknoun

Fleck is used after these nouns:

Flee is used with these nouns as the subject:

flee

fleeverb

verbADVERB | VERB + flee | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBabroad (esp. BrE), across the border, into exileHundreds of refugees fled across the border to escape the fighting.north, south, etc.in panic, in terrorThe children fled in terror as the hay caught fire.VERB + fleebe forced to, have toThey were forced to flee the country.try tomanage toturn and fleeThey turned and fled when they saw the gang approaching.PREPOSITIONfromShe dropped the phone and fled from the office.into, toThey fled to Britain when the war started.PHRASESflee empty-handedWhen the police arrived the burglars fled empty-handed.flee for your lifeShe had to flee for her life when soldiers attacked her town.flee like the windWhen danger threatens, collect your possessions and flee like the wind.flee to safetyThe family managed to flee to safety.

army, immigrant, refugee

Flee is used with these nouns as the object:

country, fighting, home, homeland, repression, scene

fleece

fleecenoun

Fleece is used before these nouns:

jacket, pullover, vest

fleet

fleetnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + fleet | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEentireThe entire fleet was sunk.great, huge, largea large fleet of warshipssmallfishing, whalingmerchant, navalbattle, invasionenemysubmarine, tankercar, vehiclethe company car fleetVERB + fleetoperateHe operated a small fishing fleet.commandsend, send inThe fleet was sent in and the country prepared for war.grounddefeat, destroyjoinThe ship sailed to join the fleet at Barbados.maintainTo maintain a submarine fleet is a major commitment.The fleet was very expensive to maintain.PREPOSITIONin a/the fleetThere were over 500 ships in the enemy fleet.fleet ofa fleet of taxis

II. adj.

Fleet is used with these nouns:

commander

fleeting

fleetingadj.

Fleeting is used with these nouns:

expression, fame, glance, glimpse, impression, instant, memory, moment, pleasure, second, thought, visit

fleetingly

fleetinglyadv.

Fleetingly is used with these verbs:

wonder

flesh

fleshnoun

noun1 soft part of sb's body2 soft part of fruit/vegetables1 soft part of sb's bodyADJECTIVE | VERB + flesh | flesh + VERB | flesh + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfirm, smooth, soft, tenderpale, pink, whitebare, exposed, nakedrawtornburned, burningdecaying, rottingdead, livinganimal, humanVERB + fleshtouchcut, cut intoThe chain cut into his tender flesh.His shirt was too small for him and cut into the tender flesh at his armpit.strip, tear at, tear offFalcons usually strip the flesh off their prey.African hunting dogs will tear at the flesh of their victim until it is weak.dig into, pierce, pierce into, tear, tear intoThe weapon tore into his flesh.Cook the duck until the juices run pale yellow when the flesh is pierced.eatAccording to Greek mythology, the minotaur would only eat human flesh.become, make sth (literary)In the Christian tradition, God is made flesh (= becomes human).flesh + VERBcrawl, creep (both figurative)The story made his flesh creep (= made him feel afraid).flesh + NOUNwoundThe injury was only a flesh wound.toneThe tights come in various flesh tones.PREPOSITIONin the fleshThousands of fans gathered to see the band in the flesh (= see the band in reality and not just in a picture).PHRASESflesh and blooda man of flesh and blood (= not a ghost)flesh and boneThe knife cut through flesh and bone.Babies are born not just as bundles of flesh and bone (= not simply living bodies without thoughts or feelings) but with already distinctive personalities.the pleasures of the flesh, the sins of the flesh, the temptations of the fleshthe smell of fleshthe smell of rotting flesh

2 soft part of fruit/vegetablesADJECTIVE | VERB + fleshADJECTIVEsoftsweetjuicyVERB + fleshchop, cutPare the mango and cut the flesh away from the stone.scoop, scoop outCut the melon in half and scoop out the flesh.

flesh-coloured

flesh-colouredadj.

Flesh-coloured is used with these nouns:

tights

fleshy

fleshyadj.

Fleshy is used with these nouns:

fruit, lip

flex

flexnounverb

I. noun (BrE)See also cordADJECTIVE | … OF FLEX | VERB + flexADJECTIVElongtrailingLong trailing flexes are a serious trip hazard.electric, electricalkettle, telephone, etc.… OF FLEXlengthVERB + flexcutSide cutters are useful for cutting electrical flex to length.

II. verb

Flex is used with these nouns as the subject:

Flex is used with these nouns as the object:

arm, claw, elbow, finger, knee, muscle, wing

flexibility

flexibilitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF FLEXIBILITY | VERB + flexibility | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsiderable, greatGerman workers accept the need for greater flexibility in the face of global competition.added, additional, extra, increased, moremaximumenough, sufficientfinancialoperationalManagement systems can be built that increase operational flexibility.labour/labor, market… OF FLEXIBILITYdegreeThe work involves a considerable degree of flexibility.VERB + flexibilityhaveYou have considerable flexibility in this job and can choose how to do things.lackdemonstrate, showmaintain, retainbring (sb/sth), give (sb/sth), introduce, provide (sb/sth with)The new range of machines will bring flexibility to your business computing.allow (sb/sth), offer (sb/sth), permitThe courses are designed to allow maximum flexibility.improve, increaseThe treatment increased the flexibility of her muscles.encouragean initiative to encourage greater flexibility in teaching and learningreduceneed, requirePREPOSITIONflexibility inThis will give schools greater flexibility in their use of resources.flexibility overflexibility over the deadlinePHRASESa need for flexibilityThere is a need for greater flexibility in the way the network is managed.

flexible

flexibleadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, seembecomeremain, staymake sthWe need to make the working day more flexible.keep sthADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.completely, highlyinfinitelyHuman beings are infinitely flexible and able to adjust when survival depends on it.enough, sufficientlyPHRASESaboutMy mother is fairly flexible about what time I need to be home.

Flexible is used with these nouns:

approach, arrangement, attitude, framework, hour, instrument, packaging, plastic, schedule, stem, system, tube, wire, workforce

flexibly

flexiblyadv.

Flexibly is used with these verbs:

respond

flick

flicknounverbPHRASAL VERB

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + flick | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEquickdeftVERB + flickgive (sth)The fish gave a quick flick of its tail.PREPOSITIONwith a flickflick ofWith a flick of his wrist he removed the ash from the end of his cigarette.PHRASESat the flick of a switchHeat is available at the flick of a switch (= instantly).

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBcasuallynervouslyquicklyaway, backPREPOSITIONacrossHis tongue flicked nervously across dry lips.fromHe casually flicked away some dust from his jacket.offShe flicked the ash off her cigarette.overHis eyes flicked quickly over the screen.PHRASESflick sth openShe snatched up her briefcase and flicked it open.

PHRASAL VERBflick through sthADVERBADVERBabsent-mindedly, casually, idlyShe flicked idly through a magazine.quickly

Flick is used with these nouns as the subject:

eye, gaze, tongue

Flick is used with these nouns as the object:

ash, cigarette, ear, hair, lighter, switch, tail, thumb, whip

flick away

flick awayphr verb

Flick away is used with these nouns as the object:

Flicker is used with these nouns as the subject:

flicker

flickernounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + flicker | flicker + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfaint, slight, small, tinyShe caught the faintest flicker of amusement on his face.briefsuddenlast (often figurative)The police stamped out the last flickers of freedom.candleVERB + flickershowcatch, notice, seedetect, feelShe felt a brief flicker of jealousy.flicker + VERBcross sthA flicker of guilt crossed his face.catch sb's eyeA flicker of movement caught her eye.PREPOSITIONflicker of‘He'll soon be here,’ she thought, with a flicker of excitement.She spoke without a flicker of fear.PHRASESthe flicker of a candle, the flicker of a flameThe brief flicker of a candle flame caught our eyes.a flicker of sb's/the eyesHer only reaction was a slight flicker of her eyes.a flicker of hope, a flicker of interestStock markets showed barely a flicker of interest in the election result.a flicker of light, a flicker of movementHe saw a flicker of light in the darkness.a flicker of recognitionThe witness stared at the accused but she showed not a flicker of recognition.a flicker of a smileI noticed a flicker of a smile on her face.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBbriefly, for a moment, momentarilyslightlynervouslyHer eyes flickered nervously in anticipation.rapidlyoff, outon and offThe lights flickered on and off.PREPOSITIONacross, overHis gaze flickered over her.PHRASESflicker into life, flicker to lifeThe television screen flickered into life.flicker openKate's eyes flickered open.

bulb, candle, eye, fire, flame, gaze, image, lamp, light, monitor, screen, shadow, smile, tongue, torch

flickering

flickeringadj.

Flickering is used with these nouns:

candle, fire, flame, image, light, shadow, torch

flick off

flick offphr verb

Flick off is used with these nouns as the object:

flick on

flick onphr verb

Flick on is used with these nouns as the object:

flick through

flick throughphr verb

Flick through is used with these nouns as the object:

book, newspaper, page, paper, pile

flight

flightnoun

noun1 trip by air; plane making a flight2 action of flying3 number of stairs/steps4 running away1 trip by air; plane making a flightADJECTIVE | VERB + flight | flight + VERB | flight + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEround-trip (AmE)The first prize is a round-trip flight to Rio.inbound, returnThe return flight was held up by six hours.The first prize is a return flight to Rio. (BrE)outboundThe outbound flight was smooth.connectingshuttlecommercialregular, scheduledcharterdaily, weeklydirect, non-stopdelayedtwo-hour, three-hour, etc.shortlong, long-distance, long-haul, red-eye (esp. AmE)cross-country (esp. AmE), domestic, internal (esp. BrE)international, transatlanticmaidenThe aircraft made its maiden flight in January 2000.earlyday, evening, morning, nightbumpy, smoothThe bumpy flight brought on a bout of airsickness.mercy (BrE), reliefmilitaryreconnaissance, surveillanceroutinetraininga routine training flightsoloair, spaceairline, balloon, helicopter, plane, rocketa hot-air balloon flightcargo, passengerbudget (BrE), cheap, discountedVERB + flightcatch, take, travel onThey caught an early flight back to Boston.missmakeWe arrived at the airport just in time to make our flight.haveDid you have a good flight?enjoyI hope you enjoy the flight.makeThe plane made its maiden flight in 1976.be booked on, be booked onto, be onI'm on the first flight to Milan in the morning.book (sb), book sb/yourself on, book sb/yourself onto, getHe asked her to book him on the next available flight to Geneva.We managed to get a non-stop flight to New York.charterThe team has chartered a special flight for their fans.confirmcancel, suspendThe UN has suspended relief flights because of shelling around the airport.changeIf you need to change a flight, the fee is $100.boardoperateThe airline operates regular flights to Greece.delay, hold updivertThe flight was diverted to Delhi because of a bomb scare.groundAll flights have been grounded for security reasons.blow upShe was accused of planting the bomb that blew up flight 217.flight + VERBbe bound for stha flight bound for Antigualeave, take offoriginatea flight originating from Tokyoarrivelandbe fullI'm afraid I can't book you onto that flight as it's full.flight + NOUNnumberWe need your time of arrival and flight number.scheduleoperationsThe snow was severe enough to disrupt flight operations.timeThe flight time from Heathrow to Marseilles is less than two hours.delayYour travel insurance compensates you for flight delays.cancellationattendant, crewcommander, engineer (both military)schooldeckcontrollerinstrumentsrecorderThe flight recorder should help to establish why the plane suddenly crashed.simulatorpathThey have persuaded the authorities to divert the flight path of the military jets away from their town.PREPOSITIONaboard a/the flight, on a/the flight, on board a/the flightpassengers aboard a flight bound for Johannesburgduring a/the flightPlease refrain from smoking during the flight.flight forShe took a flight for Los Angeles.flight from, flight out ofThey waited for the first flight out of Lisbon.flight toa flight from Sydney to Tokyo

2 action of flyingADJECTIVE | VERB + flight | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEsoaring, sustainedlow-levelhorizontal, levelhigh-speed, supersonicspacemannedthe enormous costs of manned space flightVERB + flightbe capable ofBarn owls are capable of flight at 56 days.achieveBats are the only mammals to have achieved sustained flight.takeThey watched the young eagles take flight.PREPOSITIONduring flightThe wings vibrate during flight.in flighta flock of geese in flightPHRASESthe line of flightthe line of flight of a golf ballDon't get into the line of flight of the bees—you'd be sure to get stung.

3 number of stairs/stepsADJECTIVE | VERB + flight | flight + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElong, shortnarrow, widesteepVERB + flightclimb, climb up, go up, run up, walk updescend, go down, run down, walk downfall downflight + VERBlead … a flight of steps leading to the foyergo down sth, go up sthA flight of steps goes up the left-hand side of the room.PREPOSITIONdown a/the flight, up a/the flightMy office is just up that flight of stairs.PHRASESa flight of stairs, a flight of stepsThe villa is fronted by a flight of stairs.Thomas waited at the top of the flight of steps.

4 running awayADJECTIVE | VERB + flight | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEheadlongurban, white (= the movement of white people from cities) (both AmE)VERB + flightput (sb/sth) to (literary)The army was defeated and the king put to flight.takeAs soon as they detected the cheetah it took flight.PREPOSITIONin flightLeft-wing opposition leaders, in flight from persecution, went across the border.flight froma headlong flight from dangerflight intoa flight into the unknownflight toThe story tells of his flight to safety.

flightless

flightlessadj.

Flightless is used with these nouns:

flimsy

flimsyadj.

Flimsy is used with these nouns:

evidence, excuse, pretence, pretext, structure, tent

flinch

flinchverb

verbADVERB | VERB + flinch | PREPOSITIONADVERBbarely, hardlyHe hardly flinched when he was hit.almostnever, nota little, slightly, etc.visiblyinwardlyShe flinched inwardly as he took her hand.away, back (AmE)VERB + flinchmake sbHer finger touched the scar on his forehead, making him flinch.PREPOSITIONatShe flinched visibly at the sight of the body.fromShe flinched away from him.She won't flinch from speaking her mind. (figurative)withHe flinched with the force of the blow.

fling

flingnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + fling | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbrief, littlesummer (esp. AmE)(one) final, (one) lastThe athlete will have one final fling before retirement.VERB + flinghaveShe's had her fling and now she has to settle down.PREPOSITIONfling withHe had a fling with his friend's wife.

II. verb

Fling is used with these nouns as the object:

fling back

fling backphr verb

Fling back is used with these nouns as the object:

duvet

fling off

fling offphr verb

Fling off is used with these nouns as the object:

flint

flintnoun

Flint is used before these nouns:

implement

flip

flipnounverbadj.

I. noun

Flip is used after these nouns:

coin

II. verb

Flip is used with these nouns as the object:

channel, coin, pancake, switch

III. adj.

Flip is used with these nouns:

chart, phone, side, turn

flip off

flip offphr verb

Flip off is used with these nouns as the object:

flip on

flip onphr verb

Flip on is used with these nouns as the object:

flippant

flippantadj.

Flippant is used with these nouns:

flip through

flip throughphr verb

Flip through is used with these nouns as the object:

book, channel, newspaper, page, paper, pile

flirtatiously

flirtatiouslyadv.

Flirtatiously is used with these verbs:

wink

flirt with

flirt withphr verb

Flirt with is used with these nouns as the object:

flit

flitverb

Flit is used with these nouns as the subject:

bird, butterfly, eye

float

floatnounverb

I. noun

Float is used after these nouns:

milk, parade

II. verb1 on water/in air2 currency1 on water/in airADVERB | VERB + float | PREPOSITIONADVERBgentlyslowlydownstreamdownwards/downwardupwards/upwardIn the dream my feet leave the ground and I start to float upwards/upward.about (esp. BrE), around, away, back, down, off, out, upVERB + floatseem toHer voice seemed to float gently on the water.PREPOSITIONacrossA few small clouds floated across the sky.downchunks of ice floating down the riverinpieces of wood floating in the wateronA few leaves floated on the surface of the water.

2 currencyADVERB | VERB + floatADVERBfreelyThe government decided to allow the peso to float freely.VERB + floatallow sth to

Float is used with these nouns as the subject:

ball, boat, bubble, cloud, currency, dust, log, mist, raft, smell, swan, word

Float is used with these nouns as the object:

cheque, currency, share

float by

float byphr verb

Float by is used with these nouns as the subject:

floating

floatingadj.

Floating is used with these nouns:

barge, log, vote, voter

float on

float onphr verb

Float on is used with these nouns as the object:

stock exchange

float up

float upphr verb

Float up is used with these nouns as the subject:

Flock is used before these nouns:

flock

flocknounverb

I. noun

wallpaper

Flock is used after these nouns:

sheep

II. verb

Flock is used with these nouns as the subject:

bird, crowd, fan, visitor

flocked

flockedadj.

Flocked is used with these nouns:

wallpaper

flock to

flock tophr verb

Flock to is used with these nouns as the subject:

investor, tourist

floe

floenoun

Floe is used after these nouns:

ice

flog

flogverb

verbADVERB | PHRASESADVERBpubliclyOffenders were publicly flogged.PHRASESflog sb to death

flood

floodnounverb

I. noun1 large amount of water2 large number/amount1 large amount of waterADJECTIVE | VERB + flood | flood + VERB | flood + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEcatastrophic, devastating, great, severeflashspring, summer, etc.VERB + floodcauseHeavy rainfall in the mountains caused the floods.flood + VERBcomeNo one knew that the flood was coming.hit sth, strike sthThis summer the region was struck by devastating floods.inundate sthThe fields were inundated by heavy floods.cause sthThe flood caused widespread destruction.subsideThe floods are slowly subsiding.flood + NOUNwater (usually floodwater or floodwaters)The floodwaters did not begin to recede until September.plaindamagealert (BrE), warningvictimcontrol, defence/defense, prevention, protection, reliefinsurancePHRASESbe in (full) flood (esp. BrE)The river was in full flood (= had flooded its banks).

2 large number/amountADJECTIVE | flood + VERB | VERB + flood | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreatconstantsuddenflood + VERBinundate sb/sthShe was inundated by floods of fan mail.VERB + floodbring, causerelease, unleashPREPOSITIONflood ofa great flood of refugeesPHRASESa flood of memories (esp. AmE)Writing about St. John's brings back a flood of nostalgic memories.in floods of tears (= crying a lot)The little girl was in floods of tears.

II. verbVERB + flood | PHRASESVERB + floodbe liable toThe area near the river is liable to flood.PHRASESbe badly floodedThe town had been badly flooded.flood its banks (AmE) (burst its banks in BrE)The river had flooded its banks.

Flood is used with these nouns as the subject:

colour, heat, light, pain, refugee, river, sunlight, sunshine, tear

Flood is used with these nouns as the object:

ear, market, marketplace, mind, street, switchboard, vision

flood back

flood backphr verb

Flood back is used with these nouns as the subject:

flood down

flood downphr verb

Flood down is used with these nouns as the subject:

flooded

floodedadj.

Flooded is used with these nouns:

basement, street

flood in

flood inphr verb

Flood in is used with these nouns as the subject:

daylight, tribute

flooding

floodingnoun

Flooding is used before these nouns:

disaster

flood through

flood throughphr verb

Flood through is used with these nouns as the subject:

relief

floor

floornounverb

I. noun1 lower surface of a room2 bottom of the sea, a forest, etc.3 level in a building1 lower surface of a roomADJECTIVE | VERB + floor | floor + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbare, cold, hardI can't sleep on the bare floor!dirty, dustywetclean, polished, smoothcement, concrete, stonedirt (esp. AmE)hardwood, parquet, wood, woodencarpeted, linoleum, marble, tiledbathroom, kitchen, etc.raiseddanceVERB + floorclean, mop, polish, scrub, sweep, wash, wax, wipedrop to, fall toHis glass fell to the floor and broke.hitreach, touchpace, walkcover, litterfloor + NOUNcovering, mat, tilelamp (esp. AmE)spaceexercisesplanPREPOSITIONon the floorDo you mind sitting on the floor?PHRASESfrom floor to ceilingBookcases lined the walls from floor to ceiling.

2 bottom of the sea, a forest, etc.ADJECTIVEADJECTIVEcanyon, cave, desert, forest, ocean, sea, valley

3 level in a buildingADJECTIVE | VERB + floor | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbottom, first (= at entrance level) (AmE), ground (BrE)topfirst, second, third, etc. (In BrE, the first floor is the floor above the entrance level. This is called the second floor in AmE.)mezzaninelower, upperVERB + flooroccupyThe offices occupy the top floor of the building.PREPOSITIONon the floora cafe on the mezzanine floor

II. verb

Floor is used with these nouns as the object:

accelerator, pedal

floorboard

floorboardnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + floorboard | floorboard + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEwoodenbarepolishedloosecreaky, squeakyVERB + floorboardlift, lift upLift some loose floorboards to get at the pipes.floorboard + VERBcreakThe wooden floorboards creaked as he walked down the corridor.PREPOSITIONbeneath the floorboards, under the floorboards, underneath the floorboardsThey said that he kept his money under the floorboards.PHRASESa gap between the floorboards, a gap in the floorboards (both esp. BrE)She could hear voices through the gaps in the floorboards.

floor-length

floor-lengthadj.

Floor-length is used with these nouns:

dress, gown

floor-to-ceiling

floor-to-ceilingadj.

Floor-to-ceiling is used with these nouns:

flop

flopnoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEbig, resounding, spectacularThe show was the biggest flop in TV history.complete, totalexpensiveThe concert may prove an expensive flop unless more people decide to go.box-office, commercial

floppy

floppyadj.

Floppy is used with these nouns:

disk, drive, ear, fringe, hat

flora

floranoun

Flora is used after these nouns:

gut

floral

floraladj.

Floral is used with these nouns:

arrangement, decoration, design, display, drape, dress, fabric, fragrance, motif, pattern, scent, tribute, wallpaper

florid

floridadj.

Florid is used with these nouns:

complexion

flounce out of

flounce out ofphr verb

Flounce out of is used with these nouns as the object:

Flourish is used with these nouns as the subject:

flour

flournoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF FLOUR | VERB + flour | flour + NOUNADJECTIVEbread, cakeall-purpose (AmE), baking (AmE), plain (BrE), self-raising (BrE), self-rising (AmE)strong (BrE)refined, white, wholemeal (BrE), wholewheatunbleachedrice, rye, wheat, etc.… OF FLOURbag, cup (AmE), sackVERB + flouruseadd, blend, combine, fold in, mix, mix in, rub sth in, rub sth into, stir, stir inBlend the flour with a little milk to make a smooth paste.Rub the butter into the flour.sieve, siftSift the flour and salt into a bowl.flour + NOUNmill

flourish

flourishnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + flourish | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfinaldramatic, rhetorical, theatricala speech full of rhetorical flourishesVERB + flourishaddend in, end with, finish withPREPOSITIONwith a flourishWith a final flourish she laid down her pen.Bill signed on the bottom line with a flourish.

II. verb

business, city, civilization, economy, plant, relationship, town, trade

flourishing

flourishingadj.

Flourishing is used with these nouns:

scene, trade

flout

floutverb

verbADVERBADVERBdeliberately, openlyThe protesters have openly flouted the law.

Flout is used with these nouns as the object:

convention, law, regulation, rule

flow

flownounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + flow | flow + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEheavy, large, massivegoodadequatepoorOur shower doesn't work very well because of the poor water flow.mainincreased, increasingdecreased, reducedceaseless, constant, continuous, endlessfree, uninterruptedthe uninterrupted flow of trafficeven, smooth, steadyto maintain an even flow of work through the departmenteasy, naturalI liked the concerto for its natural flow.outwardthe outward flow of investment from the countryannual, daily, seasonaldata, informationair, gas, heatblood, menstruallava, river, watertrafficcapital, cash, financial, investment, production, trade, worknarrativeVERB + flowhaveBig pension funds have a constant flow of cash.get, obtainSqueeze the tube slowly to obtain an even flow.allowWe like to allow a free flow of ideas in our company.create, generate, produce, provideThe system provides a continuous flow of information to the market.keep, maintainHe kept up a flow of chatter.ensureUse a wide pipe to ensure an adequate flow of water.control, manage, regulatefollowencourage, facilitate, stimulateto encourage the flow of revenue into the countryenhance, improve, increase, restoreThe company is trying to enhance its cash flow.affectdisrupt, impede, reduce, restrict, slow, slow downThe continual bombing disrupted the flow of supplies to the ground troops.block, break, break up, cut, cut off, halt, interrupt, staunch, stem, stopThey tried to staunch the flow of blood.directdivertThe main flow of water has been diverted to a new course.joinmeasureflow + NOUNrateThe flow rate was measured at 9.5 gallons per second.chart, diagramPREPOSITIONagainst the flowThey have to swim against the flow of the river.flow amonginformation flow among all the different groupsflow fromFirst cut off the water flow from the boiler.flow intoShe joined the flow of immigrants to the country.flow ofa constant flow of informationflow throughthe flow of data through the systemPHRASESthe ebb and flowthe ebb and flow of the tideHe was at the mercy of the ebb and flow of public opinion. (figurative)in full flowShe tried to interrupt his speech, but he was already in full flow (= talking continuously).the rate of flowthe rate of flow of water through the pipe

II. verbADVERB | VERB + flow | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBeasily, effortlessly, freely, smoothlyWe talked, and the conversation flowed freely.Wine and beer flowed freely.seamlesslyThe songs flow seamlessly into one another.gently, gracefullyfast, quickly, rapidly, swiftlyThe river flows very fast here.slowly, steadilynaturally, nicely, wellIn a good production of the play, the action and the words flow naturally.directlySome of these changes will flow directly from the legislation.constantly, continuouslyaway, back, in, out, pasttogetherVERB + flowseem tobegin to, start tocontinue toImported food aid continued to flow in.PREPOSITIONacross, along, between, downa small stream that flowed down the hillsidefromBlood was still flowing from the wound.intoOne day seemed to flow into the next.out of, over, throughInformation flows continuously through the network.toto get blood flowing to the brainPHRASESebb and flowThe sea ebbed and flowed.The number of buyers has ebbed and flowed. (figurative)flow in a … directionThe best thing is when ideas flow in both directions.flow in the breeze, flow in the windHer long hair flowed in the wind as she ran.

Flow is used with these nouns as the subject:

adrenalin, air, beer, blood, champagne, cloak, conversation, current, electricity, hair, idea, information, liquid, music, refugee, river, saliva, sap, stream, tear, traffic, water, waterfall, wine, word

flower

flowerverbnoun

Flower is used with these nouns as the subject:

Flowersgrow … Tulips are grown everywhere.breed … She breeds orchids in her greenhouse.plant … , put in … Spring is the best time to plant chrysanthemums.dig out … , dig up … , take out … Dig up your geraniums before the first frosts.spray … , water … It's a good idea to spray your roses against greenfly.prune roses, deadhead … Don't forget to deadhead the pansies.pick (sb) … I picked some daffodils for you.smell … He stopped to smell the flowers.arrange … She arranged the tulips in a vase.bring (sb) … , give (sb) … , send (sb) … , take (sb) … I sent him flowers to apologize.deliver … , order … I ordered flowers online for her birthday. … growsDaffodils grow wild in the mountains. … blooms, … is in bloom, … comes into flower, … comes out, … is in flower, … is out, … flowersThe spring flowers were just coming out.What time of year do daffodils flower? … smellsSome of these roses smell absolutely wonderful. … closes, … closes up, … opens, … opens upYou know it's summer when the first daisies open. … droops, … wilts, … withersThe petunias were already wilting in the hot sun. … is overIt was April and the snowdrops were long over.a bouquet of … , a bunch of … , a garland of … , a posy of … , a spray of … , a vase of … a spray of mixed violets and primroses

II. verb

bulb, shrub

I. nounADJECTIVE | … OF FLOWERS | VERB + flower | flower + VERB | flower + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbright, brightly coloured/colored, brilliantly coloured/colored, colourful/colorfulfragrant, scenteddelicatelittle, small, tinybig, huge, largebell-shaped, star-shaped, etc.exotic, raregarden, tropical, wildspring, summer, etc.seasonalbeautiful, lovely, prettyWhat beautiful flowers!freshcutThey sell a few plants, but they mainly sell cut flowers.dried, presseddead, wiltedartificialplastic, silkclosed, openThe flowers were still tightly closed.bloominghibiscus, lotus, etc.… OF FLOWERSbouquet, bunchVERB + flowerbear, have, produceIt has deep pink scented flowers.It was the first year that the cactus had produced flowers.pollinateThe flowers are pollinated by insects.get, receiveflower + VERBappeargo to seedflower + NOUNbud, head, petal, seed, spike, stalk, stembed, borderarrangement, arranger, arrangingI'm learning flower arranging.displaybasket, container, pot (usually flowerpot), vasegardenfestival (BrE), showmarket, seller, shop, stall (esp. BrE), standpower (= hippy culture)PREPOSITIONin flowerIt was June and the roses were in flower.PHRASESa bank of flowers, a carpet of flowers, a mass of flowersThe alleys were adorned with banks of flowers.The forest floor was a carpet of wild flowers.covered in flowersThe bush was absolutely covered in flowers.come intoIf the winter weather is mild, plants may come into flower too early.in full flowerThe park will have cherries in full flower this month.

flowered

floweredadj.

Flowered is used with these nouns:

flowering

floweringadj.

Flowering is used with these nouns:

branch, plant, shoot, shrub, stem

flowery

floweryadj.

Flowery is used with these nouns:

dress, language, prose, scent, wallpaper

flow from

flow fromphr verb

Flow from is used with these nouns as the subject:

power

flow in

flow inphr verb

Flow in is used with these nouns as the subject:

flowing

flowingadj.

Flowing is used with these nouns:

beard, dress, gown, lock, mane, melody, prose, river, robe, script, water

flow into

flow intophr verb

Flow into is used with these nouns as the subject:

tributary

flow through

flow throughphr verb

Flow through is used with these nouns as the object:

flu

flunoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF FLU | VERB + flu | flu + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEmildbadgastric (BrE), stomach (AmE)avian, birdpandemic… OF FLUbout (esp. BrE), case, doseShe's had a nasty dose of flu. (BrE)She's had a nasty dose of the flu. (AmE)strainVERB + flube in bed with (esp. BrE), have, suffer fromcatch, come down with, contract, get, go down with (BrE)flu + NOUNbug, virusepidemic, outbreak, pandemicsymptomsvictimvaccinejab (BrE), shot (AmE), vaccinationstrainseason (= time when a lot of people suffer from flu)PHRASESa bout with the flu (AmE)She was off work for four days because of a bout with the flu.

flub

flubverb

Flub is used with these nouns as the object:

Fluctuate is used with these nouns as the subject:

fluctuate

fluctuateverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBconsiderably, greatlydramatically, widely, wildlyPrices have fluctuated wildly in recent years.constantlyconstantly fluctuating patternsPREPOSITIONaccording toTraffic congestion fluctuates according to the time of day.aroundThe number of students fluctuates around 100.betweenThe number of unemployed fluctuates between two and three million.

currency, fortune, population, price, rate, weight

fluctuating

fluctuatingadj.

Fluctuating is used with these nouns:

demand, fortune

fluctuation

fluctuationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + fluctuation | fluctuation + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEconsiderable, large, wide, wildlocal, minor, smallrapidshort-termcyclical, periodic, seasonalseasonal fluctuations in the demand for fuelannual, dailyrandomclimatic, hormonal, temperaturecurrency, economic, exchange-rate, market, priceVERB + fluctuationcause, producefactors which cause these exchange-rate fluctuationsbe subject to, experienceThe number of students can be subject to considerable fluctuation.fluctuation + VERBoccurthe climatic fluctuations that have occurred over the last ten yearscause sthPREPOSITIONfluctuation inThere have been wide fluctuations in oil prices in recent years.

flue

fluenoun

Flue is used after these nouns:

chimney

fluency

fluencynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + fluency | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEoral, verbalreadingVERB + fluencyachieve, acquire, developSome young children achieve great fluency in their reading.PREPOSITIONfluency inFluency in spoken English is essential.

fluent

fluentadj.

Fluent is used with these nouns:

command, football, reader, speaker, speech

fluently

fluentlyadv.

Fluently is used with these verbs:

read, speak

fluff

fluffverb

Fluff is used with these nouns as the object:

feather, line, pillow

fluff out

fluff outphr verb

Fluff out is used with these nouns as the object:

fluff up

fluff upphr verb

Fluff up is used with these nouns as the object:

feather, pillow

fluffy

fluffyadj.

Fluffy is used with these nouns:

cloud, feather, pillow, slipper, snowflake, towel, toy

fluid

fluidnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + fluidADJECTIVEexcessamniotic, bodily, body, intravenousbrake, cleaning, correction, lighterwindshield, wiper (both AmE)VERB + fluiddrainThey drained a lot of fluid from his lungs.drinkChange your diet and drink plenty of fluids.losereplaceIt's important to replace fluids and salts that are lost during exercise.retainRetaining excess fluid could be a problem.

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomeremainkeep sthI think we should try and keep our arrangements fluid at this stage.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highlyIt's a highly fluid situation.

Fluid is used with these nouns:

grace, milk, movement, situation

flu-like

flu-likeadj.

Flu-like is used with these nouns:

illness, symptom

flunk

flunkverb

Flunk is used with these nouns as the object:

class, course, exam, quiz

flunk out of

flunk out ofphr verb

Flunk out of is used with these nouns as the object:

fluorescent

fluorescentadj.

Fluorescent is used with these nouns:

bulb, dye, lamp, light, lighting, pink, tube, vest

flurry

flurrynoun

noun1 small amount of rain/snow2 short sudden burst of sth1 small amount of rain/snowADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEsnowPHRASESa flurry of snow

2 short sudden burst of sthADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbrief, suddenThere was a sudden flurry of interest in the book.initialrecentPREPOSITIONflurry ofPHRASESa flurry of activity, a flurry of excitement

flush

flushnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + flush | flush + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfaint, slightdeep, pink, redsuddena sudden flush of rising excitementhot (BrE) (hot flash in AmE)Hot drinks can cause hot flushes.VERB + flushfeelShe felt a flush of anger creeping into her face.bringThe promise in his voice brought a deep flush to her cheeks.flush + VERBcreep, rise, spread, suffuse sthA flush of embarrassment rose to her cheeks.PREPOSITIONflush inShe had a slight pink flush in her cheeks.flush ofThere was a faint flush of red on those pale cheeks.PHRASESthe first flush of enthusiasm, passion, youth, etc. (= a time when enthusiasm, etc. is new, exciting and strong)I'm no longer in the first flush of youth.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBdeeplya little, slightly, etc.angrily, guiltilyHe made his excuses, flushing guiltily.PREPOSITIONinHer face flushed in anger.withHe flushed scarlet with embarrassment.PHRASESflush red, scarlet, etc.

flush down

flush downphr verb

Flush down is used with these nouns as the object:

lavatory, loo

flushed

flushedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, feel, lookbecomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.deeplya little, slightly, etc.PREPOSITIONwithHer face was flushed with embarrassment.

Flushed is used with these nouns:

cheek, face

flushing

flushingadj.

Flushing is used with these nouns:

lavatory, toilet

flute

flutenoun

nounSpecial page at MUSIC

fluted

flutedadj.

Fluted is used with these nouns:

column

flutter

flutternounverb

I. noun1 quick, light movement2 state of nervous excitement1 quick, light movementADJECTIVE | VERB + flutter | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElittleVERB + fluttergiveHis heart gave a little flutter as the ladder slipped a couple of inches.PREPOSITIONflutter ofa flutter of her eyelashes

2 state of nervous excitementVERB + flutter | PREPOSITIONVERB + flutterfeelShe felt a flutter of excitement.causePREPOSITIONin a flutterThey arrived in a flutter.flutter ofa flutter of excitement

II. verb

Flutter is used with these nouns as the subject:

banner, bat, bird, butterfly, cloak, curtain, eyelash, eyelid, flag, heart, paper, sail, snowflake, wing

Flutter is used with these nouns as the object:

eyelash, wing

fly

flynounverb

I. noun1 insect2 (BrE also flies) on trousers/pants1 insectVERB + fly | fly + VERB | fly + NOUNVERB + flyshoo (AmE), shoo away (esp. AmE), swatI swatted the fly with a newspaper.attractcatchfly + VERBbuzzA fly was buzzing against the window.crawlland (on sth)A fly landed on the butter.fly + NOUNlarvaspray

2 (BrE also flies) on trousers/pantsADJECTIVE | VERB + fly/flies | fly + NOUNADJECTIVEbuttonVERB + fly/fliesbutton, button up, do up, zip upundo, unzipDo you know your fly is undone?Your flies are undone! (BrE)fly + NOUNbutton

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBhigh, lowfast, slowlyabout (esp. BrE), around, back, down, out, pastaway, offPREPOSITIONaboveWe watched the birds flying high above us.overa plane flying low over the sea

Flutter is used with these nouns as the object:

eyelash, wing

Fly is used with these nouns as the subject:

accusation, aircraft, airline, arrow, ball, banner, bat, bee, bird, bullet, butterfly, cloak, crow, debris, duck, dust, eagle, fist, flag, goose, hand, helicopter, insect, insult, jet, missile, mosquito, owl, passenger, pigeon, pilot, plane, sand, seagull, shell, shrapnel, spark, spray, swan, time, wasp

Fly is used with these nouns as the object:

aircraft, airline, banner, distance, flag, helicopter, jet, kite, mile, missile, mission, nest, passenger, patrol, plane, route, shuttle

fly around

fly aroundphr verb

Fly around is used with these nouns as the subject:

accusation

fly at

fly atphr verb

Fly at is used with these nouns as the object:

altitude

flyaway

flyawayadj.

Flyaway is used with these nouns:

fly by

fly byphr verb

Fly by is used with these nouns as the subject:

minute

fly from

fly fromphr verb

Fly from is used with these nouns as the object:

airport

flying

flyingnounadj.

I. noun

Flying is used before these nouns:

display, goggles, instructor, jacket, speed, suit

Flying is used after these nouns:

formation, kite

II. adj.

Flying is used with these nouns:

ace, boat, bomb, cadet, carpet, debris, doctor, fist, glass, insect, leap, object, picket, shrapnel, spark, squad, start, tackle, visit

fly-on-the-wall

fly-on-the-walladj.

Fly-on-the-wall is used with these nouns:

documentary

fly up

fly upphr verb

Fly up is used with these nouns as the subject:

spray

fly with

fly withphr verb

Fly with is used with these nouns as the object:

airline

FMnoun

FM is used before these nouns:

radio, receiver, station, transmitter

foam

foamnoun

Foam is used before these nouns:

mattress, pad

Foam is used after these nouns:

craft

focal

focaladj.

Focal is used with these nouns:

point

focal point

focal pointnoun

nounVERB + focal point | PREPOSITIONVERB + focal pointact as, be, become, form, make sth, provide (sth with), serve asPREPOSITIONfocal point forThe school provides a focal point for the local community.focal point inIn what sense was the discovery of America a focal point in history?focal point ofThe barn is the focal point of the farm buildings.

focus

focusnounverb

I. noun1 special interest/attention2 point/distance at which sth is clearly seen1 special interest/attentionADJECTIVE | VERB + focus | focus + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcentral, main, major, primary, prime, principal, realimportant, specialparticular, specificgreater, increasednew, renewedclear, intense, sharp, strongThe restructuring is designed to give a sharper focus on key markets.narrow, tightI found the focus of the debate too narrow.broadexclusive, single, solesingle-mindedmediaThe media focus has now shifted onto something else.mentalVERB + focusact as, become, remain, serve asCities have always acted as the principal focus of political life.give sb/sth, provide (sb/sth with)haveThe problem with your plan is that it doesn't have a clear focus.keep, maintainchange, move, shift, switchThe legal team tried to shift the focus onto the victim.narrow, sharpenbroaden, expandloselackbring sth intoThis case has brought the problem of drug abuse in schools into sharp focus.come intoThe question of compensation comes into focus.direct, place, put, turnI've directed my focus towards/toward developing my skills.focus + VERBbe on sb/sth, remain on sb/sthOur primary focus this term will be on group work.shift, turn to sthThe focus has now shifted towards/toward the problem of long-term unemployment.PREPOSITIONfocus forShe became a focus for all his anger.focus ofthe focus of my researchfocus onan increased focus on younger peoplePHRASESa change of focus, a shift of focusthe focus of attentionHe found he was now their main focus of attention.

2 point/distance at which sth is clearly seenADJECTIVE | VERB + focus | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEsharpsoftsoft-focus shots of baby animalsVERB + focuscome intoWhen I got glasses suddenly the whole world came into focus.PREPOSITIONin focusThe binoculars were not in focus.out of focusThe children's faces are out of focus in the photograph.

II. verb1 give attention to sth2 adjust your eyes1 give attention to sthADVERB | VERB + focus | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBespecially, heavily, largely, mainly, mostly, particularly, primarily, principallycompletely, entirely, exclusively, only, solely, totallyThe study focuses exclusively on schools.increasinglyfullyfirmlyThe attention of the news media was firmly focused on the elections.specificallyclearlydirectlyclosely, intensely, sharplynarrowlyinitiallyVERB + focusneed totry todecide totend tohelp (to)Think of some questions that will help focus the discussion.PREPOSITIONon, uponWe need to focus upon the main issues.PHRASEShighly focused, tightly focusedThe department undertakes highly focused research.narrowly focusedThe study was criticized for being too narrowly focused.

2 adjust your eyesADVERB | VERB + focus | PREPOSITIONADVERBhard, intentlyautomaticallyVERB + focustry toShe blinked and tried to focus.PREPOSITIONon, uponThe eye will automatically focus on the small group in the foreground.

Focus is used with these nouns as the subject:

attention

Focus is used with these nouns as the object:

attention, beam, binoculars, camera, effort, energy, eye, gaze, mind, spotlight, strategy

focused

focusedadj.

Focused is used with these nouns:

focus group

focus groupnoun

Focus group is used before these nouns:

participant

focus on fodder

foddernoun

Fodder is used before these nouns:

Fodder is used after these nouns:

cannon

foe

foenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + foe | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbitter, dangerous, deadly, formidable, implacableHe knew that Carlton could be an implacable foe.commonoldIn the final the play against their old foes, Italy.formerpoliticalVERB + foedefeat, vanquish (figurative)She had fought many battles, vanquished many foes.fightPREPOSITIONagainst a foeto join forces against a common foePHRASESfriend and foeHis newspaper articles criticized friend and foe alike.friend or foeShe was unsure as yet whether he was friend or foe.

foetal

foetaladj.

Foetal is used with these nouns:

monitor, monitoring, position

fog

fognoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF FOG | VERB + fog | fog + VERB | fog + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdense, heavy, thickfreezing (BrE)patchyDrizzle and patchy fog are forecast.swirlingmorning… OF FOGbank, blanket, layer, patchThe town was shrouded in a thick blanket of fog.VERB + fogbe covered with, be shrouded infog + VERBcover sth, envelop sth, lie, shroud sth, surround sthA freezing fog lay over the valley.close in, come down (esp. BrE), descend, roll inA dense fog came down in the afternoon.A heavy fog rolled in from the coast.thickenclear, disperse, liftThe fog had lifted by late morning.drift, swirlfog drifting over the waterobscure sthA bank of fog obscured the farmhouse.fog + NOUNpatches (esp. BrE)bank (esp. AmE)lamp (BrE), light (= on cars)horn (usually foghorn)PREPOSITIONin (a/the) fog, into (a/the) fogWe got lost in the fog.through (a/the) fogWe drove slowly through the fog.

foggiest

foggiestadj.

Foggiest is used with these nouns:

notion

foggy

foggyadj.

Foggy is used with these nouns:

idea, morning, night, weather

fog up

fog upphr verb

Fog up is used with these nouns as the subject:

windscreen

foil

foilnounverb

I. noun1 metal in a thin sheet2 sth that shows off the qualities of sth else1 metal in a thin sheetADJECTIVE | … OF FOIL | VERB + foilADJECTIVEaluminium (BrE), aluminum (AmE), gold, silver, tinkitchen (BrE)… OF FOILpiece, sheetrollVERB + foilcover sth with, wrap sth inI wrapped the sandwiches in foil.

2 sth that shows off the qualities of sth elseADJECTIVE | VERB + foil | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgood, ideal (esp. BrE), perfectVERB + foilbe, providePREPOSITIONas a foilShe has used mosses as a foil for the bright red flowers in the bed.foil for, foil toThe couple provided the perfect foil for one another.

II. verb

Foil is used with these nouns as the object:

attempt, coup, plan, plot, raid, robbery, scheme

fold

foldnounverb

I. noun1 part of sth folded2 the fold group of people who feel they belong1 part of sth foldedADJECTIVE | VERB + fold | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEloose, softdeep, heavyneatverticalVERB + foldbe hidden behind, be hidden by, be hidden inThe troops were hidden by the deep folds of the ground.fall in folds, hang in foldsThe fabric fell in soft folds.the heavy folds of his cloakPREPOSITIONin a/the foldShe hid the note in a fold in her robe.fold ina fold in the landPHRASESfolds of flesh, folds of skinthe loose folds of flesh under her chin

2 the fold group of people who feel they belongADJECTIVE | VERB + the fold | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEinternational (BrE)VERB + the foldjoinleavecome back into, come back to, return tobe back inThe country is now firmly back in the international fold.bring sb (back) into, bring sb (back) toThe indigenous people were brought into the Catholic fold.welcome sb (back) into, welcome sb (back) toHis father finally accepted him back into the family fold.PREPOSITIONwithin a/the foldopposing viewpoints within the international fold

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBcarefully, neatlyHe carefully folded the typed sheets and replaced them in the envelope.gentlyHer hands lay gently folded in her lap.loosely, tightlyin half, in twoShe folded the piece of paper in half.back, down, overupI folded up the clothes and put them away.PREPOSITIONintoShe folded the clothes into a neat bundle.

Fold is used with these nouns as the object:

arm, clothes, hand, laundry, map, napkin, paper, pushchair, sheet, tent, umbrella, wing

fold back

fold backphr verb

Fold back is used with these nouns as the object:

shutter

folded

foldedadj.

Folded is used with these nouns:

arm, napkin, newspaper, paper, sheet

folder

foldernoun

Folder is used before these nouns:

Folder is used after these nouns:

file

fold in

fold inphr verb

Fold in is used with these nouns as the object:

folding

foldingadj.

Folding is used with these nouns:

chair, door, partition, pushchair, screen, table, wing

fold into

fold intophr verb

Fold into is used with these nouns as the object:

fourth, quarter

fold up

fold upphr verb

Fold up is used with these nouns as the object:

map, pushchair, tent

foliage

foliagenoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEgreenbright, darkdense, heavy, lush, luxuriant, thickdeadevergreenspring, summer, etc.tropicalvariegated

folic

folicadj.

Folic is used with these nouns:

Folk is used with these nouns:

folk

folknounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEdecent, fine (esp. AmE), good, honest, law-abidingcommon, everyday, normal, ordinary, plain (AmE), regular (esp. AmE)It's the ordinary everyday folk who come to shop at this market.humble, simplefriendlyrichpoorworking, working-classelderly, oldyoungblack, whitemen (usually menfolk)He described the customs of the menfolk of his family.city, countryplaces that appeal to city folklocalPHRASESsb's folks (= someone's parents)I am going to visit my folks during the holidays.the folks back home

II. adj.

art, artist, belief, costume, culture, dance, dancing, festival, hero, magic, medicine, melody, museum, music, musician, myth, religion, remedy, rock, singer, song, tale, tradition, tune, wisdom

folklore

folklorenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + folklore | folklore + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpopularlocalbaseball, cricket, sporting, etc.VERB + folklorebe part ofbecome part of, enter (esp. BrE), enter into (esp. BrE), pass into (esp. BrE)The victory became part of sporting folklore.folklore + VERBhave it that … Local folklore has it that prehistoric men drove cattle over these cliffs.PREPOSITIONaccording to folkloreAccording to popular folklore, anyone who owns such a picture will have bad luck.in … folklorea character in American folklore

folksy

folksyadj.

Folksy is used with these nouns:

charm

followverb

verb1 go after sb/sth2 happen after sth3 happen/be true as a result of sth4 accept advice/instructions5 copy6 understand sth1 go after sb/sthADVERB | VERB + follow | PHRASESADVERBcloselyJohnson finished first, closely followed by Stevens and Higgins.reluctantlydutifully, obedientlyThe dog followed obediently at her heels.blindlyShe followed blindly, stumbling over stones in her path.quietly, silentlyslowlyonYou go ahead and we'll follow on later.VERB + followbeckon sb to, beckon to sb toShe beckoned him to follow her.PHRASESbeing followedAs she walked home, she had the feeling she was being followed.follow close behind (sb), follow right behind (sb)Ray came out of the bedroom, Mary following close behind.

2 happen after sthADVERB | PHRASESADVERBclosely, quickly, shortly, soon, swiftlyMore information will follow shortly.directly, immediately, instantlyin the period immediately following the electionPHRASES(be) followed by sthAny argument was always followed by a few days of silence.follow in the wake of sththe workers' revolts that followed in the wake of the student uprising

3 happen/be true as a result of sthADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBnot necessarilyIt does not necessarily follow that sleep loss would cause these symptoms.logicallynaturallyautomaticallyPREPOSITION(on) fromSeveral conclusions follow on from his statement.

4 accept advice/instructionsADVERBADVERBcarefully, to the letterFollow my instructions very carefully.dutifully, obediently

5 copyADVERB | VERB + follow | PHRASESADVERBfaithfullyThe movie follows the book faithfully.blindly, slavishlyIt wasn't in his nature to follow blindly.slavishly following the views of his teachersVERB + followbe expected to, be likely toOther companies are likely to follow Z-Quest in applying for an exemption.PHRASESfollow in sb's footstepsHe wanted to follow in his mother's footsteps and be a ballroom dancer.follow in the tradition of sb/sthHow do your feel your writing follows in the tradition of the South?follow suit (= act or behave in the way that sb else has just done)

6 understand sthADVERB | VERB + followADVERBnot quiteI'm sorry, but I don't quite follow you (= understand what you are saying).VERB + followbe easy tobe difficult to, be hard to, be impossible toHis argument was difficult to follow.

Follow is used with these nouns as the subject:

adjective, consequence, disappointment, eye, fighting, footpath, furore, gaze, hound, movie, noun, path, pause, quiet, recommendation, retribution, riot, route, silence, trail

Follow is used with these nouns as the object:

advice, agenda, approach, arc, arrow, baseball, belief, blueprint, clue, coast, coastline, code, conscience, convention, counsel, course, cricket, crowd, cue, curriculum, custom, cycle, design, diet, direction, directive, doctrine, dream, drift, example, fashion, father, flow, football, footpath, footprint, footstep, format, formula, fortune, gaze, god, guidance, guideline, heart, herd, hunch, impulse, inclination, injunction, instinct, instruction, itinerary, law, lead, line, link, logic, map, maxim, method, movement, news, noun, occupation, order, path, pattern, philosophy, plan, policy, politics, practice, precaution, precedent, procedure, programme, progress, pursuit, reasoning, recipe, recommendation, regime, regimen, religion, rhythm, ritual, river, road, route, routine, rule, ruling, scent, sequence, shore, sign, step, story, strategy, style, suggestion, syllabus, teaching, thread, timetable, tip, track, trade, tradition, trail, trend, vocation, whim

follower

followernoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF FOLLOWERS | VERB + follower | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEardent, close, enthusiastic, keen (esp. BrE)an ardent follower of the sportdedicated, devoted, devout, faithful, loyal, truea true follower of Islamcamp… OF FOLLOWERSbandVERB + followerbe, becomehaveShe still has many loyal followers.attractleadHe led a small band of followers to form their own community.PREPOSITIONamong sb's followerHe was not powerful enough to command respect among his followers.follower offollowers of Christ

follow from

follow fromphr verb

Follow from is used with these nouns as the subject:

recommendation

following

followingnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + following | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, considerable, great, huge, large, mass, strongsmalllocaldedicated, devoted, faithful, fanatical, loyalenthusiasticpersonal (esp. BrE)cultThey enjoy a cult following in Japan.internationalVERB + followingcommand, enjoy, haveacquire, attract, build up, create, gain, gatherPREPOSITIONfollowing amongTop Burgundies attract a fanatical following among wine buffs.

II. adj.

Following is used with these nouns:

autumn, century, day, decade, evening, excerpt, fall, month, morning, page, paragraph, section, semester, sentence, spring, summer, week, winter, year

follow up

follow upphr verb

Follow up is used with these nouns as the object:

clue, discussion, reference, sighting

follow-up

follow-upnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + follow-up | follow-up + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElong-termimmediate, quicksix-month, two-year, etc.regularproperVERB + follow-upneed, requireplanwriteShe is writing a follow-up to her best-selling novel.follow-up + NOUNperiodaction, workAfter the report, advisers are expected to carry out follow-up work.discussion, interview, meeting, sessionquestionnaireassessment, evaluationappointmentvisitYou will receive a follow-up visit from the person conducting the assessment.care, treatmentThey were attending hospital for follow-up treatment.report, study, surveya long-term follow-up study of all children born in Great Britain in one weekarticle, storydata, informationquestioncall, email, letterAlways make a follow-up telephone call.PREPOSITIONfollow-up toWe are planning a follow-up to today's event.

II. adj.

Follow-up is used with these nouns:

appointment, article, assessment, call, exam, examination, interview, meeting, questionnaire, report, session, survey, treatment, visit, work

folly

follynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + folly | PHRASESADJECTIVEpure, sheerultimateyouthfulhumaneconomic, politicalVERB + follyrealize, recognize, seeSuddenly she saw the folly of it all.demonstrate, expose, showThese facts demonstrate the folly of the policy.underlinePHRASESan act of follyThat would be an act of sheer folly!the folly of your waysThey have finally seen the folly of their ways.the height of follyTo sign away his rights to the book would have been the height of folly.your own follyShe laughed bitterly at her own folly.

foment

fomentverb

Foment is used with these nouns as the object:

coup, rebellion, revolution, strife, unrest

fond

fondadj.

adj. fond of sb/sthVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seembecome, growremainADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.especially, genuinely, immensely (esp. BrE), particularlyShe seems genuinely fond of the children.

Fond is used with these nouns:

farewell, memory, parent, recollection

fondant

fondantnoun

Fondant is used before these nouns:

icing

fondest

fondestadj.

Fondest is used with these nouns:

wish

fondly

fondlyadv.

Fondly is used with these verbs:

gaze, imagine, recall, remember

fondness

fondnessnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + fondness | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgreatcertain, particular, specialVERB + fondnessfeel, havedevelopPREPOSITIONfondness forI've always had a certain fondness for her.

fondue

fonduenoun

Fondue is used after these nouns:

font

fontnoun

Font is used before these nouns:

size

food

foodnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF FOOD | VERB + food | food + VERB | food + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdelicious, excellent, good, great, superb, tasty, wonderfulfavourite/favoritedecentrealadequate, enough, sufficientEveryone has the right to adequate food and clean water.amplebasic, everyday, staplelower fat alternatives to everyday foodsRetail prices of staple foods remain unchanged.traditionalplain, simpleexotic, speciality (BrE), specialty (AmE)fine, gourmet, qualityOur restaurant serves the finest food.cheapbad, poor, unhealthyhealthful (esp. AmE), healthy, nourishing, nutritious, proper, the right, wholesomeHealthy food can and should be deliciousLack of proper food led to much illness among seamen.It's is important to get plenty of exercise and to eat the right foods.diet, healthEssential oils can be bought from most good health food storesrabbit (informal, disapproving)My father preferred to eat meat and hated rabbit food (= salad vegetables).fast, junk, snackcarry-out (AmE), takeaway (BrE), takeout (AmE)hotcoldraw, uncookedleftoverrottenfreshnaturalwhole (usually wholefood)organicfrozendrycanned, tinned (BrE)processedconveniencefatty, fried, high-fat, starchy, stodgy (esp. BrE)She is trying to cut down on fatty foods.high-calorie, richAvoid rich foods like pastries.sugary, sweetsavoury/savory (esp. BrE), spicyChinese, Indian, Mexican, etc.vegetariandairygenetically engineered, genetically modified (abbreviated to GM)Campaigners are challenging the safety of genetically modified foods.animal, plant, vegetable (= food that comes from animals/plants)Omnivores are able to eat animal or vegetable food.solidThe baby refuses to swallow any solid food.babycat, dog, fish, petanimal, plant (= food for animals/plants)diner (AmE), hospital, party, prison, pub (BrE), restaurantimportedcomfortIce cream is my comfort food of choice (= food that makes me feel happier).… OF FOODplate, portionmorsel, scrapThey moved from town to town begging scraps of food.VERB + foodconsume, eat, havethe amount of food that an average family consumes in a weekYou should eat more fresh foods.She had had no food for two days.enjoy, like, loveHe obviously enjoys good food.live onpeople who live on junk foodbe off, go off (BrE)The dog is off its food.avoid, cut back on (esp. AmE), cut down on (esp. BrE), cut outbe short of, go short of, run short ofThe city was under siege and began to run short of food.be without, go without, live without, survive withoutWe had been days without food.offer (sb)Fast-food companies are starting to offer their customers healthier food.give sb, provide (sb with), serve (sb), supply (sb with)a restaurant that serves good healthy foodThanks to international aid, the town had been supplied with food for nine months.feed sb/sth, feed sb/sth onHe always fed Whiskers the best cat food.She fed her baby on wholesome food.handleAlways take great care when handling food.cook, do, make, prepareA lot of people can't be bothered to cook good food.Who's doing the food for the party?smell, tasteTaste the food and tell me what you think.cut, cut upPlease cut up the food for your baby sister.pick atHe had lost his appetite and picked at his food.play withStop playing with your food like a baby!chewswallowgulp, gulp downShe told the kids not to gulp down their food.digestorderThey sat down at the restaurant table and immediately ordered their food.grow, produceFarmers are not producing enough food for the country's growing population.importbuy, sellbeg, beg for, hunt for, look for, scavenge for, search forThey slept in the open and begged (for) food from farmers.The male eagle hunts for food.findMost mammals use their sense of smell to find food.keep, storeKeep food fresher for longer with our new sealable containers.Bears store food for the winter.contaminateput outHe put out food for the birds.sharefood + VERBsmell, tasteDoes the food taste good?be in short supply, be shortFood is short here, and people go hungry.run outarrive, comeWhen their food arrived they ate in silence.containTry to eat a variety of foods that contain protein.food + NOUNresource, source, supplyFruit is an important food source for bats.The fish market is a ready food supply for seabirds.suppliesThe UN has been issuing emergency food supplies to the refugees.stuff (usually foodstuff)Many basic foodstuffs, such as bread and milk, are tax-free.crop, plantbasic food crops such as beans and corngroupitem, productThe labels on food products give information about their nutritional content.consumption, intakeHis doctor warned him to reduce his daily food intake.qualitypreparationhygiene (esp. BrE), safety, securityscare (esp. BrE)There has been a food scare over salmonella in eggs.allergydistributioncrisis, shortagerationing, rationsstamp (AmE)industry, market, serviceWe intend to increase our share of the food market.manufacturing, production, systemcompany, manufacturer, producercourt (AmE), market, outlet, retailer, shop, store, supplierthe food court at the shopping mallBritain's first organic food marketa fast food outletpricesbillI am trying to cut my weekly food bill by one third.policy, programme/programUS food policypoisoningadditivescolouring/coloringlabelprocessorBlend the egg yolks, lemon juice and herbs in a food processor.chain, webPlankton is at the bottom of the marine food chain.PREPOSITIONfor foodanimals that are killed for foodwithout foodAfter three days without food, the men were close to starvation.PHRASESfood and drink (BrE), food and drinks (AmE)Gina had prepared food and drink/drinks for the party.food and waterFood and water were running out.food and wineThe Dordogne region is famous for its food and wine.a smell of foodThere was a smell of food from the kitchena supply of foodThe ocean provides the people with an endless supply of food.the taste of foodthe characteristic taste of our food

food-borne

food-borneadj.

Food-borne is used with these nouns:

food court

food courtnoun

Food court is used after these nouns:

mall

fool

foolnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + fool | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, great, silly, stupidYou're an even bigger fool than I thought.absolute, complete, total, utterpoor (= unfortunate)old (= used to show sympathy, affection or a lack of respect)The poor old fool was imprisoned on my account.younglittleYou silly little fool!VERB + foolfeel (esp. BrE), feel likeI felt such a fool when I realized what I'd done. (BrE)I felt like a fool when I realized what I'd done.look (esp. BrE), look likeThey had left me looking like a fool.act like, behave likeStop behaving like a fool!sufferShe doesn't suffer fools gladly.call sbtake sb forHe had taken me for a complete fool.PREPOSITIONlike a foolLike a fool, I told her everything.fool of a sthThat fool of a doctor has prescribed me the wrong medicine!PHRASESact the fool, play the foolStop acting the fool and be serious!Being an actor doesn't just mean playing the fool.be no fool, be nobody's fool (= be too clever to be deceived by sb/sth)She's nobody's fool. She had the car checked by a mechanic before buying it.make a fool of sb/yourself, make a fool out of sbShe was angry at having been made a fool of.more fool (sb) (BrE)I thought it was safe to leave my suitcase there. More fool me (= I was stupid to think so).

II. verbADVERB | VERB + fool | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBcompletelyeasilyShe's not easily fooled.VERB + foolcannottry toPREPOSITIONintoHe fooled them into thinking he was a detective.withYou can't fool me with all that nonsense!PHRASEShave sb fooledShe had me completely fooled for a moment.

foolish

foolishadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSappear, be, feel, look, seem, soundADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.incrediblycompletely, utterlya little, slightly, etc.

Foolish is used with these nouns:

act, grin, mistake, mortal, notion, pride, thing

foolishly

foolishlyadv.

Foolishly is used with these verbs:

believe

foolproof

foolproofadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemmake sthWe're trying to work out a way to make the system foolproof.ADVERBabsolutelynearly, virtuallyThe system is virtually foolproof.

Foolproof is used with these nouns:

foosball{™}

foosball{™}noun

Foosball™ is used before these nouns:

Foot is used with these nouns as the object:

foot

footnounverb

I. noun1 part of the body2 measurement1 part of the bodyADJECTIVE | VERB + foot | foot + VERB | foot + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEleft, rightback, frontHe shifted his weight onto his back foot.dainty, little, small, tinybig, enormousnarrow, wideflatHe was excused military service because of his flat feet.bareIt's dangerous to walk on the beach in/with bare feet.blistered, swollenbrokendirty, smellybooted, stockingedthe rumble of many booted feet on the bridgeHe padded across the room in his stockinged feet (= wearing socks but no shoes).webbedDucks' webbed feet help them to swim.silentHe slipped across the corridor on silent feet.quicka player with quick feet and a great turn of paceleadenHe walked to the examination room with leaden feet.winged (often figurative)She flew on winged feet (= ran fast) up the narrow stairway.VERB + footget to, jump to, leap to, rise to, scramble toHe got shakily to his feet.be onI've been on my feet all day and I need to sit down for a rest.place, plant, putI planted my feet firmly on the chair and reached up to the top window.She put her foot down on the accelerator and the car lurched forward.lift, raiseHe raised his foot off the brake.stamp, stomptapShe was tapping her foot impatiently.swingHe swung a foot at the ball but missed completely.kickshuffledragShe dragged her feet as she reluctantly followed her parents.wipeWipe your feet when you come in from the street.tread on (esp. BrE)That man trod on my foot and he didn't even apologize.foot + VERBcatchHis foot caught in the cable and he fell under the train.slipMy foot slipped as I was about to shoot and I missed the ball.crunch, pound, shuffleI heard feet crunching over the gravel outside the house.dangleI sat by the river with my feet dangling in the water.kickThey carried him out of the room with his feet kicking.sinkMy feet sank deep into the mud.hit sth, touch sthHe shivered as his feet touched the cold floor.foot + NOUNmassageinjurypassenger (BrE), soldierFoot passengers were allowed to leave the ferry before the vehicles.trafficpatrolsoldiers on foot patrolpedalPREPOSITIONbeneath your foot, under your footThe snow crunched beneath her feet.from foot to footThey looked unsure and shifted uneasily from foot to foot.on footThe city is best explored on foot.in the/your footHe's broken several bones in his left foot.with the/your footShe kicked the ball with her right foot.PHRASESthe ball of the/your footI squatted down to speak to the boy, balancing on the balls of my feet.from head to footShe was dressed from head to foot in green velvet.put your feet upHe likes to put his feet up and watch TV when he gets home.set foot in sth, set foot on sththe first European to set foot in Australiathe sole of the/your footThe soles of my feet were covered in blisters.

2 measurement II. verb

bill

footage

footagenoun

Footage is used after these nouns:

archive, camera, film, interview, news, surveillance, video

foot-and-mouth

foot-and-mouthnoun

Foot-and-mouth is used before these nouns:

disease, epidemic

football

footballnoun

noun1 game2 ballSee also soccer1 gameADJECTIVE | … OF FOOTBALL | VERB + football | football + NOUNADJECTIVEattractive, goodentertaining, exciting, greatfine, fluent, neat (all BrE)one-touch (BrE)The Dutch team impressed the fans with their classy one-touch football.amateur, pro (esp. AmE), professionalboys', girls', men's, women'sjunior, senior (both BrE)first-team (BrE)college, high-school (AmE), varsity (AmE)club, league, non-league (all BrE)domestic (BrE), international, worldlive (esp. BrE)American (BrE), Australian rules, Canadian, Gaelicrugbyflag, tackle, touch (all AmE)five-a-side (BrE)fantasy… OF FOOTBALLgameVERB + footballplaywatchfollowEven people who don't follow football closely take great pride in their team.coachfootball + NOUNclub, leaguesquad, teamhero, legend, player, starfield, ground (BrE), pitch (BrE), stadiumterraces (BrE)The government is trying to tackle violence on the football terraces.boots (BrE), cleats (AmE), jersey, kit (BrE), shirt, shoes (AmE), shorts (BrE), strip (BrE), uniform (AmE)helmet, pads (both in American football)captain, coach, refereeagent, management, managerfan, follower (BrE), jock (AmE), supporter (BrE)crowdchampionship, game, match (BrE), play-off (esp. AmE), tournamentdraft (AmE)seasonpractice, trainingcareerhooliganism, violence (both esp. BrE)hooligan (esp. BrE)chant (BrE)coverage, newscommentator, pundit (esp. BrE), writerworldThe football world was rocked by the scandal.scholarship (esp. AmE)trial (BrE), tryout (AmE)

2 ballADJECTIVE | VERB + footballADJECTIVEleatherpolitical (figurative)Children's education should not be treated as a political football.VERB + footballcatch, kick, kick around (BrE), punt (AmE), throw, toss (esp. AmE)

footballer

footballernoun

noun (BrE)ADJECTIVE | footballer + VERBADJECTIVEbrilliant, good, skilful, talented, top, top-classfamouskeenamateur, professionalinternationalpremiershipfootballer + VERBplay

footballing

footballingadj.

Footballing is used with these nouns:

skill

foothold

footholdnoun

noun1 place to put your foot when climbing2 strong position for making further progress1 place to put your foot when climbingADJECTIVE | VERB + footholdADJECTIVEfirm, secureVERB + footholdhavefind, get, scrabble forHe found a secure foothold and pulled himself up.She scrabbled for a foothold on the steep grassy bank.

2 strong position for making further progressADJECTIVE | VERB + foothold | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfirm, secure, strongpermanentVERB + footholdhaveestablish, gain, get, secureThe company is trying to gain a foothold in the European market.maintainloseregaingive (sb/sth), provide (sb with)I hope the book will provide a foothold for students of the subject.PREPOSITIONfoothold inThe company has a firm foothold in this market.

footing

footingnoun

noun1 secure grip with your feet2 basis on which sth exists/operates1 secure grip with your feetADJECTIVE | VERB + footingADJECTIVEfirm, sureVERB + footingkeepHe struggled to keep his footing on the slippery floor.regainbe sure ofShe looked over her shoulder to be sure of her footing.lose, missprovide (sb with)The sole of this shoe will provide a firm footing even on slippery surfaces.

2 basis on which sth exists/operatesADJECTIVE | VERB + footing | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfirm, good, proper, secure, solid, sound, strong, sureequal, the sameAll claimants stand on an equal legal footing.newpermanentThe arrangement was put on a permanent footing earlier this year.commercial (esp. BrE), financial, legalwarThe army was placed on a war footing (= prepared for war).VERB + footingbe on, stand onThe two teams stand on an equal footing.be back ongain, get, havePlanning procedures gained a footing in local government.findregain (esp. AmE)His career never quite regained its footing.get (sth) on, place sth on, put sth onWe need to get the business on a sound footing.get (sth) back onPREPOSITIONon a … footingan attempt to put the economy on a more secure footing

footpath

footpathnoun

noun (esp. BrE)ADJECTIVE | VERB + footpath | footpath + VERB | footpath + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpubliclong-distanceVERB + footpathfollow, take, usekeep tofootpath + VERBfollow sth, lead, runThe footpath runs along the canal.cross stha footpath crossing farmlandlink sththe footpath linking Sprotton and Lummfootpath + NOUNnetwork, systemPREPOSITIONalong a/the footpathWe walked along the footpath.by (a/the) footpathThe monastery is an hour away by footpath.down a/the footpath, on the footpathWe stood on the footpath and waited for a gap in the traffic.up a/the footpathfootpath across, footpath along, footpath alongside, footpath from, footpath over, footpath through, footpath tothe footpath through the woods

footprint

footprintnoun

noun1 mark left by a foot2 impact on the environment1 mark left by a footADJECTIVE | … OF FOOTPRINTS | VERB + footprint | footprint + VERBADJECTIVEfreshmuddy, wet… OF FOOTPRINTSseta set of footprints in the sandVERB + footprintleave, makeThe intruder had left some footprints in the snow.Her wet boots made footprints on the dusty floor.find, seeThe detective found fresh footprints in the mud next to the victim.followThey had fled through the snow, and police had followed their footprints.footprint + VERBleadThe wet footprints led back to the pool.

2 impact on the environmentADJECTIVE | VERB + footprintADJECTIVEcarbonecologicalVERB + footprintreduceSteps must be taken to reduce our carbon footprint.

footstep

footstepnoun

noun (usually footsteps)ADJECTIVE | VERB + footstep | footstep + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEheavylightdraggingHe heard the sound of heavy, dragging footsteps in the corridor.measured, slowbrisk, hurried, quick, rapid, runningloudsoftapproachingreceding, retreatingVERB + footstephear, listen tolisten forShe listened for her mother's footsteps.follow, retraceI am retracing the footsteps of the lost expedition.footstep + VERBrun, walkhalt, stopThe footsteps halted in the doorway.approach, come, draw, headThe footsteps came closer as she listened.recedepass, pass onThe footsteps passed on, receding down the corridor.descend the stairsdie away, fade, fade awayHer footsteps died away as she walked down the path.crunch, echo, pound, soundHurried footsteps sounded on the stairs.PHRASESthe sound of (sb's) footsteps

footwork

footworknoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + footworkADJECTIVEdeft (esp. BrE), fancy, good, neat (BrE), nifty (BrE), nimble (esp. BrE)VERB + footworkhave, showShe showed some nimble footwork and looked a promising player.improveHe needs to improve his footwork around the basket.

forage

foragenoun

Forage is used before these nouns:

Forbid is used with these nouns as the subject:

forbid

forbidverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBstrictlySmoking is strictly forbidden.absolutely, totallyYou cannot do that. I absolutely forbid it.explicitly, expressly, specificallyPREPOSITIONfromHe was forbidden from leaving the country.PHRASESbe forbidden by law

constitution, law, modesty, regulation, religion, rule

Forbid is used with these nouns as the object:

discrimination, incest, marriage, practice, use

forbidden

forbiddenadj.

Forbidden is used with these nouns:

Force is used with these nouns as the subject:

force

forcenounverb

I. noun1 physical strength, power or violence2 effect that causes sth to move3 legal authority of sth4 sb/sth with power/influence5 group of people trained for a particular purpose1 physical strength, power or violenceADJECTIVE | VERB + force | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsiderable, great, terrible, tremendousfull, maximumbrute, sheerreasonable (esp. BrE)sufficientexcessiveunlawful (BrE)deadly, lethalexplosivephysicalgale, hurricaneThe wind was increasing to gale force.hurricane-force windsVERB + forceemploy, resort to, useIn the end, we had to resort to brute force to get the door open.take sth byThe troops marched in and took the city by force.feelEveryone felt the force of his argument.PREPOSITIONby forceThe king made laws and imposed them by force.PHRASEScatch the full force of sth, feel the full force of sth, take the full force of sthOur house took the full force of the bomb blast.I felt the full force of her criticism.force of personality, force of willShe used her sheer force of personality to keep the family together.meet force with force (esp. AmE)The country's attempts to meet force with force (= resist an attack using force) led to the outbreak of war.the use of forceThe regulations allow the use of force if necessary.

2 effect that causes sth to moveADJECTIVE | VERB + force | force + VERB | force + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEpowerful, strongweakattractiverepulsiveexternal, internalDeep internal forces cause movements of the earth's crust.lateralcentrifugal, centripetal, electromagnetic, electromotive, gravitational, mechanical, nuclear, physical, tidalVERB + forceapply, exert, generate, produceThe sun exerts a force on the earth.increasedecrease, reducebalanceThe forces of expansion are balanced by forces of contraction.force + VERBact on sthlateral forces acting on the car's suspensionbalance sthforce + NOUNfieldthe force field of a magnetPREPOSITIONforce betweenthe attractive and repulsive forces between individual particlesPHRASESa balance of forcesthe balance of nuclear forces in atomsthe force of gravity

3 legal authority of sthADJECTIVE | VERB + force | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbinding, legal, statutory (BrE)The contract was not signed and has no binding force.VERB + forcecome intoThe new law comes into force as from midnight tomorrow.bring sth into (esp. BrE)PREPOSITIONin forceSome archaic laws are still in force.PHRASESthe force of lawProfessional standards often do not have the force of law (= cannot be enforced).

4 sb/sth with power/influenceADJECTIVE | VERB + force | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsiderable, formidable, great, irresistible, major, overwhelming, potent, powerful, significant, strong, unstoppableactive, controlling, dominant, driving, main, movingmotivatingpersuasiveconstructive, creative, dynamic, positive, progressivedestructive, disruptive, negativeShe was seen as a potentially disruptive force within the party.cohesive, unifyingcompetitive, conflicting, countervailing, opposing, reactionaryinternalexternal, international, outsideThe play portrays a marriage torn apart by external forces.invisible, unseennaturalpowerful natural forces such as earthquakes and droughtspiritual, supernaturaldark, demonic, evil, malevolent‘There are dark forces in the universe,’ he raved, ‘and we are powerless against them!’cultural, economic, intellectual, market, moral, political, productive, revolutionary, socialpowerful social and economic forcesVERB + forceremainThough officially retired, she remains the creative force behind the design business.balanceThis is a politician who does not like to balance market forces.fightto fight the forces of evilPREPOSITIONforce behindLocal parents were the driving force behind the project.force forCompetition is a force for change in industry.PHRASESa balance of forcesshifts in the balance of political forces in Europea force to be reckoned withWith its new players, the team is now very much a force to be reckoned with.the forces of nature

5 group of people trained for a particular purposeADJECTIVE | VERB + force | force + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElargesmall, tokena token force of only 300 men100-strong, etc.superiorcrack, elite, specialThese elite forces are the best equipped and trained in the world.combined, jointthe combined forces of MI5 and Scotland Yarda joint task forceallied, coalition, multinationalstrategiclabour/labor, sales, work (usually workforce)the US labour/labor forcethe company's sales forcearmed, armoured/armored, military, paramilitarygovernment, loyalenemy, guerrilla, hostile, occupation, occupying, opposition, rebelHe called on the local population to rise up against the occupying forces.friendlyregularreserveall-volunteer, volunteerconventionalnuclearassault, combat, defence/defense, expeditionary, fighting, invasion, peace, peacekeeping, police, security, strike (See also task force.)air, airborne, amphibious, ground, land, navalVERB + forceassemble, create, form, mobilize, set upA large expeditionary force is now being assembled.sendthe decision to send armed forces over the borderprovidedeploy, employ, useA small peacekeeping force will be deployed in the area.withdrawcommand, head, head up, leadjoinShe decided to join the armed forces.trainsupportMore troops have been called in to support the coalition forces there.combine, joinThe two companies have joined forces to form a new consortium.force + VERBcontrol sthRebel forces now control most of the capital.operateUN forces operating in the regionPREPOSITIONin a/the forcepeople in the security forcesPHRASESa member of a force, the withdrawal of a forcea deadline for the withdrawal of forces

II. verb

circumstance, necessity

Force is used with these nouns as the object:

cancellation, change, closure, confession, confrontation, corner, draw, employer, entry, grin, laugh, lock, passage, postponement, reappraisal, referendum, removal, replay, resignation, retirement, showdown, smile, way, window

forced force down

force downphr verb

Force down is used with these nouns as the object:

wage

forceful

forcefuladj.

Forceful is used with these nouns:

argument, character, diplomacy, personality

forcefully

forcefullyadv.

Forcefully is used with these verbs:

argue, assert, express, intervene, press, remind, respond, shove, speak

forceps

forcepsnoun

Forceps is used before these nouns:

delivery

force through

force throughphr verb

Force through is used with these nouns as the object:

bill, parliament

forcible

forcibleadj.

Forcible is used with these nouns:

entry, expulsion, rape, removal, repatriation

forcibly

forciblyadv.

Forcibly is used with these verbs:

deport, eject, evict, exile, expel, impose, incorporate, prevent, remind, remove, repatriate, restrain, return, separate, strike

ford

fordverb

Ford is used with these nouns as the object:

river, stream

forearm

forearmnoun

Forearm is used before these nouns:

smash

foreboding

forebodingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + foreboding | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdark, deepVERB + forebodingfeel, haveI felt a gloomy foreboding that something was going to go wrong.be full ofHe returned, full of foreboding, to the scene of the accident.fill sb withPREPOSITIONforeboding ofShe had a foreboding of danger.PHRASESa feeling of foreboding, a sense of foreboding

forecast

forecastnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + forecast | forecast + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgood, optimisticgloomy, pessimisticconservativeaccurate, correctdetailedrevisedannualearlylong-range, long-terma long-range weather forecastshort-terma short-term forecast of the economylocalofficialeconomic, financial, market, shipping (BrE) (shipping news in AmE), weathercash-flow (esp. BrE), earnings, growth, inflation, profit, revenue, salesVERB + forecastprepare, producegive, issue, make, provideThe government has issued a pessimistic economic forecast.revise, updatelower, raiseThis week the company is expected to raise its revenue forecast.rely oncheckCheck the weather forecast before you set out.be in line withThe interest rate is in line with the forecast.forecast + VERBcall for sth (AmE), predict sth, say sth, suggest sthThis morning's weather forecast called for snow.Some forecasts suggest that the increase in heart disease will continue for some time.assume sthbe based on sthforecasts based on a complicated procedurePREPOSITIONforecast aboutForecasts about the economy are often misleading.forecast forforecasts for earnings in 2015forecast offorecasts of population growth

II. verbADVERB | VERB + forecastADVERBaccurately, correctlyoriginally, previouslyhigher costs than those originally forecastVERB + forecastbe difficult to, be hard to

Forecast is used with these nouns as the object:

demand, future, rain, return, weather

forecourt

forecourtnoun

Forecourt is used after these nouns:

garage, station

forefront

forefrontnoun

noun the forefrontVERB + the forefront | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + the forefrontremain at, remain inEducation remains at the forefront of the state's planning.keep sb/sth at, keep sb/sth in, keep sb/sth to (BrE)come into (AmE), come toShe came to the forefront as governor after the political change.push sb/sth into, push sb/sth to, thrust sb/sth into, thrust sb/sth toHis new job thrust him to the forefront.bring sb/sth to, place sb/sth at, place sb/sth in, put sb/sth (back) at, put sb/sth (back) inThe new factory could put the town back at the forefront of steel manufacture.PREPOSITIONat the forefront (of), in the forefront (of)issues at the forefront of government policyPHRASESat the forefront of sb's mind, in the forefront of sb's mind, to the forefront of sb's mindThis question remained at the forefront of her mind.

foregone

foregoneadj.

Foregone is used with these nouns:

conclusion

foreground

foregroundnoun

nounVERB + foreground | PREPOSITIONVERB + foregroundoccupyA happy family occupies the foreground of the painting.PREPOSITIONin the foregroundThis issue is very much in the foreground.

forehand

forehandnoun

Forehand is used before these nouns:

drive, stroke, volley

forehead

foreheadnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + forehead | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbroad, high, wideslopingfurrowed, wrinkledsmoothsweatyVERB + foreheadcrease, wrinklemop, wipehit, rub, slap, smack, tapHe groaned and slapped his forehead, as if suddenly remembering something obvious.kissPREPOSITIONacross your foreheadHe rubbed a hand across his forehead as though he were tired.from your foreheadHe wiped the sweat from his forehead.in the foreheadHe had a gash in the forehead.off your foreheadShe pushed her wet hair off her forehead.over your foreheadHis hair fell over his forehead.

foreign

foreignadj.

adj.1 not coming from your own country2 foreign to sb not typical of sb/not known to sb1 not coming from your own countryVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, look, soundThe name sounded foreign.ADVERBslightlya slightly foreign accentdistinctlyHe was a small man, distinctly foreign in appearance.

2 foreign to sb not typical of sb/not known to sbVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, seemADVERBverycompletely, entirely, quite, totally, utterlyThis kind of attitude is completely foreign to her.

Foreign is used with these nouns:

accent, adventure, affair, agent, aggression, aid, arena, army, asset, assistance, bank, base, body, branch, capital, commentator, commerce, competition, competitor, consumer, corporation, correspondent, counterpart, country, credit, creditor, culture, currency, customer, debt, demand, diplomat, domination, editor, elite, embassy, enemy, expedition, film, firm, fund, funding, government, holiday, immigrant, import, income, influence, interest, intervention, investment, investor, journalist, labour, land, language, learner, manufacturer, market, media, mercenary, merchant, military, minister, ministry, missionary, multinational, nation, nationality, news, object, observer, occupation, origin, ownership, participation, partner, passport, policy, port, posting, power, press, producer, relation, reporter, right, rival, sale, secretary, security, service, shore, soil, source, spy, state, station, stock, student, subsidiary, substance, supplier, territory, terrorist, tongue, tour, tourist, trade, trader, travel, traveller, trip, troops, vessel, visit, visitor, water, word

foreign affairs

foreign affairsnoun

Foreign affairs is used before these nouns:

ministry

foreign currency

foreign currencynoun

Foreign currency is used before these nouns:

reserve

foreign exchange

foreign exchangenoun

Foreign exchange is used before these nouns:

market, reserve, trading, transaction

foreign language

foreign languagenoun

Foreign language is used before these nouns:

Foreign Office

Foreign Officenoun

Foreign Office is used before these nouns:

minister

foreign policy

foreign policynoun

Foreign policy is used before these nouns:

specialist

foremost

foremostadj.

Foremost is used with these nouns:

authority, exponent, poet

forensic

forensicadj.

Forensic is used with these nouns:

biologist, evidence, examination, laboratory, medicine, pathologist, psychiatrist, psychiatry, psychologist, science, scientist, test

forerunner

forerunnernoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEearlyan early forerunner of the modern jet enginedirect

foresee

foreseeverb

verbADVERB | VERB + foreseeADVERBclearlyreasonably (esp. BrE)He could not reasonably have foreseen the consequences.VERB + foreseecanWe could foresee no difficulties with these proposals.be difficult to, be impossible toIt is impossible to foresee the future.

Foresee is used with these nouns as the object:

consequence, danger, disaster, problem

foreseeable

foreseeableadj.

Foreseeable is used with these nouns:

foresight

foresightnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + foresight | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsiderable, greatperfect (esp. AmE)VERB + foresighthaveHe had the foresight to bring in the chairs before the rain started.showThe plans showed great foresight.lackPHRASESa lack of foresight

forest

forestnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF FOREST | VERB + forest | forest + VERB | forest + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdense, thickimpenetrabledeepdarknative, naturalnationalancient, old, primeval, virginmature, old-growthrain (usually rainforest), tropicalconiferous, deciduoushardwoodbeech, birch, pine, etc.… OF FORESTstretch, tracta large stretch of virgin forestVERB + forestplantclear, cut down, destroyForest is being cleared to make way for new farming land.conserve, protectmanagebe covered by, be covered inMuch of Europe was once covered in forest.enterHe warned her never to enter the forest at night.forest + VERBstretchThick forest stretched as far as the eye could see.surroundthe forest surrounding the villageforest + NOUNtreefloorcanopylandfirerangermanagementPREPOSITIONin a/the forestThey got lost in the forest.through a/the forestWe slashed our way through the dense forest.PHRASESthe edge of the forest, the heart of the forest, the middle of the forest

forestall

forestallverb

Forestall is used with these nouns as the object:

criticism

forested

forestedadj.

Forested is used with these nouns:

area, hill, land, slope, valley

forestry

forestrynoun

nounADJECTIVE | forestry + NOUNADJECTIVEcommercialcommunity (AmE)sustainableforestry + NOUNplantation (BrE)practicetrack (BrE)workerindustry, managementpolicy, programme/program, projectdepartment

foretell

foretellverb

Foretell is used with these nouns as the object:

forethought

forethoughtnoun

nounVERB + forethought | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + forethoughthaveWe had had the forethought to book places in advance.PREPOSITIONwith forethought, without forethoughtHe had made the remark completely without forethought.PHRASESa lack of forethought

forever forfeit

forfeitverb

Forfeit is used with these nouns as the object:

chance, claim, deposit, lease, right

forge forged

forgedadj.

Forged is used with these nouns:

cheque, document, passport, signature, steel

forgery

forgerynoun

Forget is used with these nouns as the object:

forget

forgetverb

verbADVERB | VERB + forget | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBcompletely, quite (esp. BrE), totallyI completely forgot you were coming today.clean (old-fashioned, informal)I clean forgot to give your brother the message.almost, nearlyneverI'll never forget the expression on his face.quickly, sooninstantly, promptly‘I will,’ she promised, and promptly forgot about it.momentarily, temporarilyHer joy was so infectious that he momentarily forgot his own fears for the future.easilyThe experience of nearly getting killed is not easily forgotten.conveniently (ironic)He conveniently forgot to tell me he was married.VERB + forgetseem toYou seem to forget that it was your idea in the first place.tend towant totry tobe easy toIt is easy to forget that not all countries have these advantages.let sbLet's forget last night, shall we?make sbPREPOSITIONaboutOh yes! I almost forgot about the party.PHRASESforget all about sthIn the excitement I forgot all about my little brother.keep forgettingShe keeps forgetting where she's put her glasses.largely forgottenHis pioneering work in the field was largely forgotten until the late 1940s.

appointment, birthday, episode, existence, fact, importance, incident, lesson, line, manner, misery, name, pain, past, place, problem, root, shyness, trouble, worry

forgive

forgiveverb

verbADVERB | VERB + forgive | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBquiteI suspect that Rodney has never quite forgiven either of them.ever, neverCan you ever forgive me?easilyDonna would not easily forgive Beth's silly attempt to trick her.VERB + forgivebe able to, be unable to, canI couldn't forgive him.be easy toAn insult like that isn't easy to forgive.ask sb to, beg sb toHe fell to his knees and begged God to forgive him.try toPREPOSITIONforShe never forgave him for losing her ring.PHRASESforgive and forgetHe was not the sort of man to forgive and forget.

Forgive is used with these nouns as the object:

debt, manner, mistake, sin

forgiveness

forgivenessnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + forgiveness | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcompletedivineVERB + forgivenessfind, have, receiveDo I have your forgiveness?ask, ask for, beg, beg for, pray for, seekneed, wantdeservefindvictims of violence who can nevertheless find forgiveness in their heartsoffer (sb), show (sb)PREPOSITIONforgiveness forHe begged her forgiveness for his mistake.

forgo

forgoverb

(also forego) verbADVERB | VERB + forgoADVERBwillinglyShe would willingly forgo her presents if only her warring parents would declare a truce.VERB + forgohave toTime to prepare was a luxury he would have to forgo.decide tobe prepared to (esp. BrE), be willing to

Forgo is used with these nouns as the object:

college, pleasure

forgotten

forgottenadj.

Forgotten is used with these nouns:

corner, gem, hero, masterpiece, memory, past, treasure

fork

forknounverb

I. noun1 tool for eating2 place where sth divides into two parts1 tool for eatingADJECTIVE | VERB + fork | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEtoastingsalad (AmE)plasticVERB + forkpick upput downusePREPOSITIONon a/the forkShe impaled a piece of meat on her fork.with a forkMash the mixture with a fork.PHRASESa knife and forkHe put the knives and forks on the table.

2 place where sth divides into two partsADJECTIVE | VERB + fork | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEleft, rightVERB + forktakeAs you pass the farm, take the right fork of the track up the hill.PREPOSITIONat a/the forkBear left at the fork in the road.in forka monkey sitting in the fork of the treefork ina fork in the road

II. verb

Fork is used with these nouns as the subject:

path, road, track

forked

forkedadj.

Forked is used with these nouns:

lightning, tail, tongue

forklift

forkliftnoun

Forklift is used before these nouns:

Forlorn is used with these nouns:

forlorn

forlornadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, look, seem, sound, standThe house stood forlorn and empty.ADVERBveryquite, utterlyShe didn't belong, and felt utterly forlorn.almostrather, somewhat

hope

form

formnounverb

I. noun1 type of sth/way of doing sth2 shape3 piece of paper with questions on it4 how well sb/sth is performing1 type of sth/way of doing sthADJECTIVE | VERB + form | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcommonStrikes are the most common form of industrial protest.different, variousvarious forms of surveillanceextremean extreme form of socialismpureIn its purest form, the substance is highly explosive.basic, simplecomplexmildsevere, virulenta virulent form of the fluearly, original, traditionalan early form of bicyclefinalThe document was edited before being circulated in its final form.newart, literary, musicalStorytelling has acquired the status of an art form.lifeprimitive life forms at the bottom of the seadigital, electronicThe data is stored in digital form.graphic, tabularThe results of the survey are shown below in tabular form.liquidphysicalVERB + formtakeBullying can take many forms.giveA film gives physical form to a novel's characters.PREPOSITIONin … formThe gas is stored in liquid form.in the form ofThese costs were passed on in the form of higher rents.form ofSwimming is one of the best forms of exercise.PHRASESin any shape or formThe company will not tolerate discrimination in any shape or form.in some form or otherWe spend most of our time communicating in some form or other.

2 shapeADJECTIVE | VERB + form | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhumanpaintings of the human formadultsleepingVERB + formalter, changea mythical creature that could change its formassume, take ona god who could take on human formPREPOSITIONin a/the formTwo weeks later the moth will emerge in its adult form.

3 piece of paper with questions on itADJECTIVE | VERB + formADJECTIVEapplication, booking (BrE), consent, entry, order, registration, reservation (AmE)onlinePlease fill out the online form on our website.VERB + formcomplete, fill in (BrE), fill outPlease complete the application form and return it to us.signreturn

4 how well sb/sth is performingADJECTIVE | VERB + form | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfine, good, great, topThe team entered the tournament in top form.poorcurrent, presentVERB + formmaintainThe team is hoping that it can maintain its current form.findShe urgently needs to find her form.regainPREPOSITIONin formShe was in fine form for the tournament.Ben was in great form at the wedding.Barcelona are the team in form. (BrE)off form (BrE)Her recent illness possibly explains why she was off form in this race.on form (esp. BrE)He'll be a difficult opponent to beat; he's really on form today.Yesterday's game saw him back on form.on sb's form (esp. BrE)On his present form it seems likely that he will win.out of form (BrE)The team was out of form and did not play as well as expected.PHRASESa return to formHis recent performances mark a welcome return to form.

II. verb1 make/organize sth2 make sth into a shape1 make/organize sthVERB + form | PHRASESVERB + formattempt to, try toagree to, decide toask sb to, invite sb to (both esp. BrE)The leader of the party with the most seats is invited to form a government.help (to)PHRASESnewly formed, recently formeda newly formed political party

2 make sth into a shapePREPOSITION | PHRASESPREPOSITIONintoShe formed the clay into a ball.PHRASESfully formedThe plan came in a flash of inspiration, fully formed.perfectly formeda perfectly formed body

Form is used with these nouns as the subject:

bruise, bubble, cell, clot, cloud, consensus, crust, crystal, dew, grin, group, ice, idea, lump, mould, perspiration, queue, rock, scar, smile, tear, wrinkle

Form is used with these nouns as the object:

administration, alignment, alliance, angle, arc, arch, army, assembly, association, attachment, backdrop, background, band, barricade, barrier, base, basis, blockade, body, bond, border, boundary, brigade, cabinet, canopy, carpet, category, cell, chain, channel, character, circle, class, climax, clot, cloud, club, clump, coalition, coating, colony, committee, commune, company, compound, confederation, congregation, connection, consensus, cooperative, cordon, core, council, crater, crust, curve, deposit, division, edge, element, elite, entity, expectation, federation, fist, focal point, force, foundation, friendship, front, frown, galaxy, government, grin, groove, group, habit, hierarchy, hypothesis, ice, idea, identity, image, impression, infinitive, judgement, junta, layer, league, line, link, lobby, loop, lump, majority, militia, mob, molecule, network, opinion, ozone, pact, part, partnership, party, paste, pattern, perimeter, picture, plan, pool, procession, queue, relationship, republic, ring, rock, sentence, shape, shield, skeleton, society, spine, squad, structure, style, subsidiary, syndicate, task force, team, tense, triangle, trust, union, unit, valley, vapour, web, whole, word

formal

formaladj.

adj.1 very correct/official2 concerned with the way sth is done1 very correct/officialVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seem, soundbecomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.strictlyLearning was by rote and strictly formal.

2 concerned with the way sth is doneVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBmerely, purelyGetting approval for the plan is a purely formal matter: nobody will seriously oppose it.largelyThe monarch retains largely formal duties.

Formal is used with these nouns:

acceptance, acknowledgement, adoption, agreement, alliance, announcement, apology, appeal, application, appointment, approach, approval, arrangement, aspect, assessment, association, assurance, authorization, banquet, bow, briefing, care, caution, ceremony, channel, clothes, communication, competence, complaint, composition, conference, consent, contract, declaration, definition, description, dining room, dinner, discussion, distinction, dress, education, employment, enquiry, equality, establishment, evaluation, event, evidence, examination, expression, garden, gathering, greeting, guideline, hearing, inauguration, instruction, introduction, invitation, language, learning, lecture, letter, link, logic, manner, meeting, negotiation, news conference, notification, occasion, offer, opening, permission, politeness, presentation, procedure, process, procession, proof, proposal, protest, qualification, reception, recognition, record, register, registration, relationship, reply, report, reprimand, request, requirement, resolution, rigour, rule, schooling, separation, setting, statement, structure, style, suit, talk, teaching, tone, training, treaty, tuxedo, verdict, visit, vocabulary, warning, wear

formality

formalitynoun

noun1 action that is necessary according to custom/law2 polite/formal way of behaving1 action that is necessary according to custom/lawADJECTIVE | VERB + formality | PHRASESADJECTIVEmereYour acceptance into the club will be a mere formality.customs, legal (both esp. BrE)VERB + formalitycomplete (esp. BrE), deal with, go throughIt only took a few minutes to complete the legal formalities.dispense with, drop (esp. AmE)Let's dispense with the formalities and get down to work.PHRASESjust a formality, merely a formality, only a formalityShe was clearly the best candidate for the job, so her interview was just a formality.

2 polite/formal way of behavingADJECTIVE | … OF FORMALITY | VERB + formalityADJECTIVEstiff… OF FORMALITYdegree, levelIt is important to be aware of the level of formality required at any social function.VERB + formalitymaintainShe preferred to maintain a cool formality in her dealings with her manager.

formalize

formalizeverb

Formalize is used with these nouns as the object:

formally

formallyadv.

Formally is used with these adjectives:

distinct, educated, organized, responsible, trained

Formally is used with these verbs:

abandon, acknowledge, adopt, annex, announce, apologize, approve, ban, charge, clear, declare, define, deny, designate, discharge, dissolve, dress, elect, endorse, establish, file, hand, identify, inaugurate, incorporate, initiate, introduce, invite, issue, join, name, nominate, notify, open, order, organize, present, proclaim, propose, protest, recognize, register, reject, reprimand, request, resign, separate, sign, state, structure, submit, surrender, suspend, test, transfer, unveil, welcome, withdraw

format

formatnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + format | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElarge, smallstandarddigitalfileDVD, PDF, etc.VERB + formatfollow, useAll the lectures follow the same basic format.changeFor this year, we have decided to change the format of the conference slightly.supportThe drive supports the following DVD formats.PREPOSITIONin a/the formatThe book is now available in a slightly smaller format.

II. verb

Format is used with these nouns as the object:

disk, document, drive

formation

formationnoun

noun1 making/developing sth2 arrangement/group/pattern3 sth that has been formed1 making/developing sthADJECTIVE | VERB + formationADJECTIVEpolicythe top civil servants who are responsible for policy formationVERB + formationlead to, result inThis dispute led to the formation of a new breakaway group.prevent

2 arrangement/group/patternADJECTIVE | formation + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEclose, tightbattleThe troops advanced in battle formation.family, household, socialchanging patterns of marriage and family formationformation + NOUNflyingPREPOSITIONin a … formationThe men were grouped in a close formation.in formationa squadron of planes flying in formation

3 sth that has been formedADJECTIVEADJECTIVEcloud, geological, rockmilitary, political

formative

formativeadj.

Formative is used with these nouns:

experience, influence, period, stage, year

former

formernounadj.

I. noun

Former is used after these nouns:

opinion

II. adj.

Former is used with these nouns:

ally, ambassador, associate, barrister, boyfriend, chairman, champion, chief executive, client, colleague, colony, communist, Congressman, Congresswoman, councillor, counsel, day, deputy, diplomat, employee, employer, executive, felon, foe, generation, girlfriend, governor, grandeur, greatness, head, home, homeland, husband, inhabitant, inmate, leader, lover, manor, mayor, member, minister, mistress, occupant, owner, partner, player, premier, president, prime minister, prostitute, pupil, rebel, refugee, regime, republic, residence, rival, ruler, secretary, self, senator, slave, smoker, soldier, splendour, state, student, teacher, territory, time, wife

formerly

formerlyadv.

Formerly is used with these adjectives:

prosperous, secret

Formerly is used with these verbs:

call, know, own

Formica{™}

Formica{™}noun

Formica™ is used before these nouns:

counter

formidable

formidableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, look, seemThe task looks formidable.remainfind sthMen found her formidable.make sthADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.a very formidable opponenta little, slightly, etc.

Formidable is used with these nouns:

adversary, array, barrier, challenge, challenger, character, competitor, enemy, foe, force, intellect, obstacle, opponent, personality, presence, record, reputation, rival, talent, task, warrior

formula

formulanoun

noun1 group of signs/letters/numbers2 method of solving a problem1 group of signs/letters/numbersADJECTIVE | VERB + formula | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcomplex, complicatedsimplesecretalgebraic, chemical, mathematical, scientificVERB + formuladevise, work outA simple mathematical formula has been devised to allow you to calculate the interest due.apply, usePREPOSITIONformula forthe formula for finding the area of a circle

2 method of solving a problemADJECTIVE | VERB + formula | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgood, magic, successful, winningstandard, traditionalbasicface-saving (esp. BrE)The government was forced to find a face-saving formula to cover its misjudgement.politicalVERB + formulahaveNo one has a magic formula for keeping youngsters away from crime.followEach of his novels follows the same successful formula.come up with, devise, find, hit on, provide, work outWe think we might have hit on a winning formula.changeWhy change a winning formula?PREPOSITIONformula forWhat is their formula for success?

formulate

formulateverb

verbADVERB | VERB + formulateADVERBfullycarefully, properlyHis ideas are always very carefully formulated.clearly, explicitlyspecially, specificallyproducts that are specially formulated for safe use on leatherVERB + formulatetry tohelp (to)

Formulate is used with these nouns as the object:

answer, argument, code, concept, doctrine, guideline, hypothesis, idea, objective, philosophy, plan, policy, principle, proposal, recommendation, response, rule, sentence, strategy, theory

formulation

formulationnoun

Formulation is used after these nouns:

for-profit

for-profitadj.

For-profit is used with these nouns:

corporation, enterprise, entity, institution, subsidiary

fort

fortnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + fort | fort + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhillborder (esp. AmE)Iron Age, Roman, Saxon, etc.an Iron Age hill fortsnow (AmE)VERB + fortattackholdGovernment forces managed to hold the fort.buildfort + VERBfallThe fort finally fell after a week of intense fighting.PREPOSITIONat a/the fort, in a/the fortAll was calm at the fort that night.

forth

forthadv.

Forth is used with these verbs:

burst, spring, step, summon, venture

forthcoming

forthcomingadj.

adj.1 available2 willing to give information1 availableVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeHelp was immediately forthcoming.ADVERBreadily (esp. BrE)immediately

2 willing to give informationVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeADVERBnot veryPREPOSITIONaboutShe wasn't very forthcoming about where she'd been.

Forthcoming is used with these nouns:

book, edition, election, event, publication, release, season, sequel, series, show, trip, visit, volume

forthright

forthrightadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seemADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.characteristicallyHe was characteristically forthright in his reply.PREPOSITIONaboutShe's always been very forthright about her preferences.

Forthright is used with these nouns:

manner, view

forthwith

forthwithadv.

Forthwith is used with these verbs:

cease, notify

fortified

fortifiedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeADVERBheavily, stronglyPREPOSITIONagainstThe town was heavily fortified against attack.

Fortified is used with these nouns:

barracks, cereal, juice, milk, tower, town, wine

fortify

fortifyverb

Fortify is used with these nouns as the object:

castle

fortnight

fortnightnoun

noun (BrE)ADJECTIVE | VERB + fortnight | fortnight + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEnextlast, past, previouswholeVERB + fortnightspendWe've spent the last fortnight in Spain.fortnight + VERBelapse, go by, passA fortnight passed and we still hadn't heard from them.PREPOSITIONafter a/the fortnight, during a/the fortnight, for a/the fortnight, in a/the fortnightWe hope to leave in the next fortnight.over a/the fortnight, within a/the fortnight

fortress

fortressnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + fortress | fortress + VERB | fortress + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgreatimpenetrable, impregnable, stronggrimstoneVERB + fortressattack, besiege, lay siege totakeGreek warriors took the fortress with little effort.hold, occupybuildfortress + VERBfallThe fortress fell after a nine-day siege.fortress + NOUNcity, townwallsPREPOSITIONin a/the fortressThey took refuge in the fortress.

fortuitous

fortuitousadj.

Fortuitous is used with these nouns:

discovery, timing

fortunate

fortunateadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, seemconsider sb, count yourself, think sbWe consider ourselves extremely fortunate.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.indeed (esp. BrE)He was indeed fortunate in his friends.PREPOSITIONforIt was fortunate for us that the rain stopped.inWe are fortunate in having a lot of land.

fortune

fortunenoun

noun1 luck2 fortunes what happens to sb/sth3 what is going to happen to sb in the future4 very large amount of money1 luckADJECTIVE | … OF FORTUNE | VERB + fortune | fortune + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEgoodbad, ill… OF FORTUNEpiece, strokeBy a stroke of good fortune, Steven was still in his office.VERB + fortunehavebring (sb)A horseshoe nailed to your door is supposed to bring good fortune.fortune + VERBbe on sb's side, favour/favor sb, smile on sbFor once, fortune was on our side: the weather improved in time for the game.Fortune smiled on me that day (= I had good fortune).PHRASESas good fortune would have itAs good fortune would have it, a bus came along just when I needed it.a change in fortune, a change of fortuneAll we can do is hope for a change in fortune.have the good fortune to do sthI had the good fortune to work with people I liked.

2 fortunes what happens to sb/sthADJECTIVE | VERB + FORTUNES | FORTUNES + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeclining, flaggingchanging, fluctuating, mixeda year of mixed fortunes for the companyeconomic, electoral, politicalVERB + FORTUNESboost, improve, reviveThe party still hopes to revive its flagging electoral fortunes.reversefollowfans who follow the fortunes of their chosen teamFORTUNES + VERBchange, fluctuate (esp. BrE)A company's fortunes can change overnight.improve, risedecline, fallas the country's fortunes rose and fellPHRASESa reversal of fortune, a reversal of fortunes (esp. BrE)The company suffered a reversal of fortune when public taste changed.

3 what is going to happen to sb in the futureVERB + fortune | fortune + NOUNVERB + fortuneread, tellThey went to have their fortunes read.fortune + NOUNteller, telling

4 very large amount of moneyADJECTIVE | VERB + fortune | fortune + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsiderable, enormous, great, immense, large, substantial (esp. BrE), vastsmall (= quite large)Rebuilding the house must have cost a small fortune.family, personalVERB + fortuneaccumulate, acquire, amass, build, build up, earn, make, wininheritleave (sb)Her aunt died and left her a fortune.lose, squanderHe lost his fortune in the crash of 1929.She squandered the family fortune.find, seekThey went to seek their fortune in the city.be worthSome of those old toys are worth a fortune now.costpay, spendShe spends a fortune on clothes!fortune + NOUNhunter (= a person who tries to become rich by marrying sb with a lot of money)PREPOSITIONfortune fromHe built his fortune from breeding horses.fortune inShe made a fortune in the property boom.fortune onThey sold their house at the right time and made a fortune on it.fortune outHe has amassed a considerable fortune out of trading shares.PHRASESfame and fortuneThey went to America in search of fame and fortune.heir to a fortune, heiress to a fortuneHe was sole heir to the family fortune.

forum

forumnoun

noun1 way people can exchange ideas2 meeting at which people can exchange ideas1 way people can exchange ideasADJECTIVE | VERB + forum | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEimportant, usefulpublicVERB + forumcreate, offer, provide (sb with)haveact as (esp. BrE), be used as, serve asbecomePREPOSITIONforum forThe conference provides a useful forum for the exchange of views and ideas.

2 meeting at which people can exchange ideasADJECTIVE | VERB + forum | forum + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEopen, publicThe movie show was followed by an open forum on editing techniques.international, nationalcommunityeconomic, political, socialdiscussionInternet, online, webCheck out our online discussion forum.VERB + forumhold, hostWe will be hosting a two-day forum on childcare.attend, go toforum + VERBtake placePREPOSITIONforum onAn international forum on economic development took place in Brussels.

forward

forwardnounverbadj.adv.

I. noun

Forward is used after these nouns:

rugby

II. verb

Forward is used with these nouns as the object:

copy, email, information, letter, mail, message, query, video

III. adj.

Forward is used with these nouns:

direction, march, momentum, motion, movement, pass, planning, progress, step, swing, thinking, thrust, tilt

IV. adv.

Forward is used with these verbs:

bend, crawl, creep, dash, dive, ease, edge, fall, jerk, jump, lean, leap, lurch, march, pitch, plunge, press, proceed, reach, roll, rush, sag, shuffle, slide, slump, spring, stagger, step, strain, stretch, swing, throw, thrust, tilt, walk

forwarder

forwardernoun

Forwarder is used after these nouns:

freight

forwarding

forwardingadj.

Forwarding is used with these nouns:

address

fossil

fossilnoun

Fossil is used before these nouns:

find, fuel, record, remains

fossilized

fossilizedadj.

Fossilized is used with these nouns:

remains

foster

fosterverbadj.

I. verbADVERB | VERB + fosterADVERBcarefully, deliberately (esp. BrE)The school has carefully fostered its progressive image.VERB + fosterhelp (to)be designed to

Foster is used with these nouns as the object:

appreciation, attitude, awareness, belief, child, climate, collaboration, competition, cooperation, creation, creativity, culture, development, diversity, environment, growth, harmony, illusion, independence, innovation, instability, intimacy, kid, link, love, mistrust, myth, participation, partnership, relation, relationship, sense, solidarity, spirit, teamwork, tolerance, trust, understanding, unity, value

II. adj.

Foster is used with these nouns:

care, father, home, kid, mother, parent

foul

foulnounverbadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + foul | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEblatant (esp. BrE), clear (BrE), deliberate, flagrant (AmE), nasty (esp. BrE)hard, offensive, personal, technical (all in basketball)VERB + foulcommitHe committed a second foul.draw (in basketball)call (in basketball)The referee did not call a foul on the player.PREPOSITIONfoul onHe was sent off for a clear foul on Leonard. (BrE)He drew a fourth foul on Camby. (AmE)

II. verb

Foul is used with these nouns as the subject:

Foul is used with these nouns as the object:

opponent

III. adj.

Foul is used with these nouns:

air, ball, beast, creature, language, mood, odour, play, smell, stench, taste, temper, trouble, weather

foul play

foul playnoun

noun1 criminal activity2 (BrE) play that is against the rules1 criminal activityVERB + foul play | PHRASESVERB + foul playsuspectrule out (esp. BrE)The police have ruled out foul play in their investigation of his death.PHRASESevidence of foul playThe police found no evidence of foul play.

2 (BrE) play that is against the rulesADJECTIVE | VERB + foul playADJECTIVEdeliberate, seriousVERB + foul playbe guilty ofHe was clearly guilty of foul play and deserved to be sent off.

foul-smelling

foul-smellingadj.

Foul-smelling is used with these nouns:

air

found foundation

foundationnoun

noun1 organization that provides money for sth2 foundations parts of a building below the ground3 basis for sth4 facts that show that sth is true1 organization that provides money for sthADJECTIVE | VERB + foundation | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcharitable, privateresearchVERB + foundationestablish, set up, starta charitable foundation established in 1983PREPOSITIONfoundation fora private foundation for the arts

2 foundations parts of a building below the groundADJECTIVE | VERB + FOUNDATIONS | foundation + NOUNADJECTIVEdeepconcreteVERB + FOUNDATIONSdig, layConcrete foundations have been laid.shake, undermineThe thunder seemed to shake the very foundations of the building.They had dug too deep and undermined the foundations of the house.foundation + NOUNstoneThe foundation stone was laid in 1911.In 1853 Queen Victoria laid the foundation stone of the new palace.wall (AmE)

3 basis for sthADJECTIVE | VERB + foundation | foundation + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEexcellent, firm, good, secure, solid, sound, strongshaky, weakideological, intellectual, moral, philosophical, political, scientific, theoreticaleconomicVERB + foundationbuild, create, form, lay, provide (sth with), setThis agreement laid a sound foundation for future cooperation between the two countries.build onWe now have a firm foundation to build on.rest onThe peace treaty rests on shaky foundations.rock, shake, strike at, threaten, underminean event which rocked the foundations of British politicsdestroyfoundation + NOUNcourse, year (both BrE)The Fine Arts degree starts with a foundation year.PREPOSITIONfoundation forto provide a solid foundation for democracyPHRASESrock sth to its foundations, shake sth to its foundationsThe scandal rocked the legal establishment to its foundations.the very foundationHe believes terrorism undermines the very foundations of our society.

4 facts that show that sth is trueVERB + foundation | PREPOSITIONVERB + foundationhave nomalicious gossip which has no foundationPREPOSITIONwithout foundationThe rumours/rumors of his resignation are entirely without foundation.

founder

foundernounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | founder + NOUNADJECTIVEoriginalcompanyfounder + NOUNmember (BrE) (founding member in AmE)a founder member of the band

II. verb

Founder is used with these nouns as the subject:

initiative, plan, talk

founding

foundingadj.

Founding is used with these nouns:

charter, director, document, editor, meeting, member, partner, president, principle

foundry

foundrynoun

Foundry is used after these nouns:

iron

fountain

fountainnoun

nounADJECTIVE | fountain + VERBADJECTIVEdrinking (esp. BrE), water (AmE)Children were queuing at the drinking fountain.Children were lining up at the water fountain.ornamentalfountain + VERBplay (esp. BrE), splashA white marble fountain played in the middle of the square.

four-by-four

four-by-fouradj.

Four-by-four is used with these nouns:

four-legged

four-leggedadj.

Four-legged is used with these nouns:

creature

four-point

four-pointadj.

Four-point is used with these nouns:

harness

four-poster

four-posternoun

Four-poster is used before these nouns:

bed

four-star

four-staradj.

Four-star is used with these nouns:

hotel, restaurant

four-term

four-termadj.

Four-term is used with these nouns:

Congressman, Congresswoman

fourth

fourthnoun

noun (esp. AmE)See also quarterVERB + fourth | PREPOSITIONVERB + fourthcut sth into fourths, divide sth into fourths, fold sth into fourthsPREPOSITIONfourth ofone fourth of total salesa fourth of the city population

Fourth of July

Fourth of Julynoun

Fourth of July is used before these nouns:

celebration

four-wheel

four-wheeladj.

Four-wheel is used with these nouns:

four-wheel drive

four-wheel drivenoun

Four-wheel drive is used before these nouns:

Fox is used before these nouns:

fox

foxnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + fox | fox + VERB | fox + NOUNADJECTIVEurbanruralVERB + foxhuntfox + VERBbarkI heard a fox bark in the dark.fox + NOUNcubhunt, hunting (usually fox-hunting)

fur, hunt, hunting

foyer

foyernoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + foyer | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEentrance, front (esp. AmE)grand (esp. AmE), maincinema (BrE), hotel, school, station, theatre/theatercrowdedVERB + foyerenterPREPOSITIONacross the foyer, in the foyerWe arranged to meet up in the foyer of the Hyatt hotel.

fractal

fractaladj.

Fractal is used with these nouns:

geometry

fraction

fractionnoun

noun1 part/amount2 exact part of a number1 part/amountADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElarge, significant, sizeable, substantialmere, small, tinyA mere fraction of available wind energy is currently utilized.PREPOSITIONfraction ofWhy not grow your own fruit at a fraction of the price?PHRASESjust a fraction, only a fractionThe average income is high, though many people earn just a fraction of that average.

2 exact part of a numberADJECTIVE | VERB + fractionADJECTIVEvulgar (BrE)decimalimproper11/8 is an improper fraction, equivalent to one and three eighths.VERB + fractionexpress sth asExpress 25% as a fraction.

fractional

fractionaladj.

Fractional is used with these nouns:

ownership

fractionally

fractionallyadv.

Fractionally is used with these verbs:

lift

fractious

fractiousadj.

Fractious is used with these nouns:

Fracture is used with these nouns as the object:

fracture

fracturenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + fractureADJECTIVEstressHe suffered a stress fracture of the right foot.hairlinecompound, multiple, simplehip, leg, skull, spinal, etc.VERB + fracturesuffer, sustain

II. verb

ankle, bone, elbow, hip, jaw, pelvis, skull, wrist

fractured

fracturedadj.

Fractured is used with these nouns:

cheekbone, elbow, hip, jaw, leg, pelvis, rib, shoulder, skull, spine, wrist

fragile

fragileadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, become, feel, look, seemremainADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.emotionally

Fragile is used with these nouns:

alliance, balance, bone, ecology, economy, ego, environment, habitat, health, hold, peace, recovery, relationship, temperament, thread, truce, trust

fragment

fragmentnoun

Fragment is used after these nouns:

rock, shell

fragmentary

fragmentaryadj.

Fragmentary is used with these nouns:

remains

fragmentation

fragmentationnoun

Fragmentation is used before these nouns:

grenade

fragrance

fragrancenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + fragrance | fragrance + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEfresh, pleasant, sweetdelicate, light, subtlefloralspicyVERB + fragrancehaveThis perfume has a light, fresh fragrance.smellfragrance + VERBfill sthThe fragrance of lavender filled the room.PHRASESfull of fragrance (esp. BrE)fruits full of exquisite fragrance and sweetness

fragrant

fragrantadj.

adj.ADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.wonderfullya garden full of wonderfully fragrant flowersPREPOSITIONwithThe air was fragrant with lavender.

Fragrant is used with these nouns:

bloom, blossom, flower, herb, oil, smell

frail

frailadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, look, seembecome, get, growADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.physicallySome old people become physically frail.PHRASESold and frailShe looked old and frail.

Frail is used with these nouns:

body, hand, health

frailty

frailtynoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEincreasingDespite increasing physical frailty, he continued to write stories.humana figure of authority, but one all too prone to human frailtiesphysical

frame

framenounverb

I. noun1 of a door/picture/window2 shape of sb's body1 of a door/picture/windowADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdoor, windowphoto, photograph, picturemetal, steel, wire, wood, woodenPREPOSITIONin a/the framepictures in gold frames

2 shape of sb's bodyADJECTIVE | VERB + frame | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEathletic, big, bony, lanky, large, lean, muscular, petite, powerful, skinny, slender, slight, small, tall, thin, wiryVERB + framehaveShe has a small frame.PREPOSITIONwith a … framea man with a lean, athletic frame

II. verb

Frame is used with these nouns as the subject:

curl

Frame is used with these nouns as the object:

argument, concept, debate, painting, picture, policy, problem, question

framed

framedadj.

Framed is used with these nouns:

mirror, painting, photograph

framework

frameworknoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + framework | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbasic, broad, generalwiderThe needs of individual schools need to be considered in a wider framework.existingflexiblecomprehensivecoherentcommonusefulanalytical, conceptual, intellectual, theoreticallegal, political, socialregulatoryadministrative, institutional, management, policyeconomic, financial (esp. BrE)chronological, historicalCarbon dating provides us with a basic chronological framework.VERB + frameworkbuild, create, develop, establish, have, setThey established a basic framework of ground rules for discussions.offer (sb), provide (sb with)PREPOSITIONoutside a/the frameworkNegotiations were conducted outside the framework of the treaty talks.within a/the frameworkThe committee will work within the framework of certain broad objectives.framework fora legal framework for the regulation of public access to databases

franchise

franchisenoun

noun1 permission to sell sth2 (formal) right to vote in elections1 permission to sell sthADJECTIVE | VERB + franchise | franchise + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfast-food, rail (BrE), sports (AmE), television (BrE), etc.film (BrE), movie (esp. AmE)successfulVERB + franchisehave, hold (esp. BrE), ownthe company that holds the franchise for the south-east of the countryacquire, buy, get, winThe company has just won a television franchise.operate, runHe runs a local pizza franchise.build, expand (both esp. AmE)award (sb), give sb, grant sbThe franchise was awarded to a French company.sellTV franchises will be sold to the highest bidder.loseThe licensee lost its franchise to Carlton TV.franchise + NOUNsystembusiness, company, operationholder (esp. BrE), owneragreementauction, bid (both BrE)feePREPOSITIONfranchise forThe diving school has acquired a franchise for scuba equipment.PHRASESon a franchise basis (BrE)Catering in the schools is run on a franchise basis.

2 (formal) right to vote in electionsADJECTIVE | VERB + franchiseADJECTIVEdemocraticuniversalthe fight for a universal franchiselimited, restrictedparliamentaryVERB + franchisequalify forIt was decided that all men in the armed forces should qualify for the franchise.exerciseHe had to exercise the franchise on behalf of other council members.extend, widenThe franchise was later extended to all adults over eighteen.

Franciscan

Franciscanadj.

Franciscan is used with these nouns:

convent

francophone

francophoneadj.

Francophone is used with these nouns:

Frank is used with these nouns:

frank

frankadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.remarkablyabsolutely, perfectly, quiteLet me be perfectly frank with you.disarmingly, refreshingly (esp. BrE)She surveyed Sophie from top to toe in a disarmingly frank way.brutallyShe was brutally frank in her assessment of our chances.surprisinglyPREPOSITIONaboutMacmillan was quite frank about his concerns.withTo be frank with you, I don't really think you have a chance.PHRASESfull and franka full and frank exchange of viewsto be frank (with you) … To be frank, I don't care who wins.

admiration, admission, discussion, exchange

frankly

franklyadv.

Frankly is used with these adjectives:

bizarre, ludicrous

Frankly is used with these verbs:

admit

frantic

franticadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seemlook, soundbecome, get, go, growdrive sb (esp. BrE)The children have been driving me frantic all day!ADVERBreallyabsolutelyHe was absolutely frantic by the time we got home.increasinglya little, slightly, etc.almostPREPOSITIONwithWe were starting to get frantic with worry.

Frantic is used with these nouns:

activity, attempt, call, dash, effort, look, mother, pace, rush, scramble, search, shopper

frantically

franticallyadv.

Frantically is used with these adjectives:

busy

Frantically is used with these verbs:

bark, beat, beg, dash, gesture, kick, paddle, pedal, push, race, run, scan, scramble, search, shout, signal, stuff, think, try, wave, work

frat

fratnoun

Frat is used before these nouns:

fraternal

fraternaladj.

Fraternal is used with these nouns:

fraternity

fraternitynoun

Fraternity is used before these nouns:

member, party

Fraternity is used after these nouns:

college, rugby

fraud

fraudnoun

nounADJECTIVE | fraud + NOUNADJECTIVEmassiveserious (esp. BrE)complex, sophisticated (both esp. BrE)attempted (esp. BrE)allegedcomputer, mail (AmE), wire (AmE)A bank lost several million pounds through a sophisticated computer fraud.election, electoral, vote, votercorporate, credit-card, financial, insurance, securities, tax, etc.fraud + NOUNsquad (BrE)detectives from the fraud squadcase, charge

fraudulent

fraudulentadj.

Fraudulent is used with these nouns:

claim, conduct, document, election, practice, scheme, trading, transaction

fraudulently

fraudulentlyadv.

Fraudulently is used with these verbs:

obtain

fray

frayverb

Fray is used with these nouns as the subject:

temper

Fray is used with these nouns as the object:

frayed

frayedadj.

Frayed is used with these nouns:

edge, nerve, temper, wire

frazzled

frazzledadj.

Frazzled is used with these nouns:

Freak is used with these nouns:

freak

freaknounadj.

I. noun1 (informal) person with a very strong interest in sth2 strange/unusual event3 sb who is considered to be strange1 (informal) person with a very strong interest in sthADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEcomputer, fitness, health, speedFor the real speed freak, there is a fuel-injection version of the car.controlHer dad is a total control freak.neat (AmE)I'm such a neat freak that I clean up after other people.PHRASESa bit of a freak

2 strange/unusual eventPREPOSITION | PHRASESPREPOSITIONfreak ofThis was no more than a freak of history.PHRASESa freak of nature

3 sb who is considered to be strangeADJECTIVE | VERB + freak | PHRASESADJECTIVEtotalsick (esp. AmE)What kind of sick freak is this guy?VERB + freakfeel likeregard sb as, see sb asOther students regarded him as a freak.PHRASESa bit of a freakI felt like a bit of a freak in my strange clothes.

II. adj.

accident, condition, gust, occurrence, show, storm

freakishly

freakishlyadv.

Freakishly is used with these adjectives:

tall

freckle

frecklenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + freckle | PHRASESADJECTIVEbrown, dark, light, paleVERB + frecklebe covered in, be covered with, havePHRASESa sprinkling of frecklesShe had wonderful clear skin with an attractive sprinkling of freckles.

freckled

freckledadj.

Freckled is used with these nouns:

face, skin

free

freeverbadj.adv.

I. verbVERB + free | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + freestruggle to, try toShe struggled to free herself from his grip.manage toPREPOSITIONfromThey succeeded in freeing their friends from prison.ofHe had finally been freed of his responsibilities.PHRASESbe freed on bailThe court ruled that he should be freed on bail of $50 000.

Free is used with these nouns as the object:

capital, captive, hostage, inmate, mind, prisoner, slave, tongue

II. adj., adv.1 not controlled by rules2 not in prison; not restricted/trapped3 costing nothing4 free from/of sth without sth5 not being used6 not busy1 not controlled by rulesVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, seembecomeremainleave sbThe government wants to leave companies free to make their own decisions.ADVERBcompletely, entirely, quite, totallyThe students are entirely free to choose their own courses.trulyfairly, reasonably, relativelyPREPOSITIONfromThe organization wants to remain free from government control.

2 not in prison; not restricted/trappedVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, roam, runanimals roaming free across the plainsbreak, get, pullThe ship broke free from its moorings.They tied him up but he managed to get free.She managed to pull free of her attacker.go, walkHe said he would let the prisoners go free.She walked free from jail.remaincut sb/sth, let sb/sth, pull sb/sth, set sb/sthHe was trapped by his leg, but his rescuers cut him free.They let their prisoner free.The birds were set free.ADVERBcompletely, entirely, totallytruly

3 costing nothingVERBS | ADVERB | PHRASES | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, comeThis attractive poster comes free with the magazine.ADVERBabsolutely, completely, entirely, totallyvirtuallyPHRASESfor freeWe might be able to get some plants for free.free of chargeWe will send you our booklet free of charge.PREPOSITIONforThe exhibition is free for children under ten.

4 free from/of sth without sthVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomeremain, staykeep sthWe've managed to keep the garden free of weeds this year.ADVERBcompletely, entirely, totallyAt last he's totally free from pain.relativelyvirtually

5 not being usedVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seembecomekeep sthThe hospital needs to keep some beds free for emergencies.ADVERBcompletely

6 not busyVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeAre you free this afternoon?keep sthWe try and keep Sundays free.ADVERBcompletely, entirely, totallyfairly, pretty, reasonably

Free is used with these nouns:

access, accommodation, admission, advice, agent, association, booze, buffet, CD, choice, clinic, collection, competition, concert, consultation, copy, country, coupon, distribution, drink, election, electricity, end, enquiry, enterprise, entertainment, entry, exchange, exercise, expression, flow, gift, gig, hand, handout, health service, hotline, improvisation, instruction, interpretation, jazz, kick, labour, leaflet, lift, love, mailing list, man, market, membership, merchandise, movement, nation, offer, overdraft, pardon, parking, pass, passage, prescription, press, publicity, quotation, quote, registration, rent, rental, republic, ride, sample, seminar, service, site, society, software, space, speech, spirit, subscription, thinker, thought, ticket, time, trade, trader, trading, transfer, translation, travel, treatment, trial, trip, tuition, union, use, verse, vote, weight, will, world

III. adv.

Free is used with these verbs:

call, distribute, provide, roam, supply, wriggle

freebase

freebasenounverb

I. noun

Freebase is used before these nouns:

cocaine

II. verb

Freebase is used with these nouns as the object:

cocaine

freed

freedadj.

Freed is used with these nouns:

freedom

freedomnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF FREEDOM | VERB + freedom | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcomplete, full, maximum, perfect, real, total, trueconsiderable, greatThe new syllabus allows students greater freedom of choice.relativebasic, fundamentalLiving without war is a fundamental freedom.humanindividual, personalIndividual freedom should be balanced against the rights of the community.new, new-foundWhen she lost her job, she at first relished her new-found freedom.academic, artistic, creative, economic, intellectual, political, press, religious, sexualWithout academic freedom, we cannot do any research.… OF FREEDOMmeasureTeachers can exercise a measure of freedom in their choice of materials.VERB + freedomenjoy (= have), havePublishers here enjoy comparative freedom to publish what they want.enjoy, relish (esp. BrE), valueI was enjoying the freedom of not having to go to work.As a society we value freedom and privacy.seek, wantfindexerciseachieve, gain, obtain, secure, winThe women have won many new freedoms for themselves.maintain, preserve, retaindefend, protectThis newspaper defends freedom of speech.promotegive up, lose, surrenderAs Mike saw it, marriage would mean giving up his freedom.cost sbHis inability to resist temptation would eventually cost him his freedom.allow sb, give sb, grant sb, offer sb, permit sbbring (sb), provideThe party claims it can bring freedom and democracy to the country.guaranteeThe constitution guarantees freedom of the press.deny sbHe was denied freedom of movement for a month.curtail, inhibit, limit, reduce, restrict, threatenI don't want to curtail my daughter's freedom.Our freedom was threatened by press censorship.take, take awayviolatePREPOSITIONfreedom fromfreedom from fear and painfreedom inManagers have considerable freedom in running their offices.freedom ofto allow greater freedom of informationPHRASESfreedom of choicefreedom of expression, freedom of speechfreedom of movementfreedom of the press

free-fire

free-fireadj.

Free-fire is used with these nouns:

free-floating

free-floatingadj.

Free-floating is used with these nouns:

anxiety

free-flowing

free-flowingadj.

Free-flowing is used with these nouns:

river

free-form

free-formadj.

Free-form is used with these nouns:

jazz

free from

free fromphr verb

Free from is used with these nouns as the object:

embrace, slavery, trap, wreckage

freehold

freeholdadj.

Freehold is used with these nouns:

estate, property, tenure

freelance

freelanceadj.

adj., adv.VERBS | PHRASESVERBSbe, work (esp. BrE)He's been freelance for several years.She works freelance from home.go (esp. BrE)She decided to give in her notice and go freelance.PHRASESon a freelance basisShe continued to work for the company on a freelance basis.

Freelance is used with these nouns:

artist, editor, journalist, photographer, programmer, reporter, work, worker, writer, writing

freely

freelyadv.

Freely is used with these adjectives:

accessible, available, soluble, transferable

Freely is used with these verbs:

acknowledge, admit, borrow, choose, circulate, confess, consent, discuss, elect, enter, exercise, experiment, express, fall, float, flow, improvise, indulge, laugh, mingle, mix, offer, perspire, practise, roam, rotate, share, speak, spend, spin, sweat, swing, talk, trade, translate, travel, wander

free-market

free-marketadj.

Free-market is used with these nouns:

capitalism, economics, economist, economy

Freephone

Freephonenoun

Freephone is used before these nouns:

free-range

free-rangeadj.

Free-range is used with these nouns:

chicken, egg, hen, poultry, turkey

free-standing

free-standingadj.

Free-standing is used with these nouns:

bath

freestyle

freestylenoun

Freestyle is used before these nouns:

event, relay

free throw

free thrownoun

Free throw is used before these nouns:

free trade

free tradenoun

Free trade is used before these nouns:

pact, zone

free up

free upphr verb

Free up is used with these nouns as the object:

capital

freeway

freewaynounadj.

I. noun (in the US) See also highway, interstate, motorwayADJECTIVE | VERB + freeway | freeway + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEmajorsix-lane, eight-lane, etc.busyVERB + freewayget onget off, pull offcrossfreeway + NOUNexitoverpasschasePREPOSITIONalong a/the freeway, down a/the freewayWe were driving down the freeway.on a/the freewayan accident on the freeway

II. adj.

Freeway is used with these nouns:

Freeze is used with these nouns as the subject:

freeze

freezenounverb

I. noun1 putting a particular level on sth2 cold weather with a temperature below 0°1 putting a particular level on sthADJECTIVE | VERB + freeze | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEimmediatecomplete, total (esp. BrE)a complete freeze on emissionshiring (esp. AmE), pay, price, wage (esp. BrE)VERB + freezeimposeThe government has imposed a price freeze on bread.announcePREPOSITIONfreeze ona freeze on fares

2 cold weather with a temperature below 0°ADJECTIVE | freeze + NOUNADJECTIVEbig (esp. BrE), deep (AmE), hard (AmE)The weather report advised us to prepare for a big freeze.Internet advertising is still in a deep freeze. (AmE,figurative)autumn, spring, etc. (esp. BrE)freeze + NOUNwarning (AmE)A hard freeze warning is in effect from midnight Sunday.

II. verb1 become ice/extremely cold2 preserve food3 stop moving4 wages/prices1 become ice/extremely coldADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBsolidThe pond had frozen solid.over, upThe lake has frozen over.The pipes have frozen up.quicklyPREPOSITIONintolike water freezing into icePHRASESfreeze to deathHundreds of homeless people could freeze to death this winter.Turn up the heat—I'm freezing to death! (figurative)

2 preserve foodADVERBADVERBwellMany vegetables freeze very well.

3 stop movingADVERB | VERB + freeze | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBsuddenlyfor a moment, for a second, momentarilyHis smile froze for a moment.immediately, instantlycompletelyVERB + freezeseem toSuddenly, Ronny seemed to freeze.PREPOSITIONin, withShe froze with horror when she saw the body.intoMaggie's face had frozen into a cold mask.PHRASESfreeze to the spotHe was so surprised he froze to the spot.freeze on the spot (AmE)

4 wages/pricesADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBeffectivelySalaries were effectively frozen for six months.PREPOSITIONatPrices have been frozen at this level for over a year now.

blood, computer, expression, hand, pipe, smile, water

Freeze is used with these nouns as the object:

asset, embryo, funding

freezer

freezernoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + freezer | freezer + NOUNADJECTIVEdomestic (BrE)chestdeep (AmE)walk-in (esp. AmE)VERB + freezerfill, stockdefrostfreezer + NOUNcompartmentcabinet (BrE), case (AmE)the products in your supermarket's freezer cabinet/casesection (esp. AmE)bag, containerspace

freezing

freezingnounadj.adv.

I. nounVERB + freezing | freezing + NOUN | PREPOSITIONVERB + freezingreachfreezing + NOUNpointPREPOSITIONabove freezingIn the Antarctic, the temperature rarely rises above freezing.around freezingTemperatures were around freezing.below freezingThe temperature dropped below freezing this afternoon.

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, feel, lookThe water was freezing.ADVERBabsolutelyIt's absolutely freezing out there!PHRASESfreezing coldIt was a freezing cold day.

Freezing is used with these nouns:

cold, fog, night, point, rain, temperature, water, weather, winter

III. adv.

Freezing is used with these adjectives:

cold

freight

freightnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + freight | freight + NOUNADJECTIVEheavyair, ocean (AmE), rail, railroad (AmE), road, sea (esp. BrE)VERB + freightcarry, handle, haul, move, transportAll vehicles carrying freight need a special permit.an agent handling freight and passengersfreight + NOUNcar (AmE), train, transport (esp. BrE), transportation (AmE), truck (esp. AmE), wagoncontainertrafficdepot (esp. BrE), terminal (esp. BrE), yardcarrier, company, forwarder, hauler (AmE)business (esp. BrE), industryservicecharges, costs, rateelevator (AmE)

French

Frenchadj.

French is used with these nouns:

aristocracy, bean, champagne, colony, cookery, cuisine, dish, door, dressing, fashion, fry, kiss, knickers, loaf, mustard, pastry, polish, restaurant, toast, window

frenetic

freneticadj.

Frenetic is used with these nouns:

activity, pace

frenzied

frenziedadj.

Frenzied is used with these nouns:

attack, mob, pace, shopper

frenzy

frenzynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + frenzy | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfeedingThe smell of blood sent the sharks into a feeding frenzy.mediabuyingmad, wildVERB + frenzydrive sb/sth into, send sb/sth into, throw sb/sth into, whip sb/sth (up) into, work sb/sth intoHe was so angry that he worked himself into a frenzy.cause, createfeed, fuelPREPOSITIONin a/your frenzyShe tore the letter open in a frenzy.PHRASESa frenzy of activityin a frenzy of excitement, in a frenzy of rage, in a frenzy of violence

frequency

frequencynoun

noun1 rate at which sth happens2 of a wave1 rate at which sth happensADJECTIVE | VERB + frequency | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgreatincreased, increasingreducedestimated, expecteddifferent, same, similarrelativeThe relative frequency of this illness in the area is of concern to all doctors.alarmingBullets bounced off the rock with alarming frequency.VERB + frequencydecrease in, increase inThese incidents have increased in frequency.decrease, increase, reduceThe drug can reduce the frequency and severity of attacks.assess, calculate, compare, determine, estimate, measure, observeaffect, changePREPOSITIONwith frequencyAccidents of this sort are happening with increasing frequency.

2 of a waveADJECTIVE | frequency + NOUNADJECTIVEhigh, lowmicrowave, radio, vibration, wavesignalfrequency + NOUNrange, spectrumbandmodulation

frequent

frequentverbadj.

I. verb

Frequent is used with these nouns as the subject:

tourist

Frequent is used with these nouns as the object:

bar, cafe, restaurant

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbe, seembecomeThe attacks have become increasingly frequent.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.increasinglyrelativelyShe was a relatively frequent visitor to the house.PREPOSITIONamong, inCoughs and colds are frequent among young children.PHRASESat frequent intervalsShe called her family at frequent intervals.

Frequent is used with these nouns:

absence, allusion, appearance, attendance, complaint, contact, contributor, guest, interruption, meeting, monitoring, occurrence, pause, recourse, recurrence, reference, repetition, service, shopper, shower, target, travel, traveller, trip, update, use, user, visit, visitor, washing

frequently

frequentlyadv.

Frequently is used with these adjectives:

subject, used

Frequently is used with these verbs:

appear, arise, call, cite, claim, clash, complain, consult, criticize, employ, encounter, exceed, feature, ignore, interrupt, mention, occur, overlook, participate, prescribe, quote, recur, refer, remind, repeat, require, return, stir, update, use, utilize, visit, wash, write

fresco

fresconoun

Fresco is used before these nouns:

painter, painting

fresh

freshadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, look, smell, tastestayMushrooms don't stay fresh for long.eat sth, have sthIt's best to eat them fresh.keep sthPut it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.stillPHRASESlovely (and) fresh (esp. BrE), nice (and) freshThere's some ham and nice fresh bread.The croissants are nice and fresh.

Fresh is used with these nouns:

air, allegation, appeal, approach, assault, bait, bandage, batch, beef, berry, biscuit, blood, bread, breeze, bun, butter, challenge, chicken, chilli, clothes, coat, coconut, coffee, complexion, concrete, controversy, corn, cream, criticism, cup, cut, demand, diaper, dirt, dressing, earth, egg, election, evidence, eye, face, faeces, fall, fighting, fish, flavour, flower, food, footprint, fragrance, fruit, garlic, glass, grave, herb, herring, hope, horse, idea, impetus, indictment, information, ingredient, initiative, inquest, insight, inspiration, instruction, juice, kill, legislation, lemon, lime, linen, loaf, look, manure, meat, memory, milk, momentum, mushroom, outbreak, paint, parsley, pasta, pea, pepper, perspective, pineapple, plaster, pork, pot, produce, revelation, rose, round, salad, salmon, scent, seafood, sheet, shirt, shoot, smell, snow, snowfall, spin, start, stock, straw, strawberry, supply, surge, talent, talk, taste, tea, tear, thinking, thought, tomato, towel, track, trout, twist, underwear, vegetables, vigour, violence, water, wave

fresh-cut

fresh-cutadj.

Fresh-cut is used with these nouns:

fresh-faced

fresh-facedadj.

Fresh-faced is used with these nouns:

teenager, youth

freshly

freshlyadv.

Freshly is used with these adjectives:

polished

Freshly is used with these verbs:

prepared

freshly cut

freshly cutadj.

Freshly cut is used with these nouns:

freshly dug

freshly dugadj.

Freshly dug is used with these nouns:

earth, grave

freshly fallen

freshly fallenadj.

Freshly fallen is used with these nouns:

freshly mowed

freshly mowedadj.

Freshly mowed is used with these nouns:

freshly mown

freshly mownadj.

Freshly mown is used with these nouns:

freshly squeezed

freshly squeezedadj.

Freshly squeezed is used with these nouns:

juice

freshman

freshmannoun

Freshman is used before these nouns:

Congressman, Congresswoman, enrolment, seminar, year

Freshman is used after these nouns:

fresh-squeezed

fresh-squeezedadj.

Fresh-squeezed is used with these nouns:

juice

freshwater

freshwateradj.

Freshwater is used with these nouns:

fish, lake, marsh, pool, river

Freudian

Freudianadj.

Freudian is used with these nouns:

psychology, slip

friction

frictionnoun

noun1 disagreement between people/groups2 rubbing of one thing against another1 disagreement between people/groupsADJECTIVE | VERB + friction | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsiderableincreasingconstantI'm exhausted from the constant friction between my boss and my colleagues.internalVERB + frictioncause, create, generate, lead to, produceHis decision led to considerable friction in his family.preventPREPOSITIONfriction betweenfriction between the two ethnic groupsfriction withHer requests for time off created friction with her boss.PHRASESa cause of friction, a source of friction

2 rubbing of one thing against anotherVERB + frictionVERB + frictioncause, generate, produceRubbing the stones together produces friction.minimize, reduce

Friday

Fridaynoun

fridge

fridgenoun

(BrE) nounSee also refrigeratorADJECTIVE | VERB + fridge | fridge + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdomesticwalk-inempty, fullVERB + fridgeraidThe kids raid the fridge when they get home.fill, stockThe fridge was stocked with food and drink.defrostfridge + NOUNdoormagnetPREPOSITIONin the fridgePlace the dough in the fridge overnight.

fried

friedadj.

Fried is used with these nouns:

bread, breakfast, egg, fish, food, pastry, potato, rice

friend

friendnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + friend | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbest, bosom, close, dear, fast (AmE), good, great, intimate, real, specialHer best friend at school was called Anna.I'm inviting only my closest friends to the party.faithful, loyal, real, true, trustedlifelong, long-standing (esp. BrE), long-time, oldIt was so relaxing to be among old friends.long-lostnew, new-foundfemale, guy (AmE, informal), male, womanHe was last seen leaving a restaurant with a female friend.gay, straightsingleDoes your sister have any single friends?fair-weatherPeople he had trusted turned out to be only fair-weather friends.so-called, supposedMy so-called friends are making fun of me because of my weight.mutualWe met each other through a mutual friend.family, personalchildhood, college, schoolDo you keep in touch with any school friends?imaginaryonlineVERB + friendbecomeThey became friends after meeting at college.remain, stayWe stayed friends even after we grew up and left home.find, makeHe finds it difficult to make friends.She's made friends with the little girl who lives next door.winHe won't win any friends if he carries on talking like that.haveShe doesn't have many good friends.losePREPOSITIONfriend froma friend from high schoolPHRASESa circle of friends, a group of friendsHe introduced me to his circle of friends.a friend of a frienda friend of mine, yours, etc.I was given this necklace by a good friend of mine.be just friends (with sb) (= not having a romantic relationship with someone)be more than just friends (with sb) (= be having a romantic relationship with someone)friends and family, friends and neighbours/neighborsmake friends (with sb)need a friendIf you need a friend, just call me.sb's only friendsb's own friendsEven his own friends don't believe him.

friendless

friendlessadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, feelleave sbWith the departure of his remaining colleague he was left friendless.ADVERBtotally, utterlyvirtuallyPHRASESalone and friendless

friendly

friendlyadj.

adj.1 behaving in a kind/pleasant way2 being friends3 easy to use/helpful/not harmful1 behaving in a kind/pleasant wayVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, look, seem, soundbecomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.exceptionally, genuinelyFrank was a genuinely friendly guy.perfectlyHe seemed detached, but perfectly friendly.overly, tooHe was starting to get too friendly (= in a sexual way).almostFor once he seemed almost friendly.not exactly, not particularlyHer manner was not exactly friendlynaturallyPREPOSITIONto, towards/towardHe was always friendly towards/toward me.

2 being friendsVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbe, seembecome, getremainADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.They were pretty friendly when they worked together.PREPOSITIONwithShe's very friendly with Maureen.PHRASESbe on friendly terms (with sb)We have managed to remain on friendly terms.

3 easy to use/helpful/not harmfulVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBenvironmentallyenvironmentally friendly cleaning products

Friendly is used with these nouns:

atmosphere, attitude, banter, chat, competition, confines, conversation, country, disposition, dog, embrace, environment, face, fashion, fire, fixture, folk, force, gesture, greeting, grin, guy, hand, hotel, hug, kiss, letter, manner, match, neighbour, neighbourhood, overture, pat, pub, rapport, reception, relation, relationship, reminder, rival, rivalry, service, settlement, shove, slap, smile, territory, tone, troops, voice, waiter, waitress, warning, wave, way, welcome, word

friendly fire

friendly firenoun

Friendly fire is used before these nouns:

incident

friendship

friendshipnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + friendship | friendship + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeep, firm, good, great, strongTheir quarrel meant the end of a beautiful friendship.They formed a close friendship at college.close, intimatebeautiful, warmreal, trueinnocent, platonicTheir affair had started out as an innocent friendship.eternal, lasting, lifelong, long, long-standingThey made vows of eternal friendship to each other.It was a period of her life when she made some lifelong friendships.new, oldpersonalVERB + friendshipbuild, develop, establish, forge, form, make, start up, strike upHe finds it difficult to make lasting friendships.Jo struck up a friendship with a girl in her class.maintaincementWe cemented our friendship with a beer.cultivateHe's trying to cultivate his friendship with the Edwards family.promoteThe aim of the festival is to promote friendship between the two countries.rekindle, renewIt will be a pleasure to renew our friendship.destroy, ruin, spoil, wreckHow can you let such a silly incident ruin your friendship?endloseriskbetrayHe betrayed our friendship by revealing my secret to his cousin.valuefriendship + VERBdevelop, growFriendships need time to develop.begin, startendPREPOSITIONfriendship betweenHe was jealous of the friendship between his wife and daughters.friendship withHer mother did not approve of her friendship with Ahmed.PHRASESbonds of friendship, ties of friendshipThe ties of friendship between us will never be broken.the hand of friendshipHe extended the hand of friendship towards/toward his former enemy.a gesture of friendshipIn a gesture of friendship she invited them to her wedding.an offer of friendshipShe offended them by turning down their offer of friendship.a spirit of friendshipWe hope the spirit of friendship between our countries will remain.a token of your friendshipPlease accept this gift as a token of our friendship.

fright

frightnoun

noun1 fear2 sudden feeling of fear1 fearADJECTIVE | VERB + fright | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEstageVERB + frighttakebe shaking with, be trembling withdie of (informal)He almost died of fright when the fish jumped out of the water.PREPOSITIONin frightShe cried out in fright.with frightThey stood there, frozen with fright.fright atThe birds took fright at the sight of the cat and flew off.

2 sudden feeling of fearADJECTIVE | VERB + fright | PHRASESADJECTIVEterribleVERB + frightget, haveLeah got such a fright that she dropped the tray.I had a terrible fright this morning when I saw you there.give sbPHRASESa bit of a fright (esp. BrE), the fright of sb's lifeYou gave me the fright of my life, jumping out like that!quite a fright

frighten

frightenverb

verbADVERB | VERB + frighten | PHRASESADVERBreallyThe prospect of war really frightens me.almosteasilya man who doesn't frighten easily(= become frightened easily)VERB + frightenwant tonot mean to

I didn't mean to frighten you.try toPHRASESfrighten sb to death, frighten the life out of sb (BrE) (all informal)Don't creep around like that! You frightened me to death!

Frighten is used with these nouns as the object:

Frightened is used with these nouns:

frightened

frightenedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbe, feel, look, seem, soundbecome, getI got frightened when he lost his temper.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.badly, genuinely, terriblyalmosta little, slightly, etc.suddenlyPREPOSITIONaboutI was nervous and frightened about the future.byMost of us are frightened by our emotions.ofI'm rather frightened of dogs.PHRASESfrightened out of your wits, frightened to death (both informal)She was frightened to death when she saw her small daughter on the edge of the cliff.too frightened (of sb/sth) to do sthMy friend is too frightened of my father to come to our house.

face, horse, squeak, whimper

frightening

frighteningadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, look, seem, soundbecome, getThe situation was getting frightening.make sthWhat can we do to make the experience less frightening?find sthHe found the responsibility rather frightening.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.genuinely, positively, trulyalmosta little, slightly, etc.PREPOSITIONforThis is extremely frightening for elderly people.toIt was all very frightening to a small boy.

Frightening is used with these nouns:

prospect, scenario, thing

frighteningly

frighteninglyadv.

Frighteningly is used with these adjectives:

close, real

frighten into

frighten intophr verb

Frighten into is used with these nouns as the object:

frightful

frightfuladj.

Frightful is used with these nouns:

racket

frigid

frigidadj.

Frigid is used with these nouns:

water, winter

frilly

frillyadj.

Frilly is used with these nouns:

blouse, dress, knickers

fringe

fringenoun

noun1 (BrE) hairSee also bangs2 (esp. BrE) outer edge of a place, group, society, etc.1 (BrE) hairSee also bangsADJECTIVE | VERB + fringe | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEheavy, thickfloppylongVERB + fringegrow outcut, trimMy fringe needs cutting.pushShe kept pushing her fringe off her forehead.PREPOSITIONfrom beneath your fringe, from under your fringeShe stared at us from beneath her fringe.

2 (esp. BrE) outer edge of a place, group, society, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + fringe | fringe + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEouterradicaleastern, western, etc.coastal, urbanlunatic (BrE)the lunatic fringe of the nationalist partiesVERB + fringeremain onHe has always remained on the fringes of mainstream politics.fringe + NOUNareagroupmeetingtheatre/theater, venueHe moved from fringe theatre/theater to the West End.PREPOSITIONalong the fringethe forests along the eastern fringe of the Andesaround the fringenew housing around the urban fringebeyond the fringeBeyond this fringe no agriculture is possible.on the fringe, on the fringesThese people live on the fringes of society.

fringed

fringedadj.

Fringed is used with these nouns:

shawl

fritter away

fritter awayphr verb

Fritter away is used with these nouns as the object:

money, time

frizzy

frizzyadj.

Frizzy is used with these nouns:

frock

frocknoun

Frock is used before these nouns:

coat

frog

frognoun

nounfrog + VERB | frog + NOUN | PHRASESfrog + VERBhop, jumpThe frog jumped into the pond.croakfrog + NOUNspawn (usually frogspawn)PHRASESfrogs' legs (= eaten as food)

frolic

frolicverb

Frolic is used with these nouns as the subject:

lamb

frond

frondnoun

Frond is used after these nouns:

palm

front

frontnounverbadj.

I. noun1 area where fighting takes place in a war2 way of behaving that hides your true feelings1 area where fighting takes place in a warADJECTIVE | VERB + front | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEeastern, western, etc.Thousands were killed on the eastern front.battle, warVERB + frontsend sb toEven young teenagers were sent to the front.PREPOSITIONat the frontA new battalion arrived at the front.on the frontThey had to fight on two fronts.

2 way of behaving that hides your true feelingsADJECTIVE | VERB + front | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcommon, unified, unitedbold, brave, strongfalse (esp. AmE)Without that false front, I wouldn't be able to face the world.VERB + frontput onShe put on a brave front, but I knew how miserable she was.keep, present, showformPREPOSITIONfront forHer aggressive outbursts are just a front for her shyness.

II. verb

Front is used with these nouns as the object:

band

III. adj.

Front is used with these nouns:

bedroom, bench, brake, bumper, corner, cover, deck, desk, door, drive, edge, end, entrance, face, fender, foot, foyer, garden, gate, half, hall, lawn, leg, line, office, organization, page, panel, part, pocket, porch, rank, room, row, runner, seat, sight, speaker, step, suspension, tooth, tyre, view, vowel, wall, wheel, window, windscreen, wing, yard

frontage

frontagenoun

Frontage is used before these nouns:

frontal

frontaladj.

Frontal is used with these nouns:

assault, attack

Frontal is used after these nouns:

altar

frontier

frontiernoun

noun1 (BrE) border between countries2 the frontier the edge of land that is known3 border between what we know and do not know1 (BrE) border between countriesADJECTIVE | VERB + frontier | frontier + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcommonNeither country would guarantee the integrity of their common frontier.eastern, northern, etc.There were very few border controls on the south-western frontier.Franco-Spanish, French-Spanish, etc.VERB + frontiercrossThe army crossed the frontier in the middle of the night.reachcontrol, defend, guardThe rebels control the frontier and the surrounding area.frontier + NOUNcontrols, postguardzonePREPOSITIONacross the frontierThe weapons were smuggled across the frontier.along the frontieran army grouping along the frontierat the frontierThere was an army checkpoint at the frontier.on the frontierpeople living on the German frontierover the frontierThey were forced to retreat back over the frontier.frontier betweenthe frontier between India and Pakistanfrontier withFrance's frontier with Germany

2 the frontier the edge of land that is knownADJECTIVE | VERB + frontier | frontier + NOUNADJECTIVEwildAmerica's wild frontierwesternVERB + frontierexploretamesettlefrontier + NOUNprovince, settlement, townmentality, spirit

3 border between what we know and do not knowADJECTIVE | VERB + frontierADJECTIVEfinal, lastnewnexttechnologicalVERB + frontierexploreSpace is the final frontier for us to explore.advance, expand, extend, open, push backThe scientists' work will push back the frontiers of physics.

front-line

front-lineadj.

Front-line is used with these nouns:

employee, trench, troops

front-page

front-pageadj.

Front-page is used with these nouns:

advert, advertisement, article, editorial, headline, news, story

front-row

front-rowadj.

Front-row is used with these nouns:

front-seat

front-seatadj.

Front-seat is used with these nouns:

front-wheel

front-wheeladj.

Front-wheel is used with these nouns:

Frost is used with these nouns as the object:

frost

frostnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | … OF FROST | VERB + frost | frost + NOUN | frost + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEhard, heavy, killing (AmE), severe (BrE), sharp (BrE)whitehoarlightearly, lateThe young plants all died in the late frost.first, lastspring, winter, etc.ground (BrE)a heavy ground frostnight (BrE)… OF FROSTtouch (esp. BrE)There was just a touch of frost in the air.degree (BrE)There were ten degrees of frost last night.VERB + frostbe covered in, be covered withThe windows were covered in frost.frost + NOUNdamagedate (AmE)line (AmE)frost + VERBarrive, come, set in (esp. BrE)The winter frosts have arrived.meltThe car was wet with melting frost.PHRASESa danger of frost (esp. AmE), a risk of frost (esp. BrE)

II. verb

cake

frosted

frostedadj.

Frosted is used with these nouns:

glass, window

frosting

frostingnoun

noun (AmE)See also icingADJECTIVE | VERB + frostingADJECTIVEbuttercream, vanillacoloredVERB + frostingcover sth with, pipe, spreadSpread a little frosting on the cupcakes.

frosty

frostyadj.

adj.1 cold enough for frost2 unfriendly1 cold enough for frostVERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, lookbecome, get, turn (BrE)when the weather turns frostyremain, stayADVERBveryPHRASEScold and frostyThe day dawned cold and frosty.

2 unfriendlyVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, look, seembecome, turnHe cool green eyes became positively frosty.remainADVERBdecidedly, distinctly, positively, veryThe atmosphere in the room was decidedly frosty.

Frosty is used with these nouns:

morning, reception, weather

frothy

frothyadj.

Frothy is used with these nouns:

frown

frownnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + frown | frown + VERB | frown + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeep, heavyfaint, little, slight, small, tinyconfused, puzzled, thoughtful, worrieddisapprovingangry, fierceVERB + frowngiveThe boy gave a small frown.wearShe wore a worried frown.crease into, formHer face creased into a frown.be drawn together in, draw together inHis brows drew together in a frown.frown + VERBappear, disappeardarken, deepengrow darker, grow deeperHer frown grew deeper at the memory.crease sthA frown of concern creased her forehead.mar sthA frown marred his handsome features.cross sthA frown crossed her brow.turn into sthfrown + NOUNlinePREPOSITIONwith a frownfrown ofa frown of concentration/concernPHRASESa frown on your face

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBdarkly, deeply, heavilyslightlydisapprovinglyimpatientlythoughtfullyShe studied the letter, frowning thoughtfully.PREPOSITIONatShe turned and frowned at him.inHe looked at the coded message, frowning in concentration.withHe frowned with annoyance.

frozen

frozenadj.

Frozen is used with these nouns:

berry, chicken, chip, corn, custard, dessert, dinner, earth, embryo, finger, fish, food, fry, ground, lake, meat, north, ocean, pea, pipe, pizza, pond, river, sea, shoulder, slush, snow, sperm, surface, treat, turkey, vegetables, waste, wilderness, yogurt

frugally

frugallyadv.

Frugally is used with these verbs:

live

fruit

fruitnoun

noun1 part of a plant2 the fruits good result/reward1 part of a plantADJECTIVE | … OF FRUIT | VERB + fruit | fruit + VERB | PHRASES | fruit + NOUNADJECTIVEfreshoverripe, ripe, unriperottencandied, driedfleshy, juicy, softbitter, sweetcanned, tinned (BrE)exotic, tropicalwildcitruscitrus fruits such as limes and lemons… OF FRUITpieceFinish the meal with a piece of fresh fruit.VERB + fruiteat, havebear, produce, yieldThe crab apple bears a small, bitter fruit.pickpeel, preparefruit + VERBgrowripenPHRASESfruit and vegetablesfive daily portions of fruit and vegetablesfruit + NOUNtreejuice, punch, smoothiecocktail, cup, saladbasketbowlflavour/flavor

2 the fruits good result/rewardVERB + THE FRUITS | PHRASESVERB + THE FRUITSenjoyTheir work left them enough time to enjoy the fruits of their success.reapHe was now reaping the fruits of all his hard work.PHRASESthe first fruits of sththe first fruits of the government's health campaign

fruitful

fruitfuladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, proveADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.particularlypotentiallyPREPOSITIONinThis research has been particularly fruitful in helping our understanding of the disease.

Fruitful is used with these nouns:

avenue, collaboration

fruition

fruitionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + fruitionADJECTIVEfullVERB + fruitioncome to, reachTheir efforts came to fruition many years later.bring sth toIt was left to her successor to bring the plan to its full fruition.

fruitless

fruitlessadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, prove, seemADVERBcompletely, utterlylargelyapparentlyultimately

Fruitless is used with these nouns:

attempt, effort, endeavour, exercise, negotiation, search

fruitlessly

fruitlesslyadv.

Fruitlessly is used with these verbs:

search, try

fruity

fruityadj.

Fruity is used with these nouns:

drink, wine

frustrate

frustrateverb

Frustrate is used with these nouns as the object:

ambition, effort

frustrated

frustratedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, feel, look, seem, soundbecome, get, growI'm starting to get frustrated.leave sb, make sbThis failure leaves the child depressed and frustrated.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.She sounded rather frustrated to me.deeplycompletely, totally (esp. AmE)increasinglya little, slightly, etc.clearly, obviouslysexuallyPREPOSITIONatBoth sides in the dispute appeared very frustrated at the lack of progress.byWe were frustrated by the long delays.withSometimes he gets really frustrated with his violin playing.

Frustrated is used with these nouns:

ambition, desire, groan, growl, grunt, sigh

frustrating

frustratingadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, provebecome, getmake sthfind sthI found the delays intensely frustrating.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.deeply (esp. BrE), incredibly, intensely, particularly, terriblyincreasinglya little, slightly, etc.ultimatelyIt was an ultimately frustrating experience.PREPOSITIONforIt was rather frustrating for all of us.

Frustrating is used with these nouns:

delay, wait

frustratingly

frustratinglyadv.

Frustratingly is used with these adjectives:

elusive, slow, vague

frustration

frustrationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + frustration | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, considerable, greatMy biggest frustration was not having enough time.pure, sheer, utterI shouted at him in sheer frustration.angrypent-upgrowing, mounting, risingsexualVERB + frustrationexperience, feel, seethe withHe was still seething with angry frustration.express, show, take out, vent, voiceHe took his pent-up frustration out on his family.hidecause, create, lead toThese petty rules can lead to frustration and anger.understandsenseI sensed frustration in her voice.PREPOSITIONin frustrationHe clenched his fists in frustration.out of frustrationI was crying out of frustration.through frustrationSeveral people resigned through frustration.with frustrationI could have wept with frustration.frustration atMany have expressed frustration at the delays.frustration overThey're showing frustration over the lack of progress.frustration withtheir frustration with bureaucracyPHRASESanger and frustration, frustration and angera feeling of frustration, a sense of frustrationshare sb's frustrationI agree that we are accomplishing nothing at the moment, and I share your frustration.tears of frustrationThere were tears of frustration in her eyes.

fry

frynounverb

I. noun (usually fries) (esp. AmE)See also chipADJECTIVE | … OF FRIES | VERB + fry | PHRASESADJECTIVEFrenchcurlyfrozenlarge, medium, smalltwo double cheeseburgers with medium friescrispygreasy, soggy… OF FRIESorderbasket, platesideHe ordered a side (= side order) of fries.VERB + frydipNoah dipped his fries in the ketchup,supersizeDon't supersize your fries if you want to look good on the beach.PHRASESand fries, with fries

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBgently, lightlyPREPOSITIONinFry the vegetables gently in oil.

Fry is used with these nouns as the object:

bacon, beef, chicken, chip, chop, egg, fish, meat, mushroom, onion, potato, sausage, steak

fryer

fryernoun

Fryer is used after these nouns:

turkey

frying

fryingnoun

Frying is used before these nouns:

pan

FTSE 100

FTSE 100noun

FTSE 100 is used before these nouns:

fudge

fudgenoun

Fudge is used after these nouns:

Fuel is used with these nouns as the object:

fuel

fuelnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + fuel | fuel + NOUNADJECTIVEclean, smokeless (BrE), unleadedfossil, nucleardiesel, hydrogenliquid, soliddomestic (esp. BrE), householdaviation, jet, rocketspentThe plant reprocesses spent fuel from nuclear power stations.renewablealternative, conventionalVERB + fuelburn, consume, run on, usepower stations which burn fossil fuelsWhat sort of fuel does the car run on?igniteburn sth as, use sth asThe power plant burns sugar cane as fuel.conserve, savewasteproduce, provideprocess, reprocessdump (= of an aircraft)fuel + NOUNbill, costs, pricesconsumptiona car with high fuel consumptioneconomy, efficiencyThe engine gives good fuel economy.supplygauge, pump, tankcelltanker, truckoil

II. verb

anger, appetite, backlash, belief, boom, controversy, debate, demand, desire, discontent, economy, expansion, fantasy, fear, fire, flame, frenzy, growth, hatred, hysteria, imagination, inflation, mistrust, movement, paranoia, passion, perception, rage, resentment, rumour, speculation, suspicion, violence

fuel cell

fuel cellnoun

Fuel cell is used before these nouns:

fuel-efficient

fuel-efficientadj.

Fuel-efficient is used with these nouns:

Fugitive is used with these nouns:

fugitive

fugitivenounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + fugitive | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEwantedone of the most wanted fugitives sought by the Italian policedangerousVERB + fugitivebe, become, remainharbour/harborcapture, catchPREPOSITIONfugitive fromfugitives from justice

II. adj.

Fulfil/fulfill is used with these nouns as the object:

fulfil

fulfilverb

(BrE) (AmE fulfill) verbADVERB | VERB + fulfil/fulfillADVERBreallycompletelynot quiteThe movie doesn't quite fulfil its promise.Turkey is a market that has never quite fulfilled its potential.adequatelyproperlyeffectivelysuccessfullyadmirablyThe building is still fulfilling its original purpose admirably.finally, ultimatelyVERB + fulfil/fulfillbe able to, be unable to, canAlan was finally able to fulfil his promise to Sarah.mustStudents must fulfil the following entry criteria.seek to, try tofail to

aspiration, contract, fixture, request, vision

fulfilling

fulfillingadj.

Fulfilling is used with these nouns:

Fulfilment/fulfillment is used after these nouns:

fulfilment

fulfilmentnoun

(BrE) (AmE fulfillment) noun1 doing sth to the required standard2 feeling of satisfaction1 doing sth to the required standardADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEultimateorder (AmE)PREPOSITIONfulfilment ofthe fulfilment of a promise

2 feeling of satisfactionADJECTIVE | VERB + fulfilment/fulfillment | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreatShe needed greater fulfilment in her job.completepartialpersonalher search for personal fulfilmenthumanemotional, intellectual, professional, religious, sexual, spiritualwishMost computer games provide some kind of wish fulfilment.VERB + fulfilment/fulfillmentfind, gain, getprovide (sb with)seekPREPOSITIONfulfilment fromHe gets a lot of fulfilment from his charity work.fulfilment inI can't find fulfilment in doing housework.PHRASESa sense of fulfilmentThey gain a sense of fulfilment from their work.

wish

full

fulladj.

adj.1 holding/containing as much as it will hold2 containing a lot of sth3 having had enough to eat or drink1 holding/containing as much as it will holdVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, look, seembecome, getThe garage is getting full of junk again.ADVERBabsolutely, completelyThe kitchen was absolutely full of flies!almost, nearly, virtually (esp. BrE)The reservoirs are all virtually full.half, two-thirds, etc.tooPREPOSITIONofThe bottle was half full of water.

2 containing a lot of sthVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, look, seemADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.Her wine glass was still fairly full.

3 having had enough to eat or drinkVERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, feelADVERBabsolutely, completelyratherPHRASESfull up (BrE)I'm full up. I can't eat another thing.

Full is used with these nouns:

acceptance, access, account, address, admission, advantage, agenda, agreement, alert, allegiance, amount, answer, apology, appraisal, appreciation, approval, armour, array, assurance, attention, authority, autonomy, awareness, backing, battery, beam, beard, belly, bibliography, bladder, blessing, board, bosom, bottle, bowl, breadth, breakdown, breakfast, breast, briefing, brother, brunt, bucket, cabinet, calendar, carriage, check, circle, citizen, citizenship, colour, command, commitment, compensation, complement, complexity, conference, confession, confidence, congress, consciousness, consent, consequence, consideration, consultation, container, context, control, cooperation, cost, costume, cover, coverage, credit, cup, curriculum vitae, custody, day, daylight, decade, deployment, description, detail, development, disarmament, discretion, discussion, distance, dose, driving licence, effect, employment, endorsement, enjoyment, enormity, enquiry, equality, examination, exemption, explanation, exploitation, exploration, exposure, expression, extent, fare, fee, figure, fitness, flavour, force, freedom, fridge, fruition, funding, fury, gamut, glare, glass, glory, grant, guarantee, health, hearing, height, honour, horror, hour, house, impact, implementation, implication, independence, inquest, inspection, instruction, integration, inventory, investigation, involvement, itinerary, knowledge, larder, length, liability, licence, life, light, lip, list, load, make-up, marathon, mark, maturity, medical, meeting, member, membership, menu, minute, mobility, month, moon, mourning, mouth, name, orchestra, ownership, package, page, pail, pardon, participant, participation, partner, passport, pay, payment, pension, period, permission, picture, plate, potential, power, price, production, professor, protection, provision, quota, range, ration, realization, rebate, recognition, reconciliation, recovery, reference, refrigerator, refund, regard, register, registration, repayment, repertoire, replacement, report, responsibility, restoration, return, review, revolution, right, rigour, role, scale, schedule, scholarship, scope, score, screen, season, sense, sentence, service, session, set, share, significance, sister, size, skirt, sleeve, sovereignty, span, specification, spectrum, speed, splendour, statement, stature, status, stomach, story, subscription, suitcase, sum, summary, sun, sunlight, support, survey, tank, term, text, timetable, title, train, transcript, trial, truth, tuition, tummy, turn, understanding, uniform, union, use, value, version, volume, week, weight, width, withdrawal, wrath, year

full-blown

full-blownadj.

Full-blown is used with these nouns:

AIDS, version

full-bodied

full-bodiedadj.

Full-bodied is used with these nouns:

full-body

full-bodyadj.

Full-body is used with these nouns:

massage, workout

full-colour

full-colouradj.

Full-colour/full-color is used with these nouns:

brochure, illustration, magazine

full-contact

full-contactadj.

Full-contact is used with these nouns:

karate

full-cream

full-creamadj.

Full-cream is used with these nouns:

full-day

full-dayadj.

Full-day is used with these nouns:

excursion, kindergarten

full-face

full-faceadj.

Full-face is used with these nouns:

helmet, mask

full-fat

full-fatadj.

Full-fat is used with these nouns:

cheese, milk

full-length

full-lengthadj.adv.

I. adj.

Full-length is used with these nouns:

ballet, biography, dress, mirror, portrait, version

II. adv.

Full-length is used with these verbs:

stretch

full-motion

full-motionadj.

Full-motion is used with these nouns:

full-page

full-pageadj.

Full-page is used with these nouns:

ad, advert, advertisement, editorial, illustration, spread

full-price

full-priceadj.

Full-price is used with these nouns:

full-scale

full-scaleadj.

Full-scale is used with these nouns:

assault, attack, confrontation, enquiry, invasion, model, offensive, production, rebellion, replica, review, riot, trial, war

full-service

full-serviceadj.

Full-service is used with these nouns:

full-size

full-sizeadj.

Full-size is used with these nouns:

keyboard, replica, truck, version

full-strength

full-strengthadj.

Full-strength is used with these nouns:

full-term

full-termadj.

Full-term is used with these nouns:

baby, infant, pregnancy

full-time

full-timeadj.adv.

I. adj.

Full-time is used with these nouns:

appointment, care, course, diploma, duty, education, employee, employment, faculty, firefighter, job, manager, member, mother, mum, nanny, occupation, officer, official, position, post, staff, student, study, teacher, tutor, undergraduate, volunteer, work, worker, writer

II. adv.

Full-time is used with these verbs:

fully

fullyadv.

Fully is used with these adjectives:

able, absorbed, acceptable, accessible, accountable, acquainted, adjustable, alert, alive, apparent, armed, armoured, automatic, autonomous, awake, aware, bilingual, capable, carpeted, charged, clad, closed, clothed, comfortable, committed, compatible, competent, comprehensible, comprehensive, concentrated, confident, conscious, consistent, convinced, covered, credible, democratic, dependent, detailed, developed, domesticated, dominant, educated, effective, engaged, erect, evident, exempt, explicit, exposed, familiar, fit, furnished, inclusive, independent, inflated, informed, insured, intact, intelligible, intent, interactive, interchangeable, justified, kosher, laden, liable, lined, literate, loaded, mature, mobile, occupied, open, operational, operative, organic, professional, proficient, proven, qualified, rational, recyclable, representative, responsible, responsive, ripe, rounded, satisfactory, satisfied, self-contained, submerged, supportive, taxable, trained, transferable, transparent, undressed, united, up to date, upright, visible

Fully is used with these verbs:

absorb, accept, accord, account, acknowledge, address, adhere, agree, align, analyse, answer, appreciate, approve, articulate, assess, assimilate, back, believe, benefit, brief, clarify, compensate, complete, comply, comprehend, concentrate, concur, conform, contribute, convey, cook, cooperate, cost, deal, debate, define, deploy, depreciate, describe, deserve, digest, disappear, discharge, disclose, discuss, embrace, emerge, enclose, endorse, enforce, engage, equip, erase, establish, evaluate, examine, excavate, exercise, expect, experience, explain, exploit, explore, expose, express, focus, formulate, fund, grasp, harness, heal, identify, illuminate, illustrate, imagine, immerse, immunize, implement, incorporate, integrate, intend, investigate, live, master, materialize, mature, offset, open, participate, penetrate, prepare, prepared, process, protect, realize, recognize, recover, regain, register, reimburse, relax, repair, repay, replace, research, resolve, respect, restore, review, revise, service, share, specify, spell, staff, stock, stretch, study, subscribe, succeed, supervise, support, sympathize, test, trust, understand, update, utilize, vet

full-year

full-yearadj.

Full-year is used with these nouns:

profit

fully equipped

fully equippedadj.

Fully equipped is used with these nouns:

gym

fully fitted

fully fittedadj.

Fully fitted is used with these nouns:

kitchen

fulsome

fulsomeadj.

Fulsome is used with these nouns:

fumble

fumbleverb

Fumble is used with these nouns as the subject:

fumble with

fumble withphr verb

Fumble with is used with these nouns as the object:

Fun is used with these nouns:

fume

fumeverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBinwardly, quietly, silentlyPREPOSITIONabout, overShe was still quietly fuming about Peter's remarks.atWe were all fuming at the delay.withShe was fuming with rage.PHRASESfuming mad (AmE)Hurry up or else he'll be fuming mad.be left fuming (BrE)Motorists were left fuming as police closed the road for six hours.be positively fumingTracy was positively fuming over the loss of her phone.sit (there) fuming, stand (there) fumingHe sat fuming over what he had just learned.

fumes

fumesnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF FUMES | VERB + fumes | fumes + VERBADJECTIVEacrid, noxious, poisonous, toxicdiesel, exhaust, gas (AmE), petrol (BrE), trafficpaintcarbon monoxide, etc.… OF FUMEScloudClouds of toxic fumes escaped from the chemical plant.VERB + fumesemit, give off, produceThe fire gave off choking fumes.an industrial process which produces toxic fumesbreathe, breathe in, inhalesmellfumes + VERBkill sb, overcome sbA firefighter was overcome by fumes at a blaze in a plastics factory.escapeSometimes exhaust fumes escape into the vehicle.

fun

funnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + fun | fun + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEenormous, excellent (BrE), good, great, terrific, tremendouspure, sheerclean, good clean, harmless, innocent, plain (esp. AmE)The boys' game started as harmless fun but ended in tragedy.It was just plain fun.familyVERB + funbe, become, getlook, seem, soundhaveWe had a lot of fun at Mick's party.He decided to have a little fun at his friend's expense.ruin, spoilWe won't let the rain spoil our fun.wantfindfun + NOUNdayShe organized an annual fun day for local children.PREPOSITIONfor funI write for fun, not because I expect to make money.in funI only said it in fun—don't take it seriously!fun fora game that's fun for kidsPHRASESbe no funIt's no fun getting up at 4 a.m. on a cold, rainy morning.a bit of funI was only having a bit of fun.full of funThis movie is full of fun.fun and gamesSchool isn't all fun and games.just for fun, just for the fun of itThey took up motor racing just for the fun of it.miss the funYou're missing all the fun!the real funThat's when the real fun started!a sense of funYou have to have a sense of fun to be a good teacher.suck (all) the fun out of sth (AmE), take the fun away from sth, take the fun out of sthMust you take all the fun out of everything?

II. adj.

day, diversion, evening, fair, fur, game, hobby, movie, night, part, read, ride, run, time

function

functionnounverb

I. noun1 purpose/special duty of sb/sth2 important social event1 purpose/special duty of sb/sthADJECTIVE | VERB + functionADJECTIVEimportant, useful, valuablecritical, crucial, essential, key, vitalchief, main, major, primary, primebasicparticular, specificproperoriginaldualThe committee has a dual function, both advisory and regulatory.bodily, brain, liver, mental, etc.Fortunately, his head injuries left his bodily functions unimpaired.VERB + functionhavecarry out, fulfil/fulfill, perform, serveAll members carry out their own particular functions.The club serves a useful function as a meeting place.

2 important social eventADJECTIVE | VERB + function | function + NOUNADJECTIVEcharity, official, socialThe couple attended a charity function in aid of cancer research.VERB + functionholdattend, go tofunction + NOUNroomThe reception will be held in the hotel's function room.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + function | PHRASESADVERBeffectively, efficiently, smoothly, successfully, welloptimallyflawlessly, perfectlycorrectly, normally, properlyAll the instruments were functioning normally.I can't function properly without a coffee.adequately, satisfactorilyProblems arise when the body's immune system is not functioning adequately.poorlybarelyMy brain could barely function through the pain.autonomously, independentlya system in which judges function independently of politicslargely, mainly, primarilyThe organization functions primarily through volunteer efforts.actuallyThis model does not describe accurately the way a market economy actually functions.stillThe bombs continued to fall, but somehow the city still functioned.VERB + functionbe able to, be unable to, canWhen nutrients are in short supply the body cannot function normally.begin tocontinue tocease toPHRASESfully functioningThe group has now become a fully functioning political organization.

Function is used with these nouns as the subject:

brain, economy, system

functional

functionaladj.

Functional is used with these nouns:

aspect, element, illiteracy, ingredient, manager, relationship, significance, specialization

functionally

functionallyadv.

Functionally is used with these adjectives:

identical, illiterate, important, related

fund

fundnounverb

I. noun1 sum of money collected for a particular purpose2 funds money that is available and can be spent1 sum of money collected for a particular purposeADJECTIVE | VERB + fund | fund + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElargespecialappeal (BrE), charitable, charity, disaster, reliefThe newspaper launched an appeal fund for victims of the disaster.internationalcontingency, emergency, reservehardship (BrE)benevolent (esp. BrE), campaign, compensation, insurance, investment, memorial, prize, social, trustIt will be a challenge to raise campaign funds for the election.a benevolent fund for retired actorspension, retirementequity, hedge, managed, mutualforeign, offshoreglobalcentralVERB + fundcreate, establish, launch, set up, startThey set up an investment fund to provide money for their retirement.administer, manage, rundraw on, raidThey don't want to draw on the fund unless they have to.investThe fund was invested in a range of state bonds.fund + NOUNholder, investor, manager, provider, trusteeaccount, managementperformancevaluePREPOSITIONin a/the fundThere is currently over $200 000 in the fund.into a/the fundThe money received is paid directly into a pension fund.

2 funds money that is available and can be spentADJECTIVE | VERB + FUNDS | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEadequate, sufficientinsufficientlimitedThere are only limited funds available.unlimitedsubstantialsurplusadditional, extraavailablemuch-needed, vital (both esp. BrE)federal, government, private, public, statechurch, schoollottery (esp. BrE)VERB + FUNDShaveWe have insufficient funds to pay for the building work.spendMost of the funds are spent on software.be short of, run out ofWe're short of funds at the moment.appeal for (esp. BrE), solicit (esp. AmE)The school is appealing for funds to invest in new equipment.boost (esp. BrE), borrow, build (esp. AmE), build up, collect, generate, get, obtain, raise, receive, secureallocate, distribute, lend, make available, provide, releaseFunds will be made available to ensure the provision of hospital services.withholdThey voted to withhold funds from any organization which didn't sign the agreement.deposit, withdrawClients can withdraw funds without any notice.channel, direct, useThe government is to channel more funds into local projects.earmarkThe funds are earmarked for the health sector.investtransferembezzle, misappropriate (esp. BrE), misuse (AmE)PREPOSITIONfund fora charity event to raise funds for local schoolsfund fromFunds from the event will support the work of the hospice.PHRASESaccess to fundsThe current account offers savers instant access to funds.a flow of fundsthe flow of funds between various economic sectorsa lack of funds, a shortage of fundsThe project was hampered by lack of funds.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + fundADVERBlargely, mainly, primarilyentirely, whollyThe venture is funded entirely by its board of directors.partially, partlygenerously, heavily, lavishly, properly, wellfullyfully funded day care for our childrenadequatelyinadequately, poorlycentrally, directlyInfrastructure projects are centrally funded.The GDPC is not directly funded by the taxpayer.federally, publiclyexternally, independently, privatelyjointlya plan jointly funded by central and local governmentsolelyThe museum is funded solely from voluntary contributions.VERB + fundbe used to, help (to)This money will help to fund administration costs.agree torefuse to

Fund is used with these nouns as the subject:

institute, lottery

Fund is used with these nouns as the object:

campaign, deficit, education, effort, expansion, expedition, expenditure, initiative, museum, pension, programme, project, research, retirement, scheme, study, venture

fundamental

fundamentaladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seemremainconsider sth, regard sth asWe consider these rights fundamental to democracy.ADVERBreally, truly, veryI think they made a very fundamental mistake.absolutely, quite (esp. BrE)This principle is absolutely fundamental.fairly (esp. BrE), rather (esp. AmE)PREPOSITIONtoImproved funding is fundamental to the success of the project.forLow interest rates are fundamental for growth.

Fundamental is used with these nouns:

aim, alteration, aspect, assumption, belief, breach, cause, challenge, change, character, characteristic, component, concept, conflict, contradiction, conviction, criticism, defect, departure, difference, dilemma, disagreement, distinction, division, element, error, failure, feature, flaw, freedom, importance, inadequacy, incompatibility, ingredient, insight, issue, liberty, limitation, message, misconception, mistake, misunderstanding, nature, necessity, need, objection, paradox, part, physics, prerequisite, principle, problem, proposition, question, reappraisal, reform, reorganization, requirement, responsibility, rethink, review, revision, right, role, rule, shift, shortcoming, similarity, task, teaching, tension, thesis, transformation, truth, uncertainty, understanding, unit, unity, weakness

fundamentalist

fundamentalistadj.

Fundamentalist is used with these nouns:

Christian, Christianity, church, ideology, movement, Muslim, preacher, regime, religion, sect, terrorism, terrorist

fundamentally fundamentals

fundamentalsnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + fundamentalsADJECTIVEbasic, underlyinggood (AmE), solid (esp. AmE), sound, strong (esp. AmE)The figures confirm that Brazil's sound economic fundamentals remain in place.veryThe new law strikes at the very fundamentals of a free press.business, economicVERB + fundamentalsteachgrasp, learn, master, understandWe quickly mastered the basic fundamentals of navigation.go back to, return to (both esp. AmE)The government went back to fundamentals, concentrating on avoiding food shortages.change, improve

funding

fundingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + funding | funding + VERB | funding + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEadequate, proper, sufficientgenerous, significant, substantialfullThe President has promised full funding for the plans.inadequate, insufficientadditional, extra, increasedlimiteddirectinitiallong-termannual, three-year, etc.the industry's annual funding requirementemergency, short-termofficialcorecentral (esp. BrE)internalexternal, outsideHalf of the research posts depend on outside funding.international, local, nationalforeignfederal, government, public, public-sector (esp. BrE), stateprivate, private-sector (esp. BrE)corporategrant, lottery (esp. BrE)development, education, research, sciencestart-up, venturelibrary, school, university, etc.VERB + fundingaward sb/sth, give sb/sth, provide (sb/sth with)The refusal to provide extra funding for schools caused a storm.allocaterequest, seekraiseIt gave us more time to raise the necessary funding.attract, get, obtain, receive, secure, winloseboost, increasecut, reduce, slashfreezecut off, stop, withdraw, withholddeny sb/sth, refuse (sb/sth)restoreapprove, authorizefunding + VERBcome from sb/sthMost of our funding comes from private sources.goWe need to make sure that the funding goes to areas where its most needed.About 70% of current funding has gone on schools.increase, risefalldry up, run outMuch of the funding dried up in the 1980s.funding + NOUNshortfallcrisiscutincreaselevelspackage (esp. BrE)arrangement, formulaWe're hoping they will change the funding formula.agency, bodybill (AmE)PREPOSITION … in funding, … of funding£25 million in fundingfunding fromThe school has attracted funding from a number of sources.funding toan increase in funding to drug rehabilitation clinicsPHRASESa cut in funding, an increase in fundinga lack of fundinga level of fundingPresent levels of funding have forced the school to close.a source of funding

fund-raiser

fund-raisernoun

Fund-raiser is used after these nouns:

charity, gala

fund-raising

fund-raisingnoun

Fund-raising is used before these nouns:

appeal, campaign, concert, dinner, drive, effort, event, gala, lunch, luncheon

funeral

funeralnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + funeral | funeral + VERB | funeral + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfamilyprivateThe family held a private funeral.publicchurchclosed-casket, open-casket (both AmE)simpleelaborate, largeCatholic, Jewish, etc.statemilitarydecent, proper, respectableHis savings were just enough to pay for a respectable funeral.traditionalmassa mass funeral of the victims of the fireVERB + funeralattend, come to, go toarrange, planThe dead man's son arranged the funeral.conductA clergyman friend of the family conducted the funeral.haveShe had a simple funeral, as she had requested.funeral + VERBbe held, take placeThe funeral was held in St Mary's Church.funeral + NOUNceremony, mass, obsequies (formal), rites, serviceoration, sermon, speechprayerdirge, march, musicwreathcortège, processionparty (= the people going to a funeral) (BrE)The funeral party arrived to find the church locked.cardirectorchapel, home, parlour/parlorcosts, expensesarrangements, plansbusiness, industrypyrethe flames of the funeral pyrePREPOSITIONat a/the funeralHe read out a poem at her funeral.

funerary

funeraryadj.

Funerary is used with these nouns:

chapel, inscription, monument, ritual

funfair

funfairnoun

Funfair is used before these nouns:

fun-filled

fun-filledadj.

Fun-filled is used with these nouns:

fungal

fungaladj.

Fungal is used with these nouns:

infection

fungus

fungusnoun

Fungus is used after these nouns:

funhouse

funhousenoun

Funhouse is used before these nouns:

mirror

funicular

funicularadj.

Funicular is used with these nouns:

railway

funky

funkyadj.

Funky is used with these nouns:

beat, music

funnel into

funnel intophr verb

Funnel into is used with these nouns as the object:

funnel to

funnel tophr verb

Funnel to is used with these nouns as the object:

Funny is used with these nouns:

funny

funnyadj.

adj.1 making you laugh2 strange1 making you laughVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, look, seembecome, getThe movie gets funnier nearer the end.find sthADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.brilliantly (esp. BrE), genuinely, hilariously, hysterically, incredibly, laugh-out-loud, outrageously, painfully (esp. BrE), riotously (esp. BrE), screamingly, side-splittingly, terribly, uproariously, wickedly, wildly, wonderfullyAt last, a genuinely funny comedy show!His performance was hilariously funny.You should have seen it—it was terribly funny!surprisinglyalmostmildlynot remotelyHe's not even remotely funny.unintentionallyinherentlydarkly

2 strangeVERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, feel, look, seem, smell, sound, strike sb as, tasteDidn't it strike you as funny that Adam wasn't there?This wine tastes funny.find sthDon't you find it a little funny that she never mentions her husband?ADVERBrather, veryHelen gave me a rather funny look.a little, slightly, etc.PHRASESfunny littleHe's a funny little man.funny oldIt's a funny old world, isn't it?

bloke, business, coincidence, face, feeling, gag, guy, idea, impression, joke, kind, look, moment, mood, movie, noise, parody, part, remark, satire, scene, show, smell, sort, story, tale, thing, trick, voice, walk, way

fur

furnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + fur | fur + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEthickmattedThe cat's fur was matted with blood.silky, softshaggywarmrealfake, faux, fun (esp. AmE), syntheticanimalfox, rabbit, etc.VERB + furbe wrapped in, wearShe was wearing her fur.be lined with, be trimmed witha cloak lined with furfur + NOUNindustry, tradetrader, trapperfarmfarmingproductcoat, hat, jacket, stolecollar, trimThe coat was orange with a fur trim.PREPOSITIONin a/your fur (= wearing a fur coat, etc.)elegant women in fursof fura collar of fur

furious

furiousadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, look, seem, soundbecome, getmake sbTheir incompetence made me furious.ADVERBabsolutelystillI'm still furious with him.reportedlyThe President was reportedly furious at the comment.PREPOSITIONaboutHe was simply furious about what had happened to his mother.atThe president is said to be furious at the newspaper report.You must be furious at me for not telling you sooner.overShe was still furious over suggestions that she had lied to the public.withI got absolutely furious with him.

Furious is used with these nouns:

disbelief, expression, face, glare, look, outburst, pace, row

furiously

furiouslyadv.

Furiously is used with these adjectives:

angry

Furiously is used with these verbs:

argue, bark, beat, blink, blush, boil, bubble, demand, glare, hiss, kick, mutter, nod, paddle, pedal, puff, retort, scribble, scrub, shake, shout, struggle, try, type, wag, whisper, yell

furl

furlverb

Furl is used with these nouns as the object:

furnace

furnacenoun

noun1 space where glass or metal is heated2 (AmE) device to provide heating and hot water in a building1 space where glass or metal is heatedADJECTIVE | VERB + furnace | furnace + VERBADJECTIVEblazing, fiery, hot, red-hotglass, steelarc, blastVERB + furnacestokefire (esp. BrE)There was enough coal to fire the furnaces.furnace + VERBburnThe furnaces burned fiercely.

2 (AmE) device to provide heating and hot water in a buildingSee also boilerADJECTIVE | VERB + furnace | furnace + NOUNADJECTIVEcoal, electric, gas, oilVERB + furnaceinstall, replacefurnace + NOUNroom

furnish

furnishverb

Furnish is used with these nouns as the object:

apartment, bedroom, clue, home, house

furnished

furnishedadj.

adj.ADVERBADVERBfullyThe apartment is fully furnished.partially, partlybeautifully, comfortably, elegantly, expensively, luxuriously, nicely, richly, tastefully, wellHis rooms were comfortably furnished.The villa was expensively furnished throughout.modestly, simplya simply furnished roombarely (esp. AmE), sparsely

Furnished is used with these nouns:

accommodation, flat

furnishings

furnishingsnoun

Furnishings is used after these nouns:

home

furniture

furniturenoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF FURNITURE | VERB + furniture | furniture + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEantique, periodan 18th-century town house, complete with period furniturecontemporary, modernfine, qualityThe wood is used for making fine furniture.cheap, second-handflat-pack (esp. BrE)rusticornateeleganthandmadedesignerupholsteredbrokenbedroom, dining-room, living-room, officegarden, lawn (AmE), outdoor, patiohouseholdleather, pine, plastic, wooden, etc.… OF FURNITUREitem, pieceVERB + furniturearrange, move, move around, rearrangeThe room would look bigger if we rearranged the furniture.dustdesignmanufactureassemblefurniture + NOUNitem, piece (both esp. AmE)dealer, designer, maker, manufacturer, mover (AmE), restorer (esp. BrE), retailerbusiness, industryshop (esp. BrE), showroom, store, warehouseremovaldesignpolishPHRASESfurniture and fittings (esp. BrE)All the original furniture and fittings will be reinstated.

furore

furorenoun

(also furor esp. in AmE) nounADJECTIVE | VERB + furore | furore + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcurrent, recentmedia, publicinternationalpoliticalVERB + furorecause, create, provoke, sparkHis choice of words created quite a furore.furore + VERBsurround sththe furore surrounding her appointmenteruptA political furore erupted following his appointment as director.follow, result from sthdie downPREPOSITIONamid a/the furore (of)His resignation passed almost unnoticed amid the furore of the elections.furore about, furore overthe furore over the proposed introduction of tax on fuelfurore amongThe sale of the two best players caused a furore among the fans.

furrow

furrownounverb

I. noun

Furrow is used after these nouns:

plough

II. verb

Furrow is used with these nouns as the subject:

brow, eyebrow

Furrow is used with these nouns as the object:

brow, eyebrow

furrowed

furrowedadj.

Furrowed is used with these nouns:

brow, forehead

furry

furryadj.

Furry is used with these nouns:

animal, creature

further

furtherverbadj.adv.

I. verb

Further is used with these nouns as the object:

agenda, aim, career, cause, end, interest, understanding

II. adj.

Further is used with these nouns:

allegation, appeal, assault, assurance, bloodshed, clarification, complication, confirmation, consideration, controversy, copy, delay, dimension, discussion, education, embarrassment, encouragement, enquiry, erosion, escalation, evidence, examination, excitement, expansion, expenditure, experiment, explanation, exploration, extension, fall, finance, guidance, humiliation, impetus, implication, improvement, incident, information, insight, instruction, integration, interrogation, investment, legislation, modification, outbreak, payment, possibility, progress, proof, qualification, reading, reassurance, recommendation, reduction, redundancy, reference, refinement, reflection, reform, relaxation, reminder, report, requirement, research, restriction, round, safeguard, simplification, speculation, step, study, surgery, talk, treatment, twist, unrest, verification

III. adv.

Further is used with these verbs:

aggravate, clarify, complicate, confuse, curtail, decline, delay, demonstrate, deteriorate, discuss, drop, elaborate, enhance, enquire, erode, exaggerate, examine, expand, exploit, explore, facilitate, hamper, heighten, intensify, investigate, press, probe, proceed, progress, pursue, recede, reduce, refine, reinforce, restrict, retreat, rise, shrink, stimulate, strengthen, underline, undermine, venture, wander, weaken

further education

further educationnoun

Further education is used before these nouns:

furthest

furthestadj.

Furthest is used with these nouns:

furtive

furtiveadj.

Furtive is used with these nouns:

glance, look

fur-trimmed

fur-trimmedadj.

Fur-trimmed is used with these nouns:

coat

fury

furynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + fury | fury + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEblind, cold, intense, pure, rawcontrolled, pent-upHe growled with barely controlled fury.unbridledfullHe would have to face the full fury of his father.impotentsilentpublicVERB + furybe beside yourself with, be shaking with, feelHe was beside himself with fury.I had never felt such fury before.expressunleash, ventHe vented his fury on the cat.directShe directed her fury at her father.contain, controlarouse, cause, ignite (esp. AmE), provoke (esp. BrE), spark (esp. BrE)That kind of treatment would drive anyone to fury.The decision to close the factory has provoked fury.fury + VERBeruptFury erupted over a speech made by the Prime Minister.grow, mount, riseburnFury burned inside me.fade, subsideHis face and body sagged as his fury fadeed.PREPOSITIONin (a) furyShe turned on him in a fury.with furyHe reacted with cold furyfury againstHer fury against him rose.fury atHe kicked the tree in fury at his own stupidity.PHRASESturn your fury on sbI hoped she wouldn't turn her fury on me.

fuse

fusenounverb

I. noun1 (AmE also fuze) device that makes a bomb explode2 in an electric circuit1 (AmE also fuze) device that makes a bomb explodeADJECTIVE | VERB + fuseADJECTIVEshortlong, slowVERB + fusesetHe set the fuse to thirty minutes.light

2 in an electric circuitADJECTIVE | VERB + fuse | fuse + VERB | fuse + NOUNADJECTIVE5-amp, 10-amp, 13-amp, etc.blownVERB + fusechange, replaceblowWhen the machine was switched on it blew a fuse.fuse + VERBblowFuses blow if they are overloaded.fuse + NOUNwire (BrE)boxThe fire started in the fuse box downstairs.

II. verb

Fuse is used with these nouns as the subject:

Fuse is used with these nouns as the object:

element

fusion

fusionnoun

Fusion is used before these nouns:

reaction, reactor

fuss

fussnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + fuss | fuss + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEawful (esp. BrE), big, great, huge, terrible (esp. BrE)VERB + fusscause, create, kick up, make, raise (AmE)She kicked up a huge fuss when she heard about it.fuss + VERBsurround sththe fuss surrounding the controversial movieblow over (esp. BrE), die downOnce the fuss has blown over, we'll be able to get on with work as usual.PREPOSITIONwithout fuss, without a fussThey left quietly, without a fuss.fuss aboutShe made a big fuss about not having a window seat on the plane.fuss overI think it's all a lot of fuss over nothing.PHRASESmake a fuss of sbThe children were all making a great fuss of the new baby.with the minimum of fussThe job was done with the minimum of fuss.

fussy

fussyadj.

Fussy is used with these nouns:

eater

futile

futileadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, prove, seemconsider sth, describe sth asThe president described these activities as futile.ADVERBcompletely, entirely (esp. BrE), quite, totally, utterlyan utterly futile struggle for justicelargely, ratherincreasinglyapparently, seemingly (esp. AmE)ultimatelyTheir attempts were impressive but ultimately futile.

Futile is used with these nouns:

attempt, effort, endeavour, exercise, gesture, search

futilely

futilelyadv.

Futilely is used with these verbs:

Future is used with these nouns:

futility

futilitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + futility | PHRASESADJECTIVEutterultimateVERB + futilityknow, realize, recognize, seeShe could see the utter futility of trying to protest.demonstrate, showThis demonstrates the futility of resisting temptation.PHRASESa feeling of futility, a sense of futility

future

futurenounadj.

I. noun1 time that will come after the present2 what will happen to sb/sth1 time that will come after the presentADJECTIVE | VERB + future | future + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEforeseeable, immediate, near, not-too-distant, short-termThings will continue as they are for the foreseeable future.A new branch of the store will be opening in the near future.distant, far, remoteTrying to forecast the far future is a problematic exercise.indefiniteNothing will change for the indefinite future.VERB + futurelook to, plan forDon't think too much about past troubles—look to the future.foretell, look into, predictembraceAll of us need to embrace the future.future + VERBbring (sb), holdwhatever the future may bring youWho can tell what the future holds?PREPOSITIONfor the futureWhat are your plans for the future?in (the) futureIn future, please contact me first. (BrE)In the future, please contact me first. (AmE)The possibility of travel to other solar systems still lies in the distant future.of the futureThe stars of the future are competing this month.PHRASESa vision for the future, a vision of the futureIn her speech, the director outlined her vision for the future.

2 what will happen to sb/sthADJECTIVE | VERB + future | future + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbright, brilliant, exciting, glorious, golden (esp. BrE), great, healthy, promising, prosperous, rosy, successfulHe has a great future as a designer.betterhopeful, peacefulsecure, stablesustainable, viablebleak, gloomy (esp. BrE), grim, uncertainHe forecasts an uncertain future for the industry.long-termeconomic, financial, politicalsharedunited by our common history and our shared futureentire, wholeHe felt his entire future was at risk.utopianVERB + futureface, haveThe company faces a very uncertain future.createWe want to create a better future for everyone.determine, influence, shapethe right to determine their own future in a democratic fashionassure, guarantee, secureThe sale secured his financial future.jeopardize, threatenenvisage (esp. BrE), envision (esp. AmE), forecast, predictconsider, contemplate, ponder, ponder onAfter being dropped from the team the young defender is considering his future.discussplanYou need to take time to plan your future.invest inShe decided to invest in her future by taking a course.future + VERBawait (sb)A great future awaits you.PREPOSITIONfuture asShe has a very promising future as a musician.future inHe could see no future in his job.PHRASESa question mark over the future of sb/sth (esp. BrE)A question mark hangs over the future of the company.

II. adj.

bride, challenge, conflict, consumption, dealings, demand, direction, disaster, earnings, edition, emperor, employer, endeavour, event, existence, expansion, expectation, expenditure, exploration, gain, generation, government, greatness, growth, happiness, heir, historian, hope, husband, impact, implication, incarnation, income, king, leader, life, month, need, occupant, owner, plan, possibility, potential, profit, profitability, projection, promise, prospect, prosperity, queen, reference, release, requirement, research, return, ruler, scenario, self, shape, shortage, strategy, study, success, survival, target, tense, use, version, viability, wife, year

futures

futuresnoun

Futures is used after these nouns:

commodity

fuze

fuzenoun

noun (AmE) See fuse

fuzzy

fuzzyadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, look, seem, soundbecome, goThe screen suddenly went fuzzy.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.allMy head goes all fuzzy when she looks at me that way.a little, slightly, etc.

Fuzzy is used with these nouns:

feeling, hair, image, logic, memory, photograph, picture, slipper

fête

fêtenoun

Fête is used after these nouns:

church

Gnoun

G is used before these nouns:

string

G8noun

G8 is used before these nouns:

summit

gabled

gabledadj.

Gabled is used with these nouns:

house, roof

gadget

gadgetnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + gadget | gadget + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElittle, smallmobile, portableclever, cool (informal), handy, neat, nifty (informal), usefulmust-havelatest, modern, newhigh-techWe live in a world filled with high-tech gadgets.digital, electrical, electronickids that hassle their parents to buy the latest electronic gadgetwirelessexpensiveconsumer (esp. AmE)household (esp. BrE), kitchenVERB + gadgetusedesign, develop, inventgadget + NOUNloverfreak, geek (esp. BrE) (both informal)PREPOSITIONgadget forShe has invented a nifty little gadget for undoing stubborn nuts and bolts.

Gaelic

Gaelicadj.

Gaelic is used with these nouns:

gaffer

gaffernoun

Gaffer is used before these nouns:

Gag is used with these nouns as the object:

gag

gagnounverb

I. noun1 piece of cloth2 joke1 piece of clothVERB + gagVERB + gagput onThey tied him up and put a gag on him.remove, take off

2 jokeADJECTIVE | VERB + gag | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfunny, good, greatthe movie's best gagscheap, lameoldobviousgross-out (AmE, informal)sight, visuala mixture of wit and instant visual gagsrunningThere was this running gag about a penguin.VERB + gagcrack (BrE), tella non-stop comedian, telling gags by the dozenwritePREPOSITIONgag about

II. verbPHRASESPHRASESbind and gag sbThe men left the security guards bound and gagged.

gage

gagenoun

noun (AmE) See gauge

gagging

gaggingadj.

Gagging is used with these nouns:

order

gaily

gailyadv.

Gaily is used with these adjectives:

coloured

Gaily is used with these verbs:

decorate, paint

gain

gainnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + gain | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, considerable, dramatic, enormous, huge, impressive, major, real, significant, spectacular, substantial, tremendousThis change in the tax system will mean big gains for some companies.solid, strongThe party has made solid gains in all areas of the country.tangibleminimal, modest, smalldouble-digit (business, esp. AmE)rapid, steadyimmediatefuturepotentiallong-term, short-termannual, daily, monthly, etc.windfallnet, overallThe party made an overall gain of 39 seats.ill-gotten gainsShe tucked her ill-gotten gains into her purse and left.hard-wonpersonal, privateThey were found to have used the investments for their private gain.commercial, economic, financial, material, monetaryThere will be no financial gain for mothers from this new system.electoral (esp. BrE), politicalthe right made huge electoral gainsmilitary, territorialfat (AmE), weightShe was upset by her recent weight gain.efficiency, productivityThere is still scope for efficiency gains.fitnessVERB + gainachieve, make, reapHe is already reaping political gains.maximize, minimizeincrease, reduceconsolidateThere needs to be joint political action to consolidate the gains of the elections.bring (sb), produce, yieldBetter workplace design can bring real gains in productivity.seekVolunteers give their time without seeking any monetary gain.showAugust showed a gain of 144 000 jobs.offsetThe party has an uphill battle to offset the gains made by other parties.outweighThe costs far outweigh any efficiency gains.reverse, wipe outWar and poverty have reversed previous gains in children's health.PREPOSITIONfor gainIt's amazing what some people will do for gain.gain from€3.9 million gains from the sale of stockgain inLast year there was only a modest gain in earnings.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + gain | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBquickly, rapidlygradually, slowly, steadilyHis ideas gradually gained acceptance.immediately, suddenlyeventually, finally, ultimatelysuccessfullyenormously, immensely, significantlyThe industry will gain enormously from the new proposals.financiallyVERB + gainstand toThe company stands to gain a lot from this government plan.expect to, hope toWhat do you hope to gain by this action?attempt to, seek to, strive to, try toProtesters tried to gain access to the palace.fail toPREPOSITIONfromWe all gained a lot from the experience.PHRASEShave everything, little, a lot, nothing, etc. to gain, have everything, little, a lot, nothing, etc. to be gainedWhy not give it a go? You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.I don't think there's anything to be gained from this course of action.

Gain is used with these nouns as the subject:

index, watch

Gain is used with these nouns as the object:

acceptance, access, acclaim, admiration, admirer, admission, admittance, advantage, affection, ally, altitude, appreciation, approval, assurance, attention, autonomy, backing, bearing, benefit, clarity, clout, command, compensation, competence, composure, confidence, consent, control, convert, cooperation, credibility, currency, custody, degree, diploma, doctorate, dominance, edge, efficiency, employment, entrance, entry, exemption, experience, expertise, exposure, fame, familiarity, fat, favour, first, following, foothold, footing, freedom, fulfilment, height, hour, impetus, impression, independence, influence, information, initiative, insight, inspiration, knowledge, kudos, lead, leverage, licence, livelihood, majority, mark, mass, mastery, maturity, membership, momentum, monopoly, muscle, nickname, notoriety, passage, permission, perspective, picture, pleasure, point, popularity, position, possession, power, prestige, prominence, promotion, publicity, qualification, recognition, recruit, reprieve, reputation, respect, respectability, reward, right, satisfaction, scholarship, seat, self-confidence, semblance, sense, significance, skill, speed, stature, status, strength, summit, support, supremacy, sympathy, throne, time, trust, understanding, victory, visibility, vote, wealth, weight, win

gainful

gainfuladj.

Gainful is used with these nouns:

employment

gait

gaitnoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVErolling, shufflingunsteadyawkwardslowPREPOSITIONwith a gaitHe walked with a rolling gait.

gala

galanoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + gala | gala + NOUNADJECTIVEcharity, royalfund-raisingopening-nightannualblack-tieswimming (BrE) (swim meet in AmE)VERB + galahave, hold, hostattend, go togala + NOUNcelebration, concert, dinner, fund-raiser, performance, premiere, receptionevent, functionday, evening, night

galaxy

galaxynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + galaxy | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdistant, remotenearby, nearest, neighbouring/neighboringknownyounglarge, massiveelliptical, spiralVERB + galaxycreate, formThere were specks of light beginning to form galaxies.discover, findobserve, studyexplorePREPOSITIONin a/the galaxyscientists observing phenomena in nearby galaxies

gale

galenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + gale | gale + VERB | gale + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEhowling, severe, strongforce-8, etc.northerly, westerly, etc. (esp. BrE)autumn (esp. BrE), fall (AmE), winter, etc.Atlantic, North Sea, etc.VERB + galeget caught inWe got caught in a howling gale.gale + VERBblow, sweep (esp. BrE)A strong gale was blowing along the coast.gale + NOUNwarningPREPOSITIONin galeThe tree had come down in a gale the night before.PHRASESbe blowing a gale (esp. BrE)It's blowing a gale out there!gales of laughter

gale-force

gale-forceadj.

Gale-force is used with these nouns:

gallantly

gallantlyadv.

Gallantly is used with these verbs:

fight

gallantry

gallantrynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + gallantry | gallantry + NOUNADJECTIVEoutstandingconspicuousVERB + gallantrydemonstrate, showa soldier who had demonstrated outstanding gallantrygallantry + NOUNaward, medal

gallery

gallerynoun

noun1 for art2 on the Internet3 in a hall1 for artADJECTIVE | VERB + gallery | gallery + VERB | gallery + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEart, exhibition, fine-art (AmE), picture, portrait, sculpturemuseumcommercial, private, publicnationalHe offered ten major paintings to start a national gallery of modern art.prestigiousVERB + gallerygo to, visitgallery + VERBdisplay sth, exhibit sth, feature sth, show sth, showcase sthSome of his work has been exhibited by local art galleries.carry sth, contain sth, house stha fabulous gallery housing the work of major artistsspecialize in stha gallery specializing in ceramicsclose, opengallery + NOUNspaceThe building will provide plenty of new gallery space.exhibit (AmE), exhibition, showcurator, director, manager, owner, staffvisitoropeningscenethe type of photographic work now dominating the gallery sceneguide (= book)PREPOSITIONat a/the galleryThe painting is now on display at the National Gallery.in a/the galleryThere were very few people in the gallery.

2 on the InternetADJECTIVEADJECTIVEinteractive, online, virtualphotoextensiveThere is also an extensive gallery of photos.

3 in a hallADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElong, widefirst-floor, upper, upstairspress, publicThe packed public gallery erupted in a roar of approval.packedviewingPREPOSITIONin a/the galleryI found myself in a wide gallery looking down on the floor below.

galley

galleynoun

Galley is used before these nouns:

kitchen, slave

Gallic

Gallicadj.

Gallic is used with these nouns:

gallon

gallonnoun

Gallop is used with these nouns as the subject:

gallop

gallopnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + gallop | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfast, goodsteadyVERB + gallopbreak intoThe horses broke into a gallop when they heard the gunshot.PREPOSITIONat a gallopThey reached the farm at a gallop.into a gallopThe noise startled the horse into a gallop.gallop through (figurative)The documentary starts with a gallop through the history of television.PHRASESat full gallopriders coming at full gallop

II. verb

horse, pony

galloping

gallopingadj.

Galloping is used with these nouns:

inflation

gallows

gallowsnoun

Gallows is used before these nouns:

humour

galvanize

galvanizeverb

Galvanize is used with these nouns as the object:

galvanized

galvanizedadj.

Galvanized is used with these nouns:

bucket, iron, metal, nail, steel

gamble

gamblenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + gamble | gamble + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, enormous, great, huge, major, massivecalculatedhigh-risk, risky (esp. AmE)dangerous, recklessdesperateIt was time for a last desperate gamble.boldfinancial (esp. BrE), politicalVERB + gambletakelosegamble + VERBpay offI took a calculated gamble and it paid off.failPREPOSITIONgamble onBackpackers with a heavy load should resist taking a gamble on the weather.PHRASESa bit of a gamble, something of a gambleTrying to find the right pension can be a bit of a gamble.

gambler

gamblernoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEcompulsive, heavy, inveterate, pathological (esp. AmE), problemMost compulsive gamblers are not successful.professional

gambling

gamblingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + gambling | gambling + NOUNADJECTIVEcompulsive, pathological (esp. AmE), problemHe went to a psychiatrist about his compulsive gambling.illegalThe police are trying to stop all illegal gambling.legal, legalizedinteractive, Internet, onlinecasino, casino-styleVERB + gamblinglegalizebangambling + NOUNcasino, club (esp. BrE), dentablesite, websiteInternet gambling sitesbusiness, operationonline gambling operationsindustrydebtShe ran up gambling debts worth thousands.revenuelaws, legislationmanIf I were a gambling man, I'd put my money on him resigning soon.addictaddiction, habit, problem

gambol

gambolverb

Gambol is used with these nouns as the subject:

lamb

game

gamenoun

noun1 activity/sport2 competition3 how sb plays4 games sports competition5 business/activity6 secret plan1 activity/sportADJECTIVE | VERB + game | game + NOUNADJECTIVEball, board, cardcomputer, online, PC, videoadventure, role-playing, warguessinggood, greatThis is a good game for getting people to mix.entertaining, funcompetitivecompetitive games in which there is always a winner and a loserteamHow I hated team games at school!partychildren'schildren's party games like Musical Chairsindoor, outdoorIt's hard to find indoor games for children.VERB + gamelearnChildren love learning new games.create, design, develop, inventThe company is developing games to play on mobile phones.releasegame + NOUNplayerdesigner, developergames company, games industrygame room (AmE), games room (BrE)

2 competitionADJECTIVE | VERB + game | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig (= important)The guys are in training for their big game.close, tight, toughIt's going to be a close game.evenly contested, keenly contested (both esp. BrE)play-offaway, homechampionship, leaguetheir first league game of the seasontitleexhibitionbaseball, basketball, football, soccer (AmE), etc.VERB + gamehave, playLast night he played the final game of his career.The team is playing a home game this week.have, playShall we have a game of chess?lose, winWe won the first game and lost the second.draw (esp. BrE), tie (esp. AmE)level (BrE)The team fought back to level the game.attendsee, watchdominateThe early stages of the game were dominated by the home team.decide, sealabandon, postponePREPOSITIONgame against, game with (BrE)this week's game against the Titansnext week's game with Liverpoolgame ofTo pass the time, we played a game of cards.a game of tennis

3 how sb playsADJECTIVE | VERB + game | game + NOUNADJECTIVEfine, good, great, perfectThat girl plays a great game of bridge.VERB + gamehave, playTrevor had a good game.pitch, throw (both AmE)He pitched a perfect game at Atlanta.Tibble threw a perfect game.improve, lift, raiseHendry raised his game to become the champion.game + NOUNwinner (esp. AmE)

4 games sports competitionADJECTIVE | VERB + GAMESADJECTIVECommonwealth, Olympic, etc.VERB + GAMEScompete in, participate in, take part in (esp. BrE)She's hoping to participate in the next Olympic Games.hostChicago's bid to host the Olympic GamesholdThe Olympic Games are held every four years.

5 business/activityVERB + game | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + gamebe inHow long have you been in this game?enterLufthansa entered the game with a 25% stake in the company.PREPOSITIONgame ofthe game of life/politicsPHRASESall part of the gameGetting dirty was all part of the game to the kids.new to this gameI'm new to this game myself.

6 secret planADJECTIVE | VERB + gameADJECTIVElittle, silly, stupiddangerousHe was unwittingly caught up in a dangerous game of lies and betrayals.VERB + gameplayI realized that he had been playing a stupid game with me.put an end toI'll soon put an end to her silly little games.give awayDon't let him talk to anybody or he'll give the game away.

gamely

gamelyadv.

Gamely is used with these verbs:

battle, try

gamer

gamernoun

Gamer is used after these nouns:

game show

game shownoun

Game show is used before these nouns:

host

game-winning

game-winningadj.

Game-winning is used with these nouns:

catch, shot, touchdown

gaming

gamingnoun

Gaming is used before these nouns:

licence, machine, site, table

gamma

gammanoun

Gamma is used before these nouns:

radiation, ray

gammon

gammonnoun

Gammon is used before these nouns:

gamut

gamutnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + gamut | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcomplete, entire, full, wholewideVERB + gamutcover, run, run through, spanThe course covers a wide gamut of subjects.PREPOSITIONgamut ofThe exhibition runs the whole gamut of artistic styles.

gang

gangnoun

noun1 group of criminals2 group of friends1 group of criminalsADJECTIVE | VERB + gang | gang + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEstreeta street gang known as the Hooliganslocalarmed, maskedThe robbery was carried out by an armed gang.criminal, organized, organized-crimedrugmafia, paramilitaryterror (esp. BrE)teenage, youthbiker, motorcyclerivalFights had ensued between rival gangs of football fans.notoriousvicious, violentVERB + gangbelong to, joinA lot of the boys belong to gangs.He forced me to join his gang.gang + NOUNattack, fight, violence, war, warfareHer cousin was killed in a gang fight when he was only 16.crimememberleaderactivitylifea tale of LA gang lifeculture, mentalityrapePREPOSITIONin a/the gangWe were in the same gang.gang ofa gang of thugsPHRASESa member of a gang

2 group of friendsADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEusualPREPOSITIONgang ofI go out with a gang of friends most Saturdays.PHRASESone of the gangHer friends made me feel welcome and treated me as one of the gang.

gangland

ganglandnoun

Gangland is used before these nouns:

killing, murder

gangling

ganglingadj.

Gangling is used with these nouns:

gangly

ganglyadj.

Gangly is used with these nouns:

teenager, youth

gang-related

gang-relatedadj.

Gang-related is used with these nouns:

violence

gangrene

gangrenenoun

nounVERB + gangrene | gangrene + VERBVERB + gangrenehave, suffer fromdevelopgangrene + VERBset inThe wound was not properly disinfected and gangrene set in.

gangster

gangsternoun

Gangster is used before these nouns:

film, movie

gaol

gaolnoun

noun (BrE) See jail

gap

gapnoun

noun1 space between things2 period of time3 difference4 where sth is missing1 space between thingsADJECTIVE | VERB + gap | gap + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, huge, large, widenarrow, small, tinyVERB + gapleavefill, seal, spanSeal the gaps around the windows with a sealant.gap + VERBappear, open upHe flashed his headlights and changed lanes whenever a gap opened up.PREPOSITIONthrough a/the gapA rabbit darted through a gap in the fence.gap betweenPosition the tiles, leaving a narrow gap between the edges.gap inA huge gap had appeared in the hedge.

2 period of timeADJECTIVE | VERB + gap | gap + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElong, shorttwo-year, etc.awkward (esp. BrE)VERB + gapfillAds are just there to fill the gaps between quiz shows.I was wondering how to fill those awkward gaps in the conversation.gap + NOUNyear (BrE)I'm planning to travel in my gap year (= the year between school and university).PREPOSITIONafter a/the gapShe returned to teaching after a twelve-year gap.gap betweena job to fill the gap between high school and collegegap ina gap in his career

3 differenceADJECTIVE | VERB + gap | gap + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, enormous, huge, large, significant, substantial, vast, wide, yawningunbridgeablethe unbridgeable gap between the two culturesever-widening, growing, wideningnarrowage, generationDespite the age gap, romance blossomed.cultural, culturegenderthe gender gap in earningsblack-white, racialwealthcredibilityNewspapers were talking of a credibility gap between what he said and what he did.achievement, information, knowledge, skillsthe knowledge gap between doctor and patienttradeincome, pay, wage (esp. AmE)VERB + gapaddress, bridge, close, eliminate, narrow, reduce, spanan attempt to bridge the gap between the academic world and industrywidenhighlightgap + VERBopen upA huge gap has opened up between expectations and what is deliverable.grow, widenclose, narrowseparate sb/sthHe realized how narrow the gap was that separated him from his pagan ancestors.PREPOSITIONgap betweenThe gap between rich and poor widened.

4 where sth is missingADJECTIVE | VERB + gap | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, enormous, great, huge, important, large, serious, significant, yawningserious gaps in their knowledgeglaring, obviousVERB + gapcreate, leaveHis death left a huge gap in my life.identify, see, spot (esp. BrE)close, fill, fill in, plugHer appointment will fill the gap created when the marketing manager left.exploitThe company has exploited a lucrative gap in the market.PREPOSITIONgap inlegislation to close a gap in the lawPHRASESa gap in the marketWe think we've identified a gap in the market (= a business opportunity).

gape

gapeverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBopenlyStephanie gaped openly at the visitors.slightlyHer mouth gaped slightly.PREPOSITIONatWhat are you gaping at?PHRASESgape openShe watched him, her mouth gaping open.The empty cash box lay gaping open in one corner. (figurative)

Gape is used with these nouns as the subject:

gaping

gapingadj.

Gaping is used with these nouns:

chasm, crater, hole, jaw, loophole, mouth, wound

gappy

gappyadj.

Gappy is used with these nouns:

gap-toothed

gap-toothedadj.

Gap-toothed is used with these nouns:

garage

garagenoun

noun1 for keeping cars in2 for repairing cars1 for keeping cars inADJECTIVE | VERB + garage | garage + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdouble, single, triplefour-car, two-car, etc.attached (esp. AmE), detached, lock-up (BrE)integral (BrE), integrated (AmE)disused (BrE)convertedundergroundbus (esp. BrE)parking (AmE)VERB + garagebuild, construct, erectdemolishgarage + NOUNdoorspacesalePREPOSITIONin a/the garageDon't forget to put the car in the garage.

2 for repairing carsADJECTIVE | VERB + garage | garage + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElocalVERB + garageown, runtake sth toI took the car to the local garage to get it fixed.garage + NOUNmechanic, ownerbusinessforecourt (BrE)PREPOSITIONat a/the garageThe car's still at the garage.

garbage

garbagenoun

noun1 (esp. AmE) waste material2 (informal) sth that is stupid or not trueSee also rubbish, trash1 (esp. AmE) waste materialADJECTIVE | … OF GARBAGE | VERB + garbage | garbage + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEhousehold, kitchen (AmE)rotting… OF GARBAGEbag, piletonsVERB + garbagetake out (AmE)Don't forget to take out the garbage.collect, removeDuring the crisis, garbage was not collected.dispose of, dump, throw, throw away, throw outSomeone just dumped their garbage into my backyard.leavestrew, strew around (both usually passive)There was garbage strewn around everywhere.pick upWe picked up all the garbage we could find.garbage + NOUNbag, canI put the broken glass in the garbage can.truckdump, heapcollection, disposalchutePHRASESthrow sth in the garbage

2 (informal) sth that is stupid or not trueADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEabsolute, complete, pure, utterThis movie is pure garbage.worthlessHis ideas were discarded like worthless garbage.oldIt's mostly the same old garbage.PHRASESgarbage in, garbage outa piece of garbage, a pile of garbageThe second series was a piece of garbage.

garden

gardennoun

nounSee also yardADJECTIVE | VERB + garden | garden + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbeautiful, lovely, prettylushlandscaped, manicureda large country house with beautiful landscaped gardensbig, largesmall, tinyback, front (both esp. BrE)They hang out washing in their back gardens. (BrE)backyard (AmE)These flowers brighten up backyard gardens all over the country.flower, herb, kitchen, rose, vegetableMost of the hotel's salads are grown in its own kitchen garden.rock, watera rock garden with an astonishing variety of alpine plantscottage, country (esp. BrE), formal, town (BrE), walledplants suitable for a small town gardencommunity, private, publicbotanic, botanicalbeerVERB + gardencreate, design, lay out (esp. BrE), planShe has created a garden out of a wilderness.We got someone to design the garden for us.The garden is laid out in 18th-century style.plantWe planted the garden with wild flowers.dig, do (esp. BrE), tend, tidy (esp. BrE), tidy up (esp. BrE), weedWeekends were spent tending the garden.cultivate, grow (AmE), keep (esp. AmE), maintainOld Mr Kenyon still keeps a garden.waterMaggie unwound the hose and watered the garden.overlookThe house overlooks the garden.garden + NOUNflower, plantsoilpestaphids, one of the commonest garden pestshose, toolsgate, path, shed, wallgnome (= for decoration)furniture, seatcentre/center (esp. BrE), store (AmE)We got the gravel at our local garden store.partyPREPOSITIONin a/the garden, into a/the gardenMary's out in the garden.PHRASESthe bottom of the garden (esp. BrE), the end of the garden

gardener

gardenernoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEavid (esp. AmE), enthusiastic, keen (esp. BrE)expert, good, master (AmE)amateur (BrE), home (AmE)assistant, headorganicThe organic gardener avoids the use of pesticides.landscape, market

gardening

gardeningnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + gardening | gardening + NOUNADJECTIVEorganiclandscape, marketVERB + gardeningdoIt's my husband who does the gardening.gardening + NOUNbusinessShe started up her own market gardening business two years ago.book, magazineprogramme/program, showa TV gardening showequipment, gloves, toolsexpert

gargantuan

gargantuanadj.

Gargantuan is used with these nouns:

appetite, proportion

garish

garishadj.

Garish is used with these nouns:

garlic

garlicnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF GARLIC | VERB + garlic | garlic + NOUNADJECTIVEfreshrawwildroasted… OF GARLICcloveVERB + garlicpeelchop, crush, mince (AmE)garlic + NOUNbulb, clovebread, buttersausage (esp. BrE)powder (AmE)

garment

garmentnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + garment | garment + NOUNADJECTIVEouterfinishedfoundationheavyknitted, silk, woollen/woolenVERB + garmenthave on, wearShe wore a heavy knitted garment.garment + NOUNindustryfactory

garner

garnerverb

Garner is used with these nouns as the object:

acclaim, accolade, attention, award, insight, majority, praise, publicity, rating, recognition, reputation, respect, signature, support, vote

garnish

garnishnoun

Garnish is used after these nouns:

salad

garrison

garrisonnoun

Garrison is used before these nouns:

garter

garternoun

Garter is used before these nouns:

belt, stitch

gas

gasnoun

noun1 substance like air2 for heating/cooking3 (AmE) fuel for cars, etc.1 substance like airADJECTIVE | VERB + gas | gas + VERB | gas + NOUNADJECTIVEdeadly, noxious, poisonous, toxicexplosive, flammable, inflammable (esp. BrE), radioactivecompressed, hotcolourless/colorless, odourless/odorlessinert, nobleexhaust, greenhousepollution from greenhouse gaseshydrogen, methanemustard, nerve, sarin, tearPolice used water cannon and tear gas against demonstrators.laughing (= nitrous oxide) (informal)VERB + gasemit, give off, produce, releaseIt gives off a poisonous gas as it decomposes.gas + VERBbuild upNoxious gases had built up in the sewer.gas + NOUNescape, leakToxic gases can escape through one of the pipes.emissionsgreenhouse gas emissionschamberMillions of Jews were sent to the gas chambers by the Nazis.mask

2 for heating/cookingADJECTIVE | VERB + gas | gas + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEbutane (esp. BrE), coal, natural, propane (esp. BrE)bottled, Calor™ (BrE), cooking (AmE)VERB + gascook withI prefer to cook with gas.light, turn onI lit the gas and put the soup on to warm.gas + NOUNappliance, boiler (esp. BrE), central heating (BrE), cooker, fire, furnace (AmE), heater, lamp, oven, range (AmE), stovebottle (BrE), canister, cylinder, pipelineboard (BrE)exploration, industryfield, reservesChinese gas reserves are now being tapped.supplyleakAll gas leaks should be reported as soon as possible.PHRASESgas mark 2, 3, etc. (BrE)Set the oven at gas mark 4.

3 (AmE) fuel for cars, etc.See also gasolinegas + NOUNgas + NOUNpedalHe hit the gas pedal and headed off.stationWe stopped at a gas station to fill up.

gas-cooled

gas-cooledadj.

Gas-cooled is used with these nouns:

gaseous

gaseousadj.

Gaseous is used with these nouns:

emission

gas-fired

gas-firedadj.

Gas-fired is used with these nouns:

heating

gas-guzzling

gas-guzzlingadj.

Gas-guzzling is used with these nouns:

gash

gashnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + gashADJECTIVEbig, deep, great, longThe bulldozers carved a great gash through the forest.smallbloody, nasty, terribleHe had a nasty gash on his shoulder.VERB + gashget, havecut, tearThe rocks tore a long gash in the ship's hull.leaveThe accident left a deep gash in his leg.

gasoline

gasolinenoun

(also gas) noun (AmE)See also petrolADJECTIVE | … OF GASOLINE | VERB + gasoline | gasoline + NOUNADJECTIVEleaded, unleadedhigh-octaneregular… OF GASOLINEgallon, tankVERB + gasolinerun on, useMy car runs on unleaded gasoline.guzzleSmaller cars don't guzzle so much gasoline.run out ofWe ran out of gasoline and had to walk.pumpDuring high school he pumped gasoline to make some money.douse sb/sth in, douse sb/sth with, pourThey can't resist pouring gasoline on a raging fire. (figurative)smellCan you smell gasoline?smell ofgasoline + NOUNengine, tankpumpstationtankerfumes, vaporpricestaxshortageadditive

gasoline-powered

gasoline-poweredadj.

Gasoline-powered is used with these nouns:

automobile

gasp

gaspnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + gasp | gasp + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, greatlittle, short, smallquick, sharp, suddenragged (esp. AmE)audible, loudshocked, startled, surprisedstrangledinvoluntarycollectiveYou could hear a collective gasp from the audience.VERB + gaspgive, let outstiflebringThe stunt brought shocked gasps from the audience.heartake, take inHe was taking in great gasps of air.gasp + VERBescape sbPREPOSITIONbetween gasps‘Listen carefully,’ he said, between gasps of breath.in gaspsHe leaned against the railing, his breath coming in short gasps.with a gaspShe gave a little gasp of delight.gasp of

II. verbADVERB | VERB + gasp | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBalmostsuddenlyaloud, audibly, loudlybreathlessly, softlyVERB + gaspmake sbThe cold made her gasp.manage to‘No!’ she managed to gasp.PREPOSITIONatShe gasped at his boldness.inDenise almost gasped aloud in astonishment.withShe was gasping with pain.PHRASESgasp for air, gasp for breathleave sb gaspingHer breath went and left her gasping for air.

Gasp is used with these nouns as the subject:

audience

gas-permeable

gas-permeableadj.

Gas-permeable is used with these nouns:

contact lens

gasp for

gasp forphr verb

Gasp for is used with these nouns as the object:

air, breath

gasping

gaspingadj.

Gasping is used with these nouns:

sob

gas station

gas stationnoun

Gas station is used before these nouns:

attendant

gastric

gastricadj.

Gastric is used with these nouns:

bypass, flu, surgery

gastronomic

gastronomicadj.

Gastronomic is used with these nouns:

delight

gate

gatenoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF GATES | VERB + gate | gate + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfront, mainentrance, exitback, sideinner, outerdouble, five-bar (BrE), five-barred (BrE)a wide driveway with double gatesbig, great, largeThe great gates of the abbey were shut fast.heavyhighnarrowopenclosed, lockediron, metal, steel, wooden, wrought-ironcity, factory, farm, garden, park, prison, school, etc.securitydepartureA flight attendant was stationed at the departure gate to check tickets.startingThe horses began entering the starting gate.lock (esp. BrE), sluice… OF GATESseta set of ornamental gatesVERB + gateopenbar, close, lock, shutDon't forget to shut the gate when you leave.The defenders had closed and barred all the city gates.go throughGo through the gate and continue down the track.gate + VERBopen, swing openThe heavy gate swung open.close, shut, slam, slam shutThe gate shut behind him.lead to sthPREPOSITIONthrough a/the gateHe led us through a gate into a little garden.

gatecrash

gatecrashverb

Gatecrash is used with these nouns as the object:

gated

gatedadj.

Gated is used with these nouns:

community

gatefold

gatefoldnoun

Gatefold is used before these nouns:

sleeve

gateway

gatewaynoun

Gateway is used after these nouns:

Gather is used with these nouns as the subject:

gather

gatherverb

verb1 come together in a group2 bring people/things together3 increase1 come together in a groupADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBquicklyabout (BrE), around, round (esp. BrE), togetherPREPOSITIONaround, round (esp. BrE)The boys gathered around the car.forThey are all gathering for a major conference.

2 bring people/things togetherADVERBADVERBhastily, hurriedly, quicklyShe hastily gathered all her belongings together.carefullytogether, up

3 increaseADVERB | VERB + gatherADVERBquickly, rapidlyThe movement for reform rapidly gathered momentum.slowlyVERB + gatherbegin to, start toAs the weeks passed, Charlie began to gather strength.continue to

army, cloud, crowd, demonstrator, fan, protester, spectator, tear, vulture

Gather is used with these nouns as the object:

army, bag, belongings, collection, composure, confidence, courage, crowd, data, dust, evidence, fact, feedback, following, harvest, herb, honey, information, intelligence, material, momentum, nerve, news, pace, pollen, rein, signature, speed, strength, supply, thought, wit, wood

gathered

gatheredadj.

Gathered is used with these nouns:

skirt, throng

gather in

gather inphr verb

Gather in is used with these nouns as the object:

harvest

gathering

gatheringnoun

noun1 meeting2 collecting1 meetingADJECTIVE | VERB + gathering | gathering + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, largesmallprivate, publicinformal, intimateformalfamily, political, religious, socialinternational, nationalannualholiday (AmE)VERB + gatheringattend, go toIn some cultures, women are not allowed to attend public gatherings.have, hold, host, organizeWe're having a small family gathering to mark our wedding anniversary.addressgathering + VERBtake placePREPOSITIONgathering ofThe president addressed a gathering of local government officials.PHRASESa gathering of the clan/clans (humorous, esp. BrE)We all go to my parents' at Christmas for the annual gathering of the clan.

2 collectingADJECTIVEADJECTIVEinformation, intelligence

gather together

gather togetherphr verb

Gather together is used with these nouns as the object:

belongings

gather up

gather upphr verb

Gather up is used with these nouns as the object:

belongings, rein

gaudy

gaudyadj.

Gaudy is used with these nouns:

colour, jewellery

gauge

gaugenounverb

I. (AmE also gage) noun1 measuring instrument2 distance between rails3 fact for judging sth1 measuring instrumentADJECTIVE | VERB + gauge | gauge + VERBADJECTIVEaccuratefuel, gas (AmE), oil, petrol (BrE)depth, pressure, rain, temperatureVERB + gaugecheck, glance at, look at, readThe pilot checked the fuel gauge frequently.gauge + VERBindicate sth, read sth, show sth, tell sb sthThe fuel gauge was reading ‘empty’.The depth gauge tells you how deep you have dived.measure sth

2 distance between railsADJECTIVEADJECTIVEbroad, narrow, standard

3 fact for judging sthADJECTIVE | VERB + gauge | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEaccurate, good, reliable, usefulVERB + gaugebe seen as, serve asThis company is seen as a gauge of our industrial well-being.PREPOSITIONgauge of

II. (AmE also gage) verbADVERB | VERB + gaugeADVERBaccurately, correctly, precisely, properlycarefullyVERB + gaugebe able to, cantry tobe difficult to, be hard to, be impossible toIt is difficult to gauge accurately how much fuel is needed

Gauge is used with these nouns as the object:

distance, effectiveness, expression, extent, impact, mood, progress, reaction, response, success

gaunt

gauntadj.

Gaunt is used with these nouns:

gauze

gauzenoun

Gauze is used before these nouns:

bandage, dressing, pad

gavel-to-gavel

gavel-to-gaveladj.

Gavel-to-gavel is used with these nouns:

coverage

gawky

gawkyadj.

Gawky is used with these nouns:

Gay is used with these nouns:

gay

gayadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, look, soundactbecome, turnADVERBopenlyHe is openly gay.PHRASESgay and lesbianthe gay and lesbian section in the bookstore

affair, bar, club, community, consciousness, couple, culture, friend, guy, icon, identity, liberation, lifestyle, literature, lover, magazine, male, man, marriage, neighbourhood, nightclub, parent, partner, partnership, people, person, politics, press, pride, relationship, right, scene, sex, sexuality, union, wedding, writer, youth

gay-friendly

gay-friendlyadj.

Gay-friendly is used with these nouns:

gay pride

gay pridenoun

Gay pride is used before these nouns:

festival, march, parade

gay rights

gay rightsnoun

Gay rights is used before these nouns:

movement, supporter

gaze

gazenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + gaze | gaze + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdirect, fixed, level, steady, watchfulShe felt embarrassed under his steady gaze.intense, intent, penetrating, piercing, searchingclearcold, cool, hard, icy, steelyangry, critical, stern, witheringcurious, questioningblue, dark, grey/gray, etc.His deep blue gaze held hers.public (figurative)Rock stars are constantly exposed to the public gaze.VERB + gazedirect, fix (sb with), focus, turnThey fixed their gaze on the dark line of the coast ahead.She fixed him with a level gaze.He turned his gaze on me.catch, meet, returnShe refused to meet my gaze.holdfollowI followed her gaze and spotted a lion on the horizon.avert, drop, lower, shift, tearShe deliberately averted her gaze when he came in.Carla tore her gaze from the sea.avoidShe avoided his gaze.gaze + VERBdrift, flick, flicker, move, roam (sth), shift, sweep (sth), travel, wanderHis gaze flickered over the room.His gaze flickered for an instant.follow sthHer gaze followed Simon's through the archway.fix on sth, lock (with sth), meet sthHer gaze fixed on his and held it unblinkingly.His gaze locked with hers.hold sthlinger, restRebecca's gaze rested on the child thoughtfully.fallHer gaze fell on Kate's tousled hair.narrowThe dark gaze narrowed.PREPOSITIONunder sb's gazeHe blushed under her angry gaze.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBintently, steadilyHe gazed steadily into the distance.absently, blanklyHe gazed absently at the passing crowd.dreamily, thoughtfully, wistfullyadmiringly, adoringly, fondly, longingly, lovinglyShe gazed admiringly up at him.down, out, upHe gazed out over the lake.PREPOSITIONatEvery one gazed at her beautiful jewels.inThey gazed in wonder at the mighty peaks.intoShe gazed steadily into his face.

gaze at

gaze atphr verb

Gaze at is used with these nouns as the subject:

Gaze at is used with these nouns as the object:

reflection, screen

gaze in through

gaze in throughphr verb

Gaze in through is used with these nouns as the object:

gaze into

gaze intophr verb

Gaze into is used with these nouns as the object:

crystal ball, distance

gaze out

gaze outphr verb

Gaze out is used with these nouns as the object:

gaze out of

gaze out ofphr verb

Gaze out of is used with these nouns as the object:

gaze through

gaze throughphr verb

Gaze through is used with these nouns as the object:

gaze up at

gaze up atphr verb

Gaze up at is used with these nouns as the subject:

GCSE

GCSEnoun

GCSE is used before these nouns:

exam, examination, pass, syllabus

gear

gearnounverb

I. noun1 in a vehicle2 equipment/clothes1 in a vehicleADJECTIVE | VERB + gear | gear + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbottom, top (both BrE)She was driving along in top gear.high, lowfirst, second, etc.reverseVERB + gearengage, selectEngage first gear and move off.change (esp. BrE), shift (AmE), switch (usually figurative)It's difficult to steer and change/shift gear at the same time.He found it hard to switch gears when he retired.change into (BrE), move into, put sth into, shift into (AmE), slam sth into, slip sth intoShe put the car into first gear and drove off.move up, step up (often figurative)Coming out of the final bend, the runner stepped up a gear to overtake the rest of the pack.crash (BrE), grindHe was crashing the gears because he was so nervous.gear + NOUNchangeShe made a smooth gear change.lever, shift (AmE), stick (usually gearstick) (BrE)PREPOSITIONin (a/the) gearI was driving along in third gear.Some drivers leave the car in gear when parking on hills.out of gearLeave the car out of gear.

2 equipment/clothesADJECTIVE | VERB + gear | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcamping, climbing, fishing, hiking, riding, running, sports, swimmingbreathing (esp. BrE)firemen in breathing gearprotectiveThe hot weather makes it hard for soldiers in protective gear.landingthe plane's landing gearbattle, combat, riotoutdoordesignerShe was the only one wearing expensive designer gear.VERB + gearbe dressed in, have on, wearShe had her running gear on.put on, take offPREPOSITIONin … geara group of men in combat gear

II. verb be geared to sth; be geared towards/toward sthADVERBADVERBprimarilyspecificallyOur training sessions are geared specifically to the needs of older workers.clearlyentirely, exclusivelyan economy exclusively geared towards/toward tourism

geek

geeknoun

Geek is used after these nouns:

computer, gadget

gel

gelnounverb

I. noun

Gel is used before these nouns:

pad, pen

Gel is used after these nouns:

shower

II. verb

Gel is used with these nouns as the object:

gelatin

gelatinadj.

Gelatin is used with these nouns:

capsule

gem

gemnoun

noun1 jewel2 person/thing1 jewelADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEprecious, pricelessPHRASESencrusted with gems, studded with gemsa belt studded with priceless gems

2 person/thingADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVElittleabsolute, real, trueThe second side of their new album contains some real gems.rareforgotten, hidden, undiscoveredShe worked in the antiques trade, searching out hidden gems in the most unlikely places.architecturalarchitectural gems like the Taj MahalPHRASESa gem of a sthThis is a gem of a show.

gender

gendernoun

nounADJECTIVE | gender + NOUNADJECTIVEfemale, malesameoppositegender + NOUNrelationsdifferences, divisions, gapShe examines the interplay between changing gender divisions and urban change.equality, equity (esp. AmE)bias, discrimination, imbalance, inequalityThe government is working on tackling gender inequalities in employment.identity, norm, role, stereotypeManagers may value different qualities in men than in women, reinforcing gender stereotypes.issues, politics

gene

genenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + gene | gene + VERB | gene + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdominant, recessiveabnormal, defective, mutanthumanVERB + genecarry, havepeople who carry the gene that causes this diseasepass onThe gene is passed on to their children.inheritidentify, mapWe may be able to identify the genes responsible for disease resistance.gene + VERBaffect sth, be responsible for sth, cause sth, control sth, influence sthGenes control the development of an embryo.evolve, mutategene + NOUNpoolA gene pool of at least 300 animals is necessary to maintain a healthy tiger population.defect, mutationGene mutations are alterations in the DNA code.sequencetherapyPREPOSITIONgene forAn individual may pass on to future generations its genes for tallness.

general

generalnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | general + VERBADJECTIVEone-star, two-star, three-star, etc. (all AmE)general + VERBcommand sth, lead sthBoth generals had commanded units in that area.

II. adj.

General is used with these nouns:

acceptance, acclaim, administration, adoption, advice, agreement, aim, amnesty, anaesthetic, apathy, appearance, application, approach, approval, argument, aspect, assembly, assent, assertion, assessment, assumption, atmosphere, attitude, audience, availability, awareness, background, belief, category, chaos, characteristic, check-up, chorus, circulation, classification, collapse, comment, commitment, concept, conception, concern, confusion, consensus, consent, context, conversation, correlation, counsel, criticism, currency, decline, decrease, description, direction, directive, disarmament, disarray, discontent, discussion, disillusionment, dislike, dissatisfaction, distaste, distinction, distress, distribution, distrust, drift, duty, editor, education, election, electorate, enquiry, enthusiasm, euphoria, expectation, expenditure, explanation, failure, fatigue, fear, feeling, finding, fitness, framework, gist, gloom, guidance, guide, guideline, heading, health, hospital, hostility, idea, ignorance, implication, importance, impression, improvement, index, indication, information, insecurity, instruction, insurance, intention, interest, introduction, knowledge, labourer, lack, layout, level, library, maintenance, management, manager, maxim, medicine, meeting, membership, merchandise, mistrust, mood, murmur, nature, neglect, notion, nursing, observation, opinion, outline, outlook, overview, panic, pardon, partner, perception, philosophy, physician, picture, population, practice, presumption, principle, prohibition, property, proposition, prosperity, public, purpose, reaction, reader, recognition, recommendation, reduction, reference, rejoicing, relaxation, relevance, reluctance, remark, report, requirement, revenue, rise, rule, run, scepticism, secretary, sense, sentiment, shape, shortage, significance, similarity, situation, staff, store, strategy, strike, summary, supervision, support, surgeon, surgery, survey, sympathy, taxation, tendency, tenor, term, textbook, theme, theory, thesis, thrust, tone, topic, trend, truth, understanding, unease, unhappiness, usage, use, usefulness, verdict, vicinity, view, warranty, welfare, well-being, will, willingness

general interest

general interestnoun

General interest is used before these nouns:

generalization

generalizationnoun

(BrE also -isation) nounADJECTIVE | VERB + generalization | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbroad, gross (esp. AmE), hasty, sweepingabstract, vagueuseful, validVERB + generalizationmakePREPOSITIONgeneralization aboutThe author makes several sweeping generalizations about the causes of the crisis.

generalize

generalizeverb

(BrE also -ise) verbVERB + generalize | PREPOSITIONVERB + generalizecanbe easy to, be possible tobe difficult to, be hard to, be impossible tobe dangerous toPREPOSITIONaboutIt is impossible to generalize about such a complicated subject.fromWe cannot generalize from these few examples.

generalized

generalizedadj.

Generalized is used with these nouns:

anxiety

general knowledge

general knowledgenoun

General knowledge is used before these nouns:

quiz

generally general-purpose

general-purposeadj.

General-purpose is used with these nouns:

tool

generate

generateverb

verbADVERB | VERB + generate | PREPOSITIONADVERBquicklyautomatically, spontaneouslyPeople used to believe that dirt spontaneously generated disease.randomlya sequence of randomly generated numberslocallyVERB + generatehelp (to)the opportunity to help generate ideasbe used toThe wind turbines are used to generate electricity.be expected to, be likely toThe lottery is expected to generate substantial funds for charities.PREPOSITIONfromLiving cells generate energy from food.profits generated from the company's activities

Generate is used with these nouns as the subject:

Generate is used with these nouns as the object:

business, buzz, capital, cash, code, confidence, confusion, controversy, current, data, debate, demand, discussion, document, earnings, electricity, emission, employment, energy, enthusiasm, estimate, excitement, expectation, fee, flow, force, friction, fund, goodwill, headline, heat, hysteria, idea, image, impulse, income, interest, job, light, momentum, motivation, mountain, noise, outrage, oxygen, pollution, power, pressure, profile, profit, publicity, report, representation, resentment, response, result, return, revenue, sale, saving, signal, steam, stream, support, surplus, suspense, sympathy, tension, torrent, traffic, uncertainty, unease, voltage, waste, wave, wealth

generation

generationnoun

noun1 people/period of time2 production of sth1 people/period of timeADJECTIVE | VERB + generation | generation + VERB | generation + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcurrent, presentnew, youngerolderThe older generation preferred the traditional kind of ceremony.coming, future, later, next, risingThe forest will be preserved for future generations.earlier, former, last, past, preceding, previousThese children seem to have a stronger sense of purpose than the previous generation.the wisdom of past generationsfirst, second, etc.The second generation of immigrants often adopted British names.a second-generation Korean-American artistsubsequent, succeeding, successiveSucceeding generations have added to the stock of stories and legends.wholeThe First World War slaughtered a whole generation.baby-boom, baby-boomer (= people born after the Second World War), post-wargeneration X (= people born between the early 1960s and the middle of the 1970s who seem to lack a sense of direction in life)losta lost generation of dropoutsVERB + generationbelong topeople who belong to a younger generationdate back, go back, stretch backa family history stretching back generationsgeneration + VERBgrow upa generation who grew up on fast foodgeneration + NOUNgapI was aware of a real generation gap between us.PREPOSITIONfor a generationThe consequences of the leak may not become apparent for a generation or more.for generationsThis kind of apple has been grown for generations.PHRASESfrom generation to generationThe recipe has been handed down from generation to generation.from one generation to the next

2 production of sthADJECTIVEADJECTIVEelectricity, powerdifferent methods of power generationincome, revenue

generational

generationaladj.

Generational is used with these nouns:

conflict, divide

generative

generativeadj.

Generative is used with these nouns:

linguistics

generator

generatornoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + generator | generator + VERBADJECTIVEdiesel, gas, petrol (BrE), steam, windelectrical, electricity, powerportableemergencyVERB + generatordrive, powerA water turbine drives the generator.generator + VERBproduce sth, supply sthThe wind generator supplies 120 watts in a strong breeze.run

generic

genericadj.

Generic is used with these nouns:

brand, drug, name, product, term, version

generosity

generositynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + generosity | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEextraordinary, great, incredibleboundless, selflessVERB + generosityextend, show (sb)He thanked them for the extraordinary generosity they had shown.appreciatetake advantage ofTheir guests took advantage of their generosity, overstaying their welcome by several days.repayHow can I repay your generosity?PREPOSITIONgenerosity to, generosity towards/towardtheir great generosity to the schoolPHRASESan act of generositygenerosity of spiritShe showed an unusual generosity of spirit to those who had opposed her.thanks to the generosity of sbThe hospital has now bought a new body scanner, thanks to the generosity of local fund-raisers.

generous

generousadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, feel, seem, soundbecomeJohn's become very generous with the wine!ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.exceedingly, extraordinarily, incredibly, mostYou have been most generous.overlyThe review panel criticized the payments as overly generous.reasonably, relativelyPREPOSITIONofThank you for your donation. It was very generous of you.toThey have been extremely generous to the church.withShe's very generous with her praise.

Generous is used with these nouns:

allowance, benefactor, benefit, bequest, budget, character, contribution, contributor, discount, donation, donor, funding, gift, hand, help, helping, hospitality, host, incentive, interpretation, level, margin, measure, mood, offer, package, patron, payment, pension, portion, proportion, quantity, rebate, salary, settlement, slice, soul, spirit, sponsorship, subsidy, sum, support, tip, treatment, tribute

generously

generouslyadv.

Generously is used with these verbs:

butter, contribute, fund, illustrate, offer, respond, reward, supply, support

genetic genetically genetically engineered

genetically engineeredadj.

Genetically engineered is used with these nouns:

crop, food, ingredient

genetically modified

genetically modifiedadj.

Genetically modified is used with these nouns:

corn, crop, food, ingredient

genetics

geneticsnoun

nounADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEevolutionarymolecularmedicalhuman, plantpopulationMendelianPHRASESthe science of genetics

genial

genialadj.

Genial is used with these nouns:

host

genital

genitaladj.

Genital is used with these nouns:

organ

genitals

genitalsnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + genitalsADJECTIVEfemale, maleVERB + genitalscovertouchdisplay, exhibit, expose

genius

geniusnoun

noun1 very great and unusual ability2 person with great and unusual ability1 very great and unusual abilityADJECTIVE | … OF GENIUS | VERB + genius | genius + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgreat, pure, real, sheer, truenaturalwayward (esp. BrE)… OF GENIUSflash, spark, stroke, touchIn a flash of pure genius, she realized the answer to the problem.It was a stroke of genius on my part to avoid such awkward questions.VERB + geniushaveShe has a genius for sorting things out.showa work which shows real geniusgenius + VERBlie in sthHis genius lies in his ability to convey pure terror in his work.PREPOSITIONof geniusa writer of geniusgenius forhis genius for pinpointing the absurd

2 person with great and unusual abilityADJECTIVEADJECTIVEgreatnaturaleccentric, madcreativeboyevilartistic, comedic (esp. AmE), comedy, comic, computer, literary, math (AmE), mathematical, maths (BrE), military, musical, scientific, etc.

genocidal

genocidaladj.

Genocidal is used with these nouns:

maniac, massacre

genocide

genocidenoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEmassRefugees gave accounts of the mass genocide.culturalPREPOSITIONgenocide againstgenocide against ethnic minorities

genome

genomenoun

Genome is used before these nouns:

sequence

genre

genrenoun

Genre is used before these nouns:

fiction, painter, painting

Genre is used after these nouns:

fantasy, film, movie, music, thriller

gentle

gentleadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, look, seembecomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.almostsurprisinglydeceptivelyHis mouth looked deceptively gentle.PREPOSITIONonThe new treatments are gentle on your hair.withShe was very gentle with the children.

Gentle is used with these nouns:

bend, breeze, caress, character, curve, decline, descent, disposition, dive, embrace, encouragement, exercise, finger, gradient, grip, guidance, hand, handling, heat, hill, hint, hum, humour, irony, kiss, knock, light, massage, melody, motion, movement, nudge, pace, person, persuasion, pressure, pull, push, rain, rebuke, reminder, reprimand, rustle, sex, shake, shampoo, shove, slap, slope, smile, soap, soul, squeeze, stretch, stroll, swell, tap, tinkle, tone, touch, trot, tug, voice, walk, warmth, wave, whisper, wit

gentleman

gentlemannoun

noun1 man who is polite to others2 way of referring to a man3 rich man with a high social position1 man who is polite to othersADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEperfect, real, trueHe's a real gentleman, always kind and considerate.PHRASESbe no gentlemanHe may be famous, but he's no gentleman.too much of a gentlemanHe was too much of a gentleman to ask them for any money.

2 way of referring to a manADJECTIVEADJECTIVEelderlydistinguishedhandsome

3 rich man with a high social positionADJECTIVE | gentleman + NOUNADJECTIVEcountryHe retired to his estate and lived the life of a country gentleman.gentleman + NOUNfarmer

gently

gentlyadv.

Gently is used with these adjectives:

humorous, rounded

Gently is used with these verbs:

ascend, ask, blow, bob, breathe, brush, bump, caress, clasp, clean, cleanse, close, coax, cook, cradle, curve, descend, dip, drop, ease, embrace, enquire, flap, float, flow, fold, fry, grip, guide, hand, heat, help, hold, hug, incline, insert, kick, kiss, knead, knock, land, lap, laugh, lay, lift, lower, massage, mix, mock, murmur, nod, nudge, pat, patter, persuade, pick, pinch, place, press, probe, pull, push, put, rap, rebuke, remind, replace, reply, reprimand, rest, ripple, rock, roll, rotate, rub, rustle, say, scold, scrape, shake, shove, simmer, sing, slap, slide, slope, smile, smooth, snore, squeeze, stir, stretch, stroke, suggest, sway, swing, tap, tease, tell, tilt, toss, touch, trace, tread, tuck, tug, twist, urge, vibrate, waft, wake, warm, wash, wave, whisper, wipe

genuine

genuineadj.

adj.1 real2 sincere1 realVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, look, proveconsider sthThe document is not considered genuine.ADVERBabsolutely, completely, entirely, perfectly, quite, totallyHer happiness was perfectly genuine.apparently, seemingly

2 sincereVERBS | ADVERBVERBSappear, be, look, seem, soundADVERBreally, truly, veryabsolutely, completely, perfectly, quiteI'm convinced she is absolutely genuine.enoughHis offer sounded genuine enough.apparently, seemingly

Genuine is used with these nouns:

admiration, affection, amusement, anger, antique, appreciation, article, belief, believer, commitment, compassion, concern, contender, curiosity, democracy, desire, dilemma, disagreement, distress, document, effort, emotion, empathy, enthusiasm, equality, excitement, faith, fear, feeling, grievance, hardship, hero, improvement, independence, interest, intimacy, kindness, laugh, leather, love, mistake, misunderstanding, mystery, outrage, passion, pleasure, progress, reconciliation, reform, refugee, regret, remorse, repentance, respect, risk, sense, sincerity, sorrow, spirit, surprise, suspense, sympathy, talent, tear, tenderness, warmth, willingness, worry

genuinely

genuinelyadv.

Genuinely is used with these adjectives:

afraid, amazed, amused, apologetic, committed, concerned, confused, creative, creepy, curious, delighted, democratic, disappointed, enthusiastic, equal, exciting, fond, friendly, frightened, frightening, funny, grateful, happy, helpful, ill, impressed, inclusive, independent, interested, interesting, kind, likeable, modest, mystified, new, nice, perplexed, pleased, puzzled, radical, scared, shocked, shocking, sorry, spontaneous, surprised, sympathetic, touched, unable, unsure, uplifting, upset, useful, warm, worried

Genuinely is used with these verbs:

appreciate, believe, care, embrace, fear, like, love, repent, want

geographic

geographicadj.

Geographic is used with these nouns:

boundary, distance, diversity, expansion, isolation, location, pole, proximity, reach, region, scope, variation

geographical

geographicaladj.

Geographical is used with these nouns:

area, boundary, concentration, context, distance, distribution, diversity, expansion, expression, extent, feature, isolation, location, mobility, origin, position, proximity, reach, region, scope, spread, variation

geographically geography

geographynoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEeconomic, historical, human, physical, politicalcultural, socialthe cultural geography of the South

geologic

geologicadj.

Geologic is used with these nouns:

history

geological

geologicaladj.

Geological is used with these nouns:

data, fault, feature, formation, history, map, record, survey

geologically

geologicallyadv.

Geologically is used with these adjectives:

interesting

geology

geologynoun

nounADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEapplied, engineeringphysical, structuralenvironmental, marinepetroleumPleistocene, Quaternary, etc.PHRASESthe science of geology

geomagnetic

geomagneticadj.

Geomagnetic is used with these nouns:

pole

geometric

geometricadj.

Geometric is used with these nouns:

design, pattern, shape, symbol

geometrical

geometricaladj.

Geometrical is used with these nouns:

geometry

geometrynoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEalgebraic, coordinate, differential, fractal, solid, three-dimensionalEuclidean, non-Euclideanbasicinternal, localsacredPre-Christian sacred geometry was incorporated into church architecture.

geophysical

geophysicaladj.

Geophysical is used with these nouns:

survey

Georgian

Georgianadj.

Georgian is used with these nouns:

terrace

geostationary

geostationaryadj.

Geostationary is used with these nouns:

satellite

geriatric

geriatricadj.

Geriatric is used with these nouns:

medicine, nursing, psychiatry

germ

germnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + germ | germ + NOUNADJECTIVEdeadlyThe epidemic was caused by a deadly germ.drug-resistant, resistantflu, strep (AmE), typhoid, etc.VERB + germcarry, spreadChildren carry all kinds of germs home from school.destroy, killThey used bleach to kill any germs in the sink and drain.germ + NOUNwarfare

German

Germannounadj.

I. nounII. adj.

German is used with these nouns:

advance, unification

germinate

germinateverb

Germinate is used with these nouns as the subject:

seed

Gestalt

Gestaltnoun

Gestalt is used before these nouns:

psychology

gestation

gestationnoun

Gestation is used before these nouns:

period

gesticulate

gesticulateverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBwildlyHe gesticulated wildly as he tried to make her understand.PREPOSITIONatThe other woman was gesticulating at the ambulance.toShe was gesticulating to me with her hands.towards/towardThe officer gesticulated towards/toward the refugees.

gesture

gesturenounverb

I. noun1 movement that expresses sth2 sth that shows other people what you think/feel1 movement that expresses sthADJECTIVE | VERB + gesture | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdramatic, expansive, expressive, extravagant, flamboyant, melodramatic, rhetorical, sweeping, theatricalShe made an expansive gesture with her arms.abruptsubtle, vagueHe responded with a vague gesture in the direction of the beach.crude (esp. AmE), obscene, rudeangry, defiant, dismissive, threateninghelplessVERB + gesturemakeThe children made rude gestures at them.PREPOSITIONby gestureThey communicate entirely by gesture.in a gestureHe waved his arms in a melodramatic gesture.with a gestureShe waved us away with an impatient gesture.gesture ofa gesture of despair

2 sth that shows other people what you think/feelADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEkind, nice, sweet, thoughtfulI thought it was a nice gesture to send everyone a card.bolda bold gesture of reconciliationsimpledramatic, extravagant, grandHe had the respect of his people without the need for grand gestures.nobleconciliatory, friendly, goodwillromanticempty, small, symbolic, tokenWords and empty gestures are not enough—we demand action!a token gesture of their good intentionsfutilepoliticalPREPOSITIONas a gestureSeveral hostages were released as a goodwill gesture.in a gestureIn a dramatic gesture, he threw the money on the table.gesture againstThe invasion attempt was intended as a political gesture against his opponents.gesture ofHis gift was a gesture of friendship.gesture towards/towardThe president's speech was seen as a conciliatory gesture towards/toward former enemies.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBvaguelyfrantically, wildlyexpansively, grandlyimpatientlyhelplesslyPREPOSITIONatShe gestured at him to step back.about (BrE), aroundHe gestured around the room, lost for words.forHe gestured abruptly for Virginia to get in the car.toDavis gestured to the waiter.towards/towardHe gestured vaguely towards/toward the house.

get

getverb

Get is used with these nouns as the subject:

employee, finance, weather, winner

Get is used with these nouns as the object:

abscess, access, accolade, accommodation, acknowledgement, acne, advance, advantage, advice, affection, agent, agreement, aid, AIDS, ailment, allocation, allowance, ally, ambulance, amusement, answer, apology, appendicitis, applause, appointment, approval, arthritis, assignment, assistance, assistant, assurance, asylum, attention, audition, authorization, autograph, award, axe, backing, bail, ball, bang, bargain, bash, bearing, beating, beer, benefit, berth, bid, bill, bite, blame, blessing, blow, blues, bonus, boost, bout, break, briefing, bronze, bruise, budget, bug, bump, burn, bus, buyer, cab, cable, call, cancer, card, catch, certificate, chance, change, check-up, cheer, chill, chuckle, citizenship, clap, clarification, claustrophobia, clearance, client, coat, comfort, command, comment, commission, compensation, complaint, complex, compliment, concession, concussion, confession, confidence, confirmation, consent, contract, control, cooperation, copy, cough, counsel, counselling, coupon, coverage, cramp, craving, credentials, credit, criticism, crop, crowd, crush, custody, customer, cut, data, deal, deduction, degree, delivery, delusion, diarrhoea, dig, diphtheria, diploma, direction, dirt, discharge, discomfort, discount, disease, dividend, divorce, doctor, doctorate, dole, donation, dose, draw, drift, drink, driving licence, education, electric shock, email, employment, encore, encouragement, endorsement, enjoyment, enquiry, entry, erection, exemption, exercise, experience, exposure, extension, favour, fax, feedback, feeling, ferry, fever, fine, finish, first, fit, fix, flashback, flat, flavour, flea, flight, flow, flower, flu, foothold, footing, franchise, fright, fulfilment, fun, fund, funding, gash, gift, gig, girlfriend, gist, glimpse, glory, goal, gold, gossip, grade, grant, grasp, grip, grocery, grounding, guarantee, haircut, hand, handout, hassle, haul, headache, headline, hearing, help, hepatitis, hiccup, high, hint, HIV, hold, holiday, homework, hug, hype, idea, illness, impression, indication, indigestion, infection, information, inheritance, injection, injunction, inkling, input, insight, inspiration, instruction, insurance, intelligence, invitation, invoice, irritation, jacket, jackpot, job, joke, journal, joy, justice, kick, kip, kiss, knack, knighthood, knock, know-how, laugh, lead, lease, leave, lecture, legacy, lesson, letter, leverage, licence, lift, loan, look, lunch, magazine, mail, majority, mandate, mark, master, meaning, measurement, medal, meeting, membership, memo, mention, merchandise, message, migraine, mileage, money, monopoly, mortgage, mouthful, name, news, newspaper, nickname, nod, nourishment, number, occasion, offer, opinion, opportunity, order, ovation, overdraft, oxygen, pain, paper, parcel, pardon, parole, pass, passport, patent, pay, payment, peek, peep, penalty, pension, permission, permit, perspective, phone, photograph, picture, pimple, place, plane, pleasure, pneumonia, point, pointer, poisoning, possession, post, postcard, posting, power, practice, praise, premonition, present, prestige, preview, priority, prize, probation, promotion, proof, proposal, publicity, punch, puncture, quotation, quote, rash, rating, ration, reaction, reading, reassurance, rebate, receipt, reception, recipe, recognition, recommendation, recompense, reduction, reference, refreshment, refund, relief, religion, reminder, replacement, reply, report, representation, reprieve, reprimand, reputation, request, reservation, respect, response, rest, result, return, revenge, revenue, review, reward, rheumatism, rhythm, ride, right, role, royalty, run, sack, satisfaction, scan, scare, scholarship, schooling, score, scratch, seat, sense, sentence, service, sex, share, shave, shipment, shock, shot, showing, shuttle, sickness, sight, signature, silver, single, slap, sleep, slice, slip, smack, smallpox, snack, sniff, snippet, snow, snowfall, social security, soda, sore, sound, splinter, sponsor, sponsorship, station, status, stimulation, sting, stitch, strain, submission, subscription, subsidy, sum, summons, sun, suntan, supervision, supply, support, surge, surgery, surprise, suspension, sympathy, symptom, tan, taste, tattoo, taxi, tea, telegram, telephone, tenure, thank you, thanks, thrashing, thrill, ticket, tip, tip-off, tone, train, training, transfusion, transplant, treat, treatment, trial, truth, try, tuition, turnout, twinge, ultimatum, update, urge, vacation, valuation, view, viewpoint, virus, visa, visit, visitor, vitamin, volunteer, vote, voucher, warning, warrant, warranty, welcome, whiff, win, windfall, wish, word, work, wrinkle

get across

get acrossphr verb

Get across is used with these nouns as the object:

idea, message, point, point of view, river, road

get around

get aroundphr verb

Get around is used with these nouns as the subject:

rumour

Get around is used with these nouns as the object:

get at

get atphr verb

Get at is used with these nouns as the object:

root, truth

getaway

getawaynoun

Getaway is used before these nouns:

Getaway is used after these nouns:

weekend

get away from

get away fromphr verb

Get away from is used with these nouns as the object:

home, pressure

get away with

get away withphr verb

Get away with is used with these nouns as the subject:

robber, thief

Get away with is used with these nouns as the object:

haul, murder

get back

get backphr verb

Get back is used with these nouns as the object:

appetite, breath, confidence, deposit, hearing, strength

get back from

get back fromphr verb

Get back from is used with these nouns as the object:

vacation

get back on

get back onphr verb

Get back on is used with these nouns as the object:

footing

get back to

get back tophr verb

Get back to is used with these nouns as the object:

basics, fitness, land, nature, reality, root, subject

get behind on

get behind onphr verb

Get behind on is used with these nouns as the object:

mortgage

get down

get downphr verb

Get down is used with these nouns as the object:

inflation, weight

get down from

get down fromphr verb

Get down from is used with these nouns as the object:

get down on

get down onphr verb

Get down on is used with these nouns as the object:

get down to

get down tophr verb

Get down to is used with these nouns as the object:

basics, business, reading, work

get from

get fromphr verb

Get from is used with these nouns as the object:

get in get into

get intophr verb

Get into is used with these nouns as the subject:

Get into is used with these nouns as the object:

argument, arrears, bed, boat, brawl, cab, car, carriage, confrontation, conversation, corner, debt, difficulty, fight, first, fix, habit, head, huddle, lifeboat, market, mess, mischief, muddle, newspaper, panic, paper, parliament, perspective, predicament, rhythm, routine, row, scrap, situation, skid, spirit, stance, state, tangle, tank, taxi, teaching, team, technicality, trouble, tub

get off get off at

get off atphr verb

Get off at is used with these nouns as the object:

exit

get off with

get off withphr verb

Get off with is used with these nouns as the object:

caution

get on get onto

get ontophr verb

Get onto is used with these nouns as the object:

boat, bus, cart, ladder, scales, subject, team

get on with

get on withphr verb

Get on with is used with these nouns as the object:

business, job, task

get out

get outphr verb

Get out is used with these nouns as the subject:

passenger, secret, word

Get out is used with these nouns as the object:

mark, money, notebook, stain, stitch, wallet

get-out

get-outnoun

Get-out is used before these nouns:

get out of

get out ofphr verb

Get out of is used with these nouns as the object:

bed, boat, cab, car, carriage, chair, commitment, control, debt, fix, habit, head, jail, library, mess, predicament, prison, recession, seat, taxi, town, tub

get-out-the-vote

get-out-the-voteadj.

Get-out-the-vote is used with these nouns:

get over

get overphr verb

Get over is used with these nouns as the object:

bereavement, depression, experience, idea, pain, shock, shyness, trauma

get past

get pastphr verb

Get past is used with these nouns as the object:

opponent

get-rich-quick

get-rich-quickadj.

Get-rich-quick is used with these nouns:

get round

get roundphr verb

Get round is used with these nouns as the object:

get through

get throughphr verb

Get through is used with these nouns as the object:

blockade, breakup, paperwork, parliament, syllabus

get through to

get through tophr verb

Get through to is used with these nouns as the object:

final

get to get together

get togetherphr verb

Get together is used with these nouns as the object:

team, thing

get under

get underphr verb

Get under is used with these nouns as the object:

control, cover

get up

get upphr verb

Get up is used with these nouns as the object:

petition

get up from

get up fromphr verb

Get up from is used with these nouns as the object:

chair, couch, desk, sofa, table

get up off

get up offphr verb

Get up off is used with these nouns as the object:

get up out of

get up out ofphr verb

Get up out of is used with these nouns as the object:

get up to

get up tophr verb

Get up to is used with these nouns as the object:

antics, mischief

get-well

get-welladj.

Get-well is used with these nouns:

card

ghastly

ghastlyadj.

Ghastly is used with these nouns:

mistake, sight

ghost

ghostnoun

nounVERB + ghost | ghost + VERB | ghost + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + ghostseeYou look as if you've seen a ghost!believe inI don't believe in ghosts.conjure, invoke, summonexorcize, lay to restA priest was called in to exorcize the ghost.ghost + VERBappear, haunt sth, walk, wanderdark, cold nights when ghosts walkghost + NOUNstoryPREPOSITIONghost ofThe ghost of a hanged man is said to haunt the house.PHRASESas pale as a ghost, as white as a ghostHe looked as pale as a ghost.

ghostly

ghostlyadj.adv.

I. adj.

Ghostly is used with these nouns:

echo, figure, glow, presence, shape, silhouette

II. adv.

Ghostly is used with these adjectives:

pale

giant

giantnounadj.

I. noun1 very large man2 sth that is very large/important1 very large manPHRASESPHRASESa gentle giantSome people are intimidated by his size, but in fact he's a gentle giant.a giant of a manHe was a giant of a man, standing nearly seven feet tall.

2 sth that is very large/importantADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcorporate, multinationalindustrial, oil, pharmaceutical, retail, software, telecom, etc.The oil giant Esso is planning to set up a new refinery in the port.literaryCamus is considered to be one of the twentieth century's literary giants.PREPOSITIONgiant amongThe Amazon is a giant among rivers.giant ofThe company is now one of the giants of the computer industry.

II. adj.

Giant is used with these nouns:

alien, conglomerate, corporation, creature, fist, jigsaw, leap, lump, machine, mall, marquee, mess, monopoly, monster, multinational, mural, penis, pillar, retailer, screen, shadow, skyscraper, snake, spider, statue, step, stride, tanker, tree, wave

gibbering

gibberingadj.

Gibbering is used with these nouns:

idiot, wreck

gibbous

gibbousadj.

Gibbous is used with these nouns:

moon

giblets

gibletsnoun

Giblets is used after these nouns:

chicken

giddy

giddyadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feelbecome, come over all (BrE, informal), getMy mum came over all giddy and had to sit down.leave sb, make sbSteep stairs may leave you giddy and faint.ADVERBpositivelya little, slightly, etc.PREPOSITIONfromHe felt giddy from the sleeping pill.with

I was giddy with the heat.She was giddy with anticipation about spending two months with her father.(figurative, esp. AmE)

Giddy is used with these nouns:

excitement, height, whirl

gift

giftnoun

noun1 sth that you give to sb2 natural ability1 sth that you give to sbADJECTIVE | VERB + gift | gift + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgenerous, kind, thoughtful (esp. AmE)Thank you all for your kind gifts.expensive, lavish, precious, valuableShe received lavish gifts of clothes and perfume.lovely, special, wonderfulperfectsmallfreeWhen you place your first order with us, we will send you a free gift.birthday, Christmas, Hanukkah, holiday (AmE)anniversary, Christening, graduation (AmE), parting, shower (AmE), weddingan outfit that Aunt Marilyn gave as a baby shower gifthostessThese little boxes make perfect hostess gifts (= for the hostess of a party, etc.).monetary (esp. AmE)gag (AmE)unwantedthe problem of what to do with unwanted giftsVERB + giftbear, bestow, bring (sb), buy (sb), exchange, give sb, make sb, offer sb, present, send (sb)He arrived home bearing gifts for everyone.They gave each other gifts at Christmas.She wanted to make a gift to her grandchildren.accept, get, receivePlease accept this small gift.The children all received gifts.wrapopen, unwrapgift + NOUNshopwrapcard, tagbag, basket, box, pack, setNew customers will receive a free gift pack containing a selection of our products.a gift set of shampoo, soap and hand creamcertificate (AmE), token (BrE), voucher (BrE)ideaHere are ten great gift ideas for your friends.taxPREPOSITIONas a giftHer parents brought a set of spoons as a gift.gift forThere were gifts for all the children.gift fromThis vase was a gift from my mother.gift toThe golf clubs were her gift to her husband.PHRASESshower gifts on sb (esp. BrE), shower sb with gifts

2 natural abilityADJECTIVE | VERB + gift | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEamazing, extraordinary, great, outstanding, remarkable, special, unique, wonderfulhis great gifts as a teacherrareGod-given, innate, natural, specialartistic, musicalVERB + gifthave, possessPREPOSITIONgift forShe has a natural gift for music.

gifted

giftedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeADVERBextremely, veryexceptionally, extraordinarily, highly, immensely, incredibly, prodigiously, supremelynaturallya naturally gifted athleteuniquelyacademically, athletically, genetically (AmE), intellectually, musically, physically (esp. AmE)academically gifted childrenPREPOSITIONatHe's very gifted at languages.ingifted in the art of healingwithTheir helpers are gifted with amazing powers of patience.

Gifted is used with these nouns:

amateur, artist, child, musician, performer, player, writer

gift-wrapped

gift-wrappedadj.

Gift-wrapped is used with these nouns:

parcel

gig

gignoun

noun performance; jobADJECTIVE | VERB + gig | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElivepaid, payingbenefit, charity (both BrE)free (BrE)acting, consulting, modeling, speaking (all AmE)pub (BrE)VERB + gigdo, playThey're doing a gig in Boston tonight.get, landShe landed her first gig on Sesame Street.go toPREPOSITIONat a/the gigHe played with the band at a recent gig.

gigantic

giganticadj.

Gigantic is used with these nouns:

house, proportion

giggle

gigglenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + giggle | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElittle, slight, smallhigh-pitchedhysterical, nervousgirlishVERB + gigglegive, let outstifle, suppressI just managed to stifle a giggle at the absurd idea.hearPREPOSITIONwith a giggle‘Age before beauty!’ she said with a giggle.giggle about, giggle atWe shared a giggle about the new office romance.PHRASEScollapse into giggles, dissolve into gigglesWe all collapsed into giggles.a fit of (the) gigglesget the giggles (esp. BrE), have the giggles (esp. AmE)Alison tends to get the giggles at the most inappropriate moments.She still has the giggles about the experience.have a giggle (esp. BrE), share a giggle (esp. AmE)They all had a giggle at my expense.We shared a giggle at their predicament.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBhelplessly, hysterically, nervously, uncontrollablyThe children giggled hysterically.PREPOSITIONaboutThey giggled about their teacher's accident.atWe giggled at the picture.overWe were giggling over some old photos.withThe children giggled with delight.PHRASESa fit of gigglingThey collapsed in a fit of giggling.

giggling

gigglingadj.

Giggling is used with these nouns:

gilded

gildedadj.

Gilded is used with these nouns:

gilt-edged

gilt-edgedadj.

Gilt-edged is used with these nouns:

security

gimmick

gimmicknoun

nounADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVElatest, newa new gimmick to encourage people to spend moreelection, marketing, publicity, salesThe promise of lower taxation may have been just an election gimmick to gain votes.PHRASESjust a gimmick, nothing more than a gimmick, only a gimmickHe dismissed the event as just a publicity gimmick.

gin

ginnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + gin | PHRASESADJECTIVEstiffdouble, largesmallpink, sloeVERB + gindrink, have‘What are you drinking?’ ‘I'll have a gin and tonic, please.’sippour (sb)She poured herself a large gin.PHRASESa gin and tonic

ginger

gingernounadj.

I. noun

Ginger is used before these nouns:

ale, beer, biscuit

II. adj.

Ginger is used with these nouns:

beard, hair

gingerbread

gingerbreadnoun

Gingerbread is used before these nouns:

gingerly

gingerlyadv.

Gingerly is used with these verbs:

lift, open, pick, place, reach, sip, step, touch, tread

girl

girlnoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEbabyThey've had a baby girl.little, small, youngWhen she was a little girl, she dreamed of becoming a ballerina.five-year-old, etc.adolescent, teenage, teenaged (esp. AmE)greatbubbly, happy, livelylovely, nice, sweetattractive, beautiful, good-looking, gorgeous, handsome, pretty, stunningsingle, unmarriedpartyTracey is known for being a party girl.

girlfriend

girlfriendnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF GIRLFRIENDS | VERB + girlfriendADJECTIVEcurrent, latest, newfirst, lastformer, old (also ex-girlfriend)long-term, serious, steadylive-inpregnantjealous… OF GIRLFRIENDSstring, successionVERB + girlfriendhavefind, getmeetlive withsleep withpropose tomarrykiss

girlie

girlieadj.

Girlie is used with these nouns:

girlish

girlishadj.

Girlish is used with these nouns:

delight, giggle

giro

gironoun

Giro is used before these nouns:

gist

gistnoun

noun the gistADJECTIVE | VERB + the gist | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgeneralVERB + the gistconvey, give (sb)It is difficult to convey the gist of Reich's ideas simply.catch (esp. AmE), get, understandPREPOSITIONgist ofI could follow the general gist of their conversation.

give

giveverb

Give is used with these nouns as the subject:

authority, benefactor, chart, council, donor, index, jury, move, nature, recording, religion, resolution, upbringing

Give is used with these nouns as the object:

access, accolade, account, acupuncture, address, advance, advantage, advice, affection, aid, air, alarm, allegiance, allowance, amnesty, anaesthetic, analysis, answer, antibiotic, antidote, apology, appearance, appetite, appointment, appraisal, approval, approximation, aspirin, assent, assessment, assignment, assistance, assurance, asylum, attention, attitude, audience, audition, aura, authority, authorization, autograph, autonomy, award, background, backing, bail, banquet, bark, base, bash, bath, battle, beating, bellow, benefit, birth, blast, blessing, blood, blow, bonus, boost, bother, bow, break, breakdown, breather, bribe, brief, briefing, burial, cackle, call, card, cause, caution, chair, chance, change, character, charter, chase, check, check-up, cheek, cheer, cheque, choice, chuckle, citizenship, clang, clap, clarification, clarity, class, claustrophobia, clearance, click, clue, coherence, colour, comb, comfort, command, comment, commentary, commission, commitment, communion, compensation, complex, complexion, compliment, concert, condolences, confidence, confirmation, congratulations, connotation, consent, consideration, consistency, context, continuity, contract, control, cooperation, cough, counsel, counselling, coupon, course, cover, coverage, creak, credibility, credit, critique, cry, cuddle, cue, custody, cut, date, decision, deference, definition, delight, demonstration, deposit, depth, description, detail, detention, diagnosis, dictation, dig, dignity, dimension, dinner, direction, directive, discharge, discount, discretion, display, donation, dosage, dose, dowry, drug, edge, education, effect, electric shock, elegance, emphasis, employment, encore, encouragement, endorsement, energy, enjoyment, erection, escort, estimate, evidence, example, exclamation, excuse, exemption, exercise, explanation, exposure, expression, extension, fact, fanfare, farewell, feast, feedback, feeling, figure, filling, finding, fine, finish, first aid, flavour, flexibility, flick, flutter, focus, food, foothold, forecast, form, franchise, freedom, fright, frown, funding, gasp, gift, giggle, gist, glamour, glance, glare, glimpse, glow, grade, grant, greeting, grimace, grin, groan, ground, grounding, growl, grunt, guarantee, guess, guidance, guide, guideline, gulp, gurgle, hammering, hand, handout, handshake, hassle, haul, headache, hearing, heart attack, heave, hell, help, hiccup, high, hint, hiss, hit, home, homework, honour, hope, howl, hug, idea, identity, illusion, illustration, imitation, immortality, immunity, impetus, importance, impression, incentive, independence, indication, indigestion, individuality, inducement, influence, information, injection, inkling, insight, inspiration, instance, instruction, intake, interpretation, interview, introduction, invitation, jab, jerk, job, jolt, judgement, jump, jurisdiction, justification, kick, kiss, knighthood, knock, kudos, latitude, laugh, lead, leave, lecture, lesson, lever, leverage, liberty, life, lifeline, lift, light, limp, loan, look, love, luck, luncheon, lurch, mandate, margin, mark, massage, meaning, medal, medication, medicine, membership, mention, mercy, message, mission, moan, model, moment, momentum, money, monopoly, murmur, name, news, news conference, nickname, nightmare, nod, notice, notification, nudge, number, offence, opening, opinion, opportunity, option, order, outline, outlook, ovation, overdraft, overhaul, overview, oxygen, pain, paper, pardon, parole, party, pass, passport, password, pat, pay, peal, penalty, pension, performance, permission, permit, perspective, picture, pill, pitch, pleasure, pledge, pointer, poison, polish, portrayal, power, practice, praise, prayer, precedence, prediction, preference, prescription, present, presentation, press conference, prestige, pretext, preview, price, priority, privilege, prize, probation, profile, prominence, promise, proof, protection, publicity, pull, punch, pursuit, push, quality, questionnaire, quotation, quote, rate, rating, ration, reading, reason, reassurance, rebate, receipt, reception, recipe, recital, recognition, recommendation, recompense, reduction, reference, reflection, refuge, refund, regard, release, relief, remark, remedy, reminder, reply, report, reprieve, reprimand, reproduction, respectability, respite, response, responsibility, result, resuscitation, return, review, reward, ride, right, ring, rinse, roar, role, room, ruling, rumble, sack, salute, sanction, sanctuary, satisfaction, saving, scare, scholarship, scope, score, scowl, scream, scrub, security, sedative, self-confidence, semblance, seminar, sense, sermon, service, shade, shake, shampoo, shape, shave, shelter, shiver, shock, shot, shout, shove, shower, showing, shriek, shrug, shudder, sigh, sign, signal, sketch, slant, slap, slip, smack, smile, smirk, sneer, sniff, snort, sob, solace, sovereignty, specimen, speech, spice, spin, spur, squeak, squeal, squeeze, stability, statement, status, stimulation, stimulus, sting, stir, strength, style, subsidy, substance, suggestion, sum, summary, supervision, support, supremacy, surprise, suspension, sympathy, talk, tap, task, taste, test, testimony, texture, thank you, thanks, thought, thrashing, thrill, thud, thump, ticket, tickle, time, tip, tip-off, title, toot, total, touch, tour, tow, training, transfer, transfusion, treat, treatment, tribute, trouble, try, tug, tuition, turn, tutorial, twinge, twist, twitch, ultimatum, understanding, undertaking, upbringing, update, urgency, use, vaccination, vaccine, validity, variety, ventilation, verdict, victory, view, visa, visibility, vision, voice, vote, voucher, wail, warning, warranty, wave, way, weight, welcome, whimper, whine, whistle, win, wink, wish, word, work, workout, worry, yardstick, yawn, yelp, zest

give away

give awayphr verb

Give away is used with these nouns as the subject:

eye, tone

Give away is used with these nouns as the object:

ball, bride, game, goal, penalty, plot, secret

give back

give backphr verb

Give back is used with these nouns as the object:

give in

give inphr verb

Give in is used with these nouns as the object:

bracket, parenthesis

give in to

give in tophr verb

Give in to is used with these nouns as the object:

demand, impulse, pressure, temptation, terror, terrorism, threat

given

givenadj.

Given is used with these nouns:

context, distance, instance, instant, location, name, year

give off

give offphr verb

Give off is used with these nouns as the object:

fumes, gas, heat, odour, radiation, ray, scent, smell, vapour

give out

give outphr verb

Give out is used with these nouns as the subject:

Give out is used with these nouns as the object:

carbon dioxide, click, handout, heat, leaflet, light

giver

givernoun

Giver is used after these nouns:

give up glacial

glacialadj.

Glacial is used with these nouns:

deposit, erosion, pace

glacier

glaciernoun

Glacier is used after these nouns:

glacé

glacéadj.

Glacé is used with these nouns:

cherry

glad

gladadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, look, seem, soundmake sbThe smell of the sea air makes you glad to be alive!ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.awfully, only too, reallyShe was only too glad to escape them all.justI'm just glad it's all over.almostDanny looked almost glad to be going.secretlyShe was secretly glad of his company.PREPOSITIONaboutWhat have I got to be glad about?forWe're glad for you both.ofI was very glad of his help.

gladden

gladdenverb

Gladden is used with these nouns as the object:

heart

gladly

gladlyadv.

Gladly is used with these verbs:

accept, join, oblige, pay, refund, return, sacrifice, welcome

glam

glamadj.

Glam is used with these nouns:

Glamorous is used with these nouns:

glamorous

glamorousadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, look, seem, soundbecomeconsider sth, regard sth as, see sth asCanoeing is not seen as glamorous in the way that skiing is.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.less than (esp. BrE), not exactly (esp. AmE)Working in publishing turned out to be less than glamorous.

lifestyle

glamour

glamournoun

(BrE) (AmE glamor) noun… OF GLAMOUR | VERB + glamour/glamor | PHRASES… OF GLAMOURtouchSeveral movie stars were invited to add a touch of glamour to the occasion.VERB + glamour/glamorhaveHe had a glamour about him that she found very attractive.lackJumbo jets somehow lack the glamour of the transatlantic liner.add, give sb/sth, lend sb/sthHer long dark hair lent her a certain glamour.PHRASESa certain glamour

glance

glancenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + glance | glance + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbackward, sidelong, sidewaysShe cast a sidelong glance at Fern.brief, cursory, fleeting, quick, swiftAfter a cursory glance at the report he frowned.casualcovert, furtive, nervous, surreptitiousThe man walked slowly along, casting furtive glances behind him.accusing, angry, baleful, disapproving, reproachful, scornful, sharp, suspicious, witheringMeena threw him an angry glance.curious, puzzled, questioning, quizzicaladmiring, approvingknowingmeaningfulThe couple exchanged meaningful glances but said nothing.amused, wryanxious, nervous, worriedVERB + glancecast (sb), dart, give (sb/sth), have, shoot (sb), steal, take, throw (sb)He gave her a mocking glance.I had a quick glance at the article, but I haven't read it yet.He stole a sidelong glance at the young woman sitting next to him on the train.She took one last glance in the mirror and then left.exchangeThey exchanged knowing glances.catchI caught the teacher's glance and nearly burst into nervous laughter.attract, drawTheir car attracted admiring glances wherever they went.glance + VERBmoveHer glance flickered briefly across to the group standing at the other side of the street.meetTheir glances met, then they both looked away.fall on sb/sth, rest on sb/sthHis glance fell on a pile of papers at one side of the desk.PREPOSITIONat a glanceThe software allows you to see at a glance what fonts you have on the computer.with a glanceWith a quick glance at the time, she stood up and prepared to leave.without a glanceHe left without a backward glance.glance atA glance at my watch told me it was already past six o'clock.glance ofHe ignored my glance of disapproval.glance overHe kept throwing nervous glances over his shoulder.PHRASESat first glanceAt first glance the contract seemed to be fine.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + glance | PREPOSITIONADVERBbriefly, quickly, sharplyNorton glanced sharply at him.anxiously, fearfully, nervouslyShe glanced nervously over her shoulder.curiouslyHe glanced curiously around him.covertlyHe glanced covertly at his watch.barely, hardlyShe barely glanced at him.down, upShe glanced up at him.VERB + glancepause to, turn toHe turned to glance in our direction.happen toAt that moment she happened to glance up.PREPOSITIONabout (esp. BrE), around, round (esp. BrE)She glanced around the room.across, overShe glanced across to where the others were standing chatting.atShe glanced briefly at his lapel badge.towards/towardHe glanced towards/toward the kitchen.

Glance is used with these nouns as the subject:

glance around

glance aroundphr verb

Glance around is used with these nouns as the object:

glance at

glance atphr verb

Glance at is used with these nouns as the object:

clock, gauge, reflection, watch

glance in

glance inphr verb

Glance in is used with these nouns as the object:

direction, mirror

glance out

glance outphr verb

Glance out is used with these nouns as the object:

glance out of

glance out ofphr verb

Glance out of is used with these nouns as the object:

glance round

glance roundphr verb

Glance round is used with these nouns as the object:

glancing

glancingadj.

Glancing is used with these nouns:

gland

glandnoun

nounADJECTIVE | gland + VERBADJECTIVEenlarged, swollenShe's gone to bed with swollen glands and a temperature.adrenal, pineal, pituitary, thyroid, etc.lymph, salivary, sweat, etc.Female ants release pheromones from their scent glands.gland + VERBrelease sth, secrete sth

glandular

glandularadj.

Glandular is used with these nouns:

fever

glandular fever

glandular fevernoun

noun (BrE)

glare

glarenounverb

I. noun1 strong light2 angry look1 strong lightADJECTIVE | VERB + glare | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEblinding, full, harsh, hotsuddenA sudden glare of headlights lit the driveway.VERB + glarereflectThe walls were whitewashed to reflect the glare of the sun.reduceWe wore sunglasses to reduce the glare from the road.be blinded by, be dazzled byFor a moment she was blinded by the harsh glare of the sun.be caught inThe rabbit was caught in the glare of the car's headlights.PREPOSITIONagainst the glareWe screwed up our eyes against the blinding glare from the searchlights.in the glare of, under the glare ofUnder the glare of the street lights, visibility was good.glare fromPHRASESthe glare of publicity (figurative)The divorce was conducted in the full glare of media publicity.

2 angry lookADJECTIVE | VERB + glareADJECTIVEangry, baleful, defiant, furious, hostile, malevolent, menacing, witheringicy, steely, stonywarningVERB + glarefix sb with, give sb, send sb, shoot (sb), turn on sbShe fixed her questioner with an icy glare.He sent her a glare that was full of suspicion.She shot a warning glare at her companion.He turned his baleful glare on the cowering suspect.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBangrily, balefully, fiercely, furiouslybackI looked at her and she glared angrily back.PREPOSITIONat, down at, up atHe stood at the bottom of the stairs, glaring up at us.

glare at

glare atphr verb

Glare at is used with these nouns as the subject:

glaring

glaringadj.

Glaring is used with these nouns:

contradiction, discrepancy, disparity, error, example, exception, fault, gap, inadequacy, inconsistency, loophole, omission, weakness

glaringly

glaringlyadv.

Glaringly is used with these adjectives:

apparent, obvious

glass

glassnoun

noun1 transparent substance2 for drinking1 transparent substanceADJECTIVE | … OF GLASS | VERB + glass | glass + VERB | glass + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEclear, coloured/colored, opaque, plain, smoked, tintedbrokenflyingA bomb went off, and many people were injured by flying glass.bulletproof, cut, frosted, plate, safety, stained, toughened… OF GLASSpiecepane, sheetfragment, shard, sliver, splinterThe floor was littered with fragments of broken glass.VERB + glassblow, makeWe watched the craftsmen blowing glass.The factory makes safety glass.break, crack, shatter, smashglass + VERBbreak, crack, shatter, smash, splinterthe sound of glass breakingglass + NOUNbeads, bottle, bowl, eye, jar, vase, vialcabinet, casedoor, panel, partition, roof, wall, windowtablefibre/fibera boat made of glass fibre/fiberPREPOSITIONbehind glassThe books were all behind glass (= in glass cases).on glassShe cut her foot on some glass.under glassWe grow fruit under glass (= in a glasshouse).through glassHe could see the light through the frosted glass.

2 for drinkingADJECTIVE | VERB + glass | glass + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbrimming (esp. BrE), fullhalf-empty, half-fullemptybeer, brandy, champagne, sherry, whisky/whiskey, winecrystala set of crystal glassestalla tall glass of milkfresh (esp. AmE)He poured her a fresh glass of sherry.pintbeer in a pint glassVERB + glasshaveHe had a small glass of lager with his meal.drink, sipShe sat sipping a glass of champagne.drain, emptyfill, pour, refill, top upThe waiter filled their glasses.clean, polish, washThe butler was polishing the brandy glasses.lift, raiseShe raised the glass to her lips.hand sbI handed her a glass of wine.put down, set downI put my glass down on the table.clinkThey clinked glasses, still laughing.glass + VERBclinkHe heard glasses clinking in the other room.PREPOSITIONin a/the/sb's glassthe red liquid in his glassglass ofShe had had three glasses of wine already.PHRASES(a) glass in (your) handHe sat back, glass in hand.

glass-bottomed

glass-bottomedadj.

Glass-bottomed is used with these nouns:

glasses

glassesnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF GLASSES | VERB + glasses | glasses + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdark, tintedI wear blue-tinted glasses on sunny days.readinghalf-moon, roundthicka short, fat man with greasy black hair and thick glassesgrannyowlishheavygold-rimmed, horn-rimmed, steel-rimmed, wire-framed, wire-rimmedrimlessfield, opera… OF GLASSESpairVERB + glasseshave on, wearput onremove, take offlook over, peer overHer father lowered his paper and peered over his glasses at her.adjust, push upShe pushed her glasses up and rubbed the bridge of her nose.clean, polish, wipeglasses + VERBsteam upHis glasses steamed up as soon as he came indoors.be perched on sth, perch on sthHorn-rimmed glasses perched on the bridge of her nose.PREPOSITIONbehind (your) glassesShe blinked behind her glasses.Their anxious faces were hidden behind dark glasses.

glass-fronted

glass-frontedadj.

Glass-fronted is used with these nouns:

bookcase, office

glass-topped

glass-toppedadj.

Glass-topped is used with these nouns:

glass-walled

glass-walledadj.

Glass-walled is used with these nouns:

office

glassy

glassyadj.

Glassy is used with these nouns:

eye, surface

glaze

glazeverb

Glaze is used with these nouns as the subject:

glazed

glazedadj.

Glazed is used with these nouns:

door, expression, eye, look, pottery, tile

glaze over

glaze overphr verb

Glaze over is used with these nouns as the subject:

Gleam is used with these nouns as the subject:

gleam

gleamnounverb

I. noun1 soft light2 in sb's eyes1 soft lightADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdull, faintdistantPREPOSITIONgleam ofthe distant gleam of the seaPHRASESa gleam of lighta faint gleam of light from under the door

2 in sb's eyesADJECTIVE | VERB + gleam | gleam + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcold, dark, strangepredatory, speculativemischievous, sardonic, wickedsuddenVERB + gleamhaveHe had a speculative gleam in his eyes.gleam + VERBcome into sb's eye/eyes, enter sb's eye/eyes, light sb's eye/eyesA sudden gleam came into her eye as she remembered that tomorrow was her day off.PREPOSITIONgleam ofA gleam of laughter lit his eyes.PHRASESa gleam in sb's eye/eyes

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBdully, faintly, softlyThe knife's blade gleamed dully in the dark.PREPOSITIONwithThe long oak table gleamed with polish.PHRASESgleam golden, white, etc.The pebble beach gleamed white in the moonlight.

eye, hair, light, sunlight, tooth, window

gleaming

gleamingadj.

Gleaming is used with these nouns:

brass, limousine, marble, metal, skyscraper

glean

gleanverb

Glean is used with these nouns as the object:

information, insight

glide

glideverb

Glide is used with these nouns as the subject:

bird, swan

glider

glidernoun

Glider is used before these nouns:

pilot

glimmer

glimmernounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfaint, tinyIn the east we could see the first faint glimmer of dawn.The faint glimmer of an idea had crept into his mind. (figurative)PREPOSITIONglimmer of

II. verb

Glimmer is used with these nouns as the subject:

light, sunlight

glimpse

glimpsenounverb

I. noun1 brief sight of sb/sth2 brief experience of sth1 brief sight of sb/sthADJECTIVE | VERB + glimpse | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbrief, fleeting, the merest, momentary, quickoccasional, rareThey caught occasional glimpses of great birds circling.tantalizingThis was my first tantalizing glimpse of the islands.first, lastLater we caught our first glimpse of the sea.VERB + glimpsecatch, get, have, takeThousands of people had gathered, hoping to catch a glimpse of the star.We only had a fleeting glimpse of the sun all day.afford sbPREPOSITIONglimpse atHe took a quick glimpse at the map.glimpse ofWe got just a brief glimpse of the car as it rushed by.

2 brief experience of sthADJECTIVE | VERB + glimpse | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbrieffascinating, intriguingrareThis scene may give a rare glimpse of Charles's personal style as king.VERB + glimpseget, have, takeafford sb, allow sb, give sb, offer (sb), provideThat smile afforded her a brief glimpse of the other side of Adam.PREPOSITIONglimpse atThe exhibition offers a fascinating glimpse at life beneath the waves.glimpse intoTake a glimpse into the future of space travel.glimpse ofShe got a glimpse of a very different way of life.

II. verb

Glimpse is used with these nouns as the object:

reflection

glint

glintnounverb

I. noun1 flash of light2 in sb's eye1 flash of lightADJECTIVE | VERB + glint | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEmetallicVERB + glintcatch, seeAmong the trees I caught a glint of blue.PREPOSITIONglint of

2 in sb's eyeADJECTIVE | VERB + glint | glint + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdangerous, determinedmischievous, playful, teasingVERB + glinthaveHe had a dangerous glint in his eyes.glint + VERBappear in sb's eye/eyes, come into sb's eye/eyesA determined glint appeared in her eye.PREPOSITIONglint inglint ofThere was a glint of amusement in her eyes.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBangrilyHis eyes glinted angrily.PREPOSITIONwithHer eyes glinted with amusement.

Glint is used with these nouns as the subject:

eye, hair, moonlight, sunlight, tooth, window

glisten

glistenverb

Glisten is used with these nouns as the subject:

dew, eye, hair, perspiration, skin, sweat, tear

glitch

glitchnoun

Glitch is used after these nouns:

Glitter is used with these nouns as the subject:

glitter

glitterverb

verb1 shine brightly2 show emotion1 shine brightlyADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBbrightlyCrystal chandeliers glittered brightly above them.PREPOSITIONinHis metal buttons glittered in the sunlight.withTrees and grass glittered with dew.

2 show emotionADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBcoldly, dangerously, darkly, fiercely, strangelyHis deep-set eyes glittered coldly.PREPOSITIONwithHer eyes glittered with delight.

diamond, eye, jewel, stone, sunlight

glittering

glitteringadj.

Glittering is used with these nouns:

affair, career, ceremony, premiere, prize

glitzy

glitzyadj.

Glitzy is used with these nouns:

premiere

global

globaladj.

Global is used with these nouns:

affair, alliance, ambition, arena, banking, business, capitalism, catastrophe, challenge, change, climate, commerce, commodity, communication, community, competition, competitor, conflict, conglomerate, consensus, conspiracy, contest, context, convention, cooperation, corporation, crisis, culture, currency, demand, dimension, diplomacy, disarmament, disaster, distribution, distributor, diversity, dominance, domination, downturn, ecology, economics, economist, economy, emission, empire, enterprise, environment, epidemic, expansion, extinction, finance, fund, hunger, imbalance, industry, inequality, initiative, instability, integration, issue, leader, leadership, level, market, marketing, marketplace, negotiation, network, outlook, partnership, perspective, phenomenon, politics, popularity, population, poverty, problem, production, prosperity, reach, recession, recovery, rise, rule, sale, scale, scope, settlement, slump, society, spread, stability, stage, stardom, strategy, summit, supremacy, talk, telecommunications, temperature, terror, terrorism, tourism, trade, trading, treaty, trend, turmoil, turnover, village, vision, war

globalized

globalizedadj.

Globalized is used with these nouns:

capitalism, economy, world

globally

globallyadv.

Globally is used with these adjectives:

competitive

Globally is used with these verbs:

compete, distribute, expand, implement, recognize

globe

globenoun

noun the globeADJECTIVE | VERB + the globe | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEentireVERB + the globespana commercial service that will soon span the globecircle, circumnavigate, travelone of the first boats to circumnavigate the globeShe travels the globe in search of good writers of children's stories.The boats are capable of circling the globe in 65 days.PREPOSITIONacross the globeThe news soon spread across the globe.all over the globeMotor vehicles are found all over the globe.around the globe, round the globe (esp. BrE)Chess fans around the globe watched the match with breathless interest.PHRASESall parts of the globe, every corner of the globeAthletes from every corner of the globe competed in the Games.

gloom

gloomnoun

noun1 sadness2 darkness1 sadnessADJECTIVE | VERB + gloom | gloom + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeepShe was in a deep gloom because not even a postcard had arrived from Ricky.general (esp. BrE)economicthe general economic gloomVERB + gloombe filled with, be sunk in, sink intoHe was sunk in deep gloom at the prospect of being alone.I sank into gloom and depression.fill sb withThe news filled me with gloom.castTalk of his ill health cast gloom over the celebrations.dispel, lift (esp. BrE)efforts to dispel their gloomgloom + VERBdeepen, descend (both esp. BrE)Their gloom deepened as the election results came in.She felt gloom descend on her shoulders.liftWhen the gloom finally lifts, the pessimists will be surprised at how much has been going right.PREPOSITIONin gloomThe nation was deep in gloom.gloom aboutThere is a general gloom about the farming industry.PHRASESdoom and gloom, gloom and despondency (BrE)Despite falling demand, the year has not been all doom and gloom.the darkest feelings of gloom and despondency

2 darknessADJECTIVE | VERB + gloom | gloom + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdeepdeepening, descending, gatheringHe peered into the gathering gloom.cold, dampeveningThe fog looked ominous in the evening gloom.VERB + gloompenetrate, pierceThe sound of distant police whistles pierced the gloom.adjust to, become accustomed to, get accustomed toSlowly, my eyes became accustomed to the gloom.peer into, peer throughgloom + VERBdeepen (BrE), descendWe sat and watched as the gloom descended.PREPOSITIONin the gloomWe lost sight of them in the gloom.into the gloomShe watched him disappear into the gloom.out of the gloomTwo figures materialized out of the gloom.through the gloomShe could see the house faintly through the gloom.

gloomily

gloomilyadv.

Gloomily is used with these verbs:

stare

gloomy

gloomyadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, look, seem, soundbecome, getNow, don't start to get gloomy.remainADVERBveryThe future looked very gloomy.far from (esp. BrE)The committee's view was in fact far from gloomy.pretty, ratherPREPOSITIONaboutMany businesses remain gloomy about the prospects for the economy.

Gloomy is used with these nouns:

atmosphere, corner, corridor, forecast, future, house, interior, mood, outlook, picture, prediction, street, thought, weather

glorify

glorifyverb

Glorify is used with these nouns as the object:

violence

glorious

gloriousadj.

Glorious is used with these nouns:

bloom, countryside, day, deed, feeling, future, heritage, martyr, moment, morning, past, splendour, sunset, sunshine, victory, weather

gloriously

gloriouslyadv.

Gloriously is used with these adjectives:

happy, sunny

glory

glorynoun

noun1 fame/honour2 beauty/beautiful feature1 fame/honourADJECTIVE | VERB + glory | glory + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEpersonalThey are driven by a craving for personal glory.reflectedShe basked in the reflected glory of her daughter's success.greaterThe force behind all his reforms was the greater glory of the state.militaryyoung soldiers eager to win military gloryVERB + glorycover yourself in, cover yourself with, get, winHe covered himself in glory and came home a rich man.Typical! I do all the work and she gets all the glory. (informal)bring (sb)Victory brought them glory, fame and riches.bask insteal, takeI didn't want to steal her glory, so I stayed in the background.glory + NOUNdaysQuarterman's glory days are long behind him.We remember the team's glory days in the 1960s, when they won the World Cup.PREPOSITIONfor the glory of, to the glory ofThey built many churches, great and small, to the glory of God.PHRASESa blaze of gloryIt's my last ever tournament and I hope to go out in a blaze of glory!sb's moment of gloryHis moment of glory came when he won the Olympic downhill skiing event.

2 beauty/beautiful featureADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEfullYou cannot appreciate the bridge's full glory by going over it; it is best viewed from below.crowningThe city's crowning glory is its Gothic cathedral.PHRASESin all her, his, etc. glorySeeing the Rockies in all their glory was an awesome experience.restore sth to its former gloryThe 18th-century building has been restored to its former glory.

gloss

glossnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + gloss | gloss + NOUNADJECTIVEclear, highUse a high gloss paint.lip (usually lipgloss)VERB + glossaddWe used a gel to add gloss to her hair.lose (esp. BrE)gloss + NOUNfinish, paintfurniture with a dark gloss finish

glossy

glossyadj.

Glossy is used with these nouns:

brochure, chestnut, coat, cover, finish, hair, leaf, magazine, page, paper, photograph, publication, varnish

glove

glovenoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF GLOVES | VERB + glove | glove + NOUNADJECTIVElongfingerlessprotectivecotton, kid (often figurative), latex, leather, plastic, rubber, woollen/woolenTreat her with kid gloves—she's very sensitive.baseball, boxing, driving, evening, gardening, oven (BrE), surgical… OF GLOVESpairVERB + glovepull onpeel off (esp. AmE), pull offShe pulled off her glove to reveal a wedding ring.glove + NOUNbox, compartmentDon't keep important documents in the glove compartment of your car.

gloved

glovedadj.

Gloved is used with these nouns:

finger, fist, hand

glow

glownounverb

I. noun1 steady light2 in sb's face3 feeling1 steady lightADJECTIVE | VERB + glow | glow + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcosy/cozy, rich, soft, warmdim, dull, faint, palesteadyeerie (esp. AmE), ghostlyVERB + glowcast, give sth, throwThe lamplight gave a cosy/cozy glow to the room.The sunset threw an orange glow on the cliffs.be bathed inThe whole town was bathed in the glow of the setting sun.glow + VERBlight sthOur faces were lit by the faint green glow of the dashboard lights.surround sthPREPOSITIONglow fromthe soft glow from the lampglow of

2 in sb's faceADJECTIVE | VERB + glow | PHRASESADJECTIVEhealthy, pink, rosy, warmVERB + glowhaveHer cheeks had a healthy glow.PHRASESbring a glow to sb's faceThe wine had brought a warm glow to her face.

3 feelingADJECTIVE | VERB + glow | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVErosy, warmVERB + glowbask in, bathe in, feelShe bathed in the warm glow of first love.PREPOSITIONglow ofHe felt a glow of pride as he watched them.

II. verb1 give out light/heat2 look healthy, happy, angry, etc.1 give out light/heatADVERB | PHRASESADVERBfaintly, softlyTwo lamps glowed softly in the lounge.PHRASESglow orange, red, etc.The stones around the bonfire glowed red with the heat.

2 look healthy, happy, angry, etc.ADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBpositivelyPREPOSITIONwithShe was positively glowing with happiness.

Glow is used with these nouns as the subject:

candle, cigar, cigarette, eye, face, fire, lamp, lantern, light, moon, skin, window

Glow is used with these nouns as the object:

coal

glowing

glowingadj.

Glowing is used with these nouns:

account, ash, cinder, coal, colour, complexion, eye, praise, recommendation, reference, report, review, skin, sky, tribute, warmth

glucose

glucosenoun

Glucose is used before these nouns:

concentration, intolerance

Glucose is used after these nouns:

glue

gluenounverb

I. noun… OF GLUE | VERB + glue | glue + VERB… OF GLUEbottle (esp. AmE), pot (esp. BrE), tubeAll you will need is a sharp knife and a tube of glue.VERB + glueapply, put onPut glue on both the surfaces.sniffHe took to sniffing glue.glue + VERBdry, setIt takes about an hour for the glue to set.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBfirmlyHer eyes were glued firmly to the computer screen. (figurative)down, togetherGlue the pieces firmly together.in place, into placeThe shells were glued in place.PREPOSITIONonto, toSomeone's glued this coin to the table!

glue together

glue togetherphr verb

Glue together is used with these nouns as the object:

piece

glum

glumadj.

Glum is used with these nouns:

glumly

glumlyadv.

Glumly is used with these verbs:

nod, stare, think

gluten-free

gluten-freeadj.

Gluten-free is used with these nouns:

diet

glycaemic

glycaemicadj.

Glycaemic/glycemic is used with these nouns:

gnarled

gnarledadj.

Gnarled is used with these nouns:

finger, hand, root, tree, trunk

gnash

gnashverb

Gnash is used with these nouns as the object:

gnaw

gnawverb

Gnaw is used with these nouns as the subject:

dog, mouse, rat

gnaw at

gnaw atphr verb

Gnaw at is used with these nouns as the subject:

gnawing

gnawingadj.

Gnawing is used with these nouns:

doubt

gnome

gnomenoun

Gnome is used after these nouns:

garden

goverbPHRASAL VERBS

verb1 happen2 pass3 look/taste good with sth1 happenADVERBADVERBsmoothly, wellEverything went very smoothly.badly

2 passADVERBADVERBquickly, slowlyThe cruise went very quickly.byThe days seemed to go by very slowly.

3 look/taste good with sthADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBwelltogetherLeeks and potatoes go well together in a soup.PREPOSITIONwithThat tie goes well with that shirt.

PHRASAL VERBSgo downADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBbadly, well

PREPOSITIONwithThe novel went down well with the public.

go onADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBendlessly

PREPOSITIONaboutHe goes on endlessly about his health problems.at (esp. BrE)Stop going on at me about that money.withWe'll go on with the presentations after lunch.PHRASESgo on and onThe flight just seemed to go on and on.

Go is used with these nouns as the subject:

argument, ball, bell, boat, bulb, bullet, bus, buzzer, cable, confidence, day, elastic, eye, ferry, fire alarm, funding, hand, hearing, job, joy, lane, machine, mail, momentum, money, nerve, pain, path, phone, refrain, rehearsal, road, route, ship, shiver, sight, siren, slogan, song, spring, street, stress, time, trail, train, watch, whistle, wire, work

Go is used with these nouns as the object:

bowling, dancing, distance, diving, fishing, hunting, mile, riding, route, sailing, shopping, sightseeing, skating, skiing, step, way

go about

go aboutphr verb

Go about is used with these nouns as the object:

business, work

go against

go againstphr verb

Go against is used with these nouns as the object:

nature, spirit, tide, tradition, trend, will, wish

go ahead

go aheadphr verb

Go ahead is used with these nouns as the subject:

deal, execution, meeting, sale, scheme, wedding

go ahead with

go ahead withphr verb

Go ahead with is used with these nouns as the object:

launch, plan, preparation

goal

goalnoun

noun1 (in sports) frame into which a ball is kicked/hit2 point scored in a game3 aim1 (in sports) frame into which a ball is kicked/hitADJECTIVE | VERB + goal | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEopenHe kicked the ball into an open goal.VERB + goalgo in, play inThe goalkeeper was injured so a defender had to go in goal.PREPOSITIONin goalWho's in goal for Arsenal?

2 point scored in a gameADJECTIVE | VERB + goal | goal + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbrilliant (esp. BrE), excellent, good, great, spectacular (esp. BrE), stunning (esp. BrE), superb (esp. BrE), well-taken (BrE)scrappy (BrE), softThe fans were annoyed that the team gave away such a soft goal.decisive (esp. BrE), winningequalizingimportant, useful (BrE), vital (BrE)own (BrE)Vega scored an unfortunate own goal when he slipped as he tried to clear the ball.field (in rugby and American football)Two field goals gave the Tigers an early lead.penalty (in football/soccer)VERB + goalget, scorekick (in rugby and American football)head, head in (both in football/soccer)makeBahr made his fifth field goal of the day.(in American football)Visconti scored one goal himself and made two for Lupo.(in football/soccer)concede, give away (BrE), let inallow, disallow

The referee disallowed the goal.goal + VERBcome from sb/sthThe equalizing goal came from Cole.The second goal came from a penalty.(in football/soccer)PREPOSITIONgoal against

They scored three goals against the home team.goal forhis first goal for Spaingoal fromA late goal from Owen won the game for Liverpool.

3 aimADJECTIVE | VERB + goal | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEimmediate, short-termOur immediate goal is to earn enough money to keep the business going.long-term, ultimatemain, major, primary, primeclear, explicit, specific, statedambitiousThey have set themselves some ambitious goals.modestdesirableachievable, attainable, realisticunattainable, unrealisticelusivepersonalcommonWe are all working towards/toward a common goal.twinThe prison service pursues the twin goals of the punishment and rehabilitation of offenders.strategicpoliticalVERB + goalhaveIt is important to have explicit goals.sharedefine, establish, set (sb)pursue, strive for, work towards/towardachieve, attain, reachPREPOSITIONgoal oftheir goal of providing free university education for everyone

goalie

goalienoun

Goalie is used after these nouns:

hockey

goalkeeper

goalkeepernoun

(AmE also goaltender) nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbrilliant (esp. BrE), excellent, good, topCanadian, England, Liverpool, Sharks, etc.The England goalkeeper played brilliantly.internationalbackup (AmE), reserve, substituterookie (AmE), youngveteranPREPOSITIONgoalkeeper forHe now plays as goalkeeper for Liverpool.

goalless

goallessadj.

Goalless is used with these nouns:

draw

go along

go alongphr verb

Go along is used with these nouns as the object:

path, street

go along with

go along withphr verb

Go along with is used with these nouns as the object:

charade

goal-scoring

goal-scoringadj.

Goal-scoring is used with these nouns:

exploit

go around

go aroundphr verb

Go around is used with these nouns as the subject:

bug, gossip, rumour, story, wheel

Go around is used with these nouns as the object:

go around in

go around inphr verb

Go around in is used with these nouns as the object:

circle

goat

goatnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF GOATS | VERB + goat | goat + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEbilly, malefemale, nannywildmountain… OF GOATSflock, herdVERB + goatkeepmilktetherTethered goats grazed among the apple trees.goat + VERBbleatgrazewanderPHRASESgoat's cheese, goat's milk

goatee

goateenoun

Goatee is used after these nouns:

go back

go backphr verb

Go back is used with these nouns as the subject:

clock, history, record, root

Go back is used with these nouns as the object:

generation

go back on

go back onphr verb

Go back on is used with these nouns as the object:

agreement, assurance, pledge, promise, word

go back to

go back tophr verb

Go back to is used with these nouns as the subject:

ancestry, history, origin, tradition

Go back to is used with these nouns as the object:

antiquity, barracks, basics, fundamentals, haunt, homeland, land, normal, place, root, work

gobble

gobbleverb

Gobble is used with these nouns as the subject:

turkey

go before

go beforephr verb

Go before is used with these nouns as the object:

go by god

godnoun

(also God) nounADJECTIVE | VERB + god | god + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEpaganChristian, Greek, Roman, etc.the Jewish Godfalse, heathenthose who follow false godsfertilitysunVERB + godbelieve in, follow, haveDo you believe in God?The Romans had many gods.praise, pray to, thank, worshipThe people worshipped pagan gods.obey, servefindHe has given up drinking and found God.god + VERBexistCan we prove that God exists?PREPOSITIONgod ofthe Roman god of warPHRASESfaith in GodNothing ever shook her faith in God.God's will, the will of GodHe saw the accident as the will of God.

goddess

goddessnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + goddess | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpaganEgyptian, Roman, etc.ancientfertility, mothermoon, sunscreen (figurative)She dreamed of becoming a Hollywood screen goddess.domestic (figurative)She has a reputation for being a domestic goddess.VERB + goddesspray to, worshipPREPOSITIONgoddess ofAphrodite, the goddess of love

godforsaken

godforsakenadj.

Godforsaken is used with these nouns:

God-given

God-givenadj.

God-given is used with these nouns:

gift, right, talent

go down go down on

go down onphr verb

Go down on is used with these nouns as the object:

go down to

go down tophr verb

Go down to is used with these nouns as the subject:

stair

Go down to is used with these nouns as the object:

defeat, pub

go down with

go down withphr verb

Go down with is used with these nouns as the object:

cold, flu, ship

go for go forward

go forwardphr verb

Go forward is used with these nouns as the subject:

go from

go fromphr verb

Go from is used with these nouns as the subject:

bus, price, scale

goggles

gogglesnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF GOGGLES | VERB + goggles | goggles + VERBADJECTIVEprotective, safetydriving, flying, motorcycle, ski, snow, swimmingnight-vision… OF GOGGLESpairVERB + goggleshave on, wearput on, take offgoggles + VERBsteam upMy swimming goggles keep steaming up so I can't see.

go-go

go-goadj.

Go-go is used with these nouns:

dancer

go in

go inphr verb

Go in is used with these nouns as the subject:

needle, passenger, sun

Go in is used with these nouns as the object:

direction, door, dustbin, favour, goal, ocean

go in for

go in forphr verb

Go in for is used with these nouns as the object:

kill, race

going

goingadj.

Going is used with these nouns:

going-away

going-awayadj.

Going-away is used with these nouns:

party, present

going-out-of-business

going-out-of-businessadj.

Going-out-of-business is used with these nouns:

Gold is used with these nouns:

go into gold

goldnounadj.

I. noun1 yellow metal2 gold medal1 yellow metalADJECTIVE | VERB + gold | gold + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEpurerealsolidfool's9-carat, 18-carat, etc.moltenbeaten, rolledburnishedtarnishedwhiteVERB + goldextract, mine, producelook for, pan for, prospect forHe spent weeks panning for gold in the river.discover, find, strikebe set inThe rubies were set in 18-carat gold.gold + NOUNmine, miner, mining, prospecting, prospectorrusha gold-rush towndeposit, dust, nuggetbar, bullion, ingotbracelet, chain, coin, earring, jewellery/jewelry, necklace, ring, etc.leaf, platemarket, reserves, stocksfalling government gold stocksstandardThe currency was tied to the gold standard.Disney remains the gold standard of family entertainment. (figurative)PHRASESa vein of goldThe next day he struck a rich vein of gold.

2 gold medalADJECTIVE | VERB + goldADJECTIVEOlympicVERB + goldget, take, winShe got a gold in the long jump.go forShe's going for gold this time.

II. adj.

Golden is used with these nouns:

golden

goldenadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, gleam, lookThe walls gleamed golden in the light of the setting sun.turnThe whole sky turned golden and red.ADVERBfaintly, softlythe faintly golden afternoon light

afternoon, age, anniversary, beach, blonde, brown, chance, day, eagle, era, evening, eye, future, hair, handshake, lock, opportunity, pastry, ray, rule, sand, shore, skin, statue, streak, sun, sunlight, sunset, suntan, tan, touch, year, yellow

golden brown

golden brownadj.

Golden brown is used with these nouns:

pastry

goldfish

goldfishnoun

Goldfish is used before these nouns:

bowl

gold-rimmed

gold-rimmedadj.

Gold-rimmed is used with these nouns:

golf

golfnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF GOLF | VERB + golf | golf + NOUNADJECTIVEamateur, championship, pro (informal, esp. AmE), professionalAmateur golf is very competitive.crazy, mini (usually minigolf), miniature (AmE)The hotel offers miniature golf and other activities for children.… OF GOLFgame, roundVERB + golfplaytake upwatchgolf + NOUNcourse, linksholeThe eighth at Banff is one of the world's great golf holes.clubShe decided to join a golf club.bag, ball, buggy, cart, club, equipment, glove, shoes, tee, umbrellaYou can borrow golf clubs if you want a game.swingHis coach says his golf swing needs improving.championship, game, match, tournamenttitlehandicapShe has a golf handicap of 18.professional, starfanseasoncircuit, scene, tourclinic, lessonThe club is holding a golf clinic next week, where golfers can get advice from the pros.correspondent, journalist, reporter, writermagazineholiday (BrE), package, trip (esp. AmE), vacation (AmE)Choose from over 100 golf packages in our brochure.widowShe's been a golf widow since she gave her husband his first set of clubs.

golfer

golfernoun

nounADJECTIVE | golfer + VERBADJECTIVEbrilliant, good, greatexperiencedhigh-handicap, low-handicap6-handicap, 12-handicap, etc.champion, topkeen (esp. BrE)amateur, professionalclubgolfer + VERBplay

golfing

golfingnoun

Golfing is used before these nouns:

calendar

gondola

gondolanoun

Gondola is used before these nouns:

lift

good

goodnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + good | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcommonThe results of the research should be used for the common good.VERB + gooddo (sb)You can try talking to her, but I don't think it will do much good.It will do you good to get out of the house more often.PREPOSITIONfor sb/sth's goodWhen the his health problems continued, he resigned for the good of the party.PHRASESa force for goodIn disadvantaged areas, schools can be a force for good.for sb's (own) goodI know you don't want to go into the hospital, but it's for your own good.for the good of sth, good and evilthe struggle between good and evila power of goodThat break has done me a power of good.

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, look, seem, smell, sound, tastebecome, getShe's getting very good at reading now.ADVERBdead (BrE), extremely, really, verya really good movieespecially, particularlyperfectlyWhy ruin a perfectly good story?fairly, pretty, quite, reasonablyYou've done a pretty good job.surprisinglyThe food was surprisingly good.PREPOSITIONatHe's very good at music.forVegetables are good for you.toShe was very good to me when my husband died.withShe's good with figures.

Good is used with these nouns:

acceleration, access, accommodation, accompaniment, account, acting, actor, actress, administration, advertisement, advice, album, ale, alibi, alternative, amount, analogy, answer, antidote, appetite, approximation, argument, arm, article, assessment, athlete, attendance, attitude, baby, balance, ball, bargain, barometer, barrister, beer, behaviour, bet, bit, blend, bloke, book, boy, brain, breakfast, breeding, builder, bunch, business, businessman, businesswoman, camouflage, campaigner, candidate, care, case, cast, catch, Catholic, cause, champagne, chance, chap, character, chat, chef, child, childhood, choice, cholesterol, Christian, Christmas, chuckle, circulation, citizen, claim, clue, coach, coffee, collection, colour, combination, comeback, command, commentary, common sense, communication, companion, company, comparison, complement, compromise, concentration, condition, conduct, conductor, connection, conscience, consequence, consistency, constitution, contact, contest, conversation, cook, cooking, coordination, copy, correlation, counsel, craftsman, credentials, critic, crop, cross section, crowd, cry, customer, cut, dancer, daughter, day, deal, decision, deed, defence, degree, dentist, description, design, designer, deterrent, dictionary, diet, digestion, dinner, diplomat, direction, discipline, discount, disguise, display, distance, distraction, doctor, dog, driver, driving, ear, eater, education, employer, ending, entertainment, entrepreneur, estimate, evidence, example, excuse, execution, exercise, experience, explanation, eye, eyesight, facility, fairy, faith, father, favour, feedback, feeling, fellow, fight, figure, film, find, finish, fisherman, fishing, fit, flavour, flow, foil, folk, food, football, footballer, footing, footwork, forecast, form, formula, fortune, foundation, friend, friendship, fun, fundamentals, gag, gallop, game, gardener, gauge, goal, goalkeeper, golfer, gossip, government, GP, grade, grammar, grasp, grip, ground, grounding, guess, guide, guideline, guy, gymnast, habit, haircut, hand, handful, handwriting, harbour, harvest, head, health, health service, hearing, heart, holiday, home, horse, host, hotel, housekeeping, housing, humour, husband, hygiene, idea, illumination, illustration, image, imitation, impression, incentive, index, indication, indicator, influence, ingredient, insight, instinct, instrument, intelligence, interviewer, investment, job, joke, journalism, journalist, journey, judge, judgement, kick, kid, kind, lad, land, laugh, lawyer, lead, leader, leadership, leg, lesson, leverage, liaison, liar, library, life, light, lighting, likeness, listener, living, look, loser, lover, luck, man, management, manner, margin, mark, market, marketing, marriage, match, mate, material, mechanic, memory, metaphor, method, mileage, mix, mixture, model, moment, mood, moral, morale, mother, motive, move, movie, mum, music, musician, name, nature, navigation, negotiator, neighbour, neighbourhood, news, novel, number, nutrition, odds, offer, omen, opinion, opportunity, option, outcome, outlook, pace, painter, painting, parent, part, partnership, pass, pension, people, performance, performer, person, photograph, photographer, physique, piece, pitch, place, plan, play, player, ploy, poem, poet, poetry, point, pointer, portion, position, possibility, post, posture, practice, preacher, precedent, prediction, preparation, presentation, price, product, profit, progress, pronunciation, proof, proportion, prospect, protection, pub, publicity, punch, pupil, quality, question, range, rapport, rate, rating, reaction, read, reader, reading, reason, reception, recipe, record, recording, recovery, reference, reflection, reflex, relation, relationship, remedy, reminder, report, representation, reproduction, reputation, resolution, response, rest, restaurant, result, return, review, rhythm, rinse, risk, road, ruler, run, runner, sailor, salary, sale, salesman, sanitation, save, schooling, science, scientist, score, script, scrub, seat, selection, self, sense, sense of humour, servant, service, sex, shake, shape, shop, shot, shove, showing, side, sign, singer, singing, site, size, skill, skin, sleep, smack, sniff, society, soil, soldier, solicitor, solution, son, song, soul, sound, source, speaker, specimen, speech, speed, spell, spot, spread, squad, stab, stance, standing, start, starting point, state, steward, stir, stock, store, story, strategy, stretch, student, subject, substitute, suggestion, suit, sum, summary, summer, suntan, supply, support, surgeon, sweat, swig, swimmer, talk, taste, teacher, teaching, teamwork, temper, temperament, test, testament, theatre, thing, thinking, thought, thrashing, time, timing, tip, tooth, track record, translation, treatment, trick, trip, try, tug, tune, turnout, tutor, tutorial, typist, upbringing, use, value, variety, ventilation, view, visibility, voice, wage, walk, wash, washing, way, weather, while, whisky, wife, wind, wine, wish, woman, word, work, worker, workman, workmanship, workout, writer, writing, yardstick, yarn, year, yield

goodbye

goodbyenoun

Goodbye is used before these nouns:

kiss, wave

good clean

good cleanadj.

Good clean is used with these nouns:

fun

good-faith

good-faithadj.

Good-faith is used with these nouns:

Good-looking is used with these nouns:

good-looking

good-lookingadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.He was tall and fairly good-looking.incredibly, strikingly

chap, couple, fellow, girl, man, woman

good-natured

good-naturedadj.

Good-natured is used with these nouns:

banter

good-naturedly

good-naturedlyadv.

Good-naturedly is used with these verbs:

joke, laugh, shrug

goodnight

goodnightadj.

Goodnight is used with these nouns:

kiss

good-quality

good-qualityadj.

Good-quality is used with these nouns:

photograph, reproduction

goods

goodsnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + goods | goods + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsumer, electrical (esp. BrE), electronic, household, luxurya store selling electrical goodsdurable, perishableA ‘use by’ date must be stamped on all perishable goods.baked, canned (both esp. AmE)manufactured, mass-producedtradecapitalmaterialcheap, low-pricedbrandedsecond-handdefective (esp. BrE), faulty (esp. BrE), shoddystolenHe was accused of handling stolen goods.counterfeit, fake (esp. BrE)VERB + goodsmake, manufacture, producefactories which produce luxury goods for the export marketbuy, purchaseexport, importprovide, sell, supplydeliverThe goods will be delivered within ten days.transportgoods + NOUNlorry, train, vehicle, wagon (all BrE)yard (BrE)PHRASESgoods and services

goodwill

goodwillnoun

nounVERB + goodwill | goodwill + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + goodwillenjoy (esp. BrE), havecreate, generateAddressing customers in their own language helps create goodwill.winlose, squanderThey are in danger of losing the government's goodwill.depend on, rely onshowgoodwill + NOUNgesturePREPOSITIONgoodwill to, goodwill towards/towardHe expressed goodwill towards/toward his former colleagues.PHRASESa gesture of goodwillThe government released him as a gesture of goodwill.in a spirit of goodwillThey made the offer in a spirit of goodwill.

goody

goodynoun

Goody is used before these nouns:

gooey

gooeyadj.

Gooey is used with these nouns:

mess, substance

go off go off on

go off onphr verb

Go off on is used with these nouns as the object:

tack

goofy

goofyadj.

Goofy is used with these nouns:

grin, sense of humour, smile

go on

go onphr verb

Go on is used with these nouns as the subject:

affair, fight, fighting, letter, light, list, money, negotiation, party, passenger, report, revolution, row, skirmish, struggle, talk, thing, trial, war, work

Go on is used with these nouns as the object:

binge, bus, cruise, demonstration, diet, dig, display, dole, duty, errand, exchange, excursion, exhibition, expedition, fast, hike, holiday, honeymoon, hunt, information, instinct, Internet, journey, leave, mailing list, march, mission, offensive, parade, patrol, picnic, pilgrimage, pill, quest, ramble, record, retreat, ride, run, shelf, shift, spree, stage, streak, strike, swing, tour, trek, trial, trip, tube, underground, vacation, visit, voyage, walk

goose

goosenoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF GEESE | goose + VERBADJECTIVEwildroast… OF GEESEflockgaggle (only used for geese on the ground)goose + VERBwaddlehiss, honkfeed, grazeflygeese flying south for the wintermigrate

go out

go outphr verb

Go out is used with these nouns as the subject:

alert, candle, fire, flame, heart, lamp, light, look, power, tide, torch

Go out is used with these nouns as the object:

door, shopping

go out for

go out forphr verb

Go out for is used with these nouns as the object:

beer, coffee, drink, stroll

go out of

go out ofphr verb

Go out of is used with these nouns as the object:

business, control, existence, fashion, harbour, production, room, use, way

go out on

go out onphr verb

Go out on is used with these nouns as the object:

strike

go over

go overphr verb

Go over is used with these nouns as the object:

budget, ground, see

go over for

go over forphr verb

Go over for is used with these nouns as the object:

Gorgeous is used with these nouns:

gorgeous

gorgeousadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, look, soundDoesn't Kate look gorgeous?ADVERBreallyabsolutely, drop-dead, simply, utterlya drop-dead gorgeous Hollywood iconrather (esp. BrE)

blonde, dress, girl, guy, melody, scenery, sunset

gorgeously

gorgeouslyadv.

Gorgeously is used with these adjectives:

sunny

gorilla

gorillanoun

Gorilla is used before these nouns:

Gorilla is used after these nouns:

go round

go roundphr verb

Go round is used with these nouns as the subject:

bug, gossip, rumour, story, wheel

Go round is used with these nouns as the object:

go round to

go round tophr verb

Go round to is used with these nouns as the object:

pub

gory

goryadj.

Gory is used with these nouns:

detail, movie

gospel

gospelnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + gospel | gospel + NOUNADJECTIVEChristianapocryphal, canonicalSynoptic (= the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke in the Bible)VERB + gospelbring, preach, proclaim, spread, takeShe preached the Christian gospel to the poor and destitute.hearThousands came to hear the gospel.gospel + NOUNmessage, story

gossip

gossipnoun

noun1 unkind talk about other people2 conversation about other people1 unkind talk about other peopleADJECTIVE | … OF GOSSIP | VERB + gossip | gossip + VERB | gossip + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElatestidle, juicy, malicious, salaciouscelebritytabloid… OF GOSSIPbit, piece, tidbit (AmE), titbit (BrE)I heard an interesting bit of gossip yesterday.VERB + gossipspreadSomeone has been spreading malicious gossip about me.exchange, swaphear, listen toYou shouldn't listen to idle gossip.getknowHe knows all the juicy gossip.gossip + VERBcirculate, go around, go round (esp. BrE)A piece of silly gossip was going around the school.gossip + NOUNcolumn, columnistI saw it in the gossip column of the local newspaper.PREPOSITIONgossip abouta magazine full of gossip about famous people

2 conversation about other peopleADJECTIVE | VERB + gossip | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgoodVERB + gossiphavePREPOSITIONgossip aboutWe had a good gossip about the boss.gossip withShe's having a gossip with Maria. (BrE)

Gothic

Gothicadj.

Gothic is used with these nouns:

arch, architecture, cathedral, fiction, novel, splendour, style, tale, tower

go through go through with

go through withphr verb

Go through with is used with these nouns as the object:

wedding

go to

go tophr verb

Go to is used with these nouns as the subject:

award, export, kudos, money, path, place, price, prize, proceeds, scale, spending, thanks, vote

Go to is used with these nouns as the object:

academy, aid, arbitration, assembly, auction, ball, bank, bar, bathroom, bed, board, bother, brothel, bureau, burial, cafe, camp, chapel, charity, christening, church, cinema, class, clinic, college, communion, concert, conference, confession, congress, convention, court, dance, detention, exhibition, expense, extreme, fair, fat, festival, forum, function, funeral, gala, gallery, gathering, gig, gym, heart, heaven, hell, high school, hospital, inauguration, jail, launch, lavatory, lecture, lesson, library, loo, market, mass, match, menu, moon, museum, nightclub, office, optometrist, paradise, park, party, performance, playgroup, poll, post office, press, prison, prostitute, pub, recital, rehearsal, rescue, restaurant, restroom, reunion, root, ruin, salon, school, sea, seaside, seed, seminar, service, shopping centre, show, showing, showroom, sleep, station, store, summit, surgery, talk, theatre, toilet, trial, tribunal, trouble, tutorial, university, vet, veterinarian, war, waste, wedding, work, workshop, zoo

go towards/toward

go towards/towardphr verb

Go towards/toward is used with these nouns as the object:

upkeep

gouge

gougeverb

Gouge is used with these nouns as the object:

go under

go underphr verb

Go under is used with these nouns as the subject:

company

go up

go upphr verb

Go up is used with these nouns as the subject:

attendance, catch, cheer, consumption, cost, count, cry, curtain, dividend, elevator, enrolment, expenditure, fare, fee, flight, hand, inflation, level, notice, number, odds, poster, premium, price, productivity, rate, rating, rent, revenue, roar, sale, share, shout, stock, tax, temperature, usage, value, voice, weight

Go up is used with these nouns as the object:

escalator, flight, hill, ladder, mountain, path, per cent, point, scale, stair, staircase, step, street

go up for

go up forphr verb

Go up for is used with these nouns as the object:

go up on

go up onphr verb

Go up on is used with these nouns as the object:

deck

go up to

go up tophr verb

Go up to is used with these nouns as the subject:

stair

Go up to is used with these nouns as the object:

altar

gourmet

gourmetadj.

Gourmet is used with these nouns:

chef, coffee, cook, cooking, cuisine, dinner, fare, food, lunch, meal, restaurant

govern

governverb

verbADVERB | VERB + governADVERBeffectively, welldirectlyThe colony was governed directly from Paris.VERB + governbe fit to, be unfit toHe accused the opposition party of being unfit to govern.

Govern is used with these nouns as the subject:

convention, law, policy, regime, regulation, rule, treaty

Govern is used with these nouns as the object:

conduct, country, mechanism, movement, nation, practice, relation, territory, trade

governance

governancenoun

Governance is used before these nouns:

structure

Governance is used after these nouns:

faculty

governing

governingadj.

Governing is used with these nouns:

board, body, class, coalition, council, elite, party, philosophy

government

governmentnoun

noun1 people in control of a country2 act of governing1 people in control of a countryADJECTIVE | VERB + government | government + VERB | government + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcentral, federal, local, national, provincial, regional, stateConservative, Democratic, Labour, Republican, etc.the country's new Communist governmentleft-wing, right-wingcoalitionminorityThe socialists won 42% of the seats and formed a minority government.caretaker, interim, provisional, transitionalThe president dissolved the assembly and swore in an interim government.militarypuppetforeignFrench, Western, etc.The report on world poverty calls for urgent action from Western governments.current, future, newVERB + governmentelectThe present government was elected last year.establish, formA new government was formed in September of that year.installA puppet government was installed as the occupying forces withdrew.swear inhead, runa new government headed by a former military leaderbring down, destabilize, oust, overthrow, toppleThis crisis could bring down the British government.The group aims to overthrow the military government.supportgovernment + VERBcome to powertake officeOn May 23 a coalition government took office.fall, resigna national emergency that could cause the government to fallannounce sthThe government announced the cancellation of the dam project.introduce sth, launch sthgovernment + NOUNagency, body, departmentbuilding, officesfunds, moneyaid, assistance, backing, funding, grant, subsidy, supportexpenditure, spendingcutsThe hospital has been hit by government cuts.control, regulationintervention, involvementcalls for government intervention in the disputeemployee, minister, official, representative, spokesman, spokespersonsourcesAccording to government sources, two people died in the incident.figures, statisticspostreshuffle (esp. BrE)The former minister was relieved of his post in last month's extensive government reshuffle.decisions, legislation, measures, plans, policy, programme/program, proposalsservicereportpropagandaPREPOSITIONin governmenta problem facing whichever party is in governmentunder a/the governmentmeasures that were introduced under the last governmentPHRASESa change in government, a change of governmentIt is time we had a change of government.the government of the dayThis was a decision taken by the government of the day.a member of a governmentThe president has been meeting members of the French government.

2 act of governingADJECTIVEADJECTIVEdemocratic, representativefirm (esp. BrE), good, strongWe need strong government to take the country through this crisis.weakbig, smallThe era of big government may be over.We believe in low taxation and small government.

governmental

governmentaladj.

Governmental is used with these nouns:

action, agency, authority, body, entity, institution, interference, intervention, intrusion, red tape, reform, regulation, restriction

government-sponsored

government-sponsoredadj.

Government-sponsored is used with these nouns:

enterprise

governor

governornoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + governor | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeputy, lieutenantacting, interimShe was appointed as acting governor until an election could be held.incumbent, sitting (both esp. AmE)formercolonial, district, provincial, regional, stateFed (= the Federal Reserve in the US)Democratic, Republicanmilitaryprison, school (both BrE)parent (BrE)She served as a parent governor at her children's school.VERB + governorappoint, appoint sb (as), elect, elect sb (as)recall (AmE)They voted to recall the sitting governor.becomeserve asPHRASESa board of governors

go with

go withphr verb

Go with is used with these nouns as the object:

dress, instinct, tide

go without

go withoutphr verb

Go without is used with these nouns as the object:

gown

gownnoun

noun1 woman's long dress2 worn by judges, surgeons, etc.1 woman's long dressADJECTIVE | gown + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElongfloor-lengthelegantflowingShe was dressed in a long flowing gown.straplessball, bridal, evening, weddinggown + VERBbe trimmed with sthShe wore a white satin gown trimmed with lace.PREPOSITIONin a/the gown

2 worn by judges, surgeons, etc.ADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEacademichospital, surgicalPREPOSITIONin a/the gownPHRASEStown and gown (= the residents of a university town and the members of its university) (esp. BrE)

GPnoun

noun (BrE)ADJECTIVE | VERB + GP | GP + VERBADJECTIVEexcellent, goodqualifiedexperiencedfamily, localWho is your local GP?on-callThey arranged for the local on-call GP to make a house call to the patient.locumVERB + GPregister withYou should register with a GP as soon as possible.GP + VERBrefer sbThe GP referred her to a specialist.

GPRS

GPRSnoun

GPRS is used before these nouns:

GPS

GPSnoun

GPS is used before these nouns:

antenna, navigation, receiver, satellite, signal

grab

grabnounverb

I. noun

Grab is used after these nouns:

Grab is used with these nouns as the subject:

II. verbADVERB | VERB + grab | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBsuddenlyquicklyVERB + grabtry tomanage toHe managed to grab a couple of hours' sleep.PREPOSITIONatI grabbed at his arm as he ran past.byAs he walked past the boys, one of them grabbed him by the arm.fromSomebody tried to grab her handbag from her.PHRASESgrab hold of sthHe grabbed hold of a handrail to save himself from falling.

Grab is used with these nouns as the object:

arm, attention, backpack, bag, ball, beer, belongings, bite, blanket, broom, cellphone, chair, chance, coat, control, drink, edge, end, hand, headline, hold, imagination, jacket, limelight, lunch, pen, pencil, phone, purse, rail, receiver, rein, rifle, rope, sandwich, seat, shower, slice, snack, soda, spotlight, suitcase, taxi, toy, wheel

grab at

grab atphr verb

Grab at is used with these nouns as the object:

rein

grace

gracenounverb

I. noun1 attractive movement2 kindness of God1 attractive movementADJECTIVE | VERB + grace | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEeasy, effortless, fluid, lithenaturaluncommona debut album of uncommon grace and beautyfelineVERB + gracehave, move withPREPOSITIONwith graceAnn moved with easy grace.

2 kindness of GodADJECTIVE | VERB + graceADJECTIVEdivine, heavenly, sublime, supernaturalthe power of divine grace operating in their soulssovereignsacramentalVERB + gracebestow, confer, pour, pour outThe mantra bestows Siva's grace upon the devotee.

II. verb

Grace is used with these nouns as the object:

cover, page, screen, shore, stage

graceful

gracefuladj.

Graceful is used with these nouns:

arc, arch, curve, exit, finger, motion, move, movement, swan, sweep

gracefully

gracefullyadv.

Gracefully is used with these verbs:

age, bow, curve, flow, land, sail, sink, slide

grace with

grace withphr verb

Grace with is used with these nouns as the object:

presence

gracious

graciousadj.

Gracious is used with these nouns:

hospitality, host

graciously

graciouslyadv.

Graciously is used with these verbs:

accept, agree, consent, invite, offer, thank, volunteer

grad

gradnoun

Grad is used before these nouns:

Grad is used after these nouns:

high school

gradable

gradableadj.

Gradable is used with these nouns:

adjective

grade

gradenounverb

I. noun1 level/quality2 mark given for a piece of work/an exam3 level of importance/level of pay at work4 (AmE) level at school5 (esp. AmE)1 level/qualityADJECTIVEADJECTIVEhigh, topa piece of high-grade building landHe still wants to play top-grade football.low, poorlow-grade steel

2 mark given for a piece of work/an examADJECTIVE | VERB + grade | PHRASESADJECTIVEfinalThe oral exam constitutes 10% of the final grade.A, B, etc.an A-grade essayexcellent, good, highbad, low, poorfailing, passing (both AmE)She got a failing grade for that assignment.course (AmE)VERB + gradeachieve, attain, earn, get, have, receiveShe got good grades in her exams. (BrE)She got good grades on her exams. (AmE)bring up (esp. AmE), improve, raise (esp. AmE)I need to improve my grades.award (sb), give sbPHRASESgrade point average (AmE)You've maintained a 3.9 grade point average.

3 level of importance/level of pay at workADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhigh, seniorHe has asked to be put onto a higher grade.large pay increases for senior gradesjunior, lowpayPREPOSITIONat a/the … gradeShe was offered a job at a lower grade.on a/the … gradeThe majority of staff are on the same grade.

4 (AmE) level at schoolADJECTIVE | VERB + grade | grade + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEsixth, third, etc.Sam is in (the) second grade.VERB + gradeenter, startMy son will be starting third grade this fall.complete, finishskipHe skipped a grade so he finished high school early.reachteachgrade + NOUNlevelschoolPREPOSITIONin … gradeMy daughter is in (the) fifth grade.

5 (esp. AmE)See also gradientII. verb1 arrange in groups2 (esp. AmE) give grade for a piece of work/an exam1 arrange in groupsADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBcarefullya series of stories carefully graded for beginner to intermediate students (esp. BrE)finelyfinely graded nuances of languagePREPOSITIONaccording toThe timber is graded according to its thickness.byThe containers are graded by size.from … to … Eggs are graded from small to extra large.

2 (esp. AmE) give grade for a piece of work/an examADVERBADVERBfairly, objectivelyI don't think he graded our essays fairly.

Grade is used with these nouns as the object:

exam, homework, test

grade point

grade pointnoun

Grade point is used before these nouns:

average

grade school

grade schoolnoun

Grade school is used before these nouns:

gradient

gradientnoun

(also grade esp. in AmE) nounADJECTIVE | VERB + gradient/grade | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEsteepgentle, slightdownhill, uphillVERB + gradient/gradehaveThe road has a fairly steep gradient.PREPOSITIONon a gradientThe field was on a slight gradient.

grading

gradingnoun

Grading is used before these nouns:

curve

gradual gradually

graduallyadv.

Gradually is used with these verbs:

abandon, absorb, accumulate, adjust, begin, cease, change, climb, cool, cut, dawn, decline, decrease, descend, deteriorate, disappear, dissolve, drift, dwindle, ease, eliminate, emerge, enlarge, erode, escalate, evolve, expand, fade, fill, gain, improve, incorporate, increase, intensify, introduce, lessen, lower, modify, narrow, overcome, pour, progress, realize, recede, recover, reduce, refine, regain, relax, remove, replace, return, rise, seep, shift, shrink, sink, slow, spread, stir, subside, succumb, tighten, transfer, transform, undermine, wane, warm, weaken, wean, widen, withdraw, worsen

graduate

graduatenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | graduate + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbusiness-school, law-school, college, high-school (in the US), medical-school, universityjob opportunities for university graduatesarts, engineering, history, law, medical, science, etc.doctoral (AmE)cum laude, magna cum laude, summa cum laude (all in the US)Oxbridge (= from Oxford or Cambridge) (BrE)new, recentgraduate + NOUNcourse, degree, program (AmE)education (AmE), studies, worklevelShe has taught at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.school (AmE)studentassistant (esp. AmE)recruit, trainee (both BrE)He joined the company as a graduate trainee.recruitment (BrE)The company places great importance on graduate recruitment and training.PREPOSITIONgraduate ina graduate in sociology

II. verb

Graduate is used with these nouns as the subject:

cadet, class, college

Graduate is used with these nouns as the object:

graduate from

graduate fromphr verb

Graduate from is used with these nouns as the object:

academy, college, high school, university

graduate-level

graduate-leveladj.

Graduate-level is used with these nouns:

course

graduation

graduationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | graduation + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcollege, high-school (esp. AmE), universitygraduation + NOUNceremony, dayMark's whole family attended his graduation ceremony.speech (esp. AmE)speaker (esp. AmE)party (esp. AmE)gift (AmE), present (esp. AmE)gownShe was wearing a mortar board and graduation gown.rate (esp. AmE)PREPOSITIONafter graduationShe managed to find a job immediately after graduation.on graduation, upon graduationOn graduation, he plans to travel around Asia.

graffiti

graffitinoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF GRAFFITI | VERB + graffiti | graffiti + NOUNADJECTIVEobscene, offensiveracist… OF GRAFFITIpieceVERB + graffitidaub (BrE), scrawl, spray, spray-paint, writeRacist graffiti was sprayed on the walls.be covered in, be covered with, be daubed with (BrE), be sprayed withThe buildings were covered with graffiti.clean, removegraffiti + NOUNartista fashionable graffiti artistvandal

graft

graftnoun

noun1 on part of the body2 (BrE) hard work1 on part of the bodyADJECTIVE | VERB + graft | graft + VERBADJECTIVEbone, skinVERB + graftdoDoctors are hoping to do a bone graft to repair the damaged bone.undergoLinda had to undergo four skin grafts.graft + VERBtakeIf the skin graft takes, surgeons will do another operation a few weeks later.

2 (BrE) hard workADJECTIVE | VERB + graftADJECTIVEhardStarting a new business involves a lot of hard graft.VERB + graftdoMost of the graft was done for them by their assistants.

grain

grainnoun

noun1 seeds of wheat, etc.2 natural pattern of lines in wood1 seeds of wheat, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + grain | grain + NOUNADJECTIVElarge, smallwholeThe journal reports that eating whole grains protects against diabetes.cereal, rice, wheat, etc.pollenVERB + graingrow, producestoregrain + NOUNharvest, production, yieldcropexports, importselevator (= a building used for storing grain) (AmE)

2 natural pattern of lines in woodADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfine, smoothcoarsenaturalThis wood has a beautiful natural grain.woodPREPOSITIONacross the grain, against the grainalong the grain, with the grainCut the wood along the grain.

grainy

grainyadj.

Grainy is used with these nouns:

photograph, picture

gram

gramnoun

Grammatical is used with these nouns:

grammar

grammarnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + grammar | grammar + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEcorrect, goodSpelling and good grammar are both very important.bad, incorrect, poorArabic, French, Latin, etc.the complexities of English grammarVERB + grammarcorrect, teachPeople were too polite to correct my grammar when I spoke German.learngrammar + NOUNrulesPHRASESthe rules of grammar

grammatical

grammaticaladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBperfectlyThis sentence is perfectly grammatical.

construction, correctness, error, mistake, rule, sentence, structure, system

grammatically

grammaticallyadv.

Grammatically is used with these adjectives:

acceptable, correct, incorrect

Grammy

Grammynoun

Grammy is used before these nouns:

nomination, nominee, winner

gramophone

gramophonenoun

Gramophone is used before these nouns:

granary

granarynoun

Granary is used before these nouns:

grand

grandadj.

Grand is used with these nouns:

affair, alliance, banquet, bargain, building, castle, chamber, climax, coalition, conspiracy, design, entrance, estate, exit, fashion, feast, final, finale, foyer, gesture, hall, hotel, house, idea, illusion, job, jury, mansion, marshal, master, narrative, opening, opera, palace, parade, passion, piano, plan, prize, procession, reunion, scale, spectacle, staircase, strategy, sweep, theft, time, title, total, tour, villa, vision

grandeur

grandeurnoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEmajestic, sheerthe majestic grandeur of the Grand Canyonrugged (BrE)the rugged grandeur of the mountainsepic, scenic (esp. AmE)faded, former

grandfather, grandmother

grandfather, grandmothernoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEmaternal, paternaldoting

grandiose

grandioseadj.

Grandiose is used with these nouns:

ambition, claim, idea, plan, scheme

grand jury

grand jurynoun

Grand jury is used before these nouns:

indictment, testimony

grandly

grandlyadv.

Grandly is used with these verbs:

gesture, name

grand master

grand masternoun

Grand master is used after these nouns:

chess

grandparent

grandparentnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF GRANDPARENTSADJECTIVEmaternal, paternaldoting, prouda present from his doting grandparents… OF GRANDPARENTSsetI've sent photos of the children to both sets of grandparents.

Grand Prix

Grand Prixnoun

Grand Prix is used before these nouns:

racing

grandstand

grandstandnoun

Grandstand is used before these nouns:

view

granite

granitenoun

Granite is used before these nouns:

base, counter, monument

granny

grannynoun

Granny is used before these nouns:

flat, glasses, knot

grant

grantnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + grant | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElarge, substantialsmallfull (esp. BrE)Full student maintenance grants are a thing of the past. (BrE)annualblock, capital (esp. BrE)The school has received a large capital grant to improve its buildings.maintenance (BrE)Poorer students would get maintenance grants of up to £1 500 a year.emergency (esp. BrE)emergency grants for special needs for items such as clothingdiscretionarymandatory (BrE)educational, studentproject, researchThere is a lot of competition for research grants.improvement, land, renovation (esp. BrE), training, etc.home improvement grants for householders (BrE)federal, government, local-authority (BrE), state, etc.VERB + grantapply forbe eligible for, qualify forYou may be eligible for a student grant.get, obtain, receiveYou can get a grant if you've lived in the area for three years.award (sb), give sb, make (sb), offer (sb), provide (sb with)The government has awarded a grant for the restoration of the building.be funded by, be funded withThe report was funded by a grant from the Department.cutThe group's annual grant from the Arts Council has been cut.PREPOSITIONgrant fora grant for a youth projectgrant froma grant from the funding authoritygrant toThe program offers grants to small businesses.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + grantADVERBexpressly, specificallythe rights expressly granted by the terms of the leaseautomaticallyfinallyPlanning permission was finally granted in October.rarelyhereby (law)Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this material.VERB + grantagree to, decide torefuse toThe judge refused to grant him bail.be willing to

Grant is used with these nouns as the subject:

authority, court, judge, magistrate

Grant is used with these nouns as the object:

access, accolade, admission, allowance, amnesty, application, approval, assent, asylum, audience, authority, authorization, autonomy, award, bail, charter, citizenship, clearance, compensation, concession, consent, credit, custody, deference, degree, divorce, entry, exception, exemption, extension, favour, franchise, freedom, immortality, immunity, independence, indulgence, injunction, interview, jurisdiction, land, lease, leave, licence, loan, membership, mercy, monopoly, nationality, pardon, parole, patent, permission, permit, petition, political asylum, power, prayer, privilege, rebate, recognition, registration, release, relief, remedy, reprieve, request, right, sovereignty, subsidy, tenancy, tenure, visa, warrant, wish, writ

granulated

granulatedadj.

Granulated is used with these nouns:

sugar

grape

grapenoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF GRAPES | VERB + grape | grape + NOUNADJECTIVEsweetblack, green, purplered, whitewineseedless… OF GRAPESbunchVERB + grapeeat, havegrowharvest, pickThe first grapes are harvested in mid-August.crush, treadThe peasants used to tread the grapes in huge vats.grape + NOUNharvestjuice

graph

graphnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + graph | graph + VERB | graph + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbar, lineVERB + graphconstruct (esp. AmE), create (esp. AmE), draw, produceplot (sth on)The figures are all plotted on a graph.graph + VERBindicate sth, represent sth, show sthShe drew a graph showing the relationship between costs and sales.graph + NOUNpaperThe small squares on the graph paper are 1 mm wide.PREPOSITIONin a/the graphI decided to show the results in a bar graph.on a/the graphWe can see on this graph how the company has grown over the last year.

graphic

graphicadj.

Graphic is used with these nouns:

account, art, artist, description, design, designer, detail, example, form, illustration, image, imagery, novel, novelist, reminder, representation, sex, symbol, violence, work

graphical

graphicaladj.

Graphical is used with these nouns:

display, representation

graphically

graphicallyadv.

Graphically is used with these adjectives:

violent

Graphically is used with these verbs:

demonstrate, depict, highlight, illustrate, portray, present, represent, show

graphics

graphicsnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + graphics | graphics + NOUNADJECTIVEcomputer, computer-generatedbasic, simpleThe screen can display simple graphics as well as text.high-end, state-of-the-artfancy, flashy (disapproving, informal)colour/colorhigh-resolutionthree-dimensional, two-dimensional2-D, 3-DVERB + graphicscreate, producedisplaysupportThe editor's PC should support desktop publishing and graphics.graphics + NOUNapplication, package, program, software, systemcapability, performancecard, filedesign, designer

graphite

graphitenoun

Graphite is used before these nouns:

pencil, racket

grapple with

grapple withphr verb

Grapple with is used with these nouns as the object:

mystery, problem

grasp

graspnounverb

I. noun1 holding sth2 understanding1 holding sthADJECTIVE | VERB + grasp | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfirm, tight (esp. AmE)She felt a firm grasp on her hand.VERB + graspslip fromAs she jumped forward, the ball slipped from her grasp.escape, slip out of (usually figurative)He slipped out of our grasp (= he escaped).prise sth from (BrE), pry sth from (esp. AmE), rip sth from, snatch sth from, wrench sth from, wrest sth fromShe wrenched the bottle from his grasp.tighten (esp. AmE)PREPOSITIONbeyond your graspThe key was on a high shelf, just beyond her grasp.in your graspHe kept the letter firmly in his grasp.from sb's graspThe robber tried to free the case from her grasp.out of sb's graspShe kicked the gun out of his grasp.within (your) grasp (often figurative)Just when victory seemed within grasp, the referee blew his whistle.

2 understandingADJECTIVE | VERB + grasp | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfirm, good, impressive, solid, strongfeeble, limited, poor, shaky, tenuousintellectualThe task was beyond the intellectual grasp of some of the students.intuitiveWe have no intuitive grasp of the immensity of time.VERB + grasphavegetWorking with native speakers helped me get a good grasp of the language.PREPOSITIONbeyond sb's graspThese ideas are all beyond his grasp.within sb's graspgrasp ofa poor grasp of mathematics

II. verb1 take hold of sb/sth suddenly and firmly2 understand sth1 take hold of sb/sth suddenly and firmlyADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBfirmly, tightlyPREPOSITIONatHer hands were grasping at his coat.byShe grasped him tightly by the wrist.PHRASESgrasp hold of sb/sthShe grasped hold of the banister to support herself.

2 understand sthADVERB | VERB + graspADVERBfullyHe had not fully grasped the fact that he was the one who would pay for all this.not quite, not reallyI hadn't really grasped what they were talking about.quicklyeasily, readilya means by which students can more easily grasp the basics of scienceVERB + grasptry tobe unable to, fail toShe failed to grasp the significance of these facts.quick toHe was quick to grasp the basic principles.be difficult to, be hard toSome of these concepts are very difficult to grasp.

Grasp is used with these nouns as the subject:

Grasp is used with these nouns as the object:

arm, basics, chance, complexity, concept, edge, elbow, end, enormity, essence, essentials, fact, fundamentals, hand, handle, hold, implication, importance, intricacy, magnitude, meaning, opportunity, rail, reality, rein, seriousness, significance, situation, subtlety, truth, wrist

grass

grassnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF GRASS | VERB + grass | grass + VERB | grass + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgreencoarse, rough, thicksoftlushlong, tallshortfresh-cut, freshly cut, freshly mowed (AmE), freshly mowndamp, wetdrywild… OF GRASSbladeI've walked along that path for so many years I know every blade of grass.clump, tuftThere were only a few clumps of coarse grass for the animals to eat.VERB + grasseatcut, mowgrass + VERBgrowgrass + NOUNclippings (esp. AmE), cuttings (esp. BrE)seedI sowed a little bag of grass seed.verge (BrE)We parked on the grass verge by the side of the road.PREPOSITIONacross the grassThey all set off across the grass.in the grassI found the wallet lying in the grass.on the grassYou're not allowed to walk on the grass.through the grassThe dog came running through the long grass.

grassland

grasslandnoun

Grassland is used before these nouns:

grass roots

grass rootsnoun

Grass roots is used before these nouns:

campaign, effort, initiative, level, movement, network, organization, rebellion, support, supporter

grassy

grassyadj.

Grassy is used with these nouns:

area, bank, courtyard, expanse, field, hill, hillside, hollow, mound, patch, plain, slope

grate

grateverb

verb rub sth into small piecesADVERB | PHRASESADVERBcoarselyfinelySprinkle the top of the dish with some finely grated cheese.PHRASESfreshly grateda teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg

Grate is used with these nouns as the object:

apple, carrot, cheese, chocolate

grated

gratedadj.

Grated is used with these nouns:

carrot, cheese, coconut

grateful

gratefuladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, look, seem, soundremainADVERBextremely, really, verygenuinely, trulyWe are truly grateful to you and your family.especially, particularlydeeply, enormously, immensely, more than, most, profoundlyI am more than grateful for their generous response.Thank you for your help. I really am most grateful.almostHis father looked almost grateful for once.quite, ratherjustI'm just grateful the injury is not as bad as we'd feared.alwayseternally, foreverI'm eternally grateful that we managed to go there before the war.I'll be forever grateful for your help.PREPOSITIONforI'm really grateful for your help.toI'm immensely grateful to you for your support.

Grateful is used with these nouns:

look, thanks

gratefully

gratefullyadv.

Gratefully is used with these verbs:

accept, acknowledge, nod, receive, sink, thank

grater

graternoun

Grater is used after these nouns:

gratification

gratificationnoun

Gratification is used after these nouns:

ego

gratify

gratifyverb

Gratify is used with these nouns as the object:

desire

gratifying

gratifyingadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbefind sthADVERBextremely, immensely, incredibly, most, really, veryespecially, particularlypersonally (esp. AmE)PREPOSITIONforIt is most gratifying for me to know that my work has been useful.

gratin

gratinnoun

Gratin is used before these nouns:

dish

gratitude

gratitudenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + gratitude | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeep, profoundheartfelt, sincereeternal, undyingVERB + gratitudefeelthe very deep gratitude I felt towards/toward herexpress, extend, showhaveYou have our undying gratitude.deserve, earn (sb)They deserve our gratitude for all the work they do.His kindness earned him her eternal gratitude.PREPOSITIONin gratitudeHe almost wept in gratitude when he saw the money.with gratitudeI remember them with gratitude.gratitude atmy gratitude at her thoughtfulnessgratitude forgratitude to, gratitude towards/towardI would like to express my deep sense of gratitude to the staff for their patience.PHRASESas a token of your gratitudeI sent him some money as a token of my gratitude.owe a debt of gratitude to sbWe owe her a deep debt of gratitude for her services.a feeling of gratitude, a sense of gratitude

gratuitous

gratuitousadj.

Gratuitous is used with these nouns:

sex, violence

gratuitously

gratuitouslyadv.

Gratuitously is used with these adjectives:

violent

grave

gravenounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + grave | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdeep, shallowThe body was found in a shallow grave.openThe mourners threw flowers into the open grave.fresh, freshly dugunmarkedHis body is buried in an unmarked grave.common, communal (esp. BrE), massA mass grave has been discovered outside the town.wateryHe rescued her from a watery grave (= saved her from drowning).earlyShe smoked herself into an early grave (= died young as a result of smoking).VERB + gravedigmarkThe grave was marked by a simple headstone.desecrateSome of the graves have been desecrated by vandals.visitWhenever he goes home he visits his mother's grave.PREPOSITIONbeyond the graveThe old lady still influences the family from beyond the grave.in a/the graveI'll be in my grave by the time that happens!on a/the graveShe puts fresh flowers on her husband's grave every Sunday.

II. adj.

Grave is used with these nouns:

breach, charge, concern, consequence, crime, crisis, danger, difficulty, disadvantage, disappointment, disservice, doubt, error, face, implication, injustice, insult, miscalculation, misgivings, mistake, offence, peril, problem, reservation, responsibility, risk, sin, situation, suspicion, threat, violation

gravel

gravelnoun

Gravel is used before these nouns:

drive, driveway, path, pit, road

gravelly

gravellyadj.

Gravelly is used with these nouns:

tone, voice

gravely

gravelyadv.

Gravely is used with these adjectives:

concerned, deficient, ill, injured, mistaken

Gravely is used with these verbs:

nod, offend, say, tell, threaten, wound

graven

gravenadj.

Graven is used with these nouns:

image

graveyard

graveyardnoun

Graveyard is used before these nouns:

shift

gravitational

gravitationaladj.

Gravitational is used with these nouns:

attraction, field, force, pull, radiation, wave

gravity

gravitynoun

noun1 natural force2 seriousness1 natural forceADJECTIVE | VERB + gravity | gravity + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElow, weak, zerothe weak gravity on the moonstrongVERB + gravitydefyThe building leans so much that it seems to defy gravity.gravity + VERBpull sthGravity pulls objects together.bend sthGravity bends light like a lens.PREPOSITIONby gravityThe water flows from the tank by gravity to the houses below.PHRASEScentre/center of gravity (often figurative)a low centre/center of gravityThe world's economic centre/center of gravity is shifting east.the force of gravitythe law of gravity, the laws of gravity

2 seriousnessADJECTIVE | VERB + gravity | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEextremeI don't think you realize the extreme gravity of the situation.VERB + gravityappreciate, realize, understandPREPOSITIONwith gravityThe threat is not being treated with the gravity it deserves.

gray

grayadj.

Gray is used with these nouns:

afternoon, area, ash, background, beard, cloud, dawn, day, expanse, eye, face, gaze, hair, head, horse, marble, mist, morning, sea, shape, sky, smoke, squirrel, streak, suburb, tone, weather, winter

graying

grayingadj.

Graying is used with these nouns:

beard, head

graze

grazenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + graze | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEminor, slight, smallVERB + grazehave, sufferShe suffered only minor grazes in the crash.PREPOSITIONgraze onI had a graze on my leg.PHRASESbe just a grazecuts and grazes (esp. BrE)

II. verb1 of animals2 break the surface of your skin1 of animalsADVERB | VERB + graze | PREPOSITIONADVERBcontentedly, peacefully, quietlySheep were grazing peacefully in the fields.VERB + grazeallow sth to, turn sth out toThe cattle were turned out to graze.PREPOSITIONon, uponlambs grazing on the rough moorland pasture

2 break the surface of your skinADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBbadlyShe had grazed her elbow quite badly.just, onlyThe bullet only grazed his shoulder.PREPOSITIONonHe fell and grazed his knees on a rock

Graze is used with these nouns as the subject:

bullet, calf, cattle, cow, donkey, goat, goose, horse, lip, sheep

Graze is used with these nouns as the object:

cattle, knee, knuckle

grazing

grazingnoun

Grazing is used before these nouns:

land, marsh, right

grease

greasenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + grease | grease + NOUNADJECTIVEbacon (AmE)VERB + greasebe covered in, be covered with, be smeared withThe kitchen surfaces were all smeared with grease.dissolve, removewipe, wipe offI wiped the grease off my hands.grease + NOUNmark, spot (esp. AmE), stain

II. verbADVERBADVERBwelllightlyPlace the cakes on a lightly greased baking tray.

greased

greasedadj.

Greased is used with these nouns:

lightning

greaseproof

greaseproofadj.

Greaseproof is used with these nouns:

greasy

greasyadj.

Greasy is used with these nouns:

chip, fry, hair, hand, skin, smear

great

greatadj.adv.

I. adj.1 large in amount, degree, size, etc.2 admired3 very good/pleasant1 large in amount, degree, size, etc.VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbebecomeADVERBveryThe play was a very great success.PHRASESgreat bigThere's a great big hole in this sleeve.no greatDon't worry. It's no great loss.

2 admiredVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBreally, truly, veryHe was a truly great man.

3 very good/pleasantVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, look, seem, smell, sound, tasteYou're looking great. Marriage must suit you!ADVERBjust, reallyThat's really great news!absolutelyThe food smells absolutely great.

Great is used with these nouns:

ability, abundance, acclaim, accolade, accomplishment, accumulation, accuracy, achievement, actor, actress, acumen, admiration, admirer, advance, advantage, adventure, advocate, affection, affinity, age, agility, alarm, album, ally, altitude, ambition, amusement, anger, anguish, annoyance, antagonism, anticipation, antiquity, anxiety, appeal, appetite, appreciation, apprehension, aptitude, arc, architect, army, art, article, artist, asset, assistance, assurance, astonishment, athlete, atmosphere, attraction, attribute, aunt, awe, ball, banquet, bargain, battle, beast, beauty, beer, believer, bellow, benefactor, benefit, bitterness, blessing, bloke, blow, blunder, bonus, book, boom, boon, boost, brain, bravery, breadth, breakthrough, brilliance, brutality, bulk, bunch, burden, burst, campaigner, capacity, capital, care, castle, catastrophe, cathedral, cause, caution, celebration, challenge, chamber, champion, chance, character, charm, chasm, cheer, chunk, city, civilization, clarity, class, classic, climax, cloud, clump, collection, collector, comeback, comedian, comfort, commitment, commotion, compassion, competence, complexity, compliment, composer, concentration, concern, conductor, confidence, conflict, confusion, connoisseur, consistency, consolation, conspiracy, consternation, consumer, contempt, contest, contribution, controversy, convenience, conviction, cook, cooking, copy, cost, country, coup, couple, courage, courtesy, crash, creativity, credibility, credit, crime, critic, crowd, cruelty, crusade, cry, cunning, curiosity, damage, dancer, danger, day, debt, decrease, dedication, deed, deference, degree, deliberation, delicacy, delight, demand, dent, dependence, depression, depth, desire, detail, determination, deterrent, devotee, devotion, dexterity, difference, difficulty, dignity, dilemma, dimension, diplomacy, disadvantage, disappointment, disaster, discipline, discomfort, discovery, discrepancy, discretion, discrimination, disdain, disgust, dislike, dismay, disparity, display, displeasure, disruption, disservice, distance, distaste, distinction, distress, disturbance, diversity, divide, dividend, division, door, dread, dream, dynasty, earthquake, ease, effectiveness, efficiency, effort, elation, elegance, embarrassment, empathy, emphasis, empire, encouragement, endurance, enemy, enjoyment, enterprise, enthusiasm, entrepreneur, era, error, eruption, escape, estate, esteem, event, evil, exaggeration, example, exception, excitement, excuse, exercise, exertion, expanse, expansion, expectation, expenditure, expense, experience, expertise, explorer, explosion, exponent, extension, facility, failing, failure, faith, fall, fame, famine, fan, fanfare, fascination, father, fault, favour, favourite, fear, feast, feat, feedback, feeling, ferment, ferocity, fervour, festival, fidelity, fight, figure, film, find, finish, fireplace, flair, flash, fleet, flexibility, flood, following, fondness, food, fool, football, force, foresight, form, fortress, fortune, freedom, frequency, friend, friendship, frustration, fulfilment, fun, fuss, future, gag, gamble, game, gap, gash, gasp, gate, generosity, genius, gift, girl, goal, golfer, grief, gulf, gulp, gust, guy, hall, handicap, happiness, hardship, harm, haste, hazard, heap, heat, heave, height, help, herd, hero, heroine, hindrance, historian, hole, honour, hope, horse, hostility, house, humanity, humiliation, hunger, hurry, hurt, idea, idol, imagination, impact, impediment, impetus, importance, impression, improvement, incentive, incidence, inconvenience, independence, indignation, inequality, influence, influx, ingenuity, initiative, injustice, innovation, input, insecurity, insight, inspiration, instrument, insult, integrity, intellect, intelligence, intensity, interest, intimacy, investment, irony, irritation, job, joy, judge, kick, killer, kindness, king, knowledge, lad, landmark, latitude, laugh, leader, leadership, leap, learning, legacy, length, lesson, leverage, liberty, lie, life, lift, liking, listener, literature, loneliness, longing, lord, loss, love, lover, loyalty, luck, lump, luxury, machine, magnitude, majority, man, mansion, master, masterpiece, mathematician, maturity, measure, memory, menace, mercy, merit, mind, miracle, misconception, misery, misfortune, misgivings, mistake, moderation, moment, momentum, monastery, monument, motivation, mound, mountain, movie, mum, museum, music, musician, mystery, myth, nation, need, neighbourhood, nervousness, news, night, novel, novelist, novelty, nuisance, number, occasion, ocean, odds, opportunity, optimism, orchestra, originality, outcry, pace, pain, painter, painting, palace, paradox, partnership, passion, patience, perfection, performance, performer, peril, perseverance, persistence, personality, philosopher, photograph, photographer, physicist, picture, pile, pity, place, plague, plain, player, pleasure, poem, poet, poetry, poise, popularity, possibility, post, potential, power, praise, preacher, precaution, precision, presence, pressure, prestige, pride, privilege, prize, problem, procession, proficiency, progress, prominence, promise, prophet, proportion, prosperity, protection, purity, puzzle, quality, quantity, range, rapidity, rapport, read, reader, reassurance, reception, record, reduction, refinement, reform, regard, regret, regularity, rejoicing, relaxation, relevance, reliance, relief, religion, reluctance, remorse, reputation, resemblance, resentment, reserve, resilience, resistance, resolution, resource, respect, responsibility, restaurant, restraint, return, revelation, reverence, revival, reward, risk, rival, rivalry, river, roar, romantic, row, ruler, runner, rush, sacrifice, sadness, satisfaction, save, saving, scandal, scarcity, scepticism, scholar, scientist, scope, script, sculptor, secrecy, secret, selection, self-confidence, sensation, sense, sense of humour, sensitivity, sequence, seriousness, service, severity, sex, shame, shape, shock, shot, shout, show, shudder, sigh, significance, similarity, simplicity, sin, sincerity, singer, singing, size, skill, slab, slice, sob, solace, soldier, solemnity, solo, song, sophistication, sorrow, soul, sound, source, speaker, spectacle, speed, spirit, splendour, sportsman, sportswoman, spread, spur, staircase, stamina, start, statesman, stature, status, step, stillness, stimulus, stir, store, storm, story, strain, strength, stress, stretch, stride, struggle, style, subtlety, success, suffering, sum, support, supporter, surge, surprise, suspicion, sweep, sweetness, swimmer, sympathy, tact, talent, task, taste, teacher, teamwork, tear, temple, temptation, tendency, tenderness, tenor, tension, testament, theatre, thing, thinker, thirst, threat, thrill, time, timing, tolerance, toll, torment, tradition, tragedy, traveller, treasure, treat, tree, tribute, trip, triumph, trouble, trust, truth, try, tune, turmoil, turning point, turnout, tyrant, uncertainty, uncle, understanding, undertaking, unease, unhappiness, uniformity, unknown, unrest, upheaval, uproar, upsurge, urge, urgency, use, utility, vacation, validity, valour, value, variability, variation, variety, venue, victory, vigour, villain, vintage, violence, virtue, vision, vitality, void, volley, volume, voyage, vulnerability, warmth, warrior, waste, waterfall, wave, weakness, wealth, weariness, weather, weight, welcome, width, wilderness, will, win, wine, wisdom, wit, wonder, work, worry, wrath, writer, writing, wrong, year, yearning, zeal, zest

II. adv.

Great is used with these verbs:

greater greatest

greatestadj.

Greatest is used with these nouns:

extent, hit, importance, obstacle, reliability, wish

greatest-hits

greatest-hitsadj.

Greatest-hits is used with these nouns:

album

greatly

greatlyadv.

Greatly is used with these adjectives:

amused, concerned, dependent, disappointed, disturbed, honoured, impressed, indebted, inferior, inflated, interested, preferable, relieved, restricted, shocked, superior, surprised, troubled, upset

Greatly is used with these verbs:

accelerate, admire, advance, affect, alleviate, alter, amuse, anger, appreciate, assist, benefit, boost, change, cheer, comfort, complicate, concern, contrast, contribute, decrease, depend, desire, differ, dislike, ease, encourage, endanger, enhance, enjoy, enlarge, envy, exaggerate, exceed, expand, extend, facilitate, favour, fear, fluctuate, hamper, heighten, help, hinder, illuminate, impair, impede, improve, inconvenience, increase, influence, inhibit, intensify, interest, lessen, limit, magnify, matter, modify, multiply, offend, outnumber, outweigh, overestimate, prefer, reduce, refine, regret, reinforce, resemble, resent, respect, restrict, reward, sadden, shorten, simplify, stimulate, strengthen, suffer, surprise, trouble, underestimate, undermine, value, vary, weaken, welcome, widen

greatness

greatnessnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + greatness | greatness + VERBADJECTIVEtrueThis book tells you nothing about the true greatness of his paintings.future, potentialThe Puerto Rican was tipped for future greatness.formerartistic, literarynationalHe was made into a symbol of national greatness.presidential (esp. AmE)VERB + greatnessachievethose people who have achieved greatnessbe destined fora woman who was destined for greatnessgreatness + VERBlieHer greatness lies in her deep understanding of human nature.

Grecian

Grecianadj.

Grecian is used with these nouns:

nose

greed

greednoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + greed | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpure, sheer, simplehuman, personalcorporatethe evils of corporate greedVERB + greedsatisfyShe killed him to satisfy her greed.be consumed by, be driven byPREPOSITIONgreed forHe was driven by greed for money and power.

greedily

greedilyadv.

Greedily is used with these verbs:

devour, drink, eye, gulp

greedy

greedyadj.

Greedy is used with these nouns:

eye, lawyer, pig

Greek

Greeknounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | Greek + NOUNADJECTIVEancient, classicalNew TestamentmodernGreek + NOUNalphabet

II. adj.

Greek is used with these nouns:

alphabet, antiquity, civilization, culture, drama, god, inscription, legend, myth, mythology, philosopher, philosophy, relief, remains, salad, statue, temple, tragedy, vase, word, writer

green

greennounadj.

I. noun

Green is used after these nouns:

bowling, village

II. adj., nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEcoolapple, aqua (esp. AmE), bottle, emerald, forest, kelly (AmE), leafy, lime, lush, mint, olive, sagethe lush green grassan olive green carpet

Green is used with these nouns:

apple, banana, bean, belt, building, cabbage, card, chilli, consumer, corn, countryside, credentials, electricity, energy, expanse, eye, fee, field, foliage, grape, grass, hill, hillside, leaf, onion, pea, pepper, pus, salad, shoot, slime, space, tax, tea, tomato, tourism, traffic light, turf, valley, vegetables, vegetation, waste, wood

green belt

green beltnoun

Green belt is used before these nouns:

greenfield

greenfieldadj.

Greenfield is used with these nouns:

land, site

greenhouse

greenhousenoun

Greenhouse is used before these nouns:

effect, gas, heater

greenhouse gas

greenhouse gasnoun

Greenhouse gas is used before these nouns:

emission

greens

greensnoun

Greens is used before these nouns:

Greens is used after these nouns:

salad

green tea

green teanoun

Green tea is used before these nouns:

extract

greet

greetverb

verb1 say hello to sb2 react to sth in particular way1 say hello to sbADVERB | VERB + greet | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBcheerfully, enthusiastically, warmlyThe two men greeted one another warmly.politelycoollyStella greeted her mother coolly.VERB + greetbe there to, be waiting toYou must be there to greet your guests.My parents were waiting to greet us at the door.come to, rise to, turn toThe president rose to greet his guests.PREPOSITIONwithShe greeted him with a quick kiss.PHRASESgreet sb by nameThe head teacher greeted all the students by name.

2 react to sth in particular wayADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBenthusiasticallycoollyPREPOSITIONwithThe news was greeted with astonishment.

Greet is used with these nouns as the subject:

applause, chorus, demonstration, sight, silence

Greet is used with these nouns as the object:

acquaintance, announcement, arrival, dawn, ear, guest, news, return, visitor

greeting

greetingnoun

noun1 first words you say when you meet sb2 greetings good wishes1 first words you say when you meet sbADJECTIVE | VERB + greeting | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEformal, friendly, politetraditionalThe traditional Muslim greeting is ‘Salaam’.VERB + greetingcall, call out, nod, shout, smile, waveHe jumped to his feet and called out a greeting.They said nothing, but nodded a polite greeting.exchangeThe delegates shook hands and exchanged greetings.give (sb), offer (sb)He offered me a warm greeting and invited me in.acknowledge, respond to, returnI said ‘Good morning!’, but she didn't return the greeting.ignorePREPOSITIONin greetingHe held out his hand in greeting.

2 greetings good wishesADJECTIVE | VERB + GREETINGS | greetings/greeting + NOUNADJECTIVEpersonal, warmbirthday, Christmas, festive (esp. BrE), holiday (AmE), New Year, seasonalVERB + GREETINGSbring, extend, send (sb)He brought Christmas greetings from the whole family.We extend our greetings to you and thank you for listening to us.greetings/greeting + NOUNgreeting card (AmE), greetings card (BrE)Millions of greetings/greeting cards are sent at Christmas.

gregarious

gregariousadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highlyThese animals are highly gregarious.naturally

Gregorian

Gregorianadj.

Gregorian is used with these nouns:

calendar, chant

grenade

grenadenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + grenade | grenade + VERB | grenade + NOUNADJECTIVEhand, smoke, stunrocket-propelledfragmentation (esp. AmE)liveVERB + grenadebe armed with, carry, haveThe hijackers were armed with hand grenades.holdShe was holding the grenade above her head, ready to throw.hurl, lob, throw, tossI tossed the grenade through the open door.firepull the pin from, pull the pin out ofgrenade + VERBlandexplode, go offgrenade + NOUNattacklauncher

grey

greyadj.

(esp. BrE) (AmE usually gray) adj., noun1 colour/color2 with grey hair1 colour/colorADVERB | ADJECTIVEADVERBuniformlyveryThe sky looks very grey. I think it's going to rain.quite (esp. BrE), rather, slightlyADJECTIVEdarklight, palea light grey suitcharcoal, silvery, slate, steelHis steel gray hair was clipped short as usual.

2 with grey hairVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbego, turnHe went grey before he was forty.ADVERBveryquite, slightlyHe'd turned quite grey.mostlyThe old man's beard was mostly grey.completelyShe was completely grey by the age of thirty.prematurely

Grey is used with these nouns:

afternoon, area, ash, background, beard, cloud, dawn, day, expanse, eye, face, gaze, hair, head, horse, marble, mist, morning, sea, shape, sky, smoke, squirrel, streak, suburb, tone, weather, winter

greyhound

greyhoundnoun

Greyhound is used before these nouns:

racing, stadium, track

greying

greyingadj.

Greying is used with these nouns:

beard, head

grid

gridnoun

noun1 pattern of lines that cross each other2 system of squares drawn on a map3 (esp. BrE) system of electric cables1 pattern of lines that cross each otherADJECTIVE | VERB + grid | grid + NOUNADJECTIVErectangular, squareregularstreet (esp. AmE)the Manhattan street gridVERB + gridsuperimposeWe superimposed a grid over the image.grid + NOUNline, pattern, square, systemThe artist drew a set of grid lines over the area to be painted.

2 system of squares drawn on a mapgrid + NOUNgrid + NOUNline, reference (BrE), squareThe grid lines on the map run north-south.A grid reference gives the position of a place to within 100 m.

3 (esp. BrE) system of electric cablesADJECTIVE | grid + NOUNADJECTIVEelectric (esp. AmE), electrical (esp. AmE), electricity, power, utility (AmE)national (esp. BrE)grid + NOUNsystemPower can be fed from wind generators into the electricity grid system.

grief

griefnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + grief | grief + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeep, great, inconsolable, intense, overwhelming, realpersonal, privateI felt awkward at intruding on their private grief.publicunresolved (esp. AmE)VERB + griefbe consumed by, be consumed with, be overcome by, be overcome with, be stricken with, experience, feelHer parents were stricken with grief.express, showcausedie from, die ofcome to terms with, cope with, deal with, overcomeThey are still struggling to come to terms with their grief.understandShe understood my grief because she too had lost a child.shareHe feels that he can't share his grief with anyone.grief + NOUNcounselling/counseling, counsellor/counselor (both esp. AmE)process (esp. AmE), reactionPREPOSITIONgrief atChildren can feel real grief at the loss of a pet.grief forher grief for her dead husbandgrief overgrief over the loss of a friend's lifePHRASESa feeling of grief, a sense of grief

grievance

grievancenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + grievance | grievance + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgenuine, legitimate, realSome people will complain even if they have no genuine grievance.historical (esp. AmE), long-standing, oldindividual, personalspecificeconomic, political, socialBy the 1950s, political grievances were again being voiced.VERB + grievanceharbour/harbor, have, nurseShe still nursed her old grievance.air, express, voicefile (AmE)hear (formal), listen toNo one would listen to their grievances.address, redress, remedy (esp. BrE), settleManagers would make every effort to address individual grievances.grievance + NOUNprocedure, processcommittee (AmE)PREPOSITIONgrievance about, grievance overThe meeting will be a chance to air your grievances about the organization.grievance againstHe had a personal grievance against the professor.PHRASESa sense of grievance

grieve

grieveverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBdeeplyShe had grieved deeply for her father.privately, silentlystillPREPOSITIONforThey are still grieving for their child.overHe is still grieving over the loss of his daughter.

Grieve is used with these nouns as the object:

death, loss

grieving

grievingadj.

Grieving is used with these nouns:

father, mother, parent, process, relative, widow

grievous

grievousadj.

Grievous is used with these nouns:

error, sin

grievously

grievouslyadv.

Grievously is used with these verbs:

suffer, wound

grill

grillnounverb

I. noun1 (BrE) part of a cooker2 framework of metal bars that you cook food on1 (BrE) part of a cookerSee also broilerADJECTIVE | VERB + grill | grill + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhotCook under a hot grill for 7 minutes.electric, gasVERB + grillheat, preheatPreheat the grill to medium.grill + NOUNpanPREPOSITIONunder a/the grillPlace the chops in the grill pan, and put it under the grill.

2 framework of metal bars that you cook food onADJECTIVE | VERB + grill | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcharcoal, gas (AmE)barbecue (esp. AmE)backyard (AmE)VERB + grillpreheat, preparePREPOSITIONon a/the grillOnce the charcoal is glowing, place the food on the grill.We're just going to throw some steaks on the grill.

II. verb

Grill is used with these nouns as the object:

bacon, chicken, chop, fish, meat, mushroom, onion, salmon, sausage, steak, vegetables

grille

grillenoun

Grille is used after these nouns:

radiator

grilled

grilledadj.

Grilled is used with these nouns:

cheese, fish, lamb, meat, pepper, steak, vegetables

grim

grimadj.

Grim is used with these nouns:

determination, discovery, expression, face, fate, fortress, future, humour, look, milestone, news, outlook, picture, prediction, reality, realization, reminder, satisfaction, scenario, smile, spectre, task, truth, warning, weather

grimace

grimacenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + grimace | grimace + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElittle, slight, smallpained, painful (esp. AmE)wryfacialVERB + grimacegive (sb), makeShe made a wry grimace.twist intoHis face twisted into a grimace.grimace + VERBtwist sthAn ugly grimace twisted her face.PREPOSITIONwith a grimaceHe acknowledged his mistake with a wry grimace.grimace ofa grimace of disgust/pain

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBslightlyinwardlyPREPOSITIONatHe grimaced slightly at the pain.She grimaced at him.in, withShe grimaced in disgust.

grime

grimenoun

nounVERB + grime | PHRASESVERB + grimebe covered in, be covered withwash away, wash off, wipe away, wipe offPHRASESa layer of grimeOver the years, the painting has become covered in a thick layer of grimedirt and grimeDirt and grime hung to their clothes.

grimly

grimlyadv.

Grimly is used with these adjectives:

determined, realistic

Grimly is used with these verbs:

laugh, mutter, nod, reply, say, smile, think

grimy

grimyadj.

Grimy is used with these nouns:

Grin is used with these nouns as the object:

grin

grinnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + grin | grin + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, broad, Cheshire (AmE), Cheshire-cat, huge, large, widefaint, feeble, slight, smallfriendly, sympathetichappyinfectiouslazycheesy, foolish, goofy, silly, stupidboyish, cheeky (BrE), devilish, devious, impish, mischievous, playful, sly, teasingEdmund looked up with an impish grin.mocking, teasingcocky, smugsatisfiedsheepish, shyrueful, sardonic, wryknowinginsane, manicamusedevil, feral (esp. AmE), hideous, malicious, sinister, wicked, wolfishcrooked, lopsidedgap-toothed, toothless, toothyVERB + grinhaveHe had a cheeky grin.I wondered why Dad had a grin on his face.crack, flash (sb), give (sb), let out (AmE)He gave the photographer a big grin.grin, smileHe grinned his adorable grin.force, manageHe forced a grin despite feeling angry.break into, curl into (AmE), form, split intoThe old man's face broke into a grin.Her lips started to form a slight grin.fight, fight back, hide, hold back, stifle, suppressShe tried to stifle a grin.wearreturngrin + VERBbroaden, grow, grow broader, grow wider, widenappear, break out (across sb's face), come across sb's face, come over sb's face, creep across sb's face, creep onto sb's face, cross sb's face, form on sb's face, spread across sb's face, spread over sb's faceA mischievous grin spread across the little girl's face.be plastered across sb's face, be plastered on sb's face, light sb's face, light up sb's face, play on sb's face, split sb's face, tug at sb's lipsa grin tugging at the corners of his lipsdisappear, fadeHis wry grin faded.turn into sthHer grin turned into a frown.PREPOSITIONwith a grin‘Fooled you!’ he said, with a cheeky grin.grin ata grin at his wifegrin ofa grin of triumphPHRASEStake the grin off your face, wipe the grin off your faceTake that grin off your face!wipe the grin off sb's faceI'll soon wipe that silly grin off her face.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBbroadly, widelyHe appeared in the doorway grinning broadly.slightly, weaklycrookedlybrightly, cheerfully, happilyamiablyboyishly, cheekily (BrE), devilishly, impishly, mischievously, playfullymadly, wildlytriumphantlyproudlyinanely, stupidlynervously, sheepishlyHe just stood there, tongue-tied and grinning sheepishly.apologetically, ruefully, wrylyShe grinned apologetically when she saw him.evilly, maliciously, slyly, wolfishlyknowinglysmuglyback, down at, up atShe relaxed and grinned wickedly back at him.He lay grinning impishly up at me.PREPOSITIONatHe stopped eating to grin at me.likeHe just stood there, grinning like an idiot.toShe grinned to herself at the thought.withThey grinned with pleasure.PHRASESgrin ear to ear (AmE), grin from ear to earShe looked at us, grinning from ear to ear.

Grind is used with these nouns as the subject:

grind

grindverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBcoarselyfinelyThe cement need not be finely ground.down, upGrind the seeds down to a powder.PREPOSITIONintomachinery for grinding wheat into flourtoThe coffee is ground to a fine powder.PHRASESfreshly groundfreshly ground black pepper

mill

Grind is used with these nouns as the object:

barley, bean, coffee, corn, gear, meat, pepper, tooth, wheat

grinder

grindernoun

Grinder is used after these nouns:

meat, pepper

grinding

grindingadj.

Grinding is used with these nouns:

halt, poverty, stone, toil

grind to

grind tophr verb

Grind to is used with these nouns as the object:

halt, standstill

grinning

grinningadj.

Grinning is used with these nouns:

face, skull

grip

gripnounverb

I. noun1 hold on sth2 power/control1 hold on sthADJECTIVE | VERB + grip | grip + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfirm, good, secure, solid (esp. AmE), strong, tightcrushing, death, iron, painful, vice-like/vise-likeHer upper arms were seized in an iron grip.gentle, loose, weakcomfortableVERB + griphaveHe still had a firm grip on my arm.get, takeTaking a tight grip on the hook, he began to pull it closer.keepKeep a secure grip on the rope at all times.loseShe slipped and lost her grip of the rope.strengthen, tightenRobert tightened his grip on her shoulder.loose, loosen, relax, release, slackenadjust, change, shiftgrip + VERBtightenShe felt his grip tighten painfully on her wrist.loosen, relax, slackenHis grip slackened and she tore herself away.PREPOSITIONin a/sb's gripHold the microphone in a firm grip.She was powerless in his iron grip.grip onShe relaxed her grip on the door frame.PHRASESbreak sb's gripHe finally broke her grip and escaped.

2 power/controlADJECTIVE | VERB + grip | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfirm, iron, powerful, strong, tight, vice-like/vise-liketenuousShe has a tenuous grip on reality.death, icyVERB + griphaveThe Church does not have a strong grip on the population.get, takeThe government needs to get a grip on this problem.Get a grip! (= take control of yourself, your life, etc.) (informal)keep, maintainWe need to keep a tight grip on costs.strengthen, tightenThey managed to strengthen their grip on the southern part of the country.loosenlose (informal)Sometimes I feel I'm losing my grip (= losing control of my life, etc.)PREPOSITIONin sth's gripWinter still held them in its iron grip.a country in the grip of recessiongrip onThe government does not seem to have a very firm grip on the economy.PHRASEScome to grips with sth, get to grips with sth (= to begin to take control of sth or understand sth difficult)I'm slowly getting to grips with the language.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBfirmly, hard, tightlygently, lightly, looselyPREPOSITIONatShe gripped hard at the arms of her chair.byHe gripped her gently by the shoulders.

Grip is used with these nouns as the subject:

fear, fever, hand, panic, paranoia

Grip is used with these nouns as the object:

arm, audience, bat, edge, handle, imagination, rail, rein, wheel, wrist

gripping

grippingadj.

Gripping is used with these nouns:

read, thriller, yarn

grisly

grislyadj.

Grisly is used with these nouns:

death, detail, discovery, murder, scene

grit

gritnounverb

I. noun1 small pieces of stone2 courage/determination1 small pieces of stone… OF GRIT… OF GRITbit, pieceA bit of grit got into my eye.

2 courage/determinationADJECTIVE | VERB + gritADJECTIVEsheer, trueVERB + grithaveDon't give in yet. You have more grit than that.display (esp. BrE), showThe team showed their true grit and played a magnificent game.

II. verb

Grit is used with these nouns as the object:

gritted

grittedadj.

Gritted is used with these nouns:

gritting

grittingnoun

Gritting is used before these nouns:

gritty

grittyadj.

Gritty is used with these nouns:

determination, drama, realism, reality, texture

grizzled

grizzledadj.

Grizzled is used with these nouns:

beard, hair, veteran

groan

groannounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + groan | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEloudHe let out a loud groan of frustration.little, slight, small, softdeep, lowlongmuffled, quietaudibleannoyed, exasperated, frustratedcollectiveVERB + groanemit, give, let out, utterbite back (AmE), hold back, stifle, suppresshearPREPOSITIONwith a groanHe stood up slowly with a groan of pain.groan ofa groan of annoyancePHRASESmoans and groansThe doctors all ignored her moans and groans.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBloudlyquietly, softlyslightlyaloud, out loudinwardly, mentally, silentlyHe groaned inwardly at the thought of spending another day in that place.PREPOSITIONin, withSome of the patients were groaning in/with pain.at, fromHe groaned at/from the pain.PHRASESmoan and groanThere's no point in moaning and groaning about not having any money.

grocery

grocerynoun

noun1 groceries food, etc.2 (esp. AmE) used before a noun3 (esp. BrE) (AmE usually grocery store) shop/store1 groceries food, etc.See also shoppingADJECTIVE | … OF GROCERIES | VERB + GROCERIES | grocery + NOUNADJECTIVEweeklymy weekly groceries… OF GROCERIESbagHe walked in and set the bag of groceries down on the floor.VERB + GROCERIESbuy, get (esp. AmE)Mom wanted me to get the groceries.Where do you buy your groceries?deliverWe have our groceries delivered.bag (AmE), packput away, unload, unpack (all esp. AmE)grocery + NOUNbag

2 (esp. AmE) used before a noungrocery + NOUNgrocery + NOUNlistbillbag, sack (AmE)items (BrE, AmE)cart (AmE)shopping (BrE, AmE)I have to do some grocery shopping.store (BrE, AmE)

3 (esp. BrE) (AmE usually grocery store) shop/storeSee also supermarketADJECTIVE | grocery/grocery store + NOUNADJECTIVEcorner, local, neighbourhood/neighborhoodthe corner grocery (esp. BrE)the corner grocery store (esp. AmE)grocery/grocery store + NOUNcheckout (AmE)a grocery checkouta grocery store checkout (both AmE)aisle, shelves (both esp. AmE)clerk (AmE)a grocery clerka grocery store clerk (both AmE)business, chaina grocery business/chain (BrE, AmE)a grocery store business/chain (AmE)

groom

groomverb

Groom is used with these nouns as the object:

horse, pony, successor

groomed

groomedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, lookShe is always perfectly groomed.ADVERBwellimmaculately, impeccably, perfectlybeautifully

Groomed is used with these nouns:

trail

groove

groovenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + groove | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdeep, shallownarrow, wideVERB + groovecarve, cut, makeRunning water had carved a groove down the face of the wall.formPREPOSITIONgroove ina deep groove in the surface of the rock

grope

gropeverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBblindlyabout (BrE), around, round (esp. BrE)PREPOSITIONforShe groped blindly for the door handle.PHRASESgrope your wayI groped my way across the pitch-black stage.

Grope is used with these nouns as the object:

grope for

grope forphr verb

Grope for is used with these nouns as the subject:

gross grossly gross-out

gross-outadj.

Gross-out is used with these nouns:

gag, humour

grotesque

grotesqueadj.

Grotesque is used with these nouns:

caricature, parody

grotesquely

grotesquelyadv.

Grotesquely is used with these adjectives:

comic

ground

groundnounverbadj.

I. noun1 solid surface of the earth2 area of land3 piece of land used for a particular purpose4 (BrE) stadium5 grounds land surrounding a large building6 area of interest/study/discussion7 grounds reason for sth1 solid surface of the earthADJECTIVE | VERB + ground | ground + NOUN | PHRASES | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfirm, hard, solidmuddy, softdamp, wetdry, dustycold, frozendirt (AmE)concrete, stone (both esp. AmE)snow-covered, snowysandyfertile (often figurative)The fall of the old regime provided fertile ground for opportunism.VERB + groundfall to, hit, strike, touchThe helicopter burst into flames when it hit the ground.reachHer feet don't reach the ground when she sits down.get off, leaveThe plane was so overloaded it couldn't leave the ground.His plan is too costly to ever get off the ground. (figurative)cover, litterthe broken branches which littered the groundkick, paw, poundThe horse pawed the ground impatiently.scan, searchHer eyes searched the ground.shakeThunder shook the ground.ground + NOUNlevelThe window is just above ground level.forces, troopsPHRASESthe ground beneath sb's feetPREPOSITIONabove ground, below groundThe roots may spread as far below ground as does the foliage above ground.in the grounda hole in the groundon the groundHe sat down on the ground.under the groundThe tunnel goes deep under the ground.

2 area of landADJECTIVE | … OF GROUNDADJECTIVEhigh, lowThe town stands on high ground and is not prone to flooding.opendifficult, rocky, rough, stony, unevenbare, barrenflat, levelmarshyhallowed, holy, sacredHe stood on the hallowed ground of Yankee Stadium. (figurative)… OF GROUNDpatch, pieceWe found a patch of open ground in the middle of the woods.

3 piece of land used for a particular purposeADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEburialdumpingThe river has become a dumping ground for industrial waste.Landfill sites provide a dumping ground for old mattresses, broken chairs as well as household waste.camp (AmE), paradebattlebreeding, feeding, nesting, spawning, winteringThe estuary is a breeding ground for birds and marine life.Hospitals are breeding grounds for bacteria.Poverty is a breeding ground for terrorism. (figurative)fishing, huntingstaging (esp. AmE)meetingPREPOSITIONat a/the ground, in a/the groundall the graves in the burial ground

4 (BrE) stadiumADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcricket, football, rugby, etc.practice, recreation, sports, trainingaway, homePREPOSITIONat a/the groundI'll meet you at the football ground.inside a/the groundThe atmosphere inside the ground was electric.

5 grounds land surrounding a large buildingADJECTIVE | VERB + GROUNDS | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEextensive, largecastle, hospital, palace, school, etc.surroundingVERB + GROUNDSbe set in, haveThe palace is set in extensive grounds.cross, enter, walkPREPOSITIONin the grounds (of) (esp. BrE)She lived in the grounds of the castle.on the grounds (of) (AmE)The doctor's office is on the grounds of the hospital.

6 area of interest/study/discussionADJECTIVE | VERB + ground | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfamiliar, home, oldI was on more familiar ground now that we were talking about our own system.I apologize if I'm going over old ground.firm, soliddangerous, rocky, shakyLegally, we're on very shaky ground (= our actions may not be legal).Both relationships hit rocky ground.safecommonBoth parties in the debate shared some common ground.middlea search for middle ground between the two sidesneutralVERB + groundcover, go over, treadSeveral researchers have published articles covering this ground.We just seem to be going over the same ground that we covered last year.PREPOSITIONon … groundHe knew he was on dangerous ground talking about money.PHRASESbreak new groundHer architectural designs have broken new ground.hold your ground, stand your groundShe held her ground in the debate.the moral high groundI was angry with his blatant attempt to take the moral high ground.shift your groundEach time he seemed to be losing the argument, he just shifted his ground.

7 grounds reason for sthADJECTIVE | VERB + GROUNDS | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgood, reasonable, strong, sufficientlegitimate, validethical, humanitarian, moraleconomic, legal, political, etc.VERB + GROUNDShaveThe police had reasonable grounds for arresting her.be, give (sb)His evasiveness gave grounds for suspicion.PREPOSITIONon … groundsPermission to open a mine was denied on environmental grounds.on the grounds ofHe resigned on the grounds of ill health.ground forDrunkenness at work was sufficient grounds for instant dismissal.

II. verb be grounded in/on sthADVERBADVERBfirmly, solidly, thoroughly, wellHis book is firmly grounded in memories of his own childhood.historically, religiously, scientifically, etc.

Ground is used with these nouns as the object:

fleet, flight, helicopter

III. adj.

Ground is used with these nouns:

almond, beef, coffee, lamb, meat, pepper, pork, spice, turkey

ground-based

ground-basedadj.

Ground-based is used with these nouns:

radar, telescope

groundbreaking

groundbreakingnounadj.

I. noun

Groundbreaking is used before these nouns:

Groundbreaking is used with these nouns:

II. adj.

report, research, work

ground-floor

ground-flooradj.

Ground-floor is used with these nouns:

bedroom, flat, window

grounding

groundingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + grounding | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfirm, good, solid, thoroughbasicmoral, theoretical, etc.VERB + groundinghaveAll applicants for the job should have a basic grounding in computer skills.getgive (sb), provide (sb with)The course should give you a thorough grounding in financial matters.PREPOSITIONgrounding into get a good grounding in science

groundless

groundlessadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, prove, seemADVERBcompletely, totallyOur fears proved totally groundless.

ground-level

ground-leveladj.

Ground-level is used with these nouns:

ozone

groundnut

groundnutnoun

Groundnut is used before these nouns:

groundwork

groundworknoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + groundwork | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbasiclegal, theoretical, etc.VERB + groundworkdo, lay, prepare, provide (sb with), setThe first meeting laid the groundwork for the final agreement.The first year provides the basic groundwork for the study of science.PREPOSITIONgroundwork forWe are already doing the groundwork for the introduction of the plan next year.

group

groupnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + group | group + VERB | group + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, large, wideShe has a very wide group of friends.little, select, smallThe president met with a select group of senior negotiators.coherent, cohesive, homogeneous, tight, tight-knit, tightly knitThe strangers who came together for the course soon became a cohesive group.diverse, heterogeneousorganizedminorityDisabled drivers are an ever-growing minority group.dominant, powerfulcultural, demographic, ethnic, racial, socialfamilyThe animals live in family groups of 10–20 individuals.age, peeryoung people in this age groupHe started smoking because of peer-group pressure.discussiona discussion group that meets once a monthresearch, studyself-help, supportfocusbusiness, consumer, studentaction, advocacy (esp. AmE), interest, pressure, special-interestLocal parents have formed an action group to campaign for better road safety.workingrebel, splinterA few members of the party broke away to form a splinter group.extremisthate (esp. AmE)terror, terroristchurch, religiousconservation, environmentaltheatre/theaterbook, readingyouthpop, rockbloodWhat blood group are you? (BrE)comparison, controlmuscleuserVERB + groupcreate, form, found, organize, set up, startconstitutehead, lead, manage, runrepresentbecome a member of, joinleaveHe left the group last year to pursue a solo career.group + VERBformThe group formed back in 1992.split upThe group has split up and re-formed several times with different musicians.comprise, consist of, includegroup + NOUNleader, memberactivity, discussion, workphotohugPREPOSITIONas a groupThe gorillas go foraging for food as a group.in a/the groupThere are fifteen of us in the group.within a/the groupWithin a group, each individual had a definite status.group ofa group of young mothersPHRASESdivide sb/sth into groupsWe divided the class into small groups.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBcloselybroadly, looselythematicallyWorks in the exhibition are grouped thematically.togetherPREPOSITIONaccording to, byEggs were grouped according to size.The children were grouped by age.around, round (esp. BrE)They sat grouped around the fire.in, intoThese stories can be loosely grouped into three types.withThe England team was grouped with Uruguay and Holland.PHRASESgroup sth under a headingThe names were grouped under four different headings.

grove

grovenoun

Grove is used after these nouns:

banana, coconut, palm

grow

growverb

verb1 increase2 of a person, animal, etc.3 of plants, hair, etc.4 make plants grow1 increaseADVERB | VERB + grow | PREPOSITIONADVERBfast, quickly, rapidlyconsiderably, dramatically, significantly, substantiallyslowlyslightlyexponentiallyThe business has grown exponentially over the past ten years.Well before a billionth of a second had elapsed the universe started to grow exponentially.steadilyconstantly, continuouslyVERB + growseem tobegin to, start tocontinue tobe expected toPREPOSITIONatThe Chinese economy has grown at a record pace.byProfits are expected to grow by 10% next year.fromHer media empire grew from small beginnings.inShe continued to grow in confidenceintoThe town grew into a city.

2 of a person, animal, etc.ADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBfast, quickly, rapidlyslowlynormallyPREPOSITIONintoThe small puppy quickly grew into a very large dog.toto grow to maturity

3 of plants, hair, etc.ADVERB | VERB + grow | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBwellTomatoes grow best in direct sunlight.poorlyfast, quickly, rapidlyslowlyslightlythickly, vigorouslythe nettles that grew thickly around the houseoutwards/outward, upwards/upwardAs the island subsided, the reef grew upward and outward.VERB + growallow sth to, let sthI want to let my hair grow.PREPOSITIONfromThe tree grew from a small acorn.intoSmall acorns grow into great oak trees.toThese plants can grow to a height of six feet.PHRASESgrow uncheckedA rose had been allowed to grow unchecked up one of the walls.

4 make plants growADVERB | VERB + grow | PHRASESADVERBorganicallyorganically grown producecommerciallylocallysuccessfullyVERB + growbe easy toa plant which is easy to growPHRASESgrow sth from seed

Grow is used with these nouns as the subject:

anger, anxiety, appetite, applause, asset, baby, barley, base, beard, bud, bulb, bush, business, cell, child, city, collection, company, confidence, consumption, corn, crop, crowd, crystal, curiosity, deficit, demand, discomfort, discontent, dividend, economy, empire, employment, enrolment, enterprise, enthusiasm, evidence, excitement, expectation, expenditure, export, expression, face, fame, farm, fear, fingernail, firm, flame, friendship, fruit, fury, gap, grass, grin, hair, heat, hope, hunger, idea, impatience, import, income, industry, influence, interest, irritation, ivy, leaf, likelihood, list, love, lump, market, mood, mould, movement, nail, nettle, number, oats, panic, percentage, plant, popularity, population, productivity, profit, proportion, queue, rage, rate, reputation, resentment, revenue, rift, rivalry, root, sale, saving, seed, shoot, shrub, silence, size, smile, smirk, species, speculation, stature, strength, suburb, support, suspicion, tea, tension, town, trade, traffic, tree, trend, turnover, unease, usage, vegetables, vegetation, volume, weed, wheat, width

Grow is used with these nouns as the object:

barley, bean, beard, bulb, business, cannabis, cell, coconut, company, corn, cotton, crop, economy, feather, food, garden, grain, grape, hair, herb, leaf, lettuce, moustache, mushroom, nail, oats, onion, pea, per cent, plant, potato, produce, rice, root, shrub, spine, tea, tobacco, tomato, tree, variety, vegetables, wheat, wing

grower

growernoun

Grower is used after these nouns:

corn, mushroom, rice, sugar, tobacco, vegetables, wine

grow from

grow fromphr verb

Grow from is used with these nouns as the object:

seed

growing

growingnounadj.

I. noun

Growing is used before these nouns:

season

Growing is used after these nouns:

Growing is used with these nouns:

II. adj.

acceptance, agitation, alarm, alienation, anger, anticipation, antipathy, anxiety, appeal, appetite, appreciation, apprehension, army, awareness, baby, band, belief, body, chasm, chorus, clamour, collection, competition, complexity, concern, confidence, consciousness, consensus, controversy, conviction, crime, crisis, criticism, crop, crowd, darkness, debate, deficit, demand, dependence, desire, desperation, discomfort, discontent, disillusionment, dislike, dismay, disparity, dissatisfaction, dissent, distaste, distrust, diversity, divide, dominance, doubt, dread, economy, emphasis, enthusiasm, epidemic, evidence, excitement, expectation, fascination, fatigue, fear, field, frustration, gap, gulf, hostility, imbalance, impact, impatience, importance, incidence, independence, indifference, industry, inequality, influence, insecurity, instability, interest, literature, market, maturity, menace, minority, mistrust, movement, need, niche, number, opposition, organism, pain, panic, percentage, perception, phenomenon, pool, popularity, population, preoccupation, presence, pressure, problem, prominence, proportion, prosperity, queue, rank, realization, recognition, reliance, reluctance, reputation, resentment, rift, scarcity, scepticism, sector, self-confidence, sense, sentiment, share, shoot, shortage, sophistication, split, stature, strength, support, suspicion, tendency, tension, threat, tide, trend, uncertainty, understanding, unease, unemployment, unpopularity, unrest, violence, wealth, willingness, worry

growl

growlnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + growl | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdeep, lowguttural, soft, throatyloudangry, frustrated, threateningThe dog gave a threatening growl.smallVERB + growlgive, let outhearPREPOSITIONwith a growlHe spoke with a deep soft growl in his throat.growl ofThe growl of the engine.

II. verbADVERB | PHRASES | PREPOSITIONADVERBangrily, ferociously, fiercely, menacingly‘I'm a desperate man,’ he growled menacingly.playfullydeeply, loudly, lowly (AmE), softlyslightlyPHRASESgrowl sth under your breath‘Mosquitos!’ she growled under her breath.PREPOSITIONatThe dog growled softly at me.into growl in annoyancewithHer stomach was growling with hunger.

Growl is used with these nouns as the subject:

dog, lion, monster, stomach, thunder, tiger, wolf

grown

grownadj.

Grown is used with these nouns:

child, man, woman

grown-up

grown-upadj.

Grown-up is used with these nouns:

child, daughter, son

grow out

grow outphr verb

Grow out is used with these nouns as the object:

fringe

growth

growthnoun

noun1 increase in sth2 growing3 abnormal lump in the body1 increase in sthADJECTIVE | VERB + growth | growth + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsiderable, exponential, significant, strongthe exponential growth in world populationhighThe country is experiencing a period of high growth.realreal GDP growthdramatic, enormous, impressive, phenomenal, spectacular, tremendousexplosive, fast, rapidthe explosive growth of personal computers in the 1990smodest, slow, sluggishThe factory has achieved a steady growth in output.steady, sustainablelowa vicious circle of low growth and low productivitylong-termfutureeconomic, industrialjob, productivity, revenue, etc.populationVERB + growthachieve, experiencemaintain, sustainaccelerate, boost, encourage, foster, fuel, promote, spur, stimulatecontrol, limitnew measures to control the growth of traffic on the roadsslowgrowth + NOUNrateThe economy enjoyed the highest growth rate in Asia.potential, prospectspatternarea, industry, marketCommunications technology has proved to be a growth area.curvePREPOSITIONgrowth inThere was a rapid growth in the numbers of private cars.PHRASESa rate of growth

2 growingADJECTIVE | VERB + growth | growth + NOUNADJECTIVEhealthy, normalA good diet is vital for healthy growth.abnormalvigorousexcessivethe excessive growth of algae in riversnewbacterial, cell, hair, muscle, plant, tumour/tumor, etc.intellectual, personal, spiritualVERB + growthencourage, stimulateGive the plants a good pruning to encourage growth.inhibit, retard (esp. AmE), stunt, suppressLack of food had stunted his growth.affectgrowth + NOUNhormonedefectspurtchart

3 abnormal lump in the bodyADJECTIVE | VERB + growth | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcancerous, malignantbenignVERB + growthhavePREPOSITIONgrowth onHe had a cancerous growth on his lung.

grow up

grow upphr verb

Grow up is used with these nouns as the subject:

baby, child, daughter, generation, industry, myth, settlement, son

grubby

grubbyadj.

Grubby is used with these nouns:

finger, hand, mark

grudge

grudgenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + grudge | grudge + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElong-standing, oldIt's time to forget old grudges.personalVERB + grudgebear, harbour/harbor, have, hold, nurseI don't hold grudges for very long.grudge + NOUNmatchIt's a grudge match between the two teams.PREPOSITIONgrudge againstDo you know anyone who might have a grudge against you?

grudging

grudgingadj.

Grudging is used with these nouns:

acceptance, admiration, admission, approval, respect

grudgingly

grudginglyadv.

Grudgingly is used with these verbs:

accept, acknowledge, admit, agree, concede, hand, oblige, tolerate

gruelling

gruellingadj.

Gruelling/grueling is used with these nouns:

journey, process, race, schedule, test, tour, trek, work, workout

gruesome

gruesomeadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBparticularlyextremely, fairly, very, etc.

Gruesome is used with these nouns:

death, detail, discovery, image, murder, scene, sight, tale

gruff

gruffadj.

Gruff is used with these nouns:

exterior, voice

gruffly

grufflyadv.

Gruffly is used with these verbs:

mutter, reply, say

grumpy

grumpyadj.

Grumpy is used with these nouns:

mood

grunt

gruntnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + grunt | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElittle, slight, small, softlownon-committalHe gave a non-committal grunt in reply.loudangry, annoyed, frustrated, etc.VERB + gruntgive, let outhearPREPOSITIONwith a gruntHe lifted the heavy box with a grunt.grunt ofa grunt of pain

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBloudlysoftlyangrilymerely, onlyHe merely grunted at her and nodded his head.PREPOSITIONatHis father grunted at him as he left the room.inShe asked him a question and he grunted in reply.He grunted in pain.withShe stirred the soup, grunting with satisfaction.PHRASESgrunt and groanGrunting and groaning, they heaved the wardrobe up the stairs.

Grunt is used with these nouns as the subject:

pig

Grunt is used with these nouns as the object:

acknowledgement, reply

GSM

GSMnoun

GSM is used before these nouns:

Guarantee is used with these nouns as the subject:

guarantee

guaranteenounverb

I. noun1 written promise by a company2 promise that sth will be done/will happen1 written promise by a companyADJECTIVE | VERB + guarantee | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfullThe company offers a full money-back guarantee.lifetime, three-year, two-year, etc.money-backVERB + guaranteecarry, come with, haveAll our products come with a two-year guarantee.give (sb), offer (sb)PREPOSITIONunder guarantee (BrE) (under warranty in AmE)The car is still under guarantee, so you should be able to get it repaired free of charge.guarantee againstThe window frames carry a 20-year guarantee against rot or decay.guarantee forThe garage gives a year's guarantee for all repair work.guarantee onThe contractors offer a full money-back guarantee on all their work.

2 promise that sth will be done/will happenADJECTIVE | VERB + guarantee | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEabsolute, firm (esp. BrE)cast-iron (BrE), ironclad (esp. AmE)long-termconstitutional, federal (esp. AmE), government, legalThe country gives a constitutional guarantee of the rights of minorities.personalloansecurityVERB + guaranteegive (sb), offer (sb), provide (sb with)demand, wantget, receiveWe didn't get any firm guarantee of a loan.violate (esp. AmE)PREPOSITIONguarantee againstThere was no guarantee against misuse of the political power.guarantee forThe demonstrators were demanding guarantees for fair elections.guarantee ofArriving early is no longer a guarantee of getting a place.

II. verb1 promise to do sth/promise sth will happen2 make sth certain to happen1 promise to do sth/promise sth will happenADVERB | VERB + guarantee | PHRASESADVERBabsolutelyI can absolutely guarantee that you will enjoy the show.personallyI personally guarantee total and immediate support in all measures undertaken.constitutionally, federally (both esp. AmE)VERB + guaranteebe able to, canPHRASESbe fully guaranteedAll our electrical goods are fully guaranteed.

2 make sth certain to happenADVERBADVERBabsolutelyalmost, practically, virtuallyeffectivelyThe complicated electoral system effectively guarantees the president's re-election.automaticallyA degree does not automatically guarantee you a job.by no means, not necessarilyThe outcome is by no means guaranteed.

amendment, constitution, treaty

Guarantee is used with these nouns as the object:

anonymity, confidentiality, delivery, employment, entry, equality, existence, fairness, freedom, future, immunity, impartiality, income, liberty, loan, payment, pension, privacy, profit, representation, return, right, safety, security, service, success

guarantee card

guarantee cardnoun

Guarantee card is used after these nouns:

guaranteed

guaranteedadj.

Guaranteed is used with these nouns:

contract, delivery, income, loan, minimum, pension, return, sum

guard

guardnounverb

I. noun1 person who guards sb/sth2 being ready to prevent attack or danger3 group of soldiers/policemen who guard sb/sth4 cover that prevents injury1 person who guards sb/sthADJECTIVE | VERB + guard | guard + VERB | guard + NOUNADJECTIVEarmed, uniformedThe building is protected by armed guards.border, gate (AmE), prison, securityheadpersonal, privatemilitaryVERB + guardpost, stationGuards had been posted all around the TV studio.guard + VERBpatrol sthGuards patrolled the perimeter fence.protect sthescort sbbe on dutyguard + NOUNdutydog

2 being ready to prevent attack or dangerADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEclose24-hour, constant, round-the-clockarmedThe accused was taken to court under armed guard.heavyHe arrived under heavy guard.military, policePREPOSITIONoff (your) guardThe question seemed to catch him off his guard.He caught me completely off guard.on (your) guardSeveral police officers were on guard outside the factory.He was always on his guard against moneymaking schemes.under guardThe prisoners were under close guard.guard against, guard overTwo police officers kept guard over the burned-out building.PHRASESdrop your guardMatt relaxed a little, dropping his guard.keep guard of sthWould you like me to keep guard of your room?keep your guard up, keep up your guardNo one can keep their guard up all the time.stand guardA solider stood guard outside the palace.

3 group of soldiers/policemen who guard sb/sthADJECTIVE | VERB + guard | PHRASESADJECTIVEcivil, national, palace, presidential, royalhonour/honoradvanceeliteVERB + guardchangeThe guard was changed every two hours.call outIt would only be a matter of minutes before the alarm was raised and the guard called out.PHRASESguard of honour/honorFellow soldiers formed a guard of honour/honor at his wedding.

4 cover that prevents injuryADJECTIVEADJECTIVEtriggerfireshin, shoulder, wrist

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBwellThe mountain pass is well guarded.carefullya bird carefully guarding its eggsfiercely, jealouslyShe jealously guarded her position of power.PREPOSITIONagainstThey guard the city against attack.frompop stars who need to be guarded from their fansPHRASESclosely guarded, heavily guardedThe military base is closely guarded.guard sb/sth with your lifeHe was under instructions to guard the key with his life.tightly guardedtightly guarded privacy

Guard is used with these nouns as the subject:

soldier, troops

Guard is used with these nouns as the object:

border, egg, embassy, entrance, exit, flank, frontier, interest, nest, perimeter, privacy, rear, secret

guard against

guard againstphr verb

Guard against is used with these nouns as the object:

infection

guarded

guardedadj.

Guarded is used with these nouns:

expression, optimism, welcome

guardedly

guardedlyadv.

Guardedly is used with these adjectives:

optimistic

Guardedly is used with these verbs:

guardian

guardiannoun

noun1 person/institution that guards/protects sth2 person who is responsible for a child1 person/institution that guards/protects sthADJECTIVE | VERB + guardianADJECTIVEself-appointedShe has become the self-appointed guardian of the nation's conscience.moralVERB + guardianact asThe people act as guardians of the land.

2 person who is responsible for a childADJECTIVE | VERB + guardian | PHRASESADJECTIVElegalVERB + guardianbe, becomeappoint, appoint sb (as), name sb (as)The court appoints a legal guardian for the child.act asPHRASESparents or guardians

gubernatorial

gubernatorialadj.

Gubernatorial is used with these nouns:

bid, campaign, candidate, contest, election, nomination, race, veto

guerrilla

guerrillanoun

nounADJECTIVE | guerrilla + NOUNADJECTIVEarmedurbanUrban guerrillas detonated a car bomb in front of the company's headquarters.communist, right-wing, separatistguerrilla + NOUNarmy, band, force, group, movement, organization, unitcommander, fighter, leaderactivity, attack, campaign, offensive, raid, resistance, struggle, war, warfareTen years of guerrilla resistance followed the occupation.tactics

guess

guessnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + guess | guess + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfair, good, reasonable, safeApril is a safe guess for first deliveries.educated, informedShe could make an educated guess as to what was wrong with him.rough, wildAt a rough guess, I'd say we're about twenty miles from home.correct, lucky‘How did you know?’ ‘It was just a lucky guess.’first, initialVERB + guesshave (BrE), hazard, make (BrE), take (AmE), venture (esp. AmE)If you don't know the answer, have/take a guess.If I might hazard a guess … If I had to venture a guess, I'd say this was painted in the 1890s.give sb‘Where's Tom?’ ‘I'll give you three guesses!’(= the answer is obvious and you should guess it easily)guess + VERBbe correct, be rightPREPOSITIONat a guess

At a guess, I'd say there's a problem with the fuel pump.guess about, guess as to, guess atHe made a wild guess as to how much the piano might cost.PHRASESsb's best guessWhat's your best guess on what's going to happen?a guess based on stha guess based on your experience

II. verbADVERB | VERB + guess | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBcorrectly, rightincorrectly, wrongJane had guessed wrong about who was responsible for the fire.easilyan easily guessed passwordVERB + guesscanCan you guess his age?can onlyWe can only guess how fast a dinosaur might have run.try tobe easy to, not be difficult to, not be hard toIt's not hard to guess where they went.PREPOSITIONatI was only guessing at her age.fromShe guessed from his expression that he had not won.PHRASEScould have guessed, might have guessed, should have guessedSo it was Rob who broke the window? I might have guessed!guess againThat's not the answer. Guess again.If you think I'm lying, well guess again.if you haven't already guessedIf you haven't already guessed, I'm going out with Steve.I guess so, I guess notlet me guessWhat star sign are you? No, let me guess.you can probably guess, you have probably guessedYou can probably guess how she reacted!you'll never guess where, who, how, etc.You'll never guess who I saw yesterday!

Guess is used with these nouns as the object:

answer, identity, password, reason, size, truth

guess at

guess atphr verb

Guess at is used with these nouns as the object:

size

guessing

guessingnoun

Guessing is used before these nouns:

game

guesswork

guessworknoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + guesswork | PHRASESADJECTIVEpureeducatedTheir results owe more to educated guesswork than to actual knowledge.VERB + guessworkbe based onTheir price estimates are based on pure guesswork.involveeliminatePHRASESa matter of guessworkLong-term forecasts were largely a matter of guesswork.take the guesswork out of sthweekly shopping lists that take the guesswork out of meal planning

guest

guestnoun

noun1 person that you invite to your home2 person invited to an event3 person who is staying at a hotel4 at a public event/on a radio or television show1 person that you invite to your homeADJECTIVE | VERB + guest | guest + NOUNADJECTIVEhousehonoured/honored, welcomeShe was treated as an honoured/honored guest.You are always a welcome guest in our house.surprise, unexpected, uninvitedShe tactfully discouraged their uninvited guests from staying longer.unwanted, unwelcomeThe refugees were made to feel like unwanted guests in the country.invitedovernightVERB + guestbeYou're the guest—you can choose what we watch.haveWhen we have guests, they usually sleep in the study.inviteShe had invited six guests.entertainShe felt that she had to entertain her guests.receiveguest + NOUNbathroom, bed, bedroom, house (= a building where guests stay) (AmE), room, suite

2 person invited to an eventADJECTIVE | VERB + guest | guest + VERB | guest + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEdistinguished, importantchief (esp. BrE)The athlete was chief guest at the schools sports day.dinner, party, weddingThe best man welcomed the wedding guests as they arrived.VERB + guestgreet, welcomeaccommodate, seathave, hostservebringguest + VERBarriveattend sthThe banquet was attended by 200 guests.guest + NOUNbook, listPHRASESa guest of honour/honor, sb's personal guest

3 person who is staying at a hotelADJECTIVEADJECTIVEhotelfrequent, regularoccasionalnewout-of-town (AmE)

4 at a public event/on a radio or television showADJECTIVE | guest + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEspecialMovie star Matt Damon is one of the special guests on tonight's show.featuredmysterymusicalguest + NOUNstarartist, conductor, vocalistGuest artists from all over Europe will take part in the concert.lecturer, speakerappearance, shot (AmE)She made a rare guest appearance on the show.spotPHRASESour next guestOur next guest is a bona fide television star.

guidance

guidancenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + guidance | guidance + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEclear, detailed, proper, specificcarefulfirmParents need to provide their children with firm guidance.gentlehelpful, useful, valuableThe handbook gives helpful guidance on writing articles.practicalgeneralThese notes are for general guidance only.additional, furtherdivine, spiritualShe prayed for divine guidance.expert, legal, parental, professional, technicalmarriage (BrE)a marriage guidance counsellorcareer, vocationalethical, moralVERB + guidancegive (sb), offer (sb), provide (sb with)We can give guidance to students on which courses to choose.issuecould use (AmE), needask for, look (to sb) for, seek, wantChildren look to their parents for guidance.I think you should seek guidance from your lawyer on this matter.receivefollowguidance + NOUNcounselor (= at a school) (AmE)PREPOSITIONunder … guidance, under the guidance ofVolunteers are restoring the building under expert guidance.guidance aboutguidance about university degreesguidance as toGuidance must be given as to what tasks the learner should attempt.guidance onThe Safety Officer provides guidance on firefighting and office safety.

guide

guidenounverb

I. noun1 sth that helps you plan what you are going to do2 book that gives information about a subject3 person4 book for tourists1 sth that helps you plan what you are going to doADJECTIVE | VERB + guide | PHRASES | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEapproximate, general, roughaccurateVERB + guidegive (sb), provide (sb with)use sth asUse the table below as a guide to how much detergent to use.PHRASESbe just a guide, be only a guideRemember, this chart is only a guide.PREPOSITIONguide as toThese figures give a rough guide as to the sales we can expect.guide to

2 book that gives information about a subjectADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEexcellent, goodessential, handy, helpful, informative, invaluable, practical, reliable, useful, valuablebasic, brief, quick, short, simplecomplete, comprehensive, definitive, in-depthThis book is the definitive guide to world cuisine.step-by-stepa step-by-step guide to creating your own websiteillustratedpockethow-to, study, survivala survival guide for business managersmedia (AmE)pronunciation, referenceThe book contains a quick reference guide to essential grammar at the back.resource (AmE)curriculum (AmE)voter (AmE)TVfieldelectronic, interactive, onlinePREPOSITIONguide toa guide to British birds

3 personADJECTIVE | VERB + guideADJECTIVEtour, touristOur tour guide showed us around the old town.experienced, professionallocal, nativemountain, riverspiritualVERB + guideact as, beHe agreed to go with them and act as their guide.

4 book for touristsADJECTIVE | VERB + guideADJECTIVEholiday (BrE), travelhotel, restaurantcity, streetVERB + guideconsultI consulted my guide as I walked around the cathedral.writepublish

II. verb1 influence sb's actions2 explain sth/help sb3 help sb move1 influence sb's actionsVERB + guide | PREPOSITIONVERB + guidehelp (to)the information and data which help guide the affairs of the businessserve toThis book will serve to guide you in the fulfilment of a successful relationship.try toPREPOSITIONintothe ways in which young people are guided into employmentonSchools were firmly guided on the details of the curriculum

2 explain sth/help sbADVERB | VERB + guide | PREPOSITIONADVERBcarefullyTheir teacher carefully guides them through rehearsals.expertlyThey guide you expertly through the whole process.VERB + guidehelp (to)PREPOSITIONinHe guided me in my research.ona document guiding teachers on how to maintain disciplinethroughHe guided us through the intricacies of the divorce law.

3 help sb moveADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBcarefully, gentlyHe took her arm, gently guiding her.PREPOSITIONacross, along, etc.She guided him across the busy road.to, towards/towardHe guided her hand to his face.

Guide is used with these nouns as the subject:

conscience, instinct, philosophy

Guide is used with these nouns as the object:

boat, choice, decision, design, development, practice, process, traveller

guided

guidedadj.

Guided is used with these nouns:

meditation, missile, rocket, tour, walk

guideline

guidelinenoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF GUIDELINES | VERB + guideline | guideline + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEclear, good, helpful, practical, usefulbasic (esp. AmE), broad, general, simplecomprehensive, detailed, explicit, specificstrict, stringentdraft, proposednew, revised, updatedvoluntaryA task force has formed to develop voluntary guidelines.recommendedformal, officialfederal, governmentinternational, national, stateplanning (esp. BrE), safety, securityclinical, ethical, legalsentencingThe US Supreme Court is reviewing sentencing guidelines.… OF GUIDELINESsetThe organization has issued a set of guidelines for builders to follow.VERB + guidelinedeveloppropose, recommend, suggestdraw up, establish, formulate, lay down (esp. BrE), lay out (esp. AmE), set outaccept, adopt, approveThe following guidelines were approved in October 1995.give (sb), issue, offer (sb), provide (sb with), releaseThe document gives clear guidelines on the use of pesticides.adhere to, apply, enforce, follow, implement, meet, stick toWe have to follow the safety guidelines laid down by the government.A number of deals have not met the guidelines.breach (esp. BrE), ignore, violateThe minister is accused of allowing the company to breach guidelines on arms sales.guideline + VERBapplyThe same general guidelines on when to dress formally apply to both men and women.state sthrequire sthThe guidelines require this information to be made available to the public.recommend sth, suggest sthThe guidelines recommend that children under 12 avoid these foods.PREPOSITIONunder guidelineUnder federal guidelines, they must serve at least five years in prison.within guidelineWithin clear guidelines, managers can use their budget to entertain clients.guideline aboutdetailed guidelines for doctors about how to deal with difficult patientsguideline forThe article suggests some guidelines for healthy eating.guideline fromguidelines from the Department of Educationguideline onnew EU guidelines on food hygiene

guidelines

guidelinesnoun

Guidelines is used after these nouns:

application, management, safety

guiding

guidingadj.

Guiding is used with these nouns:

hand, philosophy, principle, spirit

guild

guildnoun

Guild is used before these nouns:

member

Guild is used after these nouns:

craft

guilt

guiltnoun

noun1 feeling2 fact of having broken a law/done sth wrong1 feelingADJECTIVE | … OF GUILT | VERB + guilt | guilt + VERB | guilt + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEintense, overwhelming, terrible, tremendouslingeringsexualCatholic, Jewish, etc.liberal, middle-class (esp. BrE), white (all disapproving)These actions are merely intended to assuage white liberal guilt.collective, personalThey feel a sense of collective guilt for the Holocaust.survivor… OF GUILTpang, twingeVERB + guiltbear, carryIt helped him bear the guilt he felt.be consumed with, be driven by, be haunted by, be overwhelmed with, be racked with, experience, feel, sufferI knew that the next day I would be consumed with guilt.You needn't feel any guilt about me.alleviate, assuage, easeTalking to her helped to assuage my guilt.guilt + VERBoverwhelm sb, wash over sbconsume sb, weigh down on sb, weigh on sbguilt + NOUNcomplexfeelingstrip (= things you say in order to make sb feel guilty about sth)She was trying to lay a guilt trip on me.PREPOSITIONguilt about, guilt at, guilt overHe had no feelings of guilt over what he had done.PHRASESa burden of guiltthe burden of guilt that she carried with hera feeling of guilt, a sense of guilt

2 fact of having broken a law/done sth wrongVERB + guilt | guilt + VERB | PHRASESVERB + guiltadmit, confessdenyMany of the accused would deny their guilt to the magistrates.determine, establish, proveIt might be difficult to prove his guilt.guilt + VERBlieThere is no doubt as to where the guilt lies.PHRASESan admission of guiltI took his silence as an admission of guilt.proof of guilt

guiltily

guiltilyadv.

Guiltily is used with these verbs:

blush, flush

guilty

guiltyadj.

adj.1 feeling/showing guilt2 having broken the law/done sth wrong1 feeling/showing guiltVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSfeel, lookADVERBextremely, really, veryhorribly, incredibly, terriblyShe has a terribly guilty conscience about it.almostI feel almost guilty that so many good things are happening to us.rather, somewhatShe was looking rather guilty when I came into the room.a little, slightly, etc.vaguelyequallyMatt and Chrissy both looked equally guilty.PREPOSITIONaboutI feel very guilty about leaving her.

2 having broken the law/done sth wrongVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, pleadHe pleaded guilty to starting the fire.believe sb, presume sbNo one believed him guilty of this terrible crime.A person should never be presumed guilty.deem sb, find sb, hold sb, prove sbCompany directors may be deemed guilty of a crime if their company causes pollution.He was found guilty of murder.declare sb, pronounce sbHe was pronounced guilty.voteThe jury voted not guilty on all counts.ADVERBcertainly, clearly, obviouslyShe was certainly guilty, but the police couldn't prove it.equallyAnyone who supports terrorists is equally guilty of terrorist crimes.PREPOSITIONofShe was guilty of fraud.

Guilty is used with these nouns:

conscience, defendant, feeling, look, party, plea, pleasure, secret, verdict

guinea pig

guinea pignoun

noun person used in experimentsADJECTIVE | VERB + guinea pig | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhumanThe company used my client as a human guinea pig.VERB + guinea pigact as, beTwenty students volunteered to act as guinea pigs.She wants Burke to be the guinea pig in the experiment.use sb asPREPOSITIONguinea pig forDealers used their clients as guinea pigs for their untried techniques.

guitar

guitarnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + guitar | guitar + NOUNADJECTIVEacoustic, bass, electric, steellead, rhythmblues, classical, jazz, rock, etc.slidesix-string, twelve-string, etc.airHe would stand in front of the mirror, playing air guitar (= playing an imaginary electric guitar) to Van Halen songs.VERB + guitarstrum, strum onAs she sang, she strummed her guitar.pluckHe gently plucked his guitar.tuneguitar + NOUNstringpick, plectrum (esp. BrE)amp (informal), amplifiercase, straplick, riffaccompanimentchord

guitarist

guitaristnoun

Guitarist is used after these nouns:

jazz, lead, rock, session

Gujarati

Gujaratinoun

(also Gujerati) noun

gulf

gulfnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + gulf | gulf + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, deep, enormous, great, huge, unbridgeable, vast, wide, yawninggrowing, wideninga growing gulf between the prosperous south and the declining towns of the northcultural, ideologicalthe ideological gulf that separated the two branches of the movementVERB + gulfcreateThis atrocity has created a huge gulf between the two groups.widenOther factors widened the gulf that separated rich from poor.emphasize, illustrateThe documentary illustrated the gulf between industrialized and developing countries.bridgeThe new degree course aims to bridge the gulf between education and industry.gulf + VERBexistdivide sb/sth, separate sb/sththe yawning gulf that separates the two culturesopen, open upA gulf had opened up between the former friends.PREPOSITIONgulf betweenan unbridgeable gulf between home and school lifegulf inthe huge gulf in level between professional and amateur teamsgulf ofA gulf of mistrust still exists between them.

gull

gullnoun

(also seagull) noun See seagull

gulp

gulpnounverb

I. noun1 amount you swallow when you gulp2 act of gulping1 amount you swallow when you gulpADJECTIVE | VERB + gulp | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, deep, great, huge, large, longVERB + gulptakeShe took a large gulp of wine from the bottle.down sth in (informal), drink sth in, swallow sth inI downed it in one gulp.PREPOSITIONin gulpsShe drank the tea in great gulps.gulp of

2 act of gulpingADJECTIVE | VERB + gulp | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEloud, noisyquickShe drained half the mug in one quick gulp.VERB + gulpgiveHe gave a loud gulp and stopped mid-sentence.PREPOSITIONwith a gulp‘I'm afraid I've broken it,’ she said with a gulp.PHRASESin one gulp, in a single gulpHe downed half the contents of the glass in one loud gulp.

II. verb1 eat/drink sth quickly2 make a swallowing movement1 eat/drink sth quicklyADVERBADVERBgreedilyquicklyShe quickly gulped down the rest of her coffee.noisilydownShe gulped down her coffee and left.

2 make a swallowing movementADVERB | PHRASESADVERBnervouslyThe man gulped nervously and nodded.PHRASESgulp for air, gulp for breathKeith swam to the surface and gulped for air.

Gulp is used with these nouns as the object:

beer, brandy, food, mouthful, water, wine

gulp at

gulp atphr verb

Gulp at is used with these nouns as the object:

gulp down

gulp downphr verb

Gulp down is used with these nouns as the object:

food, mouthful, water, wine

gulp in

gulp inphr verb

Gulp in is used with these nouns as the object:

air

gum

gumnoun

nounADJECTIVE | gum + NOUNADJECTIVElower, uppertoothlessThe old man smiled to reveal toothless gums.bleeding, swollengum + NOUNdisease

gun

gunnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + gun | gun + VERB | gun + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, heavyloadedenemyThey succeeded in silencing the enemy guns.anti-aircraft, anti-tank, artillery, field, hand (usually handgun), machine, semi-automatica.50-calibre/.50-caliber machine gun.45-calibre/.45-caliber, .50-calibre/.50-caliber, etc.stun, taser, tranquillizer/tranquilizerlaser, radar (= used by the police to check the speed of cars)harpoon, spear (usually speargun)glue (AmE), nail, pellet, spray, staplefake, replica, toyairsquirt, water (both AmE) (water pistol in BrE)paintballVERB + gunbe armed with, carry, have, tote (informal, esp. AmE)Look out! He has a gun!load, reloadI loaded the gun with my last two bullets.draw, produce, pull, pull outHe pulled a gun from his pocket.brandish, wave, wave around, wieldShe brandished the gun menacingly.aim, hold, point, raiseHe raised his gun, aimed and fired.cockHe grinned and cocked the gun with his thumb.manEnemy ship approaching! Man the guns!handle, usefire, shootdrop, lay down, lower, put downholster (esp. AmE)Jorge quickly holstered his gun.silencegun + VERBblaze, fire, go offGuns were firing and grenades going off all around.aim at sb/sth, point at sb/sthshoot sthThis new gun shoots a laser beam at the target.jambe mountedThere was a machine gun mounted on the back of the Jeep.gun + NOUNcontrol (esp. AmE), lawa state that has strict gun control lawsa gun control advocatecrime, violenceAnyone can be affected by gun violence.cultureThese kids have grown up in a drugs and gun culture.safety (esp. AmE)My big brother taught me about gun safety.ban (esp. AmE)amnesty (BrE)The police pointed to the success of a gun amnesty earlier this year.lobbythe powerful gun lobby in the USshop, store (both esp. AmE)dealer, maker, manufacturerownerownership, possessionenthusiast, nut (esp. AmE)clubshow (AmE)attack, battlecrewemplacement, positionturretcarriage (esp. BrE)barrelrackbeltThey grudgingly took off their gun belts and holsters.PHRASESthe barrel of a gunI found myself looking down the barrel of a gun.guns and ammunitionWe're very short of guns and ammunition.hold a gun on sb, hold a gun to sb's headTwo armed men held a gun to his head and made him empty the safe.a/the smoking gun (= something that shows that sb has done sth wrong or illegal)There's no smoking gun that they have found to date.turn a gun on yourselfThe gunman turned the gun on himself.

II. verb

Gun is used with these nouns as the object:

gunboat

gunboatnoun

Gunboat is used before these nouns:

diplomacy

gun control

gun controlnoun

Gun control is used before these nouns:

legislation

gunfire

gunfirenoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF GUNFIRE | VERB + gunfire | gunfire + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEheavy, intensescattered, sporadicenemycelebratoryBursts of celebratory gunfire could be heard on the streets.distantautomaticWe heard the rapid crackle of automatic gunfire.… OF GUNFIREburstA burst of gunfire echoed across the square.VERB + gunfirehearspray, spray sb/sth withThe terrorists boarded the bus and sprayed the passengers with gunfire.They sprayed gunfire into the crowd.exchangeYouths exchanged gunfire with police.sbe hit by, be wounded byA convoy was hit by gunfire.gunfire + VERBbreak out, eruptHeavy gunfire broke out in the capital last night.echo, ring outPHRASESthe crackle, rattle, sound, etc. of gunfirean exchange of gunfireThey were killed in an exchange of gunfire between riot police and demonstrators.

gunnery

gunnerynoun

Gunnery is used before these nouns:

sergeant

gunny

gunnynoun

Gunny is used before these nouns:

sack

gunship

gunshipnoun

Gunship is used after these nouns:

helicopter

gunshot

gunshotnoun

nounVERB + gunshot | gunshot + NOUN | PHRASESVERB + gunshothearWe heard gunshots just before midnight.gunshot + NOUNwoundHe died of gunshot wounds to the chest.victimPHRASESthe noise of a gunshot, the sound of a gunshot

gurgle

gurglenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + gurgle | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElittlelowVERB + gurgleemit, give, let outhearPREPOSITIONwith a gurgleThe water emptied with a gurgle.gurgle ofHe gave a low gurgle of laughter.

II. verb

Gurgle is used with these nouns as the subject:

guru

gurunoun

Guru is used after these nouns:

fashion, fitness, management, marketing

gush

gushverb

Gush is used with these nouns as the subject:

blood, water

gush with

gush withphr verb

Gush with is used with these nouns as the object:

Gust is used with these nouns as the subject:

gust

gustnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreatlittle, smallhuge, powerful, strongsuddenfreak (BrE)A car was blown off the road by a freak gust of wind.occasionalcoldwind (esp. AmE)The hurricane's wind gusts topped 110 miles an hour.PREPOSITIONgust ofa sudden gust of windPHRASESblow in gusts, come in gustsThe wind came in great gusts off the Pacific.

II. verb

gusty

gustyadj.

Gusty is used with these nouns:

Gut is used with these nouns as the subject:

gut

gutnounverbadj.

I. noun1 tube in the lower part of the body2 guts organs inside the body3 guts courage/determination1 tube in the lower part of the bodyADJECTIVE | VERB + gut | gut + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhealthyVERB + gutpass throughgut + NOUNflora (technical), wallPREPOSITIONin the/your gut

2 guts organs inside the bodyPHRASESPHRASESblood and guts (figurative)I don't like movies that are full of blood and guts.a pain in your gut (AmE), a pain in your guts (BrE)I had a terrible pain in my guts after eating too many plums.

3 guts courage/determinationVERB + GUTSVERB + GUTShaveShe had the guts to stand up to the school bully.takeIt takes guts to keep on running even though you have blistered feet.

II. verbADVERBADVERBcompletely, totallyThe hotel was completely gutted by fire last year.

Gut is used with these nouns as the object:

building, fish

III. adj.

Gut is used with these nouns:

feeling, instinct, reaction

gutless

gutlessadj.

Gutless is used with these nouns:

wonder

gutsy

gutsyadj.

Gutsy is used with these nouns:

gutter

gutternoun

Gutter is used before these nouns:

press, trash

Gutter is used after these nouns:

guttural

gutturaladj.

Guttural is used with these nouns:

growl

guy

guynoun

noun (informal)ADJECTIVEADJECTIVEdecent, friendly, funny, good, great, nice, sweet, wonderfulcute (esp. AmE), gorgeous, hot (esp. AmE)smart, wise (disapproving, both esp. AmE)badnormal, ordinary, regularColleagues described the killer as ‘just a regular guy’.poorThe poor guy is worn out.big, littlemiddle-aged, old, youngblack, whitegaytoughcrazy

guzzle

guzzleverb

Guzzle is used with these nouns as the object:

beer, gasoline

gym

gymnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + gym | gym + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfully equipped, well-equipped (both esp. BrE)high-school (esp. AmE), schoolhome (esp. AmE)localindoorclimbing, jungle (both AmE)VERB + gymjoinI joined the local gym.go to, hit (esp. AmE)I hit the gym at 6.00 again this morning.gym + NOUNsession (esp. BrE), workoutmembershipfloor (esp. AmE)lockerequipmentbag, clothes, shoes (= shoes for the gym), socks, shorts (all esp. AmE)shoes (= light canvas shoes) (BrE)class (esp. AmE)I played basketball in gym class.teacher (esp. AmE)a high-school gym teacherrat (AmE, slang)He's a bit of a gym rat (= spends all his time in the gym).PREPOSITIONat the gymYou can tell he works out at the gym.in the gymShe spends all her time in the gym.

gymnast

gymnastnoun

nounADJECTIVE | gymnast + VERBADJECTIVEbrilliant, elite, good, talented, topOlympicgymnast + VERBtrainyoung gymnasts who have to train for up to five hours a daycompete, performwin sththe Olympic gymnast who won a gold medal on a sprained ankle

gymnastics

gymnasticsnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + gymnastics | gymnastics + NOUNADJECTIVErhythmicartisticcompetitiveVERB + gymnasticsdoShe does gymnastics at school.gymnastics + NOUNexhibitionchampionships, competitioncoachteamclub

gynaecological

gynaecologicaladj.

Gynaecological/gynecological is used with these nouns:

gynaecologist

gynaecologistnoun

Gynaecologist/gynecologist is used after these nouns:

consultant

Gypsy

Gypsynoun

Gypsy is used before these nouns:

camp, caravan

gyrate

gyrateverb

Gyrate is used with these nouns as the object:

hip

habeas corpus

habeas corpusnoun

Habeas corpus is used before these nouns:

petition

habit

habitnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + habit | habit + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEannoying, antisocial (BrE), bad, dangerous, destructive, dirty, disconcerting (BrE), disgusting, filthy, horrible, irritating, nasty, poor, terrible, unfortunateLife has a nasty habit of repeating itself.poor eating habitscharming (often ironic), endearing, goodone of his more endearing habitsher charming habit of setting fire to catscurious, eccentric, odd, peculiar, strange, unusual, weirdunhealthyThe children are developing unhealthy eating habits.healthful (AmE), healthylifelong, olddaily, normal, regular, usualingraineddeeply ingrained habits of thoughtnervousIt was a nervous habit she'd had for years.expensivepersonal, sexual, socialI found some of his personal habits rather disconcerting.lifestyleHealthy lifestyle habits begin when you're young.mentalMental habits are not easily changed.buying, shopping, spendingan effort to change the buying habits of the British publicdietary, drinking, eating, feeding, foodexercise, sleeping, workThe pills affected your sleeping habits.Ellington's work habits were a marvel to all.reading, viewingwomen's television viewing habitscocaine, crack, drug, gambling, heroin, smokingI'm trying to kick the smoking habit.VERB + habitbe in, haveShe had been in the habit of drinking five or six cups of coffee a day.She has some very annoying habits.He had an irritating habit of singing tunelessly around the house.acquire, adopt, cultivate, develop, establish, fall into, form, get in, get into, makeI had fallen into my old bad habit of leaving everything until the last minute.Try to get into good habits and eat regular healthy meals.Make a habit of noting down any telephone messages.becomeDon't let eating between meals become a habit.break (yourself of), get out of, give up, kicka difficult habit to breakYou must break yourself of the habit.I got out of the habit of getting up early.changesupportHe turned to crime to support his habit.habit + VERBchangeThe nation's eating habits have changed significantly.PREPOSITIONby habitMuch of what we do in daily life is done by habit.from habitI just did it from habit.out of habitI sat in my old seat purely out of habit.PHRASESa creature of habitHorses are creatures of habit and like to have a daily routine.force of habitMr Norris woke up early from force of habit.the habit of a lifetimeIt's hard to change the habit of a lifetime.a hard habit to breakCaffeine can be a hard habit to break.old habits die hard

habitable

habitableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSberemainmake sth, render sthThey've done their best to make the house habitable.ADVERBbarelyThe room was barely habitable.

habitat

habitatnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + habitat | habitat + VERB | habitat + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEnative, naturalher observations of wild chimps in their natural habitatsuitablea decline in the amount of suitable habitatpreferredThe bird's preferred habitat is grassy prairie.importantendangered, fragile, threatenedPeat bogs are one of Europe's most threatened habitats.coastal, forest, marine, wetland, wildlife, woodlandbear, tiger, etc.an agreement that preserved 2 500 acres of prime bear habitatVERB + habitatprovideThe forest provides a habitat for hundreds of species of plants and animals.inhabit, occupybird species that occupy forest habitatsconserve, preserve, protectnew measures to protect wildlife habitatsrestoreOne of our objectives is to restore habitats for native species.damage, destroy, disrupt, threatenDevelopment is destroying the animal's native habitat.loseThese animals will lose their habitats by the flooding of the area.habitat + VERBsupport sthThe many different habitats support a wide variety of birds.disappearTheir preferred habitat is disappearing rapidly.habitat + NOUNdestruction, lossMany species are threatened in the wild due to habitat destruction by man.restorationPREPOSITIONin a/the habitatthe animals and plants in this woodland habitathabitat forThe moorland is an important habitat for many rare bird species.PHRASESloss of habitatThe greatest danger to tigers now is through loss of habitat.

habitual

habitualadj.

Habitual is used with these nouns:

criminal, drinker, liar

habitually

habituallyadv.

Habitually is used with these verbs:

Hack is used with these nouns as the object:

hack

hackverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBaway, offThey hacked away at the dense vegetation.We hacked off the dead branches.PREPOSITIONatShe hacked at the hedge with the shears.PHRASEShack sth to bits, hack sth to piecesThe body had been hacked to pieces.hack sb to deathHe was hacked to death by the mob.hack your wayThe explorers had to hack their way through dense jungle.

computer, way

hacker

hackernoun

Hacker is used after these nouns:

hacking

hackingadj.

Hacking is used with these nouns:

cough

hack into

hack intophr verb

Hack into is used with these nouns as the object:

hackneyed

hackneyedadj.

Hackneyed is used with these nouns:

image, phrase

haddock

haddocknoun

Haddock is used before these nouns:

fillet

haemorrhage

haemorrhagenoun

(BrE) (AmE hemorrhage) nounADJECTIVE | VERB + haemorrhage/hemorrhageADJECTIVEmassive, severefatalrecurrentacuteThe patient died from acute cerebral haemorrhage.brain, cerebralinternalVERB + haemorrhage/hemorrhagehave, sufferTwelve hours later she suffered a massive brain haemorrhage.die from, die ofstem, stop (both usually figurative)The newspaper sold its websites in a bid to stem the haemorrhage of cash from the business.

Haemorrhage is used after these nouns:

brain

haggard

haggardadj.

Haggard is used with these nouns:

Hail is used with these nouns as the subject:

hail

hailnounverb

I. nounhail + VERB | hail + NOUN | PREPOSITIONhail + VERBfallHail fell shortly after lunch.meltThe hail melted once the sun came out.hail + NOUNstone (usually hailstone)hailstones as big as tennis ballsstorm (usually hailstorm)PREPOSITIONin (the) hailWe got caught in the hail.through (the) hailIt was terrible driving through the hail.

II. verb

Hail is used with these nouns as the object:

cab, taxi, victory

hair

hairnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF HAIR | VERB + hair | hair + VERB | hair + NOUNADJECTIVEauburn, black, blond, brown, chestnut, dark, fair, ginger (BrE), golden, grey/gray, grizzled, jet-black, light, raven (literary), red, sandy, silver, silvery, white, yellowbushy, coarse, curly, fine, flyaway (esp. AmE), frizzy, kinky (AmE), nappy (AmE), shaggy, spiky, straight, thick, wavy, wiry, wispybeautiful, glossy, shiny, silky, sleekdishevelled/disheveled, dry, dull, fuzzy, greasy, matted, messy, scruffy, tangled, tousled, unkempt, unruly, untidy (esp. BrE), windswepta new shampoo for dull or dry hairHis hair was tousled and he looked as if he'd just woken up.cropped, long, short, shoulder-length, waist-lengthShe had shoulder-length black hair.strayShe pushed a stray hair behind her ear.thinningHe ran both hands through his thinning hair.body, chest, facial, pubiccat, dog, etc.The rug was covered with cat hairs.… OF HAIRlock, wispVERB + hairhaveShe had beautiful auburn hair.loseHe had turned forty and was beginning to lose his hair.wearShe wore her long hair loose on her shoulders.arrange, do, fix, tidy (esp. BrE)I don't like the way she's arranged her hair, do you?I'll be down in a minute, I'm just doing my hair.She showered, fixed her hair, and applied make up.braid (esp. AmE), plait (BrE), put up, tie backWhy don't you put your hair up for this evening?brush, combshampoo, washcut, trimHe went to the barber's to have his hair cut.blow-dry, drystyleThey had styled my hair by blowing it out straight.curl, gel, perm, relax, straightenI've decided to have my hair permed.bleach, colour/color, dyegrowI'm trying to grow my hair.shaveHis hair was shaved close to his head.mess up, muss (AmE), rufflesmooth, strokeKyle reached out to stroke her hair.flick, tossShe tossed her long hair out of her eyes.hair + VERBgrowWhy don't you let your hair grow?curlHis hair curls naturally.fall, flow, hang, lie, tumbleHer blond hair fell over her eyes.gleam, glint, glisten, shinehair + NOUNlosshow to cope with hair losssalon, stylistcolour/coloraccessoryHer only hair accessory was a headband.extensiona stylist specializing in hair extensionsremovalwaxing, and the other hair removal methods available for men

hair care

hair carenoun

Hair care is used before these nouns:

haircut

haircutnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + haircutADJECTIVEdecent, goodbadboyishnewstylish, trendyshorthigh and tight, militaryspikymullet, pageboy, skinhead (esp. BrE), etc.VERB + haircutget, haveYou ought to have a haircut before the interview.needHe was unshaven, and badly needed a haircut.

hairdressing

hairdressingnoun

Hairdressing is used before these nouns:

business, salon

hairless

hairlessadj.

Hairless is used with these nouns:

chest, skin

hairline

hairlinenoun

Hairline is used before these nouns:

crack, fracture

hairpin

hairpinnoun

Hairpin is used before these nouns:

bend, turn

hair-raising

hair-raisingadj.

Hair-raising is used with these nouns:

adventure, experience, tale

hairstylist

hairstylistnoun

Hairstylist is used after these nouns:

celebrity

hairy

hairyadj.

Hairy is used with these nouns:

arm, chest, hand, leaf, leg, mole, monster, spider

halal

halaladj.

Halal is used with these nouns:

butcher, meat, slaughter

half

halfnounadv.

I. nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfirst, secondlast, latterin the latter half of the 19th centurytop, upperbottom, lowerthe lower half of the windowfrontback, rearthe rear half of the carleft, rightthe left half of the brainnorthern, western, etc.the northern half of the countryremainingCut the remaining half into large chunks.PREPOSITIONby halfCosts rose by half.in halfWe divided the money in half.in the … halfHe played well in the second half.half ofthe first half of the concertOver a half of all accidents happen in the home.PHRASESabout half, almost half, around half, at least half, over halfOver half of all the people interviewed said they were disappointed in the government.half and halfWe split the work half and half.one, two, three, etc. and a halfShe's four and a half years old now.sb's other half (= husband/wife/partner)You'll have to ask my other half.

II. adv.

Half is used with these adjectives:

afraid, asleep, bald, closed, conscious, convinced, crazy, dazed, decent, drunk, empty, full, inclined, mad, naked, submerged, undressed

Half is used with these verbs:

draw, expect, joke, lift, listen, obscure, solve, strangle, whisper

half-baked

half-bakedadj.

Half-baked is used with these nouns:

half-closed

half-closedadj.

Half-closed is used with these nouns:

eye, eyelid, lid

half-empty

half-emptyadj.

Half-empty is used with these nouns:

cup, glass

half-full

half-fulladj.

Half-full is used with these nouns:

cup, glass

half-hearted

half-heartedadj.

Half-hearted is used with these nouns:

apology, attempt, effort, salute, shrug, stab, wave

half-heartedly

half-heartedlyadv.

Half-heartedly is used with these verbs:

listen, wave

half-hour

half-houradj.

Half-hour is used with these nouns:

documentary, episode

half-moon

half-moonnoun

Half-moon is used before these nouns:

half-open

half-openadj.

Half-open is used with these nouns:

door, lid, mouth

half-price

half-priceadj.

Half-price is used with these nouns:

admission

half-smoked

half-smokedadj.

Half-smoked is used with these nouns:

half-timbered

half-timberedadj.

Half-timbered is used with these nouns:

cottage, house

half-time

half-timenoun

Half-time is used before these nouns:

entertainment, score, show

halfway

halfwayadj.adv.

I. adj.

Halfway is used with these nouns:

house, mark, point, stage

II. adv.

Halfway is used with these adjectives:

decent, presentable, stuck

Halfway is used with these verbs:

hall

hallnoun

noun1 inside the front entrance of a house/building2 building/large room1 inside the front entrance of a house/buildingSee also entryADJECTIVE | VERB + hall | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEentrance, entryfrontHer brother was standing in the front hall.receptionnarrowdark, darkenedHe hurried them along the narrow, dark hall.VERB + halllead toThe hall led to a locked door.PREPOSITIONacross the hallthe room across the hallalong the hallat the end of the hall, to the end of the halldown the hallThere were strange noises coming from the room down the hall.in the hall

2 building/large roomADJECTIVE | VERB + hall | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcavernous, huge, spacious, vastmagnificentemptycrowded, packedmainMore than 200 members of the public packed the main hall at the conference building.grand, greatassembly, conference, convention, meetingbooking (BrE), ticket (esp. BrE)banquet, banqueting (esp. BrE), diningchow (AmE, informal), messat dinner in the mess hallconcert, dance, exhibit (AmE), exhibition, lecture, market, prayer, sports, wedding (AmE)exam, examination (both esp. BrE)church, city, communal, community, council, county (BrE), parish (esp. BrE), public, school, town, union (AmE), village (BrE)study (AmE)beerbingo, pool, snooker (BrE)residence (AmE)VERB + hallcrowd, crowd into, fill, packThe strains of the national anthem filled the hall.PREPOSITIONin the hall, into the hall, through the hallHis voice echoed through the hall.PHRASEShall of residence (BrE)Most first-year students live in the halls of residence.

hallowed

hallowedadj.

Hallowed is used with these nouns:

ground, shrine, tradition, turf

Halloween

Halloweennoun

Halloween is used before these nouns:

candy, costume, decoration, mask, night, party

hallucination

hallucinationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + hallucinationADJECTIVEmildvividauditory, visualdrug-inducedVERB + hallucinationexperience, have, sufferFor a moment I thought I was having hallucinations.cause, induce

hallucinogenic

hallucinogenicadj.

Hallucinogenic is used with these nouns:

drug, mushroom, substance

hallway

hallwaynoun

nounSee also corridorADJECTIVE | VERB + hallway | hallway + VERBADJECTIVElongnarrow, widecrowdedShe walked through the crowded hallways to the locker room.deserted, emptydark, dimly litbright, brightly litcarpetedcommunal (BrE)maindownstairs, upstairsschool (esp. AmE)VERB + hallwayenterfill, lineLockers lined the hallways.roam, walk down, wanderI walked down the hallway, not knowing where I was heading.hallway + VERBconnect, lead to

halogen

halogennoun

Halogen is used before these nouns:

bulb, lamp, light

halt

haltnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + halt | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEabrupt, suddenThe bus came to an abrupt halt outside the school.crashing, grinding, screeching, shudderingThe strike brought the capital city to a grinding halt.The plan suddenly came to a screeching halt.complete, deadimmediatetemporaryvirtualVERB + haltcome to, draw to, grind to, lurch to, screech to, shudder to, skid to, slide toThe economy seems to be grinding to a halt.The car skidded to a halt just inches from the river.bring sth to, putProduction was brought to a temporary halt when power supplies failed.enough jobs to put a halt to emigrationcallScientists have decided to call a halt to the tests.call for, demandorderThey have ordered a halt to local elections.PREPOSITIONhalt ina halt in nuclear testinghalt toThe protesters are calling for a halt to the export of live animals.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + halt | PHRASESADVERBvirtuallyeffectivelyThe strike effectively halted production at the factory.abruptly, immediately, suddenlyAll these ideas for expansion were abruptly halted by the outbreak of war.briefly, temporarilyfinallyVERB + haltattempt to, try tothreaten tofail toWe are failing to halt the destruction of the rainforest.PHRASEShalt in your tracksA sudden shout made them halt in their tracks and look around.halt sth in its tracksThe project has been halted in its tracks by this intervention.

Halt is used with these nouns as the subject:

footstep, train

Halt is used with these nouns as the object:

advance, bloodshed, decline, development, execution, expansion, fighting, flow, import, march, movement, practice, proceedings, production, progress, progression, sale, shipment, slide, spiral, spread, trend, trial, work

halter

halternoun

Halter is used before these nouns:

dress, neck, top

halting

haltingadj.

Halting is used with these nouns:

Halve is used with these nouns as the object:

halve

halveverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBmore thanalmost, nearly, virtuallyapproximately, roughlyeffectivelyPREPOSITIONinThe shares have more than halved in value since the summer high of 572p.toOverall operating profits halved to $24 million.

avocado, deficit, rate, workforce

ham

hamnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF HAM | VERB + ham | ham + NOUNADJECTIVEleanbaked, boiled (esp. BrE), cooked, cured, smokedcountry (AmE), honey-baked (AmE), honey-roast (BrE), Parmacanned (AmE), tinned (BrE)coldcold ham and saladsliced… OF HAMpiece, sliceVERB + hameat, havebake, cook, roastcarve, sliceham + NOUNroll (esp. BrE), salad (esp. BrE), sandwichhockCut the meat from the ham hock.

hamburger

hamburgernoun

Hamburger is used before these nouns:

bun, joint, meat, stand

hammer

hammernounverb

I. nounVERB + hammer | hammer + NOUN | PHRASESVERB + hammerhit sth with, tap sth with, use, wieldswingHe swung the hammer with all his strength.hammer + NOUNblow (often figurative)The decision is a hammer blow for the coal industry.PHRASESa hammer and chisel, a hammer and nailshammer and sicklethe hammer and sickle of the Soviet flag

II. verb

Hammer is used with these nouns as the subject:

heart

Hammer is used with these nouns as the object:

hammer in

hammer inphr verb

Hammer in is used with these nouns as the object:

hammering

hammeringnoun

noun1 noise2 (BrE, informal) very bad defeat1 noiseADJECTIVE | VERB + hammering | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEloudconstant, incessantVERB + hammeringhearPREPOSITIONhammering at, hammering ona loud hammering on the door

2 (BrE, informal) very bad defeatADJECTIVE | VERB + hammeringADJECTIVErealVERB + hammeringgive sbtakeThey took a real hammering at the hands of their opponents.

hammer out

hammer outphr verb

Hammer out is used with these nouns as the object:

deal, detail

hamper

hampernounverb

I. noun

Hamper is used after these nouns:

clothes, laundry, picnic

II. verbADVERBADVERBbadly, greatly, seriously, severelyRescue efforts were severely hampered by the bad weather.further

Hamper is used with these nouns as the subject:

Hamper is used with these nouns as the object:

ability, development, effectiveness, effort, progress, recovery

hamstring

hamstringnoun

Hamstring is used before these nouns:

tendon, trouble

hand

handnounverb

I. noun1 part of the body2 a hand help3 role in a situation4 in card games1 part of the bodyADJECTIVE | VERB + hand | hand + VERB | hand + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEleft, rightbeautiful, delicate, long-fingered, pretty, slendermanicured, well-manicuredcalloused/callused, roughsoftfirm, stronglimpHe offered a limp hand to shake.frailarthriticgnarledclawed, claw-likebonyHe holds out a bony hand for her to shake.hairycoolHis hand, when she shook it, was cool and firm.clammy, sweatyHe clutched the cane in his clammy hand.dirty, filthy, greasy, grimy, grubby, sticky, unwashedHe wiped his greasy hands on the front of his overalls.cleanglovedopenShe gestured to the window with an open hand.outstretchedShe walked up to him with her hand outstretched to take his.freeWith his free hand he took hold of the knife.cuppedShe rested her chin in her cupped hand.busy, deftHer busy hands had transformed the tiny room into a work of art.willingThere's plenty of work for willing handseagerEager hands reached out to help him.nervous, shaking, shaky, trembling, unsteadysteadyA surgeon needs a good eye and a steady hand.comforting, friendly, gentle, sympatheticHe put a friendly hand on his friend's knee.He laid a gentle hand on his brother's shoulder.generous, liberal (both figurative)She filled our glasses with a generous hand.capable, expert, guiding, practised/practiced, reassuring, skilful/skillful, skilledWith a practised hand he motioned a waiter to bring a fresh pot of coffee.careless, clumsyinvisible (figurative)the invisible hand of the marketVERB + handtakeShe took the child's hand and helped him climb the steps.grabHe grabbed my hand and motioned for me to follow him.reach forHe reached for her hand and held it tightly.hold, hold on toThey walked along, holding hands.She held on to my hand as I tried to leave.clutch, graspHannah grasped her hand.clutch sth in, clutch sth with, grasp sth in, grasp sth with, hold sth inHe held the key in his hand.Beth grasped the rope with both hands.press, squeeze, touchShe pressed his hand. ‘I know,’ she said softly.shakeHe shook Blake's hand as if they were long lost friends.He shook hands with all of us before leaving.feelI felt a hand on my shoulder.extend, hold out, put out, reach outShe smiled and extended a hand in welcome.He put out a hand as if to touch her.lay, place, press, put, restHe laid a hand on her arm.She put her hands to her cheeks in embarrassment.She rested her hand on my shoulder.slapJimmy slapped his hand over his mouth.slideHe slid his hands into his pockets.runClive ran a hand through his hair.withdrawSlowly Ruth withdrew her hand from his.hold up, lift, put up (esp. BrE), raise, throw upHe lifted his hand to her face.Several students raised their hands to answer the question.She held up her hand in farewell.He threw up his hands in despair when he saw the damage.spreadShe shrugged and spread her hands. ‘That's all I can tell you.’waveclapWe were all clapping our hands in time to the music.clasp, clench, wringHe had his hands clasped behind his head.She clenched her hands in her lap to hide their trembling.He was sobbing and wringing his hands by the grave.beatHe beat his hands on the steering wheel in frustration.cupI cupped my hand over the mouthpiece of the phone so they couldn't hear me.foldShe folds her hands in prayer.rubShe shivered, rubbing her hands together fiercely.washwipehand + VERBshake, trembleHer hand shook as she lifted the glass to her lips.be outstretched, reach out, shoot outShe stood up and went over to him, her hands outstretched.A strong hand reached out and caught hold of her arm.grope for sth, reach for sth, seek sthMy hand groped for the door handle.His hand sought hers.find sthHis hand eventually found the light switch.catch sth, clamp, clasp sth, grab sth, grasp sth, seize sthThe policeman kept a firm hand clamped on his shoulder.clutch sth, grip sth, hold sthclamp, clench, close around sth, close on sthA heavy hand clamped over her mouth.My hands clenched together tightly.A hand closed around her wrist.claw sth, claw at sth, pull sth, tug sthHis hands clawed at the muddy earth.cup sthHis hands cupped her face.push sthsqueeze sth, tighten sthbrush sth, brush across sth, brush against sth, caress sth, stroke sth, touch sthHis hand brushed against hers.creep, go, move, slide, slip, steal, strayMuriel's hand crept to her neck to hold her pearls.flyHer hand flew to her mouth. ‘Oh no!’jerk, twitchrun over sth, run through sth, trailHer hand ran over the surface, feeling the different textures.freeze, stillHis hand froze in mid-gesture.hover, roamMy hand hovered over the switch for a moment.His hands roamed over her shoulders.fumbleMy hands fumbled with the key.lie, restHis hand rested on her shoulder.go up, shoot upcome down, descend, dropA large hand descended on his shoulder.His hands dropped to his sides and he fell to the floor.withdrawlift, riseHer hand lifted to place a cigarette in her mouth.cover sthHer hand moved to cover his.hand + NOUNgesture, movement, position, signaldryer, towelaxe/ax, drill, saw (usually handsaw), toolspumpblender, mixerPurée with a hand blender or food processor.puppetdrummirrorbaggage, luggage (both esp. BrE) (carry-on baggage in AmE)You can take your laptop on the plane as hand luggage.cream, lotion, sanitizer (AmE), soapgrenade, gun (usually handgun)injurycount, recount (both esp. AmE)a hand recount of the vote for governorPREPOSITIONby handDelicate clothes should be washed by hand.by … handsThe rocks looked like they had been shaped by human hands.in your handShe had a piece of paper in her hand.Can I leave these queries in your capable hands? (figurative)on your handShe had large rings on both hands.with your handOperate the gears with your left hand.PHRASESball your hands into fistsfall into the wrong hands (figurative)Guards made sure that the food supplies didn't fall into the wrong hands.get your hands off sb/sth, keep your hands off sb/sth, take your hands off sb/sthShe warned her brother to keep his hands off her bag.get your hands on sth, lay your hands on sthI desperately need to lay my hands on some money by Monday.hand in handThey walked hand in hand along the path.hands on hipsShe stood in the doorway, hands on hips.head in your handsHe sat with his head in his hands.in safe hands (figurative)He retired feeling confident that his company was in safe hands.a safe pair of hands (figurative)She gained a reputation as a safe pair of hands.a show of handsShe asked for a show of hands (= asked people to vote).on (your) hands and kneesHe was on his hands and knees, looking for a contact lens.out of sb's hands (figurative)I don't work in that department any more, so the problem is out of my hands.the palm of your handShe studied the object in the palm of her hand.with your bare handsHe killed the lion with his bare hands.

2 a hand helpVERB + a handVERB + a handgive sb, lend (sb)Can you give me a hand with loading the van?At harvest time all the locals lend a hand.needDo you need a hand with those invoices?wantDo you want a hand with that?

3 role in a situationVERB + hand | PREPOSITIONVERB + handhavestrengthenThe strategic alliance served to strengthen the country's hand in the region.PREPOSITIONhand inSeveral of his colleagues had a hand in his downfall.

4 in card gamesADJECTIVE | VERB + handADJECTIVEbad, goodVERB + handdeal (sb)Who dealt the last hand?She felt that life had dealt her a bad hand. (figurative)get, haveplayoverplay (usually figurative)The party leadership overplayed its hand.reveal, show (usually figurative)Now the EU has revealed its hand.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + hand | PREPOSITIONADVERBeffectively, practicallyformally, officiallyformally handing over power to the new governmentpersonallyShe wanted to hand the petition to the president personally.just, merely, simplyThey would simply hand her over to the magistrate as a thief.quicklyimmediately, promptlygrudgingly, reluctantlyHe grudgingly handed me the money.carefully, gentlyKeith gently handed me the little baby girl.silently, wordlesslyback, down, in, out, overShe handed out the exam papers.VERB + handagree to, be happy to, be prepared to, be ready to, be willing tobe reluctant to, refuse toforce sb toget ready to, prepare toThe court is getting ready to hand down a potentially historic decision.PREPOSITIONtoHe handed the book to Sally.

Hand is used with these nouns as the object:

baton, card, cheque, diploma, glass, passport, slip, ticket, victory

hand back

hand backphr verb

Hand back is used with these nouns as the object:

passport

handbag

handbagnoun

nounSee also purseADJECTIVE | VERB + handbag | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, capacious (formal), largedesignerVERB + handbagclutch, holdcarryswingreach intofumble in, rummage around in, rummage inShe was rummaging in her handbag for her keys.search, search in, search throughShe was rummaging in her handbag for her keys.snatchShe had her handbag snatched as she sat having a coffee.PREPOSITIONfrom a/the handbag, out of a/the handbagShe took a pen out of her large leather handbag.in a/the handbag, into a/the handbagShe put her wallet into her handbag.PHRASESthe contents of a handbag

handbook

handbooknoun

Handbook is used after these nouns:

handbrake

handbrakenoun

Handbrake is used before these nouns:

turn

handcuffs

handcuffsnoun

noun… OF HANDCUFFS | VERB + handcuffs | PREPOSITION… OF HANDCUFFSpair, setThe policeman slipped a pair of handcuffs on his wrists.VERB + handcuffshave on, wearput on, slip onThe other policeman put the handcuffs on him.remove, take off, undo, unfasten, unlockPREPOSITIONin handcuffsHe was taken away in handcuffs.

hand down

hand downphr verb

Hand down is used with these nouns as the object:

indictment, penalty, ruling, sentence, tradition, verdict

hand-drawn

hand-drawnadj.

Hand-drawn is used with these nouns:

map

handful

handfulnoun

noun1 amount that can be held in one hand2 small number of people/things1 amount that can be held in one handADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgooddoubleShe bent and pulled up a double handful of weeds.PREPOSITIONhandful ofShe grabbed handfuls of the dirty snow.

2 small number of people/thingsADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEsmall, tinymereHaving to cope with a mere handful of staff was too much for her.good, largeShe has a good handful of Hollywood roles under her belt.PREPOSITIONhandful ofOnly a handful of people know the true situation.PHRASESjust a handful of sth, only a handful of sthWe have received only a small handful of letters on this subject.

hand-held

hand-heldadj.

Hand-held is used with these nouns:

calculator, camera, cellphone, computer, device, mirror, mobile phone, radio, receiver

handicap

handicapnoun

noun1 physical/mental disability2 disadvantage1 physical/mental disabilityADJECTIVE | VERB + handicap | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEserious, severemildmental, physical, visualShe can't drive because of her visual handicap.VERB + handicapbe born with, have, suffer, suffer fromOver a million people in this country suffer from mental handicap.causecope with, overcomeShe has managed to overcome her physical handicaps.PREPOSITIONdespite a/the handicapDespite her handicap, Jane is able to hold down a full-time job.

2 disadvantageADJECTIVE | VERB + handicap | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, considerable (esp. BrE), great, major, real, serious, severeLack of books was a major handicap.VERB + handicaphave, sufferIf you don't speak the language, you'll have a real handicap.proveHis lack of height can prove a handicap against tall players.PREPOSITIONdespite a/the handicaphandicap toThis could be a serious handicap to her education.

handicapped

handicappedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, be bornSteven was born severely handicapped.leave sbAn accident at birth left him badly handicapped.ADVERBbadly, seriously, severelymildly, slightlypermanentlymentally, physically, visuallyspecial equipment for visually handicapped children

handily

handilyadv.

Handily is used with these verbs:

beat, defeat, win

hand in

hand inphr verb

Hand in is used with these nouns as the object:

assignment, essay, homework, resignation, work

handkerchief

handkerchiefnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + handkerchiefADJECTIVEcleancrumpled, dirtypocketlace, linen, paper, silkembroideredVERB + handkerchiefblow your nose on, useHe blew his nose on a dirty handkerchief.wave

hand-knit

hand-knitadj.

Hand-knit is used with these nouns:

sweater

hand-knitted

hand-knittedadj.

Hand-knitted is used with these nouns:

cardigan, sweater

handle

handlenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + handle | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElong, shortcarryingThe table folds up and comes complete with a carrying handle.doorbroom, fork, knife, pickaxe/pickax, etc.brass, metal, wooden, etc.VERB + handlehavepull, push, try, turnYou have to turn the handle and then pull it.He tried the handle but the door was locked.grasp, gripPREPOSITIONon a/the handleHis initials were on the knife handle.

II. verb1 touch sth with your hands2 deal with sb/sth1 touch sth with your handsADVERBADVERBcarefully, with careA label on the crate read: ‘Handle with care’.carelesslyGardening tools can be hazardous if carelessly handled.roughlyMany of the prisoners were roughly handled; some were killed.

2 deal with sb/sthADVERB | VERB + handle | PREPOSITIONADVERBcompetently, efficiently, properly, skilfully/skillfully, successfully, wellI think you handled that situation very well.badlycarefully, delicatelyThis issue may need to be handled carefully.easilyHer next question was not so easily handled.routinelyThe library routinely handles a wide variety of queries.VERB + handlebe able to, be unable to, can, know how toThis was a problem that I just couldn't handle.She knew how to handle publicity.be designed to, be equipped toHe wasn't mentally equipped to handle this situation.learn how tobe easy tobe difficult to, be hard toLarge meetings are more difficult to handle.PREPOSITIONwithShe handled the crisis with total assurance.

Handle is used with these nouns as the subject:

bureau

Handle is used with these nouns as the object:

affair, ball, business, call, cargo, case, challenge, chore, complaint, complexity, conflict, correspondence, crisis, criticism, data, demand, detail, disagreement, disappointment, disaster, dispute, distribution, divorce, duty, economy, emergency, emotion, enquiry, finance, firearm, food, freight, gun, horse, incident, influx, job, liquor, load, mail, management, matter, negotiation, paperwork, pressure, problem, query, rejection, relationship, request, responsibility, rigour, role, situation, stress, task, text, thing, traffic, transaction, truth, waste, workload

handlebar

handlebarnoun

Handlebar is used before these nouns:

moustache

handler

handlernoun

Handler is used after these nouns:

baggage, ball, cargo, compensation, dog, snake

hand-lettered

hand-letteredadj.

Hand-lettered is used with these nouns:

sign

handling

handlingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + handling | PHRASESADJECTIVEcareful, delicate, gentleTimid children need gentle handling to build up their confidence.careless, clumsy, roughsensitive, sympatheticIssues such as drug addiction require sensitive handling on TV.insensitivecompetentShe was praised for her competent handling of the crisis.baggage, cargo, freightfoodhygienic food-handling practicedata, informationVERB + handlingneed, requireimprovePHRASESshipping and handlingThe cost is $11 plus $5 for shipping and handling.

handmade

handmadeadj.

Handmade is used with these nouns:

chocolate, furniture, jewellery, paper, quilt, stationery

hand out

hand outphr verb

Hand out is used with these nouns as the object:

assignment, award, candy, card, diploma, indictment, leaflet, pamphlet, penalty, present, punishment, ration

handout

handoutnoun

noun1 food/money given to people who need it badly2 sheet/leaflet1 food/money given to people who need it badlyADJECTIVE | VERB + handout | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfreegovernment, state (esp. BrE)cashVERB + handoutgive (sb)get, receiveAll those eligible will receive a cash handout.PREPOSITIONhandout froma handout from the governmenthandout tostate handouts to the poor

2 sheet/leafletVERB + handout | PREPOSITIONVERB + handoutdistribute, give sb, give out (esp. BrE)PREPOSITIONin a/the handoutMore information can be found in the handout.handout onWe were given a handout on job hunting.

hand over

hand overphr verb

Hand over is used with these nouns as the object:

cheque, control, passport, rein, responsibility, suspect

hand over to

hand over tophr verb

Hand over to is used with these nouns as the object:

successor

hand-painted

hand-paintedadj.

Hand-painted is used with these nouns:

tile

hand-pick

hand-pickverb

Hand-pick is used with these nouns as the object:

successor

hand-picked

hand-pickedadj.

Hand-picked is used with these nouns:

successor

hand-rolled

hand-rolledadj.

Hand-rolled is used with these nouns:

hands down

hands downadv.

Hands down is used with these verbs:

beat, win

hands-down

hands-downadj.

Hands-down is used with these nouns:

favourite

handset

handsetnoun

Handset is used after these nouns:

phone, telephone

hands-free

hands-freeadj.

Hands-free is used with these nouns:

cellphone, mobile phone, phone

handshake

handshakenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + handshake | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfirm, hearty (esp. AmE)limpShe wasn't impressed by his limp handshake.secretgolden (= money given to sb when they leave their job)He received a $150 000 golden handshake when he lost his job.VERB + handshakehaveHe had a firm handshake.give sbFawcett gave me a hearty handshake.PREPOSITIONwith a handshakeThey sealed the agreement with a handshake.handshake froma handshake from the chairman

hands-off

hands-offadj.

Hands-off is used with these nouns:

approach

handsome

handsomeadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, lookbecome, growADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.devastatingly, exceedingly, extraordinarily, incredibly, strikinglyHe was young and devastatingly handsome.almostclassically, darkly, ruggedlyhis ruggedly handsome featuresPHRASEStall, dark (and) handsomea tall, dark, handsome stranger

Handsome is used with these nouns:

appearance, chap, couple, dividend, face, feature, fellow, figure, gentleman, girl, house, lad, man, profile, profit, room, salary, stranger, sum, victory, volume, win, woman

handsomely

handsomelyadv.

Handsomely is used with these verbs:

contribute, illustrate, pay, produce, reward, win

hands-on

hands-onadj.

Hands-on is used with these nouns:

approach, exhibit, experience, training, workshop

hand-to-hand

hand-to-handadj.

Hand-to-hand is used with these nouns:

combat, fighting

hand-to-mouth

hand-to-mouthadj.

Hand-to-mouth is used with these nouns:

handwriting

handwritingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + handwriting | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEclear, good, legible, neatHer handwriting was neat and legible.bad (esp. AmE), illegible, messy (esp. AmE), poor (esp. BrE), sloppy (esp. AmE), terribleWhy do doctors have such terrible handwriting?spideryVERB + handwritinghavereadHer handwriting is very difficult to read.recognizeI didn't recognize the handwriting on the envelope.PREPOSITIONin your handwritingShe copied out the lines in her best handwriting.

handwritten

handwrittenadj.

Handwritten is used with these nouns:

invoice, letter, manuscript, note, page, record, sign, signature, text

handy

handyadj.

adj.1 useful2 nearby3 good at using sth (informal)1 usefulVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbecome inI advise you to buy one—it may come in handy one day.ADVERBextremely, really, veryquitePREPOSITIONforThe arrangement was handy for both of us.

2 nearbyVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbehave sthkeep sthAlways keep a cloth handy to wipe up any mess.ADVERBquite, very (both BrE)PREPOSITIONfor (BrE)My new house is very handy for the station.

3 good at using sthVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.PREPOSITIONat‘I'm pretty handy at giving out advice,’ claimed Mark.withLucy is very handy with a drill.

Handy is used with these nouns:

excuse, feature, gadget, guide, hint, reference, size, tip, tool, trick

hang

hangverbPHRASAL VERB

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBlimply, looselyHe had lost weight and the suit hung loosely on him.uselesslyHer injured arm hung uselessly at her side.upside downThe sloth spends most of its time hanging upside down from the branches.downLarge leaves hung down from the branches of the trees.PREPOSITIONbyThe monkey was hanging by its tail from the beams overhead.fromBanners hung from every window.

PHRASAL VERBhang on1 keep hold of sth2 wait1 keep hold of sthADVERB | VERB + hang on | PREPOSITIONADVERBtightHang on tight—we're off.VERB + hang ontry to

PREPOSITIONforShe hung on for dear life.toHang on to (= keep) those old photographs—they may be valuable.withMartin tried to hang on with one hand.

2 waitADVERBADVERBa minute, a secondHang on a minute—I'll just see if he's here.

Hang is used with these nouns as the subject:

arm, bag, banner, bat, bead, belly, bulb, cigarette, cloud, curl, curtain, decoration, drape, flag, hair, haze, jacket, jaw, lantern, leg, mirror, mist, monkey, moon, painting, picture, portrait, poster, sail, sheet, sign, silence, skin, smoke, towel

Hang is used with these nouns as the object:

banner, coat, curtain, decoration, flag, head, lantern, mirror, murderer, painting, picture, poster, right, sign, stocking, wallpaper

hangar

hangarnoun

Hangar is used before these nouns:

bay

Hangar is used after these nouns:

hangdog

hangdogadj.

Hangdog is used with these nouns:

expression, look

hang down

hang downphr verb

Hang down is used with these nouns as the subject:

hanger

hangernoun

Hanger is used after these nouns:

clothes, coat, wire

hang from

hang fromphr verb

Hang from is used with these nouns as the object:

rail

hang in

hang inphr verb

Hang in is used with these nouns as the object:

fold

hanging

hangingnounadj.

I. noun

Hanging is used before these nouns:

drape

Hanging is used after these nouns:

Hanging is used with these nouns:

II. adj.

basket

hang on

hang onphr verb

Hang on is used with these nouns as the object:

rack, wall, word

hang out

hang outphr verb

Hang out is used with these nouns as the subject:

tongue

Hang out is used with these nouns as the object:

banner, flag, sign, washing

hang out at

hang out atphr verb

Hang out at is used with these nouns as the object:

mall

hang over

hang overphr verb

Hang over is used with these nouns as the subject:

question mark, spectre

hangover

hangovernoun

Hangover is used before these nouns:

cure, remedy

hang up

hang upphr verb

Hang up is used with these nouns as the object:

coat, jacket, phone, poster, sign, telephone

hanker

hankerverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBsecretlyalwaysstillPREPOSITIONafterShe's always hankering after excitement.forI still hankered for the farm life.

Hanukkah

Hanukkahnoun

Hanukkah is used before these nouns:

gift

haphazard

haphazardadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, seembecomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.apparently, seeminglyPHRASESin a haphazard fashion, in a haphazard manner, in a haphazard wayThe town had grown in a somewhat haphazard way.

Haphazard is used with these nouns:

fashion, manner

haphazardly

haphazardlyadv.

Haphazardly is used with these verbs:

arrange, pile

hapless

haplessadj.

Hapless is used with these nouns:

Happen is used after these nouns:

happen

happennounverb

I. noun

break-in

II. verbADVERB | VERB + happen | PREPOSITIONADVERBactually, reallyShe couldn't quite believe that all this was actually happening to her.justI don't remember learning to swim, it just happened.neverspontaneouslySometimes fun activities just happen spontaneously; at other times they take careful planning.overnight, quicklyChange doesn't happen overnight.againVERB + happenbe going toThey could only wait and see what was going to happen.be likely tobe bound toMistakes are bound to happen sometimes.tend toWhat tends to happen is that students spend the first week of the course in a blind panic, but settle down by the second or third week.want sth tomake sthYou have to make things happen if you want them to happen.let sthDon't just sit back and let it happen.PREPOSITIONtoShe didn't know what was happening to her.

Happen is used with these nouns as the subject:

abuse, accident, assault, attack, avalanche, breakthrough, burglary, catastrophe, change, coincidence, collision, crash, crime, deal, death, disaster, earthquake, emergency, eruption, event, evolution, explosion, fit, incident, injury, innovation, killing, leak, magic, meeting, merger, miracle, mistake, murder, phenomenon, riot, skirmish, smash, thing, tragedy, transformation

happen to

happen tophr verb

Happen to is used with these nouns as the subject:

happier

happieradj.

Happier is used with these nouns:

happiest

happiestadj.

Happiest is used with these nouns:

happily

happilyadv.

Happily is used with these adjectives:

engaged, married, occupied, settled

Happily is used with these verbs:

accept, agree, announce, bark, beam, blend, chat, chatter, clap, comply, cry, eat, embrace, end, exclaim, grin, hum, ignore, laugh, live, mix, nod, oblige, puff, reply, return, say, settle, shout, shriek, sigh, sing, sit, skip, smile, splash, trot, wag, wander, wave, whistle, yell

happiness

happinessnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + happiness | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeep (esp. AmE), greatperfect, pure, sheer, trueeternal, lastingfutureLiving together before you marry is no guarantee of future happiness.earthlyhumanpersonaldomestic, family, maritalVERB + happinessbe filled with, feelglow withHer face was glowing with happiness.cry with, sigh withachieve, findShe seems to have found happiness with her new husband.bring (sb)It is easy to believe that money brings happiness.buy (sb)You cannot buy happiness.wish sbPREPOSITIONwith happinesshappiness atHe was weeping with happiness at being free.PHRASESa feeling of happinesswish sb every happinessWe wish them every happiness in their new life.

happy

happyadj.

adj.1 feeling pleasure2 giving pleasure1 feeling pleasureVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, feel, look, seem, soundOutwardly the couple appeared happy.Andrew felt happier than he had been for a long time.becomemake sbMoney won't make you happy.keep sbHe went home from time to time, to keep his mother happy.dieI can die happy knowing that I have achieved this.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.only too, particularlyWe'd be only too happy to accept your invitation.completely, perfectlyDad seemed perfectly happy with my explanation.genuinely, trulyFor the first time in her life, she felt truly happy.far from, not altogether, not at all, not entirely, not exactly, not particularly, not too, not totallyHer boss was not entirely happy about the situation.relativelyjustI'm just happy to be back home.amazingly, blissfully, deliriously, ecstatically, ridiculously, strangely, surprisinglyclearly, obviouslyPREPOSITIONaboutI'm not too happy about her attitude.forSo you're getting married, I hear. I'm really happy for you!withI was quite happy with the way things went.

2 giving pleasureVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.gloriously (esp. BrE), particularly, wonderfullyIt had been a wonderfully happy time.quite

Happy is used with these nouns:

accident, association, atmosphere, balance, chance, childhood, choice, coincidence, collaboration, combination, compromise, couple, customer, day, disposition, ending, event, face, family, girl, grin, home, hour, knack, laughter, life, marriage, memory, mood, news, occasion, old age, outcome, pair, people, period, person, relationship, retirement, return, reunion, self, shopper, situation, smile, tear, thought, time, tune, year

harass

harassverb

verbADVERBADVERBracially, sexuallyShe had been sexually harassed at work.constantly

Harass is used with these nouns as the subject:

Harbour/harbor is used after these nouns:

harassment

harassmentnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + harassment | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEracial, sexualpoliceconstant, continualVERB + harassmentbe subject to, be subjected to, sufferShe had been subjected to continual sexual harassment.PREPOSITIONharassment byThey are complaining about harassment by the policePHRASESa victim of harassment

harbour

harbournoun

(BrE) (AmE harbor) nounADJECTIVE | VERB + harbour/harbor | harbour/harbor + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeep, deep-watergood, safe, shelterednaturalbusypicturesque, prettyfishingVERB + harbour/harborhaveThe town has a small natural harbour.come into, enter, go intoThey entered the harbour with flags flying.go out of, leaveharbour/harbor + NOUNdefences/defenses, walltownareaentrance, mouth (BrE)authority (BrE), masterPREPOSITIONin (a/the) harbourThe fishing fleet is in harbour.the activity in the harbourinto (a/the) harbourThe damaged vessel was towed into harbour.out of a/the harbourWe sailed out of the harbour at daybreak.PHRASESthe entrance to a harbour, the mouth of a harbour

fishing

hard

hardadj.adv.

I. adj.1 solid/stiff2 difficult1 solid/stiffVERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, feel, look, seemThe chairs felt hard and uncomfortable.become, goDon't leave the cake uncovered or the icing will go hard.stayADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.a little, slightly, etc.PHRASESrock hardThe toffee was rock hard.

2 difficultVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, look, seembecome, getLife got very hard.make sthIf you tell the children the answers, it only makes it harder for them to do the work on their own.find sthI found the exam quite hard.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.a little, slightly, etc.

Hard is used with these nouns:

bargaining, bench, biscuit, blow, bread, cash, cement, chair, cheese, choice, cider, climb, coal, contact lens, copy, core, court, cover, currency, data, day, decision, disk, drinker, drive, drug, earth, effort, evidence, exercise, face, fact, fight, fighting, floor, foul, freeze, frost, gaze, graft, ground, hat, heart, jab, job, journey, kick, kiss, knock, labour, landing, lesson, life, line, liquor, look, luck, lump, man, margarine, mattress, mouth, muscle, news, nipple, palate, part, pavement, penis, punch, push, question, race, rain, reality, road, rock, sand, science, season, shell, shove, skin, slap, smack, snow, stone, struggle, surface, tackle, task, thigh, thing, think, thinking, time, toil, tone, training, truth, tug, water, way, wear, week, winter, wood, word, work, worker, workout, world, year

II. adv.

Hard is used with these verbs:

accelerate, bang, bargain, battle, bite, blink, blow, brake, breathe, campaign, clamp, concentrate, crack, cry, fight, focus, grip, hit, kick, kiss, laugh, listen, lobby, pedal, ponder, practise, pray, press, prune, puff, pull, punch, push, rain, ram, ride, rub, shake, shove, slam, slap, smack, snow, squeeze, stamp, stare, strain, strike, strive, struggle, study, swallow, tackle, think, thrust, thud, thump, train, try, tug, wish, work

hard and fast

hard and fastadj.

Hard and fast is used with these nouns:

rule

hardback

hardbacknoun

(also hardcover esp. in AmE) nounVERB + hardback/hardcover | hardback/hardcover + NOUN | PREPOSITIONVERB + hardback/hardcoverpublishcome out inHis second book came out in hardback last month.hardback/hardcover + NOUNbook, editionPREPOSITIONin hardbackIt's only available in hardback.

hardball

hardballnoun

Hardball is used before these nouns:

hard-boiled

hard-boiledadj.

Hard-boiled is used with these nouns:

detective, egg

hard-core

hard-coreadj.

Hard-core is used with these nouns:

fan, pornography, sex

hardcover

hardcovernoun

Hardcover is used before these nouns:

book, edition, novel

hard-earned

hard-earnedadj.

Hard-earned is used with these nouns:

cash, money, win

harden

hardenverb

Harden is used with these nouns as the subject:

cement, expression, eye, face, mouth, nipple, voice

Harden is used with these nouns as the object:

heart, steel

hardened

hardenedadj.

Hardened is used with these nouns:

criminal, sceptic

hard-fought

hard-foughtadj.

Hard-fought is used with these nouns:

contest, victory, win

hard-hitting

hard-hittingadj.

Hard-hitting is used with these nouns:

drama, journalism, report

hard-line

hard-lineadj.

Hard-line is used with these nouns:

communist, conservative, faction, nationalist, regime, stance, view

hard-luck

hard-luckadj.

Hard-luck is used with these nouns:

hardly

hardlyadv.

Hardly is used with these adjectives:

able, adequate, audible, aware, believable, capable, coincidental, comforting, compatible, conclusive, conducive, conscious, convincing, credible, distinguishable, dry, encouraging, exhaustive, fair, feasible, flattering, ideal, imaginable, impressive, inspiring, justified, likely, logical, necessary, new, noticeable, perfect, plausible, practical, reassuring, recognizable, relevant, sensible, sufficient, suitable, surprised, surprising, true, unique, unprecedented, unusual, visible, worth, worthwhile, worthy

Hardly is used with these verbs:

affect, afford, breathe, care, confine, cover, dare, deserve, deter, eat, endear, figure, fit, flinch, glance, help, imagine, impinge, justify, know, listen, matter, mention, merit, need, notice, pause, qualify, recognize, recover, register, remember, see, show, sleep, slow, solve, spare, speak, stir, suppress, surprise, survive, touch, understand, vary, warrant

hard-packed

hard-packedadj.

Hard-packed is used with these nouns:

hardship

hardshipnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + hardship | hardship + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEappalling (BrE), considerable, extreme, genuine (esp. BrE), great, real, severeundue, unnecessary (esp. BrE)economic, financial, material (esp. AmE), personal, physicalVERB + hardshipcauseimposebear, endure, experience, face, suffer, survivea close community which makes these hardships easier to bearStudents may suffer severe financial hardship as a result of the government's decision.They have already survived considerable hardship.hardship + NOUNfund (BrE)payment (BrE)The union made hardship payments to some of the sacked workers.PREPOSITIONin hardshipThey are living in genuine hardship.without hardshipThey could improve our conditions without undue hardship for themselves.hardship amongwidespread hardship among studentshardship toThe cold was no real hardship to me.PHRASEStimes of hardshipIn times of economic hardship, companies cut back on training.

hardware

hardwarenoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF HARDWARE | VERB + hardware | hardware + NOUNADJECTIVEcomputermilitarycompanies selling military hardwarenew… OF HARDWAREpieceThe laptop drawing tablet is a very useful piece of hardware.VERB + hardwaredesign, developprovide, supplyWe supply computer hardware to businesses.usehardware + NOUNcomponent, device, productenvironment, platform, systemThis application runs on a wide variety of hardware platforms.configurationdesign, developmentcompany, maker, manufacturer, supplier, vendor

hard-won

hard-wonadj.

Hard-won is used with these nouns:

gain

hardwood

hardwoodnoun

Hardwood is used before these nouns:

floor, forest

hard-working

hard-workingadj.

Hard-working is used with these nouns:

hardy

hardyadj.

Hardy is used with these nouns:

breed, soul

hare

harenoun

Hare is used after these nouns:

hare-brained

hare-brainedadj.

Hare-brained is used with these nouns:

Harm is used with these nouns as the object:

harm

harmnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + harm | harm + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsiderable, great, serious, untold (esp. BrE)He was clearly intent on inflicting serious harm on someone.irreparable, lasting, permanentemotional, mental, physical, psychologicalelderly people in danger of physical or emotional harmeconomic, environmentalVERB + harmcause, do, inflictThe huge fall in exports has done a great deal of harm to the economy.mean (sb), wish sbI'm sorry if I upset you—I didn't mean any harm.No one wishes you harm.come to, sufferI don't think he'll come to any harm if his mother is with him.keep sb from, prevent, protect sb from, shield sb fromThe children were removed from their parents to prevent harm to them.She tried to shield her child from harm.harm + VERBcome to sb/sthI don't want any harm to come to these pictures.PREPOSITIONharm frombabies at risk of serious harm from their parentsharm tothe harm done to the environmentPHRASESmore harm than goodThe drugs he was prescribed did him more harm than good.out of harm's wayThe younger children were kept out of harm's way.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + harmADVERBseriouslyMisusing drugs in pregnancy can seriously harm your baby.deliberatelyphysicallyVERB + harmintend to, want toHe claimed that he had not intended to harm the girl.try to

economy, environment, health, trade, wildlife

harmful

harmfuladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, proveThe spraying could prove harmful to humans.becomeconsider sthShe actually considered fresh air harmful.ADVERBextremely, veryparticularly, positivelyThese products are often positively harmful.quitepossibly, potentiallyA lot of these chemicals are potentially very harmful.(not) necessarilyNot all virus infections are necessarily harmful to vines.intrinsicallyenvironmentally, sociallyThese pesticides are environmentally harmful.PREPOSITIONtopesticides that are harmful to the environment

Harmful is used with these nouns:

bacteria, chemical, consequence, effect, emission, influence, insect, mutation, pesticide, radiation, ray, side effect, substance, waste

harmless

harmlessadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, look, seem, soundmake sth, render sthchemical wastes which have to be rendered harmlessconsider sthADVERBabsolutely, completely, perfectly, quite, totallyalmost, virtuallyenoughHe looks harmless enough.comparatively, fairly, mostly, pretty, reasonably, relativelyapparently, seeminglya small and seemingly harmless creatureenvironmentallyPREPOSITIONtoThe substance is harmless to people.

Harmless is used with these nouns:

fun, substance

harmonic

harmonicadj.

Harmonic is used with these nouns:

progression

harmonious

harmoniousadj.

Harmonious is used with these nouns:

balance, relation, relationship, whole

harmoniously

harmoniouslyadv.

Harmoniously is used with these verbs:

blend, live, work

harmony

harmonynoun

noun1 state of agreement2 pleasant combination of different musical notes1 state of agreementADJECTIVE | VERB + harmony | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcomplete, perfectrelativeThey've lived together in reasonable harmony for many years.domestic, political, racial, socialOn the surface their life was a model of domestic harmony.VERB + harmonyachievebring, createmaintain, preserveThey try to maintain harmony between the two communities.restorefoster, promoteThe Church tries to promote racial harmony.live inPREPOSITIONin harmonyThey work together in harmony.harmony betweenThey try to foster harmony between different groups of people.harmony withpeople living in perfect harmony with naturePHRASESa sense of harmonyA new sense of harmony developed in the community.

2 pleasant combination of different musical notesADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEmusicalvocalbeautifulfive-part, four-part, etc.an arrangement with four-part harmonyPREPOSITIONin harmonyto sing in harmony

harness

harnessnounverb

I. noun1 for a horse2 for a person1 for a horseADJECTIVE | VERB + harness | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEleatherVERB + harnessput onremove, take offPREPOSITIONin (a) harnessa horse in harness

2 for a personADJECTIVE | VERB + harness | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEchildsafetyclimbing, parachuteshoulderfour-point, five-point, etc.VERB + harnesshave on, weardo up, fastenShe fastened the safety harness tightly around her waist before starting the descent.undo, unfastenPREPOSITIONin a/the harnessAnother man in a harness was being lowered from the helicopter.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + harness | PREPOSITIONADVERBeffectively, successfullyfullyVERB + harnessattempt to, seek to, try toThey are attempting to harness the power of the sun.manage toPREPOSITIONforHow can this energy be harnessed effectively for the good of humankind?

Harness is used with these nouns as the object:

energy, power, skill, talent

harp

harpnounverbPHRASAL VERB

I. nounVERB + harpVERB + harpset, tuneBy means of pedals, a harp can be set in any desired key.

II. verb

PHRASAL VERBharp onADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBalways, constantlyHe is always harping on about the war.stillPREPOSITIONabout

PHRASESkeep harping onDon't keep harping on about my age!

harpoon

harpoonnounverb

I. noun

Harpoon is used before these nouns:

Harpoon is used with these nouns as the object:

II. verb

whale

harrowing

harrowingadj.

Harrowing is used with these nouns:

experience, journey, tale

harsh

harshadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSappear, be, prove, seem, soundIt may seem harsh to criticize him after his death.becomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.exceptionally, particularlyincreasinglya little, slightly, etc.overly, unduly, unnecessarilyHe accused her of being unduly harsh.surprisingly

Harsh is used with these nouns:

bark, climate, condemnation, condition, critic, criticism, discipline, environment, fact, glare, judgement, language, laugh, law, light, lighting, measure, penalty, punishment, reality, rebuke, regime, reminder, repression, restriction, rule, sentence, spotlight, sun, sunlight, terrain, tone, treatment, truth, voice, weather, whisper, wind, winter, word

harshly harvest

harvestnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + harvest | harvest + VERB | harvest + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEabundant (esp. AmE), bountiful, bumper, good, large, richWe've had a bumper harvest of apples this year.She returned from the conference with a rich harvest of knowledge. (figurative)bad, disastrous, poora series of poor harvests in the 1830scereal, corn, grain, potato, wheat, etc.finalVERB + harvestbring in, gather, gather in, get in, reapThey were busy getting the harvest in.We are now reaping the harvest of our hard work last year. (figurative)harvest + VERBfailThe strawberry harvest failed because of the drought.harvest + NOUNseason (esp. AmE), timefestivalPREPOSITIONafter (the) harvestPotatoes are normally sprayed after harvest.during harvest, during the harvestPotatoes often sustain damage during harvest.During the harvest they work from dawn to dusk.harvest ofa good harvest of potatoes

II. verb

Harvest is used with these nouns as the object:

barley, coconut, corn, crop, grape, hay, oats, organ, rice, timber, wheat

Hasidic

Hasidicadj.

Hasidic is used with these nouns:

Jew, Judaism

hassle

hasslenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + hassle | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElegalThey faced interminable legal hassles if they wanted to claim compensation.VERB + hassleget, haveI started to get all this hassle from my boss about increasing productivity.give sbHe gave me so much hassle I decided it wasn't worth it.eliminate (esp. AmE), saveIt saves a lot of hassle if you buy them on the Internet.be worthCamping isn't really worth all the hassle.not wantI don't want the hassle of opening a new bank account.PREPOSITIONwith no hassle, without hassleShe got the computer set up with no hassle at all.hassle about, hassle overI've had so much hassle over this business.PHRASEStake the hassle out of sthPackage tours take all the hassle out of travel arrangements.

haste

hastenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + haste | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreatShe worked with great haste.indecent (esp. BrE), undue, unseemly (esp. BrE)He accused the government of undue haste in bringing in the new law.VERB + hastemakeI had to make haste if I wasn't to be late.PREPOSITIONin haste, in your hasteThey obviously left in great haste.In his haste to get home, he forgot to go to the library.with hasteHe married again with almost indecent haste.without hasteThey approached without haste.PHRASESwith all haste (esp. BrE)The ships were ordered to sea with all haste.

hasten

hastenverb

Hasten is used with these nouns as the object:

arrival, death, decline, demise, departure, downfall, process, recovery

hastily

hastilyadv.

Hastily is used with these verbs:

abandon, add, apologize, arrange, assemble, back, clear, draft, erect, gather, improvise, interrupt, prepare, prepared, push, remove, reply, retreat, say, scribble, step, stuff, summon, swallow, wipe, withdraw

hasty

hastyadj.

Hasty is used with these nouns:

breakfast, conclusion, decision, departure, escape, exit, generalization, retreat

hat

hatnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + hat | hat + VERB | hat + NOUNADJECTIVEbroad-brimmed, wide-brimmedfloppybatteredpointedtallfur, straw, wool (esp. AmE), woollen/woolen, woolly/wooly (esp. BrE)baseball, bobble (BrE), bowler, cocked, cowboy, hard, panama, party, peaked, riding, sun, ten-gallon, three-cornered, top, trucker (esp. AmE)silly, stupidVERB + hatdon, placeHe placed a battered felt hat on his head.doff, removeraise, tip, touchThe doorman tipped his hat as we entered.pull downHe pulled his hat down over his face.hat + VERBbe trimmed with sthThe governor wore a cocked hat trimmed with white feathers.hat + NOUNbox (usually hatbox)shop, store (AmE)stand (usually hatstand)band, pin (usually hatband, hatpin)

hatch

hatchnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + hatch | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEclosed, openLeave the hatch open.access, escapeserving (esp. BrE)She opened the serving hatch and put the soup on the counter.kitchen, loft (both BrE)VERB + hatchlift, open, raiseShe lifted the hatch and slid it away from the opening.batten down, close, shutThey battened down the hatches and prepared for the storm.He ordered the hatches to be closed.PREPOSITIONthrough a/the hatchThey got out through the escape hatch.hatch betweena hatch between the kitchen and the dining roomhatch toa hatch to the dining room

II. verb

Hatch is used with these nouns as the subject:

egg, fish

Hatch is used with these nouns as the object:

egg, plan, plot, scheme

hatchback

hatchbacknoun

Hatchback is used before these nouns:

hatch from

hatch fromphr verb

Hatch from is used with these nouns as the object:

Hate is used with these nouns as the object:

hate

hatenounverb

I. noun1 strong feeling of dislike2 sb/sth you hate1 strong feeling of dislikeADJECTIVE | VERB + hate | hate + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEabsolute, pureIn her eyes he could see naked hate.VERB + hatebe filled with, be full of, burn withHe burned with hate for everyone and everything.hate + NOUNcampaign, figure (esp. BrE), mailvictim of a vicious hate campaignShe became a hate figure for politicians on the left.crime, speechPREPOSITIONhate forfull of hate for the people who had betrayed her

2 sb/sth you hateADJECTIVEADJECTIVEpet (BrE)Jazz has always been a pet hate of mine.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + hate | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBparticularly, reallyabsolutelyI absolutely hate cooking.almostFor a moment she almost hated him.justDon't you just hate people who are always right?alwaysI always hated school.stillVERB + hatebegin to, come to, grow toHe came to hate the town, with its narrow prejudices.love tothe media baron all the liberals love to hatePREPOSITIONforHe hated me for standing up to him.PHRASEShate it whenI hate it when you lose your temper like that.hate to say, see, think, etc.I'd hate to say how many hours I've spent trying to fix my computer.

fact, feeling, nickname, violence

hated

hatedadj.

Hated is used with these nouns:

rival

hateful

hatefuladj.

Hateful is used with these nouns:

ideology, speech

hatred

hatrednoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + hatred | hatred + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbitter, deep, intense, passionate, pure, violentShe shot him a look of pure hatred.absolute, implacableblind, irrationalclass, ethnic, race, racial, religiousmutualVERB + hatredbe filled with, be full of, feel, haveShe was full of hatred and bitterness.He has a deep hatred of the police.incite, preach, stir upHe is accused of stirring up racial hatred.breed, fuelIgnorance can breed hatred.expresshatred + VERBflare (esp. AmE)Hatred flared inside her.PREPOSITIONin hatred, with hatredShe stared at it in hatred.hatred againstThey were blamed for inciting hatred against religious minorities.hatred betweenthe intense hatred between the two communitieshatred forI felt no hatred for him.hatred ofhis hatred of womenhatred towards/towardtheir hatred towards/toward the oppressorsPHRASESa feeling of hatred

haughtily

haughtilyadv.

Haughtily is used with these verbs:

reply, sniff

haughty

haughtyadj.

Haughty is used with these nouns:

disdain

haul

haulnounverb

I. noun1 act of hauling2 distance3 (esp. BrE) of fish, stolen goods, etc.1 act of haulingVERB + haul | PREPOSITIONVERB + haulgive sthPREPOSITIONhaul onWhen I shout, give a haul on the rope.

2 distanceADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElong, shortthe long haul back to Cape Towna short-haul passenger planefinal, lastthe final haul up the hill to the finishing linePREPOSITIONhaul from, haul to

3 (esp. BrE) of fish, stolen goods, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + haul | haul + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, large, recordThe thieves got away with a record haul of £25 million.drugsVERB + haulget, get away withThe gang did not expect to get such a large haul.haul + VERBbe worth stha haul worth £30 000PREPOSITIONhaul ofthe biggest ever haul of illegal drugs

II. verb

Haul is used with these nouns as the subject:

Haul is used with these nouns as the object:

bag, cargo, freight, load, log, luggage, sack, train

haulage

haulagenoun

Haulage is used before these nouns:

contractor

Haulage is used after these nouns:

hauler

haulernoun

Hauler is used after these nouns:

cargo, freight

haulier

hauliernoun

Haulier is used after these nouns:

haul in

haul inphr verb

Haul in is used with these nouns as the object:

net

haunt

hauntnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + hauntADJECTIVEfavourite/favorite, old, popular (esp. BrE), regular, usualtourist (esp. BrE)The area was a popular tourist haunt.VERB + hauntgo back to, return to, revisit (all esp. BrE)We've been back to some of our old haunts.

II. verb1 appear as a ghost in a place2 be always in your mind1 appear as a ghost in a placeADVERB | VERB + hauntADVERBreputedly (esp. BrE), supposedlya castle which is reputedly hauntedVERB + hauntcome back to, return toHe said he would come back to haunt her.That decision came back to haunt him in later life. (figurative)

2 be always in your mindADVERB | VERB + hauntADVERBstillthe great fear that still haunts herforeverHe will be haunted forever by his failed attempt to rescue the children.VERB + hauntcontinue toThese visions continued to haunt her for many years.

Haunt is used with these nouns as the subject:

dream, fear, ghost, nightmare, spectre, word

Haunt is used with these nouns as the object:

dream, imagination, memory, mind, nightmare

haunted

hauntedadj.

Haunted is used with these nouns:

house, look, mansion

haunting

hauntingadj.

Haunting is used with these nouns:

melody, memory, sound, tune

hauntingly

hauntinglyadv.

Hauntingly is used with these adjectives:

beautiful, familiar

have

haveverb

Have is used with these nouns as the subject:

hotel, library, mixture, patient, room, sentence, tape, word

Have is used with these nouns as the object:

A level, ability, abortion, abscess, absence, abundance, accent, access, accident, accommodation, account, ache, acne, acumen, acupuncture, addiction, admiration, admirer, advantage, adventure, adviser, affair, affection, affinity, agenda, agent, agility, agreement, AIDS, ailment, aim, air, alibi, allergy, alliance, allowance, ally, alternative, ambition, amenity, ammunition, anaesthetic, ancestor, ancestry, animal, animosity, answer, antagonism, antipathy, appeal, appearance, appendicitis, appetite, appointment, appreciation, approach, approval, aptitude, area, argument, army, aroma, arrangement, array, arrogance, arthritis, aspect, aspiration, assembly, asset, assignment, assistant, association, assurance, asthma, atmosphere, attachment, attack, attention, attitude, attraction, attribute, audience, audition, aura, authority, authorization, autograph, autonomy, aversion, avocado, awareness, baby, backdrop, background, backing, backlog, balance, ball, banana, bang, base, bath, beard, bearing, beer, belief, benefit, bent, berry, berth, bet, bias, bill, binge, birthday, birthmark, biscuit, bite, bleeding, blemish, blessing, blitz, block, bloom, blossom, blowout, blueprint, blues, bodyguard, bond, bonfire, border, bother, bottle, boundary, bout, bow, boy, boyfriend, brace, brandy, break, breakdown, breather, breeding, bruise, budget, bug, bump, bun, business, buyer, cable, cake, call, calorie, campus, cancellation, cancer, capability, capacity, capital, car, career, carrot, case, cast, cat, cataract, catastrophe, cause, celebration, cereal, chair, champagne, chance, character, characteristic, charge, charm, chat, check, check-up, checklist, cheek, chicken, child, childhood, chip, choice, cholera, cholesterol, chop, Christmas, chuckle, cider, circle, circulation, circumference, citizenship, claim, clarity, class, clause, clearance, client, clientele, climate, clout, clue, coating, cocktail, coconut, code, coffee, coherence, coke, cold, colic, collar, collection, collision, colour, colouring, column, comfort, command, comment, commentary, commitment, common ground, common sense, communication, companionship, company, compassion, competence, competition, complaint, complex, complexion, complication, comprehension, compulsion, concept, conception, concert, concussion, condition, confidence, confirmation, confrontation, connection, connotation, conscience, consent, consequence, consideration, consistency, consolation, constipation, constitution, consultation, contact, contempt, contest, contract, control, convention, conversation, conviction, convulsion, coordination, copy, copyright, corn, correlation, correspondence, cost, cottage, cough, counselling, count, counterpart, courage, courtesy, cover, coverage, crèche, crackdown, cramp, crash, craving, crease, creativity, credentials, credibility, credit, crisis, crop, crush, cry, crystal ball, cuddle, cunning, cup, cure, curfew, curiosity, curl, currency, custody, customer, cut, damp, dance, data, date, daughter, deadline, deal, dealings, debate, debt, decency, decrease, dedication, defect, deficiency, deficit, deformity, degree, delivery, delusion, dent, dependence, deposit, depression, depth, descent, design, desire, dessert, detachment, detail, detention, determination, device, dexterity, dialogue, diameter, diarrhoea, diet, difference, difficulty, dig, digestion, dignity, dilemma, dimension, diphtheria, diploma, diplomacy, dirt, disability, disadvantage, disagreement, disappointment, discharge, discipline, discomfort, discretion, discussion, disdain, disease, dislike, disorder, display, disposition, disrespect, distaste, distinction, distribution, distrust, disturbance, divorce, doctorate, dog, dominance, doubt, dowry, doze, drawl, dread, dream, drink, drive, driving licence, drought, duty, ear, earnings, Easter, echo, edge, education, effect, ego, election, electricity, elegance, element, email, emergency, empathy, emphasis, employee, employer, encounter, encouragement, ending, endorsement, endurance, enemy, energy, engagement, enjoyment, enquiry, enthusiasm, entrance, entry, envy, equality, equivalent, erection, escape, escort, estate, esteem, evidence, exam, examination, excuse, exhibit, exhibition, existence, expectation, expenditure, experience, expertise, explanation, exposure, expression, extra, eyesight, face, facet, facility, fact, faculty, failing, failure, fair, faith, fall, familiarity, family, fantasy, farm, fascination, fat, fault, favour, fear, feast, feature, feedback, feeling, festival, feud, fever, fight, figure, file, filling, final, finale, finance, finish, fireplace, fish, fit, fix, flair, flash, flashback, flat, flavour, flaw, flea, flexibility, flight, fling, flow, flower, flu, focus, follower, following, fondness, food, foothold, footing, footwork, foreboding, foresight, forethought, forgiveness, formula, fortune, forum, fragrance, frame, framework, franchise, freckle, freedom, friend, fright, fruit, fun, function, fund, funeral, future, gala, game, gangrene, gash, gathering, gene, genius, gift, gin, girlfriend, glamour, glance, glass, gleam, glimpse, glint, glow, goal, god, goodwill, gossip, grace, grade, gradient, grape, grasp, gratitude, graze, grenade, grievance, grin, grip, grit, ground, grounding, growth, grudge, guarantee, guess, guest, gun, gut, habit, haemorrhage, hair, haircut, hallucination, ham, hand, handicap, handle, handshake, handwriting, harbour, hassle, hatred, headache, headline, headquarters, health, hearing, heart, heart attack, heat, heating, height, heir, help, helping, hepatitis, heritage, hernia, hiccup, history, HIV, hobby, hold, holiday, homework, honesty, honeymoon, honour, hope, horror, hotline, house, hunch, hunger, hypnosis, hypothesis, ice cream, idea, ideal, identification, ideology, illness, illusion, image, imagination, immunity, impact, impertinence, implication, importance, impression, impulse, inability, incentive, incidence, inclination, income, inconvenience, independence, index, indication, indigestion, individuality, inevitability, infection, influence, influenza, influx, information, ingenuity, ingredient, inhabitant, inheritance, initial, initiative, injection, injury, input, inscription, insight, instinct, instruction, insurance, intake, integrity, intellect, intelligence, intention, intercourse, interest, interview, intuition, invitation, jab, jelly, job, joke, journey, jurisdiction, key, kid, kip, knack, knife, knock, know-how, knowledge, label, land, lapse, laugh, lead, leaf, leak, lease, leave, lecture, leisure, length, leprosy, lesson, letter, leukaemia, leverage, liability, liaison, liberty, library, licence, life, lifeline, lifestyle, light, lighting, liking, limit, limitation, limp, line, link, loathing, longing, look, lottery, love, lover, loyalty, luck, lump, lunch, luncheon, lust, luxury, majority, malaria, mandate, mane, mania, manner, mannerism, manpower, mansion, margin, mark, marriage, massage, master, mastery, match, mate, maturity, meaning, means, measles, medical, meeting, melody, memory, meningitis, menu, mercy, merit, migraine, milk, minute, miscarriage, misconception, misfortune, misgivings, mishap, mission, mistress, mix, mobility, momentum, monarchy, money, monopoly, moral, moratorium, mortar, mortgage, motif, motivation, motive, motto, moustache, mouthful, mystery, name, nap, nationality, nature, nausea, navy, necessity, need, nerve, neurosis, news, niche, nickname, night, nightmare, notice, notification, notion, notoriety, objection, objective, obligation, obsession, occasion, offer, officer, operation, opinion, opportunity, option, orange, order, orgasm, orgy, origin, originality, outage, outcome, outlet, outlook, overdraft, overhaul, overtone, overview, owner, pact, pain, palate, pallor, parade, parallel, parasite, part, partner, partnership, party, pass, passage, passion, passport, patch, patent, patience, pattern, pea, peculiarity, pee, peek, peep, penalty, perception, period, permission, permit, perseverance, personality, perspective, pet, phobia, physical, physiotherapy, pick, picnic, pimple, pint, pitfall, pity, place, plan, pleasure, pneumonia, point, point of view, poisoning, policy, polio, pond, position, possession, post-mortem, posture, potato, potency, potential, power, practice, praise, prayer, precedence, precedent, preconception, preference, pregnancy, prejudice, premonition, prerogative, presence, prestige, preview, pride, priority, privilege, probability, problem, profile, programme, proof, property, prospect, protection, prototype, publisher, puff, pulse, puncture, purpose, qualification, quality, quarrel, query, question, quirk, race, raffle, rainfall, rally, range, rank, rapport, rash, rating, ratio, ration, rationing, reach, reaction, read, reason, reassurance, receipt, reception, recipe, recompense, record, recourse, recurrence, reduction, reference, reflection, regard, regret, rehearsal, reinforcement, relation, relationship, relative, relevance, religion, reluctance, remedy, reminder, remorse, rendezvous, repercussion, repertoire, replacement, reply, report, representation, reputation, request, requirement, resemblance, reservation, reserve, resilience, resistance, resolution, resource, respect, respite, response, responsibility, rest, restraint, result, rethink, reunion, revenge, reverence, reverse, review, reward, rheumatism, rhythm, ribbon, ride, right, riot, rival, role, romance, room, root, rota, round, routine, row, rule, run, sale, salmon, sandwich, satisfaction, sausage, saving, scale, scan, scare, scent, scepticism, schedule, scheme, schizophrenia, schooling, scope, score, scrap, scratch, scruples, seat, seating, second, secret, security, self-confidence, self-control, self-respect, semblance, seniority, sensation, sense, sensitivity, servant, session, setback, sex, shake-up, shampoo, shape, share, shave, shelf, shell, sherry, shield, shock, shoot, shop, shortage, shortcoming, shot, shotgun, show, showdown, shower, showing, shrapnel, shutter, shyness, side, side effect, sideline, siesta, sight, sighting, sign, significance, similarity, simplicity, sip, skiing, skill, slant, slave, sleep, slope, smallpox, smash, smell, smile, smirk, snack, sniff, snow, snowfall, son, sophistication, sore, soul, sovereignty, spark, sparkle, specification, spell, spine, spirit, splendour, splinter, squabble, squint, stab, staff, stake, stall, stamina, stammer, stand, standard, standing, starter, statistics, stature, status, steak, steering, sting, stint, stipulation, stitch, stock, stop, stopover, store, storey, strain, strategy, streak, strength, stress, stretch, stroke, structure, struggle, stutter, style, subsidiary, substance, subtitle, subtlety, success, successor, suggestion, summit, suntan, superiority, superstition, supervision, supplement, supply, support, supporter, supremacy, surcharge, surge, surgery, surname, surplus, surprise, suspect, suspension, suspicion, swig, swim, syllable, symbol, symmetry, sympathy, symptom, syndrome, system, tact, talent, talk, tan, tantrum, task, taste, tattoo, tea, teacher, team, tear, technique, technology, telephone, temper, temperament, temperature, temptation, tenant, tendency, tenderness, tenure, termination, terror, test, texture, theme, theory, therapy, think, thirst, thought, thread, threshold, thrill, ticket, tie, time, timetable, timing, tinge, tint, tip, title, tolerance, tomato, tone, tooth, torch, touch, track record, tradition, training, trait, transfusion, transplant, treatment, trial, trip, trouble, trust, try, tuition, turn, turnout, turnover, tussle, tutorial, twang, twin, twinge, twist, twitch, understanding, undertone, upbringing, update, upset, urge, use, usefulness, utility, vacancy, vacation, vaccination, vaccine, validity, value, vegetables, veto, vice, view, viewpoint, villa, virtue, vision, visit, visitor, vocabulary, vocation, vote, wait, walk, wardrobe, warning, warranty, wash, way, weakness, wealth, weapon, weather, website, wedding, wee, weekend, whiff, whisky, width, will, willpower, win, windfall, wine, wish, wit, word, work, worker, workforce, workload, workout, world, worry, worth, wrangle, wrinkle, writing, X-ray, yardstick, yearning, youth, zeal, zest

have-a-go

have-a-goadj.

Have-a-go is used with these nouns:

hero

have in

have inphr verb

Have in is used with these nouns as the object:

contact lens, dentures

haven

havennoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + haven | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEsafeThe aim is to create a safe haven for the thousands of refugees.taxwildlifeVERB + havencreate, offer (sb), provide (sb with)becomefindPREPOSITIONin a/the havenThey were living in a safe haven away from the fighting.haven forThe woods are a haven for wildlife.haven ofThis house is a haven of peace compared with ours.

have off

have offphr verb

Have off is used with these nouns as the object:

heater

have on

have onphr verb

Have on is used with these nouns as the object:

armour, bandage, boot, brooch, collar, costume, diaper, earphones, earring, garment, gear, glasses, goggles, handcuffs, harness, heat, heater, heating, helmet, job, light, lipstick, mask, nail polish, nappy, ring, rucksack, seat belt, spectacles, sunglasses, watch, wig

have out

have outphr verb

Have out is used with these nouns as the object:

appendix, book, contract, stitch, tonsils, tooth

havoc

havocnoun

nounVERB + havoc | PREPOSITIONVERB + havoccause, create, play, wreakPREPOSITIONhavoc amongThe new tax could wreak havoc among smaller companies.havoc forHigh winds have been creating havoc for farmers.havoc inThe disease can cause havoc in commercial orchards.havoc onThe flood wrought havoc on the countryside.havoc toThe storm caused havoc to wildlife.havoc withThe fog played havoc with flight schedules.

Hawaiian

Hawaiianadj.

Hawaiian is used with these nouns:

shirt

hawk

hawknounverb

I. nounhawk + VERB | PHRASEShawk + VERBhoverswoop, swoop downThe hawk swooped low over the field.PHRASESwatch (sb) like a hawkHe waited, watching his prisoner like a hawk.

II. verb

Hawk is used with these nouns as the object:

wares

hawkish

hawkishadj.

Hawkish is used with these nouns:

stance

hawk-like

hawk-likeadj.

Hawk-like is used with these nouns:

feature

hay

haynoun

noun… OF HAY | VERB + hay | hay + NOUN | PREPOSITION… OF HAYbaleVERB + haycut, harvest, makeThe freshly harvested hay was taken into the hayloft.They make hay to feed the cattle in winter.hay + NOUNfield (esp. AmE), meadow (esp. BrE)balebarn, loft (usually hayloft)rick (esp. BrE), stack (usually hayrick, haystack)ride (usually hayride) (= a ride in a tractor) (AmE)PREPOSITIONin the hayThe children were playing in the hay.

hazard

hazardnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + hazard | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, great, major, real, seriousconstantpossible, potentialhidden, unexpected, unseenenvironmental, industrial, natural, occupationalindustrial hazards such as excessive noise and pollutionLoneliness is one of the occupational hazards of being a writer.healthOther people's smoke is now seen as a health hazard.fireThose piles of newspapers are a serious fire hazard.VERB + hazardcause, create, pose, presentProduction of these chemicals poses serious environmental hazards.be exposed to, encounter, faceThe worst hazard we faced was having our money stolen.avoidGo in September if you want to avoid the hazard of extreme heat.eliminate, minimizecope with, deal with, negotiate (esp. BrE)Companies should have systems for dealing with work hazards.PREPOSITIONhazard forStairs are a hazard for young children.hazard toThe burning of industrial waste is a major hazard to human health.PHRASESexposure to a hazardTry and reduce your exposure to hazards such as poor quality air.

II. verb

Hazard is used with these nouns as the object:

guess

hazardous

hazardousadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, provebecomeconsider sthADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.particularlypotentiallythe burning of potentially hazardous medical wasteenvironmentallyenvironmentally hazardous substancesPREPOSITIONforThese conditions are very hazardous for shipping.tochemicals that are hazardous to human beings

Hazardous is used with these nouns:

cargo, chemical, condition, enterprise, journey, material, occupation, pesticide, pollutant, situation, stretch, substance, task, undertaking, waste

haze

hazenoun

nounADJECTIVE | haze + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEthicka thick haze of smokefaint, thinThe sun now had a faint golden haze around it.shimmeringsmokyheatA heat haze shimmered above the fields.haze + VERBhang, shimmerIn the evenings a blue haze hung in the valleys.surround sthThe locomotive was surrounded by a haze of smoke.PREPOSITIONin a/the hazeMeetings are always conducted in a haze of cigarette smoke.through a/the hazehaze ofHe watched the world through a haze of tobacco smoke.

hazel

hazeladj.

Hazel is used with these nouns:

hazelnut

hazelnutadj.

Hazelnut is used with these nouns:

hazing

hazingnoun

Hazing is used before these nouns:

ritual

hazmat

hazmatnoun

Hazmat is used before these nouns:

Hazy is used with these nouns:

hazy

hazyadj.

adj.1 not clear because the air is difficult to see through2 confused1 not clear because the air is difficult to see throughVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, lookThe distant mountains looked hazy and mysterious.becomeremainADVERBverya little, rather, slightlyGenerally, it will be rather hazy today, with some hill fog.PREPOSITIONwithThe summers were hazy with pollution.

2 confusedVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecome, getremainADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.I have only a very hazy idea about how the economy works.a little, slightly, etc.My memory of that day is a little hazy now.stillI'm still slightly hazy about the details of what happened.PREPOSITIONaboutI'm a little hazy about my family history.

memory, mist, recollection, sky, sun, sunshine

HBadj.

HB is used with these nouns:

HDTV

HDTVnoun

HDTV is used before these nouns:

receiver

head

headnounverb

I. noun1 part of the body2 mind3 heads side of a coin4 of a group, organization, school, etc.1 part of the bodyADJECTIVE | VERB + head | head + VERB | head + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbarebaldshavedblonde, dark, fair, grey/gray, greying/grayingbent, bowedShe sat with bowed head.throbbingseveredThe city gates were adorned with severed heads.crowned (figurative)The message was sent to all the crowned heads (= kings and queens) of Europe.VERB + headpoke, pop, put, stickHe put his head around the door.bob, cock, crane, incline, jerk, tilt, turnShe jerked her head in the direction of the door.lift, raisebend, bow, drop, duck, hang, lowerHe hung his head in shame.swing, throw back, tossHe threw his head back and laughed out loud.nod, shakeThey nodded their heads in agreement.She shook her head in disbelief.scratchHe scratched his head, not understanding a word.Detectives have been left scratching their heads over the stolen painting. (figurative)bang, hitpat, rubclutch, holdHe lay writhing on the ground, clutching his head in pain.buryShe buried her head in the pillow.coverlay, lean, restShe rested her head on his shoulder.shaveHe shaved his head and became a monk.head + VERBache, pound, throbbob, jerk, nod, tilt, turnHer head tilted to one side as she considered the question.droop, drop, fall, hang down, hang lowHis head drooped and tears fell into his lap.resthit sthI'm normally asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow.head + NOUNinjurycoldPREPOSITIONabove your headThe thunder burst with a grand crash above our heads.over your headThe soldiers were ordered to fire over the heads of the crowd.PHRASESfrom head to foot, from head to toeWe were covered from head to foot in mud.a fine, full, good, thick, etc. head of hair (= a lot of hair)a woman with a beautiful head of chestnut hairhave, hold, put, etc. your head in your handsHe put his head in his hands, exasperated.head firstHe dived head first into the water.She got divorced and rushed head first into another marriage. (figurative)a nod of the headThe ambassador dismissed him with a curt nod of the head.a shake of the headShe declined with a brief shake of the head.

2 mindADJECTIVE | VERB + head | head + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEclear, cool, levelShe needed to keep a clear head if she was to remain in control.goodI have a good head for figures.VERB + headuseI wish you'd use your head (= think carefully before doing or saying something).enterIt never entered my head that he might be lying.pop intoIt was the first name that popped into my head.get it intoWhen will you get it into your head (= understand) that I don't want to discuss this any more!For some reason she got it into her head (= started to believe) that the others don't like her.put sth intoWho's been putting such weird ideas into your head?get sth out of, put sth out ofI can't get that tune out of my head.Try to put the exams out of your head for tonight.botherDon't bother your pretty little head with things like that!clearI decided to go for a walk to clear my head.head + VERBspinHe could feel his head spinning after only one drink.PREPOSITIONin your headI can't work it out in my head—I need a calculator.inside your headIt was an accident, said a voice inside his head.PHRASEScan't get your head round sth (= can't understand sth) (BrE, informal)She's dead. I can't get my head round it yet.need your head examinedHe looked at me as if I needed my head examined (= as if I were crazy).your thick head (= used to show that you are annoyed that sb does not understand sth) (informal)When will you get it into your thick head that I don't want to see you again!

3 heads side of a coinVERB + HEADS | PHRASESVERB + HEADScallI called heads and it came down tails.come down, come up (esp. AmE)PHRASESheads or tails?

4 of a group, organization, school, etc.ADJECTIVE | head + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEassistant, deputydepartment, departmentalnominal, titularHe is only the nominal head of the company.The Queen is titular head of the Church of England.formerhead + NOUNcoach, gardener, teacher (BrE), waiterboy, girl (= in a school) (both BrE)PHRASESa head of departmentthe head of the family, the head of the householda head of government, a head of statea summit meeting of heads of statethe head of the group

II. verb1 go2 (also head up) be in charge of sth1 goADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBnorth, northwards, etc.We headed west for two days.down, off, out, up, etc.backLet's head back home.homePREPOSITIONback toWe headed straight back to school.forHe turned and headed for the door.towards/towardShe stood up and headed towards/toward the exit.

2 (also head up) be in charge of sthVERB + headVERB + headappoint sb toShe has been appointed to head up the research team.

Head is used with these nouns as the subject:

boat, footstep, traffic, train

Head is used with these nouns as the object:

ball, bill, cast, coalition, commission, committee, delegation, department, division, enquiry, expedition, field, firm, force, goal, government, group, household, investigation, list, panel, party, procession, regime, task force, team, way

headache

headachenoun

noun1 pain in the head2 sb/sth that causes worry/difficulty1 pain in the headADJECTIVE | VERB + headache | headache + NOUNADJECTIVEbad, chronic, severe, terriblemild, slightdullpounding, splitting, throbbingblindingmigraine, tensionHe developed a severe migraine headache.VERB + headacheexperience, have, suffer fromI have a splitting headache.develop, getWe all get headaches from time to time.complain ofThe workers had complained of headaches and nausea.bring on, cause, give sbExhaust fumes made him drowsy and brought on a headache.Red wine gives me a headache.relievepleadShe had left the party early, pleading a headache.headache + NOUNmedicine (esp. AmE), pill, tablet (esp. BrE)pain (esp. AmE)

2 sb/sth that causes worry/difficultyADJECTIVE | VERB + headache | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, huge, major, realconstantVERB + headachecreateThese regulations have created major headaches for many businesses.PREPOSITIONheadache forUneven cash flow proved to be a major headache for the company.

headdress

headdressnoun

Headdress is used after these nouns:

head first

head firstadv.

Head first is used with these verbs:

dive, plunge

head for

head forphr verb

Head for is used with these nouns as the object:

door, exit, showdown

head in

head inphr verb

Head in is used with these nouns as the object:

heading

headingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + heading | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbroad, generalBooks should be listed under a broader heading such as ‘engineering’.main, majorchapter, sectionsubject, topicletter (esp. BrE)With the computer, we can print our own letter headings.VERB + headingcome under, fall underThese drugs come under the heading of non-medical substances.PREPOSITIONunder a/the headingI've organized what I have to say about unemployment under three main headings.

headless

headlessadj.

Headless is used with these nouns:

corpse, torso

headlights

headlightsnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + headlights | headlights + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEdipped (BrE)brightoncomingcarVERB + headlightsswitch on, turn ondip (BrE)flashHe flashed his headlights at the oncoming car.seeShe saw headlights coming from around the corner.headlights + VERBflash, shineThe headlights shone on empty streets as we drove through the town.illuminate sthMy headlights finally picked out a road sign.PHRASESthe glare of headlights

headline

headlinenoun

noun1 title of an article in a newspaper2 the headlines main news stories on TV/radio1 title of an article in a newspaperADJECTIVE | VERB + headline | headline + VERB | headline + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEnewspaper, tabloid‘Carnage at Airport!’ screamed the tabloid headline.banner, front-pagelurid (esp. BrE), screaming, sensationallurid headlines about the sex lives of the starssporting (BrE), sportsVERB + headlinecarry, have, runThe paper carried the front-page headline ‘Drugs Company Shamed’.read, scan, seeI just had time to scan the headlines before leaving for work.be in, capture, dominate, generate, get, grab, hit, hog (esp. BrE), make headlinesShe's always in the headlines.He always manages to grab the headlines.The hospital hit the headlines when a number of suspicious deaths occurred.The story has been hogging the headlines for weeks.The story was important enough to make the headlines.writeJournalists don't usually write the headlines for their stories.headline + VERBannounce sth, blare sth (esp. AmE), declare sth, proclaim sth, read sth, say sth, scream sthThe headline said ‘Star Arrested’.headline + NOUNnews‘Dog bites man’ is hardly headline news!PREPOSITIONin a/the headlineThe most unusual fact in the story is often used in the headline.under a/the headlineThe Daily Gazette ran a story under the headline ‘Pope's Last Words’.with a/the headlinea story in the newspaper with the headline ‘Woman Gives Birth on Train’headline aboutThere was a banner headline about drugs in schools.PHRASESmake headline newsThe engagement of the two tennis stars made headline news.

2 the headlines main news stories on TV/radioADJECTIVE | VERB + THE HEADLINESADJECTIVEnewsnationalVERB + THE HEADLINEShearLet's just hear the news headlines.look at, see, watch

headlong

headlongadj.adv.

I. adj.

Headlong is used with these nouns:

dive, flight, plunge, retreat, rush

II. adv.

Headlong is used with these verbs:

charge, dive, fall, pitch, plunge, run, rush

head off

head offphr verb

Head off is used with these nouns as the object:

catastrophe

head-on

head-onadj.adv.

I. adj.

Head-on is used with these nouns:

clash, collision, confrontation, crash, smash

II. adv.

Head-on is used with these verbs:

collide, confront, meet, tackle

headphone

headphoneadj.

Headphone is used with these nouns:

headquarters

headquartersnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + headquarters | headquarters + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEinternational, local, national, regional, worldmainpermanenttemporaryfieldadministrative, campaign, operationalHe chose Chicago as the site of the Republican national campaign headquarters.army, militarybrigade, command, divisionpolicecompany, corporate, grouppartyVERB + headquartershaveThe organization has its headquarters in Brussels.build, establish, locate, set upThe company has set up its European headquarters in the UK.close, openThey're planning to close their headquarters in Washington.moveheadquarters + VERBbe locatedThe company's headquarters are located in Rome.PREPOSITIONat (the) headquartersThey're very worried about this at headquarters.She works at the company's headquarters.

headset

headsetnoun

Headset is used before these nouns:

Headset is used after these nouns:

microphone, telephone

head teacher

head teachernoun

Head teacher is used after these nouns:

Head-to-head is used with these nouns:

head-to-head

head-to-headadj.adv.

I. adj.

competition, contest

II. adv.

Head-to-head is used with these verbs:

compete

head up

head upphr verb

Head up is used with these nouns as the object:

firm, force

heady

headyadj.

Heady is used with these nouns:

aroma, atmosphere, cocktail, day, excitement, mix, mixture, perfume, scent, wine

heal

healverb

verbADVERBADVERBcompletely, fully, properlyThe wound hasn't healed properly yet.partiallynicely, wellslowlyquicklyeventually, finallyupThe wound healed up very nicely.

Heal is used with these nouns as the subject:

bruise, cut, injury, scar, time, wound

Heal is used with these nouns as the object:

ailment, breach, cut, division, illness, injury, pain, rift, sick, wound

healer

healernoun

Healer is used after these nouns:

faith

healing

healingnounadj.

I. noun

Healing is used before these nouns:

process, ritual

Healing is used after these nouns:

faith, wound

II. adj.

Healing is used with these nouns:

herb, power, property

health

healthnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + health | health + VERB | health + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEexcellent, full, good, perfectbad, declining, delicate, failing, fragile, frail, ill, poorHe had to retire due to ill health.general, overalllong-termmental, physical, sexualenvironmental, occupationalenvironmental health officerspublicThere is no threat to public health from this paint.personalhumanVERB + healthenjoy, haveShe's never really enjoyed good health.ensure, look after (esp. BrE), maintain, protectYou need to maintain your physical and mental health.enhance, improveways to improve the nation's general healthpromotea campaign to promote better health in the workplacerecover, regain, restorenurse sb back to, restore sb toShe was nursed back to full health.Doctors worked for weeks to restore him to health.damage, harm, ruin, undermineendanger, risk, threatenSome athletes are prepared to risk their health to win a medal.affectmonitorhealth + VERBimproveHer health gradually improved.deteriorate, fail, worsenHis health began to fail under the heavy pressures of the job.health + NOUNcareHow is primary health care best delivered?community health care(see also health service)systemauthority (esp. BrE), board (esp. BrE), department

the local health authority (BrE)issue, needs, problemhazard, riskbenefitthe health benefits of physical activityeducationcentre/center, clinic, facilitiesa community health centre/centerinsurance, planprivate health insurancefoodhealth food storesofficial, professional, visitor (in the UK), workerHealth visitors give families support for infant care and development.providerwarningThe air quality was so bad that the government issued a health warning.minister (BrE)PHRASESbad for your health, good for your healthSmoking is bad for your health.health and safetyhealth and safety at work(not) in the best of health, in good health, in poor healthHe was in much better health.sb's state of health (esp. BrE)He is unable to travel far because of his state of health.

health and safety

health and safetynoun

Health and safety is used before these nouns:

inspector

health care

health carenoun

Health care is used before these nouns:

benefit, cost, coverage, delivery, expenditure, expense, facility, industry, insurance, need, personnel, plan, premium, profession, professional, programme, reform, sector, service, system, worker

health food

health foodnoun

Health food is used before these nouns:

store

healthful

healthfuladj.

Healthful is used with these nouns:

diet, fat, food, habit, meal

healthfully

healthfullyadv.

Healthfully is used with these verbs:

eat

health-giving

health-givingadj.

Health-giving is used with these nouns:

property

healthily

healthilyadv.

Healthily is used with these verbs:

eat

health insurance

health insurancenoun

Health insurance is used before these nouns:

premium, system

healthy

healthyadj.

adj.1 not ill; producing good health2 working well1 not ill; producing good healthVERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSappear, be, be born, feel, look, seembecomekeep, remain, staymake sbWorking in the open air has made him very healthy.keep sbHer good diet had kept her healthy.consider stha new diet which is considered much healthier than previous onesADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.We have a very healthy diet.completely (esp. AmE), perfectlyHe's a perfectly healthy child.reasonablygenerallyapparentlyThe rare disorder strikes apparently healthy boys between the ages of five and twelve.otherwiseShe looked pale, but otherwise healthy.mentally, physicallyPHRASESfit and healthy

2 working wellVERBS | ADVERBVERBSberemainADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.The economy is extremely healthy at the moment.reasonably, relativelybasically, fundamentally, generallyfinancially

Healthy is used with these nouns:

alternative, appetite, attitude, baby, bacteria, balance, balance sheet, body, bone, breakfast, cell, competition, complexion, contempt, development, dialogue, diet, disrespect, distrust, donor, dose, eater, economy, ego, environment, exercise, expansion, fare, fat, finance, food, future, glow, growth, gut, habit, heart, helping, individual, infant, lead, life, lifestyle, liver, lunch, lung, meal, mix, nail, people, pregnancy, profit, recipe, relationship, respect, return, sale, scepticism, sign, situation, skin, snack, specimen, state, subject, substitute, tan, tissue, tooth, trend, volunteer, weight

heap

heapnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + heap | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, great, largelittle, smallcrumpledash (AmE, usually figurative), rubbish (BrE), scrap, slag, spoil (esp. BrE), trash (AmE)the ash heap of historycolliery spoil heapscompost, manure (esp. BrE)VERB + heapbe piled inPapers were piled in great heaps on the desk.collapse in, fall down in, fall in (all figurative)He collapsed in an exhausted heap on the floor.PREPOSITIONin a/the heapHis clothes lay in a crumpled heap on the floor.on a/the heap, onto a/the heapThrow the potato peelings on the compost heap.heap ofa great heap of stonesPHRASESthe bottom of the heap, the top of the heap (figurative)These workers are at the bottom of the economic heap.

II. verb

Heap is used with these nouns as the object:

misery, praise, scorn

heaping

heapingadj.

Heaping is used with these nouns:

helping

hear

hearverb

verb1 be aware of sounds2 be told about sth1 be aware of soundsADVERB | VERB + hearADVERBclearly, wellHe's getting old and he can't hear very well.barely, justI could just hear the music in the distance.distantlyDistantly he heard the report of another gun.correctly‘Sheep?’ It sounded so unlikely that Sally did not think she could have heard correctly.VERB + hearcanCan you hear me clearly at the back?pretend not tostrain to

2 be told about sthVERB + hear | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + hearbe delighted to, be glad to, be gratified to, be pleased toI was delighted to hear about your promotion.be sorry toI was sorry to hear of your father's death.be interested to, be surprised toI was surprised to hear that she was married.want toI told Michael what he wanted to hear.let sbLet's hear you sing.You'd better not let Dad hear you say that.PREPOSITIONaboutI've heard about this sort of thing before.ofOn hearing of his plight, a businessman offered him a job.PHRASEShear little, a lot, nothing, etc. about sthWe hear very little about these issues nowadays.

Hear is used with these nouns as the subject:

conference, court, ear, enquiry, inquest, jury, magistrate, meeting, tribunal

Hear is used with these nouns as the object:

announcement, answer, appeal, applause, argument, bang, banter, beat, bell, bellow, blast, boom, broadcast, buzz, cackle, call, case, chant, cheer, chuckle, claim, clamour, clang, clatter, click, comment, commotion, complaint, confession, conversation, crack, crash, creak, cry, curse, detail, din, disappointment, disbelief, disc, doorbell, drone, echo, evidence, excuse, explosion, expression, fate, footstep, gasp, giggle, gospel, gossip, grievance, groan, growl, grunt, gunfire, gunshot, gurgle, hammering, headline, heartbeat, hesitation, hiss, howl, hum, intake, joke, knock, laugh, lecture, mass, measure, melody, mention, moan, murmur, music, mutter, name, news, noise, peal, peep, petition, piece, play, plea, prayer, preacher, racket, recording, refrain, remark, reply, report, roar, rumble, rumour, rustle, sadness, say, scream, sermon, shout, shriek, sigh, siren, slam, smash, snatch, sniff, snippet, snort, sob, sound, speak, splash, squeak, squeal, story, submission, summons, swear, tale, talk, tap, taunt, testimony, thing, thought, throb, thud, thump, tinkle, tone, toot, tread, twang, vibration, voice, wail, whimper, whine, whisper, whistle, witness, word, work, yawn, yell, yelp

hearing

hearingnoun

noun1 ability to hear2 trial in a court, etc.3 chance for an opinion to be considered1 ability to hearADJECTIVE | VERB + hearing | hearing + VERB | hearing + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEacute, excellent, good, normal, sharpbad (esp. AmE), impaired, poorVERB + hearinghaveWhales have acute hearing.loseShe lost her hearing when she was a child.get back, regain (esp. AmE)Is there any chance that he'll get his hearing back?affect, impairhearing + VERBdeteriorate, goHis hearing began to deteriorate.Her hearing was already going.come back, improveTwo months after the accident her hearing came back.hearing + NOUNimpairment, loss, problemsaidto have/wear a hearing aidprotection (esp. AmE)persona course in sign language for both deaf and hearing peoplePHRASEShard of hearingYou'll have to speak more loudly. I'm afraid she's a little hard of hearing.

2 trial in a court, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + hearing | hearing + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfinal, preliminaryfairformal, fullopen, publicprivate, secretoral (BrE)appeal, confirmation, custody, disciplinary, pretrialcommittee, congressional, court, tribunal (BrE)VERB + hearingconduct, holdThe committee has decided to hold the hearing in public.scheduleAn appeal hearing is scheduled for later this month.ask for, call for, demand, requestProtesters are calling for a public hearing.get, haveShe said that she had had a very fair hearing from the disciplinary tribunal.openadjourn (esp. BrE)tellThe hearing was told that the child had been left with a 14-year-old babysitter.hearing + VERBtake placebegin, openPREPOSITIONat a/the hearingAt a preliminary hearing the judge announced that the trial would begin on March 21.in a/the hearingShe was granted a divorce in a five-minute hearing.pending a/the hearingPending the hearing of the case by the court, the business will be allowed to continue operating.without a hearingThe judge dismissed the case without a hearing.

3 chance for an opinion to be consideredADJECTIVE | VERB + hearing | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfair, sympatheticVERB + hearinggive sb/sthAt least give our ideas a fair hearing before you reject them.getYou haven't much chance of your plan getting a sympathetic hearing.deserveTheir views deserve a hearing.PREPOSITIONhearing forAll I'm asking is a fair hearing for my ideas.

hear of

hear ofphr verb

Hear of is used with these nouns as the object:

fate

hearsay

hearsaynoun

nounVERB + hearsay | hearsay + NOUN | PREPOSITIONVERB + hearsaybe based on, rely onHer judgements are based on hearsay rather than evidence.hearsay + NOUNevidencePREPOSITIONby hearsayShe discovered a world of parties and pleasure she had hitherto only known by hearsay.from hearsayThey started to piece the story together from hearsay.

heart

heartnoun

noun1 part of the body2 feelings/emotions3 important/central part4 playing card1 part of the bodyADJECTIVE | heart + VERB | heart + NOUNADJECTIVEhealthy, strongbad, weakbeating, pounding, racingartificialhumanheart + VERBbeatpump sthThe heart pumps blood through the body.fail, stopflutter, hammer, palpitate, pound, race, throb, thud, thumpheart + NOUNrate, rhythmcomplaint (esp. BrE), condition, defect, disease, failure, murmur, problem, trouble (see also heart attack)bypass, operation, surgery, transplanta triple heart bypass operationpatientmonitormuscle

2 feelings/emotionsADJECTIVE | VERB + heart | heart + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, good, kind, pure, soft, tender, true, warmcold, dark, hardbrokenheavy, sinkingWith a heavy heart, she watched him go.lightHe set off with a light heart.VERB + hearthaveShe has a kind heart.Have you no heart?breakHe broke her heart.pierceHer words pierced my heart.touchHis sad story touched her heart.gladden, melt, warmcapture, steal, winfollowJust follow your heart and you'll be happy.hardenopen, pour outFinally, he broke down in tears and poured out his heart to her.fillRelief filled his heart.heart + VERBjump, leap, lurch, miss a beat, skip a beatHer heart leaped with joy.acheMy heart aches when I think of their sorrow.breakInside, his heart was slowly breaking.meltHe smiled and her heart melted.desire stheverything your heart could desiresinkgo outOur hearts go out to (= we sympathize deeply with) the families of the victims.PREPOSITIONat heartAt heart he is a republican.from the heartI could tell he spoke from the heart.in your heartIn my heart, I knew it wasn't true.PHRASESan affair of the heart (= a romance)Her novels tend to deal with affairs of the hearta change of heart (= a change of attitude)He could have a change of heart and settle down to family life.from the bottom of your heartI beg you, from the bottom of my heart, to spare his life.heart and soulHe committed himself heart and soul to the cause.have a heart of gold (= to be a very kind person), have a heart of stone (= to be a person who does not show others sympathy or pity), the hearts and minds of sbto win the hearts and minds of the nation's youthin good heart (= cheerful and well) (BrE), put (your) heart into sthHe really puts his heart into his singing.sick at heart (= very unhappy), with all your heart, with your whole heart (esp. AmE)I wish you well with all my heart.

3 important/central partADJECTIVE | VERB + heart | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEveryreal, trueThis brings us to the real heart of the matter.VERB + heartlie atThe distinction between right and wrong lies at the heart of all questions of morality.go toThe committee's report went to the heart of the government's dilemma.PREPOSITIONat the heartthe issue at the heart of modern governmentheart ofWe live in the very heart of the city.PHRASESthe heart of the matter, the heart of the problem

4 playing card

heart attack

heart attacknoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + heart attackADJECTIVEfatalmassive, seriousShe died of a massive heart attack.mild, minorapparent (esp. AmE), suspected (esp. BrE)VERB + heart attackhave, sufferHe suffered a fatal heart attack while jogging.die ofgive sbYou're going to give me a heart attack one of these days!

heartbeat

heartbeatnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + heartbeat | heartbeat + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEsteadyirregularracing, rapidShe was suddenly aware of her racing heartbeat.VERB + heartbeatmonitorfeelhearheartbeat + VERBquickenPHRASESthe sound of a heartbeatThe first track on the album begins with the sound of a heartbeat.

heartbreakingly

heartbreakinglyadv.

Heartbreakingly is used with these adjectives:

beautiful

heart disease

heart diseasenoun

Heart disease is used before these nouns:

risk

heartfelt

heartfeltadj.

Heartfelt is used with these nouns:

apology, appreciation, condolences, congratulations, emotion, gratitude, letter, lyrics, message, plea, prayer, sincerity, sympathy, thank you, thanks, tribute, wish

hearth

hearthnoun

Hearth is used before these nouns:

rug

heartily

heartilyadv.

Heartily is used with these adjectives:

sick

Heartily is used with these verbs:

agree, applaud, approve, chuckle, congratulate, dislike, eat, endorse, laugh, recommend, thank, welcome, wish

heartland

heartlandnoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEagricultural, industrialthe industrial heartland of GermanyConservative, Labour, etc.traditional (esp. BrE)PREPOSITIONin a/the heartlandThe party has lost seats in its traditional heartland of southern Thailand.

heartless

heartlessadj.

Heartless is used with these nouns:

monster

heart rate

heart ratenoun

Heart rate is used before these nouns:

monitor

heart-rending

heart-rendingadj.

Heart-rending is used with these nouns:

heart-shaped

heart-shapedadj.

Heart-shaped is used with these nouns:

face, leaf

heart-stopping

heart-stoppingadj.

Heart-stopping is used with these nouns:

heart-to-heart

heart-to-heartadj.

Heart-to-heart is used with these nouns:

talk

heart-warming

heart-warmingadj.

Heart-warming is used with these nouns:

hearty

heartyadj.

Hearty is used with these nouns:

appetite, breakfast, cheer, chuckle, congratulations, eater, fare, handshake, laugh, laughter, lunch, meal, slap, soup, welcome

heat

heatnounverb

I. noun1 being hot/level of temperature2 hot weather/conditions3 source of heat4 (AmE) in a building/room5 strong feelings6 race/competition1 being hot/level of temperatureADJECTIVE | VERB + heat | heat + VERB | heat + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEburning, fierce (esp. BrE), great, intense, searing, terrible, tremendousThe soil is baked dry by the fierce heat of the sun.gentleexcess, excessiveIf circulation is impaired, the body cannot lose excess heat.red, white (often figurative)Everything he did was at white heat and lightning speed.radiantbodyVERB + heatfeelWe could feel the tremendous heat coming from the fire.disperse, dissipate, give out, loseEven after the sun had set, the stones continued to give out heat.conserve, retainThe thick walls retain the heat.absorbDarker surfaces absorb heat.conductBeing a metal, copper readily conducts heat.create, generate, give off, produce, provide, radiateComputers and photocopiers all generate heat of their own.withstanda material which can withstand heats of up to 2 000°Cheat + VERBbuild up, increaseHe tried to ignore the heat building up in the confined space.come from sth, come off sth (esp. AmE), radiate from sth, radiate off sth (esp. AmE)I could feel the heat coming from the fire.heat + NOUNlossexhaustion, stress, stroke (usually heatstroke)She slumped to the ground suffering from heat exhaustion.PREPOSITIONheat fromthe heat from the fire

2 hot weather/conditionsADJECTIVE | heat + VERB | heat + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbaking (esp. BrE), blazing, blistering, boiling, extreme, great, intense, oppressive, scorching, searing, shimmering, stifling, suffocating, sweltering, unbearableWe walked more than ten miles in the blistering heat.dryhumid, steamy, sultrythe steamy heat of New York in summer40-degree, 90-degree, etc.afternoon, midday, morningsummerdesert, tropicalheat + VERBgrowDaily the heat grew.get to sbI think the heat is getting to all of us.heat + NOUNhazeA heat haze shimmered above the fields.wave (usually heatwave)sourcePREPOSITIONin the heatI can't work in this heat.PHRASESthe heat of the dayTo avoid the heat of the day we went out in the mornings.

3 source of heatADJECTIVE | VERB + heat | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhighgentle, lowmedium, moderatedirectChocolate should never be melted over direct heat.dryVERB + heatturn upTurn up the heat to caramelize the sugar.lower, reduce, turn downremove sth from, take sth offBring to the boil slowly, then remove from the heat.return sth toReturn the pan to the heat and stir.PREPOSITIONoff the heatMake sure the pan is off the heat.on a … heatCook on a low heat for five minutes.over a … heatSimmer the sauce over a gentle heat.

4 (AmE) in a building/roomSee also heatingADJECTIVE | VERB + heat | heat + VERBADJECTIVEelectric, radiantVERB + heathaveThe house has electric heat.have on, useAndy had the heat on full blast in the car.turn onThey are afraid to turn the heat on because it's so expensive.turn offThey have their heat turned off during the morning.turn down, turn upI turned the heat down several notches.provideThese industries provide heat for our homes and fuel for our cars.heat + VERBbe on, be on high, be on lowThe heat was on but the window was open.The heat's on low.be offcome ongo offOur heat goes off at ten o'clock and comes on again at six.

5 strong feelingsADJECTIVE | heat + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEsuddenHe stared at her, sudden heat in his eyes.heat + VERBflare, flood sth, riseHeat flooded her cheeks.PREPOSITIONin the heat ofin the heat of battle/passionwith heat‘It was your idea,’ Henry said with heat.PHRASESin the heat of the momentMichael bitterly regretted those angry words, spoken in the heat of the moment.

6 race/competitionADJECTIVE | VERB + heat | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEqualifying, regional (BrE)deadCompetition was fierce, with a dead heat in one of the races (= with two competitors finishing in exactly the same time).VERB + heatwinShe won her heat.PREPOSITIONin a/the heatHe fell in the first heat.

II. verbADVERBADVERBgently, slowlyHeat the sauce gently for a few minutes.wellMake sure the soup is well heated.through, upAllow the food enough time to heat through.They heat up the food in a microwave oven.

Heat is used with these nouns as the subject:

oven

Heat is used with these nouns as the object:

butter, grill, margarine, milk, oil, oven, pan, skillet, soup, water

heated

heatedadj.

Heated is used with these nouns:

argument, battle, confrontation, controversy, conversation, debate, discussion, dispute, exchange, pool, rivalry

heatedly

heatedlyadv.

Heatedly is used with these verbs:

argue, retort

heater

heaternoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + heater | heater + VERBADJECTIVEconvector (BrE), fan (esp. BrE), storage (BrE)portableelectric, gas, kerosene (esp. AmE), oil, paraffin (BrE)greenhouse, pool, room, space (AmE), waterhot-water (esp. AmE), immersion (BrE)VERB + heaterhave off, have onturn off, turn onturn down, turn upinstallheater + VERBbe off, be onEven with the heater full on, the room felt cold.

heathen

heathenadj.

Heathen is used with these nouns:

god

heating

heatingnoun

noun (esp. BrE)See also heatADJECTIVE | VERB + heating | heating + VERB | heating + NOUNADJECTIVEelectric, gas-fired (BrE), radiant (AmE), solargas-fired central heatingcentral, domestic, home, space (AmE), underfloorwaterVERB + heatinghaveThe house has central heating.have on, keep on, leave on, useWe haven't had the heating on this evening.put on, switch on (esp. BrE), turn onThey are afraid to put the heating on because it's so expensive.switch off (esp. BrE), turn offThey have their heating turned off during the morning.turn down, turn upfit, install, provide, put inWe're having central heating installed.heating + VERBbe on, be on high, be on lowThe heating was on but the window was open.The heating's on low.be offcome ongo offOur heating goes off at eleven o'clock and comes on again at seven.workThe heating doesn't work.break downThe house was very cold because the heating had broken down.heating + NOUNbill (BrE, AmE)system (BrE, AmE)What sort of heating system does your new place have?oil (BrE, AmE)

heat-seeking

heat-seekingadj.

Heat-seeking is used with these nouns:

heat up

heat upphr verb

Heat up is used with these nouns as the subject:

competition, oven

Heat up is used with these nouns as the object:

Heave is used with these nouns as the subject:

heave

heavenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + heaveADJECTIVEgreat, mightyVERB + heavegive (sth)She gave a great heave and the box inched forward.

II. verb

bosom, chest, lung, shoulder, stomach

Heave is used with these nouns as the object:

backpack, bag, basket, bulk, sack, sigh, suitcase

heaven

heavennoun

noun1 believed to be the home of God2 place/situation in which you are very happy1 believed to be the home of GodVERB + heaven | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + heavenascend to, go toI feel like I've died and gone to heaven.PREPOSITIONfrom heavenOur child seemed a gift from heaven.in heavenIt was a marriage made in heaven. (figurative)PHRASESthe kingdom of heaven

2 place/situation in which you are very happyADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEabsolute, pure (esp. AmE), sheerIt was sheer heaven being alone at last.PREPOSITIONin heavenThe kids were in absolute heaven at the fair.PHRASESa heaven on earthThe island is truly a heaven on earth.sb's idea of heavenBuilding up a tan by the pool with a good book is my idea of heaven.

heavenly

heavenlyadj.

Heavenly is used with these nouns:

body, grace, kingdom, realm

heavily

heavilyadv.

Heavily is used with these adjectives:

armed, armoured, biased, concentrated, congested, contaminated, dependent, engaged, exposed, fortified, indebted, infested, insulated, involved, laden, lined, loaded, marked, overcast, patterned, polluted, populated, pregnant, qualified, reliant, restricted, scented, symbolic, weighted, wooded

Heavily is used with these verbs:

advertise, bear, bleed, bomb, bombard, borrow, brake, breathe, campaign, censor, coat, colour, contribute, criticize, damage, decorate, defeat, defend, depend, draw, drink, drop, embroider, emphasize, exploit, fall, farm, favour, feature, fine, focus, frown, fund, hint, hit, illustrate, implicate, imply, influence, invest, land, lean, lobby, market, modify, outnumber, outweigh, pad, pant, penalize, perspire, promote, prune, rain, recruit, regulate, reinforce, rely, rest, revise, roll, scar, score, sigh, sleep, slump, smoke, snow, spend, stress, sweat, swing, tax, thud, thump, tread, underline, weigh

heaving

heavingadj.

Heaving is used with these nouns:

sob

heavy

heavyadj.

adj.1 weighing a lot2 worse than usual1 weighing a lotVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, look, seemMy suitcase was beginning to feel very heavy.become, get, growYou're getting too heavy to carry!She felt her eyelids growing heavy (= she was getting sleepy).make sthThe bottles of wine made the bag even heavier.find sthI didn't find it too heavy to carry.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.Be careful. That box is rather heavy.

2 worse than usualVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecome, getThe rain was getting very heavy.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.The traffic's really heavy on the roads today.

Heavy is used with these nouns:

accent, armour, artillery, atmosphere, bag, barrage, blanket, bleeding, blizzard, blow, bombardment, bombing, boot, breast, breath, breathing, brow, build, burden, cargo, cart, casualty, chain, charge, clay, cloak, clothing, cloud, coat, cold, commitment, concentration, construction, consumer, consumption, cost, cream, criticism, crop, cruiser, curtain, damage, debt, defeat, demand, dependence, dew, door, downpour, drain, drape, drinker, drinking, duty, emphasis, engineering, equipment, exercise, expenditure, eyebrow, eyelid, fabric, fall, favourite, fighting, fine, fire, flow, fog, fold, foliage, footstep, freight, fringe, frost, frown, gambler, garment, gate, glasses, guard, gun, gunfire, heart, hint, horse, housework, impact, industry, investment, irony, jacket, jumper, layer, lid, load, lorry, loss, luggage, lump, lunch, machinery, make-up, manufacturing, mascara, meal, metal, mist, mob, mortar, music, object, oil, overcoat, pack, penalty, period, plough, punishment, rain, rainfall, reading, reliance, responsibility, rock, sack, sacrifice, sarcasm, saucepan, scent, schedule, sea, sedation, sentence, shading, shawl, shoe, shopping, shower, sigh, silence, silk, sleep, smog, smoke, smoker, smoking, snow, snowfall, soil, spectacles, steering, step, stone, storm, strain, subsidy, suitcase, surf, sweat, sweater, swell, taxation, thud, thump, timber, toll, trading, traffic, tread, truck, turnout, usage, use, user, velvet, volume, weapon, wear, weight, work, workload

heavy-based

heavy-basedadj.

Heavy-based is used with these nouns:

pan, saucepan

heavy-bottomed

heavy-bottomedadj.

Heavy-bottomed is used with these nouns:

pan, saucepan

heavy-duty

heavy-dutyadj.

Heavy-duty is used with these nouns:

plastic, truck

heavy-handed

heavy-handedadj.

Heavy-handed is used with these nouns:

heavy-lidded

heavy-liddedadj.

Heavy-lidded is used with these nouns:

heavy metal

heavy metalnoun

Heavy metal is used before these nouns:

heavy-set

heavy-setadj.

Heavy-set is used with these nouns:

heavyweight

heavyweightnoun

Heavyweight is used before these nouns:

boxing, champion, crown, division, fight, title

Hebrew

Hebrewnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | Hebrew + NOUNADJECTIVEancient, biblicalmedievalmodernHebrew + NOUNalphabet, scriptscripture

II. adj.

Hebrew is used with these nouns:

alphabet, school, script, word

hectic

hecticadj.

Hectic is used with these nouns:

life, lifestyle, pace, schedule, trading

hedge

hedgenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + hedge | hedge + NOUNADJECTIVEhigh (esp. BrE), low, tall, thickA tall hedge separates the two properties.boundary, garden (both esp. BrE)privet, yew, etc.a thick privet hedgeVERB + hedgeplantclip (esp. BrE), trimTrim the hedge and collect the trimmings.hedge + NOUNclippings (BrE), trimmings (esp. BrE)trimmermaze

heed

heedverb

Heed is used with these nouns as the object:

advice, call, maxim, warning, word

heel

heelnoun

noun1 back part of the foot2 part of a shoe/sock1 back part of the footVERB + heel | heel + VERB | heel + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + heellean back on, sit back on, squat onShe took a potato from the fire and sat back on her heels.rock (back) onThe punch rocked him back on his heels.He rocked back and forth on his heels as he laughed.pivot on, spin on, turn onHe turned on his heel and marched away angrily.click, click togetherThe officer clicked his heels together and saluted.heel + VERBclickheel + NOUNinjuryPREPOSITIONat your heelsShe came up the path with two little dogs at her heels.under the heel (figurative)For years the nation had been under the heel of a dictatorial regime.PHRASESclose on sb's heels, hard on sb's heels, hot on sb's heels (all figurative)They reached the border with the police hot on their heels.

2 part of a shoe/sockADJECTIVE | VERB + heel | heel + NOUNADJECTIVElowhigh, spike, spiked (esp. AmE), stiletto, wedgethree-inch, etc.bootVERB + heelcatchShe caught her heel and tripped on the step.heel + NOUNbar (BrE)I took my shoes to a heel bar to have them repaired.

heft

heftverb

Heft is used with these nouns as the object:

axe

hefty

heftyadj.

Hefty is used with these nouns:

bill, dose, fee, fine, investment, kick, penalty, premium, profit, shove, sum, surcharge

heifer

heifernoun

Heifer is used before these nouns:

calf

height

heightnoun

noun1 how tall sb/sth is2 distance above the ground/sea level3 (usually heights) high place4 heights high level of achievement1 how tall sb/sth isADJECTIVE | VERB + height | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfull, maximumHe drew himself up to his full height and glared at us.considerable, great, toweringHer great height was rather a handicap.average, medium, middlea man of middle heightlowVERB + heightdetermine, measurehavegrow to, reachThe plants grow to a maximum height of 24 inches.adjustYou can adjust the height of the chair.increase, reducePREPOSITIONin heightThe wall is nine feet in height.

2 distance above the ground/sea levelADJECTIVE | VERB + height | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEconsiderable, greatThe object had clearly fallen from a considerable height.ceiling, chest, head, shoulder, waist, etc.Bring your hands to shoulder height.VERB + heightgainloseThe plane was beginning to lose height.maintainThe pilot was unable to maintain height.attain, climb to, reach, rise toThe balloon reached a height of 20 000 feet.PREPOSITIONat a height ofThe animal lives in lakes at a height of 6 000 feet above sea level.

3 (usually heights) high placeADJECTIVE | VERB + HEIGHTS | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEmountain, rockyThe condor soars effortlessly above the mountain heights.VERB + HEIGHTSscaleThey were the first expedition to scale the heights of Everest.be afraid ofhave a head for (esp. BrE)A steeplejack has to have a good head for heights.PREPOSITIONfrom a heightThe pattern of the ancient fields is clearly visible from a height.PHRASESa fear of heights

4 heights high level of achievementADJECTIVE | VERB + HEIGHTSADJECTIVEcommanding, dizzy (esp. BrE), dizzying, giddy (esp. BrE), loftyThey have risen to the dizzy heights of the semi-finals.newThe group's popularity reached new heights when they released their second album.VERB + HEIGHTSachieve, climb to, reach, rise to, scaleShe rose to undreamed-of heights of power and fame.

heighten

heightenverb

verbADVERB | VERB + heightenADVERBdramatically, greatlyThis latest attack has greatly heightened fears of an all-out war.furtherVERB + heightenserve toSeeing others enjoying themselves only served to heighten his sense of loneliness.

Heighten is used with these nouns as the object:

anticipation, anxiety, awareness, concern, contrast, drama, effect, expectation, fear, feeling, impression, need, perception, pressure, risk, sense, suspicion, tension

heightened

heightenedadj.

Heightened is used with these nouns:

activity, alert, awareness, colour, competition, emotion, excitement, expectation, perception, risk, security, sense, sensitivity, stress, tension, vigilance

heinous

heinousadj.

Heinous is used with these nouns:

act, crime, offence, sin

heir

heirnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + heir | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElegal, legitimate, rightfulthe rightful heir to the thronenatural, real, trueThe socialists saw themselves as true heirs of the Enlightenment.worthydirectWhen the Earl of Surrey died in 1347 he left no direct heir.immediatechosen, designatedapparent, presumptive (both only after heir)On his brother's death he became heir apparent to the title.futureHe's the future heir to the throne.solefemale, maleroyalpolitical, spiritualHe sees himself as the spiritual heir to Kennedy.VERB + heirhaveHe has no heir to leave his fortune to.beget (formal), produceHe planned to marry and produce an heir for his estate.nameOn his deathbed he named his second son as his heir.become, fall (esp. BrE)At the age of twenty he fell heir to a large estate.PREPOSITIONheir toHe is the sole heir to a large mining fortune.PHRASESthe heir to the thronesb's son and heirHe left most of his property to his eldest son and heir.

heirloom

heirloomnoun

nounADJECTIVE | heirloom + VERB | heirloom + NOUNADJECTIVEfamilypreciousheirloom + VERBbe passed down, come downThe brooch is a family heirloom which came down to her from her grandmother.heirloom + NOUNseed, tomato, variety, vegetable (all AmE)

heist

heistnoun

Heist is used before these nouns:

Heist is used after these nouns:

bank, jewel, jewellery

helicopter

helicopternoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + helicopter | helicopter + VERB | helicopter + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEair-force, army, coastguard (BrE), Coast Guard (in the US), military, naval, policecivilian, privatepresidentialrescueambulance (BrE)An air ambulance helicopter came to the rescue.assault, attack, combatarmedreconnaissancetransportcargotwin-enginehovering, low-flyingdownedTroops rescued the crew of a downed helicopter.waitingThey crowded onto a roof to board a waiting helicopter.model (BrE)VERB + helicopterfly, pilotHe flew helicopters during the Gulf War.boardlanddeploy, dispatch, launch, scramble (BrE)The police helicopter was scrambled to search for the missing man.charter, hire (esp. BrE), rent (AmE)down, shoot downThe helicopter was downed by a missile.groundThe helicopters were grounded by bad weather.helicopter + VERBflycircle, hoverThe helicopter hovered above the airstrip.buzzHelicopters buzzed overhead.take offlandswoop down, swoop incrashcarry sb, ferry sb, transport sba helicopter carrying troopsairlift sb, rescue sbA rescue helicopter airlifted the injured man to hospital.be equipped with sthfire (sth)drop sthHelicopters dropped supplies.patrol sthhelicopter + NOUNflight, ride, trip (esp. BrE)tourWe're going to take a helicopter tour of the island.assault, attack, strikerescue, searchdeck, padcrew, pilotfleetcarrier, gunshipaccident, crashbladePREPOSITIONby helicopterThe victims were flown to the hospital by helicopter.in a/the helicopterThere were three people in the helicopter when it crashed.

helium

heliumnoun

Helium is used before these nouns:

hell

hellnoun

noun1 place bad people are said to go to when they die2 very unpleasant place/situation1 place bad people are said to go to when they dieADJECTIVE | VERB + hell | hell + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEeternalVERB + hellgo toHe was terrified of going to hell when he died.hell + NOUNfire (usually hellfire)PREPOSITIONin helltormented souls in hellPHRASESthe fires of hell, the flames of hellLava poured out of the volcano, glowing like the fires of hell.

2 very unpleasant place/situationADJECTIVE | VERB + hell | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEabsolute, pure, sheer, total (esp. AmE), utterIt was sheer hell having to sit through hours of boring lectures!livingThe last few weeks have been a living hell for the refugees.personal, privateShe'd been going through her own personal hell over the last month.suburban, urbanVERB + hellendure, go throughShe's been going through hell with that bad tooth.give sb, make sb's lifeHer boss is making her life hell.escapeI'm never going to escape this hell.PREPOSITIONin hell‘We're living in hell!’ said one of the refugees.PHRASESthe … from hellShe's the girlfriend from hell—I don't know know why he puts up with her.hell on earthFor someone who doesn't like heat, Florida would be hell on earth.

hellfire

hellfirenoun

Hellfire is used before these nouns:

preacher

helmet

helmetnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + helmet | helmet + NOUNADJECTIVEleather, metal, plastic, steel, tin (esp. BrE)protectivefull-face, visoredcombat, riotPolice in riot helmets lined the streets.bicycle, bike, crash, cycle (BrE), motorbike (BrE), motorcycle, safetyfootball, hockey (both AmE)fireman's, policeman's (both esp. BrE)horned, VikingKevlar™, pithVERB + helmethave on, weardon, put onpull off, remove, take offhelmet + NOUNvisor

help

helpnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + help | help + VERB | help + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, considerable, enormous, great, huge, immense, invaluable, real, substantial, tremendous, valuableYou've been a big help—thanks.It's a great help having you around.This plan offers real help to working mothers.generousmuch-neededdirectThe careers officer gives direct help as well as advice.additional, extraIs there any extra help for disabled students?mutualThe system is based on mutual help rather than on payment for services.voluntary (BrE), volunteerThe homeless shelter relies entirely on volunteer help.federal, internationalimmediateemergencyThe organization provides emergency help for refugees.onlineThe software comes with excellent online help.individualTeachers have little time to give individual help to students.expert, skilled, specialist (BrE), technicalpracticaloutsideThey can usually manage by themselves, but occasionally need outside help.domestic, household (esp. AmE), kitchenfinancial, legal, medical, professional, psychiatricWhen the symptoms persisted, I decided to seek medical help.Injured dancers should always seek professional help.VERB + helpget, have, receiveThey had substantial help from farmers.appeal for (esp. BrE), ask for, beg for, call for, request, scream for, seek, send for, shout for, solicit (esp. AmE)Police are appealing for help in catching the killers.I opened the window and called for help.bring, enlist, fetch (BrE), find, get, obtain, recruit, summonHe enlisted the help of a private detective in his search for the truth.He ran to get help.could use (AmE), need, require, wantDo you need any help unloading the car?acceptHe's too proud to accept help.refusecome to, give sb, offer (sb), provide (sb with)Passers-by came to the woman's help when she was mugged.appreciate, welcomeI really appreciate your help.acknowledgehelp + VERBarrive, comeHe lay injured for four hours before help arrived.be at hand (informal)Don't panic—help is at hand.help + NOUNdesk, line (usually helpdesk, helpline)For further information, call our helpline.menuThe program has a help menu.PREPOSITIONbeyond helpSome of the injured animals were beyond help and had to be destroyed.of helpThe manual is too technical to be of help to the user.with helpWith a little help, I think I could fix the computer myself.We broke open the lock with the help of a hammer.help forThey provide special help for the long-term unemployed.help fromWith help from a parent, a child can do simple cooking.help inLocal teachers provided invaluable help in developing the material.help toShe's been a big help to her father.help withHe'll need help with this homework.PHRASESan appeal, a plea, a request, etc. for helpThe family's request for help went unanswered.a cry for helpI heard a cry for help from inside the building.in need of helpThe man was clearly in need of urgent medical help.an offer of helpHe rudely rejected her kind offer of help.

II. verb1 do sth for sb2 make sth easier/better1 do sth for sbADVERB | VERB + help | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBa lotMy mother helps me a lot.a bit (esp. BrE), a littlegentlyHe gently helped her back into the chair.activelyHe had actively helped many Jews to escape.VERB + helpbe able to, canCan you help me with my homework?be unable to, cannotI'm afraid I can't help you.try toI was only trying to help.PREPOSITIONacrossI helped her across the road.intoout ofShe helped the old man out of the car.withWe all help with the housework.PHRASEShelp sb to their feetMike helped the old lady to her feet.a way of helpingthe best way of helping your child

2 make sth easier/betterADVERB | VERB + help | PREPOSITIONADVERBconsiderably, dramatically, enormously, greatly, immeasurably, a lot, really, significantly, tremendouslyTalking to a counsellor/counselor helped her enormously.The whole process was greatly helped by the widespread availability of computers.a bit (esp. BrE), a littlecertainly, definitely, undoubtedlyIt certainly helped that her father is a millionaire!surelysupposedlyLavender oil supposedly helps you sleep.hardlyHis statement hardly helped his case.not necessarilyIntense guilt won't necessarily help here.in some way, somehowI thought a walk would help somehow.financiallydirectlygenerallyinadvertently, unwittinglyMany people inadvertently help thieves by leaving keys in full view.VERB + helpbe designed toThe minimum wage is designed to help people in low-pay service industries.PREPOSITIONinIron helps in the formation of red blood cells.

Help is used with these nouns as the subject:

Help is used with these nouns as the object:

business, case, cause, client, customer, digestion, economy, immigrant, industry, mankind, morale, neighbour, pain, prepare, rebel, recovery, refugee, relative, sick, situation, student, sufferer, survivor, victim

helper

helpernoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF HELPERSADJECTIVEwillingvoluntary, volunteer (both BrE)littleHe became Dad's little helper.domestic, kitchen (both esp. AmE) (usually domestic help, kitchen help)… OF HELPERSbandHe recruited a band of willing helpers.

helpful

helpfuladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbe, proveconsider sth, find sb/sthADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.enormously, especially, immensely, incredibly, most (esp. BrE), particularlyThank you, you have been most helpful.not at all, not particularly, not terriblyoverly (esp. AmE)genuinelypotentiallyPREPOSITIONforThis information would be extremely helpful for teenagers.inGraphs are helpful in presenting the information.onHe was very helpful on how to do the accounts.toThe stairlift will be helpful to the older patients.PHRASESfriendly and helpfulI found all the staff friendly and helpful.

Helpful is used with these nouns:

advice, comment, criticism, discussion, example, feedback, guidance, guide, guideline, hint, information, insight, introduction, leaflet, note, reminder, suggestion, tip

helpfully

helpfullyadv.

Helpfully is used with these verbs:

explain, offer, point, suggest, supply

help in

help inphr verb

Help in is used with these nouns as the object:

enquiry

helping

helpingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + helping | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, generous, heaping (AmE), huge, largea generous helping of potatoessmalldouble, extra, secondhealthyThe steak came with a healthy (= large) helping of fries.VERB + helpingeat, havePREPOSITIONhelping ofI had an extra helping of meat.

helpless

helplessadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, feel, lie, look, seem, stand, watchJohn felt completely helpless.He lay helpless in the hospital ward.becomeleave sb, render sbHe was left helpless and alone.She was rendered helpless by panic.ADVERBabsolutely, completely, quite, totally, utterlyapparently, seeminglyalmost, virtuallyphysicallyPREPOSITIONagainstShe was helpless against his strength.beforeKirk stood helpless before this giant of a man.in the face ofI felt helpless in the face of all these rules and regulations.withShe was helpless with anger.

Helpless is used with these nouns:

creature, gesture, laughter, prey, rage, shrug, tear, victim

helplessly

helplesslyadv.

Helplessly is used with these verbs:

cling, drift, flail, gesture, giggle, laugh, lie, look, pin, shake, shrug, stare, watch

helplessness

helplessnessnoun

nounADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEcomplete, utterlearned (esp. AmE)PHRASESa feeling of helplessness, a sense of helplessnessA feeling of utter helplessness washed over him.

helpline

helplinenoun

Helpline is used after these nouns:

telephone

help with

help withphr verb

Help with is used with these nouns as the object:

enquiry

helter-skelter

helter-skelteradj.

Helter-skelter is used with these nouns:

Hemorrhage is used after these nouns:

hemorrhage

hemorrhagenoun

noun (AmE) See haemorrhage

brain

hen

hennoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + hen | hen + VERB | hen + NOUNADJECTIVEbattery, free-range (esp. BrE)motherShe fussed around like a mother hen.broodylayinggame (AmE)VERB + henkeephen + VERBlay, lay eggsMy hens have stopped laying.The hen laid three beautiful speckled eggs.cluck, squawkI could hear the hens clucking in the farmyard.roostpeck, scratchThe hens pecked hopefully at the dusty floor.hen + NOUNcoop (BrE), house

henceforth

henceforthadv.

Henceforth is used with these verbs:

refer

henna

hennanoun

Henna is used before these nouns:

tattoo

hepatic

hepaticadj.

Hepatic is used with these nouns:

failure, vein

hepatitis

hepatitisnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + hepatitis | hepatitis + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEsevereacute, chronicactiveviralinfectiousdrug-inducedVERB + hepatitishave, suffer frombe infected with, contract, gethepatitis + NOUNinfection, viruspatientvaccinejab (BrE, informal), shot (informal, esp. AmE), vaccinationHave you had your hepatitis B vaccination?PHRASEShepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C

herald

heraldverb

Herald is used with these nouns as the object:

arrival, beginning, emergence, era, return, start

herb

herbnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF HERBS | VERB + herb | herb + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEdried, freshwildmixedAdd a teaspoonful of mixed herbs.choppedaromatic, fragrantbitter, pungentculinaryhealing (esp. AmE), medicinal, tonic (esp. AmE), traditional… OF HERBSbunchVERB + herbgarnish sth withServe cold, garnished with fresh herbs.addusetakeAli recommends taking herbs to facilitate recovery.grow, plantgather, pickherb + NOUNbed, gardenspeciesbutter, oil, salad (esp. BrE), sauce, tea (usually herbal tea)extractPHRASESherbs and spicesThe shop sells a large range of herbs and spices.

herbaceous

herbaceousadj.

Herbaceous is used with these nouns:

herbal

herbaladj.

Herbal is used with these nouns:

essence, extract, ingredient, medication, medicine, remedy, supplement, tea

herbivorous

herbivorousadj.

Herbivorous is used with these nouns:

mammal

Herculean

Herculeanadj.

Herculean is used with these nouns:

effort, task

herd

herdnounverb

I. noun1 group of animals2 group of people1 group of animalsADJECTIVE | herd + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreat, huge, large, vastsmallentire, wholenational (= all the animals of a particular type in a country) (BrE)Bad weather has decimated the national herd.beef, breeding, dairyThe farm has only a small dairy herd.pedigree (BrE)wildcattle, cow, elephant, etc.herd + NOUNinstinctPREPOSITIONin a/the herdThe animals tend to graze in a herd.herd ofa large herd of cowsPHRASESa member of a herd

2 group of peopleADJECTIVE | VERB + herd | herd + NOUNADJECTIVEcommonthundering (esp. AmE)They hired a thundering herd of corporate executives.VERB + herdfollowIf you feel so strongly, why follow the herd (= do the same as everybody else)?stand apart from (AmE), stand out fromShe prided herself on standing out from the common herd.herd + NOUNinstinct, mentality

II. verb

Herd is used with these nouns as the object:

cattle, sheep

herder

herdernoun

Herder is used after these nouns:

here

hereadv.

Here is used with these verbs:

cite, outline, quote, stay

hereafter

hereafteradv.

Hereafter is used with these verbs:

refer, term

hereby

herebyadv.

Hereby is used with these verbs:

acknowledge, declare, grant, proclaim, sentence

hereditary

hereditaryadj.

Hereditary is used with these nouns:

cancer, disease, monarchy, peer, ruler, succession, trait

hereinafter

hereinafteradv.

Hereinafter is used with these verbs:

refer

heretofore

heretoforeadv.

Heretofore is used with these adjectives:

unknown, unused

heritage

heritagenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + heritage | heritage + NOUNADJECTIVEglorious, precious, proud, richThe country has a long and proud heritage.uniquenaturalcommon, national, sharedFolk songs are part of our common heritage.ancientarchitectural, artistic, cultural, historic, historical, industrial, literary, maritime, musical, religious, spiritualethnic, racialdiverse, mixedA third of the country's population is of mixed racial heritage.African, Jewish, etc.biological, family, geneticVERB + heritagehaveThe city has an exceptionally rich heritage of historic buildings.claimthe 40 million or so Americans who claim an Irish heritageconserve (esp. BrE), preserve, protect, safeguard (esp. BrE)an organization whose aim is to protect our heritage of wild plantsabandon, destroy, loseI will not abandon my religious heritage.celebrate, embrace, reclaimThe performance shows how African Americans celebrate their heritage.exploreShe made a conscious attempt to explore her Jewish heritage.traceIt's a family-run business that traces its heritage back to 1884.shareThey share a common ethnic heritage.heritage + NOUNattraction (BrE), building (esp. BrE), centre/center, museum, park, sitetrail, walk (BrE)tourismindustrylanguageconservation, preservation (esp. AmE), protectionstatusThe site has UNESCO World Heritage status.

hermetically

hermeticallyadv.

Hermetically is used with these verbs:

seal

hernia

hernianoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + hernia | hernia + NOUNADJECTIVEhiatussports (AmE)VERB + herniahave, suffer fromrepairhernia + NOUNoperation, repair, surgeryproblem (esp. BrE)

herniated

herniatedadj.

Herniated is used with these nouns:

disc

hero

heronoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + hero | hero + VERB | hero + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, greatHe was one of the great football heroes of his day.genuine, real, trueall-timeEinstein is the all-time hero of many scientists.unsungShe was an unsung hero of the British film industry.forgottenreluctant, unlikelybrave, intrepidThe song remembers the brave heroes who died for their country.romantic, tragicBeing short and overweight, he was an unlikely romantic hero.action, swashbucklingTired of playing the swashbuckling hero, he sought out more challenging roles.conqueringHe returned home from the tournament a conquering hero.all-American (BrE)have-a-go (= sb who is not in the police, etc. who tries to prevent a crime) (BrE)A have-a-go hero who attempted to stop thieves stealing a car was killed after the robbers ran him over.fallena fallen hero trying to regain his positioncultJames Dean was a cult hero of the fifties.folk, hometown (BrE), local, national, popularfictional, legendary, mythicalreal-lifeeponymous, titularDon Quixote, the eponymous hero of the novel by Cervantesboyhood, childhoodBugs Bunny was one of my childhood heroes.working-classwarmilitary, navaldecoratedfilm (esp. BrE), movie (esp. AmE)comic, football, guitar, musical, sporting (BrE), sports (AmE)Jimi Hendrix was her guitar hero.In this album she pays tribute to her musical heroes.OlympicculturalVERB + herobe hailed (as)He was hailed as a hero after the rescue.become, make sb into, turn sb intoThe fight to save the forest turned him into a local hero.dieHe died a national hero.celebrate, commemorate, honour/honor, salutecheeremulateplay, portrayTom Cruise played the hero.meeta chance to meet his herohero + VERBbattle, fightrescue sb, save sb/sthinspire sbhero + NOUNstatusO'Reilly enjoyed hero status based on his ability with a ball.figureHis father was a hero figure to him.worshipPREPOSITIONhero toHe was a hero to all his friends.PHRASESbe no heroJohn was no hero—he was willing to let others fight.give sb a hero's welcome, receive a hero's welcomehero of the hourEveryone played brilliantly, but Jones was the hero of the hour.(die) a hero's death

heroic

heroicadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBtruly, verya truly heroic battlealmost

Heroic is used with these nouns:

act, character, deed, effort, endeavour, exploit, failure, feat, figure, myth, poem, proportion, resistance, sacrifice, stature, struggle, tale, virtue

heroically

heroicallyadv.

Heroically is used with these verbs:

act

heroin

heroinnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF HEROIN | VERB + heroin | heroin + NOUNADJECTIVEpurecheapstreet… OF HEROINdose, gram, ounce, shot, wrapVERB + heroininject, shoot, smokeprescribeheroin + NOUNpossessionoverdosea fatal heroin overdosedealing

heroine

heroinenoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEgreatVioletta is one of the great tragic heroines of opera.realCassandra is the real heroine of the story.national (esp. BrE)romantic, tragicfeisty (esp. BrE), pluckyfeministunsungShe remains one of the unsung heroines of the war.eponymous, titularJane Eyre, the eponymous heroine of the novel by Charlotte Brontëfictionalactionsporting (BrE)

heroism

heroismnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + heroism | PHRASESADJECTIVEextraordinary, real, trueindividualVERB + heroismdisplay, showThe firefighters displayed both heroism and staunchness.celebratePHRASESan act of heroism

herpes

herpesnoun

Herpes is used before these nouns:

infection, virus

herring

herringnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + herring | herring + NOUNADJECTIVEfreshpickled, salted, smokedVERB + herringcatchherring + NOUNfillet/filetfishery

hesitant

hesitantadj.

Hesitant is used with these nouns:

step

hesitantly

hesitantlyadv.

Hesitantly is used with these verbs:

answer, ask, nod, reach, reply, say, speak

hesitate

hesitateverb

verbADVERB | VERB + hesitate | PREPOSITIONADVERBa little, slightlybriefly, momentarily(for) a minute, (for) a moment, (for) a second, etc.Alison hesitated a moment, as if she were waiting for him.barelyI barely hesitated before saying yes.VERB + hesitateappear to, seem tomake sbSomething about his smile made her hesitate.PREPOSITIONaboutI didn't hesitate about working with Craig.betweenHe was hesitating between a glass of wine and an orange juice.overHe stood hesitating over whether to join the fight.

hesitation

hesitationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + hesitation | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbrief, momentary, slightThere was a momentary hesitation before he replied.considerablelittleHe answered them with little hesitation.initialAfter some initial hesitation, teachers seem to have accepted the new system.VERB + hesitationhear, notice, see, senseShe could sense the hesitation in Katelyn's voice.PREPOSITIONafter … hesitationAfter much hesitation, they decided to leave.without hesitationShe answered immediately, without any hesitation.PHRASEShave no hesitation in doing sthI have no hesitation in recommending him for the job.a moment of hesitation, a moment's hesitationAfter a moment's hesitation, he nodded.without further hesitationNow without further hesitation, let me introduce you to tonight's main speaker.

hessian

hessianadj.

Hessian is used with these nouns:

sack

heterogeneous

heterogeneousadj.

Heterogeneous is used with these nouns:

collection, group, population

heterosexual

heterosexualadj.

Heterosexual is used with these nouns:

couple, desire, intercourse, love, male, man, marriage, parent, partner, relationship, sex

heuristic

heuristicadj.

Heuristic is used with these nouns:

method

hew

hewverb

Hew is used with these nouns as the object:

hexagonal

hexagonaladj.

Hexagonal is used with these nouns:

HGV

HGVnoun

HGV is used before these nouns:

hiatus

hiatusnoun

Hiatus is used before these nouns:

hernia

hibernation

hibernationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + hibernation | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElongdeepwinterVERB + hibernationgo intoAt the first sign of colder weather many insects go into hibernation.emerge fromPREPOSITIONin hibernationThe tortoise spends the winter months in hibernation.

hibiscus

hibiscusnoun

Hibiscus is used before these nouns:

hiccup

hiccupnoun

(also hiccough) noun1 sound made in the throat2 hiccups series of hiccups3 small problem1 sound made in the throatADJECTIVE | VERB + hiccupADJECTIVEsmallloudVERB + hiccupgive, let outShe gave a loud hiccup.

2 hiccups series of hiccupsVERB + HICCUPSVERB + HICCUPSgetI ate too quickly and got hiccups. (BrE)I ate too quickly and got the hiccups. (AmE)haveHe had hiccups. (BrE)He had the hiccups. (AmE)

3 small problemADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElittle, minor, slightoccasionalinitialtemporaryPREPOSITIONhiccup inThis one defeat was the only hiccup in the team's steady progress.

hick

hickadj.

Hick is used with these nouns:

accent

hidden

hiddenadj.

Hidden is used with these nouns:

agenda, asset, assumption, camera, cause, compartment, corner, cost, curriculum, danger, depth, desire, disability, extra, gem, hazard, meaning, menace, message, microphone, motive, passage, pitfall, pocket, recess, reserve, secret, streak, subsidy, talent, trap, treasure, truth, tunnel, vault

hide

hidenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + hideADJECTIVEthick, toughElephants have a very tough hide.leathery, scalyrawtannedanimalbuffalo, cow, elephant, etc.VERB + hidetanThe hide is tanned for leather.

II. verb1 go/put sth where you/it cannot be seen2 keep sth secret1 go/put sth where you/it cannot be seenADVERB | VERB + hide | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBawayShe hid the documents away in a drawer.quicklyHe quickly hid behind a large plant.easilyHe could easily hide in the woods.secretlyVERB + hideprefer to, want toShe wanted to run away and hide.He accused the president of preferring to hide from the truth. (figurative)PREPOSITIONamongThey were hiding among the bushes.behindHe hid behind a false identity. (figurative)beneathHe had a weak mouth which he hid beneath a beard.fromThey tried to hide from their enemies.infigures hiding in the shadowsunderHe hid the book under his bed.PHRASEScarefully hidden, completely hidden, well hiddenThe letters were well hidden in a drawer.cleverly hiddenIt had been cleverly hidden under furniture.discreetly hiddenThe TV was discreetly hidden in a corner.half hiddenThe buildings were half hidden by the trees.hidden deep in sthtiny villages hidden deep in the softly rolling hillshidden from sight, hidden from viewThe house was hidden from view by a large fence.lie hidden, remain hiddentreasures which have lain hidden in bank vaults since the warpartially hidden, partly hiddenThe house was partially hidden behind some trees.a place to hide (sth)I'll find a better place to hide it.

2 keep sth secretADVERB | VERB + hide | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBwellcompletelybarelyShe could barely hide her distaste.deliberatelyHe had deliberately hidden the illness from his boss.VERB + hidebe able to, be unable toShe was unable to hide her delight at his failure.try tomake no attempt toHe made no attempt to hide his angermanage toPREPOSITIONfromThe government tried to hide the evidence from the public.PHRASESkeep sth hiddenfeelings that she had kept completely hidden all these yearspreviously hiddenHypnotherapy can bring out previously hidden emotions.remain hidden, stay hiddenThe truth may well remain hidden for ever.

Hide is used with these nouns as the subject:

exterior, mask, mist, veil, veneer

Hide is used with these nouns as the object:

agitation, amusement, anger, annoyance, astonishment, bitterness, blemish, blush, character, contempt, disappointment, discomfort, disdain, disgust, dismay, displeasure, distaste, distress, embarrassment, emotion, enthusiasm, exasperation, excitement, face, fact, fear, feeling, frustration, grin, identity, impatience, imperfection, inadequacy, insecurity, irritation, laughter, love, moon, motive, nervousness, pain, pregnancy, resentment, sadness, scar, secret, side, smile, smirk, sneer, sorrow, surprise, tear, track, treasure, truth, unease, weakness

hide behind

hide behindphr verb

Hide behind is used with these nouns as the object:

hide from

hide fromphr verb

Hide from is used with these nouns as the object:

sight

hideous

hideousadj.

Hideous is used with these nouns:

beast, grin, monster

hideously

hideouslyadv.

Hideously is used with these adjectives:

deformed, expensive, ugly

Hideously is used with these verbs:

disfigure, scar

hiding

hidingnoun

nounVERB + hiding | PREPOSITIONVERB + hidinggo intoHe had gone into hiding just after war broke out.come out ofAfter the car had passed by they came out of hiding.PREPOSITIONin hidingThe fugitive had spent five weeks in hiding.

hierarchical

hierarchicaladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeThe company's structure is rigidly hierarchical.becomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.rigidly, strictly, strongly

Hierarchical is used with these nouns:

division, structure, system

hierarchically

hierarchicallyadv.

Hierarchically is used with these adjectives:

Hierarchically is used with these verbs:

order, structure

hierarchy

hierarchynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + hierarchy | hierarchy + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcomplexrigid, strictthe rigid class hierarchy of rural societytraditionalexistingadministrative, bureaucratic, corporate, management, managerial, organizationalcaste, class, racial, socialgenderdominanceCatholic, church, ecclesiastical, religiousparty, politicalhigh up in the party hierarchyjudicial, militaryVERB + hierarchycreate, develop, establish, formA new management hierarchy was created within the company.maintain, reinforcemove up, rise in, rise throughHe joined the party in 1966 and quickly moved up the hierarchy.challengehierarchy + VERBbe based on sthPREPOSITIONin a/the hierarchyShe is above me in the hierarchy.within a/the hierarchyThere was a range of opinion within the political hierarchy on the issue.hierarchy ofThere was a clear hierarchy of power in the company.PHRASESsb's level, position, status, etc. in a hierarchy

high

highnounadj.adv.

I. noun1 high level or point2 feeling of great pleasure or happiness1 high level or pointADJECTIVE | VERB + highADJECTIVEall-time, historic, new, recordThe number of prisoners has reached a historic high.previousfive-year, ten-year, etc.careerHe hit a career high with his performance as Al.VERB + highhit, reachShare prices reached an all-time high yesterday.

2 feeling of great pleasure or happinessADJECTIVE | VERB + high | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEreal, tremendousemotionalnaturalHe was still on a natural high after cheating death.adrenalin, caffeineVERB + highexperience, getthe high she got from her jobgive sbThe drug gives you a tremendous high.PREPOSITIONon a highShe's been on a real high since she got her exam results.We want to finish on a high.PHRASESthe highs and lowsthe emotional highs and lows of an actor's life

II. adj.

High is used with these nouns:

ability, abundance, accolade, accuracy, achievement, aim, alert, altar, altitude, ambition, amount, arc, art, aspiration, ball, beam, bid, bill, blood pressure, boot, bracket, bridge, buzz, capacity, caste, casualty, category, ceiling, chance, charge, cheekbone, chimney, cholesterol, church, circle, cliff, cloud, collar, colour, comedy, command, commission, commissioner, concentration, confidence, consumption, content, correlation, cost, count, credibility, culture, cupboard, current, debt, degree, demand, density, desert, diversity, dividend, division, dosage, dose, drama, duty, earnings, effectiveness, efficiency, employment, end, enrolment, esteem, estimate, excitement, expectation, expenditure, expense, explosive, exposure, fare, fashion, fat, favour, fee, fence, fever, figure, finance, forehead, frequency, gate, gear, gloss, grade, ground, growth, heat, hedge, heel, hill, honour, hope, humidity, hurdle, ideal, impact, importance, incidence, income, index, indignation, inflation, intake, integrity, intelligence, intensity, investment, jump, key, kick, latitude, ledge, level, likelihood, load, maintenance, margin, mark, mileage, moral, morale, mortality, motivation, motive, mound, mountain, neck, noon, note, number, occurrence, odds, offer, office, opinion, orbit, output, pass, pay, peak, penetration, percentage, performance, pitch, plateau, platform, point, position, post, potential, prairie, praise, precision, premium, pressure, prestige, price, priest, principle, priority, probability, productivity, proficiency, profile, profit, profitability, proportion, purity, quality, rainfall, rank, rate, rating, ratio, reading, recommendation, regard, register, reliability, relief, rent, reputation, resistance, resolution, respect, return, rev, reward, risk, river, road, room, salary, sale, school, score, season, sensitivity, seriousness, setting, shelf, society, sound, specification, speed, speed limit, spending, spot, squeak, stake, standard, standing, status, stock, stool, street, strength, stress, sum, summer, summit, sun, table, tackle, target, tariff, tax, taxation, tea, technology, temperature, tenor, tension, threshold, tide, tolerance, toll, total, tower, treason, tree, turnout, turnover, uncertainty, unemployment, usage, utility, valley, valuation, value, variability, velocity, visibility, voice, voltage, volume, wage, waist, waistline, wall, wastage, waterfall, whine, whistle, wind, wire, yield

III. adv.

High is used with these adjectives:

overhead

High is used with these verbs:

bounce, climb, fly, leap, rank, soar

high and tight

high and tightnoun

High and tight is used before these nouns:

high-backed

high-backedadj.

High-backed is used with these nouns:

high-calorie

high-calorieadj.

High-calorie is used with these nouns:

high-ceilinged

high-ceilingedadj.

High-ceilinged is used with these nouns:

chamber, room

high-class

high-classadj.

High-class is used with these nouns:

performer, prostitute

High Court

High Courtnoun

High Court is used before these nouns:

court, judge, showdown, trial, writ

high-crime

high-crimeadj.

High-crime is used with these nouns:

area

high-definition

high-definitionadj.

High-definition is used with these nouns:

television, video

high-end

high-endadj.

High-end is used with these nouns:

graphics, product, restaurant, retailer, shopping centre

higher

higheradj.adv.

I. adj.

Higher is used with these nouns:

animal, bracket, classification, consciousness, court, degree, diploma, education, faculty, learning, level, limit, mammal, mathematics, organism, plane, power, self, share, slope, tribunal

II. adv.

Higher is used with these verbs:

higher education

higher educationnoun

Higher education is used before these nouns:

institution

higher-rate

higher-rateadj.

Higher-rate is used with these nouns:

highest

highestadj.

Highest is used with these nouns:

authority, award, compliment, court, expression, importance, tender, tribunal

high explosive

high explosivenoun

High explosive is used before these nouns:

bomb, shell

high-fat

high-fatadj.

High-fat is used with these nouns:

high-fibre

high-fibreadj.

High-fibre/high-fiber is used with these nouns:

cereal, diet

high-flying

high-flyingadj.

High-flying is used with these nouns:

executive

high-frequency

high-frequencyadj.

High-frequency is used with these nouns:

signal, vibration

high-grade

high-gradeadj.

High-grade is used with these nouns:

ore

high-handicap

high-handicapadj.

High-handicap is used with these nouns:

golfer

high-heeled

high-heeledadj.

High-heeled is used with these nouns:

boot, sandal, shoe

high-income

high-incomeadj.

High-income is used with these nouns:

country, household

high-intensity

high-intensityadj.

High-intensity is used with these nouns:

exercise

high-interest

high-interestadj.

High-interest is used with these nouns:

account, loan

Highland

Highlandadj.

Highland is used with these nouns:

high-level

high-leveladj.

High-level is used with these nouns:

conference, corruption, delegation, executive, meeting, negotiation, talk, training, waste

highlight

highlightnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEabsolute, definite, main, major, real, undisputed (esp. BrE), undoubted (esp. BrE)The real highlight of the trip for me was the visit to the Tower of London.notable (esp. BrE)obviouspersonalcomic, football, musical, sporting (BrE), sports (AmE)careeredited highlights (BrE), recorded highlights (BrE), video highlightsRecorded highlights of the game will be shown later tonight.streamed video highlights from today's newsPHRASESthe highlight of the day, week, year, etc.The highlight of the week was Saturday's fireworks.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + highlightADVERBclearlyThese figures clearly highlight the difference in world living standards.dramatically, graphically, starklyThe needs of these children were dramatically highlighted by the Action Group.merely, only, simplyThe talks merely highlighted the great gulf between the two sides.particularly, specificallyrightlyrepeatedlyrecentlyVERB + highlightserve toThe incident has sadly only served to highlight the differences within the party.

Highlight is used with these nouns as the subject:

article, example, exhibit, report, result, study, survey

Highlight is used with these nouns as the object:

aspect, benefit, case, complexity, contrast, danger, difference, extent, fact, failing, flaw, gap, impact, importance, inadequacy, inconsistency, issue, limitation, link, necessity, need, peril, plight, point, problem, role, shortcoming, similarity, text, vulnerability, weakness

highlighter

highlighternoun

Highlighter is used before these nouns:

highly

highlyadv.

Highly is used with these adjectives:

abstract, acceptable, accessible, accomplished, accurate, active, adaptable, addictive, adept, advanced, advantageous, aggressive, agitated, ambiguous, ambitious, ambivalent, amenable, amused, amusing, annoyed, annoying, articulate, artificial, authoritarian, beneficial, bureaucratic, capable, centralized, characteristic, charged, coloured, commendable, committed, compatible, competent, competitive, complex, complicated, complimentary, concentrated, conducive, confident, confidential, confused, confusing, congested, conscious, conservative, consistent, conspicuous, constrained, contagious, contaminated, contentious, contrived, controversial, convenient, conventional, corrosive, creative, credible, creditable, critical, cultivated, cultured, damaging, dangerous, debatable, decorative, dedicated, defective, delighted, demanding, dependent, descriptive, desirable, destructive, detailed, detrimental, developed, disconcerting, disorganized, disruptive, dissatisfied, dissimilar, distasteful, distinctive, distressing, disturbed, disturbing, diverse, doubtful, dramatic, dubious, dynamic, eccentric, economical, educated, effective, efficient, elaborate, elusive, embarrassing, emotional, emotive, encouraging, energetic, enigmatic, enjoyable, entertaining, enthusiastic, erotic, erratic, exceptional, excitable, excited, expensive, experienced, explicit, explosive, exposed, expressive, fashionable, favourable, fertile, flammable, flavoured, flawed, flexible, fluid, gifted, gregarious, honoured, illegal, illogical, illuminating, imaginative, immoral, imperfect, implausible, important, impractical, impressed, impressionable, impressive, improbable, improper, inaccurate, inadvisable, inappropriate, inconsistent, inconvenient, indebted, ineffective, inefficient, infectious, influential, informative, inquisitive, insensitive, insoluble, instructive, instrumental, insulting, intelligent, intensive, interactive, interesting, intolerant, intricate, intriguing, intuitive, inventive, ironic, irregular, irresponsible, irritating, knowledgeable, lethal, likely, limited, literate, logical, lucrative, luminous, marketable, misleading, mobile, motivated, negative, nervous, nutritious, offensive, optimistic, organized, original, ornamental, ornate, orthodox, paid, patterned, perceptive, perishable, personal, persuasive, pertinent, plausible, pleasurable, poisonous, polarized, polished, political, polluted, popular, populated, portable, positive, potent, practical, pragmatic, precise, predictable, preferable, prejudiced, prestigious, privileged, probable, productive, professional, proficient, profitable, progressive, prolific, promising, prone, protective, provocative, qualified, questionable, radioactive, rational, reactionary, readable, realistic, recognizable, reflective, regrettable, regular, relevant, reliable, religious, reminiscent, repetitive, representative, reputable, resilient, resistant, respectable, responsible, responsive, restricted, restrictive, revealing, rewarding, risky, romantic, satisfactory, satisfying, scented, sceptical, scientific, secret, secretive, secure, seductive, selective, sensitive, significant, simplistic, skilful, skilled, soluble, sophisticated, specialized, specific, stable, stimulating, stressful, subjective, successful, suggestive, suitable, supportive, susceptible, suspect, suspicious, symbolic, symmetrical, sympathetic, talented, technical, theoretical, tolerant, toxic, trained, transferable, typical, uncertain, uncomfortable, undesirable, unlikely, unnatural, unorthodox, unpleasant, unpopular, unstable, unsuitable, unusual, useful, valuable, variable, varied, venomous, versatile, visible, vocal, volatile, vulnerable

Highly is used with these verbs:

appreciate, coordinate, correlate, dilute, doubt, encourage, feature, influence, magnify, place, praise, price, rank, rate, recommend, regard, reward, score, suggest, tax, value

highly charged

highly chargedadj.

Highly charged is used with these nouns:

atmosphere

highly paid

highly paidadj.

Highly paid is used with these nouns:

highly strung

highly strungadj.

Highly strung is used with these nouns:

high-necked

high-neckedadj.

High-necked is used with these nouns:

blouse, sweater

high-octane

high-octaneadj.

High-octane is used with these nouns:

gasoline, petrol

high-paying

high-payingadj.

High-paying is used with these nouns:

high-pitched

high-pitchedadj.

High-pitched is used with these nouns:

buzz, giggle, hum, scream, shriek, sound, squeak, squeal, voice, wail, whine, whistle

high-powered

high-poweredadj.

High-powered is used with these nouns:

binoculars, delegation, executive, job, lawyer, microscope, rifle

high-pressure

high-pressureadj.

High-pressure is used with these nouns:

high-profile

high-profileadj.

High-profile is used with these nouns:

attorney, case, incident, murder, visit

high-protein

high-proteinadj.

High-protein is used with these nouns:

diet

high-quality

high-qualityadj.

High-quality is used with these nouns:

education, ingredient, photograph, reproduction, training

high-ranking

high-rankingadj.

High-ranking is used with these nouns:

executive, member, officer, official

high-resolution

high-resolutionadj.

High-resolution is used with these nouns:

camera, display, graphics, image, imagery, photograph

high-rise

high-riseadj.

High-rise is used with these nouns:

apartment, block, building, condominium, flat, housing, office, tower

high-risk

high-riskadj.

High-risk is used with these nouns:

behaviour, cargo, category, gamble, investment, patient, pregnancy, strategy, venture, youth

high school

high schoolnoun

noun (in the US)See also schoolADJECTIVE | VERB + high school | HIGH-SCHOOL + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEjunior, seniorlocal, private, publicCatholicVERB + high schoolenter, startgo toI went to high school in Ohio.complete, finish, graduate fromdrop out ofHe dropped out of high school when he was seventeen.HIGH-SCHOOL + NOUNclassJessica went to Yale after graduating at the top of her high-school class.freshman, junior, senior, sophomoregrad (AmE, informal), graduatedropoutbuddy (informal), classmate, friend, sweetheartHe married his high-school sweetheart.dance, graduation, promdegree, diplomaeducationcareerDuring her high-school career in Virginia she won ten state titles.days, yearsMitsuka was almost at the end of her high-school years.yearbookreunionathlete, cheerleader, coach, playerathletics, ball (AmE), basketball, football, etc.He played high-school ball at St. Peters.gymbiology, chemistry, etc.levelphysics classes at the high-school levelPREPOSITIONafter high schoolWhat do you plan to do after high school?during high schoolJanine dated many boys during high school.from high schoolan old friend from high schoolin high schoolI was a senior in high school.We knew each other back in high school.I'd known her since my sophomore year in high school.through high schoolShe had good grades all the way through high school.PHRASESfresh out of high school, right out of high school, straight out of high schoolan 18-year-old kid who is fresh out of high school

high-security

high-securityadj.

High-security is used with these nouns:

jail, prison, wing

high-speed

high-speedadj.

High-speed is used with these nouns:

camera, chase, collision, computer, connection, crash, elevator, flight, Internet, link, modem, network, rail, railway, service, smash, train, vessel

high street

high streetnoun

High street is used before these nouns:

branch, outlet, retailer, sale, shop, shopping centre, store, supermarket

high-strung

high-strungadj.

High-strung is used with these nouns:

high-tech

high-techadj.

High-tech is used with these nouns:

boom, electronics, equipment, gadget, industry, manufacturing, product, sector, stock

high tide

high tidenoun

High tide is used before these nouns:

high-top

high-topadj.

High-top is used with these nouns:

sneaker

high-value

high-valueadj.

High-value is used with these nouns:

high-voltage

high-voltageadj.

High-voltage is used with these nouns:

electricity

high-water

high-wateradj.

High-water is used with these nouns:

highway

highwaynoun

noun (esp. AmE)ADJECTIVE | VERB + highway | highway + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEwidethree-lane, two-lane, etc.a four-lane highwaydivided (AmE)elevatedtoll (AmE)public (formal in BrE)He was fined for obstructing the public highway. (BrE)federalinterstate, main, major, nationalcounty, provincial, ruralcoastal, desert, mountaineast-west, north-southdeserted, empty, lonelybusyinformation (figurative)I'm still learning how to navigate the information highway.VERB + highwaydrive, travel, useI used to travel that highway with my family.takeHe took highway 314 heading north.hit, reachOnce you hit the highway, the only services are at Eagle Plains.leave, pull offWe pulled off the highway and stopped for a break.block, clog (AmE), obstructclosebuildmaintainhighway + NOUNtrafficbridge, exit, interchange, overpass, signrest area, rest stop (both AmE)infrastructure, network, systemconstruction, improvement, maintenanceregulationauthority, departmentboss, chief, officialrobber, robberycontractor, engineer, officer, patrolman (AmE)patrol (AmE)safetyspeedA blowout at highway speeds can be dangerous.accidentPREPOSITIONalong the highway, down the highway, up the highwayThey tore along the highway.off the highwayon the highway, onto the highwayPHRASEShighways and bywaysHe travels the highways and byways of Texas.

high-yield

high-yieldadj.

High-yield is used with these nouns:

bond, security

high-yielding

high-yieldingadj.

High-yielding is used with these nouns:

variety

hijack

hijackverb

Hijack is used with these nouns as the object:

aircraft, jet, plane

hike

hikenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + hike | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElongstrenuousten-mile, two-day, etc.VERB + hikego onThe boys have gone on a hike with the Scouts.PREPOSITIONon a hikeThey met on a hike.hike from, hike toIt's a long hike from my house to campus.

II. verb

Hike is used with these nouns as the object:

mile, rate, trail

hike up

hike upphr verb

Hike up is used with these nouns as the object:

hiking

hikingnoun

Hiking is used before these nouns:

boot, gear, trail

hilarious

hilariousadj.

Hilarious is used with these nouns:

joke, parody, satire

hilariously

hilariouslyadv.

Hilariously is used with these adjectives:

hill

hillnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + hill | hill + VERB | hill + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, high, long, tallThe bus sped down the long hill.little, low, smallThe town is set on a small hill.slopingsteepgentle, slightrolling hills, undulating hillsThe landscape is made up of low, rolling hills.roundeddarkblue, green, etc.bare, barren, forested, grassy, open, rocky, rugged, sandy (esp. AmE), woodedsnow-covered, snowylush, verdantdistant, farthe distant blue hillsisolated (esp. BrE)remotesurrounding hillsTroops forced villagers to flee to the surrounding hills.coastalchalk, limestone, etc.the limestone hills of Kentuckyski (AmE)VERB + hillascend (formal), climb, climb up, go up, scaleThey climbed a steep hill and came to the town.crest, top (both esp. AmE)They crested a small hill and then the path curved.come down, descend (formal)take to the hills (literary)We took to the hills in a variety of four-wheel-drive vehicles.roam the hills, walk the hillscover, dotOlive groves cover the hills.the houses which dotted the hillhill + VERBoverlook sth, risea hill overlooking the wide valley belowWooded hills rise behind the town.surround sthhill + NOUNclimbing, walking (usually hillwalking)climb, race (esp. BrE)walker (usually hillwalker)sheep (BrE)farm, farmer, farming (all esp. BrE)station (= a small town in the hills, esp. in India), town, village (BrE)In the heat of summer the rich fled to the hill stations.countrytribeforttop (usually hilltop)slopestart (= starting a vehicle on a slope) (BrE)PREPOSITIONdown a/the hillA grassy path led down the hill.in the hillsThere are several lead mines in the hills above the town.on a/the hillThe church is perched on a hill.over a/the hillOver the hill lies another town.up a/the hillA few yards up the hill, on the left, was a turning.hill abovethe hills above the townPHRASESthe bottom of a/the hill, the foot of a/the hillA spring emerges at the bottom of the hill.the crest of a/the hill, the top of a/the hill

hillside

hillsidenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + hillside | hillside + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEsteeprockybare, exposed, open (all esp. BrE)grassy, green, woodedOn our left was a wooded hillside.terracedI was back in wine country, with terraced hillsides on both sides of the road.distantVERB + hillsidebe set onMany of the chalets are set on a hillside reached by steps.cover, dotTiny flowers dotted the hillside.hillside + NOUNvineyardtown, villagePREPOSITIONdown a/the hillsideA stream tumbles down the steep hillside.on a/the hillsideThe house was on a hillside outside the town.up a/the hillsideWe clambered up the hillside to the ridge above.hillside abovethe hillside above the town

hilly

hillyadj.

Hilly is used with these nouns:

country, countryside, terrain

hind

hindadj.

Hind is used with these nouns:

end, leg, limb, wing

hinder

hinderverb

verbADVERB | VERB + hinder | PHRASESADVERBgreatly, seriously, severelyThese killings have seriously hindered progress towards/toward peace.VERB + hinderbe likely to, tend toBulky clothes tend to hinder movement.PHRASEShelp or hinder sthfactors which might help or hinder a child's progress at schoolhinder rather than help sthThese laws will hinder rather than help progress.

Hinder is used with these nouns as the object:

ability, development, effort, implementation, movement, performance, production, progress, recovery

hindrance

hindrancenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + hindrance | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig (esp. AmE), great (esp. AmE), major, seriousVERB + hindrancebe, proveHaving a car in the city might prove a hindrance.becomePREPOSITIONwithout hindrance (formal)We were allowed to travel around the country without hindrance.hindrance toThe new regulations are actually a great hindrance to teachers.PHRASESwithout let or hindrance (BrE, law)

hindsight

hindsightnoun

nounPREPOSITION | PHRASESPREPOSITIONin hindsightTheir first idea was deemed, in hindsight, a mistake.with hindsightThis all seems obvious with hindsight.PHRASEShindsight is a wonderful thingI should have guessed … but hindsight is a wonderful thing.(with) the advantage of hindsight, (with) the benefit of hindsightIt is easy to criticize others when you have the benefit of hindsight.

Hindu

Hinduadj.

Hindu is used with these nouns:

deity, extremist, festival, mythology, philosophy, religion, ritual, scripture, symbol, temple, worship

hinge

hingenoun

Hinge is used after these nouns:

hinged

hingedadj.

Hinged is used with these nouns:

hinge on

hinge onphr verb

Hinge on is used with these nouns as the subject:

case, strategy, success

hint

hintnounverb

I. noun1 suggestion2 small amount of sth3 piece of advice1 suggestionADJECTIVE | VERB + hint | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, broad, clear (esp. BrE), heavy, not-so-subtle (esp. AmE), obvious, strongHe gave a broad hint that he was on the verge of leaving.gentle, little, subtle, vaguetantalizingdark (esp. BrE)earlyThere were early hints that their marriage might be in trouble.VERB + hintdrop, give (sb)I dropped a few subtle hints about the payment being due.catch (AmE), get, takeOK, I get the hint!Can't you take a hint and leave me alone?PREPOSITIONhint abouthint froma hint from my boss about my absences from the officehint toIs that a hint to me to leave?

2 small amount of sthADJECTIVE | VERB + hint | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEstronga dish with a strong hint of garlicbarest, faint, little, merest, slightest, small, tinyThe slightest hint of gossip upset her.occasionalfirstShe felt the first hint of panic as the train pulled into the station.VERB + hintdetect, notice, senseDo I detect a hint of jealousy in your voice?showHe showed not a hint of remorse.betray, revealHer voice betrayed a hint of uneasiness.PREPOSITIONhint ofThere was a hint of amusement in his voice.PHRASESat the first hint of sthAt the first hint of trouble I'll call the police.

3 piece of adviceADJECTIVE | VERB + hint | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhandy, helpful, practical, usefulhouseholdVERB + hintgive (sb), offer (sb)PREPOSITIONhint aboutThe book gives some useful hints about how to plan your garden.hint ona book full of handy hints on painting

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBbroadly, heavily (esp. BrE), stronglyHe hinted strongly that he would be resigning soon.subtlydarklyShe hinted darkly that all was not well.evenShe even hinted that she might resign.merely, onlyPREPOSITIONatThe problems are only hinted at in the report.

hip

hipnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + hip | hip + VERB | hip + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElean (esp. AmE), narrow, slender, slim, smallHer hips were still narrow like a girl's.ample, widecurvy, shapelychildbearingbroken, dislocated, fracturedbad, bruised, sorearthriticartificial, replacementVERB + hiphave your hands on, put your hands onHe put his hands on his hips and sighed.gyrate, move, roll, shake, sway, swing, wiggleShe wiggled her hips seductively as she walked.rotate, swivel, turn, twistTwist your hips in your opponent's direction as you punch.lift, raisethrustbreak, dislocate, fracturereplacehip + VERBmove, sway, swingHer hips were swaying seductively in time to the music.hip + NOUNfracture, injurypainoperation (esp. BrE), surgery (esp. AmE)replacementMy grandmother's having a hip replacement.bone, joint, socketmeasurementflask (BrE)He took a swig of whisky from his hip flask.pocketDon't carry money or documents in your hip pocket.PREPOSITIONacross the hipsShe was wearing a short blue dress, belted across the hips.at the hipHe had his leg amputated at the hip.from the hipThe gun could be fired from the shoulder or from the hip.on the hipShe was carrying a baby on her hip.to the hipThe skirt is slit to the hip on one side.PHRASEShands on (your) hipsHe leaned casually against the door, hands on hips.

II. adj.

Hip is used with these nouns:

hip hop

hip hopnoun

Hip hop is used before these nouns:

act, artist, beat, culture, lyrics, music, record, slang, video

Hippocratic

Hippocraticadj.

Hippocratic is used with these nouns:

oath

hippy

hippynoun

Hippy is used before these nouns:

commune

hire

hirenounverb

I. noun1 (esp. BrE) use of a car, etc. for payment2 (esp. AmE) new person in a job1 (esp. BrE) use of a car, etc. for paymentADJECTIVE | hire + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbicycle, car, equipment, etc.hire + NOUNcarOur hire car broke down after only an hour.charge, costcompany, firm, shop (BrE)a car hire firma costume hire shopPREPOSITIONfor hire (BrE, AmE)There are boats for hire on the lake.on hirevehicles currently on hireon hire from, on hire toThe equipment is on hire from a local company.hire ofThe main expense was the hire of a car.

2 (esp. AmE) new person in a jobADJECTIVEADJECTIVEnew, recentpotential, prospective

II. verb1 (esp. BrE) borrow a car, etc. for payment2 (esp. AmE) give sb a job1 (esp. BrE) borrow a car, etc. for paymentADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBby the day, week, etc.What's the cost of hiring by the day?locallySki equipment can be hired locally.PREPOSITIONfromBicycles can be hired from several local shops.

2 (esp. AmE) give sb a jobADVERB | VERB + hire | PHRASESADVERBby the dayWorkers were hired by the day.VERB + hirecan/can't afford toThe television studio couldn't afford to hire a top-notch cast.PHRASEShire and fireWho is responsible for hiring and firing around here?

Hire is used with these nouns as the subject:

firm

Hire is used with these nouns as the object:

actor, actress, agent, alien, architect, army, assassin, assistant, attorney, auditor, bicycle, bike, bodyguard, cab, car, coach, consultant, contractor, counsel, crew, designer, detective, electrician, employee, expert, faculty, firm, helicopter, immigrant, inspector, intern, labourer, manager, mercenary, photographer, prostitute, replacement, room, ski, specialist, staff, taxi, trainee, tutor, vehicle, venue, worker

hired

hiredadj.

Hired is used with these nouns:

assassin, killer, mercenary, servant, thug

hire purchase

hire purchasenoun

Hire purchase is used before these nouns:

agreement

hiring

hiringnoun

Hiring is used before these nouns:

freeze, practice, spree

Hispanic

Hispanicadj.

Hispanic is used with these nouns:

immigrant, immigration, population, precinct, vote, youth

hiss

hissnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + hiss | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEloud, sharpfaint, low, slight, softThere was a low hiss on the tape.audible, noticeableVERB + hissgive, let outThe snake gave a hiss.hearPREPOSITIONwith a hissShe drew in her breath with a hiss.hiss ofWe could hear the faint hiss of escaping gas.PHRASESboos and hissesa hiss of aira hiss of painShe let out a hiss of pain.

II. verb say sth in an angry, hissing voiceADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBangrily, furiously‘Don't be stupid!’ she hissed furiously.quietly, softlyloudlymenacingly, venomouslyurgentlyPREPOSITIONatShe hissed at me to be quiet.PHRASEShiss (sth) through your teeth‘Go away!’ he hissed through clenched teeth.

Hiss is used with these nouns as the subject:

cat, crowd, goose, snake, steam, swan, voice

hissing

hissingadj.

Hissing is used with these nouns:

noise

historian

historiannoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEdistinguished, eminent, great, leading, noted, respecteda talk given by an eminent social historianseriousNo serious historian today accepts this theory.academic, professionalamateurofficialthe official historian of the United States Armypresidential (esp. AmE)contemporary, futureThe oldest tradition goes back to the contemporary historian John Foxe.What will future historians make of the late 20th century?ancient, medieval, modernShe is a writer as well as a distinguished modern historian.localarchitectural, art, church, cultural, economic, film, legal, literary, military, political, social, etc.revisionistRevisionist historians have questioned the accepted version of events.

historic

historicadj.

Historic is used with these nouns:

battle, breakthrough, building, castle, city, collection, compromise, county, day, district, election, event, fabric, heritage, high, home, importance, interest, landmark, meeting, milestone, mission, moment, monument, museum, neighbourhood, occasion, opportunity, park, past, photograph, preservation, pub, quarter, relic, sight, significance, site, step, town, treasure, turning point, victory, village, vote, watershed

historical

historicaladj.

Historical is used with these nouns:

accident, account, accuracy, adventure, allusion, analogy, analysis, archive, aspect, association, backdrop, background, circumstance, collection, concept, consciousness, context, continuity, criticism, data, detail, development, dictionary, difference, dimension, document, drama, enquiry, epoch, event, evidence, evolution, example, experience, explanation, fact, fiction, figure, framework, geography, grievance, heritage, imagination, importance, inaccuracy, inevitability, injustice, insight, interest, interpretation, landmark, legacy, linguistics, link, literature, material, memory, moment, monument, museum, myth, narrative, necessity, novel, novelist, origin, overview, parallel, past, perspective, phenomenon, photograph, point of view, precedence, precedent, process, reality, reconstruction, record, reference, relic, reputation, research, root, setting, significance, simulation, site, sketch, society, sociology, source, standard, standpoint, study, survey, term, text, theme, thinking, tie, topic, trace, tradition, transformation, trauma, treasure, trend, truth, turning point, understanding, watershed, writing

historically history

historynoun

noun1 the past, esp. as a subject of study2 facts about sb/sth's life/existence in the past1 the past, esp. as a subject of studyADJECTIVE | … OF HISTORY | VERB + history | history + VERB | history + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcontemporary, early, recentthe early history of the trade union movementthings that happened in recent historyancient, medieval, modernhumanlocalfamilyAmerican, British, world, etc.officialthe official history of the universityrevisionistrecordedThe debate about the origins of the universe has been going on throughout recorded history.oralOral history provides an account of those aspects of people's experience that are not recorded in documents.intellectualart, church, cultural, economic, literary, military, political, social, etc.environmental (esp. AmE), evolutionary, geologic (AmE), geologicalpastThey had an affair once, but that's past history now (= no longer important or relevant).… OF HISTORYpieceShe created a piece of history by winning her fourth title.VERB + historybe steeped ina building that is steeped in historygo down in, make, pass intoHe will go down in history as a wise adviser and a kind man.He made history by being the first man to walk on the moon.fade intoThe war has now faded into history.traceThe regiment traces its history back to 1803.chronicle, document, writerecount, relate, telldistort, rewriteher attempt to rewrite history with herself in the role of heroinereconstructhistory + VERBgo back to sthThe town's history goes back to colonial times.go back … The history of this organization goes back many years.reveal sth, show sth, suggest sth, teach sth, tell sthHistory shows that high approval ratings are no guarantee of re-election.History teaches us that New Zealand teams are almost unbeatable on their own turf.repeat itselfYears later, family history repeated itself with Eve's daughters.history + NOUNbook (figurative)She has earned her place in the history books.PREPOSITIONduring sth's historyThe country has suffered several invasions during its history.in (sth's) historythe most extraordinary meeting in historythe best player in the sport's historyhistory ofthe history of the worldShe studies history of art.throughout historyThere have been conflicts such as this throughout history.PHRASESchange the course of historyevents that could change the course of historya period of historyThis is a fascinating period of history.the lessons of history (figurative)the rest is history (= the rest of the story does not need to be told because it is well known)a sense of historya people with no sense of historya slice of historyThe team grabbed a slice of history here today (= achieved sth that will be remembered).

2 facts about sb/sth's life/existence in the pastADJECTIVE | VERB + history | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEchequered/checkered, colourful/colorful, fascinating, interesting, rich, turbulentThe city has a rich and fascinating history.longShe has a long history of mental illness.previous, subsequentsharedcaseShe familiarized herself with the case history of her new patient.credit, employment, family, life, medical, personal, sexualThe doctor will need some details of your medical history.I know nothing about his personal history.VERB + historyhaveThey have a history of trying to interfere.PREPOSITIONhistory ofa history of heart disease in the family

hit

hitnounverb

I. noun1 act of hitting sth/sb2 sb/sth that is very popular1 act of hitting sth/sbADJECTIVE | VERB + hit | hit + NOUNADJECTIVEdirectVERB + hitdeliver, give sth, land, make, scoreGive it a good hit.At last he managed to score a hit.receive, suffer, takeOne of the tanks took a direct hit.hit + NOUNlistShe was at the top of the terrorists' hit list (= list of people they intended to kill).Which services are on the government's hit list? (figurative)man, squadHe claimed that a hit man had been paid $20 000 to kill him.

2 sb/sth that is very popularADJECTIVE | hit + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, greatest, huge, massive, real, runaway, smashThe show has been a smash hit.surprisebreakout (AmE)immediate, instantbox-office, chart (esp. BrE), pop (esp. BrE)She is here to promote her latest chart hit.hit + NOUNalbum, film (esp. BrE), movie (esp. AmE), record, show, single, songPREPOSITIONhit withThe series has been a big hit with children.

II. verb1 strike2 have a bad effect on sb/sth1 strikeADVERB | VERB + hit | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBhardShe didn't hit me very hard.repeatedlydirectlyHe was hit directly in the back.almost, nearlyA taxi almost hit him as he was crossing the street.accidentallyI accidentally hit my knee on the desk.VERB + hitwant toI was so angry, I wanted to hit him.be going toI was afraid he was going to hit me.PREPOSITIONinShe hit him in the face.onI hit my head on the low doorway.withHe hit her with a stick.PHRASEShit sb over the headHe was hit over the head with a broken bottle.

2 have a bad effect on sb/sthADVERBADVERBbadly, hard, heavily, severelyOur department has been badly hit by the cutbacks.Some businesses have been hit very hard by the rise in interest rates.

Hit is used with these nouns as the subject:

arrow, ball, batsman, blast, blizzard, bomb, bullet, car, craze, crisis, cyclone, debris, disaster, earthquake, fire, fist, flood, foot, head, hurricane, idea, illness, inspiration, jinx, lightning, magazine, missile, moonlight, mortar, nausea, pain, ray, realization, recession, rocket, shell, ship, shot, smell, stock, storm, sun, thought, tornado, torpedo, train, typhoon, unemployment, wave

Hit is used with these nouns as the object:

accelerator, ball, bar, baseball, bonnet, brake, bump, button, chart, circuit, climax, coast, convoy, cymbal, desk, drive, drum, ear, earth, elbow, fist, floor, forehead, ground, gym, head, headline, high, highway, hood, hurdle, jackpot, kerb, key, lottery, low, lull, mainstream, mall, mark, market, middle age, milestone, mine, morale, news, note, opponent, patch, peak, per cent, pitch, puberty, roadblock, run, sack, shin, shore, shower, showroom, slope, smash, snag, stage, store, stumbling block, surface, switch, target, town, trail, vein, verge, volley

hit-and-run

hit-and-runadj.

Hit-and-run is used with these nouns:

accident, driver, raid, smash

hitch

hitchnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEslightlast-minute (esp. BrE)There are always a few last-minute hitches at the dress rehearsal.legal (BrE), technicalThere was a slight technical hitch which delayed the plane's take-off.PREPOSITIONwithout a hitchEverything went without a hitch.hitch inThere's been a hitch in the plans.

II. verb

Hitch is used with these nouns as the object:

lift, ride

hitch up

hitch upphr verb

Hitch up is used with these nouns as the object:

dress, skirt

hi-tech

hi-techadj.

Hi-tech is used with these nouns:

device

hitherto

hithertoadv.

Hitherto is used with these adjectives:

impossible, neglected, unheard-of, unknown, unnoticed, unthinkable, unused

Hitherto is used with these verbs:

neglect, regard

hit on

hit onphr verb

Hit on is used with these nouns as the object:

formula, idea

hitting

hittingnoun

Hitting is used before these nouns:

coach

hit upon

hit uponphr verb

Hit upon is used with these nouns as the object:

HIV

HIVnoun

nounVERB + HIV | HIV + NOUN | PHRASESVERB + HIVacquire, contract, gethave, suffer frompeople suffering from HIV and AIDSbe affected by, be infected withspread, transmittest negative for, test positive forscreen sth for, test sb/sth forBlood is screened for HIV.preventtreatcombat, fightHIV + NOUNinfection, transmissionpreventionantibody, viruscarrier, suffererstatusIf you are unsure of your HIV status, consider having a test.testPHRASESHIV-negative, HIV-positive

hive

hivenoun

Hive is used after these nouns:

bee

hoar

hoaradj.

Hoar is used with these nouns:

frost

hoard

hoardnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, large, major, vastone of the biggest hoards of Roman coins ever foundsmallcashHe controls a cash hoard of some $1 billion.PREPOSITIONin hoards (esp. BrE)Gold coins have been found in hoards in many parts of the country.hoard ofa vast hoard of treasure

II. verb

Hoard is used with these nouns as the object:

Hoarse is used with these nouns:

hoarse

hoarseadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, soundbecome, get, gomake sb/sth, scream yourself, shout yourselfAll the shouting had left her rather hoarse.Excitement made her voice hoarse.He shouted himself hoarse, but still no one came.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.a little, slightly, etc.PREPOSITIONfromHer voice was hoarse from shouting.withHis voice was hoarse with anxiety.

cry, sob, voice, whisper

hoarsely

hoarselyadv.

Hoarsely is used with these verbs:

mutter, shout, whisper

hoax

hoaxnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + hoax | hoax + NOUNADJECTIVEelaborateIt turned out to be an elaborate hoax.cruelHe described the deception as a cruel hoax.bomb (BrE)email, Internet, virusHe had been the victim of a computer virus hoax.VERB + hoaxperpetratea hoax perpetrated by the governmentfall forexposehoax + NOUNemail, lettercall, caller (both BrE)

hob

hobnoun

Hob is used after these nouns:

cooker

hobble

hobbleverb

Hobble is used with these nouns as the object:

hobby

hobbynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + hobby | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEenjoyable, fun, interesting, relaxingfavourite/favoriteCooking is her favourite/favorite hobby.expensivePhotography can be an expensive hobby.VERB + hobbyhaveDo you have any hobbies?enjoy, indulge, indulge in, pursueShe never had any time to pursue her hobbies.start, take upWhy don't you take up a new hobby?PREPOSITIONamong your hobbysMusic and karate are among her hobbies.as a hobbyHe collects postcards as a hobby.

hobnail

hobnailadj.

Hobnail is used with these nouns:

boot

hobnailed

hobnailedadj.

Hobnailed is used with these nouns:

boot

hock

hocknoun

Hock is used after these nouns:

hockey

hockeynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + hockey | hockey + NOUNADJECTIVEfield (AmE), ice (BrE)air, floor (AmE), roller, streetmen's, women'scollege (esp. AmE), collegiate (AmE), high-school (AmE), varsity (AmE)junior, seniormajor-league, minor-league (both AmE)Olympic, pro (esp. AmE), professionalVERB + hockeyplay, watchShe plays hockey in the winter.hockey + NOUNball, mask, pads, puck, skates, stickarena (esp. AmE), field, pitch (BrE), rink, stadiumchampionship, game, match, tournamentcoach, goalie, playerstarfanclub, squad (BrE), teamHe plays in the college hockey team. (BrE)He plays on the college hockey team. (AmE)league, season, tournament

hog

hogverb

Hog is used with these nouns as the object:

bathroom, headline, limelight, spotlight

hoist

hoistverb

Hoist is used with these nouns as the object:

backpack, bag, banner, flag, sail

hold

holdnounverb

I. noun1 act/way of holding sth2 influence/control over sb1 act/way of holding sthADJECTIVE | VERB + hold | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfirm, tightHe still had me in a tight hold.VERB + holdcatch, get, grab, grasp, seize, takeTake hold of the handle and give it a hard pull.have, keepHe kept a firm hold on my hand.loseHe lost his hold on the rock and was swept away by the tide.tightenloosen, relax, releaseShe finally released her hold on me.PREPOSITIONhold onHe tightened his hold on her.

2 influence/control over sbADJECTIVE | VERB + hold | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfirm, powerful, secure, strong, tightHe still has a firm hold on the party.fragile, precarious, tenuous, weakHer hold on power was now quite tenuous.VERB + holdhavemaintainloseThe allies lost their hold on the south of the country.consolidate, increase, strengthen, tightenEnemy forces have consolidated their hold on the northern province.break, loosen, weakenan attempt to break the hold of the ChurchPREPOSITIONhold onThis had weakened his hold on power.hold overHe no longer had any hold over her.

II. verb1 in your hands/arms2 opinion, etc.1 in your hands/armsADVERBADVERBfirmly, securely, tightlycarefullygently, loosely

2 opinion, etc.ADVERBADVERBcommonly, widelyThis view is not widely held.deeply, firmly, stronglydeeply held religious beliefsprivately, publiclyprivately held views

Hold is used with these nouns as the subject:

analogy, archive, auditorium, bag, boat, bowl, box, bucket, ceasefire, clip, closet, computer, container, court, disk, eye, future, gaze, hand, judge, library, luck, maxim, pail, rack, shelf, store, theory, tradition, truce, vase, weather, wisdom

Hold is used with these nouns as the object:

account, animosity, appeal, appointment, arm, assembly, asset, association, attention, attraction, auction, audition, axe, baby, bag, ball, ballot, banner, banquet, bat, baton, belief, bouquet, bow, breath, briefcase, briefing, bundle, card, cash, castle, celebration, ceremony, certificate, chair, championship, charm, citizenship, class, clinic, clue, collection, competition, composure, concert, conference, congress, consultation, contest, convention, conversation, conviction, copyright, court martial, dance, data, debate, degree, demonstration, dialogue, dinner, diploma, discussion, dividend, doctorate, driving licence, edge, election, enquiry, evening, event, exhibition, expectation, expression, fair, fascination, feast, festival, file, final, fire, fort, fortress, forum, franchise, function, gala, game, gathering, gaze, grenade, grudge, gun, hand, handbag, head, hearing, hope, hostage, idea, initiative, inquest, interview, key, knife, land, lantern, lead, lease, lecture, licence, line, liquor, lottery, luncheon, majority, malice, march, market, meet, meeting, membership, memorial, memory, misconception, moisture, monopoly, mortgage, mystery, news conference, note, office, opinion, parade, party, passport, patent, permit, phone, place, position, post, post-mortem, potential, power, prejudice, presidency, press conference, prisoner, promise, property, purse, qualification, quiz, race, raffle, rally, rank, rate, receiver, reception, record, referendum, rehearsal, rein, resentment, retreat, reunion, review, right, ritual, rope, round, sale, seat, secret, security, seminar, service, session, shape, share, shield, shotgun, show, spear, spoon, stereotype, stick, stock, stomach, stretch, suitcase, summit, surgery, suspect, sword, talk, tenancy, territory, theory, ticket, title, tongue, torch, tournament, trial, trophy, tune, umbrella, value, view, viewpoint, vigil, vote, weight, wheel, whip, workshop

hold back

hold backphr verb

Hold back is used with these nouns as the subject:

dam

Hold back is used with these nouns as the object:

chuckle, emotion, feeling, grin, groan, laugh, laughter, progress, sigh, sob, tear, urge, yawn

hold down

hold downphr verb

Hold down is used with these nouns as the object:

button, job, key, rate, wage

holder

holdernoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVElicence/license, passport, ticket, visaOnly ticket holders will be allowed in.account, credit-card, policyAccount holders with the bank qualify for a discount on loans.cup (BrE), record, titlethe current record holderjob (esp. BrE), office, post (BrE)She wondered why the previous job holder had left.a coup d'état against an elected presidential office holder.copyright, patent

hold in

hold inphr verb

Hold in is used with these nouns as the object:

affection, arm, awe, check, contempt, detention, embrace, file, moisture, regard, reserve, respect, reverence, stomach

holding

holdingnounadj.

I. noun

Holding is used after these nouns:

cash

II. adj.

Holding is used with these nouns:

cell, company, tank

hold on

hold onphr verb

Hold on is used with these nouns as the object:

computer, disk, minute, second

hold on to

hold on tophr verb

Hold on to is used with these nouns as the object:

belief, hand, rail, value

hold out

hold outphr verb

Hold out is used with these nouns as the subject:

supply, weather

Hold out is used with these nouns as the object:

arm, carrot, hand, lifeline, promise

hold up

hold upphr verb

Hold up is used with these nouns as the subject:

brace, pillar, robber, suspender, weather

Hold up is used with these nouns as the object:

finger, flight, hand, palm, sign, thing, traffic, work

hold-up

hold-upnoun

noun1 robbery2 delay1 robberyADJECTIVE | VERB + hold-upADJECTIVEarmedbankVERB + hold-upcarry out (BrE)

2 delayADJECTIVEADJECTIVElengthytraffic

hole

holenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + hole | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, deep, gaping, great, huge, large, massive, yawningsmall, tinycircular, roundjagged, raggedThe missile had torn a jagged hole in the side of the ship.bullet, drill, screwThe wall was full of bullet holes.drainagemouse, rabbit, etc.VERB + holebore, create, cut, dig, drill, make, punch, wearWe dug a deep hole to bury the animals in.She punched two holes in each sheet of paper.He had worn a hole in the knees of his jeans.blast, blow, break, burn, rip, tearfill, fill in, patch, plugI uprooted the tree and filled the hole with earth.We used cement to plug the holes.PREPOSITIONdown a/the holeThe snake disappeared down a hole.in a/the holeThere was water in the hole.through a/the holeWe climbed through the hole.hole inI made an extra hole in my belt.PHRASESfull of holesThe old blankets were now full of holes.riddled with holesThe car was riddled with bullet holes.

holiday

holidaynoun

noun1 (BrE) period of time away from home for pleasure2 (BrE) period of rest from work/school3 day when people do not go to work/school1 (BrE) period of time away from home for pleasureSee also vacationADJECTIVE | VERB + holiday | holiday + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEenjoyable, exciting, fun-filled, good, lovely, wonderfuldisastrousWe had a disastrous camping holiday.dreamWhat would be your dream holiday?foreign, overseassummer, winter7-night, two-week, etc.packagefamilyactivity, adventure, camping, skiingI learned to windsurf on an activity holiday.VERB + holidaygo on, have, takeWe're going on holiday to France this summer.Are you having a holiday this year?bookHave you booked your summer holiday yet?cancelI got ill and had to cancel my holiday.holiday + NOUNdestination, resort, venuea popular seaside holiday resortaccommodation, cottage, homeThey also have a holiday home at the seaside.camp, complex, villageperiod, seasonThe pool is open throughout the holiday season.brochurebusiness, company, firmThe recession hit the package holiday business hard.insuranceYou should take out holiday insurance before you leave.arrangements, plansromanceTheir holiday romance turned into a lasting relationship.photos, snapsPREPOSITIONon (a) holidayThey met while on holiday in Spain.PHRASESa holiday of a lifetimeThis is your chance to win the holiday of a lifetime.

2 (BrE) period of rest from work/schoolSee also vacationADJECTIVE | VERB + holiday | holiday + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEannual, Christmas, Easter, summerThe school is now closed for the Christmas holidays.schoolpaidVERB + holidaybe entitled to, get, haveYou are entitled to 24 days' paid holiday per year.I have three weeks' holiday a year.takeI'm taking the rest of my holiday in October.spendShe spent her holiday decorating the house.needI really need a holiday!holiday + NOUNtimeentitlementpayjobShe had a holiday job as a gardener when she was a student.PREPOSITIONduring the holidaysIt can be difficult to keep children occupied during the long summer holidays.in the holidaysMy aunt's coming to stay in the holidays.on holidayI'm afraid Mr Adamek is on holiday this week.

3 day when people do not go to work/schoolADJECTIVE | VERB + holiday | holiday + NOUNADJECTIVEbank (in the UK), federal (in the US), national, public, religiousChristian, Jewish, etc.Christmas, Easter, Labor Day (in the US), Memorial Day (in the US), Thanksgiving (in the US)winter, year-end (both AmE)VERB + holidaycelebrate (esp. AmE)I go back a couple of times a year to celebrate the holidays with my family.spendWe always spend the holidays together.holiday + NOUNbreak, weekendThe roads will be busy on Monday as it's a holiday weekend.season (esp. AmE)This holiday season was the worst in 25 years for retailers.cheer, spirit (both esp. AmE)I'm just trying to spread a little holiday cheer.celebrations, concert, meal, party (all esp. AmE)decorations, gift (both AmE)card (AmE)

holistic

holisticadj.

Holistic is used with these nouns:

approach, medicine, treatment, veterinarian, view

hollandaise

hollandaiseadj.

Hollandaise is used with these nouns:

sauce

hollow

hollownounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdeeplittle, shallow, slightdamp, dark, grassyshelterednaturalPREPOSITIONin a/the hollowSnow lay in dark hollows.hollow ina hollow in the groundhollow ofthe hollow of her throat

II. adj.

Hollow is used with these nouns:

cheek, core, echo, eye, feeling, fibre, laugh, promise, shell, slogan, socket, sound, tree, trunk, tube, victory

hollowed-out

hollowed-outadj.

Hollowed-out is used with these nouns:

trunk

hollowly

hollowlyadv.

Hollowly is used with these verbs:

echo, laugh

holly

hollynoun

Holly is used before these nouns:

berry, wreath

Hollywood

Hollywoodnoun

Hollywood is used before these nouns:

actor, actress, career, cinema, director, film, legend, mansion, movie, musical, producer, star, stardom

Holocaust

Holocaustnoun

Holocaust is used before these nouns:

survivor, victim

holographic

holographicadj.

Holographic is used with these nouns:

image, map

holster

holsternounverb

I. noun

Holster is used after these nouns:

belt

II. verb

Holster is used with these nouns as the object:

gun, weapon

holy

holyadj.

Holy is used with these nouns:

Bible, book, city, communion, crusade, day, ground, martyr, month, mountain, relic, scripture, shrine, site, temple, union, war, warrior, water

home

homenounadj.adv.

I. noun1 where sb lives; where sb/sth comes from2 house, flat/apartment, etc.3 place that provides care for sb/sth1 where sb lives; where sb/sth comes fromADJECTIVE | VERB + home | home + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfamily, marital (BrE), matrimonial (BrE), parental (BrE)It's unusual for young people over 25 to still live in the family home.boyhood, childhoodadoptedpermanent, temporarya shelter for people with no permanent homea temporary home for the paintingscurrent, formernew, oldgood, happy, loving, safe, secure (BrE), stableThese children badly need a stable home life.The garage provides a secure home for your car.brokenchildren from a broken home (= whose parents are no longer together)single-parent, two-parentMore and more children in the school are from single-parent homes.middle-class, working-class, etc.winterThe mudflats offer a winter home to thousands of migrating swans.natural, spiritualThe first time he visited New Orleans he knew he had found his spiritual home.VERB + homebe away from, get away from, leaveHe didn't leave home until he was 24.abandon, fleeThe people abandoned their homes and headed for the hills.find (sb/sth), give sb/sthPerhaps we could find a home for the kitten.home + NOUNaddress, numberTry calling me on my home number after six o'clock.background, conditions, environment, life, situationHe came from an appalling home background.She had never had a stable home life.comforts (esp. BrE)She desperately missed her home comforts while camping.appliancecinema (BrE), entertainment, theater (AmE)the market for home entertainment systemsmovie, videoWe have a home movie of my dad teaching me to swim.useThis computer is marketed for home use.computerusera laser printer aimed at the home userstudyThe course is suitable for classroom or home study.work, worker, working (all esp. BrE)He supplements his income with part-time or home work.officecare, nursing, visitThe doctor was assaulted on a home visit.remedy, treatmentI've tried all the home remedies for headaches without success.leaveHe went missing while on home leave from prison.consumptionHe claimed he had bought the cigarettes for home consumption.PREPOSITIONat home, away from homeHer job means she's away from home for weeks at a time.back home, in your own homehome ofAndalusia, the home of flamencoPHRASESa home away from home (AmE), a home from home (BrE)The hotel's friendly atmosphere makes it a real home (away) from home.home sweet home (= used to say how pleasant your home is), on the home front (= used to introduce domestic news)On the home front, the fuel crisis continues to worsen.welcome homeThe banner said ‘Welcome home, Dad!’

2 house, flat/apartment, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + home | home + NOUNADJECTIVEbeautiful, comfortable, niceluxurious, luxury, magnificent, palatialprivatenew, new-build (BrE)custom (AmE)existing, oldaffordable, humble, modestdreamThey found their dream home on the shore of a lake.detached, semi-detachedterrace, terraced (both BrE)modern, traditional, VictorianownThey designed and built their own home.rental (AmE), rentedcouncil (BrE)ranch, tract (both AmE)country, seaside (esp. BrE), suburban, village (esp. BrE)He used to spend the summer painting at his country home.holiday (BrE), second, summer, vacation (AmE), weekend, winterThey also have a weekend home in the Catskills.caravan (BrE), mobile (esp. AmE), motor (usually motorhome), trailerThe storm wrecked the family's motorhome.ancestral, historic, stately (BrE)Priceless antique furniture was destroyed in the fire at the stately home.VERB + homeownHe'd always dreamed of owning his own home.buy, purchasebuilddecorate, furnishdestroyhome + NOUNbuyer, ownerownershipbuilderbuilding, constructionsalesimprovement, maintenance, repairsextension (BrE)loanfurnishingscontents (BrE)Make sure you insure your home contents for an adequate amount.insurancesecurityFitting a burglar alarm is the most effective way to increase home security.

3 place that provides care for sb/sthADJECTIVE | VERB + homeADJECTIVEcare (esp. BrE), children's, convalescent, foster, nursing, old people's (esp. BrE), residential (BrE), rest, retirementfuneralpurpose-built (BrE)Work begins this week on a purpose-built home for the city's homeless.VERB + homerunThey run a retirement home for the elderly.

II. adj.

Home is used with these nouns:

address, affair, appliance, arena, batsman, birth, buyer, care, city, comfort, computer, confinement, constituency, construction, consumption, cook, cooking, country, county, crowd, decoration, delivery, district, electronics, entertainment, environment, extension, fan, farm, favourite, fixture, game, gardener, ground, gym, heating, improvement, inspection, inspector, insurance, invasion, kitchen, leave, life, loan, magazine, maintenance, market, match, mortgage, movie, number, nursing, owner, ownership, page, phone, port, purchase, recording, refrigerator, remedy, renovation, repair, rule, run, safety, sale, schooling, security, series, shopping, side, site, stadium, studio, team, territory, theatre, town, truth, turf, use, user, venue, video, viewer, village, visit, visitor, water, win

III. adv.

Home is used with these verbs:

drive, head, order, return, ride, run, rush, stay, strike, tap, travel, trudge, walk

home-baked

home-bakedadj.

Home-baked is used with these nouns:

home-based

home-basedadj.

Home-based is used with these nouns:

home-brewed

home-brewedadj.

Home-brewed is used with these nouns:

home-care

home-careadj.

Home-care is used with these nouns:

homecoming

homecomingnoun

Homecoming is used before these nouns:

dance, king, queen

home contents

home contentsnoun

Home contents is used before these nouns:

home-cooked

home-cookedadj.

Home-cooked is used with these nouns:

meal

home-equity

home-equityadj.

Home-equity is used with these nouns:

home-grown

home-grownadj.

Home-grown is used with these nouns:

marijuana, produce, talent

homeland

homelandnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + homeland | homeland + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbelovedThey were devastated that they had to leave their beloved homeland.ancestral, ancient, original, traditionalthe struggle to defend their ancient homelandformernational, tribalindependentadoptedHe wants his children to grow up in his adopted homeland.American, Jewish, Palestinian, etc.VERB + homelanddefend, protect, secureIt is is the role of the army to protect the homeland.flee, leaveDuring the war, they were forced to flee their homeland.go back to, return to, visitHe longs to return to his homeland.homeland + NOUNdefence/defense, security (both esp. AmE)PREPOSITIONin a/sb's homelandThey hope to remain in their homeland.

Homeland Security

Homeland Securitynoun

Homeland Security is used before these nouns:

secretary

homeless

homelessadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecome, end up, find yourselfHe found himself homeless after his marriage broke up.leave sb, make sb, render sbThree hundred people were left homeless by the earthquake.ADVERBintentionally, unintentionally (both esp. BrE)The local authority ruled that he had made himself intentionally homeless and was therefore not entitled to be rehoused.chronically (AmE)

Homeless is used with these nouns:

family, man, people, person, population, refugee, shelter

homely

homelyadj.

Homely is used with these nouns:

atmosphere, touch

home-made

home-madeadj.

Home-made is used with these nouns:

biscuit, bomb, bread, cake, cookie, dressing, explosive, jam, pasta, sauce, sign, soup, spaghetti

Home Office

Home Officenoun

Home Office is used before these nouns:

minister, pathologist

homeopathic

homeopathicadj.

Homeopathic is used with these nouns:

medicine, physician, remedy, treatment

homeowner

homeownernoun

Homeowner is used before these nouns:

homeroom

homeroomnoun

Homeroom is used before these nouns:

home-school

home-schoolverb

Home-school is used with these nouns as the object:

homesick

homesickadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feelbecome, getmake sbSeeing other families together made him terribly homesick.ADVERBdesperately, terribly (esp. BrE), verya little, slightly, etc.PREPOSITIONforShe felt homesick for her country.

homespun

homespunadj.

Homespun is used with these nouns:

philosophy, wisdom

hometown

hometownnoun

Hometown is used before these nouns:

crowd, favourite, hero, paper, team

homeward

homewardadj.adv.

I. adj.

Homeward is used with these nouns:

journey, passage, voyage

II. adv.

Homeward is used with these adjectives:

bound

homework

homeworknoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF HOMEWORK | VERB + homework | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEEnglish, science, etc.… OF HOMEWORKpieceVERB + homeworkdoHave you done your physics homework yet?finishhand inI want you to hand in this homework on Friday.get, haveThey get a lot of homework in English.assign (esp. AmE), give (sb), set (sb)The science teacher always gives a lot of homework.grade (esp. AmE), mark (esp. BrE)PREPOSITIONfor homeworkWe had to write out one of the exercises for homework.homework onI have some homework to do on the Civil War.

homicidal

homicidaladj.

Homicidal is used with these nouns:

maniac, rage, tendency

homicide

homicidenoun

noun (esp. AmE)ADJECTIVE | homicide + NOUNADJECTIVEcriminal, culpable (esp. BrE), negligent, unlawful (esp. BrE)vehicular (AmE)justifiableThe jury reached a verdict of justifiable homicide.multipledouble, triple, etc.homicide + NOUNdetectiveunitinvestigationratevictimcase

homing

homingadj.

Homing is used with these nouns:

pigeon

homogeneous

homogeneousadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomeADVERBremarkably, veryfairly, relativelyculturally, ethnically, raciallya culturally homogeneous society

Homogeneous is used with these nouns:

group, whole

homogenized

homogenizedadj.

Homogenized is used with these nouns:

homophobic

homophobicadj.

Homophobic is used with these nouns:

attack, lyrics, remark

homosexual

homosexualnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEpractising/practicingcloset, closeted, repressedfemale, male

II. adj.

Homosexual is used with these nouns:

act, affair, conduct, couple, desire, encounter, identity, inclination, intercourse, love, lover, male, man, marriage, partner, partnership, relationship, sex, tendency

hone

honeverb

Hone is used with these nouns as the object:

craft, instinct, reflex, skill

honest

honestadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbe, seem, soundADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.scrupulously, trulyabsolutely, completely, perfectly, quite, totallyless than, not entirelyI don't think you've been entirely honest with me.refreshinglybrutally, painfullyLet's be brutally honest about this: you don't have a hope of succeeding.intellectuallyPREPOSITIONaboutTry to be honest about how you feel.inHe is always scrupulously honest in his business activities.withMy parents were always completely honest with me.PHRASEShonest enoughShe seems honest enough.to be honest (with you)To be quite honest with you, I don't think he's the right person for the job.open and honestShe was totally open and honest about her feelings.

Honest is used with these nouns:

answer, appraisal, assessment, broker, citizen, conversation, debate, dialogue, disagreement, discussion, endeavour, face, fashion, feedback, folk, living, look, man, mistake, opinion, toil, truth, work

honestly

honestlyadv.

Honestly is used with these verbs:

admit, answer, believe, deal, evaluate, expect, reply, respond, say, tell, think

honesty

honestynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + honesty | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEabsolute, complete, totalI always expect total honesty from my employees.blunt (esp. AmE), brutal, raw, unflinching‘Don't you love me?’ ‘I don't know,’ she said with brutal honesty.emotional, intellectualYou need ruthless intellectual honesty about your own skills, weaknesses and motives.refreshingVERB + honestyadmire, appreciate, valuequestionAre you questioning my honesty?haveShe had the honesty to admit her mother was right.expect, requirePREPOSITIONwith honestyShe answered the questions with complete honesty.honesty aboutI appreciate your honesty about this.PHRASEShonesty and integrityHe has the honesty and integrity to be chairman.in all honesty, in honestyIn all honesty, the book was not as good as I expected.Who in honesty can blame her?

honey

honeynoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF HONEY | VERB + honey | honey + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEclearrunnywild… OF HONEYjar, potVERB + honeymake, produceHow do bees make honey?a jar of locally produced honeygatherto gather honey from the hivespread (sth with)He spread some honey on his bread.honey + NOUNbeePHRASESas sweet as honey

honey-baked

honey-bakedadj.

Honey-baked is used with these nouns:

honeyed

honeyedadj.

Honeyed is used with these nouns:

tone, word

honeymoon

honeymoonnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + honeymoon | honeymoon + VERB | honeymoon + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbrief, shortWe had a brief honeymoon in Paris.longsecondAfter so many years of marriage, we're planning a second honeymoon.VERB + honeymoongo on, have, leave for, spendThey go on honeymoon the day after the wedding. (BrE)They go on their honeymoon the day after the wedding. (AmE)honeymoon + VERBbe over (usually figurative)The honeymoon was over and the reality of what she had taken on began to dawn.honeymoon + NOUNcouplesuitecruiseperiod, phase (AmE) (both figurative)There was always a honeymoon period when my father started a new job.PREPOSITIONfor a honeymoonThey can't decide where to go for their honeymoon.on honeymoonWhile on honeymoon in Bali, she learned to scuba dive.

honey-roast

honey-roastadj.

Honey-roast is used with these nouns:

honk

honkverb

Honk is used with these nouns as the subject:

goose, horn

Honk is used with these nouns as the object:

horn

honorary

honoraryadj.

Honorary is used with these nouns:

chair, chairman, degree, doctorate, fellow, knighthood, member, membership, president, secretary, title, treasurer

honorific

honorificadj.

Honorific is used with these nouns:

title

honour

honournounverb

I. (BrE) (AmE honor) noun1 sth that makes you feel proud2 great respect3 good reputation4 award, official title, etc.5 honours/honors in education1 sth that makes you feel proudADJECTIVE | VERB + honour/honorADJECTIVEgreat, rare, special, tremendousEastlake Studio received top honours in the interior design category.dubiousMax was given the dubious honour of organizing the children's party.VERB + honour/honorhaveI had the rare honour of being allowed into the artist's studio.do sb (formal), give sbWill you do me the honour of dining with me?shareHe shared the honour of being the season's top scorer with Andy Cole.

2 great respectPREPOSITION | PHRASESPREPOSITIONin sb's honourThey organized a party in his honour.PHRASESa guard of honour (esp. BrE)The coffin was accompanied by a guard of honour.(the) guest of honourThe president was guest of honour at the society's banquet.a lap of honour (esp. BrE)The crowd cheered while the athletes ran their lap of honour.a mark of honourThey stood in silence as a mark of honour to the drowned sailors.the place of honour, the seat of honoura roll of honour (BrE) (honor roll in AmE)The school's roll of honour lists everyone killed in the war.She was on the honour roll every semester of high school.I never made the honour roll.

3 good reputationADJECTIVE | VERB + honour/honor | honour/honor + VERB | honour/honor + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfamily, national, personalHe was now satisfied that the family honour had been restored.VERB + honour/honordefend, fight for, preserve, save, upholdShe felt she had to defend the honour of her profession.restorebring, doThis biography does great honour to the poet's achievements.She brought honour to her country as an Olympic medal-winner.honour/honor + VERBbe at stakeNational honour is at stake in this game.honour/honor + NOUNcode, systemhonour code violationsPREPOSITIONon your honour (old-fashioned)I swear on my honour (= very seriously) that I knew nothing about this.with honourThe prime minister sought an agreement that would bring peace with honour.without honoura man without honourPHRASESa badge of honourHe saw his injuries as a badge of honour.a code of honourThe secret society had a strong code of honour.a man of honoura matter of honour, a point of honourIt is a matter of honour to keep our standards as high as possible.a sense of honoursb's word of honourI give you my word of honour I will not forget what I owe you.

4 award, official title, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + honour/honor | honour/honor + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEfull honours, high, major, topthe stars who took top honours at the MTV Awardstelevision's highest honouracademic, battle, civilian, military, politicalVERB + honour/honoraward (sb), bestow, confer, give sbThe Order of Merit is the highest civilian honour that can be conferred on someone.accept, pick up, receive, scoop (BrE), take, winShe has confirmed that she will accept the honour of a peerage.It was the British who took the honours at last night's Oscars.earnhonour/honor + NOUNlist, system (both in the UK)He was made a life peer in the New Year's honours list.PHRASESwith full military honoursHe was buried with full military honours.

5 honours/honors in educationADJECTIVE | HONOURS/HONORS + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcombined, joint (both BrE)first-class, second-class (both BrE)HONOURS/HONORS + NOUNclass (AmE), course (BrE), degree, program (AmE)He's in the third year of his honours course.I took an honours class in English.graduate, studentPREPOSITIONhonour inShe earned a bachelor's degree with honours in English.joint honours in mathematics and statisticswith honourShe holds an MBA with honours from the University of California, Los Angeles.He passed with second-class honours.

II. verb

Honour/honor is used with these nouns as the object:

Honourable/honorable is used with these nouns:

honourable

honourableadj.

(BrE) (AmE honorable) adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBverya very honourable mancompletely, entirely, perfectly (esp. BrE)My intentions were entirely honourable.

discharge, draw, exception, intention, man, mention, thing, tradition

honourably

honourablyadv.

Honourably/honorably is used with these verbs:

behave, conduct, discharge

honoured

honouredadj.

(BrE) (AmE honored) adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feelADVERBdeeply, extremely, greatly, highly, truly, veryI am deeply honoured to be invited to this momentous occasion.

Honoured/honored is used with these nouns:

guest

hood

hoodnoun

noun1 part of a coat, etc. that covers the head2 (AmE) part of a vehicle covering the engine1 part of a coat, etc. that covers the headVERB + hood | PHRASESVERB + hoodpull up, put upShe put up her hood when it started to rain.lower, pull back, pull off, removeHe walked into the room and pulled off his hood.PHRASESwith the hood down, with the hood upHe was wearing a jacket with the hood up.

2 (AmE) part of a vehicle covering the engineSee also bonnetADJECTIVE | VERB + hood | PHRASESADJECTIVEcarcrumpled, dentedVERB + hoodopen, popclosehitThe sound of a bird hitting the hood of the carPHRASESthe hood of a/the car

hooded

hoodedadj.

Hooded is used with these nouns:

cloak, eye, eyelid, figure, man, sweater, top

hoof

hoofnoun

Hoof is used before these nouns:

beat

Hoof is used after these nouns:

hoof-and-mouth

hoof-and-mouthadj.

Hoof-and-mouth is used with these nouns:

Hook is used after these nouns:

hook

hooknounverb

I. noun

coat, fish, meat, picture

II. verb

Hook is used with these nouns as the object:

arm, drive, finger, trout

hooked

hookedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecome, getI first got hooked on scuba diving when I was twelve.get sbkeep sba master storyteller who knows how to keep his readers hookedADVERBcompletely, totally, well and truly (esp. BrE)PREPOSITIONonShe's completely hooked on TV.

Hooked is used with these nouns:

beak, nose

hooligan

hooligannoun

Hooligan is used after these nouns:

football, soccer

hooliganism

hooliganismnoun

Hooliganism is used after these nouns:

hoop

hoopnoun

Hoop is used before these nouns:

earring

Hoop is used after these nouns:

spaghetti

hoot

hootverb

Hoot is used with these nouns as the subject:

horn, owl

hop

hopverb

Hop is used with these nouns as the subject:

bird, frog, rabbit

Hop is used with these nouns as the object:

hope

hopenounverb

I. noun1 belief that sth you want will happen2 sth you wish for3 sb/sth that will help you get what you want1 belief that sth you want will happenADJECTIVE | … OF HOPE | VERB + hope | hope + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeep (esp. AmE), fervent, greata feeling of considerable hopeIt is my fervent hope that you will be able to take this project forward.high (only used with hopes)We have high hopes for the project.Hopes are high that a resolution to the conflict can be found.best, mainPrivatization seems to offer the best hope for the industry.faint, slight, vagueThere was still a faint hope that they would accept the offer.real, sincerewithout any real hope of successIt is my sincere hope that she will find happiness at last.realistic, reasonabledesperate, wildfalse, forlorn, vainHe wasn't trying to give her false hope.It seemed a forlorn hope that we would find a taxi.dashedearlyHis early hopes of freedom were now gone.last, onlyHe had one last hope to cling to.fresh, new, renewedthe treatment gave him renewed hopesuddenHer dark eyes lit with sudden hope.lingering (esp. BrE), remainingThese figures kill off any lingering hopes of an early economic recovery.personal… OF HOPEflicker, glimmer, ray, sparkI looked at her and felt a glimmer of hope.VERB + hopebe full of, cherish, entertain, feel, harbour/harbor, have, hold, seeHe secretly cherished hopes that George would marry his daughter.Political leaders do now entertain the hope that a settlement can be found.She saw little hope of meeting the targets.express, voiceThe Mexican president expressed hope for cooperation on trade.sharepin, place, putHe pinned all his hopes on getting that job.findMaybe we can find some hope for humanity after all.cling to, keep alive, live inIt is important to keep alive the hope that a peace settlement might be found.I haven't yet found a place to rent, but I live in hope.not hold outI don't hold out much hope of finding a buyer.abandon, give up, loseI didn't give up hope of being released.bring sb, give sb, offer (sb), provide, raiseThe use of fish oil to treat cancer has brought fresh hope to millions of sufferers.This announcement has raised hopes that the crisis may be coming to an end.boost (esp. BrE)The latest job figures have boosted hopes for the economy.crush, dash, destroy, end, kill, kill off, shatter, wreck (esp. BrE)Her hopes of going to college have now been dashed.hope + VERBlie, restHer only hope lay in escape.Their main hopes rest on their new striker.grow, riseHopes of a peaceful end to the strike are now growing.flare (esp. AmE), flare (AmE), spring, spring up, surgeHope flared up inside her.remainHope remains that survivors will be found.die, disappear, fadeHope faded after wrecked remains of the ship were washed onto the shore.PREPOSITIONbeyond hopedamaged beyond hope of repairin hope of, in the hope that, in hopes that (AmE)I am writing to you in the hope that you can help me obtain some information.I am writing this letter in hopes that it will be forwarded to the editor.without hopeShe felt weak and without hope.hope foryoung people who are full of hope for the futurehope ofI have no hope of winning.PHRASESevery hope of sth, little hope of sth, no hope of sth, some hope of sthWe have every hope of completing the project this year.There is little hope that they will be found alive.grounds for hope, reason for hopeWe now have good grounds for hope.keep your hopes upWe're trying to keep our hopes up.not a hope in hell (informal)You don't have a hope in hell of finding a job.a sign of hope, a symbol of hopenot get your hopes upI'll see what I can do, but don't get your hopes up too much.

2 sth you wish forADJECTIVE | VERB + hope | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig hopes, high hopesThey have high hopes for their children.futuredistantPeace is a distant hope in this war-torn region.personalunfulfilleda bitter tale of unfulfilled hopeschampionship, medal, Olympic, play-off, title, etc.the team's championship hopesVERB + hopecarryEvery time he plays he carries the hopes of the entire nation.PREPOSITIONhope for, hope ofPHRASESyour hopes and dreams, expectations, fears, etc.She told me all her hopes and dreams.

3 sb/sth that will help you get what you wantADJECTIVE | VERB + hope | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, brightlast, one, onlyHe turned to her in despair and said, ‘You're my last hope.’Our one hope was that the hurricane would change direction.medalVERB + hoperepresentHe represents our best hope for a swimming medal.PREPOSITIONhope forShe is Britain's brightest hope for a medal.hope ofThe operation was Kelly's only hope of survival.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + hope | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBcertainly, desperately, fervently, really, sincerely, very muchThey hoped desperately that their missing son would come home.I sincerely hope that you will be successful.onlyI only hope you're right.secretlyHe secretly hoped that she wouldn't be home.VERB + hope(not) dare (to)hardly dare, scarcely dare (esp. BrE)I hardly dared to hope the plan would succeed.begin tocontinue toPREPOSITIONforWe are hoping for good weather.PHRASEShope against hope (= to continue to hope for sth even though it is very unlikely)hope for the best (= to hope that sth will happen successfully, esp. where it seems likely that it will not)

hope for

hope forphr verb

Hope for is used with these nouns as the object:

miracle

hopeful

hopefulnounadj.

I. noun

Hopeful is used after these nouns:

Hopeful is used with these nouns:

II. adj.1 thinking that sth good will happen2 making you think that sth good will happen1 thinking that sth good will happenVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, seem, soundI feel hopeful that a peaceful solution will be found.become, getDon't get too hopeful. We may not be able to go.remainThe police remained hopeful that she would be found alive.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.almostPREPOSITIONaboutShe was not very hopeful about her situation.of (BrE)The police are hopeful of catching the thieves.

2 making you think that sth good will happenVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, look, seemThings aren't looking very hopeful at the moment.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.There are some fairly hopeful signs of recovery in the US market.

beginning, future, note, sign

hopefully

hopefullyadv.

Hopefully is used with these verbs:

ask, enquire, suggest

hopeless

hopelessadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, look, seemfeelShe felt lonely and completely hopeless.ADVERBabsolutely, completely, pretty, quite, totally, utterlyThe situation seemed completely hopeless.He's a pretty hopeless dancer (= very bad). (BrE)apparently, seeminglyratherPREPOSITIONat (esp. BrE)I'm absolutely hopeless at languages.with (esp. BrE)I've always been hopeless with machinery.

Hopeless is used with these nouns:

cause, longing, love, mess, romantic, situation, task

hopelessly hop on

hop onphr verb

Hop on is used with these nouns as the object:

subway, train

hop over

hop overphr verb

Hop over is used with these nouns as the object:

hopping

hoppingadv.

Hopping is used with these adjectives:

mad

horizon

horizonnoun

noun1 line where earth and sky meet2 horizons limits to knowledge/experience1 line where earth and sky meetADJECTIVE | VERB + horizon | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEnorthern, southern, etc.distant, farThe sea stretched away to the distant horizon.VERB + horizonscanThe captain scanned the horizon for any sign of other vessels.PREPOSITIONabove the horizonI watched the pale sun climb over the horizon.below the horizonThe sun was sinking rapidly below the western horizon.beyond the horizonLand was still out of sight beyond the horizon.on the horizonA cloud of dust on the horizon announced the arrival of the cavalry.over the horizonThe moon was rising over the horizon.

2 horizons limits to knowledge/experienceADJECTIVE | VERB + HORIZONS | HORIZONS + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElimited, narrownewcultural, intellectual, musical, politicalHer trips to Asia have broadened her cultural horizons.VERB + HORIZONSbroaden, expand, open up, widenIt is hoped that the course will open up new horizons for students.limit, narrowTheir horizons were limited to events within the town community.HORIZONS + VERBstretchHis horizons didn't stretch beyond his next game.PREPOSITIONbeyond your horizonThey had become aware of possibilities beyond their own limited horizons.

horizontal

horizontaladj.

Horizontal is used with these nouns:

arrow, axis, beam, dimension, direction, flight, line, perspective, plane, position, row, stripe, stroke

horizontally

horizontallyadv.

Horizontally is used with these verbs:

align, mount

hormonal

hormonaladj.

Hormonal is used with these nouns:

balance, fluctuation, imbalance

hormone

hormonenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + hormone | hormone + NOUNADJECTIVEfemale, malegrowth, sexchildren who do not produce enough growth hormoneVERB + hormoneproduce, release, secreteHormones are secreted into the bloodstream.takehormone + NOUNproductiontherapy, treatmentreplacementwomen taking hormone replacement therapydeficiency, imbalancebalance, level

horn

hornnoun

noun1 part of an animal2 warning device on a vehicle3 musical instrument1 part of an animalADJECTIVEADJECTIVEbuffalo, bull's, cow's, rhino, etc.ornaments made of rhino horncurled, curveda large bull with curved hornssharp

2 warning device on a vehicleADJECTIVE | VERB + horn | horn + VERB | horn + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcarVERB + hornbeep, blare, blow, honk, sound (BrE), toot (BrE)Passing motorists honked their horns.horn + VERBbeep, blare, honk, hoot, soundAnother horn blared behind me.horn + NOUNblastImpatient horn blasts began to sound behind him.PREPOSITIONon a/the hornHe gave a furious blast on his horn.

3 musical instrumentVERB + horn | horn + NOUNVERB + hornblowhorn + NOUNsection

horned

hornedadj.

Horned is used with these nouns:

helmet

horn-rimmed

horn-rimmedadj.

Horn-rimmed is used with these nouns:

horny

hornyadj.

Horny is used with these nouns:

horoscope

horoscopenoun

nounVERB + horoscope | horoscope + VERBVERB + horoscopecastTo cast someone's horoscope, you need to know their date and exact time of birth.readhoroscope + VERBsay sthWhat does your horoscope say?

horrendous

horrendousadj.

Horrendous is used with these nouns:

horrendously

horrendouslyadv.

Horrendously is used with these adjectives:

Horrible is used with these nouns:

horrible

horribleadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, look, seem, smell, sound, tasteADVERBreallyThat was a really horrible thing to say!absolutely, quite, trulya truly horrible sightjustIt's just horrible thinking about it.prettya pretty horrible experiencePREPOSITIONtoMy sister has always been horrible to me.

accident, crime, death, deed, disaster, dream, end, fate, feeling, habit, image, incident, man, memory, mess, mistake, monster, nightmare, noise, ordeal, place, realization, sight, smell, sound, stench, thing, thought, time, tragedy, truth, vision, weather

horribly

horriblyadv.

Horribly is used with these adjectives:

aware, confused, deformed, dirty, expensive, familiar, guilty, painful, sick, ugly, uncomfortable, wrong

Horribly is used with these verbs:

disfigure, mutilate, suffer

horrific

horrificadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, lookADVERBreallyabsolutely, quite, trulySome of the scenes we witnessed were quite horrific.fairly (BrE), pretty

Horrific is used with these nouns:

accident, act, attack, bombing, burn, crash, crime, death, image, incident, memory, murder, scene, sight, smash, story, tragedy, violence

horrified

horrifiedadj.

Horrified is used with these nouns:

disbelief, expression, fascination, look

horrifying

horrifyingadj.

Horrifying is used with these nouns:

sight, story

horror

horrornoun

noun1 feeling of fear/shock2 sth frightening/shocking1 feeling of fear/shockADJECTIVE | VERB + horror | horror + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEabject, absolute, pure, sheer, utterThe thought of working nights fills me with abject horror.mockShe raised her hands in mock horror when she saw my new haircut.VERB + horrorfeel, haveShe felt horror and pity at seeing Marcus so ill.She had a horror of snakes.fill sb withThe possibility of meeting him again filled me with horror.imagineImagine my horror when I discovered I'd be working for my ex-wife.overcomerecoil inAnna recoiled in horror as the spider approached.expresshorror + NOUNfilm (esp. BrE), movie, storyThey were trying to scare each other with horror stories about going to the dentist.PREPOSITIONin horrorThey watched in horror as the aircraft crashed to the ground.to your horrorTo his horror, he saw a dead body lying beside the road.with horrorHe realized with absolute horror that he no longer had the money.horror ofI'm trying to overcome my horror of insects.PHRASESa look of horror

2 sth frightening/shockingADJECTIVE | VERB + horrorADJECTIVEfull, real, trueHe never experienced the full horrors of trench warfare.ultimateI used to regard public speaking as the ultimate horror.unspeakableVERB + horrorcommit, inflict, perpetrateHe had witnessed horrors committed by the enemy.experience, know, suffersee, witnessdescribe

horse

horsenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + horse | horse + VERB | horse + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbeautiful, fine, good, great, lovely, magnificentHe was mounted on the finest horse you could ever see.bay, black, chestnut, grey/graythoroughbredwildunbrokennervous, restlessfrightened, startledfancied (BrE)The two most fancied horses finished last.loose, riderless, runawayThree jockeys were injured when a loose horse ran across the track.freshThey would need fresh horses if they were to reach the border the next day.fastlameheavy, shire (esp. BrE)Heavy horses were used for delivering beer.riding, saddlecarriage, cart (usually carthorse), draught/draft, draypackcavalry, policerace (usually racehorse)quarter (esp. AmE)championThey collected tissue samples for cloning from 75 champion horses.pantomime (BrE)He got a part as the rear end of a pantomime horse.rockingVERB + horsebreedown, trainget readyGet my horse ready and wait for me.saddlebe mounted on, mountdismount (esp. AmE), dismount fromridespur, spur on, urgeHe urged his horse into a gallop.leadbrush, brush down, groomshoestablehandleShe has a knack for handling horses.frightenhobble, tether, tiehorse + VERBcanter, gallop, trot, walkSeveral horses trotted past us.prancerunThere are ten horses running in the next race.plodThe weary horse plodded up the hill.neigh, snort, whinnyboltrear, rear up, shyplungeThe cart overturned, the horse plunging and rearing in its traces.fall, slip, stumbleThe horse stumbled and threw its rider.throw sbjumppull sthThey passed an old horse pulling a cart full of apples.grazestandhorse + NOUNbox (usually horsebox) (BrE), trailer (AmE)The car in front was pulling a horsebox.breeder, dealer (esp. BrE), lover, owner, rider, trainerhoovesdroppings, dung, manure, shit (slang)flesh (usually horseflesh)fair (BrE)Hundreds of animals are bought and sold at the annual horse fair.raceracing, riding (BrE) (horseback riding in AmE)show, trialsHe won second prize in a horse show.troughThe horse trough was full of stagnant water.whip (usually horsewhip)trading (usually horse-trading) (figurative)political horse-tradingPREPOSITIONon a/the horsePHRASESa horse and carriage, a horse and cart

horseback

horsebackadj.

Horseback is used with these nouns:

riding

horse-drawn

horse-drawnadj.

Horse-drawn is used with these nouns:

cab, caravan, carriage, cart, plough, vehicle, wagon

horticultural

horticulturaladj.

Horticultural is used with these nouns:

show, society

hose

hosenoun

Hose is used after these nouns:

fire, garden, radiator

hospitable

hospitableadj.

Hospitable is used with these nouns:

environment

hospital

hospitalnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + hospital | hospital + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcommunity, district (esp. BrE), localNHS (in the UK), private, public, stateday, long-stay (BrE)generalchildren's, maternity, mental, psychiatric, etc.teaching, universityfield, militaryVERB + hospitalgo into, go toHe had to go to hospital for treatment. (BrE)He had to go to the hospital for treatment. (AmE)rush sb to, take sb toShe was rushed to hospital. (BrE)She was rushed to the hospital. (AmE)admit sb to, readmit sb toHe has been readmitted to hospital. (BrE)He has been readmitted to the hospital. (AmE)stay inHow long will I have to stay in hospital? (BrE)How long will I have to stay in the hospital? (AmE)come out of, leaveShe came out of hospital this morning. (BrE)She came out of the hospital this morning. (AmE)discharge sb fromhospital + NOUNadministrator, doctor, staff, workerinpatient, outpatient, patientcare, services, treatmentclinic, unit, wardbed, roomadmission, stayrecordssystemPREPOSITIONat a/the hospitalShe works at the John Radcliffe Hospital.in (a/the) hospitalHe is in hospital recovering from surgery. (BrE)He is in the hospital recovering from surgery. (AmE)I used to work as a cleaner in a hospital.to (a/the) hospitalHe was taken to hospital as a precaution. (BrE)He was taken to the hospital as a precaution. (AmE)We went to the hospital to visit my grandmother.PHRASESadmission to hospital (BrE), admission to the hospital (AmE)a stay in hospital (BrE), a stay in the hospital (AmE)

hospitality

hospitalitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + hospitality | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgenerous, gracious (esp. AmE), lavish (esp. BrE), warmScottish, Southern, etc.corporatethe company's corporate hospitality budgetVERB + hospitalityextend (formal), offer (sb), provide (sb with), show sbWe would like to thank you for the warm hospitality extended to us during our recent visit.acceptWe were glad to accept their generous hospitality.enjoyrepay, returnYou must allow me to repay your hospitality.abuse (esp. BrE)PREPOSITIONhospitality toa duty to offer hospitality to strangers

host

hostnounverb

I. noun1 person who receives and entertains visitors2 person who introduces a television or radio show1 person who receives and entertains visitorsADJECTIVE | VERB + host | host + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcharming (esp. BrE), generous, genial, good, gracious, perfectGeorge was a perfect host.VERB + hostact as, playThe town is playing host to a film crew.host + NOUNcity, club (esp. BrE), community, country, family, government, nation, society, stateThe host club is to be congratulated on its organization of the tournament.PREPOSITIONhost toThe park is host to a beautiful ornamental lake.

2 person who introduces a television or radio showADJECTIVEADJECTIVEchat-show (BrE), game-show, radio, talk-show, television, TVThe event will be opened by television host Bill Punter.guest

II. verbADVERB | VERB + host | PHRASESADVERBjointlyThe tournament is to be jointly hosted by India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.VERB + hostagree to, offer tobe keen to (BrE)The country is very keen to host the Winter Olympics in six years' time.PHRASESa bid to host sththe city's bid to host the Olympic Games in the year 2008

Host is used with these nouns as the object:

bash, ceremony, championship, concert, conference, convention, debate, dinner, evening, event, exhibit, exhibition, fair, feast, festival, final, forum, gala, game, gathering, guest, luncheon, meeting, party, premiere, programme, reception, seminar, show, site, summit, talk, tournament, website, workshop

hostage

hostagenoun

nounVERB + hostageVERB + hostagehold (sb), keep (sb)Eight people were held hostage for four months.seize, take (sb)The gunmen took 24 hostages.free, release, rescuediplomatic efforts to get the hostages releasedexecute, kill

hostel

hostelnoun

noun1 place for students, etc. to stay2 (BrE) place for homeless people to stay1 place for students, etc. to stayADJECTIVE | VERB + hostel | hostel + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEstudent (esp. BrE), youthVERB + hostelstay atWe stayed at a youth hostel in Perugia.hostel + NOUNaccommodation (BrE), accommodations (AmE)PREPOSITIONat a/the hostelWe stayed at a student hostel during the conference.

2 (BrE) place for homeless people to stayADJECTIVE | VERB + hostel | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVErefugeebed-and-breakfastbail, probationa probation hostel for young offendersVERB + hostelstay at, stay inhomeless families staying in bed and breakfast hostelsPREPOSITIONin a/the hostelHe lives in a hostel for the homeless.

hostess

hostessnoun

Hostess is used before these nouns:

gift, trolley

hostile

hostileadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, feel, seembecome, turnremainmake sbThe experience has made him generally hostile to women.consider sth, deem sth, perceive sth as, regard sth as, see sth asThey were reluctant to take any step that might be regarded as hostile.ADVERBbitterly, decidedly, deeply, downright, extremely, positively (esp. BrE), unremittingly, veryHe was deeply hostile to the idea of psychotherapy.The audience gave him a downright hostile reception.entirely, totallyincreasinglyapparentlypotentiallygenerallyactively, openly, overtly (esp. AmE)mutuallyuniformlyThe press became uniformly hostile to the new administration.PREPOSITIONtoMany people were openly hostile to the idea.towards/towardHe was extremely hostile towards/toward her.

Hostile is used with these nouns:

act, atmosphere, attitude, audience, bid, camp, climate, comment, critic, criticism, crowd, environment, feeling, fire, force, glare, mob, neighbour, questioning, reaction, reception, regime, review, takeover, territory, tribe, witness

hostility

hostilitynoun

noun1 opposition/aggressive feelings or actions2 hostilities fighting in a war1 opposition/aggressive feelings or actionsADJECTIVE | VERB + hostility | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbitter (esp. BrE), considerable, deep, extreme, great, implacabledownright, open, outright, overtMixed-race couples faced open hostility.veiledThere was a barely veiled hostility in her tone.general, widespreadpopular (esp. BrE), publicthe widespread popular hostility to the warpersonalcontinuing, growingmutualracialVERB + hostilityfeel, sensethe deep hostility felt by many teenagers against the policeexpress, showarouse, attract (esp. BrE), provokeSuch a move might arouse public hostility.be greeted with, be met with, encounter, face, meet withThe proposal was met with outright hostility.PREPOSITIONhostility betweenYou could almost feel the hostility between her and her mother.hostility against, hostility to, hostility towards/towardthe bitter hostility towards/toward the occupying forces

2 hostilities fighting in a warADJECTIVE | VERB + HOSTILITIES | HOSTILITIES + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEmajoractive (esp. AmE)VERB + HOSTILITIEScease, endBoth sides finally agreed to suspend hostilities.resume (esp. BrE)Hostilities were resumed later that year.HOSTILITIES + VERBbegin, break out, commencecease, endOn the November 11, 1918, hostilities ceased.continue, resume (esp. BrE)PREPOSITIONhostility againstthe official cessation of hostilities against Japanhostility betweenHostilities broke out between the two provinces later that year.PHRASESthe cessation of hostilitiesan outbreak of hostilities

hot

hotadj.

adj.1 of the weather2 of a person3 of a thing4 spicy1 of the weatherVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecome, get, grow, turnThe sun shone fiercely down and it grew hotter and hotter.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.baking (esp. BrE), blazing, boiling, exceptionally, extremely, incredibly, intensely, oppressively, really, scorching, stiflingly, swelteringly, unbearably, uncomfortably, unusuallya boiling hot summer dayIt was unbearably hot in the car.a little, slightly, etc.This weather's a little hot for me.

2 of a personVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, lookDon't you feel hot so close to the fire?get, grow, turnShe was beginning to get uncomfortably hot.His face grew hot at the memory of his embarrassment.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.boiling, burning, uncomfortablyI was boiling hot and sweaty.His forehead was burning hot.a little, slightly, etc.

3 of a thingVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, look, seemgetkeep, stayThe food should stay hot until we're ready to eat.keep sthThe containers keep the food hot for five hours.eat sth, serve sthServe hot or cold accompanied by bread and a salad.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.Wash the tablecloth in fairly hot soapy water.scaldingpiping, sizzling, steaming (all used about food)a bowl of piping hot soupMake sure the fat is sizzling hot.a little, slightly, etc.moderatelyBake in a moderately hot oven.enoughThe ground was hot enough to fry an egg.

4 spicyVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, tasteADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.I love really hot food.That was a pretty hot curry!a little, slightly, etc.

Hot is used with these nouns:

afternoon, air, ash, bath, biscuit, blast, blood, breakfast, breath, broiler, cheek, chilli, chocolate, cider, cinder, climate, coal, coffee, commodity, country, cup, curry, date, day, desert, destination, dish, drink, fat, favourite, fire, flame, flash, flush, food, furnace, gas, glare, grill, guy, iron, key, lunch, meal, metal, milk, month, mouth, mug, mustard, news, nightclub, oven, pan, pepper, pink, prospect, restaurant, room, sand, sauce, sensation, sex, show, shower, snack, soup, spell, spot, spring, starter, steam, sting, stove, streak, summer, sun, sunlight, sunshine, supper, tap, tea, tear, temper, temperature, tip, topic, towel, tub, water, weather

hot-air

hot-airadj.

Hot-air is used with these nouns:

hot dog

hot dognoun

Hot dog is used before these nouns:

bun, stand

hotel

hotelnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + hotel | hotel + VERB | hotel + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, largelittle, small250-room, etc.cheap, expensivefive-star, four-star, etc.beautiful, comfortable, de luxe, elegant, excellent, fancy (esp. AmE), fine, first-class, good, grand, luxurious, luxury, nice, pleasant (esp. BrE), posh (esp. BrE), quality (esp. BrE), smart (esp. AmE), topall the style and comfort that only the best hotels can provideIt was a luxury hotel with its own swimming pool and restaurant.boutiqueseedymodernold, traditionalfriendly (BrE)family-friendly, gay-friendly, pet-friendly, etc.family, family-run (esp. BrE)a family hotel with a playground for small childrena friendly family-run hotelindependent, privateinternationalairportcountry (esp. BrE), country-house (BrE)a small country hotelholiday (BrE), resort, touristbeachfront (esp. AmE), seafront (BrE), seaside (esp. BrE)local, nearbyVERB + hotelstay at, stay inWe're staying at a cheap hotel near the train station.book in at (BrE), book into (esp. BrE), check in at, check in intoWe checked into the hotel, then went for a walk along the beachfront.check out ofbookfindownmanage, runbuildhotel + VERBbe located, be situatedThe hotel is situated in the heart of the city.boast sth, feature sth, have sth, offer sth, provide sthThe hotel features a beautiful dining room overlooking the lake.The hotel offers excellent facilities.hotel + NOUNaccommodation (BrE), accommodations (AmE), bedroom, room, suitereservationbedbar, restaurantfoyer, lobbymanager, owner, workermanagement, staffguestindustrychain, groupPREPOSITIONat a/the hotelWe met at the hotel.in a/the hotelWe're staying in a hotel near the beach.

hotline

hotlinenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + hotlineADJECTIVEtelephone24-hourfree, toll-free (AmE)customer-service, information, ticketnationalcredit-card (BrE)suicide (esp. AmE)VERB + hotlinecall, phone, ring (BrE)Call our 24-hour hotline to find out if you have won a prize.establish, set upA telephone hotline has been set up to give information about schedules.have, runThe company has an information hotline that customers can call if they are worried about products.

hotly

hotlyadv.

Hotly is used with these verbs:

blush, contest, debate, deny, dispute, retort, tip

hotshot

hotshotadj.

Hotshot is used with these nouns:

lawyer

hot-water

hot-wateradj.

Hot-water is used with these nouns:

bottle, faucet, heater, tap

hot-wire

hot-wireverb

Hot-wire is used with these nouns as the object:

hound

houndnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF HOUNDS | hound + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEhunting… OF HOUNDSpackhound + VERBbark, bayWe could hear the hounds barking at the fox.pick up the scentThe hounds picked up the scent of the fox.chase sth, follow sth, pursue sthIn this sport, hounds chase an artificial scent.runPHRASESride to hounds (BrE)Days off were spent riding to hounds (= hunting with horses and dogs).

hour

hournoun

noun1 period of sixty minutes2 the hour time when a new hour starts3 time when you do a particular activity4 hours time when sb is working/a business is open5 time when sth happens1 period of sixty minutesADJECTIVE | VERB + hour | hour + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfull, solidI slept for eight solid hours.contact, credit (AmE) (both education)the number of contact hours per weekVERB + hourtakeIt takes two hours to get to Vancouver.spendwastelastThe performance lasted three hours.gain, loseYou lose five hours when you fly from New York to London.hour + VERBgo by, passAn hour passed and she still hadn't arrived.PREPOSITIONby the hourThey're paid by the hour.for an hourShe worked for three hours.in an hour, within an hourI should be back within a couple of hours.over an hour, under an hourHe's been gone for over an hour.per hourTop speed is 120 miles per hour.within the hourWe hope to be there within the hour (= in less than an hour).hour ofThere are still two hours of daylight left.PHRASEShalf an hourhour after hourin an hour's time (esp. BrE)with every passing hourShe grew more worried with every passing hour.

2 the hour time when a new hour startsVERB + the hour | PREPOSITIONVERB + the hourchime, strikeThe clock struck the hour.PREPOSITIONon the hourBuses leave every hour on the hour.past the hourten minutes past the hourto the hour (esp. BrE)ten minutes to the hour

3 time when you do a particular activityADJECTIVE | VERB + hour | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElunchpeak, rushrush-hour traffichappy (= time in the early evening when a bar sells alcoholic drinks at lower prices than usual)VERB + hourspendI spent my lunch hour shopping.PREPOSITIONhour ofan hour of rest

4 hours time when sb is working/a business is openADJECTIVE | VERB + HOURS | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEoffice, opening, visiting, workingthe hospital's visiting hoursflexiblelongregularlicensing (BrE)Britain's licensing hours (= when pubs are allowed to open)VERB + HOURSworkShe works very long hours.keepHe keeps regular hours.PREPOSITIONafter hourHe spends a lot of time in his office after hours.out of hour (esp. BrE)Doctors often have to work out of hours.

5 time when sth happensADJECTIVE | hour + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdarkest, finestThe war years were often thought of as the country's finest hour.antisocial (esp. BrE), unearthly (esp. BrE), ungodly, unsocial (esp. BrE)I apologize for calling you at this ungodly hour.Bakers have to work unsocial hours.early, early-morning (esp. AmE), small, wee small hours (= the hours after midnight)The party continued well into the early hours.latewakingShe spends every waking hour at the gym.hour + VERBcomeThe hour had come for us to leave.PREPOSITIONbetween the hours ofThe office is closed between the hours of twelve and two.hour ofthe hours of darknessPHRASESyour hour of needShe helped me in my hour of need.

hourglass

hourglassadj.

Hourglass is used with these nouns:

figure, shape

hour-long

hour-longadj.

Hour-long is used with these nouns:

documentary, drama, episode, meeting, video, visit

hourly

hourlyadj.

Hourly is used with these nouns:

earnings, employee, fee, parking, pay, rate, wage

house

housenounverb

I. noun1 building that is made for one family to live in2 in a theatre/theater1 building that is made for one family to live inADJECTIVE | VERB + house | house + VERB | house + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbeautiful, comfortable, elegant, fancy (esp. AmE), fine, grand, handsome, lovely, luxurious, magnificent, posh (esp. BrE), prettydreamThey built their own dream house overlooking the river.dingy, gloomy, uglyderelict, dilapidated, ramshackle, shabby, untidy (BrE)abandoneddetached, semi-detachedrow (AmE), terrace (BrE), terraced (BrE)big, enormous, gigantic, huge, large, palatial, spaciousramblingIt was easy to get lost in the rambling house.little, modest, small, tinyThey lived in a modest semi-detached house in the suburbs.single-storey/single-story, single-storeyed/single-storied, two-storey/two-story, etc.four-bedroom, four-bedroomed, eight-room, eight-roomed, etc.brick, gabled (esp. BrE), half-timbered (esp. BrE), red-brick, thatchedexpensiveprivatecouncil (BrE)rentedempty, unoccupied, vacantcountry, suburban, town (usually townhouse in AmE)great, manor (BrE), mansion (esp. BrE)The great house stood on the edge of the town.farm (usually farmhouse)ranch (AmE)tract (AmE)ancestralcommunal, group (AmE), shared (BrE)I live in a group/shared house (= with people who are not my family).summerbeachtreehalfway, safea halfway house for prisoners returning to societyThe police provided a safe house for the informer.hauntedVERB + houselive in, occupya house occupied by studentsshareShe shares a house with three other nurses.buy, rentsellhave, ownlet (esp. BrE), let out (esp. BrE), rent outWe let out our house when we moved to America.We're only planning on renting the house out for a few years.repossess (esp. BrE)Their house was repossessed when they couldn't keep up their mortgage payments.move (BrE), move into, move out ofIt's stressful moving house.We had to move out of our house.set upThey want to set up house together.keepShe kept house (= cooked, cleaned, etc.) for her elderly parents.playThe children were playing house, giving dinner to their dolls.builddemolish, knock down, tear downmaintaindecorate (esp. BrE), do up (BrE), redecorate, refurbish, renovateThey bought an old house and are gradually renovating it.furnishcleaninsulate, rewireadd onto, extendWe're hoping to extend the house.Our challenge was to add onto the house in a respectful way.searchPolice officers have been searching the house for clues.wake upYou'll wake up the whole house (= all the people in the house) with that noise.house + VERBbe situated, lie, standThe house stood a short distance from the woods.face sth, overlook sthThe house faces south, making the most of the sun.houses overlooking the parkloomThe house loomed over him as he waited at the front door.be worth sthcollapse, fall downburn down, catch fire, catch on fire (AmE)come into viewhouse + NOUNagent (BrE)buyer, ownerThe bank offers attractive rates to first-time house buyers.tenant (BrE)building, constructiondecoration (BrE), improvement (esp. BrE), renovation, repairsbuilder, paintercontents (esp. BrE)design, plan, planninghuntingmove (esp. BrE)They helped us with our house move.prices, rents (esp. BrE), values (esp. BrE)purchasesalesinsurance (esp. BrE) (usually home insurance in AmE)front, interiornumberkeysguestcallIn the morning, the doctor makes house calls.arrestThe former dictator is under house arrest in his country mansion.dustblaze (BrE), firepartyhusbandHe's happy being a house husband while his wife goes out to work.plantfly, mouse, sparrow, etc.PREPOSITIONat sb's/the houseI finally tracked him down at his house in Denver.from house to houseShe went from house to house collecting signatures for her campaign.in a/the houseIt was so hot outside we stayed in the house.

2 in a theatre/theaterADJECTIVE | VERB + house | house + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEemptyfull, packedVERB + houseplay toThey played to a packed house.house + NOUNlightsmanagerPHRASESbring the house down (= please the audience very much)front of house (= the area used by the audience)I work front of house.the front-of-house staff

II. verbADVERBADVERBpermanently, temporarilyThe fish can be temporarily housed in a smaller aquarium.individually, separatelyThe rabbits were housed individually.adequately (esp. BrE)At no time in the 19th century were the working classes adequately housed.badly (esp. BrE)The losers in this society are the homeless and badly housed.

House is used with these nouns as the subject:

building, facility, gallery, museum

House is used with these nouns as the object:

archive, collection, exhibit, exhibition, inmate, machinery, museum, refugee

household

householdnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + household | household + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEaverageThe average household spends more on housing than on food.domestic, private, etc.rural, urbanpoor, wealthyroyalHe was a member of the royal household.middle-class, working-classhigh-income, low-income, poor, etc.family, married-couple, single-parent, single-person, etc.VERB + householdmaintain, manage, runheadhouseholds headed by a single parentset upBecoming an adult and setting up a household no longer mean the same thing.household + NOUNappliance, contents (esp. BrE), furniture, goods, item, productThe household contents are covered by a separate insurance policy.cleanerbills, budget, debt, expenditure, expenses, income, savingschore, duties, taskgarbage (AmE), rubbish (BrE), trash (AmE), wastePHRASESthe head of the householdThe head of the household is responsible for completing the form.

II. adj.

Household is used with these nouns:

appliance, article, budget, cat, chemical, chore, cleaner, composition, consumption, dust, duty, expenditure, expense, finance, formation, fuel, furniture, gadget, garbage, goods, help, hint, income, insurance, item, linen, management, member, name, object, pet, plumbing, product, refrigerator, refuse, responsibility, rubbish, saving, sector, servant, shrine, size, structure, survey, task, wares, waste, wealth, word

household contents

household contentsnoun

Household contents is used before these nouns:

housekeeping

housekeepingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | housekeeping + NOUNADJECTIVEgoodThe company has made considerable savings through good housekeeping, such as avoiding wastage.bad, poorMy financial problems were made worse by my bad housekeeping.housekeeping + NOUNallowance (BrE), money (esp. BrE)Her husband spent the housekeeping money on gambling.

house-to-house

house-to-houseadj.

House-to-house is used with these nouns:

collection, enquiry, fighting, search

house-warming

house-warmingnoun

House-warming is used before these nouns:

party, present

housework

houseworknoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + housework | PHRASESADJECTIVEheavy, lightThe doctor said I could do a little light housework.VERB + houseworkdoI spent all morning doing housework.help withHer husband never helps with the housework.PHRASESdo your share of the houseworkHe does his fair share of housework.

housing

housingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + housing | housing + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEaffordable, cheap, good, low-cost, low-income (esp. AmE)They provide good low-cost housing for workers.subsidized (esp. AmE), supported (BrE)decent, goodadequatebad (esp. BrE), inadequate, poor (esp. BrE), substandard (esp. AmE)Many health problems are made worse by inadequate housing.permanent, temporarycouncil (BrE), local-authority (BrE), public (esp. AmE), public-sector (BrE), social (esp. BrE)Public expenditure on social housing provision has doubled in the last five years.privaterental (AmE), rented (BrE)studentsheltered (BrE)sheltered housing for old peoplehigh-rise, terraced (BrE)The area is dominated by terraced housing.rural, urbanVERB + housingbuild, providehousing + NOUNassociation (BrE), authority, committee (BrE), department, officeconditionscomplex, development, estate (BrE), programme/program, project (AmE), scheme (BrE), unitMany new housing developments had sprung up around the city.constructionprovision (esp. BrE)stockmarketpricescrisis, shortageboom, bubbleWhat happens when the housing boom finally slows?allowance, assistance, benefit (BrE), subsidy (esp. AmE), voucher (AmE)She receives a substantial housing allowance on top of her salary.I received housing benefit when I was unemployed.PREPOSITIONin … housingToo many families are still living in substandard housing.

housing association

housing associationnoun

Housing association is used before these nouns:

tenant

HOV

HOVadj.

HOV is used with these nouns:

lane

hover

hoververb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBnearbyanxiouslyHe was hovering anxiously outside.uncertainlyShe hovered uncertainly near the front door.menacinglyBlack clouds were hovering menacingly on the horizon.PREPOSITIONabout (esp. BrE), around, behind, by, nearShe couldn't bear him hovering around her.PHRASEShover in the backgroundSusan was hovering in the background, uncertain what to do.hover in the doorway

Hover is used with these nouns as the subject:

cloud, hand, hawk, helicopter, mist, moon, vulture

hovering

hoveringadj.

Hovering is used with these nouns:

helicopter

hover over

hover overphr verb

Hover over is used with these nouns as the subject:

spectre

howitzer

howitzernoun

Howitzer is used before these nouns:

Howl is used with these nouns as the subject:

howl

howlnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + howl | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElongloudeerie, unearthlyHe broke down and let out an unearthly howl.VERB + howlgive, let outhearPREPOSITIONwith a howlWith a howl he leaped at his foe.howl ofa howl of painhowls of laughter/protestPHRASESbe greeted with howls of sth, be met with howls of sth (both esp. BrE)His comments were met with howls of outrage.

II. verb

dog, wind, wolf

howler

howlernoun

Howler is used before these nouns:

monkey

howling

howlingadj.

Howling is used with these nouns:

blizzard, gale, mob, wilderness, wind

how-to

how-toadj.

How-to is used with these nouns:

article, book, guide, manual

HRnoun

HR is used before these nouns:

department

HTML

HTMLnoun

HTML is used before these nouns:

code, document, file, page

hub

hubnoun

Hub is used before these nouns:

airport, cap

Hub is used after these nouns:

transit, transport, transportation, wheel

huddle

huddlenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + huddle | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElittle, small, tightVERB + huddleget into, go intoThe team went into a huddle at half-time to discuss their tactics.break (in American football)PREPOSITIONin a huddleThey stood in a tight huddle, whispering.huddle ofA little huddle of men stood in one corner.

huddled

huddledadj.

adj.VERBS | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, lie, sit, standFelipe sat huddled in his chair.find sbShe found him huddled in a corner, shaking violently.PREPOSITIONagainstKaren was huddled against the wall.beneath, underShe lay huddled under the blankets.inHe slept, huddled in an armchair.

huff

huffnoun

nounVERB + huff | PREPOSITIONVERB + huffbe in, get in, go off inPREPOSITIONin a huffHe's in a huff because he wasn't invited.She went off in a huff after losing the game.huff overAlison's in a huff over the joke they played on her.

hug

hugnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + hug | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, hugeaffectionate, comforting, friendly, loving, reassuring, warmtightquickgroupCome on, everyone—time for a group hug.VERB + huggive sbHe gave the children a quick hug, then got into the car.getIt was always nice to get a hug from Evan.PHRASEShugs and kisses

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBclose, tight, tightlyGeorge went to his daughter and hugged her tightly.gentlybackShe gave him a big hug and he hugged her back.PREPOSITIONtoHe reached out and hugged her to him.PHRASEShug and kiss sb

Hug is used with these nouns as the object:

coast, curve, knee, shore

huge

hugeadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, lookbecome, growHer eyes grew huge in astonishment.ADVERBpretty, reallyThis is a really huge amount of money.absolutelyTheir house is absolutely huge!potentiallyThere's a potentially huge demand for this product.

Huge is used with these nouns:

accomplishment, advantage, amount, appetite, arc, area, army, array, auditorium, backlog, bang, bank, beast, believer, belly, benefit, bet, bill, blast, blaze, block, bloom, blow, blunder, bomb, bonus, boon, boost, bouquet, breakthrough, budget, building, bulk, bump, bunch, burden, bureaucracy, burst, campaign, cast, catch, challenge, chasm, cheer, chest, chunk, city, closet, cloud, collection, colony, column, commotion, complex, conglomerate, contract, contribution, corporation, cost, crack, crash, crater, creature, crowd, crush, cut, debt, deficit, demand, demonstration, dent, desk, difference, disadvantage, disappointment, disaster, discount, discrepancy, disparity, distance, distraction, dividend, door, drop, earthquake, effort, ego, embarrassment, emphasis, empire, enjoyment, estate, exaggeration, expanse, expansion, expenditure, expense, explosion, eye, fan, favour, favourite, feast, fee, festival, fight, fine, fire, fireplace, fist, fleet, flower, following, fuss, gain, gamble, gap, grin, gulf, gulp, gust, hall, headache, help, helping, herd, hit, hole, house, hug, idol, imbalance, impact, impression, improvement, incentive, increase, influx, investment, jigsaw, joke, kick, kitchen, lake, lead, leap, library, lift, loophole, lorry, loss, lump, machine, majority, mall, mansion, margin, market, marquee, mess, miscalculation, mistake, monster, mortgage, mound, mouth, mouthful, mural, nose, number, obstacle, office, outcry, outlay, ovation, overdraft, palace, part, penis, percentage, piece, pile, pillar, pool, popularity, portion, potential, problem, profit, project, proportion, quantity, question mark, rally, range, reduction, relief, reserve, reservoir, responsibility, reward, rise, risk, roar, role, room, row, sacrifice, salary, sale, saving, scale, scope, screen, selection, set, setback, settlement, shake-up, shape, shift, shock, shopping centre, shoulder, sigh, skyscraper, slab, slice, smile, snake, spider, splash, statue, step, stock, story, stretch, stride, subsidy, success, sum, surge, surplus, surprise, swing, table, tanker, task, tear, temptation, thank you, thigh, toll, tooth, total, traffic jam, tree, trouble, truck, turnout, undertaking, unemployment, uproar, upset, upsurge, variety, victory, void, volume, vote, waste, wave, window, workload, yard, yawn

hugely hugger

huggernoun

Hugger is used after these nouns:

hula

hulaadj.

Hula is used with these nouns:

Hum is used with these nouns as the subject:

hum

humnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + hum | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfaint, gentle, softlowhigh-pitchedconstant, steadyI could hear the constant hum of distant traffic.backgroundVERB + humhearPREPOSITIONhum ofthe background hum of the air-conditioning

II. verbADVERB | VERB + hum | PHRASESADVERBquietly, softlyloudlyhappilytunelesslyalongI was humming along with the music.VERB + humbegin toHe began to hum, somewhat tunelessly.PHRASEShum to yourselfShe was humming softly to herself.

bee, economy, engine, machine, refrigerator

Hum is used with these nouns as the object:

bar, melody, snatch, tune

hum along

hum alongphr verb

Hum along is used with these nouns as the subject:

hum along with

hum along withphr verb

Hum along with is used with these nouns as the object:

tune

human

humanadj.

Human is used with these nouns:

achievement, activity, affair, agent, anatomy, ancestor, aspect, aspiration, attribute, barricade, behaviour, being, biology, blood, body, bone, brain, capability, capacity, capital, cargo, casualty, catastrophe, cell, chain, character, characteristic, civilization, communication, companion, companionship, compassion, comprehension, condition, conduct, consciousness, contact, context, corpse, cost, creativity, cruelty, culture, decency, desire, destiny, development, dignity, dilemma, dimension, disaster, drama, drive, dwelling, ear, ecology, ego, element, embryo, emotion, empathy, endeavour, endurance, equality, error, essence, evolution, excellence, existence, experience, exploitation, exploration, exposure, expression, face, factor, faculty, faeces, failing, family, feeling, figure, flesh, folly, form, frailty, freedom, fulfilment, gene, genetics, geography, greed, guinea pig, happiness, health, heart, history, imagination, impact, impulse, individual, individuality, infant, influenza, ingenuity, inhabitant, instinct, intellect, intelligence, interaction, interest, intervention, kindness, knowledge, liberty, life, limitation, longing, love, memory, milk, mind, misery, morality, motivation, motive, nature, need, nutrition, observer, organ, organism, origin, parasite, passion, perception, perfection, population, potential, predicament, presence, progress, psychology, race, reason, reasoning, refuse, relation, relationship, remains, reproduction, resource, right, sacrifice, scale, scent, science, self, selfishness, settlement, sexuality, shape, shield, skeleton, skull, slavery, smuggling, society, solidarity, soul, species, speech, spirit, stupidity, subject, suffering, survival, sympathy, tendency, tissue, toll, torso, touch, tragedy, trait, trial, understanding, urge, value, vanity, virtue, volunteer, want, warmth, waste, weakness, welfare, well-being, will, wreckage

humane

humaneadj.

Humane is used with these nouns:

society, treatment

humanely

humanelyadv.

Humanely is used with these verbs:

destroy, slaughter, treat

humanitarian

humanitarianadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBpurelyBoth countries say their intervention is purely humanitarian.essentially

Humanitarian is used with these nouns:

aid, assistance, catastrophe, cause, convoy, crisis, disaster, effort, emergency, ground, intervention, mission, need, ration, reason, relief, supply, work, worker

humanity

humanitynoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEgreat, truecommon, sharedGuilt and a sense of common humanity make people less harsh.

humanly

humanlyadv.

Humanly is used with these adjectives:

impossible, possible

humanoid

humanoidadj.

Humanoid is used with these nouns:

creature

human rights

human rightsnoun

Human rights is used before these nouns:

abuse, atrocity, convention, lawyer, legislation, movement, organization, record, supporter, treaty, violation

human-to-human

human-to-humanadj.

Human-to-human is used with these nouns:

transmission

humble

humbleadj.

Humble is used with these nouns:

abode, apology, cottage, dwelling, folk, home, origin, root, servant

humbling

humblingadj.

Humbling is used with these nouns:

humbly

humblyadv.

Humbly is used with these verbs:

apologize, beg, pray, submit, suggest

humdrum

humdrumadj.

Humdrum is used with these nouns:

existence, routine

humid

humidadj.

Humid is used with these nouns:

air, atmosphere, climate, condition, heat, night, summer, weather

humidity

humiditynoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF HUMIDITY | VERB + humidity | humidity + VERB | humidity + NOUNADJECTIVEhigh, lowambient (technical), relativein dry weather, when the ambient humidity is low… OF HUMIDITYlevelVERB + humiditycontrolThe air con controls the temperature and humidity in all the rooms.maintainincrease, reducehumidity + VERBincrease, risedrophumidity + NOUNlevelcontrolThe museum is equipped with sophisticated humidity controls.

humiliate

humiliateverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBdeeplycompletely, totally, utterlyShe felt completely humiliated.publiclyLowe was publicly humiliated by his colleagues.PREPOSITIONin front ofI had been assaulted and deeply humiliated in front of all my friends.PHRASESfeel humiliatedI have never felt so humiliated in all my life.

humiliating

humiliatingadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbefind sthADVERBdeeply, verytotally, utterlyHe found the experience utterly humiliating.pretty, ratherPREPOSITIONforIt was pretty humiliating for him to lose in that way.toa settlement that was deeply humiliating to their country

Humiliating is used with these nouns:

defeat, failure, rebuff, retreat, snub, U-turn

humiliation

humiliationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + humiliation | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreat, painfultotal, utterfurtherdailyThese people endure daily humiliation.publicnationalfinal, ultimateHe was forced to face the ultimate humiliation the next morning.sexualVERB + humiliationbe subjected to, endure, face, sufferShe suffered the humiliation of having her house searched.feelThey felt the intense humiliation of having failed.PHRASESa feeling of humiliation, a sense of humiliation

humorous

humorousadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomefind sthADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.gently, mildly, slightlyShe has written her description of him in a mildly humorous vein.unintentionallyblackly, darkly, wrylyThe stories range from the darkly humorous to the despairing.

Humorous is used with these nouns:

anecdote, look, moment, poem, tale, tone, touch, verse

humour

humournoun

(BrE) (AmE humor) noun1 amusing quality/ability to find things funny2 mood1 amusing quality/ability to find things funnyADJECTIVE | … OF HUMOUR/HUMOR | VERB + humour/humor | PHRASESADJECTIVEwryWith wry humour, they laugh at their misfortunes.ironic, tongue-in-cheekself-deprecatingdeadpan, drygentle, subtleslyirreverentblack, dark, gallows, grimcaustic, sardonicslapstick, visualunintentionalschoolboy (BrE)His colleagues soon got fed up with his schoolboy humour.lavatorial, toilet (both esp. BrE)gross-out (informal, esp. AmE)This movie takes crude gross-out humour to a new low.… OF HUMOUR/HUMORtouchHer speech was serious, but not without the occasional touch of humour.VERB + humour/humorbe full of, containThe stories are full of humour.useThe movie uses humour to make its points.appreciate, seeThe man who lost his shoes failed to see the humour of the situation.PHRASESa brand of humoura television sitcom with its own peculiar brand of humoursense of humourto have a dry/good/great/warped/weird/wicked sense of humour

2 moodADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEgoodHer good humour was restored by the excellent meal.PHRASESin (a) good humourThe remarks were made in good humour.He was obviously in a good humour this evening.

humourless

humourlessadj.

Humourless/humorless is used with these nouns:

humourlessly

humourlesslyadv.

Humourlessly/humorlessly is used with these verbs:

hump

humpnoun

Hump is used after these nouns:

road, speed

humpback

humpbacknoun

Humpback is used before these nouns:

bridge

hunch

hunchnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + hunch | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEstrong (esp. AmE)VERB + hunchhaveI had a hunch that she was not telling the truth.act on, follow, playActing on a hunch, I waited outside her house to see if she went out.I decided to follow my hunch and come and see you.confirmHer hunches were confirmed the next day.back (esp. BrE)He decided to back his hunches with serious money.PREPOSITIONon a hunchI called on a hunch to ask if he had any work for me.

II. verb

Hunch is used with these nouns as the object:

back, shoulder

hung

hungadj.

Hung is used with these nouns:

jury, parliament

hunger

hungernoun

noun1 feeling of wanting to eat2 strong desire for sth1 feeling of wanting to eatADJECTIVE | VERB + hunger | hunger + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEextremeAny good weight loss regime should not lead to extreme hunger.constantglobal, worldVERB + hungerfeelIt is usual to feel hunger during exercise.be weak from, be weak withdie from, die ofThousands of people have died of hunger.alleviate, relieve, satisfyways to alleviate world hungerPerhaps the cat was killing to satisfy its hunger.endthe campaign to end world hungerhunger + NOUNpangsmid-morning, when those hunger pangs strikestrikeAbout 60 prisoners have gone on hunger strike.PHRASESpangs of hunger

2 strong desire for sthADJECTIVE | VERB + hunger | hunger + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdeep, great, insatiablerealThere is a real hunger and passion for football in China.spiritualVERB + hungerfeel, havesatisfyhunger + VERBgrowPREPOSITIONhunger forShe has an insatiable hunger for knowledge.

hungrily

hungrilyadv.

Hungrily is used with these verbs:

devour, eat, eye, kiss

hungry

hungryadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, go, lookthe number of children who have to go hungrybecome, getmake sbSeeing everyone eating had made him extremely hungry.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.desperately, ravenously, terriblyWe were all ravenously hungry after the walk.a little, slightly, etc.alwaysstill

Hungry is used with these nouns:

eye, kiss, look, mouth, wolf

hunt

huntnounverb

I. noun1 hunting wild animals2 searching for sb/sth1 hunting wild animalsADJECTIVE | VERB + hunt | hunt + NOUNADJECTIVEbear, fox, seal, tiger, etc.VERB + huntgo on, take part inShe had never taken part in a fox hunt before.hunt + NOUNfollower, supporter (both BrE)Hunt followers deny the sport is cruel.saboteur (BrE)clashes between hunt supporters and hunt saboteursmeeting (BrE)

2 searching for sb/sthADJECTIVE | VERB + hunt | hunt + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEmassive, nationwide (both esp. BrE)Police launched a nationwide hunt for the woman.police (BrE)murder (BrE)Police forces in five counties are now involved in the murder hunt.scavenger (esp. AmE), treasurejobwitch (usually witch-hunt) (often figurative)The investigation turned into a full-scale Communist witch-hunt.VERB + huntbegin, launch (esp. BrE)A massive police hunt was launched for the missing child.continuePolice are continuing their hunt for the arsonist.lead (esp. BrE)Detectives leading the hunt for the killer believe he may be in hiding.joinstep up (esp. BrE)The mountain rescue team is stepping up its hunt for the missing climbers.call off (esp. BrE)The hunt for survivors has now been called off.hunt + VERBbegin, be onThe hunt is on for potential employees with experience of electronic publishing.continuePREPOSITIONhunt for

II. verb

Hunt is used with these nouns as the subject:

cat, lion, spider, wolf

Hunt is used with these nouns as the object:

animal, burglar, culprit, duck, elephant, fox, killer, murderer, rabbit, robber, seal, whale

hunt down

hunt downphr verb

Hunt down is used with these nouns as the object:

murderer

hunter

hunternoun

Hunter is used after these nouns:

autograph, bargain, duck, fortune, job, whale

hunt for

hunt forphr verb

Hunt for is used with these nouns as the object:

clue, culprit, food, murderer, prey, treasure

hunting

huntingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + hunting | hunting + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig-game, deer, fox (usually fox-hunting), etc.He was killed by a lion while big-game hunting in Africa.commercialcommercial hunting of minke whalesillegalVERB + huntinggoLocal people go hunting in the woods.We went hunting for bargains at the antique market. (figurative)banShould fox-hunting be banned?hunting + NOUNknife, riflegroundThese waters are a hunting ground for sharks.lodgeThe king built a large hunting lodge in the mountains.tripseasonPREPOSITIONhunting ofthe hunting of deerPHRASEShappy hunting ground (figurative)Crowded markets are a happy hunting ground for pickpockets.

hurdle

hurdlenoun

noun1 in a race2 problem/difficulty1 in a raceVERB + hurdleVERB + hurdleclear, jump, jump overShe cleared the first few hurdles easily.fall at (esp. BrE), hit (esp. BrE)His horse fell at the final hurdle.

2 problem/difficultyADJECTIVE | VERB + hurdleADJECTIVEbig, difficult, highmain, major, significantfinal, first, last, nextThe first big hurdle in putting your car on the road is getting insurance.legal, regulatory, technicalVERB + hurdlefaceThis is perhaps the most difficult hurdle that we face.clear, jump, overcome, passWe'll jump each hurdle as we come to it.You have already overcome the first major hurdle by passing the entrance exam.fall at (esp. BrE), hit (esp. BrE)The plan fell at the first hurdle.

hurl

hurlverb

Hurl is used with these nouns as the object:

abuse, accusation, brick, grenade, insult, missile, spear, stone

hurricane

hurricanenoun

nounADJECTIVE | hurricane + VERB | hurricane + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEmajor, powerfulhurricane + VERBhit sth, strike (sth)A hurricane hit the city yesterday at 5 p.m.comeWe had been warned there was a hurricane coming.damage sth, destroy sth, devastate sthThe fields were devastated by the hurricane.blowThe hurricane blew ashore near San Fernando.hurricane + NOUNforcehurricane-force windswarningdamage, victimreliefseasonPREPOSITIONin a/the hurricaneThe roof blew off in a hurricane.PHRASESthe eye of the hurricane (= the central point)

hurricane-force

hurricane-forceadj.

Hurricane-force is used with these nouns:

hurried

hurriedadj.

Hurried is used with these nouns:

breakfast, footstep

hurriedly

hurriedlyadv.

Hurriedly is used with these verbs:

add, back, dress, gather, pick, push, reply, say, scribble, try

hurry

hurrynoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, great, real, tearing (esp. BrE), terrible (esp. BrE)I was late for work and in a big hurry.PREPOSITIONin a hurryThey were in a hurry to set off.in no hurryShe's in no hurry to find out how much her phone bill comes to.in your hurryIn his hurry to leave, he forgot his laptop.

hurt

hurtnounverbadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + hurtADJECTIVEdeep, greatVERB + hurtfeelthe deep hurt that he felt when Jane left himcauseHe knew that he had caused his boyfriend a lot of hurt.seeI could see the hurt in her eyes.

II. verb1 cause pain/injury2 be/feel painful3 upset sb1 cause pain/injuryADVERBADVERBbadly, seriouslyShe fell and hurt her leg quite badly.No one was seriously hurt in the accident.actually, physicallyI was shaken, but not actually hurt.slightly

2 be/feel painfulADVERB | VERB + hurtADVERBbadly, a lot, reallyMy ankle still hurts quite badly.Does it hurt a lot?Ouch! It really hurts.slightlyVERB + hurtbe going toI knew it was going to hurt—but not that much!begin to

3 upset sbADVERB | VERB + hurtADVERBbadly, deeply, really, terriblyHer remarks hurt him deeply.They never told me why and that really hurt.VERB + hurtattempt to, try toAre you deliberately trying to hurt me?want toWhy would I want to hurt her?not mean toI never meant to hurt anyone.

Hurt is used with these nouns as the subject:

back, ear, eye, knee, lung, muscle, side, throat, word

Hurt is used with these nouns as the object:

ankle, arm, back, business, chance, credibility, ear, economy, ego, feeling, industry, knee, morale, pride, reputation, sale, tourism

III. adj.1 injured2 upset1 injuredVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, lookgetStop that or you'll get hurt!ADVERBbadly, seriouslySteve didn't look seriously hurt.physicallyslightly

2 upsetVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, look, seem, soundgetADVERBdeeply, extremely, really, terribly, verya bit, quite, rather, slightlyPREPOSITIONbyRoy seemed deeply hurt by this remark.

Hurt is used with these nouns:

expression, feeling, leg, look, pride

hurtful

hurtfuladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbefind sthI found some of his comments rather hurtful.ADVERBdeeply, veryShe made some very hurtful remarks.particularlyPREPOSITIONtoWhat he said was deeply hurtful to me.

Hurtful is used with these nouns:

hurtle

hurtleverb

Hurtle is used with these nouns as the subject:

husband

husbandnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + husband | PHRASESADJECTIVEfuture, prospectivesuitableformer (also ex-husband)dead, deceased, latefirst, second, etc.newdevoted, good, loving, wonderfulbelovedfaithfulcheating, errant (esp. BrE), unfaithfulabsent, estrangedjealousabusive, violenthouse (= a man who stays at home to care for children, cook, clean, etc. while his partner works)VERB + husbandfind, meetThat was the day she met her future husband.marrybe divorced from, be separated from, divorce, leave, walk out onShe suddenly walked out on her husband, leaving him to bring up the children.betray, cheat onloseShe lost her husband to cancer a year ago.PHRASEShusband and wifeThey lived together as husband and wife for over thirty years.

husband-and-wife

husband-and-wifeadj.

Husband-and-wife is used with these nouns:

husbandry

husbandrynoun

Husbandry is used after these nouns:

hush

hushnoun

nounADJECTIVE | hush + VERBADJECTIVEsuddendeathly, eerieA deathly hush settled around the stadium.expectanthush + VERBdescend, fallA sudden hush fell over the room as the head teacher entered.

hushed

hushedadj.

Hushed is used with these nouns:

conversation, silence, tone, voice, whisper

hush up

hush upphr verb

Hush up is used with these nouns as the object:

scandal

husk

husknoun

Husk is used after these nouns:

coconut, corn

huskily

huskilyadv.

Huskily is used with these verbs:

breathe, murmur, say, whisper

husky

huskyadj.

Husky is used with these nouns:

laugh, tone, voice, whisper

hustler

hustlernoun

Hustler is used after these nouns:

hut

hutnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + hut | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEmakeshiftbamboo, mud, stone, straw, woodenthatchedthe thatched huts of local villagersroundlittle, smallramshackleThey live in ramshackle huts constructed of discarded building materials.beach, mountainfisherman's, fishing, shepherd's, etc.Nissen (BrE), Quonset™ (AmE)site (BrE)The builders were collecting their wages from the site hut.VERB + hutbuild, makehuts built with mud bricksPREPOSITIONin a/the hutThe refugees spent the winter in tents or makeshift huts.

hutch

hutchnoun

Hutch is used after these nouns:

rabbit

hybrid

hybridadj.

Hybrid is used with these nouns:

car, variety, vehicle

hydrant

hydrantnoun

Hydrant is used after these nouns:

hydraulic

hydraulicadj.

Hydraulic is used with these nouns:

lift

hydraulically

hydraulicallyadv.

Hydraulically is used with these verbs:

operate

hydride

hydridenoun

Hydride is used after these nouns:

hydrochloric

hydrochloricadj.

Hydrochloric is used with these nouns:

hydroelectric

hydroelectricadj.

Hydroelectric is used with these nouns:

dam, power

hydrogen

hydrogennoun

Hydrogen is used before these nouns:

bomb, fuel, gas, molecule

hydrogenated

hydrogenatedadj.

Hydrogenated is used with these nouns:

fat, oil

hydrogen-powered

hydrogen-poweredadj.

Hydrogen-powered is used with these nouns:

automobile, car

hygiene

hygienenoun

nounADJECTIVE | hygiene + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEgoodpoorinfections that are the result of poor food hygienedental, food (BrE), oral, personal, publicMany skin diseases can be prevented by good personal hygiene.handGood hand hygiene by hospital staff is vital in preventing infection.hygiene + NOUNregulations, standards (both esp. BrE)The restaurant was in breach of food hygiene regulations. (BrE)habits (esp. AmE), practiceschildren with poor hygiene habitsitem (AmE), productfeminine/personal hygiene productsPHRASESstandards of hygiene

hymn

hymnnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + hymn | hymn + NOUNADJECTIVErousingThe service began with a rousing hymn.old, traditionalmoderngospel (esp. AmE)VERB + hymnplay, singhymn + NOUNbooktune

hype

hypenoun

noun (informal)ADJECTIVE | VERB + hype | hype + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEmediamarketingpre-fight, pre-game (esp. AmE), pre-match (esp. BrE), pre-season, etc.VERB + hypelive up toThe movie failed to live up to all the hype.getThis new game is getting plenty of hype.believehype + VERBsurround sththe hype surrounding her latest bookPREPOSITIONhype aboutI don't believe all the hype about how good the French team will be this season.

hyperactive

hyperactiveadj.

Hyperactive is used with these nouns:

hypertext

hypertextnoun

Hypertext is used before these nouns:

document, link

hyphenated

hyphenatedadj.

Hyphenated is used with these nouns:

hypnosis

hypnosisnoun

nounVERB + hypnosis | hypnosis + NOUN | PREPOSITIONVERB + hypnosishave, undergouseput sb underI decided to put him under hypnosis and ask him again.inducebe susceptible tohypnosis + NOUNsessionPREPOSITIONduring hypnosischanges in breathing observed during hypnosisunder hypnosisthe things that people remember under hypnosis

hypnotic

hypnoticadj.

Hypnotic is used with these nouns:

effect, rhythm, spell, suggestion, trance

hypo-allergenic

hypo-allergenicadj.

Hypo-allergenic is used with these nouns:

cosmetic

hypodermic

hypodermicadj.

Hypodermic is used with these nouns:

needle, syringe

hypothesis

hypothesisnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + hypothesis | hypothesis + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEplausibleboldScientists have proposed a bold hypothesis.speculativealternative, competingtestableworkingThese observations appear to support our working hypothesis.scientificVERB + hypothesisconstruct, develop, form, formulate, have, make, present, propose, put forward, suggestIt is possible to make a hypothesis on the basis of this graph.A number of hypotheses have been put forward.consider, discuss, evaluate, examine, test, test outShe used this data to test her hypothesisconfirm, prove, supportacceptrejectNone of the hypotheses can be rejected at this stage.hypothesis + VERBconcern sthHer hypothesis concerns the role of electromagnetic radiation.be based on sthpredict sthThe hypothesis predicts that children will perform better on task A than on task B.propose sth, suggest sthPREPOSITIONon a/the hypothesisHer study is based on the hypothesis that language simplification is possible.hypothesis aboutan interesting hypothesis about the development of languagehypothesis concerninga speculative hypothesis concerning the nature of matterhypothesis onThe results confirmed his hypothesis on the use of modal verbs.

hypothetical

hypotheticaladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeThis is a purely hypothetical situation.ADVERBentirely, purelymerely

Hypothetical is used with these nouns:

example, question, scenario, situation

hysteria

hysterianoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF HYSTERIA | VERB + hysteria | hysteria + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEmass, publicmild (esp. BrE), nearmedia, tabloid (BrE)Unnecessary anxiety has been caused by media hysteria and misinformation.religiousanti-communist, war… OF HYSTERIAfitShe sometimes flew into fits of hysteria.noteThere was a note of hysteria in his voice.VERB + hysteriaborder onSam arrived in a state of excitement bordering on hysteria.cause, create, fuel, generate, whip upSome parts of the media are creating hysteria and exaggerating an important issue.the hysteria whipped up by some newspapershysteria + VERBsweep sth, sweep across sth, sweep through sththe hysteria that swept through the countrysurround sthThere is still so much hysteria surrounding the issue.PREPOSITIONhysteria aboutpublic hysteria about the bombingshysteria overhysteria over AIDSPHRASESon the point of hysteria, on the verge of hysteriaShe was babbling, on the verge of hysteria.

hysterical

hystericaladj.

adj.1 suffering from/caused by hysteria2 very funny1 suffering from/caused by hysteriaVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSact, be, soundSusan realized that she sounded hysterical.become, get, goCalm down, you're getting hysterical.ADVERBcompletelyalmost, nearlyNow Mary was almost hysterical.a little, slightly, etc.mildly, ratherincreasingly (esp. BrE)The political rhetoric is increasingly hysterical.PREPOSITIONwithHer parents were hysterical with panic. (figurative)The audience was almost hysterical with laughter.

2 very funnyVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBabsolutely, totally (esp. AmE)The whole episode was absolutely hysterical!

Hysterical is used with these nouns:

fit, giggle, laughter, outburst, scream, woman

hysterically

hystericallyadv.

Hysterically is used with these adjectives:

Hysterically is used with these verbs:

cry, giggle, laugh, scream, shout, shriek, sob, yell

ice

icenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | … OF ICE | VERB + ice | ice + VERB | ice + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEthickIs the ice thick enough to walk on?thin (often figurative)You're skating on thin ice (= you're taking a risk).meltingcrushedThe glass was filled with green liquid and crushed ice.blackMotorists have been warned about black ice on the roads.pack, sea (esp. BrE)… OF ICEblock, slabThe spray froze and formed great blocks of ice on the front of the ship.VERB + iceformice + VERBformIce had formed on the pond.crack, meltThe ice was beginning to melt.ice + NOUNcubebucketwater (AmE) (iced water in BrE)skatedancing, skatingshow (= performed by skaters)rinkhockey (usually just hockey in AmE)time (in ice hockey)He averaged more than ten minutes of ice time (= playing) per game.sculptureaxe/ax, pickcap, field, floe, sheet, shelfPREPOSITIONon (the) icePeople were skating on the ice.

II. verb

Ice is used with these nouns as the object:

cake

iceberg

icebergnoun

Iceberg is used before these nouns:

lettuce

ice-cold

ice-coldadj.

Ice-cold is used with these nouns:

beer, water

ice cream

ice creamnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF ICE CREAM | VERB + ice cream | ice cream + VERB | ICE-CREAM + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEchocolate, strawberry, vanilla, etc.… OF ICE CREAMscoopcarton, tubVERB + ice creameat, haveice cream + VERBmeltICE-CREAM + NOUNcarton, cone, sundaescoopparlour/parlor, shoptruck (AmE), van (BrE)manPHRASESand ice cream, with ice creamapple pie with ice cream

iced

icedadj.

Iced is used with these nouns:

bun, champagne, coffee, drink, tea, water

icily

icilyadv.

Icily is used with these verbs:

reply, say

icing

icingnoun

(esp. BrE) nounSee also frostingADJECTIVE | VERB + icing | icing + NOUNADJECTIVEfondant, royalchocolate, lemon, etc.VERB + icingcover sth with, pipe, spreadPipe a little green icing around the strawberries.icing + NOUNsugar (BrE)bag

icon

iconnoun

noun1 small symbol on a computer screen2 person considered to be a symbol1 small symbol on a computer screenADJECTIVE | VERB + iconADJECTIVEdesktop, folder, network, program, etc.VERB + iconclick on, double-click on, right-click onDid you click on the icon next to the name of the file?click, double-click, right-clickClick the ‘modems’ icon.dragI dragged the icon into the recycle bin.

2 person considered to be a symbolADJECTIVEADJECTIVEnationalpopularculturalgay, lesbianfeministfashion, pop, sporting (BrE), sports (AmE), style

iconic

iconicadj.

Iconic is used with these nouns:

figure, image

ICT

ICTnoun

ICT is used before these nouns:

suite

icy

icyadj.

Icy is used with these nouns:

blast, blue, calm, chill, coldness, contempt, draught, exterior, finger, gaze, glare, grip, moon, patch, rain, river, road, shiver, sidewalk, slope, slush, snow, tone, voice, waste, water, weather, white, wind, winter

IDnoun

ID is used before these nouns:

card, check, number, paper, theft, verification

ID is used after these nouns:

photo

idea

ideanoun

noun1 plan/suggestion2 thought/impression1 plan/suggestionADJECTIVE | VERB + idea | idea + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbright, brilliant, clever, excellent, good, great, marvellous/marvelous, nice, wonderfulvaluable, worthwhileexciting, interesting, stimulatingconstructive, positivecreative, imaginative, innovative, novel, originalwackybigThe latest big idea is to get women more interested in soccer.alternativeFamily therapy is used as an alternative idea to medication.fresh, newoldabsurd, bad, mistaken, ridiculous, stupidcrackpot, crazy, mad, outlandish, wildhalf-bakedambitious, big, grandHe joined the company as an office assistant with big ideas.grandiosebasicThe basic idea is that we all meet up in London.wholeI think the whole idea is ridiculous.VERB + ideahaveDo you have any ideas for a present for Lara?come up with, dream up, hit on, hit upon, produce, think updraw, getHer ideas are drawn mainly from Chinese art.contribute, offermoot (formal, esp. BrE), propose, put forward, suggestpromote, push, push forward, sellThey managed to push the idea of expanding through the committee.welcomeMost employees welcome the idea of a ban on smoking.consider, entertain, flirt with, toy withI'm toying with the idea of leaving my job.mull over, turn overHe kept turning the idea of resigning over in his mind.encourage, generateBrainstorming is a good way of generating ideas.reject, scoff at, vetotest, try, try outbounce around, bounce off sb, brainstorm, discuss, explore, talk aboutI met up with a designer to bounce a few ideas around.It's useful to have someone to bounce ideas off.exchange, pool, sharegive sbWhat gave you the idea to go freelance?apply, implement, put into action, put into practice, take upThe idea had long been mooted but nothing had been done to put it into practice.transform, translateHow could we translate the idea into business reality?stealShe accused the company of stealing her idea.imposeShe always tries to impose her own ideas on the rest of the team.idea + VERBcome into sb's brain, come into sb's head, come into sb's mind, come to sb, flash through sb's brain, flash through sb's mind, hit sb, occur to sb, pop into sb's head, strike sbThe idea for the invention came to him in the bath.emerge, evolve, form, growAn idea began to form in his mind.flowHis ideas flowed faster than he could express them.come from sb/sth, date back from sth, date back to sth, originate, start, stem from sthThe idea for the Olympics originated with Pierre de Coubertin.work, work outThat idea didn't work out so well.leadThe idea eventually led to the invention of the telephone.come to nothingPREPOSITIONidea aboutI have an idea about how to tackle the problem.idea forWe were asked to suggest ideas for improving efficiency.idea ofShe had the idea of advertising on the Internet.PHRASESbe open to ideasI don't know what to do, but I'm open to ideas.the germ of an ideaThe germ of his idea came from watching a bird make a nest.have other ideasI wanted to take the week off, but my boss had other ideas.have the right ideaThe party had the right idea, but failed to win over the voters.it might be an ideaIt might be an idea to leave a note on the door for Marcos.

2 thought/impressionADJECTIVE | VERB + idea | idea + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEclear, concrete, preciseabstracttheoreticalbasic, general, rough, vagueHe gave me a rough idea of what was wanted.central, key, mainThe book introduces the key ideas of sociology.dominantfixedpreconceiveddefinite, firm, strongShe has very definite ideas about what kind of a job she wants.complex, difficultsimple, simplisticThe movie is based on a simple idea, but a powerful one.conventionaltraditionalradical, revolutionarycontradictoryerroneous, false, wrongI don't want anyone getting the wrong idea about me.funny, strangeutopianromanticPeople have a romantic idea of the police force.newfangledoutdatednot the faintest, not the foggiest, not the slightest (all informal)I haven't the faintest idea what she meant.artistic, economic, intellectual, moral, musical, philosophical, political, scientificfeminist, nationalist, socialist, etc.VERB + ideagetThey got the idea that we would be paying for them.You'll soon get the idea (= understand).espouse, have, holdHe holds very different ideas to mine about discipline.develop, form, shapethe experiences that shaped her ideasintroduceexpresscommunicate, convey, get across, get over, present, promote, put out there (AmE)It was a struggle to get our ideas across.I wanted to put the idea out there.demonstrate, explain, expound, illustrateclarify, formalize, formulate, organize, structureGive careful thought to how to structure your ideas in the essay.reinforce, supportchange, reconsider, reviseThey had to reconsider their ideas in the light of new evidence.accept, embrace, take updismiss, rejectchallengeThese photographs challenge conventional ideas of beauty.harbour/harborI hope he's not still harbouring/harboring ideas about asking me out.be obsessed withHe's obsessed with the idea of getting a motorcycle.relishI don't relish the idea of sharing an office with Tony.idea + VERBamuse sb, appeal to sb, please sbThe idea of going to his rescue amused her.catch on, take hold, take offSome people started recycling, and the idea caught on.PREPOSITIONidea aboutShe has some funny ideas about how to motivate staff.idea behindThe idea behind the ceremony is to keep the gods happy to ensure a good crop.idea ofSwimming in an icy river is not my idea of fun.

ideal

idealnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + idealADJECTIVEhigh, lofty, nobleSam was a real leader who had high moral ideals.unattainableThis is not an unattainable ideal.romanticromantic ideals of motherhoodtraditionalaesthetic, artistic, cultural, ethical, moral, political, socialdemocratic, liberal, revolutionary, socialistPlatonicPlatonic ideals of beautyVERB + idealbe committed to, believe in, cling to, embrace, espouse, have, supportThey still clung to the old ideals.shareWe obviously share the same ideals.pursue, strive forachieve, attain, be true to, conform to, live up to, upholdA journalist should always live up to the ideals of truth, decency, and justice.fall short ofThis agreement falls far short of the ideal.abandon, betrayShe was accused of betraying her political ideals.embody, reflect, representthe democratic ideals embodied in the charterpromote

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, look, prove, seem, soundmake sthThe hotel's size makes it ideal for large conferences.consider sthADVERBabsolutelyalmost, nearly (esp. AmE)hardly, less thanLanguage learning often takes place in a less than ideal environment.PREPOSITIONforThe houses are absolutely ideal for families with young children.

Ideal is used with these nouns:

accompaniment, balance, base, candidate, chance, choice, combination, complement, compromise, condition, destination, duration, environment, fit, foil, image, instrument, job, location, mate, opportunity, physique, place, position, replacement, scenario, setting, situation, solution, spot, starting point, type, vehicle, venue, way, weather, weight, world

idealized

idealizedadj.

Idealized is used with these nouns:

picture, view

ideally

ideallyadv.

Ideally is used with these adjectives:

qualified, situated, suited

Ideally is used with these verbs:

locate, place, position

identical

identicaladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, look, seem, soundremainADVERBabsolutely, completely, exactlynot necessarilyDifferent spreadsheet packages tend to be similar, though not necessarily identical.almost, largely, more or less, nearly, practically, pretty much, substantially, virtuallyThe two houses were more or less identical.apparently, seemingly (esp. AmE)basically, essentiallyotherwiseThey're shaded differently but are otherwise identical.chemically, functionally, geneticallyPREPOSITIONinThese two models are absolutely identical in appearance.toThis knife is identical to the one used in the attack.withoffspring that are genetically identical with the parents

Identical is used with these nouns:

copy, fashion, pair, twin

identically

identicallyadv.

Identically is used with these verbs:

distribute, dress

identification

identificationnoun

noun1 act of identifying sb/sth2 proof of identity1 act of identifying sb/sthADJECTIVE | VERB + identification | identification + NOUNADJECTIVEaccurate, correct, precisepositivemistakenThere is virtually no risk of mistaken identification in cases of date rape.quick, rapidearlyEarly identification of adolescents at risk for violence is needed.easyeyewitness (esp. AmE)Eyewitness identification is not as reliable as we tend to believe.biometric, fingerprint, radio frequency, visualthe science of biometric identificationVERB + identificationmakeShe was unable to make a positive identification of the suspect.allow, enable, permitRed and black wires are used to enable identification of specific circuits.facilitateThe examination facilitates the early identification of any health problems.identification + NOUNparade (BrE)He stood on an identification parade at the police station.procedure, process, technique

2 proof of identityVERB + identification | identification + NOUN | PHRASESVERB + identificationcarry, haveAlways carry some identification.Do you have any identification?produce, provide, showOne passenger couldn't provide identification.ask for, checkThe police checked their identification.need, requireTo vote, Florida law requires a photo identification with a signature.identification + NOUNcard, document, papersbadge, bracelet, device, label, tag, technologycode, numberThe vehicle's identification number is stamped on the engine.PHRASESa means of identificationMy only means of identification was my credit card.for identification purposeshaving their picture taken for identification purposes

identify

identifyverbPHRASAL VERBS

verbADVERB | VERB + identify | PHRASESADVERBaccurately, correctly, rightlyThe new test will enable us to identify more accurately patients who are most at risk.Did you identify all the pictures correctly?falsely, incorrectly, mistakenly, wronglypositivelyclearly, unambiguously, unequivocally, uniquelyWe have not yet clearly identified the source of the pollution.a serial number that uniquely identifies the diskformallySomeone has to formally identify the body.easily, readilyI could identify him easily if I saw him again.quickly, rapidlyBusiness trends are rapidly identified by this system.tentativelyAll three structures dated to the third century and were tentatively identified as shrines.reliablyproperlysuccessfullyJaime successfully identified all 45 different species.automaticallya computer program to automatically identify any query ending with a question markexplicitly, specificallyThe pressbook did not specifically identify the film's setting.publiclyMs. Wilson was publicly identified as a CIA operative.initially, originallyvisuallyThe surgeon visually identifies and cuts out the cancerous tissue.VERB + identifybe able to, be unable to, can, manage totests that can identify people at risk of cancerbe easy to, be possible tobe difficult to, struggle tobe necessary to, need toattempt to, endeavour/endeavor to, seek to, strive to, try tohope toThe researchers hope to identify ways to improve the treatment.learn toParticipants learn to identify different species by their calls.allow sb to, be used to, enable sb to, help to, serve todecline to, refuse toThe newspaper declined to identify the source of the allegations.fail toMost students failed to identify the quotation.PHRASESefforts to identify sb/sthHe has stepped up efforts to identify and acquire other small companies.a means of identifying sb/sth, a way of identifying sb/sth, a way to identify sb/sthone means of identifying the disease in its early stages

PHRASAL VERBSidentify with sbADVERB | VERB + identify withADVERBclosely, completely, fully, stronglyShe identified strongly with the main character in the play.readilyVERB + identify withcanI can't identify with men like him.

identify sb with sthADVERBADVERBcloselyThe policy is closely identified with the President himself.clearlyincreasinglyGreat orchestras came to be identified increasingly with German conductors.

Identify is used with these nouns as the subject:

report, research, researcher, scientist, study, survey, witness

Identify is used with these nouns as the object:

area, barrier, category, cause, characteristic, compound, culprit, danger, defect, deficiency, disability, error, extent, factor, failing, fault, flaw, gap, gene, killer, limitation, link, location, murderer, need, niche, objective, pattern, priority, problem, remains, requirement, risk, role, saving, shortcoming, site, source, strain, strength, suspect, symptom, target, theme, trait, trend, type, victim, virus, vulnerability, way, weakness

identifying

identifyingadj.

Identifying is used with these nouns:

characteristic, feature, mark

identity

identitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + identity | identity + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEtrueassumed, falseHe was discovered living under an assumed identity in South America.mistakenThis is obviously a case of mistaken identity.newsecretThey didn't reveal her secret identity to her family members.stolenthe use of a stolen identity in the commission of a crimestrongdistinct, distinctive, individual, personal, separate, uniqueThese populations have managed to maintain distinct identities.collective, common, communal, shareddual, multipleShanghai itself has multiple identities.civic, class, corporate, cultural, national, political, professional, regional, religious, sexual, socialCatholic, Islamic, Jewish, etc.black, ethnic, racialthe struggle for black identityAmerican, Asian, etc.female, feminine, gender, male, masculinegay, homosexual, lesbiangeneticthe shared genetic identity of identical twinsbrandthe ability to maintain a strong brand identityVERB + identitybuild, construct, create, define, determine, develop, establish, find, forge, form, shapeThey are still struggling to establish their identity as a political party.The company forged its own identity by producing specialist vehicles.give sb/sthHe felt that having a job gave him an identity.affirm, assert, expressthe way in which African American writers have asserted their identityreclaimIt is crucial that she reclaim her identity and confirm where she belongs.basean ethnic identity based on their common national ancestryshareThey share a collective identity, united by an independent spirit.keep, maintain, preserve, retainMany minority groups are struggling to maintain their cultural identity.losechangeHe changed his identity on his release from prison.adopt, assume, take onThe company adopted a new corporate identity, including a new logo.She was given a false passport and assumed a new identity.disclose, expose, leak, revealSomeone in the administration leaked the identity of an undercover CIA agent.He refused to reveal the identity of his client.determine, discover, find out, learn, uncoverDetermining the identity of the killer will take all his considerable skills.guessIt was easy to guess the identity of the thief.knowIt is important to know the identity and nature of the enemy.confirm, verifyThe system will verify the identity of incoming visitors.conceal, disguise, hide, keep secret, mask, protectHer voice was disguised to conceal her identity.stealHis identity was stolen and used to purchase goods from a catalogue.identity + NOUNbracelet, tagcard, documents, papersparade (BrE)The victim picked out her attacker in an identity parade.fraud, theftcredit-card identity theftthiefverificationThe technology is typically used for identity verification.confusion, crisis, issueThe country suffered from an identity crisis for years after the civil war.He had not resolved his identity issue.politics (esp. AmE)the identity politics of gender or racedevelopment, formation (both esp. AmE)the importance of family history within identity formationPREPOSITIONidentity asScotland has never lost its identity as a separate nation.identity betweenthe stylistic identity between the first text and the othersPHRASESproof of identityThe police officer asked him for proof of identity.a search for identityHis search for his cultural identity took him to where his parents were born.a sense of identity

identity theft

identity theftnoun

Identity theft is used before these nouns:

ideological

ideologicaladj.

Ideological is used with these nouns:

agenda, apparatus, baggage, base, camp, climate, coherence, commitment, conflict, conformity, conservatism, conviction, correctness, difference, dimension, disagreement, dispute, diversity, divide, division, domination, end, foundation, gulf, implication, justification, label, message, position, purity, shift, slant, spectrum, split, stance, standpoint, stripe, struggle, tradition, warfare, zeal

ideologically

ideologicallyadv.

Ideologically is used with these adjectives:

bankrupt, biased, committed, conservative, correct, loaded, motivated, neutral, sound

ideology

ideologynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + ideologyADJECTIVEdominant, prevailingofficialcompeting, opposingThey are divided by opposing ideologies.sharedThey're rooted in a shared ideology.underlyingthe underlying ideology of neoliberalismcoreThese businesses have a core ideology of which profit is but one ideal.coherentThe party's policies were based on prejudice rather than on any coherent ideology.powerful, strongnarrowthe narrow ideology of the extreme rightradicalthe radical ideology of the French Revolutionevil, hateful (esp. AmE)They share a hateful ideology that rejects tolerance.cultural, economic, gender (esp. AmE), political, racial, religiousGender ideology still has an important role in determining how couples allocate household tasks.bourgeois, capitalist, communist, extremist, feminist, fundamentalist, liberal, Marxist, nationalist, revolutionary, socialist, etc.VERB + ideologyhaveThe party had a Marxist ideology.adopt, embrace, espouse, supportThey distanced themselves from the upper class and adopted a communist ideology.promote, spreadThey want to spread their ideology of hope.imposean ideology imposed by an elite groupshareThey share a common political ideology.basea unique ideology based on the concept of servicechallengeThis ideology was challenged in the early twentieth century.reject

idiomatic

idiomaticadj.

Idiomatic is used with these nouns:

expression, phrase

idiot

idiotnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + idiot | PHRASESADJECTIVEbabbling (esp. AmE), big, blithering, brainless, bumbling, gibbering, little, mindless, right (BrE, informal), stupidWhat stupid idiot left their shoes on the stairs?absolute, complete, real, total, utterdrunkenHe was giggling like a drunken idiot.villageHe looked like the village idiot.VERB + idiotbe, feel (BrE), feel like, look like, sound likeI felt (like) a complete idiot, standing there in front of all those people!act like, behave likeShe knew she was acting like an idiot.call sbShe called me an idiot.PHRASESmake an idiot of yourselfHe's made a complete idiot of himself over this woman!

idle

idleverbadj.

I. verb

Idle is used with these nouns as the subject:

Idle is used with these nouns:

II. adj.1 lazy2 not in use1 lazyVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomeremain, stayHe never stayed idle for long.ADVERBbone (BrE, informal)She never lifts a finger to help. She's bone idle.

2 not in useVERBSVERBSbe, lie, sit, standHalf of their machines are lying idle.The machines have been sitting idle since last year.The pumps are standing idle.becomeHe did not let the factory become idle.remainleave sthThe land was left idle for years.

banter, boast, chat, chatter, conversation, curiosity, gossip, talk, threat, time

idle away

idle awayphr verb

Idle away is used with these nouns as the object:

time

idly

idlyadv.

Idly is used with these verbs:

flick, listen, pick, stand, stroke, watch, wonder

idol

idolnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + idolADJECTIVEpop (esp. BrE), rock, sports, etc.film (esp. BrE), movie (esp. AmE), screenher screen idol, Marilyn Monroematineea matinee idol of a bygone erateen, teenageBy this time Pitt had become a teenage idol.boyhood, childhoodbig, great, hugeShe is still my biggest idol.falseSuperheroes are false idols.fallenMany fallen idols blame anyone but themselves for their downfall.VERB + idolmake (sb)Teenagers made Dean their idol.The movie made an idol of her.emulate, imitatekids trying to emulate their idolsmeetShe'd always wanted to meet her idol.

idyllic

idyllicadj.

Idyllic is used with these nouns:

retreat, scene, setting, spot, surroundings

IELTS

IELTSnoun

IELTS is used before these nouns:

result

igneous

igneousadj.

Igneous is used with these nouns:

Ignite is used with these nouns as the subject:

ignite

igniteverb

verbADVERB | VERB + igniteADVERBspontaneouslyThe burning foam generates such heat that other items ignite spontaneously.instantly, suddenlyeasilyan explosive that is easily ignitedVERB + ignitefail toThe gunpowder sometimes fails to ignite.

petrol, spark

Ignite is used with these nouns as the object:

controversy, debate, engine, fire, flame, fuel, fury, imagination, passion

ignition

ignitionnoun

nounVERB + ignition | ignition + NOUN | PREPOSITIONVERB + ignitionstart, turn, turn onJosh turned the ignition and the car sputtered to life.switch off, turn offignition + NOUNkey, switchHe turned the ignition key.systemPREPOSITIONin the ignitionI must have left the key in the ignition.

ignominious

ignominiousadj.

Ignominious is used with these nouns:

defeat, retreat, withdrawal

ignorance

ignorancenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + ignorance | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcomplete, total, utterprofound, sheerThis showed a profound ignorance of local customs.appalling, grossour appalling ignorance of international eventsgeneral, widespreadblissfulwilful/willfula policy based on wilful ignorance of historyVERB + ignorancebetray, demonstrate, display, expose, reveal, showI tried not to betray my ignorance.He showed a remarkable ignorance of the facts.feign‘Where?’ he asked, feigning ignorance.admit, confess, plead, professI had to confess my ignorance.He pleaded ignorance of any wrongdoing.live in, remain inThe sisters lived in total ignorance of each other.keep sb inHe was kept in ignorance of his true identity.be based onThese attitudes are based on ignorance and fear.PREPOSITIONdue to ignorancemistakes due to ignorancein ignorance (of)She remained in blissful ignorance of these events.in your ignoranceOutsiders, in their ignorance, fail to understand this.through ignoranceMany lives are lost through ignorance.ignorance aboutThere is still widespread ignorance about this disease.ignorance as to, ignorance ofwidespread ignorance of the causes of the Civil War

ignorant

ignorantadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, feel, seem, soundactI decided to continue acting ignorant, just to make fun of her.remain, stay (AmE)The general public remained totally ignorant of the danger.I wanted to stay ignorant of my fate for a few more precious hours.keep sbWe were kept ignorant of the facts.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.completely, entirely, incredibly, plain, profoundly, totally, utterly, whollyDon't ask Paul. He's completely ignorant.largelysimplyThey are simply ignorant, I'm afraid to say.blissfullyWe went to bed that night blissfully ignorant of the storm to come.wilfully/willfullywoefullyPREPOSITIONaboutHe was completely ignorant about the country's political system.ofWe are still woefully ignorant of the causes of this disease.

Ignorant is used with these nouns:

bliss

ignore

ignoreverb

verbADVERB | VERB + ignore | PHRASESADVERBaltogether, completely, entirely, totally, utterlyalmost, practically, virtuallyeffectively, essentially, largelybasicallyShona basically ignored her.promptlya look of disapproval which he promptly ignoredgenerallytypicallyThe press typically ignores a problem until it causes a crisis.just, merely, simplyThe government has simply ignored the problem altogether.consistentlyroutinely, systematicallySocial services routinely ignore the problems facing at-risk young women.frequently, repeatedlyapparentlyeasilyThe diesel fumes from the buses are not easily ignored.conveniently (ironic)The managers have conveniently ignored these statistics.blatantlySafety guidelines had been blatantly ignored.carefully, deliberately, determinedly, intentionally, pointedly, purposely, resolutely, steadfastly, studiouslyShe sat at her desk and studiously ignored me.wilfully/willfullyHill wilfully ignored the conventions of the banking world.blithely, cheerfully, happilyHe blithely ignored her protests and went on talking.politelyThe group politely ignored her remark.VERB + ignorecannot, cannot afford toa warning the president cannot afford to ignorebe difficult to, be hard to, be impossible tobe foolish to, be stupid to, be wrong toIt would be foolish to ignore them completely.tend toScientists have tended to ignore these findings.be willing toPeople seem very willing to ignore the risks.choose to, decide to, prefer toThe judge chose to ignore the views of the doctors.He continued eating, deciding to ignore her.He preferred to ignore these comments.attempt to, try topretend toI shrugged, pretending to ignore him.learn toI've learned to ignore all of my sister's hurtful comments.manage toJason had managed to ignore a lot of the pressure for most of his career.continue toPHRASESbe widely ignoredSafety standards are widely ignored in the industry.ignore sth at your perilThe pernicious effect of this advertising on children is a problem that we ignore at our peril.ignore the fact that … Did you think I'd ignore the fact that you were suffering from shock?sth can be safely ignored (ironic)These people occupy such a marginal position in society that the authorities think they can be safely ignored.

Ignore is used with these nouns as the subject:

media

Ignore is used with these nouns as the object:

advice, aspect, call, command, comment, complaint, danger, discrepancy, effect, existence, extent, fact, feeling, greeting, guideline, implication, importance, injunction, instinct, instruction, interruption, need, obligation, order, pain, plea, plight, possibility, precedent, problem, protest, question, reality, recommendation, remark, request, rule, shortcoming, sign, suggestion, summons, symptom, tantrum, taunt, tradition, ultimatum, urge, violation, warning, wish

ill

illadj.adv.

I. (esp. BrE) adj.See also sickVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, feel, look, seemlieHe was lying ill in bed.become, be taken (BrE), fall, get, growremainmake sbI can't eat bananas. They make me ill. (esp. BrE)That type of government corruption makes me ill.(figurative, esp. AmE)

ADVERBcritically, dangerously, desperately, extremely, gravely, really, seriously, severely, terribly, very

His mother is seriously ill in the hospital.almostRobyn was almost ill with excitement and outrage.pretty, quite, rather, slightlygenuinelyviolentlyShe was taken violently ill and had to be put to bed.acutelychronicallychronically ill patientsfatally, incurably, mortally, terminallya hospice for the terminally illmentally, physicallythe problems faced by mentally ill peoplePREPOSITIONwithHe fell ill with cholera in 1849.fromThey arrive at the hospital ill from malnutrition.

Ill is used with these nouns:

effect, feeling, fortune, health, luck, omen, person, relative, temper, will

II. adv.

Ill is used with these adjectives:

informed, suited

Ill is used with these verbs:

afford

illegal

illegaladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomeremaindeclare sth, deem sth, make sth, rule sthTheir action was ruled illegal by the International Court.The sale of these knives should be made illegal.ADVERBhighlyblatantlyblatantly illegal counter-intelligence methodsclearlySuch acts are clearly illegal.strictly (esp. BrE), totallypossibly, potentiallyallegedlytechnicallyPrize-fighting remained popular, though technically illegal.

Illegal is used with these nouns:

abortion, act, activity, alien, conduct, copy, dealings, detention, discrimination, disposal, drug, entry, eviction, export, fishing, gambling, hunting, immigrant, immigration, import, ivory, labour, migrant, migration, narcotic, occupation, parking, possession, racket, sale, search, settlement, shipment, smuggling, strike, subsidy, substance, trade, trading, traffic, transaction, use, weapon, worker

illegally illegible

illegibleadj.

Illegible is used with these nouns:

handwriting, signature, writing

illegitimate

illegitimateadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeconsider sth, regard sth asADVERBcompletelyIt is completely illegitimate to argue that the government had no choice.

Illegitimate is used with these nouns:

baby, birth, child, daughter, son

ill-fated

ill-fatedadj.

Ill-fated is used with these nouns:

attempt, expedition, venture

ill-fitting

ill-fittingadj.

Ill-fitting is used with these nouns:

clothes, dentures, suit, window

ill-gotten

ill-gottenadj.

Ill-gotten is used with these nouns:

gain

illicit

illicitadj.

Illicit is used with these nouns:

affair, cigarette, drug, economy, narcotic, sex, substance, trade, use

illiteracy

illiteracynoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF ILLITERACY | illiteracy + NOUNADJECTIVEwidespreadIlliteracy was widespread at that time.adultpoverty and high rates of adult illiteracyfunctionalFunctional illiteracy affects as many as one in five Americans.scientificthe public's scientific illiteracy… OF ILLITERACYlevel, rateilliteracy + NOUNrateIlliteracy rates have fallen in recent years.

illiterate

illiterateadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBcompletely, totallyalmost, largely, virtuallymostlyThese soldiers are mostly illiterate.functionallyPeople judged to be functionally illiterate lack the basic reading and writing skills required in everyday life.economically, scientificallyIs it surprising that young people who are politically illiterate do not bother to vote?

illness

illnessnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF ILLNESS | VERB + illness | illness + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeadly, fatal, incurable, terminalcatastrophic (AmE, law), critical, dangerous, debilitating, devastating, life-threatening, major, serious, severe, terribleHe suffered from a debilitating illness which made everyday life a struggle.mild, minortreatableClinical depression is a treatable illness.preventableTB is a major cause of preventable illness and death.lengthy, lingering, long, long-standing, long-term, prolongeddegenerative, progressivebrief, shortfinal, lastacute, chronicsuddenKerry died of a sudden illness.infectiousfamily, geneticWe assess the applicant's history of family illness.painfulmysterious, mystery, unexplainedThey had failed to find the cause of his mystery illness.commonDiabetes is a common illness.rareHe became blind after contracting a rare illness.depressive, mental, psychiatric, psychological, psychotic, stress-relatedpsychosomaticmedicalDepression is a treatable medical illness.AIDS-related, flu-like, food-borne (esp. AmE), physical, respiratory, smoking-related, viralchildhood… OF ILLNESSbout, episodean acute episode of mental illnessVERB + illnessexperience, have, suffer, suffer fromthose who experience mental illnessBadly fed children suffer a lot of minor illnesses.people who suffer from mental illnesscatch, contract, develop, getpeople who never seem to catch the illnesses their friends getHe contracted a serious illness and died a month later.diagnosetreatThe drug is used to treat a wide range of illnesses.cure, heal (esp. AmE)The only thing that could cure her illness was a special herb.control, manageways to help arthritis sufferers manage their illnesssurviveShe survived a life-threatening illness.beatClaire is optimistic she can beat her illness.causeillnesses caused by povertypreventa drug that may be helpful in preventing illnesses such as cancerbattle, combatfight, fight off, overcome, recover fromThe immune system enables the body to fight off illness.fake, feignShe feigned illness so that she wouldn't have to go to school.nurse sb throughShe nursed her father through his final illness.bearShe bore her final illness with great courage.illness + VERBaffect sb, afflict (formal)The mystery illness affected hundreds of people.Mental illness afflicts one in four people.plague sbHer childhood was plagued by illness.hit (sb), strike (sb)Suddenly, illness hit the household.The illness struck while he was touring.arise, occurSome illnesses occur more frequently following puberty.cause sththe pain and distress caused by your illnessprogressAs his illness progressed, Neil began to have difficulty speaking.result (from sth)Sometimes it's hard to tell whether illnesses result from bacteria or viruses.require sthBoth illnesses require treatment.PREPOSITIONafter illnessHe's just returned to work after illness.because of illness, due to illness, through illnessearnings lost through illnesswith illnesspeople with serious psychological illnessesillness amonga high rate of illness among the workersillness associated withthe illnesses associated with HIV infectionillness fromthe first case of illness from the Ebola virusillness inepisodes of illness in childrenPHRASESthe onset of an illnessthe sudden onset of illness in a parent

illogical

illogicaladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seem, soundADVERBcompletely, entirely, quite, totallyhighlyrathera little, slightly, etc.

ill-treatment

ill-treatmentnoun

nounVERB + ill-treatment | PHRASESVERB + ill-treatmentsufferPHRASESill-treatment at sb's handsThey suffered ill-treatment at the hands of the guards.

illuminate

illuminateverb

verb1 give light to sth2 make sth clear1 give light to sthADVERBADVERBbrightly, brilliantly, clearlyfullyWith the room fully illuminated, they students were able to see what they were doing.beautifullyThe red glow of the sun beautifully illuminated the sky.barely, dimly, faintly, partially, slightly, softlyThe room was dimly illuminated by the soft glow of the lamp.His face was slightly illuminated from the small lamp on his desk.brieflyinstantly, suddenly

2 make sth clearADVERB | VERB + illuminateADVERBgreatlyan incident which greatly illuminated the problems we facedVERB + illuminatehelp (to)The study of the present also helps to illuminate the past.serve toThese confessions serve to illuminate his argument.

Illuminate is used with these nouns as the subject:

beam, candle, flare, flash, headlights, lamp, light, lightning, moon, moonlight

Illuminate is used with these nouns as the object:

aspect, sky

illuminated

illuminatedadj.

Illuminated is used with these nouns:

manuscript, sign

illuminating

illuminatingadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, provefind sthADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.especially, highly, most (esp. BrE), particularlyI found his talk most illuminating.not particularlyThe information he'd gathered wasn't particularly illuminating.

Illuminating is used with these nouns:

example, insight

illumination

illuminationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF ILLUMINATION | VERB + illumination | illumination + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEbright, good, strongdimImaginative stage lighting provided dim illumination.artificialthe artificial illumination of the studionaturalThe skylights are designed to optimize natural illumination.… OF ILLUMINATIONlevellights providing a good level of illuminationVERB + illuminationprovideThe skylight will provide good illumination from above.illumination + VERBcome from sthMost of the illumination came from candles.PHRASESa source of illuminationThe only source of illumination was a single small window.

illusion

illusionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + illusion | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdangerousTo believe you have nothing more to learn is a dangerous illusion.optical, visualThe road ahead looks wet, but in fact this is an optical illusion.falseI don't want to give him any false illusions.comfortingThe slogan provides the comforting illusion that something is being done.grandI never had any grand illusions of winning.romanticI abandoned my romantic illusions a long time ago.mere, pure, simpleThe figure was only a trick of light, a mere illusion.VERB + illusionbe under, entertain, haveThey are under no illusions about the difficulties ahead of them.create, give (sb), produce, provideThe huge size of the vehicle gives the illusion of safety.foster, harbour/harbor, maintain, perpetuate, preserve, sustainThey are trying to maintain the illusion that the company is in good shape.break, destroy, dispel, shatterWithin the first week at college all my illusions were shattered.loseI think I have lost all the illusions I had left.PREPOSITIONillusion about, illusion as toShe had no illusions about her attractiveness.PHRASESbe all an illusionIt turned out that their happy marriage was all an illusion.

illustrate

illustrateverb

verb1 put pictures in sth2 make sth clear using examples/pictures1 put pictures in sthADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBcopiously (esp. AmE), generously, heavily, lavishly, profusely (esp. AmE), richlyfullyattractively, beautifully, handsomely, superblyphotographically (esp. AmE)a collection of photographically illustrated magazinesPREPOSITIONbyMost items are illustrated by a photograph.withThe new edition is heavily illustrated with photographs of aircraft.

2 make sth clear using examples/picturesADVERB | VERB + illustrate | PREPOSITIONADVERBamplyaptly, brilliantly, neatly, nicely, superbly (esp. BrE), wellThe dire consequences of chronic underfunding are nowhere better illustrated than in the nation's schools.perfectlyeffectivelymerely, simplyHis question merely illustrates his ignorance of the subject.clearly, dramatically, graphically, powerfully, strikingly, vividlybrutally, starkly, tragicallyThe case tragically illustrates the dangers of fireworks.VERB + illustrateserve toTwo examples serve to illustrate this point.attempt to, seek to, try toWhat she attempts to illustrate is the difference between her company and her competitors.help (to)He is showing these silent films to help illustrate his story of survival.be enough to, suffice toTwo more examples will suffice to illustrate this point.be chosen to, be designed to, be intended toPREPOSITIONbyThis consequence can be illustrated by a simple example.toa way of illustrating to the chairman the folly of his decision

Illustrate is used with these nouns as the subject:

article, chart, data, diagram, display, drawing, example, exhibition, experiment, figure, incident, passage, photograph, report, result, story

Illustrate is used with these nouns as the object:

argument, aspect, book, case, complexity, concept, danger, difference, difficulty, edition, effect, example, extent, gulf, idea, importance, limitation, peril, point, principle, problem, thesis, utility, volume

illustrated

illustratedadj.

Illustrated is used with these nouns:

book, brochure, catalogue, edition, encyclopedia, guide, lecture, magazine, manuscript, talk

illustration

illustrationnoun

noun1 picture in a book, etc.2 example1 picture in a book, etc.ADJECTIVE | illustration + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEblack-and-white, colour/color, coloured/colored, full-colour/full-colorcartoon, photographic, watercolour/watercolor, etc.botanical, medical, etc.full-pagea wonderful book with full-page illustrationsbeautiful, fine, wonderfulThe clear, lively illustrations are in full colour/color.colourful/colorfuldetailedthe new Inca map, with a detailed illustration of ancient Machu Picchubook, coveraccompanyingillustration + VERBdepict sth, show sthaccompany sththe illustrations accompanying the textappearHis illustrations have appeared in the pages of numerous publications.PREPOSITIONin an/the illustrationThe kite is assembled as shown in the illustration.with an/the illustrationillustration by‘The Black Cat’ by Alan Ahlberg, with illustrations by Arthur Robins

2 exampleADJECTIVE | VERB + illustration | illustration + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEexcellent, good, perfectclear, dramatic, graphic, striking, vividThese events are a graphic illustration of the fact that their promises cannot be trusted.simpleLet us take a very simple illustration.classic, textbookIt was a textbook illustration of the way the UN works.VERB + illustrationserve asChicago serves as an illustration of the problems faced by such cities.give (sb), offer, present, provideWe then present an empirical illustration of these points.Explain the policy of détente and provide some illustrations of how it worked in practice.take, use sth as, use sth forI will use one recent example as an illustration.illustration + NOUNpurposes (AmE)These figures are for illustration purposes only.(illustrative purposes in BrE)PREPOSITIONas an illustration

As an illustration of this point, I'm going to tell you a true story.by way of illustrationHe quoted several famous writers by way of illustration.

illustrative

illustrativeadj.

Illustrative is used with these nouns:

example, quotation

illustrious

illustriousadj.

Illustrious is used with these nouns:

ancestor, career, past, pedigree

image

imagenoun

noun1 impression of sb/sth given to the public2 mental picture of sb/sth3 copy4 picture1 impression of sb/sth given to the publicADJECTIVE | VERB + imageADJECTIVEgood, positivenegativetarnishedThe party needs to clean up its somewhat tarnished image.poorThe industry had a poor image.falseThe history books built up a false image of an unpopular president.clean, clean-cut (esp. BrE), perfect, squeaky-clean, wholesomeHe's a good player with a clean image.He represents the perfect image of a clean-living college boy.machohackneyedthe hackneyed image of the poor studenttraditionaltraditional images of motherhoodmedia, public, screenIn real life she looks nothing like her screen image.brand, corporateChampagne houses owe their success to brand image.VERB + imagecreateThe company needs to create a new image for itself.convey, cultivate, present, project, promotea book which presents positive images of older peoplechange, transformbolster, boost, burnish (esp. AmE), clean up, enhance, improve, polish, revivean effort to improve the organization's public imagesoftenShe is now seeking to soften her image for voters.keep up, live up to, maintainThe group has failed to live up to its macho image.Eastwood has maintained an image as a tough guy.shedThe industry is trying to shed its negative image.mar (esp. AmE), ruin, tarnish

2 mental picture of sb/sthADJECTIVE | VERB + image | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpowerful, vividsuddenShe had a sudden mental image of herself in a wedding dress.positivenegativedistortedthe distorted images in his dreamsenduring, indelibleIt leaves indelible images imprinted on your mind.unrealisticunrealistic images of the ideal bodypopularidealthe ideal image of American citizenshipstereotyped, stereotypicalmentalbodyhelp with eating disorders and body imageliterary, poeticdreamVERB + imagehavebring to mind, call to mind, conjure, conjure up, evoke, recall, summon, summon upSamba always seems to conjure up images of Brazil.the ability to summon up images in the mindbuild, build up, formI like to build up images of the characters and setting before I start to write.fitHe didn't fit my image of the boss.usereinforceTreating disabled people like children only reinforces negative images of disability.PREPOSITIONimage fromHe started to recall images from his past.

3 copyADJECTIVEADJECTIVEliving, spittingHe's the spitting image of his father!mirrorBetsy was a mirror image of her twin.

4 pictureADJECTIVE | VERB + image | image + VERB | image + NOUNADJECTIVEcompelling, dramatic, graphic, memorable, poignant, powerful, spectacular, striking, stunning, unforgettabledisturbing, gruesome, horrible, horrific, violentpowerful and disturbing images of the warfamiliar, iconicvisualThe visual image is steadily replacing the written word.flickering, movingflickering images on a screenblurred, blurry, fuzzyfaintAfter exposure a faint image is visible.stillthe use of still and moving video imagesliveVisitors can view live radar images and listen in to the control tower.recordedclose-upa live close-up image of her facecolour/colorblack-and-white, monochromehigh-resolutionclear, crisp, sharprealistic 3D graphics with sharp imagesthree-dimensionalThe machine can capture a three-dimensional image of a patient's heart.photographic, TV, videoscreenEach illustration is displayed as a complete screen image.computer, digital, radar, satellite, X-raythumbnailUnder each thumbnail image is a link to a larger illustration.holographicgraven (literary)It was forbidden to worship graven (= carved) images.paintedthe painted image of a human beingreligiouspornographicVERB + imagegenerate, produce, reproducethe images produced on laser printerscapture, download, record, scan, uploadShe longed to capture the image on film.editdistortbearhumorous posters bearing an image of a squatting dogdisplay, post, showthe pixel information used to display a digital imageAdvertisers have given permission to post these digital images.printprocessenlargeThe devices are capable of enlarging the image.acquire, obtainviewstoreYou can store these images in a separate computer file.juxtaposeThe display juxtaposed images from serious and popular art.useThese images are used for marketing purposes.image + VERBdepict sth, reflect sth, represent sth, reveal sth, show sthheat images that show where most of the activity in the brain issuggest sthflickerfadeimage + NOUNcapture, processinganalysisimage analysis and feature recognitiondistortion, manipulationcompressionprocessordatabase, fileThey can connect directly to the image files and allow the customer to view them.transfera standard video output for image transfer or remote viewing

imagery

imagerynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + imageryADJECTIVEevocative, graphic, powerful, stark, violent, vividthe vivid visual imagery of dreamsnegativethe negative imagery of gays and lesbians on TVpositivepopularThe novels draw on popular imagery from newspapers.traditionalthe traditional Christian imagery of crucifixionvisualmentalIllustrations may come between the text and the reader's own mental imagery.dreamhis continuing quest to explore dream imagerybiblical, erotic, poetic, religious, sexualabstract, surreal, symbolicnatural, representationalphotographic, radar, satellite, videohigh-resolutioncomputer-generated, digital3-D, three-dimensionalaerial, overhead (esp. AmE)The Pentagon is searching for overhead imagery from satellites or spy planes.VERB + imagerydraw on, employ, usecreate, produce, provideThe equipment provides intelligence imagery for tactical commanders.evokeHe evokes complex imagery with a single well-placed word.

imaginable

imaginableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbeADVERBbarely, hardly, scarcely (esp. BrE)To such poor people, the idea of having a choice of food is barely imaginable.PHRASESthe best … imaginable, the most … imaginable, the worst … imaginableIt was the most boring movie imaginable!They live in the worst conditions imaginable.every imaginable sthThey had every imaginable shade of green.They had every shade of green imaginable.

imaginary

imaginaryadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBcompletely, entirely, purely, whollyThe characters in this book are purely imaginary.largelya largely imaginary threat

Imaginary is used with these nouns:

conversation, friend, number, world

imagination

imaginationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + imagination | imagination + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreatactive, creative, fertile, lively, rich, strong, vividfevered, overactive, overheated, wildIt's just a product of your fevered imagination!limiteda movie of such limited imaginationcollective, popular, publica popular hero who inspired the collective imaginationvisualI was no good at art—I have a very poor visual imagination.artistic, cultural, historical, literary, musical, poetic, political, romanticIt requires a strong effort of historical imagination to understand the Roman attitude to death.moral (esp. AmE), religiousan education that stimulates the moral imaginationhumanthe powers of the human imaginationpureVERB + imaginationhaveshowlackToday's music lacks imagination.require, takeIt does not take great imagination to guess what happened next.useI don't have a picture of this, so you'll just have to use your imagination.captivate, capture, catch, excite, feed, fire, fuel, grab (esp. BrE), ignite, inspire, seize, spark, stimulate, stir19th-century writers fired the popular imagination with their tales of adventure.engage, griphauntThe film haunted the imaginations of viewers.exercise, stretchdefyThe scale of the disaster defied imagination (= was greater than you could imagine).leave sth toAs for their reaction, I'll leave that to your imagination!imagination + VERBconjure sth upHis imagination conjured up a vision of the normal family life he had never had.play tricks on you, run away with you, run riot (esp. BrE), run wild, workWas it only her imagination playing tricks on her?PREPOSITIONbeyond (your) imaginationmisery that is beyond most people's imaginationin the/your imaginationNobody hates you—it's all in your imagination!with imagination, without imaginationHe was totally without imagination.PHRASESa lack of imaginationa figment of sb's imagination, a product of sb's imaginationThe figure vanished as silently as if it had simply been a figment of her imagination.by no stretch of the imagination, not by any stretch of the imaginationNot by any stretch of the imagination could she be called beautiful (= she was definitely not beautiful in any way).with a little imaginationWith a little imagination you can create a delicious meal from yesterday's leftovers.a hold on the/sb's imaginationthe Pyramids retain a remarkable hold on the human imagination.

imaginative

imaginativeadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.brilliantly, highly, most (esp. BrE), particularly, richly, wildly, wonderfullya wonderfully imaginative story

Imaginative is used with these nouns:

engagement, faculty, flair, idea, leap, mind, play, response, scheme, solution, vision, work, writing

imaginatively

imaginativelyadv.

Imaginatively is used with these verbs:

respond

imagine

imagineverb

verb1 form a picture of sth in your mind2 see/hear/think sth that is not true/does not exist1 form a picture of sth in your mindADVERB | VERB + imagine | PHRASESADVERBclearly, easily, readilyI could clearly imagine the scene in the office.barely, hardly, scarcely (esp. BrE)I could hardly imagine living in such a remote and desolate spot.justShe could just imagine her mother's look of horror.quiteThe sight was disturbing as you can quite imagine.almostWhen I think about this story I can almost imagine the look on his face.ever, possiblythe best guitarist you could possibly imaginefully (esp. AmE)I couldn't fully imagine what it could be.actuallyI can't actually imagine her falling for that trick.alwaysI always imagined him following in his father's footsteps.vividlyShe had so vividly imagined it time and time again.VERB + imaginecanI can well imagine the atmosphere at home at this moment.There's more at stake here than you can possibly imagine.try tobegin to, start toI can't even begin to imagine the horrors that they have been through.I started to imagine what he might say.dare toHe hardly dared to imagine what else was going to be divulged.love toHe loved to imagine himself as the hero.be difficult to, be hard to, be impossible to, be tough toIt is difficult to imagine a world without money.be absurd to, be far-fetched tobe easy tobe free toThe artist is free to imagine anything she pleases.PHRASESlet us imagineLet us imagine what really might have happened.

2 see/hear/think sth that is not true/does not existADVERB | VERB + imagine | PHRASESADVERBreally, seriouslyYou don't seriously imagine I'll agree to that?almostI could almost imagine you were jealous.actuallyjust, merely, simplyShe knew she was simply imagining things.fondly, naively (both esp. BrE)I had fondly imagined that riding a mule would be easy.VERB + imaginebe easy toPHRASESbe imagining thingsHad I really heard a noise, or was I just imagining things?real and imagined, real or imaginedHe was always quick to avenge insults, real or imagined.

Imagine is used with these nouns as the object:

horror, joy, scenario, scene, shock, uproar, world

imbalance

imbalancenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + imbalance | imbalance + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgrowingdangerous, extreme, huge, massive, serious, severedangerous imbalances in potassium and other body chemicalsglobal, regional (esp. BrE)economic, financial, fiscal, gender, power, racial, tradechemical, hormonal, hormone, thyroidmentalThe patient had long shown signs of mental imbalance.structuralCan he resolve the structural imbalance of the deficit?VERB + imbalancecause, createexacerbateA higher dollar will only exacerbate the trade imbalance.addressVigorous action is needed to address global imbalances.correct, rectify, redress, reduceIncreased recruitment of women engineers will help correct the gender imbalance in the profession.imbalance + VERBoccurexistthe large trade imbalances now existing between Europe and the UScause sthChemical imbalances actually cause the sleep disturbances.PREPOSITIONimbalance betweenan imbalance between imports and exportsimbalance inAn imbalance in certain chemicals leads to disturbances in the brain's function.imbalance ofan imbalance of power or authority

imitate

imitateverb

Imitate is used with these nouns as the object:

accent, idol, movement, voice

imitation

imitationnoun

noun1 copy of a thing2 act of copying sth3 copy of the way sb speaks, behaves, etc.1 copy of a thingADJECTIVEADJECTIVEaccurate, good, passableexact, perfectcheap, crude, pale, poorAccept no cheap imitations of our product!Their version of jazz funk is a pale imitation of the real thing.mereThey are mere imitations of existing products.

2 act of copying sthADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEslavishdirectChildren are seen as learning to write by direct imitation of adult models.PREPOSITIONin imitation ofThe poems, some in imitation of Whitman, are unremarkable.

3 copy of the way sb speaks, behaves, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + imitationADJECTIVEaccurate, fair, good, passableperfectHe does a perfect imitation of a turkey.close, convincinga voice that's a close imitation of a snake hissbad, lame, poorVERB + imitationdo, give, performHe does a very good imitation of Liza Minelli.

immaculate

immaculateadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, lookkeep sthADVERBabsolutely

Immaculate is used with these nouns:

conception, condition, suit

immaculately

immaculatelyadv.

Immaculately is used with these adjectives:

clean, groomed, tailored, tidy

Immaculately is used with these verbs:

conceive, dress

immaterial

immaterialadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, prove, seembecomeADVERBcompletely, entirely, quite, whollyThe condition of the car is quite immaterial as long as it works.almostrelativelyPREPOSITIONtoThese facts are immaterial to the problem.

immature

immatureadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seem, soundADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.a little, slightly, etc.developmentally, emotionally, physically, politically, sexually

Immature is used with these nouns:

male

immeasurably

immeasurablyadv.

Immeasurably is used with these verbs:

help, improve

immediacy

immediacynoun

nounVERB + immediacy | PHRASESVERB + immediacylackconveyThe drawings convey both immediacy and a sense of violence.PHRASESa lack of immediacyThe book had a lack of immediacy for most people.

immediate

immediateadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemThe effect seems immediate.ADVERBalmostThe painkillers brought almost immediate relief.

Immediate is used with these nouns:

acceptance, access, action, aftermath, aim, ancestor, answer, appeal, area, assistance, attention, cause, ceasefire, circle, closure, confines, consequence, context, danger, death, delivery, descendant, dislike, dismissal, effect, enquiry, environment, evacuation, expulsion, family, feedback, follow-up, freeze, future, gain, goal, halt, heir, help, hit, impact, impetus, implementation, importance, impression, improvement, interest, intervention, liking, necessity, need, neighbour, neighbourhood, notification, origin, outcome, outcry, past, payment, peril, plan, priority, problem, prospect, rapport, reaction, recognition, reduction, reform, relative, release, relevance, relief, removal, repair, replacement, reply, resignation, response, retaliation, return, reward, situation, solution, step, success, successor, superior, supervisor, surrender, surroundings, suspension, target, task, thought, threat, transformation, treatment, use, vicinity, withdrawal, worry

immediately

immediatelyadv.

Immediately is used with these adjectives:

accessible, adjacent, alert, apparent, appealing, applicable, available, discernible, effective, evident, familiar, forthcoming, impressed, likeable, noticeable, obvious, payable, recognizable, relevant, responsive, striking, suspicious, visible

Immediately is used with these verbs:

abandon, act, answer, apologize, back, begin, break, brighten, burst, cease, collapse, confront, contact, decide, declare, deny, destroy, disappear, dismiss, draw, drop, eliminate, embark, evacuate, evoke, expel, fill, follow, freeze, gain, halt, hand, immerse, implement, inform, initiate, issue, jump, know, leap, light, notice, notify, obey, order, perceive, precede, provoke, react, realize, recognize, regret, reject, relax, release, remind, replace, reply, resign, resolve, respond, return, reward, rule, rush, seize, sense, serve, silence, sit, spot, stand, start, stop, strike, surrender, suspect, suspend, terminate, transfer, understand, withdraw

immense immensely immerse

immerseverb

verb1 put sth in liquid2 concentrate completely on sth1 put sth in liquidADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBcompletely, fully, totallypartiallyPREPOSITIONinThe seeds need to be completely immersed in water.

2 concentrate completely on sthADVERBADVERBdeeplyClare and Phil were deeply immersed in conversation.completely, fully, thoroughly, totallyimmediatelyI immediately immersed myself in the task.inFor six months I totally immersed myself in my work.

immersion

immersionnoun

Immersion is used before these nouns:

heater

immigrant

immigrantnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF IMMIGRANTS | VERB + immigrant | immigrant + VERB | immigrant + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEillegalundocumented (esp. AmE)the 11 million undocumented immigrants living in Californialegalthe number of legal immigrants to the USforeignHispanic, Irish, Italian, Jewish, Mexican, etc.newly arrived, recent, recently arrivedwould-befirst-generation, second-generationLike many first-generation immigrants, they worked hard and saved most of their earnings.working-classThese were working-class immigrants, mainly from rural parts of Mexico.poorpoor immigrants from Latin American countriesskilledThe government is eager to attract skilled immigrants.unskilled… OF IMMIGRANTSflood, influx, tide, waveVERB + immigrantaccept, welcomeattract, draw, encourageThese factors attracted new immigrants.bring, smuggleboats bringing illegal immigrants over from North Africaassimilate (esp. AmE)a careful mechanism for assimilating immigrantsemploy, hireBusinesses may want to hire skilled immigrants.assist, helpdetainthe circumstances under which immigrants were detainedtargetanti-terrorist legislation that targeted immigrantsdeport, returnships laden with would-be immigrants who were forcibly returnedexcludea law designed to exclude Chinese immigrantsimmigrant + VERBarrive, enter sth, move to sth, pour into sth, settle sthimmigrants seeking to enter the countrythe immigrants who poured into Americacome from sthflee sthEuropean immigrants fleeing Nazism in the 1930slive in sth, settle in stha family of Turkish immigrants living in CaliforniaEuropean immigrants settled much of Australia.worka young Afghan immigrant who has worked at the store for yearsfound sthThe company was founded by two immigrants from Bangladesh.speak sthrecent immigrants who do not speak Englishseek sthMexican immigrants seeking farm workexperience sthface sththe issues faced by Dominican immigrantsassimilateItalian immigrants assimilated easily into Brazilian society.immigrant + NOUNcommunity, family, generation, group, minority, populationlabourer/laborer, student, workerlabour/laborneighbourhood/neighborhoodstatusThey are trying to secure immigrant status for their families.experiencedifferent aspects of the immigrant experiencerightsculture, identityPREPOSITIONimmigrant fromimmigrant toShe was the daughter of Chinese immigrants to America.

immigration

immigrationnoun

noun1 coming to live in a country2 (also immigration control) at a port/airport1 coming to live in a countryADJECTIVE | VERB + immigration | immigration + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEillegalundocumented (AmE)legallarge-scale, mass, massiveincreaseduncontrolledthe impact of uncontrolled immigrationcontinued, continuingthe immense and continuing immigration from Latin AmericaHispanic, Jewish, Mexican, etc.VERB + immigrationcontrol, curb, curtail, limit, prevent, reduce, restrict, stoplaws restricting immigration into the USdiscourage, increaseI think we need to discourage illegal immigration.encourageThe authorities quickly encouraged immigration.immigration + NOUNbill, control, crisis, debate, enforcement, law, legislation, policy, proposal, reform, restrictions, rulesagent (AmE), authority, court (esp. AmE), office, officer, official, serviceattorney (AmE), judge (AmE), lawyercase, hearing, proceedingsviolationThey were arrested for immigration violations.quotaa Senate debate on immigration quotasratethe immigration rate for the USstatusthe immigration status of the workerrecordsUS attorneys match immigration records to voting rolls.papersHis wife finally received her immigration papers.PREPOSITIONimmigration fromThere was a sudden increase in immigration from Europe.

2 (also immigration control) at a port/airportVERB + immigration | immigration + NOUNVERB + immigrationgo through, pass throughWe landed at Heathrow and went through customs and immigration.immigration + NOUNchecks, procedurescalls for tighter immigration procedures

imminent immobile

immobileadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSlie, remain, sit, stand, stayShe seemed scarcely to breathe as she lay immobile.becomehold sb, leave sb, render sbFor a moment shock held her immobile.The accident left him totally immobile.ADVERBcompletely, perfectly, totally, utterlyalmost, largely, practically, virtuallyrelatively

immoral

immoraladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemcondemn sb/sth as, consider sb/sth, deem sth, denounce sb/sth as, find sth, regard sb/sth as, think sb/sth, view sb/sth asHe condemned the government's action as immoral.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.completely, deeply, downright, highly, profoundly, totally, utterlyinherently, intrinsically

Immoral is used with these nouns:

act, conduct, earnings

immortal

immortaladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seembecomeADVERBapparently, seeminglyalmost, virtuallypotentially

Immortal is used with these nouns:

soul, word

immortality

immortalitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + immortality | PHRASESADJECTIVEpersonal (technical)Some religions include a doctrine of personal immortality.baseball, cinematic, literary, sporting (BrE), etc. (all figurative)VERB + immortalityachieve, attainbestow, confer, give sb, grantIt was in the power of the gods to confer immortality upon mortals.PHRASESthe immortality of the soulThey believe in the immortality of the soul.

immortalize

immortalizeverb

Immortalize is used with these nouns as the object:

Immune is used with these nouns:

immune

immuneadj.

adj.1 protected against a disease2 not affected by sth1 protected against a diseaseVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seembecomeremain, staymake sbThe vaccination doesn't necessarily make you completely immune.ADVERBcompletely, totallyPREPOSITIONtoMany people are immune to this disease.

2 not affected by sthVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, prove, seembecomeremainADVERBcompletely, entirely, totally, whollyby no means, far fromChildren are far from immune to the cruelty that is latent in all humans.almost, largely, virtuallyseeminglyrelativelysomehowHe seems to believe that the president is somehow immune from criticism.PREPOSITIONfromHe is immune from prosecution as long as he is in office.toShe's quite immune to criticism.

defence, deficiency, response, system

immunity

immunitynoun

noun1 protection against disease2 protection from danger/punishment1 protection against diseaseADJECTIVE | VERB + immunity | immunity + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEstrongacquired, naturalimpairedlifelongInfection usually confers lifelong immunity to the disease.herdPolio has been eradicated due to vaccination and herd immunity.VERB + immunityhaveThe island's inhabitants had no immunity to the diseases carried by the explorers and quickly succumbed.lackacquire, build up, developOnce you have had a cold you build up immunity to that particular virus.conferThe vaccine only confers immunity for a few months.stimulatethe use of vaccines to stimulate immunityboostimpair, lowerHigh levels of stress may lower your immunity to common illnesses.immunity + VERBdevelopA strong immunity to reinfection develops after one year.PREPOSITIONimmunity against, immunity toThe newcomers lacked immunity against local strains of the disease.

2 protection from danger/punishmentADJECTIVE | VERB + immunity | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcomplete, totaldiplomatic, legal, parliamentarySeveral ministers were stripped of parliamentary immunity as a prelude to facing corruption charges.VERB + immunityenjoyclaim, seekconfer, give sb, grant (sb), guarantee (sb), provideabolish, lift, strip sb ofThe Supreme Court lifted the company's immunity from criminal prosecution.waiveHe has agreed to waive his diplomatic immunity and face prosecution.losePREPOSITIONimmunity fromUnions were granted immunity from prosecution for non-violent acts.

immunization

immunizationnoun

Immunization is used after these nouns:

influenza, measles

immunize

immunizeverb

(BrE also -ise) verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBfullyroutinelyPREPOSITIONagainstChildren have been routinely immunized against polio since 1958.withThey immunized some mice with a dose of the live vaccine.

Immunize is used with these nouns as the object:

immunize against

immunize againstphr verb

Immunize against is used with these nouns as the object:

diphtheria, measles, polio

immunological

immunologicaladj.

Immunological is used with these nouns:

mechanism

immutable

immutableadj.

Immutable is used with these nouns:

truth

impact

impactnounverb

I. noun1 effect/impression2 act/force of one object hitting another1 effect/impressionADJECTIVE | VERB + impact | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, considerable, dramatic, enormous, great, high, huge, important, main, major, massive, powerful, profound, strong, tremendousa high-impact message aimed at changing people's attitudesdiscernible, measurable, noticeable, real, significant, substantialA 1% rise is enough to have a measurable impact on economic growth.limited, little, marginal, minimal, minimum, negligiblefullThe industrial north of the country felt the full impact of the recession.maximumWe'll show you how to dress for maximum impact at the all-important audition.overall, totalgrowing, increasingaddeddisproportionatecombined, cumulativethe cumulative impact of a series of damaging eventsdecisivedirectAgriculture made a direct physical impact on the landscape.immediate, instant, suddeninitial, short-termlasting, long-termbroader, far-reaching, widerIt is important to appreciate the wider impact and implications of this proposal.future, likely, possible, potentialbeneficial, favourable/favorable, positiveadverse, catastrophic, damaging, destructive, detrimental, devastating, disastrous, heavy, negative, serious, severehumanThe severest human impact on the dolphins has been the loss of habitat.personalThe personal impact of party leaders has been very important.physical, visualan attempt to reduce the visual impact of wind farms on the landscapevisceralThe film lacks the visceral impact of her previous work.cultural, ecological, economic, emotional, environmental, financial, health, political, psychological, socialThe environmental impact of power generation is being assessed.VERB + impactachieve, create, exert, have, makeVariations in the interest rate will have an impact on the whole housing market.You certainly made a big impact on Carter.feelThe initial impact of the reforms will be felt most keenly in primary schools.analyse/analyze, consider, examine, explore, investigate, monitor, studyWe investigated the impact of new technologies on teaching methods.assess, determine, estimate, evaluate, gauge, judge, measure, quantifyIt is difficult to judge the likely impact of the changes on employment patterns.underestimateenhance, increase, maximizealleviate, cushion, lessen, minimize, mitigate, offset, reduce, softenWe are trying to minimize the impact of price rises on our customers.diminish, lessen, reduce, weakenListening to the speech through an interpreter lessened its impact somewhat.loseWhen peace returned, the hard-line message lost much of its impact.resist, withstandThis section explores how mothers resist the impact of poverty on the health of their children.be concerned aboutappreciate, realize, recognize, understandhighlightaddresspredictreflectArchitecturally, these churches reflected the impact of the Renaissance.PREPOSITIONunder the impact ofManufacturing fell sharply under the impact of the recession.impact on, impact uponto highlight the impact of technology on working practices

2 act/force of one object hitting anotherADJECTIVE | VERB + impact | impact + VERB | impact + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfullinitialasteroid, meteoritethe consequences of an asteroid impactVERB + impacttakeThe front of the bus took the full impact of the crash.feelabsorbA well-designed sports shoe should absorb the impact on the 28 bones in each foot.cushion, lessen, softenAir bags are designed to soften the impact for crash victims.survive, withstandThe crew of six may have survived the initial impact, but the whole plane went up in flames seconds later.impact + VERBoccurImpact occurred seconds after the pilot radioed for help.knock sb/sth … The impact knocked him off balance.impact + NOUNspeed, velocitycraterSmall meteorites have left impact craters all over the planet's surface.PREPOSITIONon impactThe front of the car had crumpled on impact.PHRASESthe moment, point, time, etc. of impact

II. verb

Impact is used with these nouns as the object:

decision, development, effectiveness, environment, quality

impact on

impact onphr verb

Impact on is used with these nouns as the object:

quality

impair

impairverb

verbADVERB | PHRASESADVERBdramatically, greatly, markedly, seriously, severely, significantly, substantiallya defect that significantly impairs the safety of a carmildlypermanentlyPHRASESseverely impairedHer liver function was severely impaired.

Impair is used with these nouns as the object:

ability, circulation, effectiveness, hearing, immunity, judgement, mobility, performance, quality, vision

impaired

impairedadj.

Impaired is used with these nouns:

driving, hearing, immunity, judgement, vision

impairment

impairmentnoun

Impairment is used after these nouns:

hearing, speech

impanel

impanelverb

Impanel is used with these nouns as the object:

jury

impart

impartverb

Impart is used with these nouns as the object:

flavour, information, knowledge, spin, wisdom

impartial

impartialadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSberemainThe judge must remain impartial.ADVERBcompletely, entirely, totally, trulyreasonablysupposedly

Impartial is used with these nouns:

advice, judge, judgement, observer, spectator, tribunal

impartiality

impartialitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + impartialityADJECTIVEabsolute (esp. BrE), completedue (BrE)The BBC must ensure that due impartiality is preserved in its news programmes.journalistic, judicialVERB + impartialityguarantee, maintain, preservecompromiseThe newspaper sought to present a range of opinions without compromising its impartiality.questionThe judge's impartiality in this case might reasonably be questioned.

impassable

impassableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomeremainmake sthThe mud made the roads impassable.ADVERBcompletely, totallyalmost, nearly, virtually

Impassable is used with these nouns:

barrier

impasse

impassenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + impasse | PHRASESADJECTIVEcurrent, presentdiplomatic, politicalbudget (esp. AmE)The Governor attempted to resolve Minnesota's current budget impasse.VERB + impassereachNegotiations seemed to have reached an impasse.break, end, overcome, resolvePHRASESa way out of an impasseThe proposal offered both sides a way out of the diplomatic impasse.

impassioned

impassionedadj.

Impassioned is used with these nouns:

letter, plea, speech

impassive

impassiveadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, sit, standbecomeremainADVERBcompletely, quite, totallyalmostHer expression was cool, almost impassive.

Impassive is used with these nouns:

face, mask

impassively

impassivelyadv.

Impassively is used with these verbs:

look, stare, watch

impatience

impatiencenoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF IMPATIENCE | VERB + impatience | impatience + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgrowingslightbarely concealedbarely controlled… OF IMPATIENCEhint, touch, traceVERB + impatiencefeelShe felt a growing impatience.senseSensing her impatience, I spoke quickly.express, showHe was trying hard not to show his impatience.contain, curb, restrainShe was unable to contain her impatience.conceal, hide, maskimpatience + VERBgrowPREPOSITIONwith impatienceHe stamped his feet as he waited with barely concealed impatience for the telephone.impatience atHe expressed impatience at the slow rate of progress.impatience forhis impatience for her to returnimpatience withimpatience with the slowness of changePHRASESa gesture of impatience, a look of impatienceHe shook his head in a gesture of impatience.a sigh of impatienceHe bit back a sigh of impatience.signs of impatienceThe children were beginning to show signs of impatience.

impatient

impatientadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, feel, seem, soundbecome, get, growThe children were growing impatient.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.He spoke in a somewhat impatient tone.increasinglya little, slightly, etc.PREPOSITIONaboutShe's getting impatient about the delays.atSean was a little impatient at the time Valerie devoted to her mother.forimpatient for changewithSometimes he is very impatient with his wife.

impatiently

impatientlyadv.

Impatiently is used with these verbs:

ask, await, demand, frown, gesture, interrupt, look, say, shake, shift, sigh, snap, snort, stamp, tap, wait

impeach

impeachverb

Impeach is used with these nouns as the object:

president

impeachable

impeachableadj.

Impeachable is used with these nouns:

impeachment

impeachmentnoun

Impeachment is used before these nouns:

proceedings, trial

impeccable

impeccableadj.

Impeccable is used with these nouns:

character, credentials, logic, manner, pedigree, reputation, taste, timing

impeccably

impeccablyadv.

Impeccably is used with these adjectives:

groomed

Impeccably is used with these verbs:

behave, dress

impede

impedeverb

verbADVERBADVERBgreatly, seriously, severely, significantlyThe bad weather seriously impeded our progress.

Impede is used with these nouns as the object:

ability, development, effort, flow, investigation, movement, progress, recovery

impediment

impedimentnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + impediment | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgreat, major, seriouschief, mainlawful (BrE), legalThere are no legal impediments to their appealing against the decision.VERB + impedimentbe, constitute, provideovercomeremoveThe agreement is designed to remove impediments to trade between the two countries.PREPOSITIONimpediment toTheir boycott of the talks constitutes a serious impediment to peace negotiations.

impending

impendingadj.

Impending is used with these nouns:

arrival, catastrophe, conflict, crisis, danger, death, demise, departure, disaster, doom, execution, invasion, move, recession, retirement, shortage, storm, visit, war

impenetrable

impenetrableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seembecomeremainfind sthThey found the jungle virtually impenetrable.ADVERBalmost, nearly, virtuallyHis reports were virtually impenetrable without an explanation.seeminglyPREPOSITIONtoThe language of this document would be impenetrable to anyone except a specialist.

Impenetrable is used with these nouns:

barrier, forest, fortress, jargon, jungle, mystery

imperative

imperativeadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seembecomeremainIt remains imperative that all sides should be involved in the talks.make sthThe collapse of the wall made it imperative to keep the water out by some other means.consider sthWe consider it absolutely imperative to start work immediately.ADVERBabsolutely

imperceptible

imperceptibleadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeADVERBalmost, nearly, virtuallyHis head moved in an almost imperceptible nod.PREPOSITIONtoThe slight change in the taste was imperceptible to most people.

imperceptibly

imperceptiblyadv.

Imperceptibly is used with these verbs:

Imperfect is used with these nouns:

imperfect

imperfectadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSberemainOur understanding of cancer remains imperfect.ADVERBhighly, veryHe spoke in very imperfect English.slightlyThese goods are slightly imperfect.admittedlyWhat follows is an admittedly imperfect analogy …

substitute, system, world

imperfection

imperfectionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + imperfection | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEminor, slightphysicalVERB + imperfectioncover, cover up, hidereveal, show, show upPREPOSITIONimperfection inCareful inspection in daylight revealed imperfections in the paintwork.

imperial

imperialadj.

Imperial is used with these nouns:

administration, ambition, army, conquest, court, crown, domination, expansion, family, measure, palace, past, power, rule, size, throne

imperialism

imperialismnoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEAmerican, British, Roman, Western, etc.capitalist, cultural, economic

imperialist

imperialistadj.

Imperialist is used with these nouns:

ambition, expansion

imperilled

imperilledadj.

Imperilled/imperiled is used with these nouns:

species

impersonal

impersonaladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seembecomefind sthI find the atmosphere there rather impersonal.keep sthI think we should keep things entirely impersonal.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.totallya little, slightly, etc.coldlyThe law is abstract and coldly impersonal.seemingly

impertinence

impertinencenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + impertinence | PHRASESADJECTIVEgrossI consider his remark a gross impertinence.VERB + impertinencehaveShe had the impertinence to suggest I needed a rest.PHRASESthe height of impertinence

impertinent

impertinentadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemdeem sth, find sthShe found the question highly impertinent.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.

impervious

imperviousadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, seembecomeremainADVERBcompletely, quite, totallyHe was completely impervious to criticism.almost, largely, practically, virtuallyapparently, seeminglyPREPOSITIONtoShe was impervious to his charms.

impetus

impetusnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + impetus | impetus + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEconsiderable, great, powerful, strong, tremendousmain, majorimmediate, initial, originalfresh, new, renewedEach new revelation added fresh impetus to the campaign.added, extra, furthernecessaryHis disappointment in the championships provided the necessary impetus to give everything for this final race.VERB + impetusadd, give sb/sth, lend sth, provide (sb/sth with)The riots lent impetus to attempts to improve conditions for prisoners.gain, receiveThe movement is steadily gaining impetus.loseWith the death of its founder, the campaign lost much of its impetus.impetus + VERBcome from sthMuch of the impetus for change came from customers' opinions.PREPOSITIONimpetus behind sb/sthThe main impetus behind the move west was to find gold and other minerals.impetus forthe impetus for arms control agreementsimpetus towards/towardthe impetus towards/toward urban development

impinge

impingeverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBseriouslyactions which seriously impinge on other people's personal freedomshardly (esp. BrE)rarelyThe music industry rarely impinges on my life.directlyPREPOSITIONon, uponmeasures which directly or indirectly impinge upon women's lives

impish

impishadj.

Impish is used with these nouns:

impishly

impishlyadv.

Impishly is used with these verbs:

implacable

implacableadj.

Implacable is used with these nouns:

enemy, foe, hatred, hostility

implacably

implacablyadv.

Implacably is used with these adjectives:

opposed

implant

implantnounverb

I. noun

Implant is used after these nouns:

Implant is used with these nouns as the object:

II. verb

chip, embryo

implausible

implausibleadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seem, soundconsider sth, deem sthThese results might be considered implausible.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highlytotally, utterly, wholly, wildlyThis idea is totally implausible.increasinglyHe gave a series of increasingly implausible excuses.not entirelyinherentlybiologically, psychologically, scientifically, etc.

Implausible is used with these nouns:

explanation

implement

implementnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEagricultural, farm, farming, garden, gardening, kitchen, surgicalcooking, digging, writing, etc.sharpMake sure that all sharp implements have covers.flint, metal, stone, wooden

II. verbADVERB | VERB + implement | PHRASESADVERBcorrectly, fully, properlyThese policies have never been fully implemented.partiallyconsistently, systematicallyactuallyThe proposed changes were never actually implemented.widelyThese reforms have now been widely implemented in schools.globally, locally, nationallyeffectively, successfullyimmediately, quicklyVERB + implementagree to, decide to, intend to, promise toattempt to, seek to, try tofail toThe government failed to implement the plan.refuse tobe forced to, be obliged tobe difficult to, be hard toThe decision was hard to implement.PHRASESeasily implementedIt's a simple, easily implemented system.poorly implementeda poorly implemented strategy

Implement is used with these nouns as the object:

approach, change, control, curriculum, decision, directive, guideline, idea, initiative, law, measure, method, penalty, plan, policy, practice, procedure, programme, project, recommendation, reform, resolution, safeguard, scheme, strategy, suggestion, system, technique, technology, vision

implementation

implementationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + implementation | implementation + NOUNADJECTIVEeffective, successfulfulllarge-scale, widespreadWe believe that widespread implementation of this approach will result in improvements.detailedDetailed implementation of the plans was left to the regional offices.smoothWe will consult widely to ensure smooth implementation.actual, practicalThe practical implementation of the regulations proved difficult.early, immediategradualpolicyVERB + implementationachieve, ensureTo achieve implementation of the policy is a long, slow task.accelerate, expedite, facilitate, simplifyHospitals have been given extra funds to facilitate the implementation of the changes.delay, hinderThey have lobbied to delay implementation of the new tax package.monitor, oversee, superviseThe UN is to supervise the implementation of the peace treaty.consider, discussimplementation + NOUNplan, strategyprocessThe restructuring will take place in phases, to simplify the implementation process.phaseThe new regulations are still in the early implementation phase.problem

implicate

implicateverb

verb be implicated in sthADVERBADVERBdeeply, heavily, stronglyThese groups are very strongly implicated in the violence.directlyfalselyHe was falsely implicated in an attempted murder case.

Implicate is used with these nouns as the subject:

evidence

implication

implicationnoun

noun1 possible effect/result2 sth suggested but not said openly1 possible effect/resultADJECTIVE | VERB + implication | implication + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEconsiderable, crucial, enormous, important, major, massive, significant, strongmaindeeper, profoundbroad, far-reaching, wider, wide-rangingThe broader implications of the plan were discussed.fullNow they realized the full implications of the new system.directclear, obviousgeneralfurtherpossible, potentialfuture, long-termdire, grave, seriousdisturbing, ominous, sinisteradverse, negativeinterestingradical, revolutionarypracticalThese results have important practical implications.theoreticalcommercial, economic, financialenvironmentaleducational, psychological, social, societalconstitutional, legal, politicalthe constitutional implications of a royal divorceethical, ideological, metaphysical, moral, philosophical, theologicalclinical, therapeuticcost, health, policy, resource (esp. BrE), safety, security, taxVERB + implicationcarry, haveThe emphasis on testing leads to greater stress among students and carries implications of failure.appreciate, grasp, realize, understandassess, consider, examine, explore, ponder, studyYou need to consider the legal implications before you publish anything.digestdiscussexplaindraw, draw outHer article attempts to draw out the implications of this argument.addressTheir work addresses the implications of new technology.accepta society that fully accepts the implications of disabilityrejectignoreimplication + VERBariseSeveral interesting implications arise from these developments.be involvedGiven the resource implications involved, the plan will have to be scaled down.PREPOSITIONimplication aboutdisturbing implications about the company's futureimplication forThe research has far-reaching implications for medicine as a whole.

2 sth suggested but not said openlyADJECTIVE | VERB + implication | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEclear, obviousThe implication is clear: young females do better if they mate with a new male.possibleHis remark seemed to have various possible implications.unspokenVERB + implicationcarry, haveunderstanddigestBrian paused for a moment while he digested the implications of this statement.resentI resent the implication that I don't care about my father.PREPOSITIONby implicationIn refusing to believe our story, he is saying by implication that we are lying.

implicit

implicitadj.

Implicit is used with these nouns:

acceptance, assumption, criticism, critique, endorsement, faith, message, rebuke, recognition, suggestion, trust, understanding

implicitly

implicitlyadv.

Implicitly is used with these verbs:

acknowledge, assume, concede, condone, criticize, deny, endorse, recognize, suggest, trust

implied

impliedadj.

Implied is used with these nouns:

consent, criticism, message, rebuke, term, threat

imploringly

imploringlyadv.

Imploringly is used with these verbs:

Imply is used with these nouns as the subject:

imply

implyverb

verbADVERB | VERB + imply | PHRASESADVERBclearly, heavily, stronglysubtlyHe subtly implied that race was an issue in the case.logicallyThe statement logically implies a certain conclusion.simplygenerally, normally, usuallyautomaticallynot necessarilyThis does not necessarily imply that children achieve better results in private schools.in no wayThey believe that submission in no way implies inferiority.falsely, wronglyThe article falsely implied that he was responsible for the accident.VERB + implyseem toThe letter seems to imply that the president knew about the business deals.intend to, mean toI never meant to imply any criticism.take sth toThis statement should not be taken to imply that the government is exonerated of all blame.PHRASESexpress or implied (law), real or impliedthe express or implied terms of the contract

argument, article, finding, metaphor, name, result, tone, word

Imply is used with these nouns as the object:

criticism, endorsement, existence, recognition, superiority

import

importnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + import | import + VERB | import + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEmain, majorforeign, overseasAustralian, Japanese, etc.cheap, low-priced (esp. AmE)expensiveannualThe value of annual imports rose rapidly.netthe UK's net imports of foodtotalincreasedillegalparallel (esp. BrE)parallel imports of brand name drugs from Spain into other countriesagricultural, beef, car, coal, energy, food, grain, oil, steel, textile, etc.VERB + importboostpressure on the government to stimulate the faltering economy and boost importscut, limit, reduce, restrictdiscouragecontrolblock, halt, prevent, stopban, prohibitThe government decided to prohibit the import of toxic waste.allow, permitfinanceMost of their oil revenues are used to finance imports of consumer goods.replaceThe industry aims both to increase exports and replace imports.import + VERBgrow, increase, risedrop, fallbe valued at sth, total sthImports were valued at £516 million last month.account for sthImports of foodstuffs accounted for a small proportion of total imports.import + NOUNban, control (esp. BrE), restrictionsduty, tariffpricerising import priceslicence/licensequotaA restricted import quota was set for meat products.penetrationgreater import penetration of the domestic marketPREPOSITIONimport fromAmerica has cut its oil imports from the Middle East by 73%.import intoSpecial duties were imposed on imports into the republic.PHRASESa ban on imports, a restriction on importsthe demand for importsa fall in imports, a rise in importsimports and exports

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBdirectlyillegally, legallyspeciallyPREPOSITIONfromThe store's croissants are imported directly from France.intoThese dogs are illegally imported into the country.togoods that are imported to Britain

Import is used with these nouns as the subject:

Import is used with these nouns as the object:

file, food, goods, oil, product, slave, waste

importance

importancenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + importance | importance + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcardinal, central, considerable, critical, crucial, enormous, extreme, fundamental, great, high, immense, key, major, outstanding (esp. BrE), overriding, overwhelming, paramount, particular, profound, real, special, supreme, tremendous, vitalfirst, greatest, highest, primary, prime, utmostThis information is of the first importance.It is of the utmost importance that you arrive on time.growing, increased, increasingdecliningthe declining importance of manufacturing industrylesser, limited, marginal, minor, secondarygeneraladdedimmediatecontinued, continuing, lastingequalrelativeintrinsicobviousperceiveddifferences in the perceived importance of the different subjects in the curriculumpotentialpublicinternational, nationalpracticaltheoreticalsymbolicthe symbolic importance of iron in German culturearchaeological, commercial, constitutional, cultural, ecological, economic, environmental, historic, historical, legal, military, political, social, strategicVERB + importancehaveThese finds have considerable scientific importance.assume, take onEducation takes on an added importance at a time of economic uncertainty.grow in, increase in, rise indecline in, diminish in, fall inThe overseas markets have now declined in importance.attach, give sth, placeTo what objectives do you attach most importance?the importance placed on cleanlinessaccept, acknowledge, appreciate, be aware of, grasp, learn, note, realize, recognize, see, understandPeople were aware of the importance of working with nature.demonstrate, illustrate, indicate, point to, reflect, show, suggestFigure 2.2 shows the relative importance of the different service industries.affirm, assert, reaffirm, reiteratedeny, discount, dismissI don't discount the importance of theory, but I am really concerned with practice.confirm, reinforcedraw attention to, emphasize, highlight, point out, promote, stress, underline, underscore (esp. AmE)The manual stresses the importance of regular maintenance.diminish, downplay, minimize, play down (esp. BrE)She was inclined to downplay the importance of her own role in the affair.exaggerate, overemphasize, overestimate, overstateunderestimateDon't underestimate the importance of good presentation.increasereduceassess, consider, discuss, evaluateexplaindoubt, cast doubt on, question, throw doubt onNo one can seriously question the political importance of the environment.forget, ignore, overlookimportance + VERBlie in sthThe town's importance lies in the richness and quality of its architecture.PREPOSITIONof … importancea figure of crucial importance in the history of designimportance foran area of enormous importance for wildlifeimportance tothe importance to the country of a healthy economyPHRASESin order of importanceDeal with the issues in order of importance.a matter of grave importance, a matter of great importance, a matter of importance

important

importantadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seem, soundSomeone left a message for you—it sounded important.becomeremainfeelHe made me feel important by asking me lots of questions about myself.make sthThis is what makes our work so important.believe sth, consider sth, deem sth, regard sth as, see sth as, think sthThese ideas are considered enormously important.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.enormously, extraordinarily, highly, hugely, immensely, incredibly, profoundly, terribly, tremendously, trulycritically, crucially, fundamentally, most (esp. BrE), supremely, vitallyThis is most important: you must deliver the letter yourself.especially, particularlyuniquelySeveral factors make this painting uniquely important.increasinglydoublyequallyThese two factors are equally important.fairly, pretty, quiteobviouslysufficientlyHe considered the matter sufficiently important to call her at home.internationally (esp. BrE)an internationally important site for these rare birdseconomically, functionally, historically, politically, strategicallyhistorically important buildingsPREPOSITIONforIt's important for you to understand this.toSpending time with my children is important to me.The work of the intelligence services was crucially important to victory in the war.

Important is used with these nouns:

achievement, addition, adjustment, advance, advantage, ally, amendment, appointment, area, aspect, asset, assignment, attribute, battle, bearing, book, breakthrough, business, category, cause, centre, ceremony, change, characteristic, client, clue, collection, commodity, component, composer, concept, concession, consequence, consideration, constituency, constraint, contract, contribution, contributor, crossroads, customer, decision, detail, development, difference, dimension, directive, discovery, distinction, document, effect, element, engagement, event, evidence, exception, exhibition, export, facet, fact, factor, feature, festival, figure, find, finding, fixture, focus, forum, function, gap, goal, guest, habitat, impact, implication, improvement, incentive, indication, indicator, industry, influence, information, ingredient, initiative, innovation, input, insight, instrument, issue, item, job, landmark, lesson, limitation, link, match, matter, measure, meeting, message, milestone, mineral, modification, moment, monument, move, news, niche, objective, observation, occasion, office, omission, organ, parallel, part, people, person, personality, phase, philosopher, piece, place, point, pointer, position, precedent, prerequisite, problem, project, property, qualification, quality, question, reason, recommendation, reform, reminder, repercussion, report, requirement, resource, respect, responsibility, role, ruling, save, sector, shift, site, skill, source, stage, step, strand, symbol, target, task, theme, thing, tool, topic, trend, truth, turning point, undertaking, vehicle, victory, virtue, visitor, vitamin, vote, watershed, way, work, writer

importantly

importantlyadv.

Importantly is used with these verbs:

contribute

imported

importedadj.

Imported is used with these nouns:

beer, food

importer

importernoun

Importer is used after these nouns:

import-export

import-exportadj.

Import-export is used with these nouns:

trade

impose

imposeverb

verbADVERB | VERB + impose | PREPOSITIONADVERBeffectivelyThe terms of the contract were effectively imposed rather than agreed.simplyNew technology cannot be used successfully if it is simply imposed on an unwilling workforce.centrally (esp. BrE)a centrally imposed school curriculumexternallythe pressure of having to meet externally imposed targetsartificiallyMotivation to learn must come from the child; it cannot be artificially imposed.forciblyThe will of the majority has been forcibly imposed on the minority.arbitrarilyPeople did not accept these national borders which had been arbitrarily imposed.unilaterallyOne side in the conflict cannot unilaterally impose a settlement.VERB + imposeseek to, try toPREPOSITIONon, uponThe government has imposed a ban on the sale of handguns.

Impose is used with these nouns as the subject:

judge, magistrate, regulation, statute

Impose is used with these nouns as the object:

ban, belief, blockade, boycott, burden, ceiling, censorship, charge, condition, conformity, constraint, control, curb, curfew, cut, cutback, deadline, demand, discipline, duty, embargo, excise, fee, fine, freeze, hardship, idea, ideology, injunction, limit, limitation, martial law, measure, morality, moratorium, obligation, order, penalty, prohibition, punishment, quota, regime, regulation, religion, requirement, restraint, restriction, rule, sanction, sentence, strain, structure, surcharge, suspension, tariff, tax, toll, treaty, tyranny, uniformity, view, vision, will

imposing

imposingadj.

Imposing is used with these nouns:

building, figure, presence, stature

imposition

impositionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + imposition | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEunilateralthe unilateral imposition of import quotasunwantedVERB + impositionjustifySeveral reasons were put forward to justify the imposition of censorship.oppose, resistPREPOSITIONimposition onthe imposition of tax on books

impossible

impossibleadj.

adj.1 not possible2 bad-tempered; difficult to talk to/deal with1 not possibleVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, look, prove, seem, soundbecomeremainmake sth, render sthDarkness made it impossible to continue.believe sth, consider sth, deem sth, find sth, regard sth as, see sth as, think sthI found his offer impossible to resist.ADVERBabsolutely, completely, downright, quite (esp. BrE), totally, utterlyhumanlyThey are setting a standard that it is humanly impossible to meet.just, simplyI'm really sorry. It's just impossible.by no means (esp. BrE), far froma desirable and far from impossible objective to achievealmost, more or less (esp. BrE), near, nearly, next to, nigh, nigh on (esp. BrE), practically, virtually, well-nigh (esp. BrE)It was well-nigh impossible for him to convince her that he was right.prettyeffectivelyliterallyapparently (esp. BrE), seeminglytheoreticallyclearly, obviouslyequallyBoth options are equally impossible.hitherto, previouslyWith the new equipment we will be able to accomplish hitherto impossible tasks.ultimatelyeconomically, financially, logically, logistically, mathematically, physically, politically, scientifically, technicallyThe high cost of childcare made returning to work economically impossible.PREPOSITIONforThe situation is just impossible for us.It's impossible for me to say.

2 bad-tempered; difficult to talk to/deal withVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomefind sbI find her impossible.ADVERBreallyabsolutely, completely, quite, totallyYou can be absolutely impossible at times!just

Impossible is used with these nouns:

demand, dilemma, dream, feat, obstacle, odds, position, target, task

impossibly

impossiblyadv.

Impossibly is used with these adjectives:

beautiful, distant, fast, large, long, perfect, remote, steep

impotence

impotencenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + impotence | PHRASESADJECTIVErelative (esp. BrE)the relative impotence of individual governments in the face of global forcesmalepolitical, sexualVERB + impotencecure, treatdrugs which have been used to treat male impotencecausePHRASESa feeling of impotence, a sense of impotenceViolence may result from a sense of impotence.

impotent

impotentadj.

adj.1 without enough power/influence2 not capable of having sex1 without enough power/influenceVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, proveremainleave sb, make sb, render sbCompanies are rendered impotent by all the rules and regulations.ADVERBcompletely, utterlyvirtuallypoliticallyPREPOSITIONagainstThey were virtually impotent against the power of the large companies.

2 not capable of having sexVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomeleave sb, make sbThe operation left him impotent.ADVERBsexually

Impotent is used with these nouns:

fury, rage

impound

impoundverb

Impound is used with these nouns as the object:

impoverished

impoverishedadj.

Impoverished is used with these nouns:

country, neighbourhood

impracticable

impracticableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, prove, seembecomemake sth, render sthThe damage it would cause makes the idea utterly impracticable.consider sth, find sthThis idea was considered completely impracticable.ADVERBcompletely, quite, totally, utterly, wholly

impractical

impracticaladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, prove, seemSuch a solution proved impractical.becomemake sth, render sthThe weight of the machine makes lifting it impractical.consider sth, deem sth, find sth, regard sth asThey found his ideas impractical.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highly, hopelessly, wildlyThe long flowing dress was highly impractical.completely, entirely, quite (esp. BrE), totally, utterly, wholly (esp. BrE)oftenThis approach is often impractical given the size of the area.economically, financially (both esp. AmE)hopelesslyHe was hopelessly impractical when it came to planning new projects.

imprecise

impreciseadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seemADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.notoriouslyIntelligence tests are notoriously imprecise.PREPOSITIONaboutShe was rather imprecise about the cost of the trip.

impregnable

impregnableadj.

Impregnable is used with these nouns:

fortress, position

impresario

impresarionoun

Impresario is used after these nouns:

theatre

impress

impressverb

verbADVERB | VERB + impress | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBreallyHis work really impressed me.VERB + impressbe determined to, be keen to, hope to, want toattempt to, seek to, try tobe designed tofail toThe results failed to impress us.PREPOSITIONwithShe impressed us with both the depth and range of her knowledge.PHRASESan attempt to impress sb, an effort to impress sbbe easily impressedI was young and easily impressed.

Impress is used with these nouns as the object:

judge, jury, observer, peer

impressed

impressedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, look, seem, soundADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.deeply, enormously, greatly, highly, hugely (esp. BrE), incredibly, mightily (esp. BrE), much, really, terribly, thoroughly (esp. AmE), totally (esp. AmE), tremendouslyespecially, particularlyless than, not overlyI was not overly impressed by the proposals.mildly, slightly (both esp. AmE)enough, sufficientlyMy wife was impressed enough to commission a portrait from the artist.equallyOthers seemed equally impressed with his work.genuinelyimmediatelyfavourably/favorablyduly, suitablyHe mentioned a few famous acquaintances, and we were suitably impressed.clearly, obviouslyPREPOSITIONatShe was impressed at how well Stephen could dance.byThe manager was clearly impressed by Jo's work.withHe was very impressed with her house.

impression

impressionnoun

noun1 idea/feeling/opinion about sth2 effect that an experience/person has on sb/sth3 drawing4 amusing copy of sb5 mark left on an object1 idea/feeling/opinion about sthADJECTIVE | VERB + impression | impression + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdistinct, firm (esp. BrE), strongmain, overriding, overwhelmingclear, vividfleeting, vagueaccuratedistorted, erroneous, false, misleading, mistaken, wronggoodThe model gives a good impression of what the building will look like.favourable/favorablebadnegative, positiveoppositeearly, first, immediate, initialFirst impressions can be misleading.finalgeneral, overallwidespreadThere is a widespread impression that schooling needs to be improved.visualpublicpersonal, subjectiveVERB + impressionform, gain, get, have, receiveI got the distinct impression that you disliked her.convey, create, give (sb), leave sb with, provide (sb with)The book leaves you with a distorted impression of politics.maintainShe was trying to maintain the impression that she was in control.confirmheighten, reinforce, strengthen, supportavoidIt was difficult to avoid the impression that he was assisting them for selfish reasons.correctI must correct a false impression that I gave you just now.changeHer performance did little to change my impression of her.recordShe recorded her impressions of the city in her diary.shareHe shared his impressions of a recent visit to Japan.impression + VERBcountWhen it comes to finding a partner, first impressions do count.PREPOSITIONunder a/the impressionI was under the impression that you weren't coming until tomorrow.impression aboutI had the wrong impression about him.impression as tomistaken impressions as to the strength of the market

2 effect that an experience/person has on sb/sthADJECTIVE | VERB + impression | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, deep, great, huge, powerful, profound, strong, tremendoussuperficialabiding (BrE), indelible, lastingexcellent, favourable/favorable, good, greatbad, poor, unfavourable/unfavorablefalse, misleading, wrongrightIf you want to create the right impression, I suggest you wear a suit.first, immediateThe new player failed to make an immediate impression on the team.VERB + impressioncreate, leave, makePREPOSITIONimpression on, impression uponThe day's events left a lasting impression on them.

3 drawingADJECTIVE | VERB + impressionADJECTIVEartist'sVERB + impressionissue (BrE)The police have issued an artist's impression of the attacker.

4 amusing copy of sbADJECTIVE | VERB + impressionADJECTIVEgoodfunnyVERB + impressiondoHe does some very good impressions of movie stars.

5 mark left on an objectVERB + impressionVERB + impressionbearThe wax bore the impression of a sailing ship.

impressionable

impressionableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highlyHe is in a highly impressionable state.

Impressionable is used with these nouns:

mind, teenager, youth

Impressionist

Impressionistadj.

Impressionist is used with these nouns:

artist, painter, painting

impressive

impressiveadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, look, seem, soundbecomeremainmake sthThe fact that he is so young makes his achievements even more impressive.find sthADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.enormously (esp. BrE), highly, hugely (esp. BrE), immensely (esp. BrE), incredibly, mightily (esp. BrE), most (esp. BrE), trulyThe new building looks most impressive.especially, particularlyfar from, hardly, not overlyHe was far from impressive in his semi-final against Federer.undeniably, undoubtedly (both esp. BrE)suitably (esp. BrE)A large portico provides a suitably impressive entrance to the chapel.equally, similarlyThe scenery to the north of the lake is equally impressive.consistentlytechnically, visuallyThe movie is technically impressive, but lacks real excitement.

Impressive is used with these nouns:

accomplishment, achievement, array, building, collection, command, credentials, curriculum vitae, demonstration, display, example, fashion, feat, gain, grasp, growth, library, list, number, pedigree, performance, performer, physique, piece, progress, résumé, range, record, remains, result, room, roster, sequence, showing, sight, size, start, stride, track record, turnout, variety, victory, waterfall, win, winner

impressively

impressivelyadv.

Impressively is used with these verbs:

perform

imprint

imprintnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + imprint | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEindelible, lasting, permanent (esp. AmE)VERB + imprintbearTheir products bear the imprint of Japanese design.leave, makeGlaciation has left a permanent imprint on the landscape.The sinister atmosphere of the place left an indelible imprint on my memory. (figurative)PREPOSITIONimprint on, imprint upon

imprison

imprisonverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBfalsely, unjustly, wrongfully, wronglyWe work on behalf of people who have been wrongly imprisoned.brieflyindefinitelyvirtuallyHer fear virtually imprisoned her in her home.PREPOSITIONforHe was imprisoned for debt.inHe was imprisoned in a dungeon.

Imprison is used with these nouns as the object:

dissident

imprisonable

imprisonableadj.

Imprisonable is used with these nouns:

imprisoned

imprisonedadj.

Imprisoned is used with these nouns:

dissident

imprison for

imprison forphr verb

Imprison for is used with these nouns as the object:

imprisonment

imprisonmentnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + imprisonment | imprisonment + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEsix months', ten years', etc.lifeindefinitefalse, unlawful (esp. BrE), wrongfulVERB + imprisonmentbe liable to (BrE), faceAnyone committing the offence is liable to imprisonment.The coup leaders could face life imprisonment.receive (esp. BrE), sufferThose who were captured suffered imprisonment.be released fromsentence sb toimprisonment + VERBbe suspended for sth (AmE)a term of imprisonment, suspended for 15 monthsPREPOSITIONimprisonment forimprisonment for illegal possession of weaponsPHRASESimprisonment without triala period of imprisonment, a sentence of imprisonment, a term of imprisonmentpunishable by imprisonmenta felony punishable by imprisonment

improbable

improbableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSappear, be, look, seem, soundbecomemake sthThese new facts make the theory improbable.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highly, wildlya wildly improbable ideainherently (esp. BrE)There is nothing inherently improbable in the idea.

improbably

improbablyadv.

Improbably is used with these verbs:

impromptu

impromptuadj.

Impromptu is used with these nouns:

lecture, meeting, party, press conference, speech

improper

improperadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemconsider sth, regard sth as, think sth (esp. BrE)places where it is considered improper for men and women to kiss in publicThey thought it quite improper for a woman to smoke.ADVERBhighly, most (esp. BrE)quite (esp. BrE)

Improper is used with these nouns:

conduct, exercise, fraction, influence, trading, use

improperly

improperlyadv.

Improperly is used with these verbs:

act, behave, install, use

impropriety

improprietynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + impropriety | PHRASESADJECTIVEfinancial, procedural (BrE, law), sexualallegedVERB + improprietycommitIt was alleged that financial improprieties had been committed.accuse sb ofa company accused of financial improprieties and fraudPHRASESa suggestion of impropriety (esp. BrE)There is no suggestion of impropriety by the president.

improve

improveverb

verbADVERB | VERB + improve | PHRASESADVERBconsiderably, dramatically, drastically, greatly, immeasurably, immensely, materially, radically, really, remarkably, significantly, substantially, tremendously, vastlyThe situation has improved dramatically during the last few months.This legislation will vastly improve the quality of life of New Zealanders.markedly, noticeablyMy ability to read French has improved markedly.measurablycertainly, definitelypotentiallymarginally, modestly, slightly, somewhatultimatelyquickly, rapidlygradually, slowly, steadilyconsistently, constantly, continually, continuouslygenerallyWorking and living conditions have generally improved.VERB + improvecontinue toThe weather should continue to improve over the weekend.strive to, try toThey are trying to improve the working conditionsin their factories.help tobe designed toPHRASESaimed at improving sthmeasures aimed at improving government efficiencyan attempt to improve sth, an effort to improve sthan incentive to improve sthWorkers need to be given an incentive to improve their performance.much improvedWe now offer a much improved service to our customers.new and improvedthe new and improved version of the website

Improve is used with these nouns as the subject:

circumstance, condition, economy, fortune, health, hearing, mood, morale, patient, productivity, prospect, quality, rating, ratio, relation, reliability, sale, service, situation, symptom, temper, thing, weather

Improve is used with these nouns as the object:

ability, accountability, accuracy, amenity, appearance, atmosphere, attendance, balance, balance sheet, base, capability, chance, circulation, clarity, climate, command, communication, condition, confidence, consistency, control, cooperation, coordination, defence, delivery, design, detection, digestion, economy, education, effectiveness, efficiency, endurance, environment, facility, finance, fitness, flavour, flexibility, flow, footwork, fortune, fundamentals, game, grade, handling, health, health service, image, knowledge, level, liaison, likelihood, literacy, management, manuscript, margin, marketing, method, mood, morale, motivation, neighbourhood, nutrition, odds, outlook, penetration, per cent, perception, performance, point, posture, practice, precision, production, productivity, profile, profitability, prospect, quality, rate, rating, ratio, record, recovery, relation, relationship, reliability, reputation, return, safety, score, security, service, situation, skill, soil, spelling, squad, stability, stamina, standard, standing, status, strength, supervision, survival, symptom, system, taste, technique, technology, temper, tolerance, understanding, utility, ventilation, viability, visibility, vision, welfare, well-being, writing

improved

improvedadj.

Improved is used with these nouns:

access, accuracy, efficiency, method, performance, productivity, relation, reliability, sanitation, standard, survival, understanding, version

improvement

improvementnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + improvement | improvement + VERB | improvement + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, considerable, enormous, great, huge, major, marked, massive, material, radical, remarkable, significant, substantial, tremendous, vastThe players have shown a marked improvement in recent weeks.We expect to see a significant improvement in the near future.marginal, minor, modest, slight, smallThe latest figures are a slight improvement over last year's results.notable, noticeable, obvious, visibleactual, definite, distinct, genuine, real, tangiblemeasurabledramatic, drastic, rapid, sharpgradual, incremental, steadyconstant, continual, continued, continuing, continuous, ongoing, progressive, sustainedlong-termshort-termtemporaryfurtherall-round (BrE), general, overallimportant, notablemuch-needed, necessarywelcome (esp. BrE)useful (esp. BrE)positiverecentimmediatedesired (esp. AmE), expectedsuggestedThe suggested improvements were not carried out.possible, potentialmoraleconomic, educational, environmental, health, safety, socialefficiency, organizational (esp. AmE), performance, productivity, quality, service (esp. BrE), technical, technologicalagricultural, landground (= stadium) (BrE), housing (esp. BrE), schoolThe club will spend £300 000 on ground improvements.infrastructure, rail (BrE), road, transport (BrE), transportation (AmE)homeVERB + improvementbe, constitute, reflect, representThe country's economic record since 1945 represents an improvement on the period between the world wars.demonstrate, exhibit, indicate, showExports have showed some improvement.maintainWill the team be able to maintain its improvement of last season?need, requirecarry out, effect, makeHe made a steady improvement and was released within 10 days of admission.deliver, lead to, offer, produce, provide, result in, yieldThe drug produced an improvement in all but one case.achieve, bring (about), secure (esp. BrE)steps taken to secure improvement in students' attendanceseekcall for, demandrecommend, suggestencourage, promoteannounce (esp. BrE), reportWholesalers reported an improvement in sales for the third quarter.note, notice, observe, see, witnessWith this exercise plan you will notice an enormous improvement in your stamina.experienceThe economy has experienced steady improvement.findNo improvement was found after the tenth day of treatment.improvement + VERBoccur, take placeresult from sthinclude sthimprovement + NOUNinitiative, plan, programme/program, project, scheme (BrE), strategyWe have an ambitious improvement plan for the property.The proposed road improvement scheme involves bypassing several towns.efforts, work (esp. BrE)The improvement work to houses will create jobs.ratePREPOSITIONimprovement inThe new factory brought a huge improvement in working conditions.improvement on, improvement over, improvement uponThese results are a distinct improvement on last year's.improvement toSeveral improvements were made to the design during its production run.PHRASESan area for improvement, an area of improvementThe new assessment system could pinpoint areas for improvement within the company.room for improvement, scope for improvementTheir average grades have risen, but there is still room for improvement.signs of improvementThe economy is showing signs of improvement.

improve on

improve onphr verb

Improve on is used with these nouns as the object:

showing

improving

improvingadj.

Improving is used with these nouns:

economy, productivity

improvisation

improvisationnoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEfreespontaneousMost of their music was spontaneous improvisation.musicaljazzguitar, piano, etc.

improvise

improviseverb

verbADVERB | VERB + improviseADVERBfreelyhastily (esp. BrE), quickly (esp. AmE)We hastily improvised a screen out of an old blanket.You can quickly improvise a shield to protect your arm.VERB + improvisehave toThere isn't much equipment. We're going to have to improvise.

improvised

improvisedadj.

Improvised is used with these nouns:

explosive

impugn

impugnverb

Impugn is used with these nouns as the object:

integrity, motive

impulse

impulsenoun

noun1 sudden strong wish2 movement of energy3 sth that causes sb/sth to do sth1 sudden strong wishADJECTIVE | VERB + impulse | impulse + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEstrongirresistiblefirst, initial, originalMy first impulse was to run away.suddenhumanbasicinstinctual, naturalrepressedconflicting, contradictory, contraryaggressive, murderous, violentsuicidaldestructivecreativesexualVERB + impulsefeel, haveShe felt a sudden impulse to look to her left.be subject toWe are all subject to aggressive impulses.be driven bycheck, control, deny, fight, resist, restrain, stifle, suppressHe fought down an impulse to scream.give in to, obey, yield toShe gave in to an impulse and took the money.act on, followActing on impulse, he picked up the keys and slipped them into his pocket.impulse + NOUNbuy, purchaseThe little black designer dress had been an impulse buy.item (esp. AmE)Supermarkets sell candy as impulse items at the checkout counter.buyingbuyercontrolPREPOSITIONon (an) impulseSome people will buy a pet on impulse without any idea of what is involved.On an impulse, I went in and bought a box of chocolates.impulse towards/towardbasic impulses towards/toward things such as food and drink

2 movement of energyADJECTIVE | VERB + impulseADJECTIVEelectrical, nerve, neuralVERB + impulsegenerateA neuron generates an electrical impulse.send, transmitNerve impulses are transmitted to the brain.convert sth into, transform sth intoRadio waves are converted into electrical impulses.

3 sth that causes sb/sth to do sthADJECTIVE | impulse + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdemocratic, political, religiousimpulse + VERBlead (sb/sth) to sth, prompt sb/sth (to do sth)the impulse that prompted economic changePREPOSITIONimpulse behindthe impulse behind a conceptimpulse forthe impulse for social reformimpulse towards/towardthe political impulses towards/toward joining a trade union

impulsive

impulsiveadj.

Impulsive is used with these nouns:

act, behaviour

inability

inabilitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + inabilityADJECTIVEapparent, seemingcomplete, totalchronicthe government's chronic inability to face factsphysicalVERB + inabilityhaveShe has an inability to control her rage.be frustrated byShe felt increasingly frustrated by her inability to demonstrate her ideas.demonstrate, indicate, reflect, showHer outbursts reflected her inability to cope with the loss of her brother.explainHis experiences as a child explain his inability to sustain relationships.

in absentia

in absentiaadv.

In absentia is used with these verbs:

sentence

inaccessible

inaccessibleadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, prove, seemThe mouth of the river proved inaccessible.becomeremainmake sth, render sthA high wall made the building inaccessible.ADVERBcompletely, totallyalmost, virtuallyrelativelylargelyotherwisePREPOSITIONbyareas inaccessible by roadtoThe hall is inaccessible to wheelchair users.

inaccuracy

inaccuracynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + inaccuracy | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfactual, historicalmaterial (BrE), significantVERB + inaccuracycontainbe full ofReference works on that country, when available, are full of inaccuracies.findpoint outcorrectI am writing to correct factual inaccuracies contained in your article.PREPOSITIONinaccuracy ininaccuracies in reporting

inaccurate

inaccurateadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, provebecomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.These figures are somewhat inaccurate.grossly, highly, hopelessly (esp. BrE), wildlya wildly inaccurate account of eventscompletely, entirely, quite, totally, whollya little, slightly, etc.simplyThe polls he cites are simply inaccurate.notoriouslyMaps of the region are notoriously inaccurate.factually, historicallyIt was good drama, but historically inaccurate.

Inaccurate is used with these nouns:

estimate, information, perception, representation, result, statement

inactivate

inactivateverb

Inactivate is used with these nouns as the object:

virus

inactive

inactiveadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomeremainADVERBcompletely, totallyHe had been totally inactive for two weeks.fairly, relativelyphysically, sexuallyeconomically, politically (both esp. BrE)

Inactive is used with these nouns:

duty, substance

inactivity

inactivitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVErelativeHer most brilliant work was done during several months of relative inactivity.physicaleconomic, political (both esp. BrE)enforced (esp. BrE), forced (esp. AmE)It was good to be home again after the enforced/forced inactivity of the hospital bed.PHRASESa period of inactivityThe job entailed long periods of inactivity.

inadequacy

inadequacynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + inadequacy | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEpersonalsexual, socialfundamentaltotal (esp. BrE)glaring, obviousperceivedElliott was tormented by his own perceived inadequacies.VERB + inadequacydemonstrate, expose, highlight, point out, point to, reveal, showShe rightly points to the inadequacy of the argument.The test soon revealed several inadequacies in the equipment.realize, recognizeI now see the inadequacy of the explanation.cover up, hide (both esp. BrE)They possibly falsified the results to cover up the inadequacies of their theory.overcomeClear legislative reform is needed to overcome the inadequacies of the current situation.PREPOSITIONinadequacy ininadequacies in educational facilitiesPHRASESa feeling of inadequacy, a sense of inadequacy

inadequate

inadequateadj.

adj.1 not good enough2 not able to deal with a situation1 not good enoughVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, look, prove, seembecomeremainconsider sth, find sth, judge sth, regard sth as, think sth (esp. BrE)These precautions have been judged inadequate.ADVERBdeeply, grossly, hopelessly, pitifully, seriously, woefullyHis salary was pitifully inadequate for the needs of his growing family.completely, entirely, quite (esp. BrE), totally, utterly, wholly (esp. BrE)simplyincreasinglyclearly, manifestly (esp. BrE), obviouslynotoriouslyPREPOSITIONatPeople, despite their intelligence, are curiously inadequate at communicating with horses.forThis computer is clearly inadequate for my needs.

2 not able to deal with a situationVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, seemI felt dreadfully inadequate.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.I suddenly felt extremely inadequate as I compared myself to him.deeply, hopelesslytotally, wholly (esp. BrE)generallysexuallyPREPOSITIONtoThe helicopters are inadequate to the demands of modern combat.She was inadequate to the demands of the job.

Inadequate is used with these nouns:

accommodation, evidence, explanation, facility, funding, housing, investment, nutrition, pension, preparation, record, reflection, response, safeguard, sanitation, service, supervision, supply, training, ventilation, wage

inadequately

inadequatelyadv.

Inadequately is used with these adjectives:

trained

Inadequately is used with these verbs:

fund, prepared, protect, staff

inadvertently

inadvertentlyadv.

Inadvertently is used with these verbs:

delete, destroy, encourage, help, introduce, kill, omit, touch

inadvisable

inadvisableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seembecomemake sthHer condition made surgery inadvisable.think sthADVERBhighly (esp. BrE)It was thought highly inadvisable for young women to go there alone.

inalienable

inalienableadj.

Inalienable is used with these nouns:

right

inane

inaneadj.

Inane is used with these nouns:

chatter, lyrics

inanely

inanelyadv.

Inanely is used with these verbs:

inanimate

inanimateadj.

Inanimate is used with these nouns:

matter, object

inappropriate

inappropriateadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seembecomemake sthThe size of the machines makes them inappropriate for domestic use.consider sth, feel sth, judge sth, regard sth as, see sth as, think sthIt was felt inappropriate by some that such a serious occasion should include dancing.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highly, particularly, singularly (esp. BrE), wildlyThis treatment was highly inappropriate in her case.completely, entirely, quite (esp. BrE), totally, utterly (esp. BrE), wholly (esp. BrE)increasinglyclearlyculturally, sexually, sociallyPREPOSITIONforYour bright red coat would be quite inappropriate for a funeral.toThe existing library is totally inappropriate to our needs.

Inappropriate is used with these nouns:

behaviour, conduct, remark, response, use

inappropriately

inappropriatelyadv.

Inappropriately is used with these verbs:

act, behave, dress, use

inaudible

inaudibleadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecomeADVERBtotallyalmost, nearly, virtuallyHis voice faded until it was almost inaudible.PREPOSITIONtoThe sound is inaudible to the human ear.

Inaudible is used with these nouns:

inaugural

inauguraladj.

Inaugural is used with these nouns:

address, ceremony, concert, conference, event, festivities, lecture, meeting, parade, season, session, speech

inaugurate

inaugurateverb

verbADVERBADVERBformally (esp. BrE), officially (esp. AmE)The assembly was formally inaugurated on in December.

inauguration

inaugurationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + inauguration | inauguration + VERB | inauguration + NOUNADJECTIVEformal, officialpresidentialVERB + inaugurationattend, go tomarka ceremony to mark the inauguration of the president's third term in officeinauguration + VERBtake placeinauguration + NOUNceremonyThe inauguration ceremony will be held on Saturdaydayspeechparty

inauspicious

inauspiciousadj.

Inauspicious is used with these nouns:

beginning

inborn

inbornadj.

Inborn is used with these nouns:

talent

inbound

inboundadj.

Inbound is used with these nouns:

flight, traffic, train

inbounds

inboundsadj.

Inbounds is used with these nouns:

pass

inbox

inboxnoun

Inbox is used after these nouns:

inbuilt

inbuiltadj.

Inbuilt is used with these nouns:

tendency

incalculable

incalculableadj.

Incalculable is used with these nouns:

incandescent

incandescentadj.

Incandescent is used with these nouns:

bulb, lamp, lighting

incapable

incapableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, feel, prove, seembecomemake sb, render sbThe wine had made him incapable of thinking clearly.deem sbADVERBabsolutely, completely, quite, simply, totally, utterlyalmostlargelyclearlyinherentlyconstitutionally, temperamentallyShe was constitutionally incapable of bad temper.physicallyHe was apparently physically incapable of lowering his voice.mentally (esp. BrE)This type of arrangement remains valid even if you become mentally incapable.PREPOSITIONofComputers are incapable of creative thought.

incapacitate

incapacitateverb

verb be incapacitatedADVERBADVERBseverelytotallyBy this time my father was totally incapacitated by his illness.temporarilymentally, physically

in-car

in-caradj.

In-car is used with these nouns:

navigation

incarcerate

incarcerateverb

Incarcerate is used with these nouns as the object:

prisoner

incarnation

incarnationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcurrent, latest, modern, new, present, recent (figurative)In its new incarnation, the car has a more rounded body shape.lastnextearlier, previousoriginalfuturePREPOSITIONincarnation asher previous incarnation as a marketing executive

incendiary

incendiaryadj.

Incendiary is used with these nouns:

bomb, device

incense

incensenoun

nounVERB + incense | incense + VERB | incense + NOUN | PHRASESVERB + incenseburnlightHe lit some incense and a candle.incense + VERBburnIncense burned in a corner of the room.incense + NOUNstickburnerPHRASESa scent of incense, a smell of incense

incentive

incentivenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + incentive | incentive + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, generous, good, great, huge, massive (esp. BrE)powerful, strongadequate, sufficientmain, majoradded, additional, extra, morelesslittleThere was little incentive to conduct research.realclearUS companies faced a clear incentive to downsize.directdirect financial incentives to have smaller familiesimportantpositivespecialattractiveperverselong-termpoliticalcommercial, economic, financial, fiscal, monetarycashmaterialprice, taxsalesinvestmentperformance, workemployeeemployee incentives such as bonuses and commissionfederal, governmentVERB + incentiveact as, beIt was thought that this would act as an incentive for couples to adopt older children.haveShe had the added incentive of being within reach of the world record.needgive (sb/sth), offer (sb/sth), provide (sb/sth with)createThe government has created tax incentives to encourage investment.receivecompanies that receive government incentivesincreasereduceundermineHigh taxation rates have undermined work incentives.eliminate, remove, take awayincentive + NOUNplan, programme/program, scheme (BrE), structure, systeman incentive system based on supervisors' evaluationsThe company operates a share incentive scheme for its workers.policyaward, bonus, fee, package, pay, paymentPREPOSITIONincentive toan incentive to investmentPHRASEShave every incentiveCompanies have every incentive to put up prices.a lack of incentiveThere is a lack of incentive to undertake new investment.

incessant

incessantadj.

Incessant is used with these nouns:

buzz, chatter, hammering, noise, rain

incessantly

incessantlyadv.

Incessantly is used with these verbs:

chatter, talk

incest

incestnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + incest | incest + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbrother-sister, father-daughter, etc.adultconsensualVERB + incestcommitforbid, prohibittaboos forbidding incestincest + NOUNsurvivor, victimtabooPREPOSITIONincest betweenincest between brother and sister

inch

inchnounverb

I. nounII. verb

Inch is used with these nouns as the object:

Incidental is used with these nouns:

incidence

incidencenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + incidence | incidence + VERB | incidence + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreat, highThere is a greater incidence of cancer in the families of radiation workers.peaklowgrowing, increased, increasing, risingdecreased, reducedactualoverallannualrecorded (esp. BrE), reportedthe highest reported incidence of air pollutionVERB + incidencehave, showThe country had the lowest incidence of AIDS cases proportional to its population.The medical histories of our patients show a high incidence of past diseases.increasedecrease, reducefindThey found an increased incidence of childhood leukaemia in some areas.measurecompareWe compared the incidence of coronary heart disease and total mortality.analyse/analyze, assess, determine, examine, investigateexplainThe lack of vitamins may explain the higher incidence of heart disease.incidence + VERBincreasedecrease, fallincidence + NOUNratean incidence rate of 4 or 5 per 10 000 of the populationPREPOSITIONincidence amongthe incidence of cancer among peopleincidence inThe study noted an increased incidence of heart disease in women.PHRASESa decrease in the incidence of sth, an increase in the incidence of sth, a variation in the incidence of sth

incident

incidentnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + incident | incident + VERB | incident + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEmajor, seriouslittle, minor, small, trivial (esp. BrE)furtherAfter nearly falling twice, she managed to make it to the top of the cliff without further incident.entire, wholeHe came to regret the whole incident.actual, real, real-lifeThe story is based on an actual incident.allegedrecorded (esp. BrE), reportedlatest, recentpastbad, horrible, horrific, nasty, terrible, ugly, unpleasant, unsavoury (BrE)some of the worst incidents of urban violencetraumaticviolentdeadly, fatal, tragicdramaticcontroversial (esp. BrE)famous, high-profileinfamousregrettable (esp. BrE), unfortunateembarrassingbizarre, curious, mysterious, strange, unusualamusingseparate, unrelatedThe police said that two men had been arrested in unrelated incidents.isolatedIt is feared that the attack may not have been an isolated incident.domesticracialborderTalks were called off following a border incident.diplomatic, internationalAn error in the translation nearly caused a diplomatic incident.securityNo major security incidents happened at the Olympic Games that year.terroristnuclearbombing, shooting, stabbingpollution (BrE)friendly-firealcohol-relatedoff-the-ball (BrE, sports)She received a serious jaw injury in an off-the-ball incident.VERB + incidentcause, create, provokebe responsible forThe group is believed to have been responsible for several terrorist incidents.be involved inThe tennis star became involved in an incident with the umpire.experienceHe was asked whether he had ever experienced any incidents of discrimination.deal with (esp. BrE), handleThe incident was extremely well handled.avoid, preventregretsee, witnessrecall, rememberHe recalled a similar incident 14 months earlier.forgetdescribe, recount, relateShe described the incident as outrageous.They all laughed as he recounted the amusing incident.discuss, talk aboutciteexplaindownplay (esp. AmE), play down (esp. BrE)the government's desire to play down the incidentreportThe pedestrian who had nearly been run over reported the incident to the police.investigatebe hurt in, be injured in, be killed insurvivepass off without (BrE), pass without, proceed without (esp. AmE)The demonstration passed without incident.incident + VERBhappen, occur, take placearise, arise from sth, arise out of sthincidents arising out of an industrial disputeinvolve sb/stha minor incident involving a buscause sth, lead to sth, prompt sth, result in sth, spark sthThe incident sparked a riot which lasted three days.demonstrate sth, illustrate sth, prove sth, show sthSaturday's incident illustrates the fragility of the peace in the country.incident + NOUNroom (BrE)An incident room was set up at a police station near the site of the crash.PREPOSITIONincident with (often humorous)His back still hurts from an incident with a vacuum cleaner.following an/the incidentHe was asked to leave the club following an incident with a knife.in an/the incidentThree soldiers were wounded in the incident.over an/the incidentShe was never disciplined over the incident.without incidentThe patrol had covered 200 miles without incident.

incidental

incidentaladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeADVERBentirely, purelyAny resemblance of a character in this book to a living person is purely incidental.merelyInformation skills are not merely incidental to the curriculum but central to it.almostPREPOSITIONtoIt's just a risk incidental to the job.

expense, music

incinerate

incinerateverb

Incinerate is used with these nouns as the object:

incineration

incinerationnoun

Incineration is used after these nouns:

incinerator

incineratornoun

Incinerator is used after these nouns:

incision

incisionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + incisionADJECTIVEdeeplargesmall, tinyverticalsurgicalabdominal, etc.VERB + incisionmakeThe surgeon made a small incision in the patient's cornea.

incisive

incisiveadj.

Incisive is used with these nouns:

comment, commentary, critic, critique

incite

inciteverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBdeliberatelyPREPOSITIONtodeliberately inciting the crowd to violence

Incite is used with these nouns as the object:

hatred, mob, murder, rebellion, riot, violence

inclement

inclementadj.

Inclement is used with these nouns:

weather

inclination

inclinationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + inclination | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEstrongslightI did not feel the slightest inclination to hurry.littleHe has shown little inclination to resolve the conflict.natural, own, personalMy own inclination is to be more direct in approach.The president's own inclination was always towards/toward a pro-French policy.firstYour first inclination may be to panic.homosexual, sexualartistic, political, religiousVERB + inclinationfeel, haveshowlackresistYou should resist any inclination to meddle.followIn matters of dress she followed her personal inclinations rather than fashion.PREPOSITIONby inclinationHe is a teacher by occupation but a philosopher by inclination.inclination foran inclination for warinclination towards/towardShe has no inclination towards/toward mysticism.PHRASESneither the time nor the inclination, the time or the inclinationI have neither the time nor the inclination to play stupid games!

incline

inclineverb

verb1 bend forward2 lean/slope1 bend forwardADVERBADVERBslightlyLuke inclined his head slightly in acknowledgement.

2 lean/slopeADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBgently, steeplyPREPOSITIONtowards/towardThe land inclined gently towards/toward the shore.

Incline is used with these nouns as the object:

inclined

inclinedadj.

adj.1 wanting to do sth2 tending/likely to do sth3 having a natural ability for sth1 wanting to do sthVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, seemI only write when I feel inclined to.There's time for a swim if you feel so inclined.ADVERBstrongly, veryratherI'm rather inclined to wait a few days before deciding.halfI'm half inclined to agree with you.favourably/favorablyPREPOSITIONtowards/towardAdvertising aims to make people feel favourably inclined towards products. (BrE)Advertising aims to make people feel favorably inclined toward products. (AmE)

2 tending/likely to do sthVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSappear, be, seembecome, growADVERBstrongly, veryincreasinglyrather, slightlyShe's rather inclined to become impatient.less, little (esp. BrE)They are less inclined to ask questions.naturallycriminally, mystically, romanticallyThe club was a notorious hang-out for the criminally inclined.PREPOSITIONto (formal)people who are naturally inclined to melancholyPHRASESthat way inclined (informal, esp. BrE)I didn't know you were that way inclined (= interested in such things).

3 having a natural ability for sthVERBS | ADVERBVERBSappear, be, seemADVERBacademically, artistically, mathematically, musically, etc.children who are academically inclined

include

includeverb

Include is used with these nouns as the subject:

archive, bill, cast, category, collection, conference, course, definition, delegation, design, display, district, document, exhibit, exhibition, extra, facility, factor, feature, fee, field, film, group, improvement, information, initiative, itinerary, kit, list, manual, menu, offering, pack, package, page, panel, plan, programme, range, recipe, record, regimen, register, repertoire, report, set, signatory, site, syllabus, track, training, work, writing

Include is used with these nouns as the object:

allusion, array, attachment, bibliography, clause, commentary, component, detail, element, example, excerpt, extra, feature, ingredient, instruction, introduction, material, mix, postage, provision, range, reference, safeguard, selection, single, solo, stint, stipulation, tutorial

inclusion

inclusionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + inclusion | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEpossibleWe welcome readers' letters for possible inclusion on this page.socialThe Internet promotes the social inclusion of groups such as the elderly and disabled.the government's social inclusion policyVERB + inclusionbe worthy of, deserve, justify, merit, warrantSome words are too infrequent to be worthy of inclusion in the dictionary.be eligible for, be suitable for, qualify forAll work by current students is eligible for inclusion in the journal.consider sth foracceptThe rebels refused to accept the inclusion of representatives of the existing regime in the negotiations.preclude, prevent, prohibitLegal issues precluded the interview's inclusion on the DVD.They tried to prevent the inclusion of any offensive material.PREPOSITIONfor inclusionan article for inclusion in the newsletterPHRASEScriteria for inclusionThere are strict criteria for inclusion in the competition.

inclusive

inclusiveadj.

adj.1 total cost2 including a wide range of people, ideas, etc.1 total costVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeADVERBfullya fully inclusive pricePREPOSITIONofThe charge is inclusive of food.

2 including a wide range of people, ideas, etc.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomeThe system has become more inclusive.make sthADVERBgenuinely, trulyWe need to reach out as much as possible to make this a truly inclusive organization.fully, totallybroadlyculturally, racially, sociallyThe government wants communities which are socially inclusive.

Inclusive is used with these nouns:

definition

incoherent

incoherentadj.

Incoherent is used with these nouns:

mess

incoherently

incoherentlyadv.

Incoherently is used with these verbs:

mumble, mutter

income

incomenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + income | income + VERB | income + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEhigh, largesix-figure (esp. AmE)The business provided him with a six-figure income.sufficientaverage, medianAverage incomes are rising more slowly.low, meagre/meager, modest, smallrisingadditional, extraThey hope that the lottery will provide additional income for charities.totalfutureguaranteed, permanent, secureregular, steadyfixedShe was living on a small, fixed income and having trouble paying her bills.annual, monthly, weekly, yearlynationalper capitathe average per capita incomepersonal, private (esp. BrE)He has a large private income on top of what he earns as a teacher.combined, family, household, jointa young couple with a combined income of $69 000gross, pre-taxtaxableafter-tax, net, post-taxdiscretionary (esp. AmE), disposablerealearnedunearnedordinary (AmE)Tax rates are 40% on ordinary income.reported (esp. AmE)Profit figures are based on reported income.operatingOperating income rose 14% to £36.5 million.cash, money (AmE)the money incomes of individualsretirementcapital, dividend, fee, foreign, investment, rentalHe planned to buy two more properties so he could live off the rental income.lostThe industry claims the regulations have cost them $184 million in lost income.VERB + incomehavereceiveShe received an income for life as a result of her father's will.earn, generate, provide (sb with)Financial assets have the advantage of earning income.The return on your investment can provide you with regular income.guaranteeSocial security guarantees an income to retired and disabled workers.derive fromThe area could derive lucrative tourist income from the park.boost, double, increase, maximize, supplementways of boosting your retirement incomeShe supplements her income by working nights.reduceexceedFor 2001, expenditure exceeded income by £10 000.depend onlive onA large number of families in the area are living on below-average incomes.redistributeThey aim to redistribute income from the rich to the poor.treat sth asInterest is treated as income for tax purposes.income + VERBarise (from sth) (esp. BrE), come from sth, derive from sthIf a person's income arises in the UK, it is subject to UK income tax.A lot of our income comes from bank interest.grow, increase, risedecline, drop, fallstagnateexceed sthincome + NOUNbracket, group, levelElderly people often belong to a low income group.earnerpeople in the lowest 25% of income earnersdistribution, redistributiondisparity, gap, inequalityThe income gap between rich and poor grew.streamCustomer subscriptions provide a reliable income stream.growthLower income growth reduces demand.incomes policy (BrE)There are internal disputes over the party's incomes policy.support (esp. BrE)A single mother of three, she relies on income support.statementa company's income statementtaxPREPOSITIONon an incomeMany families on a low income are dependent on state support.income fromincome from tourismPHRASESthe distribution of income, the redistribution of incomea drop in incomeincome and expenditureEvery company must keep control of its income and expenditure.income per capita, income per headReal income per head of population was at a low point five years ago.a source of income

income tax

income taxnoun

Income tax is used before these nouns:

receipt

incoming

incomingadj.

Incoming is used with these nouns:

call, chairman, class, email, fax, fire, mail, message, missile, president, shell, tenant, tide, traffic, wave

incommunicado

incommunicadoadj.

Incommunicado is used with these nouns:

detention

incompatibility

incompatibilitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + incompatibility | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfundamentalinherentapparentWe can explain the apparent incompatibility of these results.VERB + incompatibilitydemonstrateThe disastrous merger demonstrated the incompatibility of the two companies.PREPOSITIONincompatibility betweenIncompatibility between systems has been a major problem for computer users.incompatibility withCritics of the new machine point to its incompatibility with other products on the market.

incompatible

incompatibleadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, prove, seembecomeconsider sth, see sth asADVERBcompletely, entirely, totally, utterly, whollyincreasinglyby no means, in no waynot entirely (esp. BrE), not necessarilyLove and hate are not necessarily incompatible.largelysomewhatapparently, seeminglypotentiallysimplyfundamentally, inherentlyclearlylogicallymutuallyThe two systems are mutually incompatible.PREPOSITIONwithThis conduct is completely incompatible with his role as a teacher.

Incompatible is used with these nouns:

Incompetent is used with these nouns:

incompetence

incompetencenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + incompetence | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgross, ranksheer, utterincredible, unbelievableallegedadministrative, bureaucratic, government, managerial, policeeconomic, professional, technicalVERB + incompetencedemonstratetolerateI will not tolerate your incompetence any longer!accuse sb/sth ofPREPOSITIONincompetence at, incompetence inincompetence in writingincompetence on the part ofSeveral officers had alleged incompetence on the part of the general.

incompetent

incompetentadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, beconsider sb/sth, deem sb/sth (formal)I know my boss considers me incompetent.ADVERBcriminally, grosslya grossly incompetent piece of reportinghopelesslycompletely, totally, utterlysocially, technicallymentallylegallythe medical treatment of legally incompetent patients (= those who are not able to give legal consent)PREPOSITIONatHe is utterly incompetent at his job.

Incomplete is used with these nouns:

incomplete

incompleteadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSberemainHer collection remained incomplete.leave sthThe building was left incomplete.ADVERBseriously, very, woefullyAny view of Shostakovich is seriously incomplete without knowledge of these recordings.somewhatinevitably, necessarilyWe begin with a brief and necessarily incomplete review of UK statistics.

information, pass, picture, record, sentence, specimen, understanding

incomprehensible

incomprehensibleadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seemremainfind sthShe found his accent virtually incomprehensible.ADVERBcompletely, totally, utterlyalmost, nearly, virtuallylargelymutuallyThe language has widely differing and often mutually incomprehensible regional dialects.PREPOSITIONtoLatin verse remained completely incomprehensible to me.

Incomprehensible is used with these nouns:

jargon

inconceivable

inconceivableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, seembecomefind sthShe found the idea quite inconceivable.ADVERBtotally, utterlyalmost, practically, virtuallyPREPOSITIONtoThe thought of leaving her family was inconceivable to her.

inconclusive

inconclusiveadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, proveremainADVERBlargelyThe results have been largely inconclusive.rather, somewhatThe volume ends on a somewhat inconclusive note.ultimately

Inconclusive is used with these nouns:

result

inconclusively

inconclusivelyadv.

Inconclusively is used with these verbs:

end

incongruous

incongruousadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, look, seemfind sthADVERBcompletely, totally, utterly (esp. BrE)rather, somewhatI found the scene somewhat incongruous.a little, slightly, etc.seeminglya collage of seemingly incongruous images

inconsistency

inconsistencynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + inconsistency | inconsistency + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEseriousglaringapparentinternalResearchers have found that internal inconsistencies in hospital case notes are common.factual, logical, statisticalVERB + inconsistencycontainlead to, result inThe lack of clear rules resulted in inconsistency in the awarding of prizes.detect, find, notice, see, spotThe program has found an inconsistency in the database files.She was quick to spot the inconsistencies between his two reports.highlight, point out, revealCommentators have pointed out the inconsistencies in the government's financial policy.correct, reconcile, remove, resolveThe amendment will remove the inconsistency between the two laws.inconsistency + VERBarise, emergePREPOSITIONinconsistency ininconsistencies in the evidence

inconsistent

inconsistentadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, seemADVERBhighly, very, wildly (esp. AmE)maddeningly (esp. AmE)The team's offense has been maddeningly inconsistent.totally, wholly (esp. BrE)not necessarilysomewhatapparentlyclearlyfundamentallyinternally, logicallyHer argument is internally inconsistent.mutuallyThe two accounts are mutually inconsistent.PREPOSITIONinThe company is inconsistent in the way it disciplines staff.withHis statement was inconsistent with other accounts of the events.

Inconsistent is used with these nouns:

result

inconsolable

inconsolableadj.

Inconsolable is used with these nouns:

grief

inconsolably

inconsolablyadv.

Inconsolably is used with these verbs:

weep

incontinence

incontinencenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + incontinence | incontinence + NOUNADJECTIVEfaecal/fecal, urinary (both medical)stress, urge (both medical)VERB + incontinencesuffer fromtreatincontinence + NOUNproductspad

incontrovertible

incontrovertibleadj.

Incontrovertible is used with these nouns:

evidence, fact, proof

inconvenience

inconveniencenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + inconvenience | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEconsiderable, great, major, seriousmere, mild, minor, slightThis isn't a mere inconvenience; it's dangerous.short-term, temporarypublicThe rail strike is likely to cause considerable public inconvenience.VERB + inconvenienceendure, have, sufferavoidI chose a different route to avoid the inconvenience of going through the town.outweighThe benefits of doing this usually outweigh the inconvenience.cause (sb), put sb toI don't want to put you to any inconvenience.minimize, save (sb)You could have picked me up at the airport and saved me the inconvenience of having to take the bus!apologize for, regretThis store is closed today for staff training. We regret any inconvenience caused.PREPOSITIONinconvenience toEvery effort will be made to minimize inconvenience to customers while work is in progress.

II. verbADVERBADVERBgreatly, seriouslyThe general public has been greatly inconvenienced by this strike.

inconvenient

inconvenientadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, provebecomefind sthADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highly, most (esp. BrE), terriblyShe called at a most inconvenient time.a little, slightly, etc.politicallyFurther environmental legislation could be politically inconvenient for the government.PREPOSITIONforWould this afternoon be inconvenient for you?toThis is a time of the evening that is inconvenient to many viewers.

Inconvenient is used with these nouns:

timing

inconveniently

inconvenientlyadv.

Inconveniently is used with these adjectives:

situated

incorporate

incorporateverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBfullyexplicitly, expressly (BrE)These conditions must be expressly incorporated into the contract of employment.formallyThe territory was formally incorporated into the Russian Empire in 1876.gradually, quicklyeventually, finallyeasily, readilyThese new features can easily be incorporated.seamlesslyThe computer components are incorporated seamlessly.effectivelytypically (esp. AmE)The life cycle typically incorporates the following stages … successfullydirectlyforciblythe countries which Stalin forcibly incorporated into the Soviet empirePREPOSITIONasIn 1940 the area was incorporated as part of the city of London.inThe data is now incorporated in the total figures.intoWe can incorporate this information into our report.withinResults are incorporated within personalized medical records.

Incorporate is used with these nouns as the subject:

design

Incorporate is used with these nouns as the object:

component, element, feature, information, ingredient, material, principle, technology

incorrect

incorrectadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, proveconsider sthADVERBabsolutely (esp. AmE), completely, entirely (esp. AmE), quite (esp. BrE), totallywildly (esp. AmE)clearly, obviously, patentlysimplyThat statement is simply incorrect.factually, grammatically, politically, technically, etc.a factually incorrect statement

Incorrect is used with these nouns:

answer, assumption, calculation, conclusion, diagnosis, grammar, information, prediction, pronunciation, response, spelling

incorrectly

incorrectlyadv.

Incorrectly is used with these verbs:

attribute, believe, diagnose, guess, identify, infer, install, interpret, label, predict, report, state

increase

increasenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + increase | increase + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, considerable, dramatic, drastic, enormous, exponential, huge, large, major, marked, massive, significant, substantial, vastmoderate, modest, slight, smallapparentrapid, sharp, steep, suddengradual, incremental, progressive, steadyfivefold, tenfold, etc.10%, etc.double-digit (esp. AmE)Sales of beef have experienced double-digit increases.concomitant (formal), corresponding, proportional, resultingTheir reputation has improved, bringing a corresponding increase in revenues.average, meanThe average increase in value last year was 4.3%.net, overall, totalacross-the-boardThe pay rise represented an across-the-board increase of between 9% for the highest paid and 32% for the lowest paid worker.annual, monthly, etc.projected, proposedRetirement planning often starts with projected cost-of-living increases.pay, salary, wagebudget, dividend, fare, price, rent, spending, tax, tuition (AmE)population, productivity, temperatureVERB + increasedemonstrate, experience, see, showMany parts of the country have experienced an increase in unemployment.This year saw an increase in the number of job applicants.Profits show a steady increase.enjoyThe country is enjoying the biggest increase in business confidence for years.achieveWe achieved a small increase in profits of £3 257.bring, bring about, cause, lead to, produce, result inIntensive farming has brought about an increase in outbreaks of food poisoning.The war resulted in a massive increase in government spending.observeYou would expect to observe an increase in births during peacetime.predictSome companies are predicting price increases of 30% or more.propose, suggestHe proposed a large tax increase.indicate, reflect, representImproved profitability may indicate an increase in competitiveness.be accompanied by, involve, meanThe measures to improve the health service will involve an increase in government spending.announce, post, reportThe company reported a 9.5% increase in third quarter losses.increase + VERBoccurPREPOSITIONon the increaseBurglaries in the area are on the increase.increase inThere has been an increase in demand for two-bedroom houses.increase on, increase overThe figures show a sharp increase on last year's turnover.increase toa dividend increase to 11.4 pencePHRASESa rate of increase

II. verbADVERB | VERB + increase | PREPOSITIONADVERBconsiderably, dramatically, drastically, enormously, exponentially, greatly, markedly, significantly, substantially, tremendously, vastlyslightlygradually, progressivelyProgressively increase the intensity of the exercise over three weeks.rapidly, sharply, steeplysteadilyslowlytwofold, threefold, etc.Sales increased almost fourfold in this period.VERB + increasebe expected to, be likely toDemand is expected to increase over the next decade.PREPOSITIONbyThe budget has increased by more than a third in the last year.frominto increase in amount/number/price/sizetoLast month the reward was increased from $20 000 to $40 000.withDisability increases with age.

Increase is used with these nouns as the subject:

amount, appetite, asset, attendance, awareness, catch, circulation, concentration, confidence, consumption, cost, count, crime, deficit, demand, density, discomfort, emission, employment, enrolment, expenditure, expense, export, fare, fee, funding, heat, humidity, import, incidence, income, index, inequality, inflation, investment, length, light, margin, migration, momentum, mortality, noise, number, odds, output, pace, pain, participation, percentage, population, premium, pressure, price, production, productivity, profit, proportion, rate, reliability, rent, return, revenue, salary, sale, scope, size, speed, stature, stock, strength, supply, tax, temperature, tension, tourism, trade, traffic, turnover, unemployment, usage, value, velocity, violence, volume, vote, wage, weight, width, wind, workforce, workload

Increase is used with these nouns as the object:

accountability, accuracy, allocation, amount, angle, anxiety, appeal, appetite, appreciation, asset, attendance, availability, awareness, base, benefit, bid, blood pressure, budget, burden, bureaucracy, capability, capacity, chance, charge, cholesterol, circulation, clarity, clout, competence, competition, complexity, concentration, confidence, congestion, consumption, cooperation, cost, count, credibility, danger, deficit, demand, density, dependence, diameter, difficulty, disparity, diversity, dividend, dosage, dose, duration, duty, earnings, effectiveness, efficiency, effort, employment, endurance, engagement, enjoyment, enrolment, erosion, excise, expenditure, export, exposure, extent, fare, fee, fine, fitness, flexibility, flow, force, frequency, funding, gain, height, hold, humidity, immigration, impact, importance, incentive, incidence, income, inequality, influence, intake, intensity, interest, investment, knowledge, lead, length, level, leverage, likelihood, limit, literacy, majority, manpower, margin, membership, mobility, momentum, mortality, motivation, number, occurrence, odds, offer, output, overdraft, pace, pain, participation, pay, payment, penalty, penetration, pension, per cent, performance, point, pool, potency, potential, power, precision, premium, presence, prestige, price, probability, production, productivity, proficiency, profile, profit, profitability, quota, range, rate, ratio, reach, relevance, reliability, reliance, rent, repertoire, representation, reserve, resilience, return, revenue, risk, role, safety, salary, sale, saving, scale, scope, score, security, self-confidence, setting, severity, share, size, skill, speculation, speed, spending, stability, stake, stamina, stock, strain, strength, stress, subsidy, success, suffering, supply, support, surveillance, tariff, tax, taxation, temperature, tempo, tendency, tension, tolerance, tourism, trade, traffic, tuition, turnout, turnover, uncertainty, understanding, unemployment, unpopularity, urgency, usage, use, usefulness, utility, value, velocity, vigilance, visibility, vitality, vocabulary, voltage, volume, vulnerability, wage, wastage, wealth, width, workforce, workload, worry, worth

increased

increasedadj.

Increased is used with these nouns:

accountability, accuracy, activity, autonomy, availability, awareness, burden, commitment, competition, confidence, congestion, cooperation, demand, dependence, diversity, effectiveness, efficiency, emphasis, expectation, expenditure, exposure, flexibility, flow, focus, frequency, funding, immigration, import, importance, incidence, inequality, instability, intake, integration, interest, involvement, likelihood, mobility, need, number, output, participation, popularity, presence, pressure, probability, production, productivity, prominence, rate, regulation, reliability, reliance, rent, representation, resistance, responsibility, revenue, risk, role, safety, sale, scrutiny, self-confidence, sensitivity, size, sophistication, specialization, speed, spending, stability, strength, stress, support, tendency, tension, tolerance, tourism, trade, understanding, usage, use, vigilance, vigour, visibility, volume, willingness, workload

increasing

increasingadj.

Increasing is used with these nouns:

acceptance, age, alienation, amount, anxiety, army, autonomy, availability, awareness, clarity, commitment, competition, complexity, confidence, conflict, congestion, cost, criticism, demand, dependence, desperation, difficulty, discontent, dissatisfaction, diversity, dominance, doubt, efficiency, emphasis, evidence, flow, frailty, frequency, friction, impact, importance, incidence, inequality, influence, instability, interest, involvement, level, maturity, menace, need, nervousness, number, paranoia, percentage, popularity, presence, pressure, productivity, profit, prominence, proportion, prosperity, quantity, rapidity, recognition, regularity, reliance, reluctance, return, risk, scarcity, severity, share, shortage, sign, size, sophistication, specialization, speculation, strain, support, tendency, tension, threat, trend, unpopularity, use, vigour, visibility, volume, wealth, willingness, worry

increasingly

increasinglyadv.

Increasingly is used with these adjectives:

absorbed, abstract, active, aggressive, agitated, alarmed, angry, annoyed, anxious, apparent, authoritarian, aware, bad-tempered, bitter, bizarre, bleak, central, centralized, chaotic, clear, comfortable, common, competitive, complex, complicated, concentrated, concerned, confident, confused, congested, conscious, conservative, contentious, convinced, costly, critical, crowded, dangerous, demanding, dependent, depressed, desperate, detailed, difficult, disillusioned, dissatisfied, distant, diverse, dominant, doubtful, dubious, easy, eccentric, effective, efficient, elaborate, embarrassing, entangled, erratic, estranged, evident, excited, expensive, explicit, exposed, familiar, fashionable, frantic, frequent, frustrated, frustrating, futile, harsh, hostile, hysterical, impatient, implausible, important, inadequate, inappropriate, inclined, incompatible, independent, influential, insecure, intensive, interested, intolerable, intrusive, irrational, irrelevant, irritated, isolated, large, likely, limited, lucrative, meaningless, militant, mobile, narrow, nationalistic, negative, nervous, numerous, obsolete, obvious, painful, pervasive, pessimistic, plain, polarized, popular, powerful, precise, preoccupied, probable, professional, prominent, prone, radical, rapid, rare, regular, reliant, reluctant, remote, resentful, resistant, restricted, restrictive, rigid, risky, savage, scarce, sceptical, secular, selective, sensitive, severe, shaky, sophisticated, specialized, steep, sterile, strained, subject, successful, susceptible, suspect, suspicious, tedious, tense, threatening, tight, troubled, unable, uncertain, uncomfortable, uneasy, unhappy, unlikely, unpopular, unstable, urgent, useful, valuable, varied, vicious, violent, vocal, volatile, vulnerable, wary, wide, widespread, willing, worried

Increasingly is used with these verbs:

confine, divide, dominate, draw, embrace, emphasize, employ, favour, focus, identify, influence, refine, rely, resemble, threaten, undermine, utilize, value

incredible

incredibleadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seem, soundfind sthI find this quite incredible!ADVERBreally, trulyabsolutely, quite, totally, utterlyMost people find this claim utterly incredible.just, simplyprettyYou're pretty incredible, Barbara.almost (esp. BrE)The glass elements require an almost incredible precision in manufacture.PREPOSITIONtoIt seems incredible to me that we didn't think of this before.

Incredible is used with these nouns:

amount, array, bargain, coincidence, comeback, display, ease, feat, feeling, generosity, incompetence, job, journey, knack, luck, number, odds, perseverance, result, speed, story, strength, stress, stupidity, success, tale, talent, urge, variety, wealth

incredibly

incrediblyadv.

Incredibly is used with these adjectives:

ancient, angry, annoying, anxious, attractive, awkward, bad, beautiful, big, boring, brave, bright, busy, cheap, cheerful, clever, comfortable, complex, complicated, courageous, cruel, dangerous, delicious, detailed, difficult, dirty, diverse, dull, dumb, easy, effective, efficient, entertaining, enthusiastic, exciting, expensive, fascinating, fast, foolish, frustrating, funny, generous, gifted, good-looking, gratifying, guilty, handsome, helpful, hot, ignorant, important, impressed, impressive, inefficient, insensitive, intelligent, intense, interesting, intricate, lame, large, lazy, lonely, long, loud, loyal, lucky, lucrative, naive, nervous, nice, optimistic, painful, patient, persistent, popular, powerful, precious, precise, productive, profitable, prolific, rare, realistic, relieved, resilient, rich, romantic, rude, sad, selfish, sensitive, sexy, silly, simple, simplistic, skilful, skinny, slow, smooth, smug, soft, sophisticated, steep, strange, strong, stupid, subtle, successful, supportive, swift, talented, tedious, tense, thankful, thin, tight, touched, tough, ugly, uncomfortable, uplifting, useful, valuable, versatile, violent, weak, wealthy

incredulous

incredulousadj.

Incredulous is used with these nouns:

incredulously

incredulouslyadv.

Incredulously is used with these verbs:

ask, echo, laugh, stare

incremental

incrementaladj.

Incremental is used with these nouns:

improvement, increase, progress

incriminating

incriminatingadj.

Incriminating is used with these nouns:

document, evidence

incubate

incubateverb

Incubate is used with these nouns as the object:

incubation

incubationnoun

Incubation is used before these nouns:

period

inculcate

inculcateverb

Inculcate is used with these nouns as the object:

virtue

incumbent

incumbentadj.

Incumbent is used with these nouns:

Congressman, Congresswoman, governor, mayor, party, president, prime minister

incur

incurverb

Incur is used with these nouns as the object:

casualty, charge, cost, damage, debt, displeasure, enmity, expenditure, expense, fee, injury, loss, obligation, penalty, risk, wrath

incurable

incurableadj.

Incurable is used with these nouns:

cancer, condition, disease, illness, optimist, romantic

incurably

incurablyadv.

Incurably is used with these adjectives:

ill

indebted

indebtedadj.

adj.1 feeling grateful to sb2 owing money to sb1 feeling grateful to sbVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feelremainADVERBdeeply, greatly, much, profoundlyeternally, foreverThank you—I am forever indebted to you.PREPOSITIONtoI am deeply indebted to all the doctors and nurses who treated me.

2 owing money to sbVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSberemainADVERBheavily, highly, severelyThe company is heavily indebted.highly indebted countriesfinanciallyI did not want to be financially indebted to him.PREPOSITIONtoindebted to the bank

indecency

indecencynoun

nounADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEgrosspublicbroadcast (AmE)legislation to multiply broadcast indecency finesPHRASESan act of indecency

indecent

indecentadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemconsider sth, regard sth as (BrE), think sth (esp. BrE)photographs that are considered indecentADVERBgrossly, positivelyconduct which is grossly indecentThat skirt of hers is positively indecent.almostShe started a new relationship with almost indecent haste.

Indecent is used with these nouns:

assault, haste, material, photograph

indecently

indecentlyadv.

Indecently is used with these verbs:

assault

indeed

indeedadv.

Indeed is used with these adjectives:

fortunate, true

indefensible

indefensibleadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbefind sthI find such actions indefensible.ADVERBtotallyethically, morally, politically, etc.It would be morally indefensible for her to desert her father now.

indefinite

indefiniteadj.

Indefinite is used with these nouns:

article, detention, duration, future, imprisonment, leave, number, period, postponement, pronoun, stay, strike, tenure

indefinitely

indefinitelyadv.

Indefinitely is used with these verbs:

adjourn, defer, delay, detain, imprison, last, maintain, multiply, persist, postpone, prolong, repeat, stay, suspend, sustain

indelible

indelibleadj.

Indelible is used with these nouns:

image, impression, imprint, ink, mark, stamp, trace

indelibly

indeliblyadv.

Indelibly is used with these verbs:

mark, print

indemnity

indemnitynoun

Indemnity is used before these nouns:

clause, cover

indentured

indenturedadj.

Indentured is used with these nouns:

labourer, servant

independence

independencenoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF INDEPENDENCE | VERB + independence | independence + VERB | independence + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreatfierceShe had a fierce independence of spirit.complete, full, totalrelativeThe council's relative independence of the government means it can negotiate its own agreements.genuine, real, truenew-foundI didn't appreciate my new-found independence, but instead felt lonely.growinglocal, nationaleconomic, editorial, financial, intellectual, journalistic, judicial, operational (esp. BrE), personal, political, professionalthe operational independence of the Bank of England… OF INDEPENDENCEdegree, measureVERB + independencehaveYoung people have more independence these days.lackenjoy, valueI value my independence too much to get married.display, showShe displayed independence in choosing a career different from that of her parents.assertEdward III tried to assert his independence of the regime at court.achieve, attain, gain, winMexico achieved independence from Spain in 1821.bring (about)the need to bring independence to the countrya colonial crisis which brought about independencedeclare, proclaimcelebratea holiday celebrating the independence of Nigeria from colonial ruleensure, maintain, preserve, retainThe army is committed to ensuring the independence of the country.compromiseConflicts of interest might compromise the auditor's independence.give up, loseShe doesn't want to lose her hard-won independence.regain, restoreencourage, foster, promoteParents should encourage independence in their children.undermineEconomic aid tends to undermine the national independence of Third-World countries.seekcall for, demandvote forgive sb/sth, grant sb/sthrecognizeThey have agreed to recognize the breakaway republic's independence.independence + VERBcomeIndependence came to the British colonial territories in Africa in the late fifties and early sixties.independence + NOUNdaycelebrationsmovementstrugglePREPOSITIONat independenceNamibia became a full member of the UN at independence.independence fromindependence from Spainindependence ofthe church's independence of the stateindependence of mindPHRASESa call for independencehis party's call for Scottish independencea declaration of independencea lack of independence, the loss of independencea sense of independenceDoing work experience gave me a sense of independence.the struggle for independencethe time of independenceThe drama is set in India at the time of independence.a war for independence, a war of independencethe American War of Independence

Independence Day

Independence Daynoun

Independence Day is used before these nouns:

celebration

independent

independentadj.

adj.1 not needing other people2 not influenced or controlled by anyone else1 not needing other peopleVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, seembecomeremainmake sbHer travels in Asia have made her a lot more independent.ADVERBfiercely, veryMany disabled people are fiercely independent.completelyfairly, pretty, quiteeconomically, financiallyPREPOSITIONofBy the age of eighteen he was completely independent of his parents.

2 not influenced or controlled by anyone elseVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecomeremain, stayHis company is a target for takeovers, but plans to stay independent.make sthdeclare sthIn 1961 the country was declared independent.ADVERBcompletely, entirely, fully, genuinely, quite (esp. BrE), totally, truly, whollyalmost, fairly, largely, relatively, virtuallyMany local clans remain relatively independent.increasinglyessentiallyThis figure is essentially independent of population size.nominally, supposedlynewlynewly independent countriespoliticallylogically, statisticallyHis system rests upon two logically independent arguments.mutuallyThey are two separate, mutually independent entities.PREPOSITIONfromThe country became fully independent from France in 1960.ofan organization that is independent of the government

Independent is used with these nouns:

accountant, advice, adviser, agency, appraisal, arbitration, assessment, auditor, body, broadcaster, channel, check, cinema, clause, colony, commentator, commission, confirmation, consultant, contractor, counsel, country, dealer, developer, discipline, distributor, enquiry, entity, evaluation, existence, expenditure, experiment, expert, farmer, film, homeland, hotel, individual, inspection, inspector, institute, investigation, journalist, judge, judgement, kingdom, label, laboratory, learning, manufacturer, means, monitoring, nation, newspaper, observer, operator, origin, panel, paper, producer, professional, prosecutor, publisher, report, republic, researcher, retailer, review, ruler, school, scientist, sector, shopkeeper, source, specialist, spirit, state, status, streak, studio, study, supplier, survey, suspension, thinker, thinking, thought, trader, traveller, tribunal, trust, trustee, union, valuation, verification, watchdog, witness, woman

independently

independentlyadv.

Independently is used with these adjectives:

organized, wealthy

Independently is used with these verbs:

act, assess, conduct, confirm, evaluate, evolve, exist, function, fund, live, occur, operate, organize, own, produce, run, test, travel, work

independent school

independent schoolnoun

Independent school is used before these nouns:

principal

in-depth indescribable

indescribableadj.

Indescribable is used with these nouns:

joy, pain

indestructible

indestructibleadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, prove, seemADVERBalmost, nearly, practically, virtuallyTheir shells are so hard they are virtually indestructible.seemingly

indeterminate

indeterminateadj.

Indeterminate is used with these nouns:

colour, sentence

index

indexnoun

noun1 list of names/topics2 system showing the level of sth; measure of sth1 list of names/topicsADJECTIVE | VERB + index | index + VERB | index + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcomplete, comprehensivedetailedgeneralalphabeticalcard (BrE), subjectVERB + indexappear in, be inThe topic I was interested in didn't appear in the index.consult, look (sth up) in, searchWhy don't you look up her name in the index?Search the index to find the address of the data file.compile, create, updateindex + VERBgive sth, list sthThe index only gives the main towns.index + NOUNcardPREPOSITIONin a/the indexIs there any reference to it in the index?index toIt's a general index to the whole work.

2 system showing the level of sth; measure of sthADJECTIVE | VERB + index | index + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgood, reliable, sensitive, usefulhigh, lowweightedofficialgenerala general index calculated from death and population informationcost-of-living, market, pricethe consumer price index (esp. AmE)the retail price index (BrE)commodity, futures, share, stock, stock-marketDow Jones, FTSE 100, etc.dollar, sterling, etc.body mass (abbreviated to BMI), glycaemic/glycemic (abbreviated to GI), refractive, etc.VERB + indexhaveThose who lived in the inner cities had a high index of deprivation.use (sth as)The test results were used as an index of language proficiency.compile, construct, createcalculate, compute, deriveprovide, publishThe price index is published monthly.drag, drive, push, takeA wave of frenzied buying pushed the index up 136.2 points.measuretrackMost commodity funds track a specific commodity index.index + VERBadd sth (esp. BrE), gain sth, increase, jump, rise, surgeThe NYSE Financial index gained 20%.decline, dip, drop, fall, sinkThe commodities index fell 3.1%.measure sthan index designed to measure changes in the volume of industrial productionpost sthThe Morgan Stanley Cyclical index posted a small advance.be based on sthan index based on incidents causing a loss of productionbe linked to sthThe increase in our standard rates will be linked to the consumer price index.index-linked pensions (BrE)cover sthan index covering some 1 700 companiesopenclose, endThe hundred shares index closed down 15 points.PREPOSITIONin an/the indexdividends on shares in the indexon an/the indexThe company is listed on the Nasdaq technology stocks index.PHRASESa drop in an index, a fall in an indexa 28.2 point drop in the FTSE 100 indexchanges in an indexan increase in an indexas measured by an indexInflation, as measured by the consumer price index, is expected to drop.

index-linked

index-linkedadj.

Index-linked is used with these nouns:

pension

India

Indianoun

India is used before these nouns:

ink

Indian

Indianadj.

Indian is used with these nouns:

corn, curry, elephant, English, food, ink, music, summer, tea

Indian-style

Indian-styleadv.

Indian-style is used with these verbs:

sit

indicate

indicateverb

verbADVERB | VERB + indicate | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBclearly, stronglynot necessarilyExpense does not necessarily indicate worth.usuallyThis sign usually indicates a pedestrian zone.previouslyGrowth will be at a lower rate than previously indicated.VERB + indicateappear to, seem toThese facts would seem to indicate that the family was wealthy.be used toSymbols are used to indicate the facilities available at each hotel.PREPOSITIONtoThese figures indicate to me that the company is in serious trouble.PHRASESindicate otherwiseHe has declared support for women, but his actions have indicated otherwise.

Indicate is used with these nouns as the subject:

analysis, arrow, article, census, chart, curve, data, diagram, display, document, estimate, evidence, examination, example, experiment, figure, finding, gauge, graph, line, map, participant, passage, percentage, poll, record, report, research, result, review, scan, score, sign, signal, simulation, source, statistics, study, survey, symbol, test, text, tone, trend, writing

Indicate is used with these nouns as the object:

correlation, decrease, deficiency, desire, difference, direction, disagreement, disapproval, effectiveness, existence, extent, importance, improvement, inability, increase, link, majority, need, position, preference, presence, problem, readiness, reluctance, risk, shift, trend, turning point, willingness

indication

indicationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + indication | indication + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfirm (BrE), good, strongfair (esp. BrE)It was a fair indication of what was to come.accurate, reliable, trueclear, definite, sureHe gave his clearest indication yet that he will keep racing.There is no definite indication that these folks are still alive.importantusefulample, sufficientHe has given ample indications of his intentions.broad, general, roughpositiveearly, initial, preliminaryoutward, visible, visualRising interest rates were an outward indication of the change in government attitude to economic controls.Some car alarms have no visual indication that they are in operation.clinicalThere was no clinical indication for such a test.VERB + indicationbe, serve asThe popularity of the government building project served as an indication of public support.haveA government spokesperson said they had no indication who was responsible for the attack.give (sb), provide (sb with)His early successes gave some indication of his ability.get, receivefind, seeThe researchers say they can find no indication that television has harmful physical effects on children.regard sth as, see sth as, take sth asThe comments made by management may be taken as an indication of how they felt about their workers.indication + VERBpoint to sth, show sth, suggest sthIndications show that at least 2 000 more businesses will go bankrupt before the end of the year.PREPOSITIONamid indications of, amid indications that … (both esp. BrE)He was last night locked in talks over his future amid indications that he plans to resign.indication as toHe gave us no indication as to what was the matter.indication toThis is an indication to drivers who break the law that they will be punishedPHRASES(all) the indications are that … All the indications are that she will make a full recovery.early indications are that … , preliminary indications are that … Preliminary indications are that the tape is authentic.not the slightest indicationShe smiled, not giving the slightest indication of what had just happened.there is every indication that … There's every indication that the operation has been a success.

indicative

indicativeadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeconsider sth, interpret sth as, regard sth as, see sth as, take sth asThe rise in unemployment is seen as indicative of a new economic recession.ADVERBstrongly(not) necessarilyRecurrent dreams are not necessarily indicative of psychological problems.PREPOSITIONof

indicator

indicatornoun

noun sign showing what sth is likeADJECTIVE | VERB + indicator | indicator + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEaccurate, good, reliable, surepoor, unreliableLevel of education is actually a poor indicator of ability to run a business well.sensitivecrude, roughsimplekey, main, majorimportant, significantuseful, valuablelagging, leading (both economics, both esp. AmE)The stock market is seen as a leading indicator of economic growth.economic, financial, macroeconomic, performance, social, socio-economicperformance indicators such as language and numeracy skillsprognostic (medical)VERB + indicatorbe, serve asThese warts can serve as an indicator of other infections.provide (sb with)regard sth as, see sth as, take sth asGold prices are often seen as an indicator of inflation.use (sth as)developIt is still difficult to develop indicators for many concepts used in social science.indicator + VERBpoint to sth, show sth, suggest sthEconomic indicators suggest that a recovery is on the way.PREPOSITIONindicator foran indicator for the presence of minerals

indict

indictverb

Indict is used with these nouns as the subject:

jury, prosecutor, tribunal

indictable

indictableadj.

Indictable is used with these nouns:

indictment

indictmentnoun

noun1 sign that sth is bad/wrong2 (law, esp. AmE) accusing sb of a crime1 sign that sth is bad/wrongADJECTIVEADJECTIVEdevastating, powerfuldamning, scathing, searing, stinging, terrible (esp. BrE)Her speech was a scathing indictment of the government's record on crime.blanket, sweeping (both esp. AmE)This is a rather too sweeping indictment of the field of evolutionary psychology.sad (esp. BrE)

2 (law, esp. AmE) accusing sb of a crimeADJECTIVE | VERB + indictment | indictment + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcriminal, felony (AmE)federal, grand jury (both AmE)fresh (BrE)VERB + indictmentbring, file, issueA New York jury brought criminal indictments against the founder of the organization.hand down, hand out, return (all AmE)War crimes indictments were handed down by a UN-backed court.announceThe government announced a federal indictment against him.faceHe faces indictment for perjury.be charged in, be charged on (BrE)be convicted on, be tried on (both BrE)dismissThe federal district court dismissed the indictment.plead guilty to, plead not guilty to (both BrE)indictment + VERBaccuse sb of sth, allege sth, charge (sb/sth with sth)an indictment charging theftPREPOSITIONin a/the indictmentTwo men were named in the indictment.on indictment (BrE)a trial on indictmentindictment againstThey issued an indictment against them.indictment forShe was convicted on an indictment for conspiracy.

indie

indieadj.

Indie is used with these nouns:

band, film, label, music, pop, rock

indifference

indifferencenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + indifference | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcomplete, supreme (esp. BrE), total, uttergrowingdeliberate, studiedapparent, feigned, seemingbenign, blithe, casualTry to treat such comments with benign indifference.callous, cold, coolrecklessAttacks have been successful because of a reckless indifference to security standards.publicVERB + indifferencefeeldemonstrate, display, express, showShe showed total indifference to his fate.cultivate, feignHe feigned indifference to criticism of his work.regard sb/sth withThey regard the change in corporate culture with a certain indifference.treat sb/sth withbe met withConstable's landscapes met with indifference when they were first exhibited.PREPOSITIONwith an indifferenceEllis spoke with a casual indifference that he did not feel.indifference to, indifference towards/towardhis indifference towards/toward artPHRASESan air of indifference, an attitude of indifferenceThey have an air of studied indifference to the problem.She adopted an attitude of supreme indifference.a matter of indifferenceIt's a matter of indifference to me whether he goes or not.

indifferent

indifferentadj.

adj.1 not interested2 of low quality1 not interestedVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, feel, seem, soundHe appeared indifferent to her suffering.act (esp. AmE)Alice tried to act indifferent about the incident.becomeremainADVERBcompletely, quite, supremely, totally, utterlyalmostPat sounded almost indifferent.largely, relativelyapparently, seeminglyPREPOSITIONaboutMost staff were indifferent about the plans.toHe was coldly indifferent to other people.

2 of low qualityVERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbeADVERBvery (esp. BrE)We enjoyed the day, in spite of very indifferent weather.rathera rather indifferent performancePHRASESgood, bad and/or indifferentThe festival has the usual mix of movies—good, bad and indifferent.

Indifferent is used with these nouns:

indifferently

indifferentlyadv.

Indifferently is used with these verbs:

indigenous

indigenousadj.

Indigenous is used with these nouns:

community, culture, inhabitant, language, people, population, tradition, tribe, variety, wildlife

indigestion

indigestionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + indigestion | indigestion + NOUNADJECTIVEserious, severechronicslightVERB + indigestionget, have, suffer fromgive sbRich food always gives me indigestion.relieve, treatindigestion + NOUNproblemstablet (esp. BrE)

indignant

indignantadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, look, soundbecome, get, grow, waxShe waxes indignant if anyone tries to contradict her.make sbADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.a little, slightly, etc.righteously‘He deserves to be punished,’ she protested, righteously indignant.PREPOSITIONabout, overShe became rather indignant over suggestions that she had lied.atThey were quite indignant at his remarks.

Indignant is used with these nouns:

letter

indignantly

indignantlyadv.

Indignantly is used with these verbs:

cry, demand, deny, exclaim, protest, reply, retort, say, snort

indignation

indignationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + indignation | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgreat, high (AmE)His response was one of high indignation.publicmoral, righteousmockVERB + indignationbe filled with, be full of, feelThey were full of righteous indignation at the thought of being cheated.express, showexpressblush with, burn with, flush withHis plump face flushed with indignation.bristle with, shudder with, tremble withSusan's voice shuddered with indignation.arouse, provokePREPOSITIONin indignationShe turned to him in indignation.with indignationHe refused it with some indignation.indignation about, indignation at, indignation overThe government expressed its indignation over the way the incident had been handled.indignation againstpublic indignation against the government

indirect

indirectadj.

Indirect is used with these nouns:

allusion, approach, benefit, cause, channel, consequence, cost, discrimination, effect, election, evidence, fire, influence, lighting, link, measure, method, reference, result, route, rule, speech, subsidy, support, tax, taxation, tie, trade, transmission

indirectly

indirectlyadv.

Indirectly is used with these adjectives:

related, responsible

Indirectly is used with these verbs:

affect, benefit, contribute, elect, employ, infer, influence, lead, link, measure, promote, suggest, support

indiscretion

indiscretionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + indiscretionADJECTIVEseriousminor, slightpersonalyouthfuldietary, sexualVERB + indiscretioncommitHe had committed a minor sexual indiscretion.regretI instantly regretted my indiscretion and asked her to keep the news to herself.

indiscriminate

indiscriminateadj.

Indiscriminate is used with these nouns:

bombing, killing, massacre, murder, slaughter, use, violence

indiscriminately

indiscriminatelyadv.

Indiscriminately is used with these verbs:

fire, kill, slaughter, use

indispensable

indispensableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, provebecomemake sb/sthHe had soon made himself indispensable.consider sb/sthADVERBabsolutelyPREPOSITIONforWritten sources are considered absolutely indispensable for today's history teaching.inThese drugs are almost indispensable in the fight against the disease.toskills which turned out to be indispensable to her career

Indispensable is used with these nouns:

prerequisite, tool

indisputably

indisputablyadv.

Indisputably is used with these adjectives:

true

indissolubly

indissolublyadv.

Indissolubly is used with these verbs:

indistinct

indistinctadj.

Indistinct is used with these nouns:

Individual is used with these nouns:

individual

individualnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | … OF INDIVIDUALS | VERB + individual | individual + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEoutstanding, talentedkeypowerfulcreativeaverage, normal, ordinaryThe average individual watches around three hours of television per day.privateHe was carrying out his functions as a trustee in the course of his business, rather than as a private individual.singlecertain, particularThe motives influencing a particular individual may change from time to time.autonomous, independentHis philosophy is about becoming aware of oneself as an autonomous individual.isolatedSociety does not consist of isolated individuals, but people in a network of relationships.rare, uniqueShe saw the artist as a unique individual, possessing a heightened awareness of reality.like-mindeda group of like-minded individualsnamedaccusations of racism against named individualsqualifiedWe welcome applications from suitably qualified individuals.healthy, infectedwealthydonations from wealthy individualshumanWe know that all human individuals are unique.… OF INDIVIDUALSclass, groupShe had taken a group of individuals and made them into a superb team.VERB + individualtreat sb asThe teacher should treat each student as an individual.individual + VERBdiffer, varyAlthough individuals vary widely, the bones of the average female skeleton are smaller and lighter than the male.PHRASESno one individual, no single individualNo single individual had done so much for the development of the motor vehicle.any one individual, any single individualThe needs of the community outweigh those of any single individual.the freedom of the individual, the rights of the individualthe issue of the freedom of the individual versus the intervention of the statethe individual concernedIt's up to the individual concerned to contact the police.the needs of the individualEach course has to be tailored to the needs of the individual.respect for the individualvary from individual to individualEating habits are bound to vary from individual to individual.

II. adj.

account, accountability, achievement, advancement, assessment, attention, autonomy, category, character, characteristic, choice, client, component, conscience, consciousness, consumer, consumption, contribution, counselling, creativity, desire, discipline, enterprise, entrepreneur, event, expression, fitness, freedom, grievance, help, heroism, identity, ingredient, initiative, instruction, investor, item, lesson, liberty, look, member, membership, merit, mind, module, molecule, motivation, need, participant, participation, peculiarity, perception, personality, portion, preference, privacy, property, psychology, pursuit, quality, recognition, reply, requirement, response, responsibility, right, salvation, score, self, self-interest, shareholder, soul, sport, strand, strength, style, subscription, suffering, talent, taste, teaching, therapy, touch, training, trait, tuition, tutorial, unit, vote, will, work

individuality

individualitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + individuality | PHRASESADJECTIVEhumanVERB + individualityhaveEach song has its own individuality.assert, express, showclothes that reflect your individualitygive sthThe pictures give individuality to the room.maintain, retaingive up, losePHRASESa feeling of individuality, a sense of individualityBecoming part of a team should not mean losing your sense of individuality.

individualized

individualizedadj.

Individualized is used with these nouns:

instruction

individually

individuallyadv.

Individually is used with these adjectives:

responsible

Individually is used with these verbs:

examine, house, negotiate, number, tailor, test, work, wrap

indomitable

indomitableadj.

Indomitable is used with these nouns:

spirit, will

indoor

indooradj.

Indoor is used with these nouns:

arena, athletics, court, game, gym, lighting, mall, market, park, plant, plumbing, pool, rally, soccer, sport, stadium, toilet, tournament, track, track and field, work

indoors

indoorsadv.

Indoors is used with these verbs:

stay

induce induced

inducedadj.

Induced is used with these nouns:

inducement

inducementnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + inducement | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpowerfulpositivecash, financialVERB + inducementgive, offer (sb/sth as), provide (sb/sth as)The higher payments were offered as an inducement.receivePREPOSITIONinducement forThe reduced tax is a major inducement for first-time buyers.inducement toan inducement to crime and violenceinducements to employees

induction

inductionnoun

Induction is used before these nouns:

ceremony, course

inductive

inductiveadj.

Inductive is used with these nouns:

logic, reasoning

indulge

indulgeverb

verbADVERB | VERB + indulge | PREPOSITIONADVERBoccasionallyfreelyVERB + indulgebe able to, be free to, canPREPOSITIONinShe was free to indulge in a little romantic daydreaming.withFor a special treat, indulge yourself with one of these luxury desserts.

Indulge is used with these nouns as the object:

appetite, child, desire, fantasy, hobby, love, passion, taste, vice, whim

indulge in

indulge inphr verb

Indulge in is used with these nouns as the object:

fantasy, hobby, intercourse, luxury, nostalgia, pastime, speculation, vice

indulgence

indulgencenoun

noun1 having whatever you want2 sth you allow yourself3 acceptance of change to the normal way of doing sth1 having whatever you wantADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEexcessivepure, sheerguilty of sheer indulgencepersonalsexualPREPOSITIONindulgence inShe allowed herself only a few moments' indulgence in self-pity.PHRASESa life of indulgence

2 sth you allow yourselfADJECTIVE | VERB + indulgenceADJECTIVEprivatesmalloccasionalVERB + indulgenceallow yourselfAs a relief from work she allowed herself a few small indulgences.

3 acceptance of change to the normal way of doing sthVERB + indulgenceVERB + indulgenceask, beg, crave, request, seekHe begged the audience's indulgence to read some passages from his latest book.grantHe attacked the indulgence granted to religious dissenters.

indulgent

indulgentadj.

Indulgent is used with these nouns:

parent, smile

indulgently

indulgentlyadv.

Indulgently is used with these verbs:

industrial

industrialadj.

Industrial is used with these nouns:

accident, activity, age, application, archaeology, area, base, belt, boiler, building, capitalism, catering, centre, chemical, chemist, chemistry, chimney, city, civilization, commodity, complex, conflict, conglomerate, consumer, corporation, country, customer, debris, decay, decline, democracy, design, designer, development, diamond, discharge, discipline, dispute, district, economics, economy, efficiency, emission, empire, engineering, enterprise, espionage, estate, expansion, exploitation, export, facility, farm, farming, fishing, giant, growth, hazard, heartland, heritage, injury, innovation, investment, laboratory, land, landscape, lobby, machinery, manufacturing, material, mineral, museum, nation, output, park, past, plant, pollutant, pollution, power, premises, process, product, production, productivity, progress, recession, recovery, region, relation, revolution, sabotage, safety, sector, site, society, sociology, solvent, sponsor, spy, strategy, strength, strife, suburb, tariff, tool, town, traffic, training, tribunal, union, unit, unrest, use, waste, worker, workforce, world, zone

industrial action

industrial actionnoun

noun (esp. BrE)ADJECTIVE | VERB + industrial action | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcontinuingunlawfulVERB + industrial actiontakethreatencall forvote forstartstep upThe union is considering stepping up its industrial action.suspendstopbecome involved in, be involved in, take part inHis research indicates an increase in the number of women involved in industrial action.supportPREPOSITIONindustrial action againstThe union is threatening industrial action against the company.industrial action byindustrial action by air traffic controllersindustrial action in support ofindustrial action in support of demands for a 10% salary adjustmentindustrial action overto take industrial action over pay

industrialist

industrialistnoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEleading, prominent, toplocalrich, wealthy

industrialized

industrializedadj.

Industrialized is used with these nouns:

country, economy, nation, world

industrially

industriallyadv.

Industrially is used with these adjectives:

advanced

Industrially is used with these verbs:

Inefficient is used with these nouns:

industry

industrynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + industry | industry + VERB | industry + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbooming, growing, thrivingone of the fastest-growing industries in the worldimportant, key, majordeclininghigh-tech, modern, sunrise (BrE)sunset (BrE), traditionalcottageWeaving and knitting are traditional cottage industries.domestic, localglobalthe global textile industryprivate, privatizednationalized, state-owned, state-runheavylightstrategicstrategic industries such as the extraction of oil and natural gasmanufacturing, servicethe shift away from manufacturing to service industryprimary, secondary, tertiarylabour-intensive/labor-intensivebuilding, constructionengineering (esp. BrE)shipbuildingchemical, coal, electrical (esp. AmE), electricity (esp. BrE), energy, gas, mining, nuclear, oil, steelagricultural, fishing, food, timberpharmaceuticalhealth-care, medical (esp. AmE)biotechauto (AmE), automobile (AmE), automotive, car (esp. BrE), motorcomputer, electronicstelecom (esp. AmE), telecommunications, telecoms (esp. BrE)fashion, textileadvertisinginsuranceentertainment, film (esp. BrE), movie (esp. AmE), music, record, recordingtourism, touristcatering, hospitality, leisure (all esp. BrE)hotelbanking, financialaerospace, airline, aviationpublishingtobaccoVERB + industrybenefit, develop, encourage, help, stimulate, supportThe government decided to encourage industries based on biotechnology.government measures to stimulate new industryrun down (BrE)Running down the nuclear industry will result in heavy job losses.damage, hurtThey claim that a commercial port would damage the local tourist industry.cripple, destroy, devastatenationalizeprivatizederegulate, regulateprotecttrade barriers erected to protect domestic industrysubsidizeThe state's timber industry is heavily subsidized.interfere in, interfere withThe government has interfered in industry, with disastrous results, by attempting to alter economic trends.be involved in, be involved withMore than 140 000 people are directly involved in the industry.revolutionize, transformenter, go intostudents training to enter the banking industryShe decided to leave teaching and go into industry.industry + VERBboom, develop, expand, grow, grow up, spring upNew light industries are constantly springing up.The tourist industry is still expanding rapidly.decline, struggleWhen the oil ran out, other industries associated with it closed down.experience sth, face sthindustries which are experiencing substantial growthThe industry is facing major challenges.produce sthindustry + NOUNexecutive, leaderexpert, insideranalyst, observerstandardThey hope that the disk drive will become an industry standard.PREPOSITIONin industry, within industryIn the computer industry, change comes about very rapidly.PHRASESa captain of industry, commerce and industryThe banks lend money to commerce and industry.regulation of (an) industryproposals for regulation of the water industrythe revival of (an) industrythe revival of the British film industrya sector of industryindustry and trade (esp. AmE), trade and industrythe Department of Trade and Industry (in the UK)

inedible

inedibleadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBtotallyThe food was totally inedible.almost, nearly

ineffective

ineffectiveadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, prove, seemThese policies have proved ineffective.becomemake sth, render sthThe contract was rendered ineffective by this careless wording.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highlycompletely, entirely, totallylargelypoliticallyPREPOSITIONagainstThese weapons are totally ineffective against tanks.inchemicals that are very ineffective in killing weeds

inefficiency

inefficiencynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + inefficiencyADJECTIVEgrossinherentbureaucratic, governmenteconomic, marketVERB + inefficiencycause, create, lead toConflict between management and workers leads to inefficiency in the workplace.reduceeliminateWe need to eliminate inefficiencies in the production process.

inefficient

inefficientadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seembecomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.grossly, highly, hopelessly, incredibly, terriblyrelativelypotentiallyinherentlynotoriouslyeconomicallyan economically inefficient system

allocation, system

ineligible

ineligibleadj.

adj.VERBS | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecomemake sb/sth, render sb/sthconsider sb/sth, declare sb/sth, deem sb/sth, rule sb/sthThe country had been declared ineligible for World Bank lending.PREPOSITIONforThe new rules have made thousands more people ineligible for legal aid.

inept

ineptadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, proveseemADVERBrathercompletelyintellectually, politically, sociallyIt would be politically inept to make these cutbacks now.comically, hopelessly, woefullyPREPOSITIONatHe was rather inept at word games.

inequality

inequalitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + inequality | inequality + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreat, gross, substantialthe gross social inequalities of the pastInequalities of income would lead to even greater inequalities in access to health care.realgrowing, increased, increasing, risingglobal, regionalclass, economic, educational, racial, social, socio-economic, structuralgender, sex (BrE), sexualefforts to address class and gender inequalities and to rebalance powerincome, pay, wage (esp. BrE)VERB + inequalitycause, create, lead toThe introduction of tuition fees would create inequality between universities.maintain, perpetuateSome believe that education perpetuates inequality.reinforceThe law merely serves to reinforce social inequalities.increasereduceremoveThey can build a more harmonious society once inequality and exploitation are removed.address, redressThe country has had some success in redressing racial inequalities.inequality + VERBexistinequalities that exist in wealth and incomearise from sth, be based on sthinequalities based on racism and social classpersist, remainEven in the age of compulsory school, inequalities in education have remained.increasedeclinePREPOSITIONinequality betweeneconomic inequality between men and womeninequality ingender inequality in educationPHRASESinequalities of power, wealth, etc.a pattern of inequality (esp. BrE)

inequitable

inequitableadj.

Inequitable is used with these nouns:

distribution

inert

inertadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, remainbecomeADVERBcompletelyShe lay completely inert on her bed.relativelybiologically, chemicallychemically inert radioactive waste

Inert is used with these nouns:

gas, ingredient, substance

inertia

inertianoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + inertia | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEsheerbureaucratic, politicalVERB + inertiaovercomeThe forces for change are not sufficient to overcome bureaucratic inertia.PREPOSITIONout of inertiaHe stayed where he was, not because he really wanted to, but out of inertia.through inertiaProjects were frequently abandoned through sheer inertia.PHRASESa state of inertia

inescapable

inescapableadj.

Inescapable is used with these nouns:

conclusion, fact

inestimable

inestimableadj.

Inestimable is used with these nouns:

Inevitable is used with these nouns:

inevitability

inevitabilitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + inevitability | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEtragica certainhistoricalVERB + inevitabilityhaveaccept, recognizeShe was learning to accept the inevitability of death.PREPOSITIONinevitability aboutThe tragedy had a certain inevitability about it.PHRASESa feeling of inevitability, a sense of inevitability

inevitable

inevitableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSappear, be, look, seembecomemake sthThe scandal made her resignation inevitable.consider sth, regard sth as, see sth asThey came to see defeat as inevitable.ADVERBalmost, virtuallyapparently, seeminglyhistoricallyPHRASESbow to the inevitableShe bowed to the inevitable (= accepted a situation in which she had no choice) and resigned.

backlash, climax, comparison, compromise, conclusion, consequence, death, decline, delay, demise, disagreement, disappointment, distortion, end, failure, fate, march, outcome, prelude, result, sequel, slide

inevitably

inevitablyadv.

Inevitably is used with these adjectives:

bound, doomed, incomplete, limited

Inevitably is used with these verbs:

arise, draw, entail, influence, involve, lead, provoke, result, vary

inexact

inexactadj.

Inexact is used with these nouns:

science

inexhaustible

inexhaustibleadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemHer energy seemed inexhaustible.ADVERBvirtuallyapparently, seemingly

Inexhaustible is used with these nouns:

energy, supply

inexorable

inexorableadj.

Inexorable is used with these nouns:

decline, logic, march, progress, rise, slide

inexorably

inexorablyadv.

Inexorably is used with these verbs:

draw, lead, march

inexpensive

inexpensiveadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbemake sthTheir currency is undervalued, making their goods inexpensive for foreigners.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.comparatively, relativelyPaper is relatively inexpensive here.

inexperience

inexperiencenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + inexperience | inexperience + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVErelativeyouthfulsexualVERB + inexperienceshowShe showed her inexperience by asking lots of trivial questions.be down to (BrE)The team's defensive errors were down to (= a result of their) inexperience.put sth down to (BrE)He put his mistakes down to (= believed they were caused by his) inexperience.inexperience + VERBshowHer inexperience in politics did not show.PREPOSITIONbecause of inexperience, through inexperience (esp. BrE)They made mistakes because of their inexperience.inexperience ininexperience in teaching

inexperienced

inexperiencedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbe, feel, seemADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.hopelesslytotallyHe was unqualified and totally inexperienced.relativelyShe was still a relatively inexperienced pilot.politically, sexuallyPREPOSITIONinShe was inexperienced in teaching art.withmen who are inexperienced with childrenPHRASESyoung and inexperienced

Inexperienced is used with these nouns:

crew, driver, eye, pilot, sailor, teacher

inexplicable

inexplicableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemremainfind sthADVERBcompletely, quite, totallyTheir actions are completely inexplicable.apparently, seeminglyotherwiseThis theory makes sense of an otherwise inexplicable phenomenon.

Inexplicable is used with these nouns:

phenomenon

inexpressible

inexpressibleadj.

Inexpressible is used with these nouns:

joy

inextricable

inextricableadj.

Inextricable is used with these nouns:

inextricably

inextricablyadv.

Inextricably is used with these adjectives:

bound, entangled, mixed, related, woven

Inextricably is used with these verbs:

connect, link, tie, weave

infamous

infamousadj.

Infamous is used with these nouns:

incident, murderer, reputation

infancy

infancynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + infancy | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEearlyThe vaccination is given in early infancy.VERB + infancysurvive, survive beyondTheir first child did not survive infancy.PREPOSITIONduring infancy, in infancyDeaths during infancy fell dramatically in the last century.The new company is still in its infancy. (figurative)from infancyfrom infancy to late childhoodsince (sb's) infancySince her infancy she has been a healthy baby.throughout (sb's) infancyHe was ill many times throughout his infancy.PHRASESdie in infancyShe died in infancy.

infant

infantnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + infant | infant + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEyoungHe is studying hearing in very young infants.month-old, two-month-old, etc.newbornpremature, pretermjaundice in premature infantsfull-termhealthy, normallow-birthweighthumana book on intellectual development in the human infantfemale, malesleepingMarjorie looked down at the sleeping infant in her arms.VERB + infantbreastfeed, feed, nurseinfant + NOUNdeath, mortalitycountries with high infant mortalitychild, daughter, sonformulaPHRASESsudden infant death syndrome

infantile

infantileadj.

Infantile is used with these nouns:

colic

infantry

infantrynoun

Infantry is used before these nouns:

brigade, division, squad, unit

infect

infectverb

Infect is used with these nouns as the subject:

parasite, virus

Infect is used with these nouns as the object:

lung

infected

infectedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecome, getADVERBbadlychronicallyPREPOSITIONwithpatients who are infected with this virus

Infected is used with these nouns:

attachment, faeces, file, individual, mosquito, needle, wound

infection

infectionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + infection | infection + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEnasty, serious, severemild, minor, moderateacute, chronicrecurrentprimary, secondaryIf the primary infection is not treated further outbreaks may occur.newOver 90% of all new infections occur in the developing world.rarebacterial, fungal, viralchest, ear, etc.pulmonary, respiratory, urinary tract, etc.herpes, HIV, yeast (AmE), etc.opportunisticVERB + infectionhave, suffer, suffer fromHe's suffering from an acute lung infection.be at risk from, be at risk of, be prone to, be susceptible to, be vulnerable toGoats appear to be more susceptible to the infection than sheep.be exposed toVaccination is essential to protect people exposed to hepatitis B infection.acquire, catch, contract, develop, getShe's always getting chest infections.causepass, pass on, spread, transmitThe infection is passed on through the horse feed.carryAlmost all the sheep on the farm carried the infection.guard against, protect sb/sth fromto protect the body from infectionavoid, preventcombat, fightThe virus affects the body's immune system so that it cannot fight infection.fight off, killNormally, white blood cells fight off and kill infections.recover fromleave/make sb susceptible to, leave/make sb vulnerable todie from, die ofdiagnose, diagnose sb withtreat, treat sb forinfection + VERBdevelop, occuran infection that occurs in swansspreadThey want to prevent the infection spreading to other parts of the body.cause sth, result in sth, trigger sthHeavy lung infections may result in pneumonia.PREPOSITIONin infectionIn acute infections of the urinary tract the patient may suffer severe pain.infection frominfection from sewage waterinfection throughinfection through unsafe sexinfection withinfection with bacteriaPHRASESa cause of infection, the onset of infectionThe drug must be taken from the onset of the infection.resistance to infectionTaking vitamin C builds up your resistance to infection.a risk of infection, a site of infection (medical)The urethra was the primary site of infection.a source of infectionWe are trying to trace the source of infection.the spread of infection

infectious

infectiousadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBhighly, verypotentially

Infectious is used with these nouns:

disease, enthusiasm, grin, hepatitis, illness, laugh, laughter, smile, virus, waste, zest

infer

inferverb

verbADVERB | VERB + infer | PREPOSITIONADVERBreasonablycorrectly, incorrectlydirectly, indirectlyVERB + infercanbe possible tobe difficult to, be hard toIt is difficult to infer anything from such evidence.be reasonable tobe wrong toPREPOSITIONfromFrom this study we can reasonably infer that this characteristic is inherited.

inference

inferencenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + inference | inference + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfair, logical, reasonable, validobviousVERB + inferencedraw, makeallow, supportinference + VERBbe based on sthinferences based on their answers to a number of set questionsPREPOSITIONinference aboutIn the absence of detailed documentary evidence, we can only make inferences about Minoan religion.inference fromThe value of data depends on our skill in drawing inferences from it.

inferior

inferiornounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + inferiorADJECTIVEintellectual, socialVERB + inferiorconsider sbShe considered everyone her intellectual inferior.

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, seemHer obvious popularity made me feel inferior.consider sb/sth, regard sb/sth as, see sb/sth asHe regarded women as inferior.ADVERBdecidedly, greatly (esp. BrE), markedly, significantly, vastly, veryslightly, somewhatinherentlyintellectually, morally, socially, technicallyPREPOSITIONinThese later paintings are slightly inferior in value.toHis later work was vastly inferior to his early work.

Inferior is used with these nouns:

position, quality, rank, status, tribunal

inferiority

inferioritynoun

nounADJECTIVE | inferiority + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEmoral, racial, socialthe myth of racial inferiorityintellectualinferiority + NOUNcomplexHe had an inferiority complex about his looks.PREPOSITIONinferiority toShe accepted her inferiority to her rivals.PHRASESa feeling of inferiority, a sense of inferiority

infernal

infernaladj.

Infernal is used with these nouns:

racket

infertile

infertileadj.

Infertile is used with these nouns:

couple, earth, soil

infertility

infertilitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + infertility | infertility + NOUNADJECTIVEfemale, maleVERB + infertilitycause, lead totreatinfertility + NOUNclinic, treatment

infest

infestverb

Infest is used with these nouns as the subject:

vermin

infestation

infestationnoun

Infestation is used after these nouns:

insect, pest

infested

infestedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecomeADVERBheavilyThe building was heavily infested with cockroaches.PREPOSITIONwith

infield

infieldadj.

Infield is used with these nouns:

infiltrate

infiltrateverb

Infiltrate is used with these nouns as the subject:

spy

Infiltrate is used with these nouns as the object:

rank

infiltration

infiltrationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + infiltration | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcommunist, terroristVERB + infiltrationreduceprevent, stopPREPOSITIONinfiltration byThe police tried to prevent infiltration by drug traffickers.infiltration intothe infiltration of rain into the soil

infinite

infiniteadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomeADVERBalmost, nearly, practically, virtuallyan almost infinite variety of shadesapparently, seeminglyeffectivelypotentially

Infinite is used with these nouns:

capacity, care, distance, expanse, mercy, number, patience, range, series, supply, variation, variety

infinitely

infinitelyadv.

Infinitely is used with these adjectives:

adaptable, better, complex, divisible, flexible, large, patient, precious, precise, preferable, remote, subtle, superior, variable, varied, worse

infinitive

infinitivenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + infinitiveADJECTIVEbareModal verbs generally take the bare infinitive.perfectYou use ‘have’ to form the perfect infinitive of a verb.passivesplitThe use of the split infinitive is now generally acceptable.VERB + infinitiveformtakesplit

Infinitive is used before these nouns:

infinity

infinitynoun

noun1 endless space/time2 number larger than any other1 endless space/timeVERB + infinity | PREPOSITIONVERB + infinityextend into, extend to, stretch into, stretch toTheoretically, a line can extend into infinity.PREPOSITIONat infinityParallel lines appear to meet at infinity.into infinityHe could have jumped off the cliff into infinity.

2 number larger than any otherVERB + infinity | PREPOSITIONVERB + infinityapproach, tend to, tend towards/towardAs x approaches infinity, y approaches zero.PREPOSITIONat infinityThe usual convention is to choose the reference point at infinity.

infirm

infirmadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomeADVERBmentally, physically

infirmity

infirmitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEmental, physicalPHRASESage and infirmity (literary, esp. BrE)those incapable of supporting themselves by reason of age and infirmity

inflame

inflameverb

Inflame is used with these nouns as the object:

passion, sentiment, situation

inflamed

inflamedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecome, getADVERBseverelyHer joints are severely inflamed.acutely, chronically

Inflamed is used with these nouns:

appendix, joint

inflammable

inflammableadj.

adj. (esp. BrE) See flammable

Inflammable is used with these nouns:

gas, material

inflammation

inflammationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + inflammation | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEpainful, severemildacute, chronicintestinal, joint, etc.VERB + inflammationreduceSteroids often help reduce the inflammation and itching in the skin.causePREPOSITIONinflammation ofinflammation of the stomachPHRASESsigns of inflammation

inflammatory

inflammatoryadj.

Inflammatory is used with these nouns:

reaction, remark, rhetoric

inflatable

inflatableadj.

Inflatable is used with these nouns:

boat, dinghy, mattress, pool, raft

inflate

inflateverb

Inflate is used with these nouns as the object:

balloon, ego, figure, raft, tyre, value

inflated

inflatedadj.

adj.1 expanded2 exaggerated1 expandedADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBfullypartiallyPREPOSITIONwithThe balloon was kept fully inflated with hydrogen.

2 exaggeratedVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBgreatly, grossly, hugely (esp. BrE), vastly, wildlyartificially, falsely (esp. BrE)The prices of meals are often artificially inflated.

Inflated is used with these nouns:

ego, estimate, expectation, figure, price

inflation

inflationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + inflation | inflation + VERB | inflation + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEhigh, massivelow, moderatezerogalloping (esp. BrE), raging (esp. BrE), rampant, rising, runaway, spiralling/spiraling (esp. BrE)double-digit (= 10% or more)consumer-price, price, wage (esp. BrE)domesticgrade (= the apparent increase in students' grades over time due to the fact that exams are becoming easier)VERB + inflationcausefuel, push upbring down, bring under control, combat, control, curb, fight, get down, get under control, keep down, keep in check, keep under control, reducepolicies to beat inflationIt is vital that inflation is kept in check.keep pace with, keep up withWages are not keeping pace with inflation.outpaceinflation + VERBbe upbe downInflation is down to its lowest level in three years.exceed sth, reach sthInflation reached a monthly rate of 5%.average sth, be at sth, run at sth, stand at sthInflation is running at 4%.edge up (esp. BrE), go up, increase, risefall, go down, slowInflation has slowed to 7%.erode sthsavings eroded by inflationinflation + NOUNfigures, ratean inflation rate of 2%expectations, forecast, targetPHRASESthe battle against inflation, the fight against inflationa drop in inflation, a fall in inflationan drop in inflation to 2.4%an increase in inflation, a rise in inflationan increase in inflation to 3.5%the rate of inflation

inflationary

inflationaryadj.

Inflationary is used with these nouns:

boom, effect, expectation, spiral, trend

inflect

inflectverb

Inflect is used with these nouns as the subject:

Inflect is used with these nouns as the object:

noun, verb

inflexible

inflexibleadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemThe rules seemed arbitrary and inflexible.becomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.She's a good teacher, but she can be fairly inflexible.completely, totallyThe seven-year period is not totally inflexible.relatively

Inflexible is used with these nouns:

attitude

inflict

inflictverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBdeliberately, intentionallyWhen someone deliberately inflicts damage, it is a matter for the police.PREPOSITIONon, uponThey inflicted a humiliating defeat on their rivals.

Inflict is used with these nouns as the object:

agony, casualty, cruelty, damage, defeat, harm, horror, injury, loss, misery, pain, punishment, suffering, terror, torture, violence, wound, wrong

inflict on

inflict onphr verb

Inflict on is used with these nouns as the object:

torment, wrong

inflict upon

inflict uponphr verb

Inflict upon is used with these nouns as the object:

torment, wrong

in-flight

in-flightadj.

In-flight is used with these nouns:

catering, emergency, entertainment, magazine, movie

inflow

inflownoun

Inflow is used after these nouns:

capital, cash

influence

influencenounverb

I. noun1 effect sb/sth has; power to control sb/sth2 sb/sth that affects the way sb behaves/thinks1 effect sb/sth has; power to control sb/sthADJECTIVE | VERB + influence | influence + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, considerable, enormous, great, marked, significant, substantial, tremendousgrowing, increasingchief, dominant, major, overwhelmingpowerful, profound, strongHe had a profound influence on modern poets.subtleimportantcrucial, decisivepotentialcontinuing, enduring, lastingimproper, undue (law)The court found that the bank exerted undue influence over Mrs Black in getting her to sign the contract.disproportionatebeneficial, positiveadverse, corrosive, corrupting, destructive, disruptive, evil, malign (formal), negative, perniciousmoderating, stabilizing, steadyingcalming, restrainingcivilizingdirect, indirectcausalmutualrelativeThis paper evaluates the relative influence of religions.far-reaching, pervasive, wideexternal, outsideThe religious community wished to be independent of outside influence.peerthe effects of peer influence on crimeparentalforeigncultural, economic, genetic, political, social, socioculturalVERB + influencehavegaingive sbHer wealth gave her influence over affairs of state.assert, exercise, exert, use, wieldCan you use your influence with the director to get me a part in the movie?Drug cartels wielded enormous influence in the city.retainloseexpand, extend, increase, spreadThe unions have been able to extend their influence over all industries.minimizeeliminate, removelimitdiminish, reducecounter, counteractavoid, escape, resistbe underThe court was told that he was under the influence of alcohol when he was stopped by the police.come under, fall underShe came under the influence of Sartre at this period.be independent ofdemonstrate, reflect, reveal, showSpanish architecture shows Moorish influence.acknowledge, recognize, understandanalyse/analyze, assess, determine, evaluate, examine, explore, investigate, studyThey examined the influence of farm size on technology adoption.attribute sth toMuch of his writing can be attributed to the influence of Freud.traceIt's easy to trace the influence she's exerted on contemporary artists.influence + VERBextendTheir influence extended as far as China.growThe Internet's influence is growing every day.waneHis political influence was waning.PREPOSITIONunder the influenceThe town grew under the influence of colonialism.influence fromThere was no influence from outside.influence inShe has a certain amount of influence in the way things are organized.influence on, influence uponThey were a major influence upon the development of the sport.influence overI have absolutely no influence over him.influence withHe used his influence with local officials to gain commercial advantages.Queen Isabella was urged to use her influence with the French monarch.PHRASESa sphere of influenceRome's sphere of influence extended as far as Scotland.bring your influence to bear on sb/sthShe tried to bring her influence to bear on her husband.under the influence, under the influence of alcohol, under the influence of drink (BrE)He was arrested for driving under the influence (= drunk).

2 sb/sth that affects the way sb behaves/thinksADJECTIVE | VERB + influence | influence + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, considerable, great, significant, tremendousdominant, major, overwhelmingpowerful, profound, strongimportantobviouslastingearlyWho were your early influences?formativeHis uncle had been a formative influence from his earliest years.diverseHe is a writer who draws upon diverse cultural influences.outsideParents often seek to shelter their children from outside influencesgoodadverse, bad, corrupting, destructive, disruptive, harmful, malign (formal), negative, perniciousmoderating, stabilizing, steadyingcalming, restrainingcivilizingenvironmental, geneticartistic, cultural, intellectual, literary, musicalVERB + influencebehaveThe band had many influences.be exposed toa study of children exposed to different cultural influencesdraw from, draw on, draw uponinfluence + VERBbe at workThere were a number of influences at work in Wright's architecture.affect sth, shape sthPREPOSITIONinfluence onShe's by far the biggest influence on my writing.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + influence | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBconsiderably, deeply, dramatically, enormously, greatly, heavily, highly, markedly, powerfully, profoundly, strongly, substantiallyThis book influenced her profoundly.Attitudes are highly influenced by cultural background.increasinglylargely, mainly, primarilypartly, slightlypotentiallydirectly, indirectlyPressure from industry bosses has directly influenced government policy.clearly, obviously, undoubtedlyactivelycritically, crucially, decisively, significantlyinevitablyfavourably/favorably, positivelyactions that positively influence healthadversely, negativelyoverly, undulyBe aware of external factors which may unduly influence your judgement.geneticallyVERB + influenceseem toattempt to, seek to, try toWe do not seek to influence the decision-making process.PREPOSITIONinHer parents tried to influence her in her choice of university.PHRASESbe easily influencedHe was naive and easily influenced by his friends.

Influence is used with these nouns as the subject:

factor, gene, philosophy, writing

Influence is used with these nouns as the object:

attitude, behaviour, choice, course, debate, decision, design, development, direction, effectiveness, election, evolution, expectation, fate, future, judgement, likelihood, movement, outcome, perception, performance, policy, politics, practice, preference, probability, process, response, result, shape, situation, success, survival, thinking, vote, voter

influential

influentialadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, provebecomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.deeply, enormously, especially, highly, hugely, immensely, particularlyThis was a highly influential work.As a writer she was hugely influential.increasinglypotentiallywidelypoliticallyPREPOSITIONinThe group was influential in setting up the new schools.

Influential is used with these nouns:

article, artist, book, commentator, critic, economist, figure, leader, member, newspaper, paper, patron, politician, position, report, role, sculptor, text, thinker, work, writer, writing

influenza

influenzanoun

noun (formal)ADJECTIVE | … OF INFLUENZA | VERB + influenza | influenza + NOUNADJECTIVEavian, human… OF INFLUENZAattack, bout (esp. BrE)VERB + influenzahave, suffer fromcatch, contractpreventinfluenza + NOUNepidemic, outbreak, pandemicseason (esp. AmE)virusinfectionsymptomsstrainthe influenza strain known as H7vaccineimmunization, vaccination

influx

influxnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + influx | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgreat, huge, large, massivenew, recentsuddenrapidconstant, steadydailythe daily influx of sightseers to the cityVERB + influxexperience (esp. AmE), have, receive (esp. BrE), seeThe hotel has received a large influx of guests.Many cities saw a large influx of migrant workers.preventThe country sealed its borders to prevent the influx of illegal immigrants.cope with, handleThey didn't know how they were going to cope with the sudden influx of refugees.PREPOSITIONinflux ofan influx of immigrantsinflux into, influx toa massive influx of foreign tourists to the coast

info

infonoun

Info is used after these nouns:

background

inform

informverb

verbADVERB | VERB + inform | PREPOSITIONADVERBmerely, simplyI am not advising you. I am merely informing you of the situation.regularly (esp. BrE)immediately, quicklyofficially (esp. BrE)personallykindly, politelyNext time you decide to take some action, kindly inform me.bluntly‘I won't do it!’ she informed him bluntly.calmly, coldly, coollyadequately, properlyMany people questioned whether patients were informed adequately of the risks.accuratelyclearlyStudents are clearly informed that drugs will not be tolerated.recentlyVERB + informbe pleased toregret toI regret to inform you that you have been unsuccessful in your application.be required toThe clinic is required to inform the patient about possible alternative treatments.PREPOSITIONaboutefforts to inform young people about the dangers of drugsofWe will immediately inform you of any changes to the schedule.

Inform is used with these nouns as the subject:

philosophy

Inform is used with these nouns as the object:

audience, authority, police, practice, public, relative, superior, understanding, viewer, work

informal

informaladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomeremainADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.relativelyOur meetings are relatively informal.

Informal is used with these nouns:

agreement, alliance, approach, arrangement, atmosphere, briefing, care, channel, chat, conversation, dinner, discussion, dress, economy, enquiry, feedback, gathering, instruction, interaction, language, learning, link, lunch, manner, meeting, network, poll, reception, recreation, register, rule, setting, survey, talk, training

informally

informallyadv.

Informally is used with these verbs:

chat, discuss

informant

informantnoun

Informant is used after these nouns:

information

informationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF INFORMATION | VERB + information | information + VERB | information + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEaccurate, correct, preciseauthoritative, credible, reliableerroneous, false, inaccurate, incorrectIt is alleged that he gave false information to the tax authorities.misleadingconflictingcompleteincomplete, insufficientlimitedunbiasedhelpful, invaluable, pertinent (esp. AmE), relevant, useful, valuablecritical, crucial, important, vitaluselessnecessarytimelyavailableFurther information is available on request.missingfresh, newlatest, up-to-date, up-to-the-minutethe latest information on the situation in the Middle Eastupdatedreal-timeadditional, extra, further, supplementarygeneralgeneral information about the company as a wholebasicbasic information like date of birth and phone numberbackgroundanecdotaldetailed, in-depthspecificfactualclassified, confidential, non-public (esp. AmE), secret, sensitiveunclassifiedprice-sensitiveThere are legal constraints on the use of price-sensitive information.actionable (AmE)personalbibliographic, biographical, economic, educational, financial, social, technical, technological (AmE), etc.contactThe leaflet provides contact information for your local branch.intelligencehealthmedical, patientgenetic… OF INFORMATIONitem, piecean interesting piece of informationbit, fragment, nugget, scrap, snippetShe let slip a few nuggets of information about herself.mine, wealthThis book is a mine of information on the Romans.VERB + informationcontainhaveDo you have the information I need?retain, storeJames is able to retain an enormous amount of factual information in his head.database systems that process and store informationabsorb, digestprocessincorporate, integrate (esp. AmE)need, requireask for, request, solicitlook for, seekacquire, derive, find, gain, get, glean, obtaininformation gained from researchcollect, compile, gatherThe police are still questioning witnesses and gathering information.receivedig up, uncoverHave you dug up any further information on the suspect?elicit, extract, retrievethe difficulties of extracting information from government officialssoftware that retrieves information from a variety of different sourcesaccessPortable computers are good for accessing information while on the move.download, uploadpostNew information will be posted on the Internet twice a month.addsubmitdisclose, divulge, give, impart, make available, provide (sb with), release, reveal, supply (sb with)a court order preventing an ex-employee from disclosing confidential informationleakSomeone leaked information to the press.communicate, convey, pass on, relate, relayThey passed on the information about the crime to the police.transfer, transmitdeliverforwardyieldThe research has yielded a lot of information.shareThe Internet allows us to share information with our distributors.circulate, disseminate, distributean organization that disseminates information about women in scienceexchangeThe two countries exchange information on wanted criminals.offer, volunteerShe didn't volunteer that information, and I didn't ask.withholdIt was improper of the broker to withhold the information from the stock exchange.cover up, suppressassimilate, collate, organizecheck, verifyanalyse/analyze, interpretreviewrecordprotect, safeguarddisplay, presentThe way you present the information is important.publishuse, utilizeact on, go onAt the moment we have very little information to go on.information + VERBpertain to sth, relate to sthinformation relating to the social background of the childlead to stha reward for information leading to an arrestcontain sth, include sthflowThe information flows in both directions.information + NOUNprovider, servicebooth (esp. AmE), bureau, desk, centre/center, kiosk, officemanager, officer, professional, specialistsourcecontentresourcespack (esp. BrE), packet (esp. AmE), sheetdatabasenetwork, systemtechnology (usually IT)processingmanagementprovisiondisseminationflowexchange, sharingretrievalrequestneeds, requirementsoverloadgapwarfaresecurityageThis is the information age and there's an insatiable appetite for data and speed.revolutionPREPOSITIONaccording to informationAccording to information received by the police, the terrorists have left the country.for sb's informationThis leaflet is produced for the information of our customers.information about, information concerning, information on, information regardingfinancial information concerning a companyPHRASESaccess to informationthe exchange of informationthe flow of informationto improve the flow of information within the companya lack of informationa request for informationa source of information

informational

informationaladj.

Informational is used with these nouns:

brochure, meeting, pamphlet

information technology

information technologynoun

Information technology is used before these nouns:

professional, specialist

informative

informativeadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, provefind sthADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highly, wonderfully (esp. AmE)The survey proved highly informative.especially, particularlypotentiallyPREPOSITIONaboutThe book is extremely informative about life in Roman times.

Informative is used with these nouns:

article, guide, introduction, note, site, talk

informed

informedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbekeep, staykeep sbADVERBclosely, wellThe kids are much better informed than I was at their age.fully, properly, trulyConsumers must be fully informed of the services available.adequately, reasonablyI offer my observations as those of an interested and reasonably informed member of the general public.badly, ill, poorlyreliablyI am reliably informed that there are plans to close this school.politicallya politically informed publichistorically, theoreticallytheoretically informed researchPREPOSITIONaboutThey were poorly informed about their rights.ofWe will keep you informed of any developments.onKeep me informed on progress.

Informed is used with these nouns:

choice, consent, decision, electorate, guess, judgement, observer, opinion, reader, source, view

informer

informernoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + informer | PHRASESADJECTIVEpolice (esp. BrE)He later became a police informer.VERB + informerbecome, turn (esp. BrE)One of the gang members had turned informer.PHRASESa network of informers

infrared

infraredadj.

Infrared is used with these nouns:

beam, camera, laser, light, photograph, photography, radiation, ray, wavelength

infrastructural

infrastructuraladj.

Infrastructural is used with these nouns:

investment

infrastructure

infrastructurenoun

Infrastructure is used before these nouns:

improvement, investment

Infrastructure is used after these nouns:

distribution, highway, Internet, network, road, telecommunications, transport, transportation

infrequent

infrequentadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.relativelyDisturbances are relatively infrequent in our prisons.

Infrequent is used with these nouns:

visit

infrequently

infrequentlyadv.

Infrequently is used with these verbs:

occur, use

infringe

infringeverb

Infringe is used with these nouns as the object:

article, code, copyright, patent, right

infringement

infringementnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + infringement | PHRASESADJECTIVEallegedpossiblecopyright, patent, trademarkseriousminorunconstitutional (esp. AmE)VERB + infringementbe, constituteThe committee ruled that the US ban constituted an infringement of free trade.commit (esp. BrE)sympathy for people who commit minor infringementsPHRASESan infringement of copyright, an infringement of the law

infusion

infusionnoun

Infusion is used after these nouns:

cash

ingenious

ingeniousadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, soundThe idea sounds ingeniousADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.most (esp. BrE)a most ingenious device

Ingenious is used with these nouns:

device, experiment, invention, method, plan, scheme, solution, technique, way

ingenuity

ingenuitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF INGENUITY | VERB + ingenuity | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEconsiderable, greata littletechnicalhumanAmerican, Yankee (both AmE)… OF INGENUITYamount, degreeGetting out of this mess was going to require a fair degree of ingenuity.VERB + ingenuityhavesomeone who has the ingenuity to solve problemsuseThere is always a solution, so long as you are prepared to use your ingenuity.demonstrate, display, showThe children showed a lot of ingenuity.admirerequire, takeConsiderable ingenuity is needed to minimize costs.It didn't take much ingenuity to transform the door into a table.PREPOSITIONwith ingenuityThey adapted the available materials with great ingenuity.ingenuity inWe have to admire his ingenuity in redesigning the machinery.

ingest

ingestverb

Ingest is used with these nouns as the object:

calorie

ingot

ingotnoun

Ingot is used after these nouns:

Ingrained is used with these nouns:

ingrained

ingrainedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecomeremainADVERBdeeplyPrejudice remains deeply ingrained in many organizations.PREPOSITIONin

dirt, habit

ingredient

ingredientnoun

noun1 thing from which sth is made2 thing/quality necessary to make sth successful1 thing from which sth is madeADJECTIVE | VERB + ingredient | ingredient + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEexcellent, good, high-quality, qualityIt always pays to use the best ingredients when cooking.main, major, primary (esp. AmE), principalthe principal ingredient of smogessential, important, vitalsecret, specialbasicadded, additionalindividualthe chemical composition of the individual ingredientscommonactive, functional (AmE)salicylic acid, the active ingredient in aspirininertremainingAdd all the remaining ingredients and bring to the boil.freshall-natural (esp. AmE), naturalorganictoxicartificial, syntheticgenetically engineered, genetically modifiedexoticlocalherbal (esp. AmE)dry, wetUse a spoon to mix the dry ingredients.rawfooddietary (AmE)saladchemicalVERB + ingredientuseI only use natural ingredients.contain, includeThe two drugs contain the same active ingredients.add, pourPour all of the ingredients into a blender.blend, combine, mix, stir, stir inBlend all the ingredients together in a bowl.assemblepreparelistingredient + NOUNlistlabel (AmE)PHRASESa list of ingredientsAll food products carry a list of ingredients.

2 thing/quality necessary to make sth successfulADJECTIVE | VERB + ingredient | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcritical, crucial, essential, fundamental, important, key, vitalHard work is a vital ingredient for success.main, major, primary (esp. AmE), principalbasic, fundamental, necessaryForecasting is a basic ingredient of business planning.rightThe town has all the right ingredients for a murder mystery.magic, secret, specialadded, additional, extramissingVERB + ingredienthaveThe Australian team had the added ingredient of perseverance.becomeprovide, supplyShe hopes the change of career will supply the missing ingredient in her life— excitement.incorporatea style which incorporated ingredients from the music of many different countriesPREPOSITIONingredient forTolerance is an essential ingredient for a happy marriage.ingredient inIndividualism has been the secret ingredient in developing his chain of fashion stores.PHRASESan ingredient for success

in-ground

in-groundadj.

In-ground is used with these nouns:

ingrowing

ingrowingadj.

Ingrowing is used with these nouns:

toenail

ingrown

ingrownadj.

Ingrown is used with these nouns:

toenail

inhabit

inhabitverb

Inhabit is used with these nouns as the subject:

population

Inhabit is used with these nouns as the object:

area, character, earth, habitat, region, world

inhabitant

inhabitantnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + inhabitant | inhabitant + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElocalearly, first, originalThe island's earliest inhabitants came from India.aboriginal, indigenous, nativehumancurrent, presentformerpermanentruralVERB + inhabitanthaveSão Paulo has nearly 20 million inhabitants.inhabitant + VERBlive77% of the inhabitants lived in the countryside.PREPOSITIONof … inhabitant, with … inhabitanttowns of about 10 000 inhabitants

inhalation

inhalationnoun

Inhalation is used after these nouns:

smoke

inhale

inhaleverb

verbADVERBADVERBdeeplysharplyJanet inhaled sharply when she saw him.quickly, slowly

Inhale is used with these nouns as the object:

air, aroma, breath, fumes, scent, smoke, snuff

inhaler

inhalernoun

Inhaler is used after these nouns:

nicotine

inherent inherently inherit

inheritverb

verbVERB + inherit | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + inheritstand toHe stood to inherit (= was likely to inherit) property worth over five million.PREPOSITIONfromShe inherited some money from her mother.PHRASESbe genetically inheritedHow many of these traits are genetically inherited?

Inherit is used with these nouns as the object:

disease, estate, farm, fortune, gene, kingdom, property, throne, title, tradition, trait, wealth

inheritance

inheritancenoun

noun1 money/property2 sth from the past/your family1 money/propertyADJECTIVE | VERB + inheritance | inheritance + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElargesmallrightful (literary)He accused his younger brother of trying to steal his rightful inheritance.VERB + inheritanceleave sbShe left him an inheritance of £100 000.come into, get, receiveWhen he was 21 he came into a large inheritance.haveHe had a large inheritance from his parents.enter, enter into, enter on, enter upon (all formal, often figurative)claimWhen his father died, he returned to England to claim his inheritance.loseinheritance + NOUNtaxlawrightsPREPOSITIONinheritance byThe system involved inheritance by the eldest son.inheritance throughinheritance through marriage

2 sth from the past/your familyADJECTIVEADJECTIVEcommonThe inhabitants share a common inheritance of language and culture.culturalgenetic

inherited

inheritedadj.

Inherited is used with these nouns:

characteristic, disease, disorder, tradition, trait, wealth

inherit from

inherit fromphr verb

Inherit from is used with these nouns as the object:

father, mother

inhibit

inhibitverb

verbADVERB | VERB + inhibit | PREPOSITIONADVERBgreatly, markedly, seriously, severely, significantly, stronglyAlcohol significantly inhibits the action of the drug.directlycompletelyselectively, specificallypartially, slightlyeffectivelyVERB + inhibittend toA small manufacturing sector would tend to inhibit growth.PREPOSITIONfromThe fear of dismissal inhibited employees from raising problems.

Inhibit is used with these nouns as the subject:

Inhibit is used with these nouns as the object:

activity, creativity, development, freedom, growth, movement, production, progression

inhibited

inhibitedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feelbecomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.a little, slightly, etc.emotionallyPREPOSITIONaboutHe was rather inhibited about discussing politics.byShe felt very inhibited by her own lack of experience.fromNo one should feel inhibited from taking part in the show.

inhibition

inhibitionnoun

nounVERB + inhibition | PREPOSITIONVERB + inhibitionhave (no)show (no)lose, overcome, shedThe children, at first shy, soon lost their inhibitions.PREPOSITIONwithout inhibitionYoung children will participate in a drama class without inhibition.inhibition aboutThey had no inhibitions about voicing their feelings.

inhibitory

inhibitoryadj.

Inhibitory is used with these nouns:

inhospitable

inhospitableadj.

Inhospitable is used with these nouns:

climate, desert, terrain

in-house

in-houseadj.

In-house is used with these nouns:

course, expertise, journal, magazine, training

inhuman

inhumanadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeconsider sth, regard sth asWe regard their treatment of the prisoners as inhuman.ADVERBtotally, utterlyalmost

Inhuman is used with these nouns:

monster, treatment

inhumane

inhumaneadj.

Inhumane is used with these nouns:

condition, treatment

inimitable

inimitableadj.

Inimitable is used with these nouns:

style

initial

initialnounadj.

I. noun (usually initials)VERB + initial | initial + VERB | PREPOSITIONVERB + initialhaveThe two authors have the same initials.be known by, become known byShe's always been known by her initials.usebear, carry (esp. BrE)A stone bears the initials ‘R.P.’, which stand for ‘Ralph Piggot’.carve, embroider, engrave (sth with), mark sth with, put, sign, writeHe carved his initials in the rock.Now that she was chief executive officer, she could put the initials CEO after her name.initial + VERBstand for sthPREPOSITIONinitial forSC are the initials for Santa Catarina.

II. adj.

Initial is used with these nouns:

aim, appearance, appointment, approval, assault, assessment, burst, cause, conception, confusion, consultation, cost, deployment, diagnosis, disappointment, discussion, draft, encounter, enquiry, enthusiasm, estimate, euphoria, evaluation, examination, excitement, expectation, failure, finding, flurry, funding, guess, hesitation, hiccup, impact, impetus, impression, impulse, indication, instalment, instinct, investment, letter, manifestation, meeting, momentum, move, nervousness, observation, offer, onslaught, optimism, outlay, payment, period, phase, planning, preparation, projection, promise, proposal, reaction, recommendation, reconnaissance, reduction, refusal, reluctance, rent, report, request, reservation, resistance, response, result, rise, scepticism, selection, setback, shock, shyness, sketch, spurt, stage, step, stimulus, study, success, surge, surprise, suspicion, target, test, thought, training, velocity, version, visit, warning

initially initiate

initiateverb

verbADVERBADVERBformallyThe investigation was formally initiated last month.immediatelyrecently

Initiate is used with these nouns as the object:

action, breakup, campaign, change, contact, conversation, courtship, development, discussion, divorce, effort, enquiry, investigation, legislation, litigation, move, movement, offence, phase, proceedings, process, programme, project, prosecution, reaction, reform, scheme, search, talk

initiation

initiationnoun

nouninitiation + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESinitiation + NOUNceremony, rite, ritualan initiation ceremony for new members of the organizationprocessphase, stagefee (AmE)The gym charges an initiation fee of $125.PREPOSITIONinitiation intoIt was my initiation into the world of high fashion.PHRASESa rite of initiation

initiative

initiativenoun

noun1 new plan2 ability to decide/act independently3 the initiative opportunity to gain an advantage1 new planADJECTIVE | … OF INITIATIVES | VERB + initiative | initiative + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfresh, newfresh initiatives to find a peaceful end to the conflictinnovative, pioneeringpioneering initiatives in bioengineeringcurrent, latest, recentproposedongoingimportant, majorwelcomesuccessfulpracticalbold, excitingprivatecollaborative, cooperative, jointgrass-rootsglobal, international, local, national, regional, statewide (AmE)federal (AmE), government, presidential (AmE)strategicbusiness, e-business, e-commerce, marketingdiplomatic, economic, legislative, peace, policy, politicalsafety, trainingdevelopment, researcheducation, educational, healthconservation, environmentalfaith-based (esp. AmE)community-based (esp. AmE)outreachreformballot (AmE)… OF INITIATIVESrange, seriesVERB + initiativeundertakeThe research initiative is being undertaken by a group of environmentalists.plandevelopannounce, unveilcreate, implement, introduce, launch, set up, startThe government has launched a new policy initiative.be involved inTen schools have been involved in the initiative.become involved in, get involved inpursueexpandlead, spearheadapprove, passopposedefeat, rejectThe peace initiative was rejected out of hand.fund, sponsora peace initiative sponsored by the Organization of African Unityback, endorse, supportThe committee endorsed an initiative by the chairman to enter discussion about a possible merger.promote, pushwelcomeWe welcome the government's initiative to help the homeless.encourageinitiative + VERBbe aimed at sth, be designed toa local initiative aimed at economic regenerationan initiative designed to promote collaborative researchseek to do sthfocus on sthinclude sth, involve sth, relate to sthfail, founderThe initiative foundered because there was no market interest in redevelopment.PREPOSITIONinitiative againsta new initiative against car theftinitiative bythe latest initiative by the UN Secretary Generalinitiative foran initiative for peace and human rightsinitiative onthe government's major new initiative on crime

2 ability to decide/act independentlyADJECTIVE | VERB + initiative | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreat, realindividual, personal, privateIt is a very hierarchical company and there's little place for individual initiative.VERB + initiativehaveHe had the initiative to ask what time the last train left.display, showact on your own, use, work on your ownHe acted on his own initiative and wasn't following orders.Don't ask me what you should do all the time. Use your initiative!encourage, promotestifleRaising taxes on small businesses will stifle initiative.PREPOSITIONon sb's initiativeThe project was set up on the initiative of a local landowner.initiative inSome scientists show little initiative in applying their knowledge.PHRASESa lack of initiative, on your own initiativeIn an unprecedented action, the army, on its own initiative, arrested seven civilians.

3 the initiative opportunity to gain an advantageVERB + the initiative | the initiative + VERB | PREPOSITIONVERB + the initiativehave, holdAfter their latest setback, the rebel forces no longer hold the initiative.gain, seize, takemaintain, retainregainShe then regained the initiative in winning the third game.losethe initiative + VERBcome from sb/sth, lie with sbThe initiative to reopen negotiations came from Moscow.PREPOSITIONinitiative inShe took the initiative in asking the board to conduct an enquiry.

inject

injectverb

Inject is used with these nouns as the subject:

venom

Inject is used with these nouns as the object:

anaesthetic, cocaine, drug, dye, heroin, life, needle, note, poison

inject into

inject intophr verb

Inject into is used with these nouns as the object:

urgency, vein

injection

injectionnoun

noun1 act of injecting sb2 money1 act of injecting sbADJECTIVE | VERB + injection | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEintramuscular, intravenouspainkillingtetanus (esp. BrE) (usually tetanus shot in AmE)insulin, penicillin, etc.Botox™, collagenbooster (esp. BrE) (usually booster shot in AmE)Can I bring my dog in for his booster injection?lethalIn some states execution is by lethal injection.regulardaily, weeklyVERB + injectionhaveHe had to have a tetanus injection after injuring himself. (esp. BrE)administer, give sb, performThey gave her an injection to stop the pain. (esp. BrE)get, receiveThe rats received a daily injection of the drug.PREPOSITIONby injectionThe best treatment is antibiotics, preferably by injection.injection againstan injection against whooping coughinjection forinjections for diabetesinjection in, injection intoan injection into the veininjection withBoth groups received a second injection with the same solution.

2 moneyADJECTIVE | VERB + injection | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEmassive, substantial (BrE)The infrastrucure requires a massive cash injection.much-neededcapital, cashAn undisclosed buyer will provide a much-needed cash injection for the fragile balance sheet.VERB + injectionneed, requiregive sth, provide (sth with)get, receivePREPOSITIONinjection froma cash injection from the stateinjection intoan injection of cash into the economyPHRASESan injection of capital, cash, resources, etc.The company had reached the size where it needed an injection of capital.

injunction

injunctionnoun

noun1 court order2 warning/order from sb in authority1 court orderADJECTIVE | VERB + injunction | injunction + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEinterim, preliminarytemporarypermanentcourtfederalVERB + injunctionapply for, seekfile (esp. AmE), get, obtain, take out (BrE), winShe took out an injunction to prevent the press publishing the information.grant (sb), impose, issuerefuse (sb/sth) (esp. BrE)liftIt was agreed that the temporary injunction should be lifted.upholdoverturninjunction + VERBorder sth, require sthban sth, prevent sth, prohibit sth, restrain sb/sth (esp. BrE)The court upheld an injunction barring protesters from blocking access to the company.an injunction restraining the disclosure of company secretsPREPOSITIONinjunction against, injunction onThey got an interim injunction against the union.PHRASESa breach of an injunction

2 warning/order from sb in authorityADJECTIVE | VERB + injunctionADJECTIVEsternVERB + injunctionfollow, obeyThe rank and file members will follow the injunction of the party leadership.ignore

injure

injureverb

verb1 harm yourself/sb physically2 damage sb's reputation, pride, etc.1 harm yourself/sb physicallyADVERBADVERBbadly, seriously, severelyslightlyphysicallyaccidentallyinsurance to cover you in case one of your employees accidentally injures someonedeliberatelypermanently

2 damage sb's reputation, pride, etc.ADVERB | VERB + injureADVERBseriously, severelyThis incident could seriously injure the company's reputation.VERB + injurebe likely toespionage activity which was likely to injure the national interest

Injure is used with these nouns as the subject:

blast, explosion

Injure is used with these nouns as the object:

ankle, back, elbow, knee, leg, ligament, muscle, neck

injured

injuredadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, lieHe could have been lying injured on the moors after a fall from his horse.getADVERBbadly, critically, gravely, seriously, severelyher badly injured ankleSeveral people were seriously injured.slightlya slightly injured armfatallyphysicallypermanently

Injured is used with these nouns:

ankle, arm, feeling, finger, innocence, knee, leg, limb, lung, party, pride, shoulder, soldier, victim, wrist

injury

injurynoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF INJURIES | VERB + injury | injury + VERB | injury + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEappalling (esp. BrE), bad, catastrophic, devastating, horrendous, major, nasty, serious, severe, terriblecripplingfatalmultipleextensiveminor, slight, superficialtraumaticacuteoldlingering (esp. AmE), nagging, niggling (esp. BrE), recurringlong-termpermanentResearchers have determined that heading a football can cause permanent injury.career-ending (esp. AmE), career-threatening, season-ending (esp. AmE) (all sports)accidentalinternalvisiblefacial, head, knee, leg, spinal, etc.burn, whiplashsports, sports-relatedindustrial, work-relatedoveruse (esp. AmE), repetitive strain (abbreviated to RSI)bodily, emotional, personal (all law)… OF INJURIESrun, series, spateHe missed most of the season with a spate of injuries.VERB + injurydo yourself (BrE, informal), incur (formal), pick up, receive, suffer, sustainYou'll do yourself an injury riding that old bike.She picked up an injury during the quarter-final.riskThe doctor said he would risk serious injury if he were to fall again.cause (sb/sth), induce (formal), inflictThe car turned right over, causing severe injury to the driver.Please help me before our dogs inflict serious injury on each other!carry, experience, have, nurse, suffer fromShe has replaced him in the team while he nurses a shoulder injury.be prone tofake, feignHe was accused of feigning injury.aggravate, exacerbateHe aggravated a neck injury while playing for Derby County.die from, die ofThe inquest heard that he died from multiple injuries.avoid, escape, preventStretching exercises can help avoid injury.Fortunately, the passengers escaped serious injury.minimize, reducebattle (esp. AmE)overcome, shake offShe has failed to shake off her stomach injury.recover from, survivebe treated for, deal with, treatFinger injuries should be dealt with immediately.He is still being treated for injuries to his legs.rehabilitatehealcome, go, etc. off with (BrE)He went off (= off the playing field) with an injury in the second half.be out withShe is out (= out of the competition/team) for six weeks with a hamstring injury.be back after, be back from, come back from, return after, return fromShe should be back from injury.assessHe underwent tests to assess his injuries.reportinjury + VERBhappen (to sb), occurThis type of injury could happen to any player at any time.result from sthinjuries resulting from exposure to harmful substancesarise from sth, arise out of sth (both law)personal injuries arising from negligencecause sthhealaffect sb/sthbother sb, dog sb/sth, hamper sb/sth, plague sb/sth, trouble sbHer athletics career has been dogged by injury.rob sb of sthan injury which robbed him of his speeddecimate sb/sthend sth, prevent sthThese injuries ended her hopes of becoming a doctor.slow sb downlimit sb to sthsideline sbBoth defenders have been sidelined by injury.force sb to do sthThe knee injury forced him to give up playing at the age of 23.injury + NOUNproblemsThe team has a lot of injury problems.site (esp. AmE)Apply the gel to the injury site.time (BrE)They scored two goals in injury time.replacementHe was an injury replacement for another player.lista player on the injury listriskpreventionhistoryratereportcase, claim, lawsuit (esp. AmE), suit (AmE)PREPOSITIONbecause of injuryShe's unable to play because of injury.through injuryMcNair continues to play through injury (= despite having an injury).with injuryShe slumped to the floor with injuries to her back and neck.He pulled out with an injury at the last moment.without injurya guide to lifting without injuryinjury frominjuries from the fireinjury toPHRASESa claim for injury (law)a claim for personal injurya risk of injuryThere is a real risk of injury in sports such as climbing.

injury time

injury timenoun

Injury time is used before these nouns:

Ink is used with these nouns as the object:

injustice

injusticenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + injustice | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgrave, great, gross, terribleperceivedeconomic, environmental, historical, political, racial, socialVERB + injusticeexperience, sufferHe suffered the injustice of being punished for a crime which he did not commit.regard sth asThe trial was regarded as the greatest injustice of the post-war criminal justice system.cause (law), commit, do (sb/yourself)She remains adamant that an injustice was done.We may have been doing him an injustice. This work is good.exposea novel that sets out to expose social injusticeseeThey see the injustice and want to help.fight, fight against, protest (AmE), protest against, speak out against, struggle againstShe was acclaimed for speaking out against injustice.correct, rectify, redress, remedypeople who work hard to correct society's injusticesstopPREPOSITIONinjustice bya terrible injustice by the policeinjustice toIt would be an injustice to the man to imprison him for life.PHRASESthe injustice of it allShe was overwhelmed by the injustice of it all (= of the situation).a sense of injustice, a victim of injustice

ink

inknounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + ink | ink + VERB | ink + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEwetBe careful. The ink is still wet.coloured/coloredblack, red, etc.darkIndia (esp. AmE), Indian (esp. BrE)squidindelible, permanentinvisibleprintingprinterpigment (AmE)tattooVERB + inkuseMost people now use ballpoints rather than ink.write inHe wrote very neatly in blue ink.applyspillsmear, smudgeink + VERBdryAllow the ink to dry.ink + NOUNblot, spot, stainpencartridgeWe need to replace the ink cartridge in the printer.bottlepad (usually ink-pad)drawingPREPOSITIONin inkThere were several alterations in ink.PHRASESpen and inka pen-and-ink drawing

II. verb

deal

ink blot

ink blotnoun

Ink blot is used before these nouns:

inkjet

inkjetadj.

Inkjet is used with these nouns:

printer

inkling

inklingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + inkling | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfirstThe first inkling we had of Cliff's problem was when he didn't come to work.faintest, slightestWe didn't have the slightest inkling of the dramatic news we were about to hear.VERB + inklinghave (no)getgive (sb)She never gave us any inkling of what she was planning.PREPOSITIONinkling of

inky

inkyadj.

Inky is used with these nouns:

darkness, sky

inland

inlandadj.

Inland is used with these nouns:

lake, navigation, post, sea

inlet

inletnoun

Inlet is used before these nouns:

in-line

in-lineadj.

In-line is used with these nouns:

skating

inmate

inmatenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + inmate | inmate + VERB | inmate + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfellowformera former inmate of an Ohio prisonnewyoungfemale, malecamp, jail (esp. AmE), prisonfederal, state (both AmE)death-rowasylumVERB + inmatetransfer (esp. AmE)The inmates were transferred to an undisclosed location.free, releasehousea camp where more than 4 000 inmates are housedinmate + VERBescape (esp. AmE)serve sthinmates serving lengthy termsinmate + NOUNpopulation (esp. AmE)PREPOSITIONamong inmatedrug and alcohol misuse among inmates

inn

innnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + innADJECTIVElocalcountryold, quaintroadsidebed-and-breakfast (AmE)VERB + innstay at, stay inown, run

innate

innateadj.

Innate is used with these nouns:

ability, capacity, conservatism, desire, drive, gift, intelligence, quality, sense, superiority, talent, tendency, wisdom

inner

inneradj.

Inner is used with these nouns:

anguish, beauty, cabinet, calm, chamber, circle, compulsion, confidence, conflict, contradiction, conviction, core, corner, courtyard, demon, diameter, door, drive, ear, edge, emotion, essence, feeling, gate, journey, joy, layer, life, logic, monologue, part, peace, perimeter, planet, pocket, precinct, recess, resource, ring, secret, self, sense, sleeve, sole, soul, stillness, strength, struggle, suburb, surface, tension, thigh, thought, torment, tube, turmoil, vision, voice, wall, wisdom, workings, world

inner-city

inner-cityadj.

Inner-city is used with these nouns:

area, constituency, deprivation, neighbourhood, riot, school, slum, youth

innermost

innermostadj.

Innermost is used with these nouns:

core, emotion, feeling, layer, recess, ring, secret, self, thought

inner-ring

inner-ringadj.

Inner-ring is used with these nouns:

suburb

innocence

innocencenoun

noun1 being not guilty of a crime, etc.2 lack of knowledge/experience1 being not guilty of a crime, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + innocence | PHRASESADJECTIVEtotalVERB + innocencedeclare, proclaim, professThe prisoners passionately proclaimed their innocence in front of the jury.claim, pleadShe claimed total innocence of all charges.maintainHe has maintained his innocence throughout the trial.protestHayes has protested his innocence throughout the case.demonstrate, establish, provebe convinced ofShe was convinced of her son's innocence.PHRASESin all innocenceI asked her the question in all innocence. I didn't know it was going to upset her.the presumption of innocence (law)

2 lack of knowledge/experienceADJECTIVE | VERB + innocence | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEchildish, childlike, wide-eyed, youthfulchildhoodlostcomplete, puresweetinjuredShe replied to her father's accusations in tones of injured innocence.apparentfalse, feigned, mockVERB + innocenceloseHe had lost the innocence of childhood.retaintake advantage ofShe had taken advantage of his innocence.feignPREPOSITIONin your innocenceIn her innocence, she had allowed the man into her house.with … innocenceHe grinned with apparent innocence.innocence aboutThere is an innocence about the story.PHRASESan air of innocenceThere was a touching air of innocence about the boy.a look of innocence, the picture of innocence‘You cheated!’ ‘I what?’ asked David, the picture of innocence (= pretending to look innocent).a state of innocence

innocent

innocentadj.

adj.1 not guilty2 not intended/intending to cause harm3 with no experience of the world1 not guiltyVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, pleadHe pleaded innocent to the charges.believe sb, presume sbI had always believed her innocent.The accused person should always be presumed innocent until proved guilty.declare sb, find sb, prove sbThe court found her innocent of the crime.ADVERBcompletely, entirely, totally, wholly (esp. BrE)PREPOSITIONofI am totally innocent of this crime.

2 not intended/intending to cause harmVERBS | ADVERBVERBSact (esp. AmE), appear, be, look, play, seem, soundStop playing innocent and answer my questions, please.ADVERBveryall, perfectlyShe tried to sound all innocent as she asked the question.The circumstance could be perfectly innocent, but suspicions have been raised.relativelyapparently, seemingly

3 with no experience of the worldVERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSact, appear, be, seemShe was sixteen and sweetly innocent.ADVERBverysweetlydeceptivelyHe came across as deceptively innocent and childlike.sexuallyPHRASESsweet and innocentDon't be fooled by them acting all sweet and innocent.

Innocent is used with these nouns:

child, citizen, civilian, enthusiasm, explanation, expression, face, friendship, fun, kiss, look, man, party, people, person, remark, soul, victim, youth

innocently

innocentlyadv.

Innocently is used with these verbs:

ask, enquire, reply, shrug, smile

innocuous

innocuousadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSappear, be, look, seemADVERBperfectly, totallyHis comment seemed perfectly innocuous.fairly, pretty, quite, relativelyThe liquid looked fairly innocuous.enoughThe question appeared innocuous enough, but I still did not trust her.apparently, seemingly

Innocuous is used with these nouns:

substance

innovation

innovationnoun

noun1 introduction of new ideas2 new idea1 introduction of new ideasADJECTIVE | VERB + innovation | innovation + VERB | innovation + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEconstant, continuoussuccessfularchitectural, artistic, cultural, educational, industrial, musical, organizational, scientific, stylistic, technical, technologicaldesign, policy, productindustries where constant product innovation is a criterion for survivalVERB + innovationaccelerate, encourage, facilitate, foster, promote, spur, stimulatediscourage, stifleToo strict a regulatory system will stifle innovation.innovation + VERBhappen, occurTechnical innovation may occur directly in the factory.innovation + NOUNprocessPREPOSITIONinnovation ininnovation in engineering

2 new ideaADJECTIVE | VERB + innovation | innovation + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgreat, important, major, significantbreakthrough, radical, revolutionarysuccessfulwelcomeinterestinglatest, newrecentscientific, technical, technological, etc.methodological, stylisticHis last novel pays tribute to Joyce's stylistic innovations.VERB + innovationcome up withShe believed she had come up with one of the greatest innovations of modern times.introduceMany innovations were introduced by the 1919 Act.design, developtechnological innovations designed to save energyinnovation + VERBoccurPREPOSITIONinnovation ininnovations in machinery and instruments

innovative

innovativeadj.

Innovative is used with these nouns:

approach, concept, design, entrepreneur, feature, idea, initiative, method, offering, partnership, product, programme, research, scheme, solution, strategy, technique, technology, thinking, use, way, work

innumerable

innumerableadj.

Innumerable is used with these nouns:

instance

inoculation

inoculationnoun

Inoculation is used after these nouns:

smallpox

inoperable

inoperableadj.

Inoperable is used with these nouns:

cancer, tumour

inopportune

inopportuneadj.

Inopportune is used with these nouns:

inordinate

inordinateadj.

Inordinate is used with these nouns:

amount, delay, length, number

inordinately

inordinatelyadv.

Inordinately is used with these adjectives:

pleased, proud

inorganic

inorganicadj.

Inorganic is used with these nouns:

chemical, chemist, chemistry, compound, fertilizer, matter, substance

inpatient

inpatientnoun

Inpatient is used before these nouns:

care, programme, treatment, ward

Inpatient is used after these nouns:

hospital

in-person

in-personadj.

In-person is used with these nouns:

interview

input

inputnoun

noun1 of time/knowledge/ideas2 for a computer1 of time/knowledge/ideasADJECTIVE | VERB + input | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgreat, important, major, significant, substantialadditionaldirectlocalspecialist (BrE), technicalcustomer, userWe have made some adjustments based on user input.VERB + inputhaveneed, requireOnce running, the system requires very little input.appreciate, value, welcomeIf you have ideas for improvements, your input is always appreciated.seek, solicitWe actively solicit input from our users.get, receiveprovideconstructive criticism which provided an input into the school's decision-making processPREPOSITIONinput byThe report contains substantial input by the police.input frominput from various interested partiesinput inThey all had some input in the discussion.input intoher input into the surveyinput onThe union would like more input on working conditions.input toI have no creative input to the projects I work on.

2 for a computerADJECTIVE | VERB + input | input + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdatauserkeyboardanalogue/analog, digitalaudio, videoThere's the socket for audio input.VERB + inputrequireEarly computers required input in the form of punched cards.acceptThe software will accept input from a variety of other programs.processIt may be beyond the capability of the hardware to process the input.be used as, be used forDecision tables can be used as computer input.checkCheck your input and make sure you have selected only one item.input + NOUNdatafilefield, formThe cursor is positioned on the first input field of the page.devicean input device such as a keyboardPREPOSITIONinput forinputs for the printersinput frominput from a mouseinput toinput to a computer databasePHRASESinput and output

inquest

inquestnoun

noun (esp. BrE) investigation into cause of deathADJECTIVE | VERB + inquest | inquest + VERB | inquest + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfullfreshcoroner'sVERB + inquestconduct, holdorderThe court ordered a fresh inquest into the tragedy.open, reopenadjourn (BrE)attendinquest + VERBopenhear sthAn elderly woman froze to death, an inquest heard yesterday.decide sth, find sthAn inquest found that the deceased had died of a drugs overdose.return a verdictThe inquest returned a verdict of accidental death.inquest + NOUNjuryverdictPREPOSITIONat a/the inquestA verdict of suicide was recorded at the inquest.inquest intoan inquest into the team's poor performanceinquest onan inquest on three fishermen

inquire, inquiry

(esp. AmE) See enquire, enquiry

inquiring

inquiringadj.

Inquiring is used with these nouns:

inquiry

inquirynoun

Inquiry is used after these nouns:

Inquisitive is used with these nouns:

inquisitive

inquisitiveadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, seembecomeADVERBhighly, verya highly inquisitive mindoverly (esp. AmE)naturallyChildren are naturally inquisitive.PREPOSITIONaboutWe try not to be too inquisitive about what he's doing.

mind, nature

inquisitively

inquisitivelyadv.

Inquisitively is used with these verbs:

ask

insane

insaneadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, look, seem, soundIt seems insane to cut the budget now.become, goHe later became insane and was confined to an asylum.He went almost insane when he heard that his daughter had died.drive sbYou're driving me nearly insane with that noise.certify sb (as) (BrE), declare sbIn 1975 she was certified clinically insane and sent to a mental hospital.ADVERBabsolutely, completely, quite (esp. BrE), seriously (esp. AmE), totally, utterlyThe whole idea is totally insane.literally, trulyalmost, nearlya little, slightly, etc.temporarilyShe claimed she was temporarily insane during the attack.clearly, obviouslyHe was clearly insane.mentally (esp. AmE)He displays a fearlessness that borders on the mentally insane.certifiably, clinically, legallycriminallyHe is criminally insane, unable to stop himself from attacking women.

Insane is used with these nouns:

asylum, grin, jealousy, laughter, murderer

insanely

insanelyadv.

Insanely is used with these adjectives:

busy, complicated, expensive, jealous

Insanely is used with these verbs:

laugh

insanity

insanitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + insanity | insanity + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEtotaltemporaryVERB + insanitypleadAt the murder trial, he pleaded insanity.feignHamlet feigns insanity to disguise his bloody motive.stop (AmE, figurative)Congress has one option to stop this insanity.insanity + NOUNdefence/defense, plea (both esp. AmE)His lawyer got him off on an insanity plea.PHRASESby reason of insanity (law)He was found not guilty by reason of insanity.

insatiable

insatiableadj.

Insatiable is used with these nouns:

appetite, curiosity, demand, desire, hunger, lust, thirst

inscribe

inscribeverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBpersonallyThe volume had been personally inscribed by the author.deeply (figurative, esp. AmE)These notions were deeply inscribed in American law.PREPOSITIONonHer name was inscribed on the watch.withThe watch was inscribed with her name.

Inscribe is used with these nouns as the object:

book, word

inscription

inscriptionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + inscription | inscription + VERBADJECTIVEfamousdedicatory, funerary, memorial, monumentalGreek, Latin, etc.VERB + inscriptionbear, carry, haveThe monument carries the inscription: ‘To the fallen’.carve, engravean inscription carved in the stonereadI wasn't able to read the inscription.inscription + VERBbear sth, read sth, record sth, say sth, show sth, tell sb sthThe inscription bears the date 1855.The simple inscription on her grave reads: ‘She sleeps in peace.’

inscrutable

inscrutableadj.

Inscrutable is used with these nouns:

expression

insect

insectnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF INSECTS | VERB + insect | insect + VERB | insect + NOUNADJECTIVEflying, wingedaquaticbeneficialUnfortunately, pesticides kill off beneficial insects as well as harmful ones.harmful, poisonousbiting, bloodsucking, stingingsocialSocial insects, such as ants, live in large colonies.… OF INSECTSswarmVERB + insectrepelcontrol, kill, trapattractinsect + VERBbuzzAn insect was buzzing around the room.flycrawlswarmboreInsects had bored deep into the wood.bite, stinginsect + NOUNattack, infestationThe wood should be treated against insect attack.bite, stingeggs, larvapestsBirds control insect pests.repellent, sprayspeciesworldWasps are the master builders of the insect world.

insect-borne

insect-borneadj.

Insect-borne is used with these nouns:

Insensitive is used with these nouns:

insecure

insecureadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, feel, look, seembecome, growremainADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.deeply, totally (esp. AmE)increasinglya little, slightly, etc.economically, financiallymen who are worried about losing their jobs and becoming financially insecurenotoriouslya star who is notoriously insecure about her looksPREPOSITIONaboutHe felt a little insecure about being left alone.

insecurity

insecuritynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + insecurity | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeep, deep-seated, great, profoundgrowinggeneralthe general insecurity in the countryeconomic, financialemotionaljobVERB + insecurityhide, maskPerhaps he is just trying to mask his own insecurity.PREPOSITIONinsecurity abouther insecurities about her abilitiesPHRASESa feeling of insecurity, a sense of insecurity

insensitive

insensitiveadj.

adj.1 not knowing or caring how sb else feels2 not able to feel/be influenced by sth1 not knowing or caring how sb else feelsVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, seem, soundIt may sound insensitive, but I don't understand why he's so upset.become, growmake sbthink sbI don't want to be thought insensitive, but I do think we should go ahead despite the accident.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highly, incredibly, remarkablycrassly (BrE), grossly (esp. BrE)totallya little, slightly, etc.culturally, racially (esp. AmE)The decision to serve pork was culturally insensitive.PREPOSITIONtoYears of abuse had made him insensitive to others' suffering.

2 not able to feel/be influenced by sthVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSberemainmake sth/sb, render sth/sbThe device renders the system insensitive to vibration.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.completely, totallyalmostlargelyrelativelyIts physical properties are relatively insensitive to pressure changes.PREPOSITIONtoThe machine is relatively insensitive to changes in the atmosphere.

handling, jerk

insensitively

insensitivelyadv.

Insensitively is used with these adjectives:

sited

insensitivity

insensitivitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + insensitivity | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcrass (BrE), grosscultural, racial (esp. AmE)This was a shocking demonstration of racial insensitivity.VERB + insensitivitydisplay, showPREPOSITIONinsensitivity to, insensitivity towards/towardThe government has shown gross insensitivity to the refugees.

inseparable

inseparableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seemADVERBabsolutely, completely, quite (esp. BrE), totally (esp. AmE)almost, nearly, practically, virtuallyThe two brothers are almost inseparable.effectivelyPREPOSITIONfromReligion is inseparable from politics.

Inseparable is used with these nouns:

companion, part

inseparably

inseparablyadv.

Inseparably is used with these verbs:

Insert is used after these nouns:

insert

insertnounverb

I. noun

newspaper, shoe

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBcarefully, gentlydigitallyThe artist digitally inserted himself into the picture.automaticallyThe program will automatically insert the replacement text.PREPOSITIONbetweenThe English translation is inserted between the lines of text.in, intoFine needles are gently inserted into the patient's skin.throughA probe was inserted through his mouth.

Insert is used with these nouns as the subject:

surgeon

Insert is used with these nouns as the object:

card, cassette, CD, character, clause, cursor, disc, disk, finger, key, needle, penis, pin, stitch, text, thermometer, word

in-service

in-serviceadj.

In-service is used with these nouns:

education, teacher, training

inshore

inshoreadj.

Inshore is used with these nouns:

lifeboat

inside

insideadj.adv.

I. adj.

Inside is used with these nouns:

corner, diameter, edge, job, joke, knowledge, lane, look, page, pocket, story, toilet, track, wall

II. adv.

Inside is used with these verbs:

peer, step, tremble, venture

insider

insidernoun

Insider is used before these nouns:

status, trading

Insider is used after these nouns:

industry

insidious

insidiousadj.

Insidious is used with these nouns:

threat

insight

insightnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF INSIGHT | VERB + insight | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsiderable, great, real, significantdeep, profounddetailedbriefbrilliant, good, remarkableThe objective of the research is to gain a better insight into market forces.keen, illuminating, penetrating, perceptive, revealingcrucial, important, invaluable, valuablehelpful, usefulfascinating, interestingstartlingfresh, new, noveloriginal, uniqueFreud's original insights into the working of the mindrareclearbasic, fundamentaldirect, instantThe research will provide direct insight into molecular mechanisms.additional, furtherpersonalcritical, historical, psychological, spiritual, theoretical… OF INSIGHTflashWith a flash of insight, she found the solution to the problem.degree, levelVERB + insighthaveThe experienced specialist has professional skills and insight.lackshowafford (sb), allow (sb), give (sb), lend, offer (sb), produce, provide (sb with), yieldThe letters lend some insight into her writing process.gain, garner (esp. AmE), get, glean, obtainapplyTeachers have to apply in the classroom the insights that they gain in educational courses.shareWe meet regularly to discuss working methods and share insights.PREPOSITIONinsight aboutSchopenhauer's insight about musicinsight intoa fresh insight into Picasso's mindinsight as to, insight toan insight as to how the gene worksPHRASESa lack of insight

insightful

insightfuladj.

Insightful is used with these nouns:

article, comment, commentary, discussion, lyrics, observation, reading

insignificance

insignificancenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + insignificanceADJECTIVErelativeVERB + insignificancefade into, pale intoHer achievements fade into insignificance beside those of her sisters.

insignificant

insignificantadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSappear, be, feel, look, seemHe made her feel insignificant.becomeremainconsider sth, deem sthan event that was considered insignificantADVERBverycompletely, quite, utterlyalmostfairly, rather, relativelyapparently, seeminglyclinically, statisticallyThese results are statistically insignificant.

Insignificant is used with these nouns:

Insistent is used with these nouns:

insinuation

insinuationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + insinuation | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEveiledVERB + insinuationmakeresentI deeply resent the insinuation that I'm only interested in the money.PREPOSITIONinsinuation aboutWhy did you make those veiled insinuations about me?insinuation againstinsinuations against the unsuccessful candidate

insist

insistverb

verbADVERB | VERB + insist | PREPOSITIONADVERBfirmly, strongly, vehementlyadamantly (esp. AmE), doggedly, steadfastly, stubbornlyHe stubbornly insisted on doing it all himself.absolutelyI'm paying for this—no, I absolutely insist.loudly, quietlyShe loudly insisted that she had a right to stay.He quietly but firmly insisted.alwaysrepeatedlystillShe still insists her critics are wrong.rightlyPeople rightly insist on being treated as individuals.VERB + insistcontinue totry toPREPOSITIONon, uponHe insists on speaking to you personally.

insistence

insistencenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + insistence | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdogged, dogmatic, stubbornconstant, continued, repeatedtheir repeated insistence that the trial be held in a US courtearlierVERB + insistenceabandon, dropThe union has dropped its earlier insistence that workers should receive bonus payments.PREPOSITIONat sb's insistence, on sb's insistenceAt the insistence of his father, he bought himself a new suit.insistence bythe insistence by the government that 25% of all household waste be recycledinsistence on, insistence uponan insistence upon the highest standards of grammatical correctness

insistent

insistentadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecome, growremainADVERBmost, quite, veryShe was most insistent that we shouldn't leave the door unlocked.PREPOSITIONaboutShe was insistent about inviting him.on, uponHe was insistent on a formal written agreement.

rhythm

insist on

insist onphr verb

Insist on is used with these nouns as the object:

anonymity

insole

insolenoun

Insole is used after these nouns:

Insoluble is used with these nouns:

insoluble

insolubleadj.

adj.1 (esp. BrE) (AmE usually insolvable) that cannot be solved/explained2 impossible to dissolve in a liquid1 (esp. BrE) (AmE usually insolvable) that cannot be solved/explainedVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemThe problem seemed insoluble.remainADVERBalmostapparently, seemingly

2 impossible to dissolve in a liquidVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeADVERBhighlyrelativelyalmost, practically, virtuallyPREPOSITIONinThese chemicals are practically insoluble in water.

mystery, problem

inspect

inspectverb

verbADVERB | VERB + inspect | PREPOSITIONADVERBcarefully, closely, thoroughlymanually, physically, visuallyThe first step is to visually inspect the ground, looking for rocks and lumps.annually, periodically, regularlyVERB + inspectallow sb to, be entitled to (BrE)Each party in the case is entitled to inspect the documents held by the other.PREPOSITIONforHe inspected the water tank carefully for cracks.

Inspect is used with these nouns as the object:

fingernail, nail, reflection, site, work

inspection

inspectionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + inspection | inspection + VERB | inspection + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcareful, close, detailed, rigorous, thoroughfullbrief, casual, cursoryroutineperiodic (esp. AmE), regularannual, daily, etc.surprisea surprise inspection of the premises by the health inspectorpreliminarypublicThe records are open to public inspection.independentinternationalThey have refused to allow international inspection of their nuclear facilities.manual, physical, visualsafetymedicalschool (esp. BrE)home (AmE) (= done before buying a house)The problem was not discovered during the home inspection.A standard home-inspection report summarizes the condition of the house.weaponsthe UN weapons inspection teamon-site, siteFollowing an on-site inspection, the surveyor prepared a written report on the property.VERB + inspectionbe available for, be open for, be open to, be subject toA company's accounting records must be open for inspection at all times.Nursing agencies are subject to inspection by the health authority.undergoAll packages arriving at the building undergo an inspection.carry out, complete, conduct, make, performThe architect is carrying out a thorough inspection of the building.allow, permitprepare forpassThe hotel passed its annual inspection.failrequireThe artwork requires close inspection by the viewer.inspection + VERBconfirm sth, determine sth, reveal sth, show sthA brief inspection revealed it to be a fake.suggest sthtake placeinspection + NOUNtour, visitreportprocedure, process, regime (esp. BrE)teampanelPREPOSITIONfor inspectionHe held out the saucepan for inspection.on inspection, upon inspectionThe report seemed impressive at first, but on closer inspection there were several inaccuracies.inspection byan inspection of the troops by the commander-in-chiefPHRASESbear close inspection, bear inspectionHe knew that his motives would not bear close inspection (= would be revealed as bad if someone inspected them).closer inspection reveals sth, closer inspection shows stha creature which closer inspection revealed to be a bata tour of inspection (esp. BrE)Roman governors would normally go on a tour of inspection of their province.

inspector

inspectornoun

noun1 official who inspects sth2 police officer1 official who inspects sthADJECTIVE | VERB + inspector | inspector + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEchiefdeputylocalinternationalqualifiedindependent (esp. BrE)federal (esp. AmE), government (esp. BrE), etc.building, customs (esp. AmE), factory (esp. BrE), health (esp. BrE), health and safety (BrE), home (AmE), nuclear, planning (BrE), postal (AmE), safety (esp. BrE), school (esp. BrE), schools (BrE), tax (esp. BrE), ticket (BrE), weaponsUN weapons inspectorsVERB + inspectorcall, call in, send, send inIndependent inspectors were called in.An inspector was sent to the scene of the incident.allow in, let inHe agreed to allow weapons inspectors in his country.hire (AmE)You should hire a professional home inspector before buying.inspector + VERBarrive, visitbe in charge of sth (esp. BrE)the inspector in charge of producing the reportcheck sth, look at sth, look for sthreport sth, report on sthPREPOSITIONinspector ofan inspector of prisons (BrE)

2 police officerADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEpoliceChief, detective (both BrE)PHRASESthe rank of inspector (esp. BrE)He reached the rank of inspector.

inspiration

inspirationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF INSPIRATION | VERB + inspiration | inspiration + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreat, trueThen I had a moment of true inspiration.directHis wife was the direct inspiration for the main character in the book.suddenfreshartistic, creative, musical, poeticdivine… OF INSPIRATIONflash, momentIn a flash of inspiration, I decided to paint the whole house white.VERB + inspirationderive, draw, find, gain, get, owe, takeThe movement draws much of its inspiration from the Greek philosophers.Many of us found inspiration in her teaching.Where did you get the inspiration for the book?Her latest book owes its inspiration to childhood memories.give sb, provide (sb with)look for, seekHe peered into his glass, as if seeking inspiration there.be lacking in, lack, needinspiration + VERBcome (from sth)One day the inspiration just came.Her inspiration comes from Asia.hit, strikeI had to wait until inspiration struck.PREPOSITIONinspiration behindHe was the inspiration behind last week's victory.inspiration forThe sea has provided an inspiration for many of his paintings.inspiration toShe's been a great inspiration to me.PHRASESa source of inspiration

inspirational

inspirationaladj.

Inspirational is used with these nouns:

leader, message, story

inspire inspired

inspiredadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, seembecomeADVERBdivinelydivinely inspired wisdomclassicallythe classically inspired buildings of this periodpolitically, religiouslypolitically inspired violencetrulyHe has some truly inspired ideas about life.

Inspired is used with these nouns:

choice, leader, move, performance, teacher

inspiring

inspiringadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemNone of the leaders seems very inspiring.find sth/sbPeople find her inspiring.ADVERBparticularly, really, truly, verya very inspiring sightfar from, hardly (both esp. BrE), less than, not particularlyA pile of ironing is hardly inspiring.

Inspiring is used with these nouns:

example, leader, sight, story

instability

instabilitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF INSTABILITY | VERB + instability | instability + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEincreasedgrowing, increasinginherent, internalthe inherent instability of financial marketseconomic, financial, monetarypolitical, socialglobal, internal, regionalemotional, mentalHe showed increasing signs of mental instability.… OF INSTABILITYdegreeThe increased inflation will inject a degree of instability into the economy.VERB + instabilitycause, create, fosterRacism causes political instability and violence.instability + VERBarise, occurInstability may arise at times of change.result fromeconomic instability resulting from climate changePHRASESa period of instabilitya long period of economic instabilitya source of instability

install

installverb

verbADVERB | VERB + install | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBcorrectly, properly, safely (esp. BrE)Make sure the equipment is properly installed.She saw her guests safely installed in their rooms and then went downstairs. (BrE,figurative)improperly, incorrectlyThey estimate that four out of five child car seats are installed improperly.easilyThe loft ladder is easily installed.successfullyprofessionallyA professionally installed alarm will cost from about £500.permanentlyWater softening units can be permanently installed into the plumbing system.secretlyA Trojan horse, secretly installed on your computer, can change your Internet settings.VERB + installbe easy to, be simple toThe switches are cheap to buy and easy to install.PREPOSITIONinAn anti-theft device is installed in the vehicle.onLinux can be installed on most PCs or Macs.PHRASESbe installed as CEO, leader, president etc.He was recently installed as president of the National Medical Association.newly installed, recently installeda recently installed swimming pool

Install is used with these nouns as the subject:

Install is used with these nouns as the object:

alarm, antenna, application, barrier, boiler, cable, camera, card, carpet, CD-ROM, chip, component, computer, device, drive, elevator, engine, equipment, exhibition, faucet, file, fire alarm, fireplace, fitting, furnace, government, heater, heating, kit, lighting, machine, machinery, meter, modem, module, network, package, panel, patch, pipe, printer, program, regime, shutter, sink, software, system, telephone, terminal, unit, update, valve, vent, version, wiring

installation

installationnoun

Installation is used before these nouns:

art, CD, instruction

Installation is used after these nouns:

Instant is used with these nouns:

instalment

instalmentnoun

(esp. BrE) (AmE usually installment) noun1 regular payment2 part of a story1 regular paymentADJECTIVE | VERB + instalment | instalment + VERB | instalment + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfixedrepayment is by fixed monthly instalmentsequala loan repaid in equal annual instalmentsfirst, initialsecond, third, etc.final, lastnextannual, monthly, quarterly, weeklyVERB + instalmentpay, repayShe sold the car before she had paid the instalments.instalment + VERBbecome due, be due, be payableThe next instalment is not due until July.instalment + NOUNpaymentloan (AmE), planWe offer an installment plan.PREPOSITIONby instalment (esp. BrE)The amounts are repayable by instalment.in instalmentRepayment is in ten instalments.You can pay it in instalments.

2 part of a storyADJECTIVE | VERB + instalment | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfirst, second, etc.final, lastpreviousThe last part of the trilogy is a distinct improvement on the previous installment.daily, weeklynextVERB + instalmentappear in, publish (sth in)The ‘Screwtape Letters’ were published in instalments from May to November 1941.PREPOSITIONinstalment inthe final instalment in the trilogy

instance

instancenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + instance | instance + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcountless, innumerable, many, multiple, numerous, severalfew, occasional, rareThis is one of the few instances where the director does not succeed.isolatedcertain, given, particular, specificFurther information is required to determine the correct answer in any given instance.documented, recorded, reportedThere are many documented instances of mass hysteria.extremenotable, strikingclassicThis is a classic instance of Dostoevsky's writing operating on two levels.VERB + instancegive, provide, representNorth America provides the most striking instance of European settlement on a grand scale.describe, document, record, recount, reportStudents described many instances in which they had felt uncomfortable speaking in class.cite (sth as), takeExperts cite the country as an instance where human rights violations could lead to international intervention.To take a particular instance of this problem: … recall, rememberI cannot recall any other instance in modern times in which a huge and mighty state crumbled to dust.instance + VERBoccurAn instance of this controversy occurred last year.show sthThis instance shows how important it is to check that the machine is working properly before you use it.PREPOSITIONfor instance (= for example)Murder, theft and tax evasion, for instance, all have different motives and consequences.in … instanceIn one instance, several people had their phones stolen.It is not always helpful to draw analogies, but in this instance it is useful.instance ofThis is an instance of his general attitude to his employees.PHRASESin the first instance (formal)In the first instance, a letter from your employer may be all you need.

instant

instantnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + instant | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbrief, fleetingFor a brief instant, I thought she was going to fall.given, one, singleHis news was too important to be contained for a single instant longer.At any given instant the distribution of molecular speeds is always constant under the same conditions.veryHe took out his keys to lock the door. At that very instant the door flew open and a man ran into the room.VERB + instanthesitate for, pause forHe paused for an instant before continuing.PREPOSITIONat … instantThe bomb could go off at any instant.for an instantJust for an instant I thought he was going to refuse.in an instantIt was all over in an instant.the next instantThe next instant she was flying through the air.instant after, instant beforeShe woke up in the instant before the phone rang.

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBalmostHis response was almost instant.

access, answer, appeal, celebrity, classic, coffee, credibility, cure, death, dislike, dismissal, fame, feedback, hit, impact, insight, liking, message, rapport, recognition, relief, replay, retaliation, smash, solution, success, transformation, wealth

instantaneous

instantaneousadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeHer death was almost instantaneous.ADVERBalmost, nearly, virtually

instantly

instantlyadv.

Instantly is used with these adjectives:

accessible, alert, apparent, available, familiar, likeable, memorable, popular, recognizable, suspicious

Instantly is used with these verbs:

burst, destroy, disappear, dissolve, drop, fill, follow, forget, freeze, ignite, illuminate, jump, kill, know, light, like, notice, obey, react, realize, recognize, recoil, regret, reject, relax, remind, respond, return, seize, shatter, silence, suppress, understand, vanish, warm, withdraw

in-state

in-stateadj.

In-state is used with these nouns:

tuition

instigate

instigateverb

Instigate is used with these nouns as the object:

proceedings, riot

instinct

instinctnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + instinct | instinct + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdeep, powerful, stronggutpure, sheerOut of pure instinct, he moved back a little.first, initialHis first instinct was to run away from danger.excellent, good, unerringAgainst her better instincts, she ran back into the burning house to save her paintings.He had an unerring instinct for when people were lying to him.basebasic, natural, primitivecreativeaggressive, competitivematernal, mothering, motherly, paternal, protectivefighting, hunting, killer, predatoryHe plays well but lacks that killer instinct. (figurative)self-preservation, survivalherdWhat makes all these people come to the club? In my view it's the herd instinct.sexualbusiness, commercial, politicalanimal, humanVERB + instincthave, possesslackdevelop, honeIn negotiating you have to develop an instinct for when to be tough and when to make a deal.follow, go on, go with, obey, rely on, trustWhy don't you just follow your natural instincts?control, fight, ignore, overcome, suppresssatisfyappeal toThey accused the campaign of appealing to the electorate's baser instincts.shareBoth superpowers shared the same instinct for self-preservation.instinct + VERBtell sb sthHer instinct told her that she was being followed.drive sb, guide sbArtists have to learn to be guided by their instincts.kick in, take overHer instincts took over and she dived on the escaping thief.be right, be wrongI've trusted my instincts in the past and they've usually been right.PREPOSITIONby instinctBabies know by instinct who their mother is.on instinctI acted purely on instinct.instinct forHe has an instinct for survival in a tough job.

instinctive

instinctiveadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seembecomeADVERBpurelyMy reaction was purely instinctive.almost

Instinctive is used with these nouns:

belief, dislike, drive, feeling, reaction, response, understanding, urge

instinctively

instinctivelyadv.

Instinctively is used with these adjectives:

wary

Instinctively is used with these verbs:

back, dislike, draw, jerk, know, reach, react, recoil, respond, shrink, tighten, understand

instinctual

instinctualadj.

Instinctual is used with these nouns:

drive, impulse

institute

institutenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + institute | institute + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEprofessionalindependentnon-profit (AmE)a non-profit research institute dedicated to research in the public interestfederalinternational, nationaleducation, educational, research, scientific, technicalbiotechnology, economic, medical, zoological, etc.VERB + instituteestablish, found, set upopenbelong toShe belongs to the Chartered Institute of Management.joininstitute + VERBbe dedicated toa national institute dedicated to treating people with eating disordersfund sth, support sthThe research was funded by the National Cancer Institute.say sthThe Institute says that an unidentified virus is to blame for the syndrome.publish sthprovide sthan institute providing opportunities to graduatesPREPOSITIONat an/the instituteShe used to give lectures at the Mechanics' Institute.in an/the institute, within an/the instituteHe is a key figure in the Institute of Mathematics.institute forthe International Institute for Economic Developmentinstitute ofPHRASESa founder of an institute, a member of an institute

II. verb

Institute is used with these nouns as the object:

change, measure, policy, proceedings, programme, reform

institution

institutionnoun

noun1 large organization2 building for people with special needs3 custom1 large organizationADJECTIVE | VERB + institution | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcentral, large, majorthe central institutions of the nation's constitutionpowerfulestablishedexistingThey argue for the reform of existing political institutions.traditionalelite, prestigious, venerableThe College is one of the most prestigious medical institutions in the country.publicprivategovernment, governmental, stateinternational, nationallocaldemocraticfor-profit, non-profitacademic, education, educational, higher-education, higher educational, researchcultural institutions such as the Danish Institutebanking, economic, financial, lendingadministrative, charitable, cultural, legal, military, political, religiousVERB + institutionbuild, create, foundWe need to create institutions that benefit our community.reformThey are studying ways to reform government institutions.attendyoung people who attend higher-education institutionsPREPOSITIONat a/the institutiona course at an institution of higher educationin institution, within institutionexamination procedures within educational institutions

2 building for people with special needsADJECTIVE | VERB + institution | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEmentalcorrectional (AmE), penalstate (AmE)He was released from the state institution where he had been confined for four years.VERB + institutionbuildThe state built institutions for those who were considered insane.be admitted to, be placed inMany people with dementia would rather remain at home than be placed in an institution.be kept inPREPOSITIONat institution, in institutionpatients in mental institutionsinstitution foran institution for mentally ill offenders

3 customADJECTIVE | VERB + institutionADJECTIVEnationalFootball is a national institution in this country.cultural, economic, legal, political, religious, socialcultural institutions such as religious and legal codesmainstreamThese values are embedded in mainstream social institutions.sacredHe claimed this threatened ‘the sacred institution of marriage’.VERB + institutionthreaten, undermine, weakenThese changes threaten some of our most cherished institutions.strengthenpreserve, protectAmerican laws once protected the institution of slavery.

institutional institutionalized

institutionalizedadj.

Institutionalized is used with these nouns:

discrimination, racism

in-store

in-storeadj.

In-store is used with these nouns:

display, promotion

instruct

instructverb

verbADVERB | PHRASESADVERBcarefullyexplicitly, specificallyYou were explicitly instructed to wait here.PHRASESas instructedI took the antibiotics as instructed.

Instruct is used with these nouns as the object:

counsel, juror, jury, minister, participant, student

instructing

instructingadj.

Instructing is used with these nouns:

solicitor

instruction

instructionnounadj.

I. noun1 instructions information on how to do sth2 (usually instructions) sth that sb tells/permits you to do3 in a computer4 teaching1 instructions information on how to do sthADJECTIVE | … OF INSTRUCTIONS | VERB + INSTRUCTIONS | INSTRUCTIONS + VERB | instruction + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcomprehensive, fulladequateclear, explicitdetailed, precise, specific, step-by-stepcomplexbasic, simplegeneralspecialcarefulverbal, writtenpacket (BrE)technicalsafetycooking, operating, washinginstallationmanufacturer's… OF INSTRUCTIONSlist, series, setVERB + INSTRUCTIONSreadYou should always read the instructions on medicines thoroughly.understandfollowJust follow our simple step-by-step instructions.give (sb), include, leave (sb)He gave her detailed instructions on the procedure to be followed.Step-by-step instructions are included.repeatcome withDid it come with any instructions about assembling it?INSTRUCTIONS + VERBtell sb sthThere are instructions that tell you where everything goes.instruction + NOUNbook, booklet, leaflet (esp. BrE), manual, sheet (esp. AmE)I had to refer to the instruction booklet.PREPOSITIONaccording to the instructionMicrowave ovens should be serviced according to the manufacturer's instructions.in accordance with the instruction, in the instructionIt tells you in the instructions not to let the machine get too hot.instruction about, instruction as toThe organizer will give instructions as to what to do.instruction forfollow the manufacturer's instructions for useinstruction oninstructions on how to use the photocopier

2 (usually instructions) sth that sb tells/permits you to doADJECTIVE | VERB + instruction | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEclear, explicit, express (esp. BrE), specificfirm, strictI have strict instructions not to let anyone else in.directspecialfresh (BrE), newfurtherfinalwrittenVERB + instructionbe under, haveact on, act underShe is acting under direct instructions from the president.carry out, comply with, follow, obey, takeHe was disqualified for failing to comply with the referee's instructions.disobeyignoreawait, wait forHe remained under cover and waited for further instructions from headquarters.acceptLawyers may not accept instructions in cases where they would have a conflict of interests.receivegive (sb), issue, leave (sb), send (sb)The government has issued specific instructions on reducing waste disposal.bark, bark out, shout, yellThe director sat in his chair barking instructions at the cast.repeatPREPOSITIONaccording to the instruction, in accordance with the instructionWe acted according to the instructions we received.on (sb's) instructionShe was released on instructions from the Foreign Ministry.under (sb/sth's) instructionUnder Charlemagne's instructions, many classical texts were recopied.with instruction, without instructionThey were not empowered to negotiate without instructions.instruction from, instruction toan instruction to Lieutenant-General Gough from General ClarkPHRASEScarry out, follow, etc sb's instructions to the letter (= follow them in every detail)The jockey followed his trainer's instructions to the letter.

3 in a computer… OF INSTRUCTIONS | VERB + instruction | instruction + NOUN… OF INSTRUCTIONSseries, setVERB + instructioncarry out, execute, processCPUs are designed to process instructions in a predictable order.instruction + NOUNset

4 teachingADJECTIVE | … OF INSTRUCTION | VERB + instruction | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEproperformal, informaladvanced, basicfurtherfree (esp. AmE)You can often get free instruction at your local community college.individual, individualizedpractical, professional, technicalclassroommoral, religiousEnglish (esp. AmE), languagethe benefits of native language instructionreading, writing (both AmE)… OF INSTRUCTIONcourseVERB + instructionget, have, receive, takeShe had no formal instruction in music.He takes instruction very well.needoffer (sb)The experts were on hand to offer instruction on the important steps.give (sb), provide (sb with)PREPOSITIONfor the instruction ofThe information is for the instruction of passengers.under instruction (esp. BrE)drivers under instructioninstruction byThe two-day course features instruction by leading professionals and academics.instruction inHe claimed that he was not capable of giving instruction in poetry.instruction onbasic instruction on using the InternetPHRASESa medium of instructionThe medium of instruction throughout the course is English.

II. adj.

Instruction is used with these nouns:

leaflet, manual, set, sheet

instructional

instructionaladj.

Instructional is used with these nouns:

manual, material, method, programme, strategy, video

instructive

instructiveadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highly, mostIt was a most instructive day.especially, particularly

Instructive is used with these nouns:

example

instructor

instructornoun

nounADJECTIVE | instructor + VERBADJECTIVEcertified (AmE), qualified, trainedexperiencedchief, seniordriving, fitness, flight (esp. AmE), flying (BrE), riding, ski, swimming, yoga, etc.instructor + VERBteach sb/sth

instrument

instrumentnoun

noun1 tool for a particular task2 for playing music3 sb/sth used to make sth happen1 tool for a particular taskADJECTIVE | … OF INSTRUMENTS | VERB + instrument | instrument + VERB | instrument + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEprecision, sensitivesophisticatedreliablecrudebluntThe autopsy revealed that the deceased had been hit with a blunt instrument.Even though it was a somewhat blunt instrument (= not very precise), our questionnaire provided us with some interesting ideas.sharpsmalldelicateappropriatedrawing, measuring, writingastronomical, mathematical, medical, navigation, navigational, optical, scientific, surgicalcockpit, flight… OF INSTRUMENTSseta set of mathematical instrumentsVERB + instrumentuseAll students should learn to use drawing instruments.check, readto read the instruments and make a note of the wind speed and directiondesign, develop, devise, inventbuild, makeAll the instruments are made from glass capillary tubing.instrument + VERBmeasure sthan instrument that measures light intensityinstrument + NOUNcheckThe pilot did his instrument checks in preparation for take-off.makerpanelThere was a warning light flashing on the instrument panel.PHRASESan instrument of torturemedieval instruments of torture such as the rack and the wheel

2 for playing musicADJECTIVE | VERB + instrument | instrument + VERB | instrument + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEmusicalbeautiful, fineclassicalmoderntraditionalperiodbaroque music played on period instrumentssoloorchestralbrass, keyboard, percussion, string, stringed, wind, woodwindacoustic, electric, electronicVERB + instrumentplayShe plays three musical instruments.learn, learn to playtunemakean instrument made by a violin maker in Canadainstrument + VERBsoundThe instrument sounds like a cello.instrument + NOUNmakerPREPOSITIONon an/the instrumentThe piece can be played on a keyboard instrument.

3 sb/sth used to make sth happenADJECTIVE | VERB + instrument | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEchief, key, main, major, primary, principalgood, greatInternet polls are considered to be better instruments than telephone polls.idealimportant, valuablepowerfulusefuleffectiveMore effective instruments of oversight are needed.flexiblemereSome cynics say that popular music is a mere instrument of capitalist domination.chosenThe despot claimed to be the chosen instrument of divine providence.politicalfinancial, legalVERB + instrumentregard sb/sth as, see sb/sth as, view sb/sth asThey saw criminal law as an instrument for improving public morals.use sb/sth asmake sb/sthPREPOSITIONinstrument forCriminal law is not the best instrument for dealing with family matters.instrument ofthe use of language as an instrument of power and social control

instrumental

instrumentaladj.

adj.1 important in making sth happen2 made by or for musical instruments1 important in making sth happenVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, provebecomeADVERBhighly, veryessentially, largelymerelypurelyPREPOSITIONinThey were highly instrumental in bringing the business to Newtown.

2 made by or for musical instrumentsVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBlargely, mostlyThe songs are largely instrumental.entirely, purelyThe album was entirely instrumental.He's created a purely instrumental score.

Instrumental is used with these nouns:

accompaniment, composition, interlude, music, passage, prelude, role, texture, track

insufferably

insufferablyadv.

Insufferably is used with these adjectives:

smug

insufficient

insufficientadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, proveADVERBquite, whollysimplyclearlywoefullyPREPOSITIONforThe resources available are quite insufficient for the task.

Insufficient is used with these nouns:

attention, evidence, fund, funding, information, number, recognition, regard, room, weight

insufficiently

insufficientlyadv.

Insufficiently is used with these adjectives:

precise, radical

insulate

insulateverb

Insulate is used with these nouns as the object:

house, pipe

insulated

insulatedadj.

adj.1 protected against the cold, sound, etc.2 protected from unpleasant experiences1 protected against the cold, sound, etc.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeADVERBwellbadly (BrE), poorlyheavilyproperlyPREPOSITIONagainstThe laboratory was well insulated against all outside noise.withThe hot water tank should be insulated with proper insulating materials.

2 protected from unpleasant experiencesADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBcompletelylargelyWe are largely insulated from significantly higher costs.PREPOSITIONfromThe wealthy feel completely insulated from an economic downturn.againstMany financial institutions are now insulated against higher interest rates.

Insulated is used with these nouns:

container, wire

insulating

insulatingadj.

Insulating is used with these nouns:

insulation

insulationnoun

Insulation is used after these nouns:

insulin

insulinnoun

Insulin is used before these nouns:

injection, production

insult

insultnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + insult | insult + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbad, grave, great, terribleone of the worst insults you can throw at somebodyfinal, ultimateTo call a woman a girl is the ultimate insult.calculated, deliberate (esp. BrE)direct (esp. AmE)personalVERB + insulthurl, shout, throwThey were hurling insults at the police.mean sth asI don't mean this as an insult, but I think the team would play better without you.take sth asI meant it as a bit of constructive advice, but he took it as a personal insultendure, sufferForeigners have to suffer constant insults from the local population.exchange, tradeThe two groups of fans exchanged insults.insult + VERBflyInsults were flying back and forth.PREPOSITIONinsult toIt was an insult to his wife.PHRASESadd insult to injuryThen, to add insult to injury (= to make things worse), they told me I couldn't get on the flight.an insult to your intelligenceThe questions were a real insult to our intelligence (= because they were too easy).

II. verbADVERB | PHRASESADVERBpubliclyHe was dismissed for publicly insulting prominent politicians.PHRASESbe insulted, feel insultedI felt deeply insulted that she hadn't asked me to the meeting.

Insult is used with these nouns as the object:

intelligence

insulting

insultingadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seem, soundbecomefind sthI find it insulting to be spoken to in that way.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highlyalmostHe made the question sound almost insulting.a little, slightly, etc.vaguelyPREPOSITIONtoHis opinions are highly insulting to women.

Insulting is used with these nouns:

insuperable

insuperableadj.

Insuperable is used with these nouns:

obstacle, problem

insurance

insurancenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + insurance | insurance + VERB | insurance + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcomprehensivefully comprehensive car insuranceadequateadditionallong-term, short-termnational, social, stateemployer-provided (AmE)Many people are covered by employer-provided health insurance.personal, privatecommercialcompulsorylifedisability, health, health-care, medicalhome, homeowner (AmE), house (esp. BrE), household (BrE)auto (AmE), car, motor (BrE)travelaccident, fire, flood (esp. AmE)legal-expenses (BrE), unemployment (esp. AmE), workers' compensation (AmE)credit (esp. AmE)liability, malpractice (AmE), professional-indemnity (BrE), public-liability (BrE), third-partygeneral, universal (esp. AmE)universal health insurancemarinespecialVERB + insurancehave, maintainDo you have fully comprehensive insurance?The company maintains liability insurance for its directors and officers. (formal)lack (esp. AmE)Millions of Americans lack adequate health insurance.apply forarrange (esp. BrE), buy, get, obtain, purchase, take outThe contract requires me to arrange my own insurance.The travel agent recommended that I take out travel insurance.affordneedsellpayI haven't paid the insurance yet this month.claim, claim on (both esp. BrE)She set fire to her house and then claimed insurance.We claimed for the car repairs on the insurance.offer (sb)provide (sb with)insurance + VERBcover sb/sth, pay for sthDoes your personal accident insurance cover mountain rescue?Millions of people in the US are not covered by health insurance.The insurance will pay for the damage.insurance + NOUNcover (BrE), coverageinsurance cover for bodily injury to third partiespolicya personal insurance policyplan, programme/program, scheme (BrE), systema compulsory health insurance systema national insurance schemecontribution (esp. BrE), payment, premiuma monthly insurance premiumLabour has increased national insurance contributions to pay for public services. (BrE)costs, ratesrising insurance costsclaimbenefits, money, payoutHe bought a new suit out of the insurance money.servicesbusiness, industry, market, sectorcarrier (AmE), company, firm, fund, group, provider (esp. AmE)adjuster (AmE)agent, broker, salesman, underwritercertificate (esp. BrE)PREPOSITIONinsurance againstMore people are taking out insurance against the high cost of dental care.insurance forcompulsory insurance for personal injury to employeesinsurance onThe court heard that he stood to gain millions in insurance on his wife.insurance withHer insurance is with General Accident.PHRASESa certificate of insurance (esp. BrE)a contract of insurance (BrE)a period of insurance (BrE)If you make more than two claims in any period of insurance you may lose your no-claims bonus.

insured

insuredadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeADVERBfullyadequately (esp. BrE)privatelyThere is evidence that privately insured patients are offered a higher level of care.PREPOSITIONagainstYour DVD player is not insured against accidental damage.forI was not adequately insured for the damage my tenants caused.

insurgent

insurgentadj.

Insurgent is used with these nouns:

attack, violence

insurmountable

insurmountableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSappear, be, prove, seemThe age barrier appeared insurmountable.becomeADVERBalmost, nearly, virtuallyapparently, seeminglyThey were now faced with seemingly insurmountable technical problems.

Insurmountable is used with these nouns:

barrier, difficulty, obstacle, odds, problem

insurrection

insurrectionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + insurrection | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEarmedYears of discontent turned into armed insurrection.popularThere was a popular insurrection against the police.slave (esp. AmE)VERB + insurrectionplanIn 1822 he planned a slave insurrection in South Carolina.leadlaunchcrush, put down, suppress (esp. AmE)PREPOSITIONinsurrection againstinsurrection against the monarchy

intact

intactadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSappear, beremain, stay, surviveThe building survived almost intact.emerge, returnThe team returns largely intact to defend its title. (esp. AmE)find sthWe found the tomb perfectly intact.keep sth, maintain sth, preserve sthThe collection should be kept completely intact.leave stha group of old army buildings that had been left largely intactADVERBremarkably, substantially, very muchThe character of the original house is very much intact.completely, entirely, fully, perfectlyalmost, nearly, virtuallybasically, essentially, largely, more or less, mostlyfairly, reasonably, relativelyapparentlystillThe mill machinery is still intact.miraculously

Intact is used with these nouns:

reputation

intake

intakenoun

noun1 amount of food/drink taken into the body2 number of students in a year3 where liquid/air enters a machine4 of breath1 amount of food/drink taken into the bodyADJECTIVE | VERB + intakeADJECTIVEhighmoderatelowincreasedtotalexcessiveadequatenormalaveragerecommendeddailyyour recommended daily intake of vitamin Cregulardietary, nutritionalcaloric (esp. AmE), caloriealcohol, calcium, carbohydrate, energy, fat, fibre/fiber, fluid, food, nutrient (esp. AmE), oxygen, protein, salt, sugar, vitamin, waterVERB + intakehaveMake sure you have a balanced intake of vitamins A, B, C and D.maintainYou should maintain a low intake of fat.boost, increase, raisecontrol, watchYou need to watch your alcohol intake.cut, cut down, cut down on, decrease, limit, lower, reduce, restrictOne of the best ways to get to your ideal size is to cut fat intake right down.

2 number of students in a yearADJECTIVE | VERB + intakeADJECTIVEhighlowbalanced (BrE)The government should be promoting a balanced intake of students for every school.newannual (esp. BrE)graduate (BrE), studentVERB + intakehaveThe school has an annual intake of 20 to 30.

3 where liquid/air enters a machineADJECTIVE | VERB + intakeADJECTIVEair, waterVERB + intakeblock, clog, clog upAlgae has clogged the intake to the water turbine.

4 of breathADJECTIVE | VERB + intake | PHRASESADJECTIVEquick, sharpShe gave a sharp intake of breath.VERB + intakegivehearPHRASESan intake of breath

intangible

intangibleadj.

Intangible is used with these nouns:

asset

integral

integraladj.

Integral is used with these nouns:

component, garage, part, role

integrally

integrallyadv.

Integrally is used with these adjectives:

Integrally is used with these verbs:

Integrate is used with these nouns as the object:

integrate

integrateverb

verb1 combine two things2 mix with other people1 combine two thingsADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBclosely, tightly, wellThey called for the defence system to be more closely integrated.completely, fully, seamlessly, thoroughlyproperlyeasilyeffectively, successfullyThe department has successfully integrated new ideas into the traditional course structure.PREPOSITIONintoThe results should be integrated into the final report.withThis computer program can be integrated with existing programs.PHRASEShighly integrated (= with many different parts working successfully together)a highly integrated approach to planningpoorly integrated

2 mix with other peopleADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBwellImmigrants here are well integrated on the whole.completely, fullyquicklyracially (esp. AmE)PREPOSITIONintoThey soon became fully integrated into the local community.withThey didn't integrate with the other children.

application, component, element, information

integrated

integratedadj.

Integrated is used with these nouns:

approach, chip, circuit, command, garage, network, package, system, whole

integration

integrationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF INTEGRATION | VERB + integration | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEtruecomplete, fullclose, seamlessfurther, greater, increasedrapidsuccessfuleconomic, monetary, political, racial, socialWe are working to bring about closer political integration in the EU.marketEuropeana milestone in the process of European integrationglobalpolicies designed to promote global economic integrationinternalsystems (computing)… OF INTEGRATIONdegree, levelVERB + integrationachieve, bring aboutaccelerate, encourage, facilitate, promote, speed upmeasures to promote the social integration of mentally handicapped peoplerequirelead toPREPOSITIONintegration betweenintegration between research and higher educationintegration intothe integration of disabled students into the general education systemintegration withHe called for greater integration with Europe.integration withineconomic integration within the three communitiesPHRASESa move towards/toward integrationa move towards/toward greater internal integration in Europea need for integration, a process of integration

integrity

integritynoun

noun1 quality of being honest and firm in your moral principles2 state of being whole and not divided1 quality of being honest and firm in your moral principlesADJECTIVE | VERB + integrity | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreat, highabsolute, complete (both esp. BrE)personalacademic, artistic, financial, intellectual, journalistic, moral, political, professional, scientificShe refused to compromise her artistic integrity.The article is indicative of his contempt for the basic standards of journalistic integrity.VERB + integrityhaveShe has great personal integrity.lackloserestoreThe minister promised to restore the honesty and integrity of the government.retaindefendcompromise, undermineI would never do anything to compromise the integrity of the company.impugn (formal), questionShe questioned his integrity as an artist.PREPOSITIONwith integrityThe code calls on members to behave with integrity at all times.PHRASESan attack on sb/sth's integrity

2 state of being whole and not dividedADJECTIVE | VERB + integrity | PHRASESADJECTIVEphysical, structural, territorialThe country is fighting to preserve its territorial integrity.data (computing)VERB + integrityhaveloserestoreensureIt's up to the user to ensure the integrity of the data they enter.maintain, retainWe all have an interest in maintaining the integrity of the ecosystem.preserve, protect, safeguardthreatenThe project threatens the integrity of one of the world's most important wetlands.compromise, undermineconcerns that data integrity has been compromiseddestroyNuclear weapons have the capability to destroy the physical integrity of the planet.PHRASESa challenge to sth's integrity, a threat to sth's integrity

intellect

intellectnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + intellectADJECTIVEbrilliant, formidable, great, keen, powerful, sharp, superior, toweringlimited, lowcreativehumanVERB + intellecthaveShe has a formidable intellect.useShe uses her powerful intellect to examine the relationship between human society and nature.

intellectual

intellectualadj.

Intellectual is used with these nouns:

ability, achievement, activity, appeal, appetite, arrogance, bankruptcy, bent, brilliance, capability, capacity, capital, challenge, circle, climate, coherence, companionship, concept, consistency, courage, creativity, culture, curiosity, debate, development, disability, discipline, distinction, diversity, effort, elite, endeavour, engagement, enquiry, equal, excitement, exercise, exploration, faculty, fashion, feat, ferment, force, foundation, framework, freedom, fulfilment, grasp, growth, history, honesty, horizon, idea, independence, inferior, inferiority, influence, integrity, journey, justification, leadership, life, maturity, merit, nourishment, origin, passion, pedigree, prestige, property, prowess, pursuit, respectability, rigour, snobbery, sophistication, stimulation, stimulus, superior, superiority, thought, tradition, training, transformation, vigour, virtue, weight, work

intellectually intellectual property

intellectual propertynoun

Intellectual property is used before these nouns:

right

intelligence

intelligencenoun

noun1 ability to understand2 information1 ability to understandADJECTIVE | VERB + intelligence | intelligence + NOUNADJECTIVEconsiderable, great, highThis essay shows considerable intelligence.acute, quicka writer with an acute intelligenceaverage, normallimited, lowinnate, nativehumanemotionalThe consultancy focused on leadership and emotional intelligence.artificialcomputer scientists who study artificial intelligenceVERB + intelligencehaveAt least he had the intelligence to turn off the gas.demonstrate, showuseinsultPlease don't insult my intelligence by lying to me.intelligence + NOUNtest

2 informationADJECTIVE | VERB + intelligence | intelligence + NOUNADJECTIVEsecretWe've obtained secret intelligence about enemy plans.good, reliablebad, faultyarmy, militaryMilitary intelligence is gathered using sophisticated technology.businesscriminalnationalVERB + intelligencecollect, gather, getprovideshareThe FBI and the CIA need to share intelligence on terrorism.intelligence + NOUNagency, community, serviceHe works for the French intelligence service.officer, officialcollection (esp. AmE), gatheringHis unit was responsible for intelligence gathering in North Africa.failureinformation, reportoperationsource

intelligent

intelligentadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, look, seem, soundADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highly, incredibly, mosta highly intelligent womanreasonablyHe should be able to solve the problem. He's reasonably intelligent.obviouslyseeminglyotherwiseWhy do otherwise intelligent people take this event so seriously?

Intelligent is used with these nouns:

alien, being, child, conversation, creature, decision, design, eye, life, man, people, person, woman

intelligently

intelligentlyadv.

Intelligently is used with these verbs:

design, discuss, respond

intelligible

intelligibleadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecomemake sth, render sthThey do their best to make science intelligible to young children.ADVERBfully, perfectlyeasily, readilybarelyHis reply was barely intelligible.mutuallyCzech and Slovak are separate languages but they are mutually intelligible.PREPOSITIONtoWe need an explanation that is readily intelligible to ordinary people.

intelligibly

intelligiblyadv.

Intelligibly is used with these verbs:

speak

intend

intendverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBfullyShe fully intends to continue her sporting career once she has recovered from her injuries.clearlyoriginallyHe had originally intended to stay in the country for only a year or two.neverI never intended to hurt you.PREPOSITIONforThe bomb was probably intended for a well-known human rights campaigner.

intended

intendedadj.

Intended is used with these nouns:

audience, bride, destination, meaning, outcome, purpose, recipient, target, use, victim

intense

intenseadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecome, get, growremainADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.incrediblyespecially, particularly

Intense is used with these nouns:

activity, agony, anger, annoyance, awareness, barrage, battle, beam, blaze, bombardment, burst, colour, combat, competition, concentration, controversy, craving, criticism, curiosity, debate, desire, devotion, disappointment, discussion, dislike, emotion, engagement, euphoria, excitement, exercise, expression, eye, fear, feeling, ferment, fighting, flame, flavour, focus, fury, gaze, grief, guilt, gunfire, hatred, heat, interest, involvement, irritation, jealousy, light, loathing, loneliness, longing, look, love, loyalty, negotiation, pain, passion, pleasure, preoccupation, preparation, pressure, relationship, relief, rivalry, scrutiny, sensation, spasm, speculation, stress, suffering, sunlight, thirst, training, urge, workout

intensely intensify

intensifyverb

verbADVERB | VERB + intensifyADVERBgreatlydramatically, rapidly, sharplyThe fighting in the area has intensified sharply.graduallyfurtherVERB + intensifyseem toThe extreme cold seemed, if anything, to intensify.tend tobe likely toserve toThe reforms served only to intensify the misery of the poorer peasants.

Intensify is used with these nouns as the subject:

competition, conflict, fighting, pain, pressure, struggle, violence

Intensify is used with these nouns as the object:

campaign, competition, effort, pressure, speculation

intensity

intensitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + intensity | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhigh, lowa band of light with high intensitymaximumfierce, greatThe sun beat down with fierce intensity.He studied the report with great intensity.emotionalpassionatesameHe was unable to play the final set with the same intensity.lightVERB + intensitydecrease, reduceincreaseThey decided to increase the intensity of the attacks.decrease in, reduce ingrow inHer headaches started to increase in intensity.vary inbring, showShe brought passionate intensity to the role.measurePREPOSITIONin intensityThe pain was growing in intensity.

intensive

intensiveadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBhighly, veryhighly intensive courses for business and professional peopleincreasingly

Intensive is used with these nouns:

agriculture, campaign, care, course, farm, farming, fieldwork, physiotherapy, programme, questioning, study, supervision, trading, training, work, workshop

intensive care

intensive carenoun

Intensive care is used before these nouns:

unit

intensively

intensivelyadv.

Intensively is used with these verbs:

cultivate, farm, rear, study

intent

intentadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, seemADVERBapparently, seeminglyclearly, obviouslyThey are clearly intent on maintaining standards.fullystillPREPOSITIONon, uponHe was intent on murder.

Intent is used with these nouns:

gaze, look

intention

intentionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + intention | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEoriginalMy original intention was to study all morning, but this turned out to be impractical.declared, statedreal, trueShe may never reveal her true intentions.firm (esp. BrE)generaldeliberatehonourable/honorable, noblebad, evilauthorialA text sometimes transcends authorial intention.VERB + intentionhaveI have no intention of changing jobs.announce, declare, stateThe senator has announced his intention to run for the presidency.The authority has announced its intention to crack down on illegal parking.knowPREPOSITIONwith a/the intention ofI went to the bank with the intention of getting some cash.intention behindThe general intention behind the project is a good one.intention byThe intention by the local authority to build 2 000 new houses is unrealistic.intention inHis intention in inviting us to dinner was to persuade us to back his project.PHRASESthe best intentions, good intentionsIt was done with the best intentions, I assure you.have every intention of doing sth, have no intention of doing sthWe have every intention of winning the next election.make your intentions clearHe didn't make his intentions clear in his letter.

intentional

intentionaladj.

Intentional is used with these nouns:

act, deception, destruction, discrimination, killing

intentionally

intentionallyadv.

Intentionally is used with these adjectives:

ambiguous, homeless, provocative, vague

Intentionally is used with these verbs:

avoid, ignore, inflict, kill, lie, mislead, promote, target, try, withhold

intently

intentlyadv.

Intently is used with these verbs:

concentrate, focus, gaze, listen, look, peer, regard, stare, study, watch

inter

interverb

Inter is used with these nouns as the object:

remains

interact

interactverb

verb1 have an effect on each other2 mix with other people1 have an effect on each otherADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBcloselydirectlyCells may interact directly with each other.physicallyThese devices allow the robot to physically interact with its environment.PREPOSITIONwithThis hormone interacts closely with other hormones in the body.

2 mix with other peopleADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBwellsociallyPREPOSITIONwithHe interacts very well with other children.

Interact is used with these nouns as the subject:

factor, molecule

interaction

interactionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | interaction + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcomplexdirectstronginformalsocialphysicalhumanface-to-face, group, two-wayclassroominteraction + NOUNprocessesthe interaction processes of chimpanzeesPREPOSITIONinteraction amongInformal interaction among employees is seen as part of the ongoing training process.interaction betweenthe complex interaction between animals and their environmentinteraction withWhat is her interaction with her boss like?interaction withininteraction within the groupPHRASESpatterns of interactionSpecific patterns of interaction in the family have been observed.

interactive

interactiveadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomeADVERBhighly, very (esp. AmE)The gaming world is very interactive.trulyfullyThe program is fully interactive.

Interactive is used with these nouns:

application, CD-ROM, display, entertainment, exercise, exhibit, feature, gallery, gambling, guide, map, marketing, media, medium, museum, quiz, show, site, system, technology, television, tutorial, version, video

inter-agency

inter-agencyadj.

Inter-agency is used with these nouns:

coordination

intercept

interceptverb

Intercept is used with these nouns as the object:

call, communication, correspondence, mail, message, missile, pass, shipment, vessel

interceptor

interceptornoun

Interceptor is used before these nouns:

interchange

interchangenoun

Interchange is used after these nouns:

data, highway, transport

interchangeable

interchangeableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seembecomeADVERBfullyalmost, virtuallyPREPOSITIONwithThese parts are fully interchangeable with those in other machines.

Interchangeable is used with these nouns:

part

interchangeably

interchangeablyadv.

Interchangeably is used with these verbs:

intercity

intercityadj.

Intercity is used with these nouns:

intercollegiate

intercollegiateadj.

Intercollegiate is used with these nouns:

athletics, sport

intercom

intercomnoun

nounintercom + VERB | intercom + NOUN | PREPOSITIONintercom + VERBbuzz, cracklesoundintercom + NOUNsystembuttonPREPOSITIONon the intercomI spoke to her on the intercom.over the intercomMr Jack's arrival was announced over the intercom.

intercontinental

intercontinentaladj.

Intercontinental is used with these nouns:

intercourse

intercoursenoun

noun1 sex2 exchange of ideas, feelings, etc.1 sexADJECTIVE | VERB + intercourse | intercourse + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEsexualheterosexual, homosexualanal, vaginalconsensual, non-consensualunlawful (esp. BrE)unprotectedVERB + intercourseengage in, have, indulge in (BrE)She never had sexual intercourse before she was married.consent toThe judge asked if she had consented to intercourse.intercourse + VERBoccur, take placeHe admitted that intercourse had taken place.PREPOSITIONduring intercourseintercourse betweenintercourse between consenting adultsintercourse withShe denied having had sexual intercourse with him.He accused her of intercourse with another man.

2 exchange of ideas, feelings, etc.ADJECTIVEADJECTIVEsocialLife is a pleasant blend of work and social intercourse.

inter-cultural

inter-culturaladj.

Inter-cultural is used with these nouns:

exchange

interdisciplinary

interdisciplinaryadj.

Interdisciplinary is used with these nouns:

approach, collaboration

interest

interestnounverb

I. noun1 desire to learn/hear more about sb/sth2 quality that attracts attention3 sth you enjoy doing/learning about4 money earned from investments5 benefits that sth has for sb6 legal right to share in profits1 desire to learn/hear more about sb/sthADJECTIVE | VERB + interest | interest + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEavid, close, considerable, consuming, deep, great, intense, keen, lively, passionate, real, strongThe police were starting to take a close interest in the company's activities.She always had a great interest in the supernatural.particular, specialgrowing, increased, increasingslightestHe's never shown the slightest interest in football.littlegeneral, widespreadcurrentworldwidesharedseriousgenuineabiding, lifelong, long-standingpassingsuddenWhy the sudden interest?renewedaddedThe CD-ROM gives the book added interest.activepoliteHe showed a polite interest in her story.personalprofessionalmediaThe event attracted a lot of media interest.sexualVERB + interesthaveevince, express, show, takeMy cousin expressed an interest in seeing where I work.feignShe feigned interest in a magazine article to avoid meeting the man's stare.losearouse, attract, awaken, catch, create, draw, drum up, excite, generate, kindle, pique, spark, stimulate, stir upA sticker on a bag caught my interest.The government failed to drum up any public interest in the referendum.A childhood trip to Europe sparked his lifelong interest in history.developWhile in prison he developed an interest in art.increasekeep, maintain, sustainThe film kept my interest throughout.The channel has failed to maintain interest in its expensive new show.reviveinterest + VERBgrowflag, waneThe children's interest began to flag after half an hour of the lesson.PREPOSITIONfor interest, out of interestI'm asking purely out of interest.with interestThey listened with interest.interest amongto stimulate interest among teachersinterest fromgrowing interest from younger membersinterest inShe took an active interest in their welfare.

2 quality that attracts attentionADJECTIVE | VERB + interest | interest + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgreatparticular, specialHer comments are of particular interest to me.littleimmediateThis information was of no immediate interest to me.broad, general, widearchitectural, artistic, historic, historical, scientificacademicSince the championship has already been decided, this game is of purely academic interest.humana plot devoid of human interestloveAngelina Jolie supplies the love interest in the movie.VERB + interestbe ofHis books are of no interest to me at all.hold noTheir conversation held no interest for me.addBushes that flower in winter will add interest to your garden.interest + VERBlie inThe interest of the painting lies in its unusual use of light.PREPOSITIONof interesta building of great architectural interest

3 sth you enjoy doing/learning aboutADJECTIVE | VERB + interestADJECTIVEdiverse, varied, wide, wide-rangingprivatesharedoutsideHe has many hobbies and outside interests.main, primaryMy main research interest is herbal medicine.artistic, musical, etc.researchVERB + interesthavesharepursueHe wanted time to pursue his many and varied musical interests.

4 money earned from investmentsADJECTIVE | VERB + interest | interest + VERB | interest + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEannual, monthly, etc.compound, simplemortgageVERB + interestearn, receivepaychargeinterest + VERBaccrue, bearinterest + NOUNratepaymentchargePREPOSITIONinterest onto pay interest on a loanPHRASESa rate of interesta mortgage with a fixed rate of interest

5 benefits that sth has for sbADJECTIVE | VERB + interest | interest + VERB | interest + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbest interest (esp. AmE), best interestsIt's not in your best interests to let your boss know you're looking for a new job.I feel it is in everyone's best interest if I step aside now.own, selfishYou can't blame them for looking after their own interests. (esp. BrE)common, mutual, sharedcompeting, conflicting, contradictorylong-term, short-termnarrowProtectionism often simply supports narrow vested interests.directLawyers have a direct financial interest in the outcome of the debate.paramount, vitalpowerfullegitimatevestedspecial (esp. AmE)The views of special-interest groups are represented.national, publicclass, sectarian, sectionalforeign, outsidecorporate, economic, financial, political, security, strategic, etc.issues of compelling strategic interestVERB + interestdefend, guard, look after (esp. BrE), protect, safeguardact in, advance, champion, further, promote, serveHe claimed to be acting in the public interest.This policy serves the interests of the United States.representact against, jeopardize, threateninterest + VERBlie in sthbe at stakeinterest + NOUNgroupVarious interest groups have expressed their opposition to the policy.PREPOSITIONagainst sb/sth's interestThe lawyer refused to act against his client's interests.contrary to sb/sth's interestThe union refused to support proposals that it saw as contrary to the interests of its members.in sb/sth's interest (esp. AmE), in sb/sth's interests (esp. BrE)Continuing such a policy is short-sighted and not in the interest of consumers.New work practices were introduced in the interests of efficiency.of interestWe met to discuss matters of common interest.out of interestHe was obviously acting purely out of selfish interest.PHRASESa conflict of interest, a conflict of interests (esp. BrE)One member of the planning committee had a conflict of interest as he lived near the proposed road.have sb's interests at heartAlthough he was sometimes too strict with his children, he had their best interests at heart.

6 legal right to share in profitsADJECTIVE | VERB + interest | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpowerfulcontrolling, majorityminorityjointbanking, business, commercial, shippingVERB + interesthaveHe has controlling interests in several ventures.sellPREPOSITIONinterest in

II. verbADVERB | VERB + interestADVERBgreatly, particularly, really, very muchIt is this aspect of the work that really interests me.VERB + interesttry toShe tried to interest the director in her plan.

Interest is used with these nouns as the object:

buyer

interest-bearing

interest-bearingadj.

Interest-bearing is used with these nouns:

Interested is used with these nouns:

interested

interestedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, feel, look, seem, soundbecome, getShe got very interested in politics.remainget sbWe need to get more young people interested in the sport.keep sbYou need to keep your audience interested.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.deeply, especially, greatly, intensely, keenly, most, particularly, passionately, seriously, terriblyIf he's seriously interested in applying for the job, he'll do it.genuinely, trulyincreasinglynot at all, not in the least, not the least bit, not remotelyHe's not in the least interested in girls.not much, not very, only halfCarrie was only half interested in the conversation.fairly, mildly, quite, vaguelyjust‘Why do you ask?’ ‘I'm just interested, that's all.’enough, sufficiently (esp. BrE)I wasn't interested enough in the argument to take sides one way or the other.chiefly, mainly, primarilylongMichael had long been interested in architecture.alwaysI am always interested in how differently people can look at the same event.stillno longerpotentiallyapparently, reportedlyclearly, obviouslyactivelyAs a landowner, he was actively interested in agricultural improvements.PREPOSITIONinShe's always been interested in other people.

participant, party, reader, spectator

interest-free

interest-freeadj.

Interest-free is used with these nouns:

credit, loan

interesting

interestingadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, look, seem, soundbecome, getproveSo far, my trip has proved interesting.make sthfind sb/sthI find her ideas really interesting.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.certainly, deeply, especially, extraordinarily, highly, immensely, incredibly, intensely, most, particularly, terribly, trulyequallydoublymildly, moderately, vaguelynot remotelyNone of them had anything remotely interesting to say.enough, sufficientlySome topics appeared interesting enough to require more detailed information.potentiallygenuinelyThis is a genuinely interesting article.inherently, in itself, intrinsicallyThis subject is intrinsically interesting and worthy of study in its own right.always, consistentlyIt was always interesting to hear his stories.architecturally, geologically, historically, sociologically, visually, etc.architecturally interesting buildingsPREPOSITIONforIt's not very interesting for visitors.toHow can we make the subject more interesting to young people?

Interesting is used with these nouns:

alternative, anecdote, angle, article, aspect, bit, book, challenge, chat, collection, combination, comment, commentary, comparison, concept, contrast, conversation, detail, dilemma, discovery, discussion, display, example, exception, exercise, experience, experiment, facet, fact, feature, fellow, film, find, finding, history, hobby, idea, implication, innovation, insight, job, lecture, lesson, look, mix, mixture, move, museum, news, note, observation, paradox, parallel, part, people, phenomenon, piece, place, point, possibility, post, programme, project, question, read, reading, reflection, scenario, selection, shape, snippet, spin, story, subject, suggestion, tale, talk, texture, thing, thought, topic, turn, twist, viewpoint, work

interest rate

interest ratenoun

Interest rate is used before these nouns:

cut, rise

interface

interfacenoun

Interface is used after these nouns:

interfaith

interfaithadj.

Interfaith is used with these nouns:

interfere

interfereverb

verbADVERB | VERB + interfere | PREPOSITIONADVERBseriouslyEmotional problems can seriously interfere with a student's work.directlyThe judge cannot interfere directly in these proceedings.constantlyWhy was he constantly interfering in her life?VERB + interferebe allowed to, have a right toThey have no right to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries.attempt to, try and, try toIf you try and interfere in my life, I'll leave.be reluctant toThe courts are reluctant to interfere in these matters.PREPOSITIONinoutsiders interfering in local politicswithYou mustn't interfere with her work.

interfere in

interfere inphr verb

Interfere in is used with these nouns as the object:

affair, industry, politics

interference

interferencenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + interference | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEundue, unwarrantedbureaucratic, federal (AmE), government, governmental, political, stateexternal, outsideVERB + interferenceavoid, eliminate, minimize, preventThe law is designed to prevent interference by local police.encountertolerateresentThey deeply resent foreign interference in their affairs.PREPOSITIONwithout interferenceI told her I wanted to make decisions without interference from her.interference inpolitical interference in the legal processinterference withinterference with proper medical procedures

interfere with

interfere withphr verb

Interfere with is used with these nouns as the object:

industry

inter-governmental

inter-governmentaladj.

Inter-governmental is used with these nouns:

conference

interim interior

interiornounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + interior | interior + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEoriginalThe original interior of the hotel has been replaced.dark, dim, gloomy, shadowyroomy, spaciousluxurious, plushVERB + interiordecorate, designredecorate, renovateinterior + NOUNdecorator, designerPREPOSITIONin the interiorThere is ample space in the interior of the car.

II. adj.

Interior is used with these nouns:

courtyard, decoration, design, designer, finish, fitting, layout, lighting, minister, monologue, paint, space, surface, volume, wall, woodwork

interlace

interlaceverb

Interlace is used with these nouns as the object:

interlude

interludenoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbriefromanticpeaceful, pleasantinstrumental, musical, orchestrala musical interlude between two the acts of the playPREPOSITIONinterlude betweena peaceful interlude between periods of intense activityinterlude inHe'd had two romantic interludes in a rather lonely life.interlude ofinterludes of calm

intermediary

intermediarynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + intermediary | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfinancialVERB + intermediaryact asPREPOSITIONthrough an intermediary, via an intermediary (esp. BrE)They were approached indirectly through an intermediary.The product is then sold to the end-user via an intermediary.intermediary betweenShe agreed to act as intermediary between the two tribes.

intermediate

intermediateadj.

Intermediate is used with these nouns:

class, course, level, phase, stage

interminable

interminableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemThe flight seemed interminable.ADVERBseeminglyFor several seemingly interminable seconds no one spoke.

Interminable is used with these nouns:

meeting, speech

intermittent

intermittentadj.

Intermittent is used with these nouns:

diarrhoea, pain, rain, shower, symptom

intern

internnoun

noun (AmE)ADJECTIVE | VERB + internADJECTIVEunpaidHe began work at the White House as an unpaid intern.summerMicrosoft came to Harvard Business School to recruit summer interns.psychology, surgery, etc.architectural, congressional, editorial, etc.pre-doctoral, undergraduatelowlyAt that time I was a lowly intern at the magazine.VERB + internhireShe hired an intern when she had too much work to handle herself.

internal

internaladj.

Internal is used with these nouns:

affair, angle, assessment, auditor, bleeding, clock, coherence, composition, conflict, consistency, contradiction, coordination, courtyard, customer, debate, diameter, disagreement, discord, dispute, dissent, division, document, door, drive, economy, enquiry, exile, faction, factor, fitting, flight, force, friction, funding, geometry, haemorrhage, inconsistency, injury, instability, integration, investigation, layout, logic, mail, market, medicine, memo, memorandum, migration, modem, monologue, motivation, organ, organization, parasite, policy, politics, promotion, quarrel, rebellion, reform, reorganization, report, review, rhyme, rivalry, security, skeleton, squabble, stability, strife, structure, struggle, surface, tariff, temperature, tension, trade, training, turmoil, unrest, use, volume, wall, wiring, workings

internally

internallyadv.

Internally is used with these adjectives:

consistent, contradictory, inconsistent

Internally is used with these verbs:

bleed

international

internationalnounadj.

I. noun

International is used after these nouns:

rugby

II. adj.

International is used with these nouns:

acclaim, accord, affair, agency, agenda, agreement, aid, airline, airport, airspace, anarchy, arbitration, arena, assistance, association, athletics, attention, audience, bank, banking, body, border, business, call, campaign, catastrophe, celebrity, centre, championship, character, charity, circuit, clientele, coalition, collaboration, collection, commerce, commission, commitment, communication, communism, community, company, competition, competitor, conference, conflict, conglomerate, congress, consensus, conspiracy, contest, context, contingent, convention, cooperation, coordination, corporation, correspondent, court, coverage, cricket, crime, crisis, cuisine, currency, customer, debt, delegation, destination, dimension, diplomacy, disarmament, dish, dispute, distribution, distributor, division, economics, economist, economy, effort, embargo, emergency, espionage, event, exhibition, expansion, expedition, expert, fame, federation, festival, finance, firm, fixture, flavour, flight, fold, following, football, footballer, force, forum, fund, funding, furore, gathering, goalkeeper, guideline, headquarters, help, hotel, importance, incident, initiative, inspection, inspector, institute, institution, intrigue, investment, investor, isolation, issue, journal, language, law, lawyer, level, market, marketing, marketplace, media, mediation, meeting, migration, movement, nature, negotiation, negotiator, news, notoriety, observer, opinion, order, organization, outcry, outlook, outrage, panel, participation, partnership, policy, politics, press, pressure, prestige, prominence, publicity, rally, realm, recession, recognition, referee, regulation, relation, repercussion, representative, reputation, reserve, respectability, restriction, rival, rivalry, rugby, rule, sale, sanction, scale, scene, scope, scrutiny, seminar, sensation, situation, soccer, socialism, solidarity, spotlight, stability, stage, standard, standing, stardom, statesman, stature, status, strategy, student, success, summit, supervision, support, team, tennis, tension, term, terminal, terrorism, terrorist, tour, tourism, tournament, track and field, trade, trader, trading, traffic, transaction, travel, traveller, treaty, trend, tribunal, troops, turmoil, understanding, uproar, visibility, visitor, water

internationally

internationallyadv.

Internationally is used with these adjectives:

celebrated, competitive, famous, important

Internationally is used with these verbs:

compete, distribute, expand, know, recognize, supervise, tour, trade

internecine

internecineadj.

Internecine is used with these nouns:

feud, strife, struggle, warfare

Internet

Internetnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + Internet | Internet + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEwirelessbroadband, high-speedcableVERB + Internetaccess, go on, navigate, useShe went on the Internet to check air fares.browse, surfHe likes watching movies, reading, and surfing the Internet.comb, scan, scour, searchThey began scouring the Internet for information about his condition.censor, regulateAttempts to regulate the Internet are usually doomed to failure.Internet + NOUNsite, websitegateway, portalbulletin board, chat roomad, magazine, radioauction, broadcast, linkThousands logged on to view the live Internet broadcast of the concert.The auction was held in Paris with an Internet link to New York.chatShe often talks to fans via live Internet chats.cafeYou can check your email at the Internet cafe in the town.address, domainRegistering an Internet domain name is now an essential part of setting up a company.access, usage, useunlimited/unmetered Internet accesssearchA quick Internet search will give you dozens of possible destinations.connectiona broadband/high-speed Internet connectionconnectivitythe challenges of providing Internet connectivity to rural communitiesbrowser, search engineprovider, service provider (abbreviated to ISP)customer, surfer, usertrafficthe laying of fast networks to carry Internet trafficbrand, groupservicesarm (esp. BrE), division, operation (BrE)the bank's Internet armentrepreneuranalyst, expertbanking, betting, dating, gambling, porn (informal), pornography, shopping, telephonyadvertising, commerce, marketingbank, business, company, firm, retailer, start-up, ventureindustry, sectorfraudsecurityeconomyfilesoftware for downloading Internet filesimagesoftwareappliance, infrastructure, serverprotocol, technologyageissues facing the music industry in the Internet ageboom, bubble, revolutionMany of the sites launched at the peak of the Internet boom have now disappeared.PREPOSITIONon the InternetMore and more people are shopping on the Internet.over the InternetIt is possible to earn a degree over the Internet.

internment

internmentnoun

Internment is used before these nouns:

internship

internshipnoun

Internship is used before these nouns:

interpersonal

interpersonaladj.

Interpersonal is used with these nouns:

communication, conflict, relation, relationship, skill, violence

interplanetary

interplanetaryadj.

Interplanetary is used with these nouns:

travel

interpret

interpretverb

verbADVERB | VERB + interpret | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBaccurately, correctly, properly, rightlyerroneously, incorrectly, mistakenly, wronglydifferentlyDifferent people might interpret events differently.clearlybroadly, liberallyThe term ‘business’ is here interpreted broadly to include all types of organization in the public and private sectors.The strictness of the rules, even when liberally interpreted, has the effect of restricting innovation.narrowly, restrictively (BrE), strictlyliterallyfaithfully (esp. AmE)judges who will faithfully interpret the Constitutioneasily, readilyThese figures cannot be easily interpreted.cautiouslyThese results must be interpreted cautiously.VERB + interpretbe difficult to, be hard tobe able to, be unable toattempt to, seek to, try toWe all seek to interpret what we hear and what we read.PREPOSITIONasHer message was interpreted as a warning to the general.PHRASESbe interpreted to mean sthThe title could be interpreted to mean ‘human intelligence’.be variously interpreted (as sth)The figure of the Ancient Mariner has been variously interpreted (= interpreted in various ways).be widely interpreted as sthHer resignation has been widely interpreted as an admission of her guilt.

Interpret is used with these nouns as the object:

constitution, data, dream, fact, finding, information, law, meaning, passage, remark, result, role, rule, scan, scripture, sign, statute, symbol, symptom, teaching, text, tone

interpretation

interpretationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + interpretation | PHRASESADJECTIVEcorrect, right, true, validerroneous, false, wrongplausible, possible, reasonablestraightforwardThe film lends itself to a fairly straightforward interpretation.simplisticliteral, narrow, strictbroad, free, generous, liberal, loose, widesubjectiveThe meaning of the incident is open to subjective interpretation.alternative, competing, conflicting, different, diverse, multipleartistichistorical, textual, theologicalfeminist historical interpretations of marriage customsBiblical, scriptural (esp. AmE)His writings reflect his conservative views on Biblical interpretation.constitutional (esp. AmE), judicial, statutoryIn any system of law, there is an inevitable element of judicial interpretation.VERB + interpretationgive sth, make, offerIn practice, this law is often given a wide interpretation by the police.Scientists made an interpretation based on the data available.be open toThe wording of this section of the contract is open to interpretation.favour/favor, supportMost modern historians support this interpretation.challenge, refute, rejectShe challenges many orthodox interpretations of religious texts.defy, preclude, resistHis work defies simplistic interpretation.PHRASESput an interpretation on sthIt is possible to put an entirely different interpretation on her comments.

interpreter

interpreternoun

nounVERB + interpreter | PREPOSITIONVERB + interpreteract asspeak throughSpeaking through an interpreter, a Japanese fisherman gave his account of the tidal wave.PREPOSITIONinterpreter forSusan acted as interpreter for us.

interracial

interracialadj.

Interracial is used with these nouns:

couple, marriage, romance

interrelated

interrelatedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeADVERBcloselyThe two problems are closely interrelated.PREPOSITIONwithFeminist ideas are interrelated with philosophical ideas.

interrogate

interrogateverb

Interrogate is used with these nouns as the object:

suspect, witness

interrogation

interrogationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + interrogation | interrogation + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpolicefurthercoercive (esp. AmE)They have been subject to coercive interrogations without access to lawyers.lengthyShe had to undergo a lengthy interrogation.VERB + interrogationconductThe interrogation was conducted by senior police officers.undergoHe had been captured and was undergoing interrogation.interrogation + NOUNcell, roommethods, procedures, tactics, techniquesPREPOSITIONduring interrogationShe revealed the name of her accomplice during interrogation.under interrogationUnder interrogation, he refused to say anything at first.

interrogative

interrogativeadj.

Interrogative is used with these nouns:

adverb, pronoun

interrupt

interruptverb

verbADVERB | VERB + interrupt | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBimpatientlyrudelyWhat was I saying, before we were so rudely interrupted?angrily, harshly, sharply‘Don't talk like that!’ he interrupted harshly.violentlyTheir luncheon was violently interrupted by gunfire.hastily, quickly‘He's kidding,’ I interrupted hastily.abruptly, suddenlytemporarilyconstantly, frequently, repeatedlyThe morning's work was constantly interrupted by phone calls.occasionally, periodicallyVERB + interruptbe sorry toI'm sorry to interrupt, but there's a telephone call for you.(not) dare (to)It was all irrelevant, but I didn't dare interrupt him in mid-flow.PREPOSITIONwithI thought it better not to interrupt her with any comment.PHRASESget interruptedI didn't manage to finish the report. I kept getting interrupted.

Interrupt is used with these nouns as the subject:

Interrupt is used with these nouns as the object:

class, conversation, flow, narrative, schedule, silence, sleep, thought, train

interruption

interruptionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + interruption | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEunwelcomerudeHe began again, obviously annoyed at this rude interruption.suddenbrief, short, temporaryThe game continued after a short interruption because of rain.constant, frequent, repeatedI found it hard to work with all the noise and constant interruptions.occasionalVERB + interruptionignoreHe ignored her interruption and carried on talking.PREPOSITIONwithout interruptionCan I please have this conversation on the phone without interruptions?I managed to work for two hours without interruption.interruption fromHe continued speaking despite regular interruptions from the audience.interruption toThe birth of her son was a minor interruption to her career.PHRASESexcuse the interruption, pardon the interruptionExcuse the interruption, but can I borrow Jenny for a moment?

intersection

intersectionnoun

Intersection is used after these nouns:

inter-service

inter-serviceadj.

Inter-service is used with these nouns:

rivalry

interstate

interstatenounadj.

I. noun (in the US) See also freeway, highway, motorwayADJECTIVE | VERB + interstate | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEmajorbusyVERB + interstatetakeYou can take Interstate 10 all the way into Baton Rouge.get onget off, pull offPREPOSITIONalong a/the interstate, down a/the interstateWe were driving down the interstate.on a/the interstatean eleven-car pile-up on the interstate

II. adj.

Interstate is used with these nouns:

commerce, conflict, highway, trade, traffic, transportation

interstellar

interstellaradj.

Interstellar is used with these nouns:

travel

intertwine

intertwineverb

Intertwine is used with these nouns as the object:

intertwined

intertwinedadj.

Intertwined is used with these nouns:

Intervene is used with these nouns as the subject:

interval

intervalnoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbrief, shortShe ruled for ten years, except for a brief interval.long, wideYou are advised to leave a wide interval before you have your next child.10-minute, six month, three-year, etc.Try setting your automatic email checker to 30-minute intervals.fixed, specifiedthe amount of oxygen used by the muscles during a specified intervaldecentAfter a decent interval she made her new relationship public.timeThey will be interviewed again after an appropriate time interval has elapsed.PREPOSITIONat intervalsAt intervals a bell rings and workers stop for a drink.in the intervalPolling day was a week away and Baldwin made two speeches in the interval.interval betweenThe intervals between his various illnesses grew shorter and shorter.PHRASESat fixed, periodic, regular, etc. intervalsTrains run at fixed intervals.He returned home during the day at regular intervals.at irregular intervals, at random intervalsThe accounts were updated at irregular intervals.at hourly, weekly, monthly, etc. intervalsMeetings are held at monthly intervals.

intervene

interveneverb

verbADVERB | VERB + intervene | PREPOSITIONADVERBactively, directlypersonallyThe President intervened personally in the crisis.decisivelyGovernment often intervenes decisively in major professional issues in medicine.effectively, successfullyforcefully, militarilyIntervening militarily will not bring peace.tactfullyVERB + intervenebe forced to, have toEventually, the army was forced to intervene.be powerless to (esp. BrE)Local people feel strongly about the proposed development but are virtually powerless to intervene.be able to, have the ability to, have the power to, have the right toOur government has no right to intervene.be prepared to, be ready toNurses should be ready to intervene on behalf of their patients.be reluctant torefuse toThe UN refused to intervene.PREPOSITIONagainstThey would not intervene against the rebels themselves.betweenShe went over to intervene between the two men.inShe was reluctant to intervene in what was essentially a private dispute.on behalf ofThe ambassador intervened personally on behalf of the children.withattempts to intervene with the authorities on the prisoners' behalf

fate, minister, president

intervene in

intervene inphr verb

Intervene in is used with these nouns as the subject:

minister, president

Intervene in is used with these nouns as the object:

politics

intervening

interveningadj.

Intervening is used with these nouns:

decade, month, period, year

intervention

interventionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + intervention | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEactive, directdirect intervention to stop abuses of the environmentdecisiveearly, immediate, timelyA full-scale riot was prevented by the timely intervention of the police.effective, successfullimitedpersonalthe Emperor's personal interventionfederal, government, governmental, stateHe has made repeated calls for government intervention to save the steel industry.external, foreign, outsidearmed, militaryWe would resist any armed intervention from outside in our country's affairs.humanitarianThis is not a humanitarian intervention, it is a brutal invasion.policejudicial, legalclinical, medical, surgicalbehavioural/behavioral, psychologicaleducationaleconomic, political, socialdivine, supernaturalThe victory was seen as the direct result of divine intervention.human, manualThe automatic process can be completed with very little manual intervention.VERB + interventionmaketo make a forceful intervention in a disputecall for, demand, favour/favorThe public demanded active intervention.oppose, resistWe will always resist foreign intervention in our country.justify, require, warrantThe threat does not justify government intervention.PREPOSITIONintervention againstarmed intervention against the rebelsintervention byintervention by a senior judgeintervention fromHe was furious at this intervention from the press.intervention inthe government's intervention in the disputeintervention on behalf ofstate intervention on behalf of the industryPHRASESpowers of intervention, the right of intervention (both esp. BrE)It was necessary to exercise her ministerial powers of intervention in order to protect the public.He claimed that the state has a special right of intervention in company affairs.

interventionary

interventionaryadj.

Interventionary is used with these nouns:

Interview is used with these nouns as the subject:

interview

interviewnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + interview | interview + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEface-to-face, in-person (AmE), one-on-one (esp. AmE), one-to-one (BrE), personalphone (esp. BrE), telephoneTelephone interviews with over 400 businesses picked up high rates of satisfaction.groupextensive, in-depth, lengthybrieffollow-up, secondpolicea police interview with suspected terroristsmagazine, media, newspaper, press, radio, televisionexclusiveWe have an exclusive interview with the director of the movie.liveHe did a live interview on the CBC News Morning show.jobI have a job interview tomorrow.VERB + interviewcarry out, conduct, do, holdThe survey team carried out over 200 interviews with retired people.arrange, scheduleThe company contacted her to arrange an interview.requestA journalist called requesting an interview.scheduledo, give (sb), grant (sb)He's a very private man and rarely does interviews.attend, be called for, haveShe's been called for an interview for the manager's job.air, broadcast, publishThe interview was published in all the papers.featureThis month we feature an interview with Nicole Kidman.audiotape, record, tape, videotape (esp. AmE)She taped an interview to appear the following day on ‘CBS Sunday Morning’.All police interviews are recorded and transcribed.interview + NOUNroompanel (esp. BrE)techniquesprocedure, processThe questions are the central point of the whole interview procedure.questionPrepare answers to possible interview questions.footageThe documentary combines interview footage and clips from his films.clip, segment, snippet (all esp. AmE)transcriptrequestI get a lot of interview requests from journalists.PREPOSITIONin an/the interviewHe said in an interview that he wanted to get married.interview aboutHe gave the paper an interview about his musical tastes.interview betweenan interview between the French Foreign Minister and the President of Egyptinterview foran interview for the post of sales managerinterview withHe had an interview with IBM.an interview with the Vietnamese leaderPHRASESa round of interviewsWe're about to start the second round of interviews for the post.

II. verb

journalist, police

Interview is used with these nouns as the object:

applicant, candidate, participant, survivor, suspect, witness

interviewer

interviewernoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + interviewer | interviewer + VERBADJECTIVEexperienced, good, skilled, trainedA skilled interviewer will help candidates feel relaxed.radio, television, TVVERB + interviewertellShe once told an interviewer, ‘A dancer's life is very hard’.interviewer + VERBask (sth)Interviewers rarely ask about his personal life.

interview for

interview forphr verb

Interview for is used with these nouns as the object:

interviewing

interviewingnoun

Interviewing is used before these nouns:

panel

inter-war

inter-waradj.

Inter-war is used with these nouns:

period, year

intestinal

intestinaladj.

Intestinal is used with these nouns:

inflammation, parasite, tissue

intestine

intestinenoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElarge, smalllower, upperPREPOSITIONalong the intestine, in the intestine, through the intestinebacteria in the small intestinePHRASESthe wall of the intestine

intimacy

intimacynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + intimacy | intimacy + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgenuine, real, trueclose, deep, greatemotional, physical, sexualVERB + intimacybe capable ofShe isn't capable of real intimacy.achieve, experiencethe artist's ability to achieve intimacy with his subjectsenjoy (formal)He enjoys an intimacy with the president.create, foster, promotedevelopGradually, a deep emotional intimacy developed between them.intimacy + VERBdevelopPREPOSITIONintimacy betweenthe intimacy created between student and teacherintimacy withA writer must develop an intimacy with the subject at hand.PHRASESfear of intimacyHe was prevented from declaring his love by his fear of intimacy.a feeling of intimacy, a sense of intimacyThe room had a peaceful sense of intimacy about it.

intimate intimately

intimatelyadv.

Intimately is used with these adjectives:

acquainted, bound, concerned, familiar, involved, related

Intimately is used with these verbs:

connect, link, tie

intimidate

intimidateverb

verbADVERB | VERB + intimidate | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBphysically, psychologicallyDissidents were physically intimidated, threatened, and harshly interrogated.VERB + intimidatetry toPREPOSITIONintoThe police had tried to intimidate him into signing a confession.PHRASESan attempt to intimidate sb, an effort to intimidate sbbe easily intimidatedHe was not a man to be easily intimidated.feel intimidatedShe did not feel intimidated by him.

Intimidate is used with these nouns as the object:

press, witness

intimidate into

intimidate intophr verb

Intimidate into is used with these nouns as the object:

intimidating

intimidatingadj.

Intimidating is used with these nouns:

presence

intimidation

intimidationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + intimidation | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEphysical, psychological, verbalvoterThere were signs of voting fraud and voter intimidation.VERB + intimidationbe subject(ed) to (esp. BrE), face, suffer (BrE)Workers were subjected to intimidation as they crossed the picket line.PREPOSITIONintimidation againstintimidation against trade unionsintimidation byWorkers continue to enter the plant despite intimidation by mass pickets.intimidation fromfear of intimidation from paramilitary organizationsPHRASESan act of intimidationa campaign of intimidation

intolerable

intolerableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, prove, seembecomemake sthThe constant pain made her life intolerable.consider sth, find sthI find his rudeness intolerable.ADVERBabsolutely, quite (both esp. BrE)increasingly (esp. BrE)almostThe job placed almost intolerable pressure on her.PREPOSITIONtoThe situation had become intolerable to him.

intolerance

intolerancenoun

noun1 lack of tolerance2 inability to digest certain substances1 lack of toleranceADJECTIVE | VERB + intolerance | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEracial, religiousVERB + intolerancedisplay, showpreachWe need to root out those who preach intolerance and hate.PREPOSITIONintolerance ofThe town began to show increasing intolerance of immigrants.intolerance tothe professor's intolerance to any views other than his ownintolerance towards/towardthe intolerance of local residents towards/toward refugees

2 inability to digest certain substancesADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfoodglucose, lactose, etc.PREPOSITIONintolerance oftheologians who wish to justify intolerance of homosexualityintolerance toan intolerance to milk products

intolerant

intolerantadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highlyPREPOSITIONofThey are deeply intolerant of all opposition.

intonation

intonationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | intonation + NOUNADJECTIVEfalling, flat, risingthe rising intonation at the end of spoken questionsintonation + NOUNpattern

intone

intoneverb

Intone is used with these nouns as the object:

intramuscular

intramuscularadj.

Intramuscular is used with these nouns:

injection

intransitive

intransitiveadj.

Intransitive is used with these nouns:

intravenous

intravenousadj.

Intravenous is used with these nouns:

administration, drip, fluid, injection

intrepid

intrepidadj.

Intrepid is used with these nouns:

explorer, hero, reporter, traveller

intricacy

intricacynoun

nounVERB + intricacy | PHRASESVERB + intricacycomprehend, grasp, learn, master, understand, unravelI've never mastered the intricacies of ballroom dancing.PHRASESguide, lead, steer, etc. sb through the intricacies of sthWe can guide investors through the intricacies of the cable industry.

intricate

intricateadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.amazingly, highly, incredibly, wonderfullyan amazingly intricate structurequite

Intricate is used with these nouns:

design, detail, maze, network, pattern, rhythm, system, web, workings

intricately

intricatelyadv.

Intricately is used with these adjectives:

carved, patterned, woven

Intricately is used with these verbs:

decorate, design, link, weave

intrigue

intriguenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + intrigue | intrigue + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEinternational, politicalcourta tale of treachery and court intrigueVERB + intrigueengage inintrigue + VERBsurround sb/sthIntrigue surrounds a woman who walked into a police station having lost her memory.PREPOSITIONintrigue againstThe prime minister engaged in political intrigues against the king.PHRASESa web of intrigue

II. verb

Intrigue is used with these nouns as the object:

Intriguing is used with these nouns:

intriguing

intriguingadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, soundIt all sounds very intriguing.find sthI found the story rather intriguing.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highly, most, particularly

aspect, example, glimpse, mix, mixture, mystery, possibility, prospect, story, suggestion, thought, twist

intrinsic

intrinsicadj.

Intrinsic is used with these nouns:

aptitude, character, evil, factor, importance, limitation, meaning, merit, motivation, nature, part, property, quality, value, weakness

intrinsically

intrinsicallyadv.

Intrinsically is used with these adjectives:

evil, harmful, immoral, interesting, rewarding, safe, superior, valuable, valueless

Intrinsically is used with these verbs:

Introduce is used with these nouns as the subject:

introduce

introduceverb

verb1 tell people sb's name2 start using/doing sth for the first time1 tell people sb's nameADVERB | VERB + introduce | PREPOSITIONADVERBformally, properlyWe have met before, but we haven't been formally introduced.brieflyI briefly introduced him to my parents.VERB + introduceallow me to, can, let me, mayLet me introduce myself.May I introduce my wife, Sarah?PREPOSITIONasHe introduced me as a new member of the company.toShe introduced me to her friends.

2 start using/doing sth for the first timeADVERB | VERB + introduce | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBrecentlyThey recently introduced a yogurt drink into the market.first, initially, originallyPsychologists first introduced the term in the early 1990s.gradually, slowlyquickly, rapidlyAfter coming to power, he quickly introduced land reform.accidentally, inadvertentlydiseases inadvertently introduced to the area by settlersVERB + introduceintend to, plan to, want toThe local authority plans to introduce new regulations on parking.attempt to, try toShe attempted in vain to introduce some order into the classroom.PREPOSITIONintoNew technology is rapidly being introduced into factories.PHRASESnewly introduced, recently introducedThese measures have only been recently introduced.

government, settler

Introduce is used with these nouns as the object:

act, amendment, ban, bill, boycott, change, character, charge, competition, concept, conscription, control, curb, element, error, fare, flexibility, health service, idea, initiative, innovation, law, legislation, measure, modification, motion, mutation, note, penalty, policy, practice, product, quota, rationing, rebate, refinement, reform, regulation, resolution, restriction, safeguard, scheme, slavery, system, tariff, tax, technique, technology, term, theme, uncertainty, version

introduce into

introduce intophr verb

Introduce into is used with these nouns as the object:

curriculum, parliament

introduction

introductionnoun

noun1 first use2 first part of a book/talk/performance3 book for studying a subject4 telling people each other's names1 first useADJECTIVE | VERB + introduction | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEearly, gradual, recent, widespreadaccidentalthe accidental introduction of species into new environmentsVERB + introductiondelayThe testing process delayed the introduction of the drug by at least a year.accelerate, facilitateMore liberal policies have facilitated the introduction of new technologies.announceThat year, IBM announced the introduction of its first personal computer.PREPOSITIONintroduction intothe gradual introduction of modern farming methods into traditional societies

2 first part of a book/talk/performanceADJECTIVE | VERB + introduction | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbrief, shortHe began with a brief introduction.lengthyAfter a lengthy musical introduction, the dancers finally appear.VERB + introductionwriteShe wrote the introduction to his collected letters.feature, includeHer book features an introduction by French actress Catherine Deneuve.skipLet's skip the introduction and get straight down to the facts.PREPOSITIONin an/the introductionHis mother is mentioned in the introduction.introduction tothe introduction to her latest book

3 book for studying a subjectADJECTIVE | VERB + introduction | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEexcellent, helpful, informative, usefulIt serves as an excellent introduction to 19th-century painting.comprehensive, thoroughThis collection provides a comprehensive introduction to his ideas.generalIf you are looking for a general introduction, this volume will be sufficient.conciseThe book can be used as a concise introduction by developers new to the field.accessible, readableVERB + introductionoffer, provideTogether, these two books offer the best possible introduction to the sport.writeHe has written the best available introduction to Stravinsky's music.PREPOSITIONintroduction toan introduction to computer programming

4 telling people each other's namesADJECTIVE | VERB + introduction | PHRASESADJECTIVEformal, properI never gave you a proper introduction to my friends.VERB + introductiondo, give sb, makeI can never remember names, so I don't like to make the introductions.PHRASESa letter of introductionHe gave me a letter of introduction to the manager.need no introductionFor those of us in our forties, McNamara needs no introduction.

introductory

introductoryadj.

Introductory is used with these nouns:

chapter, class, course, lecture, meeting, note, offer, page, paragraph, remark, talk, text, textbook, workshop

introspective

introspectiveadj.

Introspective is used with these nouns:

lyrics, mood

intrude on

intrude onphr verb

Intrude on is used with these nouns as the object:

privacy

intruder

intrudernoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + intruder | intruder + VERB | intruder + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEunwanted, unwelcomemaskedVERB + intruderapprehend, catchdetect, disturb (BrE), findHe found a masked intruder in the kitchen.chase away, deter, discourage, keep away, keep outDogs can deter unwelcome intruders.tackle (BrE)He was stabbed when he tackled an intruder armed with a knife.repelStaff were instructed to repel intruders with physical force, if need be.intruder + VERBbreak into, force their way into (esp. BrE)Intruders had forced their way into the house.intruder + NOUNalarm, alertPREPOSITIONagainst intruderssecurity measures against intruders

intrusion

intrusionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + intrusion | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgovernment, governmental, media, pressThis is a governmental intrusion on the freedom of the press.unnecessary, unwanted, unwarranted, unwelcomesuddenHe leapt back in shock at this sudden intrusion.VERB + intrusionresentPREPOSITIONintrusion inI really resented his intrusion in a family matter.intrusion intomedia intrusion into the lives of celebritiesintrusion on, intrusion uponan unwarranted intrusion upon the singer's privacyPHRASESforgive my/the intrusion, pardon my/the intrusionForgive my intrusion, but I need to speak with you urgently.

intrusive

intrusiveadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, prove, seembecomefind sthADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.excessively, overly (esp. AmE), unnecessarilyMany feel that advertising on the Internet has become overly intrusive.increasinglyvisually (BrE)The proposed building would be visually intrusive.

Intrusive is used with these nouns:

thought

intuition

intuitionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF INTUITION | VERB + intuition | intuition + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfemale, feminine, woman's, women'sHer feminine intuition told her that he was unhappy.moral (philosophy)There is a moral intuition that the better-off should give to the worse-off.pureMost business decisions are guided by pure intuition.… OF INTUITIONflashIt came upon him in a flash of intuition.VERB + intuitionhaveShe had an intuition that her mother wasn't very well.rely on, trust, useShe learned to trust her intuitions about other people's motives.intuition + VERBsuggest sth, tell sb sthIntuition told me we were going in the wrong direction.PREPOSITIONby intuitionBy intuition, he sensed what was wrong.intuition aboutan intuition about where to find wild strawberriesintuition behindthe intuition behind her theory

intuitive

intuitiveadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highlya highly intuitive thinkerpurely

Intuitive is used with these nouns:

awareness, grasp, judgement, leap, sense, understanding

intuitively

intuitivelyadv.

Intuitively is used with these adjectives:

obvious, plausible

Intuitively is used with these verbs:

sense, understand

Inuit

Inuitnoun

Inuit is used before these nouns:

legend

inundate

inundateverb

Inundate is used with these nouns as the subject:

flood

invade

invadeverb

Invade is used with these nouns as the subject:

alien, army, troops

Invade is used with these nouns as the object:

country, dream, mind, neighbour, pitch, privacy, territory, turf

invading

invadingadj.

Invading is used with these nouns:

Invalid is used with these nouns:

invalid

invalidadj.

adj.ADVERB | VERBSADVERBscientifically, statistically, technicallyVERBSbebecomemake sth, render sthThis action would render the agreement invalid.consider sth, declare sth, deem sthThe contract was declared invalid.

invalidity

invaliditynoun

Invalidity is used before these nouns:

pension

invaluable

invaluableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, provebecomeremainmake sb/sthHis knowledge of the area made him invaluable.find sthYou will find their help absolutely invaluable.ADVERBabsolutelyPREPOSITIONforThis technology is invaluable for students with poor sight.toYour support has been invaluable to us.

Invaluable is used with these nouns:

asset, assistance, contribution, experience, guide, help, information, insight, resource, service, source, tool

invariably

invariablyadv.

Invariably is used with these adjectives:

fatal

Invariably is used with these verbs:

invasion

invasionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + invasion | invasion + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEfull-scalemilitaryLatest reports are of a full-scale military invasion.amphibious, ground, landimminent, impending, plannedForces were massing on the border for an imminent invasion.unilateral, unprovokedWe cannot accept the unprovoked invasion of a sovereign nation.home (AmE)Robberies and home invasions are grim facts of daily life.VERB + invasioncarry out, launch, mountrepel, repulsecounter, oppose, resistjustify, supportinvasion + NOUNfleet, forcePHRASESan invasion of privacyHaving those photographers in the house was a terrible invasion of privacy.fear of invasion, a threat of invasion

invasive

invasiveadj.

Invasive is used with these nouns:

procedure, species, surgery

invent

inventverb

verbADVERB | PHRASESADVERBpractically, virtuallyHe practically invented the modern stand-up comedy act.single-handedlyPepys single-handedly invented the diary as a literary form.PHRASESnewly inventedthe newly invented automatic rifle

Invent is used with these nouns as the object:

alibi, category, character, code, concept, excuse, gadget, game, instrument, machine, method, myth, pretext, slogan, term, way, word

invention

inventionnoun

noun1 new thing2 untrue story1 new thingADJECTIVE | VERB + inventionADJECTIVElatest, newmodern, newfangledbrilliant, ingenious, wonderfulpatentedculinary, linguistic, technological, etc.He dedicated many of his culinary inventions to famous people.VERB + inventioncome up with, designlicense, patent, registerHe failed to patent his invention and never made any money from it.commercialize, marketThe two friends started a company to market their invention.

2 untrue storyADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEpureMost of what he says is pure invention!PHRASESpower of invention, powers of inventionHis powers of invention are somewhat limited.

inventive

inventiveadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.brilliantly, endlessly, highly, wildly, wonderfully

inventory

inventorynoun

noun1 written list2 (AmE) available stock1 written listADJECTIVE | VERB + inventory | inventory + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcomplete, comprehensive, detailed, fullVERB + inventorycompile, complete, conduct, draw up, make, produce, takeDisaster response teams are completing an inventory of damaged facilities.The manager is compiling an inventory of all the hotel furniture.list sth in, list sth onThe painting is listed in an inventory of his complete works.inventory + VERBlist sthThe inventory lists many rare items.PREPOSITIONin an/the inventoryThere were no forks in the inventory.on an/the inventoryThat lamp isn't listed on the inventory.

2 (AmE) available stockADJECTIVE | VERB + inventory | inventory + NOUNADJECTIVEexcess, surplus, unsoldHotel chains often cut prices in order to sell excess inventory.VERB + inventorystockThe store wanted to offer more items but stock less inventory.replenishliquidate, selldeplete, pare, reduce, slashCompanies have slashed inventories and cut back investment.be low on, run low ona business that is low on inventorymanageinventory + NOUNcontrol, management

inverse

inverseadj.

Inverse is used with these nouns:

correlation, proportion, relationship

inversely

inverselyadv.

Inversely is used with these adjectives:

proportional, related

Inversely is used with these verbs:

correlate, vary

inverted

invertedadj.

Inverted is used with these nouns:

snobbery, triangle

invest

investverb

verbADVERB | VERB + invest | PREPOSITIONADVERBaggressively, heavilyThe company invested heavily in new technology.directlyIf you invest directly in the stock market potential profits are greater, but so are potential losses.personallyHe personally invested $980 000 in the company.safely, wiselyabroad, overseasVERB + investbe willing toAre you willing to invest the time and effort necessary to make the plan work?look to, plan to, seek toinvestors looking to invest in US companiesdecide torush toWhen exchange controls were lifted, Swedes rushed to invest overseas.fail toThe industry has failed to invest in new product development.PREPOSITIONforYou need to think about investing for your retirement.inencouragement to invest in pension plans

Invest is used with these nouns as the object:

capital, effort, energy, fund, money, proceeds, saving, sum

investigate

investigateverb

verbADVERB | VERB + investigate | PREPOSITIONADVERBcarefully, closely, in detailextensivelyadequately, fully, properly, thoroughlyThe allegations have not yet been properly investigated.actively, vigorouslyHe claimed the Army had failed to vigorously investigate the case.empirically, experimentally, rigorously, scientificallyfurtherVERB + investigateask sb to, be called in toPolice have been called in to investigate the complaints.decide toagree to, pledge to (esp. BrE), promise toThe company has promised to investigate claims that its products are unsafe.aim to, be designed to, seek toPREPOSITIONforHe is being investigated for illegal business dealings.

Investigate is used with these nouns as the subject:

detective, enquiry, journalist, jury, officer, panel, police, prosecutor, research, researcher, study

Investigate is used with these nouns as the object:

abuse, affair, allegation, aspect, case, cause, charge, claim, complaint, corruption, crime, death, disappearance, distribution, effect, effectiveness, extent, feasibility, impact, incidence, incident, influence, irregularity, link, matter, mechanism, misuse, murder, nature, origin, phenomenon, possibility, problem, relationship, report, role, scandal, sighting, subject, utility, validity, violation, workings

investigating

investigatingadj.

Investigating is used with these nouns:

commission, committee, magistrate, officer

investigation

investigationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + investigation | investigation + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcareful, close, detailedextensiveThe authorities conducted an extensive investigation into his tax affairs.full, in-depth, thoroughpreliminaryAfter conducting preliminary investigations, government lawyers will set out areas of concern.ongoingThe ongoing investigation has led to numerous intelligence leads.criminal, homicide (AmE), murder, policecongressional, federal, governmentinternalThe board of directors commissioned its own internal investigation.independentempirical, scientificVERB + investigationcarry out, conduct, pursue, undertakePolice are still pursuing their investigations.initiate, launch, ordercall for, demandHe called for investigation into the hospital's management.head, lead, overseecompletedeserve, merit, require, warrantThese claims certainly warrant further investigation.impede, obstructHe was on trial for allegedly obstructing an investigation into the bank's dealings.investigation + VERBdemonstrate sth, reveal sth, show sth, uncover sthCloser investigation showed a flaw in this theory.conclude, show, suggestAn official investigation concluded that 9 000 people were killed or went missing during that period.PREPOSITIONon investigationOn investigation, the noise turned out to be only a door banging.under investigationThe singer is currently under investigation for possessing illegal drugs.investigation intoPolice have launched an investigation into the allegations.PHRASESthe subject of an investigationThe matter is the subject of a police investigation, and we cannot comment.

investigative

investigativeadj.

Investigative is used with these nouns:

commission, journalism, journalist, report, reporter, tool, work

investigator

investigatornoun

Investigator is used after these nouns:

arson, police

invest in

invest inphr verb

Invest in is used with these nouns as the subject:

Invest in is used with these nouns as the object:

bond, enterprise, future, property, share, stock, technology, trust

investment

investmentnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF INVESTMENT | VERB + investment | investment + VERB | investment + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEexcellent, good, productive, profitable, sound, successful, wise, worthwhilebad, poorHe lost a lot of money through poor investments.high-risk, risky, speculativesafeconsiderable, enormous, great, heavy, hefty (esp. AmE), high, huge, large, large-scale, major, massive, significant, sizeable, substantialThe president has called for massive investment to rebuild the country's economy.low, minimal, modest, smallinadequateThe country's infrastructure is crumbling because of inadequate investment.maximum, minimumadditional, extra, furthergross, netoverallnewnecessarystrategicdirectdomestic, localcross-border, foreign, international, inward (esp. BrE), offshore, outside, overseaslong-term, short-terminitial, original, upfrontan initial investment of $5 millionproperty (esp. BrE), real estate (AmE), share (esp. BrE), stock (esp. AmE), stock-marketHe was making a living from his real estate investments.capital, equity, financialbusiness, industrial, infrastructural, infrastructure, manufacturingfederal, government, public, public-sector (esp. BrE), statecorporate, institutionalprivate, private-sectorprivate investment in the health servicepersonalI had made a personal investment in time and energy.emotional, parentalparents' emotional investment in their children… OF INVESTMENTflow, level, rateVERB + investmentmakeattract, boost, encourage, promote, spur, stimulatea business plan to encourage new investmentdiscourageincreasecutrecoup, recoverIt took two years before I recouped my investment.realizeShe felt the time was right to realize her investment, and sold all her shares.spreadWhen buying shares, it's wise to spread your investment over several companies.protectinvestment + VERBincrease, rise, soar, surgedecline, fallreturn, yieldMy investment yielded almost 20% annually.investment + NOUNaccount, fund, trustportfolioBonds should be part of your investment portfolio.levels, ratesinadequate investment levelsflowInvestment flows dropped sharply and the region's growth halted.plan, scheme (BrE)strategyShe sees art as a long-term investment strategy.opportunityWe can help you identify investment opportunities.decisionincomeInvestment income is subject to different tax rules.bank, company, firm, trustadviser, analyst, banker, manager, professionalPREPOSITIONas an investmentI don't really like modern art but I bought it as an investment.investment frominvestment from American pension fundsinvestment ininvestment in local industryPHRASESa loss on an investmentlosses made on investments in stocks and bondsa profit on an investment, a return on an investmentI'm hoping for a good return on my investment.

investor

investornoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + investor | investor + VERB | investor + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, large, majorlong-termaverage, ordinary, smallMany ordinary investors stand to lose money in this affair.potential, prospective, would-be (esp. BrE)business, institutionalangel (= a private individual who invests money in a new business), individual, private, retailcanny (BrE), savvy (esp. AmE), sophisticatedcautious, risk-aversenovicewealthydomestic, localforeign, international, inward (BrE), outside, overseasbond, equity, mutual-fund (AmE), stockVERB + investorattract, encourage, lureA stable company is more likely to attract potential investors.advise, warnThey advise investors where to put their money.convince, reassureThey announced budget cuts which they hoped would reassure investors.deter, scare, scare away, scare off, worryCurrent government policies may worry overseas investors.defraudprotectinvestor + VERBbuy sth, invest in sthInvestors will be able to buy the shares from next week.flock to sth (esp. AmE), pile into sth (esp. BrE), rush into sth, rush to sthInvestors have been flocking to the region because of high bank rates.sell sthbe interested in sthThis is an excellent deal for investors who are interested in smaller companies.reactIn this battle for brand leadership, how investors react is important.investor + NOUNconfidencethe need to restore investor confidencesentimentInvestor sentiment was running against corporate America.protectionPREPOSITIONinvestor ininvestors in plantation forestry

investor-owned

investor-ownedadj.

Investor-owned is used with these nouns:

utility

inveterate

inveterateadj.

Inveterate is used with these nouns:

gambler, traveller

invidious

invidiousadj.

Invidious is used with these nouns:

invigilate

invigilateverb

Invigilate is used with these nouns as the object:

Invisible is used with these nouns:

invincible

invincibleadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, look, seembecomemake sbIt is a secret weapon that will make us invincible.ADVERBalmost, nearly, practically, virtuallyseemingly

invisible

invisibleadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecomeremainmake sb/sth, render sb/sthHe wished that he could make himself invisible.It's interesting how women are rendered invisible in these statistics.ADVERBcompletely, totallyalmost, nearly, practically, virtuallylargelyeffectivelyPREPOSITIONtoInfrared light is invisible to the human eye.

barrier, enemy, fence, force, hand, ink

invitation

invitationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + invitation | invitation + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEkindformalopen, standingWe have an open invitation to use their weekend home whenever we like.An unlocked door is an open invitation to any burglar. (figurative)personalspecialdinner, party, shower (AmE), weddingI got a baby shower invitation from a friend.VERB + invitationget, have, receiveaccept, take sb up on, take upWe'd love to to take up your invitation to visit you some time.decline (formal), refuse, turn downI must sadly decline your generous invitation.extend (formal), give (sb), issue, send, send outinvitation + NOUNlist (esp. AmE)I'm on the invitation list.cardPREPOSITIONat sb's invitationHe is here to give a concert at the invitation of the association.by invitationMembership of the club is by invitation only.invitation fromWe got a wedding invitation from Laura and Jennifer.invitation toHave you received your invitation to the exhibition?The head extended an invitation to all parents to come and see the school.

invite

inviteverb

verb1 ask sb to do sth2 encourage sth1 ask sb to do sthADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBformally, officiallycordially, graciously (esp. AmE), kindly, warmlyYou are cordially invited to attend the annual parish meeting.She very kindly invited me to lunch.personallyalong, around, back, in, out, over, round (esp. BrE)They've invited us over for a drink.PREPOSITIONintoI was never invited into the house.forLet's invite them all for dinner.toThank you for inviting me to the meeting.

2 encourage sthADVERB | VERB + inviteADVERBpositively (esp. BrE)The hype surrounding the event positively invited criticism.practically (esp. AmE)VERB + inviteseem toThe movie seems to invite comparison with ‘The Italian Job’.

Invite is used with these nouns as the object:

application, bid, comment, comparison, confidence, criticism, disaster, guest, neighbour, nomination, participation, reading, reflection, retaliation, ridicule, speaker, speculation, suspicion, tender

invited

invitedadj.

Invited is used with these nouns:

guest, speaker

invite to

invite tophr verb

Invite to is used with these nouns as the object:

party, reception, wedding

inviting

invitingadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, look, soundADVERBveryIt was hot and the sea looked very inviting.especially (esp. AmE), particularlyquitenot particularlyThe house, with its boarded-up windows, was not particularly inviting.

invoice

invoicenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + invoice | invoice + NOUNADJECTIVEoutstanding, unpaidImmediate payment of the outstanding invoices was requested in a letter.paidoriginal (esp. BrE)final (esp. BrE)Please pay the final invoice within two weeks.VAT (BrE)Payment will be made within 28 days after receipt of the appropriate VAT invoice.monthlybogus (esp. BrE), fake (esp. AmE), false (esp. BrE)He submitted fake invoices totalling $278 000.handwrittena handwritten invoice for £1 352VERB + invoiceissue (esp. BrE), raise (BrE), render (BrE), send, submit (esp. BrE)get, receivepayinvoice + NOUNprice, value (BrE)The shipping costs can be as high as 50% of the invoice value of the goods.

invoke

invokeverb

Invoke is used with these nouns as the object:

authority, clause, deity, doctrine, ghost, memory, metaphor, name, principle, spectre, spirit

involuntarily

involuntarilyadv.

Involuntarily is used with these verbs:

clench, shiver, shudder, stray, tighten, twitch

involuntary

involuntaryadj.

Involuntary is used with these nouns:

confinement, cry, euthanasia, gasp, manslaughter, movement, shiver, shudder, spasm, step, twitch, unemployment

involve

involveverb

verb1 make sth necessary2 include sb1 make sth necessaryADVERBADVERBgenerally, typically, usuallyInventions typically involve minor improvements in technology.inevitably, necessarilyThe reforms will inevitably involve a lot of new paperwork for teachers.

2 include sbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBactively, directlymethods that actively involve students in learningPREPOSITIONinI didn't mean to involve you in all this.

Involve is used with these nouns as the subject:

case, crash, crime, deal, dispute, disturbance, experiment, incident, initiative, method, mystery, plan, plot, programme, regimen, research, scandal, scheme, sequence, story, strategy, tale, task, training, trial, work

Involve is used with these nouns as the object:

danger, element, expenditure, expense, guesswork, increase, modification, paperwork, police, risk, sacrifice, whole

involved

involvedadj.

adj.1 taking part in sth2 emotionally connected with sb3 complicated1 taking part in sthVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecome, getADVERBclosely, deeply, heavily, intimately, veryShe became heavily involved in politics.activelyHe wanted to be actively involved in school life.directly, primarilyDrugs were not directly involved in her death.personallyPREPOSITIONinHe was involved in a road accident.withShe first became involved with the organization in 1998.

2 emotionally connected with sbVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecome, getADVERBdeeply, heavily, verypersonallyemotionally, romantically, sexuallyPREPOSITIONwithI never wanted to get emotionally involved with him.

3 complicatedVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seembecome, getADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.It all seems extremely involved and complicated.

Involved is used with these nouns:

parent, party

involvement

involvementnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + involvement | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEactive, directclose, deep, intensefullgreater, increased, increasingEmployees are demanding greater involvement in decision-making.day-to-dayWhen she was promoted, she missed the day-to-day involvement with customers.personalemotionalNurses usually try to avoid emotional involvement with patients.parentalHe encourages parental involvement in the running of school.politicalmilitaryThe government has ruled out military involvement in the region.criminalcommunityallegedHe is serving a 15-year sentence for his alleged involvement in a plot to overthrow the government.VERB + involvementaccuse sb ofsuspect sb ofadmit, denyWinters denies any involvement in the robbery.suggestThere is no evidence to suggest criminal involvement.PREPOSITIONinvolvement byThe success of the venture may lead to involvement by other foreign companies.involvement fromThe project needs full involvement from all members of the group.involvement inHe was found to have a deep involvement in drug dealing.involvement ofthe involvement of parents in their children's educationinvolvement withHer husband's involvement with another woman led to their divorce.

inward

inwardadj.

Inward is used with these nouns:

current, investment, investor, migration, sigh

inwardly

inwardlyadv.

Inwardly is used with these verbs:

curse, flinch, fume, grimace, groan, laugh, marvel, rage, seethe, shudder, sigh, wince

Ionic

Ionicadj.

Ionic is used with these nouns:

column

IQnoun

IQ is used before these nouns:

score, test

irate

irateadj.

Irate is used with these nouns:

customer

iridescent

iridescentadj.

Iridescent is used with these nouns:

iris

irisnoun

Iris is used before these nouns:

scan, stem

Irish

Irishadj.

Irish is used with these nouns:

blood, coffee, descent, immigrant, music, nationalist, race

iron

ironnounverbadj.

I. noun1 metal2 tool1 metalADJECTIVE | VERB + iron | iron + VERB | iron + NOUNADJECTIVErustycast, corrugated, galvanized, wroughta hut with a corrugated iron roofpigscrapVERB + ironmake, produce, smeltGermany produced enormous quantities of coal, iron and steel.be rich in, containfoods that are rich in ironbe cast in, be made from/of/out ofa bridge made of wrought ironiron + VERBrustiron + NOUNoreThey mine iron ore locally.bargatefilingsindustryfoundry, worksdeficiencypatients with iron deficiencypill (esp. AmE), tablets (esp. BrE)I was put on iron tablets for my anaemia.

2 toolADJECTIVE | VERB + ironADJECTIVEhot, warmelectric, steamtravel (BrE)curling (= for making hair curly), flat (= for making hair straight) (both AmE)You can use a curling iron to create soft curls.VERB + ironuseUse a cool iron on synthetics.

II. verb

Iron is used with these nouns as the object:

clothes, shirt

III. adj.

Iron is used with these nouns:

discipline, grip, will

Iron Age

Iron Agenoun

Iron Age is used before these nouns:

fort

ironclad

ironcladadj.

Ironclad is used with these nouns:

alibi, guarantee, warship

ironic

ironicadj.

(also less frequent ironical) adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemfind sthADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.deeply, highly, particularlya little, slightly, etc.doublydeliciouslybitterly, sadly, tragically

Ironic is used with these nouns:

amusement, comment, humour, tone, turn, twist

ironically

ironicallyadv.

Ironically is used with these verbs:

ironing

ironingnoun

noun… OF IRONING | VERB + ironing | ironing + NOUN… OF IRONINGpile (esp. BrE)There's a pile of ironing waiting to be done.VERB + ironingdoWho does the ironing in your house?ironing + NOUNboard

iron out

iron outphr verb

Iron out is used with these nouns as the object:

crease, detail, problem, wrinkle

irony

ironynoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF IRONY | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreat, heavyShe tried to ignore the heavy irony in his voice.gentleShe congratulated him with gentle irony.bitter, cruel, sad, tragicdeliciousniceIt is a nice irony that the rivalry among popes was solved by their ancient rival, the Holy Roman Emperor.final, supreme, ultimateThe ultimate irony is that the revolution, rather than bringing freedom, actually ended it completely.dramatic (= in a play, when a character's words carry an extra meaning that the character is not aware of)… OF IRONYhint, touch, traceHe thanked us all without a touch of irony.PREPOSITIONby a … ironyBy a cruel irony, he died in a crash while returning home from the war.PHRASESa certain ironyThere is a certain irony in the situation.

irrational

irrationaladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSappear, be, seembecomeconsider sth, regard sth as, see sth asdismiss sth asHe dismissed her fears as irrational.ADVERBcompletely, quite, totally, whollyincreasinglysomewhatapparently (esp. BrE), seeminglyinherentlyThere was nothing inherently irrational in such a decision.

Irrational is used with these nouns:

belief, fear, hatred, jealousy, number, paranoia, prejudice

irrationally

irrationallyadv.

Irrationally is used with these verbs:

act, behave

irreconcilable

irreconcilableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, seembecomeADVERBapparently, seeminglya seemingly irreconcilable conflictultimately (esp. AmE)A one-party system is ultimately irreconcilable with popular debate.PREPOSITIONwithThese practices are irreconcilable with the law of the Church.

Irreconcilable is used with these nouns:

conflict, difference

irrefutable

irrefutableadj.

Irrefutable is used with these nouns:

evidence, proof

irregular

irregularadj.

adj.1 not regular in size/shape/frequency2 not allowed according to the rules1 not regular in size/shape/frequencyVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomeADVERBhighly, veryrather, slightly, somewhatThe cells are slightly irregular in shape.

2 not allowed according to the rulesVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemADVERBhighly, most, veryIt would be highly irregular for a police officer to accept money in this way.slightly, somewhatsome somewhat irregular business practices

Irregular is used with these nouns:

breathing, cycle, heartbeat, patch, rhythm, shape, verb

irregularity

irregularitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + irregularity | irregularity + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEseriousminor, slighta slight irregularity in the surface of the woodwidespreadThe newspaper claimed there were widespread irregularities in the election.accounting, election, electoral, financial, procedural, votingInvestigators found no evidence of financial irregularity.VERB + irregularityinvestigatedetect, report, uncoverirregularity + VERBoccurIrregularities occur when there is no central control.PREPOSITIONirregularity inAuditors have uncovered serious irregularities in the accounts.

irregularly

irregularlyadv.

Irregularly is used with these adjectives:

shaped

Irregularly is used with these verbs:

distribute, space

irrelevant

irrelevantadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, seembecomemake sth, render sthconsider sth, deem sth, regard sth as, see sth as, view sth asdismiss sth asThese arguments were dismissed as irrelevant.ADVERBcompletely, entirely, quite, totally, utterly, whollyThis argument is entirely irrelevant to the question of who is right.increasinglyThe UN is becoming increasingly irrelevant.almost, more or less, virtuallyessentially, largelyThese issues are largely irrelevant and distract us from attending to the real questions.rather, somewhatsimplyapparently, seeminglypoliticallyPREPOSITIONtoHer statement is irrelevant to this case.It's all irrelevant to me.

Irrelevant is used with these nouns:

irreparable

irreparableadj.

Irreparable is used with these nouns:

damage, harm

irreparably

irreparablyadv.

Irreparably is used with these verbs:

damage

irresistible

irresistibleadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, prove, seembecomemake sb/sthThe very high salary made the job irresistible.find sb/sthYou'll find our offer irresistible.ADVERBquite (esp. BrE), utterlyalmostsimplyapparently (esp. BrE), seeminglyPublic spending has a seemingly irresistible momentum.PREPOSITIONtoHis rugged good looks made him irresistible to women.

Irresistible is used with these nouns:

attraction, force, impulse, lure, momentum, temptation, urge

irresistibly

irresistiblyadv.

Irresistibly is used with these adjectives:

attractive

Irresistibly is used with these verbs:

draw

irresponsible

irresponsibleadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seembecomeconsider sb/sthADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.deeply, grossly, highlyTheir actions were highly irresponsible.criminallythese extreme and criminally irresponsible policiescompletely, totally, utterly (esp. BrE), wholly (BrE)He's fun, but totally irresponsible.a little, slightly, etc.sociallyIt is socially irresponsible to refuse young people advice on sexual matters.fiscally (AmE)

irresponsibly

irresponsiblyadv.

Irresponsibly is used with these verbs:

act, behave

irretrievable

irretrievableadj.

Irretrievable is used with these nouns:

breakdown

irretrievably

irretrievablyadv.

Irretrievably is used with these verbs:

break

irreverent

irreverentadj.

Irreverent is used with these nouns:

attitude, humour

irreversible

irreversibleadj.

Irreversible is used with these nouns:

change, coma, damage, decision, decline, momentum, shift, step

irreversibly

irreversiblyadv.

Irreversibly is used with these verbs:

alter

irrevocable

irrevocableadj.

Irrevocable is used with these nouns:

decision, step, undertaking

irrevocably

irrevocablyadv.

Irrevocably is used with these adjectives:

bound, committed

Irrevocably is used with these verbs:

alter, change

irrigate

irrigateverb

Irrigate is used with these nouns as the object:

field, land

irrigated

irrigatedadj.

Irrigated is used with these nouns:

irrigation

irrigationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | irrigation + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElarge-scaledripI could put in a drip irrigation system in the rose beds.irrigation + NOUNproject, scheme (BrE), systemcanal, channel, ditchpumpwaterPREPOSITIONunder irrigationtwo million acres under irrigation

irritable

irritableadj.

Irritable is used with these nouns:

bladder, bowel, mood

irritably

irritablyadv.

Irritably is used with these verbs:

ask, demand, mutter, snap, think, wonder

irritate

irritateverb

verbADVERBADVERBreallyThat man really irritates me!slightlyeasilyShe was moody at times and easily irritated.

Irritate is used with these nouns as the object:

Irritated is used with these nouns:

irritated

irritatedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, look, soundbecome, getADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.deeply, seriously (esp. AmE)thoroughlyincreasinglya little, slightly, etc.mildlyvisiblyPREPOSITIONatShe was deeply irritated at being thwarted.byHe was slightly irritated by her forgetfulness.

Irritating is used with these nouns:

irritating

irritatingadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeThe sheer number of tourists can be irritating.become, getThe song gets a bit irritating after a while.find sthADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highly, intensely (esp. BrE)I find all this highly irritatinga little, slightly, etc.mildlyI have always found her mildly irritating.downright (informal)His voice is downright irritating.

habit, mannerism

irritation

irritationnoun

noun1 feeling/cause of being irritated2 slight pain in part of the body1 feeling/cause of being irritatedADJECTIVE | VERB + irritation | irritation + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsiderable (esp. BrE), great, intense, major, some (esp. BrE)‘I'm not American, I'm Canadian,’ he replied with some irritation.mild, minor, slightthe minor irritation of having to waitconstantVERB + irritationfeelHe felt slight irritation at being kept waiting.express, showHe showed no irritation at the delay.conceal, hide, suppressShe made no attempt to conceal her irritation.He was unable to hide his irritation any longer.causeSuch delays can cause considerable irritation.irritation + VERBgrowShe felt irritation growing in her.showShe didn't let her irritation show.PREPOSITIONin irritationGary shook his head in irritation.to your irritationI found to my great irritation that I'd forgotten the movie.with irritation‘Of course not’ she said with some irritation.irritation atour irritation at the delayirritation toThis is a major irritation to commuters.irritation withher irritation with people who were slowPHRASESa sense of irritationa source of irritationTraffic noise is a source of constant irritation.

2 slight pain in part of the bodyADJECTIVE | VERB + irritationADJECTIVEintense, severemildeye, skina new cream to treat skin irritationVERB + irritationcause, lead toThe infection can cause intense irritation of the throat.experience, getStop using the cream if you get any irritation.prevent

Islam

Islamnoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEShia, Sunni

Islamic

Islamicadj.

Islamic is used with these nouns:

charity, civilization, context, country, court, culture, doctrine, extremist, identity, law, martyr, movement, philosophy, point of view, principle, republic, school, society, theology, tradition, veil, world

Islamist

Islamistnoun

Islamist is used before these nouns:

island

islandnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF ISLANDS | island + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEoutlying, remotea ferry service to the outlying islandscoral, tropical, volcanicdesert, deserted, uninhabitedoffshorePuerto Rico and its offshore islands… OF ISLANDSchain, groupa group of tropical islandsisland + NOUNchain, groupthe island chain of the BahamashomeThey were forced to leave their island home and start a new life on the mainland.paradisethe island paradise of PhuketnationFiji is a small South Pacific island nation.PREPOSITIONon an/the islandHe owns a house on the island.PHRASESthe … coast, side, tip, etc. of an islandThe best beaches are on the southern tip of the island.

isolate

isolateverb

Isolate is used with these nouns as the object:

compound, problem, virus

isolated

isolatedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, feelbecome, getremainleave sb/sthWithout help, many elderly people would be left isolated.keep sb/sthShe kept herself almost isolated from her colleagues.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.completely, entirely, totallyincreasinglyThe President is looking increasingly isolated from the whole agenda.largelyeffectively, essentiallydiplomatically, economically, geographically, physically, sociallyUnless a compromise could be reached the country would be diplomatically isolated on this issue.They found themselves socially isolated and ostracized.PREPOSITIONfroma child who is isolated from other children

Isolated is used with these nouns:

area, case, example, existence, farm, hill, incident, individual, instance, occurrence, patch, phenomenon, pocket, settlement, spot, village

isolation

isolationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + isolation | isolation + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcomplete, totalrelativeenforced (esp. BrE)the enforced isolation of life in an Arctic weather stationself-imposedHe lived in a state of self-imposed isolation.cultural, diplomatic, geographic (AmE), geographical (esp. BrE), politicalinternationalThe country could face international isolation if it does not withdraw its troops.emotional, socialthe social isolation of single mothers at home with their babiesVERB + isolationexperience, suffer, suffer fromMany immigrants experience isolation.endisolation + NOUNhospital (BrE), room, ward (esp. BrE)PREPOSITIONin isolationThe figures should not be looked at in isolation but as part of a pattern.PHRASESin splendid isolation (esp. BrE)The tower stands in splendid isolation on the cliff edge.

isosceles

isoscelesadj.

Isosceles is used with these nouns:

isotope

isotopenoun

Isotope is used after these nouns:

carbon

issue

issuenounverb

I. noun1 problem2 one in a series of publications1 problemADJECTIVE | … OF ISSUES | VERB + issue | issue + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, burning, central, critical, crucial, important, key, main, major, serious, vitalThe economy remains the burning issue within the party.larger, widerThe problem raises wider issues of gender and identity.minor, siderelatedbasic, fundamentalwholerealThe real issue is where the power lies.contentious, controversial, difficult, thornythe controversial issue of censorshipcomplexlive, unresolvedThe strike of ten years ago is still very much a live issue in the town.domestic, global, international, local, national, regionalcommercial, constitutional, economic, educational, environmental, ethical, health, legal, moral, policy, political, safety, security, social, technical, theoretical… OF ISSUESnumber, range, seriesVERB + issueraisedebate, discussThis evening we're debating the issue of the legalization of soft drugs.decide, resolve, settleA referendum was held to settle the issue.address, consider, cover, deal with, examine, explore, face, look at, tackleclarifysee, understandfocus onWe really need to focus on this one issue and not get sidetracked.touch onThe issue of birth control was touched on, but we need to examine it in more detail.highlightThe report highlights three issues.confuseThis argument should not be allowed to confuse the issue.avoid, evadebecomeSecurity has become a real issue.issue + VERBariseissues arising from the surveysurround sth, underlie sthA more important issue underlies this debate.affect sb/sth, face sb/sthA number of issues are affecting the dairy industry.PREPOSITIONat issueWhat you say is interesting, but it does not affect the point at issue here.on an/the issueShe spoke on the issue of private health care.issue aboutfundamental issues about working conditionsissue concerningissues concerning the environmentissue relating toThe conference examined key issues relating to the reform.PHRASESmake an issue of sthI'm not worried about the cost—you're the one who's making an issue of it.

2 one in a series of publicationsADJECTIVE | VERB + issue | issue + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcurrentbackspeciala special issue of stampsVERB + issuebring out, publishissue + VERBcome out, go on salebe outPREPOSITIONin an/the issuean article in the current issue of ‘Newsweek’

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBdirectlyIn a statement issued directly to the public on Thursday … jointlya document issued jointly by the two departmentsimmediately, promptlyHe left the company and promptly issued a writ claiming $45 million in damages.formallythe bank which formally issues and handles these credit cardsPREPOSITIONon behalf ofa statement issued on behalf of the UN Secretary-GeneraltoThe new guidelines have been issued to all doctors.withSome of the police were issued with rifles.PHRASESnewly issuednewly issued stamps

Issue is used with these nouns as the subject:

bank, coroner, court

Issue is used with these nouns as the object:

alert, announcement, apology, appeal, bond, bulletin, call, card, caution, certificate, challenge, charter, cheque, coin, command, communiqué, condemnation, credentials, credit card, currency, decision, declaration, decree, demand, denial, denunciation, description, directive, document, draft, driving licence, edition, forecast, guidance, guideline, impression, indictment, injunction, instruction, invitation, invoice, leaflet, licence, mandate, manifesto, memo, memorandum, notice, order, paper, pass, passport, patch, patent, penalty, permit, plea, proclamation, receipt, recommendation, refund, regulation, reminder, report, reprimand, resolution, rule, ruling, security, share, stamp, statement, stock, summons, threat, ticket, ultimatum, update, verdict, visa, voucher, warning, warrant, watch, writ

issuer

issuernoun

Issuer is used after these nouns:

card, credit card

issue with

issue withphr verb

Issue with is used with these nouns as the object:

passport, visa

issuing

issuingadj.

Issuing is used with these nouns:

Italian is used with these nouns:

Italian

Italiannounadj.

I. nounII. adj.

cooking, cuisine, fashion, immigrant, menu, recipe, sun, villa

italic

italicadj.

Italic is used with these nouns:

type

itch

itchnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + itchADJECTIVEslightjock (AmE, informal)The fungi that cause jock itch thrive in warm, moist places.seven-year (informal, humorous) (= the desire to find a new partner after seven years in a relationship)VERB + itchfeelrelieve, scratch, scratch atThe dog was scratching at an itch behind its left ear.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + itch | PREPOSITIONADVERBterriblyMy arms were covered with a rash that itched terribly.constantlypositivelyChelsea was positively itching to try out her new computer.VERB + itchmake sbThe heat made me itch all over.PREPOSITIONforHe was itching for a chance to show how good he was.withHer fingers positively itched with the desire to slap his face.

Itch is used with these nouns as the subject:

scalp

itchy

itchyadj.

Itchy is used with these nouns:

rash, scalp, skin

item

itemnoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEindividual, particular, single, specificEach individual item has a number.essential, importantI keep essential items to hand when I fly.main, majorthe main item on the agendaa major item of expenditureexpensive, valuableSeveral valuable items were stolen.personalcommodity, consumerComputers became a consumer item in the early 1990s.luxuryThere is a higher tax on luxury items.foodhouseholdhousehold items such as plates and glassescollector'sThe 1970s model has become something of a collector's item.agendamenudatanewsPREPOSITIONitem ofSeveral items of clothing were found near the scene of the crime.item about, item ona news item about drugs in the workplacePHRASESitem by itemCheck the list carefully, item by item.an item on the agenda, list, menu, etc.

itemize

itemizeverb

Itemize is used with these nouns as the object:

deduction

itemized

itemizedadj.

Itemized is used with these nouns:

bill

itinerant

itinerantadj.

Itinerant is used with these nouns:

preacher, trader

itinerary

itinerarynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + itinerary | itinerary + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdetailed, fulltour, travelVERB + itineraryplanfollowWe had to follow a very detailed itinerary.changeitinerary + VERBinclude sthYour itinerary includes a visit to Stonehenge.PREPOSITIONin an/the itineraryHistoric sites are featured prominently in their itineraries.on an/the itineraryThe National Gallery is on most tourists' itinerary.

IVF

IVFnoun

IVF is used before these nouns:

Ivory is used with these nouns:

ivory

ivorynounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + ivory | ivory + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcarved, polishedrawthe export and import of raw ivoryillegalThere is still a high price for illegal ivory.imitationelephant, walrusVERB + ivorybe made from, be made ofcarve sth from, carve sth ina figure delicately carved in ivorybe inlaid witha table made of polished wood, inlaid with ivoryivory + NOUNtradePREPOSITIONin ivorya statuette in ivory and goldPHRASESthe trade in ivory

II. adj.

ivy

ivynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + ivy | ivy + VERB | ivy + NOUNADJECTIVEthickpoison, variegated (esp. BrE)VERB + ivybe covered inThe walls were covered in ivy.ivy + VERBgrowIvy grew up the side of the house.climb, cling, crawl, creep, trail, twineThere was ivy clinging to the wall.ivy + NOUNleavesplant, vine (both AmE)

Ivy League

Ivy Leaguenoun

Ivy League is used before these nouns:

Jab is used with these nouns as the object:

jab

jabnounverb

I. noun1 sudden hit/push2 (BrE, informal) injection1 sudden hit/pushADJECTIVE | VERB + jab | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhard, sharpquickelbowleft, right (in boxing)VERB + jabgive sbfeelland, throw (in boxing)PREPOSITIONjab in, jab toScott gave him a sharp left jab to the ribs.

2 (BrE, informal) injectionADJECTIVE | VERB + jabADJECTIVEflu, tetanus, typhoid, etc.VERB + jabhaveDid you have a flu jab this year?give sb

II. verb

elbow, finger, thumb

jack

jacknoun

jackbooted

jackbootedadj.

Jackbooted is used with these nouns:

thug

jacket

jacketnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + jacket | jacket + VERB | jacket + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEfitted, tailoredbaggy, looseheavy, thicklight, lightweight, thindouble-breasted, single-breastedbelted, zip-uppadded (esp. BrE), quiltedbolerowaterproof, waxed (BrE)check, checked, stripedcorduroy, cotton, denim, fleece, jean (AmE), leather, linen, sheepskin (esp. BrE), suede, tweed, woolbulletproofcamouflagepyjama (BrE) (pajama top in AmE), suit, uniformdinner (esp. BrE), tuxedo (AmE)smoking, sport (AmE), sportsHe wore an old sports jacket.shooting, skiflight (AmE), flying (BrE)bomberbiker, motorcycle (esp. AmE)donkey (BrE), pea (AmE)combat, flak (both BrE)lifeVERB + jacketget, grab (esp. AmE)pull on, shrug into, shrug on, slip on, throw onShe shrugged into her jacket.pull off, remove, shrug off, shrug out of, slip offbutton, button up, do up, zip upunbutton, undo, unziphang updrape, slingA light cotton jacket was draped over her shoulders.jacket + VERBhangHis jacket hung over the back of his chair.jacket + NOUNpocket, sleeveHe pulled his passport from his inside jacket pocket.PHRASESa jacket and tieMen should wear a jacket and tie for dinner.

jackknife

jackknifeverb

Jackknife is used with these nouns as the subject:

jackknifed

jackknifedadj.

Jackknifed is used with these nouns:

jackpot

jackpotnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + jackpot | jackpot + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVE£1 million, $10 million, etc.lotteryVERB + jackpotget, hit (often figurative), scoop (BrE), win (often figurative)The company hopes to hit the jackpot with its new range of clothing.jackpot + NOUNprize (BrE)winnerPREPOSITIONjackpot inThey scooped the jackpot in yesterday's lottery.jackpot ofa prize jackpot of £100 000

Jacobean

Jacobeanadj.

Jacobean is used with these nouns:

drama, theatre, tragedy

Jacuzzi{™}

Jacuzzi{™}noun

Jacuzzi™ is used before these nouns:

tub

jaded

jadedadj.

Jaded is used with these nouns:

appetite, cynicism, palate

jagged

jaggedadj.

Jagged is used with these nouns:

cliff, edge, hole, line, mountain, peak, rock, scar, tooth

jail

jailnounverb

I. (BrE also gaol) nounADJECTIVE | VERB + jail | jail + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcity (esp. AmE), county, localhigh-security, maximum-security, top-security (all esp. BrE)privateovercrowdedVERB + jailgo toHe's gone to jail for fraud.put sb in, send sb to, throw sb intokeep sb inkeep sb out ofHis lawyer worked hard to keep him out of jail.be freed from, be out of, be released from, get out ofShe could be out of jail in two years.escape fromthreaten sb withHe was threatened with jail if evidence of a hoax was discovered.faceavoid, escapeShe avoided jail by pleading insanity.jail + NOUNsentence, term, timecellPREPOSITIONat a/the jailriots at Strangeways jailin (a/the) jailHow long has she been in jail?There was a fire in the jail last night.

II. verb

Jail is used with these nouns as the object:

dissident

jalapeño

jalapeñoadj.

Jalapeño is used with these nouns:

pepper

jam

jamnounverb

I. nounSee also jellyADJECTIVE | … OF JAM | VERB + jam | jam + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEhome-madeapricot, raspberry, strawberry, etc.… OF JAMdollop (BrE)jar, pot (BrE)VERB + jammakespread (sth with)She spread the toast thinly with raspberry jam.jam + NOUNjar (BrE)doughnut (BrE), sandwich (esp. BrE), tart (BrE)PHRASESbread and jam

II. verbADVERB | PHRASESADVERBconstantlyPeople constantly jammed the street.upThe traffic will just jam up our village.PHRASESbe jammed full (of sth)The cupboards were jammed full of old newspapers.be jammed solid (esp. BrE)The traffic was jammed solid on the bridge.be jammed tight with sthThe room is jammed tight with furniture.be jammed togetherWe were jammed together shoulder to shoulder.be jammed withThe airport was jammed with people trying to arrange flights.

Jam is used with these nouns as the subject:

Jam is used with these nouns as the object:

finger, mechanism, signal, switchboard

jamb

jambnoun

Jamb is used after these nouns:

jam on

jam onphr verb

Jam on is used with these nouns as the object:

brake

jangle

jangleverb

Jangle is used with these nouns as the subject:

bell, key, nerve

jangled

jangledadj.

Jangled is used with these nouns:

January

Januarynoun

Japanese is used with these nouns:

Japanese

Japanesenounadj.

I. nounJapanese + NOUNJapanese + NOUNscriptcharacter

II. adj.

art, tourist

jar

jarnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + jar | jar + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEstorageairtight, sealedmason (AmE), screw-top (esp. BrE)sterilized (esp. BrE)earthenware, glass, stone (esp. BrE), stoneware (esp. AmE)candy (AmE), coffee (esp. BrE), cookie (AmE), jam (BrE), marmalade (BrE), pickle, sweet (BrE)tipVERB + jarfillShe filled the jars with the tomato sauce.sealopenpreserve sth in, store sth injar + VERBbe filled with sth, be full of sth, contain stha jar full of pickled onionsPREPOSITIONin a/the jar, into a/the jarjar ofa jar of mayonnaise

jargon

jargonnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF JARGON | VERB + jargon | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcurrentimpenetrable, incomprehensible, meaningless, obscureunnecessaryacademic, legal, medical, military, scientific, technical, etc.… OF JARGONpieceVERB + jargonspeak, speak in, useHe always speaks in obscure legal jargon.be couched inHer emails are always couched in jargon.avoidPREPOSITIONin jargonThe report seemed to be written in computer jargon.jargon for‘All necessary means’ is diplomatic jargon for ‘war’.

jasmine

jasminenoun

Jasmine is used before these nouns:

scent, tea

jaundiced

jaundicedadj.

Jaundiced is used with these nouns:

eye, view

jaunty

jauntyadj.

Jaunty is used with these nouns:

angle, tune, walk

jaw

jawnoun

noun1 bone that contains teeth2 jaws mouth1 bone that contains teethADJECTIVE | VERB + jaw | jaw + VERB | jaw + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbottom, lowertop, upperfirm, strongclenched, setslackjutting, lantern (= in which the lower part sticks out)squarebroken, dislocated, fracturedVERB + jawclench, set, tighten (AmE)work (AmE)She worked her lower jaw back and forth.dropShe dropped her jaw in astonishment.rubHe rubbed his sore jaw.break, dislocate, fracturejaw + VERBdrop, hang, hang openMy jaw dropped in astonishment when I saw the size of the audience.be set, clench, set, tightenHer jaw was set, ready for a fight.jutHis jaw jutted stubbornly forward; he would not be denied.jaw + NOUNbone, musclePREPOSITIONin your jawA muscle in his jaw pulsed angrily.on your jawHe had two days' growth of stubble on his jaw.to the jawa punch to the jawunder your jawShe had a fold of flesh under her jaw.PHRASESthe line of your jaw, the set of your jawThe stern set of the officer's jaw made Tony realize he was in trouble.

2 jaws mouthADJECTIVE | VERB + JAWS | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgaping, openmassive, powerfulA shark can crush a boat with its massive jaws.VERB + JAWSclamp, close, lock, sinkThe dog locked its jaws on her leg and wouldn't let go.A spider sank its jaws into my ankle.openPythons open their jaws wide to swallow their prey whole.snapThe animal's jaws snapped shut.escape, escape fromThe antelope could not escape the crocodile's gaping jaws.PREPOSITIONbetween its jawsThe dog had his arm clamped between its jaws.

jazz

jazznoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + jazz | jazz + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElivecool, free, free-form, modern, trad (BrE), traditionalVERB + jazzplaylisten tojazz + NOUNmusicclarinettist, guitarist, musician, pianist, player, singer, etc.guitar, piano, vocals, etc.band, combo, group, quartet, trioimprovisation, standardchords, rhythmsclub, venueconcert, festivalagescenethe rising stars of the New York jazz scenefanPREPOSITIONin jazzharmonies and rhythms common in jazz

jealous

jealousadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, soundbecome, get, growmake sbIgnore her—she's only trying to make you jealous.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.insanely, madlyI can remember feeling madly jealous when he was with other women.a little, slightly, etc.PREPOSITIONaboutThere's nothing for you to feel jealous about.ofShe was rather jealous of me.He had started to get jealous of her success.

Jealous is used with these nouns:

boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, lover, rage, rival, type, wife

jealously

jealouslyadv.

Jealously is used with these verbs:

guard, protect

jealousy

jealousynoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF JEALOUSY | VERB + jealousy | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEextreme, intense, pureinsane, irrational, obsessive, pathologicalpettyprofessional, sexual… OF JEALOUSYfitHe broke off the engagement in a fit of jealousy.pang, stab, twingeI felt a pang of jealousy.VERB + jealousyfeelShe'd never felt jealousy before.arouse, cause, create, provokeHer promotion aroused intense jealousy among her colleagues.PREPOSITIONjealousy ofhis obsessive jealousy of his ex-wifePHRASESfeelings of jealousy

jean

jeanadj.

Jean is used with these nouns:

jacket, pocket, shorts

jeans

jeansnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF JEANS | VERB + jeans | jeans + NOUNADJECTIVEskintight, stretch, tightbaggy, flared, loosebell-bottom, boot-cut, drainpipe, flare (AmE), flaredcut-off, low-risedenimblack, bluefaded, stonewashedripped, scruffy (informal, esp. BrE), torn, worn, worn-in, worn-outdesigner… OF JEANSpairShe pulled on a pair of faded blue jeans.VERB + jeanspull on, pull uppull off, strip offzip upunzipjeans + NOUNpocket

jeer

jeerverb

Jeer is used with these nouns as the subject:

audience, crowd

jelly

jellynoun

(BrE) (AmE jello, Jell-O™) noun1 ADJECTIVE | VERB + jelly/jello | jelly/jello + VERB | jelly/jello + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElemon, raspberry, strawberry, etc.VERB + jelly/jelloeat, havemakeShall I make a jelly for pudding?jelly/jello + VERBsetLeave the jelly to set for at least four hours.jiggle (AmE), wiggle (AmE), wobble (esp. BrE)jelly/jello + NOUNmould/moldPREPOSITIONin jellyfruit in jelly

2 type of jam1 ADJECTIVE | VERB + jelly/jello | jelly/jello + VERB | jelly/jello + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElemon, raspberry, strawberry, etc.VERB + jelly/jelloeat, havemakeShall I make a jelly for pudding?jelly/jello + VERBsetLeave the jelly to set for at least four hours.jiggle (AmE), wiggle (AmE), wobble (esp. BrE)jelly/jello + NOUNmould/moldPREPOSITIONin jellyfruit in jelly

2 type of jamSee also jamADJECTIVE | VERB + jelly | jelly + NOUNADJECTIVEcurrant, grape, strawberry, etc.VERB + jellymakespreadI spread grape jelly on my toast.jelly + NOUNdoughnut (esp. AmE), roll (AmE) (Swiss roll in BrE), sandwich (esp. AmE)peanut butter and jelly sandwichesjar (esp. AmE)

jeopardize

jeopardizeverb

(BrE also -ise) verbADVERBADVERBseriously, severelyThis scandal could seriously jeopardize his chances of being re-elected.potentiallyAny delays could potentially jeopardize the company's ability to do business.

Jeopardize is used with these nouns as the object:

career, chance, existence, future, interest, life, safety, security

jerk

jerknounverb

I. noun1 sudden movement2 (informal) stupid person1 sudden movementADJECTIVE | VERB + jerk | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEquick, sharp, sudden, violentVERB + jerkgiveHis thigh muscle gave a sudden jerk.PREPOSITIONwith a jerk ofShe answered with a jerk of her head.

2 (informal) stupid personADJECTIVEADJECTIVEcomplete, real, totalstupidarrogant, conceited, egotistical, pompous, self-centred/self-centered, selfishinsensitive, macho

II. verbADVERB | PHRASESADVERBabruptly, suddenlysharply, violentlyconvulsively, spasmodicallyinstinctivelyShe jerked her hand back instinctively.away, back, backwards/backward, downwards/downward, forward, sideways, up, upright, upwards/upwardShe suddenly jerked her hand away.His head jerked up.PHRASESjerk awakeThe train stopped and she jerked awake.jerk sth openHe jerked the door open.jerk to a halt, jerk to a stopThe bus jerked to a stop.

Jerk is used with these nouns as the subject:

hand, head, train

Jerk is used with these nouns as the object:

head, thumb

jerky

jerkyadj.

Jerky is used with these nouns:

motion, movement

Jerky is used after these nouns:

beef

jersey

jerseynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + jerseyADJECTIVEbaseball, basketball, football, hockey, rugby, soccerreplicaWhere can I find replica Iranian soccer jerseys?VERB + jerseyweardon, pull on

jester

jesternoun

Jester is used after these nouns:

Jesuit

Jesuitnoun

Jesuit is used before these nouns:

priest

jet

jetnoun

noun1 plane with a jet engine2 stream of gas, water, etc.1 plane with a jet engineADJECTIVE | VERB + jet | jet + VERB | jet + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEjumbosupersonicregional (esp. AmE)commercial, passengerprivatebusiness, corporate, executivecharter, charteredholiday (BrE)cargoair-force, fighter, militarylow-flying (esp. BrE)VERB + jetfly, pilotcharterhijackscrambleboardHe was photographed boarding his private jet.landThe pilot had to land the jet in a field.jet + VERBflytake offlandcrash, explodejet + NOUNaircraft, airliner, airplane (AmE), bomber, fighter, liner, planeenginefuelpilotPREPOSITIONby jetAustralia was a mere couple of hours away by jet.She was flown by private jet to the capital.in a/the jetHe flew to Bermuda in his private jet.

2 stream of gas, water, etc.ADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEair, gas, waterPREPOSITIONjet ofLittle jets of steam spurted from the engine.

jet-black

jet-blackadj.

Jet-black is used with these nouns:

jettison

jettisonverb

Jettison is used with these nouns as the object:

baggage

Jew

Jewnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + JewADJECTIVEdevout, observant, pious, practising/practicing, religiousHis family are all observant Jews.secularconservative, Hasidic, orthodoxAshkenazi, SephardicProgressive, ReformVERB + Jewmarrybe bornHe was born a Jew in 1st-century Palestine.become

jewel

jewelnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + jewel | jewel + VERB | jewel + NOUNADJECTIVEprecious, priceless, prizedbright, shining, sparklingVERB + jewelwearstealjewel + VERBglitter, sparklejewel + NOUNthiefheist (esp. AmE)box, case

jewelled

jewelledadj.

Jewelled/jeweled is used with these nouns:

dagger, pin

jewellery

jewellerynoun

(BrE) (AmE jewelry) nounADJECTIVE | … OF JEWELLERY | VERB + jewellery/jewelry | jewellery/jewelry + NOUNADJECTIVEexpensivecheapbeautiful, fineflashy, gaudy (esp. AmE)costumedesignerhandmadeantiquediamond, gold, etc.… OF JEWELLERYitem, pieceVERB + jewellery/jewelrywearmakedesignremoveThe nurse asked her to remove all her jewellery.stealjewellery/jewelry + NOUNbox, caseshop (esp. BrE), store (AmE)designdesignerheist, robbery

Jewellery/jewelry is used after these nouns:

costume, gold

Jewish

Jewishadj.

Jewish is used with these nouns:

background, calendar, cemetery, conception, congregation, convert, ethics, extremist, faith, festival, funeral, guilt, heritage, holiday, homeland, identity, immigrant, immigration, law, leader, leadership, marriage, philosopher, prayer, race, religion, ritual, sabbath, scholar, scripture, sect, settlement, settler, theology, upbringing, vote, wedding

jiggle

jiggleverb

Jiggle is used with these nouns as the subject:

jelly

jigsaw

jigsawnoun

noun (BrE)See also puzzleADJECTIVE | … OF JIGSAW | VERB + jigsaw | jigsaw + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEgiant, huge200-piece, etc.… OF JIGSAWbit, pieceOne piece of the jigsaw is still missing.VERB + jigsawdoI used to enjoy doing jigsaws.piece together (figurative)The police managed to piece together the jigsaw and reconstruct the victim's last hours.finishjigsaw + NOUNpuzzlepiecePHRASESa piece in a jigsaw (figurative)This is another piece in the jigsaw that will help us understand the disease.

jilted

jiltedadj.

Jilted is used with these nouns:

boyfriend, bride, lover

jingle

jingleverb

Jingle is used with these nouns as the subject:

bell, coin, key

jinx

jinxnoun

nounVERB + jinx | jinx + VERB | PREPOSITIONVERB + jinxshake offThe team seems to have shaken off the jinx that's been dogging them for months.jinx + VERBhit sb, strike sb (both BrE)The injury jinx has struck Real Madrid.PREPOSITIONjinx onI'm sure there's a jinx on this car.

jittery

jitteryadj.

Jittery is used with these nouns:

jive

jivenoun

Jive is used before these nouns:

step

job

jobnoun

Jobsbe … , work as … She's a well-known writer.Her father, a trained chef, now works as a bus driver.study to be … , train as … , train to be … She trained as a painter and sculptor.start as … , start work as … He started work as a trainee chef.become … I'm interested in becoming a dentist.be/become/get certified as … (esp. AmE), qualify as … (esp. BrE)He got certified as a teacher.She qualified as a nurse last year.employ (sb as) … , have … The company employs more than 1 500 engineers.engage (sb as) … , get … , hire (sb as) … , recruit … , take on … They have recruited a new designer.appoint (sb as) … , make sb … He was appointed Professor of Law at Yale.At 39 she was made chairman of the board.dismiss … , fire … , sack … (BrE)She was dismissed from her job after only six months.You're fired!The team sacked the coach.

noun1 employment2 task3 crime1 employmentADJECTIVE | VERB + job | job + VERB | job + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdecent, good, great, worthwhileinterestinghigh-powered, topIt's one of the top jobs in management.plumThe plum jobs all went to friends of the prime minister.cushyHis father found him a cushy job in the office, with almost nothing to do and a big salary.dream, idealWhat would be your dream job?boring, dead-end, lousy (informal, esp. AmE), menial, routine, undemandingHe was forced to take a series of menial jobs.rewardingchallenging, demanding, difficult, taxingdangerousIt's often immigrants who do the dangerous jobs.highly paid, high-paying, well-paid, well-paying (esp. AmE)badly paid, low-paid, low-paying (esp. AmE), poorly paid (esp. BrE)newThe plant will provide almost 300 new jobs.current, first, previousThree years ago she moved into her current job.full-time, part-time9-to-5regular, steadyHe was tempted to give up freelancing and get a regular job.permanent, temporaryholiday (BrE), summerevening, Saturday, weekendpaid, unpaidmanual (esp. BrE)semi-skilled, skilled, unskilledblue-collar, white-collardeska desk job in the police housing departmentfactory, officecoaching, construction, manufacturing, teaching, etc.proper, realHe'd done lots of part-time work, but this was his first proper job.VERB + jobhaveShe has a very good job with a local law firm.carry out, do, perform, work (AmE)I'm only doing my job (= doing what I am paid to do).They are paid according to how well they perform their job.look for, wantapply for, go forbe offeredaccept, takefind, get, land, winShe got a temporary job stacking shelves.He's just landed himself a highly paid job in banking.loseHe's frightened of losing his job.give up, leave, pack in (BrE), quit (esp. AmE), resign fromhold down, keepHe's always had difficulty holding down a job.startShe's starting a new job on Monday.like, loveadvertiseI saw the job advertised on the Internet.interview (sb) forWe're interviewing for the job in the Sales Department.give sb, offer sbcreate, generate, provide (sb with)It is hoped that the development will create new jobs in the region.axe (BrE), cut, eliminate, shedThe company is hoping to shed 200 jobs.export, outsourceCompanies export jobs because it is cheaper to pay foreign workers.protect, safeguard (esp. BrE)The deal between the union and management should safeguard 6 000 jobs.knowHe certainly knows his job (= is very good at his job).job + VERBpayThe job doesn't pay very well.disappear, go250 jobs are to go at the local steel plant.entail, requireThe job requires honesty, intelligence, and vision.job + NOUNsearchIt's important to devise a job search strategy when looking for work.ad, advertisement, listings (esp. AmE)Check our website for the latest job listings.vacancyapplicationapplicantinterviewofferWithin weeks of graduation she had several job offers.titleHis job title is Chief Hygiene Operative.description, specifications (esp. BrE)Cleaning the office is not in my job description.marketThere is an enormous job market for teachers at the moment.cuts, lossesgrowth (AmE)We have seen job growth in a number of areas.creationopenings (esp. AmE), opportunities, prospectssatisfactionHow would you rate your job satisfaction?securityWorkers questioned rated job security as being more important than high salary.hunter, seeker (esp. BrE)Local companies are holding an open day for job seekers.share, sharingTheir boss agreed to a job share.The introduction of job sharing could prevent the need for job losses.PREPOSITIONin a/the jobThere's not much chance of promotion in a job like that.on the jobYou will receive training on the job.out of a jobShe found herself out of a job when her boss died.job asShe has a job as a waitress.job atShe got a teaching job at the university.job forjobs for womenjob ina job in food retailinga job in a large companyjob withHe moved to a better-paid job with another employer.PHRASESchange jobs, move jobsNowadays many people change jobs every few years.a loss of jobsThe closure of the cement factory will mean the loss of over 800 jobs.the right person for the jobDespite the small number of applicants, they managed to find the right person for the job.

2 taskADJECTIVE | VERB + job | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEadequate, decent, good, nice, professional, thoroughadmirable, amazing, awesome (informal, esp. AmE), brilliant (esp. BrE), excellent, fantastic, fine, grand (esp. BrE), great, incredible, magnificent, marvellous/marvelous, masterful (esp. AmE), outstanding, remarkable, superb, terrific, tremendous, wonderfulbad, lousy (informal, esp. AmE), poor, terribleThey've done a poor job of managing their finances.difficult, hard, toughThey gave me the tough job of telling applicants that they'd been rejected.easyimportantbig, longlittle, smallfiddly (BrE), tediousfiddly little jobs like wiring plugsdirtyunenviableCooper had the unenviable job of announcing the bad new.thanklessKeeping the house clean can be a thankless job.VERB + jobcarry out, doYou've done a great job with that decorating.Try wedging it open—that should do the job (= be effective).handleI was very pleased with the way she handled the job.have, have onYou'll have a hard job convincing them that you're right.The builder has a couple of jobs on at the moment.give sbtake onShe's taken on the job of organizing the Christmas party.get on withI want to get on with the job of painting my room today.complete, finishWe finished the job in five hours.PREPOSITIONjob inThe author has done an admirable job in compiling all this material.job onYou've done a good job on the car.PHRASESget the job doneWe're hoping to get the job done this weekend.You can count on him—he gets the job done (= he is reliable).make a good, poor, etc. job of sth (esp. BrE)She made a very good job of covering up the damage.He made a very professional job of replacing the windows.odd jobs (= small, practical jobs)I spend most Saturdays doing odd jobs around the house.

3 crimeADJECTIVE | VERB + jobADJECTIVEbankinside (= done by sb in the organization where the crime happens)VERB + jobdoHe got six months for that last job he did.bungleThe gang bungled the job and got caught.

jobbing

jobbingadj.

Jobbing is used with these nouns:

printer

jobless

joblessadj.

Jobless is used with these nouns:

benefit, rate, recovery, roll, total, worker

job-related

job-relatedadj.

Job-related is used with these nouns:

jock

jocknoun

Jock is used before these nouns:

itch

Jock is used after these nouns:

football, shock

jockey

jockeynoun

nounADJECTIVE | jockey + VERBADJECTIVEchampion, leading, topwinningapprenticeamateur (esp. BrE)jump (= who rides in races that involve jumping) (esp. BrE), steeplechase (esp. AmE)stable (= who rides the horses of a particular trainer or training stable)jockey + VERBride (sth)Which jockey will be riding tomorrow?win (sth)The race was won by top jockey Eddie Andrews.

jog

jognounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + jog | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbrisk, quickslowlight (esp. AmE)daily, morningVERB + joggo forHe goes for a brisk jog before work each morning.PREPOSITIONat a jogI began at a slow jog and gradually increased my pace.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBslowly, steadilybriskly, quicklylightlyPREPOSITIONalong, down, upThey jogged steadily up the hill.PHRASESgo joggingShe decided to go jogging each morning.jog in place (AmE), jog on the spot (esp. BrE)She was jogging on the spot to keep warm.

Jog is used with these nouns as the object:

jogging

joggingnoun

Jogging is used before these nouns:

pants, suit, trail

join

joinverbPHRASAL VERB

verb1 become a member of sth2 do sth with sb else1 become a member of sthADVERB | VERB + join | PHRASESADVERBformally, officiallyAlthough a sympathizer, he never officially joined the party.voluntarily, willinglySome were conscripted into the army and others joined voluntarily.recentlyThis is Nicole, who recently joined the company.VERB + joinwant to, wish toflock to (esp. BrE)By this time people were flocking to join the cult.decide topersuade sb tobe allowed torefuse toPHRASESan invitation to join sth

2 do sth with sb elseADVERB | VERB + join | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBtogetherFarmers can join together to get better prices.eagerly, gladlyI would gladly join you in whatever plans you have for this evening.VERB + joinwish toinvite sb toThey've invited us to join them on their yacht.be allowed toShe was now old enough to be allowed to join the adults.be expected toThousands of people are expected to join the sponsored walk.decide torefuse toPREPOSITIONforWill you join me for a drink in the bar?inI'm sure you will all wish to join me in thanking our speaker tonight.withPlease will you all join with me in singing the national anthem.PHRASEScome and join sbHe waved a fork in greeting. ‘Come and join us!’an invitation to join sb/sth

PHRASAL VERBjoin inADVERB | VERB + join in | PREPOSITIONADVERBenthusiasticallyThey all joined enthusiastically in the dancing.VERB + join inwant torefuse to

PREPOSITIONwithEveryone joined in with the singing.I wish he would join in with the other children.

Join is used with these nouns as the subject:

employee, member

Join is used with these nouns as the object:

academy, alliance, army, band, bandwagon, battle, board, boycott, brigade, business, cabinet, campaign, cast, cause, celebration, chase, choir, chorus, church, circle, club, coalition, commune, company, confederation, congregation, conspiracy, convent, conversation, course, crew, crowd, crusade, debate, demonstration, department, elite, end, expedition, faculty, festivities, fight, fire brigade, firm, fleet, flow, fold, force, gang, group, gym, hunt, institute, league, list, mailing list, mainstream, majority, meeting, military, militia, mob, monastery, motorway, movement, navy, network, orchestra, panel, party, practice, procession, profession, queue, race, rank, rebel, rebellion, register, road, scheme, sect, service, society, squad, staff, strike, struggle, syndicate, system, team, throng, ticket, union, venture

joined-up

joined-upadj.

Joined-up is used with these nouns:

writing

join in

join inphr verb

Join in is used with these nouns as the object:

celebration, chase, chorus, conversation, discussion, festivities, fight, march, prayer, venture

joining

joiningnoun

Joining is used before these nouns:

Joint is used with these nouns:

joint

jointnounadj.

I. noun1 in the body2 connecting point3 bar, restaurant, etc.4 (BrE) piece of meat1 in the bodyADJECTIVE | VERB + joint | joint + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEelbow, hip, knee, etc.aching, achy (esp. AmE), inflamed, painful, sore, stiff, swollenartificialVERB + jointreplaceHe's going to have his hip joint replaced.dislocateHe dislocated his elbow joint.lubricateSynovial fluid lubricates the joints.affectIt is an inflammatory condition affecting the joints.joint + VERBachecreakHe slowly stood up, joints creaking in protest.moveThe joint should be able to move freely.PREPOSITIONin a/the jointYou have fluid in the joint.joint betweenthe joint between the lower and upper parts of the armPHRASESput sth out of joint (BrE)She fell and put her knee out of joint.

2 connecting pointADJECTIVE | VERB + joint | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEwatertightVERB + jointmake, sealPREPOSITIONjoint betweena joint between two lengths of copper

3 bar, restaurant, etc.ADJECTIVEADJECTIVEbarbecue, burger, fast-food, hamburger, pizza (all esp. AmE)juke (AmE), strip

4 (BrE) piece of meatADJECTIVE | VERB + joint | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbaconVERB + jointcook, roastcarvePREPOSITIONjoint ofa joint of beef/lamb/pork

II. adj.

account, action, administration, author, campaign, chief executive, command, commander, commission, committee, communiqué, conference, consultation, custody, decision, declaration, degree, delegation, editor, effort, endeavour, enquiry, enterprise, exercise, exhibition, expedition, favourite, finance, force, honour, income, inflammation, initiative, interest, leader, leadership, meeting, mission, name, operation, owner, ownership, pain, participation, partnership, press conference, programme, project, replacement, report, resolution, responsibility, session, sovereignty, statement, submission, task force, team, tenancy, tenant, training, trustee, undertaking, venture, winner, work

joint-honours

joint-honoursadj.

Joint-honours is used with these nouns:

degree

jointly

jointlyadv.

Jointly is used with these adjectives:

liable, responsible

Jointly is used with these verbs:

administer, award, charge, conduct, file, finance, fund, host, issue, manage, organize, own, run

joint-stock

joint-stockadj.

Joint-stock is used with these nouns:

company

joke

jokenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + joke | joke + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEamusing, funny, good, hilariousShe didn't seem to find my jokes amusing.oldThat's an old joke—I've heard it lots of times.bad, corny, dumb (AmE), lame, silly, stupid, unfunny (esp. BrE)cruel, sickracist, sexistcrude, dirty, off-colour/off-color (esp. AmE)inside (esp. AmE), privateThey kept telling inside jokes about people I didn't know.runningThe show features a running joke about a nosy dog.practicalHis brothers were always playing practical jokes.hugeIt's all just a huge joke to you, isn't it?VERB + jokecrack, make, tellHe's excellent at telling jokes.playHe's always playing jokes on people.exchange, have (esp. BrE), shareShe likes to share a joke with her employees.hearappreciate, enjoy, get, laugh at, like, understandWe all fell about laughing, but he didn't get the joke.She doesn't like jokes about her height.rememberspoilHe told us the ending, completely spoiling the joke.missAm I missing the joke here?takeThe trouble is she can't take a joke.treat sth asHe treated his exams as a huge joke.joke + VERBfall flatThe audience wasn't very responsive and the jokes fell flat.be on sbI thought I'd play a trick on them, but in the end the joke was on me.PREPOSITIONas a jokeIt was only said as a joke.joke aboutHave you heard the joke about the elephant and the mouse?PHRASESmake a joke of sthWe tried to make a joke of our situation, but it wasn't really funny.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBhalfShe was only half joking about being president one day.aroundEveryone just joked around and enjoyed themselves.lamely, weaklygood-naturedly, playfullyPREPOSITIONaboutWe joked about the amount of equipment we had to carry.withShe's always joking with her friends.PHRASESbe only jokingDon't worry, I'm only joking!joking apart (BrE), joking aside (= used to show you are now being serious after you have said sth funny)laugh and jokeThey laughed and joked as they walked along.you must be joking, you've got to be joking (esp. AmE)No way am I doing that. You must be joking!

joker

jokernoun

joking

jokingadj.

Joking is used with these nouns:

manner

jokingly

jokinglyadv.

Jokingly is used with these verbs:

ask, refer, remark, say, suggest

jolly

jollyadj.

Jolly is used with these nouns:

chap, fellow

jolt

joltnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + jolt | PHRASESADJECTIVEnasty, severe, sharp, sickening, sudden, violentlittle, slightVERB + joltfeelgiveMy mother's death gave me a severe jolt.sendreceiveShe received such a jolt that she nearly dropped her cup.PHRASESwith a joltThe train started with a jolt.jolt ofThe blow sent a jolt of pain through his body.jolt toHis dismissal was a severe jolt to his pride.

II. verb

Jolt is used with these nouns as the subject:

jostle for

jostle forphr verb

Jostle for is used with these nouns as the object:

attention, position, space

jostling

jostlingadj.

Jostling is used with these nouns:

jot down

jot downphr verb

Jot down is used with these nouns as the object:

journal

journalnoun

noun1 serious magazine2 diary1 serious magazineADJECTIVE | … OF JOURNAL | VERB + journal | journal + VERB | journal + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEacademic, learned (esp. BrE), scholarlyprofessional, technical, tradepeer-reviewed, refereed (esp. AmE)The results of the study were published in a respected peer-reviewed journal.house, in-house (both esp. BrE)the house journal of Southern Gasspecialist (esp. BrE), specialized (esp. AmE)researchbusiness, literary, medical, nursing, science, scientificaugust, leading, major, prestigious, reputable, respected‘Nature’ was the highest-ranked journal in the survey.obscureThe paper was published in an obscure medical journal.officialIt's the official journal of the Medical Foundation.international, nationalmonthly, quarterly, weeklyelectronic, online… OF JOURNALcopyPlease send me two copies of your new journal.edition, issue, volumeVERB + journalreadedit, write foran academic who writes for specialist journalsproduce, publishfoundHe founded a new literary journal in 1831.buy, get, subscribe toShe subscribes to quite a few academic journals.journal + VERBcome outThe journal comes out five times a year.be dedicated to, be devoted toan academic journal devoted to military historyjournal + NOUNarticle, editorialeditor, publishersubscriptionPREPOSITIONin a/the journalan article in a medical journaljournal ofthe British Journal of Geology

2 diaryADJECTIVE | VERB + journal | journal + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpersonal, privatedailyVERB + journalkeep, writeShe kept a daily journal of the voyage.readpublishThe Captain later published his journals.journal + NOUNentryHer journal entry for that day describes a thunder storm.PREPOSITIONin a/the journalThe events are all recorded in her journal.journal ofHe wrote a journal of his travels.

journalism

journalismnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF JOURNALISM | PHRASESADJECTIVEgoodprofessionalhard-hitting (esp. AmE), investigative, watchdog (AmE)popular, tabloidThe newspaper's editorial standards have sunk to the level of tabloid journalism.mainstreamyellow (AmE)gonzo (= reporting in newspapers that tries to shock or excite rather than give true information) (AmE)chequebook/checkbook (disapproving)lazy, shoddy (esp. AmE), sloppyonlinemagazine, newspaper, printbroadcast, radio, televisionfashion (esp. BrE), literary, medical, music, science, sports… OF JOURNALISMpiecea fine piece of investigative journalismPHRASESa career in journalismI'd like to have a career in journalism.the world of journalism

journalist

journalistnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + journalist | journalist + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbrilliant, goodexperienced, veteranleading, prominent, respected, top, well-knownaward-winning, prizewinningprofessionalmainstreamfreelanceindependentinvestigativeembeddedEmbedded journalists travel and live with the forces, and are more or less under their control.foreign, westernmagazine, newspaper, print, tabloidbroadcast, radio, televisionbusiness, environmental, financial, political, sports, etc.VERB + journalistspeak to, talk to, tellShe was warned against speaking to journalists about the affair.journalist + VERBinvestigate sthinterview sbwrite (sth)a journalist writing for a current affairs publicationcover sth, report sth, report on sthspecialize in stha journalist specializing in legal issuesPREPOSITIONjournalist on, journalist withan investigative journalist with a French newspaper

journalistic

journalisticadj.

Journalistic is used with these nouns:

career, convention, equivalent, ethics, excellence, impartiality, independence, integrity, standard, training

journey

journeynoun

nounSee also tripADJECTIVE | VERB + journey | journey + VERB | journey + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElong, marathon (esp. BrE)short (esp. BrE)outward (esp. BrE)homeward, return, round-trip (AmE)onward (esp. BrE)The bus driver told us where to change buses for our onward journey.bus, car, rail, train, etc. (all esp. BrE)five-mile, four-hour, etc.comfortable, easy, good, pleasant, safe (all esp. BrE)Did you have a good journey?Bye! Safe journey!arduous, difficult, gruelling/grueling (esp. BrE), hard, harrowing, tedious, terrible, tiring, tortuous (BrE)dangerous, hazardous, perilous, treacherousoverlandcross-countrydaily (esp. BrE)overnightepican epic journey across Africa on footamazing, fantastic, incredibleHer search took her on an incredible journey across the world.wasted (BrE)The library was closed when I got there, so it was a wasted journey.He wasn't there and we had a wasted journey.emotional, inner, intellectual, personal, sentimental, spiritualHe made the emotional journey back to the house he grew up in.The development of her poetry reflects her inner spiritual journey.VERB + journeygo on, have, make, undertakeFew people have made this journey and lived to tell the tale.break (BrE)We broke our return journey in Bangkok.begin, set out oncontinue, resumeThey continued their journey on foot.complete, finishsurviveThey doubted that he would survive the journey to the nearest hospital.chart, chronicle, describe, recountHe wrote a column chronicling his journeys around the Americas.journey + VERBtake (sb)His journey took him across central Asia.The journey takes about five hours. (BrE)beginendcontinueThe journey continued in silence.journey + NOUNtime (esp. BrE)PREPOSITIONon journeyThey were on a journey to the Far East.journey bya journey by air, bus, land, sea, etc.journey ofa journey of 300 milesa journey of five daysjourney across, journey between, journey throughjourney from, journey toThe journey from London to Athens took 60 hours.journey down, journey upthe journey down the RhinePHRASESbe tired after a journey, be tired from a journeya leg of a journey, a stage of a journeyDawn was breaking as we set out on the last leg of our journey.a journey into the unknownThis is the story of the first astronauts and their journey into the unknown.

jovial

jovialadj.

Jovial is used with these nouns:

mood, personality

joy

joynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + joy | joy + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEpure, real, sheer, true, unadulterated, unalloyed, utterecstatic, great, overwhelming, wildunbridled, unfettered, unrestrainedindescribable, inexpressiblesimplechildlikeHis childlike joy was infectious.suddeninner (AmE)VERB + joybring sbHer books have brought great joy to millions of people.experience, feelthe pure joy I felt at being free againshare, spreadWe want children to share the joy of music-making.be filled with, be full ofconvey, expressimagineImagine our joy when we saw each other again.discover, find, get, rediscover, takeI find joy in many kinds of music.She got no joy out of working.I took a real joy in telling them the truth.joy + VERBgoAll the joy had gone out of his life.PREPOSITIONto your joyShe found to her joy that the house had a large patio.with joyI could have shouted with joy.joy atProtesters expressed joy at the government's decision.PHRASESdance, jump, sing, weep, etc. for joyI literally jumped for joy when I heard the news.joy and sorrow, joys and sorrowsOver the years we have shared our joys and sorrows.a joy to behold, see, watch, etc.The children's expressions were a joy to behold.your pride and joy (= a person or thing that makes you feel great pride or satisfaction)Pablo was the couple's pride and joy.tears of joy

joyful

joyfuladj.

Joyful is used with these nouns:

reunion

joyfully

joyfullyadv.

Joyfully is used with these verbs:

sing

joyous

joyousadj.

Joyous is used with these nouns:

celebration, occasion, reunion, shout

jubilant

jubilantadj.

Jubilant is used with these nouns:

mood

Judaism

Judaismnoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEconservative, Hasidic, modern, orthodoxProgressive, ReformAshkenazi, Sephardic

judge

judgenounverb

I. noun1 applies the law2 decides who has won a competition3 has the ability/knowledge to give an opinion1 applies the lawADJECTIVE | VERB + judge | judge + VERBADJECTIVEexperienced (esp. BrE)learned (esp. BrE)seniorpresiding, trialdeputy (BrE)appeal, appellate, circuit, county, district, federalappeal-court, circuit-court, county-court, district-courtHigh Court (in the UK), Supreme Court (in the US)bankruptcy, immigration (both AmE)unelected (esp. AmE)activist, conservative, liberal (all AmE)She has a reputation as a liberal, activist judge.VERB + judgebe, sit asBy next year you could be sitting as a High Court judge.appoint (sb as), elect, nominate (both esp. AmE)convince, impress, persuade, satisfyThey must persuade the judge that a particular juror is likely to be biased.ask, telljudge + VERBoversee sth, preside, sitWhich judge will be sitting next week?The judge overseeing the case ordered the documents to be produced.call sbThe judge called the remaining witness.ask sth, say sth, tell (sb) sthA federal judge told the FBI they could not access the computers.direct sb (esp. BrE)The judge must direct the jury on points of law.consider sthaccept sth, admit sth, agree (sth), allow sth, approve sth, uphold sthThe judge admitted the notes of the interview as evidence.deny sth, disagree, dismiss sth, overrule sb/sth, overturn sth, refuse sth, reject sthThe trial judge dismissed her compensation claim.Appeals court judges overturned the previous ruling.conclude sth, decide sth, declare sth, find sth, hold sth, rule sthThe judge held that the company had been negligent.sum upThe judge summed up and the jury retired to consider its verdict.sentence sbimpose sth, order sthThe judge ordered the company to pay compensation to the claimant.A judge could impose a substantial penalty.award (sb) sth, grant (sb) sthThe judge awarded him damages of £20 000.

2 decides who has won a competitionADJECTIVE | … OF JUDGES | judge + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEcompetitionindependent… OF JUDGESpanela panel of independent judgesjudge + VERBchoose sb/sth, pick sb/sth, vote for sb/sthdecide sth, vote on sthPHRASESthe judges' decisionThe judges' decision on the entries is final.

3 has the ability/knowledge to give an opinionADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEastute, good, great, shrewdYou are the best judge of what your body needs.a shrewd judge of characterbad, poorimpartialPREPOSITIONjudge ofHe is a good judge of musical talent.PHRASESa good, bad etc. judge of characterShe's usually a pretty shrewd judge of character.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + judge | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBaccurately, correctly, rightlywrongly (esp. BrE)I think I judged the distance wrongly.fairly, properly (esp. BrE)harshly, unfairlyI think you're judging her rather harshly.objectivelysubjectivelybeautifully (esp. BrE), carefully, finely, nicely, perfectly (both esp. BrE), wellTheir performance of the concerto was beautifully judged.‘There's something I haven't told you.’ She judged her words carefully.The golfer judged it well, timing the ball to perfection.accordinglyThose who preach intolerance should be judged accordingly.purely, solelyHe was often judged solely on his looks.VERB + judgebe difficult to, be hard to, be impossible tobe able to, be in a position toI am in no position to judge whether what she is doing is right or wrong.learn toYou soon learn to judge distances when driving.PREPOSITIONaccording toHe believed that schools should be judged according to strictly academic criteria.againstYou always judge your own performance against that of others.byYou will be judged by the work you have produced over the year.fromThe age of the furniture can be judged from the type of wood used.onYour slogan will be judged on its originality and style.PHRASEScriteria for judgingPeople use different criteria for judging success at school.judge by appearancesdon't judge a book by its cover (= don't judge sth by how it looks)judging by sth, judging from sthHe seems to have been a popular person, judging by the number of people at his funeral.to judge by, to judge fromTo judge from what she said, she was very disappointed.judge for yourselfReaders are left to judge for themselves whether McCrombie is hero or villain.judge sth on its meritsEach painting must be judged on its own merits.not for me, us etc. to judgeIt's not for me to judge whether he made the right decision.

Judge is used with these nouns as the subject:

jury

Judge is used with these nouns as the object:

case, competition, distance, effectiveness, entry, extent, impact, merit, quality, reaction, relevance, reliability, situation, success, worth

judgement

judgementnoun

(also judgment esp. in AmE) noun1 decision/opinion2 decision making1 decision/opinionADJECTIVE | VERB + judgement | judgement + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEaccuratebalanced (esp. BrE)impartial, independent, objectivepersonal, subjectiveconsidered, informedI don't have enough knowledge of the subject to make an informed judgment.intuitivequalitativeharshsnapI hate having to make snap judgements.definitive, finalI'll reserve final judgment until I've seen all six episodes.VERB + judgementform, makeIt's difficult to form a judgement when you don't have all the facts.expressRemember to be tactful when expressing a personal judgement.confirmThis latest case confirms my earlier judgement.come to, reachIt is too soon to reach any definitive judgement.deliver, give, pass, pronounce, renderThe inspector's function is not merely to pronounce judgement, but also to suggest improvements.It's hard to render a judgement on what happened.reserve, suspend, withholdThe court reserved judgement on the two appeals.We'll withhold judgment until we know all the facts.obtain, winThey obtained a judgement in their favour/favor.reverseThey are trying to get the judgement reversed.abide byjudgement + VERBbe based onOur judgements must be based on our knowledge and experience.PREPOSITIONin sb's judgementWhat, in your judgement, would be the best way to deal with the problem?judgement aboutShe must make her own judgement about when to go.judgement againstThe sacked workers won a judgement against the company.judgement as toExperience helps us to form judgements as to the best course of action in given circumstances.judgement onI'm not equipped to pass judgement on such matters.PHRASESjudgement in sb's favour/favorThe court delivered a judgment in favour/favor of the defendant.value judgementThese are not facts, they are value judgments.

2 decision makingADJECTIVE | VERB + judgement | judgement + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfine (esp. BrE), good, shrewd, soundLanding a plane requires fine judgement.impartial, independentimpaired, pooraesthetic, artistic, clinical, critical, editorial, ethical, moral, political, professionalShe has a reputation for sound professional judgement.VERB + judgementdisplay, showrely onrespect, trustHe trusted his wife's judgement.doubt, questionI don't think he's dishonest, but I question his judgement.back (esp. BrE)The company backed her judgement and implemented all her recommendations.exercise, usecloud, impairHis emotions may have clouded his editorial judgement.colour/color, influenceHe never allows any prejudices to influence his judgement.sit inHe felt he had no right to sit in judgement on someone he had only just met.judgement + NOUNcall (= a situation where different people will reach different decisions according to their personal judgement)Whether or not to prescribe an antibiotic in this case is a judgement call.PREPOSITIONjudgement aboutYou will need to exercise your own judgement about what clothes to wear.judgement inThe speaker showed good judgement in his choice of topic.PHRASESan error of judgementAccepting the gift was an error of judgement on the part of the party chairman.a lack of judgementa matter of judgementHow much money you should invest is a matter of judgement.

judging

judgingadj.

Judging is used with these nouns:

panel

judicial judicious

judiciousadj.

Judicious is used with these nouns:

mix, mixture, selection, use

judiciously

judiciouslyadv.

Judiciously is used with these verbs:

judo

judonoun

nounVERB + judo | judo + NOUN | PHRASESVERB + judodo, practise/practicelearn, studyteachjudo + NOUNhold, move, throwShe managed to get the man in a judo hold.matdojoinstructorPHRASESa black, etc. belt in judoHe's a black belt in judo.He has a brown belt in judo.

jug

jugnoun

nounSee also pitcherADJECTIVE | VERB + jug | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEearthenware, glass, plasticcream, milk, water, winegallon, half-gallon, three-litre/three-liter, etc.measuring (BrE)VERB + jugfill, fill up, pour sth intoI filled up my water jug.He filled a jug with juice. (esp. BrE)pour, tipShe poured a jug of water over his head.empty, pour sth from, pour sth out ofPREPOSITIONjug ofa jug of milk

juggle

juggleverb

Juggle is used with these nouns as the object:

demand, responsibility, schedule

juggling

jugglingnoun

Juggling is used before these nouns:

act

jugular

jugularadj.

Jugular is used with these nouns:

juice

juicenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + juice | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfruit, lemon, tomato, etc.fresh, freshly squeezed (esp. BrE), fresh-squeezed (AmE)concentratedunsweetenedfortified (AmE)VERB + juiceextract, squeezedrink, sipsuckHe was sucking the juice out of a slice of orange.strain (esp. BrE)sprinkle (sth with)Sprinkle the avocado slices with lemon juice.spillPREPOSITIONjuice fromThe juice from the meat is used to make the sauce.juice ofthe grated rind and juice of two lemons

juicy

juicyadj.

Juicy is used with these nouns:

apple, cherry, chicken, detail, flesh, fruit, gossip, morsel, orange, steak, strawberry

juke

jukeadj.

Juke is used with these nouns:

joint

July

Julynoun

jumble

jumblenoun

Jumble is used before these nouns:

jumbled

jumbledadj.

Jumbled is used with these nouns:

collection, mess

jumbo

jumboadj.

Jumbo is used with these nouns:

jet

jump

jumpnounverb

I. noun1 movement2 increase1 movementADJECTIVE | VERB + jump | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElittlerunning, standingCats can clear six feet with a standing jump.broad (AmE), high, long, triplebungee, parachute, skiVERB + jumpmakeShe made a jump for the river bank.takeHe took a running jump and just managed to clear the stream.doHe's going to do a parachute jump for charity.giveHer heart gave a little jump at his smile.PREPOSITIONin the … jumpAllen won silver in the high jump.with a jumpI sat up with a jump (= suddenly.).jump into (figurative)The new law is a jump into the unknown.jump onto

2 increaseADJECTIVE | VERB + jump | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, quantumsharp, suddenThere's been no sudden jump, but a steady increase year on year.smallVERB + jumpmakeIs he good enough to make the jump into Formula One?PREPOSITIONjump inThe sportswear company reports a jump in sales since the Olympics.

II. verb1 move off the ground2 move quickly or suddenly1 move off the groundADVERB | VERB + jump | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBsuddenlyalmost, nearly, practicallyShe practically jumped out of bed.about (esp. BrE), around, back, down, in, off, out, up, up and downHe was jumping up and down with excitement.overboardVERB + jumptry toHe tried to jump back on board.PREPOSITIONfromHe had to jump from a first floor window.into, off, onStop jumping on the furniture!ontoShe jumped up onto the table.out of, overCan you jump over that fence?throughPHRASESjump for joyThey all jumped for joy and hugged each other.

2 move quickly or suddenlyADVERB | VERB + jump | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBslightlyShe jumped slightly at the sound of the bell.immediately, instantly, quickly, suddenlyWhen she heard the news she immediately jumped on a plane to France.ahead, back, backwards/backward, forward (all figurative)The movie then jumps ahead to twenty years in the future.VERB + jumpmake sbThere was a loud bang that made me jump.PREPOSITIONinHe jumped in surprise.PHRASESjump out of your skin (figurative)I nearly jumped out of my skin when he told me.

Jump is used with these nouns as the subject:

cat, frog, heart, horse, index, number, price, profit, rabbit, rate, sale, yield

Jump is used with these nouns as the object:

bail, barrier, fence, hurdle, kerb, per cent, point, queue, ship, track, traffic light

jump at

jump atphr verb

Jump at is used with these nouns as the object:

chance, sound

jumper

jumpernoun

noun (BrE) knitted piece of clothingSee also sweaterADJECTIVE | VERB + jumperADJECTIVEbaggy, loose, sloppytightheavy, thicklight, thincashmere, cotton, woollen, woolly, etc.knittedcrew-neck, polo-neck, turtleneckFair Islea Fair Isle jumper in navy and redVERB + jumperpull onknit, make

jump from

jump fromphr verb

Jump from is used with these nouns as the object:

jumping-off

jumping-offadj.

Jumping-off is used with these nouns:

point

jump into

jump intophr verb

Jump into is used with these nouns as the object:

jump off

jump offphr verb

Jump off is used with these nouns as the object:

cliff, stage, train

jump on

jump onphr verb

Jump on is used with these nouns as the object:

bandwagon, stage, train

jump onto

jump ontophr verb

Jump onto is used with these nouns as the object:

jump out of

jump out ofphr verb

Jump out of is used with these nouns as the object:

jump over

jump overphr verb

Jump over is used with these nouns as the object:

fence, hurdle, wall

jump-start

jump-startverb

Jump-start is used with these nouns as the object:

career, economy

jump up

jump upphr verb

Jump up is used with these nouns as the subject:

junction

junctionnoun

noun (esp. BrE)See also exitADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbusydangerousmotorway (in the UK), roadrailway (BrE)PREPOSITIONat a/the junctionTurn off at junction 6.junction withThe college is on the Manchester road, by the junction with the A5.

June

Junenoun

Jungian

Jungianadj.

Jungian is used with these nouns:

psychology

jungle

junglenoun

nounADJECTIVE | jungle + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdense, impenetrable, thicklushthe lush jungles of the Yucatan Peninsulatropicalconcrete, urban (both figurative)This outback area is a far cry from the city's concrete jungle.jungle + NOUNcanopywarfaregym (= climbing frame for children) (AmE)PREPOSITIONin junglea temple deep in the junglethrough jungleThey hacked their way through dense jungle.

junior

juniornounadj.

I. noun

Junior is used after these nouns:

college, high school, office

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeADVERBverya very junior officerfairly (BrE), relativelya relatively junior member of staffPREPOSITIONtoJohn is still junior to me at work.

Junior is used with these nouns:

athletics, barrister, champion, championship, chess, clerk, colleague, college, counsel, division, doctor, employee, executive, faculty, fellow, football, grade, high school, hockey, league, lecturer, management, manager, member, minister, nurse, officer, official, partner, position, professor, rank, reporter, rugby, school, season, senator, single, soccer, staff, team, tennis, year

junior high

junior highnoun

Junior high is used before these nouns:

school, teacher

junior high school

junior high schoolnoun

Junior high school is used before these nouns:

juniper

junipernoun

Juniper is used before these nouns:

berry

junk

junknoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF JUNK | junk + VERB | junk + NOUNADJECTIVEoldsculptures made from old junk and scrap metaluseless… OF JUNKbit, pieceThere were bits of junk lying around.heap, pilejunk + VERBlie about (esp. BrE), lie aroundjunk + NOUNshoproomThey cleared out the junk room to make a tiny bedroom.heap, pilematerialHe made the boat out of junk materials.foodHe sits around eating junk food all day.email, mailbond (= high-risk investment)science (= invalid)The company described the report as ‘junk science’.

junkie

junkienoun

Junkie is used after these nouns:

news

junkyard

junkyardnoun

Junkyard is used before these nouns:

junta

juntanoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + junta | junta + NOUNADJECTIVErulingmilitary, revolutionaryVERB + juntaformdissolve, oust, overthrowjunta + NOUNleader, member

jurisdiction

jurisdictionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + jurisdiction | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElimiteduniversalThe British courts have universal jurisdiction over torture cases.Under the doctrine of universal jurisdiction, suspected war criminals may be prosecuted irrespective of where they are located.exclusiveThe commissioners had exclusive jurisdiction to decide.appellatecivil, criminal, ecclesiasticalfederal, localVERB + jurisdictionhave, retainThe court has no jurisdiction in this case.exerciseThe court may exercise its jurisdiction to compel the husband to make a settlement upon his wife.claimThe offshore government claims jurisdiction over the mainland.give, grantextendlackbe subject to, come underHe is subject to the jurisdiction of the Indian courts.PREPOSITIONbeyond your jurisdictionShe acted beyond the jurisdiction of any teacher.outside your jurisdictionThe matter is outside the jurisdiction of UK administrative agencies.under jurisdictionThe territory is still under Russian jurisdiction.within your jurisdictionThe matter was not within the jurisdiction of the court.jurisdiction overThe Senate committees have exclusive jurisdiction over the FBI.

jurisdictional

jurisdictionaladj.

Jurisdictional is used with these nouns:

Just is used with these nouns:

juror

jurornoun

nounVERB + jurorVERB + jurorswear inThe jurors were sworn in.dismiss (AmE)The judge dismissed another juror.instruct, tellThe judge instructed jurors to disregard this information.

jury

jurynoun

noun1 in a court of law2 of a competition1 in a court of lawADJECTIVE | VERB + jury | jury + VERB | jury + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEinquest (BrE), trial (esp. BrE)grandHe was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of distributing illegal steroids.civil, criminal (both esp. AmE)hungA retrial was necessary after the original trial ended with a hung jury.12-memberThe 12-member jury deliberated for five days before returning a verdict.VERB + juryserve on, sit ontellTell the jury what happened, in your own words.convince, impress, persuade, swayHer evidence finally swayed the jury.direct (BrE), instructThe judge directed the jury to return a verdict of not guilty.convene (AmE), impanel (AmE), pick, selectstrike (= remove) (AmE)The attorney has the right to strike jurors for any reason.swear in (esp. BrE)The new jury were sworn in.sequester (AmE)Judge Ito sequestered the jury for the entire trial.jury + VERBhear sthThe jury heard how the boy had obtained a knife from a friend's house.investigate sth (esp. AmE)He will appear before a grand jury investigating the case.retire (esp. BrE)consider its verdict (esp. BrE), deliberateThe jury has retired to consider its verdict.be outThe jury is still out (= still deciding).The jury is still out on this new policy. (figurative)decide sth, deliver a/its verdict, give a verdict, reach a verdict, return a verdictThe jury delivered a unanimous verdict.indict sb (esp. AmE)A Los Angeles grand jury indicted him for perjury.convict sb, find sb guiltyThe jury convicted Menzies of assaulting Smith.acquit sb, clear sb (esp. BrE), find sb not guiltyaward sbThe jury awarded her damages of £30 000.jury + NOUNduty (esp. AmE), service (esp. BrE)It was the second time he had been called up for jury duty/service.trialmemberselection (esp. AmE)systema review of the jury systemindictment, investigation, subpoena (all esp. AmE)The company has been slapped with a grand jury subpoena.testimony (esp. AmE)the President's grand jury testimonyPREPOSITIONbefore a juryThe trial will take place before a jury.on a/the juryThere were only three women on the jury.jury ofthe jury of seven women and five menPHRASESthe foreman of the jury, members of the jurytrial by juryYou have a right to trial by jury.

2 of a competitionVERB + jury | jury + VERB | PREPOSITIONVERB + jurychoose, selectThe jury is selected from the winners in previous years.jury + VERBjudge sthconsist of sbThe jury consisted of an architect, a photographer and an artist.award (sb) sth, give sb sthThe jury has awarded the prize for best exhibit in the show to Harry Pearson.PREPOSITIONon a/the juryHe was on a jury judging a songwriting competition.jury forthe jury for the design awards

just

justadj.adv.

I. adj.

cause, compensation, conjecture, criticism, retribution, reward, settlement, society, war

II. adv.

Just is used with these adjectives:

able, afraid, amazed, amazing, audible, awful, bearable, beautiful, brilliant, conceivable, creepy, curious, discernible, dreadful, equal, fantastic, fine, glad, grateful, great, happy, horrible, impossible, incredible, interested, ludicrous, perfect, possible, remarkable, right, ripe, same, scared, shocking, sufficient, tender, terrible, thankful, tired, typical, unacceptable, unbearable, unbelievable, visible, warm, wide, wonderful, wrong

Just is used with these verbs:

afford, call, complete, confirm, disappear, discern, dream, escape, finish, graze, hand, happen, hate, hear, ignore, imagine, know, laugh, mention, miss, need, nod, observe, perpetuate, prefer, pretend, prove, push, read, receive, relax, remind, repeat, see, sense, shake, shrug, sit, smack, snap, stare, start, state, stick, strike, survive, tolerate, touch, underline, unveil, vanish, wander, want, waste, watch, wave, wipe, wish, wonder

justice

justicenoun

noun1 fairness2 law1 fairnessADJECTIVE | VERB + justice | PHRASESADJECTIVEdistributive, economic, environmental, natural, racial (esp. AmE), socialroughHe saw it as rough justice when he got food poisoning from the stolen meat.vigilantethe deadliest episode of vigilante justice in American historydivineSome people saw the epidemic as divine justice.poeticMaybe there's a sort of poetic justice to it.VERB + justiceask for, demand, pursue, seek, wantAll I'm asking for is justice.achieve, get, obtainpromoteThey saw the reform proposals as a way to promote social justice.serveSomebody out there needs to make sure justice is served.deny sbWe have been denied justice for too long.PHRASESa sense of justiceThe teacher's system of punishments appealed to the children's sense of justice.

2 lawADJECTIVE | VERB + justice | justice + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEcivil, criminal, juvenilerestorativeRestorative justice can only work when all parties agree.retributive (esp. AmE)victims seeking retributive justicesummaryCivilians were not subject to summary justice.VERB + justicedoJustice must be done in every case.administer, deliver, dispense, mete outthose who are ultimately responsible for dispensing justicebring sb tofacethe battle for Taylor to face justice before the High CourtescapeSo far the robbers have escaped justice.obstructThey were accused of attempting to obstruct justice.justice + NOUNdepartmentsystemPHRASESa miscarriage of justiceHe spent twenty years in prison as a result of a miscarriage of justice.pervert the course of justice (BrE)They were accused of attempting to pervert the course of justice.

justifiable

justifiableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seembecomeconsider sth, think sthWe consider this action justifiable.ADVERBcompletely, entirely, perfectlycommercially, economicallyethically, morallyPREPOSITIONon the grounds of sth, on the grounds that … , on … groundsThe cutbacks are justifiable on the grounds of cost.The rule is justifiable on safety grounds.

Justifiable is used with these nouns:

criticism, homicide, pride, reason

justifiably

justifiablyadv.

Justifiably is used with these adjectives:

proud

Justifiably is used with these verbs:

claim, criticize

justification

justificationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + justification | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEconsiderable, every, someYou have every justification for feeling angry.compellingThere was no compelling justification for the invasion.the slightestShe had not given him the slightest justification for thinking she was interested in him.adequate, ample, sufficientethical, ideological, moralintellectual, philosophical, rational, scientific, theological, theoreticaleconomic, legal, politicalVERB + justificationgive (sb), offer (sb), provide (sb with)She's unable to provide any justification for her actions.seefindI could find no real justification for the proposed reorganization.need, requireSuch a step requires substantial justification to be accepted by the public.PREPOSITIONin justificationthe argument which he put forward in justificationwith justificationHe felt, with some justification, that he had been unfairly treated.without justificationShe was arrested entirely without justification.justification forI can see some justification for her remarks.justification ofShe never presents an ideological justification of her work.

justified

justifiedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, prove, seemADVERBamplyThe suspicion proved amply justified.completely, entirely, fully, perfectly, quite, totallyhardlypartially, partlyclearlyeasilya logical and easily justified decisioneconomically, ethically, financially, legally, morally, rationally, scientifically, theoreticallyCan her actions be morally justified?PREPOSITIONinShe felt fully justified in asking for a refund.

justify

justifyverb

verbADVERB | VERB + justify | PREPOSITIONADVERBreally, trulyCan you really justify the destruction of such a fine old building?easilyThe university could not easily justify spending the money on this.hardlyThe result hardly justified the risks they took to get it.VERB + justifycanserve toThe events that followed served to justify our earlier decision.appear to, seem toIn 1865 a letter arrived that appeared to justify her faith.help toThe extra effort involved would go a long way in helping to justify their high price tags.be easy tothe many issues that make it easy to justify the purchaseattempt to, seek to, try tobe necessary to, have to, need tobe difficult to, be hard to, be tough to, struggle toHe found it very difficult to justify his decision.be impossible toPREPOSITIONon the grounds of sth, on the grounds that … The decision is justified on the grounds that there is no realistic alternative.toHow will you justify this pay cut to your employees?

Justify is used with these nouns as the subject:

argument

Justify is used with these nouns as the object:

act, assertion, belief, choice, conclusion, decision, exercise, existence, expenditure, expense, failure, finding, imposition, inclusion, intervention, invasion, killing, murder, risk, slavery, suspicion, termination, use, violence

justly

justlyadv.

Justly is used with these adjectives:

celebrated, famous, proud

Justly is used with these verbs:

deserve, praise, punish, reward, rule

jut

jutverb

Jut is used with these nouns as the subject:

jaw

Jut is used with these nouns as the object:

jute

jutenoun

Jute is used before these nouns:

mill

jut out

jut outphr verb

Jut out is used with these nouns as the subject:

Jut out is used with these nouns as the object:

jutting

juttingadj.

Jutting is used with these nouns:

chin, jaw

juvenile

juvenileadj.

Juvenile is used with these nouns:

court, crime, execution, justice, male, mortality, offender, specimen, stage

juxtapose

juxtaposeverb

Juxtapose is used with these nouns as the object:

image

Kalashnikov

Kalashnikovnoun

Kalashnikov is used before these nouns:

rifle

kangaroo

kangaroonoun

Kangaroo is used before these nouns:

karaoke

karaokenoun

Karaoke is used before these nouns:

bar, lounge, machine, night

karate

karatenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + karate | karate + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEfull-contact, ShotokanVERB + karatedo, practise/practice, studyteachlearnkarate + NOUNsuitchop, kick, punchtechniquecompetition, tournamentclass, lesson, practice, trainingchampion, expert, master, practitionerblack belta 34-year-old karate black beltinstructor, teacherPHRASESa black, etc. belt in karateHe's a black belt in karate.She has a brown belt in karate.

kebab

kebabnoun

Kebab is used before these nouns:

van

keen

keenadj.

adj. (esp. BrE) eager/enthusiasticVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSappear, be, look, seem, soundremainADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.She's a very keen gardener.desperately, especially, more than, particularly, terriblyHe's particularly keen on football.not at all, not exactly, not overly, not tooThe banks were not at all keen to lend to somebody who actually seemed to need money.equallyShe is extremely keen to remain with the police and we are equally keen to retain her.alwaysShe was always keen to hear the local gossip.obviouslynaturally, understandablyShe was naturally keen to make a good impression.PREPOSITIONforThey were desperately keen for information.onSally's quite keen on the idea.PHRASESas keen as mustard (= very keen) (BrE, informal)

Keen is used with these nouns:

admirer, amateur, anticipation, appreciation, awareness, collector, competition, ear, eye, eyesight, fan, fisherman, follower, footballer, gardener, golfer, insight, intellect, interest, mind, observation, observer, perception, photographer, sailor, sense, sportsman, sportswoman, supporter, swimmer, traveller, understanding

keenly

keenlyadv.

Keenly is used with these adjectives:

aware, interested, observant

Keenly is used with these verbs:

await, contest, eye, feel, observe, seek

keenly contested

keenly contestedadj.

Keenly contested is used with these nouns:

game

keep

keepnounverb

I. nounVERB + keepVERB + keepearnIt's time you did a job to earn your keep.

Keep is used after these nouns:

castle

II. verbADVERBADVERBwellMilk and cream should keep well in a refrigerator.

Keep is used with these nouns as the subject:

win

Keep is used with these nouns as the object:

account, animal, appointment, archive, attention, balance, ball, bearing, blog, bodyguard, book, breed, cat, cattle, change, charm, check, chicken, collection, company, composure, confidence, contact, control, copy, count, customer, date, diary, dignity, distance, dog, edge, engagement, fast, figure, file, fish, flavour, flow, focus, food, footing, front, garden, goat, grip, hen, hold, hostage, hour, house, identity, interest, job, journal, lead, log, memento, minute, mistress, monopoly, name, negative, nerve, note, notebook, oath, order, pace, patience, peace, perspective, pet, pig, place, possession, poultry, profile, promise, receipt, record, register, rendezvous, resolution, rhythm, sabbath, sanity, score, seat, secret, self-control, self-respect, semblance, sense, shape, sheep, shop, sight, silence, slave, spotlight, stance, statistics, status quo, stock, store, temper, tension, thread, time, title, trust, value, vigil, vow, watch, word

keep at

keep atphr verb

Keep at is used with these nouns as the object:

forefront

keep away

keep awayphr verb

Keep away is used with these nouns as the object:

intruder

keep down

keep downphr verb

Keep down is used with these nouns as the object:

cost, inflation, level, tax, wage, weed, weight

keeper

keepernoun

Keeper is used after these nouns:

bee, brothel, stall, zoo

keep-fit

keep-fitnoun

Keep-fit is used before these nouns:

fanatic

keep from

keep fromphr verb

Keep from is used with these nouns as the object:

harm

keep in

keep inphr verb

Keep in is used with these nouns as the object:

check, contact, cupboard, forefront, ignorance, jail, lane, mind, order, perspective, proportion, quarantine, reserve, step, touch, trust

keep off

keep offphr verb

Keep off is used with these nouns as the object:

keep on

keep onphr verb

Keep on is used with these nouns as the object:

diet, file, heating, lid, light, path

keep out

keep outphr verb

Keep out is used with these nouns as the object:

cold, daylight, intruder

keep out of

keep out ofphr verb

Keep out of is used with these nouns as the object:

jail, mischief, trouble, way

keep to

keep tophr verb

Keep to is used with these nouns as the object:

agreement, budget, convention, footpath, forefront, minimum, path, pavement, plan, schedule, speed limit, timetable

keep up keep up with

keep up withphr verb

Keep up with is used with these nouns as the object:

fashion, inflation

keg

kegnoun

Keg is used before these nouns:

Keg is used after these nouns:

kelly

kellyadj.

Kelly is used with these nouns:

kerb

kerbnoun

(BrE) (AmE curb) nounADJECTIVE | VERB + kerb/curb | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdropped (BrE)Dropped kerbs make wheelchair access easier.VERB + kerb/curbpull away fromThe car pulled away from the kerb.pull in to (esp. BrE), pull over to, pull up to (esp. AmE)step offHe stepped off the kerb without looking and was hit by a bike.clip, hit, strikejump (AmE), mount (BrE)The car mounted the kerb and knocked over a pedestrian.PREPOSITIONat the kerbI parked at the kerb and waited.on the kerbThey stood on the kerb waiting to cross the road.

kerbside

kerbsidenoun

Kerbside is used before these nouns:

recycling

kernel

kernelnoun

Kernel is used after these nouns:

corn, palm

kerosene

kerosenenoun

Kerosene is used before these nouns:

heater, lamp

ketchup

ketchupnoun

Ketchup is used before these nouns:

packet

Ketchup is used after these nouns:

tomato

kettle

kettlenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + kettle | kettle + VERBADJECTIVEelectricVERB + kettlefillplug in (BrE)put on (esp. BrE)I've just put the kettle on.boilI'll just boil the kettle.kettle + VERBboilShe made herself a sandwich while she waited for the kettle to boil.sing, whistleThe kettle started to sing.switch itself off (esp. BrE)

Kevlar{™}

Kevlar{™}noun

Kevlar™ is used before these nouns:

helmet, vest

key

keynounadj.

I. noun1 for a door2 on a computer3 decisive factor4 in music5 on a musical instrument1 for a doorADJECTIVE | … OF KEYS | VERB + key | key + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEmaster, skeletonduplicate, spareapartment (esp. AmE), car, door, house, ignition, room, etc.She hides a front door key in a flowerpot.… OF KEYSbunch, ring (esp. AmE), seta large bunch of keysHe fished a ring of keys out of his pocket.a set of car keysVERB + keyturnShe turned the key in the lock.insert, put in, slide inI slid the key into the lock and went in.remove, take outuseShe must have used a key to get in.leaveShe left a key with the neighbours/neighbors.lock inI'd accidentally locked the keys in my car.key + VERBopen, unlockYou need a key to open the garage.lockturnThey heard a key turn in the lock.jangle, jingleThe sound of keys jangling caught her attention.PREPOSITIONwith a/the keyYou have to close it with the key.key forRobbie didn't have a key for these doors.key tothe key to the front doorPHRASESget a key cut (BrE)I'll get another key cut so that you can have one.

2 on a computerADJECTIVE | … OF KEYS | VERB + keyADJECTIVEAlt, arrow, backspace, control, delete, enter, escape, function, return, shift, etc.hot (= a key that you can press to perform a set of operations quickly), short-cutF1 is the short-cut key for calling up help.… OF KEYSrowthe top row of keysVERB + keyhit, hold down, press, punch, tapHold down the Alt key while pressing the arrow keys.release

3 decisive factorVERB + key | PREPOSITIONVERB + keyhave, holdFirst-time voters could hold the key to the election result.PREPOSITIONkey toLanguage is the key to understanding those around you.

4 in musicADJECTIVE | VERB + key | key + VERB | key + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEmajor, minorhigh, lowVERB + keychangeThe piece changes key in the middle.key + VERBchangeThe key changes from C major to A minor.key + NOUNchangesignaturePREPOSITIONin a/the keyWhat key is it in?Can we try it in a lower key?key ofthe key of G majorPHRASESa change of key

5 on a musical instrumentADJECTIVE | VERB + keyADJECTIVEorgan, piano, etc.black, whiteVERB + keycaress, stroke, touchdepress

II. adj.

Key is used with these nouns:

advantage, aim, ally, appointment, area, article, aspect, assumption, attribute, challenge, characteristic, component, concept, concession, consideration, constituency, contributor, customer, decision, demand, difference, dimension, distinction, document, element, employee, event, executive, factor, feature, figure, finding, function, idea, importance, indicator, individual, industry, ingredient, instrument, issue, leader, link, measure, meeting, member, message, milestone, ministry, moment, objective, paragraph, part, participant, passage, performer, personnel, phrase, plank, player, point, position, precinct, principle, problem, provision, question, reason, recommendation, requirement, respect, role, sector, senator, stage, step, strategy, strength, stumbling block, supplier, suspect, target, task, term, test, text, theme, thing, tool, topic, turning point, vocabulary, vote, witness, word, worker

keyboard

keyboardnoun

noun1 set of keys on a computer, etc.2 set of keys on a piano, etc.3 electrical musical instrument1 set of keys on a computer, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + keyboard | keyboard + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEqwertystandardcomputer, laptop, PC, typewriterBluetooth™, cordless, USB, wirelesson-screenYou can access web pages by using an on-screen keyboard.built-inthe first pocket PC to include a built-in keyboardfull-size, miniatureergonomicVERB + keyboardtap, tap at, tap onArianne was tapping away at her keyboard.pound, pound at, pound onFilled with inspiration, he started pounding his keyboard.keyboard + NOUNcommand, short cutUsers can now customize keyboard short cuts.portthe mouse and keyboard ports on the back of your computerPREPOSITIONon the keyboardUsing the mouse is quicker than typing it on the keyboard.

2 set of keys on a piano, etc.ADJECTIVE | keyboard + NOUNADJECTIVEorgan, piano, etc.keyboard + NOUNinstrument

3 electrical musical instrumentADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdigital, electric, electronicPREPOSITIONat the keyboardEd Duke was at the keyboard.on (a/the) keyboardHe played the song on his keyboard.The recording features Herbie Hancock on keyboard.

keyhole

keyholenoun

Keyhole is used before these nouns:

surgery

Keynesian

Keynesianadj.

Keynesian is used with these nouns:

economics, economist

keynote

keynotenoun

Keynote is used before these nouns:

address, lecture, presentation, speaker, speech

keypad

keypadnoun

Keypad is used after these nouns:

phone

keyword

keywordnoun

Keyword is used before these nouns:

khaki

khakiadj.

Khaki is used with these nouns:

shorts

kick

kicknounverb

I. noun1 act of kicking2 feeling of great pleasure/excitement1 act of kickingADJECTIVE | VERB + kick | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgood, hard, hefty, powerful, sharp, swift, viciousShe gave him a hard kick to the stomach.This city could use a good kick in the pants. (AmE,figurative)karate, roundhouse (AmE), scissorOlivia leapt forward with a high karate kick.high, legan energetic performer using dance routines and high kickscorner, free, goal, overhead, penalty, spot (all in football/soccer)drop (in rugby and American football)onside (in American football)VERB + kickgive sb/sthGive the door a good kick if it won't open.aimdeliver, land, plantRoy landed a kick to the man's head.get, receiveHe had received a painful kick on the knee.PREPOSITIONkick ata kick at goalkick by, kick froma kick from Maynard in the last minute of the gamekick ina kick in the stomachkick ona kick on the anklekick toa kick to the ribs

2 feeling of great pleasure/excitementADJECTIVE | VERB + kick | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, great, huge, realVERB + kickgetHe gets a real kick out of fixing something so that it can be used again.give sbIt gave the youngsters a kick to see their own play on television.PREPOSITIONfor kicksThey don't really want the things they steal. They just do it for kicks.

II. verb1 hit sb/sth with your foot2 move your feet in the air1 hit sb/sth with your footADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBhard, savagely, viciously, violentlyDon't kick the ball too hard.gentlyMarcia gently kicked the horse again to make it trot.accidentally, deliberately (esp. BrE)He was sent off for deliberately kicking an Italian player.repeatedlyFoster admitted punching and kicking the man repeatedly.around, overThe boys were kicking a ball around in the yard.Abe roared and kicked over a table.PREPOSITIONagainstShe could feel the baby kicking against her stomach wall.Young people often kick against convention. (figurative)atShe kicked at the loose pebbles by the roadside.inThey threw him to the ground and kicked him hard in the stomach.onShe kicked me on the knee.PHRASESkick a door downkick a door open, kick a door shutSuddenly the far door was kicked open.kick sb to death

2 move your feet in the airADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBfrantically, furiously, wildlyHe rolled over in the sand, kicking wildly.offThey dropped their bags in the front hall and kicked off their shoes.PREPOSITIONout atThe horse kicked out at the dog.withI tried to dive back under, kicking with my legs.PHRASESdrag sb kicking and screamingThe police had to drag her kicking and screaming out of the house.kick your legs, your legs kickThe little boy was now lying on his back kicking his legs in the air.I was carried upstairs, arms waving and legs kicking.

Kick is used with these nouns as the subject:

baby, foot, leg

Kick is used with these nouns as the object:

ball, booze, conversion, foot, football, goal, ground, habit, leg, penalty, sand, stomach

kick around

kick aroundphr verb

Kick around is used with these nouns as the object:

kick down

kick downphr verb

Kick down is used with these nouns as the object:

kick in

kick inphr verb

Kick in is used with these nouns as the subject:

instinct, paranoia

Kick in is used with these nouns as the object:

kick off

kick offphr verb

Kick off is used with these nouns as the subject:

season

Kick off is used with these nouns as the object:

blanket, duvet, sandal, shoe, slipper, sneaker

kick-start

kick-startverb

Kick-start is used with these nouns as the object:

kick up

kick upphr verb

Kick up is used with these nouns as the object:

fuss, row, stink

kid

kidnounadj.

I. noun (informal)ADJECTIVE | … OF KIDS | VERB + kid | PHRASESADJECTIVElittle, youngbig, olderThe older kids had lessons in the afternoon as well.He's like a big kid with all this enthusiasm.cute, good, lovely (esp. BrE), nicecool, smart (esp. AmE)dumb (esp. AmE), stupidnormalShe was just a normal kid.crazy, weirdNow what are you two crazy kids doing?poorI feel desperately sorry for the poor kid.richa spoiled little rich kidfatI was the fat kid through most of my teenage years.scrawny, skinnya skinny little kid who looked to be no older than fourteenlocal, neighbourhood/neighborhood (esp. AmE)a gang of local kidsstreetstreet kids who rely on their ingenuity to keep alivefosterThey had sixteen foster kids and two of their own.college (esp. AmE), high-school (AmE), school (usually schoolkid)… OF KIDSbunch, couple, crowd, gang, groupThey're just a bunch of kids.VERB + kidhaveWe both wanted to have kids.wantShe had wanted more kids.adopt, fosterThey had adopted three kids.bring up, raise (esp. AmE)I've tried to bring my kids up to respect other people.educate, teachHere are some fun ways to teach your kids about healthy eating.look after (esp. BrE), take care of, watch (esp. AmE)She had offered to watch the kids many times so Toby could go out.protectlegislation to protect kids from violence and harassment in their schoolsPHRASESjust a kid, only a kidHe's only a kid. You can't expect him to understand what's going on.like a kidShe was crying like a kid.kids' stuffThe movie is pure kids' stuff from beginning to end.That was kids' stuff compared with what lies ahead.

II. adj.

Kid is used with these nouns:

brother, sister

kiddie

kiddieadj.

Kiddie is used with these nouns:

Kidnap is used before these nouns:

kidnap

kidnapnounverb

I. noun

Kidnap is used with these nouns as the subject:

II. verb

alien

Kidnap is used with these nouns as the object:

kidney

kidneynoun

Kidney is used before these nouns:

bean, donor, failure, machine, transplant, tumour

kill

killnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + kill | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEclean, easy, quickfreshvultures sensing a fresh killfish (AmE)the worst fish kill in recorded historyVERB + killmakeThe lion made a quick kill.be in at (BrE)I didn't even see the fox, let alone be in at the kill.close in for, go in for, move in forThe hunters moved in for the kill.PREPOSITIONat the kill (BrE)The meat is divided up among all those present at the kill.for the killThe animal crouched down, getting ready for the kill.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + kill | PHRASESADVERBoutrightHe has fought more than fifty bulls, killing three outright.almost, nearlyinstantlyquicklyThe animals are killed quickly and humanely.slowlyThe poison was slowly killing her.eventually, finallythe camp guards who tortured and eventually killed heraccidentally, inadvertentlydeliberately, intentionallyI don't believe that he intentionally killed her.allegedlyhis trial for allegedly killing his wifeunlawfully (BrE, law)The inquest concluded that he was unlawfully killed.needlesslythe number of people needlessly killed by hospital infectionsindiscriminatelyThe terrorists had shown their willingness to kill indiscriminately.systematicallyThe militias are systematically killing and raping civilians.brutallyThere were reports of people brutally killed.VERB + killwant tobe prepared toThey are quite prepared to kill to achieve their ends.threaten tobe going to, intend to, mean to, plan toHe knew they meant to kill him.What if they really do plan to kill us?Dad's going to kill me when he finds out. (figurative)plot toThey plotted to kill the dictator.attempt to, seek to, try tohelp (to)make sbThe situation must have been really awful to make her kill herself.PHRASESadmit killing sb, admit to killing sb, deny killing sbHe admitted killing her but said it was unintentional.be accused of killing sb, be charged with killing sbbe killed in sthsoldiers killed in battlebe tragically killedTheir daughter was tragically killed in a road accident.

Kill is used with these nouns as the subject:

army, avalanche, blast, bomb, bullet, crash, disease, earthquake, explosion, fanatic, fumes, killer, lion, military, missile, mob, monster, mould, murderer, shot, troops, violence, virus

Kill is used with these nouns as the object:

animal, bacteria, bill, cattle, cell, chance, chicken, civilian, cow, demonstrator, elephant, embryo, enemy, engine, firefighter, flea, germ, hope, hostage, infection, insect, lamb, lover, monster, mood, mosquito, mouse, murderer, pain, parasite, pest, pig, prey, speed, time, weed, whale

killer

killernoun

noun1 a person that kills2 a disease, etc. that kills1 a person that killsADJECTIVE | VERB + killer | killer + VERB | killer + NOUNADJECTIVErealI don't care what they ask me if it helps them find the real killer.accused, alleged, suspectedthe trial of her daughter's accused killerswould-beHe turned to face his would-be killer.convictednotoriousbloodthirsty, brutal, cold-blooded, ruthless, viciousMatthew's reputation as a cold-blooded killercrazed, psychopathic, psychoticmass, serial, spree (AmE)contract, hired, professional, trainedbaby, child, cop, etc.a convicted child killerVERB + killerhunt, track downcatch, find, stopI want to stop the killer before he strikes again.identifyFBI agents identified his killers.bring to justiceI cannot rest until this killer is brought to justice.killer + VERBstrikeThe killer has struck again.stalk sb/sthFor years the killer stalked Detroit and its suburbs undetected.kill sb, murder sba serial killer who murders newlyweds on their honeymoonkiller + NOUNinstinct (figurative)He plays well but still lacks the killer instinct.blow (figurative, esp. BrE)Owen delivered the killer blow soon after half-time.

2 a disease, etc. that killsADJECTIVE | killer + NOUNADJECTIVEbig, great, leading, majorOverdoses were the single biggest killer among the city's young.Diphtheria emerged as the leading killer of children in the 1880s.deadlyIn the 19th century, cholera was one of Britain's deadliest killers.silentHigh blood pressure is known as a silent killer.potentialThere is still no vaccine against this potential killer.killer + NOUNbug (BrE), disease, strain, virusHeart attacks have become our number one killer disease.storm (esp. AmE), waveThis killer storm is strengthening rapidly in the Gulf of Mexico.The killer wave struck a tiny atoll in the Maldives.

killing

killingnounadj.

I. noun1 killing sb deliberately2 making a lot of money quickly1 killing sb deliberatelyADJECTIVE | VERB + killing | killing + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEbrutal, cold-bloodedthe cold-blooded killing of a young womandeliberate, intentional, targetedindiscriminate, random, senseless, wantonmass, serial, spree (AmE)This was the fourth mass killing in Australia in four years.contract, gangland (esp. BrE), honour/honor, political, revengea brutal revenge killingmercyShould the law allow mercy killing?extrajudicial, unlawful (esp. BrE) (both law)a verdict of unlawful killingVERB + killingbe responsible for, carry outorderThe Mafia ordered the killing.justifyHow can they justify the killing of innocent people?prevent, stopIt is difficult to prevent such killings.condemna resolution condemning the killing of Palestinian civiliansconfess tokilling + VERBhappen, occur, take placecontinuethe killings that continued unchecked for daysPHRASESa motive for the killingNo motive for the killing has yet been established.

2 making a lot of money quicklyVERB + killingVERB + killingmakeInvestors are set to make a killing from the sell-off.

II. adj.

Killing is used with these nouns:

frost, spree

kill off

kill offphr verb

Kill off is used with these nouns as the object:

character, hope

kiln

kilnnoun

Kiln is used after these nouns:

pottery

kin

kinnoun

nounADJECTIVE | kin + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEclose, nearMarriage between close kin is prohibited.blood (esp. AmE)loyalty to blood kinextendedTies with extended kin vary from family to family.distantfemale, malekin + NOUNgroup (usually kin-group), network (both technical)relationshipsPREPOSITIONbetween kinPHRASESnext of kinOne of the drivers was fatally injured; his next of kin has been informed.

kind

kindnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdifferent, same, similarShe does the same kind of work as me.all, another, any, some, variousYou need some kind of cover over it to protect it from the rain.We stock various kinds of lawnmower.each, everycertain, distinct, exact, particular, special, specificCertain kinds of food are unsuitable for small children.best, goodbad, worstright, wrongBe sure to eat enough of the right kind of food.This is the exact kind of thing I want.common, normal, typical, usualI'm a fairly normal kind of guy.Prostate cancer is the most common kind of cancer in men.newthe need for a new kind of leadershipfavourite/favoriteMusicals were her favourite/favorite kind of movie.funny, odd, peculiar, strange, weirdrare, uniqueThey played a truly unique kind of punk rock.PREPOSITIONin kindThe regions differ in size, but not in kind.of a kindYou're making progress of a kind (= some progress, but not very much, or not of the best type).They're two of a kind (= very like each other)—both workaholics!of … kindbooks of every kindmusic of different kindsof its kindThe new school was the first of its kind.kind ofa special kind of oilPHRASESa/the kind of thingDo you know the kind of thing I mean?They sell all kinds of things.a … kind of wayI missed him, in a funny kind of way.nothing of the kind‘I was terrible!’ ‘You were nothing of the kind!’nothing of that kind, something of that kind, something of the kind‘He's resigning.’ ‘I'd suspected something of the kind.’

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeShe was endlessly kind and sympathetic.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.especially, genuinely, most, particularlyPREPOSITIONofIt really was most kind of you to help.toMy boss has been extremely kind to me.

Kind is used with these nouns:

act, deed, face, fate, gesture, gift, heart, invitation, lady, man, manner, offer, person, regard, remark, soul, thought, woman, word

kindergarten

kindergartennoun

noun (esp. AmE)See also nurseryADJECTIVE | VERB + kindergarten | kindergarten + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEall-day, full-day, half-daytheir plans for Hannah to start all-day kindergartenVERB + kindergartenenter, startattend, be inShe was still attending kindergarten at Assumption School.My father died while I was still in kindergarten.teach (AmE)She has been teaching kindergarten for 13 years.kindergarten + NOUNclassroomclasschildren, students (AmE)teacherPREPOSITIONat kindergartenhis first day at kindergartenin kindergartenShe teaches reading to students in kindergarten.

kindle

kindleverb

Kindle is used with these nouns as the subject:

Kindle is used with these nouns as the object:

fire, interest

kindly kindness

kindnessnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + kindness | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreatlovingsimplegenuine, naturalunexpectedThis unexpected kindness touched her deeply.smallSmall kindnesses meant a lot to her.humanVERB + kindnessshow sb, treat sb withThey had shown him great kindness.They treated us with kindness and courtesy.meet with, receiveWe met with much kindness and help.(not) deserveI don't deserve your kindness.appreciateI really appreciate your kindness.repayI tried to think of a way to repay his kindness.not forgetPREPOSITIONout of kindnessI went with her out of kindness.kindness to, kindness towards/towardI'll never forget your kindness to me.PHRASESan act of kindnessShow your appreciation by little acts of kindness.kindness itselfShe has always been kindness itself to me.out of the kindness of your heartThey volunteer out of the kindness of their hearts.

kindred

kindredadj.

Kindred is used with these nouns:

soul, spirit

kinetic

kineticadj.

Kinetic is used with these nouns:

sculpture

king

kingnoun

noun1 male ruler2 playing card1 male rulerADJECTIVE | VERB + king | king + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVErightfulanointed, crowned, reigninguncrowned (figurative)the uncrowned king of hip-hopundisputed (figurative)He is the undisputed king of talk shows.great, mightyfuturethe future king of Englanddeposed, exiledhomecoming, prom (both AmE)He was nominated for prom king in high school.VERB + kingbecomeanoint sb, crown (sb), make sb, proclaim sbHe was crowned king at the age of fifteen.The new king was crowned immediately.He proclaimed himself king in 1304.serveHe died bravely, serving his king.depose, overthrowking + VERBreign, rule (sb/sth), rule over sb/sthThe kings of Sicily also ruled over the southern part of Italy.abdicatethe king's decision to abdicatePREPOSITIONunder a/the kingLife under the new king was very different.king ofthe King of Spain

2 playing card

kingdom

kingdomnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + kingdom | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEindependentancient, medievalthe ancient kingdom of LaosheavenlyChrist in his heavenly kingdomanimal, plantmembers of the animal kingdomVERB + kingdomruleinheritPREPOSITIONin a/the kingdomIt was one of the richest towns in the kingdom.throughout a/the kingdomchanges that were taking place throughout the kingdomkingdom ofHe ruled the ancient kingdom of Kaffa.

kingpin

kingpinnoun

Kingpin is used after these nouns:

king-size

king-sizeadj.

King-size is used with these nouns:

bed, duvet, mattress

king-sized

king-sizedadj.

King-sized is used with these nouns:

bed

kinky

kinkyadj.

Kinky is used with these nouns:

hair, sex

kinship

kinshipnoun

Kinship is used before these nouns:

relationship

kiosk

kiosknoun

Kiosk is used after these nouns:

information, newspaper, refreshment, telephone

kip

kipnoun

noun (esp. BrE,informal)VERB + kip | PHRASESVERB + kipcatch, get, haveTry to catch some kip while you can.All I wanted was to lie down and get some kip.I had a quick kip.needPHRASESan hour's, a night's, etc. kipI was feeling much better after a good night's kip.

kipper

kippernoun

Kipper is used before these nouns:

tie

kiss

kissnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + kiss | kiss + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbrief, quick, swiftlingering, long, slowShe leaned forward and placed a slow kiss on his forehead.deep, hungry, passionatebighardsloppy, wetTom planted a wet kiss on her cheek.FrenchShe gave him a French kiss.gentle, light, softaffectionate, loving, sweet, tender, warmlittlechaste, friendly, innocentstolenHe contented himself with a stolen kiss as he leaned forward.firstthe girl who gave him his first kissfinal, lastSarah left him with a final kiss on the cheek.farewell, goodbye, goodnightVERB + kissgive sbHe gave his daughter a gentle kiss on the forehead.drop, lay, place, plant, pressHe touched her cheek once more and laid a kiss on her forehead.She planted a big kiss on his cheek.stealThe children hid behind the bike shed to steal a kiss.exchange, shareBrad and Sue exchanged a kiss.returnShe returned his kiss with passion.accept, get, receiveDon't I get a kiss?Mrs Davis received a kiss on the cheek from Jesse and said goodbye.blow (sb)As the train drew away he blew her a kiss.shower sb withI wanted to take him in my arms and shower him with kisses.deepenkiss + VERBdeepenHis kiss deepened and became hungrier.lastThe kiss only lasted for a few moments.PREPOSITIONwith a kisskiss onHe greeted her with a kiss on the cheek.kiss toShe pressed a soft kiss to his cheek.PHRASEShugs and kissesWe were greeted with hugs and kisses.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + kiss | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBgently, lightlylovingly, softly, tenderlydeeply, fiercely, firmly, hard, hungrily, passionately, soundlybriefly, quicklylingeringly, long, slowlyHe kissed her long and hard on the mouth.Brandon slowly kissed her lips.VERB + kissbend to, lean over to, stoop toHe bent to kiss her again.try tolet sbPREPOSITIONonShe let him kiss her lightly on the cheek.PHRASESkiss and cuddle (esp. BrE)The love-struck pair have been spotted kissing and cuddling at parties.kiss sb full on the lips, kiss sb full on the mouthkiss sb goodbye, kiss sb goodnightkiss goodbye to sth (figurative)Well, you can kiss goodbye to your chances of promotion.

Kiss is used with these nouns as the object:

baby, boyfriend, bride, cheek, forehead, girlfriend, lip, mouth, ring

kissable

kissableadj.

Kissable is used with these nouns:

Kissing is used before these nouns:

kissing

kissingnounadj.

I. noun

scene

II. adj.

Kissing is used with these nouns:

cousin

kit

kitnoun

noun1 set of equipment2 (BrE) clothes for sport3 set of parts1 set of equipmentADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEemergency, first-aid, make-up, medical, mess, repair, sewing, shaving, survival, test, toolShe keeps an emergency medical kit in her car.Check the acidity of the soil with a test kit.drumIn the middle of the stage was a drum kit.media (AmE), press (esp. AmE)an electronic press kit that features brief interviews with the movie's actorsPREPOSITIONin a/the kitThere should be a needle and thread in the sewing kit.

2 (BrE) clothes for sportADJECTIVE | kit + NOUNADJECTIVEgym, PE, sportsdiving, football, rugbyteamthe official supplier of the England team kitreplicaa teddy bear dressed in a replica Real Madrid kitChelsea, England, Liverpool, etc.kit + NOUNbag

3 set of partsADJECTIVE | VERB + kit | kit + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconstructionstarterAdams paid $500 for the initial starter kit.VERB + kitassemble, installI spent Sunday assembling emergency kits for the expedition.kit + VERBcome with sth, consist of sth, contain sth, include sthEach kit comes with a sealable bag.The kit contains everything you need to make six candles.PREPOSITIONfrom a kitThey built the garage from a kit.kit fora kit for making candlesPHRASESin kit formThe doll's house comes in kit form.

kitchen

kitchennoun

nounADJECTIVE | kitchen + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEclean, spotlessmoderndirtylittle, small, tinybig, huge, large, spaciousopen, open-plan (esp. BrE)galleyfitted, fully fitted (both BrE)communal, shareddomestic (esp. BrE), home (AmE)professional, restaurantmobilekosherkitchen + NOUNareadoor, floor, windowcabinet, chair, cupboard, drawers, sink, stool, table, unit (esp. BrE)counter (AmE), countertop (AmE), surface (esp. BrE), worktop (BrE)faucet (AmE), tap (esp. BrE)clock, equipment, gadgets, implements, knife, scale (AmE), scales (esp. BrE), scissors, timer, tools (esp. AmE), utensilsfoil (BrE)paper, roll, towels (all BrE) (paper towels in AmE)islandI sat at the kitchen island eating a bowl of cereal.appliance, fire, range, stovefacilitiesAll our chalets have kitchen facilities.scraps, wastepolice (AmE, informal), staffmaid, porter (BrE), workergarden (= for growing food for the kitchen) (BrE)PREPOSITIONin a/the kitchen

kite

kitenoun

nounVERB + kite | kite + NOUNVERB + kiteflykite + NOUNflyingthe joys of kite flying

kitten

kittennoun

Kitten is used after these nouns:

kitty

kittynoun

Kitty is used after these nouns:

transfer

klatch

klatchnoun

Klatch is used after these nouns:

Knead is used with these nouns as the object:

knack

knacknoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + knack | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVErealamazing, incredible, uncannyhappy, unfortunate (both BrE)He had the unfortunate knack of making enemies in the party.VERB + knackhavedemonstrate, display, showacquire, develop, getOnce you get the knack, it's easy.loseI don't cook much these days and I think I may have lost the knack.PREPOSITIONknack fora woman with a real knack for handling horsesknack ofHe has the knack of scoring just when it's most needed.knack toMaking omelettes isn't difficult, but there's a knack to it.

knead

kneadverb

verbADVERBADVERBgently, lightlyShe gently kneaded the muscles in his back.wellAdd the water and knead the mixture well.

dough, muscle, pastry

knee

kneenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + knee | knee + VERB | knee + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEleft, rightbony, knobbly, knobby (esp. AmE)barebentdrawn-upI rested my chin on my drawn-up knees.arthritic, bad, bum (AmE, informal), dodgy (BrE, informal), troublesome, weaksore, stiffinjured, scraped, skinned (esp. AmE), twistedartificialAn artificial knee was later inserted.VERB + kneebend, flexstraightendraw up, pull, pull up, tuck, tuck upI tucked my knees under my chin.She sat up and pulled her knees to her chest.hugHe hugged his knees to keep warm.drop down on, drop on, drop to, fall on, fall to, get down on, go down on, sink toHe went down on his knees and begged for forgiveness.sit onShe sat on her father's knee (= lap) while he read her a story.blow (AmE, informal), blow out (AmE, informal), hurt, injure, sprain, twistI injured my knee and had to have surgery.graze, scrape, skinslapHe slapped his knee as he rocked with laughter.patHe patted her knee reassuringly.knee + VERBbuckle, give way, weakenSuddenly her knees buckled and she fell to the floor.Rita felt her knees weakening.knock, shake, tremble, wobbleache, hurtknee + NOUNinjury, problem, sprain, troubleoperation, replacement, surgerybraceHe refuses to wear a knee brace.joint, ligamentsockspadPREPOSITIONabove the kneeacross your kneesShe had a blanket draped across her knees.at sb's kneeThe children had learned these stories at their mother's knee.below the kneeHis leg was missing below the knee.between your kneesIf you hear the crash-landing warning, put your head between your knees.in your kneeHe's snapped a ligament in his knee.on one kneeI went down on one knee to plug in the vacuum cleaner.on your kneeI balanced the pile of books on my knees.He was on his knees, searching for the missing spring.to one kneeHe dropped to one knee.to your kneesThe blow knocked him to his knees.PHRASESbring sth to its knees (figurative)The fuel shortage brought the country to its knees within weeks.on your hands and kneesI was on my hands and knees, looking for my key.on bended knee (figurative)She would ask for help, but would not beg for it on bended knee.

knee-high

knee-highadj.

Knee-high is used with these nouns:

sock

knee-jerk

knee-jerkadj.

Knee-jerk is used with these nouns:

decision, reaction, rejection, response

knee-length

knee-lengthadj.

Knee-length is used with these nouns:

boot, dress, shorts, skirt

kneeling

kneelingadj.

Kneeling is used with these nouns:

knicker

knickeradj.

Knicker is used with these nouns:

elastic

knickers

knickersnoun

noun (BrE) short underwear for womenSee also pantiesADJECTIVE | … OF KNICKERS | VERB + knickers | PHRASESADJECTIVEFrenchfrilly, lacyskimpy… OF KNICKERSpairVERB + knickerspull down, pull upPHRASESbra and knickers

knife

knifenoun

noun1 tool for cutting2 used as a weapon1 tool for cuttingADJECTIVE | … OF KNIVES | VERB + knife | knife + VERB | knife + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEblunt, dull (esp. AmE)sharpserratedlongsmallfour-inch, six-inch, etc.rustyelectricplastic, silver, steelkitchen, tablebread, butter, fish, steakbutcher (esp. AmE), butcher's (esp. BrE), chef'scarving, paring (esp. AmE)pocket, Swiss army™bowie (esp. AmE), hunting, sheath (esp. BrE)butterfly, flick (BrE)Stanley™ (BrE), utility (AmE)craft (BrE), X-acto™ (AmE)paletteputty (AmE)… OF KNIVESseta set of kitchen knivesVERB + knifepick upShe picked up her knife and fork and started to eat.lay down, put downuseUse a sharp knife to cut away the spare dough.sharpenholdknife + VERBcut, sliceThat knife doesn't cut very well—it needs sharpening.clatterknife + NOUNblade, handleblock, holdersharpenerPREPOSITIONwith a/the knifeThe lines can be cut with a craft knife.PHRASESthe blade of a knife, the handle of a knifego under the surgeon's knife (esp. BrE)He is to go under the surgeon's knife (= have surgery) again on Thursday.a knife and fork

2 used as a weaponADJECTIVE | VERB + knife | knife + VERB | knife + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElong, sharpcombat (esp. AmE)VERB + knifebe armed with, carry, haveShe carries a knife in her bag now.brandish, point, wave, wieldShe pointed her knife at Richard.He waved his knife in her face threateningly.draw, draw out, produce, pull, pull out, take out, whip outHe suddenly pulled a knife on me.She suddenly produced a knife from her pocket and started brandishing it.come at sb with, stab sb with, threaten sb withShe stabbed him in the back with a 12-inch knife.plunge, press, push, put, stick, thrust, twist (often figurative)He plunged the knife deep into her heart.He pressed the knife tighter against her throat.Just to twist the knife (= cause additional suffering, tension, etc.), the filmmakers have provided a surprise ending.sharpen, whetknife + VERBcut sth, pierce sth, slash sth, slice sth, slice through sthShe cried out in pain as the knife slashed her arm.She felt a knife slice her wrist open.protrudeHe was slumped over his desk with a knife protruding from his back.knife + NOUNattack, fighta frenzied knife attackHe and his gang had a knife fight one night.cut, woundbladePREPOSITIONwith a/the knifePHRASESthe blade of a knife, the hilt of a knifehold a knife against sb's throat, hold a knife at sb's throat, hold a knife to sb's throat, put a knife to sb's throatShe put the knife to his throat to frighten him into silence.a knife in sb's heart (figurative)Each word he uttered was a knife in her heart.

knife-edge

knife-edgenoun

Knife-edge is used before these nouns:

knife-wielding

knife-wieldingadj.

Knife-wielding is used with these nouns:

thug

knight

knightnoun

noun1 in the Middle Ages2 (in the UK) man with the title ‘Sir’1 in the Middle AgesADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEmedievalchivalrous, noblebrave, valiantarmoured/armoredmountedPHRASESa knight erranttales of medieval knights errant, wandering in search of chivalrous adventuresa knight in armour/armor, a knight in shining armour/armor (figurative, humorous)She's still waiting for a knight in shining armour/armor to come and rescue her.

2 (in the UK) man with the title ‘Sir’

knighthood

knighthoodnoun

noun (in the UK)ADJECTIVE | VERB + knighthoodADJECTIVEhonoraryVERB + knighthoodget, receiverefuseaward sb, bestow on sb, confer on sb, give sb, offer sb, reward sb withHe was rewarded with a knighthood for his services to the government.

knit

knitverbadj.

I. verb

Knit is used with these nouns as the object:

brow, cardigan, jumper, pullover, scarf, sock, sweater, yarn

II. adj.

Knit is used with these nouns:

fabric, sweater

knitted

knittedadj.

Knitted is used with these nouns:

fabric, garment, jumper, pullover, scarf, shawl, sweater

knitting

knittingnoun

nounVERB + knitting | knitting + NOUNVERB + knittingdoShe sat doing her knitting while she watched television.knitting + NOUNmachine, needlepatternbaggroup

knit with

knit withphr verb

Knit with is used with these nouns as the object:

knob

knobnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + knob | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdoorcontrol, volumeAdjust the control knobs by pressing lightly.brassVERB + knobadjust, fiddle with, touch, turn, twiddle (BrE), twistI've tried fiddling with the knobs, but nothing seems to happen.tryI tried the knob, and this time the door opened.PREPOSITIONknob onthe knobs on the radio

knobbly

knobblyadj.

Knobbly is used with these nouns:

knobby

knobbyadj.

Knobby is used with these nouns:

Knock is used with these nouns as the subject:

knock

knocknounverb

I. noun1 firm sharp sound2 sharp blow from sth1 firm sharp soundADJECTIVE | VERB + knock | PHRASESADJECTIVEloud, sharpgentle, light, quiet, softtimidsuddenVERB + knockhearanswerShe hurried to answer the knock at the door.PHRASESa knock at the door, a knock on the doorThere was a loud knock at the door.

2 sharp blow from sthADJECTIVE | VERB + knock | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhard, nasty (esp. BrE)the hard knocks of life (figurative)minor (esp. BrE)VERB + knockget, have, takeYou've had a nasty knock on the head.Their pride took quite a knock when they lost 5–0. (figurative)give sb/sthPREPOSITIONknock on

II. verb1 hit/bump2 bang on a door1 hit/bumpADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBaccidentallyI accidentally knocked the vase over.PREPOSITIONagainstThe stick knocked against the wall.offHe had knocked one of the pictures off the wall.onI knocked my head on one of the beams.PHRASESknock sb/sth flyingHe was knocked flying as two policemen came crashing through the door.knock sb off balance, knock sb off their feetThe explosion knocked him off his feet.knock sb senseless, knock sb unconsciousThe blow knocked him unconscious.knock sb to the ground

2 bang on a doorADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBloudlygently, lightly, quietly, softlypolitely, timidlyPREPOSITIONatSomeone knocked loudly at the door.onShe knocked timidly on the study door and entered.PHRASESwithout knockingDobson walked straight into her office without knocking.

blow, knee

Knock is used with these nouns as the object:

nail, shin

knock at

knock atphr verb

Knock at is used with these nouns as the object:

knock back

knock backphr verb

Knock back is used with these nouns as the object:

drink, pint

knock down

knock downphr verb

Knock down is used with these nouns as the subject:

Knock down is used with these nouns as the object:

building, house, opponent

knock-down

knock-downadj.

Knock-down is used with these nouns:

knocker

knockernoun

Knocker is used after these nouns:

knock in

knock inphr verb

Knock in is used with these nouns as the object:

knock off

knock offphr verb

Knock off is used with these nouns as the object:

balance, bicycle, bike, work

knock on

knock onphr verb

Knock on is used with these nouns as the object:

door, window

knock-on

knock-onadj.

Knock-on is used with these nouns:

knock out

knock outphr verb

Knock out is used with these nouns as the subject:

Knock out is used with these nouns as the object:

opponent, tooth

knockout

knockoutadj.

Knockout is used with these nouns:

blow, competition, cup, punch, stage, tournament

knock over

knock overphr verb

Knock over is used with these nouns as the subject:

Knot is used with these nouns as the subject:

knot

knotnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + knot | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEloose, tighttangleda tangled knot of arms and legsdouble, overhandgranny, reef (esp. BrE), slip, square (AmE), etc.VERB + knotdo, tieundo, untieloosen, tightenPREPOSITIONknot inTie a knot in the rope.PHRASESa knot in your stomach (figurative)She felt a knot in her stomach which prevented her from speaking.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBsecurely, tightlylooselyPREPOSITIONaround, round (esp. BrE)She knotted the scarf loosely around her neck.

stomach

Knot is used with these nouns as the object:

cord, rope, scarf, shoelace, tie

knotted

knottedadj.

Knotted is used with these nouns:

shoelace

knotty

knottyadj.

Knotty is used with these nouns:

knot up

knot upphr verb

Knot up is used with these nouns as the subject:

stomach

know

knowverb

verb1 have information about sth2 realize3 be familiar with sb/sth4 be known as have a particular name1 have information about sthADVERB | VERB + know | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBfull well, perfectly well, very wellI don't know for certain, but I think she lives in the next town.You know very well what I'm talking about!for certain, for sureI don't know for certain, but I think she lives in the next town.justI just knew there would be problems.honestly notI honestly don't know what they mean to do.beforehandIf I'd known beforehand how bad it would be, I wouldn't have gone.VERB + knowlet sbPlease let me know (= tell me) if there's anything I can do to help.PREPOSITIONaboutHe knows a lot about music.ofI don't know of anyone who might be interested in the job.PHRASESbe widely knownIt is widely known that CFCs can damage the ozone layer.know a lot, nothing, very little, etc.you never knowBe prepared for rain—you never know what the weather will be like.

2 realizeADVERB | PHRASESADVERBexactly, preciselyI know exactly how you feel.immediately, instantlyI instantly knew what the call was about.instinctivelyHe knew instinctively where he would find her.PHRASESthe next thing I, he, etc. knewThe next thing I knew, I was waking up in hospital.

3 be familiar with sb/sthADVERB | VERB + know | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBwellI don't know John very well.poorlyThe properties of this substance are poorly known.barely, hardlyBut I hardly know the woman!personallyI don't know them personally.internationally, nationallyVERB + knowget toShe's very nice when you get to know herPREPOSITIONforHe is internationally known for his work with vaccines.PHRASESbe known to sbThis man is known to the police (= as a criminal).be widely known

4 be known as have a particular nameADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBcommonly, popularlyaffectionatelycollectivelyparts of the body known collectively as the sensory systemvariouslyThe drug is variously known as crack or freebase.locallyformerly, previouslyIran was formerly known as Persia.PREPOSITIONtoHe was known as Bonzo to his friends.

Know is used with these nouns as the subject:

Know is used with these nouns as the object:

alphabet, answer, basics, cause, custom, danger, difference, enemy, etiquette, extent, fact, fate, feeling, futility, gossip, horror, identity, intention, job, language, limitation, love, manner, motive, name, outcome, pain, password, place, poem, poetry, right, risk, route, routine, rule, secret, short cut, terrain, thing, thought, trick, truth, voice, way, weakness, whereabouts, word, workings, worth

know-how

know-hownoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + know-how | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpractical, scientific, technical, technologicalVERB + know-howhave, possessacquire, getPREPOSITIONknow-how aboutto acquire a little know-how about the jobknow-how forHe doesn't have the technical know-how for this kind of job.know-how inknow-how in various high-tech fields

knowing

knowingadj.

Knowing is used with these nouns:

glance, grin, look, nod, smile, smirk, wink

knowingly

knowinglyadv.

Knowingly is used with these adjectives:

false

Knowingly is used with these verbs:

grin, nod, permit, wink

knowledge

knowledgenoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF KNOWLEDGE | VERB + knowledge | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEnewbasicconsiderable, great, vastcomplete, comprehensive, sound (esp. BrE), thoroughdeep, detailed, in-depth, intimate, profoundShe has an intimate knowledge of the Asian market.broad, encyclopedic, extensive, wideexpert, special, specialist, specializedinsideHe managed to find contacts who had inside knowledge of the organization.localdirect, first-handcurrent, up-to-date (esp. BrE)limited, rudimentary, superficialI have a limited knowledge of French.generalI don't like quizzes because my general knowledge is so poor.factualpractical, usefulworkingHe has a good working knowledge of the subject.professionalmedical, scientific, technical, etc.traditionalhumancommon, publicIt's common knowledge that he's left his wife.personalfullShe had acted with her parents' full knowledge and consent.previous, prior… OF KNOWLEDGEbodyThis approach reveals gaps in the current body of knowledge.VERB + knowledgeacquire, gainhave, possessI have no knowledge of his whereabouts.demonstrate, show, show offtestrequireNo previous knowledge is required for the job.apply, useThe job gave her the chance to apply the knowledge she had acquired at college.transferShe cannot transfer this knowledge to a new situation.impart, share, spreadThe bartender was happy to share his knowledge of wine with us.The volunteers' task is to spread knowledge of how to prevent the disease.advance, enhance, expand, extend, improve, increaseResearch is important to advance scientific knowledge.denyHe denied all knowledge of what had happened.PREPOSITIONin the knowledgeThey put the car on the market in the full knowledge that it had design faults.to sb's knowledgeHe's never worked here to my knowledge.with sb's knowledgeThe letter was sent with the full knowledge of the head of department.without sb's knowledgeShe borrowed my car without my knowledge.knowledge ofa wide knowledge of antiquesPHRASESa wealth of knowledgeMartin brings a wealth of knowledge to the job.a gap in your knowledgeI did some research to fill in the gaps in my knowledge.the pursuit of knowledgesecure in the knowledgeWe invested in gold, secure in the knowledge that the metal would retain its value.to the best of your knowledgeShe still lives in San Francisco to the best of my knowledge.

knowledgeable

knowledgeableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seem, soundHer lawyer seemed very knowledgeable and experienced.becomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highlyPREPOSITIONaboutHe's very knowledgeable about Latin American culture.

Knowledgeable is used with these nouns:

observer, reader

knowledge-based

knowledge-basedadj.

Knowledge-based is used with these nouns:

known

knownadj.

Known is used with these nouns:

alias, cause, criminal, fact, galaxy, reserve, side effect, terrorist, universe, vulnerability, world

know of

know ofphr verb

Know of is used with these nouns as the object:

existence, fate

knuckle

knucklenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + knuckle | knuckle + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEbarebleeding, bloodied, bruised, swollenwhiteShe clenched the phone till her knuckles were white.brassVERB + knucklecrackHe rubbed his hands together, cracking his knuckles as he tried to control his anger.bruise, graze, scrapeknuckle + NOUNbone (usually knucklebone in AmE)PHRASESrap sb on the knuckles, rap sb over the knuckles (both figurative)She was rapped over the knuckles by her boss for criticizing the company in the press.

Korean

Koreannoun

Kosher is used with these nouns:

Languagesexcellent … , fluent … , good … , perfect … He speaks fluent Japanese.bad … , broken … , poor … I got by with broken Chinese and sign language.colloquial … , idiomatic … , non-standard … , pidgin … , standard … The inhabitants speak a kind of pidgin Spanish.spoken … , written … My spoken Polish is better than my written Polish.business … She is doing a course in business English.original … The fable is translated from the original French.know … , read … , speak … , understand … , use … I am more comfortable using Spanish, if you don't mind.be fluent in … She was fluent in German, Urdu and Swahili.do … (esp. BrE), learn … , study … I did German at school but I've forgotten most of it.I've been learning Arabic for four years.improve … , practise/practice … I spent a month in Rome to improve my Italian.master … I never really mastered Latin.translate sth into … He has translated her latest book into Korean. … class, … course, … lessonI'm late for my Russian class. … interpreterthe need for Gujarati interpreters … speaker, a speaker of … the number of Portuguese speakers in the worlda command of … , a knowledge of … He has a poor command of English.in … What is ‘apple’ in French?He addressed me in his best Portuguese.

kosher

kosheradj.

adj.1 suitable to be eaten by religious Jews2 correct/honest1 suitable to be eaten by religious JewsVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBstrictlyAll their food is strictly kosher.

2 correct/honestVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemIt all seems perfectly kosher.ADVERBfully, perfectly, quite, strictly

butcher, kitchen, meat, salt, slaughter

kudos

kudosnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + kudos | kudos + VERBADJECTIVEconsiderable (BrE), special (AmE)VERB + kudosacquire, gain, receive, windeservegive sb (AmE)You have to give her kudos for keeping it secret.losebringEmployees enjoy the kudos that the job brings as much as the financial rewards.kudos + VERBbe attached to sthThere was considerable kudos attached to being on the advisory board.go to sbSpecial kudos goes to Patrick Stewart for his role as the captain.

Lnoun

L is used before these nouns:

Label is used with these nouns as the object:

lab label

labelnounverb

I. noun1 paper, etc. attached to sth2 description3 company; brand1 paper, etc. attached to sthADJECTIVE | VERB + label | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEadhesive, stickypackageproductclothing, food, nutrition (esp. AmE)address, mailing (AmE)luggage (esp. BrE)pricewarningcareThe care label says ‘dry-clean only’.designerclothes with a designer labelVERB + labelbear, carry, haveIt doesn't have a price label on it.attach, put on, stick onShe stuck labels on all the jars.remove, take offcheck, consult, readAlways read the label before taking any medicine.PREPOSITIONon a/the labelWhat does it say on the label?label onthe label on the bottle

2 descriptionADJECTIVE | VERB + labelADJECTIVEideological, partyVERB + labelapply, assign, attach, slap on, useWhy do we need to attach a label to these feelings?One sometimes feels that the label ‘classic’ is applied to any book that is dull.reject

3 company; brandADJECTIVE | VERB + label | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEmusic, recordmajorindependent, indiebrand-name (esp. AmE), privatedesignerDesigner labels grew by nearly 4% in 2007.VERB + labellaunchsign to, sign withThe band is hoping to sign with a major label.PREPOSITIONunder a/the labelThe record was produced under the Virgin label.

II. verb1 put a label on sth2 describe sb/sth as a particular thing1 put a label on sthADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBappropriately, correctly, properlyincorrectly, wronglySome of the plants were wrongly labelled/labeled.carefully, clearly, neatlya pile of small plastic bags, each carefully labelled/labeled.PREPOSITIONwithThe samples were all labelled/labeled with a date and place of origin.

2 describe sb/sth as a particular thingADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBfalselyShe was falsely labelled/labeled a liar.automaticallyPREPOSITIONasIt would be easy to label the boys as troublemakers.

coward, product

labelling

labellingnoun

Labelling/labeling is used before these nouns:

laboratory

laboratorynoun

nounADJECTIVE | laboratory + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcommercial, industrialschool, universitysecret, undergroundindependentgovernmentbiology, chemistry, physics, sciencebiological, chemicalclinical, forensic (esp. BrE), medical, nuclear, pathology (esp. BrE), public-health, research, testinglaboratory + NOUNassistant, scientist, technician, workerbench, equipment, facilitiesanimal, mouse, ratanalysis, experiment, investigation, measurement, procedures, research, study, test, testing, worklaboratory tests on animalsscienceproceduresdata, evaluation, evidence, findings, report, resultsconditions, environment, settingThe athletes' reflexes were tested under laboratory conditions.simulated driving in a laboratory settingculture, strainPREPOSITIONin a/the laboratoryThe effects of weathering can be simulated in the laboratory.

Labor Day

Labor Daynoun

Labor Day is used before these nouns:

laborious

laboriousadj.

Laborious is used with these nouns:

process, task

laboriously

laboriouslyadv.

Laboriously is used with these verbs:

copy

labor union

labor unionnoun

noun (AmE) See union

labour

labournoun

(BrE) (AmE labor) noun1 work2 workers3 giving birth1 workADJECTIVE | VERB + labour/labor | labour/labor + NOUNADJECTIVEmanual, physicalback-breaking, forced, hardHe was sentenced to four years hard labour for his crime.productive, unproductiveunpaidVERB + labour/laborwithdrawThe miners are threatening to withdraw their labour.labour/labor + NOUNproductivitycampDissidents were forced to work in labour camps.

2 workersADJECTIVE | labour/labor + NOUNADJECTIVEfree, organizedwagecheap, low-costcasual, day (AmE)skilled, unskilledillegalforeign, immigrant, migrantchild, slaveIt is now thought that the Pyramids were not built using slave labour.prisonfarmsweatshoplabour/labor + NOUNforcethe size of the labour forcemarket, pool, supplyan increasingly competitive labour marketshortagecost, costsmovementtensions between the labour movement and governmentorganizationactivist, leaderrelationsdisputelaw

3 giving birthADJECTIVE | VERB + labour/labor | labour/labor + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdifficult, easylong, shortThe baby was born after a long labour.pretermwomen at risk of preterm labourVERB + labour/laborgo intoShe went into labour two weeks early.induceLabour was induced when the baby was ten days overdue.labour/labor + NOUNroom, ward (BrE)painsPREPOSITIONin labourShe was in labour for ten hours.

Labour laboured

labouredadj.

Laboured/labored is used with these nouns:

breathing

labourer

labourernoun

(BrE) (AmE laborer) nounADJECTIVE | VERB + labourer/laborer | labourer/laborer + VERBADJECTIVEcasual (esp. BrE), day, wageimmigrant (esp. AmE), migrantmanualskilled, unskilledgeneralagricultural, farm, rural (esp. BrE)forced, indentured, slavebuilder's (BrE)He got a job as a builder's labourer.VERB + labourer/laboreremploy, hire (esp. AmE)labourer/laborer + VERBtoil, work

labour force

labour forcenoun

Labour force/labor force is used before these nouns:

participation

labouring

labouringadj.

Labouring/laboring is used with these nouns:

class

labour-intensive

labour-intensiveadj.

Labour-intensive/labor-intensive is used with these nouns:

industry, manufacturing, work

labour market

labour marketnoun

Labour market/labor market is used before these nouns:

participation

labour-saving

labour-savingadj.

Labour-saving/labor-saving is used with these nouns:

device

labyrinthine

labyrinthineadj.

Labyrinthine is used with these nouns:

Lace is used with these nouns as the object:

lace

lacenounverb

I. noun1 for a shoe2 decorative cloth1 for a shoeSee also shoelace2 decorative clothADJECTIVE | VERB + lace | PHRASESADJECTIVEdelicate, fineVERB + lacemakea machine for making lacePHRASEStrimmed with lacea silk dress trimmed with lace

II. verb

finger, shoe

lace up

lace upphr verb

Lace up is used with these nouns as the object:

boot, shoe, sneaker, trainer

lace-up

lace-upadj.

Lace-up is used with these nouns:

boot, shoe

lace with

lace withphr verb

Lace with is used with these nouns as the object:

poison

lack

lacknounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEprofound, serious, severeconspicuous, distinct, notable, noticeable, obvious, remarkableThere was a distinct lack of urgency in his manner.apparent, perceived, seemingcomplete, sheer, total, uttera complete lack of confidencegeneral, overalla general lack of knowledge among the youngrelativePREPOSITIONby lack ofThe situation was worsened by lack of communication.for lack ofThey lost the game, but not for lack of trying.from lack ofShe thought she would collapse from lack of sleep.through lack ofI've lost those skills through lack of practice.lack ofI couldn't hide my lack of enthusiasm.PHRASESno lack of sthThere is certainly no lack of interest in the subject.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + lack | PREPOSITIONADVERBreallycompletely, entirelyShe completely lacks confidence.apparentlyHe apparently lacked the desire to learn.clearly, obviouslyHis claim clearly lacked conviction.simplyPerhaps you simply lack the intelligence to realize just how serious this is?otherwiseHer high-heeled shoes gave her the height she otherwise lacked.VERB + lackappear to, seem toHis life seemed to lack direction.PREPOSITIONinWhat they lack in talent, they make up for in conviction.

Lack is used with these nouns as the object:

ability, acumen, agility, ambition, amenity, authority, backing, capability, capacity, charm, clarity, coherence, commitment, compassion, competence, confidence, consistency, continuity, conviction, coordination, courage, credibility, depth, detail, determination, direction, discipline, drive, education, elegance, emotion, empathy, energy, enthusiasm, essentials, experience, expertise, faith, feature, finance, flair, flexibility, focus, foresight, glamour, imagination, immediacy, immunity, inclination, independence, insight, inspiration, instinct, insurance, integrity, jurisdiction, leadership, maturity, means, merit, motivation, necessity, nerve, organization, originality, passion, patience, personality, power, precision, prestige, purpose, qualification, quality, refinement, relevance, resolution, resource, rhythm, rigour, self-assurance, self-confidence, self-control, semblance, sense, sensitivity, skill, sophistication, soul, spark, sparkle, stability, stamina, stature, strength, structure, substance, subtlety, symmetry, tact, talent, touch, training, trait, understanding, vigour, vision, vitality, warmth, will

lacking

lackingadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, seemHer life felt lacking in direction and purpose.find sthan area of policy where the government has been found seriously lackingADVERBseriously, severelyaltogether, completely, entirely, totally, whollyThe book is altogether lacking in originality.rather, somewhata little, slightly, etc.apparentlyclearly, conspicuously, distinctly, notably, noticeably, obviouslyTom was conspicuously lacking in enthusiasm for the idea.curiously, singularly (esp. BrE), strangelysadly, sorely, woefullyPREPOSITIONfromthe passion sadly lacking from his performanceinHer remarks were curiously lacking in perception.

lacklustre

lacklustreadj.

Lacklustre/lackluster is used with these nouns:

display, performance, showing

lacquer

lacquernoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + lacquer | lacquer + NOUNADJECTIVEprotectiveclear, matt/mattenailVERB + lacquerbe coated with, be varnished withapply, put on, spray onApply the lacquer evenly.removelacquer + NOUNfinish

lactic

lacticadj.

Lactic is used with these nouns:

lactose

lactosenoun

Lactose is used before these nouns:

intolerance

lactose-free

lactose-freeadj.

Lactose-free is used with these nouns:

lacy

lacyadj.

Lacy is used with these nouns:

knickers, underwear

lad

ladnoun

noun (BrE,informal)ADJECTIVE | … OF LADSADJECTIVElittle, youngbig, strappingHe's a strapping lad—already bigger than his father.handsomedecent, fine, good, great, lovely, nice, smashingbright, sensible… OF LADSbunch, groupThey're a nice bunch of lads.

ladder

laddernounverb

I. noun1 piece of equipment for climbing up sth2 levels in a system1 piece of equipment for climbing up sthADJECTIVE | VERB + ladder | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEricketymetal, woodenlong, tallloft (esp. BrE), ropefire-escapeVERB + ladderascend, clamber up, climb, climb up, go up, mount, scaleHe went up the ladder onto the deck.come down, descend, go downput upWe put up the ladder against the wall.fall offPREPOSITIONon a/the ladder, up a/the ladderShe was up a ladder fixing the roof.down a/the ladderI was standing lower down the ladder.ladder tothe ladder to the galleryPHRASESthe bottom of a ladder, the foot of a ladder, the top of a laddera rung of a ladder, a step of a ladderSeveral of the ladder's rungs were broken.

2 levels in a systemADJECTIVE | VERB + ladder | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEeconomic, evolutionary, socialthe people at the top of the social laddercareer, corporate, promotionhousing, property (both BrE)VERB + ladderascend, climb, move upShe was anxious to move up the promotion ladder.get ontoPREPOSITIONhigher up the laddercreatures higher up the evolutionary ladderlower down the ladderladder ofthe ladder of fameladder toHis good looks helped him on the ladder to success.PHRASESget one foot on the ladder, have one foot on the ladder (both esp. BrE)He finally managed to get one foot on the career ladder.a rung on the ladder, a step on the ladderthe old problem of how to get onto the first step on the ladder

II. verb

Ladder is used with these nouns as the subject:

tights

Ladder is used with these nouns as the object:

stocking, tights

laddered

ladderedadj.

Laddered is used with these nouns:

stocking, tights

laden

ladenadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeADVERBheavilyHe took the heavily laden tray from her.fullya fully laden basketemotionally (esp. AmE)Try to avoid discussing emotionally laden subjects.PREPOSITIONwithThey arrived laden with gifts.

Laden is used with these nouns:

trolley, wagon

ladle

ladleverb

Ladle is used with these nouns as the object:

ladle out

ladle outphr verb

Ladle out is used with these nouns as the object:

Lag is used after these nouns:

lady

ladynoun

nounADJECTIVE | lady + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEelderly, middle-aged, old, youngA little old lady opened the door.attractive, beautiful, lovely, pretty, sexycharming, fine, kind, lovely, nice, sweet, wonderfula sweet old ladyproperI was never taught how to be a proper lady.cleaning, dinner (BrE), lunch (AmE), tea (BrE)a school dinner ladya high-school lunch ladyleadingLeading lady Uma Thurman does a great job in this picture.firstthe former first lady of the United Stateschurch (esp. AmE)societylollipop (BrE)baglady + NOUNfriendWe teased my uncle about his new lady friend.PHRASESa lady of leisure (esp. BrE)She's a lady of leisure now that she's retired.ladies who lunch (humorous)the lady of the house

lag

lagnounverb

I. noun

time

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBbadly, seriously, wellbehindShe did well in her first year but then started to lag behind.PREPOSITIONbehindCatering salaries lag far behind those of other sectors.Britain still lags badly behind the rest of Europe on this.PHRASESlag far behind (sb/sth), lag way behind (sb/sth), lag well behind (sb/sth)The party is still lagging way behind in the opinion polls.

Lag is used with these nouns as the object:

lagging

laggingadj.

Lagging is used with these nouns:

indicator

laid-back

laid-backadj.

Laid-back is used with these nouns:

attitude

laid-off

laid-offadj.

Laid-off is used with these nouns:

laissez-faire

laissez-faireadj.

Laissez-faire is used with these nouns:

attitude, capitalism, economics, liberalism

lake

lakenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + lake | lake + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, huge, largelittle, smalldeep, shallowbeautifulblueclearfreshwater, saltfrozenartificial, man-made, ornamental (BrE)inland, mountainboating (BrE)VERB + lakecrossYou should cross the lake before nightfall.overlooka hill overlooking the lakelake + NOUNshorebed, bottomwaterhouse (esp. AmE)PREPOSITIONacross a/the lakeA ferry takes people across the lake.around a/the lake, round a/the lake (esp. BrE)We walked around the lake.at a/the lakeWe spent a weekend at Lake Crystal.in a/the lakeTrout live in the lake.into a/the lakeShe fell into the lake.on a/the lakeWe went boating on the lakea house on the lakePHRASESthe edge of the lake, the middle of the lake, the shores of the lake, the side of the lake, the surface of the lakeThere is a cafe on the other side of the lake.

lakeside

lakesidenoun

Lakeside is used before these nouns:

resort, walk

lamb

lambnoun

noun1 young sheep2 meat1 young sheepADJECTIVE | VERB + lamb | lamb + VERBADJECTIVEnewbornlittlesacrificial (usually figurative)I am not going to be a sacrificial lamb on the altar of political correctness.VERB + lambkill, slaughterthe traffic in illegally slaughtered lambsacrificelamb + VERBbleatfrolic, gambol (both esp. BrE)

2 meatADJECTIVE | lamb + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEspring (esp. BrE)ground (AmE), minced (esp. BrE)grilled, roastlamb + NOUNchop, cutlet (esp. BrE), shankcasserole (esp. BrE), curry, stewPHRASESleg of lamb, rack of lamb, shoulder of lamb

lame

lameadj.

adj.1 unable to walk well2 difficult to believe or accept as real1 unable to walk wellVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, lookgoHis horse had gone lame.leave sb, make sban accident which had left him lameADVERBcompletely

2 difficult to believe or accept as realVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seem, soundHis excuse sounded totally lame.The special effects are incredibly lame.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.incredibly, totallya little, slightly, etc.

Lame is used with these nouns:

attempt, excuse, gag, horse, imitation, joke, leg

lame-duck

lame-duckadj.

Lame-duck is used with these nouns:

president

lamely

lamelyadv.

Lamely is used with these verbs:

finish, joke, say

lament

lamentverb

Lament is used with these nouns as the object:

decline, fact, failure, fate, loss, passing

lamentable

lamentableadj.

Lamentable is used with these nouns:

failure

laminated

laminatedadj.

Laminated is used with these nouns:

card, wood

lamp

lampnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + lamp | lamp + VERB | lamp + NOUNADJECTIVEbedside, desk, floor, overhead (AmE), reading, standard (BrE), standing (AmE), tableelectric, gas, halogen, kerosene, oil, paraffin (BrE)hurricanestreet (BrE)fluorescent, incandescentheatlavamagicdimVERB + lamplight, switch on, turn onswitch off, turn offlamp + VERBilluminate sth, light sthThe study was lit only by a small lamp.burn, glow, shineAn oil lamp burned in the darkness.flicker, go outlamp + NOUNshade (usually lampshade)

lance

lanceverb

Lance is used with these nouns as the object:

boil

lance through

lance throughphr verb

Lance through is used with these nouns as the subject:

land

landnounverb

I. noun1 surface of the earth2 piece of ground3 the land farming land4 country1 surface of the earthADJECTIVE | VERB + land | land + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdryIt was good to be on dry land again after months at sea.VERB + landreachThe explorers reached land after a long voyage.sightIn the distance the crew sighted land.reclaimThe new project will reclaim the land from the sea.land + NOUNmasschains of volcanoes running along the edge of continental land massessurfaceanimal, mammalbattle, warforcesWith the land forces defeated, everything now rested on the navy.PREPOSITIONby landIt's impossible to reach this beach by land because of the high cliffs.on landSome animals can live both on land and in water.

2 piece of groundADJECTIVE | … OF LAND | VERB + land | land + VERB | land + NOUNADJECTIVEgood, prime (esp. BrE)Good agricultural land is scarce.prime building landfertile, richrich agricultural landland that is rich in mineral depositsmarginal, pooranimals grazing on marginal landarid, desert, dry, parchedThe land was very dry after the long, hot summer.barrenderelict (BrE), waste (usually wasteland)A new shopping mall will be built on the derelict land.contaminatedempty, unused, vacantuncultivated, undeveloped, virgin, wildagricultural, arable, cultivated, farm (usually farmland), farming, pasture, ranch (esp. AmE)the clearing of forested areas to create pastures and arable landgrazingindustrial (esp. BrE)building, housing (both BrE)green-belt (esp. BrE), greenfield (BrE), park (usually parkland)rural, urbanprivatepublicfederal, state (both esp. AmE)crown (BrE), governmentreservation, tribalcommon (BrE), communalEveryone had the right to graze animals on communal land.This used to be common land, where everyone had the right to graze animals.openThey finally got out of the town and reached open land.flat, low-lying (esp. BrE)coastal, forest, forested (esp. AmE)… OF LANDarea, parcel, patch, piece, plot, scrap (esp. BrE), strip, tractThe state owns vast tracts of land.Every scrap of land is used for growing food.VERB + landhave, hold, ownThe inhabitants of a village held land in common.acquire, buy, purchaseselllease, rentreclaimprotectcultivate, farm, plough/plow, workirrigateclearThe land has been cleared ready for building.developThey were refused permission to develop the land.expropriate (formal), seizedistribute, redistributegrant sbHe was granted land by the state.land + VERBadjoin stha piece of land adjoining the airportland + NOUNagent (esp. BrE)office (AmE), registry (BrE)acquisition, purchasegrabThe rush for fuel and food will lead to a global land grab.tenuremanagementreclamation (esp. BrE)developmentusereformprices, valuesclaimdispute

3 the land farming landVERB + the landVERB + the landlive offIt's very fertile countryside where you can just live off the land.farm, work, work onHis family had always worked the land.leaveMany people leave the land to find work in towns.get back to, go back toHe's tired of living in cities, and wants to get back to the land.

4 countryADJECTIVE | VERB + landADJECTIVEancestral, nativethe tribe's ancestral landsdistant, faraway, far-offHe journeyed to many distant lands.alien, foreign, strangeShe was all alone in a strange land.Promised Land (often figurative)the Promised Land of progressive educationcloud cuckoo (BrE), fantasy, la-la (AmE), never-neverAnyone who thinks this legislation will be effective is living in cloud cuckoo land.VERB + landconquer, occupyrule

II. verb1 of an aircraft2 fall to the ground1 of an aircraftADVERB | VERB + land | PREPOSITIONADVERBsafelyThe pilot managed to land the plane safely.VERB + landbe about to, be due to, be scheduled tocome down toThe plane slowly came down to land.be forced toThe plane was forced to land in a nearby field.be able to, manage toPREPOSITIONatWe are due to land at Newark at 12.15.

2 fall to the groundADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBawkwardly, badly, painfullyI landed awkwardly and twisted my ankle.expertly, gracefully, neatlyHe tensed himself for the jump and landed expertly on the other side.heavilygently, lightly, softlysquarelyThe coin landed squarely between his feet.PREPOSITIONonShe fell and landed heavily on her back.

land-based

land-basedadj.

Land-based is used with these nouns:

landed

landedadj.

Landed is used with these nouns:

aristocracy, class, elite, estate, proprietor

landfill

landfillnoun

Landfill is used before these nouns:

disposal, site

land grant

land grantnoun

Land grant is used before these nouns:

university

landing

landingnoun

noun1 of an aircraft2 top of a staircase1 of an aircraftADJECTIVE | VERB + landing | landing + NOUNADJECTIVEbumpy, hard, roughcrash, emergency, forcedsafe, smooth, softsuccessfullunar, moonthe first successful lunar landingVERB + landingmakeThe pilot had to make an emergency landing in a field.landing + NOUNarea, site, strip

2 top of a staircaseADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfirst-floor (BrE), second-floor, etc.PREPOSITIONoff the landingThe room opens off the landing.on the landingThere's a phone on the landing outside your room.

landlady

landladynoun

Landlady is used after these nouns:

pub

landline

landlinenoun

Landline is used before these nouns:

phone

landlocked

landlockedadj.

Landlocked is used with these nouns:

landlord

landlordnoun

noun1 sb who lets a house/room2 (BrE) man who owns/runs a pub1 sb who lets a house/roomADJECTIVEADJECTIVEprivatelocal (esp. AmE)unscrupulous (esp. BrE)absenteeThe house has an absentee landlord, who visits the property once a year.

2 (BrE) man who owns/runs a pubADJECTIVE | landlord + VERBADJECTIVEpubHe left the army and became a pub landlord.landlord + VERBserve sbThe landlord came over to serve me.

landmark

landmarknoun

noun1 feature of the landscape2 important stage in the development of sth1 feature of the landscapeADJECTIVE | VERB + landmark | landmark + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdistinctive (esp. BrE), prominentfamous, well-knownfamiliarAfter twenty years, all the familiar landmarks had disappeared.city, localnationalhistoric, historicalarchitecturalVERB + landmarkrecognizedesignate sthThe building has been designated a historical landmark by the Commission.landmark + NOUNbuildingstatus (esp. AmE)The residents are seeking landmark status for the building.PREPOSITIONlandmark forThe tower was once a landmark for ships.

2 important stage in the development of sthADJECTIVE | VERB + landmark | landmark + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgreat, important, major, significantVERB + landmarkbe, representThe Russian Revolution represents a landmark in world history.landmark + NOUNdecision, legislation (AmE), rulinga landmark decision on gay marriagecaseeventachievementstudyPREPOSITIONlandmark inThe piece is an important landmark in the history of music.

land on

land onphr verb

Land on is used with these nouns as the subject:

bird, eye, fly

Land on is used with these nouns as the object:

desk, moon

landowning

landowningadj.

Landowning is used with these nouns:

aristocracy, class, family

landscape

landscapenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + landscape | landscape + NOUNADJECTIVEbarren, bleak, desolate, dramatic, rocky, rugged, wildthe dramatic landscape of the desertbeautifulrural, urbanan urban landscape of factories and skyscrapersdesert, mountainwinterindustriallunarcultural, economic, political, social (all figurative)The political landscape of the country has changed since unemployment rose.changingWe need to adapt more rapidly to the changing economic landscape overseas.VERB + landscapeconserve, preserve, protectthe need to preserve the rural landscapedot, litterRocks of all sizes dotted the landscape.dominateThe power station dominates the landscape.create, shape (both often figurative)alter, change, transform (all often figurative)Their songs altered the landscape of popular music.landscape + NOUNarchitect, gardenerarchitecture, design, gardeningpainter, photographerpainting, photography

II. verb

Landscape is used with these nouns as the object:

park, yard

landscaped

landscapedadj.

Landscaped is used with these nouns:

garden

landslide

landslidenoun

noun1 fall of earth or rocks2 election victory1 fall of earth or rocksVERB + landslide | landslide + VERBVERB + landslidecause, triggerThe floods caused a landslide.landslide + VERBdestroy sthThe town was destroyed by a landslide.

2 election victoryADJECTIVE | VERB + landslide | landslide + NOUNADJECTIVEelectoralNobody predicted such an electoral landslide.massiveConservative, Labour, etc.Democratic, Republican, etc.VERB + landslidewin byThe party won by a landslide.landslide + NOUNvictory

land use

land usenoun

Land use is used before these nouns:

restriction

lane

lanenoun

noun1 (esp. BrE) narrow road2 part of a wide road for one line of traffic1 (esp. BrE) narrow roadADJECTIVE | VERB + lane | lane + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEnarrowlittle, smallsingle-track (BrE)quietdusty, muddybumpy, twisting, windingThere is plenty to explore in the narrow winding lanes behind the cathedral.leafycobbledcountryWe drove down winding country lanes on the journey to York.back (BrE)Lighting is poor in the back lanes of the old town.VERB + laneturn down, turn intolane + VERBgo, lead, runthe lane leading to the villageThe lane runs past the the lake.PREPOSITIONalong a/the laneWe cycled for miles along winding country lanes.down a/the lane, in a/the lane, up a/the lane

2 part of a wide road for one line of trafficADJECTIVE | VERB + lane | lane + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfast, slowleft, left-hand, right, right-handbreakdown (AmE), inside, middle, outside (BrE), overtaking (BrE), passing (AmE)northbound, southbound, etc.trafficbus, express (AmE), HOV (= high-occupancy vehicle)bicycle (AmE), cycle (BrE)VERB + lanechange, get in (BrE), switch (esp. AmE)I hate changing lanes when the traffic is heavy.Get in lane early when turning off.keep in, stay in (both BrE)lane + NOUNclosures (esp. BrE), restrictions (BrE)Commuters can expect lane closures for a while longer.PREPOSITIONin (the) laneThe bus was crawling along in the slow lane.

language

languagenoun

noun1 system of communication2 way of using language1 system of communicationADJECTIVE | VERB + language | language + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEfirst, nativeShe grew up in Mexico, so her first language is Spanish.foreign, secondHow many foreign languages does she speak?the teaching of English as a second languageoriginalMost local cinemas show films in the original language, with German subtitles.source, target (both technical)ancient, classical, deadLatin is a dead language.moderncommon, sharedindigenous, localofficialBelgium has two official languages.nationalPortuguese is the national language of Brazil.dominantinternational, universalminoritySome minority languages are dying out.naturalComputers will never be able to understand natural language.strange, unknownmanuscripts written in an unknown languagecomputer, programmingVERB + languagespeakknow, understanduselearn, studyteachmasterlanguage + NOUNacquisition, development, learningnew methods of language learningcourse, lessonskillbarrierPHRASEScommand of (a) language, knowledge of (a) language, mastery of (a) languageHer command of language is very advanced for a six-year-old.

2 way of using languageADJECTIVE | VERB + language | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEspoken, writtenShe could speak some Chinese, but never studied the written language.colloquial, everyday, informalformalexpressive, flowery, literary, poeticfigurative, symboliceveryday, plain, simpleHis strength is that he addresses his readers in plain language.vagueracist, sexistsignNot all deaf people use sign language.bodyYou could tell from his body language that he was very embarrassed.legal, technicalbiblicalharshShe reserved her harshest language for those she believed had betrayed her.bad, colourful/colorful, crude, foul, obscene, offensive, strong, vulgarpeople using foul languageVERB + languageusebe couched in, be expressed inmind, watchThe referee told the players to mind their language.PREPOSITIONin … languageHis letter was couched in very formal language.PHRASESuse of languageThe writer's use of language reflects the personality of each character.

languorous

languorousadj.

Languorous is used with these nouns:

drawl

lanky

lankyadj.

Lanky is used with these nouns:

figure, frame, man, youth

lantern

lanternnoun

nounVERB + lantern | lantern + VERBVERB + lanternlight, shineHe shone his lantern into the dark room.hangThey saw people hanging paper lanterns from their windows.carry, holdShe carried a lantern to light her way.lantern + VERBburn, glow, light sth, shineA lantern lit the small room.hangThe lantern hung from the roof.

lap

lapnounverb

I. noun circuitADJECTIVE | VERB + lap | lap + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfirst, opening (BrE)final, lastvictoryI skated a victory lap around the rink.fast (esp. BrE)The fastest lap was completed at 208 mph.VERB + lapcomplete, do, finish, takeHe took a quick lap around the empty rink.race, run, swim (AmE)He was swimming laps in the pool.lap + NOUNrecord (BrE)He set a new lap record.pool (AmE)an indoor heated lap poolPREPOSITIONon the … lapHe tripped and fell on the final lap.PHRASESa lap of honour/honorThe winner did a lap of honour/honor.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBgently, softlyPREPOSITIONagainstThe waves lapped gently against the side of the ship.aroundThe water lapped around his ankles.atThe waves lapped at his feet.overThe freezing water lapped over her boots.

Lap is used with these nouns as the subject:

water, wave

Lap is used with these nouns as the object:

shore

lap against

lap againstphr verb

Lap against is used with these nouns as the object:

shore

lapel

lapelnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + lapel | lapel + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEnarrow, widea coat with wide lapelsVERB + lapelbe pinned toA brooch was pinned to her lapel.lapel + NOUNbadge (BrE), button (AmE), pin (esp. BrE)PREPOSITIONin the/your lapelHe was wearing a carnation in his lapel.on the/your lapela jacket with a pin on the lapelPHRASESgrab sb by the lapelsHe grabbed her by the lapels and shook her violently.

lapping

lappingadj.

Lapping is used with these nouns:

wave

lapse

lapsenounverb

I. noun1 small error; bad manners2 passing of time1 small error; bad mannersADJECTIVE | VERB + lapse | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEminormajor, seriousa serious lapse in judgmentunfortunatebrief, momentary, temporarysuddenoccasional, rareDawson's occasional lapses of concentrationmemory, mentalI keep suffering these mental lapses.intelligence, securitythe investigation into security lapses at the laboratoryodd (BrE)It was an odd lapse for one who is normally so polite.ethical, moral (both esp. AmE)allegations of ethical lapsesVERB + lapsehave, sufferI had a momentary lapse when I couldn't remember his name.PREPOSITIONlapse ina lapse in attentionlapse ofsudden lapses of concentration

2 passing of timeADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEbrieflongI'm sorry for the long lapse of time between updates.timePHRASESlapse ofafter a considerable lapse of timea time lapse of three months

II. verb

Lapse is used with these nouns as the subject:

lapsed

lapsedadj.

Lapsed is used with these nouns:

Catholic

lapse into

lapse intophr verb

Lapse into is used with these nouns as the object:

coma, silence, unconsciousness

laptop

laptopnoun

Laptop is used before these nouns:

battery, computer, keyboard, screen, theft

larder

lardernoun

noun (esp. BrE)ADJECTIVE | VERB + larder | larder + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfull, well-stockedbare, emptywalk-inVERB + larderfill, stockempty, raidHe comes home from school and raids the larder.larder + NOUNdoor, shelfPREPOSITIONin the larderThere wasn't much food left in the larder.

large

largeadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeappear, feel, look, seemSome of the clothes looked very large.become, get, growBy this time his debt had become extremely large.The plant had grown quite large.remainloomThe issue looms large in political campaigns nationwide.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.Isn't that sweater rather large?especially, exceedingly, exceptionally, incredibly, particularlycomparatively, moderately, reasonably, relativelyenough, sufficientlyAre you sure the hall will be large enough?correspondingly, equally, similarlya huge chair behind an equally large deskincreasinglythe increasingly large numbers of senior citizensinfinitelyThe universe is infinitely large.abnormally, disproportionately, impossibly, overly, ridiculously, surprisingly, unexpectedly, unusuallyHis eyes were abnormally large.Our house was not overly large.

Large is used with these nouns:

accumulation, advance, airline, airport, allowance, amount, apartment, appetite, area, armchair, army, array, assortment, attendance, audience, backlog, bank, batch, bathroom, beak, bedroom, belly, bequest, bet, bill, birthmark, bit, bloc, block, body, bomb, bonus, bosom, bouquet, bowel, brandy, breakfast, breast, broadcaster, budget, building, bulk, bump, bunch, bundle, bureaucracy, business, campus, capacity, casserole, cast, catch, category, cave, chain, chamber, cheque, chunk, circulation, city, claim, class, claw, client, clientele, closet, clump, cluster, coke, collection, colony, community, company, complement, complex, concentration, conglomerate, congregation, construction, consumer, contingent, contract, contribution, contributor, corporation, crack, crater, creditor, cross section, crowd, crystal, cupboard, customer, cut, database, debt, decline, decrease, deficit, degree, delegation, delivery, demonstration, dent, deposit, desk, diameter, difference, dimension, dining room, discount, discrepancy, distance, distributor, dividend, donation, donor, dose, dowry, driveway, drop, ear, earthquake, ego, element, empire, employer, engine, enrolment, enterprise, envelope, estate, excess, exhibition, expanse, expenditure, explosion, exporter, eye, facility, factory, fall, family, farm, farmer, fee, figure, file, fine, fireplace, firm, fist, fleet, flow, flower, fluctuation, following, force, format, fortune, fraction, frame, fry, fund, funeral, galaxy, gap, garden, gate, gathering, gin, grain, grant, grin, ground, group, gulp, handbag, handful, harvest, haul, heap, helping, herd, hoard, hole, hotel, house, incision, income, increase, influx, inheritance, institution, intestine, investment, investor, kitchen, lake, lender, letter, library, loaf, loan, lorry, lot, lump, machine, majority, male, mall, mammal, manor, mansion, manufacturer, margin, market, marquee, merger, military, minority, monster, moon, motor, mound, mountain, mouth, mouthful, mug, multinational, nation, network, nose, number, object, office, opening, operator, orchestra, order, organization, outbreak, outfit, outlay, output, overdraft, painting, pan, parcel, part, penis, percentage, piece, pile, pizza, pocket, pond, pool, population, portion, print, procession, producer, profit, project, proportion, publisher, purchase, quantity, rally, range, reception, reconstruction, reduction, region, repertoire, representation, reproduction, reserve, reservoir, resort, resource, restaurant, retailer, reward, rise, river, rock, role, room, salary, sample, saucepan, scale, scar, screen, section, selection, set, settlement, shape, share, shareholder, sheet, shipment, shopping centre, shrub, sieve, sip, size, skillet, slab, slice, snake, source, space, specimen, spider, splash, stake, statue, step, stock, stockbroker, stomach, store, stretch, studio, subsidy, sum, supply, surplus, swig, table, tanker, tear, theatre, tip, topic, town, trader, tree, trial, truck, turnout, turnover, undertaking, union, unit, user, utility, valley, variety, village, vocabulary, void, volume, weight, whisky, window, workforce, yard

largely

largelyadv.

Largely is used with these adjectives:

absent, academic, accurate, anonymous, autonomous, barren, bogus, ceremonial, complete, composed, concentrated, concerned, conservative, consistent, conventional, correct, cosmetic, defensive, defunct, dependent, descriptive, deserted, detached, devoid, empty, engaged, enthusiastic, exempt, explicable, factual, favourable, fictitious, formal, fruitless, futile, identical, ignorant, illiterate, imaginary, immobile, immune, impervious, inaccessible, incapable, incompatible, incomprehensible, inconclusive, independent, indifferent, ineffective, insensitive, instrumental, insulated, intact, invisible, irrelevant, isolated, male, meaningless, misplaced, missing, negative, neglected, obscure, obsolete, opposed, peaceful, powerless, pragmatic, predictable, preventable, redundant, related, responsible, restricted, rural, secular, self-contained, self-sufficient, separate, silent, static, sterile, subjective, successful, superficial, supportive, symbolic, sympathetic, synonymous, theoretical, true, unable, unaffected, unavoidable, unaware, unbroken, unchanged, unconcerned, unconscious, unfamiliar, unfounded, unintelligible, uninterested, united, unknown, unmoved, unnecessary, unnoticed, unscathed, unused, useless, voluntary, worthless

Largely is used with these verbs:

abandon, abolish, agree, aim, attribute, avoid, base, cease, confine, consist, contribute, cut, depend, derive, design, destroy, determine, disappear, discard, dominate, eliminate, escape, exclude, feature, figure, finance, focus, function, fund, ignore, influence, maintain, neglect, obscure, offset, overcome, overlook, rebuild, rely, replace, rest, restrict, retain, shape, solve, spare, subordinate, succeed, waste

larger

largeradj.

Larger is used with these nouns:

conspiracy, context, issue, premises, public, society, trend, version, whole

larger-than-life

larger-than-lifeadj.

Larger-than-life is used with these nouns:

character, figure, personality

large-scale largest

largestadj.

Largest is used with these nouns:

export, recipient, rival, seizure, supplier

larva

larvanoun

Larva is used after these nouns:

fly, insect, mosquito

larval

larvaladj.

Larval is used with these nouns:

lasagne

lasagnenoun

Lasagne is used after these nouns:

vegetables

laser

lasernoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + laser | laser + NOUNADJECTIVEpowerfulinfraredVERB + laseruseaim, fire, shootlaser + NOUNbeam, blast, light, rayprinter, scannergunpointersurgery, therapy, treatment

laser-guided

laser-guidedadj.

Laser-guided is used with these nouns:

Lash is used with these nouns as the subject:

lash

lashnounverb

I. noun See eyelash II. verb

rain, storm

Lash is used with these nouns as the object:

volley

lashing

lashingnoun

Lashing is used before these nouns:

Last is used with these nouns as the subject:

last

lastverbadj.

I. verbADVERB | VERB + last | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBlongYour car will last longer if you take care of it.wellEven when cut, the flowers last very well.forever, indefinitelyNothing lasts forever.With care, the vines will last indefinitely.rarelyThis type of happiness rarely lasts.neverHappiness never lasts.VERB + lastcanThe storm could last quite a long time.The good weather couldn't last.willThe kids are all very enthusiastic, but it won't last.be likely to, be sure toa bruise that was sure to last for daysbe unlikely toI always thought his popularity was unlikely to last.be expected toseem toThe flight seemed to last forever.be built to, be made toThis house was built to last.PREPOSITIONforThe war lasted for three years.intoThe celebrations lasted well into the next week.throughThe effort began in November and lasted through February. (AmE)She hoped they had enough firewood to last through the night. (BrE)untilThe trial is expected to last until the end of the week.PHRASESwhile sth lastsInterest rates are at their lowest level for a decade. I suggest you enjoy it while it lasts.

beauty, bulb, career, ceasefire, effect, kiss, marriage, period, relationship, session, siege, stock, storm, strike, supply, truce, war

Last is used with these nouns as the object:

hour, lifetime, minute, moment

II. adj.

Last is used with these nouns:

act, appearance, autumn, bend, birthday, boyfriend, bus, call, century, chance, chapter, check, dance, decade, effort, election, encounter, episode, fall, farewell, favour, flicker, fling, fortnight, frontier, frost, generation, girlfriend, glimpse, half, haul, hope, hurdle, illness, incarnation, instalment, kiss, lap, leg, minute, moment, month, mouthful, movement, name, night, order, page, part, phase, post, posting, quarter, ray, recording, refuge, relic, remnant, request, reserve, round, salute, scene, scrap, semester, session, shred, sip, spring, stage, stand, step, summer, survivor, syllable, thing, third, time, train, vestige, visit, voyage, warning, week, weekend, wilderness, winter, wish, word, year

last-ditch

last-ditchadj.

Last-ditch is used with these nouns:

attempt, effort, stand

last-gasp

last-gaspadj.

Last-gasp is used with these nouns:

win

lasting

lastingadj.

Lasting is used with these nouns:

achievement, appeal, attachment, benefit, change, damage, effect, enmity, fame, friendship, happiness, harm, impact, importance, impression, imprint, influence, legacy, love, memorial, memory, monument, peace, prosperity, recovery, reform, relationship, reminder, result, settlement, solution, tribute, value

last-minute

last-minuteadj.

Last-minute is used with these nouns:

cancellation, dash, deal, decision, errand, fare, hitch, panic, penalty, preparation, replacement, reprieve, rush, shopper, shopping, snag, surge, try

last-place

last-placeadj.

Last-place is used with these nouns:

finish

latch

latchnoun

Latch is used after these nouns:

Late is used with these nouns:

late

lateadj.adv.

I. adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbe, feel, seemI don't know what the time is, but it feels quite late.get, growIt's getting too late to do anything today.make sbADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.relativelya little, slightly, etc.fashionablyKevin was fashionably late as always.PREPOSITIONforI'm late for work.inHe took up music late in life.intoIt was now late into the night.withHe was now three weeks late with his rent.PHRASESan hour, ten minutes, etc. lateThe train was 45 minutes late.leave it rather, very, etc. lateYou've left it rather late to start your homework, haven't you?

abortion, adolescence, afternoon, antiquity, arrival, autumn, bell, booking, breakfast, brother, capitalism, childhood, delivery, departure, dinner, Easter, emergence, emperor, entrant, entry, evening, fall, father, fee, frost, hour, husband, lunch, marriage, middle age, morning, mother, news, night, onset, painting, payment, penalty, period, pregnancy, rally, replacement, session, shift, sister, spring, stage, start, summer, sun, supper, surge, tackle, teens, trading, try, tulip, uncle, wife, winter, work

II. adv.

Late is used with these verbs:

arrive, awake, awaken, detect, rise, run, sleep, stay, wake

lately

latelyadv.

Lately is used with these verbs:

read

late-night

late-nightadj.

Late-night is used with these nouns:

session, shopper, shopping, show, showing, snack

latent

latentadj.

Latent is used with these nouns:

demand

later

lateradj.adv.

I. adj.

Later is used with these nouns:

century, date, edition, generation, life, month, recording, report, version, writer, writing, year

II. adv.

Later is used with these verbs:

emerge, regret

lateral

lateraladj.

Lateral is used with these nouns:

force, move, movement, shoot, thinking

late-running

late-runningadj.

Late-running is used with these nouns:

latest

latestadj.

Latest is used with these nouns:

acquisition, addition, album, arrival, batch, book, boyfriend, CD, conquest, craze, date, development, discovery, edition, episode, equipment, estimate, fad, fashion, figure, gadget, gimmick, girlfriend, gossip, incarnation, incident, information, initiative, innovation, invention, look, model, move, news, novel, offering, phase, poll, projection, recording, recruit, release, report, research, revelation, revision, round, single, software, statistics, style, technology, trend, twist, update, venture, version, work

late-term

late-termadj.

Late-term is used with these nouns:

latex

latexnoun

Latex is used before these nouns:

glove, paint

lathe

lathenoun

Lathe is used before these nouns:

operator

Latin

Latinnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEclassicalmedieval

II. adj.

Latin is used with these nouns:

alphabet, grammar, inscription, quarter, race, rhythm, word

Latino

Latinoadj.

Latino is used with these nouns:

neighbourhood, population

latitude

latitudenoun

noun1 geographical position2 freedom1 geographical positionADJECTIVE | VERB + latitude | PHRASESADJECTIVEhigh, lownorthern, southernpolar, temperate, tropicalThese birds only survive in temperate latitudes.VERB + latitudecalculate, determinePHRASESa line of latitude

2 freedomADJECTIVE | … OF LATITUDE | VERB + latitude | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEconsiderable, greatbroad (esp. AmE), wide (both esp. AmE)Their managers enjoy wide latitude to make hiring decisions.… OF LATITUDEdegreeSome degree of latitude is required in interpreting the law on this point.VERB + latitudeallow (sb), give sb, permit (esp. AmE)enjoyPREPOSITIONlatitude forThis method allows very little latitude for error.latitude inNowadays, newspapers are allowed considerable latitude in criticizing the government.

latter

latteradj.

Latter is used with these nouns:

half, part, stage

lattice

latticenoun

Lattice is used before these nouns:

Laugh is used with these nouns as the subject:

laugh

laughnounverb

I. noun1 sound/act of laughing2 sb/sth that is amusing1 sound/act of laughingADJECTIVE | VERB + laugh | laugh + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEloudlight, little, short, slight, small, softdeep, low, richbig, good, greatThe last joke got the biggest laugh.belly, booming, heartyharsh, shrillbarking, husky, throatysexyHe laughed that warm, sexy laugh.tinklingamused, delightedembarrassed, nervous, shakybitter, cynical, derisive, dry, fake (esp. AmE), forced, hollow, humourless/humorless, mirthless, mocking, rueful, sarcastic, scornful, wryShe forced a bitter laugh.genuineNick responded with a genuine laugh.cruel, evil, sinisterThe man laughed, a harsh, evil laugh.cheapThis movie is too intent upon getting cheap laughs.infectiousVERB + laughgive, laugh, let outHe gave a short, amused laugh.She laughed a hollow laugh then fell silent.haveshareWe all shared a good laugh.force, managebite back (esp. AmE), choke back, hold back, smother (esp. AmE), stifle, suppressShe tried to suppress a laugh, but ended up giggling anyway.enjoy, likeHe enjoys a good laugh.draw, earn (AmE), get, raise (BrE)That earned a laugh from everyone.Few of his jokes got a laugh.She got a laugh out of Jack.hearlaugh + VERBescape sbA small laugh escaped her.ring outA laugh rang out behind me.PREPOSITIONfor a laughShe dyed her hair green just for a laugh.with a laughHe left the room with a cynical laugh.laugh about, laugh atWe all had a great laugh about it when we got home.laugh overI had a good laugh over that one.PHRASESbe good for a laughPaula's always good for a laugh (= always amusing).have the last laughWe'll have the last laugh if she finds out that you're the one who played the trick.a laugh at sb's expenseOh yes, very funny—have your laugh at my expense!the laugh is on sb (= sb looks ridiculous after they have tried to make fun of sb else)play sb/sth for laughsShe seemed unsure of whether to play her role seriously or for laughs.

2 sb/sth that is amusingADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEgood, great, realPHRASESa barrel of laughs, a bit of a laugh, a laugh a minute (= very funny)

II. verbADVERB | VERB + laugh | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBaloud, loudly, out loudIt looked so funny that I almost laughed out loud.gently, inwardly, lightly, quietly, silently, softly, under your breathdeeply, hard, heartily, a lot, really, uproariouslyI have not heard an audience laugh so hard for a long time.He laughed heartily at his own joke.just, merely, simplyI thought she would be angry but she just laughed.almostbriefly, a little, shakily, sheepishly, shortly, slightly, weaklyShe laughed slightly as she saw my expression.suddenlyeasily, freelyShe smiles and laughs easily.openly, outrighthelplessly, uncontrollablycheerfully, delightedly (esp. AmE), happily, merrilyhystericallynervously, uneasilyI laughed uneasily, trying to make light of the moment.politelygood-naturedlyEmilio tilted his head back and laughed good-naturedly.incredulously, in disbelieftriumphantlybitterly, coldly, cynically, derisively, drily, evilly, grimly, harshly, hollowly, humourlessly/humorlessly, mirthlessly, mockingly, ruefully, sarcastically, scornfully, wickedly, wrylyHe realized how he had been fooled, and laughed bitterly.insanely, madly, maniacally, manicallytogetherThey were talking and laughing together.VERB + laughhave to, want toHe looked so funny I just had to laugh.begin to, start totry not toI was watching them and trying not to laugh.learn toDon't take life too seriously. Learn to laugh at yourself.make sbHe pulled a funny face to make us laugh.hear sbI heard him suddenly laugh aloud.PREPOSITIONaboutTomorrow you'll be able to laugh about this.atThe audience laughed at her jokes.inSam shook her head, laughing in amusement.overWe were laughing over some joke Bentley had told.withShe spent time talking and laughing with the children.Trent almost laughed with relief.PHRASESburst out laughing, bust out laughing (AmE)can't help laughing, can't stop laughingShe was fooling around and we couldn't stop laughing.fall about laughing (BrE)It was so funny we just fell about laughing.find yourself laughingHe laughed, and she found herself laughing with him.start laughingVivian started laughing hysterically.stop laughing

audience, eye

Laugh is used with these nouns as the object:

laugh

laughably

laughablyadv.

Laughably is used with these adjectives:

bad

laugh at

laugh atphr verb

Laugh at is used with these nouns as the object:

antics, joke

laughing

laughingadj.

Laughing is used with these nouns:

fit, gas

laugh-out-loud

laugh-out-loudadv.

Laugh-out-loud is used with these adjectives:

Launch is used with these nouns as the subject:

laughter

laughternoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF LAUGHTER | VERB + laughterADJECTIVEhearty, helpless, hysterical, insane, loud, maniacal (esp. AmE), raucous, uncontrollable, uproarious, wildI heard sounds of raucous laughter upstairs.happyinfectiousHer infectious laughter had everyone smiling.nervousmuffled, quiet, silent, soft, suppressedShe was bent over with suppressed laughter.derisive, mockingcruel, evil, sinisterAndrea burst into cruel laughter.drunkenGerry exploded into more drunken laughter.cannedthe canned laughter of a sitcom… OF LAUGHTERbark, hoot, howl, roar, shout, shriek, snortHe gave a sudden bellow of laughter.fitEveryone dissolved into fits of laughter when they saw my haircut.bout (AmE), burst, chorus, gale, guffaw, peal, ripple, round, waveHis suggestion was greeted with peals of laughter.A ripple of laughter ran around the room.That comment brought another round of laughter.VERB + laughterburst into, dissolve into, explode withbellow with, cackle with, hoot with, howl with, roar with, scream with, shriek with, snort with, squeal withrock with, shake withdraw, elicit, provokeHunter's statement drew laughter from the crowd.The joke provoked laughter from all of them.choke back (esp. AmE), contain, control, hide, hold back, muffle, smother (esp. AmE), stifle, suppressWill was no longer able to contain his laughter.

launch

launchnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + launch | launch + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcommercial, official, press (esp. BrE), publicThe commercial launch was the end of 2007.She is signing copies of her book at the official launch.successfulimminent (esp. BrE), upcomingplanned, scheduledthe postponement of the scheduled launch on July 7soft (= in stages)A couple of days ago we opened up the website for a soft launch.book, campaign (esp. BrE), productballoon, missile, rocket, satellite, shuttleVERB + launchget (sth) ready for, prepare (sth) forThey are preparing for the launch of the new campaign next month.announcecelebrate, marka big Hollywood event to mark the launch of the moviego ahead withcoincide with (esp. BrE)The show is timed to coincide with the launch of a new book on the subject.attend (esp. BrE), go to, speak at (esp. BrE)plan, scheduleThe official product launch was scheduled for 2009.delay, postponelaunch + NOUNdateparty (= for a product or book)facility (esp. AmE), pad, platform, siteone of the world's largest ocean-going launch platformsPREPOSITIONafter the launch, following the launch, since the launchIn the six months since its launch the car has sold extremely well.at a/the launchI met her at the launch of her new book.launch fora spring launch for the new TV system

II. verb

government, rocket

Launch is used with these nouns as the object:

appeal, application, assault, attack, balloon, barrage, bid, blitz, blog, boat, bombardment, business, campaign, career, channel, collection, company, competition, counter-attack, coup, crackdown, crusade, division, drive, effort, enquiry, exhibition, expedition, firm, fund, helicopter, hunt, initiative, insurrection, invasion, investigation, label, lifeboat, magazine, manifesto, missile, mission, movement, network, newspaper, offensive, offering, onslaught, operation, petition, phase, plan, product, programme, project, raid, range, rebellion, report, revolution, rocket, satellite, scheme, search, service, ship, shuttle, spacecraft, strike, system, torpedo, venture, version, volley, war, wave, website

launcher

launchernoun

Launcher is used after these nouns:

grenade, missile, rocket

launch into

launch intophr verb

Launch into is used with these nouns as the object:

assault, explanation, monologue

launder

launderverb

Launder is used with these nouns as the object:

launderer

launderernoun

Launderer is used after these nouns:

laundering

launderingnoun

Laundering is used after these nouns:

laundry

laundrynoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF LAUNDRY | VERB + laundry | laundry + NOUNADJECTIVEclean, dirty… OF LAUNDRYpileThere was a pile of clean laundry on her bed.VERB + laundrydo, washThe housekeeper cooks, does the laundry and cleans.fold, put awaylaundry + NOUNbag, basket, hamper (AmE)roomHe began working in the laundry room of the hotel last May.chutedetergent, soap (both AmE)serviceThe hotel offers a free laundry service.list (informal, figurative, esp. AmE)Here's a brief laundry list of what needs fixing.

laurel

laurelnoun

Laurel is used before these nouns:

wreath

lava

lavanoun

Lava is used before these nouns:

flow, lamp

lavatorial

lavatorialadj.

Lavatorial is used with these nouns:

humour

lavatory

lavatorynoun

noun (esp. BrE)ADJECTIVE | VERB + lavatory | lavatory + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpublic (BrE)gents' (BrE), ladies', men'soutsideflushingVERB + lavatorygo to, use, visitneedflush, flush sth downlavatory + NOUNbowl, chain, cistern, seatpaperbrushcubicleattendantfacilitiesPREPOSITIONin the lavatory, on the lavatory (BrE)

lavender

lavendernoun

Lavender is used before these nouns:

oil, scent

lavish lavishly

lavishlyadv.

Lavishly is used with these verbs:

decorate, entertain, equip, fund, illustrate, praise, produce, spend

law

lawnoun

noun1 official rule/rules2 subject of study/profession1 official rule/rulesSee also martial lawADJECTIVE | VERB + law | law + VERB | law + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEadministrative, case, civil, common, constitutional, criminal, statute, etc.abortion, bankruptcy, business, contract, divorce, employment, family, immigration, labour/labor, libel, tax, etc.federal, international, stateclearThe law is clear: bribery is wrong.unclear, vagueharsh, strict, stringent, toughEnvironmental laws are strict about polluting precious water.discriminatory, unconstitutional, unjustWe believe this law is unconstitutional.liberalrestrictivethe passage of a restrictive immigration law in 1924Jewish, TalmudicIslamic, shariaVERB + lawbecomeA presidential veto prevented the bill from becoming law.Parliament voted for the bill to become law.apply, enforce, implement, upholdIt's the job of the police to enforce the law.follow, obey, observe, respectbreak, flout, violateadopt, create, enact, introduce, passoverturn, repealamend, change, reform, reviseCongress amended the law in 1998.draft, writethe legislators who drafted the lawinterpretJudges interpret this law in different ways.law + VERBallow sth, authorize sth, permit sthrecognize stha law recognizing civil unions for same-sex couplesban sth, forbid sth, prohibit sthThe law forbids gambling of any kind.limit sth, restrict stha law limiting the hours of work to ten hours per daycriminalize sthLaws criminalizing same-sex relationships were ruled unconstitutional.mandate sth (esp. AmE), require sthThe wearing of a crash helmet is required by law.govern sth, regulate sththe law governing school attendancethe laws regulating firearmsapply to sb/sth, cover sb/sthThe law applies equally to businesses large and small.law + NOUNcourt (BrE) (also court of law (BrE, AmE)case, suit (usually lawsuit)lawsuits filed by women against employersenforcementThe building was raided by law enforcement agents.violation (AmE)reformthe broader implications of copyright law reformclerk, partner (both AmE)office, practice (both AmE)She lost her job at a Boston law office.license (AmE)book, journal, reviewa room filled with law bookslibraryPREPOSITIONabove the lawNo one is above the law.against the lawWhat you did was clearly against the law.beyond the lawindividuals who are acting beyond the lawby lawBy law, you are obliged to install smoke alarms in the factory.outside the lawrebels who live outside the lawwithin the lawThe company is operating entirely within the law.law againsta local law against keeping horseslaw concerning, law on, law regarding, law relating tothe law concerning industrial action ballotsA law on hunting will cause a lot of disagreements.the laws regarding child actorsthe law relating to the sale of goodsPHRASESas the law stands (BrE)As the law stands, you can get married at sixteen.law and orderMartial law was imposed to prevent the breakdown of law and order.the law of the landthe Civil Rights Act of 1964 became the law of the land on July 2, 1964.the letter of the lawIn spite of the difficulties it would cause her family, the judge stuck to the letter of the law and jailed her.take the law into your own handsWhen police failed to arrest the suspect, local people took the law into their own hands.

2 subject of study/professionVERB + law | law + NOUNVERB + lawpractise/practicelaw + NOUNfirmschoolShe's in law school. (AmE)She's at law school. (BrE)

law-abiding

law-abidingadj.

Law-abiding is used with these nouns:

citizen, folk

law enforcement

law enforcementnoun

Law enforcement is used before these nouns:

agency, agent, authority, officer, official, personnel

lawful

lawfuladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomeconsider sth, deem sthADVERBperfectly (esp. BrE)This is a perfectly lawful activity.

Lawful is used with these nouns:

authority, impediment, owner

lawfully

lawfullyadv.

Lawfully is used with these adjectives:

married

Lawfully is used with these verbs:

exercise, terminate

lawmaker

lawmakernoun

Lawmaker is used after these nouns:

state

lawn

lawnnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + lawnADJECTIVEmanicured, neat, well-tendeda well-tended lawnovergrownback, frontVERB + lawncut, mow, trimThe lawn really needs mowing.waterI was out watering the lawn.maintain, take care ofthe correct way to maintain a lawn

law school

law schoolnoun

Law school is used before these nouns:

admission, graduate

lawsuit

lawsuitnoun

noun See suit

lawyer

lawyernoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEbrilliant, clever, competent, excellent, good, smart (esp. AmE)high-powered, hotshot (AmE), leading, prominent, senior, successful, topA leading human rights lawyer took on his case.greedy, rich, wealthyexperienced, qualified (esp. BrE)practising/practicingacademic (esp. BrE)trial (AmE)He was a trial lawyer for many years.defence/defense, prosecuting, prosecution (esp. BrE)a top criminal defence lawyer (BrE)He brought in a hot-shot criminal defense lawyer who secured a not guilty verdict. (AmE)court-appointed (esp. AmE)government, private (esp. AmE)civilian, militaryappellate (AmE)international, localantitrust (AmE), bankruptcy (AmE), civil, civil rights, commercial (esp. BrE), constitutional, corporate, criminal, divorce, employment, family, human rights, immigration, labor (AmE), libel (esp. BrE), malpractice (AmE), patent, personal-injury, tax, tort (AmE)

lax

laxadj.

Lax is used with these nouns:

attitude, control, discipline, enforcement, regulation, security

lay

layverbPHRASAL VERBadj.

I. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBcarefully, gentlyneatlyHe laid the clothes neatly on his bed.aside, downWith a resigned sigh she laid aside her book.He laid the plates down on the table.PREPOSITIONonShe laid the child tenderly on the bed.overThey carefully laid a blanket over the body.

PHRASAL VERBlay sth outADVERBADVERBnicely, wellEach chapter is nicely laid out with clear diagrams.The owners have a tastefully laid out garden.clearlyThe information is there; it just isn't laid out clearly.

Lay is used with these nouns as the object:

ambush, blame, brick, cable, carpet, charge, claim, concrete, drain, egg, emphasis, foundation, groundwork, hand, head, kiss, main, mat, mine, odds, palm, pipe, pipeline, place, responsibility, siege, stress, table, tile, track, trail, trap, turf, wreath

II. adj.

Lay is used with these nouns:

audience, ministry, preacher, reader

lay back

lay backphr verb

Lay back is used with these nouns as the object:

lay-by

lay-bynoun

noun (BrE)VERB + lay-by | PREPOSITIONVERB + lay-bypull intoPREPOSITIONin a/the lay-byI was parked in a lay-by, having a nap.

lay down

lay downphr verb

Lay down is used with these nouns as the subject:

Lay down is used with these nouns as the object:

arms, burden, code, condition, criterion, guideline, gun, knife, life, principle, requirement, rule, track

layer

layernoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + layer | layer + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfine, thinEverything was covered with a fine layer of dust.deep, dense, heavy, thickMulch with a generous layer of peat or compost.bottom, inner, innermost, lower, middle, outer, outermost, surface, top, upper, uppermostthe upper layers of the earth's atmospheredouble, singleThe product is made from a single layer of plastic.added, additional, extraThey put on thick hats and extra layers of clothing.alternatingThe recipe calls for alternating layers of meat sauce and pasta.protectivea protective layer of black plasticozoneholes in the ozone layercloudWe're flying just below a cloud layer at 33 000 feet.VERB + layerformUse enough gravel to form a layer about 50mm thick.add, applyHe paints a base coat, allows it to dry, and then adds layers of paint.be covered by, be covered withThe body had been covered with a thin layer of soil.peel away, peel back, removeI decided to peel back the layers of this story. (figurative)layer + NOUNcake (esp. AmE)PREPOSITIONbeneath a/the layer, under a/the layerBeneath the surface layer of the skin are several further layers.in layersThe building is constructed in layers.layer ofan extra layer of clothinga layer of bureaucracymultiple layers of meaning (figurative)PHRASESlayer after layer, layer upon layerThe remains lay buried under layer upon layer of black earth.

lay in

lay inphr verb

Lay in is used with these nouns as the object:

supply

laying

layingnounadj.

I. noun

Laying is used after these nouns:

Laying is used with these nouns:

II. adj.

hen

lay off

lay offphr verb

Lay off is used with these nouns as the object:

employee, staff, worker

lay on

lay onphr verb

Lay on is used with these nouns as the object:

entertainment, service

lay out

lay outphr verb

Lay out is used with these nouns as the object:

buffet, corpse, criterion, detail, garden, guideline, map, mat, park, vision

layout

layoutnoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEbasic, generalBefore designing the house we planned the basic layout of the rooms.physical, visualinterior, internalpage, textpage layout softwaremagazine, newspaperroad (BrE), street

layover

layovernoun

noun (AmE)See also stopoverADJECTIVEADJECTIVEfour-hour, etc.brief, short

lazily

lazilyadv.

Lazily is used with these verbs:

drawl, lean, rest, roll, sprawl, stretch, watch

lazy

lazyadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feelbecome, get, growHe had grown lazy and fat.We thought we were winning, so we got lazy.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.incrediblyplain (informal)He's just plain lazy.almostHis smile was slow, almost lazy.a little, slightly, etc.intellectuallyMost of us are intellectually lazy about large areas of the world around us.

Lazy is used with these nouns:

bum, drawl, grin, journalism, morning, river

LCD

LCDnoun

LCD is used before these nouns:

display, monitor, projector, screen

lead

leadnoun¹noun²verb¹verb²

I. noun¹1 example set by sb2 position ahead of other people3 main part in a play, show, etc.4 clue1 example set by sbADJECTIVE | VERB + lead | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEmoral (esp. BrE)VERB + leadgive, takeThe government should give a lead in tackling racism.followPREPOSITIONlead inWe should follow their lead in banning chemical weapons.lead oncorporations that have chosen to take the lead on the privacy issue

2 position ahead of other peopleADJECTIVE | VERB + lead | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, clear, comfortable, commanding, good, healthy, huge, significant, sizeable, solid, strong, substantialFor the time being, China has a solid lead over India.narrow, slight, slim, smalltwo-game, three-length, ten-point, etc.overallearlyVERB + leadbe in, gain, haveShe has a narrow lead over the other runners.go into, move into, takeThey took an early lead.build (esp. AmE), build up, establishThe team has now built up a commanding lead.hold, keep, maintain, retainloseregain, retakeThey regained the lead with only a few minutes left to play.put sb/sth (back) intoThat game puts her back into the lead.extend, increase, open (esp. AmE), open up, widenHouston increased their lead to 13–7He had opened up a small lead over his opponent.givePREPOSITIONin the lead, into the leadWe were struggling to stay in the lead.lead overThis win gives the team a two-point lead over their closest rival.

3 main part in a play, show, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + lead | lead + NOUNADJECTIVEromanticfemale, maleVERB + leadplayHer big break came when she was chosen to play the lead in a Broadway musical.singShe sings lead on four tracks.lead + NOUNcharacter, roleactor, actress, dancer, singer, vocalist, vocalsguitar, guitarist

4 clueADJECTIVE | VERB + lead | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgood, promising, solidSome promising leads are already emerging.They have several solid leads in their investigation.newpossibleThe police are following every possible lead.falseIt turned out to be a false lead.VERB + leadhavefind, getDid you find any leads when you searched it?At last we got a lead on the McCreary case.follow, pursuegivePREPOSITIONlead as toHe said that he has a lead as to where Dylan may be.lead onleads on the murderer's identity

II. noun²ADJECTIVE | VERB + lead | lead + NOUNADJECTIVEmoltenVERB + leadbe made oflead + NOUNpipe, pipingpaintshotpencilcontamination, exposure, poisoningLead exposure can be harmful to everyone, especially young children and babies.content, levelsindustry, mine, mining

III. verb¹

Lead is used with these nouns as the subject:

flight, footpath, footprint, general, idea, lane, nerve, passage, path, pipe, road, route, street, track, trail, tunnel, wire

Lead is used with these nouns as the object:

army, assault, attack, band, boycott, brigade, campaign, charge, church, class, coalition, congregation, contingent, convoy, country, coup, crew, crusade, delegation, demonstration, development, discussion, division, effort, enquiry, existence, expedition, faction, field, fight, follower, force, group, horse, hunt, initiative, insurrection, investigation, league, life, lifestyle, march, mob, movement, mutiny, nation, negotiation, opposition, orchestra, pack, panel, parade, party, poll, pony, prayer, procession, project, protest, race, rebel, rebellion, regime, research, retreat, revival, revolt, revolution, rising, search, seminar, side, singing, squad, struggle, syndicate, task force, team, tour, tribute, troops, uprising, way, workshop, world, worship

IV. verb²1 show the way2 go to a place3 cause1 show the wayADVERB | VERB + lead | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBaway, back, on, out‘Lead on!’ said Casey.VERB + leadhelp (to)Five people helping to lead a convoy of aid are feared dead.allow sb to, let sbLet me lead the way.PREPOSITIONalong, down, into, out of, through, to, etc.She led them along a dark corridor to a small room.PHRASESlead the wayYou lead the way and we'll follow.

2 go to a placeADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBdirectlyback, down, upAn old track led back through the woods.nowhere, somewhere (often figurative)Often there are discoveries which lead nowhere.PREPOSITIONfromontoThe glass doors lead out onto a rooftop garden.toa path leading from the village to the old church

3 causeADVERB | VERB + lead | PREPOSITIONADVERBnormally, usuallyinevitably, inexorably, invariablyIndustrialization inevitably led to the expansion of the urban working class.certainly, likely, undoubtedlyIt will almost certainly be a disaster.Such actions would most likely lead to the decline of rural communities.not necessarilyThe use of soft drugs does not necessarily lead to a progression to hard drugs.automaticallyBusiness success does not automatically lead to financial success.naturallyDiscussion of a client's tax affairs will lead naturally into consideration of investment options.in turnThese measures in turn led to an increased opportunity for independent music production.directlyindirectlyeventually, finally, ultimatelyVERB + leadcan, may, might, mustcan easily, can onlySugar and fat can easily lead to obesity.may well, might wellThe carbon tax might well lead to a doubling of prices for fossil fuels.appear to, seem tobe expected to, be likely to, tend toWorrying about your weight is more likely to lead to low self-esteem.be bound toPREPOSITIONtothe events that led eventually to war

lead-based

lead-basedadj.

Lead-based is used with these nouns:

lead down

lead downphr verb

Lead down is used with these nouns as the object:

slippery slope

lead down to

lead down tophr verb

Lead down to is used with these nouns as the subject:

leaded

leadedadj.

Leaded is used with these nouns:

gasoline, petrol, window

leaden

leadenadj.

Leaden is used with these nouns:

foot, sky, weight

leader

leadernoun

noun1 person who is in charge of sth2 person/team that is best or in first place1 person who is in charge of sthADJECTIVE | VERB + leader | PHRASESADJECTIVEborn, natural, truecharismatic, effective, good, great, inspirational, inspired, inspiring, visionaryaccountableWe need to make our political leaders accountable.undisputedinfluential, key, powerful, prominent, strong, topcorrupt, weakdeputy (esp. AmE)seniorSome of our senior leaders have been with the company all of their careers.formerfutureThese young people will be the future leaders of our nation.joint (esp. BrE)majority, minority (both esp. AmE)a former US Senate majority leaderelectedShe is the elected leader of the group.local, national, worlda meeting with world leaders at the G8 summitcongressional, opposition, parliamentary, party, SenateConservative, Democratic, Labour, Republican, etc.military, political, religious, spiritualChristian, Jewish, Muslim, etc.gang, guerrilla, nationalist, rebelgroup, project, squadron, teamDiscuss any problems with your team leader.business, church, civic, community, corporate, council (esp. BrE), government, industry, strike, student, tribal, union, youthBusiness leaders have been in talks with the government.miners', teachers', etc. (BrE)civil rightscivil rights leader Martin Luther KingVERB + leaderbe appointed, become, be electedappoint (sb), appoint sb as, choose (sb as), elect (sb), elect sb asPHRASESthe leader of the Opposition (in the UK)the leader of the packThey are trying to figure out who will emerge as the leader of this pack.

2 person/team that is best or in first placeADJECTIVE | VERB + leader | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEundisputedbrand, global, market, world, worldwideThe company is a world leader in electrical goods.championship (BrE), league, tournamentjoint (esp. BrE)Milner and Whyte remain joint leaders in the Player of the Year event.earlyThe company was an early leader in global manufacturing.VERB + leaderovertakeWe aim to overtake the market leaders within two years.PREPOSITIONbehind the leaderten points behind league leadersleader inthe undisputed leader in her field

leadership

leadershipnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + leadership | leadership + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEclear, effective, firm, good, great, outstanding, real, strong, trueHe was praised for his firm leadership.poor, weakcharismatic, dynamic, transformational (esp. AmE), visionaryexecutive, senior, topthe army's senior leadershiptraditionalpersonaldeputy (BrE)He is standing in the deputy leadership election.collective, jointglobal, local, national, worldtransitionalConservative, Democratic, Labour, Republican, etc.civilian, cultural, educational (AmE), intellectual, military, moral, political, religious, spiritualPolitical leadership needs a particular combination of skills.Christian, Jewish, Muslim, etc.business, church, community, congressional, government, industry, parliamentary, party, presidential, Senate, unionmarketthe opportunity to strengthen our market leadershipVERB + leadershipassume, take (AmE), take overWhen Smith died, Blair took over the leadership of the party.The board is extremely weak and has not taken leadership.asserther method of asserting personal leadershipdemonstrate, exercise, provide, showIn the crisis he showed real leadership.need, requireIt's a crisis that requires strong leadership.lackThe movement is deeply divided and lacks clear leadership.leadership + NOUNbid (BrE), campaign (esp. BrE), challengeballot, battle, contest, election, race, struggle (all esp. BrE)position, roleteamthe hard work of staff and the leadership teamstructurestyleabilities, qualities, skillsHe lacks leadership qualities.development, programme/program (both esp. AmE)The philosophy of the company is that leadership development cannot start early enough.vacuumThere is a leadership vacuum in the party.PREPOSITIONunder sb's leadershipThe school has flourished under the leadership of Mr Levi.leadership fromWhat is really needed is clear leadership from the president.leadership inLeadership in science is moving east.PHRASESa challenge to sb's leadershipShe withstood several challenges to her leadership.a lack of leadershipsb's style of leadership

lead-free

lead-freeadj.

Lead-free is used with these nouns:

petrol

lead from

lead fromphr verb

Lead from is used with these nouns as the subject:

lead in

lead inphr verb

Lead in is used with these nouns as the object:

poll, raid

leading

leadingadj.

Leading is used with these nouns:

actor, actress, advocate, analyst, architect, article, artist, authority, barrister, brand, businessman, businesswoman, campaigner, candidate, cause, centre, character, citizen, company, competitor, composer, Congressman, Congresswoman, contender, contributor, counsel, critic, dancer, designer, developer, dissident, distributor, economist, expert, exponent, exporter, figure, historian, indicator, industrialist, jockey, journal, journalist, killer, lady, lawyer, lender, liberal, magazine, man, manufacturer, member, nation, newspaper, novelist, opponent, painter, part, participant, personality, philosopher, photographer, physicist, player, politician, producer, professional, psychiatrist, psychologist, publication, publisher, question, representative, researcher, retailer, rival, role, scholar, scientist, sculptor, senator, socialist, specialist, spirit, statesman, stockbroker, supermarket, supplier, supporter, surgeon, textbook, thinker, university, writer

leading-edge

leading-edgeadj.

Leading-edge is used with these nouns:

technology

lead-off

lead-offadj.

Lead-off is used with these nouns:

batter, single, spot, track

lead off from

lead off fromphr verb

Lead off from is used with these nouns as the subject:

lead off to

lead off tophr verb

Lead off to is used with these nouns as the subject:

lead onto

lead ontophr verb

Lead onto is used with these nouns as the subject:

alley

lead out of

lead out ofphr verb

Lead out of is used with these nouns as the object:

recession

lead to

lead tophr verb

Lead to is used with these nouns as the subject:

alley, corridor, door, drive, driveway, escalator, event, finding, gate, hallway, impulse, incident, information, link, mutation, path, reasoning, shortage, sidewalk, slope, stair, staircase, step

Lead to is used with these nouns as the object:

accumulation, acquittal, addiction, allegation, ambiguity, anarchy, antagonism, anxiety, apathy, arrest, bloodshed, boom, breach, breakdown, breakup, build-up, capture, catastrophe, chaos, clash, collapse, conclusion, conflict, confrontation, confusion, congestion, consequence, conviction, creation, crisis, death, decline, decrease, defeat, delay, demise, depletion, depression, destruction, deterioration, diploma, disagreement, disappearance, disaster, discontent, discovery, disintegration, dismissal, disorder, dispute, disruption, dissatisfaction, distortion, disturbance, downfall, drop, emergence, erosion, escalation, establishment, exhaustion, expulsion, extinction, failure, fall, feeling, fine, formation, friction, frustration, hall, improvement, inconsistency, increase, inefficiency, inequality, infertility, integration, irritation, misconception, misunderstanding, outbreak, overthrow, prosecution, protest, reappraisal, reduction, redundancy, reliance, resentment, resignation, reversal, revision, revival, rift, ruin, shake-up, shift, shortage, situation, speculation, split, stagnation, success, summit, transformation, trouble, uncertainty, understanding, unhappiness

lead up to

lead up tophr verb

Lead up to is used with these nouns as the subject:

drive, driveway, event, slope

leaf

leafnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + leaf | leaf + VERB | leaf + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEnew, youngautumn, fall (AmE)dead, dry, fallen, falling, rottingThe ground was thick with dead leaves.broad (esp. technical), heart-shaped, ovalbroad-leaf plantsgreen, yellow, etc.glossy, hairy, leathery, shiny, variegatedbay, lettuce, maple, oak, tea, etc.Stop trying to read tea leaves (= predict the future).VERB + leafhaveThis plant has beautifully variegated leaves.come into (esp. BrE), grow, produce, sproutIt was spring and the trees were coming into leaf.In the spring the plant began to put out new leaves.shedDeciduous trees shed their leaves annually.pick, pluckHe picked a leaf from the basil plant and started to chew it.rakeThe boys helped by raking the leaves in the yard.leaf + VERBappear, emergeSpring arrived and the first green leaves began to appear.growturn, yellowThe summer was over and the leaves were beginning to turn.drop, fallblowdry leaves blowing in the windrustleThe leaves rustled in the light breeze.leaf + NOUNlitter, mould/moldthe leaf litter on the forest floorPHRASESin full leafThe corn was already ripening and the trees in full leaf.

leafless

leaflessadj.

Leafless is used with these nouns:

leaflet

leafletnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF LEAFLET | VERB + leaflet | leaflet + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfreea free leaflet explaining your tax returnhelpfulexplanatory (BrE), information, instructionpromotional, publicitycampaign, election, party (BrE)… OF LEAFLETcopyVERB + leafletissue, produce, publishThe Health Zone issued hundreds of leaflets.deliver, distribute, drop, give out, hand out, pass out, send outCampaigners handed out leaflets to passers by.leaflet + VERBadvertise sth, explain sthPREPOSITIONin a/the leafletDetails are given in our promotional leaflet.

leaf through

leaf throughphr verb

Leaf through is used with these nouns as the object:

brochure, magazine, page, prospectus

leafy

leafyadj.

Leafy is used with these nouns:

avenue, branch, canopy, green, lane, shade, shoot, street, suburb, vegetables

league

leaguenoun

noun1 group of sports clubs that compete with each other2 level of quality, ability, etc.1 group of sports clubs that compete with each otherADJECTIVE | VERB + league | league + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbasketball, cricket, football, soccer, etc.They want to start a new football league.sports (esp. AmE)the standard for professional sports leagues in this countrylocal, nationalsummer (esp. AmE), winter (esp. AmE)Premier (in the UK)major, minormajor league baseballbigHopefully he'll get called up to the big leagues soon.junior, youthLittle League (in the US)a baseball field with a Little League game going onprofessionalthe first women's professional athletic league in the USfantasyplayers for a team in a fantasy leagueVERB + leaguecreate, form, set up, startenter, joinThe team joined the Northern League last year.dominate, leadThe Yankees dominated the league in 1998.winleague + NOUNchampions, leaderschampionship (esp. BrE), cup (BrE), titleclub, side (BrE), teamplayergame, match (esp. BrE)finaltable (BrE)The team slipped to the foot of the Northern League table.school league tables (= showing how well schools are performing)recordHe set a league record for the longest touchdown run.baseball, cricket, football, etc.PREPOSITIONin a/the leagueThe team is now in the Premier League.PHRASESat the bottom of the league, at the top of the leaguecome bottom of the league, come top of the leaguea position in the leagueThey're hoping to improve their position in the league.

2 level of quality, ability, etc.ADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, super, top, world (BrE)This move propelled him into the political big league. (BrE)This move propelled him into the political big leagues. (AmE)PHRASESin a different leagueToday's technology is in a different league (= much better).in a league of your ownAs a painter he is in a league of his own (= much better than others).not in the same league (as … ) (= not as good as)out of sb's leagueA house like that is way out of our league (= too expensive for us).

leak

leaknounverb

I. noun1 small hole/crack2 when gas/liquid escapes3 giving away information1 small hole/crackVERB + leak | PREPOSITIONVERB + leakhaveThe boat had a small leak.develop, springThe pipe has sprung a leak.plug, stopI managed to plug the leak.PREPOSITIONleak ina leak in the roof

2 when gas/liquid escapesADJECTIVE | VERB + leak | leak + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEmajor, seriousminor, smallslowair, fuel, gas, oil, radiation, waterplumbing (AmE)VERB + leakcauseThe dismantling of a nuclear reprocessing plant caused a leak of radioactivity yesterday.detect, discover, find, locate, noticeFortunately, we discovered the leak in time.fix, repair, stopThe plumber fixed the leak.preventsteps that can be taken to prevent gas leaks in the futureleak + VERBhappen, occurcome from sthIf you have no idea where the gas leak is coming from, it is always best to turn the complete system off.PREPOSITIONleak fromPollution inspectors were called to a leak from a chemical factory.leak ofa leak of dangerous chemicals

3 giving away informationADJECTIVE | leak + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEsecurityseriousserious leaks of US intelligenceallegedan alleged leak of a CIA employee's name to the medialeak + VERBcome from sthThe leak could only have come from one source.PREPOSITIONleak abouta security leak about a number of suspicious deaths among civil servantsleak froma leak from the prime minister's officeleak ofa leak of confidential materialleak toa leak to the American authoritiesPHRASESthe source of a leakThe organization's press secretary is thought to be the source of the leak.

II. verb1 allow sth to get out through a hole2 tell sb about sth1 allow sth to get out through a holeADVERBADVERBbadlyThe house was old and the roof leaked badly.slightly

2 tell sb about sthADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBcarefully, deliberatelywidelyThe document had been widely leaked.allegedlyillegallyPREPOSITIONfromconfidential information that has been leaked from the BBCtoThe report was leaked to the press.

Leak is used with these nouns as the subject:

faucet, pipe, radiation, radiator, roof, tap, word

Leak is used with these nouns as the object:

document, identity, information, memo, news, report

leakage

leakagenoun

Leakage is used after these nouns:

radiation

leaked

leakedadj.

Leaked is used with these nouns:

document, memo, memorandum

leaking

leakingadj.

Leaking is used with these nouns:

pipe, valve

leak out

leak outphr verb

Leak out is used with these nouns as the subject:

news, radiation, word

leaky

leakyadj.

Leaky is used with these nouns:

bucket, faucet, pipe, roof, tap, tent

lean

leanverbPHRASAL VERBadj.

I. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBheavilylightlyslightlycasually, comfortably, lazily, nonchalantlyKate leaned comfortably against the wall.eagerlyconfidentially, conspiratoriallyweakly, wearilyprecariouslyclose, nearHe leaned closer, lowering his voice.across, down, forward, out, overShe leaned forward eagerly to listen to him.away, back, backwards/backwardHe leaned back in his chair.sidewaysPREPOSITIONacrossShe was leaning confidentially across the table.againstShe leaned her head against his shoulder.fromWomen and children leaned from the windows of the surrounding tenements.intoHe leaned into the open doorway.onThe old man was leaning heavily on a stick.out ofShe leaned precariously out of the window.overShe leaned casually over the railings.throughThe taxi driver leaned through his window.toShe leaned to one side.towards/towardHe leaned towards/toward her.

PHRASAL VERBlean on sb/sthADVERBADVERBheavilyBritain leans heavily on Europe for trade.

Lean is used with these nouns as the object:

back, chin, elbow, head

II. adj.

Lean is used with these nouns:

bacon, beef, body, build, cut, face, figure, finger, frame, ham, hip, meat, muscle, period, physique, spell, steak, turkey, year

lean across

lean acrossphr verb

Lean across is used with these nouns as the object:

lean against

lean againstphr verb

Lean against is used with these nouns as the object:

lean on

lean onphr verb

Lean on is used with these nouns as the object:

elbow, rail

lean out of

lean out ofphr verb

Lean out of is used with these nouns as the object:

lean over

lean overphr verb

Lean over is used with these nouns as the object:

lean-to

lean-tonoun

Lean-to is used before these nouns:

shed

leap

leapnounverb

I. noun1 big jump2 great change/increase in sth1 big jumpADJECTIVE | VERB + leap | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, giantlittleflying, runningHe made a flying leap at the ball.VERB + leapmake, takePREPOSITIONleap from, leap into, leap toa leap into the air

2 great change/increase in sthADJECTIVE | VERB + leap | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, enormous, giant, great, huge, quantumThere has been a quantum leap in profits since 1995.smallbold, dramatic, suddena dramatic leap in the number of people out of workconceptual, imaginative, intuitivelogicaltechnologicalVERB + leapmake, takeThey've made a great leap forward with their building in the last few years.Eight years ago, he took the leap and formed his own company.PREPOSITIONleap from, leap toa leap from $632 to $735leap ina leap in pricesleap intoa great leap into the unknownleap ofa leap of 750%PHRASESa leap forwarda leap of faithI chose to take a leap of faith and do the movie.by leaps and bounds, in leaps and boundsHis technique has come on in leaps and bounds this season.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + leap | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBalmost, nearly, practicallyHe almost leaped down the stairs when he heard who it was.immediatelysuddenlyquicklyclear, highShe leaped clear of the water.about, around, away, back, down, forward, out, up (and down)children leaping about with excitementVERB + leapseem to (figurative)The photograph seemed to leap off the page at her.be about to, be ready toDon't be so nervous—anyone would think I was about to leap on you.PREPOSITIONacrossShe leaped across the puddles.fromHe leaped down from the ladder and ran over to her.into, off, on, ontoHe leaped onto his horse and rode off.out ofHe leaped out of bed when he heard the telephone.overThe horse leaped over high fences.PHRASESleap to your feetRose immediately leaped to her feet.

Leap is used with these nouns as the subject:

cat, dog, eye, flame, heart, shadow

Leap is used with these nouns as the object:

per cent

leap from

leap fromphr verb

Leap from is used with these nouns as the object:

leaping

leapingadj.

Leaping is used with these nouns:

flame

leap into

leap intophr verb

Leap into is used with these nouns as the object:

action

leap out of

leap out ofphr verb

Leap out of is used with these nouns as the object:

bed, chair

learn

learnverb

verb1 gain knowledge/skill2 become aware1 gain knowledge/skillADVERB | VERB + learn | PREPOSITIONADVERBa lotI learned a lot from my father.quickly, soonChildren learn very quickly.They soon learn that crying is a good way of getting attention.ever, neverSome people never learn, do they?VERB + learnneed tobe eager to, want toHe was eager to learn all she could teach him.have a lot toYou still have a lot to learn.PREPOSITIONaboutThe children learn about art by painting.fromShe learned from watching others.throughChildren learn through play.

2 become awareVERB + learn | PREPOSITIONVERB + learnbe astonished to, be astounded to, be intrigued to, be surprised toI was surprised to learn that he was only 23.be dismayed to, be saddened toPREPOSITIONofWe first learned of the problem from her school.

Learn is used with these nouns as the object:

ballet, alphabet, basics, cookery, craft, custom, detail, discipline, essentials, fact, fate, fundamentals, game, grammar, identity, importance, instrument, intricacy, judo, karate, language, lesson, line, manner, move, news, part, profession, routine, rule, secret, self-control, self-defence, shorthand, skill, step, technique, tolerance, trade, trick, truth, vocabulary, worth

learned

learnedadj.

Learned is used with these nouns:

helplessness, journal, judge

learner

learnernoun

nounADJECTIVE | learner + NOUNADJECTIVEfast, quick, slowShe was a quick learner, and her German got better by the day.lifelong (esp. AmE)adult, olderyoungThe book has been written with the interests of young learners in mind.languageforeign (BrE)learner + NOUNdriver (BrE)

learning

learningnoun

noun1 process of learning sth2 knowledge obtained by reading and studying1 process of learning sthADJECTIVE | VERB + learning | learning + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEeffective, successfula model for effective learningindependentdistance (= by correspondence course)early (= of very young children)higherinstitutions of higher learninglifelongactive, passiveformal, informalrotecomputer-assisted, onlinelanguageVERB + learningfacilitate, promoteThe college is dedicated to promoting lifelong learning.learning + NOUNcurveThe whole team has been on a steep learning curve since the project began.environmentThe school aims to provide a supportive learning environment.experience, processprogramme/programsupportcentre/centerThe dance department's multimedia learning centre/center is equipped with eight laptops.differences (esp. AmE), difficulty, disabilitya child with severe learning difficultiesPHRASESa seat of learning

2 knowledge obtained by reading and studyingADJECTIVEADJECTIVEgreatbook (old-fashioned)

learn of

learn ofphr verb

Learn of is used with these nouns as the object:

fate

lease

leasenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + lease | lease + VERB | lease + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElong, long-termshort, short-termten-year, etc.commercialoperating (esp. AmE)landminingVERB + leasehave, holdThey have a lease with five years to run.acquire (esp. BrE), buy, enter into, get, negotiate, obtain, sign, take, take on, take out, take upShe has taken out a new ten-year lease on the building.grant (sb), sell (sb)A freeholder may grant a lease of any duration.renewforfeit, surrender (both BrE)They moved out and the lease was surrendered.break, terminatetake overtransfer (esp. BrE)lease + VERBrunThe lease runs from April 19.take effect (esp. BrE)come up for renewal, expire, run outlease + NOUNagreementpaymentPREPOSITIONin a/the leasea new clause in the leaseon a leaseThe company holds the building on a long lease.under a/the leaseUnder the new lease, the rent would go up.lease ofHe took a lease of the premises. (esp. BrE)lease onThe club has a 20-year lease on the property.PHRASESa clause in a lease, a condition of a lease, the provisions of a lease (esp. BrE), the terms of the leasethe length, period, term, etc. of a lease

II. verb

Lease is used with these nouns as the object:

apartment, building, car, facility, land, premises, property, site

leasehold

leaseholdadj.

Leasehold is used with these nouns:

estate, property, tenure

leash

leashnoun

Leash is used after these nouns:

leasing

leasingnoun

Leasing is used before these nouns:

agent

leather

leathernoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + leather | leather + VERB | leather + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEthick, thinsoftshinywornblackgenuine (esp. AmE), realimitation, syntheticpatentshoeVERB + leathertantreatThe leather has been treated with wax.polishbe made from/of/out ofa coat made from buffalo leatherbind sth inEach volume is bound in genuine leather.wearleather + VERBcracka cracked leather beltleather + NOUNbelt, boots, chaps, jacket, etc.chair, furniture, sofa, etc.barPREPOSITIONin leather (= made of leather)I'm looking for a pair of boots in dark brown leather.in leathers (BrE) (= wearing leather)a biker in black leathers

leather-bound

leather-boundadj.

Leather-bound is used with these nouns:

book, copy, edition, notebook, volume

leather-topped

leather-toppedadj.

Leather-topped is used with these nouns:

desk

leathery

leatheryadj.

Leathery is used with these nouns:

hide, leaf, skin, wing

leave

leavenounverb

I. noun1 period of time when you do not go to work2 official permission to do sth1 period of time when you do not go to workADJECTIVE | VERB + leave | leave + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEannualpaid, unpaidextended, indefinite, weekendcompassionate (BrE), family (AmE), maternity, medical (AmE), parental, paternity, sabbatical, sick, studyadministrative (AmE)gardening (= period during which a person does not work but remains employed by a company in order to prevent them working for another company) (BrE)She handed in her resignation and was put on three months' gardening leave.home, shoreVERB + leavebe entitled to, get, haveHow much annual leave do you get?I still have some leave left this year.go on, spend, take, use, use upShe spent most of her leave with her family.I still have some leave to use up.cancel (BrE)When the war broke out all leave was cancelled.give sb, grant sbapply forleave + NOUNentitlement (esp. BrE)PREPOSITIONon leaveShe's on leave until the end of the month.

2 official permission to do sthADJECTIVE | VERB + leave | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEspecial (BrE)VERB + leaverequestHe asked leave to absent himself for four days.give sb, grant sbobtain (esp. BrE)refuse sb (BrE)PREPOSITIONby sb's leave (esp. BrE)The appeal can only be brought by leave of the trial judge.with sb's leave, without sb's leaveNo application may be made without the leave of the court.PHRASESabsent without leaveleave of absence

II. verbVERB + leave | PREPOSITIONVERB + leavedecide tointend to, plan to, want tobe ready toWe were all packed and ready to leave.be about to, be going toDid you want something? I was just about to leave.threaten toMy secretary has threatened to leave.attempt to, try toThey were caught trying to leave the country.refuse tobe compelled to, be forced to, be obliged toask sb to, order sb toThey were being extremely rowdy and the manager had to ask them to leave.allow sb to, let sbI wanted to leave but they wouldn't let me.enable sb toPREPOSITIONforThey left for Scotland this morning.

Leave is used with these nouns as the subject:

bus, cubicle, employee, expedition, ferry, flight, path, procession, ship, train, troops, vessel

Leave is used with these nouns as the object:

academy, address, airport, airspace, area, arena, army, atmosphere, bag, barracks, bedside, bequest, blank, boyfriend, bruise, bus, business, cabinet, camp, car, church, clearance, clue, college, comment, committee, company, confines, convent, country, crater, crumb, dent, deposit, desk, dock, earth, education, elevator, employment, estate, field, fingerprint, firm, flat, fold, footprint, fortune, gap, garbage, gash, ground, group, harbour, highway, home, homeland, hospital, husband, impression, imprint, inheritance, instruction, job, key, land, legacy, litter, lover, mall, mansion, margin, mark, mess, message, military, ministry, monastery, motorway, nest, note, office, orbit, party, path, port, post, practice, premises, profession, region, restaurant, restroom, ring, road, room, roundabout, rubbish, safety, sanctuary, scar, scene, scent, school, scope, scratch, seat, service, shelter, shore, signature, smear, staff, stage, stain, station, survivor, table, taste, team, territory, theatre, time, tip, town, trace, track, trail, train, tunnel, university, vacancy, vacuum, valley, vicinity, void, washing-up, welfare, widow, wife, will, workforce, yard, zone

leave behind

leave behindphr verb

Leave behind is used with these nouns as the object:

clue, legacy, trouble

leave for

leave forphr verb

Leave for is used with these nouns as the object:

honeymoon

leave from

leave fromphr verb

Leave from is used with these nouns as the subject:

bus

leave in

leave inphr verb

Leave in is used with these nouns as the object:

ruin

leave on

leave onphr verb

Leave on is used with these nouns as the object:

heating, light, stamp

leave to

leave tophr verb

Leave to is used with these nouns as the object:

chance, fate, imagination, market

leaving

leavingnoun

Leaving is used before these nouns:

party, present

lecture

lecturenoun

noun1 talk given to a group of people2 serious talk to sb about what they have done wrong1 talk given to a group of peopleADJECTIVE | … OF LECTURES | VERB + lecture | lecture + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfascinating, interestingboringformalillustratedimpromptuguestA two-day event of guest lectures, seminars and workshops.publicannualinaugural, introductoryProfessor Pearson gave the inaugural lecture.keynote, plenarymemorialclass, classroom (both AmE)… OF LECTUREScourse, programme/program, seriesVERB + lecturedeliver, give, presentholdThe society is putting on a series of lectures on the subject next term.attend, go to, hear, listen tomiss, skipprepare, writehaveI have a lecture at nine tomorrow.lecture + NOUNcourse, programme/program, serieshall, room, theatre/theaternotesformat (esp. AmE)tourcircuita familiar figure on the international lecture circuitPREPOSITIONat a/the lectureShe wasn't at the lecture.during a/the lectureThe fire alarm went during his lecture.in a/the lectureShe referred to Professor Jones's work in her lecture on Shakespeare's imagery.lecture bya lecture by Professor Snowlecture about, lecture onlecture toa lecture to the Darwin SocietyPHRASESa lecture entitled sth, a lecture titled sth (AmE)a lecture entitled ‘How to Prevent Food Poisoning’a lecture on the subject of sth

2 serious talk to sb about what they have done wrongADJECTIVE | VERB + lecture | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElittle, longsternVERB + lecturegive sbShe gave me a stern lecture on ingratitude.getI got a lecture from Dad about coming home on time.needI don't need any lectures from you on responsibility.PREPOSITIONlecture about, lecture onI don't take lectures from anyone on how to behave.lecture from

lecturer

lecturernoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEEnglish, physics, etc.guest, visitingprincipal, senior (both in the UK)assistant, junior (both in the UK)college, university (both in the UK)PREPOSITIONlecturer in (BrE)a lecturer in design at the School of Architecturelecturer onShe is a frequent lecturer on contemporary art and cultural theory.

LED

LEDadj.

LED is used with these nouns:

ledge

ledgenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + ledge | ledge + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhighwidenarrow, smallwindowcliff, mountain, rock, rockyVERB + ledgecling tobe perched onledge + VERBrunA narrow ledge runs across the northern face of the cliff.PREPOSITIONalong a/the ledgeI felt along the ledge at the top of the door.on a/the ledgeThe phone was perched precariously on the window ledge.

leeward

leewardadj.

Leeward is used with these nouns:

Left is used with these nouns:

left

leftnounadj.

I. noun1 side2 the left political groups1 sideADJECTIVE | VERB + left | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEextreme, farMy dad's in the front row, on the extreme left of the picture.bottom, topVERB + leftturn toIf you turn to your left you will see the site of the fort.PREPOSITIONfrom the leftThe car came from the left.on the/your leftThe bank is on the left, just after the post office.As you go in the door, you'll see it on your left.on the left ofThe icon is on the left of the screen.to the/your leftHe looked to the left and then crossed.to the left ofMy office is just to the left of the main door.PHRASESfrom left to right, from right to leftArabic script reads from right to left.

2 the left political groupsADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEextreme, farPREPOSITIONof the leftIn recent years the country has been ruled only by governments of the left.on the leftThey're both on the extreme left of the party.to the leftThe party has moved further to the left.He is somewhat to the left of the previous leader.

II. adj.

arm, arrow, brain, click, corner, ear, edge, elbow, eye, fist, flank, foot, fork, half, hand, jab, knee, lane, leg, margin, palm, side, sleeve, speaker, tackle, temple, turn, wing

left-arm

left-armadj.

Left-arm is used with these nouns:

bowler

left-field

left-fieldadj.

Left-field is used with these nouns:

left-foot

left-footadj.

Left-foot is used with these nouns:

drive, volley

left-hand

left-handadj.

Left-hand is used with these nouns:

bend, corner, drive, lane, margin, page, side, turn

left-handed

left-handedadj.

Left-handed is used with these nouns:

bat, batsman, batter, compliment, pitcher

leftist

leftistadj.

Leftist is used with these nouns:

party, rebel

leftover

leftoveradj.

Leftover is used with these nouns:

food, scrap, turkey

leftward

leftwardadj.

Leftward is used with these nouns:

drift

left-wing

left-wingadj.

Left-wing is used with these nouns:

bias, coalition, commentator, dictatorship, extremist, faction, government, media, newspaper, paper, party, politician, politics, press, propaganda, rebel, slant

leg

legnoun

noun1 part of the body2 of trousers/pants3 of a journey/race1 part of the bodyADJECTIVE | … OF LEGS | VERB + leg | leg + VERB | leg + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEleft, rightfrontback, hind, rearlower, upperan injury to his upper leglongshort, stumpybeautiful, good, shapelymuscled, muscular, powerful, strongskinny, slender, spindly, thinfatbandyhairybareartificial, prosthetic, woodenbad, stiffgoodI was able to stand on my good leg.hurt (esp. AmE), injuredbroken, fracturedlameHe sat down with his lame leg outstretched.tired, weakShe crossed the finish line on tired legs.shaky, wobblyHe rose to his feet on shaky legs.outstretched… OF LEGSpaira fine pair of legsVERB + legbendbraceHe put his back against the car, braced his legs and pushed.straightencrossI moved the chair away from the table so I could cross my legs.splay, spreadThey made him put his hands on the police car and spread his legs.extend, stretch, stretch outShe stretched her legs under the table.It was good to get out of the car and stretch our legs (= walk around).liftThe dog lifted its leg against the lamp post.movedraw up, tuck underShe sat with her legs drawn up underneath her.kickswing, throwShe swung her legs over the side of the bed and reached for her crutches.entwine, tangle, wrapThey gazed at each other, their legs entwined under the table.break, injureloseHe lost a leg in a motorcycle accident.amputateShe had her leg amputated below the knee.shave, waxI'm getting my legs waxed tomorrow.leg + VERBmoveThey ran together, their legs moving in unison.flail, kickHe jumped to avoid the flailing leg of the defender.pumpShe started running, fat legs pumping.bendbuckle, give wayHis legs buckled and he collapsed on the floor.shake, trembledangle, hang, swingHe sat with his legs dangling off the bridge.acheleg + NOUNexercisemusclecramp, injury, pains, ulcer, woundroom (usually legroom)You don't get much legroom on economy class.extensionsLeg extensions use the quadriceps muscles to extend the knee.PREPOSITIONbetween the/your legsThe dog sloped off, its tail between its legs.in the legHe was shot in the leg by a sniper.on the/your legI had a big bruise on my leg.on one legMany birds are able to stand on one leg for hours at a time.PHRASESyour leg in a cast (esp. AmE), your leg in plaster (BrE)He was wheeled out of the hospital with his leg in a cast/in plaster.

2 of trousers/pantsADJECTIVE | VERB + leg | PHRASESADJECTIVEpant (AmE), trouser (BrE)VERB + legpull up, roll upHe rolled up the legs of his jeans.roll downPHRASESlong in the leg, short in the legThese jeans are too long in the leg.

3 of a journey/raceADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfirst, second, etc.final, lastanchorThe fastest runner often runs the anchor leg (= the last part) of a relay race.outboundPREPOSITIONon the … legWe were on the last leg of our journey.

legacy

legacynoun

noun1 money/property2 result of previous events1 money/propertyVERB + legacy | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + legacybequeath (sb), leave (sb)get, receiveHe received a large legacy from his uncle.PREPOSITIONin a/the legacyShe left her the money in a legacy.legacy froma legacy from my old teacherPHRASESheir to a legacyShe is the heir to a legacy of £1 million.

2 result of previous eventsADJECTIVE | VERB + legacy | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEenduring, lastinggreat, richHis influence on younger musicians is perhaps his greatest legacy.cultural, historicalThese problems have arisen as a result of historical legacies.bitterVERB + legacybequeath (sb), leave (sb), leave behindthe enduring legacy bequeathed by the war yearscreatecontinue, preserveShe said she would continue her father's legacy.PREPOSITIONlegacy fromSuch attitudes are a legacy from colonial times.legacy ofa great legacy of technical innovation

legal

legaladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomemake sthShould the use of this drug be made legal?ADVERBcompletely, perfectlyIt is perfectly legal to charge extra for these services.

Legal is used with these nouns:

abortion, action, acumen, advice, adviser, affair, agreement, aid, analysis, analyst, apparatus, appeal, arena, argument, aspect, assault, assistance, authority, backing, battle, bill, brief, catch, challenge, claim, commentator, concept, consequence, consideration, constraint, consultation, context, contract, controversy, convention, cost, counsel, culture, custody, defence, definition, department, discrimination, dispute, distinction, doctrine, document, duty, enforcement, entity, equality, executive, expense, expert, expertise, fee, fiction, fight, footing, force, formality, framework, gambling, ground, groundwork, guarantee, guardian, guidance, guideline, hassle, heir, help, historian, hitch, hurdle, immigrant, immigration, immunity, impediment, implication, importance, institution, instrument, intervention, issue, jargon, justification, language, liability, limit, loophole, mandate, manoeuvre, matter, maximum, means, memorandum, merit, minefield, minimum, move, nature, obligation, observer, obstacle, opinion, owner, ownership, paper, paperwork, permission, philosopher, point of view, position, power, practice, precedent, principle, problem, procedure, proceedings, process, profession, professional, prohibition, proof, prostitution, protection, provision, purpose, qualification, question, reason, reasoning, recognition, recourse, reform, regime, regulation, relationship, repercussion, representation, representative, reprisal, requirement, residence, responsibility, restraint, restriction, retribution, right, rule, ruling, safeguard, sanction, secretary, segregation, sense, separation, settlement, situation, sovereignty, speed limit, standard, standing, standpoint, status, statute, system, tangle, team, technicality, term, terminology, text, theory, thriller, tool, trade, training, trouble, tussle, uncertainty, union, validity, wrangle, writ

legal expenses

legal expensesnoun

Legal expenses is used before these nouns:

legality

legalitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + legality | PHRASESADJECTIVEdoubtful (BrE), dubious, questionableVERB + legalitychallenge, questionHer lawyer is challenging the legality of the court order.upholdThe court ruling today upheld the legality of military tribunals.PHRASESdoubt about the legality of sth, doubts about the legality of sth

legalize

legalizeverb

Legalize is used with these nouns as the object:

abortion, euthanasia, gambling, marijuana, marriage, prostitution, use

legalized

legalizedadj.

Legalized is used with these nouns:

abortion, gambling, prostitution

legally

legallyadv.

Legally is used with these adjectives:

accountable, binding, blind, bound, correct, deaf, dubious, effective, incompetent, insane, justified, liable, married, obliged, permissible, qualified, responsible, united, valid

Legally is used with these verbs:

act, adopt, advise, bar, bind, define, drink, dump, elect, enforce, export, import, obtain, own, permit, prescribe, prohibit, recognize, register, represent, require, sanction, separate

legend

legendnoun

noun1 well-known story2 famous person/event1 well-known storyADJECTIVE | VERB + legend | legend + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEancient, oldGreek, Inuit, Roman, etc.localurbanVERB + legendbecome, pass intoThe story of how she was rescued has already passed into legend.tell (sb)He told us the legend of the ghostly horseman.legend + VERBlive onThe legend of his supernatural origins lives on.say sthLegend says that the forest is cursed.PREPOSITIONaccording to legendAccording to ancient legend, the river is a goddess.in (a/the) legendThere have always been stories of human giants in Celtic legend and mythology.legend aboutlegends about the Vikingslegend ofThe story is part of the ancient legend of King Arthur.PHRASESlegend has it that … Legend has it that the Bridge of Sighs got its name from the cries of prisoners being led across it.myths and legendsthe myths and legends of Mexicothe subject of legendThe island has long been the subject of legend.

2 famous person/eventADJECTIVEADJECTIVElivingmovie stars who become living legendsbasketball, music, racing, rock, screen, sporting (BrE), sports (AmE), etc.Broadway, Hollywood, etc.

legendary

legendaryadj.

Legendary is used with these nouns:

beast, exploit, figure, hero, musician, performer, producer, reputation, singer, status, warrior

legible

legibleadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeADVERBclearlyHer handwriting was clearly legible.stillThe inscription is still legible.barelyPREPOSITIONtoThe price must be legible to a purchaser.

Legible is used with these nouns:

handwriting, writing

legibly

legiblyadv.

Legibly is used with these verbs:

legislate

legislateverb

Legislate is used with these nouns as the object:

morality

legislation

legislationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF LEGISLATION | VERB + legislation | legislation + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfederal, national, parliamentary, statedraft, proposedfresh (esp. BrE), further, neweffective, toughcomplexcontroversialunworkable (BrE)The police think that such legislation would be unworkable.anti-abortion, anti-discrimination, civil rights, employment, energy (esp. AmE), environmental, gun-control, health, housing, human rights (esp. BrE), reform, social, etc.… OF LEGISLATIONpiecea major piece of legislationVERB + legislationneed, requirecall for, propose, push (esp. AmE)They are calling for tough legislation to tackle this problem.draft, draw upbring forward (BrE), initiate, put forward (esp. AmE)Anyone has the right to initiate legislation.sponsor (esp. AmE), supportpush throughThe government is pushing through legislation to ban smoking in all public places.approve, enact, introduce, pass, sign (esp. AmE)Congress approved legislation which outlawed the sale of the drug.Governor Bradbery signed legislation for $20 million in municipal relief.adoptMember states may not adopt legislation contrary to EU law.block, delay, oppose, vetoReligious interests may try to block this legislation.amendrepealcomply withCompanies have until December 31 to comply with the new legislation.legislation + VERBcome into effect, come into force (both esp. BrE)New legislation on adoption comes into effect at the end of the year.allow sth, require sthPREPOSITIONunder legislationThere is no requirement to register a claim under the new legislation.legislation againstThey are planning the introduction of legislation against sex discrimination.legislation onLegislation on this issue is urgently needed.

legislative

legislativeadj.

Legislative is used with these nouns:

action, agenda, aide, approval, arena, assembly, body, branch, chamber, change, council, counsel, debate, district, election, initiative, majority, mandate, power, priority, process, proposal, provision, recognition, reform, requirement, restriction, session, strategy, victory

legislator

legislatornoun

Legislator is used after these nouns:

state

legislature

legislaturenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + legislature | legislature + VERBADJECTIVEbicameral, unicameral109-member, etc.electedfederal, national, provincial, stateDemocratic, Republican-controlled, etc.VERB + legislaturebe elected toShe is the youngest woman to be elected to the national legislature.legislature + VERBapprove sth, enact sth, pass sthThe legislature passed a law to prohibit the dumping of nuclear waste.voteThe legislature voted narrowly to table a motion of no-confidence in the government.

legitimate

legitimateadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemconsider sth, deem sth, regard sth as, see sth asmake sthADVERBcompletely (esp. AmE), entirely, perfectly, quite, totally (esp. AmE), very (esp. AmE)

Legitimate is used with these nouns:

aim, argument, authority, business, chance, claim, complaint, concern, contender, criticism, daughter, demand, disagreement, dissent, excuse, exercise, expectation, expense, fear, grievance, ground, heir, interest, means, purpose, reason, request, ruler, self-defence, son, tactic, target, trade, use

legitimately

legitimatelyadv.

Legitimately is used with these verbs:

ask, claim, elect, regard

leguminous

leguminousadj.

Leguminous is used with these nouns:

Leisurely is used with these nouns:

leisure

leisurenoun

nounVERB + leisure | leisure + NOUNVERB + leisurehaveWe have more leisure than our parents had.leisure + NOUNhours, timeactivities, interests, pursuitscentre (BrE), complex (esp. BrE)facilitiesindustrytravel, traveller/traveler

leisurely

leisurelyadj.adv.

I. adj.

breakfast, cruise, dinner, drive, fashion, lunch, pace, ride, stroll, walk

II. adv.

Leisurely is used with these verbs:

stroll

leisure time

leisure timenoun

Leisure time is used before these nouns:

activity

lemon

lemonnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | … OF LEMON | VERB + lemon | lemon + NOUNADJECTIVEfresh… OF LEMONslice, wedgeGarnish the fish with wedges of lemon.cake, tart, etc.VERB + lemonsqueezeSqueeze a quarter of a lemon over the fish.slicegarnish sth withlemon + NOUNtreepip (BrE), seed (esp. AmE)peel, rind, zestjuiceslice, wedge

II. adj.

Lemon is used with these nouns:

cake, flavour, icing, jelly, juice, pepper, slice, tart, tea, yellow

lemonade

lemonadenoun

Lemonade is used before these nouns:

Lend is used with these nouns as the subject:

lend

lendverb

verbADVERB | VERB + lend | PREPOSITIONADVERBkindlyShe very kindly lent me her bicycle.VERB + lendbe prepared to (esp. BrE), be ready to (esp. AmE), be willing tobe unwilling to, refuse toThe bank was unwilling to lend him the money.persuade sb to (esp. BrE)PREPOSITIONtoI've lent my car to George for the weekend.

Lend is used with these nouns as the object:

air, assistance, colour, credibility, elegance, expertise, flavour, fund, glamour, hand, impetus, insight, money, prestige, realism, strength, substance, support, urgency, validity, voice, weight

lender

lendernoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, large, leading, majorThe bank is the largest mortgage lender in the country.money, mortgageprivatePREPOSITIONlender toThe bank was an important lender to the government.

lending

lendingnoun

Lending is used before these nouns:

institution, library, rate

length

lengthnoun

noun1 distance from one end to the other2 amount of time that sth lasts3 length of a swimming pool1 distance from one end to the otherADJECTIVE | VERB + length | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEentire, full, maximum, wholeThere is a maximum length of 2 500 words.A long veranda runs the whole length of the building.greata ditch of great length and widthmediumoverall, totalaverageVERB + lengthestimate, measureHe measured the length and width of the table.haveThe vehicle has an overall length of 12 feet.grow to, reachThese fish can reach a length of over five feet.double in, increase incut sth toMeasure the size of the window and cut the cloth to length.drive, extend, run, swim, travel, walk, etc.The fence runs the length of the footpath.PREPOSITIONalong the length ofThere were lights along the whole length of the street.in lengthThe pipe was six feet in length.PHRASESat arm's lengthHe has to hold newspapers at arm's length to focus on the print.She kept him at arm's length until he stopped smoking. (figurative)double, twice, three times, half, etc. the length of sthThe queen bee is twice the length of a worker bee.

2 amount of time that sth lastsADJECTIVE | VERB + length | length + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsiderable, great, inordinatereasonableVERB + lengthcut, reduce, shortenincreaselength + VERBincreasedecreasePREPOSITIONat lengthHe told me at length about his new job.in lengthEach lesson was an hour in length.PHRASESlength of timeThey complained about the inordinate length of time they had to wait.

3 length of a swimming poolVERB + lengthVERB + lengthdo (esp. BrE), swimI did 20 lengths today.

lengthen

lengthenverb

Lengthen is used with these nouns as the subject:

odds, shadow, silence

Lengthen is used with these nouns as the object:

stride

lengthening

lengtheningadj.

Lengthening is used with these nouns:

queue

lengthways

lengthwaysadv.

Lengthways is used with these verbs:

cut

lengthwise

lengthwiseadv.

Lengthwise is used with these verbs:

cut

lengthy

lengthyadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.Agreement was finally reached after very lengthy discussions.relatively

Lengthy is used with these nouns:

absence, article, campaign, conversation, debate, delay, deliberation, description, detour, discussion, dispute, document, editorial, examination, excerpt, explanation, hold-up, illness, interrogation, interview, introduction, letter, litigation, monologue, negotiation, passage, pause, period, process, questionnaire, report, session, siege, silence, solo, spell, stay, submission, suspension, talk, tour, training, treatment, visit, wait, wrangle

leniency

leniencynoun

nounVERB + leniency | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + leniencyshowappeal for (BrE)PREPOSITIONleniency forShe begged for leniency for her son.leniency ofthe undue leniency of the sentenceleniency toPolice offer leniency to criminals in return for information.leniency towards/towardLet's hope the judge shows leniency towards/toward her.PHRASESa plea for leniency (esp. BrE)Even the victim's family made a plea for leniency on behalf of the accused.

lenient

lenientadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.unduly (BrE)The appeal judge agreed that the original sentence was unduly lenient.PREPOSITIONwithThe police are sometimes more lenient with female offenders.

Lenient is used with these nouns:

sentence, treatment

leniently

lenientlyadv.

Leniently is used with these verbs:

treat

lens

lensnoun

noun1 curved piece of glass21 curved piece of glassADJECTIVE | lens + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEstrong, thickShe wears glasses with very thick lenses.coloured/colored, tintedoptical, spectacle (formal, BrE)camerafish-eye, long, magnifying, telephoto, telescopic (esp. BrE), wide-angle, zooma long-lens shot of a rare birdThe photo was taken using a zoom lens.lens + NOUNcap, coverI took the lens cap off my camera and waited for a good shot.PREPOSITIONthrough a/the lensa view of Mount Kilimanjaro as seen through Eddie's camera lens

2See also contact lens

leopard

leopardnoun

Leopard is used before these nouns:

Lesbian is used with these nouns:

leprosy

leprosynoun

nounVERB + leprosy | leprosy + NOUNVERB + leprosyhaveleprosy + NOUNbacilluspatient

lesbian

lesbiannounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + lesbianADJECTIVEbutchfemme, lipstickoutShe's an out lesbian.closet, closetedVERB + lesbiancome out asShe came out as a lesbian in her teens.

II. adj.

affair, bar, club, community, couple, feminism, feminist, icon, identity, literature, love, lover, magazine, marriage, mother, mum, parent, partner, relationship, right, sex, sexuality, tendency

lesion

lesionnoun

Lesion is used after these nouns:

less

lessadv.

Less is used with these adjectives:

able, evident, inclined, reputable

lessen

lessenverb

verbADVERB | VERB + lessenADVERBconsiderably, greatly, significantlyEating a good diet significantly lessens the risk of heart disease.somewhatgraduallyTime had gradually lessened the pain of her grief.VERB + lessenbegin toThe noise began to lessen.try totend toToo much background detail tends to lessen the impact of the central image.help (to)Regular exercise can help lessen the pain.

Lessen is used with these nouns as the object:

anxiety, burden, chance, danger, discomfort, effect, impact, likelihood, load, pain, possibility, reliance, risk, stress

lesser

lesseradj.

Lesser is used with these nouns:

charge, crime, degree, deity, evil, importance, mortal, offence, role

lesser-known

lesser-knownadj.

Lesser-known is used with these nouns:

lesson

lessonnoun

noun1 period of teaching or learning2 sth learned through experience1 period of teaching or learningADJECTIVE | VERB + lesson | lesson + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgood, interestingboringindividualprivatedriving, English, geography, history, music, piano, swimming, etc.VERB + lessonattend, go to, have, takeI go to Italian lessons at the local college.I'm taking driving lessons at the moment.begin, startShe started guitar lessons at the age of 38.give (sb), offer (sb), provide, take, teachShe gives singing lessons.They're offering free lessons in computing.I had to take a biology lesson this afternoon because the biology teacher was away. (BrE)He doesn't teach very many lessons these days.getStudents get lessons on how to organize their study time.prepareThe trouble is that teachers don't prepare their lessons carefully enough.miss, skipHe got into trouble for skipping lessons.lesson + NOUNplanShe was preparing a lesson plan for a class she was teaching.PREPOSITIONduring a/the lessonNo talking was allowed during the lesson.in a/the lessonYou can't expect to learn all there is to know about the subject in a 45-minute lesson.lesson abouta lesson about the Civil Warlesson inHe took lessons in Thai cookery.lesson ona lesson on the Roman Empirelesson withThey have a lesson with Mrs Evans at two o'clock.

2 sth learned through experienceADJECTIVE | VERB + lesson | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbasic, big, good, great, important, salutary, useful, valuablebitter, hard, painfulIt's a hard lesson to learn.clearreallife, moralobject (= a practical example of what you should or should not do in a particular situation)VERB + lessondraw, learnWhat lessons can we draw from this unfortunate experience?teach sbIt taught me some valuable lessons about working with other people.applyforget, rememberWe need to remember the lessons of history.PREPOSITIONlesson fromThere are important lessons to be learned from this mistake.lesson inI had learned a lesson in respecting the privacy of others.lesson ofIt is dangerous to ignore the lessons of the past.

let

letverb

Let is used with these nouns as the object:

cottage, flat, house, property

let down

let downphr verb

Let down is used with these nouns as the subject:

weather

Let down is used with these nouns as the object:

fan, tyre

lethal

lethaladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, proveADVERBabsolutely, highly (esp. AmE)All these drugs are highly lethal.potentiallyIt was a potentially lethal mixture of drugs.PREPOSITIONtoThe pesticide is lethal to all insect life.

Lethal is used with these nouns:

cocktail, combination, dose, force, injection, mutation, overdose, poison, violence, virus, weapon

lethargy

lethargynoun

nounVERB + lethargy | PHRASESVERB + lethargyshake offThey will need to shake off their lethargy if they want to win the game.PHRASESa feeling of lethargy

let in

let inphr verb

Let in is used with these nouns as the object:

daylight, goal, inspector, stream

let in on

let in onphr verb

Let in on is used with these nouns as the object:

secret

let into

let intophr verb

Let into is used with these nouns as the object:

flat, secret

let off

let offphr verb

Let off is used with these nouns as the object:

brake, firework, passenger

let off with

let off withphr verb

Let off with is used with these nouns as the object:

caution

let on

let onphr verb

Let on is used with these nouns as the object:

let out

let outphr verb

Let out is used with these nouns as the object:

bellow, breath, cackle, call, chuckle, clang, clutch, cry, curse, exclamation, feeling, flat, gasp, giggle, grin, groan, growl, grunt, gurgle, hiccup, hiss, house, howl, laugh, moan, murmur, noise, passenger, peal, roar, rumble, scream, shout, shriek, sigh, snort, sob, squeak, squeal, stream, wail, whimper, whine, whistle, yawn, yelp

let-out

let-outnoun

Let-out is used before these nouns:

let out of

let out ofphr verb

Let out of is used with these nouns as the object:

letter

letternoun

noun1 written/printed message2 sign that represents a sound in a language1 written/printed messageADJECTIVE | VERB + letter | letter + VERB | letter + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElengthy, longbrief, shortten-page, etc.ramblingcountless, numerousShe received countless letters of support while in jail.occasionalApart from the occasional letter, they had not been in touch for years.airmailregisteredhandwrittenanonymousformal, officialbusinesspersonalconfidential, privateopen, publicThe editor published an open letter to the president.circularchainform, standardsampleaccompanying, cover (AmE), covering (BrE), explanatory (esp. BrE)The conditions are explained in the accompanying letter.Send your résumé with a cover letter. (AmE)Send your CV with a covering letter. (BrE)thank-youI wrote my uncle a thank-you letter as soon as I opened the present.congratulatorywarningacceptance, rejectionI've had ten job interviews and received ten rejection letters.resignationsuicidefanloveintimatenicefriendlyheartfelt, impassionedShe wrote an impassioned letter to her local newspaper to complain about the new road.politeapologeticangry, strong, strongly worded, threateningindignantcriticalpoison penHe had been sending poison pen letters to people at work.VERB + letterdraft, writeShe drafted an angry letter to the newspaper.readget, have, receiveI haven't had a letter from her for months.mail (AmE), post (BrE), sendemailfaxdeliverforwardThe letter was forwarded from my old address.sealopenacknowledge, answer, reply to, respond toI was angry that they didn't even acknowledge my letter.addressThe letter was addressed to me.signpublishThe newspaper refused to publish the letter.editWe reserve the right to cut or edit letters.letter + VERBarrive, come, reach sbI hope my last letter has reached you.be dated … The letter is dated July 7.crossOur letters crossed.be lostannounce sth, ask (sb) sth, explain sth, say sth, state sth, tell sb sthShe wrote him a letter saying that she was not coming back.begin, start, start offThe letter started off by thanking us for our offer.continue, go onHis letter went on to give reasons for his refusal to take part.conclude, endThe letter concluded with a threat of possible legal action.contain sthThe letter contained information that only the killer could know.enclose sthThe charity received an anonymous letter enclosing a large donation.appearA letter headed ‘Advertising Mania’ appeared in the paper.letter + NOUNwriter, writingGeorge Bernard Shaw was a prolific letter writer.carrier (AmE) (postman/postwoman in BrE)box (BrE)A card dropped through the letter box.(mail slot in AmE)There's a letter box on the corner of the street.(mailbox in AmE)opener (esp. AmE)bomb (mail bomb in AmE)PREPOSITIONby letter

Please reply by letter.in a/the letterIn your letter of June 5 … letter about, letter concerning, letter regardingletter from, letter toa letter to the editorletter ofa letter of application/apology

2 sign that represents a sound in a languageADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, largeblock, capital, upper-caseFill in the form in block letters.lower-case, smallboldinitialThe company's name is made from the initial letters of his children's names.doubleWords with double letters, such as ‘accommodate’, are commonly misspelled.silentwords such as ‘debt’ and ‘half’, which contain silent lettersPREPOSITIONin … lettersHis name was written in large white letters over the doorway.PHRASESthe letters of the alphabet

letterhead

letterheadnoun

Letterhead is used before these nouns:

stationery

letter-writing

letter-writingnoun

Letter-writing is used before these nouns:

letting

lettingnoun

Letting is used before these nouns:

agent

lettuce

lettucenoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF LETTUCE | VERB + lettuce | lettuce + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEcrisp, crunchylimpchopped, shreddedcos (BrE), iceberg, romaine (AmE), etc.… OF LETTUCEheadYou need one whole head of lettuce for this salad.VERB + lettucewashgrowpicklettuce + NOUNleafPHRASESon a bed of lettuce

let up

let upphr verb

Let up is used with these nouns as the subject:

Leukaemia/leukemia is used after these nouns:

leukaemia

leukaemianoun

(BrE) (AmE leukemia) nounADJECTIVE | VERB + leukaemia/leukemia | leukaemia/leukemia + NOUNADJECTIVEchildhoodacute, chronicVERB + leukaemia/leukemiahave, suffer fromcontract, developdiagnosetreat sb forcauseleukaemia/leukemia + NOUNcase, patient, sufferer, victimresearchcell

childhood

level

levelnounverbadj.¹adj.²

I. noun1 amount/size/number2 stage of progress/standard3 grade in an organization or structure4 way of considering sth5 height6 floor in a building1 amount/size/numberADJECTIVE | VERB + level | level + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEelevated, high, significant, substantialrecordIndustrial output has reached record levels.increasing, risingexcessiveExcessive levels of lead were found in the water.lowdecreased, reduceddecreasing, fallingmoderatevaryingThey work hard, but with varying levels of success.detectable, undetectablegenerous (esp. BrE)a generous level of financial support for the artspermitted, recommended, requiredpermitted levels of chemical pollutantsacceptable, adequate, necessary, safean acceptable level of risknormalHer blood pressure has returned to its normal level.realistic, reasonabledangerous, unacceptableworstthe worst level of business failure since 1997unprecedentedmaximum, minimumdesired, optimalbaselinenoise, ozone, pollution, radiationcrime, povertyfunding, staffingblood-sugar, cholesterol, hormone, etc.confidence, energy, stressVERB + levelachieve, attain, reachThey have achieved higher levels of efficiency.Crime has reached its highest level ever.remain atShe predicts that fuel prices will remain at current levels.boost, elevate, improve, increase, raisemaintainbring down, decrease, keep down, lower, reducecontrol, regulateadjust, alter, changesetEmissions are well below the levels set by the WHO.exceedThere will be stiff penalties if companies exceed these levels of pollution.assess, determine, measure, recordcheck, monitorlevel + VERBgo up, rise, soardecrease, drop, fall, go down, plummetchange, differ, varyexceed sthPREPOSITIONabove a/the levelMortgage rates were 10% above their current level.at a/the levelRents will be kept at this level for another year.below a/the levelRadiation is well below the permitted level.level ofThey were asked to indicate the level of distress they experienced as a result of their experiences.

2 stage of progress/standardADJECTIVE | VERB + level | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbasic, elementary, lowThe teaching is at quite a basic level.entryThey have a good range of entry-level computers for beginners.intermediateadvanced, highHer illness has reached an advanced level.degree3rd-grade, 11th-grade, etc. (AmE)grade (AmE)He's reading at grade level (= at the average level for his grade).difficultyThe difficulty level of the exercises in the book varies widely.fitnessa sport suitable for people of all fitness levelseducationalVERB + levelattain, reachstudents who have reached the intermediate levelcomplete, do, takeYou need to do all three levels to qualify as a chef.PREPOSITIONabove a/the levelHis English is way above the level of the other students.at a/the levelstudents at intermediate levelShe has played tennis at a high level.below a/the levelThe book is not suitable for students below degree level.level oflanguage students at different levels of proficiencyPHRASESsb's comfort level (= the level at which someone feels safe and comfortable)take sb/sth to the next levelIt's time to take my career to the next level.

3 grade in an organization or structureADJECTIVE | VERB + level | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhigh, upperthe upper levels of the civil servicelowseniorglobal, international, local, national, regionalgrass-rootsThe party needs to win support at grass-roots level.boardThese decisions are made at board level.federal, ministerial (BrE)VERB + levelreach, rise toHe rose to the level of general manager.PREPOSITIONat a/the levelAt the local level there's a lot to be said for the plan.on a/the levelThe thing has to be organized on an international level.

4 way of considering sthADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEconscious, subconscious, unconsciousAt a conscious level, I was satisfied with my life.deepsuperficialdetailedWe probably need to look at this problem at a more detailed level.generalpracticaltheoreticalpoliticaltacticalmacro, microPREPOSITIONat a/the level, on a/the levelOn a superficial level everything appears to be in order, but at a deeper level you an see that there's a lot wrong.

5 heightADJECTIVE | VERB + level | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEhigh, lowground, sea, waterthe problem of rising sea levelseye, kneea shelf at eye levelVERB + leveladjust, change, lower, raiseThey are going to raise the level of the banks to prevent flooding.PREPOSITIONabove a/the level200 m above sea levelat a/the levelThe plane was flying at a very low level.below a/the levelbelow the level of the cloudson a level withOn the second floor you are on a level with the treetops.to a/the levelThe water rose to the level of the ground floor windows.PHRASESa change in level, a change of level

6 floor in a buildingADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEground, lowerhigher, top, upperPREPOSITIONon a/the levelAre we on the right level for the restaurant?to a/the levelTake the elevator to Level Four.

II. verb

Level is used with these nouns as the subject:

Level is used with these nouns as the object:

allegation, charge, criticism, game, match, pistol, score, series, set

III. adj.¹1 with no part higher than any other2 at the same height/position as sth1 with no part higher than any otherVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, look, seemget sth, keep sthMake sure you get the shelf level before screwing it in.Keep the pot level, or you'll spill the coffee.ADVERBabsolutely, completelyThe floor has to be absolutely level.approximately, more or less, nearly

2 at the same height/position as sthVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbecome, drawAs they reached the final bend, Graham drew level and threatened too overtake him.ADVERBalmost, nearlyPREPOSITIONwithThe top of the water came level with her chin.

IV. adj.²

Level is used with these nouns:

crossing, flight, gaze, ground, head, score, surface, tone

level off

level offphr verb

Level off is used with these nouns as the subject:

level out

level outphr verb

Level out is used with these nouns as the subject:

lever

levernoun

noun1 handle for operating a machine2 means of achieving sth1 handle for operating a machineADJECTIVE | VERB + lever | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbrake, control, gear, shift (AmE)safetyVERB + levermove, press, pull, push, release, setTo release the brake, pull the lever.Push the gear lever into first.The machine will stop immediately once the lever is released.Set all three levers to the 0 position.PREPOSITIONby a lever, by means of a leverThe machine is operated by means of a lever.PHRASESthe position of the lever

2 means of achieving sthADJECTIVE | VERB + lever | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpowerful, usefulVERB + leveract as, be, give sb, provide (sb with), serve asuse sth asPREPOSITIONlever againstIf this allegation is true, it will give us a useful lever against him.lever forThis could serve as a powerful lever for peace.

leverage

leveragenoun

noun1 force2 influence1 forceADJECTIVE | VERB + leverageADJECTIVEenough, sufficientgoodextramaximumVERB + leveragehaveHe tried to push the door open, but he didn't have sufficient leverage.gain, get, obtainapply, exertPosition the piece of wood so that maximum leverage can be applied.provideincrease

2 influenceADJECTIVE | VERB + leverage | leverage + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEeconomic, financial, politicalbargaining, negotiatingenormous, good, greatVERB + leveragehavegainThey are determined to gain more political leverage.give sbleverage + NOUNpointPREPOSITIONleverage inThey suddenly had more leverage in negotiations.PHRASESuse sth as leverage

levy

levyverb

Levy is used with these nouns as the object:

charge, excise, fine, penalty, surcharge, tariff, tax, taxation, toll

liability

liabilitynoun

noun1 responsibility2 liabilities money owed1 responsibilityADJECTIVE | VERB + liability | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfulllegalstrictcriminalVERB + liabilityhaveThey have no legal liability for damage to customers' possessions.accept, acknowledge, admit, assumedenylimitavoidPREPOSITIONliability forThey have denied liability for the accident.

2 liabilities money owedADJECTIVE | VERB + LIABILITIES | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEsubstantialfinancial, taxan assessment of the company's financial liabilitiesVERB + LIABILITIEShavetake on, take overHe wants to know the precise amount of the liabilities he is taking over.cover, discharge, meetThere is enough money to cover existing liabilities.reducePREPOSITIONliability toThe company has liabilities to its employees.

liable

liableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecomeremainmake sb, render sbFailure to provide insurance rendered him liable to prosecution.find sb, hold sbThey could be found liable for the entire amount.ADVERBstrictlyfullypotentiallypersonallyjointly, severally (law)Partners are jointly and severally (= together and individually) liable for a partnership's debts.criminally, financially, legallyautomaticallyPREPOSITIONforShe's fully liable for the company's debts.

liaise

liaiseverb

verb (esp. BrE)ADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBclosely, directlyPREPOSITIONbetweenHer job is to liaise between the school and the home.withThe tax office liaises closely with our department on such matters.

liaison

liaisonnoun

noun1 communication2 sexual relationship1 communicationADJECTIVE | VERB + liaison | liaison + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEclose, effective, goodpoorcommunitya community liaison officer (= for example in the police)customerWe hired someone as customer liaison. (AmE)a customer liaison manager (BrE)militaryVERB + liaisonmaintainWe maintained a close liaison with the union.establish (esp. AmE)We are hoping to establish good liaisons with these groups.improveliaison + NOUNcommittee, group, team, unitofficerworkPREPOSITIONin liaison withIt's important that we work in close liaison with other charities in this field.liaison betweengood liaison between management and staffliaison withShe is responsible for the liaison with researchers at other universities.

2 sexual relationshipADJECTIVE | VERB + liaison | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEromantic, sexualadulterousVERB + liaisonhaveShe was having a romantic liaison with her husband's best friend.PREPOSITIONliaison with

liar

liarnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + liar | PHRASESADJECTIVEaccomplished, goodShe's an accomplished liar—they believed every word she said.bad, poorbig, terribleHe's the biggest liar I've ever known.compulsive, habitual, pathologicalVERB + liarcall sbAre you calling me a liar?PHRASESyou little liar!You little liar—I never said that!

libel

libelnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + libel | libel + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEallegedcriminal, seditiousVERB + libelsue (sb) forclaimdenylibel + NOUNaction, case, lawsuit, proceedings, suitwrit (BrE)law, lawyerdamages (BrE)PREPOSITIONlibel againstHe has issued a writ for libel against the radio star Michael Clery.

liberal

liberalnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEleadingbourgeois, middle-classclassical, old-fashioned, traditionalradicalmarketeconomic, political, religious, socialwhitebleeding-heartlimousine (= a rich person who expresses concern for poor people, but does nothing to help them) (AmE)

II. adj.1 respecting other opinions2 in politics3 generous1 respecting other opinionsVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.His attitudes are fairly liberal.remarkablyrelativelysocially

2 in politicsVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeADVERBcomparatively, relativelycomparatively liberal in trade mattersbroadly, essentiallya broadly liberal set of policiespoliticallyPREPOSITIONonHe is relatively liberal on social issues.

3 generousVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecomeADVERBfairly, veryAdd a fairly liberal amount of olive oil to the pasta.PREPOSITIONwithShe's very liberal with her advice!

Liberal is used with these nouns:

agenda, art, attitude, bias, capitalism, Catholicism, cause, Christian, coalition, commentator, conception, Congressman, Congresswoman, consensus, democracy, economics, economist, economy, education, elite, establishment, faction, feminism, feminist, guilt, hand, ideal, ideology, interpretation, judge, law, media, nationalist, newspaper, orthodoxy, party, philosophy, point of view, politician, politics, press, reform, regime, scholar, senator, slant, socialist, society, support, theology, thinker, thought, tradition, use, value, view, viewpoint, wing

liberal arts

liberal artsnoun

Liberal arts is used before these nouns:

liberalism

liberalismnoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEradicalbourgeoislaissez-faireclassical, traditionalmoderneconomic, political, social, theological

liberalization

liberalizationnoun

Liberalization is used after these nouns:

trade

liberalize

liberalizeverb

Liberalize is used with these nouns as the object:

economy, regulation, trade

liberalized

liberalizedadj.

Liberalized is used with these nouns:

trade

liberally

liberallyadv.

Liberally is used with these adjectives:

educated, scattered

Liberally is used with these verbs:

apply, coat, interpret, smear, spatter, sprinkle, use

liberate

liberateverb

Liberate is used with these nouns as the object:

camp, country, slave

liberation

liberationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + liberation | liberation + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEanimal, gay, national, personal, sexual, women's (often women's lib, old-fashioned)trueVERB + liberationachieve, attainseek, wantcelebrateliberation + NOUNmovementPREPOSITIONliberation bythe liberation of the capital by allied forcesliberation fromthe struggle for liberation from colonial rulePHRASESa feeling of liberation, a sense of liberationUp in the mountains we had the most wonderful sense of liberation.a fight for liberation, a struggle for liberationa war of liberation

liberty

libertynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + liberty | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreatcompletebasic, fundamentala citizens' charter which gives people basic civil libertiescivilhuman, individual, personaleconomic, political, religiousconstitutional (esp. AmE)VERB + libertyenjoy, havedemand, fight forsecure, winThe city won its liberty in the 16th century.loseIf found guilty, she is in danger of losing her liberty.defend, guarantee, preserve, protect, safeguardThe law should protect the liberty of the individual.threatenThe new legislation threatens individual liberty.curtail, erode, restrict, violateOur personal liberty is being eroded.deny, deprive sb of, destroy, takeallow sb, give sbThe system allows us complete liberty to do the task as we like.sacrificePREPOSITIONat libertyI'm not at liberty to reveal the names of the victims.The escaped prisoner has been at liberty for five days. (formal)liberty forWomen are demanding greater liberty for themselves.liberty fromliberty from the abuse of police powerPHRASESan infringement of libertyloss of libertya threat to liberty

librarian

librariannoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEprofessional, qualifiedchief, head, seniorassistantacademic, public, referencecollege, school, universitycorporate (AmE)

library

librarynoun

noun1 building2 collection of books, etc.1 buildingADJECTIVE | VERB + library | library + VERB | library + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElarge, smallexcellent, goodpublicprivatelocal, national, regionalcity, county, state, townbranchcentralmobilea plan to provide mobile library services in rural environmentswell-stockedcirculating (historical), lendingIn 1784 he established his first circulating library.referencegeneralspecial, specialistacademic, researchcampus (esp. AmE), college, departmental, school, universityhospital, prisoncopyright (in the UK)It is a copyright library and receives three copies of all books published in Britain.presidential (= containing documents from a particular former president) (in the US)the Herbert Hoover presidential library in West Branch, IowaVERB + libraryhaveThe school has an excellent library.go to, use, visitHow often do you go to the library?borrow sth from, get sth out of, take sth out ofI got this very interesting book out of the library.return sth to, take sth back toDo you have any books to take back to the library?be available at, be available fromDo you know about the other services available at your local library?have access toEveryone in the country should have access to a library.library + VERBhave sth, hold sthThe library has an extensive collection of books on Chinese history.library + NOUNbookrecordshelf, stackcataloguecard, ticket (BrE)assistant, staffpatron (esp. AmE), userfacilities, provision, resources, servicethe need to improve library provisionskillsStudents are taught library skills in the first week of their course.researchPREPOSITIONat a/the librarya poetry reading at the local libraryin a/the libraryI've been reading newspapers in the library.

2 collection of books, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + library | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEconsiderable, extensive, huge, vastfine, impressive, magnificent, valuablepersonalfilm, music, photographic, picture, tape, videodigital, electronic, online, virtualVERB + libraryhave, possessThe family possessed an extensive library.amass, build, build up, constructShe had built up an impressive library of art books.add toPREPOSITIONlibrary ofa personal library of over 1 000 volumes

licence

licencenoun

(BrE) (AmE license) nounADJECTIVE | VERB + licence/license | licence/license + VERB | licence/license + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEvalidfullspecialcompulsory (esp. AmE)driver's (AmE), driving (BrE), pilot (AmE), pilot's (esp. BrE)carmarriagebusiness, commercial, export, import, operating, trade, tradingThe government is currently granting no operating licences to foreign companies.casino, gamingfishing, huntingtelevision, TV (both in the UK)gunsoftwareentertainment, musicThe bar was refused a music licence.hotel, liquor (AmE), refreshment, restaurantmedical, teachingexclusiveVERB + licence/licensehave, holdYou have to have a licence to sell beer.Applicants must hold a valid driving/driver's licence.buy, gain (formal), get, obtain, receive, winShe gained her private pilot's licence.I got my licence when I was eighteen.apply for, make an application foraward (sb), grant (sb), issue (sb)deny sb, refuse sbrevoke, suspend, take awayHe's had his licence taken away.renewloseShe lost her driving licence when she was caught over the limit.licence/license + VERBexpire, run outThe licence expires at the end of the year.licence/license + NOUNfeeholdernumber, plate (both AmE)agreementapplicationPREPOSITIONin a/the licenceAll these details are specified in the licence.under a/the licenceThe weapons were exported under a special export licence.under licenceThey are Italian trains, but they will be built in Germany under licence.licence fora licence for software manufacturelicence froma licence from the Performing Rights SocietyPHRASESthe holder of a licence

license

licenseverb

License is used with these nouns as the object:

invention

licensed license plate

license platenoun

License plate is used before these nouns:

Licensing is used before these nouns:

licensing

licensingnounadj.

I. noun

agreement, deal, exam, fee, hour

II. adj.

Licensing is used with these nouns:

Lick is used after these nouns:

lick

licknounverb

I. noun

Lick is used with these nouns as the subject:

II. verb

dog, fire, flame, tongue

Lick is used with these nouns as the object:

finger, lip, spoon, stamp

lick at

lick atphr verb

Lick at is used with these nouns as the subject:

licorice

licoricenoun

Licorice is used before these nouns:

candy

lid

lidnoun

noun1 removable top2 lids of the eyes1 removable topADJECTIVE | VERB + lid | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEairtight, close-fitting, tight, tight-fittingChoose a dish with a tight-fitting lid.closed, sealedhingedbox, coffin, piano, saucepan, trunk (on a car) (AmE), etc.dustbin (BrE), garbage-can (AmE), trash-can (AmE)metal, plastic, etc.VERB + lidlift, open, raiseShe lifted the lid of the box.pop (AmE), pop off, prise off (BrE), pry off (AmE), remove, take off, unscrewWe managed to remove the lid with a lever.close, replace, shutput down, slam shutput on, screw down, screw onI poured some water and screwed the lid back on the bottle.The coffin lid had been screwed down.keep onKeep the lid on the pan until the liquid comes to the boil.PREPOSITIONon the lidHis name was on the lid.

2 lids of the eyesSee also eyelidADJECTIVE | VERB + LIDS | LIDS + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEeyeclosed, drooping, half-closed, half-open, heavy, lowered, narrowedShe felt the tears burning against her closed lids.top, upperVERB + LIDSclose, lowerShe saw James walk in and hastily lowered her lids.lift, openShe lifted her lids and found him looking at her.LIDS + VERBdroopHeavy lids drooped over her eyes.PREPOSITIONbehind … lidShe could still see the light flickering behind her closed lids.beneath … lidShe glanced at him occasionally from beneath lowered lids.through … lidHe was watching her through half-closed lids.

lie

lienounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + lie | lie + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, big fat (informal), great, monstrousHe told a big fat lie!littleabsolute, complete, downright, flat-out (AmE), outright, totalThat's a downright lie!little white, whiteA little white lie is surely excusable.deliberatebald-faced (AmE), barefaced, blatant, obvious, transparentelaboratea web of elaborate liesoutrageousviciousVERB + liebeThat's a lie—I never said that!tell (sb)believe, swallowHow could she swallow such a blatant lie?exposeliveHe lived a lie for thirty years, ‘married’ to two women.lie + NOUNdetectorPHRASESa pack of lies, a tissue of lies, a web of liesgive the lie to sth, put the lie to sth (= prove that something is not true)spread lies (about sb)

II. verb1 be in a flat position2 say sth that is not true1 be in a flat positionADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBdownHe was lying down on the bed.thereHe just lay there smiling.comfortably, helplessly, limply, peacefully, quietlyPREPOSITIONonShe lay on her stomach.inShe likes to lie in bed all day.PHRASESlie asleep, lie awakeI used to lie awake at night worrying about it.lie dead, lie unconsciousA man lay dead in the middle of the road.lie face down, lie prone (formal), lie prostrate (formal)He was lying face down in the mud.lie face up, supine (formal)Lie face up with your feet on the floor.lie flatI was lying flat on the floor.lie motionless, lie stillLie still while I put the bandage on.lie nakedShe was still lying naked on the bed.lie sprawledShe lay sprawled on the sofa.

2 say sth that is not trueADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBconvincinglyHe was unable to lie convincingly.easilyconstantly, repeatedlyblatantlydeliberately, intentionallycompletely, outright, totally (all AmE)PREPOSITIONaboutShe lied about her age.toDon't lie to me.PHRASESlie through your teethlie under oath

Lie is used with these nouns as the subject:

challenge, corpse, crux, danger, destiny, difference, difficulty, dilemma, distinction, dust, explanation, farm, fog, greatness, guilt, hair, hand, hope, house, loyalty, mist, remains, route, shadow, snow, success, talent, taste, truth, value, weakness

lie about

lie aboutphr verb

Lie about is used with these nouns as the subject:

junk

lie around

lie aroundphr verb

Lie around is used with these nouns as the subject:

junk

lie detector

lie detectornoun

Lie detector is used before these nouns:

lie in lie on

lie onphr verb

Lie on is used with these nouns as the object:

bed, couch, settee, sofa, stomach

lieutenant

lieutenantnoun

lie with

lie withphr verb

Lie with is used with these nouns as the subject:

blame, fault, initiative, power, responsibility, sympathy

life

lifenoun

noun1 living things2 existence3 period between birth and death4 activity in the world5 way of living6 liveliness1 living thingsADJECTIVE | life + NOUNADJECTIVEintelligentIs there intelligent life on other planets?animal, bird, human, insect, plantaquatic, marineextraterrestriallife + NOUNformcyclesciences

2 existenceADJECTIVE | VERB + life | life + VERB | life + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEeternal, everlastingpast, previousVERB + lifeloseHe lost his life in an air crash.bring sb back to, restore sb tocling to, fight forShe clung to life for several weeks.jeopardize, riskShe risked her life for the sake of the children.endanger, threatenprotect, savea drug that will save livesspareShe begged the soldiers to spare her son's life.give, lay down, sacrificeclaim, costThe crash claimed 43 lives.His foolishness almost cost him his life.end, takeShe took her own life.valuestart (figurative)The hotel started life as a prison.life + VERBbe lostNo lives were lost in the accident.life + NOUNassurance (BrE), insurancejacket, preserver (AmE), vest (AmE)boat, raftsaversupportShe's critically ill, on life support.a life-support machinea life-support systemPHRASESan attempt on sb's lifeThere have been three attempts on the president's life.in fear for your life, in fear of your lifeWitnesses are living in fear for their life after giving evidence against the gang.life after deathDo you believe in life after death?loss of lifeThe plane crashed with heavy loss of life.a matter of life and deathThese talks are a matter of life and death for the factory. (figurative)owe sb your lifeI owe my life to the the doctors at the hospital.the right to lifesigns of lifeThe driver showed no signs of life.

3 period between birth and deathADJECTIVE | VERB + life | life + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElong, shortentire, wholeearlyadultlaterIn later life he took up writing.past, previousHe never discussed the unhappiness of his past life.I think I may have been an animal in a previous life.future, nextworkingHe was a miner all his working life.VERB + lifego through, live, spendShe went through life always wanting what she couldn't get.He spent his whole life in Rhode Island.endHe ended his life a happy man.shortenprolongdedicate, devoteHe devoted his life to the education of deaf children.life + NOUNhistory, storymembershipimprisonment, sentenceexpectancy, span (usually lifespan)Japanese people have a very high life expectancy.the lifespan of a mousemate (AmE), partnerPREPOSITIONfor lifeShe thought marriage should be for life.in your lifefor the first time in her lifethroughout your lifeThroughout her life she was dogged by loneliness.PHRASESall your lifeI've known her all my life.at sb's time of lifeAt his time of life he should be starting to take things easy.the end of your lifeHer paintings became more obscure towards/toward the end of her life.late in lifeShe discovered jazz quite late in life.the … of your lifeI had the fright of my life when I saw the snake in my bed.He met the love of his life at college.a phase in (sb's) life, a phase of (sb's) life, a stage in (sb's) life, a stage of (sb's) lifeShe sensed she was entering a new phase in her life.the prime of lifeYou're still in the prime of life.the remainder of your life, the rest of your lifeHe'll be haunted by the crash for the rest of his life.

4 activity in the worldADJECTIVE | VERB + life | life + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEdaily, day-to-day, everyday, ordinaryreala real-life dramamodernpersonal, privateShe did not tolerate press intrusion into her private life.innerOnly his wife had access to his inner life.family, marrieddomestic, homesociallove, sexpublicHis fame was so sudden that he was unprepared for public life.academic, business, cultural, economic, intellectual, political, professional, school, spiritualcivicnight (usually nightlife)What's the nightlife like in the town?city, village, etc.rural, urbanVERB + lifebuild, rebuildHe built his whole life around his children.She is still rebuilding her life after the accident.life + VERBbe complicated, be unfairbe precious, be sacredPHRASESan attitude to life, an outlook on life, a philosophy of life, a view of lifeI've always had a fairly optimistic outlook on life.a love of lifeHe always had a great love of life.a man in your life, a woman in your lifeThere has only been one woman in her life.see sth of lifeI wanted to see something of life before I settled down.the … side of lifeHis time in London was his first glimpse of the seamier side of life.want sth from of life, want sth out of lifeThey both seem to want the same things out of life.

5 way of livingADJECTIVE | VERB + life | PHRASESADJECTIVEfulfilling, good, great, happy, perfect, wonderfullonely, miserable, sad, unhappyboringdifficult, hardeasycharmedactive, busy, hecticexcitingfullpeaceful, quietsimplenormal, ordinaryhealthysheltereddoubleHe had been leading a double life, married to two women.secretVERB + lifehave, lead, liveShe leads a busy social life.enjoychangeLearning meditation changed her life.dominate, take overHe never let his work dominate his life.ruinHe ruined his life through drinking.enrichPHRASESbuild a new life, make a new life, start a new lifeThey went to Australia to start a new life.enjoy life to the full, live life to the fullHe always believed in living life to the full.the high lifeThey were enjoying the high life in the smartest hotels of New York.live a life of … They're living a life of luxury in the Bahamas.a/the pace of lifeThe pace of life is much gentler on the island.the quality of lifeHe gave up his high-flying job and now enjoys a better quality of life.a way of lifeShe loved the Spanish way of life and immediately felt at home there.

6 livelinessVERB + life | PHRASESVERB + lifecome toThe city only comes to life at night.breathe, bring sth to, injectThey need some new, younger staff to breathe some life into the company.burst with, hum with, teem witha child bursting with lifePHRASESbreathe new life into sb/sthHe hopes the development will breathe new life into the community.full of lifeIt's nice to see an old man still so full of life.

life-and-death

life-and-deathadj.

Life-and-death is used with these nouns:

decision, situation, struggle

life assurance

life assurancenoun

Life assurance is used before these nouns:

Lifeboat is used before these nouns:

lifeboat

lifeboatnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + lifeboat | lifeboat + VERB | lifeboat + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEmotorinshore, offshore (both BrE)VERB + lifeboatget into, man, take toThe crew took to the lifeboats.call out (BrE)The lifeboat was called out five times in the January storms.launchlifeboat + VERBbe stationed … (BrE)The lifeboat is stationed just along the coast from here.lifeboat + NOUNservice (BrE)crew (BrE)stationPREPOSITIONaboard a/the lifeboat, on board a/the lifeboattwo survivors on board the lifeboatin a/the lifeboat, on a/the lifeboatThere was only room for ten people in the lifeboat.

crew, station

life-changing

life-changingadj.

Life-changing is used with these nouns:

decision, event

life cycle

life cyclenoun

Life cycle is used after these nouns:

life insurance

life insurancenoun

Life insurance is used before these nouns:

Lifeless is used with these nouns:

lifeless

lifelessadj.

adj.1 dead2 without living things3 dull/without interest1 deadVERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSappear, be, lookShe lay lifeless in the snow.lieADVERBcompletelyalmost, nearlyHis body was limp and almost lifeless.apparently, seeminglyShe lay there, apparently lifeless.PHRASEScold and lifeless, limp and lifeless

2 without living thingsVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBcompletelya time when they earth was completely lifeless

3 dull/without interestVERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, seembecomeADVERBcompletelyratherThe acting was dull and rather lifeless.PHRASESdull and lifeless

body, corpse, eye

lifeline

lifelinenoun

noun1 rope2 important help1 ropeVERB + lifelineVERB + lifelinethrow sbcatch, cling toHe clung to the lifeline and the woman pulled him to the bank.

2 important helpADJECTIVE | VERB + lifelineADJECTIVEreal, vitalVisits from loved ones are a vital lifeline for prisoners.economic, financialThe state pension is their financial lifeline.VERB + lifelinebe, becomeWhile my mother was ill, talking to Sheila became a lifeline for me.give sb, hold out, offer (sb), provide (sb with), throw sbThe organization provides a real lifeline for many women in poverty.He threw me a lifeline when he offered me a job.haveWith this one unexpected victory, the team now has a lifeline.

lifelong life-or-death

life-or-deathadj.

Life-or-death is used with these nouns:

life-saving

life-savingadj.

Life-saving is used with these nouns:

equipment, operation

life-size

life-sizeadj.

Life-size is used with these nouns:

figure, reconstruction, replica, sculpture, statue

life-sized

life-sizedadj.

Life-sized is used with these nouns:

statue

lifestyle

lifestylenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + lifestyle | lifestyle + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEhealthy, unhealthyactivesedentaryThe increase in obesity is a result of poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle.busy, hecticstressfulaffluent, comfortable, expensive, extravagant, glamorous, lavishmoderngaynomadicalternative (esp. AmE)She's trying to balance an alternative lifestyle with her desire for a career.VERB + lifestylechangeShe had to change her lifestyle and eating habits.enjoy, have, lead, liveThey enjoy a very comfortable lifestyle.maintain, supportadoptWe want them to adopt a healthier lifestyle.fit, suitpromotelifestyle + NOUNchange, modificationchoicehabitfactormagazinePHRASESa change in lifestyle

life support

life supportnoun

Life support is used before these nouns:

machine, system

life-threatening

life-threateningadj.

Life-threatening is used with these nouns:

allergy, complication, condition, disease, emergency, illness, situation

lifetime

lifetimenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + lifetime | lifetime + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElongwisdom gained in the course of a long lifetimeshortA lifetime is too short for all the great books there are!entire, wholeVERB + lifetimedevote, spendHe devoted a lifetime to working with disabled children.take (sb)It took a whole lifetime to solve the mystery of her father's disappearance.last (sb)This watch should last you a lifetime.seem, seem likeIt seems a lifetime since we first met.liveYou can live a whole lifetime and not witness such an event.lifetime + NOUNachievementThe veteran director won a lifetime achievement award.appointment (AmE), employmentmembership (AmE)earnings, incomePayments are based on expected lifetime income.guarantee, warrantybancommitmentPREPOSITIONafter a lifetimeAfter a lifetime as a journalist in the trouble spots of the world, he retired to the country.during sb's lifetimeI've seen many changes during my lifetime.in your lifetimeThe artist was little known in his lifetime.of a lifetimeShe gave the performance of a lifetime.lifetime inShe spent a lifetime in politics.lifetime ofa lifetime of problemsPHRASESthe habits of a lifetimeIt's hard to break the habits of a lifetime.a legend in your own lifetimeCallas was a legend in her own lifetime.half a lifetimea lifetime ago, a lifetime awayCollege seems a half a lifetime away.a lifetime's experience, a lifetime's worka lifetime's worth of sthThe images are part of a lifetime's worth of photographs from Cohen's long career.once in a lifetimeThat sort of thing happens only once in a lifetime.

lift

liftnounverb

I. noun1 (BrE) for taking people/goods between floors2 for taking people up mountains, etc.3 (BrE) free ride in a car, etc.4 feeling of increased happiness/excitement1 (BrE) for taking people/goods between floorsSee also elevatorADJECTIVE | VERB + lift | lift + VERB | lift + NOUNADJECTIVEprivate, serviceThe hotel has a private lift linking it to the beach.baggage, goods, passenger, wheelchairelectric, hydraulicVERB + liftgo down in, go up in, takeWe took the lift down to the ground floor.operatelift + VERBserve sthThe lift serves the top four floors of the building.arrivelift + NOUNbuttondoorsshaftattendant, operator

2 for taking people up mountains, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + lift | lift + NOUNADJECTIVEskichair (usually chairlift), gondola (BrE)VERB + lifttakeoperatelift + NOUNcaroperatorpassYou'll need your lift pass for the ski lifts.

3 (BrE) free ride in a car, etc.See also rideADJECTIVE | VERB + lift | PHRASESADJECTIVEfreeVERB + liftask for, hitch, thumbWe stood by the roadside and thumbed a lift.give sb, offer sbacceptDon't accept lifts from strangers.PHRASESa lift back, a lift homeHe offered us a lift home.

4 feeling of increased happiness/excitementADJECTIVE | VERB + liftADJECTIVEbig, great, huge, realWinning the semi-final gave the team a huge lift.emotionalVERB + liftgive sbget

II. verb1 raise/move sb/sth2 remove a law/rule1 raise/move sb/sthADVERB | VERB + lift | PREPOSITIONADVERBalmost, halfHe hugged her, almost lifting her off the ground.fractionally, a little, slightlyslowlysharplyHer head lifted sharplycarefully, gently, gingerlyCarefully lift the cake off the tray and cool on a wire rack.easily, effortlesslybodilyShe was lifted bodily aboard by two sailors.back, down, out, upShe lifted back the sheet.VERB + liftcan barely, can hardlyThe box was so heavy I could barely lift it.try tomanage tobe too heavy toPREPOSITIONaboveHe stood, legs apart, arms lifted above his head.downShe leaned on him and he half lifted her down the stairs.fromHe felt as if an enormous weight had been lifted from his shoulders.intoThe heavy beams were lifted into place.offShe lifted the book up off the table.out ofHe lifted the baby out of its cradle.overShe lifted the child over the fence.toJuliet nodded, lifting her face to David's.

2 remove a law/ruleADVERB | VERB + liftADVERBcompletelypartiallyThe police managed to restore calm and the curfew was partially lifted.VERB + liftagree to, decide to, vote toThe government decided to lift the ban on arms exports.refuse to

Lift is used with these nouns as the subject:

brow, cloud, darkness, depression, eye, eyebrow, fog, gloom, hand, mist, mood, mouth, shoulder, spirit, win

Lift is used with these nouns as the object:

arm, bag, ban, barrier, beaker, binoculars, blockade, boycott, brow, burden, ceiling, censorship, chin, control, cover, cup, curfew, curse, dividend, dress, earnings, embargo, eye, eyebrow, eyelid, fist, flap, floorboard, foot, game, glass, gloom, hand, hatch, head, hip, immunity, injunction, leg, lid, martial law, mood, morale, moratorium, phone, prohibition, rate, receiver, restriction, sanction, siege, skirt, spirit, suitcase, tariff, threat, top, trophy, veil, weight

lift back

lift backphr verb

Lift back is used with these nouns as the object:

flap

lifted

liftedadj.

Lifted is used with these nouns:

eyebrow

lifting

liftingnoun

Lifting is used after these nouns:

weight

lift off

lift offphr verb

Lift off is used with these nouns as the subject:

rocket

Lift off is used with these nouns as the object:

top

lift up

lift upphr verb

Lift up is used with these nouns as the object:

flap, floorboard

ligament

ligamentnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + ligament | ligament + NOUNADJECTIVEankle, elbow, kneeVERB + ligamentinjure, pull, rupture, sprain, strain, tearrepairligament + NOUNdamage, injury, problem (esp. BrE), tearsurgery

light

lightnounverbadj.

I. noun1 brightness2 sth that produces light1 brightnessADJECTIVE | … OF LIGHT | VERB + light | light + VERB | light + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEclear, goodbright, brilliant, harsh, intense, strongblindingfullIn full light, you could see Alison was well over forty.bad, dim, faint, feeble, murky, poor, weaksubduedfailingWe could hardly see the ball in the failing light.gentle, pale, soft, waterymellow, warmcold, coolin the cold light of morningearly, morningartificialnaturalinfrared, ultraviolet, UVfilm that is sensitive to ultraviolet lightwhite, yellow, etc.visiblecandle (usually candlelight)… OF LIGHTbeam, rayburst, flash, gleam, glimmerThere was a flash of light followed by an explosion.patch, poolVERB + lighthaveDo you have enough light for reading?generate, producecast, emit, give, give out, provide, shed, shinelight emitted by a starabsorbreflectblock outbe bathed inbe sensitive tolight + VERBgleam, glow, shinecome, fall, pour, streamLight from a tall lamp fell in a pool on the desk.fill sth, flood sthreflectThe light reflecting off the snow was dazzling.grow stronger, increasefade, fail, thickenblind sb, dazzle sbWe were momentarily blinded by the light of the sun.catch sthYou could see the imperfections in the repair when the light caught it.illuminate sth, light sth, light sth uplight + NOUNlevelsourcebeamtherapyPREPOSITIONagainst the lightShe held up the letter against the light.by the light ofThey managed to see where the door was by the light of the moon.into the lightBring it into the light and we'll have a look at it.in the lightThe place looked calm in the golden evening light.light fromthe light from the kitchen windowPHRASES(the) light at the end of the tunnel (figurative)For the first time since the start of his treatment, we can now see light at the end of the tunnel.the light of day (figurative)Some of his paintings never even saw the light of day.(at) the speed of lightNothing can travel faster than the speed of light.a point of light, a source of lightThe lamp was the only source of light in the room.

2 sth that produces lightADJECTIVE | VERB + light | light + VERB | light + NOUNADJECTIVEbrightthe bright lights of the cityblinking, flashing, flickering, twinklingelectric, fluorescent, gas, halogen, low-energy, neon, strip, strobebedside, ceiling, outside, overhead, wallbathroom, landing, porch, etc.streetsecurity, warningA warning light goes on when the battery is running low.brake, fog, hazard, tailThe car was stopped at the side of the road with its hazard lights flashing.landingThe pilot could just make out the runway landing lights.discoVERB + lightflick on, flip on (AmE), put on, switch on, turn onhave onSome cars already had their lights on.keep on, leave onextinguish, flick off, flip off (AmE), put off, put out, shut off (AmE), switch off, turn off, turn outturn updim, turn downshineSomeone shone a light in my face.flashHe flashed his lights to warn the oncoming cars.light + VERBbe off, be oncome on, go onThe warning light came on.go off, go outdimfusegleam, glimmer, glow, shineflashThe blue light was flashing.blink, flickerThe light flickered a couple of times then went out.blind sb, dazzle sblight + NOUNswitchfitting (BrE), fixture (AmE) (see also light bulb)See also traffic light

II. verb1 make sth begin to burn2 (often be lit) give light to sth1 make sth begin to burnVERB + lightVERB + lightattempt to, try topause to, stop toShe paused to light another cigarette.

2 (often be lit) give light to sthADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBwella well-lit roombadly, barely, dimly, faintly, poorlya dimly lit streetbrightly, brilliantlysoftlybrieflyA gleam of pleasure briefly lit his face. (figurative)immediately, instantlyStacey's face immediately lit up.suddenlyupThere was an explosion and the whole sky lit up.PREPOSITIONbyThe room was dark now, lit only by a single candle.with (figurative)Her face lit up with pleasure.

Light is used with these nouns as the subject:

bulb, candle, fire, flame, flare, flash, glow, lamp, lantern, light, lightning, moon, torch

Light is used with these nouns as the object:

bonfire, candle, cigar, cigarette, fire, firework, flame, fuse, gas, incense, lamp, lantern, match, pipe, room, stove, torch

III. adj.1 not dark2 not weighing much3 not great in amount/degree1 not darkVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecome, get, grow, turnIt was starting to get light.As soon as it grew light, we got up and dressed.The sky turned light once more.remain, stayIt stays light for so long on these summer evenings.appearRemember that paint shades appear lighter in full sunlight.ADVERBveryAll our galleries are very light.almostIt was almost light outside.barelyIt was barely light yet.fairlyenoughIt was not light enough to see things clearly.still

2 not weighing muchVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, seembecome, getADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.reasonably, relativelyenoughThe tent is light enough for backpacking and touring.amazingly, remarkably, surprisinglystrangely, unusuallyThe bottle felt strangely light between my fingers.deliciouslya deliciously light alternative to cake

3 not great in amount/degreeVERBS | ADVERBVERBSberemainTrading volume remains light.ADVERBveryremarkablyThe punishment can be remarkably light.comparatively, fairly, quite, relativelyThe traffic is usually fairly light in the afternoons.

Light is used with these nouns:

aircraft, ale, armour, banter, batter, beam, beer, blonde, blouse, blow, boot, breakfast, breeze, brown, bulb, casualty, chuckle, clothing, cloud, coat, coating, colour, comedy, complexion, cotton, cruiser, dinner, doze, drinker, drizzle, duty, duvet, engineering, entertainment, exercise, fabric, fall, fare, fitting, fixture, footstep, fragrance, freckle, frost, grey, hair, heart, housework, industry, intensity, jacket, jog, jumper, kiss, knock, laugh, load, lunch, make-up, meal, meter, mist, music, oil, opera, pastry, penalty, penetration, period, plane, pollution, pressure, purple, rail, rain, ray, reading, red, reflection, refreshment, relief, saturation, scratch, sentence, shade, shading, shawl, shoe, shopping, shove, show, shower, signal, skin, slap, sleep, smack, smoker, snack, snow, snowfall, socket, soil, source, spray, steering, step, suitcase, supper, sweat, sweater, switch, tan, tap, texture, tint, tone, touch, traffic, trance, transmission, tread, truck, verse, voice, wave, weapon, weight, wind, wine, wood, work, workout, year

light bulb

light bulbnoun

noun See bulb

lighted

lightedadj.

Lighted is used with these nouns:

candle, cigarette, marquee, match, trail

lighten

lightenverb

Lighten is used with these nouns as the subject:

mood, sky

Lighten is used with these nouns as the object:

atmosphere, burden, load, mood, tone, workload

lighter

lighternounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + lighterADJECTIVEcigarettebutane, gas, petrol (BrE)gold, silverdisposableVERB + lighterflickHe flicked his lighter but it didn't catch.pull outShe pulled out a small silver lighter from her bag.

II. adj.

Lighter is used with these nouns:

note, side, workload

light-haired

light-hairedadj.

Light-haired is used with these nouns:

light-headed

light-headedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feelbecomemake sbThe wine had made him a little light-headed.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.a little, slightly, etc.curiouslyShe felt curiously light-headed.

light-hearted

light-heartedadj.

Light-hearted is used with these nouns:

banter, look, manner

lighting

lightingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF LIGHTING | VERB + lighting | lighting + NOUNADJECTIVEbright, good, harsh, strongbad, low, poordim, soft, subdued, subtleambient, moodythe moody lighting and chilled-out atmosphere of the bardramatic, theatricaldramatic lighting effectscoloured/coloredColoured/Colored lighting has been employed to create an exciting atmosphere.adequate, properartificial, naturalelectric, fluorescent, gas, incandescent (AmE)streetexterior, outdoorexterior lighting and alarm systemsindoor, interiorstageemergencyThe generator supplies emergency lighting.backgroundconcealed (esp. BrE), indirect, overhead, recessed (esp. AmE), track (esp. AmE)The showroom has a slate floor and track lighting.security… OF LIGHTINGlevelVERB + lightinghaveThe kitchen has adequate lighting.useNo special lighting was used when making the video.provideThe only lighting was provided by panels on the floor.installadjust, controlPatients can adjust the lighting using a dimmer.a touch pad to control the lightinglighting + NOUNlevelarrangement, scheme, systema typical lighting scheme for a houseeffectsdesigner, engineerfixture (esp. AmE)

lightly

lightlyadv.

Lightly is used with these adjectives:

armed, armoured, clothed, loaded, scented, spicy, tanned, wooded

Lightly is used with these verbs:

beat, brush, butter, caress, chuckle, clasp, coat, cough, defend, dip, dismiss, doze, drop, fry, grease, grip, jog, kiss, knead, knock, land, laugh, lean, massage, moan, pat, patter, pinch, place, press, punch, push, rain, rap, regulate, remark, reply, rest, rub, say, scold, scratch, season, shade, shake, shrug, skip, slap, sleep, smoke, snore, snow, spread, sprinkle, squeeze, step, stroke, sway, tap, tax, tease, toast, toss, touch, trace, tread, trip, tug, whip

lightning

lightningnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | … OF LIGHTNING | lightning + VERB | lightning + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEball, forked, sheetForked lightning flickered across the sky.heat (esp. AmE)greased (figurative)He jumped out of the car like greased lightning (= very fast).… OF LIGHTNINGbolt, flash, streakA bolt of lightning struck the roof of the building.lightning + VERBflashLightning flashed outside.illuminate sth, light sth, light sth upLightning lit up the night sky.hit sb/sth, strike sb/sthLightning hit the tree.He was struck by lightning.lightning + NOUNbolt, flashstormconductor (BrE), rod (AmE)strike (AmE)Lightning strikes caused scores of fires across the state.PHRASESthunder and lightning

II. adj.

Lightning is used with these nouns:

pace, reaction, reflex, sketch, speed, strike

light up

light upphr verb

Light up is used with these nouns as the subject:

beam, eye, face, firework, flame, flare, flash, light, lightning, moon, smile, switchboard

Light up is used with these nouns as the object:

sky

light water

light waternoun

Light water is used before these nouns:

lightweight

lightweightadj.

Lightweight is used with these nouns:

boot, boxing, division, duvet, fabric, jacket

likeverb

verbADVERB | VERB + like | PHRASESADVERBenormously (esp. BrE), especially, genuinely, a lot, particularly, really, truly, very muchI liked him enormously and was sorry when he left.I really like that restaurant.best, betterWhich story do you like best?quite, rather (esp. BrE)always, never, stillI have always liked Sue and I don't intend to stop now.instantlyEveryone he met instantly liked him and wanted to be friends.personallyI personally liked this song a lot.secretlyShe guessed that he secretly liked wearing skirts.VERB + likeappear to, seem tobegin to, start tocome to, get to, grow toI hope you will get to like our town.learn toI'm learning to like spinach.want toI wanted to like the movie because of its message.try toI tried to like her because it would be for the best.pretend toHe pretended to like her for Tony's sake.PHRASESbe universally likeda man who was universally likedbe well likedHe works hard and is well liked by his colleagues.

Like is used with these nouns as the object:

dance, feeling, film, food, job, joke, laugh, look, music, taste

likeable

likeableadj.

(esp. BrE) (also likable AmE, BrE) adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.genuinely, immensely, mostimmediately, instantlyHe had a certain rakish air that made him immediately likeable.

Likeable is used with these nouns:

Likely is used with these nouns:

likelihood

likelihoodnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + likelihood | likelihood + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEevery (esp. BrE)There's every likelihood that she'll be able to help us.greater, increasedhigh, real, strong, substantialdecreased, lower, reducedlittleWithout a guide, there seemed little likelihood of reaching our goal.VERB + likelihooddecrease, diminish (esp. AmE), lessen (esp. AmE), minimize, reduceTaking regular exercise reduces the likelihood of a heart attack.enhance (esp. AmE), improve, increase, maximize, raiseaffect, determine, influenceThis shouldn't affect the likelihood of you getting the job.assess, calculate, estimate, evaluate, predictStaff have to calculate continuously the likelihood of danger.likelihood + VERBgrowdiminishPREPOSITIONlikelihood for (esp. AmE)skills that will improve their likelihood for success in collegelikelihood ofIs their any likelihood of our getting our money back?PHRASESin all likelihoodIn all likelihood, he'll be fit to play on Saturday.

likely

likelyadj.adv.

I. adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSappear, be, look, seem, soundbecomemake stha development they believed would make nuclear war more likelyconsider sth, deem sth, think sthThe doctors didn't think it likely that she would ever heal completely.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.This match was never likely to be a classic.It seems very likely that he will be forced to resign.entirely, especially, highly, overwhelmingly, particularlyIt is entirely likely that the company will make another offer.It is highly likely that the factory will have to close.increasinglyJuries became increasingly likely to acquit.hardlyThey're hardly likely to get home before ten.reasonablyequallydisproportionatelyAre black defendants disproportionately likely to be wrongfully convicted?everthe best deal they are ever likely to get

candidate, cause, consequence, contender, cost, culprit, demand, duration, effect, explanation, fate, impact, outcome, possibility, replacement, return, scenario, source, successor, suspect, target, victor, voter, winner

II. adv.

Likely is used with these verbs:

like-minded

like-mindedadj.

Like-minded is used with these nouns:

individual

likeness

likenessnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + likeness | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEstrongThe children all share a strong family likeness.exactThat is an exact likeness to the man I saw.goodremarkable, uncannysuperficialThere's a superficial likeness, but they're really very different.physicalfamilyVERB + likenessseebearShe bears a remarkable likeness to her aunt.capturea quick caricature that captured her likenesscreate, draw, paintShe paid an artist to create his likeness.PREPOSITIONlikeness betweenI can't see any likeness between her children.likeness of, likeness toThat's a good likeness of my grandfather.

liking

likingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + liking | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgreatparticular, special, strongBrian had taken a strong liking to him.immediate, instantI took an instant liking to her.VERB + likinghaveThey have little liking for each other.develop, takesharePREPOSITIONfor sb's likingThe weather's too hot for my liking.to sb's likingThe food wasn't really to my liking.liking forWe share a liking for Italian cooking.

lily

lilynoun

Lily is used before these nouns:

pond

limb

limbnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + limb | limb + NOUNADJECTIVElongshortslender, thinflailingTwo arms reached around her flailing limbs.powerful, strongbare, nakedbroken, injuredsorestiffI eased my stiff limbs into the hot bath.tired, weary (esp. BrE)amputated, severedmissingThe missing limb did not lessen the quality of the cat's life.artificial, prostheticphantomsensations felt in phantom limbs after amputationlower, upperhindThe animal is able to stand up on its hind limbs.VERB + limbamputate, severlosepeople who have lost limbs in battlestretchI stretched my limbs lazily as I sat up.limb + NOUNdevelopment, growthamputation

lime

limenounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | … OF LIME | VERB + lime | lime + NOUNADJECTIVEfresh… OF LIMEslice, wedgeServe the dish garnished with wedges of lime.VERB + limesqueezeslicegarnish sth withlime + NOUNtreejuice

II. adj.

Lime is used with these nouns:

limelight

limelightnoun

nounVERB + limelight | PREPOSITIONVERB + limelightgrab, hog, stealShe accused her co-star of trying to hog the limelight.enjoyseekHe was never a man to seek the limelight.avoid, shunsharePREPOSITIONinto the limelightan ordinary person who was suddenly thrust into the limelightin the limelightShe likes being in the limelight.out of the limelightThe band started touring again after two years out of the limelight.

limestone

limestonenoun

Limestone is used before these nouns:

cave, cliff, hill

limit

limitnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + limit | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEouternorthern, southern, etc.three-mile, etc.city, town (both esp. AmE)a few miles outside of the city limitsannual, daily, etc.Four cups of coffee is my daily limit.term (esp. AmE)term limits for members of Congresslifetimea lifetime limit of five years for welfare supportabsolute, extreme, ultimateI can offer you $50 but that's my absolute limit.The vessel is operating at the extreme limits of the acceptable ranges.higher, maximum, upperlower, minimumsevere, strict, stringent, tightThe application must be made within a strict time limit.narrowWe are forced to operate within relatively narrow limits.arbitrarythe EU's arbitrary limits on fiscal policyfinitethe idea that the planet has finite limitsage, height, size, speed, temperature, time, weightThere's a weight limit on the bridge.physicalpracticalThere's a practical limit to how small a portable computer can be.inherentthe inherent limits of the hardwaresafe, safetyThe temperature is within safe operating limits.exposurethe exposure limits to this group of chemicalsemissionThe same emission limits apply to all engines.budget, contribution (esp. AmE), credit, financial (esp. BrE), income, overdraft (BrE), spendingthe IRS contribution limitsI don't want to go over my overdraft limit.constitutional, legal, prescribed, statutoryacceptable, allowable, appropriate, permissible, reasonable, recommendedclear, specificEstablish clear limits, but keep rules to a minimum.established, fixed, set, specifiedMost credit card issuers have set limits on how low rates can go.posted (AmE)The posted speed limit is 35 mph.normalThe engine was still reading well above normal limits.theoreticalthe theoretical limits of human knowledgeVERB + limithaveThe new law has its limits.approach, near, reachThe industry was approaching the limits of expansion.crossdefine, determinethe narrow limits defined by the emperorexploreShe wants Zack to be free to explore his limits, experiment and try new things.establish, impose, place, put, setThe government has set a limit on spending on the arts.enforceThere's a strict time limit enforced by a penalty.respectWe want to respect the limits that our elders have imposed on us.accept, acknowledge, recognizeThey recognize the limits of their conventional strategies.expand, extend, increase, raisebreakShe must have broken every speed limit in Los Angeles getting here.challenge, push, stretch, testTheir designers have pushed the limits of technology in order to create something new.lower, reduceThis led them to reduce the upper age limit from age 65 to age 59.exceedYou were exceeding the speed limit.overcome, transcendoverstep, violatepush sb toShe pushed me to the limit of my abilities.PREPOSITIONabove a/the limitThe level of radioactivity in the soil was found to be above recommended limits.at a/the limitI was almost at the limits of my patience.below a/the limitThe price fell below the lower limit.The trees are found only below a limit of 1 500 feet.beyond a/the limitHeat levels rose beyond the recommended limits.Fishing beyond the twelve-mile limit is not permitted.off limitsThe building is off limits to the public.She explained it was her room and it was off limits.on a/the limitislands on the outer limit of the continentoutside a/the limitslonely stretch of highway outside the city limitsover a/the limitHe'd been drinking and was well over the legal limit.up to a/the limitYou can buy cigarettes up to a limit of 200 per person.within a/the limitThey did well within the limits of their knowledge.There was no school within a limit of ten miles.within limitsThe children can do what they like, within limits.without limitBanks may import currency without limit.limit onThere's a limit on the number of tickets you can buy.limit toThere's a limit to what we can do to help.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + limit | PREPOSITIONADVERBdrastically, greatly, seriously, severely, sharply, significantly, strictly, substantiallyeffectivelyThese regulations effectively limit our available strategic choices.VERB + limitattempt to, seek to, take steps to, try to, work toThey are working to limit oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.be designed toThe change in the law was designed to limit the scope for corruption.agree toserve to, tend toRigid job descriptions can serve to limit productivity.refuse toAs a scientist I refuse to limit myself to these barriers.PREPOSITIONtoThe teaching of history should not be limited to dates and figures.

Limit is used with these nouns as the subject:

law, regulation, restriction, rule

Limit is used with these nouns as the object:

ability, access, ambition, amount, availability, choice, competition, damage, drinking, duration, effect, effectiveness, emission, exercise, expansion, expenditure, export, exposure, extent, freedom, growth, horizon, immigration, import, influence, intake, liability, membership, mobility, movement, number, option, participation, pollution, power, range, reach, right, risk, scope, size, spread, supply, use, usefulness, utility

limitation

limitationnoun

noun1 limiting of sth2 limitations sth that sb cannot do1 limiting of sthADJECTIVE | VERB + limitation | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfundamental, important, major, serious, severe, significant, strictdamage (esp. BrE)an exercise in damage limitationarmstalks on arms limitationbudget, budgetary, financial, payment, resource (esp. AmE)distance, spaceBecause of space limitations, I can only discuss the first and second points here.self-imposedThis is a deliberate self-imposed limitation.potentialanother potential limitation of the studyVERB + limitationimpose, place, put onWe've put some limitations on who and where they can purchase these.removeaccepta limitation of your personal freedomPREPOSITIONlimitation onlimitations on one's freedom of actionlimitation toThere should be no limitations to progress in the talks.

2 limitations sth that sb cannot doADJECTIVE | VERB + LIMITATIONS | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfundamental, important, major, serious, severe, significant, strictinherent, intrinsic, naturalOur rational thinking has natural limitations.humanhuman potential and human limitationsobviousthe obvious limitations of the technologycomputational, design, physical, practical, technical, technologicalmethodologicalthe methodological limitations of his researchVERB + LIMITATIONShaveShe has serious limitations as a mother.circumvent, exceed, overcome, transcendAt times his technique seems to transcend the limitations of the piano.acknowledge, know, realize, recognize, understandPlease don't ask me to sing—I know my limitations!expose, highlight, point out, reflect, reveal, showThe team's technical limitations were exposed by the Italians.demonstrate, illustrateOur findings illustrate the limitations of this treatment.identifySeveral limitations were identified in this study.acceptYou just have to accept your limitations.addressFurther research should address these limitations.faceWe face considerable limitations on our capacity to assess and analyze this.PREPOSITIONdespite sb's/sth's limitationIt's a useful book despite its limitations.

limited

limitedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, seembecomeremainkeep sthShe kept the plans carefully limited to a circle of a few trusted friends.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.decidedly, distinctly, highly, seriously, severely, sharply, strictlyPlaces are strictly limited, so you should apply as soon as possible.increasinglya little, slightly, etc.comparatively, relativelyapparentlyinevitably, necessarilyinherentlyThis research is inherently limited in its scope.admittedlythe books in this admittedly limited samplegeographically, sociallyThe role that women could play was socially limited.PREPOSITIONinWe're really limited in what we can do these days.toThe number of passengers is limited to fifteen.

Limited is used with these nouns:

ability, access, aim, amount, appeal, assistance, autonomy, availability, budget, capability, capacity, choice, circulation, company, concession, confines, coverage, data, demand, duration, edition, effectiveness, evidence, exception, experience, expertise, exposure, facility, fashion, franchise, fund, funding, grasp, horizon, imagination, impact, importance, information, intellect, intelligence, intervention, jurisdiction, knowledge, means, menu, mobility, nature, number, objective, opportunity, option, participation, partner, partnership, period, pool, power, proficiency, progress, prospect, purpose, quantity, range, recourse, recovery, registration, relevance, repertoire, resource, role, scope, selection, sense, service, significance, size, sovereignty, space, success, supply, support, time, understanding, use, usefulness, utility, value, visibility, vocabulary, war, warranty

limiting

limitingadj.

Limiting is used with these nouns:

limitless

limitlessadj.

Limitless is used with these nouns:

energy, expanse, potential, supply

limit to

limit tophr verb

Limit to is used with these nouns as the subject:

Limit to is used with these nouns as the object:

maximum

limo

limonoun

Limo is used before these nouns:

driver

limousine

limousinenoun

(also informal limo) nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEbig, longblack, whitegleamingstretchchauffeur-driven (esp. BrE), chauffeured (esp. AmE)waitingThey walked back to the waiting limousine.airport (esp. AmE)presidential

limp

limpnounverbadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + limpADJECTIVEnoticeable, pronouncedslightVERB + limphave, walk withgive sb, leave sb withThe accident had left him with a slight limp.

II. verbADVERBADVERBbadlyHe had hurt his leg and was limping badly.a little, slightly, etc.along, away, back, off, outHe limped away from his car.slowlyShe limped slowly to the door.

III. adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, fall, feel, hang, lie, lookHis arm hung limp at his side.Her hair looked limp and lifeless.become, go, growHer body suddenly went limp.ADVERBverycompletelyrather

Limp is used with these nouns:

body, finger, hand, handshake, lettuce, wrist

limpet

limpetnoun

Limpet is used before these nouns:

mine

limpid

limpidadj.

Limpid is used with these nouns:

limply

limplyadv.

Limply is used with these verbs:

drop, fall, hang, lie, sag

line

linenounverb

I. noun1 long thin mark on the surface of sth2 row of people, things, words on a page, etc.3 (AmE) people, etc. waiting to do sth4 telephone, electricity, gas, etc.5 transport/transportation6 (usually lines) words spoken by an actor in a play7 on the skin8 way of doing or thinking about sth9 place where an army is fighting1 long thin mark on the surface of sthADJECTIVE | VERB + line | line + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElongshortthickfine, thinfainta faint white linedirect, straightcurved, jagged, wavy, zigzagdiagonal, horizontal, parallel, perpendicular, verticalcontinuous, solid, unbrokenbroken, dashed (AmE), dottedSign on the dotted line.finish (AmE), finishing (BrE), starting (all sports)free-throw (AmE), goal (both sports)The ball bounced off the crossbar and fell behind the goal line.contourboundary, state (AmE)the boundary line between two countriesHis family lived across the state line in West Virginia.centre/centerShe crossed the centre/center line and hit an oncoming truck.VERB + linedraw, markline + VERBrundivide sth, separate sthconnect sthThe pencil line connects one box to another.correspond to sth, denote sth, depict sth, indicate sth, mark sth, represent sth, show sthHorizontal lines indicate the time spent executing the program.PREPOSITIONin a lineWalk in a straight line.PHRASESa line of latitude, a line of longitude

2 row of people, things, words on a page, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + line | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElong, shortnewcontinuousVERB + lineformPREPOSITIONin a/the lineThe soldiers stood in a line.on a/the lineStart each paragraph on a new line.

3 (AmE) people, etc. waiting to do sthSee also queueADJECTIVE | VERB + line | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElong, shortcheckout, lunchsupermarket checkout linesThe lunch line was long as usual.VERB + lineformPREPOSITIONin lineYou'll have to wait in line like everybody else.

4 telephone, electricity, gas, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + line | line + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdirect, trunkpower, transmission, utility (AmE)sewer (AmE)fuel, gas (both AmE)There were two fuel lines coming into the engine.phone, telephoneDSLfaxoutside, party, privateWhat do I dial for an outside line?VERB + lineholdHold the line (= Don't put the receiver down), please.line + VERBbe busy (AmE), be engaged (BrE)be dead, go deadPREPOSITIONdown the lineHe kept shouting down the line at me.on the lineIt's your mother on the line (= on the telephone).on line (usually online) (= connected to a computer system)

5 transport/transportationADJECTIVE | VERB + line | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVErail (AmE), railway (BrE), trainsubway (AmE), underground (esp. BrE)mainbranch (esp. BrE), commuter, trunkThe branch line is threatened with closure.VERB + linetakeTake the green line and change at the first stop.PREPOSITIONon a/the lineWe live on the Northern Line. (BrE)PHRASESthe end of the line

6 (usually lines) words spoken by an actor in a playVERB + LINESVERB + LINESlearn, practise/practicerecite, sayforgetflub (AmE), fluff (esp. BrE), mess up (esp. AmE)miss

7 on the skinADJECTIVE | VERB + line | line + VERBADJECTIVEworrydeepDeep lines ran from her nose to her mouth.faintI saw the faint lines of concern etched into his brow.VERB + linehaveHe has lines on his forehead.line + VERBrunappearDeep worry lines had appeared on her forehead.

8 way of doing or thinking about sthADJECTIVE | VERB + line | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbroadThe broad lines of company policy are already laid down.firm, hard, strong, toughofficial, party, politicalVERB + lineadopt, follow, pursue, takefall intoThe actions of investors do not always fall into line with financial theory.bring sb/sth intoThe other members of the board must be brought into line.PREPOSITIONin line with (= in agreement with), out of line with (= not in agreement with)out of line with party policiesline onthe official line on food safetyPHRASESa line of argument, a line of reasoningThere's a problem with this line of reasoning.a line of attackOur approach involves two main lines of attack.a line of enquiry/inquiry, a line of investigation, a line of questioninga line of thoughtThis line of thought perturbs me.a line of evidence (esp. AmE)multiple lines of evidence all leading to the same conclusion

9 place where an army is fightingADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEbattle, defensive, firing, front, offensive (AmE)The middle managers were in the firing line of job cuts. (figurative)PHRASESbehind enemy linesin the front line, on the front lineline of defence/defenseWe know that intelligence is our first line of defence/defense against terrorism.

II. verb

Line is used with these nouns as the subject:

shelf, spectator, tree

Line is used with these nouns as the object:

bottom, corridor, driveway, edge, hallway, pocket, road, shelf, shore, sidewalk, street, wall

lineal

linealadj.

Lineal is used with these nouns:

descendant, descent

linear

linearadj.

Linear is used with these nouns:

fashion, narrative, progression, relationship

linearly

linearlyadv.

Linearly is used with these adjectives:

lined

linedadj.

adj.1 of skin2 of clothes, etc.1 of skinVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBdeeply, heavilyHer deeply lined face was creased into a smile.

2 of clothes, etc.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeADVERBfullyThe coat is fully lined.PREPOSITIONwithThe case was lined with black velvet.

Lined is used with these nouns:

face, paper

line-item

line-itemadj.

Line-item is used with these nouns:

veto

linen

linennoun

noun1 fabric2 sheets, tablecloths, underwear, etc.1 fabricADJECTIVE | VERB + linenADJECTIVEfine, purea fine linen shirtcoarsesoftembroideredplainVERB + linenweave (sth from)

2 sheets, tablecloths, underwear, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + linen | linen + NOUNADJECTIVEclean, freshdirty, soiledcrisp, starchedbed, tablehouseholdVERB + linenchangeWe change the bed linen once a week.washlinen + NOUNbasket (BrE), closet (AmE), cupboard (BrE)

liner

linernoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEluxuryocean, ocean-going (esp. BrE), transatlanticcruise, passengera job aboard a luxury cruise liner

line up

line upphr verb

Line up is used with these nouns as the subject:

line-up

line-upnoun

Line-up is used after these nouns:

line with

line withphr verb

Line with is used with these nouns as the object:

pastry, polythene

linger

lingerverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBlongstillforeverIt will linger forever in the minds of many people.onThe feelings of hurt and resentment lingered on for years.PREPOSITIONonHer eyes lingered on the stranger's face.overThey stayed in the restaurant, lingering over coffee.

Linger is used with these nouns as the subject:

aroma, camera, gaze, scent, silence, suspicion, word

lingering

lingeringadj.

Lingering is used with these nouns:

bitterness, death, doubt, guilt, hope, illness, injury, kiss, memory, resentment, scent, smell, suspicion, uncertainty

lingeringly

lingeringlyadv.

Lingeringly is used with these verbs:

kiss

linger on

linger onphr verb

Linger on is used with these nouns as the subject:

camera, eye

linguistic linguistically

linguisticallyadv.

Linguistically is used with these adjectives:

diverse

linguistics

linguisticsnoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEcontemporary, modernapplied, theoreticalcognitive, computational, contrastive, descriptive, generative, historical, structural

lining

liningnoun

Lining is used after these nouns:

pocket, stomach

link

linknounverb

I. noun1 connection2 electrical connection3 to a web page1 connectionADJECTIVE | VERB + link | link + VERB | link + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEclose, tightinextricable, strongtenuous, weakclear, definite, obviouspossible, potentialScientists have established possible links between cancer and diet.allegedher alleged links to a violent separatist group.critical, crucial, essential, important, key, significant, vitalSocial workers provide a vital link between hospital and community.commonThe common link between the three artists is their age.formal, informaldirect, indirecthistorical, long-standing (esp. BrE)connectingcausalThe report failed to prove a causal link between violence on screen and in real life.conceptualThis provided a key conceptual link with earlier theory.symbolicmissingthe missing link in the search for the causes of cancertangiblea tangible link with the pastpsychic, telepathicThey share a telepathic link.business (esp. BrE), commercial, communication, cultural, diplomatic (esp. BrE) (usually diplomatic ties in BrE and AmE), economic, financial, military, political, professional, sporting (esp. BrE), trade (esp. BrE), etc.family, geneticair (esp. BrE), rail, railway (BrE), road (esp. BrE), transport (BrE), transportation (AmE)VERB + linkhavebuild, create, develop, establish, forge, form, foster (esp. BrE), makeThe college is anxious to build links with local industries.providemaintain, preservestrengthendemonstrate, highlight, showresearch demonstrating the links between teaching standards and student performancediscover, find, identify, reveal, uncoverNo links have been found between the two cases.examine, explore, investigateHer work explores the links between violence and gender relations.indicate, suggestThe study suggests a strong link between workplace culture and a business's financial performance.proveStudies haven't proven a link between sugar and hyperactivity.recognizedenyThe author denies the link between capitalism and fascism.weakenbreak, cut, severShe has severed her last links with her family.link + VERBconnect sthexistA strong link exists between music and the visual arts.link + NOUNroad (BrE)PREPOSITIONlink acrosstrade links across the borderlink betweenThe statistics show a clear link between social class and crime.link inThe sales manager is regarded as the weakest link in the chain.link into (esp. AmE)ER & C has strong links into our company and into the industry.link toThere is no link to an increase in cases of the disease.link withthe city's traditional link with opera

2 electrical connectionADJECTIVE | VERB + link | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEaudio, videoradio, satellite, telephoneInternet, networkmodem, wirelessfast, high-speeddata, digital, emailVERB + linkhaveestablishloseprovidePREPOSITIONvia a/the linka race transmitted via a satellite linklink toThe driver has a radio link to base.link viaWe're trying to establish a link via satellite.

3 to a web pageADJECTIVE | VERB + link | link + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEembedded, hypertext, Internet, navigation, text, Web, websitebad, brokenOne of the most important indicators of a high-quality site is absence of broken links.related, relevant, usefulYou'll find some useful links on the first couple of pages.VERB + linkhaveThe page has links to relevant websites.add, build, createclick, click onfollowpost, sendI'll send you the link by email.check, updateThe program checks links to all pages on this and external sites.removefixlink + VERBlead to sth, point to sthworkPREPOSITIONlink toa link to my website

II. verb (often be linked)ADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBclosely, intimatelyfirmly, strongly, tightlyindirectly, looselydirectly, explicitly, specificallyDiseases that can be directly linked to pollution.indissolubly (formal), inextricably, inseparably, integrallyPoverty and crime are inextricably linked.clearly, obviouslynecessarilyintrinsicallyintricatelyThe problems of the economy are intricately linked to other social issues.causallyconsistentlyUnemployment is consistently linked with a variety of negative health effects.physicallygenetically, historically, thematicallydiseases that might be genetically linkedThe stories are linked thematically by a number of recurring images.electronicallyThey started electronically linking these systems via high-speed networks.romanticallyShe has never been romantically linked with anyone.in some way, somehowI could not help feeling that these factors were somehow linked.foreverChristmas will be forever linked to memories of Sam's death.together, upThe two spacecraft will link up in orbit.PREPOSITIONintoThe computers are linked into a network.toScientists have linked the illness to the use of pesticides.withthe road that links Cairo with Alexandria

Link is used with these nouns as the subject:

bond, bridge, corridor, evidence, footpath, pipeline, route, speculation, thread

Link is used with these nouns as the object:

arm, computer, murder

linked

linkedadj.

Linked is used with these nouns:

page, site

linking

linkingadj.

Linking is used with these nouns:

link to

link tophr verb

Link to is used with these nouns as the subject:

research, site, website

Link to is used with these nouns as the object:

website

link with

link withphr verb

Link with is used with these nouns as the subject:

report, research

linoleum

linoleumnoun

Linoleum is used before these nouns:

floor, tile

linseed

linseednoun

Linseed is used before these nouns:

lion

lionnoun

noun… OF LIONS | lion + VERB | lion + NOUN… OF LIONSpridelion + VERBgrowl, roarattack sb, maul sbcatch sth, chase sth, hunt sth, stalk sthkill sb/stheat sb/sthprowl, roamlion + NOUNcubtamerhuntYoung Maasai men gather for traditional lion hunts.

lip

lipnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + lip | lip + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEtop, upperbottom, lowerchapped, cracked, dry, parchedShe licked her parched lips.moistfleshy, full, thickthinkissable, luscious, poutyShe has full, pouty lips.fat (= swollen)She had a fat lip and a black eye.splitHe has a split lip and his eye is swelling.cleftbabies born with a cleft lipVERB + lipbite, chewHe bit his lip nervously, trying not to cry.press together, purseShe pursed her lips in disapproval.partHe parted his lips to say something.pout, puckercurlDan curled his lip in disgust.lick, smackHe licked his lips hungrily.moisten, wetHe nervously moistened his lips with his tongue.wipeShe wiped her lips with the back of her hand.kissShe smiled and then kissed his lips.lip + VERBmove, partHer lips parted with a cry of fear.meetTheir lips met and the kiss was soft.quiver, tremblequirk (AmE), twitchHe raised his eyebrow, and his lips quirked.Renée's lips twitched with amusement.curl, curveHis lips curled contemptuously.His lips curved into a smile.poutThe firm lips pouted in a sulk.purse, tightenHer lips pursed in amusement.protrudebrush sth, graze sthHis lips brushed her cheek.PREPOSITIONaround your lip, round your lip (esp. BrE)He ran his tongue around his lips.between your lipa cigarette between his lipson your lipThere was a smile on her lips.

lipless

liplessadj.

Lipless is used with these nouns:

Liquid is used with these nouns:

lipstick

lipsticknoun

noun… OF LIPSTICK | VERB + lipstick | lipstick + VERB… OF LIPSTICKdabShe put on a quick dab of lipstick and rushed out.VERB + lipstickhave on, wearapply, put onreapply, touch upShe touched up her lipstick in the mirror.remove, take off, wipe offsmear, smudgelipstick + VERBsmear, smudgeHer lipstick had smudged and she looked terrible.

liquid

liquidnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | … OF LIQUID | VERB + liquid | liquid + VERBADJECTIVEthick, viscousthinclearcolourless/colorlesscloudyflammablevolatile… OF LIQUIDdrop, pool, puddlebottle, cup, glassVERB + liquidempty, pourEmpty the liquid into a large bowl.spilldrain, drain off (esp. BrE), strain, strain off (esp. BrE)Drain (off) the liquid from the meat into a cup.discardStrain the fruit through a sieve, discarding the liquid.reserveDrain the octopus and reserve the cooking liquid.bring to the boilreduceReduce the liquid by boiling for two minutes.absorb, soak updrink, sip, swallowliquid + VERBdrip, flow, ooze, pour, seep, trickleThe cold liquid trickled down her face.

II. adj.

asset, explosive, eye, fertilizer, form, fuel, lunch, manure, metal, oxygen, refreshment, rock, soap, waste

liquidate

liquidateverb

Liquidate is used with these nouns as the object:

inventory

liquidation

liquidationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + liquidation | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcompulsory (BrE), forced (AmE), voluntaryVERB + liquidationbe forced into, be placed in (BrE), be put into (BrE), go into (esp. BrE)The company may be forced into liquidation.PREPOSITIONin liquidationa company in liquidation

liquidity

liquiditynoun

Liquidity is used before these nouns:

crisis, trap

liquor

liquornoun

noun (esp. AmE)ADJECTIVE | VERB + liquor | liquor + NOUNADJECTIVEalcoholic (BrE), hard, intoxicating (BrE), strongI don't drink hard liquor any more.It is an offence to sell intoxicating liquor to anyone under the age of 18.corn, malt (both AmE)VERB + liquorconsume, drinkpour (AmE)sell, servehandle, hold (= drink without getting drunk) (both AmE)He can't hold his liquor.liquor + NOUNbottle (AmE)cabinet (AmE)company, distributor, merchant, store, wholesaler (all AmE)laws, license (AmE)

list

listnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + list | list + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElong, shortcomplete, comprehensive, detailed, exhaustive, extensive, fullWe are compiling a full list of all local businesses.endlessthe endless list of excuses of why he could never make his appointmentsimpressiveThe show always featured an impressive list of guest stars.alphabeticalwaitingWe're on the waiting list for membership of the golf club.membershipthe membership list of the Sierra Clubgrocery (AmE), shoppingwinea restaurant with excellent food and an outstanding wine listmailingreadingFor further information, see the reading list at the end of the chapter.best-sellerIt was on the New York Times best-seller list for 25 weeks.prioritytask (AmE), to-doIt's high on her to-do list.wishI created a wish list of what I wanted in a new job.guestcastThe play has an impressive cast list.VERB + listassemble, compile, create, draw up, make, put togetherupdatenarrow (esp. BrE), narrow downThey have narrowed their list of suspects to six.publish, releasepostThe restaurant is required to post a list of all the prices.put sth onDid you put bread on the shopping list?joinHis name will likely join the list of other boardroom casualties.scanHer teacher scanned the list of students' names.head, topJob troubles top the list of stress factors for Americans today.list + VERBcomprise sth, consist of sth, contain sth, include stha list comprising all the paintings in the gallerygrowBy July the list had grown to approximately 350 contributors.continue, go onInadequate space, lack of privacy, unpleasant lighting … the list goes on.PREPOSITIONin a/the listNames of past members are not included in the list.on a/the listI can't see your name on the list.list forWe acquired a waiting list for works by these artists.list ofa list of 200 namesPHRASESthe bottom of a list, the top of a listVariety is near the top of many people's list of job requirements.high on a listSafety is high on our list of priorities.a list of prioritiesGoing to the bank is top of my list of priorities today.

II. verb

List is used with these nouns as the subject:

census, chart, document, index, inventory, magazine, menu, page, report

List is used with these nouns as the object:

ingredient, name, reason

listed

listedadj.

Listed is used with these nouns:

building

listen

listenverb

verbADVERB | VERB + listen | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBactively, attentively, carefully, closely, hard, intentlyNow, listen very carefully to what she says.half-heartedly, idly, passivelyHe listened idly to the radio chatter.halfLucy was only half listening to their conversation.barely, hardlyHe was hardly listening, for he had too much on his mind.calmly, patientlypolitely, respectfullyThe others listened respectfully to her words.sympatheticallyWe listened politely to his stories.avidly, eagerly, raptly, with interestThe guests were listening with great interest.in silence, quietly, silentlyThey listened to the announcement in silence.anxiouslyin aweVERB + listenwill, wouldNobody will listen to me!I tried to warn her, but she wouldn't listen.not bother toI didn't even bother to listen to his reply.need to, shouldYou need to listen to me!be prepared to, be willing torefuse toHe refused to listen to her explanation.PREPOSITIONforWe listened anxiously for the sound of footsteps.toI was listening to the radio.PHRASESlisten with one ear (AmE)I listened with one ear to the conversation at the next table.

Listen is used with these nouns as the subject:

listener

listenernoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEattentive, good, great, sympatheticavid, eagercasualmusic, radioPREPOSITIONlistener oflisteners of classical musiclistener toHe was an avid listener to the radio.

listen for

listen forphr verb

Listen for is used with these nouns as the object:

echo, footstep, sound

listening

listeningnounadj.

I. noun

Listening is used before these nouns:

comprehension, exercise, experience, skill, test

II. adj.

Listening is used with these nouns:

audience, ear

listen to

listen tophr verb

Listen to is used with these nouns as the object:

advice, argument, CD, commentary, conversation, counsel, disc, echo, footstep, gossip, grievance, jazz, lecture, music, news, noise, offer, pop, preacher, programme, radio, reason, recital, record, recording, song, sound, soundtrack, station, talk, tape, track, voice

listing

listingnoun

Listings is used before these nouns:

Listings is used after these nouns:

job, track

lit

litadj.

Lit is used with these nouns:

candle, cigar, cigarette, match

liter

liternoun

(AmE) (BrE litre) noun

literacy

literacynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + literacy | literacy + NOUNADJECTIVEbasicAll the children are tested in basic literacy.adultmass, universalcomputer, information (AmE)cultural, financial, media, science, technological (all esp. AmE)a movement to promote financial literacy among womencritical (AmE)Critical literacy questions the basic assumptions of our society.VERB + literacyachieve, acquiredifferent methods for acquiring literacydevelop, improve, increase, promote, teachliteracy + NOUNcampaign, initiative (AmE), programme/programcurriculum (AmE)education, instruction (both esp. AmE)class, coursetestacquisition, development (both esp. AmE)skillslevel, rate

literal

literaladj.

Literal is used with these nouns:

interpretation, meaning, reading, representation, sense, translation, truth

literally

literallyadv.

Literally is used with these adjectives:

impossible, insane, true, unthinkable

Literally is used with these verbs:

destroy, disappear, explode, interpret, save, shake, starve, throw, translate

literary

literaryadj.

Literary is used with these nouns:

achievement, agent, allusion, ambition, ancestor, anthology, aspiration, association, award, bent, career, circle, classic, composition, context, convention, critic, criticism, culture, editor, equivalent, establishment, excellence, expression, fashion, festival, fiction, figure, form, genius, giant, greatness, heritage, historian, history, image, imagination, immortality, influence, journal, journalism, language, lunch, luncheon, magazine, manuscript, masterpiece, merit, movement, novel, offering, output, pedigree, precedent, prose, quality, realism, reference, representation, reputation, revival, scene, scholar, sensation, source, study, style, success, talent, taste, text, theory, tradition, translation, type, work, world, worth

literate

literateadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highlyOnly highly literate people are capable of discussing these subjects.fullyThey are the first fully literate generation in the country.barelyHe was uneducated and barely literate.economically, musically, politically, scientifically, technologically, etc.PREPOSITIONinBoth parents were literate in English.

literature

literaturenoun

noun1 written works of art2 writing on a particular subject1 written works of artADJECTIVE | … OF LITERATURE | VERB + literatureADJECTIVEclassical, contemporary, modernpopulargreatAfrican American, Russian, etc.He has a degree in English Literature.19th-century, 20th-century, etc.feminist, gay, lesbian… OF LITERATUREpiece, workVERB + literatureread, study, teachpublishwriteCanadian literature written over the past thirty years

2 writing on a particular subjectADJECTIVE | … OF LITERATURE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEextensive, vast, voluminouscurrent, existing, recentthe current literature in science and natural historypublishedthe published literature on the subjectgrowingThere is a growing literature on technological changes in developing countries.historical, medical, scientific, etc.professional (esp. AmE), scholarlythe professional literature on second language learnersthe scholarly literature on the rise of the environmental movementpromotional, sales… OF LITERATUREbodythe growing body of literature on development issuesPREPOSITIONliterature aboutI picked up some literature about pensions.literature concerningthe literature concerning the modernization of trade unionsliterature onThere's an extensive literature on the subject.literature regardingthe literature regarding effectiveness and cost

lithe

litheadj.

Lithe is used with these nouns:

body, figure, grace

lithium

lithiumnoun

Lithium is used before these nouns:

litigate

litigateverb

Litigate is used with these nouns as the object:

litigation

litigationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + litigation | litigation + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcostly, expensiveendless, lengthy, protractedcomplexpotential, threatenedpendingongoingsubsequentcivil, commercial, criminalfederalprivateclass-action (AmE)the class-action litigation brought by the families of the victimsliability (esp. AmE), malpractice, tort (AmE)the fear of medical malpractice litigationemployment, medicalVERB + litigationbring, conduct (BrE), file (esp. AmE), initiate, pursuethe right to conduct litigationThe alleged victims have elected to pursue litigation.engage inbecome involved in, get involved inbe engaged in, be involved inthreatenend, settleavoidThe payment was made to avoid threatened litigation.litigation + NOUNcosts, expensessettlement (esp. AmE)finance (AmE)PREPOSITIONlitigation againstHe engaged in endless litigation against the media.litigation betweenlitigation between private partieslitigation overlitigation over water rightsPHRASESthe conduct of litigation (esp. BrE)the defendant's conduct of the litigationthe cost of litigationthe risk of litigation, the threat of litigation

litmus

litmusnoun

Litmus is used before these nouns:

Litter is used with these nouns as the subject:

litre

litrenoun

(BrE) (AmE liter) noun

litter

litternounverb

I. noun… OF LITTER | VERB + litter | litter + VERB | litter + NOUN… OF LITTERpileVERB + litterdrop, leavePlease do not leave litter after your picnic.clean up, clear up, pick uplitter + VERBbe strewnLitter was strewn all over the field.litter + NOUNbasket, bin (BrE)lout (BrE) (litterbug in AmE)The local council has pledged to clamp down on litter louts.

II. verb

wrapper

Litter is used with these nouns as the object:

desk, floor, ground, landscape, sidewalk, street

little

littleadj.adv.

I. adj.

Little is used with these nouns:

adventure, alley, angel, appeal, argument, attention, attic, baby, beauty, bedroom, bit, bloodshed, boat, bow, boy, break, breast, breather, breeze, brother, bubble, bump, bundle, celebration, chance, chapel, charade, chat, child, chore, chuckle, click, clump, cluster, comfort, corner, cottage, cough, cousin, creature, creek, crush, cry, cubicle, cupboard, curl, cut, dance, danger, daughter, dent, detail, detour, dig, discomfort, diversion, doll, emphasis, empire, enthusiasm, errand, evidence, excerpt, excursion, expedition, experience, extra, faith, fanfare, farm, favour, fellow, fight, finger, fire, fist, flat, fling, flower, flutter, fool, foot, frown, gadget, game, gasp, gem, giggle, girl, grimace, groan, group, grunt, gurgle, gust, guy, heap, helper, hesitation, hiccup, hill, hint, hollow, hotel, house, huddle, hut, idiot, impact, incentive, incident, inclination, interest, job, jolt, jump, kid, kiss, kitchen, lad, lake, lamb, lane, laugh, leap, lecture, lie, likelihood, look, lump, luxury, man, means, mention, mind, miracle, mishap, mistake, moan, morsel, mound, movement, mystery, nap, nation, niche, nickname, nod, nose, note, nuance, nudge, opportunity, orphan, outburst, outing, pain, pang, parcel, patience, peek, piece, pile, pleasure, pond, pool, prayer, problem, procession, progress, promise, puff, push, quirk, reassurance, recourse, reminder, rendezvous, resemblance, respect, respite, rest, restaurant, reunion, rhyme, ripple, ritual, river, room, scene, scrap, scratch, scuffle, secret, shack, shake, shiver, shove, shriek, shrug, shudder, sideline, siesta, sigh, sip, sister, skirmish, slap, sleep, slice, slip, smirk, snack, snag, sniff, snippet, snort, sob, son, soul, sound, space, spark, speech, splash, spurt, squeak, squeal, squeeze, stick, stream, stroll, stunt, surprise, sympathy, table, talk, tantrum, tap, taste, theatre, thing, thought, thrill, time, tinkle, toe, touch, town, treat, trick, trip, triumph, trust, tug, tune, tussle, twinge, twist, twitch, vacation, valley, village, visit, voice, walk, warning, wave, way, weight, while, whimper, wink, yelp

II. adv.

Little is used with these adjectives:

inclined, suited, used

Little is used with these verbs:

change, differ, matter

little-known

little-knownadj.

Little-known is used with these nouns:

fact

Little League

Little Leaguenoun

Little League is used before these nouns:

baseball, league

little white

little whiteadj.

Little white is used with these nouns:

lie

liturgical

liturgicaladj.

Liturgical is used with these nouns:

livable

livableadj.

Livable is used with these nouns:

wage

live

liveverbadj.adv.

I. verb1 in a place2 be alive1 in a placeADVERB | VERB + live | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBalonetogetherShe disapproves of unmarried couples living together.apart, separatelyThe two sisters have lived apart for two years.children living separately from their parentsindependentlyolder people still living independentlycommunallyabroadpermanentlyI'm not going to live here permanently.VERB + livecome to, go toWe went to live in Canada when I was three.PREPOSITIONamongThey lived among the people of this remote island.atShe's lived at this same address for four years.inHe lives in Cape Town.nearShe lives quite near here.withI still live with my parents.PHRASESlive at homeHe's still living at home (= with his parents).a place to liveyoung couples looking for a place to live

2 be aliveADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBlongerWomen live longer than men in general.foreverWho wants to live forever? I don't.happily (ever after)All she wanted was to get married and live happily ever after.comfortably, wellMost of the people live very well, with nice houses and plenty to eat.They'll have enough money to live comfortably.fullyI did want to live more fully.dangerouslyTonight she felt like living dangerously.amicably, harmoniously, peaceably, peacefullythe need to live as harmoniously as possible with everyone elsequietlyHe was living quietly with his family.cheaplyYou can live there quite cheaply.frugally, modestlyThey lived frugally off a diet of beans and lentils.vicariouslyShe tried to live vicariously through her children.PREPOSITIONinMany of the people live in poverty and misery.throughShe lived through two world wars.withpeople living with AIDSwithoutI absolutely could not live without my cell phone!PHRASES(for) as long as you liveI shall remember this day for as long as I live.learn to live with sthpeople who are learning to live with disabilitylive a life of sthHe's now living a life of luxury in Australia.live to (be) 80, 90, etc., live to the age of 80, 90, etc.She lived to the age of 95.the world we live inteaching children about the world we live in

Live is used with these nouns as the subject:

exile, inhabitant, population, refugee, settler, species

Live is used with these nouns as the object:

dream, existence, fantasy, lie, life, lifestyle, lifetime, nightmare, vocation

II. adj., adv.VERBS | PHRASESVERBSappear, be, perform, play, singHe appeared live on the Song and Dance Show.Is the show live or recorded?The band have never played this song live before.filmThe show was filmed live at the Arena.report, speak, talkWe'll be reporting live from Beijing.Later we'll talk live with the former New York police commissioner.watch (sth)I can watch the games live on TV.come to sb, go outThis concert comes to you live from Carnegie Hall.In those days the broadcasts all went out live.airThe show will air live on June 10.be broadcast, be carried (AmE), be screened (BrE), be shown, be televised, be transmittedThe trial was carried live on a Chicago radio station.The game will be televised live this evening.be recordedThe CD was recorded live at a concert given last year.PHRASESgo liveThe new website is expected to go live in October.

Live is used with these nouns:

act, album, ammunition, animal, appearance, audience, bait, band, birth, broadcast, bullet, cattle, CD, chat, chicken, coal, commentary, concert, coverage, demonstration, edition, entertainment, export, football, gig, grenade, image, interview, issue, jazz, microphone, music, orchestra, percussion, performance, performer, picture, recording, report, rock, round, show, snake, sound, television, theatre, track, transmission, update, vaccine, video, virus, wire

III. adv.

Live is used with these verbs:

broadcast, perform, play, screen, sing, televise

live-action

live-actionadj.

Live-action is used with these nouns:

lived

livedadj.

Lived is used with these nouns:

live down

live downphr verb

Live down is used with these nouns as the object:

reputation

live-fire

live-fireadj.

Live-fire is used with these nouns:

exercise

live in live-in

live-inadj.

Live-in is used with these nouns:

boyfriend, girlfriend, lover, maid, nanny

livelihood

livelihoodnoun

nounVERB + livelihood | livelihood + VERB | PHRASESVERB + livelihoodearn, gainprovideFishing provides a livelihood for many people.protect, securean insurance policy to secure your livelihood in old ageaffect, threatenThe new law threatens the livelihood of thousands of farmers.destroy, take awayloselivelihood + VERBdepend on sthpeople whose livelihood depends on the forestPHRASESa means of livelihood, a source of livelihoodThe boat was his main source of livelihood.

lively

livelyadj.

Lively is used with these nouns:

atmosphere, banter, bunch, character, community, conversation, dance, debate, discussion, girl, imagination, interest, market, mind, music, pace, personality, resort, scene, style, trade, tune

live off

live offphr verb

Live off is used with these nouns as the object:

land, saving

live on

live onphr verb

Live on is used with these nouns as the subject:

legend, spirit

Live on is used with these nouns as the object:

charity, chip, diet, farm, food, income, pension, saving, wage

live out

live outphr verb

Live out is used with these nouns as the object:

dream, fantasy, vocation

liver

livernoun

noun1 organ in the body2 liver of an animal as food1 organ in the bodyADJECTIVE | liver + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdiseased, enlarged, fattyhealthy, normaldonora nationwide appeal for a donor liverliver + NOUNcancer, cirrhosis, damage, disease, dysfunction, failure, injurycell, enzyme, tissuefunctionbiopsy, transplant, transplantationPREPOSITIONin the liverenzymes in the liverof the livercirrhosis of the liverto the liverbile acids returning to the liver

2 liver of an animal as foodADJECTIVE | liver + NOUNADJECTIVEchoppedchicken, goose, pork, etc.calf's, lamb's, etc.liver + NOUNpâté

livery

liverynoun

Livery is used before these nouns:

livestock

livestocknoun

Livestock is used before these nouns:

breeding, farm, farmer, farming, manure, producer, production, waste

live to

live tophr verb

Live to is used with these nouns as the object:

age, old age

live up to

live up tophr verb

Live up to is used with these nouns as the object:

expectation, hype, ideal, image, nickname, promise, reputation, standard

live with

live withphr verb

Live with is used with these nouns as the object:

boyfriend, disability, girlfriend, relative, wife

live without

live withoutphr verb

Live without is used with these nouns as the object:

livid

lividadj.

Livid is used with these nouns:

bruise

living

livingnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + livingADJECTIVEcomfortable, decent, good, honestHe makes a good living as a builder.meagre/meagerShe eked out a meagre/meager living as an artist's model.VERB + livingearn, makeHer dream was to earn her living as a singer.eke out, scrape (esp. BrE), scrape together (esp. BrE), scratchThey were forced to scratch a living by selling things on the streets.do sth forHe asked what I did for a living.provideTen acres provides a decent living for a rural family.

II. adj.

Living is used with these nouns:

accommodation, animal, arrangement, artist, being, cell, composer, condition, corpse, creature, death, descendant, donor, entity, expense, faith, flesh, hell, image, legend, mammal, memorial, museum, nightmare, organism, proof, quarter, relative, room, soul, space, species, specimen, standard, testament, tissue, tradition, wage, will, writer

living room

living roomnoun

Living room is used before these nouns:

couch, furniture, sofa

load

loadnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + load | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEheavy, lightHe has a heavy teaching load this year.fullThe plane took off with a full load.maximum, peak (AmE)Maximum load, including passengers, is 800 pounds.a peak load of about 11.5 GWhighMany companies are burdened by high debt loads.VERB + loadbear, carry, shoulderhaulThey haul loads of produce to market.handleThe airline simply couldn't handle the passenger load.lessen, lighten, reduce, share, spreadWe're trying to spread the load by employing more staff.drop, dump, shed (BrE)A lorry has shed its load on the the A77 near Ballantrae.PREPOSITIONunder its, etc. loadThe table creaked under its heavy load.

II. verb

Load is used with these nouns as the subject:

Load is used with these nouns as the object:

ammunition, barge, basket, boat, bullet, camera, cannon, cargo, cart, clip, crate, disc, dishwasher, file, film, gun, luggage, module, page, pistol, program, revolver, rifle, shell, ship, shotgun, trailer, trolley, truck, trunk, van, washing machine, weapon

load-bearing

load-bearingadj.

Load-bearing is used with these nouns:

Loaded is used with these nouns:

loaded

loadedadj.

adj.1 carrying a load2 biased1 carrying a loadVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeADVERBheavilya convoy of heavily loaded trucksfullya fully loaded trucklightlyPREPOSITIONwithThe van was loaded with crates of beer.

2 biasedADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBheavily, veryFor me both were very loaded questions.rather, slightlyculturally, emotionally, ideologically, politically, symbolicallyTry to avoid politically loaded terms like ‘nation’.PREPOSITIONagainstThe odds were slightly loaded against us.in favour/favor of (esp. BrE)The legislation is heavily loaded in favour/favor of employers.

backpack, dice, firearm, gun, pistol, question, shotgun, trolley, weapon, word

loadingnoun

Loading is used before these nouns:

bay

load into

load intophr verb

Load into is used with these nouns as the object:

ambulance, bag

load onto

load ontophr verb

Load onto is used with these nouns as the object:

loaf

loafnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + loaf | loaf + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVElarge, smallslicedfresh, stalecrusty (esp. BrE)brown, white, wholemeal (BrE), etc.FrenchVERB + loafbakecut, sliceloaf + NOUNpan (AmE), tin (BrE)PHRASESa loaf of bread

loam

loamnoun

Loam is used before these nouns:

loamy

loamyadj.

Loamy is used with these nouns:

Loan is used with these nouns as the object:

loan

loannounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + loan | loan + VERB | loan + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElarge, massivesmalllong-term, short-termhigh-interest, interest-free, low-interest, no-interest (AmE)adjustable-rate (AmE), fixed-rate, variable-rateguaranteed (AmE), secured, unsecuredAs it was an unsecured loan, their property was not at risk.home-equity (= in which your house is given as security for the money borrowed) (AmE)Fixed-rate home-equity loans can help cover the cost of a single large purchase.outstandingThey used the inheritance to pay off their outstanding loan.bad, non-performinga banking system riddled with bad loansbusiness, consumer, personalbankbridge (AmE), bridging (BrE), temporaryhome, mortgageauto (AmE), carstudentVERB + loanapply for, ask for, requestarrange, get, obtain, raise (esp. BrE), take outShe had to take out a loan until she could sell her house.give sb, grant sb, make sb, offer, provideMy bank offered to make me a loan.receivepay back, pay off, repayguarantee, secure, underwriteThe banks will not agree to emergency funding unless the government will underwrite the loan.consolidateIf you have several student loans, you can consolidate them into one lump sum.loan + VERBtotal sthloans totalling/totaling a million eurosloan + NOUNapplicationagreement, arrangement (BrE), deal (BrE, sports)the terms of the loan agreement with the bankThe striker comes to the Premiership on an 18-month loan deal from Roma.interest, rateguaranteepayment, repaymentThey were struggling to meet their monthly loan repayments.facility (esp. BrE)The bank provides personal loan facilities at competitive rates.period (esp. BrE)The book must be returned by the end of the loan period.officer (AmE)a loan officer at a local mortgage companysharkHe ran up massive debts borrowing from loan sharks.PREPOSITIONon loan (from)The paintings are on loan from the Wallace Collection.loan froma loan from my brotherPHRASESsecurity for a loanHe had to use his house as security for the loan.

II. verb

Lob is used before these nouns:

loathing

loathingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + loathing | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEabsolute, deep, intenseundisguisedmutualVERB + loathingbe filled withHis face was filled with loathing.develop, feel, havePREPOSITIONloathing forShe felt an intense loathing for her boss.loathing ofa deep loathing of warPHRASESfear and loathingThe incident has created an atmosphere of fear and loathing among the people.

lob

lobnounverb

I. noun

pass

II. verb

Lob is used with these nouns as the object:

grenade, missile

lobby

lobbynounverb

I. noun group of people who try to influence politiciansADJECTIVE | VERB + lobby | lobby + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpowerful, stronga powerful anti-smoking lobbyanti-abortion, anti-hunt, environmental, gun, industrial, nuclear, political, etc.VERB + lobbyform, organizelobby + NOUNgroup, organizationPREPOSITIONlobby againstMany groups have together formed a lobby against cuts in education.lobby forResidents have organized a lobby for improved local facilities.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBactively, aggressively, hard, heavilysuccessfully, unsuccessfullyPREPOSITIONagainstHead teachers have been lobbying hard against education cuts.forThe group successfully lobbied for changes in the law.on behalf ofThe organization has been set up to lobby the government on behalf of all the people who have lost their pensions.

Lobby is used with these nouns as the object:

Congressman, Congresswoman, minister, parliament, politician

lobbying

lobbyingadj.

Lobbying is used with these nouns:

lobe

lobenoun

Lobe is used after these nouns:

lobster

lobsternoun

Lobster is used before these nouns:

pot, roll

local

localnounadj.

I. noun

Local is used after these nouns:

Local is used with these nouns:

II. adj.

accent, accountability, administration, affair, agency, agent, airport, amenity, anaesthetic, architect, archive, area, aristocracy, artist, assembly, association, authority, autonomy, bar, beer, branch, broadcaster, builder, bus, business, businessman, businesswoman, butcher, call, campaign, celebrity, cemetery, centre, character, charity, chemist, church, civilian, clinic, club, collection, college, colour, community, competition, competitor, complication, congregation, Congressman, Congresswoman, constituency, consumption, contest, context, cooperation, cooperative, council, councillor, countryside, coverage, craft, craftsman, crime, cuisine, culture, currency, custom, deity, delicacy, demand, developer, dialect, dimension, directory, dish, dispute, distribution, distributor, district, doctor, ecology, economy, election, electorate, elite, employer, enterprise, environment, expenditure, expert, expertise, extinction, facility, fair, fame, fare, farm, farmer, favourite, festival, fire brigade, firm, fisherman, flavour, fluctuation, folk, folklore, following, forecast, funding, gang, garage, geometry, government, GP, grocery, guide, gym, headquarters, hero, high school, historian, history, hospital, hotel, independence, industrialist, industry, ingredient, inhabitant, initiative, inn, input, inspector, institution, investment, investor, issue, jail, jurisdiction, kid, knowledge, landlord, landmark, language, lawyer, leader, leadership, league, legend, level, library, loyalty, magazine, magistrate, mall, manufacture, map, market, mayor, media, meeting, merchant, midwife, militia, monopoly, motel, museum, musician, nature, need, neighbourhood, network, news, newspaper, nightclub, nursery school, office, official, opinion, organization, origin, outlet, paper, park, peculiarity, people, pharmacy, playgroup, police, policeman, politician, politics, poll, population, post office, postman, postwoman, practice, preacher, precinct, press, pride, priest, prison, produce, producer, production, prosecutor, pub, publicity, publisher, radio, rainfall, realtor, reporter, representative, resource, restaurant, restriction, retailer, revenue, rivalry, road, ruler, sale, salon, scale, scene, scenery, school, seafood, shop, shopkeeper, shopper, shopping centre, show, situation, society, speciality, spending, station, store, supermarket, superstition, supplier, survey, tabloid, talent, taste, tax, taxation, team, television, theatre, time, tournament, trader, tradesman, tradition, traffic, train, transit, transport, transportation, tribe, tribunal, union, university, utility, variation, venue, vet, veterinarian, village, volunteer, weather, wildlife, workforce, youth

local authority

local authoritynoun

Local authority is used before these nouns:

grant, housing

local government

local governmentnoun

Local government is used before these nouns:

election, finance, ombudsman, system

local history

local historynoun

Local history is used before these nouns:

museum

localized

localizedadj.

Localized is used with these nouns:

cancer, distribution

locally

locallyadv.

Locally is used with these adjectives:

available, famous, organized

Locally is used with these verbs:

administer, advertise, buy, elect, generate, grow, hire, implement, know, organize, produce, recruit

locate

locateverb

verb1 find the position of sb/sth2 be located be in a place1 find the position of sb/sthADVERB | VERB + locateADVERBaccurately, correctly, preciselyThe machine can accurately locate radioactive material.quicklyeasilyVERB + locatebe able to, be unable to, canWe haven't yet been able to locate a suitable site.try tofail tobe easy toSome stars are very easy to locate with a telescope.be difficult tohelp (to)She took time to help me locate research materials.

2 be located be in a placeADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBcentrallyThe hotel is centrally located between Dam Square and Central Station.conveniently, ideally, strategicallyprimarily, typicallyCourtrooms are typically located in the interior of the building.Tribal lands are primarily located in remote rural regions.physicallyTwo people can meet in virtual reality even if physically located in different continents.geographicallyThe Web connects members regardless of where they are located geographically.overseasThe company has increased the share of jobs located overseas.PREPOSITIONat, between, close to, in, near, on, outside, within, etc.The hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of the beach.

Locate is used with these nouns as the object:

fault, headquarters, leak, mine, nest, remains, site, source, target, wreck

location

locationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + location | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEexact, precise, specificWe still do not know the precise location of the crash.givenThe equipment allows sailors to read their geographical coordinates for any given location.geographic (esp. AmE), geographical (esp. BrE), physicalFees vary depending on geographic location.secret, undisclosed, unknownconvenient, ideal, suitablecentralremoteexoticthe exotic locations they filmed inVERB + locationshowThe map shows the exact location of the mine.find, identify, pinpointHe couldn't pinpoint her exact location because of some kind of interference.choose, selectWe selected these two locations because they offer a range of services.PREPOSITIONat a/the … locationThe meeting is taking place at a secret location.on locationThe movie is being made on location in India.

lock

locknounverb

I. noun1 fastening device2 small bunch of hair1 fastening deviceADJECTIVE | VERB + lock | PHRASESADJECTIVEcombination, cylinder, deadbolt (esp. AmE), mortise, Yale™ (BrE)The hotels replaced their mortise locks on guest rooms with magnetic card readers.electronicsafetyMost cars are now fitted with child safety locks on the back doors.safety locks for handgunsgun (AmE), triggertrigger locks for gunsbicycle, bike (informal)door, windowVERB + lockfitWe had new locks fitted after the burglary.break, force, pickopen, turnHe turned the lock and pushed the door open.checkShe ran around the house, checking all the locksPHRASESinsert the key in the lock, turn the key in the lockunder lock and keyPrisoners are kept under lock and key 24 hours a day.

2 small bunch of hairADJECTIVEADJECTIVEstrayShe flicked a stray lock of hair off her face.flowingShe had long flowing locks and blue eyes.blonde, chestnut, golden, etc.curlyHe ran a hand through his curly brown locks.

II. verb1 close with a lock2 put sb/sth inside sth that is locked1 close with a lockADVERB | VERB + lock | PHRASESADVERBcarefullyHe carefully locked the door behind him.automatically, electronicallyThe door locks automatically.VERB + lockforget toPHRASESbe firmly locked, be securely lockedkeep sth lockedKeep your garage securely locked.

2 put sb/sth inside sth that is lockedADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBaway, inI was terrified they would lock me in again.PREPOSITIONinI locked myself in the bathroom.PHRASESbe safely locked, be securely lockedAll the valuables were safely locked away.

Lock is used with these nouns as the subject:

eye, key, wheel

Lock is used with these nouns as the object:

bike, box, briefcase, car, closet, door, drawer, elbow, flat, gate, jaw, safe, vault

locked

lockedadj.

Locked is used with these nouns:

cabinet, door, drawer, gate, room

locker

lockernoun

Locker is used before these nouns:

Locker is used after these nouns:

gym, luggage, meat, storage

locker room

locker roomnoun

Locker room is used before these nouns:

shower

lock in

lock inphr verb

Lock in is used with these nouns as the object:

key

locking

lockingadj.

Locking is used with these nouns:

mechanism

lock on

lock onphr verb

Lock on is used with these nouns as the subject:

lock together

lock togetherphr verb

Lock together is used with these nouns as the subject:

lock up

lock upphr verb

Lock up is used with these nouns as the object:

firearm, flat

lock-up

lock-upadj.

Lock-up is used with these nouns:

garage

locomotive

locomotivenoun

Locomotive is used after these nouns:

diesel, steam

locum

locumnoun

Locum is used before these nouns:

doctor, GP

locust

locustnoun

noun… OF LOCUSTS | locust + VERB | locust + NOUN… OF LOCUSTSplague, swarmlocust + VERBdescend onA swarm of locusts descended on the countryside.destroyThe locusts have destroyed a lot of the crops.locust + NOUNswarm

lodge

lodgenounverb

I. noun

Lodge is used after these nouns:

fishing, hunting, mountain, ski

II. verb

Lodge is used with these nouns as the subject:

bullet, splinter

Lodge is used with these nouns as the object:

appeal, application, claim, complaint, objection, protest

loft

loftnoun

Loft is used before these nouns:

apartment, bedroom, conversion, hatch, ladder

Loft is used after these nouns:

choir, hay, organ, pigeon

lofty

loftyadj.

Lofty is used with these nouns:

ambition, aspiration, expectation, height, ideal, peak, sentiment, tower

log

lognounverb

I. noun1 wood2 written record1 woodADJECTIVE | VERB + log | log + VERB | log + NOUNADJECTIVEcut, sawna pile of sawn logsfallenThe road was blocked by fallen logs.rottingblazing, burningfloatingcedar, oak, pine, etc.VERB + logchop (BrE), saw, splithaulThey haul the logs into the sawmill.add, throw, throw onI added another log to the fire.The fire is dying down—would you throw on another log?log + VERBblaze, burn, cracklelogs crackling in the fireplacefloatlog + NOUNcabin, house (esp. AmE)fire

2 written recordADJECTIVE | VERB + log | log + NOUNADJECTIVEdetaileddailycaptain's, ship'sWeb (usually weblog or blog)He maintains two weblogs on economic topics.phone (esp. AmE), server (computing)The lawyers will review phone logs and other records.error (computing)I checked the server's error logs.VERB + logkeep, maintainShe kept a log of their voyage.updateThis feature continuously updates the log as data is written.check, examinelog + NOUNbook, sheetentry

II. verb

Log is used with these nouns as the object:

mile

logging

loggingnoun

Logging is used before these nouns:

concession, road, truck

logic

logicnoun

noun1 system of reasoning2 use of reason1 system of reasoningADJECTIVE | VERB + logicADJECTIVEformalmathematicaldeductive, inductiveAristotelian, classicalfuzzyVERB + logicapply, usePhilosophers use logic to prove their arguments.

2 use of reasonADJECTIVE | VERB + logic | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcompelling, impeccable, inexorableThere is a compelling logic to his main theory.faulty, flawedIn their faulty logic, this is a great injustice.perverse, strange, twistedWhat kind of twisted logic is that?circularThis is clearly a case of circular logic.basic, simpleThe plan had a simple logic to it.He understood the basic logic of deterrence.cold, pure, strictinherent, inner, internal, underlyingThe music has its own inner logic.business, commercial, economic, political, scientificThere is sound commercial logic in never giving credit to retailers.VERB + logicaccept, follow, see, understandI can't follow the logic of what you are saying.defyIt's a stupid decision that completely defies logic.apply, useYou can't use the same logic in dealing with children.challenge, questionThey questioned the logic underlying his actions.PREPOSITIONlogic behindWhat's the logic behind this decision?logic inThere doesn't seem to be any logic in the move.logic ofThe logic of this argument is very obscure.

logical

logicaladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSappear, be, seem, soundIt all sounds quite logical.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.eminently, highlyabsolutely, completely, entirely, perfectlyHis arguments seemed perfectly logical.purelyThe issue here is purely logical: it has nothing to do with ethics.hardly

Logical is used with these nouns:

answer, argument, choice, coherence, conclusion, consequence, consistency, continuation, contradiction, culmination, deduction, development, distinction, explanation, extension, extreme, fashion, inconsistency, inference, leap, manner, mind, move, necessity, order, outcome, progression, reason, reasoning, response, result, rigour, sense, sequence, starting point, step, structure, successor, suspect, thing, thinker, thinking, thought

logically login

loginnoun

logistical

logisticaladj.

Logistical is used with these nouns:

challenge, nightmare, problem, support

logistically

logisticallyadv.

Logistically is used with these adjectives:

impossible

logistics

logisticsnoun

Logistics is used before these nouns:

convoy, support

Logistics is used after these nouns:

logo

logonoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + logo | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdistinctiveThe company has a distinctive logo that makes it well known.officialbrandChildren as young as three can recognize brand logos.team (esp. AmE)a red shirt with the team logo on itcompany, corporateVERB + logobear, carry, display, feature, sportThe diary features the organization's distinctive new logo.His jacket sports the logo of the Giants.wearShe wore the logo of the sponsoring company.create, designunveilThe new logo was unveiled in a blaze of publicity.PREPOSITIONlogo forthe logo for the World Cuplogo ofthe logo of the New York Police Department

log off

log offphr verb

Log off is used with these nouns as the object:

log onto

log ontophr verb

Log onto is used with these nouns as the object:

computer, website

loin

loinnoun

Loin is used before these nouns:

chop, steak

Loin is used after these nouns:

pork

lollipop

lollipopnoun

Lollipop is used before these nouns:

lady

lone

loneadj.

Lone is used with these nouns:

exception, father, figure, mother, parent, parenthood, traveller, voice, wolf

loneliness

lonelinessnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + loneliness | PHRASESADJECTIVEaching, desperate, great, intense, terrible, utterpersonalVERB + lonelinessexperience, feel, sufferHe experienced terrible loneliness after the loss of his wifeeaseTo ease her loneliness, she spent a lot of time with her dogs.PHRASESa feeling of loneliness, a sense of loneliness

lonely

lonelyadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, look, seembecome, getADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.It gets pretty lonely here in winter.awfully, desperately, incredibly, terribly, unbearablyShe was desperately lonely at school.a little, slightly, etc.

Lonely is used with these nouns:

childhood, existence, highway, life, night, old age, road, soul, spot, street, stretch, vigil

lone parent

lone parentnoun

Lone parent is used before these nouns:

family

long

longverbadj.adv.

I. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBdesperatelyHe longed desperately to be back at home.secretlyThey were the words she had secretly longed to hear.alwaysShe had always longed to travel to other countries.PREPOSITIONforHe hated the city and longed for the mountains.

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, look, seemThat dress looks a little long to me.growMy hair had grown long.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.His drive to work is fairly long.awfully, exceptionally, incrediblyexcessively, overly (esp. AmE)At 900 pages, the book is overly long.unusuallyan unusually long pauseimpossibly (esp. AmE), ridiculouslya pair of impossibly long legsrelativelya little, slightly, etc.enoughAre you sure two hours will be long enough?

Long is used with these nouns:

absence, afternoon, answer, arc, ascent, association, ball, bang, bath, battle, beak, bench, blast, breakfast, breath, call, campaign, career, chain, chase, chat, claw, climb, coastline, coat, column, conversation, cord, corridor, courtship, crack, curl, cut, day, debate, delay, deliberation, descent, description, detour, discussion, distance, division, document, dress, drink, drive, driveway, drop, drought, duration, ear, embrace, endurance, engagement, evening, excerpt, exile, expanse, experience, explanation, exposure, extract, eyelash, face, fang, fast, feud, fight, film, finger, fingernail, flex, flight, friendship, fringe, fuse, gallery, gap, gash, glove, gown, grass, groan, gulp, hair, hallway, handle, haul, hibernation, hike, hill, history, honeymoon, hour, howl, illness, interval, job, journey, jump, kiss, knife, labour, ladder, lapse, lease, lecture, leg, lens, letter, life, lifetime, limb, limousine, line, list, lull, lunch, mane, march, meeting, memory, minute, moment, monologue, moustache, nail, nap, neck, needle, night, nightmare, nose, odds, ordeal, ovation, overcoat, pants, parenthesis, pass, passage, path, pause, pedigree, period, piece, poem, post, process, procession, puff, pull, queue, résumé, rally, range, reach, recession, record, residence, rest, ribbon, ride, river, road, robe, round, route, row, run, saga, scar, scarf, scratch, section, sentence, separation, sequence, series, sermon, service, session, shadow, shift, shorts, shot, sickness, siege, sigh, silence, sip, skirt, sleep, sleeve, slide, slope, sniff, sock, solo, space, span, speech, spell, standing, stay, stem, stick, stint, stop, strand, stretch, stride, strike, strip, stroke, stroll, struggle, succession, summer, suspension, sweep, swig, swim, sword, syllable, table, tail, tale, talk, tenure, term, terrace, think, time, title, tongue, tour, tradition, trail, trek, trip, trousers, tunnel, underwear, vacation, valley, view, visit, vowel, voyage, wait, walk, wall, war, wavelength, way, week, weekend, while, whistle, window, wing, winter, word, year

III. adv.

Long is used with these adjectives:

defunct, extinct, interested, overdue

Long is used with these verbs:

believe, cease, dream, kiss, last, linger, regard, sleep, survive, wait

long and hard

long and hardadv.

Long and hard is used with these verbs:

think

long-awaited

long-awaitedadj.

Long-awaited is used with these nouns:

comeback, return, sequel, shake-up, showdown

long-distance

long-distanceadj.

Long-distance is used with these nouns:

call, event, flight, footpath, race, runner, running, train, travel, traveller, walk

longer

longeradv.

Longer is used with these verbs:

live

long-established

long-establishedadj.

Long-established is used with these nouns:

tradition

long-fingered

long-fingeredadj.

Long-fingered is used with these nouns:

long-grain

long-grainadj.

Long-grain is used with these nouns:

long-haired

long-hairedadj.

Long-haired is used with these nouns:

long-haul

long-hauladj.

Long-haul is used with these nouns:

flight

long-held

long-heldadj.

Long-held is used with these nouns:

ambition, belief, dream

longhorn

longhornnoun

Longhorn is used before these nouns:

longing

longingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + longing | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdeep, desperate, great, intense, overwhelming, passionate, terrible, wildShe had a desperate longing to go back.suddenhopelessnostalgic, wistfula wistful longing for the pastsecretphysical, sexualhumanhuman longing for truth and meaningVERB + longingbe filled with, be full of, feel, haveHe felt an overwhelming longing to hear her voice again.satisfyPREPOSITIONlonging forhis intense longing for privacy

longingly

longinglyadv.

Longingly is used with these verbs:

gaze, look

longitude

longitudenoun

nounVERB + longitude | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + longitudecalculate, determineHe tried to find out how a ship at sea could determine its longitude.PREPOSITIONat (a) longitudeThe town is at longitude 28° west.PHRASESa line of longitudeThis line of longitude cuts through the jungle.

longitudinal

longitudinaladj.

Longitudinal is used with these nouns:

study

long-life

long-lifeadj.

Long-life is used with these nouns:

long-lived

long-livedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.particularly, remarkably, unusuallySome of these creatures are remarkably long-lived.

long-lost

long-lostadj.

Long-lost is used with these nouns:

brother, cousin, daughter, father, friend, relative, sister, son, twin

long-playing

long-playingadj.

Long-playing is used with these nouns:

long-range

long-rangeadj.

Long-range is used with these nouns:

artillery, forecast, missile, plan, planning, radar, rocket, shot

long-running

long-runningadj.

Long-running is used with these nouns:

battle, campaign, conflict, debate, dispute, feud, row, saga, series, show, soap opera, wrangle

long-serving

long-servingadj.

Long-serving is used with these nouns:

employee, member

long-sleeved

long-sleevedadj.

Long-sleeved is used with these nouns:

blouse, shirt, T-shirt, top

long-standing

long-standingadj.

Long-standing is used with these nouns:

advocate, ambition, animosity, arrangement, association, belief, boyfriend, commitment, conflict, controversy, convention, customer, debate, dispute, enmity, fascination, feud, friend, friendship, grievance, grudge, illness, interest, link, member, mystery, practice, problem, quarrel, record, relationship, reputation, rivalry, tradition

long-stay

long-stayadj.

Long-stay is used with these nouns:

hospital, parking

long-stemmed

long-stemmedadj.

Long-stemmed is used with these nouns:

rose

long-suffering

long-sufferingadj.

Long-suffering is used with these nouns:

sigh, wife

long-tailed

long-tailedadj.

Long-tailed is used with these nouns:

long-term

long-termadj.

Long-term is used with these nouns:

aim, answer, arrangement, benefit, bond, boyfriend, care, change, commitment, complication, confinement, consequence, contract, credit, damage, danger, deal, debt, decline, disability, disadvantage, effect, effectiveness, employment, evolution, exposure, facility, finance, fix, follow-up, forecast, funding, future, gain, girlfriend, goal, growth, guarantee, health, illness, impact, implication, improvement, incentive, injury, insurance, interest, investment, investor, lease, loan, loss, loyalty, maintenance, memory, monitoring, need, objective, outcome, outlook, parking, partnership, plan, planning, potential, prediction, prisoner, problem, profitability, programme, project, projection, prospect, prosperity, recovery, reduction, relationship, result, return, risk, safety, saving, security, settlement, shift, sick, sickness, side effect, solution, stability, storage, strategy, success, sufferer, support, survival, target, threat, training, treatment, trend, unemployed, unemployment, use, viability, view, vision

long-time

long-timeadj.

Long-time is used with these nouns:

ally, associate, companion, contributor, customer, employee, fan, favourite, friend, lover, manager, member, observer, partner, reader, rival, subscriber, supporter, veteran

long-wave

long-waveadj.

Long-wave is used with these nouns:

radio

long-winded

long-windedadj.

Long-winded is used with these nouns:

speech

loo

loonoun

noun (BrE,informal)ADJECTIVE | VERB + loo | loo + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpublicoutsidegents', ladies', men's, women'sVERB + loogo to, useCan I use your loo?be desperate for, needWe got stuck in a traffic jam and I was desperate for the loo.flush, flush sth downHe flushed the letter down the loo.loo + NOUNpaper, rollPREPOSITIONin the loo, on the loo

Loo is used before these nouns:

Look is used with these nouns as the subject:

look

looknounverb

I. noun1 act of looking at/considering sth2 exploring/looking for sth3 expression on sb's face4 sb/sth's appearance5 looks sb's attractiveness6 fashion/style1 act of looking at/considering sthADJECTIVE | VERB + look | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElittlebrief, cursory, quickcareful, close, close-up (esp. AmE), detailed, in-depthTake a closer look at it.The authors take an in-depth look at at topical money issues.first-hand (esp. AmE)The jury is expected to get a first-hand look at the murder scene today.nostalgicThe book takes a nostalgic look at the golden age of steam trains.critical, hard, honest, realistic, serious, uncompromisingYou should take a long, hard look at your reasons for wanting to join the army.humorous, light-heartedThe book takes a humorous look at parenthood.interestingThis is an interesting look at Soviet foreign policy.revealingTonight, a revealing look at the King of Pop's thrilling rise to stardom.behind-the-scenes, insideThe documentary provides an inside look at life in the army.a behind-the-scenes look at the moviefreshI think it's time to take a fresh look at our sales techniques.VERB + lookhave, takegetDid you get a look at his new car?sneak, stealoffer, provideThese tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the TV show.warrantShe decided the property warranted a second look.PREPOSITIONlook atI managed to steal a look at the exam paper.look in, look intoShe couldn't resist a quick look in the mirror.look out ofHave a look out of the window and see who's at the door.look overIf you take a look over the past few years, it's not unusual.look throughI had a brief look through the report before the meeting.look towards/towardThe book concludes with a look towards/toward the future.

2 exploring/looking for sthADJECTIVE | VERB + look | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgoodlittle, quickfurtiveI had a furtive look in her bag when her back was turned.VERB + lookhavechanceShe chanced a look behind her.PREPOSITIONlook around, look round (esp. BrE)We had a good look around the old town.look forI had a look for websites on Egyptian music, but didn't find anything.

3 expression on sb's faceADJECTIVE | VERB + look | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEangry, black, dark, dirty, nasty, severe, sharp, sternShe threw him a dirty look.I was given a stern look by a plainclothes policeman.scathing, scornful, witheringfierce, furious, murderousannoyed, disapproving, exasperatedcold, cool, steelydisappointed, hurt, pained, reproachfuldisgusted, horrified, shockedincredulous, startled, stunned, surpriseddesperate, frantic, panicked, scared, terrifiedA panicked look crossed his face.anxious, apprehensive, concerned, doubtful, worriedThey had worried looks on their faces.glum, sadgrim, hauntedsideways, suspicious, warycautiousblank, dazed, distant, dreamy, faraway, glazed, vacantwildThe man had a wild look in his eyes.funny, odd, strange, weirdHe gave me a funny look.baffled, bemused, bewildered, confused, puzzledHis comment was greeted by a puzzled look.curious, inquiring, meaningful, questioning, quizzical, sceptical/skeptical, searchingMy relatives gave me quizzical looks when I told them the news.thoughtfulknowing, shrewdThe two girls exchanged knowing looks.penetrating, piercingearnest, intense, intent, steadyhungrybold, challenging, determinedsmug, triumphantmischievous, sly, wickedamused, wryinnocent, wide-eyedcoy, shyloving, sympatheticgratefulpleadingapologetic, guilty, hangdog, sheepishThe guilty look on his face told us all we needed to know.VERB + lookhavecast (sb), dart (sb), flash (sb), give (sb), shoot (sb), throw (sb)getI got a black look from Amy.catchHe caught her look, and shrugged.exchangeThey exchanged meaningful looks.returnSara returned his look with one of her own.fake, feignJessica feigned a stern look.PREPOSITIONlook fromA withering look from his wife silenced him.look ofHe darted her a look of contempt.PHRASESa … look in sb's eyes, a … look on sb's faceShe had a puzzled look in her eyes.He opened the door with a scornful look on his face.take that look off your face (esp. BrE), wipe that look off your face (esp. AmE)Wipe that smug look off your face before I slap you!

4 sb/sth's appearanceADJECTIVE | VERB + look | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEoverallthe overall look of the houseThe overall look of the movie is reminiscent of the classic horror movies of the 1930s.finishedThe finished look is perfect for any special party.professionalUse high-quality paper to give your job application a more professional look.classic, moderna classic look that is easy to updateclean, minimalistShe wanted a modern clean look for the apartment.distinctiveThe products have a distinctive look.youthfulVERB + lookhavelikeI didn't like the look of the salad so I didn't touch it.achieveWe used a computer to help us achieve this three-dimensional look.PREPOSITIONby the look of sb/sth, from the look of sb/sthJoe isn't getting much sleep from the look of him.By the looks of it, someone's already staying in this room.look aboutHe still had a youthful look about him.look ofa fabric with the look of silk

5 looks sb's attractivenessADJECTIVE | VERB + LOOKSADJECTIVEgoodstrikingclassicHe had classic good looks.boyish, clean-cut, youthfulhis clean-cut, boyish good looksVERB + LOOKShaveloseShe's lost her looks.

6 fashion/styleADJECTIVE | VERB + look | look + VERBADJECTIVElatest, newcasual, dressyclassicsophisticatedindividual, signatureIn this issue we show you how to create a signature look for yourself.VERB + lookhavesport, wearAll the men sport rock star looks.give sb/sthThey've given the place a completely new look this year.create, recreatecompleteYou can complete that sophisticated look with make-up and accessories.look + VERBbe back in, be back in fashionBig hair is back in fashion.come back in, come back in fashiongo out, go out of fashionThe classic look never goes out of fashion.

II. verb1 turn your eyes in a particular direction2 seem/appear1 turn your eyes in a particular directionADVERB | VERB + look | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBcarefully, closelyLook at the machine very carefully before you buy it.briefly, quicklyimpatientlyangrily, sharplyI looked up angrily at my brother.She looked up at me sharply when I said that.intently, searchinglyexpectantlycuriously, enquiringly, questioningly, quizzically, speculativelydoubtfully, dubiously, sceptically/skeptically, suspiciouslyanxiously, apprehensively, nervouslyenviously, longinglyHe looked longingly at the food on the table.beseechingly, imploringly, pleadinglydisapprovingly, reproachfullypityinglysadlycalmly, impassivelyblanklyhelplesslyShe looked around helplessly.againNow is the time to look again at these arguments.across, around, away, back, down, out, over, round (esp. BrE), upShe looked over to where the others were chatting.VERB + lookturn toHe turned to look as she came down the stairs.let sb‘It's beautiful!’ ‘Oh! Let me look!’PREPOSITIONatWhat are you looking at?towards/towardShe looked towards/toward the door.PHRASESlook and seeI'll look and see if I've got any sugar in the cupboard.

2 seem/appearVERB + look | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + lookmake sb/sthYou made me look like a complete fool!You made me look a complete fool! (BrE)PREPOSITIONlikean animal that looked like a large hedgehogtoIt looks to me as if the company is in real trouble.PHRASESlook as if, look as though

bride, face, reflection, weather

Look is used with these nouns as the object:

age, cool, fun, mess, sight, way, winner, wreck

look after

look afterphr verb

Look after is used with these nouns as the object:

baby, health, interest, kid, relative, sick, thing

look around

look aroundphr verb

Look around is used with these nouns as the object:

look at look down

look downphr verb

Look down is used with these nouns as the object:

barrel

look for look forward to

look forward tophr verb

Look forward to is used with these nouns as the object:

retirement, visit

look in

look inphr verb

Look in is used with these nouns as the object:

bag, cupboard, direction, index, menu, mirror, window

look into

look intophr verb

Look into is used with these nouns as the object:

allegation, crystal ball, distance, feasibility, future, matter, mirror, problem, subject

look off into

look off intophr verb

Look off into is used with these nouns as the object:

distance

look out

look outphr verb

Look out is used with these nouns as the object:

lookout

lookoutnoun

Lookout is used before these nouns:

tower

look out of

look out ofphr verb

Look out of is used with these nouns as the object:

look out on

look out onphr verb

Look out on is used with these nouns as the subject:

look over

look overphr verb

Look over is used with these nouns as the object:

glasses, see, spectacles

look round

look roundphr verb

Look round is used with these nouns as the object:

look through

look throughphr verb

Look through is used with these nouns as the object:

archive, belongings, binoculars, brochure, catalogue, drawer, note, pile, prospectus, spectacles, window

look to

look tophr verb

Look to is used with these nouns as the object:

look up

look upphr verb

Look up is used with these nouns as the subject:

Look up is used with these nouns as the object:

look up at

look up atphr verb

Look up at is used with these nouns as the object:

star

look up from

look up fromphr verb

Look up from is used with these nouns as the object:

book

loom

loomverb

Loom is used with these nouns as the subject:

cloud, crisis, deadline, disaster, election, house, mountain, peak, recession, shadow, shape, skyscraper, spectre, war

looming

loomingadj.

Looming is used with these nouns:

crisis, disaster, recession, shortage, showdown, spectre

loom out of

loom out ofphr verb

Loom out of is used with these nouns as the object:

mist

loom over

loom overphr verb

Loom over is used with these nouns as the subject:

spectre

loop

loopnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + loop | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcontinuous, endlessclosed, feedback (both technical)The system is a closed loop that turns sunlight into energy.positive and negative feedback loopsVERB + loopform, makeLay the two ends of string so they make a loop over each other.PREPOSITIONin a/the loopThe tape runs in a continuous loop lasting thirty minutes.through a/the loopPut the other end of the string through the loop.

loophole

loopholenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + loophole | loophole + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElegal, security, taxbig, gaping, glaring, hugethe gaping loopholes in our gun lawsVERB + loopholecreate, openThis created a loophole that people might exploit to escape conviction.findexploit, usePeople who don't want to pay tax will exploit any loophole.close, plug, tightena law designed to close any loopholes in the tax systemloophole + VERBallow sb/sth, enable sb/sth, let sb/stha loophole enabling workers to take unnecessary sick leavePREPOSITIONloophole ina loophole in the regulations

loose

looseverbadj.

I. verb

Loose is used with these nouns as the object:

grip

II. adj.1 not firmly fixed2 not tied back3 not shut in or tied up1 not firmly fixedVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, seemOne of the bricks feels slightly loose.become, come, shake (sth), work (sth)The top of the tap has come loose.A screw had worked loose from the door handle.get sth, prise sth (BrE), pry sth (esp. AmE), pull sth, tear sthADVERBrathera little, slightly, etc.

2 not tied backVERBSVERBSbe, fall, hangI let my hair fall loose down my back.Her hair hung loose about her shoulders.leave sth, wear sthShall I wear my hair loose?

3 not shut in or tied upVERBSVERBSbebreak, cut (figurative), getThe animals had broken loose from their pens.The organization broke loose from its sponsors.He felt he had to cut loose from his family.let sth, set sth, turn sthI'm going to let the dogs loose.

Loose is used with these nouns:

alliance, association, ball, bandage, blouse, bun, change, clothes, clothing, coalition, confederation, connection, cover, curl, definition, dirt, earth, elastic, end, federation, fist, fit, flap, floorboard, fold, grip, horse, interpretation, jacket, jeans, jumper, knot, moral, nail, page, paint, pants, paper, plank, robe, rock, sand, screw, sense, sheet, shirt, shoelace, shorts, skin, soil, stone, strand, strap, string, T-shirt, talk, tea, thread, tie, tile, tongue, tooth, top, translation, trousers, union, wire

loose-fitting

loose-fittingadj.

Loose-fitting is used with these nouns:

clothing, dress, pants

loose-leaf

loose-leafadj.

Loose-leaf is used with these nouns:

notebook

loosely

looselyadv.

Loosely is used with these adjectives:

allied, attached, organized, related, woven

Loosely is used with these verbs:

attach, base, bind, clasp, coil, connect, coordinate, cover, define, drape, fit, fold, grip, group, hang, hold, knot, link, model, regulate, rest, sling, structure, term, tie, translate, word, wrap

loosen looted

lootedadj.

Looted is used with these nouns:

antiquity

looting

lootingnoun

Looting is used before these nouns:

spree

loping

lopingadj.

Loping is used with these nouns:

stride

lopsided

lopsidedadj.

Lopsided is used with these nouns:

grin, smile

lopsidedly

lopsidedlyadv.

Lopsidedly is used with these verbs:

lord

lordnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + lord | lord + VERBADJECTIVEgreat, noblefeudalcrime, drug, warHe was the most notorious drug lord in Northern Europe.law (BrE)The law lords ruled against the government last year.VERB + lordservelord + VERBrule sb/sth

Lords

Lordsnoun

Lords is used before these nouns:

amendment

lorry

lorrynoun

noun (BrE)See also truckADJECTIVE | … OF LORRIES | VERB + lorry | lorry + VERB | lorry + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, heavy, huge, largeten-ton, 12-tonne, etc.armyarticulated, container, delivery, flatbed, gritting, HGV, refrigerated, refuse, skip, tipperjackknifed, overturnedThe motorway was closed by an overturned lorry.… OF LORRIESconvoyVERB + lorrydrivelorry + VERBbe laden with sth, carry stha lorry laden with haya refrigerated lorry carrying beertravellorries travelling to and from local quarriesjackknife, overturnA dozen people suffered minor injuries after a lorry jackknifed on an icy M62.lorry + NOUNdriverHer husband was a long-distance lorry driver.loadPHRASESa lorry sheds its loadThe lorry had shed its load under the bridge.

lose

loseverbPHRASAL VERB

verb1 not keep2 be defeated1 not keepADVERB | VERB + loseADVERBforeverVERB + losebe about to, be going to, be likely to, stand toThe company stands to lose if this deal falls through.have little to, have nothing toYou have nothing to lose by telling the truth.hate to, not bear to, not like to, not want tocannot afford toWe could not afford to lose any more senior members of staff.begin to

2 be defeatedVERB + lose | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + losehate to, not bear to, not like to, not want tocannot afford toThis was a game that Lazio could not afford to lose.not intend to(not) deserve tobe expected toPREPOSITIONagainstWe lost against Albyn College.byWe lost by five goals to two.toThere was really no shame in losing to Norton at that stage of his career.PHRASESwin or loseWin or lose, the important thing is to remain calm.

PHRASAL VERBlose outADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBfinancially

PREPOSITIONonMany of the canal children were constantly on the move, and lost out on regular schooling.toOur company lost out to one that could offer a lower price.

Lose is used with these nouns as the subject:

party, team, watch

Lose is used with these nouns as the object:

ability, accent, admiration, ally, altitude, appeal, appetite, argument, aura, baby, balance, ball, battle, bearing, belief, belongings, benefit, bet, bid, blood, business, button, capability, capacity, case, championship, chance, character, charm, child, childhood, circulation, citizenship, clarity, coherence, colour, command, competition, composure, concentration, confidence, connotation, consciousness, contact, contest, contract, control, count, coverage, credibility, crown, cup, custody, customer, debate, deposit, dignity, dispute, driving licence, edge, effectiveness, efficiency, election, electricity, empire, employment, enthusiasm, erection, essence, esteem, exemption, eyesight, faculty, faith, fat, father, favour, feeling, fervour, fight, figure, flavour, fluid, focus, foothold, footing, fortune, franchise, freedom, friend, friendship, funding, gamble, game, gloss, goodwill, grip, habitat, hair, hearing, heat, height, heritage, hold, hope, hour, husband, identity, illusion, immunity, impact, impetus, independence, individuality, influence, inheritance, inhibition, initiative, innocence, integrity, interest, job, knack, kudos, lead, leg, liberty, licence, life, limb, link, livelihood, look, luggage, magic, majority, mark, market, match, meaning, memory, mind, moisture, momentum, money, monopoly, motivation, mystery, nationality, needle, nerve, office, opportunity, patience, pension, perspective, place, point, poise, popularity, possession, potency, power, prestige, productivity, race, rally, reason, relative, relevance, reputation, respect, revenue, rhythm, right, round, sale, sanity, saving, scent, seat, self-confidence, self-control, self-respect, semblance, seniority, sensation, sense, series, set, shape, share, shyness, sight, sleep, soul, spark, sparkle, speed, splendour, status, strength, struggle, subsidy, suit, support, supremacy, sympathy, taste, temper, tender, territory, thread, throne, time, title, tooth, toss, touch, trade, trail, train, trust, use, usefulness, vestige, virginity, vision, vitality, voice, vote, wallet, war, way, wealth, weight, will, work, zest

lose at

lose atphr verb

Lose at is used with these nouns as the object:

card

lose-lose

lose-loseadj.

Lose-lose is used with these nouns:

loser

losernoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + loserADJECTIVEgoodbad, poor, sore (AmE)He's extremely competitive and a bad loser.bornHe was a born loser.perennial (esp. AmE)The team has been transformed from perennial losers into real contenders.clear, obvioussure (AmE)He looked like a sure loser at the beginning of the year.big, mainThe main loser was the Unity Party, which lost eight seats.real, ultimateThe real losers in this power shift are international organizations.If the teachers go on strike, the children are the ultimate losers.pathetic, sadHe's just a pathetic loser (= a stupid unsuccessful person).complete, totalShe made me feel like a complete loser.VERB + loserbackThe movie company thought they'd backed a loser until the film won an Oscar.

losing

losingadj.

Losing is used with these nouns:

battle, candidate, proposition, sequence, side, streak, team

loss

lossnoun

noun1 losing of sth2 amount of money lost3 the death of a person1 losing of sthADJECTIVE | VERB + loss | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEappreciable, considerable, significant, substantialdramatic, great, huge, major, seriousthe dramatic loss of farmland to urban growthReductions in spending would have led to a much greater loss of jobs.She suffered a significant loss of hearing after the operation.slightpartial, totalpartial loss of eyesightpermanent, temporarygradual, progressivea gradual loss of hoperapidrapid weight lossblood, fat, hair, hearing, heat, memory, water, weightWeight loss can be a sign of a serious illness.jobThe company is expected to announce 200 job losses.VERB + losssufferHe suffered a loss of confidence.causeThe knife hit an artery, causing significant blood loss.preventThey form a barrier to prevent water loss.PREPOSITIONloss ofloss of appetiteloss of confidencePHRASESno great lossShe wouldn't be able to attend the lecture, which was no great loss.be at a lossWe are at a loss to understand his actions (= we cannot understand them).

2 amount of money lostADJECTIVE | VERB + loss | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcatastrophic, enormous, heavy, huge, massive, serious, significant, substantialslight, smallnetpre-taxoverall, totalannual, quarterlyeconomic, financialtradinglong-term, short-termlong-term tax revenue lossesVERB + lossincur, make, suffer, sustain, takeThere's no way you can make a loss on this deal.The business sustained losses of €20 million.The company took a big loss of 28%.cut, minimize, reduceHe decided to cut his losses and sell the shares before they sank further.recoup, recoverIt took the company five years to recoup its losses.absorbThe fund may not be large enough to absorb these losses.offsetWe can offset the loss against next year's budget.underwriteNo bank would be willing to underwrite such a loss.PREPOSITIONat a lossThe store was operating at a loss.loss onWe made a net loss on the transaction.

3 the death of a personADJECTIVE | VERB + loss | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEenormous, great, terrible, tremendousThe family has suffered a terrible loss.The ship sank with great loss of life.His passing is a tremendous loss for all of us.sad (esp. BrE), tragicthe tragic loss of her husbandHis death is a sad loss to all who knew him.big, catastrophic, devastating, great, heavy, severethe devastating losses of the warThe enemy suffered heavy losses.VERB + losssuffer, sustain, takeOur country had sustained a tremendous loss of innocent life.inflictFighter planes inflicted heavy losses on the enemy.grieve, lament, mourn, regretChina mourned the loss of a great leader.PREPOSITIONloss toHer suicide was a terrible loss to the music world.PHRASESa sense of lossShe was filled with an overwhelming sense of loss.

lost

lostadj.

adj.1 unable to find the way2 not knowing what to do1 unable to find the wayVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbegetWe got lost in the woods.ADVERBcompletely, hopelesslyBy this time we were completely lost.

2 not knowing what to doVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, look, seemI felt lost without my watch.ADVERBcompletely, totallyAlina was looking totally lost.verya bit, a little, ratherShe looked rather lost and lonely, standing in a corner by herself.

Lost is used with these nouns:

art, cause, city, civilization, earnings, generation, income, innocence, love, lover, luggage, masterpiece, memory, opportunity, paradise, pet, productivity, profit, property, revenue, sheep, soul, territory, treasure, wage, youth

lot

lotnoun

noun1 whole amount2 large amount3 empty ground1 whole amountADJECTIVEADJECTIVEwholeShe bought the whole lot.

2 large amountADJECTIVEADJECTIVEawfulI had an awful lot of work to do.whole (informal)There's not a whole lot of difference between them.

3 empty groundADJECTIVE | VERB + lotADJECTIVEempty, vacantHe parked his caravan on a vacant lot.abandonedabandoned lots converted into baseball fieldslarge, small (both esp. AmE)the market for homes on smaller lotsparking (AmE)VERB + lotbuild on (esp. AmE)Our house is built on a lot that's somewhat below street level.

lotion

lotionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + lotionADJECTIVEsun, sunscreen (esp. AmE), suntan, tanningcleansing, moisturizing, settingbody, face, foot, hand, skinaftershavecalamineVERB + lotionapply, dab on, put on, rub in, smooth on, useShe dabbed calamine lotion on her mosquito bites.

lottery

lotterynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + lottery | lottery + VERB | lottery + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEnational, stateVERB + lotteryhave, holdWe're having a lottery to raise money for homeless families.runthe company that ran the state lotteryplayhit (AmE), winlottery + VERBfund sth, raise sthThese programs use state lotteries to fund the student awards.The lottery has raised millions of pounds.lottery + NOUNticketwinnerjackpot, prizea $3 million lottery jackpotwinfundsmachineThe second ball rolled from the lottery machine.PREPOSITIONin a/the lotteryI won my car in a lotteryon the lotteryA couple scooped £10 million on the national lottery.

lotus

lotusnoun

Lotus is used before these nouns:

Loud is used with these nouns:

loud

loudadj.adv.

I. adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, soundturn sth upShe turned the radio up loud.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.deafeningly, incredibly, unbearablyannoyinglyunnaturallyHer voice sounded unnaturally loud.PHRASESloud and clearTommy's voice came loud and clear from the back row.

applause, bang, bark, bass, bell, bellow, blast, boo, boom, bump, buzz, call, chatter, cheer, clang, clank, clatter, click, colour, commotion, crack, crash, creak, cry, curse, echo, exclamation, explosion, footstep, gasp, groan, growl, grunt, gulp, hammering, hiccup, hiss, howl, knock, laugh, laughter, moan, music, noise, ovation, passage, peal, pop, roar, rumble, scream, shout, shriek, sigh, smack, smash, sniff, snort, sob, sound, splash, thud, thump, thunder, tie, voice, volume, wail, whisper, whistle, yawn, yelp

II. adv.

Loud is used with these verbs:

sing

loudly

loudlyadv.

Loudly is used with these verbs:

announce, applaud, argue, bang, bark, beat, cackle, call, chatter, cheer, clap, clatter, complain, cough, creak, crunch, cry, curse, declare, demand, echo, exclaim, gasp, groan, growl, grunt, hiss, hum, insist, knock, laugh, moan, mutter, pant, proclaim, protest, puff, rap, repeat, say, scream, shout, shriek, sigh, sing, slam, sneeze, sniff, snore, snort, sob, speak, swear, talk, thud, thump, tick, weep, whine, whisper, whistle, yawn, yell

loudspeaker

loudspeakernoun

nounloudspeaker + VERB | loudspeaker + NOUN | PREPOSITIONloudspeaker + VERBannounce sth, broadcast sthLoudspeakers broadcast the football results.blare (sth)Loudspeakers blared militant songs.loudspeaker + NOUNannouncementsystemPREPOSITIONfrom a/the loudspeakerChristmas songs blared from loudspeakers.over a/the loudspeakerWe heard the news over the loudspeaker.through a/the loudspeakerA woman was addressing the crowd through a loudspeaker.

lounge

loungenoun

noun1 room in a house/hotel2 room at an airport1 room in a house/hotelADJECTIVE | lounge + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcocktail, coffee (esp. BrE), karaoke, lobby (AmE), smoking, sun (BrE), television, TVcomfortable, cosy/cozy, elegant, pleasant, spaciouscommunal (esp. BrE)faculty (AmE)hoteldorm (AmE)executivelounge + NOUNarea, bar (BrE), room, spaceact, music, singerchairPREPOSITIONin a/the lounge

2 room at an airportADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEairportarrivals (esp. BrE), departurewaitingexecutive, first-class, VIPPREPOSITIONin a/the lounge

lounger

loungernoun

Lounger is used after these nouns:

lousy

lousyadj.

Lousy is used with these nouns:

excuse, job, weather

lout

loutnoun

Lout is used after these nouns:

litter

louvred

louvredadj.

Louvred/louvered is used with these nouns:

shutter

lovable

lovableadj.

Lovable is used with these nouns:

Love is used with these nouns as the object:

love

lovenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + love | love + VERB | love + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEall-consuming, burning, deep, great, immense, intense, overwhelming, passionate, profoundher deep love for himtendergenuine, perfect, pure, real, sheer, sincere, trueboundless, unconditionalaltruistic, selflessabiding, enduring, eternal, everlasting, lasting, lifelong, undyingHe had an abiding love of the natural world.You have my undying love.steadfast, unfailingnew-foundsecrethopeless, unrequiteda sad tale of unrequited lovedoomedforbiddenlostSoul Survivors is a story of lost love.mutual, sharedfreeThey were into free love and avoided commitment.firstI like most sports but tennis is my first love.brotherly, familial, fatherly, maternal, parental, paternal, sisterlypuppy, teenagemarital, marriedThe poem is a celebration of married love.courtly, platonic, romanticthe cult of courtly love in the 12th centuryerotic, physical, sexualobsessiveheterosexual, homosexual, lesbian, same-sexredemptiveChristian, divine, humanuniversalVERB + lovefeel, haveShe felt no love for him.He had a great love of life.experience, knowHe had never known true love until now.search for, seekdiscover, findAt last she had found true love.rediscover, rekindlereceiveFrom John, she received the love she had never received from her father.earnShe has earned the love and respect of many people.developHe developed a lifelong love of music.demonstrate, express, showproveHe would do almost anything to prove his love for her.hideI couldn't hide my love for her any longer.confess, declare, pledge, proclaim, professThey publicly declared their love for each other.deserveI don't deserve his love.doubtDoes she doubt my love for her?inspire, instil/instillcultivate, foster, nurtureWe want to foster a love of learning in all children.celebratea party with family and friends to celebrate their lovereciprocate, returnHe didn't return her love.shareThey share a love of music.indulgeHis wealth enabled him to indulge his love of fast cars.pursueIt gave me the opportunity to pursue my love of music.give sb, send (sb)Bob sends his love.lavish, pourThey lavish love on Selah, their cat.be in, fall inHe fell in love with one of his students.fall out ofmake (= have sex)It was the first time they had made love.He wanted to make love to her.consummatelove + VERBbloom, blossom, growLove blossomed between the two of themdie, fadeprevailCan true love prevail?love + NOUNaffairtrianglelifeinterest, objectShe plays his love interest in the film.rival (esp. BrE)rat (BrE, informal)slaveletter, notetokenballad, poem, poetry, scene, song, storypotion, spellnestPREPOSITIONfor love, out of loveI did it for love!in loveWe are very much in love.love betweenthe love between parent and childlove forHe did not know how to express his love for her.love ofShe had a great love of painting.PHRASESan act of lovedeeply in love, madly in love, passionately in loveI was madly in love with her.desperately in love, head over heels in love, hopelessly in loveThey fell head over heels in love.love at first sightDo you believe in love at first sight?love conquers allIn his music dramas, love conquers all.the love of sb's lifeShe was the love of his life.

II. verbADVERBADVERBdearly, deeply, passionately, really, very muchHe loved his wife dearly.absolutely, totally (informal, esp. AmE)I absolutely love your shoes!genuinely, really, trulysimplyShe simply loved being involved.unconditionallyHe wanted to be unconditionally loved.secretlyuniversallyFlowers are universally loved.personallyI personally love the song.

child, country, fashion, father, feeling, film, food, job, music, work

love-hate

love-hateadj.

Love-hate is used with these nouns:

relationship

loveless

lovelessadj.

Loveless is used with these nouns:

Lovely is used with these nouns:

lovely

lovelyadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, look, soundThe cool water felt lovely after being in the hot sun.Your idea of a day on the beach sounds lovely.ADVERBparticularly, really, truly, veryShe looked really lovely in the blue dress.absolutely, perfectly, quite, simplyShe has an absolutely lovely face.rather (esp. BrE)

baby, beach, bloke, blossom, bride, clothes, colour, complexion, countryside, couple, day, evening, face, figure, flavour, flower, garden, gift, girl, holiday, horse, house, kid, lad, lady, lunch, meal, melody, memory, morning, people, person, personality, photograph, picture, piece, scenery, scent, setting, shade, smell, sound, spot, stretch, sunset, surprise, surroundings, thing, touch, view, voice, walk, weather, wife

lover

lovernoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + loverADJECTIVEardent, good, great, passionatejilted, rejected (esp. BrE), spurnedShe was shot by her jilted lover.jealousdoomed, star-crossedformer, one-timelostlong-timeHe got married to his long-time lover.potential, would-belive-insecretmarriedgay, homosexual, lesbianfemale, maleteenage, youngtoy-boy (BrE, informal)wealthy (esp. BrE)VERB + loverbe, becomeThey became lovers when they worked in the same office.find, have, takeIt was common for women to take lovers.marryleavekill, murder

lovesick

lovesickadj.

Lovesick is used with these nouns:

loving

lovingadj.

Loving is used with these nouns:

arm, care, child, couple, embrace, family, father, home, hug, husband, kindness, kiss, look, mother, parent, relationship, tribute, wife

lovingly

lovinglyadv.

Lovingly is used with these verbs:

caress, gaze, kiss, prepare, preserve, refer, restore, speak, tend

low

lownounverbadj.adv.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + low | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEall-time, new, recordThe pound has hit a new low against the dollar.VERB + lowfall to, hit, reach, sink toPREPOSITIONat a lowMorale is at an all-time low.PHRASEShighs and lowsHe had experienced all the highs and lows of an actor's life.

II. verb

Low is used with these nouns as the subject:

cow

III. adj.1 not far above the ground2 small in degree/amount1 not far above the groundVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, look, seemThe windows look very low to me.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.The river was extremely low for winter.a little, slightly, etc.

2 small in degree/amountVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, look, seembecome, get, runOur stocks of food were getting low.Supplies ran low.remain, staykeep sthThe government wants to keep taxes low.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.The failure rate is extremely low.comparatively, moderately, reasonably, relativelya little, slightly, etc.dangerouslyHis blood pressure was dangerously low.abnormally, unusuallyartificiallynaturallyridiculouslyhistoricallyhistorically low marriage statisticsPREPOSITIONinThis dish is very low in fat.

Low is used with these nouns:

ability, abundance, altitude, amount, attendance, ball, baritone, beam, bid, blood pressure, bow, bracket, branch, budget, building, buzz, caste, casualty, category, ceiling, chair, cholesterol, chuckle, church, cliff, cloud, comedy, concentration, confidence, consumption, content, correlation, cost, count, cross, cry, cunning, cupboard, current, degree, demand, density, diversity, division, dosage, dose, drone, duty, earnings, efficiency, employment, end, enrolment, esteem, estimate, expectation, expenditure, expense, fare, fee, fence, figure, fitness, frequency, gear, grade, gravity, groan, ground, growl, growth, grunt, gurgle, heat, hedge, heel, height, hill, hiss, hum, humidity, incidence, income, index, inflation, intake, intellect, intelligence, intensity, investment, key, latitude, laugh, level, lighting, maintenance, margin, mark, mileage, moan, moral, morale, mortality, motivation, mound, mountain, murmur, neck, noise, note, number, occurrence, odds, offer, opinion, orbit, output, oven, pass, pay, percentage, performance, pitch, point, post, premium, pressure, prestige, price, priority, probability, productivity, profile, profit, profitability, proportion, quality, rainfall, rank, rate, rating, ratio, reading, regard, register, relief, rent, reserve, resistance, resolution, return, rev, risk, river, road, roar, room, rumble, salary, score, scrub, season, sensitivity, setting, shelf, shot, shrub, sound, speed, speed limit, spending, stake, standard, standing, status, stock, stress, sun, table, target, tariff, tax, taxation, technology, temperature, threshold, tide, tolerance, tone, total, tree, turnout, turnover, unemployment, usage, utility, valuation, value, variability, velocity, vibration, visibility, voice, voltage, volume, wage, waist, waistline, wall, weight, whisper, whistle, yield

IV. adv.

Low is used with these adjectives:

overhead

Low is used with these verbs:

bow, crouch, fly, rank, sink, skim, swoop

low-alcohol

low-alcoholadj.

Low-alcohol is used with these nouns:

low-birthweight

low-birthweightadj.

Low-birthweight is used with these nouns:

baby, infant

low-budget

low-budgetadj.

Low-budget is used with these nouns:

film, movie, production

low-calorie

low-calorieadj.

Low-calorie is used with these nouns:

diet, drink

low-carb

low-carbadj.

Low-carb is used with these nouns:

diet

low-ceilinged

low-ceilingedadj.

Low-ceilinged is used with these nouns:

low-cost

low-costadj.

Low-cost is used with these nouns:

airline, electricity, housing, labour, producer, production

low-cut

low-cutadj.

Low-cut is used with these nouns:

blouse, dress, top

low-dose

low-doseadj.

Low-dose is used with these nouns:

aspirin

low-energy

low-energyadj.

Low-energy is used with these nouns:

bulb, light

lower

lowerverbadj.

I. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBcarefully, gentlygradually, slowlyquicklyCristina blushed and quickly lowered her eyes.downPREPOSITIONintoShe lowered herself into the driver's seat.ontoHe carefully lowered the sleeping child onto the bed.toShe lowered herself down to the floor.

Lower is used with these nouns as the subject:

Lower is used with these nouns as the object:

age, anchor, arm, barrier, bill, binoculars, blind, boat, bow, casket, ceiling, cholesterol, coffin, consumption, cost, dosage, duty, emission, expectation, expense, eye, fare, fee, flag, flap, forecast, gaze, gun, head, heat, hood, immunity, intake, level, lid, limit, morale, payment, premium, prestige, price, profile, rate, rating, resistance, risk, sail, shade, shield, sight, speed limit, stake, standard, status, tariff, tax, temperature, threshold, value, voice, voltage, volume, wage, weapon

II. adj.

Lower is used with these nouns:

animal, atmosphere, back, berth, body, bracket, chamber, chest, class, classification, corner, court, deck, edge, end, eyelid, flank, floor, gum, half, intestine, jaw, layer, leg, level, likelihood, limb, limit, lip, mammal, management, part, portion, slope, storey, surface, thigh, third, torso, valley

lower-body

lower-bodyadj.

Lower-body is used with these nouns:

strength, workout

lower-case

lower-caseadj.

Lower-case is used with these nouns:

letter

lowered

loweredadj.

Lowered is used with these nouns:

expectation, lid

lowest

lowestadj.

Lowest is used with these nouns:

tender

low-fare

low-fareadj.

Low-fare is used with these nouns:

airline

low-fat

low-fatadj.

Low-fat is used with these nouns:

cheese, diet, dressing, milk, recipe, yogurt

low-flying

low-flyingadj.

Low-flying is used with these nouns:

aircraft, helicopter, jet

low-frequency

low-frequencyadj.

Low-frequency is used with these nouns:

signal, vibration

low-grade

low-gradeadj.

Low-grade is used with these nouns:

ore

low-handicap

low-handicapadj.

Low-handicap is used with these nouns:

golfer

low-hanging

low-hangingadj.

Low-hanging is used with these nouns:

branch

low-heeled

low-heeledadj.

Low-heeled is used with these nouns:

sandal, shoe

low-impact

low-impactadj.

Low-impact is used with these nouns:

workout

low-income

low-incomeadj.

Low-income is used with these nouns:

community, country, family, household, housing, mother, neighbourhood, parent

low-interest

low-interestadj.

Low-interest is used with these nouns:

Low-key is used with these nouns:

low-key

low-keyadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemkeep sthWe want to keep the whole affair as low-key as possible.ADVERBveryThe wedding was a very low-key affair.fairly, pretty, rather, relativelyWe have a fairly low-key approach to discipline.decidedlydeliberately (esp. BrE)

affair, approach

low-level

low-leveladj.

Low-level is used with these nouns:

employee, exposure, flight, radiation, waste

lowly

lowlyadj.adv.

I. adj.

Lowly is used with these nouns:

intern, origin, position, status

II. adv.

Lowly is used with these verbs:

growl

low-lying

low-lyingadj.

Low-lying is used with these nouns:

area, land

low-paid

low-paidadj.

Low-paid is used with these nouns:

job, worker

low-paying

low-payingadj.

Low-paying is used with these nouns:

low-priced

low-pricedadj.

Low-priced is used with these nouns:

goods, import

low-resolution

low-resolutionadj.

Low-resolution is used with these nouns:

low-rise

low-riseadj.

Low-rise is used with these nouns:

building, jeans, pants

low-skilled

low-skilledadj.

Low-skilled is used with these nouns:

low-slung

low-slungadj.

Low-slung is used with these nouns:

low-tar

low-taradj.

Low-tar is used with these nouns:

low-tide

low-tideadj.

Low-tide is used with these nouns:

low-voltage

low-voltageadj.

Low-voltage is used with these nouns:

electricity

low-wage

low-wageadj.

Low-wage is used with these nouns:

low-water

low-wateradj.

Low-water is used with these nouns:

Loyal is used with these nouns:

loyal

loyaladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, remain, stayADVERBextremely, fiercely, intensely, verya fiercely loyal friendabsolutely, completely, totally, trulysteadfastlyhis steadfastly loyal friend, AnnieincrediblyPREPOSITIONtoThe troops remained loyal to the president.

ally, clientele, companion, customer, disciple, employee, fan, follower, following, force, friend, member, opposition, reader, servant, soldier, support, supporter, troops, viewer, wife

loyally

loyallyadv.

Loyally is used with these verbs:

serve, support

loyalty

loyaltynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + loyalty | loyalty + VERB | loyalty + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEabsolute, complete, total, undivided, undying, unswerving, unwaveringHe showed unswerving loyalty to his friends.long-termfierce, great, intense, strong, tremendousunquestioningblindconflicting, divided, dualDisagreements with one's in-laws often create divided loyalties.primaryHis primary loyalty was to his family.family, personal, triballocal, regionalethnic, religiousparty, politicalbrand, consumer, customerVERB + loyaltycommand, earn, engender, inspire, winHe inspires great loyalty from all his employees.build, createattempts to build customer loyaltyretainfeel, havedemonstrate, display, express, prove, showdeclare, pledge, swearThey pledged their loyalty to the king.shift, switch, transfer (esp. BrE)Some party members found it hard to switch their loyalty to the new leader.demand, expectbuyIt was a blatant attempt to buy their loyalty.rewardThe company rewards customer loyalty by offering discounts.oweShe owed no loyalty to him.doubt, questiontestloyalty + VERBbe, lie, remainHis loyalties lay with people from the same background as himself.loyalty + NOUNoathtestcard (= that gives benefits to regular customers of a shop/store, etc.) (BrE)points (BrE)Customers earn loyalty points every time they shop in the store.programme/program, scheme (BrE)bonus (BrE)PREPOSITIONout of loyaltyShe stayed on at the school out of loyalty to her students.loyalty amongThe town is the object of fierce loyalty among its inhabitants.loyalty forMass advertising creates brand loyalty for a product.loyalty fromThe company expects loyalty from its employees.loyalty tomen whose loyalty is to their political careersloyalty towards/towardThe team members felt tremendous loyalty towards/toward one another.PHRASESa conflict of loyaltiesan oath of loyalty, a pledge of loyaltya sense of loyalty

lozenge

lozengenoun

Lozenge is used after these nouns:

throat

LPnoun

LP is used before these nouns:

L-shaped

L-shapedadj.

L-shaped is used with these nouns:

lubricate

lubricateverb

Lubricate is used with these nouns as the object:

engine, joint

lubricating

lubricatingadj.

Lubricating is used with these nouns:

lucid

lucidadj.

Lucid is used with these nouns:

dream, prose

luck

lucknoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF LUCK | VERB + luck | luck + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbetter, good, greatblind, dumb (AmE), plain, pure, sheerIt was sheer luck that we met like that.randomamazing, extraordinary, incrediblebad, cruel (BrE), hard, ill, poor (esp. BrE), rotten, terrible, tough, unfortunateIt was rotten luck to be sick on the day of the interview.… OF LUCKpiece, strokeBy a stroke of luck I came across it in a local bookshop.VERB + luckhaveI haven't had much luck recently.bring (sb), give sbThis ring has always brought me good luck.wish sbI wished her luck for the future.needchance, tryI decided to try my luck at the roulette wheel.ride (BrE)We rode our luck (= our luck continued) towards the end of the game.press (AmE), pushDon't push your luck!bemoan (esp. BrE)luck + VERBdesert sb (esp. BrE), run outIt looks as though our luck's finally run out.continue, holdIf our luck holds, we should win.change, turnHe went on gambling, sure his luck was about to change.strikeMore bad luck struck last week.PREPOSITIONby … luckBy sheer luck we managed to get out in time.for luckI always carry it with me, just for luck.in luckYou're in luck—there are just two tickets left.out of luckI had hoped there would be another train, but I was out of luck.with luckWith luck, we'll get there before it closes.PHRASESas luck would have itAs luck would have it, my brother offered me his apartment.beginner's luckI don't know why I did so well—it must be beginner's luck.better luck next timeIf you didn't win a prize, better luck next time.can't believe your luckHe couldn't believe his luck when the other candidate for the job withdrew.just my luckJust my luck to get the broken chair!luck is on your sideI thought I was going to miss the train but luck was on my side.make your own luckYou make your own luck in business.

lucky

luckyadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeget, strike, strike it (all informal)She hopes that some day she'll get lucky and win the jackpot.consider yourself, count yourself, think yourselfHe considered himself lucky to have had the opportunity.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.We've been very lucky so far.dead (BrE, informal), exceptionally (esp. BrE), extraordinarily, incredibly, remarkably, terriblyShe is incredibly lucky to be alive.plainThat was just plain lucky.PREPOSITIONforIt was lucky for you that no one saw you.withWe certainly struck it lucky with the weather.

Lucky is used with these nouns:

applicant, break, chance, chap, coincidence, escape, fellow, find, guess, man, number, owner, recipient, shot, streak, winner

lucrative

lucrativeadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, proveADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highly, hugely (esp. BrE), incrediblyincreasinglypotentiallyfinanciallya financially lucrative venture

Lucrative is used with these nouns:

black market, business, career, contract, deal, market, niche, offer, office, sideline, source, spin-off, sponsorship, trade, work

ludicrous

ludicrousadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSappear, be, look, seem, soundbecomeADVERBabsolutely, completely, just, quite (esp. BrE), simply, totally, utterly (esp. BrE)The whole idea is absolutely ludicrous!frankly (BrE)almostThe plot was so simple, it was almost ludicrous.faintly (BrE)

Ludicrous is used with these nouns:

ludicrously

ludicrouslyadv.

Ludicrously is used with these adjectives:

lug

lugverb

Lug is used with these nouns as the object:

bag, baggage, pail, suitcase

luggage

luggagenoun

(esp. BrE) nounSee also baggageADJECTIVE | … OF LUGGAGE | VERB + luggage | luggage + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEheavycarry-on, handchecked, checked-inlost… OF LUGGAGEitem, pieceYou are only allowed one piece of hand luggage.set (AmE)a new set of luggageVERB + luggagecarrydrag, haulclaim, collect, retrievecheck (esp. AmE), check inThey like you to check your luggage in an hour before the flight.load, pack, unloadShe packed all the luggage into the back of the car.screen, searchloseluggage + NOUNarea, capacity, room, spaceThe car has a lot of luggage space.compartment, locker (BrE)rack (BrE, AmE)belt, carouselcart (AmE), trolleylabel, tagPREPOSITIONin your luggageI always carry a first-aid kit in my luggage.

lukewarm

lukewarmadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, seemADVERBratheronlyHis reaction was only lukewarm.decidedly, distinctly (both esp. BrE)PREPOSITIONaboutShe was distinctly lukewarm about my idea.

Lukewarm is used with these nouns:

coffee, endorsement, reception, response, support, tea, water

lull

lullnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + lull | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbrief, temporarylong (esp. AmE)VERB + lullhit (AmE)Has your fitness routine hit a lull?PREPOSITIONduring a/the lullThey crossed the road during a lull in the traffic.lull ina brief lull in the fighting

lumbar

lumbaradj.

Lumbar is used with these nouns:

region, spine

lumber

lumbernoun

noun (esp. AmE)See also timberADJECTIVE | lumber + NOUNADJECTIVEsoftwoodpressure-treated, treatedscraplumber + NOUNmillyardcampcompany, industry

luminous

luminousadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBhighlyfaintly

Luminous is used with these nouns:

lump

lumpnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + lump | lump + VERBADJECTIVEbig, giant, great (esp. BrE), huge, largea huge lump of cheesehard, heavy, solida heavy lump of claylittle, smallStir the sauce to remove any small lumps.strangeCheck your breasts for strange lumps.painfulHe's developed a painful lump on his neck.breastShe's just had a breast lump removed.cancerous, malignantTests confirmed the lump was cancerous.benignVERB + lumphavedetect, discover, feel, find, noticeShe felt a lump in her breast.removeSurgeons operated to remove the lump.formlump + VERBformgrow

lump sum

lump sumnoun

Lump sum is used before these nouns:

payment

lumpy

lumpyadj.

Lumpy is used with these nouns:

custard, mattress, pillow, sauce

lunar

lunaradj.

Lunar is used with these nouns:

calendar, crater, cycle, eclipse, landing, landscape, mission, module, month

lunatic

lunaticnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | lunatic + NOUNADJECTIVEcomplete, ravingcrazed, crazy (both esp. AmE)dangerouslunatic + NOUNasylum (old-fashioned, esp. BrE)

II. adj.

Lunatic is used with these nouns:

asylum, fringe

lunch

lunchnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + lunch | lunch + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEcold, hotdelicious, lovely (esp. BrE), nice, tastygourmet (esp. AmE), hearty, slap-up (BrE)four-course, three-course, etc.leisurely, longquickinformal (esp. BrE)heavyhealthy, lightsandwich (BrE)We went for a sandwich lunch at the local bar.boxed (AmE), brown-bag (AmE), packed, sack (AmE)picnicbarbecue (esp. BrE), buffet, carvery (BrE)pub (BrE)early, lateSunday (esp. BrE)annual (esp. BrE)The society's annual lunch will be held next Wednesday.business, workingschoolliterary (BrE)birthday, celebratory (esp. BrE)fund-raising (esp. BrE)boozy (BrE), liquid (= consisting only of alcoholic drinks)set (esp. BrE)The restaurant offers a £20 set lunch.VERB + luncheat, get, grab, haveDo you want to grab some lunch?do (informal)Let's do lunch sometime.cook, fix (esp. AmE), make, prepareShe fixed lunch for the whole family.orderbuy (esp. AmE)Can I buy you lunch?bring, serveskiplunch + NOUNappointment, date, meeting, party (esp. BrE)break, hour, interval (BrE), period, recess (AmE)stopThe tour includes a lunch stop.bag, box, bucket (AmE), pail (AmE), sack (AmE)traycounter, tablebuffethall, room (esp. AmE)lady (AmE) (dinner lady in BrE)things (BrE)I helped wash up the lunch things.rush (AmE)crowdThe lunch crowd was filtering in slowly.line (AmE), queue (BrE)guestmoneymenuclub (esp. BrE)spotbellPHRASESa spot of lunch (BrE)Come and have a spot of lunch with me.

luncheon

luncheonnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + luncheon | luncheon + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbuffetannualawardsanniversary, business, literary (all esp. BrE)charity, fund-raisingVERB + luncheonhaveattendorganizegive, hold, hostThe anniversary was marked by a luncheon given in the palace.sponsorluncheon + NOUNmenuparty (BrE)address, speaker, speechPREPOSITIONat luncheonThey met at a literary luncheon.for luncheonWhat's for lunch?during luncheon, over luncheon (BrE)I didn't talk much during lunch that day.Garry told me this story over lunch yesterday.

Luncheon is used before these nouns:

meat, voucher

Luncheon is used after these nouns:

award

lunchtime

lunchtimenoun

Lunchtime is used before these nouns:

concert, drink, meeting, news, recital, show, snack, stroll, supervisor

lung

lungnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + lung | lung + VERB | lung + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcollapsed, diseased, injured, puncturedhealthytransplantedVERB + lungfillI opened the window and filled my lungs with cool fresh air.clear, emptyCoughing clears the lungs of mucus.block, choke, clogThe smoke was beginning to choke her lungs.damageenterWater had entered his lungs and he was choking.penetrate, pierce, punctureinfectburnThe smoke was burning his lungs.removelung + VERBworkYour heart and lungs have to work harder if you're overweight.heavefillI let my lungs fill with the scented air.collapseburst (figurative)Lungs bursting, she flew across the finish line.ache, hurtHer lungs ached from the exertion.burnlung + NOUNcapacity, powerailment, cancer, condition, disease, infection, inflammation, injury, problems, tumour/tumorcell, surface, tissuefunctionvolumetransplant, transplantationsurgerybiopsy, scanPREPOSITIONin the lunglevels of carbon dioxide in the lungsinto the lungThese particles are breathed into the lungs.on the lungHe had blood clots on the lung.

lunge

lungenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + lunge | PHRASESADJECTIVEsuddenwild (esp. BrE)desperateHe skipped past the defender's desperate lunge.VERB + lungemakePHRASESlunge atThe burglar made a lunge at him with a knife.lunge forThe boy made a sudden lunge for his wallet.lunge toa lunge to one sidelunge towards/towardHe made a lunge towards/toward the door.

lurch

lurchnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + lurch | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEsickening, sudden, violentVERB + lurchgiveHer heart gave a lurch when she saw him.feelJohn felt a lurch of fear in his stomach.PREPOSITIONwith a lurchThe train stopped with a lurch.lurch intoStarting her own business was a lurch into the unknown.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBviolentlySuddenly the train lurched violently.slightlysuddenlybackwards/backward, forward, sidewaysShe gave a little cry and lurched forward.PREPOSITIONalongThe bus lurched along the mountain road.intoA man lurched into her office.towards/towardHe lurched towards/toward the door.PHRASESlurch to your feetThe drunk lurched to his feet and tried to follow us.

Lurch is used with these nouns as the subject:

boat, heart, stomach, train

lure

lurenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + lureADJECTIVEbig, irresistible, powerful, strongVERB + lureresistShe can't resist the lure of the bright lights.feelHe felt the lure of distant places.

II. verb

Lure is used with these nouns as the object:

customer, investor, shopper, victim, viewer, visitor

lure into

lure intophr verb

Lure into is used with these nouns as the object:

trap

lurid

luridadj.

Lurid is used with these nouns:

colour, description, detail, headline, story, tale

lurk

lurkverb

Lurk is used with these nouns as the subject:

danger, monster, spider

luscious

lusciousadj.

Luscious is used with these nouns:

lush

lushadj.

Lush is used with these nouns:

carpet, colour, countryside, foliage, garden, grass, green, hill, jungle, undergrowth, valley, vegetation

lust

lustnoun

noun1 sexual desire2 strong desire for sth1 sexual desireADJECTIVE | VERB + lustADJECTIVEpurea relationship based on pure lustcarnal, physical, sexualinsatiable, unbridled, uncontrollableanimal, male, teenageVERB + lustfeelShe felt no lust whatsoever for him.satisfyHe used her just to satisfy his lust.

2 strong desire for sthADJECTIVE | VERB + lust | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEinsatiablebloodVERB + lustbe driven by, havesatisfyPREPOSITIONlust forShe was driven by a lust for power.He had his father's lust for life.

lustily

lustilyadv.

Lustily is used with these verbs:

sing

lustrous

lustrousadj.

Lustrous is used with these nouns:

Lutheran

Lutheranadj.

Lutheran is used with these nouns:

congregation, pastor

luxuriant

luxuriantadj.

Luxuriant is used with these nouns:

foliage

luxurious

luxuriousadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, look, seemThe car felt luxurious.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.Camping these days can be fairly luxurious.

Luxurious is used with these nouns:

accommodation, bath, bathroom, fabric, home, hotel, house, interior, mansion, resort, room, surroundings, velvet, villa

luxuriously

luxuriouslyadv.

Luxuriously is used with these adjectives:

furnished

Luxuriously is used with these verbs:

stretch

luxury

luxurynoun

noun1 comfort and pleasure2 sth expensive and unnecessary1 comfort and pleasureADJECTIVE | … OF LUXURY | VERB + luxury | luxury + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreat, pure, sheerIt was sheer luxury to step into a hot bath.ultimatethe ultimate luxury of a sauna in your own homerelativeWe lived in relative luxury.realmodern… OF LUXURYtouchSilk sheets added the final touch of luxury.VERB + luxuryenjoyWe enjoyed the luxury of an expensive bottle of wine.affordWe can't afford such luxury.live inofferThe resort offers luxury on a grand scale.luxury + NOUNhotelcar, coach (BrE), liner (BrE), sedan (AmE), yachtcruiseapartment, flat (BrE), homegoods, itemsbrandpeople who can afford to buy luxury brandsPREPOSITIONin luxurybrought up in luxuryPHRASEShave the luxury of (doing) sthHe had the luxury of spending time at his family's summer home.a life of luxuryHe wasn't dead, but living a life of luxury in Australia.the lap of luxuryYou're certainly living in the lap of luxury!

2 sth expensive and unnecessaryADJECTIVE | VERB + luxury | luxury + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEexpensive, unaffordableaffordablelittle, simple, smallone of life's little luxuriesunnecessaryrareBathrooms were a rare luxury at that time.modernVERB + luxuryaffordWe can't afford luxuries.enjoy, have, indulge indo withoutmissHe missed the simple luxuries of life, like regular meals.luxury + NOUNtaxPHRASEShave every luxuryShe's had every luxury in life.

lycra

lycranoun

Lycra is used before these nouns:

shorts

lymph

lymphnoun

Lymph is used before these nouns:

Lynch is used with these nouns as the subject:

lynch

lynchverbadj.

I. verb

Lynch is used with these nouns:

II. adj.

lynching

lynchingnoun

Lynching is used before these nouns:

lyric

lyricadj.

Lyric is used with these nouns:

poem, poet, poetry, soprano, tenor

lyrical

lyricaladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feelbecome, waxHe waxed lyrical about the variety of fish in the river.ADVERBintensely, veryThere are some intensely lyrical passages in his first symphony.almostShe wrote an almost lyrical account of her childhood.

Lyrical is used with these nouns:

passage, prose

lyrics

lyricsnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + lyrics | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhip-hop, pop, rap, songpoeticconfessional, heartfelt, insightful, introspective, poignant, thoughtfulclever, wittycrypticcatchy (informal), memorableexplicitbanal, cheesy, inane, nonsensicalhomophobic, misogynisticVERB + lyricscompose, pen, writetranslatesetStrauss set several of Mackay's lyrics to music.readbelt out, deliver, scream, singmouthquote, recitePREPOSITIONlyrics aboutlyrics about death and miserylyrics bya song with lyrics by Lorenz Hartlyrics forthe lyrics for a new tunelyrics toHe wrote the lyrics to our first song.

M-16

M-16noun

M-16 is used before these nouns:

rifle

MAnoun

MA is used before these nouns:

degree, thesis

macabre

macabreadj.

Macabre is used with these nouns:

macadamia

macadamianoun

Macadamia is used before these nouns:

nut

machine

machinenoun

noun1 piece of equipment2 system/organization1 piece of equipmentADJECTIVE | VERB + machine | machine + VERB | machine + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgiant, great, huge, large, powerfulportableautomated, automatic, electronicsophisticatedefficientknitting, sewing, video, washinganswering, faxATM, cashexercise, rowingarcade, gaming, karaoke, pinballcoffee, espresso, ice, sodavendingdialysis, kidney, life-support, MRI, ultrasound, X-rayThe crash victim is now on a life-support machine.votingVERB + machineoperate, run, use, workinstall, set upWe've had a new washing machine installed.start, stopplug in, unplugpowercreate, inventbuild, makeservicefix, repairdesignThe machine is designed to fit under a counter.machine + VERBgo, workIs the machine working again?break down, malfunctionrunThe machine runs on solar power.beep, hum, whirrmachine + NOUNoperatorpartstoolmachine tools for making weaponsPREPOSITIONby machineThe potatoes are planted by machine.in a/the machineJust put those clothes in the machine (= the washing machine).on a/the machineI make my own dresses on my sewing machine.machine fora machine for making coffeePHRASESa make of machineWhat make of machine are they using?

2 system/organizationADJECTIVE | machine + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEparty, politicalThe independent candidates did not have the support of a party machine.marketing, propaganda, publicitymilitary, warthe president's propaganda machineadministrative, government, state (all esp. BrE)machine + NOUNpolitician, politicsPHRASESa cog in the machine (figurative)Tired of being a tiny cog in a vast machine, he handed in his resignation.a well-oiled machine (figurative)The department ran like a well-oiled machine after the reorganization.

machine gun

machine gunnoun

Machine gun is used before these nouns:

bullet, fire

machine-readable

machine-readableadj.

Machine-readable is used with these nouns:

passport

machinery

machinerynoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF MACHINERY | VERB + machinery | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEheavycomplex, complicated, sophisticatedmodern, state-of-the-artelectricalagricultural, construction, farm, industrial… OF MACHINERYpiecelarge and complex pieces of machineryVERB + machinerymaintain, repairmanufactureinstall, set upcontrol, driveoperate, usereplacehouseThe machinery is housed in a special building.PREPOSITIONmachinery formachinery for grinding wheatPHRASESthe hum of machinery

macho

machoadj.

Macho is used with these nouns:

bravado, image, jerk, man

macro

macroadj.

Macro is used with these nouns:

level

macroeconomic

macroeconomicadj.

Macroeconomic is used with these nouns:

indicator, policy

mad

madadj.

adj.1 (esp. BrE) not sane2 (informal, esp. AmE) angry1 (esp. BrE) not saneSee also crazyVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, look, seemgoHe went mad and spent the rest of his life locked up in a mental hospital.The world had gone completely mad.drive sbHis experiences in the First World War drove him mad.The children are driving me mad!consider sb, think sbHer colleagues thought her quite mad.pronounce sbADVERBabsolutely, completely, quite, totally, utterlybarking (BrE), raving, stark raving (all informal)What a barking mad idea!You must be stark raving mad to risk your money like that!almosta little, slightly, etc.halfPREPOSITIONwithI went mad with joy and danced a little jig.

2 (informal, esp. AmE) angryVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, lookgetI get so mad when people don't take me seriously.make sbIt makes me really mad when people waste food.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.hoppingabsolutelyPREPOSITIONat, withPlease don't be mad with me!

Mad is used with these nouns:

dash, dog, eye, frenzy, genius, idea, panic, professor, rush, scientist, scramble, whirl, world

maddeningly

maddeninglyadv.

Maddeningly is used with these adjectives:

elusive, inconsistent

made-for-TV

made-for-TVadj.

Made-for-TV is used with these nouns:

made-up

made-upadj.

Made-up is used with these nouns:

madly

madlyadv.

Madly is used with these adjectives:

jealous

Madly is used with these verbs:

bark, grin, laugh, race, rush, wave

madness

madnessnoun

nounADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEabsolute, complete, pure, sheer, total, utterIt's sheer madness to go walking in weather like this.apparentcollectiveThe real victim in this collective madness is our society.March (AmE)PHRASESthe first sign of madnessThey say that talking to yourself is the first sign of madness!a moment of madnessIn a moment of madness, I said I'd help him.

mafia

mafianoun

Mafia is used before these nouns:

gang

magazine

magazinenoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF MAGAZINE | VERB + magazine | magazine + VERB | magazine + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEnew, oldfull-colour/full-color, glossyillustratedbimonthly, monthly, quarterly, weeklyonlinelocal, national, parish (BrE)school, studenthouse (BrE), in-house, officialthe company's in-house magazinein-flightleading, major, popularprestigious, qualitypulpdefunctspecial-interest, specialist (BrE)general-interest, mainstreamgay, lesbian, teen, teenage (esp. BrE), women'sbusiness, tradelistings (BrE)Check a listings magazine for what's on this weekend.bridal, car, celebrity, computer, consumer, fashion, fitness, gardening (esp. BrE), gossip, home (esp. AmE), lifestyle, literary, motoring (esp. BrE), music, news, satirical, science, style, traveldirty, girlie, porn (informal), porno (informal), pornographic, sex… OF MAGAZINEcopyWhy did you buy three copies of the same magazine?edition, issueVERB + magazineleaf through, look at, readI leafed through some magazines in the waiting room.I never read magazines.edit, write forprint, produce, publisha company that publishes fashion magazinesfound, launch, startLaunching a magazine is a risky venture.distributebuy, get, subscribe toWhich magazines do you get regularly?magazine + VERBcome outThe magazine comes out once a month.hit sthThe magazine hits the newsstands this week.be aimed at sba magazine aimed at mothers with young childrenbe devoted to stha magazine devoted to country lifedescribe sthcover stha trade magazine covering the furnishings industrycarry sth, contain sth, feature sth, offer sth, print sth, publish sth, report sth, run sthThe magazine carried an interview with the actor considered Hollywood's hottest property.quote sblist sthThe magazine lists the latest films showing in cinemas. (BrE)The magazine lists the latest movies showing in theaters. (AmE)claim sth, say sthThe magazine claimed that he was having an affair.reveal sthmagazine + NOUNarticle, column, feature, interview, piece, report, storyad, advert (BrE), advertisementpoll, surveycoverpageclipping, cutting (BrE)format, layoutcolumnist, editor, journalist, photographer, publisher, reporter, writerreadershootThe hotel is regularly the location for glossy magazine shoots,launchawardsubscriptioncirculationsectionthe magazine section at the bookstorerackPREPOSITIONin a/the magazinean article in a women's magazine

magic

magicnounadj.

I. noun1 secret power2 special quality1 secret powerADJECTIVE | VERB + magic | magic + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEblackwhiteritualfolkpowerfulancientVERB + magiccast, do, perform, practise/practiceHe earns extra money doing magic at children's parties.People found guilty of practising/practicing black magic were hanged.believe inI don't believe in magic.channel, useProspero uses his magic to attack them.workconjure (esp. AmE), conjure up (esp. BrE), summon (esp. AmE)magic + VERBworkThe magic slowly begins to work, and the princess starts to come to life again.PREPOSITIONby magicThe rabbit disappeared by magic.PHRASESas if by magicThe money had reappeared as if by magic.

2 special qualityADJECTIVE | … OF MAGIC | VERB + magic | magic + VERBADJECTIVEabsolute, pure, sheerThe show is three hours of pure magic.realmovie, musicalFans agree the musical magic is still there.… OF MAGICelement (esp. AmE), touchThe fireworks brought a touch of magic to the occasion.VERB + magicconjure, weave, workA hot bath and a good night's sleep worked their usual magic.create, recapture, recreateThe film fails to recapture the magic of his earlier films.experience, feelVisitors can experience the magic of age-old traditions and historical sites.senseloseMany people think he has lost his magic as a player.magic + VERBhappenIt's the director's job to make the magic happen.

II. adj.

Magic is used with these nouns:

bullet, carpet, circle, door, dust, formula, ingredient, lamp, moment, mushroom, power, realism, show, spell, touch, trick, word

magical

magicaladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbefind sthADVERBabsolutely, simply, truly, verya truly magical experiencequitealmostHer beauty had an almost magical quality.seemingly

Magical is used with these nouns:

aura, being, creature, effect, moment, power, quality, realism, realm, ritual, spell, tale, transformation

magically

magicallyadv.

Magically is used with these verbs:

appear, disappear, solve, transform

magistrate

magistratenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + magistrate | magistrate + VERB | magistrate + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEexamining (BrE), investigating, licensing (BrE)chief, senior (BrE)presiding (BrE)city (esp. BrE), county, district (esp. BrE), federal, local, town (esp. BrE)stipendiary (BrE)VERB + magistrateappoint sb, appoint sb as (both BrE)appear before, come up before (both BrE)He is due to appear before magistrates on a charge of assault.magistrate + VERBhear sth (BrE)The man had a history of violence, magistrates heard yesterday.decide sth, rule sthThe magistrate ruled that there wasn't enough evidence.ban sb, convict sb, fine sb, remand sb in custody, sentence sb (all BrE)Magistrates banned him from driving for thirty days.impose sth, order sth (both BrE)Magistrates imposed an Anti-Social Behaviour Order.A magistrate ordered that they return to the UK.grant sth (BrE)Magistrates granted the application for a drinks licence.adjourn sth (BrE)Magistrates adjourned the case until June 9.sit (BrE)Magistrates sitting in Andover imposed a three-year sentence.magistrate + NOUNjudge (AmE)PHRASESmagistrates' court (in the UK)

magna cum laude

magna cum laudeadj.

Magna cum laude is used with these nouns:

graduate

magnate

magnatenoun

Magnate is used after these nouns:

media, newspaper, oil

magnet

magnetnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + magnet | magnet + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpowerful, strongbarfridge, refrigerator (esp. AmE)babe (informal), chick (informal), tourist (all figurative)VERB + magnetact as, act likeThe scent of flowers acts as a magnet to bees.magnet + VERBattract sthPREPOSITIONmagnet forThe place is a magnet for tourists.

magnetic

magneticadj.

Magnetic is used with these nouns:

attraction, coating, compass, disk, field, needle, north, personality, pole, property, pull, recording, storm, strip, tape

magnetism

magnetismnoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEsheeranimal, personal, sexualthe earth'schanges in the earth's magnetism

magnificent

magnificentadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, lookADVERBreally, trulyabsolutely, simplyan absolutely magnificent performancequite (esp. BrE)ratherequally

Magnificent is used with these nouns:

backdrop, beast, building, castle, cathedral, collection, countryside, creature, display, example, hall, home, horse, house, job, library, palace, performance, physique, piece, room, save, scenery, setting, sight, specimen, spectacle, sum, surroundings, view, villa, waterfall

magnificently

magnificentlyadv.

Magnificently is used with these verbs:

perform, respond

magnify

magnifyverb

verbADVERB | PHRASESADVERBgreatly, highlyThe daring of his exploits had been greatly magnified by constant telling.PHRASESmagnify sth 50, 100, etc. timesThe picture shows the insect's head magnified ten times.

Magnify is used with these nouns as the object:

effect, problem

magnifying

magnifyingadj.

Magnifying is used with these nouns:

lens

magnitude

magnitudenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + magnitude | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsiderable, greatunprecedentedsheerrelativesufficienta fall in costs of sufficient magnitude to enable us to reduce pricessmallVERB + magnitudeappreciate, comprehend, grasp, realize, understandThey failed to comprehend the magnitude of the problem.assess, determine, estimate, measure, quantifyunderestimateThey appear to underestimate the magnitude of such influences.PREPOSITIONin magnitudeThe effects were substantial in magnitude.PHRASESof the first magnitudeStars of the first magnitude are visible to the naked eye. (astronomy)a disaster of the first magnitudeof comparable magnitude, of similar magnitudeWe will face challenges of a similar magnitude.(by) an order of magnitudeHer calculation was out by several orders of magnitude.

mahogany

mahoganynoun

Mahogany is used before these nouns:

desk, table

maid

maidnoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEhotel, kitchen, laundrylady's, parlour/parlor (usually parlourmaid/parlormaid), scullery, serving (all old-fashioned)personallive-in

maiden

maidenadj.

Maiden is used with these nouns:

aunt, flight, name, speech, voyage

mail

mailnounverb

I. nounSee also postADJECTIVE | … OF MAIL | VERB + mail | mail + VERB | mail + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcertified (AmE) (recorded delivery in BrE), registeredexpressfirst-class, second-class (both in the UK)internal (esp. BrE)If we want to send something to another department, we use the internal mail.incoming, outgoingunopenedpostal (AmE), regular (esp. AmE), snail (informal, humorous)air (usually airmail), surfaceelectronic (usually email), video, voicedirectdirect-mail advertisingbulkjunk, unsolicited, unwantedI throw away junk mail without reading it.fanhateHe has received death threats and hate mail from angry fans.… OF MAILitem, piecethe strange piece of fan mail she'd received two days earliersackfulVERB + mailpost (BrE), sendget, receivedeliverforward, redirect (BrE)We had our mail redirected when we moved out.intercept, stealcollectThe mail is collected twice a day.sortThe postcode allows the mail to be sorted automatically.handleSome people let their assistants handle the mail.checkShe checked her mail before leaving the hotel.pick upopenreadanswer, deal withmail + VERBcome, goHas the mail come yet?mail + NOUNdeliveryorderAll our products are available by mail order.messageitemballot, questionnaire, surveylistprogramsystemcentre/center, roomcarrier, man (usually mailman) (both AmE) (postman in BrE)The mail carrier didn't deliver the mail on Friday.drop (AmE)box (usually mailbox), slot (both AmE) (both letter box in BrE)coach (BrE), train (esp. BrE), truck (AmE)fraudbomb (letter bomb in BrE)PREPOSITIONby mailSend it by registered mail.in the mailMy reply is in the mail.Is there anything interesting in the mail?

II. verb (esp. AmE)ADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBdirect, directlyback, outMailing out information can be very expensive.PREPOSITIONtoThe brochures are mailed direct to members.

Mail is used with these nouns as the object:

ballot, coupon, entry, envelope, letter, package, postcard, résumé

mailbox

mailboxnoun

Mailbox is used after these nouns:

mailed

mailedadj.

Mailed is used with these nouns:

questionnaire

mailing

mailingnoun

Mailing is used before these nouns:

address, label, list

Mailing is used after these nouns:

bulk

mailing list

mailing listnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + mailing list | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfreeWhy not join our free mailing list?VERB + mailing listgo on, join, subscribe toadd sb to, put sb oncome off, unsubscribe fromremove sb from, take sb offPREPOSITIONon a/the mailing listWe're on the charity's mailing list.mailing list fora mailing list for teachers

mailman

mailmanadj.

adj.mailman + VERBmailman + VERBdeliver sth

mail-order

mail-orderadj.

Mail-order is used with these nouns:

bride, business, catalogue, firm, pharmacy

main

mainnounadj.

I. noun1 ADJECTIVE | VERB + main | main + VERBADJECTIVEgas, waterbroken (AmE), burst (BrE)water damage from broken mainsThere's a burst water main in Quarry Road.rising (BrE)cast-iron (esp. BrE)VERB + mainlayThey're laying a new gas main through the town.replacerepairmain + VERBserve sthThe main serves four towns.

2 mains (BrE)1 ADJECTIVE | VERB + main | main + VERBADJECTIVEgas, waterbroken (AmE), burst (BrE)water damage from broken mainsThere's a burst water main in Quarry Road.rising (BrE)cast-iron (esp. BrE)VERB + mainlayThey're laying a new gas main through the town.replacerepairmain + VERBserve sthThe main serves four towns.

2 mains (BrE)MAINS + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESMAINS + NOUNelectricity, gas, wateran island without mains electricityPREPOSITIONat the mainsTurn the water off at the mains.on the mainsSome of the remoter houses in the town are not on the mains.PHRASESconnected to the mainsThe house is not yet connected to the mains.

II. adj.

Main is used with these nouns:

achievement, act, actor, actress, advantage, agent, aim, altar, ambition, area, argument, artery, aspect, asset, attraction, attribute, bathroom, bedroom, body, building, campus, cause, centre, challenge, challenger, chamber, character, characteristic, city, clause, competitor, complaint, component, concern, conclusion, consequence, consideration, contender, contention, contributor, corridor, course, courtyard, criterion, criticism, culprit, deck, demand, desk, difference, dimension, disadvantage, discipline, dish, distinction, distributor, door, drawback, drift, effect, element, emphasis, enemy, entrance, event, exception, exit, exponent, export, faction, factor, feature, finding, flaw, flow, focus, force, foyer, function, gate, goal, hall, hallway, heading, headquarters, highlight, highway, hope, hurdle, idea, impact, impediment, impetus, implication, import, impression, incentive, indicator, ingredient, instrument, interest, issue, item, line, loser, meal, menu, message, mission, motivation, motive, object, objection, objective, obstacle, occupation, offender, office, opponent, page, part, participant, partner, party, pattern, plank, plot, post office, preoccupation, priority, problem, purpose, reason, recipient, recommendation, representative, requirement, residence, responsibility, rival, road, role, room, route, sail, section, shareholder, shopping centre, shortcoming, source, speaker, sponsor, square, stage, stair, staircase, stem, story, strand, street, stress, stumbling block, subject, supplier, support, suspect, tank, target, task, text, theme, thesis, thing, thread, threat, thrust, topic, track, trail, trend, tributary, type, value, vehicle, verb, witness, worry

mainframe

mainframeadj.

Mainframe is used with these nouns:

mainland

mainlandadj.

Mainland is used with these nouns:

coast

mainline

mainlineadj.

Mainline is used with these nouns:

church, railway

mainly mainstream

mainstreamnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + mainstream | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcultural, political, etc.VERB + mainstreamenter, hit, join, reachcut sb/sth off from, exclude sb/sth fromThese teachers have been cut off from the mainstream of educational activity.PREPOSITIONin the mainstream, within the mainstreamHe was in the mainstream of British contemporary music.into the mainstreamThis technology was designed for specialists but is now starting to move into the mainstream.out of the mainstream, outside the mainstreamHe drifted out of the mainstream of society.PHRASESpart of the mainstreamThis style of drama is not part of the cultural mainstream.

II. adj.

Mainstream is used with these nouns:

acceptance, appeal, audience, cinema, culture, curriculum, economics, economist, establishment, feminism, fiction, film, institution, journalism, journalist, magazine, media, movie, music, Muslim, newspaper, politics, pop, press, publication, publisher, religion, rock, school, schooling, society, sociology, sport

maintain

maintainverb

verb1 keep sth at the same level2 keep sth in good condition1 keep sth at the same levelVERB + maintain | ADVERB | PHRASESVERB + maintainbe anxious to, want toWe are anxious to maintain our close links with the police.have to, need tostrive to, try tohelp (to)be able tobe difficult toThe government's position became increasingly difficult to maintain.ADVERBindefinitelyThis pace cannot be maintained indefinitely.simultaneouslyThey are looking to cut costs while simultaneously maintaining the existing levels of service.successfullyHe successfully maintained the financial health of the company.easilyThe company has easily maintained its position as the leading brand in the money-transfer business.generally, largely, normally, typically, usuallyCommercial aircraft generally maintain cabin altitudes between 6 000 and 8 000 feet.activelyPHRASESthe duty to maintain sth, the need to maintain sthHe emphasized the need to maintain the status quo.

2 keep sth in good conditionADVERB | VERB + maintain | PHRASESADVERBcarefully, properly, wellpoorlya poorly maintained central heating systemVERB + maintainbe difficult tobe easy toPHRASESbe responsible for maintaining sth

Maintain is used with these nouns as the subject:

pressure

Maintain is used with these nouns as the object:

alignment, alliance, altitude, anonymity, appearance, archive, army, association, atmosphere, attitude, autonomy, balance, base, blacklist, blockade, blog, calm, charade, check, coherence, command, communication, composure, confidence, confidentiality, connection, consistency, contact, continuity, control, correspondence, credibility, culture, custom, database, dignity, discipline, distance, diversity, dividend, dominance, domination, edge, effectiveness, efficiency, enthusiasm, erection, excellence, existence, facility, fiction, fidelity, file, fitness, fleet, flexibility, flow, focus, foothold, form, formality, freedom, friendship, garden, grip, growth, harmony, health, height, hierarchy, highway, hold, house, household, humidity, identity, illusion, image, impartiality, impression, improvement, independence, individuality, inequality, initiative, innocence, insurance, intake, integrity, interest, lawn, lead, level, liaison, lifestyle, link, log, machinery, majority, membership, military, momentum, monopoly, morale, motivation, myth, network, neutrality, occupation, order, pace, partnership, patrol, peace, perspective, popularity, position, posture, practice, presence, pretence, productivity, profile, profitability, purity, quality, rate, record, regimen, register, regularity, relation, relationship, reputation, reserve, residence, rhythm, rigour, road, sanity, schedule, secrecy, semblance, sense, service, shape, silence, site, speed, stability, stance, standard, status, status quo, stock, strength, superiority, supply, supremacy, system, temperature, tension, tie, tone, tradition, truce, trust, unity, velocity, veneer, viability, vigil, vigilance, vitality, watch, website, weight

maintenance

maintenancenoun

noun1 keeping sth in good condition2 (BrE, law) money paid to support sb1 keeping sth in good conditionADJECTIVE | VERB + maintenance | maintenance + NOUNADJECTIVEannual, daily, regular, routineperiodicThese fences are fairly rugged but they require periodic maintenance.scheduledlong-term, ongoingproperpooressential (esp. BrE)The power station has been shut down for essential maintenance.preventative, preventive (esp. AmE)carefuleasyThe engine is designed for easy maintenance.low, minimalThe house requires minimal maintenance.highThe system is expensive and requires high maintenance.his high-maintenance girlfriendbasic, generalShe was working in the garden, doing weeding and general maintenance.aircraft, car, equipment, machine, etc.roadbuilding, homesoftwarehealthlawnVERB + maintenancecarry out (esp. BrE), do, performWe carry out routine maintenance of the equipment.providea company that provides mechanical maintenanceneed, requirereceiveThe building has received no regular maintenance since it was vacated in 1998.reduceThe use of hard surfaces in the garden is intended to reduce maintenance.maintenance + NOUNengineer, man, technician, workercrew, personnel, staff, teammanager, officer (AmE), supervisordepartment, unit (military)management (AmE)bill, costs, expenses, feebudgetcontractplan, programme/program, schedulefacility (esp. AmE), service, supportWe provide a maintenance service on all our products.depot, shop (AmE)requirementsissue, problemcheckprocedure, systemactivities, operation, task, workrecordKeep warranty papers and maintenance records for any vehicle you own.guide, manual

2 (BrE, law) money paid to support sbSee also supportADJECTIVE | VERB + maintenance | maintenance + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEchildVERB + maintenancepayclaimmaintenance + NOUNpaymentsarrearsHe was jailed for failing to pay maintenance arrears.PREPOSITIONin maintenanceHe pays £1 000 a month in child maintenance.

majestic

majesticadj.

Majestic is used with these nouns:

beauty, grandeur, mountain

majestically

majesticallyadv.

Majestically is used with these verbs:

Major is used with these nouns:

major

majornounadj.

I. nounII. adj.

accident, accomplishment, achievement, acquisition, addition, adjustment, advance, advantage, aim, airline, airport, alteration, amendment, appliance, argument, artery, article, artist, aspect, assault, asset, attack, attraction, award, bank, barrier, battle, benefactor, benefit, bleeding, blood vessel, blow, blunder, bonus, boost, brand, breach, breakthrough, broadcaster, campaign, capital, catastrophe, cause, celebrity, centre, chain, challenge, championship, change, characteristic, chord, city, client, collection, collector, commitment, company, competition, competitor, complaint, complication, component, composer, concern, concession, concussion, conflict, confrontation, consequence, consideration, constraint, contender, contract, contribution, contributor, controversy, corporation, coup, crackdown, crash, crime, crisis, critic, criticism, crush, culprit, currency, customer, cut, cutback, deal, decision, decline, defeat, defect, deficiency, delay, demand, demonstration, departure, depression, destination, developer, development, difference, difficulty, dimension, disadvantage, disagreement, disappointment, disaster, discipline, discount, discovery, discrepancy, dispute, disruption, distinction, distraction, distributor, disturbance, diversion, donor, drain, drawback, earthquake, effect, effort, element, embarrassment, emergency, emphasis, employer, enquiry, epidemic, episode, error, eruption, escalation, event, exception, exercise, exhibit, exhibition, expansion, expedition, expenditure, expense, explosion, export, exporter, extension, faction, factor, failing, fault, feat, feature, festival, figure, find, firm, fit, fixture, flaw, focus, force, freeway, function, gain, gamble, goal, handicap, hazard, headache, heading, highlight, highway, hindrance, hoard, honour, hostility, hurdle, hurricane, illness, impact, impediment, impetus, implication, import, importance, improvement, incentive, incident, inconvenience, increase, indicator, industry, influence, ingredient, initiative, injury, innovation, input, institution, instrument, interstate, investment, investor, irritation, issue, item, journal, key, killer, label, landmark, lapse, league, leak, lender, limitation, loss, magazine, manufacturer, meet, merger, milestone, misconception, mishap, modification, monument, motivation, move, multinational, museum, nation, news, newspaper, objection, objective, obstacle, offence, offensive, omission, operation, orchestra, organ, organization, outbreak, outlet, overhaul, part, participant, party, pest, picture, plank, player, point, pollutant, port, portion, power, preoccupation, priority, problem, producer, programme, project, proportion, publication, publisher, purchase, push, question mark, raid, rally, reappraisal, reason, rebellion, recession, recipient, recommendation, reconstruction, redistribution, reduction, redundancy, reform, religion, renovation, reorganization, repair, repercussion, report, reservation, resort, resource, responsibility, restoration, restriction, retailer, rethink, reverse, review, revision, revival, riot, risk, rival, river, road, roadblock, role, route, row, saving, scale, scandal, scare, scheme, search, setback, shake-up, share, shareholder, shift, shock, shopping centre, shortcoming, show, side effect, significance, site, snag, source, speech, split, sponsor, sponsorship, sport, star, step, stimulus, stockholder, store, storm, stress, strike, studio, study, stumbling block, success, supermarket, supplier, surgery, surprise, survey, talent, tantrum, target, task, theme, threat, thrust, tool, topic, tournament, town, tragedy, transformation, trauma, trend, tributary, triumph, trophy, trouble, turn-off, turning point, type, undertaking, union, university, upheaval, upset, utility, variation, vehicle, venue, victory, violation, watershed, weakness, work, worry, writer

majorette

majorettenoun

Majorette is used after these nouns:

drum

majority

majoritynoun

noun1 most2 in an election1 mostADJECTIVE | VERB + majority | majority + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, great, huge, large, overwhelming, significant, sizeable, solid, strong, substantial, vastsilentThe march was by the silent majority who oppose terrorism.moralblack, whitecountries which have an English-speaking white majorityethnicVERB + majoritycompose, constitute, form, make upEnglish speakers form the majority of the population.joinHe joined the majority in criticizing the government's reforms.majority + NOUNcommunity, culture, group, populationlanguage, religionopinion, viewdecisionowner, shareholderownershipinterest, share, stakeThe French company holds a majority stake in the retail chain.PREPOSITIONin the majorityIn the general population, right-handed people are in the majority.PHRASESin the majority of casesIn the vast majority of cases, customers get their money back.

2 in an electionADJECTIVE | VERB + majority | majority + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, huge, large, massive (esp. BrE), overwhelming, solid, strong, substantialclear, comfortable, decisive (esp. BrE)bare, narrow, slender (esp. BrE), slight, slim, small, tiny (esp. BrE)razor-thin (AmE), wafer-thin (BrE)160-seat, etc.two-to-one (BrE), two-thirds, etc.absolute, outright, overallAlthough they are the biggest single party, they don't have an outright majority.popularsimpleworking (esp. BrE)To govern effectively, he will need a working majority in Congress.the first Labour government with a clear working majority in the Houseelectorallegislative (esp. AmE)parliamentarygovernment (BrE)Labour, Republican, etc.necessaryVERB + majoritycarry, command, have, holdachieve, capture, gain, garner, get, obtain, secure, winThey failed to win the requisite two-thirds majority.buildIf the Republicans want to build a majority, they need the north-east.increaseRepublicans increased their majority in both the House and the Senate.defend (BrE), maintain, retainloseoverturn (esp. BrE)indicate, showmajority + NOUNgovernment, ruleleader, whippartydecisionvote, voting (esp. BrE)supportposition, statuscontrolPREPOSITIONby a majorityThey won by a huge majority.majority againstLatest opinion polls have a comfortable majority against the reform.majority ina majority in the Senatemajority in favour/favor ofOpinion polls indicated a two-thirds majority in favour/favor of ratification of the treaty.majority overHe has a decisive majority over his main rivals.

major-league

major-leagueadj.

Major-league is used with these nouns:

baseball, hockey, stardom

make

makeverb

Make is used with these nouns as the subject:

batsman, company, factory, firm, picture, recipe, sale

Make is used with these nouns as the object:

accommodation, accompaniment, accusation, acquaintance, acquisition, adaptation, addition, adjustment, admission, advance, album, ale, allegation, alliance, allocation, allusion, alteration, amendment, analogy, analysis, angle, announcement, apology, appeal, appearance, application, appointment, appraisal, approach, approximation, arc, arch, argument, arrangement, arrest, arrival, article, ascent, assault, assertion, assessment, assumption, assurance, attack, attempt, award, baby, bargain, basket, bed, bequest, bet, bid, biscuit, bishop, blessing, blunder, blush, boast, bomb, bonfire, booking, bow, bread, break, breakthrough, broadcast, bun, business, butter, cake, calculation, call, camp, cancellation, car, career, carpet, case, casserole, catch, CD, celebrity, chance, change, charcoal, charge, check, cheese, chip, choice, choke, circle, circuit, claim, clamour, clang, clarification, classification, clatter, click, climb, cloth, clothes, cock-up, cocktail, coffee, collection, comeback, comment, commercial, commitment, commotion, comparison, complaint, compound, compromise, concession, confession, connection, conquest, contact, contract, contrast, contribution, conversation, convert, cookie, copy, correction, costume, couple, crash, crater, criticism, critique, crossing, cry, cup, curve, custard, cut, cutback, dash, date, deadline, deal, decision, declaration, deduction, defence, delivery, demand, denial, dent, denunciation, departure, deposit, descent, dessert, detour, device, diagnosis, difference, difficulty, dig, din, disciple, discovery, discrimination, dish, distinction, distribution, disturbance, dive, diversion, division, documentary, donation, dough, drawing, drink, duplicate, DVD, echo, economy, effort, electricity, endeavour, endorsement, enemy, enquiry, entrance, entry, episode, epitaph, error, escape, estimate, evaluation, examination, exception, exclamation, excursion, excuse, exit, expedition, expenditure, explosive, fabric, face, farewell, feast, film, final, find, finding, fire, fist, fix, fixture, flesh, flight, flinch, focal point, food, footprint, forecast, forget, fortune, friend, friendship, fuss, gain, gasp, generalization, gesture, gift, glass, goal, goods, grant, grimace, groove, guess, habit, happen, haste, hay, hesitate, history, hit, hole, honey, hut, hypothesis, identification, idol, impact, impression, imprint, improvement, incision, inference, insinuation, inspection, instrument, interpretation, intervention, introduction, inventory, investment, iron, itch, jam, jelly, jewellery, joint, joke, journey, judgement, jump, jumper, kill, killing, king, lace, landing, laugh, leap, link, list, living, loan, look, loop, loss, love, lunch, lunge, machine, manoeuvre, map, mark, martyr, match, measurement, mention, mess, miracle, miscalculation, mischief, mission, mistake, moan, model, modification, money, motion, mould, move, movement, movie, muddle, music, name, nest, news, noise, noose, note, objection, observation, offer, offering, opening, orbit, order, outcast, outlay, outline, overture, pact, painting, pair, pancake, parallel, partner, paste, pastry, path, pattern, pay, payment, peace, photocopy, photograph, piano, picnic, pie, pilgrimage, pitch, plan, plastic, play, plea, pledge, point, post, poster, posting, pot, pottery, prediction, preparation, presentation, proclamation, profit, programme, progress, projection, promise, prophecy, proposal, protest, prototype, provision, puppet, purchase, push, queen, quilt, racket, raft, raid, range, read, reading, reality, realize, recipe, recommendation, reconciliation, reconnaissance, record, recording, recovery, reduction, redundancy, reference, reform, refund, regulation, relax, remark, rendezvous, renovation, repair, repayment, replica, reply, report, representation, reputation, request, reservation, resolution, response, rethink, retort, retreat, return, revision, revolution, rhythm, ripple, ritual, room, roster, round, round trip, rug, rule, ruling, run, sacrifice, salad, sale, sandwich, sauce, sausage, save, saving, scapegoat, scene, schedule, score, scratch, sculpture, search, seizure, selection, sense, sequel, setting, settlement, shadow, shape, shelter, shine, shipment, shiver, shortlist, show, showing, shudder, sign, signal, simplification, sketch, slip, slur, smile, snack, sneeze, software, song, sound, soundtrack, soup, space, speech, splash, spreadsheet, sprint, squad, squirm, stab, stance, stand, star, start, statement, steel, step, stink, stipulation, stock, stop, stopover, stride, strike, study, submission, success, suggestion, summary, supposition, survey, swap, swear, sweat, sweep, swerve, swing, switch, tackle, talk, tape, target, tart, tea, team, tear, tender, thing, threat, throb, thrust, thud, tighten, time, toast, total, tour, track, trail, train, transaction, transcript, transfer, transformation, transition, translation, treaty, trek, tremble, trip, trouble, truce, tunnel, turn, U-turn, undertaking, use, valuation, vanish, video, videotape, visit, vomit, vow, voyage, wage, war, way, web, website, weep, whisky, whole, will, wince, wine, wish, withdrawal, wonder, word, work, world, yawn

make-believe

make-believenoun

Make-believe is used before these nouns:

make for

make forphr verb

Make for is used with these nouns as the object:

exit, reading

make into

make intophr verb

Make into is used with these nouns as the object:

ball, hero

make off with

make off withphr verb

Make off with is used with these nouns as the subject:

robber, thief

make out

make outphr verb

Make out is used with these nouns as the object:

case, cheque, outline, receipt, shape

makeover

makeovernoun

Makeover is used before these nouns:

show

Makeover is used after these nouns:

maker

makernoun

Maker is used after these nouns:

beer, CD, cigarette, coffee, deal, electronics, engine, equipment, film, furniture, gun, hardware, instrument, motorcycle, movie, part, pasta, policy, shoe, software, toy, vaccine, video

makeshift

makeshiftadj.

Makeshift is used with these nouns:

altar, bandage, barricade, bed, camp, dwelling, hut, memorial, raft, shelter, shrine, stage, table, tent

make up make-up

make-upnoun

noun1 cosmetics2 sb's character1 cosmeticsADJECTIVE | VERB + make-up | make-up + VERB | make-up + NOUNADJECTIVEheavy, thickfullYou don't wear full make-up to go swimming.lightblack, darkeyeclown, pancake, stageVERB + make-upuse, wearI never wear make-up.apply, do, put onremove, take off, wash off (esp. AmE)reapplycheckShe was checking her make-up in the mirror.fix (esp. AmE)Give me a minute to fix my make-up and I'll drop you off at the mall.touch upsmear, smudgemake-up + VERBrun, smeara tearful girl with make-up running down her facemake-up + NOUNartist, girl, man, personapplicationbrush, spongeremoverkitbag, casemirrorchair, roomeffectsthe make-up effects for the filmjob, workHe was given an Oscar for his make-up work on the film.

2 sb's characterADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEbiological, emotional, genetic, mental, physical, psychologicaluniquethe unique make-up of each personPHRASESpart of sb's make-upJealousy is not part of his make-up.

make up for

make up forphr verb

Make up for is used with these nouns as the object:

shortcoming

making

makingnoun

Making is used after these nouns:

film, policy

malaria

malarianoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + malaria | malaria + NOUNADJECTIVEsevereVERB + malariahave, suffer fromcatch, contractcarry, transmitMalaria is transmitted by mosquitoes.treatpreventcontrol, eradicatemalaria + NOUNcaseAn increasing number of malaria cases are reported each year.mosquito, parasitevaccinetransmissioncontrol

male

malenounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEadult, matureadolescent, immature, juvenile, youngoldalpha, dominantthe dominant male in the herdgay, heterosexual, homosexualred-bloodedAfrican American, black, Caucasian (esp. AmE), whitelarge, powerful, strong (all biology)courting, monogamous, unmated (all biology)PHRASESthe male of the speciesThe male of the species has darker feathers.

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBentirely, exclusivelyThe club is exclusively male.largely, mainly, mostly, overwhelmingly, predominantly, primarilyThe workforce is predominantly male.veryI had grown up in a very male environment.That was a very male way of dealing with things.typicallytraditionallytraditionally male interests

Male is used with these nouns:

anatomy, body, bravado, chauvinism, chauvinist, chorus, colleague, companion, companionship, counterpart, cousin, dancer, deity, doctor, dominance, domination, ego, elephant, employee, employment, equivalent, escort, fantasy, fashion, friend, gender, genitals, goat, heir, homosexual, hormone, identity, impotence, infant, infertility, inmate, kin, lead, lover, lust, member, menopause, model, nurse, occupation, oppression, orgasm, parent, partner, perspective, population, prerogative, prostitute, prostitution, reader, relative, role, servant, sex, sexuality, sibling, soprano, specimen, superiority, supremacy, teacher, trait, twin, vanity, victim, violence, voice, worker, workforce, writer, youth

male chauvinist

male chauvinistnoun

Male chauvinist is used before these nouns:

pig

male-dominated

male-dominatedadj.

Male-dominated is used with these nouns:

field, society

male-voice

male-voiceadj.

Male-voice is used with these nouns:

choir

malevolent

malevolentadj.

Malevolent is used with these nouns:

force, glare, spirit

malfunction

malfunctionverb

Malfunction is used with these nouns as the subject:

equipment, machine

malice

malicenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + malice | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpureactual (law)VERB + malicebear (sb) (esp. BrE), holdHe bore me no malice.PREPOSITIONout of maliceShe fired him out of sheer malice.with malice, without malice‘You're lying,’ he said, without malice.malice towards/towardI bear no malice towards/toward anybody.

malicious

maliciousadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBratherHe gave a rather malicious smile at her furious expression.

Malicious is used with these nouns:

allegation, code, damage, gossip, grin, pleasure, rumour, slander, user

maliciously

maliciouslyadv.

Maliciously is used with these verbs:

malign

malignadj.

Malign is used with these nouns:

influence

malignant

malignantadj.

Malignant is used with these nouns:

growth, lump, tumour

mall

mallnoun

noun (esp. AmE)ADJECTIVE | VERB + mall | mall + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEshoppingstrip (AmE)outletsuburbanlocal, regionalindoor, outdoorpedestrian (AmE)crowdedbig, giant, huge, largevirtualThe website is a virtual shopping mall.VERB + mallhit, visitThey hit the mall for a wild shopping spree.hang out atteenagers hanging out at the mallenter, leavebuildmall + NOUNstoreparking lot (AmE)food courtrat (= a young person who spends a lot of time in malls with their friends) (AmE, informal)security, security guardThey reported him to mall security.PREPOSITIONat the mallThey spend a lot of time at the mall.

mallard

mallardnoun

Mallard is used before these nouns:

malnutrition

malnutritionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + malnutritionADJECTIVEsevereacute, chronicchildVERB + malnutritionsuffer, suffer fromdie from, die of

malpractice

malpracticenoun

Malpractice is used before these nouns:

attorney, award, case, claim, insurance, lawyer, litigation, premium, suit

malt

maltnoun

Malt is used before these nouns:

extract, liquor, whisky

malted

maltedadj.

Malted is used with these nouns:

barley

malting

maltingadj.

Malting is used with these nouns:

barley

maltreat

maltreatverb

Maltreat is used with these nouns as the object:

maltreated

maltreatedadj.

Maltreated is used with these nouns:

mammal

mammalnoun

nounADJECTIVE | mammal + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElarge, smallhigher, lowerendangered, rareextinctlivingearly, primitivemodernwildaquatic, marine, sealand, terrestrialcarnivorous, herbivorousnocturnalmammal + NOUNspeciespopulationPREPOSITIONamong mammalsdeaths among marine mammals

mammalian

mammalianadj.

Mammalian is used with these nouns:

evolution, species

mammoth

mammothadj.

Mammoth is used with these nouns:

proportion, task

man

mannounverb

I. noun1 male person2 human beings1 male personADJECTIVEADJECTIVEelderly, middle-aged, old, older, younga little old mana middle-aged, balding mangrownAlthough he is a grown man, everyone treats him like a boy.40-year-old, etc.attractive, good-looking, handsomeuglyshort, talllanky, thin, wiryfat, portly, stocky, stoutbig, burly, heavy-set (esp. AmE), muscular, well-builtI was helped by two burly men with tattoos.littlea nice little manblack, whitedark, dark-haired, fair-haired, light-haired (esp. AmE)beardedbald, baldingblindcloaked, hooded, masked, suited, uniformedwell-dressednakedarmed, unarmedable-bodiedsick, woundeddead, drowning, dyinghomelessintelligent, wiseeducatedgreatSeveral people made speeches in honour/honor of the great man.bravecharming, fine, good, kind, nicehonesthonourable/honorableproudquiet, soft-spoken (esp. AmE)macho, manlybad, horribleWhat a horrible man!arrogantmysterious, strangehard, violentdrunkenmarried, singlefamilyHe's a family man who rarely goes out with his friends.bisexual, gay, heterosexual, homosexual, straightprofessionalluckyHe was a lucky man to have found such a partner.poorrich, wealthybetting, gamblingI've never been a gambling man.self-madeHe was a self-made man who raised himself from poverty to success.right-handHe found success hard to come by after losing his right-hand man.leading (= the most important male part)George Clooney's first role as leading maninnocentfreeHe walked out of court a free man.wanted (= sought by the police)Vincente is a wanted man back in his own country.condemned

2 human beingsADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEearly, prehistoric, primitiveStone Age, etc.Neanderthal, etc.fellowHow could a human torture his fellow man?PREPOSITIONin manIn man the brain is highly developed.PHRASESknown to manthe most poisonous substance known to manman's inhumanity to manIt's a powerful indictment of the horrors of war and man's inhumanity to man.

II. verb

Man is used with these nouns as the subject:

volunteer

Man is used with these nouns as the object:

barricade, checkpoint, desk, gun, lifeboat, stall, stand, switchboard

manage

manageverb

verb1 succeed in doing sth2 control/direct sb/sth1 succeed in doing sthADVERB | VERB + manage | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBnicely, perfectly well (esp. BrE), very wellI can manage perfectly well on my own, thank you.successfullyskilfully/skillfullyHe skilfully/skillfully managed to keep the aircraft on the runway.eventually, finallymiraculouslysomehowbarelyPaul barely managed to stifle a chuckle.easilyHe easily managed to disarm his attacker.financially (BrE)She was finding it difficult to manage financially.VERB + managebe able to, canCan you manage?have toWe'll just have to manage somehow.be difficult tobe easy toPREPOSITIONonI don't know how they manage on only £100 a week.withoutI can manage without a dishwasher.PHRASESmanage on your own

2 control/direct sb/sthADVERB | VERB + manageADVERBeffectively, efficiently, properly, successfully, wellcarefullyclosely, tightlyan exchange rate system that will be tightly managed by the central bankprofessionallybadlyeasilyThe condition can be easily managed by simple dietary adjustments.activelyWe will actively manage your portfolio to maximize the return on your investment.sustainablyAll our tropical timber products come from sustainably managed sources.centrally, remotelyjointlyprivatelyVERB + managebe difficult toThe children were very difficult to manage.be easy tolearn (how) toYou need to learn how to manage your time effectively.

Manage is used with these nouns as the subject:

trust

Manage is used with these nouns as the object:

affair, asset, bar, budget, business, cafe, campaign, company, conflict, crisis, data, debt, department, disease, economy, emotion, employee, enterprise, estate, expectation, facility, factory, farm, feat, finance, firm, flow, forest, fund, grin, group, health service, hotel, household, illness, inventory, laugh, network, office, pain, park, plant, problem, project, railway, relationship, resource, restaurant, risk, smile, stress, system, team, traffic, trust, waste, workload

manageable

manageableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seembecomeADVERBeasilyThe trip is easily manageable in half an hour.veryquite

Manageable is used with these nouns:

chunk, proportion, size

managed

managedadj.

Managed is used with these nouns:

fund

management

managementnoun

noun1 managing sth2 managers1 managing sthADJECTIVE | VERB + management | management + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcareful, competent, effective, efficient, good, proper, prudent, soundbad, poorday-to-day, routinegeneral, overallcentralizedbusiness, corporatepersonnel, staffproductionqualityprojectfarm, hotelhospital, school (both esp. BrE) (usually hospital administration, school administration in AmE)classroomdatabase, network, systemsecosystemasset, economic, financial, investment, money, portfolio, resourcebrandclinical, medicalthe medical management of obesityfacilitiesdata, information, knowledgecrisis, emergencyriskhouseholdtrafficwastepest, weedforest, landstorm-water (esp. AmE)wildlifeanger, anxiety, stressHe's been sent on an anger management course to help him control his temper.weightpainchangetimeVERB + managementneedThe project needs stronger management.perform, provideThe company provides facility management and base operations support for the army.handleDay-to-day management is handled by his sons.be responsible for, overseeShe is responsible for the day-to-day management of the company.enhance, improvefacilitatesimplifystreamlineoutsourcemanagement + NOUNagency, company, consultancy, firm (esp. BrE), servicesconsultant, expert, guru, specialistclass, course, studies, trainingplan, policy, programme/program, strategy, systemprocessexpertise, skillsguidelinesapproach, method, philosophy, practice, style, techniquetoolsolutionfeePREPOSITIONin managementShe is now celebrating ten years in management.under sb's managementThe club prospered under Ferguson's management.PHRASESa board of managementunder new managementThe restaurant is under new management.

2 managersADJECTIVE | VERB + management | management + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEjunior (BrE), lowermiddlesenior, top, upperVERB + managementcriticizeThe unions have criticized management over their handling of the dispute.management + NOUNboard, committee, personnel, staff, teammeetingdecisionjob, position, post (esp. BrE), rolehierarchy, structureshake-upbuyoutlevelThis decision should be taken at a higher management level.PREPOSITIONin … managementyoung people in middle managementPHRASESa layer, level, tier, etc. of management

manager

managernoun

noun1 controls an organization/part of an organization2 is in charge of a sports team1 controls an organization/part of an organizationADJECTIVE | VERB + manager | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEassistant, deputyjunior (esp. BrE), middle, mid-level (AmE)senior, topexperiencedprofessionalgeneralbank, farm, hotel, storefacilitybusiness, commercial, corporatearea (esp. BrE), branch, department, departmental (esp. BrE), district, divisional (esp. BrE), national, office, regionalaccount, functional (esp. AmE), operations, personnel, product, public relationscampaign, programme/program, projectadvertising, brand, catering (esp. BrE), construction, development, fund, marketing, money, portfolio, production, sales, technicalnursesuccessfullong-timefull-timeVERB + managerappoint, hire (esp. AmE)They hired a new campaign manager.be namedLast month he was named manager of the new unit.promote sb toHe has been promoted to business development manager.firereplaceCompanies replace managers who underperform relative to their rivals.assistYour job will be to assist the production manager.trainPREPOSITIONmanager forthe marketing manager for a large company

2 is in charge of a sports teamADJECTIVEADJECTIVEBrazilian, England, Yankees, etc.teamcaretaker (BrE), interimHe will be the club's caretaker manager until a new manager is appointed.topbeleaguered (BrE)another disappointing day for the beleaguered England manager

manageress

manageressnoun

Manageress is used after these nouns:

shop

managerial

managerialadj.

Managerial is used with these nouns:

autonomy, competence, discretion, expertise, hierarchy, incompetence, occupation, position, post, prerogative, responsibility, role, skill, style, talent, work

managing

managingadj.

Managing is used with these nouns:

agent, director, editor, partner

Mandarin

Mandarinadj.

Mandarin is used with these nouns:

Chinese

mandarin

mandarinnoun

Mandarin is used before these nouns:

orange

mandate

mandatenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + mandate | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEpopularclear, strongbroadnewlegal, legislative, regulatoryconstitutionalcongressional, federal, government, stateelectoralIt is undemocratic to govern an area without an electoral mandate.politicaldivineVERB + mandatehavegive sb, issueseekThe party sought a mandate to reform the constitution.get, obtain, receive, winextendPREPOSITIONin your mandateHe failed in his mandate.under a/the mandateThey ruled the country under a United Nations mandate.with a/the mandateThe party was elected with a mandate to reduce the size of government.without a mandateThey accused him of acting without a mandate.mandate forShe has received a clear mandate for educational reform.mandate froma mandate from the United Nations to govern the territoryPHRASESan extension of a mandate, a renewal of a mandate

II. verb

Mandate is used with these nouns as the subject:

congress, law, regulation

mandatory

mandatoryadj.

Mandatory is used with these nouns:

attendance, embargo, evacuation, grant, meeting, minimum, overtime, penalty, reading, registration, requirement, retirement, sentence, vaccination

mane

manenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + mane | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEflowingshaggy, tangledthicklongsilkyblack, silver, white, etc.VERB + manehaveshake, tossShe shook her mane of auburn hair.The horse tossed its flowing mane behind it.pat (esp. AmE), stroke (esp. BrE)PREPOSITIONmane ofHe has a mane of white hair.PHRASESa horse's mane, a lion's mane

man-eating

man-eatingadj.

Man-eating is used with these nouns:

shark, tiger

maneuver

maneuvernoun

noun, verb (AmE) See manoeuvre

manfully

manfullyadv.

Manfully is used with these verbs:

struggle

mangled

mangledadj.

Mangled is used with these nouns:

body, corpse, remains, wreckage

mangy

mangyadj.

Mangy is used with these nouns:

Manhattan

Manhattannoun

Manhattan is used before these nouns:

skyline

manhole

manholenoun

Manhole is used before these nouns:

manhood

manhoodnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + manhood | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEearly, youngVERB + manhoodgrow toHe grew from adolescence to young manhood.proveIt seemed they were fighting to prove their manhood.questionI'll fight with anyone who questions my manhood.PREPOSITIONin manhoodHe began to go bald in early manhood.

mania

manianoun

noun1 extreme enthusiasm for sth2 serious mental illness1 extreme enthusiasm for sthADJECTIVE | VERB + mania | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdotcom, financial, merger, etc.currentVERB + maniahavePREPOSITIONmania forShe had a mania for fast cars.

2 serious mental illnessADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEacutereligiousPHRASESa state of mania

maniac

maniacnoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEsexgenocidal, homicidal, suicidalreligiousPREPOSITIONlike a maniacHe was driving like a maniac.

maniacal

maniacaladj.

Maniacal is used with these nouns:

laughter

maniacally

maniacallyadv.

Maniacally is used with these verbs:

cackle, laugh

manic

manicadj.

Manic is used with these nouns:

depression, energy, episode, grin

manically

manicallyadv.

Manically is used with these verbs:

cackle, laugh

manicure

manicureverb

Manicure is used with these nouns as the object:

manicured

manicuredadj.

Manicured is used with these nouns:

finger, fingernail, garden, hand, lawn, nail

manifest

manifestadj.

Manifest is used with these nouns:

destiny, failure

manifestation

manifestationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconcrete, outward, physical, visibleclinicalbehavioural/behavioral, culturalclear, obvious, overtextremeearly, first, initialcontemporarypublicthe public manifestation of private griefPREPOSITIONmanifestation inThe manifestation of the disease in adults is less dramatic.PHRASESin all its manifestationsthe desire to combat racism in all its manifestations

manifestly

manifestlyadv.

Manifestly is used with these adjectives:

absurd, excessive, inadequate, unfounded, unsuitable

manifesto

manifestonoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + manifesto | manifesto + VERB | manifesto + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpoliticalConservative, Labour, etc. (esp. BrE)party (esp. BrE)We must all support the party manifesto.election (esp. BrE)VERB + manifestodraw up (BrE), writesignissue, launch (BrE), publishmanifesto + VERBpledge sth (BrE), promise sth (esp. BrE)The manifesto promised reform of the social security system.call for sth, demand sth (esp. BrE)contain sthsay sthmanifesto + NOUNcommitment, pledge, promise (all BrE)PREPOSITIONin a/the manifestoThe policy is outlined in the party's election manifesto.manifesto fora manifesto for reform

manifold

manifoldnoun

Manifold is used after these nouns:

exhaust

Manila

Manilanoun

Manila is used before these nouns:

envelope, file, paper

manipulate

manipulateverb

verbADVERB | VERB + manipulate | PHRASESADVERBeasilyThey believe that voters can be easily manipulated.successfullydeftly, skilfully/skillfullydeliberatelygeneticallygenetically manipulated organismsdigitallydigitally manipulated imagesVERB + manipulatebe able to, canattempt to, try toChildren try to manipulate you.be easy toknow how to, learn (how) toShe knows how to manipulate the audience.PHRASESthe ability to manipulate sb/sth

Manipulate is used with these nouns as the object:

data, election, market, media, press, puppet, situation, system, text

manipulation

manipulationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + manipulation | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcareful, clever, skilful/skillfulcynical, deliberatedirectpoliticalPeople think that the investigation was independent, but in fact a lot of political manipulation went on.statisticalemotional, mental (esp. AmE), psychologicalgeneticdigital, electronicdata, imagemanual, physicalVERB + manipulationusePREPOSITIONby manipulationThe government has disguised the true situation by clever manipulation of the figures.

mankind

mankindnoun

nounVERB + mankind | PHRASESVERB + mankindsaveto save mankind from misery and destructiondestroybenefit, help, servefaceI believe that war is one of the major evils facing mankind.PHRASESall mankind, the whole of mankindAccording to the Bible, the whole of mankind is descended from Adam.benefit to mankindIt is doubtful whether this research is of any benefit to mankind.the dawn of mankindobjects dating back to the dawn of mankindthe fate of mankind, the future of mankindpoliticians who do not care about the future of mankindfor the benefit of mankindThe results of the research were made freely available for the benefit of all mankind.the history of mankindknown to mankindone of the most toxic substances known to mankind

manly

manlyadj.

Manly is used with these nouns:

chest, man, virtue

man-made

man-madeadj.

Man-made is used with these nouns:

disaster, famine, fibre, lake, material, object, reservoir

manned

mannedadj.

Manned is used with these nouns:

aircraft, flight, mission, spacecraft

manner

mannernoun

noun1 way of doing sth/behaving2 manners polite behaviour/behavior1 way of doing sth/behavingADJECTIVE | VERB + manner | manner + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconventional, normal, standard, traditional, usualcorrect, properYou are not approaching the problem in the correct manner.appropriate, satisfactoryI did my best to behave in the appropriate manner.reasonable, responsible, safe, sensible (esp. BrE)Chemical waste must be disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner.efficient, productivelogical, methodical, orderly, rational, systematiccoordinatedconsistent, uniformpreciseobjectivecontrolledad hoc, arbitrary (esp. BrE), haphazardFiles have been stored in such a haphazard manner that they are impossible to find.professionalconstructive, positiveThe dispute could have been handled in a more constructive manner.peacefulstraightforwardsuspiciousHe was behaving in a highly suspicious manner.joking, light-hearted, playfulcasual, easy, informal, relaxedformalcalmoffhandHe answered in such an offhand manner that I wondered if he'd misheard me.confident, decisivedignifiedmild, quietcheerful, friendly, kind (esp. AmE), kindly (esp. BrE), pleasant, sympatheticcivilized, polite, respectfulthoughtfulrudeabrasive, aggressive, arrogant, threatening, unpleasant (esp. BrE)forthrightbrusque, cold (esp. AmE)businesslike, no-nonsenseHis no-nonsense manner gave him the reputation of being a good doctor.condescendingauthoritativeThe authoritative manner in which he talked concealed his ignorance.unladylikebedsideHe's a good doctor with a sympathetic bedside manner.VERB + mannerhaveadoptHe tends to adopt a condescending manner when talking to young women.act inShe accused the teacher of not acting in a professional manner.manner + VERBchangeHis manner changed abruptly when he heard how much gold I wanted.suggest sthHe was not as rude as his manner suggested.PREPOSITIONin a/the mannerThe inspection was conducted in a thoroughly professional manner.in the manner ofHe lectured us in the manner of a headmaster.in your mannerThere was something in his manner that I found very irritating.PHRASESin a timely mannerAll claims must be settled in a professional and timely manner.in no uncertain mannerHe told her in no uncertain manner that her actions were unacceptable.

2 manners polite behaviour/behaviorADJECTIVE | VERB + MANNERS | PHRASESADJECTIVEgood, impeccable, perfectIt's not good manners to stare at people.badtableHis children have no table manners.VERB + MANNERShaveHe had very bad table manners.showI got into trouble if I didn't show good manners towards/toward other people.teach sbDidn't your parents teach you any manners?learnforgetI'm sorry, I was forgetting my manners. Can I offer you a drink?rememberAfter a few minutes Eve remembered her manners and invited them all in.forgiveForgive my manners. I forgot to introduce myself.knowI disliked him but I knew my manners so I answered his question.PHRASEShave the good manners to do sth, have the manners to do sthHe could at least have had the manners to answer my letter.a lack of mannersHer lack of manners is appalling.mind your mannersNow sit down and eat and mind your manners!

mannerism

mannerismnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + mannerism | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEoddirritatingVERB + mannerismhaveacquire, adopt, pick upPREPOSITIONmannerism ofHe has this irritating mannerism of constantly scratching his nose.

manoeuvre

manoeuvrenounverb

I. (BrE) (AmE maneuver) noun1 movement performed with care and skill2 clever plan3 military operation1 movement performed with care and skillADJECTIVE | … OF MANOEUVRES/MANEUVERS | VERB + manoeuvre/maneuverADJECTIVEcomplex, complicateddifficultdangerouscleverdefensive, offensiveevasiveaerial… OF MANOEUVRES/MANEUVERSseriesVERB + manoeuvre/maneuvercarry out, do, execute, make, performThe pilot has to carry out a series of complex manoeuvres.attempt, trypractise/practicecomplete

2 clever planADJECTIVE | VERB + manoeuvre/maneuver | manoeuvre/maneuver + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbrilliantstrategic, tacticalHer withdrawal from the contest was a tactical manoeuvre.diplomatic, legal, politicalVERB + manoeuvre/maneuveruseHe used cutting-edge manoeuvres to outsmart other bidders.carry out, executepull (informal)manoeuvre/maneuver + VERBfailPREPOSITIONby a/the manoeuvreBy this manoeuvre, he hopes to gain an advantage at a later stage.PHRASESfreedom of manoeuvreThe economic conditions are restricting he bank's freedom of manoeuvre.room for manoeuvreThe government has very little room for manoeuvre on this issue.

3 military operationADJECTIVE | VERB + manoeuvre/maneuver | manoeuvre/maneuver + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEmilitary, strategic, tacticaloperationalcombatdefensive, offensiveVERB + manoeuvre/maneuvercarry out, conduct, execute, performmanoeuvre/maneuver + NOUNbattalion, brigade, force, unitoperationcommanderPHRASESbe on manoeuvres, go on manoeuvresThe unit is on manoeuvres in southern Italy.

II. (BrE) (AmE maneuver) verbADVERB | VERB + manoeuvre/maneuver | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBcarefullyquicklyeasilydeftly, expertly, skilfully/skillfullyVERB + manoeuvre/maneuverbe difficult to, be easy toPREPOSITIONaround, past, through, etc.He carefully manoeuvred the boat past the rocks.PHRASESmanoeuvre (sth) into positionmanoeuvre your way (figurative)He had manoeuvred his way into a position of strength in the party.room to manoeuvreThe ship had little room to manoeuvre.

manor

manornoun

noun (BrE)ADJECTIVE | manor + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEancient, former, medieval, oldcountryroyallargemanor + NOUNfarm, housePREPOSITIONmanor ofthe ancient manor of TregarrickPHRASESlord of the manor

Manor is used before these nouns:

Manor is used after these nouns:

manpower

manpowernoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + manpower | manpower + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEskilleda shortage of skilled manpowermilitary, police (esp. BrE), etc.additionalVERB + manpowerhaveThey did not have the manpower to comply with every regulation.need, requireprovidereduceManpower will be reduced by an average of 20%.increasemanpower + NOUNshortageneeds, requirementsresourcesacquisition (military)PREPOSITIONin manpowera reduction in manpowermanpower fora pool of manpower for the new industriesPHRASESthe availability of manpowerThe factory's opening hours over the holiday period will depend on the availability of manpower.a reduction in manpowera shortage of manpower

mansard

mansardnoun

Mansard is used before these nouns:

Manual is used with these nouns:

mansion

mansionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + mansion | mansion + VERB | mansion + NOUNADJECTIVEbig, great, huge, large30-room, etc.grand, statelylavish, luxurious, luxury (esp. BrE), palatialbeautifulcountry (esp. BrE)oldstone17th-century (esp. BrE), etc.Elizabethan, Victorian, etc.Beverly Hills, Hollywood, etc.familyexecutiveThe rebels besieged the heavily fortified executive mansion.hauntedVERB + mansionlive inhave, ownbuybuildenter, leavemansion + VERBstandThe historic mansion stands in 160 acres of parkland.mansion + NOUNhouseblock, flat (both BrE)

manslaughter

manslaughternoun

noun (law)ADJECTIVEADJECTIVEattemptedinvoluntary, voluntaryrecklessvehicular (AmE)corporate (BrE)The directors of the company could be charged with corporate manslaughter.

manual

manualnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + manual | manual + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhow-to (esp. AmE), instruction, instructional (esp. AmE), trainingadvice, self-helpoperator's (AmE), owner's, teacher's (AmE), user, user'scomputer, softwarecar (esp. BrE), driver's (esp. AmE)diagnostic, maintenance, operating, operations, reference, repair, technicalsexcomprehensive, detailedonline, printedVERB + manualcome withThe computer comes with a comprehensive owner's manual.check, consult, look at, read, studyCheck your manual for details.usewriteproduce, publishmanual + VERBcontain sth, include sth, provide sthsay sthThe manual said not to use the fryer on wooden decks.recommend sthdescribe sthPREPOSITIONaccording to the manualAccording to the manual, the wires should be the other way around.in a/the manualWhat does it say in the manual?manual foran instruction manual for a knitting machinemanual ona manual on teaching drama

II. adj.

dexterity, employee, inspection, intervention, job, labour, labourer, manipulation, mode, occupation, skill, system, task, transmission, work, worker

manually

manuallyadv.

Manually is used with these verbs:

control, enter, inspect, operate, perform, record, remove, select

manufacture

manufacturenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVElocalcotton ropes of local manufacturemetal, steel, etc.cloth, cotton, textile, etc.car, vehicle, etc.drug, food, etc.(usually metal manufacturing, etc.)PHRASEScosts of manufacture, date of manufactureThe date of manufacture of the clock has been authenticated.the method of manufacture, the process of manufacture

II. verb

Manufacture is used with these nouns as the subject:

company, firm

Manufacture is used with these nouns as the object:

armaments, article, car, chemical, chip, coke, component, drug, explosive, furniture, goods, machinery, part, pottery, product, steel, video

manufactured

manufacturedadj.

Manufactured is used with these nouns:

export, goods, product

manufacturer

manufacturernoun

nounADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, large, leading, major, topthe world's largest computer manufacturersmallwell-knownreputablecommercialindependentforeign, overseasdomesticauto (esp. AmE), car, chemical, computer, food, motor (BrE), textile, etc.PHRASESthe manufacturer's instructionsThe guarantee may be rendered invalid if the manufacturer's instructions are not followed.

manufacturing

manufacturingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | manufacturing + NOUNADJECTIVElarge-scale, small-scaleindustrialheavylabour-intensive/labor-intensive (esp. AmE)computer-aided, computer-integrated, high-techmetal, steel, etc.cloth, cotton, textile, etc.auto (esp. AmE), automotive (AmE), car (esp. BrE), motor (BrE), vehicle, etc.chemical, drug, food, etc.component, computer, etc.manufacturing + NOUNbusiness, company, enterprise, firm (esp. BrE), organizationdivision, facility, operation, plant, site, unitThe company set up a manufacturing operation in Lisbon.sideHe now works on the manufacturing side of the business.base, industry, sectorthe decline in the country's manufacturing basearea, centre/center, town (esp. BrE)capability, capacityoutput, production, productivitycostsworker, workforceemployment, jobsmethods, process, system, techniquestechnologyexpertise

manure

manurenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + manure | manure + NOUNADJECTIVEanimal, chicken, cow, horse, piglivestock, poultryfarmyard (esp. AmE)compostedaged, well-rottedfreshliquidVERB + manureapply, spreadthe best time to spread manure on the fieldsmanure + NOUNproductionapplicationdisposal, storagespreaderheap (esp. BrE), pile (esp. AmE)nutrient

manuscript

manuscriptnoun

noun1 copy of a book that has not yet been printed2 very old book/document, written by hand1 copy of a book that has not yet been printedADJECTIVE | … OF MANUSCRIPT | VERB + manuscript | manuscript + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEoriginalautograph, handwrittenthe original autograph manuscript of the poemunpublishedunsoliciteddraftunfinishedcompletedbookliterary, music, musical… OF MANUSCRIPTcopyI only have one copy of the manuscript.VERB + manuscriptwritepreparetypeedit, improve, revisecomplete, finishsend, submitHe submitted the manuscript for publication.reviewaccept, rejectHe was delighted when the manuscript was accepted for publication.publishmanuscript + NOUNpageformThe text ran to dozens of pages in manuscript form.submissionreviewerPREPOSITIONin manuscriptHer autobiography remained in manuscript (= was not published).

2 very old book/document, written by handADJECTIVE | manuscript + VERB | manuscript + NOUNADJECTIVEancient, early, medieval, oldraresurvivingthe surviving manuscript of ‘Beowulf’illuminated, illustratedmanuscript + VERBsurviveearlier manuscripts which no longer survivemanuscript + NOUNilluminationcollection

Maoist

Maoistadj.

Maoist is used with these nouns:

rebel

map

mapnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + map | map + VERB | map + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElarge-scale, small-scaleaccuratedetailedhand-drawn, rough, simple, sketchcolour-coded/color-codedholographiclocalroad, streeta street map of Havanaa road map of Floridaworldbus, subway (AmE), tube (BrE), underground (BrE)treasurecontour, outline, relief, topographic, topographicalthree-dimensional, two-dimensionalgeologicalweatherelectoral, politicalOrdnance Survey (in the UK)touristroutewalldigital, interactive, onlinepaperVERB + mapreadAre you good at reading maps?usecheck, consult, examine, look at, studyviewClick here to view a map of the area.followHe followed the map to Red Square.draw, makeredraw (figurative)In 1924 the Soviet Union redrew the map of Central Asia.print, print out, produce, publishbe marked onThe museum is clearly marked on the map.lay out, spread out, unfoldWe spread the map out on the floor.fold, fold updownloaddisplayLarge maps were displayed around the meeting room.updatemap + VERBindicate sth, show sthdepict sth, represent sthmaps depicting details such as mountain ranges and shorelinesreveal sthMaps can reveal the history of a place.map + NOUNprojectionPREPOSITIONaccording to mapAccording to the map, we need to head north-east.off the mapOur town is just off the map.on a/the mapThe road isn't on the map.map ofa map of the areamap to (esp. AmE)I printed out a map to the party.

II. verb

Map is used with these nouns as the object:

gene

maple

maplenoun

Maple is used before these nouns:

cabinet, leaf, sugar, tree

map out

map outphr verb

Map out is used with these nouns as the object:

route, strategy, territory

mar

marverb

Mar is used with these nouns as the subject:

frown, violence

Mar is used with these nouns as the object:

beauty, image

marathon

marathonnounadj.

I. noun1 long race2 long activity1 long raceADJECTIVE | VERB + marathon | marathon + NOUNADJECTIVEfull, halfVERB + marathonprepare for, train forcompete in, run, take part incomplete, finishwinmarathon + NOUNchampion (esp. BrE), runnerrunningHe says that he keeps fit by marathon running.

2 long activityADJECTIVE | marathon + NOUNADJECTIVE12-hour, 700-mile, all-night, etc.car, cycling (esp. BrE), etc.marathon + NOUNjourney, walkeffort (esp. BrE)sessionThe painting would be completed in one marathon session.match, racea marathon five-set tennis match

II. adj.

Marathon is used with these nouns:

journey, runner, running, trek, walk

marble

marblenoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF MARBLE | VERB + marble | marble + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcold, coolThe hotel is traditionally furnished, with cool marble floors.coloured/colored, grey/gray, white, etc.veinedpolishedgleamingsmoothcarved… OF MARBLEblock, slabVERB + marblecarvecarve sth from/in, make sth from/in/of/out ofa statue of Cupid carved in black marblequarrymarble + NOUNquarryfloor, pillar, sculpture, statue, etc.PREPOSITIONin marblesculptures in polished white marble

March

Marchnoun

March is used with these nouns as the subject:

march

marchnounverb

I. noun1 movement/journey2 demonstration/parade3 music1 movement/journeyADJECTIVE | VERB + march | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElongsteadyslowforcedapproachThey reached the enemy position after an arduous approach march.fifty-mile, four-day, etc.half a day's, two hours', etc.The camp was half a day's march away.northward, southward, etc.forward, onward (figurative)the forward march of technologyinevitable, inexorable (formal), relentless, unstoppable (all figurative)the inexorable march of timeVERB + marchbegin, set off onThe army set off on a forced march north.PREPOSITIONon the marchThe army has been on the march for two weeks.march fromthe march from Selma to Montgomerymarch ofa march of over 30 milesthe march of history/progress/science (often figurative)march to, march towards/toward (figurative)the steady march towards/toward equalityPHRASESline of marchVillages in the army's line of march were burned to the ground.a … march awayThe border was still a day's march away.the march eastward, westward, etc.

2 demonstration/paradeADJECTIVE | VERB + march | march + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEhunger, peace, pride, protest, victorytriumphal, triumphantanti-racism, pro-democracy, etc.gay pride, pridepeacefulVERB + marchhold, organize, stageleadbe on, go on, join in, take part inhalt, stopThe farmers halted the march outside the presidential palace.break upThe march was broken up by police in riot gear.march + VERBmark stha march marking the thirtieth anniversary of the shootingsPREPOSITIONat a/the march, on a/the marchThere were in excess of 100 000 people at the march.march againsta march against racismmarch fora march for the victims of the warmarch ofa march of over 6 000 peoplemarch from, march toPHRASESa march past (BrE)There will be a special march past of competitors.

3 musicADJECTIVE | VERB + marchADJECTIVEmilitaryfuneral, weddingquick, slowVERB + marchcomposeplay

II. verb1 walk with regular steps2 walk in a large group to protest about sth1 walk with regular stepsADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBbriskly, swiftlyboldlydeterminedly, purposefullyproudlyThey marched proudly onto the football field.stifflyinexorably (figurative)Time marches inexorably on and we still have not made a decision.north, south, etc.ahead, forward, on, onwardThe clock marched onward to the year 2005. (figurative)away, back, off, out, over, past, up (and down)Craig marched up to the door and rang the bell.Soldiers were marching up and down outside the government buildings.PREPOSITIONonThe invading army marched on Rome.out ofSo saying, she marched boldly out of the house.throughfrom, into, to, towards/towardThey marched all the way from London to Edinburgh.PHRASESmarch in stepconscripts learning to march in step (= in time with each other)

2 walk in a large group to protest about sthADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBpeacefullytriumphantlyPREPOSITIONagainstMillions of people marched against the war.forThey were marching for peace.in support ofprotesters marching in support of the students' demandsonThe demonstrators marched on the British embassy.throughWe marched peacefully through the streets.to, towards/toward

army, cadet, demonstrator, procession, protester, soldier, troops

March is used with these nouns as the object:

marcher

marchernoun

Marcher is used after these nouns:

peace

marching

marchingadj.

Marching is used with these nouns:

band, column

march into

march intophr verb

March into is used with these nouns as the object:

march out of

march out ofphr verb

March out of is used with these nouns as the object:

margarine

margarinenoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF MARGARINE | VERB + margarineADJECTIVEhardsoftstick (AmE)polyunsaturated… OF MARGARINEtubstick (AmE)Melt the stick of margarine and put it in the bottom of baking pan.VERB + margarineput on, spread (sth with)She put some margarine on her roll.Spread some margarine on the toast, please.heat, melt, softenbeat, beat in, cream, mix, rub inCream the margarine and sugar together.Rub the margarine into the flour.

margin

marginnoun

noun1 empty space at the side of a page in a book, etc.2 space, time, votes, etc. by which sth is won3 amount of extra space, time, etc.4 profit1 empty space at the side of a page in a book, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + margin | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgenerous, wideLeave a generous margin on the left.narrowleft, rightleft-hand, right-handVERB + marginadjust, leave, setPREPOSITIONat the marginStart writing at the left-hand margin.in the marginShe scribbled notes in the margin.

2 space, time, votes, etc. by which sth is wonADJECTIVE | VERB + margin | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEwinningThe winning margin was only 8 seconds.comfortable, considerable, greater, large, substantial, wideShe was not daunted by this substantial margin of defeat.huge, overwhelmingThe amendment passed by an overwhelming margin.narrow, razor-thin (esp. AmE), slim, smallThe election is likely to be decided by razor-thin margins.clear, safethree-to-one, two-to-oneHer book outsold his by almost a two-to-one margin.1 000-vote, 20-second, etc.He claimed the title with a slim 134 000-vote margin.VERB + marginhavePREPOSITIONby a marginShe won by a clear margin.margin overHe had an 18-second margin over his nearest rival.PHRASESby the largest, narrowest, etc. of marginsHe won by the narrowest of margins.a margin of victory

3 amount of extra space, time, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + margin | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgood, greater, wideSales predictions are open to wide margins of error.narrowadequategeneroussafetyVERB + marginallow (sb/sth), give (sb/sth), leave, provideThe device gives a greater margin of safety.PREPOSITIONmargin forWe have substantial reserves, which provide a good margin for uncertainties.PHRASESa margin for error, a margin of errorThe schedule left no margin for error.a margin of safety

4 profitADJECTIVE | VERB + margin | margin + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfat (esp. AmE), high, largeThe company relies on fat margins from luxury models.low, narrow, razor-thin (esp. AmE), small, thin, tightWe're working to rather tight profit margins.How does the company get by with such razor-thin margins?negative (esp. AmE)gross, netprofitoperating, pre-tax, retail (esp. BrE)averageToday, average margins have slipped to just 4%.VERB + marginachieve, haveThese manufacturers have high gross margins.operate at, operate onimprove, increaseHigher productivity has enabled them to increase their profit margins.cut, cut into, erode, reduce, squeezePrice rises have eroded profit margins.margin + VERBincrease, widennarrow, shrinkPREPOSITIONat a marginThey are operating at very low margins.margin onThey hope to improve their margins on computers.

marginal

marginaladj.

Marginal is used with these nouns:

change, constituency, cost, effect, impact, importance, improvement, land, note, relevance, return, seat, zone

marginalized

marginalizedadj.

Marginalized is used with these nouns:

people

marginally

marginallyadv.

Marginally is used with these adjectives:

better, relevant, successful

Marginally is used with these verbs:

improve

marijuana

marijuananoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF MARIJUANA | VERB + marijuana | marijuana + NOUNADJECTIVEhome-grownmedical, medicinal… OF MARIJUANAjointVERB + marijuanasmokedecriminalize, legalize, reclassifymarijuana + NOUNcigarette, jointplant

marinate

marinateverb

Marinate is used with these nouns as the object:

fish, meat

marine marital maritime

maritimeadj.

Maritime is used with these nouns:

heritage, museum, nation, navigation, patrol, reconnaissance, trade, traffic

mark

marknounverb

I. noun1 spot/line2 sign of a quality/feeling3 (esp. BrE) used to show the standard of sb's work4 level of sth5 target1 spot/lineADJECTIVE | VERB + mark | mark + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdirty, grubbyvisibledistinguishing, identifyingDoes he have any distinguishing marks?chalk, pencilfinger (usually fingermark), scuff, skid, tyre/tirebite, burn, claw, puncture, scorch, scratch, slash, stretch, toothThere were two small puncture marks on her arm.VERB + markgetHow did you get that mark on your shirt?leave, makeThe dirty water left a mark around the side of the bathtub.get off, get out, removeI can't get the children's dirty fingermarks off the wall.mark + VERBcome off, come outThese greasy marks just won't come out.PREPOSITIONmark onThere were grubby marks on the wall.

2 sign of a quality/feelingADJECTIVE | VERB + mark | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeep, indelible, permanentThe experience left a deep mark on her memory.realthe real mark of a master craftsmanVERB + markbear, haveleavePREPOSITIONmark ofSuch thoughtfulness is the mark of a true gentleman.PHRASESas a mark of respect, make your mark (= have an impact)Women are continuing to make their mark in business.

3 (esp. BrE) used to show the standard of sb's workADJECTIVE | VERB + mark | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgood, highbad, low, poorfullI got full marks for my homework.toppass (BrE)What's the pass mark in chemistry?totalaverageVERB + markget, receivedeserveThe festival organizers deserve high marks. (figurative)give sbdeductMarks are deducted for incorrect spelling.gainlosePREPOSITIONmark forYou get two marks for each correct answer.a good mark for geographymark out ofHow many marks out of ten would you give it?

4 level of sthADJECTIVE | VERB + mark | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhalfwayWe've reached the halfway mark in the show.tide (usually tidemark)high-tide, low-tidehigh-water, low-water$10 million, £2 billion, 30-minute, etc.Spending has now reached the $1 million mark.By the film's 30-minute mark, most of the audience have lost the plot.VERB + marksetapproach, nearTheir relationship was approaching the two-year mark.reachbreak, pass, surpassThis year's sales figures have already passed the mark set last year.fall short ofPREPOSITIONabove the mark, below the markaround the markaround the $500 markat a/the markThe river was at its low-water mark.up to the mark (= as good as sb/sth should be)Your grammar is not quite up to the mark.

5 targetADJECTIVE | VERB + mark | PHRASESADJECTIVEeasyVERB + markfind, hitThe shot found its mark.miss, overshootPHRASESwide of the mark (figurative)Shock tactics often fall wide of their mark.

II. verb1 write/draw sth2 affect sb/sth3 be a sign of sth1 write/draw sthADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBclearlyMy room was clearly marked on the plan.carefullyShe carefully marked where the screws were to go.indelibly, permanentlyPREPOSITIONasCertain words were marked as important.forSome of the crates were marked for export.inMark the position of all the building sites in black.onAll buildings are marked on the map.withThe boundary was marked with a dotted line.

2 affect sb/sthADVERBADVERBindelibly, permanentlyChristianity has indelibly marked the culture and consciousness of Europe.deeplyThe town is still deeply marked by the memory of the Depression.

3 be a sign of sthADVERB | VERB + markADVERBeffectivelyofficiallyMembers of the club officially marked the occasion with a ribbon cutting ceremony.publiclyThe wedding ceremony publicly marks the beginning of commitment to another through marriage.VERB + markappear to, seem toThis speech appears to mark a change in government policy.

Mark is used with these nouns as the subject:

arrow, ceremony, festival, line, march, plaque, sign, year

Mark is used with these nouns as the object:

anniversary, appearance, arrival, ballot, beginning, birthday, border, boundary, box, centenary, climax, completion, culmination, dawn, death, departure, difference, disapproval, edge, emergence, end, entrance, envelope, epoch, era, event, exam, grave, homework, inauguration, launch, line, milestone, occasion, onset, opening, paper, passage, passing, perimeter, period, phase, place, progress, retirement, return, reversal, shift, spot, stage, start, stress, territory, test, transition, turn, turning point, watershed

mark down

mark downphr verb

Mark down is used with these nouns as the object:

Marked is used with these nouns:

marked

markedadj.

adj.1 easy to see2 with markings1 easy to seeVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.especially, particularly, stronglyThere is a strongly marked difference between the two creatures.

2 with markingsVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeADVERBclearlyThe animal's tail has clearly marked stripes.heavilyMost cranes lay two heavily marked eggs.beautifully, brightlyPREPOSITIONwithThese trout are beautifully marked with bright red spots.

accent, bias, change, contrast, decline, decrease, departure, deterioration, difference, discrepancy, drop, effect, expansion, fall, improvement, increase, influence, preference, reduction, reluctance, resemblance, shift, similarity, tendency, trail, trend, variation

markedly marker

markernoun

Marker is used before these nouns:

Marker is used after these nouns:

tense

market

marketnounverb

I. noun1 place where people go to buy and sell things2 business/trade3 people who want to buy sth4 the free market1 place where people go to buy and sell thingsADJECTIVE | VERB + market | market + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEopen-air, outdoor, streetcovered, indoor (both esp. BrE)cattle, fruit and vegetable, etc.antique, antiquesfarmers'She buys her vegetables from the local farmers' market.flea (= that sells old or used goods at low prices)VERB + marketholdThe market is held on Wednesdays.go totake sth toThey took the pigs to market.market + NOUNsquaretown (esp. BrE)daytrader (esp. BrE)stallPREPOSITIONat a/the market, in a/the marketI want to buy some fresh fish at the market.

2 business/tradeADJECTIVE | VERB + market | market + VERB | market + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcompetitiveactive, booming, bullish, lively, strong, thrivingbull (finance), risingdepressed, sluggish, weakbear (finance), fallingsteadybuyer's, seller'sforeign, global, international, overseas, worlddomestic, home, internal, localconsumer, retailThe disks are designed for professional applications, rather than the consumer market.singlethe completion of the European single market in 1992commoneconomicfreeopenblack (= illegal)bond, capital, commodity, credit, currency, equity, financial, foreign-exchange, futures, money, securities, stockexporthousing, property (esp. BrE), real estate (AmE)art, car, computer, etc.job, labour/laborVERB + marketput sth oncome on, come onto, hitA new model has come on the market.develop, expandbreak into, enter, get into, penetrateThey're hoping to get into the Far Eastern market.capture, corner, dominate, monopolizecontrol, driveA relatively small group of collectors drives the art market.distort, manipulateGovernment attempts to manipulate currency markets tend to backfire.supplyflood, saturateLenders have flooded the market with easy credit.The market was flooded with cheap foreign goods.losedepressplayan investor who knows how to play the market—and winoutperformHe believes oil stocks will outperform the market over the next 12 months.market + VERBopen upThe Chinese market has opened up recently.boom, growThe organic food market is growing at 10% a year.develop, evolve, matureMarkets evolve in response to consumer demands.pick up, rallydeclinecollapse, crash, slump, tank (informal, esp. AmE)bottom (esp. AmE), bottom outbe down, be upThe market was down 15%.react, respondThe markets reacted quickly to the negative publicity.closeThe stock market closed weaker.openmarket + NOUNprice, valueconditionsvolatilityleaderposition, sharepenetrationsectortrendsPREPOSITIONin a/the market, into a/the marketchanges in the UK marketon the marketone of the best car deals on the marketmarket ina thriving market in second-hand carsPHRASESbe in the market for sth (= be interested in buying sth)the bottom drops out of the market, the bottom falls out of the market (= the market collapses)a gap in the market (esp. BrE)They seem to have identified a gap in the market.the bottom, lower, top, upper, etc. end of the marketprice sb/yourself out of the marketRising mortgage rates will price some people out of the market.

3 people who want to buy sthADJECTIVE | VERB + market | market + VERB | market + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, broad, good, huge, largemassTheir books were geared to a mass market.commercialThere is not a broad commercial market for these prints.poor, smallemergingEmerging markets in Asia and Latin America represent the best export opportunities for us.expanding, growingshrinkingreadynichetargetThe young, health-conscious female consumer is our target market.lucrativeSingle professionals with no children are a lucrative market.VERB + marketcreateThe company has created a niche market for itself.targetBoth products are targeting the same market.reach, tap, tap intoGiving away free toys is a popular way to tap the family market.serveOrganic product lines have expanded from serving a small niche market.market + VERBexpand, growshrinkcollapsebear sthWe will charge whatever the market will bear (= as much as people can be persuaded to pay).market + NOUNsegmentnicheresearchresearcherdemandThe market demand for greener housing is growing.PREPOSITIONmarket forthe market for new cars

4 the free marketVERB + market | market + NOUNVERB + marketleave sth toSome services cannot be left to the market.regulateHe believes that regulating the market is a good thing.deregulatemarket + NOUNforceseconomyeconomicsreformsThe government embraced Anglo-American style market reforms.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBcommerciallythe first commercially marketed rice harvesterheavilyeffectively, successfullycleverlyaggressivelyactivelydirectlyMany farmers have taken steps to directly market their meat to consumers.exclusively, specificallyThe low-alcohol wine is being marketed exclusively to women.onlineAll her products are marketed online on her website.PREPOSITIONasIt will be marketed as a tonic for the elderly.throughThe product is being marketed through the existing sales force.toThe company is not actively marketing its products to schools.

Market is used with these nouns as the object:

drug, invention, movie, produce, product, wares

marketable

marketableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.easily, highly, readily

Marketable is used with these nouns:

commodity, product, skill

marketing

marketingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + marketing | marketing + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEclever, effective, goodpooraggressiveonlinemassnichedirect, one-to-one (AmE), targetedguerrilla (esp. AmE), interactive, viral, word-of-mouthUsers downloaded the ad and sent it on to friends, a pure form of viral marketing.global, international, worldwideVERB + marketingdoThe company has done some effective marketing of the new model.improvemarketing + NOUNcampaign, exercise (esp. BrE), strategyblitz, effort, pushThe film was a flop, despite a big marketing blitz.gimmick, ploy, toolhypeEveryone will tell you their product is best but this is just marketing hype.director, executive, managerconsultant, guru, specialistagency, company, department, firm (esp. BrE)budgetWe don't have a huge marketing budget and rely on word-of-mouth.PREPOSITIONin marketingShe works in marketing.through marketing, with marketingWe could get more sales through better marketing.PHRASESsales and marketing

market-oriented

market-orientedadj.

Market-oriented is used with these nouns:

marketplace

marketplacenoun

noun (often the marketplace)ADJECTIVE | VERB + marketplace | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcompetitive, crowdedcommercial, financialglobal, internationalonlinechanging, ever-changingVERB + marketplaceenterWe are working hard to enter the global marketplace.crowd, flood, saturateNew low-carb foods have flooded the marketplace.PREPOSITIONin a/the marketplaceThe company found it hard to survive in a changing marketplace.

market research

market researchnoun

Market research is used before these nouns:

survey

marking

markingnoun

Marking is used before these nouns:

Marking is used after these nouns:

road, scent, tempo

mark out

mark outphr verb

Mark out is used with these nouns as the object:

territory

marksman

marksmannoun

Marksman is used after these nouns:

marmalade

marmaladenoun

Marmalade is used before these nouns:

marquee

marqueenoun

noun1 large tent2 (AmE) covered entrance1 large tentADJECTIVE | VERB + marquee | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgiant, huge, largeVERB + marqueeerectPREPOSITIONin a/the marqueeThe wedding reception was held in a marquee.under a/the marqueeThe guests sat under a large marquee.

2 (AmE) covered entranceADJECTIVEADJECTIVEtheaterWe drove past a theater marquee with his name on it.lightedshowbiz

marquess

marquessnoun

(also marquis) noun

marriage

marriagenoun

noun1 state of being married2 wedding ceremony1 state of being marriedADJECTIVE | VERB + marriage | marriage + VERB | marriage + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgood, happy, successfulbroken, disastrous, failed, unhappyShe was the child of a broken marriage.first, second, etc.previousearly, latemodernconventional, traditionalinterfaith, interracial, mixedgay, homosexual, lesbian, same-sexheterosexual, straightopencommon-lawmonogamous, polygamousmorganatic (esp. BrE)lovelesschildlessarranged, forcedVERB + marriagehaveHe had an unhappy marriage with an older woman.proposeenter intoconsummateannul, dissolvesaveThey are struggling to save their marriage for the children's sake.legalize, recognizeSame-sex marriages are recognized in some countries already.ban, forbid, prohibitmarriage + VERBlastbe over, break down, break up, end, fail, fall apartTheir marriage ended in divorce.marriage + NOUNvowsplans, proposalpartnerrelationshipbreak-up, breakdown, problemscounselling/counseling, guidance (BrE)counsellor/counselormarketMore divorced people have joined the marriage market.bedPREPOSITIONby a marriage, from a marriageShe's his daughter by a previous marriage.by marriageThey are related by marriage.in a/the marriageShe was the dominant partner in the marriage.outside marriagesex outside marriagewithin marriagemarriage betweenthe marriage between John and Elizabethmarriage intohis marriage into a wealthy familymarriage to, marriage withher marriage to JimPHRASESask for sb's hand in marriage, win sb's hand in marriage (both old-fashioned)the break-up of a marriage, the breakdown of a marriagegive sb in marriage (old-fashioned)the institution of marriagea marriage of conveniencea proposal of marriage

2 wedding ceremonyADJECTIVE | VERB + marriage | marriage + VERB | marriage + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEChristian, Jewish, etc.civilshotgun (= arranged quickly because the bride is pregnant) (usually shotgun wedding)VERB + marriagecelebrateThe marriage was celebrated in the cathedral.marriage + VERBbe held, take placemarriage + NOUNceremonycertificate (BrE), contract, licence/licensePREPOSITIONat a/the marriageShe wanted to be present at the marriage of her grandson.marriage toMr and Mrs Wall invite you to the marriage of their daughter Ann to Mr Thomas Lea.

marriage guidance

marriage guidancenoun

Marriage guidance is used before these nouns:

counselling, counsellor

married

marriedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbe, feelI wouldn't have felt properly married if it hadn't been a church wedding.getWhen did you get married?remainADVERBnewly, recentlyThe newly married couple left for their honeymoon in Spain.previouslyhappilyunhappilylawfully, legallyproperlyPREPOSITIONtoShe's married to an actor.PHRASESmarried with childrenAll her friends are now married with children.

Married is used with these nouns:

bliss, couple, daughter, father, life, love, lover, man, mother, name, parent, person, priest, quarter, woman

married couple

married couplenoun

Married couple is used before these nouns:

household

marrow

marrownoun

Marrow is used after these nouns:

bone

marry

marryverb

verbADVERB | VERB + marry | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBwellTo keep his wealthy lifestyle, he had to marry well.VERB + marryhope to, want toI don't want to marry Robert.agree to, promise toHe promised to marry her when he returned.choose toThis was the woman he chose to marry.be going to, plan toMatt told me he was going to marry again.They plan to marry next year.be able to, be allowed to, be free toHe believes same-sex couples should be able to marry.forbid sb toDuty forbade them to marry.ask sb toHe asked me to marry him but I said no.PREPOSITIONforHe married her for love, not for money.intothe difficulties of marrying into the royal familyPHRASESget marriedThey are hoping to get married next year.marry late, marry youngPeople are marrying later these days.not be the marrying kind (= not be the kind of person who wants to get married)

Marry is used with these nouns as the object:

boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, Jew, lover, partner, widow, wife, woman

marrying

marryingadj.

Marrying is used with these nouns:

type

marry into

marry intophr verb

Marry into is used with these nouns as the object:

family

marsh

marshnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + marsh | marsh + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcoastal, salt, saltwater, tidalfreshwatergrazing (BrE)VERB + marshdrainmarsh + NOUNgrass, plantbirdPREPOSITIONin a/the marsh, on a/the marshHe keeps his cattle on the marshes.

marshal

marshalnoun

noun1 in the army/air force2 security officer1 in the army/air force2 security officerADJECTIVEADJECTIVEgrand (AmE)federalair, sky (AmE)armed

marshalling

marshallingnoun

Marshalling is used before these nouns:

marshy

marshyadj.

Marshy is used with these nouns:

ground, terrain

mart

martnoun

Mart is used after these nouns:

martial

martialadj.

Martial is used with these nouns:

art

martial arts

martial artsnoun

Martial arts is used before these nouns:

skill

martial law

martial lawnoun

nounVERB + martial law | PREPOSITIONVERB + martial lawdeclare, impose, place sth underliftPREPOSITIONunder martial lawThe city remains under martial law.

martyr

martyrnoun

noun1 sb who is killed/suffers for what they believe2 sb who tries to gain sympathy1 sb who is killed/suffers for what they believeADJECTIVE | VERB + martyr | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEearlyglorious, holyChristian, Islamic, Protestant, etc.VERB + martyrmake sbPutting him to death would only make him a martyr.PREPOSITIONmartyr toa martyr to the causePHRASESdie a martyra martyr's death

2 sb who tries to gain sympathyVERB + martyr | PHRASESVERB + martyrplayStop playing the martyr.PHRASESmake a martyr of yourself

marvel

marvelverb

verbVERB + marvel | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERB + marvelcan onlyOne can only marvel at the way the building has been constructed.never cease toI never cease to marvel at his stupidity.ADVERBinwardly, secretly, silentlyWe all secretly marvel at his skill.PREPOSITIONatAiden couldn't help but marvel at the simplicity of the plan.

marvellous

marvellousadj.

(BrE) (AmE marvelous) adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, look, soundADVERBreallyThis is really marvellous news!absolutely, quite, simplyThe food looks absolutely marvellous!

Marvellous/marvelous is used with these nouns:

feeling, idea, job, moment, news, opportunity, piece, tale, time

marvellously

marvellouslyadv.

Marvellously/marvelously is used with these adjectives:

entertaining

Marvellously/marvelously is used with these verbs:

succeed

Marxist

Marxistadj.

Marxist is used with these nouns:

criticism, dogma, economics, ideology, socialism, theory

mary

marynoun

Mary is used after these nouns:

Masculine is used with these nouns:

mascara

mascaranoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + mascara | mascara + VERB | mascara + NOUNADJECTIVEheavy, thickwaterproofblackVERB + mascarawearapply, put onremove, wipe, wipe away, wipe off (esp. BrE)I wiped most of the mascara from under my eyes.smear, smudgeHer tears had smudged her mascara.mascara + VERBrun, smear, smudgemascara + NOUNbrush, wand

masculine

masculineadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.She has a very masculine face.decidedly, distinctlyexclusivelyThe ceremony is exclusively masculine.predominantlyessentiallytypicallyThat's a typically masculine attitude!stereotypicallyWe assume that stereotypically masculine traits are more suited to the military.traditionallywomen entering traditionally masculine domains such as constructioninherentlyaggressivelyHe has an aggressively masculine approach to these questions.

attribute, feature, identity, noun, pride, pronoun, quality, scent, self-assurance, smell, trait, virtue, voice

mash

mashverb

Mash is used with these nouns as the object:

avocado, banana, potato, tea

mashed

mashedadj.

Mashed is used with these nouns:

banana, potato

mask

masknounverb

I. noun1 cover for sb's face2 sth that hides sb's real feelings1 cover for sb's faceADJECTIVE | VERB + mask | mask + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEface, facial, full-facegasbreathing, oxygendustprotectivesurgicalhockey (AmE), skiHalloweenVERB + maskhave on, weardon, put onpull off, remove, strip off, take off, tear offIn the second part of the play, the actors take off their masks.mask + VERBconceal sth, cover sth, hide sthThe man's face was hidden by a mask.PREPOSITIONbehind a/the mask, beneath a/the maskTwo eyes glared at him from beneath the mask.in a/the masktwo men in black masksmask overShe wore a mask over her face.

2 sth that hides sb's real feelingsADJECTIVE | mask + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEblank, cold, emotionless, expressionless, impassive, stonyHer face was a blank mask as she answered my question.mask + VERBslipFor a moment her mask slipped, and I saw how scared she really was.PREPOSITIONbehind a/the maskBehind the mask of friendliness, I know he really dislikes me.mask forHis fooling around is a mask for his lack of confidence.PHRASESa mask of indifferenceHe was hiding behind a mask of indifference but she wasn't fooled.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + mask | PREPOSITIONADVERBcompletelynot quite, partially, partlybarelyeffectivelyVERB + masktend toVarnish tends to mask the natural grain of the wood.PREPOSITIONwithShe masked her anger with a smile.

Mask is used with these nouns as the subject:

veneer

Mask is used with these nouns as the object:

disappointment, emotion, fear, feeling, identity, impatience, insecurity, pain, problem, smell

masked

maskedadj.

Masked is used with these nouns:

ball, figure, gang, intruder, man, robber

masochism

masochismnoun

noun… OF MASOCHISM | PHRASES… OF MASOCHISMactPHRASESa form of masochism, a kind of masochism

mason

masonnoun

Mason is used before these nouns:

Mason is used after these nouns:

masonry

masonrynoun

Masonry is used before these nouns:

contractor, wall

mass

massnounverbadj.

I. noun1 large amount/number of sth2 Mass Christian ceremony3 (technical) quantity of material1 large amount/number of sthVERBS | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSenormous, great, huge, large, vastbroadTheir policies appeal to the broad mass of the population.shapelessWhen I washed the sweater, it just turned into a shapeless mass.compact, dense, solidlandthe first women to cross Antarctica's land mass on footchaotica chaotic mass of ideasswirlinga swirling mass of shadowstangleda tangled mass of hairPREPOSITIONmass ofa dense mass of smokemasses of (informal)There were masses of people at the concert.PHRASESthe huddled masses, the unwashed masses (= large numbers of poor people)the image of America with arms open wide to the world's huddled masses

2 Mass Christian ceremonyADJECTIVE | VERB + mass | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVECatholic, requiemmidnight, SundayVERB + massattend, go to, hearShe never failed to attend Sunday Mass.celebrate, offer, sayThe local priest celebrates Mass in the church.PREPOSITIONmass fora requiem mass for the sailors who drowned

3 (technical) quantity of materialADJECTIVE | VERB + massADJECTIVEatomic, molecularbody, bone, muscleCalcium deficiency can lead to low bone mass in adolescent girls.criticalThe product has to be good enough to achieve a critical mass of customers. (figurative)VERB + massmeasureadd, gainBodybuilders trying to gain muscle mass eat a lot of protein.

II. verb

Mass is used with these nouns as the subject:

cloud, troops

Mass is used with these nouns as the object:

Mass is used with these nouns:

III. adj.

agitation, appeal, arrest, audience, boycott, brawl, chaos, circulation, communication, confusion, consumption, culture, delusion, demonstration, deportation, destruction, electorate, emigration, entertainment, evacuation, execution, exit, expulsion, extinction, following, funeral, genocide, grave, hysteria, immigration, killer, killing, literacy, market, marketing, media, medium, meeting, migration, movement, murder, murderer, noun, organization, panic, participation, picket, privatization, production, protest, rally, redundancy, reproduction, resignation, retailer, revolt, scale, slaughter, starvation, strike, suicide, support, tourism, transit, transportation, unemployment, uprising, vaccination

massacre

massacrenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + massacre | massacre + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEappalling (esp. BrE), bloody, brutal, terriblean appalling massacre of women and childrengenocidalindiscriminate, wholesaleHe accused the troops of the indiscriminate massacre of civilians.VERB + massacrebe responsible for, carry out, commit, perpetrate, take part inThe massacre was carried out by enemy troops.As many as fifty men took part in the massacre.be killed inescape, survivecondemn, denouncemassacre + VERBtake placePREPOSITIONmassacre bya massacre by rebel soldiersPHRASESthe victims of a massacre

massage

massagenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + massage | massage + NOUNADJECTIVEgentle, relaxing, soothingback, body, foot, full-body, neck, scalpdeep-tissue, shiatsu, Swedish, etc.therapeuticcardiac, heartThey managed to revive the injured driver with cardiac massage.VERB + massageenjoy, have, receivegive sbThe therapist gave me a massage to ease the pain.massage + NOUNparlour/parlor (= usually a place where men pay to have sex with women)chair, tableoiltherapist, therapy

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBfirmly, vigorouslygently, lightly, softlyPREPOSITIONintoGently massage the cream into your skin.withHe massaged her back with scented oil.Massage it lightly with your fingertips.

Massage is used with these nouns as the object:

back, cream, ego, muscle, oil, scalp, temple

massed

massedadj.

Massed is used with these nouns:

choir, rank

massive

massiveadj.

Massive is used with these nouns:

accumulation, amount, archive, army, assault, bang, barrage, bill, blast, blaze, bleeding, block, bloodshed, bomb, bombardment, bombing, build-up, building, bulk, bureaucracy, campaign, change, chest, collection, conspiracy, construction, corruption, cover-up, coverage, crackdown, crowd, cut, damage, debt, decline, deficit, demonstration, desk, destruction, disaster, discount, disruption, door, dose, drop, earthquake, effort, ego, electric shock, eruption, estate, evacuation, exercise, expansion, expenditure, explosion, exposure, extension, fall, fine, fireplace, fist, flow, fraud, galaxy, gamble, haemorrhage, heart attack, hit, hole, hunt, imbalance, immigration, impact, implication, improvement, incentive, increase, inflation, influx, injection, investment, jaw, landslide, loan, loss, majority, merger, mountain, offensive, operation, outcry, outlay, output, overdose, overhaul, pile, pile-up, pillar, popularity, profit, programme, project, proportion, protest, quantity, rally, redistribution, reduction, redundancy, reorganization, repression, resistance, retaliation, rise, sale, scale, search, shake-up, shape, shift, shipment, shock, size, spree, star, step, strike, stroke, subsidy, success, suffering, sum, support, surge, task, tower, traffic jam, transfer, tree, trunk, turnout, understatement, undertaking, unemployment, upheaval, uprising, upsurge, violation, void, volume, vote, wall, wave

massively

massivelyadv.

Massively is used with these adjectives:

expensive, popular

Massively is used with these verbs:

expand, underestimate

mass-market

mass-marketadj.

Mass-market is used with these nouns:

paperback, retailer

mass-produced

mass-producedadj.

Mass-produced is used with these nouns:

goods

mast

mastnoun

Mast is used after these nouns:

Master is used with these nouns as the object:

master

masternounverbadj.

I. noun1 person in charge2 person with skill3 Master's university degree1 person in chargeADJECTIVE | VERB + master | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpoliticalHis political masters are all old right-wing politicians.colonialThis was a time when many nations were trying to shake off their colonial masters.slaveHis father was a wealthy, prominent Virginia slave master.puppetThe director is an unseen puppet master, operating behind the scenes.cruelFate can be a cruel master. (figurative)VERB + masterobey, please, servecorrupt people who would serve any masterdisobeyPREPOSITIONmaster ofHe wants to be master of his own destiny.

2 person with skillADJECTIVE | master + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEacknowledged, great, undisputedThis portrait is the work of an acknowledged master.grandChaplin, the grand master of physical comedychess, fencing, karate, etc.master + NOUNbuilder, craftsman, painter (esp. BrE)PREPOSITIONmaster ofa master of disguisePHRASESbe a past master at sth, be a past master of sth (= to be very good at sth)He's a past master at delaying meetings.

3 Master's university degreeVERB + master's | master's + NOUN | PREPOSITIONVERB + master'sdo, study for, takeHe did a Master's at Hull University.earn, getShe got her Master's last year.complete, finishIn May I completed my Master's in business administration.haveLorenzo has a Master's in communications from Boston University.master's + NOUNdegree, thesisPREPOSITIONmaster ina Master's in politics

II. verbADVERB | VERB + master | PHRASESADVERBcompletely, fully, thoroughlynot quitequicklyeasilyVERB + masterbe difficult toa technique that was surprisingly difficult to masterstruggle to, try tothe challenge of trying to master a new languagefail toPHRASESmaster the art of sthHe never completely mastered the art of lip-reading.master the basicsOnce you've mastered the basics, try learning more difficult chords.

art, basics, craft, fundamentals, intricacy, language, move, rage, skill, technique

III. adj.

Master is used with these nouns:

architect, artist, bathroom, bedroom, builder, butcher, chef, class, copy, craftsman, criminal, disk, file, gardener, key, narrative, painter, photographer, plan, printer, race, sergeant, suite, switch, tape, teacher, thief

masterful

masterfuladj.

Masterful is used with these nouns:

masterfully

masterfullyadv.

Masterfully is used with these verbs:

direct

mastermind

mastermindverb

Mastermind is used with these nouns as the object:

masterpiece

masterpiecenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + masterpiece | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgreatIt's one of the greatest masterpieces of Western art.acknowledgedThe piece ranks with such acknowledged masterpieces as the Mass in G.minorforgotten, losta forgotten masterpiece from one of America's most underrated directorsarchitectural, cinematic, culinary, literary, musical, etc.VERB + masterpiececompose, create, paint, producebe considered, be hailed as, be recognized asWithin a week of publication, the novel was hailed as a masterpiece.PREPOSITIONmasterpiece bya masterpiece by Picassomasterpiece ofa masterpiece of classical architecture

Master's

Master'snoun

Master's is used before these nouns:

Match is used with these nouns as the subject:

mastery

masterynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + mastery | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEabsolute, complete, totaltechnicalHe plays the violin with technical mastery, but little feeling.VERB + masteryhaveThe allied bombers had total mastery of the skies.demonstrate, display, showHe shows complete mastery of the instrument.achieve, acquire, attain, gainPREPOSITIONmastery ofHe acquired mastery of four languages.mastery overThe king had absolute mastery over the country.

mat

matnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + mat | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVErubber, straw, wovenjudo, wrestling, yoga, etc.prayer, sleepingbathmouse (BrE) (mouse pad in AmE)Every computer user should have a good mouse mat.beer (BrE)dense, thicka thick mat of hairVERB + matlay, lay out, roll out, unrollThe man unrolled his prayer mat.PREPOSITIONmat ofthe dense mat of roots at the bottom of the treePHRASESput out the welcome mat, roll out the welcome mat (both figurative, esp. AmE)They hoped the country would put out a welcome mat for Western investment.

match

matchnounverb

I. noun1 (esp. BrE) in sports2 for lighting a fire3 good combination4 sth the same1 (esp. BrE) in sportsADJECTIVE | VERB + match | match + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEboxing (BrE, AmE), chess (BrE, AmE), football (BrE), rugby (BrE), soccer (usually football match in BrE and soccer game in AmE), tennis (BrE, AmE), wrestling (BrE, AmE), etc.final, quarter-final, semi-finalHe almost made it to the final match.friendly (= not part of a competition) (BrE)away, home (both BrE)Some fans travel miles to go to away matches.grudgea grudge match between two of the best teams in the leaguebig, crucial, importantexciting, thrillingtitlechampionship, competitive, cup (BrE), league (BrE)sparringWe were just having a little verbal sparring match. (figurative)screaming, shouting (figurative)The two of them then got into a shouting match (= an argument with a lot of shouting).VERB + matchplayThe match will be played in the new stadium.haveThe team had an excellent match.go to, see, watchbe defeated in, loseclinch, winA late goal clinched the match for Porto.draw (BrE), tie (AmE)We drew our first match of the season 1–1.Lubov fought back to tie the match.level (esp. BrE)They managed to level the match, then went 2–1 ahead.match + VERBtake placePREPOSITIONduring a/the matchan incident which took place during Saturday's matchin a/the matchShe was injured in last week's match.match againstthe match against Walesmatch betweenthe match between Japan and Brazilmatch withThey lost their match with Estonia.

2 for lighting a fireADJECTIVE | … OF MATCHES | VERB + match | PHRASESADJECTIVElighted, lit (esp. AmE)… OF MATCHESbook, boxVERB + matchlight, strikeHe lit a match so they could see in the cave.blow outPHRASESput a match to sthSomeone had put a match to the pile of papers.

3 good combinationADJECTIVE | VERB + match | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEexcellent, good, perfectThe blouse and skirt are a perfect match.Freddie and Kate are a perfect match.VERB + matchfind, makeOur job is to find the right match for our clients.This fabric makes a good match for the wallpaper.PREPOSITIONmatch betweenan excellent match between our goals and what your company offersmatch forThat sweater should be a good match for your skirt.PHRASESmeet your match (= meet someone equally good, strong, etc.)I think he's finally met his match in Lisa.the right matchYou need to feel confident that the candidate is the right match.

4 sth the sameADJECTIVE | VERB + match | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEexactVERB + matchfindShe has a rare blood type, and finding a match could take years.PREPOSITIONmatch forTo forge the certificate, she needed an exact match for the paper and the fonts.

II. verb1 combine well with sb/sth2 find sth similar/connected3 be/make sth equal/better1 combine well with sb/sthADVERB | PHRASESADVERBwellAs a couple they are not very well matched (= they are not very suitable for each other).nicely, perfectlyThe music perfectly matches the tone of the movie.exactly, preciselyThey found a paint that exactly matched the existing paint on the walls.closelyHe chose wine that closely matched each dish.The students' results closely matched their predicted scores.not quiteThe room was full of old furniture that didn't quite match.PHRASESto matchI bought a duvet cover and some curtains to match.

2 find sth similar/connectedADVERB | VERB + match | PREPOSITIONADVERBcarefullycorrectlyupWe have to match up the right pet with the right owner.VERB + matchseek to, try toPREPOSITIONforThe control group in the experiment was matched for age and sex.toThe aim of the competition is to match the quote to the person who said it.The available organs are carefully matched to people in need of transplants.withThe agency tries to match single people with suitable partners.

3 be/make sth equal/betterADVERB | VERB + match | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBalmost, nearlyShe found that his determination almost matched her own.not quiteNothing quite matches the fine, subtle taste of this cheese.rarelyHer lovers rarely match her wit and intelligence.VERB + matchbe able to, be unable toThe company was unable to match his current salary.try tofail toChildren can be made to suffer when they fail to match their parents' expectations.PREPOSITIONforNo other rock band comes even close to matching their talent.PHRASEScome close to matchingbe equally matched, be evenly matched, be well matchedThe teams were very evenly matched.be unevenly matched

Match is used with these nouns as the object:

background, colour, description, dress, expectation, feat, fingerprint, finish, mood, offer, pair, personality, profile, prowess, record, requirement, scale, size, skill, splendour, stride, taste, tone, wit

matched

matchedadj.

Matched is used with these nouns:

set

matching

matchingadj.

Matching is used with these nouns:

belt, bonnet, chair, colour, earring, outfit, pair, pants, purse, scarf, set, shoe, skirt, thread, top, vest

mate

matenounverb

I. noun1 sexual partner2 (BrE, informal) friend1 sexual partnerADJECTIVE | VERB + mateADJECTIVEpotential, prospectiveMany matchmaking sites compile lists of potential mates using basic information.ideal, suitableHe's a cheat and a gambler; hardly an ideal mate.VERB + mateattract, findThese birds have bright plumage to attract a mate.choose, select

2 (BrE, informal) friendADJECTIVE | VERB + mateADJECTIVEbest, goodThey've been good mates ever since they were at school together.VERB + matehaveHe's got loads of mates at school.

II. verb

Mate is used with these nouns as the subject:

pair

material

materialnounadj.

I. noun1 cloth2 substance3 written, printed, or recorded matter1 clothADJECTIVE | … OF MATERIALADJECTIVEcoarse, rough, thickfine, silky, soft, thinwoven… OF MATERIALpiece, scrap, stripA patchwork quilt is a good way of using up scraps of material.

2 substanceADJECTIVE | VERB + materialADJECTIVEcombustible, flammable, hazardous, inflammable (esp. BrE), nuclear, radioactive, toxicprimary, rawHigher raw material costs have pushed up the price of many manufactured goods.natural, organic, plantthe decomposition of dead organic material such as vegetationrecyclable, recycledartificial, man-made, syntheticcompositeThe artificial turf is laid onto a rubber composite material.biological, geneticWe have 98% of the same genetic material as chimpanzees.industrialbuilding, constructiona storeroom full of building materialsoriginalMany of the original materials were reused in the restoration of the building.art, drawing, writingPrisoners were not allowed writing materials.VERB + materialcontain, incorporate, useThe corn contains genetically modified material.

3 written, printed, or recorded matterADJECTIVE | VERB + material | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfascinating, good, relevant, usefulsourceThe letters were used as source material in this new biography.originalThe magazine contains not one bit of original material.classified, confidential, sensitivecopyright, copyrightedprintedThe collection includes objects and printed material.unpublishedreadingThis is not really suitable reading material for a young child.educational, instructional, reference, teachingmarketing, promotionaladditional, bonus, extra, supplemental (esp. AmE), supplementaryThe DVD includes some great supplementary material.archival, biographical, historicalThe library has a wealth of old photographs and other archival material.explicit, indecent, obscene, pornographicHe was convicted of importing indecent material.VERB + materialcollect, find, gather, get hold ofHe's collecting material for a new book on space travel.I can't find any relevant material on him in the library.contain, includeThis new biography contains a wealth of previously unpublished material.produce, publishPREPOSITIONmaterial foruseful material for a documentarymaterial onoriginal material on the First World War

II. adj.

Material is used with these nouns:

advancement, advantage, assistance, benefit, comfort, deprivation, discrepancy, evidence, existence, expression, gain, goods, hardship, improvement, inaccuracy, incentive, need, object, possession, progress, prosperity, reality, realm, resource, respect, reward, self-interest, substance, success, supplier, term, universe, want, wealth, well-being, witness, world

materialistic

materialisticadj.

Materialistic is used with these nouns:

culture

materialize

materializeverb

(BrE also -ise) verbADVERB | VERB + materializeADVERBneverThe hoped-for boom never materialized.suddenlyA waiter suddenly materialized at her elbow.fullyWe learned we must take threats seriously before they fully materialize.VERB + materializefail toThe rise in share prices failed to materialize.

materially

materiallyadv.

Materially is used with these adjectives:

different, disadvantaged

Materially is used with these verbs:

affect, assist, contribute, improve

maternal

maternaladj.

Maternal is used with these nouns:

aunt, behaviour, education, grandfather, grandmother, grandparent, instinct, love, role, uncle

maternity

maternitynoun

Maternity is used before these nouns:

benefit, bra, care, clinic, clothes, dress, hospital, leave, nurse, pay, unit, ward, wear, wing

mathematical

mathematicaladj.

Mathematical is used with these nouns:

ability, aptitude, calculation, concept, definition, equation, formula, genius, instrument, logic, method, model, physicist, physics, precision, principle, problem, proof, reasoning, rigour, science, skill, symbol, technique

mathematically

mathematicallyadv.

Mathematically is used with these adjectives:

equivalent, impossible, inclined, precise

mathematician

mathematiciannoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEbrilliantdistinguished, eminent, great, notedone of the greatest mathematicians of all timeapplied, pure

mathematics

mathematicsnoun

nounADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEapplied, pureschoolelementary, higherPHRASESa branch of mathematics

maths

mathsnoun

(BrE) (AmE math) nounADJECTIVE | maths/math + NOUNADJECTIVEapplied, purebasic, elementary, simpleadvanced, complicatedWorking out the quantities of the ingredients involved some complicated maths.college, high-school (both esp. AmE)fifth-grade, etc. (in the US)mental (esp. AmE)I did some quick mental maths to work out the difference.maths/math + NOUNproblemThe class was struggling to find the solution to a maths problem.class (esp. AmE), lesson (esp. BrE)exam, test

matinee

matineeadj.

Matinee is used with these nouns:

idol, performance

mating

matingnoun

Mating is used before these nouns:

behaviour, dance, display, pair, partner, ritual, season

matriarchal

matriarchaladj.

Matriarchal is used with these nouns:

matrimonial

matrimonialadj.

Matrimonial is used with these nouns:

home

matt

mattadj.

Matt/matte is used with these nouns:

finish, lacquer, paint

matted

mattedadj.

Matted is used with these nouns:

fur, hair

matter

matternounverb

I. noun1 subject/situation that must be dealt with2 matters situation you are in3 substance1 subject/situation that must be dealt withADJECTIVE | VERB + matter | matter + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEimportant, pressing, serious, urgent, weightyHe left, saying he had pressing matters to attend to.The question of his innocence is a weighty matter for this court.complex, complicated, controversial, delicate, difficult, sensitiveI wasn't sure how to approach the delicate matter of pay.simple, trifling (esp. BrE), trivialIt is then a simple matter to print off the data you have collected.no easy, no simpleIt is no simple matter starting a new business.practicalThey've agreed in theory, but now we need to discuss practical matters.family, personal, privatesubjectHis articles deal with a wide range of subject matter.economic, environmental, financial, legal, political, procedural, religious, spiritual, technicalroutineThe rest of the meeting was taken up by routine matters.relatedThey talk mostly about work and related matters.different, otherI don't mind lizards, but snakes are a different matter.VERB + matterbring up, broach, raiseI thought I'd better broach the matter with my boss.The matter will be raised at our next meeting.address, debate, discuss, go into, take upI don't really want to go into this matter now.press, pursue, take furtherAfter legal advice I chose to take the matter further.dropHis lawyer advised him to drop the matter.consider, examine, investigate, look at, look into, tackleclarify, clear up, decide, resolve, settleIt's a relief to have the matter settled.approach, deal with, handle, treatPolice are treating the matter as a murder investigation.matter + VERBbe related to, pertain to (formal), relate toShe was a great source of knowledge on matters relating to nutrition.PREPOSITIONin a/the matterI don't have much experience in these matters.Do I have any choice in the matter?on a/the matterSpeak to your manager if you need help on this matter.matter forThe incident is definitely a matter for the police.matter ofIt's a matter of concern to all of us.We discussed the matter of whether or not to hire a bus.Getting the effect you want is a matter of trial and error.PHRASESthe crux of the matter, the heart of the matter (= the most important part of a subject/situation)let the matter drop, let the matter go, let the matter restShe refused to let the matter rest.the matter in handLet's concentrate on the matter in hand for now, and leave other issues till later.be no laughing matterThe safety of his family was no laughing matter.

2 matters situation you are inVERB + MATTERSVERB + MATTERScomplicate, confuse, make worse, not helpIt didn't help matters that I had a terrible cold.To make matters worse, my friend then lost her keys.simplifyLet me simplify matters by giving you my answer now.arrangeShe always arranges matters to suit herself.

3 substanceADJECTIVEADJECTIVEsolidorganic, vegetablecomposed entirely of organic matterinanimate, inorganicdecayingdark (science)printed, reading

II. verbADVERB | VERB + matter | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBa great deal, a lot, greatly, reallyThese things matter a lot to young children.hardly, little (formal), not much, scarcely (esp. BrE)She could find a job. It hardly mattered what.no longer, not any moreVERB + matternot seem toSomehow it didn't seem to matter much any more.PREPOSITIONaboutIt doesn't matter about the mess.toIt didn't matter to her that he was blind.PHRASESnot matter a/one bit, not matter a/one jot (BrE), not matter a/one whit (esp. AmE)It doesn't matter one whit what their ethnic background is.

matter-of-fact

matter-of-factadj.

Matter-of-fact is used with these nouns:

tone, voice

matter-of-factly

matter-of-factlyadv.

Matter-of-factly is used with these verbs:

answer, reply, say, state

matting

mattingnoun

Matting is used after these nouns:

coconut

mattress

mattressnoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdouble, king-size, queen-size (AmE), singlecomfortable, cushy (AmE)firm, hardsoft, springylumpyan old bed with a lumpy mattressthinair, blow-up, inflatablefoamcot (BrE), crib (AmE)PREPOSITIONon a/the mattressThe children slept on mattresses on the floor.under a/the mattressMy grandmother keeps her money under the mattress.

mature

matureverbadj.

I. verbADVERB | VERB + mature | PREPOSITIONADVERBfullya fully matured cheeseearlyThis variety is easy to grow and matures early.quickly, rapidlyslowlyemotionally, physicallyThe teenage years cover a period in which people mature physically and emotionally.nicelyThe little garden was maturing nicely.VERB + matureallow sth to, leave sth toThe cheese is smoked and then left to mature.PREPOSITIONintoShe had matured into a beautiful young woman.toa young man who is maturing to adulthood

Mature is used with these nouns as the subject:

market, wine

Mature is used with these nouns as the object:

Mature is used with these nouns:

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomelookShe tries to look mature and sophisticated.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.fullyemotionally, physically, sexuallyremarkablyHe was remarkably mature for his age.

forest, male, reflection, stage, student, tree, wine, work

maturity

maturitynoun

noun1 adult behaviour/behavior2 full growth1 adult behaviour/behaviorADJECTIVE | VERB + maturityADJECTIVEgreat, growing, increasing, new-foundI can see an increasing maturity in how she understands the world.artistic, emotional, intellectualVERB + maturityhavedemonstrate, display, showShe has shown great maturity in her life choices.gain, grow inThese latest paintings show how the artist has really grown in maturity.lack

2 full growthADJECTIVE | VERB + maturityADJECTIVEfullIt can take years for these plants to reach full maturity.physical, psychological, sexualVERB + maturityattain, come to, grow to, reachapproach, nearThe insects lay eggs when they approach maturity.

maul

maulverb

verbADVERBADVERBbadly, brutally, severelyShe was badly mauled by a lion.fatally

Maul is used with these nouns as the subject:

dog, lion, tiger

maven

mavennoun

Maven is used after these nouns:

fashion

mawkish

mawkishadj.

Mawkish is used with these nouns:

sentiment

maxim

maximnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + maxim | maxim + VERBADJECTIVEgeneral, simplefamousoldAs the old maxim goes, ‘A picture is worth a thousand words’.VERB + maximapply, follow, heedIf you follow a few simple maxims, your business should be a success.quotemaxim + VERBapply, holdThe golden rule is to pay attention. The same maxim applies to parenting.

maximal

maximaladj.

Maximal is used with these nouns:

workload

maximization

maximizationnoun

Maximization is used after these nouns:

profit

maximize maximum

maximumnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + maximum | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEabsoluteagreed, recommendedDo not exceed the recommended maximum of twelve drops a day.legal, statutoryVERB + maximumachieve, reach, rise toThe temperature reached a maximum of 35°C yesterday.exceedallow (sb/sth), permit (sb/sth)In the exam, allow yourself a maximum of 30 minutes per question.the maximum permitted speedslimit sth to, restrict sth toThe amount you have to pay will be limited to a maximum of £500.PREPOSITIONabove (the) maximum, below (the) maximumat (the) maximuma drive of four hours at the maximumto (the) maximumHe is using his talents to the maximum.(up) to a/the maximummaximum ofYou can claim the allowance for a maximum of six months.PHRASESmaximum possibleEveryone should contribute the maximum possible.

II. adj.

Maximum is used with these nouns:

advantage, altitude, amount, benefit, capacity, comfort, depth, distance, dose, duration, effect, effectiveness, efficiency, enjoyment, expansion, exposure, extent, fine, flexibility, force, freedom, height, impact, intensity, investment, length, level, leverage, limit, load, number, output, penalty, percentage, performance, potential, productivity, profit, protection, publicity, quantity, range, rebate, resolution, return, sentence, size, speed, strength, temperature, threshold, use, velocity, volume, width, workload

maximum-security

maximum-securityadj.

Maximum-security is used with these nouns:

jail, prison, wing

May

Maynoun

mayonnaise

mayonnaisenoun

Mayonnaise is used after these nouns:

mayor

mayornoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + mayor | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElocaldeputylord (in the UK)In 1662–3 he served as Lord Mayor of London.Democratic, Republican, right-wing, socialist, etc.current, incumbent (AmE)formerbig-city, small-town (both AmE)VERB + mayorrun forHe is running for mayor of Bogotá.elect (sb), elect sb asserve asPREPOSITIONmayor ofthe mayor of Moscow

mayoral

mayoraladj.

Mayoral is used with these nouns:

candidate, election

maze

mazenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + maze | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcomplex, complicated, confusing, intricatehedgethe famous hedge maze at Hampton Courtbureaucratic (figurative)They did not have the expertise to navigate the bureaucratic maze required for certification.VERB + mazebe lost in, get lost infind your way through, navigate, negotiateHe found his way through the complex maze of corridors.PREPOSITIONin a/the maze, through a/the mazeI followed him through a maze of narrow alleys.maze ofI was lost in a maze of passages.

meadow

meadownoun

Meadow is used after these nouns:

hay, mountain

meagre

meagreadj.

Meagre/meager is used with these nouns:

allowance, belongings, earnings, existence, income, living, meal, pension, ration, resource, return, salary, supply, wage

meal

mealnoun

Mean is used with these nouns as the subject:

Mealseat … , have … Have you had breakfast?take … (formal)I often take lunch in the hotel bar.grab … , snatch … (BrE)Let's grab lunch.I'm so busy I have to snatch meals when I can.come for/to … , go for/to meal (These verbs are often used with around (esp. AmE), out, over and round (esp. BrE).)We went to Fargo's for lunch.We're going out for dinner.We're going out for a meal. (BrE)You should come over for dinner sometime.ask sb to … , have sb for/to … , invite sb for/to … , take sb for/to … (These verbs are often used with around (esp. AmE), out, over and round (esp. BrE).)He wouldn't have asked me to supper if he didn't like me.We must have you over for dinner sometime.Let me take you out for lunch.be out to lunchHe's out to lunch with a client.stop for … We stopped for tea at the Ritz.join sb for … , stay for/to … You're sure you won't stay for dinner?sit down to … , start … , finish … We had just sat down to breakfast when the phone rang.skip … I sometimes skip lunch if we're very busy.cook (sb) … , fix (sb) … (esp. AmE), get … ready, make (sb) … , prepare … She hurried downstairs to fix herself some breakfast.have … readyWe'll have supper ready for you.serve … Lunch is served from 12.30 till 2.30.keep … warm, warm … upI'll be home late, so keep my dinner warm.provide (sb with) … Dinner is provided in the superb hotel restaurant. … is availableA four-course dinner is available by prior arrangement. … is ready‘Breakfast's ready!’ shouted Christine. … time (usually written as one word)The family was always noisy at mealtimes.It was lunchtime.at … , during … , over … Nobody spoke during supper.for … What did you have for lunch? … ofa breakfast of pancakes and maple syrup

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEbig, filling, heavyI always want to go to sleep after a heavy meal.hearty, slap-up (BrE)gourmet (esp. AmE), lavish, sumptuousdecent, proper, square, substantialShe hadn't had a square meal for days.light, simpleThe bar serves light meals.meagre/meagera meagre/meager meal of bread and cheesefour-course, three-course, etc.appetizing, delicious, excellent, lovely (esp. BrE), tastyThanks for a delicious meal.home-cookedShe has very little time to prepare home-cooked meals.balanced, healthful (AmE), healthy, nourishing, nutritious, wholesomemainWhen do you have your main meal of the day?evening (esp. BrE), midday (esp. BrE), noon (AmE)hotHot meals are not available after 10 o'clock.favourite/favoriteThat night he made her favourite/favorite meal.vegetarianfestive (esp. AmE)Christmas, Passover, Thanksgiving, etc.

mean

meanverbadj.

I. verb

expression, move, name, sign, symbol, term, word

Mean is used with these nouns as the object:

death, difference, disaster, end, harm, increase, reduction, ruin, sacrifice, saving, thing, trouble

II. adj.1 unkind2 (BrE) not generous1 unkindVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, seembecomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.That was a pretty mean trick.PREPOSITIONtoHe's so mean to his mother!

2 (BrE) not generousVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seembecomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.I thought it was really mean of him not to pay for the meal.a little, slightly, etc.He's a little mean when it comes to spending money on the children.PREPOSITIONwithShe's very mean with her money.

Mean is used with these nouns:

achievement, distance, duration, feat, increase, number, percentage, score, size, snowfall, spirit, streak, street, temperature, trick, velocity, weight

meandering

meanderingadj.

Meandering is used with these nouns:

river, stream

meaning

meaningnoun

noun1 what sth means2 purpose/importance1 what sth meansADJECTIVE | VERB + meaning | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEclear, exact, preciseThe context makes the meaning clear.What is the exact meaning of this phrase?intended, true, underlyingcorrectoriginaldouble, hiddenThere's often a double meaning in jokes and riddles.I'm sure there's no hidden meaning in what he says.figurative, metaphorical, symbolicculturalHe explores the deeper cultural meaning of ‘home’.literalVERB + meaningcomprehend, get, grasp, understandI can't grasp the meaning of this quotation.decipher, interpret, work outHistorians are trying to decipher the meaning of the documents.explore, ponderThe movie ends with scenes that are supposed to leave us pondering its meaning.assign, attach, attribute, discernShe assigns a meaning to his words they just didn't have.clarify, explainThe copy editor uses her skill to clarify the meaning.redefineThat night redefined the meaning of the word ‘love’ to him.alter, change, distortThese translation errors alter the meaning of the sentence.misinterpret, misunderstandI think you misunderstood my meaning.determineThe context largely determines the meaning.bear, carry, haveSome of the symbols carry meaning and some just represent sounds.a word that has more than one meaningacquire, take onThe word ‘gay’ took on its modern meaning in the 1960s.communicate, convey, expressPREPOSITIONin a/the meaningambiguity in the meaning of a phrasewith a/the meaningI am using the word with its original meaning.meaning behindthe meaning behind an eventPHRASESa nuance of meaning, a shade of meaningIt is difficult for a non-Italian to grasp all the nuances of meaning.

2 purpose/importanceADJECTIVE | VERB + meaning | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdeep, real, trueShe's searching for the deeper meaning of life.spiritualHe found spiritual meaning through religion.intrinsicFor him, art held little intrinsic meaning.VERB + meaninghaveHer work no longer had any meaning for her.acquireAs parents, our lives acquired new meaning.findloseAfter his death, she felt life had lost all meaning.giveFalling in love gave meaning to his life.contemplate, explore, ponderYou can't sit around contemplating the meaning of life all day.PREPOSITIONwithout meaningYoung people can feel that life is without meaning.

meaningful

meaningfuladj.

Meaningful is used with these nouns:

comparison, context, contribution, conversation, degree, dialogue, discussion, distinction, employment, existence, fashion, glance, look, participation, reform, role, sense, way, whole

meaningfully

meaningfullyadv.

Meaningfully is used with these verbs:

participate, pause, speak

meaningless

meaninglessadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomerender sthADVERBabsolutely, quite, totally, utterlyincreasinglyalmost, virtuallyThe phrase has become almost meaningless.basically, essentially, largelyfairly, prettyapparently, seeminglyapparently meaningless jargonscientifically, statistically

Meaningless is used with these nouns:

distinction, existence, jargon, phrase, word

means

meansnoun

noun1 method of doing sth2 money/wealth1 method of doing sthADJECTIVE | VERB + means | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEappropriate, convenient, effective, efficient, reliable, usefulan effective means of mass communicationbest, preferredGold has been the preferred means of exchange for centuries.necessary, possible, practicable (BrE)We will use every possible means to achieve our objective.alternate (AmE), alternative, otherWar is famously ‘the continuation of policy by other means’.primary, principalPainting had become his primary means of self-expression.only, soleOil lamps were the sole means of illumination.conventional, traditionallegal, legitimatenon-violent, peacefulmilitaryelectronic, technicalInfringement of copyright includes distribution by electronic means.VERB + meanshaveWe have no means of knowing how they will react.useoffer (sb), provide (sb with)My English teacher provided me with the means to enjoy reading poetry.develop, deviseCan you devise a means of overcoming the problem?PREPOSITIONby means (of)The stone was lifted by means of a rope and pulley.through meansThey cannot achieve their goal through legal means.means forthe means for achieving happinessmeans ofa means of access/communication/transporta means of getting what you wantPHRASESthe end justifies the meansIn the case of torture, the end can never justify the means.a means to an endHe saw his education merely as a means to an end.by any means necessary, by fair means or foulby no means/not by any means (= not at all), ways and meansThere are ways and means of raising money.

2 money/wealthADJECTIVE | VERB + means | means + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEindependent, privateShe must have independent means to live in such style.limited, little, moderate, modest, slendervisiblepeople who lack visible means of supportVERB + meanshavelackmeans + NOUNtestEligibility for the benefit was determined by a means test.PREPOSITIONaccording to your means (= according to what you can afford)beyond your meansPrivate school fees are beyond the means of most people (= more than they can afford).within your means (= according to what you can afford)She finds it difficult to live within her means.PHRASESa man/woman of means (= a rich man/woman)

means-tested

means-testedadj.

Means-tested is used with these nouns:

benefit, supplement

measles

measlesnoun

nounVERB + measles | measles + NOUNVERB + measleshaveAll our children have had the measles.catch, contractimmunize sb against, vaccinate sb againstmeasles + NOUNvirusimmunization, vaccination, vaccinejab (BrE), shot (esp. AmE)

measurable

measurableadj.

Measurable is used with these nouns:

effect, impact, improvement, result

measurably

measurablyadv.

Measurably is used with these verbs:

improve

measure

measureverbnoun

Measure is used with these nouns as the subject:

II. verb1 find the size of sth2 judge the importance/value/effect of sth1 find the size of sthADVERB | VERB + measure | PREPOSITIONADVERBaccurately, exactly, precisely, reliablyempirically, objectively, quantitativelyEducation policy places too much emphasis on things that can be quantitatively measured.carefullydirectlyAny type of data that could not be directly measured was rejected.indirectlyeasilyexperimentallyupWe need to measure up the room for a new carpet.VERB + measurebe able to, canYou can now measure its length more accurately.be easy to, be possible tobe difficult to, be hard to, be impossible toPREPOSITIONforShe's being measured for her wedding outfit.inCloth is measured in yards.

2 judge the importance/value/effect of sthADVERB | VERB + measure | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBeasilyThe policy's impact cannot be easily measured.effectivelyobjectivelyVERB + measurecanbe easy to, be possible tobe difficult to, be hard to, be impossible toIt is hard to measure the benefits to society of the system.be used tothe criteria that are used to measure performancePREPOSITIONaccording toIs it really possible to measure the skills of such jobs according to objective standards?againstThe school's performance is measured against a strict set of criteria.byThe policy's effectiveness cannot be measured by numbers alone.in terms ofSuccess cannot be measured merely in terms of the size of your salary.PHRASESa method of measuring sth, a way of measuring sth

earthquake, gauge, index, instrument, plot, researcher, room, test, thermometer

Measure is used with these nouns as the object:

ability, achievement, activity, angle, blood pressure, change, circumference, composition, density, diameter, dimension, distance, duration, effect, effectiveness, efficiency, emission, extent, fitness, flow, frequency, height, impact, incidence, index, intensity, length, level, magnitude, mass, movement, number, outcome, percentage, performance, productivity, progress, quality, radiation, radioactivity, rainfall, rate, reliability, risk, size, speed, strength, success, temperature, usage, value, voltage, volume, width, worth

I. noun1 official action to deal with a problem2 amount/quantity of sth3 unit of size/quantity4 sign of sth5 (AmE) in music1 official action to deal with a problemADJECTIVE | … OF MEASURES | VERB + measure | measure + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEappropriate, effective, necessary, practicalWe urge you to adopt all necessary measures to guarantee people's safety.keyextraordinary, specialWe had to resort to extraordinary measures to find employees.simpledesperate, draconian, drastic, extreme, harsh, radical, repressive, strong, toughemergency, urgent (esp. BrE)interim, short-term, stopgap, temporaryadditionaldefensive, precautionary, preventative, preventivedisciplinary, punitivecorrective, remedialprotective, safety, securityNew security measures were implemented to prevent further violence.conservation, controlDevelopment of new water sources needs to be combined with conservation measures.austerity, cost-cutting, economy (esp. BrE), efficiencyeconomic, policygovernment… OF MEASURESpackage (esp. BrE), raft (BrE), range (esp. BrE), series, set (esp. AmE)a package of measures aimed at cutting pollutionVERB + measureemploy, implement, impose, institute, introduce, take, useSpecial measures are being taken to protect the local water supplies.The authorities are using increasingly repressive measures.adopt, approve, enact, passThe Committee unanimously approved the measure.defeat, oppose, vetoThe mayor threatened to veto a measure passed by the city council.propose, suggestmeasure + VERBbe aimed at sth, be designed to, be intended toPREPOSITIONmeasure againsttougher measures against racismmeasure formeasures for reducing delays

2 amount/quantity of sthADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbroad, considerable, fair, generous, great, significant, substantial, widePREPOSITIONmeasure ofHe poured me a generous measure of gin.PHRASESin considerable, large, some, etc. measureHis success was due in large measure to your help.in equal measureHe's been praised and condemned in equal measure.in no small measure

3 unit of size/quantityADJECTIVE | VERB + measure | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEaccurate, direct, fair, objective, preciseThis figure alone is not a fair measure of our success.broadGDP is considered the broadest measure of a country's economic activity.indirectimportantThe price of housing relative to income is an important measure of real income.quantitative, statisticalThey tried to formulate a quantitative measure of well-being.standard, standardizedHigher scores on this standardized measure indicate greater creativity.imperial, metricbehavioural/behavioral (esp. AmE), performanceCompanies can use their stock price as a performance measure.VERB + measurecalculate, derive, obtainThis measure is obtained by dividing corporate profits by corporate bond yields.provideThis figure provides an objective measure of risk.PREPOSITIONmeasure ofan accurate measure of lengthPHRASESweights and measures

4 sign of sthADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcrude, reliable, simple, true, useful, validA reliable measure of progress is whether your children can do something they couldn't do before.importantAccepting the lower salary was seen as an important measure of commitment.PREPOSITIONmeasure ofLanded income was the true measure of the gentry.

5 (AmE) in musicSee also barADJECTIVE | VERB + measure | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfirst, openingThe band began playing the opening measures.VERB + measurehear, play, singHe placed his fingers on the keys and played a few measures.PREPOSITIONmeasure ofthe first few measures of Mozart's third violin concertoper measure, to a/the measurea steady rhythm of four beats to a measure

measured

measuredadj.

Measured is used with these nouns:

footstep, pace, response, tone, tread

measurement

measurementnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + measurement | measurement + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEaccurate, careful, exact, objective, preciseIt is important to take precise measurements of the structure.Objective measurement is difficult with such poor equipment.quantitativelab (informal), laboratory, scientificstandard, standardizedmetriclength, pressure, temperature, etc.body, bust, chest, hip, waistperformanceVERB + measurementcalculate, carry out, get, make, obtain, perform, record, takeconvertmeasurement + NOUNinstrument, system, technique, toolscale, uniterrorPHRASESa scale of measurement, a unit of measurement

measuring

measuringadj.

Measuring is used with these nouns:

cup, device, instrument, jug, spoon, tape, tool

meat

meatnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF MEAT | VERB + meat | meat + VERB | meat + NOUNADJECTIVEfreshbad, rancid, rotten, rottingThat meat smells rotten.tenderSimmer the meat for 30 minutes until tender.toughleanfattydark, red, whiteraw, uncookedrare, undercookedcooked, cured, dried, grilled, processed, roast, salted, smokedcolda plate of cold meatsfrozenground (AmE), mince (usually mincemeat) (esp. BrE), mincedcanned, lunch (usually lunchmeat) (AmE), luncheon, potted, tinned (BrE)hamburger (esp. AmE), sausage (esp. BrE)organichalal, koshercrab, goat, horse, etc.… OF MEATbit, chunk, lump, piece, slab, slicecut, joint (BrE)She always buys the cheaper cuts of meat.VERB + meatconsume, eatThe animals do not hunt and rarely consume meat.Do you eat meat?chew, chew onbarbecue, cook, fry, grill, roast, stewFry the meat in a little olive oil.marinatetenderizebrown, seal (BrE)Turn the meat frequently to brown it.chop, cube (esp. BrE), cut, dice, grind (AmE), mincebonecarve, slicemeat + VERBbe off (esp. BrE), go off, rot, spoil (esp. AmE)The meat has gone off.meat + NOUNball (usually meatballs), broth (esp. AmE), dish, loaf, patty (esp. AmE), pie (esp. BrE), stewrecipes for simple meat dishesproductsmarketcleaver, grinder (AmE) (mincer in BrE), slicer, tenderizerhooklocker (esp. AmE)It was so cold, it was like a meat locker.cutter, packer (both AmE)He eventually found employment as a meat cutter.eaterI'm not a great meat eater.content (esp. BrE)These pies have a low meat content.packing (AmE), productionconsumptionCanada's meat consumption

meat-packing

meat-packingnoun

Meat-packing is used before these nouns:

district

meaty

meatyadj.

Meaty is used with these nouns:

role, texture

mechanic

mechanicnoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEgood, skilledchiefauto (AmE), car (esp. BrE), garage, motor (esp. BrE)

mechanical

mechanicaladj.

Mechanical is used with these nouns:

breakdown, damage, defect, device, doll, efficiency, engineer, engineering, failure, fault, force, pencil, problem, property, reproduction, stress, system, toy, ventilation, vibration, watch

mechanically

mechanicallyadv.

Mechanically is used with these verbs:

repeat, separate

mechanics

mechanicsnoun

noun1 how sth works/is done2 science of movement and force1 how sth works/is doneADJECTIVEADJECTIVEactual, basicWe need to discuss the actual mechanics of the operation.simpleThe mechanics of creating a link are relatively simple.complex, complicatedOnly he understood the complicated mechanics of his business.

2 science of movement and forceADJECTIVEADJECTIVEcelestial, classical, fluid, Newtonian, quantum, statistical

mechanism

mechanismnoun

noun1 part of a machine2 system/method1 part of a machineADJECTIVE | VERB + mechanism | mechanism + VERBADJECTIVEfiring, locking, steering, trigger, windingVERB + mechanismactivateThis activates the train's tilt mechanism.jamThe gun froze, jamming the mechanism.mechanism + VERBoperate, workThe door locking mechanism doesn't work.

2 system/methodADJECTIVE | VERB + mechanism | mechanism + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEeffectivean effective mechanism for enforcing the rulesexact, preciseScientists have been unable to explain the exact mechanism behind this effect.underlyingcomplex, complicatedsimplealternativeHe suggested an alternative mechanism for providing public services.socialavoidance, control, coping, defence/defense, escape, feedback, protective, repair, survivalThe body has defence mechanisms against many diseases.cellular, genetic, immunological, molecular, neural, physiological, psychological, etc.VERB + mechanismprovideThe system provides a mechanism whereby information is fed back into the market.propose, suggestinvestigateactivate, triggerThis activates the body's thirst mechanism.control, govern, regulatephysiological mechanisms regulating the release of hormonesmechanism + VERBoperate, workallow sth, ensure sthPREPOSITIONby the mechanism of, through the mechanism ofThe government is held accountable through the mechanism of regular general elections.mechanism fora mechanism for dealing with complaints

med

medadj.

Med is used with these nouns:

medal

medalnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + medal | medal + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbronze, gold, silverHe won a gold medal in the 100 metres/meters.gymnastics, weightlifting, etc.championship (esp. BrE), OlympiccommemorativeA commemorative medal was struck for the event.VERB + medalbe awarded, collect, earn, get, receive, windeserve (often figurative)She deserves a medal for putting up with him.award (sb), give sb, present (sb with)strikemedal + NOUNwinnerhope, hopesHe is a major medal hope for Kenya.Her medal hopes were dashed by injury.PREPOSITIONmedal fora medal for braveryPHRASESa medal of honour/honor

medallist

medallistnoun

Medallist/medalist is used after these nouns:

relay

meddle in

meddle inphr verb

Meddle in is used with these nouns as the object:

affair, politics

media

medianoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + media | media + VERB | media + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEmassThe event was widely covered by the mass media.audio-visual, broadcast (esp. BrE), news, print, visualTheir PR officer handles TV, radio, and print media interviews.digital, electronic, interactive, streamingThey broadcast streaming media to PCs.foreign, international, local, national, Westerncorporate, mainstream, official, popularleft-wing, right-wingconservative, liberal (both esp. AmE)VERB + mediaaccuse, blame, criticizeSome blame the media for propagating negative stereotypes.control, manipulateThere is a perception that the government controls the media.dominateOne story has dominated the media this week.media + VERBcover sth, report sthThe local media reported rioting across the country.portray sb/sth (as sth)focus on sth, pick sth up (esp. AmE), pick up on sthI think the media picked up on the story because she's a woman.ignore sthbe biasedThey believe that the media is biased against them.media + NOUNattention, coverage, interest, publicity, reportingThere was a lot of media coverage of the wedding.campaignreporteventMusic has been turned into a series of media events.blitz, circus, frenzy, hypeThe company is anxious to play down the media hype.spotlightimageShe's very different from her media image.darlingThe two gangsters were media darlings in the 60s.biasblackout, censorshipfreedomrelationscritic, person, punditbaron, magnate, mogul, tycoonownershipcompany, conglomerate, empire, giant, group, interests, organization, outletawareness, literacy, studiesPREPOSITIONthrough the media, via the mediapropaganda through the mediaPHRASESaccess to the mediathe role of the media

median

medianadj.

Median is used with these nouns:

income, number, salary, score, wage

mediate

mediateverb

Mediate is used with these nouns as the object:

mediation

mediationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + mediation | mediation + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEinternational, UN, etc.multipartydivorceVERB + mediationacceptUnless management accepts mediation, the strike will never be resolved.mediation + NOUNefforts, processPREPOSITIONthrough sb's mediationThe conflict ended through the mediation of the United Nations.under sb's mediationunder international mediationmediation between, mediation bymediation by the prime minister between the two sides

medic

medicnoun

Medic is used after these nouns:

Medical is used with these nouns:

medical

medicalnounadj.

I. noun (esp. BrE)See also physicalADJECTIVE | VERB + medicalADJECTIVEfull, regularPilots undergo regular medicals.VERB + medicalhave, undergopassHe was accepted onto the course after passing the medical.

II. adj.

advance, advice, adviser, aid, appointment, assessment, assistance, attention, bag, bill, breakthrough, care, career, certificate, charity, chart, check, check-up, claim, clearance, clinic, colleague, community, complaint, complication, condition, consultation, corps, cost, cover, coverage, degree, device, diagnosis, dictionary, diploma, director, discovery, doctor, drama, editor, electronics, emergency, encyclopedia, equipment, error, establishment, ethics, evacuation, evaluation, evidence, examination, exemption, expenditure, expense, experiment, expert, expertise, facility, faculty, field, file, genetics, graduate, help, history, illness, illustration, industry, information, inspection, institute, instrument, insurance, intervention, jargon, journal, journalism, kit, knowledge, laboratory, leave, licence, literature, litigation, management, marijuana, miracle, missionary, model, necessity, need, neglect, negligence, note, office, officer, opinion, personnel, physicist, physics, point of view, practice, prescription, problem, procedure, product, profession, professional, progress, publishing, purpose, qualification, recommendation, record, register, rehabilitation, report, research, researcher, room, school, science, scientist, secretary, service, skill, society, sociology, specialist, student, supervision, supply, surveillance, team, technician, technique, technology, term, terminology, test, textbook, training, treatment, tribunal, visit, waste, world

medical centre

medical centrenoun

Medical centre/center is used after these nouns:

university

medically

medicallyadv.

Medically is used with these adjectives:

necessary, qualified, trained, unfit

Medically is used with these verbs:

evacuate, examine, prescribe, treat

medical school

medical schoolnoun

Medical school is used before these nouns:

graduate

medicated

medicatedadj.

Medicated is used with these nouns:

shampoo

medication

medicationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + medication | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEprescribed, prescriptionnon-prescription (esp. AmE), over-the-counterregularantidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, etc.allergy, asthma, diabetes, etc.oral, topicalherbal (AmE)VERB + medicationbe on, receive, takeprescribe (sb)administer, give sbdispensestopShe stopped the medication because of side effects.adjust, change, switchHe talked with his doctor about changing his medication.need, requirePREPOSITIONmedication forHe is on regular medication for his fits.

medicinal

medicinaladj.

Medicinal is used with these nouns:

chemist, chemistry, herb, marijuana, plant, property, purpose, substance, use

medicine

medicinenoun

noun1 science of treating/preventing illness2 substance taken to treat an illness1 science of treating/preventing illnessADJECTIVE | VERB + medicine | PHRASESADJECTIVEmodernadvances in modern medicinetraditionalqualified in traditional Chinese medicinefolkGarlic was widely used in folk medicine.conventional, orthodoxalternative, complementary, holistic, homeopathic, naturopathic, etc.preventative, preventiveacademic, clinical, forensic, scientificfamily, generalShe gave up general medicine to specialize in geriatrics.geriatric, internal, obstetric, paediatric/pediatric, veterinary, etc.Ayurvedic, Chinese, Oriental, Westernprivate (esp. BrE), public-health (BrE), socialized (esp. AmE)She believed private medicine was a threat to the existence of the National Health Service.VERB + medicinetrain inqualify inpractise/practicepeople practising alternative medicinePHRASESa branch of medicine

2 substance taken to treat an illnessADJECTIVE | … OF MEDICINE | VERB + medicine | medicine + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpowerful, strongallergy, cough, etc.a bottle of cough medicineanti-inflammatory, antiviral, etc.botanical, herbalprescriptionnon-prescription (esp. AmE), over-the-counter… OF MEDICINEdoseVERB + medicinetakeswallowprescribe (sb)administer, give sbdispensetreat sb withmedicine + NOUNcabinet, chestbottle, dropperPREPOSITIONmedicine formedicine for a chest infection

medieval

medievaladj.

Medieval is used with these nouns:

archaeology, architecture, art, banquet, castle, cathedral, find, Hebrew, historian, history, kingdom, knight, Latin, manor, manuscript, monastery, monk, music, period, philosopher, philosophy, splendour, superstition, theology, thinker, time, tower, town, tradition, village, world

mediocre

mediocreadj.

Mediocre is used with these nouns:

movie, performance, record, talent

meditation

meditationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + meditation | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdeep, profoundTechniques of deep meditation help people under stress.quiet, silentHe stared out of the window in silent meditation.guidedShe uses music and guided meditation to relax and inspire.Buddhist, Christian, etc.religious, transcendentalVERB + meditationdo, practise/practicePREPOSITIONin meditationAdherents spend hours in meditation.meditation onThe novel is an extended meditation on art, love and loss.

meditative

meditativeadj.

Meditative is used with these nouns:

trance

Mediterranean

Mediterraneanadj.

Mediterranean is used with these nouns:

blood, climate, coast, coastline, cooking, cruise, diet, region, villa

medium

mediumnounadj.

I. noun1 means of expressing/communicating sth2 material/form that an artist, etc. uses1 means of expressing/communicating sthADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEadvertising, broadcast, communicationRadio is an important communication medium in many countries.massdigital, electronic, interactive, print, printed, visual, writtenrecording, storageHe believes tape will eventually be eliminated as a recording medium.An optical disk is just another kind of electronic storage medium.PREPOSITIONthrough the medium ofThe government communicates through the medium of television.medium forShe used her novels as a medium for encouraging political debate.She experimented with the blog as a new medium for exploring issues.PHRASESa medium of communicationa medium of instruction (= a language used for teaching)English is the medium of instruction in many African countries.

2 material/form that an artist, etc. usesADJECTIVEADJECTIVEartisticOil paint is her preferred artistic medium.photographicThe gallery has been committed to the photographic medium for 25 years.mixed mediamixed-media artwork

II. adj.

Medium is used with these nouns:

beef, build, coke, fry, heat, height, length, pizza, range, setting, shot, size, skillet, steak, wavelength

medium-range

medium-rangeadj.

Medium-range is used with these nouns:

medium-rare

medium-rareadj.

Medium-rare is used with these nouns:

medium-sized

medium-sizedadj.

Medium-sized is used with these nouns:

business, company, firm, saucepan, shrub

medium-term

medium-termadj.

Medium-term is used with these nouns:

finance, strategy

medley

medleynoun

Medley is used before these nouns:

relay

meekly

meeklyadv.

Meekly is used with these verbs:

apologize, nod, obey, reply, stand, submit

meet

meetnounverb

I. noun (esp. AmE)ADJECTIVE | VERB + meet | meet + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgymnastics, race, swim, trackhunt (BrE)championshipbig, majorduala dual meet against Canadaspring, summer, etc.swapa swap meet for collectors of Star Trek memorabiliaVERB + meetholdThis year's meet was held in Anchorage, Alaska.attend, go toI can't go to your track meet after school tomorrow.missBrooke missed the meet due to illness.winSam's team won the track meet.meet + NOUNrecordBoth scores were meet records.PREPOSITIONat a/the meetI swam faster at the last meet.Did you buy it at the swap meet?

II. verb1 come together2 satisfy sth3 sb's eyes/gaze/look1 come togetherADVERB | VERB + meet | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBfirstthe place where they had first metregularlyoncenevereventually, finallyWhen these two finally met, the connection was electric.brieflyprivately, secretlyface-to-face, in person, personallyThe three sisters rarely meet in person, but spend hours on the phone.onlinean interactive site where people can meet onlineVERB + meetarrange tochance to, happen toA year or so later I happened to meet him again.PREPOSITIONatWe met the next day at a local bar.forI arranged to meet her for lunch.withManagement will meet with union representatives next week.I met up with my friends in town.PHRASESlook forward to meeting sbI look forward to meeting you next week.nice to meet you (esp. AmE), pleased to meet you (esp. BrE) (= a greeting used when you meet sb for the first time)

2 satisfy sthADVERB | VERB + meetADVERBhead-onThey were determined to meet the challenge head-on.VERB + meetbe able to, canbe unable to, fail toHe had failed to meet his performance targets.be designed to, be tailored toThe course is designed to meet the needs of young learners.

3 sb's eyes/gaze/lookADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBsquarely, unflinchingly, without flinchingLeonora met his gaze without flinching.brieflyPREPOSITIONacrossTheir eyes met across the crowded room.

Meet is used with these nouns as the subject:

assembly, association, cabinet, committee, conference, council, delegation, eye, gaze, glance, lip, parliament

Meet is used with these nouns as the object:

acquaintance, approval, arrival, aspiration, boyfriend, budget, challenge, claim, commitment, condition, cost, criterion, criticism, deadline, death, debt, definition, delegation, demand, demise, deputation, destiny, duty, ear, end, enemy, expectation, expenditure, expense, eye, fate, gaze, girlfriend, guideline, hero, husband, idol, liability, milestone, mission, need, neighbour, objection, objective, obligation, official, opposition, order, panel, payment, people, pope, press, projection, qualification, quota, realtor, reception, regulation, repayment, representative, request, requirement, resistance, responsibility, road, schedule, shortage, specification, standard, target, taste, threat, threshold, train, want, wife, wish

meeting

meetingnoun

noun1 when people come together to discuss/decide sth2 coming together of two or more people1 when people come together to discuss/decide sthADJECTIVE | … OF MEETINGS | VERB + meeting | meeting + VERB | meeting + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfrequent, regularannual, biannual, biennial, daily, monthly, quarterly, weeklyall-day, day-long, hour-longtwo-hour, etc.afternoon, breakfast, lunch (esp. AmE), lunchtime (BrE), weekend, etc.spring, winter, etc.full (esp. BrE), plenaryformal, officialinformalfirst, founding, inauguralmassopen-air (esp. BrE)town (esp. AmE), town-hall (AmE)international, local, national, regionalThe organization holds various regional meetings.open, publicclosed, closed-door (esp. AmE), privatesecretjointManagement have called a joint meeting with staff and unions.generalThe society is holding its Annual General Meeting in the conference room next Monday.face-to-face, one-on-one, personalbilateral, trilateralhigh-level, summit, top-levelexploratory, initial, introductory, preliminary, preparatoryinterimfollow-upfinalextraordinary, specialcrisis (esp. BrE), emergency, urgentcrucial, historic, important, key, vital (esp. BrE)impromptuscheduledmandatoryWe called a mandatory meeting of our department heads this morning.board, cabinet, committee, corporate, council, departmental, executive, faculty (esp. AmE), family, management, ministerial, shareholder, shareholders' (BrE), staff, team, unionAA, PTA, etc.organizational (esp. AmE)business, salespoliticalprofessional (esp. AmE)She was a frequent invited speaker at professional meetings.editorialWe had an editorial meeting about it.scientificdiscussionprotest (esp. BrE)planningIt was decided at a planning meeting.budgetShe headed off to her budget meeting.informational (AmE)prayer, revival (esp. AmE)camp (= religious meeting held outside or in a large tent) (AmE)class (AmE)The students had a class meeting about cheating.groupOur group meetings take place on Saturdays.chapter (AmE)both national and local chapter meetingscommunityOpposition has been expressed at community meetings.virtualThey now have virtual meetings over the Internet.brief, shortendless, interminable, longWe had endless meetings about the problem.The meeting seemed interminable.boringangry (esp. BrE), contentious, difficult, stormy, tenseproductive, successful… OF MEETINGSseriesVERB + meetinghave, holdarrange, call, convene, organize, schedule, set (AmE), set upThe committee has called a meeting to discuss the president's death.attend, joinsummon sb toHe was summoned to a meeting with the head of the department.observe (esp. AmE)begin, open, startThe chairperson opened the meeting.close, conclude, dismiss, end, finishadjourn, break upcall off, cancelpostponehostchair, conduct, facilitate, preside at (esp. AmE), preside overI have to chair a meeting tomorrow.runThe employees who run the meetings stick to a strict agenda.call to orderThe chairman called the meeting to order.participate inaddressHe always spoke as if he were addressing a public meeting.sponsora meeting sponsored by the Council on Foreign Relationsdemand, requestgetOne phone call was enough to get an initial meeting.ban (esp. BrE)boycottdisruptmeeting + VERBgo ahead (esp. BrE), happen, occur, take placeThe meeting never happened.It is unclear whether the meeting will take place as planned.be aimed at stha meeting aimed at restoring peace in the regionbegin, open, proceed, startadjournThe meeting adjourned for coffee at eleven.break upThe meeting broke up after a row over whether to allow cameras in.close, conclude, endThe meeting closed on a sour note.vote (esp. BrE)The meeting voted 423–133 for a strike.discuss sthfocus on sthThe meetings focused on ways of cutting costs.approve sth (esp. BrE)hear sth (esp. BrE)The meeting heard that two workers had been fired with no official reason given.decide sth, resolve sth (both BrE)produce sth, result in sthThese meetings produced a settlement agreement.drag, drag onThe meeting dragged into the early hours of the next day.meeting + NOUNfacilities, hall, house, place, room, space (esp. AmE)ground (esp. AmE), point, site (AmE), spot (esp. AmE)The arts space serves as a meeting ground for professional artists.Jay drove to the meeting spot.planner (AmE)his job as corporate meeting planneragenda (esp. AmE)schedule (esp. AmE)PREPOSITIONin a/the meetingI'm afraid Mrs Haley is in a meeting at the moment.meeting abouta meeting about the plans for a new roadmeeting among (esp. AmE)an informal meeting among the members of the Press Agents Associationmeeting betweena meeting between tutors and studentsmeeting fora meeting for parentsmeeting onWe hold public meetings on this topic.meeting over (BrE)Directors called a crisis meeting over the future of the company.meeting witha meeting with French officialsPHRASESthe purpose of a meetingthe minutes of a meetingThe secretary circulated the minutes of the previous week's meeting to all committee members.the chair of a meeting, the chairman of a meeting

2 coming together of two or more peopleADJECTIVE | VERB + meeting | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEaccidental, chance, unexpectedfatefulclandestine, secrethistoric, unprecedentedemotional (esp. BrE)romanticVERB + meetinghavePREPOSITIONmeeting withI had a chance meeting with an old friend last week.

meet with

meet withphr verb

Meet with is used with these nouns as the object:

accident, acclaim, adversity, approval, criticism, hostility, kindness, official, opposition, reaction, realtor, rebuff, reception, representative, resistance, retort

Meissen

Meissennoun

Meissen is used before these nouns:

porcelain

melancholic

melancholicadj.

Melancholic is used with these nouns:

disposition

melancholy

melancholyadj.

Melancholy is used with these nouns:

disposition, expression, melody, mood, tune

mellifluous

mellifluousadj.

Mellifluous is used with these nouns:

tone, voice

mellow

mellowadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, look, seembecome, get, growADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.beautifully, wonderfullya wonderfully mellow aroma

Mellow is used with these nouns:

light, mood

melodic

melodicadj.

Melodic is used with these nouns:

pop

melodramatic

melodramaticadj.

Melodramatic is used with these nouns:

gesture

melody

melodynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + melodyADJECTIVEbeautiful, flowing, gentle, gorgeous, lovely, soft, sweetslowsimple, strongcomplexhaunting, memorablemelancholy, mournful, plaintive, sadcatchy (informal), familiar, popular, traditionalvocalguitar, piano, etc.folk, popIrish folk melodiesacousticVERB + melodyhum, play, singcarryThe clarinet carries the melody.hearhaveMost of her songs have a strong melody.compose, create, write

melt melt away

melt awayphr verb

Melt away is used with these nouns as the subject:

melt down

melt downphr verb

Melt down is used with these nouns as the object:

meltdown

meltdownnoun

Meltdown is used after these nouns:

melted

meltedadj.

Melted is used with these nouns:

butter, cheese, chocolate, snow

melting

meltingadj.

Melting is used with these nouns:

ice, point, snow, temperature

meltingly

meltinglyadv.

Meltingly is used with these adjectives:

tender

melt into

melt intophr verb

Melt into is used with these nouns as the object:

background

member

membernoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + member | member + VERB | member + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEelite, high-ranking, influential, key, leading, powerful, prominentranking (AmE), seniorjunior, rank-and-filelong-serving, long-standing, long-timegang, group, teamband, orchestracrew, faculty (esp. AmE), staffclub, fraternity (AmE), sorority (AmE)cabinet (esp. BrE), council, partyaudience, castBiographies are available for the cast members.classguild, unionboard, commission, committee, jury, panelchurch, cultfamily, householdclan, community, tribalmilitary, service (= member of the armed services) (both AmE)individualSubscriptions are cheaper for individual members.charter (AmE), founder, founding, originalfellowmy good friend and fellow member of the councilactive, enthusiasticShe's an active member of her local church.loyal, respected, valuedhonoraryelectedfullassociatelifea life member of the Red Crosspermanentthe five permanent members of the UN Security CouncilregularShe had now become a regular member of the cast of singers.former, retiredpotential, prospectiveremaining, survivingthe surviving members of the bandcard-carrying, dues-paying (AmE), paid-upThey were card-carrying members of the Party.He was a paid-up member of the Communist Party.full-time, part-timefemale, maleminority (AmE)a minority member of the Senate Judiciary CommitteeVERB + memberbecomerecruitWe must recruit new members to survive.nominateelectappointmember + VERBjoin sthresignattend sth, participate in sth10% of club members participated in this year's election.voteAudience members voted on their favorite presentations.approve sthWTO members approved the plan.member + NOUNcountry, nation, statecompany, institution, organizationchurch (esp. AmE)the member churches of the Baptist UnionparticipationFuture plans will depend on member participation and input in the coming months.PREPOSITIONmember ofI've become a member of our local sports club.PHRASESa member of staffAll members of staff will receive a bonus.

membership

membershipnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + membership | membership + NOUNADJECTIVEassociate, corporate, full, group, honoraryannual, lifetime, trialone-week trial membershipsassociation, board, church, class, club, community, family, gang, gym, party, unionto apply for union membershipfreeactiveShe eventually stopped active membership in the group.individualgeneralThe general membership had called for her to step down.studentIndividual student memberships cost about as much as the average movie.VERB + membershipapply for, seekclaimpeople who claim membership in such groupsgain, getrenewmaintainHe maintains an active membership in the association.hold (esp. AmE)She has held membership in the club since the late 1950s.buy, purchasegive sb, grant sbofferGyms often offer family memberships.deny sbShe was denied membership in the fine arts club.cancel, resignHe has resigned his membership of the club.expand, increaseHe hopes to increase membership and attract new funding.limit, restrictThey restricted their membership to those of direct German descent.membership + NOUNdues, feecardassociation, organization (both esp. AmE)list, roster (AmE)baseOur membership base spanned every age.applicationrequirementsdrive (esp. AmE)

membrane

membranenoun

nounADJECTIVE | membrane + VERB | membrane + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEthinpermeable, semi-permeablecellcellularmucousmembrane + VERBsurround sthmembrane + NOUNwallPREPOSITIONthrough a/the membraneThe virus passes through the cell membrane.

memento

mementonoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + memento | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfamily, personalprecious, special, treasuredpermanentVERB + mementobe presented with, receivekeepcollectPREPOSITIONas a mementoThey gave him a watch as a memento of his time with the company.memento forThe director will be presented with a memento for his long years of service.memento froma memento from his dear friendsmemento ofThe photos will be a permanent memento of your wedding.

memo

memonoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF MEMO | VERB + memo | memo + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEinternalclassified, confidential, secretleakedthe contents of a leaked memo… OF MEMOcopyVERB + memodraft, prepare, type, writecirculate, distribute (esp. AmE), issue, post, put out, release (esp. AmE), send, send outI just posted this memo onto my blog.get, receiveobtaina government memo obtained by the Associated Pressread, seesignleakmemo + NOUNpadline (AmE)PREPOSITIONin a/the memomemo aboutAn internal memo about his departure had already circulated.memo from, memo ofmy memo of June 28memo onA memo on the curriculum changes from the Head of Education.memo toShe circulated a memo to the staff.

memoir

memoirnoun

noun (sometimes memoirs)ADJECTIVE | VERB + memoir | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpersonala personal memoir of these important eventschildhoodO'Connor published a childhood memoir.politicalthe market for political memoirsbest-sellingunpublishedan excerpt from an unpublished memoirVERB + memoirpublish, writereadPREPOSITIONin your memoirShe describes in her memoirs how she coped with her mother's death.memoir aboutHe has published a long memoir about those years.memoir ofhis brief memoir of his father's life

memorabilia

memorabilianoun

Memorabilia is used after these nouns:

cricket

memorable

memorableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeIt was a truly memorable experience.make sthI'd like to thank everyone for helping to make this day memorable for us.do sthFor our anniversary, we wanted to do something memorable.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.The title track is pretty memorable.especially, most, particularly, trulyone particularly memorable evening last yearinstantlyPeart's lyrics are instantly memorable.PREPOSITIONforThe cruise was memorable for the food.

Memorable is used with these nouns:

day, evening, experience, image, lyrics, melody, moment, night, occasion, performance, phrase, quotation, quote, sequence, song, trip, triumph, tune, visit, year

memorandum

memorandumnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF MEMORANDUM | VERB + memorandum | memorandum + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEinternalconfidential, private, secretleakeddetailedexplanatory (BrE)legal (AmE)… OF MEMORANDUMcopyVERB + memorandumdraft, draw up, prepare, writeissue, send, submitsigndateThe memorandum was dated August 23, 2001.memorandum + VERBset sth out (BrE)direct sth (esp. AmE)a memorandum directing that the Army take actionPREPOSITIONin a/the memorandumRefer to the terms set out in the company's memorandum.memorandum from, memorandum toa memorandum from the Attorney General to the Presidentmemorandum ofyour memorandum of February 14memorandum onMemoranda on this topic were regularly sent to all offices.

memorial

memorialnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + memorial | memorial + VERB | memorial + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElasting, permanentThe statue is a lasting memorial to those who died in the war.livingmakeshifta makeshift memorial marked by posters and flowersfittingwarnationalpublic (esp. AmE)VERB + memorialbuild, erect, establish, put upcreatebecomeThis ruin became a memorial for the victims of the bombing.unveildedicatethe many memorials dedicated to the Korean Warhold (AmE)They are holding a memorial for it.memorial + VERBcommemorate sb/sth, honour/honor sbstandThe memorial stands where the two roads meet.memorial + NOUNceremony, serviceA memorial service was held for him in Los Angeles last year.a memorial service for sailors drowned at seaPREPOSITIONmemorial fora memorial for victims of the air crashmemorial ofa memorial of my husbandthe national memorial of the Algerian Warmemorial toThe president today unveiled a memorial to those who died in the disaster.

II. adj.

Memorial is used with these nouns:

ceremony, chapel, fund, inscription, lecture, park, plaque, service, stone, tablet, tribute

Memorial Day

Memorial Daynoun

Memorial Day is used before these nouns:

memorize

memorizeverb

Memorize is used with these nouns as the object:

detail, word

memory

memorynoun

noun1 ability to remember2 thought of the past3 of a computer1 ability to rememberADJECTIVE | VERB + memory | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEexcellent, good, long, prodigious, retentiveawful, bad, faulty, poor, short, terriblelong-term, short-termHis short-term memory was damaged in the accident.workingthe limitations of working memorycollectivethe nation's collective memorypublicThe incident faded from public memory.cultural, historical, institutional (esp. AmE)How short our cultural memory has become.the historical memory of a culturethe Army's institutional memoryvisualBad spellers have a weak visual memory.photographichumanVERB + memoryjog, refreshSeeing your name in the paper jogged my memory.loseMost people start to lose their memory as they get older.recover, regainhauntone of those films that haunts the memory long after it has been watchedcommit sth toI committed the number to memory and threw the letter away.searchShe searched her memory for their names.PREPOSITIONfrom memoryHe recited the whole poem from memory.memory forI have a good memory for faces.PHRASESin living memory, in recent memorythe coldest winter in living memoryif memory serves (BrE), if memory serves me, if memory serves me correctly, if memory serves me rightIf memory served her, his name was Stan.

2 thought of the pastADJECTIVE | VERB + memory | memory + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEchildhood, earlyMy earliest childhood memory is of falling in a lake.dim, distant, faded, fading, faint, fuzzy (esp. AmE), hazy, vagueclear, vividaffectionate (esp. BrE), cherished, fond, good, great, happy, lovely (esp. BrE), nostalgic, pleasant, positive, precious, special, sweet, treasured, warm, wonderfulfavourite/favoritebitter-sweethauntingthe haunting memories of lost loveawful, bad, bitter, disturbing, embarrassing, horrible, horrific, painful, sad, terrible, traumatic, unhappy, unpleasant, unwantedpowerful, strongabiding (esp. BrE), enduring, lasting, lingeringMy abiding memory of our first meeting is of a girl too shy to talk.fleetingforgotten, lostall the forgotten memories from when he was youngeroldthe pain of old memoriesfresh, recentthe fresh memory of my momentous news this morningfirstone of my first memoriessharedThey exchanged grins at the shared memory.repressed, suppresseda repressed memory of traumafalsefalse memories of abusefalse memory syndromeselectiverecoveredrecovered memories of abusive and violent incidentsassociativeVERB + memoryhaveI have memories of sitting on the back of the school bus.bring back, evoke, recall, rekindle, revive, spark, stir, stir up, triggerconjure, conjure up, retrieveMost young adults can retrieve memories of very early events.reliveforced to relive painful memoriesrememberI began to remember happy memories from my childhood.retaininvokecherish, treasureI will always treasure these memories.keep alive, preserveshareThe actors share fond memories of what Gene meant to them.block (esp. AmE), block out, blot out, bury, erase, push aside, push away, repress, suppressHe tried to blot out his memories of the ordeal.recordKeeping a journal is a great way to record your memories.holda place that holds so many memories of Ellenbe haunted bystill haunted by memories of his father's deathmemory + VERBcome flooding back, flood back, flood sb's mind (esp. AmE), rush back to sbWhen we visited my old family home, memories came flooding back.stirMemories stirred in Josie's mind.fadePREPOSITIONat the memoryHer eyes gleamed at the memory.in memory ofHe planted some apple trees in memory of his wife.memory fromSmells and tastes often evoke memories from the past.memory offond memories of her childhoodPHRASESin loving memoryin loving memory of our beloved father

3 of a computerADJECTIVE | VERB + memory | memory + NOUNADJECTIVEcomputer, systemcache, workingflashVERB + memoryexpandtake upPhotographs take up a lot of memory.memory + NOUNstickdriveslot

menace

menacenoun

noun1 danger2 threatening quality1 dangerADJECTIVE | VERB + menace | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgrowing, increasingthe growing menace of drugsgreat, real, seriousaliena new and alien menace to our agricultureevilpublicThey have become a public menace.VERB + menaceposethe menace posed by car fumescombat, counter, fightLocal traders are struggling to combat the menace of armed robbery.defeatbecomeIf paroled he will become a menace to society.PREPOSITIONmenace toHe's a menace to society.

2 threatening qualityADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEhidden, quiet, silent‘Where do you think you're going?’ he said with quiet menace.PREPOSITIONwith menaceeyes glittering with menacePHRASESan air of menaceThe scar down his face added to his air of menace.

menacing

menacingadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, look, seembecomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.a little, slightly, etc.faintly, vaguelyShe had a faintly menacing manner.almostHis voice was quiet and almost menacing.quietly

Menacing is used with these nouns:

glare

menacingly

menacinglyadv.

Menacingly is used with these verbs:

flash, growl, hiss, hover

mend

mendverb

Mend is used with these nouns as the object:

clothes, fence, net, puncture, rift, road, sock, tear, way, wing

Mendelian

Mendelianadj.

Mendelian is used with these nouns:

genetics

menial

menialadj.

Menial is used with these nouns:

job, task

meningitis

meningitisnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF MENINGITIS | VERB + meningitisADJECTIVEacutebacterial, meningococcal, pneumococcal, spinal, viral… OF MENINGITIScaseVERB + meningitishave, suffer fromHe is suffering from viral meningitis.catch, contract

meningococcal

meningococcaladj.

Meningococcal is used with these nouns:

meningitis

menopausal

menopausaladj.

Menopausal is used with these nouns:

symptom, woman

menopause

menopausenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + menopause | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEearly, prematuremaleThe male menopause affects men who are approaching middle age. (BrE)Male menopause affects men who are approaching middle age. (AmE)VERB + menopauseapproachenter, reachexperience, go throughPREPOSITIONat menopause, at the menopause (BrE)after menopause, after the menopause (BrE), past menopause, past the menopause (BrE)a disease that can afflict women past the menopauseduring menopause, during the menopause (BrE)

menstrual

menstrualadj.

Menstrual is used with these nouns:

blood, cramp, cycle, disturbance, flow, pad, pain, period

mental

mentaladj.

Mental is used with these nouns:

ability, activity, age, agility, agony, anguish, arithmetic, asylum, attitude, block, breakdown, calculation, capability, capacity, checklist, collapse, condition, confusion, cruelty, decline, deterioration, disability, discipline, disease, disorder, distress, disturbance, efficiency, effort, endurance, energy, equipment, exercise, exertion, exhaustion, faculty, fatigue, fitness, focus, function, habit, handicap, harm, health, hospital, illness, image, imagery, imbalance, infirmity, instability, institution, lapse, make-up, manipulation, maths, outlook, patient, phenomenon, picture, plane, preparation, problem, process, relaxation, reservation, resilience, scar, shake, shrug, stability, stamina, state, stimulation, strain, strength, stress, suffering, symptom, test, torment, torture, training, trait, trauma, turmoil, vision, well-being, work

mental health

mental healthnoun

Mental health is used before these nouns:

counselling, counsellor, problem, specialist

mentality

mentalitynoun

Mentality is used after these nouns:

frontier, gang, herd, mob, siege, victim

mentally

mentallyadv.

Mentally is used with these adjectives:

active, alert, competent, defective, deficient, deranged, disabled, disturbed, exhausted, exhausting, handicapped, healthy, ill, incapable, incompetent, infirm, insane, ready, retarded, sick, stimulating, subnormal, taxing, tired, tough, unbalanced, unfit, unstable, unwell, weak

Mentally is used with these verbs:

abuse, calculate, check, curse, drain, exhaust, file, groan, incapacitate, prepare, prepared, rehearse, scan, scar, suffer, tick

mentally ill

mentally illadj.

Mentally ill is used with these nouns:

menthol

mentholnoun

Menthol is used before these nouns:

Mention is used with these nouns as the subject:

mention

mentionnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + mention | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbrief, passingspecialearliest, firstThe earliest mention of the town is in a 16th-century manuscript.particular, specificexplicitNo explicit mention of a sexual relationship is made.little, scantThere is scant mention of her in the literature.mereThe mere mention of his name brings a smile to my face.honourable/honorablemedia (esp. AmE)The company racked up two billion media mentions in 2002.VERB + mentiondeserve, merit, rate, warrantMy cousin deserves a mention for all his hard work.The war barely rates a mention in this book.earnget, receiveHis professor gets a mention in the acknowledgements.makeSpecial mention must be made of Watson's wonderful performance as the doctor.give sbAndrew Divoff is given special mention.avoid, omitThe author omitted any mention of the report.hearI've heard no mention of a salary increase this year.PREPOSITIONat the mention ofAt the very mention of his name, Kate started shaking with fright.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + mention | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBalready, earlier, just, previously, so farAs already mentioned, the legislation does not consider low pay as an acceptable reason for turning down a job.This aspect is discussed further by Crane, whom I mentioned earlier.All the approaches mentioned so far are fairly conventional.commonly, frequentlyrarely, seldomneverHe's never mentioned you before.briefly, in passingHe only mentioned his work in passing.casuallyI casually mentioned that I might be interested in working in Florida.directly, explicitly, expressly, specificallyShe did not specifically mention your name.publiclyHe was the first to publicly mention this.repeatedlyThe same places are repeatedly mentioned in the data.barely, hardly, scarcely (esp. BrE)not actually, not at allAlthough she didn't actually mention the move, I am sure that was in her mind.My name wasn't mentioned at all.VERB + mentionnot bother to, fail to, forget to, neglect to, omit tohesitate toI hesitate to mention it, but … care tomore hours than I care to mentionhappen toDid he happen to mention putting you in his will?remember to, think toI just never thought to mention it to you.PREPOSITIONasNext spring has been mentioned as a possible time for the event.inShe didn't mention the economy in her speech.in connection withHis name had been mentioned in connection with the murder of a local man.toPlease don't mention this to Sally.PHRASESavoid mentioning sb/sthHe avoided mentioning his family.be worth mentioning sthAt this point, it is worth mentioning that many people who were adopted as babies have no desire to meet their biological parents.mentioned above, mentioned belowIn the example mentioned above, either method of construction could have been used.mentioned in dispatches (esp. BrE)Wounded in action, he was twice mentioned in dispatches.mention the fact that … Did I mention the fact that I'm now single?not to mention (= used to add extra information)He has two big houses, not to mention his city apartment.come to mention it, now you come to mention it, now you mention it (all esp. BrE)Now that you come to mention it, he did say something about a ghost.to mention but a few, to mention just a fewplumbers, printers and potters, to mention but a few

article, report

Mention is used with these nouns as the object:

name, word

mentor

mentornoun

Mentor is used after these nouns:

faculty, peer

mentoring

mentoringnoun

Mentoring is used before these nouns:

Mercenary is used with these nouns:

menunoun

noun1 list of dishes2 on a computer1 list of dishesADJECTIVE | VERB + menu | menu + VERB | menu + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEextensivelimitedfullregular (esp. AmE), standardspecialsimplevarieddailyfixed (esp. BrE), fixed-price (BrE), setà la cartethree-course, etc.traditionalseasonalShe completely changes her seasonal menus every few months.food (esp. AmE)breakfast, dinner, lunchdessertbeverage (AmE), cocktail, drink (AmE), drinksbar, café, cafeteria (esp. AmE), pub (BrE), restauranttastinga ten-course tasting menutakeaway (BrE), takeout (AmE)vegetarianChinese, Italian, etc.VERB + menuconsult, have, look at, peruse (formal), read, scan, see, studyMay we have the menu?do, have, offer, serveMany restaurants do a very reasonable set menu at lunchtime.choose (sth) from, order (sth) fromplancreatechangeThe restaurant changes its menu every six months.expandChef Nigel Crowther will expand the menu to include several vegetarian options.menu + VERBfeature sth, include sth, offer stha menu offering many vegetarian disheslist sthMany menus now list ingredients.changeThe menu changes daily.menu + NOUNboardThe chef was chalking the daily specials on the menu board.choice, selectionPREPOSITIONon the menuWhat's on the menu this evening?PHRASESa choice of menuPassengers are offered a daily choice of menu.

2 on a computerADJECTIVE | VERB + menu | menu + NOUNADJECTIVEdrop-down, pop-up, pull-downmainon-screenapplication, configuration, context, edit, file, help, main, navigation, options, service, start, tools, etc.topicYou'll find it in the topic menu.VERB + menuselect sth fromgo toGo to the topic menu in the upper right hand corner.accesslook at, look inopennavigatebuttons that make it easy to navigate the on-screen menucreate, designmenu + NOUNbaritemchoice, option, selectionpage, screeninterfacebutton

mercenary

mercenarynounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | … OF MERCENARIES | VERB + mercenary | mercenary + NOUNADJECTIVEforeignhired… OF MERCENARIESarmy, band, groupa small army of mercenariesVERB + mercenaryemploy, hire, recruitpaybecomeSix years ago, he became a mercenary for a private military corporation.mercenary + NOUNarmy, group

II. adj.

army, soldier

mercerized

mercerizedadj.

Mercerized is used with these nouns:

cotton

merchandise

merchandisenoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF MERCHANDISE | VERB + merchandise | PHRASESADJECTIVEgeneralbrandedlicensed (esp. AmE)qualityexcellent deals on quality merchandisefree… OF MERCHANDISEpiecea substandard piece of merchandiseVERB + merchandisebuy, purchaseget, receivecarry, offer, sell, stockThe company carries a wide range of merchandise.move, shipPHRASESa range, selection, variety, etc. of merchandise

merchant

merchantnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | merchant + NOUNADJECTIVEprosperous, rich, wealthypowerful, prominent, successfulforeign, localbuilders' (BrE), coal (esp. BrE), timber, wine, wool, etc.We bought a ton of sand from the builders' merchant.merchant + NOUNfleet, marine (AmE), navy (BrE), seaman, ship, shipping, vessel

II. adj.

Merchant is used with these nouns:

banking, class, cruiser, fleet, navy, sailor, ship, vessel

mercifully

mercifullyadv.

Mercifully is used with these adjectives:

brief, quick, short

Mercifully is used with these verbs:

spare

mercilessly

mercilesslyadv.

Mercilessly is used with these verbs:

beat, exploit, mock, tease

mercury

mercurynoun

Mercury is used before these nouns:

emission, poisoning, pollution, thermometer

mercy

mercynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + mercy | mercy + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdivine, infiniteGod's infinite mercygreattenderI left him to the tender mercies of his mother.VERB + mercyask for, beg for, plead for, scream fordeserveobtain, receiveextend, give (sb), grant (sb), have, show (sb)The mission of the church is to extend mercy to the needy.God have mercy on us!They showed no mercy to their captives.mercy + NOUNdash (BrE), missiona mercy mission to deliver medical supplies and equipmentkillingPREPOSITIONat the mercy ofWe're at the mercy of the weather.without mercyThe terrorists are completely without mercy.mercy forThere shall be no mercy for my enemies.He asked for mercy for the crimes he had committed.PHRASESbe grateful for small mercies, be thankful for small merciesI suppose we should be grateful for small mercies.

mere merely

merelyadv.

Merely is used with these adjectives:

academic, adequate, coincidental, cosmetic, curious, decorative, descriptive, formal, hypothetical, incidental, instrumental, passive, reflective, symbolic, temporary, theoretical

Merely is used with these verbs:

assert, confirm, consist, echo, grunt, hand, highlight, hint, ignore, illustrate, imagine, inform, laugh, nod, perpetuate, postpone, pretend, push, reflect, reinforce, repeat, replace, reply, reproduce, respond, serve, shake, shrug, sit, smile, stare, state, strengthen, suggest, tolerate, touch, underline, watch, wave, wish

merest

merestadj.

Merest is used with these nouns:

chance, glimpse, hint

merge

mergeverb

Merge is used with these nouns as the subject:

company, firm

merger

mergernoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + merger | merger + VERB | merger + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEplanned, possible, potential, proposedpending (esp. AmE)talk of a pending merger between the two companiessuccessfulfailedcompany, corporateThere has been a flurry of corporate mergers and acquisitions.airline, bank, media, etc.big, large, major, massiveVERB + mergerplanagree, agree to, approveblock, opposeThey threatened legal action to block the merger.announcecompletemerger + VERBgo through, happen, take placeIf the merger goes through, thousands of jobs will be lost.failmerger + NOUNactivityplan, proposaldiscussions, negotiations, talksagreement, dealannouncementpartnerPREPOSITIONmerger betweena merger between Dynron and Energeemerger withThey completed a merger with Monsanto.

merge with

merge withphr verb

Merge with is used with these nouns as the object:

firm

merino

merinonoun

Merino is used before these nouns:

wool

merit

meritnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + merit | merit + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsiderable, exceptional, great, outstandingactual, real, truea lawsuit that lacked any real meritintrinsicobviouscomparative, relativeWe need to consider the relative merits of both makes of dishwasher.dubious, questionableindividualEach case should be judged on its individual merits.personalShe was elected on personal merit.academic, aesthetic, architectural, artistic, intellectual, legal, literary, musical, scientific, technicalThe movie has no artistic merit whatsoever.VERB + merithaveargue, assess, compare, consider, debate, determine, discuss, evaluate, examine, judge, weigh (esp. BrE), weigh up (esp. BrE)We need to assess the merits of both proposals before making our decision.questionI began to question the merits of these new technologies.lackThe play lacked artistic merit.proveShe proved her merit as a serious actress.acknowledge, appreciate, recognize, seeShe saw the merit in this arrangement.findI find no merit at all in any of the arguments.merit + NOUNawardShe received a merit award for outstanding work.badgepay (AmE)increase, raise (both AmE)decisions on merit raises and promotionsscholarship (AmE)system (esp. AmE)Other schools already have merit systems in place that reward good work.PREPOSITIONaccording to meritMovies are given a rating of one to five stars according to merit.on meritPrizes are awarded entirely on merit.merit inThere is some merit in his argument.merit toThere is lots of merit to the idea.PHRASESno merit in sth/doing sthI can see no merit in excluding the child from school.I found no artistic merit in this film.order of merit (BrE)The winners are ranked in order of merit.

II. verbADVERBADVERBcertainly, clearlybarely, hardlyThe question hardly merits an answer.

Merit is used with these nouns as the object:

attention, consideration, discussion, explanation, inclusion, investigation, mention, recognition

meritorious

meritoriousadj.

Meritorious is used with these nouns:

merrily

merrilyadv.

Merrily is used with these verbs:

laugh, sing, skip

merry

merryadj.

Merry is used with these nouns:

band, tune

mesh

meshnoun

Mesh is used before these nouns:

bag, fence

Mesh is used after these nouns:

metal, wire

mesmeric

mesmericadj.

Mesmeric is used with these nouns:

trance

mess

messnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + mess | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEabsolute, complete, fine (esp. AmE), hopeless, real, royal (esp. AmE), total, utterI got myself into a complete mess.entire, wholeYou started this entire mess!appalling (BrE), awful, horrible, nasty, stupid, terrible, ugly, unholybig, giant, hugeThe whole situation is a giant mess.I'm in a huge mess. I don't know what to do.complicated, confusing, incoherentThe plot is an incoherent mess.chaoticjumbled, muddled (esp. AmE), tangled, untidy (BrE)Her hair was a tangled mess.bloody, disgusting, gooey, muddy, slimy, sloppy, soggy, stickySoon both fighters were a bloody mess of flying punches.Why don't you clean up this disgusting mess?emotionalHe's been an emotional mess since his girlfriend left him.economic, financialVERB + messleave, makeMust you always leave such a mess?She felt she was making a terrible mess of her life.clean up, clear up, tidy up (esp. BrE), wipe uplook (BrE), look like (esp. AmE)becomeMy life's becoming a big mess.get (sb) into, get (sb) out ofWho got us into this mess in the first place?cause, create, startThat was what caused this whole mess in the first place.deal with, fix (AmE), resolve, sort out, straighten outI have to try to fix the mess you caused.PREPOSITIONin a messThe kitchen's in an awful mess.We found ourselves in a real mess.mess ofShe searched through the mess of papers on her desk. (esp. AmE)PHRASESmake a mess of thingsI've really made a mess of things!

message

messagenoun

noun1 from one person to another2 main idea of a book, speech, etc.1 from one person to anotherADJECTIVE | VERB + message | message + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEimportant, urgent, vitalbrief, shortincoming, outgoingcoded, cryptic, encrypted, secretelectronic, email, instant, mail, SMS, textHe has sent me a dozen instant messages today.radioA radio message was sent out to all ships in the area.answering-machine, answerphone (BrE), phone, recorded, taped, voice, voicemailWhen I dial the number I'm greeted by a recorded message.error, warningI keep getting an error message when I try to connect to the Internet.spam, unsolicitedspam messages sent to your email addressheartfeltThe family sent a heartfelt message of thanks to everyone who helped.personalanonymousI got an anonymous text message.VERB + messageconvey, give sb, pass sb, pass on, relayHe's not here—I'll pass on the message.takeShe's out—can I take a message?bring (sb), carry, deliver, take sbHe comes looking for Roxane, bringing a message from De Guiche.writereadbroadcast, email, fax, send, transmitforward, postif you want to post a message in an online guest bookrecordI recorded a new message for my phone.encryptdecode, decryptcheckI turned on my cell phone to check messages.deleteinterceptleave (sb)I left a message for her at reception.get, receiveI never got your message.message + VERBcomesay sth, state sth, tell sb sthreach sbA radio message reached the pilot.appear, arrive, flash, flash up, pop upWho wants spam messages appearing on their website?A message pops up on the screen.contain sthThe email message contains an attachment.be waitingI had 127 voice mail messages waiting for me.PREPOSITIONmessage aboutThere was a message about the meeting.message forAre there any messages for me?message froman urgent message from your mothermessage ofThey sent messages of hope to prisoners of war.message toThe message was to your sister, not you.

2 main idea of a book, speech, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + message | message + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcentral, core, important, keybasic, fundamental, main, overallclear, coherent, consistent, simple, unambiguous, unmistakableambiguous, conflicting, contradictory, mixedcompelling, overriding, persuasive, powerful, stronginspirational, positive, upbeatnegativethe negative messages we send outseriousa novel with a serious messagehidden, implicit, implied, subliminal, subtle, underlying, unspokenstories with hidden moral messagesanti-drug (AmE), anti-drugs (BrE), anti-war, etc.a party with an anti-immigrant messageadvertising, commercial, marketing, promotionalThey found a way to transform their ideas into a marketing message that everyone relates to.biblical, Christian, gospelenvironmental, ideological, moral, political, religious, socialradicalsubversivethe subversive messages their films carrywrongI think this movie sends the wrong message to her young fans.rightDoes this send the right message to our target audience?chillingHe presents a truly chilling message in this article.take-home (AmE)The take-home message is: be willing to negotiate.universalThis song has a universal message that everybody can relate to.VERB + messagebroadcast, disseminate, spreadHe tries to spread the message of safe sex.bring, communicate, drive home, get across, put across, sendThis allowed us to bring our message to a different, younger audience.We need to get this important message across to teenage smokers.preachcarry, conveyThis statement carries a crucial message for other workers.reinforcetailorWe tailor the message to fit the specific audience.message + VERBemergeA clear message is emerging from these government statements.reach sb, resonate with sbHer message is resonating with many evangelicals.PREPOSITIONmessage aboutThis is sending a strong message about the importance of climate change.message ofThe president toured the country spreading the message of national unity.message toHis choices are sending mixed messages to voters.

messaging

messagingnoun

Messaging is used before these nouns:

messenger

messengernoun

Messenger is used before these nouns:

Messenger is used after these nouns:

bicycle

Messianic

Messianicadj.

Messianic is used with these nouns:

prophecy

mess up

mess upphr verb

Mess up is used with these nouns as the object:

hair, line, thing

messy

messyadj.

Messy is used with these nouns:

affair, bang, breakup, bun, business, desk, divorce, eater, hair, handwriting, room

metabolic

metabolicadj.

Metabolic is used with these nouns:

metal

metalnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF METAL | VERB + metal | metal + VERB | metal + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEsoftpureferrous, non-ferrousbase, heavy, noble, precious, rare, trace, transitioncold, hotthe sudden pressure of cold metal against her cheekbaresolidgleaming, polished, shining, shiny, silver, silverydullrusted, rustyscrapto recycle scrap metaltwistedThe bomb left a pile of jagged glass and twisted metal.ductileliquid, moltensheetcorrugatedgalvanizedtoxic… OF METALchunk, hunk, lump, piece, shard, sheet, slab, stripheap, pilea heap of scrap metalVERB + metalbe cast in, be made from/of/out ofa statue cast in metalThe doors are made of metal.melt, melt downweldrecyclemetal + VERBcontract, expandrustclang, clashthe sound of metal clanging against metalmetal + NOUNalloyhydride, oxideband, bar, frame, mesh, plate, pole, rod, sheet, tubeobjectbox, door, fence, gate, railing, roof, etc.fatiguedetectorPREPOSITIONin metala sculptor who works in metalPHRASESthe clang of metal, the clash of metal

metalled

metalledadj.

Metalled is used with these nouns:

metallic

metallicadj.

Metallic is used with these nouns:

clang, clatter, click, finish, glint, paint, smell, sound, taste

metamorphic

metamorphicadj.

Metamorphic is used with these nouns:

metaphor

metaphornoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + metaphor | metaphor + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEappropriate, apt, good, perfectpowerful, strikingusefulcentralone of the central metaphors in the bookextendedan extended metaphor for human existencemusical, spatial, visualmixedVERB + metaphoremploy, invoke, useHe uses the metaphor of fire to represent hatred.mixdevelop, extendmetaphor + VERBdescribe sth, represent sthimply sth, suggest sthworkThe ladder metaphor works in several ways.PREPOSITIONmetaphor for‘This vale of tears’ is a metaphor for the human condition.metaphor ofthe metaphor of life as a journey

metaphorical

metaphoricaladj.

Metaphorical is used with these nouns:

expression, meaning, sense

metaphysical

metaphysicaladj.

Metaphysical is used with these nouns:

implication, poet, speculation

meteor

meteornoun

Meteor is used before these nouns:

crater, shower

meteoric

meteoricadj.

Meteoric is used with these nouns:

meteorite

meteoritenoun

Meteorite is used before these nouns:

impact

meteorological

meteorologicaladj.

Meteorological is used with these nouns:

condition, satellite

mete out

mete outphr verb

Mete out is used with these nouns as the object:

justice, punishment

meter

meternoun

noun1 device for measuring gas, electricity, etc.2 (AmE) (BrE metre1 device for measuring gas, electricity, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + meter | meter + VERB | meter + NOUNADJECTIVEelectric (esp. AmE), electricity (esp. BrE), gas, light, moisture, parking, power, pressure-level, sound-level, waterVERB + meterreadThe electricity company will send an employee to read your meter.checka man in uniform checking the parking metersfeed, fill (esp. BrE)I forgot to feed the meter.fit, installmeter + VERBrun, tickThe taxi driver kept the meter running.The taxi waited, the meter ticking away.meter + NOUNreader, readingmaid (esp. AmE)

2 (AmE) (BrE metre)

metered

meteredadj.

Metered is used with these nouns:

methadone

methadonenoun

Methadone is used before these nouns:

methane

methanenoun

Methane is used before these nouns:

emission, gas

method

methodnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + method | method + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEaccurate, effective, efficient, good, practical, reliable, tried-and-tested (esp. BrE), tried-and-true (esp. AmE)Which method is the most effective?preferredthe preferred method of testing for each nutrientsimpledirectindirectan indirect method of estimating a taxpayer's incomecomparativecommon, conventional, principal, standard, traditional, usual, well-establishedinnovative, new, novelimprovedimproved teaching methods and better interaction with studentsalternative, otherdifferent, variousingenious, unconventional, unorthodox, unusualaccounting, farming, instructional (AmE), research, scientific, teaching, training, working methodsmodern farming methodsanalytic (esp. AmE), analytical, computational, experimental, heuristic, mathematical, quantitative, statisticalThis illustrates how experimental methods can be used to explore these issues.contraceptivea range of contraceptive methodsVERB + methodadopt, apply, employ, follow, implement, use, utilizethe method adopted by the party for the selection of its candidatesWe can apply these methods to a wide range of problems.develop, devise, invent, pioneer, work outNew production methods have been invented.change, improvemethod + VERBinvolve sthThis method involves cutting a very thin slice from the object.workHow does this method work?employ sth, rely on sth, use sthThis method employs computer software to guide the interviewers through the questionnaire.PREPOSITIONmethod foran alternative method for resolving disputesmethod ofThis is the best method of settling such arguments.

methodical

methodicaladj.

Methodical is used with these nouns:

manner, worker

methodically

methodicallyadv.

Methodically is used with these verbs:

Methodist

Methodistadj.

Methodist is used with these nouns:

chapel, church, congregation, pastor, preacher

methodological

methodologicaladj.

Methodological is used with these nouns:

approach, innovation, limitation, rigour, shortcoming, weakness

methodologically

methodologicallyadv.

Methodologically is used with these adjectives:

flawed

methodology

methodologynoun

Methodology is used after these nouns:

research

meticulous

meticulousadj.

Meticulous is used with these nouns:

attention, care, craftsmanship, detail, planning, preparation, research, work

meticulously

meticulouslyadv.

Meticulously is used with these adjectives:

detailed

Meticulously is used with these verbs:

copy, examine, execute, paint, plan, prepare, prepared, record, research, restore

metre

metrenoun

(BrE) (AmE meter) noun

metred

metredadj.

Metred is used with these nouns:

metric

metricadj.

Metric is used with these nouns:

measure, measurement, size

metrical

metricaladj.

Metrical is used with these nouns:

metro

metroadj.

Metro is used with these nouns:

area, station, train

metropolitan

metropolitanadj.

Metropolitan is used with these nouns:

area, borough, council, county, district, elite, region

mew

mewverb

Mew is used with these nouns as the subject:

mezzanine

mezzaninenoun

Mezzanine is used before these nouns:

floor

mic

micnoun

Mic is used before these nouns:

micro

micronoun

Micro is used before these nouns:

level

microlight

microlightnoun

Microlight is used before these nouns:

microphone

microphonenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + microphone | microphone + VERB | microphone + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEboom, cordless, headset, radio, underwater, wirelesscondenserexternalThere's a place to plug in an external microphone.built-indirectional, omnidirectionalconcealed, hiddenlive, openUnfortunately we were near an open microphone and all his colleagues heard what we said.VERB + microphonespeak into, usecheck, testwearHe was wearing a hidden microphone.microphone + VERBpick sth up, record sthThe microphone picks up the surrounding sounds.amplify sthmicrophone + NOUNinput (esp. AmE), jackstandheadsetPREPOSITIONbehind a/the microphoneAlex Jones is back behind the microphone for a new series.in front of a/the microphoneInterviewees are placed in front of the microphone and grilled.

microprocessor

microprocessornoun

Microprocessor is used before these nouns:

chip

microscope

microscopenoun

nounADJECTIVE | microscope + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbinocular, electron, high-powered, opticalpowerfulmicroscope + NOUNslidePlace the specimen on a microscope slide.PREPOSITIONthrough a/the microscopea section of a potato as seen through a microscopeunder a/the microscopebacteria examined under the microscope

microscopic

microscopicadj.

Microscopic is used with these nouns:

examination, organism

microwave

microwavenoun

Microwave is used before these nouns:

antenna, cookery, frequency, oven, radiation

mid-afternoon

mid-afternoonadj.

Mid-afternoon is used with these nouns:

snack

mid-air

mid-airadj.

Mid-air is used with these nouns:

collision

midday

middaynoun

Midday is used before these nouns:

heat, meal, prayer, siesta, sun

middle

middleadj.

Middle is used with these nouns:

age, bracket, childhood, class, daughter, distance, drawer, ear, English, finger, ground, height, lane, layer, management, manager, name, part, rank, register, row, school, seat, section, shelf, son, syllable, third

middle age

middle agenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + middle age | MIDDLE-AGE + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEearlylatea woman of late middle ageVERB + middle ageapproacha bald man approaching middle ageenter, hit, reachMIDDLE-AGE + NOUNspread (humorous)PREPOSITIONduring middle agepossible causes of weight gain during middle agein middle ageHe mellowed in middle age.through middle age (AmE)from early adulthood through middle age to retirementPHRASESwell into middle ageShe had her first child well into middle age.

middle-aged

middle-agedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, lookShe felt middle-aged and dull.becomeADVERBprematurely

Middle-aged is used with these nouns:

couple, guy, lady, man, widow, woman

middle-class

middle-classadj.

Middle-class is used with these nouns:

accent, background, electorate, existence, family, guilt, home, household, liberal, neighbourhood, origin, parent, people, respectability, suburb, upbringing, value

middle-distance

middle-distanceadj.

Middle-distance is used with these nouns:

event, runner, running

middle-income

middle-incomeadj.

Middle-income is used with these nouns:

country, family

middleman

middlemannoun

nounVERB + middleman | PREPOSITIONVERB + middlemanact as, bebypass (AmE), cut out, eliminateSome factories have cut out the middleman and sell their products directly to customers.PREPOSITIONthrough a middlemanThe company sells through a middleman because it does not have its own sales force.middleman betweenadvisers who operate as middlemen between savers and borrowers.middleman forHe acts as a middleman for companies seeking contracts overseas.

middle school

middle schoolnoun

Middle school is used before these nouns:

curriculum, principal, teacher

middleweight

middleweightnoun

Middleweight is used before these nouns:

boxing, champion, division, title

midfield

midfieldnoun

Midfield is used before these nouns:

player

midget

midgetadj.

Midget is used with these nouns:

submarine

mid-level

mid-leveladj.

Mid-level is used with these nouns:

bureaucrat, manager

midlife

midlifeadj.

Midlife is used with these nouns:

crisis

mid-morning

mid-morningadj.

Mid-morning is used with these nouns:

snack

midnight

midnightnoun

nounVERB + midnight | midnight + VERB | midnight + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + midnightchime, strikeThe church clock struck midnight.midnight + VERBstrikeDownstairs in the hall, midnight struck.approach, comemidnight + NOUNfeast (BrE), snackblack, bluesunthe land of the midnight sunPREPOSITIONapproaching midnight, around midnight, near midnightIt was approaching midnight when I finally reached home.at midnight, by midnightPHRASESat the stroke of midnightAt the stroke of midnight, Prince Charming turned back into a rat.

Midnight is used before these nouns:

blue, mass, rendezvous, showing, snack, stroll, sun, train

mid-price

mid-priceadj.

Mid-price is used with these nouns:

mid-sentence

mid-sentenceadv.

Mid-sentence is used with these verbs:

pause

mid-size

mid-sizeadj.

Mid-size is used with these nouns:

mid-sized

mid-sizedadj.

Mid-sized is used with these nouns:

company

mid-stride

mid-strideadv.

Mid-stride is used with these verbs:

pause

midterm

midtermadj.

Midterm is used with these nouns:

election, exam

midway

midwayadj.

Midway is used with these nouns:

point

Midwestern

Midwesternadj.

Midwestern is used with these nouns:

accent

midwife

midwifenoun

nounADJECTIVE | midwife + VERBADJECTIVEcertified nurse (AmE), qualified (esp. BrE), registered (BrE)community (BrE), localmidwife + VERBdeliver a babyattend a birth

mightily

mightilyadv.

Mightily is used with these adjectives:

impressed, impressive, relieved

Mightily is used with these verbs:

contribute, strive, struggle, suffer, try

mighty

mightyadj.

Mighty is used with these nouns:

army, beast, deed, empire, heave, king, mountain, river, roar, shove, swing, tree, warrior

migraine

migrainenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + migraine | migraine + NOUNADJECTIVEsevereacutechronicVERB + migraineexperience, get, have, suffer frombring on, cause, triggerEven the smell of oranges can trigger his migraine.preventtreatmigraine + NOUNheadacheattacksufferermedicationI forgot to take my migraine medication.

migrant

migrantnoun

nounADJECTIVE | migrant + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEeconomicillegal, undocumented (esp. AmE)ruralfirst-generation, second-generationmigrant + NOUNlabourer/laborer, workerThey entered the country as migrant workers.populationbirdPREPOSITIONmigrant frommigrants from rural areasmigrant into, migrant toMigrants to the city send money home to their relatives.PHRASESa flow of migrants, an influx of migrants

migrate

migrateverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBnorth, northwards, etc.birds that migrate south in the winterseasonallyPREPOSITIONfrom, into, to, towards/towardbirds migrating from Europe to Africa

Migrate is used with these nouns as the subject:

bird, duck, goose, salmon

migration

migrationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF MIGRATION | migration + VERB | migration + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEseasonalthe seasonal migration of birdsautumn (esp. BrE), fall (AmE), springannualinternal, inward (esp. BrE)urbanThe decline of the rural economy has caused urban migration.internationallarge-scale, massbirdnorthward, southward, etc.forcedthe forced migration of African slavesillegal… OF MIGRATIONwavethe great waves of migration that took Europeans to the New Worldmigration + VERBoccur, take placeincreasebeginmigration + NOUNpath, pattern, routechanges in the migration routes of reindeerPREPOSITIONmigration from, migration tomigration from rural to urban areas

migratory

migratoryadj.

Migratory is used with these nouns:

mike

mikenoun

Mike is used before these nouns:

Mild is used with these nouns:

mild

mildadj.

adj.1 not very cold2 not severe or strong3 gentle and kind1 not very coldVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecome, turn (esp. BrE)Later in the week the weather turned very mild.remainADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.relativelyIt's relatively mild for the time of year.generallyThe climate in Japan is generally mild.surprisingly, unseasonably, unusuallyThe late summer air was surprisingly mild.

2 not severe or strongVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemThe infection seems quite mild, so she should be better soon.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.comparatively, relativelyThe pain is comparatively mild at the moment.reasonably

3 gentle and kindVERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, soundHis voice was deceptively mild.ADVERBseeminglydeceptivelyPHRASESmeek and mildShe's not so meek and mild as she seems.

amusement, annoyance, antiseptic, astonishment, attack, bout, case, cheese, chilli, climate, cold, concussion, confusion, cough, curiosity, curry, defect, dehydration, depression, diarrhoea, disability, disappointment, disapproval, discomfort, disease, disgust, downturn, elation, electric shock, euphoria, exaggeration, exasperation, fever, flavour, flu, form, hallucination, handicap, headache, heart attack, hysteria, illness, inconvenience, infection, inflammation, irritation, manner, mustard, narcotic, nausea, pain, panic, paranoia, reaction, rebuke, recession, reproach, sedation, sedative, shampoo, shock, side effect, soap, spell, steel, stroke, surprise, swear word, symptom, taste, term, tone, weather, winter

mildly mile

milenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + mile | PHRASESADJECTIVEnauticalsquareVERB + milecover, cycle (BrE), do, drive, fly, go, hike, ride, run, swim, travel, trudge, walkGood runners can cover the three miles in just over 15 minutes.clock (esp. AmE), clock up, logAltogether on the trip we clocked up over 1 800 miles.span, stretchThe country's Red Sea coast stretches some 500 miles.PHRASESmiles an hour, miles per hourThe police stopped them doing 100 miles per hour.a mile a minute (= very fast) (esp. AmE)She was talking a mile a minute.His thoughts were racing a mile a minute.go the extra milea willingness to go the extra mile (= make an extra effort) to make a project work

mileage

mileagenoun

(also milage) nounADJECTIVE | VERB + mileage | mileage + NOUNADJECTIVEannual, weeklygood, high, lowcars that get better mileageCar for sale: one careful owner, low mileage.averageunlimitedYour car rental costs include unlimited mileage.fuel, gas (AmE)a car that gets decent gas mileageVERB + mileagecover, doThere was no record of the mileage the car had done.getJust don't expect to get much mileage out of it.mileage + NOUNallowance (esp. BrE)The company gives a generous mileage allowance.ratestandard (AmE)legislation raising the mileage standards for all cars

milestone

milestonenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + milestone | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcritical, historic, important, key, major, significantgrimanother grim milestone in the warpersonalcareer, developmentVERB + milestoneachieve, hit, meet, pass, reachThe company passed the £6 million milestone this year.celebrate, markbe, representIt represents a major medical milestone.PREPOSITIONmilestone inThe movie proved to be a milestone in the history of cinema.milestone fora milestone for Chinese technology

militancy

militancynoun

Militancy is used after these nouns:

Militant is used with these nouns:

militant

militantadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.The women on the march were extremely militant.increasingly

communist, feminism, feminist, movement, Muslim, nationalism, nationalist, tactic, union

militarily

militarilyadv.

Militarily is used with these adjectives:

significant, trained, weak

Militarily is used with these verbs:

defeat, intervene

military

militarynounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + military | military + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEforeignThe country has twice been occupied by foreign militaries.nationalall-volunteer, professional, regular, volunteerpowerful, stronglargemodernuniformedactive, active-dutyVERB + militaryserve inI wasn't surprised to learn that he'd served in the military.enter, joinCoghlan joined the military and served in the war.leaveHe left the military in 1993 and became a security guard.call inThe government called in the military to deal with the riots.traindeploybuildmaintainThe country maintains a strong military purely for defence/defense.modernize, reform, transformefforts to transform the military into a 21st-century fighting forcestrengthendefeatmilitary + VERBfightoperateseize power, take powerkill sbPREPOSITIONamong the military, in the military, within the militaryreports of growing discontent among the militaryPHRASESa member of the military

II. adj.

Military is used with these nouns:

academy, action, activity, administration, advantage, adventure, adviser, affair, aggression, aid, aircraft, airport, alignment, alliance, analyst, aspect, assault, asset, assistance, authority, background, balance, band, barracks, base, bloc, blockade, budget, build-up, cadet, camp, campaign, capability, career, cargo, casualty, cemetery, censorship, character, checkpoint, chief, college, command, commander, commitment, complex, compound, conflict, confrontation, conquest, conscription, contingent, contract, contractor, control, convoy, cooperation, coup, court, crackdown, credentials, custody, decoration, defeat, delegation, deployment, detention, dictatorship, disaster, discipline, district, doctor, doctrine, dominance, domination, draft, dress, duty, education, effectiveness, elite, emergency, equipment, escalation, escort, establishment, exercise, expansion, expedition, expenditure, expert, exploit, facility, faction, failure, family, fatigue, flight, force, formation, funeral, gain, genius, glory, government, governor, guard, haircut, hardware, headquarters, helicopter, hero, hierarchy, historian, history, honour, hospital, importance, institution, intelligence, intervention, invasion, involvement, jargon, jet, junta, lawyer, leader, leadership, liaison, link, machine, manoeuvre, manpower, march, means, member, mission, move, museum, necessity, objective, observer, occupation, offensive, officer, official, operation, parade, patrol, personnel, pilot, planning, point of view, police, policeman, position, posture, power, precision, preparation, presence, president, prison, prowess, readiness, rebellion, reconnaissance, record, recruit, recruitment, regime, representative, repression, reprisal, research, resistance, retaliation, roadblock, role, rule, ruler, salute, sanction, satellite, school, secret, service, setback, ship, showdown, siege, situation, skill, slang, solution, source, spending, sphere, standpoint, strategy, strength, strike, success, superior, superiority, supply, support, supremacy, surveillance, tactic, takeover, target, technology, thinking, threat, tradition, training, transport, tribunal, triumph, truck, uniform, unit, uprising, utility, vehicle, veteran, victory, wing, withdrawal, zone

militate against

militate againstphr verb

Militate against is used with these nouns as the subject:

Milk is used with these nouns as the object:

militia

militianoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + militia | militia + NOUNADJECTIVEarmeda highly armed militiavolunteerlocalcolonialgovernment, stateprivatewell-regulatedVERB + militiajoin, serve inorganizeform, set upThe anarchists started to form volunteer militias.traindisarm, disbandcall outHe said he would call out the state militia if the rebels did not surrender.militia + NOUNcompany, forces, group, unitmovement (esp. AmE)Cooper was a leader of the militia movement until his death.fighter, man, membercommander, leader

milk

milknounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | … OF MILK | VERB + milk | milk + VERB | milk + NOUNADJECTIVEfreshcurdled, sour, spoiled (esp. AmE)full-cream (BrE), full-fat, whole (esp. AmE)low-fat, semi-skimmed (BrE)fat-free (AmE), non-fat, skim (AmE), skimmed (BrE)1%, 2%, etc. (AmE)creamyregular (AmE)a calcium-fortified milk which provides more calcium than regular milkcold, hot, warmcow's, goat's, etc.breast, humanbaby, formula (esp. BrE)coconut, soy (AmE), soya (BrE)lactose-freecondensed, evaporateda tin of condensed milk (BrE)a can of condensed milk (AmE)dried, dry (AmE), powderedfluid (AmE)Dried milk keeps better than fluid milk.pasteurized, unpasteurizedhomogenizedlong-life, UHT (BrE)rawfortified (AmE)organicflavoured/flavoredchocolate, strawberryschool… OF MILKlitre/liter, pintbottle, carton, cup, glass, jug, pitcher (AmE)VERB + milkdrink, have, takeDo you take milk in your coffee?consumeaddpourspilldeliverThey've stopped delivering milk in our area.boil, heatproduceexpressShe expressed some milk so her husband could do the night feeding.milk + VERBbe off (esp. BrE)Don't drink the milk—it's off.go bad (esp. AmE), go off (esp. BrE), go sourThe milk has gone sour.milk + NOUNpowder (BrE)beverage, drinkpudding (BrE), shake (usually milkshake)chocolateproductbottle, carton, churn (BrE), container, jugcrateproduction, supply, yieldproducerfloat, round (both BrE)moustache/mustacheallergycow

II. verb

cow, goat

milking

milkingnoun

Milking is used before these nouns:

shed, stool

milkshake

milkshakenoun

Milkshake is used after these nouns:

milky

milkyadj.

Milky is used with these nouns:

coffee, complexion, drink, skin, tea, white

mill

millnounverb

I. noun1 for making flour, etc.2 factory1 for making flour, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + mill | mill + VERB | mill + NOUNADJECTIVEcorn (BrE), flour, grainwater (usually watermill)VERB + milloperateconvert, restore (both esp. BrE)The mill has been converted into apartments.We were living in a converted watermill.powerThe river was harnessed to power the mill.mill + VERBgrind sthThe mill can be seen grinding wheat.mill + NOUNstone (usually millstone), wheel

2 factoryADJECTIVE | VERB + mill | mill + VERB | mill + NOUNADJECTIVEcotton, feed, jute, lumber (esp. AmE), paper, pulp, steel, sugar, textile, woollen/woolenVERB + milloperate, own, runwork inmill + VERBproduce sthmill + NOUNtowna northern mill townbuildingshand, workerowner

II. verb

Mill is used with these nouns as the subject:

milling

millingadj.

Milling is used with these nouns:

millionaire

millionairenoun

Millionaire is used before these nouns:

businessman, businesswoman

million-to-one

million-to-oneadj.

Million-to-one is used with these nouns:

chance

mime

mimenoun

Mime is used before these nouns:

Mimic is used with these nouns as the object:

mimic

mimicverb

verbADVERB | VERB + mimicADVERBaccurately, closelyThe computer model is able to mimic very closely the actions of a golfer.exactly, perfectlyShe could mimic her father perfectly.VERB + mimictry to

accent, appearance, behaviour, effect, motion, movement

mince

mincenounverb

I. noun

Mince is used before these nouns:

Mince is used with these nouns as the object:

II. verb

garlic, meat

minced

mincedadj.

Minced is used with these nouns:

beef, lamb, meat, turkey

mind

mindnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + mind | mind + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEhumanthe complex nature of the human mindconscious, subconscious, unconsciousOur subconscious mind tries to protect us.logical, rationalbest, brilliant, finest, greata problem that has defeated the world's finest mindsagile, curious, enquiring, inquisitive, keen, lively, sharpanalytical, clearI need a clear mind if I want to continue with my work.thinkingcreative, fertile, imaginativeenlightenedclosed, openTry to keep an open mind until you've heard all the facts.impressionableimpressionable young minds that are easily influenceddirty, one-track, perverted, sick, twisted, warpedHonestly, all you ever talk about is sex—you have a one-track mind!feeble, littletired, wearytortured, troubledderanged, fevered, wanderingindividualcollective, publica subject which was on the nation's collective mindVERB + mindcome into, come to, cross, enter, flash across, flash into, go through, spring toThe thought never crossed my mind!I'm sure someone can help you, but no one immediately springs to mind.fill, flood, invadeSerious doubts began to flood my mind.bear in, keep inBear in mind the age of the vehicle when assessing its value.Here are some important points to keep in mind … escape, slipI'm sorry I forgot your birthday—it completely slipped my mind.be imprinted on, stick interrible images that will be imprinted on our minds for everhaunt, plague, prey onIt's been preying on my mind ever since it happened.occupyHe occupied his mind by playing cards against himself.searchKate desperately searched her mind for some excuse.concentrate, focusHe wanted us to focus our minds on unsolved problems.trainYou have to train your mind to think positively.clear, emptyTry meditating to clear your mind of negative thoughts.freeJust free your mind and write whatever comes.cloud, dullExhaustion clouded her mind.corrupt, poison, warpShe was poisoning his mind and turning him against his family.controlclose, openHe had closed his mind to anything new.calm, ease, quiet, refresh, relax, sootheHis comments did nothing to ease my mind.numbblow, bogglea collection of photographs that will blow your mindreadTell me what you want—I can't read your mind!probeunderstandShe was the only person who understood his mind.engage, stimulateexercise, stretchloseHe feared he was losing his mind.mind + VERBworkI'll never understand how his mind works.drift, stray, wanderHer mind began to wander.buzz, race, whirlHis mind raced, trying to think of a way out of the situation.be in a turmoil (esp. BrE), reel, spinHer mind was still reeling from the shock.turn to sthMy mind turned to more practical matters.PREPOSITIONin your mindYou've been in my mind a lot lately.in mindI'll keep what you say in mind.on your mindI have a lot on my mind at the moment.PHRASESat the back of your mind, in the back of your mindThe problem was always at the back of my mind.at the forefront of your mind, in the forefront of your mindTry to keep safety in the forefront of your mind at all times.a frame of mind, a state of mindHe's in rather a negative frame of mind.get your mind around sth, wrap your mind around sth (AmE)I couldn't get my mind around the concept.have sth in mindWhat kind of party do you have in mind?in the recesses of your mindIt was something she had never imagined, not even in the deepest recesses of her mind.in your right mindWho in their right mind would want to marry a murderer?mind and bodyrefreshed in mind and bodyno doubt in your mindThere was absolutely no doubt in my mind that he was guilty.set your mind to sthYou can do whatever you set your mind to.uppermost in your mindTheir own problems of course remained uppermost in their minds.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + mind | PREPOSITIONADVERBterribly, very muchThey had thought the boys wouldn't mind sharing; as it turned out, they minded very much.Would you mind terribly if I went on my own?not a bit, not at allI don't mind at all telling people my age.not much, not reallyNobody really minded much about what happened to them.VERB + mindnot seem toHis parents didn't seem to mind that he dropped out of college.PREPOSITIONaboutI didn't mind about the money.

Mind is used with these nouns as the object:

language, step

mind-altering

mind-alteringadj.

Mind-altering is used with these nouns:

substance

mindless

mindlessadj.

Mindless is used with these nouns:

chatter, conformity, entertainment, idiot, repetition, thug, vandal, vandalism, violence

mind-numbingly

mind-numbinglyadv.

Mind-numbingly is used with these adjectives:

dull, tedious

mine

minenounverb

I. noun1 for coal, etc.2 explosive device1 for coal, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + mine | mine + VERB | mine + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcoal, copper, diamond, salt, tin, etc.deep, drift, opencast (BrE), open-pit (AmE), strip (AmE), undergroundabandoned, disusedVERB + mineoperate, run, workmine + VERBproduce sthAt its peak, the mine produced 5 000 tons of coal a day.mine + NOUNshaft (usually mineshaft), workingsflooded mine workingsownerPREPOSITIONat a/the mine, down a/the mine (BrE), in a/the mineAt 14, he went down the mines.poor working conditions in the mines

2 explosive deviceADJECTIVE | VERB + mine | mine + VERBADJECTIVEanti-personnel, anti-tank, land, limpet (esp. BrE)VERB + minebury, lay, plantSoldiers laid anti-personnel mines in the fields.detect, locateclear, dispose of, removeThe troops are slowly clearing the mines.detonate, hit, set off, strikemine + VERBblow up, explode, go off

II. verb

Mine is used with these nouns as the object:

coal, copper, gold, ore, seam, silver, stone, uranium, vein

minefield

minefieldnoun

noun1 area where there are mines2 situation full of difficulties1 area where there are minesVERB + minefieldVERB + minefieldenterclear

2 situation full of difficultiesADJECTIVE | VERB + minefield | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEethical, legal, politicalSuggesting changes to the benefits system would be a political minefield.VERB + minefieldnavigate, negotiate, pick your way throughYou will first have to pick your way through the minefield of professional advice.PREPOSITIONminefield forTax is a minefield for the unwary.

miner

minernoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEcoal, copper, gold, lead, tin, uranium, etc.

mineral

mineralnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + mineral | mineral + VERB | mineral + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEessential, important, vitaltracerareabundant, commonindustrialoreclay, copper, uranium, etc.VERB + mineralbe rich in, containfoods that are rich in essential mineralscollect, extractto extract minerals from oresdepositabsorbmineral + VERBbe found in sth, be present in sth, occurcalcium and other minerals found in your bonesmineral + NOUNdeposits, resources, wealthexploitation, exploration, extraction, workingcontentsupplementMany people take vitamin and mineral supplements.PHRASESvitamins and minerals

mineralogical

mineralogicaladj.

Mineralogical is used with these nouns:

composition

Ming

Mingadj.

Ming is used with these nouns:

vase

mingle

mingleverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBfreelyThe star mingled freely with the crowd.togethera lot of emotions all mingled togetherPREPOSITIONwithShe felt fear mingled with excitement.

mingle with

mingle withphr verb

Mingle with is used with these nouns as the object:

mini

miniadj.

Mini is used with these nouns:

refrigerator

miniature

miniatureadj.

Miniature is used with these nouns:

camera, golf, keyboard, painter, painting, railway, replica, submarine, version

minimal

minimaladj.

Minimal is used with these nouns:

amount, chance, change, cost, damage, degree, delay, discomfort, disruption, disturbance, effect, effort, gain, impact, investment, maintenance, risk, side effect, supervision, training

minimalist

minimalistadj.

Minimalist is used with these nouns:

design, look

minimally

minimallyadv.

Minimally is used with these adjectives:

acceptable, conscious

minimization

minimizationnoun

Minimization is used after these nouns:

Minimum is used with these nouns:

minimize minimum

minimumnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + minimum | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEabsolute, bare, veryagreed, guaranteedrecommendedfederal, legal, mandatory, required, statutoryage (AmE)Many states impose an age minimum of eighteen for the death penalty.VERB + minimumkeep sth to, reduce sth toTwo fire crews managed to keep damage to a minimum.reachThe sun's temperature reached a minimum in the summer of 1981.exceedregard sth asA temperature of 121°C is regarded as the minimum necessary to achieve sterility.payMany people pay the minimum on their credit cards.PREPOSITIONabove (the) minimum, at (a/the) minimumCandidates must have a degree at a minimum.below (the) minimum, down to a minimumWe tried to keep costs down to a minimum.minimum ofa minimum of $20a minimum of fussPHRASESthe minimum necessary, the minimum neededthe minimum possibleHe's always done the minimum possible to pass his exams.with the minimum of delay, with the minimum of disruption, with the minimum of fusswith the minimum of effortThe tent can be put up with the minimum of effort.with the minimum of risk

II. adj.

altitude, amount, charge, delay, disruption, distance, disturbance, duration, expenditure, impact, investment, level, limit, number, payment, penalty, percentage, qualification, quantity, requirement, salary, sentence, size, standard, temperature, threshold, training, wage, width

minimum-security

minimum-securityadj.

Minimum-security is used with these nouns:

prison

minimum wage

minimum wagenoun

Minimum wage is used before these nouns:

mining minister

ministernoun

noun1 (BrE) member of the government2 priest1 (BrE) member of the governmentADJECTIVE | VERB + minister | minister + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEprimechief, principal (both historical)deputyjunior, seniorcabinet, departmental, EU, Foreign Office, government, Home Officedefence, education, environment, finance, foreign, health, interior, justice, transport, etc.former, outgoingVERB + ministerappoint (sb), appoint sb as, be named, nominate (sb), nominate sb aselect (sb), elect sb asdismiss (sb as)serve asHe served briefly as prime minister from 1920 to 1921.lobby, persuade, urgeGroups are lobbying the Transport Minister over the issue.advise, consult, instructaccuse, criticizeminister + VERBresign, retirebe accountable to sb, be responsible for sthMinisters are accountable to Parliament.the minister responsible for the health serviceannounce sth, declare sth, unveil sthagree sth, agree to sth, approve sth, decide sth, endorse sthintervene (in sth)The foreign minister intervened with disastrous results.PREPOSITIONminister forthe new minister for the Artsminister ofA new minister of defence had been appointed.See also prime minister

2 priestADJECTIVE | VERB + minister | PHRASESADJECTIVEChristian, Presbyterian, Protestant, etc.evangelicalordainedVERB + ministerordain (sb), ordain sb as

He was ordained minister of a small rural congregation.preach (sth)PHRASESa minister of religion

ministerial

ministerialadj.

Ministerial is used with these nouns:

appointment, conference, level, meeting, office, rank, responsibility, visit

ministering

ministeringadj.

Ministering is used with these nouns:

angel

minister to

minister tophr verb

Minister to is used with these nouns as the object:

sick

ministry

ministrynoun

noun1 (BrE) government department2 ministers of religion1 (BrE) government departmentADJECTIVE | VERB + ministry | ministry + VERB | ministry + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgovernmentAgriculture, Defence, Education, Environment, Finance, Foreign, Foreign Affairs, Health, Interior, Justice, Transport, etc.keyHe assumed direct control of key ministries.VERB + ministryruntake overcreateministry + VERBapprove sth, support sthThe plan was approved by the Ministry of Housing.control sthown sthon ministry-owned landministry + NOUNofficial, spokesman, spokespersonPREPOSITIONat the ministrystaff at the Greek Foreign Ministryin the ministry, within the ministrya senior man in the Ministry of Healthministry ofa spokesman for the Ministry of CulturePHRASESa department at the ministry, a department in the ministry

2 ministers of religionADJECTIVE | VERB + ministryADJECTIVEchurchChristian, evangelical, laypastoralordainedcampus (AmE), prisonVERB + ministrybegin, enterleaveprovideThe church provides a valuable ministry to a growing population.

mink

minknoun

Mink is used before these nouns:

coat

minor

minornounadj.

I. noun

Minor is used after these nouns:

undergraduate

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.This is a very minor operation and there is very little risk involved.comparatively, relativelyThat's a relatively minor matter—we can leave it till later.apparently, seemingly

Minor is used with these nouns:

accident, adjustment, ailment, alteration, amendment, annoyance, blemish, breach, bruise, bug, bump, burn, catastrophe, celebrity, change, character, chord, classic, complaint, complication, component, composer, concession, concussion, consideration, contribution, correction, crime, criticism, cut, damage, defect, deity, depression, detail, difference, disagreement, disappointment, discomfort, discrepancy, dispute, distraction, disturbance, diversion, drawback, earthquake, error, eruption, exception, explosion, fault, flaw, fluctuation, graze, heart attack, hiccup, illness, imperfection, importance, improvement, incident, inconvenience, indiscretion, infection, infringement, injury, irregularity, irritation, issue, key, knock, lapse, league, leak, masterpiece, miracle, mishap, modification, mystery, nuisance, offence, office, official, operation, panic, part, poet, point, problem, rebellion, reduction, reform, repair, reservation, revision, revolution, road, role, royalty, scale, scratch, scuffle, setback, shortcoming, side effect, significance, skirmish, snag, sport, squabble, stroke, surgery, symptom, technicality, tremor, triumph, upset, vandalism, variation, violation, wound

minority

minoritynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + minority | minority + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElarge, significant, sizeable, substantialsmall, tinygrowingdistinctvisiblevocal, vociferousthe view of a small but vociferous minoritycultural, ethnic, linguistic, national, racial, religious, sexualArab, Christian, etc.black, whiteoppressed, persecutedpoorunder-representedVERB + minoritybelong todiscriminate againsttargetminority + NOUNopinion, viewrightsissuescommunity, group, neighborhood (AmE)populationcultureapplicant, children, family, student, etc.Qualified minority applicants are highly sought after.languagegovernment, partyPREPOSITIONamong a/the minorityYou are definitely among the minority.from a/the minoritypeople from ethnic minoritiesin a/the minorityWe are in the minority on this issue.minority ofa sizeable minority of the populationPHRASESonly a minorityOnly a tiny minority of products are affected.

minor-league

minor-leagueadj.

Minor-league is used with these nouns:

baseball, hockey

mint

mintnounverb

I. noun

Mint is used before these nouns:

condition, flavour, green, tea

II. verb

Mint is used with these nouns as the object:

coin

minus

minusadj.

Minus is used with these nouns:

sign

minute

minutenounadj.

I. noun1 one sixtieth of an hour2 moment3 minutes written record of what is said at a meeting1 one sixtieth of an hourADJECTIVE | VERB + minute | minute + VERB | minute + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEclosing, final, openingHe scored in the final minutes of the game.passingWith each passing minute, the tension mounts.full, wholeThe noise lasted almost a full minute.longTen long minutes later, he finally had the results.preciousGina wasted ten precious minutes on her final test question.agonizing, tenseFor ten agonizing minutes she couldn't find her son.VERB + minutespendI spent ten minutes dealing with emails.last, takewastecountTracey was already counting the minutes until the weekend.minute + VERBelapse, pass, tick byThe minutes ticked by and still nothing happened.fly byturn into sthFifteen minutes turned into thirty, and still no one called.minute + NOUNhandthe minute hand on the clockPREPOSITIONafter … minutesAfter twenty minutes I started to get worried.for … minutesWe waited for ten minutes and then left.in … minutesThe movie starts in ten minutes.minutes after (AmE), minutes past (esp. BrE)four minutes after/past twominutes of (AmE), minutes toten minutes to three

2 momentADJECTIVE | VERB + minute | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElastDon't leave everything till the last minute.nextOne minute he was fine and the next minute he collapsed on the floor.spareIf you have a few spare minutes, you could clean the kitchen.VERB + minutehang on, hold on, waitCould you wait a minute, please?have, spareDo you have a minute, Miss Brown?Can you spare a minute?takeThis will only take a minute.PREPOSITIONin a minuteI'll be with you in a minute.within minutesThe ship sank within minutes.PHRASESevery waking minuteThey spend every waking minute together.just a minutethe minute sth happensTell him I want to see him the minute he arrives.not for a minuteI never thought for a minute he'd refuse.this minuteCome here this minute!

3 minutes written record of what is said at a meetingVERB + MINUTES | PHRASESVERB + MINUTESkeep, takeWho's going to take minutes? (esp. AmE)Who's going to take the minutes? (esp. BrE)circulatereadagree (BrE), approve, sign (BrE)write upI wrote up the minutes of the meeting and circulated them by email.PHRASESthe minutes of a meeting

II. adj.

Minute is used with these nouns:

amount, detail, quantity, trace

minutely

minutelyadv.

Minutely is used with these adjectives:

detailed

Minutely is used with these verbs:

examine

miracle

miraclenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + miracle | miracle + VERB | miracle + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgreatreal, truelittle, minor, smallThe letter's survival is something of a minor miracle.moderneconomic, medicalVERB + miraclecreate, do, make, perform, produce, workDon't expect this medicine to work miracles.believe inask for, expect, hope for, pray forneed, takeIt would take a miracle to get the old car going again.see, witnessmiracle + VERBhappen, occurmiracle + NOUNworkerstorycure, drug, pill (esp. AmE)PREPOSITIONby a miracleBy a miracle she escaped serious injury.

miraculous

miraculousadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, seemADVERBquite, trulySomething truly miraculous happened.almostan almost miraculous escapeapparently, seeminglyPHRASESlittle short of miraculous (esp. BrE), nothing short of miraculousa transformation that was little short of miraculous

Miraculous is used with these nouns:

cure, escape, recovery, return, survival, transformation

miraculously

miraculouslyadv.

Miraculously is used with these adjectives:

intact, unscathed

Miraculously is used with these verbs:

cure, disappear, manage, recover, survive, transform

mirage

miragenoun

nounVERB + mirage | mirage + VERBVERB + mirageseechase (figurative)Perhaps we are all just chasing a mirage.mirage + VERBvanish

mirror

mirrornounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + mirror | mirror + VERB | mirror + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbathroom, bedroomcompact, dresser (AmE), make-up, pocket, shavinghand (BrE), hand-held (AmE)full-length, tallframed, ornateantiquetwo-wayHe watched them through a two-way mirror.concave, convexoval, roundrear, rear-view, side-view (AmE), wing (BrE)Always check your mirror before pulling out to overtake.funhouse (AmE)broken, crackedVERB + mirroruseglance in, look in, look intoadmire yourself in, examine yourself in, look at yourself/your face inHe was busy admiring himself in the mirror.face, sit at, stand in front ofcheckcatch sight of sb/sth in, see sb/sth inhangWe hung a mirror over the fireplace.break, crack, smashmirror + VERBreflect sth, reveal sth, show sthhanga large mirror hanging on the wall behind himmirror + NOUNimage, reflection (esp. AmE)Art can be seen as a mirror image of society.PREPOSITIONin a/the mirrorShe stared at her face in the mirror.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + mirror | PHRASESADVERBcloselyThe trends here closely mirror those in America.exactly, faithfully, perfectlyalmostVERB + mirrorseem toPHRASESbe mirrored by sth, be mirrored in sthThe jump in business confidence has been mirrored by the increase in employment.be mirrored in sb's face, be mirrored on sb's faceThe shock was mirrored on her face.

Mirror is used with these nouns as the subject:

mirrored

mirroredadj.

Mirrored is used with these nouns:

sunglasses

mirthless

mirthlessadj.

Mirthless is used with these nouns:

mirthlessly

mirthlesslyadv.

Mirthlessly is used with these verbs:

misadventure

misadventurenoun

Misadventure is used before these nouns:

verdict

misappropriate

misappropriateverb

Misappropriate is used with these nouns as the object:

fund

misbehave

misbehaveverb

Misbehave is used with these nouns as the subject:

miscalculate

miscalculateverb

verbADVERBADVERBbadly, grossly, seriouslyThe government has seriously miscalculated the economic effect of this policy.

miscalculation

miscalculationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + miscalculationADJECTIVEgrave, gross, huge, seriousslightpoliticalVERB + miscalculationmake

miscarriage

miscarriagenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + miscarriage | PHRASESADJECTIVEearlythreatenedspontaneousrecurrentVERB + miscarriagehave, suffercause, induceend inHer first pregnancy ended in miscarriage.PHRASESa risk of miscarriageSmoking during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage.

miscellaneous

miscellaneousadj.

Miscellaneous is used with these nouns:

collection, expense

mischief

mischiefnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF MISCHIEF | VERB + mischiefADJECTIVEcriminal (law)… OF MISCHIEFglint, hintThere was a glint of mischief in her eyes.VERB + mischiefcause, do, makeSuch people will do anything they can to make mischief.get into, get up toDon't get up to any mischief while we're out.keep (sb) out of, stay out of (both esp. BrE)Try to stay out of mischief, will you?

mischievous

mischievousadj.

Mischievous is used with these nouns:

child, delight, gleam, glint, grin, look, sense of humour, smile, twinkle

mischievously

mischievouslyadv.

Mischievously is used with these verbs:

grin, smile, wink

misconception

misconceptionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + misconception | misconception + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcommon, popular, widespreadfundamentalbig, great, major (esp. AmE)VERB + misconceptionhave, holdgive rise to, lead toaddresscorrect, dispelWe hope the documentary will dispel certain misconceptions about the disease.misconception + VERBbe based on stharisePREPOSITIONmisconception aboutpopular misconceptions about AIDS

misconduct

misconductnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + misconduct | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEallegedgross, seriousShe was fired last year for gross misconduct.criminalfinancial, professional, scientific, sexualresearchpolice, prosecutorial (AmE)VERB + misconductdismiss sb for, fire sb for, sack sb for (BrE)denyThe directors all deny financial misconduct.PREPOSITIONmisconduct byallegations of misconduct by the security forcesmisconduct on the part ofThere was no misconduct on the part of the police.PHRASESon (the) grounds of misconduct (esp. BrE)Staff can lose their jobs only on grounds of professional misconduct.

misdemeanor

misdemeanornoun

Misdemeanor is used before these nouns:

assault, charge

miserable

miserableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, look, soundWe got home feeling tired and miserable.becomemake sb/sthADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.absolutely, completely, thoroughlyPREPOSITIONaboutHe felt absolutely miserable about his exams.

Miserable is used with these nouns:

excuse, existence, failure, life, time, weather

miserably

miserablyadv.

Miserably is used with these verbs:

fail, mutter, nod, say, shake, think

misery

miserynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + misery | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEabject, great, real, sheer, untoldThis phobia can cause untold misery for the sufferer.completeHer misery was made complete when she was separated from her children.personalhumaneconomicthe country's economic miseryVERB + miserybe full of, endure, feel, live in, sufferpeople who suffer the misery of unemploymentbring (sb), cause (sb), create, inflictThe money brought him nothing but misery.add to, heap (esp. BrE), prolongWar has now added to the misery of these starving people.This financial blow heaps more misery on the community.alleviate, ease, relieveways to alleviate human miseryendput sb/sth out ofIn the end we asked the vet to put the creature out of its misery (= kill it humanely).Oh, put her out of her misery—tell her who won. (humorous)spare sbAt least we were spared the misery of having to do it all again.share (esp. AmE)forgetPREPOSITIONmisery ofthe sheer misery of homelessnessPHRASESmake sb's life a miseryHis constant criticism made her life a misery.

misfire

misfireverb

verbADVERBADVERBbadly (esp. BrE)Unfortunately their plan misfired badly.

Misfire is used with these nouns as the subject:

Misguided is used with these nouns:

misfortune

misfortunenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + misfortune | misfortune + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreatpersonalVERB + misfortunebe dogged by (BrE), have, sufferThe expedition was dogged by misfortune.I had the misfortune to share a room with someone who snored loudly.misfortune + VERBbefall sb, strikeMisfortune struck before they had even left port.PHRASESbe sb's misfortuneHe is the rudest man it has ever been my misfortune to meet.

misgivings

misgivingsnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + misgivings | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEconsiderable, deep, grave, great, seriousVERB + misgivingsharbour/harbor, haveexpress, voiceI felt I had to express my misgivings about her decision.shareShe shared my misgivings about the planned weekend.PREPOSITIONdespite sb's misgivings, in spite of sb's misgivingsHe agreed, despite his misgivings.with misgivingsI viewed the process with grave misgivings.misgivings aboutShe had serious misgivings about the whole affair, but they proved unfounded.misgivings atHe had considerable misgivings at the prospect of moving jobs.misgivings overThe local people still had considerable misgivings over the flood of workers into their town.

misguided

misguidedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemADVERBdeeply, entirely, totallysadly, woefullyrather, somewhatfundamentallyTheir approach to the problem is fundamentally misguided.

attempt, belief, effort, notion, policy

mishap

mishapnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF MISHAPS | VERB + mishap | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEmajor, seriousfatallittle, minor, slight… OF MISHAPSseriesThe group suffered an extraordinary series of minor mishaps.VERB + mishaphave, sufferI'm afraid your son had a slight mishap in the playground.causeavoid, preventPREPOSITIONwithout mishapWe reached home without mishap.

mishear

mishearverb

Mishear is used with these nouns as the object:

Misinterpret is used with these nouns as the object:

misinform

misinformverb

verbPREPOSITION | PHRASESPREPOSITIONaboutThe parents had been misinformed about the incident.PHRASESbe badly misinformedIt became clear that the general had been badly misinformed.

misinformation

misinformationnoun

noun… OF MISINFORMATION | VERB + misinformation | misinformation + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASES… OF MISINFORMATIONpieceVERB + misinformationfeed sb, spreadThe public have been fed misinformation about the health risks.be based oncorrectmisinformation + NOUNcampaignPREPOSITIONmisinformation about, misinformation onmisinformation about Soviet policyPHRASESa campaign of misinformation

misinterpret

misinterpretverb

verbADVERB | VERB + misinterpret | PREPOSITIONADVERBcompletelyeasilydeliberately, wilfully/willfullyVERB + misinterpretbe easy toIt would be easy to misinterpret results from such a small sample.PREPOSITIONasI realized that what I'd said could be misinterpreted as criticism.

meaning

misjudge

misjudgeverb

verbADVERBADVERBbadly, seriouslycompletely

mislead

misleadverb

verbADVERB | VERB + mislead | PREPOSITIONADVERBseriouslycompletely, totallyactively (esp. BrE), deliberately, intentionallyShe was accused of deliberately misleading the commission.allegedlyeasilyThey were naive and easily misled.VERB + misleadattempt to, try tobe liable to (esp. BrE)Statistics taken on their own are liable to mislead.PREPOSITIONaboutThe House has been totally misled about this affair.intoThe company misled hundreds of people into investing their money unwisely.

Mislead is used with these nouns as the object:

parliament, press, public, stockholder

misleading

misleadingadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.grossly, highly, positively, profoundly (formal), seriouslycompletely, entirely (esp. BrE), totally, wholly (esp. BrE)a little, slightly, etc.potentiallydeliberatelyHer statement was deliberately misleading.dangerouslySome of the information on the website was dangerously misleading.PREPOSITIONaboutThe brochure was extremely misleading about the cost of the surgery.

Misleading is used with these nouns:

advertisement, impression, information, picture, report, result, statement

mismanage

mismanageverb

verbADVERBADVERBbadly, grosslyThe prison service has been badly mismanaged in recent years.completely

mismanagement

mismanagementnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + mismanagement | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEeconomic, financial, fiscalgrossVERB + mismanagementuncoverAn investigation uncovered mismanagement and a lack of proper financial controls.PREPOSITIONthrough mismanagementThe project collapsed through financial mismanagement.

mismatched

mismatchedadj.

Mismatched is used with these nouns:

sock

misogynistic

misogynisticadj.

Misogynistic is used with these nouns:

lyrics

misplaced

misplacedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, prove, seemADVERBentirely, totally, wholly (esp. BrE)Her confidence in him was entirely misplaced.largelyrather, somewhatsadlyHis optimism proved sadly misplaced.

Misplaced is used with these nouns:

confidence, optimism, trust

mispronounce

mispronounceverb

Mispronounce is used with these nouns as the object:

Misread is used with these nouns as the object:

misread

misreadverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBcompletely, totallyI had completely misread his intentions.badlyPREPOSITIONasI misread ‘Mrs’ as ‘Mr’.

Miss is used after these nouns:

misrepresent

misrepresentverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBgrossly, seriouslycompletelydeliberatelyPREPOSITIONasEcstasy is widely misrepresented as a soft drug.PHRASESbe widely misrepresented

miss

missnounverb

I. noun

Miss is used with these nouns as the subject:

II. verb1 not hit/catch/reach sth2 not hear/see/understand3 feel sad because sb is not with you1 not hit/catch/reach sthADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBcompletelybarely, just, narrowly, nearlyThe plane crashed, narrowly missing a hotel.somehowThe bullet somehow missed his heart.badlyShe attempted to hit the ball but missed badly.PREPOSITIONbyThe bullet missed his head by only a few inches.

2 not hear/see/understandADVERB | VERB + missADVERBcompletelyHe completely missed the point of what I was saying.easilyVERB + misscannotThe station is just down this road on the left. You can't miss it.

3 feel sad because sb is not with youADVERB | PHRASESADVERBbadly, dearly, desperately, dreadfully (esp. BrE), a lot, really, terribly, truly, very muchYour father misses you terribly.I still miss her a lot.We really miss you!PHRASESbe greatly missed, be sadly missed, be sorely missedAnne will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

arrow, bullet, missile, shot

Miss is used with these nouns as the object:

appointment, ball, boat, bus, call, catch, chance, class, clue, connection, corner, cue, curfew, deadline, episode, essence, flight, footing, joke, lecture, lesson, line, luxury, mark, meet, opportunity, penalty, period, pitch, plane, point, session, shot, sign, smash, stop, tackle, target, thing, train, tram, turn, turn-off, turning, tutorial, vocation, workout

missed

missedadj.

Missed is used with these nouns:

appointment, call, opportunity, penalty

misshapen

misshapenadj.

Misshapen is used with these nouns:

missile

missilenoun

noun1 explosive weapon2 object fired or thrown1 explosive weaponADJECTIVE | VERB + missile | missile + VERB | missile + NOUNADJECTIVElong-range, medium-range, short-rangeballistic, cruise, guided, heat-seeking, laser-guidedland-basedair-launched, shoulder-firedmobileintercontinentalstrategic, tacticalanti-aircraft, anti-ballistic, anti-tank, etc.air-to-air, air-to-ground, air-to-surface, surface-to-air, surface-to-surfaceconventional, nuclearincomingenemyinterceptorVERB + missilebe armed with, carryaimfire, launch, sendlobdestroy, intercept, shoot downdeploy, usestrategic missiles deployed in sparsely populated desert areasdetecttracktestmissile + VERBflydestroy sth, hit sth, strike (sth)kill sbfallMissiles fell on the city.target sthmissiles targeting the capitalmiss sthAll of the missiles missed their target.missile + NOUNbase, siteattack, strikelaunchdefence/defenseprogramme/program, systemlauncherwarhead, weapontestcapabilitytechnologythreat

2 object fired or thrownVERB + missile | missile + VERBVERB + missilehurl, pelt sb with, throwThey pelted her with eggs and various other missiles.flyAnother missile flew through the air.dodgemissile + VERBhit sb/sth, strike sb/sth

missile defence

missile defencenoun

Missile defence/missile defense is used before these nouns:

shield

missing

missingadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbegoa woman who went missing three months agodiscover sbIt was six hours before the seamen were discovered missing.list sb (as), report sb (as)A leading businessman has been reported missing from his home.ADVERBcompletely, entirely, totallyThe study of housework as work is a topic entirely missing from sociology.altogetherThe eighth rung of the ladder was missing altogether.largelya quality that's largely missing in young people todayconspicuously, noticeablysadlyThe spirit of fair play is sadly missing from the sport these days.PREPOSITIONfromThe file was missing from its place.PHRASESmissing in actionthe search for US soldiers listed as missing in actionmissing, presumed dead

Missing is used with these nouns:

information, ingredient, limb, link, person, piece, tile, tooth

mission

missionnoun

noun1 important task2 team sent to perform a task3 into space4 special aim5 place where people work to help others1 important taskADJECTIVE | VERB + mission | mission + VERB | mission + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEjointa joint Anglo-American missioncovert, secret, stealth, undercoverdangeroussuicidehistoricroutinefact-finding, trainingtacticalescortreconnaissancebombing, combat, militarywartimesearch-and-destroymercy, rescuepeacekeepingdiplomatichumanitarianfailed, successfulspecialVERB + missioncarry out, conduct, execute, go on, perform, undertakeaccomplish, completeOur mission accomplished, we headed for home.dispatch sb on, give, send sb onAn aid team will be sent on a mission to the earthquake zone.launchIt was too late to launch a rescue mission.fly, fly on (used of military planes)He flew a total of 41 missions over the country.abandon, abort, cancel (esp. of military missions)The captain instructed them to abort the mission.mission + VERBend in failure, failTheir mission ended in failure.be a success, succeedmission + NOUNobjectiveaccomplishment (AmE)PREPOSITIONon a/the missionHe was sent on a secret mission approved by the Pentagon.PHRASESmission impossibleMany regard his task as mission impossible.

2 team sent to perform a taskADJECTIVE | VERB + mission | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdiplomatic, military, tradeVERB + missionestablish, set upsendPREPOSITIONmission toThe US is sending a trade mission to China.

3 into spaceADJECTIVE | VERB + mission | mission + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEshuttle, space, spacecraftlunar, planetarymanned, unmannedroboticVERB + missiongo on, makeHe's been on several shuttle missions over the last decade.abortmission + NOUNcontrolThe spacecraft lost contact with mission control.PREPOSITIONon a/the missionexperiments conducted on a space missionmission toa successful spacecraft mission to Venus

4 special aimADJECTIVE | VERB + mission | mission + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEmain, primarystatedVERB + missionhaveHe now has a mission in life: to expand the horizons of those around him.pursuefulfil/fulfill, meetmission + NOUNstatementPHRASESa man with a mission, a woman with a missionYou can tell by the determined way he talks that he is a man with a mission.a sense of missionA powerful sense of mission underpins everything he does.

5 place where people work to help othersADJECTIVE | VERB + mission | mission + NOUNADJECTIVEChristianeducationalVERB + missionestablish, foundrunmission + NOUNworkhospital, school

missionary

missionarynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + missionary | missionary + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEforeignpioneerevangelical, medicalCatholic, Protestant, etc.VERB + missionarywork assend (sb as)clergy sent as missionaries to Latin Americamissionary + NOUNworkzealHe argued the case for reorganization with missionary zeal.PREPOSITIONas a missionaryHe spent 15 years as a missionary in Africa.

mission-critical

mission-criticaladj.

Mission-critical is used with these nouns:

application

misspelled

misspelledadj.

Misspelled is used with these nouns:

misspent

misspentadj.

Misspent is used with these nouns:

Mist is used with these nouns as the subject:

mist

mistnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + mist | mist + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdense, heavy, thickA heavy mist rolled over the fields.faint, fine, light, slight, thinswirlinghazycold, coolgrey/gray, red, whiteThere was a red mist in front of his eyes.dawn, evening, morningan early morning mistautumn (esp. BrE)seaVERB + mistbe covered in, be shrouded inThe mountain was covered in a thick mist.disappear into, vanish in, vanish intoThe little town had vanished in the mist.emerge from, loom out of (esp. BrE)A figure emerged from the mist.break through, shine throughSoon the sun would break through the mist.peer into, peer throughbe lost in (figurative)The origins of language are lost in the mists of time.mist + VERBcover sth, hang, hover, lie, surround sb/sthA faint mist hung over the valley.come down (esp. BrE), descendWhen the mist descends it comes quickly and covers everything.clear, liftThe mist had cleared by mid-morning.drift, float, rise, roll, swirlA fine mist floated over the fields.a swirling mista thin mist rising from the rivercling to sthEarly morning mist still clung to the hollows.fill sthcover sth, hide sth, obscure sth, shroud sthA white mist obscured the top of the hill.PREPOSITIONin the mist, into the mistIt was hard to make out the path in the mist.through the mistThe house was scarcely visible through the mist.mist overthe mist over the lakePHRASESa curtain of mist, a veil of mist

II. verb

Mistaken is used with these nouns:

mistake

mistakenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + mistake | mistake + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, colossal (esp. AmE), great, hugeIt is a great mistake to assume that your children will agree with you.bad, dreadful, fundamental, ghastly (esp. BrE), grave, horrible (esp. AmE), serious, terriblecostly, expensiveThis dress was an expensive mistake.disastrous, fatal, tragicembarrassingelementary, little, simpleAll those problems because of one little mistake!commongenuine, honestdeliberatepastThe company has learned from its past mistakes.careless, dumb (AmE), foolish, stupidgrammar, grammatical, spellingVERB + mistakemakeI'm sorry, I made a mistake.commitThey all commit similar mistakes.repeatlearn frompay forOrdinary people are paying for the government's mistakes.discover, realizeToo late, she realized her mistake.avoidWe can help you avoid costly mistakes.acknowledge, admit, admit to, recognizecorrect, erase, fix (AmE), put right, rectify, undoregretforgivepoint outThe teacher kindly pointed out the mistake.eliminateIt isn't possible to eliminate all mistakes.mistake + VERBhappen, occurMistakes are bound to happen sometimes.PREPOSITIONby mistakeI picked up the wrong bag by mistake.mistake aboutI made a mistake about her.PHRASESall a mistakeI kept telling myself that it was all a terrible mistake.an easy mistake to makeDon't worry about it—it's an easy mistake to make!make the mistake of doing sthA lot of people make the mistake of thinking that getting results is all that matters.make the same mistakeDon't make the same mistake as I did.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + mistake | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBeasilyAn unwary observer could easily mistake this constellation for a comet.VERB + mistakecannotYou can't mistake him. He has long red hair.PREPOSITIONforI'm sorry. I mistook you for George.People often mistake us for sisters.PHRASESthere is no mistaking sthThere was no mistaking the admiration in his eyes.

mistaken

mistakenadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, prove, seemThat view seems mistaken.ADVERBbadly, fundamentally, gravely, profoundly, sadly, seriously, sorely, very (much)You are very much mistaken if you think that people will agree to these changes.completely, entirely, quite, utterlysomehowPREPOSITIONaboutI think you're mistaken about the time.

assumption, belief, idea, identification, identity, impression, perception

mistakenly

mistakenlyadv.

Mistakenly is used with these verbs:

attribute, believe, bomb, equate, identify, interpret, suppose

mistress

mistressnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF MISTRESSES | VERB + mistressADJECTIVEformeryoung… OF MISTRESSESstring (esp. BrE)The king kept a string of mistresses.VERB + mistresshavetakekeepbecome

Mistress is used after these nouns:

ballet, school

mistrust

mistrustnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + mistrust | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeep, profoundgrowinggeneral, widespread (esp. BrE)mutualThey will never overcome their mutual distrust.VERB + mistrustcreate, foster, fuelovercomePREPOSITIONmistrust betweenThere is suspicion and mistrust between immigrants and the police.mistrust inThe incident has increased workers' mistrust in the management.mistrust ofHis experience left him with a mistrust of banks.mistrust towards/towardPHRASESan atmosphere of mistrust, a climate of mistrust, a sense of mistrustCorruption creates a climate of mistrust towards/toward authority.

mist up

mist upphr verb

Mist up is used with these nouns as the subject:

windscreen

misty

mistyadj.

Misty is used with these nouns:

eye, morning

misunderstand

misunderstandverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBbadlycompletely, fundamentally, grossly (formal, esp. AmE), profoundlyPREPOSITIONasMy concern for their well-being was misunderstood as interference.PHRASESbe frequently misunderstood, be often misunderstood, be widely misunderstoodmuch misunderstooda charming and much misunderstood man

Misunderstand is used with these nouns as the object:

meaning

misunderstanding

misunderstandingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + misunderstanding | misunderstanding + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, serious, terriblecomplete, totalcommon, widespreadsimple, slightbasic, fundamental, profoundgenuinepossiblemutualVERB + misunderstandingcause, give rise to, lead toavoid, preventI am anxious to avoid any possible misunderstanding.clarify, clear up, correctbetray, reflect, revealHis comments betrayed a complete misunderstanding of the situation.misunderstanding + VERBarise, occur, resultSomehow a misunderstanding arose.be based on sth, stem from sthPREPOSITIONmisunderstanding aboutThere was widespread misunderstanding about the aim of the project.misunderstanding betweenThere must have been some misunderstanding between them.misunderstanding by, misunderstanding on the part ofThe oversimplification results in the possibility of misunderstanding by the reader.I think there was some misunderstanding on his part.misunderstanding overa slight misunderstanding over the terms of the contractPHRASESa possibility of misunderstanding, a risk of misunderstandingroom for misunderstanding, scope for misunderstandingLeave no scope for misunderstandings of any type.

misuse

misusenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + misuse | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEalleged, possibledeliberategross, seriouscriminal (AmE)Can manufacturers be held liable for the criminal misuse of their products?alcohol, drug, substancealcohol misuse among teenagerscomputer (esp. BrE)He was fired for computer misuse.VERB + misuseprevent, stopinvestigatePREPOSITIONthrough misusepollution caused through misuse of pesticidesmisuse ofHe was accused of the misuse of public funds. (esp. BrE)

II. verbADVERB | PHRASESADVERBgrosslyHe had grossly misused his power.PHRASESwidely misused‘Marketing’ is a widely misused word in the book business.

Misuse is used with these nouns as the object:

fund, word

mite

mitenoun

Mite is used after these nouns:

dust

mitigate

mitigateverb

Mitigate is used with these nouns as the object:

effect, impact, problem, risk

mitigating

mitigatingadj.

Mitigating is used with these nouns:

circumstance, factor

mitigation

mitigationnoun

Mitigation is used after these nouns:

risk

mitt

mittnoun

Mitt is used after these nouns:

baseball, oven

mix

mixnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + mix | mix + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgood, perfect, right, wonderfula party with just the right mix of peoplehealthy, judiciouscurious, odd, peculiar, strangefascinating, interesting, intriguingbroad, richdiverse, eclectic, vibrantan eclectic mix of theatrical stylescosmopolitancomplexcombustible, heady, potent, powerful, volatileHis art features a volatile mix of sexuality and violence.cultural, ethnic, racialmarketing, productbrownie (esp. AmE), cake, muffin (esp. AmE), pancakea packet of cake mix (BrE)a box of cake mix (AmE)concrete, mortarpotting, soil, soil-less (AmE)Plant the seedlings in well-drained potting mix.audio, mono, sound, stereoThe movie's sound mix is excellent.VERB + mixcontain, feature, have, includeofferThe new Oak Hill development offers a mix of housing.createThey have created a unique mix of sounds.mix + VERBvaryThe precise mix will vary.containThe mix contains soil, peat, and sand.PREPOSITIONmix ofThe college has a broad mix of students.

II. verb1 combine things2 meet people1 combine thingsADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBthoroughly, wellMix all the ingredients together thoroughly.gentlyWhen the rice is cooked, gently mix in all the other ingredients.in, togetherPREPOSITIONwithMix yellow with blue to make green.PHRASESmix and match, pick and mix (BrE) (= combine things in different ways for different purposes)You can mix and match courses to suit your requirements.

2 meet peopleADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBeasily, wella child who mixes well at schoolfreelyDifferent races mixed freely at dance halls and clubs.happilysociallyThey worked together and often mixed socially.PREPOSITIONwithShe mixed happily with the other children.

Mix is used with these nouns as the object:

batter, butter, cement, cocktail, concrete, drink, element, flour, ingredient, margarine, metaphor, mustard, paint, paste, sauce, track

mixed

mixedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBdecidedly, extremely, veryfairly, rather, somewhatrandomlyinextricablyIn his world view, art and religion were inextricably mixed.evenlyHer background is evenly mixed between newspaper and Web journalism.ethnically, racially, sociallyan ethnically mixed community

Mixed is used with these nouns:

ability, background, blessing, bunch, choir, company, descent, drink, economy, emotion, farm, farming, feeling, fortune, herb, heritage, marriage, message, metaphor, motive, nationality, nut, opinion, origin, race, reaction, reception, record, result, review, salad, school, signal, spice, success, team, vegetables

mixed media

mixed medianoun

Mixed media is used before these nouns:

artist, medium

mixed-race

mixed-raceadj.

Mixed-race is used with these nouns:

mixed-use

mixed-useadj.

Mixed-use is used with these nouns:

development

mixer

mixernoun

Mixer is used before these nouns:

tap

Mixer is used after these nouns:

cement, hand

mix in

mix inphr verb

Mix in is used with these nouns as the object:

mixing

mixingnoun

Mixing is used before these nouns:

bowl

mix into

mix intophr verb

Mix into is used with these nouns as the object:

paste

mix to

mix tophr verb

Mix to is used with these nouns as the object:

paste

mixture

mixturenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + mixture | mixture + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfascinating, good, interesting, intriguingbizarre, curious, extraordinary, odd, peculiar, strangeeclectican eclectic mixture of architectural stylesjudicious (esp. BrE)a judicious mixture of young and experienced playersrichchaotic, confusingcomplexexplosive, volatileheady, potentLust and revenge are a heady mixture.cement, concretecake (esp. BrE) (usually cake batter in AmE)egg, flour, vegetable, etc.Gradually beat the flour into the egg mixture.cough (BrE)VERB + mixtureadd sth toAdd the flour to the egg mixture.pour, purée, spoon, spread, stir, strain, whiskPour the cake mixture into the bowl.mixture + VERBconsist of sth, contain sth, have sthThe mixture contains some ingredients that are difficult to find.PREPOSITIONwith a mixtureHe looked at me with a mixture of amazement and horror.mixture ofThe pond contains a mixture of goldfish and carp.

mix up

mix upphr verb

Mix up is used with these nouns as the object:

paste

mix with

mix withphr verb

Mix with is used with these nouns as the object:

powder

MMR

MMRnoun

MMR is used before these nouns:

vaccination

moan

moannounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + moan | moan + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfaint, little, low, quiet, small, softdeepmuffledloudVERB + moanemit, give, let out, make, utterstifle, suppresshearmoan + VERBcome from sb/sb's mouth, escape sb/sb's mouthA low moan of despair escaped her as she realized what had gone wrong.PREPOSITIONwith a moanHe staggered about ten yards and fell down with a moan.moan ofa moan of pleasure/pain/despairPHRASESthe moan of the wind

II. verb1 make a low sound of pain/pleasure2 (esp. BrE) complain1 make a low sound of pain/pleasureADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBloudlylightly, quietly, slightly, softlyPREPOSITIONinHe moaned in despair.withShe was still conscious and was moaning loudly with pain.

2 (esp. BrE) complainADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBonThey kept moaning on about their illnesses.PREPOSITIONaboutWhat are you moaning about now?atMy parents moan at me if I'm home late.toShe's always moaning to me that she doesn't have enough money.PHRASESmoan and groanThe children climbed into the bus, moaning and groaning.

Moan is used with these nouns as the subject:

Mobile is used with these nouns:

mob

mobnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + mob | mob + VERB | mob + NOUNADJECTIVEangry, hostile, unrulybaying (BrE), bloodthirsty, frenzied, howling, rioting, violentheavy (BrE)lynchVERB + mobformjoinleadbreak up, disperseincitemob + VERBattack sb/sth, chase sb, descend on sb/sth, set upon sb, surround sb/sth, torch sthburn sth, burn sth down, torch sthkill sb, lynch sb, murder sbchant (sth), shout (sth)a mob of chanting fansmob + NOUNmentalityjustice, rulethe lawless days of mob rule and anarchyviolence

mobile

mobileadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecome, getBabies start to get mobile around the age of eight months.remainADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.She remained fairly mobile despite her disabilities.exceptionally, extraordinarily, highlyfullyThe barbecue is fully mobile.increasinglygeographically, sociallya geographically mobile populationdownwardly, upwardlydownwardly mobile members of society

application, camera, clinic, computer, connection, device, gadget, home, kitchen, library, missile, network, operator, phone, shop, subscriber, telecommunications, telephone, terminal, workforce

mobile home

mobile homenoun

Mobile home is used before these nouns:

park

mobile phone

mobile phonenoun

(also mobile) noun (BrE)See also cellphoneADJECTIVE | VERB + mobile phone | mobile phone + VERB | MOBILE-PHONE/MOBILE + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEpay-as-you-go, prepaidhand-held, hands-free3G, third-generationnext-generationGPRS, GSM, WAPVERB + mobile phoneuseIt's more expensive to use your mobile abroad.switch offPlease make sure all mobile phones are switched off during the performance.top upcharge, charge up, rechargeleave a message onI left a message on your mobile.mobile phone + VERBringMOBILE-PHONE/MOBILE + NOUNnumberringtonedownloadable mobile-phone ringtonescompany, network, operatorusercallchargermastPREPOSITIONfrom your mobile phoneI'm calling from my mobile.on your mobile phoneCall me on my mobile.PHRASESthe use of mobile phones

mobility

mobilitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + mobility | PHRASESADJECTIVEdecreased, limited, reduced, restrictedfullgreater, increaseddownward, upwardpersonalclass (esp. AmE), socialEducation was the key to upward social mobility.career, job, labour/labor, occupationalcapital, economicgeographicalVERB + mobilityhaveShe has limited mobility in her arms.impair, limit, reducea disease that impairs the mobility of many older peopleenhance, increaseBetter education increases social mobility.regainThe patient should be able to regain full mobility.PHRASESmobility of labour/laborThe high cost of living acts as an obstacle to mobility of labor.

mobilize

mobilizeverb

(BrE also -ise) verbADVERB | VERB + mobilize | PREPOSITIONADVERBeffectively, successfullyquickly, rapidlypolitically (esp. AmE)VERB + mobilizebe able to, can be mobilizedThe military is able to mobilize rapidly.PREPOSITIONagainstThey successfully mobilized public opinion against him.forThe country was mobilizing for war.

Mobilize is used with these nouns as the object:

army, force, resource, support, supporter

mock

mockverbadj.

I. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBbitterly, cruelly, mercilessly, ruthlessly, scornfullygently, playfully‘Too scary for you?’ he mocked gently.openlyHe openly mocked his parents.subtlyThe play subtly mocks the conventions of romance.PREPOSITIONatHe mocked at her hopes of stardom.forShe mocked him for his failure.withShe mocked him with her smile.

Mock is used with these nouns as the subject:

Mock is used with these nouns:

II. adj.

A level, amazement, annoyance, attack, disbelief, exam, execution, horror, indignation, innocence, salute, seriousness, severity, sincerity, solemnity, surprise

mocking

mockingadj.

Mocking is used with these nouns:

eyebrow, grin, laugh, laughter, smile, tone, voice

mockingly

mockinglyadv.

Mockingly is used with these verbs:

laugh, say

modal

modaladj.

Modal is used with these nouns:

Model is used with these nouns as the object:

mode

modenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + mode | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEnormal, traditional, usualpreferredWalking was his preferred mode of travel.defaulteffectiveautomatic, manualMost digital cameras have an automatic mode.sleep, standbyThe phone displays a clock when in standby mode.crisis, panicThey're in crisis mode at the moment.Everyone went into panic mode trying to get the job finished.VERB + modeadopt, useTry using some other mode of organization.enter, select, switch toSwitch from ‘receive’ mode to ‘transmit’ mode.changeHe had no intention of changing his mode of dress.PREPOSITIONin … modeThe machine is in sleep mode.mode ofTheir main mode of subsistence is hunting.PHRASESa mode of address, a mode of communication, a mode of expressiona mode of transport (esp. BrE), a mode of transportation (AmE)

model

modelnounverb

I. noun1 copy of sth2 type of product3 example4 person who models1 copy of sthADJECTIVE | VERB + model | model + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfull-scale, scalethree-dimensionaldetailedworkingclay, plastic, wooden, etc.VERB + modelassemble, build, construct, makemodel + NOUNaeroplane (BrE), airplane (AmE), car, railroad (AmE), railway (BrE), trainPREPOSITIONmodel ofShe made a fantastic clay model of her dog.

2 type of productADJECTIVE | VERB + modelADJECTIVEde luxe, luxury, popularbasic, standardlatest, newVERB + modeldo, make, produce, releaseThey do several other models of washing machine.Later that year, IBM released a similar model at a lower price.selldesign, developrecallThey're recalling their new model for modifications to the engine.

3 exampleADJECTIVE | VERB + model | model + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEexcellent, goodrolesimpleWe follow a simple accounting model.classical, standard, traditionalthe standard economic model of supply and demandalternativeThey offer an alternative model of married life.conceptual, experimental, statistical, theoreticalexplanatorybusiness, clinical, economic, mathematical, medical, political, scientificcomputerVERB + modelgive sb, present, propose, provide (sb with)The tape provides a model for students to copy.construct, developShe developed a computer model to help farmers with pest control.adapt, refine, simplifycopyadopt, usefitThe book fits the classic model of a postmodern narrative.be based onmodel + NOUNcitizen, pupil (BrE), student (esp. AmE)In school, he works hard and is a model student.home (AmE)PREPOSITIONmodel ofShe was a model of restraint.model forSuccessful schools must be used as models for the rest.

4 person who modelsADJECTIVE | VERB + model | model + VERBADJECTIVEartist's, glamour/glamor (esp. BrE), photographicfemale, maletopcatwalk (BrE), fashion, runway (AmE)VERB + modelphotograph, pose, shootmodel + VERBpose for sb/sth, sit for sb/sthThe model sits for me for three hours every day.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBcloselylooselyaccurately, realisticallyWe can accurately model the development process.consciously, explicitlyThey tried to model the election campaign consciously on Clinton's success.PREPOSITIONon, uponWe aim to model the system on one used in French hospitals.

behaviour

modelling

modellingnoun

Modelling/modeling is used before these nouns:

assignment, clay, gig

Modelling/modeling is used after these nouns:

clay

modem

modemnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + modem | modem + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbroadband, cable, dial-up, wirelessfast, high-speeddata, faxbuilt-in, external, internalVERB + modemconnect, plug inunplugconfigure, installmodem + NOUNconnection, linkData is transmitted via a modem link to the central office.PREPOSITIONvia (a/the) modemYou can send the files to us via modem.

moderate

moderateverbadj.

I. verb

Moderate is used with these nouns as the object:

debate, effect, panel

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBveryfairly, relativelya fairly moderate increase in the rate of inflationpolitically

Moderate is used with these nouns:

amount, conservatism, consumption, degree, depression, drinker, drinking, exercise, faction, heat, increase, infection, inflation, intake, level, means, Muslim, nationalist, oven, pace, rainfall, rate, risk, severity, size, socialist, success, temperature, tempo, view, wind, wing

moderately moderating

moderatingadj.

Moderating is used with these nouns:

effect, influence

moderation

moderationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + moderation | moderation + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgreatVERB + moderationcall for, preachThe government called for greater moderation on the part of the unions.practise/practice, showmoderation + VERBbe the key to sthModeration is the key to good health.PREPOSITIONin moderationDrinking alcohol is fine in moderation.with moderationAlways act with moderation.

moderator

moderatornoun

Moderator is used after these nouns:

debate, panel

modern

modernadj.

Modern is used with these nouns:

ballet, age, agriculture, amenity, apartment, appliance, Arabic, architect, architecture, army, art, artist, biology, building, bungalow, capitalism, Catholicism, civilization, classic, combat, comfort, composer, concept, conception, consciousness, conservatism, context, convenience, copy, counterpart, culture, dance, democracy, descendant, design, drama, dress, drug, ear, economics, economist, economy, English, epoch, equipment, equivalent, era, facility, factory, farming, fashion, feminism, feminist, fiction, flat, furniture, gadget, Greek, Hebrew, historian, history, home, hotel, hymn, incarnation, industry, instrument, invention, jazz, Judaism, kitchen, language, liberalism, life, lifestyle, linguistics, literature, look, luxury, machinery, mammal, marriage, medicine, military, miracle, movement, music, musical, myth, mythology, nation, novel, painter, painting, phenomenon, philosopher, philosophy, physicist, physics, piece, poet, poetry, politics, pub, recording, refinement, resort, revival, rock, scholar, science, sculptor, sculpture, shopping centre, skyscraper, slang, slant, slavery, society, spin, standard, style, system, taste, technique, technology, terminology, theatre, theory, thinker, thinking, thought, time, tourist, twist, understanding, university, usage, version, view, viewer, waltz, warfare, warship, woman, world, writer, youth

modern-day

modern-dayadj.

Modern-day is used with these nouns:

equivalent, slavery

modernist

modernistadj.

Modernist is used with these nouns:

architect, architecture, art, cinema, painter, poet, poetry, tradition, writer

modernization

modernizationnoun

Modernization is used before these nouns:

modernize

modernizeverb

Modernize is used with these nouns as the object:

country, economy, military, system

modest

modestadj.

adj.1 not having a high opinion of your own abilities2 not very large, expensive, important, etc.1 not having a high opinion of your own abilitiesVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, look, remain, seemADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.genuinelyfalselyShe would be falsely modest not to acknowledge that she had come a very long way since those early days.PREPOSITIONaboutHe is modest about his achievements.

2 not very large, expensive, important, etc.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seemOur requirements seem fairly modest.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.comparatively, relativelyHe is looking to improve on his relatively modest achievements so far.apparentlysurprisinglyPREPOSITIONinThe new homes are modest in scale, but very comfortable.

Modest is used with these nouns:

aim, ambition, breakfast, budget, circumstance, comfort, contribution, decline, decrease, degree, dwelling, effect, expectation, expenditure, extension, fall, fee, flat, gain, goal, growth, home, house, improvement, income, increase, investment, means, number, outlay, premises, profit, programme, proportion, proposal, quantity, recovery, reduction, reform, return, rise, salary, scale, share, size, success, sum, target

modestly

modestlyadv.

Modestly is used with these adjectives:

furnished, successful

Modestly is used with these verbs:

dress, improve, live, price, shrug

modesty

modestynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + modesty | modesty + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcharacteristic, natural (esp. BrE), typicalShe accepted their congratulations with typical modesty.falsefeminineHer strong will was hidden behind apparent feminine modesty.VERB + modestydisplay, showpreserveI wore a towel to preserve my modesty.modesty + VERBforbid sbModesty forbade me from mentioning that my novel had been published.PREPOSITIONwith modestyShe spoke with characteristic modesty.modesty abouthis modesty about his achievements

modification

modificationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + modification | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEconsiderable, extensive, majorminor, slightfurtherimportant, necessary, significantbehaviour/behavior, behavioural/behavioral, dietary, lifestyleA diagnosis of diabetes necessitates some dietary modifications.chemical, geneticpeople opposed to the genetic modification of plantsstructuralVERB + modificationinvolve, need, requireThe design requires considerable modification.propose, recommend, suggestcarry out, introduce, make, undertake (esp. AmE)receive, undergoThe original plan had undergone fairly extensive modifications.PREPOSITIONwith modification, without modificationThese bikes are designed for racing and cannot be used on the road without modification.modification inA modification in the law has not led to an increase in prosecutions.a modification in smoking behaviour/behavior among older menmodification toWe need to make a few modifications to the proposals.

modified

modifiedadj.

Modified is used with these nouns:

Modify is used with these nouns as the subject:

modify

modifyverb

verbADVERB | VERB + modify | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBconsiderably, drastically, extensively, greatly, heavily, profoundly, radically, significantly, substantiallyThe original text has been modified so radically that it is barely recognizable.a bit, a little, slightly, somewhatgraduallyconstantlyspeciallyappropriately, suitablyaccordinglychemically, geneticallygenetically modified organismsstructurallyVERB + modifyhave to, need toYou may need to modify your plans a little.PREPOSITIONforWe can modify the service for local conditions.PHRASEShighly modifiedin a modified formThese ideas are still used today, though in a slightly modified form.modified to fit sth, modified to suit sthStories and characters had to be modified to fit a 21st-century audience.a modified versionA highly modified version of the program is being used.

adjective, adverb

Modify is used with these nouns as the object:

approach, behaviour, code, design, file, noun, practice, property, setting, style, verb, view

modulation

modulationnoun

Modulation is used after these nouns:

frequency

module

modulenoun

noun1 part of machine, computer, etc.2 (esp. BrE) unit of study1 part of machine, computer, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + moduleADJECTIVEcommand, lunarthe tiny command module of the spaceshipmemory, RAM, softwareYou can buy memory modules to increase storage capacity.add-on, plug-inVERB + moduleadd, configure, install, load

2 (esp. BrE) unit of studyADJECTIVE | VERB + moduleADJECTIVEindividualcompulsory, optionalonlineParticipants who complete 10 online modules will receive their certificates in June.VERB + moduledo, studyI'm doing two optional modules.completedivide sth intoThe course material is divided into four modules.

mogul

mogulnoun

Mogul is used after these nouns:

film, media, movie, music

moist

moistadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, lookHer skin felt moist and feverish.become, growBeth's dark eyes grew moist as she kissed her son.remain, staykeep sthKeep the atmosphere in your greenhouse slightly moist throughout the spring.ADVERBverya little, slightly, etc.evenlyTry to keep the soil evenly moist.PREPOSITIONwithHis fingers were becoming moist with sweat.

Moist is used with these nouns:

air, cake, condition, earth, eye, lip, sand, skin, soil

moisten

moistenverb

Moisten is used with these nouns as the object:

cloth, lip

moisture

moisturenoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF MOISTURE | VERB + moisture | moisture + VERB | moisture + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEexcesssoilbodysurface… OF MOISTUREbead, dropVERB + moistureabsorb, draw, draw in, draw up, wick (esp. AmE), wick away (esp. AmE)Wind is caused by the sun drawing up moisture from the earth.conserve, hold, hold in, retain, traplosemoisture + VERBget in, penetrate sthTiles stop moisture from penetrating your walls.evaporatemoisture + NOUNcontent, levellossbuild-upVentilation helps prevent moisture build-up.PREPOSITIONmoisture inthe moisture in the soil

moisturize

moisturizeverb

Moisturize is used with these nouns as the object:

moisturizing

moisturizingadj.

Moisturizing is used with these nouns:

cream, lotion, shampoo

mold

moldnoun

noun (AmE) See mould

molded

moldedadj.

Molded is used with these nouns:

plastic

moldy

moldyadj.

Moldy is used with these nouns:

mole

molenoun

noun1 animal2 person3 mark on the skin1 animalmole + VERBmole + VERBburrow, dig, tunnel

2 personVERB + moleVERB + moleplantThey suspected that a mole had been planted in the organization.

3 mark on the skinADJECTIVE | VERB + moleADJECTIVEhairyraisedVERB + moleremove

molecular

molecularadj.

Molecular is used with these nouns:

biologist, biology, compound, genetics, mass, mechanism, structure

molecule

moleculenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + molecule | molecule + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcomplexsimpleindividual, singleThere may be several hundred amino acids in a single protein molecule.stableCO₂, DNA, hydrogen, water, etc.VERB + moleculeformattach, bindmolecule + VERBcombinebe composed of sth, contain sthinteractPREPOSITIONmolecule oftwo molecules of hydrogen

molest

molestverb

Molest is used with these nouns as the object:

molestation

molestationnoun

Molestation is used before these nouns:

Molestation is used after these nouns:

molester

molesternoun

Molester is used after these nouns:

molten

moltenadj.

Molten is used with these nouns:

copper, gold, lead, metal, rock

mom

momnoun

noun (AmE) See mum

moment

momentnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + moment | moment + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbrief, fleeting, passinglongprecious, rareThey were making the most of those last precious moments together.intimate, quietanxious, awful, awkward, embarrassing, heart-stopping, tense, terrifyingFor one heart-stopping moment, we thought she was going to fall.bad, difficultThat was a bad moment in my life.odd, spareCould you look through this report when you have a spare moment?exact, particular, precise, veryI felt at home here from the very moment I arrived.good, opportune, perfect, rightI don't think this is the right moment to ask for a bonus.inopportune, wrongbig, critical, crucial, decisive, defining, important, key, pivotal, seminal, watershedI didn't want to screw up my big moment.We have reached a critical moment in the negotiations.historic, historicalclimactic, dramaticblissful, glorious, magic, magical, marvellous/marvelous, memorable, unforgettable, wonderfulemotional, poignant, tender, touchingfunny, humorousThis is one of the book's funniest moments.crowning, finest, great, happiest, proudest, shining (esp. AmE)Her finest moment came when she won the Nobel Prize.unguardedShe let the news slip in an unguarded moment.senior (humorous) (= a forgetful occasion)It was a bad time to have a senior moment.final, lastWhy do you leave it until the last possible moment before getting ready?VERB + momentlast, takeThe feeling only lasted a moment.This won't take a moment.hesitate (for), pause (for), wait (for)She paused a moment to reflect.spendI spent a few moments thinking what I was going to say.give sb, spare (sb)I can only spare you a moment, I'm afraid.enjoy, relish, savour/savorVictory was sweet, and she relished every moment.cherish, treasureI treasure the moments we spent together.recall, relive, rememberAfterwards she relived every moment in her head.dreadI dread the moment when she finds out.choose, pick, seizeHe's in a bad mood today—you need to choose your moment carefully.captureI managed to capture the moment on film.moment + VERBarrive, come, occurThe moment had finally come to make a move.passHe opened his mouth to say he loved her, but the moment passed.PREPOSITIONafter a/the momentAfter a moment we followed him.at a/the momentAt that very moment the phone rang.He might wake up at any moment.for a/the momentShe paused for a moment.from a/the momentI loved her from the first moment I met her.in a/the momentI'll be back in a moment.in her rare moments of leisuremoment ina great moment in the country's historymoment ofat the moment of deathIt was the proudest moment of my entire life.There was a moment of silence.PHRASESat a given moment, at any given momentYou need to be aware of what you are doing at any given moment.every waking momentI don't expect to spend every waking moment at work.a few momentsCould you wait a few moments?in the heat of the momentIn the heat of the moment she forgot what she wanted to say.a moment agoHe was here just a moment ago.a moment laterA moment later, the ceiling fell in.a moment longer, a moment moreI couldn't stand it a moment longer.a moment or twoI stood there for a moment or two.never a dull momentThere's never a dull moment in this job.not a moment too soonthe present momentAt the present moment, we do not have a choice.

momentarily momentary

momentaryadj.

Momentary is used with these nouns:

confusion, distraction, elation, fame, flash, glimpse, hesitation, lapse, panic, pause, pleasure, respite, silence

momentous

momentousadj.

Momentous is used with these nouns:

change, decision, event, news, occasion, year

momentum

momentumnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + momentum | momentum + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsiderable, great, tremendousirresistible, irreversible, unstoppableinitialfresh (esp. BrE)She gave fresh momentum to the campaign.downward, forward, upwardThere's no forward momentum in the movie.politicalThere is plenty of political momentum behind the proposed changes.VERB + momentumhaveThe campaign for change now has considerable momentum.build up, gain, gather, increaseThe car gathered momentum as it rolled down the hill.create, generate, give sth, providekeep up, maintain, sustainloseThe team has lost momentum in recent weeks.regainslowmomentum + VERBbuild up, increasecarry sb/sthHer momentum carried her through the door.goTheir momentum has gone, and they feel they cannot fight any longer.PREPOSITIONmomentum forWe must keep up the momentum for reform.momentum towards/towardthe irresistible momentum towards/toward reunification of the two countriesPHRASESkeep the momentum goingWe have to keep the momentum of our sales operation going.

monarch

monarchnoun

nounADJECTIVE | monarch + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEreigningabsoluteconstitutionalmonarch + VERBreign, rulePHRASESthe power of the monarcha new law which limited the power of the monarch

monarchy

monarchynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + monarchyADJECTIVEstrong, weakabsoluteconstitutional, parliamentaryhereditaryVERB + monarchyestablish, set uphaveThe country still has a strong monarchy.abolishthe arguments for abolishing the monarchyoverthrowrebels trying to overthrow the monarchyrestore

monastery

monasterynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + monastery | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgreatthe great monastery of St-Quentinancient, medieval, oldruinedBenedictine, Dominican, etc.Buddhist, Tibetan, ZenVERB + monasteryenter, go into, joinHe entered a monastery as a young man.leavefoundThe monastery was founded in 1665.PREPOSITIONat a/the monasteryYou can stay at the monastery.in a/the monasteryHe lived in a monastery for most of his life.

monastic

monasticadj.

Monastic is used with these nouns:

order, vow

Monday

Mondaynoun

monetary

monetaryadj.

Monetary is used with these nouns:

compensation, discipline, donation, economics, economy, expansion, gain, gift, incentive, instability, integration, penalty, policy, prize, reform, regime, restraint, reward, stability, stimulus, system, transaction, unification, union, unit, value

money

moneynoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF MONEY | VERB + money | money + VERB | money + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbigThere is big money in golf for the top players.easyHe started stealing as a way of making easy money.bonus, extraWhenever I have a little extra money, I buy clothes.hard-earnedfederal (AmE), government, public, taxpayers'Is this a good way to spend taxpayers' money?privatecorporatepin, pocket (esp. BrE), spendingDid your parents give you pocket money when you were little?I don't know how much spending money to take on honeymoon.gas (AmE), lunch, petrol (BrE), rentShe gave him $5 lunch money.He spent their rent money on beer.bailprizegrant, scholarshipsponsorshipborrowed, stolendirtybribe, ransomThey demanded $1 million in ransom money.hush, protectionThe company paid hush money to the victims to keep them quiet.soft (AmE)He contributed $180 000 in soft money (= unregulated political donations)to the party committee.pension, retirementseedoilThe new airport terminal was built with oil money.paperThe collection box was full of coins and paper money.counterfeit, fake (esp. AmE)Monopoly, play (esp. AmE)… OF MONEYamount, sumthe large sums of money we handle in this storeVERB + moneyhaveI don't have any money left.coin, printcount, count outborrow, bring in, collect, earn, get, make, raise, receiveHe hoped the plan would bring in quite a bit of money.Some people were in the street collecting money for charity.How much money did he earn last year?I'll have to get some more money from somewhere.bank, deposit, pay in, pay into the bank, put in the bank, put into the bankThe stallholders bank their money at the end of the day.I need to pay this money in today.I pay my money into the bank as soon as I get paid.draw out, get out, take out, withdrawdivert, move, transferThe money was transferred into an offshore bank account.pay out, shell out, spendI spent all the money on clothes.fritter away, lose, squander, throw away, wasteShe lost a lot of money at the casino.He squandered his money on gambling.run out ofWe ran out of money and had to come home early.be careful with, hoard, save, set aside, stash awayan old miser who hoarded his moneyWe're trying to set some money aside for a new car.She stashed the money away in the bank.invest, tie upThey sensibly invested their prize money rather than spending it.All their money was tied up in long-term investments.pour, pump, put, sinkInvestors were pouring money into Internet start-ups.He sank most of his money into his struggling business.contribute, donate, give sb, lend sb, loan sb (esp. AmE), pay (sb), provide (sb with), put upHalf the money raised was donated to charity.He managed to persuade his friend to put up the money for the venture.give (sb) back, pay (sb) back, refund (sb), repay (sb)I'll pay the money back next week, I promise.The manager was unwilling to refund my money.owe (sb)They owe lots of people money.pool, shareThe friends pooled their money to buy tickets.accept, takeI don't think they'll accept Mexican money on the plane.The stores were very happy to take his money.costThese cars cost a lot of money.All these improvements will cost money.be worthThat painting is worth a lot of money.change, exchangeWe changed our money into dollars at the airport.allocate, earmarkThe quality of public health care depends on the amount of money allocated to it.This money has been earmarked for public projects.channel, direct, funnel (AmE)Some of this money was funneled to secret CIA programs.embezzle, extort, siphon off, stealGovernment officials were siphoning off money for personal gain.launderHe was charged with laundering money.money + VERBcome from sthMoney for the extension to the gallery came from the sale of old exhibits.go (on sth), go toI don't know where all the money goes!All his money went on women.Most of the money went to pay for food.come in, flow in, pour in, pour into sthShe had two children to support and no money coming in.buy sththe best car that money can buymoney + NOUNmanagementmanagerYou could consider hiring a professional money manager.problemslaunderinglaunderermarketHe made a fortune dealing on the money markets.supplyThe solution to inflation lies in the control of the money supply.box (esp. BrE)order (AmE)PREPOSITIONfor moneyHe'll do anything for money!money forWhere's the money for the milk?PHRASESbet money on sth, put money on sthHe's going to leave. I'd bet money on it.He stopped to put money on a horse.get money off sthYou might get some money off the price if it's an old model.get your money's worthThe boat trip lasts three hours, so you certainly get your money's worth.on the moneyHis prediction was right on the money.put money in sb's pocketThe Senate recognized the need to put more money in the pockets of dairy farmers.the smart money is on sth, the smart money says sthThe smart money is on Brazil to win.take money off sthHe felt sorry for her and took some money off her bill.throw money at sthThey tend to throw money at problems without trying to work out the best solution.throw your money aroundHe thinks he can make friends by throwing his money around.value for moneyThe hotel gives value for money.

money-back

money-backadj.

Money-back is used with these nouns:

guarantee

moneyed

moneyedadj.

Moneyed is used with these nouns:

elite

money laundering

money launderingnoun

Money laundering is used before these nouns:

ring, scheme

moneymaking

moneymakingadj.

Moneymaking is used with these nouns:

scheme, venture

money-market

money-marketadj.

Money-market is used with these nouns:

money-off

money-offadj.

Money-off is used with these nouns:

coupon, voucher

money-saving

money-savingadj.

Money-saving is used with these nouns:

tip

mongrel

mongreladj.

Mongrel is used with these nouns:

Monitor is used with these nouns as the subject:

monitor

monitornounverb

I. noun1 television/computer screen2 machine that records/checks sth3 sb who checks sth is done fairly/correctly1 television/computer screenADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcolour/colordigitalCCTV, computer, PC, television, TV, videoflat-panel, flat-screen, LCD, touch-screenPREPOSITIONon a/the monitorThe security staff can see the outside of the building on their CCTV monitors.

2 machine that records/checks sthADJECTIVE | monitor + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEbaby, foetal/fetal, heart, heart-rate, oxygen, pulse, radiationmonitor + VERBdetect sthdisplay sth, show sthThe heart monitor shows the strength of your pulse.beep, flickerPHRASEShooked up to a monitorHe was lying there hooked up to a heart monitor.

3 sb who checks sth is done fairly/correctlyADJECTIVEADJECTIVEUNUN monitors declared the referendum fair.ceasefire, electioncourt-appointed (AmE)hall (AmE), school

II. verbADVERB | VERB + monitor | PREPOSITIONADVERBcarefully, closely, rigorously (esp. BrE), strictlyTelevision advertising is strictly monitored.periodically, regularly, routinely, systematicallyconstantly, continually, continuouslyeffectively, properlyautomaticallyremotelyelectronicallyVERB + monitorbe able toWe will now be able to monitor its progress more closely.continue toThe authorities will continue to monitor the situation.PREPOSITIONforThe workers are constantly monitored for exposure to radiation.

condition, observer, satellite

Monitor is used with these nouns as the object:

activity, call, change, development, effect, effectiveness, election, email, emission, expenditure, health, heartbeat, impact, implementation, level, movement, performance, pollution, progress, progression, quality, radiation, radioactivity, situation, temperature, test, traffic, usage

monitoring

monitoringnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + monitoring | monitoring + NOUNADJECTIVEcareful, close, systematicfrequent, periodic, regularlong-term, ongoingconstant, continuousroutineThe problem was discovered during routine monitoring.independentenvironmentalcardiac, foetal/fetalelectronicMany employers are resorting to electronic monitoring of their workforce.remoteVERB + monitoringneed, requireIt is a problem that requires constant monitoring.monitoring + NOUNagency, body, committee, group, network, organization, team, unita UN monitoring teamdevice, equipmentprocedure, process, systemprogramme/programvisit

II. adj.

Monitoring is used with these nouns:

device, system

monk

monknoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + monk | monk + VERBADJECTIVEBuddhist, Tibetan, ZenChristianBenedictine, Dominican, Trappist, etc.medievalnoviceVERB + monkbecomemonk + VERBchant

monkey

monkeynoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF MONKEYS | monkey + VERBADJECTIVEcapuchin, howler, rhesus, etc.… OF MONKEYShorde, troopmonkey + VERBchatterhang, swingmonkeys swinging from branch to branch

mono

monoadj.

Mono is used with these nouns:

mix, recording, sound

monochrome

monochromeadj.

Monochrome is used with these nouns:

display, image, painting, printer

monogamous

monogamousadj.

Monogamous is used with these nouns:

male, marriage, pair, relationship

monolingual

monolingualadj.

Monolingual is used with these nouns:

dictionary

monologue

monologuenoun

(AmE also monolog) nounADJECTIVE | VERB + monologue | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEinner, interior, internalextended, lengthy, long, ramblingshortcomic, dramaticopeningVERB + monologuedeliver, do, go into, launch into, reciteShe delivered her monologue in a deadpan voice.an entertainer who does comic monologuesPREPOSITIONmonologue aboutShe launched into a long monologue about how wonderful the company was.monologue onHe went straight into a rambling monologue on the state of the country.

mononucleosis

mononucleosisnoun

(also mono) noun (AmE)

monopolize

monopolizeverb

Monopolize is used with these nouns as the object:

market

monopoly

monopolynoun

noun1 control by one company2 organization1 control by one companyADJECTIVE | VERB + monopoly | monopoly + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEeffective, near, virtualabsolute (esp. AmE), totalgovernment, statelocal, nationalnaturalWater is a natural monopoly.VERB + monopolyenjoy, exercise, have, holdThe company has a virtual monopoly in world markets.create, establish, gain, get, secure, set upkeep, maintain, preserve, retainlosegive sb, grant sbchallengecompanies who are challenging the state monopoliesbreak, break up, endattempts to break the company's monopoly of the sugar industrymonopoly + NOUNpositionThe company was able to exploit its monopoly position.control, powerThe company used its monopoly control to charge exorbitant fees.PREPOSITIONmonopoly inThey created a monopoly in the export of wool.monopoly ofOne company holds a monopoly of the raw materials.monopoly onThe company lost its monopoly on exporting beer to India.monopoly overThey will fight to maintain their monopoly over local bus services.

2 organizationADJECTIVEADJECTIVEpublic, state, state-controlled, state-ownedthe privatization of state-owned monopolies such as the gas and electricity industriesgiant, powerfulprivatestatutorygas, oilthe giant gas monopoly GazprommediaIt was one of the first new-media companies to take on Latin America's media monopolies.

monosyllabic

monosyllabicadj.

Monosyllabic is used with these nouns:

reply, word

monotheistic

monotheisticadj.

Monotheistic is used with these nouns:

monotone

monotoneadj.

Monotone is used with these nouns:

monotonous

monotonousadj.

Monotonous is used with these nouns:

drone, regularity, routine, work

monounsaturated

monounsaturatedadj.

Monounsaturated is used with these nouns:

monozygotic

monozygoticadj.

Monozygotic is used with these nouns:

Monsoon is used before these nouns:

monsoon

monsoonnoun

nounADJECTIVE | monsoon + VERB | monsoon + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEsummer, wintermonsoon + VERBset inThe monsoon sets in during April.monsoon + NOUNrains, seasonPREPOSITIONduring a/the monsoonIt is much more difficult to travel during the monsoon.

rain, season, storm

monster

monsternounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + monster | monster + VERBADJECTIVEbig, giant, huge, largehideous, horrible, uglybug-eyed, hairycheap sci-fi movies with bug-eyed monsterssix-eyed, three-headed, etc.evil, heartless, inhumanWhat sort of inhuman monster could do such a thing?alien, mythical, prehistoricseaVERB + monstercreate (often figurative)The government has created a bureaucratic monster.battle, defeat, destroy, fight, kill, slay, vanquish (often figurative)He wanted to fight the monster of poverty.be inhabited bya barren wilderness inhabited by monstersmonster + VERBattack sb/sth, devour sb/sth, kill sb/sthlurkgrowl, roar

II. adj.

Monster is used with these nouns:

storm, truck

monstrous

monstrousadj.

Monstrous is used with these nouns:

beast, creature, lie

montage

montagenoun

Montage is used after these nouns:

month

monthnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + month | month + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElast, pastThe past few months have been hectic.preceding, previous, recentcurrentcoming, ensuing, following, future, next, upcoming (esp. AmE)Winning stories will be published in the magazine in future months.consecutive, straight, successivealternateinterveningTo occupy the intervening months she took a temporary job.entire, full, wholePerformances were banned for the entire month of June.We've been here five whole months now.shortIn just a few short months he was promoted to manager.early, laterthe early months of 2003closing, finalLaura is in the final months of pregnancy with her first child.cold, dry, hot, warm, wetspring, summer, etc.hot summer monthsholythe Muslim holy month of RamadanlunarcalendarrecordThis has been a record month for sales.busyDecember is a busy month for most shops.VERB + monthspendHe spent about a month decorating the house.takeIt took months to find another job.waitI waited six months for them to reply to my letter.month + VERBelapse, go by, passPREPOSITIONby the monthpaid by the monthduring a/the month of, in a/the month ofThe festival is always held in the month of May.for a month, for monthsIt hasn't rained for months.in a monthWe're getting married in a month/in a month's time.over a month, under a monthI've been working on the illustration for over a month.per monthWhat does the salary work out as per month?month ofThe months of July and August are the hottest.PHRASESthe months leading up to sthThe President was involved in discussions in the months leading up to the war.time of the monthOur money's usually running low by this time of the month.

month-long

month-longadj.

Month-long is used with these nouns:

recess

monthly

monthlyadj.adv.

I. adj.

Monthly is used with these nouns:

allowance, average, basis, budget, bulletin, check-up, cheque, circulation, contribution, cost, cycle, deduction, expense, feature, fee, gain, income, increase, instalment, interest, invoice, journal, magazine, meeting, output, pass, pay, payment, pension, period, premium, quota, ration, rent, rental, repayment, report, return, rise, salary, spending, subscription, sum, survey, total, update

II. adv.

Monthly is used with these verbs:

update

monument

monumentnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + monument | monument + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEancient, historic, historicalnational, publicgreat, important, majorfamousfittingThe new boat is a fitting monument to the crew members who lost their lives.lastingThe museum was built as a lasting monument to the civil war.funeraryarchitecturalreligiousgranite, stone, etc.VERB + monumentstand asThe tower stands as a monument to the invasion of the island.commissionA monument has been commissioned in his memory.build, construct, create, erect, put upunveilpreserve, protectthe best preserved Roman monument in Britaindestroy, removeMonuments to the former ruler were all removed.monument + VERBbe, standThe monument will stand just inside the cathedral.PREPOSITIONas a monumentmonument ofmonuments of the army's past campaignsmonument toThe statue was built as a monument to victims of the war.

monumental

monumentaladj.

Monumental is used with these nouns:

achievement, arch, challenge, inscription, proportion, scale, sculpture, task, undertaking

monumentally

monumentallyadv.

Monumentally is used with these adjectives:

stupid

moo

mooverb

Moo is used with these nouns as the subject:

cow

mood

moodnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + mood | mood + VERB | mood + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEcheerful, cheery, good, happy, jovial, pleasantShe was not in the best of moods.bullish (BrE), buoyant, confident (esp. BrE), jubilant (esp. BrE), optimistic, positive, upbeatShe was in an upbeat mood about the future of the company.bad, black, foul, rotten, sour, terriblenegative, pessimisticdark, depressed, gloomy, melancholy, sad, sombre/somberbitchy (informal), grumpy, irritablecontemplative, introspective, pensive, reflective, serious, sober, thoughtfulexpansive, talkativemellow, relaxedchangingI can't keep up with his constantly changing moods.defiant (esp. BrE)The workers were in defiant mood as they entered the tribunal.generousfunny (esp. BrE), strange, weirdHe's in a funny mood today—who knows how he'll react?playfulcelebratory, festiveIt was Christmas and everyone was in a festive mood.romanticnational, popular, publica president who can gauge the popular moodgeneral, overallThe overall mood was optimistic.current, prevailingthe prevailing mood in the country at the timeVERB + moodbe inDon't talk to Miranda today—she's in a terrible mood!get sb in, put sb inThe music helped to put them in a more relaxed mood.create, evokeaffectmatch, reflect, suitChoose clothes to match your mood.The weather seemed to reflect his dark mood.conveycapture, catcha movie that has captured the mood of the momentgaugeread, senseNicky seemed able to read her mood.He could sense her gloomy mood.establish, setThe right music sets the mood for such a great moment.break, kill, ruin, spoilHis comments pretty much killed the mood for the rest of the show.dampen, darkenNot wanting to dampen her good mood, I quickly changed the subject.boost, brighten, elevate, enhance, improve, lift, lightenIt immediately brightened her mood and brought a smile to her face.regulateSerotonin is a brain chemical which regulates mood.mood + VERBchange, shiftbecome … , grow … , turn … The crowd's mood abruptly turned violent.darkenbrighten, improve, lift, lightenHis mood lifted as he concentrated on his driving.mood + NOUNchange, swingAfter the accident he suffered violent mood swings.statethe challenge of coping with negative mood statesdisorder, disturbanceMood disorders can disrupt relationships.symptomsPHRASESbe in no mood for sthI tried to make him laugh, but he was in no mood for jokes.a change of moodInstantly he felt her change of mood.when the mood strikes youShe could be a very funny girl when the mood struck her.

mood-altering

mood-alteringadj.

Mood-altering is used with these nouns:

moody

moodyadj.

Moody is used with these nouns:

lighting, teenager

moon

moonnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + moon | moon + VERB | moon + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbrightA bright moon shone high overhead.palelarge, smallcrescent, full, gibbous, half, harvest, new, quarterwaning, waxingrisingicySaturn's icy moonsVERB + mooncover, hideA large black cloud covered the moon.fly to, go to, land on, reachcolonizeexploreorbitdiscoverGalileo discovered the moons of Jupiter.moon + VERBappear, come out, riseglow, shineilluminate sth, light sth, light up sthsetThe moon had almost set and the night was now dark.wane, waxhang, hoverThe full moon hung high in the night sky.orbit sthpassDuring the eclipse, the moon passed between the sun and the Earth.be reflected in sth, reflect off sthThe moon reflected perfectly off the surface of the water.cast sthThe moon cast its soft glow on the earth below.moon + NOUNlandingbaseThe agency wants to establish a permanent moon base.rocketmissionan astronaut who was killed during the first moon missioncycle, phaseThe calendar gives you sunset times as well as moon phases.god, goddessPREPOSITIONon the moonthe first man to walk on the moonunder a/the moonThe road shone frostily under the full moon.PHRASESthe light of the moonThey had to work by the light of the moon.the surface of the moon

moonless

moonlessadj.

Moonless is used with these nouns:

night, sky

moonlight

moonlightnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF MOONLIGHT | moonlight + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbrightdim, faint, pale, softsilver… OF MOONLIGHTshafta single shaft of moonlightmoonlight + VERBfilter, glint, shine, streamthe faint moonlight filtering through the stained glass windowshit sthThe moonlight hit her face perfectly.illuminate sthreflect off sthdance, fallThe pale moonlight danced across his skin.PREPOSITIONby moonlightThe castle looks fantastic by moonlight.in the moonlight, under the moonlightThe leaves were silver in the moonlight.PHRASESbe bathed in moonlight, gleam, glint, shine, etc. in the moonlightThe fields were bathed in bright moonlight that night.His helmet glinted in the moonlight.

moonlit

moonlitadj.

Moonlit is used with these nouns:

night, sky, stroll

moor

moornounverb

I. noun (esp. BrE)ADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbleak, desolate, open, wild, windsweptPREPOSITIONacross the moorthe wind blowing across the moorsdown from the moorthe slopes leading down from the mooron the moorWe got lost on the moors.over the moorDon't walk over the moors in bad weather.PHRASESthe edge of the moor

II. verb

Moor is used with these nouns as the object:

barge, boat, ship, vessel, yacht

mooring

mooringnoun

nounVERB + mooring | mooring + NOUNVERB + mooringbe torn from, break loose from, come loose from, slipDuring the storm several of our boats were torn from their moorings.The crowds cheered as the great ship slipped her moorings.mooring + NOUNline, post (esp. BrE), rope (esp. BrE)

moot

mootverbadj.

I. verb

Moot is used with these nouns as the object:

Moot is used with these nouns:

II. adj.

court, point

mop

mopnounverb

I. noun

Mop is used before these nouns:

bucket

II. verb

Mop is used with these nouns as the object:

brow, floor, forehead, sweat

mopping-up

mopping-upnoun

Mopping-up is used before these nouns:

operation

moral

moralnounadj.

I. noun1 practical lesson2 morals principles1 practical lessonVERB + moral | PREPOSITIONVERB + moraldrawThere are clear morals to be drawn from the failure of these companies.PREPOSITIONmoral toThere is a moral to the story.

2 morals principlesADJECTIVE | VERB + MORALS | PHRASESADJECTIVEgood, high, strongloose, lowsexualpublicpersonalChristianVERB + MORALShaveHe has absolutely no morals, that man!instil/instillShe was gradually instilling morals into her children.teach (sb)corruptPHRASESa decline in morals

II. adj.

Moral is used with these nouns:

accountability, agent, ambiguity, ambivalence, anarchy, argument, aspect, attitude, authority, awareness, bankruptcy, barometer, belief, blackmail, censure, certainty, character, choice, claim, climate, code, commitment, conduct, connotation, conscience, consideration, conviction, corruption, courage, cowardice, credibility, crisis, critique, crusade, decay, decency, decline, development, dilemma, dimension, disagreement, disapproval, distinction, distress, duty, equivalent, evil, fabric, faculty, failing, failure, fault, fervour, fibre, force, foundation, ground, grounding, guardian, guidance, idea, ideal, imagination, implication, improvement, indignation, inferiority, instruction, integrity, intuition, issue, judgement, justification, lapse, lead, leadership, lesson, majority, message, motivation, norm, objection, obligation, order, outlook, outrage, overtone, panic, passion, perfection, philosopher, philosophy, point of view, principle, problem, progress, purity, quality, question, reasoning, reflection, reform, responsibility, restraint, revulsion, right, rule, scruples, sense, sentiment, seriousness, shortcoming, significance, stance, stand, standard, standing, standpoint, stature, superior, superiority, support, tale, teaching, theology, tone, training, truth, universe, urgency, vacuum, value, victory, virtue, vision, weakness, wrong, yardstick

morale

moralenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + morale | morale + VERB | morale + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgood, highMorale is very high in the school.low, poornationalemployee, faculty (esp. AmE), staffcivilian, troopteamVERB + moraleaffect, be bad for, be damaging to, damage, hit (esp. BrE), hurt (esp. AmE), lower, sap, undermineThese unfortunate incidents sapped both our morale and our resources.be good for, bolster, boost, build, do wonders for, help, improve, lift, raise, restoremeasures designed to boost the morale of the policekeep up, maintainThe bonus helped maintain morale among the staff.destroymorale + VERBimprovedecline, plummet, sufferbe at rock bottom, hit rock bottom (both esp. BrE)morale + NOUNboost, boosterMail from home is a great morale booster for our soldiers.issue, problemThe army has a major morale problem.PREPOSITIONmorale amongMorale among nurses is suffering.PHRASESa crisis of morale, a loss of morale

morality

moralitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + morality | morality + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEconventional, traditionalstrictpersonal, privatecommon, public, socialpoliticalsexualhumanChristianbiblicalVERB + moralitylegislate (AmE)Should governments be legislating morality?questionimposepeople who wish to impose their morality on other peoplemorality + VERBbe based on sthHe believes that morality is based on instinct and feeling.PHRASESstandards of moralityShe criticized politicians' standards of personal morality.

morally moratorium

moratoriumnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + moratorium | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEsix-month, etc.nationalVERB + moratoriumhave, impose, place, putThe city placed a moratorium on industrial development in town.liftcall forannounce, declarePREPOSITIONmoratorium onThe government has called for a moratorium on weapons testing.

morbid

morbidadj.

Morbid is used with these nouns:

curiosity, fascination

mordant

mordantadj.

Mordant is used with these nouns:

wit

morganatic

morganaticadj.

Morganatic is used with these nouns:

moribund

moribundadj.

Moribund is used with these nouns:

morning

morningnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + morning | morning + VERB | morning + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEthis, tomorrow, yesterdayfollowing, nextpreviousFriday, Saturday, etc.weekday, weekendearly, lateThe side of the mountain appeared pink in the early morning light.April, May, etc.spring, summer, etc.beautiful, bright, clear, fine, glorious, lovely, sunny, warmchilly, cold, cool, crisp, dreary, foggy, frosty, grey/gray, misty, rainy, snowyfatefulAfter that fateful morning, my life changed.lazyWe had a lazy morning at home.peaceful, quietbusytypicalOn a typical morning, I'll have cereal for breakfast.VERB + morningspendI spent the morning doing some sightseeing.morning + VERBarrive, come, dawnThe morning dawned bright and sunny.pass, progress, wear onAs the morning wore on she became more and more tired.bring sthThe morning brought blue sky and golden clouds.morning + NOUNcoffee, teameal (esp. AmE)prayer, service, worshiphoursrush, rush hourflight, traffic, traincommute, drive, ridejog, swim, walk, workoutchores (esp. AmE)ritual, routineshiftbath, showerI took my usual morning shower and brushed my teeth.news, newspaper, paperbriefing, meetingprogramme/program, show, television (all esp. AmE)He was a presenter on a morning talk show.callclass, sessionair, breeze, dew, light, mist, sky, sun, sunlight, sunshinesicknesspersonI'm not a morning person (= I don't like mornings).PREPOSITIONby morningduring the morning, in the morningon Monday, etc. morning, on the morning of sthWe got the news on the morning of the wedding.towards/toward morningTowards/Toward morning the snow turned to rain.PHRASESfirst thing in the morningI'll see to it first thing in the morning.from morning till night, morning, noon and nightIt's all she talks about, morning, noon and night (= all the time).good morningHe didn't even say ‘Good morning’.the rest of the morning

morning-after

morning-afteradj.

Morning-after is used with these nouns:

pill

morosely

moroselyadv.

Morosely is used with these verbs:

stare

morphine

morphinenoun

Morphine is used before these nouns:

drip

morsel

morselnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + morsel | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEchoice, delicious, juicy, tasty (all often figurative)a juicy morsel of gossiplittle, tinyVERB + morseleatI couldn't eat another morsel.PREPOSITIONmorsel ofa few tiny morsels of bread

mortal

mortalnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVElesser, mere, ordinary (all usually humorous)I just assumed you were a mere mortal like the rest of us.a resort for celebrities as well as lesser mortalsfoolish

II. adj.

Mortal is used with these nouns:

blow, combat, danger, dread, enemy, existence, fear, peril, remains, sin

mortality

mortalitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + mortality | mortality + VERB | mortality + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEhigh, lowPoor hygiene led to high mortality among children.early, prematurea condition that often results in premature mortalityadult, child, infant, juvenilechildhoodhospitalVERB + mortalitycauseThe disease has caused widespread mortality.decrease, reducemeasures that should reduce infant mortalityincreasemortality + VERBincreasedecrease, fallmortality + NOUNlevel, ratedata, statisticsstudyriskincrease, reductionPREPOSITIONmortality amongMortality among immigrant groups was higher than average.mortality froma lower annual mortality from cancerPHRASESa decline in mortality, an increase in mortality

mortally

mortallyadv.

Mortally is used with these adjectives:

afraid, ill

Mortally is used with these verbs:

offend, wound

mortar

mortarnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + mortar | mortar + VERB | mortar + NOUNADJECTIVEheavyThey could not move their heavy mortars over the swampy ground.VERB + mortarbe armed with, haveTheir troops were armed with mortars and machine guns.firemortar + VERBburst, explodeThe occasional mortar burst near our truck.landhit sthmortar + NOUNattack, fireWe were under constant mortar fire.bomb, shellhit by a mortar shellroundplatooncarrier

Mortar is used before these nouns:

attack, barrage, bomb, fire, mix, round, shell

mortgage

mortgagenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + mortgage | mortgage + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, hugesmallcheapBanks often offer their employees cheap mortgages.endowment (BrE), repayment (BrE), reverse (AmE)adjustable-rate (AmE), fixed-rate, variable-rate (BrE)home, residentialfirst, secondHe raised the money by taking out a second mortgage on his house.VERB + mortgagehave, holdWe have a big mortgage.buy (AmE), get, take outThey were having trouble getting a mortgage.We'll have to take out a second mortgage to pay for this wedding!pay, pay off, redeem (esp. BrE), repay (esp. BrE)He wasn't earning enough to pay the mortgage.There are penalties if you want to redeem your mortgage early.fall behind on (esp. AmE), fall behind with (BrE), get behind on (esp. AmE)They fell behind with/on their mortgage, so their home was repossessed.sellrefinancemortgage + NOUNpayment, repayment (BrE)They were struggling to keep up with their mortgage payments.applicationloancreditdebtbusiness, industry, marketbanker, broker, company, lenderfinanceproductinsuranceinterest, ratemortgage interest payments (esp. BrE)a rise in mortgage ratesportfoliorefinancingPREPOSITIONmortgage ofa mortgage of $800 000mortgage onI couldn't get a mortgage on the property.

mortise

mortiseadj.

Mortise is used with these nouns:

lock

mortuary

mortuarynoun

Mortuary is used before these nouns:

slab

mosaic

mosaicnoun

Mosaic is used before these nouns:

tile

mosquito

mosquitonoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF MOSQUITOES | VERB + mosquito | mosquito + VERB | mosquito + NOUNADJECTIVEinfectedmalaria… OF MOSQUITOESswarmVERB + mosquitoswatHe swatted the mosquito with a newspaper.killattractrepelcontrolmosquito + VERBflybe out (esp. AmE)Stay indoors when mosquitoes are out.buzzbite (sb)carry sth, spread sthThis strain of mosquito carries malaria and yellow fever.mosquito + NOUNbiteI was awake all night scratching my mosquito bites.larvafish that feed on mosquito larvaespeciespopulationnetrepellentcontrol

mostly mote

motenoun

Mote is used after these nouns:

dust

motel

motelnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + motel | motel + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcheapseedysmalllocalVERB + motelcheck into, check out ofstay at, stay infindmotel + NOUNroomownerPREPOSITIONat a/the motel, in a/the motelWe spent a night at a motel on the way.

moth

mothnoun

Moth is used after these nouns:

silk

mother

mothernoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + motherADJECTIVElone, single, unmarried, unwedShe felt proud that she had raised four children as a lone mother.marriedwidoweddivorcedlesbianbiological, birth, natural, realsurrogateadoptive, custodial (AmE), fosteradolescent, teen (esp. AmE), teenage, youngageing/aging, elderly, oldailing, sickHe has cared for his sick mother for years.dead, deceased, latedyingcaring, devoted, excellent, good, loving, wonderfulproudthe proud mother of the bridedoting, overprotectivesterndomineering, overbearingabusivebad, unfitThe court decided she was an unfit mother.anxious (esp. BrE), distraught, frantic, worriedHer distraught mother had spent all night waiting by the phone.grievingexpectant, pregnantfirst-timenewfull-time, stay-at-homeworkingwelfare (AmE)low-incomebreastfeeding, nursingbeloved, dearhis beloved motherVERB + motherresemble, take afterThe boys were like their father, but Louise took after her mother.inherit sth fromShe inherited the urge to travel from her mother.

mothering

motheringnoun

Mothering is used before these nouns:

instinct

motherless

motherlessadj.

Motherless is used with these nouns:

motherly

motherlyadj.

Motherly is used with these nouns:

instinct, woman

mother-to-child

mother-to-childadj.

Mother-to-child is used with these nouns:

transmission

motif

motifnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + motifADJECTIVEcentral, dominantAlienation is a central motif in her novels.recurringvisualsimpleThe rug was decorated with a simple flower motif.decorative, ornamentalfish, flower, etc.The jacket has a rose motif on the collar.floralVERB + motifbe decorated with, have

motion

motionnoun

noun1 movement2 suggestion1 movementADJECTIVE | VERB + motion | motion + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEsmooth, steadyquick, rapid, swiftgentlecircular, rocking, rolling, sliding, swaying, sweeping, twistingbending, swinging, throwing, etc.He made throwing motions with his hands.rhythmicgracefuljerkyexaggeratedconstant, continuousrepetitivebackward, downward, forward, upwardside-to-sideanticlockwise (BrE), clockwise, counterclockwise (AmE)perpetualthe search for the secret of perpetual motionVERB + motionfeelShe could feel the rolling motion of the ship under her feet.detectmake, performHe made little flapping motions with his arms.repeatmimic, simulatereverserestrictToo tight a grip will restrict the natural motion in your hands.motion + NOUNdetector, sensorexerciseAfter surgery, patients should begin a range of motion exercises for the elbow.PREPOSITIONinto motionThe insects are stirred into motion by the heat of the sun.in motionDo not open the door when the train is in motion.PHRASESin a circular, smooth, etc. motionset sth in motion

2 suggestionVERB + motion | motion + VERB | PHRASESVERB + motionintroduce (esp. AmE), propose, put (BrE), put forward (BrE), table (= present) (BrE)Only delegates may introduce motions and vote.The motion was put before the conference.The board tabled a motion calling for her resignation.debate (esp. BrE), discussThe motion will be debated later today.vote onbe in favour/favor of, second, speak in favour/favor of (esp. BrE), support, vote foraccept (esp. BrE), adopt, approve, carry (BrE), passThe motion was passed by 165 votes to 78.be against, oppose, speak against, vote againstdefeat, rejectThe motion was defeated by 51 votes to 43.table (= postpone) (AmE)motion + VERBbe carried (BrE), carry (AmE)The motion (was) carried.PHRASESa motion of no confidence (esp. BrE)He proposed a motion of no confidence in the government.

motionless

motionlessadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, hang, kneel, lie, remain, sit, stand, stayThe flag hung motionless on its pole.ADVERBabsolutely, completely, perfectlyalmost, virtually

Motionless is used with these verbs:

sit, stand

motivate

motivateverb

Motivate is used with these nouns as the subject:

politics

Motivate is used with these nouns as the object:

employee, student

motivated

motivatedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, seembecomeget sbkeep sbADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highly, strongly, wella highly motivated group of workerswell-motivated studentspoorlyideologically, politically, raciallyThe attack was thought to be racially motivated.

Motivated is used with these nouns:

motivating

motivatingadj.

Motivating is used with these nouns:

motivation

motivationnoun

noun1 keenness and willingness to do sth2 a reason for doing sth1 keenness and willingness to do sthADJECTIVE | VERB + motivation | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreat, high, powerful, strongstudents with high motivationhis strong motivation to succeedpositivelow, poorextrastudentindividual, personalhumaninternal, intrinsicVERB + motivationhaveMany of the boys have very poor motivation.lackloseBy this time the children had lost all their motivation for writing poetry.generate, providehigh rewards that generate the necessary motivation in the workersenhance, improve, increase, strengthenreducemaintainPHRASESa lack of motivationlevel of motivationstudents who have a low level of motivation

2 a reason for doing sthADJECTIVE | VERB + motivation | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEmain, major, primary, primeonly, solereal, trueoriginalunderlyingunconsciousgreat, powerful, strongeconomic, moral, political, psychological, religious, sexualVERB + motivationhaveThey had very different motivations for creating the work.understandquestionexplainPREPOSITIONmotivation forhis main motivation for supporting the governmentmotivation inmy main motivation in making the suggestionmotivation behindthe primary motivation behind the government's intervention

motivational

motivationaladj.

Motivational is used with these nouns:

speaker, talk

motive

motivenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + motive | motive + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEhidden, ulteriorgood, strongI'd say he had a very strong motive for wanting her dead.altruistic, high, noble, pureHe was acting from the noblest of motives when he offered her money.base (formal), selfishevil, sinisterquestionablemain, primary, primereal, trueclear, obviousThere seemed to be no clear motive for the attack.underlyingShe was not sure what his underlying motives were.mixedWe give aid to other countries with mixed motives.humanpersonaleconomic, financial, political, racial (esp. BrE), religiousprofitVERB + motivebe inspired by (esp. BrE), haveShe knew that he was inspired by base motives.establish, find, find out, suggestThe police are still trying to establish a motive for the attack.provideThere must be something which provided a motive for these killings.be suspicious of, examine, impugn (formal), question, suspectHe was suspicious of her motives in inviting him into the house.She should examine her motives for marrying him.hideWe've become adept at hiding our true motives.explainHowever you explain the motives behind his actions, he was still wrong.revealknow, see, understandEveryone can see your true motives.motive + VERBdrive sb/sthspeculation that less noble motives were driving the country's foreign policyPREPOSITIONmotive inWhat was their motive in setting fire to the building?motive behindThere is no doubt about the motive behind it all.motive forThere may be a hidden motive for his departure.motive ofIt it is clear that they were acting from motives of revenge.PHRASESa variety of motivesI did it for a variety of motives.

motiveless

motivelessadj.

Motiveless is used with these nouns:

crime

motley

motleyadj.

Motley is used with these nouns:

assortment, bunch, collection, crowd

motor

motornoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + motor | motor + VERBADJECTIVElarge, powerfulsmall, tinydiesel, electricoutboarda boat with a powerful outboard motorrocketstarterVERB + motorstart, turn onturn offdrive, powerbuildmotor + VERBrun, workHe left the motor running.drive sth, power sthA powerful motor drives the wheel.

motorcycle

motorcyclenoun

(BrE also motorbike) nounADJECTIVE | VERB + motorcycle | motorcycle + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEpowerful250 cc, 600 cc, etc.vintage (esp. BrE)a collection of vintage motorcyclespoliceVERB + motorcycledrive (esp. AmE), rideHe's learning to ride a motorcycle.raceclimb on, get onclimb off, get offcome off (= fall off) (BrE), fall offHe died after falling off his motorcycle.parkrev, rev upa crowd of bikers all revving up their motorcyclesmotorcycle + NOUNridercop (informal, esp. AmE)maker, manufacturerrideraceaccident, crashsafetyclub, ganghelmetapparel (esp. AmE), boots, jacketengine, partsPREPOSITIONon a/the motorcycleHe was sitting on his motorcycle.PHRASESthe back of a motorcycleShe climbed onto the back of my motorcycle.

motoring

motoringnoun

Motoring is used before these nouns:

motorized

motorizedadj.

Motorized is used with these nouns:

cart, wheelchair

motor vehicle

motor vehiclenoun

Motor vehicle is used before these nouns:

accident

motorway

motorwaynoun

noun (in the UK)See also freewayADJECTIVE | VERB + motorway | motorway + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbusyfour-lane, three-lane, etc.orbital, urbanthe M25 London orbital motorwayVERB + motorwayjoinleave, turn offbuildmotorway + NOUNdriving, trafficnetwork, systembridge, junctionservice area, service stationcrash, pile-upFive people have been killed in a motorway pile-up.PREPOSITIONalong the motorway, down the motorway, up the motorwayShe was driving along the motorway.He sang as he rattled down the motorway.off the motorwayon the motorway, onto the motorwaymotorway from, motorway toWe were on the motorway to London.

motto

mottonoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + motto | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcompany (esp. BrE), family, school (esp. BrE), state (AmE)unofficialnewVERB + mottohaveSurfers have a motto: ‘Life's a beach and then you die’.becomeThat phrase ‘to the last man’ became the motto of the 135th Infantry,adopt, have sth as, use sth asHe was the first to coin the motto ‘Make love, not war’.Let's use that as our motto.PREPOSITIONmotto fora good motto for gardeners

mould

mouldnoun

(BrE) (AmE mold) noun1 hollow container2 type of sth3 organic growth1 hollow containerADJECTIVE | VERB + mould/mold | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEjello (AmE), jelly (BrE)terrineringpreparedFill the prepared moulds with ice cream.plastic, rubberVERB + mould/moldcast sth in, make sth inThe statues were cast in clay moulds.fill, pour sth intousecreate, makeremovePREPOSITIONin a/the mouldLeave the clay in the mould overnight.mould fora mould for a bronze statue

2 type of sthADJECTIVE | VERB + mould/mold | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEold (esp. AmE), traditionalVERB + mould/moldbe cast in, be from, come from, fit, fit intoShe is clearly from a different mould from her team mate.He doesn't fit into the usual mould of bosses.breakBreaking the traditional mould of local politics is not going to be easy.PREPOSITIONin a/the moulda young politician in the mould of the great statesmen of the past

3 organic growthADJECTIVE | VERB + mould/mold | mould/mold + VERB | mould/mold + NOUNADJECTIVEbread, leaf, slimetoxicVERB + mould/moldbe covered in, be covered withThe bread was covered in green mould.mould/mold + VERBform, growkillmould/mold + NOUNsporegrowthproblemhouses with mould problemscontaminationexposureallergy

moulded

mouldedadj.

Moulded is used with these nouns:

plastic

mouldy

mouldyadj.

Mouldy is used with these nouns:

Mount is used with these nouns as the subject:

mound

moundnoun

noun1 small hill2 pile1 small hillADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEhigh, largeThe church stands on a high mound just outside the town.low, smallgrassyburialant, termitePREPOSITIONon a/the mounda small tree on a grassy moundPHRASESthe foot of a mound, the top of a mound

2 pileADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, great, huge, largelittle, smalla small mound of leavesPREPOSITIONmound ofa great mound of paperwork

mount

mountverb

verb1 organize sth2 increase3 picture, jewel, etc.1 organize sthADVERBADVERBsuccessfullyThe company successfully mounted a takeover bid in 1996.

2 increaseADVERB | VERB + mountADVERBquickly, rapidlysteadilyupThe cost quickly mounts up.VERB + mountbegin to, continue to

3 picture, jewel, etc.ADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBbeautifullyThe prints were beautifully mounted.carefullydirectlyThe switch is mounted directly on the wall.horizontally, verticallypermanentlyPREPOSITIONinThe diamond is mounted in gold.onThe specimens were mounted on slides.

anger, evidence, excitement, fury, pressure, speculation, tension, toll

Mount is used with these nouns as the object:

antenna, argument, assault, attack, bicycle, bid, bike, blitz, camera, campaign, cannon, challenge, comeback, counter-attack, coup, crackdown, crusade, defence, display, effort, exercise, exhibit, exhibition, expedition, horse, invasion, kerb, ladder, offensive, operation, opposition, pavement, photograph, platform, raid, rally, resistance, response, search, stair, staircase, step, sting, verge

mountain

mountainnoun

noun1 very high hill2 large amount/number of sth1 very high hillADJECTIVE | … OF MOUNTAINS | VERB + mountain | mountain + VERB | mountain + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, great, high, large, tall, towering1 000 m, 3 000-foot, etc.smallsteeplowbeautiful, fine, majestic, mighty, spectacularsurroundingThe surrounding mountains make the city difficult to evacuate.distantremotevolcaniccraggy, jagged, rocky, ruggedsnow-capped, snow-covered, snowyholy, sacredthe holy mountain of the Lapp community… OF MOUNTAINSchain, rangea chain/range of mountainsVERB + mountainascend, climb, come up, go up, scalecome down, descend, go down, walk downwalk inWe enjoy walking in the mountains.crossoverlooka large window overlooking the mountainsmountain + VERBrise, soar, towerThe mountains here rise to well over 2 000 m.loomMountains loom in the distance.surround sthTowering mountains surrounded the town.overlook sthmountain + NOUNchain, rangearea, country, environment, region, terrainBetween the two towns was 50 miles of mountain country.pass, path, road, route, track, traillandscape, sceneryview, vistaface, peak, ridge, side, slope, top, valley, wallcaveglacierlake, streamairMany people come simply to enjoy the fresh mountain air.meadow, pastureforesttown, villagefastness (literary), fortress, strongholdcabin, hut, lodge, resort, retreatman (AmE)folk, peopleclimbing, walking (BrE)walk (BrE)climberguiderescuea mountain-rescue teambikebikerbikingsicknessgoat, gorilla, hare, lion (= puma) (AmE), etc.PREPOSITIONacross the mountain, over the mountain, through the mountaina pass through the mountainsdown a/the mountain, up a/the mountainShe arranged to meet the others halfway up the mountain.in the mountainsThis type of goat lives high up in the mountains.PHRASESthe flank of a mountain, the side of a mountain, the slope of a mountainthe bottom of a mountain, the foot of a mountain, the top of a mountain

2 large amount/number of sthADJECTIVE | VERB + mountain | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreat, massivedebt (esp. BrE)paper (esp. BrE)butter, sugar, etc. (BrE)They revealed a solution to reduce Europe's butter mountain.VERB + mountaingeneratereduce (esp. BrE)faceThe school was facing a mountain of debt.PHRASESa mountain of paper, a mountain of paperworkThe investigation generated a mountain of paperwork.

mountain bike

mountain bikenoun

Mountain bike is used before these nouns:

trail

mountainous

mountainousadj.

Mountainous is used with these nouns:

area, country, countryside, region, sea, terrain, wave

mounted

mountedadj.

Mounted is used with these nouns:

knight, patrol, police, soldier

mounting

mountingadj.

Mounting is used with these nouns:

anger, anxiety, concern, crime, crisis, criticism, debt, dread, evidence, excitement, frustration, opposition, panic, pressure, tension, toll, unrest

mount on

mount onphr verb

Mount on is used with these nouns as the object:

slide

mourn

mournverb

Mourn is used with these nouns as the object:

death, loss, passing

mournful

mournfuladj.

Mournful is used with these nouns:

cry, expression, melody, song, wail

mournfully

mournfullyadv.

Mournfully is used with these verbs:

shake

mourning

mourningnoun

noun1 sadness about sb's death2 clothes1 sadness about sb's deathADJECTIVE | VERB + mourning | mourning + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeepnational, officialpublicVERB + mourningbe in, go intoHe was in deep mourning for his dead wife.mourning + NOUNclothesPHRASESa day of mourning, a period of mourninga day of mourning for the victims of the tragedya state of mourning

2 clothesADJECTIVE | VERB + mourning | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfullVERB + mourningwearPREPOSITIONin mourningShe was still in full mourning six months after her son's death.

mouse

mousenoun

noun1 animal2 for a computer1 animalADJECTIVE | VERB + mouse | mouse + VERB | mouse + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeer, field, house, etc.laboratorywhiteVERB + mousechasecatchkillbreedmouse + VERBsqueakrun, scurrygnaw sthA mouse had gnawed its way through the cable.mouse + NOUNdroppingsholetrap (usually mousetrap)PHRASESas quiet as a mouseShe crept upstairs, as quiet as a mouse.

2 for a computerADJECTIVE | VERB + mouse | mouse + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEoptical, wirelessVERB + mouseclick, double-clickusedrag, movemouse + NOUNbuttonclickSome of these mouse-click short cuts are worth learning.cursor, pointermat (BrE), pad (esp. AmE)portPREPOSITIONwith the mouseYou can move the cursor around the screen with the mouse.

mousse

moussenoun

Mousse is used after these nouns:

avocado, chocolate, salmon

moustache

moustachenoun

(BrE) (AmE mustache) nounADJECTIVE | VERB + moustache/mustacheADJECTIVEthick, thinlongsmallbushy, curly, droopy, handlebar, neat (esp. BrE), pencil (BrE), toothbrush (BrE), walrus (esp. BrE), waxed (esp. BrE)fake (esp. AmE), false (esp. BrE)VERB + moustache/mustachehave, sport, wearHer fiancé sported a bushy moustache.growHe's trying to grow a moustache.trimshave offstroke, twirlHe stroked his moustache thoughtfully.

mouth

mouthnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + mouth | mouth + VERB | mouth + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, cavernous, enormous, huge, large, widesmall, tinybeautiful, perfect, pretty, rosebud, sensual, sensuousredfirm, hard, strongA smile played around his strong mouth.softhot, warmslackfulllipless, thintoothlesswetdry, tightA tight mouth was the only sign of her nerves.gaping, half-open, openclosedsmilinghungryShe has four hungry mouths to feed.sore, swollenVERB + mouthopenclamp shut, close, shut, snap shutcoverHe covered his mouth to hide his yawn.cup, gagSuddenly a hand cupped her mouth.wipeHe wiped his greasy mouth on his sleeve.rinse, rinse out, wash outThe dentist told him to rinse his mouth out.fill, stuffHe coughed as the blood filled his mouth.He began to stuff his mouth with pasta.foam at, froth atThe dog was foaming at the mouth and near death.burnThe hot coffee burned her mouth.kisspursemouth + VERBdrop, drop open, fall open, gape, hang open, open, sag openOur mouths dropped open in surprise.widenHis mouth widened to a smile.close, shutclamp shut, snap shutbe contorted, be set, compress, contort, harden, purse, set, tighten, turn down, twistHis mouth compressed into a thin, hard line.‘Get out!’ she shouted, her mouth contorted by emotion.Her mouth suddenly set in a determined line.curl, curve, lift, quirk (esp. AmE), stretch, tilt, turn upHer mouth curved into a smile.His mouth lifted in a wry smile.droop, sagpouttwitchquiver, tremblewaterMy mouth started watering when I smelled the food.be dry, go drytaste like sthmouth + NOUNsore, ulcer (BrE)cancercare (esp. AmE)Good mouth care is very important when you are having chemotherapy.rinsePREPOSITIONaround your mouthThere were lines of tension around his mouth.across your mouthA cool smile played across her mouth.in your mouthI could taste blood in my mouth.over your mouthShe put her hand over her mouth to stifle the cough.PHRASESthe back of the mouth, the roof of the mouthI was so thirsty my tongue was sticking to the roof of my mouth.the corner of the mouth, the side of the mouthThere was blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.The corners of her mouth turned up in a slight smile.keep your mouth shut (= don't speak)(have) your mouth full (= full of food)Don't talk with your mouth full!a mouth to feedTwins would mean two extra mouths to feed.

II. verb

Mouth is used with these nouns as the object:

lyrics, swear word, word

mouthful

mouthfulnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + mouthful | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhuge, largefirst, lastVERB + mouthfuldrink, eat, gulp, gulp down, have, swallow, takeShe took a large mouthful of bread and started to read the letter.getShe landed on her face, getting a mouthful of sand.chewspit, spit outchoke onI choked on a mouthful of tea.PREPOSITIONbetween mouthfulsHe told the story between mouthfuls.through a mouthfulShe answered through a mouthful of cake.mouthful ofa mouthful of coffee

mouthpiece

mouthpiecenoun

noun1 part of a telephone2 sb/sth that informs the public about sb/sth's opinions1 part of a telephoneVERB + mouthpieceVERB + mouthpiececover, cover up, put your hand overHe put his hand over the mouthpiece and called his wife to the phone.

2 sb/sth that informs the public about sb/sth's opinionsADJECTIVE | VERB + mouthpiece | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEofficial, politicalVERB + mouthpieceact as, bePREPOSITIONmouthpiece for, mouthpiece ofThe media act as a mouthpiece for the ruling party.

mouth-to-mouth

mouth-to-mouthadj.

Mouth-to-mouth is used with these nouns:

resuscitation

mouth-watering

mouth-wateringadj.

Mouth-watering is used with these nouns:

aroma, recipe

movable

movableadj.

Movable is used with these nouns:

feast, partition

move

movenounverb

I. noun1 action to achieve sth; change in ideas, etc.2 change of place3 change of house/job4 in a board game1 action to achieve sth; change in ideas, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + move | move + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, important, major, radical, significantdecisiveastute, brilliant, clever, good, inspired, sensible, shrewd, smart, wisebadriskyrightShe wondered whether she had made the right move in telling the truth.false, wrongOne false move could lead to war.dumb (informal, esp. AmE), stupid, unwisepositiveaggressiveaudacious, bold, brave, daring, strongdefensiveseriousdesperate, drasticdramatic, shock (BrE) (used in journalism), surprise, surprising, unexpectedThe company was put up for sale yesterday in an unexpected move by management.unprecedentedobviousinterestingunusualcontroversialconciliatory (esp. BrE)populargradualrapidnewcurrent (BrE)the current move towards/toward networked organizationslatest, recentnextfirst, initialIf he wants to see me, he should make the first move.strategic, tacticallogicalunilateraldiplomatic (esp. BrE), legal, military, politicalpre-emptivecost-cuttingcareerGetting a job in advertising was a good career move.VERB + movebe, representThe talks represented the first significant move towards/toward peace.makeThe management has made no move to settle the strike.pull (informal)Don't you dare pull a move like that again.promptinitiatesignalThe new legislation signals a move away from government involvement in telecommunications.spearheadThe move is spearheaded by a prominent lawyer.back, encourage, supportapplaud, welcomecondemn, criticizeoppose, reject, resistblockconsider, contemplate, pondercalculate, plan, plotNow we must plot our next move.decide, decide onThey are waiting for the results of the opinion polls before deciding their next move.anticipateannounceThe government announced its move to ban smoking in public spaces.move + VERBtake placebe afoot, be underway (esp. BrE)Moves are afoot to increase car insurance premiums.failpay offprove sthThe move proved a disaster.be aimed at sth, be designed to do stha move designed to control inflationallow (sb/sth) sthgive (sb) sthThe move gave her career a boost.mean sthThe move meant lower costs.reflect sthThe move reflects a change in approach to research.surprise sbPREPOSITIONin a/the moveIn a move which surprised everyone, the bosses fired several managers.move againsta move against drug dealersmove away froma move away from the old Hollywood style of moviemove back toa move back to old teaching stylesmove to, move towards/towarda move towards/toward greater trade liberalizationPHRASESa move in the right directionThe new environmental regulations represent a move in the right direction.

2 change of placeADJECTIVE | VERB + move | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfalseOne false move and I'll shoot!suddenquick, swiftsmoothdeft, niftygracefulfinishingacrobatic, dance, wrestlingVERB + movemakeWe should make a move (= leave).execute, performbust (informal)Flavio and I were busting some moves on the dance floor.completepractise/practicemasterblockThe soldier blocked the move with his free hand.PREPOSITIONmove to, move towards/towardShe made a move towards/toward the door.PHRASESon the moveHis career as an engineer has kept him on the move (= moving from place to place).follow sb/sth's every move, watch sb/sth's every moveThe cubs watched their mother's every move.get a move onWe're leaving, so you'd better get a move on (= hurry)!make a move for sth (informal)He made a move for (= in the direction of) the door.

3 change of house/jobADJECTIVE | move + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpermanentlateral (esp. AmE), sideways (BrE)His new job was a lateral/sideways move rather than a promotion.houseoff-season (AmE, sports)impendingmove + VERBtake placePREPOSITIONmove from, move toa move from Ohio to Kansas

4 in a board gameADJECTIVE | VERB + move | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbrilliant, goodbadopeningchessVERB + movelearnShe learned all the chess moves when she was four.playPREPOSITIONon a/the moveShe captured the queen with her bishop on the 32nd move.

II. verb

Move is used with these nouns as the subject:

baby, cloud, continent, convoy, dancer, economy, emphasis, eye, gaze, glance, hand, hip, joint, leg, lip, muscle, needle, procession, queue, shadow, spirit, storm, sun, traffic, train

Move is used with these nouns as the object:

amendment, arm, audience, ball, bowel, cargo, cattle, cursor, dirt, distance, focus, freight, furniture, headquarters, hip, house, leg, lever, merchandise, money, mouse, text, window

move ahead

move aheadphr verb

Move ahead is used with these nouns as the object:

move ahead with

move ahead withphr verb

Move ahead with is used with these nouns as the object:

move around

move aroundphr verb

Move around is used with these nouns as the object:

move away from

move away fromphr verb

Move away from is used with these nouns as the object:

area

move back

move backphr verb

Move back is used with these nouns as the object:

move between

move betweenphr verb

Move between is used with these nouns as the object:

move down

move downphr verb

Move down is used with these nouns as the object:

scale

move from

move fromphr verb

Move from is used with these nouns as the object:

flat, realm

move in

move inphr verb

Move in is used with these nouns as the subject:

neighbour, settler, storm, troops

Move in is used with these nouns as the object:

circle, direction

move in for

move in forphr verb

Move in for is used with these nouns as the object:

kill

move into movement

movementnoun

noun1 act of moving2 movements person's activities3 group of people4 part of a long piece of music1 act of movingADJECTIVE | VERB + movement | movement + VERB | movement + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbiglittle, slight, small, tinyThe eyes of predators are highly sensitive to the slightest movement.quick, rapid, swiftgentle, slowfluid, graceful, smoothShe mounted the horse in one fluid movement.easyThe refrigerator unit has rubber wheels for easy movement.jerkysuddendeftcontrolledfreethe free movement of goods across bordersinvoluntaryrandomconstant, continuousrepetitiverhythmicbackward, downward, forward, lateral, rearward (esp. AmE), rotational, sideways, upwardbodily, bodyeye, hand, etc.dancecurrency, pricecurrency movements in the foreign exchange marketstrooppincerThe army surrounded the town in a pincer movement.VERB + movementexecute (formal), make, perform, produceHe made a slight movement with his right hand.Hydraulic jacks under the machine produce the movement.initiateThe brain is necessary to initiate movement and control balance.allowclothing that allows easy movementcontrol, coordinate, directAs infants grow they become better able to direct their own movements.govern, regulateregulations governing the movement of hazardous wastefacilitate, promotean attempt to facilitate the movement of workers across national bordershinder, impede, inhibit, limit, restrictslowBlood loss and fatigue slowed their movements.halt, stoppreventThe striking farmers threatened to prevent the movement of goods across the country.protest (AmE)She winced as her muscles protested every movement.senseShe sensed a movement in the dark beneath the stairs.notice, spotdetectSensors detect movement or changes in temperature.monitor, trackThey are monitoring the movement of animals in and out of the country.measurecopy, imitate, mimicreversemovement + VERBoccurSome movement in the building will occur as it settles into the subsoil.catch your eyeA movement caught his eye in the tangled undergrowth.startle sbcause sthAny slight movement caused a sharp pain in his arm.slowceasemovement + NOUNpatternPREPOSITIONin a movementShe kicked down the door in one swift movement.movement away from, movement frommovement from one level to the nextmovement to, movement towards/toward (figurative)Recently there's been a movement (= a change in attitude) away from processed food towards/toward fresh food.PHRASESthe direction of movement, the rate of movement, the speed of movementfreedom of movementThe decree allowed freedom of movement for all citizens.the movement of capital, the movement of goods, the movement of labour/labora sense of movement (figurative)His music has a real sense of movement.

2 movements person's activitiesADJECTIVE | VERB + MOVEMENTSADJECTIVEtroopVERB + MOVEMENTSfollow, observe, study, watchThe police are watching the suspect's movements very closely.traceThe police have traced her movements to the time of her death.synchronize

3 group of peopleADJECTIVE | VERB + movement | movement + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEradicalmass, popular, populistburgeoning, growing, nascentorganizedThe country has a well-organized consumer movement.international, nationalartistic, literaryavant-gardeModern, Romantic, etc.Both architects were part of the Modern Movement.environmental, political, religious, socialfeminist, women'sprotestanti-globalization, anti-nuclear, anti-war, etc.peaceabolitionisttemperanceanti-abortion, pro-lifepro-choicereformcivil rights, gay rights, human rights, suffrageindependence, liberation, opposition, resistance, revolutionary, secessionist, separatistguerrillamilitantconservative, democracy, democratic, fascist, nationalist, pro-democracy, socialistlabour/labor, trade-union (BrE)consumer, student, working-class, youth, etc.grass-rootsecumenical, evangelical, fundamentalist, Islamic, Islamist, Zionist, etc.VERB + movementcreate, establish, found, launch, set up, start, start upShe started a movement for agricultural reform.orchestrate, organizejoinembrace, supportpromoteopposebe involved in, be part oflead, spearheaddirecta protest movement directed against exploitative trade practicessparkEthical concerns can spark a mass movement.drive, energize, fuelthe optimism which fuels the environmental movementgalvanize, strengtheninfluencethe philosophical writers who have influenced the movementsuppressmovement + VERBarise, begin, emerge (out of sth), spring upThe movement emerged out of concern for human rights abuses.develop, gain strength, gather momentum, growThe movement gained strength during the 1970s.peak, reach a peakThe student movement reached its peak in 1968.succeedbe aimed at doing sth, focus on sth, seek sthchallenge sthPREPOSITIONmovement againsta mass movement against the dictatorshipmovement forHe launched a movement for children's rights.PHRASESthe leader of a movement, a member of a movementthe rise of a movementthe rise of the peace movement in the US

4 part of a long piece of musicADJECTIVE | VERB + movement | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfirst, openingsecond, etc.final, lastthe last movement of Brahms's fourth symphonyslowVERB + movementperform, playPREPOSITIONin a movementThere is a cello solo in the second movement.in … movementsa symphony in five movements

move off

move offphr verb

Move off is used with these nouns as the subject:

procession

move on

move onphr verb

Move on is used with these nouns as the subject:

move on to

move on tophr verb

Move on to is used with these nouns as the subject:

move out

move outphr verb

Move out is used with these nouns as the subject:

move out from

move out fromphr verb

Move out from is used with these nouns as the object:

move out of

move out ofphr verb

Move out of is used with these nouns as the object:

apartment, flat, house, realm, recession, shadow, town

mover

movernoun

Mover is used after these nouns:

move through

move throughphr verb

Move through is used with these nouns as the object:

angle, stage

move to

move tophr verb

Move to is used with these nouns as the subject:

Move to is used with these nouns as the object:

area, block, premises, suburb, tear

move up

move upphr verb

Move up is used with these nouns as the object:

gear, hierarchy, ladder, scale

movie

movienoun

noun (esp. AmE)See also filmADJECTIVE | VERB + movie | movie + VERB | movie + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfun, good, great, terrific, wonderfulbad, mediocreromance, romanticcheesy, sappy (AmE, informal)entertaining, feel-good, funny, popcornscaryclassic, cultoldblockbuster, successfulbig, big-budget, toplow-budgetmade-for-TV, television, TVDVDpay-per-viewhomeWe watched a home movie of my second birthday party.in-flightdrive-inteenmainstreamsummersilentanimatedblack-and-whitecomic-book (esp. AmE)feature-lengthlive-actiongory, violentaction, disaster, gangster, heist, horror, monster, sci-fi, slasher, war, etc.blue (old-fashioned), dirty, porn, porno, X-ratedBollywood, HollywoodVERB + moviecatch (informal, esp. AmE), see, view, watchattend, go to (see), take sb to (see)I'd never go to a movie alone.rent (esp. AmE)downloadcraft (esp. AmE), create, direct, edit, film, make, produce, shoot, writeremakemarket, promotereleasedistributeair, screen, showreviewplayHer father played all the old home movies.pause (esp. AmE)Liz paused the movie and walked over to the phone.carry, stealan excellent actor who could easily carry the movie all on his ownJohnson really steals this movie as Cassius.movie + VERBbe based on stha movie based on the novel by Betty Munnbe called sth, be entitled sth, be titled sth (AmE)a movie entitled ‘Short Legs’be set in sthThe movie is set in a New England school.feature sb/sth, star sbdepict sb/sth, portray sb/sth, show sb/sthfollow sb/sth, revolve around sth/sbThe movie follows their lives on a small Arkansas farm.contain sthThe movie contains a lengthy car chase through the streets of Paris.open, startThe movie opens with a quote from the Buddha.progress, unfoldendmovie + NOUNactor, actress, director, maker, mogul, people, producer, starThe former model is now mixing with movie people in Hollywood.audiencebuff, fan, lovercriticreviewhouse, palace (old-fashioned), theater (all AmE)premiereclip, preview, trailercompany, studiosetbusiness, industry, worldcareerchannelscore, scriptsoundtracktitlesceneplotcharacterscreenrightsthe movie rights to her autobiographyadaptation, versionthe movie version of the well-known novelmusicalgenrecamerapostertie-inpopcornnightWe're having a movie night with pizza and beer.piracymagicPREPOSITIONmovie abouta movie about the life of Castro

movie-going

movie-goingadj.

Movie-going is used with these nouns:

public

moving

movingadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbefind sthI found the story intensely moving.ADVERBdeeply, extraordinarily, intensely, profoundly, verya deeply moving account of life on the streetsquite

Moving is used with these nouns:

average, ceremony, expense, force, image, object, part, picture, portrayal, spirit, staircase, story, target, train, tribute, truck, van, vehicle

movingly

movinglyadv.

Movingly is used with these verbs:

speak

mow

mowverb

Mow is used with these nouns as the object:

grass, lawn, yard

MPnoun

MP is used after these nouns:

constituency, opposition

MP3 player

MP3 playernoun

MP3 player is used before these nouns:

earphones

MRI

MRInoun

MRI is used before these nouns:

machine, scan

MSc

MScnoun

MSc is used before these nouns:

dissertation, thesis

much much-loved

much-lovedadj.

Much-loved is used with these nouns:

brother

much-needed

much-neededadj.

Much-needed is used with these nouns:

boost, fund, help, improvement, injection, relief, respite, rest, sleep

muck

mucknounverb

I. noun

Muck is used after these nouns:

cow

II. verb

Muck is used with these nouns as the object:

stall

muck out

muck outphr verb

Muck out is used with these nouns as the object:

stall

mucous

mucousadj.

Mucous is used with these nouns:

membrane

mucus

mucusnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + mucus | mucus + NOUNADJECTIVEexcesscervical, nasalsticky, thickVERB + mucusproduce, secretemucus + NOUNproduction, secretion

Mucus is used before these nouns:

production

mud

mudnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + mud | mud + VERB | mud + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeepthicksoft, sticky, wetdried, dryfootprints left in the hard dried mudblack, brown, redVERB + mudbe caked in, be caked with, be covered withHer boots were caked in mud.get/become bogged down in (esp. BrE), get stuck inSeveral cars got bogged down in the mud.turn (sth) into, turn (sth) toThe cars had turned the road into mud.wallow inpigs wallowing in the mudspatter (sb/sth with)mud + VERBoozeWet mud oozed up between their toes.crackThe mud in the dried-up river bed had cracked.mud + NOUNbrick, floor, house, hut, wallflatspuddlehole, pitslideFlash floods and mud slides struck three coastal towns.fight, wrestlingbathpieThe kids were in the yard making mud pies.PREPOSITIONin the mudShe fell in the mud.through the mudWe squelched through the mud.PHRASESa layer of mud, a sea of mud

muddle

muddlenoun

noun (esp. BrE)ADJECTIVE | VERB + muddle | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEawfulembarrassingbureaucratic, financialVERB + muddleget (sb) in, get (sb) intoI got into an awful muddle with my tax forms.makeThe judge made a muddle of the case.PREPOSITIONin a muddleThe house was in an awful muddle by the time the children left.muddle about, muddle over, muddle withThere was a bureaucratic muddle over his appointment.

muddled

muddledadj.

adj. (esp. BrE)VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, feelbecome, getADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.hopelesslya little, slightly, etc.Her ideas are slightly muddled.PHRASESbe muddled up, get muddled up

Muddled is used with these nouns:

brain, mess, thinking

muddy

muddyadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, lookbecome, getget sth, make sthDon't get your shoes muddy!The rain had made the field very muddy.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.allMy boots were all muddy.a little, slightly, etc.We all got a little muddy and wet.

Muddy is used with these nouns:

bank, boot, brown, ditch, field, footprint, ground, lane, mess, pond, pool, road, shoe, slush, street, track, trail, trench, water

muffin

muffinnoun

Muffin is used before these nouns:

mix

Muffin is used after these nouns:

muffle

muffleverb

Muffle is used with these nouns as the object:

cry, laughter, scream, sob

muffled

muffledadj.

Muffled is used with these nouns:

cry, curse, exclamation, explosion, groan, laughter, moan, noise, reply, roar, scream, shout, sob, sound, thud, thump, voice

muffs

muffsnoun

Muffs is used after these nouns:

mug

mugnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + mug | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, largeemptychippedhot, steaming, warma hot mug of teabeer, coffeepint (esp. BrE)travel (esp. AmE)commemorative, souvenir (both esp. BrE)ceramic, china (esp. BrE), plastic, etc.VERB + mugfill, refillShe filled her mug with orange juice.pour (sb), pour (sb) outKyle got up and poured himself a mug of soup.He poured out a mug of tea.pour sth intoShe poured hot water into the mug.drinkHe drank a mug of coffee and left.sipShe was sipping a mug of coffee.drainShe drained her mug and put it down.drink sth fromWe had to drink the champagne from mugs.PHRASESa mug of beer, coffee, tea, etc.the rim of a mugHe ran his finger around the rim of the mug.

muggy

muggyadj.

Muggy is used with these nouns:

night, weather

mulch

mulchnoun

Mulch is used after these nouns:

bark

mule

mulenoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF MULES | VERB + mule | mule + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpackstubborn… OF MULESteamVERB + muleride, ride onmule + VERBbraycarry sthPREPOSITIONby muleThey crossed the mountains by mule.on a/the mulea man on a mule

Mule is used before these nouns:

Mule is used after these nouns:

pack

mulled

mulledadj.

Mulled is used with these nouns:

mullet

mulletnoun

Mullet is used before these nouns:

mull over

mull overphr verb

Mull over is used with these nouns as the object:

multi-car

multi-caradj.

Multi-car is used with these nouns:

pile-up

multicultural

multiculturaladj.

Multicultural is used with these nouns:

education, society, workforce

multidisciplinary

multidisciplinaryadj.

Multidisciplinary is used with these nouns:

approach, team

multilateral

multilateraladj.

Multilateral is used with these nouns:

agreement, coalition, diplomacy, disarmament, negotiation, talk, treaty

multimedia

multimediaadj.

Multimedia is used with these nouns:

application, capability, CD, CD-ROM, content, exhibit, file, presentation, tool

multinational

multinationalnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | multinational + VERBADJECTIVEbig, giant, largemajorforeignmultinational + VERBoperateforeign multinationals operating in the UK

II. adj.

Multinational is used with these nouns:

company, conglomerate, corporation, corps, division, enterprise, firm, force, giant, partnership

multiparty

multipartyadj.

Multiparty is used with these nouns:

democracy, election, mediation, politics, system

multiple

multipleadj.

Multiple is used with these nouns:

birth, choice, collision, copy, facet, fracture, homicide, identity, injury, instance, interpretation, murder, murderer, occasion, occupation, orgasm, partner, personality, perspective, pile-up, pregnancy, retailer, role, source, vitamin, wound

multiple-choice

multiple-choiceadj.

Multiple-choice is used with these nouns:

exam, examination, question, quiz, test

multiplex

multiplexnoun

Multiplex is used before these nouns:

cinema

multiplication

multiplicationnoun

Multiplication is used before these nouns:

Multiply is used with these nouns as the object:

multiply

multiplyverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBendlessly, indefinitelygreatlyexponentially, quickly, rapidlymicroorganisms that multiply rapidlytogetherMultiply these two figures together.PREPOSITIONby2 multiplied by 4 is 8.2 multiplied by 4 makes 8. (BrE)

multi-purpose

multi-purposeadj.

Multi-purpose is used with these nouns:

tool

multiracial

multiracialadj.

Multiracial is used with these nouns:

coalition, society

mum

mumnoun

(BrE) (AmE mom) noun (informal)ADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEyoungsingle, unmarriedlesbiancareer, workingfull-time, stay-at-homewelfare (AmE)security, soccer (both AmE)celebrity, TVsuburbanproudbusycool, good, greatexpectant, pregnant (also mum-to-be in BrE)newThe group is aimed at new mums with young babies.surrogateThe cat acted as a surrogate mum to the chicks.birth, realEllie had always been there for him even though she wasn't his real mum.PHRASESmum and dad

mumble

mumbleverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBincoherentlyquietly, softlyquicklysleepilyangrily, bitterlysarcasticallyPREPOSITIONaboutI couldn't understand what he was mumbling about.intoShe mumbled something into her pillow.toGeorge mumbled incoherently to himself.

Mumble is used with these nouns as the object:

apology, excuse, reply, word

mummified

mummifiedadj.

Mummified is used with these nouns:

corpse

munch

munchverb

Munch is used with these nouns as the object:

apple, sandwich

munch on

munch onphr verb

Munch on is used with these nouns as the object:

apple

mundane

mundaneadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seem, soundbecomefind sthI found the job very mundane.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.utterly (esp. BrE)relativelya relatively mundane taskapparently (esp. BrE), seemingly

Mundane is used with these nouns:

aspect, chore, detail, existence, reality, task, world

municipal

municipaladj.

Municipal is used with these nouns:

administration, authority, bond, budget, building, council, election, employee, museum, park, utility, waste, worker

munitions

munitionsnoun

Munitions is used before these nouns:

factory

mural

muralnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + mural | mural + VERBADJECTIVEgiant, huge, large-scalepaintedcolourful/colorfulwallVERB + muralcreate, producepaintdesignmural + VERBdepict sth, show sthmurals depicting Aesop's fables

II. adj.

Mural is used with these nouns:

decoration, painting

murder

murdernounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + murder | murder + VERB | murder + NOUNADJECTIVEbarbaric, brutal, grisly, gruesome, horrific, savage, terrible, vicious, violentcold-blooded, deliberate, premeditated, wilful/willful (law, esp. BrE)a verdict of wilful murdersenselessshocking, tragicperfectHe committed the perfect murder and left no forensic evidence.indiscriminate, randomsystematicwholesalethe wholesale murder of innocent citizensfirst-degree, second-degreeaggravatedattemptedalleged, suspecteddouble, mass, multiple, serial, tripleritualterroristgangland (BrE)racial, racist, sectarianpolitically motivated, racially motivated, sexually motivatedjudicial, state-sanctioned, state-sponsoredhigh-profile, notoriousmysteriousunsolvedcapital, felony, statutory (all AmE, law)VERB + murdercarry out, commit, perpetrate (formal)murders committed by terroristsinvestigate, probe (esp. BrE)solvelinkDetectives are linking the two murders.imprison sb for, jail sb foravengeHe vowed to avenge his brother's murder.witnessimplicate sb innew evidence that implicated her in the murdermastermind, orchestrate, plan, plotadvocateorderHe ordered the murder of his political opponents.admit, denyget away with (figurative)They let their children get away with murder!incitecondemncondone, justifyNothing justifies murder.murder + VERBhappen, occur, take placeshock sbIt was a murder which shocked the nation.murder + NOUNvictimsuspectdetective, squadcase, hunt (informal), inquiry (esp. BrE), investigation, probechargetrialconvictionattemptplotscene, siteweaponcampaign (esp. BrE), spreecount, rate, tolla city that has the highest murder rate in the UScapitalThe city used to be the murder capital of the world.mystery, storyHer latest novel is a gripping murder mystery.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + murder | PHRASESADVERBbrutally, cruelly, in cold blood, savagely, violentlyThe boy was brutally murdered.They were murdered in cold blood.systematicallydeliberatelyallegedlyVERB + murderattempt to, try toplan to, plot toPHRASESadmit murdering sb, deny murdering sbbe accused of murdering sb, be charged with murdering sbShe was arrested and charged with murdering the two children.be convicted of murdering sb, be found guilty of murdering sbbe found murderedHe was found murdered in the cemetery.

Murder is used with these nouns as the subject:

fanatic, killer, mob

Murder is used with these nouns as the object:

lover

murderer

murderernoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + murderer | murderer + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEaccused (esp. BrE), alleged, suspectedconvictedpotential, would-beDoes the death penalty deter would-be murderers?double, mass, multiple, serialrealHe protested his innocence and promised to help police track down the real murderer.brutal, cold-blooded, ruthless, viciousinsane, psychopathicinfamous, notoriouschildaxe/axsuicideVERB + murdererhunt, hunt down, hunt for, track downcatch, find, identify, reveal (sb as)arrestpunishsentenceexecute, hang, killmurderer + VERBstrikeThe murderer has struck again.kill sbPHRASESbring a murderer to justicethe identity of the murdererThe identity of her murderer has not yet been revealed.

murderous

murderousadj.

Murderous is used with these nouns:

fanatic, impulse, look, rage, regime, thug, tyrant

murky

murkyadj.

Murky is used with these nouns:

depth, light, past, underworld, water

murmur

murmurnounverb

I. noun1 sound of words that are spoken quietly2 low, gentle, continuous sound1 sound of words that are spoken quietlyADJECTIVE | VERB + murmur | murmur + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdull, faint, low, quiet, slight, softgenerala general murmur of assentangry, excitedVERB + murmurgive, let outHe gave a little murmur of relief.hearmurmur + VERBripple through sth, runA murmur of excitement rippled through the audience.A murmur of amusement ran around the room.PREPOSITIONin a murmurShe answered in a low murmur.with a murmurHe took the mug of coffee with a murmur of thanks.without a murmurThey did as they were told, without a murmur.murmur ofPHRASESthe murmur of voices

2 low, gentle, continuous soundADJECTIVE | VERB + murmur | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEsoftlowdistantVERB + murmurhearPREPOSITIONmurmur ofthe distant murmur of traffic

II. verbADVERB | VERB + murmur | PREPOSITIONADVERBgently, quietly, silently, softly, under your breath‘What a fool I've been,’ he murmured softly.aloudhuskilysleepily‘Night, night,’ she murmured sleepily.absentlyweaklysadlyapologetically, appreciatively, politely, soothingly, thoughtfully‘Mmm,’ she murmured appreciatively.drily, sarcastically, wrylyVERB + murmurhear sbShe heard him murmur something under his breath.PREPOSITIONtoHe held her tight and murmured to her.

Murmur is used with these nouns as the object:

apology, word

murmured

murmuredadj.

Murmured is used with these nouns:

muscle

musclenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + muscle | muscle + VERB | muscle + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhard, powerful, strongtaut, tense, tightrelaxedsmoothlean, ripped, tonedbulging, ripplingcrampedI walked up and down the aisle to stretch my cramped muscles.pulled, strained, tornaching, sore, stiff, tiredabdominal, arm, calf, facial, heart, thigh, etc.skeletalVERB + muscleclench, contract, flex, pump, squeeze, tense, tightenHe flexed his muscles, then set off to run.loosen, relaxLearn how to relax tense muscles.controlsoothestretchexercise, train, use, workbuild, gain, strengthen, tonediet supplements to build musclesculptLifting weights sculpts muscle.damage, exhaust, fatigue, injure, overload, weakenpull, strain, tearI laughed so hard I almost pulled a muscle.knead, massageactivate, stimulateparalyse/paralyzemuscle + VERBache, burn, hurtcrampstrainclench, contract, flex, stiffen, tense, tightengo limp, loosen, relax, slackenstretchquiver, ripple, tremble, twitchHis muscles rippled beneath his T-shirt as he worked.bulgemove, workcontrol sththe muscles controlling speech productionprotest, screamSuddenly my sore muscles protested and I let out a groan.muscle + NOUNcell, fibre/fiber, tissuemassgroupfunctionactivityache, cramp, damage, disease, fatigue, pain, paralysis, soreness, stiffness, strain, weaknessloss, wastingcontraction, relaxation, spasm, tension, twitchdefinition, tonesizeendurance, strengthrepairgain, growthbuildingbuilderboy, man (usually muscleman), mary (BrE, informal)shirt (AmE), tee (AmE), T-shirtPREPOSITIONmuscle inThe muscles in my face tensed.

muscled

muscledadj.

Muscled is used with these nouns:

chest, leg, shoulder

muscular

muscularadj.

Muscular is used with these nouns:

ache, arm, back, body, build, chest, frame, leg, man, physique, relaxation, shoulder, spasm, strength, tail, tension, thigh, weakness

museum

museumnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + museum | museum + VERB | museum + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEexcellent, fascinating (esp. BrE), great, interesting, major, prestigious (esp. AmE), world-classone of the world's great museumsfamoushistoric (esp. AmE), historicallocal, municipal, national, provincial (esp. BrE), regional, town (esp. BrE)private, publicpurpose-built (BrE)open-air, outdooran open-air museum of farming and the countrysideliving, working (esp. BrE)Although the mill is no longer in commercial use, it is maintained as a working museum.heritagevirtualThe website's print gallery is a virtual museum.interactivearchaeological, art (esp. AmE), folk, industrial (esp. BrE), local history, maritime, military, railroad (AmE), railway (BrE), science, war (esp. BrE), etc.Los Angeles County Art MuseumVERB + museumgo to, visittourestablish, found, openHe founded a museum of modern art in his home town.fundbuild, create, designoperate, runhouseThe museum is housed in a converted church.museum + VERBopenbe dedicated to sb/sth, be devoted to sth, contain sth, feature sth, house stha museum devoted to children's toysThe museum houses a fine collection of textiles.display sth, exhibit sthacquire sth, buy sthThe first painting acquired by the museum was by Hopper.museum + NOUNbuilding, complex, galleryspacecollection, display, exhibit (= exhibition) (AmE), exhibition, showartefact, exhibit, object, piece, specimenAll the planes are museum pieces.archive, catalogueboss (BrE), chief (BrE), curator, director, guard, guide, manager (esp. BrE), official, professional, staff, trusteevisitortour, visitshop (esp. BrE), store (esp. AmE)PREPOSITIONat a/the museuman exhibition of Chinese ceramics at the Ashmolean Museumin a/the museumThere's a gift shop in the museum.museum ofthe Museum of Modern Art

mushroom

mushroomnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + mushroom | mushroom + NOUNADJECTIVEediblepoisonouscultivatedwildfreshbutton, field, oyster, portobello, shiitake, etc.hallucinogenic, magic, psychedelicdriedstuffedVERB + mushroomcultivate, growpickThey went into the woods to pick wild mushrooms.chop, sliceSlice the mushrooms and add to the salad.cook, fry, grill, sautémushroom + NOUNcapomelette, risotto, sauce, soupfarmgrower, pickercompostcloud (= of a nuclear explosion)

mushy

mushyadj.

Mushy is used with these nouns:

pea

music

musicnoun

noun1 arrangement of sounds for singing/playing2 written signs that represent musical sounds1 arrangement of sounds for singing/playingADJECTIVE | … OF MUSIC | VERB + music | music + VERB | music + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbeautiful, fine, good, great, wonderfulloudquiet, soft, sweetThe soft background music made her feel sleepy.ambientheavyHeavy music thundered from the basement.lightseriouscool, funkydramatic, lively, upbeattonalatonal, twelve-tonecontrapuntal, polyphonicliverecordedbackgroundcanned, elevator (esp. AmE), piped (BrE)band, choral, instrumental, orchestral, symphonicguitar, keyboard, organ, piano, vocal, etc.chamberchurch, liturgical, religious, sacredsecularmoodfilm, movie (esp. AmE)ballet, incidental, themethe incidental music for a radio playacoustic, computer, digital, electronic, onlineAfrican, Indian, Irish, Western, etc.mainstream, traditionalalternative, undergroundurbanperiodThe movie uses appropriate period music.experimentalavant-garde, Baroque, classical, contemporary, early, medieval, modernpopularblack, country, dance, disco, folk, gospel, heavy metal, hip-hop, house, indie, jazz, pop, rap, reggae, rock, soul, techno, world, etc.… OF MUSICpiecebar, lineVERB + musiclisten toListening to music is a great way to relax.hearShe could hear loud music from the party upstairs.make, perform, play, singWe love to make music as a family.play, put onPut some music on, would you? (= play a CD, etc.)blare, blare out, blast, blast out, pump outbars and nightclubs blaring music late into the nightdownloadturn down, turn upCould you turn that music down?compose, writearrange, scoreput sth to, set sth toSchubert set several poems by Goethe to music.create, produceThe city has produced a lot of good music.providea beach party with music provided by a local bandreleasedistributebroadcastrecordburnI use my laptop to burn music to a CD.ripsoftware that rips music from CDsbe into (informal), enjoy, like, loveShe's really into indie music.appreciateThe ability to appreciate music is largely learnt.pirate, stealmusic + VERBsoundThe music sounded vibrant and loud.playCalypso music played faintly in the distance.blare, blast, boom, pound, pumpdisco music blaring out of the open windows of a carcome, drift, emanate, flow, waftThe music was coming from next door.fill sthMusic filled the air.drown sb/sth outfade, fade away, fade outaccompany sththe music which accompanied the danceemerge from sththe music emerging from the cities of Americaevoke sth, inspire sthreflect sthmusic + NOUNbiz (informal), business, industrysceneRio's live music sceneworldShe is a rising star in the music world.genrepressThe album has been praised in the music press.magazinechartsThe band are number one in the music charts.awardconcert, event, festivalcollectionappreciationaficionado, buff, enthusiast, fan, lovercomposer, critic, director, journalist, mogul, producer, promoter, teacherthe choir's music directorgrouplegend, starmusic legend, Elvis PresleylabelCDvideodownload, filealbum, trackchannel, stationretailer, shop (esp. BrE), store (esp. AmE)room, studiovenuelibrarypiracyeducationacademy, college, schoolclass, lesson, workshoptherapyPREPOSITIONto (the) musicto dance to the musicPHRASESin time to (the) musicThey did their exercises in time to the music.music and songan evening of Scottish music and songthe sound of musicThe sound of pop music drifted through the open window.a style of musictaste in musicHer taste in music was eclectic.words and musicHe made up the words and music for the song.

2 written signs that represent musical soundsADJECTIVE | … OF MUSIC | VERB + music | music + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEprinted, sheet… OF MUSICbar, line, sheetVERB + musicreadCan you read music?music + NOUNscorestandI pulled the lyrics out and laid them on the music stand.publisher, publishingPREPOSITIONmusic formusic for piano, cello and voicewith music, without musicHe played the piece without music.

musical

musicalnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | musical + VERBADJECTIVEhit, popular, successfulclassic, modernfilm (esp. BrE), movie (esp. AmE), stageschoolBollywood, Broadway, Hollywood, West Endrockmusical + VERBbe based on stha musical based on the life of Eva Perón

II. adj.

Musical is used with these nouns:

ability, accompaniment, act, adaptation, analogy, aptitude, background, career, comedy, composition, creativity, culture, director, drama, element, entertainment, equivalent, establishment, evening, event, excellence, expression, form, genius, gift, guest, harmony, heritage, hero, highlight, horizon, idea, imagination, improvisation, influence, innovation, inspiration, instrument, interest, interlude, magic, manuscript, masterpiece, merit, metaphor, note, offering, passage, performance, performer, phrase, play, programme, repertoire, scene, score, selection, sequence, show, skill, snobbery, society, sophistication, sound, soundtrack, style, symbol, talent, taste, term, texture, theatre, theme, tradition, training, treat, tribute, understanding, version, vocabulary, worth

musically

musicallyadv.

Musically is used with these adjectives:

gifted, inclined, literate, satisfying, talented

musician

musiciannoun

nounADJECTIVE | musician + VERBADJECTIVEaccomplished, brilliant, excellent, fine, gifted, good, great, outstanding, talented, world-classdistinguished (esp. BrE), famous, legendary, renowned, well-knownaspiring, budding (esp. BrE), up-and-comingstrugglinglocaltraditionalcontemporarydedicated, serious, trainedYou have to be a very dedicated musician to get to the top.self-taughtamateur, performing, professional, workingorchestralbacking, backup (AmE)She had toured as a backing musician for Madonna.guestblues, classical, folk, jazz, pop, rock, etc.musician + VERBperform (sth), play (sth), sing (sth)practise/practice (sth), rehearse (sth)compose sth, write sthrecord sth

musky

muskyadj.

Musky is used with these nouns:

scent, smell

Muslim

Muslimnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEdevout, observant, pious, strict (esp. BrE)Shia, Shiite, Sunnipractising/practicingmainstream, moderate, orthodoxextremist, fundamentalist, militant, radical

II. adj.

Muslim is used with these nouns:

background, believer, charity, community, conquest, faith, festival, leader, leadership, nation, philosopher, preacher, sabbath, scholar, school, sect, shrine, society, world, youth

muss

mussverb

Muss is used with these nouns as the object:

mussel

musselnoun

Mussel is used before these nouns:

shell

mustache

mustachenoun

noun (AmE) See moustache

mustard

mustardnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + mustard | mustard + NOUNADJECTIVEhot, spicyAdd some hot English mustard.mildwholegrainEnglish, French (both esp. BrE)brown, yellow (both esp. AmE)honeyDijondryVERB + mustardspread (sth with)Spread the bread thinly with mustard.add, mix (sth with)Mix together the mustard and olive oil.eat sth with, serve sth withmustard + NOUNplantseedoilpowdersauce, vinaigrettecolour/color, yellow

muster

musterverb

Muster is used with these nouns as the object:

courage, dignity, energy, enthusiasm, strength, support

muster up

muster upphr verb

Muster up is used with these nouns as the object:

courage, energy

must-have

must-haveadj.

Must-have is used with these nouns:

accessory, gadget

must-read

must-readadj.

Must-read is used with these nouns:

article

musty

mustyadj.

Musty is used with these nouns:

attic, odour, smell

mutant

mutantadj.

Mutant is used with these nouns:

gene, strain

mutate

mutateverb

Mutate is used with these nouns as the subject:

gene, virus

mutation

mutationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + mutation | mutation + VERB | mutation + NOUNADJECTIVEchance, randomcommonrarecell, gene, geneticadvantageous, beneficialharmful, lethalVERB + mutationcarry, containThe protein contained a mutation.acquire, suffer (technical), undergoThe genetic material has suffered a mutation.introduceMutations were introduced in the region using various techniques.cause, producemutation + VERBarise, occuraffect sthThese cells carry a mutation affecting the prevention mechanism.cause sth, lead to sth, result in sthmutation + NOUNfrequency, rate

mute

muteadj.

Mute is used with these nouns:

button, testament

muted

mutedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seem, soundremainADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.Their reaction to the news was somewhat muted.relativelya little, slightly, etc.curiously, strangely, surprisingly

Muted is used with these nouns:

applause, colour, response, shade, tone, trombone, trumpet, voice

mutely

mutelyadv.

Mutely is used with these verbs:

Mutilate is used with these nouns as the object:

mutilate

mutilateverb

verbADVERBADVERBbadly, horribly, severelyA lot of the bodies had been badly mutilated.

corpse

mutilated

mutilatedadj.

Mutilated is used with these nouns:

body, corpse

mutiny

mutinynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + mutiny | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEarmy, naval (esp. BrE)VERB + mutinystageleadbe faced with, facePREPOSITIONmutiny againstHe led a military mutiny against the senior generals.mutiny bymutiny by the men

mutter

mutterverb

verbADVERB | VERB + mutter | PREPOSITIONADVERBgruffly, harshly, hoarselythrough clenched teeth, through gritted teeth‘I don't need a drink,’ she muttered through clenched teeth.aloudloudlyquietly, softly, under your breathsilentlysleepilyincoherently, vaguely, weaklyangrily, bitterly, crossly, darkly, fiercely, furiously, grimly, irritably, sourly, sullenlyHelen began muttering darkly about hospitals.miserably, sadlynervouslysheepishlydrily, sarcasticallyVERB + mutterbe heard to, hear sbA number of visitors were heard to mutter that it would not have happened at home.She heard him mutter an oath under his breath.PREPOSITIONaboutShe muttered something about the incompetence of the office staff.toHe was muttering incoherently to himself.

Mutter is used with these nouns as the object:

apology, curse, obscenity, prayer, reply, swear word, word

mutton

muttonnoun

Mutton is used before these nouns:

chop

mutual mutual fund

mutual fundnoun

Mutual fund is used before these nouns:

mutually muzzle

muzzleverb

Muzzle is used with these nouns as the object:

dog, press

myopic

myopicadj.

Myopic is used with these nouns:

view

myriad

myriadadj.

Myriad is used with these nouns:

mysterious

mysteriousadj.

Mysterious is used with these nouns:

ailment, benefactor, circumstance, death, disappearance, door, fashion, illness, incident, man, murder, past, phenomenon, stranger, tale, way

mysteriously

mysteriouslyadv.

Mysteriously is used with these verbs:

disappear, vanish

mystery

mysterynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + mystery | mystery + VERB | mystery + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, greatHow the disease started is one of medicine's great mysteries.little, minor, smallone of life's little mysteriescomplete, totalShe was a total mystery to him despite their long association.wholeHe had found the clue to unlock the whole mysterycertainHer blue eyes had a certain mystery.genuine, realcentralthe central mystery of the storydeep, profounda place of deep mystery and enchantmentenduring, eternal, long-standingancientdarkintriguingimpenetrable, unfathomableinsoluble (esp. BrE), unsolvable (esp. AmE)unexplained, unsolveddivine, religious, sacredscientificdetective, murderHe is the author of several murder mysteries.VERB + mysterybe, present (sb with), remainHow these insects actually communicate presents something of a mystery.have, holdIt was easy to believe that the house held some great mystery.be cloaked in, be shrouded inThe whole incident was shrouded in mystery.deepenThe silence has deepened the mystery surrounding his work.loseAir travel has lost much of its mystery.retainclear up, crack, discover, explain, figure out, piece together, resolve, solve, uncover, unlock, unravel, unveilThe police are close to solving the mystery of the missing murder weapon.shed light on, throw light onThe witness could shed no light on the mystery of the deceased's identity.explore, fathom, grapple with, penetrate, probe, understandHer poetry attempts to penetrate the dark mystery of death.contemplate, ponder, ponder onShe pondered the mystery of the disappearing thief.mystery + VERBremainMystery remains over who will star in the film.deepenThe mystery deepened when the police's only suspect was found murdered.unfold, unravelinvolve sb/sthsurround sththe mystery surrounding her resignationmystery + NOUNman, womanTheir suspect was a mystery man: a quiet, happily married man with no enemies.caller (esp. BrE), guestshopperbenefactor (esp. BrE)bidder, buyer (both esp. BrE)prize (BrE)tour (BrE)bug, disease, illness, virus (all esp. BrE)novel, story, thrillerPREPOSITIONmystery aboutThere's a bit of a mystery about this child.mystery as toIt remains a mystery as to where he was buried.mystery toMy sister is a complete mystery to me.PHRASESan air of mystery, an aura of mysteryWearing dark glasses gives him an air of mystery.something of a mysterytake the mystery out of sthModern weather forecasts try to take the mystery out of meteorology.

mystic

mysticadj.

Mystic is used with these nouns:

vision

mystical

mysticaladj.

Mystical is used with these nouns:

creature, experience, power, tradition, vision

mystically

mysticallyadv.

Mystically is used with these adjectives:

inclined

mystified

mystifiedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, lookremainADVERBcompletely, totallygenuinely, trulyShe was genuinely mystified by her success.rather, somewhat

myth

mythnoun

noun1 story from ancient times2 idea/belief which is untrue/impossible1 story from ancient timesADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEancient, classicalreligiousBiblicalChristian, Greek, Norse, Roman, etc.creation (= that explains how the world began)the creation myths of the InuitPREPOSITIONmyth aboutthe myth about the golden apple

2 idea/belief which is untrue/impossibleADJECTIVE | VERB + myth | myth + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgreatThere is a great myth that people who wear glasses are more intelligent.commonpowerfulenduring, persistent, prevailingcomplete (esp. BrE), totalIt's a total myth that this causes blindness.modernfolk, popular, urban, widespreadnationalThe battle has become part of national myth.historical, politicalThe propaganda of both sides relies heavily on historical myth.heroic, romantican outlaw who has now assumed the staus of heroic mythdangerous, perniciousconvenientVERB + mythcreate, cultivate, establish, inventHow did the myth get so firmly established in the popular consciousness?challenge, questioncounterbust (AmE, informal), debunk, deconstruct, demolish, destroy, dispel, disprove, explode, expose, puncture, scotch (BrE), shatterbury, lay to rest, put to restfeed, foster, keep alive, maintain, perpetuate, promote, propagate, reinforcespreadpeddle (BrE)Women have peddled the myth that all decent men are either married or gay.be based onPeople's faith in the Emperor was based on the myth that he was infallible.explorebelievemyth + VERBsurround sthWe are trying to lay to rest the myths surrounding mental illness.grow upA myth has grown up that Fleming didn't realize the potential of penicillin.persist, remainThe myth persists that men are more intelligent than women.PREPOSITIONmyth abouta popular myth about twinsmyth ofan attempt to perpetuate the myth of racial superiority

mythical

mythicaladj.

Mythical is used with these nouns:

beast, creature, figure, hero, monster

mythological

mythologicaladj.

Mythological is used with these nouns:

creature, figure

mythology

mythologynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + mythology | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpopularpersonalnationalcultural, politicalancient, classical, old, traditionalmodern, newGreek, Hindu, Norse, Roman, etc.VERB + mythologysurround sb/sththe mythology that surrounds the princessenterStories about the ghost have entered the mythology of the town.createShe has created her own mythology in the books.PREPOSITIONin (a/the) mythologythe characters in Greek mythologymythology about (esp. BrE), mythology ofa whole mythology about how to get fitthe national mythology of marriage and family

naan

naannoun

Naan is used before these nouns:

nagging

naggingadj.

Nagging is used with these nouns:

ache, anxiety, doubt, fear, feeling, injury, pain, sense, suspicion, wife, worry

nail

nailnoun

noun1 on the fingers/toes2 piece of metal1 on the fingers/toesSee also fingernail, toenailADJECTIVE | VERB + nail | nail + VERB | nail + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElong, shortsharphealthy, strongbrittlebrokenmanicuredacrylic, artificial, fake, falseI wore acrylic nails for two months.painted, polishedVERB + nailbite, chewdo, manicureDo your nails after your bath as they will be softer.cleanclip, cut, trimfilepaint, polish, varnish (BrE)growI was trying to grow my nails.examine, inspect, studyShe inspected her nails casually.breakdig, sinkHe screamed as she dug her nails into his shoulders.dragtapI tapped my nails against the glass.nail + VERBgrowbreak, splitscrape sth, scratch sthbite into sth, dig into sthnail + NOUNcare (see also nail polish)brushclippers, scissorsclippingsfilesalontechnicianfungus, infectionPREPOSITIONunder your nailThere was dirt under his nails.

2 piece of metalADJECTIVE | VERB + nail | nail + VERB | nail + NOUNADJECTIVElongsmallsix-inch, etc.looseprotrudingbentrustybrass, iron, etc.galvanizedfinishingcoffin, roofingVERB + naildrive, hammer, knockHe knocked the nail into the wall.drive in, hammer in, knock inpull out, removenail + VERBstick out, stick upnail + NOUNheadholebomb, gun

nail-biting

nail-bitingadj.

Nail-biting is used with these nouns:

finish, suspense, wait

nail polish

nail polishnoun

(BrE also nail varnish) nounADJECTIVE | … OF NAIL POLISH | VERB + nail polish | NAIL-POLISH + NOUNADJECTIVEchippedclearblack, pink, etc.… OF NAIL POLISHbottleVERB + nail polishhave on, wearShe wore red nail polish.apply, put onremove, take offNAIL-POLISH + NOUNremovera bottle of nail-polish remover

naive

naiveadj.

(also naïve) adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSappear, be, prove, seem, soundregard sth asHe regarded the move as politically naive.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.incrediblyhopelesslya little, slightly, etc.politicallyPHRASEScall sb naiveCall me naive, but I believe him.

Naive is used with these nouns:

belief, expectation, optimism, view

naively

naivelyadv.

Naively is used with these verbs:

believe, imagine

naked

nakedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSappear, be, feel, go, lie, look, standNever had he felt so completely naked.He lay naked on the bed.get (informal)stripShe quickly stripped naked.sleepstrip sbleave sbShe had been left naked and alone.find sbsee sbADVERBcompletely, entirely, quite (esp. BrE), stark, totallyShe realized with a shock that she was stark naked.almost, nearly, practically, virtuallyhalfI suggest you don't make a habit of going around half naked.

Naked is used with these nouns:

aggression, ambition, body, breast, bulb, buttock, chest, corpse, flame, flesh, limb, man, picture, self-interest, skin, thigh, torso, truth

Naked is used with these verbs:

Name is used with these nouns as the object:

name

namenounverb

I. noun1 word/words sb/sth is known by2 reputation3 famous person/thing1 word/words sb/sth is known byADJECTIVE | VERB + name | name + VERB | name + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEChristian (BrE), first, given (esp. AmE)middle, second (= middle name) (BrE)family, last (see also surname), second (= last name) (BrE)fullHis full name was William Augustus Grove.marriedmaidenbirth (esp. AmE)Muhammad Ali's birth name was Cassius Clay.originalSt Petersburg has gone back to its original name.proper, real, truepetHis pet name for her was ‘Fluff’.assumed, fake (esp. AmE), falseofficialjoint (esp. BrE)The account is in joint names.common‘Smith’ is a very common family name.double-barrelled (BrE), hyphenated (esp. AmE)personalThe place takes its name from the Old English personal name ‘Catta’.pen (usually pen-name), professional, stageGeorge Eliot was a pen-name; her real name was Mary Ann Evans.brand, proprietary, tradegenericcompanyscientificThe scientific name for plants in this genus is Asclepias.codefileuserPlease enter your user name.domainYou will need to register a domain name (= an individual Internet address).place, streetbandTheir original band name was ‘Cherry Five’VERB + namehaveDo you have a middle name?bear, carryThe Julian calendar was introduced by Julius Caesar and hence carries his name.be known by, go byThe island is more commonly known by the name ‘Krakatoa’.He goes by the name of Jonno.useShe uses a different name in her professional life.shareHis wife and sister share the same name, Sarah.acquire, get, obtainThe Brady bill acquired its name from its best-known sponsor, James Brady.adopt, assume, takeHe was elected Pope in 1978 and took the name of John Paul II.keepShe decided to keep her maiden name for professional purposes.abandonchangecarry onHe wanted an heir to carry on the family name.immortalizeHis name was immortalized in 1992 when he scored three times in the space of five minutes.choose, decide on, pickgive sb/sthShe was given the name Maria, after her grandmother.give sb, name, pass onDetectives believe that a hit man was sent to silence the witness before he could name names (= give evidence to the court/police).revealcall sb/sth byPlease call me by my first name.call sb namesStop calling me names (= stop saying rude/insulting things about me)!call, call outSomebody called out her name from below.mentionWe cannot mention the suspect's name for legal reasons.dropAll he did was drop names (= mention the names of famous people to impress people).invokeHe invoked the name of Freud in support of his argument.ask (sb)I asked him his name.hearI've heard that name mentioned before.catchI'm sorry, I didn't catch your name.knowHow do you know my name?forget, rememberI'm afraid I've forgotten your name.print, sign, writespellpronounceenter, put down, registerHave you put your name down for (= applied to take part in) the school play?listput forward (esp. BrE)They put his name forward (= chose him) as one of the five candidates for the post.name + VERBappearThe name of the artist appears on the vase.sound … His name sounds familiar.imply sth, suggest sthAs the name implies, Oxford was the place at which oxen could ford the river.be synonymous with sthHis name is synonymous with the worst excesses of sixties architecture.be associated with sth, be attached (to sth)I do not want my name associated with these products.He's been in four movies with Spielberg's name attached.mean sthcome fromWhere does the band name come from?ring a bell (figurative)‘Does that name mean anything to you?’ ‘Yes, it does ring a bell (= it is familiar).’name + NOUNbadge, tagplate (usually nameplate)She had her nameplate on the door.recognitionCoca Cola's global brand name recognitionPREPOSITIONby nameThe teacher knows every student by name.by the name ofan actor by the name of Tom Reesin sb/sth's nameThe tickets were booked in the name of McLean.I arrest you in the name (= on the authority) of the law.under a/the nameThe room was booked under (= using) a false name.name for, name ofThe common name for the flower is ‘pineapple lily’.PHRASESa change of namegive your name to sthThe Huron people gave their name to one of the Great Lakes.a list of namesname and addressnames and facesI have a bad memory for names and faces.put a name to sb/sthI couldn't put a name to the face (= didn't know or couldn't remember the person's name).He put his name to the business (= gave it his name).take sb's name in vainto take the Lord's name in vainHave you been taking my name in vain (= showing lack of respect when using my name)?

2 reputationADJECTIVE | VERB + name | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbiggoodbadVERB + namehavebecomeShe has become a big name in documentary photography.makeHe made his name writing travel books.She's made quite a name for herself.acquire, getThe area got a bad name after a series of nasty murders.protectThey tried to protect the good name of the college.clearThroughout his years in prison, he fought to clear his name.give sbThis kind of conduct gives students a bad name.blacken (esp. BrE), damage (esp. BrE), sullyThese articles have damaged the good name of the newspaper.PREPOSITIONname forThe company has a name for reliability.PHRASESsb's name is mudIf you tell our secret your name will be mud (= you will not be popular) around here.

3 famous person/thingADJECTIVEADJECTIVEbig, familiar, famous, household, recognizable, well-knownHe is a big name in the world of rock music.

II. verb1 to give sb/sth a name2 to choose sb for a job/position (often be named)1 to give sb/sth a nameADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBoriginallyappropriately, aptly, suitably, wellcorrectlyHe correctly named the song from the clip played.curiously, delightfully (esp. BrE), exotically, grandly, improbably, oddly, quaintly (esp. BrE), strangely, wonderfullythe curiously named Egg CastleunfortunatelyconfusinglyeuphemisticallyironicallyofficiallyThe ship will be officially named by the Queen before setting sail from her home port.PREPOSITIONafterI named my son after my father.for (AmE)the dead sister for whom she had been namedin honour/honor ofThe hospital was named in honour/honor of its principal benefactor.

2 to choose sb for a job/positionADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBformally, officiallyThe President officially named Kirk as his choice to replace Timms.PREPOSITIONto (AmE)She was recently named to the company's board of directors.PHRASESnewly namedthe newly named head coach

baby, chief, chief executive, fellow, file, heir, name, ship, source, squad, successor, suspect

named

namedadj.

Named is used with these nouns:

individual

nameless

namelessadj.

Nameless is used with these nouns:

dread

naming

namingnoun

Naming is used before these nouns:

ceremony, scheme

nanny

nannynoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElive-inBoard and lodging is part of the deal for live-in nannies.full-timePREPOSITIONnanny for, nanny toShe applied for the job of nanny to the Rickman family.

nap

napnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + napADJECTIVEbrief, little, quick, shortlongniceafternoon, daytime, morningpowerA ten-minute power nap can boost your productivity.VERB + naphave, takeI had a short nap after lunch.

napkin

napkinnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + napkin | napkin + NOUNADJECTIVEfoldedtableShe dabbed her mouth with her table napkin.cloth (esp. AmE), linen, papercocktail (AmE)sanitary (AmE) (sanitary towel in BrE)VERB + napkinfold, unfoldtuckHe tucked his napkin under his chin.dab sth with, wipe sth on, wipe sth withnapkin + NOUNholder, ringnapkin rings made of silver

Napoleonic

Napoleonicadj.

Napoleonic is used with these nouns:

era

nappy

nappynoun

(BrE) nounSee also diaperADJECTIVE | VERB + nappy | nappy + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcleanwetdirty, soiledsmellydisposablereusable, washablecloth, terryVERB + nappyhave on, wearchangeI'd just changed the baby's nappy.put onremovewashdispose ofnappy + NOUNchange, changingpinrashPREPOSITIONin nappyIsn't he rather old to be still in nappies?

narcotic

narcoticnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + narcotic | NARCOTICS + NOUNADJECTIVEmild, powerfuladdictiveillegal, illicit (esp. AmE)VERB + narcoticuseNARCOTICS + NOUNagent, detective, officer, squad

narrate

narrateverb

Narrate is used with these nouns as the object:

story, tale

narrative

narrativenounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + narrative | narrative + VERB | narrative + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpopularcompellingcoherentsimple, straightforwardcomplex, detailedchronological, linear, sequentialfirst-person, third-personThe book is written in the style of first-person narrative.autobiographical, personalHe provides a compelling personal narrative of his life.fictional, prosefilmtraditionalThe movie has a very traditional linear narrative.biblical, historicaldominantthe dominant narrative of the Cold Wargrand, master (esp. AmE)the grand narratives of historyVERB + narrativeconstruct, create, develop, produce, weave (esp. AmE), writeIt's difficult to construct a narrative out of a series of fast-moving events.She has woven a strong personal narrative filled with lively anecdotes.interruptThe author interrupts her narrative to tell us that the idea for the book had not been well received.offer, present, provideThis book offers no coherent narrative of the American Civil War.weave sth intoThe author weaves into this narrative many entertaining historical facts.narrative + VERBbe based on sthnarrative + NOUNform, style, techniqueframework, structureflow, threadinterruptions to the narrative flowcontentpassage, sequence, textPREPOSITIONin a/the narrativeevents in the narrative

II. adj.

Narrative is used with these nouns:

ballet, closure, coherence, continuity, convention, drive, flow, poem, poetry, structure, style, technique, thread, thrust, verdict

narrow

narrowverbadj.

I. verb1 of a road/river/gap/range2 of eyes1 of a road/river/gap/rangeADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBconsiderably, significantlyThe gap between the candidates has narrowed significantly.a little, slightly, etc.The river narrows a little here.The trade deficit with China narrowed slightly.dramatically, sharplyThe gap between the two parties narrowed sharply in the days before the election.graduallyLeft untreated, the arteries will gradually narrow, restricting the flow of blood.PREPOSITIONtoBy the final round the gap had narrowed to three votes.

2 of eyesADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBslightlyHer eyes narrowed slightly as she studied the woman.suddenlydangerously, suspiciouslyHis blue eyes narrowed suspiciously.PREPOSITIONagainstLee's eyes narrowed against the harsh glare of the sun.atHis eyes suddenly narrowed at the sight of her.inHer eyes narrowed in anger.toHis eyes narrowed to slits.withHis eyes narrowed with suspicion.

Narrow is used with these nouns as the subject:

deficit, divide, eye, gap, gaze, margin, path, road

Narrow is used with these nouns as the object:

artery, choice, deficit, divide, eye, focus, gap, horizon, list, scope, search

II. adj.1 not wide2 limited1 not wideVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, look, seembecome, getADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.The pass gets extremely narrow at its eastern edge.a little, slightly, etc.The rear part of the casing is slightly narrower than the front.relatively

2 limitedVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seembecomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.increasinglya little, slightly, etc.comparatively, relativelyPREPOSITIONinpeople who are rather narrow in outlook

Narrow is used with these nouns:

agenda, alley, angle, base, beam, belt, bench, border, bridge, category, channel, chest, chimney, circle, clientele, conception, confines, context, corridor, crack, curriculum, defeat, definition, door, doorway, entrance, escape, eye, flight, focus, foot, gap, gate, gauge, groove, hall, hallway, hip, horizon, ideology, interest, interpretation, lane, lapel, lead, ledge, limit, majority, margin, nose, objective, opening, pass, passage, path, pavement, pelvis, perspective, range, ribbon, river, road, room, scope, seam, self-interest, sense, shaft, shoulder, sidewalk, slice, space, spectrum, stair, staircase, stance, strait, strap, street, stretch, strip, stripe, stroke, topic, track, trail, trench, tube, tunnel, valley, victory, view, vision, vote, waist, width, win, window, wing, zone

narrow down

narrow downphr verb

Narrow down is used with these nouns as the object:

list

narrowed

narrowedadj.

Narrowed is used with these nouns:

artery, eye, lid

narrow-gauge

narrow-gaugeadj.

Narrow-gauge is used with these nouns:

railway, track

narrowly

narrowlyadv.

Narrowly is used with these verbs:

approve, avert, avoid, beat, conceive, defeat, define, escape, evade, eye, focus, interpret, miss, pass, prescribe, reject, survive, tailor, vote, win

nasal

nasaladj.

Nasal is used with these nouns:

congestion, discharge, drawl, mucus, passage, spray, twang, voice, whine

NASCAR

NASCARnoun

NASCAR is used before these nouns:

racing

nascent

nascentadj.

Nascent is used with these nouns:

Nasty is used after these nouns:

nasty

nastynounadj.

I. noun

Nasty is used with these nouns:

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbe, look, smell, sound, tasteHe made it all sound very nasty.become, get, turnThings could turn nasty (= dangerous) if we're not careful.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.particularly, thoroughly (esp. BrE)He's a thoroughly nasty piece of work (= a nasty person). (BrE)PREPOSITIONaboutShe was nasty about everyone.toKevin seems to enjoy being nasty to his sisters.PHRASEScheap and nasty (BrE)a room full of cheap and nasty ornamentsnasty littlea nasty little man

accident, attack, bang, bite, blow, bout, bruise, bug, bump, burn, chill, cold, cough, cut, disposition, divorce, email, fall, feeling, fight, foul, gash, habit, incident, infection, injury, jolt, knock, look, mess, remark, rumour, scar, scare, scratch, shock, side effect, smell, sting, story, streak, surprise, suspicion, taste, temper, trick, virus, weather

nation

nationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + nation | nation + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElargelittle, smallmajorgreat, leading, powerful, strongadvanced, developed, industrial, industrializeddeveloping, emerging, Third-Worldaffluent, prosperous, rich, wealthythe richest nation on earthpoormodernnew, youngancient, oldcivilizedentire, wholeThe entire nation mourned her death.divided, unitedfree, independent, sovereigndemocraticcapitalist, communistChristian, Muslim, etc.foreignWesternthe imperialist expansion of Western nations in the 1880sArab, European, French, etc.islandThe Soviet Union sent aid to the island nation of Cuba.maritime, oil-producing, tradingnuclearcreditor, debtorIn 1950 the UK was the world's largest debtor nation and the US the largest creditor.hostFrance was host nation for the 1998 World Cup.memberthe member nations of the UNroguethe threat of attack from terrorists or rogue nationsVERB + nationbuild, createThey wanted to create a new nation.divide, uniteThe fight against terrorism seemed to unite the nation.govern, leadservedefend, protectshockthe savage murder that shocked the nationnation + NOUNstatePREPOSITIONacross a/the nationswings in public opinion across the nationamong nationseconomic inequality among the nations of the worldin a/the nation, within a/the nationIn the nation as a whole there is no desire for war.nation ofThey are a nation of food lovers.PHRASESthe birth of a/the nationthe interests of a/the nationthe life of a/the nationThey hoped that the exhibition would enhance the cultural life of the nation.the nation as a whole, the nation at largeThe new economic policies were in the best interests of the nation at large.the nations of the world

national

nationaladj.

National is used with these nouns:

acclaim, affair, agenda, airline, airspace, allegiance, archive, arena, army, aspiration, assembly, asset, association, attention, autonomy, average, award, ballot, bank, banking, body, border, boundary, broadcaster, budget, campaign, catastrophe, celebration, celebrity, census, centre, champion, championship, character, characteristic, charity, charter, chauvinism, circulation, coach, collection, commission, company, competition, concern, conference, congress, consciousness, consensus, contest, context, convention, correspondent, costume, council, coverage, crisis, culture, currency, curriculum, database, debate, debt, decline, defence, deficit, difference, dimension, diploma, director, disaster, disgrace, dish, distribution, distributor, dress, drive, economy, election, electorate, elite, embarrassment, emergency, entity, epidemic, event, executive, expenditure, fame, federation, festival, figure, final, flag, forest, forum, funding, gallery, gathering, government, greatness, grid, guard, guideline, headline, headquarters, health service, herd, heritage, hero, heroine, highway, holiday, homeland, honour, hotline, humiliation, icon, identity, importance, income, independence, initiative, institute, institution, insurance, intelligence, interest, issue, journal, landmark, language, leader, leadership, league, legislation, legislature, level, liberation, library, lottery, magazine, manager, media, meeting, memorial, military, minority, monopoly, monument, mood, morale, moratorium, mourning, movement, museum, myth, mythology, network, news, newspaper, obsession, office, opinion, organization, origin, outcry, output, paper, park, parliament, pastime, police, policy, politics, poll, population, president, press, prestige, pride, programme, prominence, prosperity, publication, publicity, quota, radio, recession, recognition, reconciliation, reconstruction, record, recovery, referendum, register, registry, renewal, reporter, representative, reputation, reserve, resource, road, sample, scale, scandal, scope, secretary, security, self-confidence, self-interest, sentiment, service, shame, shortage, show, shrine, situation, soccer, solidarity, sovereignty, spotlight, squad, stage, standard, standing, statistics, stereotype, strategy, strike, survey, survival, swing, symbol, tabloid, taste, tax, team, telecommunications, television, tension, territory, ticket, title, total, tour, tournament, tradition, tragedy, trait, treasure, trend, unification, union, unity, uprising, visibility, vote, wealth, will

nationalism

nationalismnoun

nounADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEextreme, radicalaggressive, militant, revolutionarypopularreligious, secularblackAmerican, Arab, etc.cultural, economic, politicalPHRASESthe growth of nationalism, the rise of nationalisma resurgence of nationalism, a revival of nationalisma 19th-century resurgence of Finnish nationalisma tide of nationalisma tide of militant nationalism

nationalist

nationalistnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEardent, ferventextreme, hard-line, radicalmilitantmoderateliberalconservative, right-wingAfrican, Basque, Irish, etc.black

II. adj.

Nationalist is used with these nouns:

feeling, fervour, idea, ideology, leader, movement, party, politics, regime, rhetoric, sentiment

nationalistic

nationalisticadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomeremainADVERBfiercely, intensely, stronglyincreasingly

Nationalistic is used with these nouns:

fervour

nationality

nationalitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + nationality | nationality + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEvariouscultural differences among various nationalitiesmixedThe pupils are of mixed nationality.dualHe has dual British and South African nationality.foreign (esp. BrE)Argentinian, etc.VERB + nationalityhaveacquire, adopt, assume, obtain, take (BrE)She is hoping to adopt Australian nationality.a German-born composer who took British nationalitychangerenouncelosegrant sb (BrE)He recently received the Spanish passport which grants him dual nationality.nationality + VERBbe representedAbout 30 nationalities were represented at the tournament.PHRASESon (the) grounds of nationality (esp. BrE)He accused them of discrimination on the grounds of nationality.

nationalize

nationalizeverb

Nationalize is used with these nouns as the object:

health service, industry, railway

nationalized

nationalizedadj.

Nationalized is used with these nouns:

industry

nationally

nationallyadv.

Nationally is used with these adjectives:

organized, prominent, representative

Nationally is used with these verbs:

advertise, broadcast, compete, distribute, elect, expand, implement, know, recognize, televise

national security

national securitynoun

National security is used before these nouns:

credentials

nationwide

nationwideadj.adv.

I. adj.

Nationwide is used with these nouns:

alert, campaign, circulation, drive, election, hunt, network, poll, programme, referendum, search, shortage, strike, survey, tour

II. adv.

Nationwide is used with these verbs:

expand

native

nativeadj.

Native is used with these nouns:

bird, bush, cattle, city, community, country, county, cuisine, culture, cunning, custom, dialect, forest, guide, habitat, inhabitant, intelligence, land, language, people, plant, population, prairie, religion, shore, shrub, soil, son, speaker, species, tongue, town, tradition, tree, tribe, vegetation, village, wildlife, wit, word

nativity

nativitynoun

Nativity is used before these nouns:

play, scene

NATO

NATOnoun

NATO is used before these nouns:

ally, country, summit

nattily

nattilyadv.

Nattily is used with these verbs:

Natural is used with these nouns:

natural

naturaladj.

adj.1 not made by people2 usual/normal1 not made by peopleVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeAll the materials are natural.ADVERBcompletely, totallycompletely natural materialsreallyYour highlights look really natural.

2 usual/normalVERBS | ADVERBVERBSappear, be, feel, look, seem, soundbecomeADVERBonly, perfectly, quiteIt's only natural that she should feel upset.veryfairly

ability, advantage, affinity, ally, amenity, antidote, antipathy, aptitude, area, asset, athlete, aversion, balance, barrier, beauty, bent, birth, blonde, bond, capacity, catastrophe, charm, check, childbirth, choice, colour, colouring, complement, compound, consequence, conservatism, constituency, context, continuation, cosmetic, cotton, course, culmination, curiosity, curl, curve, cycle, daylight, death, defence, desire, disaster, disposition, dye, ecology, enemy, enthusiasm, environment, evolution, explanation, expression, extension, extract, exuberance, father, fertilizer, fibre, finish, fit, flair, flavour, flavouring, flow, food, force, forest, gas, genius, gift, grace, grain, habitat, harbour, hazard, heir, heritage, high, hollow, home, illumination, imagery, immunity, impulse, inclination, ingredient, instinct, justice, kindness, language, leader, light, lighting, limitation, material, modesty, monopoly, mother, occurrence, oil, order, origin, parent, phenomenon, philosophy, poise, population, process, product, progression, protein, reaction, reflex, relationship, reluctance, remedy, reproduction, reserve, reservoir, resilience, resource, response, rhythm, right, scenery, science, scientist, selection, sense, setting, shade, shape, shyness, sound, source, span, speech, spring, stance, state, substance, successor, sugar, superiority, supplement, surroundings, sweetness, talent, tan, target, taste, tendency, theology, thing, tone, uranium, urge, variability, variation, vegetation, ventilation, wastage, wealth, wonder, wood, world, yogurt

naturalistic

naturalisticadj.

Naturalistic is used with these nouns:

evolution

naturalized

naturalizedadj.

Naturalized is used with these nouns:

citizen

naturally

naturallyadv.

Naturally is used with these adjectives:

anxious, beautiful, biased, coloured, concerned, curious, curly, disposed, friendly, gifted, gregarious, inclined, inquisitive, keen, low, oily, present, resistant, sceptical, shy, straight, suited, superior, suspicious, tanned, wary

Naturally is used with these verbs:

arise, assume, behave, colour, conceive, dry, emerge, evolve, flow, follow, lead, occur, prefer, produce, rear, reproduce, resist, vary, ventilate, weather

nature

naturenoun

noun1 the physical world; plants, animals, etc.2 qualities/features of sb/sth1 the physical world; plants, animals, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + nature | nature + VERB | nature + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEMotherMother Nature's way of dealing with overpopulationVERB + naturecommune withHe believed in spending half an hour each day to relax and commune with nature.be back to, get back toWe built our house in the country because we wanted to get back (= be close) to nature.be found inman-made substances not found in naturenature + VERBendow (sb with) sth, give sb sth, provide (sb with) sthNature had endowed her with exceptional vitality.produce sthIt's highly unlikely that this mound was produced by nature.nature + NOUNconservationpreserve (AmE), reservetrailloverPREPOSITIONclose to naturepeople who live in the country and are close to naturein natureWe appreciate beauty in nature.PHRASESthe forces of nature, the laws of naturea love of natureHis love of nature was expressed through his wildlife paintings.let nature take its courseWe can only treat the injury and then let nature take its course.

2 qualities/features of sb/sthADJECTIVE | VERB + nature | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbasic, essential, fundamental, intrinsic, real, trueartificialexact, precise, specificI'm not clear about the exact nature of their relationship.generalselectivelimited, restrictivechanging, seasonal, temporary, transitorydynamicuncertain, unpredictablearbitrary, randomsubjectivethe subjective nature of perceptionabstractcapricious, fickleintractabledistinctive, unique, unusualradicalcomplexdualthe dual nature of man as a physical and spiritual beingspecial, specialist (BrE)traditionalcontroversialsensitiveThe victim has not been identified because of the sensitive nature of the case.contradictoryproblematicunsatisfactory (esp. BrE)the unsatisfactory nature of the meetinggoodPeople are always taking advantage of her good nature (= her kindness).humanIt's only human nature to want more money.divineconfidential, personal, privatepublicinternational, localthe international nature of the businessrepetitiveroutine (esp. BrE)matters of a routine naturedetailedBecause of the detailed nature of the work, I have to use a very fine brush.practicalphysical, psychological, sexualThey define sexual harassment as unwanted conduct of a sexual nature.economic, legal, political, socialTheir problems are of an economic nature.contemplativeinquisitivecompetitiveVERB + naturehaveHe has an inquisitive nature.revealThe parties would not reveal the exact nature of the dispute.concealreflect, showemphasizebelieThe gentle lower slopes belie the true nature of the mountain.be against, be contrary to, go againstIt was against his nature to tell lies.alter, changeThis new information does not change the nature of our findings.acknowledge, be aware of, recognizeAre you aware of the nature of the risks involved?define, specifyIt is important to define the nature of the problem.assess, consider, discuss, examine, explore, investigatecomprehend, realize, understandThe Buddhist goal is to realize the true nature of the world.clarify, elucidate, explaindescribedeterminedepend onThe method employed will depend on the nature of the task.appeal toThere was no point appealing to her better nature (= kindness).PREPOSITIONby natureHe's not by nature an inquisitive person.concerning the nature ofa debate concerning the nature of violenceconsidering the nature of, given the nature ofGiven the nature of this matter, I am inclined to think it should be managed by you personally.in natureTheir strategy was essentially political in nature.in sb/sth's natureIt's not in his nature to complain.A certain element of risk is in the nature of the job.of a … natureThe legal concept of insanity is of a different nature from the medical.PHRASESby its very natureBy its very nature a secret service is not open to public inspection.the extent and nature of sthWe need to understand the true extent and nature of the problem.an insight into the nature of sthHis theory provides a remarkable insight into the nature of the constitution.a part of human natureHer view is that aggression is part of human nature.a part of sb's naturethe expressive part of his naturea side of sb's nature, a side to sb's natureHe had a vicious side to his nature.

naturopathic

naturopathicadj.

Naturopathic is used with these nouns:

medicine, physician

naughty

naughtyadj.

Naughty is used with these nouns:

boy, child, word

nausea

nauseanoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF NAUSEA | VERB + nausea | nausea + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEseveremild, slightsudden… OF NAUSEAwaveI was overcome by waves of nausea.VERB + nauseaexperience, feel, haveSome people have nausea and vomiting after surgery.complain ofbring on, causereduce, relievenausea + VERBcome over sb, hit sb, sweep over sbA wave of nausea came over him.passThe nausea had passed and I felt better.PHRASESa feeling of nausea

nauseating

nauseatingadj.

Nauseating is used with these nouns:

smell, stench

nautical

nauticaladj.

Nautical is used with these nouns:

chart, mile

naval

navaladj.

Naval is used with these nouns:

academy, architect, architecture, base, battle, blockade, bombardment, cadet, command, commander, convoy, exercise, expedition, fleet, force, helicopter, hero, mutiny, officer, operation, patrol, personnel, power, presence, reserve, salute, ship, superiority, support, supremacy, tactic, task force, uniform, vessel, warfare, warship

navel

navelnoun

Navel is used before these nouns:

orange, ring

navigable

navigableadj.

Navigable is used with these nouns:

river, water

navigate

navigateverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBsafelyOnly the best-trained captains could safely navigate these routes.carefullyEvery day the ship carefully navigated through the channels of blue icebergs.successfullyHe successfully navigated the river to the Persian Gulf.She managed to successfully navigate the complex world of corporate finance. (figurative)easilyCustomers will be able to navigate easily throughout the site.PREPOSITIONbyThese birds navigate by the sun.across, throughShe became expert in driving and navigating across the desert.Browsers are used to navigate through the Web.strategies to navigate your way through the forestPHRASESnavigate your way

Navigate is used with these nouns as the object:

course, Internet, maze, menu, minefield, river, site, terrain, traffic, way

navigation

navigationnoun

noun1 movement of ships, aircraft, etc.2 finding way your around a website1 movement of ships, aircraft, etc.ADJECTIVE | navigation + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEaccuratesafeinland, ocean (esp. AmE), river, sea (esp. BrE), underwaterRail and inland navigation together account for 30–50% of the total delivered cost.air, land, marine, maritimeGPS, radio, satelliteHaving used GPS navigation, it's hard to go back to using maps.in-cara maker of in-car navigation systemsnavigation + NOUNsystema global satellite navigation system for the Air Forceaids, chart, device, equipment, instruments, lightsa GPS navigation devicebeaconnavigation beacons for Allied aircraftchannelthe main navigation channel on the far side of the islandsatellitePREPOSITIONnavigation inThe stars were used for navigation in the desert.navigation ofthe navigation of our riversPHRASESan aid to navigationsmall boats equipped with electronic aids to navigationfreedom of navigation, rights of navigationfreedom of navigation through international watersan obstruction to navigation (law, esp. BrE)the cost of removing obstructions to navigation

2 finding way your around a websiteADJECTIVE | navigation + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEeasy, gooda well laid out design and easy navigationsite, WebMake site navigation easy and intuitive.The software is designed to simplify Web navigation.navigation + NOUNbar, button, menuYou can use the navigation bar at the bottom of the pictures to zoom in or out.PREPOSITIONnavigation ofKeep the navigation of your site really simple.navigation throughnavigation through complex documentsPHRASESmake navigation difficult, easy, etc.A mouse or joystick makes navigation simpler.

navigational

navigationaladj.

Navigational is used with these nouns:

aid, instrument

navy

navynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + navy | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEstrongmerchant (BrE) (merchant marine in AmE)Russian, US, etc.VERB + navyhavebuildGermany had built a modern navy.serve inenter, joinHe joined the Navy in 1991.PREPOSITIONin the navyHe spent ten years in the US navy.

Nazi

Naziadj.

Nazi is used with these nouns:

era, salute, thug

NBA

NBAnoun

NBA is used before these nouns:

stardom

Neanderthal

Neanderthaladj.

Neanderthal is used with these nouns:

neap

neapnoun

Neap is used before these nouns:

tide

near nearby

nearbyadj.adv.

I. adj.

Nearby is used with these nouns:

building, countryside, farm, galaxy, hotel, neighbourhood, pub, restaurant, star, town, village

II. adv.

Nearby is used with these verbs:

hover

near-death

near-deathadj.

Near-death is used with these nouns:

Nearer is used with these nouns:

nearer

neareradj.adv.

I. adj.

star

II. adv.

Nearer is used with these verbs:

bend

nearest

nearestadj.

Nearest is used with these nouns:

approximation, challenger, competitor, equivalent, exit, galaxy, neighbour, pub, rival, star, thing

nearly

nearlyadv.

Nearly is used with these adjectives:

asleep, bald, bankrupt, black, blind, breathless, broke, circular, clean, closed, complete, constant, contemporary, dark, dead, deaf, devoid, dry, empty, endless, equal, exhaustive, extinct, fatal, flat, foolproof, full, hysterical, ideal, identical, impassable, impenetrable, imperceptible, impossible, inaudible, incomprehensible, indestructible, inedible, infinite, insane, inseparable, instantaneous, insurmountable, intact, invincible, invisible, level, lifeless, naked, non-existent, nude, obsolete, opaque, overhead, parallel, perfect, perpendicular, ready, right, ripe, same, silent, solid, square, straight, submerged, suicidal, symmetrical, transparent, unable, unanimous, unbearable, unbeatable, unchanged, universal, unlimited, unthinkable, useless, worthless

Nearly is used with these verbs:

blind, bump, burst, choke, collapse, collide, crush, cry, destroy, die, disappear, double, drop, eliminate, exhaust, explode, faint, fall, finish, forget, halve, hit, jump, kill, leap, match, miss, overcome, overwhelm, paralyse, reach, ruin, score, shout, shriek, sink, strangle, stumble, succeed, tear, touch, trample, treble, trip, triple, vanish, weep, win, wipe, wreck

nearside

nearsideadj.

Nearside is used with these nouns:

tyre, wheel, wing

neat

neatadj.

adj. tidy and in orderVERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSappear, be, look, seemmake sthkeep sthShe kept her desk extremely neat.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.surprisinglyThe handwriting was surprisingly neat.PHRASESneat and tidyI've made the front lawn all neat and tidy.

Neat is used with these nouns:

beard, bow, brandy, bun, cut, feature, finish, fold, football, footwork, freak, gadget, handwriting, lawn, moustache, package, parcel, pile, row, script, solution, square, trick, twist, whisky, writing

neatly

neatlyadv.

Neatly is used with these adjectives:

Neatly is used with these verbs:

arrange, capture, cut, demonstrate, divide, dress, evade, execute, fit, fold, illustrate, label, land, lay, organize, pack, park, pile, pin, place, present, print, sew, slice, slot, solve, stack, stow, sum, summarize, tie, trim, tuck, type, wind, wrap, write

neatly clipped

neatly clippedadj.

Neatly clipped is used with these nouns:

neatly trimmed

neatly trimmedadj.

Neatly trimmed is used with these nouns:

nebulous

nebulousadj.

Nebulous is used with these nouns:

concept

necessarily

necessarilyadv.

Necessarily is used with these adjectives:

brief, incomplete, limited, partial, selective, subjective, vague

Necessarily is used with these verbs:

entail, exclude, involve, link, vary

necessary

necessaryadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSappear, be, prove, seembecomeremainmake sthThe cold weather has made it necessary to protect the crops.believe sth, consider sth, deem sth, feel sth, find sth, regard sth as, see sth as, think sthMake any alterations you consider necessary.You may find it necessary to readjust the wheels from time to time.ADVERBreally, strictlyI was determined not to stay in the hospital for any longer than was strictly necessary.absolutelyhardlylogicallymedicallyPREPOSITIONforqualifications which are necessary for work with the under-fivesPHRASESif necessaryThese measures will be enforced, if necessary, by the army.as necessary, when necessary, where necessaryWe are here to give help and support when necessary.Editorial changes have been made where necessary.

Necessary is used with these nouns:

adjustment, arrangement, attribute, balance, complement, component, compromise, condition, consequence, correction, degree, element, equipment, expenditure, expertise, facility, finance, impetus, improvement, information, ingredient, investment, level, majority, means, measure, modification, paper, paperwork, part, permission, permit, precaution, preliminary, prelude, preparation, prerequisite, procedure, qualification, reform, repair, requirement, resource, safeguard, skill, step, tool, training, truth

necessitate

necessitateverb

Necessitate is used with these nouns as the object:

removal

necessity

necessitynoun

noun1 fact that sth must happen; sth that cannot be avoided2 sth you must have1 fact that sth must happen; sth that cannot be avoidedADJECTIVE | VERB + necessity | necessity + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEabsolute, fundamental (esp. BrE), sheer, vitalSleep is an absolute necessity for life.dire, urgentimmediaterealperceivedstrategiclogical, physical, practicalThe people in the rural areas use mud bricks only as an immediate, practical necessity.business, economic, financial, historical, medical, military, political, socialHe argued that nuclear weapons were a political necessity.VERB + necessitybecomeA website has become a business necessity.recognize, see, understandShe saw the necessity to make an immediate impression on him.feelI've never felt the necessity to rely on such a strict rule.accept (sth as), be convinced ofThey have accepted the necessity of greater state intervention.avoid, obviate, removespare sbMrs R has been spared the necessity of having to give evidence.emphasize, highlight, stressObservers stressed the necessity for the ceasefire to be observed.be born of, be born out ofCulling of the animals was born out of the necessity for successful conservation.be driven byDriven by financial necessity, she decided to give up her writing career.necessity + VERBariseThese animals don't like water but will swim if the necessity arises.dictate (sth), require (sth)This rule is carried no farther than necessity requires.force sthNecessity forced an urgent solution.PREPOSITIONof necessityThe visit will, of necessity, be brief.out of necessityHe is changing jobs out of necessity, not because he particularly wants to.through necessityMost of the women are forced, through economic necessity, to work in part-time low-paid jobs.without the necessity ofMost disputes can be resolved without the necessity of going to court.necessity forThere's no necessity for you to come.necessity tothe necessity to earn a livingPHRASESany necessity, no necessityThe company sees no necessity for a more cautious approach to investment.

2 sth you must haveADJECTIVE | VERB + necessity | PHRASESADJECTIVEabsolutevitalrealurgentPolicies which address these issues are an urgent necessity.bare, basicThey have nothing but the barest necessities.dailyVERB + necessityhavelackPHRASESa necessity of lifeFood is a necessity of life.

neck

necknoun

noun1 part of the body2 part of a piece of clothing1 part of the bodyADJECTIVE | VERB + neck | neck + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElong, shortslender, slim, swan-like (literary)scraggy (BrE), scrawny, thinstrong, thicksore, stiffbrokenVERB + neckcrane, strainI craned my neck to see what was happening at the front.break, injurerubwringHe killed the chicken quickly by wringing its neck.When he was late again I wanted to wring his neck.risk (figurative)I'm not going to risk my neck playing rugby with you!save (figurative)He's out to save his own political neck (= his political career).neck + NOUNmusclebrace, collar, supportShe's been wearing a neck brace since her car crash.injuryache, painPREPOSITIONaround your neck, round your neck (esp. BrE)I keep the key on a string around my neck.in the neckThe veins in his neck stood out like knotted rope.PHRASESthe back of the neck, the nape of the neckThe hairs on the back of my neck prickled with fear.a crick in your neckI had a crick in my neck from staring up at the sky so long.the scruff of the neckThe cat picked up her kitten by the scruff of its neck.

2 part of a piece of clothingADJECTIVEADJECTIVEhigh, lowopenHe wore a casual shirt with an open neck.boat (AmE), cowl, crew, halter, round, scoop, V (usually V-neck)He was wearing a black V-neck sweater.polo (BrE), roll (usually roll-neck) (esp. BrE), turtle (usually turtleneck) (AmE)

necklace

necklacenoun

Necklace is used after these nouns:

bead, diamond, gold

need

neednounverb

I. noun1 situation where sth is needed/necessary2 sth that sb requires1 situation where sth is needed/necessaryADJECTIVE | VERB + need | need + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig (esp. AmE), considerable (esp. BrE), great, strongThere is a great need for English language classes.specialThere is a special need for well-trained teachers.overriding, overwhelming, paramountburning, compelling, critical, crying, desperate, dire, driving, immediate, pressing, serious, urgenta crying need for skilled workersThese children are in dire need.realclearbasic, essential, fundamentalsuddenconstant, continuingHe's in constant need of treatment.growing, increased, increasingreducedpossibleperceivedcommonour common need for self-preservationindividualhumanthe human need to order existencepolitical, socialVERB + needfeel, haveI felt the need to do something.expressSeveral governments have expressed the need for a cautious approach to the conflict.demonstrate, indicate, prove, show, suggestThe incident proved the need for a continuing military presence in the area.reflecta law reflecting a need for better social conditionscreateThe war created a need for national unity.address, fill (esp. AmE), fulfil/fulfill, meet, satisfybe driven byResearch is currently driven by the need to reduce pollution.avoid, eliminate, obviate, removeEarly intervention frequently eliminates the need for surgery.reducebe aware of, be sensitive toaccept, acknowledge, perceive, recognize, seeI see no need to do anything hasty.emphasize, heighten, highlight, reaffirm, stress, underline, underscore (esp. AmE)She stressed the need for cooperation with the authorities.supportI understand and support their need to make a living.ignore, overlookdenyThe government has denied the need for economic reform.understandconsiderneed + VERBexistA need exists to bridge the gap between theory and practice in nursing.ariseThe system can be switched to emergency power should the need arise.PREPOSITIONin need (of)a campaign to help children in needThe room was sorely in need of a fresh coat of paint.need forthe need for changePHRASESany, little, no, etc. needThere's no need to worry.

2 sth that sb requiresADJECTIVE | VERB + need | PHRASESADJECTIVEbasic, essential, fundamentalparticular, special, specific, uniquea school for children with special educational needsimmediate, pressinglong-termfuturechangingconflictingunmetlocalindividual, personalcommunity, publiccustomer, patient, user, etc.customers', patients', users', etc.humanEnergy for cooking is a basic human need.humanitarianmaterial, physicalmaterial needs of food and shelterdietaryhealth, health-care, medicalbiological, bodily, emotional, physical, psychological, sexual, spiritualeducationalpolitical, socialbusiness, economic, financialoperationalenergyinformationVERB + needbe responsive to, be sensitive toaddress, cater for, cater to, cover, fill (esp. AmE), fit (esp. AmE), fulfil/fulfill, meet, provide for, respond to, satisfy, serve, supplya new union set up to address the needs of seasonal workers€25 a day was enough to cover all his needs.We have now met most of the humanitarian needs of the refugees.suit, tailor sth toThe coaching is informal and tailored to individual needs.identifyassess, considerbalanceWe try to balance the needs of all our customers.PHRASESneeds and desiressb's every needOur staff will cater to your every need.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + needADVERBbadly, desperately, really, sorely, urgentlyShe needed some money badly.Research is urgently needed into the causes of this illness.certainly, definitelyprobablyclearly, obviouslyjust, only, simplyI just need some information.hardlyYou hardly need me to tell you that your father is still very frail and must not be upset.not necessarilyThese people require 24-hour attention, but they do not necessarily need to be in the hospital.no longerstillVERB + needbe going tobe expected to, be likely to, may wellYou may well need to look outside your preferred area to find an affordable hotel.

Need is used with these nouns as the subject:

consumer, country

Need is used with these nouns as the object:

adjustment, affection, alteration, answer, approval, assistance, assurance, attention, authorization, backing, Band-Aid, bath, break, breather, care, clarification, closure, comb, comfort, companionship, company, concentration, confirmation, consideration, continuity, cooperation, coordination, correction, counselling, crutch, cut, dedication, dictionary, diplomacy, discipline, discretion, donation, drink, effort, encouragement, energy, equipment, escape, escort, excuse, exercise, expertise, explanation, exploration, favour, finance, fix, flexibility, follow-up, forgiveness, guidance, haircut, hand, handling, help, holiday, identification, improvement, incentive, information, injection, input, inspiration, instruction, insurance, justification, kip, lavatory, leadership, lecture, legislation, loo, luck, maintenance, management, manpower, medication, miracle, modification, monitoring, notice, nourishment, outlet, overhaul, patience, pee, permission, permit, persuasion, planning, practice, preparation, proof, protection, qualification, reassurance, receipt, redemption, reference, refinement, refreshment, reinforcement, release, remedy, reminder, renovation, repair, replacement, research, reservation, resolution, respite, rest, restoration, revenue, revision, ride, service, shake-up, shave, shelter, skill, slap, sleep, stamina, stimulation, stitch, structure, supervision, support, surgery, swing, sympathy, tact, therapy, time, toilet, transfusion, transplant, treatment, vacation, verification, visa, volunteer, vote, warrant, wash, wee

needed

neededadj.

Needed is used with these nouns:

reform

needle

needlenoun

noun1 for sewing, knitting, etc.2 for drugs3 on a compass/instrument4 on a pine tree1 for sewing, knitting, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + needle | needle + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVElongbluntsharpfinedarning, embroidery, knitting, sewing, tapestryVERB + needleusethreadneedle + VERBprick sb/sthPHRASESthe eye of a needleneedle and threadShe sewed it on with needle and thread.a needle in a haystackLooking for one man in a city this size is like looking for a needle in a haystack (= difficult to find).

2 for drugsADJECTIVE | VERB + needle | needle + VERB | needle + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEhypodermic, syringeinjectionlongsharpfine, thinclean, sterilecontaminated, dirty, infected (esp. BrE)usedVERB + needleinject, insert, jab (sb with), plunge, push, put, stickHe saw her stick a needle into her arm.remove, withdrawusesharethe dangers of sharing needlesneedle + VERBgo inThe needle went in easily.pierce sthShe winced when she felt the needle pierce her skin.needle + NOUNtipexchangeneedle exchange schemes (BrE)needle exchange programs (AmE)(= where drug users can change used needles for clean ones)biopsyPHRASESthe prick of a needle

3 on a compass/instrumentADJECTIVE | needle + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEmagneticcompassneedle + VERBmove

The needle moved away from the wind.pointPHRASESthe needle of a compass

4 on a pine treeADJECTIVE | VERB + needleADJECTIVEconifer, pineVERB + needledrop, lose

needle-sharp

needle-sharpadj.

Needle-sharp is used with these nouns:

needless

needlessadj.

Needless is used with these nouns:

anxiety, death, suffering, waste

needlessly

needlesslyadv.

Needlessly is used with these adjectives:

provocative

Needlessly is used with these verbs:

kill, suffer, worry

needy

needyadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, looka woman who looked needyADVERBtruly, veryemotionally, financiallyPHRASESpoor and needythe children of poor and needy parents

Needy is used with these nouns:

nefarious

nefariousadj.

Nefarious is used with these nouns:

negate

negateverb

Negate is used with these nouns as the object:

Negative is used with these nouns:

negative

negativenounadj.

I. noun1 denial2 developed photographic film1 denialPHRASESPHRASESin the negativeShe answered the question in the negative.

2 developed photographic filmADJECTIVE | … OF NEGATIVES | VERB + negativeADJECTIVEoriginalenlargedphotographicfilm, glass… OF NEGATIVESstripVERB + negativeproducedevelop, printHis interest in photography started with him developing negatives that he found lying around the house.scanPictures and negatives were scanned using a flatbed scanner.keepWe must assume that the spy kept the negatives.destroy

II. adj.1 only thinking about/showing sb/sth's bad qualities2 showing that sth has not happened/been found1 only thinking about/showing sb/sth's bad qualitiesVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, seem, soundbecomeremainADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.decidedly, highly, profoundly, significantly (esp. AmE), stronglyTheir attitude was highly negative.the strongly negative implications of these survey resultscompletely, entirely, purely, totally, whollyShe spoke in entirely negative terms.largely, overwhelmingly, predominantlyincreasinglyoverlySome people have accused me of being overly negative.uniformlyReaction to last night's attack was uniformly negative.a little, slightly, etc.apparently, seeminglyessentiallyCritical thinking is essentially negative as it seeks to dissect and not to build.potentiallygenerallyPREPOSITIONaboutHe's been rather negative about the idea.

2 showing that sth has not happened/been foundADVERB | VERBS | PREPOSITIONADVERBfalselyVERBSbe, prove, testThe antibody test proved negative.He tested negative for HIV infection.PREPOSITIONforThe urine tests were negative for protein.

answer, aspect, association, attitude, balance, comment, connotation, consequence, correlation, coverage, criticism, effect, emotion, energy, evaluation, expectation, experience, fashion, feedback, feeling, force, image, imagery, impact, implication, impression, influence, margin, message, mood, number, outcome, outlook, overtone, perception, portrayal, publicity, quality, reaction, reinforcement, relationship, repercussion, reply, report, reputation, resolution, response, result, return, review, sense, sentence, side, side effect, slant, slope, smear, spin, stance, stereotype, stimulus, symptom, tactic, term, test, thing, thought, tone, trait, trend, view, voltage, vote

negatively

negativelyadv.

Negatively is used with these adjectives:

charged, related

Negatively is used with these verbs:

affect, answer, correlate, influence, react, reflect, respond, view

neglect

neglectnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + neglect | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgeneral, totalrelativebenignThe 18th-century interior of the building has survived through benign neglect.serious (esp. BrE), wilful/willfulemotional, physicalmedicalMedical neglect occurs when medical care is withheld.childThe maximum penalty for child neglect is ten years' imprisonment.parentalchildren who are victims of deliberate parental neglectVERB + neglectsuffer, suffer fromThe buildings suffered neglect for centuries.be guilty ofThe doctor was guilty of serious neglect of duty.PREPOSITIONby neglectcruelty by neglectthrough neglectthe suffering of children through neglectneglect ofAbuse, domestic violence and neglect of children took place.to the neglect ofShe had concentrated on her music to the neglect of her other studies.PHRASEScenturies of neglect, years of neglectAfter years of neglect the house is at last being restored.neglect of dutyHe was reprimanded for neglect of duty.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + neglect | PREPOSITIONADVERBgrossly (formal), seriouslycompletely, entirely, totallylargelygenerallyThese are subjects generally neglected by historians.conveniently (ironic), deliberately, wilfully/willfully (esp. BrE)They conveniently neglected their responsibilities.hitherto, previouslyVERB + neglecttend tocannot afford toThis sector is one of the major growth areas and we cannot afford to neglect it.PREPOSITIONin favour/favor ofLocal communities have been neglected in favour/favor of private sector interests.

Neglect is used with these nouns as the object:

aspect, child, detail, duty, effect, responsibility

neglected

neglectedadj.

adj.1 not given enough attention2 not given enough food, clothing, etc.1 not given enough attentionVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, lie, look, remain, seem, standHis tools lay neglected on the workbench.become, getADVERBbadly, much, sadly, seriously, sorely, woefullyIt is a sadly neglected work.The building is sorely neglected.largelycomparatively, rather, relatively, somewhathitherto, previouslyunjustlyShe is an excellent and unjustly neglected author.

2 not given enough food, clothing, etc.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, lookThe group of street children looked ragged and neglected.ADVERBbadly, grossly, severely

Neglected is used with these nouns:

aspect, child

neglectful

neglectfuladj.

Neglectful is used with these nouns:

parent

negligence

negligencenoun

noun (law)ADJECTIVE | VERB + negligence | negligence + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgrosscontributory (BrE)The plaintiff was guilty of contributory negligence for failing to wear a crash helmet.medical, professionalcriminalVERB + negligencebe guilty ofaccuse sb of, allege, sue forThe lawyer was accused of professional negligence.denyprovearise fromdeath arising from negligencenegligence + NOUNcaseclaimPREPOSITIONby negligenceHis death was brought about by negligence on the doctor's part.through negligencedamage to company property through negligencenegligence innegligence in navigationPHRASESa finding of negligenceThe court made a finding of criminal negligence.the result of (the) negligenceThe accident was the result of negligence on the part of the driver.

negligent

negligentadj.

adj. (law)VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seemADVERBgrosslycriminallyPREPOSITIONinThe hospital was negligent in the way it cared for this young man.overThe court found him to be negligent over the loss of £18 million by the local authority.

Negligent is used with these nouns:

conduct, homicide

negligible

negligibleadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seembecomeADVERBby no means, far fromDelays in the courts are far from negligible.almost

Negligible is used with these nouns:

amount, effect, impact

negotiate

negotiateverb

verb1 try to reach an agreement2 successfully get over/past sth1 try to reach an agreementADVERB | VERB + negotiate | PREPOSITIONADVERBcarefullya carefully negotiated series of concessionssuccessfullyeffectivelyindividually, separatelyRents are individually negotiated between landlord and tenant.directlyTheyt were forced to negotiate directly with the rebels.secretlyseriouslyconstantly, continuallyThe parameters of the job are being continually negotiated.currentlyVERB + negotiatebe able tobe prepared to, be willing toAre the employers really willing to negotiate?attempt to, seek to, try tomanage tohelp (to)PREPOSITIONbetweento negotiate between the two sidesforWe are negotiating for the release of the prisoners.onThey have refused to negotiate on this issue.on behalf ofthose negotiating on behalf of the governmentwithI managed to negotiate successfully with the authorities.

2 successfully get over/past sthADVERB | VERB + negotiateADVERBeasily, safely (esp. BrE), successfullyHe successfully negotiated the slippery steps.VERB + negotiatebe difficult toThe flight of steps was quite difficult to negotiate with a heavy suitcase.

Negotiate is used with these nouns as the subject:

Negotiate is used with these nouns as the object:

accord, agreement, armistice, arrangement, bend, ceasefire, compromise, contract, curve, deal, detail, discount, extension, fee, hazard, lease, maze, minefield, pact, peace, price, release, settlement, surrender, term, terrain, treaty, truce, turn

negotiated

negotiatedadj.

Negotiated is used with these nouns:

peace, settlement, solution

negotiating

negotiatingnoun

Negotiating is used before these nouns:

leverage, position, session, skill, table, tactic, tool

negotiation

negotiationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + negotiation | negotiation + VERB | negotiation + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElengthy, protractedongoingfinaldirect, face-to-facesuccessfulfruitless, unsuccessfulbehind-the-scenes, secretbilateral, multilateraldiplomatic, politicalglobal, internationalconstant, continuousdifficult, toughdelicatecomplexintense, seriousIt's time for some serious negotiation.formalhigh-levelpay (esp. BrE), salary (esp. AmE), wage (esp. BrE)peace, trade, etc.VERB + negotiationenter into, open, startbreak offcontinue, reopen, resumeconductNegotiations were conducted in secret.handleAllen had handled the negotiations himself.leadLeading those negotiations is Senator Susan Collins of Maine.facilitatecomplete, concludebe open to, be subject toThe final price is open to negotiation.negotiation + VERBtake placeUnion negotiations take place behind closed doors.begin, startcontinue, go onNegotiations continued all day to try to avert a strike.break down, collapse, failnegotiation + NOUNprocessskillstableThey wanted to bring the conflicting parties back to the negotiation table.PREPOSITIONby negotiationRents are agreed by negotiation.in negotiation (with)She is in negotiation with other heads of state on the question of oil prices.through negotiationThe problem should be resolved through negotiation.under negotiationContracts are under negotiation.negotiation betweenThe alliance is the product of months of negotiation between the two parties.negotiation forThe problem is not the negotiations for a contract.negotiation ofthe negotiation of a new contractnegotiation oninternational negotiations on reducing carbon emissionsnegotiation overnegotiations over the number of houses to be builtnegotiation withnegotiations with the other sidePHRASESa basis for negotiationa matter for negotiationmonths, years, etc. of negotiationThey signed the treaty after several years of negotiation.a process of negotiationCompromise is reached by a process of negotiation.room for negotiationThere is considerable room for negotiation on some of the details.

negotiator

negotiatornoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEgood, skilled, toughprofessional, trainedchief, lead, principal, senior, topthe union's chief negotiatorinternationalunionhostagepeace, trade

neigh

neighverb

Neigh is used with these nouns as the subject:

Neighbourhood/neighborhood is used before these nouns:

neighbour

neighbournoun

(BrE) (AmE neighbor) noun1 person living nearby2 country that is next to another country3 person sitting or standing next to another person1 person living nearbyADJECTIVE | VERB + neighbour/neighbor | neighbour/neighbor + VERB | neighbour/neighbor + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEfriendly, goodShe's been a very good neighbour to me.nosynoisyelderlyclose, immediate, near, next-doorMy nearest neighbour lives a few miles away.downstairs, upstairsShe could hear her downstairs neighbour moving around.newVERB + neighbour/neighborbecomeThe two men became neighbours.disturb, wakeShh! You'll wake the neighbours.helpmeetI've just met our new neighbours.visitinviteHe's having a barbecue and he's inviting all the neighbours.neighbour/neighbor + VERBcomplainThe neighbours complained about his loud music.move inOur new neighbours moved in today.neighbour/neighbor + NOUNboy, girl, kid (informal), lady (all AmE)I borrowed the neighbour kid's bike to get around.PHRASESfriends and neighbours

2 country that is next to another countryADJECTIVE | VERB + neighbour/neighborADJECTIVEnorthern, southern, etc.England's northern neighbour now has its own parliament.hostileThe country is vulnerable to attack from hostile neighbours.powerful, wealthyVERB + neighbour/neighborattack, invadethreaten

3 person sitting or standing next to another personADJECTIVEADJECTIVEnearestShe leaned over to her nearest neighbour and whispered something.

neighbourhood

neighbourhoodnoun

(BrE) (AmE neighborhood) nounADJECTIVE | VERB + neighbourhood/neighborhood | neighbourhood/neighborhood + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfriendly, nicesafequietvibrantbad, dangerous, rough, toughI lived in a tough neighbourhood.crime-riddenaffluent, respectable, upscale (AmE), wealthydepressed, disadvantaged, impoverished, low-income, poor, run-downdowntown (AmE), inner-city, suburban, urbanimmediate, local, nearby, surroundingThey often got together with other parents in the local neighbourhood.residentialmiddle-class, working-classgood, greatethnic, minoritydiversegaya bar located in the middle of Chicago's gay neighbourhoodAsian, black, Latino, white, etc.real (esp. AmE)The place feels like a real neighbourhood.entire, wholeBefore long the whole neighbourhood knew about it.segregatedhistoricVERB + neighbourhood/neighborhoodbuild, create, establishOur health depends on creating neighbourhoods that are conducive to walking.move intoA lot of new families have moved into the neighbourhood.improve, revitalize, transformdestroythe criminals who are destroying our neighbourhoodvisitTourists rarely visit that neighbourhood.explorecanvass (esp. AmE)patrolThey hired a private police force to patrol the neighbourhood.roam, wanderstray dogs who roam the neighbourhoodpopulatea neighbourhood populated mainly by Mexican Americansneighbourhood/neighborhood + NOUNresidentboy, children, kid (informal)bullyleadercommunityassociation, council, group, organizationwatch (= an arrangement by which people watch each other's houses to prevent crime)police, policingcat, dogbar, pub (BrE), restaurant, school, shop (esp. BrE), store (AmE), etc.centre/centerparkstreetparty (esp. AmE)She volunteered to make a potato salad for the neighbourhood party.PREPOSITIONaround the neighbourhood, round the neighbourhood (esp. BrE)There were various parks around the neighbourhood.We used to ride bikes around the neighbourhood.in a/the neighbourhoodThere was a large school in the neighbourhood.outside a/the neighbourhoodIt was a car from outside the immediate neighbourhood.

restaurant, shopping centre, supermarket, warden

Neighbourhood/neighborhood is used after these nouns:

immigrant, minority, slum

neighbouring

neighbouringadj.

Neighbouring/neighboring is used with these nouns:

country, county, district, farm, farmer, field, galaxy, premises, property, region, state, territory, town, tribe, village

neoclassical

neoclassicaladj.

Neoclassical is used with these nouns:

economics, economist

neoliberal

neoliberaladj.

Neoliberal is used with these nouns:

capitalism

neon

neonnoun

Neon is used before these nouns:

light, sign

neonatal

neonataladj.

Neonatal is used with these nouns:

death

nerd

nerdnoun

Nerd is used after these nouns:

nerve

nervenoun

noun1 in the body2 nerves mental state3 nerves nervous state4 courage1 in the bodyADJECTIVE | VERB + nerve | nerve + VERB | nerve + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEpinched (AmE), trapped (BrE)sensitivedamagedfacial, optic, sciatic, spinal, etc.peripheralsensoryVERB + nervedamage, pinch (AmE), strain, trap (BrE)He damaged a nerve in his spine.severstimulatenerve + VERBgo, lead, runThe nerve runs from the eye to the brain.transmit sthThe nerves transmit pain.supply sthcontrol sthThe vagus nerve controls heart rate and breathing.nerve + NOUNbundle, cell, ending, fibre/fiber, sheath, tissuepathwayactivity, functionimpulse, signalstimulationdamage, injurydisease, dysfunction, paralysispaingasPREPOSITIONalong a/the nerveThe message travels along the nerve to the brain.nerve inHe's been off work with a trapped nerve in his back.nerve toCutting the nerves to the stomach does not affect hunger.PHRASESevery nerve in sb's bodyIntense pain shot through every nerve in his body.hit a nerve, strike a (raw) nerve, touch a (raw) nerve (all figurative)My remarks about divorce had unwittingly touched a raw nerve.

2 nerves mental stateADJECTIVE | VERB + NERVES | NERVES + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEsteadybad, frayed, frazzled, jangled, shattered, tautAt the end of a day's teaching, her nerves were absolutely shattered.VERB + NERVESfray, stretchHer nerves were stretched to breaking point.NERVES + VERBbe on edgeAfter the bomb, my nerves were on edge.be shot (informal)Her nerves were shot from all the things happening around her.jangleHis nerves jangled every time the phone rang.get the better of sbHe uncharacteristically allowed nerves to get the better of him in yesterday's game.PHRASESa battle of nerves, a war of nervesThe union has been fighting a war of nerves with the management over pay.get on sb's nervesHis endless whining really gets on my nerves.nerves of steelYou need nerves of steel to be a good poker player.a strain on sb's nervesCaring for him while he was so ill has been a great strain on her nerves.

3 nerves nervous stateADJECTIVE | VERB + NERVES | PHRASESADJECTIVEexam (esp. BrE), first-night (BrE)I've never suffered from first-night nerves.jittery (AmE)It gave me time to calm my jittery nerves before meeting her.VERB + NERVEScalm, control, ease, settle, soothe, steadyShe took a few deep breaths to calm her nerves.suffer fromPHRASESan attack of nervesI had an attack of nerves just before I went on stage.a bag of nerves, a bundle of nervesBy the time of the interview, I was a bundle of nerves.

4 courageVERB + nerve | nerve + VERB | PHRASESVERB + nervehaveI didn't have the nerve to ask.lackloseAt the last minute she almost lost her nerve.keepHe kept his nerve to win a thrilling game.findYou must find the nerve to ask for more money.gather, steelSteeling my nerve, I jumped the first bar.takeIt took a lot of nerve to stand up and speak.nerve + VERBbreak, fail (sb)At the last moment her nerve failed her.PHRASESa failure of nerve, a loss of nervea test of nerveSinging in front of so many people was a real test of nerve.

nerve-racking

nerve-rackingadj.

Nerve-racking is used with these nouns:

experience, wait

nervous

nervousadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, feel, look, seem, soundBoth men appeared nervous.become, get, growmake sbSit down—you're making me nervous!ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.desperately, highly, incrediblyHe had worked himself up into a highly nervous state.increasinglyalmosta little, slightly, etc.suddenlyclearly, obviously, visiblyunderstandablyPREPOSITIONaboutnervous about the weddingatnervous at what might happenofI was slightly nervous of him.

Nervous is used with these nouns:

anticipation, breakdown, chatter, chuckle, collapse, disorder, disposition, energy, excitement, exhaustion, finger, giggle, glance, habit, hand, horse, laugh, laughter, reaction, stammer, state, strain, system, temperament, tension, tremor, twitch, wait, wreck

nervously

nervouslyadv.

Nervously is used with these verbs:

answer, ask, await, back, chuckle, cough, edge, eye, fidget, flick, flicker, giggle, glance, grin, gulp, laugh, look, mutter, pace, peer, reply, say, scan, shake, shift, shuffle, swallow, tug, twist, twitch, wait, watch

nervousness

nervousnessnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + nervousness | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEextreme, greatThere has been great nervousness about the future.increasingslightinitialVERB + nervousnessfeelbetray, show, show signs ofShe managed to speak without betraying her nervousness.cover, cover up, hideShe laughed to hide her nervousness.overcomesenseI could sense his nervousness.PREPOSITIONfrom nervousnessI was babbling from nervousness.out of nervousnessHe found himself chattering away out of nervousness.nervousness abouther nervousness about working with childrennervousness atHe felt some nervousness at the prospect of meeting her.PHRASESa sign of nervousnessAdjusting your tie is often a sign of nervousness.

nest

nestnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + nest | nest + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEant's, bird's, wasp's, etc.VERB + nestbuild, construct, makesit onThe male and female take turns to sit on the nest.occupyThe litters of several different females often occupy the same nest.abandon, desert, fly, leaveHer children have flown the nest. (figurative)defend, guarddisturbYou should avoid disturbing the nest until after the eggs are hatched.destroyfind, locatenest + NOUNsiteThe male uses song to attract a female to his nest site.holebox (usually nesting box in BrE)matePREPOSITIONaway from a/the nestA rat took the egg while the mother was away from the nest.in a/the nest, inside a/the nestThe snake will attack if disturbed inside its nest.on a/the nestThe female spends all her time on the nest.

II. verb

Nest is used with these nouns as the subject:

bird, duck, eagle, owl, pigeon

nesting

nestingnounadj.

I. noun

Nesting is used before these nouns:

box, colony, ground, season, site, territory

II. adj.

Nesting is used with these nouns:

bird, pair

nestle

nestleverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBcomfortably, safelytogetherMy parents were nestled together on the couch.PREPOSITIONagainstShe sat back, nestling against his chest.amongThe town nestles comfortably among the hills.ina tiny village nestling in a valleybetween

net

netnounverbadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + net | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfine, fine-meshsafetyfishingdriftmosquitobutterflyVERB + netmendThe fishermen were mending their nets.cast, spread, spread outhaul inslip through (often figurative)We tried to contact all former students but one or two slipped through the net.PREPOSITIONin a/the netUnfortunately the animals are often caught in fishing nets.into a/the netThe ball went into the net.over the netto hit the ball over the net

II. verb

Net is used with these nouns as the object:

Net is used with these nouns:

III. adj.

asset, balance, change, contributor, cost, curtain, debt, deficit, dividend, earnings, effect, expenditure, export, exporter, gain, import, income, increase, investment, loss, margin, output, proceeds, profit, receipt, reduction, result, return, revenue, salary, sale, saving, sum, takings, transfer, turnover, wealth, weight, worth

nether

netheradj.

Nether is used with these nouns:

netting

nettingnoun

Netting is used after these nouns:

wire

nettle

nettlenoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF NETTLES | nettle + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEstinging… OF NETTLESclump, patchnettle + VERBgrowstingI was stung by nettles.PREPOSITIONin nettlesThere was an old car half buried in the nettles.

network

networknounverb

I. noun1 connections2 group of people3 of computers, phones, etc.4 radio/television stations1 connectionsADJECTIVE | VERB + network | network + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEextensive, large, vast, wide, widespreadan extensive network of underground tunnelscomplex, elaborate, intricatedenseglobal, local, national, nationwide, regional, worldwideneuralthe structure of the brain's neural networksbus (esp. BrE), motorway (in the UK), rail, railroad (AmE), railway (BrE), road, traindistributionintegratedVERB + networkbuild up, construct, create, develop, establish, set upThey are establishing a network of pumps and pipelines to move the oil.launchformThe new rail services will form a network connecting the capital and major cities.joinOnce a supplier joins the network, its shipping systems are integrated with the others.useoperate, runmaintain, manageexpanddestroy, dismantleWe are dismantling the financial networks that have funded terrorism.network + NOUNinfrastructurePREPOSITIONin a/the networkone of the depots in the company's networkthrough a/the networkDrinking water is brought to the town through a network of underground pipes.via a/the networkThe newspapers are sent out via a national distribution network.network ofa network of threads

2 group of peopleADJECTIVE | VERB + network | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEstronga strong network of friendssupportiveinformalgrass-rootssocialold boy (BrE, informal)supportterror, terroristWe must fight terrorist networks and all those who support them.VERB + networkbuild up, create, formPREPOSITIONin a/the networkMembers are all linked together in a network.network ofa network of friends

3 of computers, phones, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + network | network + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcomputercellphone (esp. AmE), communications, mobile, phone, telephonehigh-speedcorporatepeer-to-peerWi-Fi, wirelesslaptops connected to wireless networkswiredfile-sharing, local area (abbreviated to LAN), wide area (abbreviated to WAN)broadband, VoIPVERB + networkinstall, set upmaintain, manage, operate, runsoftware to help you manage your networkThey were unable to run the telephone network economically.upgradeaccesssecureAdministrators can secure the network by segmenting it into zones.network + NOUNadministrator, controller, engineer, operatoraccess, address, connection, device, protocol, provider, security, server, trafficPREPOSITIONacross a/the networkUsers can access data across a network.on a/the networkAll computer users are connected on a network.over a/the networkThe files are accessible over a network.

4 radio/television stationsADJECTIVE | network + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbroadcast, news, radio, televisioncable, digital, satellitenetwork + NOUNnews, newscast (esp. AmE), show (esp. AmE), televisionanchor (esp. AmE)PREPOSITIONon a/the networkThe show was first aired on the cable network Showtime.

II. verb

Network is used with these nouns as the object:

computer, printer

networked

networkedadj.

Networked is used with these nouns:

networking

networkingnoun

Networking is used before these nouns:

capability

neural

neuraladj.

Neural is used with these nouns:

impulse, mechanism, network, tube, wiring

neurological

neurologicaladj.

Neurological is used with these nouns:

deficit, disorder, exam

neurosis

neurosisnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + neurosis | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEanxietyVERB + neurosishave, suffer, suffer fromPREPOSITIONneurosis aboutthe director's neurosis about actors arriving late for filming

neurotic

neuroticadj.

Neurotic is used with these nouns:

symptom

neuter

neuterverbadj.

I. verb

Neuter is used with these nouns as the object:

cat, dog

II. adj.

Neuter is used with these nouns:

Neutral is used with these nouns:

neutral

neutraladj.

adj.1 not supporting either side2 not showing strong qualities, feelings, etc.3 not affected by sth1 not supporting either sideVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSberemain, stayADVERBstrictlyThe government maintained its strictly neutral policy.completelybroadly (esp. BrE)The Russians took a broadly neutral position.politically, religiouslyThe meeting must be at a politically neutral location.PREPOSITIONaboutneutral about this issue

2 not showing strong qualities, feelings, etc.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemHer expression seemed neutral.remainkeep sthDolly kept her voice carefully neutral.ADVERBperfectlyfairly, quite, relativelyShe chose fairly neutral make-up.apparentlycarefully

3 not affected by sthVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemADVERBculturally, ethically, ideologically, morally, politicallyOur actions are never culturally neutral.

background, colour, context, country, expression, ground, observer, party, shade, stance, territory, tone, venue, wire, zone

neutrality

neutralitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + neutrality | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpolitical, religiousarmeda policy of armed neutrality.strictVERB + neutralitydeclareSwitzerland declared its neutrality.maintain, preservePREPOSITIONneutrality betweenthe commission's neutrality between Sunnis and Shias

neutralize

neutralizeverb

(BrE also -ise) verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBeffectivelyThis strategy effectively neutralized what the party had hoped would be a vote-winner.PREPOSITIONwithDiscarded acid should be neutralized with alkali before disposal.

Neutralize is used with these nouns as the object:

acid, effect

neutron

neutronnoun

Neutron is used before these nouns:

bomb

never

neveradv.

Never is used with these verbs:

cry, dream, encounter, end, envisage, envision, escape, fail, falter, flinch, forget, forgive, happen, intend, last, learn, like, materialize, meet, mention, realize, recover, refer, regain, regret, slacken, solve, stop, stray, think, touch, vary, venture, want

never-ending

never-endingadj.

Never-ending is used with these nouns:

cycle, procession, quest, stream, succession, supply

new

newadj.

adj.1 recently built/made2 different/not familiar1 recently built/madeVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, lookThe car still looks new.ADVERBbrand, spankinga scratch on my brand new carvery proud of their spanking new kitchenfairly, relatively

2 different/not familiarVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbeThese ideas are not entirely new.ADVERBveryfairlycompletely, entirely, quite, whollydramatically, radicallyfundamentallygenuinely, trulygenuinely new approaches to data recordingsupposedlyhardly, not exactlyCity-based exhibitions are hardly new.PREPOSITIONtoIt was all very new and strange to me.She's still quite new to the job and needs a lot of help.PHRASESnothing new about sth, nothing new in sthThere is nothing new in teenagers wanting to change the world.

New is used with these nouns:

acquaintance, acquisition, addition, album, allegation, appointment, appreciation, approach, arrangement, arrival, baby, bandage, batch, beginning, believer, biography, blueprint, book, boyfriend, brand, breakthrough, breed, bride, building, business, car, century, chairman, challenge, civilization, client, clothes, coat, collection, complexion, concept, conception, confidence, constitution, construction, context, contract, controversy, convert, crackdown, craze, currency, customer, cut, dawn, demand, democracy, departure, design, development, dimension, direction, discipline, discovery, document, drug, economy, edition, election, emphasis, employee, enthusiasm, entrant, environment, epoch, era, evidence, extreme, eye, face, facet, facility, fad, fashion, father, favourite, feature, find, finding, focus, footing, form, freedom, friend, friendship, frontier, gadget, generation, gimmick, girlfriend, government, graduate, growth, guest, guideline, haircut, hardware, height, high, hire, home, hope, horizon, husband, idea, identity, impetus, incarnation, infection, influx, information, initiative, inmate, innovation, insight, instruction, intake, invention, investment, job, kind, knowledge, lead, leaf, legislation, line, look, low, magazine, mandate, method, model, moon, mother, motto, move, mum, mythology, nation, neighbour, novel, obsession, occurrence, offering, opening, openness, opportunity, order, orthodoxy, outbreak, outfit, owner, ownership, page, paragraph, parent, parliament, perspective, phase, phenomenon, plan, position, possibility, post, posting, potato, precedent, premises, procedure, project, prospect, publication, range, realm, recipe, record, recording, recruit, reform, regime, regulation, release, religion, report, republic, research, residence, respect, restriction, revelation, rival, road, round, rule, ruler, self, self-confidence, series, shoot, shopping centre, single, skill, skyscraper, slant, slogan, sneaker, snow, snowfall, society, sound, source, species, spin, standard, start, stock, strain, study, style, submission, subscriber, subscription, surge, surroundings, system, tack, talent, target, technique, technology, terminology, territory, theory, thinking, threat, title, tool, town, toy, trainee, trend, turn, twist, university, urgency, use, variety, venture, version, vigour, vocabulary, voter, wardrobe, wave, way, wealth, well, wife, wine, world, year

newborn

newbornadj.

Newborn is used with these nouns:

baby, calf, child, daughter, infant, lamb, son

new-build

new-buildadj.

New-build is used with these nouns:

home

newfangled

newfangledadj.

Newfangled is used with these nouns:

idea, invention

new-found newly newly arrived

newly arrivedadj.

Newly arrived is used with these nouns:

newly elected

newly electedadj.

Newly elected is used with these nouns:

councillor

newly fallen

newly fallenadj.

Newly fallen is used with these nouns:

newly married

newly marriedadj.

Newly married is used with these nouns:

couple

newly-wed

newly-wedadj.

Newly-wed is used with these nouns:

couple

news

newsnoun

noun1 new information2 the news on TV or radio1 new informationADJECTIVE | … OF NEWS | VERB + news | news + VERB | news + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbrilliant (BrE, informal), excellent, fantastic, good, great, happy, marvellous/marvelous (esp. BrE), terrific, tremendous (esp. BrE), welcome, wonderfulThe good news is that we've all been given an extra day's leave.Great news! We've bought the house.encouraging, positiveawful, bad, devastating, disappointing, grim, sad, terrible, tragic, unwelcomedisturbing, shock (BrE), shockingbig, dramatic, important, major (esp. AmE), momentous (esp. BrE)breaking, hot, late, latest, recentSome late news has just come in.oldexciting, interestinghardfront-page, headlineIt was front-page news at the time.onlinedomestic, local, national, regionalforeign, internationalbusiness, City (BrE), economic, financialcelebritysportsfootball, etc.shipping (AmE) (shipping forecast in BrE)… OF NEWSbit, item, pieceWe've had a bit of good news.VERB + newscatch, get, have, hear, learn, receiveYou can catch all the latest news on our website.Have you heard the latest news?catch up onI want to catch up on all your news.followI follow food industry news fairly closely.announce, break, bring (sb), convey, deliver, give sb, relay, reveal, tell sbThe police had to break the news to the boy's parents.confirmThe company refused to confirm the news.share, spreadHe shared his good news with everyone else in the office.She ran from office to office, spreading the news.print, publishleakNews of their engagement was leaked to the press.releaseThe actor's family released news of his death last night.postThe news was posted on the band's website.bury, suppressDrug companies tend to bury news of drug failures.reportI don't really have any news to report.carry, cover‘The Daily Nation’ carried news of the event.gather, getIt's the reporter's job to go out and gather news.await, expect, wait forThey are waiting for news of their relatives.digestHe took a moment to digest the unbelievable news.greet, react to, welcomeThe news was greeted with astonishment.celebrateMrs Trowsdale will be celebrating the news with her family.hit, makeIt was a very minor incident and barely made the news.dominateCalifornia's energy crisis dominated the news.news + VERBcome, come in, come throughNews is coming in of a large fire in central London.break, emerge, leak outThe news broke while we were away.arrive, reach sbfilter through (sth)spread, travelThe news spread like wildfire.news + NOUNbroadcast, bulletin, flash, programme/program, showThe schedules were interrupted for a news flash.article, clip, exclusive (esp. BrE), footage, headlines, item, release, report, round-up, story, updatedigesta downloadable news digestcoverageNews coverage of the fighting was extremely biased.eventbriefingHe gave his first news briefing since being appointed.(see also news conference)agency, organization, outlet, servicedesk, roomchannel, network, station

Every news channel covered the story.magazineanchor (esp. AmE), broadcaster, crew (esp. AmE), editor, journalist, presenter, reportersourcemediajunkie (informal)If you're a news junkie, you can get updates mailed to you.alert, tickerYou can get news alerts through your cellphone.websiteblogPREPOSITIONat the newsShe went completely to pieces at the news of his death.in the newsShe's been in the news a lot lately.with the newsJoan came in with the news that a pay rise had been agreed.news aboutI'm not interested in news about celebrities.news fromAnd now with news from the Games, over to our Olympic correspondent.news ofnews of fresh killingsnews onIs there any news on the car bomb attack?news toIt was news to me that they were married.

2 the news on TV or radioADJECTIVE | VERB + the news | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEradio, television, TVevening, lunchtime (BrE)ten o'clock, etc.nightlyprime-time (esp. AmE)local, nationalVERB + the newshear, listen to, see, watchturn onbroadcastreadThe news is read by Katie Daly.PREPOSITIONin the newsOur school was mentioned in the news.on the newsI heard it on the evening news.

newscast

newscastnoun

Newscast is used after these nouns:

evening, network

news conference

news conferencenoun

(esp. AmE) noun See also press conferenceADJECTIVE | VERB + news conference | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEformalpresidentialtelevisedprime-timepost-game, post-summit, etc.VERB + news conferencecallarrange, organize, plangive, holdtellThe chairman told a news conference of the upcoming merger.PREPOSITIONat a/the news conferenceThe proposed changes were outlined at a news conference.during a/the news conference, in a/the news conferenceThe announcement was made in a news conference at the airport.

newsletter

newsletternoun

Newsletter is used before these nouns:

editor

Newsletter is used after these nouns:

newspaper

newspapernoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF NEWSPAPER | VERB + newspaper | newspaper + VERB | newspaper + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdaily, evening (esp. BrE), morning, Sunday, weeklytoday's, yesterday'sleft-wing, right-wingconservative, liberalindependent, state-runlocal, national, provincial (esp. BrE), regionalprestigious, quality, reputable (esp. BrE), respectablebroadsheet (esp. BrE), tabloidpopularleading, major, prominentinfluentialmainstreamfinancialfolded, rolled-uponlinecampus (esp. AmE), college, school, student… OF NEWSPAPERcopyDo you have a copy of yesterday's newspaper?editiontoday's edition of the newspaperVERB + newspaperbuy, get, take (BrE, formal)Which newspaper do you buy?Do you take a daily newspaper?deliveropenflick through (esp. BrE), flip through (AmE), peruse (formal), read, scan, scourprint, produce, publishlaunchHe launched a weekly newspaper called ‘The Challenge’.edit, write for, write inSavage, writing in an Auckland newspaper, quotes an eminent academic.own, runnewspapers owned by the Tribune Companyappear inHer article appeared in the Saturday newspaper.get intosueShe sued the newspaper for publishing photos of her on the beach.newspaper + VERBcome outThe newspaper comes out every Saturday.print sth, publish sth, report sth, reveal sthcarry sth, feature sthThe newspaper carried advertisements for several products.cite sth, quote sbannounce sth, claim sth, declare sthspeculate sthThe newspapers speculated that the star was about to propose to his girlfriend.newspaper + NOUNpageaccount, advertisement, article, cartoon, classifieds, column, coverage, editorial, interview, obituary, op-ed (AmE), poll, storyheadlineclipping, cutting (BrE)insert, supplementbaron (esp. BrE), executive, magnate, owner, proprietor (esp. BrE), tycoon (esp. BrE)publishercartoonist, columnist, correspondent, critic, editor, journalist, photographer, reporter, writerreadercirculation, readershipofficebusiness, industrygroupThe company is a strong contender in the race for the Scottish newspaper group.kiosk, standseller (BrE), vendorPREPOSITIONin a/the newspaperan article in a local newspaperon a/the newspaperShe got a job on a national newspaper.

New Testament

New Testamentnoun

New Testament is used before these nouns:

Greek

Newtonian

Newtonianadj.

Newtonian is used with these nouns:

mechanics, physics

New Year

New Yearnoun

New Year is used before these nouns:

celebration, greeting, resolution

New York

New Yorknoun

New York is used before these nouns:

nextadj.

Next is used with these nouns:

autumn, batter, birthday, century, cubicle, day, decade, episode, evening, fall, fix, flat, fortnight, frontier, generation, hurdle, incarnation, instalment, life, minute, month, morning, move, occupant, page, paragraph, room, round, section, semester, spring, station, step, summer, thing, time, train, turn, turn-off, turning, wave, week, weekend, winter, year

next-best

next-bestadj.

Next-best is used with these nouns:

next-day

next-dayadj.

Next-day is used with these nouns:

delivery

next-door

next-dooradj.

Next-door is used with these nouns:

neighbour

next-generation

next-generationadj.

Next-generation is used with these nouns:

NFL

NFLnoun

NFL is used before these nouns:

stardom

NGO

NGOnoun

NGO is used before these nouns:

representative

NHS

NHSnoun

NHS is used before these nouns:

consultant, dentist, doctor, hospital, treatment

nib

nibnoun

Nib is used after these nouns:

nibble

nibbleverb

Nibble is used with these nouns as the object:

bait, biscuit, ear

nibble at

nibble atphr verb

Nibble at is used with these nouns as the object:

bait

nibble on

nibble onphr verb

Nibble on is used with these nouns as the object:

Nice is used with these nouns:

nice

niceadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbe, feel, look, seem, smell, sound, tasteI felt nice and warm.That bread smells nice.His mother sounded very nice on the phone.make sthI cleaned the room to make it nice for the others when they came home.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.awfully, exceptionally, incredibly, terribly (esp. BrE)an awfully nice manperfectly, thoroughlyI'm sure she's perfectly nice really.genuinely, trulynot particularlyIt had not been a particularly nice experience.enoughSome of the boys were nice enough, but she didn't want to go out with them.PREPOSITIONaboutHe was incredibly nice about it, though I am sure it caused him a lot of trouble.forIt's nice for her to get out more.toCan't you be nice to each other for once?PHRASESnice littleIt's a nice little place you have here.

atmosphere, bath, bit, blend, bloke, bonus, break, bruise, bump, bunch, catch, change, chap, chat, Christmas, clothes, comment, complement, complexion, compliment, day, distraction, diversion, evening, feature, feeling, fellow, fit, flat, gesture, girl, guy, home, hotel, idea, irony, job, kid, lad, lady, letter, lunch, man, nap, neighbourhood, people, person, personality, place, rest, scenery, selection, shade, sideline, smell, story, surprise, swim, taste, thing, thought, touch, trip, try, tune, twist, vacation, weather, woman, word, work

nicely

nicelyadv.

Nicely is used with these adjectives:

balanced, furnished, polished, rounded, tanned

Nicely is used with these verbs:

ask, balance, capture, complement, contrast, decorate, design, dress, evoke, fit, flow, heal, illustrate, judge, lay, manage, match, mature, progress, recover, round, settle, sit, sum, summarize, tick

niche

nichenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + niche | niche + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcomfortabledistinctive, particular, special, specific, uniquelittle, smallHe had found his own little niche in life.growingimportantlucrative, profitablemarketecological, environmentalVERB + nichehaveEach animal has its ecological niche.find, identify, see, spotHe saw a niche in the market and exploited it.carve out, create, develop, establishShe's carved out quite a niche for herself in fashion design.fill, occupyfit, serveexploitniche + NOUNmarket, marketingbusinessaudiencea film intended for a niche audiencefilm, magazine, product, vehicle, etc.PREPOSITIONin a/the niche, into a/the nicheMammals moved into the niche left vacant by the disappearance of the dinosaurs.niche forThere's a niche for a small stylish car.niche inwomen who dared question their niche in societyPHRASESa niche in the market

nickel

nickelnoun

Nickel is used before these nouns:

finish

nickname

nicknamenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + nickname | nickname + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEchildhoodaffectionatecute (esp. AmE)little (esp. AmE)VERB + nicknamehave, useHe used the nickname ‘Brutus’.give sbacquire, gain, getHe got his nickname ‘Ash’ from his heavy smoking.earn (sb)live up toKnockout Nat lived up to his nickname.hatenickname + VERBstickHe got his nickname when he was at school and it stuck for the rest of his life.PREPOSITIONnickname forTheir nickname for the club was ‘Muscle Alley’.PHRASEShence her/his nicknameHe worked in a garage—hence his nickname ‘Oily’.

nicotine

nicotinenoun

nounVERB + nicotine | nicotine + NOUNVERB + nicotinebe addicted to, be dependent onbe stained withnicotine + NOUNaddiction, craving, dependenceuseexposureaddictwithdrawalgum, inhaler, patch, replacement, spraynicotine replacement therapystainThe nicotine stains on his fingers told me he was under stress.

nifty

niftyadj.

Nifty is used with these nouns:

feature, footwork, gadget, move, trick

niggling

nigglingadj.

Niggling is used with these nouns:

doubt, injury, worry

nigh

nighadv.

Nigh is used with these adjectives:

impossible

night

nightnoun

noun1 when it is dark and most people sleep2 time between late afternoon and when you go to bed3 evening when a special event happens1 when it is dark and most people sleepADJECTIVE | VERB + night | night + VERB | night + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElast, tomorrowthe next, the previousthe entire, the wholeFriday, Saturday, etc.early, lateI think I'll have an early night (= go to bed early).longwinter, etc.bad, fitful, restless, rough, sleeplessrestfullonelyblack, dark, moonless, pitch-blackclear, moonlit, starlit, starrybeautifulcloudychilly, cold, foggy, freezing, rainy, snowy, stormyhumid, muggy, warmweddingVERB + nighthavespendThey spent the night in a hotel.stayAsk your mother if you can stay the night.night + VERBcome, fallThe night fell quickly.progress, wear onAs the night wore on, it grew colder.night + NOUNair, skybreezeduty, patrol, shiftsight, visionsweats, terrorsPREPOSITIONat nightI lie awake at night worrying.by nightParis by nightduring the night, in the nightI woke in the night.for a/the night, on Friday, etc. night, per nightThe hotel costs €265 per person per night.through the night, throughout the nightPHRASESall night longat this time of nightday and night, night and day (= all the time)a good night's sleepgood nightShe kissed him good night.in the dead of night (= in the middle of the night)morning, noon and night (= all the time)

2 time between late afternoon and when you go to bedADJECTIVE | night + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElast, tomorrowFriday, Saturday, etc.weekdaythe otherI saw her the other night (= a few nights ago).the next, the previouslonelyHe spent another lonely night in front of the television.busy, eventfulquietHe had plans to spend a quiet night at home.fatefulOne fateful night he was involved in an accident that changed his life forever.night + NOUNschoolPREPOSITIONat nightShe doesn't like to walk home late at night.by nighton Friday, etc. night

3 evening when a special event happensADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEfirst, openinglastthe last night of the play's runbig, eventful, fun, great, memorabledrunkena drunken night of partyingdance, election, karaoke, prom (AmE), quiz (esp. BrE)HalloweenPHRASESmake a night of itThey decided to make a night of it and went on to a club.a night outI was getting myself ready for a night out.a girls' night out

nightclub

nightclubnoun

nounSee also clubADJECTIVE | VERB + nightclub | nightclub + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhot (AmE), popular, top (BrE)the hottest nightclub in towna top London nightclublocalgayVERB + nightclubgo toownnightclub + NOUNbouncer (esp. BrE), owner, singer, staff (esp. BrE)actsceneWe all grew out of the nightclub scene.PREPOSITIONat a/the nightclubShe's performing at a nightclub in Paris.in a/the nightclubHe was murdered in a Bangkok nightclub.

nightly

nightlyadj.

Nightly is used with these nouns:

entertainment, news, ritual, show

nightmare

nightmarenoun

noun1 bad dream2 bad/feared experience1 bad dreamADJECTIVE | VERB + nightmare | nightmare + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEawful, horrible, terrible, terrifyingvividrecurringVERB + nightmarehave, suffer, suffer fromwake from, wake up fromgive sbThe movie gave me nightmares.hauntThe faces of all the people he had killed haunted his nightmares.nightmare + VERBhaunt sb, plague sbPREPOSITIONnightmare aboutI have nightmares about drowning.

2 bad/feared experienceADJECTIVE | VERB + nightmare | nightmare + VERB | nightmare + NOUNADJECTIVEawful, horrible, real, terribleabsolute, complete, totalultimate, worstLosing a child is my worst nightmare.personallivingThe refugees had survived a living nightmare.longadministrative, bureaucratic, financial (esp. BrE), logistical, etc.VERB + nightmareendure, face, live, suffer, survivebecome, prove (esp. BrE), turn intoTheir dream of living in the country turned into a nightmare.createescape, escape fromrelivenightmare + VERBbe overcome truenightmare + NOUNscenario, visionthe nightmare scenario of mass unemploymentThe writer evokes a nightmare vision of a future on a polluted planet.worldjourney (esp. BrE)

nightmarish

nightmarishadj.

Nightmarish is used with these nouns:

vision

nightstand

nightstandnoun

Nightstand is used before these nouns:

night-time

night-timenoun

Night-time is used before these nouns:

curfew, soap opera, stroll

night-vision

night-visionadj.

Night-vision is used with these nouns:

camera, goggles

nimble

nimbleadj.

Nimble is used with these nouns:

finger, footwork

nimbly

nimblyadv.

Nimbly is used with these verbs:

climb, skip

nipple

nipplenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + nipple | nipple + VERBADJECTIVEerect, hard, swollensensitive, sorepiercedVERB + nipplepinchsucksqueezenipple + VERBharden

nitric

nitricadj.

Nitric is used with these nouns:

nitrogen

nitrogennoun

Nitrogen is used before these nouns:

atom, fertilizer

nitty-gritty

nitty-grittynoun

Nitty-gritty is used before these nouns:

nix

nixverb

Nix is used with these nouns as the object:

deal

no-alcohol

no-alcoholadj.

No-alcohol is used with these nouns:

Nobel Prize

Nobel Prizenoun

Nobel Prize is used before these nouns:

winner

noble

nobleadj.

Noble is used with these nouns:

aim, blood, cause, deed, end, endeavour, family, gas, gesture, ideal, intention, knight, lord, metal, motive, origin, profession, quest, sacrifice, sentiment, warrior

no-claims

no-claimsadj.

No-claims is used with these nouns:

bonus

nocturnal

nocturnaladj.

Nocturnal is used with these nouns:

creature, mammal

nod

nodnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + nod | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbrief, little, quick, slight, smallcurt, perfunctory, terseHe dismissed them with a curt nod.approving, satisfiedShe inspected my work and gave a satisfied nod.reassuringknowingpassing (figurative)The house is white, in a passing nod to Greek tradition.He gave a passing nod (= a brief acknowledgement) to the show that had launched his career.VERB + nodgive (sb)My teacher gave me a nod of reassurance and I began.get, receiveHe's ready to play and just waiting to get the nod from (= be approved by) the coach.exchangewait forPREPOSITIONat a nod, with a nodnod fromAt a nod from Lawton, he gently turned the handle.nod in the direction of, nod ofa nod of approvalnod to, nod towards/toward‘I couldn't have done this alone,’ he said with a nod towards/toward his partner.PHRASESa nod of sb's/the headShe answered with a slight nod of the head.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBjust, merely, only, simplyAshamed, I could only nod.emphatically, furiously, vigorously‘That's exactly it,’ she said, nodding vigorously.gentlyShe nodded gently to herself.almost imperceptibly, slightlyslowlyquicklybriefly, briskly, curtly, stifflyHe nodded curtly and walked away.dumbly, mutely, silently, wordlesslyShe could not speak but just nodded mutely.absently, absent-mindedly, vaguelyHe nodded absently, his mind obviously on other things.politely, respectfullyeagerly, happilyknowingly, sympathetically, understandinglyappreciatively, approvingly, encouragingly, enthusiastically, gratefullyhesitantly, reluctantlymeekly, weaklygrimlyglumly, miserably, sadlygravely, sagely, seriously, solemnly, thoughtfullyShe nodded sagely as she listened.PREPOSITIONatThey nodded at us, so we nodded back.inShe nodded in agreement.toShe nodded to Duncan as she left.towards/toward‘Let's go!’ he said, nodding towards/toward the door.withHe nodded with satisfaction.

Nod is used with these nouns as the subject:

Nod is used with these nouns as the object:

acknowledgement, agreement, approval, assent, consent, greeting, head, thanks

nodding

noddingadj.

Nodding is used with these nouns:

acquaintance

no-fault

no-faultadj.

No-fault is used with these nouns:

divorce

no-fly

no-flyadj.

No-fly is used with these nouns:

no-frills

no-frillsadj.

No-frills is used with these nouns:

airline

no-go

no-goadj.

No-go is used with these nouns:

no-interest

no-interestadj.

No-interest is used with these nouns:

noir

noiradj.

Noir is used with these nouns:

thriller

noise

noisenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + noise | noise + VERB | noise + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdeafening, loudawful, horrible, terriblefaint, low, slight, smallThe slightest noise will wake him.suddenfunny, strangebackgroundThere was constant background noise from the road.constant, incessantbanging, buzzing, clicking, hissing, etc.muffledaircraft, engine, trafficambient, whiterude (esp. BrE)One of the children made a rude noise.VERB + noisecreate, emit, generate, let out, make, producethe noise created by aircraftShe was making a lot of noise.hear, listen toWe could hear funny little sucking noises.block out, drown out, reduceWood is used to deaden the noise.complain aboutnoise + VERBcome from sthThere were strange noises coming from the kitchen.become louder, get louder, grow louder, increasedie away, die down, fade, fade awayThe deafening noise of the machine died away to a rumble.noise + NOUNlevelpollutionreductionPREPOSITIONabove the noise, over the noiseWe had to shout over the noise of the traffic.noise fromthe noise from the engine room

noiselessly

noiselesslyadv.

Noiselessly is used with these verbs:

slide

noisily

noisilyadv.

Noisily is used with these verbs:

clatter, gulp, snore, suck

noisy

noisyadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecome, get, growThe party was starting to get a little noisy.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.particularly, terriblya little, slightly, etc.

Noisy is used with these nouns:

bark, celebration, chatter, clamour, clatter, crowd, environment, gulp, neighbour, sip, street, yawn

no-look

no-lookadj.

No-look is used with these nouns:

pass

nomadic

nomadicadj.

Nomadic is used with these nouns:

existence, lifestyle, people, tribe

nominal

nominaladj.

Nominal is used with these nouns:

charge, clause, fee, head, rent, sum, value, wage

nominally

nominallyadv.

Nominally is used with these adjectives:

independent, responsible

nominate

nominateverb

verbADVERB | VERB + nominate | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBformally, officiallyVERB + nominateask sb to, invite sb toTen critics were asked to nominate their Book of the Year.PREPOSITIONasHe has now been formally nominated as presidential candidate.forShe was nominated for a special award.toHe has been nominated to the committee.PHRASESthe power to nominate sb, the right to nominate sb

Nominate is used with these nouns as the subject:

party, president

Nominate is used with these nouns as the object:

candidate, judge, member, minister, representative

nominating

nominatingadj.

Nominating is used with these nouns:

convention, petition

nomination

nominationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + nomination | nomination + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpresidentialpartyDemocratic, Republicangubernatorial (AmE)judicial (AmE)Grammy, Oscar, etc.VERB + nominationsecure, winstand forShe is standing for the Democratic Party presidential nomination.acceptblock, filibuster (AmE), opposewithdrawsupportinviteNominations are invited for the post of party chairman.seekShe is seeking nomination as a candidate in the elections.nomination + NOUNform, paper (esp. BrE)processbattle, fight (both esp. AmE)PREPOSITIONnomination asShe has withdrawn her nomination as chairman.nomination forhis nomination for the Best Actor awardnomination tosupport for his nomination to the Supreme CourtHe will not accept nomination to the committee.

nominee

nomineenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + nominee | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpresidentialDemocratic, RepublicanGrammy, Oscar, etc.VERB + nomineechoose, selectappoint, confirmsupportblock, filibuster (AmE), opposePREPOSITIONnominee forthe nominees for Best Director

non-aggression

non-aggressionadj.

Non-aggression is used with these nouns:

pact, treaty

non-alcoholic

non-alcoholicadj.

Non-alcoholic is used with these nouns:

beer, drink

non-aligned

non-alignedadj.

Non-aligned is used with these nouns:

non-binding

non-bindingadj.

Non-binding is used with these nouns:

contract, resolution

non-cash

non-cashadj.

Non-cash is used with these nouns:

asset

nonchalance

nonchalancenoun

nounVERB + nonchalance | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + nonchalanceaffect, feignShe shrugged, feigning nonchalance.PREPOSITIONwith nonchalanceHe declined the offer with cool nonchalance.PHRASESan air of nonchalance‘Oh, by the way … ’ she started, with a false air of nonchalance.

nonchalant

nonchalantadj.

Nonchalant is used with these nouns:

attitude, shrug

nonchalantly

nonchalantlyadv.

Nonchalantly is used with these verbs:

answer, ask, lean, reply, say, shrug

non-clinical

non-clinicaladj.

Non-clinical is used with these nouns:

sample

non-commercial

non-commercialadj.

Non-commercial is used with these nouns:

non-commissioned

non-commissionedadj.

Non-commissioned is used with these nouns:

officer

non-committal

non-committaladj.

Non-committal is used with these nouns:

grunt, reply

non-communicable

non-communicableadj.

Non-communicable is used with these nouns:

non-consensual

non-consensualadj.

Non-consensual is used with these nouns:

intercourse, sex

non-contact

non-contactadj.

Non-contact is used with these nouns:

sport

non-contributory

non-contributoryadj.

Non-contributory is used with these nouns:

pension

non-custodial

non-custodialadj.

Non-custodial is used with these nouns:

parent, sentence

non-English

non-Englishadj.

Non-English is used with these nouns:

speaker

non-essential

non-essentialadj.

Non-essential is used with these nouns:

personnel

nonetheless

nonethelessadv.

Nonetheless is used with these verbs:

retain

non-Euclidean

non-Euclideanadj.

Non-Euclidean is used with these nouns:

geometry

non-executive

non-executiveadj.

Non-executive is used with these nouns:

chairman, director

non-existent

non-existentadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomeTypewriters have become almost non-existent in offices.ADVERBcompletelyThe hotel turned out to be completely non-existent.basicallyalmost, nearly, practically, virtuallyCrime is almost non-existent in these communities.

Non-existent is used with these nouns:

non-fat

non-fatadj.

Non-fat is used with these nouns:

milk, yogurt

non-fatal

non-fataladj.

Non-fatal is used with these nouns:

stroke

non-ferrous

non-ferrousadj.

Non-ferrous is used with these nouns:

non-finite

non-finiteadj.

Non-finite is used with these nouns:

non-GM

non-GMadj.

Non-GM is used with these nouns:

corn

non-governmental

non-governmentaladj.

Non-governmental is used with these nouns:

organization

non-gradable

non-gradableadj.

Non-gradable is used with these nouns:

adjective

non-human

non-humanadj.

Non-human is used with these nouns:

non-identical

non-identicaladj.

Non-identical is used with these nouns:

non-invasive

non-invasiveadj.

Non-invasive is used with these nouns:

procedure

non-league

non-leagueadj.

Non-league is used with these nouns:

football, soccer

non-lethal

non-lethaladj.

Non-lethal is used with these nouns:

weapon

non-manual

non-manualadj.

Non-manual is used with these nouns:

occupation

non-member

non-membernoun

Non-member is used before these nouns:

non-military

non-militaryadj.

Non-military is used with these nouns:

non-monetary

non-monetaryadj.

Non-monetary is used with these nouns:

asset

non-native

non-nativeadj.

Non-native is used with these nouns:

speaker, species

non-negotiable

non-negotiableadj.

Non-negotiable is used with these nouns:

demand

no-nonsense

no-nonsenseadj.

No-nonsense is used with these nouns:

approach, manner

non-organic

non-organicadj.

Non-organic is used with these nouns:

non-partisan

non-partisanadj.

Non-partisan is used with these nouns:

non-performing

non-performingadj.

Non-performing is used with these nouns:

non-prescription

non-prescriptionadj.

Non-prescription is used with these nouns:

drug, medication, medicine

non-professional

non-professionaladj.

Non-professional is used with these nouns:

non-profit

non-profitadj.

Non-profit is used with these nouns:

association, corporation, entity, institute, institution, organization, sector, status, trust

non-proliferation

non-proliferationnoun

Non-proliferation is used before these nouns:

regime, treaty

non-public

non-publicadj.

Non-public is used with these nouns:

non-random

non-randomadj.

Non-random is used with these nouns:

distribution

non-randomly

non-randomlyadv.

Non-randomly is used with these verbs:

distribute

non-refundable

non-refundableadj.

Non-refundable is used with these nouns:

deposit

non-renewable

non-renewableadj.

Non-renewable is used with these nouns:

resource

non-restrictive

non-restrictiveadj.

Non-restrictive is used with these nouns:

non-return

non-returnadj.

Non-return is used with these nouns:

non-returnable

non-returnableadj.

Non-returnable is used with these nouns:

deposit

nonsense

nonsensenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + nonsense | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEabsolute, arrant (old-fashioned), complete, pure, sheer, total, utterMost of his theories are arrant nonsense.superstitiousYou don't believe that superstitious nonsense, do you?VERB + nonsensespout, talkDon't talk nonsense!put up with, stand forI'm not going to stand for any more of this nonsense.stopJust stop this nonsense of refusing to talk to anybody.believePREPOSITIONnonsense aboutWhat's all this nonsense about you giving up your job?PHRASESa load of nonsense, a lot of nonsensePeople are talking a lot of nonsense about him being the new Michael Jordan.make a nonsense of sth (BrE), make nonsense of sthThis decision makes nonsense of all our hard work.

nonsensical

nonsensicaladj.

Nonsensical is used with these nouns:

lyrics

non-smoking

non-smokingadj.

Non-smoking is used with these nouns:

carriage, compartment

non-specialist

non-specialistadj.

Non-specialist is used with these nouns:

reader, teacher

non-standard

non-standardadj.

Non-standard is used with these nouns:

dialect

non-stick

non-stickadj.

Non-stick is used with these nouns:

coating, pan, saucepan, skillet

non-stop

non-stopadj.adv.

I. adj.

Non-stop is used with these nouns:

barrage, coverage, flight, service

II. adv.

Non-stop is used with these verbs:

rain, talk

non-surgical

non-surgicaladj.

Non-surgical is used with these nouns:

procedure, treatment

non-tenure-track

non-tenure-trackadj.

Non-tenure-track is used with these nouns:

faculty

non-toxic

non-toxicadj.

Non-toxic is used with these nouns:

non-union

non-unionadj.

Non-union is used with these nouns:

employee, worker

non-verbal

non-verbaladj.

Non-verbal is used with these nouns:

communication, reasoning, signal

non-vintage

non-vintageadj.

Non-vintage is used with these nouns:

champagne

non-violent

non-violentadj.

Non-violent is used with these nouns:

crime, felony, means, offence, offender, protest, protester, resistance, tactic

non-voluntary

non-voluntaryadj.

Non-voluntary is used with these nouns:

euthanasia

non-woven

non-wovenadj.

Non-woven is used with these nouns:

fabric

noodles

noodlesnoun

Noodles is used after these nouns:

nook

nooknoun

Nook is used after these nouns:

breakfast

noon

noonnoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVE12The football action starts at 12 noon.highthe glaring light of high noonPREPOSITIONaround noon, at noon, by noon, till noon, until noonPHRASESmorning, noon and night (= all the time)

noonday

noondayadj.

Noonday is used with these nouns:

noose

noosenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + noose | noose + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhangman'sVERB + noosefasten, tieThey tied a noose around her neck.pull, tightenmakenoose + VERBtightenPREPOSITIONin a/the noose, into a/the nooseHe put his head into the noose.noose around, noose round (esp. BrE)The noose tightened around her neck.

Nordic

Nordicadj.

Nordic is used with these nouns:

skiing

norm

normnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + norm | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEaccepted, establishedethical, moralcultural, social, societalcommunity, gender, group, peerVERB + normbe, becomeSmall families are the norm nowadays.conform toTheir appearance conforms to the group norm.break from, challengebe different from, deviate from, differ from, violatePREPOSITIONabove the norm, below the norm, over the normThey want to discourage pay settlements over the norm.norm forOn-screen editing has become the norm for all student work.norm ofaccepted norms of international lawPHRASESa departure from the norm, a deviation from the norm, an exception to the normThe new design is a departure from the norm.the norm rather than the exceptionIn these areas poverty is the norm rather than the exception.out of the norm (esp. AmE)I saw nothing out of the norm.

normal

normalnounadj.

I. nounVERB + normal | PREPOSITIONVERB + normalbe back to, go back to, return toAfter a week of festivities, life returned to normal.PREPOSITIONabove normalThe rainfall has been above normal for this time of year.below normalSales to December are well below normal.near normalHis pulse rate had slowed to somewhere near normal.

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbebecomefeelappear, look, seemconsider sth, regard sth as, view sth asIt is now regarded as normal for women to work outside the home.ADVERBverycompletely, entirely (esp. BrE), perfectly, quite, totallyIt started out as a perfectly normal day.fairly, prettyI'd say it was pretty normal to be upset if your house burned down.relativelyapparently, seeminglyPREPOSITIONforThe temperature is normal for spring.PHRASESas normalFirst work out the answers as normal.in the normal wayGo for your check-ups in the normal way until you are six months pregnant.in normal circumstances, under normal circumstancesUnder normal circumstances Martin would probably have gone to college.sb's normal selfMandy doesn't seem her normal self today.

Normal is used with these nouns:

baby, bedtime, behaviour, birth, bloke, blood pressure, cell, channel, childhood, circumstance, clothes, complement, condition, context, convention, conversation, course, curve, day, development, distribution, expectation, fare, fashion, fee, folk, growth, guy, habit, hearing, individual, infant, intake, intelligence, kid, kind, level, life, limit, liver, manner, mode, occurrence, operation, pattern, people, person, practice, precaution, pregnancy, procedure, process, rainfall, range, reaction, reading, residence, response, rhythm, routine, schedule, self, shape, size, speech, speed, subject, teenager, temperature, tissue, tone, usage, use, vision, way

normality

normalitynoun

(also normalcy esp. in AmE) nounVERB + normality/normalcy | PHRASESVERB + normality/normalcyrestore, return toPHRASESa return to normalityA complete return to normality may take weeks.a semblance of normality, some semblance of normalityBy now any semblance of normality had disappeared.

normalize

normalizeverb

Normalize is used with these nouns as the object:

relation

normally Norman

Normanadj.

Norman is used with these nouns:

conquest

Norse

Norseadj.

Norse is used with these nouns:

myth, mythology

north

northnounadj.adv.

I. nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEmagnetic, truefrozenthe white expanses of the frozen north

II. adj.

North is used with these nouns:

entrance, face, flank, pole, shore, wind, wing

III. adv.

North is used with these verbs:

flee, head, march, migrate, travel

northbound

northboundadj.

Northbound is used with these nouns:

carriageway, exit, lane, traffic, train

northerly

northerlyadj.

Northerly is used with these nouns:

breeze, direction, gale, wind

northern

northernadj.

Northern is used with these nouns:

accent, border, boundary, climate, counterpart, dialect, district, edge, flank, frontier, half, horizon, latitude, limit, neighbour, outskirts, part, perimeter, prairie, province, reach, region, sector, shore, sky, skyline, slope, suburb, tip, water, zone

northernmost

northernmostadj.

Northernmost is used with these nouns:

north-facing

north-facingadj.

North-facing is used with these nouns:

room, slope

North Sea

North Seanoun

North Sea is used before these nouns:

gale

north-south

north-southadj.

North-south is used with these nouns:

direction, divide, division, highway

northward

northwardadj.

Northward is used with these nouns:

march, migration

northwards

northwardsadv.

Northwards is used with these verbs:

head, migrate, travel

nose

nosenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + nose | nose + VERB | nose + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, bulbous, huge, large, long, prominent, stronglittle, small, tinystraightaquiline, Grecian, Romancrooked, hookedpug (AmE), snub, turned-up, upturnedbutton, flatpointed, sharpThe sharp nose and thin lips gave his face a very harsh look.narrow, thinShe had dark eyes and a long narrow nose.aristocraticcute, perfectred, shinyShe dressed up as a clown with a white face and red nose.blocked, stuffy (esp. AmE)runny, snotty (informal)a child with a runny nosebleeding, bloodied, bloody, broken, swollenwetThe dog pushed its wet nose into my palm.sensitiveCats have very sensitive noses and rely heavily on scent markings.piercedfake (AmE), falseShe had to wear a false nose for the role.VERB + nosebreathe throughblow, wipepick, rub, scratchpinchtapHe tapped his nose in a knowing gesture.crinkle (esp. AmE), wrinkleShe wrinkled her nose as if she had just smelled a bad smell.breaknose + VERBwrinkleHis nose wrinkled with distaste.twitchrunShe was weeping loudly and her nose was running.bleednose + NOUNjob (informal)She wasn't happy with her appearance so she had a nose job.ringbleed (usually nosebleed)PREPOSITIONthrough the noseBreathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.up your noseThe boy sat there with his finger up his nose.PHRASESthe bridge of the noseHe pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose.with your nose in the air (often figurative)She walked in with her nose in the air, ignoring everyone.look down your nose at sb (figurative)They tend to look down their noses at people who drive small cars.poke your nose in/into sth, stick your nose in/into sth (both figurative)Stop poking your nose into my business!press your nose against sthCharlie pressed his nose against the window.thumb your nose at sb/sth (figurative)They thumb their noses at all of our traditions.turn up your nose at sth (figurative)The children turn up their noses at almost everything I cook.

no-smoking

no-smokingadj.

No-smoking is used with these nouns:

area, carriage

nostalgia

nostalgianoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF NOSTALGIA | VERB + nostalgia | nostalgia + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEwistfulShe remembers her life as a singer with a certain wistful nostalgia.purean evening of pure nostalgia80s, 90s, etc.… OF NOSTALGIAwaveA wave of nostalgia came over him.VERB + nostalgiafeelHe thought back to his time as a student and felt no nostalgia for any of it.evokeindulge in, wallow innostalgia + NOUNbuffNostalgia buffs gathered for the auction.tripThe college reunion was a great nostalgia trip.PREPOSITIONwith nostalgiaI remember it with great nostalgia.nostalgia forShe felt great nostalgia for the old way of life.PHRASESa feeling of nostalgia, a sense of nostalgia

nostalgic

nostalgicadj.

Nostalgic is used with these nouns:

longing, look, memory, return, yearning

nostril

nostrilnoun

nounVERB + nostril | nostril + VERB | nostril + NOUN | PREPOSITIONVERB + nostrilfillThe stench of the cellar filled my nostrils.nostril + VERBflarenostril + NOUNhairPREPOSITIONin your nostrilsThe smell of decay lingered in her nostrils.through your nostrilsShe drew on the cigarette and blew smoke through her nostrils.

nosy

nosyadj.

Nosy is used with these nouns:

neighbour

notable

notableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeADVERBespecially, particularlyPREPOSITIONforThe birds are notable for their rarity.

notably

notablyadv.

Notably is used with these adjectives:

absent, lacking, silent

notation

notationnoun

Notation is used after these nouns:

shorthand

notch

notchverb

Notch is used with these nouns as the object:

point, win

notch up

notch upphr verb

Notch up is used with these nouns as the object:

point, success, victory, win

note

notenounverb

I. noun1 short letter2 (often notes) words that you write down quickly3 (usually notes) extra piece of information4 (esp. BrE) piece of paper money5 single musical sound6 quality/feeling7 notice/attention1 short letterADJECTIVE | VERB + note | PHRASESADJECTIVEbrief, little, quick, shortJust a quick note to wish you luck.handwritten, scribbledcover (AmE), covering (BrE), credit, delivery (BrE), love, promissory, ransom, sick (BrE), suicide, thank-youPost-it™, sticky (esp. AmE)Never write your password on a sticky note!crumpledVERB + notescribble (sb), write (sb)send (sb)leave (sb)She left me a note to say my dinner was in the oven.passI saw you two passing notes during class.signPHRASESa note of thanks

2 (often notes) words that you write down quicklyADJECTIVE | VERB + note | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbriefcopious, detailed, extensivelecturefieldcase, clinical (esp. BrE), medical (esp. BrE)VERB + notejot down, keep, make, takeShe kept detailed notes of her travels.go through, look through, read through, sift throughcompare (usually figurative)Let's compare notes on our experiences.PREPOSITIONnote ofI've made a note of the book's title.note onThe booklet has full notes on each artist.PHRASESmake a mental note (of sth/to do sth)She made a mental note to call them in the morning.

3 (usually notes) extra piece of informationADJECTIVEADJECTIVEdetailed, extensiveexplanatory, helpful, informativeinterestingintroductorymarginal, sidebiographicalbooklet, liner, sleeve (BrE)briefing (esp. BrE), programme/program

4 (esp. BrE) piece of paper moneySee also billADJECTIVE | … OF NOTESADJECTIVEfive-pound, ten-euro, etc.crumpled… OF NOTESbundle, roll, wada thick wad of notes

5 single musical soundADJECTIVE | VERB + noteADJECTIVEhigh, topShe's a little wobbly on the top notes.lowrightwrongmusicaldissonantwhole, half, quarter, eighth, etc. (all AmE)VERB + noteplay, singhit, strikehold

6 quality/feelingADJECTIVE | VERB + note | note + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbrighter, cheerful, happier, hopeful, lighter, optimistic, positive, upbeatOn a brighter note … related, unrelatedOn a completely unrelated note … discordant, false, sad, sombre/somber, sourfainta faint note of bitterness in his voiceseriousrightHis opening remarks struck the right note.oddcautionary, warningHe sounded a cautionary note.personalVERB + notehit, sound, strikeinject, introduceHis remarks injected a note of levity into the proceedings.detectI detected a faint note of weariness in his voice.end onThe conference ended on an optimistic note.note + VERBcreep into sb's voice, enter sb's voicePREPOSITIONnote ofA note of suspicion entered his voice.PHRASESa note in sb's voiceThere was a sad note in her voice.

7 notice/attentionADJECTIVE | VERB + note | PHRASESADJECTIVEcarefulVERB + notetakeHe took careful note of the suspicious-looking man in the corner of the bar.PHRASESworthy of noteThe sculptures are worthy of note.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + note | PHRASESADVERBcarefullybriefly, in passingHe noted in passing that the government's record on unemployment was not very good.dulyYour objections have been duly noted.Her lapse was duly noted by the stage manager and reported to the director.above, already, earlier, previouslyThese policies, as noted above, are not always successful.approvinglyruefullydrily, pointedly, wrylyVERB + noteshouldVisitors should note that the tower is not open to the public.be important tobe interesting tobe pleased toI was pleased to note that my name had been spelled correctly for once.PHRASESbe worth notingThere are a few points here that are worth noting.it must be noted that … , it should be noted that … a point to noteThere are two other points to note from this graph.

Note is used with these nouns as the subject:

author, document, observer, panel, report, researcher

Note is used with these nouns as the object:

change, difference, discrepancy, distinction, effect, importance, improvement, parallel, passing, resemblance, sarcasm, similarity, suggestion

notebook

notebooknoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + notebook | notebook + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbound, leather-bound, spiral, spiral-boundloose-leafpocketreporter'sEnglish, math, science, etc. (all AmE)lab (informal), laboratoryblankbattered, tatteredVERB + notebookjot sth (down) in, record sth in, scribble (sth) in, write sth (down) inget out, pull out, take outShe drew a notebook from her bag.tear a page from, tear a sheet fromfillcarrykeepShe kept a notebook during the trip.notebook + NOUNpaper (esp. AmE)computerPREPOSITIONin a/your notebookPHRASESan entry in a notebook

noted

notedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecomeADVERBparticularlyPREPOSITIONforThe lake is also noted for its bird population.

Noted is used with these nouns:

architect, historian, mathematician, scholar

noteworthy

noteworthyadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seemmake sththe thing that makes this era so noteworthyconsider sth, deem sthHis reign has never been considered particularly noteworthy.ADVERBespecially, particularlyPREPOSITIONforThe bridge is noteworthy for its sheer size.

not-for-profit

not-for-profitadj.

Not-for-profit is used with these nouns:

organization, status, trust

notice

noticenounverb

I. noun1 attention2 written statement3 information given in advance1 attentionADJECTIVE | VERB + noticeADJECTIVEpublicThe disease came to public notice in the 80s.VERB + noticetakeTake no notice of what you read in the papers.catch (AmE)I caught notice of a small scrap of paper on my desk.come toNormally such matters would not come to my notice.bring toattractThe change was too subtle to attract much notice.escapeIt won't have escaped your notice that I'm feeling rather pleased with myself.

2 written statementADJECTIVE | VERB + notice | notice + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEwarningVERB + noticeissue, place, post, put upThe company has issued warning notices saying that all water should be boiled.take downread, seenotice + VERBappear, go upThe notice about his resignation went up this morning.say sth, tell sb sthPREPOSITIONnotice aboutThere are notices about where to park.

3 information given in advanceADJECTIVE | VERB + notice | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEevictionwrittenadvance, priorshortreasonableVERB + noticefile (esp. AmE), give (sb), hand in yourShe's given notice that she intends to leave.serve (sb with)The tenants could soon be served with eviction notices.This new law serves notice that criminals will not go unpunished. (figurative)sendhave, receiveneed, requireThe bank requires three days' notice.PREPOSITIONwithout noticeThey cut off the electricity without notice.notice ofA landlord must give reasonable notice of his intention to inspect the property.PHRASESat a moment's noticeThe team is ready to go anywhere in the world at a moment's notice.at short notice (esp. BrE), on short notice (AmE)It's the best we can do at/on such short notice.notice to quitHis landlord gave him two months' notice to quit.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + notice | PHRASESADVERBnot evenMy mother probably won't even notice I'm gone.not reallyNobody really noticed the changes.barely, hardly, scarcely (esp. BrE)(only) justI must go! I've only just noticed how late it is.suddenlyat once, immediately, instantlyHe noticed at once that something was wrong.quickly, sooneventually, finallyVERB + noticefail tonot appear to, not seem toHe didn't seem to notice her.pretend not toPHRASEScan't help but notice sth, can't help noticing sthYou couldn't help noticing how his eyes kept following her.the first thing I, he, etc. noticedThe first thing I noticed about him was his eyes.

Notice is used with these nouns as the object:

absence, change, difference, disappearance, disappointment, discomfort, discrepancy, expression, flash, flicker, hesitation, hint, improvement, inconsistency, leak, lump, movement, omission, pattern, reduction, reluctance, resemblance, sadness, sarcasm, shift, sign, similarity, smell, thing, tone, trail, trend, twinkle

noticeable

noticeableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.especially, particularlybarely, hardlyimmediatelyThe smell was immediately noticeable when you walked in the front door.easilyPREPOSITIONinThese changes are more noticeable in women than in men.toThis may not be noticeable to people from outside New York.

Noticeable is used with these nouns:

change, difference, drop, effect, exception, feature, hiss, impact, improvement, lack, limp

noticeably

noticeablyadv.

Noticeably is used with these adjectives:

absent, lacking, missing, slow

Noticeably is used with these verbs:

improve, slow

notification

notificationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + notification | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEformal, officialemail, writtenimmediateadvance, priorparental (esp. AmE)The drugs were prescribed without parental notification.VERB + notificationhave, receivegive (sb), send (sb)PREPOSITIONwithout notificationThe police are entitled to inspect the premises without notification.notification ofThey failed to give notification of their intention to demolish the building.

notify

notifyverb

verbADVERB | VERB + notify | PREPOSITIONADVERBforthwith (BrE), immediately, promptlyin advanceby email, via emailby mail (esp. AmE), by post (BrE), in writingformally, officiallyautomaticallyVERB + notifybe obliged to, be required to, must, shouldIf you see anything suspicious you should notify the police immediately.fail toPREPOSITIONofThe family had been notified of the department's decision.to (esp. BrE)Changes must be notified to the chairman.

Notify is used with these nouns as the object:

authority, party, police

notion

notionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + notion | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEabsurd, foolish, misguided, ridiculous, sillyfoggiest, vagueI haven't the foggiest notion of how to get there.romanticaccepted, common, conventional, popular, traditionalpreconceivedbasic, generalThere seems to be a general notion that nothing can be done about the problem.simple, simplisticfalseVERB + notionhaveHe has a very vague notion of who his customers are.challenge, debunk, dismiss, dispelWe must dispel this notion that you can rely on the state for everything.accept, entertainThey refused to entertain the notion.reinforce, supportPREPOSITIONnotion ofThey have come to reject the traditional notion of womanhood.

notoriety

notorietynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + notoriety | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEa certain, considerableinternational, publicVERB + notorietyhaveachieve, earn, gainHe achieved sudden notoriety when the details of his private life were revealed.bringPREPOSITIONnotoriety forThis make of car has a certain notoriety for rust problems.

notorious

notoriousadj.

Notorious is used with these nouns:

case, crime, criminal, example, gang, killer, murder, murderer, reputation, slum, trial

notoriously

notoriouslyadv.

Notoriously is used with these adjectives:

bad, conservative, corrupt, dangerous, difficult, elusive, expensive, fickle, imprecise, inaccurate, inadequate, inefficient, insecure, prone, secretive, selective, slippery, slow, treacherous, unstable, vague, volatile, weak

noun

nounnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + noun | noun + VERB | noun + nounADJECTIVEplural, singular‘Sheep’ is both a singular and a plural noun.countablemass, uncountablefeminine, masculine, neuterMost feminine nouns in Polish end in the letter ‘a’.common, properProper nouns begin with a capital letter.abstract, concrete‘Happiness’ is an abstract noun.‘Car’ is a concrete noun.collective‘Flock’ is a collective noun.VERB + noundecline, inflectEnglish nouns are not usually inflected.modify, qualifya prepositional phrase qualifying a nounfollowThe noun is followed by an intransitive verb.precedean adjective preceding the nounnoun + VERBend in sthMost English plural nouns end in an ‘s’.follow sthprecede sthnoun + nounclass, phrase

nourish

nourishverb

verbPHRASESPHRASESproperly nourished, well nourishedPatients recover quickly if they are well nourished.

Nourish is used with these nouns as the object:

nourishing

nourishingadj.

Nourishing is used with these nouns:

food, meal

nourishment

nourishmentnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + nourishmentADJECTIVEadequate, properlack of adequate nourishmentemotional, intellectual, spiritualVERB + nourishmentneeddraw, get, receive, takeEvery animal in the food chain draws nourishment from other animals or plants.deprive sb/sth of, provide (sb/sth with)

novel

novelnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | … OF A NOVEL | VERB + novel | novel + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhardback, hardcover (esp. AmE), paperbackdebutfirst, second, etc.a prize for the best first novel of the yearlatest, new, recentunfinished, unpublishedgood, greatOne day I'm going to write the great American novel.originalacclaimedhis critically acclaimed novelfamousclassicliterarybest-selling, populardime (AmE, old-fashioned), pulp, trashycontemporary, modern19th-century, Victorianadult, children'sautobiographicaladventure, comic, epic, epistolary, graphic, historical, romantic, satiricalSamuel Richardson's novels are all epistolary in form.fantasy, gothic, horror, sci-fi, science-fictioncrime, detective, mystery, spy… OF A NOVELcopyI took a copy of a Graham Greene novel on the train with me.VERB + novelproduce, writepublishreadcomplete, finishShe completed her first novel at the age of 53.inspirethe events that inspired the noveltranslateadaptthe process of adapting the novel for televisionreviewnovel + VERBbe based on sthThe novel was based on a true life story.be set, take placeThe novel was set in a small town in France.PREPOSITIONnovel abouta novel about growing up

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, soundThe plan sounded rather novel.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.completely, totally, etc.relativelyessentially

Novel is used with these nouns:

approach, concept, context, feature, finding, idea, insight, method, phenomenon, situation, type

novelist

novelistnoun

nounADJECTIVE | novelist + VERBADJECTIVEgreat, leading (esp. BrE)one of the country's greatest contemporary novelistsacclaimed, famousbest-selling, popularhis ambition to become a best-selling novelistaspiringprolific (esp. BrE)contemporary19th-century, Victoriancrime, graphic, historical, mystery, romance, romanticnovelist + VERBwrite sthA prolific novelist, she wrote more than forty books.

novelty

noveltynoun

nounADJECTIVE | novelty + VERB | novelty + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreatThis tropical fruit is still a great novelty in the north.sheerThe sheer novelty of the band's performance won them many fans.novelty + VERBwear offThe novelty of her new job soon wore off.novelty + NOUNvalueA trip down a mine has great novelty value for most people.PHRASESbe something of a noveltyAt that time, recorded sound was still something of a novelty.

November

Novembernoun

novice

novicenoun

nounADJECTIVE | novice + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcomplete, totalyoungpoliticalnovice + NOUNuserThe on-screen manual shows the novice user the basics of the program.pilot, sailor, teacher, etc.PREPOSITIONnovice atI'm still a novice at the sport.novice ina novice in politics

nowhere

nowhereadv.

Nowhere is used with these verbs:

no-win

no-winadj.

No-win is used with these nouns:

noxious

noxiousadj.

Noxious is used with these nouns:

emission, fumes, gas, smell, substance, weed

nuance

nuancenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + nuanceADJECTIVEfine, little, slight, subtleA baby is sensitive to the slightest nuances in its mother's voice.the painting's subtle nuances of light and darkexpressiveemotionalcultural, socialIt took a while to get used to the social nuances of the office.VERB + nuanceappreciate, understandSpectators may not understand all the nuances of the game.capture

nuclear

nuclearadj.

Nuclear is used with these nouns:

accident, age, ambition, annihilation, armaments, arms, attack, blackmail, blast, bomb, capability, capacity, catastrophe, confrontation, crisis, defence, destruction, deterrent, device, disarmament, disaster, division, dump, energy, escalation, explosion, facility, family, force, fuel, incident, industry, inspector, laboratory, lobby, material, missile, nation, option, physicist, physics, plant, power, programme, radiation, reaction, reactor, retaliation, rocket, safeguard, safety, scientist, secret, shield, showdown, smuggling, strike, submarine, technology, terrorism, test, threat, transfer, umbrella, war, warfare, waste, watchdog, weapon, winter

nuclear-free

nuclear-freeadj.

Nuclear-free is used with these nouns:

nuclear power

nuclear powernoun

Nuclear power is used before these nouns:

nuclear-powered

nuclear-poweredadj.

Nuclear-powered is used with these nouns:

submarine

nucleic

nucleicadj.

Nucleic is used with these nouns:

Nude is used with these nouns:

nude

nudeadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, lie, sit, standShe was lying nude on a towel.appear, poseHe refused to appear nude in the movie.ADVERBcompletely, totallynearly

beach, body, photo, picture

nudge

nudgenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + nudgeADJECTIVEgentle, little, slightVERB + nudgegive sbShe gave me a gentle nudge in the ribs to tell me to shut up.feel

II. verbADVERB | PHRASESADVERBgently, playfullyPHRASESnudge sb in the ribsShe nudged him playfully in the ribs.

nudge in

nudge inphr verb

Nudge in is used with these nouns as the object:

rib

nudist

nudistnoun

Nudist is used before these nouns:

nugget

nuggetnoun

Nugget is used after these nouns:

chicken, gold

nuisance

nuisancenoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreat, realminorpublicHe was charged with committing a public nuisance.PREPOSITIONnuisance toI don't want to be a nuisance to you.PHRASESmake a nuisance of yourself

null

nulladj.

adj. null and voidVERBSVERBSbebecomerender sthTheir actions rendered the contract null and void.declare sth, deemThey declared the agreement null and void.

nullify

nullifyverb

Nullify is used with these nouns as the object:

Numb is used with these nouns as the object:

numb

numbverbadj.

I. verb

mind, pain

II. adj.1 unable to feel pain2 unable to feel/think/react1 unable to feel painVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbe, feelRobin's hand felt numb with cold.become, go, grow, turnHis fingers were beginning to go numb.ADVERBalmostcomfortablyAfter two drinks I was feeling comfortably numb.PREPOSITIONfromMy legs were numb from kneeling.PHRASESnumb with (the) coldTheir fingers were going numb with cold.

2 unable to feel/think/reactVERBS | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feelleave sbThe news left us numb.PREPOSITIONwithHe felt numb with shock.

Numb is used with these nouns:

Number is used with these nouns as the subject:

number

numbernounverb

I. noun1 symbol/word2 quantity/amount3 for identifying sb/sth4 telephone, etc.1 symbol/wordADJECTIVE | VERB + number | PHRASESADJECTIVEthree-digit, 16-digitcardinal, ordinaleven, oddHouses on this side of the road have even numbers.binary, decimalcomplex, imaginary, irrational, prime, rational, real, whole (mathematics)negative, positiverandomlucky, unluckyMany people think 13 is an unlucky number.winningthe winning numbers in tonight's lotterycorrect, rightVERB + numbercalculateadd, add together, divide, multiply, subtract, take awayAdd all the numbers together, divide by ten, and then take away twelve.double, triplecrunchenter, write, write downpick, think ofPHRASESin round numbers (esp. BrE)There were about 150 there, in round numbers.number crunching (= doing calculations)There's more to an accountant's job than just number crunching.

2 quantity/amountADJECTIVE | VERB + number | number + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, highhigh numbers of unemployed teacherslowconsiderable, good, great, high, large, substantial, unlimitedenormous, huge, impressive, incredible, inordinate, overwhelming, staggering, unprecedented, vastalarmingsheerrecorda record number of responsesdisproportionate, surprisingfair, reasonable, significantWe've had a fair number of complaints about the new phone system.finite, infiniteThere are an infinite number of solutions to the problem.equalThe candidates received an equal number of votes.maximum, minimumaverage, mean, medianadequate, sufficientinsufficientlimited, low, modest, small, tinygrowing, increasing, risingincreasedreduceddecliningactual, exact, preciseMany people have died in the epidemic—the precise number is not known.certainindefinite, unspecifiedunknownapproximatefixed, setfinal, overall, totalexpectedreal, truepoll (AmE)VERB + numbergrow in, increase inFactories had increased in number between the wars.decrease in, reduce inincreaseThe Pentagon increased the number of troops in Iraq to about 145 000.doublecut, decrease, reducecontrol, limit, restrictcalculate, count, determine, estimate, measure, recordAnna counted the number of men standing around outside.number + VERBgo up, grow, increase, jump, risedoubledecline, diminish, drop, dwindle, fall, fall offShark numbers have dwindled as a result of hunting.Customer numbers have fallen off in the last year.varyPREPOSITIONin numberThe paintings, twelve in number, are over 200 years old.number ofthe number of children who wear glassesPHRASESa decline in numbers, a drop in numbersThe decline in numbers of young people means that fewer teachers will be needed.a growth in numbers, an increase in numbersfew in number, limited in number, small in numberWild dogs are now few in number.put the number (of sth) at sthConference organizers put the number of attendees at around 500.

3 for identifying sb/sthADJECTIVE | VERB + number | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEmodel, serialaccount, credit-card, membership, passport, PIN, reservation, social-securityID, identification, identitylicense (AmE), license plate (AmE), registration (BrE) (= of a car)flightpageapartment (esp. AmE), flat (BrE), house, roomVERB + numberassign sth, give sthPREPOSITIONat numberWe live at number 21.

4 telephone, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + number | number + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEfax, phone, telephonehome, office, workwrongI keep getting the wrong number.Freephone (BrE), toll-free (AmE)daytime, eveningemergencycontactVERB + numbercall, dial, phone (esp. BrE), ring (BrE)getgive sbnumber + VERBbe busy (AmE), be engaged (BrE)be unobtainable (BrE)PHRASESexchange numbersThey exchanged numbers and agreed to go out for a drink one evening.sb's name and number

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBclearlyconsecutively, sequentiallyindividuallyPREPOSITIONaccording to, byEach key is clearly numbered by room.from, toNumber the car's features from 1 to 10 according to importance.

numbered

numberedadj.

Numbered is used with these nouns:

numbering

numberingnoun

Numbering is used before these nouns:

numbing

numbingadj.

Numbing is used with these nouns:

numbly

numblyadv.

Numbly is used with these verbs:

watch

numeric

numericadj.

Numeric is used with these nouns:

numerical

numericaladj.

Numerical is used with these nouns:

calculation, data, order, strength, superiority

numerically

numericallyadv.

Numerically is used with these adjectives:

superior

numerous

numerousadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbebecomeADVERBespecially, particularly, veryincreasinglyenoughThe errors are numerous enough to put off serious scholars.PHRASEStoo numerous to list, too numerous to mentionThe related publications are far too numerous to list individually.

Numerous is used with these nouns:

decoration, instance, letter, occasion, request, scratch, variation

nurse

nursenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | nurse + NOUNADJECTIVEcertified (AmE), experienced, licensed (AmE), qualified, registered, trainedstaffthe children's staff nurseward (esp. BrE)chargehead, senior (BrE)auxiliary (BrE), practical (AmE)junior (BrE), novice (AmE)student, trainee (BrE)female, maleday, nightcommunity, district (both BrE)hospital, practice, schoolThis is a job for the school nurse.emergencyemergency-room (abbreviated to ER) (AmE)privatespecialistmaternity, paediatric/pediatric, psychiatric, scrub (= who helps a surgeon prepare for surgery), triage, veterinary (BrE)retiredpractising/practicingbaby (AmE), nursery (BrE)wet (= who breastfeeds another woman's baby)nurse + NOUNpractitionereducator (esp. AmE), manager, specialisteducation

II. verb

Nurse is used with these nouns as the subject:

Nurse is used with these nouns as the object:

baby, cold, grievance, grudge, infant, injury, sick, wound

nurse back to

nurse back tophr verb

Nurse back to is used with these nouns as the object:

health

nursery

nurserynounadj.

I. noun

Nursery is used before these nouns:

facility, nurse, place, playgroup, rhyme, school, slope, teacher

Nursery is used after these nouns:

Nursery is used with these nouns:

II. adj.

provision

nursery school

nursery schoolnoun

(BrE also nursery) nounADJECTIVE | NURSERY-SCHOOL + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEday (BrE), local, private, workplaceNURSERY-SCHOOL + NOUNclass, educationassistant, manager, nurse, staff, teachercare, facilities, provisionplacenursery-school places for under-fivesPREPOSITIONat a/the nursery schoolThe children are at nursery school three days a week.in a/the nursery schoolShe works as an assistant in a nursery school.

nurse through

nurse throughphr verb

Nurse through is used with these nouns as the object:

nursing

nursingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | nursing + NOUNADJECTIVEgeneralclinicalgeriatric, psychiatric, surgicalcommunity, district (both BrE)home, hospitalprivate (BrE)nursing + NOUNprofessioncare, services, skillshomestaffofficer (BrE)studentschoolshortagepractice

nurture

nurtureverb

Nurture is used with these nouns as the object:

ambition, child, love, talent

nut

nutnoun

noun1 food2 for screwing onto a bolt1 foodADJECTIVE | VERB + nut | nut + NOUNADJECTIVEcashew, macadamia, pistachio, etc.chopped, mixed, saltedtree (esp. AmE)VERB + nutcrack, shellnut + NOUNallergynut-allergy sufferersoiltree

2 for screwing onto a boltVERB + nut | PHRASESVERB + nutput on, screw on, tightenloosen, remove, unscrewPHRASESnuts and bolts (often figurative)a jar full of nuts and boltsThe documentary focuses on the real nuts and bolts (= the practical details) of the film-making process.I got to learn the real nuts and bolts of running a company.

nutrient

nutrientnoun

Nutrient is used before these nouns:

deficiency, intake

Nutrient is used after these nouns:

manure

nutrition

nutritionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + nutrition | nutrition + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEadequate, balanced, good, properinadequate, poorMany children at the school were found to be suffering from inadequate nutrition.humansportsVERB + nutritionprovidereceiveimprovenutrition + NOUNlabelfacts, informationconsultant, expert, specialistprogramme/programbar (AmE)education, researchPHRASESa source of nutrition

nutritional

nutritionaladj.

Nutritional is used with these nouns:

balance, benefit, counselling, deficiency, intake, product, requirement, supplement, value

nutritionist

nutritionistnoun

Nutritionist is used after these nouns:

sport

nutritious

nutritiousadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbemake sthAdapt your usual eating regime to make it more nutritious.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highly

Nutritious is used with these nouns:

diet, food, meal, snack

nutritive

nutritiveadj.

Nutritive is used with these nouns:

nutty

nuttyadj.

Nutty is used with these nouns:

flavour

nuzzle

nuzzleverb

Nuzzle is used with these nouns as the object:

nylon

nylonnoun

Nylon is used before these nouns:

brush, cord, fabric, fibre, stocking, strap, tights

oak

oaknoun

Oak is used before these nouns:

barrel, beam, cabinet, desk, door, leaf, log, table, timber, tree, wood

oaken

oakenadj.

Oaken is used with these nouns:

oar

oarnoun

nounVERB + oar | oar + NOUNVERB + oartakeWe each took an oar.pull onWe pulled hard on the oars.oar + NOUNlock (usually oarlock) (AmE) (rowlock in BrE)

oath

oathnoun

noun1 formal promise2 in a court of law1 formal promiseADJECTIVE | VERB + oath | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEsacred, solemnbloodHippocratica doctor's Hippocratic oathpresidentialloyalty (esp. AmE)VERB + oathswear, takeHe took an oath of allegiance to his adopted country.signbreak, violatekeep, upholdPREPOSITIONoath ofan oath of allegiancean oath of loyalty

2 in a court of lawVERB + oath | PREPOSITIONVERB + oathadministerOnly a judge is allowed to administer the oath.PREPOSITIONon oath (esp. BrE), under oathHe swore on oath that he had never seen me before.Witnesses must testify under oath.

oatmeal

oatmealnoun

Oatmeal is used before these nouns:

oats

oatsnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF OATS | VERB + oats | oats + VERBADJECTIVEwholerolledporridge (esp. BrE)… OF OATSfieldVERB + oatsgrowsowharvestoats + VERBgrow

obedience

obediencenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + obedience | obedience + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEabsolute, complete, perfect, strict (AmE), totalHe demands absolute obedience from his men.blind, passive, unquestioningVERB + obediencecommand, demand, exact, expect, requireoweAll clergy owed obedience to their superior.pledgeobedience + NOUNclass, school (esp. AmE), training (= for dogs)PREPOSITIONin obedience toShe acted in passive obedience to her boss's directions.obedience toThe slaves had to swear obedience to their masters.

obedient

obedientadj.

Obedient is used with these nouns:

child, servant

obediently

obedientlyadv.

Obediently is used with these verbs:

follow, trot

obesity

obesitynoun

Obesity is used after these nouns:

childhood

obey

obeyverb

verbADVERB | VERB + obey | PHRASESADVERBimmediately, instantly, quicklyShe was used to having her orders instantly obeyed.blindly, meeklyunquestioningly, without questionreluctantlyVERB + obeyhave to, mustrefuse toHe refuses to obey the rules.fail tobe willing topromise toPHRASESbe only obeying ordersAt the trial the soldiers made the excuse that they were only obeying orders.a duty to obey, an obligation to obeyPeople have a moral duty to obey the law.a failure to obeyShe's being punished for failure to obey a court order.sth has to be obeyed, sth must be obeyedRules are rules and they must be obeyed.

Obey is used with these nouns as the object:

command, directive, father, god, impulse, injunction, instinct, instruction, law, master, order, rule, speed limit, spirit, summons, will, wish

obituary

obituarynoun

nounVERB + obituary | obituary + NOUNVERB + obituarywriteprint, publishreadobituary + NOUNcolumn, notice, page

object

objectnounverb

I. noun1 solid thing2 purpose1 solid thingADJECTIVEADJECTIVEinanimatesolid, three-dimensionallarge, smallheavy, sharp, etc.egg-shaped, V-shaped, etc.man-madecommon, everyday, familiar, householdHer paintings are of ordinary everyday objects.decorativeflying, movingstationarydistantmaterial, physicalsacredforeignpeople who claim to have found foreign objects in canssex, sexualHe regards women as nothing more than sexual objects.

2 purposeADJECTIVE | object + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEmain, primary, principalsoleMy sole object is to get to the bottom of this mystery.object + NOUNlessonThe plans are an object lesson in how to ruin a city.PHRASESthe object of the exercise (esp. BrE), the object of the gameThe object of the game is to score as many points as possible.It would defeat the object of the exercise if we paid someone to do it for us.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + object | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBstrenuously, strongly, vehementlyVERB + objectcan hardlyIt was your own idea in the first place, so you can hardly object now.be entitled to (esp. BrE), have a/the right toPREPOSITIONtoa petition objecting to the planPHRASESobject on the grounds that … I objected on the grounds that it was unkind to the animals.

objection

objectionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + objection | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEserious, strenuous, strongvalidmain, major, primary, principalfundamentalcommonconscientious, ethical, moral, principled, religiousone, onlyMy one objection is that I don't think such an amendment is necessary.VERB + objectionfile, lodge, make, raise, state, voicehaveI'd like to open a window, unless anyone has any objections.address, answer, meet, overcomedrop, withdrawPREPOSITIONover the objections of (esp. AmE)She was appointed over the objections of certain members of the board.objection againsta common objection against nuclear powerobjection toThe committee has raised serious objections to the plans.PHRASESan objection based on sth

objective

objectivenounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + objective | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfirst, key, main, major, primary, prime, principalsecond, secondarybroad, overall, overriding, ultimatelimited, narrowlong-term, short-termclear, specificimportantstatedThe legislation has failed to achieve its stated objectives.desiredcommonThe two groups are pursuing a common objective.economic, educational, environmental, military, political, strategicbusiness, course, learning, mission, policy, researchVERB + objectivehaveaccomplish, achieve, attain, complete, fulfil/fulfill, meet, reach, succeed inThe department needs more money to achieve its objectives.fail inagree, define, establish, formulate, identify, set, specifya set of agreed objectivesWe need to establish a clear objective.declare, statepromote, pursue, supportPREPOSITIONin an/the objectiveThe party is radical in its objectives.objective ofWe succeeded in our prime objective of cutting costs.

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemremainADVERBtruly, verycompletely, entirely, purely, totally, whollyIt is impossible to be completely objective.fairly, reasonablyapparently (esp. BrE), seemingly (esp. AmE)supposedly

Objective is used with these nouns:

analysis, assessment, criterion, description, evaluation, evidence, judgement, manner, measure, measurement, observer, opinion, perspective, point of view, reality, standard, standpoint, test, truth, viewpoint

objectively

objectivelyadv.

Objectively is used with these adjectives:

true

Objectively is used with these verbs:

define, determine, evaluate, grade, judge, measure, view

obligation

obligationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + obligation | obligation + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcontractual, legal, statutoryethical, moral, religious, socialdebt, financial, pensionfamilyI can't travel next month because of family obligations.professionaltreatymutualVERB + obligationcarry out, discharge, fulfil/fulfill, meetThe builders failed to meet their contractual obligations.comply with, honour/honorhaveWe have a moral obligation to help.feeloweassume, carry, incur, take onimposeignoreobligation + VERBarise from sthobligations arising from your contract of employmentPREPOSITIONunder an obligationI am under no obligation to tell you my name.without obligationOur mortgage advice is given free and without obligation.obligation ofthe obligations of citizenshipobligation toA lawyer owes an obligation of confidence to the client.obligation with respect toour moral obligations with respect to the law

obligatory

obligatoryadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecomeremainmake sthThe college authorities have now made these classes obligatory.ADVERBalmost, practically (esp. BrE)It's almost obligatory to have a blog nowadays.morallyPREPOSITIONforIt is obligatory for vets to be registered.

oblige

obligeverb

verbADVERB | VERB + oblige | PREPOSITIONADVERBduly (BrE)The fans were looking for another goal and Owen duly obliged (= he scored).kindlygladly, happily, willinglygrudginglyVERB + obligebe glad to, be happy to, be pleased to (esp. BrE), be willing toHe asked me for advice, and I was only too happy to oblige.The staff are always willing to oblige.PREPOSITIONbyWill you oblige by filling in this form?withWould you be willing to oblige us with some information?

obliged

obligedadj.

adj.1 forced to do sth2 grateful1 forced to do sthVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feelADVERBby law (esp. BrE), contractually, legallyParents are obliged by law to send their children to school.morallyI felt morally obliged to do the best I could for her.

2 gratefulVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feelADVERBmuchPREPOSITIONfor, toI'm much obliged to you for helping us.

oblique

obliqueadj.

Oblique is used with these nouns:

angle, reference

obliterate

obliterateverb

verbADVERBADVERBcompletely, entirely, totallyThe sect was totally obliterated by the state.almost, virtually

Obliterate is used with these nouns as the object:

sun, trace

oblivion

oblivionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + oblivion | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpoliticaltotalVERB + oblivionfade into, fall into, pass into, sink into, slide intorescue sb/sth from, save sb/sth froma minor masterpiece, saved from oblivionconsign sb/sth toMost of his work has now been consigned to oblivion.PREPOSITIONin oblivionHe died in oblivion.

oblivious

obliviousadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSappear, be, seemKaren appeared oblivious to the uproar.becomeremainmake sbHis own arrogance made him oblivious to the criticisms of others.ADVERBcompletely, quite, totallyalmostapparently, seeminglyclearlyPREPOSITIONofoblivious of the stares of the whole towntoShe seemed almost oblivious to the crowds of reporters.PHRASESoblivious to the fact that … He seemed oblivious to the fact that his wife was on the edge of a nervous breakdown.

oblong

oblongadj.

Oblong is used with these nouns:

Obscene is used with these nouns:

oboe

oboenoun

nounSpecial page at MUSIC

obscene

obsceneadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, lookconsider sth, deem sthThe book was declared obscene.ADVERBreallyutterly (esp. BrE)almostallegedly (esp. AmE)PHRASESsomething obsceneHe muttered something obscene under his breath.

gesture, graffiti, language, material, profit, remark, word

obscenity

obscenitynoun

noun… OF OBSCENITY | VERB + obscenity | obscenity + NOUN… OF OBSCENITYstream, stringVERB + obscenitymutter, scream, shout, yellHe shouted a stream of obscenities.obscenity + NOUNcharge, laws, trial

obscure

obscureverbadj.

I. verbADVERB | VERB + obscure | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBcompletely, totallyalmostlargelyhalf, partially, partly, slightly, somewhatdeliberatelyAll trace of his working-class background was deliberately obscured.easilySolo passages in this register are very easily obscured by other instruments.VERB + obscureserve to, tend toThe emphasis on social integration often served to obscure the real differences within the community.allow sth toPREPOSITIONbehindThe moon was obscured behind a wall of cloud.inThe right-hand side of the face is obscured in deep shadow.PHRASESobscure the fact that … These figures obscure the fact that a lot of older people live in poverty.obscure sth from viewThe house was obscured from view by a wall.

Obscure is used with these nouns as the subject:

cloud, fog, mist

Obscure is used with these nouns as the object:

distinction, extent, fact, reality, view, vision

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seembecomeThe origins of the tradition have become obscure.remainThe motives behind this decision remain somewhat obscure.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.completely, totallylargelyrelativelywilfully/willfully (esp. BrE)

Obscure is used with these nouns:

corner, disease, jargon, journal, origin, reference

obscurity

obscuritynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + obscurity | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcomplete, totalnear, virtualHe is now living in virtual obscurity.comparative (esp. BrE), relativeprofessionalVERB + obscurityfade into, sink into, slip into, vanish intobe plucked from, emerge from, rise fromAfter many years, his scientific work emerged from obscurity.O'Neil rose from obscurity to become an international sensation.be relegated tolabor in (AmE), languish inPREPOSITIONin obscurityHe spent his early life in relative obscurity.PHRASESgo from obscurity to celebrity, notoriety, fame, etc.

obsequies

obsequiesnoun

Obsequies is used after these nouns:

observable

observableadj.

Observable is used with these nouns:

fact, phenomenon, universe

observance

observancenoun

Observance is used after these nouns:

sabbath

observant

observantadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seembecomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.acutely (esp. BrE), keenly (AmE)She was intelligent and highly observant.

Observant is used with these nouns:

Jew, Muslim, reader

observation

observationnoun

noun1 examination2 remark1 examinationADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcareful, close, detaileddirect, first-handsystematiccasualempirical, scientificvisualclinicalastronomicalfieldsimpleThere's a lot to be learned from simple observation.PREPOSITIONfor observationShe was admitted to the hospital for observation.under observationThe police have had him under observation for several weeks.observation ofThe survey was based on direct observation of over 500 schools.PHRASESpowers of observationan artist with acute powers of observation

2 remarkADJECTIVE | VERB + observation | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgeneralaccurate, astute, insightful, keen, perceptive, shrewdinterestingimportantwrysb's own, personalcommonearly, initial, preliminaryVERB + observationmake, offerPREPOSITIONobservation aboutHe smiled, and made some observation about the weather.observation fromobservations from one reader in Hawaiiobservation onher witty observations on life

observational

observationaladj.

Observational is used with these nouns:

data, evidence

observe

observeverb

verb1 notice/watch2 make a remark3 obey rules1 notice/watchADVERB | VERB + observe | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBcarefully, closelypreciselydirectlyIt is not possible to observe this phenomenon directly.clearlyactuallyIt is the parents who actually observe these problems in their children.just, simplyYou can learn a lot by simply observing.generally, normally, typically, usuallyrepeatedlyquietlyShe stood there, quietly observing the domestic scene.secretlyexperimentallyThis phenomenon has been observed experimentally.recentlyVERB + observebe able tobe possible tobe difficult tobe interesting toIt is interesting to observe the reaction of the children to these changes.expect toneed toget tocontinue toPREPOSITIONamongA similar pattern was observed among Hispanics.forThe patient should be observed for signs of an allergic reaction.fromunaware that she was being observed from the windowPHRASESbe commonly observed, be frequently observed, be widely observedThis ritual is commonly observed among several ethnic groups.be easily observed, be readily observedbe occasionally observed, be rarely observedan opportunity to observe sb/sth, time to observe sth

2 make a remarkADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBastutely, correctly, keenly, rightly, shrewdlyShe correctly observed that there was very little difference between the two parties on domestic policies.drily, wrylycoolly‘You took your time,’ he observed coolly.mildly, quietlysadlyfamouslyThe only certainties in this world, as Benjamin Franklin famously observed, are death and taxes.PREPOSITIONto‘It's easy to say that,’ she observed to Michael, ‘but can you prove it?’

3 obey rulesADVERB | VERB + observe | PHRASESADVERBcorrectly, faithfully, scrupulously, strictlyThis procedure must be correctly observed.VERB + observefail toPHRASESfailure to observe sthFailure to observe club rules may result in expulsion.

Observe is used with these nouns as the subject:

researcher

Observe is used with these nouns as the object:

association, behaviour, ceasefire, change, class, condition, convention, correlation, custom, defect, difference, discrepancy, distribution, effect, expression, fast, festival, frequency, galaxy, improvement, increase, law, meeting, movement, phenomenon, precaution, progress, reduction, regulation, response, result, ritual, rule, sabbath, shift, silence, speed limit, surroundings, trend, variation

observed

observedadj.

Observed is used with these nouns:

difference

observer

observernoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + observer | observer + VERB | PHRASES | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcasualTo the casual observer, it would have looked like any other domestic argument.informed, knowledgeable (esp. AmE)acute, astute, careful, close, keen, shrewdexperienced, long-time, seasonedsceptical/skepticalsympatheticdetached, impartial, neutral, objective, unbiasedreasonableexternal, independent, outsideIndependent observers will monitor the elections.trainedforeign, internationalAmerican, Western, etc.industry, legal, media, military, politicalSome military observers fear the US could get entangled in another war.electionhumanpassiveVERB + observersendObservers were sent to check the conduct of the elections.attend sth asimpress, puzzle, shock, strike, stun, surpriseThe suddenness of this move surprised observers.observer + VERBsee sthnote sth, say sthagree sthbelieve sth, think sthexpect sth, predict sthattend sthThe talks were attended by observers from eight Arab countries and Israel.monitor sthPHRASESstatusThe country was granted observer status at the summit.biasPREPOSITIONas an observerI attended the conference as an observer.observer ofan observer of the American cultural scenePHRASESlead observers to conclude, suggest, etc. sthDifficulties in the housing market have led some observers to conclude that house prices will fall dramatically.

obsession

obsessionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + obsession | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdangerous, unhealthycurrentnationalstrange, weirdnewVERB + obsessionbecomeDon't let this interest of yours become an obsession.haveHe thinks all women have an obsession with shoes.PREPOSITIONobsession withI don't understand television's current obsession with reality shows.

obsessive

obsessiveadj.

Obsessive is used with these nouns:

desire, fan, jealousy, love, preoccupation

obsessively

obsessivelyadv.

Obsessively is used with these adjectives:

tidy

obsolete

obsoleteadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomemake sth, render sthTheir work is now rendered obsolete by machines.ADVERBcompletely, totallyincreasinglylargelyalmost, nearly (esp. AmE), virtually

Obsolete is used with these nouns:

obstacle

obstaclenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + obstacle | obstacle + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, majorchief, greatest, mainenormous, formidable, huge, serious, significantThe attitude of the unions is a serious obstacle.impossible (esp. AmE), insuperable (formal), insurmountable (formal)the joy of overcoming seemingly impossible obstaclesLack of money has proved an almost insurmountable obstacle.bureaucratic, legal, politicalVERB + obstaclebe, become, constitute, prove, remain, representcreate, pose, presentcome across (esp. BrE), encounter, faceavoid, overcome, remove, surmountHe was determined to overcome all obstacles in his way.obstacle + NOUNcoursePREPOSITIONobstacle forLack of childcare provision can be a major obstacle for women wishing to work.obstacle toThe huge distances involved have proved an obstacle to communication.PHRASESan obstacle in the path (of sb/sth), an obstacle in the way (of sb/sth)The release of prisoners remains an obstacle in the path of a peace agreement.

obstetric

obstetricadj.

Obstetric is used with these nouns:

medicine

obstetrician

obstetriciannoun

Obstetrician is used after these nouns:

consultant

obstinate

obstinateadj.

Obstinate is used with these nouns:

refusal

obstinately

obstinatelyadv.

Obstinately is used with these verbs:

refuse

obstruct

obstructverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBpartiallycompletelydeliberately (esp. BrE), wilfully (BrE, law)wilfully obstructing a police officer in the execution of his dutyPREPOSITIONin

Obstruct is used with these nouns as the object:

highway, investigation, justice, passage, path, progress, traffic, view

obstruction

obstructionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + obstruction | PHRASESADJECTIVEphysicalunlawful, wilful (both BrE, law)bureaucraticThe asylum seekers had to contend with continued bureaucratic obstruction.VERB + obstructioncause, createThe car had been parked in front of the entrance, causing an obstruction.clear, removeShe had to have surgery to remove an obstruction from her throat.PHRASESobstruction of justice (law)She was charged with obstruction of justice.

obstructive

obstructiveadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomeADVERBpositivelyquitedeliberatelyHe doesn't really have an alternative suggestion; he's just being deliberately obstructive.

obtain

obtainverb

verbADVERB | VERB + obtain | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBfraudulently, illegally, unlawfully (BrE, law)legallyrecentlyVERB + obtainbe able to, be unable toattempt to, endeavour/endeavor to (esp. BrE)fail toassist sb to, enable sb tobe easy to, be possible tobe difficult to, be impossible togoods which are difficult to obtainbe necessary to, need toIt is necessary to obtain the patients' consent.PREPOSITIONbyThe company claims to have obtained its database of names by legitimate means.fromAnglers are required to obtain prior authorization from the park keeper.PHRASESbe easily obtained, be readily obtainedSuch information is easily obtained from the Internet.sth can be obtained, sth may be obtainedDetails of this offer can be obtained from any of our stores.a means of obtaining sth, a method of obtaining sth, a way of obtaining sth

Obtain is used with these nouns as the subject:

finance, plaintiff

Obtain is used with these nouns as the object:

abortion, acquittal, advice, appointment, approval, assent, assistance, assurance, authorization, benefit, citizenship, clearance, compensation, concession, condom, confession, confirmation, consent, conviction, copy, coverage, credit, damage, data, degree, diploma, discount, divorce, doctorate, document, driving licence, education, employment, equation, estimate, evidence, exemption, favour, feedback, first, flow, freedom, fund, funding, grant, help, image, information, injunction, insight, insurance, judgement, justice, lease, leave, leverage, licence, loan, majority, mandate, measure, measurement, memo, mercy, name, nationality, oil, order, pardon, pass, passport, patent, permission, permit, picture, position, possession, proof, qualification, quotation, quote, rating, reading, receipt, recognition, recording, refund, registration, relief, report, representation, result, reward, right, sample, scan, scholarship, score, sex, signature, specimen, sponsorship, supply, ticket, understanding, undertaking, verification, visa, vote, warrant, writ

obtainable

obtainableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomeADVERBeasily, readily

obtuse

obtuseadj.

Obtuse is used with these nouns:

angle

obviate

obviateverb

Obviate is used with these nouns as the object:

necessity, need

obvious

obviousadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSappear, be, look, seem, soundbecomeIt soon became obvious that the machine did not work.make sthHis manner made it obvious he didn't like her.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.I'm not going to tell Jim about this, for fairly obvious reasons.blatantly, blindingly, glaringly, patently, transparently (esp. BrE)completely, perfectly, quiteThe answer is perfectly obvious!increasinglyby no means, far from, less than, not at all, not entirelyIt was far from obvious how they were going to get off the island.a little, slightly, etc.apparently, seeminglyimmediatelyIt was immediately obvious that the bag was too heavy.intuitivelyAvoid making intuitively obvious but unfounded assertions.depressingly, painfullyIt was becoming painfully obvious that the two of them had nothing in common.all tooThe ineptitude of the government was all too obvious.PREPOSITIONtoIt is obvious to me that you're unhappy in your job.PHRASESbe so obvious that … The metaphor is so obvious that it's impossible to miss.

Obvious is used with these nouns:

advantage, alternative, amusement, analogy, annoyance, answer, appeal, attraction, benefit, bias, candidate, case, choice, clue, conclusion, connection, connotation, contender, contradiction, correlation, culprit, danger, defect, delight, difference, disadvantage, disappointment, discomfort, disdain, disgust, dislike, disparity, distaste, distinction, distress, drawback, embarrassment, enjoyment, enthusiasm, example, exception, explanation, extension, fact, fault, flaw, gag, gap, highlight, hint, implication, importance, improvement, inadequacy, inference, influence, lack, lie, limitation, link, loser, manifestation, merit, motive, move, omission, parallel, pitfall, pleasure, pointer, possibility, precedent, question, reason, reference, relevance, relief, reluctance, resemblance, sarcasm, satisfaction, shortcoming, sign, similarity, sincerity, slant, solution, starting point, successor, suspect, talent, target, thing, trap, truth, violation, way, weakness

obviously occasion

occasionnoun

noun1 time when sth happens2 suitable time3 special event1 time when sth happensADJECTIVE | VERB + occasion | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcountless, many, multiple (esp. AmE), numerousIt was the first of many such occasions.a few, several, variousrarepreviousdifferent, separateVERB + occasionrecall, rememberPREPOSITIONon an/the occasionThe police were called out on 24 separate occasions.on occasion, on occasionsHe has even been known to go shopping himself on occasion.PHRASESa number of occasionsI have stayed there on a number of occasions.on one occasionOn one occasion he even called me in the middle of the night.on that occasion, on this occasionOn this occasion, as it happens, the engine started immediately.on the odd occasionThey came to visit us on the odd occasion, but only when they had nothing better to do.a particular occasionOn this particular occasion, Joe wasn't there.

2 suitable timeADJECTIVE | VERB + occasion | occasion + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEright, suitable (esp. BrE)VERB + occasionget, haveI bought the camera last year, but never had the occasion to use it.occasion + VERBariseI'll speak to him if the occasion arises.PREPOSITIONoccasion forIt should have been an occasion for rejoicing.PHRASESbe an occasion for sth, become an occasion for sthHis death became an occasion for widespread discussion of his character.have occasion to do sthLast year we had occasion to visit relatives in Florida.provide an/the occasion for sthThese workshops provide an occasion for talking about art.use an occasion to do sth, take an occasion to do sthI want to use this occasion to thank you all for your hard work.

3 special eventADJECTIVE | VERB + occasion | occasion + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEauspicious, big, great, historic, important, memorable, momentous, specialfestive, happy, joyousformal, sad, solemnsocialceremonial, stateMedals are usually worn only on ceremonial occasions.VERB + occasioncelebrate, marka party to mark the occasion of their daughter's graduationrise toThe choir rose to the occasion and sang beautifully.occasion + VERBcall for sthI do sometimes dance if the occasion calls for it.PREPOSITIONon occasionI only wear my silk dress on special occasions.occasion ofthe occasion of his 50th birthdayPHRASESfor all occasions, for every occasionWe sell cards and notepaper for all occasions.a sense of occasionOn the day of the wedding there was a real sense of occasion.

occasional

occasionaladj.

Occasional is used with these nouns:

appearance, article, bout, breather, burst, contributor, cough, dip, exception, flash, glimpse, guest, gust, hiccup, hint, indulgence, instance, interruption, lapse, letter, outbreak, outburst, piece, reference, remark, shower, slip, stutter, tantrum, treat, trip, twinge, use, user, visit, visitor

occasionally

occasionallyadv.

Occasionally is used with these verbs:

appear, encounter, erupt, indulge, interrupt, occur, pause, stir, use, venture, visit

occupant

occupantnoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEoriginalcurrent, presentformer, previousfuture, nextonly, soleThe sole occupant of the car was an elderly man.building (AmE), vehicle

occupation

occupationnoun

noun1 job2 control of another country3 living in a room, house, etc.1 jobADJECTIVE | VERB + occupation | PHRASESADJECTIVEfull-timecurrentmaindangerous, hazardousfemale, maleAgricultural work is traditionally seen as a male occupation.managerial, professional, technicalskilled, unskilledmanual, non-manual (both esp. BrE)blue-collar, white-collarserviceservice occupations such as cleaning and cateringcivilianHe left the army in 1999 and chose a civilian occupation.VERB + occupationchoose, findfollow (BrE)The people interviewed followed a variety of occupationsPHRASESlist sb's occupation as sthHer occupation is listed as ‘homemaker’.a range of occupationsThe college provides training in a wide range of occupations.

2 control of another countryADJECTIVE | VERB + occupation | occupation + VERB | occupation + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEforeigncontinued, continuingmilitarypost-warcolonialbrutalillegalVERB + occupationbeginendThe invaders have ended their occupation of large parts of the territories.maintainfight, resistoppose, protestsupportoccupation + VERBbegin, endcontinueoccupation + NOUNforcePREPOSITIONduring the occupationDuring the occupation, the church was used as a mosque.under occupationPart of Britain was under Roman occupation.occupation ofthe occupation of territory

3 living in a room, house, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + occupation | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElandillegal, unlawful (BrE)illegal occupation of the buildingexclusive (BrE, law)multiple (BrE, law)the conversion of big old buildings to multiple occupationVERB + occupationtake up (BrE)You can only take up occupation once the tenancy has been signed.PREPOSITIONin occupation of (BrE, law)He intends to remain in occupation of the building for as long as possible.PHRASESready for occupation (esp. BrE)The houses will be ready for occupation by March.

occupational

occupationaladj.

Occupational is used with these nouns:

category, disease, exposure, hazard, health, mobility, pension, physician, prestige, psychologist, safety, status, stress, therapist, therapy, training

occupied

occupiedadj.

adj.1 being used by sb2 busy1 being used by sbVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBdenselythe most densely occupied areas of the countryentirelyThe sofa was entirely occupied by two large cats.permanentlyillegally

2 busyVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecomekeep sbWe need something to keep the children occupied.ADVERBfully (esp. BrE)happilyPREPOSITIONinYou will be mainly occupied in checking sales records.withShe was happily occupied with reading.

Occupied is used with these nouns:

country, territory, zone

occupy

occupyverb

Occupy is used with these nouns as the subject:

army, cubicle, settler, tenant, troops

Occupy is used with these nouns as the object:

base, bed, building, chair, country, dwelling, flat, floor, foreground, fortress, habitat, house, land, mind, nest, niche, place, position, premises, region, role, room, seat, site, space, storey, table, territory, throne, whole

occupying

occupyingadj.

Occupying is used with these nouns:

army, force, power

occur

occurverb

verbADVERB | VERB + occur | PREPOSITIONADVERBcommonly, frequently, often, regularly, repeatedlygenerally, normally, typically, usuallyinfrequently, rarelyoccasionally, sometimesrandomly, sporadicallymainly, mostly, predominantly, primarilyexclusively, onlynaturallyThese chemical changes occur naturally.spontaneouslyOpportunities for learning occur spontaneously every day.simultaneously, togetherindependentlyquickly, rapidlyslowlyVERB + occurbe likely to, tend tobe unlikely toPREPOSITIONamongthe problems that occur among people living togetherinA significant improvement occurred in patients given the drug.

Occur is used with these nouns as the subject:

abuse, accident, adaptation, ambiguity, assault, atrocity, attack, bias, blast, breakdown, cancer, case, catastrophe, change, clash, collision, complication, compound, conflict, consequence, conversation, crash, crime, crisis, damage, death, debate, decline, delay, depression, deterioration, development, difference, dilemma, disagreement, disaster, discrepancy, discrimination, disease, dispute, disruption, disturbance, earthquake, effect, emergency, encounter, epidemic, erosion, error, eruption, event, evolution, expansion, explosion, failure, fall, fault, fire, fit, fluctuation, illness, imbalance, impact, improvement, incident, increase, infection, injury, innovation, instability, instance, intercourse, irregularity, killing, leak, meeting, migration, mineral, miracle, mistake, misunderstanding, moment, movement, murder, mutation, opportunity, outage, outbreak, pain, phenomenon, problem, process, reaction, rebellion, recovery, reduction, relapse, reproduction, revolution, rift, riot, scene, shift, shortage, situation, skirmish, species, split, strike, subsidence, swelling, symptom, syndrome, thing, tide, tragedy, transfer, transformation, transition, vacancy, variation, violence

occurrence

occurrencenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + occurrence | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcommon, everyday, widespreaddaily, frequent, regularrare, uncommonisolated, randomfreak, strange, unexpected, unusualnatural, normalactualnewhigh, lowthe low occurrence of heart disease in this particular groupVERB + occurrencepreventreduceincreasepredictdocument, record, reportexplainPREPOSITIONoccurrence inThese mild fits are quite a common occurrence in babies.occurrence ofa past occurrence of breast cancerPHRASESa common occurrence, a regular occurrenceHis visits became a regular occurrence.a daily occurrencefrequency of occurrencewords with a high frequency of occurrence

occur to

occur tophr verb

Occur to is used with these nouns as the subject:

explanation, idea, thought

ocean

oceannoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + ocean | ocean + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeepvastgreata vessel which can explore the depths of the great oceansblueopenA storm started up once we got out into the open ocean.calm, roughendless (literary)Before him lay the vast, endless ocean.cold, frozentropical, warmsouthernpenguins of the southern oceanscoastal (AmE)VERB + oceancross, sailexplorego in, swim in (both esp. AmE)overlook (esp. AmE)a beach house overlooking the oceanocean + NOUNdepthsthe darkness of the ocean depthssurfacebed, bottom, floorbasinwaterecosystemwavea life on the ocean wave (= at sea)current, tidesair, breeze (both esp. AmE)voyagelinerviewbluePREPOSITIONacross the oceantrade across the Atlantic Oceanin the oceanVarious toxic substances have been dumped in the ocean.PHRASESthe bottom of the ocean, the depths of the ocean, the middle of the ocean, the surface of the oceanthe oceans of the world, the world's oceansgreat ships that sailed the oceans of the world

ocean-going

ocean-goingadj.

Ocean-going is used with these nouns:

liner, ship, vessel

October

Octobernoun

Odd is used with these nouns:

odd

oddadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, feel, look, seem, smell, sound, tasteconsider sth, find sth, think sthI find it odd that she takes so long to do that job.I didn't think it odd at the time.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.decidedly, distinctlyThere's something distinctly odd about her.especially, particularlya little, slightly, etc.PHRASEShow oddHow odd that he should come from the same town as me.it is odd to thinkIt's odd to think I will never see her again.something oddThere's something odd going on.

angle, appearance, assortment, bit, character, choice, coincidence, collection, combination, corner, dream, expression, fashion, feeling, habit, kind, lapse, look, mannerism, mix, mixture, moment, note, number, pair, piece, quirk, remark, request, sensation, sense of humour, shape, shower, sight, situation, sock, sort, thing, turn, twist, way

oddly odds

oddsnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + odds | odds + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsiderable, great, impossible, incredible, insurmountable, overwhelming, terribleShe struggled against terrible odds to overcome her illness.goodhigh, lowlong, short (esp. BrE)Sometimes an outsider will win at long odds, but not often.The bookmakers are offering only short odds on the favourite. (BrE)VERB + oddsoffer, quotelayI'll lay odds we never see him again.reduce, shortenimprove, increasebeat, defy, overcomeShe defied the odds to beat the clear favourite/favorite.calculateodds + VERBfall, go down, lengthen (esp. BrE)go up, increase, shorten (esp. BrE)favour/favor sbPREPOSITIONagainst the oddsThe movie is a heart-warming tale of triumph against the odds.odds againstThe odds against making a profit in this business are huge.odds ofThey were offering odds of ten to one.odds onThe odds on the outsider were 100–1.PHRASESagainst all odds, against all the oddsAgainst all the odds, we managed to get through to the final.face impossible odds, face insurmountable oddsthe odds are stacked against sb, the odds are stacked in favour/favor of sbHe will try hard to win, although he knows the odds are stacked against him.

odds-on

odds-onadj.

Odds-on is used with these nouns:

favourite

odour

odournoun

(BrE) (AmE odor) nounADJECTIVE | VERB + odour/odor | odour/odor + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfoul, offensive, unpleasantmusty, stalepungent, strongfaintsweetcharacteristic, distinct (esp. AmE), distinctive, familiar, unmistakablestrangebodyVERB + odour/odorsmellI smelled the distinct odour of something burning.emit, give off, produceeliminate, removeodour/odor + VERBcome from sth, emanate from sthPREPOSITIONodour fromodours from the local brewery

odourless

odourlessadj.

Odourless/odorless is used with these nouns:

gas

offbeat

offbeatadj.

Offbeat is used with these nouns:

sense of humour

off-Broadway

off-Broadwayadj.

Off-Broadway is used with these nouns:

production, theatre

off-colour

off-colouradj.

Off-colour/off-color is used with these nouns:

joke

off-duty

off-dutyadj.

Off-duty is used with these nouns:

policeman

offence

offencenoun

(BrE) (AmE offense) noun1 illegal act2 hurt feelings3 (AmE) attacking players; attacking play1 illegal actADJECTIVE | VERB + offence/offense | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgrave, heinous, major, seriouslesser, minor, petty, trivialallegedfirstfederal (AmE), statutory (BrE)arrestable (BrE), bookable (in football/soccer) (BrE), capital, firing (AmE), impeachable (AmE), imprisonable (BrE), indictable (BrE), punishable, sackable (BrE)The offence is punishable by up to three months' imprisonment.criminal, disciplinary (BrE)driving (BrE), political, sex, sexual, terroristMotorists may be fined on the spot for driving offences such as speeding.felony (AmE)non-violent (esp. AmE), violentdrug, drug-relatedVERB + offence/offensebe, constitutecommitPREPOSITIONoffence againstoffences against public decency

2 hurt feelingsVERB + offence/offense | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + offence/offensecause, givetakePREPOSITIONoffence atHe takes offence at the slightest joke against him.offence toI didn't mean to give offence to anyone.PHRASESno offence, no offence intended, no offence meantNo offence intended, but are you sure your calculations are right?

3 (AmE) attacking players; attacking playADJECTIVE | VERB + OFFENSEADJECTIVEopposingthe ability to disrupt opposing offencesbalancedVERB + OFFENSEsparkThe move didn't spark the offence as hoped.initiatecompetent passers who can initiate the offencedisrupttheir ability to disrupt the offence

offend

offendverb

verbADVERB | VERB + offend | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBdeeply, gravely, greatlyHe knew that he had offended her deeply.mortallyslightlyeasilyHe was very sensitive and easily offended.VERB + offendbe likely toOmit anything that is likely to offend people.be anxious not to, be careful not to, not mean to, take care not toShe stopped mid-sentence, anxious not to offend him.PREPOSITIONagainstViewers complained that the broadcast offended against good taste.PHRASESfeel, look, sound, etc. offendedShe sounded offended when she replied.

Offend is used with these nouns as the object:

establishment

offender

offendernoun

noun1 person who commits a crime2 sb/sth that causes trouble1 person who commits a crimeADJECTIVE | VERB + offenderADJECTIVEallegedconvictedfirst, first-timeAs a first offender, he received a lenient sentence.persistent (esp. BrE), repeatnon-violent, violentadult, juvenile, youngsex, sexualdrugVERB + offendersentence

2 sb/sth that causes troubleADJECTIVEADJECTIVEmain, worstAs regards pollution, old diesel-engined vehicles are the worst offenders.

offending

offendingadj.

Offending is used with these nouns:

article, party

offensive

offensivenounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + offensive | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEall-out, full-scale, large-scale, major, massiveIn 1941, Hitler launched an all-out offensive against the Soviet Union.militarya military offensive against the insurgentsguerrilla, terroristair, bombinggrounddiplomatic, government, propagandacharm (figurative)The politician has launched a charm offensive in an attempt to clean up his image.VERB + offensivelaunch, mountplanbe on, go on, takeShe took the offensive, challenging her critics to prove their allegations.PREPOSITIONoffensive againstThe government is launching an all-out offensive against the drug cartels

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seembecomeconsider sth, deem sth, find sth, think sthHe's always making rude remarks about women. I find that deeply offensive.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.deeply, downright, grossly, highlypotentiallydeliberatelypatently (AmE, law)The material is patently offensive as measured by the standards for the broadcast medium.morallyraciallyPREPOSITIONtoThis sort of attitude is very offensive to women.

Offensive is used with these nouns:

capability, foul, graffiti, language, line, manoeuvre, odour, operation, play, player, remark, smell, strategy, tackle, touchdown, weapon

offensively

offensivelyadv.

Offensively is used with these verbs:

struggle

offer

offernounverb

I. noun1 of help or sth that is needed2 special price/deal3 amount of money1 of help or sth that is neededADJECTIVE | VERB + offer | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgenerous, kindconditional, unconditional (both esp. BrE)The company has made a conditional offer.She received a conditional offer from the University of Warwick. (BrE)jobpeace (usually peace offering)VERB + offermake (sb)He made me an offer I simply couldn't refuse.withdrawget, have, receiveaccept, take, take updecline, refuse, turn downconsiderPREPOSITIONon offerthe range of goods on offeroffer fromI had to turn down a job offer from a publisher because the pay was too low.offer ofThey refused our offer of help.

2 special price/dealADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEspecialcheap (BrE)The council do cheap offers on compost bins.freeI got the conditioner in a free offer with my shampoo.introductoryYour first order is delivered free as an introductory offer.PREPOSITIONon offer (BrE)We have a number of bargains on offer.

3 amount of moneyADJECTIVE | VERB + offer | offer + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEacceptable, attractive, fair, good, reasonableThe company says it has made a good offer which cannot be improved upon.$500 is my best offer (= the highest price I will offer).temptinghigh, lowWe realized we would not get a higher offer.first, initialDon't just accept the first offer.finalfirm, formalNo one has made a firm offer.lucrativepay (BrE)The union has voted for industrial action after rejecting a pay offer.takeovercash (esp. BrE), tender (both business)a cash offer of $21 a sharecontract (sports)The Rams have made him a two-year contract offer.VERB + offermake (sb), put inwithdrawget, receiveconsider, listen toI'll listen to any reasonable offer.accept, takereject, turn downincrease, upThey just kept upping their offer until I had to say yes.matchWe should be able to match their offer for the player.offer + NOUNpricePREPOSITIONunder offer (BrE)The property is currently under offer to a client.offer forSeveral people put in an offer for the house.offer ofThey accepted our offer of £80 000.PHRASESbe open to offers (esp. BrE)The asking price is £500 but I'm open to offers.or best offer (abbreviated to o.b.o) (AmE)Excellent condition. $1 000 or best offer.or near offer, or nearest offer (abbreviated to o.n.o) (BrE)They are selling their car for £2 500 or near offer.

II. verb1 give/provide sth; ask if sb would like sth2 say that you will pay a certain amount1 give/provide sth; ask if sb would like sthADVERB | VERB + offer | PREPOSITIONADVERBgenerously, graciously, kindlyShe graciously offered to get pizza so I wouldn't have to cook.helpfullyfreelyHospitality was freely offered to refugees.VERB + offerbe able to, be unable to, canthe protection that life insurance can offerappear to, seem toThe plan seemed to offer real advantages.fail tobe pleased to (formal), would like toI refer to your recent application and interview and am pleased to offer you the post of editor.aim to, seek toclaim toThey claim to offer a more comprehensive service than other companies.be expected to, be likely toThis investment is likely to offer a higher return.be compelled to, be forced to, be obliged tofeel compelled to, feel obliged toShe felt obliged to offer him a bed for the night.have little to, have a lot to, have nothing to, have something to, etc.This player has proved that he still has a lot to offer (= can still play well).have sth toa chance to see what the college has to offer studentsPREPOSITIONtoShe offered drinks to her guests.

2 say that you will pay a certain amountVERB + offer | PREPOSITIONVERB + offerbe able to, be unable to, canbe prepared to, be ready to, be willing toWould they be prepared to offer any more?PREPOSITIONforThey have offered over £500 000 for the house.

Offer is used with these nouns as the subject:

approach, clinic, college, competitor, dealer, design, district, edition, hotel, magazine, menu, programme, religion, restaurant, scheme, shop, site, store, system, website

Offer is used with these nouns as the object:

access, accommodation, account, advantage, adventure, advice, alternative, amendment, amenity, amnesty, answer, antidote, apology, appointment, arbitration, argument, array, assessment, assistance, assurance, asylum, benefit, blueprint, bribe, bursary, carrot, challenge, chance, choice, clarification, clarity, class, clue, comfort, comment, commentary, compensation, compromise, concession, condolences, congratulations, consolation, consumer, context, contract, contrast, contribution, convenience, cooperation, counsel, counselling, coupon, course, coverage, crèche, credit, criticism, critique, crown, cuisine, cup, curriculum, deal, defence, definition, description, detail, discount, drink, education, efficiency, employment, encouragement, endorsement, entertainment, escape, evidence, example, excursion, excuse, experience, expertise, explanation, facility, fare, feature, feedback, flexibility, food, forgiveness, forum, framework, freedom, gift, glimpse, grant, greeting, guarantee, guidance, guideline, haven, help, hint, hope, hospitality, idea, illustration, improvement, incentive, inducement, information, insight, instruction, insurance, interpretation, introduction, job, justification, knighthood, lesson, lifeline, lift, loan, look, luxury, mass, means, membership, menu, merchandise, mix, narrative, observation, odds, opinion, opportunity, option, overdraft, overview, package, parallel, pardon, perspective, place, pointer, political asylum, portrait, portrayal, position, possibility, potential, praise, prayer, prediction, prize, product, programme, promotion, proof, proposal, prospect, protection, range, rate, reading, reassurance, rebate, rebuke, recipe, recommendation, redemption, reduction, reflection, refreshment, refuge, refund, relief, remark, remedy, reminder, reply, representation, reprieve, resignation, resistance, resolution, respite, retreat, return, reward, ride, salvation, sanctuary, saving, scenario, scholarship, scope, seat, seating, selection, seminar, service, session, settlement, shade, shelter, solace, solution, subject, subsidy, suggestion, sum, summary, supervision, support, syllabus, sympathy, taste, testimony, thanks, tip, tour, truce, tuition, tutorial, twist, update, use, value, variety, venue, version, view, viewer, viewpoint, vision, wage, warranty, wealth, workshop

offering

offeringnoun

noun1 something produced for other people2 something given to a god1 something produced for other peopleADJECTIVE | VERB + offering | offering + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElatest, new, recentcurrentstandardthe hot dog vendor's standard offerings of mustard, relish and ketchupinnovativeSuzuki's latest innovative offering could well be the road to take.literary, musicalHer latest literary offering is full of tales of murder and deception.initial public (abbreviated to IPO), share (esp. BrE), stock (esp. AmE) (all business)The insurance company raised $854 million in its initial public offering.VERB + offeringbroaden, enhance, expandWe are expanding our offering to include smaller, less expensive prints.launchMicrosoft launched its newest offering.offering + VERBinclude sth, range from sth to sthThe company's offerings range from the very cheap to the hideously expensive.PREPOSITIONoffering fromThe latest offering from this young band is their best album yet.offering toour offerings to consumers

2 something given to a godADJECTIVE | VERB + offering | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEburned, sacrificial, votivetraditionalpeace (figurative)I think the present she sent you was intended as a peace offering.VERB + offeringmakebringLook, I've brought a peace offering.acceptPREPOSITIONoffering ofofferings of foodoffering toThey made sacrificial offerings to the gods.

offer up

offer upphr verb

Offer up is used with these nouns as the object:

prayer

offhand

offhandadj.

Offhand is used with these nouns:

comment, dismissal, manner, remark

offhandedly

offhandedlyadv.

Offhandedly is used with these verbs:

Official is used with these nouns:

office

officenoun

noun1 room/building where work is done2 official position1 room/building where work is doneADJECTIVE | VERB + office | VERB + office | office + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, huge, large, spaciouscramped, small, tinyplushhigh-riseLondon has relatively few high-rise office buildings compared to cities in the US.five-storey/five-story, ten-storey/ten-story, etc.glass-fronted (esp. BrE), glass-walled (esp. AmE)busyopen-plancornerback, frontair-conditionedpaperlesspermanent, temporaryThe company set up its first permanent offices in Manhattan.privateThe prime minister arranged a meeting in his private office.central, head, main, nationalcorporate, executivearea, branch, county, district, field (esp. AmE), local, overseas, regional, satellitecongressional, federalcouncil (esp. BrE), government, stateadministrative, editorial, press, sales, etc.newspapermedical (AmE)dentist's, doctor's, nurse's, physician's, surgeon's, etc. (all AmE)VERB + officemanage, runcome to, go toarrive at, get toleaveWhat time do you usually leave the office?come into, go intoI sometimes go into the office on Saturdays when we're busy.call, contact, reachYou can contact our sales office at this number.establish, openWe plan to open a New York office in the near future.closeVERB + officeoverlook sthan office overlooking the Hudson Riveroffice + NOUNjob, workhoursCall this number outside normal office hours.colleague, staff, workerlifegossip, politicspartyWe have an office party every Christmas.administrator, assistant, cleaner (esp. BrE), clerk, managerboy, girl, junior (BrE) (all old-fashioned)chair, computer, desk, door, equipment, furniture, software, stationery (esp. BrE), suppliessystem, technologyenvironmentWorking in a busy office environment can be stressful.accommodation (BrE), area, block (BrE), building, complex, development, park, premises (BrE), space, suite, towerThe old warehouses have been redeveloped as office buildings.facilities, servicesThe hotel provides office facilities such as computers and faxes.expensesadministration, managementskillsproceduresvisit (AmE)the bill from an office visit to the doctorPREPOSITIONat the officeI sometimes have to stay late at the office.in the officeI'm sorry, Mr Anders is not in the office today.

2 official positionADJECTIVE | VERB + office | office + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEhigh, importantminorlucrativeelected, electivenational, publicecclesiastical, judicial, ministerial (esp. BrE), politicalVERB + officerun for, stand for (BrE)He ran for office in the last presidential election.seekShe has never sought public office.hold, remain in, retain, stay inThe president holds office for a period of four years.be appointed to, be elected tobe re-elected to, be returned toThe government was returned to office by a large majority.winassume, be sworn into, come into, come to, enter, take, take up (esp. BrE)Mr Martens was sworn into office as prime minister in March.The party took office in 1997.give up, leave, lose, relinquish, resign from, retire from, vacatebe driven from, be forced from, be forced out of, be removed from, be suspended from (esp. BrE), be turned out ofoffice + NOUNholderPREPOSITIONin officeThe government seemed likely to remain in office for the next five years.out of officeThe party has broken all the promises it made when out of office.PHRASESa candidate for officeduties of the officean office of statethe three great offices of state: the prime minister, the chancellor and the foreign secretary (BrE)a term of officeto be re-elected for a second term of office

officer

officernoun

noun1 in the army, navy, etc.2 in the government or other organization3 policeman/policewoman1 in the army, navy, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + officer | officer + VERB | officer + NOUNADJECTIVEair-force, army, military, navalcommanding, high-ranking, ranking, senior, superiorThe decision rests with the ranking officer (= the most senior officer present).junior, pettya former navy chief petty officercommissioned, non-commissionedwarrantstaffrecruitingdutyHe telephoned the duty officer at regimental headquarters.intelligenceHe's a retired Army intelligence officer.uniformedretiredVERB + officersaluteto salute a superior officerofficer + VERBcommand sththe officer commanding the infantryservea former army officer who served in Bosniaofficer + NOUNcorpscadet (esp. BrE), candidate (AmE)training

2 in the government or other organizationADJECTIVE | VERB + officerADJECTIVEchief, principal, seniorfull-time, part-timepresiding, responsible, supervising (esp. BrE)Report the incident to the responsible officer.the officer responsible for implementing the planregionaladministrative, customs, environmental health (BrE), financial, liaison, medical, press, probation, security, trading standards (BrE), training, welfare (esp. BrE)an education welfare officer (BrE)chief executive (abbreviated to CEO), chief financial (abbreviated to CFO), chief information, chief investment, chief marketing, chief operating, chief technology, etc. (all business)VERB + officerbe, work asbecomeappoint (sb)Khan has been appointed chief executive officer.haveThe charity has a full-time press officer working with the national newspapers.

3 policeman/policewomanSee also policemanADJECTIVE | officer + VERBADJECTIVEchief, senior, superiorjuniorlaw enforcement, policearresting, investigatingdutyWe spoke to the duty officer at the police station.uniformedplain-clothesundercoverofficer + VERBinvestigate sthofficers investigating the murderpatrol sthraid sth, swoop on sth (BrE, informal)Officers raided an address in the Pittsburgh area.100 officers swooped on various south Essex locations.seize stharrest sb

official

officialnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + officialADJECTIVEhigh-ranking, prominent, senior, topjunior, minorlocal, provincial, regionalpublicadministration, departmental, federal, government, statea senior Bush administration officialfull-timefull-time union officialsretiredelectedresponsibleReport the incident to the responsible official.the official responsible for handling the casecorruptbank, city, company, corporate, council, court, customs, health, intelligence, judicial, law enforcement (esp. AmE), military, ministry (esp. BrE), party, royal, unionthe FBI and other law enforcement officialshis background as a union officialVERB + officialappoint (sb)consult, consult with (esp. AmE), meet, meet with (esp. AmE)She is due to meet with local officials to discuss possible relief projects.bribeHe attempted to bribe local officials.

II. adj.

acceptance, acknowledgement, agency, announcement, apology, appointment, approval, assurance, authorization, backing, banquet, biography, blessing, bulletin, business, campaign, capacity, celebration, censorship, censure, census, ceremony, channel, circle, clearance, comment, commission, communication, communiqué, complaint, condemnation, confirmation, correspondence, corruption, cover, currency, curriculum, declaration, definition, delegation, denial, dinner, disapproval, document, duty, endorsement, engagement, enquiry, estimate, exchange, explanation, figure, file, forecast, function, funding, guideline, historian, history, ideology, inauguration, index, journal, language, launch, letter, line, logo, magazine, media, meeting, mourning, mouthpiece, name, notification, opening, organization, paper, permission, photographer, policy, position, presentation, proclamation, propaganda, protest, publication, receiver, reception, recognition, recommendation, record, regulation, release, religion, report, representative, reprimand, request, residence, response, result, retirement, rhetoric, rule, sanction, secrecy, secret, site, source, sponsor, stamp, stance, standard, statement, statistics, story, strike, supplier, support, talk, teaching, title, tour, transcript, union, use, version, visit, warning, watchdog, website, welcome

officially

officiallyadv.

Officially is used with these adjectives:

closed, open, unemployed

Officially is used with these verbs:

acknowledge, adopt, annex, announce, approve, ban, call, close, confirm, declare, define, deny, designate, dissolve, endorse, file, hand, inaugurate, inform, invite, join, mark, name, nominate, notify, open, proclaim, pronounce, recognize, record, register, release, reprimand, request, retire, sanction, sign, state, tolerate, unveil, welcome

officiate

officiateverb

Officiate is used with these nouns as the subject:

priest

Officiate is used with these nouns as the object:

officiate at

officiate atphr verb

Officiate at is used with these nouns as the subject:

priest

Officiate at is used with these nouns as the object:

ceremony, wedding

offload

offloadverb

Offload is used with these nouns as the object:

cargo

off-peak

off-peakadj.

Off-peak is used with these nouns:

period

off-piste

off-pisteadj.

Off-piste is used with these nouns:

skiing

off-putting

off-puttingadj.

adj. (informal, esp. BrE)VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbefind sthI find it very off-putting when people don't look me in the eye.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.The noise was extremely off-putting.distinctlya little, slightly, etc.

off-road

off-roadadj.

Off-road is used with these nouns:

driving, parking, tyre, vehicle

off-season

off-seasonadj.

Off-season is used with these nouns:

move

offset

offsetverb

verbADVERB | VERB + offset | PREPOSITIONADVERBlargely, substantiallyThe carbon emissions are largely offset by planting trees.completely, exactly, fullymore thanThe company's losses in the US were more than offset by gains everywhere else.partially, partlyVERB + offsethelp (to)The money will help to offset big medical bills.PREPOSITIONagainst (BrE)Your donations to charity can be offset against tax.byThe loss was partially offset by increases in revenues elsewhere.

Offset is used with these nouns as the object:

cost, decline, disadvantage, effect, emission, expense, gain, impact, loss, saving

offset against

offset againstphr verb

Offset against is used with these nouns as the object:

offsetting

offsettingnoun

Offsetting is used after these nouns:

carbon

offshore

offshoreadj.

Offshore is used with these nouns:

account, bank, banking, current, exploration, fund, investment, island, lifeboat, oil, subsidiary, trust

offside

offsideadj.

(AmE also offsides) adj.VERBSVERBSbe, lookjump (in American football)catch sb, rule sb (in football/soccer)an attempt to catch an opponent offsideHe was ruled offside by the referee.rule sth out for (in football/soccer)He had a goal ruled out for offside.

Offside is used with these nouns:

flag, tyre, wheel, wing

offstage

offstageadv.

Offstage is used with these verbs:

walk

off-street

off-streetadj.

Off-street is used with these nouns:

parking

off-the-ball

off-the-balladj.

Off-the-ball is used with these nouns:

incident

off-the-cuff

off-the-cuffadj.

Off-the-cuff is used with these nouns:

comment, remark

off-the-shelf

off-the-shelfadj.

Off-the-shelf is used with these nouns:

component

off-the-shoulder

off-the-shoulderadj.

Off-the-shoulder is used with these nouns:

off-year

off-yearadj.

Off-year is used with these nouns:

often oil

oilnoun

noun1 used as fuel/to make machines work smoothly2 used in cooking3 used as a cosmetic/fragrance/medicine1 used as fuel/to make machines work smoothlyADJECTIVE | … OF OIL | VERB + oil | oil + NOUNADJECTIVEheavylightcruderefinedoffshoremineralengine, fuel, heating, lubricating, motorlinseedparaffin (usually just paraffin) (BrE) (kerosene in AmE)Use a rag soaked in paraffin oil.… OF OILbarrelfilma rod coated with a film of oildropVERB + oilextract, obtain, producedrill forThe company is drilling for oil in the North Sea.discover, find, strikepumpexport, importburn, usechange, check (in a car, etc.)soak sth insmell ofThe place smelled of oil.oil + NOUNcompany, producerman (usually oilman)baron, magnate, sheikhindustry, productiondrilling, explorationfield, rig, wellpipelinedrumtankerrefineryprices, revenuereserves, suppliesslick, spill, spillagea seven-mile-long oil slick off the Alaskan coast

2 used in cookingADJECTIVE | VERB + oil | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcookinghydrogenated (esp. AmE), polyunsaturatedrancidcoconut, canola (AmE), corn, groundnut (BrE), olive, palm, peanut, rapeseed (esp. BrE), sesame, soya bean (BrE), soybean (AmE), sunflower, vegetablea bottle of extra virgin olive oilsaladVERB + oilheatboil sb/sth in, cook sth in, fry sth indrizzle, pourToast the bread, rub with garlic and drizzle over a little olive oil.PREPOSITIONin oilFry the potato in a little sunflower oil.

3 used as a cosmetic/fragrance/medicineADJECTIVE | VERB + oil | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEaromatic, fragrant, scentedessentialessential oils extracted from flowersnaturalbody, hairbaby, batharomatherapy, massagecod liver, fish, omega-3A daily dose of omega-3 fish oil will help children to concentrate better.castor, evening primrose, flaxseed, lavender, tea tree, etc.VERB + oilmassage, rubShe rubbed a scented oil into her hair.massage sth with, rub sth withanoint sb/sth withThe sick were anointed with oil.extractPREPOSITIONoil ofoil of rosemary

oil-based

oil-basedadj.

Oil-based is used with these nouns:

oil-exporting

oil-exportingadj.

Oil-exporting is used with these nouns:

oil-fired

oil-firedadj.

Oil-fired is used with these nouns:

boiler

oil-producing

oil-producingadj.

Oil-producing is used with these nouns:

country, nation, region

oil-rich

oil-richadj.

Oil-rich is used with these nouns:

Oily is used with these nouns:

oily

oilyadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, lookADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.He had rather oily hands.especiallya little, slightly, etc.The surface is rough and slightly oily.naturallyLank or naturally oily hair is often difficult to care for.

fish, rag, skin, substance

ointment

ointmentnoun

noun… OF OINTMENT | VERB + ointment… OF OINTMENTtubeVERB + ointmentapply, put on, rub onHe put some ointment on the cut.use

OKadj.

(also okay) adj., adv.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, look, seem, smell, sound, tastedoI think I did OK in the exam. (BrE)I think I did OK on the exam. (AmE)go, turn outI hope the meeting goes OK.ADVERBperfectly, quite (esp. BrE), really, totally (esp. AmE)I'm perfectly OK now, thanks.PREPOSITIONby sbJohn has suggested meeting at six, and that's OK by me.with sb/sthIs it OK with you if I come around six?Are you sure you're OK with the arrangement?

old

oldadj.

adj.1 age2 not young3 not new4 shows affection/lack of respect1 ageVERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, feel, look, seemYou are as old as you feel.ADVERBenoughHe's old enough by now to manage his own affairs.PHRASESsix months, ten years, etc. old

2 not youngVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, look, seem, soundThe way the young people rushed around made her feel old.He was beginning to look old.become, get, growWe're all getting older.As they grow older, they develop new interests.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.She was fairly old when she got married.

3 not newVERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.It's a very old tradition.PHRASESoldest knownThese are some of the oldest known fossil remains.oldest remaining, oldest survivingIt's one of the oldest remaining parts of the church.the world's oldest surviving ship

4 shows affection/lack of respectPHRASESPHRASESboring old, silly old (esp. BrE)boring old history booksHe's a silly old fool!dear old, good oldGood old Dad!funny oldIt's a funny old world.plain oldWhy drink plain old water when you can have something better?poor oldYou poor old thing!same oldIt's always the same old faces.

Old is used with these nouns:

acquaintance, adversary, age, ally, armchair, associate, beam, boyfriend, building, cellar, chap, city, civilization, classic, cliché, client, clothes, convention, copy, couple, custom, customer, day, distinction, dogma, enemy, English, enmity, face, family, father, favourite, fellow, feud, foe, folk, fool, forest, friend, friendship, gag, garbage, girlfriend, grievance, ground, grudge, guy, habit, haunt, home, hotel, hymn, idea, injury, inn, joke, junk, lady, legend, magazine, male, man, manor, mansion, manuscript, maxim, memory, monastery, mother, mould, movie, mythology, nation, news, order, paint, people, person, photograph, ploy, prejudice, quarrel, quarter, rag, recipe, record, recording, regime, relative, religion, remedy, resentment, rhyme, rival, rivalry, road, romantic, routine, rubbish, ruin, rule, saying, self, shack, shoe, skill, slipper, slogan, sneaker, sock, soldier, soul, sparkle, spectre, stock, student, style, superstition, T-shirt, tale, tenement, thing, thinking, time, town, tradition, tree, trick, trunk, tune, tyre, uncle, variety, veteran, village, volume, warehouse, way, widow, wine, woman, world, wound

old age

old agenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + old age | OLD-AGE + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEadvanced, extremehappyShe can look forward to a happy old age.lonely (esp. BrE)fears about a lonely old ageVERB + old agelive to, reach, survive into, survive toMy grandparents survived into advanced old age.approachdie ofOLD-AGE + NOUNpension, pensioner (both BrE)I'll soon be drawing my old-age pension.PREPOSITIONin (your) old ageLoss of hearing often occurs in old age.He took up golf in his old age.into old ageShe was now well into old age.PHRASESthe grand old age of sth, the ripe old age of sthShe lived to the ripe old age of 98.

old boy

old boynoun

Old boy is used before these nouns:

network

olden

oldenadj.

Olden is used with these nouns:

day

older

olderadj.

Older is used with these nouns:

boy, brother, counterpart, generation, kid, learner, man, patient, pupil, sibling, sister, teenager, twin, woman

oldest

oldestadj.

Oldest is used with these nouns:

daughter, son

old-fashioned

old-fashionedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbe, look, seembecomeconsider sth, regard sth as, see sth asWearing a hat is now regarded as rather old-fashioned.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.hopelessly, terribly (esp. BrE)plaina little, slightly, etc.curiously (esp. BrE)His clothes were curiously old-fashioned.PREPOSITIONinShe's somewhat old-fashioned in her attitudes.PHRASEScall me old-fashionedCall me old-fashioned, but I still believe in good manners.a good old-fashioned … At heart, it's just a good old-fashioned detective story.

Old-fashioned is used with these nouns:

charm, clothes, concept, liberal, shop, style, system, type, virtue, way

old-growth

old-growthadj.

Old-growth is used with these nouns:

forest

old-style

old-styleadj.

Old-style is used with these nouns:

communist

Old Testament

Old Testamentnoun

Old Testament is used before these nouns:

prophecy, prophet

old-time

old-timeadj.

Old-time is used with these nouns:

old-world

old-worldadj.

Old-world is used with these nouns:

charm

olfactory

olfactoryadj.

Olfactory is used with these nouns:

organ

olive

olivenounadj.

I. noun

Olive is used before these nouns:

green, oil, wreath

II. adj.

Olive is used with these nouns:

complexion, skin

Olympic

Olympicadj.

Olympic is used with these nouns:

arena, athlete, bid, bronze, champion, crown, event, flame, game, gold, gymnast, hero, hockey, hope, medal, pool, record, runner, silver, sport, squad, stadium, swimmer, team, torch, trial, venue, village

Olympics

Olympicsnoun

Olympics is used after these nouns:

summer, winter

Olympic-size

Olympic-sizeadj.

Olympic-size is used with these nouns:

ombudsman

ombudsmannoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + ombudsmanADJECTIVEfinancial, health-service, insurance, local-government, parliamentary, pensions (all BrE)A pensions ombudsman has been appointed.VERB + ombudsmanappoint

omelette

omelettenoun

Omelette is used after these nouns:

cheese, mushroom

omen

omennoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + omen | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgoodbad, evil, illThey took the storm as a bad omen.VERB + omentake sth asPREPOSITIONomen forThe smiling faces were a good omen for the future of the restaurant.omen ofan omen of death

ominous

ominousadj.

Ominous is used with these nouns:

cloud, implication, rumble, sign, silence, spectre, warning

ominously

ominouslyadv.

Ominously is used with these adjectives:

silent

Ominously is used with these verbs:

echo

omission

omissionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + omission | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEimportant, major, serious, significantcompleteglaring, notable, obviousThere were no glaring omissions in the report.curious, surprisingdeliberateVERB + omissioncorrect, rectify, remedynoticeI notice one glaring omission from your list.point outI feel compelled to point out two omissions.PREPOSITIONby omissionA lie by omission (= by not saying something) is still a lie.omission fromher omission from the guest listomission ofthe omission of the author's namePHRASESan act or omission (law)The accident was not caused by any act or omission of the gas company.errors and omissions, errors or omissions (both formal)a sin of omission (formal)

omit

omitverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBaltogether, completely, entirelyThis scene is usually cut down or omitted altogether.accidentally, inadvertentlyThe acknowledgements were inadvertently omitted from the article.deliberatelyconvenientlyThis fact had been conveniently omitted from his account of events.conspicuouslyPREPOSITIONfromSome important details were deliberately omitted from the report.

Omit is used with these nouns as the object:

detail, mention, reference

omnidirectional

omnidirectionaladj.

Omnidirectional is used with these nouns:

omnivorous

omnivorousadj.

Omnivorous is used with these nouns:

reader

on-air

on-airadj.

On-air is used with these nouns:

personality, promotion

on-board

on-boardadj.

On-board is used with these nouns:

on-call

on-calladj.

On-call is used with these nouns:

once

onceadv.

Once is used with these adjectives:

perfect, prosperous, proud

Once is used with these verbs:

meet, own, score

once-in-a-lifetime

once-in-a-lifetimeadj.

Once-in-a-lifetime is used with these nouns:

chance, opportunity

oncoming

oncomingadj.

Oncoming is used with these nouns:

headlights, traffic, train, vehicle, wave

one-act

one-actadj.

One-act is used with these nouns:

ballet, play

one-man

one-manadj.

One-man is used with these nouns:

band, campaign, crew, exhibition, show

one-off

one-offadj.

One-off is used with these nouns:

fee, payment, show, special

one-on-one

one-on-oneadj.

One-on-one is used with these nouns:

conversation, discussion, interview, meeting, teaching, training

one-party

one-partyadj.

One-party is used with these nouns:

rule, state

one-piece

one-pieceadj.

One-piece is used with these nouns:

onerous

onerousadj.

Onerous is used with these nouns:

burden, duty, responsibility, task

one-sided

one-sidedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemADVERBpretty, rather, somewhat, veryTheir relationship seems rather one-sided.completely, entirely, totally, wholly (BrE)Her article is entirely one-sided and subjective.a little, slightly, etc.

One-sided is used with these nouns:

contest, conversation

one-size-fits-all

one-size-fits-alladj.

One-size-fits-all is used with these nouns:

approach

one-stop

one-stopadj.

One-stop is used with these nouns:

shop, shopping

one-time

one-timeadj.

One-time is used with these nouns:

fee, lover, partner, payment, rival

one-to-one

one-to-oneadj.

One-to-one is used with these nouns:

correspondence, discussion, interview, marketing, relationship, session, teaching, training, tuition

one-two

one-twoadj.

One-two is used with these nouns:

punch

one-way

one-wayadj.

One-way is used with these nouns:

fare, street, ticket, traffic, valve

one-woman

one-womanadj.

One-woman is used with these nouns:

campaign, exhibition, show

ongoing onion

onionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + onion | onion + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVErawcaramelized, pickled (esp. BrE)a jar of pickled onionschopped, diced, slicedPut the chopped onion and garlic in the pan … green (AmE), spring (BrE)cocktail, pearl (esp. AmE), red, sweet (esp. AmE), Vidalia™ (AmE), etc.VERB + onionchop, peel, slicebrown, softencook, fry, grill (esp. AmE), sautégarnish sth withGarnish with a little chopped onion.growonion + NOUNringsoupdip (esp. AmE)skinset (technical)domethe onion domes of St Basil's CathedralPHRASEScheese and onion (BrE)cheese and onion flavoured crispssage and onion (BrE)sage and onion stuffing

online

onlineadj.adv.

I. adj.

Online is used with these nouns:

ad, advertisement, alias, archive, arena, article, auction, banking, booking, business, catalogue, chat, commerce, communication, community, consumer, content, course, database, destination, diary, dictionary, direction, directory, discussion, donation, edition, editor, education, encyclopedia, environment, equivalent, exhibit, exhibition, form, forum, friend, gallery, gambling, game, guide, help, journal, journalism, learning, library, magazine, manual, map, marketing, marketplace, module, music, news, newspaper, petition, pharmacy, poll, posting, presence, programme, promotion, publication, publisher, publishing, purchase, questionnaire, quiz, résumé, reference, registration, reporter, reservation, resource, retailer, romance, sale, search, seminar, service, shopper, shopping, site, stockbroker, store, submission, subscription, supplement, survey, syllabus, system, tool, trading, transaction, translator, tutor, tutorial, update, version, video, viewer

II. adv.

Online is used with these verbs:

book, buy, chat, conduct, market, meet, order, publish, purchase, register, search, sign, submit, trade, visit, vote

only

onlyadj.adv.

I. adj.

Only is used with these nouns:

chance, child, complaint, conjecture, copy, daughter, exception, explanation, hope, means, motivation, objection, occupant, option, possibility, reason, recourse, reply, snag, son, source, survivor, time

II. adv.

Only is used with these adjectives:

lukewarm, natural, partial, reasonable, temporary

Only is used with these verbs:

confirm, consist, discern, dream, echo, exist, focus, graze, grunt, highlight, hint, hope, need, nod, occur, perpetuate, postpone, prove, reinforce, reserve, serve, shake, shrug, skim, underline, want, wish

on-off

on-offadj.

On-off is used with these nouns:

switch

on-screen

on-screenadj.

On-screen is used with these nouns:

keyboard, menu

onset

onsetnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + onset | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVErapid, suddenthe sudden onset of the diseaseacute (medical)Symptoms include the acute onset of pain.slowearlydelayed, lateVERB + onsetdelaypreventmark, signalHis first hit record marked the onset of an astonishing career.The development of pubic hair signals the onset of puberty.PREPOSITIONafter the onsetafter the onset of sleepat the onsetat the onset of the warbefore the onset, prior to the onsetsince the onset

onside

onsideadj.

Onside is used with these nouns:

kick

on-site

on-siteadj.

On-site is used with these nouns:

inspection, registration, training, visit

onslaught

onslaughtnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + onslaught | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEsuddenShe could not withstand such a sudden onslaught.initialrenewedrelentlessthe relentless onslaught of modernismfierce, viciousEngland faced a fierce onslaught from South Africa for much of the game.His approach was met with a vicious onslaught.verbalShe unleashed a verbal onslaught on her critics.mediaVERB + onslaughtfaceto face the verbal onslaught of an angry teenagerresist, survive, withstandlaunch, unleashThe leadership launched an onslaught against Trotsky and his supporters.continuestopPREPOSITIONonslaught against, onslaught ona renewed onslaught against the proposed billonslaught fromthe latest onslaught from the Russian team

onstage

onstageadv.

Onstage is used with these verbs:

walk

on-street

on-streetadj.

On-street is used with these nouns:

parking

on-the-job

on-the-jobadj.

On-the-job is used with these nouns:

on-time

on-timeadj.

On-time is used with these nouns:

arrival, delivery

onward

onwardadj.adv.

I. adj.

Onward is used with these nouns:

journey, march, transmission

II. adv.

Onward is used with these verbs:

march, proceed, trudge

onwards

onwardsadv.

Onwards is used with these verbs:

trudge

ooze

oozeverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBslowlyoutCream oozed out at the sides.PREPOSITIONfromBlood oozed slowly from his wound.out ofwith (figurative)He was oozing with contempt for us.

Ooze is used with these nouns as the subject:

blood, liquid, mud, pus, slime

Ooze is used with these nouns as the object:

charm, confidence, pus, self-confidence, style

ooze out

ooze outphr verb

Ooze out is used with these nouns as the subject:

pus

oozing

oozingadj.

Oozing is used with these nouns:

sore

opnoun

Op is used after these nouns:

photo

opaque

opaqueadj.

adj.1 not clear enough to see through2 difficult to understand1 not clear enough to see throughVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, lookbecomeAs the lens becomes more opaque, the patient notices a falling off in vision.ADVERBcompletelyThese crystals are completely opaque and nearly black.almost, nearlyslightly, somewhatThe glasses looked slightly opaque.PREPOSITIONwithThe windows were nearly opaque with grime.

2 difficult to understandVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomeremainADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.Both question and answer are rather opaque.The complex administrative arrangements mean that the decision-making process remains somewhat opaque.completelyThe system is completely opaque to non-specialists.relativelya little, slightly, etc.

Opaque is used with these nouns:

glass, tights

op-ed

op-ednoun

Op-ed is used before these nouns:

article, column, editor, page, piece

Op-ed is used after these nouns:

newspaper

open

openverbadj.

I. verb1 door, window, box, etc.2 building, road, etc.1 door, window, box, etc.ADVERB | VERB + openADVERBfully, wideShe opened all the windows wide to let some fresh air in.gingerlyFred opened the box gingerly and peered inside.quickly, suddenlyslowlyautomaticallyThe glass doors opened automatically for him.out, upI opened out the map and laid it on the table.‘Open up!’ He shouted, hammering on the door.VERB + opentry tomanage tofail toHer parachute failed to open.

2 building, road, etc.ADVERB | VERB + open | PHRASESADVERBformally, officiallyupthe opportunity to open up new marketsVERB + openbe due to, be expected to, be scheduled toThe museum is due to open next year.hope to, intend to, plan to, want to, wish toPHRASESnewly opened, recently openedthe newly opened gallery of Western decorative art

Open is used with these nouns as the subject:

bud, chasm, conference, curtain, decade, divide, door, elevator, exhibit, exhibition, eye, factory, festival, film, gallery, gate, gulf, hearing, index, inquest, key, market, meeting, mouth, movie, museum, parachute, poll, restaurant, session, shop, sky, stock exchange, store, story, talk, trading, trial, window, work

Open is used with these nouns as the object:

account, airspace, archive, arm, artery, attachment, avenue, backpack, bag, beak, blind, bonnet, book, boot, border, bottle, boutique, bowel, bowling, box, branch, briefcase, can, carton, cash register, channel, chasm, closet, coconut, congress, conversation, cover, crate, cupboard, curtain, debate, dialogue, discussion, document, door, drape, drawer, email, embassy, enquiry, envelope, evening, exhibition, eye, eyelid, facility, factory, faucet, festival, file, fire, flap, flask, frontier, gate, gift, hatch, headquarters, hearing, heart, hood, inquest, institute, jar, jaw, lead, letter, lid, lock, loophole, mail, meeting, menu, mind, mouth, museum, negotiation, newspaper, office, package, packet, palm, parachute, parcel, phase, pocketbook, pore, post, practice, present, purse, railway, refrigerator, refuge, restaurant, rucksack, safe, season, shade, shop, showroom, shutter, soda, station, store, subsidiary, suitcase, talk, thread, trunk, umbrella, valve, vault, vein, vent, wallet, wardrobe, window, wing, work, zip

II. adj.1 not closed2 honest and willing to talk3 available for people to use4 having begun1 not closedVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, gape, hang, lie, standShe stared at him, her mouth hanging open.The book lay open in front of him.The door stood open.burst, creak, fall, flutter, fly, shoot, slide, snap, swingThe bag fell open.Suddenly the door flew open.The gate swung open.remainbreak sth, cut sth, fling sth, flip sth, get sth, prise/prize sth (esp. BrE), pry sth (esp. AmE), pull sth, push sth, rip sth, tear sth, throw sth, wrench sth, yank sthShe flung the door open and rushed in.She flipped open Chris's diary.I tried to pry open the locket.He tore the letter open.have sth, hold sth, keep sth, leave sthShe held the door open for them.find sth, see sthI found the door open.ADVERBfully, wideThe door was wide open.partiallyslightly

2 honest and willing to talkVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seemADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.completelyPREPOSITIONaboutShe's very open about her mistakes.withI don't think you've been completely open with me.

3 available for people to useVERBS | PREPOSITIONVERBSberemain, stayIn spite of the snow, the roads remained open.Some of the supermarkets stay open till ten.keep sthWe want to keep the school open.PREPOSITIONtoThe pool is only open to residents.

4 having begunVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbedeclare sth (esp. BrE)The Australian premier declared the Olympic Games open.ADVERBofficiallyThe bridge is officially open now.

Open is used with these nouns:

acknowledgement, admiration, admission, aggression, arm, ballot, bar, boat, border, carriage, casket, collar, combat, communication, communion, competition, conflict, confrontation, contempt, contest, country, countryside, courtyard, curiosity, curtain, cut, debate, deck, defiance, desert, dialogue, disbelief, discussion, display, ditch, door, doorway, drawer, ear, election, enquiry, enrolment, evening, expanse, expression, face, field, fire, fireplace, flame, flower, forum, gate, goal, grave, ground, hand, hatch, hearing, hill, hillside, hostility, invitation, jaw, kitchen, land, letter, market, marriage, meeting, microphone, mind, moor, mouth, neck, ocean, palm, pit, plain, pore, prairie, prison, question, razor, rebellion, revolt, road, sandal, sandwich, sea, season, seat, secret, session, set, shelf, shutter, sky, slope, society, sore, space, stretch, string, suitcase, surgery, system, talk, tender, terrain, tournament, truck, verdict, vowel, wagon, ward, warfare, water, window, wound

Open is used with these verbs:

drop, shoulder, shove

open-air

open-airadj.

Open-air is used with these nouns:

concert, market, meeting, museum, pool, theatre

open-and-shut

open-and-shutadj.

Open-and-shut is used with these nouns:

open-casket

open-casketadj.

Open-casket is used with these nouns:

opencast

opencastadj.

Opencast is used with these nouns:

coal, mine

open-door

open-dooradj.

Open-door is used with these nouns:

open-ended

open-endedadj.

Open-ended is used with these nouns:

commitment, question

opener

openernoun

Opener is used after these nouns:

bottle, can, door, letter, season, tin

open-faced

open-facedadj.

Open-faced is used with these nouns:

sandwich

open-heart

open-heartadj.

Open-heart is used with these nouns:

surgery

opening

openingnounadj.

I. noun1 beginning2 hole; way in/out3 opportunity; job which is available4 ceremony1 beginningADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEsuccessfulIt was the most successful opening of any British movie ever.chessPREPOSITIONopening tothe famous opening to the novel

2 hole; way in/outADJECTIVE | VERB + opening | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElarge, widenarrow, smallwindowVERB + openingcutcreate, makeblock, cover, sealPREPOSITIONopening into cut an opening in the fenceopening tothe opening to the kitchen

3 opportunity; job which is availableADJECTIVE | VERB + opening | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEnewpossibleclear (sports)He missed one of the clearest openings in the game.job, politicalVERB + openingcreate, provideCooper created the opening for Russell to shoot the first goal.give sbfillShe is the strongest candidate to fill this opening.PREPOSITIONopening for, opening incareer openings for biologists in industry

4 ceremonyADJECTIVE | VERB + opening | opening + NOUNADJECTIVEgrandformalofficial, royal, statethe state opening of Parliament (in the UK)VERB + openingattendcelebratemarkopening + NOUNceremony

II. adj.

Opening is used with these nouns:

act, address, balance, batsman, bell, bend, bid, ceremony, chapter, concert, credit, day, fixture, hour, lap, measure, minute, monologue, move, movement, night, page, paragraph, passage, prelude, quarter, reception, remark, round, scene, section, sentence, sequence, session, shot, skirmish, solo, speech, stage, time, track, try

opening-night

opening-nightadj.

Opening-night is used with these nouns:

gala

openly

openlyadv.

Openly is used with these adjectives:

abusive, aggressive, contemptuous, critical, defiant, dismissive, gay, hostile, opposed

Openly is used with these verbs:

accuse, acknowledge, admire, admit, advocate, air, back, boast, campaign, challenge, communicate, complain, condemn, confess, criticize, debate, declare, defy, denounce, despise, disagree, discuss, display, embrace, encourage, endorse, engage, express, flaunt, flout, gape, laugh, mock, oppose, practise, proclaim, question, smoke, speak, speculate, state, support, talk, taunt, trade, weep

open-mouthed

open-mouthedadj.

Open-mouthed is used with these verbs:

stare, watch

open-necked

open-neckedadj.

Open-necked is used with these nouns:

shirt

openness

opennessnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + openness | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgreater, moreThere is a need for greater openness in government.completenewHe talked with a new openness about his own life.VERB + opennessdemonstrate, showrequirePREPOSITIONopenness abouther openness about her marital problemsopenness to, openness towards/towardHe demonstrated an openness to change.

open onto

open ontophr verb

Open onto is used with these nouns as the subject:

Open onto is used with these nouns as the object:

terrace

open out

open outphr verb

Open out is used with these nouns as the subject:

tunnel

open-pit

open-pitadj.

Open-pit is used with these nouns:

mine

open-plan

open-planadj.

Open-plan is used with these nouns:

kitchen, office

open-source

open-sourceadj.

Open-source is used with these nouns:

open-toed

open-toedadj.

Open-toed is used with these nouns:

sandal, shoe

open-topped

open-toppedadj.

Open-topped is used with these nouns:

bus

open up open up for

open up forphr verb

Open up for is used with these nouns as the object:

discussion

open with

open withphr verb

Open with is used with these nouns as the object:

prelude

opera

operanoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + opera | opera + NOUNADJECTIVEcomic, grand, lightVERB + operacompose, writesingopera + NOUNsinger, starcomposercompanyhouseseasonbuff, lover

operate

operateverb

verb1 machine2 business/system1 machineADVERB | VERB + operateADVERBeffectively, efficiently, reliablynormally, properlyThe equipment was not operating properly.continuouslyThe machine can operate for 15 hours continuously at full power.electrically, electronically, hydraulically, manually, remotely (= by remote control)The doors can be manually operated in the event of fire.VERB + operatebe designed tosystems designed to operate at the highest speedsbe easy toThe machinery is easy to operate.

2 business/systemADVERB | VERB + operate | PREPOSITIONADVERBeffectively, efficiently, smoothlyprofitably, successfullynormallyThe hospital was operating normally.currentlyThe airline currently operates 115 routes to 39 airports in 13 countries.autonomously, independentlydifferentlycommerciallyThe laboratory is still owned by the government but is now commercially operated.VERB + operatebe able tobe allowed tocontinue toPREPOSITIONaccording toThe government does not operate according to fixed rules.asWe operate as an advisory service for schools.underThe industry operates under rigid guidelines.withinLocal authorities operate within a wider political system.

Operate is used with these nouns as the subject:

aircraft, airline, boat, company, economy, enterprise, factor, farm, firm, force, mechanism, military, multinational, pedal, program, reactor, rule, submarine, surgeon, switch, system, team

Operate is used with these nouns as the object:

aircraft, airline, business, camera, clinic, company, computer, equipment, facility, farm, ferry, fleet, flight, franchise, lift, machine, machinery, mill, mine, museum, network, policy, prison, racket, railway, reactor, restaurant, scheme, service, signal, site, station, store, subsidiary, system, track, train, vehicle, vessel

operate on

operate onphr verb

Operate on is used with these nouns as the object:

margin

operatic

operaticadj.

Operatic is used with these nouns:

convention, overture, repertoire, soprano, tenor

operating

operatingadj.

Operating is used with these nouns:

budget, condition, cost, expenditure, expense, income, instruction, lease, licence, manual, margin, permit, procedure, profit, room, speed, system, table, theatre

operation

operationnoun

noun1 medical2 organized activity3 fact of sth functioning1 medicalADJECTIVE | VERB + operation | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEmajorminor, smalllife-saving, vitalemergencyroutine (esp. BrE)delicatea delicate eye operationexploratorysurgical, transplantheart, knee, etc.VERB + operationhave, undergoHe had an operation to remove a growth.come through, surviveShe came through the operation well.carry out, performthe surgeon performing the operationPREPOSITIONduring a/the operationShe woke during the operation.operation foran operation for a kidney problemoperation ona major operation on his heart

2 organized activityADJECTIVE | VERB + operation | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, large-scale, major, massivecovert, undercovercombined, jointtricky (esp. BrE)a tricky rescue operationsuccessfulcombat, intelligence, military, naval, policeair, flight, ground, land, seaUS forces had to conduct ground and air operations.The airline has appointed a new director of flight operations.guerrillaclean-up, counterterrorist, drilling, mining, mopping-up, offensive, peacekeeping, relief, rescue, salvage, security, tacticalUN troops supervised the relief operations.banking, building, business, commercialrestrictions placed on business operationspsychological operations, special operationsSpecial operations forces were on the ground in Afghanistan.VERB + operationbegin, launch, mount, undertakeThe authorities launched a massive security operation in the city.carry out, conduct, runoversee, supervisePREPOSITIONduring a/the operationduring joint military operationsPHRASESa theatre/theater of operations (= where military operations take place)

3 fact of sth functioningADJECTIVE | VERB + operation | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEeffective, efficient, smoothnormaldaily, day-to-daythe smooth day-to-day operation of the departmentVERB + operationcome intoA ceasefire came into operation in May.bring sth into (esp. BrE), put sth intoceaseThe factory will cease operation at the end of the year.PREPOSITIONduring operationThe machine can get very hot during operation.in operationThe current tax system has been in operation for ten years.PHRASESin full operation, into full operationthe only reactor in full operation

operational

operationaladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomeremainkeep sthThey plan to keep the telescope operational until the end of the decade.declare sthThe weapon system was declared operational in June 2004.ADVERBfullyThe equipment is now fully operational.

Operational is used with these nouns:

capability, detail, duty, effectiveness, efficiency, excellence, expense, flexibility, headquarters, independence, manoeuvre, need, plan, readiness, requirement, system

operative

operativeadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomeremainADVERBfullyThe new system will not become fully operative until next year.

Operative is used with these nouns:

operator

operatornoun

noun1 person who connects telephone calls2 person who works a machine, etc.3 person/company that does particular business4 sb who is good at getting what they want1 person who connects telephone callsADJECTIVE | operator + VERBADJECTIVEswitchboard, telephoneoperator + VERBconnect sb, put sb throughI asked the operator to put me through to her office.

2 person who works a machine, etc.ADJECTIVEADJECTIVEexperienced, skilledmachine, plantcamera, computer, lathe, radio, etc.

3 person/company that does particular businessADJECTIVEADJECTIVEbig, largesmallprivateindependentholiday (BrE), tour, travel (esp. BrE)cable, cable-televisioncellular (AmE), mobile (BrE), mobile-phone (BrE), networksatellite, telecommunicationsairline (esp. BrE), bus (esp. BrE), charter, coach (BrE), ferry (esp. BrE), rail (BrE), train (BrE)a train operator that runs services between London and ScotlandThe Transport Minister has issued two new licences to private bus operators in the Dublin area.

4 sb who is good at getting what they wantADJECTIVEADJECTIVEshrewd, smooth

ophthalmic

ophthalmicadj.

Ophthalmic is used with these nouns:

optician

opinion

opinionnoun

noun1 what you think about sb/sth2 what people in general think about sth1 what you think about sb/sthADJECTIVE | VERB + opinion | opinion + VERB | opinion + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgood, highlow, poorstrongconflicting, different, mixedThere are conflicting opinions regarding genetically modified food.samehonestIf you want my honest opinion, I think the book is awful.expert, informed, professionalconsideredpersonal, subjectiveobjectivecontrary, dissentingmajorityminoritysecondIf in doubt about your diagnosis, get a second opinion.VERB + opinionhave, holdair, express, give (sb), offer (sb), state, venture, voiceThe meeting will give people the chance to voice their opinions on the matter.shareI don't share your opinion of his ability.ask sb, seekHe asked me for my opinion of the course.wantI don't trust her, if you want my honest opinion.getformI formed the opinion that he was not to be trusted.changeopinion + VERBchangediffer, varyOpinions differ as to when this wine should be drunk.opinion + NOUNpieceHe writes an opinion piece in the ‘New York Times’.PREPOSITIONin your opinionIn my opinion, golf is a dull sport.opinion about, opinion onShe holds strong opinions on education.opinion as toopinions as to the merits of the planopinion ofHe has a very high opinion of your work.PHRASESbe of the opinion that … (= to believe or think that) (formal)a difference of opiniona genuine difference of opinion between the expertsin my humble opinion (humorous)a matter of opinion‘Miami is wonderful.’ ‘That's a matter of opinion.’

2 what people in general think about sthADJECTIVE | … OF OPINION | VERB + opinion | opinion + VERB | opinion + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEprevailinggeneral, popular, publicContrary to popular opinion, not all of Hitchcock's movies were great.international, local, national, worldThe country's government appears disdainful of world opinion.expert, informed, professionalacademic, legal, medical, political… OF OPINIONbodyThis view is supported by a growing body of professional opinion.VERB + opinionmould/mold, shape, swayattempts to shape public opinionopinion + VERBbe against sth, be in favour/favor of sthPrevailing local opinion is against the new road proposals.be dividedPublic opinion is divided on the subject of capital punishment.opinion + NOUNpollformer (esp. BrE), leaderPREPOSITIONopinion amongOpinion among doctors is that the medication is safe.PHRASESclimate of opinionin the present climate of opinionshades of opinionall shades of political opinion

opinion poll

opinion pollnoun

Opinion poll is used before these nouns:

rating

opium

opiumnoun

nounVERB + opium | opium + NOUNVERB + opiumsmokeopium + NOUNpoppyden

opponent

opponentnoun

noun1 person who plays against sb2 sb who disagrees with sb's actions/plans/beliefs1 person who plays against sbADJECTIVE | VERB + opponentADJECTIVEchief, maindangerous, toughworthyVERB + opponentattack, hitfightbeat, defeathold to sth (AmE, sports)This season the team is holding opponents to 88.9 points per game.get past, outmanoeuvre/outmaneuver, outwitfaceToday she faces her toughest opponent.tacklethrow (sports)knock down, knock outHe has knocked out 15 opponents in 20 fights.bring down, foul (esp. BrE)

2 sb who disagrees with sb's actions/plans/beliefsADJECTIVEADJECTIVEchief, leading, mainbitter, fierce, formidable, staunch, strong, vigorousoutspoken, vocal, vociferousShe's an outspoken opponenent of the government.worthypolitical

opportune

opportuneadj.

Opportune is used with these nouns:

opportunist

opportunistnoun

Opportunist is used before these nouns:

thief

opportunistic

opportunisticadj.

Opportunistic is used with these nouns:

infection

opportunity

opportunitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + opportunity | opportunity + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEample, considerable, plenty ofWe'll have plenty of opportunity to talk later.limited, little, not muchbig, excellent, favourable/favorable, golden, good, great, marvellous/marvelous, real, tremendous, welcome, wonderfula golden opportunity to invest in new marketsexcitingideal, perfectsuitablereasonableWe need to give them a reasonable opportunity to look at the display.availableeveryStudents should take every opportunity to widen their experience.newhistoric, once-in-a-lifetime, rare, unique, unparalleled, unprecedented, unrivalled/unrivaled (esp. BrE)lost, missed, wastedcareer, educational, employment, job, trainingbusiness, commercial, economic, growth, investment, market, salesa missed sales opportunityphoto (= an opportunity to take photographs of famous people)equal opportunities (BrE), equal opportunity (esp. AmE) (= the principle of treating all people the same, regardless of sex, race, etc.)We are dedicated to the principle of equal opportunity.an equal-opportunities employer (BrE)an equal-opportunity employer (AmE)VERB + opportunityhavefind, getWe didn't get much opportunity to swim.afford, create, give sb, offer (sb), open up, present, provide (sb with)to provide better educational opportunitiesseeHe saw a great opportunity to make some money.grasp, seize, take, take advantage of, take up, useMay I take this opportunity to congratulate Ruth on her promotion.lose, missHe lost no opportunity to vent his anger on those around him.pass upopportunity + VERBexistarise, come, occur, present itselfWhen the opportunity came, I seized it with both hands.PREPOSITIONopportunity forThe job will offer you excellent opportunities for promotion.PHRASESat the earliest opportunity, at the first (possible) opportunityat every available opportunity, at every opportunity, at every possible opportunityequality of opportunitythe opportunity of a lifetimea window of opportunityThe ceasefire has created a window of opportunity to rescue the peace process.

oppose

opposeverb

verbADVERB | VERB + opposeADVERBadamantly, bitterly, fiercely, firmly, resolutely (esp. BrE), strenuously, strongly, vehemently, vigorously, violentlyWe would vigorously oppose such a policy.totallyWe totally oppose the use of gas to kill any animal.activelyopenly, publiclysuccessfully, unsuccessfully (esp. BrE)Environmental lobby groups successfully opposed the plan.initiallyThe ban was initially opposed by the US.consistentlyThe president has consistently opposed any relaxation in the law.VERB + opposevote tocontinue to

Oppose is used with these nouns as the subject:

petition, resolution

Oppose is used with these nouns as the object:

amendment, amnesty, bail, ban, bill, change, creation, cut, deal, decision, directive, doctrine, draft, effort, expansion, imposition, initiative, intervention, invasion, legislation, measure, merger, motion, move, movement, nomination, nominee, occupation, petition, plan, policy, privatization, proposal, recommendation, referendum, reform, regime, resolution, scheme, slavery, treaty, tyranny, use

opposed

opposedadj.

adj.1 opposed to disagreeing strongly with sth2 very different from sth1 opposed to disagreeing strongly with sthVERBS | ADVERBVERBSberemainADVERBadamantly, bitterly, deeply, fiercely, firmly, fundamentally, implacably, resolutely, strongly, vehemently, very, very much, vigorously, violentlyabsolutely, completely, directly, totally, utterly (esp. BrE), wholly (esp. BrE)largelyactively, openly, publiclythe party most openly opposed to military rulepersonally (esp. AmE)

2 very different from sthVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seem, standremainADVERBcompletely, diametrically, directly, entirely, fundamentally, utterly (esp. BrE)Our views are diametrically opposed on this issue.mutuallyThe two sets of values seemed mutually opposed.PREPOSITIONtoHis actions seemed directly opposed to the values of the company.

opposing

opposingadj.

Opposing is used with these nouns:

argument, army, batter, camp, counsel, direction, faction, fan, force, ideology, offence, party, pitcher, side, team, view

opposite

oppositenounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | opposite + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcomplete, direct, exact, precise, total, verypolaropposite + VERBbe the case, be trueThe oboe tends to lose power in the upper register, but with the clarinet the opposite is the case.Most people look forward to the weekend, but with him the opposite is true.PREPOSITIONthe opposite of, the opposite to‘Light’ is the opposite of ‘heavy’.In temperament, she was the complete opposite to her sister.PHRASESexactly the opposite, just the opposite, quite the oppositeThe effect was exactly the opposite to what he intended.opposites attract

II. adj.

Opposite is used with these nouns:

bank, corner, direction, edge, effect, end, extreme, gender, impression, page, pole, reason, sex, shore, side, tack, trend, viewpoint, wall, way

oppositely

oppositelyadv.

Oppositely is used with these adjectives:

charged

opposition

oppositionnoun

noun1 disagreeing with sth/trying to change sth2 parties not in government1 disagreeing with sth/trying to change sthADJECTIVE | VERB + opposition | opposition + VERB | opposition + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbitter, considerable, determined, fierce, serious, stiff, strong, vehementviolentgrowing, mountingeffective, powerfulvocaldirecta statement in direct opposition to party policyactiveorganizedpoliticalpublicwidespreadVERB + oppositionexpress, voiceMany people have voiced their opposition to these proposals.mount, put up (esp. BrE)They mounted an effective opposition to the bill.leadarouse, drawcrush, overcome, stifle, suppress, wear down (esp. BrE)be up against, come up against (BrE), encounter, face, meet, meet with, run into, run up against (esp. BrE)He is up against stiff opposition from his colleagues.brookWe will brook no opposition to the strategy.strengthenweakendropThe Democrats are unlikely to drop their opposition to his nomination.opposition + VERBcome from sbOpposition came primarily from students.opposition + NOUNforce, group, movementPREPOSITIONagainst opposition, in the face of oppositionShe won against determined opposition from last year's champion.despite opposition, in spite of oppositionThe authorities succeeded despite bitter opposition from teachers.in opposition toThe warring factions had united in opposition to the common enemy.opposition fromThe proposals met with violent opposition from the environmental lobby.opposition toThere was fierce public opposition to the plan.

2 parties not in governmentADJECTIVE | opposition + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEloyalThey see their role as a loyal opposition.the leader of Her Majesty's loyal Opposition (in the UK)democraticopposition + NOUNpartycandidate, leader, member, MP (in the UK), politician, spokesman (esp. BrE)bench (in the UK)PREPOSITIONin oppositionThe party is now in opposition.PHRASESthe Leader of the Opposition (in the UK)

oppositional

oppositionaladj.

Oppositional is used with these nouns:

stance

oppressed

oppressedadj.

Oppressed is used with these nouns:

minority, people

oppression

oppressionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + oppressionADJECTIVEclass, economic, political, racial, religious, sexual, socialblack, colonial, women'smale, whiteVERB + oppressionface, sufferethnic minorities suffering oppression at the hands of occupying forcesfight, fight against, resistyears of resisting colonial oppressionescape

oppressive

oppressiveadj.

Oppressive is used with these nouns:

atmosphere, heat, regime, silence, system

oppressively

oppressivelyadv.

Oppressively is used with these adjectives:

optic

opticadj.

Optic is used with these nouns:

optical

opticaladj.

Optical is used with these nouns:

device, disk, drive, effect, fibre, illusion, instrument, lens, microscope, mouse, sight, system, telescope

optically

opticallyadv.

Optically is used with these verbs:

optician

opticiannoun

noun (BrE)See also optometristADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEdispensing, ophthalmicPHRASESat the optician's, to the optician'sI've got to go to the optician's tomorrow.

optics

opticsnoun

Optics is used after these nouns:

fibre

optimal

optimaladj.

Optimal is used with these nouns:

balance, condition, distance, distribution, level, performance, size, solution

optimally

optimallyadv.

Optimally is used with these verbs:

function

optimism

optimismnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF OPTIMISM | VERB + optimism | optimism + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsiderable, great, tremendous (esp. BrE)sunny (esp. AmE)somecautious, guardedfalse, misplacedHer optimism turned out to be misplaced.naive (esp. AmE)early, initialBy 1960, the initial optimism had evaporated.renewed… OF OPTIMISMwaveThe news caused a wave of optimism.noteThere was a note of optimism in his voice.VERB + optimismexpressshareI find it hard to share his optimism.optimism + VERBprevail (esp. AmE), reignDespite the crisis, a cautious optimism reigned.evaporatePREPOSITIONwith optimismWe can look to the future with considerable optimism.optimism about, optimism overThe government expressed optimism about the success of the negotiations.optimism amongrenewed optimism among mortgage lendersoptimism forgreat optimism for the futurePHRASEScause for optimism, grounds for optimism, reason for optimismThere are now very real grounds for optimism.full of optimismWhen the 1970s began, we were still full of optimism.a mood of optimism, a sense of optimism, a spirit of optimism

optimist

optimistnoun

nounADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEeternal, incurablecockeyed (informal, esp. AmE)PHRASESever the optimistCarlos, ever the optimist, said things were bound to improve.

optimistic

optimisticadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, feel, look, seem, soundbecomeremain, stayADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highlyHe remained highly optimistic that an agreement could be reached.excessively, hopelessly, incredibly, overly, unduly, wildlyThese estimates were wildly optimistic.a little, slightly, etc.reasonablygenerallya generally optimistic view of the futurecautiously, guardedly, quietly (esp. AmE)I don't want to exaggerate our chances, but I'm cautiously optimistic.PREPOSITIONaboutHe's very optimistic about his chances.

Optimistic is used with these nouns:

assessment, estimate, expectation, forecast, mood, note, outlook, picture, prediction, projection, scenario, view

optimize

optimizeverb

Optimize is used with these nouns as the object:

optimum

optimumadj.

Optimum is used with these nouns:

balance, condition, distance, distribution, effect, size, use

option

optionnoun

noun1 freedom to choose2 sth you choose/can choose3 right to buy/sell sth at some time in the future1 freedom to chooseVERB + option | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + optionhaveYou have the option of working full-time or part-time.give sbPREPOSITIONwith the option of, without the option ofHe was jailed without the option of a fine.PHRASEShave little option but to, have no option but toWe had no option but to leave without them.

2 sth you choose/can chooseADJECTIVE | VERB + option | PHRASESADJECTIVEavailable, possible, viablereal, realisticattractive, goodDeciding on your best option is not easy.preferredonlyResignation was her only option.limitedpracticaleasy, soft (esp. BrE)A life of chastity is not an easy option.He thought General Studies would be a soft option.cheap, expensivepolicynuclearmenu (= on a computer)VERB + optionchoose, exercise, select, takeLook at the on-screen menu and select the ‘File’ option.give sb, offer (sb), providelimitconsider, look at, weighLet's look at all the options available.PHRASESkeep your options open, leave your options open (= to avoid making a decision now so that you still have a choice later)

3 right to buy/sell sth at some time in the futureADJECTIVE | VERB + option | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfirstshare (BrE), stock (AmE)VERB + optionhaveexercise, take, take upShe took up an option in her contract to buy three million shares.PREPOSITIONoption onHe's promised me first option on his car.

optional

optionaladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbemake sthADVERBentirely, purelyThe extra language classes are entirely optional.

Optional is used with these nouns:

accessory, extra, feature, module, subject, subtitle

optometrist

optometristnoun

noun (AmE)See also opticianVERB + optometristVERB + optometristgo to, visitI went to visit my optometrist.

opt-out

opt-outnoun

Opt-out is used before these nouns:

oral orally

orallyadv.

Orally is used with these verbs:

present, transmit

orange

orangenounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | … OF ORANGE | VERB + orange | orange + NOUNADJECTIVEjuicysour, sweetnavelmandarin (AmE) (just mandarin in BrE)… OF ORANGEsegment (esp. BrE)VERB + orangeeat, have, squeezepeelorange + NOUNsegment, slice, wedge (AmE)pip (esp. BrE), seed (esp. AmE)peel, rind, zestAdd a little grated orange peel.juicesquash (BrE)

II. adj., noun

Orange is used with these nouns:

alert, soda, sunset

oration

orationnoun

Oration is used after these nouns:

Orbit is used with these nouns as the subject:

orbit

orbitnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + orbit | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcircular, ellipticaleccentricMercury's orbit is fairly eccentric.high, lowstableplanetaryEarthVERB + orbitenter, go intoreachput sth into, send sth intocomplete, makeThe spaceship made an orbit of the moon.leavePREPOSITIONin orbitThe satellite will remain in orbit for several years.orbit around, orbit round (esp. BrE)the moon's orbit around the earth

II. verb

earth, moon, planet, satellite, spacecraft

Orbit is used with these nouns as the object:

earth, moon, planet, sun

orbital

orbitaladj.

Orbital is used with these nouns:

debris, motorway

orbiting

orbitingadj.

Orbiting is used with these nouns:

spacecraft

orchard

orchardnoun

Orchard is used after these nouns:

apple

orchestra

orchestranoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + orchestra | orchestra + VERB | orchestra + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElarge, smallfullThe full orchestra includes two harps.great, major (esp. AmE), top (esp. BrE)liveamateur, professionalsymphonychamber, jazz, stringschool, youthVERB + orchestraconductleadjoinorchestra + VERBperform (sth), play (sth)strike up (sth)The orchestra struck up a lively march.tune uporchestra + NOUNpitPREPOSITIONin a/the orchestraShe plays viola in a string orchestra.orchestra underthe Ulster Orchestra under Philip LedgerPHRASESthe leader of the orchestra (BrE) (concertmaster in AmE)

orchestral

orchestraladj.

Orchestral is used with these nouns:

accompaniment, concert, instrument, interlude, music, musician, piece, prelude, recording, rehearsal, score, texture, work

orchestrate

orchestrateverb

Orchestrate is used with these nouns as the object:

campaign, coup, effort, movement, murder

orchestrated

orchestratedadj.

Orchestrated is used with these nouns:

ordain

ordainverb

Ordain is used with these nouns as the object:

bishop, minister, pastor

ordained

ordainedadj.

Ordained is used with these nouns:

minister, ministry, pastor, priest

ordeal

ordealnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + ordeal | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElongentire (esp. AmE), wholeMy family has supported me through this whole ordeal.dreadful (esp. BrE), horrible (esp. AmE), terrible, terrifying (esp. BrE)VERB + ordealendure, face, go through, suffer (esp. BrE), undergosubject sb to (esp. BrE)She was subjected to a terrible six-day ordeal.surviverecover frombe spared (esp. BrE)PREPOSITIONordeal ofThey were spared the ordeal of giving evidence in court.PHRASESan ordeal at the hands of sb (esp. BrE)their 20-hour ordeal at the hands of a gunman

order

ordernounverb

I. noun1 way in which people/things are arranged2 organized state3 when laws, rules, authority, etc. are obeyed4 way a society is arranged5 instruction/demand6 request for sth to be made/supplied/delivered7 request for food, etc. in a restaurant, etc.8 group of people living in a religious community1 way in which people/things are arrangedADJECTIVE | VERB + order | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcorrect, proper, rightwronglogicalThe paragraphs are not in a logical order.ascendingarranged in ascending order of sizedescendingalphabetical, chronological, numerical, random, reversepeckingthe pecking order among the hospital staffrankthe top ten groups, in rank orderwordrunningWhere am I in the running order?batting (sports)VERB + orderchangeI think you should change the order of these paragraphs.PREPOSITIONin orderThe winners were announced in reverse order.in order ofI've listed the tasks in order of priority.out of orderThe episodes were shown out of order.

2 organized stateADJECTIVE | VERB + order | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEapple-pie (= perfect) (old-fashioned, esp. AmE)The accounts were in apple-pie order.VERB + orderbring, create, imposeto bring order out of chaosShe attempted to impose some order on the chaos of her files.put sth in, set sth inPREPOSITIONin orderMy notes are in order.PHRASESin good orderThe house is in good order.

3 when laws, rules, authority, etc. are obeyedADJECTIVE | VERB + order | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcivil, publicVERB + orderkeep, maintain, preserverestorekeep sb/sth inSome teachers find it difficult to keep their classes in order.call sth toThe argument continued until the chairman called the meeting to order (= ordered them to obey the formal rules).PREPOSITIONin order (= acceptable)Would it be in order for us to examine the manuscript?Is everything in order, sir?I think a drink would be in order.Is your work permit in order?out of orderThe objection was ruled out of order (= not allowed by the rules).He accepted that he'd been out of order (= he had behaved unacceptably). (BrE,informal)PHRASESlaw and ordera point of orderOne of the committee members raised a point of order.

4 way a society is arrangedADJECTIVEADJECTIVEestablished, existing, oldHe was seen as a threat to the established order.newnaturalthe natural order of thingseconomic, moral, political, socialinternational, worlda new world order

5 instruction/demandADJECTIVE | VERB + order | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdirect, specific, strictexecutivesealedHe opened his sealed orders.courtgag, gagging (BrE)exclusion (BrE), maintenance (BrE), preservation (BrE), restraining (esp. AmE)a wildlife preservation orderThe court issued a restraining order against Pearson.VERB + ordergive, issue, make (law, esp. BrE)The captain gave the order to fire.The judge made an order for the costs to be paid.signslapThe building has had a preservation order slapped on it. (BrE)enforceawaitget, receiveobtainHis lawyer had to obtain a court order to get access to her client.carry out, execute, follow, obey, takeThe local civilians don't take orders from the military.disobey, ignore, violatecancelcountermand, rescind, revoke (esp. BrE) (all formal)bark, bark out, shout, shout outHe barked out orders as he left.PREPOSITIONby order of (formal)by order of the policeon sb's ordersThe ship was to set sail at once, on the admiral's orders.under orders fromA group of soldiers, under orders from the president, took control of the television station.orders forThe colonel had given orders for the spy's execution.PHRASESdoctor's ordersI'm not to drink any alcohol—doctor's orders!get your marching orders (= be ordered to leave), give sb their marching orders

6 request for sth to be made/supplied/deliveredADJECTIVE | VERB + order | order + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbulk, large, record (esp. BrE)smallfirmadvanceback, outstanding (esp. BrE)repeattall (= difficult to fulfill; unreasonable)That's a tall order!mail, money, postal (BrE), standingpurchaseexportVERB + orderplace, put in, sendI've placed an order for the CD.cancelget, receive, winThe company won a $10 million order for oil-drilling equipment.havecomplete, fill, fulfil/fulfill, meetWe're trying to fill all the back orders.make sth tokitchen cupboards made to orderorder + NOUNformbook (usually figurative)We have a full order book for the coming year.PREPOSITIONon orderWe have ten boxes on order.to orderThe chairs can be made to order (= when a customer orders one).order forWe have a firm order for ten cases of wine.

7 request for food, etc. in a restaurant, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + order | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEsidea side order of mixed saladshort (= that can be prepared quickly)a short-order cooklast orders (esp. BrE)Last orders at the bar now, please!VERB + ordertakeThe waiter finally came to take their orders.give sbPREPOSITIONorder foran order for steak and fries

8 group of people living in a religious communityADJECTIVEADJECTIVEmonastic, religiouscontemplativeclosed (= with little or no contact with the outside world)Benedictine, Cistercian, etc.

II. verb1 tell sb to do sth2 ask for sth3 organize/arrange sth1 tell sb to do sthADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBspecificallyimmediatelypersonallyThe general had personally ordered the raid.formallyabout (esp. BrE), aroundStop ordering me around!back, home, off, outHe was ordered off for bringing down the striker. (BrE,sports)PREPOSITIONoff, out ofAll foreign journalists have been ordered out of the country.

2 ask for sthADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBdirect, directlyonlineAll our products can be ordered online.PREPOSITIONforWe can order the book for you, if you like.fromYou can order the book direct from the publisher.

3 organize/arrange sthADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBalphabetically, chronologically, hierarchically, logicallyThe entries are ordered alphabetically.PREPOSITIONaccording toDifferent senses of a word are ordered according to frequency.PHRASEShighly ordered, well orderedShe led a highly ordered existence, with everything having its own time and place.

Order is used with these nouns as the subject:

coroner, court, injunction, judge, magistrate, tribunal

Order is used with these nouns as the object:

acquittal, advance, appetizer, arrest, assassination, beer, cab, catalogue, ceasefire, copy, court martial, crackdown, cup, curfew, death, dessert, dish, drink, enquiry, execution, expulsion, extradition, food, halt, inquest, investigation, killing, lunch, murder, pint, removal, retreat, review, round, sandwich, scan, servant, slaughter, soda, starter, suspension, taxi, trial, troops, wine, withdrawal

order from

order fromphr verb

Order from is used with these nouns as the object:

orderly

orderlyadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbeADVERBveryfairly, relativelyPHRASESin an orderly fashion, in an orderly manner, in an orderly wayWe want to bring about this change in an orderly fashion.

Orderly is used with these nouns:

fashion, manner, queue, retreat, succession, transition

ordinal

ordinaladj.

Ordinal is used with these nouns:

ordinance

ordinancenoun

Ordinance is used after these nouns:

preservation

ordinary

ordinaryadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, look, seembecomeADVERBveryThe wines produced were at best very ordinary.perfectly, quiteIt was a perfectly ordinary day.fairly, pretty, ratherThe meal was pretty ordinary.

Ordinary is used with these nouns:

believer, bloke, chap, circumstance, citizen, civilian, clothes, consumer, conversation, day, degree, folk, guy, income, individual, investor, life, mortal, people, person, policeman, resolution, run, sense, share, shareholder, soldier, speech, usage, use, voter, woman

ore

orenoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF ORE | VERB + ore | ore + NOUNADJECTIVErichhigh-grade, low-grademetal, mineralcopper, gold, iron, uranium, etc.… OF OREveinlumpVERB + oreextract, mineextract sth from, process, refine, smeltore smelted with charcoalore + NOUNdepositsmineral

organ

organnoun

noun1 part of the body2 musical instrument3 official organization1 part of the bodyADJECTIVE | VERB + organ | organ + NOUNADJECTIVEinternalbodilyimportant, major, vitalThe colon is an important organ for the absorption of nutrients.to preserve blood flow to the vital organsabdominal, genitaldigestive, olfactory, reproductive, sense, sensory, sex, sexual, etc.humandonor, replacementHe is waiting for a suitable donor organ.VERB + organdonatetransplantharvestaffect, damageorgan + NOUNdonation, donortransplant, transplantationdamage, failure

2 musical instrumentADJECTIVE | organ + NOUNADJECTIVEpipeelectric, Hammond™barrel, mouthchurch, fairground (BrE)organ + NOUNpedal, pipe, stoploft

3 official organizationADJECTIVEADJECTIVEcentral, majorthe central organs of stateadministrative, constitutional (BrE), judicial (esp. BrE), political, security

organic

organicadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbebecome, goADVERBcompletely, fully (esp. BrE), totallyThe farm went fully organic in 1996.PHRASESbuy organicI try to buy organic whenever possible.

Organic is used with these nouns:

agriculture, beef, bread, carbon, chemical, chemist, chemistry, chicken, coffee, compound, corn, cotton, crop, debris, dye, egg, evolution, farm, farmer, farming, fertilizer, food, gardener, gardening, ingredient, material, matter, meat, milk, pesticide, pollutant, produce, producer, product, production, relationship, remains, restaurant, shape, solvent, substance, tomato, unity, vegetables, waste, whole

organically

organicallyadv.

Organically is used with these verbs:

farm, grow, produce

organism

organismnoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEdeveloping, growing, livingsimplecomplex, higherbiologicalhumanaquatic, marinemicroscopic

organist

organistnoun

Organist is used after these nouns:

cathedral, church

organization

organizationnoun

Organizationscreate … , establish … , form … , found … , set up … , start … an association created to promote local industryThe company was founded in 1981.dissolve … (law)She sought a court order to have the partnership dissolved.run … He runs his own publishing company.manage … The executive committee manages the group on a day-to-day basis.be/become a member of … , join … She became a member of the golf club.leave … The country plans to leave the organization.

(BrE also -isation) noun1 organized group of people2 way in which sth is organized1 organized group of peopleADJECTIVE | VERB + organization | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElarge, major, masssmallcommunity, international, local, nationalgovernment, stateofficialparty, politicalprofessionalnon-governmental (abbreviated to NGO)grass-rootsprivatevoluntarycharitable, philanthropicnon-profit, not-for-profitcommercialfaith-based (esp. AmE), religiouscivil rights, environmental, human rights, labour/labor, relief, researchstudent, women's, youthmedia, newsterroristumbrellafronta front organization for drug traffickingVERB + organizationdisband (For more verbs see note.)PREPOSITIONin a/the organizationThere are several talented people in that organization.

2 way in which sth is organizedADJECTIVE | … OF ORGANIZATION | VERB + organization | PHRASESADJECTIVEeffective, efficientI admire her effective organization of the campaign.poorMost of these mistakes were the result of poor organization.internalsocial… OF ORGANIZATIONdegreea high degree of organizationVERB + organizationlackPHRASESa lack of organization

organizational

organizationaladj.

Organizational is used with these nouns:

arrangement, change, chart, culture, effectiveness, efficiency, hierarchy, improvement, innovation, meeting, scheme, skill, structure

organize

organizeverb

(BrE also -ise) verbADVERB | VERB + organize | PREPOSITIONADVERBeffectively, efficiently, properly, successfully, wellbadly, poorlycarefully, neatlylocallycentrallyjointlyThey organized the festival jointly with the tourism office.separatelyindependently, privatelyformallyVERB + organizeseek to, try tohelp (to)be able tomanage tofail tolearn (how) tobe difficult to, be easy tobe possible toPREPOSITIONaccording toWe need to organize the work according to the availability and skills of each volunteer.aroundWe're organizing the evening around a Japanese theme.intoIt was difficult to organize the men into teams.

Organize is used with these nouns as the object:

army, ball, ballot, banquet, boycott, campaign, closet, coalition, collection, committee, competition, concert, conference, congress, conspiracy, convention, demonstration, deputation, distribution, drawer, drive, effort, election, event, excursion, exhibit, exhibition, expedition, fair, festival, gathering, group, idea, information, lobby, luncheon, march, meeting, militia, movement, news conference, panel, party, petition, picket, picnic, press conference, programme, protest, race, raffle, rally, reception, referendum, reunion, revolt, scheme, seminar, session, show, strike, stunt, system, team, tour, tournament, trip, union, vigil, visit, worker, workshop

organized

organizedadj.

(BrE also -ised) adj.1 arranged/planned2 able to plan things well1 arranged/plannedVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highlyAlthough it doesn't look like it, the whole thing is highly organized.carefully, efficiently, properly, superbly, wellbadly, poorlyneatlyrigidly, tightlyloosely, weaklya loosely organized confederacy of alliesspeciallya specially organized meetingcentrally, locally, nationallyseparatelyindependently, privatelyformallyOften there is no formally organized system of childcare.traditionallysystematicallyhierarchically, sequentiallyEach department is hierarchically organized.chronologicallysocially

2 able to plan things wellVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemgetYou need to get organized.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highly

Organized is used with these nouns:

baseball, chaos, crime, fashion, gang, group, labour, movement, opposition, religion, resistance, sport, syndicate, whole

organized crime

organized crimenoun

Organized crime is used before these nouns:

gang

organizer

organizernoun

Organizer is used after these nouns:

community, conference, convention, festival, parade, race, tournament, union

organizing

organizingadj.

Organizing is used with these nouns:

drive, principle

orgasm

orgasmnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + orgasmADJECTIVEfemale, malemultiplesimultaneousVERB + orgasmachieve, have, reachfake, simulate

orgy

orgynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + orgy | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdrunken, sex, sexualwildVERB + orgyhavePREPOSITIONorgy ofan orgy of looting and vandalism

oriental

orientaladj.

Oriental is used with these nouns:

carpet, medicine, rug

oriented

orientedadj.

(BrE also orientated) adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seembecomeremainADVERBstrongly, verycorrectlyMake sure all the components remain correctly oriented.academically, politically, socially, technicallyThe organization is not politically oriented.PREPOSITIONto, towards/towardThe service is not sufficiently oriented to the needs of those who use it.

origin

originnoun

noun1 time/place/reason that sth starts2 family, race, class, etc, that a person comes from1 time/place/reason that sth startsADJECTIVE | VERB + origin | origin + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcommonindependentdoubtful (esp. BrE), obscure, unknowna letter of doubtful origintrueancient, earlyrecentThe term ‘carbon footprint’ is of very recent origin.immediateThe development had its immediate origins in discussions with management.African, English, etc.foreignlocalmixednaturalsupernaturalevolutionary, geographical, historical, intellectualanimal, human, plantfoods of animal originWe shouldn't forget our animal origins.VERB + originhave, shareThe vases share common origins.investigate, traceowePopulation genetics owes its origin to Francis Galton.explainreflectsuggestThe name suggests a possible African origin.origin + VERBgo back to sth, lie in sthThe origins of the city go back to the 10th century.PREPOSITIONin originThe rock is volcanic in origin.of … origina painting of unknown originPHRASEScountry of origin, place of originThe label tells you the country of origin.have its origin in sthThe custom has its origin in an ancient festival.

2 family, race, class, etc, that a person comes fromADJECTIVE | VERB + origin | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEAfrican, English, etc.foreignmixedclass, ethnic, national, racial, socialmiddle-class, noble, peasant, slave, working-classhumble, lowlyHe had risen from humble origins through hard work.VERB + origintraceTheir family can trace its origins back to the Norman Conquest.betrayHer accent betrayed her working-class origins.PREPOSITIONby originHe is a Londoner by origin.in originHer family is Portuguese in origin.of … originHe was of humble origins.PHRASESsb's country of origin

original

originalnounadj.

I. nounVERB + original | PREPOSITIONVERB + originalpass sth off asHe copied paintings of famous artists and passed them off as originals.PREPOSITIONin the originalto read Tolstoy in the original

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highly, startlingly (esp. BrE), trulyShe has a highly original mind.a startlingly original ideacompletelyThey are tackling the problem in a completely original way.

Original is used with these nouns:

aim, art, beam, blueprint, building, cast, character, composition, concept, conception, condition, content, context, contract, copy, design, diagnosis, document, draft, drawing, edition, ending, estimate, expectation, feature, finding, fitting, fixture, form, founder, function, homeland, idea, impetus, impulse, incarnation, inhabitant, insight, intention, interior, investment, invoice, language, manuscript, material, meaning, member, motivation, name, negative, novel, occupant, owner, packaging, painting, piece, plan, position, post, posting, production, projection, proposal, purpose, receipt, recipe, recording, report, request, research, ruling, score, script, series, settler, shape, show, signatory, sin, sketch, song, soundtrack, source, specification, spelling, splendour, story, study, style, tale, tape, text, thinker, thinking, thought, title, track, version, wording, work

originality

originalitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + originality | originality + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreatVERB + originalityhavedisplay, showbe lacking in, lackoriginality + VERBlie in sthHis originality as a painter lies in his representation of light.PREPOSITIONoriginality inThe government has shown great originality in its foreign policy.PHRASESa spark of originality (esp. BrE)a lack of originality

originally

originallyadv.

Originally is used with these verbs:

appear, broadcast, call, conceive, derive, design, designate, discover, draft, envisage, envision, establish, estimate, expect, forecast, identify, intend, introduce, name, own, plan, predict, promise, propose, publish, record, report, schedule, submit, suggest, use

originate

originateverb

Originate is used with these nouns as the subject:

flight, idea, problem

originate from

originate fromphr verb

Originate from is used with these nouns as the subject:

Ornamental is used with these nouns:

ornamental

ornamentaladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBhighlya plant which is highly ornamental in flowerpurelyThe turrets are purely ornamental.

fountain, lake, motif, plant, pond, pool, shrub, tree

ornate

ornateadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highly, richly

Ornate is used with these nouns:

decoration, furniture, mirror

ornately

ornatelyadv.

Ornately is used with these adjectives:

carved

Ornately is used with these verbs:

decorate

orphan

orphannoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + orphan | orphan + NOUNADJECTIVElittlepoora poor little orphanwarAIDSVERB + orphanbe leftShe was left an orphan at the age of five.adoptorphan + NOUNboy, child, girl

orphaned

orphanedadj.

Orphaned is used with these nouns:

child, elephant

orthodox

orthodoxadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeHis ideas are all fairly orthodox.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.I am not a very orthodox kind of teacher.highly, strictlyThis is the strictly orthodox view.religiously (esp. AmE)

Orthodox is used with these nouns:

approach, belief, bishop, Christian, Christianity, communist, congregation, doctrine, economics, Jew, Judaism, medicine, Muslim, religion, theology, treatment

orthodoxy

orthodoxynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + orthodoxyADJECTIVErigid, strictcurrent, new, prevailingCatholic, Christian, etc.communist, liberal, etc.partyeconomic, political, religious, scientific, etc.VERB + orthodoxychallengea speech that challenges prevailing economic orthodoxy

orthographic

orthographicadj.

Orthographic is used with these nouns:

convention

orthopaedic

orthopaedicadj.

Orthopaedic/orthopedic is used with these nouns:

surgeon, surgery

Oscar

Oscarnoun

Oscar is used before these nouns:

nomination, nominee

Oscar-winning

Oscar-winningadj.

Oscar-winning is used with these nouns:

ostensible

ostensibleadj.

Ostensible is used with these nouns:

reason

ostentatious

ostentatiousadj.

Ostentatious is used with these nouns:

ostentatiously

ostentatiouslyadv.

Ostentatiously is used with these verbs:

osteoporosis

osteoporosisnoun

Osteoporosis is used before these nouns:

prevention

ostrich

ostrichnoun

Ostrich is used before these nouns:

other

otheradj.

Other is used with these nouns:

arrangement, bank, day, end, matter, means, method, night, possibility, recourse, self, shore, side, source, woman

otherwise otter

otternoun

Otter is used after these nouns:

sea

Ottoman

Ottomanadj.

Ottoman is used with these nouns:

empire

ounce

ouncenoun

oust

oustverb

Oust is used with these nouns as the object:

government, junta, president

ousted

oustedadj.

Ousted is used with these nouns:

regime

out

outadj.

Out is used with these nouns:

lesbian

outage

outagenoun

noun (AmE)ADJECTIVE | VERB + outage | outage + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpowerintermittent power outages up and down the East CoastVERB + outagehavecauseoutage + VERBoccurPREPOSITIONduring an/the outageThe baby was born during a power outage.

outboard

outboardadj.

Outboard is used with these nouns:

engine, motor

outbound

outboundadj.

Outbound is used with these nouns:

flight, leg, traffic, train

outbreak

outbreaknoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + outbreak | outbreak + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElarge, major, serious, severefresh (esp. BrE), further (esp. BrE), newrecentoccasional, periodic, sporadicrecurrent, repeatedsuddendiseasecholera, flu, salmonella, etc.VERB + outbreakcause, lead tothe events that led to the outbreak of warpreventoutbreak + VERBoccurPREPOSITIONoutbreak ofA new outbreak of smallpox occurred in 1928.PHRASESan outbreak of diseaseoutbreaks of rain (BrE)an outbreak of war, fighting, hostilities, violence, etc.

outburst

outburstnoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEsuddenspontaneousoccasionalher occasional outbursts of temperlittleSorry for that little outburst earlier.angry, furious, violentemotional, hysterical, passionatePREPOSITIONoutburst againstA player was cautioned for his angry outburst against the referee.outburst ofan outburst of anger/laughter/temper/violence

outcast

outcastnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + outcast | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEsocialHe was treated as a social outcast.VERB + outcastmake sbHer criminal past made her an outcast.treat sb as, treat sb likePREPOSITIONoutcast froman outcast from society

outcome

outcomenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + outcome | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdesirable, desired, favourable/favorable, good, happy, positive, satisfactory, successfuladverse, bad, negative, poor, unfortunate, unsatisfactoryfatal, tragicpossiblelikely, probabledifferentanticipated, expected, inevitable, intended, logical, predictedunexpectedimmediateactual, eventual, final, long-term, ultimatedirecta direct outcome of the strikepracticaleducational, electoral, political, etc. (all technical)VERB + outcomeaffect, change, influencedecide, determinepredictWe use a computer model to predict the outcome of different scenarios.knowWe may not know the outcome until tomorrow.achieve, have, produceTheir strategy produced the desired outcome.evaluate, measure (technical)The aim is to evaluate possible outcomes.PREPOSITIONoutcome ofthe outcome of the electionPHRASESwhatever the outcomeWhatever the final outcome of the talks, the war should end soon.

outcrop

outcropnoun

Outcrop is used after these nouns:

outcropping

outcroppingnoun

Outcropping is used after these nouns:

outcry

outcrynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + outcry | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgreat, huge, massiveimmediatepublicnationalinternationalVERB + outcrycause, prompt, provoke, sparkThe bombing caused an international outcry.raise (esp. AmE)His comments raised an outcry from religious leaders.PREPOSITIONoutcry against, outcry overThere was a massive public outcry against the harsh prison sentence.outcry froman immediate outcry from workers over pay reductions

outdated

outdatedadj.

Outdated is used with these nouns:

equipment, idea, system

outdoor

outdooradj.

Outdoor is used with these nouns:

activity, area, arena, athletics, clothes, clothing, concert, excursion, exercise, faucet, festival, fireplace, furniture, game, gear, lighting, mall, market, museum, park, play, pool, pursuit, rally, recreation, restaurant, seating, setting, shower, sport, terrace, track, track and field, venue, wear, work

outer

outeradj.

Outer is used with these nouns:

appearance, borough, chamber, clothes, clothing, coating, core, corner, courtyard, diameter, door, ear, edge, fringe, garment, gate, layer, limit, part, perimeter, planet, pocket, precinct, reach, ring, shell, skin, sleeve, space, suburb, surface, trappings, wall, world

outermost

outermostadj.

Outermost is used with these nouns:

edge, layer, reach, ring

outfield

outfieldnoun

Outfield is used before these nouns:

outfielder

outfieldernoun

Outfielder is used after these nouns:

reserve

outfit

outfitnoun

noun1 set of clothes worn together2 organization, company, etc.1 set of clothes worn togetherADJECTIVE | VERB + outfit | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcompletenewsummer, winterdesignerinterview, party, wedding, etc.clown, cowboy, etc.revealing, sexy, skimpymatchingThe pair arrived in matching white outfits.VERB + outfitwearchoose, pick, pick outbuycompleteI'm looking for a necklace to complete my outfit.PREPOSITIONin a/the outfitHe looked very good in his new outfit.

2 organization, company, etc.ADJECTIVEADJECTIVElargesmallprofessionalcowboy, dodgy (both BrE)computer, publishing, etc.

outflow

outflownoun

Outflow is used after these nouns:

capital, cash

outgoing

outgoingadj.

Outgoing is used with these nouns:

call, chairman, chief executive, email, mail, message, minister, parliament, person, personality, president, prime minister, tenant, tide, traffic

outing

outingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + outing | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElittlespecialday's (esp. BrE), summer, weekendannualfamily, school, socialVERB + outingarrange, planenjoyPREPOSITIONon outingWe're going on an outing tomorrow.outing fromThe children were on an outing from school.outing toa family outing to the mountains

outlandish

outlandishadj.

Outlandish is used with these nouns:

costume, idea

outlaw

outlawnounverb

I. noun

Outlaw is used before these nouns:

regime

II. verb

Outlaw is used with these nouns as the subject:

amendment

Outlaw is used with these nouns as the object:

discrimination, practice, segregation, slavery, use

outlay

outlaynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + outlay | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEconsiderable, huge, large, massivemodest (esp. BrE), smallinitialThe revenue from the farm could repay the initial outlay within three years.totalcapital, cash, financial, investmentVERB + outlaymakerequireThe project would require little financial outlay.recoup, recover (both esp. BrE)PREPOSITIONoutlay onThe company had made a considerable capital outlay on property.

outlet

outletnoun

noun1 place that sells goods of a particular company/type2 means of releasing energy/strong feeling/talents3 pipe/hole4 (AmE) for electricity1 place that sells goods of a particular company/typeADJECTIVE | outlet + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEspecialist (BrE)high-street (BrE), localmajorcommercial, distribution, fast-food, media, news, retail, salesoutlet + NOUNmall (AmE), storePREPOSITIONoutlet fora retail outlet for exotic plants

2 means of releasing energy/strong feeling/talentsADJECTIVE | VERB + outlet | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEemotionalcreativeVERB + outlethavefindprovide (sb with)Basketball provided an outlet for his energy.needPREPOSITIONoutlet forShe needs an outlet for her talents.

3 pipe/holeADJECTIVE | outlet + NOUNADJECTIVEsewage (BrE), wateroutlet + NOUNpipe

4 (AmE) for electricityADJECTIVEADJECTIVEAC, electric, electrical, power110-volt, 240-volt, etc.wallstandardThe appliance can be connected to any standard outlet.

outline

outlinenounverb

I. noun1 line that shows the shape/outside edge of sb/sth2 most important facts/ideas about sth1 line that shows the shape/outside edge of sb/sthADJECTIVE | VERB + outline | outline + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEclear, sharpThe sharp outline of the island had become blurred.dim, faint, vaguesimpleVERB + outlinedraw, make, traceThe children made an outline of their hands.make out, seeI could just make out the dim outlines of the house in the mist.softenoutline + NOUNdrawing, mapPREPOSITIONaround the outline, round the outline (esp. BrE)to cut around the outlinein outlineHe sketched the street in outline only.outline of

2 most important facts/ideas about sthADJECTIVE | VERB + outline | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbare, basic, brief, rougha brief outline of Chinese historybroad, generalcourseVERB + outlinegive (sb), provide (sb with), writeWrite an outline for your essay.PREPOSITIONin outlineHere's the plan in outline.outline for, outline of

II. verbADVERB | VERB + outline | PREPOSITIONADVERBbrieflyclearlyroughlyHe roughly outlined the plot of the opera.hereabove, earlier, previouslythe plan outlined abovebelowVERB + outlineattempt to, seek to, try toPREPOSITIONtoShe outlined to Mona the details of her mother's relationship.

Outline is used with these nouns as the subject:

article, document, paper, report

Outline is used with these nouns as the object:

approach, background, basics, case, plan, principle, procedure, programme, proposal, reason, recommendation, scenario, situation, strategy, timetable, view, vision

outlive

outliveverb

Outlive is used with these nouns as the object:

usefulness

outlook

outlooknoun

noun1 attitude to life2 what will probably happen1 attitude to lifeADJECTIVE | VERB + outlook | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEoptimistic, positive, rosy, sunnybleak, negative, pessimisticgeneralbroadHaving children gave her a broader outlook on life.different, differingmentalmoral, philosophical, religiousVERB + outlookhavegive sbchangebroadenTravel broadens your outlook.PREPOSITIONin outlookShe is rather cautious in outlook.of (a) … outlookpeople of widely differing religious outlooksoutlook onLosing his job changed his whole outlook on life.

2 what will probably happenADJECTIVE | VERB + outlook | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbright, goodbleak, gloomy, grimThe outlook for people on low incomes is grim.uncertainbusiness, economic, politicallong-term, short-termglobal, internationalVERB + outlookimproveThe drug improves the long-term outlook of migraine sufferers.worsenPREPOSITIONoutlook fora brighter outlook for the economy

outlying

outlyingadj.

Outlying is used with these nouns:

area, district, farm, island, region, settlement, suburb, village

outnumber

outnumberverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBeasily, far, greatly, heavily, vastlyTheir failures vastly outnumber their successes.almostslightlyPREPOSITIONbyFemales outnumber males by a wide margin.PHRASESbe hopelessly outnumberedThe Spanish were hopelessly outnumbered in the battle.

out-of-body

out-of-bodyadj.

Out-of-body is used with these nouns:

out-of-court

out-of-courtadj.

Out-of-court is used with these nouns:

settlement

out-of-focus

out-of-focusadj.

Out-of-focus is used with these nouns:

photograph

out-of-pocket

out-of-pocketadj.

Out-of-pocket is used with these nouns:

cost, expense

out-of-state

out-of-stateadj.

Out-of-state is used with these nouns:

tuition

out-of-the-way

out-of-the-wayadj.

Out-of-the-way is used with these nouns:

out-of-town

out-of-townadj.

Out-of-town is used with these nouns:

guest, shopping centre, supermarket

out-of-wedlock

out-of-wedlockadj.

Out-of-wedlock is used with these nouns:

birth, pregnancy

out-of-work

out-of-workadj.

Out-of-work is used with these nouns:

outpace

outpaceverb

Outpace is used with these nouns as the object:

inflation

outpatient

outpatientnoun

Outpatient is used before these nouns:

appointment, care, clinic, department, programme, surgery, treatment

Outpatient is used after these nouns:

hospital

outperform

outperformverb

Outperform is used with these nouns as the object:

competition, competitor, market, peer

output

outputnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF OUTPUT | VERB + output | output + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEhigh, large, massivegreater, increasedsteadylowaggregate, gross, overall, total10% of the country's total outputnetaverageannual, monthly, etc.maximumcurrentnational, worldprodigious, prolificher prodigious literary outputagricultural, industrial, manufacturingdataartistic, creative, literary… OF OUTPUTlevelchanges in the level of outputVERB + outputproducedouble, expand, increaseThe plant plans to increase output to 10 000 cars a year.reduceoutput + VERBincrease, risedecrease, fallPREPOSITIONoutput ofa steady output of new ideasPHRASESa drop in output, a fall in outputthe fall in output due to outdated equipmenta growth in output, an increase in output, a rise in output

outrage

outragenoun

noun1 great anger2 cruel/shocking act1 great angerADJECTIVE | VERB + outrage | outrage + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgenuinewidespreadinternationalpublicmoralMedia reports generated moral outrage.VERB + outragebe greeted with, cause, generate, provoke, sparkThe news was greeted with outrage.feelexpress, voiceShopkeepers voiced their outrage at the new tax.outrage + VERBbe directed at sb/sthMuch of the outrage was directed at foreign nationals.PREPOSITIONin outrageThe guests all shouted in outrage.with outrageShe was trembling with outrage.outrage atCampaigners have expressed outrage at the decision.outrage overThere is widespread public outrage over the massacre.PHRASEScries of outrage, howls of outrageThe announcement provoked howls of outrage.a feeling of outrage, a sense of outrage

2 cruel/shocking actVERB + outrage | PREPOSITIONVERB + outragecommit, perpetratethe outrages committed by the invading armyPREPOSITIONoutrage againstThe new law on pensions is an outrage against the elderly.

outrageous

outrageousadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeconsider sth, regard sth as, see sth asShe considered it absolutely outrageous that he should be promoted over her.ADVERBabsolutely, completely, quite, totallymorally

Outrageous is used with these nouns:

act, claim, clothes, costume, demand, lie, story

outrageously

outrageouslyadv.

Outrageously is used with these adjectives:

expensive, funny

Outrageously is used with these verbs:

behave, price

outreach

outreachnoun

Outreach is used before these nouns:

effort, initiative, programme, worker

Outreach is used after these nouns:

community, youth

outright

outrightadj.adv.

I. adj.

Outright is used with these nouns:

ban, cancellation, confrontation, contempt, deception, denial, disbelief, dismissal, hostility, lie, majority, purchase, refusal, rejection, theft, victory, winner

II. adv.

Outright is used with these verbs:

dismiss, kill, laugh, lie, reject, win

outside

outsideadj.adv.

I. adj.

Outside is used with these nouns:

agency, assistance, auditor, bet, broadcast, chance, consultant, contractor, corner, counsel, customer, diameter, edge, expert, expertise, force, funding, help, influence, interest, interference, intervention, investment, investor, lane, lavatory, light, line, loo, observer, source, staircase, supplier, toilet, wall, world

II. adv.

Outside is used with these verbs:

snow, step, venture

outsider

outsidernoun

noun1 not a member of a group2 competitor who will probably not win1 not a member of a groupADJECTIVE | VERB + outsider | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcompletepolitical, socialVERB + outsiderfeel (esp. BrE), feel likeI started to feel like a complete outsider.PREPOSITIONoutsider toan outsider to the group

2 competitor who will probably not winADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcomplete, rankPREPOSITIONoutsider inThe company has gone from being an outsider in the market to being a market leader.

outskirts

outskirtsnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + outskirts | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcitynorthern, etc.VERB + outskirtsreachPREPOSITIONin the outskirtsa school in the outskirts of Athenson the outskirtsThey live on the outskirts of Chennai.through the outskirtsWe were driving through the outskirts of Baghdad.

outsource

outsourceverb

Outsource is used with these nouns as the object:

job, management, production, work

outspoken

outspokenadj.

Outspoken is used with these nouns:

advocate, attack, critic, criticism, opponent, supporter

outspread

outspreadadj.

Outspread is used with these nouns:

wing

outstanding

outstandingadj.

adj.1 excellent2 not yet paid or done1 excellentVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeconsider sthADVERBparticularly, really, trulyabsolutely, quiteThat was a quite outstanding performance!

2 not yet paid or doneVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, remainTwo or three tasks still remain outstanding.leave sthWe decided to leave the debt outstanding.ADVERBstill75% of the amount originally borrowed is still outstanding.

Outstanding is used with these nouns:

ability, achievement, athlete, balance, beauty, bill, bravery, characteristic, collection, contribution, courage, debt, difference, display, dispute, example, exponent, feature, fee, gallantry, gift, importance, individual, invoice, job, leadership, loan, merit, musician, order, panel, performance, performer, player, quality, record, reputation, result, save, scholar, season, service, share, sportsman, sportswoman, success, talent, teacher, value, victory, warrant, work

outstandingly

outstandinglyadv.

Outstandingly is used with these adjectives:

beautiful, successful

outstay

outstayverb

Outstay is used with these nouns as the object:

welcome

outstretched

outstretchedadj.

Outstretched is used with these nouns:

arm, finger, hand, leg, palm, wing

outstrip

outstripverb

Outstrip is used with these nouns as the subject:

demand

Outstrip is used with these nouns as the object:

demand, supply

outward outwardly

outwardlyadv.

Outwardly is used with these adjectives:

calm, composed, serene

outwards

outwardsadv.

Outwards is used with these verbs:

expand, explode, grow, spread

outweigh

outweighverb

verbADVERBADVERBeasily, far, greatly, heavily, more than, vastlyThe benefits would surely far outweigh the risks.The advantages of this plan more than outweigh the costs involved.

Outweigh is used with these nouns as the subject:

benefit, risk

Outweigh is used with these nouns as the object:

advantage, concern, cost, disadvantage, drawback, gain, inconvenience, risk

outwit

outwitverb

Outwit is used with these nouns as the object:

opponent

oval

ovaladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbeADVERBperfectlyher delicate, perfectly oval facealmostThe leaves are long and almost oval.roughlyPHRASESoval in shapeThe handle is oval in shape.

Oval is used with these nouns:

face, leaf, mirror, shape, table, track

ovation

ovationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + ovation | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEenthusiastic, huge, long, loud, thunderous (esp. AmE)standingThe audience gave her a standing ovation for her performance.three-minute, five-minute, etc.VERB + ovationgive sbget, receiveHe received the longest ovation of the evening.earn, winPREPOSITIONto an ovationHe came off the field to a huge ovation.ovation fromThe final piece won her an enthusiastic ovation from the audience.

oven

ovennoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + oven | oven + VERB | oven + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEelectric, gas, microwavehot, low, moderate, warmBake them in a warm oven until risen and golden brown.preheatedconvection, conventional, fan (BrE), toaster (esp. AmE)domestic (esp. BrE)self-cleaningbreadclayTandoori food is cooked in a clay oven.VERB + oventurn onheat, preheatPreheat the oven to 250°.bake sth in, cook sth input sth inremove sth from, take sth out ofcleanoven + VERBheat, heat upTurn on the oven and let it heat up.cool, cool downoven + NOUNdishglove (esp. BrE), mitt (esp. AmE)temperaturedoor, racktimercleanerchips (BrE)PREPOSITIONin an/the ovenbread baked in the oven

ovenproof

ovenproofadj.

Ovenproof is used with these nouns:

casserole, dish, pan

oven-ready

oven-readyadj.

Oven-ready is used with these nouns:

chip

overactive

overactiveadj.

Overactive is used with these nouns:

imagination

overall

overalladj.

Overall is used with these nouns:

aim, appearance, assessment, average, balance, budget, change, charge, coherence, command, composition, concept, consistency, consumption, context, correlation, cost, debt, decline, decrease, deficit, demand, design, dimension, distribution, duration, effect, effectiveness, efficiency, estimate, expenditure, experience, extent, fall, fitness, gain, health, impact, impression, improvement, incidence, increase, investment, lack, lead, length, look, loss, majority, management, message, mood, number, objective, output, package, pattern, percentage, perception, performance, picture, population, productivity, profit, profitability, proportion, rating, reduction, responsibility, result, return, revenue, review, rise, risk, sale, satisfaction, score, sense, shape, situation, size, slant, stability, strategy, strength, structure, success, sum, summary, supervision, tenor, theme, thrust, timetable, title, tone, total, trend, utility, verdict, view, vision, volume, well-being, width, winner

overarching

overarchingadj.

Overarching is used with these nouns:

theme

overbearing

overbearingadj.

Overbearing is used with these nouns:

father, mother

overboard

overboardadv.

Overboard is used with these verbs:

dump, fall, jump, throw, toss

overcast

overcastadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, lookbecomeThe sky became heavily overcast.remainADVERBcompletely (esp. AmE), heavily, very

Overcast is used with these nouns:

sky

overcoat

overcoatnoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVElongheavy, thickdark

overcome

overcomeverb

verb1 defeat/conquer sb/sth2 be overcome become weak; lose control1 defeat/conquer sb/sthADVERB | VERB + overcome | PHRASESADVERBcompletelysuccessfullynot entirelyThese problems were never entirely overcome.largelypartiallyeasilyquicklygraduallyeventually, finallyHe eventually overcame his disability.VERB + overcomebe able tohelp (to), help sb (to)Therapy helped her to overcome her fear.be designed tomethods designed to overcome these problemsattempt to, battle to, struggle to, try tomanage toPHRASESan attempt to overcome sth

2 be overcome become weak; lose controlADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBcompletely, quiteShe was quite overcome by their kindness.almost, nearlyShe was almost overcome by a tide of relief.suddenlyPREPOSITIONbySeveral firefighters had been overcome by smoke and fumes.withHe was suddenly overcome with remorse for the harm he had done.

Overcome is used with these nouns as the subject:

curiosity, fatigue, fear, fumes, sadness, sleep, weariness

Overcome is used with these nouns as the object:

addiction, adversity, alcoholism, anxiety, aversion, barrier, bias, challenge, crisis, defence, deficiency, deficit, depression, desire, difficulty, disability, disadvantage, disappointment, disaster, distrust, division, drawback, effect, evil, fear, grief, handicap, horror, hurdle, illness, impasse, impediment, inadequacy, inertia, inhibition, injury, instinct, limit, limitation, mistrust, nervousness, objection, obstacle, odds, opposition, perception, pessimism, phobia, prejudice, problem, reluctance, resistance, roadblock, scruples, setback, shortage, shortcoming, shyness, stigma, temptation, tendency, tragedy, urge, weakness

overcooked

overcookedadj.

Overcooked is used with these nouns:

vegetables

overcrowded

overcrowdedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecome, getADVERBextremely, veryseverely

Overcrowded is used with these nouns:

jail, prison, slum, tenement

overdose

overdosenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + overdose | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEmassivedrug, drugs (BrE)heroin, etc.fatal, lethalaccidentalVERB + overdosetakedie from, die ofPREPOSITIONoverdose ofShe took an overdose of sleeping pills.

overdraft

overdraftnoun

noun (esp. BrE)ADJECTIVE | VERB + overdraft | overdraft + NOUNADJECTIVEenormous, huge, largeagreed, authorizedunauthorizedfree (BrE)We offer a free £400 overdraft.bank (BrE)VERB + overdrafthaveget, take outrun upHe ran up a huge overdraft during his year in office.arrangeextend (BrE), give sb, offer (sb)pay offincreasereduceexceedThey exceeded their overdraft by £200 000.overdraft + NOUNfacilitylimit

overdraw

overdrawverb

Overdraw is used with these nouns as the object:

Overdue is used with these nouns:

overdrawn

overdrawnadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbego (BrE)I never like to go overdrawn if I can help it.remain (esp. BrE)ADVERBslightly, somewhat (both esp. BrE)

overdue

overdueadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbebecomeADVERBlongThese reforms are long overdue.PREPOSITIONforThis system is overdue for reform.PHRASESmonths, weeks, years, etc. overdueThese changes are years overdue.

recognition, reform

overemphasize

overemphasizeverb

Overemphasize is used with these nouns as the object:

importance

overestimate

overestimateverb

verbADVERB | VERB + overestimate | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBconsiderably, greatly, grossly, seriously, vastlyconsistentlyThe department consistently overestimated its budget deficits.VERB + overestimatetend tobe easy toIt is easy to overestimate the cost of this kind of research.be difficult to, be hard toPREPOSITIONbyWe overestimated the cost by about 2%.PHRASESsth cannot be overestimatedThe importance of this group cannot be overestimated.

Overestimate is used with these nouns as the object:

ability, effect, extent, importance, size, value

overflow

overflownounverb

I. noun

Overflow is used before these nouns:

Overflow is used with these nouns as the subject:

II. verb

bowl, bucket, pail, river, tear

Overflow is used with these nouns as the object:

Overgrown is used with these nouns:

overgrown

overgrownadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecome, getADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.thicklycompletelyThe path was completely overgrown.PREPOSITIONwithThe canal bank was thickly overgrown with bushes.

bang, lawn, shrub

overhand

overhandadj.

Overhand is used with these nouns:

knot

overhanging

overhangingadj.

Overhanging is used with these nouns:

branch, rock

overhaul

overhaulnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + overhaulADJECTIVEcomplete, major, massive, thoroughradicalVERB + overhaulhave, undergoThe tax system has undergone a complete overhaul.give sthneed, require

II. verbADVERBADVERBdrastically, radicallyWithin a year the party had drastically overhauled its structure.completely, thoroughlyThe plan was completely overhauled.

Overhaul is used with these nouns as the object:

Overhead is used before these nouns:

overhead

overheadnounadj.

I. noun

cost, expense

II. adj., adv.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeappear, circle, fly, gather, hover, pass, soar, wheelThe seagulls circled overhead.Storm clouds were gathering overhead.buzz, roar, scream, whirrHelicopters buzzed overhead.shineThe sun shone overhead.ADVERBdirectlyThe storm must be directly overhead.nearlyhighThe moon was high overhead.lowaircraft passing low overhead

Overhead is used with these nouns:

cable, compartment, cost, expense, fan, imagery, kick, lamp, light, lighting, projector, shot, smash, wire

overhear

overhearverb

verbADVERB | PHRASESADVERBaccidentallyPHRASEScouldn't help overhearing sthExcuse me for interrupting, but I couldn't help overhearing what you were saying.

Overhear is used with these nouns as the object:

conversation, snatch, talk

overheard

overheardadj.

Overheard is used with these nouns:

overheat

overheatverb

Overheat is used with these nouns as the subject:

overheated

overheatedadj.

Overheated is used with these nouns:

economy, imagination

overjoyed

overjoyedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, look, seem, soundADVERBnot exactlyShe was not exactly overjoyed to see us again.PREPOSITIONaboutThey're all overjoyed about it.atHe was overjoyed at the thought of having a son.byWe are overjoyed by this decision.withPatrick was overjoyed with his success.

overland

overlandadj.

Overland is used with these nouns:

journey, route

overlap

overlapverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBalmostpartially, partly, slightly, to some extentPut the two pieces of paper together so that they overlap slightly.The two categories overlap to some extent.clearlyPREPOSITIONinterms which overlap slightly in meaningwitha world which overlaps with the newspaper world

overlapping

overlappingadj.

Overlapping is used with these nouns:

circle, scale

overload

overloadnounverb

I. noun

Overload is used after these nouns:

Overload is used with these nouns as the object:

II. verbPREPOSITION | PHRASESPREPOSITIONwithTheir staff are heavily overloaded with work.PHRASESbe heavily overloaded, be seriously overloaded

circuit, muscle

overlook

overlookverb

verbADVERB | VERB + overlook | PHRASESADVERBcompletely, entirelylargelyfrequently, ofteneasilyconvenientlyConveniently overlooking the fact that she wouldn't be able to meet the commitment, she agreed.VERB + overlookcannot, cannot afford to, should notWe should not overlook this possibility.be inclined to, tend toHospitals have tended to overlook this need.seem tobe prepared to, be willing toI was prepared to overlook her mistakes this time.be easy toIt is easy to overlook the significance of this change.be impossible toPHRASESbe easily overlookedanother fact which is all too easily overlookedsth should not be overlookedThe importance of this should not be overlooked.

Overlook is used with these nouns as the subject:

castle, cliff, flat, hill, house, mountain, plateau, room, slope, terrace, window

Overlook is used with these nouns as the object:

aspect, bay, beach, courtyard, detail, fact, fault, garden, importance, lake, mountain, need, ocean, office, park, possibility, problem, sea, shortcoming, valley, yard

overly overnight

overnightadj.adv.

I. adj.

Overnight is used with these nouns:

accommodation, bag, case, celebrity, conversion, delivery, guest, journey, rain, sensation, shift, stay, stop, success, surge, train, trip

II. adv.

Overnight is used with these verbs:

change, disappear, dry, happen, snow, soak, stay, transform

overpass

overpassnoun

Overpass is used after these nouns:

freeway, highway

overpay

overpayverb

Overpay is used with these nouns as the object:

overplay

overplayverb

Overplay is used with these nouns as the object:

overpowering

overpoweringadj.

Overpowering is used with these nouns:

smell, stench, stink, urge

overprescribe

overprescribeverb

Overprescribe is used with these nouns as the object:

antibiotic

overprotective

overprotectiveadj.

Overprotective is used with these nouns:

father, mother, parent

override

overrideverb

Override is used with these nouns as the object:

concern, decision, veto, wish

overriding

overridingadj.

Overriding is used with these nouns:

aim, concern, consideration, importance, impression, message, need, objective, theme

overripe

overripeadj.

Overripe is used with these nouns:

banana, fruit

overrule

overruleverb

Overrule is used with these nouns as the subject:

Overrule is used with these nouns as the object:

decision

overrun

overrunnounverb

I. noun

Overrun is used after these nouns:

cost

II. verb

Overrun is used with these nouns as the subject:

Overseas is used with these nouns:

overseas

overseasadj.adv.

I. adj.

aid, asset, bank, branch, colony, commitment, competition, competitor, country, customer, distributor, empire, expansion, holiday, import, investment, investor, manufacturer, market, office, possession, post, posting, sale, student, subsidiary, supplier, territory, tour, tourism, trade, travel, trip, visit, visitor, voter

II. adv.

Overseas is used with these verbs:

expand, export, invest, locate, transfer, travel

oversee

overseeverb

verbADVERB | VERB + oversee | PHRASESADVERBdirectlypersonallyHe personally oversaw the design of all the rooms.VERB + overseebe appointed to, be created to, be set up toA committee has been appointed to oversee the work.PHRASESbe responsible for overseeing sththe committee that is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day implementation of this policy

Oversee is used with these nouns as the subject:

Oversee is used with these nouns as the object:

construction, development, division, election, execution, implementation, investigation, management, operation, preparation, process, programme, project, reconstruction, renovation, research, training, work

overshoot

overshootverb

Overshoot is used with these nouns as the object:

mark, target, turn-off

oversight

oversightnoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEunfortunateadministrativePREPOSITIONby (an) oversightBy an oversight, we did not send out the agenda for the meeting.due to (an) oversightThe mistake was due to an unfortunate oversight on my part.through (an) oversightThrough oversight, the bill was still unpaid.

oversized

oversizedadj.

Oversized is used with these nouns:

shirt, sweater, T-shirt

overspend

overspendverb

Overspend is used with these nouns as the object:

budget

overstate

overstateverb

Overstate is used with these nouns as the object:

case, extent, importance

overstay

overstayverb

Overstay is used with these nouns as the object:

visa, welcome

overstep

overstepverb

Overstep is used with these nouns as the object:

authority, boundary, limit

overstuffed

overstuffedadj.

Overstuffed is used with these nouns:

armchair, backpack, couch, sofa

overt

overtadj.

Overt is used with these nouns:

aggression, conflict, discrimination, display, expression, hostility, manifestation, racism, recognition, reference, sexuality

overtake

overtakeverb

Overtake is used with these nouns as the subject:

car, sleep, weariness

Overtake is used with these nouns as the object:

car, leader

overtaking

overtakingnoun

Overtaking is used before these nouns:

lane

over-the-counter

over-the-counteradj.

Over-the-counter is used with these nouns:

cream, drug, medication, medicine, remedy, sale, transaction

overthrow

overthrownounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + overthrow | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEattemptedviolentVERB + overthrowbring about, lead toplotPREPOSITIONoverthrow ofto bring about the overthrow of the military dictatorship

II. verb

Overthrow is used with these nouns as the subject:

revolt, revolution

Overthrow is used with these nouns as the object:

capitalism, communism, dictatorship, dynasty, government, junta, king, monarchy, regime, republic, system, tyranny, tyrant

overtime

overtimenoun

noun1 work2 (AmE) sport1 workADJECTIVE | VERB + overtime | overtime + NOUNADJECTIVEexcessiveDoctors work excessive unpaid overtime.paid, unpaidforced, mandatory (both AmE)VERB + overtimedo, put in, workI do about five hours' overtime a week.She puts in a lot of overtime.overtime + NOUNearnings (BrE), pay, payments (esp. BrE), rateban (esp. BrE)The union imposed an overtime ban in protest at the firing of two workers.

2 (AmE) sportADJECTIVE | VERBS | overtime + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfirst, second, etc.He scored with only seven seconds remaining in the second overtime.sudden-deathVERBSgo intoThe game went into overtime.forceStanford scored two goals in the last minute to force overtime.overtime + NOUNperiodThe first overtime period ended with no scoring.victory, winan impressive overtime win against DenverlossPREPOSITIONin overtimeWe were unlucky to lose in overtime.

overtly

overtlyadv.

Overtly is used with these adjectives:

concerned, erotic, hostile, political, religious

overtone

overtonenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + overtoneADJECTIVEstronga play with strong religious overtonesseriousnegativeThe word ‘cheap’ has negative overtones.emotional, moral, political, racial, religious, sexualracistVERB + overtonecarry, havetake onThe organization's cultural activities took on political overtones.

overture

overturenoun

noun1 (usually overtures) friendly approach2 piece of music1 (usually overtures) friendly approachADJECTIVE | VERB + overture | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfriendlydiplomatic, peaceromantic, sexualVERB + overturemakerespond toreject, resist, spurnShe spurned his overtures of love.PREPOSITIONovertures ofovertures of friendshipovertures toHe made friendly overtures to the new people next door.

2 piece of musicADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEconcert, operaticPREPOSITIONoverture tothe overture to Mozart's ‘Don Giovanni’

overturn

overturnverb

verbADVERB | VERB + overturn | PHRASESADVERBcompletelyShe completely overturned my preconceptions about movie stars.VERB + overturnseek to, try toHe is seeking to overturn his conviction for armed robbery.fail toPHRASESbe easily overturnedThis argument seems convincing, but is easily overturned.

Overturn is used with these nouns as the subject:

court, judge, lorry, raft

Overturn is used with these nouns as the object:

ban, boat, conviction, decision, deficit, injunction, law, majority, precedent, ruling, sentence, table, verdict, veto, will

overturned

overturnedadj.

Overturned is used with these nouns:

Overuse is used before these nouns:

overuse

overusenounverb

I. noun

Overuse is used with these nouns as the object:

II. verb

antibiotic

overview

overviewnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + overview | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbrief, concise, quick, shortbroad, generalcomplete, comprehensivedetailed, in-depthcriticalbalancedhistoricalThe opening chapter gives a brief historical overview of the subject.usefulVERB + overviewgive (sb), offer (sb), present, provide (sb with)haveOnly the head of sales has an overview of the situation worldwide.PREPOSITIONoverview of, overview onThe seminar aims to provide an overview on new media publishing.

overweight

overweightadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, lookYou don't look overweight.become, getDon't let yourself get overweight.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.grossly, seriouslya little, slightly, etc.PHRASESa few pounds, etc. overweight

overwhelm

overwhelmverb

verbADVERB | VERB + overwhelm | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBabsolutely, completely, totallyquite, ratheralmost, nearlysuddenlyVERB + overwhelmthreaten toDeal with stress fast whenever it threatens to overwhelm you.PREPOSITIONwithThe children pressed around him eagerly, overwhelming him with questions.PHRASESoverwhelmed by sthWe were totally overwhelmed by the response to our appeal.absolutely overwhelmed, completely overwhelmed, totally overwhelmedShe felt completely overwhelmed.a bit overwhelmed, a little overwhelmedalmost overwhelmed, nearly overwhelmed

Overwhelm is used with these nouns as the subject:

beauty, guilt, pain, sadness, sensation

Overwhelm is used with these nouns as the object:

defence

overwhelming

overwhelmingadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seembecomeADVERBcompletely, quitealmostThe urge to look was almost overwhelming.a little, pretty (esp. AmE)All these new experiences were a little overwhelming.apparently, seeminglyseemingly overwhelming obstacles

Overwhelming is used with these nouns:

advantage, approval, bulk, consensus, defeat, desire, dominance, emotion, endorsement, evidence, favourite, fear, feeling, force, grief, guilt, importance, impression, influence, joy, longing, love, majority, margin, need, number, odds, percentage, popularity, presence, proportion, relief, sadness, sensation, sense, stench, success, superiority, support, temptation, tiredness, urge, victory, vote

overwhelmingly overwrite

overwriteverb

Overwrite is used with these nouns as the object:

file

owe owl

owlnoun

nounADJECTIVE | owl + VERB | owl + NOUNADJECTIVEbarn, spotted, etc.stuffedwise (often figurative)He's a wise old owl.night (figurative)I was a night owl when I was younger, but these days I'd rather go to bed early.owl + VERBflyhoot, screechcatch sth, prey on sthOwls prey on small rodents.nest, perch, roostowl + NOUNpellet

owlish

owlishadj.

Owlish is used with these nouns:

glasses

own

ownverbadj.

I. verbADVERB | PHRASESADVERBindependentlyformerly, once, originally, previouslyThe car was once owned by Elvis Presley.legallyHe committed the crime with a gun that he legally owned.communally, jointlyOnly when the means of production were communally owned would classes disappear.She owns the house jointly with her husband.PHRASESdirectly owned by sb, indirectly owned by sbown your own boat, home, etc.They dreamed of owning their own home.partly owned by sb, wholly owned by sbThe company is a wholly owned subsidiary of SNL Research.privately owned, publicly ownedThe museum is privately owned.

Own is used with these nouns as the subject:

ministry, trust

Own is used with these nouns as the object:

asset, bar, business, cafe, car, cat, collection, company, copy, copyright, cottage, dog, estate, factory, farm, firearm, firm, flat, franchise, garage, home, horse, hotel, house, inn, land, mansion, mill, newspaper, nightclub, pet, plantation, premises, property, restaurant, right, share, shop, site, slave, stake, stock, subsidiary, track, vehicle, villa

II. adj.

Own is used with these nouns:

affair, brand, copy, country, destiny, goal, home, inclination, interest, observation, psychology, self, shortcoming, show, slant, way, work, world

own-brand

own-brandadj.

Own-brand is used with these nouns:

owner

ownernoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + ownerADJECTIVEsolepartI'm part owner of the restaurant.jointformer, original, previouscurrent, presentnewfuture, prospectivelawful, legal, rightfulThe stolen painting has now been returned to its rightful owner.privatelucky, proudthe proud owner of a new camerabusiness, car, dog, factory, home, land, propertyVERB + ownerhaveThe car had only one previous owner.find, traceThe police have been unable to trace the owner of the vehicle.becomeTheir daughter became the owner of the farm in 1892.

ownership

ownershipnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + ownership | ownership + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfullsolecollective, common, fractional (AmE, law), joint, sharednewlegalprivatecorporatepublic, stateforeigncar, home, landVERB + ownershipchange, transferThe business has changed ownership several times.He transferred the legal ownership of his property to his children.pass intoThe estate passed into public ownership.acquire, assume, seize, take, take overretainclaimownership + VERBpassOwnership of the land passed from father to son.PREPOSITIONunder (the) ownershipThe cafe is under new ownership.PHRASESa change in ownership

oxnoun

Ox is used before these nouns:

cart

Oxbridge

Oxbridgenoun

Oxbridge is used before these nouns:

graduate

ox-drawn

ox-drawnadj.

Ox-drawn is used with these nouns:

plough

oxford

oxfordadj.

Oxford is used with these nouns:

shirt, shoe

oxide

oxidenoun

Oxide is used after these nouns:

oxygen

oxygennoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + oxygen | oxygen + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEpureliquidatmosphericVERB + oxygencarry, containthe blood which carries oxygen to the brainabsorb, breathe, consume, take in, use upgenerate, produce, releaseAfter dark the plants stop producing oxygen.administer, give sbget, receiveThe patient didn't seem to be getting enough oxygen.deprive sb/sth of, starve sb/sth ofThere was a risk the brain might be starved of oxygen.oxygen + NOUNatom, moleculelevel, supplyconsumptiondeprivationmaskcylinder, tankPHRASESa lack of oxygena supply of oxygen

oyster

oysternoun

Oyster is used before these nouns:

mushroom, sauce, shell

ozone

ozonenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + ozone | ozone + VERB | ozone + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEatmospheric, ground-level, stratosphericVERB + ozonedeplete, destroyform, produceOzone is formed when an electric spark is passed through oxygen.ozone + VERBthindisappearozone + NOUNlayerThe ozone layer is disappearing over northern Europe.depletion, destruction, lossholepollutionconcentration, levelsPHRASESdamage to the ozone layer, depletion of the ozone layer, destruction of the ozone layera hole in the ozone layer

pace

pacenounverb

I. noun1 one step2 speed1 one stepVERB + pace | PREPOSITIONVERB + pacetake, walkTake two paces forward.step backStep back three paces.PREPOSITIONpace behindTwo bodyguards remained a couple of paces behind the president.pace fromI stopped a few paces from the edge of the cliff.

2 speedADJECTIVE | VERB + pace | pace + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEblistering, breakneck, breathtaking, brisk, cracking (esp. BrE), fast, frantic, frenetic, frenzied, furious, good, great, hectic, lightning, lively, rapidgentle, glacial, leisurely, relaxed, slow, unhurried, walkingthe slow pace of economic reformeven, measured, moderate, steadyVERB + pacegather, increase, quickenThe project had a slow start, but is now gathering pace.Thinking that she was being followed, she quickened her pace.slacken, slow downdictate, setBrown set the pace in the first mile.keep, keep up, maintainThe younger children struggled to keep pace with the older ones.She kept up a pace of ten miles an hour.stand (BrE)You shouldn't have such a job if you can't stand the pace.pace + VERBincreaseslowPREPOSITIONat a … paceThey set off at a blistering pace.pace ofThe pace of change means that equipment has to be constantly replaced.The pace of life is much slower on the islands.PHRASESat sb's own paceThe students work at their own pace.at a snail's paceI set off at a snail's pace to conserve my energy for later in the race.a change of paceI try to get away at weekends for a change of pace.a turn of pace (BrE)He's a skilful player with a good turn of pace.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + pace | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBslowlyanxiously, nervously, restlesslyShe paced restlessly up and down.about (BrE), around, back and forth, round (esp. BrE), to and fro, up and downHe paced slowly back and forth.VERB + pacebegin toPREPOSITIONabout (BrE), around, round (esp. BrE)PHRASESbegin pacingShe began pacing around the room.

Pace is used with these nouns as the object:

floor, room

pace around

pace aroundphr verb

Pace around is used with these nouns as the object:

pace round

pace roundphr verb

Pace round is used with these nouns as the object:

pacify

pacifyverb

Pacify is used with these nouns as the object:

Pack is used with these nouns as the subject:

pack

packnounverb

I. noun1 (esp. AmE) container holding goods2 things supplied together3 things put together for carrying4 group of animals, etc.5 (BrE) playing cards1 (esp. AmE) container holding goodsADJECTIVE | pack + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcigarette (esp. AmE) (usually cigarette packet in BrE)blistergift, sample (BrE)pack + VERBcontain sthPREPOSITIONin a/the packHow many needles are there in a pack?pack ofIt comes in packs of six.a pack of cigarettesa pack of gum

2 things supplied togetherADJECTIVE | pack + VERBADJECTIVEaction, information, resource (BrE), starter, training (BrE)pack + VERBcontain sth, include sthYour information pack includes addresses of leading manufacturers.

3 things put together for carryingADJECTIVE | VERB + pack | pack + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEheavyfanny (AmE)battery, powera rechargeable battery packVERB + packcarry, slingpack + NOUNanimal, horse, mulePREPOSITIONin a/the packThe water in his pack made it very heavy.

4 group of animals, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + pack | pack + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEwolfhuntingbrat (= a group of famous young people who sometimes behave badly)VERB + packleadpack + NOUNinstinctPREPOSITIONin a/the packthe dominant animal in the packin packsThe animals hunt in packs.pack ofa pack of dogs/wolvesPHRASESthe leader of the pack

5 (BrE) playing cardsSee also deckVERB + pack | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + packshufflecutPREPOSITIONin a/the packThere are 52 playing cards in a pack.PHRASESthe bottom of the pack, the top of the packTake a card from the top of the pack.a pack of cards

II. verb1 put things into containers2 fill a place/sth1 put things into containersADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBcarefully, neatlytightlyLive animals are transported across the continent, packed tightly into trucks.quicklyaway, together, upThe passengers were packed together like cattle.I think we might as well pack up and go home.PREPOSITIONin, intoShe packed her clothes into a suitcase.

2 fill a place/sthPREPOSITION | PHRASESPREPOSITIONintoCrowds of people packed into the hall.PHRASESbe packed full of sthOur new brochure is packed full of inspirational ideas.be packed out (esp. BrE)The stadium was packed out.be packed to bursting (esp. BrE), be packed to capacity, be packed to overflowing (esp. BrE)The hall was packed to capacity.be packed to the brim, be packed to the gills, be packed to the rafters (esp. BrE)The hostel was packed to the rafters.be packed with sbThe place was packed with conference attendees.closely packed, densely packed, tightly packed

Pack is used with these nouns as the object:

backpack, bag, basket, belongings, box, clothes, crate, grocery, hall, luggage, parachute, picnic, punch, rucksack, shelf, stadium, street, suitcase, tent, thing, trunk, venue

pack-a-day

pack-a-dayadj.

Pack-a-day is used with these nouns:

smoker

package

packagenounverb

I. noun1 (esp. AmE) something wrapped in paper, etc.2 set of proposals3 computer software1 (esp. AmE) something wrapped in paper, etc.See also parcelADJECTIVE | VERB + package | package + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, bulky, compact, neat, smallwrappedplastic (AmE)cigarette (AmE) (usually cigarette pack in AmE, cigarette packet in BrE), foodsuspect (BrE), suspiciousPolice destroyed the suspicious package in a controlled explosion.VERB + packageopen, unwrap, wrapmail (AmE), post (BrE), senddeliverreceive, sign forpackage + VERBcontainarrivePREPOSITIONin a/the packageI sent the books in one big package.package ofa package of cookies/meat (AmE)

2 set of proposalsADJECTIVE | VERB + package | package + VERB | package + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbasiccomplete, comprehensive, entire, full, integrated, overall, total, wholeattractive, excellent, generousreformbenefits, compensation, financial, incentive, pay, remunerationa comprehensive benefits packageretirement, travel, vacationredundancy (BrE), severanceaid, assistance, rescuetrainingVERB + packageoffer, produce, provide, put togetherThe IMF has put together a rescue package for the country's faltering economy.accept, approverejectpackage + VERBconsist of sth, contain sth, include sthbe aimed at stha jobs package aimed at helping the unemployedpackage + NOUNholiday (BrE), tourdealPREPOSITIONin a/the packagethe measures included in the packageunder a/the packageUnder the reform package, spending on health will increase.package ofa package of measures to assist industryPHRASESpart of a packageThe pay freeze forms part of a package of budget cuts.

3 computer softwareADJECTIVE | VERB + packageADJECTIVEsoftwareintegratedan integrated business software packageapplication, desktop-publishing, drawing, graphics, word-processingaccounting, businessVERB + packagedownload, installusedevelop

II. verb

Package is used with these nouns as the object:

packaged

packagedadj.

Packaged is used with these nouns:

packaging

packagingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + packaging | packaging + NOUNADJECTIVEfancyMany customers are influenced by designer names and fancy packaging.originalKeep your sales receipt and the original packaging.recyclableplasticflexible, rigidfood, product, etc.VERB + packagingrecyclepackaging + NOUNmaterialstechnologywastecompany, firm, group, manufacturerindustry

packed

packedadj.

Packed is used with these nouns:

audience, auditorium, cinema, crowd, dirt, gallery, hall, house, lunch, snow, stadium, suitcase, theatre

packer

packernoun

Packer is used after these nouns:

packet

packetnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + packet | packet + VERB | packet + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEemptycereal, cigarette (cigarette pack in AmE), cornflake, crisp (all BrE)ketchup, mustard, sugar (all AmE)seedpay, wage (both BrE)a weekly pay packet (= wage) of £200math (= work to do in the the holiday/vacation) (AmE)My kids have summer math packets from their schools.VERB + packetopenpacket + VERBcontain stha packet containing seedspacket + NOUNsoupPREPOSITIONon a/the packetFollow the instructions on the packet.packet ofa packet of crisps (BrE)a packet of sugar (AmE)

pack in

pack inphr verb

Pack in is used with these nouns as the object:

box, job

packing

packingnoun

nounVERB + packing | packing + NOUN | PHRASESVERB + packingdoWhen shall we do the packing?finishShe finished her packing and zipped up the bag.packing + NOUNcase (BrE)PHRASESpostage and packing (BrE) (postage and handling in AmE)All prices include postage and packing.

pack into

pack intophr verb

Pack into is used with these nouns as the subject:

Pack into is used with these nouns as the object:

box, stadium

pack out

pack outphr verb

Pack out is used with these nouns as the object:

venue

pack up

pack upphr verb

Pack up is used with these nouns as the object:

backpack, belongings, stall, tent

pact

pactnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + pact | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbilateral, mutualdefence/defense, securitynon-aggression, peacestabilityelectoral (esp. BrE), free-trade (esp. AmE), social, tradesuicideVERB + pacthaveconclude, enter into, form, makeThe Liberals formed a secret pact with the Independents.signThe Soviet Union had signed a non-aggression pact with Germany.negotiatebreakPREPOSITIONin a/the pactShe died with her lover in a suicide pact.under a/the pactconditions under the recently signed non-aggression pactpact betweena security pact between Pakistan and Francepact withShe made a pact with her friend never to tell anyone what had happened.PHRASESa pact with the devil (usually a deal with the devil in AmE)He accused them of making a pact with the devil by allowing soldiers to be stationed in the region.

pad

padnounverb

I. noun1 pieces of paper fastened together at one edge2 thick piece of soft material1 pieces of paper fastened together at one edgeADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEmemo, note (usually notepad), scratch (AmE)drawing, sketchwritingprescriptionPREPOSITIONon a/the padShe doodled on a pad as she spoke.

2 thick piece of soft materialADJECTIVEADJECTIVEthickadhesivecotton (AmE), cotton-wool (BrE), foam, gauze, gel, rubberpolishing, scouring, steel-woolmenstrual (esp. AmE), sanitaryincontinence (esp. BrE)mattress, sleeping (both AmE)mouse (esp. AmE) (usually mouse mat in BrE)Every computer user should have a good mouse pad.

II. verb1 be padded be filled/covered with soft material2 move quietly1 be padded be filled/covered with soft materialADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBheavilyShe was wearing a warm coat and heavily padded gloves.wellPREPOSITIONwithThe shoulder straps are padded with foam.

2 move quietlyADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBquietly, silently, softlybarefootabout (esp. BrE), aroundHe padded around in his socks eating cereal.PREPOSITIONabout (esp. BrE), aroundShe padded softly around the house.acrossHe padded barefoot across the carpet.alongThe cat padded silently along the track.to, towards/toward

Pad is used with these nouns as the subject:

Pad is used with these nouns as the object:

résumé

padded

paddedadj.

Padded is used with these nouns:

bench, bra, cell, chair, envelope, jacket, strap

paddle

paddlenounverb

I. noun

Paddle is used before these nouns:

boat, steamer

Paddle is used after these nouns:

canoe

II. verbADVERBADVERBfrantically, furiouslyHe paddled furiously against the current.

Paddle is used with these nouns as the subject:

Paddle is used with these nouns as the object:

canoe, raft

paddling

paddlingnoun

Paddling is used before these nouns:

paddy

paddynoun

Paddy is used before these nouns:

Paddy is used after these nouns:

paediatric

paediatricadj.

Paediatric is used with these nouns:

dentist, medicine, nurse, patient, surgery

paediatrician

paediatriciannoun

Paediatrician is used after these nouns:

consultant

pagan

paganadj.

Pagan is used with these nouns:

belief, cult, deity, festival, god, goddess, religion, ritual, sacrifice, superstition, symbolism, temple, tradition, worship

page

pagenoun

noun1 in a book, etc.2 on the Internet1 in a book, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + page | page + VERB | page + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEback, frontfacing, oppositeThere's a photo of him on the opposite page.insideleft-hand, right-handfollowing, next, preceding, previousfirst, openingfinal, lastnewWrite each answer on a new page.blank, emptyfullloosedog-earedtornyellowedglossythe glossy pages of magazinesprinted, typed, typewrittenThe speech did not transfer well to the printed page.handwritten, writtensingle-spacedcontents, titleintroductoryadvertising, business, editorial, financial, gossip, obituary, op-ed (AmE), opinion, problem (BrE), sports (all in a newspaper, etc.)the problem pages of magazinescalendar, scrapbookVERB + pagereadscan, skimShe began to skim the pages for something of interest.peruse (formal or humorous)writeHe wrote fifty pages in five hours.editturn, turn over, turn toI turned the dog-eared pages of my old address book.Turn to page 30 in the coursebook.flick through (esp. BrE), flip through (esp. AmE), leaf throughShe sat idly flipping through the pages of a fashion magazine.skipHe skipped a few pages and carried on reading.rip, rip out, tear, tear outsplash sth acrossThe headlines were splashed across the front page of every newspaper.dedicate, devoteParticularly sad are the pages devoted to the death of his mother.fillBeautiful pictures fill the pages.dominateThe news dominated the pages of the local newspaper.gracePhyllis graced the pages of ‘Life’ magazine in 1953.page + VERBcontain sth, describe sth, detail sth, explain sth, feature sth, include sth, list sth, provide sthThe front page features a warning about the dangers of drugs.The page provides information about the company.page + NOUNnumberdesign, layoutsizecountPREPOSITIONat (a/the) page, to (a/the) pageOpen your books at page 14. (esp. BrE)Open your books to page 14. (AmE)in the pagesThe murder takes place in the opening pages of the novel.on a/the pageThe crossword is on the back page.over the pageHer eyes skimmed over the page.The article continues over the page (= on the other side of the page). (BrE)PHRASESat the bottom of the page, at the foot of the pageat the head of the page, at the top of the pageWrite your name at the top of each page. … pages longThe story is thirty pages long.run your eye down a page, run your finger down a pageI ran my finger down the page until I found the name I was looking for.

2 on the InternetADJECTIVE | VERB + page | page + VERB | page + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEHTML, Internet, webhome, mainlanding, splashlinkedFAQ, index, login, searchVERB + pagereadscan, scroll down, skimShe began to scroll down the page looking for the address.dedicate, devoteweb pages devoted to people's catscreate, designcustomizeaccess, view, visitdisplay, download, loadrefresh, updateThe page is automatically updated every five minutes.bookmark, postuploadpage + VERBloadIt takes a few seconds for the web page to load.page + NOUNlinkPREPOSITIONon a/the pageThe information you need is on the same page.

pageant

pageantnoun

Pageant is used after these nouns:

pageboy

pageboynoun

Pageboy is used before these nouns:

Paid is used with these nouns:

paid

paidadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBhighly, wella well-paid jobbadly, poorlypoorly paid workers

employee, employment, gig, holiday, invoice, job, leave, overtime, subscription, vacation, work, worker

paid-up

paid-upadj.

Paid-up is used with these nouns:

member

pail

pailnoun

noun (esp. AmE)See also bucketADJECTIVE | VERB + pail | pail + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEempty, fullfive-gallon, ten-gallonmetal, plasticgarbage (AmE)She threw all the scraps into a garbage pail.diaper (AmE)lunch (= for carrying your lunch) (AmE)VERB + pailfillShe filled the pail with fresh water.carryfetch, lug (informal)Women in some villages had to trudge miles to fetch one pail of water.pail + VERBbe full of sth, hold sthoverflowPREPOSITIONin a/the pailpail ofpails of soapy waterPHRASESa shovel and pail (AmE)The children played on the beach with their shovels and pails.mop and paila worker equipped with a mop and pail

pain

painnoun

noun1 physical pain2 unhappiness1 physical painADJECTIVE | … OF PAIN | VERB + pain | pain + VERB | pain + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEacute, agonizing, awful, blinding, excruciating, extreme, great, immense, intense, severe, terrible, unbearable, unimaginableaching, burning, cramping, numbing, piercing, searing, sharp, shooting, stabbing, stinging, throbbingShe had a burning pain in one eye.dull, little, mild, slightdebilitatingchronic, constant, nagging, persistentsuddenintermittentrecurrentbodily, physicalabdominal, back, chest, joint, leg, muscle, pelvic, shoulder, stomachShe's been in bed with back pain.He went to the doctor with chest pains.menstrual, period (esp. BrE)arthritislabor pain (AmE), labour/labor pains (BrE, AmE)growing painsphantomthe phantom pain of a lost limb… OF PAINspasm, stabVERB + painbe in, be racked with, experience, feel, get, go through, have, suffer, suffer fromHe was obviously in a great deal of pain.Can you feel any pain?Marathon runners are used to going through pain.He was taken to the hospital suffering from severe abdominal pain.cause, give sb, inflictHis back gives him a lot of pain.It's wrong to inflict pain on any animal.aggravate, exacerbate, increase, make worsealleviate, block out, deaden, dull, ease, help, kill, lessen, numb, reduce, relieve, soothe, stopThese pills should ease the pain.control, manageThe treatments helped manage his pain.minimizetreatDoctors used to treat back pain with rest.bear, endure, put up with, stand, take, withstandignorecry out in, cry with, groan with, scream withbe contorted with, contort inHis face was contorted with pain as he crossed the finish line.pain + VERBbegin, come, occur, startThe pains began shortly after she started work as a gardener.erupt, flare, flare uphit sb/sth, strike sb/sthA sharp pain hit the middle of my chest and I collapsed.course through sb/sth, flash through sth, flood sth, lance through sb/sth (literary, esp. AmE), radiate from sth to sth, rip through sb/sth, rush through sb/sth, rush up sb/sth, sear through sb/sth, shoot through sth, shoot up sth, stab sb/sth, surge through sb/sth, sweep over sb/sth, sweep through sb/sth, tear through sb/sth, throb, wash over sbA sharp pain shot up his leg.overwhelm sb, wrack sb/sthPain wracked her frail body once more.grow stronger, increase, intensify, worsendisappear, ease, fade, go, recede, stop, subsideHas the pain gone yet?persistIf the pain persists, see your doctor.come back, returnpain + NOUNcontrol, management, reliefkiller (usually painkiller), medication, medicine, pill (esp. AmE), relieversufferersymptomsspecialistclinicthreshold, tolerancelevelintensity, severitysensationPREPOSITIONpain ina pain in her sidePHRASESaches and painsEucalyptus oil is good for easing muscular aches and pains.a cry of paina threshold for pain (esp. AmE), a threshold of painI have a very low threshold for pain.

2 unhappinessADJECTIVE | VERB + pain | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreat, immense, intense, terriblenumbingindescribable, unspeakableemotionalVERB + paincause (sb), give sb, inflictThrough her drug addiction she had inflicted a lot of pain on the family.feel, go throughknowShe knew the pain of separation.get overIt took him several years to get over the pain of losing his job.dull, ease, lessen, numbhealNothing could heal the pain of her son's death.spare sbWe hoped to spare her the pain of having to meet her attacker.expressshareIt was lovely to have someone there to share both the pain and the joy.conceal, hide, maskHe tried to conceal his pain from her.forgetFor a few moments she forgot the pain he had caused her.bear, endure, withstandreliveI don't want to relive the pain of losing her.senseI could sense her pain and put my arm around her.prolongPHRASESthe pain etched on sb's faceEllen saw the pain etched on his face when he mentioned his ex-wife's name.

pained

painedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, look, seem, soundADVERBslightlya slightly pained expression on his face

Pained is used with these nouns:

expression, grimace, look

painful

painfuladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, look, seembecome, getfind sthShe found it unbearably painful to speak.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.acutely, excruciatingly, horribly, incredibly, intensely, terribly, unbearablyparticularlyincreasinglyalmosta little, slightly, etc.potentiallyemotionally, physicallyPREPOSITIONtoThe subject of his failed marriage was quite painful to him.

Painful is used with these nouns:

blow, breakup, clarity, compromise, cramp, death, divorce, emotion, experience, feeling, grimace, grip, humiliation, illness, inflammation, joint, lesson, lump, memory, past, process, reality, realization, recollection, reminder, sensation, shock, slap, spasm, sting, swelling, transition, truth

painfully

painfullyadv.

Painfully is used with these adjectives:

apparent, aware, awkward, beautiful, clear, conscious, evident, exposed, familiar, funny, honest, obvious, self-conscious, sensitive, shy, sincere, slow, thin

Painfully is used with these verbs:

beat, land, remind, struggle, swallow, throb, thud, thump, tighten, twist

painkiller

painkillernoun

Painkiller is used after these nouns:

prescription

painkilling

painkillingadj.

Painkilling is used with these nouns:

injection

painless

painlessadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeThe operation was relatively painless.ADVERBcompletely, totallyfairly, prettyalmostrelatively

Painless is used with these nouns:

death

painlessly

painlesslyadv.

Painlessly is used with these verbs:

remove

painstaking

painstakingadj.

Painstaking is used with these nouns:

care, detail, effort, process, research, search, work

painstakingly

painstakinglyadv.

Painstakingly is used with these adjectives:

slow

Painstakingly is used with these verbs:

analyse, prepare, rebuild, reconstruct, restore

paint

paintnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | … OF PAINT | VERB + paint | paint + VERB | paint + NOUNADJECTIVEthick, thinfresholdOld paint was chipping off the outside walls.dry, wetchipped, loose, peelingnon-toxicemulsion (BrE), enamel, flat (esp. AmE), gloss, matt/matte, metallic, spraylead, lead-based, oil-based, water-basedlatexacrylic, oil, poster, watercolour/watercoloran artist working with acrylic paintscraft (AmE)milk (AmE), temperaexterior, interiorfabric, house… OF PAINTblob, speck, splash, spotSpecks of paint found at the scene were found to match the accused's car.coatI'll give the walls a fresh coat of paint.layerThe artist has used several layers of paint to create the stormy sky.lick (informal)A lick of paint will do wonders for the room.jar, pot, tubebucket (AmE), can (AmE), tin (BrE)box, seta set of oil paintsVERB + paintapply, put on, spraydaub with (esp. BrE), splash with, splatter withremove, scrape off, strip, strip offmixpourpaint + VERBdrychip, flake, flake off, peelPaint was peeling from the walls.paint + NOUNcolour/colorfinishThe stove is available in two metallic paint finishes.brush (usually paintbrush), rollerguntraybucket (esp. AmE), can (AmE), potthinnerremover, stripperchip (AmE)application, coat (AmE) (usually coat of paint in AmE and always in BrE), layersamplemanufacturer, shop (BrE), store (AmE)schemeThe aircraft have been repainted in the original red and black paint scheme.jobWe did a quick paint job on the car and hoped the damage wasn't noticeable.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBcarefully, delicately, meticulouslywellbadly, crudelyThe walls had been painted very badly.a crudely painted human figurebeautifully, exquisitelybrightly, gaily (old-fashioned)the cheerful, brightly painted doorsPREPOSITIONinan artist who usually paints in oilsonI like to paint on canvas.withPaint the box all over with varnish.PHRASESfreshly painted, newly paintedpaint sth blue, white, etc.We painted the walls light green.

Paint is used with these nouns as the subject:

Paint is used with these nouns as the object:

backdrop, bedroom, ceiling, design, exterior, fingernail, likeness, masterpiece, mural, nail, painting, picture, portrait, room, scenario, slogan, toenail, view, wall, wood, woodwork

paintball

paintballnoun

Paintball is used before these nouns:

painted

paintedadj.

Painted is used with these nouns:

backdrop, ceiling, decoration, face, fingernail, finish, image, mural, nail, sign, toenail, wood

painter

painternoun

noun1 person whose job is to paint buildings, walls, etc.2 artist who paints pictures1 person whose job is to paint buildings, walls, etc.ADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEself-employedhousesignPHRASESpainter and decorator (BrE)He now works as a painter and decorator.

2 artist who paints picturesADJECTIVEADJECTIVEcelebrated, distinguished, famous, great, leading, master, renowned, well-knownsome of the great painters of the last centurythe Dutch master painter Jan Vermeeraccomplished, good, talentedsuccessfulamateur, professionalself-taughtcontemporary, modern, modernistan exhibition of works by contemporary painters16th-century, etc.courtRudolf II's court painteroil, watercolour/watercolor (esp. BrE)abstract, animal (esp. BrE), figurative, fresco (esp. BrE), genre, landscape, miniature, portrait, realist, still-lifeCubist, Impressionist, Romantic, etc.

painting

paintingnoun

noun1 act of painting2 picture1 act of paintingADJECTIVE | VERB + painting | painting + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEacrylic, oil, watercolour/watercolorminiatureabstract, decorative, figurative, genre, landscape, portrait, representational, still-life, surrealistmuralcontemporary, moderntraditionalHe studied traditional Japanese painting at the Kano school.VERB + paintingdoI'll do some painting this afternoon.take up (esp. BrE)When she retired she took up painting.studyHe went to Europe to study painting.painting + NOUNstyle, techniquePHRASESpainting and decorating (BrE)The firm specializes in painting and decorating.

2 pictureADJECTIVE | … OF PAINTINGS | VERB + painting | painting + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbeautiful, fine, good, greatfamous, well-knownvaluableoriginalThe design is based on an original painting by Matisse.early, lateHis early paintings were light, expressive compositions.recentminiatureCubist, Impressionist, etc.avant-gardecontemporary17th-century, etc.abstract, decorative, figurative, figure, genre, landscape, religious, still-life, surrealistcave, ceiling, fresco, mural, wallacrylic, oil, watercolour/watercolormonochromecolourful/colorfullarge, large-scalesmalleaseluntitledfinished, unfinishedframed… OF PAINTINGSseriescollection, exhibitionVERB + paintingcreate, do, execute, make, paint, produce, work onDegas did several paintings of ballet dancers.composecomplete, finishframehang, put updisplay, exhibit, present, showviewcollectShe collects paintings by 19th-century Australian artists.clean, restorecopy, reproducecommissionbuy, purchase, selldonateadmirepainting + VERBdepict sb/sth, feature sb/sth, portray sb/sth, show sb/sthevoke sthRauch's paintings evoke memories of a bygone era.reflect sth, represent sth, reveal sth, suggest sthHis paintings reflect the joy and beauty in all he saw around him.hangHis most famous paintings hang in the Louvre.PREPOSITIONin a/the paintingThe woman in the painting is the artist's mistress.painting bya painting by Gauguinpainting ina fine painting in oilspainting ofpaintings of flowers

pair

pairnoun

noun1 two things the same2 people who are connected3 male and female animal1 two things the sameADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEmatchinga matching pair of vasesidenticalcleana clean pair of socksPREPOSITIONin a/the pairAnswer one question in each pair.in pairsThese candles only come in pairs.pair ofa pair of shoesPHRASESone of a pairThis sculpture was originally one of a pair owned by the King of France.

2 people who are connectedADJECTIVE | VERB + pair | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhappy (= a newly married couple)oddThey make an odd pair.VERB + pairmatchThe pair were matched for age.makeI thought they would make a good pair so I arranged for them to meet.PREPOSITIONin a/the pairThe students worked in pairs.

3 male and female animalADJECTIVE | pair + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbreeding, matingnestingmonogamous (biology)pair + VERBbreed, matePREPOSITIONpair ofa pair of swans nesting by the river

pajamas

pajamasnoun

noun (AmE) See pyjamas

palace

palacenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + palace | palace + VERB | palace + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEancient14th-century, etc.imperial, papal, presidential, royalbeautiful, grand, great, huge, magnificent, sumptuous (esp. BrE)pleasuresummerVERB + palacebuildlive inpalace + VERBstandThe palace stands on the west bank of the river.palace + NOUNcomplex, compoundcourtyard, gardens, groundsdoor, gateswallslifeShe found it hard to adjust to palace life.aide, guard, official (esp. BrE), spokesman (esp. BrE), staffservantcoup, revolution (esp. BrE)The king was deposed by his son in a palace coup.PREPOSITIONat a/the palace, in a/the palace

palate

palatenoun

noun1 part of the mouth2 sense of taste1 part of the mouthADJECTIVEADJECTIVEhardsoftcleftTheir baby had an operation to repair a cleft palate.

2 sense of tasteADJECTIVE | VERB + palateADJECTIVEdiscerning, discriminating, sophisticatedjaded (esp. BrE)Here is a dish that will revive jaded palates.VERB + palatehaveShe has a discerning palate.appeal to, please, suitThis kind of food appeals to more sophisticated palates.cleanseHave an apple to cleanse your palate.

palatial

palatialadj.

Palatial is used with these nouns:

estate, home, house, mansion, residence

pale

paleverbadj.

I. verb

Pale is used with these nouns as the subject:

Pale is used with these nouns:

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSappear, be, look, seembecome, go, grow, turnRuth went pale as the news sank in.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.deathly, ghostly, sickly (esp. AmE)He turned deathly pale.a little, slightly, etc.strangely, unnaturally, unusuallyPHRASESpale and drawnHe looked pale and drawn.

ale, blonde, blossom, blouse, blur, brown, cheek, colour, complexion, eye, face, feature, flesh, freckle, glow, grey, imitation, light, moon, moonlight, purple, red, reflection, shade, shadow, skin, sky, streak, sun, sunlight, sunshine, tint, tone, wood

pale into

pale intophr verb

Pale into is used with these nouns as the object:

insignificance

Palestinian

Palestinianadj.

Palestinian is used with these nouns:

homeland

palette

palettenoun

Palette is used before these nouns:

Palette is used after these nouns:

palliative

palliativeadj.

Palliative is used with these nouns:

pallid

pallidadj.

Pallid is used with these nouns:

cheek, complexion, face, skin

pallor

pallornoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + pallorADJECTIVEdeathly, sicklythe deathly pallor of her faceVERB + pallorhaveHe had a sickly pallor.

palm

palmnoun

noun1 flat part of the front of your hand2 tree1 flat part of the front of your handADJECTIVE | VERB + palm | palm + VERB | palm + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEsoftsweatywarmflat, openupturnedoutstretchedleft, rightVERB + palmhold up, raiseHe held up a palm for silence.extendopen, spreadHe spread his palms in a gesture of openness.cupHe cupped his empty palms together.lay, place, put, restHe went over to the wall and placed his palm on it.pressI pressed my palm to the wound to stop the bleeding.slam, slapShe slapped her palm against the desk in anger.rub, wipeHe rubbed his palms against his jeans.runHe ran his palm up and down Holly's shoulder.readShe read people's palms and told fortunes.palm + VERBsweatfaceHold out your arms with your palms facing down.restHis right palm was resting against my neck.palm + NOUNreader, readingprintPREPOSITIONagainst your palmsThe metal felt hot against my palms.between your palmsHe took her hand between his palms and squeezed it.in your palmHe showed me the coins in his palm.

2 treeADJECTIVE | palm + NOUNADJECTIVEcoconut, date, oilfanpottedpalm + NOUNtreebranch, frond, kernel, leafgrovefruit, oilwine

palm-fringed

palm-fringedadj.

Palm-fringed is used with these nouns:

palmtop

palmtopnoun

Palmtop is used before these nouns:

palpable

palpableadj.

Palpable is used with these nouns:

relief, sense, tension

palpitate

palpitateverb

Palpitate is used with these nouns as the subject:

heart

paltry

paltryadj.

Paltry is used with these nouns:

sum

pamper

pamperverb

Pamper is used with these nouns as the object:

Pan is used with these nouns as the subject:

pamphlet

pamphletnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + pamphlet | pamphlet + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpoliticalinformational (AmE)VERB + pamphletprint, produce, publish, writecirculate, distribute, hand outreadpamphlet + VERBbe called sth, be entitled sthPREPOSITIONin a/the pamphletaccusations that were made in the pamphlet

pan

pannounverb

I. noun1 with a handle2 (AmE) for cooking food in the oven1 with a handleSee also pot, saucepanADJECTIVE | VERB + pan | PHRASESADJECTIVEchip (BrE), fry (usually frypan) (AmE), frying, sauténon-stickheavy-based (BrE), heavy-bottomed (esp. BrE)aluminium/aluminum, cast-iron, copperlarge, smallhotVERB + panheatHeat a large pan and fry the vegetables.coverPHRASESpots and pans

2 (AmE) for cooking food in the ovenSee also tinADJECTIVEADJECTIVEcake, loaf, pie, pizza, tartbaking, roastingsheetspringformdeep, shallowpreparedTurn the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40 minutes.ovenproofnon-stickmetal

II. verb

camera, critic

pan across

pan acrossphr verb

Pan across is used with these nouns as the subject:

pan around

pan aroundphr verb

Pan around is used with these nouns as the subject:

Pandemic is used after these nouns:

pancake

pancakenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + pancake | pancake + NOUNADJECTIVEblueberry, chocolate-chippotatoVERB + pancakecook, makeflip, toss (BrE)pancake + NOUNbattermixbreakfast (AmE)house (= restaurant which serves pancakes)

pandemic

pandemicnounadj.

I. noun

flu, influenza

II. adj.

Pandemic is used with these nouns:

flu

pander to

pander tophr verb

Pander to is used with these nouns as the object:

prejudice, whim

pane

panenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + pane | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbrokenglasswindowVERB + panebreak, shatter, smash (esp. BrE)PREPOSITIONagainst a/the pane, to a/the paneHer face was pressed against the pane.down a/the paneThe rain ran down the window pane.on a/the paneThere was dirt on the pane.PHRASESa pane of glassThe burglars got in by breaking a pane of glass in a door.

panel

panelnoun

noun1 group of people2 part of a door, wall, etc.3 section of vehicle body4 surface containing controls1 group of peopleADJECTIVE | VERB + panel | panel + VERB | panel + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEall-star (AmE), blue-ribbon (AmE), distinguished, outstandinga distinguished panel of academicsexpertindependentinternationalbipartisan (AmE)advisory, arbitration, consensus, judging, reviewinterview, interviewing, selection (all esp. BrE)jury (esp. AmE)VERB + panelappoint, assemble, convene, create, establish, organize, select, set upjoinHe joins our panel of journalists.attendchair, moderatehead, leadRaphael will head a panel to discuss the topic.meetaskWe asked a panel of experts to review the products.panel + VERBbe drawn from sb/stha panel of scientists drawn from universitiesconsist of sb/sth, include sb/sthThe panel consists of ten attorneys.investigate sth, review sthrecommend sth, suggest sthapprove sthconclude sthThe panel concluded that there was no scientific basis for the claim.note sthrule sthThe panel ruled that the men must remain in prison.voteThe panel voted unanimously for its approval.panel + NOUNmembermoderatorinterviewdiscussionpresentationsessionreport, review, studygame (BrE)The comedian will chair a new TV panel game.PREPOSITIONon a/the panelThe head of department serves on the advisory panel.panel onan independent panel on takeovers and mergersPHRASESa member of a panela panel of experts, a panel of judgesThe winners were chosen by a panel of judges.

2 part of a door, wall, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + panel | panel + VERBADJECTIVEceiling, door, wallslidingremovablerecessedsecretglass, wood, etc.decorativesolarVERB + panelattach, fit, installremovepanel + VERBdepict sthThe central panel depicts St George.

3 section of vehicle bodyADJECTIVE | panel + NOUNADJECTIVEfront, rearbodyA rear body panel needed replacing after the accident.panel + NOUNbeater, beating (both BrE)He works as a panel beater in a local garage.

4 surface containing controlsADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcontrol, display, instrumentPREPOSITIONon a/the panelA red light flashed on the control panel.

panelled

panelledadj.

Panelled/paneled is used with these nouns:

panelling

panellingnoun

Panelling/paneling is used after these nouns:

wood

pan for

pan forphr verb

Pan for is used with these nouns as the object:

pang

pangnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + pang | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEsharplittle, slight, smallsuddenfirstHe felt the first pangs of desire when he saw his new teacher.familiarhungerbirth pangs (figurative)the birth pangs of the new technologyVERB + pangexperience, feel, sufferHe experienced a sudden pang of conscience.PREPOSITIONwith a pangWith a pang she recalled the last time she had seen him.pang ofShe felt a little pang of jealousy.

panic

panicnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF PANIC | VERB + panic | panic + VERB | panic + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEblind, complete, mad (esp. BrE), pure, sheer, total, uttermild, minor (esp. BrE), slightmomentarygrowing, mounting (esp. BrE), risingmass, widespreadpublicgeneralsuddenlast-minuteThere was a last-minute panic when nobody could find the tickets.financial, morala moral panic over rising crime rates… OF PANICsurge, waveI felt a surge of panic when I realized my mistake.VERB + panicfeelHe felt panic rising within him.get into (esp. BrE), go intoShe went into a blind panic when she couldn't find the exit.cause, create, spreadfill sb with, throw sb intoThe thought of being in charge threw him into a mild panic.panic + VERBbreak out, spread across, through, etc. sth, sweep over, through, etc. sthPanic swept through the crowd.fill sb/sth, grip sb, seize sb, set ingrow, rise, well upsubsideensueIn the ensuing panic, they lost each other.panic + NOUNattackShe still has panic attacks two years after the accident.disorderpeople suffering from depression and panic disordersreaction, symptomsbuttonThe shopkeeper pressed the panic button and the police arrived in minutes.roomThe house includes a panic room which you can run to if intruders enter the house.modeEli was clearly in panic mode.buying (esp. BrE)Panic buying turned the shortage into a crisis.PREPOSITIONin (a) panicHe jumped out of the car in a panic.People fled in panic.with panicHer mind went blank with panic.panic aboutpanic about food contaminationpanic amongpanic among the populationpanic overThe keys were lost during the panic over the fire alarm.PHRASESa feeling of panic, a sense of panicin a state of panica look of panicA look of panic spread across the boy's face.a moment of panic, a moment's panic (esp. BrE)

panicked

panickedadj.

Panicked is used with these nouns:

panoramic

panoramicadj.

Panoramic is used with these nouns:

camera, view, window

pant

pantverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBheavily, loudlyslightly, softlyPREPOSITIONforHe was panting for breath.withShe was panting with the effort of carrying the suitcase.PHRASESpuff and pantMason puffed and panted up the stairs.

Pant is used with these nouns as the subject:

panties

pantiesnoun

noun (esp. AmE)See also knickersADJECTIVE | … OF PANTIES | VERB + panties | PHRASESADJECTIVEcotton, lace… OF PANTIESpairVERB + pantieswearpull downpull on, pull upPHRASESbra and panties

pan to

pan tophr verb

Pan to is used with these nouns as the subject:

panto

pantonoun

Panto is used before these nouns:

season

pantomime

pantomimenoun

noun (in the UK)ADJECTIVE | pantomime + NOUNADJECTIVEChristmaspantomime + NOUNcow, dame, horse, villainseason

pants

pantsnoun

noun1 (BrE) underwear2 (esp. AmE) outer clothing covering the legs1 (BrE) underwearSee also panties, underpants… OF PANTS | VERB + pants | PHRASES… OF PANTSpairVERB + pantspull on, pull updrop, pull downwetHe was so frightened that he wet his pants. (BrE, AmE)PHRASESbra and pants

2 (esp. AmE) outer clothing covering the legsSee also trousersADJECTIVE | … OF PANTS | VERB + pants | PANT + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElong, shortcorduroy, cotton, denim, flannel, leather, linen, polyester, silk, wool, etc.stretchpinstriped, plaid (AmE), stripedjogging (esp. BrE), sweat (usually sweatpants)ridingcargo (BrE, AmE), flared, flat-front, low-rise, pleatedcroppedrippedtailoredcasual, dressydresscamo (informal), camouflageparachute (AmE)baggy, loose, loose-fittingskintight, tightdrawstringpajama (AmE)matchinga brown vest with matching pants… OF PANTSpairVERB + pantsunbutton, undo, unzipdrop, pull downpull on, pull upPANT + NOUNleg, pocketsuitPREPOSITIONin pants

pantyhose

pantyhosenoun

noun (AmE)See also tightsADJECTIVE | … OF PANTYHOSE | VERB + pantyhose | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEsheerfishnetcontrol-top… OF PANTYHOSEpaira pair of black pantyhoseVERB + pantyhosewearPREPOSITIONin pantyhose

papal

papaladj.

Papal is used with these nouns:

blessing, decree, election, envoy, palace, throne

paper

papernounverb

I. noun1 material2 newspaper3 (usually papers) official document4 (BrE) exam5 piece of writing1 materialADJECTIVE | … OF PAPER | VERB + paper | paper + VERB | paper + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEthick, thinplainlinedgraphA3, A4, etc. (not in the US)executive, legal, letter (all AmE)blankI stared at the blank paper, not knowing how to start the letter.printedThere is a special rate for printed paper.loosepieces of loose paperbrown, coloured/coloreda brown paper package of booksManilaacid-freekraft (AmE)butcher (AmE)parchmentgreaseproof (BrE), wax, waxedglossy, shinyscrap, scratch (AmE), wasteI made some notes on a piece of scrap paper.recycledhandmadedecorativecomputernotebookdrawing, writingblottingtracingwrappingcrêpetissuephotographicfilterkitchen (BrE) (paper towel in AmE)toiletcigarette (esp. BrE), rolling (esp. AmE)a packet of cigarette papers (BrE)a pack of rolling papers (AmE)litmuscrumpled, folded… OF PAPERbit (esp. BrE), piece, scrap, sheet, slip, stripI scribbled down his number on a scrap of paper.rolla roll of toilet papersideThe essay filled seven sides of paper.VERB + paperfoldFold the paper in half.unfoldrip, shred, tearcrumple, crumple up, screw up (esp. BrE)He crumpled the paper into a ball.I screwed up the paper and threw it away.recyclepaper + VERBbe scatteredScraps of wrapping paper were scattered around.flutterA piece of paper fluttered to the floor.paper + NOUNbag, cup, plate, sacknapkin, towelaeroplane (BrE), airplane (AmE), ball, doll, hat, lanterncurrency, moneydocument, map, receipt, ticketthe advantages of paper maps over online mapscopy, versionHe kept a paper copy of his account information.editioncut-outmillpulpindustryshredderPREPOSITIONon paperI've had nothing on paper (= in writing) to say that I've been accepted.PHRASESput pen to paperI've thought about what I'm going to write, but I haven't yet put pen to paper.a waste of paperThis report is a waste of paper.

2 newspaperADJECTIVE | … OF PAPER | VERB + paper | paper + VERB | paper + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdaily, evening (esp. BrE), morning, Sunday, weeklytoday's, yesterday'sindependent, left-wing (esp. BrE), right-wing (esp. BrE)hometown (esp. AmE), local, nationalschool (esp. AmE)broadsheet (esp. BrE), quality (BrE)tabloid (esp. BrE)… OF PAPERcopyDo you have a copy of yesterday's paper?editiontoday's edition of the paperVERB + paperbuy, get, take (esp. BrE)Do you take a daily paper?flick through (esp. BrE), flip through (esp. AmE), readWhat paper do you usually read?print, produce, publishedit, write for, write inappear inget intoThe story got into the papers.paper + VERBcome outThe paper comes out every Saturday.report sthThe paper reported that several people had seen UFOs.paper + NOUNshop (BrE)boy, girlround (BrE), route (AmE)Many kids do a paper round.Many kids have paper routes.PREPOSITIONin a/the paperI read about his arrest in the paper.I read about his arrest in the papers. (esp. BrE)on a/the paperShe got a job on the local paper.

3 (usually papers) official documentADJECTIVE | … OF PAPERS | VERB + paperADJECTIVEnecessaryofficialID, identification, identitypersonal, privatecourt, legaladoption, divorceballot… OF PAPERSpile, sheafVERB + papersignTeresa signed the adoption papers.showBe prepared to show your identity papers at the border.shuffleHe shuffled the papers on his desk.filelegal papers filed in London

4 (BrE) examADJECTIVE | VERB + paper | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEexam, examination, question, test (BrE, AmE)writtenI did well on the oral but not on the written paper.English, history, etc.VERB + paperdo, sit, takesetThe exam papers are set by experienced teachers.markturn overYou may now turn over your papers.PREPOSITIONin a/the paperthe questions in the physics paperon a/the paperYou must not write on the question paper.

5 piece of writingADJECTIVE | VERB + paper | paper + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdraft (esp. BrE)consultation (esp. BrE), discussion, position, workingresearch, scientific, technicalscholarlyterm (AmE)I wrote a term paper on eating disorders.seminalpeer-reviewedpublished, unpublishedinfluentialVERB + paperdeliver, give, present, read, submitauthor, draft, prepare, produce, writeco-authorissue, publish, releasecitepaper + VERBconsider sth, deal with sth, examine sth, explore sth, focus on sth, look at sthThe paper looks at the future of university education.outline sthargue sth, propose sthdemonstrate sthconclude sthdescribe sth, outline sth, present sthreport sthThis paper reports the results of a two-year field experiment.be called sth, be entitled sth, be titled sth (esp. AmE)PREPOSITIONin a/the paperFreud first mentioned this concept in his paper ‘On Narcissism’.paper ona paper on the development of the novel

II. verb

Paper is used with these nouns as the object:

paperback

paperbacknoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + paperback | paperback + VERB | paperback + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEmass-market (esp. BrE)the demand for mass-market paperbackstradeVERB + paperbackreadcome out inThe novel has just come out in paperback.paperback + VERBcome outThe paperback came out in June.paperback + NOUNbook, copy, edition, novel, versionrightsPREPOSITIONin paperbackThe book is now available in paperback.

paperless

paperlessadj.

Paperless is used with these nouns:

office

paperwork

paperworknoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + paperwork | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEpropernecessarylegalVERB + paperworkdeal with, do, get through, go through, handle, prepare, processI need to get this paperwork done by tonight.I have a lot of paperwork to get through.complete, finishsigninvolveThe project involved an enormous amount of paperwork.fill in (BrE), fill out (esp. AmE)file, submitHe filed the necessary paperwork to establish the club's business name.reducePREPOSITIONpaperwork forHave you done all the necessary paperwork for the sale?PHRASESa backlog, mountain, pile, etc. of paperwork

Pap smear

Pap smearnoun

Pap smear is used before these nouns:

paracetamol

paracetamolnoun

Paracetamol is used before these nouns:

tablet

parachute

parachutenoun

nounVERB + parachute | parachute + VERB | parachute + NOUN | PREPOSITIONVERB + parachutedeploy, useopenpackparachute + VERBdeploy, openfail to deploy (esp. AmE), fail to open (esp. BrE)parachute + NOUNdrop, jumpHe made his first parachute jump at the age of seventy.instructor (esp. BrE)PREPOSITIONby parachuteSupplies were dropped by parachute.

parade

paradenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + parade | parade + VERB | parade + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, grand (esp. BrE)colourful/colorfulfashionmilitary, victoryThanksgiving Day (in the US)gay prideticker-tape (AmE)streetannualinauguralidentification, identity (both BrE) (line-up in AmE)VERB + paradehave, hold, stageThey held a parade to mark the soldiers' return.The parade is held every year.The police held an identity parade. (BrE)go on (esp. BrE)The battalion went on parade to welcome the new commander-in-chief.leadwatchparade + VERBtake place (esp. BrE)parade + NOUNgroundroutefloatorganizerPREPOSITIONat a/the paradeThousands of people were at the parade.on paradeThe soldiers will be on parade tomorrow.

paradigm

paradigmnoun

Paradigm is used before these nouns:

shift

paradise

paradisenoun

noun1 heaven2 perfect place1 heavenVERB + paradise | PREPOSITIONVERB + paradiseenter, go toThey all expected to go to paradise.PREPOSITIONin paradisean angel in paradise

2 perfect placeADJECTIVE | VERB + paradise | paradise + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbeautiful (esp. AmE)lostthe lost paradise of childhoodearthly, island, tropicalVERB + paradisecreateShe worked on the garden until she had created her own little paradise.findThey moved to the country hoping to find paradise.paradise + NOUNislandPREPOSITIONin (a) paradiseWe found ourselves in a tropical paradise.paradise forThe airport is a paradise for pickpockets.paradise ofa paradise of golden beachesPHRASESa paradise on earth

paradox

paradoxnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + paradox | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEapparent, seeming (esp. AmE)greatcentral, fundamentalcurious, interesting, strangeVERB + paradoxcreate, pose, presentThe facts pose something of a paradox.address, explorerevealexplain, resolve, solvePREPOSITIONparadox aboutThe paradox about time is that it seems to go faster as we become older and less active.paradox betweenthe paradox between the real and the idealparadox inthe paradox in the relationship between creativity and psychosisparadox ofThe author tackles one of the deepest paradoxes of life.PHRASESby a curious paradoxBy a curious paradox, the team became less motivated the more games it won.

paradoxical

paradoxicaladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSappear, be, seem, soundADVERBsomewhatapparently, seeminglythe scientists' seemingly paradoxical findings

Paradoxical is used with these nouns:

paraffin

paraffinnoun

Paraffin is used before these nouns:

heater, lamp, oil

paragraph

paragraphnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + paragraph | paragraph + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEnewintroductory, openingclosing, concluding, finalpenultimatepreceding, previousfollowing, nextbrief, shortsinglekeyThis is the key paragraph in the article.leadVERB + paragraphbegin, startStart each paragraph on a new line.read, rereadwritequoteaddskipparagraph + VERBdescribe sth, explain sth, say sthcontain sthbegin with sthPREPOSITIONin a/the paragraphThe identity of the murderer is revealed in the very last paragraph.in accordance with paragraph 3, etc., under paragraph 9, etc. (law)Cancellation charges will apply in accordance with paragraph 4 above.paragraph abouta paragraph about the writer's reaction to his mother's death

parallel

parallelnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + parallel | parallel + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdirect, exactclear, close, obvious, stronginteresting, strikingimportant, significanthistoricalVERB + parallelhaveThis weather pattern of the southern hemisphere has no parallel in the north.find, note, seedraw, makeHe drew an interesting parallel with religious practices in Japan.offer, show, suggestThe move west suggests a parallel with the earlier American pioneer experience.provideparallel + VERBexistParallels do exist between the author's family and that of Francie Coffin.PREPOSITIONwithout parallela speed of development without parallel in post-war Europeparallel betweena parallel between economic and cultural advancementparallel inWe found a direct parallel in the attitudes of children in other countries.parallel toA close parallel to this mating pattern is found in dolphins.parallel withShe saw an obvious parallel with her sister's predicament.

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, runADVERBexactlyalmost, nearlyroughlyPREPOSITIONtoThe canal is roughly parallel to the main road.withThe road runs parallel with the coast.

Parallel is used with these nouns:

computer, evolution, import, line, plane, system, track, universe, world

paralyse

paralyseverb

(BrE) (AmE paralyze) verbADVERB | PHRASESADVERBcompletely, totallypartiallyHe was partially paralysed by the fall.almost, nearly, virtuallytemporarilyHannah was temporarily paralysed on the right side.PHRASESleave sb paralysedThe accident left her paralysed.be paralysed from the neck, waist, etc. downbe paralysed with fear

paralysing

paralysingadj.

Paralysing/paralyzing is used with these nouns:

fear, shyness

paralysis

paralysisnoun

noun1 being unable to move your body or a part of it2 being unable to work in the normal way1 being unable to move your body or a part of itADJECTIVE | VERB + paralysisADJECTIVEcompletepartialstroke patients who have suffered partial paralysispermanent, temporaryfacial, muscleVERB + paralysissuffer fromcause, inducePolio can cause paralysis and sometimes death.

2 being unable to work in the normal wayADJECTIVEADJECTIVEcompleteThe country was on the verge of complete paralysis due to the strike.emotional, politicalThe crisis over the constitution may lead to political paralysis.

paramedic

paramedicnoun

Paramedic is used after these nouns:

ambulance

parameter

parameternoun

Parameter is used after these nouns:

paramilitary

paramilitaryadj.

Paramilitary is used with these nouns:

force, gang, police, troops, wing

paramount

paramountadj.

Paramount is used with these nouns:

concern, consideration, importance, interest, need

paranoia

paranoianoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + paranoia | paranoia + VERBADJECTIVErampantextreme, severeThe regime is in the grip of severe paranoia.mild, slightI was guilty perhaps of mild paranoia.increasingirrationalanti-communistthe anti-communist paranoia of the 1950sVERB + paranoiasuffer fromborder on, verge onHer passion for cleanliness borders on paranoia.induceThe drugs can induce paranoia.fuelExternal threats will just fuel paranoia among those in power.paranoia + VERBkick in, set inThe paranoia is setting in.grip sbHe was gripped by paranoia.

paranoid

paranoidadj.

Paranoid is used with these nouns:

delusion, fantasy, schizophrenia

paranormal

paranormaladj.

Paranormal is used with these nouns:

belief, phenomenon

parasite

parasitenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + parasite | parasite + VERBADJECTIVEcommondangerous, deadlyThese flies carry a dangerous parasite.external, internalhumanintestinalmalariaVERB + parasitecarry, havepick upPets do sometimes pick up intestinal parasites.transmitYour contaminated fingers can transmit the parasite to many surfaces.be found inthe most common intestinal parasite found in humanskillparasite + VERBinfect sb/sthcause sththe parasite that causes malaria

parcel

parcelnoun

noun1 something wrapped in paper, etc.2 food wrapped in leaves, pastry, etc. (esp. BrE)1 something wrapped in paper, etc.See also packageADJECTIVE | VERB + parcel | parcel + VERB | parcel + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElargelittle, smallWe left little parcels outside each person's door.brown-papergift-wrapped, tissue-wrapped, etc.clothing, foodVERB + parcelpost (BrE), senddeliverThe courier tried to deliver a parcel yesterday but I'd already left.get, receivecollectShe went to collect her parcel from the depot.wrap, wrap sth inopen, unwrapparcel + VERBarriveThis morning a parcel arrived containing a signed copy of his new book.contain sthparcel + NOUNdeliverya parcel-delivery businesstape (BrE)I sealed up the box with brown parcel tape.bomb (BrE)A young girl was injured by a parcel bomb.PREPOSITIONin a/the parcelparcel from, parcel to

2 food wrapped in leaves, pastry, etc.ADJECTIVE | parcel + VERBADJECTIVEneatPlace the fish on top, tucking any tail ends under to make neat parcels.baked, crispyfilo, pasta, pastry, etc.a pastry parcel of brie and asparagus in a creamy sauceparcel + VERBbe stuffed with sthbaked filo parcels stuffed with feta cheese

parched

parchedadj.

Parched is used with these nouns:

earth, land, lip, throat

parchment

parchmentnoun

Parchment is used before these nouns:

pardon

pardonnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + pardon | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfullconditionalgeneralThe king issued a general pardon to all those involved in the rebellion.free (BrE)posthumousposthumous pardons granted to soldiers shot for cowardicepresidential, royalVERB + pardongive sb, grant sboffer sbThe government offered a free pardon to the rebels.get, obtain, receiveask (esp. BrE), ask for, seekI ask your pardon for my actions.refusePREPOSITIONpardon forShe asked for a pardon for her crime.

pare

pareverb

Pare is used with these nouns as the object:

inventory

parent

parentnoun

nounADJECTIVE | parent + NOUNADJECTIVEmarried, unmarrieddivorcedlone (BrE), singlesingle-parent familiesabsentaged, aging, elderlydeceased, survivingprospective, would-beexpectantfirst-time, newbiological, birth, natural, realadopted, adoptive, fosterthe identities of the adoptive parentssurrogatecustodial, non-custodial (law)female, malegay, heterosexual, lesbianlow-income, poorrich, wealthy, well-to-domiddle-class, working-classimmigrantworkingThe government has promised a better deal for working parents.stay-at-homegoodinvolved, supportiveThe study showed that children with involved parents do better at school.proudThey have just become the proud parents of a baby girl.caring, devoted, lovingdoting, fond, indulgentoverprotectivestern, strictbad, unfitabusiveneglectfulangry, anxious, concerned, distraught, distressed, grievingparent + NOUNcompany (business)The subsidiary eventually outgrew its parent company and took it over.

parental parenthesis

parenthesisnoun

noun1 parentheses (esp. AmE) marks around extra information in writing2 extra information in a sentence, etc.1 parentheses (esp. AmE) marks around extra information in writingSee also bracketVERB + PARENTHESES | PREPOSITIONVERB + PARENTHESESenclose sth in parentheses, give sth in parentheses, put sth in parenthesesThe prices are given in parentheses.PREPOSITIONin parentheses, inside parentheses, within parenthesesThe words in parentheses should be deleted.outside parenthesesThe numbers outside the parentheses are the sales figures.

2 extra information in a sentence, etc.ADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElongAfter a long parenthesis, she returned to the matter in hand.PREPOSITIONin parenthesisI add, in parenthesis, that I doubt whether such a place exists.

parenthood

parenthoodnoun

nounADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVElone (BrE), singlethe stresses of lone parenthoodthe disintegrating nuclear family and the rise in single parenthoodresponsibleeducation about family planning and responsible parenthoodPHRASESpreparation for parenthood

parenting

parentingnoun

Parenting is used before these nouns:

behaviour, role, skill

paring

paringnoun

Paring is used before these nouns:

parish

parishnoun

Parish is used before these nouns:

boundary, church, clerk, council, councillor, hall, magazine, priest, register

parity

paritynoun

Parity is used after these nouns:

pay

park

parknounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + park | park + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElocal, neighbourhood/neighborhood (esp. AmE)city, downtown (AmE), municipal, urbanpubliccountry (BrE)county (AmE), national, state (AmE)The mountain has been designated as a national park.the national parks systembeautifulhistoric25-acre, 45-acre, etc.dog (AmE)memorial, sculpturewaterfrontgame, marine, safari (esp. BrE), wildlifeamusement, leisure (BrE), recreational (esp. AmE), theme, waterindoor, outdoor (both AmE)an indoor park for skateboardersball (usually ballpark), baseball (both AmE)skate, skateboardmobile-home (esp. AmE), RV (AmE), trailer (esp. AmE)business, industrial, office (esp. AmE), retail (BrE)VERB + parkgo to, visitThey go to the park most Sundays.design, landscape, lay outa beautifully landscaped parkbuild, create, developHe built parks and highways in New York.managea park managed by the Department of Parks and Recreationoverlooka cafe overlooking the parkpark + NOUNbenchentranceboundaryareaservice, system (AmE)I work as a ranger in the city's park system.parks departmentShe works for the parks department.employee, manager, official, rangerThe lion was shot dead by a park ranger.visitorPREPOSITIONat a/the parkWe met at Hyde Park. (BrE)in a/the parkThey went for a walk in the park.We met in Central Park.

II. verbADVERBADVERBcarefullyneatlyAll the cars were neatly parked on the street.badlyquicklyillegally (esp. BrE)Motorists parked illegally are fined £50.

Park is used with these nouns as the subject:

caravan, truck

Park is used with these nouns as the object:

bicycle, bike, car, motorcycle, truck, van, vehicle

park and ride

park and ridenoun

Park and ride is used before these nouns:

parked

parkedadj.

Parked is used with these nouns:

parking

parkingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | parking + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEconvenient, easyampleThe hotel has ample parking.freeoff-road (BrE), off-street (esp. BrE), on-street (esp. BrE), roadside (BrE), streetThe town has free on-street parking.undergroundlong-stay (BrE), long-term (AmE), short-stay (BrE), short-term (AmE)illegalcar (esp. BrE)valetdaily, hourly, etc.parking + NOUNarea, facilities (esp. BrE), facility (esp. AmE)deck, garage, lot, ramp, structure (all AmE)bay (BrE), place, space, spota restaurant with ample parking spaceI spent half an hour looking for a parking space.brake, light (both AmE)meterfee (esp. AmE)fine (esp. BrE), ticketpermit, sticker (esp. AmE)The cost of a residents' parking permit is due to rise.restrictions (esp. BrE)problemThe influx of tourists could cause traffic congestion and parking problems.attendant (esp. BrE)PREPOSITIONparking forparking for 300 cars

parking lot

parking lotnoun

Parking lot is used before these nouns:

attendant

Parking lot is used after these nouns:

dirt, mall, shopping centre, station, supermarket

parliament

parliamentnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + parliament | parliament + VERB | parliament + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcurrent, presentnewoutgoingbicameral, unicameralelectedhung (BrE)The election resulted in a hung parliament, followed by the resignation of the prime minister.federal, national, provincial, regional, stateVERB + parliamentstand for (esp. BrE)He first stood for Parliament in 2001.enter, get intobe in, sit inHe sat in Parliament for over forty years.elect (sb to)a popularly elected parliamentreturn sb to (esp. BrE)He was returned to Parliament in 2001 as MP for Appleby.represent sb/sth inaddressThe President will address the Canadian parliament during his trip.bring sth before (esp. BrE), introduce sth into (esp. BrE), present sth to, put sth before (esp. BrE)be before, come before, go before (all esp. BrE)The bill will come before Parliament next month.get through, go through, pass throughforce sth through, push sth through, put sth throughThe government was accused of forcing the bill through Parliament.lobby, petition (esp. BrE)mislead (esp. BrE)convenerecalldissolve, prorogue (BrE)The bill has to be passed before parliament is prorogued.suspendbe accountable to, be responsible todominateThe ruling National Democratic Party dominates parliament.stormAngry protestors stormed the parliament.parliament + VERBadopt sth, approve sth, enact sth, lay sth down, pass sth, ratify sthThe Commission is guided by rules laid down by Parliament.reject sthvote (on sth)debate sthlegislate (on sth)Parliament may legislate on any matter of penal law.be in session, convene, meet, sit (esp. BrE)Parliament will be in session until December.rise (BrE)the day Parliament rises for the summer recessreconvene, resumeParliament reconvenes next month.parliament + NOUNbuildingchamber (esp. BrE)The floor of the Scottish parliament chamber contains seating for 128 members.minister, official (both esp. BrE)a senior parliament officialPREPOSITIONin parliamenther first year in ParliamentPHRASESan Act of Parliament (BrE)a house of parliamentThe National Assembly is the lower house of the French Parliament.the lifetime of a parliament (esp. BrE)It will take at least the lifetime of a parliament to put the health service in order.a majority in parliamentThe party has a two-thirds majority in Parliament.a Member of Parliamentsth's passage through ParliamentSponsors of the bill agreed to concessions in order to smooth its passage through Parliament.a seat in ParliamentThe party failed to win any seats in Parliament.a session of Parliament

parliamentary parlour

parlournoun

Parlour/parlor is used before these nouns:

maid, trick

Parlour/parlor is used after these nouns:

beauty, funeral, ice cream, massage, pizza, tattoo

Parma

Parmanoun

Parma is used before these nouns:

Parmesan

Parmesannoun

Parmesan is used before these nouns:

parochial

parochialadj.

Parochial is used with these nouns:

parody

parodynoun

noun1 writing/speech/music2 bad example1 writing/speech/musicADJECTIVE | VERB + parody | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbrilliant, cleverfunny, hilariouscruelsong (esp. AmE)VERB + parodywritedoPREPOSITIONthrough parodyHe attacked her ideas through parody.parody ofShe has written a cruel parody of his book.parody onThe show included a parody on Hollywood action movies.

2 bad exampleADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgrotesquePREPOSITIONin a parody ofHe sighed in a parody of deep emotion.parody ofShe has become a grotesque parody of her former elegant self.

parole

parolenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + parole | parole + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEearlyVERB + parolebe ongive sb, grant sbgetShe got parole.let sb out on, release sb onShe was released on parole after serving just half of her sentence.break, violateHe broke (his) parole.be eligible for, be up for, come up forHer case comes up for parole in September.parole + NOUNboard, systemofficerhearingviolationPREPOSITIONon paroleHe committed a burglary while on parole.with paroleWith parole, he could be out in two years.without parolesentenced to life imprisonment without parole

parquet

parquetnoun

Parquet is used before these nouns:

floor

parry

parryverb

Parry is used with these nouns as the object:

blow, shot, thrust

parse

parseverb

Parse is used with these nouns as the object:

sentence

parsley

parsleynoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF PARSLEY | VERB + parsleyADJECTIVEchoppedfreshcurly, flat-leaf… OF PARSLEYsprigVERB + parsleychopaddgarnish sth with, sprinkle (sth with)The eggs are sprinkled with coarsely chopped parsley.

part

partnounverbadj.

I. noun1 piece, area, period, division, etc. of sth2 a piece of a machine3 role in a play, film/movie, etc.4 share in an activity, event, etc.1 piece, area, period, division, etc. of sthADJECTIVE | VERB + part | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, good, greater, huge, large, major, significant, substantialWe spent a good part of the day rehearsing.The greater part of the building has been refurbished.minor, smallequalCut it into four equal parts.important, main, principalbasic, central, critical, crucial, essential, fundamental, key, necessary, vitalintegral, intrinsicinterchangeablebest, worstThe worst part was having to wait three hours.earlyIn the early part of his career he worked in India.latterthe latter part of the centuryfirst, last, middle, secondupper, uppermostthe upper part of the spinelowerinner, outeranterior (technical), frontback, posterior (technical)northern, southern, etc.remotedifferent, distinct, variousseparateinseparablecomponent, constituentBreak it down into its constituent parts.bodydifficult, hard, tough, trickyI gave up once I got to the hard part.easyfunNow comes the fun part.scaryfunnysadThe sad part was that he didn't really care.interestingVERB + partcomprise, constitute, fall into, formThe book falls into three distinct parts.break sth down into, divide sth into, split sth intoPREPOSITIONin partYour salary depends in part on your qualifications.The movie is good in parts.a serial in four partspart ofPart of me wants to stay and part of me doesn't.PHRASESthe parts of the bodyforeign parts (esp. BrE)They're always off to foreign parts.private parts (= sexual organs)

2 a piece of a machineADJECTIVE | VERB + part | part + NOUNADJECTIVEreplacement, spareWhere can I get spare parts for my bike?auto (esp. AmE), automotive (esp. AmE), car, motorcyclemovingVERB + partmanufactureassemblepart + NOUNparts dealer, parts maker, parts supplieran auto parts makernumberThe adaptors being recalled contain the part number 02K65 on their labels.

3 role in a play, film/movie, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + part | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbigbit, small, walk-onspeakingVERB + partact, have, play, takesingAnnette Markert sings the part of Medea.learnfitWalken stars as Shannon and he fits the part well.PREPOSITIONin the partHe's very good in the part.part ofShe played the part of Juliet.PHRASESact the part, dress the part, look the partHe acts and dresses the part of a gentleman.He was a pirate in the school play and certainly looked the part.

4 share in an activity, event, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + part | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, huge, leading, majorLuck played a big part in it.minorcentral, significant, vitalactiveVERB + parthaveHe had no part in the scam.do, play, takeShe did her part in bringing them back together.PREPOSITIONpart inThey took little part in the discussion.

II. verb

Part is used with these nouns as the subject:

cloud, crowd, curtain, lip

Part is used with these nouns as the object:

lip, way

III. adj.

Part is used with these nouns:

owner, payment

partial

partialadj.

adj.1 not complete2 liking sth1 not completeVERBS | ADVERBVERBSberemainADVERBonlyHis efforts met with only partial success.somewhatThe information we have is somewhat partial.necessarilyThe resulting assessment is necessarily partial and subjective.

2 liking sthVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, becomeHe's become partial to vodka since coming to Russia.ADVERBveryespeciallyI'm especially partial to the Latin American music.somewhatPREPOSITIONtoHe's very partial to ice cream.

Partial is used with these nouns:

answer, ban, blockade, blockage, closure, compensation, credit, dentures, eclipse, embargo, exception, exemption, explanation, fulfilment, loss, paralysis, payment, privatization, recovery, refund, removal, repayment, replacement, restoration, shade, skeleton, solution, success, transcript, truth, victory, withdrawal

partially

partiallyadv.

Partially is used with these adjectives:

accurate, autonomous, bald, blind, clad, closed, clothed, conscious, deaf, defective, dependent, developed, disabled, effective, exempt, exposed, furnished, inflated, justified, open, redundant, responsible, right, soluble, submerged, successful, transparent, true, visible

Partially is used with these verbs:

alleviate, attribute, block, burn, bury, clear, compensate, complete, conceal, cover, delete, destroy, digest, disrupt, dry, enclose, erase, excavate, explain, fill, finance, fund, heal, illuminate, immerse, implement, inhibit, lift, mask, obscure, obstruct, offset, overcome, overlap, paralyse, rebuild, reconstruct, recover, relieve, remove, replace, resolve, restore, reverse, shade, shield, solve, succeed, support, surround, thaw, understand

participant

participantnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + participant | participant + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfullactive, passiveWe want people to become active participants in the political process.unwilling, willingShe was an unwilling participant in his downfall.volunteer (AmE)enthusiasticinterested, potential, prospectiveeligibleregularShe's a regular participant in the show.key, leading, main, majorindividualfellowHe was talking with fellow participants before the competition.course, programme/program, workshopfocus-group, research, study, survey, trialconference, forum, seminar, summit, symposiumchatonline chat participantsVERB + participantattractProtests on Monday attracted thousands of participants.selectask, instructThe participants were asked to indicate their attitudes to science.interviewdebriefparticipant + VERBattend sthexperience sthdescribe sth, indicate sth, report sth, state sthrate sthrange from sth to sthParticipants ranged in age from 35 to 55.PREPOSITIONparticipant inan active participant in the discussion

participate

participateverb

verbADVERB | VERB + participate | PREPOSITIONADVERBfullyactivelyLocal residents actively participated in the decision-making process.directly, personallyeffectively, meaningfullyWe teach students how to participate effectively in our society.frequently, regularlyvoluntarily, willinglyTwenty-four subjects voluntarily participated in the study.eagerly, enthusiasticallyThe women participated enthusiastically in literacy classes.equallyVERB + participatebe able to, have the opportunity tobe allowed to, be encouraged to, be invited toOther countries were invited to participate in the project.agree torefuse toPREPOSITIONinThey will have the opportunity to participate actively in the process.

Participate is used with these nouns as the subject:

country, volunteer

participate in participation

participationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF PARTICIPATION | VERB + participation | participation + VERB | participation + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfullbroader, greater, increasedmass, widespreadWe have to improve and increase mass participation in sports.limitedcontinuedactive, directactive citizen participation in governancevoluntaryeffective, meaningfulindividual, jointequaldemocratic, politicalcivic (esp. AmE), community, popular, publicthe decline in voting and civic participationcitizen, student, voter, workerlabor-force (AmE), labour-market/labor-marketThe labor-force participation of mothers has risen steadily since 1976.audienceSome of the magic tricks called for audience participation.athletics, sportsparentalforeign, international… OF PARTICIPATIONdegree, extent, levelWe were very pleased with the high level of participation in the charity events.VERB + participationencourage, facilitate, foster, invite, promote, solicitThe club encourages participation in sporting activities.Teachers were asked to solicit student participation.discouragebroaden, increaselimit, restrictHe has a bad knee that will limit his participation in training.decline, refuse (both esp. AmE)Those who declined participation were excused and sent back to the classroom.participation + VERBincreaseparticipation + NOUNlevel, ratePREPOSITIONparticipation indirect participation in the running of the country

participatory

participatoryadj.

Participatory is used with these nouns:

democracy

particle

particlenoun

Particle is used before these nouns:

physicist, physics

Particle is used after these nouns:

dirt, dust

particular

particularadj.

Particular is used with these nouns:

attention, brand, circumstance, concern, context, difficulty, emphasis, example, expertise, facet, fascination, favour, favourite, feature, flavour, focus, fondness, function, importance, individual, instance, interest, item, kind, liking, mention, moment, need, niche, point of view, provision, purpose, quality, reason, reference, regard, region, relationship, relevance, request, requirement, responsibility, role, significance, smell, spot, stress, topic, type, urgency

particularly

particularlyadv.

Particularly is used with these adjectives:

adept, advantageous, aggressive, alarming, amenable, amusing, annoying, apparent, appealing, applicable, attractive, bad, beneficial, busy, careful, complex, complicated, concentrated, concerned, conducive, costly, desirable, despicable, difficult, disgusting, distasteful, distinctive, dramatic, eager, easy, effective, elegant, eloquent, embarrassing, enjoyable, evident, evil, exciting, extravagant, extreme, fascinating, fast, favourable, fertile, fine, fond, fruitful, frustrating, good, grateful, gratifying, gruesome, happy, harmful, harsh, hazardous, helpful, hurtful, illuminating, imaginative, important, impressed, impressive, inappropriate, influential, informative, inspiring, instructive, intense, interested, interesting, intriguing, inviting, ironic, keen, kind, large, likely, long-lived, lovely, marked, memorable, nasty, noisy, notable, noted, noteworthy, noticeable, numerous, odd, outstanding, painful, pertinent, pleased, poignant, popular, potent, powerful, prominent, promising, prone, pronounced, proud, quick, rare, regrettable, relevant, remarkable, resistant, revealing, rewarding, rich, risky, sad, satisfying, savage, scarce, sensitive, serious, severe, sharp, shocking, significant, silly, skilful, skilled, smooth, spectacular, striking, stupid, subject, suitable, suited, susceptible, suspicious, tense, tough, toxic, tragic, traumatic, troubled, true, unfortunate, unpleasant, unpopular, unusual, upset, useful, valuable, vicious, vigilant, vigorous, violent, visible, vital, vulnerable, warm, wary, weak, welcome, worried, worrying, worthwhile, worthy

Particularly is used with these verbs:

admire, aim, appreciate, concentrate, dislike, emphasize, encourage, enjoy, favour, focus, hate, highlight, interest, like, recommend, remember, strike, target, value, welcome, worry

parting

partingnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEfinalamicableIt was an amicable parting and we greatly value the years we spent together.bitterThe divorce was a bitter parting that cost him financially as well as emotionally.PHRASESthe moment of partingShe was already dreading the moment of parting.a/the parting of the waysWe've come to a parting of the ways.

II. adj.

Parting is used with these nouns:

gift, shot, wave, word

partisan

partisanadj.

Partisan is used with these nouns:

crowd, divide, politics

partition

partitionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + partition | partition + VERB | partition + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEmovable (esp. BrE), slidingSliding glass partitions separate the main cafe and covered terraces.foldingglassVERB + partitionbuild, create, erect, put upremove, take downpartition + VERBdivide sth, divide sth up, separate sthThe restaurant was divided up by glass partitions.partition + NOUNwallPREPOSITIONpartition betweenThere were no partitions between the showers.

partly partner

partnernoun

noun1 in a marriage/relationship2 in an activity3 in business4 in international relations1 in a marriage/relationshipADJECTIVE | VERB + partnerADJECTIVEformer, one-timedominantShe was the dominant partner in the relationship.female, malegay, homosexual, lesbian, same-gender (esp. AmE), same-sexheterosexualmarital, marriagethe choice of marriage partnerromanticintimate, sex, sexualcommitted, steadyMost of those questioned said they wanted a steady partner for emotional support.domesticThe organization offers health benefits to the domestic partners of employees.unmarriedLocal government workers have been refused pensions for their unmarried partners.life, long-timecasual, multiple partnersPeople who have had multiple partners are more at risk from sexually transmitted diseases.abusivereasons for divorce such as having an abusive partnermating (biology)VERB + partnerhaveseekfindmarry

2 in an activityADJECTIVE | VERB + partnerADJECTIVEbridge, doubles, tennis, etc.I need a doubles partner for the table tennis tournament.climbing, dancing, playing, training, travelling/traveling, writing, etc.conversationalsparring (figurative)The old political sparring partners are now firm friends.drinkinglab (informal, esp. AmE)long-timeHe penned the script with his long-time writing partner.former, one-timeequalThey wanted to be seen as equal partners in the creative relationship.VERB + partnerchoose, findThe teacher asked the students to choose a partner for the next activity.change, switchAll change partners for the next dance!

3 in businessADJECTIVE | VERB + partner | partner + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfullHe was made a full partner in his father's firm.equalactive, managinggeneral (esp. AmE), limitedHe is a general partner in a consulting firm.She and her husband became limited partners in the team's ownership.junior, seniorbusiness, corporateretailAOL remains the company's only online retail partner.foundingsilent (AmE), sleeping (BrE)The government is technically a silent partner with almost no control over contractor spending.VERB + partnermake sbfind, seekpartner + NOUNcompany, institution, organizationWe are working with partner companies on wireless technologies.PREPOSITIONpartner inHe has recently been made a junior partner in the family business.

4 in international relationsADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbiggest, main, principalforeignalliance, coalitionstrategic, tradingFrance's principal trading partnersPREPOSITIONpartner inBritain's partner in the aeronautic project

partnership

partnershipnoun

noun1 relationship between companies, organizations, etc.2 relationship between two people1 relationship between companies, organizations, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + partnership | partnership + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcloselimitedThey formed a limited partnership.effective, good, great, strong, successfulWe look forward to a long and successful partnership with them.creative, innovative, productiveLocal historical societies are trying to establish creative partnerships with schools.uniquetrueWe have established a true partnership with our suppliers.collaborative, cooperative, exclusive, jointa joint partnership between the Department of Energy and the State of Illinoisequalan equal partnership of men and women in governmentworkingWe are trying to develop a working partnership between local schools and industries.long-termThe two companies have formed a long-term partnership to develop and sell these products together.global, international, multinational, transatlanticcommunitybusiness, corporate, professionalprivate, public-privateThe Channel Tunnel was an excellent public-private partnership.educational, marketing, promotional, research, strategic, etc.VERB + partnershiphavebuild, create, develop, establish, forge, form, set up (esp. BrE)enter into, go into, strikeThe company has gone into partnership with Swiss Bank Corporation.encourage, foster, promote, strengthenexpandcontinue, maintainseektake sb into (esp. BrE)We took him into partnership in 2002.break up, dissolve, endThey dissolved their successful partnership in 1980.partnership + NOUNagreement, arrangement, dealThe two radio stations signed a five-year partnership agreement today.programme/programlawPREPOSITIONin partnership withThey are in partnership with Apex software.The fund has been set up in partnership with banks.We are working in close partnership with our Japanese clients.partnership betweena partnership between the university and schoolspartnership inShe has a partnership in the business.partnership ofa unique partnership of private companies and unionspartnership witha partnership with an American company

2 relationship between two peopleADJECTIVE | VERB + partnership | partnership + NOUNADJECTIVEcivil (esp. BrE), domestic (AmE)Civil partnerships or gay unions are now legal in Britain.Domestic partnerships are not yet equivalent to marriage in the eyes of the law.gay, homosexual, same-sexVERB + partnershipenterThey registered their intention to enter a civil partnership.dissolvepartnership + NOUNbenefits, rightscivil unions that give legal recognition and partnership benefits to gay couplesa bill extending domestic partnership benefits to same-sex couples (AmE)statusYou can apply for partnership status after two years.

part-time

part-timeadj.adv.

I. adj.

Part-time is used with these nouns:

appointment, basis, course, degree, diploma, duty, education, employee, employment, faculty, firefighter, job, member, officer, position, post, staff, student, study, teacher, tutor, undergraduate, volunteer, work, worker

II. adv.

Part-time is used with these verbs:

party

partynoun

noun1 political group2 social occasion3 group of people working/doing sth together4 person in a legal case1 political groupADJECTIVE | VERB + party | party + VERB | party + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEpoliticalcentre/center, centre-right/center-right, left-wing, right-wingcentrist, fascist, leftist, nationalist, populist, progressive, radical, reactionary, revolutionary, social democratic, socialistCommunist, Conservative, Democratic, Labour, Liberal, Republican, etc.opposing, oppositionparliamentarymembers of the parliamentary party (= MPs, not ordinary party members) (BrE)main, majorboth main political partiesmajority, minoritythe majority party in both Housesgoverning, incumbent, rulingVERB + partybuild, establish, form, founddissolveThe party was officially dissolved in 1927.weakensplita bitter dispute which finally split the partyunitehead, leadbelong to, joinbe affiliated to, have links with (both esp. BrE)He was accused of having strong links with the Communist Party.leave, resign fromShe left the party in 2000.expel sb fromvote forelect, return to powerThe party was returned to power in 2001.party + VERBcome to power, gain power, win (sth)control sthThe Liberal party controlled the Senate at this time.dominate sthlose (sth), lose powerThe party lost the vote on this important issue.contest sththe parties contesting the electionssupport sb/sthnominate sbemergeFrom 1991 new political parties emerged to challenge the governing party.party + NOUNconference (esp. BrE), congress, conventionGordon Brown's speech at the Labour party conferencecommitteeactivist, candidate, faithful (= loyal members of the party), memberMr Cameron was cheered by the party faithful.chair, chairman, leader, leadership, officialaffiliationplatformpolicies that would be out of place in the Republican party platformlineShe refused to follow the party line (= the official view of the party).politicsPHRASESthe leader of a/the ( … ) party, a member of a/the ( … ) partyShe became the leader of the party in 2008.the left wing of the party, the right wing of the party

2 social occasionADJECTIVE | VERB + party | party + VERB | party + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEsurprisea surprise birthday partyimpromptulavishHe loves throwing lavish parties.all-nightcocktail, dinner, teabirthday, Christmas, Halloween, holiday (AmE)engagement, weddingfarewell, going-away, leaving (esp. BrE)We had a farewell party for Michelle when she left the company.graduationcoming-out (esp. AmE)launchThey attended the launch party for the new film.house-warminggarden, house, office, pool, streetcostume (AmE), fancy-dress (BrE), togasleepover, slumber (AmE)The girls were having a slumber party.bachelor (AmE), bachelorette (AmE), hen (BrE), stag (BrE)She turned up at her fiancé's bachelor party.I flew home for my sister's hen party.frat, fraternity, sorority (all AmE)Tupperware™privatetailgate (AmE)VERB + partygive, have, hold, host, throwOn moving in they threw a huge house-warming party.organize, planinvite sb toattend, go toleavecrash, gatecrash (BrE)ruin, spoilparty + VERBgo onThere was a party going on next door.be in full swing (= be very busy and noisy)By now the party was in full swing.break upThe party broke up around midnight.party + NOUNguestgirlShe is a hard-drinking, non-stop party girl.PREPOSITIONat a/the partyI was at a party in London that night.party forI'm organizing a surprise party for my sister.

3 group of people working/doing sth togetherADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEboarding, hunting, landing, raiding, rescue, scouting, search, welcoming, workingThe captain told the crew to prepare to receive a boarding party.coach (BrE)bridal, weddingThe wedding party climbed into the carriages.advanceAn advance party settled at Salem in 1628.PREPOSITIONparty ofShe arrived with a party of helpers.

4 person in a legal caseADJECTIVE | VERB + partyADJECTIVEguilty, innocentaggrieved, injured, wrongedoffendingwarringconcerned, interested, involvedFirst we must notify all the interested parties.disinterested, neutralthirdYou must sign the document in the presence of an independent third partyVERB + partynotifybe binding on (esp. BrE), bindThis agreement is binding on both parties.This agreement binds both parties.

party line

party linenoun

Party line is used before these nouns:

party political

party politicaladj.

Party political is used with these nouns:

broadcast

pashmina

pashminanoun

Pashmina is used before these nouns:

shawl

pass

passnounverb

I. noun1 in sports2 (esp. BrE) success in exam/course3 official piece of paper4 way through mountains1 in sportsADJECTIVE | VERB + pass | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdeep, longshortgood, perfectdropped, errant, incompleteRobson had pounced on a dropped pass.careless (esp. BrE), sloppycrisp, quickback, cross-field, square (all in football/soccer)forward (in rugby)The referee disallowed the try for a forward pass.bounce, inbounds, lob, no-look, outlet (in basketball)screen, swing, touchdown (in American football)VERB + passplayLafferty played a pass down the right to Gallagher.deliverget, pick up, receiveHe picked up a back pass from one of his defenders.complete, throw (both in American football)McNabb has completed 57% of his passes with five touchdowns.catch, drop (both in American football)block, defendHis long reach enables him to block passes.The Dolphins are among the NFL's best at defending the pass.interceptPREPOSITIONpass fromOwen picked up a long pass from Beckham to score.pass toHe played a back pass to the goalkeeper.

2 (esp. BrE) success in exam/courseADJECTIVE | VERB + pass | pass + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgood (BrE)exam, examinationA level, GCSE, etc.VERB + passget (BrE, AmE), obtain, scrapeShe barely scraped a pass in chemistry.pass + NOUNmark (BrE), rate (BrE, AmE)The pass mark is 40%.PREPOSITIONpass atIt's difficult to obtain a pass at A Level.pass inHe should get a good pass in mathematics. (BrE)

3 official piece of paperADJECTIVE | VERB + pass | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfreeday, monthly, weekend, yearlytwo-day, three-day, etc.bus, rail, railway (BrE)a monthly rail passsecurityboardingThe flight attendant asked to see my boarding pass.hall (AmE)The teacher wrote out a hall pass and handed it to her.backstagepress, VIPVERB + passhaveusegive sb, issue (sb with)The visitors were issued with day passes.produce, showPREPOSITIONon a passsoldiers on a weekend passpass toWe bought a two-day pass to Disneyland.

4 way through mountainsADJECTIVE | VERB + pass | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEhigh, lownarrowmountainVERB + passcross, takePREPOSITIONover a/the passThey had to struggle over the pass with their donkeys.through a/the passA road was built through the pass.pass overWe took the high pass over the ridge.PHRASESthe head of the pass, the summit of the pass, the top of the pass

II. verb1 of time2 law3 happen1 of timeADVERB | VERB + passADVERBquickly, rapidly, soon, swiftlyThe time passed quickly.slowlypeacefully, uneventfullyThe days passed uneventfully.VERB + passhelp (to)We played games to help pass the time.

2 lawADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBunanimouslyoverwhelminglynarrowlyThe Kansas State House narrowly passed the legislation last year.PREPOSITIONby … to … The bill was passed by 360 votes to 280.

3 happenADVERB | VERB + pass | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBpeacefullyVERB + passcome to (formal or old-fashioned)How did such a disaster come to pass?I wondered how it came to pass that a thinking man bore the prejudices of his unthinking parents.let sthI don't like it, but I'll let it pass (= will not object).PREPOSITIONbetweenThey'll never be friends again after all that has passed between them.PHRASESpass unnoticedIn the confusion her departure passed unnoticed.

Pass is used with these nouns as the subject:

amendment, boat, bullet, car, century, cloud, congress, convoy, council, crown, danger, day, deadline, decade, fit, footstep, fortnight, hour, legislature, minute, moment, month, moon, morning, nausea, ownership, parliament, procession, second, shadow, shiver, spasm, state, storm, thought, time, traffic, trail, train, voter, week, year

Pass is used with these nouns as the object:

A level, act, amendment, audition, ball, baton, bill, budget, car, checkpoint, cheque, class, comment, course, current, decree, exam, examination, final, hurdle, infection, initiative, inspection, judgement, law, legislation, mark, measure, medical, message, milestone, motion, note, peak, phase, physical, practical, referendum, reform, remark, resolution, salt, sentence, signal, statute, subject, test, time, torch, understanding, urine, verdict, virus

passable

passableadj.

Passable is used with these nouns:

imitation, road

passage

passagenoun

noun1 narrow way through2 tube in the body3 extract from a book/speech4 extract from a piece of music5 movement/progress6 voyage by ship7 of a bill1 narrow way throughADJECTIVE | VERB + passage | passage + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElong, shortnarrow, smallwindingconnecting, sidesubterranean, undergrounddarkhidden, secretVERB + passageclearto clear a passage for ships through the iceforceHe forced a passage for the singer through the crowd.passage + VERBleadThere was a bedroom with a small passage leading off to a bathroom.PREPOSITIONalong a/the passage, down a/the passage, through a/the passageWe ran through the dark passage.in a/the passage, into a/the passageSomeone was waiting outside in the passage.passage betweenthe passage between the two housespassage fromThere is an underground passage from the church to the house.passage througha narrow passage through the bushespassage toPHRASESthe end of a passageThere was a door at the end of the passage.a maze of passagesthe maze of secret passages which wound their way under the building

2 tube in the bodyADJECTIVE | VERB + passageADJECTIVEnasalairback (= rectum)VERB + passageblock, obstructclear

3 extract from a book/speechADJECTIVE | VERB + passage | passage + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElengthy, longbrief, shortopeningfamous, well-knownkeyrelevantI'll dig out the relevant passages in St Augustine.descriptive, expository, purplebiblical, Gospel, scripturalVERB + passagecite, quote, read, reciteI have quoted this passage at length.rereadwriteinterprettranslatepassage + VERBdescribe sth, illustrate sth, indicate sth, suggest sthHis writings are filled with poignant passages describing winter winds.contain sthPREPOSITIONin a/the passageThere's a lot of slang in this passage.passage froma passage from the Bible

4 extract from a piece of musicADJECTIVE | VERB + passage | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElengthy, longbrief, shortopeningfinalfast, slowloudquiet, softsolomusicalinstrumental, lyricalVERB + passageplayPREPOSITIONin a/the passagepassage from

5 movement/progressADJECTIVE | VERB + passage | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVErapid, speedyslowsafesmoothfreeThe Security Council has demanded free passage for families fleeing from the fighting.VERB + passagedeny sb, refuse (sb)The ship had been denied passage.block, preventallow, permitfacilitateensureEscort ships were needed to ensure safe passage on the seas.markrituals which mark the passage of the seasonsPREPOSITIONpassage acrossthe slow passage of a snail across the verandapassage downSteps cut in the hillside give walkers an easy passage down the mountain.passage from … to … We are not aware of our passage from consciousness to sleep.passage intoPortugal's passage into the next round of the tournamentpassage out ofa safe passage out of the war zonepassage overState-of-the-art suspension guarantees a smooth passage over the bumpiest road.passage throughThey denied him passage through the territory.PHRASESthe passage of timeThe problems only got worse with the passage of time.a rite of passageMarriage is seen as a rite of passage.

6 voyage by shipADJECTIVE | VERB + passage | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElong, shortroughhomeward, outwardIf the men resigned, they had to pay their outward passages.ocean (esp. AmE), sea (esp. BrE)VERB + passagehavebook, secureShe had secured passage on a ship heading for England.work (BrE)He worked his passage (= worked on the ship to pay for his ticket) to Australia.PREPOSITIONduring a/the passageDuring the passage, she taught herself basic Arabic.on sb's/the passageWe met him on our outward passage.passage acrossa rough passage across the Atlanticpassage toWe had a stormy passage to India.

7 of a billADJECTIVE | VERB + passage | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEsmoothstormyThe bill is expected to face a stormy passage in both houses.speedyfinalStarr voted for the final passage of the bill.VERB + passagebegin, completeThe bill will complete its passage in November.blockThey have launched a campaign to block passage of the bill.ensure, facilitate, secure (all esp. AmE)He deserves credit for ensuring the passage of the Civil Rights Act.gain, win (both AmE)The bills did not gain passage in the Senate.PREPOSITIONduring the passageThere was much controversy during the passage of the bill.passage througha strategy to ensure the bill's smooth passage through Parliament

passenger

passengernoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + passenger | passenger + VERB | passenger + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbusiness-class, coach (= the cheapest seats in a plane or train) (AmE), economy-class, first-classfront-seatback-seat (esp. AmE), rear-seat (esp. BrE)air, airline, bus, coach (= on a coach/bus) (BrE), ferry, rail, subway (AmE), train, underground (BrE)cruisepillion (= riding on the back of a motorcycle) (BrE)fellowI soon got talking to my fellow passengers.VERB + passengercarry, fly, transportLast year the airline carried 4.6 million passengers.board (esp. AmE), let on, pick up, take onFlight 717 began boarding passengers.A taxi was picking up a passenger outside the hotel.drop off, let off, let outThe bus stopped to let its passengers off.screenAll airports in the country screen passengers for illicit drugs.accommodateThe ship can accommodate 450 passengers.evacuateAll the passengers had to be evacuated.passenger + VERBwaitThe passengers were waiting to board the plane.be aboard (sth), fly, go in sth, go on sth, ride sth (AmE), ride in sth (AmE), travel in sth, travel on sththe first-class passengers aboard steamboatsboard (sth), come aboard (sth), embark (on sth), get on (sth), go aboard (sth)disembark, get off, get outarrivebe strandedThousands of passengers were stranded last night at Heathrow airport.passenger + NOUNcabin, compartmentdoor, windowseat, sideThere is no airbag on the passenger side.comfort, safetyaircraft, ferry, jet, liner, plane, ship, train, vehiclecar, van (both AmE)Sales of passenger cars grew by 22% last year.flight, servicesnumbers, traffic, volumeGlobal air passenger traffic rose over 20%.capacity, loadarea, station, terminallist, recordsPREPOSITIONpassenger forWill all passengers for Mumbai please go to Gate 21.passenger inthe passengers in her carpassenger onall the passengers on the ferry

passing

passingnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + passing | PHRASESADJECTIVEuntimelyVERB + passinglament, mournFew will mourn his passing.markHer death marks the passing of an era.notePHRASESthe passing of the years, the passing of timeThe wood darkens with the passing of time.

II. adj.

Passing is used with these nouns:

acquaintance, comment, craze, fad, familiarity, fashion, grade, interest, mention, minute, moment, nod, reference, remark, resemblance, scenery, ship, stranger, thought, traffic, train, vehicle, waiter, waitress

pass into

pass intophr verb

Pass into is used with these nouns as the object:

folklore, history, legend, oblivion, ownership

passion

passionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF PASSION | VERB + passion | passion + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgrand, greatShe didn't believe in grand passion or love at first sight.She was his first great passion.a woman of great passionall-consuming, burning, consuming, deep, fierce, fiery, intenseanimal (old-fashioned), physical, romantic, sexualsecretHe had a secret passion for poetry.considerable, deep, real, strongThere were moments of real passion in the game.unbridled, violentrenewedThe team has been playing with renewed passion this season.his renewed passion for the gameabiding, genuine, lifelonghis lifelong passion for flyingpersonalsharedElliot and Nina discovered a shared passion for poetry.humanyouthfulintellectual, moral, political, religious… OF PASSIONsurge, waveVERB + passionarouse, awaken, ignite, inflameNo one had ever aroused his passion as much as Sandra.rekindlebe filled with, feelthe great passion he felt for herdevelop, haveA writer should have passion.fuel, rouse, stirThis issue always rouses passion.discovershareThey shared a passion for food.expressfeellackindulge, pursueShe had very little time to indulge her passion for painting.passion + VERBcool, waneAs time went by the passion cooled.drive sbThat passion drove me to get to the top.PREPOSITIONwith passionThey kissed with passion.He argued his case with great passion.passion betweenThe passion between them had cooled.passion forhis all-consuming passion for herHe developed a real passion for acting.PHRASESa crime of passionShe killed her husband's lover in a crime of passion.full of passiona speech full of passiona night of passionThey spent a night of passion in a hotel.the object of sb's passionthe young girl who was the object of his passion

passionate

passionateadj.

Passionate is used with these nouns:

affair, attachment, belief, believer, collector, commitment, conviction, desire, devotion, embrace, engagement, enthusiasm, hatred, intensity, interest, kiss, longing, love, lover, outburst, plea, sex, supporter, yearning

passionately

passionatelyadv.

Passionately is used with these adjectives:

devoted, interested

Passionately is used with these verbs:

argue, believe, care, cry, defend, disagree, embrace, kiss, love

passive

passiveadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seembecomeremainADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.completely, totallyTV is a completely passive activity.merely, purelyIt is often assumed that the learner is merely passive.relativelyessentiallyThe heroine plays an essentially passive role in the drama.

Passive is used with these nouns:

acceptance, construction, consumer, euthanasia, infinitive, learning, obedience, observer, participant, recipient, resistance, role, smoker, smoking, spectator, verb, victim, vocabulary

passively

passivelyadv.

Passively is used with these verbs:

absorb, listen, stand, watch

pass on pass out

pass outphr verb

Pass out is used with these nouns as the object:

leaflet

Passover

Passovernoun

Passover is used before these nouns:

meal

passport

passportnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + passport | passport + VERB | passport + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEvalidfull (BrE)a full British passport (= one showing that sb has all the rights of British citizenship)fake, false, forgedCanadian, Mexican, Swiss, etc.foreigndiplomaticbiometric, machine-readableThe European Parliament voted to adopt biometric passports.VERB + passportapply forrenewget, obtainbe in possession of, carry, have, hold, travel onI usually travel on my Irish passport.give sb, issue sb, issue sb withask forhand sb, produce, show (sb)You have to show your passport at the border.checkstamphand back, hand overHe examined my face carefully before handing back my passport.surrenderThe Embassy made him surrender his passport.confiscate, seizestealpassport + VERBbe validexpirepassport + NOUNphoto, photograph, picturenumberholderagency, officethe UK Passport AgencycontrolThese sensors will cut the delays at passport control.applicationPREPOSITIONpassport into (figurative)The gold medal is his passport into professional boxing.passport to (figurative)A high score in the test is a passport to success.

passport-sized

passport-sizedadj.

Passport-sized is used with these nouns:

photograph

pass through

pass throughphr verb

Pass through is used with these nouns as the subject:

current, pipe, pipeline, ray, ripple, route, shudder

Pass through is used with these nouns as the object:

airport, gut, immigration, parliament, sieve, stage, strait

pass up

pass upphr verb

Pass up is used with these nouns as the object:

chance, opportunity

password

passwordnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + passwordADJECTIVEcorrect, validuserPlease supply a valid user password.secretVERB + passwordknow, rememberchoosegiveYou must give the password before they'll let you in.enter, provide, supply, type, type inchange, resetcrack, guessa software tool developed by hackers to crack passwords

password-protected

password-protectedadj.

Password-protected is used with these nouns:

Past is used with these nouns:

past

pastnounadj.

I. noun1 time before the present2 sb/sth's history1 time before the presentADJECTIVE | VERB + past | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEimmediate, recentancient, dim and distant (BrE), distant, remoteMany modern festivals can be traced back to an ancient past.It all happened in the distant past.VERB + pastcling to, live in, reliveWe're going to have to stop living in the past and invest in new technology if the company is to survive.reconstruct, recreateArchaeology provides us with tools for reconstructing the past.erase, forgetbelong in, belong toThose memories belong to the past and I don't want to think about them.PREPOSITIONfrom the pastMemories from the past came flooding back to him.in the pastI admit that I have made mistakes in the past.into the pastevents stretching back many years into the pastof the pastgreat artists of the pastPHRASESbe all in the pastDon't worry about it—it's all in the past now.a break with the pastIn an effort to make a complete break with the past, she went to live in Morocco.a glimpse of the pastThe uncovering of the buried town gives us a unique glimpse of the past.a link with the pastThe old market is a living link with the past, unchanged for hundreds of years.nostalgia for the pasta thing of the pasta new device that makes such problems a thing of the past

2 sb/sth's historyADJECTIVE | VERB + past | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhistoric (esp. BrE), historicalforgottenHe was forced to confront his forgotten past.colourful/colorful, richchequered/checkered, murky (esp. BrE), painful, sordid, troubledmysteriouscriminalglorious, illustrious (esp. BrE)Few remnants remain of the city's glorious past.cultural, politicalancestral, evolutionarycolonial, imperial, industrialThese customs are a relic of the country's colonial past.VERB + pastreflect onrecaptureHe tried in vain to recapture his past.erase, escape from, forget, put behind you, wipe outPolitical parties cannot escape from their pasts any more than individuals can.Therapy helped Dan put the past behind him.PREPOSITIONfrom your pastghosts from his pastin your pastat some time in her past

II. adj.

autumn, century, champion, decade, deed, epoch, era, error, experience, failure, fall, fortnight, generation, history, incident, life, mistake, month, precedent, president, quarter, record, research, self, sin, spring, summer, tense, week, winter, wrong, year

pasta

pastanoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + pasta | pasta + NOUNADJECTIVEfreshdriedegg, wholegrain (AmE), wholemeal (BrE), wholewheatcookedhome-madeVERB + pastaboil, cookdrainstir, tossToss the pasta with the hot sauce.eatpasta + NOUNshapes, shells, etc.saucedish, saladbowl, potdoughmachine, maker

paste

pastenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + pasteADJECTIVEstiff (esp. BrE), thicksmoothwallpapercurry, fish, tomato, etc.VERB + pastemake, make up, mix, mix sth into, mix sth to, mix upMix the sugar mixture to a smooth paste.formMix the flour with enough water to form a thick paste.apply, put onApply the wallpaper paste with a roller.addAdd the tomato paste and cook for a further 25 minutes.

II. verb

Paste is used with these nouns as the object:

text

pastel

pastelnoun

Pastel is used before these nouns:

blue, colour, drawing, pink, portrait, shade, tone

pasteurized

pasteurizedadj.

Pasteurized is used with these nouns:

pastille

pastillenoun

Pastille is used after these nouns:

throat

pastime

pastimenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + pastime | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEenjoyable, pleasurablefavourite/favorite, populardangerousnationalEating out is the national pastime in France.VERB + pastimeenjoy, indulge in, pursuePREPOSITIONpastime amongFighting is a popular pastime among some of the town's boys.pastime forFishing is an enjoyable pastime for people of all ages.

pastor

pastornoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + pastor | pastor + VERBADJECTIVELutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, etc.ordainedassociate, seniorHe was the associate pastor at a church in Portland.retiredVERB + pastorappoint (sb), ordain (sb)He was ordained a pastor in the Lutheran Church.pastor + VERBpray, preachservea pastor serving a mainly Hispanic congregation

pastoral

pastoraladj.

Pastoral is used with these nouns:

care, ministry, poetry, scene

pastry

pastrynoun

noun1 (esp. BrE) mixture of flour and water2 small cake1 (esp. BrE) mixture of flour and waterADJECTIVE | VERB + pastry | pastry + NOUNADJECTIVEcrisp, lightBake until the pastry is crisp and golden.soggy (BrE)golden, golden-brownready-made (BrE)sweetchoux, filo, flaky, puff (BrE, AmE), shortcrust (BrE)VERB + pastrymakecut, knead, roll outCut the filo pastry into 10 cm strips.line sth withLine the tin with the pastry.brushBrush the pastry with a little water.wrap sth inmushrooms wrapped in filo pastrypastry + NOUNbase (esp. BrE), case, parcel (BrE), shell (BrE, AmE)dough (esp. AmE)board, cutterchef (BrE, AmE)

2 small cakeADJECTIVEADJECTIVEDanish, French (esp. AmE)filled, friedbreakfast (esp. AmE)

pasture

pasturenoun

Pasture is used before these nouns:

Pasture is used after these nouns:

cow, mountain, sheep

pasty

pastyadj.

Pasty is used with these nouns:

complexion, skin

pat

patnounverbadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + pat | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEaffectionate, friendlyreassuringcongratulatorycomforting (AmE)VERB + patgive sb/sthHe gave the dog a pat.PREPOSITIONpat onHe gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBgently, lightlyaffectionatelyawkwardly (esp. AmE)I threw my arms around him and he awkwardly patted my back.PREPOSITIONonHe patted her gently on the shoulder.

Pat is used with these nouns as the object:

arm, back, belly, cheek, head, knee, mane, pocket, stomach, tummy

III. adj.

Pat is used with these nouns:

answer

patch

patchnounverb

I. noun1 material over a hole2 part of a surface that is different3 piece of land4 (informal) period of time5 (AmE) piece of material sewn onto clothes or uniform6 solution to a computing problem1 material over a holeVERB + patch | PREPOSITIONVERB + patchhaveHer jeans have patches all over them.sew on/ontoShe wore a jacket with bright patches sewn onto it.PREPOSITIONpatch ondancers with patches on their costumes

2 part of a surface that is differentADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEirregularclear, coloured/colored, darkdamp, wetdrysweaticyicy patches on the roadsbaldHe has a small bald patch on the crown of his head.roughPREPOSITIONin patchesThe velvet curtains were faded in patches.patch ofThere were some patches of clear blue sky.patch onA large damp patch had appeared on the ceiling.PHRASESa patch of colour/colorFlowers provide bright patches of colour/color.

3 piece of landADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEisolatedan isolated patch of forestgrassybareberry (AmE), cabbage, potato, pumpkin (esp. AmE), strawberry, vegetablebriar (often figurative, esp. AmE)The track passes through dense weeds and briar patches.This led Nixon into a political briar patch (= painful situation difficult to escape).PREPOSITIONin a/the patchI spent Sunday working in my vegetable patch.on a/the patchlocated on a small patch of flat groundPREPOSITIONpatch ofWe found a nice patch of grass to sit on.

4 (informal) period of timeADJECTIVE | VERB + patch | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbad, difficult, rocky, rough, soft (BrE), sticky (BrE)purple (BrE)The team has hit a purple patch, with nine wins from their last ten games.VERB + patchgo through, have, hitTheir business hit a sticky patch last year.PREPOSITIONpatch of (esp. BrE)I was going through a patch of poor health.

5 (AmE) piece of material sewn onto clothes or uniformVERB + patch | PREPOSITIONVERB + patchsport, wearHe wears a patch from his employer, Verizon.sew on, stitch onIt has a UPS patch sewn on the right shoulder.PREPOSITIONpatch onStudents were wearing American flag patches on their sleeves.

6 solution to a computing problemADJECTIVE | VERB + patchADJECTIVEsecurityVERB + patchapply, deploydownload, installissue, release

II. verb

Patch is used with these nouns as the object:

hole

patchily

patchilyadv.

Patchily is used with these verbs:

distribute

patch up

patch upphr verb

Patch up is used with these nouns as the object:

difference, quarrel, thing

patchwork

patchworknoun

Patchwork is used before these nouns:

quilt

patchy

patchyadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seembecomeremainADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.The local provision of facilities is extremely patchy.Attendance at these matches has been rather patchy recently.a little, slightly, etc.The local provision of facilities is slightly patchy.

Patchy is used with these nouns:

beard, distribution, fog, rain, record

patent

patentnounverb

I. nounVERB + patent | patent + VERB | patent + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + patentapply for, fileIn 1843 Bain filed a patent for his fax machine.get, obtain, take outprotect sth byGenetically engineered plants can be protected by patent.award (sb), grant (sb), issue, licenserefuseA patent will be refused if details of the item have already been released to the public.have, holdinfringe, violateenforcepatent + VERBexpirecover, protectpatent + NOUNapplicationprotectionlawa leading authority on patent lawofficethe US Patent OfficePREPOSITIONpatent forIn 1995 he was granted a patent for his invention.patent onEdison took out a patent on the light bulb.PHRASESpatent pending (= waiting to be issued)The item is Patent Pending No. 11092001.

II. verb

Patent is used with these nouns as the object:

invention

patented

patentedadj.

Patented is used with these nouns:

design, invention

patent leather

patent leathernoun

Patent leather is used before these nouns:

patently

patentlyadv.

Patently is used with these adjectives:

absurd, false, incorrect, obvious, offensive, ridiculous, unfair

paternal

paternaladj.

Paternal is used with these nouns:

aunt, grandfather, grandmother, grandparent, instinct, love, role, uncle

paternity

paternitynoun

Paternity is used before these nouns:

leave, suit, test

path

pathnoun

noun1 way across land2 line of movement3 way of achieving sth1 way across landADJECTIVE | VERB + path | path + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElongnarrowsteepwindingcobblestone (esp. AmE), dirt (esp. AmE), gravel, paved, rockywoodedcliff, coast, coastal (all esp. BrE)forest, garden, woodland (esp. BrE)pedestrian, public (esp. BrE)bike (AmE), cycle (BrE)bridleVERB + pathfollow, takeFollow this path for about 100 yards, and it's on your right.go along, go down, go upclimbkeep on, keep to, stay onleave, stray from, stray offretraceThey retraced the path they had taken earlier that day.clear, makeA path was cleared through the jungle.path + VERBgo, runThat path goes down to the river.descend (esp. BrE)follow sthThe path follows the stream for quite a way.branch off, leave sthThe path left the river bank and wound its way into the woods.divide, forkgo to sth, lead (to) sthWhere does this path lead?wind, zigzagThen the path zigzags steeply uphill for a while.be marked (sth)The path is clearly marked.narrow, widenPREPOSITIONalong a/the path, down a/the path, up a/the pathThe children ran along the path.on a/the pathI think we're on the path we used yesterday.path along, path beside, path bythe path along the canalpath fora path for cyclistspath fromthe path from the hotel to the beachpath throughI took the path through the park.path toPHRASESoff the beaten path (= not in a place that most people go to) (AmE)The museum is located well off the beaten path.

2 line of movementADJECTIVE | VERB + path | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcorrect, rightflightThe pilot was instructed to change his flight path.directThe building was in the direct path of the missile.circular, straightThe object continued in its circular path.VERB + pathsteerHe steered a path through the crowd.traceScientists can trace the path of the tornado.block, obstruct, stand inYou're standing in my path!crossA peacock crossed our path.PREPOSITIONacross sth's pathThe car pulled right across the path of another vehicle.in sth's path, into sth's pathShe stepped into the path of an oncoming car.out of sth's pathI managed to jump out of the path of the bike just in time.path throughFootsteps had scored a diagonal path through the snow.path toHe moved quickly to block her path to the door.PHRASESeverything in sb's/sth's pathThe tornado destroyed everything in its path.

3 way of achieving sthADJECTIVE | VERB + path | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEwell-trodden, well-wornHer education followed the usual well-worn path of rich youngsters in the 1930s.clear, direct, straightShe saw the plan as a direct path to her goals.chosendifferent, divergentThe two friends followed divergent paths in life.careerspiritualthe challenge of staying on his spiritual path while surrounded by temptationevolutionarythe evolutionary path that humans have followedVERB + pathchoose, findEveryone has to find their own path in life.follow, pursue, tread, walkCan a person who has walked a path of evil all his life really change?blaze, carve, carve out, chart, forgeHe aimed to forge a new path between traditional left-wing and right-wing politics.deviate fromclear, ease, smoothThis cleared the path for them to marry.PREPOSITIONon a/the pathHis feet were now firmly on the path to success.path ofThe path of true love is never easy.path tothe path to happinessPHRASEScross paths (with sb) (= meet sb in the course of your life, work, etc.)I hope to cross paths with him again some day.obstacles in sb/sth's pathI don't want to put obstacles in your path.

pathetic

patheticadj.

Pathetic is used with these nouns:

attempt, creature, excuse, existence, loser, sight, whimper

pathetically

patheticallyadv.

Pathetically is used with these adjectives:

weak

Pathetically is used with these verbs:

whimper

pathological

pathologicaladj.

Pathological is used with these nouns:

aversion, condition, gambler, gambling, jealousy, liar

pathologist

pathologistnoun

nounADJECTIVE | pathologist + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsultant (BrE)forensic, surgical (AmE)Home Office (in the UK)pathologist + VERBexamine sthconfirm sth (esp. BrE)The pathologist confirmed that death was due to poisoning.review sth (esp. AmE)Four experienced pathologists reviewed all the diagnoses.PHRASESpathologist's report (esp. BrE)

pathology

pathologynoun

Pathology is used before these nouns:

laboratory

pathway

pathwaynoun

Pathway is used after these nouns:

patience

patiencenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + patience | patience + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEendless, great, infinitelittleI have little patience with fundamentalists of any kind.VERB + patienceexercise, have, showThey thanked him for showing so much patience.lackbe out of, lose, run out ofIt is clear that they are out of patience with me.We eventually ran out of patience with him.keepI find it hard to keep my patience with them.demand, need, require, takeAbove all, fishing requires great patience.exhaust, strain, stretch, tax, test, tryThe children were beginning to try my patience.counsel, preach (esp. AmE)His advisers are trying to counsel patience.patience + VERBbe exhausted, run out, snap, wear thinMeg could see Kirk's patience was running out, so she shut up.Her patience snapped and she walked out.be rewardedOur patience was finally rewarded and we got the band's autographs.PREPOSITIONwith patienceShe listened with infinite patience to his excuses.patience forHe has little patience for people who don't work.patience withThe fans were losing patience with the team.PHRASESthe patience of a saintThese endless meetings are enough to tax the patience of a saint.

patient

patientnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + patient | patient + VERB | patient + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEAIDS, cancer, cardiac, diabetic, heart, etc.surgical, transplantdevelopments that will help surgical patients recover more quicklymental, psychiatricdepressed, mentally illseriously ill, severely ill, terminally illhigh-risk (esp. AmE), vulnerable (esp. BrE)hospitalprivate (esp. BrE)He only takes private patients.elderly, olderadult, childpaediatric/pediatricVERB + patientassess, examine, see, treatShe sees an average of 35 patients every day.admitThe patient was admitted to hospital yesterday.dischargepatients waiting to be discharged from hospitalrefer (to sb/sth), transfer (to sth)patient + VERBdevelop sth, have sth, suffer from sthThe patient has a severe heart condition.suffer sthpatients who have suffered a heart attackbe diagnosed with sthThe patient was first diagnosed with malaria.present with sthMany patients present with conditions that cannot be easily diagnosed.respond (to sth)These patients are responding well to the new drug.improvereceive sth, undergo sthPatients undergoing chemotherapy may be at a higher risk of infection.patient + NOUNcarePREPOSITIONpatient withpatients with liver disease

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, soundremainADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.incrediblyendlessly (esp. BrE), infinitelyPREPOSITIONaboutShe's been extremely patient about it all.withHe was endlessly patient with the children.

patiently

patientlyadv.

Patiently is used with these verbs:

await, explain, listen, queue, repeat, say, sit, wait, watch

patio

pationoun

Patio is used before these nouns:

door, furniture

patriarchal

patriarchaladj.

Patriarchal is used with these nouns:

culture, domination, family, society

patriotic

patrioticadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomefeelADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.fiercely, intenselyunabashedly (AmE), unashamedly (BrE)The party framed its message in unashamedly patriotic language.

Patriotic is used with these nouns:

duty, euphoria, feeling, fervour, pride, rhetoric, sentiment, slogan, song

patrol

patrolnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + patrol | patrol + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEroutinespecial (BrE)armedfootEvery police car and foot patrol in the area is on full alert.mountedreconnaissancedawn, nightair, army, military, naval, police, securityenemybordercoastal, harbour/harbor (esp. AmE), maritime, shorehighway (AmE), traffic (BrE)The highway patrol has sealed off the area.helicopters used for traffic patrolssafety (AmE) (= to help children cross the street, etc.)VERB + patrolcarry out, conduct, fly, go onThe Italians flew regular patrols over the desert.maintainThey maintain a continuous patrol of the oceans with three submarines.send outThey sent out four-man patrols to scout the area.ambush, attackOne soldier was killed when his patrol was ambushed.patrol + NOUNaircraft, boat, car, craft, vehicle, vesseldutyPREPOSITIONon patrolpolice officers on patrol

II. verb

Patrol is used with these nouns as the subject:

guard, helicopter, officer, police, policeman, submarine, troops

Patrol is used with these nouns as the object:

area, border, neighbourhood, perimeter, sky, street, territory, zone

patrolman

patrolmannoun

Patrolman is used after these nouns:

highway

patron

patronnoun

nounADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEinfluential, powerfulgenerousaristocratic, wealthyPHRASESa patron of the artsThe company is a major patron of the arts.

patronizing

patronizingadj.

(BrE also -ising) adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, soundbecomefind sb/sthI found his tone rather patronizing.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.almosta little, slightly, etc.PREPOSITIONtowards/towardHe's always very patronizing towards/toward my mother.

Patronizing is used with these nouns:

attitude, tone

patter

patternounverb

I. noun

Patter is used after these nouns:

Patter is used with these nouns as the subject:

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBgently, lightly, softlydownThe rain pattered down softly.PREPOSITIONacrossFootsteps pattered across the floor.againstalongThe child's feet pattered along the landing.onRain pattered lightly on the window.

Patterned is used with these nouns:

pattern

patternnoun

noun1 arrangement of lines, shapes, sounds, etc.2 usual manner1 arrangement of lines, shapes, sounds, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + pattern | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEintricateabstract, geometriccamouflage, floral, striped, etc.regular, repeated, repeatingwallpaper with a repeating pattern of interlocking shapesrandomdrum, rhythmic, soundThe music contains repeated rhythmic patterns.VERB + patternhaveThe sweater has a geometric pattern on it.form, produceThe roof beams form a star-like pattern.create, design, make, print, weavePREPOSITIONin a/the patternHe had arranged the glasses in a pattern on the table.pattern onthe pattern on the carpetpattern inShe drew patterns in the sand.

2 usual mannerADJECTIVE | VERB + pattern | pattern + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbasic, existing, familiar, normal, set, traditional, usualThere is no set pattern for these meetings.consistent, predictable, regularsame, similarPortuguese colonial rule followed a similar pattern to that of other powers.changing, ever-changingcomplexclearThe pattern is clear: obesity is associated with lower incomes.mainoverallThe overall pattern of our life changes little.behaviour/behavior, behavioural/behavioralspeechHer speech patterns are very distinctive.breathing, sleepvotingconsumption, spending, usageThey analyzed employees' email usage patterns.migration, settlementemploymentweatherVERB + patterndiscern, identify, notice, recognize, traceWe can trace a familiar pattern to these events.establish, setfollow, repeatTheir actions follow a very predictable pattern.fall into, fit intoideas that do not fit neatly into his patterns of thoughtexhibit, show67% of patients showed a similar pattern of improvement.alter, changePeople have changed their spending patterns in response to changing conditions.pattern + VERBdevelop, emergeSimilar patterns are emerging all over Eastern Europe.changePREPOSITIONpattern forthe normal pattern for a boy/girl relationshippattern inthe main patterns in English spellingpattern ofpatterns of behaviour/behavior

patterned

patternedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeADVERBheavily, highly, richlya highly patterned fabricbeautifullyboldly, brightlydelicately, intricatelyPREPOSITIONwithpatterned with flowers

carpet, fabric, wallpaper

patty

pattynoun

Patty is used after these nouns:

beef, cow, meat, sausage

pause

pausenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + pause | pause + VERB | pause + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbrief, momentary, short, slight, smalllengthy, longfrequentHe made frequent pauses to catch his breath.awkward, uncomfortablepregnantdramaticthoughtfulsilentVERB + pausetakeShall we take a pause here?pause + VERBfollowIn the pause that followed, I noticed that he was shaking.pause + NOUNbutton (on a video camera, etc.)PREPOSITIONafter a/the pause‘I don't know,’ he said after a long pause.in a/the pauseEveryone nodded in agreement in the pauses between his sentences.with a/ the pauseHe read very slowly and with frequent pauses.without a/the pauseShe read the whole text without a pause.pause beforeThere was a long pause before he spoke again.pause betweenin the pauses between his jokespause fora pause for breathpause induring a pause in the conversation

II. verbADVERB | PHRASESADVERBbriefly, (for) a moment, momentarily, (for) a secondShe paused a moment and then walked away.mid-sentence, mid-strideShe paused mid-stride when the doorbell rang.occasionallyShe paused occasionally to smell the flowers.barely, hardlyHe spoke for two hours and barely paused for breath.deliberatelyShe paused deliberately, her eyes holding his.dramatically, meaningfullyexpectantlyreflectively, thoughtfullyuncertainlyawkwardly, uncomfortablyPHRASESpause for breath, pause for thoughtpause only long enough to do sth, pause only to do sthPausing only to put out her cigarette, she left the room.pause to consider, look, reflect, etc.Just pause to think before giving me your answer.without pausingWithout pausing to knock, she opened the door.

Pause is used with these nouns as the object:

cassette, movie, tape

pave

paveverb

Pave is used with these nouns as the object:

road, way

paved

pavedadj.

Paved is used with these nouns:

courtyard, path, road, street, trail

pavement

pavementnoun

noun (BrE)See also sidewalkADJECTIVE | VERB + pavement | pavement + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEwidenarrowhardShe had sore feet from walking on hard pavements all day.broken, unevencrowdedemptyVERB + pavementstep off, step ontokeep tomountThe car mounted the pavement and crashed into a lamp post.pavement + NOUNcafe, table, terracePREPOSITIONalong the pavement, down the pavement, on the pavementThere was a car parked on the pavement and we couldn't get by.up the pavementPHRASESthe edge of the pavement

pavilion

pavilionnoun

Pavilion is used after these nouns:

cricket, sport

paving

pavingnoun

Paving is used before these nouns:

slab, stone

paw

pawverb

Paw is used with these nouns as the object:

ground

pawn

pawnnoun

Pawn is used before these nouns:

shop

pay

paynounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | … OF PAY | VERB + pay | pay + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEhourly, monthly, weeklyfull, half (both esp. BrE)He has taken leave on half pay.highlow, poorworkers on low payaverageequalequal pay for men and womenbase (AmE), basicgrosstake-homethe average take-home pay of a manual workerholiday (BrE), vacation (AmE)maternity (BrE)overtimeredundancy (BrE), severance (esp. AmE)retirement (esp. AmE)sick (esp. BrE), sickness (BrE)backThe workers are demanding their back pay.merit (AmE), performance (esp. BrE), performance-related (esp. BrE)bonus (esp. AmE), incentive (AmE)… OF PAYlevel, rateThe job offers good rates of pay and excellent conditions.VERB + payearn, get, receivegive sbcut, dock, slashHe cut management pay by 15%.boost, double, increase, raiseHe doubled his pay by accepting bribes.pay + NOUNdaycheque (BrE) (paycheck in AmE), packet (BrE)the money in my weekly pay packetpackageHis pay package including bonuses was worth at least $12 million.slip (BrE), stub (AmE)hike (esp. AmE), increase, raise (AmE), rise (BrE)cutfreeze (esp. BrE)claim, demand (both esp. BrE)bargaining, negotiations (both BrE)agreement, award, deal, offer, settlement (all esp. BrE)dispute (esp. BrE), strike (BrE)levels, ratesindustrial unrest over pay levels in the public sectorgrade, scale, structure (esp. BrE)He's at the top of his company's pay scale.equity (esp. AmE), parity (BrE)Women are still decades away from achieving pay equity with men.differential, disparityPREPOSITIONon … payWomen are eligible for 18 weeks maternity leave on full pay.with paya day off with paywithout payHe has been suspended without pay.PHRASESa cut in pay, an increase in pay, a reduction in pay

II. verbADVERB | VERB + pay | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBhandsomely, wellShe pays her workers very well.dearly (figurative)He will pay dearly for what he did.gladlyI would gladly pay for the benefits such a tax would bring.typicallyClients typically pay about $2 400 per month.upI had a hard time getting him to pay up.VERB + payhave to, mustbe able to, can, can afford tohelp for those who are genuinely not able to paybe unable to, cannot, can't afford toProtesters chanted ‘Can't pay! Won't pay!’expect (sb) toYou can expect to pay £200 a night at this hotel.be liable to (esp. BrE)It is for the courts to decide who is liable to pay damages.be ordered to, be required toThe company was ordered to pay the workers £5 000 in compensation each.agree to, be prepared to, be willing to, offer to, promise tofail to, neglect toHe was made bankrupt for failing to pay debts of over £2 million.refuse tohelp (to)The revenue will be used to help pay for environmental improvements.get sb to, make sbIf he had killed Caroline, then Mac was going to make him pay the price.let sbShe wouldn't let me pay for my ticket.PREPOSITIONforHow much did you pay for your new car?toWe pay £200 a week to our landlord.PHRASESability to payTaxation should be based on the ability to pay.

Pay is used with these nouns as the subject:

bank, consumer, job

Pay is used with these nouns as the object:

advance, arrears, attention, balance, bill, bonus, bribe, call, cash, charge, check, claim, commission, compensation, compliment, contribution, cost, creditor, damage, debt, deposit, difference, dividend, dowry, duty, employee, equivalent, expense, fare, fee, fine, fortune, instalment, insurance, interest, invoice, maintenance, mercenary, minimum, money, mortgage, penalty, penance, pension, postage, premium, ransom, rate, recompense, refund, regard, rent, respect, reward, royalty, salary, settlement, staff, subscription, subsidy, sum, supplement, support, surcharge, tariff, tax, toll, total, tribute, tuition, visit, wage, worker

payable

payableadj.

adj. (esp. BrE)VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbebecome (BrE)the date on which the rent becomes payablemake sthCheques should be made payable to Brighton Borough Council. (BrE)Include a check made payable to the Texas Department of Transportation. (AmE)ADVERBimmediately (BrE)This amount is payable immediately.PREPOSITIONbythe costs payable by a clientonNo tax is payable on these earnings.toAn initial fee is payable to the franchiser.PHRASESpayable in instalments/installments

Payable is used with these nouns:

pay-as-you-go

pay-as-you-goadj.

Pay-as-you-go is used with these nouns:

pay back

pay backphr verb

Pay back is used with these nouns as the object:

debt, loan, money

payer

payernoun

Payer is used after these nouns:

pay for

pay forphr verb

Pay for is used with these nouns as the subject:

Pay for is used with these nouns as the object:

cab, damage, health service, mistake, purchase, taxi, upkeep

pay in

pay inphr verb

Pay in is used with these nouns as the object:

cash, cheque, money

paying

payingadj.

Paying is used with these nouns:

customer, gig, proposition, public, spectator

pay into

pay intophr verb

Pay into is used with these nouns as the object:

account, money, social security

payment

paymentnoun

noun1 paying/being paid2 amount of money paid1 paying/being paidADJECTIVE | VERB + payment | payment + VERB | payment + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEimmediate (esp. BrE), promptlatepenalties for late payment of taxearly (esp. BrE)full, part (esp. BrE), partial (esp. AmE)I enclose $65.50, in full payment of the bill.VERB + paymentmakeHow do you want to make payment? (esp. BrE)I made the payment in cash.The department makes payments to farmers for providing improvement to water quality.authorizeThe buyer is required to enter a code to authorize payment.arrange foraccept, takeDo you accept payment by credit card?get, receivestop, suspend, withholdI have authorized the bank to stop payment of the cheque/check.refuse sbdefer, delayWe may have to defer payment for a week.demandguaranteeThe only way to guarantee payment is to sign a contract.payment + VERBbe duepayment + NOUNoption, plan, scheduleSome mortgage plans offer a bimonthly payment schedule.PREPOSITIONin paymentHe requested $8 000 in payment.in payment for, in payment of (BrE)Credit cards are accepted in payment for virtually anything.She wrote out a cheque in payment of the fees.on payment ofHe was released on payment of the ransom.payment forpayment for work donepayment from, payment topayment to the company from its customersPHRASESa method of paymentpayment in advanceThe hostel requires full payment in advance.payment in fullHe demanded payment in full of the $300 000 owed to him.

2 amount of money paidADJECTIVE | VERB + payment | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEannual, monthly, etc.regularone-off, one-time (AmE), singleAll families of the victims will receive a one-off payment of $100 000.cash, lump-sumtokengenerousminimumShe was finding it difficult to make even the minimum payment on her credit card.advance, upfrontdown, initialadditional, further, subsequent (both esp. BrE)interim (esp. BrE)finalcredit-carddebt, loaninsurance, interest, lease (esp. AmE), mortgage, rent, tax, tuition (AmE)alimony (esp. AmE), benefit, child-support, compensation, disability (esp. AmE), maintenance (BrE), royalty, severance, welfareVERB + paymentafford, keep up, meetMy client was unable to meet her rent payments.increaselower, reduceYou could lower your monthly mortgage payments by $160.collectIt was my job to collect payment for the trip.deductCompanies deduct interest payments from their taxable income.guaranteeThe company guaranteed royalty payments of at least $590 million.PREPOSITIONin paymentsan extra $9 million in interest paymentspayment fora generous payment for his servicespayment frompayments to the landlord from his tenantspayment toPHRASESthe balance of payments (economics)measures designed to reduce the balance of payments deficit

pay off

pay offphr verb

Pay off is used with these nouns as the subject:

effort, gamble, move, perseverance, persistence, tactic

Pay off is used with these nouns as the object:

account, arrears, cab, creditor, debt, loan, mortgage, overdraft

pay out

pay outphr verb

Pay out is used with these nouns as the object:

payout

payoutnoun

Payout is used after these nouns:

dividend, insurance, pension

pay-per-view

pay-per-viewnoun

Pay-per-view is used before these nouns:

channel, movie

payroll

payrollnoun

Payroll is used before these nouns:

deduction, record, tax

pay towards

pay towardsphr verb

Pay towards is used with these nouns as the object:

upkeep

PCnoun

PC is used before these nouns:

card, game, keyboard, monitor, penetration, sale, software, system, user

PDF

PDFnoun

PDF is used before these nouns:

file, format

PEnoun

PE is used before these nouns:

kit, teacher

pea

peanoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + pea | pea + NOUNADJECTIVEcanned (esp. AmE), dried, fresh, frozen, tinned (BrE)greensnow (AmE), sugar snapmushy (BrE)black-eyed (AmE)splitVERB + peaeat, haveshellcookgrow, plant, sowpea + NOUNsouppod, shoot

peace

peacenoun

noun1 not war2 state of being calm1 not warADJECTIVE | VERB + peace | peace + VERB | peace + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdurable, lasting, permanentfragile, uneasynegotiatedA negotiated peace would be preferable to a protracted war.relativeThe country is in a state of relative peace after ten years of fighting.worldobstacles in the way of world peaceVERB + peacebring (about), establish, make, secureEngland finally made peace with France.broker, negotiateThe UN has resumed its efforts to broker peace.keep, maintain, preserveUN troops are trying to keep the peace in the region.restorepromoteWe aim to promote world peace by encouraging links between nations.threatenHis country's actions threaten peace in the region.peace + VERBcomeprevail, reignAn uneasy peace prevailed in the first days of the ceasefire.peace + NOUNconference, congress, negotiations, process, talksThis must not be allowed to hold up the peace process.efforts, initiativeplan, proposalaccord, agreement, deal, pact, settlement, treatybroker, envoy, negotiatormissionThe president is visiting the country on a peace mission.activist, advocate (AmE), campaigner (esp. BrE), marcher (esp. AmE), protestergroup, movementcamp, march, protest, rally, vigilofferingThe Greeks hid inside a wooden horse left as a peace offering.PREPOSITIONat peace (with)Although the two countries were officially at peace, fighting continued.peace betweenpeace between the warring factions in the area

2 state of being calmADJECTIVE | VERB + peace | peace + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEinnerperfecteternalVERB + peacefind, seekShe finally found inner peace and happiness.enjoyHe was enjoying the peace of his study.disturb, shatterThe peace of the afternoon was suddenly shattered by a police siren.leave sb inGo away and leave me in peace!makea scene in the movie where Harry tries to make peace with his motherpeace + VERBreignShe stopped shouting, and peace reigned supreme once again.descend on sth, settle over sthPeace descended once more on the little town.PREPOSITIONat peaceHer father is at peace (= dead) now.at peace withFor the first time in months, she felt calm and at peace with the world.in peaceto live in peace and harmonyPHRASESpeace and quiet, peace and tranquillityThe island is a haven of peace and tranquillity.peace of mindThe computer comes with a three-year guarantee for peace of mind.

peaceably

peaceablyadv.

Peaceably is used with these verbs:

live

peaceful

peacefuladj.

adj.1 without war/violence2 quiet and calm1 without war/violenceVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomeremainADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.largely, mostlycomparatively, reasonably, relatively

2 quiet and calmVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, lookbecomeremainADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.utterlycomparatively, relativelyremarkably, strangely, surprisinglyblissfullyThe time without her in the house had been blissfully peaceful.

Peaceful is used with these nouns:

assembly, countryside, demonstration, demonstrator, disarmament, evolution, existence, future, interlude, life, manner, march, means, morning, place, protest, protester, resolution, retreat, revolution, scene, serenity, setting, settlement, sleep, solution, surroundings, transition, village, world

peacefully

peacefullyadv.

Peacefully is used with these adjectives:

asleep

Peacefully is used with these verbs:

coexist, demonstrate, die, end, graze, lie, live, march, pass, protest, resolve, rest, settle, sleep, slumber, snore

peacekeeping

peacekeepingadj.

Peacekeeping is used with these nouns:

duty, force, mission, operation, role, troops

peach

peachnoun

Peach is used before these nouns:

blossom, pit, tree

peacock

peacocknoun

Peacock is used before these nouns:

Peak is used with these nouns as the subject:

peak

peaknounverbadj.

I. noun1 mountain top2 highest level, rate, etc.1 mountain topADJECTIVE | VERB + peak | peak + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhigh, lofty, toweringcraggy, jagged, rocky, sharpsnow-capped, snow-covered, snowydistantmountainVERB + peakclimb, conquer, scalepeak + VERBloom, rise, towerWe looked up at the rocky peaks towering above us.PREPOSITIONon a/the peakclimbers on the distant mountain peaks

2 highest level, rate, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + peak | peak + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEall-timeThe share index rose to a new all-time peak of 2112.seasonalsummer, winter, etc.The influx of tourists has reached its summer peak.sharpThe graph shows two very sharp price peaks.VERB + peakrise to, rise towards/towardProduction is rising back towards/toward its 1999 peak.hit, reachfall below, fall from, passbe pastHer performance is just past its peak.peak + NOUNhours, period, season, time, yeardemandat times of peak demandratepeak-rate phone callslevelefficiency, performanceThe engine is tuned to peak efficiency.fitness (esp. BrE), formPREPOSITIONat a/the/your peakThe crisis was now at its peak.At his peak he was the best player in the world.peak ofShe is at the peak of her popularity.The party's numbers reached a peak of 40 000 in 2001.PHRASESin peak conditionYou want your hair to look in peak condition.peaks and troughsEconomic life moves in cycles of peaks and troughs.

II. verb

Peak is used with these nouns:

III. adj.

condition, demand, efficiency, fitness, hour, incidence, load, performance, period, production, season, time, workload, year

peaked

peakedadj.

Peaked is used with these nouns:

cap, hat

peal

pealnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + peal | peal + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeafening, loudVERB + pealburst into, give, let outHe burst into peals of laughter.She let out a peal of laughter.ring, ring outThe bells of the cathedral rang out their loud peal.hearpeal + VERBring outPREPOSITIONwith a pealThe bishop was welcomed to the church with a peal of bells.peal ofPHRASESa peal of bells, laughter, thunder, etc.

II. verb

Peal is used with these nouns as the subject:

peanut

peanutnoun

Peanut is used before these nouns:

allergy, butter, farmer, oil, sauce, shell

peanut butter

peanut butternoun

Peanut butter is used before these nouns:

sandwich

pear

pearnoun

Pear is used before these nouns:

shape, tree

pearl

pearlnoun

Pearl is used before these nouns:

barley, brooch, button, earring, onion

pearl-white

pearl-whiteadj.

Pearl-white is used with these nouns:

pearly

pearlyadj.

Pearly is used with these nouns:

peasant

peasantnoun

Peasant is used before these nouns:

agriculture, blouse, class, farmer, origin, rebellion, resistance, revolt, rising, unrest, uprising

peat

peatnoun

Peat is used before these nouns:

bog

peaty

peatyadj.

Peaty is used with these nouns:

pebble

pebblenoun

Pebble is used before these nouns:

peck

peckverb

Peck is used with these nouns as the subject:

bird, chicken, hen

Peck is used with these nouns as the object:

cheek

peculiar

peculiaradj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, look, seem, smell, sound, tastebecomefind sb/sth, regard sb/sth as, think sb/sthI find her attitude a little peculiar, to say the least.ADVERBmost (esp. BrE), veryHe is a most peculiar man!quite, rather, somewhatThe meat tasted rather peculiar.a little, slightly, etc.

Peculiar is used with these nouns:

brand, fascination, fashion, feature, feeling, habit, kind, mix, mixture, phenomenon, sensation, smell

peculiarity

peculiaritynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + peculiarity | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEindividuallocalVERB + peculiarityhaveThe area has a few local peculiarities.PREPOSITIONpeculiarity aboutI noticed a certain peculiarity about his appearance.

peculiarly

peculiarlyadv.

Peculiarly is used with these adjectives:

vulnerable

pedagogic

pedagogicadj.

Pedagogic is used with these nouns:

pedagogical

pedagogicaladj.

Pedagogical is used with these nouns:

tool

pedal

pedalnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + pedal | pedal + VERB | pedal + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEaccelerator, brake, clutch, gas (esp. AmE)footTo stop the machine push the foot pedal.bicycle, bike (informal)organ, pianowah-wahSome guitarists tend to overuse the wah-wah pedal.VERB + pedaldepress, press, push, put your foot on, step on, use, workHer foot was working the pedal of the sewing machine.floor (AmE), slam on, stamp onHe floored the pedal and drove off at high speed.release, take your foot offpedal + VERBcontrol sth, operate sthpedal + NOUNboat, car, cycle (BrE)bin (BrE)PREPOSITIONon a/the pedalwith one foot on the pedal

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBfast, frantically, furiously, hardYou have to pedal hard to get anywhere.awayPREPOSITIONalong, down, upHe refused to pedal up the hill.

Pedal is used with these nouns as the object:

bicycle, bike

peddle

peddleverb

Peddle is used with these nouns as the object:

myth, wares

peddler

peddlernoun

Peddler is used after these nouns:

dope, street

pedestrian

pedestrianadj.

Pedestrian is used with these nouns:

bridge, casualty, crossing, mall, path, precinct, street, subway, traffic, zone

pedestrianized

pedestrianizedadj.

Pedestrianized is used with these nouns:

pediatric

pediatricadj.

Pediatric is used with these nouns:

dentist, medicine, nurse, patient, surgery

pedigree

pedigreenounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + pedigree | pedigree + VERBADJECTIVElongHereford cattle have a long pedigree.distinguished, illustrious, impeccable, impressiveartistic, intellectual, literaryThese ideas have a long and distinguished intellectual pedigree.VERB + pedigreeprove, showThe champions really showed their pedigree today.pedigree + VERBstretch backThese trees have pedigrees stretching back thousands of years.

II. adj.

Pedigree is used with these nouns:

cat, dog, herd

pedigreed

pedigreedadj.

Pedigreed is used with these nouns:

pedlar

pedlarnoun

Pedlar is used after these nouns:

dope, street

pee

peenoun

noun (informal)VERB + peeVERB + peedo, have (esp. BrE), take (AmE)I'm going to have a pee.be bursting for (BrE), need (esp. BrE)I need a pee really badly.go for (BrE)

peek

peeknounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + peek | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElittle, quick, sneaka sneak peak at the new cartoonVERB + peekhave (esp. BrE), takegetsneakBrooke couldn't help but sneak a peek at him.chance, darePREPOSITIONpeek atGo ahead and take a peek at your presents.peek behinda fascinating peek behind the scenes of the Oprah Winfrey Showpeek intoWe got a peek into rooms that are normally closed to the public.peek throughI dared a little peek through a crack in the door.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBcautiouslyDaniel peeked cautiously over his shoulder.outHe peeked out from behind the door.PREPOSITIONaroundI was tempted to peek around the corner.atShe peeked at the clock to see the time.intoI wandered around the house, peeking into various rooms.throughThe child peeked through a crack in the door.The sun was peeking through the clouds.

peek out

peek outphr verb

Peek out is used with these nouns as the subject:

peek through

peek throughphr verb

Peek through is used with these nouns as the subject:

peel peel away

peel awayphr verb

Peel away is used with these nouns as the object:

layer, veneer

peel back

peel backphr verb

Peel back is used with these nouns as the object:

layer, veneer

peeler

peelernoun

Peeler is used after these nouns:

potato, vegetables

peeling

peelingadj.

Peeling is used with these nouns:

paint, plaster, skin, wallpaper

peelings

peelingsnoun

Peelings is used after these nouns:

potato

peel off

peel offphr verb

Peel off is used with these nouns as the subject:

bark, plaster, wallpaper

Peel off is used with these nouns as the object:

bark, glove, plaster, skin

peep

peepnounverb¹verb²

I. noun1 quick look2 quiet sound1 quick lookADJECTIVE | VERB + peep | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEquickVERB + peephave, takegetPREPOSITIONpeep atI noticed him take a little peep at his watch.peep behindThe movie gives us a peep behind the curtain at a Broadway musical.peep intoa peep into the private life of a world leaderpeep throughI took a peep through the keyhole.

2 quiet soundVERB + peep | PHRASESVERB + peeputterhearPHRASES(not) a peepHe didn't dare utter a peep.Not a peep of protest was heard from the State Department. (figurative)

II. verb¹ADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBcautiouslyHe peeped out cautiously from behind the door.outPREPOSITIONatShe was tempted to peep at the letter.throughThe child peeped through a crack in the door.

III. verb²ADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBcautiouslyHe peeped out cautiously from behind the door.outHe peeped out cautiously from behind the door.PREPOSITIONatShe was tempted to peep at the letter.throughThe child peeped through a crack in the door.

peer

peerverbnoun

Peer is used with these nouns as the subject:

II. verbADVERB | VERB + peer | PREPOSITIONADVERBclosely, intentlyanxiously, carefully, cautiously, nervously, slowlycuriouslysuspiciouslyahead, around, back, down, in, inside, out, round (esp. BrE), upA face was peering down at him.VERB + peertry toPREPOSITIONaround, round (esp. BrE)She peered around the corner.atHis pale blue eyes peered anxiously at Vic.intoHe peered into the darkness.out ofShe peered out of the window.overShe tried to peer over her shoulder.throughI peered through the letter box.

I. noun1 person of the same age/status2 (in the UK) person of noble rank1 person of the same age/statusADJECTIVE | VERB + peer | peer + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEacademic (esp. AmE), professionalShe is highly respected by her professional peers.VERB + peeroutperformWe have seen several women who can outperform their male peers physically.impressteenagers trying to impress their peerspeer + NOUNgroupShe was rejected by her peer group.influence, pressureChildren often take up smoking because of peer pressure.interaction, relations, relationshipSome children fail to develop normal peer relations.cultureChildren generally develop a strong peer culture.networkan extended family and peer networkrejection, victimizationacceptancePeer acceptance is particularly important for teenagers.evaluation, reviewResearch data will be subjected to peer review.mediationcounsellor/counselor, educator, mentor, tutor (all esp. AmE)PREPOSITIONamong sb's peersThey adopt attitudes that are more socially acceptable among their peers.

2 (in the UK) person of noble rankADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEConservative, Labour, etc.hereditarylifeThe Act made it possible for a woman to be created a life peer.PHRASESa peer of the realm

peer at

peer atphr verb

Peer at is used with these nouns as the subject:

peer down

peer downphr verb

Peer down is used with these nouns as the object:

barrel

peer group

peer groupnoun

Peer group is used before these nouns:

pressure

peer into

peer intophr verb

Peer into is used with these nouns as the object:

gloom, mist

peer out

peer outphr verb

Peer out is used with these nouns as the object:

peer over

peer overphr verb

Peer over is used with these nouns as the object:

peer-reviewed

peer-reviewedadj.

Peer-reviewed is used with these nouns:

article, journal, paper

peer through

peer throughphr verb

Peer through is used with these nouns as the object:

gloom, mist, spectacles, window

peer-to-peer

peer-to-peeradj.

Peer-to-peer is used with these nouns:

network

peeved

peevedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, look, seem, soundADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.Elliot was looking very peeved.a little, slightly, etc.obviouslyPREPOSITIONaboutEd was rather peeved about how Martin had handled the situation.atHe was peeved at her failure to contact him.byMaisie seemed peeved by this question.

peg

pegnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEwoodenclothes (BrE) (clothespin in AmE)tent

II. verb

Peg is used with these nouns as the object:

currency, rate

pejorative

pejorativeadj.

Pejorative is used with these nouns:

connotation, sense, term

pelican

pelicannoun

Pelican is used before these nouns:

crossing

pellet

pelletnoun

Pellet is used before these nouns:

Pellet is used after these nouns:

owl, shotgun

pelt

peltverb

Pelt is used with these nouns as the subject:

pelting

peltingadj.

Pelting is used with these nouns:

pelt with

pelt withphr verb

Pelt with is used with these nouns as the object:

missile, rock

pelvic

pelvicadj.

Pelvic is used with these nouns:

exam, examination, pain, thrust

pelvis

pelvisnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + pelvisADJECTIVEbroken, fracturednarrow, wideVERB + pelvisthrust, tiltbreak, crush, fracture

pen

pennounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + pen | pen + VERB | pen + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEballpoint, feather (AmE), felt, felt-tip, felt-tipped, fountain, gel, highlighter (esp. BrE), ink, marker (esp. BrE), marking (AmE), quillcalligraphycoloured/coloreddigitalVERB + penuse, write (sth) withgrab (esp. AmE)I grabbed a pen and began taking notes.Let me grab a pen.cap, uncaptap, twirlborrowCan I borrow your pen?wield (figurative)The President has yet to wield his veto pen to block a bill. (AmE)pen + VERBwriteThis pen won't write.run outMy pen's run out (= has no more ink).be poisedHis pen was poised, ready to sign his name.pen + NOUNnibcapink (esp. AmE)holdermarkdrawingportrait (= written description of sb) (BrE)PHRASESpen and inkpen-and-ink drawings

II. verb

Pen is used with these nouns as the object:

article, autobiography, lyrics

penal

penaladj.

Penal is used with these nouns:

code, colony, institution, reform, sanction, settlement, system

penalize

penalizeverb

(BrE also -ise) verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBheavily, severelyunfairlyHe claims that he was unfairly penalized.PREPOSITIONforStudents will be penalized for mistakes in spelling and grammar.

penalty

penaltynoun

noun1 punishment2 disadvantage3 in football/soccer1 punishmentADJECTIVE | VERB + penalty | penalty + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEharsh, heavy, hefty, severe, stiff, strict, substantial, toughdraconianlightmaximum, minimumultimateThese crimes carried with them the ultimate penalty of execution.automatic (esp. BrE), fixed (BrE), mandatorya new system of fixed penalties for most traffic offencesThe legislation sanctions harsh mandatory penalties for weapons possession.financial, monetary, taxthe heavy financial penalties of paying off the loan earlyexit, redemption (both BrE)There are redemption penalties if you pay off the mortgage early.deaththe movement for the abolition of the death penaltycivil, criminalVERB + penaltyimpose, introduce (esp. BrE), levyreintroduce, restorecalls to restore the death penaltyapply, give, hand down, hand out (esp. BrE), issue (esp. BrE)The penalty handed down was disproportionate to the crime committed.exact (formal), implement (esp. BrE)From time to time, the death penalty was exacted for murder.charge (esp. BrE)Some lenders charge heavy penalties for early settlement.enforce, prescribethreatenreceiveseekHe was seeking financial penalties against the company.deserveriskincrease, stiffen, toughenreduceattract (BrE), carrycrimes which carry severe penaltiesface, incuravoid, escapewaiveCredit card companies will waive penalties for flood victims who are unable to pay on time.eliminatepenalty + NOUNfeenotice, ticket (both BrE)You will be given a fixed penalty notice if you fail to renew insurance on time.fine (BrE)There is a fixed penalty fine of £50 for allowing your dog to foul public places.point (BrE)Penalty points are given to drivers who speed.payment (esp. BrE)clause (esp. BrE)systemPREPOSITIONon penalty of, under penalty ofThe Romans prohibited the teaching of the Torah on penalty of death.The application should be signed under penalty of perjury.penalty forthe penalty for murderpenalty onHe threatened stiffer penalties on young offenders.

2 disadvantageVERB + penalty | PREPOSITIONVERB + penaltypay, sufferHe's now paying the penalty for his misspent youth.People who lose their jobs are suffering the penalties for longer periods.acceptPREPOSITIONpenalty forYou must accept the penalty for your rash actions.penalty ofIt's just one of the penalties of fame.

3 in football/soccerADJECTIVE | VERB + penalty | penalty + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcontroversial, disputed, dodgy (BrE, informal), dubiouswinningwell-struckmissedfirst-half, injury-time, second-halfearly, latelast-minute12th-minute, etc.VERB + penaltyaward (sb), give (sb)concede, give awayThey were leading until Cole gave away a penalty.appeal forbe awarded, be given, earn, get, have, land, winWe were unlucky not to get a penalty.boot, dispatch, kick, strike, takescore fromOwen scored from a first-half penalty.net, slot homeRicketts netted his third penalty of the season to put his team ahead.misssavepenalty + NOUNarea, box, corner, spotawardkickshoot-outgoalmisssavetakerchance, opportunityattemptPREPOSITIONpenalty by, penalty fromThey won, thanks to a late penalty from Fry.

penance

penancenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + penance | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEpublicVERB + penancedo, payHas anyone ever paid a higher penance for telling a lie?PREPOSITIONas a penanceHe devoted his life to helping the poor as a penance for his past crimes.in penanceShe kneeled at her mother's feet in penance.penance forHe decided to do public penance for his sins.PHRASESan act of penance

pen-and-ink

pen-and-inkadj.

Pen-and-ink is used with these nouns:

sketch

pencil

pencilnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + pencil | pencil + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEblunt, sharpsoftsharpenedstubbybrokencoloured/coloreda box of coloured/colored pencilscharcoal (esp. AmE), graphite (esp. AmE), grease (AmE), lead\#2 (in the US), HB (in the UK), etc.mechanicalcolouring/coloringeye, eyebrow, eyeliner, lipVERB + pencildraw (sth) with, use, write (sth) withsharpentap, twirlgrabGrab a pencil and write down this number.borrowpencil + NOUNlead, sharpenererasershavingsstubbox, case, holderdrawing, sketchline, markPREPOSITIONin pencilmargin notes in pencil

pending

pendingadj.

Pending is used with these nouns:

bill, litigation, merger, retirement

pendulous

pendulousadj.

Pendulous is used with these nouns:

pendulum

pendulumnoun

Pendulum is used before these nouns:

Penetrate is used with these nouns as the subject:

penetrate

penetrateverb

verbADVERB | VERB + penetrate | PREPOSITIONADVERBdeep, deeply, farcaves penetrating deep into the hillscompletely, fullybarelyThe sunlight barely penetrated the inner room.quicklyslowlyThe news slowly penetrated his consciousness.easily, readilyThese so-called secret societies were easily penetrated by intelligence agents.successfullyVERB + penetratebe able to, canbe difficult toseem toThe cold seemed to penetrate his bones.fail toallow sth toCut two slashes on each side of the fish to allow heat to penetrate.PREPOSITIONintoIt is not yet known how deeply the radiation has penetrated into the soil.throughThe light could not penetrate through the thick curtains.toThe dust had penetrated to all corners of the room.

bullet, daylight, moisture, ray, sunlight

Penetrate is used with these nouns as the object:

airspace, armour, darkness, defence, gloom, lung, market, mystery, shield, silence, skin, surface, vagina, veil

penetrating

penetratingadj.

Penetrating is used with these nouns:

critique, damp, eye, gaze, insight, look, voice

penetration

penetrationnoun

noun1 making a way into sth2 sexual act1 making a way into sthADJECTIVE | VERB + penetrationADJECTIVEdeepgreater, highThe country has the highest cellphone penetration in Europe.import (esp. AmE), marketOur aim is to achieve greater market penetration.broadband, Internet, PCBroadband penetration in the country is likely to hit 31 million households.cellphone (AmE), mobile-phone (BrE)waterdaylight, lightVERB + penetrationachievefacilitateallowimprove, increasepreventresist

2 sexual actADJECTIVEADJECTIVEsexualanal, vaginal

penetrative

penetrativeadj.

Penetrative is used with these nouns:

penicillin

penicillinnoun

Penicillin is used before these nouns:

allergy, injection

penis

penisnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + penis | penis + NOUNADJECTIVEerect, hardflaccidbig, giant, huge, largesmall, tinycircumcised, uncircumcisedVERB + penisenlargeinsertrub, stroke, suckexposepenis + NOUNenvylength, sizeenlargementpumpsheath

penniless

pennilessadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, dieHe died penniless in Paris.find yourselfLaura found herself virtually penniless.leave sbThe legal dispute left them penniless.ADVERBtotally

penny

pennynoun

Penny is used before these nouns:

coin, share, whistle

pension

pensionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + pension | pension + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEadequate, big, decent, generous, good (all esp. BrE)inadequate, meagre/meager, small (all esp. BrE)basic (esp. BrE)full (esp. BrE)Only half of all women qualify for a full state pension.state (BrE)company, occupational (both esp. BrE)personal, private (both esp. BrE)stakeholder (BrE)contributory, non-contributory (both BrE)index-linked (BrE)final-salary (BrE)guaranteed (esp. BrE)annual (esp. BrE), monthly, weekly (BrE)employeeold-age, retirement (both BrE)disability (esp. BrE), invalidity (BrE)VERB + pensioncollect (BrE), draw (BrE), get, receiveHe draws his pension at the post office.enjoy (esp. BrE)Employees enjoy generous retirement pensions.buy (BrE)sell (BrE)award sb (esp. BrE), give sb (esp. BrE), pay sb (esp. BrE), provide (sb with)claim (BrE), qualify for (esp. BrE)You will have to find out whether or not you qualify for a pension.live on (BrE)She lives on her pension and her savings.fundState pensions are funded by taxpayers.boost, increase, raise, supplement (all esp. BrE)cut, reduce (both esp. BrE)lose (esp. BrE)workers who have lost all their pensions as a result of company insolvenciesguarantee, secure (esp. BrE)pension + NOUNage (BrE)The state pension age for men and women will be 65.contributions (esp. BrE), fund, pot (BrE)the company pension fundsavings (esp. BrE)costspayment, payoutbenefitsdeficit, shortfallplan, scheme (BrE)arrangements (BrE)provision (esp. BrE)provider (esp. BrE)holder (esp. BrE)entitlement (esp. BrE)obligations (esp. AmE)rights (esp. BrE)policy (esp. BrE)reformpensions adviser (esp. BrE), pensions consultant, pensions expert (esp. BrE)pensions industry (BrE)PREPOSITIONon a pensionHe is now retired and on a pension.

pensionable

pensionableadj.

Pensionable is used with these nouns:

age, salary

pensioner

pensionernoun

Pensioner is used after these nouns:

old age

pension fund

pension fundnoun

Pension fund is used before these nouns:

trustee

pensive

pensiveadj.

Pensive is used with these nouns:

mood

penthouse

penthousenoun

Penthouse is used before these nouns:

apartment, flat, suite

pent-up

pent-upadj.

Pent-up is used with these nouns:

aggression, anger, demand, emotion, energy, feeling, frustration, fury, rage

penultimate

penultimateadj.

Penultimate is used with these nouns:

paragraph

people

peoplenoun

noun1 more than one person2 of a particular place/race1 more than one personADJECTIVE | VERB + peopleADJECTIVEyoungelderly, oldcommon, normal, ordinaryrealAll the characters in the book are based on real people.importanta line of limousines carrying very important peoplefamousmiddle-class, working-classbusiness, professional, workingunemployedpoorrich, wealthyblind, deaf, disabledaccess for disabled peoplegayinnocentMany innocent people were killed.healthy, sickvulnerable (esp. BrE)homelesshappycreative, intelligent, smart (esp. AmE), talentedstupiddecent, good, interesting, lovely (esp. BrE), nice, wonderfulbadstrangesingleVERB + peoplemeetattractThe local tourist board is trying to attract more people to the town.

2 of a particular place/raceADJECTIVE | VERB + people | PHRASESADJECTIVElocalcountryindigenous, nativeprimitiveThese artists derived much of their imagery from the art of so-called primitive peoples.tribalnomadicAboriginal, Arab, Japanese, Slavic, etc.the culture of the Basque peopleblack, whitediverseAustralia is a collectivity of diverse peoples.civilizedoppressedmarginalizedcolonial, colonized, conquereddisplacedprehistoricVERB + peoplerepresentI was elected to represent the people of Bristol.bring together, uniteThe EU was intended to unite the peoples of Europe.PHRASESthe peoples of the world

pep

pepnoun

Pep is used before these nouns:

rally, talk

pepper

peppernoun

noun1 spice2 vegetable1 spiceADJECTIVE | VERB + pepper | pepper + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEcrushed, groundfreshly ground black peppercrackedblack, whitecayennelemonVERB + pepperadd, put in, put on, season sth with, sprinkleHe put some pepper on his steak.grindpepper + NOUNgrinder, mill, pot (esp. BrE), shaker (AmE)powder (esp. AmE)sprayPHRASESsalt and pepperAdd salt and pepper to taste (= in the quantity preferred).salt-and-pepper hair (= with some white hair)

2 vegetableADJECTIVE | VERB + pepper | pepper + NOUNADJECTIVEbell (AmE), sweetchilli/chili, jalapeñohotgreen, red, yellowstuffedHe gave me a great recipe for stuffed peppers.grilled, roastedfreshVERB + pepperchop, cut, slicestuff with sthpeppers stuffed with meat and riceroastpepper + NOUNsauceplant, tree

peppercorn

peppercornnoun

Peppercorn is used before these nouns:

rent

peppermint

peppermintnoun

Peppermint is used before these nouns:

candy

per capita

per capitaadj.

Per capita is used with these nouns:

consumption, expenditure, income

perceive

perceiveverb

verbADVERB | VERB + perceive | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBclearly, distinctlydimlyThe remedy for the problem was only dimly perceived by scientists until recently.directlythe world of directly perceived objectsdifferentlyRisks are perceived differently by different people.easily, readilyThe industrial bias of canal building can be readily perceived by looking at Figure 7.3.accurately, correctlywronglyimmediatelyVERB + perceivebe able to, canbe unable tofail tobe difficult toPREPOSITIONasThe General's words were perceived as a threat by countries in the region.PHRASEScommonly perceived, generally perceived, typically perceived, widely perceivedIt is widely perceived as a women's health problem, but it does also affect men.a failure to perceive sth, an inability to perceive sth

Perceive is used with these nouns as the object:

danger, difference, need, reality, world

perceived

perceivedadj.

Perceived is used with these nouns:

benefit, danger, discrimination, enemy, failure, importance, inadequacy, injustice, lack, necessity, need, problem, risk, shortcoming, similarity, threat, weakness, wisdom

per cent

per centnoun

Perceptible is used with these nouns:

Financial indicators … is down, … is upWith prices down, it might be time to start buying.The index was up 18.84 points. … reaches sth, … stands at sthConsumer confidence reached a 30-year high.Second-quarter sales stood at $18 billion. … is/remains unchangedThe five-year Treasury yield was unchanged at 2.68%. … gains (sth)Gold stocks gained 6% this week. … suffers (sth)Profit margins suffered when the company lowered prices to remain competitive. … climbs, … edges up, … goes up, … increases, … jumps, … rises, … rockets, … shoots up, … skyrockets, … soarsEarnings per share climbed from 3.5p to 5.1p.The Brazilian real has increased in value relative to the euro.Profits have shot up by a staggering 25%.Oil prices have skyrocketed. … comes/goes down, … crashes, … declines, … decreases, … dives, … drops, … falls, … plummets, … plunges, … shrinks, … slips, … slumpsBanana exports crashed nearly 50%.The pound fell to a 14-year low against the dollar.Net income plummeted to $3.7 million. … increases in value, … decreases in value (for currencies)

(esp. BrE) (AmE usually percent) nounVERB + per cent | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + per centaccount for, amount to, be equal to, comprise, constitute, equal, representOverseas earnings accounted for 9% of the total last year.containRoman coins containing about 25% zinchit, reach, stand at, totalTheir share of the vote reached 6.5% in 1998.exceed, topSales have already exceeded 25% of the predicted annual turnover.(All the verbs in the following collocate groups may be followed by by, from or to plus per cent/percent. Sometimes the word by is left out.), be up, climb, expand, go up, grow, improve, increase, jump, leap, rise, shoot up, soar, surgePrices rose by 12% in 1998.Prices rose 12%.be down, come down, decline, decrease, dip, drop, fall, go down, plummet, plunge, shrink, slide, slip, slump (esp. BrE)Profitability is down from 16% to 12.2%.boost sth, increase sth, raise sthWe're hoping to boost sales by 10%.cut sth, reduce sth, slash sthOperating expenses were slashed 54.2%.PREPOSITIONabout five, ten, etc. per cent, around five, ten, etc. per centby five, ten, etc. per centThey aim to cut carbon dioxide levels by 20% in 15 years.over five, ten, etc. per centup to five, ten, etc. per centa process that can reduce the cost by up to 15%per cent of sthIn 40% of all cases, the parents had no idea of their child's problem.PHRASESa boost of five, ten, etc. per cent, an improvement of five, ten, etc. per cent, an increase of five, ten, etc. per cent, a jump of five, ten, etc. per cent, a rise of five, ten, etc. per centa jump of 8% in cases of the diseasea cut of five, ten, etc. per cent, a decline of five, ten, etc. per cent, a decrease of five, ten, etc. per cent, a drop of five, ten, etc. per cent, a fall of five, ten, etc. per cent, a reduction of five, ten, etc. per centa fall of 12% in cases of the diseaseonly five, ten, etc. per centOnly 10% of the teenagers agreed with this statement.fewer than five, ten, etc. per cent, less than five, ten, etc. per cent, more than five, ten, etc. per centProfits rose by more than 50% last year.growth of five, ten, etc. per centGrowth of 11% is forecast.in the bottom five, ten, etc. per cent, in the top five, ten, etc. per centHis son was in the top 2% of his class.five, ten, etc. per cent less, five, ten, etc. per cent moreNew cars use about 35% less fuel.five, ten, etc. per cent of all, five, ten, etc. per cent of a totalThe tribe's land now amounts to around 50% of the total land area.

percentage

percentagenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + percentage | percentage + VERB | percentage + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsiderable, high, huge, large, overwhelming, significant, sizeable, substantialThe area has a high percentage of unemployed men.greaterThe disease affects a greater percentage of men than women.growing, increasinglow, small, tinyfair, reasonableA fair percentage of their business comes from people using the airport.disproportionateDisabled passengers make up a disproportionate percentage of the cruise company's customers.relativefixedmaximum, minimumaverage, meanoverall, totalVERB + percentagecalculate, determine, estimate, measureexpress sth asThis figure can be expressed as a percentage of the total.comprise, make upYoung women comprise a large percentage of our clients.percentage + VERBdecline, decrease, drop, fallThat percentage declined to 49.7 in 2006.grow, increase, riserange from sth to sth, varyMedical expenditure percentages ranged from 3.9% in Arizona to 9.8% in Delaware.indicate sth, represent sth, show sthpercentage + NOUNpointUnemployment has fallen by two percentage points this month.rateInsurance contributions are paid at a fixed percentage rate on all earnings.figure (esp. BrE), score, valuegain, increase, risethe percentage rise in the average salarydecline, decrease, drop, reductionsharePREPOSITIONpercentage ofWhat percentage of women own a car?PHRASESin percentage termsThe numbers are relatively low in percentage terms.on a percentage basisThe artist's agent receives commission on a percentage basis.

perceptible

perceptibleadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecomeADVERBbarelyHis lips curved in a barely perceptible smile.PREPOSITIONtoThe difference is barely perceptible to the average reader.

shift

perception

perceptionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + perceptionADJECTIVEclear, distinct, keen (esp. AmE)common, general, popular, widely held, widespreadgrowingaccuratedistorted, erroneous (esp. AmE), false, inaccurate, mistakennegative, positivealtered, changingThe book explores the changing perceptions about gender.heightenedheightened perception caused by drugsSalvini has a heightened perception that causes him to hear voices from another world.consciousselectiveoverallThe company wanted to boost the overall perception of the brand.publichumanindividualconsumer, parentalculturalsubjectiveauditory, extrasensory (abbreviated to ESP), sense, sensory, visualdepth, spatialhazard (BrE), risk (esp. AmE), threat (AmE)If we improve drivers' hazard perception, road deaths will fall.cultural differences in risk perception between European students and their American counterpartsVERB + perceptionhaveI was shocked to learn of the perception people have of me.createYour brand name should create a distinctive perception in the customer's mind.affect, influence, shapeThese developments hardly affected the public perception of the crisis.Movies have shaped our perception of many historical events.alter, change, shift, transformThe computer changes our perceptions of place and time.colour/color, distort, skewcorrectcounter, dispelThis study dispels the perception that men are better drivers.confirmovercomea marketing strategy to overcome negative public perception of the companyenhance, improvechallengeThis film challenges traditional perceptions of older people.assess, examine, explorefuel, heightenreflectThe survey reflects the perceptions of business people around the world.

perceptive

perceptiveadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highlya highly perceptive analysis of the problemPREPOSITIONaboutHe's very perceptive about people.

Perceptive is used with these nouns:

comment, insight, observation

perch

perchverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBprecariouslyThe hotel was perched precariously on a steep hillside.PREPOSITIONonThe birds perched on nearby buildings.PHRASESbe perched high above sth, be perched high on sthThe castle is perched high above the valley.be perched on the edge of sth, perch on the edge of sthI perched on the edge of his desk to listen to him.be perched on top of sth, perch on top of sth

Perch is used with these nouns as the subject:

castle, crow, owl

perch on

perch onphr verb

Perch on is used with these nouns as the subject:

bird, glasses, spectacles, sunglasses

Perch on is used with these nouns as the object:

stool

percolated

percolatedadj.

Percolated is used with these nouns:

percolator

percolatornoun

Percolator is used after these nouns:

percussion

percussionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | percussion + NOUNADJECTIVEtuned, untunedliveelectronictribalpercussion + NOUNinstrumentplayersectionband, ensemble

perennial

perennialadj.

Perennial is used with these nouns:

fascination, favourite, loser, plant, problem, weed

perennially

perenniallyadv.

Perennially is used with these adjectives:

popular

perfect

perfectverbadj.

I. verb

Perfect is used with these nouns as the object:

art, craft, skill, system, technique

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, look, seemmake sthThe town's position in the region makes it perfect for touring.ADVERBabsolutely, completely, just, quite (BrE), really, simply, totally, truly, utterlyfar from, hardly, less thanThe treaty is far from perfect, but it is clearly the way forward.almost, near, nearly, practically, virtuallyimpossiblyHe flashed a smile revealing a set of impossibly perfect teeth.tooHe seemed too perfect to be real.seeminglya seemingly perfect alibiotherwiseHe had high blood pressure but was in otherwise perfect health.onceHe had brought chaos to her once perfect life.alreadyHer high heels emphasized her already perfect legs.morally, physicallytechnicallyPREPOSITIONforThe day seemed perfect for a picnic.

Perfect is used with these nouns:

accessory, accompaniment, accuracy, alibi, analogy, angel, answer, antidote, arc, baby, backdrop, balance, base, blend, bloom, body, camouflage, candidate, cheekbone, choice, clarity, combination, command, complement, complexion, composition, composure, condition, copy, couple, cover, crime, cross, day, demonstration, description, destination, diamond, ending, equality, escape, evening, example, excuse, execution, expression, face, finish, fit, foil, foresight, freedom, game, gentleman, gift, happiness, harmony, health, host, illustration, image, imitation, infinitive, life, love, manner, match, metaphor, mix, moment, mouth, murder, nose, obedience, opportunity, pass, peace, place, position, posture, precision, proportion, recipe, reflection, replica, reproduction, retreat, rhythm, right, safety, scenario, score, sense, setting, shape, size, skin, solution, specimen, spot, square, starting point, stillness, storm, stranger, substitute, symbol, symmetry, system, tan, target, time, timing, tooth, trust, vacation, vacuum, vehicle, venue, vision, weather, world

perfection

perfectionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF PERFECTION | VERB + perfection | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreatabsolute, pure, sheer, ultimate, utternearmoral, physical, spiritual, technicaldivine, human… OF PERFECTIONdegreeVERB + perfectionachieve, attain, bring sth to, find, reachapproacha dance troupe whose work approaches perfectiondemand, expect, pursue (esp. BrE), require, seek, strive forShe strives for perfection in everything.fall short ofPREPOSITIONclose to perfectionThe cooking was close to perfection.to perfection (= perfectly)The dress fitted to perfection.towards/toward perfectiona sequence of developmental stages towards/toward the perfection of his violin techniquePHRASESa point of perfectionHe brought the art of photography to the highest point of perfection.a model of perfectionThe building became the model of perfection that architects sought to emulate.the pursuit of perfectionShe sometimes stayed up painting all night in her pursuit of perfection.a quest for perfection, a search for perfection

perfectly

perfectlyadv.

Perfectly is used with these adjectives:

able, acceptable, accurate, adequate, agreeable, amiable, appropriate, attainable, audible, aware, balanced, beautiful, calm, capable, charming, circular, civil, clean, clear, coherent, comfortable, compatible, competent, composed, comprehensible, conceivable, conscious, consistent, content, contented, correct, decent, dry, efficient, erect, evident, explicable, fair, feasible, fine, fitting, flat, frank, friendly, genuine, good, grammatical, groomed, happy, harmless, healthy, honest, honourable, immobile, innocent, innocuous, intact, intelligible, justifiable, justified, kosher, lawful, legal, legitimate, logical, lovely, motionless, natural, neutral, nice, normal, obvious, OK, ordinary, oval, permissible, plain, plausible, pleasant, poised, polished, polite, possible, practicable, predictable, presentable, proper, quiet, rational, reasonable, regular, relaxed, reliable, respectable, right, ripe, rounded, safe, sane, satisfactory, satisfied, secure, sensible, serene, serious, shaped, silent, sincere, smooth, sober, sound, splendid, square, stable, steady, still, straight, straightforward, suitable, suited, symmetrical, tailored, tanned, tranquil, transparent, true, understandable, upright, valid, viable, welcome, willing, wonderful

Perfectly is used with these verbs:

align, arrange, balance, behave, blend, capture, coincide, complement, conform, contrast, convey, cook, execute, exemplify, fit, function, illustrate, judge, match, mimic, mirror, place, position, prepared, preserve, streamline, suit, sum, synchronize, time, trim, tune, understand, work

perforated

perforatedadj.

Perforated is used with these nouns:

appendix

perform

performverb

verb1 do a task/duty/piece of work2 work/function/play3 give a performance1 do a task/duty/piece of workADVERB | VERB + perform | PHRASESADVERBeffectively, efficiently, properly (esp. BrE), successfully, wellWho ensures that tasks are properly performed?poorlyadequately, competently, reliably, satisfactorilycorrectlysafelyduly (BrE), faithfullyHe duly performed his own half of the bargain and expected the others to do likewise.those who faithfully perform their dutiesannuallyregularly, routinelyautomaticallymanuallyVERB + performbe able to, be unable toThe prince is no longer able to perform his duties.be expected toPHRASESfailure to perform sthfailure to perform a duty

2 work/function/playADVERB | VERB + performADVERBadmirably, beautifully, brilliantly, efficiently, excellently, faultlessly, flawlessly, impressively, magnificently, solidly, strongly, superbly, wellOne or two of the players performed brilliantly.The company has been performing strongly over the past year.badly, dismally (esp. BrE), poorlyThe car performed poorly at high speeds.adequately, competently, reliably, satisfactorilyconsistentlyVERB + performbe able to, be unable tobe expected tostudents who are expected to perform well

3 give a performanceADVERB | PHRASESADVERBliveThe group will be performing live on tonight's show.in public, publiclyprofessionallytogetherThe two artists have never performed together before.annuallyPHRASESfirst performedThe play was first publicly performed in 1872.rarely performedsee sth performedI've never seen this play performed before.

Perform is used with these nouns as the subject:

actor, actress, artist, athlete, band, cast, choir, dancer, economy, employee, gymnast, musician, orchestra, singer, surgeon

Perform is used with these nouns as the object:

ballet, abortion, act, action, activity, analysis, antics, assessment, autopsy, bypass, calculation, census, ceremony, chore, comparison, composition, concert, concerto, dance, deed, demonstration, display, duty, euthanasia, evaluation, exam, examination, exercise, experiment, feat, function, imitation, injection, inspection, job, magic, maintenance, management, manoeuvre, measurement, miracle, mission, motion, move, movement, music, operation, piece, procedure, recital, reconnaissance, reconstruction, repair, repertoire, repetition, rescue, research, resuscitation, review, ritual, role, routine, sacrifice, scan, search, service, simulation, sketch, solo, song, spell, step, stunt, surgery, survey, symphony, task, test, transfusion, transplant, trick, U-turn, work

performance

performancenoun

Performing artswrite … He's written a new Broadway musical.do … , perform … , present … , produce … , put on … , stage … The drama club is doing a show.We are proud to present the play ‘Rocket to the Moon’.direct … She is directing ‘La Traviata’ at La Scala next year.act in … , appear in … , perform in … , sing in … , star in … He starred in the musical ‘Mamma Mia’.rehearse … , rehearse for … We had no time to rehearse for the play.go to the … How often do you go to the theatre/theater?see … Have you seen that new production of ‘Macbeth’? … opens‘The Nutcracker’ opens in December. … plays, … runsThe show has been playing to packed houses.The show ran for years on Broadway. … closesThe musical closes this week after a record number of performances.a play/show foldsThe play folded after poor reviews.at the … We met at the opera.in a/the … the characters in the play … bya comedy by Molière

noun1 sth performed2 way in which sth is done3 of a machine1 sth performedADJECTIVE | VERB + performance | performance + VERB | performance + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElivepublicevening, matineeamateur, professionalcameo (esp. BrE)solodebutrepeatThe party is dreading a repeat performance of its defeat in the last election.ballet, concert, dance, dramatic, musical, opera, theatrical, vocalThe singer is renowned for his live concert performances.benefit, charity (esp. BrE)schoolVERB + performancegive, put on, stageThe company is putting on a performance of the popular musical ‘Cats’.attend, go tosee, watchperformance + VERBfeature sb/sthperformance + NOUNart, poetryartist, poettroupe (esp. AmE)piecevenueanxiety (esp. AmE)PREPOSITIONin performanceThe course aims to develop the children's appreciation of music in performance.

2 way in which sth is doneADJECTIVE | VERB + performance | performance + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbrilliant, convincing, dazzling, electrifying (esp. BrE), excellent, exceptional, extraordinary, fine, good, great, impressive, inspired, magnificent, outstanding, remarkable, sparkling (esp. BrE), standout, stellar, sterling (esp. BrE, formal), stunning, superb, terrific, virtuoso, wonderfulThe recording gives the most convincing performance of Stravinsky's ‘Rite’ to date.Finney gives a virtuoso performance as a psychopath.powerful, strongthe country's strong economic performance over the last two yearssolidcreditable (esp. BrE)flawless, polishedgutsy, spiritedenergeticbad, disappointing, dismal, lacklustre/lackluster, poor, weakmediocresatisfactoryimprovedconsistentcentral (esp. BrE)Mel Gibson's central performance in the movie as Hamletmemorableall-around (AmE), all-round (BrE), overallHe got top marks for overall academic performance.business, economic, financial, salesacademic, schoolenvironmentalathleticteam (esp. BrE)VERB + performancedeliver, give, produce, put in (esp. BrE)The band gave a great performance at the festival.The team put in an excellent performance.affect, influencehinder, impairboost, improveanalyse/analyze, assess, evaluate, measuremonitor, trackperformance + NOUNbenchmark, indicator, level, parameter, standardThe agency has developed a set of core performance indicators to compare schools.appraisal, assessment, evaluation, measure, measurement, reviewgoal, targetbonus, incentiverating, scoreenhancement, improvementenhancerstylePREPOSITIONperformance asher fine performance as Opheliaperformance fromThe movie has a great performance from Jack Lemmon.performance onhis flawless performance on the pianoPHRASESa level of performance, a measure of performance, a standard of performanceto maintain a high level of performancethe quality of a performanceThe quality of his performance was unmatched.on past performanceSales forecasts were based on past performance.the proper performance of your duties (BrE)

3 of a machineADJECTIVE | VERB + performance | performance + NOUNADJECTIVEhighmaximum, optimal, peaklow, poorengineVERB + performanceaffect, influenceassess, measureboost, enhance, improve, increasemaximize, optimizehinder, impairperformance + NOUNboost

performance-enhancing

performance-enhancingadj.

Performance-enhancing is used with these nouns:

drug, substance

performance-related

performance-relatedadj.

pay

performer

performernoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEkey, star, topThe star performer of the game was Holly, who scored 26 points.accomplished, consummate (formal), fine, gifted, good, great, high-class (BrE), impressive (esp. BrE), outstanding, skilled, solid, standout, stellar, talented, top-notch (esp. BrE), virtuoso, world-class (esp. BrE)poorexperienced, seasoned, veteranShe's a seasoned concert performer.legendary, well-knownprovenversatilecharismaticlivesolofeatured, guestamateur, professionalcircus, drag, jazz, musical, stage, street, television (esp. BrE), vaudevilleThe president was a polished television performer.

perform in

perform inphr verb

Perform in is used with these nouns as the object:

concert

performing

performingnounadj.

I. noun

Performing is used before these nouns:

art

II. adj.

Performing is used with these nouns:

musician

perfume

perfumenoun

noun1 liquid with a sweet smell that you put on your body2 pleasant smell1 liquid with a sweet smell that you put on your bodyADJECTIVE | … OF PERFUME | VERB + perfume | perfume + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEexpensivecheapstrongsubtlesweet… OF PERFUMEbottleVERB + perfumeuse, wearsprayShe sprayed some perfume on her wrist.The letter had been sprayed with perfume.smellperfume + NOUNbottleoilcounterShe works on the perfume counter.company, industryPHRASESa waft of perfume, a whiff of perfumeHe caught a faint whiff of her expensive perfume.

2 pleasant smellADJECTIVE | VERB + perfume | perfume + VERBADJECTIVEsweetheady, strongVERB + perfumesmellYou could smell the perfume of the lilies.perfume + VERBfill sthThe perfume of the roses filled the room.

perfumed

perfumedadj.

Perfumed is used with these nouns:

soap

perfunctory

perfunctoryadj.

Perfunctory is used with these nouns:

peril

perilnoun

noun1 great danger2 sth dangerous1 great dangerADJECTIVE | VERB + peril | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeadly, dire, grave, great, mortal, seriousimminentfinancialVERB + perilbe input sth inPREPOSITIONperil ofAll aboard were in grave peril of drowning.PHRASESat your perilIgnore these warnings at your peril.

2 sth dangerousADJECTIVE | VERB + peril | peril + VERBADJECTIVEgreatthe great perils facing the environmentimmediate (AmE)potentialVERB + perilfaceWe face the immediate peril of being bought out by another company.posethe perils posed by global warminghighlight (esp. BrE), illustratea campaign illustrating the perils of drug abuseavoidperil + VERBface sth

perilous

perilousadj.

Perilous is used with these nouns:

adventure, journey, situation

perilously

perilouslyadv.

Perilously is used with these adjectives:

close, thin

perimeter

perimeternoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + perimeter | perimeter + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEinner, outernorthern, southern, etc.entiredefensive, securityairport, baseVERB + perimeterestablish, form, markThe river marks the eastern perimeter of our land.defend, guard, securepatrol, walkbreachThe gunman did not breach the security perimeter around the White House.perimeter + NOUNfence, fencing, wallsecurityroaddefender, player, shooter (all in basketball)PREPOSITIONalong the perimeterI lugged my suitcase along the perimeter of the square.around the perimeter, round the perimeter (esp. BrE)We walked around the perimeter of the prison.inside the perimeter, outside the perimeterThey demonstrated just outside the perimeter of the embassy.on the perimeterMany of the offices are located on the perimeter of the site.

period

periodnounadj.

I. noun1 length of time2 menstruation1 length of timeADJECTIVE | VERB + period | period + VERB | period + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEextended, lengthy, long, prolonged, sustainedbrief, limited, shortThe offer is only available for a limited period.six-month, two-year, etc.entire, fullYou have been paid for the full period of your employment with us.fixed, set, specifiedThe medication is prescribed for a fixed period of time.indefiniteearly, latethe late Victorian periodinitialbusyhappya happy period in her lifedark, difficult, lean (esp. BrE)a dark period in the country's historycritical, cruciala critical period in the development of the projectinterim, interveningtransition, transitionaloff-peak, peakChristmas (esp. BrE), festive (esp. BrE), holidayCold War, medieval, Tudor, etc.inter-war, post-waraccountingcooling-off, graceThe customer has the right to cancel the contract during the seven-day cooling-off period.consultation (esp. BrE)formativeThe most formative period of life is childhood.gestation, incubationresthoneymoonThe view is that the government's honeymoon period is over.trainingwaitingtrialYou can use the software free for a 30-day trial period.timeVERB + periodcover, spanthe period covered by the bookThe film spans a period of 40 years of Castro's rule.begin, enterEastern Europe entered a period of transition in the 1990s.endendure, experience, undergoextend, prolongshortendominate, markThe period was marked by a succession of financial crises.period + VERBbegin, commenceelapse, endlastperiod + NOUNcostume, furniturePREPOSITIONafter a periodafter a long period of waitingduring the period, throughout the periodduring the intervening periodfor a periodWe lived in Caracas for a brief period.in a/the period, within a/the periodSales have gone up in the last-five-year period.over a/the periodThere will be a reduced bus service over the Christmas period.Changes were monitored over a period of two months.within a/the periodWe visited five different cities within a two-day period.period betweenthe period between his resigning and finding a new jobperiod from … to … the period from July 1 to December 31PHRASESthe beginning of a period, the start of a periodthe end of a perioda period in history, a period of historysb's period of officePublic spending was cut during his period of office.a period of silence, a period of studyTry breaking your period of study into 20-minute blocks.a period of timeThe balance must be paid within an agreed period of time.a period of change, a period of transitiona period of transition from a totalitarian regime to democratic government

2 menstruationADJECTIVE | VERB + period | period + VERB | period + NOUNADJECTIVEheavy, lightmenstrualmonthlyVERB + periodhaveWhen did you last have a period?I have my period and don't feel too great.startI was thirteen when I started my periods. (BrE)I was thirteen when I started my period. (AmE)miss, skipMissing a period is often one of the first signs that a woman is pregnant.period + VERBstartstoplastperiod + NOUNcramps (esp. AmE), pains (esp. BrE)

II. adj.

Period is used with these nouns:

charm, costume, drama, dress, furniture, instrument, music, photograph, piece, style

periodic

periodicadj.

Periodic is used with these nouns:

check, examination, fluctuation, inspection, maintenance, monitoring, outbreak, report, review, table, update, visit

periodically

periodicallyadv.

Periodically is used with these verbs:

check, erupt, inspect, interrupt, monitor, renew, return, review, revise, test, update

peripheral

peripheraladj.

Peripheral is used with these nouns:

nerve, region, vision, zone

perishable

perishableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBhighlyMany fresh foods are highly perishable.

Perishable is used with these nouns:

commodity, goods, product

perjured

perjuredadj.

Perjured is used with these nouns:

testimony

perjury

perjurynoun

perk

perknoun

Perk is used after these nouns:

perky

perkyadj.

Perky is used with these nouns:

perm

permverb

Perm is used with these nouns as the object:

Permanent is used with these nouns:

permanent

permanentadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, prove, seembecomemake sthWe decided to make the arrangement permanent.ADVERBalmostThey are living in an almost permanent state of fear.relativelyseeminglynot necessarily

accommodation, appointment, arrangement, basis, change, closure, collection, commission, constitution, contract, cure, damage, disability, display, dwelling, effect, employee, employment, exclusion, exhibit, exhibition, exile, facility, feature, fix, fixture, foothold, footing, harm, headquarters, home, housing, imprint, income, inhabitant, injunction, injury, ink, job, loss, mark, member, memento, memorial, move, office, paralysis, peace, post, presence, record, reduction, relationship, reminder, removal, replacement, representative, residence, scar, scowl, secretary, settlement, solution, staff, state, successor, threat, tooth, trace, transfer, truce, visa, work, worker

permanently

permanentlyadv.

Permanently is used with these adjectives:

attached, closed, covered, disabled, fixed, handicapped, injured, occupied, unemployed

Permanently is used with these verbs:

alter, bar, change, close, cripple, damage, delete, destroy, disfigure, exclude, exile, expel, house, impair, injure, install, live, mark, mount, remove, scar, settle, store, suspend, tune, weaken

permeable

permeableadj.

Permeable is used with these nouns:

membrane, rock

permeate

permeateverb

Permeate is used with these nouns as the subject:

attitude

Permeate is used with these nouns as the object:

society, whole

permissible

permissibleadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeconsider sthADVERBperfectlyThis is perfectly permissible under the new regulations.constitutionally (esp. AmE), legally, morally

Permissible is used with these nouns:

limit

permission

permissionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + permission | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfullspecialexplicit, expressStaff may not leave early without the express permission of the director.tacitformal, government, legal, officialparentalwrittennecessaryThey chopped the trees down without having been granted the necessary permission.specificpriorHe was not allowed to leave the city without the prior permission of the authorities.properoutline (BrE)The council granted outline permission for the construction of a house on the land.planningYou will need to obtain planning permission if you want to extend your house.VERB + permissionhavegain, get, obtain, receive, secure, win (esp. BrE)give (sb), grant (sb)deny sb, refuse sbrevoke, withdraw (both esp. BrE)need, requireapply for (esp. BrE), ask, ask for, request, seekawaitPREPOSITIONwith sb's permission, without sb's permissionThe information was published with the full permission of Amnesty International.permission forShe was given permission for a three-month visit to Asia.I did not give permission for anyone to print it or copy it.The council refused planning permission for the erection of a block of flats. (BrE)permission topermission to parkPHRASESby permission of sbThe illustrations are reproduced by kind permission of the library.

permissive

permissiveadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.sexuallya society that is sexually permissive

Permissive is used with these nouns:

attitude, society

permit

permitnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + permit | permit + VERB | permit + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfederal, governmenttemporaryspecialvalidnecessary, proper (esp. AmE)export, importemissions, pollutionresidence, resident's (both esp. BrE)worktravelentryvisitor's (esp. BrE)building, construction (esp. AmE), driving, fishing (esp. BrE), operating (esp. AmE), parkingVERB + permithave, holdbuygive (sb), grant (sb), issueacquire (esp. AmE), get, obtain, receive, secureapprovedeny sbrevokerenewapply for, request, seekneed, requirepermit + VERBexpireallow sthpermit + NOUNholderapplicationfeescheme (BrE), systemPREPOSITIONby permitEntry is by permit only.with a permit, without a permitYou can't film here without a permit.permit forThey applied for a permit for a street demonstration.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + permitADVERBlegallygenerally, normally, usuallyDevelopment is not normally permitted in conservation areas.explicitly, expresslyspecificallyknowingly (esp. BrE)therebyVERB + permitrefuse tobe designed toThe bill was designed to permit new fathers to take time off work.

Permit is used with these nouns as the subject:

law, regulation, rule, weather

Permit is used with these nouns as the object:

comparison, development, examination, expansion, flexibility, freedom, identification, import, inspection, latitude, maximum, passage, recovery, termination, use

permitted

permittedadj.

Permitted is used with these nouns:

level

pernicious

perniciousadj.

Pernicious is used with these nouns:

influence, myth

perpendicular

perpendicularadj.

adj.1 pointing straight up2 at an angle of 90° to sth1 pointing straight upVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBalmost, nearlyan almost perpendicular staircase

2 at an angle of 90° to sthVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeADVERBapproximatelyalmostmutuallytwo mutually perpendicular directionsPREPOSITIONtoThe axis of the moon will now be exactly perpendicular to that of the earth.

Perpendicular is used with these nouns:

perpetrate

perpetrateverb

Perpetrate is used with these nouns as the object:

act, atrocity, crime, deed, hoax, horror, massacre, murder, outrage, violence

perpetual

perpetualadj.

Perpetual is used with these nouns:

motion, state

perpetuate

perpetuateverb

verbADVERB | VERB + perpetuateADVERBjust, merely, only, simplyGiving these events a lot of media coverage merely perpetuates the problem.therebyVERB + perpetuatehelp (to)serve to, tend toSchools tend to perpetuate the myth that boys are better at science than girls.seek to

Perpetuate is used with these nouns as the object:

cycle, illusion, inequality, myth, stereotype, system, tradition

perplexed

perplexedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, look, soundADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.completely, deeply, genuinely, utterlya little, slightly, etc.Gary looked a little perplexed.

perplexing

perplexingadj.

Perplexing is used with these nouns:

puzzle

persecuted

persecutedadj.

Persecuted is used with these nouns:

minority

persecution

persecutionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + persecution | persecution + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEsystematicbrutal, severepolitical, racial, religiousVERB + persecutionbe subject to, be subjected to, endure, experience, face, suffer, suffer fromSome students returning to the country may face political persecution.avoid, escape from, flee fromfearHe feared persecution by the military.endpersecution + NOUNcomplexShe started to have a persecution complex when she couldn't get a job.PHRASESdelusions of persecution, feelings of persecution(a) fear of persecutiona victim of persecution

perseverance

perseverancenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + perseverance | perseverance + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgreat, incredible, sheerdogged, untiringVERB + perseverancehaveDoes she have the perseverance to finish the work?demonstrate, display, showHe showed great perseverance by staying in the job.require, takeIt may take some perseverance to find the right people.rewardHer perseverance was ultimately rewarded.perseverance + VERBpay offPREPOSITIONwith perseveranceAnyone can learn Japanese with perseverance.perseverance in the face ofhis courage and perseverance in the face of serious illnessperseverance withHis perseverance with the new technique paid off.

Persian

Persianadj.

Persian is used with these nouns:

carpet, rug

persist

persistverb

verb1 continue doing sth2 continue to exist1 continue doing sthADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBdoggedly, stubbornlyPREPOSITIONinIf you persist in upsetting her, I will have to punish you.withThe detective stubbornly persisted with his questions.

2 continue to existADVERB | VERB + persist | PREPOSITIONADVERBstill, to this daya belief that persists to this dayindefinitelyVERB + persistbe likely totend tobe allowed toThis situation cannot be allowed to persist.continue toDrought conditions continue to persist from Maine to Georgia.PREPOSITIONbeyondThe condition almost always persists beyond childhood.despite, in spite ofThe trade network persisted in spite of the political chaos.duringthe problems that persisted during the three-day conferenceforIf symptoms persist for more than a few days, see a doctor.intoThese practices persisted into the Middle Ages.through, throughoutThe depression persisted through much of the 1930s.untilThe snows persisted until the second month of the new year.

Persist is used with these nouns as the subject:

attitude, belief, condition, controversy, doubt, inequality, myth, pain, problem, rumour, symptom

persistence

persistencenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + persistence | persistence + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdogged, stubborngreat, remarkable, sheerVERB + persistencedemonstrate, showrequire, takea challenge that requires persistence and skillpersistence + VERBbe rewarded, pay offMy persistence in demanding my rights finally paid off.PREPOSITIONby persistenceBy sheer persistence, I eventually got her to change her mind.through persistenceHe achieved success through dogged persistence.

persistent

persistentadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBextremely, incredibly, really, remarkably, veryThe weeds were very persistent.stubbornlya stubbornly persistent unemployment problemquite, ratherSome infections can be quite persistent.

Persistent is used with these nouns:

cough, critic, diarrhoea, drizzle, failure, fever, myth, offender, pain, problem, rain, refusal, rumour, truancy, truant

persistently

persistentlyadv.

Persistently is used with these verbs:

repeat

person

personnoun

nounSee also peopleADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEyoungelderly, oldmarried, singlegayan openly gay person working in businessblack, whitepoor, richdecent, good, lovely (esp. BrE), nicecaring, gentle, kind, warmbad, evil, wickedhappy, outgoingrational, reasonable, sensibleAny reasonable person can see that it is not fair.intelligent, smart (esp. AmE)talentedaverage, normal, ordinaryprivateShe is a warm but very private person.blind, deaf, disabledill (esp. BrE), sicka terminally ill person (BrE, AmE)a mentally ill person (BrE, AmE)saneRobbie did what any other sane person would do in this situation.missingto file a missing persons reportdisplacedhomelessunemployeddeadfamousimportantinnocentthe imprisonment of an innocent personright, wrongShe's the right person for the job.The police now realize that they had the wrong person.religiousI'm not a religious person.businessPREPOSITIONas a personWhat's she like as a person?in personShe appeared in person to collect her prize.person froma person from the same family as Ginaa person from Vietnamin the person ofHelp arrived in the person of my brother.PHRASESthe person concernedThe disciplinary panel will notify the person concerned of its findings.the person in chargeCan I speak to the person in charge, please?the person responsiblePolice think they have found the person responsible for the muggings.from person to personThe virus is spread from person to person.

persona

personanoun

Persona is used after these nouns:

screen, stage

personal

personaladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, seem, soundIt felt too personal to tell you.become, getAm I getting too personal with them?make sthThen he made it rather personal and pulled my family into it.ADVERBdeeply, intenselypurely, strictlyThe views expressed here are purely personal.This is a strictly personal decision.uniquelyThe movie is a uniquely personal exploration of the effects of war.extremely, highly, veryhighly personal informationrather

Personal is used with these nouns:

abuse, account, accountability, achievement, acquaintance, adjustment, advancement, advantage, adviser, affair, affront, agenda, aide, alarm, ambition, amusement, anecdote, anguish, animosity, antagonism, antipathy, appeal, appearance, archive, aspiration, assessment, asset, assistance, assistant, association, assurance, attachment, attack, attention, attribute, autonomy, bankruptcy, belief, belongings, benefit, betrayal, bias, blog, bodyguard, budget, call, campaign, capacity, characteristic, charge, charm, chemistry, cheque, choice, circumstance, cleanliness, collection, column, comfort, command, comment, commitment, communication, communion, computer, conduct, confidence, connection, consideration, consultation, consumption, contact, contribution, conversation, conviction, copy, correspondence, cost, courage, creativity, credibility, crisis, crusade, customer, danger, data, dealings, debt, demon, desire, detail, development, devotion, diary, dignity, dilemma, dimension, diplomacy, disappointment, disaster, discipline, discovery, discretion, dislike, distaste, distress, donation, doubt, drive, embarrassment, encounter, enmity, enthusiasm, envoy, estate, esteem, ethics, exemption, expenditure, expense, experience, exploration, expression, failing, failure, faith, fantasy, fault, favour, favourite, feeling, feud, file, finance, fitness, following, fortune, foul, freedom, friend, friendship, fulfilment, gain, glory, goal, greed, greeting, grief, grievance, growth, grudge, guarantee, guard, guilt, habit, happiness, hardship, health, hell, highlight, history, honour, hope, hostility, hygiene, identity, immortality, impact, impression, inadequacy, inclination, income, independence, indiscretion, indulgence, information, initiative, injury, insight, insult, insurance, integrity, interest, intervention, interview, investment, invitation, involvement, item, journal, journey, judgement, knowledge, leadership, letter, liberation, liberty, library, life, loan, loneliness, loyalty, magnetism, maid, matter, meeting, memento, memoir, merit, message, milestone, misery, misfortune, mobility, moral, morality, motivation, motive, mythology, name, narrative, nature, need, nightmare, note, observation, opinion, paper, passion, pension, perspective, philosophy, physician, plea, pleasure, point of view, politics, popularity, possession, predicament, preference, prejudice, prerogative, prestige, pride, privacy, problem, productivity, profit, pronoun, property, prosperity, protection, quality, quarrel, quest, question, quirk, rapport, rating, reason, recognition, recollection, recommendation, record, reflection, relation, relationship, remark, reply, representative, reputation, requirement, residence, resource, responsibility, revelation, risk, rivalry, sacrifice, safety, salvation, satisfaction, saving, saviour, scent, secretary, security, servant, service, shopper, shortcoming, site, slant, slave, space, spite, stake, stamp, standpoint, story, strength, style, subscription, suffering, supervision, support, taste, tax, taxation, testimony, thank you, thanks, tie, torment, touch, tragedy, trainer, trait, transformation, triumph, trust, tuition, turmoil, tutor, unhappiness, use, vanity, vendetta, view, viewpoint, virtue, vision, visit, warmth, weakness, wealth, website, welfare, well-being, whim, wish

personal consumption

personal consumptionnoun

Personal consumption is used before these nouns:

expenditure

personal injury

personal injurynoun

Personal injury is used before these nouns:

lawyer, writ

personality

personalitynoun

noun1 character2 famous person1 characterADJECTIVE | VERB + personality | personality + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEbright, bubbly, extrovert (esp. BrE), jovial, lively, outgoing, sparkling, vibrant, vivaciousattractive, charming, lovely (esp. BrE), nice, pleasant, warmcharismatic, colourful/colorful, larger-than-lifeengaging, magnetic, winningeasy-goingher amiable nature and easy-going personalitydominant, dynamic, forceful, formidable, powerful, strongauthoritarianvulnerable (BrE), weaka troubled man who had a vulnerable personalitydistinct, distinctive, individual, uniqueShe manages to project a very distinct personality.quirkycomplexvolatilecreativedual, multiple, splitHe developed a split personality after the crash.addictiveAddictive personalities can run in families.antisocialVERB + personalitybe, haveBarbara is/has a very forceful personality.developshapeThe events of her early life shaped her personality.express, reflectHis choice of clothes reflects his personality.bring outShe has brought out her husband's personality since their relationship began.add (esp. AmE)Interesting displays can add personality to your store window.lackHe had no screen presence and lacked any real personality.fit, match, suitThe job didn't really suit my personality.personality + NOUNtypecharacteristic, quirk (esp. AmE), traitdisorder, flaw, problemdevelopmentchangeassessment (esp. AmE), profile, testFrom your personality profile, it seems you're interested in politics.All candidates have to undergo a personality test.clash, conflictThere was a personality clash between two members of the committee.personality conflicts between a faculty member and a studentPHRASESan aspect of sb's personality, a side of sb's personalityFor the first time she was seeing the more unpleasant aspects of her husband's personality.a clash of personalitiesthe force of sb's personality, the power of sb's personality, the strength of sb's personalityHe has achieved success by the sheer strength of his personality.impose your personality on sth, stamp your personality on sthShe stamped her personality on the company.

2 famous personADJECTIVE | personality + NOUNADJECTIVEfamous, great, important, leading, popular, prominent, top, well-knownpolitical, sportsmedia, radio, television, TVon-air (AmE)a broadcast network with well-known on-air personalitiespersonality + NOUNcultthe personality cult surrounding Stalin

personalized

personalizedadj.

Personalized is used with these nouns:

personally

personallyadv.

Personally is used with these adjectives:

accountable, acquainted, committed, gratifying, involved, liable, opposed, relevant, responsible, satisfying

Personally is used with these verbs:

address, apologize, approve, believe, benefit, conduct, congratulate, contact, deliver, disagree, experience, favour, guarantee, hand, inform, inscribe, intervene, invest, invite, know, like, love, meet, order, oversee, participate, prefer, recommend, recruit, reply, respond, see, select, sign, subscribe, supervise, testify, thank, think, threaten, view, visit

personnel

personnelnoun

noun1 staff2 department of a company1 staffADJECTIVEADJECTIVEexperienced, professional, qualified, skilled, trainedkeynon-essentialThe area was evacuated of all non-essential personnel.seniormanagementauthorizedOnly authorized personnel have access to the computer system.companyarmed-forces, army, enlisted (AmE), intelligence, military, naval, navy, security, servicean employment agency for ex-service personneluniformedthe functions accomplished by uniformed personnellaw enforcement (esp. AmE), policerescue (esp. AmE), supportfirefighters and other rescue personnelgroups of support personnel, engineers and medicscivilianembassy, governmentemergency, emergency-service, health, health-care, hospital (esp. AmE), medicalpolice, fire and emergency medical personnelthe training of key health personnelairline, airportschool (AmE)agency, officeadministrative, maintenance, technical

2 department of a companyVERB + personnel | personnel + NOUNVERB + personnelbe in, work inHe's is in personnel, isn't he?personnel + NOUNdepartment, officedirector, manager, officermanagementfiles, recordsdecisionpolicy

person-to-person

person-to-personadj.

Person-to-person is used with these nouns:

transmission

perspective

perspectivenoun

noun1 in art2 attitude to sth1 in artADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdistortedhorizontal, verticalPREPOSITIONin perspective, out of perspectiveThat tree is out of perspective.PHRASESthe laws of perspective

2 attitude to sthADJECTIVE | VERB + perspective | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEalternative, different, fresh, newbroader, widernarrowhis desire to broaden his narrow perspectiveproper, trueWe can now see things in their true perspective.balanced, objectiveThe author brings a balanced perspective to these complex issues.personalWe'll be looking at fatherhood issues from a personal perspective.uniqueThis latest study explores stress from a unique perspective.multiplestories told from multiple perspectivesfemale, malecultural, historical, political, social, theoretical, etc.globalmulticultural education based on a global perspectiveVERB + perspectivehaveHe has a different perspective on what art can be.get sth in/into, keep sth in, place sth in/into, put sth in/into, see sth inLet's get this into perspective.I just need to keep things in perspective.Her death put everything else into perspective.gain, get, putWhen you reach middle age you get a different perspective on life.This website puts a completely different perspective on world news.add, bring, give, offer, present, providewomen who bring a feminist perspective to their worksThis lively book presents a refreshing new perspective on a crucial period in our history.keep, maintainadopt, takeThe book adopts a historical perspective.losechange, shiftbroadenPREPOSITIONfrom the perspective ofWe should view this from the perspective of the people involved.in perspectiveThis will require a shift in perspective.into perspectiveperspective ina feminist perspective in philosophyperspective onIt's easy to lose perspective on things when you are under stress.PHRASESa sense of perspective

perspiration

perspirationnoun

noun… OF PERSPIRATION | VERB + perspiration | perspiration + VERB… OF PERSPIRATIONbead, dropGreat beads of perspiration trickled down his forehead.VERB + perspirationwipeHe wiped the perspiration from his brow.absorbwick away (esp. AmE)be bathed in, be drenched in, be soaked inMy shirt was soaked in perspiration.be damp with, be wet with, glisten withHer face was wet with perspiration.perspiration + VERBdrip down sth, run down sth, trickle down sthPerspiration ran down his face.break out, formPerspiration broke out on my skin.Beads of perspiration had formed on his forehead.glisten

perspire

perspireverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBheavily, profuselyHe had been working hard and was perspiring profusely.freelyexcessivelya little, slightly, etc.PREPOSITIONwithShe was perspiring a little with the heat.

perspiring

perspiringadj.

Perspiring is used with these nouns:

brow

persuade

persuadeverb

verbADVERB | VERB + persuade | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBsuccessfullyalmosteventually, finally, ultimatelyquicklyeasilyShe was easily persuaded to accompany us.gentlyDictators can sometimes be gently persuaded to leave power with special deals that guarantee their safety.somehowHe somehow persuaded the studio to let him make the movie.VERB + persuadeattempt to, seek to, try to, work tohope tobe able to, be unable to, canmanage toHe eventually managed to persuade the caretaker to let him in.help (to)be difficult tofail toPREPOSITIONintoShe was persuaded into buying an expensive dress.ofWe must persuade the government of the need for change.out of (esp. BrE)There was no way to persuade him out of it.Why not invite Larry, if he can be persuaded out of hibernation?PHRASESan attempt to persuade sb, an effort to persuade sban unsuccessful attempt to persuade her colleaguesbe fully persuadedI am not fully persuaded by these arguments.be reluctantly persuadedI was reluctantly persuaded to join the committee.have difficulty (in) persuading sbThey had difficulty in persuading the two sides to sit down together.

Persuade is used with these nouns as the object:

audience, cabinet, consumer, court, judge, jury, minister, shopper, voter

persuasion

persuasionnoun

noun1 persuading2 set of beliefs1 persuadingADJECTIVE | VERB + persuasion | PHRASESADJECTIVEgentlea littleI think with a little persuasion we can get her to come here.VERB + persuasionuseI had to use a little gentle persuasion to get her to agree.need, takeShe didn't need much persuasion.be open toShe is uncertain of what she wants and is open to persuasion.PHRASESthe art of persuasionShe is very charming, and skilled in the art of persuasion.a means of persuasionHe will use every means of persuasion to make her stay.sb's powers of persuasionI used all of my powers of persuasion to get Jay to come back.

2 set of beliefsADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEpolitical, religioussexualdiscrimination on the grounds of a person's sexual persuasionPHRASESof all, different, varying, etc. persuasionsThe meeting is open to people of all political persuasions.of … persuasionHe was basically of liberal persuasion.of every persuasionyoung people of every persuasion

persuasive

persuasiveadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, prove, seem, soundHer arguments proved persuasive to the court judges.find sthmake sthWhat makes his case so persuasive?ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highlyHis analysis is in many ways highly persuasive.enough, sufficientlyThe evidence was not really persuasive enough.not entirelyHis arguments strike me as not entirely persuasive.

Persuasive is used with these nouns:

argument, case, evidence, force, message

persuasively

persuasivelyadv.

Persuasively is used with these verbs:

argue

pert

pertadj.

Pert is used with these nouns:

pertain to

pertain tophr verb

Pertain to is used with these nouns as the subject:

information, matter

pertinent

pertinentadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seembecomeremainADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.especially, highly, particularlydirectlyThese examples are directly pertinent to the question asked.PREPOSITIONtoThe issues dealt with in the report are highly pertinent to our own situation.

Pertinent is used with these nouns:

detail, information, question

per-unit

per-unitadj.

Per-unit is used with these nouns:

cost

peruse

peruseverb

Peruse is used with these nouns as the object:

menu, newspaper, page

pervade

pervadeverb

Pervade is used with these nouns as the subject:

atmosphere, attitude

Pervade is used with these nouns as the object:

society, whole

pervasive

pervasiveadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, provebecomeremainADVERBveryincreasinglythe increasingly pervasive subculture in modern society

Pervasive is used with these nouns:

influence, presence, racism, sense, smell

perverse

perverseadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seem, soundADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.deeplyThis kind of reasoning is deeply perverse.almosta little, slightly, etc.mildly, vaguelydeliberately, wilfully/willfullyHad you truly forgotten or were you just being deliberately perverse?

Perverse is used with these nouns:

delight, incentive, logic, pleasure, satisfaction

perversity

perversitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEsheerShe's marrying him out of sheer perversity.wilful/willfulsexuala sordid tale of sexual perversityPREPOSITIONout of perversity

perverted

pervertedadj.

Perverted is used with these nouns:

Pessimistic is used with these nouns:

pessimism

pessimismnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + pessimism | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeep, widespreadthe widespread pessimism among young people todayundueHe warned against the dangers of undue pessimism.VERB + pessimismexpress, reflectThe article reflects the pessimism of its author.overcomePREPOSITIONpessimism aboutThere were good grounds for pessimism about future progress.PHRASESa mood of pessimism

pessimistic

pessimisticadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, look, prove, seem, soundThese figures look quite pessimistic.become, growremainADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.deeply, terriblyincreasinglyoverly, unduly, unnecessarilyHis predictions proved unduly pessimistic.generallyPREPOSITIONaboutI am deeply pessimistic about the future.

assessment, estimate, expectation, forecast, mood, outlook, scenario, view

pest

pestnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + pest | pest + NOUNADJECTIVEcommonmajor, seriousdestructiveagricultural, crop, garden, plantinsectsex (in newspapers) (BrE)Police are looking for a sex pest who is frightening early-morning joggers.VERB + pestcontrol, repelThese birds provide a useful function in controlling insect pests.eradicate, killpest + NOUNcontrol, controller (esp. BrE), managementa pest control officer (BrE)a pest control operator (AmE)populationinfestation

pesticide

pesticidenoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF PESTICIDE | pesticide + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEchemical, syntheticthe threat to human health from chemical pesticides in our foodorganicagriculturaldangerous, harmful, hazardous, toxicapproved, banned… OF PESTICIDElevelIt is claimed that current levels of pesticide do not pose a threat to health.traceTraces of pesticide in the water were ten times above permissible levels.pesticide + NOUNuselevelsresiduesexposurethe risk of pesticide exposure among farm workerscontamination, pollutiontests for pesticide contamination in foodpoisoningapplication, sprayPHRASESresistance to pesticidesSome weeds have developed resistance to agricultural pesticides.the use of pesticides

PET

PETnoun

PET is used before these nouns:

Pet is used with these nouns as the object:

pet

petnounverbadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + pet | pet + NOUNADJECTIVEdomestic, family, house, householdbelovedthe loss of a beloved petabandoned, unwantedlostif you need help locating your lost petexoticthe booming trade in exotic petsvirtualthe latest wave of toy technology: virtual petsVERB + pethave, keep, ownallowThe apartment we live in doesn't allow pets of any kind.feedFeed your pet a healthy diet.pet + NOUNshop (esp. BrE), store (esp. AmE)cat, dog, rabbit, etc.ownersitterSome pet sitters charge on a per-visit basis.carethe pet care industrytradethe smuggling of endangered species for the pet tradefooddander (esp. AmE), hairpeople who are allergic to pet dandera vacuum cleaner that can tackle pet hairallergykids with pet allergiescarrierShe bundled Daisy into her pet carrier.

II. verb

cat, dog

III. adj.

Pet is used with these nouns:

cause, hate, name, project, subject, theory

petal

petalnoun

Petal is used after these nouns:

flower, rose

pet-friendly

pet-friendlyadj.

Pet-friendly is used with these nouns:

petite

petiteadj.

Petite is used with these nouns:

frame

petition

petitionnounverb

I. noun1 document asking court for sth2 document signed by many people1 document asking court for sthADJECTIVE | VERB + petition | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcourt (esp. AmE)bankruptcy, divorce, habeas corpus (AmE)She filed a habeas corpus petition on Padilla's behalf.VERB + petitionfile, submithearThe petition will be heard tomorrow.accept, approve, grantHer petition for divorce was granted.deny, dismiss, oppose, rejectThe district court has opposed the petition by the local electricity company.PREPOSITIONpetition forHe can file a petition for writ of habeas corpus.petition on behalf ofa divorce petition on behalf of Terri Jones

2 document signed by many peopleADJECTIVE | VERB + petition | petition + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEprotest (esp. BrE)10 000 people signed a protest petition.onlinenominating, recall (both AmE, politics)The deadline for filing nominating petitions for the primary election was Tuesday.Two million people signed the recall petition.VERB + petitionsigndraft, launch, organize, raise (esp. BrE), start, writeWe've started an online petition.draw up, get up (esp. BrE), set up (esp. BrE)The players drew up a petition and presented it to the coach.They've threatened to get up a petition against the plan.circulateThe company had actively circulated petitions to get rid of the union.supportdeliver, present, send, submitThey delivered petitions with nearly 20 000 signatures to the Senate.petition + VERBask sth, ask for sth, call for sth, demand sth, request sth, seek sth, urge stha petition asking him to reconsideroppose sthThe petition opposes the closures.support sthThe petition supports the plan to rebuild the road.PREPOSITIONpetition againstWe're organizing a petition against the proposed building plans.petition by, petition froma petition by local residentspetition forLocal government supports the petition for a new hospital.petition in favour/favor ofa petition in favour/favor of reform

II. verb

Petition is used with these nouns as the object:

court, parliament

petition for

petition forphr verb

Petition for is used with these nouns as the object:

bankruptcy, divorce

petrochemical

petrochemicalnoun

Petrochemical is used before these nouns:

petrol

petrolnoun

noun (BrE) See also gas, gasolineADJECTIVE | … OF PETROL | VERB + petrol | petrol + VERB | petrol + NOUNADJECTIVElead-free, ultra-low sulphur, unleadedThe price of a litre of unleaded petrol has risen.leaded, lead replacementhigh-octane… OF PETROLlitre, tankfulVERB + petrolfill (sth) up with, fill sth withrun on, take, useMy car runs on unleaded petrol.run out ofWe ran out of petrol and had to walk to the nearest garage.douse sb/sth in, douse sb/sth with, pourThugs poured petrol over a homeless man and tried to set him alight.smellCan you smell petrol?smell ofThe air smelled of petrol.petrol + VERBburn, ignitepetrol + NOUNengine, tankcargauge, pumpstationtankerfumespricestaxbomb

petroleum

petroleumnoun

Petroleum is used before these nouns:

exploration, geology, reserve

petrol pump

petrol pumpnoun

Petrol pump is used before these nouns:

attendant

petting

pettingnoun

Petting is used before these nouns:

zoo

petty

pettyadj.

Petty is used with these nouns:

annoyance, argument, cash, corruption, crime, criminal, dispute, feud, fight, jealousy, offence, officer, problem, restriction, rivalry, rule, snobbery, squabble, theft, thief, tyranny, tyrant, vandalism

pew

pewnoun

Pew is used after these nouns:

church

phallic

phallicadj.

Phallic is used with these nouns:

symbol, symbolism

phantom

phantomadj.

Phantom is used with these nouns:

limb, pain

pharmaceutical

pharmaceuticaladj.

Pharmaceutical is used with these nouns:

company, giant, industry, product, representative

pharmacy

pharmacynoun

nounADJECTIVE | pharmacy + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEcommunity, hospital, localInternet, mail-order, onlinedispensing, retailpharmacy + NOUNbusiness, chaincounter, shelfResearch is bringing more effective new drugs to pharmacy shelves.PHRASESavailable at pharmacies (AmE), available from pharmacies (BrE), available in pharmacies (AmE)The cream is available at/from/in pharmacies without a prescription.

phase

phasenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + phase | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEearly, first, initial, preliminary, primarystart-upThe co-op is still in the start-up phase.second, secondary, etc.current, latest, new, presentfinal, lastintermediate, transitiontemporarycritical, crucial, importantthe critical phase of the operationdistinctThe period can be divided into three distinct phases.acute, chronic (both medical)the acute phase of the diseaserecovery (medical)experimental, testingThe process is still in its testing phase.planningduring the planning phase of an operationdesignearly in the project's design phaseVERB + phasebegin, enter, initiate, launch, open, startSociety has entered a technological phase of evolution.go throughIt's just a phase he's going through.reachas the team reaches the later phases of product developmentmarkthe main Catholic rituals that mark important phases in a person's lifecomplete, passPREPOSITIONduring a/the phaseDuring the first phase of expansion staff will move to the new offices.in a/the phaseIn the earliest phase of mental disorder, relatives feel confused.phase ina new phase in the European economyphase ofa calendar highlighting the phases of the moon

phased

phasedadj.

Phased is used with these nouns:

withdrawal

phase out

phase outphr verb

Phase out is used with these nouns as the object:

subsidy

PhD

PhDnoun

PhD is used before these nouns:

candidate, degree, dissertation, student, thesis

phenomenal

phenomenaladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, look, soundADVERBabsolutely, quite, simply, trulyThis plant has truly phenomenal healing powers.

Phenomenal is used with these nouns:

growth, rate, speed, success

phenomenally

phenomenallyadv.

Phenomenally is used with these adjectives:

popular, successful

phenomenon

phenomenonnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + phenomenon | phenomenon + VERBADJECTIVEcommon, universal, widespreadglobal, worldwideThe unfolding energy crisis is very much a global phenomenon.naturalwell-knownisolated, rare, uniquegrowingthe growing phenomenon of air ragenew, novel, recentcontemporary, modernamazingamazing natural phenomenafascinating, interestingbizarre, curious, inexplicable, mysterious, peculiar, remarkable, strange, unusualcomplexobservablebiological, cultural, economic, historical, linguistic, mental, physical, political, psychological, religious, social, urbanparanormal, psychic, supernaturalHe conducted a scientific investigation into paranormal phenomena.cultThe movie has become a bona fide cult phenomenon.VERB + phenomenoninvestigateHis job is to investigate supernatural phenomena.examine, observe, studyI observed a similar phenomenon in Bolivia.explainHow does one explain this incredible phenomenon?understandbecomeThe movie has become a summer phenomenon.phenomenon + VERBarise, emerge, happen, occurThe phenomenon occurs in the early stages of pregnancy.existShe proved scientifically that such phenomena exist.

philanthropic

philanthropicadj.

Philanthropic is used with these nouns:

organization

philosopher

philosophernoun

nounADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEdistinguished, eminent, famous, great, important, leading, prominentthe great philosophers of ancient Greeceancient, classical, Enlightenment, medieval, etc.contemporary, modern17th-century, 18th-century, etc.the 17th-century Dutch philosopher SpinozaEastern, WesternChristian, Greek, Jewish, Muslim, etc.professionalanalytic, feminist, legal, moral, political, sociala talk by a distinguished moral philosopherPHRASESa philosopher of religion, science, etc.

philosophical

philosophicaladj.

adj.1 of philosophy2 calm and accepting1 of philosophyVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecome, get, waxThe debate was getting too philosophical for me.I could wax philosophical on all the injustices of life.ADVERBpurelya purely philosophical argumentdeeplyRoth's story is deeply philosophical.rather

2 calm and acceptingVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeTry to be philosophical about it.remainADVERBveryquitePREPOSITIONaboutDad's being quite philosophical about the whole thing.

Philosophical is used with these nouns:

argument, belief, bent, debate, discussion, enquiry, foundation, idea, implication, justification, outlook, point of view, position, question, reflection, speculation, thought, topic, tradition, treatment, truth, view, writing

philosophically

philosophicallyadv.

Philosophically is used with these adjectives:

sophisticated

Philosophically is used with these verbs:

take

philosophy

philosophynoun

noun1 study of ideas about the meaning of life2 particular system of beliefs1 study of ideas about the meaning of lifeADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEancient, classical, Enlightenment, medievalcontemporary, modernBuddhist, Chinese, Christian, Greek, Hindu, Islamic, etc.Eastern, Westernjudicial, moral, natural (historical), political, religious, social, etc.the attraction of Marxism as a social philosophyanalytic, existential, feminist, postmodern, etc.PHRASESthe philosophy of history, religion, science, etc.

2 particular system of beliefsADJECTIVE | VERB + philosophy | philosophy + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcompeting, differinggoverning, guiding, prevailinghumanism—the prevailing philosophy today in the Western worldbasic, core, general, underlyinghomespun (esp. BrE), simplethe homespun philosophy that kept her going during this difficult periodpersonalcorporateconservative, liberaldesign, economic, educational, management, market, political, religious, sociala furniture-maker's design philosophyVERB + philosophydevelop, formulateOver the years he has developed his own personal philosophy.articulateadopt, embrace, espouse, followshareWe share the same guiding philosophy.reflectDoes this in any way reflect your own philosophy?rejectbase sth onThese ideas are based on his political philosophy.philosophy + VERBguide sth, influence sth, inform sth, underlie sth, underpin sththe philosophy underlying the education systemPREPOSITIONphilosophy behindThe new measures were introduced with no explanation of the philosophy behind them.PHRASESa philosophy of life, a philosophy of mind

phobia

phobianoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + phobia | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEneedle, social, water, etc.I have a severe needle phobia.VERB + phobiahave, suffer fromdeveloptreatovercomeHypnotherapy is often used to overcome phobias.PREPOSITIONphobia about sth, phobia of sthHe has a phobia of snakes.

phone

phonenounverb

I. nounSee also telephoneADJECTIVE | VERB + phone | phone + VERB | phone + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcell (usually cellphone) (esp. AmE), cellular (esp. AmE), mobile (BrE)pay (usually payphone), publicThere's a public payphone in reception.officehome, privateI called his cellphone and then his home phone.landlinecarcordlesshands-free, speaker (usually speakerphone)I switched over to speakerphone.digitalsatellitecameraclamshell (BrE), flip (AmE)3G (BrE), Bluetooth™, smart (usually smartphone), VoIP (= Voice over Internet Protocol), WAP, Web-enabled, wireless (esp. AmE), etc.VERB + phonebe onShe's on the phone at the moment.useCan I use your phone?call (sb on)I called his cellphone but no one answered.He called me on my mobile phone.answer, get (informal), grab (informal), lift, pick upIf the phone rings, don't answer it.Can you get the phone?I grabbed the phone and called Josie's number.hang up, put down, replaceI hung up the phone when he started shouting at me.slam downShe slammed the phone down in a rage.cradle, holdShe cradled the phone between her ear and shoulder.a £30 fine if caught holding a phone while drivingbe wanted onDad, you're wanted on the phone.call sb toHe was called to the phone just as he was leaving.connectdisconnect, unplugbug, tapI think our phone is being tapped.wait byShe waits by the phone all day but he doesn't call.leave off the hook, take off the hookI couldn't get through because you'd left the phone off the hook.switch off, switch on, turn off, turn onPlease switch off all mobile phones.I turned on my phone.phone + VERBgo (esp. BrE), go off, ring, vibrateMy mobile phone went off during the movie.Vincent's cell phone vibrated in his pocket.ring off the hookThe phone was ringing off the hook (= ringing continuously).be busy (esp. AmE), be engaged (BrE)The phone was busy when I called.His phone is almost permanently engaged.be off the hookgo deadThe phone suddenly went dead in the middle of our conversation.phone + NOUNnumberbook, directorybillcall, conversation, interview, messageuseroperatorcard (usually phonecard)company, network, servicebank (esp. AmE)She was working a phone bank for the Democrats.booth, box (BrE)lineThe modem links the computer to a phone line.keypadhandset, receiverthe modern business of selling phone handsetsI picked up the phone receiver and pressed it to my ear.cordchargerI've lost my phone charger.recordsThe search of the phone records yielded nothing.PREPOSITIONby phoneWe keep in contact by phone but we rarely see each other.on the phoneWe spoke on the phone the other day.over the phoneI haven't seen her but we spoke over the phone.

II. verb

Phone is used with these nouns as the subject:

viewer

Phone is used with these nouns as the object:

ambulance, fire brigade, hotline, number, reception

phone call

phone callnoun

Phone call is used after these nouns:

return

phone for

phone forphr verb

Phone for is used with these nouns as the object:

ambulance, cab, taxi

phone in

phone inphr verb

Phone in is used with these nouns as the subject:

viewer

phone-in

phone-inadj.

Phone-in is used with these nouns:

programme, show

phone number

phone numbernoun

Phone number is used after these nouns:

daytime

phonetic

phoneticadj.

Phonetic is used with these nouns:

alphabet, script, spelling, symbol

phoney

phoneyadj.

Phoney/phony is used with these nouns:

document, war

phosphate

phosphatenoun

Phosphate is used before these nouns:

fertilizer

photo

photonoun

nounSee also photographADJECTIVE | VERB + photo | photo + NOUNADJECTIVEexclusiveThe magazine has exclusive photos of the wedding.autographed (esp. AmE), signedHis most treasured possession is an autographed photo of his basketball hero.yearbook (AmE)nude, pornographic, toplessVERB + photosnap (esp. AmE)photo + NOUNcall (esp. BrE), session, shootop (informal, esp. AmE), opportunityThe press followed the President around the hospital, waiting for a photo opportunity.editorboothWe found a photo booth on the station.agency, shopessay (esp. AmE), spread, storyHer wedding got a big photo spread in the magazine.captiongallery, studioexhibit (AmE), exhibitionarchive, collectionID, identificationthe name on the photo IDfinishThe race ended in a photo finish.

photochemical

photochemicaladj.

Photochemical is used with these nouns:

smog

photocopy

photocopynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + photocopyADJECTIVEblack-and-white, colour/colorVERB + photocopydo (informal), make, take (BrE)Could you make a photocopy of this letter for me, please?

photograph

photographnounverb

I. (also photo) nounADJECTIVE | VERB + photograph | photograph + VERB | photograph + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEold, recentearly, vintageblack-and-white, colour/color, sepiaWe looked through her old black-and-white photographs.blurred, blurry, fuzzy, grainy, out-of-focusa fuzzy black-and-white photographThe newspaper published a grainy photograph of her.This photograph is out of focus.fadedclear, sharpThe photographs were clear and sharp.stillactionThe book is illustrated with 96 action photographs.beautiful, excellent, good, great, lovely, stunning, superb, wonderfulgood-quality, high-quality, high-resolutionglossyframedsignedstudiogroup, team (esp. BrE)portraitfamilyweddingschool (esp. BrE) (usually school picture in AmE)cover, magazine, newspaper, pressThe cover photograph of one magazine showed a dying soldier.publicitydocumentaryarchival (AmE), archive (BrE)historic, historical, periodfamousthe famous photograph of Che Guevarafashionpassport, passport-sizedenlargedclose-upstillFrame the subject in the video viewfinder as you would for a still photograph.aerial, satellitesatellite photographs of Beijingdigital, Polaroid™infraredindecent (BrE, law), pornographicHe admitted offences of possessing indecent photographs of children.VERB + photographget, shoot, takeI got some great photographs of the party.Can I have my photograph taken with you?I spent the day taking photographs of the city.composepose forWe posed for a group photograph.makeThe sun rising over the horizon would have made a good photograph.copy, develop, printI can't wait till the photographs have been printed.I prefer to print my digital photographs.blow up, enlargeA photograph of them is blown up to fill two full pages.editing software that enables you to enlarge and crop photographsClick on individual photographs to enlarge them.touch upThe photograph has been touched up to conceal her scar.cropmountI cropped the photograph and mounted it on some card.scan, scan inI scanned in some photographs of the family to send to friends by email.She scans each photograph into her computer.download, uploadUpload your photographs to one of these sites.postI'm learning how to post photographs on my blog.storethe photographs stored on the memory cardpublish, releaseThe next day they published photographs of the kidnappers.a couple of photographs released by news agenciesfeatureThe first issue featured a photograph of Martha Graham on the cover.photograph + VERBappearHer photograph appeared in all the papers.depict sth, document sth, illustrate sth, reveal sth, show sthcapture sthThe photograph manages to capture the excitement of the occasion.photograph + NOUNalbumframePREPOSITIONin a/the photographThe wing is assembled as shown in the photograph below.Tell me who everyone is in the photograph.photograph ofAn aerial photograph of the field shows clearly where the buildings were.a photograph of my son Edmund

II. verb

Photograph is used with these nouns as the object:

model

photographer

photographernoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + photographer | photographer + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEaccomplished, award-winning, famed, famous, leading, renowned, top, well-knownbrilliant, experienced, good, great, master, successful, talented, veterankeenamateurcommercial, freelance, professional, staff (esp. AmE)a staff photographer at the ‘New York Times’officialnewspaper, presspolicecelebrity, combat (esp. AmE), documentary, fashion, fine-art, landscape, nature, news, portrait, sports, war, wedding, wildlife, etc.VERB + photographerpose forhireThey had hired another photographer for the wedding.photographer + VERBshoot sth, take pictures, take shotsThe photographer shot the usual roll of pictures.snap sb/sth, snap away at sb/sthShe didn't think much of the photographers snapping away at her.capture sb/sthPhotographer Darren Kidd captured the unique atmosphere of the event.PHRASESa photographer's gallery, a photographer's studio

photographic

photographicadj.

Photographic is used with these nouns:

archive, assignment, collection, copy, equipment, evidence, exhibit, exhibition, illustration, image, imagery, library, medium, memory, model, negative, paper, portrait, proof, record, representation, reproduction, session, shoot, shop, slide, studio, technique, work

photographically

photographicallyadv.

Photographically is used with these verbs:

illustrate

photography

photographynoun

nounADJECTIVE | photography + NOUNADJECTIVEblack-and-white, colour/colordigitalflashinfraredaerial, satelliteunderwaterclose-upstilltricktime-lapsethe shifting clouds caught in time-lapse photographyamateur, professionaldocumentary, newscommercialstock (esp. AmE)a commercial stock photography archivecontemporaryfine-artan exceptional online source for fine-art photographyfashion, landscape, nature, portrait, sports, street, war, wedding, wildlife, etc.photography + NOUNcollection, exhibit (AmE), exhibitiongallery, studiobook, magazinecompetitioneditor

photostat

photostatnoun

Photostat is used before these nouns:

copy

phrasal

phrasaladj.

Phrasal is used with these nouns:

Phrase is used with these nouns as the object:

phrase

phrasenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + phrase | phrase + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcolloquial, idiomatickey‘Start slowly’ is the key phrase for the first-time marathon runner.common, familiar, famous, popularcatch-all, empty, hackneyed, meaningless, stockHe just comes out with the same old stock phrases.apt, catchy (informal), colourful/colorful, descriptive, memorable, telling, well-turnedcatch (usually catchphrase), signature (AmE)the show's best known catchphrasebuzzA current popular buzz phrase is ‘Think outside the box’.code (esp. AmE)‘Law and order’ was most often a code phrase for repressive measures.musicaladjectival, adverbial, noun, prepositional, verbVERB + phraseemploy, turn, useShe can certainly turn a phrase.coinWho coined the phrase ‘desktop publishing’?borrowutterquote, repeattrademarkIn 1998, he trademarked the phrase ‘Freedom of Expression’.phrase + NOUNbookI bought a Spanish phrase book.PREPOSITIONin a/the phraseShe was, in her own memorable phrase, ‘a woman without a past’.PHRASESa choice of phraseHer unfortunate choice of phrase offended most of the audience.a turn of phraseHe is meticulous in his choice of words and turns of phrase.

II. verbADVERBADVERBcarefullyThe statement was very carefully phrased.differentlyI should have phrased my question differently.beautifullyThe concerto's slow movement was beautifully phrased.

question

physical

physicalnounadj.

I. noun (esp. AmE)See also medicalADJECTIVE | VERB + physicalADJECTIVEcompleteannual, routinePilots undergo routine physicals.VERB + physicalhave, undergofail, passHe was accepted onto the course after passing the physical.

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeThe problem is purely physical, not mental.become, get, turnMikey and Jacob's fight had started to get physical.ADVERBpurelyOur relationship was purely physical.almostThe shock of the darkness was almost physical.

Physical is used with these nouns:

ability, abuse, act, activity, affection, aggression, agility, agony, ailment, anguish, appearance, arrangement, aspect, assault, asset, attraction, attribute, barrier, beauty, blow, challenge, characteristic, check-up, chemist, chemistry, collapse, comedy, comfort, complaint, condition, confinement, confrontation, consequence, constitution, contact, coordination, courage, custody, damage, danger, decay, decline, defect, deformity, demand, demonstration, dependence, description, destruction, deterioration, development, difference, dimension, disability, discipline, discomfort, disorder, distance, distress, disturbance, efficiency, effort, endurance, energy, entity, environment, equipment, evidence, exam, examination, excitement, exercise, exertion, exhaustion, existence, expression, fatigue, feat, feature, fitness, force, form, frailty, geography, geology, handicap, hardship, harm, health, illness, impact, imperfection, inability, inactivity, infirmity, inspection, integrity, interaction, intimacy, intimidation, labour, layout, likeness, limit, limitation, location, longing, love, lust, make-up, manifestation, manipulation, maturity, nature, necessity, need, neglect, object, obstruction, pain, passion, perfection, phenomenon, pleasure, preparation, presence, principle, problem, process, property, prowess, proximity, punishment, quality, reality, realm, recovery, recreation, rehabilitation, relationship, remains, reminder, removal, renewal, resemblance, resource, restraint, retaliation, safety, science, scientist, self, sensation, separation, shape, side effect, similarity, size, space, specimen, stamina, state, stature, strain, strength, suffering, superiority, surroundings, survival, symbol, symptom, therapist, therapy, threat, tiredness, toil, toll, torment, torture, training, trait, transformation, trauma, type, universe, vigour, violence, vulnerability, weakness, well-being, work, world, wreck

physically

physicallyadv.

Physically is used with these adjectives:

able, abusive, active, afraid, aggressive, attached, attractive, capable, challenging, demanding, disabled, distant, distinct, exhausted, exhausting, fine, fit, frail, gifted, handicapped, healthy, helpless, hurt, ill, immature, impossible, inactive, incapable, infirm, injured, isolated, mature, painful, perfect, present, ready, remote, repulsive, separate, shattered, sick, slight, strong, taxing, tired, tough, unable, uncomfortable, unfit, violent, weak, wrong

Physically is used with these verbs:

abuse, assault, attack, connect, destroy, drain, eject, exhaust, harm, hurt, incapacitate, injure, inspect, interact, intimidate, link, locate, mature, prepared, prevent, punish, react, remove, resemble, restrain, scar, separate, shake, suffer, threaten

physical therapist, physical therapy

(AmE) See physiotherapist, physiotherapy

physician

physiciannoun

noun (formal, esp. AmE)ADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfamily (AmE), general, hospital (esp. BrE), occupational (BrE), primary-careDr Dennett is a practicing family physician in Atlanta.attending, practising/practicing, prescribing, referring, treatingexperienced, licensed (AmE), qualifiedseniorconsultant (BrE)emergencypersonal, private, resident, royal (esp. BrE)He became the President's personal physician.Ayurvedic, homeopathic, naturopathic, etc.eminent (BrE)PREPOSITIONphysician toHe was physician to George Washington.

physician-assisted

physician-assistedadj.

Physician-assisted is used with these nouns:

suicide

physicist

physicistnoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEbrilliant, distinguished, eminent, famous, great, leading, prominentclassical, modernexperimental, theoreticalatomic, mathematical, medical, nuclear, particle, quantumNiels Bohr, the leading quantum physicist of his time

physics

physicsnoun

nounADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEclassical, NewtonianmodernEinstein restructured modern physics.applied, experimental, theoreticalfundamentalthe frontiers of fundamental physicsatomic, mathematical, medical, nuclear, particle, quantum, statisticalcollege, undergraduate, universitythe undergraduate physics curriculumuniversity physics departmentshigh-school (in the US), schoolShe wanted to be a high-school physics teacher.PHRASESthe laws of physics

physiological

physiologicaladj.

Physiological is used with these nouns:

consequence, ecology, mechanism, response, symptom

physiotherapist

physiotherapistnoun

(BrE) (AmE physical therapist) nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVElicensed (AmE), qualified (BrE), trained

physiotherapy

physiotherapynoun

(BrE) (AmE physical therapy) nounADJECTIVE | VERB + physiotherapy/physical therapy | physiotherapy/physical-therapy + NOUNADJECTIVEintensiveregularVERB + physiotherapy/physical therapyprovidehave, receive, undergoI'm undergoing regular physiotherapy for a back problem.physiotherapy/physical-therapy + NOUNclinic, departmentappointment, sessiontreatmentequipmentstudent

physique

physiquenoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgood, ideal, impressive, magnificentathletic, muscular, powerful, stronglean, slenderPREPOSITIONphysique forShe doesn't have the physique for a dancer.

pianist

pianistnoun

Pianist is used after these nouns:

concert, jazz

piano

pianonoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + piano | piano + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbaby grand, concert grand, grand, uprightacoustic, digital, electric, electronictoyVERB + pianotunemakea piano made by Steinwaypiano + NOUNkey, lidstrings, wirea length of piano wirestooltunerbarThere is a piano bar for evening entertainment.PREPOSITIONat the pianoHe was sitting at the piano, ready to play.on the pianoThe piece can also be played on the piano.

pick

picknounverbPHRASAL VERB

I. nounVERB + pick | PHRASESVERB + pickhaveShe had her pick of the single men.takeWhich do you want? Take your pick.PHRASESget first pick, take first pickI got the first pick of the prizes because I was the oldest.

II. verb1 choose sb/sth2 take sth from the place where it is growing1 choose sb/sthADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBat random, randomlyNames were picked at random out of a hat.outHe was picked out as the best player.PREPOSITIONasThey picked Jane as the captain.forHave you been picked for the team?

2 take sth from the place where it is growingPHRASESPHRASESfreshly pickedfreshly picked strawberries

PHRASAL VERBpick sth upADVERB | VERB + pick up | PREPOSITIONADVERBcarefully, gingerlyRather gingerly, George picked up the tiny bundle.absently, idlyI idly picked up a magazine and leafed through it.gently, slowlyShe gently picked up a plate and examined it.hurriedlyI hurriedly picked up the receiver.VERB + pick uptry tobend to, bend down to, stoop to, stoop down toShe stooped down to pick up a stone.PREPOSITIONbyHe picked the pan up carefully by the handle.from, offShe stooped to pick the book up off the floor.

Pick is used with these nouns as the subject:

judge, voter

Pick is used with these nouns as the object:

banana, berry, brain, card, coconut, cotton, fault, favourite, fight, fruit, grape, herb, jury, leaf, lettuce, lock, moment, mushroom, name, nose, number, outfit, pocket, quarrel, spot, successor, target, team, tomato, topic, vegetables, way, winner, word

pick apart

pick apartphr verb

Pick apart is used with these nouns as the subject:

vulture

pick at

pick atphr verb

Pick at is used with these nouns as the subject:

vulture

Pick at is used with these nouns as the object:

pickaxe

pickaxenoun

Pickaxe/pickax is used before these nouns:

handle

picker

pickernoun

Picker is used after these nouns:

cotton, mushroom

picket

picketnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + picket | picket + NOUNADJECTIVEmassflying (BrE)Flying pickets arrived from all over the country.VERB + picketorganizeThey organized a mass picket of the governor's palace.picket + NOUNdutylineAbuse was hurled at workers who crossed the picket line.sign (esp. AmE)angry people with picket signs

pick from

pick fromphr verb

Pick from is used with these nouns as the object:

pickle

picklenoun

Pickle is used before these nouns:

pickled

pickledadj.

Pickled is used with these nouns:

cabbage, herring, onion, vegetables

pick off

pick offphr verb

Pick off is used with these nouns as the object:

pick on

pick onphr verb

Pick on is used with these nouns as the subject:

bully

pick out

pick outphr verb

Pick out is used with these nouns as the object:

bit, clothes, outfit, tune

pick up

pick upphr verb

Pick up is used with these nouns as the subject:

aerial, bus, business, cab, ear, economy, market, media, microphone, rating, trade, wind

Pick up is used with these nouns as the object:

baby, baggage, ball, bargain, basics, basket, beaker, bill, bit, booking, briefcase, bug, burden, cellphone, check, cup, fare, fork, garbage, honour, injury, knife, litter, mail, mannerism, parasite, pass, passenger, phone, purse, receiver, rein, rock, rubbish, scent, seat, signal, skill, skirt, speed, spoon, station, stitch, suitcase, survivor, telephone, thread, tip, toy, trail, tray, trophy

pickup

pickupnoun

Pickup is used before these nouns:

pick up on

pick up onphr verb

Pick up on is used with these nouns as the subject:

media

picky

pickyadj.

Picky is used with these nouns:

eater

picnic

picnicnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + picnic | picnic + NOUNADJECTIVEfamilyschoolchurch, Sunday-school (both esp. AmE)company (esp. AmE)VERB + picnicgo for (esp. BrE), go on (esp. AmE), haveLet's have a picnic down by the river.organize, planenjoymakeWill you help me make a picnic?bring, takeWe took a picnic and spent the day watching the races.packpicnic + NOUNbasket, bench, blanket, hamper (BrE), rug (BrE), tablelunch, tea (BrE)area, ground (AmE), site (esp. BrE), spot

pictorial

pictorialadj.

Pictorial is used with these nouns:

composition, record, representation

picture

picturenounverb

I. noun1 painting/drawing/photograph2 pictures on TV, in films/movies, etc.3 description; mental image4 film/movie1 painting/drawing/photographADJECTIVE | VERB + picture | picture + VERB | picture + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbeautiful, lovely, pretty, striking, stunning, wonderfulblurred, blurry, fuzzy, grainyblack-and-white, colour/colordigitalbaby, familyschool (esp. AmE) (usually school photograph in BrE)holiday (BrE), vacation (AmE), weddingnaked, nudeVERB + picturedraw, paintcomposecolour/colorThe book has simple stories and pictures to colour/color.frame, hangdisplay, exhibit (esp. BrE), showpose for, sit forget, snap, takeI got some good pictures of the procession.printemail sb, send sbdownload, uploadpicture + VERBdepict sth, show sthhangpicture + NOUNframebook, postcardgalleryhook, rail (both esp. BrE)editorPREPOSITIONin a/the pictureI can't see you in the picture.The story is told in pictures.picture ofIt's a picture of the Grand Canyon.

2 pictures on TV, in films/movies, etc.ADJECTIVEADJECTIVEmovinglive, satellite, television

3 description; mental imageADJECTIVE | VERB + picture | picture + VERBADJECTIVEcompelling, dramatic, vividThe book gives a vivid picture of life in modern Japan.clearprettyHe didn't paint a very pretty picture of city life.complete, comprehensive, full, general, overall, total, wholeThe documentary didn't give the full picture.bigBecause she's not involved, she can see the bigger picture.incompletebroadMy visits enabled me to build up a broad picture of the culture.compositea composite picture of life a hundred years agoaccurate, balanced, realistic, truefalse, misleadingidealized, optimistic (esp. BrE), rosybleak, dismal, gloomy, grimThe report paints a dismal picture of the government's economic record.distortedconfusingdetailedcomplex, complicateddisturbingmentalI tried to form a mental picture of the building being described.VERB + picturebuild, build up, construct, create, develop, establish (esp. BrE), form, gain, get, obtain, put togetherThey're trying to build up a detailed picture of the incident.give (sb), paint, present, project, revealThe figures reveal a disturbing picture of the state of our schools.completeconjure, conjure upThe smell of the sea conjures up pictures of my youth.picture + VERBemergeWhat emerges is a complex picture of family rivalry.

4 film/movieADJECTIVE | picture + VERB | VERB + picture | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEmotion (esp. AmE)actiongreat, major (AmE)bestthe award for best picturepicture + VERBdirect, makereleaseVERB + picturestar sba major motion picture starring Brent EverettPREPOSITIONin pictures (AmE, old-fashioned)I believe her husband's in pictures (= he acts in movies or works in the industry).

II. verb

Picture is used with these nouns as the object:

scene

picturesque

picturesqueadj.

Picturesque is used with these nouns:

backdrop, corner, cottage, countryside, harbour, scene, scenery, setting, view, village

picturesquely

picturesquelyadv.

Picturesquely is used with these adjectives:

situated

pidgin

pidginnoun

Pidgin is used before these nouns:

English

pie

pienoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF PIE | VERB + pie | pie + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEapple, chicken, meat (esp. BrE), pumpkin (esp. AmE), etc.mud (= mud in the shape of pies, made by children)… OF PIEpiece, sliceVERB + piebake, cook, makepie + NOUNfillingdish (esp. BrE), pan (AmE), plate (AmE)PREPOSITIONin a/the pieWhat's the filling in these pies?

piece

piecenoun

noun1 separate amount; parts of sth2 of art, music, writing, etc.1 separate amount; parts of sthADJECTIVE | VERB + piece | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, huge, large, longlittle, short, small, tinyThe plate smashed into little pieces on the stone floor.bite-size, bite-sizedThe book breaks the information into bite-sized pieces. (figurative)equalmissingoddShe makes her sculptures out of odd pieces of scrap metal.jigsaw (BrE), puzzleVERB + pieceassemble, glue (back) together, put (back) togetherscatterPREPOSITIONin piecesThe vase was now in pieces on the kitchen floor.piece ofa piece of breadA few pieces of the puzzle were missing.PHRASESbits and piecesThe album is made up of bits and pieces from previous albums.break into pieces, smash into piecesThe cake just broke into pieces when I cut it.come to piecesThis chair comes to pieces.fall to piecesMy old dictionary is falling to pieces.piece by pieceWe'll need to take the engine apart, piece by piece.blow sth to pieces, shoot sth to pieces, smash sth to piecestake sth to pieces (esp. BrE)I had to take the car to pieces in order to repair it.tear sth into pieces, tear sth to piecesShe tore the letter into tiny pieces.

2 of art, music, writing, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + piece | piece + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEamazing, beautiful, brilliant, excellent, fine, good, impressive, lovely, magnificent, marvellous/marvelous, remarkable, superb, wonderfulThe best pieces include three paintings by El Greco.effective, powerfulThis is an effective piece of writing.atmospheric, dramaticinterestingfavourite/favoriteimportantambitiousoriginalan original piece written specifically for the producershorta short piece by Will Simons on television satirefinishedmodern, period, traditionalchoral, orchestralflute, piano, etc.conversationmuseumoccasionalan occasional piece on the lives of ordinary peopleop-ed (AmE), opinioncompaniona companion piece to the portrait of Gauguin's empty chairparty (BrE), setpuff (AmE)VERB + piececompose, produce, writeHe hasn't produced a single piece of writing this year.commissionperform, play, singhear, readpublishdisplay, exhibit, showpiece + VERBbe called sth, be entitled sth, be titled sth (esp. AmE)PREPOSITIONpiece byThey are exhibiting two important pieces by Calder.piece fora piece for symphony orchestrapiece fromShe read a piece from ‘Alice in Wonderland’.PHRASESa piece of music, a piece of sculpture, a piece of work, a piece of writing

piecemeal

piecemealadj.

Piecemeal is used with these nouns:

approach, fashion, reform

piece together

piece togetherphr verb

Piece together is used with these nouns as the object:

clue, jigsaw, mystery, puzzle

pier

piernoun

Pier is used after these nouns:

fishing

pierce pierced

piercedadj.

Pierced is used with these nouns:

ear, nipple, nose

pierce into

pierce intophr verb

Pierce into is used with these nouns as the object:

flesh

piercing

piercingnounadj.

I. noun

Piercing is used after these nouns:

body, ear, tongue

II. adj.

Piercing is used with these nouns:

cry, eye, gaze, look, pain, scream, shriek, sound, whistle

pig

pignoun

noun1 animal2 person1 animalADJECTIVE | VERB + pig | pig + VERB | pig + NOUNADJECTIVEdomesticferal, wildsucklingVERB + pigbreedkeep, raisefeedfattenThe pigs were being fattened for slaughter.kill, slaughterpig + VERBgrunt, squealpig + NOUNfarm, farmer

2 personADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEfatdisgustinggreedymale chauvinist, sexistPHRASESmake a pig of yourselfWe cooked up some pasta and all made pigs of ourselves.

pigeon

pigeonnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF PIGEONS | pigeon + VERB | pigeon + NOUNADJECTIVEcarrier, homing, racing (esp. BrE)clay (BrE)clay pigeon shooting… OF PIGEONSflockpigeon + VERBflynest, roostcoopigeon + NOUNdroppings, shit (slang)coop (esp. AmE), loft (esp. BrE)breeder (esp. AmE), fancier (BrE)

piggy

piggyadj.

Piggy is used with these nouns:

pigment

pigmentnoun

Pigment is used before these nouns:

ink

pilaf

pilafnoun

Pilaf is used after these nouns:

pilau

pilaunoun

Pilau is used before these nouns:

Pile is used with these nouns as the subject:

pile

pilenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + pile | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, enormous, great, huge, large, massivelittle, smallneat, tidy (esp. BrE)untidy (esp. BrE)VERB + pileplace sth in/into/on, put sth in/into/onI put the letter in the envelope and placed it on the pile.I've put the books into three separate piles.dumpHe dumped a pile of dirty clothes onto the floor.add sth toJust add that application to the pile.flick through (esp. BrE), flip through (esp. AmE), look through, shuffle through, sort throughI sorted through the pile of documents until I found it.PREPOSITIONamid a/the pileThe money lay amid a pile of unopened letters.behind a/the pileHe was busy behind a pile of papers on his desk.beneath a/the pile, under a/the pileI pulled my diary from beneath a pile of files.in a/the pileThe clothes were in a pile on the floor.on a/the pileShe closed the magazine and threw it back on the pile.pile ofa pile of booksI had piles of work to do.PHRASESbe reduced to a pile of sthThe house was reduced to a pile of rubble.the bottom of the pile, the top of the pileI grabbed a shirt from the top of the pile.At the bottom of the pile were the prostitutes and drug dealers. (figurative)sort sth into pilesI sorted the clothes into two piles.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBneatlyhaphazardlyupWe piled the boxes up neatly.PREPOSITIONagainstWe piled sandbags against the door.on, ontoShe piled food onto our plates.on top ofThey piled stones on top of the mound.witha table piled high with magazinesPHRASESpiled high

Pile is used with these nouns as the object:

crate, trolley

pile into

pile intophr verb

Pile into is used with these nouns as the subject:

Pile into is used with these nouns as the object:

pile up

pile upphr verb

Pile up is used with these nouns as the subject:

Pillion is used before these nouns:

pile-up

pile-upnoun

nounADJECTIVE | pile-up + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEmulti-car (AmE), multiple (BrE)a multiple/multi-car pile-up involving five carsmassiveeight-vehicle, five-car, etc.highway (in the US), motorway (in the UK)pile-up + NOUNcausePREPOSITIONin a/the pile-upA young man died in a four-car pile-up last night.

pilgrimage

pilgrimagenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + pilgrimage | pilgrimage + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEannualreligious, spiritualVERB + pilgrimagego on, makeShe made a pilgrimage to visit the place where her hero was born.pilgrimage + NOUNroutedestination (esp. AmE), sitePREPOSITIONduring a/the pilgrimageThere was a ban on political protests during the pilgrimage.on a/the pilgrimageShe was on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land when she got sick.pilgrimage toHis parents made the pilgrimage to Mecca.PHRASESa centre/center of pilgrimage (esp. BrE), an object of pilgrimage, a place of pilgrimageThe shrine was an object of pilgrimage.

pill

pillnoun

noun1 medicine2 the pill to avoid becoming pregnant1 medicineADJECTIVE | … OF PILLS | VERB + pillADJECTIVEdiet, sleeping, vitaminprescription (esp. AmE)… OF PILLSbottleVERB + pillpop (informal), swallow, takegive sb, prescribe (sb)The doctor prescribed her some pills to help her sleep.

2 the pill to avoid becoming pregnantADJECTIVE | VERB + the pillADJECTIVEbirth-control (esp. AmE), contraceptiveabortion, morning-afterVERB + the pillbe on, go on, useprescribe (sb), put sb onHer doctor put her on the pill at 16.take sb offcome off (esp. BrE), stop taking

pillar

pillarnoun

nounADJECTIVE | pillar + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgiant, huge, massivetallsupportingconcrete, marble, stonepillar + VERBstandhold sth up, support sthThe roof is supported by eight massive stone pillars.PREPOSITIONbehind a/the pillarI hid behind a pillar when I saw my former teacher.pillar ofa pillar of rock/smoke

pillion

pillionnoun

nounVERB + pillion | pillion + NOUN | PREPOSITIONVERB + pillionrideHe drove his motorcycle, with me riding pillion.pillion + NOUNseatpassenger, riderPREPOSITIONon the pillionI made the whole trip on the pillion.

Pilot is used with these nouns as the object:

pillow

pillownoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + pillow | pillow + NOUNADJECTIVEdown, feathersatin, silk, velvet, etc. (all esp. AmE)fluffy, softlumpythrow (AmE) (scatter cushion in BrE)VERB + pillowfluff, fluff up, plump, plump up, punchShe plumped up the pillows for her daughter.fall back against/on, lie back against/on, sink back against/onHe lay back on his pillows and closed his eyes.be propped (up) onbury your face in, bury your head inShe buried her head in the pillow and wept.pillow + NOUNcase, slip (usually pillowcase, pillowslip)fight

pilot

pilotnounverbadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | pilot + VERB | pilot + NOUNADJECTIVEexperienced, licensed, professional, qualified, trainedinexperienced, traineeinstructorairplane (AmE), bomber, fighter, glider, helicopter, jetaerobaticprivateairline, civilian, commercialcombat, militaryair-force, navydownedautomaticThe aircraft was set on automatic pilot.She worked on automatic pilot, her hands carrying out the necessary movements. (figurative)pilot + VERBfly (sth)crash (sth)bail out, ejectThe pilot bailed out as the aircraft crashed into the ocean.pilot + NOUNerrorThe air crash is thought to have been caused by pilot error.

II. verb

aircraft, boat, helicopter, jet, plane, scheme, ship

III. adj.

Pilot is used with these nouns:

episode, experiment, programme, project, scheme, study, survey

pimple

pimplenoun

nounSee also spotADJECTIVE | VERB + pimpleADJECTIVEredVERB + pimplehavebreak out in (AmE), getpop (AmE)

pimply

pimplyadj.

Pimply is used with these nouns:

adolescent, teenager

pinnounverbPHRASAL VERB

I. noun1 sharp-pointed object for fastening things2 (AmE) object worn to show support1 sharp-pointed object for fastening thingsADJECTIVE | VERB + pinADJECTIVEsafetybobby (AmE), hair (usually hairpin)bent, straight (both AmE)drawing (BrE), push (AmE) (usually pushpin)tie (usually tiepin) (esp. BrE)diamond, jewelled/jeweled, metal, silver, steelclothes (usually clothespin) (AmE) (clothes peg in BrE)VERB + pindrive in, insert, stick inThe map had a lot of little pins stuck into it.pull out, remove

2 (AmE) object worn to show supportADJECTIVE | VERB + pinADJECTIVElapelflagan American flag lapel pinVERB + pinwear

II. verb1 fasten sth with a pin2 hold sb in one position1 fasten sth with a pinADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBcarefully, neatlyShe carefully pinned the two pieces of cloth together.firmly, securelyback, on, together, upHer hair was pinned back.pictures pinned up on the wallsPREPOSITIONontoThe poster had been pinned onto a large board.toMaps were pinned to the walls.PHRASESpin sth in place

2 hold sb in one positionADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBhelplesslydownHe was pinned down on the floor.PREPOSITIONagainstHe pinned her against the wall.behindHis arms were pinned behind his back.toShe was pinned helplessly to the desk.

PHRASAL VERBpin sth downADVERB | VERB + pin downADVERBexactly, preciselyThe difference between the two approaches is hard to pin down precisely.

VERB + pin downbe difficult to, be hard to

Pin is used with these nouns as the object:

blame, brooch, faith, hope

pin back

pin backphr verb

Pin back is used with these nouns as the object:

pinball

pinballnoun

Pinball is used before these nouns:

machine

pincer

pincernoun

Pincer is used before these nouns:

Pinch is used before these nouns:

pinch

pinchnounverb

I. noun

runner

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBgently, lightlyplayfullytogetherApply pressure to the nose by pinching the nostrils firmly together.PREPOSITIONbetweenHe pinched the leaf between his thumb and forefinger.onHe pinched me sharply on the arm.

Pinch is used with these nouns as the subject:

Pinch is used with these nouns as the object:

bum, nerve, nipple, nose

pinched

pinchedadj.

Pinched is used with these nouns:

face, nerve

pine

pinenoun

Pine is used before these nouns:

bark, branch, forest, furniture, log, needle, scent, tree, wood

pineal

pinealadj.

Pineal is used with these nouns:

pineapple

pineapplenoun

nounADJECTIVE | pineapple + NOUNADJECTIVEcanned, tinned (BrE)freshpineapple + NOUNchunks, ringsjuice

ping-pong

ping-pongnoun

Ping-pong/Ping-Pong™ is used before these nouns:

ball, table

pinhole

pinholenoun

Pinhole is used before these nouns:

Pink is used with these nouns:

pink

pinkadj.

adj., nounVERBS | ADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONVERBSglowThe western sky was glowing pink.go, grow, turnShe could feel herself going pink.ADJECTIVEfluorescent, hotbaby, delicate, dusky (esp. BrE), dusty, pastel, rosybubblegum, candy, coral, rose, salmon, shockingPREPOSITIONwithHe was pink with anger.

blossom, champagne, cheek, complexion, face, flesh, flush, gin, glow, nail polish, rose, salmon, slip

pinky

pinkynoun

Pinky is used before these nouns:

finger, promise, ring, toe

pinnacle

pinnaclenoun

nounVERB + pinnacle | PREPOSITIONVERB + pinnaclereachHe had reached the pinnacle of his military career.PREPOSITIONat the pinnacle ofShe is at the pinnacle of her profession.

pinpoint

pinpointverbadj.

I. verbADVERB | VERB + pinpoint | PREPOSITIONADVERBexactly, preciselyVERB + pinpointcanWith this you can pinpoint the precise location of the sound.be difficult to, be hard toPREPOSITIONasStress at work was pinpointed as the cause of his illness.

Pinpoint is used with these nouns as the object:

cause, location, problem, reason

II. adj.

Pinpoint is used with these nouns:

accuracy, bombing, precision

pinstripe

pinstripenoun

Pinstripe is used before these nouns:

pinstriped

pinstripedadj.

Pinstriped is used with these nouns:

pants, suit

pint

pintnoun

noun1 measure of liquid2 (BrE) pint of beer1 measure of liquid2 (BrE) pint of beerVERB + pint | pint + NOUNVERB + pintconsume, drink, havesipdown, drain, finish, knock back (informal), sink (informal)He could sink a pint faster than anyone else I knew.draw (sb), draw off, pull (sb)I got the barman to pull me another pint.buy (sb), order, stand sbHe stood me a pint in the pub after work.pint + NOUNglass

pioneer

pioneernounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | pioneer + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEearlytruepioneer + NOUNspiritPREPOSITIONpioneer in, pioneer ofthe early pioneers in plastic surgeryone of the pioneers of modern art

II. verb

Pioneer is used with these nouns as the object:

approach, development, method, technique, use

pioneering

pioneeringadj.

Pioneering is used with these nouns:

effort, experiment, feminism, feminist, initiative, research, spirit, surgeon, work

pious

piousadj.

Pious is used with these nouns:

Jew, Muslim

pip

pipnoun

Pip is used after these nouns:

apple, lemon, orange

pipe

pipenounverb

I. noun1 hollow tube that carries gas/liquid2 used for smoking tobacco, etc.1 hollow tube that carries gas/liquidADJECTIVE | … OF PIPE | VERB + pipe | pipe + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEundergroundgas, sewage, waste, waterthe hot and cold water pipesdrain (usually drainpipe), drainage, exhaust, heating, outlet, overflow, plumbing (esp. AmE), service (BrE), supplybroken, burst, cracked, frozen, leaking, leakyblocked (esp. BrE), clogged (AmE)concrete, copper, iron, lead, metal, plastic, PVC, steel… OF PIPElengthto join two lengths of pipe togetherCopper pipe is sold in lengths.VERB + pipeinstall, lay, runHe laid the pipes under the floorboards.connectinsulate, lag (BrE)Insulating your pipes will save on your heating bills.pipe + VERBlead, pass through sth, runThe pipes lead into the river.The pipes will have to pass through the wall.burst, freeze, leakPREPOSITIONthrough a/the pipepipe forthe pipe for the hot waterpipe from, pipe toThe pipe from the boiler to the bathtub.

2 used for smoking tobacco, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + pipe | pipe + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEclaypeacecrack, opium, etc.VERB + pipesmokelightfilldraw on, puff away at, puff away on, puff onpipe + NOUNsmokersmoketobaccocleanerPHRASESthe bowl of a pipe, the stem of a pipe

II. verb

Pipe is used with these nouns as the object:

frosting, icing

piped

pipedadj.

Piped is used with these nouns:

Piping is used after these nouns:

pipeline

pipelinenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + pipeline | pipeline + VERB | pipeline + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgas, oil, waterVERB + pipelinebuild, construct, laypipeline + VERBsupply sthThe pipeline supplies Jordan with 15% of its crude oil.cross sth, pass through sth, run through sthThe pipeline runs through central Mozambique.link sthThe pipeline links the refinery with the port.pipeline + NOUNroutenetworkPREPOSITIONin the pipeline (= being discussed or prepared)Important changes are already in the pipeline.

piping

pipingnounadv.

I. noun

Piping is used with these adjectives:

II. adv.

pique

piqueverb

Pique is used with these nouns as the object:

curiosity, interest

piracy

piracynoun

Piracy is used after these nouns:

movie, music

pirate

piratenounverb

I. noun

Pirate is used before these nouns:

copy, DVD, radio, ship, station, tape, treasure

II. verb

Pirate is used with these nouns as the object:

pirated

piratedadj.

Pirated is used with these nouns:

cassette, copy, DVD, software, tape

pistachio

pistachionoun

Pistachio is used before these nouns:

nut

pistol

pistolnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + pistol | pistol + NOUNADJECTIVEautomatic, machine, semi-automaticdouble-action, single-action9 mm, .45-calibre/.45-calibercompact, pocket (both AmE)service (AmE)loadedsilencedair, waterduelling/dueling, starting, targetrunners waiting for the starting pistolVERB + pistolload, reloaddraw, produce, pull, pull out, whip outHe drew his pistol, aimed and fired.cockaim, brandish, level, point, raisefirecarryThere were two of them, both carrying pistols.pistol + NOUNshotcartridgegrip

piston

pistonnoun

Piston is used before these nouns:

Pitch is used before these nouns:

pit

pitnoun

noun1 hole2 coal mine3 (esp. AmE) of fruit1 holeADJECTIVE | VERB + pitADJECTIVEdeep, shallowbottomlessblack, darkchalk (esp. BrE), gravel, tara disused gravel pitVERB + pitdig

2 coal mineADJECTIVE | VERB + pit | pit + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEopenThey extract the mineral from open pits.VERB + pitgo down (BrE)He went down the pit at the age of fifteen.pit + NOUNvillage (BrE)There's no more work in these pit villages.closurePREPOSITIONin a/the pitMost boys in the town worked in the pits.

3 (esp. AmE) of fruitADJECTIVE | VERB + pitADJECTIVEapricot, peach, etc.VERB + pitremove

pitch

pitchnounverb

I. noun1 (BrE) sports field2 strength of feeling3 of a musical note4 talk/proposal5 in baseball1 (BrE) sports fieldSee also fieldADJECTIVE | VERB + pitch | pitch + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEall-weather, grass, syntheticwaterloggedcricket, football, hockey, rugbyVERB + pitchinvade, run ontoThe pitch was invaded by angry fans.pitch + NOUNinvasionPolice could do nothing to stop the pitch invasion.PREPOSITIONoff the pitchThe players have just come off the pitch.Negotiations about his transfer are continuing off the pitch.on a/the pitchHe was the best player on the pitch today.

2 strength of feelingADJECTIVE | VERB + pitch | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfever, high (esp. BrE)Excitement rose to fever pitch the day before the game.Excitement rose to a fever pitch the day before the game. (AmE)VERB + pitchreach, rise toPREPOSITIONpitch ofto reach a high pitch of excitement

3 of a musical noteADJECTIVE | VERB + pitch | PHRASESADJECTIVEhigh, lowcorrectThe instrument is not tuned to the correct pitch.VERB + pitchfall in, rise inHer voice fell in pitch as she grew older.changePHRASEShave perfect pitch (= be able to recognize or produce any given note)

4 talk/proposalADJECTIVE | VERB + pitch | pitch + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEsalesgood, strongVERB + pitchdeliver, do (informal), give, makea strong pitch delivered by advertising executivesMarcelo will be making his pitch to a small number of potential clients.pitch + NOUNmeetingPREPOSITIONpitch forThe executives listened open-mouthed as she seamlessly delivered a pitch for their business.pitch toFarley was about to make a pitch to a big client.His pitch to the business community was based on common sense.

5 in baseballADJECTIVE | VERB + pitchADJECTIVEwildVERB + pitchdeliver, hit, make, throwmisscall

black, dark, darkness

Pitch is used after these nouns:

cricket, football, hockey, rugby, sale, soccer, training

II. verb1 throw sb/move suddenly2 set sth at a particular level3 in baseball1 throw sb/move suddenlyADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBviolentlyThe explosion pitched her violently into the air.The boat pitched violently in a heavy swell.forward, headlongPREPOSITIONfromThere was a loud bang and he was pitched from his seat.intoIf they hit any unseen obstacle they would be pitched headlong into the snow.out of

2 set sth at a particular levelADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBdeliberatelyEstimates have been deliberately pitched on the conservative side.PREPOSITIONatThe test is pitched at a high standard.PHRASESpitch sth high, pitch sth lowThe price has been pitched very high.Her voice was pitched low.

3 in baseballADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBeffectively, wellPerez has pitched effectively this spring.poorlyPREPOSITIONforMy dream was to pitch for the Yankees.

Pitch is used with these nouns as the subject:

Pitch is used with these nouns as the object:

ball, baseball, camp, fit, game, tent

pitch-black

pitch-blackadj.

Pitch-black is used with these nouns:

night, room

pitched

pitchedadj.

Pitched is used with these nouns:

battle, roof

pitcher

pitchernoun

noun1 (AmE) container for liquid with a lip2 person who throws the ball in baseball1 (AmE) container for liquid with a lipSee also jugADJECTIVE | VERB + pitcherADJECTIVEwaterceramic, glass, plasticVERB + pitcherfill

2 person who throws the ball in baseballADJECTIVE | VERB + pitcher | pitcher + VERBADJECTIVEbaseballstarthe Houston Astros' star pitcherleft-handed, right-handedstartingopposingreliefVERB + pitcherfaceLeft-handed hitters usually prefer facing right-handed pitchers.acquire, signpitcher + VERBthrow (sth)The pitcher threw a hard fastball.

pitching

pitchingnoun

Pitching is used before these nouns:

coach, elbow

pitfall

pitfallnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + pitfall | pitfall + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEobviouscommonhiddenpossible, potentialWe need to be alert to potential pitfalls.VERB + pitfallbe fraught with, be full of, haveTrading in a foreign country can be fraught with pitfalls.avoidpitfall + VERBawait sbNumerous pitfalls await unsuspecting investors.PREPOSITIONpitfall forBuying property holds many pitfalls for the unwary.pitfall inpitfalls in the interpretation of statisticspitfall ofShe avoids the pitfall of sensationalism.

pith

pithnoun

Pith is used before these nouns:

helmet

pitiful

pitifuladj.

Pitiful is used with these nouns:

excuse, existence, sight, state

pitifully

pitifullyadv.

Pitifully is used with these adjectives:

inadequate, weak

pituitary

pituitaryadj.

Pituitary is used with these nouns:

pity

pitynoun

noun1 feeling of sadness for sb/sth2 a pity sth that makes you feel disappointed1 feeling of sadness for sb/sthVERB + pity | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + pitybe filled with, be full of, feel, haveshowarouse, evoke, inspirean unfortunate man who inspires pitydeservePREPOSITIONout of pityI threw the child some money out of pity.without pitya cruel leader without pitypity forShe was full of pity for him.PHRASESa feeling of pity, a sense of pity, have pity on sbWe begged him to have pity on us.an object of pityDeaf people do not want to be seen as objects of pity.take pity on sbI took pity on him and allowed him to stay.

2 a pity sth that makes you feel disappointedADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreat, realPREPOSITIONpity aboutThe place was great, but it was a pity about the weather.PHRASESa bit of a pity (BrE), such a pityThat would be such a pity, wouldn't it?what a pityWhat a pity you didn't tell me earlier!

pityingly

pityinglyadv.

Pityingly is used with these verbs:

pivotal

pivotaladj.

Pivotal is used with these nouns:

event, figure, moment, point, role

pivot on

pivot onphr verb

Pivot on is used with these nouns as the object:

pixel

pixelnoun

Pixel is used before these nouns:

resolution

pixie

pixienoun

Pixie is used before these nouns:

dust

pizza

pizzanoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF PIZZA | pizza + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEtakeaway (BrE), takeout (AmE)frozenlarge, medium, small… OF PIZZApiece, slicea slice of pepperoni pizzapizza + NOUNsauce (AmE), toppingjoint (AmE), parlour/parlor, place, restaurantLet's go to that new pizza place tonight.deliverypie (AmE)PREPOSITIONon a/the pizzaWhat do you want on your pizza?

place

placenounverb

I. noun1 particular position/area2 seat/position for sb/sth3 role/position/function4 opportunity to play for a team, etc.5 (BrE) opportunity to study at a college, etc.6 sb's position at the end of a race, competition, etc.1 particular position/areaADJECTIVE | VERB + place | place + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconvenient, good, great, ideal, perfecthorrible, terribleIt was a terrible place to live.dangerous, safeKeep your purse in a safe place.appropriate, right, suitableI happened to be in the right place at the right time.wrongbeautiful, niceIt's a nice place you've got here.interestingbusy, crowdedpeaceful, quietstrangefaraway, godforsaken, out-of-the-way, remotetrips to faraway placespublicgathering (esp. AmE), hiding, meeting, restingVERB + placemarkI forgot to mark my place (= in a book).loseI've lost my place in the script.place + NOUNnamePREPOSITIONat a/the place, in a/the placeWe had dinner at a crowded place in Chelsea.in placeIt was held in place with tape.There will be rain in places.into placeShe tapped the lid into place.out of placeSome of these files seem to be out of place.PHRASESall over the place (= everywhere)no place, not the placeThis is not the place for an argument.sb's place of birthPlease state your date and place of birth.sb's place of business, sb's place of worka place of learning, a place of worship

2 seat/position for sb/sthVERB + place | place + NOUN | PHRASESVERB + placesit (down) in, takeWe took our places around the table.go back to, return toThe boy returned to his placekeep (sb), save (sb)loseI lost my place in the queue. (BrE)I lost my place in line. (AmE)give upchange, swap (esp. BrE), switch (esp. AmE)He changed places with me.He swapped places with me.show sb toShe showed them to their places.lay (BrE), setI've set four places for dinner.I've laid four places for dinner.place + NOUNcard, mat, settingPHRASESthe place of honour/honorHe took the place of honour/honor on his hostess's right.

3 role/position/functionADJECTIVE | VERB + place | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcentral, important, prominentspecialHe holds a special place in her affections.proper, rightfulVERB + placehave, hold, occupyHousing occupied a prominent place in the discussions.secureHis victory secured him a place in history.knowShe knows her place.forgetI'm sorry—I was forgetting my place.restore sth toHe has been restored to his rightful place in the community.put sb inAt first he tried to take charge of the meeting but I soon put her in her place.PREPOSITIONplace inDance has a central place in their culture.PHRASESit's not sb's place toIt's not your place to correct her.a place in historya statesman who is assured a place in history

4 opportunity to play for a team, etc.VERB + place | PREPOSITIONVERB + placegetoffer sblosePREPOSITIONplace onHe lost his place on the team. (esp. AmE)He lost his place in the team. (esp. BrE)

5 (BrE) opportunity to study at a college, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + place | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcollege, nursery, school, universityVERB + placeget, winaward sb, offer sbPREPOSITIONplace at, place inHe was awarded a place at Leeds University.place onShe got a place on the French course.

6 sb's position at the end of a race, competition, etc.VERB + place | place + VERBVERB + placefinish in, get, takeShe took third place.place + VERBgo to sbSecond place went to the Moroccan athlete.

II. verb (often be placed)ADVERB | VERB + place | PREPOSITIONADVERBcarefully, neatlyrandomlyThe books were placed randomly on the shelf.firmlyShe produced a long silver whistle and placed it firmly between her lips.delicately, gently, gingerly, lightlycentrally, prominentlyThe table was placed centrally.directly, squarelyThe blame was placed squarely on the doctor.conveniently, ideally (esp. BrE), perfectly, uniquely (esp. BrE), wellThe hotel is well placed for restaurants, bars and clubs.The company is perfectly placed to win the contract.highlyhighly placed officials in the governmentstrategicallyThere are candles strategically placed—in case we have another blackout.side by sideThe boots were neatly placed side by side.VERB + placeattempt to, try toPREPOSITIONbetween, in, inside, on, over, under, etc.He placed the letter in a drawer.an attempt to place the question firmly back on the political agenda

Place is used with these nouns as the subject:

surgeon

Place is used with these nouns as the object:

accent, ad, advert, advertisement, ban, beaker, bet, bid, blame, bomb, bouquet, box, bulb, burden, call, camera, ceiling, confidence, constraint, contract, crown, cup, curse, cursor, demand, elbow, embargo, emphasis, faith, focus, foot, hand, hat, hope, importance, kiss, limit, limitation, moratorium, notice, order, palm, premium, pressure, reliance, responsibility, restriction, sign, skillet, strain, stress, tray, trust, value, weight, wreath

placebo

placebonoun

Placebo is used before these nouns:

place in

place inphr verb

Place in is used with these nouns as the object:

perspective, pile

place into

place intophr verb

Place into is used with these nouns as the object:

perspective, pile

placement

placementnoun

Placement is used before these nouns:

exam, test

Placement is used after these nouns:

product, training

place on

place onphr verb

Place on is used with these nouns as the object:

blacklist, footing, pile, probation

place under

place underphr verb

Place under is used with these nouns as the object:

arrest, curfew, martial law

placid

placidadj.

Placid is used with these nouns:

exterior, water

plague

plaguenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | … OF PLAGUE | VERB + plague | plague + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbubonicgreatNearly a third of the population died in the Great Plague.… OF PLAGUEoutbreaka decline in population following outbreaks of plagueVERB + plaguesufferThe region has just suffered a plague of locusts.spreadFleas spread plague from animals to humans.be decimated by, be destroyed byplague + VERBbreak out, start, strike (sth)Bubonic plague struck London in 1665.spreadPREPOSITIONplague ofThe city is suffering a plague of rats.

II. verb

Plague is used with these nouns as the subject:

dream, illness, injury, nightmare, problem, worry

Plague is used with these nouns as the object:

dream, mind

plaid

plaidnoun

Plaid is used before these nouns:

pants, shirt, skirt

plain

plainnounadj.adv.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + plain | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEopenThe horses galloped across the open plains.rollingmiles of rolling plain, made fertile by the rivergreat, vastflat, floodfertilefertile plains suitable for farmingarid, barrengrassycoastalVERB + plaincross, roamHerds of buffalo roamed these plains.PREPOSITIONacross a/the plainCattle move freely across the grassy plain.in a/the plainthe Olduvai Gorge in the vast plain of Tanzaniaon a/the plainNothing grew on the plain.

II. adj.1 simple/not decorated2 clear1 simple/not decoratedVERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, look, seemADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.The food was fairly plain, but well cooked.completelyThe dress was completely plain, but quite stunning.PHRASESplain blue, white, etc.a plain white shirt

2 clearVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seembecomemake sthThey made it plain that they were against the idea.ADVERBfairly, very, etc.absolutely, perfectly, quiteWithin weeks, it became perfectly plain that we were in the grip of a tyrant.increasinglyreasonably (esp. BrE)PREPOSITIONtoIt is all very plain to me.

Plain is used with these nouns:

carpet, chocolate, clothes, common sense, cotton, crisp, dress, English, envelope, fabric, face, fact, fare, flour, folk, food, fun, glass, language, linen, luck, paper, prose, shirt, stupidity, T-shirt, text, tile, truth, white, woman, word, wrapper, yogurt

III. adv.

Plain is used with these adjectives:

bonkers, creepy, daft, dumb, ignorant, lazy, lucky, old-fashioned, rude, scared, silly, stupid, ugly, wrong

plain-clothes

plain-clothesadj.

Plain-clothes is used with these nouns:

officer, police, policeman

plainly

plainlyadv.

Plainly is used with these adjectives:

evident, visible, wrong

Plainly is used with these verbs:

dress, say, see, show, state

plaintiff

plaintiffnoun

nounVERB + plaintiff | plaintiff + VERB | PREPOSITIONVERB + plaintiffrepresentcompensateplaintiff + VERBbring an action (against sb), sue sballege sth, argue sth, claim sth, contend sth, seek sthThe plaintiff claimed that the correct procedures had not been followed.obtain sth (BrE)The plaintiffs obtained an injunction in the High Court.PREPOSITIONagainst the plaintiffCosts were awarded against the plaintiff.on behalf of the plaintiffthe lawyer appearing on behalf of the plaintiff

plaintive

plaintiveadj.

Plaintive is used with these nouns:

cry, melody, voice, wail

plait

plaitverb

Plait is used with these nouns as the object:

plan

plannounverb

I. noun1 for future2 way of investing money or paying for sth3 map1 for futureADJECTIVE | VERB + plan | plan + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEambitious, audacious, grand, grandioseThe government has ambitious plans for prison reform.futurelong-range (esp. AmE), long-term, three-year, etc.immediateWhat are your immediate plans?neworiginalfive-point, three-point, etc.a three-point action plan to improve hygiene at workdefinite, firm (BrE)A spokeswoman confirmed there was no definite plan to stage a concert in the park.comprehensive, detailedgoodThe best plan is for me to meet you at the airport.best-laidEven the best-laid plans can go wrong.brilliant, clever, cunning, devious, elaborate, fiendish, ingeniousevilrealistic, soundWe need to develop a sound business plan.controversialmasterbackup, contingencyDo you have any contingency plans if there is a delay?secretaction, battle, game, ground, operational, strategicWhat is their game plan for winning the election?Plan A, Plan BIf Plan A fails, go to Plan B.business, career, corporate, developmentbudget, economic, financial, spendingflight, travelmarriage, weddingtreatmenttrainingexpansion, recovery, restructuringdisaster, emergency, escape, evacuationdiet, eating, meala six-week low-fat eating planbirthpeacewarVERB + planhavecome up with, create, design, develop, devise, draft, draw up, figure out (AmE), form, formulate, hatch, make, prepare, put together, work outI like to make plans well in advance.consider, discuss, present, propose, put forward, set outfile (AmE), submitThe airline intends to file a reorganization plan within three months.adopt, agree, approveThe moves contravene the peace plan agreed by both sides.finalize, put in placeannounce, detail, launch, outline, reveal, unveilA new plan for reducing traffic accidents was unveiled.carry out, execute, implementput in motion, put into action, put into effect, put into operation, set in motionforge ahead with, go ahead with, move ahead with, press ahead withfollow, keep to, stick toLet's stick to our original plancancel, change, rethink, review, reviseabandon, cancel, drop, reject, scrap, shelvedisrupt, set backderail, foil, ruin, scupper (BrE), spoil, thwart (BrE)The strike ruined my travel plans.supportfight (esp. BrE), opposeLocal residents have vowed to fight plans to build a new road.Senators signed a letter opposing the plan.plan + VERBbe afootPlans are afoot to stage a new opera.be aimed at sthThe government launched a five-year plan aimed at diversifying the economy.call for sth, envisage sth (esp. BrE), envision sth (esp. AmE), involve sthThe plan calls for massive investment in the region.contain sth, include sthThe plan contains four main elements.come to fruition, succeed, workfail, fall through, founder, go awry, go wrongPREPOSITIONplan forplans for the futureThe president will now press ahead with his plans for reform.plan toPlans to build a dam have been shelved following protests.PHRASESgo to plana plan of action, a plan of attack, a plan of campaignTo change anything in this organization, we'll need a plan of action.

2 way of investing money or paying for sthADJECTIVE | plan + VERBADJECTIVEpension, retirementsavingsinsurancehealth, health-careinstalment/installment, paymentplan + VERBset up

3 mapADJECTIVE | VERB + plan | plan + VERBADJECTIVEstreet, townseatingfloor, ground, siteVERB + plandrawfile (AmE)Site plans were filed with the city this week.plan + VERBshow sthThe plan shows the exact location of the house.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + plan | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBahead, in advanceinitially, originallyThe government had originally planned to launch the review in June.carefully, meticulouslywellrationallycentrallycentrally planned economiesVERB + planhave to, need toYou will need to plan your shopping carefully in advance.PREPOSITIONforWe must plan for the future.A meeting has been planned for early next year.onI had planned on staying here for two or three years.PHRASESbe all planned outHe thought his life was all planned out before him.have sth all planned outI had it all planned out.go as plannedEverything went exactly as planned.plan sth (down) to the last detailEverything has been planned down to the last detail.

plane

planenoun

noun12 flat surface3 standard/level of thought/activity1See also aeroplane, airplaneADJECTIVE | VERB + plane | plane + VERB | plane + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElight, smallcommercial, passengerthe first generation of passenger planes, like the Boeing 707cargo, transporta military cargo planefighter, spyjetprivateVERB + planecatch, get, takeShe caught the first plane out.missboard, get onget off, step offI fell in love with the city the moment I stepped off the plane.fly, pilotlandcharterbuildhijackcrashshoot downThe Soviets shot down our U-2 spy plane.plane + VERBtake offcome down, landcrash, go downcruise, flyThe plane was cruising at 20 000 feet.carry sb/sthThe plane was carrying 350 people.plane + NOUNcrashticketPREPOSITIONby planeWe left by plane for Beijing.in a/the planeI've never flown in a plane.on a/the planeThe president was never on the plane at all.

2 flat surfaceADJECTIVEADJECTIVEflat, horizontal, parallel, vertical

3 standard/level of thought/activityADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEhigherWith practice, an athlete can reach a higher plane of achievement.mental, spiritualPHRASESbe on a different plane, operate on a different planeLike all talented musicians, he operates on a different plane from most people.

planet

planetnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + planet | planet + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdistantalien, unknowninner, outerthe outer planets of our solar systemextrasolar (= outside our solar system) (technical)Hubble has found around 100 new extrasolar planets.Earth-likethe search for Earth-like planetsrockyrocky planets like Venus and Marsanother, different (figurative, humorous)He looked like something from another planet!VERB + planetbe in orbit around, orbitThe spacecraft is currently in orbit around the red planet.destroy, saveWe are destroying the planet with our fossil-fuel lifestyle.Will recycling help save the planet?planet + VERBorbitHow many planets orbit the sun?PREPOSITIONfrom a/the planetcreatures from an alien planeton a/the planetShe believes there is life on other planets.

planetary

planetaryadj.

Planetary is used with these nouns:

mission, orbit

plan for

plan forphr verb

Plan for is used with these nouns as the object:

future, retirement, shower

plank

planknoun

noun1 flat piece of wood2 main point in a policy1 flat piece of woodADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEwoodenlooserottenPHRASESa plank of wood

2 main point in a policyADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcentral, key, main, majorThe proposed law was a central plank in the manifesto.PREPOSITIONplank inHealth and security will be key planks in the party's election campaign.plank ofthe main plank of the strategy

planned

plannedadj.

Planned is used with these nouns:

closure, economy, expansion, expenditure, extension, invasion, launch, merger, referendum, visit, withdrawal

planner

plannernoun

Planner is used after these nouns:

defence, meeting, traffic, transport, wedding

planning

planningnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + planning | planning + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcareful, detailed, meticulous, thoughtfulpoorinitialthe initial planning stageadvance, forwardThe trip calls for careful advance planning.contingencyCosts can be reduced by effective contingency planning.centralthe Soviet system of central planninglong-range, long-termshort-termcorporatefamilyThey give free advice on contraception at the family planning clinic.city, town, urbanbusiness, economic, educational, environmental, financial, military, strategicretirementestate (esp. AmE)an attorney who specializes in estate planningVERB + planningcall for, need, require, takeThis can be done, but it will take careful planning.doThe industry needs to do some long-term planning.planning + NOUNphase, stageThe idea is still at the planning stage.processdecisions, issuesservicesmeetingapplication (BrE)approval, consent, permission (all esp. BrE)We've applied for planning permission to build an extension to the house.authority (BrE), committee (esp. BrE), department (esp. BrE)The plans were considered by the local planning authority.PREPOSITIONin the planningThe festival was four years in the planning.planning forPlanning for future development is vital for the community.

plant

plantnounverb

I. noun1 living thing2 factory1 living thingADJECTIVE | VERB + plant | plant + VERB | plant + NOUNADJECTIVEdelicatewildnativeraregarden, house, indoor, pottedexotic, tropicalmedicinalfoodThe butterfly's sole food plant is wild lupine.croppoisonousperennialaquatic, desert, marsh, waterbedding, climbing, flowering, ornamentalwoodyherbaceous, leguminous (both technical)strawberry, tomato, etc.VERB + plantcultivate, growwaterprotectplant + VERBdevelop, growflourishdieabsorb sthPlants absorb carbon in the form of carbon dioxide.produce sthplant + NOUNrootsgrowthlifeMuch of the local plant life has been destroyed by the chemicals.species, varietypopulationmaterial, matter, tissuecellpotfoodscience

2 factoryADJECTIVE | VERB + plant | plant + VERB | plant + NOUNADJECTIVEindustrialassembly, manufacturing, productionauto (AmE), car (esp. BrE)nuclear, powercoal-firedprocessing, reprocessing, sewage, treatment, water, water-treatmenta waste reprocessing plantchemical, petrochemicalVERB + plantbuildmanage, runplant + VERBproduce sthplant + NOUNmanager

II. verb1 put plants/seeds in the ground to grow2 put sth firmly in a place/position1 put plants/seeds in the ground to growADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBcarefullydeliberatelyweeds that had not been deliberately plantedPREPOSITIONinCarefully plant your cutting in the soil.withThe garden was planted with roses and other shrubs.PHRASESdensely plantedThe Bordeaux area is densely planted with vine.newly planted, recently plantedrecently planted mapleswidely plantedZinfandel is California's most widely planted red grape.

2 put sth firmly in a place/positionADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBfirmly, squarelyShe planted a kiss squarely on his cheek.PREPOSITIONonHe was determined to keep both feet firmly planted on dry land.

Plant is used with these nouns as the object:

bean, bomb, bulb, bush, corn, cotton, crop, explosive, field, fist, flag, foot, forest, garden, hedge, herb, kick, kiss, mine, mole, pea, root, seed, shrub, tree, variety, vegetables, wheat

plantation

plantationnoun

noun for growing a cropADJECTIVE | VERB + plantation | plantation + NOUNADJECTIVEcoconut, coffee, cotton, rubber, sugar, tea, etc.VERB + plantationwork, work onHundreds of slaves worked on the plantations.ownplantation + NOUNowner, workereconomy, systemhouse

planter

planternoun

Planter is used after these nouns:

sugar

planting

plantingnoun

Planting is used before these nouns:

bed, season

Planting is used after these nouns:

plaque

plaquenoun

noun1 on the wall2 substance on teeth1 on the wallADJECTIVE | VERB + plaque | plaque + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcommemorative, memorialbrass, bronze, etc.VERB + plaqueput upThe local historical society put up a plaque at the site of the battle.unveilpresent (sb with)receiveplaque + VERBbe dedicated to sb, commemorate sb/sth, honour/honor sbmark sth, record sthA plaque marks the place where the first printing press was built.PREPOSITIONon a/the plaqueSome Latin words were engraved on the plaque.plaque ona plaque on the wallplaque toThere is a commemorative plaque to those lost at sea.

2 substance on teethADJECTIVE | VERB + plaque | plaque + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEdentalVERB + plaqueremoveplaque + VERBbuild upGum disease happens when plaque builds up.PHRASESa/the build-up of plaqueBrushing prevents a build-up of plaque and tartar on the teeth.

plasma

plasmanoun

Plasma is used before these nouns:

display, screen, television

plasma screen

plasma screennoun

Plasma screen is used before these nouns:

television

plaster

plasternounverb

I. noun1 smooth covering for a wall2 (BrE) for covering a cut3 (BrE) for protecting broken bones1 smooth covering for a wallADJECTIVE | … OF PLASTER | VERB + plaster | plaster + VERB | plaster + NOUNADJECTIVEfreshcracked, crumbling, peeling… OF PLASTERchunkEach blow of the hammer removed a great chunk of plaster.VERB + plasterapplyApply the plaster evenly.plaster + VERBcome off (sth), fall off (sth), peel off (sth)Plaster was peeling off the ceiling.plaster + NOUNcastA plaster cast of Madame Fournier stood in the artist's studio.wall

2 (BrE) for covering a cutSee also Band-AidADJECTIVE | VERB + plasterADJECTIVEstickingVERB + plasterput onpeel off, take off

3 (BrE) for protecting broken bonesplaster + NOUN | PREPOSITIONplaster + NOUNcastHer broken leg was put in a plaster cast.PREPOSITIONin plasterYour arm will have to be in plaster for at least six weeks.

II. verb

Plaster is used with these nouns as the object:

ceiling, wall

plastic

plasticnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + plasticADJECTIVEheavy-duty, reinforced, strongthinflexible, rigidmoulded/moldedclear, see-through, transparentshinybiodegradable, recycledThe handles are made from 100% recycled plastic.VERB + plasticmake, producerecyclemake sth from/in/of/out of, mould/mold sth from/in/of/out ofchairs made from plasticcover sth with, wrap sth in

II. adj.

Plastic is used with these nouns:

art, bag, basket, beaker, boot, bottle, box, briefcase, bucket, bullet, card, carton, chair, coating, container, cover, crate, cup, dish, doll, duck, explosive, film, fitting, flower, fork, furniture, glove, helmet, jug, knife, lid, model, mould, mug, package, packaging, pail, pipe, pitcher, pot, sack, sandal, sheet, sled, sleeve, spoon, straw, strip, surgeon, surgery, syringe, table, tag, tape, toy, tray, tube, waste, wrapper

plastic-coated

plastic-coatedadj.

Plastic-coated is used with these nouns:

wire

plate

platenoun

noun1 for food2 piece of metal with writing on1 for foodADJECTIVE | VERB + plate | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdessert, dinner, serving, side, souppaperclean, dirtyThe sink was full of dirty plates.empty, fullVERB + plateclear, emptyI could see how hungry she was from the way she cleared her plate.clear, clear away, collect, takecleanPREPOSITIONon a/the plateShe ate everything on her plate.plate ofa plate of rice

2 piece of metal with writing onADJECTIVEADJECTIVElicence/license (esp. AmE), number (BrE)The driver was arrested for having false licence/license plates on his car.nameHe read the brass name plate by the door.

plateau

plateaunoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + plateau | plateau + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhighbroad, vastcentralrockywindsweptThe summit is a windswept plateau of scattered rocks.VERB + plateaureachThe children's standard of reading seems to have reached a plateau.plateau + VERBoverlook sthPREPOSITIONacross a/the plateauA terrible storm swept across the plateau.

plate glass

plate glassnoun

Plate glass is used before these nouns:

platform

platformnoun

noun1 raised floor2 at a station3 in politics1 raised floorADJECTIVE | VERB + platformADJECTIVEhigh, raisedwoodenVERB + platformmount, stand onThe king mounted the platform to loud cheers.appear on, speak from, speak onshareUnion leaders shared the platform with business leaders in a debate on the future of the industry.

2 at a stationADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVErailway (BrE), station, subway (AmE), tube (BrE)PREPOSITIONalong a/the platformHe ran along the platform to catch the train.at platformThe train at platform 3 is the 13.15 service to Liverpool.from platformThe next train to depart from platform 2 is the 10.30 for London Paddington.on platformthe waiting room on platform 7

3 in politicsADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpoliticalpartyelection, electoralPREPOSITIONin a/the platformthe promises in their election platformon a/the platform ofThey fought the election on a platform of economic reform.

platinum

platinumnoun

Platinum is used before these nouns:

blonde, record

platonic

platonicadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSberemainADVERBpurely, strictlyTheir friendship remained purely platonic.

Platonic is used with these nouns:

friendship, ideal, love, relationship

platoon

platoonnoun

Platoon is used before these nouns:

commander, sergeant

Platoon is used after these nouns:

mortar, rifle, tank

platter

platternoun

Platter is used after these nouns:

cheese, seafood

plausible

plausibleadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seem, soundmake sthfind sth, think sthHe did not think it plausible that all the differences could be explained in this way.ADVERBextremely, highly, veryentirely, perfectly, quitea perfectly plausible theoryequallyan equally plausible explanationnot remotelyThere was no way the story could be made to sound even remotely plausible.hardlyreasonablysuperficiallyintuitivelyThis view seems intuitively plausible and has a long history.

Plausible is used with these nouns:

answer, argument, excuse, explanation, hypothesis, interpretation, reason, scenario, story

plausibly

plausiblyadv.

Plausibly is used with these verbs:

argue, claim

play

playnounverb

I. noun1 activity done for fun2 drama3 in sports4 (AmE) an action or move in a game1 activity done for funADJECTIVE | play + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEoutdoorcreative, imaginative, pretendplay + NOUNareaequipmenthouse (usually playhouse)room (usually playroom)group (usually playgroup in BrE), scheme (BrE)The local council runs some good play schemes.PREPOSITIONat playChildren spend hours at play.in playI only said it in play (= not seriously).

2 dramaADJECTIVE | VERB + play | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEone-actstageradio, televisionmusicalmiracle, morality, mystery, nativity (esp. BrE), passionThe children always perform a nativity play every Christmas.schoolVERB + playreviewThe play is reviewed in most of today's papers.PREPOSITIONplay abouta play about teenage runaways

3 in sportsADJECTIVE | VERB + play | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEexcellent, goodbad, poorfairdangerous, dirty, foul, rough, violentHe was sent off for foul play.VERB + playstopRain stopped play 40 minutes into the match.PREPOSITIONin playThe ball is still in play.out of playHe kicked the ball out of play.PHRASESat close of play, at start of play (in cricket)At close of play he had scored 38 not out.

4 (AmE) an action or move in a gameADJECTIVE | VERB + playADJECTIVEbigA double play ended the inning and the Red Sox were up.finalthe final play of the first halfdefensive, offensive (both in American football)running (in American football)double, triple (both in baseball)There were ten double plays completed.VERB + playexecute, make, run (in American football)the team's ability to execute a playHe made several nice defensive plays.They ran 10 plays inside the 30 in the fourth quarter.call (in American football)The offensive coordinator has called 60 running plays and 44 passes.

II. verb1 of children2 game/sport3 music1 of childrenVERB + play | PREPOSITIONVERB + playlet sbThe other children wouldn't let him play.PREPOSITIONat (BrE)Let's play at pirates!withThe little girl was playing with her toys.

2 game/sportADVERB | VERB + play | PREPOSITIONADVERBbrilliantly, superbly, wellbadly, poorlyVERB + playlearn toteach sb tobe difficult to, be easy tosee sb, watch sbPREPOSITIONagainstThese guys make the team very difficult to play against.atI've never played John at tennis.forHe plays for the Chicago Bears.inShe has played in every game this season.withShe was playing cards with her mother.

3 musicADVERB | VERB + playADVERBbeautifully, brilliantly, excellently, superbly, wellbadlytogetherliveThe band will be playing live in the studio.VERB + playlearn toI'm learning to play sax.teach sb tobe easy to, be difficult toa piece that is relatively easy to playhear sbHave you ever heard her play?

Play is used with these nouns as the subject:

actor, actress, athlete, band, footballer, fountain, golfer, music, musician, orchestra, radio, side, song, station, team

Play is used with these nouns as the object:

ball, bar, baseball, basketball, blues, bridge, card, cassette, CD, character, chess, chord, circuit, clip, comedy, composition, concert, concerto, cricket, defence, dice, disc, drum, DVD, encore, excerpt, fanfare, festival, fixture, football, game, gig, golf, hand, havoc, hero, hockey, host, house, hunch, hymn, instrument, jazz, joke, lead, lottery, march, market, martyr, match, measure, melody, move, movement, movie, music, note, part, pass, passage, piece, politics, pop, position, rally, recital, record, recording, repertoire, role, round, rugby, run, scale, scene, score, selection, set, single, snooker, soccer, soldier, solo, song, sport, stroke, symphony, system, tackle, tape, team, tennis, tournament, track, trick, truant, tune, venue, video, villain, waltz, work

play about

play aboutphr verb

Play about is used with these nouns as the subject:

play across

play acrossphr verb

Play across is used with these nouns as the subject:

smile, smirk

play against

play againstphr verb

Play against is used with these nouns as the subject:

Play against is used with these nouns as the object:

play at

play atphr verb

Play at is used with these nouns as the subject:

Play at is used with these nouns as the object:

festival

play back

play backphr verb

Play back is used with these nouns as the object:

recording, tape

playback

playbacknoun

Playback is used after these nouns:

DVD, video

play down

play downphr verb

Play down is used with these nouns as the object:

importance, incident, significance

player

playernoun

noun1 of a game2 of a musical instrument3 in business1 of a gameADJECTIVE | VERB + playerADJECTIVEaccomplished, brilliant, dangerous, excellent, exciting, fine, gifted, good, great, outstanding, strong, talented, top, world-classone of the country's top tennis playersstarThe club was forced to sell their star player.poorHe's a poor player, but he tries very hard.averageThese golf clubs are for the professional rather than for the average player.experiencedformercollege (esp. AmE), professionalaggressivedefensive, offensive (both esp. AmE)attacking, midfield (both in football/soccer)handicap, scratch (both in golf)baseball, basketball, bridge, chess, football, rugby, tennis, etc.VERB + playerdraft (AmE), signThe team has drafted some good players in recent years.

2 of a musical instrumentADJECTIVEADJECTIVEaccomplished, gifted, great, outstanding, talentedbass, horn, keyboard, piano, sax, etc.

3 in businessADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, key, leading, majorPREPOSITIONplayer inTheir company is a major player in the London property market.

play for

play forphr verb

Play for is used with these nouns as the object:

country, stake, team, time

playful

playfuladj.

Playful is used with these nouns:

antics, cat, glint, grin, manner, mood, shove, slap, smirk, swipe, tone, wink

playfully

playfullyadv.

Playfully is used with these verbs:

grin, growl, joke, mock, nudge, pinch, pout, punch, push, retort, shove, slap, tease, tug

playground

playgroundnoun

nounADJECTIVE | playground + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEchildren'sadventure (esp. BrE)schoolan elementary school playgroundplayground + NOUNbully, bullying (both esp. BrE)equipmentduty (esp. BrE)teachers on playground dutyPREPOSITIONin a/the playgroundchildren in the school playground

playgroup

playgroupnoun

(BrE) nounADJECTIVE | VERB + playgroup | playgroup + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEnursery, preschoollocalvoluntaryVERB + playgroupattend, go torunstartShe started a playgroup in her own house.start, start atHe'll grow in confidence once he starts at playgroup.playgroup + NOUNleaderPREPOSITIONat playgroupShe goes shopping while her little girl's at playgroup.

playing

playingnoun

Playing is used before these nouns:

card, career, day, field, partner, style, time

Playing is used after these nouns:

card

play-off

play-offnoun

Play-off is used before these nouns:

chance, contender, contention, exit, game, hope, race, run, series, spot, victory, win

Play-off is used after these nouns:

baseball, football

play on

play onphr verb

Play on is used with these nouns as the subject:

grin, smile, smirk, sun

Play on is used with these nouns as the object:

swing

play out

play outphr verb

Play out is used with these nouns as the subject:

drama, scenario

Play out is used with these nouns as the object:

fantasy, scenario

play to

play tophr verb

Play to is used with these nouns as the object:

audience, crowd, house, strength

play with

play withphr verb

Play with is used with these nouns as the object:

baby, ball, doll, food, toy

plaza

plazanoun

Plaza is used after these nouns:

shopping, toll

plea

pleanoun

noun1 request2 statement in court1 requestADJECTIVE | VERB + plea | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdesperate, strong, urgentemotional, heartfelt, impassioned, passionateShe made an emotional plea for her daughter's killer to be caught.repeatedfinala final plea for his lifepersonalVERB + pleamakeissueignorePREPOSITIONdespite a/the pleaDespite pleas from his mother, the gunman refused to give himself up.plea by, plea fromHospital visiting hours were extended in response to pleas from patients.plea forThe director of the charity made an impassioned plea for help.

2 statement in courtADJECTIVE | VERB + plea | plea + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEguiltynot guiltyinsanity (AmE)VERB + pleaenterhearchangeacceptThe prosecution accepted a plea of manslaughter.support (esp. BrE)These facts cannot support a plea of diminished responsibility.rejectplea + NOUNbargain, bargaining (usually plea-bargaining)They received suspended prison sentences after plea-bargaining by their lawyers.agreement (AmE)The terms of the plea agreements weren't disclosed.PREPOSITIONplea forA senior judge heard a plea for damages on behalf of the accident victims.plea ofHer lawyer entered a plea of guilty on her behalf.PHRASEScop a plea (= admit in court to being guilty of a small crime in the hope of receiving less severe punishment for a more serious crime) (AmE, informal)The feds said that if I didn't cop a plea, I'd get about 15 years.

plead

pleadverb

verb1 ask sb for sth in a very serious way2 say that you are guilty/not guilty1 ask sb for sth in a very serious wayADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBalmostShe was almost pleading with him.silentlysuccessfully (esp. BrE)She successfully pleaded their cause with the mayor.desperatelyThe teacher was today desperately pleading for news of her son who has disappeared.PREPOSITIONforThey pleaded for mercy.withHis eyes silently pleaded with her.

2 say that you are guilty/not guiltyPHRASESPHRASESplead guilty, plead not guiltyHe pleaded not guilty to the murder.

Plead is used with these nouns as the subject:

Plead is used with these nouns as the object:

case, cause, headache, ignorance, innocence, insanity, self-defence

plead for

plead forphr verb

Plead for is used with these nouns as the object:

mercy

pleading

pleadingadj.

Pleading is used with these nouns:

pleadingly

pleadinglyadv.

Pleadingly is used with these verbs:

Pleasant is used with these nouns:

pleasant

pleasantadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, look, seem, soundfind sthmake sthADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.perfectly, reasonablyHis colleagues were perfectly pleasant and friendly but they had their own lives to lead.less than, not altogether, not entirely, not exactly, not particularlyIt was not a particularly pleasant experience.almostenoughIt was a pleasant enough day.PREPOSITIONtoHe has always been extremely pleasant to me.

aroma, association, atmosphere, banter, baritone, breeze, change, chap, companion, company, conversation, disposition, diversion, dream, environment, evening, experience, face, feeling, flavour, fragrance, hotel, interlude, journey, lounge, manner, memory, mood, personality, scent, sensation, smell, spot, stay, stroll, suburb, surprise, surroundings, task, taste, thought, time, tone, trip, voice, walk, warmth

pleasantly

pleasantlyadv.

Pleasantly is used with these adjectives:

cool, situated, surprised, warm

Pleasantly is used with these verbs:

decorate, enquire

please

pleaseverb

verbADVERB | VERB + please | PHRASESADVERBenormouslyThe result pleased us enormously.VERB + pleasebe difficult to, be hard to, be impossible toSome children are very difficult to please.be easy tobe eager toHe's always very eager to please.try tofail toThe planning policy failed to please anyone.PHRASESthere's no pleasing sbThere's just no pleasing some people (= some people are impossible to please).

Please is used with these nouns as the subject:

Please is used with these nouns as the object:

fan, master, palate

pleased

pleasedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, feel, look, seem, soundADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.especially, genuinely, immensely, inordinately, more than, only too, particularly, wellfar from, not at all, not bestShe seemed surprised and not at all pleased to see him.reasonably (esp. BrE)enoughThey seemed pleased enough with the result.apparentlyclearly, obviouslyquietly, secretlyoddlyalwaysI am always pleased to hear from former students.PREPOSITIONaboutpleased about the moveatShe seemed pleased at our success.byYou must be pleased by their confidence in you.forI'm very pleased for you both.withWe are immensely pleased with this result.

pleasing

pleasingadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbefind sthADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.aestheticallyaesthetically pleasing combinationsPREPOSITIONtoa design which is pleasing to the eye

Pleasing is used with these nouns:

aspect, sound, symmetry

pleasurable

pleasurableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomemake sthfind sthactivities which they find pleasurable and rewardingADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.Summertime gardening can be very pleasurable.highly, intenselyThe whole experience was intensely pleasurable.

Pleasurable is used with these nouns:

excitement, pastime, sensation

pleasure

pleasurenoun

noun1 enjoyment2 sth that makes you happy1 enjoymentADJECTIVE | VERB + pleasure | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsiderable, deep, enormous, great, intenseIt gives me enormous pleasure to welcome my next guest.genuine, realpure, sheerquietThe audience nodded with quiet pleasure at her remark.obviousendlessChildren find endless pleasure in playing with water.malicious, perverse, sadisticpersonalShe takes personal pleasure in tormenting her students.vicariousHe gained vicarious pleasure from watching people laughing and joking.aesthetic, physical, sensual, sexualVERB + pleasurebring (sb), give (sb), providederive, find, gain, get, takeMy grandfather got immense pleasure out of life until the end.experience, feelPREPOSITIONfor pleasureSome people read for pleasure, and others read to study.with pleasureHis eyes lit up with pleasure.pleasure atHe beamed with pleasure at seeing her.pleasure fromShe was deriving a perverse pleasure from his discomfort.pleasure inThey took great pleasure in each other's company.PHRASESbusiness and pleasure, business or pleasure, etc.I often meet useful people at parties, so I combine business with pleasure.Are you in Chicago for business or pleasure?for your listening, reading, viewing, etc. pleasureThe photographs are now available for your viewing pleasure.have the pleasure of sthMay I have the pleasure of the next dance?pleasure and painThese memories bring both pleasure and pain.

2 sth that makes you happyADJECTIVE | VERB + pleasure | pleasure + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreatdubiousthe dubious pleasure of growing up in the public eyelittle, simple, smallone of life's little pleasuresfleeting, momentary, temporaryguiltyDaytime TV is one of his guilty pleasures.VERB + pleasurehave (formal)I hope to have the pleasure of meeting you again.enjoyforgopleasure + NOUNboat, craftcruisePHRASESthe pleasures of lifeShe enjoys the simple pleasures of life.the pleasures of the fleshPriests promise to forego the pleasures of the flesh.To what do I owe the pleasure? (= why are you visiting me?) (formal, old-fashioned)

pleated

pleatedadj.

Pleated is used with these nouns:

pants, skirt

plectrum

plectrumnoun

Plectrum is used after these nouns:

Pledge is used with these nouns as the subject:

pledge

pledgenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + pledge | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcampaign (esp. AmE), election (esp. BrE), manifesto (BrE)The party's election pledge was to cut income taxes by a third over the next five years.spending (BrE)spending pledges given by the governmentabstinence, virginity (both esp. AmE)He took a virginity pledge as a teenager.VERB + pledgegive (sb), make, sign, takefulfil/fulfill, honour/honorbreak, go back on, renege onrecite, sayThey recited the Pledge of Allegiance. (in the US)PREPOSITIONpledge onmanifesto pledges on greater public spendingPHRASESa pledge of support

II. verb

donor, manifesto

Pledge is used with these nouns as the object:

allegiance, assistance, love, loyalty, obedience, support

Pleistocene

Pleistoceneadj.

Pleistocene is used with these nouns:

geology

plenary

plenaryadj.

Plenary is used with these nouns:

lecture, meeting, session

plentiful

plentifuladj.

Plentiful is used with these nouns:

evidence, supply

plentifully

plentifullyadv.

Plentifully is used with these verbs:

stock

plight

plightnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + plight | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdesperate, sad, sorry, tragicthe desperate plight of flood victimscurrenteconomic, financialVERB + plightrecognize, see, understanddraw attention to, highlight, publicizeHe has been sleeping rough in the streets to highlight the plight of the homeless.alleviate, easeignorePREPOSITIONplight ofthe plight of the 1.5 million refugees

plod

plodverb

Plod is used with these nouns as the subject:

Plot is used with these nouns as the object:

plot

plotnounverb

I. noun1 plan2 events in a story3 piece of land1 planADJECTIVE | VERB + plot | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEevil, fiendishallegedassassination, coup, murder, terroristVERB + plothatchuncoverfoilPREPOSITIONplot againstThey had taken part in a plot against the king.plot byThe police claim to have uncovered a plot by terrorists to assassinate the president.

2 events in a storyADJECTIVE | VERB + plot | plot + VERB | plot + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEsimplecomplex, complicatedbasicmainVERB + plotconstructShe has constructed a complicated plot, with a large cast of characters.advanceThis car chase does nothing to advance the plot.give awayI don't want to give away the plot to anyone who hasn't seen the movie.plot + VERBdevelop, unfoldinvolve, revolve aroundThe main plot revolves around a suspicious death.plot + NOUNdevelopmenttwistThere is a clever plot twist near the end of the film.devicePHRASESa twist in the plot, a twist of the plotThere are several unexpected twists in the plot before the murderer is revealed.

3 piece of landADJECTIVE | VERB + plot | plot + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEgarden, vegetablefarmbuilding (esp. BrE)burialsmall10-acre, 12-acre, etc.They own a five-acre plot of land.family, privateVERB + plotworkplot + VERBmeasure stha plot measuring 10 m by 20 mPHRASESa plot of land

II. verb1 make secret plans2 mark sth on a chart1 make secret plansADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBallegedlysecretlycarefullyThe killings were carefully plotted and not impulsive.PREPOSITIONagainstHe was arrested on suspicion of plotting against the king.withTaylor plotted with his daughter to murder her husband.PHRASESaccuse sb of plotting sth

2 mark sth on a chartADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBaccuratelyThe positions of the finds are accurately plotted.PREPOSITIONagainstGreenhouse temperature can be plotted against plant growth.onThe figures are plotted on a graph.

assassination, coup, course, curve, downfall, escape, move, murder, overthrow, revenge, strategy

plotter

plotternoun

Plotter is used after these nouns:

coup

plough

ploughnounverb

I. (BrE) (AmE plow) nounADJECTIVE | VERB + plough/plow | plough/plow + NOUNADJECTIVEheavyhorse-drawn, ox-drawnthe demise of the horse-drawn ploughVERB + plough/plowdraw, pullThey need two horses to pull these heavy ploughs.plough/plow + NOUNhorse, teamfurrow

II. verb

Plough/plow is used with these nouns as the object:

ploughed

ploughedadj.

Ploughed/plowed is used with these nouns:

ploy

ploynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + ploy | ploy + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEclever, effective, gooddeliberate (esp. BrE), tacticalfavourite/favorite, oldcynicaladvertising, marketing, salespoliticalVERB + ployresort to, trydeviseShe devised a clever ploy to hold off her opponents.ploy + VERBworkPREPOSITIONploy fora ploy for deflecting criticism

pluck

pluckverb

Pluck is used with these nouns as the object:

chicken, eyebrow, feather, guitar, leaf, string

plucked

pluckedadj.

Plucked is used with these nouns:

eyebrow

pluck up

pluck upphr verb

Pluck up is used with these nouns as the object:

courage

plucky

pluckyadj.

Plucky is used with these nouns:

heroine

plug

plugnounverb

I. noun1 electric2 for a bath, sink, etc.1 electricADJECTIVE | VERB + plug | plug + NOUNADJECTIVEelectric, power (AmE)mains (BrE)three-pin, two-pinThe iron is fitted with a three-pin plug.jack (BrE)I pushed the jack plug into the amp.VERB + plugpull out, remove, take outfit, wire (BrE)be fitted withchangeplug + NOUNadaptersocket (esp. BrE)My room only has one plug socket.

2 for a bath, sink, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + plug | plug + NOUNADJECTIVEbath (BrE), bathtub (AmE), sinkVERB + plugput inpull, pull outI got out of the bath and pulled out the plug. (BrE)I got out of the bathtub and pulled the plug. (AmE)They decided to pull the plug on the project (= cancel it). (figurative)plug + NOUNhole (usually plughole) (BrE)

II. verb

Plug is used with these nouns as the object:

cable, ear, gap, hole, leak, loophole

plug in

plug inphr verb

Plug in is used with these nouns as the object:

appliance, cable, cord, kettle, machine, modem, printer

plug-in

plug-inadj.

Plug-in is used with these nouns:

module

plug into

plug intophr verb

Plug into is used with these nouns as the object:

Plum is used before these nouns:

plum

plumnounadj.

I. noun

brandy, tomato

II. adj.

Plum is used with these nouns:

job, role

plumb

plumbverb

Plumb is used with these nouns as the object:

depth

plumbing

plumbingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + plumbing | plumbing + NOUNADJECTIVEdomestic (BrE), householdindoorVERB + plumbingput inThey're going to have to put in new plumbing.fixplumbing + NOUNsystemfittings, fixturesworkHe's worked for several companies doing plumbing work.

plume

plumenoun

Plume is used after these nouns:

smoke

plummet

plummetverb

Plummet is used with these nouns as the subject:

attendance, level, morale, price, profit, rate, rating, stock, temperature, weight

plump

plumpverbadj.

I. verb

Plump is used with these nouns as the object:

cushion, pillow

II. adj.

Plump is used with these nouns:

cheek, cushion, face, finger

plump up

plump upphr verb

Plump up is used with these nouns as the object:

cushion, pillow

plunge

plungenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + plunge | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcoldBathers would go straight from the hot room to take a cold plunge.downward, headlong (both figurative)the economy's downward plungehis headlong plunge into shame and hypocrisyVERB + plungesurviveHow did he survive his icy plunge?take (usually figurative)She prepared to take the plunge into the cold waters of Lake Ontario.He finally took the plunge and gave in his notice.PREPOSITIONplunge intoa plunge into the icy waterplunge toa plunge to the ground

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBahead (AmE, often figurative), back, downwards/downward, forward, head first, headlongCity officials are plunging ahead with plans for a new convention center.The car plunged headlong into the river.inThe pool was declared open and eager swimmers plunged in.PREPOSITIONdownThe bus came off the road and plunged down an embankment.fromHe plunged from a tenth floor window.into (often figurative)She plunged straight into her story.offThe car had plunged off the road.PHRASESplunge to your deathA climber plunged 300 feet to his death.

Plunge is used with these nouns as the subject:

horse, price, profit, rate, stock

Plunge is used with these nouns as the object:

knife, needle, per cent, point

plunge into

plunge intophr verb

Plunge into is used with these nouns as the object:

confusion, depth, pool, recession, turmoil

plunger

plungernoun

Plunger is used after these nouns:

sink

plural

pluraladj.

Plural is used with these nouns:

noun, pronoun, verb

pluralistic

pluralisticadj.

Pluralistic is used with these nouns:

Plus is used before these nouns:

plus

plusnounadj.

I. noun

sign

II. adj.

Plus is used with these nouns:

Plush is used before these nouns:

plush

plushnounadj.

I. noun

armchair, carpet, chair, couch, seat, sofa, toy

II. adj.

Plush is used with these nouns:

interior, office

plutonium

plutoniumnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + plutonium | plutonium + NOUNADJECTIVEradioactiveweapons-gradeVERB + plutoniumextract, produce, recoverone ton of plutonium extracted from spent nuclear fuelreprocessthe capability to enrich uranium or reprocess plutoniumplutonium + NOUNfuelproductionbombthe plane that dropped a plutonium bomb on the city of Nagasaki

ply

plyverb

Ply is used with these nouns as the subject:

Ply is used with these nouns as the object:

craft, trade, wares

ply with

ply withphr verb

Ply with is used with these nouns as the object:

tea, wine

pneumatic

pneumaticadj.

Pneumatic is used with these nouns:

tyre

pneumococcal

pneumococcaladj.

Pneumococcal is used with these nouns:

meningitis

pneumonia

pneumonianoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF PNEUMONIA | VERB + pneumoniaADJECTIVEseverebronchial, doubleShe died from bronchial pneumonia.bacterial… OF PNEUMONIAboutVERB + pneumoniahave, suffer fromcatch, contract, develop, getdie from, die ofcause

poach

poachverb

Poach is used with these nouns as the object:

egg, elephant, fish, salmon

poached

poachedadj.

Poached is used with these nouns:

Pocket is used with these nouns as the object:

pocket

pocketnounverb

I. noun1 for keeping things in2 small area/group1 for keeping things inADJECTIVE | VERB + pocket | pocket + VERB | pocket + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbulgingtourists with bulging pocketsdeepzip (BrE), zipped, zippered (AmE)jean (esp. AmE), jeans, pants (AmE), trouser (esp. BrE)coat, jacket, shirt, vest (AmE), waistcoat (BrE), etc.back, breast, chest (AmE), front, hip, inner, inside, outer, side, topdoor (esp. BrE), seatPlease read the safety leaflet in the seat pocket in front of you (= on a plane).hidden, secretForged passports were found in a secret pocket in the suitcase.VERB + pocketcheck, feel in, fish in, fumble in, go through, rummage in, searchHe went through all his pockets looking for his key.patMy cellphone rang and I patted my pockets looking for it.reach inShe reached in her pocket and pulled out her phone.dip into (figurative)Once again club members have had to dip into their pockets (= spend their own money) to buy new equipment.fish sth from/out of, get sth from/out of, pull sth from/out of, take sth from/out ofI fished the list out of my pocket.empty, turn outThe security guard made them empty their pockets.put sth in/into, stuff sth in/into, thrust sth in/intoShe stuffed the money into her pocket and walked out.He walked past with his collar turned up and his hands thrust into his pockets.fill, stuffWe filled our pockets with apples.line (figurative)Dishonest officials have been lining their pockets with public funds.pickHe caught a boy trying to pick his pocket on the bus.pocket + VERBbulgeMy pockets were bulging with loose change.pocket + NOUNliningPREPOSITIONin the/your pocketMy wallet was in the back pocket of my jeans.out of the/your pocketHe took a few coins out of his pocket.PHRASEShands in pockets, with your hands in your pocketsHe stood there, hands in pockets.the lining of a pocket

2 small area/groupADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVElarge, smallThe country has large pockets of unemployment.isolatedPHRASESa pocket of resistanceGovernment forces are mopping up the last pockets of resistance.

II. verb

difference

pocketbook

pocketbooknoun

(AmE) nounVERB + pocketbook | pocketbook + NOUNVERB + pocketbookopen (often figurative)The government opened its pocketbook to the US military.hit sb inIncreased maintenance costs are hitting building owners in the pocketbooks.pocketbook + NOUNissueUnemployment is the leading pocketbook issue for most voters.

pock-marked

pock-markedadj.

Pock-marked is used with these nouns:

pod

podnoun

Pod is used after these nouns:

pea, rocket, seed

podgy

podgyadj.

Podgy is used with these nouns:

podium

podiumnoun

Podium is used before these nouns:

finish

poem

poemnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF POEMS | VERB + poem | poem + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbeautiful, fine, good, greatfamouscollected, selectedHis collected poems were published after the war.anonymousautobiographicallong, shortdramatic, epic, heroic, lyric, narrativeproselove, warhumorous, nonsense, satirical… OF POEMSanthology, collectionVERB + poemcompose, writereadShe read the poem aloud.reciteknow by heart, learn by heart (esp. BrE)dedicateHe dedicated the poem to his mother.publishpoem + VERBbe addressed to sbPREPOSITIONin a/the poemWordsworth describes his boyhood in his autobiographical poem ‘The Prelude’.poem abouta poem about cultural differences

poet

poetnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + poet | poet + VERBADJECTIVEaccomplished, good, greatdistinguished, famous, well-knownforemostthe foremost poet of his generationminorunknownaspiringcontemporary, modernepic, lyricmetaphysical, Modernist, Romantic, etc.17th-century, 18th-century, etc.VERB + poetinspireThese river banks have inspired poets for many centuries.poet + VERBwrite sth

poetic

poeticadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, soundwax (AmE)It's very easy to wax poetic (= speak in a poetic way) about the sport of baseball.ADVERBvery, wonderfullytrulyThe piece ends with a truly poetic slow movement.almostquiteself-consciouslyHis writing is self-consciously poetic.

Poetic is used with these nouns:

composition, convention, expression, image, imagery, imagination, inspiration, justice, language, lyrics, prose, text, translation, truth, vision

poetry

poetrynoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF POETRY | VERB + poetry | poetry + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgood, greatbadclassicalcontemporary, modernexperimental18th-century, etc.dramatic, epic, lyric, narrativeModernist, Romantic, symbolist, etc.love, pastoral, war, etc.… OF POETRYlineHe began his speech with a few lines of poetry.pieceanthology, book, collection, volumeVERB + poetrycompose, writereadreciteknow by heart, learn by heartAt school we had to learn a lot of poetry by heart.publishpoetry + NOUNbook, collectionreadingShe invited me to one of her poetry readings.competition, contest, slamworkshopgroupscenethe New York poetry scenePREPOSITIONin poetryan essay on imagery in poetry

poignant

poignantadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seem, soundbecomemake sthThe presence of the rest of the family made John's absence even more poignant.find sthADVERBextremely, verydeeply, especially, particularly, unbearablyI found his speech deeply poignant.quiteoddly, strangelyThe performances are by turns uproarious and oddly poignant.

Poignant is used with these nouns:

image, lyrics, moment, reflection, reminder, story

point

pointnounverbPHRASAL VERBS

I. noun1 thing said as part of a discussion2 the point essential aspect of sth3 meaning/reason/purpose of sth4 item/detail/feature5 particular time/moment6 particular place/position7 punctuation8 in a game/sports competition9 measurement10 thin sharp end of sth1 thing said as part of a discussionADJECTIVE | VERB + point | PHRASESADJECTIVEexcellent, good, interesting, validimportantminorsubtlemootcentral, critical, crucial, key, major, salientcontroversialsoreThis was a sore point for Hemingway.actionThe committee recommended a number of action points to avoid such problems in the future.talkingThe possibility of an interest rate cut is a major talking point in the City. (BrE)Senate Democrats issued these talking points. (AmE)finalI do agree with her final point.VERB + pointhaveShe has a point.see, takeI see your point.Point taken.concedeaddress, cover, make, raiseHe covers the key points in his introduction.She made some interesting points.argue, discussThey argued the point for hours.illustrateget across, make, proveHe had trouble getting his point across.That proves my point.clarifybelabour/belabor (esp. AmE), drive home, emphasize, hammer home, highlight, labour/labor (esp. BrE), press, reinforce, reiterate, stress, underline, underscore (AmE)She banged on the table to emphasize her point.I understand what you're saying—there's no need to labour/labor the point.PHRASESa case in point (= an example relevant to the matter being discussed)the point at issuea point of agreement, a point of disagreementa point of law

2 the point essential aspect of sthADJECTIVE | VERB + the point | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbasicThe basic point is that … VERB + the pointcome to, get toHurry up and get to the point!getIt took me a few minutes to get the point.misswander from, wander off (both esp. BrE)PREPOSITIONbeside the point (= not relevant)That's beside the point.to the pointHis remarks were brief and to the point.PHRASESmore to the point (= what is more important)More to the point, did they get away?

3 meaning/reason/purpose of sthADJECTIVE | VERB + point | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEwholeThat's the whole point.VERB + pointhaveIt doesn't have any point to it.seeI don't see the point in arguing.get, understandI didn't get the point of the story.PREPOSITIONpoint in, point ofThere's absolutely no point in complaining now.What's the point of worrying?

4 item/detail/featureADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEfiner, good, strongWe discussed the finer points of growing roses.bad, weaksalientsellingthe major selling point of the linePHRASESa point of differenceThere is only one point of difference between the two models.a point of interest

5 particular time/momentADJECTIVE | VERB + point | point + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEhigh, lowHe had reached the high point of his career.halfwayby the time the movie has reached its halfway pointbreaking, bursting, saturationto fill a bag to bursting pointjumping-offjumping-off points for further researchbreak-evenwell below its financial break-even pointplotfrom one improbable plot point to anotherboiling, freezing, meltingcriticalThis is definitely a critical point in my life right now.choke (AmE), stickingThe choke point was overcoming the social issues.a sticking point in the potential dealflashTheir anger finally reached the flash point.VERB + pointget to, reachI've reached the point (= in a book, etc.) where his father is dying.point + VERBcomeThere comes a point in most people's lives when they want to settle down.PREPOSITIONat a/the pointAt one point he looked like winning.on the point ofon the point of departureto the point ofWe worked all night to the point of collapse.up to a pointI agree with you up to a point.PHRASESa point in timeAt this point we can't give you a final answer.the point of no return (= after which it is impossible to go back/undo what you have done)

6 particular place/positionADJECTIVE | VERB + point | PHRASESADJECTIVEcentral, focalthe focal point of his lifefixedbeginning (esp. AmE), startingThis website is an excellent beginning point for any pianist.ending, stoppingthe starting and ending point for most safarisone stopping point on their tour of the shrineshalfway, midwaya convenient midway point between Memphis and St. Louisaccess, entryan excellent access point into Glacier National Parkassembly, rallyingmeeting, rendezvouscrossingBaja California is the crossing point for most illegal immigrants to the US.vantagereferencepivotal, turningThis proved to be the turning point of the game.tippingThe technology has reached a tipping point.cut-offvanishingprice (business)The product sold at about a $100 price point.acupuncture, pressureAcupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system.pressures points on the footVERB + pointarrive at, reachprovideThe book provides a focal point for such discussions.PHRASESa point of contacta point of reference

7 punctuationADJECTIVEADJECTIVEdecimalexclamation (AmE)bulletBreak up your text with bullet points.

8 in a game/sports competitionADJECTIVE | … OF POINT | VERB + point | PHRASESADJECTIVEmatch, setIt's set point to Nadal.bonusName the film and, for a bonus point, name the actress.… OF POINTtallya personal tally of 28 pointsVERB + pointaccumulate, earn, gain, get, notch (AmE), notch up, rack up, score, tally (AmE), winAfter players accumulate enough points, they may exchange them for a wide variety of merchandise.averageShe's averaged 19 points per game in her last seven games.loseawardPoints are awarded to the winner of each round.deductI'm deducting a point from the total score.PHRASESbeat sb on points, win on points

9 measurementADJECTIVE | VERB + point | PHRASESADJECTIVEbasis, percentageThe ten-year Treasury yield declined 9 basis points to 4.0%.Interest rates fell by one percentage point.VERB + point(All these verbs may be followed by by, from or to plus point. Sometimes the word by is left out.), be up, go up, improve, increase, jump, rise, shoot up, soarThe Nikkei index rose 710 points to 14894.His popularity rose by 18 points in public opinion polls.be down, come down, decline (esp. AmE), decrease, drop, fall, go down, plungeThe CAC-40 index is down 67 points at 4413.PHRASESabout five, ten, etc. points, around five, ten, etc. pointsonly five, ten, etc. pointsThe index was down only 4.6 points at the close.over five, ten, etc. pointsup to five, ten, etc. pointsan improvement of five, ten, etc. points, an increase of five, ten, etc. points, a jump of five, ten, etc. points, a rise of five, ten, etc. pointsThe target is for an average rise of two points a year from 2010 to 2020.a drop of five, ten, etc. points, a fall of five, ten, etc. points, a reduction of five, ten, etc. points

10 thin sharp end of sthADJECTIVEADJECTIVEfine, sharp

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBaccusinglyLee pointed accusingly at Tyler.downwards/downward, upwards/upwardaheadPREPOSITIONat, in the direction ofHe pointed in the direction of the beach.to, towards/towardThe toddler pointed to the toy he wanted.withShe pointed with her finger at the map.PHRASESpoint straight at sb/sthThe gun was pointing straight at me.point the way‘You must cross that field,’ she said, pointing the way.

PHRASAL VERBSpoint sth outADVERB | VERB + point out | PREPOSITIONADVERBcorrectly, rightlyAs you so rightly pointed out, our funds are not unlimited.helpfullyrepeatedlyas repeatedly pointed out by President BushVERB + point outmust, shouldI should point out that not one of these paintings is original.try tohasten toLet me to hasten to point out that this is not a marketing book.fail tohesitate toThey would not hesitate to point out anything they found objectionable.be at pains to, be keen to (esp. BrE), be quick toShe was at pains to point out that she was no newcomer to the area.be right toYou were right to point out that this is only one of the difficulties we face.be important toPREPOSITIONtoShe tried in vain to point out to him the unfairness of the situation.

point to sthADVERB | VERB + point toADVERBclearlyFragments of woven cloth at the site clearly point to the production of textiles.directlyThe symptoms point directly to appendicitis.VERB + point toseem toThe evidence all seems to point to one conclusion.

Point is used with these nouns as the subject:

arrow, barrel, needle, sign

Point is used with these nouns as the object:

beam, camera, finger, flashlight, gun, knife, pistol, shotgun, telescope, toe, torch, way, weapon

point at

point atphr verb

Point at is used with these nouns as the subject:

Point-blank is used with these nouns:

point-blank

point-blankadj.adv.

I. adj.

range, refusal

II. adv.

Point-blank is used with these verbs:

refuse

pointe

pointenoun

Pointe is used before these nouns:

pointed

pointedadj.

Pointed is used with these nouns:

arch, beak, beard, blade, breast, chin, ear, end, hat, nose, question, remark, roof, shoe, tail, tip, wing

pointedly

pointedlyadv.

Pointedly is used with these verbs:

add, ask, avoid, ignore, note, refuse, remark

pointer

pointernoun

noun1 advice/indications2 sth used for pointing1 advice/indicationsADJECTIVE | VERB + pointer | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgood, importantclear, obviouspractical, usefulVERB + pointergive (sb), offer (sb), provide (sb with)He offered a few pointers on starting your own business.getI was trying to get some pointers on what I should do.PREPOSITIONpointer forThe examiner's comments include pointers for future study.pointer onHere are a few pointers on designing such facilities.pointer toHis symptoms gave no obvious pointer to a possible diagnosis.pointer towards/towardpointers towards/toward a new political agendaPHRASESa pointer to the future

2 sth used for pointingADJECTIVEADJECTIVEmouseMove the mouse pointer to the menu bar.laserShe used a laser pointer during her presentation.

pointing

pointingadj.

Pointing is used with these nouns:

Pointless is used with these nouns:

pointless

pointlessadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seembecomeconsider sth, find sth, think sthShe considered it pointless to plan in too much detail.make sth, render sthThis renders the project pointless.ADVERBabsolutely, completely, entirely, quite, totally, utterlyThe whole discussion was utterly pointless.almost, fairly, pretty, rather, somewhata little, slightly, etc.apparently, seeminglyultimatelyThe film is entertaining but ultimately pointless.

argument, conversation, exercise, waste

point of view

point of viewnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + point of view | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEalternative, differentHe listened patiently to what we all had to say before putting across an alternative point of view.particular, uniqueobjectiveWe can count on him for an objective point of view.personal, subjectiveaesthetic, moral, practical, technical, theoreticalbusiness, commercial, economic, historical, legal, medical, military, philosophical, political, psychological, religious, safety, scientific, security, strategic, etc.From a purely economic point of view, the reforms make a great deal of sense.conservative, liberal, socialist, etc.Buddhist, Catholic, Islamic, etc.American, European, Western, etc.VERB + point of viewhaveadopt, takeHe always seems to take the opposite point of view to me.accept, appreciate, supportrespectI appreciate and respect your point of view.express, get across, present, put (esp. BrE), put forward (esp. BrE)We aren't shy about expressing our point of view.A union representative was present to put the farmers' point of view.speak from, tell sth fromconsider sth from, look at sth from, see (sth from), understandI can see your point of view, but I think we have to consider the long-term implications.Try to see the situation from my point of view.agree with, sharecome around to, come round to (esp. BrE)If we can talk to her for an hour I'm sure she'll come around to our point of view.disagree withI completely disagree with this point of view.reflect, representI do not think the article reflects the point of view of the majority of the population.PREPOSITIONfrom a/sb's point of viewFrom a purely personal point of view, I'd like to see cars banned from the city.from the point of view ofThe book tells the story of a murder investigation from the point of view of the chief suspect.From the point of view of safety, a lower speed limit would certainly be a good thing.point of view aboutWe may always have a different point of view about what happened.point of view onI don't have a point of view on this issue.

point out point to

point tophr verb

Point to is used with these nouns as the subject:

evidence, finding, indication, indicator, link, sign

Point to is used with these nouns as the object:

conclusion, flaw, importance, inadequacy, sign, spot, weakness

point towards

point towardsphr verb

Point towards is used with these nouns as the subject:

finding

pointy

pointyadj.

Pointy is used with these nouns:

chin, ear, shoe, tooth

poise

poisenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + poiseADJECTIVEnaturalthe natural poise and balance of the bodysocialShe never lost her social poise, however awkward the situation.extraordinary, great, remarkable, tremendousVERB + poiseretain, showHe showed poise and maturity beyond his years.loserecover, regainShe hesitated briefly but quickly regained her poise.

poised

poisedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSappear, be, look, seem, standShe stood poised for a moment.remainADVERBdelicately, finelyperfectlyHis manner was perfectly poised between gravity and teasing.PREPOSITIONabove, overPeter hesitated, his hand poised above the telephone.between, forThey hovered by the door, poised for flight.PHRASESpoised on the brink of sth, poised on the edge of sth, poised on the threshold of sthThe two countries were poised on the brink of war.

poison

poisonnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | … OF POISON | VERB + poison | poison + NOUNADJECTIVEpotent, powerful, strong, virulentdeadly, lethalpure (usually figurative)These words were pure poison to me.nerve, ratchemical… OF POISONtraceVERB + poisonadminister, give sb, injectlace sth with, put in, put onShe had laced his drink with poison.She had put poison in his wine.spread (figurative)groups that are spreading the poison of sectarianismput down (= put somewhere to kill animals)The farmer had put down some rat poison.drink, swallow, takesuck outHe sucked most of the poison from the wound.poison + NOUNgas, pillarrow, dart

II. verb

Poison is used with these nouns as the object:

atmosphere, mind, relation

poisoned

poisonedadj.

Poisoned is used with these nouns:

arrow

poisoning

poisoningnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF POISONING | VERB + poisoningADJECTIVEacute, chronic, severeI had severe food poisoning.fatalaccidentalto protect children from accidental poisoningbloodfooda bad case of food poisoningalcohol, arsenic, carbon monoxide, chemical, lead, mercury, pesticide, radiation, etc.… OF POISONINGcaseVERB + poisoninghaveMy mother had blood poisoning.getHow did you get food poisoning anyway?causeListeria can cause fatal blood poisoning.die from, die of

poison ivy

poison ivynoun

Poison ivy is used before these nouns:

rash

poisonous

poisonousadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecomeADVERBdeadly, extremely, highly, veryPREPOSITIONtoThe leaves of these trees are poisonous to cattle.

Poisonous is used with these nouns:

berry, chemical, fumes, gas, insect, mushroom, plant, snake, spider, spine, substance, waste

poke

pokeverb

Poke is used with these nouns as the object:

finger, fire, head

poke out

poke outphr verb

Poke out is used with these nouns as the object:

tongue

poker

pokernoun

Poker is used before these nouns:

face, tournament

Poker is used after these nouns:

strip

poky

pokyadj.

Poky is used with these nouns:

polar

polaradj.

Polar is used with these nouns:

circle, desert, exploration, explorer, extreme, latitude, opposite, region

polarize

polarizeverb

Polarize is used with these nouns as the object:

country, society

polarized

polarizedadj.

(BrE also -ised) adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecomeremainADVERBdeeply, highly, sharplyThe country is deeply polarized.Public opinion is sharply polarized on this issue.increasinglypolitically, raciallyPREPOSITIONbetweenIn this period politics became polarized between extreme right and left.

Polarized is used with these nouns:

electorate

Polaroid{™}

Polaroid{™}noun

Polaroid™ is used before these nouns:

camera, photograph

pole

polenoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVENorth, Southgeographic, geomagnetic, magneticThe north magnetic pole lies to the west of the geographic North Pole.opposite (figurative)The two authors represent the opposite poles of fictional geniusPREPOSITIONbetween the (two) poles of (figurative)an artistic compromise between the poles of abstraction and representationfrom pole to poleThe meridian is an imaginary line drawn from pole to pole.PHRASESbe poles apart (figurative)In temperament, she and her sister are poles apart (= completely different).

police

policenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + police | police + VERB | police + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEarmed, mountedplain-clothes, uniformedundercoverriot, trafficmilitary, paramilitary, secret, securityairport, border, campus (esp. AmE), city (esp. AmE), county, federal, local, national, statefashion, thought (both figurative)Following this rule will keep the fashion police off your tail.VERB + policecall, contactalert, inform, notify, tellinvolveI'd really rather not involve the police.elude, evadepolice + VERBarrest sb, detain sbcatch sbcharge sbThe police charged him with impaired driving.patrol sthraid sthThe police raided his shop.arrive, respondThe police arrived to break up the battle.interview sb, question sbinvestigate sthharass sbappeal for sth (esp. BrE)Police have appealed for witnesses to come forward.police + NOUNcaptain, chief, commissioner (esp. AmE), constable (BrE), detective, inspector, lieutenant, officerspokesmaninvestigator, officialdepartment, headquarters, stationacademy (esp. AmE)cell (BrE)He spent the night in a police cell after his arrest.reportPolice reports state that at around 6.30 p.m. Poole and a relative had an argument in his backyard.Contact your local police department to file a police report. (AmE)blotter (AmE)His name has never shown up on the police blotter (= written record of arrests).recordI had a police record.car, cruiser (esp. AmE), helicopter, van (BrE), vehiclean unmarked police carsirendriver (BrE), marksmandog, horseuniformauthorities, force, serviceunitenquiries (BrE), investigationinterrogation, surveillanceescortThe visiting fans returned to the station under police escort.patrolA routine police patrol spotted signs of a break-in at the offices.raidNine arrests were made in a series of police raids across the city.presenceThere was a huge police presence at the demonstration.protectionAll prosecution witnesses were given police protection.barricades, cordon, linesSome protesters managed to break through the police cordon.checkpoint, roadblockchaseshootinginformant, informerabuse, brutality, corruption, harassment, misconduct, violencestateThe country looks more and more like a police state.PHRASEShelping the police with their enquiries (BrE)No arrest has been made, but a man is helping the police with their enquiries.in police custodyHe was held in police custody for a month

policeman

policemannoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + policeman | policeman + VERBADJECTIVEseniorordinarythe duties of the ordinary policemanlocaluniformedplain-clothes, undercoverarmedmilitarytrafficborderoff-dutyVERB + policemancallA policeman was called to the house just after midnight.policeman + VERBpatrol sthraid stharrest sb, stop sbSee also officer

policing

policingnoun

Policing is used after these nouns:

community, neighbourhood

policy

policynoun

noun1 plan of action2 insurance contract1 plan of actionADJECTIVE | VERB + policy | policy + VERB | policy + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEclear, coherentexplicit, specificstrictconscious, deliberatea deliberate policy to involve people of all ageseffectivesensiblecontroversialflawed, misguided, short-sightedthe need to reform our flawed agricultural policydisastrousofficial, publicfederal, government, partycompanyeditorialThe magazine has a misguided editorial policy.domestic, internal, national, regionalforeign, internationalexpansionist, interventionary, protectionist, etc.open-dooran open-door policy for migrant workersaffirmative-action (AmE)affirmative-action policies that aim to help members of historically disadvantaged groupszero-toleranceWe have a zero-tolerance policy for drugs.agricultural, defence/defense, drug, drugs (BrE), economic, education, educational, employment, energy, environmental, financial, fiscal, health, housing, immigration, macroeconomic, monetary, security, social, tax, trade, transport (esp. BrE), etc.admissionsSome have criticized universities for their admissions policies.VERB + policydesign, develop, formulate, frame, influence, shapedetermine, dictatea doctrine that would dictate American foreign policy for some time to comeestablish, implement, institute, introduce, setadopt, carry out, enact, enforce, follow, pursueThe government followed a policy of restraint in public spending.have, operateThe company operates a strict no-smoking policy.advocate, approve, endorse, favour/favor, promote, supportopposereverseabandonpolicy + VERBbe aimed at sth, be designed to do stha policy aimed at halting economic recessionpolicies designed to support and encourage marriagegovern sthpolicies governing the management of the environmentaffect sb/sthTheir economic policies affect us all.prohibit stha policy prohibiting sexual harassmentpolicy + NOUNdecision, makingproposal, recommendationobjectiveissuethe need to address public policy issues at the national levelchange, reform, reviewagendadocument, statementadviser, analyst, expert, maker, wonk (esp. AmE)a policy adviser who made his name as a health reformerPREPOSITIONpolicy ofThe company's policy of expansion has created many new jobs.policy onthe party's policy on housingPHRASESa matter of policyIt is a matter of company policy that we do not disclose the names of clients.

2 insurance contractADJECTIVE | VERB + policy | policy + VERB | policy + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEinsurancebuildings and contents (BrE), home and contents (AmE), home contents (BrE), household contents (BrE)auto (AmE), motor (BrE)life, life-assurance (BrE), life-insuranceendowment, pension (both BrE)VERB + policytake outrenewpolicy + VERBcover sb/sthThe policy covers (you for) accidental loss or damage.expirepolicy + NOUNholderschedule (BrE)PREPOSITIONin a/the policyrisks defined in the policyunder a/the policythe types of claims covered under the policy

polio

polionoun

(also formal poliomyelitis) nounVERB + polio | polio + NOUNVERB + poliohavecontractimmunize sb against, vaccinate sb againstpolio + NOUNvaccination, vaccinevirusvictim

polish

polishnounverb

I. noun See also nail polishADJECTIVE | VERB + polishADJECTIVEboot, furniture, metal, nail, shoe, silverFrenchwaxVERB + polishapplyApply polish with a soft brush.give sth (esp. BrE)You'll need to give your shoes a good polish.removeUse acetone to remove polish.

II. verb

Polish is used with these nouns as the object:

boot, diamond, floor, glass, glasses, image, leather, nail, shoe, silver, skill

polished

polishedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBbrightly, highly, wellthe brightly polished brassesShe slipped on the highly polished floor.beautifully, finely, nicely, perfectlythe finely polished wood tablefreshly, newly

Polished is used with these nouns:

boot, brass, bronze, finish, floor, floorboard, ivory, marble, metal, nail, performance, shoe, silver, stone, surface, table, wood

polishing

polishingnoun

Polishing is used before these nouns:

cloth, pad

polite

politeadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seem, soundremainADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.perfectly, scrupulously, unfailinglyoverly (esp. AmE)an overly polite smilecoollyHis manner was coolly polite and impersonal.PREPOSITIONtoShe was scrupulously polite to him.

Polite is used with these nouns:

applause, convention, conversation, cough, greeting, interest, letter, manner, refusal, reply, request, smile, society, word

politely

politelyadv.

Politely is used with these verbs:

answer, applaud, ask, bow, clap, cough, decline, enquire, greet, ignore, inform, knock, laugh, listen, murmur, nod, refuse, reply, request, respond, say, smile, suggest, talk, thank, wait

politeness

politenessnoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcommon, conventionalIt's no more than common politeness to hear what she has to say.formalsocialexaggerated, excessivePREPOSITIONout of politenessThey accepted the food more out of politeness than because they were hungry.with politenessThey greeted their visitor with formal politeness.PHRASESa veneer of politeness (esp. BrE)His veneer of politeness concealed a ruthless determination.

politic

politicadj.

Politic is used with these nouns:

body

political

politicaladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecome, getWe have no intention of getting political.ADVERBhighly, veryThis whole issue has become highly political.explicitly, overtlythe overtly political works of Leon Golubpurelythe first purely political decision taken by the EUinherentlyThe royal family has an inherently political role.

Political is used with these nouns:

accountability, act, action, activity, acumen, advance, advantage, advertisement, adviser, affair, agenda, agitation, aim, alienation, alignment, allegiance, alliance, ally, ambition, amnesty, analysis, analyst, apathy, appointment, arena, argument, aspect, aspiration, assassination, associate, association, asylum, atmosphere, authority, autonomy, awakening, awareness, backdrop, background, backlash, balance, bargaining, barometer, base, belief, bent, bias, blackmail, blog, blunder, breakthrough, camp, campaign, capital, career, cartoon, cause, censorship, challenge, change, chaos, character, circle, circumstance, class, climate, clout, coalition, comeback, comment, commentary, commentator, commitment, complexion, complication, compromise, concept, condition, conflict, conformity, confrontation, connection, connotation, conscience, consciousness, consensus, consequence, conservatism, conservative, consideration, conspiracy, constituency, consultant, contest, context, control, controversy, convenience, convention, conviction, cooperation, correctness, correspondent, corruption, cost, courage, cover, cowardice, credentials, credibility, creed, crime, crisis, critique, culture, currency, cynicism, deadlock, deal, debate, decision, decline, defeat, demand, demise, democracy, demonstration, destiny, development, dialogue, difference, dilemma, dimension, directive, disagreement, disaster, discontent, discord, discussion, disillusionment, disintegration, disorder, dispute, disruption, dissent, dissident, disturbance, diversity, divide, dividend, division, doctrine, dogma, dominance, domination, donation, dynamite, dynasty, economist, economy, editor, effectiveness, elite, embarrassment, end, endeavour, enemy, engagement, entity, environment, equality, establishment, event, evolution, excitement, exclusion, execution, executive, exercise, exile, explanation, expression, extreme, extremist, fabric, faction, factor, fate, favour, fence, ferment, fervour, figure, flavour, foe, folly, football, force, formation, formula, fortune, forum, foundation, framework, freedom, furore, future, gain, gamble, gathering, geography, gesture, goal, grievance, ground, harmony, heir, hierarchy, historian, history, honour, horizon, idea, ideal, identity, ideology, imagination, impact, impasse, implication, importance, impotence, impulse, inactivity, incentive, inclination, independence, inertia, influence, initiative, injustice, instability, instinct, institution, instrument, integration, integrity, interest, interference, intervention, intrigue, involvement, isolation, issue, journalist, judgement, justification, killing, landscape, leader, leadership, level, leverage, liberal, liberalism, liberty, life, line, link, lobby, logic, loyalty, machine, mainstream, mandate, manifesto, manipulation, manoeuvre, map, master, matter, meeting, memoir, message, minefield, miscalculation, model, momentum, morality, motivation, motive, mouthpiece, move, movement, myth, mythology, nationalism, nature, necessity, need, negotiation, neutrality, novice, objective, oblivion, observer, obstacle, offence, office, opening, opinion, opponent, opposition, oppression, order, organ, organization, orthodoxy, outcome, outlook, outsider, overtone, pamphlet, paralysis, participation, party, passion, past, persecution, personality, perspective, persuasion, phenomenon, philosopher, philosophy, platform, ploy, point of view, poll, position, power, preference, prejudice, pressure, prestige, principle, prisoner, problem, process, profile, programme, prominence, propaganda, protest, protester, purpose, question, rally, realism, reality, realm, reason, reconciliation, reconstruction, reform, refugee, regime, relation, relevance, repercussion, reporter, representation, representative, repression, reprisal, resistance, respectability, response, responsibility, restraint, retribution, revolution, rhetoric, riot, risk, rival, rivalry, roadblock, role, row, satire, scandal, scene, science, scientist, season, sensitivity, sentiment, setback, settlement, showdown, significance, situation, skill, slant, slogan, smear, society, sociology, solidarity, solution, sophistication, sovereignty, spectrum, speech, sphere, spin, spotlight, squabble, stability, stage, stagnation, stake, stalemate, stance, standing, standpoint, statement, stature, stir, storm, story, strategy, strife, strike, stripe, structure, struggle, stunt, style, suicide, support, supporter, supremacy, survival, symbol, symbolism, system, tactic, talk, tension, term, terror, test, theatre, theory, thinker, thinking, thought, threat, thriller, thrust, tide, tie, tolerance, tone, tool, touch, tradition, transformation, triumph, trouble, turmoil, turning point, tyranny, uncertainty, undertone, unification, union, unity, unrest, upheaval, vacuum, value, vendetta, viability, victory, view, viewpoint, violence, virtue, vision, vocabulary, vulnerability, watershed, weakness, weight, whim, wilderness, will, wind, wing, wisdom, writer, writing

political asylum

political asylumnoun

nounVERB + political asylum | PHRASESVERB + political asylumapply for, ask for, claim, seekgrant sb, offer sbHe was granted political asylum in Sweden.PHRASESan application for political asylum, a claim for political asylum

politically

politicallyadv.

Politically is used with these adjectives:

acceptable, accountable, active, advantageous, ambitious, astute, aware, biased, challenging, charged, committed, conscious, conservative, contentious, controversial, convenient, correct, corrupt, costly, damaging, dangerous, delicate, desirable, disastrous, divisive, dominant, dubious, effective, embarrassing, engaged, expedient, explosive, feasible, immature, important, impossible, impotent, inactive, inconvenient, incorrect, indefensible, independent, ineffective, inept, inexperienced, influential, informed, inspired, irrelevant, liberal, literate, loaded, moderate, motivated, naive, neutral, oriented, polarized, popular, powerful, progressive, prudent, radical, reactionary, relevant, responsible, risky, sensitive, significant, sophisticated, stable, subversive, successful, suicidal, suspect, unacceptable, undesirable, united, unpopular, unstable, unthinkable, useful, viable, volatile, vulnerable, weak

Politically is used with these verbs:

connect, divide, engage, mobilize, survive

politically motivated

politically motivatedadj.

Politically motivated is used with these nouns:

Poll is used with these nouns as the object:

politician

politiciannoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + politicianADJECTIVEleading, popular, prominent, seniorexperienced, veterana veteran politician of the leftinfluential, powerfulsuccessfulcharismaticastute, clever, shrewdcorrupt, crookedcareer, professionalconviction (esp. BrE)consummateMarcos was a consummate politician: energetic and ruthless.electedlocalleft-wing, right-wingconservative, liberal, progressiveConservative, Labour, etc.Democratic, RepublicanOppositionVERB + politicianelectbribelobbyHis job will be primarily to lobby politicians on airport and security issues.

politics

politicsnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + politics | politics + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEdomestic, internalthe country's internal politicsthe internal politics of the legal professioncounty, local, national, regionalShe was active in local politics for many years.global, international, worlddemocratic, electoral, multiparty, parliamentary, partypresidentialcontemporary, modernmainstreamconservative, extreme, left-wing, liberal, progressive, radical, right-wing, etc.His manners were as mild as his politics were extreme.personalMy personal politics are pretty simple.practicalHe argued that it was not practical politics to abolish private schools.powerThey took the view that Casper was playing power politics with their jobs at stake.consensusConsensus politics places a high value on existing political institutions.partisan (disapproving, esp. AmE)The Democrats are simply engaging in partisan politics.dirtyHe used dirty politics to trash his opponent's record.conviction (esp. BrE)identitymulticulturalism and the rise of identity politicsnationalist, sectariancultural, environmental, feminist, gay, gender, racial, sexual, working-classofficeI don't want to get involved in office politics.VERB + politicsenter, go intoThey went into politics in the hope of changing society.abandon, retire fromHe abandoned politics and went into business.be interested in, followI have always followed politics closely.understandI don't understand the politics of it all.be active in, be engaged in, be immersed in, be involved in, engage in, participate inbecome active in, get immersed in, get involved indabble in, play (informal)get embroiled indiscuss, talk (informal), talk aboutLet's not talk politics now.dabble in, interfere in, intervene in, meddle in (esp. BrE)As a churchman, he was accused of interfering in politics.dominatethe issues which have dominated Irish politicsinfluence, reshape, shapereforms that are intended to reshape Italian politicspolitics + VERBdominate sth, drive sth, motivate sthIn their world politics dominates everything.The legislation has been driven by populist politics.affect sthsurround sththe politics surrounding reproduction and fertilityplay a rolethe role politics played in daily lifePHRASESsb's involvement in politics, sb's participation in politicsthe world of politics

poll

pollnounverb

I. noun1 survey of opinion2 (usually the polls) voting in an election1 survey of opinionADJECTIVE | VERB + poll | poll + VERB | poll + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElocal, national, nationwide, statewide (AmE)opinionpolitical, popularitytracking (AmE)The latest tracking poll shows the Democrats leading by four percentage points.pre-electionexitExit polls suggest a big majority for the party.informal, strawI took a straw poll among my colleagues to find out how many can use chopsticks.latest, recentmagazine, online, telephoneVERB + pollcarry out (esp. BrE), conduct, do, run, takecommissionlead, lead inThe party is leading in the polls.read, seeI don't read opinion polls.Have you seen the latest poll?publish, releasepoll + VERBconfirm sth, find sth, indicate sth, reveal sth, say sth, show sth, suggest sthask (sb) sthThe poll asked voters what was the most important moral issue that affected their vote.poll + NOUNnumbers, rating, resultsThe president's poll numbers are sinking fast in the West.datapoll data on consumer attitudesquestionthe results generated by the poll questionwatcher (AmE)Missouri requires the parties to register poll watchers before election day.respondentOnly 22% of poll respondents say they have a positive opinion of him.PREPOSITIONin the pollssuccess in the pollsPHRASESbe ahead in the polls, be behind in the pollsWith a week to go until polling day, the party is still behind in the polls.a lead in the pollsClearer policies might have widened our lead in the polls.

2 (usually the polls) voting in an electionADJECTIVE | VERB + poll | poll + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpresidentialVERB + pollgo toIn five days, the nation goes to the polls to elect the next president.poll + VERBopencloseCounting will begin as soon as the polls close.PREPOSITIONat the pollsShe was defeated at the polls.

II. verb

pollen

pollennoun

nounVERB + pollen | pollen + NOUNVERB + pollencollect, gatherbees gathering pollenproduceshedthe few weeks a year that corn pollen is shedspreadpollen + NOUNgraincountHay fever sufferers have a worse time when the pollen count is high.analysisrecordThe pollen record shows that this plant was never common on the island.

pollinate

pollinateverb

Pollinate is used with these nouns as the subject:

bee

Pollinate is used with these nouns as the object:

polling

pollingnoun

Polling is used before these nouns:

booth, day, district, station

pollutant

pollutantnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + pollutant | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEair, atmospheric, environmental, waterbiological, chemical, hazardous, organic, toxicmajorcommonBoth are common pollutants and suspected carcinogens.industrialairborneVERB + pollutantdischarge, emit, releasereducea washable filter to reduce air pollutantsremovePREPOSITIONpollutant frompollutants from nearby industriespollutant inpollutants in exhaust gasesPHRASESthe emission of pollutants, the release of pollutants

pollute

polluteverb

Pollute is used with these nouns as the subject:

Pollute is used with these nouns as the object:

air, atmosphere, environment, stream, water

polluted

pollutedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecome, getThe rivers became polluted as the result of industrial waste.ADVERBbadly, heavily, highly, seriously, severelyPREPOSITIONwithThe air is heavily polluted with traffic fumes.

Polluted is used with these nouns:

air, atmosphere, river, water

pollution

pollutionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + pollution | pollution + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEair, atmospheric, environmental, marine, river, wateragricultural, chemical, industrial, toxiclead, mercury, oil, ozone, smoke, traffic, etc.light, noiseairborneVERB + pollutioncausecreate, emit, generate, produceThey emit 90% less pollution than standard models.avoid, eliminate, preventcombat, control, fight, tackle (esp. BrE)a convention on combating atmospheric pollutionThe government has announced plans to tackle light pollution.cut, limit, minimize, reduceThe summit ended with a joint pledge to limit pollution.monitorpollution + NOUNlevelabatement, control, prevention, reductionlimitsstandardsa tightening of water pollution standardsincident (esp. BrE), issue, problemlaws, legislation, regulationsoffence (BrE)sourcesThe computer model assesses the likely impact of new pollution sources.credits (AmE)a new market in pollution creditsPHRASESthe cost of pollutionthe cost of air pollution in health and other termsthe effects of pollutionMany athletes feel the effects of air pollution during outdoor exercise.a risk of pollutionEnvironmentalists say there is a high risk of pollution from the landfill site.a source of pollutionHeavy traffic flow is a major source of noise pollution in urban areas.

polo

polonoun

Polo is used before these nouns:

neck, pony, shirt

polo neck

polo necknoun

Polo neck is used before these nouns:

jumper, sweater

polyester

polyesternoun

Polyester is used before these nouns:

fibre, pants

polygamous

polygamousadj.

Polygamous is used with these nouns:

polygraph

polygraphnoun

Polygraph is used before these nouns:

polyphonic

polyphonicadj.

Polyphonic is used with these nouns:

polystyrene

polystyrenenoun

Polystyrene is used before these nouns:

polysyllabic

polysyllabicadj.

Polysyllabic is used with these nouns:

polytheistic

polytheisticadj.

Polytheistic is used with these nouns:

polythene

polythenenoun

(BrE) (AmE polyethylene) nounVERB + polythene/polyethylene | polythene/polyethylene + NOUNVERB + polythene/polyethylenecover sth with, line sth with, wrap sth inpolythene/polyethylene + NOUNbagfilm (AmE)

polyunsaturated

polyunsaturatedadj.

Polyunsaturated is used with these nouns:

fat, margarine, oil

pompous

pompousadj.

Pompous is used with these nouns:

Ponder is used with these nouns as the object:

pond

pondnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + pond | pond + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, largelittle, smallshallowstagnantmuddyfrozenvillage (BrE)backyard (AmE), gardenornamental (esp. BrE)duck, fish, lilya Japanese teahouse and fish pondretention (AmE)Five retention ponds were constructed to increase storage capacity.VERB + pondbuild, construct, digfillstockThe ponds are fully stocked with rainbow trout.drain, emptyThe pond is drained every year.haveThe Carters had a pond in their back yard.pond + NOUNlife, waterPREPOSITIONacross a/the pondShe swam across the pond.in a/the pondThere are goldfish in the pond.into a/the pondHer sunglasses had fallen into the pond.on a/the pondThere were some ducks swimming on the pond.PHRASESthe bottom, edge, middle, surface, etc. of a pondThe dog raced around to the other side of the pond.

ponder

ponderverb

verbADVERB | VERB + ponder | PREPOSITIONADVERBcarefully, deeply, hard, seriously(for) a momentShe pondered for a moment before replying.quietly, silentlyaloudShe pondered aloud the question of what should be done.VERB + ponderleave sb toHe walked out of the room, leaving me to ponder what he had just said.be forced topause to, stop toSpencer stopped to ponder the thought.PREPOSITIONaboutThis was something I had been pondering about for some time.onI walked up the stairs, pondering on her reaction to my news.overI pondered hard over the reply to his letter.

fate, future, implication, meaning, move, mystery, predicament, question, situation

ponder on

ponder onphr verb

Ponder on is used with these nouns as the object:

future, mystery

pone

ponenoun

Pone is used after these nouns:

corn

pontoon

pontoonnoun

Pontoon is used before these nouns:

boat, bridge

pony

ponynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + pony | pony + VERB | pony + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEwildpolopit (BrE, historical)Pit ponies were used in most mines at the turn of the last century.VERB + ponyrideleadgroomsaddleshoepony + VERBwhinnycanter, gallop, trotpony + NOUNclubrideriding, trekking (both esp. BrE)PHRASESa pony and trap (esp. BrE)

poo

poonoun

Poo is used after these nouns:

bird, dog

pool

poolnounverb

I. noun1 swimming pool, etc.2 small shallow area of water3 small area of liquid/light4 supply of sth1 swimming pool, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + pool | pool + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEbathing, paddling (BrE), swimming, wading (AmE)biglittle, smalldeepemptyindooropen-air (BrE), outdoorheatedbackyard (AmE)in-ground (AmE)Olympic, Olympic-sizebaby (esp. AmE), children's, kiddie (esp. AmE)inflatableWe gave the children an inflatable pool for Christmas.lap (AmE)a 25 m lap pooldiving (esp. BrE)I left the diving pool after my session on the springboards.wavea unique new wave poolplungea sauna and plunge poolbirthing (BrE)babies born in birthing poolsVERB + poolswim indive into, jump into, plunge intofilldrainYou won't have to drain the pool so often.pool + NOUNdeck (esp. AmE)I slipped on the wet pool deck and fell down.attendant (esp. BrE), boy (AmE)Jack works there as a pool boy.partyA girl invited me over to her pool party.PHRASESthe bottom, edge, middle, side, etc. of the poola length of the poolHe swam three lengths of the pool.

2 small shallow area of waterADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, largelittle, smallbottomless, deepshallowstagnant, stillmuddyRhinos are fond of wallowing in muddy pools and sandy riverbeds.freshwater, saltwaterrock (BrE), tide (AmE)ornamental, reflecting (esp. AmE)PREPOSITIONin a/the poolThe children waded in the shallow rock pools.pool ofpools of water

3 small area of liquid/lightADJECTIVE | VERB + pool | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbiglittle, smalldarkmudThe park is full of hot water springs and bubbling mud pools.VERB + poollie inThe body lay in a dark pool of blood.PREPOSITIONin a/the poolThe wick floated in a pool of oil.pool ofpools of light

4 supply of sthADJECTIVE | VERB + pool | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, huge, large, vasta vast pool of knowledge on best practiceslimited, smallThey will share a limited pool of money with other defendants.growing, shrinkinga growing pool of dataa shrinking pool of assetsavailablethe available pool of really good peoplecommonThey draw on funds from a common pool.diversethis nation's diverse talent poolcar, labour/labor, motor (esp. AmE), typingapplicant (AmE), recruiting (esp. AmE)We need to increase our applicant pool.talentThere's a great talent pool in the business community.jury (AmE)press (esp. AmE)A member of the press pool shouted out a question to the president.geneThey share a common gene pool.VERB + poolbuild, create, formbroaden, expand, increaseSupporting a diverse work force broadens our pool of talent.a method of expanding the pool of potential investorsPREPOSITIONpool ofa strong pool of talent in the companya large pool of cheap labour/labor

II. verb

Pool is used with these nouns as the object:

effort, idea, money, resource, skill

poop

poopnoun

Poop is used before these nouns:

deck

Poop is used after these nouns:

poor

pooradj.

Poor is used with these nouns:

acceleration, access, accommodation, acting, administration, aim, appetite, attendance, background, balance, bloke, catch, chap, choice, circulation, command, communication, community, company, concentration, condition, conductor, coordination, copy, correlation, country, creature, crop, decision, design, diet, digestion, discipline, display, district, education, etiquette, example, excuse, execution, eyesight, facility, family, farmer, fellow, fit, flow, folk, food, fool, form, grade, grammar, grasp, guy, habit, handwriting, harvest, health, hearing, household, housekeeping, housing, hygiene, image, imitation, immigrant, impression, indicator, investment, job, judge, judgement, kid, land, leadership, liaison, liar, light, lighting, loser, luck, maintenance, man, management, mark, market, marketing, memory, minority, morale, motivation, nation, neighbourhood, nutrition, opinion, organization, orphan, outcome, parent, pay, people, performance, performer, person, planning, play, player, posture, preparation, presentation, prospect, quality, rate, rating, reader, reception, record, reflection, reflex, region, relation, relationship, relative, reliability, reputation, resolution, response, result, return, review, reward, risk, road, run, sale, sanitation, schooling, score, season, selection, sense, service, shape, shot, showing, skill, slum, soil, soul, standard, start, state, strategy, substitute, suburb, swimmer, taste, teaching, thing, timing, track record, translation, treatment, turnout, understanding, use, value, ventilation, victim, village, visibility, vision, vocabulary, weather, widow, work, workmanship, year, yield

poorly

poorlyadv.

Poorly is used with these adjectives:

developed, educated, informed, insulated, motivated, organized, paid, suited, trained

Poorly is used with these verbs:

act, conceive, control, correlate, define, design, draft, drain, dress, eat, equip, execute, fare, feed, fit, function, fund, grow, know, light, maintain, organize, perform, pitch, play, prepared, react, reflect, regulate, repair, represent, research, respond, reward, sleep, supply, time, tolerate, ventilate, word, write

poorly paid

poorly paidadj.

Poorly paid is used with these nouns:

Pop is used with these nouns as the subject:

pop

popnounverbadj.

I. noun1 short sharp sound2 popular music1 short sharp soundADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEloudsuddenPREPOSITIONwith a popThe cork came out with a loud pop.

2 popular musicADJECTIVE | VERB + pop | pop + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEclassic, indie, mainstreammelodic, psychedelic, synthteenThe eight compilations range from teen pop to classical.60s, 80s, etc.VERB + popplaylisten topop + NOUNclassic, hit, music, song, tuneartist, singer, stardiva, icon, idol, princessact, band, groupconcert, festival (esp. BrE)album, record, videofanchartsculturePREPOSITIONin popHe was an important figure in pop during the seventies.

II. verb

balloon, bubble, ear, eye

Pop is used with these nouns as the object:

balloon, bubble, champagne, clutch, head, hood, lid, pill, pimple, top, trunk

III. adj.

Pop is used with these nouns:

quiz

popcorn

popcornnoun

Popcorn is used before these nouns:

Popcorn is used after these nouns:

pope

popenoun

nounVERB + pope | PHRASESVERB + popeelectbecomeHe became pope in 1958.meetpeople who have met the PopePHRASESan audience with the popeHe was granted an audience with the Pope.

pop in

pop inphr verb

Pop in is used with these nouns as the object:

DVD

pop into

pop intophr verb

Pop into is used with these nouns as the subject:

idea, thought

Pop into is used with these nouns as the object:

existence, head

pop off

pop offphr verb

Pop off is used with these nouns as the object:

lid, top

pop out

pop outphr verb

Pop out is used with these nouns as the subject:

popped

poppedadj.

Popped is used with these nouns:

corn

poppy

poppynoun

Poppy is used before these nouns:

seed, wreath

Poppy is used after these nouns:

opium

popular

popularadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, prove, seembecome, get, growThey seem to be getting quite popular.remain, staymake sthWhat makes this subject so popular?ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.enormously, especially, exceedingly, extraordinarily, highly, hugely, immensely, incredibly, massively, overwhelmingly, particularly, phenomenally, tremendously, wildlyincreasinglyless than, not exactlyJack was not exactly popular after the incident with the fire extinguisher.equallyAlec and I are equally popular with the show's viewers.relativelydeservedlyThe restaurant is deservedly popular with all who enjoy Mexican food.instantlyHe was one of those people who are instantly popular.newly (esp. AmE)always, enduringly, ever, perenniallySocks are always popular as presents.a concert featuring the ever-popular entertainerwidelyuniversallypoliticallyPREPOSITIONamongpopular among young peopleasThese animals are quite popular as pets.fora restaurant that is popular for light mealswithThis area is immensely popular with tourists.

Popular is used with these nouns:

acceptance, acclaim, agitation, amusement, anger, appeal, approval, attraction, backing, bar, belief, blog, brand, capitalism, character, choice, cinema, classic, cliché, comedian, conception, consciousness, culture, delusion, demand, demonstration, destination, discontent, dish, disillusionment, dissatisfaction, election, entertainment, enthusiasm, esteem, event, expectation, fashion, favourite, feeling, fiction, figure, folklore, haunt, hero, hostility, icon, image, imagery, imagination, insurrection, journalism, literature, magazine, majority, mandate, media, melody, misconception, model, mood, move, movement, music, musical, myth, mythology, narrative, nationalism, newspaper, nightclub, notion, novel, novelist, opinion, participation, pastime, perception, personality, phrase, politician, power, preacher, prejudice, press, pressure, protest, pursuit, rebellion, recreation, referendum, religion, remedy, resistance, resort, restaurant, revolt, revolution, saying, science, sentiment, series, show, singer, slogan, soap opera, song, sovereignty, sport, spot, stereotype, story, success, superstition, support, sympathy, tabloid, taste, teacher, technique, textbook, theatre, theme, topic, tradition, tune, type, understanding, unrest, uprising, usage, venue, version, view, vote, website, will, wisdom, writer, writing

popularity

popularitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + popularity | popularity + VERB | popularity + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsiderable, enormous, great, huge, immense, massive, overwhelming, tremendous, widespreadunprecedentedThe French president is enjoying unprecedented popularity due to his anti-war stance.growing, increased, increasing, risingcontinued, continuing, enduringcurrent, recentnew-foundpersonalglobal, wide, worldwideVERB + popularityachieve, windeserveThe movie deserves its popularity.enjoygain, gain in, grow inOrganic produce appears to be gaining in popularity.maintain, retainregainboostHe'll do anything he can to boost his popularity.explainThis helps explain the popularity of underwater photography.losewhen the style loses popularitypopularity + VERBgrow, soardecline, wanepopularity + NOUNcontest, pollHe still tops national popularity polls.ratingPREPOSITIONpopularity amongThe current system has never enjoyed popularity among teachers.popularity withShe enjoys huge popularity with the voters.PHRASESa decline in popularity, a drop in popularityan increase in popularity, a rise in popularity, a surge in popularity, an upsurge in popularitythe recent upsurge in the popularity of folk musicin the popularity stakes (esp. BrE)We want to remain high in the popularity stakes.the peak of (sb/sth's) popularityAt the peak of its popularity in the late nineties, the band sold ten million albums a year.

popularize

popularizeverb

concept

popularly

popularlyadv.

Popularly is used with these verbs:

elect, know, regard

populate

populateverb

Populate is used with these nouns as the object:

neighbourhood, region, world

populated

populatedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeADVERBdensely, heavily, highly, thicklythe most densely populated part of the islandsparsely, thinlythe most sparsely populated areas in EnglandPREPOSITIONwithThe prison was populated with people of every trade and profession.

Populated is used with these nouns:

area, region

population

populationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | population + VERB | population + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEdense, largesmall, sparseoverall, totalThe country has a total population of 65 million.growingthe growing Hispanic population in the United Statesglobal, local, national, worldindigenous, nativeimmigrantresidentadult, ageing/aging, elderly, young, youthfulfemale, maleblack, whiteHispanic, Latino, etc.active, workingMost of the economically active population is employed in the primary industries.studentcivil, civilianprison, schoolrural, urbanhomelessgeneralThe general population was against the measures.naturalnatural populations of plants and animalsdiverse, heterogeneousa diverse population of over 100 nationalitieshumanplagues that can destroy human populationsbird, fish, plant, etc.breedingThe estuary is home to the largest breeding population of birds in Australia.population + VERBbe sth, stand at sthThe population now stands at about 4 million.reach sthexceed sthdouble, grow, increase, risefluctuateThe population fluctuated between 16 000 and 31 000.decline, decrease, dwindle, fall, shrinkcomprise sth, consist of sthinhabit, live, resideThe majority of the population lives in these two towns.A quarter of the population was residing in rural areas.ageAs populations age, funding retirement becomes more expensive.population + NOUNlevels, sizedensitydata, estimate, figures, projections, statistics, trendsNo reliable population estimates exist.studygrowth, increaseIndia's population growth rate has been more than twice that of China's.boom, explosionthe population boom which followed World War Twodecline, decrease, loss, reductionchange, movement, shiftthe major factors of population changehuge population shifts within metropolitan regionscontrolresearch in matters of sexual health and population controlcensus, surveycentre/centermajor population centres/centers along the coastPHRASESa decline in population, an increase in populationthe growth of populationThe rapid growth of population led to an acute shortage of housing.per head of population (esp. BrE)The income per head of population was under £1 000 per annum.

populist

populistadj.

Populist is used with these nouns:

appeal, movement, party

populous

populousadj.

Populous is used with these nouns:

pop up

pop upphr verb

Pop up is used with these nouns as the subject:

message, window

pop-up

pop-upadj.

Pop-up is used with these nouns:

ad, advert, advertisement, menu, window

porcelain

porcelainnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF PORCELAIN | porcelain + NOUNADJECTIVEfinewhiteChinese, Meissen, etc.… OF PORCELAINpiecesome fine pieces of Chinese porcelainporcelain + NOUNfactorybowl, doll, vase

porch

porchnoun

noun1 entrance to a building2 (AmE) platform in front of a house1 entrance to a buildingADJECTIVE | porch + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEentrance (esp. BrE)churchback, frontporch + NOUNdoor, lightPREPOSITIONin the porchShe stood in the porch and rang the doorbell.

2 (AmE) platform in front of a houseADJECTIVE | porch + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEback, frontsidewrap-aroundcoveredwoodenporch + NOUNsteplightswingPREPOSITIONon the porchThey were sitting out on the porch in the cool evening air.

pore

porenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + poreADJECTIVEblocked (esp. BrE), clogged (esp. AmE)openVERB + poreblock, clog (esp. AmE)openA hot bath opens the pores.close

pork

porknoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF PORK | pork + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEfreshroast, salt, smokedground, pulled (both AmE)… OF PORKbit (esp. BrE), piece, slicebelly, leg, loin, shoulder, tenderloin (all esp. BrE)roast leg of porkpork + NOUNchop, pie (BrE), sausagebelly, loin, shoulder, tenderloinbutcher (esp. BrE)producer (esp. AmE)rinds (esp. AmE), scratchings (BrE)a bag of pork rindsa packet of pork scratchingsPHRASESsweet-and-sour pork

porn

pornnoun

Porn is used before these nouns:

film, magazine, movie, site, video

Porn is used after these nouns:

porno

pornoadj.

Porno is used with these nouns:

magazine, movie

pornographic

pornographicadj.

Pornographic is used with these nouns:

film, image, magazine, material, photo, photograph, site, video

pornography

pornographynoun

(also informal porn) nounADJECTIVE | pornography + NOUNADJECTIVEhard-core, soft, soft-corechildInternetpornography + NOUNindustrysiteporn starporn ring

porn ring

porn ringnoun

Porn ring is used after these nouns:

pornography

porn star

porn starnoun

Porn star is used after these nouns:

pornography

porous

porousadj.

Porous is used with these nouns:

border, rock

porridge

porridgenoun

Porridge is used before these nouns:

oats

port

portnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + port | port + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbustling, busymajorcoastal, foreign, home, seaChannel, Gulf, etc.cargo, coal (BrE), commercial, ferry, fishingVERB + portcome into, enter, reachThe vessel reached port the next morning.leaveport + NOUNarea, city, townauthorityfacilitiessecurityPREPOSITIONin portBad weather kept the ship in port for three more days.into portShe tried to steer the boat into port.PHRASESa port of callOur next port of call was Bermuda.a port of entry (= where people or goods can enter a country officially)Foreign visitors are fingerprinted at the port of entry.

portable

portableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBeasily, highly, verya machine that is designed to be easily portable

Portable is used with these nouns:

altar, computer, device, equipment, gadget, generator, heater, machine, radio, receiver, stove, telephone, television, terminal, toilet, version

portal

portalnoun

Portal is used before these nouns:

Portal is used after these nouns:

porter

porternoun

noun1 helps lift and carry things2 (BrE) in charge of the entrance of a large building1 helps lift and carry thingsADJECTIVE | porter + VERBADJECTIVEhospital, kitchen, railway (all BrE)porter + VERBcarry sth

2 (BrE) in charge of the entrance of a large buildingADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEheadhall, hotelnightuniformedPHRASESporter's desk, porter's lodge

portfolio

portfolionoun

Portfolio is used before these nouns:

management, manager

Portfolio is used after these nouns:

investment, mortgage, product, retirement, share

portion

portionnoun

noun1 part/share2 of food1 part/shareADJECTIVE | VERB + portion | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEconsiderable, good, huge, large, major, significant, sizeable, substantialsmallcentral, lower, southern, top, upper, etc.first, second, etc.remainingVERB + portionmake up, take upPREPOSITIONportion ofSalaries take up a considerable portion of our total budget.

2 of foodADJECTIVE | VERB + portion | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdouble, generous, largea generous portion of vegetablessmall, tinyindividualVERB + portioneatEat smaller portions at regular intervals.PREPOSITIONportion ofHe asked for a large portion of salad.PHRASESdivide sth into portions

portly

portlyadj.

Portly is used with these nouns:

portmanteau

portmanteauadj.

Portmanteau is used with these nouns:

portobello

portobellonoun

Portobello is used before these nouns:

mushroom

portrait

portraitnounadj.

I. noun1 a painting or photograph2 detailed description1 a painting or photographADJECTIVE | VERB + portrait | portrait + VERB | portrait + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfull-length, half-lengthoil, pastel, etc.photographicequestrian, family, group, royalVERB + portraitdo, draw, paintsit forcommissionwritedisplay, exhibit, showportrait + VERBhangAncient family portraits hung on the walls of the staircase.portrait + NOUNgalleryartist, painter, photographera fashionable portrait painterbustPREPOSITIONportrait by, portrait ofa portrait of the writer by Picasso

2 detailed descriptionADJECTIVE | VERB + portraitADJECTIVEintimatevividThe novel provides a vivid portrait of the Holberg family.pen (esp. BrE)The letters contained many deft pen portraits of his colleagues.VERB + portraitcreate, drawThe book drew a stark portrait of Quebec's urban poor.offer, present

II. adj.

Portrait is used with these nouns:

gallery, painter, painting, photograph, photographer, photography, studio

portray

portrayverb

verbADVERB | VERB + portray | PREPOSITIONADVERBaccuratelyclearlygraphically, vividlyan incident that graphically portrays the dangers associated with this sportThe museum collection vividly portrays the heritage of 200 years of canals.convincinglyVERB + portrayattempt to, try toPREPOSITIONasThey try to portray themselves as the victims.

Portray is used with these nouns as the subject:

actor, actress, artist, film, media, movie, painting

Portray is used with these nouns as the object:

character, hero, woman

portrayal

portrayalnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + portrayal | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEaccurate, realistic, vividmovingnegativeMuch television news gives a negative portrayal of politics.mediaVERB + portrayalgive, offer, provideThe movie gives an accurate portrayal of the newspaper business.PREPOSITIONin the, its, etc. portrayalShe shows a full range of emotions in her portrayal of an ambitious politician.portrayal ofHis novel is a vivid portrayal of life in a mining community.

port wine

port winenoun

Port wine is used before these nouns:

stain

pose

poseverb

Pose is used with these nouns as the object:

challenge, danger, difficulty, dilemma, hazard, menace, model, obstacle, paradox, peril, problem, query, question, risk, test, threat

pose for

pose forphr verb

Pose for is used with these nouns as the subject:

model

Pose for is used with these nouns as the object:

camera, photograph, photographer, picture

posh

poshadj.

Posh is used with these nouns:

accent, flat, hotel, house, resort, restaurant, shop

posit

positverb

Posit is used with these nouns as the object:

Position is used with these nouns as the object:

position

positionnounverb

I. noun1 place2 way of sitting, standing, etc.3 situation4 opinion5 rank6 job1 placeADJECTIVE | VERB + position | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcorrect, exactcentralgeographicalrelativemilitary, strategicdefensivescoring (sports, esp. AmE)original, startingnewVERB + positiontake, take upThe guards took up their positions on either side of the door.jostle forHordes of journalists jostled for position outside the conference hall.play (sports)What position does he play?indicateArrows indicate the positions of the aircraft.determinePREPOSITIONin positionFix the pieces in position before gluing them together.into positionPlease get into position.out of positionNakata had to play out of position when the defender was injured.

2 way of sitting, standing, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + positionADJECTIVEcomfortable, uncomfortablecrouched, kneeling, sitting, standingsleepinghorizontal, upright, verticalprone, supine (both formal)foetal/fetalVERB + positionassumechange, shift

3 situationADJECTIVE | VERB + position | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbusiness, economic, financial, legaldominant, impregnable (esp. BrE), strongfavourable/favorable, good, ideal, perfectenviableinvidiouscompetitivestrategicprecarious, vulnerable, weakHe left the club in a precarious financial position with debts of £36 million.awkward, difficult, embarrassing, impossibleuniquesame, similardifferentcurrent, presentbargaining, negotiatingtradingthe trading position of the Chilean economyVERB + positionachieve, attain, reachIt has taken years to achieve the position we are now in.put sb inIt put me in an awkward position when he asked me to keep a secret.strengthenTheir obvious desperation strengthens our bargaining position.PREPOSITIONin a/the positionWe may be in a position to help you.I was in the embarrassing position of having forgotten her name.position of

4 opinionADJECTIVE | VERB + position | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEextremeideological, philosophical, political, theoreticalofficialThe country's official position is that there is no famine in the area.VERB + positionadopt, takedefend, supportPREPOSITIONposition onHe took an extreme position on religious matters.

5 rankADJECTIVE | VERB + position | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfirst, second, etc.dominant, high, important, influential, pre-eminentinferior, lowlyprivileged, securesocialVERB + positionestablish, gain, securemaintainhold, occupyThey occupy a lowly position in society.usePREPOSITIONposition amongThis latest novel confirms her pre-eminent position among today's writers.position inThe firm gained a dominant position in the market.PHRASESa position of authority, a position of influence, a position of power

6 jobADJECTIVE | VERB + position | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfull-time, part-timecurrent, presentnewkey, responsible, senior, topleadershipjuniorofficialskilledadministrative, management, managerialstafffaculty (esp. AmE)VERB + positionhave, hold, occupyapply forfind, obtainassume, take, take upShe has taken up a key position in our head office.filloffer sbacceptresignPREPOSITIONin a/the positionHow long were you in your previous position?position ata faculty position at Iowa State Universityposition in, position withinhis new position in the firmposition ofShe was offered the position of sales manager.

II. verb (often be positioned)ADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBcentrallyThe markers were not positioned centrally.carefullycorrectly, properlywrongly (esp. BrE)favourably/favorably (esp. BrE), wellideally, perfectly, uniquelyThe company is uniquely positioned to compete in foreign markets.strategicallyPREPOSITIONat, behind, between, in, in front of, near, on, etc.Police marksmen were positioned on the roof.

camera, cursor

positive

positiveadj.

adj.1 certain2 hopeful and confident/encouraging3 showing that sth has happened/is present1 certainVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seem, soundADVERBabsolutely, quite (esp. BrE)I'm absolutely positive it was him.fairlyalmost (esp. AmE)PREPOSITIONaboutShe seemed fairly positive about it.ofAre you positive of your facts?

2 hopeful and confident/encouragingVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, feel, seem, soundremainADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highly, overwhelminglyHe took a highly positive view of the matter.entirely, whollymoderately (AmE)generallyapparentlyPREPOSITIONaboutHe sounded very positive about his chances.

3 showing that sth has happened/is presentVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, prove, testThe test proved positive.ADVERBstrongly, weakly (both technical)PREPOSITIONforHe tested positive for HIV.

Positive is used with these nouns:

achievement, act, action, advantage, answer, approach, aspect, association, atmosphere, attitude, attribute, balance, benefit, change, comment, connotation, consequence, contribution, correlation, coverage, development, diagnosis, direction, discrimination, effect, effort, emotion, encouragement, energy, evaluation, evidence, expectation, experience, fashion, feedback, feeling, finding, force, idea, identification, image, imagery, impact, impression, improvement, incentive, indication, inducement, influence, manner, memory, message, mood, motivation, move, news, note, number, outcome, outlook, perception, proof, publicity, quality, reaction, reception, recognition, recommendation, reinforcement, relationship, reply, report, reputation, response, result, return, review, role, sense, side, side effect, sign, slant, slope, smear, spin, spin-off, stance, statement, step, stimulus, suggestion, test, thing, thinking, thought, trend, view, voltage

positively possess possession

possessionnoun

noun1 having/owning sth2 sth that sb has/owns1 having/owning sthADJECTIVE | VERB + possession | possession + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEexclusive, soleThey had exclusive possession of the property as tenants.illegal, unlawful (esp. BrE) (both law)They were charged with unlawful possession of firearms.drugcannabis (esp. BrE), marijuana (esp. AmE), etc.VERB + possessiongain, get, obtainhavetakeWhen do you take possession of your new house?keep, retainThe team was struggling to retain possession of the ball.losepossession + NOUNorder (BrE, law)The judge made a possession order against the tenant.PREPOSITIONin possession of sthPassengers must be in possession of a valid passport.in your possessionThey have in their possession some very valuable pictures.PHRASESin full possession of sthAnyone in full possession of the facts would see that we are right.

2 sth that sb has/ownsADJECTIVE | VERB + possessionADJECTIVEfamily, personal, privateprecious, prized, treasured, valuable, valuedThe sports car was her proudest possession.material, worldlyHe carried all his worldly possessions in an old suitcase.colonial, overseasthe country's overseas possessions (= colonies).VERB + possessionacquirehavecollect (esp. BrE)selllose

possessive

possessiveadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feelbecome, getLoretta's starting to get possessive and jealous.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.PREPOSITIONaboutWhy should he feel so possessive about some old photos?ofShe had always been possessive of her brother.

Possessive is used with these nouns:

adjective, pronoun

possibility

possibilitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + possibility | possibility + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEexciting, interesting, intriguingendless, manyThe resort offers endless possibilities for entertainment.onlyfurther, othernewdifferent, variousfuturedistinct, good, great, real, serious, strongThere's a strong possibility that it will rain today.likelyA more likely possibility is that it will be a tie.reasonablefaint (esp. BrE), remote, vagueThere is a remote possibility that he got the wrong day.practicaltheoreticalobviousVERB + possibilityallow sb, create, offer sb, open up, raise, suggestseeconsider, discuss, examine, explore, investigate, study, testHave you explored the possibilities of setting up your own business?accept, acknowledge, admit, concede, countenance (esp. BrE), entertain, recognizeignore, overlookdeny, discount, dismiss, eliminate, exclude, preclude, rule outWe cannot rule out the possibility of mistaken identity.faceThe team is facing the real possibility of losing.riskWe don't want to risk the possibility of losing all our money.allow for, coverOur resources may be inadequate to cover all possibilities.avertlessen, reduceremainBankruptcy remains a distinct possibility.possibility + VERBexist, remainThe possibility exists that she may never make a full recovery.PREPOSITIONpossibility forShe was quick to see the possibilities for making money that her new skills gave her.possibility ofCareful checks will reduce the possibility of unpleasant surprises.PHRASESnot beyond the bounds of possibility (esp. BrE), within the realm of possibilityIt's not beyond the bounds of possibility that a similar situation could arise again.a number of possibilities, a range of possibilitiesThe course offers a wide range of possibilities for personal development.

possible

possibleadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, seem, soundbecomemake sthNew technology has made it possible to communicate more easily.think sth (esp. BrE)In those circumstances, I thought it possible to work with him.ADVERBentirely, perfectly, quite, veryjustIt is just possible that he's still here.stillhumanlyI think that what he's suggesting is not humanly possible.theoreticallyIt's theoretically possible but highly unlikely ever to happen.PHRASESas far as possible, as long as possible, as much as possibleShe did as much as possible to help him.as quickly as possible, as soon as possiblePlease come as soon as possible.if at all possible, if possibleI'd like the money back by next week if possible.

Possible is used with these nouns:

acquisition, ambiguity, avenue, bias, candidate, cause, closure, compromise, consequence, contamination, contender, culprit, cure, danger, disadvantage, disaster, drawback, effect, exception, excuse, existence, explanation, fault, hazard, impact, implication, improvement, inclusion, infringement, interpretation, lead, link, means, merger, misunderstanding, misuse, need, opening, option, outcome, pitfall, problem, prosecution, reason, reduction, redundancy, relevance, repercussion, replacement, response, retaliation, return, risk, role, scenario, side effect, sighting, site, snag, solution, successor, suspect, target, threat, tornado, turning point, way, weakness, winner

possibly

possiblyadv.

Possibly is used with these adjectives:

damaging, dangerous, fatal, harmful, illegal

Possibly is used with these verbs:

eliminate, imagine, prevent, result, save

post

postnounverb

I. noun1 (BrE) postal system2 (BrE) letters, parcels, etc.3 job4 place where sb is on duty5 upright piece of wood, etc.6 message sent to a discussion group on the Internet1 (BrE) postal systemSee also mailADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfirst-class, second-classregisteredinlandPREPOSITIONby postI sent it by first-class post.in the postMy application for the job is in the post.PHRASESby return of postOrders will be sent by return of post.

2 (BrE) letters, parcels, etc.See also mailADJECTIVE | VERB + post | post + NOUNADJECTIVEfirst, lastIf you hurry you'll just catch the last post.VERB + postcheck, openShe arrived at the office early and checked her post.post + NOUNbox (usually postbox)

3 jobADJECTIVE | VERB + post | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEseniorfull-time, part-time (esp. BrE)permanent, temporaryvacantmanagerial (esp. BrE), teachingHe took up a teaching post at Basle University.government, universitydiplomatic (AmE) (diplomatic posting in BrE)overseas (AmE) (overseas posting in BrE)hardship (= a job abroad where conditions are difficult) (hardship posting in BrE)VERB + postapply forgettake, take upholdleave, quit, resignappoint sb to, filldismiss sb from, relieve sb of (esp. BrE)He was dismissed from his post when he was found to have accepted bribes.PREPOSITIONpost asHe quit his post as chief executive.post ofShe applied for the new post of training officer.

4 place where sb is on dutyADJECTIVE | VERB + post | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEarmy, policecommand, observationborder, frontierVERB + posttake upThe guard took up his post at the gate.desertThe sentries had deserted their posts.PREPOSITIONat your postThe gun crew were at their posts.

5 upright piece of wood, etc.ADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEfencefinishing (BrE), winninggoal (usually goalpost)far, near (both in football/soccer)He steered a shot between the goalkeeper and the near post.high, low (both in basketball)PHRASESbe pipped at the post, pip sb/sth to the post (both BrE)She led for most of the way before being pipped at the post.

6 message sent to a discussion group on the InternetADJECTIVE | VERB + post | post + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEblogearlier, original, previouslast, new, recentgood, great, interestinglongVERB + postmake, writeI want to apologize for not making a post on Friday.read, seeTo respond to your comments, please see my previous post.post + VERBbe entitled sth, be titled sth (esp. AmE)Seth made a blog post titled ‘Rules of Engagement’.PREPOSITIONpost about, post ona post about Billy the KidMore info can be found in my first post on the subject.

II. verb

Post is used with these nouns as the subject:

Post is used with these nouns as the object:

ad, article, bail, ballot, blog, comment, coupon, curriculum vitae, earnings, email, entry, envelope, guard, image, increase, information, letter, link, list, mail, memo, message, news, notice, package, page, parcel, photograph, postcard, profit, query, résumé, reply, response, review, sign, text, transcript, update, victory, video, warning, watch, win

postage

postagenoun

nounVERB + postage | postage + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + postagepayI had to pay $4 postage.cover (esp. BrE)Add £3 to each order to cover postage.includepostage + NOUNmeter (AmE)stampcosts, ratesPREPOSITIONfor postageIt costs €60, plus €5 for postage.in postageSending those books cost me a fortune in postage!postage onWhat's the postage on this package?PHRASESpostage and handling (AmE), postage and packing (BrE)All prices include postage and packing/handling.postage paid (esp. AmE)Send a check or money order for $7, postage paid, to this address.a postage-paid envelope

postage-paid

postage-paidadj.

Postage-paid is used with these nouns:

envelope

postal

postaladj.

Postal is used with these nouns:

address, ballot, booking, clerk, code, district, employee, inspector, mail, order, questionnaire, service, strike, survey, vote, worker

post-apocalyptic

post-apocalypticadj.

Post-apocalyptic is used with these nouns:

postcard

postcardnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + postcard | postcard + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpictureholiday (BrE)VERB + postcardwriteI hate writing postcards.mail (AmE), post (BrE), send (sb)get, receivebuy, sellpostcard + VERBarrive (esp. BrE), comeA postcard came for you today.depict sth (esp. BrE), show sthPREPOSITIONon a/the postcardWrite your answers on a postcard.postcard from, postcard ofI sent him a postcard of the cathedral.postcard to

post-colonial

post-colonialadj.

Post-colonial is used with these nouns:

writer

post-conflict

post-conflictadj.

Post-conflict is used with these nouns:

reconstruction

post-dated

post-datedadj.

Post-dated is used with these nouns:

postdoctoral

postdoctoraladj.

Postdoctoral is used with these nouns:

fellow, researcher, training

posted

postedadj.

Posted is used with these nouns:

limit

poster

posternoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + poster | poster + VERB | poster + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcampaign, circus, election, film (esp. BrE), movie (esp. AmE), propagandavintage (esp. AmE)He collects vintage movie posters.wantedThe police have put up wanted posters describing the man.VERB + posterdisplay, hang, hang up, put up, stick upbe covered with, be plastered withHis walls are plastered with posters of rock stars.take downdesign, makeprintposter + VERBappear, go upHuge election posters suddenly went up all over the town.hangAssorted posters hung on the walls.depict sth, feature sth, show sthsay sthThe wanted poster said ‘Dead or Alive’.advertise sthposter + NOUNcampaignDetectives have launched a massive poster campaign to help in the search for two killers.board (esp. AmE)presentation, sessionboy, child, girl (all esp. AmE) (= a person who represents a particular quality or activity)He was the poster boy for indie rock.PREPOSITIONon a/the posterthe picture on the posterposter forposters for tonight's concertposter ofa poster of James Dean

posterior

posterioradj.

Posterior is used with these nouns:

part

post-game

post-gameadj.

Post-game is used with these nouns:

news conference

postgraduate

postgraduateadj.

Postgraduate is used with these nouns:

course, degree, diploma, qualification, researcher, student, study, training

posthumous

posthumousadj.

Posthumous is used with these nouns:

fame, pardon, publication, reputation

posthumously

posthumouslyadv.

Posthumously is used with these verbs:

award, publish

post-imperial

post-imperialadj.

Post-imperial is used with these nouns:

era

post-industrial

post-industrialadj.

Post-industrial is used with these nouns:

posting

postingnoun

noun1 message sent to a discussion group on the Internet2 (esp. BrE) being sent to a place for work1 message sent to a discussion group on the InternetADJECTIVE | VERB + posting | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEInternet, onlineblogjobonline job postings on the websiteearlier, original, previouslast, new, recentVERB + postingmake, writeI've made a couple of postings about identity theft.read, seeHave you read my posting?PREPOSITIONposting abouta posting about catsposting onpostings on our message board

2 (esp. BrE) being sent to a place for workADJECTIVE | VERB + posting | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdiplomaticforeign, overseashardship (= a job abroad where conditions are difficult) (hardship post in AmE)three-month, two-year, etc.VERB + postingget, take upShe was unable to take up the Bangkok posting.PREPOSITIONposting asShe has now accepted a posting as ambassador to Latvia.posting toHe received a posting to Japan as soon as his training was finished.

Post-it{™}

Post-it{™}noun

Post-it™ is used before these nouns:

postman, postwoman

postman, postwomannoun

noun (esp. BrE)ADJECTIVE | postman, postwoman + VERBADJECTIVElocal, villagepostman, postwoman + VERBdeliver sth

post-match

post-matchadj.

Post-match is used with these nouns:

press conference

post-menopausal

post-menopausaladj.

Post-menopausal is used with these nouns:

woman

postmodern

postmodernadj.

Postmodern is used with these nouns:

art, critique, culture, philosophy, theory, world

post-mortem

post-mortemnoun

nounVERB + post-mortem | post-mortem + VERB | post-mortem + NOUN | PREPOSITIONVERB + post-mortemcarry out (esp. BrE), conduct, dohave, hold (esp. BrE)The coroner says we will have to hold a post-mortem.post-mortem + VERBreveal sth, show sthpost-mortem + NOUNexaminationPREPOSITIONpost-mortem onThey're doing a post-mortem on her today.

post-natal

post-nataladj.

Post-natal is used with these nouns:

depression

post office

post officenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + post office | post office + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhead (BrE), mainlocal, village (esp. BrE)VERB + post officego topost office + NOUNclerk, workercounter (BrE)PREPOSITIONat a/the post officeYou can buy stamps at the post office.

post-operative

post-operativeadj.

Post-operative is used with these nouns:

complication, recovery

post-partum

post-partumadj.

Post-partum is used with these nouns:

depression

postpone

postponeverb

verbADVERB | VERB + postpone | PREPOSITIONADVERBindefinitelyThe event has been postponed indefinitely due to lack of interest.merely, onlyThe inevitable conflict was merely postponed till the next meeting.VERB + postponeagree to, decide tobe forced toask sb toRuth wrote at once, asking Maria to postpone her visit.PREPOSITIONforOur visit had been postponed for several weeks.from, toThe game has been postponed from Wednesday night to Friday night.till, untilThe meeting has been postponed until next week.

Postpone is used with these nouns as the object:

decision, discussion, election, execution, fixture, game, launch, meeting, retirement, visit, vote, wedding

postponement

postponementnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + postponement | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEindefiniteVERB + postponementask for, call for, requestThey are calling for a further postponement of the election date.announceforcePREPOSITIONpostponement untilThe death of one of the candidates forced postponement of the voting until June 1.

post-summit

post-summitadj.

Post-summit is used with these nouns:

news conference, press conference

post-tax

post-taxadj.

Post-tax is used with these nouns:

income, profit

post-term

post-termadj.

Post-term is used with these nouns:

pregnancy

post-traumatic

post-traumaticadj.

Post-traumatic is used with these nouns:

stress

post-traumatic stress

post-traumatic stressnoun

Post-traumatic stress is used before these nouns:

disorder

postulate

postulateverb

Postulate is used with these nouns as the object:

posture

posturenoun

noun1 position of the body2 attitude1 position of the bodyADJECTIVE | VERB + posture | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcorrect, good, perfect (esp. AmE), properbad, poorerect, uprightthe normal upright posturestiffbodyyogaVERB + posturehaveShe has very good posture.adopt, take, take upmaintainchange, improvestraighten (esp. AmE)PREPOSITIONin a/the postureHe sat in a posture of absolute respect.posture fora poor posture for driving

2 attitudeADJECTIVE | VERB + posture | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdefensiveaggressive, threateningmilitaryVERB + postureadopt, assume, take, take upmaintainregain (esp. AmE)Michael gulped as he struggled to regain his posture.PREPOSITIONposture towards/towardto adopt a threatening posture towards/toward an opponent

post-war

post-waradj.

Post-war is used with these nouns:

austerity, boom, decade, era, euphoria, generation, occupation, period, reconstruction, recovery, settlement, world, year

pot

potnoun

noun1 for cooking2 for tea/coffee3 container for storing things, growing plants, etc.1 for cookingADJECTIVE | VERB + pot | pot + VERB | pot + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcookingVERB + potcoverCook gently in a covered pot for 3–4 hours.stirpot + VERBboil, bubbleHe could hear the pot bubbling on the stove.pot + NOUNpie (AmE)roastPREPOSITIONfor the pot (esp. BrE)Local people kill these animals for the pot (= to eat).in a/the pot, into a/the potPut all the ingredients in a large pot.pot ofa pot of soupPHRASESpots and pansI sat in the kitchen, among the dirty pots and pans.

2 for tea/coffeeADJECTIVE | VERB + pot | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEsteamingfreshcoffee, tea (usually teapot)VERB + potbrew, make, put onI'll make a fresh pot of tea.fillShe filled the pot with boiling water.PREPOSITIONin a/the potIs there any more tea in the pot?pot of

3 container for storing things, growing plants, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + pot | pot + VERB | pot + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEceramic, clay, earthenware, iron, plastic, terracottaflower, plantpaint, pepper (esp. BrE) (usually pepper shaker in AmE)chamberchimneylobsterVERB + potgrow sth in, plant sth infillpot + VERBbe filled with sth, be full of sth, contain stha clay pot full of oilpot + NOUNplant (BrE)PREPOSITIONin a/the pot, into a/the potPlants in pots require more water than you might think.pot ofa pot of glue (BrE)a pot of geraniums

potable

potableadj.

Potable is used with these nouns:

potassium

potassiumnoun

Potassium is used before these nouns:

salt

potato

potatonoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF POTATOES | VERB + potato | potato + NOUNADJECTIVEbaking (esp. BrE), newsweetseedbaked, boiled, fried, jacket (BrE), mashed, roast (esp. BrE), roasted (esp. AmE), sauté (BrE), sautéed (esp. AmE)baked potatoes with sour cream and chives… OF POTATOESsackVERB + potatoeat, havepeelchop, mash, slicebake, boil, cook, fry, roast, sautépotatoes baked in their jackets (BrE)potatoes baked in their skins (AmE)growpotato + NOUNchip (AmE), crisp (BrE), pancake (AmE), purée, saladpeelingspeelerskins, wedgesa plate of fried potato skinscrop, harvest

pot-bellied

pot-belliedadj.

Pot-bellied is used with these nouns:

stove

potency

potencynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + potencyADJECTIVEsexuala man at the peak of his sexual potencyVERB + potencyincreasehavelose

potent

potentadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomeremainADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.The vodka must have been pretty potent stuff.especially, highly, particularly

Potent is used with these nouns:

antidote, cocktail, combination, force, mix, mixture, poison, reminder, symbol, venom, weapon

potential

potentialnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + potential | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEconsiderable, enormous, great, high, huge, limitless, tremendous, vastfull, maximumYou aren't using your computer to its full potential.real, trueunfulfilled, untappedfuture, long-termcommercial, economicgrowthcreativehumanHe believes that religion allows us to develop our human potential.VERB + potentialdemonstrate, have, showThis young man has enormous potential.hold, offerThe new business offers great potential for growth.be aware of, recognize, seeJohn Cadbury could see the potential for his product.develop, exploit, explore, unlockThey were among the first companies to exploit the potential of the Internet.achieve, fulfil/fulfill, maximize, reach, realizehis dream of fulfilling his true potentialincrease, reducePREPOSITIONwith potentialWe're looking for a trainee with potential.potential asShe showed great potential as an actor.potential foran industry that has the potential for growth

II. adj.

Potential is used with these nouns:

advantage, ally, ambiguity, applicant, application, audience, avenue, benefit, bias, buyer, candidate, capability, catastrophe, client, competitor, complication, conflict, consequence, consumer, contamination, cost, criminal, crisis, cure, customer, damage, danger, demand, difference, difficulty, disadvantage, disaster, donor, drawback, effect, effectiveness, embarrassment, employee, employer, enemy, entrepreneur, gain, greatness, hazard, hire, impact, implication, importance, improvement, influence, investor, killer, limitation, link, litigation, lover, mate, member, merger, murderer, participant, peril, pitfall, problem, profit, profitability, rapist, recruit, relevance, repercussion, replacement, return, revenue, reward, risk, rival, roadblock, role, saving, saviour, shortcoming, side effect, significance, site, snag, source, sponsor, stumbling block, successor, suspect, target, tenant, terrorist, threat, trap, trouble, turning point, use, usefulness, user, utility, victim, visitor, volunteer, voter, vulnerability, weakness, windfall, winner, witness

potentially

potentiallyadv.

Potentially is used with these adjectives:

beneficial, big, capable, catastrophic, confusing, contaminated, controversial, costly, damaging, dangerous, decisive, destructive, detrimental, disastrous, disruptive, divisive, effective, embarrassing, endless, excellent, exciting, explosive, fatal, fruitful, harmful, hazardous, helpful, hostile, huge, illegal, immortal, incompatible, inefficient, infectious, infinite, influential, informative, interested, interesting, lethal, liable, lucrative, misleading, negative, offensive, painful, powerful, preventable, productive, profitable, radical, relevant, rewarding, rich, risky, sensitive, serious, significant, subject, subversive, suicidal, suitable, threatening, toxic, traumatic, treacherous, ugly, unlimited, unstable, useful, valuable, viable, violent, volatile, vulnerable, worth

Potentially is used with these verbs:

compromise, conflict, contribute, disrupt, eliminate, improve, influence, jeopardize, prevent, result, save, threaten, undermine

potion

potionnoun

Potion is used after these nouns:

potluck

potlucknoun

Potluck is used before these nouns:

dinner, supper

potted

pottedadj.

Potted is used with these nouns:

biography, meat, palm, plant

pottery

potterynoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF POTTERY | VERB + pottery | pottery + NOUNADJECTIVEglazedfine (esp. BrE)… OF POTTERYfragment (esp. BrE), piece, shardshards of Iron Age potteryVERB + potterymake, manufacture (esp. BrE), producefirethe kilns in which the pottery is firedpottery + NOUNkiln (esp. BrE)

potting

pottingnoun

Potting is used before these nouns:

mix, shed, soil

potty

pottynoun

nounVERB + potty | potty + NOUN | PREPOSITIONVERB + pottyusesit (sb) onpotty + NOUNtrainingPREPOSITIONon the potty

pouch

pouchnoun

Pouch is used after these nouns:

tobacco

poultry

poultrynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + poultry | poultry + NOUNADJECTIVEfree-range (esp. BrE)domesticVERB + poultrykeep (esp. BrE), raise (AmE)He keeps/raises rabbits and poultry.They keep/raise poultry on the farm.poultry + NOUNfarm, farming, industrydisha wine that goes well with fish and poultry dishes

pounce

pounceverb

Pounce is used with these nouns as the subject:

pounce on

pounce onphr verb

Pounce on is used with these nouns as the subject:

Pounce on is used with these nouns as the object:

ball, prey

pound pound at

pound atphr verb

Pound at is used with these nouns as the object:

keyboard

pounding

poundingnoun

Pounding is used before these nouns:

bass, beat, headache, heart, rain, rhythm, surf

pound into

pound intophr verb

Pound into is used with these nouns as the object:

pound on

pound onphr verb

Pound on is used with these nouns as the object:

keyboard

pour

pourverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBcarefullyquicklygradually, slowlyoutHelen poured out two stiff drinks.PREPOSITIONfrom, into, on, onto, out of, over, etc.Pour the sauce over the pasta.

Pour is used with these nouns as the subject:

light, liquid, refugee, smoke, sunlight, sunshine, water

Pour is used with these nouns as the object:

batter, beer, bowl, brandy, bucket, cement, champagne, coffee, concrete, content, cup, custard, drink, gasoline, gin, glass, grace, ingredient, jug, liquid, liquor, love, milk, mixture, mug, oil, paint, petrol, scorn, soda, soup, tea, water, whisky, wine

pour down

pour downphr verb

Pour down is used with these nouns as the subject:

rain, sweat, tear, waterfall

pour from

pour fromphr verb

Pour from is used with these nouns as the object:

jug

pour in

pour inphr verb

Pour in is used with these nouns as the subject:

money, tribute

pouring

pouringadj.

Pouring is used with these nouns:

cream, rain, water

pour into

pour intophr verb

Pour into is used with these nouns as the subject:

immigrant, money

Pour into is used with these nouns as the object:

bowl, jug, money, mould, mug

pour off

pour offphr verb

Pour off is used with these nouns as the object:

pour on

pour onphr verb

Pour on is used with these nouns as the object:

sauce

pour out

pour outphr verb

Pour out is used with these nouns as the subject:

Pour out is used with these nouns as the object:

grace, heart, mug, tea

pour out of

pour out ofphr verb

Pour out of is used with these nouns as the object:

jug

pour over

pour overphr verb

Pour over is used with these nouns as the object:

sauce

pour with

pour withphr verb

Pour with is used with these nouns as the object:

Pout is used with these nouns as the subject:

pout

poutverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBslightlycutely, playfully, prettily (all esp. AmE)PREPOSITIONatShe pouted prettily at him.

Pout is used with these nouns as the object:

pouty

poutyadj.

Pouty is used with these nouns:

poverty

povertynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + poverty | poverty + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEabject, absolute, extreme, grinding, severewidespreadglobal, worldrural, urbanchildVERB + povertyalleviate, combat, fight, reduceeliminate, end, eradicatea plan to eradicate urban povertyescapehis struggle to escape the grinding poverty of his childhoodpoverty + NOUNtrapCaught in the poverty trap, they are unable to save money for business ventures.ratereductionPREPOSITIONin povertyMost of the population lives in grinding poverty.poverty amongthe true extent of poverty among the unemployedpoverty ofHis work displays a poverty of imagination.PHRASESabove/below/under the poverty level (AmE), above/below/under the poverty linefamilies living below the poverty line/levelat the poverty level (AmE), at the poverty line (AmE), on the poverty line (BrE)

POW

POWnoun

POW is used before these nouns:

Powder is used before these nouns:

powder

powdernoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + powder | powder + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEfinechilli/chili, cocoa, curry, milk, proteinbakingsoap, washing (both BrE)baby, face, talcumdusting, laundry (both AmE)VERB + powdergrind sth intoThe seeds are ground into a fine powder before use.dust sth with, sprinkle onBefore the photo dries, the image is dusted with a special powder.apply, put onShe quickly put some powder on her cheeks.add, mix sth with, stir inAdd a teaspoonful of curry powder.powder + NOUNsnowPHRASESin powder formThe medication is also available in powder form.

blue, cocaine, ski, snow

Powder is used after these nouns:

baby, chilli, curry, custard, dishwasher, flea, garlic, milk, mustard, pepper, soap, washing

powdered

powderedadj.

Powdered is used with these nouns:

milk, sugar, wig

powdery

powderyadj.

Powdery is used with these nouns:

snow, substance

power

powernounverb

I. noun1 authority/control2 ability to do sth3 country with influence4 force/strength5 energy1 authority/controlADJECTIVE | VERB + power | power + VERB | power + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEabsolute, ultimateconsiderable, enormous, tremendousrealThe emperor held no real power.limitedarbitraryeconomic, legal, legislative, politicalcorporateexecutiveHe sits on the board but has no executive power.vetopopularsecularfederalimperialhigherbelief in a higher powerVERB + powercome to, rise toWhen did this government come to power?assume, gain, get, seize, takeThe prince assumed power in his father's place.return torestore sb to, return sb tohave, holdThe court has no power to order a psychiatric examination of the child's parents.They held power for 18 years.shareexercise, use, wielddemonstrate, showabuseconfer, give sb, grant sbcertain powers that were granted to the governmentlimitlackfall from, loseThey fell from power in 1992.give up, relinquish, renouncedelegate, devolve (esp. BrE)Some states delegate police power to municipalities.power + VERBbe concentrated in (the hands of sb/sth), flow from sb/sth, lie with sb/sth, rest with sb/sthThe real legislative power still rests with the lower chamber.power + NOUNstruggleWho will get the upper hand in this power struggle?relations, structurebaseThe party's power base is in the industrial north of the country.brokerPREPOSITIONin powerthe party in powerin sb's powerThey held us in their power.power ofthe power of vetopower overThe government has limited legal powers over television.PHRASESabuse of powerthe balance of powerThe war brought about a shift in the balance of power.a bid for powerthe exercise of powera position of powerthe father's position of power and influence in the homethe power behind the throne (= the person who is really in control)People say that the First Lady is the power behind the throne.a transfer of powerthe transfer of power from a military to a civilian government

2 ability to do sthADJECTIVE | VERB + power | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEair, combat, military, naval, sea (esp. BrE)an increase in China's air powerfireweapons with enormous fire powerbargainingcomputing, processinghealingthe healing power of sleepbuying, earning, purchasingstayingHaving served in four governments, he has the greatest staying power of any politician today.specialmagic, magical, mystical, psychic, supernaturalThey believe he has supernatural powers.VERB + powerhave, possessusedevelopincrease, limit, reducelackloseReligion is rapidly losing its power to shape our lives.underestimateDon't underestimate my powers of persuasion.PREPOSITIONbeyond sb/sth's powera task still beyond any computer's powerin sb's power, within sb's powerI'm afraid it's not within my power to help you.through the power ofHe wants to change the world through the power of prayer.powers asa tribute to his powers as a teacherpower ofher powers of observationI lost my power of speech for a while after the accident.PHRASESat the height of your powers, at the peak of your powers, at the zenith of your powersIn 1946 Dalí was at the peak of his powers.do all in your power, do everything in your powerHe did everything in his power to find us somewhere to live.

3 country with influenceADJECTIVEADJECTIVEgreat, majorworldforeignallied, enemyoccupyingvictoriousEuropean, Western, etc.major European powers such as France and Germanycolonial, imperial, industrial, naval

4 force/strengthADJECTIVEADJECTIVEawesome, great, real, tremendousIt was a performance of great power.rawthe raw power of their musicdestructive, terriblethe destructive power of a hurricanestar (esp. AmE)She exudes star power whenever she's on screen.

5 energyADJECTIVE | VERB + power | power + VERB | power + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfullThe plane was still climbing at full power.reducedThe transmitter is operating on reduced power.electric, electrical, hydroelectric, nuclear, solar, steam, tidal, water, windVERB + powergenerate, produceThey use these streams to generate power for the mill.provide (sb/sth with), supply (sb/sth with)This wheel provides the power to the cutting machine.useharnessturn oncut off, turn offpower + VERBdrive sth, run sthWind power is used to drive the machinery.go off, go out (esp. AmE)She was in the elevator when the power went off.power + NOUNcable, grid, line, point (BrE), source, supply, systemtoolPower tools make many jobs so much easier.plant, station (BrE)workercut (BrE), failure, outage (AmE)consumptionPREPOSITIONpower forThe generator supplies power for lighting,PHRASESa source of power

II. verb

Power is used with these nouns as the subject:

motor

Power is used with these nouns as the object:

automobile, engine, generator, machine, mill, motor

power-assisted

power-assistedadj.

Power-assisted is used with these nouns:

steering

powered

poweredadj.

Powered is used with these nouns:

wheelchair

powerful

powerfuladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, look, seembecome, get, growmake sb/sthADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.enormously, especially, exceptionally, extraordinarily, immensely, incredibly, particularly, remarkably, surprisingly, tremendously, unusuallyincreasinglyrelativelyenough, sufficientlyShe had a voice powerful enough not to need a microphone.equallypotentiallyeconomically, politicallya politically powerful figure

Powerful is used with these nouns:

advocate, alliance, ally, antidote, antiseptic, appeal, argument, arm, army, attraction, beak, beam, binoculars, blast, blow, build, case, chest, claw, climax, cocktail, combination, computer, constituency, corporation, critique, current, deity, deterrent, drama, drive, drug, earthquake, effect, electric shock, elite, emotion, empire, enemy, engine, evidence, explosion, explosive, expression, family, figure, force, frame, grip, group, gust, hold, hurricane, ideology, image, imagery, impact, impetus, impression, incentive, indictment, individual, inducement, influence, instinct, institution, instrument, intellect, interest, jaw, kick, laser, leader, leg, lever, limb, lobby, lure, machine, magic, magnet, male, medicine, member, memory, merchant, message, metaphor, microscope, military, mix, monopoly, motivation, motor, motorcycle, muscle, myth, narcotic, nation, neighbour, opposition, patron, performance, personality, physique, piece, poison, politician, presence, punch, ray, reinforcement, reminder, rhetoric, rival, role, ruler, runner, sedative, sense, shoulder, shove, smash, sound, spell, spur, state, stench, stimulus, stroke, swing, symbol, system, taboo, technique, telescope, testament, testimony, thigh, thrust, tool, torch, tornado, tradition, transmitter, urge, voice, warrior, weapon, woman

powerfully

powerfullyadv.

Powerfully is used with these adjectives:

effective, emotive, erotic, scented

Powerfully is used with these verbs:

argue, convey, demonstrate, evoke, illustrate, influence, reinforce, shape

powerless

powerlessadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, feel, prove, seembecomeremainleave sb, make sb, render sbIf he took control, they would be rendered virtually powerless.ADVERBcompletely, quite (esp. BrE), totally, utterlyessentially, largely, relatively, virtuallyPREPOSITIONagainstThey were completely powerless against such a large group.in the face ofThey felt powerless in the face of disaster.overPeople feel powerless over the problem.

PowerPoint{™}

PowerPoint{™}noun

PowerPoint™ is used before these nouns:

presentation

power-sharing

power-sharingnoun

Power-sharing is used before these nouns:

arrangement

power-to-weight

power-to-weightadj.

Power-to-weight is used with these nouns:

ratio

PRnoun

PR is used before these nouns:

blitz, campaign, firm, stunt

practicable

practicableadj.

adj. (formal)VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, prove, seembecomeADVERBperfectlyreasonablyWe will do this as soon as is reasonably practicable.not veryPHRASESas far as (is) practicable, so far as (is) practicableto reduce smoking as far as is reasonably practicableThe stadium shall undertake to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, the safety of persons not in their employment.as soon as (is) practicable, at the earliest practicable date, time, etc.The decision will be made at the earliest practicable date.to the extent practicableWe aim to reduce, to the maximum extent practicable, the discharge of pollutants.where practicable, wherever practicableThe university should provide timely notification where practicable.

Practicable is used with these nouns:

means

practical

practicalnounadj.

I. noun (BrE)ADJECTIVE | VERB + practicalADJECTIVEchemistry, physics, etc.laboratoryVERB + practicalsit (BrE), takefail, passI passed the written exam but failed the practical.

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, prove, seem, soundbecome, getIt's time to get practical!make stha feature that makes the system more practicaldo sthI'll do something practical now and answer some mail.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.She always adopted a very practical tone.eminently, highly, intenselyentirely, purely, strictlyFor entirely practical reasons, children are not invited.hardly

Practical is used with these nouns:

advantage, advice, alternative, application, approach, arrangement, aspect, assistance, benefit, common sense, consequence, consideration, context, criticism, demand, demonstration, detail, difficulty, effect, end, exam, examination, example, exercise, experience, experiment, expression, guidance, guide, guideline, help, hint, implementation, implication, importance, initiative, instruction, joke, know-how, knowledge, level, limit, limitation, matter, measure, method, nature, necessity, nurse, option, outcome, point of view, pointer, politics, possibility, problem, proposition, purpose, reality, reason, reasoning, recommendation, reform, relevance, sense, significance, skill, solution, standpoint, step, suggestion, support, term, test, theology, tip, tool, training, use, usefulness, utility, value, way, wisdom, work, workshop

practically practice

practicenounverb

I. noun1 actual doing of sth2 doing sth many times3 way of doing sth4 work/office of a professional person1 actual doing of sthVERB + practice | PREPOSITIONVERB + practiceput sth intoI can't wait to put what I've learned into practice.PREPOSITIONin practiceThe idea sounds fine in theory, but would it work in practice?

2 doing sth many timesADJECTIVE | VERB + practice | practice + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbasketball, batting, football, piano, soccer (esp. AmE), swim (AmE), etc.targetdailyhard work and daily practiceVERB + practicedo, get, get in, haveI'll be able to get in a bit of practice this weekend.I've had a lot of practice in saying ‘no’ recently!need, require, takeDon't worry if you can't do it at first—it takes practice!give sbThis chapter gives students practice in using adjectives.practice + NOUNfacilities, field (esp. AmE), groundgame, sessiondrillWe watched the swimmers go through their practice drills.PREPOSITIONout of practiceIf you don't play regularly, you soon get out of practice.with practiceHis accent should improve with practice.practice atpractice at swimming underwaterpractice inThe children need more practice in tying their shoelaces.PHRASESbe good practice for sthIt will be good practice for later, when you have to make speeches in public.practice makes perfect (saying)

3 way of doing sthADJECTIVE | VERB + practice | practice + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgood, recommended, soundadvice on adopting current best practice in your businessenvironmentally sound practicessafe, unsafeethicalcorrupt, deceptive, fraudulent, questionable, shady, sharp (esp. BrE), unethical, unfairshady business practicesdiscriminatory, restrictiveactualthe complications that arise in actual practiceeverydaycontemporary, currentaccepted, customary, established, long-standing, traditionalcommon, general, normal, routine, standard, usualthe company's general practice of selling through agentsIt is standard practice not to pay bills until the end of the month.universal, widespreadlocalsustainablesustainable land-use practicesclinical, cultural, legal, medical, nursing, religious, sexual, social, spiritual, etc.the medical practices of ancient EgyptAmerican social practicesaccounting, administrative, business, employment, hiring (esp. AmE), management, workingThey carried out a study of Japanese working practices.VERB + practiceintroduceThe practice of community policing was introduced in the 1970s.adopt, employ, follow, implement, useadvocate, encourage, endorse, promote, recommendchallenge, questiondefend, supportSome prisoners defend this practice as the only way to survive.condemn, discourageThis practice was roundly condemned by the World Medical Association.abandon, abolish, ban, eliminate, end, forbid, halt, outlaw, prevent, prohibit, reject, stopcontinueThe bank has continued its practice of charging late fees.alter, change, improve, modify, transformEstablished practices are difficult to modify.affect, govern, guide, influence, inform, shapethe decisions that govern our practice and our conductWe use this information to inform clinical practice.practice + VERBexistCertain practices exist in both public and private schools.begincontinuethe ancient custom of log rolling, a practice which continues to this daychange, develop, evolvediffer, varyReligious practices differ from group to group.reflect sthSuch practices do not reflect our values.PREPOSITIONpractice amongThis is now common practice among ethnographers.practice forsafe medical practices for childrenpractice ingood practice in undergraduate educationpractice ofthe practice of acupuncturepractice regardingquestionable accounting practices regarding the sale of hardwarepractice withinethical practice within the professionPHRASESa change in practicechanges in employment practicesa code of practice (esp. BrE)voluntary codes of practice between sellers and customersmake a practice of sthI don't make a practice of forgetting to pay my bills, I assure you!

4 work/office of a professional personADJECTIVE | VERB + practiceADJECTIVEsuccessfulclinical, legal, medical, professionalfamily (esp. AmE), general (both medicine)a physician in family practice (AmE)a doctor in general practice (BrE)privatea psychologist in private practicegroupIt's a group practice, so you can easily change doctors.VERB + practicebe in, go into, set up inShe wants to go into general practice.retire fromsuspend sb fromHe has been suspended from practice.begin, establish, open, startMartin began his own practice in 1993.She has opened a new practice in the town.runHe runs a successful legal practice in Ohio.maintainShe maintains a private practice as a mental health consultant.joinA new partner has joined the practice.leave

II. verb

Practice is used with these nouns as the subject:

attorney

Practice is used with these nouns as the object:

practiced

practicedadj.

Practiced is used with these nouns:

ease, eye, hand

practicing

practicingadj.

Practicing is used with these nouns:

architect, attorney, barrister, Buddhist, Catholic, Christian, homosexual, Jew, lawyer, Muslim, nurse, physician, psychiatrist, solicitor, vet, veterinarian

practise

practiseverb

(BrE) (AmE practice) verb1 to train regularly to improve2 to do sth as part of normal behaviour/behavior1 to train regularly to improveADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBdiligently, hardShe diligently practised her piano every day.regularlyPREPOSITIONforShe's practising hard for the piano competition.onI learned hairdressing by practising on my sister.PHRASESbe well practised (in sth)He was well practised in meditation.

2 to do sth as part of normal behaviour/behaviorADVERB | PHRASESADVERBcommonly, routinely, widelyThis model of education widely practised.rarelyPolygamy is legal, but it is very rarely practised.currentlywhaling as currently practisedfreely, openlyBoth Protestants and Catholics could freely practise their religion.PHRASES(be) practised todayThese methods are still practised today.

practised

practisedadj.

Practised is used with these nouns:

ease, eye, hand

practising

practisingadj.

Practising is used with these nouns:

architect, barrister, Buddhist, Catholic, Christian, homosexual, Jew, lawyer, Muslim, nurse, physician, psychiatrist, solicitor, vet

practitioner

practitionernoun

Practitioner is used after these nouns:

karate, nurse

pragmatic

pragmaticadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seembecomeremainADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highlyentirely, purely, strictly, utterlyruthlesslyWe must be ruthlessly pragmatic and intensely focused.essentially, largelyOur approach is essentially pragmatic.PREPOSITIONaboutThey're pragmatic about the spending cuts.

Pragmatic is used with these nouns:

approach, compromise, consideration, end, reason, solution

prairie

prairienoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + prairie | prairie + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhighopen, rolling, vast, widenorthern, western, etc.nativeOnly about 5% of native prairie is left in Kansas.tall-grass (esp. AmE)VERB + prairiecrossa train of covered wagons crossing the wide American prairiesprairie + NOUNgrassfire (AmE, figurative)His charges spread like a prairie fire.PREPOSITIONacross the prairietheir route across the prairieon the prairiesettlers' houses on the prairies of Canada

praise

praisenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + praise | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsiderable, effusive, extravagant, fulsome, glowing, great, high, lavish, special, unstinting, warmThe speech earned him lavish praise from the press.faintMy comment sounds like damning with faint praise (= praise so little that you seem to be criticizing).widespreaduniversalcritical (= praise from the critics of art, music, etc.)The novels have won widespread critical praise.publicHis accomplishments won him wide public praise.VERB + praisebe full of, be fulsome in (esp. BrE), be gushing in (esp. BrE), be unstinting in, gush with (esp. AmE)The critics were full of praise for the movie.The director is equally gushing in his praise of the actor.He was unstinting in his praise of his teacher.She gushed with praise for the winners.give sb, have, offerHe has great praise for his co-stars.single sb out forThe team's coach singled his goalkeeper out for praise.heap, lavish, shower (sb with)an article heaping praise on the governmentcome in for, receiveattract, draw, earn, garner, get, winThe play has attracted universal praise.deserveThese artists deserve praise for the clarity of their visions.PREPOSITIONbeyond praiseThis book is beyond praise.in praise ofHe wrote many poems in praise of his wife.praise forThey earned praise for their efforts.praise fromThe decision also won praise from local people.praise ofher praise of his skillpraise tomuch joyous singing and praise to GodPHRASESa chorus of praise, a paean of praise (literary)The French manager led the chorus of praise for the German team.have nothing but praise for sb/sthThe patients interviewed had nothing but praise for the hospital staff.sing sb's praisesThe newspapers were singing the president's praises.a word of praiseThere were words of praise for the show's designer.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + praise | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBeffusively, highly, lavishly, warmlyHe praised all his staff highly.publiclyjustly, rightlyHer achievements in this field have been rightly praised.repeatedlyShe repeatedly praised him and his works.VERB + praisebe quick toThe defeated captain was quick to praise the winning team.PREPOSITIONforThey praised him for his cooking.PHRASESbe unanimously praised, be universally praised, be widely praisedThe album has been universally praised for its creativity.praise sb/sth to the skiesHer manager praised her to the skies.

Praise is used with these nouns as the subject:

Praise is used with these nouns as the object:

bravery, decision, effort, god, work

pram

pramnoun

(BrE) noun See also baby carriageVERB + pram | PREPOSITIONVERB + prampush, wheelPREPOSITIONin a/the pramShe was pushing her baby along in a pram.

prance

pranceverb

Prance is used with these nouns as the subject:

prank

pranknoun

Prank is used before these nouns:

call

prawn

prawnnoun

Prawn is used before these nouns:

cocktail

prawn cocktail

prawn cocktailnoun

Prawn cocktail is used before these nouns:

Pray is used with these nouns as the subject:

pray

prayverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBdesperately, earnestly, fervently, hardHe thought if he prayed hard enough God might eventually listen.humblyquietly, silentlyI silently prayed for my release.aloudtogethersecretlyHe was secretly praying that his offer would be rejected.always, constantly, regularlyMy parents would always pray for rain.She prays constantly for forgiveness.PREPOSITIONforHe prayed for good weather.overDiane prayed over the body for a moment.toI prayed to God for guidance.withShe asked the priest to pray with her.PHRASEShope and prayWe can hope and pray that no one gets hurt.let us pray‘Let us pray.’ The congregation bowed their heads.Let's pray Mick doesn't find out.

Christian, pastor

Pray is used with these nouns as the object:

prayer

prayernoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + prayer | prayer + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElittle, quick, shortShe whispered a little prayer.private, quiet, silentShe uttered a silent prayer.specialfervent, heartfeltunansweredafternoon, bedtime, evening, midday, morning, noondailyritualthe five daily ritual prayers of IslamFridayMuslims attend Friday prayers at the mosque.Christian, Jewish, etc.familyschool (esp. AmE)the contentious issue of school prayerVERB + prayergive, offer, offer up, pray, say, send up, utterHe gave a prayer of thanks to the troops.I sent up a quick prayer and entered the interview room.She began to pray a prayer of sincere gratitude.mutter, whisperWhenever I pass a temple, I mutter a quick prayer.chant, read, recitePriests chanted prayers and read from sacred texts.remember sb inLet us remember them in our prayers today.hearanswerDoes God answer our prayers?grantThankfully, his prayers were granted.kneel inThe congregation kneeled in prayer.join in, meet forLocal groups meet for prayer.haveWe had family prayers before breakfast.attendStudents are required to attend prayers twice a week.leadAn imam leads the prayer and usually gives a sermon.prayer + NOUNbookbeadsHe fiddled with his prayer beads.mat, rugshawla Jewish prayer shawlflagBuddhist prayer flags fluttering in the breezewheelTibetan monks use a prayer wheel.meeting, service, session, vigilbreakfast (AmE)circle, groupleadera prayer leader at the mosquehall, rooma Buddhist prayer halla multi-faith prayer room in the collegePREPOSITIONat prayerHe spends an hour each day at prayer.in prayerShe moved her lips in silent prayer.prayer fora prayer for peaceprayer ofI said a prayer of grateful thanks to God.prayer overHe spoke a brief prayer over their meal.prayer toPHRASESthe answer to sb's prayers (= exactly what sb needs)The letter was the answer to all her prayers.not have a prayer (= be sure to fail)This never had a prayer of working.

pray for

pray forphr verb

Pray for is used with these nouns as the object:

forgiveness, miracle, sick

pray to

pray tophr verb

Pray to is used with these nouns as the object:

god, goddess

preach

preachverb

Preach is used with these nouns as the subject:

pastor

Preach is used with these nouns as the object:

doctrine, faith, gospel, hatred, intolerance, message, minister, moderation, patience, religion, repentance, sermon, tolerance, virtue

preacher

preachernoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + preacherADJECTIVEcharismatic, dynamic, famous, good, great, popular, well-knownfundamentalist, radicalHe was a radical preacher who inspired peasants to rebel.right-wing Christian fundamentalist preachersfiery, fire-and-brimstone, firebrand, hellfirea Southern hellfire preacherevangelicalChristian, Muslim, etc.Baptist, Methodist, etc.laywomanclergymen who adamantly opposed women preacherslocalitinerantHis father was an itinerant Methodist preacher.guesta series of guest preachersradio, television, TVa charismatic TV preacherVERB + preacherhear, listen to

prearranged

prearrangedadj.

Prearranged is used with these nouns:

precarious

precariousadj.

Precarious is used with these nouns:

balance, existence, finance, hold, position, situation

precariously

precariouslyadv.

Precariously is used with these adjectives:

balanced, close

Precariously is used with these verbs:

balance, cling, lean, perch, sway

precast

precastadj.

Precast is used with these nouns:

concrete

precaution

precautionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + precaution | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEsensible, wiseadequate, appropriate, proper, reasonablenecessaryCondoms are a necessary precaution.elaborate, greatthe need to take great precautions to protect sourcesbasic, normal, simple, standardYou'll be safe if you observe certain basic precautions.everyWe take every precaution to ensure your safety.added, additional, extra, specialfire, safety, securityVERB + precautionfollow, observe, take, useRemember to use all necessary safety precautions.PREPOSITIONas a precautionShe had to stay in hospital overnight, just as a precaution.precaution againsta precaution against customers who try to leave without payingprecaution forStaff are expected to take reasonable precautions for their own safety.precaution ofI took the precaution of turning the water supply off first.

precautionary

precautionaryadj.

Precautionary is used with these nouns:

measure, step

precede

precedeverb

verbADVERBADVERBdirectly, immediatelyin the moments which immediately preceded the earthquakegenerally, often, typically, usuallyVictories are often preceded by minor setbacks.

Precede is used with these nouns as the subject:

adjective, noun

Precede is used with these nouns as the object:

precedence

precedencenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + precedence | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEhistoricalVERB + precedencehave, takegive sb/sthYou should give your schoolwork precedence.claimThe French kings claimed precedence over those of Spain.PREPOSITIONprecedence overThe needs of the patient take precedence over those of the student doctor.PHRASESin order of precedenceThe guests were seated strictly in order of precedence.

precedent

precedentnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + precedent | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbad, dangerous, terrible, unfortunategood, important, strongThere is a strong precedent for such a strategy.ampleThere is ample precedent for this tactic.clear, obviousThere is no obvious precedent for this law.established, historical, past, priornewThis would have set a dangerous new precedent.court, judicial, legalThere was a federal court precedent for this.bindingThe ruling does not set a binding precedent.literaryThere are many literary precedents for this strategy.VERB + precedentserve asThis case could could serve as a precedent for others against the tobacco companies.havecreate, establish, provide, setThis lowering of standards sets a dangerous precedent for future developments.citefindbase sth on, use sth asThe judge based his decision on precedents set during the previous century.followignorebreak, overturnOverturning a legal precedent is no easy matter.PREPOSITIONwithout precedentThe achievements of this period were without precedent in history.precedent forMany precedents can be found for this decision.

preceding

precedingadj.

Preceding is used with these nouns:

decade, generation, month, page, paragraph, section, year

precinct

precinctnoun

noun1 (BrE) commercial area where cars cannot go2 (AmE) police district; a police station3 (AmE) part of a town or city for elections4 area around a building1 (BrE) commercial area where cars cannot goADJECTIVEADJECTIVEshoppingthe £1.3-million redevelopment of the shopping precinctpedestriantown-centre

2 (AmE) police district; a police stationADJECTIVE | precinct + NOUNADJECTIVEpoliceHe was handcuffed and taken down to the police precinct.17th, 102nd, etc.localI went down to my local precinct to make a report.precinct + NOUNhouseHe wrote yesterday from a police precinct house in New Orleans.commanderThe former Queens precinct commander has slashed crime.

3 (AmE) part of a town or city for electionsADJECTIVE | VERB + precinct | precinct + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEkey, targetedCampaigners walked door-to-door in targeted precincts.Democratic, RepublicanAfrican-American, Hispanic, etc.VERB + precinctwalkDid you walk your precinct on the day of the vote?targetRepublicans have targeted precincts throughout the country.precinct + NOUNcaucusA number of issues will be discussed at the precinct caucus.captain, chairman, committeemanThe precinct captains were able to round up 6 000 volunteers.returnsThe precinct returns show that the support received by both men was remarkable.PREPOSITIONin precinctYou can register to vote in your precinct by showing proof of residence.PHRASESthe precinct levelWe're literally organizing leadership down to the precinct level.

4 area around a buildingADJECTIVE | VERB + precinct | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEsacredthe sacred precinct of Apolloinner, outerabbey, castle, palace, shrine, temple, etc.VERB + precinctenterIt was forbidden to enter the temple precincts.PREPOSITIONin precinctThe event was held in the precincts of the parish church.within precinctHe took up residence in chambers within the precinct of a monastery.

precious

preciousadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecomeseemThe people in his life seemed so precious to him now.ADVERBextremely, veryincredibly, infinitelyPREPOSITIONtoYou are infinitely precious to me.

Precious is used with these nouns:

antique, asset, cargo, commodity, gem, gift, heirloom, heritage, jewel, memento, memory, metal, minute, moment, possession, relic, resource, second, stone, time, treasure

precipitate

precipitateverb

Precipitate is used with these nouns as the object:

crisis, relapse

precipitous

precipitousadj.

Precipitous is used with these nouns:

cliff, decline, drop, slide, slope, withdrawal

precipitously

precipitouslyadv.

Precipitously is used with these verbs:

drop

precise

preciseadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecomeThese estimates will become more precise.make sthWe've tried to make the process as precise as possible.ADVERBextremely, incredibly, infinitely, veryhighly, incredibly, veryabsolutelyincreasinglyreasonablyenough, sufficientlyAre the measurements precise enough?insufficientlymathematically, surgically, technicallyYou need to use legally precise terms.PREPOSITIONaboutYou have to be precise about the numbers.into be more precise in my analysis

Precise is used with these nouns:

answer, calculation, composition, concept, definition, detail, determination, dimension, direction, estimate, execution, extent, idea, identification, information, instruction, location, manner, meaning, measure, measurement, mechanism, moment, nature, number, opposite, prediction, requirement, specification, spot, steering, term, terminology, timetable, timing, word, wording

precisely

preciselyadv.

Precisely is used with these adjectives:

equal, equivalent, same

Precisely is used with these verbs:

calculate, coincide, control, correspond, date, define, determine, engineer, estimate, express, gauge, know, locate, match, measure, observe, pin, pinpoint, predict, remember, specify, spell, state, target, time, tune, understand

precision

precisionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF PRECISION | VERB + precision | precision + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEabsolute, deadly, perfect, pinpointThe captain struck again with deadly precision.The rebels launched missiles with pinpoint precision.extreme, great, high, utmostWe can now choose our targets with greater precision.high precision measurement toolsThe movements are executed with the utmost precision.analytical, mathematical, military, scientific, surgical, technicalHe organized the team with military precision.… OF PRECISIONdegreeChimps are able to manipulate objects with a high degree of precision.VERB + precisioncall for, demand, requiresurgery which requires great precisionimprove, increaselackHis rambling writing style just lacks precision.precision + NOUNengineeringinstrument, toolthe finest timepieces and precision instrumentsmeasurementprecision measurements of these atomsbombing, strikeThey back their forces with precision air strikes.weaponshigh-tech precision weaponsPREPOSITIONwith precisionThese items cannot be dated with any precision.precision ina new era of precision in engineeringPHRASESa lack of precisionAny lack of precision in the contract could give rise to a dispute.

precision-guided

precision-guidedadj.

Precision-guided is used with these nouns:

weapon

preclude

precludeverb

Preclude is used with these nouns as the object:

inclusion, interpretation, possibility, use

precocious

precociousadj.

Precocious is used with these nouns:

child, talent

precociously

precociouslyadv.

Precociously is used with these adjectives:

talented

preconceived

preconceivedadj.

Preconceived is used with these nouns:

idea, notion

preconception

preconceptionnoun

nounVERB + preconception | PREPOSITIONVERB + preconceptionhavefit, fit in withThe facts refused to fit my preconceptions.They like this approach because it fits in with their own preconceptions.challenge, defy, shatterIt is important to challenge society's preconceptions about disabled people.PREPOSITIONwith preconceptions, without preconceptionsIt's important that you come to this task with no preconceptions.preconception aboutMost people have preconceptions about old age.preconception ofher preconceptions of life in the country

predatory

predatoryadj.

Predatory is used with these nouns:

bird, fish, gleam, instinct

predawn

predawnadj.

Predawn is used with these nouns:

raid

predicament

predicamentnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + predicament | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEawful, difficult, dire, terrible, worseOther companies are in an even worse predicament than ourselves.current, presentfinancialthe team's dire financial predicamentpersonalsimilarWhen I was your age, I was in a similar predicament.humana portrayal of the human predicamentVERB + predicamentbe caught in, be in, face, find yourself in, get intoMany young people find themselves in this predicament.place sb in, put sb inescape, escape from, get out ofHow were we to escape this awful predicament?realize, understandconsider, ponderexplainShe was searching for the right words to explain her predicament.solvePREPOSITIONin a/the predicamentNow I really was in a dire predicament.

predicative

predicativeadj.

Predicative is used with these nouns:

adjective

predict

predictverb

verbADVERB | VERB + predict | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBcorrectly, reliably, successfullyincorrectly, wronglyaccurately, exactly, precisely, with accuracy, with precisionYou cannot predict the weather with absolute accuracy.boldly, confidently, with certainty, with confidenceThe author boldly predicts the end of the Communist Party's rule.It is not possible to predict with any certainty what effect this will have.We can predict with absolute confidence how the newspapers will react.reasonably, safelyWe can reasonably predict what is going to happen.I think I can safely predict that they will fight the verdict.easilyEvery step in the movie is easily predicted.initially, originallyconsistentlyVERB + predictbe able to, be unable to, canattempt to, try todare (to)Few would have dared to predict such a landslide victory.fail tobe early toIt is still too early to predict the degree to which prices will rise.be difficult to, be hard to, be impossible tobe easy to, be possible tobe reasonable to, be safe toIt is safe to predict that this trend will persist.use sth toa computer model used to predict future weather patternsallow sb to, enable sb to, help (sb) (to)Newton's theories allow us to predict the flight of a ball.Computer programs are used to help predict the weather.PREPOSITIONfromWe can predict from this information what is likely to happen next.PHRASESbe widely predictedThis result had been widely predicted by the opinion polls.

Predict is used with these nouns as the subject:

estimate, expert, forecast, hypothesis, observer, report, theory

Predict is used with these nouns as the object:

collapse, consequence, demise, disaster, earthquake, effect, eruption, fate, future, impact, increase, likelihood, occurrence, outcome, probability, recovery, response, return, risk, success, upturn, weather

predictable

predictableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seembecome, getI'm getting too predictable.make sthRecent changes make the future even less predictable.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.easily, highlycompletely, entirely, perfectly, quite (esp. BrE), totally, utterly, whollyThe results were utterly predictable.almostlargelyreasonably, relativelysadlyThe government's reaction was sadly predictable.PREPOSITIONfromHe asked whether this was predictable from previous performances.

Predictable is used with these nouns:

consequence, effect, fashion, pattern, regularity, result

predicted

predictedadj.

Predicted is used with these nouns:

direction, outcome

prediction

predictionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + prediction | prediction + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEaccurate, correct, good, precise, right, successfulthe best available prediction of future interest ratesIt turned out my prediction was right.false, incorrectdire, gloomy (esp. BrE), grimthe dire predictions by economists of a worldwide recessionoptimisticThe sales results exceeded even the most optimistic predictions.long-termreliable, safebold, confidentdefinite, firm, specificIn this study, we made no specific predictions about likely outcomes.theoreticalthe discrepancy between the theoretical predictions and the resultscomputerearthquake, weatherVERB + predictionmakegive, offerCould the panel give their prediction as to who he will appoint to the post?testThis study tests these predictions.confirm, fulfil/fulfill, supportThe results of the experiment confirmed their predictions.confound, contradict, defyTheir success defies the predictions made by most experts.prediction + VERBprove sth, turn out to be sthOur prediction turns out to be correct.be borne out, come truePREPOSITIONamid predictions (esp. BrE)Six hundred workers there lost their jobs today, amid gloomy predictions that there could be worse to come.contrary to a/the predictionContrary to almost all predictions, however, the government did not fall.despite a/the predictionDespite earlier dire predictions, shares remained steady.prediction aboutI've learned not to make predictions about the weather.prediction forthe government's prediction for unemploymentprediction oftheir predictions of future growthprediction onLet me get your predictions on the final score.

pre-dinner

pre-dinneradj.

Pre-dinner is used with these nouns:

cocktail, drink

predispose to

predispose tophr verb

Predispose to is used with these nouns as the subject:

pre-doctoral

pre-doctoraladj.

Pre-doctoral is used with these nouns:

intern

predominant

predominantadj.

Predominant is used with these nouns:

feature, type

predominantly

predominantlyadv.

Predominantly is used with these adjectives:

composed, concerned, conservative, male, masculine, negative, rural

Predominantly is used with these verbs:

concentrate, consist, feed, occur

pre-election

pre-electionadj.

Pre-election is used with these nouns:

poll, promise

pre-eminent

pre-eminentadj.

Pre-eminent is used with these nouns:

pre-emptive

pre-emptiveadj.

Pre-emptive is used with these nouns:

action, attack, move, strike, war

preen

preenverb

Preen is used with these nouns as the object:

pre-existing

pre-existingadj.

Pre-existing is used with these nouns:

condition

preface

prefaceverb

Preface is used with these nouns as the object:

Prefer is used with these nouns as the subject:

prefer

preferverb

verbADVERB | VERB + prefer | PREPOSITIONADVERBgreatly, much, overwhelmingly, strongly, vastlyI greatly prefer this version.I much prefer the orchestra's 1998 recording of the symphony.just, simplyYou may simply prefer just to sit on the terrace with a cocktail.reallyI would really prefer to teach girls.rather, slightlycertainly, definitelyEgg pasta is certainly preferred by many chefs.clearly, obviouslyapparentlyHuge majorities apparently prefer reducing unemployment to fighting inflation.generally, normally, typically, usuallynaturallyEmployers naturally prefer candidates with some previous experience of the job.personallystillVERB + preferwouldWe can eat out if you like, but I would prefer to stay in.tend toIndustries still tend to prefer virgin raw materials to recycled ones.appear to, seem tohappen toI happen to prefer action movies myself.PREPOSITIONoverA son is usually preferred over a female heir.toI prefer his earlier paintings to his later ones.

voter

Prefer is used with these nouns as the object:

anonymity, approach, solitude, term

preferable

preferableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seembecomeremainmake sthconsider sth, deem sthfind sthADVERBfar, greatly, highly, infinitely, much, vastlyThis technique is far preferable to any alternative.The new policies are infinitely preferable to what went before.Independence is much preferable to charity.clearlyenvironmentally (AmE)We are committed to purchasing environmentally preferable products whenever possible.PREPOSITIONforThe summer months are preferable for weddings.toDeath was considered vastly preferable to surrender.

preference

preferencenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + preference | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEclear, definite, marked, strongslightindividual, personalIt's a matter of personal preference.consumer, customer, user, voterpolicy, politicalHis policy preferences are pretty centrist.dietary, foodmodern children's food preferencesgender, racial (both AmE)his consistent opposition to racial preferences while a legislatorsexualdiscrimination based on race, religion, gender or sexual preferenceaesthetic, culturalfirst, second, etc.My first preference is for the applicant from Hong Kong.Most local voters gave West second preference. (BrE)VERB + preferencehaveDo you have any particular preference?demonstrate, display, exhibit, indicate, reflect, reveal, showdesigns that reflect their individual preferencesLearners show a preference for one learning style over others.express, stateOlder people tend to express a preference for dark chocolate.give sbPreference is given to students who have passed mathematics and chemistry.receiveSome countries receive preference over others.affect, determine, influence, shapeA combination of factors determined preference.fit, fit with, satisfy, suitShe was happy to arrange her schedule to suit their preferences.PREPOSITIONfor preferenceI travel by plane, for preference.in preference toThey bought French planes in preference to British ones.preference as to, preference with regard toHe has not expressed a preference as to which school he wants to go to.preference betweenpeople's preferences between brown and white breadpreference for sth (over sth)the government's preference for tax cuts over greater public spendingpreference inchanging preferences in furniture stylespreference regardingtheir preferences regarding websitespreference towards/towardstudent preferences towards/toward the various activitiesPHRASESin order of preferenceList the candidates in order of preference.

preferential

preferentialadj.

Preferential is used with these nouns:

rate, tariff, treatment

preferred

preferredadj.

Preferred is used with these nouns:

choice, habitat, means, method, mode, option, share, stock, stockholder, supplier, term

pre-fight

pre-fightadj.

Pre-fight is used with these nouns:

hype

pre-game

pre-gameadj.

Pre-game is used with these nouns:

entertainment, hype, show

pregnancy

pregnancynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + pregnancy | pregnancy + VERB | pregnancy + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEearlylatefull-term, post-termhealthy, normalsuccessfuldifficultShe had a difficult pregnancy with her first child.high-riskectopicemergency surgery for an ectopic pregnancymultipletwins or other multiple pregnanciesfirst, second, etc.teen (esp. AmE), teenageout-of-wedlock, unwed (both esp. AmE)unintended, unplanned, unwantedThere are thousands of unwanted teenage pregnancies every year.VERB + pregnancyhaveavoid, preventThey took no precautions to avoid pregnancy.plan50% of all pregnancies are not planned.confirmThe doctor confirmed my pregnancy and told me to come back at 12 weeks.continue, continue withthe difficult decision about whether to continue with a pregnancyhideI tried hard to hide my pregnancy.abort, end, terminatethe right of a woman to terminate her pregnancypregnancy + VERBprogressHere's what can happen as your pregnancy progresses.go to full term, go to termwomen whose pregnancies have gone to termpregnancy + NOUNtesta home pregnancy test kitrateTeen pregnancy rates have fallen.complicationsPREPOSITIONduring (a/the) pregnancy, in (a/the) pregnancyLower blood pressure is common in early pregnancy.throughout (a/the) pregnancyYou will be tested throughout your pregnancy.PHRASEScarry a pregnancy to terma woman who intends to carry her pregnancy to term

pregnant

pregnantadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbe, lookWhen I found out I was pregnant, I didn't know what to do.become, fall, getget sb, make sbHe got her pregnant.ADVERBheavily, veryvisiblynewlyShe was newly pregnant at the time.PREPOSITIONbyShe was pregnant by a former client.withShe was pregnant with twins.PHRASESsix weeks, three months, etc. pregnant

Pregnant is used with these nouns:

belly, girlfriend, mother, mum, pause, silence, wife, woman

preheat

preheatverb

Preheat is used with these nouns as the object:

broiler, grill, oven

preheated

preheatedadj.

Preheated is used with these nouns:

oven

prehensile

prehensileadj.

Prehensile is used with these nouns:

tail

prehistoric

prehistoricadj.

Prehistoric is used with these nouns:

beast, find, man, monster, people, remains, site, time

pre-industrial

pre-industrialadj.

Pre-industrial is used with these nouns:

Prejudice is used with these nouns as the object:

prejudice

prejudicenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + prejudice | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeep, deep-rooted, deep-seated, strongblatantserious (esp. BrE), unfair (esp. BrE)personalpopularShe has not been afraid to challenge popular prejudices.oldIt's hard to break down old prejudices.blind, irrationalanti-Catholic, anti-gay, etc.class, colour/color (esp. AmE), cultural, ethnic, political, race (esp. AmE), racial, religious, sexist, socialVERB + prejudicehave, holdWe all have prejudices of some kind.air, expressHe sat there airing his personal prejudices.appeal to, pander toWe must not pander to the irrational prejudices of a small minority.confirm, reinforceencounterShe had never encountered such deep prejudice before.confront, facesufferchallenge, fightovercome, put asideIt's time to put aside our old prejudices.break down, eliminate, eradicatePREPOSITIONwithout prejudiceThe tale is told without prejudice or bias.prejudice abouta book written to challenge prejudices about disabled peopleprejudice againstdeep-rooted prejudice against homosexualsprejudice amongprejudice among ignorant peopleprejudice towards/towardprejudice towards/toward immigrantsPHRASESa victim of prejudice

II. verb1 cause sb to have a prejudice2 (law) weaken sth/make it less fair1 cause sb to have a prejudiceADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBunfairlyPREPOSITIONagainst, in favour/favor ofNewspaper reports had unfairly prejudiced the jury in her favour/favor.

2 (law) weaken sth/make it less fairADVERB | VERB + prejudiceADVERBseriously, severely, substantiallyThis could seriously prejudice her safety.undulyVERB + prejudicebe likely toShe did not disclose evidence that was likely to prejudice her client's case.

chance

prejudiced

prejudicedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seemADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.deeply, highlya little, slightly, etc.I was a little prejudiced against him because of his background.raciallyPREPOSITIONagainstHe's deeply prejudiced against women.

preliminary

preliminarynounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEessential (esp. BrE), necessaryusual (esp. BrE)After the usual preliminaries the meeting began.PREPOSITIONas a preliminaryThe two presidents met today, as a preliminary to resuming the peace talks.preliminary toan essential preliminary to serious researchPHRASESwithout preliminariesShe began speaking intensely, without preliminaries.

II. adj.

Preliminary is used with these nouns:

approval, conclusion, conference, data, design, discussion, draft, drawing, enquiry, estimate, evaluation, examination, experiment, finding, hearing, indication, injunction, inspection, investigation, meeting, observation, phase, reconnaissance, remark, report, result, round, ruling, sketch, stage, step, study, talk, test, training, version, work

prelude

preludenoun

noun1 short piece of music2 sth that happens before a more important event1 short piece of musicADJECTIVE | VERB + prelude | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEinstrumental, orchestralthe orchestral prelude to the cantataorgan, pianobriefopeningthe opening orchestral preludeB major, D minor, etc.VERB + preludeopen with‘The Magnificat’ opens with a long organ prelude.PREPOSITIONprelude forseven preludes for pianoprelude toThe theme recalls the prelude to Wagner's ‘Lohengrin’.

2 sth that happens before a more important eventADJECTIVE | VERB + prelude | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEessential, inevitable, necessarya necessary prelude to privatizationVERB + preludeserve asThis analysis will serve as a prelude to a more extended examination.consider sth, see sth asPREPOSITIONas a preludeevents held as a prelude to the Christmas festivitiesprelude forthe prelude for the battles aheadprelude toHe considered the strikes a prelude to the great socialist revolution.PHRASESa prelude to warthe fear that any peace was merely a prelude to warbe but a prelude to sth, be just a prelude to sth, be merely a prelude to sth, be only a prelude to sthEvery life is but a prelude to a death.This is just a prelude to a larger attack.

premarital

premaritaladj.

Premarital is used with these nouns:

counselling, sex

pre-match

pre-matchadj.

Pre-match is used with these nouns:

build-up, entertainment, hype

premature

prematureadj.

Premature is used with these nouns:

baby, birth, death, delivery, demise, end, exit, infant, menopause, mortality, retirement, termination

prematurely

prematurelyadv.

Prematurely is used with these adjectives:

bald, balding, grey, middle-aged, wrinkled

Prematurely is used with these verbs:

age, born, die, end, explode, terminate

premeditated

premeditatedadj.

Premeditated is used with these nouns:

premenstrual

premenstrualadj.

Premenstrual is used with these nouns:

tension

premier

premiernounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + premier | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEacting, deputyformerBritish, Chinese, etc.Conservative, Labour, etc.stateVERB + premierappoint (sb), appoint sb as, elect (sb), elect sb as, swear sb in asShe was sworn in as premier last week.succeed sb as, take over asPREPOSITIONas premierduring his 25 years as Liberal premier

II. adj.

Premier is used with these nouns:

destination, division, league, venue

premiere

premierenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + premiere | premiere + NOUNADJECTIVEworldAmerican, British, etc.film (esp. BrE), movie (esp. AmE), television, TVstage, theatrical (esp. AmE)the stage premiere of John Adams's operathe movie's theatrical premiere (AmE)season (esp. AmE)Did you catch the season premiere of ‘The Sopranos’?galathe gala world premiere of the movieglittering, glitzy, star-studded (all esp. BrE)London hosted the star-studded premiere of ‘Harry Potter’.VERB + premiereattendThey attended the premiere together.host, presentconductHe conducted the world premiere of the symphony.give (sth its)The opera was given its premiere by the New York City Opera.receiveThe movie receives its American premiere on November 16.premiere + NOUNepisode, issue (both esp. AmE)the premiere episode of ‘Angel’the premiere issue of a new journalpartythe movie's premiere party

II. verb

Premiere is used with these nouns as the subject:

premiership

premiershipnoun

Premiership is used before these nouns:

footballer

premises

premisesnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + premises | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEnewThe company moved to new purpose-built premises in Mumbai.suitablebigger, largerWe are moving to larger premises next month.existingalternativeThe congregation has been looking for alternative premises for some time.cramped, modestcity-centre (BrE)purpose-builtadjoining, neighbouring/neighboringtemporaryrentedprivate, residentiallicensed, unlicensed (both BrE)Persons under eighteen should not be served alcohol in licensed premises.business, church, club, commercial, company, factory, hospital, hotel, industrial, office, retail, school, shop (esp. BrE)VERB + premisesenterThe police have the power to enter the premises at any time.findownacquire, leasemove tooccupy, useleave, vacatePREPOSITIONoff the premisesPolice were called to escort her off the premises.on the premisesSmoking is strictly forbidden on school premises.

premium

premiumnounadj.

I. noun1 extra value/price2 payment for insurance1 extra value/priceADJECTIVE | VERB + premium | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhefty, highThe company is charging a pretty hefty premium for access to their network.smalladditional, extrapriceVERB + premiumpayElectricity companies pay a premium for renewable energy.chargeplace, putcommandcollect, earn, receivePREPOSITIONat a premiumGood hotels are at a premium (= difficult to obtain and therefore expensive).premium ofbought at a premium of 40% above the current market pricepremium onThe company places a high premium on customer loyalty.

2 payment for insuranceADJECTIVE | VERB + premium | premium + VERB | premium + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEannual, monthly, regular (esp. BrE)high, low, smallIntense competition has kept premiums low.insuranceriskThere's a risk premium of probably $10 a barrel built into oil prices.equityequity risk premiumshealth-care (esp. AmE), health-insurancemalpractice (esp. AmE)the rising cost of medical malpractice insurance premiumsVERB + premiumpayaffordkeep upWe're struggling to keep up our premiums.increase, raiseThe insurance company has increased our premiums.cut, lower, reducepremium + VERBgo up, increase, riseMy insurance premiums increase each year.fall, go downcost sthThe additional premium costs $1 800 a year.premium + NOUNpayment, rateincreasePREPOSITIONpremium forthe premiums for your pension planpremium onPremiums on many cars will go up this year.

II. adj.

Premium is used with these nouns:

brand, product, service

premonition

premonitionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + premonition | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEeerie, spookyVERB + premonitionfeel, get, havePREPOSITIONpremonition aboutPerhaps he had a premonition about what might happen in London.premonition ofI wonder if she had a premonition of her own fate.

prenatal

prenataladj.

Prenatal is used with these nouns:

care, clinic, exposure, vitamin

prenuptial

prenuptialadj.

Prenuptial is used with these nouns:

agreement

preoccupation

preoccupationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcurrent, present, recentcentral, chief, main, majorTheir chief preoccupation was how to feed their families.intenseconstant, continuinglifelonghis lifelong preoccupation with Chinese art formsgrowingexcessive, obsessive, unhealthyour society's unhealthy preoccupation with women's bodiesPREPOSITIONpreoccupation forBy now this had become a major preoccupation for him.preoccupation withhis growing preoccupation with death

preoccupied

preoccupiedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, look, seembecomeremainADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.deeplycompletely, entirely, totallyincreasinglyoverly, tooHe was too preoccupied to notice.a little, slightly, etc.PREPOSITIONbyWe live in a world preoccupied by sport.withHe was too preoccupied with his own problems to worry about hers.

prep

prepnoun

Prep is used before these nouns:

prepaid

prepaidadj.

Prepaid is used with these nouns:

card, cellphone, envelope, mobile phone

preparation

preparationnoun

noun1 getting sth ready2 preparations things done to get sth ready1 getting sth readyADJECTIVE | VERB + preparation | preparation + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcareful, thoroughelaborateintensetwo years of intense preparationgoodHe found it good preparation for the diplomatic skills needed in his new job.properAs with any business, proper preparation is required.adequateinadequate, poorHe had received inadequate preparation for a professional career.initialIt is the initial preparation that takes the time.advance, priorAn awful lot of advance preparation must have gone into this summit.Prior preparation is vital for achieving success.mental, physicalher mental preparation for the gamesacademic, educational (both esp. AmE)individuals who do not have the money or academic preparation to attend collegeteacher (AmE)a college-based teacher preparation programfood, mealfood preparation and food handling tipsVERB + preparationneed, requirea dish that requires no elaborate preparation or cookingdoHe's done a lot of preparation for this meeting.receiveThey receive a fine preparation for college.overseethe agency that oversees the preparation of the budgetpreparation + NOUNtimeThis simple dish takes very little preparation time.course (esp. AmE), programme/program (esp. AmE)Many Taiwanese children take preparation courses for the SATs.Teacher preparation programs train teachers to become effective instructors of children.The preparation program was well designed.PREPOSITIONin preparation forGet a good night's sleep in preparation for the drive.

2 preparations things done to get sth readyADJECTIVE | VERB + PREPARATIONS | PREPARATIONS + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEelaborate, meticulous, specialextensiveextensive preparations for warnecessaryfinal, last-minuteChristmas, wedding, etc.military, warmilitary preparations for full-scale actionWar preparations intensified.VERB + PREPARATIONSmakeWe're making the final preparations for the party.begin, startcontinue, go ahead withbe busy withoverseeShe flew in from Paris to oversee final preparations.complete, finalize, finishPREPARATIONS + VERBbeginA week before the ceremony, wedding preparations began.be in hand (BrE), be underwayPreparations are now in hand to close half the factories.continuebe completePREPOSITIONpreparation forThe family can now go ahead with preparations for the funeral.

preparatory

preparatoryadj.

Preparatory is used with these nouns:

conference, drawing, meeting, school, sketch, work

prepare

prepareverb

verbADVERB | VERB + prepare | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBadequately, properlyfullycarefully, meticulously, painstakinglyThe lectures were carefully prepared.busily, hastily, quicklyI was busily preparing a salad for the evening meal.lovinglythe chicken casserole I had so lovingly prepared for hermentallyHow do you go about mentally preparing yourself for a project?VERB + preparehelp (sb), help (sb) toneed toPenn needs to prepare for a medical school interview.fail toHe had failed to prepare adequately for the task before him.be easy to, be quick to, be simple toa meal that is very quick and easy to preparebe designed toThe course is designed to prepare graduates for management careers.PREPOSITIONaccording toJust prepare according to package directions.forWe all set about preparing for the party.PHRASESprepare for the worstThe family are preparing for the worst.time to prepare (sth)I haven't had time to prepare my arguments properly.

Prepare is used with these nouns as the object:

ambush, banquet, bath, bill, breakdown, brief, case, casserole, celery, constitution, contract, copy, dish, dissertation, document, draft, feast, file, fish, food, forecast, fruit, grill, groundwork, ingredient, lecture, lesson, lunch, manuscript, memo, memorandum, paper, paperwork, plan, questionnaire, résumé, recipe, remedy, report, salad, sauce, schedule, scheme, script, site, snack, soup, statement, statistics, student, summary, syringe, valuation, way

prepared

preparedadj.

adj.1 ready and able to deal with sth2 done, made, etc. in advance1 ready and able to deal with sthVERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, feel, seemgetI'd had three weeks to get prepared.comeI came prepared (= with everything I might need).ADVERBperfectly, properly, thoroughly, wellI was well prepared for the job.completely, fully, totallybadly, inadequately, poorlyThey were inadequately prepared for their role in society.adequately, sufficientlyemotionally, mentally, physically, psychologicallyI feel mentally prepared to handle this situation.academicallyThey are poorly prepared academically.PHRASESbe prepared for the worstI want you to be prepared for the worst.be prepared for any eventualityShe was always one to be prepared for any eventuality.

2 done, made, etc. in advanceADVERBADVERBcarefully, meticulouslyShe's clearly reading from carefully prepared notes.hastily, quicklyhastily prepared newspaper reportsspeciallya table full of specially prepared foodfreshlyfreshly prepared vegetablescommerciallyCommercially prepared food is often loaded with saturated fat.

Prepared is used with these nouns:

mould, pan, remark, text

preparedness

preparednessnoun

Preparedness is used after these nouns:

disaster, emergency

prepare for

prepare forphr verb

Prepare for is used with these nouns as the subject:

Prepare for is used with these nouns as the object:

A level, banquet, exam, examination, inspection, launch, marathon, publication, retirement, rigour, tutorial, worst

preparer

preparernoun

Preparer is used after these nouns:

prepositional

prepositionaladj.

Prepositional is used with these nouns:

phrase

preposterous

preposterousadj.

Preposterous is used with these nouns:

suggestion

pre-production

pre-productionadj.

Pre-production is used with these nouns:

prototype

pre-recorded

pre-recordedadj.

Pre-recorded is used with these nouns:

tape, track

prerequisite

prerequisitenoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEabsolute, essential, fundamental, important, indispensable, necessary, vitalSelf-control is an absolute prerequisite for command.These qualities are necessary prerequisites for success.basic, firstPREPOSITIONprerequisite forTraining is a prerequisite for competence.prerequisite toRecognition is a prerequisite to understanding.

prerogative

prerogativenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + prerogativeADJECTIVEexclusive, soleMaking such decisions is not the sole prerogative of managers.constitutional, judicial, managerial, presidential, royalpersonalmalewomen who challenge male prerogativesVERB + prerogativeenjoy, haveone of the prerogatives enjoyed by the presidentassert (esp. AmE), exercise, useThe President has asserted the full prerogatives of his office.You can of course exercise your prerogative to leave at any time.defend, preserve, protectThe tsar protected his personal prerogatives.challengethose who challenge the prerogatives of the eliteretainBaker retained the prerogative to craft solutions himself.give up, surrender

Presbyterian

Presbyterianadj.

Presbyterian is used with these nouns:

minister, pastor

preschool

preschoolnoun

Preschool is used before these nouns:

child, education, playgroup, teacher

prescribe

prescribeverb

verb1 drugs2 what should be done1 drugsADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBlegallyThe drug can no longer be legally prescribed.commonly, frequently, routinely, widelyThese drugs are widely prescribed to control high blood pressure.medicallyPREPOSITIONasIt can be prescribed as a form of preventive medicine.fordrugs prescribed for high blood pressureThis drug is often prescribed for women with heart trouble.toa drug prescribed to patients with an obsessive compulsive disorder

2 what should be doneADVERB | PHRASESADVERBnarrowly, rigidly, strictlyThe curriculum is rigidly prescribed from an early age.Everything about her life was strictly prescribed (= there were strict rules about what she could do).PHRASESculturally prescribed, socially prescribedculturally prescribed gender roles

Prescribe is used with these nouns as the subject:

regulation

Prescribe is used with these nouns as the object:

antibiotic, course, dose, drug, heroin, medication, medicine, penalty, pill, remedy, sedative, standard, treatment

prescribed

prescribedadj.

Prescribed is used with these nouns:

limit, medication

prescribing

prescribingadj.

Prescribing is used with these nouns:

physician

prescription

prescriptionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + prescription | prescription + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEmedicalfreeYou are entitled to free prescriptions.repeat (BrE)I just get a repeat prescription every month.drugthe rising rate of drug prescriptions for emotional and psychological complaintsantibiotic, antidepressant, etc.VERB + prescriptiongive sb, write, write outfill, refill (both esp. AmE)The pharmacist refused to refill a prescription for birth control pills.dispense, make up (BrE)The pharmacist dispenses prescriptions for antidepressants.Would you like to wait while the pharmacist makes up your prescription?prescription + NOUNcharges (esp. BrE)people who are exempt from prescription chargescostPhysicians often underestimate retail prescription costs.benefit, coverage (both AmE)The drug will be covered by Medicare's new prescription benefit.drug, medication, medicineaddicted to prescription drugscontraceptive, painkiller, etc.padShe scribbled on her prescription pad and handed me a sheet.PREPOSITIONby prescription (AmE), on prescription (BrE)Some drugs are only available by/on prescription.without (a) prescriptionThe new medication is currently available without a prescription.Nicotine patches are sold without prescription.prescription forthe usual prescription for asthmaShe gave him a prescription for antibiotics.

prescription drug

prescription drugnoun

Prescription drug is used before these nouns:

coverage

pre-season

pre-seasonadj.

Pre-season is used with these nouns:

favourite, hype, tournament, training

presence

presencenoun

noun1 being present2 number of people3 force of personality4 (literary) a person or spirit that you cannot see1 being presentADJECTIVE | VERB + presence | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEmereThe mere presence of children in the room is enough to upset him.constant, continued, continuing, permanentgrowing, increased, increasingthe increased presence of Asian actors in Hollywoodsignificant, strong, substantialThe company now has a strong presence in Germany.dominantHe remained a dominant presence in the art world.overwhelmingthe overwhelming presence of the church in daily livespervasive, ubiquitousthe pervasive presence of the WebHe's become a ubiquitous presence on talk shows.comfortingHer comforting presence made him feel safe.physicalthe physical presence of actors among the audiencevisiblethe visible presence of campus securityonline, WebFox's efforts to create a Web presence for the movie.humanI could see no signs of human presence.VERB + presenceindicate, reveal, show, suggestThese chemicals could indicate the presence of water on the planet.confirmTests confirmed the presence of the disease.acknowledgeHe acknowledged our presence with a nod of his head.request, requireThe King requested our presence this morning.Your presence is required two days from now.detecthavea small business that doesn't have a Web presenceestablishEstablishing a strong presence on the Internet is a top priority.expand, increaseThe company plans to expand its presence in emerging markets.grace sb with (ironic or humorous)How nice of you to grace us with your presence!PREPOSITIONin sb's presenceHe should never have made those remarks in your presence.PHRASESmake your presence felt, make your presence knownShe certainly made her presence felt in the boardroom.

2 number of peopleADJECTIVE | VERB + presenceADJECTIVEconstant, continuing, permanenta permanent American presence overseasmilitary, naval, policeThere was a strong police presence throughout the demonstration.The march went ahead in spite of the overwhelming police presence.VERB + presencehaveThe United States has a substantial military presence in the country.maintainThe army maintains a constant presence in the area.

3 force of personalityADJECTIVE | VERB + presenceADJECTIVEcharismatic, commanding, dominating, formidable, great, imposing, intimidating, powerful, strongShe was a formidable presence on the set.He was still an intimidating presence.screen, stageHe has a commanding screen presence.VERB + presencehave

4 (literary) a person or spirit that you cannot seeADJECTIVE | VERB + presenceADJECTIVEalien, ghostlyI felt as though there was some ghostly presence.divineFlame has always symbolized a divine presence.evilShe sensed an evil presence, and it was growing stronger.VERB + presencefeel, senseShe felt a presence in the room.

present

presentnounverbadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + present | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEChristmas, holiday (AmE)anniversary, birthday, graduation (esp. AmE), house-warming, weddinggoing-away (esp. AmE), leaving (esp. BrE)unwanted (esp. BrE)Customers may return unwanted presents in exchange for vouchers.VERB + presentbuyget, receivebring sb, give sb, send sbexchangeAt Christmas, family and friends exchange presents.hand outSanta Claus handed out presents to the children.wrapopen, unwrapPREPOSITIONpresent fora present for my daughterpresent from, present toIt's a present to us all from Granny.PHRASESmake sb a present of sthMy nephew loves this bike so I'm going to make him a present of it.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + present | PREPOSITIONADVERBclearly, wellThe arguments were well researched and clearly presented.attractively, neatlybrieflyThe papers are only briefly presented here.graphicallyThe results are presented graphically in Figure 2.orally, visuallyThe results can be presented visually in the form of a graph.formallyThe launch is to be formally presented to trade partners in early summer.VERB + presentaim to, attempt to, seek to, strive to, try toWe have tried to present both sides of the debate.be designed toHotel brochures are designed to present the most attractive aspects of the hotel.fail toThis book fails to present her story in a coherent manner.PREPOSITIONasHe likes to present himself as a radical politician.forThese two techniques are presented for illustration only.toHe presented the information to his colleagues.

III. adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSberemainADVERBeverthe ever present risk of pollutionphysicallySimply to be physically present was all that was required.naturallyBacteria are naturally present in the environment.PHRASESpast and presenta list of all club members, past and present

Present is used with these nouns:

century, circumstance, climate, context, crisis, decade, epoch, era, form, generation, impasse, incarnation, inhabitant, occupant, owner, parliament, phase, position, predicament, preoccupation, prime minister, regime, research, situation, state, study, tense, whereabouts, work

presentable

presentableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, lookmake sbCould you try and make yourself a little more presentable?ADVERBveryperfectlyShe was not exactly good-looking, but perfectly presentable.halfway (esp. AmE), quite, reasonably, somewhat (esp. AmE)

presentation

presentationnoun

noun1 of a gift or prize2 informative talk3 way sth is presented1 of a gift or prizeADJECTIVE | VERB + presentation | presentation + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEannualofficialspecialfarewell, retirementawardVERB + presentationmakepresentation + NOUNceremony, dinner, evening (esp. BrE), nightthe school's annual presentation eveningPREPOSITIONpresentation toThe president made a presentation to the businesswoman of the year.

2 informative talkADJECTIVE | VERB + presentation | presentation + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEformaleffectiveslickupbeatbusiness, saleskeynoteThe conference will begin with a keynote presentation by a leading industry figure.audio-visual, multimedia, PowerPoint™, slide, videoVERB + presentationdo, give, makepresentation + NOUNskillssoftwarePREPOSITIONpresentation onCandidates have to give a short presentation on a subject of their choice.

3 way sth is presentedADJECTIVEADJECTIVEexcellent, goodbad, poorclear, simpleoral, visualdramatic, effective

presenter

presenternoun

noun (BrE)See also announcerADJECTIVEADJECTIVEradio, television, TVprogramme, sportsa BBC sports presenter

present to

present tophr verb

Present to is used with these nouns as the object:

present with

present withphr verb

Present with is used with these nouns as the subject:

Present with is used with these nouns as the object:

bill, choice, dilemma, plaque, symptom, viewer

preservation

preservationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | preservation + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEbuilding, railroad (AmE), railway (BrE), etc.environmental, wildlifefarmland, wetland, wilderness (all esp. AmE)historicpreservation + NOUNorder (BrE), ordinance (AmE)The local authority has placed a preservation order/ordinance on the building.PHRASESa state of preservationMost of the buildings are in an excellent state of preservation.

preservative

preservativenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + preservative | PHRASESADJECTIVEfood, woodartificial, chemical, syntheticOur products contain no artificial preservatives.VERB + preservativeapply, treat sth withMake sure the panels are treated with a wood preservative.containThe snacks contain no artificial preservatives, sugar, or salt.PHRASESadditives and preservatives, additives or preservativesa range of traditional cakes made with no additives or preservatives

preserve

preservenounverb

I. noun (AmE)See also reserveADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEforest, nature, wilderness, wildlifeThis land is protected as a wildlife preserve.game, huntingPREPOSITIONin a/the preserveShe decided to go for a walk in the forest preserve.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + preserve | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBcarefully, faithfully, lovinglyShe carefully preserved all his letters.perfectlyThe style of the original film is preserved perfectly.VERB + preserveseek to, try tobe anxious to, want to, wish toWe were anxious to preserve the original character of the house.help (to)We need to take action to help preserve fish stocks.fight tocampaigners fighting to preserve a historic buildingbe designed to, be intended toThe Act contained provisions designed to preserve the status quo.be important toPREPOSITIONasThe prison is preserved as a tourist attraction.forThe collection has been sold to the British Museum where it will be preserved for the nation.froman attempt to preserve the corpse from decompositionPHRASESan attempt to preserve sthbeautifully, exquisitely, well, wonderfully, etc. preservedThey were thrilled to discover a beautifully preserved specimen of Roman pottery.be preserved intactThe bones had all been preserved intact.be worth preservingYou need to say why the building is worth preserving.poorly preservedThe iron coins are poorly preserved and have rusted.

Preserve is used with these nouns as the object:

anonymity, appearance, autonomy, balance, beauty, character, confidentiality, countryside, culture, custom, dignity, diversity, environment, essence, freedom, habitat, harmony, heritage, honour, identity, illusion, impartiality, independence, institution, integrity, landscape, legacy, liberty, link, memory, modesty, monopoly, monument, neutrality, order, peace, prerogative, privacy, purity, rating, relic, remains, republic, reputation, right, sanity, semblance, skeleton, stability, status quo, tradition, unity, value, viability, wilderness, wildlife

preserved

preservedadj.

Preserved is used with these nouns:

specimen

preserver

preservernoun

Preserver is used after these nouns:

pre-service

pre-serviceadj.

Pre-service is used with these nouns:

preside

presideverb

Preside is used with these nouns as the subject:

preside at

preside atphr verb

Preside at is used with these nouns as the object:

meeting

presidency

presidencynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + presidency | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEexecutivevice (AmE) (vice-presidency in BrE)He became a candidate for the vice presidency.rotatingGreece then held the rotating presidency of the European Union.one-term, eight-year, two-term, etc.VERB + presidencybe nominated for, run for, stand forbe elected to, winassume, take on, take overholdShe held the presidency of the association for three years.resignThat year he resigned his presidency of the Academy.PREPOSITIONinto sb's presidencyThree years into his presidency, he is more popular than ever.under sb's presidencyunder the presidency of Gerald Ford

president

presidentnoun

noun1 leader of a republic2 person in charge of an organization1 leader of a republicADJECTIVE | VERB + president | president + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEAmerican, French, etc.Democrat, Democratic, Republicanvice (AmE) (vice-president in BrE)president elect (usually president-elect)incoming, outgoingcurrent, incumbent, sittingformer, previouslame-duckacting, interim, provisionalcivilian, militaryVERB + presidentelect, elect sb (as), re-elect, swear sb in asHe was sworn in as President on August 31.advise, briefrun forserve asimpeach, oust, remove, topple, unseat (esp. AmE)assassinatepresident + VERBappoint sb, nominate sbauthorize sth, sign sthannounce sth, declare sth, propose sthveto sthintervene (in sth)PREPOSITIONpresident ofthe President of the United States

2 person in charge of an organizationADJECTIVE | VERB + president | president + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEacting, honorary, interimfoundingdeputy, vice (vice-president in BrE)incoming, outgoingformer, pastcompany (AmE)association, club, party (BrE), team (AmE)borough, council (both AmE)college, university (both AmE)nationalBill Crane, national president of Omega Psi Phi FraternityVERB + presidentappoint, appoint sb (as), name sb (as)In 2007 Raymonds was appointed (as) president of PSWA.president + VERBresignPREPOSITIONpresident ofShe is president of the Irish Olympic Council.

presidential

presidentialadj.

Presidential is used with these nouns:

address, adviser, aide, ambition, appointment, approval, aspiration, authority, bid, brief, campaign, candidate, challenger, commission, contender, contest, convention, debate, decree, directive, election, elector, envoy, greatness, guard, helicopter, historian, inauguration, initiative, leadership, library, limousine, news conference, nomination, nominee, oath, palace, pardon, politics, poll, prerogative, proclamation, race, retreat, rival, rule, run, seal, speech, succession, suite, summit, task force, term, ticket, trail, veto, visit, vote

preside over

preside overphr verb

Preside over is used with these nouns as the object:

commission, court, meeting

presiding

presidingadj.

Presiding is used with these nouns:

judge, magistrate, officer

press

pressnounverbPHRASAL VERB

I. noun1 media2 machine for printing1 mediaADJECTIVE | VERB + press | press + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEforeign, international, local, national, provincial (BrE)gutter (BrE), mainstream, popular, quality (esp. BrE), tabloidleft-wing, liberal, right-wingThe right-wing press tried to stir up prejudice against immigrants.financial, gay, music, etc.freeA free press is fundamental to democracy.VERB + pressalert, brief, tellSomeone must have alerted the press that she was going to be there.meetThe president was briefed before meeting the press.censor, muzzleThey introduced measures including muzzling the press and illegal detainment.intimidate, manipulate, misleadDid the senator deliberately mislead the press?press + NOUNbriefing, release, statementHe issued a press statement insisting on his innocence.(see also press conference)corps

The spokesman addressed an international press corps.attention, coverageextensive press coverage of the eventaccount, reportclippings, cuttings (BrE)He kept a scrapbook containing press cuttings of his concerts.officeThe company's press office did not return the call.agent, officer, secretary, spokesmanphotographeragencybadge (esp. AmE), credentials, passShe showed the doorman her press pass.boxWe got to sit in the press box since my dad would be writing about the game.preview, screeningcampaign (esp. BrE)freedomPREPOSITIONin the pressThere was no mention of the incident in the national press.PHRASESget a good, bad, etc. press (BrE), get good, bad, etc. press, have a good, bad, etc. press (BrE), have good, bad, etc. pressHis latest novel didn't get (a) very good press (= was not praised in the media).

2 machine for printingADJECTIVE | VERB + press | press + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEprintingVERB + pressgo toThe newspaper goes to press at 6 o'clock.press + VERBrollThe presses are already rolling.PREPOSITIONin pressTheir new book is in press.PHRASEShot off the press, hot off the presses (esp. AmE)We've just received a copy of her latest book, hot off the press.stop the press, stop the presses (= a major event has happened) (often ironic)Stop the presses! Dan has had a haircut!

II. verb1 push sth firmly2 try to persuade sb3 iron sth1 push sth firmlyADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBfirmly, forcefully, hardShe pressed down hard on the gas pedal.gently, lightly, softlyHer lips softly pressed my cheek.close, closelyHe pressed up closer against the wall, terrified of being seen.tightlyShe curled up, her knees pressed tightly to her chest.back, down, forward, together, up, etc.The crowd pressed forward.She pressed her lips together.PREPOSITIONagainstShe pressed her face against the window.intoBella pressed her face into the pillow.onShe pressed on the doorbell.toHe pressed a finger gently to her lips.PHRASESpress sth flat, press sth open, press sth shutHe pressed the lid firmly shut.

2 try to persuade sbADVERB | VERB + press | PREPOSITIONADVERBstronglyIn the interview he strongly pressed his point of view.consistently, continually, repeatedlygently‘Are you sure?’ she pressed gently.furthersuccessfullyVERB + presscontinue toPREPOSITIONforThe party will continue to press the case for a new electoral system.onI did not press him further on the issue.

3 iron sthPHRASESPHRASESimmaculately pressed, neatly pressedhis immaculately pressed suit

PHRASAL VERBpress onPREPOSITION | PHRASESPREPOSITIONwithThey pressed boldly on with their plan.PHRASESpress on regardless (esp. BrE)The weather was dreadful but we pressed on regardless.

Press is used with these nouns as the object:

accelerator, attack, bell, button, buzzer, cheek, claim, demand, doorbell, hand, key, kiss, knife, lever, luck, matter, palm, pedal, point, seam, shutter, switch, trigger

press ahead with

press ahead withphr verb

Press ahead with is used with these nouns as the object:

press back

press backphr verb

Press back is used with these nouns as the object:

curl

press conference

press conferencenoun

(esp. BrE) noun See also news conferenceADJECTIVE | VERB + press conference | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEjointimpromptupost-match, post-summit, etc.VERB + press conferencecallarrange, organize, plangive, holdtellThe chairman told a press conference of the forthcoming merger.PREPOSITIONat a/the press conferenceThe proposed changes were outlined at a press conference.during a/the press conference, in a/the press conferenceThe announcement was made in an impromptu press conference at the airport.

pressed

pressedadj.

Pressed is used with these nouns:

press for

press forphr verb

Press for is used with these nouns as the object:

reform, resolution

pressing

pressingadj.

Pressing is used with these nouns:

business, concern, demand, matter, need, problem

press through

press throughphr verb

Press through is used with these nouns as the object:

sieve

press together

press togetherphr verb

Press together is used with these nouns as the object:

pressure

pressurenoun

noun1 force produced by pressing2 force of a gas or liquid3 stress4 attempt to persuade/influence sb1 force produced by pressingADJECTIVE | VERB + pressure | pressure + NOUNADJECTIVEgentle, lightfirmdownwardVERB + pressureapply, exert, putalleviate, reduce, relieveReducing the swelling will relieve the pressure on her spine.pressure + NOUNsensorPressure sensors in the seats tell the system which ones aren't occupied.

2 force of a gas or liquidADJECTIVE | pressure + VERB | pressure + NOUNADJECTIVEelevated, high, lowair, blood, wateran instrument for measuring blood pressureatmospheric, barometrictyre/tirepressure + VERBbuild up, increase, risemaintainease, fallpressure + NOUNgaugevalvecooker

3 stressADJECTIVE | VERB + pressure | pressure + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsiderable, constant, intolerable (esp. BrE), relentless, undue, unrelentingadded, increased, increasingRetailers face added pressure to have the products available by Christmas.commercial, competitive, economic, financial, political, socialThe economic pressures on small businesses are intense.externalHis own desires conflict with external pressures to conform.downward, upwardThis puts upward pressure on prices.VERB + pressureplace sb under, put sb undercreateWhen more people move into an area, that creates pressures.cope with, handle, withstandescape, get away fromIt's an ideal place in which to relax and escape the pressures of modern life.alleviate, ease, reduce, relieveThey are looking for ways to ease the pressure of their stress-filled, competitive existence.heighten, intensifyThere is a constant drive to exploit workers and intensify the pressure of work.pressure + VERBbuild up, increasePREPOSITIONunder pressureHe's felt under pressure since his wife had the operation.pressure onThere's a lot of pressure on the soldiers preparing for battle.PHRASESpressure of workThe cruise was a welcome relief from the pressure of work.

4 attempt to persuade/influence sbADJECTIVE | VERB + pressure | pressure + VERB | pressure + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEenormous, great, intense, strong, tremendousThere is intense pressure on her to resign.growing, increased, increasing, mountingpopularThe government bowed to popular pressure and repealed the law.internationalthe use of the Internet to put international pressure on authoritarian regimespeer, peer-group (esp. BrE)She started smoking because of peer pressure.VERB + pressurebring to bear, exert, generate, place, putThis concession would not have happened but for the pressure that was brought to bear on the authorities.My parents never put any pressure on me to get a job.place sb under, put sb underbe brought under, be under, come under, experience, faceHospital staff are coming under pressure to work longer hours.heighten, intensifyThis has heightened pressure for economic sanctions against the regime.resist, withstandbow to, give in to, respond toThe editor bowed to pressure from his staff, and the article was suppressed.pressure + VERBintensify, mountpressure + NOUNgrouptacticLarge companies were criticized for using pressure tactics against small suppliers.PREPOSITIONunder pressureManagement is under pressure to set an example on pay restraint.pressure forpressure for change in the country's economypressure frompressure from religious groupspressure onpressure on foreign diplomatsPHRASESkeep the pressure on sb (AmE), keep up the pressure on sb, maintain the pressure on sbFarmers need to keep (up) the pressure on Congress.

pressure-level

pressure-leveladj.

Pressure-level is used with these nouns:

meter

pressure-relief

pressure-reliefadj.

Pressure-relief is used with these nouns:

pressure-treated

pressure-treatedadj.

Pressure-treated is used with these nouns:

lumber

prestige

prestigenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + prestige | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsiderable, enormous, great, high, immenseWinning the prize carries immense prestige.lowinternational, nationaloccupational (AmE), personalacademic, intellectual, political, socialVERB + prestigeenjoy, havean international company that enjoys immense prestigelackacquire, derive (from sth), gain, getLavish hospitality allows the host to gain prestige.accord sb/sth, attach to sb/sth, give sb/sthDifferent jobs are accorded different levels of prestige.bring, carry, confer, lendOwning landed property confers prestige.loseboost, enhance, increase, raisedamage, lowerThe couple's prestige was damaged by the allegations.PREPOSITIONprestige among, prestige withthe party's prestige among the publicprestige withinThe post carried great prestige within the police force.PHRASESa loss of prestigeDoctors have suffered a loss of prestige following a spate of scandals.

prestigious

prestigiousadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highlyShe won a highly prestigious award.

Prestigious is used with these nouns:

accolade, award, collection, competition, event, firm, gallery, institution, journal, magazine, museum, newspaper, prize, school, trophy, university, venue

presume

presumeverb

verbADVERB | PHRASESADVERBcorrectlywronglyI had presumed wrongly that Jenny would be there.reasonably (esp. BrE)automaticallyPHRASESbe presumed deadHarrison disappeared and was presumed dead.be presumed guilty, be presumed innocentThey must be presumed innocent until proven guilty.

presumed

presumedadj.

Presumed is used with these nouns:

consent

presumption

presumptionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEstronggeneralThere is a general presumption that fatty foods are bad for your heart.correctIt seems his presumptions were correct.false (esp. AmE)We must ensure the discussion is not based on false presumptions.PREPOSITIONpresumption aboutThe argument is based on certain presumptions about human nature.presumption against (law)There is a strong presumption against changes in the common law.presumption ofa strong presumption of guiltPHRASESthe presumption of innocenceThe presumption of innocence is constitutionally protected.

presumptive

presumptiveadj.

Presumptive is used with these nouns:

heir

presuppose

presupposeverb

Presuppose is used with these nouns as the object:

pre-tax

pre-taxadj.

Pre-tax is used with these nouns:

earnings, income, loss, margin, profit

pretence

pretencenoun

(BrE) (AmE pretense) nounADJECTIVE | VERB + pretence/pretense | pretence/pretense + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEelaborateIt was all an elaborate pretence.flimsy, slightThere is not even the slightest pretence of trying to make it realistic.VERB + pretence/pretensekeep up, maintain, sustain (BrE)I don't know how long I can keep up this pretence of happiness.abandon, drop, give uppretence/pretense + VERBbe overNow that the pretence was over, he could tell them what he really thought.PREPOSITIONunder the pretence ofHe tried to get close to her under the pretence of examining the pictures on the wall.pretence atHis pretence at friendliness fooled no one.pretence ofHe was hanged without even the pretence of a proper trial.PHRASESabandon all pretence, abandon any pretenceShe abandoned all pretence of neutrality and began to cheer.make a pretence, make no pretenceI make no pretence to be an expert on the subject.by false pretences, under false pretencesHe was accused of obtaining money under false pretences.

pretend

pretendverbadj.

I. verbADVERB | VERB + pretend | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBotherwiseYou know what this is all about. Why pretend otherwise?at leastCouldn't you at least pretend to enjoy it?just, merely, simplyThey decided to just pretend it never happened.VERB + pretendcan no longertry tobe dishonest to, be foolish to, be idle to (BrE)It would be foolish to pretend that there are no risks involved.PREPOSITIONtoHe pretended to his boss that he'd written the article.PHRASESgo on pretendingI can't go on pretending any longer.just pretending, only pretendingMaria knew he was only pretending.let's pretendLet's pretend it never happened.stop pretendingthere's no point in pretending, there's no point pretending (esp. BrE)

Pretend is used with these nouns as the object:

reluctance

II. adj.

Pretend is used with these nouns:

play

preterm

pretermadj.

Preterm is used with these nouns:

baby, birth, delivery, infant, labour

pretext

pretextnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + pretext | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEflimsySeveral schools banned the game on flimsy pretexts.falseThis was a false pretext to attack another country.VERB + pretextgive sb, provide (sb with)find, inventHe considered inventing some pretext for calling her.PREPOSITIONon a/the pretextHe disappeared into his study on the pretext that he had work to do there.under a/the pretextUnder the pretext of checking her identity, the man had copied down her credit card details.pretext forHe used his research as a pretext for going to Hungary.PHRASESat the slightest pretext, on the slightest pretextHe keeps popping into my office on the slightest pretext.

pretrial

pretrialadj.

Pretrial is used with these nouns:

build-up, detention, hearing

prettily

prettilyadv.

Prettily is used with these verbs:

pout

pretty

prettyadj.adv.

I. adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, lookShe felt pretty wearing her mother's earrings.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.awfully, exceptionallyconventionallyShe's very attractive, though not conventionally pretty.almostundeniably

Pretty is used with these nouns:

blonde, clothes, face, flower, garden, girl, hand, harbour, house, lady, mouth, picture, room, scenery, thing, village, woman

II. adv.

Pretty is used with these adjectives:

amazed, amazing, awesome, awful, certain, clear, conclusive, consistent, cool, crazy, crucial, daft, daring, decent, despicable, disastrous, disgusting, dreadful, exceptional, exhausted, exhaustive, exorbitant, fair, fantastic, fascinating, fed up, free, gloomy, good, harmless, hopeless, horrible, horrific, huge, humiliating, ill, important, impossible, incredible, independent, innocuous, low-key, meaningless, normal, one-sided, ordinary, overwhelming, painless, pointless, random, recent, regular, remarkable, ridiculous, sick, slender, sober, staggering, standard, straight, sunny, sure, terrible, unbelievable, unique, unscrupulous, used to, useless, wonderful

prevail

prevailverb

verbADVERB | VERB + prevail | PREPOSITIONADVERBalways, usuallyHer happy outlook always prevailed.eventually, finally, in the end, ultimatelyVERB + prevailbe likely tomust, should, will, etc.Common sense must prevail in the end.PREPOSITIONagainstThe wishes of 20 million people ought to prevail against those of 200 thousand.overHis view eventually prevailed over theirs.

Prevail is used with these nouns as the subject:

atmosphere, attitude, common sense, condition, counsel, custom, love, optimism, peace, sanity, silence, truce, view

prevailing

prevailingadj.

Prevailing is used with these nouns:

attitude, climate, condition, consensus, current, doctrine, dogma, ideology, mood, myth, opinion, orthodoxy, philosophy, sentiment, tone, trend, view, wage, wind, wisdom

prevent

preventverb

verbADVERB | VERB + prevent | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBeffectivelyThis new legislation effectively prevents us from trading.reliably, successfullya study to determine whether the brace can reliably prevent knee injuriespossibly, potentiallyBetter intelligence could have possibly prevented the attack.completelyThese barriers completely prevent new companies from entering the market.forcibly, physicallytherebyThe drug inhibits the replication of cancer cells, thereby preventing their spread.VERB + preventbe able to, be unable to, canNo one can prevent you from attending this meeting.attempt to, seek to, take action to, take steps to, try tohelp (to)A good sunscreen will help prevent sunburn.be designed tobe nothing to, do nothing toThere's nothing to prevent these guys from copying our idea.The whole affair is an outrage and the authorities have done nothing to prevent it.PREPOSITIONfromThey took action to prevent the disease from spreading.PHRASESaimed at preventing sthnew measures aimed at preventing accidentsaction to prevent sth, measures to prevent sthan attempt to prevent sthin order to prevent sthAction must be swift in order to prevent further damage.

Prevent is used with these nouns as the subject:

cordon, injunction, injury, restriction, rule, vaccine, weather

Prevent is used with these nouns as the object:

abuse, access, accident, accumulation, act, allergy, anarchy, attack, bias, blockage, bloodshed, boredom, breach, breakdown, build-up, cancer, casualty, cataract, catastrophe, change, closure, clot, collapse, collision, communication, competition, completion, complication, conception, conflict, confusion, constipation, contact, contamination, corrosion, corruption, cramp, crash, creation, crime, crisis, damage, death, decay, decline, defect, dehydration, delay, demolition, depletion, depression, destruction, deterioration, development, disability, disaster, disease, disorder, dispute, disruption, disturbance, draught, duplication, embarrassment, emergence, entry, erosion, error, escalation, escape, establishment, expansion, exploitation, explosion, export, extinction, failure, fall, famine, fatigue, fire, fit, formation, friction, harm, HIV, illness, immigration, import, incident, inclusion, infection, infiltration, influenza, influx, injury, interference, irritation, killing, leak, loss, malaria, migraine, mishap, misunderstanding, misuse, movement, occurrence, onset, outbreak, passage, penetration, pollution, practice, pregnancy, problem, progression, recession, recurrence, relapse, release, removal, repetition, sale, scandal, sickness, slaughter, slide, spread, stagnation, starvation, strike, suicide, swelling, terrorism, tragedy, transmission, vandalism, violation, war, wastage, wear, wrinkle

preventable

preventableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomeADVERBentirelyThese injuries are entirely preventable.easilylargelypotentiallyMany potentially preventable cancers are currently missed.

Preventable is used with these nouns:

death, disease, illness

preventative

preventativeadj.

Preventative is used with these nouns:

action, maintenance, measure, medicine, war

prevention

preventionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | prevention + NOUNADJECTIVEaccident, crime, disease, drug, fire, flood, pollution, pregnancy (esp. AmE)drug prevention policiesAIDS, cancer, HIV, osteoporosis, etc.prevention + NOUNefforts, measures, programme/program, scheme (BrE), strategycrime prevention strategies

preventive

preventiveadj.

Preventive is used with these nouns:

action, care, detention, diplomacy, maintenance, measure, medicine, strategy

preview

previewnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + preview | preview + NOUNADJECTIVEpressa press preview of a new moviesneakJournalists have been given a sneak preview of the singer's latest album.exclusiveOn today's show, we'll have exclusive previews of some of the best new music.VERB + previewget, haveseegive sbpreview + NOUNaudiencescreening

previousadj.

Previous is used with these nouns:

boyfriend, century, conviction, day, decade, employer, encounter, engagement, episode, era, evening, existence, experience, fortnight, generation, high, history, incarnation, instalment, job, knowledge, life, marriage, month, morning, night, occasion, occupant, owner, page, paragraph, post, posting, president, prime minister, quarter, record, regime, release, report, research, round, ruling, section, semester, state, study, visit, week, work, year

previously pre-war

pre-waradj.

Pre-war is used with these nouns:

era, year

prey

preynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + prey | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEeasyTeenagers are easy prey for unscrupulous drug dealers.helpless (esp. AmE), unsuspectingThey watched a hawk swoop down on its unsuspecting prey.VERB + preychase, circle, hunt for, look for, pursue, stalkspotcapture, pounce ona cat pouncing on its preydevour, killPREPOSITIONprey forThe young deer are ideal prey for the leopard.prey to (figurative)She was prey to all kinds of conflicting emotions.PHRASESa beast of prey, a bird of preybe prey to sth, fall prey to sth (both figurative)The new government has fallen prey to corruption and fraud.

prey on

prey onphr verb

Prey on is used with these nouns as the subject:

owl

Prey on is used with these nouns as the object:

price

pricenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + price | price + VERB | price + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEexorbitant, high, inflated, prohibitive, steepThey charge exorbitant prices for their goods.The price of fuel is prohibitive.rising, soaringfallingcheap, lowbargain, budget, discounted, knock-down (BrE), reduced, rock-bottomdesigner clothes at bargain pricesaffordable, attractive, competitive, decent, fair, reasonable, rightWe sell quality tools at the right price.goodI managed to get a good price for my old car.averageasking, purchaseWhat's the asking price for this house?You need to pay a deposit of 10% of the purchase price of the property.recommended (esp. BrE), suggested (esp. AmE)The suggested retail price of the DVD is $19.99.retail, sale, sales, sellingwholesalecost (esp. BrE)They are selling off summer shoes at cost price.base (esp. AmE)The car has a base price of $28 640.full, halfChildren travel half price until age ten.fixedThey sell cars at fixed prices, with no haggling.marketThis website tells you the market price of all makes of second-hand car.admission, ticketadmission prices at the museumconsumerbond, commodity, gold, share (esp. BrE), stock (esp. AmE)foodhouse, housing (esp. AmE), land, property (esp. BrE), real estate (esp. AmE)electricity, energy, fuel, gas, gasoline (AmE), oil, petrol (BrE)VERB + pricecommand, fetch, go forProperty in the area is now fetching ridiculously high prices.give sb, quote sbI got a number of suppliers to quote me their best prices.agree, agree on, negotiateBanding together allows growers to negotiate a better price for their crop.charge, fix, setcompareIt's always worth comparing prices before you buy.boost, double, increase, push up, raiseThe deal would boost gas prices.bring down, cut, drop, lower, mark down, push down, reduce, slashThe campaign urged retailers to drop their prices.adjustWe need to adjust our prices to reflect our actual costs.go up in, increase in, rise inOil is set in go up in price.come down inrange in, vary inThese computers range in price from £1 300 to £2 000.undercutprice + VERBclimb, double, go up, increase, jump, rise, shoot up, skyrocket, soar, spike (esp. AmE)House prices went up by 5% last year.Prices soared during the war.collapse, drop, fall, go down, plummet, plunge, slump, tumbleIf prices slump further, the farmers will starve.fluctuate, swinggo from … to … , range from … to … , start at, varyPrices go from $30 for the standard model to $150 for the de luxe version.price + NOUNlevel, rangehike (informal), increase, rise, spikecut, dropchange, fluctuation, movement, volatilitystabilitywartagI got a shock when I looked at the price tag.listindexthe share price indexPREPOSITIONat a/the priceFood is available, at a price (= at a high price).I can't afford it at that price.in priceCigarettes have remained stable in price for some time.PHRASESa drop in price, a fall in price, a reduction in pricean increase in price, a rise in pricepay a heavy price (for sth), pay a high price (for sth), pay the price (for sth)The team paid a heavy price for its lack of preparation.place a price on sth, put a price on sthYou can't put a price on happiness.the price of freedom, success, etc. (= the unpleasant things you must suffer to have freedom, success, etc.)price per gallon, pound, etc.The average price per gallon was $2.09.a small price to pay (for sth)The cost of a policy premium is a small price to pay for peace of mind.

II. verb be pricedADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBexorbitantly, highly, outrageouslyaggressively, cheaplyaffordably, attractively, competitively, economically, fairly, moderately, modestly, realistically, reasonably, sensiblya wide range of competitively priced office furniturecomparatively, similarlyIt has a much longer battery life than other comparatively priced laptops.accordinglyThis is considered a luxury item and is priced accordingly.PREPOSITIONatThe car is priced at $60 000.betweenTickets for the concert are priced between £15 and £35.from, toThe kits are priced from £8.50 to £20.PHRASESbe priced high, be priced lowThe house was priced much too high.

priceless

pricelessadj.

Priceless is used with these nouns:

antique, antiquity, asset, collection, gem, jewel, relic, treasure

price-sensitive

price-sensitiveadj.

Price-sensitive is used with these nouns:

price-to-earnings

price-to-earningsadj.

Price-to-earnings is used with these nouns:

ratio

pricing

pricingnoun

Pricing is used before these nouns:

Pricing is used after these nouns:

congestion, road

prick

prickverb

Prick is used with these nouns as the subject:

conscience, ear, eye, needle, tear

Prick is used with these nouns as the object:

conscience, finger

prick at

prick atphr verb

Prick at is used with these nouns as the subject:

prick in

prick inphr verb

Prick in is used with these nouns as the subject:

prickle

prickleverb

Prickle is used with these nouns as the subject:

eye, scalp

prickling

pricklingadj.

Prickling is used with these nouns:

sensation

prickly

pricklyadj.

Prickly is used with these nouns:

bush, character

prick up

prick upphr verb

Prick up is used with these nouns as the subject:

dog, ear

Prick up is used with these nouns as the object:

pride

pridenoun

noun1 feeling of being proud of sb/sth2 self-respect1 feeling of being proud of sb/sthADJECTIVE | VERB + pride | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfierce, greatjustifiableShe took justifiable pride in her son's achievements.fatherlyHe smiled with fatherly pride.VERB + pridefeel, have, swell withThey have a fierce pride in their traditions.He swelled with pride as he held the trophy.expressPREPOSITIONwith prideI wear my policeman's uniform with pride.‘My daughter's a writer,’ he added with pride.pride inShe expressed pride in her child's achievement.PHRASESa cause for pride, a matter for prideTheir reputation for fairness is a matter for pride.a source of pridetake (a) pride in sthShe takes great pride in her work.

2 self-respectADJECTIVE | VERB + pride | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreatfamily, masculine, personal, professionalHis masculine pride would not let him admit that a girl had defeated him.civic, local, national, patrioticBusinesses rushed to include images of patriotic pride in their marketing.ethnic (esp. AmE), gay, racialthe politics of racial pride and Black Powerdented (BrE), hurt, injured, woundedHe was nursing his hurt pride.foolish, stubbornIt was foolish pride that prevented me from believing her.VERB + pridehaveI don't want your money—I have my pride, you know!hurt, woundI didn't mean to hurt your pride.restore, salvageWe want to restore pride in our public services.They managed to salvage some pride with a late goal.sacrifice (esp. AmE), swallowShe swallowed her pride and called him.PREPOSITIONout of prideShe refused their help out of pride.through prideIt would be stupid to refuse through pride.PHRASESa matter of prideIt is a matter of pride for him that he has never accepted money from his family.a sense of prideThey have a strong sense of pride in their work.with your pride intactShe refused his offer tactfully, allowing him to go away with his pride intact.

priest

priestnoun

noun1 in Christianity2 in some other religions1 in ChristianityADJECTIVE | VERB + priest | priest + VERBADJECTIVElocal, parish, village (esp. BrE)celibatemarriedwomanordainedAnglican, Catholic, Jesuit, etc.VERB + priestbecome, be ordained (as)priest + VERBcelebrate sth, officiate (at sth)the priest who was celebrating Mass

2 in some other religionsADJECTIVEADJECTIVEchief, higha ceremony led by the High PriestHe was considered the high priest of finance at that time. (figurative)templeBrahman, Buddhist, etc.

priestess

priestessnoun

Priestess is used after these nouns:

temple

priestly

priestlyadj.

Priestly is used with these nouns:

robe

prima facie

prima facieadj.

Prima facie is used with these nouns:

case, evidence

primal

primaladj.

Primal is used with these nouns:

fear, urge

primarily

primarilyadv.

Primarily is used with these adjectives:

composed, concentrated, concerned, engaged, interested, involved, male, responsible

Primarily is used with these verbs:

aim, appeal, base, benefit, concentrate, confine, consist, depend, derive, design, determine, direct, employ, exist, feed, focus, function, fund, gear, influence, locate, occur, relate, rely, remember, rest, serve, target, use, utilize, work

primary

primaryadj.

Primary is used with these nouns:

agent, aim, allegiance, campaign, care, cause, challenge, colour, commodity, complaint, component, concern, consideration, contest, criterion, culprit, curriculum, diagnosis, disadvantage, distributor, duty, education, election, emotion, emphasis, feather, focus, function, goal, importance, industry, infection, ingredient, instrument, interest, loyalty, material, means, mission, motivation, motive, object, objection, objective, phase, producer, pupil, purpose, reason, residence, responsibility, rival, role, school, schooling, season, source, sponsor, stress, suspect, target, task, teacher, teaching, text, thrust, tool, treatment, tumour, victim, virtue, voter, weakness

primary care

primary carenoun

Primary care is used before these nouns:

doctor, physician

primary school

primary schoolnoun

Primary school is used before these nouns:

prime

primeadj.

Prime is used with these nouns:

agent, aim, beef, candidate, cause, consideration, contractor, culprit, cut, destination, directive, example, focus, function, goal, importance, land, minister, motivation, motive, number, objective, purpose, site, steak, suspect, target, time

prime minister

prime ministernoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + prime minister | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdeputyacting, caretaker, interim, transitionalincumbent, presentformer, previousoutgoingstrongbeleaguered (esp. BrE)The beleaguered prime minister is coming under more pressure.Conservative, Labour, etc.VERB + prime ministerappoint, appoint sb (as), elect, elect sb (as)serve asHe served briefly as prime minister from 1920 to 1921.(For more verbs see the entry for minister.)PREPOSITIONunder a/the prime minister

She held office under two different prime ministers.

prime-ministerial

prime-ministerialadj.

Prime-ministerial is used with these nouns:

candidate

prime-time

prime-timeadj.

Prime-time is used with these nouns:

coverage, drama, news, news conference, rating, schedule, show, soap opera, special, television

primeval

primevaladj.

Primeval is used with these nouns:

forest, slime, urge

primitive

primitiveadj.

Primitive is used with these nouns:

civilization, creature, culture, instinct, mammal, man, people, religion, ritual, society, superstition, tool, tribe, urge, version

primly

primlyadv.

Primly is used with these verbs:

sit

primordial

primordialadj.

Primordial is used with these nouns:

slime, soup

primrose

primrosenoun

Primrose is used before these nouns:

yellow

Primus{™}

Primus{™}noun

Primus™ is used before these nouns:

stove

princely

princelyadj.

Princely is used with these nouns:

sum

princess

princessnoun

Princess is used after these nouns:

pop

principal

principalnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEcollege (BrE), school (esp. AmE)elementary-school, high-school, middle-school (all AmE)independent-school, private-school, public-school (all AmE)assistant, vice

II. adj.

Principal is used with these nouns:

actor, actress, adviser, agent, aim, analyst, aspect, asset, bedroom, brand, cause, character, characteristic, component, conductor, contributor, dancer, designer, disadvantage, effect, element, enemy, exponent, export, feature, focus, ingredient, instrument, lecturer, means, method, minister, negotiator, object, objection, objective, officer, part, partner, purpose, reason, recommendation, repayment, residence, rival, role, shareholder, shopping centre, soprano, source, speaker, sponsor, stockholder, street, supporter, target, task, thesis, type, witness

principally

principallyadv.

Principally is used with these adjectives:

concerned, responsible

Principally is used with these verbs:

aim, consist, direct, focus

principle

principlenoun

noun1 basic general rule2 moral rule1 basic general ruleADJECTIVE | VERB + principle | principle + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbasic, broad, central, fundamental, general, underlyingthe basic principles of car maintenancebedrock (esp. AmE), cardinal, core, essential, keyuniversalorganizingHis novels reject chronology as an organizing principle.abstract, theoreticalShe is interested in actual human relationships rather than abstract principles.constitutional, democratic, legal, market, politicalmathematical, physical, scientificVERB + principleviolateThis violates every principle of good writing.embody, embrace, illustrate, incorporateThe house incorporates many principles of modern environmentally aware design.discover, establish, formulate, lay downapply, invokearticulate, explain, outlineprinciple + VERBapplyThis principle applies to all kinds of selling.underlie sth, underpin sththe principles underlying Western philosophyPREPOSITIONin principleI agree with you in principle, but we'll need to discuss the details.principle behindShe went on to explain the principles behind what she was doing.PHRASESthe pleasure principle, the precautionary principle, the uncertainty principleDoes everything we do come down to the pleasure principle?

2 moral ruleADJECTIVE | VERB + principle | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEhighfounding, guidingFreedom is the founding principle of our Republic.Biblical, religiousChristian, Islamic, etc.ethical, moralHe was a man of high moral principles.VERB + principleabandon, betray, compromiseI refuse to compromise my principles by eating meat.adhere to, stick to, upholdShe sticks to the principle that everyone should be treated equally.be enshrined in sthThe principle of equality is enshrined in our Constitution.PREPOSITIONagainst your principlesEating meat was against her principles.on principleShe's opposed to abortion on principle.PHRASESa matter of principleThey reject the proposal as a matter of principle.a man/woman of principle (= person with high moral standards)

principled

principledadj.

Principled is used with these nouns:

disagreement, objection, stand

printnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + print | print + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElargefine, smallAlways read the small print in a contract before signing.clearboldVERB + printreadI had to squint to read the tiny print on the screen.print + NOUNjournalism, mediaad, advertisement, campaign (esp. AmE)edition, versionThey make more money from online subscriptions than from selling the print version.journalist, reporter (esp. AmE), worker (esp. BrE)industry (esp. BrE) (usually printing industry in AmE), union (BrE)runThe initial print run for her book was 6 000 copies.PREPOSITIONin printAll her books are still in print.out of printI'm afraid that book is now out of print.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBbeautifullyThe book is beautifully printed on good quality paper.badlycheaplyHe was handing out cheaply printed business cards.correctlyI couldn't get the graphics to print correctly.boldly, clearly, legibly, neatlyindelibly (BrE, figurative)The incident was indelibly printed in her memory.professionallyWe had the first issue of the newsletter professionally printed.privatelyShe had the memoir privately printed in a limited edition.speciallyWe had the T-shirts specially printed with the company's logo.digitallyThe images are scanned onto computers and digitally printed.PREPOSITIONfromPhotographs can be printed from a digital file or from a negative.inThe message was printed in blue ink.ona leaflet printed on recycled paperwitha dress printed with blue flowers

Print is used with these nouns as the subject:

magazine, newspaper, printer

Print is used with these nouns as the object:

answer, article, copy, document, edition, email, excerpt, image, magazine, map, money, name, negative, news, newspaper, obituary, pamphlet, paper, pattern, photograph, picture, poster, receipt, recipe, story, text, transcript

printed

printedadj.

Printed is used with these nouns:

book, catalogue, circuit, copy, cotton, document, edition, fabric, manual, material, matter, medium, music, page, paper, sheet, text, textile, version, word

printer

printernoun

noun1 person/company that prints books, etc.2 machine1 person/company that prints books, etc.ADJECTIVE | printer + VERBADJECTIVEbookcommercialmasterjobbing (BrE)printer + VERBprint sth, run sth offThe printer has run off 2 000 copies of the leaflet.

2 machineADJECTIVE | VERB + printer | printer + VERB | printer + NOUNADJECTIVEblack-and-white, colour/color, monochromecomputerofficedesktopdot matrix, inkjet, laserwide-format (AmE)compatibleVERB + printerconfigure, installcontrol, driveattach, connect, plug inConnect the printer to your PC.networkYou can print to any networked printer in the building.printer + VERBprint (sth), workThe printer won't print for some reason.printer + NOUNcartridge, ink, tonerpapertraycableCan you check to see if the printer cable is still plugged into your computer?portdrivericon

printing

printingnoun

Printing is used before these nouns:

capability, ink, press

Printing is used after these nouns:

print out

print outphr verb

Print out is used with these nouns as the object:

document, map, receipt

printout

printoutnoun

Printout is used after these nouns:

prior priority

prioritynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + priority | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEhigh, main, major, number-one, topfirst, immediate, urgentGetting food, medicine and blankets to flood victims is the most urgent priority.lowMaterial possessions have always been a low priority for Mike.budget, budgetary, legislative (esp. AmE), spending, strategicUsing the Internet is one of the company's top strategic priorities.VERB + prioritychoose, decide on, determine, establish, identify, set, sort outYou need to sort out your priorities before making a decision about the future.get, have, takeWhen hospital funds are being allocated children take priority.assign, giveWe assign a high priority to research and development.The bank seems to give priority to new customers.re-evaluate (AmE), reorder, rethinkTo reduce stress you may have to rethink your priorities in life.PREPOSITIONpriority overHer family takes priority over her work.PHRASESa list of prioritiesorder of priorityList the tasks in order of priority.place a high priority on sth, place a low priority on sthWe need to place a higher priority on family and social issues.

prise from

prise fromphr verb

Prise from is used with these nouns as the object:

prise off

prise offphr verb

Prise off is used with these nouns as the object:

prison

prisonnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + prison | prison + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElocalfederalovercrowdedhigh-security (esp. BrE), maximum-security (esp. AmE), supermax (AmE)minimum-security (AmE)closed (BrE), open (esp. BrE)Open prisons prepare prisoners for life back in the community.privatewomen'sdebtors' (historical)militaryVERB + prisongo toHe went to prison for tax evasion.put sb in, send sb to, throw sb intoShe was sent to prison for leaking state secrets.He was immediately seized and thrown into prison.be discharged from, be released from, come out of, get out ofWhen did he get out of prison?escape fromA dangerous criminal has escaped from a maximum-security prison.avoid, escapeYou only escaped prison (= escaped being sent to prison) because of your previous good character.faceShe was told by magistrates she could now face prison.build, designBuilding new prisons is not going to help lower our incarceration rate.operate, runIt is one of several companies running private prisons across Britain.prison + NOUNsentence, termcell, hospital, yardconditionspopulationinmateauthorities, chaplain, governor (BrE), guard (esp. AmE), officer (esp. BrE), staff, warden (esp. AmE), warder (BrE)service (BrE), systemreformPREPOSITIONat a/the prisonThe police are investigating disturbances at the prison.in (a/the) prisonHow long has her father been in prison?There have been riots in the prison.

prisoner

prisonernoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + prisoner | PHRASESADJECTIVEvirtualWithout a wheelchair, she is a virtual prisoner in her own home.politicallife (esp. BrE), long-term (BrE)short-term (BrE)remand (BrE)condemned, convicted (esp. BrE)death-rowescapedcaptured (esp. AmE)releasedmodelHe was a model prisoner, and was released after serving only half of his five-year sentence.fellowThey were allowed only limited contact with their fellow prisoners.VERB + prisonercapture, takeThey had captured over 100 prisoners.detain, hold, incarcerate (esp. AmE)Over 2 million prisoners are currently incarcerated in the US.free, releaserehabilitateexecutePHRASEShold sb prisoner, keep sb prisonerThey were kept prisoner in a basement room for eight months.a prisoner of conscienceThe former prisoner of conscience was elected president of the new democracy.a prisoner of warbe taken prisonerMany soldiers were taken prisoner.

prisoner of war

prisoner of warnoun

Prisoner of war is used before these nouns:

pristine

pristineadj.

Pristine is used with these nouns:

beach, condition, copy, wilderness

privacy

privacynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + privacy | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEabsolute, complete, totalrelativeI was able to say goodbye to him in relative privacy.individual, personalconsumer, patientWe need to have access to health records while protecting patient privacy.VERB + privacyensure, guarantee, preserve, protect, respect, safeguardguard, valueHe has always jealously guarded his privacy.disturb, intrude on, invade, violateI hope I'm not intruding on your privacy.We need to deliver security without intruding on people's privacy.PREPOSITIONin privacyI want to be left in privacy.in the privacy ofShe longed to be in the privacy of her own room.privacy fromprivacy from prying eyesPHRASESan intrusion of privacy (esp. BrE), an invasion of privacyThese phone calls are a gross invasion of privacy.an intrusion on (sb's) privacy

private

privateadj.

Private is used with these nouns:

accommodation, account, act, address, affair, agency, aircraft, airline, anguish, apartment, archive, army, arrangement, association, audience, bailiff, bank, banking, bathroom, beach, belief, benefactor, box, business, capacity, capital, car, care, cemetery, ceremony, chamber, chapel, charity, chat, citizen, client, clinic, club, coach, collection, collector, college, commission, company, conference, consultation, consumption, contractor, conversation, corner, corporation, correspondence, creditor, customer, dealer, dentist, detective, developer, diary, dinner, doctor, document, domain, donation, donor, doubt, drive, dwelling, education, employer, enterprise, entity, entrepreneur, estate, expenditure, facility, fantasy, farm, feud, finance, firm, foundation, fund, funding, funeral, gain, gallery, garden, gathering, grief, guard, hearing, helicopter, hell, high school, home, hospital, hotel, house, household, housing, income, individual, indulgence, industry, initiative, institution, insurance, interest, investment, investor, jail, jet, joke, journal, label, land, landlord, lawyer, lender, lesson, letter, library, life, lift, line, litigation, matter, means, medicine, meeting, memorandum, militia, money, monopoly, morality, museum, nature, nurse, nursery school, nursing, office, operator, organization, owner, ownership, paper, partnership, party, patient, pension, person, phone, physician, pilot, plane, plot, possession, practice, prayer, premises, prison, producer, property, prosecution, provision, pupil, quarrel, quarter, railway, realm, residence, retreat, road, room, saving, school, schooling, secretary, sector, self, session, shareholder, show, shower, showing, soldier, space, spending, sphere, sponsor, sponsorship, studio, study, suite, talk, tenant, tender, thought, trade, trader, tragedy, trainer, transaction, transport, transportation, treatment, tuition, tutor, university, use, vehicle, venture, villa, virtue, visit, ward, wealth, wing, world, yacht

private-client

private-clientadj.

Private-client is used with these nouns:

stockbroker

private-hire

private-hireadj.

Private-hire is used with these nouns:

privately private school

private schoolnoun

Private school is used before these nouns:

principal

private sector

private sectornoun

Private sector is used before these nouns:

finance, funding, investment, worker

privatization

privatizationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + privatization | privatization + NOUNADJECTIVElarge-scale, masspartialelectricity, rail, water, etc.VERB + privatizationopposeprivatization + NOUNplan, programme/program, proposal

privatize

privatizeverb

Privatize is used with these nouns as the object:

enterprise, health service, industry, railway, social security

privatized

privatizedadj.

Privatized is used with these nouns:

industry, utility

privet

privetnoun

Privet is used before these nouns:

hedge

privilege

privilegenoun

noun1 special right2 opportunity to do sth pleasant1 special rightADJECTIVE | VERB + privilegeADJECTIVEexclusive, specialClub members have special privileges, like free use of the pool.classdiplomatican abuse of diplomatic privilegesattorney-client, doctor-patient (both AmE)VERB + privilegeenjoy, exercise, haveaccord sb, give sb, grant sbabuseHe was accused of abusing his diplomatic privileges.revoke, withdraw

2 opportunity to do sth pleasantADJECTIVE | VERB + privilegeADJECTIVEenormous (esp. BrE), great, rare, realIt is a great privilege to be attending this conference.dubious (esp. BrE)I was given the dubious privilege of organizing the summer fair.VERB + privilegehaveShe had the rare privilege of a viewing of his private art collection.give sb

privileged

privilegedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feelconsider sb/yourselfI consider myself highly privileged to have this opportunity.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highlyuniquelya uniquely privileged position in the American workforcequite, relativelyeconomically, sociallyShe came from a socially privileged background.

Privileged is used with these nouns:

background, class, document, elite, position, status, upbringing, youth

privy

privyadj.

Privy is used with these nouns:

seal

prize

prizenounverbadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + prize | prize + VERB | prize + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, great, prestigiousfabulousspecialultimateThe presidency is the ultimate prize.covetedShe was the first woman to win this coveted prize.glittering (esp. BrE)He strove for the glittering prizes of politics.first, first-place (AmE), grand, toprunner-up (esp. BrE), secondconsolationboobyThe booby prize was awarded to the worst singer in the competition.cash, monetary (esp. AmE), money (esp. BrE)$1-million, etc.raffleVERB + prizeaward (sb), give (sb)offerpresentThe prize was presented by the mayor.capture, claim, collect, get, receive, take, winacceptshareDe Klerk shared the peace prize with Nelson Mandela in 1993.prize + VERBgo to sb/sthThe prize went to the long-haired cat.be worth sth, total stha prize worth over $3 000prize + NOUNwinner (usually prizewinner)moneycompetition, draw (BrE)PREPOSITIONprize forHe won the Nobel Prize for Literature.prize inprizes in chemistry, physics and medicine

II. verbPREPOSITION | PHRASESPREPOSITIONabovea precious thing to be prized above all elseasThe library is prized as the finest of its kind in England.forThe berries are prized for their healing properties.PHRASEShighly prized, much prizedtwo fruits that are much prized on the island

III. adj.

Prize is used with these nouns:

asset, specimen

prized

prizedadj.

Prized is used with these nouns:

asset, jewel, possession

prize-giving

prize-givingnoun

Prize-giving is used before these nouns:

prize-winning

prize-winningadj.

Prize-winning is used with these nouns:

economist, journalist

pro

pronounadj.

I. noun

Pro is used after these nouns:

tennis, tour

II. adj.

Pro is used with these nouns:

ball, baseball, basketball, bowling, career, football, golf, hockey, rank, shop, show, soccer, sport, tour

proactive

proactiveadj.

Proactive is used with these nouns:

approach, role, stance, strategy

probability

probabilitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF PROBABILITY | VERB + probability | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEhigh, real, strongThere is a high probability that it will snow tonight.greater, increasedlowequalAll callers had an equal probability of being chosen.relative… OF PROBABILITYdegreeWe can say with a high degree of probability that the poem was written by Shakespeare.VERB + probabilityhaveincreasedecrease, reduceassess, calculatepredictestimatedetermineaffect, influencegenetic factors that influence the probability of becoming sickPREPOSITIONprobability formeasures to increase the probability for a sustained recoveryprobability ofThis surgical procedure has a high probability of success.PHRASESin all probabilityIn all probability she wouldn't come even if we invited her.on a/the balance of probabilities (BrE)On the balance of probabilities, the pilot suffered a stroke before the crash.

probable

probableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, look, seemADVERBhighly, veryincreasinglyquiteequallyThe two outcomes are equally probable.

Probable is used with these nouns:

cause, effect, explanation, outcome

probably

probablyadv.

Probably is used with these adjectives:

right, unavoidable, worth

Probably is used with these verbs:

deserve, need, save, wonder

probation

probationnoun

nounVERB + probation | probation + NOUN | PREPOSITIONVERB + probationgive sb, place sb on, put sb on, sentence sb toHe was placed on probation for two years.She was sentenced to a year's probation.get, receiveShe received probation upon completing a drug rehab course.release sb onviolateHe was sentenced to eight months in jail for violating his probation.probation + NOUNorder (esp. BrE)He was under a probation order for attacking a photographer.officerdepartment (AmE), office, service (BrE)hostel (BrE)periodOnce your probation period is successfully completed, you will be offered a contract.supervisionthe effectiveness of regular probation supervisionviolationPREPOSITIONon probationThe judge put her on probation for a year.He joined the company on six months' probation.

probe

probenounverb

I. noun

Probe is used after these nouns:

corruption, murder, space

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBdeep, deeplyScientists are probing deeper and deeper into the secrets of the universe.furthercarefully, gentlyPREPOSITIONforThe bird uses its long beak to probe for worms.intoThe police were probing into her personal life.withHe probed the mud with his knife.

Probe is used with these nouns as the subject:

Probe is used with these nouns as the object:

allegation, mind, murder, mystery, wound

probing

probingadj.

Probing is used with these nouns:

question

problem

problemnounadj.

I. noun1 sth that causes difficulties2 question to be solved1 sth that causes difficultiesADJECTIVE | … OF PROBLEMS | VERB + problem | problem + VERB | problem + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEacute, big, enormous, grave, great, huge, important, major, serious, significantOur greatest problem is the lack of funds.globalThe traffic in illegal drugs is a global problem.terribleThe accident poses a terrible problem for the family.realperceivedlittle, minor, petty, slightcomplex, complicated, difficult, knotty, thorny, toughgrowingbasic, central, fundamental, key, main, major, number-one (esp. AmE)Access to capital is often the number-one problem for many entrepreneurs.underlyingthe underlying problem that's causing your high blood pressureannoying, vexing (esp. AmE)commonpressing, urgentunforeseenUnforeseen problems often arise.immediatepossible, potentialFortunately, it's easy to avoid any potential problems.insoluble, insuperable (formal), insurmountable (formal), intractable (formal)Depression is a natural feeling if your problems seem intractable.unresolved, unsolvedThe role of the sun in climate change is still a big unsolved problem.age-old, long-standing, long-term, perennialchronic, ongoing, persistent, recurringinherentthe inherent problems of merging two very different companieslogistical, practicalmechanical, technicalsystemicSystemic security problems have been identified.attitude, behaviour/behavior, behavioural/behavioral, developmental, emotional, mental, mental-health, psychiatric, psychologicalHis teachers say he has an attitude problem.family, personalHer new job had taken her mind off her family problems for a while.communicationWe had communication problems.fertility, health, medical, physical, sexual, sleepback, heart, kneealcohol, drink (BrE), drinking (AmE), drug, gambling, substance-abuseShe had serious substance abuse problems with both cocaine and heroin.socialhousingeconomic, financial, moneyThey sold their car to ease their financial problems.environmentalpoliticallegalmarital, marriageethical, moralMost people can see the ethical problem with accepting such an offer.… OF PROBLEMShost, setWe're faced with a whole host of new problems.an elegant solution to a very complex set of problemsVERB + problembe, pose, present (sb with), remainInadequate resources pose a problem for all members of staff.havedevelopHe developed a drinking problem.bring, cause, create, poseSuccess brings its own problems.Staff shortages cause problems for the organization.complicate, compoundbe beset with, be confronted by, be confronted with, be dogged by (esp. BrE), be faced with, be fraught with, confront, encounter, experience, face, run into, sufferHe has been faced with all sorts of problems in his new job.The plan has been fraught with problems from the start.battlean important step in battling the terrorist problemattribute, blamethe problems attributed to capitalismThey blame the problem on the new prescription drug law.raiseShe raised the problem of falling sales at the last meeting.seeHe doesn't really see the problem.defineacknowledge, admit, recognizeI'm glad you finally admitted your problem.understandHe doesn't seem to understand my problem.anticipate, foreseeI don't anticipate any future problems in that regard.detect, discover, identify, isolate, pinpoint, spotindicate, point outThese symptoms may indicate a serious problem.assess, examine, investigate, studyThey created a task force to study this problem.diagnose, figure out (esp. AmE), work outconsider, debate, discuss, look at, look intodescribe, frame (esp. AmE)Framing the problem is an important step.address, approach, attack, combat, come to grips with, counter, get to grips with, grapple with, handle, manage, tackleThe next meeting will address the problem of obesity.illustrateThis illustrates another potential problem.highlight, underscore (esp. AmE)This underscores the biggest problem with electronic voting.maskAll the anti-depressant does is mask the problem.avoid, circumvent, find a way around, find a way round (esp. BrE), get around, get round (esp. BrE), prevent, sidestepignoreoverlookFor years I've tried to overlook this problem.forgetI forgot my problems for a moment.clear up, correct, cure, deal with, eliminate, fix (esp. AmE), iron out, overcome, rectify, remedy, repair, resolve, settle, solve, sort out, troubleshootHe had to undergo surgery to cure the problem with his knee.alleviate, ease, minimize, mitigate, reduce, relieve, simplifyaggravate, exacerbate, exaggerate, magnify, worsenanalyse/analyze, exploreproblem + VERBarise, come up, crop up, emerge, occur, surfaceproblems arising from poor ventilationexistbegin, originateNo one ever asked why or how the problem originated.persist, remainIf the problem persists you should see a doctor.The basic problem remains the lack of available housing.afflict sb, beset sb, confront sb, face sb, plague sblie in sthThe problem lies in the lack of communication between managers and staff.Therein lies the problem.result from sth, stem from stha problem resulting from technical inadequacyproblem + NOUNarea, spotbehaviour/behaviorchilddrinker, gamblerOne out of every five people is a problem drinker.drinking, gamblinga new approach to problem drinkingpage (BrE) (= in a magazine, containing letters about readers' problems)PREPOSITIONproblem aboutI didn't imagine there would be a problem about getting tickets.problem forThe rail strike is a problem for all commuters.problem ofthe problem of povertyproblem withDo you have a problem with her?PHRASESan approach to a problemthe crux of the problem, the heart of the problem, the root of the problemWe need to get to the root of the problem before we can solve it.the answer to a problem, a remedy to a problem, a solution to a problemHe believes he may have found the answer to his problem.He believes he may have found a solution to the problem.the scale of a problem

2 question to be solvedADJECTIVE | VERB + problem | problem + NOUNADJECTIVEcomplicated, difficulteasy, simplemath (AmE), mathematical, maths (BrE)the ability to solve simple mathematical problemsVERB + problemdo, find the answer to, solve, work outI have five problems to do for homework.problem + NOUNset (AmE)

II. adj.

Problem is used with these nouns:

area, behaviour, child, drinker, gambler, gambling

problematic

problematicadj.

Problematic is used with these nouns:

aspect, nature, situation

problem-solving

problem-solvingnoun

Problem-solving is used before these nouns:

approach, skill, technique

procedural

proceduraladj.

Procedural is used with these nouns:

fairness, impropriety, irregularity, matter, reform, requirement, safeguard, technicality

procedure

procedurenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + procedure | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcomplex, complicatedsimple, straightforwardcommon, correct, normal, proper, recommended, standard, usualThere are standard procedures for dismissing staff.agreed (esp. BrE), established, routineformala formal procedure such as an auditstrictthe strict legal procedures for adoptionalternative, experimental, newsampling, testingthe use of animals in experimental proceduresnecessaryspecialadministrative, appeal (esp. BrE), appeals (esp. AmE), application, assessment, complaints (esp. BrE), court, criminal, disciplinary, emergency, evacuation, grievance (esp. BrE), operating, parliamentary, safety, scientific, security, selection, votinglegal, medicalcosmetic, diagnostic, non-invasive, non-surgical, screening, surgicalthe most popular cosmetic procedure in the nationa minor surgical procedureinvasiveinvasive surgical proceduresabortion, biopsy, sterilization, transplant, etc.VERB + procedureadopt, apply, carry out, conduct, employ, follow, implement, useAll animal procedures were conducted in accordance with the recommendations.Did you follow the emergency procedure when you heard the alarm?recommendThis procedure is usually recommended only for children.approveperformHe could no longer perform delicate procedures such as angioplasty.completeThe pilots completed the emergency procedures.reviewBanks began to review their credit procedures.repeatundergoWomen who undergo the procedure may be unable to breastfeed.establishA straightforward complaints procedure must be established from the outset.standardizeAn attempt was made to standardize the procedure.simplifydescribe, outlinePREPOSITIONunder a/the procedureunder a procedure established by legislationprocedure forthe correct procedure for hiring staff

proceed

proceedverb

verbADVERB | VERB + proceed | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBapace, quickly, rapidlyWork is now proceeding apace.slowlycarefully, cautiously, with cautionIt will be necessary to proceed with caution.smoothlynormallyAt first everything proceeded normally.directlyIn some cases appeals may proceed directly from the High Court to the House of Lords.accordinglyI will remember your advice and proceed accordingly.furtherforward, onward (esp. AmE)With no more questions, he proceeded onward.backShe proceeded back to her office.VERB + proceedbe able todecide to, intend to, want to, wish toallow sb/sth to, enable sb/sth toThis project cannot be allowed to proceed.instruct sb to, tell sb toI will instruct my lawyer to proceed with the preparation of draft contracts.be unable toPREPOSITIONalongProceed along the Botley Road.down, intoThese students then proceed out into the world to positions of leadership.through, tostudents who wish to proceed to collegetowards/towardJacob proceeded towards/toward the steps.upI nodded and proceeded up the stairs.withShe decided not to proceed with the treatment.PHRASESproceed on the basis of sthThe council must proceed on the basis of the vote.

Proceed is used with these nouns as the subject:

conversation, evolution, meeting, sale, scheme, transaction, trial

proceedings

proceedingsnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + proceedings | proceedings + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcourt, criminal, judicial, legalbankruptcy, divorce, extradition, impeachment, libelappeal (BrE), civil, committal (BrE), summary (BrE)VERB + proceedingsbring, initiate, instigate, institute, takebegin, commence, startclose, end, halt, stopproceedings + VERBbegin, commencePREPOSITIONin proceedingsdecisions made in court proceedingsproceedings againstShe is bringing divorce proceedings against her husband.proceedings beforeproceedings before a tribunalproceedings betweenproceedings between the four parties involved

proceeds

proceedsnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + proceeds | proceeds + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEtotalgrossnetsaleVERB + proceedsuseThe proceeds will be used to improve the school playground.investsplitdonateproceeds + VERBbenefit sth (AmE), go to sthAll proceeds benefit the Georgia Cancer Coalition.All the proceeds will go to a local charity.PREPOSITIONon the proceedsI sold my house and I'm planning to retire on the proceeds.with the proceedsThey bought a new minibus with the proceeds from the auction.proceeds fromPHRASESyour share of the proceedsShe bought a new car with her share of the proceeds.

process

processnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + process | process + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgradual, lengthy, long, slow, time-consumingconstant, continuous, ongoingcomplex, complicatedarduous, difficult, gruelling/grueling, laborious, painstakinga painstaking process of trial and errornaturalnormalThe bylaws are amended through the normal processes.formalThe company doesn't have a formal complaints process.duethe due process of lawpainfulRemoving the splinters from the wound was a long and painful process.tediousthe tedious process of creating receipts and invoicesconsultation, consultative, decision-making, management, planningnomination, votingregistrationAs part of the registration process, the applicant will report certain information.collaborativeDesign is a collaborative process.cognitive, creative, design, learning, mental, thoughtTeachers are trained to stimulate the child's cognitive processes.I was beginning to understand his thought processes.assessment, selection, testingreviewthe long review process for his applicationdemocratic, electoral, politicalChurches are taking a key role in the democratic process.chemical, industrial, manufacturing, productionageing/aging, biological, developmental, evolutionary, grieving, healing, physical, thinkingStudents use thinking processes and skills to gain a knowledge of history.judicial, legal, legislativeapproval, screening, vettingThey all have to go through a vetting process.biddingthe bidding process for media rightseditorialpeacea stalemate in the peace processhistorical, socialthree-step, two-step, etc.A two-step process was used to test this hypothesis.VERB + processgo through, undergoEach time we have to go through the whole decision-making process again.accelerate, drive, expedite, hasten, speed up, stimulateExcessive exposure to sunlight speeds up the ageing/aging process of the skin.slow, slow downDisputes and negotiations have slowed down the process.disruptProtests disrupted the electoral process in the southern region.begin, initiate, startShe began the long process of clearing up all the reports.completeThe entire process was completed in less than 24 hours.repeatreverseplaces where the process of urbanization is being reversedsimplify, streamlinee-commerce solutions to streamline the processfacilitateThe Web facilitates an interactive process of learning.overseeaffect, influencecontrol, guide, regulatecalls for the law to regulate the warrant process effectivelyautomateMost of the process is automated.process + VERBoccur, take place, unfoldThe selection process takes place over a period of two weeks.begin, startcontinueevolveAny design process evolves over time as new information surfaces.culminate, result in sthThe process will culminate in December 2010.call for sth, require sthThese processes require careful scheduling.workHere's how the process works in Finland.PREPOSITIONprocess fora legal process for dealing with defraudersprocess ofthe process of changePHRASES(a) part of the processThis is part of the process by which musical works are created.a process of eliminationI will prove this to you by a process of elimination.a stage in the process, a stage of the process

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBefficientlyspeciallytobacco specially processed to reduce nicotinecorrectly, properlyproperly processed black-and-white photographsfullyIt was a second later when I fully processed what he had said.quicklyslowlyMy brain slowly processed the fact that I was free to leave.automaticallydigitallyThe image is processed digitally by computer software.routinelyPREPOSITIONbyThis information is processed by the computer.forThe plant is then processed for dye.intoThe berries are processed into juice or sauce.PHRASEShighly processedhighly processed foods

Process is used with these nouns as the object:

application, data, film, fuel, image, information, input, instruction, ore, paperwork, text, transaction, waste

processed

processedadj.

Processed is used with these nouns:

cheese, food, meat, sugar

processing

processingnoun

Processing is used before these nouns:

capability, facility, fee, plant, power, speed, system, unit

Processing is used after these nouns:

batch, data, image, information, waste

procession

processionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + procession | procession + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgrand, great, large, longlittle, smallpublic, streetslow, solemn, statelycolourful/colorfulceremonial, formaltriumphalconstant, endless, never-ending, steadyWe've had an endless procession of new secretaries through the office since Amy left.candlelit (BrE), torchlightfuneral, religious, weddingVERB + processionhead, leadThe mayor of the town led the procession to the central square.formjoinHeavily laden donkeys joined the procession of jeeps and trucks.procession + VERBmake its way, march, move, pass, wind, wind its wayThe funeral procession moved slowly down the avenue.The solemn procession wound its way through the narrow streets.begin, leave, move off, set off (BrE)reach sthwhen the procession reached the edge of the villagePREPOSITIONin (a/the) processionThe children marched in procession behind the band.procession ofa procession of circus performersprocession througha procession through the heart of Hong Kong

processor

processornoun

Processor is used before these nouns:

architecture, speed

Processor is used after these nouns:

food, image

pro-choice

pro-choiceadj.

Pro-choice is used with these nouns:

Proclaim is used with these nouns as the subject:

proclaim

proclaimverb

verbADVERB | VERB + proclaim | PREPOSITIONADVERBloudlyformally, officiallyopenly, publiclyproudly, triumphantlyboldlyShe boldly proclaimed that her goal was to win the championship.hereby (often humorous)I hereby proclaim June 12 as a computer-free day.repeatedlyShe repeatedly proclaimed her devotion to the cause.VERB + proclaimseem toHis boyish looks seemed to proclaim his inexperience.continue toThey continue to proclaim their innocence.PREPOSITIONasEveryone is proclaiming him as the next president.toShe proclaimed her innocence to the world.

banner, headline, sign

Proclaim is used with these nouns as the object:

doctrine, faith, gospel, independence, innocence, king, love, queen, republic, victory

proclamation

proclamationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + proclamation | proclamation + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEofficial, presidential, public, royalbold (esp. AmE)VERB + proclamationissue, makesignThe President signed a proclamation declaring martial law.proclamation + VERBannounce sth, declare sthPREPOSITIONby proclamationThe government restricted the use of water by proclamation.

proctor

proctorverb

Proctor is used with these nouns as the object:

procure

procureverb

Procure is used with these nouns as the object:

prod

prodnoun

Prod is used after these nouns:

pro-democracy

pro-democracyadj.

Pro-democracy is used with these nouns:

demonstration, demonstrator, march, movement

prodigal

prodigaladj.

Prodigal is used with these nouns:

son

prodigious

prodigiousadj.

Prodigious is used with these nouns:

memory, output, quantity, talent

prodigiously

prodigiouslyadv.

Prodigiously is used with these adjectives:

gifted, talented

prodigy

prodigynoun

Prodigy is used after these nouns:

Produce is used with these nouns as the subject:

produce

producenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + produceADJECTIVEfreshhome-grown (esp. BrE), localsupermarketseasonalagricultural, dairy (esp. BrE), farm, garden, organicfresh farm produceconventional, non-organicqualityThere was limited access to quality produce.VERB + producegrowexport, market, sellbuyI buy my produce directly from farmers.eatI'm eating more fresh produce than ever.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + produce | PREPOSITIONADVERBdomestically, locallyfruit and vegetables that are produced locallycommercially, industriallyartificially, syntheticallynaturallyorganicallyorganically produced foodsustainablythe sale of sustainably produced timberannuallythe 700 million bottles of Bordeaux produced annuallytypicallythe sounds that are typically produced by an American orchestraconsistentlyThe changes have not consistently produced the desired results.efficiently, slicklyThese goods are more efficiently produced in small associations.a slickly produced thrillerbeautifully, handsomely, lavishlythis handsomely produced reference workprofessionallya professionally produced CDindependentlycheaplyThe series was obviously cheaply produced.VERB + producebe able to, can, manage tobe unable to, cannotmay, mightbe expected to, be likely toWhich method is likely to produce the best results?help (to)intend toHe moved to California intending to produce a third novel.combine to, interact toAll of these processes combine to produce a particular form of language.be designed touse sth toThe technology can be used to produce interactive educational programs.PREPOSITIONfromThe wine is produced from Chardonnay grapes.withThe letter has been produced with digital technology.

artist, company, country, economy, effort, factory, farm, firm, generator, industry, meeting, mill, mine, nature, plant, research, talk, tree

Produce is used with these nouns as the object:

abundance, acid, adaptation, album, armaments, art, article, baby, backlash, beef, benefit, berry, biography, bloom, blossom, brandy, brief, brochure, bulletin, calf, car, carbon dioxide, catalogue, CD, CD-ROM, change, charcoal, checklist, chemical, chip, cloth, coal, coke, collection, commodity, compound, copper, copy, corn, crop, culture, current, decrease, defect, design, directory, disc, dividend, document, documentary, draft, drama, drug, DVD, echo, edition, effect, egg, electricity, embryo, emission, energy, equivalent, estimate, euphoria, evidence, fabric, film, finish, fit, flow, flower, fluctuation, food, force, forecast, friction, fruit, fuel, fumes, gain, gas, gold, goods, grain, graph, graphics, gun, heat, heir, honey, hormone, idea, identification, illusion, image, imagery, improvement, increase, insight, inventory, iron, journal, knife, leaf, leaflet, light, magazine, manual, map, masterpiece, material, milk, miracle, model, movement, movie, mucus, mural, music, mutation, narrative, negative, newspaper, noise, novel, odour, oil, outcome, output, oxygen, ozone, package, painting, pamphlet, paper, pass, passport, pattern, performance, piece, pistol, plastic, plutonium, pollen, pollution, pottery, power, product, profit, proof, prospectus, protein, prototype, radioactivity, range, reaction, receipt, recommendation, record, recording, reduction, replica, reply, report, representation, research, response, result, return, revenue, rice, saliva, save, saving, seed, sensation, settlement, shadow, shift, shoot, side effect, signal, silk, single, slime, solution, sound, spark, sperm, statistics, steam, steel, stereotype, substance, substitute, sugar, supply, surplus, symptom, syndrome, text, theory, tornado, torrent, track, trail, translation, unit, uranium, vacuum, version, vibration, victory, video, voltage, waste, wave, wealth, weapon, whisky, wine, wool, work, yield

produce from

produce fromphr verb

Produce from is used with these nouns as the object:

Productive is used with these nouns:

producer

producernoun

noun1 sb/sth that makes/grows sth2 sb that organizes a play, film/movie, etc.1 sb/sth that makes/grows sthADJECTIVEADJECTIVEbig, large, large-scale, leading, major, primaryone of the world's largest meat producerssecond-largest, third-largest, etc.the world's fifth-largest wine producersmall, small-scaleefficienta very efficient wine producerprolificdomestic, localforeignprivatespecialist (esp. BrE)specialist producers of high-quality British beefcommercialthe commercial pork producers in the regionorganicorganic producers of meat, eggs and dairy productslow-costagriculturalbeef, cattle, dairy, hog (AmE), livestock, milk, oil, pork, poultry, power (esp. AmE), software, steel, etc.

2 sb that organizes a play, film/movie, etc.ADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEfilm, movie (esp. AmE), radio, television, TVdocumentarymusic, recordBBC, Hollywood, etc.newsindependentWe commission TV shows from independent producers.co-executive, executive, seniorassistant, associatelegendarylegendary record producer Bruce Dickinsonaward-winning, topHe's been a top producer and mixer for the past decade.PHRASESthe role of producerShe was willing to take on the role of producer.

product

productnoun

noun1 sth that is made or formed2 result1 sth that is made or formedADJECTIVE | VERB + product | product + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEgood, rightWe have a good product, but it needs to be marketed better.the right product in the right place at the right timeinnovativehigh-end, qualitymarketableeverydayperishabledefectivenaturalmanufacturedfinishedthe manufacture of chocolate from cocoa bean to the finished productcommercial, consumerbranded, brand-name, proprietarygeneric, own-brand, store-brand (esp. AmE)premiumWe are introducing premium products to all our clients.niche, specialty (AmE)They offer a range of niche products online.an expensive specialty productflagshipthe company's flagship productpromotionalagencies giving out promotional productscompetingIt's hard to find a competing product that is as compelling.high-techdomestic, household, industrialeveryday household productscleaningnon-toxic cleaning productsstylingKen uses the very best styling products for Jessica's fine hair.wasteagricultural, animal, beef, cereal, cheese, dairy, food, meat, milk, pork, poultryorganicnutritionalmedical, pharmaceuticaltobaccocigarettes and other tobacco productssoftwarebeauty, cosmetic, hair-care, skincareVERB + productbuy, purchaseselladvertise, market, promoteshowcaseThis new catalogue showcases our product.useThose who used the products were generally satisfied with the quality.introduceThe group says it will introduce nine new products before the end of the year.endorsean athlete who endorses a productofferproducts offered by our insurance companiesmanufacture, produceThey produce a product that meets the customer's quality requirements.create, design, developcustomize, tailorOur research enables companies to customize and tailor products to suit individual tastes.deliver, distributethe people who create and deliver the products and servicesexport, importlaunchpackageThey put a lot of time and money into packaging products.labeltestMost companies haven't tested their products on humans yet.product + NOUNarea, category, group, line, line-up, range, sector, typeWe are expanding the product line-up.placementWe are using a lot of outside agencies to help us do product placement.offeringthe company's new product offeringsdesign, innovationmixThe company is diversifying its product mix to attract new customers.developmentdeveloper, managermanagementShe is president of product management.packageportfoliodescription, informationEnsure you have adequate product descriptions.launchthe most successful new product launches of 2003pricequalityliabilitylife cycleshort product life cyclessafetyfor those still concerned about product safetyPHRASESa range of productsa wide range of beauty products

2 resultADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEend, finalA complicated string of chemical reactions leads to the end product.naturalPREPOSITIONproduct ofLike many of his generation, he was a product of Japan's obsession with technology.

production

productionnoun

noun1 making/growing sth2 play, film/movie, etc.1 making/growing sthADJECTIVE | … OF PRODUCTION | VERB + production | production + VERB | production + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEfull, full-scaleThe machine will go into full production in November 2002.large-scale, mass, volumeincreasedpeakthe days of peak oil productionsmall-scaleefficientannualdomesticglobal, worldwideautomobile (esp. AmE), car (esp. BrE)coal, electricity, energy, gas, oilcotton, textileagricultural, beef, corn, crop, food, fruit, hog (AmE), livestock, meat, milk, pork, poultry, wheatfactory, industrialsteelorganicThese substances are not allowed in organic production.sustainablesustainable crop productionartisticNaples surpassed Rome as a centre/center of artistic production in the 18th century.antibody, egg, hormone, insulin, mucus, testosterone, etc.… OF PRODUCTIONlevel, volumeThe increase in volume of production brought down the price of the goods.rateThe rate of production was greater in Saskatchewan than in Alberta.VERB + productionbe inThat particular model is no longer in production.go intogo out ofbegin, enter, startThe new model will enter production in 2009.They are going to start production of the car next year.resumeThe country has resumed normal oil production.boost, encourage, expand, improve, increase, maximize, promote, step up, stimulatecontrol, regulatecut, cut back, cut back onblock, decrease, disrupt, hinder, inhibit, reduce, suppressGreen tea inhibits the production of this enzyme.cease, halt, stopspeed upoutsourceBuyers have increasingly outsourced production to lower-cost regions.production + VERBincrease, risefallproduction + NOUNfacility, line, planta car production plantmethods, process, system, techniquedesignschedulea tough production schedulerunspecial production runs of key componentsassistant, company, crew, designer, director, manager, staff, team, workercostscapacity, level, quota, volumequalitythe movie's direction and production qualityPHRASESa cut in production, a fall in productionan increase in production, a rise in productionthe means of productionThey believed that power largely derives from ownership of the means of production.

2 play, film/movie, etc.ADJECTIVEADJECTIVEsuccessfulcontroversiallavishlow-budget, low-costoriginalI had seen the original production in 1956.amateur, professionalstagestudioThis is not a big studio production.Broadway, off-Broadway, West End, etc.locala local amateur production of ‘The Sound of Music’touringa touring production of ‘Cats’schooltelevision, TV, videofilm (esp. BrE), movie (esp. AmE)theatre/theater, theatrical

productive

productiveadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, prove, seemInternet sources have proved extremely productive.feelIt makes them feel productive even if it is not a paying job.becomemake sb/sthDaylight makes people more productive.do sthI just wish he would do something productive with his life.remain, stayThe bush must be pruned to remain productive.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.enormously, exceptionally, highly, incredibly, remarkablyIt was a highly productive meeting.potentiallyconsistentlyeconomicallyeconomically productive workers

avenue, capacity, citizen, force, investment, labour, manner, meeting, partnership, worker

productively

productivelyadv.

Productively is used with these verbs:

productivity

productivitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF PRODUCTIVITY | VERB + productivity | productivity + VERB | productivity + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEhigh, lowenhanced, greater, improved, increased, maximumimproving, increasing, risingdecreased, lost, reducedThe strike took a heavy toll in lost productivity.It cost the company $25 million in reduced productivity.agricultural, economic, industrial, manufacturingemployee, labour/labor, personal, workeroverall… OF PRODUCTIVITYlevelFarmers are struggling to maintain a level of productivity that generates an acceptable income.VERB + productivityboost, enhance, improve, increase, raisemaximizedecrease, reduceloseOrganizations today just can't afford to lose productivity.maintainthe key strategies for maintaining the productivity of American workersaffectthe mechanisms through which investment in information technology affects productivity and growthmeasureFew employers measure employee productivity.productivity + VERBgo up, grow, improve, increase, rise, soarProductivity is growing at a very healthy rate.slow, slow downdecline, decrease, drop, fall, go downproductivity + NOUNlevelboom (AmE), enhancement (AmE), gains, growth, improvement, increasePHRASESa decline in productivity, a reduction in productivitya gain in productivity, an improvement in productivity, an increase in productivitygrowth in productivityWage increases outpaced growth in productivity.

profess

professverb

Profess is used with these nouns as the object:

allegiance, desire, faith, ignorance, innocence, love

professing

professingadj.

Professing is used with these nouns:

Christian

profession

professionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + profession | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEchosennoble (esp. AmE)We are members of an old and noble profession.caring (BrE), health-care (esp. AmE), helping (AmE)She always wanted to work in the caring professions.training programs for the helping professionslegal, medical, nursing, teaching, etc.VERB + professionpractise/practiceIn the 1930s he was forbidden to practise/practice his profession.enter, go into, joinShe entered the legal profession after college.learna job where people can learn the professionadvance (esp. AmE)Nurses advance the profession through active involvement in their professional organizations.serve (esp. AmE)He has served the medical profession admirably.regulatethe licensing laws that regulate the professionchangeIt's time to change your profession for something more exciting.leavethe primary reason why nurses leave the professionPREPOSITIONby professionHe was a physician by profession.in a/sb's/the professionShe's making an impact in her chosen profession.PHRASESa choice of professionShe was shocked at her daughter's choice of profession.the top of sb's professionHe reached the top of his profession in very little time.the oldest profession (= prostitution)Prostitution is often described as the oldest profession in the world.

professional

professionaladj.noun

Professional is used with these nouns:

Professionalsbe … , practise/practice as … He is able to practise/practice as a therapist.act as … She is acting as architect on this project.have … The group does not have an internal auditor.need … We need an engineer to design something better.find … It pays to find a good accountant.appoint … , appoint sb (as) … , employ … (esp. AmE), engage … (esp. BrE), get … , instruct … Appoint a lawyer to act on your behalf.consult … , consult with … (AmE), get/take advice from … , go to … , see … , speak to … , talk to … I demand to speak to my lawyer! … acts for sb, … defends sb, … represents sb (used of lawyers)an in-house lawyer acting for a major company … advisesHis accountant has advised him to close down his business.

II. adj.1 connected with a job2 extremely skilled3 done as a paid job, not a hobby1 connected with a jobVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbekeep sthWe keep everything professional at work.remainHe tried very hard to remain professional.ADVERBpurely, strictlyHe insisted that his relationship with the duchess was purely professional.

2 extremely skilledVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, look, seem, soundTheir designs look very professional.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highly, trulyHe dealt with the problem in a highly professional way.thoroughly, totallyincreasinglyalmost

3 done as a paid job, not a hobbyVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecome, go, turnADVERBfullyHe wants to turn fully professional.

accountability, accountant, actor, actress, advice, adviser, archaeologist, army, artist, aspiration, assassin, assistance, association, athlete, athletics, autonomy, background, ball, baseball, basketball, biologist, body, bowling, boxing, burglar, capacity, career, circuit, class, cleaner, coach, code, colleague, commitment, competence, conduct, connection, cook, counselling, counsellor, courtesy, credentials, credibility, cricket, criminal, culture, dancer, degree, designer, detachment, development, diploma, diplomat, discipline, discretion, distance, distinction, duty, economist, education, elite, environment, ethics, etiquette, exam, excellence, experience, expert, expertise, fee, fight, finish, football, footballer, fulfilment, gambler, golf, golfer, guidance, guide, help, historian, hockey, identity, incompetence, independence, institute, instruction, integrity, interest, jealousy, job, journal, journalism, journalist, judgement, killer, kitchen, knowledge, league, librarian, life, link, literature, look, man, manager, manner, meeting, military, misconduct, musician, name, negligence, negotiator, obligation, obscurity, occupation, opinion, orchestra, organization, outfit, painter, partnership, peer, people, performance, performer, personnel, philosopher, photographer, photography, pilot, player, politician, practice, pride, production, psychologist, psychology, qualification, rank, reason, recognition, recording, referee, register, regulation, relationship, reputation, responsibility, rivalry, rugby, salon, scientist, service, singer, skill, snooker, soccer, society, soldier, specialist, specialization, sport, sportsman, sportswoman, staff, standard, standing, status, success, tennis, theatre, thief, touch, tournament, trader, trainer, training, translator, trustee, woman, work, worker, workshop, writer, writing

I. nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEconsummate, dedicatedShe's a consummate professional.certified (esp. AmE), educated, experienced, licensed (esp. AmE), qualified, seasoned, trained, well-educatedcompetent, skilledhighly educated and skilled professionalsreal, trueThis is the work of a real professional.leading, senior, topa top golf professionalindependentThe survey should be performed by an independent professional.fellowan actor revered by his fellow professionalsindustryworkshops led by industry professionals from around the USbusiness, computer, design, education (esp. AmE), financial, health, health-care, information-technology, legal, marketing, media, medical, nursing, security, tax, teachinggolf, tennis, etc.busya manageable read for busy professionals

professional-indemnity

professional-indemnityadj.

Professional-indemnity is used with these nouns:

professionally

professionallyadv.

Professionally is used with these adjectives:

qualified, trained

Professionally is used with these verbs:

draw, dress, install, manage, perform, print, produce, run, sing

professor

professornoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdistinguished, eminentrespecteda respected law professor at a prestigious universityabsent-minded, eccentric, madHe fitted perfectly the stereotype of the absent-minded professor.college, universityadjunct, assistant, associate, full, junior, senior (all AmE)tenured (esp. AmE)research (esp. AmE)a research professor at the University of Southern CaliforniavisitingI spent six months as a visiting professor at Brown University.retiredemerita (AmE), emeritusJennifer Bradbery, emeritus professor/professor emeritus of surgery (BrE)Jennifer Bradbery, emerita professor/professor emerita of surgery (AmE)history, law, etc.PREPOSITIONprofessor ofan eminent professor of English

professorial

professorialadj.

Professorial is used with these nouns:

proffer

profferverb

Proffer is used with these nouns as the object:

resignation

proficiency

proficiencynoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF PROFICIENCY | VERB + proficiency | proficiency + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgreat, highNot all students were developing high proficiency in Spanish.limitedMany of them had only limited proficiency in English.academic, technicallanguage, oral, reading, writtenEnglish, Spanish, etc.cycling (esp. BrE), skiing, etc.… OF PROFICIENCYdegree, levelHe taught himself to carve to a high degree of proficiency.VERB + proficiencyachieve, attain, develop, increaseHe acquired greater proficiency after a three-month intensive course.demonstrate, showassessThe test has been widely used for assessing English proficiency.proficiency + NOUNassessment, examination, testa language proficiency testlevel, standardPREPOSITIONproficiency ina certificate for proficiency in English

proficient

proficientadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seembecomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highlyfullyreasonablytechnicallya technically proficient performance of the piecePREPOSITIONatvery proficient at sign languageinShe's fairly proficient in Italian.

Proficient is used with these nouns:

reader

profile

profilenoun

noun1 face seen from the side2 description of sb/sth3 public image1 face seen from the sideADJECTIVE | VERB + profile | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhandsomestrongthree-quarterVERB + profilepresentexamine, studyPREPOSITIONin profileThe painting shows her in profile.

2 description of sb/sthADJECTIVE | VERB + profile | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdetailed, in-depthan in-depth profile of Boris Spassky and his careerage, career, personality, psychologicalcompany, customerdemographic, financial, socialDNA, geneticVERB + profilebuild, build up, construct, create, develop, generatewriteMargo was told to write a profile about him.fit, matchHe fits the profile of the managers we're looking for.check, check out, studyPREPOSITIONprofile ofThe data will enable us to construct a profile of the company's customers.

3 public imageADJECTIVE | VERB + profileADJECTIVEhigh, lowShe decided to keep a low profile until the scandal had died down.publicpoliticalcorporateVERB + profilehavegive sb/sthThe story was given a low profile in today's papers.boost, improve, increase, raisea campaign to raise the profile of the city as a cultural leaderlowerkeep, maintainadopt

profit

profitnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + profit | profit + VERB | profit + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, considerable, decent, enormous, fat, good, greater, handsome, healthy, hefty, high, huge, large, massive, maximum, record, strong, substantial, tidyincreasing, risingobsceneAt whose expense are those obscene profits made?low, modest, reasonable, smallThey closed down after years of low profits.declining, fallingoverall, totalaverage, steadya commodity that produced steady profitsadditional, excess, extralost, unrealizedDamaged goods mean lost profit.quickHe's only interested in making a quick profit.pure$700 million of almost pure profitexpectedThe expected profits have not materialized.potentialthe potential profits from insider tradingfuturegross, pre-tax (esp. BrE)after-tax, clear, net, post-tax (esp. BrE)taxablereportedinterim (BrE), short-termannual, quarterlyan annual profit of £50 000first-quarter, full-year, half-year (esp. BrE), second-quarter, etc.corporate, groupoperating, tradingpersonalJakob had realized a personal profit of $240 000.VERB + profitbring, bring in, deliver, earn, generate, make, produce, realize, reap, return, turn, yieldThe CD generated record profits.boost, increasedoublemaximizepost, reportThe company posted second-quarter profits of $570 million.showThe company started to show a profit in its first year.takeInvestors will take the profits.guaranteeshare, splitprofit + VERBclimb, grow, increase, jump, rise, soar, surgeProfits surged 41% to £13 million.decline, drop, fall, plummet, plungeaccrue, ariseprofits accruing to the taxpayer from the sale of propertyprofit + NOUNmargin, ratesharingmotivethe pharmaceutical companies' profit motivemaximizationWe are continuing our strategy of profit maximization.centre/centerThe interest paid on credit-card bills has become the largest profit centre/center for banks.PREPOSITIONagainst profitsThe company made losses of $500 000 against profits of $750 000.at a profitWe should be able to sell the piano at a profit.for profitThe goods were sold for profit.profit fromprofits from property investmentsprofit onDid you make a profit on your house when you sold it?PHRASESa decline in profits, a fall in profitsan increase in profits, a rise in profitsprofit after tax, profit before taxProfit before tax increased by 40% on last year.

profitability

profitabilitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF PROFITABILITY | VERB + profitability | PHRASESADJECTIVEhigh, lowgreaterdecliningconcerns about the declining profitability of the industryoveralllong-term, short-termfuturepotentialbusiness, corporate… OF PROFITABILITYlevelVERB + profitabilityachieve, reachmeasures to achieve greater profitabilitymaintain, sustainrestoreboost, enhance, improve, increasemaximizereducePHRASESa decline in profitabilityan increase in profitabilitya return to profitabilityThe company is now showing signs of a return to profitability.

profitable

profitableadj.

adj.1 making a profit2 helpful1 making a profitVERBS | ADVERBVERBSappear, be, prove, seemconfident that the venture will prove profitablefind sthbecomeremain, staymake sthkeep sthWhat can be done to keep the business profitable?ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.enormously, highly, hugely, immensely, incrediblya highly profitable chain of storesbarelyenough, sufficientlyThe business is not really profitable enough.potentiallyconsistentlyfinancially

2 helpfulVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbefind sthSome churches have found it profitable to hold services during the week.ADVERBverymutuallyCooperation could be mutually profitable.potentially

Profitable is used with these nouns:

business, company, enterprise, investment, niche, sideline, trade, venture, year

profitably

profitablyadv.

Profitably is used with these verbs:

exploit, operate, trade

profit and loss account

profit and loss accountnoun

Profit and loss account is used before these nouns:

profound profoundly profuse

profuseadj.

Profuse is used with these nouns:

apology

profusely

profuselyadv.

Profusely is used with these adjectives:

apologetic

Profusely is used with these verbs:

apologize, bleed, blush, illustrate, perspire, sweat, thank

prognostic

prognosticadj.

Prognostic is used with these nouns:

indicator

pro-government

pro-governmentadj.

Pro-government is used with these nouns:

rally

program

programnoun

noun1 set of instructions for a computer2 (AmE)1 set of instructions for a computerADJECTIVE | VERB + program | program + VERB | program + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcomputer, softwareanalysis, database, design, desktop-publishing, drawing, graphics, simulation, spreadsheet, word-processing, etc.sharewareVERB + programrun, usecreate, design, develop, writea program designed to evaluate road safety measuresdownload, execute, install, loaduninstallcopysupportThe developer is no longer supporting this DOS program.upgradeprogram + VERBcrashI lost half a morning's work when the program crashed.allow sthThis program allows you to edit and catalogue digital photographs.contain sthThe program contains powerful new features.provide sthThis program provides everything you need to prepare your own publication.require sthThis program requires at least 24Mb of RAM.create sthThe program creates simulations of real-life driving conditions.operate, runcloseprogram + NOUNfilePREPOSITIONin a/the programThere may be a bug in the program.program fora program for debugging

2 (AmE)See also programme

programmable

programmableadj.

Programmable is used with these nouns:

calculator

programme

programmenounverb

I. (BrE) (AmE program) noun1 plan of things to do2 radio/television show3 booklet for a play/concert/event4 order of events1 plan of things to doADJECTIVE | VERB + programme/program | programme/program + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEambitious, innovativebroad, comprehensive, intensive, major, massive, radicala comprehensive programme of economic reformmodestlong-termregularvarieda varied programme of entertainmentpilotThe pilot programme of vaccination proved successful.party, politicalgovernmentcollaborative, jointjoint programmes between government and industrynational, nationwideaction, development, improvement, modernization, privatization, researchrecyclingeconomic, expenditure, financial, investment, marketing, recovery, spendingMr Brown called for a national recovery programme.austerity, closure (BrE), cost-cutting (esp. BrE)The company began a major cost-cutting programme which involved 1 700 job losses.aid, assistance, relief, welfarementoring (esp. AmE), outreachSupport is provided through the community outreach programme.instructional, tutoring (both AmE)assessment, testingcare, health, health-carea community-care programme for psychiatric patientsscreening, treatment, vaccinationa diabetes treatment programmelarge-scale screening programmes of newbornsrehab (informal), rehabilitationShe helped him get into a drug rehab programme.inpatient, outpatientresidentiala residential drug treatment programmecrime-prevention, drug-prevention, etc.breeding, building, conservation, defence/defense, missile, nuclear, rebuilding, weaponsFemale seals are needed for the breeding programme.exercise, weight-loss, workout (esp. AmE)internship (AmE), residency (esp. AmE)a residency programme for artistsaccredited, certificate, certification (all AmE)students in an accredited journalism programmecollege, school (both esp. AmE)graduate, undergraduate (both esp. AmE)degree, doctoral, Master's (all esp. AmE)students enrolled on the two-year MA degree programmeacademic (esp. AmE), education, educational, literacy, training, vocationalEnglish, history, physics, science, etc. (all esp. AmE)after-school (esp. AmE)an after-school science programme that promotes science literacyonline (esp. AmE)The foundation's online learning programme brings the classroom to you.two-year, three-year, etc. (all esp. AmE)a two-year master's programmeVERB + programme/programagree, agree on, develop, draw up, establish, have, initiate, institute, organize, plan, set upoutlineThe course leader outlined the programme we would be following.administer, carry out, conduct, implement, launch, runexpandofferThe college offers a wide variety of programmes of study.finance, fundHow is the programme to be financed?begin, embark on, enter, start, undertakeenrol/enroll in, enrol/enroll on (both esp. AmE)She enrolled in a Master's programme in American historyattendHe must attend a sex offenders' programme.follow, pursuecompletecancel, scrapThe government says it will scrap all of its nuclear programmes.coordinate, overseeHe is coordinating a Europe-wide research programme into treatments for prostate cancer.programme/program + VERBaim to, allow (sb) sth, be aimed at sb/sth, be designed toThe programme aims to increase employment.include sth, involve sb/sthoffer sth, provide sthtarget sb/sthan exercise programme targeting those weak pointsfocus ona graduate programme that focuses on a chosen professionPREPOSITIONin a/the programme, on the/your programmeWhat's on your programme today (= What are your plans)?programme forWhat's the programme for (= What are we going to do) tomorrow?programme ofa programme of lecturesa program of study (AmE)PHRASESthe aim of a programme, the objective of a programme, the purpose of a programme

2 radio/television showADJECTIVE | VERB + programme/program | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEradio, television, TVcurrent-affairs, documentary, factual (all esp. BrE)newscomedychildren'scookery (BrE), cooking (AmE), music, religious, wildlife, etc.call-in (AmE), phone-in (BrE)digitalflagship (esp. BrE)BBC radio's flagship news programmeVERB + programme/programsee, watchlisten torecorddo, makehost, presenta news programme hosted by Freddie Greenanair, broadcast, screen, showsponsorcancel, scrapPREPOSITIONin a/the programmeIn today's programme, we'll be giving you advice on how to manage your money.on a/the programmeHe appeared on the programme last night.programme about, programme onI saw a good programme on owls last night.

3 booklet for a play/concert/eventADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEconcert, theatre/theatermatch, racePREPOSITIONin the programmeHer name doesn't appear in the concert programme.

4 order of eventsADJECTIVE | VERB + programme/program | programme/program + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEexciting, interestingmusical, sporting (BrE)VERB + programme/programarrange, draw up, plan, organizeWe're planning an exciting programme of activities.programme/program + VERBconsist of sth, include sthPREPOSITIONprogramme ofa programme of 17th-century musicPHRASESa programme of eventsThe programme of events also includes a parade and poetry recitations.

II. verb

Programme/program is used with these nouns as the object:

computer, video

programmer

programmernoun

nounADJECTIVE | programmer + VERBADJECTIVElead (AmE), seniorexperienced, skilled, talentedfreelancecomputer, database, software, Webprogrammer + VERBcreate sth, develop sth, write sth

programming

programmingnoun

Programming is used before these nouns:

language, schedule, tool

progress

progressnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + progress | progress + VERB | progress + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsiderable, dramatic, excellent, genuine, good, great, impressive, real, remarkable, significant, substantial, tremendousWe have made significant progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS.limited, littlefast, rapid, swiftinexorable (esp. BrE)slow, stately (esp. BrE)We watched the ship's stately progress out of the docks.adequate, satisfactoryincremental, steadycontinued, furtherforwardstudentacademic, educationaleconomic, evolutionary, industrial, medical, scientific, social, technical, technologicalhumanmaterialmoral, spiritualVERB + progressachieve, makechart, follow, monitor, observe, trace, track, watchRegular tests enable the teacher to monitor the progress of each child.assess, check, check on, evaluate, gauge, measure, reviewdemonstrate, showseemarkblock, hamper, hinder, impede, obstruct, slow, slow downhold backhalt, stopaccelerate, facilitateprogress + VERBcontinueslow, stallprogress + NOUNreportnote (= written by a doctor about a patient) (AmE)PREPOSITIONin progressThere was a tennis match in progress.progress from … to … The book traced his steady progress from petty theft to serious crime.progress inHe's making good progress in reading.progress onHow much progress have the builders made on the house?progress towards/towardWho can halt his inexorable progress towards/toward yet another championship?progress withShe's making steady progress with her thesis.PHRASESa lack of progressI was frustrated by my apparent lack of progress.the march of progressthe onward march of technological progressa rate of progressAt the present rate of progress we won't be finished before July.work in progressI have a file for work in progress.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + progress | PREPOSITIONADVERBnicely, satisfactorily, smoothly, wellThe talks are progressing very well.furtherHe felt he still needed to progress further in his learning.fast, quickly, rapidlyto progress rapidly in your careerslowlyThe work is progressing slowly.gradually, steadilynormallyVERB + progressfail toPREPOSITIONbeyondSamir failed to progress beyond this first step on the ladder.from, throughStudents progress through the stages of the course.toShe soon progressed from the basics to more difficult work.towards/towardto progress towards/toward a new kind of artuphis ambition to progress up the career ladderwithThey are anxious to progress with the plan.

Progress is used with these nouns as the subject:

afternoon, century, development, disease, evening, illness, morning, movie, night, pregnancy, relationship, story, war

progression

progressionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + progression | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVErapidgradual, slow, steadysmoothlinear, logical, naturalIt seemed like a natural progression from singing to acting as a career.By a logical progression of thought, she worked out why the remark was considered offensive.careerchord, harmonicVERB + progressioninhibit, slowhalt, preventacceleratemonitorPREPOSITIONprogression from … to … his progression from awkward teenager to handsome movie starprogression throughHer progression through the ranks of the company had been rapid.progression withinhis steady upward progression within the companyPHRASESthe progression of a diseaseone of the later stages in the progression of the disease

progressive

progressiveadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBhighly, truly, veryhighly progressive in outlookrelativelypolitically, socially

Progressive is used with these nouns:

agenda, coalition, decline, decrease, deterioration, economist, force, illness, improvement, increase, Jew, Judaism, loss, party, politician, politics, reduction, refinement, rock, tax, taxation, view, wing

progressively

progressivelyadv.

Progressively is used with these adjectives:

worse

Progressively is used with these verbs:

decrease, increase, reduce, undermine, weaken, withdraw, worsen

prohibit

prohibitverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBstrictlySmoking in public areas is strictly prohibited.clearly, explicitly, expressly, specificallyThe law specifically prohibits any group from spending money for political purposes.effectivelyThe regulations effectively prohibit the entry of seeds into the country.constitutionally (esp. AmE), legallyThe president is constitutionally prohibited from serving more than two terms in office.PREPOSITIONfromThe treaty prohibits nations from making claims in outer space.

Prohibit is used with these nouns as the subject:

act, amendment, bill, constitution, injunction, law, policy, regulation, rule, statute, treaty

Prohibit is used with these nouns as the object:

abortion, discrimination, export, import, incest, inclusion, marriage, practice, sale, slavery, use

prohibited

prohibitedadj.

Prohibited is used with these nouns:

substance

prohibition

prohibitionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + prohibition | prohibition + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEabsolute, blanket, totalstrictgeneralconstitutional (esp. AmE), federal (AmE), legal, statutorycriminalalcohol, drug, etc.VERB + prohibitionimposeenforcelift, repealviolateprohibition + NOUNnotice, order (both BrE)The prohibition order meant that the book could not be sold in this country.lawmovementthe Prohibition eraa Prohibition-era speakeasyPREPOSITIONprohibition againstprohibition against sales to under-16s of cigarettesprohibition ofa treaty for the prohibition of nuclear testsprohibition onthe prohibition imposed on the sale of armsunder a/the prohibitionCompanies are under strict prohibitions about divulging confidential information.

prohibitive

prohibitiveadj.

Prohibitive is used with these nouns:

cost, favourite, price

prohibitively

prohibitivelyadv.

Prohibitively is used with these adjectives:

costly, expensive

pro-hunt

pro-huntadj.

Pro-hunt is used with these nouns:

protester

project

projectnounverb

I. noun1 planned piece of work2 piece of school work1 planned piece of workADJECTIVE | VERB + project | project + VERB | project + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEambitious, big, huge, large, large-scale, major, massiveHe embarked on an ambitious project to translate all the works of Plato.smallexciting, important, interestingnewworthwhilesuccessfulfailed, unsuccessfulcollaborative, cooperative, jointsolocommunity, publicpilota successful six-month pilot projectlong-term, ongoingresearchThey've set up a research project to investigate the harmful effects of air pollution.building, construction, renovation, restorationAt present there are five major new building projects being undertaken nationwide.housing (AmE)capital, investmentdevelopment, educational, environmentalpetThe wedding became her pet project, and she spent hours organizing it.VERB + projectget off the ground, implement, initiate, set up, startHe needed some financial assistance from the bank to get his project off the ground.carry out, undertakecoordinate, lead, manage, oversee, runcomplete, finishconceive, design, develop, planlaunchfinance, fund, sponsor, supportabandonproject + VERBaim to, be aimed at sthThe project aims to reduce homelessness.project + NOUNmanagementcoordinator, director, leader, manager, teamarchitect, engineer, etc.budget, cost, schedule, specificationsworkPHRASESthe aim of the projectThe aims of the project are threefold … sb's current project, sb's latest project, sb's next project

2 piece of school workADJECTIVE | VERB + project | project + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEclass, schoolFrench, history, etc.thesis (AmE)VERB + projectdoproject + NOUNworkPREPOSITIONproject onMy class is doing a project on medieval towns.

II. verb

Project is used with these nouns as the object:

confidence, image, picture, sale, surplus, voice

projected

projectedadj.

Projected is used with these nouns:

cost, deficit, demand, earnings, expenditure, increase, return, revenue, saving, surplus

projectile

projectilenoun

Projectile is used after these nouns:

artillery

projection

projectionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + projection | PHRASES | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcurrent, latestinitial, originalfuture, long-termdemographic, populationbudget, financial, growth, profit, revenue, salesoptimistic, realisticVERB + projectionmakereviseexceed, meetPHRASESbase a projection on sthThe divisions revenue projection is based on net customer growth.PREPOSITIONon … projectionsOn current projections, there will be more than fifty million people over 65 in 2020.projection aboutHe declined to make projections about the next quarter's earnings.projection forThey presented profit projections for the rest of the year.projection ofWe revised our projections of funding requirements upwards/upward.

projector

projectornoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + projector | projector + NOUNADJECTIVEoverheadfilm, movie (AmE), slide, videodigital, LCDVERB + projectorswitch off, switch onuseprojector + NOUNscreen

prolapsed

prolapsedadj.

Prolapsed is used with these nouns:

disc

proletarian

proletarianadj.

Proletarian is used with these nouns:

revolution

pro-life

pro-lifeadj.

Pro-life is used with these nouns:

movement, protester

proliferation

proliferationnoun

Proliferation is used after these nouns:

cell, weapon

prolific

prolificadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.extraordinarily, highly, incredibly

Prolific is used with these nouns:

artist, author, career, composer, novelist, output, producer, winner, writer

prolong

prolongverb

verbADVERBADVERBsignificantlyindefinitelyMight it be possible to prolong life indefinitely?artificiallydeliberatelyDoctors commented that some patients deliberately prolong their treatment.unnecessarilyWe do not want to prolong the meeting unnecessarily.

Prolong is used with these nouns as the object:

agony, erection, life, misery, pain, period, recession, stay, suffering, survival

prolonged

prolongedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.relatively

Prolonged is used with these nouns:

absence, applause, battle, bout, conflict, drought, duration, exposure, illness, period, recession, siege, silence, slump, spell, starvation, stay, stopover, suffering, use

prom

promnoun

Prom is used before these nouns:

concert, dance, dress, king, night, queen

Prom is used after these nouns:

high school

promenade

promenadenoun

Promenade is used before these nouns:

concert, deck

prominence

prominencenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + prominence | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreatgrowing, increased, increasingequalspeciala performance which gives a special prominence to the part of Hamlet's motherdue, undue (both esp. BrE)international, nationalpolitical, publicVERB + prominenceachieve, come into, come to, gain, rise to, shoot to (esp. BrE)She came to national prominence as an artist in the 1960s.bring sb/sth into, bring sb/sth to, give sb/sthHis account gives due prominence to the role of the king.PHRASESa place of prominence, a position of prominenceThe former rebels were given positions of prominence in the new government.a rise to prominenceThe city's rise to prominence as a port began in the early 19th century.

prominent

prominentadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecomeremainADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.especially, particularlyincreasinglynationally (esp. AmE)socially (esp. AmE)PREPOSITIONasprominent as a player and coachinprominent in the trade unions

Prominent is used with these nouns:

advocate, architect, attorney, barrister, biologist, businessman, businesswoman, campaigner, cheekbone, citizen, critic, diplomat, display, dissident, economist, example, exponent, family, feature, figure, industrialist, journalist, landmark, lawyer, leader, member, merchant, newspaper, nose, official, personality, philosopher, physicist, place, politician, researcher, role, scholar, supporter, tooth, writer

prominently

prominentlyadv.

Prominently is used with these verbs:

display, feature, figure, place

promiscuous

promiscuousadj.

Promiscuous is used with these nouns:

Promise is used with these nouns as the subject:

promise

promisenounverb

I. noun1 statement that you will do sth2 signs that sb/sth will be successful1 statement that you will do sthADJECTIVE | VERB + promise | promise + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbigHe makes all kinds of big promises he has little intention of keeping.rashbroken, unfulfilledempty, false, hollowvaguebinding, firmsolemnpinky (= made by linking your little finger with another person's) (AmE, informal)campaign, election, pre-election (esp. BrE)brand (= printed on a product) (esp. AmE)VERB + promisegive sb, make (sb)You gave me your promise I could use the car tonight.I'll consider it, but I make no promises.hold outOrganic food seems to hold out the promise of healthy living.fulfil/fulfill, honour/honor, keepbreak, go back onextractWe extracted a promise from them that they would repay the money by May.hold sb toPoliticians should be held to their promises.The electorate is determined to hold the government to its election promises.promise + NOUNring (= showing sb's promise to be faithful)PREPOSITIONpromise aboutThey've made all sorts of promises about reforming the health system.promise ofpromises of support

2 signs that sb/sth will be successfulADJECTIVE | VERB + promise | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsiderable, enormous, great, real, tremendousThis new venture holds great promise for the future.littleyouthful (esp. BrE)early, initialfutureVERB + promisehold, showfulfil/fulfill, live up toHis career failed to live up to its early promise.PREPOSITIONof promisea pianist of promisepromise asShe showed great promise as a runner.PHRASESfull of promiseThe year began so full of promise, and ended in disappointment.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + promise | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBfaithfullyShe promised faithfully that she would come.solemnlyinitially, originallyrepeatedlyHe repeatedly promised to cut taxes in his campaign.VERB + promisecanI can definitely promise you that I'll do all I can to help.cannotI can't promise I'll be there.seem toThe plan seemed to promise a new beginning.PREPOSITIONtoI've promised my old computer to Jane.PHRASESas promisedI am sending you information on hotels, as promised.I can't promise anythingI can't promise anything, but I hope to have it finished next week.

authority, manifesto

Promise is used with these nouns as the object:

aid, assistance, confidentiality, crackdown, reward, shake-up

promised

promisedadj.

Promised is used with these nouns:

Promising is used with these nouns:

promising

promisingadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, look, seem, soundADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highly, particularlyfar from (esp. BrE)The outlook is far from promising.

avenue, beginning, candidate, career, direction, future, lead, result, sign, start

promissory

promissoryadj.

Promissory is used with these nouns:

promo

promoadj.

Promo is used with these nouns:

spot

promote

promoteverb

verb1 encourage sth2 advertise sth1 encourage sthADVERB | VERB + promote | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBstronglyHuman rights are strongly promoted by all our members.actively, directlyindirectlyeffectively, successfullydeliberately, intentionallyThey claimed that the authorities had deliberately promoted the violence.VERB + promoteaim to, seek to, try tohelp (to)Basketball stars have helped promote the sport overseas.be designed tomeasures designed to promote economic growthbe likely toserve toBonus payments to staff serve to promote commitment to the company.tend toPREPOSITIONthroughYoung people's awareness of the issues is promoted through publicity material.PHRASESa campaign to promote sth, a scheme to promote sth (BrE)be aimed at promoting sthbe widely promotedefforts to promote sth, measures to promote sth

2 advertise sthADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBaggressively, heavily, vigorouslyThe new products have been very heavily promoted.widelyPREPOSITIONasThe country is now being promoted as a travel destination.throughThe company's products have been promoted mainly through advertising in newspapers.

Promote is used with these nouns as the object:

artist, awareness, benefit, cause, circulation, competence, competition, confidence, consumption, cooperation, creativity, debate, democracy, development, diversity, education, efficiency, emergence, engagement, enterprise, equality, excellence, expansion, export, film, freedom, friendship, growth, harmony, health, idea, ideal, ideology, image, importance, improvement, independence, initiative, innovation, integration, interest, intimacy, investment, justice, learning, lifestyle, literacy, movement, movie, myth, objective, participation, partnership, peace, policy, practice, product, production, reconciliation, recovery, reform, relaxation, religion, research, resilience, right, site, sleep, solidarity, spirit, sport, spread, stability, teaching, teamwork, thinking, tolerance, tourism, trade, understanding, unity, use, value, view, violence, virtue, vision, wares, welfare, well-being

promoter

promoternoun

Promoter is used after these nouns:

boxing, concert, music

promote to

promote tophr verb

Promote to is used with these nouns as the object:

manager

promotion

promotionnoun

noun1 to a higher position2 advertising1 to a higher positionADJECTIVE | VERB + promotion | promotion + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVErapidinternalThe company encourages internal promotion.VERB + promotionearn, gain, get, receive, winIf I can't get promotion soon, I'll look for another job.deserveWe congratulate James on his well-deserved promotion to Chief Executive.recommend sb foroffer sbdeny sbannounceseek, wantpromotion + NOUNopportunities, prospects (BrE)race (BrE, sports)With three matches remaining, there are six teams in the promotion race.PREPOSITIONpromotion from, promotion toher promotion from assistant to associate professorPHRASESchance of promotion, chances of promotionShe felt she had little chance of promotion in her job.The team's chances of promotion took a knock when they lost at home. (BrE)

2 advertisingADJECTIVE | VERB + promotionADJECTIVEspecialmarketing, sales, tradebookhealthThe new health promotion clinic will provide free check-ups.in-store, on-air, onlineseasonalconsumerVERB + promotiondoWe're doing a special book promotion at key stores this week.

promotional

promotionaladj.

Promotional is used with these nouns:

blitz, brochure, campaign, copy, leaflet, literature, material, message, partnership, product, spot, strategy, stunt, tactic, tour, trailer, video

prompt promptly

promptlyadv.

Promptly is used with these verbs:

act, answer, arrive, burst, declare, deny, disappear, drop, forget, hand, ignore, issue, notify, refund, reply, respond, return, sue, vanish, withdraw

promulgate

promulgateverb

Promulgate is used with these nouns as the object:

constitution

prone

proneadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seembecomeleave sb/sth, make sb/sthSun removes the oil and wax, leaving the leather prone to cracking.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.especially, highly, particularlyincreasinglynotoriouslyThe road is notoriously prone to fog.geneticallypeople who are genetically prone to putting on weightPREPOSITIONtoShe seems very prone to chest infections.

Prone is used with these nouns:

Pronounce is used with these nouns as the object:

pronoun

pronounnoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEplural, singularfirst-person, second-person, etc.anaphoric, definite, demonstrative, indefinite, interrogative, personal, possessive, reflexive, relativeobject, subjectfeminine, masculine

pronounce

pronounceverb

verb1 make the sound of a word/letter2 state sth1 make the sound of a word/letterADVERB | VERB + pronounce | PREPOSITIONADVERBclearly, distinctlycorrectly, properlyVERB + pronouncecan, know how toI don't know how to pronounce the name of the town.be difficult toPREPOSITIONas‘Gone back’ is sometimes pronounced as ‘gom back’.as inShe pronounced the ‘o’ as in ‘no’.

2 state sthADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBofficiallyReality TV was officially pronounced dead by the critics.PREPOSITIONin favour/favor ofThe committee has pronounced in favour/favor of the merger.on, uponI do not feel competent to pronounce on this matter.PHRASESbe pronounced deadShe was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.pronounce yourself sthHe pronounced himself delighted with the judge's decision.

blessing, judgement, name, sentence, sound, syllable, verdict, vowel, word

pronounced

pronouncedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.He walks with a fairly pronounced limp.These blooms have a very pronounced tendency to hang their heads.especially, particularly

Pronounced is used with these nouns:

accent, effect, flavour, limp, shift, tendency

pronunciation

pronunciationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + pronunciation | pronunciation + NOUNADJECTIVEcorrect, good, properbad, incorrectalternative, different, variantstandardAmerican, Australian, etc.VERB + pronunciationcorrectShe doesn't like having her pronunciation corrected.pronunciation + NOUNdrill, exercise, practice

proof

proofnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + proof | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEclear, convincing, direct, good, positive, realDo you have positive proof that she took the money?We have proof positive that he is in hiding.I have no real proof that he was in the country at the time.concrete, empirical, solid, tangibleabsolute, conclusive, definitive, incontrovertible, irrefutableample, sufficientfurtherfinal, ultimateThe photo was final proof of her husband's infidelity.documentary, writtenphotographiclegalscientificformal, mathematicallivingI am living proof that the treatment works.VERB + proofbe, constitutehavegive sb, offer (sb), present (sb with), produce, provide (sb with), show (sb)find, get, obtain, seeneed, requiredemand, wantPREPOSITIONwithout proofHe is unlikely to make wild accusations without proof.proof ofHer account gives us no concrete proof of his guilt.PHRASESthe burden of proof, the onus of proofThe burden of proof lies on us to prove negligence.a lack of proofThe men were acquitted for lack of proof.proof of identity, proof of purchaseProof of purchase must be provided before a refund can be made.a standard of proof (law)Civil proceedings require a lower standard of proof than criminal cases.

proofread

proofreadverb

Proofread is used with these nouns as the object:

book

prop

propverb

Prop is used with these nouns as the object:

propaganda

propagandanoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + propaganda | propaganda + NOUN | PHRASES | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgovernment, official, party, statecorporate, political, religiousCommunist, Conservative, socialist, etc.left-wing, right-winganti-American, anti-Semitic, etc.enemy, war, wartimecovertpureVERB + propagandabroadcastThe pirate radio station broadcasts anti-government propaganda.counterspreadbelievepropaganda + NOUNbattle, campaign, effort, exercise (esp. BrE), ploy (esp. AmE), warvictorydepartment, machinethe lies that were spewed out by the regime's propaganda machinefilm, leaflet, material, piece, postertool, weaponpurposesThe movie was made in 1938 for propaganda purposes.valueThe Olympics were of great propaganda value to the regime.PHRASESsb's own propagandaHe has been listening to his own propaganda for so long that he is in danger of believing it.PREPOSITIONpropaganda aboutThe papers were full of political propaganda about nationalization.propaganda againstSoviet propaganda against Fascism

propagate

propagateverb

Propagate is used with these nouns as the object:

myth

propane

propanenoun

Propane is used before these nouns:

gas, tank

propel

propelverb

Propel is used with these nouns as the object:

Proper is used with these nouns:

proper

properadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, seemIt seemed proper to pay tribute to her in this way.consider sth, deem sth, think sthIt was not considered proper for young ladies to go out alone.ADVERBveryentirely, perfectly, quiteThe tribunal decided that his actions were perfectly proper.morallyPHRASES(only) right and properIt is only right and proper that you should attend his funeral.prim and properShe has a reputation for being prim and proper.the prim and proper town of South Springs

alignment, arrangement, assessment, authority, balance, breakfast, burial, care, channel, clearance, conduct, consideration, consultation, context, control, conversation, credit, degree, distribution, dosage, enforcement, English, etiquette, execution, exercise, facility, fashion, fit, follow-up, food, footing, function, funding, funeral, guidance, instruction, introduction, job, lady, lighting, maintenance, management, manner, meal, name, noun, nourishment, nutrition, order, paperwork, permission, permit, perspective, place, posture, precaution, preparation, procedure, pronunciation, recognition, record, regard, remedy, reply, respect, response, rest, safeguard, sanitation, schooling, scope, spelling, standard, supervision, technique, terminology, thing, thought, training, understanding, upbringing, usage, use, ventilation, way

properly

properlyadv.

Properly is used with these adjectives:

accountable, balanced, closed, educated, informed, insulated, married, organized, qualified, shut, trained

Properly is used with these verbs:

account, act, address, adhere, advise, align, appreciate, assess, behave, breathe, brief, clean, compensate, concentrate, conduct, consult, control, cost, deal, debate, defend, discharge, draft, draw, dress, dry, eat, employ, enforce, equip, evaluate, examine, execute, exercise, explain, exploit, explore, fasten, feed, finance, fit, formulate, fulfil, function, fund, gauge, handle, heal, identify, implement, inform, install, integrate, interpret, introduce, investigate, judge, label, maintain, manage, monitor, operate, organize, perform, position, prepare, prepared, process, pronounce, protect, record, regard, register, regulate, repair, research, respond, restrain, reward, run, safeguard, seal, secure, service, sleep, staff, stock, store, structure, supervise, tackle, test, thank, treat, tune, understand, use, utilize, ventilate, warm, wash, wire, work

property

propertynoun

noun1 possessions2 land/building3 characteristic1 possessionsADJECTIVE | VERB + property | property + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEpersonal, privatecommon, publicintellectualCompanies should protect their intellectual property with patents and trademarks.stolenlost (BrE)I called the lost-property office to see if someone had found my bag.VERB + propertyprotectdispose ofThe market was known as a place where people disposed of stolen property.confiscate, seizestealdamage, destroyproperty + NOUNrightsThe company was found to have infringed intellectual property rights.PHRASESbe the exclusive property of sb, be the sole property of sbCharisma isn't the exclusive property of movie stars.

2 land/buildingADJECTIVE | VERB + property | property + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEfreehold, leasehold (both BrE)adjacent, adjoining, neighbouring/neighboringdetached, semi-detached (both BrE)separatetwo-bedroom, three-bedroom, etc. (all esp. BrE)business, commercial, hotel, residentialinvestmentrentalprivatechurch, school, etc.Students are not allowed on school property outside of school hours.council, council-owned (both BrE)familybeachfront, waterfrontdesirableVERB + propertyhold, ownacquire, buy, invest in, purchaseinheritselllease, let (esp. BrE), rent outThey decided to rent out the property while they were in New Zealand.rentThey are living in rented property. (BrE)viewWe have a potential buyer who wants to view the property.valueThe property was valued at $750 000.put on the marketOnce the tenants have left, the property will be put on the market.property + NOUNmarket, prices, valuescompany, developerownertaxlawboundary, line (esp. AmE)crime, damagePHRASESa man of property, a woman of property (often humorous)How does it feel to be a woman of property?

3 characteristicADJECTIVE | VERB + property | PHRASESADJECTIVEbiological, chemical, electrical, magnetic, mechanical, physical, structuralantiseptic, healing, health-giving (BrE), medicinalThe medicinal properties of the leaves of this tree have been known for centuries.individualgeneralinherent, intrinsicbasic, essential, importantVERB + propertyhave, possessdisplay, exhibitalter, modifyexamine, studyPHRASEShave properties similar to sthThe substance has properties similar to plastic.

prophecy

prophecynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + prophecy | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEself-fulfillinglow expectations that become a self-fulfilling prophecyBiblical, Messianic, Old TestamentancientfalseVERB + prophecymakefulfil/fulfillbecomecreatePREPOSITIONprophecy aboutMacbeth believed the witches' prophecy about his future.prophecy ofThe poem contains a bleak prophecy of war and ruin.PHRASESthe gift of prophecy

prophet

prophetnoun

nounADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEfalse, trueSome believe that he was not a true prophet.greatbiblical, Old TestamentPHRASESa prophet of doom (informal)In spite of the prophets of doom, her business proved very successful.

prophetic

propheticadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, prove, seemHis warnings about the trip proved prophetic.ADVERBalmosteerily, strangelyPREPOSITIONofa book that was prophetic of future developments in science

Prophetic is used with these nouns:

dream, vision, word

proportion

proportionnoun

noun1 part/share of a whole2 relationship between the size/amount of two things3 proportions size and shape of sth1 part/share of a wholeADJECTIVE | VERB + proportion | proportion + VERBADJECTIVEappreciable (esp. BrE), considerable, good, great, high, huge, large, overwhelming, significant, sizeable, substantialA significant proportion of the funding is likely to come from government.fair, reasonable (esp. BrE)low, small, tinycertainequalThe company employs men and women in roughly equal proportions.equivalent, similardifferent, differing, varyingfixedexactapproximateaverageoverallgrowing, increasing, risingdeclining, decreasing, diminishingVERB + proportioncalculate, estimateexpress sth asThe chart shows government spending expressed as a proportion of national income.grow as, increase as, rise asdecline as, decrease as, diminish as, fall asThe unskilled section of the working class was diminishing as a proportion of the workforce.proportion + VERBgrow, increase, risedecline, decrease, fall

2 relationship between the size/amount of two thingsADJECTIVE | VERB + proportion | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcorrectdirectinverseThe human population in the region is expanding in inverse proportion to the wildlife.relativeVERB + proportionkeep sth inTry to keep your view of the situation in proportion (= not think it is more serious than it is).PREPOSITIONin proportion (to)The cost of insurance increases in proportion to the performance of the car.out of proportion (to)The costs of the plan are out of proportion to the budget available.proportion of sth to sthThe proportion of sand to cement used was three to one.PHRASESbe blown, exaggerated, etc. out of all proportion (esp. BrE), be blown, exaggerated, etc. out of proportionThis issue was about to be blown out of proportion.The problem has been exaggerated out of all proportion.a sense of proportionTry to keep a sense of proportion (= of the relative importance of different things).

3 proportions size and shape of sthADJECTIVE | VERB + PROPORTIONSADJECTIVEbiblical, enormous, epic, gargantuan, generous, gigantic, heroic, huge, immense, major, mammoth, massive, monumental, staggeringmodestmanageableThe computer brings the huge task of stock control down to more manageable proportions.alarmingcrisis, epidemicclassic, perfectan entrance hall of perfect proportionsVERB + PROPORTIONSreachThe food shortage had reached crisis proportions.

proportional

proportionaladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeADVERBapproximately, roughlyThe amount of food a child needs is roughly proportional to her size.directlyThe speed of the glider is directly proportional to the speed of the wind.inverselyThe amount of force needed is inversely proportional to the rigidity of the material.PREPOSITIONto

Proportional is used with these nouns:

increase, representation

proportionate

proportionateadj.

Proportionate is used with these nouns:

proposal

proposalnoun

noun1 plan2 offer of marriage1 planADJECTIVE | … OF PROPOSALS | VERB + proposal | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEconcretedetaileddraftUnder the draft proposals, the Commission will be significantly strengthened.controversialambitious, bold, radicalmodestcompromisepeace, reform, research, etc.legislativeinitial, originalformal… OF PROPOSALSpackage (esp. BrE), setThe government outlined a new set of proposals on human rights.VERB + proposaldevelop, draft, formulate, put together, writeoutlinebring forward, make, offer, present, put forward, submitback, support, welcomeI welcome the proposal to reduce taxes for the poorly paid.accept, approve, endorseblock, oppose, reject, vote againstpush throughThe government tried to push through the controversial proposals.drop, withdrawconsider, discuss, reviewPREPOSITIONproposal concerning, proposal relating toproposals concerning the use of landproposal forThe department submitted a proposal for lower speed limits.

2 offer of marriageADJECTIVE | VERB + proposal | PHRASESADJECTIVEmarriageVERB + proposalmakeget, receiveacceptShe accepted his proposal of marriage.turn downShe turned down his proposal.PHRASESa proposal of marriage

propose

proposeverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBseriouslyAre you seriously proposing that we allow this situation to continue?formallyfirst, initially, originallyThe plan originally proposed was ruled unrealistic.PREPOSITIONasThe measures have been proposed as a way of improving standards.forHe was proposed for the job of treasurer.PHRASESnewly proposed (esp. AmE), recently proposedthe newly proposed amendmentsthe recently proposed standards

Propose is used with these nouns as the subject:

article, bill, document, hypothesis, paper, president, recommendation, report, review, scientist

Propose is used with these nouns as the object:

alternative, amendment, bill, budget, classification, creation, cut, deal, definition, establishment, expansion, explanation, guideline, hypothesis, idea, increase, legislation, marriage, measure, mechanism, model, modification, motion, plan, reduction, referendum, reform, remedy, resolution, revision, scenario, scheme, settlement, solution, strategy, theory, toast, truce

proposed propose to

propose tophr verb

Propose to is used with these nouns as the object:

girlfriend

proposition

propositionnoun

noun1 arrangement/offer/suggestion2 thing to be done3 idea/opinion1 arrangement/offer/suggestionADJECTIVE | VERB + propositionADJECTIVEattractive, tempting, win-winfeasible, practical, viablebusiness, commercial, economic, payinglosing (esp. AmE)VERB + propositionput to sbRing up your agent in New York and put your proposition to him.consideracceptreject

2 thing to be doneADJECTIVEADJECTIVEdifficult, tough, trickysimpleGetting a job is not always a simple proposition.expensiveall-or-nothing (AmE)dangerous, dicey (AmE), riskydifferentRunning the business was one thing. Getting it to make a profit was a different proposition altogether.

3 idea/opinionADJECTIVE | … OF PROPOSITIONS | VERB + proposition | proposition + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbasic, central, fundamentaltrueabstract, empirical, existential, general, theoreticaldubioussimple… OF PROPOSITIONSsetVERB + propositionadvance, express, put forwardtestsupportproposition + VERBconcern sth, relate to sthPREPOSITIONproposition aboutThe book puts forward a number of propositions about the nature of language.

proprietary

proprietaryadj.

Proprietary is used with these nouns:

name, product, software

proprietor

proprietornoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEhotel, newspaper, restaurantlandedsoleHe is now sole proprietor of the business.

propulsion

propulsionnoun

Propulsion is used before these nouns:

prop up

prop upphr verb

Prop up is used with these nouns as the object:

prop up on

prop up onphr verb

Prop up on is used with these nouns as the object:

elbow

prorogue

prorogueverb

Prorogue is used with these nouns as the object:

prosaic

prosaicadj.

Prosaic is used with these nouns:

explanation

pros and cons

pros and consnoun

nounVERB + pros and cons | PREPOSITIONVERB + pros and consconsider, discuss, weigh upBefore making a decision, you need to weigh up the pros and cons of the situation.PREPOSITIONpros and cons of

proscenium

prosceniumnoun

Proscenium is used before these nouns:

arch

prose

prosenoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF PROSE | VERB + prose | prose + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEclear, lucid, plain, simple, straightforwardelegant, flowing, lyrical, poeticflowery, purple (= elaborate or exaggerated in style)descriptivecontinuousI plan out an essay in note form before writing it up in continuous prose.academic, literary… OF PROSEpieceVERB + prosewrite, write incraftprose + NOUNworks, writingwriterstylenarrativepassage, piece, textfictionPREPOSITIONin prosea passage in prose

prosecute

prosecuteverb

Prosecute is used with these nouns as the object:

case, crime, criminal, defendant

prosecuting

prosecutingadj.

Prosecuting is used with these nouns:

attorney, barrister, counsel, lawyer

prosecution

prosecutionnoun

noun1 trying to prove sb's guilt in court2 the prosecution lawyers trying to prove sb's guilt1 trying to prove sb's guilt in courtADJECTIVE | VERB + prosecution | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcriminal, federal (AmE), private (BrE)successfulpossibleHe faces possible prosecution.VERB + prosecutionbring, initiatebe liable to, face, riskavoid, escapelead to, result inPREPOSITIONprosecution againstThe police brought a prosecution against the driver involved.prosecution forProsecutions for water pollution more than doubled.PHRASESimmunity from prosecution

2 the prosecution lawyers trying to prove sb's guiltprosecution + VERB | prosecution + NOUN | PREPOSITIONprosecution + VERBprove sthallege sth, claim sth, present sthThe prosecution alleged that he murdered his wife.call sbprosecution + NOUNcase, evidencecounsel (BrE), lawyer, team, witnesscosts (BrE)PREPOSITIONfor the prosecutiona witness for the prosecution

prosecutor

prosecutornoun

nounADJECTIVE | prosecutor + VERBADJECTIVEpubliccounty, federal, government, local, state (all in the US)independent (esp. AmE)special (in the US)chief, lead (AmE)criminal (esp. AmE)prosecutor + VERBcharge sb with sth, indict sb (esp. AmE)allege sth, argue sth, claim sthinvestigate sth

prosecutorial

prosecutorialadj.

Prosecutorial is used with these nouns:

misconduct

prospect

prospectnoun

noun1 chance that sth will happen2 idea of what may/will happen3 prospects chances of being successful4 sb/sth likely to be successful1 chance that sth will happenADJECTIVE | VERB + prospect | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVErealistic, reasonableimmediateVERB + prospecthaveofferPREPOSITIONin prospectMajor developments are in prospect for the company.prospect of sthThere is little prospect of any improvement in the weather.

2 idea of what may/will happenADJECTIVE | VERB + prospectADJECTIVEattractive, exciting, intriguingbleak, dauntingfrightening, scaryVERB + prospectbe excited at, relish, welcomeI don't relish the prospect of having to share an office.dreadbe faced with, faceconsiderraise

3 prospects chances of being successfulADJECTIVE | VERB + PROSPECTS | PROSPECTS + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbright, excellent, exciting, goodlimited, poorfuture, long-termdevelopment, economic, growthcareer, employment, job, promotion (esp. BrE) (usually prospects for promotion in AmE)election, electoral, re-electionsurvivalVERB + PROSPECTShaveoffer (sb)This position offers excellent promotion prospects.boost, enhance, improveGetting the right qualifications will enhance your employment prospects.blight (BrE), damage, diminish, ruin, wreckassess, examine, reviewPROSPECTS + VERBimprovePREPOSITIONwith prospects, without prospectsAt 25 he was an unemployed musician with no prospects.prospects forLong-term prospects for the economy have improved.prospects ofTheir prospects of employment look better than last year.

4 sb/sth likely to be successfulADJECTIVEADJECTIVEbright, hot, topnew, younga list of the hot new prospects on the literary scene

prospect for

prospect forphr verb

Prospect for is used with these nouns as the object:

prospecting

prospectingnoun

Prospecting is used after these nouns:

prospective

prospectiveadj.

Prospective is used with these nouns:

applicant, bride, bridegroom, buyer, candidate, client, customer, donor, employee, employer, hire, husband, investor, mate, member, owner, parent, participant, recruit, student, tenant, visitor, volunteer

prospector

prospectornoun

Prospector is used after these nouns:

Prosperous is used with these nouns:

prosperity

prosperitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF PROSPERITY | VERB + prosperity | prosperity + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEeconomic, materialgreat, unprecedentedgrowing, increasing, risingrelativefuture, lasting, long-termgeneral, global, nationalpersonal… OF PROSPERITYlevelan area with a level of prosperity higher than the national averageVERB + prosperityenjoybring, createThe growth of tourism brought prosperity to the island.achieveshareprosperity + VERBdepend on sthThe island's prosperity depends on its fishing industry.PHRASESa period of prosperity

prosperous

prosperousadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seembecome, growremainADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.relativelyformerly, oncethis once prosperous regionnewlySuburbs sprawled out to provide homes for the newly prosperous.economically

economy, future, merchant, nation, region, suburb

prostate

prostatenoun

Prostate is used before these nouns:

cancer

prosthetic

prostheticadj.

Prosthetic is used with these nouns:

arm, leg, limb

prostitute

prostitutenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + prostitute | prostitute + VERBADJECTIVEcommonShe was arrested and charged with being a common prostitute.child, teenage, underagefemale, maleformera book written by a former prostitutehigh-class, streetVERB + prostitutebe, work asgo to, hire, solicit (esp. AmE), use, visitthe men who use prostitutesprostitute + VERBsolicit (esp. BrE)The prostitutes solicit openly here.

prostitution

prostitutionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + prostitution | prostitution + NOUNADJECTIVEchildmalelegal, legalizedforcedVERB + prostitutionbe involved inenter, turn toSome turned to prostitution in order to survive.decriminalize, legalizeprostitution + NOUNringThey sold the young girl into a prostitution ring.

prostrate

prostrateadj.

adj.VERBSVERBSbe, lieHe was lying prostrate on the ground.fallThey fell prostrate before the king.

protect

protectverb

verbADVERB | VERB + protect | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBcompletely, fullyadequately, properly, wellA cardboard box would protect the product better.inadequatelycarefullyeffectively, successfullyjealously (esp. BrE)a star who jealously protects her right to privacyVERB + protectneed toseek to, strive to, try toact to, fight toEach company is fighting to protect its own commercial interests.take steps toWe must take steps to protect the region as a manufacturing base.help (to)serve tobe designed toPREPOSITIONagainsta cream that helps to protect your skin against the sunfromThe new measures are designed to protect the public from people like these.withProtect the exposed areas of wood with varnish.PHRASESbe aimed at protecting sthconstitutionally protected (esp. AmE), federally protected (AmE), legally protected, officially protected, specially protecteda constitutionally protected right of freedom of speecha federally protected game preserveMany of these sites—of immense scientific interest—are not legally protected.a desire to protect sb/sth, a need to protect sb/sth, a need to protect sb/sthHe felt it was his duty to protect the child.heavily protected, highly protectedThe Far Eastern markets are heavily protected (= with high taxes for imported goods).poorly protected, well protectedKeep the camera well protected at all times.measures to protect sb/sthbe protected by copyrightSome pieces of music are protected by copyright.be protected by law, be protected under lawThe equality of women is protected under law.

Protect is used with these nouns as the subject:

amendment, bodyguard, copyright, guard, patent, regulation, shield, vaccine, varnish

Protect is used with these nouns as the object:

anonymity, asset, confidentiality, consumer, convoy, country, countryside, crop, democracy, dignity, diversity, earth, egg, ego, environment, eye, flank, forest, freedom, habitat, health, heritage, homeland, identity, industry, information, institution, integrity, interest, investment, investor, job, kid, land, landscape, liberty, life, livelihood, monument, name, nation, plant, prerogative, privacy, property, public, rear, reputation, resource, right, security, skin, source, stock, territory, turf, wilderness, wildlife, witness, worker

protect against

protect againstphr verb

Protect against is used with these nouns as the object:

enemy, rigour

protected

protectedadj.

Protected is used with these nouns:

area, environment, site, species, tenancy, wilderness

protect from

protect fromphr verb

Protect from is used with these nouns as the object:

enemy, erosion, harm, infection, radiation, ray, reality

protection

protectionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF PROTECTION | VERB + protection | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEadequate, effective, good, greatadded, additional, extraspecialcomplete, full, maximumbasicconstitutional, legalpoliceWitnesses at the trial were given police protection.animal, child, consumer, data, environmental, personal, privacy, wilderness (AmE), wildlife, witnessShe carries a gun in her bag for personal protection.a witness-protection scheme (BrE)a witness-protection program (AmE)Animal protection supporters gathered to protest against hunting.fire, floodFire-protection equipment must be available on all floors.sun, UVsun-protection productsbankruptcycopy, copyright, patentantivirus, password… OF PROTECTIONdegreeA helmet affords the rider some degree of protection against injury.VERB + protectionafford (sb), ensure (sb), give (sb), offer (sb), provide (sb with)need, requireseek, wanthavePREPOSITIONunder the protection ofThe site is under the protection of UNESCO.Many wild animals are now under the protection of the Wildlife and Countryside Act.protection againstFill the cooling system with antifreeze as a protection against frost.protection forGovernments must provide protection for their workers.protection fromThe wall gives the plants protection from the wind.PHRASESa means of protectionThe skunk releases a pungent smell as a means of protection.for sb's own protectionShe was put into a psychiatric hospital for her own protection.

protectionist

protectionistadj.

Protectionist is used with these nouns:

policy, tariff

protective

protectiveadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feelbecomeADVERBfiercely, highly, veryLionesses are fiercely protective of their young.overlyan overly protective fatherPREPOSITIONofHe's too jealous and protective of her.towards/towardShe felt suddenly very protective towards/toward her mother.

Protective is used with these nouns:

arm, armour, barrier, clothing, coating, cover, custody, effect, embrace, equipment, finish, gear, glove, goggles, helmet, instinct, lacquer, layer, mask, measure, mechanism, role, shell, shield, sleeve, suit, tariff, umbrella, varnish, vest

protector

protectornoun

Protector is used after these nouns:

Protest is used with these nouns as the subject:

protein

proteinnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + protein | protein + VERB | protein + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEessentialnaturalanimal, vegetableVERB + proteincontain, supplyCereals supply essential protein and vitamins.be high in, be rich inproduceprotein + VERBbe found in sthGluten is a protein found in wheat and other grains.protein + NOUNcontentlevelintakedeficiencyPHRASESa source of protein

protest

protestnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | … OF PROTEST | VERB + protest | protest + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEangry, strong, violentnon-violent, peacefulsit-down (BrE)massmassiveformal, officialpopular, public, studentanti-government, anti-war, etc.political, socialcontinuingrooftop (BrE), streeta rooftop protest by prison inmatesstreet protests by residentswidespread… OF PROTESTstorm, waveThe new tax sparked a wave of public protest.VERB + protestorganize, stageleadlodge, make, registerThe Samoan team lodged a formal protest against the decision.The government has made an official protest.lead to, sparkignoreprotest + NOUNgroup, movementdemonstration, march, meeting, rallystrike (esp. BrE)petition (esp. BrE)votesongPREPOSITIONin protestPrisoners shouted and hurled slates in protest.under protestThe strikers returned to work, but under protest.without protestThe crowd dispersed without protest.protest abouta protest about the new bypassprotest againstThere had been a number of public protests against the new tax.protest overa student protest over tuition feesPHRASESa chorus of protest, a cry of protest, a howl of protestThe announcement brought cries of protest from the crowd.a letter of protestin protest at (esp. BrE), in protest of (AmE)The party boycotted the election in protest at alleged vote rigging.Winters quit the company board in protest of Eisner's plans.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + protest | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBstrongly, vehemently, vigorouslyformallypubliclyloudlymildlyweaklypeacefullythe right to protest peacefullyangrily, bitterly, indignantlyVERB + protestbegin to, try toWhen he tried to protest, she insisted.gather toCrowds gathered to protest about the police violence.PREPOSITIONabout, overMany people protested over the tax increase.againstThey were protesting against the proposed agreement.atMany people have protested at the cuts in state benefits.toWe have protested to the government.PHRASESthe freedom to protest, the right to protestThey were exercising their lawful right to protest.

demonstrator, muscle

Protest is used with these nouns as the object:

arrest, decision, injustice, innocence, movement, occupation

protest against

protest againstphr verb

Protest against is used with these nouns as the object:

decision, injustice

Protestant

Protestantadj.

Protestant is used with these nouns:

Christian, Christianity, church, congregation, martyr, minister, missionary, religion, theology

protester

protesternoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + protester | protester + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEstudentanimal rights (esp. BrE), environmental, peace, politicalanti-globalization, anti-government, anti-war, etc.pro-hunt (BrE), pro-life, etc.non-violent (esp. AmE), peaceful, unarmedangryVERB + protesterarrestprotester + VERBcall for sth, demand sthmarchdemonstrate, gatherclash, fightProtesters clashed with police outside the embassy.PREPOSITIONprotester againstThe streets were crowded with protesters against the war.

protocol

protocolnoun

Protocol is used after these nouns:

Internet, network, trade

prototype

prototypenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + prototype | prototype + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEearlyThey created an early prototype using this software.workingpre-productionVERB + prototypebuild, create, develop, make, producehaveWe have a working prototype that is ready to demonstrate.testprototype + NOUNstageThe car is presently at the prototype stage.PREPOSITIONprototype forThe team is developing a prototype for a digital compact camera.prototype ofHe is working on the prototype of a new type of ventilator.

protracted

protractedadj.

Protracted is used with these nouns:

conflict, dispute, litigation, negotiation, struggle

protrude

protrudeverb

Protrude is used with these nouns as the subject:

knife, lip, stomach, wire

protruding

protrudingadj.

Protruding is used with these nouns:

belly, nail

proud

proudadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbe, feel, look, seem, soundmake sbADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.enormously, especially, fiercely, immensely, inordinately, intensely (esp. BrE), particularly, terribly, tremendouslyShe was fiercely proud of family traditions and continuity.He was tremendously proud of himself.almostHe seemed almost proud of his practical incompetence.justifiably, justly, rightlyquietlyHe was not vain, but he was quietly proud of his achievements.secretlyonceWhat has become of this once proud nation?PREPOSITIONofWe are all really proud of you!PHRASEShave every reason to be proud, have every right to be proudAll those involved have every reason to be proud of their achievement.

Proud is used with these nouns:

boast, bridegroom, father, grandparent, heritage, man, mother, mum, owner, parent, spirit, tradition

proudest

proudestadj.

Proudest is used with these nouns:

proudly

proudlyadv.

Proudly is used with these verbs:

announce, beam, boast, declare, display, flaunt, grin, march, proclaim, say, sit, stand, state, wave, wear

prove

proveverb

verbADVERB | VERB + prove | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBconclusively, definitivelyAll this proves conclusively that she couldn't have known the truth.scientificallyThis theory cannot be proved scientifically.just, onlyTheir reaction just proves my point.otherwiseThe deaths are being treated as suspicious until we can prove otherwise.VERB + provebe difficult to, be impossible tobe easy tobe able totry toWhat are you trying to prove?be determined tohave sth toI certainly don't have anything to prove—my record speaks for itself.PREPOSITIONtoHe tried to prove his theory to his friends.PHRASESa chance to prove sthprove sb right, prove sb wrongI was determined to prove my critics wrong.

Prove is used with these nouns as the subject:

evidence, experiment, incident, move, prediction, prosecution, research, statistics, study

Prove is used with these nouns as the object:

accusation, allegation, assertion, association, attraction, authenticity, boon, charge, claim, competence, credentials, disappointment, disaster, effectiveness, embarrassment, existence, fact, failure, feasibility, fitness, guilt, handicap, hindrance, hypothesis, innocence, link, love, loyalty, manhood, merit, need, negligence, nightmare, obstacle, pedigree, point, prowess, revelation, sincerity, source, stumbling block, success, superiority, theory, thesis, turn-off, usefulness, validity, value, wisdom, worth

proven

provenadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBwellconclusively, fullyNo funding will be available until the technology is completely proven.not yetclinically, scientifically, statisticallyThe juice is clinically proven to reduce cholesterol.a scientifically proven method for increasing stamina

Proven is used with these nouns:

ability, benefit, capability, fact, performer, record, reserve, track record, verdict

proverbial

proverbialadj.

Proverbial is used with these nouns:

slippery slope

provide

provideverb

verbADVERB | VERB + provide | PREPOSITIONADVERBkindlya buffet dinner, kindly provided by club membersfree, free of chargeCareers advice is provided free of charge.VERB + providebe able to, canaim to, seek to, try toWe try to provide the best possible medical care.fail tobe designed to, be intended toThe grants were intended to provide financial help to unemployed workers.be expected toThe report was not expected to provide any answers.be likely to, be unlikely toPREPOSITIONforThe organization provides food and shelter for refugees.toThe agency provides legal services to farmers.withHe provided us with a lot of useful information.

Provide is used with these nouns as the subject:

article, chapter, clinic, constitution, council, design, district, essay, finding, health service, hotel, institute, manual, nature, page, program, programme, record, report, result, rule, satellite, scheme, study, system, text, tree, website, writing

Provide is used with these nouns as the object:

abundance, access, accommodation, accompaniment, account, advice, aid, alibi, alternative, amenity, amusement, answer, antidote, approximation, arena, array, assessment, assistance, assurance, atmosphere, avenue, backdrop, background, backing, base, basis, benefit, bibliography, blueprint, boost, breakdown, buffer, camouflage, capital, care, challenge, chance, check, checklist, clarity, closure, clue, coherence, commentary, companionship, company, compensation, competition, condom, confirmation, consent, consistency, consolation, consultation, consumer, contact, content, context, continuity, contraception, contrast, convenience, coordination, counsel, counselling, cover, coverage, crèche, credibility, credit, critique, cue, cure, data, definition, demonstration, depth, description, detail, deterrent, diagnosis, dimension, direction, distraction, diversion, education, efficiency, electricity, employment, encouragement, energy, enjoyment, entertainment, environment, equipment, equivalent, escape, escort, essentials, estimate, evidence, example, excerpt, excuse, exemption, experience, expertise, explanation, exposure, facility, feast, feedback, finale, finance, finish, flavour, flexibility, flow, focal point, focus, foil, food, foothold, footing, force, forecast, formula, forum, foundation, framework, freedom, fuel, fulfilment, fund, funding, glimpse, goods, grant, grounding, groundwork, guarantee, guidance, guide, guideline, habitat, hardware, haven, heat, heating, help, hope, hospitality, housing, identification, illumination, illusion, illustration, imagery, immunity, impediment, impetus, impression, improvement, incentive, income, index, indication, indicator, inducement, information, ingredient, injection, input, insight, inspiration, instance, instruction, insurance, intelligence, introduction, job, justification, leadership, lesson, lever, leverage, lifeline, light, lighting, link, livelihood, living, loan, look, maintenance, management, manpower, margin, means, measure, mechanism, ministry, model, momentum, money, motivation, motive, music, narrative, nourishment, nutrition, opening, opportunity, option, outlet, outline, overview, package, parallel, password, pension, perspective, physiotherapy, pleasure, point, pointer, portrayal, power, precedent, pretext, proof, protection, quotation, range, ration, reading, reason, reassurance, receipt, recommendation, reconnaissance, record, recruit, reference, reflection, refreshment, refuge, refund, reinforcement, relief, remedy, reminder, report, representation, reprieve, reproduction, research, resolution, resource, respite, result, return, review, reward, role, safeguard, sample, sanctuary, satisfaction, scope, seating, security, sense, service, session, setting, shade, shelter, shield, short cut, snack, solace, solution, soundtrack, source, space, spark, specification, specimen, spur, stability, standard, starting point, statistics, stimulation, stimulus, storage, subsidy, substitute, suggestion, summary, supervision, supplement, supply, support, taste, test, testimony, text, tip, tool, training, translation, transport, transportation, treatment, troops, tuition, turning point, tutorial, understanding, update, value, ventilation, venue, verification, view, viewpoint, visibility, vitamin, volunteer, voucher, warmth, warning, warranty, wealth, yardstick

provide for

provide forphr verb

Provide for is used with these nouns as the subject:

constitution, statute, treaty

Provide for is used with these nouns as the object:

establishment, expansion, need, retirement

provider provide with

provide withphr verb

Provide with is used with these nouns as the object:

bursary, clarification, closure, comfort, viewer

province

provincenoun

noun1 region2 the provinces (BrE) not the capital city3 (formal) person's area of knowledge/responsibility1 regionADJECTIVEADJECTIVEnorthern, southern, etc.central, coastal, frontier, remotethe central province of Ghorautonomous

2 the provinces (BrE) not the capital cityVERB + THE PROVINCES | PREPOSITIONVERB + THE PROVINCEStourThe show is currently touring the provinces with a new cast.PREPOSITIONfrom the provinceShe's from the provinces and not familiar with Rome.in the provinceThere are a number of press agencies based in London and in the provinces.

3 (formal) person's area of knowledge/responsibilityADJECTIVE | VERB + province | PHRASESADJECTIVEexclusive, soleLove should no longer be the sole province of the poet.VERB + provincebecomeremainconsider sth as, regard sth asCreativity was once considered the province of a chosen few.Spirituality is no longer regarded as the exclusive province of organized religion.PHRASESonce the province of … Once the province of IT departments, these devices are emerging as consumer products.

provincial

provincialadj.

Provincial is used with these nouns:

administration, assembly, capital, city, council, election, government, governor, highway, legislature, museum, newspaper, official, parliament, press, theatre, town, university

provision

provisionnoun

noun1 supply2 for a future situation; in a legal document3 provisions food and drinks1 supplyADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfederal, private, statechildcare, educational, housing, nursery, pension, service, welfare, etc. (all esp. BrE)PREPOSITIONprovision ofSeveral companies are responsible for the provision of cleaning services.

2 for a future situation; in a legal documentADJECTIVE | VERB + provision | provision + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfulladequateIt is important to make adequate provision for your retirement.detailedexpress (esp. BrE), particular, special, specificrelevantkeyconstitutional, legal, legislative, statutorysunset (law, esp. AmE)The law contained a sunset provision, requiring Congress to re-authorize it in 2008.VERB + provisionmakecontain, includeprovisions contained in the contractprovision + VERBapplyThe same provisions apply to foreign-owned companies.allow sth, require sthPREPOSITIONprovision againstThey had made all kinds of provisions against bad weather.provision forThe Act contains detailed provisions for appeal against the court's decision.

3 provisions food and drinksVERB + PROVISIONSVERB + PROVISIONSbuy, stock up on, stock up withWe went into town to stock up on provisions.

provisional

provisionaladj.

Provisional is used with these nouns:

ballot, date, diagnosis, driving licence, government, president

provisionally

provisionallyadv.

Provisionally is used with these verbs:

agree, schedule

provocation

provocationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF PROVOCATION | VERB + provocation | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEextremedeliberate… OF PROVOCATIONelementThe victim's conduct had involved an element of provocation.VERB + provocationrespond toconstitute (law)Words alone can constitute provocation.PREPOSITIONunder provocationThe crime was committed under provocation.The defendant was not acting under provocation.without provocationShe attacked him without provocation.PHRASESat the slightest provocationHe would lose his temper at the slightest provocation.

provocative

provocativeadj.

adj.1 intending to cause an argument2 intending to cause sexual excitement1 intending to cause an argumentVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemconsider sthADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highlydeliberately, intentionallyThe book's epilogue is deliberately provocative.The paper had the intentionally provocative title, ‘Non-Darwinian evolution’.needlessly, unnecessarily

2 intending to cause sexual excitementVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, lookADVERBhighly, verysexuallyModels find themselves wearing sexually provocative clothing.

Provocative is used with these nouns:

act, article, remark, suggestion, thesis

provocatively

provocativelyadv.

Provocatively is used with these verbs:

Provoke is used with these nouns as the subject:

provoke

provokeverb

verbADVERB | VERB + provoke | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBdeliberatelyinevitably (esp. BrE)The suggestion inevitably provoked outrage from student leaders.immediatelyeventually, finallyVERB + provoketry tobe likely toThe report is likely to provoke discussion of this issue.be designed to, be intended toPREPOSITIONintoShe had been trying to provoke her sister into an argument.toTheir laughter provoked him to anger.PHRASESeasily provokedHe was sensitive and easily provoked.

Provoke is used with these nouns as the object:

alarm, allegation, anger, anxiety, argument, attack, backlash, brawl, clash, conflict, confrontation, controversy, crisis, criticism, debate, demonstration, disagreement, discontent, discussion, dispute, division, emotion, fight, furore, fury, hostility, incident, indignation, jealousy, laughter, outcry, outrage, quarrel, reaction, rebellion, resentment, resignation, response, retaliation, revolt, riot, storm, thought, unrest, uprising, uproar, violence, wrath

provost

provostnoun

Provost is used after these nouns:

university

pro-war

pro-waradj.

Pro-war is used with these nouns:

rally

prowess

prowessnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + prowess | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEacademic, athletic, intellectual, manufacturing, military, physical, sexual, sporting (esp. BrE), technical, technological, etc.VERB + prowessdemonstrate, display, showa parade aimed at demonstrating the country's military prowessboast about, boast ofproveHe proved his athletic prowess with two convincing wins.matchHis academic performance does not match his athletic prowess.PREPOSITIONprowess asHe boasted of his prowess as a lover.prowess ather prowess at tennisprowess inThe Gurkhas are famed for their prowess in battle.prowess withSingh demonstrated his prowess with the bat last season.

prowl

prowlverb

Prowl is used with these nouns as the subject:

cat, lion, tiger

Prowl is used with these nouns as the object:

room, street

prowl around

prowl aroundphr verb

Prowl around is used with these nouns as the object:

prowl round

prowl roundphr verb

Prowl round is used with these nouns as the object:

Prudent is used with these nouns:

proximity

proximitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEclosegeographic (esp. AmE), geographical, physical, spatialPREPOSITIONin proximity toThe site is in close proximity to an airport.proximity toHouse prices in the area are elevated by its proximity to London.

proxy

proxynoun

nounVERB + proxy | proxy + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + proxyappointYou may appoint a proxy to vote for you.act as, serve asShe is acting as proxy for her husband.proxy + NOUNvote, votingOur practice is to delegate proxy voting to managers.formIt is important that members send their proxy forms in.warThe Cold War also saw proxy wars fought throughout the developing world.battle, fight (both business)a proxy battle to get shareholders to overturn the board's decisionPREPOSITIONby proxyIf you will not be able to vote on election day, you may vote by proxy.proxy forHusbands are discouraged from voting as proxy for their wives.PHRASESas a proxyI am here as a proxy for my father.

prudent

prudentadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemconsider sth, think sth (esp. BrE)We thought it prudent to telephone first.ADVERBveryreasonablyfinancially, fiscallyThese investments are responsible as well as financially prudent.politically

course, decision, management, thing

prune

pruneverb

verbADVERBADVERBdrastically, hard (esp. BrE), heavily, severelyPrune the trees hard in the winter.Their budgets have been drastically pruned. (figurative)backThe roses had been pruned back more severely.

Prune is used with these nouns as the object:

branch, bush, shrub, stem, tree

prune back

prune backphr verb

Prune back is used with these nouns as the object:

stem

pry from

pry fromphr verb

Pry from is used with these nouns as the object:

prying

pryingadj.

Prying is used with these nouns:

pry off

pry offphr verb

Pry off is used with these nouns as the object:

pseudonym

pseudonymnoun

nounVERB + pseudonym | PREPOSITIONVERB + pseudonymadopt, useHe used various pseudonyms.PREPOSITIONunder a/the pseudonymEric Blair wrote under the pseudonym of George Orwell.

psychedelic

psychedelicadj.

Psychedelic is used with these nouns:

mushroom, pop, rock, substance

psychiatric

psychiatricadj.

Psychiatric is used with these nouns:

assessment, care, clinic, condition, consultation, diagnosis, disability, disorder, disturbance, evaluation, examination, help, hospital, illness, nurse, nursing, patient, problem, report, social worker, symptom, treatment, unit, ward

psychiatrist

psychiatristnoun

nounADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEleading, senior, topa leading child psychiatristpractising/practicingconsultant (esp. BrE), researchclinicalchildforensicPHRASESthe psychiatrist's couchthe secrets revealed on the psychiatrist's couch

psychiatry

psychiatrynoun

nounADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEclinical, community, forensicadolescent, child, geriatricPHRASESa department of psychiatry, an institute of psychiatry

psychic

psychicadj.

Psychic is used with these nouns:

ability, experience, link, phenomenon, power

psychoactive

psychoactiveadj.

Psychoactive is used with these nouns:

drug, substance

psychological

psychologicaladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBpurelyThe symptoms are purely psychological.

Psychological is used with these nouns:

abuse, advantage, aspect, assessment, benefit, boost, breakdown, characteristic, complexity, concept, counselling, crutch, damage, dependence, development, difference, dimension, disability, disorder, distance, distress, disturbance, drama, evaluation, experiment, explanation, factor, harm, illness, impact, implication, insight, intervention, intimidation, make-up, manipulation, maturity, mechanism, motivation, nature, need, operation, phenomenon, point of view, problem, profile, realism, reality, resilience, scar, security, state, strain, stress, symptom, tactic, test, thriller, toll, torment, torture, trait, trauma, truth, warfare, well-being, wound

psychologically

psychologicallyadv.

Psychologically is used with these adjectives:

damaging, disturbed, implausible, unstable, vulnerable

Psychologically is used with these verbs:

intimidate, prepared, scar

psychologist

psychologistnoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEeminent, leadingclinical, consultant (BrE), professionalHe is now a clinical psychologist with a major hospital.chartered (BrE), licensed (AmE)school (esp. AmE)I made an appointment with the school psychologist.academic, experimentalbehavioural/behavioral, child, cognitive, developmental, educational, evolutionary, forensic, occupational, social, sports

psychology

psychologynoun

noun1 study of the mind/the way people behave2 type of mind that a person/group has1 study of the mind/the way people behaveADJECTIVEADJECTIVEclinical, professionalacademic, experimentalappliedcognitive, developmental, educational, evolutionary, health, social, sportschildGestaltFreudian, Jungian, etc.

2 type of mind that a person/group hasADJECTIVEADJECTIVEindividual, ownThe answers we give will reflect our own psychology.crowd, groupWatching the shoppers at the sales gave her a first-hand insight into crowd psychology.human

psychometric

psychometricadj.

Psychometric is used with these nouns:

psychopathic

psychopathicadj.

Psychopathic is used with these nouns:

killer, murderer, tendency

psychosomatic

psychosomaticadj.

Psychosomatic is used with these nouns:

illness, symptom

psychotic

psychoticadj.

Psychotic is used with these nouns:

episode, illness, killer

psychotropic

psychotropicadj.

Psychotropic is used with these nouns:

drug, substance

PTA

PTAnoun

PTA is used before these nouns:

meeting

pub

pubnoun

noun (BrE)ADJECTIVE | VERB + pub | pub + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEexcellent, goodfavouritelocal, nearby, nearestThe local pub is quite good.crowdedsmokyI had to sing in crowded, smoky pubs.cosythe atmosphere of a cosy country pubfriendlycountry, villagecity-centre, town-centreriversidehistoric, traditionalmodernthemeIt's one of those modern theme pubs.VERB + pubgo down (informal), go down to, go round to, go toLet's go down the pub for a drink.pub + NOUNfood, lunch, meallandlady, landlordPREPOSITIONat a/the pub, in a/the pubHe spent all afternoon in the pub.

puberty

pubertynoun

nounVERB + puberty | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + pubertyenter, hit (informal), reachShe hit puberty a year before any of her friends.He reached puberty at the age of fourteen.approachgo throughI was going through puberty.PREPOSITIONat pubertyGirls start menstruating at puberty.during pubertyThe body undergoes many changes during puberty.PHRASESthe age of pubertythe onset of puberty

pubic

pubicadj.

Pubic is used with these nouns:

Public is used with these nouns:

public

publicnounadj.

I. noun1 the public people in general2 group of people with sth in common1 the public people in generalADJECTIVE | VERB + the public | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgeneralVERB + the publiceducate, informThe government was slow to inform the public about the health hazards of asbestos.protectservemisleadHe accused the administration of deliberately misleading the public on this issue.be open toThe house is open to the public.PREPOSITIONin publicHe rarely appears in public these days.PHRASESa member of the public

2 group of people with sth in commonADJECTIVEADJECTIVEbook-buying, movie-going, paying, reading, sporting (esp. BrE), theatre-going/theater-going, travelling/traveling, viewing, voting, etc.Satellite television has provided the viewing public with a wide choice.broader, larger, widerHer work is now available to a wider public.

II. adj.

acceptance, access, acclaim, accommodation, accountability, accountancy, accusation, acknowledgement, act, address, administration, affair, agency, agenda, agitation, alarm, amenity, anger, announcement, anxiety, apathy, apology, appearance, appetite, appointment, appreciation, approval, archive, arena, art, assembly, asset, assistance, association, attention, attitude, auction, authority, awareness, backlash, bar, bathroom, benefactor, benefit, body, broadcaster, building, bus, campaign, care, celebration, cemetery, censure, ceremony, character, choice, clamour, clinic, collection, college, comment, commission, commitment, company, concern, concert, condemnation, confession, confidence, consciousness, consultation, consumption, controversy, corporation, corruption, criticism, curiosity, cynicism, danger, database, debate, debt, decency, declaration, demand, demonstration, denunciation, dialogue, diplomacy, disagreement, disapproval, discontent, discussion, disgrace, disgust, disillusionment, disorder, display, dispute, dissatisfaction, distrust, disturbance, document, domain, donation, duty, education, embarrassment, employee, employer, employment, engagement, enquiry, enterprise, entertainment, enthusiasm, entity, esteem, examination, execution, exhibit, exhibition, expectation, expenditure, expense, exposure, expression, face, facility, faith, fascination, favour, fear, feeling, feud, figure, finance, footpath, forum, fund, funding, funeral, furore, fury, gallery, garden, gathering, gaze, grief, hall, health, health service, hearing, high school, highway, holiday, hospital, hostility, housing, humiliation, hygiene, hysteria, image, imagination, importance, impression, inconvenience, indecency, indifference, indignation, inspection, institution, interest, investment, knowledge, land, launch, lavatory, lecture, letter, librarian, library, life, loo, manifestation, meeting, memorial, memory, menace, mind, money, monopoly, monument, mood, moral, morality, mourning, museum, nature, need, notice, notoriety, nuisance, office, official, opinion, opposition, order, outcry, outrage, ownership, panic, park, participation, path, penance, perception, performance, phone, place, policy, praise, procession, proclamation, profile, project, prominence, property, prosecutor, protest, purse, radio, rally, reaction, reading, realm, rebuke, reception, recognition, record, referendum, register, regulation, relation, report, representative, reprimand, reputation, resistance, resource, response, responsibility, restroom, revenue, rhetoric, ridicule, rift, ritual, road, row, safety, sanitation, scandal, scepticism, school, scorn, scrutiny, sculpture, sector, self, sentiment, servant, service, session, setting, sex, shame, show, showing, sidewalk, space, speaker, spectacle, speech, spending, sphere, spirit, spotlight, squabble, squalor, square, stance, stand, standing, statement, stature, subsidy, success, support, sympathy, system, talk, taste, telecommunications, telephone, television, tender, testimony, toilet, transit, transport, transportation, trial, trust, trustee, understanding, undertaking, unease, university, unrest, uproar, utility, venue, view, virtue, visibility, ward, watchdog, welfare, will, worship

publication

publicationnoun

noun1 of a book, etc.2 book, magazine, etc.1 of a book, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + publication | publication + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEposthumousthe posthumous publication this year of his unedited journalselectronic, online, printthe lower cost of electronic publicationVERB + publicationbegincease, stopdelayprepare sth forbe due for, be scheduled forThe book is scheduled for publication in the spring.accept sth forpublication + NOUNdatePHRASESthe date of publication, the time of publication

2 book, magazine, etc.ADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEnew, recentforthcomingleading, majormainstreamnationalonline, printHis writing has appeared in many other print and online publications.sisterOur German sister publication, ‘Diese Woche’, went out of business.government, officialspecialist (esp. BrE)glossy (esp. BrE)The glossy publication is being mailed to 4 000 companies.academic, business, industry, scholarly, scientific, trade, etc.PREPOSITIONpublication aboutspecialist publications about beespublication onShe has several publications to her name on local history.

public employee

public employeenoun

Public employee is used before these nouns:

public health

public healthnoun

Public health is used before these nouns:

laboratory, medicine, specialist

public housing

public housingnoun

Public housing is used before these nouns:

tenant

publicity

publicitynoun

noun1 media attention2 advertising1 media attentionADJECTIVE | VERB + publicity | publicity + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsiderable, enormous, extensive, greater, wide, widespreadThe papers have begun to give greater publicity to the campaign against GM food.maximumThe release of the report was timed to generate maximum publicity.favourable/favorable, good, positiveadverse, bad, negative, unfavourable/unfavorable, unwanted, unwelcome (esp. BrE)freeinternational, local, nationalVERB + publicitygive sb/sthgain, garner, get, receiveattract, generateseekavoid, shunpublicity + VERBsurround sthThere was a lot of negative publicity surrounding the movie.PREPOSITIONpublicity aboutThere has been a lot of negative publicity about the hospital.publicity forTaking part in the event will be good publicity for our school.publicity overThe company had received bad publicity over a defective product.PHRASESa blaze of publicity (esp. BrE), a storm of publicityThe movie stars were married amid a blaze of publicity.The chairman resigned in a storm of publicity over the bonus payments.the glare of publicityHe carried on his life in the full glare of publicity.

2 advertisingADJECTIVE | publicity + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEadvancepublicity + NOUNmaterial, photograph, shotHe's better-looking in his publicity shots than he is in real life.campaignstuntThe actress denied that her marriage was just a publicity stunt.agent, department, officer (BrE)machineThe record company's publicity machine was working flat out.PREPOSITIONpublicity aboutI read some publicity about vaccinations while waiting my turn at the doctor's.publicity forThere have been months of advance publicity for the show.PHRASESa lack of publicity

publicize

publicizeverb

(BrE also -ise) verbADVERB | VERB + publicize | PHRASESADVERBwellwidelyVERB + publicizehelp (to)PHRASESlittle publicizedhighly publicized, much publicizedher highly publicized affair with a leading politician

Publicize is used with these nouns as the object:

event, plight

public-liability

public-liabilityadj.

Public-liability is used with these nouns:

publicly

publiclyadv.

Publicly is used with these adjectives:

acceptable, accessible, accountable, available, opposed

Publicly is used with these verbs:

accuse, acknowledge, advocate, air, announce, apologize, back, campaign, challenge, claim, comment, complain, condemn, confess, congratulate, criticize, debate, declare, defend, demonstrate, denounce, deny, disagree, disclose, discuss, display, embrace, endorse, execute, expose, express, finance, flog, fund, hold, humiliate, identify, insult, mark, mention, oppose, perform, praise, proclaim, protest, rebuke, recognize, reject, release, report, reprimand, shame, snub, speak, speculate, state, support, talk, testify, thank, threaten, trade, urge, warn

public-private

public-privateadj.

Public-private is used with these nouns:

partnership

public relations

public relationsnoun

Public relations is used before these nouns:

adviser, campaign, consultant, disaster, executive, exercise, manager

public school

public schoolnoun

Public school is used before these nouns:

accent, education, principal

public sector

public sectornoun

Public sector is used before these nouns:

employee, finance, funding, housing, investment, union, worker

public-service

public-serviceadj.

Public-service is used with these nouns:

announcement, broadcaster, union

public services

public servicesnoun

Public services is used before these nouns:

public transport

public transportnoun

Public transport is used before these nouns:

user

publish

publishverb

verbADVERB | VERB + publish | PHRASESADVERBrecentlyoriginally, previouslyextensively (esp. AmE), widelyHe has published extensively on medieval education.Her books have never been widely published in the US.posthumouslyHer last book was published posthumously in 1948.anonymouslyonlineThe study was published online.VERB + publishdecide tointend to, plan torefuse tobe free toThe press should be free to publish and comment on all aspects of political and social life.dare (to)Freud had not dared to publish the third chapter of his book in Vienna.PHRASESnewly publisheda newly published series of essays

Publish is used with these nouns as the subject:

institute, magazine, newspaper

Publish is used with these nouns as the object:

account, ad, advert, advertisement, allegation, anthology, apology, article, autobiography, bibliography, biography, book, brochure, bulletin, catalogue, collection, column, data, detail, dictionary, directory, dissertation, document, draft, edition, editorial, encyclopedia, essay, excerpt, extract, feature, fiction, finding, guide, hardback, index, information, interview, issue, journal, leaflet, letter, list, literature, magazine, manifesto, manual, manuscript, map, material, memoir, news, newspaper, novel, obituary, pamphlet, paper, photograph, piece, poem, poetry, poll, recipe, recommendation, report, research, result, review, statement, story, study, summary, text, thesis, title, transcript, update, volume, work, writing

published

publishedadj.

Published is used with these nouns:

article, author, data, document, literature, paper, report, source, story, version, volume, work, writer, writing

publisher

publishernoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + publisherADJECTIVEbig, large, leading, majorone of the country's biggest book publisherssmallindependentmainstreamcommerciallocalHe's writing a history of the town for a local publisher.specialist (BrE)printelectronic, online, Webart, book, magazine, music, newspaper, softwareacademic, educational, tradeVERB + publisherfind, haveFinding a publisher is hard for all writers.She now has a publisher for her book.

publishing

publishingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + publishing | publishing + NOUNADJECTIVEbook, newspaper, etc.academic, scholarlymedical, music, scientific, etc.She works in music publishing.desktopelectronic, onlineVERB + publishingwork inpublishing + NOUNagreement, dealarm, company, group, houseThe Cranfield Press is the publishing arm of the Cranfield Institute.business, industry, worldThe publishing world is extremely competitive.

puck

pucknoun

Puck is used after these nouns:

hockey

pucker

puckerverb

Pucker is used with these nouns as the subject:

Pucker is used with these nouns as the object:

brow, lip

pudding

puddingnoun

Pudding is used before these nouns:

bowl

Pudding is used after these nouns:

bread, chocolate, Christmas, milk, rice

puddle

puddlenoun

Puddle is used after these nouns:

mud

pudgy

pudgyadj.

Pudgy is used with these nouns:

Puff is used with these nouns as the subject:

puff

puffnounverb

I. noun1 of air/smoke/wind2 on a cigarette, pipe, etc.1 of air/smoke/windADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElittle, small, tinyPREPOSITIONpuff ofa little puff of smoke

2 on a cigarette, pipe, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + puff | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElongshortVERB + puffhave, takeHe took a long puff at his cigar and began his story.PREPOSITIONpuff ona puff on her cigarette

II. verb1 smoke2 breathe loudly1 smokeADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBfuriouslycontentedly, happilythoughtfullyawayHe puffed away at his cigar.PREPOSITIONatShe puffed furiously at her cigarette.onMy father sat puffing contentedly on his pipe.

2 breathe loudlyADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBhardShe was puffing quite hard by the time she reached the office.loudlyPREPOSITIONalong, fromShe was still puffing from the climb.upHe came puffing up the hill.PHRASEShuff and puff, puff and pantShe puffed and panted behind the others.puffing and blowingFar behind us, puffing and blowing, came Matt.

Puff is used with these nouns as the object:

chest, cigar

puff away at

puff away atphr verb

Puff away at is used with these nouns as the object:

puff away on

puff away onphr verb

Puff away on is used with these nouns as the object:

puff on

puff onphr verb

Puff on is used with these nouns as the object:

cigar, pipe

puff out

puff outphr verb

Puff out is used with these nouns as the subject:

Puff out is used with these nouns as the object:

puff up

puff upphr verb

Puff up is used with these nouns as the subject:

puffy

puffyadj.

Puffy is used with these nouns:

cheek, cloud, eye

pug

pugnoun

Pug is used before these nouns:

nose

Pulitzer Prize

Pulitzer Prizenoun

Pulitzer Prize is used before these nouns:

winner

pull

pullnounverb

I. noun1 act of pulling2 on a cigarette/drink1 act of pullingADJECTIVE | VERB + pull | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEsharpstronggentle, slightdownwardgravitationalthe earth's gravitational pullmagnetic (figurative)The magnetic pull of the city was hard to resist.emotionalIt is hard to deny the emotional pull of this music.VERB + pullgive sthI gave the door a sharp pull.exertThe Moon exerts a gravitational pull on the Earth, creating tides.feel (figurative)She felt the pull of her homeland.PREPOSITIONpull atA gentle pull at her sleeve got her attention.pull onHe felt a strong pull on the rope.

2 on a cigarette/drinkADJECTIVE | VERB + pull | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElongVERB + pulltakeShe took a long pull on her cigarette and sighed.PREPOSITIONpull ata pull at his flaskpull on

II. verbADVERB | VERB + pull | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBgently, hardHe got hold of the rope and pulled hard.quickly, slowlyapart, off, on, out, overShe pulled off her boots.He pulled his sweater on.along, away, backShe took his arm and pulled him along.The dog snapped at her and she pulled back her hand.VERB + pulltry toHe tried to pull away.manage toPREPOSITIONatHe pulled at her coat sleeve.onShe pulled on the lever.towards/towardShe pulled him gently towards/toward her.PHRASESpull (yourself) freeJohn finally managed to pull himself free.pull yourself to your feet

Pull is used with these nouns as the subject:

gravity, hand, horse

Pull is used with these nouns as the object:

ad, barge, beard, car, caravan, carriage, cart, chain, cloak, comb, cord, crowd, curtain, drape, duty, duvet, face, file, gun, handle, knee, knife, lever, ligament, manoeuvre, move, muscle, noose, pint, pistol, plough, plug, punch, rope, sack, scarf, shade, shawl, sled, sledge, stunt, suitcase, switch, tendon, thread, trailer, trick, trigger, truck, U-turn, viewer, wagon, zip

pull at

pull atphr verb

Pull at is used with these nouns as the object:

beard, chain, rope

pull away

pull awayphr verb

Pull away is used with these nouns as the subject:

car, train

pull away from

pull away fromphr verb

Pull away from is used with these nouns as the object:

kerb

pull back

pull backphr verb

Pull back is used with these nouns as the subject:

Pull back is used with these nouns as the object:

bang, bolt, cover, drape, fist, flap, hood, sheet, veil

pull back from

pull back fromphr verb

Pull back from is used with these nouns as the object:

brink

pull down

pull downphr verb

Pull down is used with these nouns as the object:

blind, building, collar, dress, hat, knickers, panties, pants, shutter, skirt, trousers, wall, zip

pull-down

pull-downadj.

Pull-down is used with these nouns:

pulled

pulledadj.

Pulled is used with these nouns:

muscle, pork

pull from

pull fromphr verb

Pull from is used with these nouns as the object:

bag, wreckage

pull in

pull inphr verb

Pull in is used with these nouns as the subject:

Pull in is used with these nouns as the object:

audience, crowd, direction, stomach, tummy, viewer

pull into

pull intophr verb

Pull into is used with these nouns as the subject:

Pull into is used with these nouns as the object:

kerb, lay-by, road

Pullman

Pullmannoun

Pullman is used before these nouns:

car, train

pull off

pull offphr verb

Pull off is used with these nouns as the object:

boot, coat, coup, cover, feat, freeway, glove, helmet, highway, hood, interstate, jacket, jeans, mask, ring, road, rucksack, save, shirt, shoe, sneaker, sock, top, victory

pull on

pull onphr verb

Pull on is used with these nouns as the object:

cigar, cigarette, clothes, coat, glove, jacket, jeans, jersey, jumper, oar, panties, pants, rein, rope, sneaker, sock, stocking, sweater, tights, trousers

pull onto

pull ontophr verb

Pull onto is used with these nouns as the object:

pull out pull-out

pull-outadj.

Pull-out is used with these nouns:

couch

pull out into

pull out intophr verb

Pull out into is used with these nouns as the object:

pull out of

pull out ofphr verb

Pull out of is used with these nouns as the subject:

Pull out of is used with these nouns as the object:

bag, deal, dive, race, recession, talk

pull out onto

pull out ontophr verb

Pull out onto is used with these nouns as the object:

pull over

pull overphr verb

Pull over is used with these nouns as the object:

car, sheet

pullover

pullovernoun

noun (esp. BrE)ADJECTIVE | VERB + pullover | pullover + NOUNADJECTIVEwoollen/woolen, woolly (BrE)sleeveless (BrE)V-neckfleece (esp. AmE), knittedShe was wearing a knitted pullover.VERB + pulloverknitpullover + NOUNsweater (AmE)

pull over to

pull over tophr verb

Pull over to is used with these nouns as the object:

kerb

pull to

pull tophr verb

Pull to is used with these nouns as the object:

pull together

pull togetherphr verb

Pull together is used with these nouns as the object:

strand, thread

pull up

pull upphr verb

Pull up is used with these nouns as the subject:

bus, cab, car

Pull up is used with these nouns as the object:

blanket, blind, car, chair, collar, cover, dress, hood, jeans, knee, knickers, leg, panties, pants, quilt, sheet, skirt, sock, stool, trousers, weed, zip

pull up to

pull up tophr verb

Pull up to is used with these nouns as the object:

kerb

pulmonary

pulmonaryadj.

Pulmonary is used with these nouns:

disease, infection, rehabilitation, vein

pulp

pulpnounadj.

I. noun

Pulp is used before these nouns:

mill

Pulp is used after these nouns:

paper, wood

II. adj.

Pulp is used with these nouns:

fiction, magazine, novel

pulsating

pulsatingadj.

Pulsating is used with these nouns:

rhythm

pulse

pulsenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + pulse | pulse + VERB | pulse + NOUNADJECTIVEfast, racing, rapidslowsteadystrongfaint, weakVERB + pulsecheck, feel, takeLast time I took my pulse, it was a little fast.check for, feel forShe reached in through the driver's broken window and checked for a pulse.findhaveThe doctor felt to see if he had a pulse.quickenThere was little to quicken the pulse in his dull routine.pulse + VERBbeatquicken, raceShe felt her pulse quicken as she recognized the voice.slowpulse + NOUNrateMy at-rest pulse rate is usually about 80 beats per minute.

II. verb

Pulse is used with these nouns as the subject:

blood, vein

pumice

pumicenoun

Pumice is used before these nouns:

pump pump-action

pump-actionadj.

Pump-action is used with these nouns:

shotgun

pumpernickel

pumpernickelnoun

Pumpernickel is used before these nouns:

pump into

pump intophr verb

Pump into is used with these nouns as the object:

pumpkin

pumpkinnoun

Pumpkin is used before these nouns:

patch, pie, spice

pumpkin pie

pumpkin pienoun

Pumpkin pie is used before these nouns:

spice

pump out

pump outphr verb

Pump out is used with these nouns as the object:

pump through

pump throughphr verb

Pump through is used with these nouns as the object:

pump up

pump upphr verb

Pump up is used with these nouns as the object:

tyre

punch

punchnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + punch | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgood, hard, powerfulkiller (BrE, figurative), knockoutAluko landed a knockout punch.This policy will deliver a knockout punch to the tourism industry (figurative)sucker (= an unexpected punch)He was knocked flat by a sucker punch.one-two (AmE, usually figurative)the devastating one-two punch of Hurricanes Katrina and Ritaemotional (figurative)The film packs a heavy emotional punch.VERB + punchdeliver, give sb, land, pack (usually figurative), swing, throwShe gave him a punch on the nose.The X37 engine packs a powerful punch.He can throw a powerful punch.pullHe pulled his punches to avoid hurting his sparring partner.She pulls no punches (= she says exactly what she thinks). (figurative)get, takeBe careful what you say or you'll get a punch on the nose.a boxer who knows how to take a punchPREPOSITIONpunch ina punch in the stomachpunch onShe gave him a punch on the nose.punch toa punch to the jaw

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBhardlightlyplayfullyShe playfully punched him on the arm.repeatedlyPREPOSITIONinHis attacker had punched him hard in the face.onShe punched him on the nose.PHRASESkick and punch, punch and kickHe was repeatedly kicked and punched as he lay on the ground.

Punch is used with these nouns as the object:

air, button, buzzer, fist, hole, key, pillow, stomach, ticket

Punch and Judy

Punch and Judynoun

Punch and Judy is used before these nouns:

show

punctually

punctuallyadv.

Punctually is used with these verbs:

arrive

punctuate

punctuateverb

Punctuate is used with these nouns as the object:

sentence, silence

puncture

puncturenounverb

I. noun (BrE) small hole in a tyre/tireSee also blowoutADJECTIVE | VERB + puncture | puncture + NOUNADJECTIVEslowThe tyre had a slow puncture and had to be pumped up every day.VERB + punctureget, have, sufferShe suffered a puncture in the fifth lap.fix, mend, repairpuncture + NOUNrepair kit

II. verb

Puncture is used with these nouns as the object:

lung, myth, skin, tank

punctured

puncturedadj.

Punctured is used with these nouns:

lung, tyre

pundit

punditnoun

Pundit is used after these nouns:

football, media

pungent

pungentadj.

Pungent is used with these nouns:

aroma, herb, odour, scent, smell, taste

punish

punishverb

verbADVERB | VERB + punish | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBharshly, severelyjustlyunfairlydulyThose who had opposed the court were duly punished.physicallyVERB + punishwant totry toHe was trying to punish her for deserting him all those years ago.be designed toDamages are not designed to punish, but to compensate for the loss sustained.PREPOSITIONbyNever punish children by making them go hungry.forThey will be severely punished for their crimes.withOffenders will be punished with a £1 000 fine.PHRASESbe punished accordinglyThose found guilty will be punished accordingly.

Punish is used with these nouns as the object:

ball, child, crime, murderer, sin

punishable

punishableadj.

Punishable is used with these nouns:

punishing

punishingadj.

Punishing is used with these nouns:

schedule

punishment

punishmentnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + punishment | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcruel, harsh, heavy, severeunusualthe constitutional prohibition on cruel and unusual punishmentappropriate, fittingcapitalcorporal, physicalcollectiveVERB + punishmentadminister, dish out (informal), dole out (informal), hand out, impose, inflict, mete outIt is unlawful for a teacher to inflict corporal punishment on students.Harsh punishment is expected to be meted out to the murderer.face, receive, sufferaccept, takeTake your punishment like a man.avoid, escapedeservePREPOSITIONas punishment (for)He had his privileges withdrawn as punishment for fighting with another prisoner.punishment forPunishments for killing the king's deer were severe.PHRASEScrime and punishmentthe sociology of crime and punishmentthe punishment fits the crimeThe victim's family do not believe that this punishment fits the crime.reward and punishmentThey use a system of reward and punishment to discipline their children.

punitive

punitiveadj.

Punitive is used with these nouns:

damage, expedition, measure, raid, sanction, tariff

punk

punknoun

Punk is used before these nouns:

Punk is used after these nouns:

punt

puntverb

Punt is used with these nouns as the object:

pup

pupnoun

Pup is used before these nouns:

tent

Pup is used after these nouns:

seal

pupal

pupaladj.

Pupal is used with these nouns:

pupil

pupilnoun

noun1 (esp. BrE) child in school2 of the eye1 (esp. BrE) child in schoolADJECTIVE | VERB + pupil | pupil + NOUNADJECTIVEable, bright, good, starDaniel is the star pupil at school.disruptive, unrulyfirst-year, second-year, etc.older, senioryoungerformer (also ex-pupil)privateschoolprimary, secondarythe parents of secondary school pupilsVERB + pupilteachexclude, expelpupil + NOUNattendance, numbersassessmentperformancebehaviour/behavior

2 of the eyeADJECTIVE | VERB + pupil | pupil + VERBADJECTIVEdilatedVERB + pupildilate, enlargepupil + VERBdilate, enlarge

puppet

puppetnoun

noun1 model of a person/animal2 sb whose actions are controlled by sb else1 model of a person/animalADJECTIVE | VERB + puppet | puppet + NOUNADJECTIVEfinger, glove (BrE), hand, shadow, sockwoodenVERB + puppetmanipulate, worka puppet controlled by stringsHow do you work these puppets?makepuppet + NOUNplay, showtheatre/theatermaster

2 sb whose actions are controlled by sb elseADJECTIVE | VERB + puppet | puppet + NOUNADJECTIVEmere (esp. BrE)The president is a mere puppet of his prime minister.VERB + puppetcontrol, manipulateHe's become a puppet manipulated by the government.puppet + NOUNgovernment, king, regime, state

puppy

puppynoun

Puppy is used before these nouns:

dog, fat, love

purchase

purchasenounverb

I. noun1 buying sth2 sth bought1 buying sthADJECTIVE | purchase + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEcashcreditonlineMake sure all online purchases are made through a secure server.bulkthe bulk purchase of paperoutrightCompanies are moving away from outright purchase of company cars to leasing.compulsory (BrE)The council applied for a compulsory purchase order on the the tennis courts.advancehire (= a method of buying an article by making regular payments for it over several months or years) (BrE)He entered a hire purchase agreement with a car dealer.arms, equipment, home, house, land, sharepurchase + NOUNpricetaxorderPHRASESthe cost of purchaseYou can resell books and cut the original cost of purchase.the date of purchase, the time of purchaseI did not notice the defects at the time of purchase.the place of purchase, the point of purchaseTicket holders should return to the point of purchase for a refund.proof of purchaseKeep your receipt as proof of purchase.

2 sth boughtADJECTIVE | VERB + purchaseADJECTIVEbig-ticket (AmE), expensive, large, majorbig-ticket purchases such as cars or refrigeratorsimpulseConsumers make a lot of impulse purchases.consumerThe company uses software to analyze consumer purchases.VERB + purchasemakesome ways to encourage customers to make a purchasepay for

II. verbADVERB | VERB + purchase | PREPOSITIONADVERBnewly, recentlycompulsorily (BrE)The land was compulsorily purchased from the owner to make way for the new road.onlineTickets can be purchased online.VERB + purchaseagree to, be willing towish tocan afford to, cannot afford toPREPOSITIONforThey purchased the land for $1 million.fromThey purchased the house from an elderly couple.

Purchase is used with these nouns as the object:

art, asset, bond, coverage, electricity, equipment, goods, home, insurance, land, membership, merchandise, painting, product, property, right, security, share, site, stock, subscription, ticket, warranty

purchasing

purchasingnoun

Purchasing is used before these nouns:

power

Purchasing is used after these nouns:

bulk

pure

pureadj.

Pure is used with these nouns:

accident, adrenalin, agony, air, alcohol, annoyance, bliss, blood, boredom, breed, carbon, chance, chaos, coincidence, colour, common sense, confusion, conjecture, contempt, copper, cotton, curiosity, delight, desperation, disbelief, disgust, dynamite, ecstasy, elation, emotion, energy, enjoyment, entertainment, essence, euphoria, evil, excitement, exhaustion, fantasy, fear, fiction, folly, form, frustration, fun, fury, garbage, genius, gold, greed, guesswork, happiness, hate, hatred, heart, heaven, hell, heroin, horror, illusion, imagination, indulgence, innocence, instinct, intuition, invention, jealousy, joy, linen, logic, love, luck, lust, luxury, madness, magic, malice, mathematician, mathematics, maths, metal, motive, nonsense, nostalgia, oxygen, panic, perfection, pleasure, poison, profit, propaganda, rage, science, self-interest, selfishness, shock, silk, silver, soprano, soul, speculation, spite, substance, supposition, terror, truth, venom, water, white, will, wool

pure-bred

pure-bredadj.

Pure-bred is used with these nouns:

purely purification

purificationnoun

Purification is used before these nouns:

ritual

Purification is used after these nouns:

purify

purifyverb

Purify is used with these nouns as the object:

puritanical

puritanicaladj.

Puritanical is used with these nouns:

streak

purity

puritynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + purity | PHRASESADJECTIVEabsolutethe absolute purity of her lovegreat, highhigh-purity silverideologicalracialmoral, sexualVERB + puritymaintain, preserveHe struggled to preserve his ideological purity.PHRASESpurity of bloodHitler's belief in the purity of blood of the German peoplepurity of form, purity of stylea classical purity of formthe building's unadorned purity of stylepurity of heartShe has a purity of heart that inspires others.

purple

purpleadj.

adj., nounADVERB | ADJECTIVE | PHRASESADVERBalmostslightlyADJECTIVEbright, vividdark, deep, richlight, palePHRASESpurple in the face, purple with rageHe turned purple with rage.

Purple is used with these nouns:

birthmark, bruise, grape, passage, patch, prose

purpose

purposenoun

noun1 aim/function2 purposes requirements of a particular situation1 aim/functionADJECTIVE | VERB + purpose | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElimitedchief, main, primary, prime, principaltruesolewholeoriginalpractical, usefulThese bars serve no useful purpose.legitimategenerala general-purpose cleaning fluidcommona group of individuals sharing a common purposeparticular, special, specificduala toy with the dual purpose of entertaining and developing memory skillsintended, statedsocialthe view that art should serve a social purposeVERB + purposehavelackaccomplish, achieve, fulfil/fulfill, serve, suitThe plan achieved its primary purpose, if nothing else.The article could serve the purpose of generating some discussion.In my view such debates serve no useful purpose.defeatComputer-animated cartoons that depict humans realistically seem to defeat the whole purpose of animation.PREPOSITIONfor a/the purposeI put the chair there for a purpose.a measure introduced for the purpose of protecting the interests of investorson purpose (= intentionally)He slammed the door on purpose.PHRASESat cross purposes (= not understanding or having the same aims, etc. as each other)I finally realized that we were talking at cross purposes.for the express purpose of sth, with the express purpose of sthThe school was founded with the express purpose of teaching deaf children to speak.for (all) practical purposesNominally she is the secretary, but for all practical purposes she runs the place.your purpose in lifeShe saw being a doctor as her purpose in life.put sth to (a/some) purposeThe same information can be put to many purposesa sense of purposeEncouraged by her example, they all set to work with a fresh sense of purpose.strength of purposeThey had great confidence and strength of purpose.

2 purposes requirements of a particular situationADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEadministrative, business, commercial, domestic, educational, insurance, legal, medical, medicinal, political, research, tax, teaching, trainingYou will need to have the vehicle valued for insurance purposes.comparativeFor comparative purposes, the populations of three other cities are also shown.PREPOSITIONfor … purposeThe drug can be sold for medicinal purposes only.for the purposes of (also for the purpose of in AmE)Let's assume he knows, for the purposes of our argument.

purpose-built

purpose-builtadj.

Purpose-built is used with these nouns:

facility, flat, home, museum, premises, theatre

purposeful

purposefuladj.

Purposeful is used with these nouns:

stride, work

purposefully

purposefullyadv.

Purposefully is used with these verbs:

avoid, march, stride

purposely

purposelyadv.

Purposely is used with these verbs:

avoid, choose, ignore, try

purr

purrverb

Purr is used with these nouns as the subject:

cat, engine, voice

purse

pursenounverb

I. noun1 (esp. BrE) for carrying money2 money available to an organization/government3 (AmE) bag for carrying things1 (esp. BrE) for carrying moneyADJECTIVE | VERB + purse | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEleatherchange (AmE)VERB + purseopensnatch, stealShe had her purse snatched.PREPOSITIONin sb's purseWhat do you keep in your purse?

2 money available to an organization/governmentADJECTIVE | VERB + purse | purse + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpublicVERB + pursedrainThe reforms had drained the public purse.purse + NOUNstringsWho holds the purse strings in your house?The government will have to tighten the purse strings (= spend less).PREPOSITIONin the purse (esp. BrE)There is no money in the purse for this.

3 (AmE) bag for carrying thingsSee also handbagADJECTIVE | VERB + purse | purse + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbulgingShe handed him a bulging velvet purse.leather, silk, etc.matchingShe wore pink heels with a matching clutch purse.clutchVERB + purseclutch, holdBoth women clutched their purses close to their bodies.carrygrab, pick up, snatchShe grabbed her purse and headed out the door.opendig in, dig into, dig through, reach into, rummage throughI dug in my purse to find my respirator.I rummaged through my purse for my lip gloss.snatch, stealShe had her purse snatched.purse + NOUNsnatcherPREPOSITIONin sb's purseWhat do you keep in your purse?PHRASESsling a purse over your shoulder, throw a purse over your shoulderShe slung her black leather purse over her shoulder.

II. verb

Purse is used with these nouns as the subject:

Purse is used with these nouns as the object:

Pursue is used with these nouns as the subject:

pursue

pursueverb

verb1 continue sth/try to achieve sth2 chase sb1 continue sth/try to achieve sthADVERB | VERB + pursue | PHRASESADVERBfurther, stillactively, aggressively, energetically, vigorouslydoggedly, relentlesslyHe was still doggedly pursuing his studies.successfullyHow can we successfully pursue these aims?seriouslyVERB + pursuedecide toWe have decided not to pursue the matter further.intend to, want to, wish toHow do you decide which career you wish to pursue?be inclined to, be interested in pursuing, feel inclined tobe reluctant tobe able to, be free tocontinue toPHRASESthe ability to pursue sth, the freedom to pursue sth, the opportunity to pursue sth, the right to pursue sththe freedom to pursue her own interestsbe not worth pursuingI decided the matter was not worth pursuing further.

2 chase sbADVERB | PHRASESADVERBrelentlesslyHe pursued her relentlessly, refusing to take ‘no’ for an answer.PHRASESclosely pursued by sb, hotly pursued by sbHe ran past, hotly pursued by two policemen.

hound

Pursue is used with these nouns as the object:

agenda, aim, approach, avenue, career, case, charge, course, deal, degree, diplomacy, dream, education, end, endeavour, enquiry, excellence, goal, hobby, ideal, initiative, interest, investigation, justice, lead, line, litigation, love, matter, mission, objective, passion, pastime, path, perfection, policy, prey, programme, quest, reform, remedy, research, strategy, study, subject, suit, vendetta, vision, vocation

pursuit

pursuitnoun

noun1 attempt to find sth2 attempt to catch sb/sth3 (usually pursuits) pastime1 attempt to find sthADJECTIVE | VERB + pursuit | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEaggressive, dogged, relentless, single-minded, vigorousendlessthe endless pursuit of wealthVERB + pursuitbe engaged inPREPOSITIONin pursuit ofpeople leaving their homes in pursuit of workpursuit ofHe is engaged in the ruthless pursuit of pleasure.He devoted his waking hours to the single-minded pursuit of his goal.PHRASESthe pursuit of excellence, happiness, knowledge, pleasure, truth, etc.

2 attempt to catch sb/sthADJECTIVE | VERB + pursuit | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEclosepoliceVERB + pursuitgive (formal)The police gave pursuit.continueabandonPREPOSITIONin pursuit (of)Two boys ran past with a security guard in pursuit.The guard set off in pursuit of the thief.PHRASESin close pursuit, in hot pursuitAway ran the deer, with the hunters in hot pursuit.

3 (usually pursuits) pastimeADJECTIVE | VERB + pursuitADJECTIVEactive, energeticactive leisure pursuitsleisure, recreationalfavourite/favorite (esp. BrE), popularindividualacademic, artistic, cultural, educational, intellectual, scholarly, spiritualcountry (BrE), outdoor, sporting (BrE)sexual (esp. AmE)VERB + pursuitfollowShe has time now to follow her various artistic pursuits.

purée

puréenounverb

I. noun

Purée is used after these nouns:

avocado, potato, tomato

II. verb

Purée is used with these nouns as the object:

mixture, vegetables

pus

pusnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + pus | pus + VERBADJECTIVEgreen, yellowVERB + pusoozeThe wound had not healed properly and was oozing pus.pus + VERBooze, ooze out

push

pushnounverb

I. noun1 act of pushing2 effort to do/obtain sth1 act of pushingADJECTIVE | VERB + push | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, hardgentle, little, slightVERB + pushgive sb/sthShe gave him a gentle push.PHRASESat the push of a buttonThe machine washes and dries at the push of a button.

2 effort to do/obtain sthADJECTIVE | VERB + push | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, extra, major, strongrenewedfinalVERB + pushmakeThe company is making a strong push to expand its distribution.PREPOSITIONpush againstthe final push against the enemypush forThere has been a big push for higher standards in schools.push towards/towarda push towards/toward organic food

II. verb1 use physical force2 put pressure on sb/yourself1 use physical forceADVERB | VERB + push | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBfirmly, hardYou'll have to push harder if you want it to move.angrily, roughly, violentlygently, lightly, playfullycarefullydeliberatelyHe was deliberately pushed into the path of the vehicle.blindly, franticallyhastily, hurriedly, quicklyslowlysuddenlyjust, merely, simplyJack flung himself at Steve, but he simply pushed him away.aside, away, back, down, over, together, etc.She leaned on the box and pushed it aside.They pushed the two desks together.VERB + pushtry tomanage tobegin toPREPOSITIONagainstThe fans pushed against the barrier.atShe pushed at the door but it wouldn't budge.out ofHe pushed her roughly out of the door.throughI tried to push through the crowd.toThe woman had been pushed violently to the ground.towards/toward, underShe found a note pushed under the door.PHRASESpush sth open, push sth shutHe managed to push the window open a few inches.

2 put pressure on sb/yourselfADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBaggressively, hardLucy should push herself a little harder.too farHer parents are very tolerant, but sometimes she pushes them too far.aroundDon't allow yourself to be pushed around by that bully.PREPOSITIONintoHer parents pushed her into accepting the job.forThe two governments are pushing for economic reform in the region.PHRASESpush sb/yourself to the limitHe felt he was being pushed to the limit of his self-control.

Push is used with these nouns as the subject:

Push is used with these nouns as the object:

agenda, baby carriage, bang, bicycle, bike, boundary, buggy, button, cart, earnings, fringe, handle, idea, index, initiative, knife, legislation, lever, limit, luck, needle, pedal, pram, pushchair, sale, spectacles, strand, stroller, thought, trolley, way, wheelchair

push along

push alongphr verb

Push along is used with these nouns as the object:

pushchair

push aside

push asidephr verb

Push aside is used with these nouns as the object:

flap, memory, thought

push away

push awayphr verb

Push away is used with these nouns as the object:

memory, strand, thought

push back

push backphr verb

Push back is used with these nouns as the object:

boundary, chair, cover, curl, frontier, sleeve, sunglasses

pushchair

pushchairnoun

(BrE) nounSee also strollerADJECTIVE | VERB + pushchair | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcollapsible, foldingVERB + pushchairpush, wheelpush along, wheel alongcollapse, fold, fold upPREPOSITIONin a/the pushchair

push down

push downphr verb

Push down is used with these nouns as the object:

pusher

pushernoun

Pusher is used after these nouns:

push for

push forphr verb

Push for is used with these nouns as the object:

reform

push forward

push forwardphr verb

Push forward is used with these nouns as the object:

push in

push inphr verb

Push in is used with these nouns as the object:

bag, drawer

push into

push intophr verb

Push into is used with these nouns as the object:

bag, forefront, recess, recession

push off

push offphr verb

Push off is used with these nouns as the object:

blanket

push out

push outphr verb

Push out is used with these nouns as the object:

pushover

pushovernoun

Pushover is used before these nouns:

push through

push throughphr verb

Push through is used with these nouns as the object:

bill, legislation, parliament, proposal, reform, sieve

push to

push tophr verb

Push to is used with these nouns as the object:

forefront, recess

push up

push upphr verb

Push up is used with these nouns as the object:

cost, glasses, inflation, price, rent, sale, sleeve, sunglasses, wage

push-up

push-upnoun

Push-up is used before these nouns:

bra

put

putverb

verb expressADVERB | PHRASESADVERBcleverly (BrE), eloquently, wellI thought you put your points very well.badlygently, tactfullybluntly, crudelysimply, succinctlyPut simply, we accept their offer or go bankrupt.mildly (ironic)I was annoyed, to put it mildly (= I was extremely angry).PHRASESto put it another wayHe was too trusting—or, to put it another way, he had no head for business.

Put is used with these nouns as the subject:

win

Put is used with these nouns as the object:

ad, advert, advertisement, ban, bet, blame, bomb, bullet, burden, capital, case, ceiling, clip, complexion, confidence, constraint, cost, cross, curb, curse, cursor, dent, embargo, emphasis, end, energy, faith, finger, focus, foot, halt, hand, head, hope, initial, knife, limit, money, moratorium, motion, needle, palm, perspective, point of view, premium, pressure, query, question, question mark, restriction, saving, signature, slant, sparkle, spell, spin, spotlight, squeeze, stamp, stitch, strain, strength, stress, surcharge, tag, tax, time, touch, trust, value, watch, weight

put across

put acrossphr verb

Put across is used with these nouns as the object:

put aside

put asidephr verb

Put aside is used with these nouns as the object:

difference, enmity, prejudice

put at

put atphr verb

Put at is used with these nouns as the subject:

estimate

put away

put awayphr verb

Put away is used with these nouns as the object:

clothes, decoration, dish, grocery, laundry, shopping, thing, toy, wallet

put back

put backphr verb

Put back is used with these nouns as the object:

clock, ear, receiver, seat, sparkle

put back into

put back intophr verb

Put back into is used with these nouns as the object:

put back on

put back onphr verb

Put back on is used with these nouns as the object:

top

put before

put beforephr verb

Put before is used with these nouns as the object:

put down

put downphr verb

Put down is used with these nouns as the object:

bag, basket, beaker, book, briefcase, burden, cat, coup, cup, deposit, disturbance, dog, fork, glass, gun, insurrection, knife, lid, name, phone, poison, rebellion, receiver, revolt, revolution, riot, rising, root, spoon, suitcase, telephone, tray, uprising

put down to

put down tophr verb

Put down to is used with these nouns as the object:

inexperience

put forward put in

put inphr verb

Put in is used with these nouns as the object:

ambulance, appearance, bag, basket, bid, bin, boiler, box, bracket, claim, clause, clip, command, contact, contact lens, cupboard, dentures, diary, disk, earring, effort, film, heating, jail, key, mood, offer, order, oven, overtime, parenthesis, pepper, performance, peril, perspective, pile, place, plug, plumbing, pocket, poison, position, predicament, prison, quarantine, rack, request, reverse, sack, salt, saucepan, shrub, spin, stitch, storage, sugar, tender, touch, troops, washing machine, word, work, writing

put into

put intophr verb

Put into is used with these nouns as the object:

account, action, ambulance, bag, bat, box, circulation, context, effect, first, gear, head, lead, money, operation, orbit, perspective, pile, pocket, practice, rack, reverse, saucepan, spin, storage, trance, writing

put off

put offphr verb

Put off is used with these nouns as the object:

light, shopper

put on

put onphr verb

Put on is used with these nouns as the object:

accent, account, act, agenda, antibiotic, antiseptic, armour, Band-Aid, bandage, blacklist, boot, bra, brake, bread, butter, cap, card, cassette, CD, clinic, clip, clothes, coat, concert, condom, cosmetic, costume, course, cover, cream, credit card, crown, diaper, disguise, display, dressing, drip, drug, earphones, earring, entertainment, exhibition, expression, fat, fire, footing, front, gag, gear, glasses, glue, goggles, handcuffs, harness, heating, helmet, IV, kettle, label, lacquer, lid, light, limitation, lipstick, list, lotion, mailing list, make-up, margarine, market, mascara, mask, music, nail polish, nappy, nut, ointment, paint, paste, pepper, performance, pile, pill, plaster, poison, pot, powder, probation, rack, record, ring, rucksack, salt, sauce, scales, seat belt, sheet, shelf, shoe, shortlist, show, siren, ski, spectacles, spurt, stamp, sugar, sunglasses, tape, thing, throne, ticket, trial, voice, watch, weight, wig, wiper, work, workshop, year

put onto

put ontophr verb

Put onto is used with these nouns as the object:

rack, scales

put out

put outphr verb

Put out is used with these nouns as the subject:

fire brigade, firefighter, ship

Put out is used with these nouns as the object:

album, alert, bait, blaze, bonfire, book, bulletin, cigar, cigarette, dustbin, fire, flame, food, hand, idea, light, memo, rubbish, shoot, single, statement, tongue, washing

put out of

put out ofphr verb

Put out of is used with these nouns as the object:

business, head, misery

put out to

put out tophr verb

Put out to is used with these nouns as the object:

sea, tender

putrid

putridadj.

Putrid is used with these nouns:

smell, stench

put through

put throughphr verb

Put through is used with these nouns as the subject:

operator

Put through is used with these nouns as the object:

call, parliament

put to

put tophr verb

Put to is used with these nouns as the object:

bed, bother, death, expense, flight, inconvenience, music, proposition, referendum, rout, sea, sleep, trouble, use

put together

put togetherphr verb

Put together is used with these nouns as the object:

anthology, bibliography, coalition, exhibition, list, package, picture, piece, plan, proposal, puzzle, team

putty

puttynoun

Putty is used before these nouns:

put under

put underphr verb

Put under is used with these nouns as the object:

arrest, hypnosis

put up

put upphr verb

Put up is used with these nouns as the object:

baby, bail, barricade, barrier, building, candidate, capital, decoration, defence, duty, fare, fence, fight, hair, hand, hood, ladder, memorial, money, monument, notice, opposition, painting, partition, plaque, poster, rate, rent, resistance, reward, roadblock, scaffolding, screen, shelf, shelter, shoot, showing, shutter, sign, stall, statue, struggle, target, tax, tent, umbrella, wall

put up for

put up forphr verb

Put up for is used with these nouns as the object:

adoption, auction

put up with

put up withphr verb

Put up with is used with these nouns as the object:

nonsense, pain, treatment

puzzle

puzzlenounverb

I. noun1 sth that is difficult to understand2 game that tests your skill, intelligence, etc.1 sth that is difficult to understandADJECTIVE | VERB + puzzle | puzzle + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreatperplexingscientific, theoreticalVERB + puzzlecrack (BrE), figure out (esp. AmE), piece together, solveremainWhat happened to the ship remains a puzzle.puzzle + VERBremainThe puzzle remains of what happened to the ship.PREPOSITIONpuzzle aboutThere is a puzzle about how the plant first came to Britain.puzzle ofThey're trying to solve the puzzle of how gravity works.PHRASESa piece of the puzzleAnother piece of the puzzle fell into place.the key to a puzzleTraces of explosives found among the wreckage were the key to the puzzle.a piece in the puzzleThe police didn't know what the message meant, but it was another piece in the puzzle.a solution to a puzzle, something of a puzzleThe origin of the word is something of a puzzle.

2 game that tests your skill, intelligence, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + puzzle | puzzle + NOUNADJECTIVEcrossword, jigsaw (BrE)logic, number, picture, wordcomplicatedVERB + puzzlecomplete, do, put together (esp. AmE), solvepuzzle + NOUNbookgamepiece

II. verb

Puzzle is used with these nouns as the object:

observer, scientist

puzzled

puzzledadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, look, seem, soundbecome, getWe were becoming more and more puzzled by the minute.I was beginning to get a little puzzled.remainADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.a little, slightly, etc.faintlycompletely (AmE)genuinelyclearly, obviouslyPREPOSITIONaboutYou look very puzzled about something.atI was somewhat puzzled at his unwillingness to help.byMrs Sykes seemed slightly puzzled by this.

Puzzled is used with these nouns:

expression, frown, glance, look

puzzling

puzzlingadj.

Puzzling is used with these nouns:

aspect

PVC

PVCnoun

PVC is used before these nouns:

pyjamas

pyjamasnoun

(BrE) (AmE pajamas) nounADJECTIVE | PYJAMA/PAJAMA + NOUN | … OF PYJAMAS/PAJAMASADJECTIVEcotton, flannelwarmfeety (AmE)PYJAMA/PAJAMA + NOUNjacket, topbottoms, pants (AmE), trousers (BrE)He was wearing only his pyjama bottoms.… OF PYJAMAS/PAJAMASpair

pylon

pylonnoun

Pylon is used after these nouns:

electricity

pyramid

pyramidnoun

Pyramid is used before these nouns:

scheme, shape

pyre

pyrenoun

Pyre is used after these nouns:

pyrotechnic

pyrotechnicadj.

Pyrotechnic is used with these nouns:

Pyrrhic

Pyrrhicadj.

Pyrrhic is used with these nouns:

victory

pâté

pâténoun

Pâté is used after these nouns:

liver

quack

quackverb

Quack is used with these nouns as the subject:

quadratic

quadraticadj.

Quadratic is used with these nouns:

equation

quadruple

quadrupleadj.

Quadruple is used with these nouns:

bypass

quaff

quaffverb

Quaff is used with these nouns as the object:

champagne

quaint

quaintadj.

Quaint is used with these nouns:

cottage, custom, inn, relic, village

quaintly

quaintlyadv.

Quaintly is used with these verbs:

Qualified is used with these nouns:

qualification

qualificationnoun

noun1 (often qualifications) allowing sb to work, study, etc.2 weakening of a statement1 (often qualifications) allowing sb to work, study, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + qualification | qualification + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEformal, paper (BrE)basic, minimumentryappropriate, necessaryspecial, specialistmanagement, professional, vocational (BrE)The aim of the reform is to give more status to vocational qualifications.furtheracademic, educational, postgraduate (BrE)Many of those selected lack the academic qualifications to teach.technical (esp. BrE)legal, medical, secretarial, teaching (all esp. BrE)VERB + qualificationacquire, gain, obtainhave, hold, possessOnly two of the applicants had the necessary qualifications.meet (esp. AmE)lackqualification + NOUNperiodThe job usually has a three-year qualification period.PREPOSITIONqualification forthe minimum entry qualification for admissionqualification inHe held no formal qualification in law.

2 weakening of a statementADJECTIVE | VERB + qualification | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEimportantVERB + qualificationaddneed, requireThe term ‘population’ as used here requires qualification.PREPOSITIONwith qualificationsI agree with his view, with a few qualifications.without qualificationThe committee supported her proposal, without qualification.

qualified

qualifiedadj.

adj.1 having completed a course of study2 having the skill needed to do sth3 limited in some way1 having completed a course of studyVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecome, getADVERBhighly, wellThe teaching staff are all highly qualified.fully, properly (esp. BrE)a fully qualified electriciannewly, recently (both BrE)newly qualified doctorsappropriately, suitably (both esp. BrE)Applications are invited from suitably qualified individuals.sufficientlyacademically (esp. AmE), legally, medically, professionally (esp. BrE)He is a medically qualified doctor.She is a professionally qualified social worker.PREPOSITIONasShe is now qualified as a teacher. (BrE)

2 having the skill needed to do sthVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feelElaine did not feel qualified to comment.ADVERBeminently, ideally, uniquely, wellMy father was well qualified to act the part of a head teacher.technicallyI'm not technically qualified to say anything.

3 limited in some wayVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBheavily (esp. BrE)The proposals received heavily qualified approval.

accountant, applicant, approval, barrister, candidate, dentist, doctor, electrician, engineer, expert, GP, individual, inspector, instructor, lawyer, librarian, midwife, nurse, personnel, physician, physiotherapist, pilot, professional, social worker, solicitor, specialist, staff, success, support, surgeon, teacher, technician, therapist, vet, veterinarian, volunteer, welcome, workforce

qualify

qualifyverb

verb1 have/give sb the right to sth2 for a sports competition3 fit a description1 have/give sb the right to sthADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBautomaticallyPREPOSITIONforYou will automatically qualify for a pension.

2 for a sports competitionADVERB | VERB + qualify | PREPOSITIONADVERBeasilyVERB + qualifyfail toPREPOSITIONforEngland failed to qualify for the final.

3 fit a descriptionADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBbarely, hardlyPREPOSITIONasA three-week course hardly qualifies as sufficient training.

Qualify is used with these nouns as the subject:

adjective, adverb

Qualify is used with these nouns as the object:

noun, verb

qualify for

qualify forphr verb

Qualify for is used with these nouns as the object:

benefit, discount, exemption, final, franchise, grant, inclusion, pension, recognition, relief

qualifying

qualifyingadj.

Qualifying is used with these nouns:

exam, heat, round, spot, standard, tournament

qualitative

qualitativeadj.

Qualitative is used with these nouns:

analysis, change, difference, distinction, judgement

qualitatively

qualitativelyadv.

Qualitatively is used with these adjectives:

different, distinct, similar

quality

qualitynounadj.

I. noun1 how good/bad sth is2 characteristic1 how good/bad sth isADJECTIVE | VERB + quality | quality + VERB | quality + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEexcellent, exceptional, good, high, outstanding, superior, topAll our cakes are made with top-quality ingredients.inferior, low, poorvariable, varyingproduct, serviceaudio, recording, soundimage, picture, videoair, waterfoodartistic, technicalVERB + qualitymaintainenhance, improve, raiseaffect, compromise, impact (AmE), impact on, impair (esp. BrE), reduce, sacrificeHow can we increase production without sacrificing quality?assess, determine, evaluate, judge, measure, monitor, rate, testdeliverWe aim to deliver quality to our customers.quality + VERBvaryimprovego down, sufferWhen costs are cut, product quality suffers.quality + NOUNcontrolassurancestandardsPREPOSITIONof … qualityThe photos are of variable quality.PHRASESquality of lifeAdvances in technology would, it was hoped, improve the quality of life.

2 characteristicADJECTIVE | VERB + qualityADJECTIVEadmirable, desirable, endearing, fine, good, great, positivenegativeredeemingI found him thoroughly unpleasant, with no redeeming qualities whatsoever.individual, personalinherent, innate, intrinsicdistinctive, particular, special, unique, wonderfulelusive, rare, stara singer with that elusive quality that sells recordsThey have real star quality.essential, importantaesthetic, artistic, literarydreamlike, magical, timelessmoral, spiritualphysicalfeminine, masculineleadershipVERB + qualityhave, possessdisplay, showlackgiveThe music gives the movie a dreamlike quality.

II. adj.

Quality is used with these nouns:

beer, content, craftsmanship, education, food, furniture, hotel, ingredient, magazine, merchandise, newspaper, paper, press, produce, product, reproduction, service, shopping, stationery, time, wine, workmanship

quantify

quantifyverb

Quantify is used with these nouns as the object:

effect, impact, magnitude

quantitative

quantitativeadj.

Quantitative is used with these nouns:

analysis, assessment, change, data, measure, measurement, method

quantitatively

quantitativelyadv.

Quantitatively is used with these verbs:

analyse, measure

quantity

quantitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEconsiderable, enormous, great, huge, immense, large, massive, sheer, significant, substantial, vastcopious, generous, prodigious, vastcopious quantities of champagnelimited, minute, modest, small, tinymaximum, minimumincreasingaveragesufficientGas was detected in sufficient quantity to warrant careful monitoring.PREPOSITIONin quantityThere is a discount for goods bought in quantity.quantity ofA quantity of fertilizer was stolen from the farm.

quantum

quantumnoun

Quantum is used before these nouns:

jump, leap, mechanics, physicist, physics, theory

quarantine

quarantinenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + quarantine | quarantine + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEstrictVERB + quarantineenforcekeep sb/sth in, put sb/sth inquarantine + NOUNperiodzonefacility, stationregulations, restrictionsPREPOSITIONin quarantineThe animals are still in quarantine at the port.

quarrel

quarrelnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + quarrel | quarrel + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbitter, serious, violentfamily, internal, lovers'personal, privatelong-standing, oldVERB + quarrelhavepick, provokeI don't want to pick a quarrel with her.be involved in, become involved in, get involved in (all esp. BrE)make up (BrE), patch up (BrE), settlequarrel + VERBbreak outPREPOSITIONquarrel abouta quarrel about moneyquarrel betweena quarrel between family membersquarrel overa quarrel over the ownership of a piece of landquarrel withOur quarrel is not with the people, but with their leader.PHRASEShave no quarrel with sb/sthWe have no quarrel with their plans, in fact we support them.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBbitterly, fiercely, violently (all esp. BrE)PREPOSITIONabout, overCompanies always quarrel about the exact terms of the agreement.What did you two quarrel about?We tend to quarrel over money. (esp. BrE)withI didn't want to quarrel with Tyler over weekend plans.Why must you always quarrel with your sister? (esp. BrE)

quarry

quarrynounverb

I. noun

Quarry is used before these nouns:

tile

Quarry is used after these nouns:

chalk, marble, rock

II. verb

Quarry is used with these nouns as the object:

marble

quarter

quarternoun

noun1 one of four equal parts into which sth is divided2 period of three months3 part of a town4 quarters place to live in1 one of four equal parts into which sth is dividedSee also fourthVERB + quarter | PREPOSITIONVERB + quarterbreak sth into quarters, cut sth into quarters, divide sth into quarters, fold sth into quartersPREPOSITIONquarter ofa quarter of a century/mile/milliona quarter of an houra quarter of all potential customers

2 period of three monthsADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfirst, second, third, fourthProfits fell during the third quarter.last, openingfiscal (AmE)the current fiscal quartercurrent, past, previousconsecutivesix consecutive quarters of improved earningsPREPOSITIONduring the quarter

3 part of a townADJECTIVEADJECTIVEhistoric, oldArab, Chinese, Latin, etc.diplomatic, residential

4 quarters place to live inADJECTIVE | VERB + QUARTERSADJECTIVEcomfortable, spaciousconfined, crampedprivatethe president's private quartersliving, sleepingofficers', servants'marriedThe corporal and his family lived in married quarters.VERB + QUARTERSbe confined toHe was confined to quarters as a punishment.

quarterback

quarterbacknoun

Quarterback is used after these nouns:

veteran

quarter-final

quarter-finalnoun

Quarter-final is used before these nouns:

match, replay, showdown, stage

Quarter-final is used after these nouns:

quarterly

quarterlyadj.

Quarterly is used with these nouns:

conference, dividend, earnings, instalment, journal, loss, magazine, meeting, profit, report, sale

quartet

quartetnoun

Quartet is used after these nouns:

jazz

quartz

quartznoun

Quartz is used before these nouns:

crystal, watch

quash

quashverb

Quash is used with these nouns as the subject:

Quash is used with these nouns as the object:

conviction, decision, dissent, rumour, sentence, speculation, verdict

Quaternary

Quaternaryadj.

Quaternary is used with these nouns:

geology

quaver

quaververb

Quaver is used with these nouns as the subject:

queasy

queasyadj.

Queasy is used with these nouns:

feeling, stomach

queen

queennoun

noun1 female ruler/wife of a king2 playing card1 female ruler/wife of a kingADJECTIVE | VERB + queen | queen + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVErightfulfuturehomecoming, prom (both AmE)She was nominated for prom queen in high school.VERB + queenbecomecrown (sb), make sb, proclaim sbShe was crowned queen at the age of fifteen.queen + VERBreign, rule, rule sb/sth, rule over sb/sthabdicatethe queen's decision to abdicatePREPOSITIONunder a/the queenEngland under Queen Elizabeth Iqueen ofthe Queen of ThailandPHRASESqueen consort (= the wife of a king)

2 playing card

queen-size

queen-sizeadj.

Queen-size is used with these nouns:

bed, mattress

queen-sized

queen-sizedadj.

Queen-sized is used with these nouns:

bed

quell

quellverb

Quell is used with these nouns as the object:

anxiety, controversy, disorder, disturbance, fear, rebellion, riot, unrest, uprising, violence

quench

quenchverb

Quench is used with these nouns as the object:

flame, thirst

query

querynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + query | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcustomeremailsearchVERB + queryhaveIf you have any queries regarding this offer, simply call our helpline.raiseemail, pose (esp. AmE), post, send in, submitI posted my query on the website and got an immediate reply.forward, referput (esp. BrE)I've a query to put to the last speaker.answer, deal with, field, handle, reply to, resolve, respond toPREPOSITIONquery about, query as to, query concerning, query on, query regarding, query relating toHave you any queries about what you're supposed to do?We regret that we cannot deal with queries on individual cases.query fromWe had queries from people all over the country.

quest

questnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + quest | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEendless, eternal, never-ending, relentlesscontinuing, lifelong, ongoingpersonalnoblereligious, spiritualVERB + questbegin, embark on, go on, set off on, set out oncontinue, pursueThe team will continue its quest for Olympic gold this afternoon.abandonPREPOSITIONin a/the questan important stage in their quest for truthin quest ofWe set off in quest of the perfect wedding dress.quest forher quest for a better life

question

questionnounverb

I. noun1 sentence, etc. that asks sth2 issue3 doubt1 sentence, etc. that asks sthADJECTIVE | VERB + question | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEawkward, difficult, embarrassing, hard, tough, trickypointed, probing, searchingHe became embarrassed when a journalist asked him pointed questions about his finances.open, open-ended, unansweredpersonalacademic, hypothetical, rhetoricalleading, loaded, trickThe judge told him not to ask the witness leading questions.good, interesting, pertinent, relevantbasic, big, fundamental, important, key, serioussilly, stupidcomplex, simplequickCan I ask a quick question?obviousdirect, straight (esp. BrE)I wanted to find out how old he was without asking him a direct question.specificlegal, philosophical, technicalexam, multiple-choice, quiz, testVERB + questionask (sb)haveDoes anyone have any questions for our speaker?address, putI'd like to put a question to the first speaker.bombard sb with, fireThe children bombarded us with questions.The interview panel fired questions at me from all angles.frame, phraseI need to phrase my question rather carefully.faceanswer, reply to, respond todo (used only about written questions)I couldn't do Question 6.fieldThe chairperson fielded technical questions that she could not answer herself.avoid, dodge, evade, ignoreHe easily evaded all the interviewer's most probing questions.PREPOSITIONquestion aboutShe refused to answer questions about her private life.question as toDon't be afraid to ask questions as to why things are done in the way they are.question concerning to, question regarding to, question relating toThe official faced questions concerning his role in the affair.question onIn the exam there's sure to be a question on energy.

2 issueADJECTIVE | VERB + question | question + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEburning, challenging, controversial, difficult, vexed, vexingWe come now to the vexed question of pension rights.central, crucial, fundamental, important, keyrelateddelicate, sensitiveeconomic, ethical, moral, politicalVERB + questionbring up, pose, raiseThe new play poses some challenging questions.consider, discuss, examine, explore, ponderaddress, deal with, face, tackleanswer, decide, find a solution to, resolve, settleavoid, ignorecome toquestion + VERBarisego unanswered, remain unansweredOnly one question remains unanswered.PREPOSITIONquestion aboutfundamental questions about the nature of our societyquestion forone of the crucial questions for the juryquestion ofquestions of national securityNow it's just a question of getting the wording right.

3 doubtVERB + question | PREPOSITIONVERB + questioncome intocall intoIt does call into question the decision to send troops into the area.be open toThe government's handling of the whole affair remains open to question.PREPOSITIONbeyond questionHer loyalty is beyond question.in questionHis sincerity is not in question.without questionIt was, without question, the worst day of my life.question aboutThere is no question about her enthusiasm for the job.question as toI did have some questions as to his motive in coming.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBopenly, seriouslyPeople openly question whether he is right for the job.closelyPREPOSITIONaboutShe was closely questioned about her whereabouts on the night of the murder.in connection withA man is being questioned in connection with the robbery.onHe was questioned on his role in the affair.

Question is used with these nouns as the subject:

counsel, critic, eye, police, report, sceptic

Question is used with these nouns as the object:

ability, accuracy, assertion, assumption, authenticity, authority, belief, choice, competence, correctness, credentials, credibility, decision, dogma, effectiveness, existence, fairness, feasibility, honesty, impartiality, importance, integrity, judgement, legality, logic, loyalty, manhood, merit, morality, motivation, motive, myth, practice, relevance, reliability, sanity, sexuality, sincerity, suitability, suspect, usefulness, utility, validity, value, viability, view, wisdom, witness, worth

questionable

questionableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomeremainADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highlyTheir motives for undertaking this study are highly questionable.ethically, morally

Questionable is used with these nouns:

assumption, decision, legality, merit, motive, practice, relevance, reputation, taste, validity

question-and-answer

question-and-answeradj.

Question-and-answer is used with these nouns:

session

questioning

questioningnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + questioning | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcareful, close (esp. BrE)directShe decided to confront her boss about the situation with direct questioning.intensiveaggressive, hostile, toughconstant, repeatedVERB + questioningfacebe wanted forbe detained for, be held forFour suspects have been detained for questioning in connection with the incident.PREPOSITIONunder questioningThe suspect remained silent under questioning.questioning about, questioning on, questioning overThe disaster prompted questioning about safety standards.questioning byThe man was released after questioning by detectives.questioning fromThe group chairman faced hostile questioning from angry shareholders.

II. adj.

Questioning is used with these nouns:

eyebrow, gaze, glance, look

questioningly

questioninglyadv.

Questioningly is used with these verbs:

Queue is used with these nouns as the subject:

question mark

question marknoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + question mark | question mark + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, huge, majorVERB + question markputHis arrival clearly puts a huge question mark over the future of the present team captain.question mark + VERBhang over sth, remainA big question mark hangs over the wisdom of the move.PREPOSITIONquestion mark against (BrE)A slight question mark against her character remains.question mark overThere is now a serious question mark over his leadership ability.

questionnaire

questionnairenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + questionnaire | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbrief, short, simpledetailed, lengthystandardizedfollow-uponlinemailed (AmE), postal (BrE)self-administered, self-reportVERB + questionnairedesign, develop, preparedistribute, send, send outadminister, give sbreceivecomplete, fill in (BrE), fill out (esp. AmE)reply to, respond to, return, send, send inMost of the people who responded to the questionnaire were supportive.analyse/analyzePREPOSITIONquestionnaire aboutLocal companies were asked to complete a questionnaire about their exports.questionnaire concerningquestionnaires concerning people's leisure preferencesquestionnaire ona questionnaire on the environment

queue

queuenounverb

I. noun (BrE)See also lineADJECTIVE | VERB + queue | queue + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEendless, longgrowing, lengtheningorderlyPlease form an orderly queue.bus, checkout, cinema, etc.bread, dinner, foodthe country's soaring prices and growing food queuestrafficdoleMore unemployed people are joining the dole queue each week.VERB + queueform, line up injoin, stand in, wait inHe had to join the queue for the toilets.jumpDon't jump the queue—take your turn like everyone else!queue + VERBformbuild up, growLong queues are building up on the city's exit roads.moveThe queue's not moving at all.stretchThe queue stretched for more than a mile.PREPOSITIONin a/the queuethe people in the queuequeue forthe queue for ticketsqueue ofa long queue of shoppersPHRASESthe back of the queue, the end of the queuethe front of the queue, the head of the queue

II. verb (BrE)ADVERB | VERB + queue | PREPOSITIONADVERBpatientlyupPeople queued up outside.VERB + queuehave toPREPOSITIONforWe had to queue for tickets.

queue up

queue upphr verb

Queue up is used with these nouns as the subject:

Quick is used with these nouns:

quick

quickadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbe, seemWe'd better be quick.become, getADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.an extremely quick workerparticularlyreasonably, relativelyamazingly, remarkably, surprisinglymercifullyIt was a mercifully quick end for those condemned to die.PREPOSITIONatI was getting quite quick at designing websites.PHRASESquick and easymeals that are quick and easy to prepare

access, answer, assessment, ball, bath, bite, bowler, bowling, brain, break, breakfast, breath, breather, breathing, burst, calculation, call, cash, chat, check, count, crossword, dash, death, delivery, departure, dinner, dip, divorce, drink, embrace, escape, exit, eye, fix, flash, flick, follow-up, foot, footstep, gasp, glance, glimpse, guide, gulp, hug, identification, intake, intelligence, jab, jerk, jog, kill, kiss, learner, look, lunch, march, motion, move, movement, nap, nod, note, overview, pass, peek, peep, prayer, profit, question, reaction, read, recovery, reference, reflex, reminder, repair, reply, resolution, response, retort, retreat, return, review, rise, route, sale, scan, search, service, shake, shave, shower, sip, sketch, snack, solution, spin, sprint, squeeze, stab, step, stride, strike, stroke, stroll, succession, summary, survey, swig, swim, tap, temper, tempo, thinker, thinking, thrust, time, tip, tour, trip, tug, turn, twist, update, visit, wash, wave, way, wit, word, worker

quicken

quickenverb

Quicken is used with these nouns as the subject:

breathing, heartbeat, pulse, tempo

Quicken is used with these nouns as the object:

pace, pulse

quickest

quickestadj.

Quickest is used with these nouns:

quickie

quickienoun

Quickie is used before these nouns:

divorce

quickly

quicklyadv.

Quickly is used with these adjectives:

apparent

Quickly is used with these verbs:

abandon, absorb, accelerate, accumulate, act, adapt, add, adjust, advance, age, answer, apologize, approach, arrange, ascend, assemble, assess, assimilate, avert, back, begin, bend, blink, bow, breathe, brush, clear, climb, collapse, comply, cook, cool, crawl, cross, dash, deal, decide, decline, degenerate, deny, deplete, deploy, depreciate, descend, destroy, detect, deteriorate, devour, dial, dip, disappear, discard, discover, disintegrate, dismiss, disperse, dissolve, draft, drain, draw, dress, drive, drop, dry, dump, dwindle, earn, eat, eliminate, emerge, empty, end, enter, erect, erode, escalate, evolve, examine, exhaust, expand, explain, exploit, fade, fill, finish, fix, flick, flow, follow, forget, freeze, gain, gather, generate, glance, go, grab, grasp, grow, gulp, hand, happen, heal, hide, identify, implement, improve, improvise, incorporate, inform, inhale, integrate, interrupt, introduce, jog, jump, kill, kiss, leap, learn, locate, look, lower, manoeuvre, master, mature, mobilize, mount, multiply, mumble, nod, notice, obey, occur, open, overcome, pack, park, pass, penetrate, persuade, pour, prepare, prepared, proceed, process, progress, pull, push, reach, react, realize, reassure, rebuild, recede, recover, reduce, regain, regret, reject, release, remind, remove, repair, replace, reply, resolve, respond, restore, result, retort, retreat, return, reverse, revive, rinse, rise, roll, rotate, run, rush, say, scan, scramble, scribble, seize, settle, shake, shift, shuffle, silence, sink, sit, slide, snatch, solve, spin, spot, spread, stand, step, stow, stride, stuff, subside, succumb, suppress, surround, survey, swallow, swim, switch, throw, thrust, tire, transfer, transform, travel, trot, twist, type, understand, update, vanish, walk, wane, warm, wash, wave, widen, wipe, withdraw, work

quiet

quietnounverbadj.adv.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + quiet | quiet + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVErelativea period of comparative quietsuddenawful, eerieVERB + quietbreak (esp. AmE), pierce (esp. AmE), shatterA machine gun shattered the quiet.quiet + VERBfollowin the sudden quiet that followed the gunshotPHRASESpeace and quietI'm going home now for a bit of peace and quiet!

II. verb

Quiet is used with these nouns as the object:

Quiet is used with these nouns:

III. adj.1 with little or no noise; not talking2 without much activity1 with little or no noise; not talkingVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbebecome, fall, go, growkeep, lie, remain, sit, stayJust sit quiet for a moment, there's a good boy.keep sb/sthKeep that dog quiet, will you!ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.allSuddenly the room went all quiet.awfully, remarkably, unusuallyEveryone went awfully quiet.absolutely, completely, perfectlydeathly, eerilyThe house was eerily quiet.dangerouslyHis voice was dangerously quiet as he asked the question.oddly, strangely, unnaturallyShe went back to a strangely quiet house.surprisingly, uncharacteristicallyPREPOSITIONaboutI knew I had to keep quiet about it.PHRASESnice (and) quietI was looking forward to a nice quiet afternoon.

2 without much activityVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, look, seembecomelie, remain, sitLie quiet for an hour and you'll feel better.keep sb/sthKeep the patient as quiet as possible.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.reasonably (esp. BrE), relativelyenoughThings seemed quiet enough, but it was an uneasy calm.

amusement, assurance, celebration, ceremony, charm, chat, chuckle, click, confidence, confines, contemplation, contentment, conversation, corner, countryside, day, desperation, determination, dignity, dinner, diplomacy, drink, enjoyment, evening, existence, groan, knock, lane, laughter, life, man, manner, meditation, menace, moan, moment, morning, murmur, music, neighbourhood, night, passage, place, pleasure, prayer, read, reflection, resignation, retreat, revolution, road, room, satisfaction, seclusion, serenity, sigh, sob, solitude, spell, spot, street, suburb, surroundings, tone, trading, type, village, voice, week, whisper, word

IV. adv.

Quiet is used with these verbs:

quietly

quietlyadv.

Quietly is used with these adjectives:

amused, confident, determined, elegant, menacing, optimistic, pleased, proud, situated

Quietly is used with these verbs:

abandon, answer, ask, breathe, chat, chuckle, close, comment, creep, cry, curse, disappear, drift, drop, eat, enquire, enter, fade, finish, follow, fume, graze, groan, hiss, hum, insist, knock, laugh, lie, listen, live, moan, mumble, murmur, mutter, observe, pad, ponder, pray, repeat, reply, respond, rest, say, seethe, shuffle, simmer, sing, sip, sit, sleep, slide, slumber, snore, sob, speak, stand, state, step, swear, talk, tell, urge, vow, wait, walk, watch, weep, whimper, whisper

quill

quillnoun

Quill is used before these nouns:

quilt

quiltnoun

nounSee also duvetADJECTIVE | VERB + quilt | quilt + NOUNADJECTIVEantiquehandmadecrazy (AmE), patchworka crazy quilt of regulations (figurative)thickVERB + quiltcreate, make, sew, stitchpull upquilt + NOUNpatterncover (BrE)

quilted

quiltedadj.

Quilted is used with these nouns:

jacket

quilting

quiltingnoun

Quilting is used before these nouns:

bee

quintessential

quintessentialadj.

Quintessential is used with these nouns:

example

quirk

quirknounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + quirk | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEpersonal, personalityodd, strange, weirdannoyinglittleVERB + quirkhaveThe system has some odd little quirks.PREPOSITIONby a quirk ofBy a strange quirk of fate, she later married the first boyfriend she'd ever had.quirk inas a result of some quirk in the social orderPHRASESa quirk of fate

II. verb

Quirk is used with these nouns as the subject:

Quirk is used with these nouns as the object:

eyebrow

quirky

quirkyadj.

Quirky is used with these nouns:

personality, sense of humour

quit

quitverb

verbADVERB | VERB + quit | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBaltogetherI thought about working part-time, or quitting altogether.abruptly, suddenlyVERB + quittry toI'm still trying to quit smoking.decide tobe ready to, threaten tobe forced to, have toPREPOSITIONasHe was forced to quit as the team's manager.overTheir longest-serving employee is threatening to quit over pay.PHRASESgive notice to quit, issue notice to quit (both esp. BrE)Landlords are normally required to give 28 days' written notice to quit.know when to quitIn this job you have to know when to quit.

Quit is used with these nouns as the subject:

employee, engine

Quit is used with these nouns as the object:

athletics, band, cabinet, college, job, post, school, smoking

quite

quiteadv.

Quite is used with these adjectives:

able, absent, absurd, acceptable, accustomed, adequate, agreeable, alien, alone, amazed, amazing, appalling, apparent, arbitrary, astonished, astonishing, attached, awesome, awful, bald, bare, bearable, beautiful, bemused, bewildered, bewildering, blonde, breathtaking, brilliant, candid, capable, central, certain, characteristic, charming, clear, close, comfortable, commonplace, comparable, compatible, conceivable, consistent, content, contradictory, contrary, convinced, cool, correct, crazy, credible, crucial, daring, dead, decent, delicious, delighted, delightful, determined, devoid, different, disastrous, disgraceful, disgusted, disgusting, disproportionate, dissimilar, distinct, distressing, disturbed, domesticated, dreadful, dry, eager, empty, encouraging, energetic, enthusiastic, evident, excellent, exceptional, exhausted, exorbitant, experienced, explicit, extraordinary, extreme, faint, fair, false, fantastic, fascinating, fashionable, fat, fearless, feasible, fed up, foreign, forlorn, frank, free, fundamental, futile, genuine, good, grateful, grey, handy, happy, harmful, harmless, helpless, honest, hopeless, horrible, horrific, hurt, ill, illogical, immaterial, impassive, impervious, important, impossible, impracticable, impractical, improper, inaccurate, inadequate, inappropriate, incapable, incorrect, incredible, independent, indifferent, inexplicable, innocuous, insane, inseparable, insignificant, insistent, insufficient, interested, intolerable, intricate, inviting, irrational, irrelevant, irresistible, justified, kosher, legitimate, light, lovely, ludicrous, mad, magical, magnificent, manageable, marvellous, meaningless, miraculous, mistaken, moving, naked, natural, neutral, new, normal, oblivious, obstructive, obvious, OK, ordinary, outrageous, outstanding, overwhelming, peculiar, perfect, persistent, phenomenal, philosophical, plain, plausible, poetic, poignant, pointless, positive, possible, powerless, predictable, presentable, privileged, probable, proper, random, rational, readable, realistic, recent, recognizable, red, refreshing, regular, reliant, remarkable, rich, ridiculous, right, rigid, ripe, safe, sane, satisfactory, satisfied, satisfying, senior, separate, serene, serious, sheltered, sincere, sober, soothing, spectacular, splendid, spontaneous, square, stable, staggered, staggering, steady, still, straight, straightforward, stunned, stunning, sufficient, suitable, sunny, superb, superfluous, sure, terrible, terrified, thrilled, tolerable, tragic, tranquil, transparent, true, unable, unacceptable, unaware, unbearable, unbelievable, uncharacteristic, unconcerned, unconscious, understandable, unexpected, unfamiliar, unfit, unfounded, unheard-of, unintelligible, unique, unknown, unmistakable, unnecessary, unprecedented, unreal, unreasonable, unscrupulous, unsuitable, unthinkable, unused to, unwarranted, used to, useless, usual, valid, visible, welcome, willing, wonderful, worthless, wrong

Quite is used with these verbs:

agree, enjoy, forget, forgive, imagine, like, overcome, overwhelm, spoil, understand

quiver

quiververb

Quiver is used with these nouns as the subject:

antenna, chin, lip, mouth, muscle, voice

quivering

quiveringadj.

Quivering is used with these nouns:

wreck

quiz

quiznoun

noun1 competition or game2 (AmE) test given to students1 competition or gameADJECTIVE | VERB + quiz | quiz + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpub (BrE), radio, television, TVinteractive, onlinegeneral-knowledge (BrE), music, news, sports, etc.pop (= given to students without warning) (AmE)We had a pop quiz in science class today.VERB + quizcompilehold (esp. BrE)complete, do, takeenter, take part in (both BrE)win (esp. BrE)quiz + NOUNprogramme/program (esp. BrE), showevening, night (both BrE)We have a quiz night every Wednesday.questionPREPOSITIONquiz abouta quiz about the week's news

2 (AmE) test given to studentsADJECTIVE | VERB + quiz | quiz + NOUNADJECTIVEgeography, math, etc.multiple-choiceVERB + quiztakeretakeflunk (informal)quiz + NOUNquestion, score

quizzical

quizzicaladj.

Quizzical is used with these nouns:

expression, eyebrow, glance, look

quizzically

quizzicallyadv.

Quizzically is used with these verbs:

ask, look, stare

Quonset{™}

Quonset{™}noun

Quonset™ is used before these nouns:

hut

quota

quotanoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + quota | quota + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfullHe never takes his full quota of days off.strictannual, daily, monthly, weeklynational (esp. BrE)fishing, milk, etc.the introduction of fishing quotasexport, import, productiongender, racial (both esp. AmE)VERB + quotaallocate (esp. BrE), establish, impose, introduce (esp. BrE), setincreasereducefill, fulfil/fulfill, meet, reachWe had to increase our output to fill the quota by the end of the year.exceedMany countries are still exceeding their quotas.quota + NOUNsystemPREPOSITIONquota forquotas for oil productionquota onnational quotas on imports of cars

quotable

quotableadj.

Quotable is used with these nouns:

quote

quotation

quotationnoun

noun1 words taken from a book, etc.2 (esp. AmE) price that will be charged for a piece of work1 words taken from a book, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + quotation | quotation + VERB | quotation + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfamous, memorabledirect, verbatima direct quotation from a recent speech by the presidentillustrativeselectivebiblical, scripturalVERB + quotationtakeMy quotation is taken from ‘Hamlet’.attributecitequotation + VERBcome from sthWhere does that quotation come from?quotation + NOUNmarksIf you take text from other sources, place it in quotation marks.PREPOSITIONquotation fromIt's a quotation from a poem by Keats.

2 (esp. AmE) price that will be charged for a piece of workSee also quoteADJECTIVE | VERB + quotation | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEwrittenfreedetailedVERB + quotationgive (sb), provide (sb with), supply (sb with)Most builders will give you a free quotation.get, obtainacceptPREPOSITIONquotation forAlways get several quotations for the job.

quote

quotenounverb

I. noun1 words taken from a book, etc.2 price that will be charged for a piece of work3 quotes punctuation marks showing speech1 words taken from a book, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + quote | quote + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfamous, memorable, quotabledirect, exact, verbatima direct quote from this morning's paperanonymousVERB + quotetakequotes taken from various lifestyle magazinesattributequote + VERBcome from sthThe quote of the week comes from Mae West.PREPOSITIONquote froma quote from Albert Einstein

2 price that will be charged for a piece of workSee also quotationADJECTIVE | VERB + quote | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEwrittenfreeVERB + quotegive (sb)get, obtainAlways get a written quote before proceeding with work.acceptPREPOSITIONquote fora quote for the rental of the equipment

3 quotes punctuation marks showing speechADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdouble, singlePREPOSITIONin quotesIf you take text from other sources, place it in quotes.

II. verb1 repeat exactly what sb has said/written2 give sth as an example1 repeat exactly what sb has said/writtenADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBat length, extensivelyShe quotes extensively from the author's diaries.in fullThe passage is quoted in full.accurately, exactlydirectlyselectivelyapprovingly, with approvalabove, below, earlier, here, previouslyThe new text of Article 92, quoted above, gives member states more discretion on this issue.PREPOSITIONasShe is wrongly quoted as saying ‘Play it again, Sam.’fromHe quoted from Shakespeare.They quoted from the Bible.

2 give sth as an exampleADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBfrequently, oftenPREPOSITIONasan example that is often quoted as evidence of mismanagementonDon't quote me on this but I think the figure is in excess of £2 billion.PHRASESwidely quotedthe most widely quoted and influential study in this field

Quote is used with these nouns as the subject:

article, magazine, newspaper, report

Quote is used with these nouns as the object:

article, author, excerpt, figure, lyrics, maxim, odds, paragraph, passage, phrase, price, reference, report, scripture, source, word

quote from

quote fromphr verb

Quote from is used with these nouns as the object:

scripture

qwerty

qwertyadj.

Qwerty is used with these nouns:

keyboard

rabbinical

rabbinicaladj.

Rabbinical is used with these nouns:

rabbit

rabbitnoun

nounVERB + rabbit | rabbit + VERB | rabbit + NOUNVERB + rabbitcatch, chase, hunt, shoot (esp. BrE), trap (esp. BrE)skinrabbit + VERBhop, jumpbreedRabbits breed very fast.rabbit + NOUNfur, skinhole, hutch, warren (often figurative)The building was a real rabbit warren of corridors.

rabid

rabidadj.

Rabid is used with these nouns:

dog, fan

race

racenounverb

I. noun1 contest to find the fastest person, car, etc.2 competitive situation3 racial group1 contest to find the fastest person, car, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + race | race + VERB | race + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbigI get very nervous before a big race.close, tightlong-distance10-mile, 24-hour, 7-lap, etc.gruelling/grueling, hard, toughrelay, roadmen's, women'sboat, yacht, etc.bicycle, bike (informal), car, motor (esp. BrE), motorbike (BrE), motorcycle, etc.dog, horse, etc.drag, turf (esp. AmE)play-off (esp. AmE)VERB + racehave, hold, organizeLet's have a race!be in, compete in, do (informal), enter, go in for, run in, take part inIs she running in the big race on Saturday?drop out of, pull out of, withdraw (sth) fromHe dropped out of the race with a pulled muscle after two laps.She had to pull out of the race at the last minute.lead, winI was leading the race until the half-way point.She has won the race for the last five years.losecome first in, come second in, etc.beat sb/sth infixPeople are saying that the race was fixed.throw (= to lose deliberately)He was paid $10 000 to throw the race.race + VERBbe held, be run, take placerace + NOUNmeet (esp. AmE), meeting (BrE)The horse was withdrawn from today's race meeting with an injured leg.winnerofficial, organizerPREPOSITIONin a/the raceI'm not in this race.out of a/the racerace against, race withthe race against the Danish teamrace betweenA close race between the top two boats is expected.race overa race over two miles

2 competitive situationADJECTIVE | VERB + race | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEclose, tighttwo-horseAlthough there are five candidates, realistically it is a two-horse race. (figurative)congressional, gubernatorial (AmE), presidential, Senatearms, spacethe halting of the nuclear arms raceVERB + racebe in, be involved in, joinThe rival TV companies are in a race to bring out the first film drama of his life.be ahead in, lead, winWho will win the race for the White House?be left behind in, lag behind in, losePREPOSITIONin a/the raceHe is lagging behind in the race for the presidency.race betweena race between the developing countriesrace forthe race for nuclear supremacyrace withthe race with their rivals

3 racial groupADJECTIVE | race + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEhumanalienmixeda child of mixed raceIrish, Jewish, Latin, etc.masterthe ideology of the master racerace + NOUNrelationsImmigration and race relations were key political issues at the time.equalitydiscrimination, preference, prejudiceriotPREPOSITIONamong racesThe disease is more common among European races.between racesgreater understanding between nations and racesfrom a racechildren from all races and religionsof a racepeople of different races and culturesregardless of raceWe can all work together, regardless of race.race ofThe Amazons were a race of female warriors.PHRASESon the basis of race, on (the) grounds of raceThere is no excuse for discrimination on the grounds of race.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBfrantically, madly, wildlyShe raced frantically to catch the train.ahead, away, back, by, downstairs, off, out, past, upstairsFarms and towns raced by.PREPOSITIONacross, after, along, around, down, for, into, out of, round (esp. BrE), through, to, towards/toward, upHe raced madly up the stairs.PHRASEScome racingTwo boys suddenly came racing around the corner.race against the clock, race against timeMost of these movies have characters racing against the clock to save the day.

Race is used with these nouns as the subject:

cloud, engine, heart, mind, pulse, thought

Race is used with these nouns as the object:

car, lap, motorcycle

race car

race carnoun

Race car is used before these nouns:

driver

racehorse

racehorsenoun

Racehorse is used before these nouns:

trainer

racer

racernoun

Racer is used after these nouns:

bike, road

race through

race throughphr verb

Race through is used with these nouns as the object:

racial

racialadj.

Racial is used with these nouns:

abuse, antagonism, assault, attitude, awareness, background, balance, barrier, bias, category, characteristic, classification, composition, connotation, consciousness, difference, disadvantage, discrimination, disparity, distinction, disturbance, diversity, divide, division, domination, element, equality, exclusion, gap, group, harassment, harmony, hatred, heritage, hierarchy, hostility, identity, ideology, imbalance, incident, inequality, inferiority, injustice, insensitivity, integration, intolerance, justice, minority, mix, motive, murder, oppression, origin, overtone, persecution, politics, preference, prejudice, pride, purity, quota, reconciliation, resentment, segregation, slavery, slur, solidarity, stereotype, strife, superiority, supremacy, tension, tolerance, unity, unrest, violence

racially racially motivated

racially motivatedadj.

Racially motivated is used with these nouns:

racing

racingnoun

noun1 sport of racing horses2 sport of taking part in races1 sport of racing horsesADJECTIVE | racing + NOUNADJECTIVEhorse, thoroughbredflat, jumpracing + NOUNresultstip (esp. BrE)expert, tipster (BrE)Her racing tipster got the Derby winner right.fanRacing fans adore statistics on horses, jockeys, and performance.manager, trainer (esp. BrE)careerstablecalendar, programme/program, seasonHe organizes his life according to the racing calendar.business, game, industryHe has ridden horses all his life, but he was a late starter in the racing game.circles, sceneHe's known in racing circles as a fierce competitor.She's a familiar face on the racing scene.correspondentthe racing correspondent of ‘The Times’

2 sport of taking part in racesADJECTIVE | racing + NOUNADJECTIVEcompetitiveToday's event marks his return to competitive racing.auto (AmE), car, drag (esp. AmE), motor, NASCAR (AmE), stock-car (BrE)dog, greyhoundbicycle, bike (informal), yacht, etc.Grand Prixroad, trackracing + NOUNchampionlegend, starracing legend Ayrton Sennacyclist (esp. BrE), driverteameventprogramme/program, seasonscenecareer, daysdebutHe made his racing debut for Ferrari three years ago.car (BrE) ( race car in AmE)circuit, trackThe bikes sped by on the racing circuit.enthusiast, fan

racism

racismnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + racism | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEblatant, overtI was shocked by the blatant racism of his remarks.covert, subtlepervasive, rampant, virulent (esp. AmE)Racism is rampant in the armed forces.inherent, institutional, institutionalized, systemicanti-Arab, anti-Black, etc.VERB + racismbe a victim of, experienceMany immigrants have experienced racism.combat, fight, fight against, tackle (esp. BrE)measures to combat racismend, eradicate, stamp out (esp. BrE)challenge, confrontPREPOSITIONagainst racismthe fight against racismracism inThere is a shocking amount of racism in society.PHRASESa form of racism

racist

racistadj.

Racist is used with these nouns:

abuse, attack, attitude, graffiti, joke, language, murder, overtone, remark, sentiment, slur, taunt, thug, undertone

rack

racknounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + rack | rack + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdisplay, storagecooling, dryingbicycle, bike (informal), coat, luggage, magazine, plate, spice, toast, towel, vegetable, wine, etc.roofWe mounted the canoe onto the car's roof rack.VERB + rackhang sth on, put sth on, put sth onto, put sth in, put sth into, stack sth in, stack sth on, store sth in, store sth onThe wine is stored in special racks.rack + VERBcontain sth, hold sthThe racks along the wall held most of the costumes.PREPOSITIONin a/the rackHe replaced the CD in the rack.on a/the rackSpread the flowers out to dry on a rack.rack fora rack for storing applesrack ofracks of magazines

II. verb

Rack is used with these nouns as the subject:

shudder, sob

Rack is used with these nouns as the object:

body, brain

racket

racketnoun

noun1 noise2 illegal way of making money3 (also racquet) piece of sports equipment1 noiseADJECTIVE | VERB + racket | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdeafening, frightful, infernal (esp. BrE), terribleStop that infernal racket!VERB + racketmakeDo you kids have to make such a terrible racket?hearI heard a racket coming from upstairs.PREPOSITIONabove the racket, over the racketHe had to shout over the racket.

2 illegal way of making moneyADJECTIVE | VERB + racket | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEextortion, numbers (AmE), protection, smuggling, etc.illegalThe gang operated an illegal immigration racket.VERB + racketoperate, runHe ran a protection racket which demanded thousands from local businesses.be involved inPREPOSITIONin a/the racketthe other people in this racketracket ina racket in stolen goods

3 (also racquet) piece of sports equipmentADJECTIVE | VERB + racket | racket + NOUNADJECTIVEbadminton, squash, tennisgraphite, woodenVERB + racketswingsmashHe smashed his racket into the clayracket + NOUNsportsabuseMcEnroe received a warning for racket abuse in the second set.

racking

rackingadj.

Racking is used with these nouns:

cough, sob

rack up

rack upphr verb

Rack up is used with these nouns as the object:

point, sale

radar

radarnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + radar | radar + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEenemy, policeairborne, ground, ground-basedlong-rangeVERB + radarbe equipped withradar + NOUNoperatorstation, systemantenna, detector, equipment, instrument, receiver, scanner, transmitterscreenbeam, signalimagePREPOSITIONby radarnavigation by radaron radarThe submarine is impossible to detect on radar.PHRASESoff the radar, on the radarThe aircraft suddenly went off the radar.He's barely on the radar of most movie-goers. (figurative)

radial

radialadj.

Radial is used with these nouns:

tyre

radiant

radiantadj.

Radiant is used with these nouns:

beauty, bride, face, heat, heating, skin, smile

radiantly

radiantlyadv.

Radiantly is used with these verbs:

radiate

radiateverb

Radiate is used with these nouns as the subject:

warmth

Radiate is used with these nouns as the object:

aura, confidence, energy, heat, warmth

radiate from

radiate fromphr verb

Radiate from is used with these nouns as the subject:

aura, heat, pain

radiate off

radiate offphr verb

Radiate off is used with these nouns as the subject:

heat

radiate to

radiate tophr verb

Radiate to is used with these nouns as the subject:

Radical is used with these nouns:

radiation

radiationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF RADIATION | VERB + radiation | radiation + VERB | radiation + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbackgroundlow-leveldamaging, harmfulelectromagnetic, gravitational, microwave, nuclear, thermalgamma, infrared, ultraviolet (abbreviated to UV)UVA, UVBcosmic, solarfluctuations in the cosmic microwave background radiation… OF RADIATIONdosePatients receive high doses of radiation during cancer treatment.VERB + radiationemit, give offabsorbThe ozone layer absorbs solar radiation.block, protect from, reflectOzone protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation.detect, measure, monitorexpose sb toNuclear testing has exposed millions of people to radiation.radiation + VERBleak, leak outradiation leaking from nuclear power stationsradiation + NOUNsicknessdose, levelleak, leakage (esp. AmE)the threat of radiation leaksexposuresourcedetectortherapy, treatmentPREPOSITIONradiation fromradiation from computer screensPHRASESlevels of radiationThe counter showed high levels of radiation.

radiator

radiatornoun

noun1 equipment used for heating a room2 equipment for keeping an engine cool1 equipment used for heating a roomVERB + radiator | radiator + VERB | radiator + NOUNVERB + radiatorturn off, turn onbleedYou'll need to bleed the radiators to remove the airlocks.radiator + VERBleakradiator + NOUNkey (esp. BrE), valve

2 equipment for keeping an engine coolADJECTIVE | VERB + radiator | radiator + NOUNADJECTIVEcarVERB + radiatorfill, fill upHe filled his car radiator with water.radiator + NOUNcap, grille, hose

radical

radicaladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seem, soundbecomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.increasinglyequallyinsufficientlygenuinely, trulya truly radical conceptpotentiallypolitically, sociallyWhen I was young, I was more politically radical.

agenda, alteration, alternative, challenge, change, coalition, critique, demand, departure, development, difference, extremist, faction, feminism, feminist, fringe, idea, ideology, implication, improvement, innovation, liberal, liberalism, measure, message, move, movement, Muslim, nationalism, nationalist, nature, overhaul, party, politics, preacher, programme, proposal, reappraisal, reconstruction, reform, regime, reorganization, rethink, revision, rhetoric, right, sect, shake-up, shift, simplification, socialist, solution, stance, strategy, surgery, terrorism, terrorist, thinker, tradition, transformation, turn, version, view, vision, wing

radically radio

radionoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + radio | radio + VERB | radio + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcarHe was singing along with the car radio.CB, hand-held, portable, transistor, two-wayclockAccording to my clock radio it was 3.30 in the morning.FM, long-wave, short-wavedigital, Internet, satellite, terrestrial (esp. AmE)army, policecommunity, local, national, statecommercial, public (esp. AmE)piratedrive-time, talkVERB + radiolisten to, tune in totuneHis radio is permanently tuned to Radio 1.switch on, turn onswitch off, turn offturn down, turn upradio + VERBannounce sth, report sthThe radio announced that the president had been assassinated.play (sth)blare, blare out, blast, blast outHe drove along with his windows open and the radio blaring.crackleradio + NOUNalarmreceiver, setdialsignal, wavescommunication, contact, messageoperatorsystemantenna, transmittersilenceThe troops maintained a strict radio silence while they moved into position.staticA crackle of radio static came back through the earpiece.broadcaster, network, stationthe largest radio broadcaster in the USbroadcast, programme/program, show, spot (esp. AmE), transmissionad, advertisement, interview, news, report, talk show (esp. AmE)announcer, DJ, host (esp. AmE), personality, reporterlistenerairplayThe song is currently getting heavy radio airplay.frequencyamateur, hamThe distress call was picked up by a young radio ham.chatterIt was fascinating to listen to the radio chatter from the ships.drama, playastronomy, telescopePREPOSITIONby radioThe message was sent by radio.on the radioWe were listening to a show on the radio.

radioactive

radioactiveadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomeremainADVERBdangerously, highlyslightly

Radioactive is used with these nouns:

carbon, cloud, contamination, discharge, dust, gas, material, plutonium, substance, waste

radioactivity

radioactivitynoun

noun… OF RADIOACTIVITY | VERB + radioactivity | radioactivity + NOUN… OF RADIOACTIVITYlevelThe soil contains 30 times the acceptable level of radioactivity.VERB + radioactivityproduce, releasethe amount of radioactivity released by nuclear power plantsdetect, determine, measure, monitorradioactivity + NOUNlevels

radio frequency

radio frequencynoun

Radio frequency is used before these nouns:

identification

radiograph

radiographnoun

Radiograph is used after these nouns:

raffle

rafflenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + raffle | raffle + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcharityVERB + rafflehave, hold, organize, run (esp. BrE)The office is holding a raffle to raise money for the local hospital.enter, enter sb/sth in, enter sb/sth intoYou can enter the raffle and win some amazing prizes.Workers were entered into a raffle every time they bought a cup of coffee.windraw (esp. BrE)The club secretary will now draw the raffle.raffle + NOUNticketthe winning raffle ticketprizePREPOSITIONin a/the raffleI won a bottle of wine in the office Christmas raffle.raffle forHe's organizing a raffle for the school appeal fund.

raft

raftnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + raft | raft + VERB | raft + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElifeinflatable, rubbermakeshiftVERB + raftbuild, makeThey built a raft of logs.inflateThe two airmen inflated the life raft.paddleWe paddled the raft to the shore.raft + VERBfloatThe raft floated away down the river.capsize, overturnraft + NOUNrace (esp. BrE)PREPOSITIONon a/the raft, onto a/the raftHe was found floating on a raft.

rafter

rafternoun

Rafter is used after these nouns:

Rage is used with these nouns as the subject:

rag

ragnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF RAGS | VERB + rag | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcleandirty, filthy, oily, old, tatteredbloodstained, bloodydamp, wet (both esp. AmE)Wipe the board with a damp rag.cleaning, dish (usually dishrag), wash (usually washrag) (all AmE)She grabbed a washrag and wiped the floor.… OF RAGSbundle, heap, pileHe noticed what looked like a bundle of rags beside the road.VERB + ragbe dressed in, wearI saw people dressed in rags begging on the street.be wrapped inThe gun was wrapped in a dirty rag.PREPOSITIONon a/the ragHe wiped his hands on an oily rag.with a ragI cleaned the board with an old rag.You can wipe the stains off with a rag. (esp. AmE)

rage

ragenounverb

I. noun1 great anger2 sudden display of great anger1 great angerADJECTIVE | … OF RAGE | VERB + rage | rage + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEblind, pureblinding, boiling, burning, seething, uncontrollablehomicidal (esp. AmE), murderoushelpless, impotentShe was burning with impotent rage.pent-up, suppressed… OF RAGEbout, burst, fitHe punched the wall in a fit of rage.VERB + ragebe full of, feel, fill sb withHe was filled with rage.be beside yourself with, be boiling with, burn with, explode with, fume with, seethe withHe glared at me, quite beside himself with rage.Her eyes were burning with rage.I was seething with rage.be contorted with, contort with‘How dare you!’ she said, her face contorted with rage.shake with, tremble withHe was literally shaking with rage.Her voice was trembling with rage.be red with, be white withexpress, unleash, ventThe people vented their rage on government buildings.fuelHis answer only seemed to fuel her rage.channel, control, masterHe managed to master his rage.rage + VERBboil, boil over, boil up, burnRon felt rage boil up inside him.Her rage boiled over as she burst into tears.build up, growShe felt the rage building up inside her.consume sb, fill sbBlind rage consumed him.eruptHis rage suddenly erupted.subsideHis rage was beginning to subside.PREPOSITIONwith rageShe was speechless with rage.rage atHe was boiling with rage at the unfairness of it all.PHRASESa bellow of rage, a cry of rage, a roar of rage, a scream of rageHe gave a roar of rage and punched me in the face.tears of rage

2 sudden display of great angerADJECTIVE | VERB + rage | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEblind, terrible, toweringviolentHe was prone to violent rages.jealousdrunkenShe started hitting him in a drunken rage.air, road, etc.A motorist was assaulted in a road rage attack.VERB + ragebe in, fly into, get inIf something's too difficult she gets in a rage.PREPOSITIONin a rageShe killed him in a rage of despair.rage aboutHe was in a towering rage about his lost watch.rage atHe flew into a rage at the insult.rage ofHe left in a rage of humiliation.

II. verb1 show great anger2 continue with great force1 show great angerADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBinwardlyPREPOSITIONaboutShe was still raging about the treatment she had received.againstI raged inwardly against his injustice.atThe team was left raging at the referee's decision.

2 continue with great forceADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBon, stillThe argument still rages on.PREPOSITIONaroundEven the dogs were quiet while the heated quarrel raged around them.throughFire raged through the forest.withinShe tried to control the fury raging within her.PHRASESrage unabatedThe storm raged unabated.

argument, battle, blizzard, conflict, controversy, debate, fighting, fire, row, storm, war

rage on

rage onphr verb

Rage on is used with these nouns as the subject:

row, war

ragged

raggedadj.

Ragged is used with these nouns:

breathing, cloak, clothes, edge, gasp, hole

raging

ragingadj.

Raging is used with these nouns:

alcoholic, blizzard, controversy, debate, fever, fire, inflation, river, sea, storm, thirst, torrent

rags-to-riches

rags-to-richesadj.

Rags-to-riches is used with these nouns:

story, tale

ragtag

ragtagadj.

Ragtag is used with these nouns:

army, band, bunch

raid

raidnounverb

I. noun1 surprise attack2 surprise visit by the police3 robbery from a building1 surprise attackADJECTIVE | VERB + raid | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdaringmajorpunitive, retaliatorydawn, daylight, night, predawnhit-and-run, surpriseGuerrillas were carrying out hit-and-run raids on the troops.cross-borderair, bombingcommando, guerrillaVERB + raidcarry out, conduct, makebombers carrying out daylight raids over the citylaunch, mount, stagelead sb inPREPOSITIONduring a/the raid, in a/the raidFive civilians died in the raid.on a/the raidHe led his men on a cross-border raid.raid againstThe raids against military targets continued.raid byThe town suffered several raids by Vikings.raid onair raids on Liverpool

2 surprise visit by the policeADJECTIVE | VERB + raid | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdawn, early-morning, predawnpolicedrug (esp. AmE), drugs (BrE)armedVERB + raidcarry out, launch, stagePolice staged an early-morning raid on the building.PREPOSITIONduring a/the raidHe was injured during a police raid on his nightclub.in a/the raidthe drugs seized in last night's raidraid bya raid by drugs squad detectivesraid onraids on houses in the south of the city

3 robbery from a buildingADJECTIVE | VERB + raid | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbank (esp. BrE), post office (BrE), shop (BrE)armed (esp. BrE), smash-and-grab (BrE)VERB + raidplancarry outfoil (BrE)Two customers foiled a raid on a local post office.PREPOSITIONduring a/the raid, in a/the raidthe jewels stolen in the raidraid onShe was shot during an armed raid on a security van.

II. verb

Raid is used with these nouns as the subject:

officer, police, policeman

Raid is used with these nouns as the object:

camp, closet, fridge, fund, larder, refrigerator, warehouse

raiding

raidingadj.

Raiding is used with these nouns:

rail

railnoun

noun1 bar2 (usually rails) tracks3 system of trains1 barADJECTIVE | VERB + rail | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEguard, safetycurtain, picture, towel (all esp. BrE)heated towel railsaltar, balcony, banister, porch (esp. AmE), stairbottom, topShe climbed onto the top fence rail.steel, wooden, etc.VERB + railgrab, grasp, grip, hold on to, lean onShe held tightly on to the rail.hang fromLace curtains hung from the brass rails over the bed.fit, fixPREPOSITIONon a/the railShe sat on the rail.over a/the railHe folded the towel over the rail.

2 (usually rails) tracksVERB + rail | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + railrun along rails, run on railsTrams run along rails.PREPOSITIONalong (the) railsThe train thundered along the rails.between the railWeeds grew between the rails.on (the) railsThe gun is mounted on rails.PHRASEScome off the rails, go off the railsThe train came off the rails.She was worried her son was going to go completely off the rails. (figurative)ride the rails (= travel around by train) (AmE)

3 system of trainsADJECTIVE | rail + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhigh-speed, lightMany business people now opt for high-speed rail rather than flying.commuter, freight, passenger (all esp. AmE)He uses a combination of commuter rail and subway to get to work.rail + NOUNfare, ticket (both esp. BrE)network, systemefforts to modernize the rail networkroutetimetable (esp. BrE)serviceconnection, linkthe Channel Tunnel rail linkline, trackjourney (esp. BrE), tripstation, terminalcar (esp. AmE)commuter, passenger, traveller/traveler, user (all esp. BrE)transit (AmE), transport (esp. BrE), transportation (esp. AmE), traveltrafficfreightbridgeaccident, crash, disaster (all esp. BrE)staff (BrE), workerunion (BrE)enthusiast (BrE)PREPOSITIONby railWe went from Paris to Budapest by rail.

railing

railingnoun

Railing is used after these nouns:

Rain is used with these nouns as the subject:

railroad railway

railwaynoun

(BrE) (AmE railroad) nounADJECTIVE | VERB + railway/railroad | railway/railroad + VERB | railway/railroad + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEmainline (esp. BrE)high-speeddisused (BrE)narrow-gauge, standard-gaugeminiature (BrE), modelHe created a model railway in his basement.funicular (esp. BrE)Tourists can take the funicular railway to the top of the mountain.commuter, passenger, touristfreight (esp. AmE)private, regional, stateshort-line (AmE), transcontinentalelectric, steamVERB + railway/railroadmanage, operate, runnationalize, privatize (both BrE)build, constructclose, openregulaterailway/railroad + VERBruncarry sthThe railways carry millions of tons of freight every year.railway/railroad + NOUNcar (AmE), carriage (BrE), coach (esp. BrE), train, wagon (BrE)depot, station, terminus (esp. BrE), yardplatform (esp. BrE)ticket (esp. BrE)timetable (esp. BrE)service (esp. BrE)connectionjourney, travel (both esp. BrE)the pleasures of railway travelpassenger, traveller (BrE)employee, porter, staff (BrE), workerarchitect, engineerauthorities (BrE), companynetwork, systemline (esp. BrE), trackjunction, sidingsbridge, crossing, tunnel, viaduct (esp. BrE)enthusiast (esp. BrE)He is a lifelong railway enthusiast.accidentage (esp. BrE)Such speed was unimaginable before the railway age.PREPOSITIONon a/the railwayThey are doing maintenance work on the railway.He works on the railways.railway betweenthe railway between Funchal and Monterailway from, railway to

rain

rainnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | … OF RAIN | VERB + rain | rain + VERB | rain + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdriving, hard, lashing (esp. BrE), pelting, pounding (esp. AmE)drenching, heavy, pouring, torrentialsteadydrizzling, fine, gentle, light, softThe fine rain turned to mist in the early evening.The forecast is for wind and light rain.warmcold, freezing, icyconstant, continuous, incessant, persistentintermittent, patchy (BrE)overnightOvernight rain had freshened up the grass.monsoon, tropicalThe monsoon rains started early this year.spring, summer, etc.acid… OF RAINdropinch, shower, spot (esp. BrE, informal)We had three inches of rain last night.A few spots of rain had fallen.We could do with a spot of rain. (BrE)VERB + rainforecastRain is forecast for tomorrow.look like, threatenIt looks like rain (= it looks as though it is going to rain).Black clouds threatened rain.pour with (esp. BrE)It poured with rain all afternoon.get caught inWe got caught in the rain on the way home.rain + VERBcome down, fall, pour down, tricklebeat, drum, lash, pelt, pound (esp. AmE)Rain beat against the roof all night.The rain pounded down on her.drip, patter, splashShe listened to the rain pattering against the window.drench sb/sth, soak sb/sthHeavy rain drenched us.come, set in, startThe rain came just as we set off.The rain had set in steadily by the time we got home.cease, let up, stopThe rain didn't let up all day.continueThe rain continued for most of the day.threatenWith rain threatening, we headed home as fast as we could.drive sbThe rain drove the players off the court.rain + NOUNclouddrop (usually raindrop), water (usually rainwater)shower, storm (usually rainstorm)barrel, gutter (both AmE)gear (esp. AmE)None of us had proper rain gear.gaugePREPOSITIONin the rainWe found her sitting in the pouring rain.out of the rainCome in out of the rain.through the rainWe drove slowly through the driving rain.PHRASEScome rain or shine, rain or shine (figurative)We work outside every day, rain or shine.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + rain | PHRASESADVERBhard, heavilya little, lightly, slightlynon-stop, solidly (esp. BrE), steadilyIt had rained solidly for four days.It's been raining steadily all day.VERB + rainbegin to, start tobe going toI don't think it's going to rain.PHRASESstart raining, stop raining

arrow, bomb, debris

rainbow

rainbownoun

Rainbow is used before these nouns:

coalition

rain down

rain downphr verb

Rain down is used with these nouns as the subject:

arrow, bomb, debris, fire

Rain down is used with these nouns as the object:

rainfall

rainfallnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + rainfallADJECTIVEabundant, excessive, heavy, highThere have been heavy rainfalls this month.lowmoderatenormalannualaveragelocalseasonalsummer, winterVERB + rainfallhave, receiveThe area has a high annual rainfall.measureHer work includes measuring the local rainfall.

rain-streaked

rain-streakedadj.

Rain-streaked is used with these nouns:

rainy

rainyadj.

Rainy is used with these nouns:

afternoon, day, morning, night, season, street, weather, weekend

raise

raisenounverb

I. noun

Raise is used after these nouns:

merit, pay, salary

II. verb

Raise is used with these nouns as the subject:

appeal, case, finance, lottery, wolf

Raise is used with these nouns as the object:

age, alarm, alert, anchor, animal, arm, army, awareness, baton, beaker, bid, binoculars, blind, bow, brow, capital, cash, cattle, ceiling, challenge, cheer, chicken, child, chin, cholesterol, clamour, complaint, confidence, consciousness, corn, criticism, crop, cry, cup, daughter, defence, dividend, doubt, duty, earnings, employment, esteem, excise, expectation, eye, eyebrow, family, fare, fear, fee, finger, fist, flag, foot, forecast, fund, funding, fuss, game, glass, grade, gun, hand, hat, hatch, head, hip, hope, intake, invoice, issue, kid, laugh, level, lid, likelihood, limit, loan, matter, money, morale, objection, outcry, palm, pay, pension, per cent, petition, pig, pistol, point, possibility, poultry, premium, prestige, price, problem, productivity, profile, prospect, quality, query, question, rate, rebellion, rent, revenue, rifle, risk, sail, salary, sheep, shield, shotgun, siege, sight, smile, son, spear, spectre, speculation, speed limit, spirit, sponsorship, stake, standard, status, stink, storm, subject, sum, suspicion, tariff, tax, taxation, temperature, tempo, threshold, thumb, toast, topic, tuition, turkey, twin, value, velocity, visibility, voice, wage, weapon, wreck

raised

raisedadj.

Raised is used with these nouns:

arm, bed, blood pressure, cholesterol, edge, expectation, eyebrow, floor, mole, platform, terrace, voice

raise from

raise fromphr verb

Raise from is used with these nouns as the object:

seed

rake

rakeverb

Rake is used with these nouns as the subject:

claw, eye

Rake is used with these nouns as the object:

leaf, yard

rally

rallynounverb

I. noun1 political meeting2 recovery3 in tennis4 (BrE) motor race1 political meetingADJECTIVE | VERB + rally | rally + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, huge, large, major, mass, massivepublicindoor, outdoora massive outdoor rally in Buenos Airespep (AmE)a pep rally before the homecoming gamecampaign (esp. AmE), election (esp. BrE), politicalopposition, protestpeaceanti-government, anti-war, etc.pro-government, pro-war, etc.VERB + rallyhave, hold, stageThe demonstrators marched to Trafalgar Square where they held a rally.call for, organize, planattend, take part inAbout 5 000 people attended a rally calling for peace.address, speak atbanThe government banned all rallies.rally + VERBtake placeendcall for stha rally calling for a boycott of the January electionsPREPOSITIONat a/the rallyShe spoke at a public rally in Hyde Park.rally againsta mass rally against the treatyrally fora rally for the winning candidaterally in support ofa rally in support of the strike

2 recoveryADJECTIVE | VERB + rally | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbear-market, market, stock-market (all business)The US dollar is now ending its bear-market rally.dollar, euro, etc.recentlateThe visiting team staged a late rally.VERB + rallymount, stagePREPOSITIONrally inthe recent rally in the Treasury market

3 in tennisADJECTIVE | VERB + rallyADJECTIVElong, shortVERB + rallyplaywinlose

4 (BrE) motor raceADJECTIVE | VERB + rally | rally + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEclub, internationalmotor, motorcycleVERB + rallyhold, organizecompete in, enterwinrally + NOUNcircuitdriver, drivingPREPOSITIONon a/the rallyHe will join the team on the rally next week.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + rally | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBaround, round (esp. BrE)Everyone rallied around and offered to help.VERB + rallytry toThe team captain vainly tried to rally his troops.PREPOSITIONaround, behind, round (esp. BrE)She urged everyone to rally behind the President.toFriends rallied to her.PHRASESrally around the flagWe were at war and everyone was rallying around the flag.rally to sb's defence/defenseBBC leaders rallied to his defence.rally to sb's/the causeFriends and colleagues have rallied to her cause.

Rally is used with these nouns as the subject:

market, stock

Rally is used with these nouns as the object:

support, supporter, troops

rallying

rallyingnoun

Rallying is used before these nouns:

call, cry, point

RAM

RAMnoun

RAM is used before these nouns:

module

ram

ramverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBharddeliberatelyPREPOSITIONintoHe deliberately rammed his truck into the back of the one in front.PHRASESram sth down sb's throat (figurative)People are sick of having advertising rammed down their throats.

Ram is used with these nouns as the object:

fist, vessel

ramble

ramblenoun

noun (esp. BrE)ADJECTIVE | VERB + ramble | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcountry, natureVERB + ramblego for, go onWe went for a ramble over the moors.PREPOSITIONon a rambleThe family made the amazing find while on a nature ramble in the woods.

rambling

ramblingadj.

Rambling is used with these nouns:

house, letter, monologue, rose, speech, tale

ramp

rampnoun

Ramp is used after these nouns:

entrance, exit, parking, wheelchair

rampant

rampantadj.

Rampant is used with these nouns:

corruption, crime, inflation, paranoia, racism, sexism

ramshackle

ramshackleadj.

Ramshackle is used with these nouns:

building, house, hut, tenement

ranch

ranchnoun

Ranch is used before these nouns:

dressing, home, house, land

Ranch is used after these nouns:

cattle, sheep

rancher

ranchernoun

Rancher is used after these nouns:

cattle, sheep

ranching

ranchingnoun

Ranching is used after these nouns:

rancid

rancidadj.

Rancid is used with these nouns:

butter, meat, oil, smell

R and D

R and Dnoun

R and D is used before these nouns:

spending

random

randomadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemADVERBcompletely, entirely, purely, quite, totallyalmostfairly, pretty, somewhattrulyessentiallyapparently, seeminglya seemingly random sequence of numbers

Random is used with these nouns:

act, allocation, chance, check, collection, direction, distribution, encounter, error, fashion, fluctuation, killing, luck, movement, murder, mutation, nature, number, occurrence, order, pattern, sample, search, selection, sequence, shape, shot, thought, variation, violence

randomized

randomizedadj.

Randomized is used with these nouns:

trial

randomly range

rangenounverb

I. noun1 different things within the same category2 amount between particular limits3 distance that it is possible to travel, see, etc.4 area of land for a particular purpose5 (AmE) piece of equipment for cooking food1 different things within the same categoryADJECTIVE | VERB + range | range + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbroad, enormous, extensive, great, huge, large, vast, widecomplete, comprehensive, entire, full, wholeinfiniteexcellent, exciting, good, superb (esp. BrE)You can enjoy an excellent range of leisure and sporting facilities.astonishing, extraordinary, impressive, remarkablediversepeople from a diverse range of backgroundsacceptablelimited, restrictednewCome and see our new range of furniture.productFor more information about our product range, call your local office.VERB + rangehave, stockThey stock a very wide range of gardening tools.make, produceoffer (sb), provide (sb with), supply (sb with)We provide a full range of financial services.choose (sth) from, try outStudents can choose from a wide range of options.display, exhibitreflect, representThe artists have been chosen to represent a range of styles.create, develop, launchThe company is launching a new range of cosmetics.broaden, expand, extendrange + VERBinclude sthOur comprehensive range of benefits includes pension and health insurance.PREPOSITIONin a/the rangethe other models in their new rangePHRASESthe bottom of the range, the middle of the range, the top of the rangeThis is a top-of-the-range refrigerator.

2 amount between particular limitsADJECTIVE | VERB + range | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbroad, widenarrownormalability, age, price, size, temperature, etc.VERB + rangecover, encompass, feature, include, spanThe books cover the full range of reading abilities.showThe experiments show a surprisingly wide range of results.extend, increaseThese books are designed to extend the range of children's language.limit, restrictMany factors limit women's range of job choices.PREPOSITIONacross a/the rangeThere is considerable variation in ability across the range.in a/the rangeMost of the students are in the 17–21 age range.outside a/the rangeNo, that's completely outside my price range.within a/the rangeThe level of mistakes is within the acceptable range of standards for a public organization.range ofa broad range of abilities

3 distance that it is possible to travel, see, etc.ADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElongThe missiles are effective over a long range.close, point-blank, shortHe shot her at point-blank range.mediuma gun for precision shooting at medium rangemaximumThe receiver has a maximum range of about 30 feet.hearing, visual (both esp. AmE)I listened, but the voices were just out of hearing range.PREPOSITIONbeyond rangeThis car is beyond the range of most people's pockets.in range, within rangeAre we within range of the local transmitter?out of rangeDon't shoot yet—he's still out of range.outside a/the rangeIt's outside my range of vision.

4 area of land for a particular purposeADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEarchery, bombing, firing, shootingshooting ranges where competitors shoot at targetsdriving, practice (both in golf)an 18-bay floodlit driving rangePREPOSITIONon a/the rangeHe hit balls on the practice range yesterday.

5 (AmE) piece of equipment for cooking foodSee also cooker, stoveADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEelectric, gascooking, kitchenPREPOSITIONon a/the rangeMany chefs prefer to cook on a gas rather than an electric range.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBenormously, widelyPREPOSITIONacrossThe opinions they expressed ranged right across the political spectrum.betweenThe town's population ranged between 15 and 20 000.fromHer scores ranged from 23% up as high as 88%.inThe disease ranges widely in severity.overHer lecture ranged over a number of topics.throughan array of lilies, ranging through yellow to purpletoprices ranging from about $10 to $500up toTheir ages range up to 84.

Range is used with these nouns as the subject:

colour, estimate, fare, offering, participant, percentage, price, ratio, scale, score, size, subject, temperature, topic, writing

ranger

rangernoun

Ranger is used after these nouns:

forest, park

rank

rankverbadj.noun

Rank is used with these nouns as the object:

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBhigh, highly, lowThese subjects ranked low for most students.high-ranking officialsPREPOSITIONaboveShe ranks above any other musician of her generation.ahead ofThe dandelion ranks ahead of both broccoli and spinach in nutritional value.alongsideThis city ranks alongside London as one of the great tourist attractions of the world.amongHe ranks among the greatest boxers of all time.asTheir performance ranks as the best of the year.belowwithThis ranks with the great paintings of the 19th century.according to, byThe children were ranked according to academic ability.PHRASESbe nationally ranked (AmE)We beat a nationally ranked team.be ranked number two, three, etc., rank number two, three, etc., rank second, third, etc.the tennis player ranked number two in the worldThe company ranks second among food manufacturers.rank sth in order of sthranked in order of sizerank in the top 10, 100, etc.She is now ranked in the top five hockey players in Britain.

Rank is used with these nouns:

III. adj.

amateur, incompetence, outsider, smell

I. noun1 level of importance2 group of things/people3 ranks members of a large group1 level of importanceADJECTIVE | VERB + rank | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEhigh, senior, superior, top, uppermiddleinferior, junior, lowthe lowest ranks of the armyfirst, secondHe is in the first rank of designers.socialCabinet, ministerial (BrE)a politician of Cabinet rankVERB + rankachieve, attain, be promoted to, get to, reach, rise toShe joined the navy, where she rose to the rank of captain.have, holdHe held officer rank in the air force for many years.assign sb, award sbHe was assigned the rank of Commander.be stripped ofHe was stripped of his rank by a military court.PREPOSITIONabove a/the rankHe never rose above the rank of lieutenant.below a/the rankpolice officers below the rank of sergeantin rankHe is higher in rank than I am.rank inall ranks in societyrank ofShe reached the rank of captain.PHRASESof high, low, etc. rankofficers of senior rank

2 group of things/peopleADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfront, reara poet who belongs in the front rank of Latin American literature (figurative)massed, serried (both esp. BrE)the serried ranks of hotel staffPREPOSITIONalong a/the rankThe president moved slowly along the ranks of men.in a/the rankHe was standing in the second rank.The soldiers marched in three ranks of ten.PHRASESbreak ranks (= to leave a line of soldiers, police, etc.)The police broke ranks and started hitting people with their batons.He broke ranks with his fellow Republicans and opposed the war. (figurative)close ranks (figurative)When the establishment is attacked, it closes ranks.(= unites to protect itself)rank upon rank (of sth)

Rank upon rank of caravans filled the field.

3 ranks members of a large groupADJECTIVE | VERB + RANKS | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgrowing, swellingThese products appeal to the growing ranks of middle-class consumers.amateur, pro (AmE), professional (all sports)He spent two years on the college golf team before joining the professional ranks.VERB + RANKSenter, fill, join, swellMore women are now filling the ranks of the medical profession.Each month thousands more swell the ranks of the unemployed.be admitted into, be admitted toinfiltrateA CIA operative had infiltrated their ranks.deplete, thinDeath and disease were thinning their ranks.serve inThey had served in the ranks of the army.climb, come up from, come up through, rise from, rise throughHe came up through the ranks to become a general.PREPOSITIONamong the ranks of, within the ranks ofThere is much disaffection among the ranks of the party.beyond the ranks, outside the ranksThe group has little influence over those outside its own ranks.in the ranksThere are few women in the highest ranks of the organization.PHRASESthe rank and fileCommunication worked well at management level, but didn't always make it down to the rank and file.

rank-and-file

rank-and-fileadj.

Rank-and-file is used with these nouns:

employee, member, soldier

ranking

rankingnounadj.

I. noun

Ranking is used after these nouns:

Ranking is used with these nouns:

II. adj.

member, officer, tournament

ransom

ransomnoun

nounVERB + ransom | ransom + NOUN | PREPOSITIONVERB + ransomhold sb for, hold sb to, kidnap sb forShe was kidnapped and held for ransom.The company refused to be held to ransom by the union. (figurative)demandpayransom + NOUNdemand, notemoney, paymentPREPOSITIONfor ransomThey stole cattle for ransom.

rap

rapnounverb

I. noun

Rap is used before these nouns:

artist, lyrics, music, scene, sheet, song, star, video

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBloudly, sharplyHe rapped sharply on the door.gently, lightlyPREPOSITIONon, withHe rapped on the window with his stick.

rape

rapenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | rape + NOUNADJECTIVEallegedattemptedmarital, spousal (esp. AmE)acquaintance (esp. AmE), date, gangbrutal, forcible, violentstatutory (AmE)rape + NOUNvictimsuspectaccusation, allegation, chargecase, trialscenea rape scene from the movie

II. verbADVERB | VERB + rape | PHRASESADVERBbrutally, viciously, violentlyShe was attacked and brutally raped.repeatedlyallegedlyat gunpoint, at knifepointShe was viciously raped at knifepoint.VERB + rapeattempt to, try toPHRASESbe raped, get rapedShe was worried about getting raped on her way home.be accused of raping sb, be charged with raping sbbe convicted of raping sb, be found guilty of raping sbdeny raping sb

Rape is used with these nouns as the object:

woman

rapeseed

rapeseednoun

Rapeseed is used before these nouns:

Rapid is used with these nouns:

rapid

rapidadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seembecomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.extraordinarily, unusuallyrelativelyincreasingly

acceleration, access, accumulation, advance, ascent, assessment, breathing, build-up, burst, change, climb, completion, decay, decline, decrease, demise, depletion, deployment, descent, destruction, deterioration, development, disappearance, disintegration, drop, emergence, erosion, escalation, establishment, evolution, exit, expansion, fall, fire, fluctuation, footstep, gain, growth, heartbeat, identification, improvement, increase, influx, integration, loss, motion, move, movement, onset, pace, passage, progress, progression, promotion, pulse, rate, recovery, reduction, reform, repair, resolution, response, retreat, return, review, rise, shift, spin, spread, stride, subsidence, succession, transformation, transit, transition, turnover, withdrawal

rapid-fire

rapid-fireadj.

Rapid-fire is used with these nouns:

succession

rapidity

rapiditynoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEalarming, amazing, astonishing, bewildering, great, remarkableThe styles change with bewildering rapidity.increasingPREPOSITIONwith rapidity

rapidly

rapidlyadv.

Rapidly is used with these verbs:

absorb, accelerate, accumulate, adjust, advance, age, approach, ascend, assimilate, beat, blink, boil, breathe, change, climb, collapse, cool, decline, decrease, degenerate, deplete, deploy, depreciate, descend, destroy, detect, deteriorate, disappear, disintegrate, disperse, diverge, drop, dry, dwindle, eliminate, emerge, empty, erode, escalate, evolve, exhaust, expand, fade, fall, fill, fire, flicker, flow, gain, gather, grow, identify, improve, increase, intensify, introduce, mature, mobilize, mount, multiply, occur, pass, proceed, progress, react, recede, recover, reduce, regain, remove, replace, resolve, respond, retreat, reverse, rise, rotate, scan, shift, shrink, sink, spin, spread, subside, succumb, swim, swing, thaw, transfer, transform, type, vanish, wane, warm, widen, worsen

rapier

rapiernoun

Rapier is used before these nouns:

wit

rapist

rapistnoun

nounADJECTIVE | rapist + VERBADJECTIVEpotential, would-beaccused, allegedconvictedserialThe serial rapist has struck again.rapist + VERBattack (sb), strike

rapport

rapportnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + rapport | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEclose, easy, friendly, good, greatpersonalimmediate, instantVERB + rapportbuild, create, develop, establishenjoy, havefeelPREPOSITIONrapport betweenShe felt an instant rapport between themrapport withHe had enjoyed a personal rapport with the former president.

rapt

raptadj.

Rapt is used with these nouns:

attention, expression, face

raptly

raptlyadv.

Raptly is used with these verbs:

listen

rapturous

rapturousadj.

Rapturous is used with these nouns:

applause, reception, welcome

rare

rareadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seembecome, getremainbe considered19 species of the bird are considered rare.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.especially, exceedingly, exceptionally, extraordinarily, incredibly, particularly, surprisinglyincreasinglycomparatively, relativelyenough, sufficientlyThe stamps were not rare enough to be interesting.

Rare is used with these nouns:

achievement, animal, appearance, beast, beef, bird, book, breed, case, chance, class, coin, combination, commodity, complication, condition, delicacy, disease, disorder, display, distinction, event, example, exception, failure, feat, find, flash, flower, gem, gift, glimpse, honour, illness, individual, infection, insight, instance, kind, lapse, luxury, mammal, manuscript, meat, metal, mineral, moment, mutation, occasion, occurrence, opportunity, phenomenon, plant, privilege, quality, sight, sighting, species, specimen, steak, step, survivor, talent, thing, treasure, treat, trip, variety, vintage, visit, visitor, volume, wildlife

rarefied

rarefiedadj.

Rarefied is used with these nouns:

atmosphere

rarely rash

rashnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + rash | rash + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEskinitchyred, scalyallergicdiaper (AmE), nappy (BrE)heatpoison ivy (esp. AmE)nettle (usually nettlerash) (BrE)VERB + rashhavebreak out in, come out in, develop, getWhen I'm stressed I break out in a rash.causeSome pesticides can cause rashes and burns.rash + VERBappear, come out, develop, spreadThe rash most commonly appears on the back.PREPOSITIONrash onHe has a slight rash on his chest.

II. adj.

Rash is used with these nouns:

decision, promise

rashly

rashlyadv.

Rashly is used with these verbs:

act

raspberry

raspberrynoun

noun… OF RASPBERRIES | raspberry + NOUN… OF RASPBERRIESpint (AmE), punnet (BrE)I bought a punnet/pint of fresh raspberries.raspberry + NOUNcanerows of raspberry canes

rasping

raspingadj.

Rasping is used with these nouns:

raspy

raspyadj.

Raspy is used with these nouns:

Rate is used with these nouns as the subject:

rat

ratnoun

nounADJECTIVE | rat + VERB | rat + NOUNADJECTIVEblack, brownlab (informal), laboratorysewerwaterrat + VERBscurry, scuttleA brown rat scurried across the road.gnawRats had gnawed through the wires.carry disease, spread diseaserat + NOUNcatcherThe dog was a useful rat catcher in the warehouse.droppingspoison

rate

ratenounverb

I. noun1 speed/frequency2 amount of money paid1 speed/frequencyADJECTIVE | VERB + rate | rate + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEconstant, expected, regular, steady, unchangedslowthe slow rate of changefast, rapidalarming, phenomenalThe costs of the project are rising at an alarming rate.lowThere is a low survival rate among babies born before 22 weeks.elevated, high, increasedever-increasing, risinganxiety over rising divorce ratessuccessdivorce, marriagedeath, fatality, mortalityrecovery, survivalrelapsebirth, fertilityaccidentcrime, murder, recidivism (technical, esp. AmE), suicidejobless, unemploymentattrition (esp. AmE), dropout (esp. AmE), turnoverMedical students had a high dropout rate.graduation (AmE)Michigan's high-school graduation rategrowth, inflationheart, metabolic, pulse, respiratoryWe need to eat less as we get older and our metabolic rate slows down.VERB + rateaccelerate, improve, increase, speed updoubleThe US has doubled its rate of recycling in ten years.cut, decrease, hold down, lower, reduce, slow downEducating girls has the effect of lowering birth rates.stabilizemaintaincalculate, determine, estimate, measurehow to calculate your resting metabolic raterate + VERBbe up, go up, shoot upgrow, increase, jump, rise, rocket, skyrocket, soarbe down, come down, go downdecline, decrease, drop, fall, plummet, plunge, slip, slowPREPOSITIONat a/the rateThe water was escaping at a rate of 200 gallons a minute.rate ofthe rate of salmonella infectionsrate perthe accident rate per 10 000 flight hours

2 amount of money paidADJECTIVE | VERB + rate | rate + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcheap, competitive, low, moderate, reasonableWe have a wide range of vehicles available for hire at competitive rates.Calls are cheap rate after 6 p.m. (BrE)extortionate (esp. BrE), highcredit companies that charge extortionate rates of interestrisingBorrowers want protection against rising interest rates.excellent, goodpoorThe account offers a poor rate of interest.fixed, flatYou can opt to pay a flat rate for unlimited Internet access.usualgoingI'll pay you at the going rate (= the present usual rate of payment).variableannual, hourly, weeklybase, basic, standardtopI pay the top rate of tax.averagemarketcurrent market rates for borrowinggroup, preferential (esp. BrE)Ask about the special group rates for entrance to the museum.discounted, reducedbank, exchange, interest, lending, mortgage, taxVERB + ratedetermine, fix, peg, setGlobal banks have pegged interest rates at 1%.hike, increase, lift, put up, raiseexceedThe deficit has recently exceeded the peak rates of the 1980s.cut, halve, lower, reduce, slashholdWe will hold these rates until April.chargeThey charge the usual rate of interest.paygive (sb), offer (sb)rate + VERBclimb, go up, increase, jump, jump up, rise, shoot upTheir hourly rates have gone up.Mortgage rates jumped to 15%.come down, decline, dip, drop, fall, go downdiffer, fluctuate, varyExchange rates are fluctuating wildly.apply to sthStandard rates of interest apply to these loans.PREPOSITIONat a/the ratemoney borrowed at a high rate of interestrate forthe average rate for an unskilled workerrate ofan increase in the rate of taxationPHRASESa drop in rates, a rise in ratesa one-point rise in base lending ratesa rate of returnsafe investments which give a good rate of return

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBhighlySilver was rated more highly than gold.consistentlyThis airport is consistently rated as the worst in the world.PREPOSITIONamonga golf course that is rated among the top ten in AmericaasIt is rated as one of the city's best hotels.fora university that is highly rated for its research workPHRASESrate sth on a scaleThe difficulty of each exercise is rated on a scale of 1 to 5.

participant

Rate is used with these nouns as the object:

chance, mention, quality

rather

ratheradv.

Rather is used with these adjectives:

absurd, abusive, academic, afraid, amazing, ambiguous, arbitrary, ashamed, awful, bare, barren, bemused, benign, bewildered, bleak, careless, common, commonplace, contradictory, cool, daft, daring, degrading, dejected, delicious, different, disgusted, disgusting, disreputable, distressing, disturbed, dreadful, empty, excellent, excessive, exhausted, extraordinary, extravagant, extreme, faint, fantastic, fascinating, fashionable, fat, fed up, forlorn, full, fundamental, funny, futile, gloomy, gorgeous, grateful, grey, guilty, hazy, hopeless, humiliating, hurt, hysterical, ill, illogical, inclined, inconclusive, incongruous, indifferent, inept, insignificant, irregular, irrelevant, lacking, lifeless, limp, loaded, loose, lost, lovely, low-key, lukewarm, magnificent, misguided, misplaced, mixed, mystified, neglected, one-sided, ordinary, peculiar, persistent, personal, philosophical, pointless, recent, red, regrettable, remarkable, ridiculous, sarcastic, savage, sick, slack, slender, specific, spectacular, splendid, static, sterile, stunned, superfluous, superior, terrible, tragic, transparent, uncertain, uncharacteristic, unexpected, unfashionable, unique, unnecessary, useless, white, wobbly, wonderful, worse

Rather is used with these verbs:

admire, depend, dread, enjoy, exaggerate, like, overwhelm, prefer, regret, resemble, spoil, suspect, undermine

ratify

ratifyverb

Ratify is used with these nouns as the subject:

country, parliament

Ratify is used with these nouns as the object:

amendment, constitution, convention, treaty

rating

ratingnoun

noun1 measurement of how good sb/sth is2 ratings number of TV viewers, etc.1 measurement of how good sb/sth isADJECTIVE | VERB + rating | rating + VERB | rating + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhigh, toplow, pooroverallThe overall performance rating puts the new model well ahead of its main rivals.favourable/favorable, unfavourable/unfavorable (both esp. AmE)He's currently enjoying a favourable/favorable rating with more than 50% of the electorate.approval, favorability (AmE), opinion-poll, poll, popularityHe has the highest opinion-poll rating of any president this century.performancetwo-star, three-star, etc.The hotel achieved a four-star rating.The hospital has retained its top three-star rating. (BrE)creditMost countries try to preserve their international credit rating in order to secure necessary loans.personal, subjectiveVERB + ratinghaveassign (sb/sth), give (sb/sth)achieve, earn, get, obtain, receive, scoreThe university scored a top rating among students.preserveimprovedowngrade, lower (business)Standard & Poor's lowered its credit rating for the company from A to BBB.rating + VERBclimb, improve, rise, rocket, soarThe president's ratings have suddenly rocketed.drop, fall, plummetrating + NOUNscale, systemPREPOSITIONin a/the ratinga drop of 50 points in her personal ratingrating forThe resort got a low rating for children's facilities.rating onThe judges gave her the maximum rating on style.

2 ratings number of TV viewers, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + RATINGS | RATINGS + VERB | RATINGS + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgood, highlow, pooraudience, TVprime-time (esp. AmE)The network's prime-time ratings are up 150%.VERB + RATINGSgarner (esp. AmE), get, haveThe show continues to garner high ratings.At this stage the series was getting good ratings.boostBringing her on the show was a cynical attempt to boost the ratings.RATINGS + VERBgo up, improve, pick up, shoot up, soarThe ratings went shooting up overnight.dip, drop, fall, go downThe show's ratings have dipped sharply.RATINGS + NOUNbattle, warsuccessHis new sitcom was a ratings success.PREPOSITIONin the ratingsIt has been ousted from top spot in the TV ratings.

ratio

rationoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + ratio | ratio + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhigh, lowgender, sexSome universities take steps to keep their gender ratio 50–50.staffingStaffing ratios were generally better in smaller hospitals.male-female, nurse-patient, student-teacher, etc.benefit-to-risk, power-to-weight, etc.price-earnings, price-to-earnings (both business)The stock's price-earnings ratio has dropped to 24.VERB + ratioachieve, haveThey have a high ratio of imports to exports.improve, increaseThe hospital is trying to improve its staff/patient ratio.reducecalculate, compute, determine, find, work outratio + VERBimproveworsenthe worsening student/teacher ratio in our schoolsdiffer, range (from … to … ), varyWaist-to-hip ratios vary according to body type.PREPOSITIONin a/the ratioWe mixed the oil and water in a ratio of one to five.ratio betweenthe ratio between the amount of time spent on the work and the profit producedratio of sth to sththe ratio of house prices to incomes

ration

rationnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + ration | ration + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdaily, monthlyfulldouble, extraPregnant women received a double ration of milk.meagre/meagerThe refugees waited for their meagre/meager rations of soup.emergency, humanitarian, short, starvation, wartime rationsWe've been put on short rations.food, gasoline (AmE), petrol (BrE), water, etc.VERB + rationgive sb, hand out, provide (sb with)get, receiveconsume, eat, have, use, use upYou've had your ration of chocolate for the day!cut, reduceThe guards are going to cut our rations again.ration + NOUNbook, card, couponPREPOSITIONon a/the rationThey are living on starvation rations.ration ofour daily ration of bread

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBstrictlyThese foods had to be strictly rationed.PREPOSITIONtoThey were rationed to one bottle of water each per day.

rational

rationaladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seemIt all seemed quite rational to me.ADVERBhighly, verycompletely, eminently (formal), entirely, fully, perfectly, quiteAt the time she was perfectly rational.purely, strictlyessentiallyHumans are essentially rational beings.apparentlyeconomicallyWith children working from the age of ten, large families were economically rational.PREPOSITIONaboutTry to be rational about it.

Rational is used with these nouns:

agent, approach, argument, basis, being, belief, calculation, choice, debate, decision, deliberation, discussion, enquiry, expectation, explanation, faculty, justification, manner, mind, number, person, reason, response, self-interest, soul, thinking, thought, understanding

rationally

rationallyadv.

Rationally is used with these adjectives:

justified

Rationally is used with these verbs:

act, behave, plan, react, think

rationing

rationingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + rationing | rationing + VERB | rationing + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEstrictbread, credit, food, fuel, gas (AmE), petrol (BrE), etc.wartimeVERB + rationinghavebring in, introduceThe government introduced meat rationing in May.endrationing + VERBbe in force, existrationing + NOUNsystemPREPOSITIONrationing ofStrict rationing of basic foodstuffs was still in force.

rattle

rattleverb

Rattle is used with these nouns as the subject:

door, thunder, train, tram, wind, window

rattling

rattlingadj.

Rattling is used with these nouns:

ratty

rattyadj.

Ratty is used with these nouns:

T-shirt

raucous

raucousadj.

Raucous is used with these nouns:

din, laughter

ravage

ravageverb

Ravage is used with these nouns as the subject:

storm

Ravage is used with these nouns as the object:

country, countryside

rave

ravenounverb

I. noun

Rave is used before these nouns:

review

II. verb

Rave is used with these nouns as the subject:

raven

ravenadj.

Raven is used with these nouns:

ravening

raveningadj.

Ravening is used with these nouns:

wolf

ravenous

ravenousadj.

Ravenous is used with these nouns:

appetite, beast, wolf

ravenously

ravenouslyadv.

Ravenously is used with these adjectives:

hungry

Ravenously is used with these verbs:

eat

raving

ravingadj.adv.

I. adj.

Raving is used with these nouns:

lunatic

II. adv.

Raving is used with these adjectives:

mad

raw

rawadj.

Raw is used with these nouns:

cabbage, carrot, chicken, cotton, data, deal, egg, emotion, energy, fish, flesh, food, fury, garlic, hide, honesty, ingredient, ivory, material, meat, milk, onion, power, recruit, sewage, silk, skin, statistics, sugar, talent, vegetables, wool

ray

raynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + ray | ray + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEpowerfulblinding, bright, brillianta blinding ray of lightgoldenThey basked in sun's warm golden rays.soft, warmburning, damaging, harmfuldying, lastthe dying rays of a winter suncathode, cosmic, gamma, heat, infrared, light, ultraviolet (abbreviated to UV), etc.the invention of the cathode ray tubethe moon's, the sun'sVERB + rayemit, give off, send outgamma rays given off by plutoniumcast, shineThe moon cast pale rays of light on the ground.expose sb/sth toblock, filter out, protect sb/sth from, shield sb/sth fromsunscreens which filter out harmful ultraviolet raysabsorbA car window absorbs almost all UVB rays.bend, catch, deflect, reflectHer ring caught the rays of the setting sun.ray + VERBfilter through sth, pass through sth, penetrate sth, travelthe moon's rays filtering through the treesshine, shine down, shine on sthThe last of the sun's rays shone on the grass.hit sth, strike sthWhen the sun's rays hit the earth, a lot of heat is reflected back into space.damage sthUltraviolet rays damage the skin.PREPOSITIONin the rays ofa stream sparkling in the rays of the June sunPHRASESa ray of light (sometimes figurative), a ray of sunlight, a ray of sunshine (sometimes figurative)The one ray of light in this whole affair is that justice has been done.A ray of sunlight fell on the table.My nephew is a little ray of sunshine.the rays of the sun

raze

razeverb

Raze is used with these nouns as the object:

building

razor

razornoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + razor | razor + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbluntcut-throat (esp. BrE), disposable, electric, safety, straight-edge (AmE)a mugger who slashed a man with a cut-throat razoropenHe appeared with an open razor in his hand.VERB + razorcut sb/sth with, shave with, slash sb/sth with, useWe used a razor to cut the string.razor + NOUNbladewirePREPOSITIONwith a/the razorHe slashed his wrists with a razor.

razor-sharp

razor-sharpadj.

Razor-sharp is used with these nouns:

claw, edge, tooth, wit

razor-thin

razor-thinadj.

Razor-thin is used with these nouns:

majority, margin

reach

reachnounverb

I. noun1 distance over which you can stretch, travel, etc.2 power/influence3 reaches far place1 distance over which you can stretch, travel, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + reach | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElongGorillas have a very long reach.VERB + reachhavePREPOSITIONbeyond (sb/sth's) reachThe latch was just beyond her reach.in (sb/sth's) reach, within (sb/sth's) reachThe riverbank was almost in reach.There was a knife within his reach.a beach resort within reach of BangkokThe house is within easy reach of the train station.out of sb/sth's reachKeep all medicines out of reach of children.PHRASESwithin arm's reachI always keep my phone within arm's reach.

2 power/influenceADJECTIVE | VERB + reach | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEvast, wideThe organization has a wide reach.globalThe global reach of the Internet has exceeded what anyone could have predicted.geographic, geographicalThe business is looking at ways to extend its geographic reach.VERB + reachhaveThe company has a worldwide reach.broaden, expand, extend, increaseHumans have extended their reach into space.limitAs an artist, his reach was not limited to Britain.PREPOSITIONbeyond (sb/sth's) reachHe fled abroad, beyond the reach of German prosecutors.in sb/sth's reach, within sb/sth's reachOur $30 000 target is now well within our reach.out of sb/sth's reachThe price puts it out of the reach of most people.

3 reaches far placeADJECTIVE | VERB + REACHES | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfar, farthest, furthestnether, outer, outermost, upper, uppermostthe upper reaches of the riverthe upper reaches of the music charts (figurative)northern, southern, etc.northernmost, southernmost, etc.VERB + REACHESexploreHe dreamed of exploring the outermost reaches of space.PREPOSITIONreach ofthe farthest reaches of our universe

II. verb1 arrive at a place/condition2 stretch out your arm to touch/get sth3 be able to touch sth1 arrive at a place/conditionADVERB | VERB + reachADVERBeventually, finallyeasily, quicklyThe cost can easily reach six figures.almost, nearlyThe city's population had nearly reached a million by 1920.barelyHe had barely reached the door when he collapsed.VERB + reachattempt to, try tobe expected to, be likely to, expect toProfits are expected to reach £2 billion this year.be unlikely tobe able tobe unable to, fail toThe jury was unable to reach a verdict.

2 stretch out your arm to touch/get sthADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBgingerly, hesitantly, tentativelyslowlySlowly he reached out and picked up the gun.automatically, instinctivelyHe instinctively reached for his camera.blindlyShe reached blindly for the light switch.across, down, forward, out, overHe reached out gingerly to touch it.A hand reached down to help her up the ladder.PREPOSITIONforShe reached for the telephone and picked it up.insideI reached inside my pocket for a pen.intoHe reached into his bag and took out a book.

3 be able to touch sthADVERB | VERB + reachADVERBeasilyShe had arranged her desk so that she could reach everything easily.almost, nearlyHer skirt almost reached the ground.halfwayHis hair reached halfway to his waist.VERB + reachcanI can't reach the top shelf.

Reach is used with these nouns as the subject:

elevator, expedition, inflation, letter, message, news, population, procession, receipt, sale, stock, temperature, toll, train, troops, turnover, unemployment

Reach is used with these nouns as the object:

accommodation, accord, adolescence, adulthood, age, agreement, altitude, audience, birthday, boiling point, border, bottom, ceiling, climax, coast, completion, compromise, conclusion, consensus, consumer, crescendo, crest, crossroads, culmination, deadlock, deal, decision, degree, depth, destination, diagnosis, ear, earth, edge, end, exit, expectation, expression, extent, extreme, figure, final, finale, floor, freezing, frontier, fruition, goal, grade, ground, height, high, highway, impasse, judgement, land, length, level, limit, low, mainstream, mark, market, maturity, maximum, menopause, middle age, milestone, minimum, moon, objective, office, old age, orbit, orgasm, outskirts, peak, per cent, perfection, phase, pinnacle, pitch, plateau, point, port, position, potential, profitability, proportion, puberty, quota, rank, resolution, retirement, room, round, safety, saturation, scene, settlement, shelf, shore, showroom, size, solution, speed, spot, stage, stalemate, standard, state, stop, summit, surface, target, teens, temperature, threshold, top, total, trough, truce, turning point, understanding, valley, velocity, verdict, viewer, watershed

reach across

reach acrossphr verb

Reach across is used with these nouns as the object:

reach for

reach forphr verb

Reach for is used with these nouns as the subject:

Reach for is used with these nouns as the object:

cellphone, hand, shelf

reach in

reach inphr verb

Reach in is used with these nouns as the object:

pocket

reach into

reach intophr verb

Reach into is used with these nouns as the object:

bag, drawer, handbag, purse

reach out

reach outphr verb

Reach out is used with these nouns as the subject:

Reach out is used with these nouns as the object:

React is used with these nouns as the subject:

react

reactverb

verbADVERB | VERB + react | PREPOSITIONADVERBstronglyfavourably/favorably, positively, wellpeople who react positively to changeadversely, badly, negatively, poorly, unfavourably/unfavorablyaggressively, angrily, defensively, sharply, violentlyemotionallycautiously, coollycalmly, rationallyappropriatelystrangelyimmediately, instantlyquickly, rapidly, swiftlyThe police must be able to react swiftly in an emergency.slowlydifferentlyaccordinglyHis insensitive remarks hurt and she reacted accordingly.automatically, instinctively, spontaneouslyphysicallychemicallySilicon reacts chemically like carbon.VERB + reacttend tobe slow toThe industry has been slow to react to these breakthroughs in technology.not know how toHe did not know how to react to her sudden mood swings.PREPOSITIONagainstMany young people react against traditional values.byThe government reacted by increasing taxation.toThe committee reacted positively to the proposals.withHer family reacted with horror when she told them.

audience, investor, market

React is used with these nouns as the object:

Reactionary is used with these nouns:

reaction

reactionnoun

noun1 response2 (usually reactions) ability to react quickly3 chemical reaction4 physical reaction1 responseADJECTIVE | VERB + reaction | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEextreme, strong, violentfavourable/favorable, positiveadverse, hostile, negativemixedThe speech got a mixed reaction.angryfirst, immediate, initialdelayedHer outburst was a delayed reaction to an unpleasant letter she'd received that morning.chainThe change of plan set off a chain reaction of confusion.common, general, publicnatural, normal, understandableHis reaction is completely understandable.automatic, gut, instinctive, knee-jerk, spontaneousThe incident calls for a measured response, avoiding knee-jerk reactions.nervousemotional, visceralcriticalThe critical reaction to his first novel has been positive.VERB + reactionget, have, meet withThe play met with a mixed reaction from the critics.experienceI believe she is experiencing a post-traumatic stress reaction.bring, cause, elicit, induce, produce, provoke, set off, spark, spark off, trigger, trigger offShe was surprised at the reaction brought by the mention of his name.gauge, judgeHe eyed her cautiously, trying to gauge her reaction.judge by, judge fromJudging by her reaction, she liked the present.PREPOSITIONin reaction toThere's been a drop in ticket sales in reaction to the review.reaction againstHer rebellious attitude is just a reaction against her strict upbringing.reaction tothe public reaction to the news

2 (usually reactions) ability to react quicklyADJECTIVE | VERB + reaction | reaction + NOUNADJECTIVEfast, good, lightning, quickKeenan showed lightning reactions.slowVERB + reactionhaveShe has very quick reactions.speed upslow downAlcohol has the effect of slowing down your reactions.reaction + NOUNtimeYour reaction time increases when you are tired.

3 chemical reactionADJECTIVE | VERB + reaction | reaction + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEchainchemical, nuclear, thermonuclear, etc.fission, fusionreversibleVERB + reactioncause, initiate, produce, start, triggercatalyse/catalyze (science)stopslow down, speed upreaction + VERBoccur, take placePREPOSITIONduring a/the reaction, in a/the reactionthe energy given out during the reactionreaction betweenI am studying the reactions between certain gases.reaction withthe fuel's chemical reaction with the surrounding water

4 physical reactionADJECTIVE | VERB + reaction | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEadverse, bad, severemild, slightdelayeda delayed reaction to the drugsallergicinflammatoryVERB + reactionexperience, have, sufferShe had a very bad allergic reaction to the peanuts.cause, induce, producePREPOSITIONreaction toA small minority of patients suffer an adverse reaction to the treatment.

reactionary

reactionaryadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highlypolitically

force, party, view

reactor

reactornoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + reactor | reactor + VERB | reactor + NOUNADJECTIVEnuclear, nuclear-powerbreeder, fast, fast-breeder, fission, fusion, gas-cooled, light-water, etc.VERB + reactorbuildoperate, runclose, close down, decommission, shut downreactor + VERBoperate, runreactor + NOUNbuilding, sitedesigncoolant, fuelcoreaccident, meltdownsafetyshutdown

react to

react tophr verb

React to is used with these nouns as the object:

news, stimulus

read

readnounverb

I. noun1 activity of reading2 writer/book1 activity of readingADJECTIVE | VERB + readADJECTIVEgoodquietquickThe program is simple to use after a quick read of the manual.VERB + readhaveI had a good read of the paper before they arrived.

2 writer/bookADJECTIVE | VERB + readADJECTIVEenjoyable, entertaining, fun (esp. AmE), good, great, terrificcompelling, engaging, engrossing, fascinating, gripping, interestingeasy, quickworthwhileVERB + readbe, makeThe story made an interesting read.enjoyI know you'll enjoy the read.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + read | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBaloudI listen to my children reading aloud.silentlycarefully, with interestHe read her letter with interest.avidly, voraciously, widelyShe read avidly from an early age.regularlyI regularly read ‘Time’.criticallyWe teach students to read critically.correctlyMake sure you read the instructions correctly.fluently, wellHe speaks and reads Arabic fluently.just, lately, recentlyI've just read your interesting article.outShall I read this out to you?VERB + readbe able to, canMost children can read by the age of seven.learn to, learn how toteach sb to, teach sb how toPREPOSITIONaboutHogan had read about her death in the paper.fromShe read from the letter.inHe remembers everything he reads in books.ofI had read of the case in the local newspaper.overShe spent the morning reading over her script.throughI read through the first paragraph again.toI read a story to my son every night.PHRASESread and writeShe had great difficulty learning to read and write.read for fun, read for pleasureHe's not someone who reads for pleasure.

Read is used with these nouns as the subject:

banner, gauge, headline, inscription, sign, thermometer, translation, watch

Read is used with these nouns as the object:

article, assignment, author, autobiography, barometer, Bible, biography, blog, book, brochure, bulletin, chapter, column, comment, correspondence, coverage, curriculum vitae, detail, diary, disk, document, edition, email, emotion, entry, essay, excerpt, expression, extract, fiction, file, fortune, gauge, handwriting, headline, horoscope, inscription, instruction, instrument, journal, label, letter, literature, lyrics, magazine, mail, manual, map, memo, memoir, menu, message, meter, mind, minute, mood, music, news, newspaper, notice, novel, obituary, page, palm, pamphlet, paper, paperback, paragraph, passage, piece, poem, poetry, poll, post, posting, prayer, print, résumé, recipe, record, remark, reply, report, review, rule, score, script, scripture, sentence, sermon, sign, signal, snippet, speech, statement, story, subtitle, tabloid, tale, text, thermometer, thought, thriller, transcript, translation, update, verdict, volume, website, will, word, work, writing

readable

readableadj.

adj.1 enjoyable to read2 able to be read1 enjoyable to readVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbemake sthADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.compulsively, eminently, highly, immenselya stimulating and highly readable accountquite

2 able to be readVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBclearly, easilyThe figures should be clearly readable.printed in large, easily readable type

Readable is used with these nouns:

book, introduction

reader

readernoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcareful, competent, fast, fluent, good, proficientpoor, slowalert, astute, attentive, eagle-eyed, observantAlert readers may have noticed the misprint in last week's column.interestedThe book is accessible to the interested reader with basic knowledge of the subject.reluctantdiscerning, informed, knowledgeable, sophisticateduninformedavid, great, voraciousomnivorousfaithful, long-time (esp. AmE), loyal, regularregular readers of this magazinecasualadult, female, male, women, youngspecialistgeneral, lay, non-specialista book that will be too difficult for the general readernewspaper, tabloid (esp. BrE)Newsweek, Times, etc.PREPOSITIONreader ofa voracious reader of science fictionPHRASESdear reader (humorous)And so, dear reader, our tale comes to its end.

readership

readershipnoun

Readership is used after these nouns:

newspaper

read from

read fromphr verb

Read from is used with these nouns as the object:

scripture, text

readily readiness

readinessnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + readiness | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreaterconstantcombat, military, operationalThe troops were in a state of combat readiness.school (AmE)the importance of early learning for school readinessVERB + readinessdeclare, demonstrate, express, indicate, show, signalHungary has indicated its readiness to sign the treaty.PREPOSITIONin readiness (for)Service the car in readiness for the trip.readiness forto express a readiness for changePHRASEShold sb/sth in readinessThey were holding themselves in readiness to wage war.a state of readiness

reading

readingnoun

noun1 sth you can read2 activity of reading3 way of understanding4 reading in public5 figure/measurement shown on an instrument1 sth you can readADJECTIVE | VERB + reading | reading + NOUNADJECTIVEcompelling, compulsive, fascinating, good, interestingworthwhileThe book is worthwhile reading for anyone interested in the Industrial Revolution.depressing, disturbingheavy, seriouslightassigned (AmE), compulsory (esp. BrE), essential, mandatory (esp. AmE), requiredHer assigned reading for English class was ‘Great Expectations’.His article should be compulsory reading for law students.recommended, suggestedbackgroundfurtherbeach (esp. AmE), bedtime, holiday (BrE)Horror is hardly my idea of bedtime reading.some light holiday readingVERB + readingbe, make, make forTheir story makes compulsive reading.assign (AmE)We assign readings from different contexts and periods of history.reading + NOUNlistcomprehension

2 activity of readingADJECTIVE | VERB + reading | reading + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEextensiveAfter extensive reading on the subject she set to work on an article.careful, close, criticalA close reading of the text reveals several contradictions.cursoryseriousmapMy map-reading skills are not the best.VERB + readingdo, get down toI haven't had time to do much reading lately.I need to get down to some serious reading.reading + NOUNmaterial, matterhabitsHe asked her about her reading habits.ability, age, knowledge, skillsHe has a reading age of eight.She has a good reading knowledge of Russian.disability (AmE)glasses, light, roomPREPOSITIONreading about, reading onHis reading about Ruskin led him to the works of Turner.

3 way of understandingADJECTIVE | VERB + readingADJECTIVEallegorical, literalHe draws his morality from a literal reading of the Old Testament.insightful, sensitiveher attentive and insightful reading of the manuscriptVERB + readinggive, offer, provideLonginus provides a sensitive reading of Sappho's poem.invite, suggestThese paintings often invite an allegorical reading.

4 reading in publicADJECTIVE | VERB + reading | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpublicstaged (esp. AmE)I saw a staged reading of the new play ‘Light’.Bible, poetryVERB + readinggiveDickens gave many public readings from his works.PREPOSITIONat a/the readingWe met at a reading of his poetry.reading from, reading ofreadings from the Psalms

5 figure/measurement shown on an instrumentADJECTIVE | VERB + reading | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhigh, lownormalaccurate, correctfalsemeter, thermometerblood-pressure, pressure, temperatureVERB + readingget, obtain, takegiveThe dials were giving higher readings than we had expected.recordTemperature readings were recorded throughout the day.PREPOSITIONreadingofA reading of 25 or more is abnormally high.

readmit to

readmit tophr verb

Readmit to is used with these nouns as the object:

hospital

read-only

read-onlyadj.

Read-only is used with these nouns:

CD, copy

read out

read outphr verb

Read out is used with these nouns as the object:

result, verdict

read through

read throughphr verb

Read through is used with these nouns as the object:

document, note

ready

readyadj.

adj.1 prepared2 willing1 preparedVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, feel, look, seem, standThe suitcases were standing ready by the front door.remain, stay (AmE)Our troops keep training all the time to remain ready.getWe were getting ready to go out.get sb/sth, make sthI'm trying to get the children ready to leave.I'll get all the boxes ready.The warships were soon made ready.have sth, hold sth, keep sth, leave sthPlease have your tickets ready for inspection.He held his gun ready.I've left everything ready in the kitchen.consider sb/sth, declare sb/sth, deem sb/sth, judge sb/sthThe plane was repaired and declared ready for service again.She was concerned to protect the children from the truth until she judged them ready to hear it.ADVERBall, completely, totallyI was all ready to leave when the phone rang.definitely, trulyWe're definitely ready for the show tonight.not quiteHe didn't feel quite ready for marriage.about, almost, just about, nearly, practicallyI think we're just about ready to start.always, evernot yetat last, finallyAt last, they were ready to go.emotionally, mentally, physicallyThough Paul had wanted a child, he wasn't emotionally ready for it.PREPOSITIONforI feel ready for anything!The cases are ready for delivery.withHe's always ready with a quick answer.

2 willingVERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSappear, be, seemremainADVERBmore than, only too, veryConnors was more than ready to oblige.She was only too ready to believe the worst of him.always, everapparentlyclearly, obviouslyPHRASESready and willingalways ready and willing to help

Ready is used with these nouns:

acceptance, access, answer, availability, cash, market, smile, supply, wit

ready-made

ready-madeadj.

Ready-made is used with these nouns:

pastry

ready-mixed

ready-mixedadj.

Ready-mixed is used with these nouns:

concrete

ready salted

ready saltedadj.

Ready salted is used with these nouns:

ready-to-wear

ready-to-wearadj.

Ready-to-wear is used with these nouns:

collection

reaffirm

reaffirmverb

Reaffirm is used with these nouns as the object:

belief, commitment, importance, need, support

real

realadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, look, seembecomeADVERBall too, veryHer suffering was all too real.the very real danger of warfrighteninglyThe possibility of being arrested was frighteningly real.enoughThe pearls looked real enough.PHRASESreal and/or imaginary, real and/or imaginedreal or imagined threats to national security

Real is used with these nouns:

achievement, advantage, affection, affinity, agenda, ale, alternative, amusement, anger, anguish, answer, appreciation, artist, asset, assistance, bargain, battle, beauty, benefit, bind, bitterness, blessing, bonus, boon, bore, breakthrough, business, cause, challenge, chance, character, charm, class, cock-up, coffee, commitment, complex, confidence, connoisseur, contender, contest, context, conversation, conviction, cost, coup, credibility, crime, criminal, crux, culprit, danger, dedication, degree, delight, democracy, dent, desire, deterrent, dialogue, diamond, difference, difficulty, dilemma, disadvantage, disappointment, disaster, dislike, distinction, distress, doubt, drawback, earnings, effort, emergency, emotion, empathy, enemy, enjoyment, enthusiasm, essence, excitement, existence, experience, expert, explanation, family, fan, father, fault, fear, feeling, fight, figure, find, flair, focus, food, freedom, friend, friendship, fur, gain, gem, genius, gentleman, gold, grief, grievance, growth, hammering, handicap, hardship, hazard, headache, heart, heir, help, hero, heroine, heroism, high, highlight, hit, hope, horror, hunger, hurry, idiot, impact, importance, improvement, incentive, incident, income, independence, inequality, initiative, insight, intention, interest, intimacy, issue, jerk, job, joy, kick, killer, knack, laugh, leadership, leather, lesson, life, lifeline, lift, likelihood, loser, love, luxury, magic, mark, meaning, menace, merit, mess, miracle, misery, mother, motivation, motive, mum, murderer, mystery, name, nature, necessity, need, neighbourhood, nightmare, nuisance, number, opportunity, option, parent, passion, people, pity, pleasure, possibility, potential, power, privilege, probability, problem, professional, progress, promise, proof, reason, reduction, reform, regret, relevance, remorse, return, risk, romantic, sacrifice, sadness, scandal, science, self, sense, shame, shock, sign, significance, situation, solution, star, stir, strain, strength, struggle, stumbling block, style, substance, subtlety, success, suffering, surprise, suspense, sympathy, talent, target, taste, tear, tenderness, tennis, tension, term, terror, test, thing, threat, thrill, tooth, tragedy, treat, trial, trick, triumph, trouble, truth, turning point, understanding, vacation, value, venom, villain, virtue, wage, warmth, weakness, winner, world, worry

real estate

real estatenoun

Real estate is used before these nouns:

agency, agent, boom, broker, developer, development, entrepreneur, finance, investment, market, price, sale, speculation, transaction, tycoon

realism

realismnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF REALISM | VERB + realism | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEpoliticalgritty, starkthe stark realism of Loach's filmsliterarymagic, magical, psychological, social, socialist (all literature)a complex novel of psychological realismsocial realism in French film-makingthe Soviet adoption of socialist realism in art… OF REALISMdegree, levelThe computer animation offers an unprecedented level of realism.dose, elementThey should temper their enthusiasm with a healthy dose of realism.VERB + realismadd, bring, lendClever lighting and sound effects brought greater realism to the play.achieveChildren can get frustrated when they are unable to achieve realism in their drawings.PREPOSITIONrealism aboutthe band's realism about their chances of successrealism inrealism in Dutch artPHRASESa sense of realism

realist

realistadj.

Realist is used with these nouns:

painter

realistic

realisticadj.

adj.1 showing acceptance of the facts of a situation2 showing things as they really are1 showing acceptance of the facts of a situationVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbe, seemkeep sthTry to keep your ambitions realistic.ADVERBextremely, veryfairly, quiteenoughHe was realistic enough to know this success could not last.PREPOSITIONaboutMy friends were quite realistic about my problems.inYou're not being very realistic in your expectations.PHRASESit is not realistic to expect, think, etc. sthIt's not realistic to expect people to pay more.

2 showing things as they really areVERBS | ADVERBVERBSappear, be, look, seem, soundThe special effects seem very realistic.becomemake sthYou could make the hands a little more realistic.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highly, trulybeautifully drawn, highly realistic flowersamazingly, incrediblygrimlyhis grimly realistic first novel about drug addicts

Realistic is used with these nouns:

alternative, appraisal, assessment, chance, character, context, demand, estimate, expectation, goal, hope, level, look, option, picture, plan, portrayal, projection, prospect, representation, scenario, simulation, solution, target, timetable, view

realistically

realisticallyadv.

Realistically is used with these verbs:

model, price

reality

realitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + reality | reality + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEsad, sobering, unfortunate, unpleasantWe were faced with the unpleasant reality of having nowhere to live.bitter, brutal, cold, cruel, grim, gritty, hard, harsh, painful, stark, uglyThe novel describes the harsh realities of racism and life on the road.complexunderlyingHe has no illusions about the underlying reality of army life.objective, practicalthe practical realities of running a children's homedaily, day-to-day, everyday, mundaneexternal, material, physicalPainters at the time were largely concerned with reproducing external reality.ultimatecommercial, economic, historical, political, psychological, socialthe harsh economic realities of life as a studentvirtualthe use of virtual reality in computer gamesalternate (esp. AmE)The movie portrays a kind of alternate reality.VERB + realitybecomeOne day her dream will become a reality.make sthIt's our task to make the proposals a reality.accept, acknowledge, confront (sb with), face (up to), get a grip on, grasp, perceive, recognize, understand, wake up toShe will have to face reality sooner or later.I don't think you have quite grasped the realities of our situation!capture, depict, reflect, representa book that captures the reality of life during wartimeconstruct, createThe director creates a believable, gritty reality.bear little, no, etc. relation to, bear little, no, etc. resemblance to, have little to do with, not have much to do withMost people's ideas of the disease do not have much to do with the reality.be cut off from, be divorced from, be out of touch with, be removed fromThey are out of touch with the realities of modern warfare.escape fromdeny, ignorebring sb back to, come back to, get back to, return toHe called for the committee to stop dreaming and return to reality.alter, distort, obscureMost comedy relies on distorting reality.protect sb from, shelter sb from, shield sb fromHer parents always tried to shield her from the realities of the world.reality + NOUNcheckIt's time for a reality check: are these goals really achievable?television, TVPREPOSITIONin realityThe media portray her as happy and successful, but in reality she has a difficult life.reality ofI don't think he understands the reality of the situation.PHRASESa grasp of reality, a grasp on realityHe has a rather tenuous grasp of reality.a perception of reality, a sense of reality

realization

realizationnoun

(BrE also -isation) nounADJECTIVE | VERB + realization | realization + VERBADJECTIVEfulldawning, growinggradual, slowbelatedsuddenstartlingawful, grim, horrible, painful, stark, terriblesoberingVERB + realizationcome toHe came to the realization that he would never make a good teacher.realization + VERBcome (to sb), dawn (on sb), hit sb, sink in, strike sbThe realization that the murderer must have been a close friend came as a shock.We saw the terrible realization of what she'd done dawn on her face.

realize

realizeverb

(BrE also -ise) verbADVERB | VERB + realize | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBfullydimlyShe dimly realized that she was trembling.suddenlyquickly, soonimmediately, instantlynowfor the first timeI realized for the first time how difficult this would be.at firstThe situation was more complicated than they had at first realized.gradually, slowlyat last, belatedly, eventually, finallyneverI never realized how much it meant to you.VERB + realizebegin to, come tomake sbThe experience made me realize that people did care.seem toYou don't seem to realize the seriousness of the situation.fail tobe important toPREPOSITIONwithHe realized with horror that he had forgotten his passport.PHRASESwithout realizing (sth)They are constantly learning, without even realizing it.

Realize is used with these nouns as the subject:

Realize is used with these nouns as the object:

ambition, aspiration, asset, danger, dream, enormity, error, expectation, extent, fault, folly, futility, gravity, impact, implication, importance, inadequacy, investment, limitation, magnitude, mistake, nature, potential, predicament, profit, return, saving, scale, seriousness, stupidity, talent, truth, value, vision, worth

real-life

real-lifeadj.

Real-life is used with these nouns:

counterpart, drama, example, experience, hero, incident, romance, situation, story

reallocate

reallocateverb

Reallocate is used with these nouns as the object:

resource

really

reallyadv.

Really is used with these adjectives:

adequate, afraid, aggressive, alive, amazed, amazing, appalling, ashamed, astonishing, awesome, awful, beautiful, brilliant, careful, crazy, critical, crucial, daft, decent, delicious, delighted, delightful, desperate, disgusted, disgusting, dreadful, eager, encouraging, essential, evil, excellent, exceptional, exhausted, experienced, extraordinary, extreme, fantastic, fascinating, fat, fed up, filthy, frantic, fundamental, genuine, glad, good, gorgeous, grateful, gratifying, great, guilty, handy, horrible, horrific, hot, huge, hurt, ill, impossible, impressed, incredible, inspiring, lovely, magnificent, marvellous, natural, necessary, obscene, OK, outstanding, perfect, persistent, red, refreshing, remarkable, ridiculous, ripe, satisfying, serious, sick, spectacular, splendid, spooky, stunning, superb, sweet, terrible, terrified, thankful, thrilled, touched, tough, tragic, traumatic, true, unbelievable, unfriendly, unhappy, unwell, uplifting, vital, wide, willing, wonderful, worth, worthwhile

Really is used with these verbs:

ache, admire, age, amaze, annoy, appeal, appreciate, believe, benefit, care, concern, confuse, depend, deserve, desire, despise, dislike, earn, embrace, enjoy, envy, examine, exist, explain, fear, feel, frighten, fulfil, happen, hate, help, hope, hurt, imagine, impress, improve, interest, irritate, justify, lack, laugh, like, love, matter, miss, need, prefer, regret, relish, resent, respect, scare, shock, solve, stretch, strike, struggle, surprise, sympathize, think, trust, upset, want, welcome, wish, worry

realm

realmnoun

noun1 area of activity/interest/knowledge2 (formal) country ruled by a king/queen1 area of activity/interest/knowledgeADJECTIVE | VERB + realm | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEwholethe whole realm of human intellectnewinternationalpublicdomestic, privatepolitical, socialearthly, material, physicaldivine, fantasy, heavenly, magical, spiritual, supernaturalVERB + realmbe in, belong in, belong to, lie inopen upThe research has opened up new realms for investigation.enter, move intodescend into, descend to (both disapproving)Most readers are likely to lose interest when he descends into the realms of (= starts discussing) rhetorical terminology.move from, move out ofThe euro moved from the realms of theory into reality.PREPOSITIONbeyond the realm of, out of the realm of, outside the realm ofHis ambitions are way beyond the realms of possibility.in the realm of, within the realm ofThe idea belongs in the realm of science fiction.PHRASESthe realm of art, politics, science, etc.In the realm of politics different rules sometimes apply.the realms of fantasy, the realms of possibility, the realms of reality

2 (formal) country ruled by a king/queenVERB + realm | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + realmdefendThey fought to defend the realm.PREPOSITIONbeyond the realm, outside the realmwealth acquired outside the realmin the realm, within the realmpeace within the realmthroughout the realmThere was rejoicing throughout the realm.PHRASESa part of the realmthe defence/defense of the realmRoyal taxation usually had to be for the defence of the realm.

real-time

real-timeadj.

Real-time is used with these nouns:

information, simulation, traffic, video

realtor{™}

realtor{™}noun

noun (AmE)ADJECTIVE | VERB + REALTORADJECTIVElocallicensedAs a licensed realtor, he also earns $15 000 a year in commissions.VERB + REALTORcallI called the realtor to inquire about selling the house.meet, meet with

real-world

real-worldadj.

Real-world is used with these nouns:

application, example, experience, situation

reap

reapverb

Reap is used with these nouns as the object:

benefit, crop, dividend, fruit, gain, harvest, profit, reward, windfall

reapply

reapplyverb

Reapply is used with these nouns as the object:

lipstick, make-up

reappraisal

reappraisalnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + reappraisalADJECTIVEfundamental, major (esp. BrE), radicalcompletecriticala critical reappraisal of existing ideas and social institutionsVERB + reappraisalforce, prompt, triggerThis research has prompted a reappraisal of his legacy.Their reappraisal was triggered by new evidence.lead toHer theory is that disillusionment with employment leads to reappraisal of career goals.

rear

rearnounverbadj.

I. nounVERB + rear | PREPOSITIONVERB + rearbring upThree drummers brought up the rear (= were last in the parade).attack (sb/sth) fromcover, guard, protectfaceCar seats for young babies should face the rear.PREPOSITIONat the rearThe socket for the printer cable is located at the rear of the computer.from the rearin the rearThe radio is loudest in the rear of the car.to the rear, towards/toward the rearA high gate blocks the only entrance to the rear.

II. verbADVERBADVERBintensively (esp. BrE)intensively reared beef cattlenaturallynaturally reared pork and beefsuccessfully

Rear is used with these nouns as the subject:

Rear is used with these nouns as the object:

animal, calf, cattle, child, sheep

III. adj.

Rear is used with these nouns:

admiral, brake, bumper, door, edge, end, entrance, exit, face, fender, half, leg, mirror, panel, rank, seat, sight, speaker, suspension, terrace, tyre, view, wheel, window, windscreen, wing, wiper, yard

rearing

rearingnoun

Rearing is used after these nouns:

rearrange

rearrangeverb

Rearrange is used with these nouns as the object:

furniture, schedule

rear-seat

rear-seatadj.

Rear-seat is used with these nouns:

rear up

rear upphr verb

Rear up is used with these nouns as the subject:

rear-view

rear-viewadj.

Rear-view is used with these nouns:

mirror

rearward

rearwardadj.

Rearward is used with these nouns:

rear-wheel

rear-wheeladj.

Rear-wheel is used with these nouns:

Reason is used with these nouns as the subject:

reason

reasonnounverb

I. noun1 cause/motive/justification; explanation of sth2 power to think logically; what is possible/right1 cause/motive/justification; explanation of sthADJECTIVE | VERB + reason | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcogent, good, sound, strongcompelling, convincingplausibleadequate, sufficientbona fide, legitimate, validwrongHe married her for all the wrong reasons.oppositeTom's problem was that he lacked confidence; Ed failed for precisely the opposite reason.importantspecialbig, chief, key, main, major, primary, principalThere's one big reason why this won't work: cost.only, simple, soleThe only reason I didn't become a professional golfer was because of my family commitments.I was never good at school for the simple reason that I never studied.several, variousI can think of several reasons why this might happen.commonIsolation and loneliness are common reasons for depression.real, underlyingShe did not tell him the real reason for her change of heart.The underlying reasons for these differences will be explored in depth in the next chapter.possiblecited, ostensible, statedThe company's stated reason for firing him was misconduct.exact, veryYou're asking me to help, and that's the exact reason I came.apparent, particularHe was attacked for no apparent reason.no earthly, no possibleSurely there is no earthly reason why you wouldn't want to come with us?clear, obviousThe reasons for her decision soon became clear.unclearlogical, rationalunderstandablejustifiableunspecifiedunconnecteddismissal for reasons unconnected with misconductpersonalsentimentalselfishprofessionalcommercial, economic, financial, legal, political, social, technicalpractical, pragmaticsecurityhealthaltruistic, humanitarianVERB + reasonbe aware of, seeHe saw many reasons to be hopeful.haveI don't know why he did that, but I'm sure he had his reasons.I have no reason to believe that she was lying to me.cite, give (sb/sth), outline, provide, set out, stateGive me one good reason why I should help you.In the letter she carefully set out her reasons for leaving.listThis article lists the most common reasons why people pay too much tax.offer, suggestarticulate, explaincite sth as, give sth as, offer sth asdiscuss, exploreunderstandguessdiscover, find, find out, uncoverpinpointIt's difficult to pinpoint the reasons for her success.PREPOSITIONby reason of (formal)persons in need of care by reason of (= because of) old ageHe was found not guilty by reason of insanity. (law)for a/the reasonprocedures carried out for reasons of national securityfor reason of (formal)For reasons of security, you are requested to keep your baggage with you at all times.with reason, without reasonThey complained about the food, and with good reason (= rightly).reason againstThere are obvious reasons against such a move.reason behindWe are trying to uncover the reasons behind her decision.reason forThey didn't give any reason for the delay.PHRASESall the more reasonIf he's unwell, that's all the more reason to go and see him.all sorts of reasonsPeople buy things for all sorts of reasons.every reason, little reason, some reasonI know you're angry with me, and you have every reason (= very good reasons) to be.You have little reason to be pleased with yourself.no reason, not any reasonHe got angry for no reason.You don't have any reason to complain.for reasons best known to yourselfFor reasons best known to herself she has turned down the offer.for some inexplicable reason, for some odd reason, for some strange reason, for some unfathomable reasonFor some odd reason, he found it really funny.for unexplained reasons, for unknown reasonsFor unknown reasons, the ship sank in the middle of the ocean.for whatever reasonpeople who, for whatever reason, are unable to support themselvesa number of reasons, a variety of reasonsrhyme or reasonThere's no rhyme or reason (= logic) to the new opening hours.not see any reason, see no reasonWe see no reason why this band shouldn't be a huge success.I don't see any reason why you can't come with us.there is ample reason, there are ample reasonsThere is ample reason to be optimistic about the economy.

2 power to think logically; what is possible/rightADJECTIVE | VERB + reason | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEhumanVERB + reasonloseHe seems to have lost all sense and reason.be open to, listen to, seeI tried to persuade her, but she just wouldn't listen to reason.defySometimes he does things that defy reason.PREPOSITIONbeyond reasonHe was beyond all reason.within reasonI'll lend you the money you need—within reason, of course!PHRASESan appeal to reasonThe residents hope that an appeal to reason (= asking the rioters to be reasonable) will end the rioting.faculty of reason, sense of reasonWe possess the human faculty of reason.it stands to reasonIt stands to reason (= it is logical) that she wouldn't want them to find out about her personal problems.the voice of reasonShe was always the voice of reason, persuading him not to buy things they couldn't afford.

II. verb

Reasonable is used with these nouns:

reasonable

reasonableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSappear, be, look, seem, soundconsider sth, judge sth, regard sth as, think sthADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.eminentlyentirely, perfectly, totally (esp. AmE)The police apparently thought this explanation perfectly reasonable.enoughHer request sounded reasonable enough to me.onlyIf companies expect work during personal time, it's only reasonable to allow personal time at work.

accuracy, alternative, amount, answer, approximation, argument, assumption, assurance, balance, belief, care, cause, certainty, chance, charge, comfort, compromise, conclusion, condition, confidence, deduction, demand, disagreement, distance, doubt, estimate, excuse, expectation, expense, explanation, fee, force, ground, guess, hope, inference, interpretation, length, level, limit, manner, notice, number, observer, offer, opportunity, percentage, person, possibility, precaution, price, profit, proportion, prospect, rate, recompense, request, requirement, restriction, return, safety, salary, settlement, size, standard, starting point, step, suggestion, sum, supposition, time, tone

reasonably

reasonablyadv.

Reasonably is used with these adjectives:

able, acceptable, accurate, balanced, bright, broad, capable, certain, cheap, clean, clear, close, coherent, comfortable, complete, confident, consistent, constant, content, decent, democratic, dry, easy, educated, effective, efficient, encouraging, fair, familiar, fast, free, generous, good, harmless, healthy, impartial, informed, intact, intelligent, large, light, likely, low, mild, objective, optimistic, peaceful, plain, plausible, pleasant, pleased, practicable, precise, predictable, presentable, proficient, prudent, quick, quiet, regular, reliable, representative, safe, sane, satisfied, short, sober, solid, sound, stable, straightforward, successful, sure, valid, wealthy, wide

Reasonably is used with these verbs:

act, argue, assume, behave, foresee, infer, predict, presume, price, regard, request, require

reasoned

reasonedadj.

Reasoned is used with these nouns:

argument, debate

reasoning

reasoningnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF REASONING | VERB + reasoning | reasoning + VERB | reasoning + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcareful, soundcircular, faulty, flawed, specious (formal)underlyingabstractpracticallogicaldeductive, inductivenon-verbal, verbalethical, judicial, legal, mathematical, moral, scientific, theologicalhuman… OF REASONINGpiecea rather confused piece of reasoningVERB + reasoningadopt, apply, employ, usethe reasoning adopted by the courtfollow, understandI can't quite follow your reasoning.acceptrejectexplainreasoning + VERBapplyThe same reasoning applies to the current situation.be based onTheir reasoning is based on a false analogy.suggestThis reasoning suggests the education process is simpler than it actually is.lead sb/sth to sthI cannot accept the reasoning that led the trial court to its decision.reasoning + NOUNprocessabilityPREPOSITIONin your reasoningthe circularity in their reasoningreasoning aboutreasoning about artreasoning behindMany people challenged the reasoning behind the proposal.PHRASESa flaw in your reasoninga form of reasoning, a kind of reasoning, a line of reasoningThe implication of this line of reasoning is that globalization of capital is destructive.power of reasoningShe seemed to have lost her powers of reasoning.

reassert

reassertverb

Reassert is used with these nouns as the object:

control

reassurance

reassurancenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + reassurance | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgreata littleConsumers need a little reassurance after all this bad publicity.littleShe received little reassurance or sympathy.furtherconstantcalmContinual calm reassurance should be given.falseA negative test result may give false reassurance.VERB + reassurancehaveWe have had some reassurances from the council that the building will be saved.need, wantlook for, seekHe glanced at her, seeking reassurance.find, get, receiveShe found reassurance in the high attendance at her lectures.bring (sb), give (sb), offer (sb), provide (sb with)A system of beliefs can bring you reassurance at times of stress.PREPOSITIONdespite reassuranceShe kept looking in the mirror despite my constant reassurances that her hair looked fine.for reassuranceHe held onto her hand for reassurance.in reassuranceI patted her shoulder in reassurance.reassurance about, reassurance onThe company tried to offer reassurance on the safety of its products.reassurance fromreassurances from the researchers about their work

reassure

reassureverb

verbADVERB | VERB + reassure | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBconstantlyHe was constantly reassuring himself that he had acted for the best.quicklyVERB + reassurebe able to, canhelp (to)seek to, try tohasten todo little to, do nothing todo a lot to, do much to (esp. BrE)The report will do much to reassure parents of children at the school.PREPOSITIONaboutThey tried to reassure the public about the safety of public transport.ofShe needed to be reassured of his love for her.withHe reassured her with a pat on the arm.PHRASESfeel reassuredKate nodded, but she didn't feel reassured.need reassuringOften parents simply need reassuring that their children are happy at school.

Reassure is used with these nouns as the object:

Reassuring is used with these nouns:

reassuring

reassuringadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbefind sthADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.immenselyhardly, not exactlyHer comment—‘You can always try again if you fail’—was hardly reassuring.vaguelyoddly, strangelysomehowPHRASESit is reassuring to hear, know, see, etc.

hand, hug, nod, pat, smile, squeeze

reassuringly

reassuringlyadv.

Reassuringly is used with these verbs:

rebate

rebatenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + rebate | rebate + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, generous, substantialfull, maximumcash (esp. AmE)The maximum cash rebate available is about $4 800.rate (BrE), rent (esp. BrE), taxShe's claiming a 100% tax rebate.VERB + rebatebe eligible for, be entitled to (esp. BrE)People on low incomes are entitled to a rebate of up to 80%.apply for (esp. BrE), claimget, receivegive sb, grant sbofferintroducerebate + NOUNscheme, system (both BrE)PREPOSITIONrebate onrebates on the new taxPHRASESa system of rebates (BrE)

rebel

rebelnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF REBELS | VERB + rebel | rebel + VERB | rebel + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEanti-governmentleftist (esp. AmE), left-wing, right-wingseparatistCommunist, Maoist, etc.formerarmedback-bench (BrE, politics)The Education Secretary has made further concessions to the back-bench rebels.… OF REBELSband, groupVERB + rebelback, help, supportThey sent in troops to back the rebels.attack, fightdefeatjoinleadrebel + VERBbe based … The rebels were based in camps along the border.advanceattack sth, fightcapture sth, gain control (of sth), regain control (of sth), seize sth, seize control (of sth), take control (of sth)The rebels seized control of the national radio headquarters.rebel + NOUNfaction, group, movementarmy, fighters, force, forces, militia, soldiers, troopscommander, leadercontrolThe southern parts of the country had fallen into rebel control.base, camp, position, strongholdactivity, advance, assault, attack, invasioncause, movementnew recruits to the rebel causePREPOSITIONagainst the rebelmilitary operations against the rebelsrebel againsta group of rebels against the emperorPHRASESa bit of a rebel, something of a rebel (esp. BrE)He's a bit of a rebel (= he doesn't like to obey rules).

rebel against

rebel againstphr verb

Rebel against is used with these nouns as the object:

authority, system

rebellion

rebellionnoun

noun1 attempt to change the government2 opposition to authority1 attempt to change the governmentADJECTIVE | VERB + rebellion | rebellion + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfull-scale, majorminor, smallopenarmedbloody, violentmilitarygrass-roots, popularA grass-roots rebellion has flared nationwide against the proposed law.peasant, slaveinternalThe country has been plagued by wars, civil wars, and internal rebellions.VERB + rebellionrise in, rise up inThe slaves rose up in rebellion.Simon de Montfort rose in rebellion in 1258.launch, raise (literary, esp. BrE), stageThey staged a rebellion against Spanish rule in Mexico.In July 1745 Charles sailed for Scotland to raise a rebellion in the Highlands.set off, spark off, startThe re-introduction of conscription sparked off a major rebellion.foment, incite, provokeattempts to foment rebellion in the governmentprovoke sb/sth toThe new taxes provoked the population to open rebellion.threatenThe party members threatened rebellion.jointake part inleadsupportcrush, put down, quell, suppressrebellion + VERBoccurPeasant rebellions occurred throughout the 16th century.begin, break outRebellion broke out in India.failPREPOSITIONin rebellionThey are in rebellion against the conservative hierarchy of the Church.rebellion againsta rebellion against the new regimerebellion overa rebellion over an increase in taxes

2 opposition to authorityADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEadolescent, teenage, youth, youthfulPREPOSITIONrebellion againstrebellion against their parentsPHRASESan act of rebelliona form of rebellion

rebellious

rebelliousadj.

Rebellious is used with these nouns:

streak, teenager

reboot

rebootnounverb

I. noun

Reboot is used after these nouns:

Reboot is used with these nouns as the object:

II. verb

computer, system

rebound

reboundverb

Rebound is used with these nouns as the subject:

ball, echo, economy

rebuff

rebuffnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + rebuff | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEsharphumiliatingelectoral (BrE)The party suffered a humiliating electoral rebuff in 1945.VERB + rebuffmeet (sth) with, receive, sufferHer efforts were met with a sharp rebuff.PREPOSITIONa rebuff toIn a rebuff to the president, Congress voted against the bill.rebuff fromShe suffered a rebuff from her manager when she raised the matter.

rebuild

rebuildverb

verbADVERB | VERB + rebuild | PHRASESADVERBcompletely, entirely, totallyThe hall had to be completely rebuilt after the fire.virtually (esp. BrE)The whole structure was virtually rebuilt.extensively, largely, substantiallyquickly, slowlypartially, partlypainstakinglyVERB + rebuildbegin to, start toShe was just beginning to rebuild her life.try tohelp (to)The international community must step in to help rebuild the country.PHRASESnewly rebuilt, recently rebuiltrebuild sth from scratchMuch of the damaged vehicle had to be rebuilt from scratch.

Rebuild is used with these nouns as the object:

confidence, country, defence, economy, life, road, trust

rebuilding

rebuildingnoun

Rebuilding is used before these nouns:

effort, programme

rebuke

rebukenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + rebuke | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEharsh, scathing, sharp, stern, stinging, stronggentle, mildsilentimplicit (esp. AmE), impliedpublicVERB + rebukereceivedraw, earn (sb)Even one minute's lateness would earn a stern rebuke.acceptHe meekly accepted the rebuke.deliver, offerUrban voters might deliver a sharp rebuke to Congress.If the general found his authority questioned he invariably offered a sharp rebuke.PREPOSITIONrebuke forrebuke fromThey received a public rebuke from Secretary General for their handling of the matter.rebuke toHe hit back with a stinging rebuke to his critics.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBsharplygentlypubliclyPREPOSITIONforShe rebuked herself sharply for her stupidity.

rebut

rebutverb

Rebut is used with these nouns as the object:

argument, charge

recall

recallnounverb

I. noun

Recall is used before these nouns:

election, petition, vote

II. verbADVERB | VERB + recall | PHRASESADVERBclearly, distinctly, vividly, wellI well recall walking the five miles to school every morning.dimly, faintly, vaguelyaccurately, correctlyIf I recall correctly, he lives in Luton.easilyShe could easily recall the smell of the orange groves.suddenlyfondly, wistfullyI am old enough now to wistfully recall moments of my youth.stillBecky could still recall that first meeting clearly.VERB + recallseem toI seem to recall that she said she was going away.be able to, canbe unable to, cannotI couldn't quite recall the date.try toPHRASESrecall how … She recalled how she would go for walks along the beach late at night.recall seeing, reading, hearing, etc. sthI recall reading in an interview that he loved to cook.

Recall is used with these nouns as the object:

ambassador, childhood, conversation, encounter, event, governor, image, incident, instance, memory, model, moment, occasion, parliament, scene, word

recall from

recall fromphr verb

Recall from is used with these nouns as the object:

exile

recapture

recaptureverb

Recapture is used with these nouns as the object:

magic, past, splendour, territory, youth

recede

recedeverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBa bit, a little, slightly, somewhatHis fine dark hair was receding a little.furthergradually, slowlyThe pain was gradually receding.fast, quickly, rapidlyThe January flood waters receded as fast as they had risen.backThe water receded back to its mysterious depths.PREPOSITIONfromThese worries now receded from his mind.PHRASESrecede into the background, recede into the distanceHis footsteps receded into the distance.

Recede is used with these nouns as the subject:

footstep, pain, sea, tide, water

recede into

recede intophr verb

Recede into is used with these nouns as the object:

background

receding

recedingadj.

Receding is used with these nouns:

chin, footstep

receipt

receiptnoun

noun1 piece of paper showing what was paid for2 act of receiving sth3 receipts money received1 piece of paper showing what was paid forADJECTIVE | VERB + receipt | receipt + VERB | receipt + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEATM (esp. AmE), credit-cardoriginalpaperThe machine issues a paper receipt on request.VERB + receiptask (sb) forneedDo you need a receipt?get, obtainreceivehaveCould I have a receipt for that please?make out, write, write outa receipt made out for £5signgive sb, issue, print, print out, providekeep, saveYou can claim a refund provided you keep the receipt.produce, submitThe original receipt must be produced in order to reclaim your goods.receipt + VERBshowHis credit-card receipts show he was in New York at the time.receipt + NOUNbookprinter (AmE)There was a little receipt printer on the counter.PREPOSITIONreceipt forShe issued a receipt for the goods.

2 act of receiving sthVERB + receipt | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + receiptacknowledgeI would be grateful if you would acknowledge receipt of this letter.PREPOSITIONin receipt oforganizations in receipt of UN fundingon receipt of, upon receipt of (both esp. BrE)The goods will be sent on receipt of your payment.PHRASESthe date for receiptThe closing date for receipt of your application is July 14.receipt of payment (esp. BrE)Upon receipt of payment by the bank, the goods will be dispatched.within 7, etc. days of receiptItems should be paid for within 14 days of receipt.

3 receipts money receivedADJECTIVE | VERB + RECEIPTS | RECEIPTS + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgross, totalCash income is calculated by subtracting total trading income from total receipts.netannualcapital (BrE)corporate tax (esp. AmE), federal tax (AmE), income tax, taxcashdollar, euro, etc.box-office, gate, match-day (BrE)VERB + RECEIPTSreceiveRECEIPTS + VERBriseTax receipts rose 2.5%.reach sthCash receipts reached £70 million.decline, fall, slumpGate receipts have fallen compared to last season.PREPOSITIONreceipt fromreceipts from land salesPHRASESreceipts and expenditure, receipts and expenditures (both esp. AmE)an estimation of the receipts and expenditure for this financial yearreceipts and payments

receivable

receivableadj.

Receivable is used with these nouns:

Receive is used with these nouns as the subject:

receive

receiveverb

verb1 get/accept sth2 react to sth in a particular way1 get/accept sthADVERB | VERB + receive | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBregularlyautomaticallyYou will automatically receive updates by text message.currentlyThey currently receive subsidies from the government.just, recentlyI just received a call from a concerned parent.gratefullyAny help or donations will be gratefully received.VERB + receivebe entitled toYou might be entitled to receive housing benefit.expect toYou can expect to receive compensation for all direct expenses arising out of the accident.PREPOSITIONfromI received a package from my mother.PHRASESsend and receive, transmit and receivea device for sending and receiving electronic signals

2 react to sth in a particular wayADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBenthusiastically, favourably/favorably, warmly, wellThe play was very well received.badlyThe speech was badly received by Republican leaders.PREPOSITIONwithThe news was received with dismay.

aerial, employee, patient, winner

Receive is used with these nouns as the object:

acclaim, accolade, acknowledgement, advance, advice, affection, aid, allocation, allowance, answer, antibiotic, apology, applause, appointment, approach, approval, assent, assignment, assistance, assurance, asylum, attention, award, backing, beating, benefit, bequest, bid, bill, blessing, blow, bonus, boost, briefing, broadcast, bursary, call, card, care, caution, certificate, charter, cheque, citizenship, clearance, command, comment, commission, communication, communion, communiqué, compensation, complaint, compliment, confirmation, congratulations, consent, consideration, contract, copy, correspondence, counselling, coupon, coverage, credit, criticism, damage, decoration, degree, delivery, deputation, detention, diagnosis, diploma, directive, discharge, discount, dividend, doctorate, document, donation, dose, education, electric shock, email, emphasis, encouragement, endorsement, enquiry, entry, equivalent, evaluation, exemption, explanation, exposure, expression, extension, favour, fax, fee, feedback, fine, first aid, flower, forgiveness, fund, funding, gift, grade, grant, guarantee, guest, guidance, handout, help, hit, honour, impetus, impression, imprisonment, incentive, income, indication, inducement, influx, information, inheritance, injection, injury, input, instruction, interest, invitation, invoice, jolt, kick, kindness, kiss, knighthood, kudos, legacy, letter, licence, loan, love, mail, maintenance, mandate, mark, massage, medal, medication, memento, memo, mention, merchandise, mercy, message, modification, money, news, nod, notice, notification, nourishment, nutrition, offer, order, ovation, oxygen, package, parcel, pardon, pass, pay, payment, penalty, pension, permission, permit, physiotherapy, plaque, postcard, praise, preference, premiere, premium, preparation, present, prize, probation, promotion, proposal, publicity, punishment, questionnaire, résumé, rainfall, rating, ration, reassurance, rebate, rebuff, rebuke, receipt, reception, recognition, recommendation, recompense, reduction, refund, registration, reinforcement, relief, reminder, rent, reply, report, representation, reprieve, reprimand, request, response, result, return, review, reward, ridicule, royalty, salary, scholarship, schooling, score, sentence, service, setback, settlement, share, shipment, shock, showing, signal, slap, slip, snub, social security, sponsorship, stitch, submission, subscription, subsidy, sum, summons, supervision, supply, support, suspension, telegram, thanks, therapy, threat, ticket, tip-off, total, traffic, training, transfusion, transmission, transplant, treatment, trophy, tuition, ultimatum, update, vaccine, vision, visit, visitor, vote, voucher, wage, warning, welcome, welfare, windfall, wound, writ

received

receivedadj.

Received is used with these nouns:

wisdom

receiver

receivernoun

noun1 part of a telephone2 piece of radio/television equipment3 person in charge of a bankrupt company1 part of a telephoneADJECTIVE | VERB + receiver | receiver + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEphone, telephoneVERB + receiverlift, pick upShe took a deep breath and lifted the receiver off its hook.grab, snatch upholdcoverHe covered the receiver and mouthed, ‘It's him.’put back, put down, replacebang down, slam downHe slammed the receiver down and burst into tears.dropreceiver + VERBdangleThe receiver was dangling from the payphone.PREPOSITIONover the receiver‘It's your mother on the phone again!’ said Juan with his hand over the receiver.PHRASEShold the receiver to your ear, put the receiver to your earShe picked up the receiver and put it to her ear.

2 piece of radio/television equipmentADJECTIVE | receiver + NOUNADJECTIVEhand-held, portableGPSHDTV, satellite, televisionFM, radio, stereoreceiver + NOUNmodule, unitTo change channels, select the desired number on the receiver unit.antenna

3 person in charge of a bankrupt companyADJECTIVE | VERB + receiver | PHRASESADJECTIVEofficial (BrE)court-appointed (AmE)administrative (BrE)VERB + receiverappoint, appoint sb (as)call in (esp. BrE)They had to lay off 200 staff and call in the receivers.PHRASESin the hands of the receiver (esp. BrE)The company remained in the hands (= under the control) of the receiver.

recent

recentadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBverycomparatively, fairly, pretty, quite, rather, relativelya relatively recent development

Recent is used with these nouns:

acquisition, addition, advance, appearance, appointment, arrival, bereavement, biography, book, break-in, breakthrough, controversy, convert, decade, development, disappearance, discovery, edition, election, emergence, emphasis, encounter, estimate, event, excavation, experience, find, finding, flurry, furore, graduate, hire, history, immigrant, improvement, incarnation, incident, influx, initiative, innovation, introduction, literature, memory, month, move, news, novel, offering, origin, outbreak, painting, past, phenomenon, photograph, poll, popularity, post, posting, preoccupation, publication, rally, recording, recruit, reduction, release, renovation, report, research, revelation, revision, revival, ruling, scandal, series, setback, slump, speculation, study, success, surge, time, tragedy, trend, trouble, turmoil, update, upsurge, version, vintage, visit, wave, work, writer, year

recently recently arrived

recently arrivedadj.

Recently arrived is used with these nouns:

reception

receptionnoun

noun1 (esp. BrE) area in a building2 formal party3 type of welcome given to sb/sth4 quality of radio/television signals1 (esp. BrE) area in a buildingVERB + reception | reception + NOUN | PREPOSITIONVERB + receptionreport toAll delegates should report to the reception on arrival.call, call down to, phone, ring (BrE)reception + NOUNarea, lobby (AmE)counter, desk (AmE, BrE)hallstaffPREPOSITIONat reception (BrE), at the receptionThe man at the reception says there's a call for you.I've left the keys at reception.in receptionPlease wait for me downstairs in reception.The documents are in reception.on receptionI've been on reception (= working at the reception desk) the whole morning.

2 formal partyADJECTIVE | VERB + reception | reception + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, largelavishsmallformal, informalofficialspecialgalaeveningopening, welcome (esp. AmE)The opening reception of the exhibition was attended by many well-known figures from the art world.civic (BrE), diplomatic, weddingchampagne (esp. BrE), cocktail (esp. AmE)a White House cocktail receptionVERB + receptionattendgive, have, hold, hostAre you having a big reception after the wedding?organizeinvite sb toFriends and family are invited to a reception after the ceremony.reception + NOUNroomTables were set out in the embassy's beautiful reception room.PREPOSITIONat a/the receptionWe met at a reception.reception fora reception for the Japanese trade delegation

3 type of welcome given to sb/sthADJECTIVE | VERB + reception | reception + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEenthusiastic, favourable/favorable, friendly, good, great, positive, rapturous, rousing, sympathetic, warmlukewarm, mixed, tepidbad, chilly, cold, cool, frosty, hostilecriticalcritical reception to a moviepublicVERB + receptionenjoy, get, have, meet, meet with, receiveThe plan has had a somewhat mixed reception from local people.The returning soldiers received a rousing reception.expectThe managers did not expect a sympathetic reception from the striking workers.give sb/sthShe was given a rapturous reception by the crowd.reception + NOUNpartyA reception party of soldiers was there to greet the visiting head of state.centre/centera reception centre/center for visitorsa reception centre for children who have run away from home (BrE)PREPOSITIONreception bythe book's reception by reviewersreception froma cool reception from the crowdreception intoreception into the monastic orderreception tothe positive reception to the speech

4 quality of radio/television signalsADJECTIVEADJECTIVEgood, strongTelevision reception is very good in this area.bad, poor, weakradio, satellite, television, TV

receptive

receptiveadj.

Receptive is used with these nouns:

audience, ear, vocabulary

recess

recessnoun

noun1 period when a parliament, etc. does not meet2 (AmE) a period of time between classes at school3 part of sth that is farther back4 (usually recesses) part furthest from the light1 period when a parliament, etc. does not meetADJECTIVE | VERB + recess | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEAugust (AmE), Christmas (esp. BrE), Easter (esp. AmE), holiday (AmE), summer, Whitsun (BrE), winter (AmE)Congress returns from its August recess Tuesday.Parliament is taking the Christmas recess a little early this year.The bill has to be passed before the holiday recess.congressional, parliamentarybrief, short (both esp. AmE)The court will take a brief recess while the witness composes herself.month-long, two-month, week-long, etc.VERB + recessgo into, rise for (BrE, formal), stand in (AmE, formal), takeThe Senate will go into recess after Thanksgiving.Parliament is due to rise for the summer recess on July 20.The Florida court stands in recess.return fromcallThe judge called a short recess.PREPOSITIONin recessCongress has been in recess for over a month.The decision cannot be made while the council is in recess.

2 (AmE) a period of time between classes at schoolADJECTIVE | VERB + recess | recess + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElunchVERB + recessspendhaveWe had lunch and then we had recess.recess + NOUNbelltimeI believe kids need more recess time.PREPOSITIONat recessHe wouldn't play with me at recess.

3 part of sth that is farther backADJECTIVE | VERB + recess | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdeepshallow, smalldarkwindowVERB + recesscreatePREPOSITIONin recess, inside recessblinds fitted inside a window recessrecess inThere are small recesses in the wall beside the door.

4 (usually recesses) part furthest from the lightADJECTIVE | VERB + recess | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdark, deep, dimHe stared into the dark recesses of the room.far, inner, innermost (figurative)He searched the innermost recesses of his soul.hiddenVERB + recesshide in, lurk in (figurative)fears lurking deep in the recesses of our mindspush sth into, push sth to (both figurative)I had continually pushed my doubts to the darker recesses of my mind.PREPOSITIONin the recess of, within the recess ofThe statue was in the inner recesses of the temple.PHRASESthe recesses of your brain, heart, soul, etc. (figurative)

recessed

recessedadj.

Recessed is used with these nouns:

lighting, panel

recession

recessionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + recession | recession + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbad, deep, major, serious, severe, sharp, steepIt was the worst recession since the war.mild, shallowdouble-dip (= a second decrease after a period of improvement) (esp. AmE)The US managed to avoid a double-dip recession.long, prolongedshort, short-livedimpending, loomingdeepeningglobal, international, national, world, worldwideeconomic, industrialVERB + recessioncause, induce, triggerenter, go into, move intofall into, plunge (sth) into, push sth into, sink into, slide into, slip into, throw sth into, tip (sth) intoA rise in interest rates plunged Britain deeper into recession.experience, suffer, suffer fromGermany was suffering a steep recession.deepen, prolongThese reforms will only deepen the recession.combat, fightavoid, beat, preventclimb out of, come out of, emerge from, get (sth) out of, lead sth out of, move out of, pull (sth) out ofactive policies to pull the country out of recessionendescape, escape fromride out, survive, weatherAs dozens of companies go out of business, others are riding out the recession.worsenrecession + VERBbegin, startendloomWith a recession looming, consumers are spending less.hit sthThe country has been hit by recession.bottom outPREPOSITIONin (a/the) recessionThe economy is in deep recession.PHRASESthe depth of the recessionthe effects of the recession, the impact of the recessionin the depths of a recession, in times of recessionrecovery from (the) recession, a way out of the recession

recessive

recessiveadj.

Recessive is used with these nouns:

gene

recharge

rechargeverb

Recharge is used with these nouns as the object:

battery, cellphone, mobile phone

rechargeable

rechargeableadj.

Rechargeable is used with these nouns:

recharger

rechargernoun

Recharger is used after these nouns:

recidivism

recidivismnoun

Recidivism is used before these nouns:

recipe

recipenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + recipe | recipe + VERB | recipe + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgooddelicious, mouth-watering, tastyhealthy, low-fatEach month we feature easy low-fat recipes.favourite/favoritebasicThe basic recipe can be adapted by adding grated lemon peel.easy, simplecomplicatednewI tried a new recipe and it was a great success.authentic, classic, old, original, traditionalThe ales are brewed to an original Yorkshire recipe.secret, specialfamilyvegetarianItalian, Mexican, etc.cake, sauce, etc.perfect (usually figurative)It's the perfect recipe for business success.sure, sure-fire (both figurative)That sounds like a sure-fire recipe for disaster.VERB + recipeget, haveI have a good recipe for fudge.giveThis is delicious—can you give me the recipe?cook, make, prepareThis recipe can also be made with ricotta cheese.try, try outI enjoy trying out new recipes.readfollow, stick to, useIf you want the dish to turn out right you should follow the recipe.adaptcreate, deviseAll the recipes in the book have been devised by our team of experts.discover, findHe is credited with having discovered the first recipe for gin back in the 1600s.shareThey talk and share their recipes.feature, offer, print, publishThe website offers cocktail recipes and tips.recipe + VERBcall for sth, require sth, use sthShe always said that if a recipe calls for cream you shouldn't use yogurt instead.contain sth, include sthThe recipe contains lots of fat.make sth, serve sbThis recipe makes about thirty cookies.This recipe serves four people.recipe + NOUNbook, cardideaa magazine filled with recipe ideasPREPOSITIONto a recipeThe dish is made to a traditional Italian recipe.recipe fora recipe for leek soupTo live every day to the full is a recipe for happiness. (figurative)PHRASESa recipe for disaster, a recipe for success

recipient

recipientnoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElargestmain, majorintendedShe was not the intended recipient of the reward.ultimatethe ultimate recipient of the moneysuitablethe difficulties of matching a donor kidney with the most suitable recipientworthyHe was a worthy recipient of the Nobel Prize.passiveWe are passive recipients of information from the world around us.unwillingluckyOur 1 000th member will be the lucky recipient of a mystery gift.benefit (BrE), welfare (esp. AmE)organ, transplantaward, grant, scholarship (all esp. AmE)PREPOSITIONrecipient ofHe was the recipient of a distinguished service award.

reciprocal

reciprocaladj.

Reciprocal is used with these nouns:

arrangement, exchange, relationship, visit

reciprocate

reciprocateverb

Reciprocate is used with these nouns as the object:

feeling, love

recital

recitalnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + recital | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEsololunchtime (esp. BrE)organ, piano, etc.poetry, songballet, dance (both esp. AmE)VERB + recitalgive, perform, playattend, go tolisten toPREPOSITIONrecital bya recital by the Grieg Trioin recitalAnna Netrebko in recital

recite

reciteverb

Recite is used with these nouns as the object:

alphabet, line, lyrics, monologue, passage, pledge, poem, poetry, prayer, rhyme, verse, word

reckless

recklessadj.

Reckless is used with these nouns:

disregard, driver, driving, expansion, gamble, indifference, manslaughter

recklessly

recklesslyadv.

Recklessly is used with these verbs:

drive, endanger

reckon

reckonverb

Reckon is used with these nouns as the subject:

Reclaim is used after these nouns:

reclaim

reclaimnounverb

I. noun

baggage

II. verb

Reclaim is used with these nouns as the object:

heritage, identity, land, tax, throne

reclamation

reclamationnoun

Reclamation is used after these nouns:

reclassify

reclassifyverb

Reclassify is used with these nouns as the object:

marijuana

recline

reclineverb

Recline is used with these nouns as the object:

reclining

recliningadj.

Reclining is used with these nouns:

Recognizable is used with these nouns:

recognition

recognitionnoun

noun1 remembering/identifying sb/sth2 accepting that sth exists/is true; public praise/reward1 remembering/identifying sb/sthADJECTIVE | … OF RECOGNITION | VERB + recognition | recognition + VERB | recognition + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEimmediate, instantearly, promptthe early recognition of a diseasedawningbrand, nameOne of the main goals of marketing is name recognition.worda test of children's word recognitioncharacter, face, fingerprint, handwriting, speech, text, voiceautomatic, computerthe automatic recognition of handwriting by computer… OF RECOGNITIONflicker, signShe stared directly at the witness but he did not show a flicker of recognition (= he did not show that he recognized her).VERB + recognitionshowavoidHe pulled the hood of his cloak over his head to avoid recognition.allow, facilitateThe monitoring system allows recognition of pollution hot spots.recognition + VERBdawnRecognition slowly dawned, and I remembered her from my college days.recognition + NOUNsoftware, system, technologyPREPOSITIONbeyond (all) recognition (figurative)Many of those interviewed said their job had changed beyond recognition (= changed completely) over the past five years.out of (all) recognition (figurative)The equipment and methods of production have improved out of all recognition (= greatly improved).without recognitionHe looked up, glanced at them without recognition, and went on his way.PHRASESrecognition in sb's eyesThere was no recognition in his eyes (= he did not look as if he recognized her).

2 accepting that sth exists/is true; public praise/rewardADJECTIVE | VERB + recognition | recognition + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfullspecialThe judges selected three projects for special recognition.appropriate, due, proper, well-deservedinsufficientgreater, growing, increasingThere needs to be a greater recognition of corporate crime as a social problem.clear, explicit, overtimplicitapparentpositiveequalequal recognition for the work women domutualimmediate, instantbelated, overdueThe award is being made in belated recognition of her services to the industry.Recognition of his talent was long overdue.individual, personalpersonal recognition for your achievementsgeneral, universal, wide, widespreadThe young talent at the club deserves wider recognition.international, national, worldwidepublic, socialprofessionaldiplomaticformal, legal, legislative, officialfederal, government, statede factoTwelve states have accorded de facto recognition to the new regime.VERB + recognitionachieve, attain, earn sb, gain, garner (esp. AmE), get, obtain, receive, winHis recitals have earned him recognition as a talented performer.deserve, meritrequireBoth of these perspectives are valid and require recognition.implyThey claim that signature of the peace accord did not imply recognition of the state's sovereignty.ask for, call for, demand, request, seekapply forqualify forto qualify for UN recognition as an International Biosphere Reserveaccord sb/sth, give sb/sth, grant sb/sthdeny sb/sth, refuse sb/sthrecognition + VERBcomeOfficial recognition of the change came fast.PREPOSITIONin recognition ofan award in recognition of his outstanding workwithout recognitionShe has worked actively but without recognition.recognition asa country that has long sought recognition as a major powerrecognition by, recognition fromrecognition by his superiors of the service he had performedrecognition forThey received recognition for their 20-year commitment to safety at sea.PHRASESa lack of recognitionrecognition of the importance of sth, recognition of the need for stha struggle for recognition

recognizable

recognizableadj.

(BrE also -isable) adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecomeremainmake sb/sththe mannerisms that make him instantly recognizableADVERBclearly, completely, easily, highly, immediately, instantly, quite, readilyJohn's car was easily recognizable.a building that was immediately recognizable as a prisonuniversallyThe brand has a universally recognizable logo.barely, hardly, scarcely (esp. BrE)PREPOSITIONasa language barely recognizable as Englishbyrecognizable by their distinctive uniformstoThe project's benefits were recognizable to all interest groups.

Recognize is used with these nouns as the subject:

recognize

recognizeverb

(BrE also -ise) verb1 know sb/sth again2 understand or acknowledge sth3 accept sth officially1 know sb/sth againADVERB | VERB + recognize | PREPOSITIONADVERBimmediately, instantlyI immediately recognized the building.correctly, wellShe recognized the song correctly.easilyThis is the only species of flamingo in the region, easily recognized by its pink plumage.barely, hardlyStella hardly recognized her brother.vaguelyI vaguely recognized his voice, but couldn't think of his name.VERB + recognizelearn toYou learn to recognize the calls of different birds.be easy toPREPOSITIONasHe recognized the man as one of the police officers.byI recognized her by her red hair.fromI recognized them from a television show.

2 understand or acknowledge sthADVERB | VERB + recognize | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBclearly, fullyThey fully recognize the need to proceed carefully.belatedly, finallyThe government has belatedly recognized the danger to health of passive smoking.readilyHe readily recognizes the influence of Freud on his thinking.rightlyThe 1970s are rightly recognized as a golden era of Hollywood film-making.VERB + recognizemust, need tobegin tobe slow toThe company had been slow to recognize the opportunities available to it.fail toPREPOSITIONasThis issue must be recognized as a priority for the next administration.PHRASESbe commonly recognized, be generally recognized, be universally recognized, be widely recognizedbe increasingly recognizedThe strength of this argument is being increasingly recognized.failure to recognize sthit is important to recognize sthIt's important to recognize that obesity isn't necessarily caused by overeating.

3 accept sth officiallyADVERB | VERB + recognize | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBclearlyThe law clearly recognizes that a company is separate from those who invest in it.federally (AmE), formally, legally, officiallyglobally, internationally, nationallyThe estuary is recognized internationally as an important area for wildlife.publiclyThe company should publicly recognize its mistake.explicitly, implicitlyThe court explicitly recognized the group's right to exist.Criminal law implicitly recognizes a difference between animals and property.currentlyDo any US states currently recognize gay marriage?VERB + recognizeagree torefuse toPREPOSITIONasAll rivers should be officially recognized as public rights of way.PHRASESbe legally recognizedA bill of exchange is a legally recognized document.a refusal to recognize sth

law, treaty

Recognize is used with these nouns as the object:

ability, accomplishment, achievement, authority, benefit, breed, category, complexity, contribution, danger, debt, difference, distinction, enormity, error, excellence, existence, extent, fact, failing, folly, futility, handwriting, impact, importance, inadequacy, independence, inevitability, influence, landmark, limit, limitation, link, marriage, merit, mistake, nature, necessity, need, pattern, plight, possibility, potential, problem, reality, republic, responsibility, right, role, seriousness, shortcoming, sign, signature, significance, similarity, sovereignty, status, symptom, syndrome, talent, trait, type, union, validity, value, voice, weakness, worth, writing, wrong

recognized

recognizedadj.

Recognized is used with these nouns:

Recommend is used with these nouns as the subject:

recoil

recoilverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBa bit, a little, slightlyinstinctivelyAs he leaned forward she instinctively recoiled.instantlyviolentlyPREPOSITIONatCarlos recoiled a little at the sharpness in my voice.fromShe felt him recoil from her, frightened.inHe recoiled in apparent disgust.

recollection

recollectionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + recollection | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEclear, distinct, vividdim, faint, hazy, vagueearliestchildhoodsuddenpainfulfondHe has fond recollections of his first visit to Europe.personalVERB + recollectionhave (no)I have only a vague recollection of sunshine and sand.I have absolutely no recollection of the incident.shareIt was great to meet with old friends and share recollections.smile at, smile inHe smiled fondly at the recollection.She smiled faintly in recollection of all the fun times they'd had together.PREPOSITIONin recollectionShe stared at him in sudden recollection.recollection fromrecollections from Eliot's own liferecollection ofThe novel is based on recollections of his childhood in Shanghai.PHRASESto the best of your recollectionTo the best of my recollection (= if I remember correctly), he was not there that day.

recommend

recommendverb

verb1 say that sb/sth is good2 advise sb to do sth1 say that sb/sth is goodADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBhighly, thoroughlyThis book is highly recommended by teachers.certainly, definitelyI definitely recommend this movie.enthusiastically, heartily, unreservedly, warmly, wholeheartedlypersonallyConsult a lawyer who is personally recommended to you.PREPOSITIONforWho would you recommend for the job?toI can recommend this book to anyone interested in food.PHRASESsth has a lot to recommend it, sth has much to recommend itYour idea has much to recommend it.

2 advise sb to do sthADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBstronglyI would strongly recommend that you get professional advice.particularly, specificallycommonly, generally, routinely, typicallyIn the 1990s, doctors routinely recommended hormone replacement therapy.unanimouslyThe commission unanimously recommended the proposal.PREPOSITIONforFood supplements are sometimes recommended for diabetic patients.toHere are a few safeguards I recommend to my clients.

authority, committee, conference, expert, guideline, manual, panel, report, review, vet, veterinarian

Recommend is used with these nouns as the object:

adoption, approval, book, counselling, creation, dentist, disc, dish, establishment, exercise, guideline, improvement, modification, practice, procedure, reservation, restaurant, revision, surgery, treatment, use

recommendation

recommendationnoun

noun1 official suggestion2 saying sb/sth is good/suitable1 official suggestionADJECTIVE | … OF RECOMMENDATIONS | VERB + recommendation | recommendation + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfirm, strongclearunanimousdetailedspecificbroad, generalThe committee put forward broad recommendations for the improvement of safety at swimming pools.far-reaching, wide-ranging (esp. BrE)The report made wide-ranging recommendations for government.importantcentral, key, main, major, principalpositivepracticalWhat are your practical recommendations for a healthy diet?first, initialfinalfurtherdraftwrittenmedical, official, practicalpolicy, safety, treatmentdietary… OF RECOMMENDATIONSlist, series, setVERB + recommendationcome up with, develop, formulate, make, produceThe committee has produced a set of recommendations on ethics in health care.give, issue, offer, present, provide, put forward, submitpublish, releaseoutline, summarizeconsider, discuss, reviewagree withdisagree withaccept, adopt, approve, endorseThe UN Security Council endorsed the recommendation submitted by the Secretary General.rejectact on, carry out, follow, implementThe government gave assurances that it would implement the recommendations in full.enforcesupportopposeignorebe in accordance with, be in line withto develop a plan in line with the recommendations of national policybase sth onThe design of the breakwater was based on the recommendations of an engineering study.recommendation + VERBarise from sth, be based on sth, follow sth, follow from sth, relate to stha detailed set of recommendations following a comprehensive examination of the subjectcall for sth, propose sth, state sth, suggest sthThe Senate recommendation stated that the privatization of public hospitals should stop.be aimed at sthrecommendations aimed at achieving a more equitable admissions policyPREPOSITIONat sb/sth's recommendation, on sb/sth's recommendation, upon sb/sth's recommendationAt the recommendation of a psychiatrist, the accused will remain under observation.I had the operation on the recommendation of my doctor.recommendation about, recommendation as to, recommendation concerning, recommendation onrecommendations on how health and safety standards might be improvedrecommendation by, recommendation fromrecommendations by the judgesrecommendation forrecommendations for improving the quality of servicerecommendation tothe board's recommendations to the ministerrecommendation with regard to, recommendation with respect torecommendations with regard to management procedures

2 saying sb/sth is good/suitableADJECTIVE | VERB + recommendation | recommendation + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEenthusiastic, glowing, highThese two albums get my highest recommendation.personalIt's best to find a builder through personal recommendation.word-of-mouthMany companies hire through word-of-mouth recommendations from existing employees.VERB + recommendationgive sb/sthget, receivecome on, come withThe new housekeeper came on the highest recommendation.The chef comes with her recommendation.recommendation + NOUNletter (AmE)Will you write me a recommendation letter?PREPOSITIONat sb's recommendation, on sb's recommendation, upon sb's recommendationWe went to Malibu on your recommendation (= because you recommended it).PHRASESa letter of recommendation (esp. AmE)I sent them a résumé and three letters of recommendation.

recommended

recommendedadj.

Recommended is used with these nouns:

dosage, dose, guideline, intake, level, limit, maximum, minimum, practice, price, procedure, reading, text, treatment

recompense

recompensenoun

noun (formal)ADJECTIVE | VERB + recompense | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEreasonable (BrE, law), sufficientfinancial (esp. BrE)VERB + recompensehaveAll struggles should have their recompense.expectget, receivegive (sth in), pay (sth in)Substantial damages were paid in recompense.PREPOSITIONas recompense, in recompenseShe received a gift as recompense.recompense forHe was given £1 000 in recompense for his loss.recompense fromrecompense from the government

reconcile

reconcileverb

Reconcile is used with these nouns as the object:

belief, difference, discrepancy, inconsistency

reconciliation

reconciliationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + reconciliation | reconciliation + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgenuine, truefullnationalpolitical, racial (AmE)VERB + reconciliationseekHe sought reconciliation with those he had stolen from.attemptThe pair are bravely attempting a reconciliation.achieve, bring (esp. AmE), bring about, effect, makethe power of love to bring renewal and reconciliationHe is striving to bring about a reconciliation between the two conflicting sides.promote, work forcall forThe rebel leader called for reconciliation with the armed forces.reconciliation + NOUNagreementprocessPREPOSITIONreconciliation betweenThey aimed to secure a lasting reconciliation between the two countries.reconciliation withShe attempted reconciliation with her estranged brother.PHRASESan attempt at reconciliationa gesture of reconciliationIn a bold gesture of reconciliation, the government released the rebel leader.a policy of reconciliation, a spirit of reconciliation

reconnaissance

reconnaissancenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + reconnaissance | reconnaissance + VERB | reconnaissance + NOUNADJECTIVEinitial, preliminarymaritime, militaryaerial, air, satelliteSpotter planes made a preliminary aerial reconnaissance of the island.VERB + reconnaissancecarry out, conduct, do, make, performprovidereconnaissance + VERBreveal sthReconnaissance revealed not a single large ship.reconnaissance + NOUNflight, mission, operationparty, patrol, team, unitaircraft, planesatellite

reconsider

reconsiderverb

Reconsider is used with these nouns as the object:

decision, idea, view

reconstruct

reconstructverb

verbADVERB | VERB + reconstruct | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBcompletelypartiallycarefully, painstakinglyEvery aspect of the original has been closely studied and painstakingly reconstructed.accuratelyVERB + reconstructattempt to, try tobe possible toIt is not possible to reconstruct the complete symphony from these manuscript sketches.PREPOSITIONfromLocal historians have reconstructed from contemporary descriptions how the hall may have looked in 1300.PHRASESan attempt to reconstruct sth

Reconstruct is used with these nouns as the object:

history, past

reconstruction

reconstructionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + reconstruction | reconstruction + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEmajorcomplete, totalradicallarge, large-scale, life-sizea life-size reconstruction of a Viking longboataccuratethree-dimensionaldramatic (esp. BrE)a dramatic reconstruction of school life in the 1940snationalThe country faces a huge task of national reconstruction following the war.post-conflict, post-wareconomic, historical, political, socialsurgicalsurgical reconstruction of his mouthbreast, facial, etc.VERB + reconstructionundergoThe bombed city is now undergoing extensive reconstruction.undertakeA group of enthusiasts have undertaken the reconstruction of a steam locomotive.perform, stage (BrE)The police staged a reconstruction of the events leading up to the murder.overseerequirereconstruction + NOUNperiodeffort, workcontractcompanies bidding for post-war reconstruction contractsplan, programme/program, project, scheme (BrE)a large-scale urban reconstruction projectmethod, techniquecostreconstruction costs following the cycloneaid, assistance, moneyfundsurgerybreast reconstruction surgeryPHRASESa reconstruction based on stha historical reconstruction based on contemporary documents

reconstructive

reconstructiveadj.

Reconstructive is used with these nouns:

surgery

reconvene

reconveneverb

Reconvene is used with these nouns as the subject:

Record is used with these nouns as the subject:

record

recordnounverb

I. noun1 account2 best result, highest level, etc.3 sb's performance in a particular area4 (old-fashioned) music1 accountADJECTIVE | VERB + record | record + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEformalNo formal record of the marriage now survives.official, publicpermanentaccurate, careful, exactThere is no exact record of the number of accidents.up-to-dateadequate, proper, reliableinadequate, incompletebriefcomplete, comprehensive, detailed, extensiveverbatim (= exactly as written or spoken)a verbatim record of the meetingconfidentialdailypersonaldocumentary, handwritten, paper, writtencomputerized, electronicphotographic, pictorialearlyarchival, historicalarchaeological, fossil, geologicalThis period is poorly represented in the geological record.dental, health, hospital, medical, patientaccounting, administrative, departmental, financial, payroll, personnelbirth, census, tax, votingcourt, library, schoolcellphone (esp. AmE), mobile phone (BrE), phoneThere are cellphone records that prove we were not even in the apartment.VERB + recordkeep, maintainHe has always kept an accurate record of his spending.compile, createprovideaccesscheck, consult, examine, read, search, search through, studyI checked the records but nobody by that name has worked here.reviewdestroy, eraseMedical records should not be destroyed.fileupdatecorrectseize, subpoena (esp. AmE)Prosecutors had subpoenaed his phone records.be on, go onShe is on record as saying that she once took drugs.He is the latest public figure to go on (the) record about corruption in politics.record + VERBcontain sth, include sthThe records contain the bank details of all employees.indicate sth, reveal sth, show sthThe records showed that the building had not been inspected for ten years.provide sthsuggest sthFossil records suggest that the region was covered in water until relatively recently.exist, surviveNo record exists of a battle on this site.date back, go backThe university records go back as far as the 13th century.be availablePREPOSITIONin the record, in the recordsevidence in the geological recordThe historic agreement is preserved in the university records.off the record, on the recordOff the record, he told the interviewer what he thought of his colleagues.on recordIt was the driest summer on record.record ofa record of achievementrecord onrecords on children's progressPHRASESaccess to the recordsUnder the law, every citizen has access to their official records.have a record of sthDo you have a record of how much you spent?have no record of sth, not have any record of sthWe have no record of your conversation with Mr Smith.put the record straight, set the record straightShe called a press conference to set the record straight about her disappearance.

2 best result, highest level, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + record | record + VERB | record + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEclub, course, national, Olympic, track, worldunbeaten, unbrokencurrentnewold, previouslong-standingBob Beamon's long-standing record for the long jump was eventually broken.all-timecareer, lifetime (AmE) (both sports)He compiled a lifetime record of 209–161.scoringall-comers (= anyone who wants to take part in a sport or competition) (BrE)speedVERB + recordholdWho holds the 100 m sprint record?establish, setShe has just set a new world record.beat, better, breakIf she continues like this she could beat the record.eclipse, shatter, smash, topequal, match, tieHe hopes to equal the Olympic record.record + VERBstandHis mile record stood for twelve years.fallrecord + NOUNbookBubka rewrote the pole-vault record books during his career.attemptbreaker, holderhigh, lowUnemployment has reached a record high (= the highest level ever).amount, level, numberThere was a record number of candidates for the post.pace, speed, timeThe US saw its trade deficit shrink at a record pace in September.attendance, crowd, turnoutearnings, salesPREPOSITIONrecord forThese viewing figures are an all-time record for a single broadcast.record withLewis established a new world record with a time of 9.86 seconds.PHRASESin record timeI got to work in record time.

3 sb's performance in a particular areaADJECTIVE | VERB + record | record + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpast, trackdistinguished, enviable, fine, good, impressive, proven, solid, strongexcellent, exceptional, exemplary, formidable (esp. BrE), outstanding, remarkable, stellar (esp. AmE)unique, unparalleled, unrivalled/unrivaled (esp. BrE)abysmal, appalling (esp. BrE), atrocious, bad, dismal, mediocre, poor, sorryunenviableHe has an unenviable record of poor health.satisfactorylongconsistentmixed, patchy, spotty (AmE)Given the patchy track record of previous international declarations, is it worthwhile to have such ambitious goals?He has a spotty military record.clean, unblemishedApart from a parking ticket ten years before, she had an unblemished driving record.academic, college, educational, schoolmilitaryattendanceThe teacher spoke to her about her poor attendance record.economic, environmental, human rightsthe government's economic recorddisciplinaryarrest (esp. AmE), criminal, policeHe has a long arrest record.teenagers with a criminal recordaccident, safetyThe airline's accident record makes it among the safest.drivingVERB + recordhave, possessestablishkeep, maintainThe company has maintained an accident-free record since it started business.improverecord + VERBdemonstrate sth, show sthHer record shows that she is able to compete under great pressure.compare with sthOur record compares well with that of any similar-sized company.speak for itselfWhen it comes to quality, our record speaks for itself.PREPOSITIONrecord amongThey have the worst human rights record among member countries.record forThey have a good record for recognizing emerging talent.record inThe ideal candidate will have a proven track record in project management.record onthe government's abysmal record on crime

4 (old-fashioned) musicADJECTIVE | VERB + record | record + NOUNADJECTIVElong-playing, LP (usually just LP)gramophonevinylclassical, hip-hop, jazz, pop, rock, etc.best-selling, hitThe band had a hit record in 1973.favourite/favoritegood, greatbadsolodebut, firstgold, platinumThe album earned him his second gold record.Her walls became lined with gold and platinum records.VERB + recordwritecut, make, produce, recordreleaseThey released their first record in 1963.sellbuylisten to, play, put onI'll put on one of my old records.record + NOUNcompany, industry, labelproducercontract, dealThe band signed their first record deal a year after forming.collectionshop (esp. BrE), store (esp. AmE)playercover, sleevealbum

II. verb1 information2 sound/pictures1 informationADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBcarefully, meticulouslyaccurately, correctly, properlyThe weights must be recorded accurately.faithfullyIt was all there, faithfully recorded in his uncle's formal style.dulyThe contract is witnessed by others and duly recorded.automatically, routinelyThe mother's occupation was not routinely recorded on the birth certificate.officiallyelectronically, manuallyvividlyThe event is vividly recorded in his journal.PREPOSITIONasThe time of the accident is recorded as 6.23 p.m.PHRASESbe recorded for posterityThe names of those who died are recorded for posterity on a tablet at the back of the church.be recorded in historythe most famous and deadly influenza outbreak recorded in historyhistorically recordedhistorically recorded eventspoorly recorded, well recordedThe geographical spread of the industry in the 16th century is hard to ascertain, for much of it is poorly recorded.

2 sound/picturesADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBsecretlyShe secretly recorded the conversation.originallyThe songs were originally recorded on tape.PREPOSITIONfroma concert she had recorded from the radioonmovies recorded on videotapePHRASESbeautifully recorded, well recordedThis CD has been beautifully recorded.digitally recorded

artist, camera, document, film, inscription, microphone, musician, plaque

Record is used with these nouns as the object:

album, CD, concerto, conversation, data, death, detail, disc, earthquake, episode, event, fall, finding, image, impression, information, instance, interview, level, measurement, memory, message, music, number, occurrence, programme, reading, record, score, single, song, temperature, time, track, transaction, turnover, verdict, victory, video, vote, win

recordable

recordableadj.

Recordable is used with these nouns:

CD, DVD

record-breaking

record-breakingadj.

Record-breaking is used with these nouns:

exploit, run

recorded

recordedadj.

Recorded is used with these nouns:

conversation, crime, delivery, highlight, history, image, incidence, incident, instance, message, music, show, sound

recorder

recordernoun

nounSpecial page at MUSIC

record-holder

record-holdernoun

Record-holder is used after these nouns:

recording

recordingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + recording | recording + VERB | recording + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEexcellent, fine, goodaccurate, careful, detailedan accurate recording of timea detailed recording of factscompletea complete recording of Mozart's piano sonataslast, later, latest, new, recentthe band's latest recordingmodernearly, oldfirst, originalto enhance the quality of the original recordingcommercialone of the first commercial recordings of the artistprofessionalhomelive, studioaudio, videocassette, tapeanalogue/analog, digitalmono, stereoelectrical, magneticThe principles of magnetic recording have been around for a long time.music, soundbefore the invention of sound recordingorchestral, piano, etc.fieldfield recordings of folk music from AsiaVERB + recordingdo (sb), make (sb), produceMake a few test recordings before you start the session in earnest.play (sb), play (sb) backI want to play you a recording of the rehearsal.hear, listen toview, watchreleaseobtainrecording + VERBgive sth, show sthThe recording gives an account of his kidnapping.sound … The recording sounds just like a live performance.recording + NOUNprocesssessionfacility (esp. AmE), facilities (esp. BrE), studioa state-of-the-art digital recording facilitystate-of-the-art digital recording facilitiesdevice, equipment, systemengineerartistcareerThe clarinet player launched her recording career in 2005.contract, dealcompanyindustryPREPOSITIONrecording bya recording by the Tokyo Quartet

record onto

record ontophr verb

Record onto is used with these nouns as the object:

videotape

recount

recountnounverb

I. noun

Recount is used after these nouns:

Recount is used with these nouns as the object:

II. verbADVERBADVERBvividlyThe story of his life is vividly recounted in this new book.briefly (esp. AmE)Let me briefly recount some personal experiences.in detailThe murders are recounted in gruesome detail.

anecdote, ballot, event, experience, history, incident, instance, journey, story, tale

recoup

recoupverb

Recoup is used with these nouns as the object:

cost, expense, investment, loss, outlay

recourse

recoursenoun

noun (formal)ADJECTIVE | VERB + recourse | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconstant, frequentlimited (esp. BrE), littleDrivers have little recourse but to wait until the weather clears.no other, onlyI have no other recourse than to inform the police.directThe study of these creatures has been conducted without direct recourse to living specimens.legalVERB + recoursehaveThe mother of an illegitimate child had no legal recourse to the father.workers who have no recourse to trade unionsseekAn order was made against which he sought recourse in the supreme court.avoidTheir system of dispute resolution avoids recourse to the courts.PREPOSITIONby recourse topeople who deal with emotional pain by recourse to drugs and alcoholwith (no) recourse to, without recourse toa charity for women with no recourse to public fundsresidents with no recourse to the lawThey tried to settle the dispute without recourse to the courts.recourse againstCitizens have learned that they do have recourse against governments.recourse toShe often had recourse to her dictionary.PHRASESrecourse available to sbThere is no recourse available to the victim.

recover

recoververb

verbADVERB | VERB + recover | PREPOSITIONADVERBcompletely, fullypartiallymostly (esp. AmE)only justhardly, never quite, never really, not quiteShe had hardly recovered from the birth of her last baby.nicely, wellYour baby is recovering well.enough, sufficientlyAfter a minute she recovered enough to speak.easilyfast, quickly, rapidly, soongradually, slowlyeventually, finallyapparentlynevermiraculouslyVERB + recoverhelp sb (to)struggle toYates is struggling to recover from a serious knee injury.PREPOSITIONfromMrs Burton was still recovering from her injuries in the hospital.

Recover is used with these nouns as the subject:

alcoholic, economy

Recover is used with these nouns as the object:

arrears, balance, body, composure, confidence, consciousness, cost, damage, file, health, investment, loss, memory, outlay, plutonium, poise, remains, sanity, strength, sum, uranium, use, wit

recovered

recoveredadj.

Recovered is used with these nouns:

alcoholic, memory

recover from

recover fromphr verb

Recover from is used with these nouns as the object:

accident, anaesthetic, effect, illness, infection, injury, ordeal, shock, strain, trauma, wreckage

recovering

recoveringadj.

Recovering is used with these nouns:

alcoholic, economy

recovery

recoverynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + recovery | recovery + VERB | recovery + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEamazing, astonishing (BrE), dramatic, excellent, miraculous, remarkableLaura made a miraculous recovery.good, robust, significant, strong, substantial (esp. BrE)There is a robust recovery in the markets.The world economy staged a strong recovery.The company has made a substantial recovery over the past 12 months.complete, fulllimited, modest, partialThe index staged a modest recovery to be 6.5 points down.fragilefast, quick, rapid, speedy, swiftgradual, slowsteadyeventualsuccessfulcontinuinglasting (esp. BrE), long-term, sustainedspontaneousglobal, nationaleconomic, industrialThe global economic recovery has strengthened significantly.price, profitsjobless (esp. AmE)physicalMr Fisher made a full physical recovery.post-operativedisastera disaster recovery planpost-warVERB + recoveryachieve, make, show, stageMany people make remarkable recoveries after strokes.aid, enhance, facilitate, help, improve, maximize, promote, stimulatea reduction in interest rates to stimulate global economic recoveryaccelerate, hasten, speed, speed upA good rest would speed his recovery.allow, enable, ensure, permit (formal)sustaindelay, hamper, hinder, impede, slowaffectwish sbWe wish them all a speedy recovery.expect, predictseerecovery + VERBdepend on sthbe on the way, begin, comeThe economic circumstances are right and recovery is on the way (= recovery will occur soon).A recovery will come only when deflation is conquered.be underway, occur, take placecontinuerecovery + NOUNtimeHis injuries have returned as there was insufficient recovery time between games.rate, speedperiod, phaseprocesseffort, operationplan, programme/program, strategyarea (esp. AmE), centre/center (esp. AmE), roomI returned to my bed in the recovery area.After the operation she was taken to the recovery room.position (esp. BrE)Continue resuscitation until the person starts breathing and then place them in the recovery position.PREPOSITIONbeyond recoveryThe region has been damaged by acid rain and rivers are fouled almost beyond recovery.in recoveryHe's in recovery from the disease.recovery fromrecovery from his illnessrecovery inthe recent recovery in consumer spendingrecovery toa slow recovery to full healthPHRASESbe on the road to recovery, be on the way to recoveryShe is well on the road to recovery (= making good progress).hope of recovery, a prospect of recoveryThere is no hope of recovery.the prospects of economic recoverya sign of recoveryThe economy is showing the first signs of recovery.

recreate

recreateverb

Recreate is used with these nouns as the object:

feeling, look, magic, past, scene

recreation

recreationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | recreation + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEpopularinformal (BrE)physical (esp. BrE)outdoor, wilderness (AmE)community (AmE)adult education and community recreation programsrecreation + NOUNarea, centre/center (usually rec center in AmE), facilities, ground (BrE), roomthe construction of new parks and recreation areasthe purchase of land as a recreation ground for the neighbourhoodPREPOSITIONfor recreationShe cycles for recreation.PHRASESa form of recreationHis only form of recreation is playing cards.

recreational

recreationaladj.

Recreational is used with these nouns:

activity, amenity, boat, drug, facility, fisherman, fishing, park, pursuit, sport, use, vehicle

recruit

recruitnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + recruit | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElatest, new, raw, recentraw recruits marching up and down with the drill instructorpotential, prospectiveyounggraduate (esp. BrE)army, military, policeVERB + recruitfindA common way for companies to find new recruits is by taking a stand at a job exhibition.attractIt's difficult to attract recruits when working conditions are so poor.enlist, gain, sign upThousands of recruits had been enlisted and partly trained.She tried to gain recruits for the party.trainArmy recruits are all trained in first aid.provideTheir business schools provide recruits for domestic industry.PREPOSITIONrecruit tonew recruits to the party

II. verbADVERB | VERB + recruit | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBdirectlyThe specialist institutions directly recruit their own staff.activelyaggressively (esp. AmE)Senior managers are being aggressively recruited by companies.heavily (esp. AmE)GM recruited heavily in the South.locallyMost of the workers will be recruited locally.personallyShe personally recruited the teachers.specially (esp. BrE)Staff were recruited specially for the event.successfullyVERB + recruitneed toseek to, try toPREPOSITIONasTony Ancona has been recruited as Sales Manager.forA hundred patients were recruited for the study.fromSoldiers were recruited from the local villages.intoSome of the men were recruited into the army.toTen new members were recruited to the committee.PHRASESnewly recruited, recently recruitedrecruit and retain sba drive to recruit and retain federal employees

Recruit is used with these nouns as the object:

army, assistant, employee, faculty, help, member, mercenary, spy, staff, support, trainee, volunteer, worker

recruiter

recruiternoun

Recruiter is used after these nouns:

recruiting

recruitingnoun

Recruiting is used before these nouns:

officer, pool, sergeant

recruitment

recruitmentnoun

nounADJECTIVE | recruitment + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElarge-scalelabour/labor, staffexecutive, faculty (AmE), teacher, volunteerShe has set up her own executive recruitment business in Paris.His responsibilities as associate provost will include faculty recruitment.graduate (BrE), studentarmy, military, policeethnic-minority, minority (esp. AmE)the need to increase ethnic-minority recruitmentactive (esp. AmE)the active recruitment of womenforcedthe forced recruitment of children as soldierssuccessfulthe successful recruitment of a new chairmanrecruitment + NOUNpolicystrategyprocedure, processmethodcampaign, drive, effort, programme/programtoolThe website is an effective recruitment tool for the organization.market (BrE)agency, consultancy, firm, service (all esp. BrE)You can get good IT staff by going to recruitment agencies.She runs a recruitment consultancy.consultant (esp. BrE), manager (BrE), officer, specialist (BrE)the company's recruitment officercentre/centersite, websitePREPOSITIONrecruitment byrecruitment by large companiesrecruitment into, recruitment tolarge-scale recruitment to the new industriesPHRASESa method of recruitmentrecruitment and retentionrecruitment and retention of workers with essential skills

rectal

rectaladj.

Rectal is used with these nouns:

exam, examination, thermometer

rectangular

rectangularadj.

Rectangular is used with these nouns:

block, box, grid, shape, table

rectify

rectifyverb

Rectify is used with these nouns as the object:

error, fault, imbalance, injustice, mistake, omission, problem, situation

recumbent

recumbentadj.

Recumbent is used with these nouns:

bike

recur

recurverb

verbADVERB | VERB + recur | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBconstantly, frequently, repeatedlyThis is a constantly recurring problem which we must deal with.VERB + recurbe likely totend toPREPOSITIONthroughouta theme that recurs throughout the bookPHRASESkeep recurring

Recur is used with these nouns as the subject:

cancer, symptom

recurrence

recurrencenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + recurrence | recurrence + VERB | recurrence + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEfrequentcancer, disease, tumour/tumor, ulcer, etc.VERB + recurrenceavoid, preventdecrease, reducedevelop, experience, have, sufferHe has suffered a recurrence of his hamstring injury.recurrence + VERBbe common, be frequentrecurrence + NOUNratea potentially fatal disease with a high recurrence ratePHRASESthe likelihood of a recurrence, the risk of recurrencea high risk of recurrence

recurrent

recurrentadj.

Recurrent is used with these nouns:

attack, dream, episode, haemorrhage, infection, miscarriage, outbreak, pain, stroke, symptom, theme

recurring

recurringadj.

Recurring is used with these nouns:

dream, feature, injury, motif, nightmare, problem, theme

recyclable

recyclableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBeasilyPaper is easily recyclable.100%, completely, fullyGlass products are completely recyclable.

Recyclable is used with these nouns:

bottle, material, packaging, waste

recycle

recycleverbadj.

I. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBendlessly (usually figurative)They endlessly recycle the same worn-out arguments.PREPOSITIONfrommade of plastic recycled from old packaging materialintoThese materials are recycled into other packaging products.PHRASEScan be recycledThe packaging can be recycled.recycled waste, paper, materials, etc.

Recycle is used with these nouns as the object:

can, metal, packaging, paper, plastic, waste

II. adj.

Recycle is used with these nouns:

bin

recycled

recycledadj.

Recycled is used with these nouns:

material, paper, plastic, tyre, waste

recycling

recyclingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | recycling + NOUNADJECTIVEdoorstep (BrE), kerbside/curbside (esp. BrE)kerbside/curbside recycling binspaper, plastic, wastea paper-recycling binopportunities for waste recyclingrecycling + NOUNprogram (AmE), scheme (BrE)a curbside recycling program.a kerbside recycling schemebincentre/centerI take all my waste paper to the recycling centre/center.Garden waste can be taken to household recycling centres. (BrE)

red

redadj.

adj., noun1 colour/color2 of the face1 colour/colorVERBS | ADVERB | ADJECTIVE | PHRASESVERBSglowThe coals glowed red in the dying fire.go, turnThe traffic light turned red.paint sthADVERBreally, verycompletelyslightlyThe leaves looked slightly red.ADJECTIVEbright, brilliant, fiery, flaming, vibrant, vividflaming red hairdark, deep, richlight, paledullblood, brick, cherry, fire-engine, rubyher ruby red lipsPHRASESred and blotchy (= of skin or eyes), red and puffy (= of eyes)Her eyes were red and puffy, as if she'd been crying.red and swollen (= of injured part of body)

2 of the faceVERBS | ADVERB | ADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbe, lookbecome, flush, get, go, grow, turnMr Gruber was growing redder and redder in the face.ADVERBveryquiterather, slightlyADJECTIVEbright, fieryHe could feel himself going bright red.PREPOSITIONred withRoss flushed red with embarrassment.PHRASESas red as a beet (AmE), as red as a beetroot (BrE)red in the faceCharles was rapidly turning red in the face.

Red is used with these nouns:

alert, apple, bean, birthmark, brick, bump, cabbage, carpet, cheek, cherry, chilli, cinder, colour, dye, eye, face, fingernail, flush, grape, hair, heat, ink, meat, mist, mouth, mud, nose, onion, pepper, pimple, rash, rice, rose, salmon, squirrel, state, sun, sunset, tomato, traffic light, wine

red-blooded

red-bloodedadj.

Red-blooded is used with these nouns:

male

red-brick

red-brickadj.

Red-brick is used with these nouns:

house, university

Red Cross

Red Crossnoun

Red Cross is used before these nouns:

volunteer

redden

reddenverb

Redden is used with these nouns as the subject:

cheek, ear, face

reddish

reddishadj.

Reddish is used with these nouns:

beard, brown, colour

redecorate

redecorateverb

Redecorate is used with these nouns as the object:

bedroom, house, interior

redeem

redeemverb

Redeem is used with these nouns as the object:

bond, coupon, mortgage, voucher

redeeming

redeemingadj.

Redeeming is used with these nouns:

feature, quality

redefine

redefineverb

Redefine is used with these nouns as the object:

meaning, role

redemption

redemptionnoun

noun being saved from the power of evilVERB + redemption | PREPOSITIONVERB + redemptionbe in need of, needShe believes that humanity is in need of redemption.seekfindoffer (sb)PREPOSITIONbeyond redemptionWashington journalism is corrupt beyond redemption.After another incident last week, the club's reputation for violence is beyond redemption.redemption fromredemption from evil

redemptive

redemptiveadj.

Redemptive is used with these nouns:

redesign

redesignverb

Redesign is used with these nouns as the object:

red-eye

red-eyenoun

Red-eye is used before these nouns:

flight

red-hot

red-hotadj.

Red-hot is used with these nouns:

ash, coal, favourite, furnace

redirect

redirectverb

Redirect is used with these nouns as the object:

effort, mail, traffic

rediscover

rediscoververb

Rediscover is used with these nouns as the object:

joy, love

redistribute

redistributeverb

Redistribute is used with these nouns as the object:

income, land, resource

redistribution

redistributionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + redistribution | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEmajor (esp. BrE), massive, significantThe new regime carried out a major redistribution of land.The tax increase implies a significant redistribution of income.equitablean equitable redistribution of wealthincome, land, wealthVERB + redistributionbring aboutThe tax brought about a significant redistribution of wealth.PREPOSITIONredistribution ofa redistribution of incomeredistribution from, redistribution toredistribution from the rich to the poor

redistributive

redistributiveadj.

Redistributive is used with these nouns:

tax, taxation

red-letter

red-letteradj.

Red-letter is used with these nouns:

day

red-light

red-lightadj.

Red-light is used with these nouns:

district

redo

redoverb

Redo is used with these nouns as the object:

bathroom

redouble

redoubleverb

Redouble is used with these nouns as the object:

redraw

redrawverb

Redraw is used with these nouns as the object:

boundary, district, map

redress

redressverb

Redress is used with these nouns as the object:

balance, grievance, imbalance, inequality, injustice, wrong

red-rimmed

red-rimmedadj.

Red-rimmed is used with these nouns:

Reduce is used with these nouns as the object:

red tape

red tapenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + red tapeADJECTIVEadministrative, bureaucraticgovernment, governmental (AmE)VERB + red tapecut, reducebe entangled in, be tied up in, be snarled in (esp. AmE), be snarled up in (esp. BrE)cut throughdeal withHow do we deal with all this red tape?

reduce

reduceverb

verbADVERB | VERB + reduce | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBconsiderably, dramatically, drastically, greatly, markedly, severely, sharply, significantly, substantiallysuccessfullyfurtherslightlyWe need to reduce the speed slightly.gradually, progressivelyLegislation progressively reduced the number of situations in which industrial action could be taken.quickly, rapidlyVERB + reduceaim to, attempt to, seek to, try tohelp (to)Giving up smoking helps reduce the risk of heart disease.manage tobe designed to, be intended tobe expected to, be likely toPREPOSITIONbyPollution from the works has been reduced by 70%.inI noticed that my belly had drastically reduced in size.from, toThe price is reduced from 99 cents to 85 cents.PHRASESan attempt to reduce sth, an effort to reduce sthmeasures to reduce sthreduce sth to a minimumThe risks must be reduced to the absolute minimum.

accountability, accumulation, allocation, ambiguity, amount, angle, anxiety, appetite, asset, autonomy, availability, backlog, barrier, benefit, bias, bill, blood pressure, budget, build-up, burden, bureaucracy, capacity, carbohydrate, carbon dioxide, chance, charge, cholesterol, circulation, clutter, competition, complexity, concentration, congestion, consumption, contamination, cost, count, craving, crime, damage, danger, debt, deficit, delay, demand, density, dependence, depression, diameter, discomfort, disparity, distress, disturbance, diversity, dividend, dosage, dose, drinking, duplication, duration, duty, effect, effectiveness, efficiency, emission, erosion, error, excise, expectation, expenditure, expense, export, exposure, extent, fare, fat, fatigue, fee, fever, flexibility, flow, footprint, force, freedom, frequency, friction, funding, gain, gap, glare, heat, height, humidity, imbalance, immigration, impact, import, importance, incentive, incidence, income, inefficiency, inequality, infiltration, inflammation, inflation, influence, injury, intake, intensity, inventory, length, level, liability, likelihood, limit, liquid, load, loss, maintenance, manpower, margin, mobility, mortality, motivation, mountain, nausea, need, noise, number, occurrence, odds, output, overdraft, pain, paperwork, payment, penalty, pension, per cent, pollutant, pollution, possibility, potential, poverty, power, premium, pressure, price, probability, problem, production, productivity, profitability, quality, quota, rate, ratio, ration, recurrence, red tape, reliability, reliance, representation, revenue, risk, sauce, scale, scope, sensitivity, sentence, setting, severity, share, side effect, size, smog, smoking, speed, speed limit, spending, spread, stake, stigma, stock, strain, strength, stress, subsidy, suffering, supply, surveillance, swelling, symptom, tariff, tax, taxation, temperature, tendency, tension, threat, time, traffic, transmission, truancy, turnover, uncertainty, unemployment, usage, use, usefulness, value, velocity, vibration, visibility, voltage, volume, vulnerability, wastage, waste, wear, weight, width, workforce, workload

reduced

reducedadj.

Reduced is used with these nouns:

charge, circumstance, demand, efficiency, fare, fat, fee, flow, frequency, incidence, level, likelihood, mobility, need, number, power, price, productivity, rate, reliance, rent, risk, sensitivity, sentence, service, size, volume, workforce, workload

reduced-fat

reduced-fatadj.

Reduced-fat is used with these nouns:

reduce to

reduce tophr verb

Reduce to is used with these nouns as the object:

ash, minimum, tear, wreck

reduction

reductionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + reduction | reduction + VERB | reduction + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, considerable, great, large, major, marked, significant, substantialThe changes may result in a greater reduction in employee numbers than we had previously expected.dramatic, drastic, huge, massive, remarkable, severea sale with massive reductions on selected itemsminor, modest, slight, smalltenfold, fiftyfold, etc.furtherpossibleactual, net, overall, realacross-the-board, generalrapid, sharp, steepslowimmediate, suddengradual, progressive, steadyinitialrecentlong-term, permanentproposedpercentageA small percentage reduction in the cost of materials would mean a significant increase in profit.cost, debt, deficit, pay, price, tariff, tax, wageemission, noise, pollution, wasteharm, pain, risk, stressa drug strategy which prioritizes harm reductionpovertyThe IMF claims to put poverty reduction at the heart of its policies.size, weightThe result is a 75 to 80% size reduction.breastShe had a breast reduction last year.staffarms, troopVERB + reductionachieve, make, secureThe government has found it difficult to make real reductions in spending.Every effort is made to secure the highest possible reduction in casualties.cause, lead to, make, produce, result inThese simple changes will make a substantial reduction in the fat content of your diet.avoidask for, demand, seekI asked for a reduction as the dress was damaged.requireget, receiveGuests staying 14 nights will receive a 10% reduction.experience, haveThe company has had a reduction in sales.sufferThey suffered a severe reduction in income.accept, welcome (esp. BrE)I welcome the reduction in road traffic fatalities.give (sb), offer (sb)proposeShe proposed a reduction in the state president's powers.notice, observe, seePolice said they had noticed a significant reduction in crime last year.announceThe gas company has announced price reductions for all customers.mean, representOur average margins dropped to 35%, which represents a reduction in gross margins of £109 million.demonstrate, showFigures just released show a steady reduction in levels of emissions over the last four years.reduction + VERBoccur, take placereduction + NOUNtargetthe government's waste reduction targetsPREPOSITIONthrough a/the reductioneconomic growth through a reduction in interest ratesreduction byreduction by 30%reduction from, reduction inThere has been a sharp reduction in the number of accidents on our roads.reduction ofa reduction of carbon dioxide emissionsreduction ona 25% reduction on normal subscription ratesreduction toa reduction in the speed limit from 50 to 40 miles per hourPHRASESa reduction in numbersAsian elephants have experienced a 50% reduction in numbers over the last three generations.They are concerned about the reduction in numbers of people eligible for legal aid.a reduction in the amount of sth, a reduction in the number of sth, a reduction in the size of sththe reduction in the number of hospital beds

redundancy

redundancynoun

noun (BrE)ADJECTIVE | … OF REDUNDANCIES | VERB + redundancy | redundancy + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVElarge-scale, major, mass, massiveThe closure of the mine led to large-scale redundancies.possible, threatenedcompulsory, voluntarystafffurther… OF REDUNDANCIESround, wavea fresh wave of redundanciesVERB + redundancymakeThe bank will be making 3 500 redundancies over the next five years.lead to, result inavoidannouncerule outbe threatened by, be threatened with, faceSixty workers at the factory face redundancy.be offeredaccept, take, volunteer for34 members of staff have taken voluntary redundancy.redundancy + NOUNprogrammenoticeRedundancy notices have been sent to 200 workers.package, termsmoney, pay, paymentcostsMost of the companies' losses stemmed from redundancy costs.PHRASESthe threat of redundancy

redundant

redundantadj.

adj.1 (BrE) no longer needed for a job2 not necessary or wanted1 (BrE) no longer needed for a jobVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomemake sbthe decision to make 800 employees compulsorily redundantADVERBcompulsorily

2 not necessary or wantedVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, seembecomedeclare sth (BrE), make sth, render sthThe chapel was declared redundant in 1995.ADVERBcompletelypartiallyvirtually (BrE)The boom in mobile phones has made phone boxes virtually redundant.largelya bit, somewhat

Redundant is used with these nouns:

re-education

re-educationnoun

Re-education is used before these nouns:

Reef is used before these nouns:

reef

reefnounverb

I. noun

knot

II. verb

Reef is used with these nouns as the object:

Reel is used after these nouns:

reel

reelnounverb

I. noun

cotton

II. verb

Reel is used with these nouns as the subject:

brain, mind, sense

re-elect

re-electverb

Re-elect is used with these nouns as the object:

Congressman, Congresswoman, president

re-election

re-electionnoun

Re-election is used before these nouns:

bid, campaign, prospect, victory

re-enter

re-enterverb

Re-enter is used with these nouns as the object:

atmosphere, workforce

re-establish

re-establishverb

Re-establish is used with these nouns as the object:

balance, connection, control, relation

re-evaluate

re-evaluateverb

Re-evaluate is used with these nouns as the object:

priority

refer

referverbPHRASAL VERB

Refer is used with these nouns as the subject:

PHRASAL VERBrefer to sb/sthADVERB | VERB + refer to | PREPOSITIONADVERBbriefly, in passingHe referred to the report in passing.specificallycommonlyThe disease was commonly referred to as ‘the green sickness’.constantly, frequently, often, repeatedlygenerally, usuallysometimesalwaysneverhenceforth, hereafter, hereinafter (all formal)Kaminsky and Reinhart—hereafter referred to as KRjokinglyaffectionately, lovinglycollectivelydirectly, explicitlyVERB + refer tobe used toThe term ‘alexia’ is used to refer to any acquired disorder of reading.PREPOSITIONasShe always referred to Ben as ‘that nice man’.

Refer is used with these nouns as the object:

patient, query

referee

refereenoun

noun1 official who controls a game2 (BrE) recommends sb for a job1 official who controls a gameADJECTIVE | referee + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEbasketball, boxing, football, soccer (esp. AmE), etc.match (esp. BrE), meet (AmE), tournamentdecisions taken by the tournament refereeinternationaltopprofessional (esp. BrE)my 20 years as a professional refereeassistant (in football/soccer)an assistant referee flagged for a penaltyguest (esp. AmE)He was acting as a guest referee in the main wrestling event.referee + VERBaward sb sthThe referee awarded a free kick to the home team.blow his/her/the whistlestop sthbook sb, send sb off (both in football/soccer) (both BrE)The referee booked three players for offensive behaviour.PHRASESthe referee's decision

2 (BrE) recommends sb for a jobSee also referenceADJECTIVE | VERB + referee | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEacademicVERB + refereeact as, bePREPOSITIONreferee forHis former employer agreed to act as a referee for him.

refereed

refereedadj.

Refereed is used with these nouns:

journal

reference

referencenounverb

I. noun1 mentioning sb/sth2 consulting sb/sth for advice/help/information3 book containing facts/information4 number/note/symbol5 letter about your character/abilities6 (esp. AmE) recommends sb for a job7 standards by which sth is judged1 mentioning sb/sthADJECTIVE | VERB + reference | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEextensivebrief, casual, passingoccasionalfrequent, repeatedconstantfurtherThey could find no further reference to Mr LaMotte in the records.generalparticular, special, specificShe won a grant to study political science with special reference to China.direct, explicit, express (law, esp. BrE), overtcryptic, indirect, oblique, obscure, subtle, vague, veiledclear, obviousambiguousearlyone of the earliest references to the game of chessbiblical, cultural, historical, literary, religiouswrittenVERB + referencecontain, have, includeHer diary contains no reference to the alleged appointment.drop, makeHe dropped casual references to the legacy of his great work.The article makes no reference to his first marriage.delete, drop, omit, removeThe new constitution dropped all reference to previous wars.avoidfindget, understandThe audience didn't get the references to colonialism.PREPOSITIONin a/the referenceIn an obvious reference to the president, he talked of corruption in high places.in reference to, with reference to (in letters)I am writing with reference to your job application.reference toThe summary should be comprehensible without reference back to the source work.The book is filled with references to God.

2 consulting sb/sth for advice/help/informationADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEeasy, quickThe book is organized alphabetically for easy reference.further, futurePREPOSITIONby reference toOur charges are calculated by reference to an hourly rate.for referenceRetain a copy of the form for future reference.without reference toThe decision was made without reference to local managers.PHRASESfor sb's own reference, for sb's personal referenceI made a copy of your work, just for my own reference.for reference purposesShe needs the book for reference purposes.a source of referenceThe book is an invaluable source of reference for the art historian.

3 book containing facts/informationADJECTIVE | reference + NOUNADJECTIVEgeneralThe book is by far the best general reference on natural history.comprehensiveessentialhandy, usefulexcellent, goodstandardonlinean online reference toolreference + NOUNbook, guide, manual, material, source, text, worktoollibrarysectionYou'll find the information in the reference section of your local library.desk (= in a library) (esp. AmE)librarian (esp. AmE)

4 number/note/symbolADJECTIVE | VERB + reference | reference + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcopiousfullFor full references of all books cited, see Appendix B.appropriatePlease quote the appropriate reference in your letter.bibliographic, bibliographicalpagegrid, mapVERB + referencequotecite, giveReferences to original sources are given at the end of each chapter.checkreference + NOUNnumberPREPOSITIONin a/the referenceThe date of publication should be included in the reference.reference toa reference to page 17PHRASESa list of references

5 letter about your character/abilitiesADJECTIVE | VERB + reference | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEglowing, goodbadcharacterVERB + referenceask forneedgive (sb), provide (sb with), write (sb)follow up, take up (BrE)They've taken up my references (= contacted the people who provided them), so they must be interested in me.PREPOSITIONreference froma reference from your current employerPHRASESa letter of reference

6 (esp. AmE) recommends sb for a jobSee also refereeVERB + reference | PREPOSITIONVERB + referenceact as, becontactPREPOSITIONreference forHis former employer agreed to act as a reference for him.

7 standards by which sth is judgedreference + NOUN | PHRASESreference + NOUNpointgroupGene frequencies were calculated then compared with the Finnish population as a reference group.sample (science)PHRASESa frame of referencePeople interpret events within their own frame of reference.a point of referenceUnemployment serves as a useful point of reference in examining social problems.terms of reference (esp. BrE)The matter was outside the committee's terms of reference.

II. verb

Reference is used with these nouns as the object:

article

referendum

referendumnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + referendum | referendum + VERB | referendum + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEplanned, proposedpopular, publicnational, nationwide, statewide (esp. AmE)constitutional, independenceVERB + referendumconduct, holdThe referendum will be held on July 14th.put sth toThe proposals were put to a referendum.callThe president called a referendum that he hoped would confirm him in power.call for, demand, proposeThe group called for a referendum on the death penalty.forceopposeboycottThe unions urged people to boycott the referendum.organizeapprove, pass (both esp. AmE)California voters passed a referendum allocating $22 billion for school facilities.vote against, vote for, vote on (all esp. AmE)winThe president won a referendum on his rule.be adopted by/in, be approved by/in, be confirmed by/ina new constitution adopted by referendumThe agreement was approved in a referendum.referendum + VERBshow sthA popular referendum showed that the majority of people want reform.approve sthfailreferendum + NOUNproposalThe Democrats rejected the referendum proposal.campaign, processresultPREPOSITIONin a/the referendumThe issue will be decided in a national referendum.referendum ona referendum on a new constitutionPHRASESthe result of a referendum

refer for

refer forphr verb

Refer for is used with these nouns as the object:

counselling

referral

referralnoun

Referral is used before these nouns:

referring

referringadj.

Referring is used with these nouns:

physician

refer to

refer tophr verb

Refer to is used with these nouns as the subject:

document, term, word

Refer to is used with these nouns as the object:

arbitration, counselling, document, figure, patient, tribunal

refill

refillverb

Refill is used with these nouns as the object:

beaker, cup, drink, glass, mug, prescription, tank

refinance

refinanceverb

Refinance is used with these nouns as the object:

debt, mortgage

refinancing

refinancingnoun

Refinancing is used after these nouns:

mortgage

refine

refineverb

verbADVERB | VERB + refine | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBslightlygreatlyfurtherincreasinglyconstantly, continually, continuouslyThe information system is constantly refined and updated.graduallyVERB + refineattempt to, try tocontinue tohelp (to)PREPOSITIONintoSugar cane is refined into sugar.PHRASEShighly refinedsupplies of the highly refined white sugar

Refine is used with these nouns as the object:

concept, design, estimate, model, ore, search, skill, system, technique, understanding

refined

refinedadj.

Refined is used with these nouns:

carbohydrate, flour, oil, sugar, taste, version

refinement

refinementnoun

noun1 improvement to/on sth; process of improving sth2 being polite/well educated; clever in design1 improvement to/on sth; process of improving sthADJECTIVE | … OF REFINEMENT | VERB + refinement | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEconsiderable, greatA greater refinement of the categorization is possible.extra, furtherconstant, continuous, progressivethe progressive refinement of their accounting techniqueusefulIt is possible to add a few useful refinements to the basic system.technicalmodern… OF REFINEMENTdegree, levelVERB + refinementneed, requireThe technology requires a great deal of refinement.add, introducePREPOSITIONrefinement ina refinement in the masonryrefinement ona refinement on previous methodsrefinement toto add a further refinement to the computer system

2 being polite/well educated; clever in designADJECTIVE | VERB + refinement | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreata woman of great refinement and beautyVERB + refinementlackThe kite was star-shaped and lacked the refinement of current designs.PREPOSITIONrefinement ina lack of refinement in engine designPHRASESa lack of refinement

refinery

refinerynoun

Refinery is used after these nouns:

oil, sugar

reflect

reflectverb

verb1 send back light/heat/sound2 show/express sth3 think deeply1 send back light/heat/soundADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBdimly, dullyThe sun reflected dully off the stone walls.In Milton's poem, Satan, even after his fall, dimly reflects his former glory.directlyLight reflects directly off a face of a crystal.backPREPOSITIONfromThe screen reflects light from the sun.off

2 show/express sthADVERB | VERB + reflect | PREPOSITIONADVERBclearlydirectlyaccurately, closely, correctly, faithfully, wellDoes this opinion poll accurately reflect the public mood?adequatelyThe punishment should adequately reflect the revulsion felt by most people for this appalling crime.merely, simplyThis year's budget simply reflects the fact that we have fewer people out of work.not necessarilyThe views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of the editor.badly, poorlyThis kind of conduct reflects very poorly on you.negativelyinformation that may reflect negatively on research participantsstronglySenegalese culture strongly reflects influences from Islamic rulers.VERB + reflectbe designed toThe exhibition is designed to reflect the diversity of the nation and its regions.PREPOSITIONinThe condition of the house is reflected in its low price.

3 think deeplyADVERB | VERB + reflect | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBbitterly, ruefully (esp. BrE), wrylyHe reflected ruefully that the his money didn't buy as much as it used toOne good thing, he reflected wryly, was that none of his colleagues would find out.criticallyan opportune time to reflect critically on the city's pastVERB + reflectpause toleave sb toHe was left to reflect on the implications of his decision.PREPOSITIONon, uponShe paused to reflect on what she had achieved.PHRASEStime to reflectI need time to reflect.

Reflect is used with these nouns as the subject:

data, difference, estimate, eye, figure, image, light, mirror, move, music, painting, practice, remark, result, score, trend, view, writing

Reflect is used with these nouns as the object:

ambivalence, anxiety, attitude, beam, change, character, complexity, consensus, conviction, credit, culture, desire, difference, disagreement, disappointment, discredit, diversity, experience, extent, fact, feeling, glare, ideal, impact, importance, improvement, inability, increase, influence, light, limitation, misunderstanding, mood, nature, need, origin, perception, personality, pessimism, philosophy, point of view, preference, radiation, range, ray, reality, reluctance, sentiment, severity, shift, spirit, sun, taste, tendency, theme, trend, understanding, variation, view, viewpoint, wish

reflected

reflectedadj.

Reflected is used with these nouns:

glory, sunlight

reflect from

reflect fromphr verb

Reflect from is used with these nouns as the subject:

sunlight

reflecting

reflectingadj.

Reflecting is used with these nouns:

Reflective is used with these nouns:

reflection

reflectionnoun

noun1 image in a mirror, etc.2 sending light/heat/sound back from a surface3 indication/description of sth4 careful thought about sth5 written or spoken thoughts about sth1 image in a mirror, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + reflection | reflection + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcleardim, faintblurred, distortedVERB + reflectioncatch, catch a glimpse of, catch sight of, glimpse, seeI caught his reflection in the window.He caught sight of her reflection in the window.glance at, look atgaze at, stare at, watchadmire, examine, inspect, studyShe caught him admiring his reflection in the mirror.showThe mirror showed her reflection.reflection + VERBlook … Her reflection in the mirror looked distorted.appearKyle's reflection appears in the glass.stare (back)My reflection stared back at me.PREPOSITIONin a/the reflectionIn the reflection on the glass door he could see the class behind him.reflection inI saw my reflection in the polished marble.reflection onthe reflection of the mountains on the calm waters of the lake

2 sending light/heat/sound back from a surfaceADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEheat, light, soundPREPOSITIONreflection fromThere is reflection of heat from the metal surface.PHRASESthe angle of reflection

3 indication/description of sthADJECTIVE | VERB + reflection | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEaccurate, fair, good, perfect, trueinadequatemere, paleThis account is only a pale reflection of the true state of affairs.poor, sadThe movie is a poor reflection of Kerouac's work.direct, simpleYoung people's conduct is a direct reflection of adults'.clearThis was a clear reflection of Marc's personality.VERB + reflectiongive (sb), provideSuch studies do not give a true reflection of population needs.PREPOSITIONreflection of, reflection on, reflection uponHis low level of performance is no reflection on his general ability.

4 careful thought about sthADJECTIVE | VERB + reflection | reflection + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcareful, deep, mature, profound, serious, soberfurtherquietpersonalthoughtfulSuch decisions may be made after thoughtful reflection.critical, ethical, moral, philosophical, spiritual, theological, theoreticalVERB + reflectionencourage, invite, prompt, stimulateTeachers should encourage reflection on the part of their students.reflection + VERBshow sb/sthA moment's reflection will show you that that can't be true.PREPOSITIONafter reflection, on reflection, upon reflectionOn further reflection, I'm not so sure it's a good idea.reflection about, reflection on, reflection uponThe party needs a period of sober reflection about what went wrong.PHRASESa moment of reflection, a moment's reflectiona period of reflectiona period for reflection, time for reflection

5 written or spoken thoughts about sthADJECTIVE | VERB + reflection | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEinterestingpoignantbriefVERB + reflectionhaveofferThey took a few minutes to offer their personal reflections.PREPOSITIONreflection about, reflection on, reflection uponShe has some interesting reflections about the spiritual state of the country.

reflective

reflectiveadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomeADVERBhighly, truly, verymerelyI fear my comments are merely reflective of a larger problem.

coating, mood, surface, vest

reflectively

reflectivelyadv.

Reflectively is used with these verbs:

pause

reflect off

reflect offphr verb

Reflect off is used with these nouns as the subject:

moon, moonlight, sun, sunlight

reflect on

reflect onphr verb

Reflect on is used with these nouns as the subject:

sun, sunlight

Reflect on is used with these nouns as the object:

past

reflex

reflexnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + reflex | reflex + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfast, good, lightning, quickHe reacts with lightning fast reflexes.poorautomaticnaturalconditionedVERB + reflextriggerThe rapid movement of an object close to the eye triggers an automatic reflex.controlhone, sharpenThe training is designed to sharpen the fighter's reflexes.slowAlcohol can slow your reflexes.suppresstestThe doctor tested her reflexes.reflex + NOUNaction, responseAlmost as a reflex action, I grab my pen as the phone rings.PREPOSITIONby reflexAlmost by reflex, he helped himself to a drink.

reflexive

reflexiveadj.

Reflexive is used with these nouns:

pronoun

refloat

refloatverb

Refloat is used with these nouns as the object:

vessel

refocus

refocusverb

Refocus is used with these nouns as the object:

attention, effort

Reform

Reformadj.

Reform is used with these nouns:

Jew, Judaism

reform

reformnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | … OF REFORMS | VERB + reform | reform + VERB | reform + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdramatic, drastic, fundamental, great, important, major, radical, significant, substantialbroad, comprehensive, far-reaching, sweeping, wholesale, wide-rangingThe Prime Minister promised sweeping reforms of the banking system.genuine, meaningful, realminor, modestpiecemealnewproposedfurtherimmediaterapidlastingnecessary, needed, overduemuch-needed reformsHealth-care reform is long overdue.effectivepracticalmoral, political, socialdemocratic, liberaldomestic, institutional, internalprocedural, structuralThere remains reluctance to undertake the structural reforms advocated by Mr Smith.administrative, governmental, regulatorypolicyconstitutional, election, electoral, judicial, law, legal, legislative, tort (esp. AmE)The country desperately needs broad political and constitutional reform.intelligenceour debate on intelligence reformpenal, prisoncurriculum, education, educational, schoolhealth-care, pension, social-security, welfareadvocates of health-care reformbanking, economic, finance, financial, fiscal, market, monetary, taxThe government instituted a tax reform to stimulate demand.corporate, mediathe battle for corporate reformagrarian, agricultural, environmental, landimmigrationTop on his list was immigration reform.… OF REFORMSpackageVERB + reformadopt, bring about, initiate, introduce, passpush throughThey wanted to push through radical reforms.carry out, enact, implement, institute, make, put in place, put into practice, undertakeHis administration carried out economic reforms.accelerateefforts to accelerate the structural reform of the economydelayblockThe conservative coalition could delay further reforms or block them altogether.oppose, resistaccept, embrace, welcomeadvocate, call for, press for, promote, propose, pursue, push for, seekThey have issued a statement advocating reform of the legal system.Publishers continue to push for sweeping reforms.demandback, encourage, supportWe are committed to supporting democracy and reform in the region.requireThe practice of global politics requires reform.plandiscussreform + VERBgo throughThe reforms went through in spite of opposition from teachers.be aimed at sthtax reforms aimed at encouraging land developmentfailHis economic reforms failed to improve their lives.reform + NOUNprocessmovementagenda, initiative, package, plan, programme/program, proposalmeasure, policyact, bill, law, legislationThe House narrowly passed the education reform bill.school (esp. AmE)PREPOSITIONreform inreforms in housing and educationPHRASESthe need for reformthe pace of reforma programme/program of reform

II. verbADVERB | VERB + reform | PHRASESADVERBdrastically, fundamentally, radically, trulyThe education system must be radically reformed.the near impossibility of truly reforming the systemVERB + reformattempt to, push to, seek to, try toPHRASESattempts to reform sth, efforts to reform sth, proposals to reform stha need to reform sth

Reform is used with these nouns as the object:

economy, education, health service, institution, law, military, social security, system

reformat

reformatverb

Reformat is used with these nouns as the object:

reformed

reformedadj.

Reformed is used with these nouns:

alcoholic, character, congregation

reformer

reformernoun

Reformer is used after these nouns:

education

reforming

reformingadj.

Reforming is used with these nouns:

zeal

reformist

reformistadj.

Reformist is used with these nouns:

wing

refractive

refractiveadj.

Refractive is used with these nouns:

refrain

refrainnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + refrain | refrain + VERBADJECTIVEconstantcommon, familiarComplaints about school food have become a familiar refrain.VERB + refrainsing, take upThe choir's sopranos took up the refrain.echo, repeathearI kept hearing the same refrain.refrain + VERBgoCan you remember how the refrain goes?

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBcarefully, deliberatelyHe deliberately refrained from expressing his opinion on the matter.wiselybarelyPriscilla could barely refrain from clapping her hands together.PREPOSITIONfromI refrained from laughing.

refresh

refreshverb

Refresh is used with these nouns as the object:

memory, mind, page, skill

refresher

refreshernoun

Refresher is used before these nouns:

course

refreshing

refreshingadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feelfind sthADVERBextremely, really, very, wonderfullyThe water was cold and wonderfully refreshing.quite (esp. BrE)

Refreshing is used with these nouns:

antidote, change, contrast, departure, dip, drink, honesty, shower, taste

refreshingly

refreshinglyadv.

Refreshingly is used with these adjectives:

candid, cool, different, direct, frank, honest, simple, straightforward

refreshment

refreshmentnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + refreshment | refreshment + VERB | refreshment + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElightliquid (humorous)VERB + refreshmentneedenjoy, get, takepause for, stop forWe stopped for refreshment after an hour.bring, offer, provide (sb with), serveLight refreshments will be served in the interval.refreshment + VERBbe availablerefreshment + NOUNarea, centre/center, kiosk (esp. BrE), room, stand, tablefacilitiesPREPOSITIONfor refreshment (esp. BrE)We're allowed twenty minutes for refreshment.for refreshmentsWhat are we going to have for refreshments?

refried

refriedadj.

Refried is used with these nouns:

bean

refrigerated

refrigeratedadj.

Refrigerated is used with these nouns:

lorry, truck

refrigerator

refrigeratornoun

noun (formal or AmE)See also fridgeADJECTIVE | VERB + refrigerator | refrigerator + VERB | refrigerator + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhome, householdempty, fullmini, smallwalk-instainless-steelwine (esp. AmE)VERB + refrigeratorraid (informal)I'll raid your refrigerator while we talk.fill, stockI stocked the refrigerator with fruit.a refrigerator stocked with foodopenI opened the refrigerator to take out some orange juice.defrostrefrigerator + VERBhumThe refrigerator was humming in the corner.refrigerator + NOUNdoormagnetbox (AmE)PREPOSITIONin the refrigeratorPlace the dough in the refrigerator overnight.

refuelling

refuellingnoun

Refuelling/refueling is used before these nouns:

stop

refuge

refugenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + refuge | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEsafetemporarywildlifemountaina monk living in a mountain refugelast (figurative)They looked to the country as the last refuge of liberty.welcomeMany children consider the facility a welcome refuge.VERB + refugetakeThey took refuge in the embassy.look for, seekThey sought refuge in the mountains.findThey were hoping to find a safe refuge for the night.They found refuge from the bright sun.becomea town that became a refuge for a number of dissident artistscreate, establishopengive (sb), offer (sb), provide (sb with)PREPOSITIONrefuge against (figurative)Home is a refuge against the pressures of work.refuge fromThe cave provided refuge from the storm.PHRASESa place of refuge

refugee

refugeenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + refugee | refugee + VERB | refugee + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgenuinewould-be (esp. BrE)the government's strategy in dealing with would-be refugeesformer, returningdisplaced, homeless (both esp. AmE)A flood of displaced refugees fled west.economic, environmental, political, warMany claimed to be environmental refugees, leaving for the sake of their health.civilianchildVERB + refugeequalify as (esp. BrE)Those who did not qualify as refugees were returned to their home countries.be considered (as)They should be considered economic refugees.accept, repatriate, resettle, take, take inThe government has agreed to take only 150 refugees.expel, returntake backhouseassist, helprefugee + VERBflee sthrefugees fleeing political persecutionbe displacedrefugees displaced by the civil wararriveflood, flow, pourHundreds of refugees are pouring over the border.liverefugees living in camps along the borderreturnrefugee + NOUNcrisis, issue, problem, question, situationflows (AmE), movementThe refugee flows alone would be a huge upheaval.resettlementprogramme/programstatusShe has been refused refugee status.He does not qualify for refugee status.claimagency, group, organization, workercamp, centre/centerHe was born in a refugee camp.children, community, family, populationPREPOSITIONamong refugeeUnemployment among the refugees has risen sharply.refugee fromrefugees from civil warsPHRASESa flood of refugees, a influx of refugeesa new influx of refugees from the combat zonethe flow of refugeesthe plight of refugeesthe return of refugees

refund

refundnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + refund | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfullpartial10%, 50%, etc.cashtaxpromptVERB + refundgive (sb), issue, make (BrE), pay, provideThey'll only give you a refund if you have the receipt.offer (sb)refuse (sb)He has been refused a refund on his air ticket.be entitled toYou're entitled to a full refund if you change your mind.ask (sb) for, claim, demand, request, seekget, obtain, receivePREPOSITIONrefund forThere will be no refund for cancellations.refund ofa full refund of the registration feerefund onShe received a refund on the unused tickets.refund torefunds to 10 000 customers across the country

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBin fullYour money will be refunded in full.gladlypromptlyPREPOSITIONtoIf you are not satisfied with the goods, the price will be refunded to you.

Refund is used with these nouns as the object:

fee, money

refundable

refundableadj.

Refundable is used with these nouns:

deposit

refurbish

refurbishverb

Refurbish is used with these nouns as the object:

flat, house

refusal

refusalnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + refusal | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEabsolute, adamant, blank (BrE), blunt, complete, flat, outright, point-blank, utterthe panel's point-blank refusal to release the informationher utter refusal to do anything to helpcontinued, continuing, deliberate, obstinate, persistent, repeated, resolute, staunch, steadfast, stubborn, wilful/willfulthe enemy's steadfast refusal to accept defeatpoliteapparentinitialfirst (BrE)If you decide to sell your car, I hope you'll give me first refusal (= the opportunity to buy it before it is offered to others).VERB + refusalbe met by, be met withHer appeals for funds to support the cause were met with outright refusals.acceptHe accepted my refusal with a shrug.PREPOSITIONrefusal by, refusal ofa refusal by a patient to accept the recommended treatmentPHRASESa refusal of consent (law, BrE)a refusal of consent to blood transfusionsrefusal on … grounds (esp. BrE)their refusal on religious grounds to perform military service

refuse

refusenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | … OF REFUSE | VERB + refuse | refuse + NOUNADJECTIVEdomestic, household (both esp. BrE)human… OF REFUSEheap, pileVERB + refusedumpPeople just dump their refuse in the street.collect (esp. BrE)Refuse is collected on Fridays.refuse + NOUNcollection, disposalcollector (BrE)I had a part-time job as a refuse collector.dump, heap (esp. AmE)

II. verbADVERB | VERB + refuseADVERBabsolutely, utterlyadamantly, obstinately, resolutely, staunchly (esp. AmE), steadfastly, stubbornly, vehementlycategorically, flatly, point-blank, simplyGerard refused point-blank to cooperate.explicitly (esp. AmE), pointedlyThe demand for an apology was pointedly refused.politelyconsistentlyrepeatedlyThe Court has repeatedly refused to bend on this point.VERB + refusecannotThey made me an offer I couldn't refuse.can hardlybe entitled to, have the right toWorkers should be entitled to refuse to work under these conditions.be churlish to, seem churlish to (both BrE)She offered them tea and it seemed churlish to refuse.dare toHe didn't dare to refuse.continue to

Refuse is used with these nouns as the subject:

authority, court, judge, union

Refuse is used with these nouns as the object:

access, admission, admittance, application, approval, assignment, asylum, authorization, bail, citizenship, clearance, communion, compensation, consent, credit, crown, demand, entry, exemption, funding, help, injunction, invitation, knighthood, leave, licence, offer, pardon, participation, passage, patent, payment, permission, recognition, refund, request, sex, shelter, status, treatment, visa

refute

refuteverb

Refute is used with these nouns as the object:

accusation, allegation, argument, assertion, charge, claim, interpretation, sceptic, theory, view

regain

regainverb

verbADVERB | VERB + regain | PHRASESADVERBcompletely, fullyHe hadn't completely regained his strength.quickly, rapidlysoonShe soon regained her composure.gradually, slowlyeventually, finallyneverHe was severely injured and never regained consciousness.VERB + regainattempt to, battle to, fight to, struggle to, try toShe struggled to regain her composure.be desperate to, be determined to, hope toHe was determined to regain what his father had lost.help sb (to)manage tobe unable to, fail toPHRASESan attempt to regain sth, a bid to regain sth, an effort to regain sthHe is making a bid to regain his number-one ranking.a chance to regain sth, an opportunity to regain stha chance to regain the lead in the contest

Regain is used with these nouns as the object:

appetite, balance, bearing, breath, calm, championship, composure, confidence, consciousness, control, credibility, crown, custody, dignity, faith, feeling, fitness, foothold, footing, form, health, hearing, independence, initiative, lead, memory, mobility, momentum, poise, popularity, posture, sanity, seat, self-control, self-respect, semblance, sense, shape, sight, splendour, status, strength, throne, trust, use, vigour, vision, will

regal

regaladj.

Regal is used with these nouns:

splendour

regale

regaleverb

Regale is used with these nouns as the object:

audience

regale with

regale withphr verb

Regale with is used with these nouns as the object:

Regard is used with these nouns as the subject:

regard

regardnounverb

I. noun1 attention to/thought for sb/sth2 respect/admiration for sb3 regards used in letters to send greetings to sb1 attention to/thought for sb/sthADJECTIVE | VERB + regard | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEparticular, special, specificscantThey paid scant regard to my views.due, full (BrE), proper (esp. BrE) (all law)The decision reached has due regard for the safety of the public.States must conduct their activities with due regard to the interests of other states.I pay full regard to the views of the court.VERB + regardhaveWhen exercising its discretion, the court will have regard to all the circumstances.They have no regard for the values of our community.These people had little regard for the environment.pay, showThe manifesto pays scant regard to green issues.PREPOSITIONin regard to, with regard toI am writing with regard to your recent order.without regard for, without regard toan attempt to plan the future of an industry without due regard to market forcesregard fora proper regard for human dignityPHRASESin that regard, in this regardI have nothing further to say in this regard (= in regard to what has just been said).a lack of regarda lack of regard for public safetylittle, no, etc. regard for sb/sth, little, no, etc. regard to sb/sth

2 respect/admiration for sbADJECTIVE | VERB + regardADJECTIVEdeep (esp. AmE), great, highHe has a high regard for truth.The composer was held in high regard in England.insufficient, lowmutualcriticalVERB + regardhave, hold sb/sth inI have the greatest regard for his abilities.He is held in the highest regard by his colleagues.

3 regards used in letters to send greetings to sbADJECTIVE | VERB + REGARDS | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbest, kind, warmThe letter ended, ‘Kindest regards, Felicity.’VERB + REGARDSgive (sb), send (sb)David sends his warmest regards to your parents.PREPOSITIONregard toMy regards to your aunt (= please give my regards to your aunt).

II. verb1 (often be regarded) think of sb/sth in a particular way2 look steadily at sb/sth1 (often be regarded) think of sb/sth in a particular wayADVERB | VERB + regard | PREPOSITIONADVERBhighly, wellShe was highly regarded as a sculptor.generally, universally, widelyThe project was widely regarded as a success.commonly, popularly, usuallyconventionally, traditionallyRabbits were traditionally regarded as vermin.legitimately, properly, reasonably, rightlyThe crash could be reasonably regarded as an opportunity to invest.Civil contempt is not properly regarded as a criminal act.longan agency long regarded as ineffectualhithertostillno longerVERB + regardappear to, seem toHe seemed to regard the whole thing as a joke.tend toThey tend to regard the open expression of emotion as being soft and feminine.come toI had come to regard him as a close friend.continue tobe tempted toThe successful are often tempted to regard their success as a kind of reward.be tempting tobe a mistake to, be wrong toIt would be a mistake to regard the incident as unimportant.PREPOSITIONasMany of her works are regarded as classics.withThey regarded people outside their own town with suspicion.

2 look steadily at sb/sthADVERB | VERB + regard | PREPOSITIONADVERBsteadilyintentlycuriously, suspiciously, thoughtfully, warilyVERB + regardcontinue toHis eyes continued to regard her steadily.PREPOSITIONwithShe regarded the mess with distaste.

regatta

regattanoun

Regatta is used after these nouns:

sailing

reggae

reggaenoun

Reggae is used before these nouns:

artist, music, rhythm

regime

regimenoun

noun1 system of government2 set of rules/procedures1 system of governmentADJECTIVE | VERB + regime | regime + VERB | regime + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEnewoldCrowds celebrated the downfall of the old regime.current, established, existing, presentrulingformer, previousoustedAn interim government was elected to replace the ousted regime.interimpoliticalconservative, liberal, radicalauthoritarian, autocratic, despotic, dictatorial, fundamentalist, totalitarian, tyrannical, undemocraticdictatorships and autocratic regimesThe tyrannical regime violently repressed any opposition.brutal, hard-line, harsh, murderous, oppressive, repressivecorrupthostileoutlaw, roguethe threat posed by rogue regimescommunist, democratic, fascist, nationalist, socialistconstitutional, parliamentaryrevolutionarymilitarycolonialsecular, theocraticcollaboration with the secular Egyptian regimea harsh and unrelenting theocratic regimepuppetIn 1940 a puppet regime was established by the invaders.VERB + regimeestablish, install, set updefeat, destroy, overthrow, topplechange, remove, replacethe day he and his regime are removed from powerbolster, strengthenEducation was seen as a way of bolstering the existing regime.destabilize, undermineback, supportchallenge, criticize, opposehead, leada military regime headed by the generalregime + VERBexistcome to powerThe communist regime came to power in 1975.emergecollapse, fallgovern, rulepose a danger, pose a threatThese regimes pose a grave and growing danger.regime + NOUNchangethe real war aim of regime changePREPOSITIONagainst a/the regimeShe called for sanctions against the regime.under a/the regimeHe spoke of the abhorrent crimes that had been committed under the regime.regime undera military regime under FrancoPHRASESa change of regimethe collapse of a regime, the fall of a regime, the overthrow of a regimea member of a regime

2 set of rules/proceduresADJECTIVE | VERB + regime | regime + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEharsh, rigorous, strictnewspecialexercise, fitness, health, trainingdietarydrug, treatmenteconomic, financial, fiscal, legal, monetary, regulatorya financial regime imposed by the governmenttax, trade, tradingsafety (esp. BrE)the company's outstanding safety regimenon-proliferationa challenge to the global nuclear non-proliferation regimesanctionsthe UN-enforced sanctions regimeVERB + regimecreate, set up, startIt will be necessary to create a regime to monitor compliance with the agreements.imposeA strict regime of exercise was imposed on the children.followHe suggested to me that I follow his fitness regime.regime + VERBbe based on stha regime based on discipline and trainingPREPOSITIONunder a/the regimeUnder the new regime you will be liable for automatic penalties for late submission of tax returns.regime forthe new regime for accounting for charities

regimen

regimennoun

noun (medical or formal)ADJECTIVE | VERB + regimen | regimen + VERBADJECTIVEstrictcombineddailya sensible daily regimen of vitamin supplementsdietaryexercise, fitness, training, workouta strenuous training regimendrugtreatmentantibiotic, chemotherapy, etc.dosage, doseVERB + regimenuseWe used a combined regimen of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.followShe follows a strict fitness regimen.begin, startHe began a new fitness regimen.continue, maintainIt is important to maintain a training regimen.regimen + VERBcomprise sth, consist of sth, include sth, involve stha treatment regimen comprising two antibiotics

regiment

regimentnoun

Regiment is used after these nouns:

artillery, tank, volunteer

regimental

regimentaladj.

Regimental is used with these nouns:

band, tie

region

regionnoun

noun1 area of land/part of a country2 part of the body1 area of land/part of a countryADJECTIVE | VERB + region | region + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElargesmallentire, wholedistinct, particular, specificnorthern, southern, etc.centralborder, far-flung, outlying, peripheral, remoteoil exploration in remote regions of the Russian Far Eastneighbouring/neighboring, surroundingunexploredgeographic (esp. AmE), geographicalarid, coastal, desert, equatorial, mountain, mountainous, polar, subtropical, tropicalArctic, Gulf, Himalayan, Mediterranean, Pacific, etc.autonomousthe autonomous regions of the People's Republic of Chinametropolitan, urbanruralpopulateda sparsely populated regioneconomicdeveloped, industrialdevelopingdepressed, poor, underdevelopedthe poorer regions of the continentprosperous, richItaly's richest regionoil-producing, etc.troubledan attempt to bring peace and stability to a troubled regionVERB + regioninhabit, live in, occupy, populateNomads have inhabited this region for thousands of years.characterizeThis tropical forest region is characterized by frequent heavy rainfall.work instudy, surveyleaveexplore, visitdivide sth intoThe country is divided into 17 autonomous regions.confine sb/sth toThis bird is largely confined to the southern regions of the country.region + VERBcover sb/sthThe champagne-producing region covers 34 500 hectares.PREPOSITIONacross a/the regionSports events across the region have been affected by the weather.from a/the regionTwenty participants from the Asia-Pacific region will be invited to the seminar.in a/the region, within a/the regionThe animal is found in the northern regions of Sweden.in the region of (figurative)She earns in the region of (= approximately) £200 000.throughout a/the regionThe plant is found throughout the western regions of the country.PHRASESsth varies from region to regionSanitary facilities varied widely from region to region.

2 part of the bodyADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdistinct, particular, specificabdominal, brain, lumbar, etc.PREPOSITIONfrom a/the regiontissue from the mouth regionin a/the region, within a/the regioncells in a particular region of the brain

regional

regionaladj.

Regional is used with these nouns:

accent, administration, airline, airport, assembly, association, authority, autonomy, bloc, branch, capital, centre, championship, character, conference, conflict, contest, context, cooking, cooperation, council, cuisine, development, dialect, difference, dimension, director, dish, distribution, diversity, division, economist, election, federation, festival, final, flavour, government, governor, headquarters, heat, identity, imbalance, inequality, initiative, instability, issue, jet, level, library, loyalty, mall, manager, meeting, museum, network, news, newspaper, office, officer, official, parliament, policy, politics, railway, registry, representative, rivalry, scale, secretary, shopping centre, speciality, stability, summit, survey, tension, theatre, tournament, trade, transit, treaty, variation

regionally

regionallyadv.

Regionally is used with these verbs:

vary

registernounverb

I. noun1 list of names2 range of notes of a voice/an instrument3 level/style of a piece of writing/speech4 (AmE) machine used for money in a shop/store1 list of namesADJECTIVE | VERB + register | register + VERB | register + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfull (esp. BrE)annual (esp. BrE)central, federal, national, public (esp. BrE)statutory (BrE)professional (esp. BrE), socialCEOs who were listed in a social registerattendance (BrE)the keeping of an attendance registerelectoral (esp. BrE)residents listed on the electoral registermedical (BrE)Dr Shaw was struck off the medical register for misconduct.birth, marriageclass, school (both BrE)church, parish (both esp. BrE)guest (esp. AmE), hotel (esp. BrE)check (AmE)ways of reconciling bank statements with check registersland (esp. BrE), share (BrE)sex offenders' (BrE)He has been placed on the sex offenders' register.VERB + registerappear on, be on (both esp. BrE)All those appearing on the register must notify the authorities of any change of address.join (esp. BrE)remain on (BrE)keep (esp. BrE), maintainThey keep a register of all those who have contributed to the fund.call, take (both BrE) (take attendance in AmE)The teacher takes the register at the beginning of each class.compile (esp. BrE), create, draw up (esp. BrE), establish (esp. BrE)She was asked to draw up a register of suitable sites.add sb/sth toenter sb/sth in, enter sb/sth on, register sth in, register sth on (all esp. BrE)Their names had been entered in the register as owners of the company.remove sb from, strike sb from, strike sb off (all BrE)He was struck off the medical register for professional misconduct.sign (esp. BrE)The bride and bridegroom signed the register.register + VERBcontain sth, include stha register containing details of four million carsregister + NOUNoffice (in the UK)The Leas married in a register office.PREPOSITIONin a/the registerIt was the last entry in the register.on a/the registerThere are 36 children on the register.PHRASESan entry in a register, an entry on a register (esp. BrE)

2 range of notes of a voice/an instrumentADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhigh, low, middle, upperthe lower register of the pianovocalchest, headPREPOSITIONin a/the registerboy trebles singing in high registers

3 level/style of a piece of writing/speechADJECTIVE | VERB + registerADJECTIVEformal, informalVERB + registeradopt (BrE)He has adopted an informal register so as not to alienate his audience.

4 (AmE) machine used for money in a shop/storeSee also cash registerII. verb1 put sb/sth on an official list2 notice sth1 put sb/sth on an official listADVERB | VERB + register | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBformally, officiallyproperlyThey had not properly registered as required by state law.legallyfully (esp. BrE)On completion of the preregistration year, graduates become fully registered by the General Medical Council.dulyAs I reached my eighteenth birthday I duly registered for military service.automaticallyonlinePlayers must register online before playing the game.VERB + registerbe required to, have to, must, need to, shouldYou must register the death within three days.be eligible tofail torefuse toPREPOSITIONasthe number of people officially registering as unemployedatHe registered at his local university.forThere is still time to register for English classes.withStudents living away from home are required to register with a local doctor.PHRASESnewly registeredthe preferences of newly registered voters

2 notice sthADVERB | VERB + registerADVERBbarely, hardlyShe had barely registered his presence.dimly, vaguelyHe vaguely registered that the women had gone.slowlyThe words registered slowly in her mind.VERB + registerfail to, not seem toHis eyes failed to register Susan's surprise.The pain that stung her hand did not seem to register.begin toSlowly, my mind began to register where I was: in the hospital.

brain

birth, complaint, disagreement, disapproval, displeasure, dissent, invention, name, protest, surprise, vessel, voter

registry

registered

registeredadj.

Registered is used with these nouns:

architect, charity, dentist, elector, letter, mail, midwife, nurse, post, user, voter

dentist, doctor, GP

registrar

registrarnoun

Registrar is used after these nouns:

registration

registrationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + registration | registration + VERB | registration + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfulllimitedformalcompulsory, mandatorycomplimentary, freea complimentary registration for the 2002 meeting of the societyadvancesame-day (AmE)states that allow same-day voter registrationon-site (AmE)on-site registration for this week's eventsonlinecivilcivil registration of birthsbirth, death (both esp. BrE)class, course, studentvotercar, company (BrE), domain-name, gun, land, product, trademark, vehicleVAT (BrE)conference, convention, meetingparty (AmE)my Democratic party registrationVERB + registrationrequireapply for, file, seek, submitconduct (AmE)The organization will conduct voter registration for overseas nationals.obtain, receiveaccept, grant sbUnder the new regulation we can grant full registration to foreign lawyers.renewcancelregistration + VERBbe requiredregistration + NOUNrequirementa failure to comply with the registration requirementsperioddeadlineThe registration deadline is November 4.procedure, processscheme (BrE), systemdatabase, recordsI traced my family history using the civil registration records.list, roll (both AmE)the information on the registration rollapplication, formcard, document, papersstatementnumberI gave the registration number of the car to the police. (BrE)You must have the voter registration number on the form. (AmE)plate (BrE) (license plate in AmE)The police are looking for a black car with German registration plates.sticker (AmE)officer (BrE)feecounter (AmE), desk, officeI headed to the registration desk to find out where the talk was.campaign, drivea voter registration campaignPREPOSITIONon registrationYou will receive a free CD on registration with the club.registration asregistration as a political partyregistration bythe registration of the vehicle by the appropriate authorityregistration forRegistration for this event ends on December 10.registration withRegistration with the council is compulsory.PHRASESan application for registration (esp. BrE)a certificate of registration

registration number

registration numbernoun

Registration number is used after these nouns:

registry

registrynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + registry | registry + NOUNADJECTIVEcentrala central registry for all applicantsdistrict (BrE), national, regionalland (BrE)The deed of transfer must be entered at the land registry.bridal, gift, wedding (all AmE)the growth of online gift registriespatient (AmE)the available data in the patient registrysex offender (AmE)He was forced to register in the sex offender registry.VERB + registryregister sth at, register sth in, register sth withThe certificate will have to be lodged at the registry.create, establishregistry + NOUNoffice (in the UK)They got married in a registry office.entrydatabase

registry office

registry officenoun

Registry office is used before these nouns:

wedding

regressive

regressiveadj.

Regressive is used with these nouns:

Regret is used with these nouns as the object:

regret

regretnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | … OF REGRET | VERB + regret | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, bitter, deep, genuine, great, profound, real, sincereHer biggest regret was that she had never had children.She expressed deep regret at the incident.… OF REGRETpang, stab, tinge (esp. BrE), twinge (esp. AmE)VERB + regretfeel, haveI have absolutely no regrets about resigning.express, showsendHe sends his regrets about missing our 45th reunion.PREPOSITIONto your regretTo my regret, I lost touch with her years ago.with regretIt is with deep regret that we announce the death of Mr Fred Fisher.without regretShe thought of them without regret.regret about, regret overShe showed no regret about leaving her country.regret atmy sincere regret at what has happenedregret forShe enjoyed living alone, but felt a tiny pang of regret for her mother's cooking.PHRASESexpression of regretThe police offered no expression of regret at his wrongful arrest.a matter for regret (BrE), a matter of regret (esp. BrE)I never learned to play an instrument and that's a matter of some regret. (BrE)

II. verbADVERB | VERB + regretADVERBbitterly, deeply, greatly, really, seriously, sincerely, truly, very muchThe president said that his country deeply regretted the incident.ratherimmediately, instantlyI immediately regretted not asking for his name and address.quickly, soonIt was a decision she would soon regret.laterPierre told them some things he later regretted telling.neverVERB + regretbegin tocome to, grow to, live toShe knew that she would live to regret this decision.seem to

choice, decision, error, fact, incident, inconvenience, indiscretion, loss, mistake, word

regretfully

regretfullyadv.

Regretfully is used with these verbs:

shake

regrettable

regrettableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemADVERBdeeply, extremely, highly, truly, verya deeply regrettable incidentIt is highly regrettable that the delegate cannot be here in person.ratherespecially, particularlyHis death is particularly regrettable because this condition could have easily been treated.

Regrettable is used with these nouns:

incident

regular

regularadj.

adj.1 frequent2 following a pattern3 (AmE) ordinary1 frequentVERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, seembecomeADVERBveryfairly, pretty (esp. AmE), quite, reasonablya pretty regular customerincreasinglyShe enjoyed his increasingly regular visits.PHRASESat regular intervalsHis blood pressures was taken at regular intervals.on a regular basisThe paintings are changed on a regular basis.

2 following a patternVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBhighly, veryhighly regular patternsperfectlyHer face was perfectly regular.fairly

3 (AmE) ordinaryVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemEverything seemed regular.ADVERBfairly, prettyHe's a pretty regular guy.perfectlyShe comes from a perfectly regular middle-class family.

Regular is used with these nouns:

appearance, army, assessment, attendance, basis, beat, bedtime, breathing, briefing, bus, check, check-up, chore, client, clientele, clothes, column, communication, contact, contributor, correspondence, customer, cycle, drinker, duty, employment, event, exercise, exposure, fare, fashion, feature, feedback, fix, fixture, flight, folk, follow-up, force, gasoline, grid, guest, guy, habit, haunt, hour, income, injection, inspection, intake, job, mail, maintenance, medical, medication, meeting, member, menu, military, milk, monitoring, occurrence, participant, pattern, payment, physiotherapy, premium, programme, rate, reader, repayment, report, review, rhythm, routine, saver, schedule, season, service, session, shape, shopper, sight, smoker, soda, soldier, subscriber, sum, summit, supervision, supply, surveillance, survey, swim, trip, troops, update, use, user, verb, viewer, visit, visitor, wage, winner, work, workout, worship

regularity

regularitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF REGULARITY | VERB + regularity | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdepressing, monotonous, predictableRows over funding that broke out with depressing regularity.alarmingThe same mistakes reoccur with alarming regularity.amazing, remarkablegreat, increasingFinancial crises erupt with increasing regularity.… OF REGULARITYdegreeSons followed their fathers' trade with a high degree of regularity.VERB + regularitymaintainThe idea is to maintain the regularity of the heartbeat.PREPOSITIONwith (a) regularityHe exercised with a regularity that amazed us.regularity inIs there any regularity in English word stress?PHRASESwith … regularityShe seems to change jobs with amazing regularity.

regularly

regularlyadv.

Regularly is used with these adjectives:

used

Regularly is used with these verbs:

attend, check, commute, conduct, consult, contribute, correspond, drink, employ, encounter, engage, evaluate, exceed, expose, feature, feed, inform, inspect, meet, monitor, occur, participate, perform, practise, pray, read, receive, renew, repeat, review, run, schedule, service, space, taunt, test, train, travel, tune, update, use, visit, wash, write

regulate

regulateverb

verbADVERB | VERB + regulate | PHRASESADVERBclosely, heavily, strictly, tightlyThe use of these chemicals is strictly regulated.carefully, properlylightly, looselypoorlyfederallyTobacco is a federally regulated product.VERB + regulateattempt to, seek tobe designed to, be intended toa code of conduct intended to regulate press reporting on the royal familyPHRASESan attempt to regulate sthregulated by law, regulated by statute

Regulate is used with these nouns as the subject:

law, treaty

Regulate is used with these nouns as the object:

activity, behaviour, breathing, commerce, conduct, economy, emission, emotion, exercise, flow, industry, Internet, level, market, mechanism, mood, movement, process, production, profession, railway, relation, temperature, trade, use

regulated

regulatedadj.

Regulated is used with these nouns:

utility

regulation

regulationnounadj.

I. noun1 control of sth2 (usually regulations) law/rule1 control of sthADJECTIVE | VERB + regulation | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEstrict, tight, toughthose opposed to tighter regulation of banksincreasedexcessiveBusinesses should be free from excessive government regulation.federal, government, governmental, international, official, professional, public, statelegal, statutoryvoluntaryeconomic, environmental, financialprice, temperatureVERB + regulationcall for, demandThey are calling for tighter regulation of the industry.introducebe subject toFood additives are subject to government regulation.PREPOSITIONregulation byregulation by local authoritiesregulation ofthe regulation of the medical profession

2 (usually regulations) law/ruleADJECTIVE | VERB + regulation | regulation + VERB | regulation + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEstrict, stringent, tight, toughThe act imposes more stringent regulations on atmospheric pollution.Tighter regulations come into force next year.burdensome (esp. AmE), restrictivelaxThe company took advantage of the country's lax environmental regulations.draft, proposednewcurrent, existingemergencystatutorybuilding (esp. BrE), fire, highway (AmE), hygiene (esp. BrE), planning (esp. BrE), safety, traffic, etc.The restaurant owner admitted 13 breaches of food hygiene regulations.EU, federal, government, international, officialprison, schoolVERB + regulationcomply with, conform to, meet, observe, satisfyTo comply with government hygiene regulations, there must be a separate sink for hand washing.breach, break, contravene, flout, violateadopt, bring in, enact (both esp. AmE), impose, introduce, issue, makeStates are enacting new laws and regulations.These restrictions are set out in regulations made by the minister.liberalize, relaxThe government is under pressure to relax censorship regulations.tightenenforceIn practice, the regulations are rarely enforced.regulation + VERBbe designed toThe regulations are designed to encourage lower consumption of water.control sth, govern sth, protect sthregulations governing trade and industrydictate sth, impose sth, mandate sth (esp. AmE), prescribe sth, require sth, specify sth, stipulate sthThere will be stricter regulations dictating which foods are allowed in schools.Regulations require water authorities to test sea water for bacteria.limit sth, restrict sthban sth, forbid sth, prohibit sthThe regulations ban the use of genetically modified organisms.permit sthapply (to sth)These regulations apply to all cows sold after June 1998.come into forceregulation + NOUNuniformShe was wearing the regulation school uniform.PREPOSITIONagainst (the) regulationsIt's against safety regulations to leave these doors open.in (the) regulationThe limits are specified in the regulations.under (the) regulationUnder the new regulations, each worker must have a rest every two hours.regulations concerning, regulations regardingThere are strict regulations concerning the adoption of children.regulation onregulations on hygienePHRASESa breach of the regulationscompliance with a regulationin accordance with (the) regulationsThe notice is in accordance with Regulation 7.rules and regulations

II. adj.

Regulation is used with these nouns:

uniform

regulatory

regulatoryadj.

Regulatory is used with these nouns:

agency, approval, authority, body, burden, framework, hurdle, mandate, reform, regime, requirement, restraint, restriction, role, scheme

rehab

rehabnoun

Rehab is used before these nouns:

clinic, programme

rehabilitate

rehabilitateverb

Rehabilitate is used with these nouns as the object:

injury, prisoner

rehabilitation

rehabilitationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | rehabilitation + NOUNADJECTIVEmedical, physical, socialalcohol, druga specialist drug and alcohol rehabilitation unitcardiac, pulmonary, stroke, etc. (all medical)rehabilitation + NOUNcentre/center, clinic, unita drug rehabilitation centre/centerservicesprocess, programme/program, scheme (BrE)He entered an alcohol rehabilitation programme/program.

rehear

rehearverb

Rehear is used with these nouns as the object:

Rehearse is used with these nouns as the subject:

rehearsal

rehearsalnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + rehearsal | rehearsal + VERB | rehearsal + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdressa dress rehearsal for a Broadway playweddingI attended my friend's wedding rehearsal.band, choir, choral, orchestra, orchestral, playI'll see you at band rehearsal on Monday!VERB + rehearsalconduct, do, have, holdWe only had one full rehearsal.attend, go torehearsal + VERBtake placegoHow did the rehearsal go?rehearsal + NOUNhall (esp. AmE), room, space, studioschedule, timedinner (AmE)The wedding rehearsal dinner is tonight.PREPOSITIONat (a/the) rehearsalHe apologized for his outburst at rehearsal.during (a/the) rehearsalDuring the dress rehearsal she suddenly forgot her lines.in rehearsalThey're performing every night and they have another production in rehearsal.rehearsal forrehearsals for ‘Romeo and Juliet’rehearsal ofa rehearsal of the final scene

rehearse

rehearseverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBcarefullymentallyShe mentally rehearsed what she would say to Jeff.PREPOSITIONforWe're rehearsing for the show.PHRASESwell rehearsedHe had his speech well rehearsed.

actor, actress, musician

Rehearse is used with these nouns as the object:

act, scene

reheel

reheelverb

Reheel is used with these nouns as the object:

reign

reignverb

Reign is used with these nouns as the subject:

anarchy, chaos, confusion, dynasty, king, monarch, optimism, peace, queen, silence

reigning

reigningadj.

Reigning is used with these nouns:

champion, emperor, king, monarch

reignite

reigniteverb

Reignite is used with these nouns as the object:

debate

reimburse

reimburseverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBfully, in full (esp. BrE)His costs in recovering the lost suitcase were fully reimbursed.All monies received will be reimbursed in full.PREPOSITIONforYou will be reimbursed for your expenses.

Reimburse is used with these nouns as the object:

cost, expense, fee

reimbursement

reimbursementnoun

Reimbursement is used after these nouns:

expense

rein

reinnoun

noun1 (often reins) for controlling a horse2 the reins being in control/the leader of sth1 (often reins) for controlling a horseVERB + rein | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + reinholdCan you hold the reins for a minute?gather, gather up, pick upSean gathered up the horse's reins.grab, grab at, grippull on, tug, tug at, tug onShe pulled sharply on the reins.give sb, hand sb, let go ofloosen, tightenPREPOSITIONon a reinShe had the horse on a long rein.PHRASESgive free rein to sth, give full rein to sth (= give sb freedom of action)The designer was given free rein.When I paint I just give my imagination free rein.

2 the reins being in control/the leader of sthVERB + THE REINS | PHRASESVERB + THE REINSholdIt's the accountants who effectively hold the reins.grasp, seize, take upThe vice-president was forced to take up the reins of office.hand overloosen, tightenParents need to loosen the reins as the child grows.PHRASESthe reins of government, the reins of office, the reins of powerHe seized the reins of power.

reinforce

reinforceverb

verb1 support sth that already exists2 make sth stronger1 support sth that already existsADVERB | VERB + reinforceADVERBgreatly, powerfully, stronglyThis report strongly reinforces the view that the system must be changed.furthermerely, only, simplyAll this simply reinforces my earlier point.constantly, continuallysubtlyOur prejudices are subtly reinforced in many different ways.mutuallyViolence and rejection by society are mutually reinforcing.unwittinglypositivelyVERB + reinforcehelp (to), serve to, tend to

2 make sth strongerADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBheavilyPREPOSITIONwithThe door was built of oak, heavily reinforced with iron.

Reinforce is used with these nouns as the object:

argument, attitude, behaviour, belief, concept, conclusion, conviction, division, hierarchy, idea, image, importance, impression, inequality, message, myth, notion, point, prejudice, stereotype, suspicion, tendency, trend, view

reinforced

reinforcedadj.

Reinforced is used with these nouns:

concrete, plastic, steel

reinforcement

reinforcementnoun

noun1 supporting/strengthening sth2 reinforcements extra soldiers, etc.1 supporting/strengthening sthADJECTIVE | VERB + reinforcementADJECTIVEpowerfulnegative, positiveThe children respond well to praise and positive reinforcement.steelVERB + reinforcementprovideThe instructor provides reinforcement to elicit the desired response.The statement provides reinforcement for the view that tax cuts are likely.receivehaveThe windows have steel reinforcement.need

2 reinforcements extra soldiers, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + REINFORCEMENTS | REINFORCEMENTS + VERBADJECTIVEpolice, troopVERB + REINFORCEMENTScall for, call in, request, send forThe crowd was very large and police reinforcements were called in.needWe need urgent reinforcements.bring in, sendREINFORCEMENTS + VERBarriveReinforcements arrived too late.

reinstate

reinstateverb

Reinstate is used with these nouns as the object:

draft

reinterpret

reinterpretverb

Reinterpret is used with these nouns as the object:

tradition

reintroduce

reintroduceverb

Reintroduce is used with these nouns as the object:

reiterate

reiterateverb

Reiterate is used with these nouns as the object:

argument, importance, point, view, warning

reject

rejectverb

verbADVERB | VERB + reject | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBdecisively, emphatically, firmly, resoundingly, roundly, soundly, strongly, vehemently, vigorouslyVoters emphatically rejected the proposals.She firmly rejected the suggestion that she had lied.categorically, completely, flatly, unequivocally, utterlyout of hand, outright, summarilyDon't just reject their suggestions out of hand.overwhelminglyunanimouslynarrowlyVoters narrowly rejected the plan.initiallyimmediately, instantlyquicklyconsistently, constantly, repeatedlyeventually, finally, ultimatelyWe considered offering him the job, but finally rejected him.deliberatelyexplicitly, expressly, specificallyThe paper expressly rejected charges that it had invented the story.formallypubliclyautomaticallyThe organs are automatically rejected by the immune system.rightlyIt was a badly researched product that consumers rightly rejected.VERB + rejectvote tobe free to, have the right toConsumers have the right to reject faulty goods and demand a refund.urge sb toHe urged the committee to reject the plans.PREPOSITIONasThe proposal was rejected as too costly.in favour/favor ofTheir design was rejected in favour/favor of one by a rival company.PHRASESreject sth on … groundsThe plan was rejected on economic grounds.

Reject is used with these nouns as the subject:

conference, congress, court, judge, parliament, tribunal, union, voter

Reject is used with these nouns as the object:

accusation, advice, allegation, amendment, apology, appeal, applicant, application, argument, assertion, authority, ban, bid, bill, call, candidate, charge, claim, complaint, compromise, constitution, contention, creed, criticism, deal, demand, doctrine, dogma, excuse, hypothesis, idea, ideology, implication, initiative, interpretation, label, manuscript, motion, move, offer, overture, package, petition, philosophy, plan, plea, practice, proposal, proposition, reasoning, recommendation, religion, report, request, resignation, resolution, scheme, stereotype, submission, suggestion, teaching, theory, thesis, tradition, transplant, treaty, view, violence

rejected

rejectedadj.

Rejected is used with these nouns:

lover

rejection

rejectionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + rejection | rejection + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEoutright, total, wholesaleexplicitdeliberateknee-jerkThere is often a knee-jerk rejection of new ideas.VERB + rejectionfearChildren who have had bad experiences fear rejection.riskcope with, deal with, handle, takeIt takes a strong personality to cope with rejection.rejection + NOUNletter, slipa publisher's rejection slipPREPOSITIONrejection bythe rejection of the child by its motherPHRASESfear of rejectionfeelings of rejectionthe rejection of an idea, a proposal, a theory, etc.

rejoicing

rejoicingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreat, muchgeneralPREPOSITIONamid rejoicingThe bridge was completed in 1811 amid much rejoicing.rejoicing atgeneral rejoicing at the team's victoryPHRASESa cause for rejoicingShe had a personal cause for rejoicing.an occasion for rejoicingFinding a job should have been an occasion for rejoicing.scenes of rejoicingThere were scenes of rejoicing at the news.

rejuvenate

rejuvenateverb

Rejuvenate is used with these nouns as the object:

career

rekindle

rekindleverb

Rekindle is used with these nouns as the object:

debate, flame, friendship, love, memory, passion

relapse

relapsenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + relapse | relapse + VERB | relapse + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEacuteVERB + relapseexperience, suffercause, precipitate, triggerA wide range of emotionally stressful events may trigger a relapse.preventrelapse + VERBoccurrelapse + NOUNpreventionA drug counsellor/counselor advises patients on relapse prevention.rate (medical)The therapy can reduce the relapse rate for multiple sclerosis.PREPOSITIONin relapse (medical)Even in relapse there will be times when the patient's general condition improves.PHRASESa risk of relapse

relapse into

relapse intophr verb

Relapse into is used with these nouns as the object:

silence

relate

relateverb

verbADVERB | VERB + relate | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBcloselydirectly, specificallyThe issues raised in the report relate directly to Age Concern's ongoing work in this area.somehowAll these works relate somehow to the artist's emotional life.primarilyOur work primarily relates to product design.VERB + relatebe able to, canattempt to, try tobe difficult to, find sth difficult toI found it difficult to relate the two ideas in my mind.PREPOSITIONtoOur product needs an image that people can relate to.PHRASESthe ability to relate to sb/sthan attempt to relate sthAttempts to relate studies on animals to those on humans are not really comparing like with like.

Relate is used with these nouns as the object:

anecdote, event, experience, history, incident, information, story, tale

relatedadj.

adj.1 connected2 of the same family1 connectedVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seemADVERBclosely, integrally, intimately, stronglyThe two ideas are very closely related.significantlyScores in the test were not significantly related to gender.inextricablylooselynot necessarilynot remotelyWhat she was reading was not remotely related to her work.largelypartlydirectly, linearlyindirectly, tangentiallyTax rates were indirectly related to income.specificallypositivelyinversely, negativelyThe traditional approach has tended to regard unemployment and inflation as being inversely related.apparentlyclearly, obviouslycausally, contextually, functionally, logically, structurally, thematicallyIs unemployment causally related to crime?PREPOSITIONtoThe occurrence of the disease is apparently related to standards of hygiene.

2 of the same familyVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeADVERBcloselydistantlybiologically, evolutionarily, geneticallyAll the bees in the colony are genetically related.PREPOSITIONtoHe claims to be distantly related to the British royal family.

Related is used with these nouns:

article, discipline, field, issue, link, matter, note, question, species, theme, topic

relate to

relate tophr verb

Relate to is used with these nouns as the subject:

complaint, document, exemption, finding, information, initiative, matter, proposition, recommendation, report, word

relation

relationnoun

noun1 connection between two or more things2 member of sb's family3 relations between people/groups/countries1 connection between two or more thingsADJECTIVE | VERB + relation | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcausaldirectThe energy an animal uses is in direct relation to speed and body mass.complexthe complex relation between business and societyclose, intimateThe study shows the close relation between poverty and ill health.significantspatialThe right side of the brain deals with spatial relations between objects.VERB + relationbear, haveThe movie bore no relation to (= was very different from) the book.The fee bears little relation to the service provided.establish, showHe established a relation between asthma and certain types of work.analyse/analyze, exploreHer work explores the relation between technology and culture.PREPOSITIONin relation toSimilar policies were pursued in the 1970s, particularly in relation to health services.relation between, relation tothe relation of the subject to the object

2 member of sb's familyADJECTIVE | VERB + relation | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEclose, neardistantbloodpoor (often figurative)Other sparkling wines are often considered the poor relations of champagne.VERB + relationvisitPREPOSITIONrelation toWhat relation is Rita to you?PHRASESfriends and relations

3 relations between people/groups/countriesADJECTIVE | VERB + RELATIONS | relation + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEclose, intimatecordial, friendly, good, harmoniousimproveda period of improved trade relationsdifficult, poor, strainedRelations between the two countries are strained.bilateral, diplomatic, foreign, international, political, tradeThe US broke off diplomatic relations with Cuba's communist government.the growing chill in Anglo-French diplomatic relationsindustrial, labour/laborThe change of government led to improved industrial relations.class, gender, raceeconomic, power, socialpublica public relations exercisecustomer, investorhuman, interpersonal, personalfamily, maritala breakdown of marital relations leading to divorcesexualparent-child, student-teacher, etc.Anglo-American, East-West, etc.VERB + RELATIONScultivate, develop, establish, foster, maintainthe need to establish good relations with our European partnersbreak off, sever, suspendDiplomatic relations have been broken off between the two countries.damage, poison, sourThe move soured relations between Washington and Moscow.improve, strengthenRenewed efforts are being made to improve the strained relations between the two countries.normalize (esp. AmE), repairre-establish, restore, resumeVenezuela re-established diplomatic relations with Cuba.govern, regulatethe system governing social relations in Indiarelation + VERBimproveRelations between the two states have improved.deteriorate, sour, worsenPREPOSITIONrelation among, relation between, relation withPHRASESan improvement in relations

relationship

relationshipnoun

noun1 between people/groups/countries2 family connection3 connection between two or more things1 between people/groups/countriesADJECTIVE | VERB + relationship | relationship + VERB | relationship + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfriendly, good, happy, harmonious, healthy, strongThey have a very healthy father-son relationship.broken, difficult, failed, fragile, poor, rocky, stormy, strained, troubled, uneasy, volatileTheir relationship has always been a stormy one.close, intense, intimate, specialBritain's special relationship with the UScommitted, enduring, lasting, long-standing, long-term, monogamous, permanent, serious, stable, steadyHe was not married, but he was in a stable relationship.brief, casualcaring, love-hate, lovingabusivefamily, human, interpersonal, one-to-one, personaldoctor-patient, parent-child, etc.business, contractual, financial, formal, professional, social, workingmarital, physical, romantic, sexualplatonicgay, heterosexual, homosexual, lesbian, same-sexpowerThe play is about power relationships at work.VERB + relationshipenjoy, haveThey enjoyed a close working relationship.The school has a very good relationship with the community.He had brief relationships with several women.begin, build, build up, cultivate, develop, establish, forge, form, fosterBuilding strong relationships is essential.They established a relationship of trust.cement, improve, strengthencontinue, maintaindeal with, handle, manageHe's not very good at handling personal relationships.break off, endShe broke off the relationship when she found out about his gambling.destroy, ruinLack of trust destroys many relationships.relationship + VERBexistWe want to improve the relationship that exists between the university and industry.deepen, develop, evolve, progressblossom, flourishworkI tried everything to make our relationship work.continue, lastdeteriorate, go wrong, worsenbreak down, break up, end, failrelationship + NOUNdifficulties, problemsbreakdown (esp. BrE)goalscounsellor/counselor (esp. BrE)PREPOSITIONin a/the relationshipIn normal human relationships there has to be some give and take.At the moment he isn't in a relationship.relationship amongThe focus is on relationships among European countries.relationship between, relationship totheir relationship to each otherrelationship withPHRASESthe breakdown of a relationshipa network of relationships, a web of relationships

2 family connectionADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEblood, family, kin, kinshipdistantHe claimed to have a distant relationship with royalty.PREPOSITIONrelationship between‘What's the relationship between you and Tony?’ ‘He's my cousin.’relationship toWhat relationship are you to Pat?

3 connection between two or more thingsADJECTIVE | VERB + relationship | relationship + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcloseThere's a close relationship between increased money supply and inflation.directclearcomplex, complicatedsignificanttrueparticularinverse, negativethe inverse relationship between gas consumption and air temperaturepositivecausal, dynamic, reciprocal, symbioticthe symbiotic relationship between corals and algaelinear, spatialeconomic, functional, legalnatural, organicsymbolicVERB + relationshipbear, haveThe fee bears little relationship to the service provided.analyze, assess, evaluate, examine, explore, investigate, look at, studyHis latest book examines the relationship between spatial awareness and mathematical ability.determine, discover, establish, findThey discovered a relationship between depression and lack of sunlight.demonstrate, showsee, understanddescriberelationship + VERBexistNo statistically significant relationship existed between the occurrences.emergeA clear relationship emerged in the study between happiness and level of education.PREPOSITIONin a/the relationshipThe different varieties of the language are in a dynamic relationship with each other.relationship amongOur research will explore the relationships among these variables.relationship betweenI can't see the relationship between the figures and the diagram.relationship tothe relationship of a parasite to its hostrelationship withPHRASESthe nature of the relationshipstand in a … relationship to sthWomen and men stand in a different relationship to language.

relative

relativenounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + relative | PHRASESADJECTIVEclose, nearThe succession passed to the nearest surviving relative.distantblood, familyIf you die without a will, only a husband, wife, children and blood relatives are entitled to inherit your property.immediateThe deceased's immediate relatives will inherit her estate.living, survivingdeceasedelderly, oldyoungfemale, malelong-lostHe greeted me like a long-lost relative.poor (often figurative)He believes that interior design is the poor relative of (= inferior to) architecture.dependent (esp. BrE)the increase in dependent elderly relativesdisabled, ill, sickpeople who care for a sick or disabled relativebereaved, grieving (both esp. BrE)VERB + relativehaveI have no parents or close relatives.losean organization that helps people who have lost relatives (= whose relatives have died)care for, give support to, help, look after (esp. BrE), support, take care of (esp. AmE)She's caring for an elderly relative.live withstay with, visitfind, trace (esp. BrE)The police are trying to find the relatives of the deceased.contact, informThe names of the victims are being withheld until the relatives have been informed.PHRASESfriends and relatives, friends or relativesan intimate reception for close friends and relativesa relative by marriage

II. adj.

Relative is used with these nouns:

abundance, advantage, anonymity, autonomy, clause, comfort, conservatism, contribution, decrease, deprivation, distribution, ease, effectiveness, efficiency, failure, freedom, frequency, harmony, humidity, importance, impotence, inactivity, independence, inexperience, influence, insignificance, isolation, lack, luxury, magnitude, merit, neglect, obscurity, peace, percentage, position, privacy, probability, pronoun, proportion, prosperity, quiet, risk, safety, scarcity, seclusion, silence, simplicity, size, stability, status, stranger, strength, success, term, uniformity, unknown, weakness, wealth

relatively

relativelyadv.

Relatively is used with these adjectives:

advanced, anonymous, autonomous, benign, brief, broad, cheap, clean, clear, close, comfortable, complete, complex, conservative, consistent, constant, content, cool, costly, decent, depressed, deprived, distant, diverse, dry, early, easy, efficient, empty, equal, even, expensive, exposed, fast, favourable, fixed, free, frequent, generous, happy, harmless, healthy, homogeneous, immaterial, immobile, immune, inaccessible, inactive, independent, indifferent, inefficient, inert, inexpensive, inexperienced, inflexible, informal, infrequent, innocent, innocuous, insensitive, insignificant, insoluble, intact, junior, large, late, lengthy, liberal, light, limited, long, low, low-key, mild, minor, moderate, modest, mundane, muted, narrow, neglected, neutral, new, normal, novel, obscure, opaque, orderly, painless, passive, peaceful, permanent, popular, powerful, powerless, predictable, privileged, progressive, prolonged, prosperous, quick, quiet, rapid, rare, recent, remote, resistant, restricted, rich, rigid, safe, sane, secluded, self-contained, senior, severe, shallow, sheltered, short, simple, slight, slow, small, sober, soft, solid, stable, staid, standard, static, steady, straight, straightforward, successful, swift, tame, tiny, tolerant, tranquil, trivial, unaffected, unchanged, uncommon, unconcerned, unfamiliar, unknown, unmoved, unnoticed, unscathed, unstable, unusual, upright, warm, weak, wealthy, wide, widespread, young

relax

relaxverb

verbADVERB | VERB + relax | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBcompletely, fully, totallya little, slightlyjust, simplyJust relax and take it easy.gradually, slowlyHe gradually relaxed and began to enjoy himself.immediately, instantlyShe instantly relaxed at the sight of him.consciouslyShe realized how tense she was and consciously relaxed.visiblyVERB + relaxbegin totry toJust try to relax completely.learn tohelp sb (to)Use music to help you relax.make sbappear to, seem toJulie seems to be relaxing a little now.PREPOSITIONagainstJenna relaxed against the pillows.intoHis severe expression relaxed into a half-smile.onHe was relaxing on the couch with a book.PHRASESlie back and relax, sit back and relaxrelax and enjoy sth/yourself, relax and unwind

Relax is used with these nouns as the subject:

expression, grip, muscle, shoulder

Relax is used with these nouns as the object:

blockade, censorship, constraint, control, grip, hair, hold, mind, muscle, regulation, requirement, restriction, rule, shoulder, vigilance

relaxation

relaxationnoun

noun1 time spent resting/sth you do to rest2 making rules/controls less strict1 time spent resting/sth you do to restADJECTIVE | VERB + relaxation | relaxation + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeep, greatcomplete, totalmuscle, muscularan ointment that helps muscle relaxationmentalan environment that promotes physical and mental relaxationVERB + relaxationaid, cause (medical), induce, promoteSome people take up yoga to aid relaxation.drugs that cause the relaxation of the musclea popular herb known to induce relaxationrelaxation + NOUNexercise, techniquetapeTry listening to a relaxation tape before you go to sleep.therapyclassHe goes to relaxation classes.PREPOSITIONfor relaxationShe listens to classical music for relaxation.relaxation froma chance for relaxation from workPHRASESa form of relaxation, a kind of relaxationrest and relaxationa state of relaxation

2 making rules/controls less strictADJECTIVE | VERB + relaxation | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfurthergeneralslighttemporary (esp. BrE)gradualVERB + relaxationcall for (esp. BrE)Financiers are calling for a relaxation of these stringent measures.PREPOSITIONrelaxation in, relaxation ofa relaxation in the rules

relaxed

relaxedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, feel, look, seemkeep sbADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.deeplycompletely, perfectly, totallyapparently, seeminglyvisiblyenoughYou need to ensure that a patient feels relaxed enough to discuss things fully.PREPOSITIONaboutI was very relaxed about the decision.

Relaxed is used with these nouns:

atmosphere, attitude, fashion, manner, mood, muscle, pace, stance

relaxing

relaxingadj.

Relaxing is used with these nouns:

bath, hobby, massage, shower, vacation

relay

relaynounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + relay | relay + NOUNADJECTIVE4 by 400, etc.freestyle, medley, sprintVERB + relayrun, run in, swimShe ran in the 4 by 400 relay.winrelay + NOUNracesquad, teammedallist/medalist

II. verb

Relay is used with these nouns as the object:

information, message, news, signal

release

releasenounverb

I. noun1 freeing sb from prison, etc.2 freeing sb from an emotion, a pain, etc.3 book, film/movie, music, piece of news, etc.1 freeing sb from prison, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + release | release + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEimmediateThere have been calls for his immediate and unconditional release.imminentearlyunconditionalsupervised (AmE)On completing his prison sentence Smith will serve three years of supervised release.VERB + releasedemandThe outraged public demanded her release.grant sbHe was granted early release.secureA public outcry secured her release from detention.negotiateHe negotiated the release of American prisoners of war.release + NOUNdatePREPOSITIONrelease fromhis release from hospitalPHRASESrelease sb on bail, release sb on parole

2 freeing sb from an emotion, a pain, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + release | release + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEwelcomeShe saw death as a welcome release from pain.emotional, sexualVERB + releasegive (sb)Crying gave some emotional release.needSometimes we just need some release from the pressure.release + NOUNvalve (figurative)Laughter is an important release valve for feelings of frustration.PREPOSITIONrelease fromPHRASESa feeling of release, a sense of releasea release of tensionAll societies have social mechanisms for the release of tension.

3 book, film/movie, music, piece of news, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + release | release + VERB | release + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElatest, new, recentforthcoming, future, upcoming (esp. AmE)a publicity tour for the upcoming release of her autobiographyprevious, subsequentcommercialofficialcinema (BrE), theatrical (AmE)The film never got a theatrical release but went straight to video.news, pressalbum, book, film (esp. BrE), movie (esp. AmE), recordCD, DVD, videoVERB + releaseauthorizeThe judge authorized the release of the information.demandThe senator demanded the immediate release of the full report.announceHe has announced the release of his new album.anticipate, awaitI am anxiously awaiting the release of the next volume.block, delay, preventThe controversy threatens to delay the movie's release.release + VERBbe out, come outThe new CD releases will be out on Friday.release + NOUNdate, scheduleUnder the current release schedule, the series will be available on DVD early next year.PREPOSITIONrelease onI've been eagerly awaiting this film's release on DVD.PHRASESin general release (AmE), on general release (BrE)The movie is already in/on general release.The film will go on general release in November.

II. verb1 allow sb to be free2 let sth go or escape3 make sth available1 allow sb to be freeADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBquicklyimmediatelyeventually, finallyconditionally, unconditionallyPREPOSITIONfromShe was released from prison last week.PHRASESnewly released, recently releasedrelease sb on bail, release sb on parole, release sb on licence (BrE, law), release sb on probation, release sb on their own recognizance (AmE, law)He was released on his own recognizance and could face up to four years in jail.release sb unharmedThe hostages were released unharmed.

2 let sth go or escapeADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBaccidentallyThe factory had accidentally released a quantity of toxic waste into the sea.slowlyThe compound slowly releases iron into the bloodstream.quickly, suddenlyThe dam suddenly released millions of gallons of water.She laughed, the tension inside her suddenly released.PREPOSITIONfromthe gases that are released from spray cansintoHow much radiation was released into the air?

3 make sth availableADVERB | VERB + release | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBofficiallyFigures to be officially released this week reveal that long-term unemployment is still rising.commercially, publiclytheatrically (esp. AmE)The film was never released theatrically in the US.recentlyshortly, soonThe new version is expected to be released shortly.VERB + releaserefuse toPolice have refused to release the name of the dead man.be expected toThe committee is expected to release its findings this summer.plan toHe's planning to release a solo album.PREPOSITIONin, onThe book has not yet been released in paperback.The album has not been released on CD.toDetails of the attack have not yet been released to the public.PHRASESnewly released, recently releasednewly released recordingsoriginally released, previously releasedThe album was originally released in 1974.

Release is used with these nouns as the subject:

gland, picture

Release is used with these nouns as the object:

aggression, album, anger, arrow, asset, balloon, bomb, brake, breath, bulletin, button, capital, captive, carbon dioxide, catch, CD, chemical, cloud, clutch, collection, defendant, disc, document, draft, DVD, edition, egg, emotion, energy, feeling, figure, film, finding, flavour, flood, fund, game, gas, grip, guideline, hold, hormone, hostage, information, inmate, key, lever, list, memo, model, movie, music, news, oxygen, paper, patch, pedal, photograph, poll, pollutant, prisoner, radioactivity, recommendation, record, recording, report, result, scent, series, sigh, single, statement, statistics, suspect, tape, tension, title, torrent, track, transcript, update, version, video, videotape

released

releasedadj.

Released is used with these nouns:

prisoner

release from

release fromphr verb

Release from is used with these nouns as the object:

detention, embrace

relegation

relegationnoun

Relegation is used before these nouns:

showdown, spot, zone

relentless

relentlessadj.

Relentless is used with these nouns:

assault, barrage, downpour, drive, expansion, march, onslaught, pressure, pursuit, quest

relentlessly

relentlesslyadv.

Relentlessly is used with these adjectives:

cheerful

Relentlessly is used with these verbs:

pursue, tick

relevance

relevancenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + relevance | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEconsiderable, great, widerlimited, marginalThis debate has limited relevance to our current concerns.dubious, questionabledirect, immediatecontinued, continuingthe continuing relevance of art to our daily livesobviousrealpossible, potentialgeneralparticular, specialcontemporaryHe claims that the laws are antiquated and have no contemporary relevance.practicalpoliticalVERB + relevancebe of, remain ofThe book is of particular relevance to student nurses.bear, haveThe theory bears little relevance to practice.lack, loseHer ideas have lost all relevance to the modern world.ensureConstant revision of the curriculum must be undertaken to ensure its continuing relevance.increaseseedemonstrate, establishSkim the book in order to establish its relevance to your needs.emphasize, underline (esp. BrE), underscore (AmE)A Marxist approach emphasizes the relevance of class power.assess, consider, examine, explore, judgequestionPREPOSITIONrelevance for, relevance toI can't see the relevance of his comment to the debate.

relevant

relevantadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seembecomeconsider sth, deem sth, regard sth as, see sth asADVERBespecially, extremely, highly, particularly, veryhardly, not reallyPast imperial glories are hardly relevant to the present day.marginallyThe article was only marginally relevant.not necessarily, not strictlyResist the temptation to discuss topics that are not strictly relevant to the essay question.directlyimmediatelyno longerpotentiallyclearly, obviouslypersonallyIf a story is personally relevant, people are more likely to remember it.culturally, morally, politically, sociallyIs there a morally relevant difference between human life and animal life?PREPOSITIONtoinformation relevant to this case

Relevant is used with these nouns:

authority, box, context, document, experience, expertise, fact, factor, feedback, information, link, material, passage, provision, question

reliability

reliabilitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF RELIABILITY | VERB + reliability | reliability + VERBADJECTIVEhighgreater, greatestpoorabsoluteimproved, increasedstatistical… OF RELIABILITYdegree, levelVERB + reliabilityassure (esp. AmE), ensureChanges in design will ensure the quality and reliability of the printer.enhance, improve, increase, maximizereduceassess, evaluate, judgeIt is important to assess the reliability of the data.demonstratemeasureThe reliability of the statistical estimates can be measured.doubt, questionMany experts question the reliability of these figures.reliability + VERBimprove, increase

reliable

reliableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, prove, seembecomeconsider sthADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highlyIt has a highly reliable control system.absolutely, completely, perfectly, totally, utterlyHe's a good musician and totally reliable.not entirely, not whollyreasonablyenough, sufficientlyThese measurements are reliable enough for most purposes.statisticallyPREPOSITIONasThis statement is not reliable as evidence.

Reliable is used with these nouns:

ally, barometer, contraception, data, estimate, figure, gauge, guide, index, indication, indicator, information, instrument, intelligence, means, measure, method, prediction, record, report, result, service, source, statistics, supplier, supply, testimony, transportation, weather, witness, yardstick

reliably

reliablyadv.

Reliably is used with these adjectives:

informed

Reliably is used with these verbs:

detect, determine, distinguish, estimate, identify, measure, operate, perform, predict, prevent

reliance

reliancenoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF RELIANCE | VERB + reliance | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcomplete, exclusive, sole, totalgreat, heavy, strongToo heavy a reliance on a particular market may be dangerous for the company.excessive, unduecontinued, continuinggrowing, increasingincreasedreduced… OF RELIANCEdegreea high degree of reliance on newspaper reportsVERB + relianceplaceI don't think you should place too much reliance on these figures.increasedecrease, lessen, reduceeliminatethe means by which individuals might reduce or eliminate reliance on the stateencourageThey believe that modern farming techniques encourage an excessive reliance on harmful chemicals.lead toPREPOSITIONreliance on, reliance uponthe increased reliance of the university on private funds

reliant

reliantadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecomeremainADVERBheavilyThe service has become heavily reliant on government support.completely, entirely, totally, wholly (esp. BrE)overlyincreasinglyquite (esp. BrE)PREPOSITIONon, uponThe charity is completely reliant on public donations.

relic

relicnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + relic | relic + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEancientlastIt was the last relic of the old system.quaintHe seemed to view her as a quaint relic of the past.historic, historicalprecious, pricelessholy, religious, sacredVERB + relicdiscover, unearthThe relics were discovered in a lead box in the ruins of an abbey.preserverelic + VERBsurviveThis silver belt buckle is the only relic of the battle that survives.PREPOSITIONrelic fromMost of these guns are relics from the Boer War.PHRASESa relic of an age, a relic of a timerelics of a bygone agea relic of the time when people hunted their own fooda relic of the pastThey believe that hunting is a relic of the past and are calling for it to be banned.

relief

reliefnoun

noun1 removal of anxiety/pain2 food/money/medicine given to people in need3 reduction in the amount of tax, etc. you have to pay4 sth interesting that replaces sth boring5 way of decorating wood, stone, etc.6 making sth noticeable1 removal of anxiety/painADJECTIVE | VERB + relief | relief + VERB | relief + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsiderable, deep, enormous, great, huge, immense, intense, overwhelming, tremendouscertainThe news of his appointment was received with a certain relief by most people.sheercompleteshort-lived, short-term, temporaryThe drugs only provided temporary relief from the pain.fast, immediate, instantevident, obvious, palpableShe smiled with evident relief.Their relief at the news was palpable.blessed, much-needed, sweet, welcomepainThe injection gives complete pain relief.symptom, symptomatic (both medical)Your doctor can give you symptomatic relief, but there is no cure.stressExercise is good for stress relief.VERB + reliefbring (sb), give (sb), offer (sb), provide (sb with)Morning brought no relief from the heat.come asThe news came as a welcome relief to Bobby.seekShe sought relief in vodka.find, getHe found relief from his fears in a world of fantasy.experience, feelI felt enormous relief when he walked through the door.senseShe could sense his relief when she said she wouldn't be leaving.expressrelief + VERBcomeHe believes that relief only comes from helping others with their suffering.flood through sb, sweep over sb, wash over sbRelief flooded through me as the plane landed safely.relief + NOUNvalve (esp. AmE)a pressure relief valvePREPOSITIONin reliefShe smiled in relief.out of reliefHe hugged her out of sheer relief.to your reliefTo my great relief, she didn't notice that anything was wrong.with reliefHe sighed with relief.relief atrelief at not having been made a fool ofrelief fromrelief from hungerrelief toThe news was a huge relief to her.PHRASESa cry of relief, a sigh of relief, tears of reliefHe breathed a sigh of relief.a sense of relief, a wave of relief

2 food/money/medicine given to people in needADJECTIVE | VERB + relief | relief + NOUNADJECTIVEhumanitariandisaster, emergencyfamine, flood, hurricane, tsunamishort-termWe need long-term solutions as well as short-term emergency relief.VERB + reliefgive sb, provide (sb with), send (sb)The organization provides emergency famine relief.relief + NOUNworkShe said that the fighting has halted almost all relief work in the area.effort, operationThere was a huge international relief effort to bring help to the stricken area.package, programme/programCongress has agreed an $11 million relief package for victims of the hurricane.aid, suppliesagency, fund, organizationworkerconvoy, flight

3 reduction in the amount of tax, etc. you have to payADJECTIVE | VERB + relief | relief + VERBADJECTIVEdebt, interest (BrE), taxthe abolition of mortgage interest reliefVERB + reliefget, obtain, receiveYou can get income tax relief for gifts to charity. (BrE)grantbe entitled to, qualify forapply for, claim, seek (all esp. BrE)relief + VERBbe availableNo tax relief is available in respect of this loss.

4 sth interesting that replaces sth boringADJECTIVE | VERB + relief | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElightcomicVERB + reliefgive (sb), provide (sb with)The scene provided some comic relief for the audience.PREPOSITIONfor reliefThe comical characters are brought into the story for a little light relief.PHRASESa moment of relief

5 way of decorating wood, stone, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + relief | relief + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhighThe scene has been carved in high relief.bas, lowcarvedbronze, marble, plaster, etc.classical, Greek, Roman, etc.VERB + reliefcarve (sth) inrelief + NOUNcarving, sculpturepanelPREPOSITIONin reliefa sculpture in high relief

6 making sth noticeableADJECTIVE | VERB + reliefADJECTIVEbold, sharp, starkVERB + reliefbring sth into, throw sth into (often figurative)The proximity of the wealthy suburb to the squatter camp throws the plight of the squatters into even sharper relief.stand out inThe snow-capped mountains stood out in sharp relief against the blue sky.

relieve

relieveverb

verbADVERB | VERB + relieveADVERBtemporarilycompletely, partiallyVERB + relieveattempt to, try toThey try to relieve the symptoms of depression by drinking.help (to)Her jokes helped to relieve the tension.be designed to, be intended toRespite care is intended to relieve parents of the burden of caring for disabled children.

Relieve is used with these nouns as the object:

anxiety, bladder, boredom, burden, congestion, constipation, cramp, depression, discomfort, distress, embarrassment, headache, hunger, indigestion, itch, misery, nausea, pain, pressure, problem, rheumatism, siege, stress, suffering, symptom, tension

relieved

relievedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, look, seemADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.greatly, hugely, immensely, incredibly, mightily (esp. BrE)completely, totally (both esp. AmE)almosta little, slightly, etc.clearly, obviously, visiblysecretlyI was secretly relieved when Tony said it was time to turn back.PREPOSITIONatWe were greatly relieved at the news of their safe return.

Relieved is used with these nouns:

relieve of

relieve ofphr verb

Relieve of is used with these nouns as the object:

post, responsibility

reliever

relievernoun

Reliever is used after these nouns:

pain, stress

religion

religionnoun

Religious is used with these nouns:

Religionsaccept … , adopt … , convert to … , embrace … , follow … , turn to … He converted to Judaism when he got married.people who follow Hinduismabandon … , reject … He rejected Christianity and became a Buddhist. … spreadsIslam spread rapidly through North Africa. … preaches sth, … proclaims sth, … teaches sthChristianity preaches that sinners can be forgiven.a follower of … followers of Sikhismthe rise of … , the spread of … the rise of Christianity in the 1st centurythe teachings of … , the tenets of … the basic tenets of Buddhism

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + religion | religion + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreat, majoruniversal, worldJudaism is one of the great world religions.ancient, established, old, old-time (esp. AmE), traditionalthe ancient religions and philosophies of ChinaShe dismissed creationism as old-time religion.These faiths draw on the traditional religions of indigenous peoples.newcontemporarydominant, mainstream, popularthe leaders of all the mainstream religionsThis popular religion is a blend of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism with spirit beliefs.minorityofficial, stateinstitutional, organizedI believe in God, but I don't belong to any organized religion.orthodoxDarwinism contradicted orthodox religion.fundamentalistfalse, truealternativeFootball has become an alternative religion for many people.folk, native, primitivepaganmonotheistic, polytheisticEasternEastern religions such as ShintoismHindu, Jewish, etc.Catholic, evangelical, Orthodox, ProtestantVERB + religionbelong to, haveShe has no religion.follow, practise/practiceDo you still practise/practice your religion?adoptThe majority of children adopt the religion of their parents.embrace, find (= become interested in), get (informal, esp. AmE)He reportedly embraced religion and became a vegetarian.As a result of her brother's death, Maria found religion.We're waiting for the company to get religion on recycling. (figurative)changeabandon, rejectdefendShe believed that her religion needed to be defended by philosophy and logic.endorse (esp. AmE), promoteThe law prohibits the government form endorsing a particular religion.imposeI don't think the government should try to impose religion on our society.foundHe founded a new religion.preachThe teachers started preaching the Christian religion to us at every opportunity.spreadstudy, teachdiscussThey never discussed religion or politics.respectI believe we should respect all religions of the world equally.religion + VERBbe based on stha religion based on reasonoriginate from sthHe believes that all religions originated from a single source.developspreadteach sthforbid sthgive sth, offer sthAlmost all religions offer the idea of sacred space.PREPOSITIONby religionThese people are predominantly Russian Orthodox by religion.in a/the religionIn their religion, mountains are sacred.PHRASESan adherent of a religion, an follower of a religiona form of religion, a kind of religion

religious

religiousadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.deeply, devoutly, highly, intensely, profoundlya deeply religious personstrictlyHe distanced himself from the strictly religious aspects of the music.essentially, fundamentally, inherentlyYoga is essentially religious and not just physical.specificallythe specifically religious goals of the collegeexplicitly, overtly

affair, allegiance, aspect, authority, awakening, background, belief, believer, broadcast, broadcaster, celebration, ceremony, charity, commitment, community, concept, conflict, conformity, congregation, connotation, conscience, consciousness, conservatism, conservative, constituency, context, controversy, conversion, conviction, creed, cult, culture, custom, decree, devotion, dimension, discrimination, dispute, dissent, dissident, diversity, divide, doctrine, dogma, doubt, duty, ecstasy, education, enthusiasm, entity, establishment, exemption, experience, expression, extremist, faction, faith, fanatic, feeling, fervour, festival, figure, freedom, fulfilment, gathering, group, hatred, heritage, hierarchy, holiday, hysteria, identity, ideology, image, imagery, imagination, impulse, inclination, institution, instruction, intolerance, Jew, leader, leadership, liberal, liberty, loyalty, mania, maniac, matter, meditation, message, minority, monument, motivation, motive, movement, music, mystery, myth, nationalism, neutrality, objection, obligation, oppression, order, organization, orthodoxy, outlook, overtone, painting, passion, persecution, person, persuasion, phenomenon, philosophy, pilgrimage, point of view, practice, prejudice, principle, procession, programme, propaganda, quest, reference, relic, renewal, repression, restriction, retreat, revival, rhetoric, right, riot, ritual, rivalry, sacrifice, sanction, scholar, school, scruples, sect, segregation, sentiment, service, shrine, significance, society, song, standpoint, strife, study, superior, superstition, symbol, symbolism, taboo, teaching, tension, text, theme, thinker, thought, tolerance, toleration, tradition, truth, tyranny, undertone, uniformity, unity, upbringing, value, view, viewpoint, vision, vocation, vow, war, worship, writer, zeal

religiously

religiouslyadv.

Religiously is used with these adjectives:

conservative, diverse, inspired, neutral, orthodox, tolerant

Religiously is used with these verbs:

ground, watch

relinquish

relinquishverb

verbADVERB | VERB + relinquish | PREPOSITIONADVERBvoluntarilyThey will never voluntarily relinquish their independence.finallyAdrian finally relinquished Eva's hand from his grip.VERB + relinquishbe forced toHe was forced to relinquish control of the company.refuse tobe willing tobe reluctant topersuade sb toPREPOSITIONtoShe has relinquished the post to her cousin.

Relinquish is used with these nouns as the object:

authority, claim, command, control, duty, office, power, responsibility, right, sovereignty

relish

relishverb

verbADVERB | VERB + relishADVERBpositively (esp. BrE), reallynot particularlyHe did not particularly relish the prospect of a meeting with his boss.clearly, obviouslysecretlyShe secretly relished the thought of being alone with him.VERB + relishappear to, seem to

Relish is used with these nouns as the object:

challenge, chance, freedom, idea, moment, prospect, role

relive

reliveverb

Relive is used with these nouns as the object:

experience, memory, moment, nightmare, pain, past, youth

reload

reloadverb

Reload is used with these nouns as the object:

gun, pistol, rifle, shotgun

relocation

relocationnoun

Relocation is used before these nouns:

expense

reluctance

reluctancenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + reluctance | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEconsiderable, deep, extreme, great, markeda certainI noticed a certain reluctance among the teachers.clear, evident, obviousapparentinitialgrowing, increasingcontinued, continuinggeneralnatural, understandableVERB + reluctancehavedisplay, express, indicate, reflect, showHis designs indicate a reluctance to conform to fashion.She showed considerable reluctance to leave.pretendovercomenotice, senseunderstandI can quite understand your reluctance to talk about what happened to you.explainThese political tensions explain the reluctance of financiers to invest in the region.PREPOSITIONwith reluctanceWith great reluctance, we have come to the decision to close the hospital.reluctance by, reluctance on the part ofreluctance by insurers to keep paying out heavy claims

reluctant

reluctantadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSappear, be, feel, look, seemStudents may feel reluctant to ask questions.becomeremainADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.decidedly, deeply, remarkablyincreasinglya little, slightly, etc.almostFor a moment, he felt almost reluctant to leave.apparently, seeminglyclearlyinitiallycuriously, strangelyShe was curiously reluctant to talk about the experience.understandablyChildren are sometimes understandably reluctant to wear glasses.

Reluctant is used with these nouns:

acceptance, admiration, convert, hero, reader, warrior, witness

reluctantly

reluctantlyadv.

Reluctantly is used with these verbs:

accept, acknowledge, admit, agree, comply, concede, consent, decide, embark, follow, hand, nod, obey, return

rely

relyverbPHRASAL VERB

PHRASAL VERBrely on/upon sb/sth1 need sb/sth2 trust sb/sth1 need sb/sthADVERB | VERB + rely on/upon | PREPOSITIONADVERBheavily, a lot, stronglycountries that rely heavily on food aidcompletely, entirely, exclusively, solelyI advise you to think rationally and not to rely solely on your intuitionincreasinglylargely, mainly, mostly, primarilytraditionallytypicallyVERB + rely on/uponbe forced to, have to, mustpeople who are forced to rely on public transport/transportationtend toPREPOSITIONforThey relied entirely on these few weapons for their defence.

2 trust sb/sthADVERB | VERB + rely on/upon | PREPOSITIONADVERBsafelyYou can safely rely on the report's conclusions.simplyMost historians simply rely on archives.generallyI generally rely on instinct when pairing wine and food.VERB + rely on/uponcanWho can you rely on these days?You can always rely on Holly to say the wrong thing.The party could no longer rely on its traditional supporters.PREPOSITIONforI couldn't rely on John for information.

rely on REM

REMnoun

REM is used before these nouns:

remain remaining

remainingadj.

Remaining is used with these nouns:

batter, half, hope, ingredient, member, portion, shred, survivor, third, vestige

remains

remainsnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + remains | remains + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEabundant, considerable, extensive, substantialabundant remains of marine algaethe extensive remains of an Aztec pyramidimpressivefragmentaryvisibleexisting, survivingancient, prehistoricGreek, Roman, etc.battered, mangled, shattered, tatteredthe mangled remains of the bomber's vanburned, burned-out, charred, cremated, smouldering/smolderingphysicalearthly, human, mortalThis tomb holds the mortal remains of a great pharaoh.animal, archaeological, fossil, fossilized, organic, plant, skeletalVERB + remainsdiscover, find, locate, reveal, uncover, unearthWhile excavating the site, workers unearthed the remains of several dinosaurs.identifyThe remains have been identified as those of Carl Rider.excavate, exhume, recover, removeThey are excavating the remains of an Iron Age settlement.Marie Curie's remains were exhumed and interred in the Pantheon.examine, studybury, inter (formal)preservedump, scatter, throwburnfeed onGulls often feed on the remains of seal kills.remains + VERBsurviveConsiderable remains survive of the great city walls.lieHer remains lie in an unmarked grave.date from … The burned-out remains date from the 19th century.PREPOSITIONamong the remains, in the remainsThe body was found among the remains of a burned-out house.

remake

remakeverb

Remake is used with these nouns as the object:

movie, world

remand

remandnounverb

I. nounVERB + remand | remand + NOUN | PREPOSITIONVERB + remandbe held onHe was held on remand, charged with causing malicious damage to property.remand + NOUNcentre, home (both BrE)prisonerPREPOSITIONon remandI was in prison on remand for three weeks.

II. verb

Remand is used with these nouns as the subject:

Remarkable is used with these nouns:

remark

remarknounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + remark | remark + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbrief, passingoccasionalcasual, chance, off-the-cuff, throwawayprepared (esp. AmE)He had a set of prepared remarks.careless, inappropriatethe sad consequences of one careless remarkcatty, caustic (esp. AmE), cutting, derogatory, disparaging, insulting, nasty, offensive, pointed, scathing, snideHe made some snide remarks about his opponent's skill.complimentary, encouraging, kindinnocentcriticalsarcasticsmart (esp. AmE)There is no room for jokes and smart remarks.flippant, offhanda conflict that comes about through someone's offhand remark or careless mistakecontroversialinflammatory, provocativefamouscrypticodd, strangesilly, stupidfunny, wittyHe's always making witty remarks.anti-Semitic, homophobic, racist, sexistRacist or sexist remarks are never acceptable in the workplace.crude, obscene, rudedefamatorypersonalHow dare you make personal remarks!generalintroductory, opening, preliminaryclosing, concluding, finalI agreed with most of what he said at the beginning of the speech but not with his closing remarks.VERB + remarkdeliver (esp. AmE), give (esp. AmE), make, offer (esp. AmE), pass, utterThe Pope delivered his remarks before boarding his plane.I gave my remarks at the benefit.She made a disparaging remark about men.Candice would have liked to offer a smart remark at that moment.withdraw (esp. BrE)He was expelled from the party for failing to withdraw his controversial remarks.address, directWho were those rude remarks addressed to?addShe was just about to add some sarcastic remark when her phone rang.prefaceI must preface my remarks with a confession.beginHe began his remarks with a prayer.concludeThe President concluded his remarks by thanking everyone who had helped.clarifyhear, readinterpret, takePlease don't interpret my remarks as support for the current system.The White House said it took such remarks very seriously.ignore, take no notice ofI just ignored her last remark.remark + VERBapply to sb/sthThese remarks apply equally to doctors.be directed at/to sbThe remark was directed at him.suggest sthHer remarks suggest that the negotiations may be successful.reflect sthThe General's remarks do not reflect the view of the government.provoke sthThe remark provoked an angry response from the crowd.PREPOSITIONin a/the remarkHe made a few factual errors in his remarks on Rembrandt.remark about, remark concerning, remark onI shall keep my remarks on the subject brief.remark by, remark fromremarks by officialsremark toa casual remark to his father

II. verbADVERB | VERB + remark | PREPOSITIONADVERBcasuallyShe remarked casually that she was leaving her job.pointedlylightly, mildlydrily, sarcastically, wrylyruefullyjokinglycheerfullycoollysnidelyfamouslyVERB + remarkbe heard toPREPOSITIONon, uponSeveral people remarked on her outfit.toHe remarked to Jane that he had not heard from Sally for a long time.

remarkable

remarkableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seemADVERBabsolutely, just (esp. AmE), most, quite, really, truly, veryWhat they have achieved is just remarkable.a most remarkable musiciana truly remarkable discoverya very remarkable personfairly, pretty, ratherequallyEqually remarkable is the transformation he has undergone personally.especially, particularlyPREPOSITIONforThese cars are remarkable for the quietness of their engines.

ability, accomplishment, accuracy, achievement, advance, aspect, book, capacity, coincidence, collection, comeback, consistency, continuity, correlation, courage, degree, development, discovery, diversity, ease, effect, effort, endurance, escape, event, example, expansion, feat, feature, find, gift, improvement, insight, job, lack, likeness, performance, persistence, phenomenon, piece, poise, progress, range, rapidity, record, recovery, reduction, regularity, resemblance, resilience, restraint, run, similarity, skill, speed, story, success, talent, testament, testimony, thing, transformation, tribute, triumph, turn, variety, victory, win, woman

remarkably remedial

remedialadj.

Remedial is used with these nouns:

action, class, course, education, measure, work

remedy

remedynounverb

I. noun1 treatment/medicine2 way of dealing with a problem1 treatment/medicineADJECTIVE | … OF REMEDY | VERB + remedy | remedy + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEeffective, goodcommon, popularGinger is a popular remedy for morning sickness.traditionalancient, oldfolkhomealternative, herbal, homeopathic, naturalover-the-countercold, cough, hangoverThe player insists that he merely took a cold remedy and not a banned substance.… OF REMEDYdoseOne dose of the remedy is sufficient.VERB + remedytake, useneedtrygive sbThe remedy was given in different strengths to a group of volunteers.prescribe (sb)prepareThe remedies are all prepared from wild flowers.findThey're hoping to find a remedy for the condition.remedy + VERBbe availableworkShe tried various remedies, but none of them worked.PREPOSITIONremedy forHe took a herbal remedy for his hay fever.

2 way of dealing with a problemADJECTIVE | VERB + remedy | remedy + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEadequate, effective, goodYour best remedy is to go to the small claims court.appropriate, proper, suitableeasy, simpleThere's no easy remedy for unemployment.common, usualdesperate, drasticproposedjudicialVERB + remedyhavepursue, seekThey will have to seek a judicial remedy for breach of contract.findresort toDesperate remedies were resorted to in the search for food.exhaustThey advised him to exhaust all other remedies before applying to court.offerpropose, suggestafford (sb), grant sb, provide (sb with) (all law, esp. BrE)remedies afforded to creditors by a bankruptcy orderremedy + VERBbe availablelie in sthWhen the reservoir becomes blocked, the only remedy lies in cleaning the entire system.PREPOSITIONremedy againstThe agreement states that he has a remedy against the subcontractor.remedy forremedies for breach of contractremedy inYou have a remedy in civil law.PHRASESrights and remedies (BrE, law)The Act created rights and remedies for consumers.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + remedyADVERBeasilyThis could easily be remedied if the authorities were willing.VERB + remedyattempt to, seek to, take steps to, try toThe government should have taken steps to remedy the situation.

Remedy is used with these nouns as the object:

breach, defect, deficiency, grievance, injustice, omission, problem, shortcoming, situation

remember

rememberverb

verbADVERB | VERB + remember | PREPOSITIONADVERBclearly, distinctly, vividly, wellI distinctly remember Jane saying that the show started at eight.I remember Miss Scott very well.dimly, faintly, vaguelybarely, hardly, scarcelyeasilyTo this day, people can easily remember the show.correctly, rightlyIf I remember correctly, you were supposed to collect the keys on your way here.exactly, preciselyI don't exactly remember what she said.I can't remember exactly what happened.specificallyI specifically remember her saying she would be visiting today.especially, particularlymostly, primarilyI mostly remember the art nouveau decor of her living room.certainly, definitelyfondlyShe fondly remembered her early years in India.stillalways, foreverI'll always remember you.This is an experience that the kids will enjoy and remember forever.suddenlyfinallyShe finally remembered what she was going to say.backI remembered back to the time I saw her last.VERB + remembercanI can't remember her name.try tobe important toPREPOSITIONasHe still remembered her as the lively teenager he'd known years before.forShe is best remembered for her first book, ‘In the Ditch’.

Remember is used with these nouns as the object:

birthday, childhood, conversation, dream, encounter, episode, event, incident, instance, joke, lesson, manner, memory, moment, name, occasion, password, rule, scene, time, victim, word

remind

remindverbPHRASAL VERB

verbADVERB | VERB + remind | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBalways, constantly, continually, frequently, often, repeatedlyI am often reminded of my former boss.just, simplyI simply remind them that the choice is theirs.suddenlyReading the note suddenly reminded me of my appointment with Angela.immediately, instantlyquicklyI quickly reminded him that I had said ‘maybe’.gentlyShe gently reminded him that the baby was getting cold and should be taken indoors.painfullyThe terrorist attack painfully reminded the Americans that they are vulnerable even at home.VERB + remindnot have to, not need toI'm sure I don't need to remind you that we have lost our last ten games.serve toAn event like this serves to remind us that we do not have control over nature.PREPOSITIONaboutI called to remind him about the party.ofShe looked at her watch to remind him of the time.PHRASESkeep reminding sb

PHRASAL VERBremind sb of sb/sthADVERBADVERBforcefully, forcibly, strongly, vividlyThe building reminded me strongly of my old school.vaguelyGabriel vaguely reminds me of my father.suddenlyI was suddenly reminded of a tiger defending its cubs.immediately, instantlyHe was instantly reminded of the time he and Edna had visited Paris.alwaysMrs Nolan always reminded Marie of her own mother.

Remind is used with these nouns as the object:

voter

reminder

remindernoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + reminder | reminder + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgood, potent, powerful, stronglasting, permanentconstant, continual, dailyfurthergraphic, sharp, stark, vividvisible, visualphysical, tangiblechilling, grim, harsh, painfulpoignant, sad, soberingsalutary (esp. BrE)timelyThis is a timely reminder of the importance of the retail sector to our economy.importantgentle, little, quick, subtlefriendlyfinalIt always took a final reminder to get her to pay her share of the rent.She received a final reminder for £60.88.helpful, usefulThe list serves as a useful reminder of the issues to consider.welcomeemailWe will send email reminders to committee members.VERB + reminderact as, be, offer, provide, serve asThe ruined church acts as a constant reminder of the war.becomegive sb, issue, send (sb), send outShe gave him a gentle reminder that payment was due.get, have, receiveYou can get email reminders every week.needreminder + NOUNletter, note, postcard (AmE)systemPREPOSITIONreminder aboutWe were sent a reminder about the next meeting.reminder ofIt was a cruel and tragic reminder of how dangerous mountaineering can be.reminder toa timely reminder to people that leaving their doors open is an invitation to thieves

reminiscent

reminiscentadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeADVERBhighly, strongly, veryThis painting is strongly reminiscent of da Vinci's ‘Annunciation’.faintly, slightly, somewhat, vaguelyeerily, oddly, strangelystrikinglyPREPOSITIONof

remix

remixverb

Remix is used with these nouns as the object:

track

remnant

remnantnoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEsmalllast, survivingThe museum is one of the last remnants of the 17th-century palace.shattered, tatteredthe tattered remnants of the flagShe still has a chance to scrape together the shattered remnants of her life and move on. (figurative)PREPOSITIONremnant from (figurative)Their outdated attitudes are a remnant from colonial days.PHRASESa remnant from the past, a remnant of the past

remodel

remodelverb

Remodel is used with these nouns as the object:

bathroom

remorse

remorsenoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF REMORSE | VERB + remorse | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeep, genuine, great, real… OF REMORSEpang, stabVERB + remorsebe filled with, be full of, be overcome with, be stricken with, feel, have, sufferShe knew that the next day she would be full of remorse.I suffered no remorse.display, express, showPREPOSITIONwithout remorseHe died without remorse.remorse atHe felt some remorse at his actions.remorse forShe was filled with remorse for the crime.remorse overShe felt a sharp pang of remorse over the incident.PHRASESbuyer's remorse (= after buying sth that you do not really need, like, etc.) (esp. AmE)After spending $720 on the shoes, she suffered buyer's remorse.a feeling of remorse

remote

remoteadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, feel, look, seemADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.a fairly remote possibilityimpossibly, infinitelyAdulthood and responsibility seemed impossibly remote.totally (esp. AmE)increasinglyrelativelyrural areas that are relatively remotegeographically, physicallygeographically remote areasPREPOSITIONfromJane felt remote from what was going on around her.

Remote is used with these nouns:

access, ancestor, antiquity, area, chance, computer, control, controller, corner, cousin, district, farm, future, galaxy, hill, island, location, monitoring, mountain, part, past, place, possibility, province, region, site, spot, town, user, valley, village, wilderness

remotely

remotelyadv.

Remotely is used with these adjectives:

acceptable, familiar, situated

Remotely is used with these verbs:

connect, control, manage, monitor, operate

removable

removableadj.

Removable is used with these nouns:

battery, cover, drive, panel, sleeve, strap

removal

removalnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + removal | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcomplete, total, wholesalepartialpermanent, temporaryeffective, successfulimmediate, speedyhis immediate removal from powereasya liquid for the easy removal of coffee stainsforced, forciblethe forcible removal of the protesters' barricades.physicalsurgicalhair, stain, tattoothe process of laser hair removaldebris, snow, tree, etc.VERB + removalcall for, demand, seekThey demanded her removal from office.orderIn a symbolic move, the new government ordered the removal of the dictator's statue.forcenecessitate, requireHis condition required the removal of a kidney.allowarrange forto arrange for the removal and disposal of waste.facilitatepreventPREPOSITIONremoval fromThe law does not allow the removal of sand from the beach.removal tothe collection's temporary removal to storagePHRASESremoval from office

remove

removeverb

verbADVERB | VERB + remove | PREPOSITIONADVERBaltogether, completely, entirelypartiallyeffectivelyTranslation software should effectively remove all barriers to communication between people.By producing an heir, the Queen effectively removed her cousin's hopes of succeeding to the throne.successfullypermanently, temporarilyhastily, quickly, rapidlygradually, slowlyeasilyThe old cladding can be easily removed using a hammer.painlesslysafelycarefullyforciblypeople who have been forcibly removed from their homessurgicallyUnsightly moles can be removed surgically.manually, physicallyVERB + removetry tobe possible tobe difficult toThese stains can be difficult to remove.PREPOSITIONforFittings should be completely removed for cleaning.fromShe removed the dirty dishes from the table.withBee stings should be removed with tweezers.

Remove is used with these nouns as the subject:

surgeon

Remove is used with these nouns as the object:

ambiguity, appendix, armour, ban, bandage, bark, barricade, barrier, battery, birthmark, blockade, blockage, bolt, boot, branch, bulb, bullet, burden, cap, carbon dioxide, cataract, cell, cloak, clot, clothes, coat, constraint, contact lens, control, cover, crease, curse, debris, dentures, deposit, diaper, dirt, disk, doubt, dressing, dust, fat, file, film, fitting, gag, garbage, glasses, graffiti, grease, handcuffs, harness, hat, helmet, hood, impediment, incentive, inconsistency, inequality, influence, jacket, jewellery, key, label, lacquer, layer, lid, limitation, link, lipstick, lump, lung, make-up, mark, mascara, mask, mine, mole, monument, mould, nail, nail polish, nappy, necessity, need, needle, nut, obstacle, obstruction, odour, paint, panel, partition, pin, pit, plaque, plug, polish, pollutant, president, reference, regime, remains, restraint, restriction, roadblock, rubbish, rust, scaffolding, screw, section, seed, shrapnel, silt, ski, skin, spell, splinter, stain, stem, stigma, sting, stitch, stress, stumbling block, subsidy, sunglasses, tag, tangle, tape, tariff, tattoo, tissue, tonsils, tooth, trace, trustee, tumour, uncertainty, varnish, vegetation, veil, vestige, waste, weed, wig, worry, wrapper

remove from

remove fromphr verb

Remove from is used with these nouns as the object:

agenda, box, heat, mailing list, oven, register, roll, shelf, shell, sight, site

remover

removernoun

Remover is used after these nouns:

make-up, nail polish, paint, rust, stain

remuneration

remunerationnoun

Remuneration is used before these nouns:

package

Renaissance

Renaissancenoun

Renaissance is used before these nouns:

style, writer

renal

renaladj.

Renal is used with these nouns:

colic, failure, vein

rename

renameverb

Rename is used with these nouns as the object:

file

render

renderverb

Render is used with these nouns as the object:

assistance, invoice, judgement, service, verdict

rendered

renderedadj.

Rendered is used with these nouns:

rendezvous

rendezvousnoun

noun arrangement to meet sbADJECTIVE | VERB + rendezvous | rendezvous + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEsecretromanticmidnightlittleVERB + rendezvoushavearrangekeepAlthough it was late, there was still enough time to keep the rendezvous.makeShe made the rendezvous with only minutes to spare.rendezvous + NOUNpointThe platoon made its way to the prearranged rendezvous point in the desert.PREPOSITIONrendezvous withI have a rendezvous with Peter at a restaurant.

renege on

renege onphr verb

Renege on is used with these nouns as the object:

agreement, pledge

renew

renewverb

verbADVERB | VERB + renew | PHRASESADVERBcompletelyannuallyMembership must be renewed annually.periodically, regularlyconstantly, continually, repeatedlyautomaticallyVERB + renewdecide toagree torefuse toPHRASESa chance to renew sth, an opportunity to renew stha chance to renew acquaintance with old friendsneed renewingThe paintwork will need renewing every five years.

Renew is used with these nouns as the object:

acquaintance, attack, book, call, confidence, contract, debate, demand, effort, faith, friendship, lease, licence, membership, passport, permit, policy, registration, subscription, tenancy, visa, vow

renewable

renewableadj.

Renewable is used with these nouns:

electricity, energy, fuel, resource, source

renewal

renewalnoun

noun1 making valid for a further period of time2 improving/repairing1 making valid for a further period of timeADJECTIVE | VERB + renewal | renewal + NOUNADJECTIVEannualautomaticcontract, licence/license, membershipVERB + renewalseekHe sought renewal of the grant.apply forbe due for, come up forHer contract is coming up for renewal in the spring.renewal + NOUNdatenoticeYou can contact us at the number shown on your last renewal notice.feeprocessoption

2 improving/repairingADJECTIVE | VERB + renewal | renewal + NOUNADJECTIVEcultural, economic, national, physical, religious, spiritual, urbanurban renewal projects in the citycommunity (esp. AmE)VERB + renewalseekto seek spiritual renewalbring, bring aboutThey felt the need to bring about a renewal of society.renewal + NOUNprogramme/program, project

renewed renounce

renounceverb

Renounce is used with these nouns as the object:

belief, citizenship, claim, nationality, power, right, throne, violence

renovate

renovateverb

verbADVERB | PHRASESADVERBextensivelycompletelyThe hotel has been completely renovated.PHRASESnewly renovated, recently renovatedthe newly renovated synagogue

Renovate is used with these nouns as the object:

apartment, building, house, interior

renovation

renovationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + renovation | renovation + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEextensive, majorThe building has undergone major renovation.complete, total£40-million, $90-million, etc.recentbuilding, home, houseVERB + renovationcarry out, do (esp. AmE), makeThey are to carry out extensive renovations to the building.completeoverseebe in need of, need, requireThe old house is in need of renovation.be closed forThe gallery is closed for renovation.undergoapprove (esp. AmE)The city approved renovations for the mall.renovation + NOUNworkprogramme/program, projectprocessplanscostsPREPOSITIONrenovation torenovation to the town hall

renown

renownnoun

Renown is used after these nouns:

renowned

renownedadj.

Renowned is used with these nouns:

architect, artist, attorney, collection, designer, musician, painter, photographer, researcher, scholar, sculptor, surgeon, tenor, warrior

rent

rentnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + rent | rent + VERB | rent + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEexorbitant, highThe tenants were not prepared to pay the higher rents demanded.affordable, cheap, lownominal, peppercorn (BrE)free (esp. AmE)They get free rent in return for taking care of the house.fairreducedincreasedrisingDiscontent resulted from sharply rising rents.fixedmarketThey weren't paying market rent on the properties.annual, monthly, weekly (esp. BrE)initialThe initial rent will be reviewed annually.back, unpaidapartment (esp. AmE), ground (in the UK), house, housing, land, officeVERB + rentpayaffordHe couldn't afford the rent by himself.be behind with, fall behind with, oweYou put your tenancy at risk if you fall behind with the rent.chargeThe rent charged depends largely on the size and locality of the property.collectThe landlord came around to collect the month's rent.receiveThe company receives rent on local property that it owns.fixThe rent will be fixed at 18% of the market value of the property.increase, push up, put up (esp. BrE), raiseThe large stores have pushed up the rents in the area.The new lease will put her rent up to £200 a week.calculate, determinerent + VERBbe due, be payable (esp. BrE)The rent is due on the last day of the quarter.go up, increase, riseTheir rent has increased from $25 200 to $28 600 a year.fallrent + NOUNmoney, paymentbook (BrE)We gave tenants rent books.arrears (BrE)levels (esp. BrE)They took the landlord to court over increasing rent levels.increase, rise (esp. BrE)review (BrE)allowance (esp. BrE), rebate (BrE), subsidy (esp. AmE)control (esp. in AmE)collectioncollector, man (BrE)strikePREPOSITIONin rentThe company has paid out a lot of money in rent.rent forThe rent for the house is affordable.rent fromThey earned rent from their property in London.rent onthe rent on a factoryPHRASESarrears of rent (BrE, law)to be liable for arrears of rentfor rent (esp. AmE)There was a sign saying ‘Room for rent’a month's, a year's, etc. rentthe non-payment of rent, the payment of rentThe movement advocated the non-payment of rent and taxes.

II. verb

Rent is used with these nouns as the object:

apartment, bicycle, bike, boat, car, condominium, cottage, DVD, facility, flat, helicopter, house, land, movie, property, room, ski, tuxedo, vehicle, video, villa

rental

rentalnoun

nounADJECTIVE | rental + NOUNADJECTIVEannual, monthly, weeklyshort-term (AmE)Some landlords have resorted to short-term rentals.freethe broadband package includes 6 months free line rental (BrE)DVD, movie (AmE), videoa coupon for a free movie rentalline (BrE)The phone bill gives a breakdown of the cost of the line rental and of calls.equipment, ski (both esp. AmE)bicycle, bike (informal), boat, car, truck (all esp. AmE)rental + NOUNcompanytermscharge, fee, paymentincomemarketThe local rental market is booming.accommodation (BrE), propertycar (esp. AmE)

rented

rentedadj.

Rented is used with these nouns:

accommodation, apartment, cottage, flat, home, house, housing, premises, room, tuxedo, villa

rent out

rent outphr verb

Rent out is used with these nouns as the object:

house, property

reopen

reopenverb

Reopen is used with these nouns as the object:

case, debate, embassy, enquiry, file, inquest, negotiation, talk

reorder

reorderverb

Reorder is used with these nouns as the object:

priority

reorganization

reorganizationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + reorganization | reorganization + VERB | reorganization + NOUNADJECTIVEfundamental, major, massive, radicalfinancial, structuralcorporate, internalbankruptcy (AmE)governmentVERB + reorganizationundergoThe company has undergone a major reorganization.carry outannouncereorganization + VERBtake placereorganization + NOUNplan

reorganize

reorganizeverb

(BrE also -ise) verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBcompletely, totallysystematicallyPREPOSITIONasThe laboratory was reorganized as a separate establishment.intoTheir headquarters was reorganized into five regional offices.

Reorganize is used with these nouns as the object:

rep

repnoun

Rep is used after these nouns:

sale, union

repair

repairnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + repair | repair + VERB | repair + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEextensive, majorminoressential, necessary, vitalemergency, immediate, urgentquick, rapidcostly, expensiveconstanttemporaryrunning (BrE)The drivers carried small toolkits for making running repairs.warrantybuilding, home (esp. AmE), house, housing (BrE), roof, structuralcar, engine, vehiclehighway (in the US), motorway (in the UK), roadelectrical, TVshoemuscle, tissuenutrients needed for energy and tissue repairVERB + repaircarry out, do, make, performcompleteIt is unlikely that the repairs will be completed on time.be in need of, need, requirebe closed forThe museum is currently closed for structural repairs.undergoThe highway is undergoing major repairs.repair + VERBcost sthrepair + NOUNworkjobThe damage meant a nine-month repair job.projectserviceThey provide a 24-hour repair service.businessbill, costcentre/center, facility, garage, shop, yarda repair yard for fishing boatsguy (informal, esp. AmE), man (usually repairman), technician (esp. AmE)Why don't you get a TV repairman to have a look at it before you buy a new one?crew, teampart (AmE)kitmanual (esp. AmE)PREPOSITIONbeyond repairThe vase was damaged beyond repair.for repairI took my bike in for repair.under repairWe were given a courtesy car to use while our car was under repair.repair toto carry out repairs to the trackPHRASESa backlog of repairsInvestment is needed to reduce the backlog of repairs.in good repair, in poor repairThe tools are old but in good repair.keep sth in good repair, keep sth in repair (formal, esp. BrE)As a tenant you are required to keep the house in good repair.repair and maintenanceThey are responsible for the repair and maintenance of the buildings.a … state of repairThe barn was in a poor state of repair.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + repair | PHRASESADVERBproperly, successfullyMost of the damage has now been successfully repaired.poorlycompletely, fullyquicklyeasilyVERB + repairtry tohelp (to)Natural vitamins in the shampoo will help repair damaged hair.PHRASESthe cost of repairing sthThey estimate the cost of repairing the damaged roads at £1 million.have sth repairedI'm having my car repaired next week.surgically repaired (esp. AmE)His surgically repaired knee is bothering him.

Repair is used with these nouns as the subject:

Repair is used with these nouns as the object:

breach, car, damage, defect, engine, faucet, fault, hernia, leak, ligament, machine, machinery, main, problem, puncture, relation, rift, road, shoe, tendon, wing

repair kit

repair kitnoun

Repair kit is used after these nouns:

puncture

reparations

reparationsnoun

Reparations is used after these nouns:

slavery, war

repatriate

repatriateverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBforciblyPREPOSITIONfrom, toThe refugees were forcibly repatriated from Hong Kong to Vietnam.

Repatriate is used with these nouns as the object:

refugee

repatriation

repatriationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + repatriation | repatriation + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcompulsory (esp. BrE), forced, forcibleThe party advocates compulsory repatriation of immigrants who commit a crime.voluntaryVERB + repatriationawait, facerefugees awaiting repatriationMexican American workers faced forced repatriation.repatriation + NOUNprogramme/programprocess (esp. AmE)PREPOSITIONrepatriation fromvoluntary repatriation of people from the disputed territory to their homesrepatriation toPHRASESthe repatriation of profits

repay

repayverb

verb1 pay back money2 (BrE) bring you sth in return for your efforts1 pay back moneyADVERB | VERB + repay | PREPOSITIONADVERBfully, in fullThe loan must be repaid in full by December 31.VERB + repaybe able to, can, can afford tobe unable touse sth toThe proceeds from the sale will be used to repay the loan.PREPOSITIONtoThis money must be repaid to the bank.

2 (BrE) bring you sth in return for your effortsADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBamply, more than, wellThe charter can be seen in the town museum, which more than repays a visit.PREPOSITIONforI felt that I had been amply repaid for my exertions.

Repay is used with these nouns as the object:

attention, compliment, creditor, debt, favour, generosity, hospitality, instalment, kindness, loan, money, mortgage, sum

repayment

repaymentnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + repayment | repayment + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfullpartialearlyInterest will be refunded in the event of early repayment of the loan.regularmonthly, weekly, etc.capital, principalinterestdebt, loan, mortgage (BrE)VERB + repaymentmakeThe repayments can be made directly from your current account.keep up (BrE), meet (esp. BrE)They are struggling to keep up their loan repayments.demandThe bank has demanded repayment of the loan.be due for (BrE)The loans are due for repayment in July 2015.spreadRepayments can be spread over 25 years.calculaterepayment + NOUNperiodplan, schedule, termsoptiona ten-year repayment optionrateloan, mortgage (both BrE)PREPOSITIONrepayment onrepayments on the mortgagerepayment torepayment to the fund

repeal

repealverb

Repeal is used with these nouns as the object:

act, amendment, law, legislation, prohibition, tax

repeat

repeatnounverb

I. noun

Repeat is used before these nouns:

business, customer, offender, order, performance, prescription, showing, visit

II. verbADVERB | VERB + repeat | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBjust, merely, simplyThere is no point in merely repeating what we've done before.againad nauseam, constantly, continually, endlessly, indefinitely, over and over, over and over againThat message was still being repeated ad nauseam on the radio.They constantly repeat the same mistakes.A single note repeated over and over again, throbbing in my head.consistently, frequently, often, persistently, regularlyexactly, faithfully, word for wordShe faithfully repeated everything he had told her.He repeated what she had said word for word.mechanicallyslowlyquietly, softlyloudlypatientlystubbornlyfirmlyVERB + repeatcan onlyI can only repeat what I have already said to other journalists.be necessary to, need toIt may be necessary to repeat the dose several times to effect a cure.PREPOSITIONafterThe students repeated each sentence after their teacher.toYou must not repeat this to anyone.PHRASESkeep repeating sb/sthShe kept repeating it over and over again like a robot.

Repeat is used with these nouns as the subject:

cycle, history

Repeat is used with these nouns as the object:

argument, assertion, call, cycle, demand, episode, error, exercise, experiment, feat, instruction, mistake, motion, pattern, phrase, procedure, process, refrain, request, sequence, success, warning, word

repeated

repeatedadj.

Repeated is used with these nouns:

accusation, assertion, assurance, attempt, call, exposure, failure, insistence, interruption, outbreak, pattern, plea, questioning, reference, refusal, request, use, violation, visit, warning, washing

repeatedly

repeatedlyadv.

Repeatedly is used with these verbs:

assert, attack, bang, beat, challenge, cite, claim, clash, complain, criticize, demonstrate, deny, emphasize, expose, express, fire, highlight, hit, ignore, insist, interrupt, kick, lie, mention, observe, occur, point, praise, press, proclaim, promise, punch, rape, recur, refer, refuse, reject, remind, renew, request, return, show, slam, stab, state, stress, strike, taunt, threaten, thwart, try, urge, violate, warn

repeating

repeatingadj.

Repeating is used with these nouns:

pattern

repel

repelverb

Repel is used with these nouns as the object:

attack, insect, intruder, invasion, mosquito, pest

repellent

repellentnounadj.

I. noun

Repellent is used after these nouns:

insect, mosquito

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbefind sb/sthADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.utterly (esp. BrE)a little, slightly, etc.PREPOSITIONtoHis arrogance was utterly repellent to her.

repent

repentverb

verb (formal)ADVERB | VERB + repent | PREPOSITIONADVERBgenuinely, sincerely, trulyIn order to be saved one must truly repent.VERB + repentcome toHe came to repent his hasty decision.PREPOSITIONfor (esp. AmE), ofI will spend the rest of my life trying to repent for my actions.She has repented of her sins.

Repent is used with these nouns as the object:

sin

repentance

repentancenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + repentanceADJECTIVEgenuine, sincere, truedeathbedVERB + repentanceshowThey refused to showed repentance for their crimes.preach

repercussion

repercussionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + repercussion | repercussion + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsiderable, important, major, serious, severe, significantA fall in oil production would have severe repercussions for the global economy.wide, widespreadinternationalThe international repercussions are still being felt today.economic, financial, legal, political, socialnegativepossible, potentialThese actions have potential repercussions.VERB + repercussionhavefeel, sufferAnne felt the repercussions of the earlier incident.fearrepercussion + VERBbe feltThe repercussions of the change in policy will be felt throughout the world.PREPOSITIONrepercussion forChanges in the industry had major repercussions for the local community.repercussion onThe pay cuts are likely to have serious repercussions on productivity.PHRASESfor fear of repercussions, without fear of repercussionsa resident who did not want to be named for fear of repercussions

repertoire

repertoirenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + repertoire | repertoire + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbroad, extensive, large, vast, widediverse, variedfull, richlimited, smallstandardclassicalballets from the classical repertoirecontemporaryemotionalAn actor has to build a character and extend his own emotional repertoire.music, musicalconcert, opera, operaticguitar, piano, vocal, etc.VERB + repertoirehaveShe has a rather limited repertoire.add (sth) to, broaden, build, build up, develop, expand, extend, increaseHe has added considerably to his piano repertoire.She needs to build up a repertoire of pieces.perform, playenterThe piece has deservedly entered the violin repertoire.repertoire + VERBinclude sthHis repertoire includes a large number of Scottish folk songs.PREPOSITIONin the/your repertoirea key piece in the standard concert repertoire

repertory

repertorynoun

Repertory is used before these nouns:

company, theatre

repetition

repetitionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + repetitionADJECTIVEexactfrequentconstant, endlessmindless, rote (esp. AmE)the mindless repetition of the official linethe rote repetition of mythological formulasVERB + repetitionuseBlues is a musical form that uses a lot of repetition.avoid, preventShe said I should avoid repetition of words in my essay.complete, perform (in exercising)If you can, perform multiple repetitions of this exercise on each hand.

repetitive

repetitiveadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seembecome, getADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highlyendlesslya boring and endlessly repetitive taska little, slightly, etc.

Repetitive is used with these nouns:

motion, movement, nature, task, work

replace

replaceverb

verb1 take the place of sb/sth; exchange sb/sth2 put sth back in the right place1 take the place of sb/sth; exchange sb/sthADVERB | VERB + replace | PREPOSITIONADVERBcompletely, entirely, fully, totallylargelypartiallymerely, simplyPutting in a new kitchen can cost very little if you are simply replacing an old one.easilyThese losses are not easily replaced.effectivelyThese guidelines effectively replaced the official procedure.immediately, quickly, rapidlygradually, slowlyeventually, finally, ultimatelytemporarilyWilliams has temporarily replaced Reed on the first team.VERB + replacecanMachines can't replace people in this work.can afford tobe built to, be designed to, be intended to, be meant to, be used toIt was built to replace the old jail.decide toappoint sb to, elect sb to, nominate sb to (esp. AmE)She has been nominated to replace Justice O'Connor on the Supreme Court.attempt to, try tobe costly to, be expensive toHalogen lamps give excellent service, but the bulbs are expensive to replace.be difficult to, be hard to, be impossible toPREPOSITIONasShe replaced Jane Stott as Managing Director.byMany of the workers have been replaced by machines.withWe replaced the old television set with a newer one.

2 put sth back in the right placeADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBcarefully, gentlyPREPOSITIONinShe replaced the dress in the wardrobe.onHe carefully replaced the vase on the shelf.

Replace is used with these nouns as the subject:

wheel

Replace is used with these nouns as the object:

battery, beaker, bulb, capitalism, carpet, cover, cup, filling, fluid, furnace, fuse, hip, import, joint, lid, machinery, main, manager, phone, receiver, regime, secretary, stock, string, system, tyre, window, windscreen, wiring

replacement

replacementnoun

noun1 replacing one thing with another2 sb/sth that replaces sb/sth else1 replacing one thing with anotherADJECTIVE | VERB + replacement | replacement + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEcomplete, fullComplete replacement of the roof tiles would be very costly.partialdirectThe series III gearbox is a direct replacement for a series II.gradualeventualVERB + replacementbe in need of, need, requireThe original furnishings are now in need of replacement.replacement + NOUNprogramme/programcost, valueRare instruments are usually insured for their full replacement value.equipmentPHRASEShormone replacement therapy (abbreviated to HRT)

2 sb/sth that replaces sb/sth elseADJECTIVE | VERB + replacement | replacement + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpermanenttemporaryimmediatelast-minute, lateShe served as a last-minute replacement for the woman originally selected.likelyHe is the most likely replacement for the captain.possible, potentialidealadequateappropriate, suitablehip, joint, kneevalvemeal (esp. AmE)low-calorie meal replacementsVERB + replacementappoint, bring in (sb/sth as), hireWe'll have to see how bad the injury is before deciding whether to bring in a replacement.name (sb as)She was named as a possible replacement for the head of sales.choose, selectneedlook for, seekfindWe need to find a replacement for Jan when she goes on maternity leave.getcome in as, come on as (both BrE)He came on as a replacement for the injured player.have, undergoShe had a hip replacement six years ago.replacement + NOUNworker (esp. AmE)part, product, unitDo you know where I can get the replacement part?car, vehiclePREPOSITIONas replacementTrams are now often preferred as replacements for buses.replacement bythe president's temporary replacement by the Chief of Staffreplacement for

replant

replantverb

Replant is used with these nouns as the object:

shrub

replay

replaynounverb

I. noun1 playing again of a short section of video, etc.2 football (soccer) game that is played again1 playing again of a short section of video, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + replay | replay + VERBADJECTIVEaction (BrE), instant (AmE)Instant replays can occasionally prove the referee wrong.slow-motionendlessthe endless television replays of the attacktelevision, TV, videoVERB + replaysee, view, watchHe has watched a video replay of his fall on numerous occasions.showOn the big screen they showed the replay.useThe replay is used on disputed decisions.replay + VERBshow sthThe replay shows that it was a handball.

2 football (soccer) game that is played againADJECTIVE | VERB + replay | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfinal, first-round, quarter-final, etc.cupVERB + replayearn, forceThey earned a replay with their 1–1 draw.PREPOSITIONreplay against, replay witha replay against Real Madridreplay betweenthe replay between Liverpool and Portsmouth

II. verb

Replay is used with these nouns as the object:

scene, tape

replenish

replenishverb

Replenish is used with these nouns as the object:

inventory, stock, supply

replica

replicanoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + replica | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEexactaccurate, perfectfull-scale, full-size, life-sizehalf-scale, etc.miniature, smallVERB + replicabuild, construct, create, make, produceShe made a half-scale scale replica of Captain Cook's ship.PREPOSITIONin replicaThe original library has been rebuilt in replica.

replicate

replicateverb

Replicate is used with these nouns as the subject:

virus

Replicate is used with these nouns as the object:

finding, success

replynounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + reply | reply + VERB | reply + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbrief, monosyllabic (esp. BrE)blunt, curt, short, terseHis reply was short and to the point.sarcastic, scathingonlyA non-committal grunt was his only reply.simpleHer reply was simple: ‘No.’standard, usual‘No comment’ is his standard reply to most questions.straightShe refused to give a straight reply, deciding rather to defer the question.evasive, non-committalproper, satisfactory (esp. BrE)suitablecorrectaffirmative, positivenegativeearly, immediate, prompt, quickformalindividual, personalwrittenpolitethoughtfulMany thanks for your thoughtful reply, we greatly appreciate it.wittymuffled‘I'm in here!’ came the muffled reply.VERB + replyget, have, receiveHave you had a reply to your letter yet?give sb, make, offerHe made no reply, but simply walked away.Grace could offer no reply.post, send, send back, type, writeI'll post the replies later on my web page.I must write my letter in time for them to send back a reply.elicit, produceThe report elicited a formal reply from the department.The questionnaire produced 9 000 replies.grunt (sth in), mumble (sth in), mutter (sth in)‘Mmm!’ she grunted in reply.wait forawait, expect (both formal) (in letters)I await your reply with interest.hear, readShe heard no reply.reply + VERBcome, come back‘No!’ came the reply.A reply came back the next day.be forthcomingNo reply seemed to be forthcoming.reply + NOUNcard, envelope, form, slip (BrE)Please complete the reply card and return it to us as soon as possible.button (= in email)It's easy to just hit the reply button.PREPOSITIONin reply (to sth)What did they say in reply?I am writing in reply to your request for information on hotels in Italy.reply froma reply from the ministerreply tomy reply to your queryPHRASESa/the right of reply (esp. BrE)I am grateful to you for having given me a right of reply (= the opportunity to respond) to the article in your magazine about my company.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + reply | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBmerely, simplyHe simply replied that he hadn't the faintest idea.directlyShe did not reply directly to the allegations.personallyWell, you weren't expecting him to reply personally, were you?at once, immediatelyhastily, hurriedly, promptly, quicklyslowlyat lengthShe replied at length, but not to the point.briefly, briskly, curtly, gruffly, shortlyabruptly, sharplybluntly, flatly‘No, you're not!’ Graham replied bluntly.firmlygently, politely, soothinglylightlyseriouslyquietly, softlyangrily, bitterly, crossly, indignantly, sourly‘It was your fault!’ she replied angrily.coldly, coolly, icilycautiously, defensively, guardedly, hesitantly, nervouslycalmly, evenly, mildlymeeklyhaughtily, smuglysternly, stifflybrightly, cheerfully, happilyinnocentlygrimly, sadlydrily, sarcastically, sardonically, sweetly (ironic), tartlyabsently, distractedly, vaguelycasually, nonchalantly‘I really don't care!’ he replied nonchalantly.matter-of-factly‘I know!’ she replied matter-of-factly.honestly, truthfullyconfidentlyevasivelysheepishlyshylytiredly, wearilyin kindCalvin was insulted and replied in kind (= by insulting them back).VERB + replynot bother toShe didn't even bother to reply.PREPOSITIONtoHe did not reply to my letter.withShe replied with a smile.PHRASESa chance to replyShe quickly left the room before he had a chance to reply.

Reply is used with these nouns as the subject:

reply-paid

reply-paidadj.

Reply-paid is used with these nouns:

envelope

reply to

reply tophr verb

Reply to is used with these nouns as the object:

ad, advert, advertisement, criticism, email, letter, query, question, questionnaire

report

reportnounverb

I. noun1 written/spoken account of sth2 (BrE) (AmE report card) written statement about a student's work1 written/spoken account of sthADJECTIVE | VERB + report | report + VERB | report + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgroundbreaking, important, influential, landmark, majorlengthybrief, short12-page, 140-page, etc.complete, comprehensive, extensive, full, wide-ranging (esp. BrE)I will have to make a full report of the situation to my superiors.detailed, in-depthgeneralsummary (esp. AmE)the company's summary report for the second quarter of this yearencouraging, excellent, favourable/favorable, glowing, positiveadverse, bad, critical, damning, disturbing, hard-hitting (esp. BrE), negative, scathingsensationallatest, new, recent, updated, up-to-datepreviousfirst, originalThere have been many new findings since the original report.early, initial, interim, preliminaryfollow-up, further, later, subsequentperiodic, regularannual, daily, monthly, quarterly, weeklyfinaldraftstatusdaily status reports as to how and what we were doingformalwrittenoral, verbalpublished, unpublishedspecialstandardverbatimcredible, reliableerroneous, false, misleadingconflictingThere have been conflicting reports on the number of people killed.factualanecdotalliveWe'll have a live report from Manila in about 30 minutes.exclusiveeyewitness, first-handsecond-handanonymousunconfirmedunconfirmed reports of a shooting in the capitalindependentjointofficialclassified, confidential, secretinternala damaging internal report on the department's organizationpubliccongressional, federal, government, parliamentary, Senateintelligence, policeReliable intelligence reports suggest that the terrorists have bases in five cities.investigativeinvestigative news reports about glitches in the systemmedia, pressmagazine, newspaper, radio, televisionnews, traffic, weathercommission, committeecompanycredit, economic, financial, marketexpense (AmE)fired for falsifying an expense reportconsumerthe consumer report for this 1993 modelemployment (AmE)the government's latest employment reportenvironmentalclinical, medical, psychiatricscientific, technicallab (informal), laboratoryinspectionthe inspection report sent to the committeecase, research, surveyenquiry (esp. BrE)accident, incidentautopsyprogress, statusprobation (esp. BrE)auditlaw (esp. BrE)The case has not yet been reported in the law reports.VERB + reportdeliver, give sb, make, presentThe committee presented its report to the Attorney General.compile, complete, do, draw up (esp. BrE), prepare, produce, type, type up, writeI typed up a report about the morning's events for our clients.generateThe sites generate detailed travel reports.file, give (sb/sth), let sb have, provide, send sb/sth, submitOur correspondent in Kabul files a report most days.I'll let you have a report as soon as I can.issue, releaseAuditors normally issue a report as to whether the company accounts have been prepared correctly.leaka confidential report leaked to the presshave, hear, obtain, receiveWe've had reports of a gang shooting in the city.commission, requestThe government commissioned a report on the state of agriculture in the country.launch (esp. BrE)accept, approve, endorseFollowing discussion, the annual report was accepted unanimously.dismiss, rejectconfirm, corroboratedenyThey could neither confirm nor deny reports that the chairperson was to be replaced.cite, quoteThey replied citing a report from the finance department.read, seeconsider, discuss, examine, reviewWe have reviewed all reports from today's battle.investigateWe're investigating reports of an explosion in this area.publishappear inA large number of tables and figures appear in the report.report + VERBbe based on sthThis report is based on the analysis of 600 completed questionnaires.address sth, concern sth, cover sth, deal with sth, detail sth, examine sth, focus on sth, look at sth, relate to sthThe report looks at the health risks linked to obesity.comprise sth, contain sth, include sthpresent sth, provide sthThe chairman's report provides a summary of operations.comment on sth, declare sth, describe sth, document sth, explain sth, express sth, indicate sth, mention sth, outline sth, say sth, state sth, summarize sthReports have indicated that a growing number of medium-sized companies are under financial pressure.cite sth, list sth, note sth, quote sthThe report notes evidence that secondary smoke harms unborn children.add sth, continue … , go on … The report continued in similar vein.The report went on to list her injuries.acknowledge sth, admit sth, admit to sthThe report admits to several outstanding questions about the safety of the waste dumps.allege sth, assert sth, claim sth, contend sthargue sthdemonstrate sth, identify sth, illustrate sth, show sthreveal sthThe riots could have been avoided, a report revealed yesterday.predict sthfail to do sthThe report fails to explain his decision.draw attention to sth, emphasize sth, highlight sth, point sth out, stress sthThe report draws attention to the appalling conditions in the country's prisons.warn sthThe report warns that more job losses are likely.confirm sthconclude sth, find sth, link sth with stha report linking ill health with industrial pollutionadvise sth, advocate sth, call for sth, propose sth, recommend sth, suggest sth, support sth, urge sthThe report called for sweeping changes in the education system.question sthHer report questions the scientific validity of the experiment.accuse sb/sth, attack sb/sth, blame sb/sth, criticize sb/sthbe called sth, be entitled sth, be titled sth (esp. AmE)a report entitled ‘Kick-start’be issued, be out, be released, come outCriticism has been directed at local businesses in a report out (= published) today.come inFirst reports of the accident are coming in.be circulatingI based my statement on reports circulating at the time.appear, emerge, surfaceThese reports surfaced throughout the summer.report + NOUNauthor, writer, writingresultsPREPOSITIONaccording to a/the reportAccording to this evening's weather report, there will be snow tomorrow.amid reportsThe rally came amid reports of dissatisfaction among army officers.in a/the reportThe findings are summarized in the report.report about, report into, report onThe department has launched a report into the bombing.an official report on the accidentreport bya report by scientistsreport froma report from the select committeereport toa report to the academic community

2 (BrE) (AmE report card) written statement about a student's workADJECTIVE | VERB + report/report cardADJECTIVEgoodbadschoolVERB + report/report cardgetShe got a better report this time. (BrE)She got a better report card this time. (AmE)

II. verbADVERB | VERB + report | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBbackThe reconnaissance party reported back that the town was heavily fortified.erroneously, falsely, incorrectlyaccurately, correctlyinitially, originallypubliclyif the facts that have been reported publicly are truedutifullyShe had dutifully reported this to her superiors.VERB + reportbe expected to, be likely to, expect toThe company is expected to report record profits this year.be delighted to, be glad to, be happy to, be pleased to, be proud toI am pleased to report that the plan is going well.be sad to, regret toI am sad to report that she is not very well.have toIt is with regret that I have to report the death of one of our members.be reluctant toCompanies are sometimes reluctant to report economic espionage.fail toHe was charged with careless driving and failing to report an accident.PREPOSITIONfromThis is John Hutchins, reporting from Zimbabwe.onTonight we report on the situation in central Africa.toReport the theft to the police as soon as possible.PHRASESbe widely reportedThe incident was widely reported in the press.reporting for dutyThis is Dan Baker, reporting for duty.

Report is used with these nouns as the subject:

article, census, correspondent, inspector, journalist, magazine, media, newspaper, paper, participant, radio, researcher, scientist, source, study, survey, witness

Report is used with these nouns as the object:

abuse, allegation, assault, case, crime, data, decrease, difficulty, disappearance, discovery, disturbance, earnings, error, experience, experiment, fact, fall, fault, find, finding, improvement, incident, increase, injury, instance, irregularity, news, occurrence, profit, result, sale, sighting, story, success, suspicion, symptom, violation

reported

reportedadj.

Reported is used with these nouns:

case, earnings, incidence, incident, income, instance, profit, side effect, sighting, speech

reportedly

reportedlyadv.

Reportedly is used with these adjectives:

furious, interested, worth

Reportedly is used with these verbs:

earn, threaten

reporter

reporternoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + reporter | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEchief, seniorcub, junior, trainee (BrE)foreignlocal, national (esp. AmE)beat (AmE)the beat reporter of a leading financial dailyembeddedan embedded reporter with the combat teamrovingace, enterprising, intrepidmagazine, newspaper, radio, television, TVonline, Webprint (AmE)a print reporter from the ‘Washington Post’tabloidcourt, crime, entertainment, financial, media, news, police (AmE), political, sports, etc.investigativeundercoverfreelancepool (AmE), staff (esp. AmE)The pool reporter assigned to cover the event.a staff reporter for a major paperVERB + reporterbrief, speak to, speak with (AmE), talk to, talk with (AmE), tellWe were warned not to talk to reporters.assign, sendPREPOSITIONreporter ata business reporter at the largest daily paper in Finlandreporter for, reporter withShe then became a crime reporter with a national newspaper.reporter fromThe secret was leaked to a reporter from the ‘New York Times’.reporter onthe chief reporter on the ‘Herald’

reporting

reportingnoun

Reporting is used before these nouns:

restriction

Reporting is used after these nouns:

media

report on

report onphr verb

Report on is used with these nouns as the subject:

inspector, journalist

report to

report tophr verb

Report to is used with these nouns as the object:

reception, superior

repository

repositorynoun

Repository is used after these nouns:

repossess

repossessverb

Repossess is used with these nouns as the object:

Represent is used with these nouns as the subject:

represent

representverb

verb1 be a member of a group2 act/speak officially for sb3 show sth1 be a member of a groupADVERBADVERBstrongly, wellLocal businesses are well represented on the committee.equallyWomen and men were represented equally on the teams.poorlyadequatelydisproportionatelyWomen are disproportionately represented among welfare recipients.

2 act/speak officially for sbADVERB | VERB + representADVERBlegally (BrE)The suspect must appear and may be legally represented.ably, adequately, trulyWe have been ably represented in our efforts by our attorney.How can we all be adequately represented by one political party?leaders who truly represent the interests of working familiesVERB + representchoose sb to, elect sb to, select sb toHe was chosen to represent Scotland in three consecutive World Cup Finals.claim to, pretend toorganizations claiming to represent farmers

3 show sthADVERB | VERB + represent | PREPOSITIONADVERBaccurately, faithfullyRepresenting an image accurately requires a great many bytes of digital information.fairlyfalselydiagrammatically (esp. BrE), graphically, schematically, visuallyThe data can be represented graphically in a line diagram.symbolicallyVERB + representbe intended toIt is not clear what these symbols were intended to represent.purport to, seek toThe book purported to represent the lives of ordinary people.PREPOSITIONasThe movie represents women as victims.

arrow, attorney, counsel, delegation, diagram, film, graph, image, line, map, metaphor, painting, percentage, symbol, union, work

Represent is used with these nouns as the object:

achievement, antithesis, artist, beginning, breakthrough, challenge, client, climax, consensus, constituency, continuation, country, county, cross section, culmination, danger, departure, district, diversity, equivalent, escalation, essence, example, exception, extreme, failure, fall, group, hope, ideal, improvement, increase, instance, interest, landmark, milestone, move, obstacle, people, per cent, plaintiff, point of view, range, reality, reduction, return, reversal, saving, setback, shift, snub, spectrum, spirit, stage, state, swing, symbol, threat, triumph, turning point, type, view, viewpoint, watershed

representation

representationnoun

noun1 sth that shows/describes sth2 having representatives to speak/vote for you3 representations (formal, esp. BrE) formal statements1 sth that shows/describes sthADJECTIVE | VERB + representation | PHRASESADJECTIVEaccurate, faithful, good, trueinaccuratesimplifiedstereotypicaldiagrammatic, graphic, graphical, photographic, pictorial, schematic, visualtwo-dimensional, etc.writtenthe written representation of a spoken textartistic, cinematic, fictional, literaryartistic representations of the parent/child relationshipmediacontemporary media representations of youthabstract, symbolicliteral, realistica realistic cinematic representation of the DepressionVERB + representationcreate, generate, produceThere are many ways of generating a two-dimensional representation of an object.offer, presentThe film offers a realistic representation of life in rural Spain.showa book showing graphic representations of the periodic tablePHRASESa form of representation, a means of representation

2 having representatives to speak/vote for youADJECTIVE | VERB + representation | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbroad, largeThe task force had broad representation with members drawn from different departments.increasedstrongeffectiveadequatebalanced, equal, fairdisproportionatedirectdirect representation in Parliamentdemocratic, proportionalcollectiveTextile workers wanted collective representation.parliamentary, politicalblack, female, minoritylegaldiplomaticunionemployeeVERB + representationhaveThey had a strong representation in government.be entitled toWhether guilty or innocent, we are still entitled to legal representation.achieve, secure, winAll parties won representation in the national assembly.ensure, guaranteeHe claims that their electoral system ensures fair representation of all parties.increaseThe party has increased its representation in Parliament.reduceallow sb, provide (sb with)The accused was not allowed legal representation.seekworkers that seek union representationSanchez is now seeking legal representation.get, obtainPREPOSITIONrepresentation byrepresentation by a lawyerrepresentation forrepresentation for employeesrepresentation fromrepresentation from all partiesrepresentation onshareholder representation on the boards of directorsPHRASESa system of representation

3 representations (formal, esp. BrE) formal statementsADJECTIVE | VERB + REPRESENTATIONS | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfalseoral, writtenVERB + REPRESENTATIONSmakereceivePREPOSITIONrepresentation toThey may make representations to government on matters affecting their organization.

representational

representationaladj.

Representational is used with these nouns:

art, imagery, painting

representative

representativenounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + representative | representative + VERB | representative + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEchief, leading, mainseniorsoleI was the sole representative of the committee.appointed, designated, electedauthorized, officialfield (AmE), international, local, national, regional, stateBritish, US, etc.personallegalcongressional, parliamentary, politicalcouncil, governmentdiplomaticUNspecialthe UN special representative for Cypruspermanentthe Algerian permanent representative at the UNmilitarybusiness, company, corporate, industry, management, marketing, tradecustomer-service, sales (also informal rep)She's a sales rep for sports equipment.financial, insurance, media, pharmaceuticalhis success as a full-time financial representativea panel of media representativesemployee, labour/labor, union, workerclass, studentcommunity, publicNGOclub, committeechurchVERB + representativeappoint, appoint sb (as), choose (sb as), elect, elect sb (as), nominate (esp. BrE), nominate sb (as) (esp. BrE), select, select sb (as)sendThe association is sending representatives to the conference.consult, consult with, meet, meet with (esp. AmE)Management are obliged to consult with union representatives about changes to conditions.discuss (sth) withrepresentative + VERBattend sthThe negotiations were attended by representatives of several states.voterepresentative + NOUNbodyThe country has a new supreme representative body.PREPOSITIONrepresentative fora representative for international shipping companiesrepresentative from, representative ofrepresentatives from citizens' groupsrepresentative ona nursing representative on the infection control committeerepresentative torepresentatives to a conference

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seemconsider sb/sthADVERBhighly, veryfully, trulynot necessarilybroadly, fairly, reasonablya broadly representative samplewidelyExhibits include a widely representative collection of Greek vases.statisticallynationallya nationally representative picture of the employment situationPREPOSITIONofIs this group of people fully representative of the population in general?

Representative is used with these nouns:

assembly, collection, cross section, democracy, example, government, rugby, sample, selection, survey

repress

repressverb

verbADVERB | VERB + repressADVERBbarelyShe could barely repress a sigh of relief.brutally, harshly, violentlyThe organized opposition has been brutally repressed.systematicallya country that systematically represses human rightsVERB + represstry tobe unable to

Repress is used with these nouns as the object:

emotion, feeling, memory, shudder, sigh, urge

repressed

repressedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.severelya little, slightly, etc.barelyHis eyes flashed with barely repressed anger.sexuallypeople who are sexually repressed

Repressed is used with these nouns:

desire, homosexual, impulse, memory

repression

repressionnoun

noun1 using force to control people2 controlling strong emotions/desires1 using force to control peopleADJECTIVE | VERB + repression | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEextreme, harsh, massive, severebloody, brutal, ruthless, violentpolitical, religious, socialher attempts to combat censorship and political repressionthe religious repression during his rulegovernment, military, police, stateVERB + repressionsuffer, suffer fromThe trade unions suffered brutal repression after the coup.subject sb/sth toReports claimed that civilians were being subjected to ruthless repression.escape, fleeStreams of migrants are fleeing war, repression and poverty.PREPOSITIONrepression againstrepression against ethnic minoritiesrepression byrepression by the statePHRASESa target for repression, a target of repression

2 controlling strong emotions/desiresADJECTIVEADJECTIVEemotional, sexual

repressive

repressiveadj.

Repressive is used with these nouns:

apparatus, dictatorship, measure, regime, system

reprieve

reprievenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + reprieve | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbrief, temporarywelcomelast-minuteHe was saved from the electric chair by a last-minute reprieve.VERB + reprieveearn, gain, get, receive, winoffer, provide (esp. AmE)This house offers no reprieve from the heat.give sb/sth, grant (sb/sth)The school was granted a six-month reprieve.PREPOSITIONreprieve fromThe family has won a temporary reprieve from eviction.

reprimand

reprimandnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + reprimand | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEseveregentleHis gentle reprimand shamed her sufficiently.publicverbal, writtenformal, officialVERB + reprimandearn (yourself), get, receiveThe manager earned himself a severe reprimand for criticizing the referee.give sb, issue (sb with)She was given a reprimand for leaking the news.PREPOSITIONreprimand fora reprimand for a breach of the rulesreprimand fromJen's reply earned her a reprimand from her mother.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBseverely, sternlygentlyformally, officiallypubliclyPREPOSITIONbyreprimanded by the judgeforShe was severely reprimanded for accepting the money.

reprint

reprintverb

Reprint is used with these nouns as the object:

article, book

reprisal

reprisalnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + reprisal | reprisal + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbloody, brutal, savage, violentmilitaryThe government responded with harsh military reprisals.economic, legal, politicalboycotts and economic reprisalsThe people live in fear of political reprisals.VERB + reprisaltakeThe gang threatened to take reprisals against them.threaten (sb with)sufferShe tried to persuade the soldiers that they would not suffer reprisals if they surrendered.expect, fearfacereprisal + NOUNattack, raidPREPOSITIONin reprisal forA dozen hostages were shot in reprisal for the killing of an army officer.reprisal againstreprisals against witnesses for the evidence they have givenreprisal forWorkers won't face reprisals for their decisions.reprisal fromreprisals from angry fansPHRASESfear of reprisals

reprise

repriseverb

Reprise is used with these nouns as the object:

role

reproach

reproachnoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbittermildThere was mild reproach in his tone.PREPOSITIONabove reproach, beyond reproachHer conduct had always been beyond reproach.with reproachHe glanced at her with reproach.reproach toPaul saw this as a reproach to himself.PHRASESfull of reproachHer voice was full of reproach.a look of reproachHe gave Helen a look of bitter reproach.a word of reproachShe had never uttered a word of reproach.

reproachful

reproachfuladj.

Reproachful is used with these nouns:

glance, look

reproachfully

reproachfullyadv.

Reproachfully is used with these verbs:

reprocess

reprocessverb

Reprocess is used with these nouns as the object:

fuel, plutonium

reprocessing

reprocessingnoun

Reprocessing is used before these nouns:

Reprocessing is used after these nouns:

Reproduce is used with these nouns as the object:

reproduce

reproduceverb

verb1 produce a copy of sth; produce sth again2 produce young1 produce a copy of sth; produce sth againADVERB | VERB + reproduce | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBaccurately, exactly, faithfullyThe painting is reproduced very accurately.The book's characters are faithfully reproduced in the movie.wellThey do not reproduce well in print.easilyPhotographs can be easily reproduced with a negative.merely, simplyIn her own work she simply reproduces the very conventions that she claims to despise.VERB + reproducebe able to, canbe unable tobe easy to, be possible tobe difficult to, be hard to, be impossible toIt is difficult to reproduce a signature exactly.PREPOSITIONfromThe map is reproduced here from a 19th-century original.PHRASESan attempt to reproduce sthWriting grew out of an attempt to reproduce speech in a permanent form.beautifully reproducedThe photos are beautifully reproduced.reproduced (by) courtesy of sb/sthThe painting is reproduced here courtesy of the National Gallery.The interview is reproduced by courtesy of ‘Attitude’.reproduced with sb's permission, reproduced without sb's permissionThe article may not be reproduced without written permission of the author.widely reproducedThese works were popular and widely reproduced.

2 produce youngADVERB | VERB + reproduce | PREPOSITIONADVERBasexually, sexuallynaturallyThe salmon would begin reproducing naturally.successfullya frog species successfully reproducingVERB + reproducebe able to, be likely to, canThe offspring have to be able to reproduce in their turn.be unable to, fail toPREPOSITIONbyMany single cell organisms reproduce by splitting in two.

image, painting

reproduction

reproductionnoun

noun1 producing babies/animals/plants2 act/process of producing a copy/recording3 sth that has been reproduced1 producing babies/animals/plantsADJECTIVE | reproduction + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEanimal, human, plantbiologicalasexual, sexualartificial, assistedadvanced techniques for assisted reproductionnaturalsuccessfulsuccessful reproduction in birdsreproduction + VERBoccur, take placePHRASESa method of reproduction

2 act/process of producing a copy/recordingADJECTIVE | VERB + reproductionADJECTIVEaccurate, faithful, good-quality, high-quality, qualitycolour/color, digital, mechanical, photographic, soundthe age of mechanical reproductionUsing a wide tape gives better quality sound reproduction.massthe mass reproduction of imagesVERB + reproductiongive, provideensureThe craftsmen have ensured faithful reproduction of the original painting.

3 sth that has been reproducedADJECTIVE | reproduction + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEexact, excellent, faithful, good, perfectan exact reproduction of an ancient buildinglargeblack-and-white, colour/colordigital, mechanical, photographicdigital reproductions of masterworksLike so many artists of his generation, he was critical of mechanical reproduction.The quality of a photographic reproduction decreases with time.art, fine-arta publisher of fine-art reproductionsreproduction + NOUNantique, furniture (= made as a copy of an earlier style)PREPOSITIONreproduction froma reproduction from an old bookreproduction ofreproductions of well-known old-master paintings

reproductive

reproductiveadj.

Reproductive is used with these nouns:

biology, cycle, organ, stage, system

republic

republicnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + republicADJECTIVEnew, youngformerthe former Yugoslav republicsautonomous, free, independent, sovereignbreakawaythe breakaway republics of the former Soviet empireconstitutional, democratic, federal, Islamic, people's, secular, socialista constitutional republic based on the principles of democracythe People's Republic of Chinabanana (disapproving, offensive)VERB + republicbecomethe year that Guyana became a socialist republicbuild, create, establish, form, founddefend, preserve, savedeclare (sth), proclaim (sth)They have declared themselves an independent democratic republic.recognize (sth as)overthrow

Republican Republican-controlled

Republican-controlledadj.

Republican-controlled is used with these nouns:

legislature

repudiate

repudiateverb

Repudiate is used with these nouns as the object:

contract, treaty

repulse

repulseverb

Repulse is used with these nouns as the object:

attack, invasion

repulsive

repulsiveadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, look, seem, smellThe very thought seems repulsive.find sb/sthADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.deeplyShe found the idea deeply repulsive.completely, totally (esp. AmE), utterlya little, slightly, etc.morally, physically, sexuallyPREPOSITIONtoHe was utterly repulsive to her.

Repulsive is used with these nouns:

Reputable is used with these nouns:

reputable

reputableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highlya highly reputable companylessCustomers who are tired of waiting turn to less reputable suppliers.He spent a lot of time hanging around the less reputable bars in Chicago.less thanSome of the men looked less than reputable.

builder, company, dealer, journal, manufacturer, newspaper, source

reputation

reputationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + reputation | reputation + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsiderable, enviable, excellent, fine, good, great, high, impeccableShe has built up an enviable reputation as a writer.legendary, outstanding, stellar (esp. AmE), sterling (esp. AmE), unrivalled/unrivaled (esp. BrE)the player's legendary reputation for accuracyawesome (esp. BrE), fearsome, formidable, strongdeserved, well-deserved, well-earnedundeservedhis undeserved reputation for stinginessbad, poor, terrible, unenviable (esp. BrE), unsavoury/unsavoryThe club has an unenviable reputation for attracting trouble.The town's unsavoury/unsavory reputation was bad for business.dubious, questionabletarnishedAmerica is struggling to restore its tarnished reputation.infamous, notoriousHe has a notorious reputation of womanizing.negative, positive (both esp. AmE)The company has built up a positive reputation.established, long-standing, solidintact (only after reputation)He emerged from the trial with his reputation intact.growinginternational, national, worldwidepersonal, publicthe need to save his political life and personal reputationcorporate, professionalThey may be damaging their corporate reputation.academic, literary, scholarly, scientificthe school's academic reputationhistorical, posthumousFranklin's historical reputation has fluctuated.Her posthumous reputation has begun to grow.VERB + reputationenjoy, haveHe has the reputation of being a hard worker.acquire, build, build up, develop, earn, establish, forge, gain, garner, get, make, winHer international reputation is built on an impressive list of publications.She garnered a reputation as an incisive commentator.bolster, enhance, improveHer extensive research enhanced her reputation.damage, destroy, hurt, lose, ruin, sully, tarnishIt seems that nothing can tarnish his reputation.defend, maintain, preserve, protect, secure, upholdsalvage, saveHe can still salvage his reputation if he acts quickly.restoreIf the profession wishes to restore its reputation, it must get its act together.cement, solidifyThis cemented his reputation as a civil rights militant.deserve, live up toNovember is certainly living up to its reputation—we've had nothing but rain all week.live downShe found it hard to live down her reputation as a second-rate actress.risk, stakeHe has staked his reputation on the success of the play.shedThe country has definitively shed its reputation for economic mismanagement.reputation + VERBgrowsufferThe company's reputation suffered when it had to recall thousands of products.depend on sth, rest on sthMy reputation rests on the success of this party!be based on sthThat reputation is based on hard work.PREPOSITIONby reputationHe was by reputation difficult to please.reputation among, reputation withthe publisher's reputation among criticsIt has given them a good reputation with their customers.reputation asYou've made quite a reputation for yourself as a rebel!reputation forThe company has a well-deserved reputation for being reliable.reputation ofour reputation of excellence in journalismPHRASESa loss of reputationsb's reputation precedes themHis reputation preceded him (= we had heard about him before we met him).

reputedly

reputedlyadv.

Reputedly is used with these verbs:

earn, haunt

request

requestnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + request | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEspeciallegitimate, reasonableunreasonableformal, officialpolitedirectI could not deny a direct request like that.simpleodd, strange, unusualinitial, originalI made my initial request for material in February.final, lastHer last request before she died was that she be buried at sea.numerous, repeatedurgentexplicit, particular, specificemail, writtenI got a couple of email requests for it.interviewHe has refused all interview requests.budget, funding (both esp. AmE)the State Department budget requestextraditionan extradition request by the USVERB + requestmake, put in, send, submitI've put in a request for a room with a view of the sea.get, have, receiveWe have had repeated requests for a pedestrian crossing near the school.consider, reviewThe judge will now consider this request from the plaintiffs.accept, agree to, grantaccommodate, comply with, fulfil/fulfill (esp. AmE), honour/honor, meetHis request was always met with the same answer.approveThe Commission approved a request for $700 000 in tax refunds.answer, respond todeal with, handleignoredecline, deny, refuse, reject, turn downrepeatPREPOSITIONat sb's requestThe book was withdrawn at the author's request.The play was written by Agatha Christie at the request of Queen Mary.by requestThe writer's name was withheld by request (= because the writer had asked for this to be done).on request, upon requestAdditional copies will be made available on request.request forThe helpline was inundated with requests for information on the crash.PHRASESavailable on request, available upon requestA detailed list of our publications is available on request.by popular request (esp. BrE) (usually by popular demand)The movie is being shown again by popular request.a number of requests

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBexplicitly, specificallyformally, officiallypolitelysimplyShe had left him a message, simply requesting that he call her back.reasonably (law, esp. BrE)Auditors will be required to provide any information reasonably requested by the bank.urgentlyrepeatedlyPREPOSITIONfromWe have requested some information from the company.

Request is used with these nouns as the subject:

email, petition

Request is used with these nouns as the object:

anonymity, assistance, asylum, audience, authorization, autopsy, balance, catalogue, clarification, clearance, copy, exemption, extension, extradition, funding, hearing, help, indulgence, information, interview, leave, loan, meeting, permission, permit, postponement, presence, recognition, refund, reinforcement, report, return

requiem

requiemnoun

Requiem is used before these nouns:

mass

require

requireverb

verbADVERBADVERBurgentlyMany of the refugees urgently require medical treatment.reasonably (law, esp. BrE)generally, normally, typically, usuallyfrequently, oftenrarelyeventuallyspecificallylegallyabsolutely (esp. AmE)Certain subjects absolutely require face-to-face communication.These plants absolutely require shade.

Require is used with these nouns as the subject:

act, circumstance, constitution, directive, etiquette, evolution, fairness, guideline, illness, injunction, job, law, legislation, necessity, process, program, provision, recipe, regulation, rule, situation, state, statute, task, treaty

Require is used with these nouns as the object:

access, adjustment, alteration, approval, assembly, assistance, attention, authorization, balance, bravery, care, caution, clarification, commitment, concentration, confirmation, consent, consideration, cooperation, coordination, correction, courage, dedication, deposit, determination, dexterity, diplomacy, discipline, discretion, effort, employer, endorsement, energy, equipment, escort, evaluation, examination, expenditure, expertise, explanation, exploration, familiarity, finance, flexibility, follow-up, handling, help, honesty, identification, imagination, improvement, information, ingenuity, injection, input, inspection, integration, intervention, investigation, justification, knowledge, leadership, legislation, maintenance, manpower, medication, modification, monitoring, notice, obedience, openness, outlay, overhaul, patience, perfection, permission, permit, perseverance, persistence, planning, practice, precision, preparation, presence, proof, protection, qualification, recognition, reconstruction, reduction, refinement, reform, registration, removal, renovation, repair, replacement, research, reservation, resolution, restoration, restraint, resuscitation, revision, sacrifice, scrutiny, self-control, signatory, signature, skill, stamina, stimulation, stitch, submission, subscription, supervision, support, surgery, tact, tactic, teamwork, therapy, training, transfusion, transplant, treatment, upkeep, verification, vigilance, visa, vote, warrant, willingness, work

required

requiredadj.

Required is used with these nouns:

course, level, minimum, reading, standard

requirement

requirementnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + requirement | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEabsoluteThere's no absolute requirement to disclose your age.necessarycore, important, key, mainessential, fundamentalAn open system of criminal justice is a fundamental requirement of any democratic society.demanding, strict, stringentdetailedexact, precisereasonablebasicminimumadditional, furthergeneralspecialcertain, particular, specificindividual, personaluniqueannual, dailyyour daily requirement of vitamin Ccurrent, futurechangingconstitutional, contractual, federal, formal, legal, legislative, mandatory, procedural, regulatory, statutorybusinessborrowing (esp. BrE)The public sector borrowing requirement is expected to rise.customer, market, useracademic, course, curriculum, education (AmE), educational, graduation (AmE)core curriculum requirementsentrance, entryeligibilitytechnicalenvironmentalsafety, securityvisaresidency (AmE)dietary, food, nutritionalpatients with special dietary requirementsdata, informationlabour/labor, manpowercapital, energy, housing (BrE), maintenance, performance, space, storageoperationalVERB + requirementhaveI have some very simple requirements.comply with, fit, fulfil/fulfill, match, meet, satisfy, suitWe can arrange a honeymoon to meet your requirements exactly.exceedimpose, lay down (esp. BrE), set outThe government has imposed strict safety requirements on fairground rides.define, determine, establish, identify, specifyenforceviolaterelax, waiveto relax university entrance requirements (BrE)The initial investment requirement is often waived for existing customers.eliminatePREPOSITIONfor your requirementWe grow enough vegetables for our own requirements.to your requirementOur porches can be designed to your exact requirements.requirement forLarge buildings have specific requirements for fire-service access.requirement ofthe requirements of the lawPHRASESsubject to the requirements (of sth)The school can decide which students will be given priority, subject to the requirements of the law.surplus to requirements (= more than is needed) (esp. BrE)Workers at the factory have been told they are surplus to requirements.

requisite

requisiteadj.

Requisite is used with these nouns:

degree, skill

reread

rereadverb

Reread is used with these nouns as the object:

paragraph, passage

re-route

re-routeverb

Re-route is used with these nouns as the object:

rerun

rerunverb

Rerun is used with these nouns as the object:

episode

resale

resalenoun

Resale is used before these nouns:

reschedule

rescheduleverb

Reschedule is used with these nouns as the object:

appointment, debt

rescind

rescindverb

Rescind is used with these nouns as the object:

contract, order

rescue

rescuenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + rescue | rescue + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdramaticdaringemergencyattemptedsuccessfulair-sea (esp. BrE), mountain, ocean (AmE), sea (esp. BrE), waterhostagehelicopterfinancialVERB + rescueattemptHer own boat capsized after she attempted a rescue.come to, go to, rush toNo one came to their rescue until the following day.performawaitrescue + NOUNattempt, effort, mission, operationcrew, party, squad (AmE), team, unita mountain rescue teamservicepersonnel (esp. AmE), workerworkboat, helicopter, ship, vehicle, vesseldogswimmer (AmE)equipmentcentre/centeran animal rescue centre/centerbid (BrE), package, plan, scheme (BrE)a financial rescue package for the companyPREPOSITIONto sb's/the rescueHer wails of distress brought him running from the house, like a knight to the rescue.rescue fromhis rescue from a burning buildingrescue ofthe rescue of a man from a burning buildingPHRASESfire and rescueNew Zealand fire and rescue services carried out several extensive searches for survivors.search and rescueThe navy are on a search and rescue mission.

II. verb

Rescue is used with these nouns as the subject:

firefighter, helicopter, hero

Rescue is used with these nouns as the object:

economy, hostage, survivor, victim

rescue from

rescue fromphr verb

Rescue from is used with these nouns as the object:

fate, oblivion, wreckage

resealable

resealableadj.

Resealable is used with these nouns:

closure

research

researchnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | … OF RESEARCH | VERB + research | research + VERB | research + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcareful, detailed, in-depth, meticulous, painstaking, rigorous, thoroughconsiderable, exhaustive, extensiveHe has carried out extensive research into renewable energy sources.basicappliedoriginallatest, new, recentcurrent, presentexistingfurtherongoingfutureearlier, past, previous, priorcutting-edge, groundbreaking, innovative, pioneeringpioneering research into skin diseasecollaborativeempirical, experimentallaboratoryInternet, onlineacademic, scholarly (esp. AmE)graduate, undergraduate, universityclinical, educational, historical, medical, military, scientific, social, spaceAIDS, cancer, etc.animalExtremists called for a ban on animal research.marketfieldFor his PhD he conducted field research in Indonesia.… OF RESEARCHpiecea startling piece of historical researchVERB + researchcarry out, conduct, do, perform, pursue, undertakeShe's doing research on Czech music.produce, providepresent, publishbe based onOne paper based on research conducted at Oxford suggested that the drug may cause brain damage.fund, sponsor, supportdirect, lead, overseecontinueneed, requireFurther research is needed.encourage, promote, stimulatecitediscussreviewresearch + VERBdemonstrate sth, find sth, identify sth, indicate sth, reveal sth, show sth, suggest sth, support sthresearch which identifies the causes of depressionWhat has their research shown?The research does not support these conclusions.demonstrate that … , find that … , indicate that … , reveal that … , show that … , suggest that … Research demonstrates that women are more likely than men to provide social support to others.link sth to sth, link sth with sththe research done in the 1950s that linked smoking with cancerconfirm sth, prove sthproduce sth, yield sthRecent research on deaf children has produced some interesting findings.examine sth, explore sth, focus on sth, investigate sthinvolve sthbe part of sthresearch + NOUNdegreeeffort, programme/program, project, study, workWho is directing the group's research effort?agendamethodology, methodstoolfindings, resultspurposesCopies of the tape can be made for research purposes.centre/center, facility, lab (informal), laboratory, station, unitcompany, firm, institute, institution, organization, universityanalyst, assistant, associate, director, fellow, scientist, student, workergroup, teamfunding, grantpaper, reportdatainterestsquestionsubject, topiclibrarybudgetPREPOSITIONresearch inMost research in the field has concentrated on the effects on children.research into, research onThey are carrying out research into the natural flow patterns of water.PHRASESan area of researchfocus your research on sthHe focused his research on the economics of the interwar era.sb's own researchThey lack the resources to do their own research.research and development (abbreviated to R & D)spending on military research and development

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBcarefully, exhaustively, extensively, fully, meticulously, properly, thoroughly, wellpoorlyThe book has been poorly researched.PREPOSITIONforShe is currently researching for her next novel.intoI spent two years carefully researching into his background.

Research is used with these nouns as the object:

article, biography, topic

research and development

research and developmentnoun

Research and development is used before these nouns:

expenditure

researcher

researchernoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF RESEARCHERS | researcher + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEexperienced, leading, prominent, renownedchief, lead, senioryoungearlyShe based her work on that of earlier researchers.independentacademicpostdoctoral, postgraduateuniversityAIDS, cancer, clinical, health, medicaleducational, scientific, socialmarket… OF RESEARCHERSgroup, teamresearcher + VERBanalyse/analyze sth, compare sth and sth, examine sth, explore sth, focus on sth, investigate sth, look for sth, study sth, work in sth, work on sthresearchers working in different disciplinesresearchers working on the biochemistry of the brainconduct sth, measure sth, test sb/sthbelieve sth, claim sth, note sth, say sth, suggest sth, think sthdetermine sth, discover sth, find sth, identify sthResearchers found 17% of their random sample to be severely depressed.observe sth, report sth, show sthconclude sthThe researchers have concluded that further studies are needed.PHRASESresearchers in the fieldThe book is written by experts who are well known as researchers in the field.

resemblance

resemblancenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + resemblance | resemblance + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEclose, great, marked, remarkable, striking, strongeerie (esp. AmE), uncannyShe has an uncanny resemblance to her sister.obviousfaint, passing, slight, superficiallittletwo actors bearing little resemblance to each otherphysicalfamilyVERB + resemblancebear, have, showThe story of the movie bears more than a passing resemblance to ‘Tom Sawyer’.note, notice, seeI can see the family resemblance.resemblance + VERBendThey are both called Brad, but there the resemblance ends (= they are not similar to each other in any other way).PREPOSITIONresemblance betweenThere is a close resemblance between her and her daughter.resemblance toCrocodiles still have a strong resemblance to their ancestors.

resemble

resembleverb

verbADVERB | VERB + resemble | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBclosely, greatly, strongly, very muchHe very much resembles a friend of mine.in no way, not remotelyHe does not resemble his brother in any way.I have never seen anything remotely resembling the horrors of that day.barelyfaintly, rather, somewhat, superficially, vaguelyin some respects, in some waysoddly, uncannilyphysicallyincreasinglyVERB + resemblebe designed toThe house was designed to resemble a church.tend toPREPOSITIONinThe meat resembles chicken in texture.PHRASESanything resembling sthNeither achieved anything resembling their former success.something resembling stha fight for something resembling justice

Resemble is used with these nouns as the object:

father, mother

resent

resentverb

verbADVERBADVERBbitterly, deeply, greatly, reallyShe bitterly resented the fact that her husband had been so successful.

Resent is used with these nouns as the object:

fact, implication, insinuation, interference, intrusion

resentful

resentfuladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, look, seem, soundbecome, grow, remainThey grew bitter and resentful.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.bitterly, deeplyThey were bitterly resentful of the fact that they had to work such long hours.increasinglya little, slightly, etc.PREPOSITIONabout, atShe felt resentful at the way she had been treated.ofHe was very resentful of their success.towards/towardHe felt deeply resentful towards/toward his ex-wife.

resentment

resentmentnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + resentment | resentment + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbitter, considerable, deep, deep-seated, great, lingering, seething, smouldering/smolderinggrowingoldShe felt all her old resentment flaring up.class, racial (both esp. AmE)VERB + resentmentfeel, harbour/harbor, holdI felt no resentment towards/toward him.You seem to be harbouring/harboring some resentment against your boss.express, showhideHe struggled to hide his resentment.arouse, breed, cause, create, fuel, generate, lead to, provoke, stirInequality breeds resentment.resentment + VERBgrowPREPOSITIONresentment about, resentment overMaggie was filled with resentment about her treatment.resentment againstthe growing resentment against foreignersresentment amongThe measures will fuel resentment among students.resentment atI felt great resentment at having to work such long hours.resentment betweenthe bitter resentment between the two brothersresentment towards/towardtheir resentment towards/toward each otherPHRASESa cause of resentment, a source of resentmenta feeling of resentment, a sense of resentmentresentment and anger

reservation

reservationnoun

noun1 arrangement for a seat/room2 feeling of doubt about sth1 arrangement for a seat/roomADJECTIVE | VERB + reservation | reservation + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEairline, flight, travelhotel, room (AmE)dinner, restaurant (both esp. AmE)onlineVERB + reservationhaveDo you have a reservation?book (AmE), makegetconfirmcancelrecommendReservations are recommended, especially during the busy holiday weekends.need, require (formal)accept (AmE)reservation + NOUNservice, systemcentre/centerformPREPOSITIONreservation atWe have reservations at a restaurant at six tonight.reservation forI'd like to make a reservation for four people for Friday night, please.

2 feeling of doubt about sthADJECTIVE | VERB + reservation | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsiderable (esp. BrE), deep, grave, major, serious, strongminor, slightcertainI have certain reservations regarding several of the clauses in the contract.initialmental (esp. AmE)VERB + reservationhaveexpress, voiceNATO generals voiced reservations about making air strikes.PREPOSITIONdespite reservationsDespite his initial reservations, he came to love London.with reservationsThe employees are backing the reorganization plans, with reservations.without reservationI can recommend her without reservation.reservation about, reservation concerning, reservation over, reservation regardingThey have expressed reservations concerning the provisions of the treaty.PHRASESone reservation, only reservationMy one reservation concerns the performance of the vehicle in wet conditions.

reserve

reservenounverb

I. noun1 supply of sth available to be used in the future2 protected area3 quality/feeling4 extra player; second team5 extra military force1 supply of sth available to be used in the futureADJECTIVE | VERB + reserve | reserve + VERB | reserve + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgreat, huge, large, substantial, vastadequate, sufficientlow, smallexistingadditionallastIt took my last reserves of strength and will to swim to the lifeboat.untappedThe region is thought to have some of the world's largest untapped oil reserves.hiddenShe had hidden reserves of courage.known, provenproven oil reservescapital, cash, currency, financial, foreign-currency, foreign-exchange, gold, internationalIn the face of a severe crisis relating to international reserves, the government devalued the currency twice.dollar, sterling, etc.coal, energy, fuel, gas, oil, petroleum (esp. AmE)foodfatThe birds build up fat reserves to help them survive the winter.VERB + reservehaveWe have only a small reserve of coal.hold sth in, keep sth in, maintainThe crack troops were held in reserve behind the front line.dig into (BrE), dip into, draw on, draw upon, tap, useHe had to draw on reserves of strength just to finish the race.accumulate, build, build up, increasedeplete, exhaustThe company has depleted its reserves to make the purchase.takereserve + VERBbe availabledwindle, fallrisereserve + NOUNassets, currency, fundsrequirementtankThe plane was fitted with fuel reserve tanks for long-distance flights.accountpowerPREPOSITIONin reserveThe rail company has two trains in service and one in reserve.reserve ofthe world's reserves of oil

2 protected areaSee also preserveADJECTIVE | VERB + reserveADJECTIVEnationalbird (BrE), forest, game, marine, natural, nature, wildlifeVERB + reservecreate, establish

3 quality/feelingADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdeepnatural (esp. BrE)They made him feel at ease, despite his natural reserve.PREPOSITIONwith reserveAny contract should be treated with reserve until it has been checked.without reserveShe trusted him without reserve (= completely).

4 extra player; second teamVERB + reserve | reserve + NOUNVERB + reserveplay in (BrE)He will continue to train and may play in the reserves next season.reserve + NOUNside (BrE), teamgoalkeeper (BrE), outfielder (AmE), striker (BrE), etc.game, match (BrE)role (AmE)Bautista could be traded or moved into a reserve role.

5 extra military forceADJECTIVE | reserve + NOUNADJECTIVEair-force, army, marine, navalstrategicvolunteerreserve + NOUNarmy, force, policecomponent, unitofficer, personnel, soldier, troopsduty

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBexclusively, only, specially, specifically, strictlyThe star has a ski slope reserved exclusively for her.generally, normally, traditionally, typically, usuallya ceremony normally reserved for heads of statepreviouslyPREPOSITIONforThe parking spaces are reserved for customers.

Reserve is used with these nouns as the object:

judgement, liquid, right, scorn, seat, table, ticket, venom

reserved

reservedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, seemShe seems very reserved.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.his fairly reserved mannerPHRASESquiet and reserved, reserved and quiet

Reserved is used with these nouns:

seating

reservist

reservistnoun

Reservist is used after these nouns:

reservoir

reservoirnoun

noun1 where water is stored2 amount of sth that can be used1 where water is storedADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEnaturalartificial, man-madeundergroundwaterlargePREPOSITIONin a/the reservoir

2 amount of sth that can be usedADJECTIVE | VERB + reservoir | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdeep, huge, vastVERB + reservoirtap, tap intoPREPOSITIONreservoir ofWe can tap into the vast reservoir of information available on the Internet

reset

resetverb

Reset is used with these nouns as the object:

clock, password, watch

resettle

resettleverb

Resettle is used with these nouns as the object:

refugee

resettlement

resettlementnoun

Resettlement is used after these nouns:

refugee

reshape

reshapeverb

Reshape is used with these nouns as the object:

politics, world

reshuffle

reshufflenounverb

I. noun

Reshuffle is used after these nouns:

cabinet, government

II. verb

Reshuffle is used with these nouns as the object:

cabinet

reside

resideverb

Reside is used with these nouns as the subject:

population, sovereignty

reside in

reside inphr verb

Reside in is used with these nouns as the subject:

sovereignty

residence

residencenoun

noun1 house2 living in a particular place1 houseADJECTIVE | VERB + residenceADJECTIVEdesirable (BrE)palatialofficialroyalpersonal (AmE), privatemain, primary (esp. AmE), principalTax breaks are often available to those buying a primary residence.Their principal residence was in Chicago.current, formersummercountry, town (esp. BrE)family, studentnewVERB + residencebuildmaintainchange

2 living in a particular placeADJECTIVE | VERB + residence | residence + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElongpermanenttemporarynormal (BrE, law)legalVERB + residenceestablish, take upThe family took up temporary residence in the manor house.residence + NOUNpermitHe has applied for a residence permit.hall (AmE)PREPOSITIONin residenceThe flag flying above the palace indicates that the Queen is in residence.PHRASESa change of residencesb's city of residence, sb's country of residence, sb's place of residenceThe notice was addressed to her last known place of residence.a hall of residence (BrE) (dormitory in AmE)The university has two halls of residence for its postgraduate students.

residency

residencynoun

Residency is used before these nouns:

programme, requirement

resident

residentnounadj.

I. noun

Resident is used after these nouns:

borough, county, neighbourhood, village

II. adj.

Resident is used with these nouns:

alien, fellow, physician, population, status

residential

residentialadj.

Residential is used with these nouns:

accommodation, architect, architecture, area, building, burglary, care, community, construction, development, district, home, mortgage, neighbourhood, premises, programme, property, quarter, road, school, segregation, social worker, street, suburb, tower, unit

reside with

reside withphr verb

Reside with is used with these nouns as the subject:

sovereignty

residual

residualadj.

Residual is used with these nouns:

effect, value

residue

residuenoun

Residue is used after these nouns:

pesticide

resign

resignverb

verbADVERB | VERB + resign | PREPOSITIONADVERBformallyabruptlyimmediatelyVERB + resignbe forced to, be obliged to (BrE), have toHe was forced to resign due to ill health.intend tooffer to, threaten toDaniels offered to resign as team chief.Some judges have threatened to resign over this issue.decide torefuse tocall on sb toThey called on her to resign as chief executive.PREPOSITIONasHe resigned as chairman.fromShe formally resigned from the government.overThree members of the committee resigned over the issue.

Resign is used with these nouns as the subject:

chairman, government, member, minister, president

Resign is used with these nouns as the object:

appointment, chair, membership, position, post, presidency, seat

resignation

resignationnoun

noun1 giving up your job; letter of resignation2 willingness to accept a difficult situation1 giving up your job; letter of resignationADJECTIVE | VERB + resignation | resignation + VERB | resignation + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEimmediateshock (BrE), sudden, surprise, unexpected (esp. BrE)forcedmassVERB + resignationhand in, submit, tenderShe handed in her resignation following the dispute over company policy.announcewithdrawoffer (sb), proffer (formal)threatenlead to, prompt, provoke (BrE)The accusation prompted the resignation of the party leader.forceIllness forced his resignation from the team.call for, demandThe protesters called for his immediate resignation.acceptShe has refused to accept the resignation of her deputy.rejectresignation + VERBbe effective, become effectiveMy resignation is effective from May 1.resignation + NOUNletterannouncementHis resignation announcement was widely expected.speech, statementPREPOSITIONresignation asher resignation as party leaderresignation fromA scandal led to his resignation from office.PHRASESa call for sb's resignationa letter of resignationresignation on (the) grounds of sth (BrE)resignation on grounds of ill health

2 willingness to accept a difficult situationADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEwearyquietPREPOSITIONin resignationHearing that the train was running late, he sighed in weary resignation.with resignationShe spoke with resignation.resignation toresignation to fatePHRASESa look of resignation, a sigh of resignation

resigned

resignedadj.

Resigned is used with these nouns:

shrug, sigh

resignedly

resignedlyadv.

Resignedly is used with these verbs:

resign from

resign fromphr verb

Resign from is used with these nouns as the object:

appointment, board, company, job, office, party

resilience

resiliencenoun

(also less frequent resiliency) nounADJECTIVE | VERB + resilience | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEamazing, extraordinary, great, remarkable, tremendousnaturalemotional, mental, psychologicalVERB + resiliencehavedemonstrate, showbuild, increase, promotePREPOSITIONresilience toShe has shown great resilience to stress.PHRASESresilience in the face of sthAbandoned children display resilience in the face of their plight.strength and resilience

resilient

resilientadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, prove, seembecomemake sthremainADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.a pretty resilient plantamazingly, highly, incredibly, remarkablya remarkably resilient womanPREPOSITIONtoThe body of the camera makes it highly resilient to outdoor use.

resin

resinnoun

Resin is used after these nouns:

cannabis

resist

resistverb

verbADVERB | VERB + resist | PHRASESADVERBfiercely, firmly, resolutely, strenuously, strongly, vigorouslysuccessfullyThey successfully resisted pressure from their competitors to increase prices.naturallyPeople naturally resist change.stubbornlyactivelyat first, initially, so farHe has so far resisted pressure to resign.VERB + resistbe able to, can, manage tobe unable to, cannotTrends in the national economy confront companies with pressures they are unable to resist.can hardly, cannot easilyShe could hardly resist the urge to turn and run.can never, can no longerbe difficult to, be hard tobe impossible totry tobe determined tobe helpless to, be powerless toShe was powerless to resist the attraction that she felt to him.tend toPHRASESthe strength to resist sth

Resist is used with these nouns as the object:

advance, arrest, attack, attempt, attraction, bait, call, change, charm, corrosion, demand, desire, effort, eviction, evil, impact, imposition, impulse, inclination, influence, interpretation, intervention, invasion, lure, move, occupation, onslaught, oppression, overture, penetration, pressure, reform, suggestion, temptation, tendency, tyranny, urge

resistance

resistancenoun

noun1 trying to stop sth2 to a disease/drugs1 trying to stop sthADJECTIVE | VERB + resistance | resistance + VERB | resistance + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsiderable, great, massive, stiff, strong, substantialdetermined, fierce, heroic, serious, spirited (esp. BrE), stubborneffectivetokenactivepassivecollective, organizedwidespreadarmed, militarynon-violent, violentpoliticalpopular, publicguerrilla, peasantinitialVERB + resistancemount, offer, put upThey mounted stiff resistance to the proposal.encounter, face, find, meet, meet with, run intoThe advancing army met with little resistance.break, break down, crush, overcomeresistance + VERBstiffencollapse, crumblebe futileresistance + NOUNmovementfighter, forces, group, leader, member, worker (esp. BrE)PREPOSITIONwithout resistanceThe attacks did not take place without resistance.resistance againstarmed resistance against the invadersresistance toThere was fierce resistance to the new laws.PHRASESthe line of least resistance, the path of least resistance (= the easiest way of doing sth)a pocket of resistance (= an area of resistance)

2 to a disease/drugsADJECTIVE | VERB + resistance | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhighincreasedlowdiseaseantibiotic, drug, pesticidebacterialVERB + resistancehavebuild up, developYou need to build up your resistance to colds.lowerPREPOSITIONresistance toAIDS lowers the body's resistance to infection.

resistant

resistantadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, provebecomemake sth, render sthADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highly, particularly, remarkablycompletelyincreasinglymoderately, relativelynaturallyPREPOSITIONtoa metal that is highly resistant to corrosion

Resistant is used with these nouns:

germ, strain, variety

resit

resitverb

Resit is used with these nouns as the object:

resize

resizeverb

Resize is used with these nouns as the object:

resole

resoleverb

Resole is used with these nouns as the object:

resolute

resoluteadj.

Resolute is used with these nouns:

chin, refusal

resolutely

resolutelyadv.

Resolutely is used with these adjectives:

opposed, silent

Resolutely is used with these verbs:

ignore, oppose, refuse, resist, stick

resolution

resolutionnoun

noun1 formal decision taken after a vote2 settling a dispute3 being firm and determined4 firm decision to do/not to do sth5 power to give a clear image1 formal decision taken after a voteADJECTIVE | VERB + resolution | resolution + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdraftformalproposedjointa joint US-British resolutionunanimousordinary (BrE)emergency, specialcompromiseaffirmative, negative (both BrE, law)An affirmative resolution of both Houses of Parliament is needed.non-bindingsecondcongressional, Security Council, Senate, shareholder, UNwarbudget (AmE)VERB + resolutiondraftintroduce, issue, present, propose, put forward, sponsor, submit, tablevote onback, supportagree (esp. BrE), agree on, agree to, approve, carry (BrE), passThe legislature has approved a resolution calling for the removal of such advertising.The resolution was carried unanimously.adopt, implementblock, oppose, reject, vetoenforceresolution + VERBask for sth, be aimed at sth, call for sth, demand sthThe resolution called for the resumption of negotiations.declare sth, say sth, state stha resolution declaring independenceapprove sth, authorize sth, endorse sth, give (sb) sthThe assembly adopted a resolution approving the plan.condemn sth, oppose stha resolution condemning the invasionsupport sthurge sthPREPOSITIONunder (a/the) resolutionweapons banned under Resolution 687resolution onThe General Assembly rejected the resolution on the subject of arms control.

2 settling a disputeADJECTIVE | VERB + resolution | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEearly, quick, rapideventual, final, ultimatepeacefulHopes of a peaceful resolution to the conflict were fading.effective, satisfactory, successfuleasycompleteconflict, disputemethods of conflict resolutionproblemVERB + resolutionneed, requirepress for, seek, wantThe government is pressing for an early resolution of the hostage crisis.achieve, find, reachoffer, providefacilitateawaitPREPOSITIONresolution ofthe non-violent resolution of conflictresolution tothe likelihood of achieving a satisfactory resolution to the problem

3 being firm and determinedADJECTIVE | VERB + resolutionADJECTIVEgreat, strongVERB + resolutionhaveshowShe showed great resolution in her dealings with management.lack

4 firm decision to do/not to do sthADJECTIVE | VERB + resolutionADJECTIVEfirm, goodNew Year (esp. BrE), New Year'sVERB + resolutionmakeI made a New Year's resolution to give up smoking.keep

5 power to give a clear imageADJECTIVEADJECTIVEgood, highhigh-resolution graphicslow, poormaximumimage, screenpixela monitor capable of a 1 024 by 768 pixel resolution24-bit, 32-bit, etc.

resolve

resolveverb

verbADVERB | VERB + resolve | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBcompletely, fullyThe matter is not yet fully resolved.partiallysuccessfullyadequately, satisfactorilyamicably, peacefullyWe hope that the dispute can be resolved peacefully.easily, readilyquickly, rapidly, speedily (BrE)immediatelysooneventually, finally, ultimatelyVERB + resolveattempt to, take steps to, try tobe unable to, fail toThe two countries have failed to resolve their differences on this.help (to)be difficult toPREPOSITIONby, throughThe crisis was finally resolved through high-level negotiations.PHRASESan attempt to resolve sth, an effort to resolve sthThey met in a last-ditch attempt to resolve their differences.a means of resolving sth, a method of resolving sth, a way of resolving sthresolve itselfThe family feuding could resolve itself.

Resolve is used with these nouns as the subject:

meeting

Resolve is used with these nouns as the object:

ambiguity, ambivalence, complaint, conflict, controversy, crisis, deadlock, debate, difference, difficulty, dilemma, disagreement, discrepancy, dispute, doubt, impasse, inconsistency, issue, matter, mess, mystery, paradox, problem, query, question, situation, squabble, tension, uncertainty

resonate

resonateverb

Resonate is used with these nouns as the subject:

voice, word

resonate with

resonate withphr verb

Resonate with is used with these nouns as the subject:

resort

resortnoun

nounADJECTIVE | resort + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfashionable, favourite/favorite, popularattractivebustling, lively (both esp. BrE)modernhealth, holiday (BrE), ski, spa, tourist, vacation (AmE)beach, coastal, island, lakeside, mountain, seasidecasino, golfdestination (AmE)destination resorts such as Atlantis in the Bahamasall-inclusivesummer, winterexclusive, fancy (esp. AmE), luxurious, luxury, poshbig, large, majorresort + NOUNarea, destination, island, townhotelcommunityPREPOSITIONat a/the resort, in a/the resortThey spent a month at a fashionable ski resort in Vermont.

resort to

resort tophr verb

Resort to is used with these nouns as the object:

bribery, force, ploy, remedy, rhetoric, tactic, terror, violence

resound

resoundverb

Resound is used with these nouns as the subject:

resounding

resoundingadj.

Resounding is used with these nouns:

bang, crack, crash, defeat, flop, slap, smack, success, thud, triumph, victory, vote, win, yes

resoundingly

resoundinglyadv.

Resoundingly is used with these verbs:

reject

resource

resourcenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + resource | resource + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEabundant, considerable, enormous, great, large, major, rich, significant, substantial, vastThe library is an enormous resource for historians of the period.important, necessary, vitaladequate, sufficientlimited, meagre (BrE), scarcerenewable, sustainable, unlimitedfinite, limited, non-renewableavailableadditional, extrainvaluable, precious, useful, valuableTime is your most valuable resource, especially in examinations.excellentuntappednaturalmaterial, physicalenergy, food, mineral, oil, watercapital, economic, financialThe school has limited financial resources.human, manpower, staffeducational, information, learning, library, teachingThe database could be used as a teaching resource in colleges.computer, electronic, technicalInternet, online, Webculturalnational, publicinner, personalShe is someone of considerable personal resources.sharedlocalVERB + resourcebe rich in, haveAustralia is a country rich in natural resources.We do not have the resources (= the money) to update our computer software.lackcombine, pool, shareWe'll get by if we pool our resources.allocate, distribute, providecommit, dedicate, devoteMore resources need to be committed to the development.concentrate, focusThey are focusing their resources on improving the infrastructure.pour, putResources are being poured into the Olympic site.divert, reallocate, redistributethe government's role in diverting resources into social policiesconsume, draw on, expend, exploit, tap, use, utilizemobilizeto mobilize resources in the community to provide shelter for the homelessmanageWe need to manage our resources better.accessdeplete, drain, exhaust, use upstrain, stretchThe Olympics may stretch the country's resources to breaking point. (BrE)The Olympics may stretch the country's resources to the breaking point. (AmE)squander, wasteconserveacquireprotectresource + NOUNcentre/centerbaseguideexploitation, use, utilizationallocation, management, planningdepletionavailabilityconstraints, implications, limitationsPHRASESaccess to resourcesthe allocation of resources, the distribution of resources, the provision of resourcesthe exploitation of resources, the use of resourcesWe must make the most efficient use of the available resources.a lack of resourcesLack of resources has prevented the company from investing in new technology.the resources at sb's disposaltime and resources

resourceful

resourcefuladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeHe is very clever and endlessly resourceful.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highlyendlessly

respect

respectnounverb

I. noun1 admiration2 respectful behaviour/behavior3 detail/point1 admirationADJECTIVE | VERB + respect | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEconsiderable, deep, enormous, great, high, profound, tremendousgrudgingmutuala relationship based on mutual respectnew, new-foundhealthygenuineVERB + respectfeel, have, hold sb inShe held him in considerable respect.command, earn (sb), gain (sb), garner (esp. AmE), get, inspire, win (sb)a society in which age commands great respectdemand, deservelosePREPOSITIONrespect forHe felt a grudging respect for her talents as an organizer.

2 respectful behaviour/behaviorADJECTIVE | VERB + respect | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreat, utmostlittledue, properthe respect due to his great agedecent (AmE)equalVERB + respectaccord sb/sth, pay (sb/sth), show (sb/sth), treat sb/sth withthe respect accorded to her memoryHe treats his grandparents with great respect.The chainsaw is a dangerous tool—it should be treated with respect. (esp. BrE)wantPREPOSITIONout of respectWe observed a minute's silence out of respect for the disaster victims.with respectWith all due respect, I think you've misunderstood what he said.PHRASESa lack of respectto show a lack of respect for authoritya mark of respect, a sign of respect, a token of respect

3 detail/pointADJECTIVE | VERB + respect | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcertaindifferentcrucial, important, key, significantmaterialVERB + respectdiffer inThere was one respect, however, in which they differed.be alike in, be identical in, be similar in, resemble sth inPREPOSITIONin … respectThe report is accurate in all material respects.in respect of (= concerning)A writ was served on the company in respect of their unpaid bill.with respect to (= concerning)The two groups were similar with respect to income and status.PHRASESin all, many, some, several, etc. respects, in every respectIn many respects she is like her mother.The marriage was a disaster in every respect.in this respectIn this respect he cannot be criticized.

II. verb1 admire sb/sth2 pay attention to sth1 admire sb/sthADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBdeeply, greatly, really, very muchtrulyPREPOSITIONasShe is widely respected as a politician.forShe was much respected for her knowledge of herbs.PHRASESbe highly respected, be much respected, be very respected, be well respecteda highly respected doctorbe internationally respected, be universally, be widely respectedWWF is internationally respected for its conservation work.

2 pay attention to sthADVERB | VERB + respect | PHRASESADVERBfullyVERB + respectpromise to, undertake to (esp. BrE)The government has promised to respect human rights.fail toHer daughters failed to respect her last wishes.PHRASESa duty to respect sthfailure to respect sth

Respect is used with these nouns as the object:

authority, belief, confidentiality, custom, decision, dignity, diversity, father, judgement, law, limit, point of view, privacy, religion, right, sovereignty, tradition, view, wish

respectability

respectabilitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + respectability | PHRASESADJECTIVEbourgeois, middle-classacademic, intellectual, political, scientific, socialinternationalThe country has again achieved international respectability after years of isolation.VERB + respectabilityachieve, gainThe theory has now gained scientific respectability.give sthseekPHRASESan air of respectability, a veneer of respectability

respectable

respectableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, look, seembecomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.eminently, highlyIt was an eminently respectable boarding school.entirely (esp. BrE), perfectlyalmostenoughShe seems respectable enough.apparently (esp. BrE), seeminglyacademically, intellectually

Respectable is used with these nouns:

citizen, funeral, neighbourhood, newspaper, showing, suburb, tradesman

respected

respectedadj.

Respected is used with these nouns:

authority, economist, figure, historian, journal, journalist, member, professor, scientist

respectful

respectfuladj.

Respectful is used with these nouns:

disagreement, distance, manner

respectfully

respectfullyadv.

Respectfully is used with these verbs:

bow, decline, disagree, listen, nod, submit, suggest

respiratory

respiratoryadj.

Respiratory is used with these nouns:

ailment, allergy, disease, failure, illness, infection, rate, symptom, system

respite

respitenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + respite | respite + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbrief, little, momentary, short, temporarya brief respite from the ringing of the phonemuch-needed, welcomeVERB + respiteenjoy, havebring (sb), give (sb), offer (sb), provide (sb with)The morphine brought temporary respite from the excruciating pain.need, seekrespite + NOUNcarePREPOSITIONwithout respiteThe storm continued for two hours without respite.respite fromThey had no respite from the demands of their children.PHRASESa period of respite

respond

respondverb

verb1 react2 say sth in reply1 reactADVERB | VERB + respond | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBimmediately, instantlypromptly, quickly, rapidly, swiftlyslowlyfavourably/favorably, positively, readily, successfully, wellBoth sides have responded positively to the plan.Their son is responding well to the treatment.eagerly, enthusiasticallyforcefully, strongly, vigorouslyadequately, appropriately, constructively, effectively, intelligently, properlynormallyadversely, negatively, poorlyaggressively, angrilycautiously, coollysensitively, sympatheticallygenerouslymagnificently (esp. BrE)The teams responded magnificently to the challenge.accordinglyThe government needs to listen to the public and respond accordingly.readilyThe plants readily respond to these stimuli.directlyautomatically, instinctivelyflexiblydifferentlysimilarlymerely, simplyWe do not have a strategy. We merely respond to ideas from local people.emotionally, imaginativelyThe music seems to respond emotionally to the landscape.in kindThe terrorists declared all-out war on the government and the government responded in kind.VERB + respondbe able to, be unable tobe likely toShe wasn't sure how he was likely to respond.fail toHis condition failed to respond to the treatment.be slow toenable sb toThe system enables teachers to respond flexibly to the needs of their students.PREPOSITIONbyThe government responded by tightening the law on gun ownership.toCompanies have to respond to the changing economic climate.withThe demonstrators threw stones and the police responded with tear gas.PHRASESan ability to respond, a capacity to respond, a willingness to responda failure to respondrespond in a … manner, respond in a … wayWe respond to business problems in creative ways.

2 say sth in replyADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBpolitelyangrilycalmly, casually, coolly, easilycoldly, sharplydrily, sarcasticallyquietly, softlyflatlycheerfully, warmlythoughtfullyhonestlyaffirmativelycorrectlypersonallyPREPOSITIONtoHe responded politely to her questions.viaYou can respond via email or phone.withHe responded with a smile when she spoke.

Respond is used with these nouns as the subject:

audience, market, patient, police

respondent

respondentnoun

Respondent is used after these nouns:

poll, survey

responder

respondernoun

Responder is used after these nouns:

emergency

respond to response

responsenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + response | response + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEaffirmative (esp. AmE), encouraging, enthusiastic, favourable/favorable, good, positivelukewarm (esp. BrE), muted, tepid (esp. AmE)pooraggressive, angry, negativeadequate, appropriate, correct, proper, satisfactorynormalThis is a normal response to feeling abandoned.desiredHe was not getting the desired response from the audience.logicalThat's the only logical response.imaginativesympatheticindividual, subjectiveinadequate, inappropriate, incorrectincorrect responses in a multiple-choice teststrongThese images are likely to evoke a strong response in the viewer.directeffectiveprompt, quick, rapidslowautomatic, immediate, instinctive, knee-jerkmy knee-jerk response to the storymeasured, thoughtfulinitialMy initial response was one of anger.emergencydelayedhis delayed response to the eventpublicofficialThe World Bank has postponed an official response to the report.naturalrationalpossibleThese are just a few of the possible responses to this question.behavioural/behavioral, conditioned, emotional, fight-or-flight, physiologicalpoliticalverbal, writtenallergic, antibody, immunethe immune response to viral infectionsVERB + responsegive, makeformulateget, have, receiveHave you had any responses to the advertisement yet?bring forth, call forth, draw, elicit, evoke, generate, induce, produce, prompt, provoke, stimulate, trigger, yieldHis comments drew an angry response from the crowd.await, wait forpredictmountThe immune system springs into action to mount a response against the virus.exhibit, showDawn showed no response at all.coordinateWe'll coordinate emergency responses from now on.affect, influenceassess, examine, gauge, observepostHe has posted his response on the organization's website.response + NOUNrate, timeWe sent out over 100 letters but the response rate was low (= few people replied).PREPOSITIONin response (to)In response, she stormed out of the room.response fromThe response from local businesses has been muted.response toWhat was their response to the question?PHRASES(a) lack of responseDue to lack of response we have had to cancel the event.

responsibility

responsibilitynoun

noun1 being responsible2 job/duty1 being responsibleADJECTIVE | VERB + responsibility | responsibility + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcomplete, full, totalawesome, big, enormous, grave, great, heavy, huge, important, serious, tremendous, weightyIt is a great responsibility caring for other people's children.directprimaryoverall, ultimateUltimate responsibility rests with the president.specialdiminished (law, esp. BrE)He was found not guilty of murder on the grounds of diminished responsibility.exclusive, solecollective, communal, joint, mutual, sharedindividual, personalcorporatecriminalsecurityconstitutional, politicalenvironmental, ethical, financial, fiscal, legal, moral, socialVERB + responsibilityhaveShe has responsibility for public spending.accept, acknowledge, assume, bear, carry, recognize, shoulder, take, take on, take overThe bank refuses to accept responsibility for the mistake.Will you take responsibility for arranging the food?feelHe feels a responsibility to his community.sharelay, placeThe government of the time placed responsibility for the poor on the Church.assign, delegate, devolve, give sb, hand overResponsibility is devolved down to the people who are affected.retainWe retain all responsibility for any shortcomings.abdicate, escape, evade, shiftThey wanted to shift responsibility for the failure onto their employees.admit, claimNo organization has yet claimed responsibility for the bomb attack.deny, disclaim, duckDucking responsibility is fatal in a democracy.allocate, assign (sb), give sbattributeHe attributed responsibility for the killing to the secret service.burden sb withabsolve sb from, absolve sb ofresponsibility + VERBfall on sb, fall to sb, lie with sb, rest with sbcome with sthWith great power comes great responsibility.PREPOSITIONresponsibility forFull responsibility for the fiasco lies with the PR department.responsibility towards/towardHe feels a strong sense of responsibility towards/toward his parents.PHRASESthe age of criminal responsibility (BrE, law)the burden of responsibilityGovernors carry a special burden of responsibility.do sth on your own responsibility (= without being told to and being willing to take the blame if it goes wrong)a position of responsibilitya feeling of responsibility, a sense of responsibility

2 job/dutyADJECTIVE | VERB + responsibility | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEheavy, major, onerousbasic, fundamentaladded, additional, increasedmainWhat are the main responsibilities in your job?departmental, ministerial (BrE), professional, public, teachingcaring (esp. BrE), childcare, domestic, family, household, parental, public, socialfiduciary (esp. AmE), financialadministrative, command, management, managerial, oversight (AmE), supervisoryThe sergeant assumed his command responsibilities.adultpeople on the verge of assuming adult responsibilitiescontractual, statutoryparticular, specialdaily, day-to-dayVERB + responsibilityhavecarry out, discharge, fulfil/fulfill, meetan obligation to meet family responsibilitiesaccept, face up to, take on, undertakeHe seems unwilling to face up to his responsibilities as a father.I don't feel ready to take on new responsibilities.juggleShe juggled the competing responsibilities of family and work.handleThe assistants were handling their responsibilities in the only way they could.exercisedelegate, relinquish, transferabandon, avoid, escape, evade, neglect, shirkrelieve sb ofPREPOSITIONresponsibility forThe heads of school departments have particular responsibilities for the curriculum.responsibility to, responsibility towards/towardThe club has a responsibility to its members.PHRASESduties and responsibilities, rights and responsibilitiesparental rights and responsibilities

responsible

responsibleadj.

adj.1 having the job/duty of doing sth2 being the cause of sth/to blame for sth3 having to report to sb/sth4 showing/needing good sense and reliability1 having the job/duty of doing sthVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecomeremainmake sbI am making you responsible for the cooking.leave sbI'm leaving you responsible for Juliet's protection.ADVERBcompletely, entirely, fully, totally, whollychiefly, largely, mainly, primarilydirectlyThompson is directly responsible for all aspects of the business unit.individually, personallysolelyif you're solely responsible for your family's welfarecollectively, equally, jointlyMembers of the committee are collectively responsible for all decisions taken.Both parents are equally responsible for raising the children.formally, legallynominallythe person nominally responsible for staff trainingultimatelyThe board is ultimately responsible for policy decisions.financiallyPREPOSITIONforThey're responsible for cleaning the engine.

2 being the cause of sth/to blame for sthVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, seemNo single pathogen seems wholly responsible for the disease.becomebelieve sb (to be), consider sb, deem sb, find sb, hold sb, regard sb as, see sb as, think sbA man arrested in Madrid is believed to be responsible for the bombings.They held him responsible for the failure of the policy.ADVERBcompletely, entirely, fully, whollychiefly, largely, mainly, primarily, principallyIt's been one of the factors chiefly responsible for improved public health.in part, partially, partly, somewhatequallyWe are all equally responsible for its success.directlyindirectlypersonallysingle-handedly, solelyHe was almost single-handedly responsible for the flourishing drug trade in the town.ultimatelysomehowDid he think her somehow responsible for Mario's death?morallycriminallyPREPOSITIONforWho was responsible for the mistake?

3 having to report to sb/sthVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeADVERBdirectlyultimatelya complex web of party bodies ultimately responsible to the Central CommitteePREPOSITIONtoThe prime minister is directly responsible to Parliament.

4 showing/needing good sense and reliabilityVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seembecomeconsider sbIn California you have to be 21 to be considered responsible enough to drink.make sbtheir efforts to make the industry more responsible and responsive to concernsADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highlyecologically, environmentallyThe organization needs to become more environmentally responsible.ethically, morally, politically, sociallyResources must be allocated in a morally responsible way.financially, fiscally (esp. AmE)PREPOSITIONwithThey are not very responsible with money.

Responsible is used with these nouns:

adult, attitude, citizen, father, manner, officer, official, parenthood, position, steward, tourism

responsibly

responsiblyadv.

Responsibly is used with these verbs:

act, behave, drink, use

responsive

responsiveadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seembecomeremainmake sb/sthWhat conditions can make governments more responsive to the public?ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highlyThe company is highly responsive to changes in demand.fullyimmediatelyculturally (AmE)culturally responsive classroom managementemotionally (esp. AmE)sexuallysociallyPREPOSITIONtoShe's fairly responsive to new ideas.

rest

restnounverbPHRASAL VERBS

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + rest | rest + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcompletegood, longbrief, little, shortwell-deserved, well-earnedmuch-neededadequate, proper, sufficientThe body requires a healthy diet and adequate rest.nicebeauty (AmE)I need my beauty rest.bedShe's on complete bed rest, antibiotics and plenty of fluids.I was hospitalized many times and put on bed rest for six months.VERB + restfind (formal), get, have, takeHer heart would find no rest until she knew the truth.Get some rest while you can.I had a good long rest before the party.needdeserveYou deserve some rest.disturbI apologize for disturbing your rest.come toThe ball rolled down the hill and came to rest against a tree.rest + NOUNbreak, day, interval (AmE), period, timearea, stop (both AmE)room (usually restroom) (= room with a toilet) (AmE)home (= for old or sick people)PREPOSITIONat restAt rest (= when not moving) the insect looks like a dead leaf.rest fromThe doctor advised him to take a complete rest from the gym.PHRASESa day of rest

II. verbADVERB | VERB + rest | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBcasually, gently, lightly, loosely, softlyheavilycomfortablyHer head was resting comfortably against his chest.peacefully, quietlysafelyHe could rest safely in this place.lazilyHis hand was resting lazily against the steering wheel.briefly, momentarilyawhileVERB + restlet sthShe let his hand rest heavily on hers.have to, need towant to, would like tostop toI stopped to rest on one of the benches.PREPOSITIONagainstShe rested the ladder against the wall.atop (esp. AmE)Her thin hands were resting atop the quilted bed cover.inI settled back, my hands resting in my lap.on, uponHis hands rested lightly on her shoulders.PHRASESrest easyI can rest easy (= stop worrying) knowing that she's safely home.

PHRASAL VERBSrest on/upon sthADVERBADVERBsolely, squarelyIt is rare for the responsibility for causing conflict to rest solely on one side.entirelyThe decision rests entirely upon how good a fighter you think she is.largely, primarilyThe success or failure of the film rests largely on the talents of the cast.firmlyOur trade policy rests firmly on the foundation of free and open markets.

rest with sbADVERBADVERBsquarelySurely the blame rests squarely with Sir Ralph?ultimatelyThe decision ultimately rests with the council.

Rest is used with these nouns as the subject:

arm, chin, gaze, hand, head, hope, palm

Rest is used with these nouns as the object:

bone, cheek, chin, elbow, hand, head, palm, weight

rest area

rest areanoun

Rest area is used after these nouns:

highway

restart

restartverb

Restart is used with these nouns as the object:

computer, talk

restaurant

restaurantnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + restaurant | restaurant + VERB | restaurant + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElargelittle, smalla little restaurant I know in Parisfive-star, four-star, etc.decent, excellent, good, great, wonderfulclassy, elegant, exclusive, fancy, fine, fine-dining (esp. AmE), gourmet, high-end (AmE), posh (informal), smart (esp. BrE), stylish (esp. BrE), top, upscale (AmE)cool (esp. AmE), hip, hot (esp. AmE), trendy (all informal)some of the hottest restaurants in New Yorkcasualcheap, expensivepopularchain (esp. AmE)the country's most successful chain restaurantstheme (esp. AmE)hotelShe eats at the hotel restaurant when she travels on business.area (AmE), local, nearby, neighbourhood/neighborhood (esp. AmE)downtown (AmE)busy, crowdedfamilycandlelit (esp. BrE), intimate, romanticà la carte (esp. BrE)full-service (AmE)self-servicesit-down (AmE)takeaway (BrE), takeout (AmE)outdoorlicensed (BrE)ethnicChinese, French, etc.fish, pizza, seafood, sushifast-food, organic, vegetarian, etc.VERB + restaurantgo out to, go to, visitIf you're too tired to cook, let's go to a restaurant.frequentShe frequented the restaurant on almost a weekly basis.tryWe're going to try this Italian restaurant that just opened.recommendWe would recommend this restaurant to anyone.leave, walk out ofThey walked out of the restaurant without paying.open, startShe decided to open her own restaurant.manage, runShe runs a family fish restaurant.operate (esp. AmE), ownIt operates 79 restaurants in 26 states.closerestaurant + VERBoffer sth, serve sth, specialize in stha restaurant offering a wide variety of local specialitiesThe hotel restaurant serves a buffet breakfast.an Asian restaurant specializing in Thai cuisinecater for, cater tothe few local shops and restaurants catering to summer visitorsopencloserestaurant + NOUNemployee, manager, operator, owner, patron (esp. AmE), staff, workerRestaurant workers are often badly paid.chain, groupbusiness, industryhygiene standards in the restaurant industryfood, menumealthe increasing cost of restaurant mealsdining (AmE)We don't do a lot of restaurant dining.tableguide, reviewcriticreservationkitchenPREPOSITIONat a/the restaurantThey argued the whole time we were at the restaurant.in a/the restaurantWe had a quick meal in a small local restaurant.

restful

restfuladj.

Restful is used with these nouns:

night, sleep

resting

restingnoun

Resting is used before these nouns:

restless

restlessadj.

Restless is used with these nouns:

energy, horse, night, sleep, soul, spirit

restlessly

restlesslyadv.

Restlessly is used with these verbs:

pace, shift, stir, toss, wander

restock

restockverb

Restock is used with these nouns as the object:

shelf, supply

restoration

restorationnoun

noun1 returning sth to its original condition2 bringing sth back into use/existence1 returning sth to its original conditionADJECTIVE | VERB + restoration | restoration + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcomplete, fullextensive, majorMany of the older paintings have undergone extensive restoration.partialecological, ecosystem, forest, habitat, prairie, wetland (all esp. AmE)VERB + restorationcarry out (esp. BrE), undertakeundergofacilitate (esp. AmE)The government did much to facilitate these restorations.await, be in need of, need, requireThis historic building is currently awaiting restoration.begincompleterestoration + NOUNactivities (esp. AmE), effort, plan, process, programme/program, project, workecology (AmE)PREPOSITIONfor restorationThe palace is closed for restoration.under restorationa steam engine under restoration

2 bringing sth back into use/existenceADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEfullthe full restoration of Sino-US relationsProtesters called for the full restoration of civil liberties.PHRASESthe restoration of the monarchy

restorative

restorativeadj.

Restorative is used with these nouns:

justice

restore

restoreverb

verb1 bring back a situation/feeling2 repair/rebuild sth1 bring back a situation/feelingADVERB | VERB + restore | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBquickly, soonOrder was quickly restored.VERB + restoreneed toWe need to restore public confidence in the industry.attempt to, seek to, try to, work tohelp (to)manage tofail tobe designed to, be intended toPREPOSITIONtoPeace has now been restored to the area.PHRASESan attempt to restore sth, an effort to restore sthan attempt to restore the company's financesbe aimed at restoring sthmeasures to restore stha way of restoring sth, a way to restore sth

2 repair/rebuild sthADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBcompletely, fullypartially, partlybeautifullycarefully, faithfully, lovingly, meticulously, painstakinglysuccessfully, sympatheticallyextensivelyThe interior has recently been extensively restored.digitallyThe film has been digitally restored and remastered.PREPOSITIONtoThe train has been restored to full working order.PHRASESnewly restored, recently restoredrestore sth to its former gloryThe buildings have now been restored to their former glory.

Restore is used with these nouns as the object:

balance, building, calm, confidence, credibility, democracy, dignity, discipline, electricity, faith, flow, funding, habitat, harmony, health, honour, independence, integrity, mill, monarchy, morale, normality, order, painting, peace, penalty, pride, profitability, relation, reputation, right, semblance, service, sight, stability, status quo, supply, system, trust, unity, vigour, vision, vitality

restorer

restorernoun

Restorer is used after these nouns:

restore to

restore tophr verb

Restore to is used with these nouns as the object:

health, life, place, power, splendour, throne

restrain

restrainverb

verbADVERB | VERB + restrain | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBbarelyI barely restrained myself from hitting him.properlyThe horse must be properly restrained in a location where it would not hurt itself.forcibly, physicallyShe had to be physically restrained.VERB + restrainbe unable to, can no longer, cannotShe could not restrain a flash of pride.attempt to, seek to, try tomanage tohelp (to)PREPOSITIONfromHe restrained himself from shouting at her.PHRASESan attempt to restrain sb, an effort to restrain sb

Restrain is used with these nouns as the subject:

injunction

Restrain is used with these nouns as the object:

impatience, impulse, urge

restrained

restrainedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.remarkablyI thought she was remarkably restrained in the circumstances.

restraining

restrainingadj.

Restraining is used with these nouns:

influence, order

restraint

restraintnoun

noun1 limit/control on sth2 behaving in a calm/moderate way1 limit/control on sthADJECTIVE | VERB + restraint | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEvoluntaryagreements on voluntary export restraintsconventionalWhat happens when the conventional restraints on human cruelty are removed?physicalSometimes the care workers need to use physical restraint on the hospital patients.budget, budgetary, economic, financial, fiscal, monetary, pay (esp. BrE), spending, wage (esp. BrE)the government's need to exercise fiscal restrainttalks on voluntary wage restraintconstitutional, government, judicial, legal, political, regulatorycultural, moral, socialunconstitutional, unlawfulguilty of the charge of unlawful restrainttimeWe did the best we could within the limited time restraints.priorThey balked at the notion of prior restraints on research.VERB + restraintimpose, useremovePREPOSITIONwithout restraintPrices continued to rise without restraint.restraint on, restraint uponThe government imposed restraints on spending.

2 behaving in a calm/moderate wayADJECTIVE | VERB + restraint | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEconsiderable, great, remarkableadmirableemotional, sexualVERB + restrainthaveSomehow I had the restraint not to tell Peter that.exercise, practise/practice, useJournalists have exercised remarkable restraint in not reporting all the sordid details of the case.The media should have used more restraint in disclosing his private life.demonstrate, exhibit, showcall for, urgerequireThe role requires a certain restraint.abandonHe abandoned all restraint and yelled at the top of his lungs.PREPOSITIONwith restraintThey reacted with restraint.without restraintFinally he was able to cry properly, without restraint.restraint byThe government called for restraint by both sides.

restrict

restrictverb

verbADVERB | VERB + restrict | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBgreatly, seriously (esp. BrE), severely, sharply (esp. BrE), significantlyfurtherThe government is considering new laws which will further restrict people's access to firearms.effectively, largelyThe authors largely restrict their attention to three issues.unduly (esp. BrE), unnecessarilyVERB + restrictattempt to, seek to, try toneed toHe needs to restrict his intake of red meat.tend toHaving small children tends to restrict your freedom.PREPOSITIONtoI'm restricting myself to one glass of wine a day.PHRASESan attempt to restrict sthattempts to restrict the sale of alcoholmeasures to restrict sth

Restrict is used with these nouns as the subject:

law, regulation, rule

Restrict is used with these nouns as the object:

abortion, access, availability, calorie, capacity, carbohydrate, development, entry, expansion, export, extent, flow, freedom, immigration, import, intake, liberty, membership, motion, movement, number, participation, range, right, sale, scope, supply, trade, usage, use, vision

restricted

restrictedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecomeThe US may become more restricted in its use of economic sanctions.feelShe felt restricted in her uniform.remainADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.greatly, heavily (esp. BrE), highly, seriously (esp. BrE), severely, tightlyNew heavy industries were concentrated in tightly restricted areas.He has a severely restricted diet.increasinglylargelyrelativelyapparentlynormally, typically, usuallyunduly (esp. BrE)Access to higher education has been unduly restricted for people with disabilities.PREPOSITIONtoAccess to the documents remains restricted to civil servants.

Restricted is used with these nouns:

access, airspace, circulation, diet, franchise, mobility, range, stock, vocabulary

restriction

restrictionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + restriction | restriction + VERB | restriction + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdraconian, harsh, severe, strict, stringent, strong, tight, toughmajor, significantpetty (esp. BrE)The removal of petty restrictions has made life easier.arbitraryarbitrary restrictions on medicinesreasonableabsoluteadditional, furthernewartificialfree movement of goods between member countries without any artificial restrictionsself-imposedproposedinternationallocal, statecontractual (esp. BrE)constitutional (esp. AmE), federal, government, governmental (esp. AmE), legal, legislative, regulatory (esp. AmE), statutory (esp. BrE)access, securitybudgetary, financialcopyright, deed (AmE), land-use (AmE), ownership (esp. AmE)age, height, speed, time, weightabortion (esp. AmE), advertising, environmental, gun, parking, reporting (BrE)export, import, tradeflight, immigration, travel, visareligious, social (esp. AmE), speech (AmE)food, waterdietarythe dietary restrictions of JudaismBy following certain dietary restrictions, these children can lead normal lives.caloriethe health benefits of calorie restrictionVERB + restrictioncreate, impose, introduce, place, put, setplans to create further vehicle restrictions in the cityThe government has introduced tough new import restrictions.He doesn't put any restrictions on me.enforceThey have the potential to enforce restrictions such as no smoking policies.tightena Senate bill that seeks to tighten restrictions on coal plant emissionsease, loosen (esp. AmE), relaxThe restriction was relaxed in 2002.eliminate (esp. AmE), lift, removeThe press asked for restrictions on reporting the war to be lifted.acceptbe subject toThe right of sale is subject to certain restrictions.restriction + VERBaffect sth, applyThe 30 mph speed restriction applies in all built-up areas.limit sthrestrictions that limit access to land and raw materialsprevent sthConfidentiality restrictions prevent me from giving any names.restriction + NOUNorder (BrE, law)PREPOSITIONwith restrictionThey had to live for a month with certain restrictions on their freedom of movement.with no restriction, without restrictionCitizens of the EU can travel without restriction within the EU.restriction ofanother instance of the restriction of basic civil libertiesrestriction on, restriction uponThe regulations were seen as a restriction on personal freedom.

restrictive

restrictiveadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seembecomeIn time, the changes become restrictive.make sththeir attempts to make drug legislation more restrictive and repressiveADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highlyoverly, tooincreasinglyunduly, unnecessarilyHe argued that the law was unduly restrictive.

Restrictive is used with these nouns:

clause, law, nature, practice, regulation

restrictively

restrictivelyadv.

Restrictively is used with these verbs:

interpret

restrict to

restrict tophr verb

Restrict to is used with these nouns as the object:

maximum

restroom

restroomnoun

noun (AmE)ADJECTIVE | VERB + restroom | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpublicladies', men's, women'sVERB + restroomfindHe went off to find the restroom.enterexit, leavego to, useDo you need to use the restroom?PREPOSITIONin a/the restroom, into a/the restroom, out of a/the restroom

restructure

restructureverb

Restructure is used with these nouns as the object:

debt, economy

restructuring

restructuringnoun

Restructuring is used before these nouns:

rest stop

rest stopnoun

Rest stop is used after these nouns:

highway

rest with

rest withphr verb

Rest with is used with these nouns as the subject:

blame, power, responsibility

result

resultnounverbPHRASAL VERB

I. noun1 outcome/effect2 desired effect3 (often results) final position in a competition4 (BrE) (usually results) mark given for an examination5 of an experiment, a medical test, an investigation, etc.1 outcome/effectADJECTIVE | VERB + result | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbeneficial, encouraging, favourable/favorable, good, positivethe beneficial results of the reforms to the economyFor best results buy one of the more expensive brands.acceptable, satisfactoryIf you can't get satisfactory results on your own, remember that professional help is available.catastrophic, disastrous, unfortunatedisappointing, poora series of disappointing financial resultsThe company blamed the poor results on bad weather.mixedHe wrote and directed the movie, to very mixed results.direct, indirectnetendThe end result is a great album.long-term, short-termHere's how to get the best long-term results from your mutual funds.finalWhen I showed my customer the final result he was thrilled.overallThe overall result is impressive and persuasive.inevitable, logicalpredictableIt was the predictable result of their negligence.expectedSales were some 40% above this year's expected results.amazing, dramatic, excellent, impressive, incredible, outstanding, spectacular, superior, surprisinglastingdesiredAnd did your intervention produce the desired result?financialHe reviewed quarterly financial results.interimOn March 4 the company announces its interim results.second-quarter, third-quarter, etc.searchthe first page of search resultsVERB + resultdeliver, have, produce, provide, yieldMy interference had a rather unfortunate result.achieve, get, obtainThis was not the result we had hoped to achieve.announce, publish, release, reportCompanies are required by law to report their financial results on a quarterly basis.PREPOSITIONas a/the resultThese actions were taken as a direct result of the strike.with a/the resultParking restrictions were lifted, with the result that the road is permanently blocked by cars.

2 desired effectADJECTIVE | VERB + resultADJECTIVEconcrete, tangibleWe have yet to see any concrete results from the research.VERB + resultcome up with, deliver, get, produce, provide, yieldHer commitment to excellence yields results.give, showWhen is all your effort going to show some results?

3 (often results) final position in a competitionADJECTIVE | VERB + resultADJECTIVEelection, electoral, poll, referendum (esp. BrE)sports (BrE)football, racing, etc. (BrE)inconclusivethe inconclusive election resultfinalThe final results saw Canada holding on to first over Italy.officialWe'll bring you the official results as soon as we get them.VERB + resultannounce, read outThe announcer read out the results.influenceHe aimed at influencing the result of the presidential elections.

4 (BrE) (usually results) mark given for an examinationADJECTIVE | VERB + resultADJECTIVEencouraging, excellent, gooddisappointing, poorexam, examination, testdegreeA level, IELTS, etc.VERB + resultget, haveWhen do you get your exam results?

5 of an experiment, a medical test, an investigation, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + result | result + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEearly, initial, preliminaryinterimfinalHe expects to have final results later this year.experimental, research, studyconclusiveclinical, lab (informal), laboratory, test, X-rayClinical results have been very encouraging.surveyempirical, statisticalconflicting, contradictory, inconsistent, varyingResearchers have found conflicting results on the effects of the drug.misleadingSuch approaches may give misleading results.inconclusiveencouraging, promisingThe team has achieved promising results during testing.significantstatistically significant resultsnegative, positiveScientists tested 20 drugs, all with negative results.abnormalif a woman receives an abnormal result on a blood testmeasurableMeasurable results are the key to motivation on any diet.accurate, reliableinaccurateThere are 3 ways to obtain more accurate results in cases such as this.VERB + resultawait, wait forThe doctor is still waiting for my results.get, have, receiveI haven't had the X-ray results yet.findWe found some puzzling results.observeanalyse/analyze, evaluate, interpretreviewachievedeliver, generate, give, produce, provide, yieldDifferent labs will come up with different results.The study produced inconclusive results.announce, present, publish, release, reportThey hope to publish their results next month.confirm, verifyWe ran the test again to verify the result.affect, influencebias, skewThat could bias study results.result + VERBdemonstrate sth, illustrate sth, reflect sth, reveal sth, show sthimply sth, indicate sth, suggest sthPreliminary results suggest that there is no cause for concern.agree with sth, confirm sth, support sthdiffer from sthThese results differ somewhat from those reported by previous studies.provide sthThe results provide many insights into the mating rituals of these animals.highlight sthThese results highlight the growing threat posed by this infection.PREPOSITIONpending the result ofWork on the plan has been halted, pending the results of a judicial investigation.result fromThe results from various recent surveys were evaluated.

II. verb

PHRASAL VERBresult in sthADVERB | VERB + result inADVERBinevitablyThis move will inevitably result in the loss of a lot of jobs.typicallyconceivably, possibly, potentiallyThe charges could have potentially resulted in a death sentence.not automatically (esp. BrE), not necessarilyeasilyComplacency could easily result in tragedy.quicklyeventually, finally, ultimatelyVERB + result inbe certain tothe approach that is most certain to result in failurebe expected to, be liable to (esp. BrE), be likely toSuch measures are likely to result in decreased motivation of the workforce.be unlikely to

Result is used with these nouns as the subject:

consequence, damage, error, illness, misunderstanding

result from

result fromphr verb

Result from is used with these nouns as the subject:

benefit, complication, death, effect, error, furore, illness, improvement, injury, instability, problem, saving

result in resulting

resultingadj.

Resulting is used with these nouns:

chaos, confusion, increase

resume resurface

resurfaceverb

Resurface is used with these nouns as the object:

resurrect

resurrectverb

Resurrect is used with these nouns as the object:

career

resuscitation

resuscitationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + resuscitation | resuscitation + NOUNADJECTIVEcardiopulmonary (abbreviated to CPR), emergency (esp. BrE), mouth-to-mouthVERB + resuscitationgive sb, performWe gave him mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and heart massage.requireMouth-to-mouth resuscitation was required to revive him.resuscitation + NOUNequipmenttechnique

retail

retailnoun

Retail is used before these nouns:

analyst, banking, business, chain, customer, distribution, division, entrepreneur, establishment, giant, investor, margin, market, outlet, park, partner, pharmacy, premises, price, sale, sector, shop, showroom, space, store, theft, therapy, trade, trader, unit, warehouse

retailer

retailernoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEbig, giant, largeleading, major, topthe country's biggest food retailersmalllocalhigh-street (BrE)High-street retailers reported a marked increase in sales before Christmas.big-box (= that sells large items) (AmE)mass (AmE), mass-marketmultipleindependentniche (esp. BrE), specialist (BrE), specialty (AmE)high-end (AmE), luxury (esp. AmE), upscale (AmE)discountbrick-and-mortar (AmE), bricks-and-mortar (AmE), traditionalInternet, online, Webapparel (AmE), clothing, DIY (BrE), electrical (BrE), electronics, fashion, food, furniture, grocery, music, toy, etc.

retain

retainverb

verbADVERB | VERB + retain | PREPOSITIONADVERBnonetheless, still, yetno longersomehowDespite the decay the mosque somehow retained a profound grandeur.successfullyHe has successfully retained his position as national president of the society.largelyHer new music largely retains the distinctiveness of the old.VERB + retainbe eager to, be keen to (esp. BrE), hope to, want to, wish toattempt to, fight to, seek to, struggle to, try toHe struggled to retain control of the situation.be unlikely tobe likely tomanage tohelp (to)be allowed to, be entitled to (BrE), have the right toHe was allowed to retain his parliamentary seat. (BrE)The immigrants have a right to retain their language.be important tofail toPREPOSITIONasThe president retained her as his chief adviser.

Retain is used with these nouns as the object:

ability, affection, air, allegiance, appeal, attorney, aura, autonomy, ball, championship, character, charm, composure, confidence, control, copyright, counsel, credibility, crown, customer, dignity, dominance, domination, edge, employee, faculty, faith, feature, flavour, flexibility, fluid, freedom, heat, identity, independence, individuality, influence, information, initiative, innocence, integrity, jurisdiction, lead, loyalty, majority, memory, moisture, monopoly, mystery, office, ownership, poise, popularity, possession, prerogative, responsibility, right, sanity, seat, semblance, sense, shape, staff, status, title, value, vestige, warmth

retaining

retainingadj.

Retaining is used with these nouns:

retake

retakeverb

Retake is used with these nouns as the object:

A level, control, exam, lead, quiz

retaliation

retaliationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + retaliation | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEmassivebrutal, violentphysicalswiftimmediate, instantpossiblecontingency plans to deter possible nuclear retaliationeconomic, trademilitarynuclearVERB + retaliationinvite, prompt, provoke, triggera casual remark that brought swift retaliation from her boyfriendfaceShe may face retaliation for speaking out.sufferHe knows he will suffer retaliation.threatenfearPREPOSITIONin retaliationHe never said a single word in retaliation.in retaliation forThey killed two men in retaliation for a bomb attack the previous day.retaliation againstRetaliation against government troops is feared.retaliation by, retaliation fromthe possibility of retaliation by other governmentsretaliation forretaliation for the bombing of civiliansPHRASESan act of retaliationretaliation in kindThey decided not to use chemical weapons as retaliation in kind.

retaliatory

retaliatoryadj.

Retaliatory is used with these nouns:

attack, raid, strike, tariff

retard

retardverb

Retard is used with these nouns as the object:

development, growth

retarded

retardedadj.

adj. (old-fashioned, offensive)VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, lookADVERBseverelyMany of the children are severely retarded.mildly, slightlyemotionally, mentally, sociallya mentally retarded child

retell

retellverb

Retell is used with these nouns as the object:

retention

retentionnoun

Retention is used before these nouns:

bonus, pond

Retention is used after these nouns:

employee, staff, urine

retentive

retentiveadj.

Retentive is used with these nouns:

Rethink is used with these nouns as the object:

rethink

rethinknounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + rethink | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcompletefundamental, major, radical, seriousVERB + rethinkhavePREPOSITIONrethink ofto have a fundamental rethink of policy

II. verbADVERB | VERB + rethinkADVERBfundamentally, radically, seriouslycompletelyconstantlyVERB + rethinkforce sb to, make sbhave to, need toI think we may have to rethink our policies fairly radically.begin to, start to

approach, decision, plan, priority, strategy, tactic, view

retie

retieverb

Retie is used with these nouns as the object:

shoelace

retina

retinanoun

Retina is used before these nouns:

retinal

retinaladj.

Retinal is used with these nouns:

Retire is used with these nouns as the subject:

retire

retireverb

verbADVERB | VERB + retire | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBearlyHe is hoping to retire early on medical grounds.recentlyShe recently retired from teaching.officiallyhe officially retired from the day-to-day operations of his company.comfortablyShe's on course to retire quite comfortably by the time she's 55.VERB + retirebe forced to, be obliged to (BrE), have toAnderson was forced to retire because of injury at the age of 26.be due to, plan toMr McNeil is due to retire later this month.hope toI'm hoping to retire in about five years.be ready toAs for me, I am quite ready to retire.choose to, decide tobe eligible toIn a few years, I'll be eligible to retire.afford toShe simply couldn't afford to retire at sixty.PREPOSITIONasHe recently retired as CEO of the company.atMost employees retire at 60. (BrE)Most employees retire at age 60. (esp. AmE)fromShe retired from the bank last year.PHRASESnewly retired, recently retireda newly retired couplebe medically retiredHe was medically retired at the age of 55.

employee, jury, minister

Retire is used with these nouns as the object:

batter, debt

retired

retiredadj.

Retired is used with these nouns:

businessman, businesswoman, couple, diplomat, employee, executive, member, nurse, officer, official, pastor, professor, soldier, teacher, veteran, worker

retiree

retireenoun

Retiree is used before these nouns:

benefit

retire from

retire fromphr verb

Retire from is used with these nouns as the object:

office, politics, practice

retirement

retirementnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + retirement | retirement + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEearly, prematureA knee injury forced him into premature retirement.activecomfortable, happy, secureHe provided for a comfortable retirement by selling the business.compulsory (BrE), enforced (esp. BrE), forced (AmE), mandatory (esp. AmE)compulsory retirement at 60her enforced retirement from the sportvoluntaryShe took voluntary retirement in 2001.imminent, impending, pending (AmE), upcomingShe announced her impending retirement.officialhis official retirement in 2012VERB + retirementconsider, contemplate, think about, think oflook forward toapproach, be close to, neardelay, postponeplan, plan for, prepare forThe website helps you plan your retirement.finance, fund, provide forinvestments to fund their retirementreachannounceenter, go intoIt was their final concert before entering retirement.come out ofHe is going to come out of retirement for this one last concert.force, force sb intoIn 1996 health problems forced her retirement.markThey presented him with a watch to mark his retirement.enjoy, spendI intend to spend my retirement playing golf.retirement + NOUNagedateHer official retirement date is March 12.benefits, package, pension (esp. BrE)plan, programme/program (esp. AmE)savingsThey have about $14 800 in retirement savings.account (AmE)the benefits of private retirement accountsfundincome, money (esp. AmE), pay (esp. AmE)He has a good retirement income.portfolio (esp. AmE)Thanks to his diligence, his retirement portfolio is flourishing.securityimportant matters like health care and retirement securitygift, partyfacility (AmE), homecommunity (AmE), villageolder adults who relocate to retirement communitiesyearsI've been thinking about where I might like to spend my retirement years.PREPOSITIONafter (your) retirement, before (your) retirementAfter her retirement from the stage she began to drink.at (your) retirementYour pension plan provides a cash lump sum at retirement.for (your) retirementShe's saving for her retirement.in (your) retirementHis father was now living in retirement in France.She has found a new hobby in her retirement.on (your) retirementa gift from the company on his retirementuntil (your) retirementHe remained in the post until his retirement last year.retirement asher retirement as sales directorretirement atretirement at fifty (BrE)retirement at age fifty (esp. AmE)retirement fromhis retirement from footballPHRASESthe age of retirementThe age of retirement for all employees is 60.take early retirementThe company suggested that he should take early retirement.a long and happy retirement

retort

retortnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + retortADJECTIVEquick, sharpclever, wittysarcastic, scathingangryVERB + retortcome up with, makeI couldn't come up with a witty retort.He opened his mouth to make a sarcastic retort.bite backHe bit back a sharp retort.bring, draw, meet withHer remark drew angry retorts from the unemployed workers.

II. verbADVERBADVERBquicklyangrily, furiously, heatedly, hotly‘How dare you!’ he retorted angrily.bitterly, harshly, sarcastically, scathingly, sharplydefensively, indignantlycalmly, coldly, coollydrily, playfullychildishly

retrace

retraceverb

Retrace is used with these nouns as the object:

footstep, path, route, step

retract

retractverb

Retract is used with these nouns as the object:

allegation, claw, confession, statement

retractable

retractableadj.

Retractable is used with these nouns:

claw, roof

retrain

retrainverb

Retrain is used with these nouns as the object:

Retreat is used with these nouns as the subject:

retreat

retreatnounverb

I. noun1 retreating/leaving2 quiet and private place3 quiet place; time spent there1 retreating/leavingADJECTIVE | VERB + retreat | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEhasty, headlong, quick, rapidI decided to beat a hasty retreat.humiliating, ignominious (formal)orderly, strategic, tactful, tacticalI made a tactful retreat before they started arguing.VERB + retreatbeat, makeleadcall (AmE), order, soundforce, force sb intoEventually the police forced the crowd into retreat.block, cut offcoverWe covered his retreat with bursts of gunfire.PREPOSITIONin retreatThe enemy was now in retreat.on the retreatfresh evidence that trade unionism is on the retreatretreat fromHe took part in the retreat from Paris.retreat intoher retreat into a fantasy world of her ownretreat toan ignominious retreat to the River VistulaPHRASESbe in full retreatOn the eastern front the army was in full retreat.a line of retreatWe succeeded in cutting off the enemy's line of retreat.

2 quiet and private placeADJECTIVE | VERB + retreat | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfavourite/favorite, idyllic, perfectthe perfect retreat for a romantic honeymoonprivate, secretpeaceful, quietcountry, mountain, rural, wilderness (esp. AmE)designed as a gentleman's country retreatsummer, winterholiday (BrE), vacation (AmE), weekendpresidentialCamp David, the presidential retreat in MarylandVERB + retreatturn sth into, use sth asShe plans to use it as a winter retreat.PREPOSITIONretreat fora summer retreat for the richretreat fromThey are staying here at their secret retreat from life in the city.

3 quiet place; time spent thereADJECTIVE | VERB + retreatADJECTIVEBuddhist, meditation, religious, spiritual, yoga, ZensilentI went on a ten-day silent retreat.annualI went off on one of my annual retreats.two-day, week-long, etc.business, corporate, executive, management (all esp. AmE)A successful executive retreat can be a powerful tool for addressing changing business conditions.women's, writers'family (esp. AmE)VERB + retreatattend, do, go onShe goes on a spiritual retreat for two weeks every summer.go intoHe went into retreat at his country home to escape the attention of the media.holdThe family held its first retreat last October.offerZen Mountain offers numerous wilderness retreats.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + retreat | PREPOSITIONADVERBhastily, quickly, rapidly, swiftlyslowlySandy retreated slowly, wary of what the man might do.furtherbackHe retreated hastily back to his car.VERB + retreattry toorder sb toThe army has been ordered to retreat.PREPOSITIONbeforeThey retreated before the Americans.behindHe retreated behind the table.downI heard her footsteps retreat down the hall.fromin the face ofHe retreated in the face of strong opposition.intoHe retreated into his own world.toShe retreated from the busy office to her own room.

army, tide

retreating

retreatingadj.

Retreating is used with these nouns:

army, figure, footstep

retreat into

retreat intophr verb

Retreat into is used with these nouns as the object:

background, shell, silence

retribution

retributionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + retribution | retribution + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEjustterribleviolentlegal, politicalPolitical retribution will fall swiftly on any president who fails in that task.swiftRetribution will be swift if you cross me.divineVERB + retributiondemand, seekexactbringfearretribution + VERBcome, followViolent retribution soon followed.PREPOSITIONin retributionHis armies invaded their lands in retribution.retribution againstretribution against wrongdoersretribution forHe saw his suffering as retribution for the sins of his past life.retribution fromThe celebrity couple clearly feared retribution from their fans.retribution onShe saw the sentence as just retribution on the man who had assaulted her.PHRASESan act of retributionfear of retributionThe victim did not report the incident for fear of retribution.

retributive

retributiveadj.

Retributive is used with these nouns:

justice

retrieval

retrievalnoun

Retrieval is used before these nouns:

Retrieval is used after these nouns:

data, information

retrieve

retrieveverb

Retrieve is used with these nouns as the object:

bag, ball, belongings, data, document, email, file, information, luggage, memory

retrograde

retrogradeadj.

Retrograde is used with these nouns:

step

retrospective

retrospectiveadj.

Retrospective is used with these nouns:

exhibition

retry

retryverb

Retry is used with these nouns as the object:

Return is used with these nouns as the subject:

return

returnnounverb

I. noun1 coming/going back; giving sth back2 (also returns) profit3 (BrE) ticket to travel to a place and back again1 coming/going back; giving sth backADJECTIVE | VERB + return | return + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcomplete, fulla full return to healthgradualeventualhis eventual return to Budapestlong-awaitedThe championships made their long-awaited return to the West Coast.imminentunexpectedthe unexpected return of her long-lost niecetimelyWill he be saved by the timely return of Simone?earlywelcomeThis is a welcome return to form for one of the best athletes in the sport.possible, potentialHe does not rule out a possible return to the concert world.fast, prompt, quick, rapid, speedy, swiftThe new treatment means patients can expect a shorter hospital stay and a faster return to work.briefsafeThey offered up a prayer of thanks for her safe return.triumphantShe made a triumphant return to Broadway earlier this year.successfulHe made a successful return to the game after several years of retirement.This race announces the successful return of Johnson, who has been out of the international scene for almost two years.emotional, happy, nostalgicThe photos were taken during his nostalgic return to Redwood Creek.dramaticmiraculousToday, the whole village celebrates Elizabeth's miraculous return.VERB + returnmakeShevchenko made an emotional return to his former team.markThe victory marked Williams's return to top form.herald, signalThe takeover heralded a return to a strong central administration.await, wait foranticipate, expectThe cooperative anticipates a return to profitability later in the year.announcegreet (esp. BrE)The smell of cooking greeted his return home.welcomeThousands will welcome the return of this national treasure.celebratefacilitateThe organization facilitates the return of refugees and displaced persons.delayrequestdemandHe demanded the return of his money.advocate, supporta cult whose members advocated a return to traditional livingseek, wantHe continued to seek the return of his property.call forThe UN continued to call for a return to civilian rule.return + NOUNdateflight, journey, tripWhen is your return flight?ticket (= for the return trip)I lost my return ticket and was stranded in Thailand.addressenvelopecall, phone callShe hoped she'd get a return call soon.email, messagePREPOSITIONin return (for)She gave them all the help she could, and asked for nothing in return.on sb's returnHe promised to visit us on his return.return fromThe date of their return from India is a month from now.return toJones is hoping for an early return to racing after her injury.PHRASESby return (BrE), by return mail (AmE), by return of post (BrE)All orders will be sent by return of post/by return mail.

2 (also returns) profitADJECTIVE | VERB + return | return + VERB | return + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEattractive, big, excellent, good, great, high, maximum, substantialincreasingincreasing returns from educational investmentacceptable (esp. BrE), adequate, decent, fair, healthy, modest, positive, reasonable, soliddisappointinglow, marginal, meagre/meager, negative, poor, smalldecreasing, diminishingthe law of diminishing returns10%, 30%, etc.totalaveragean average return of 16%economic, financialThey are counting on a big financial return.overallinvestmentThey're looking for new sources of investment return.immediatefast, quickThe software had to demonstrate a fast return.earlyVenture capitalists currently see few prospects of early returns.futurelong-term, short-termannual, monthly, etc.expected, likely, possible, potential, projectedguaranteedThe plan provides a guaranteed return.gross (esp. BrE)after-tax, netactual, realfuture real returns from global equitiestax-free (esp. BrE)risk-adjusted (AmE)amended (AmE)annualized (esp. AmE)shareholderstock (AmE)excess (AmE)VERB + returnachieve, bring, earn, get, make, receiveYou should get a good return on this investment.averageThe group has averaged returns of 3.8% a year over the past five years.boost, enhance, improve, increase, maximizeto maximize returns to shareholderscalculateexpect, forecast, predictShe expects a 100% return within 18 months.look for, seekinvestors seeking better returns in an era of low inflationdeliver, generate, give (sb), offer (sb), produce, provide, realize, show, yieldGold shares could realize returns of 15% per annum.The venture yielded a net return of £15 million.ensure, guaranteeThe employer guaranteed a certain return on retirement investment.representThese figures represent a return of 8.5% per annum.return + VERBincreasedeclinereturn + NOUNrate (esp. AmE)We're getting a high return rate.PREPOSITIONreturn fromTheir goal is to improve economic returns from irrigation.return onthe return on capital/investment/savingsPHRASESa rate of returnWe're getting a high rate of return.

3 (BrE) ticket to travel to a place and back againSee also round tripADJECTIVE | return + NOUNADJECTIVEday, periodbusiness-class, economy, first-class, standard, tourist-classreturn + NOUNticketflight, journey

II. verbADVERB | VERB + return | PREPOSITIONADVERBrecentlyshortlypromptlySee that the documents are returned promptly, please.immediately, instantlyHis headache returned instantly.quicklyShe quickly returned to the car and sped off.slowlyMy strength was slowly returning to me.suddenlygraduallyeventually, finallysubsequentlyThe patient subsequently returned for surgery.periodicallyHer symptoms returned periodically.frequentlyrepeatedlyHis conversation returns repeatedly to the same subjects.brieflyLet me return briefly to this question.safelyOur aircraft all returned safely to their bases.gladly, happilyKevin gladly returned her hug.reluctantlyCharlie reluctantly returned to his seat.triumphantlyAli returned triumphantly to boxing in 1970.unexpectedlyWe locked the door in case Mary returned unexpectedly.voluntarilyforciblyThe asylum seekers are to be forcibly returned to their home countries.directlyI will have to ask that you return directly to your houses.homeVERB + returnbe due toShe is due to return to school in a week.be expected to, be likely to, be set to, look set to (BrE)be allowed tochoose to, decide to, expect to, hope to, intend to, opt to, plan to, vote to, want to, wish to, yearn tocan't wait toI couldn't wait to return from my travels.agree to, promise toprepare toShe was preparing to return to El Salvador.offer toI offered to return his Christmas gift to me.fail toSuspicions were aroused when he failed to return to work on Monday morning.not bother toHe hadn't bothered to return her messages.refuse toHe refused to return our money.forget toDon't forget to return his handkerchief.force sb toLack of cash forced her to return to work.threaten tothe tears that threatened to returnPREPOSITIONfromShe had recently returned from Paris.toShe never returned the book to me.

appetite, boat, colour, confidence, echo, exile, expedition, investment, pain, refugee, salmon, sanity, sight, soldier, strength, train, veteran, vision

Return is used with these nouns as the object:

acquittal, affection, ball, book, call, compliment, coupon, email, embrace, favour, feeling, fire, form, gaze, greeting, grin, hospitality, immigrant, indictment, kiss, look, love, party, profit, questionnaire, refugee, salute, slip, smile, survey, verdict, wave

returnable

returnableadj.

Returnable is used with these nouns:

bottle, deposit

return from

return fromphr verb

Return from is used with these nouns as the object:

exile, injury, recess, trip, vacation

returning

returningadj.

Returning is used with these nouns:

echo, exile, refugee, veteran

return to

return tophr verb

Return to is used with these nouns as the object:

barracks, duty, fitness, fold, fundamentals, haunt, heat, homeland, library, normal, normality, parliament, place, power, reality, root, scene, seat, semblance, shelf, shore, stage, study, subject, work

reunion

reunionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + reunion | reunion + VERB | reunion + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEemotional, tearful, touchingIt was an emotional reunion after 25 years apart.happy, joyful, joyousalumni (esp. AmE), class, college, high-school (esp. AmE), school (esp. BrE)five-year, twenty-year, etc.familyannualbig, grand (esp. BrE)littleI think it's time to arrange a little reunion.VERB + reunionhave, hold, plan, stageThe reunion is held every two years.arrange, organizeattend, go tocelebrateLet's have a party to celebrate our reunion.reunion + VERBtake placereunion + NOUNdinner, event, lunch (BrE)partyweekendalbum, concert, show, tourHe left the group during the 1997 reunion tour.movie (AmE)PREPOSITIONat a/the reunionAt the reunion I met a friend I hadn't seen for twenty years.reunion betweenan emotional reunion between mother and sonreunion forWe organized a reunion for former company employees.reunion ofthe reunion of two old friendsreunion witha tearful reunion with his family

reusable

reusableadj.

Reusable is used with these nouns:

container, nappy

rev

revnounverb

I. nounSee also revolutionADJECTIVE | rev + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEhigh, low (both esp. BrE)The engine is almost silent at low revs.enginerev + NOUNcounter (BrE)PHRASESrevs a minute, revs per minute

II. verb

Rev is used with these nouns as the subject:

Rev is used with these nouns as the object:

engine, motorcycle

revalue

revalueverb

Revalue is used with these nouns as the object:

currency

revamp

revampverb

Revamp is used with these nouns as the object:

wardrobe

revamped

revampedadj.

Revamped is used with these nouns:

reveal

revealverb

Reveal is used with these nouns as the subject:

analysis, article, autopsy, census, detail, dig, document, enquiry, evidence, exam, examination, excavation, experiment, expression, face, finding, history, image, inspection, investigation, magazine, map, mirror, newspaper, painting, photograph, poll, post-mortem, reconnaissance, record, report, research, result, scan, scientist, source, statistics, study, survey, test, text, X-ray

Reveal is used with these nouns as the object:

aspect, bias, cause, character, complexity, correlation, corruption, decrease, depth, desire, detail, determination, difference, discrepancy, disparity, effect, emotion, essence, evidence, existence, extent, fall, fang, feeling, finding, flaw, hand, hint, identity, ignorance, imperfection, inadequacy, inconsistency, influence, information, limitation, link, misunderstanding, motive, murderer, name, nature, news, paradox, picture, plan, preference, presence, remains, scale, scandal, scar, secret, self, shortcoming, similarity, source, streak, talent, tendency, tenderness, tooth, torso, trace, trait, truth, vulnerability, weakness, workings

revealed

revealedadj.

Revealed is used with these nouns:

truth

revealing

revealingadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highly, particularlysome deeply revealing insights into his lifePREPOSITIONaboutThe book is very revealing about young people's views of themselves.

Revealing is used with these nouns:

clothing, dress, insight, look, outfit

revelation

revelationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + revelation | revelation + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEamazing, astonishing (esp. BrE), embarrassing, sensational, shock (BrE), shocking, startling, suddenbig, greatThere are no great revelations in the final chapter.fresh (esp. BrE), latest, new, recentdivineHe claimed to know these things by divine revelation.personalVERB + revelationcome as, proveTo many members of her audience, these performances must have come as a revelation.revelation + VERBcomeThe embarrassing revelations came just hours before he was to make his speech.PREPOSITIONrevelation about, revelation concerningnew revelations concerning their private livesrevelation forThe demonstration proved something of a revelation for our teachers.revelation fromHe claimed to have had a revelation from God.revelation toHis acting ability was a revelation to us all.

revel in

revel inphr verb

Revel in is used with these nouns as the object:

warmth

revenge

revengenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + revenge | revenge + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEsweetThis was sweet revenge for our defeat earlier in the season.Revenge is sweet, so they say.VERB + revengeseek, wantplotFor ten years he has been plotting his revenge.vowexact, get, have, take, wreakHe vowed to take his revenge on the man who had killed his brother.revenge + NOUNattack, killingfantasyPREPOSITIONin revengeThe attack was in revenge for the deaths of two prisoners.revenge forrevenge for the insultrevenge onShe desperately wanted to take revenge on her attacker.PHRASESan act of revengeThe bombing was an act of revenge for the shooting of two young boys.a desire for revengeThe accusations were driven by a desire for revenge.

revenue

revenuenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + revenue | revenue + VERB | revenue + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEannual, yearlyexpected, potential, projectedthe company's expected annual revenuegeneral (esp. AmE), overall, total, worldwidelocal (esp. AmE)gross, netadditional, extraincreasedsubstantiallostTax fraud costs the country millions in lost revenue.federal, government, public, state, taxthe main sources of public revenueadvertising, export, oil, sales, tourism, touristVERB + revenuedepend on, need, rely onThese companies rely on advertising revenue for their funds.earn, get, raisecollectThe central government collects the tax revenue.spend, usebring in, generate, produce, yieldThe project will not generate any revenue until 2018.boost, increasemaximizereduceloserevenue + VERBbe derived from sth, come from sthTheir government's revenues come mainly from direct taxes.go up, grow, increase, risedrop, fall, go downrevenue + NOUNstreamLicensing the technology has created a new revenue stream for the company.sharePREPOSITIONrevenue fromrevenues from the sale of oilPHRASESloss of revenuea source of revenueTourism is the island's main source of revenue.

reverberate

reverberateverb

Reverberate is used with these nouns as the subject:

echo, voice, word

reverence

reverencenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + reverence | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdeep, greatdue (esp. BrE)VERB + reverencehaveshowhold sb inHe is still held in great reverence throughout the country.inspirea painting that inspires deep reverence for naturePREPOSITIONin reverenceI closed my eyes in reverence.with reverenceShe spoke of them with profound reverence.reverence forreverence for human lifereverence to, reverence towards/towardChildren are taught to show reverence towards/toward their elders.

reverential

reverentialadj.

Reverential is used with these nouns:

tone

reversal

reversalnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + reversal | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcomplete, totaldramatic, sharp, suddenapparentpolicyroleRole reversal is a common feature of modern relationships.VERB + reversalmark, representThis represents an apparent reversal of previous policy.bring about, lead to, result insufferPREPOSITIONreversal inthe dramatic reversal in population declinereversal ofa reversal of current trendsPHRASESa reversal of fortunesCheaper imports played a part in the company's reversal of fortunes.

reverse

reversenounverbadj.

I. noun1 opposite2 gear3 failure/defeat1 oppositeADJECTIVE | VERB + reverse | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEexactVERB + reversedoIf you tell children to do something, they will often do the exact reverse.PREPOSITIONon the reverse (= on the opposite side)The coin has a date on one side and the emperor's head on the reverse.

2 gearVERB + reverse | reverse + NOUNVERB + reverseput sth in, put sth into, throw sth intoI put the car in reverse.reverse + NOUNgear

3 failure/defeatADJECTIVE | VERB + reverseADJECTIVEmajor, seriousVERB + reversehave, sufferTheir forces have suffered serious reverses in recent months.

II. verb1 change sth to the opposite2 move back1 change sth to the oppositeADVERB | VERB + reverseADVERBdramaticallycompletely, exactly, totallyThe decline in this industry has now been completely reversed.almostpartiallysimplyTo solve the puzzle, simply reverse the order of the numbers.quickly, rapidlysuddenlyVERB + reverseseek to, try tofail to

2 move backADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBslowlyShe slowly reversed up the narrow driveway.She slowly reversed the van up the narrow driveway. (BrE)in, outPREPOSITIONintoThe car reversed into a hedge.out ofHe reversed slowly out of the garage.He reversed the car slowly out of the garage. (BrE)

Reverse is used with these nouns as the object:

car, conviction, course, decay, decision, decline, defeat, direction, effect, fortune, gain, judgement, motion, movement, policy, process, role, ruling, situation, slide, tide, trend, verdict

III. adj.

Reverse is used with these nouns:

auction, direction, discrimination, engineering, gear, mortgage, order, side

reversible

reversibleadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeThe operation is easily reversible.ADVERBeasily, readilycompletely

Reversible is used with these nouns:

cover, reaction

revert to

revert tophr verb

Revert to is used with these nouns as the object:

type

review

reviewnounverb

I. noun1 considering sth again2 report on a film/movie, restaurant, etc.3 (AmE) studying1 considering sth againADJECTIVE | VERB + review | review + VERB | review + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcareful, complete, comprehensive, detailed, extensive, full, full-scale (esp. BrE), fundamental (esp. BrE), in-depth, major, overall, systematic, thorough, wide-rangingbrief, quick, rapid, shorturgent (esp. BrE)annual, periodic, regularthe government's annual policy reviewconstant, continuouscriticalThe first chapter presents a critical review of the existing nursery education system.government, independent, internal, judicialpeerAll papers submitted to the journal undergo a process of peer review.literaturefinancial, performance, policy, rent (BrE)pay (esp. BrE), salaryVERB + reviewask for, call for, seekGreenpeace will seek a judicial review if a full public investigation is not held.announce (esp. BrE), ordercarry out (esp. BrE), complete, conduct, do, hold, perform, undertakepresent, providereview + VERBtake placecover sth, deal with sthconclude sth, indicate sth, propose sth, recommend sth, suggest sthreview + NOUNboard, body (esp. BrE), committee, groupprocessPREPOSITIONunder reviewThe matter is still under review.up for reviewThese rules will soon be up for review.The rent is up for review.review bya review by the court

2 report on a film/movie, restaurant, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + review | review + VERB | review + NOUNADJECTIVEenthusiastic, excellent, favourable/favorable, glowing, good, positive, rave, wonderfulbad, hostile, negative, poor, scathingThe show has good audience figures despite poor reviews in the press.criticalmixedThe book received mixed reviews.book, film (esp. BrE), movie (esp. AmE)VERB + reviewdo, writeI'm doing a review for the local paper.give sthget, have, receive, winpost, publishopen toTheir new musical opened to glowing reviews.read, seeDid you see the review in ‘Phase’?review + VERBappearHis review appeared in yesterday's paper.review + NOUNcopyarticle

3 (AmE) studyingVERB + review | review + NOUN | PREPOSITIONVERB + reviewdoreview + NOUNclass, sessionmaterialsquestionPREPOSITIONreview forwe need to do the review for the test tomorrow.

II. verb1 examine sth again2 write a report of a book, film/movie, etc.1 examine sth againADVERB | VERB + review | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBcomprehensively, fully, thoroughlyextensively, widelycarefullybrieflyurgently (esp. BrE)Safety procedures are being urgently reviewed after a chemical leak at the factory.currentlyWe are currently reviewing the situation.constantly, regularlyannually, periodicallyThis figure will be reviewed periodically in the light of inflation.criticallyPull out your budget and critically review each line on it.VERB + reviewagree to, promise toask sb todecline to, refuse toPREPOSITIONfor (AmE)Jonas helped me review for the test.PHRASESreview sth in the light of sthThis case should be reviewed in the light of the new evidence.

2 write a report of a book, film/movie, etc.ADVERBADVERBfavourably/favorablyThe movie has been favourably/favorably reviewed on various websites.critically

Review is used with these nouns as the subject:

article, panel, pathologist

Review is used with these nouns as the object:

application, article, basics, book, case, claim, decision, document, draft, edition, evidence, file, information, manuscript, movie, novel, plan, play, procedure, progress, proposal, prospect, résumé, recommendation, record, report, request, research, result, sentence, situation, submission, tape, work

reviewer

reviewernoun

Reviewer is used after these nouns:

book, film, manuscript

review for

review forphr verb

Review for is used with these nouns as the object:

exam, test

revise

reviseverb

verbADVERB | VERB + revise | PREPOSITIONADVERBdrastically, extensively, heavily, radically, substantiallyThe text has been radically revised.completely, fully, thoroughlyslightlyconstantly, continuallyThe procedures are continually revised—it is very difficult to keep up with the latest version.periodicallynewly, recentlydownwards/downward, upwards/upwardSales forecasts will have to be revised downwards/downward.VERB + revisebe forced to, have toThe estimate for the building work had to be revised.be necessary toPREPOSITIONfrom, toThe figure has now been revised from $1 million to $2 million.for (BrE)Have you revised for the test tomorrow?

Revise is used with these nouns as the object:

book, code, curriculum, document, estimate, expectation, forecast, idea, law, manuscript, plan, projection, strategy, syllabus, view

revised

revisedadj.

Revised is used with these nouns:

document, draft, edition, forecast, guideline, version

revise for

revise forphr verb

Revise for is used with these nouns as the object:

A level, exam, final, test

revision

revisionnoun

noun1 making changes2 (BrE) studying1 making changesADJECTIVE | VERB + revision | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcomplete, drastic, extensive, fundamental, major, radical, substantial, thoroughminorconstantfinallatest, recentdownward, upwardan upward revision of government expenditure planspolicy, treaty (esp. BrE)VERB + revisionpropose, recommend, suggestcall for, demandThey called for revisions to the treaty.be open to, be subject toOur conclusions are always open to revision in the light of fresh evidence.need, requireThese guidebooks require constant revision.undergoThe plan has recently undergone drastic revision.announce, approveA revision of the budget was approved in October.lead to, result incomplete, make, undertakePREPOSITIONrevision inThis has brought about a radical revision in the style of school management.revision torevisions to the planPHRASESthe process of revisionThe process of revision continued at rehearsals.

2 (BrE) studyingSee also reviewVERB + revision | revision + NOUN | PREPOSITIONVERB + revisiondoI've got to do some history revision tonight.revision + NOUNclass, course, lessonquestionPREPOSITIONrevision forrevision for tomorrow's history exam

revisionist

revisionistadj.

Revisionist is used with these nouns:

historian, history

revisit

revisitverb

Revisit is used with these nouns as the object:

decision, haunt

revitalize

revitalizeverb

Revitalize is used with these nouns as the object:

career, economy, neighbourhood

revival

revivalnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + revival | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreat, majormodern, recentcurrentcultural, economic, literary (esp. BrE), religious, etc.The late 19th century was a time of religious revival.VERB + revivalenjoy, experience, undergoHis work is enjoying a revival in popularity.stage (esp. BrE)The economy has staged something of a revival in the last year.bring about, lead to, spark, stimulateThe exhibition has sparked a revival of interest in the Impressionists.leadsee, witnessThe period saw a great revival in the wine trade.PREPOSITIONrevival ina revival in the fortunes of the Democratic Partyrevival ofa revival of ancient skillsPHRASESa revival of interestthe revival of interest in radiosigns of (a) revivalHe claimed the market was showing signs of a revival.

revive

reviveverb

verb1 bring sth back2 make sb conscious again1 bring sth backADVERB | VERB + revive | PHRASESADVERBquicklyBanks and businesses are quickly reviving business activities in China.recentlyVERB + revivetry toThey are trying to revive some of the old customs.help (to), help sb (to)The good harvest helped revive the economic fortunes of the country.PHRASESan attempt to revive sth, an effort to revive sthattempts to revive falling salesbe aimed at reviving sth (esp. BrE)an initiative aimed at reviving talks on the country's political future

2 make sb conscious againVERB + revive | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + revivetry toPREPOSITIONwithThey revived him with cold water.PHRASESan attempt to revive sb, an effort to revive sbAttempts to revive her failed and she was dead on arrival at the hospital.

Revive is used with these nouns as the object:

career, confidence, custom, economy, fortune, image, interest, memory, spirit, tradition

revoke

revokeverb

Revoke is used with these nouns as the object:

authorization, bail, charter, citizenship, decree, licence, order, permission, permit, privilege, visa

revolt

revoltnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + revolt | revolt + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEmass, popular, serious (esp. BrE), widespread (esp. BrE)There was a widespread revolt against the party leadership.openParliament came out in open revolt against the president.armedpeasant, peasant's, shareholder's, slave, student, etc.taxVERB + revoltcause, provoke (esp. BrE), sparkleada student-led revoltorganize, stagecrush, deal with (esp. BrE), put down, suppressThe revolt was suppressed with total ruthlessness.faceThe party leadership is facing open revolt.revolt + VERBbreak outRevolt broke out when the government decided to raise the price of bread.spreadoverthrow sb/sthThe regime was finally overthrown by a popular revolt.PREPOSITIONin revoltThe farmers rose in revolt.revolt againstthe revolt against the new taxrevolt bya revolt by backbenchers (BrE)revolt overthe farmers' revolt over imported meatrevolt withinrevolt within the party

revolution

revolutionnoun

noun1 changing the political system2 complete change in methods, opinions, etc.3 movement around sth; one complete turn1 changing the political systemADJECTIVE | VERB + revolution | revolution + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEsuccessfulbloody, violentThousands of people were killed in the bloody revolution that toppled the government.bloodless, peacefulpopularpoliticalcommunist, democratic, socialist, etc.bourgeois, proletarianworldSome Marxists still believe that socialism will one day triumph through world revolution.VERB + revolutioncarry out, fight, foment, stageThe activists were charged with fomenting revolution.leadcrush, put downcall forrevolution + VERBbreak outspreadoverthrow sth, topple sththe revolution which overthrew the old regimefailthe failed 1911 revolutionPREPOSITIONrevolution againsta revolution against communist rulePHRASESthe outbreak of the revolutionrevolution from above, revolution from below (= by people already in power/by people without political power)the threat of revolution (esp. BrE)

2 complete change in methods, opinions, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + revolution | revolution + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEquietThere has been a quiet revolution in the way writing is taught.completevirtualminoragrarian, agricultural, computer, cultural, digital, economic, electronic, industrial, information, Internet, political, scientific, sexual, social, technologicalVERB + revolutionachieve, begin, bring, bring about, create, launch, spark, startThe coming of the Internet brought about a revolution in people's leisure activities.leadgo through, undergoMarketing has undergone a revolution in recent years.seeThe last decade has seen a revolution in telecommunications.embrace, welcome (esp. BrE)Doctors have welcomed the fitness revolution.revolution + VERBoccur, take placeAs the 18th century wore on, an agricultural revolution took place.go onThere has been a revolution going on in farming during the last five years.transform sthThe computer revolution has transformed the workplace.PREPOSITIONrevolution inHe achieved a virtual revolution in the way music is recorded.

3 movement around sth; one complete turnADJECTIVE | VERB + revolution | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcomplete, fullOne full revolution of the knob will open the hatch.VERB + revolutioncomplete, makePREPOSITIONthrough a revolutionThe earth turns through one complete revolution every 24 hours.revolution about (BrE), revolution aroundJupiter makes a complete revolution around the sun every 12 years.PHRASESrevolutions a minute, revolutions per minute

revolutionary

revolutionaryadj.

Revolutionary is used with these nouns:

army, change, concept, design, ferment, fervour, force, idea, ideal, ideology, implication, innovation, junta, movement, nationalism, party, regime, rhetoric, slogan, socialism, socialist, spirit, struggle, tactic, tradition, transformation, tribunal, upheaval, uprising, violence, vision, wing, zeal

revolutionize

revolutionizeverb

Revolutionize is used with these nouns as the object:

industry, world

revolve

revolveverb

Revolve is used with these nouns as the subject:

earth

revolve around

revolve aroundphr verb

Revolve around is used with these nouns as the subject:

argument, conflict, conversation, debate, discussion, plot, story, world

revolver

revolvernoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + revolverADJECTIVEservicedouble-action, single-actionVERB + revolverloaddraw, pull outaimfireshoot sb withbe armed with, carry

revolving

revolvingadj.

Revolving is used with these nouns:

door, stage

revue

revuenoun

Revue is used before these nouns:

sketch

revulsion

revulsionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + revulsion | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeep, utterwidespreadThe killing caused widespread revulsion.moral (esp. AmE)VERB + revulsionbe filled with, feelcauseexpressPREPOSITIONin revulsion, with revulsionThe children shrank back from him in revulsion.revulsion againstpublic revulsion against violence in our societyrevulsion atHe tried to conceal his instinctive revulsion at the idea.revulsion forHe was filled with hatred and revulsion for everything about her.revulsion towards/towardShe seems to feel revulsion towards/toward her own children.PHRASESa feeling of revulsion, a sense of revulsion

rev up

rev upphr verb

Rev up is used with these nouns as the subject:

Rev up is used with these nouns as the object:

engine, motorcycle

reward

rewardnounverb

I. noun1 for effort, etc.2 for helping the police1 for effort, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + reward | reward + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreat, high, huge, richTop athletes enjoy rich rewards.fitting, justpoor, scant (both esp. BrE)It was a poor reward for years of devoted service.tangibleVictory brought glory as well as more tangible rewards.immediatepotentialeconomic, financial, material, monetaryVERB + rewardearn, enjoy, gain, get, obtain, reap, receiveWe are just starting to reap the rewards of careful planning.bring, have, provide, yieldHard work usually brings its own rewards.promisedeserveYou deserve a reward for all your efforts.reward + NOUNsystemPREPOSITIONas a rewardGive yourself some time off as a reward.reward fora reward for hard workrewards for employees who do their jobs wellPHRASESreward enoughThe look on her face when I told her was reward enough.reward and punishmentbe its own reward, have its own rewardVirtue is its own reward.

2 for helping the policeADJECTIVE | VERB + reward | reward + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, huge, large, substantial$20 000, £10 000, etc.cashVERB + rewardoffer, put up (esp. BrE)give sb, pay sbclaimcollect, get, receivereward + NOUNmoneyPREPOSITIONreward forThere is a reward for information leading to an arrest.

II. verb (often be rewarded)ADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBamply, generously, greatly (esp. AmE), handsomely, highly, richly, wellYou will be handsomely rewarded for your loyalty.highly rewarded occupations (= those that pay well)poorlyduly, properlyWe must make sure that effort is properly rewarded.justlyimmediatelyeventually, finallyPREPOSITIONforHe was duly rewarded for his outstanding contribution to the arts.withThe rats are rewarded with food when they press the lever.Her efforts were rewarded with a medal.

Reward is used with these nouns as the object:

behaviour, effort, employee, excellence, loyalty, perseverance, shareholder, stockholder

rewarding

rewardingadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, provefind sthI found it immensely rewarding working with the less able children.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highly, immensely, particularly, richlyintrinsicallyI did not expect the job to be intrinsically rewarding.potentiallymutuallya mutually rewarding partnershipfinanciallya satisfying as well as a financially rewarding career

Rewarding is used with these nouns:

career, experience, job, work

reward with

reward withphr verb

Reward with is used with these nouns as the object:

knighthood

rewind

rewindverb

Rewind is used with these nouns as the object:

cassette, film, tape, video

rewire

rewireverb

Rewire is used with these nouns as the subject:

Rewire is used with these nouns as the object:

rewritable

rewritableadj.

Rewritable is used with these nouns:

DVD

rewrite

rewriteverb

verbADVERB | PHRASESADVERBextensively, substantially (esp. BrE)completelyPHRASESan attempt to rewrite sthattempts to rewrite history

Rewrite is used with these nouns as the object:

code, constitution, ending, history, rule, script

rewriter

rewriternoun

Rewriter is used after these nouns:

rhetoric

rhetoricnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + rhetoric | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEempty, mereHer speech was just empty rhetoric.fiery, inflammatory, powerful, radicalgovernment, official, publiccampaignnationalist, patriotic, political, revolutionaryreligiousVERB + rhetoricadopt, employ, engage in, resort to, useHe was prepared to use militant rhetoric in attacking his opponents.PREPOSITIONbehind the rhetoric, beneath the rhetoricBehind all the rhetoric, his relations with the army are tense.despite the rhetoricLittle has changed, despite the rhetoric about reform.rhetoric about, rhetoric onofficial rhetoric on the virtues of large families

rhetorical

rhetoricaladj.

Rhetorical is used with these nouns:

convention, excess, flourish, gesture, question, trick

rheumatic

rheumaticadj.

Rheumatic is used with these nouns:

fever

rheumatism

rheumatismnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + rheumatismADJECTIVEchronicVERB + rheumatismgethave, suffer fromrelieveThe pills help to relieve my rheumatism.

rheumatoid

rheumatoidadj.

Rheumatoid is used with these nouns:

arthritis

rheumy

rheumyadj.

Rheumy is used with these nouns:

rhino

rhinonoun

Rhino is used before these nouns:

horn

rhyme

rhymenounverb

I. noun1 using words that have the same sound as each other2 word that has the same sound as another3 short piece of writing with rhyming words1 using words that have the same sound as each otherADJECTIVE | rhyme + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEinternalrhyme + NOUNschemePREPOSITIONin rhymea story in rhyme

2 word that has the same sound as anotherADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhalfPREPOSITIONrhyme forCan you think of a rhyme for ‘tragic’?

3 short piece of writing with rhyming wordsADJECTIVE | VERB + rhyme | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElittlenonsensenursery, oldVERB + rhymerecite, singThe children sang a nursery rhyme.make upPREPOSITIONrhyme aboutThe kids made up a rhyme about a frog.

II. verb

Rhyme is used with these nouns as the subject:

rhyme with

rhyme withphr verb

Rhyme with is used with these nouns as the subject:

rhyming

rhymingadj.

Rhyming is used with these nouns:

slang, verse, word

rhythm

rhythmnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + rhythm | rhythm + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfast, slowconstant, good, perfect, regular, steadythe steady rhythm of his heartbeatabnormal, irregular, staccatocomplex, intricatesyncopatedstrongeasyCleaning up the house in the morning fell into an easy rhythm.natural, normalpart of the natural rhythm of lifedriving, insistent, pounding, pulsatingAfrican, dance, Latin, reggae, samba, etc.biological, body, circadianMy body rhythms had not yet adapted to the ten-hour time difference.cardiac, heartdailychanges to our daily rhythmshypnoticVERB + rhythmdevelop, fall into, get into, settle intoShe soon settled into a regular rhythm.havelackcreate, makeHer feet made a steady rhythm as she walked.find, getWilliams is having trouble finding her rhythm on the serve.followThe movie follows the rhythms of a year on the farm.keep, maintainbreak, disruptTry to disrupt your opponent's rhythm.losebeat, beat out, clap, tap outHer pencil tapped out a staccato rhythm on the desk top.clap toClap to the rhythm of th music.rhythm + NOUNsectionthe band's rhythm sectionPREPOSITIONin (a) rhythmHe was snapping his fingers in rhythm.to a/the rhythmI found myself swaying to the rhythm of the music.with a/the rhythmI like music with a good rhythm.rhythm inThere's rhythm in her movements.PHRASESa lack of rhythma sense of rhythm

rhythmic

rhythmicadj.

Rhythmic is used with these nouns:

beat, breathing, gymnastics, motion, movement, pattern, vitality

rib

ribnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + rib | rib + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbroken, bruised, cracked, fracturedHe sustained a broken rib.VERB + ribbreak, bruise, crack, crushdig sb in, nudge sb in, poke sb in, prod sb inrib + NOUNcageinjuryPREPOSITIONagainst the/your ribs, in the/your ribsI woke him up with a poke in the ribs.

ribbed

ribbedadj.

Ribbed is used with these nouns:

tights

ribbon

ribbonnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF RIBBON | VERB + ribbonADJECTIVElongwidenarrow, thinsatin, silk, velvethair… OF RIBBONlength, pieceHe cut off a length of ribbon.VERB + ribbontie, tie sth withHe tied some gold ribbon around the present.Her hair was tied back with a black silk ribbon.tie sth back with, tie sth up with, tie sth withundo, untiecutThe Mayor cut a ribbon to launch the celebrations.have, wearShe had a pink ribbon in her hair.She was wearing a pink hair ribbon.

ribbon-cutting

ribbon-cuttingnoun

Ribbon-cutting is used before these nouns:

Rich is used with these nouns:

rice

ricenoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF RICE | VERB + rice | rice + NOUNADJECTIVEbrown, red (esp. AmE), whitelong-grain, short-grainbasmatiwildboiled, fried, steamedpilau (esp. BrE)dirty (AmE) (= cooked with chicken liver, etc.)sticky… OF RICEgrainbag, sackbowlVERB + ricecultivate, grow, produceharvestboil, cook, steamdrainrice + NOUNcrop, productionfarmer, grower, producerfield, paddycake, pudding, salad, winepilaf (esp. AmE)disha spicy rice dishcooker

rich

richadj.

adj.1 with a lot of money2 containing/providing sth3 of food1 with a lot of moneyVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, lookbecome, get, growpeople who want to get rich quicklymake sbThis discovery never made her rich.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.enormously, fabulously, filthy (informal), immensely, incredibly, seriously, stinking (informal)He's fabulously rich, one of the richest men in the world.She's filthy rich, you know.relativelynewlya newly rich businessman

2 containing/providing sthVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.especially, exceptionally, extraordinarily, particularly, unusuallythe exceptionally rich fishing grounds of the North Pacificfairly, quite, relativelypotentiallyculturallya culturally rich nationPREPOSITIONinOranges are rich in vitamin C.

3 of foodVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBvery, wonderfullyThe wine gives the dish a wonderfully rich aroma.

abundance, archive, aroma, array, assortment, baritone, brown, businessman, businesswoman, cake, chestnut, collection, colour, content, country, crimson, deposit, description, dessert, district, diversity, dividend, earth, experience, fabric, family, fare, farmer, flavour, folk, food, glow, harvest, heritage, history, imagination, industrialist, kid, land, laugh, lawyer, legacy, man, merchant, mix, mixture, nation, ore, parent, past, people, person, purple, red, region, repertoire, resource, reward, robe, sauce, scent, seam, shade, silk, smell, soil, source, suburb, taste, texture, tone, tradition, uncle, variety, vein, velvet, vocabulary, voice, widow, world

richer

richeradj.

Richer is used with these nouns:

understanding

richly rick

ricknoun

Rick is used after these nouns:

hay

rickety

ricketyadj.

Rickety is used with these nouns:

chair, ladder, stair, staircase, table

ricochet

ricochetverb

Ricochet is used with these nouns as the subject:

ball, bullet

ride

ridenounverb

I. noun1 in a vehicle, on a horse, etc.2 at a fair3 (AmE) free ride in a car, etc.1 in a vehicle, on a horse, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + ride | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElong, shortWe have a long ride ahead of us tomorrow.leisurelyWe went for a leisurely ride along the canal.comfortable, easy, smooth (all often figurative)The new legislation did not have a smooth ride through Parliament.bumpy, rough, uncomfortableIt was a bumpy ride along the farm track.The new teacher was given a rough ride by the class. (figurative)wildHe took her for a wild ride on the back of his motorcycle.funfreeThe rats hitch a free ride on ships.bike, bus, cab, car, cycle (BrE), subway (AmE), taxi, train, etc.boat, ferry, planecamel, donkey, pony, etc.VERB + ridehave, takeVisitors can take a ride on a miniature train.go forShe's gone for a ride on her bike.enjoyPREPOSITIONride fromThe ride from our house to my parents' takes about an hour.ride to

2 at a fairADJECTIVE | VERB + rideADJECTIVEamusement (esp. AmE), amusement-park, carnival (esp. AmE), fairground (esp. BrE), funfair (BrE), helter-skelter (BrE), roller-coaster, white-knuckleThe day had been a roller-coaster ride of emotions. (figurative)VERB + ridego onI went on every ride in the amusement park.

3 (AmE) free ride in a car, etc.See also liftADJECTIVE | VERB + ride | PHRASESADJECTIVEfreeVERB + ridegetShe hitched a ride to the station.ask for, bum (informal), catch, get, hitch, thumbI managed to hitch a ride with someone going in my direction.need, wantgive sb, offer sbacceptPHRASESa ride back, a ride homeHe gave me a ride home after the party.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + ride | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBfast, hardThey rode hard all night.slowlywellsteadilybareback, side-saddleIt was strange to ride in a saddle after riding bareback for so many years.around, away, back, home, off, on, out, over, pastAt the end of the movie they ride off into the sunset.togetherVERB + ridelearn toteach sb to, teach sb how toPREPOSITIONalong, down, from, on, through, to, up, etc.We were riding along a dusty trail.PHRASESgo horseback riding (AmE), go riding

Ride is used with these nouns as the subject:

jockey, passenger

Ride is used with these nouns as the object:

bicycle, bike, bus, cycle, donkey, elevator, escalator, ferry, horse, luck, mile, motorcycle, mule, pillion, pony, sled, subway, surf, tide, trail, train, trolley, wave

ride out

ride outphr verb

Ride out is used with these nouns as the object:

recession, storm

rider

ridernoun

Rider is used after these nouns:

bicycle, bike, bus, horse, motorcycle, pillion, stunt, subway

riderless

riderlessadj.

Riderless is used with these nouns:

ride up

ride upphr verb

Ride up is used with these nouns as the subject:

ridge

ridgenoun

Ridge is used before these nouns:

tent

Ridge is used after these nouns:

Ridiculous is used with these nouns:

ridicule

ridiculenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + ridicule | PHRASESADJECTIVEpublicVERB + ridiculeattract (esp. BrE), receiveexpose sb/sth to, hold sb/sth up to, treat sb/sth withbe open to, face, invite, riskendurePHRASESan object of ridicule, a target for ridicule, a target of ridiculeThe president was becoming an object of ridicule.

ridiculous

ridiculousadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, feel, look, seem, soundbecome, getThis is getting ridiculous!ADVERBreallyabsolutely, completely, downright, quite, simply, totally, utterlyIt's downright ridiculous that the library isn't open on Mondays!pretty, rather, somewhatalmosta little, slightly, etc.faintlypatentlyThe whole idea was patently ridiculous.PHRASESa sense of the ridiculous (esp. BrE)The whole situation appealed to her sense of the ridiculous.

accusation, argument, charade, claim, costume, excuse, figure, idea, notion, situation, suggestion, thing

ridiculously

ridiculouslyadv.

Ridiculously is used with these adjectives:

cheap, early, easy, expensive, happy, large, long, low, stupid

riding

ridingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + riding | riding + NOUNADJECTIVEhorse (BrE), horseback (AmE)VERB + ridinggoWe went horse riding. (BrE)We went horseback riding. (AmE)riding + NOUNboots, breeches, crop, hat (esp. BrE)centre (BrE), school, stables

rife

rifeadj.

Rife is used with these nouns:

corruption

riff

riffnoun

Riff is used after these nouns:

guitar, rock

rifle

riflenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + rifle | rifle + NOUNADJECTIVEautomatic, bolt-action, semi-automatic, single-shothigh-powered.22, etc.army, assault, hunting, sniper, sportingairKalashnikov, M-16, etc.VERB + riflegrabload, reloadraiseaimfireshoot sb/sth withbe armed with, carryrifle + NOUNbarrel, buttbullet, cartridgefire, shotclub, rangecompany, platoon (both AmE)

rifled

rifledadj.

Rifled is used with these nouns:

barrel

rifle through

rifle throughphr verb

Rifle through is used with these nouns as the object:

belongings

rift

riftnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + rift | rift + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdeep, growing, seriouspublicfamilyVERB + riftcause, create, lead todeepen, widenHis actions only deepened the rift between himself and Congress.heal, mend, repairrift + VERBdevelop, occur, open upA rift had opened up within the party.deepen (esp. BrE), grow, widenPREPOSITIONrift among, rift betweennew evidence of a rift between the two countriesrift in, rift withinThe debate has succeeded only in widening rifts within the Church.rift overa rift over public spendingrift withHe tried to heal the rift with his brother.

rig

rignounverb

I. noun

Rig is used after these nouns:

Rig is used with these nouns as the object:

II. verb

election, sail

rigged

riggedadj.

Rigged is used with these nouns:

rigging

riggingnoun

Rigging is used after these nouns:

ballot

right

rightnounverbadj.adv.

I. noun1 what is morally good2 entitlement3 rights legal authority/claim to sth4 right side/direction5 the right in politics1 what is morally goodPREPOSITION | PHRASESPREPOSITIONin the right (= having justice and truth on your side)There's no doubt that he's in the right on this.PHRASEShave right on your side (esp. BrE)I appealed against the decision because I knew I had right on my side.know right from wrongChildren of that age don't know right from wrong.right and wrongShe doesn't understand the difference between right and wrong.the rights and wrongs of sthWe sat discussing the rights and wrongs of the prison system.

2 entitlementADJECTIVE | VERB + right | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbasic, fundamental, inalienable, unalienable (esp. AmE)the basic rights of all citizensabsolute, perfectI have a perfect right to park here if I want to.equalexclusive, solefullautomaticAny employee who is fired has an automatic right to appeal.animal, humananimal rights campaignershuman rights violationsconstitutional, legal, statutorycontractualmoralYou have a moral right to that money.naturalA man had a natural right to subsist off the crops he grew on his own land.citizenship, civilthe civil rights movementindividualthe individual rights of its constituentsgay, lesbian, women'sparentalThe local authority exercises parental rights over the children until foster homes are found.abortionvisitation, visiting (esp. BrE)Many prisoners lost visitation rights and had their mail confiscated.privacylaws covering privacy rightssquatters' (BrE)The teenagers claimed squatters' rights and were allowed to remain in the building.pension (BrE)votingdivine, God-giventhe old idea of the divine right of kingsI suppose you think you have some God-given right to tell me what to do?sovereignWe have a sovereign right to conduct scientific research on our soil.VERB + rightenjoy, have, retainThey have no right to come onto my land.assert, claim, demandknowYou can't do that to me—I know my rights.establishThe new president undertook to establish full rights for all minorities.fight for, stand up forYou should stand up for your rights and insist that they pay you.reserveI reserve the right to leave at any time I choose.gain, getconfer on sb, give sb, grant sbWe were granted the exclusive rights to produce the software in Malaysia.extendThe government extended voting rights to everyone over the age of 18.curtail, limit, restrictAbortion rights have been restricted in some places.exerciseenforceThe landlord enforced his right to enter the property.abdicate (esp. AmE), give up, relinquish, renounceHe renounced his right to the throne.waiveThey gave me my uncle's money, on condition that I waived all rights to his property.forfeit, loseaffirm, champion, defend, guarantee, preserve, promote, protect, safeguard, support, upholdThe constitution guarantees basic human rights.We promote the rights of communities.acknowledge, recognize, respectaffect, infringeThese additional guarantees do not affect your statutory rights. (BrE)deny sb, trample (esp. AmE), trample on, violateabolishrestorePREPOSITIONas of right (BrE), by rightThe property belongs to her as of right.The property belongs to her by right.by right ofThe Normans ruled England by right of conquest.within your rightsYou're acting entirely within your rights.right ofthe right of assembly/asylum/citizenship/free speech/ownershipright overHe claimed full rights over the discovery.rights forequal rights for allright toDo I have any right to compensation?PHRASEShave every rightShe has every right to feel bitter.right of wayroads where bikes have the right of way (= cars must allow them to pass first)There is no public right of way across the fields. (BrE)

3 rights legal authority/claim to sthADJECTIVE | VERB + RIGHTS | PHRASESADJECTIVEfilm (esp. BrE), movie (esp. AmE), televisiontranslationforeignland, propertyintellectual propertypatentThey acquired her patent rights.inheritancemineralfishinggrazingbragging (AmE)The team earned the bragging rights by taking first place in all three events.VERB + RIGHTSacquire, buy, get, obtain, purchase, secureAltman secured the movie rights.sellHe sold the movie rights for $2 million.sign awayhave, hold, ownLucas owned the marketing rights.reserveHe has reserved the movie rights.grantThe company was granted offshore oil-drilling rights.PHRASESall rights reserved (= protected or kept for the owner of the rights) (law)

4 right side/directionVERB + right | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + righthang (AmE, informal), takeTake a right at the traffic lights.PREPOSITIONfrom the rightLook out for traffic coming from the right.on the rightOurs is the first house on the right.to the rightKeep over to the right.to the right ofa hallway immediately to the right of the front doorPHRASESthe first, second, etc. rightTake the first right, and then it's the second on your left.from left to right, from right to leftThe books are numbered from right to left.

5 the right in politicsADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEextreme, far, radicalChristian, religiousPREPOSITIONon the rightHe's on the extreme right of the party.

II. verb

Right is used with these nouns as the object:

wrong

III. adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbe, feel, look, seem, sound, tasteThe meat doesn't taste right to me.come, go, turn outI'm sure it'll all turn out right in the end.get sthHe never gets anything right.make sthIt may be a very easy way to make money, but that doesn't make it right.ADVERBabsolutely, dead (esp. BrE), exactly, just, perfectly, quiteYou're dead right. There's nothing we can do.She needs to get everything exactly right for her guests.There's something not quite right about these figures.almost, more or less, mostly, nearly, partiallyDon't worry about it—that's more or less right.probablymorallyPREPOSITIONaboutYou were quite right about the weather.PHRASESwhat you think is rightJames did what he thought was right.

Right is used with these nouns:

address, amount, angle, answer, approach, arm, arrow, attitude, balance, blend, brain, channel, choice, circumstance, click, combination, consistency, context, corner, credentials, decision, degree, diagnosis, direction, distance, ear, edge, elbow, eye, fist, fit, flank, foot, fork, half, hand, idiot, impression, ingredient, interpretation, jab, kind, knee, lane, leg, margin, message, mix, moment, move, note, number, occasion, order, palm, path, person, place, prediction, price, product, road, side, size, sleeve, solution, sort, speaker, spirit, spot, street, tack, tackle, temperament, temple, thing, time, timing, tool, touch, triangle, turn, way, weight, wing, word

IV. adv.

Right is used with these verbs:

guess, spell

right-angled

right-angledadj.

Right-angled is used with these nouns:

right-arm

right-armadj.

Right-arm is used with these nouns:

bowler

right-click

right-clickverb

Right-click is used with these nouns as the object:

right-click on

right-click onphr verb

Right-click on is used with these nouns as the object:

righteous

righteousadj.

Righteous is used with these nouns:

anger, cause, indignation, wrath

righteously

righteouslyadv.

Righteously is used with these adjectives:

indignant

right-field

right-fieldadj.

Right-field is used with these nouns:

right-foot

right-footadj.

Right-foot is used with these nouns:

drive, volley

rightful

rightfuladj.

Rightful is used with these nouns:

heir, inheritance, king, owner, place, queen, ruler, successor

rightfully

rightfullyadv.

Rightfully is used with these verbs:

claim, deserve, earn

right-hand

right-handadj.

Right-hand is used with these nouns:

bend, corner, drive, lane, man, margin, page, side, turn

right-handed

right-handedadj.

Right-handed is used with these nouns:

bat, batsman, batter, pitcher

rightly rightward

rightwardadj.

Rightward is used with these nouns:

drift, slant

right-wing

right-wingadj.

Right-wing is used with these nouns:

bias, Christian, coalition, commentator, conservative, coup, deputy, dictatorship, extremist, faction, fanatic, government, guerrilla, mayor, media, nationalist, newspaper, paper, party, politician, politics, press, propaganda, rebel, terrorist, thug

rigid

rigidadj.

adj.1 not able/willing to change2 stiff1 not able/willing to changeVERBS | ADVERBVERBSappear, be, seembecome, growHe grew even more rigid and uncompromising as he got older.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.We operate within fairly rigid parameters.entirelyAn entirely rigid system is impractical.increasinglyexcessively, overlyrelatively

2 stiffVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, lie, look, sit, standShe feigned sleep, lying rigid in bed.become, go, turnremainADVERBveryabsolutely, completely, quitealmostPREPOSITIONwithHe went absolutely rigid with shock.

Rigid is used with these nouns:

adherence, attitude, confines, conformity, convention, definition, discipline, distinction, division, dogma, hierarchy, orthodoxy, packaging, plastic, rule, schedule, separation, stance, structure, system

rigidly

rigidlyadv.

Rigidly is used with these adjectives:

fixed, hierarchical, organized, upright

Rigidly is used with these verbs:

adhere, cling, control, define, enforce, prescribe, stand, stick, structure

rigorous

rigorousadj.

Rigorous is used with these nouns:

check, curriculum, definition, discipline, enforcement, evaluation, examination, inspection, regime, research, schedule, scrutiny, standard, test, training

rigorously

rigorouslyadv.

Rigorously is used with these adjectives:

trained

Rigorously is used with these verbs:

adhere, define, enforce, evaluate, examine, exclude, investigate, monitor, test, uphold

rigour

rigournoun

(BrE) (AmE rigor) noun1 strictness2 rigours/rigors severe conditions1 strictnessADJECTIVE | VERB + rigour/rigor | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEacademic, analytical, formal, intellectual, logical, mathematical, methodological, scholarly, scientificfull (BrE)The crime will be treated with the full rigour of the law.VERB + rigour/rigorlackTheir analysis lacks rigour.applyI can only hope that they are applying rigour to these ideas and discoveries.maintain (esp. AmE)methodology guidelines to maintain scientific rigourPREPOSITIONwith rigourrigour inThere is a need for academic rigour in approaching this problem.

2 rigours/rigors severe conditionsVERB + RIGOURS/RIGORSVERB + RIGOURS/RIGORSbe subjected to, facecomputers that are subjected to the rigours of the office environmentavoid, escapeThe town managed to escape the rigours of war.handle, stand up to, survive, withstandHe quickly proved he could handle the rigours of the job.prepare sb/sth for, protect (sb/sth) againstThe thick coat of the mountain goat protects it against the rigours of winter.

rim

rimnoun

Rim is used after these nouns:

crater, wheel

rimless

rimlessadj.

Rimless is used with these nouns:

rind

rindnoun

Rind is used after these nouns:

bacon, lemon, orange, pork

ring

ringnounverb

I. noun1 piece of jewellery/jewelry2 circle3 where a performance, match, etc. takes place4 people involved in sth secret/illegal5 (BrE) telephone call1 piece of jewellery/jewelryADJECTIVE | VERB + ring | ring + NOUNADJECTIVEengagement, eternity (esp. BrE), promise (esp. AmE), purity (esp. AmE), signet, weddingdiamond, gold, silver, etc.She wore a diamond engagement ring.belly-button, eyebrow, lip, navel, nipple, nose, tongue, etc.She had a small nose ring.pinky (AmE)championship, Super Bowl™ (both AmE)He has earned three Super Bowl rings in the last four years.VERB + ringhave on, sport, wearHe had a signet ring on his little finger.His right ear sported a gold ring.put on, slide on, slip onHe slipped the ring on her finger.pull off, slide off, slip off, take offexchangeThey exchange rings and wedding vows.kissShe kissed the great ring of the archbishop of Chicago.ring + NOUNfinger (= the finger next to the little finger, esp. on the left hand)box (esp. AmE)I pulled the small ring box out of my pocket.

2 circleADJECTIVE | VERB + ring | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEinner, innermostouter, outermostconcentricThe street plan of the city has evolved as a series of concentric rings.black, darkHe had dark rings around his eyes.smokeHe can blow smoke rings.treeoniona plate of onion ringsteethingnapkinVERB + ringform, stand inThe children formed a ring around their teacher.PREPOSITIONring ofa ring of fire/smoke/stonesin a/the ringThe children sat on the floor in a ring.

3 where a performance, match, etc. takes placeADJECTIVE | VERB + ring | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEboxing, bull, circus, show, wrestlingVERB + ringenterHe entered the ring wearing his usual outfit.leaveAshton left the ring with a nasty cut to the right eye.PREPOSITIONin the ring, into the ringHe was back in the ring (= the boxing ring) only a month after the injury.PHRASESretire from the ring (= stop boxing)

4 people involved in sth secret/illegalADJECTIVE | VERB + ringADJECTIVEdrug (esp. AmE), drugs (BrE), money-laundering, prostitution, smuggling, spyVERB + ringbe involved inbreak up, bust (esp. AmE)Customs officials have broken up a major drug ring.

5 (BrE) telephone callVERB + ringVERB + ringgive sbI'll give you a ring once I get home.

II. verb

Ring is used with these nouns as the subject:

alarm, bell, cash register, cellphone, clock, doorbell, ear, mobile phone, phone, telephone, till, viewer, voice, word

Ring is used with these nouns as the object:

ambulance, bell, buzzer, cash register, doorbell, hotline, number, peal, reception, switchboard

ringer

ringernoun

Ringer is used after these nouns:

ring for

ring forphr verb

Ring for is used with these nouns as the object:

ambulance

ringing

ringingnounadj.

I. noun

Ringing is used after these nouns:

Ringing is used with these nouns:

II. adj.

declaration, endorsement, tone, voice

ring out

ring outphr verb

Ring out is used with these nouns as the subject:

bell, cheer, cry, gunfire, laugh, peal, scream, shot, shout, sound

Ring out is used with these nouns as the object:

peal

ringside

ringsidenoun

Ringside is used before these nouns:

ringtone

ringtonenoun

Ringtone is used after these nouns:

cellphone, mobile phone

rink

rinknoun

Rink is used after these nouns:

hockey, ice, skating

rinse

rinsenounverb

I. noun1 act of rinsing2 liquid for hair, teeth, etc.1 act of rinsingADJECTIVE | VERB + rinse | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgoodfinalcreammouth, oral (both AmE)VERB + rinsegive sthGive your hair a good rinse after shampooing it.PREPOSITIONrinse in, rinse witha rinse with cold water

2 liquid for hair, teeth, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + rinseADJECTIVEcreamhair (esp. AmE)blue (esp. BrE)mouth, oral (both esp. AmE)VERB + rinseuseUse a cream rinse after each shampoo.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBwellthoroughlyAlways rinse your hair thoroughly.quicklyaway, off, outShe rinsed out her coffee cup.Make sure you rinse all the soap out.PREPOSITIONfromHe rinsed the flour from his hands.inShe rinsed her hands in cold water.withRinse the dishes with warm water.

rinse out

rinse outphr verb

Rinse out is used with these nouns as the object:

riot

riotnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + riot | riot + VERB | riot + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEmajor, seriousfull-scalebloody, violentdeadly (esp. AmE)inner-city (esp. BrE), street, urbanprisonracepolitical, religiousanti-American, anti-war, etc.studentbread, foodShortages eventually led to food riots.draft (esp. AmE)the violent draft riots during the Civil Warlaugh (AmE)The movie is a laugh riot.VERB + riotcause, incite, instigate, provoke, spark (esp. BrE), start, triggerThe city's housing and unemployment problems provoked serious riots.put down, quell, stophaveThe city had the worst race riot in history.riot + VERBbegin, break out, erupt, happen, occur, startPrison riots broke out over worsening conditions.ensue, followriot + NOUNcop (esp. AmE), police, squadgear, gun (esp. AmE), helmet (esp. AmE), shieldcontrolPREPOSITIONduring a/the riot, in a/the riotHe was killed in the riots.riot against, riot overa riot against bread pricesPHRASESrun riotLocal youths ran riot after the attack.

rioting

riotingadj.

Rioting is used with these nouns:

riotously

riotouslyadv.

Riotously is used with these adjectives:

Rip is used before these nouns:

rip

ripnounverb

I. noun

current, tide

II. verb

Rip is used with these nouns as the object:

dress, DVD, hole, music, page, paper, seam, sheet, stocking

ripe

ripeadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, feel, look, smell, tasteADVERBreally, verya really ripe strawberryfully, perfectly, quiteMake sure the plums are fully ripe before you eat them.Some of the apples were not quite ripe.almost, just, nearlyThe crops were just about ripe.PHRASESripe for the picking, ripe for the plucking, ripe for the taking (all usually figurative)The army has withdrawn, leaving the country ripe for the picking.

Ripe is used with these nouns:

age, avocado, banana, berry, corn, fruit, tomato, wheat

ripen

ripenverb

Ripen is used with these nouns as the subject:

barley, berry, fruit

rip from

rip fromphr verb

Rip from is used with these nouns as the object:

rip off

rip offphr verb

Rip off is used with these nouns as the object:

rip out

rip outphr verb

Rip out is used with these nouns as the object:

page, throat

ripped

rippedadj.

Ripped is used with these nouns:

clothes, jeans, muscle, pants

ripper

rippernoun

Ripper is used after these nouns:

CD, DVD

ripping

rippingadj.

Ripping is used with these nouns:

Ripple is used with these nouns as the subject:

ripple

ripplenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + ripple | ripple + VERB | ripple + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElittle, slight, small, tinyVERB + ripplecause, set offThe decision caused ripples of concern among the parents.create, makeThe problems in one place create ripples elsewhere.The Internet is making ripples in people's lives.sendI dropped the pebble in the water, sending ripples across the pond.His remarks sent a ripple of laughter through the audience.feelHe felt a small ripple of fear pass through him.ripple + VERBpass through sb/sth, run through sb/sthspread across sthHe watched the ripples spread across the pool.ripple + NOUNeffectPREPOSITIONripple ofA ripple of unease passed through her.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBgentlyoutThe effects ripple out through the community.PREPOSITIONacrossSmall waves rippled gently across the pond.throughShock rippled through her.

ripple through

ripple throughphr verb

Ripple through is used with these nouns as the subject:

murmur

rippling

ripplingadj.

Rippling is used with these nouns:

rip through

rip throughphr verb

Rip through is used with these nouns as the subject:

blast, bomb, bullet, explosion, pain, tornado

rise

risenounverb

I. noun1 increase2 becoming more powerful/important1 increaseADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, dramatic, huge, large, massive, sharp, strong, substantialmodest, slight, smallthreefold, 80%, etc.significantalarmingthe alarming rise in obesity in the USabrupt, exponential, rapid, steep, suddengradual, slowsteadycontinued, continuinginexorable (esp. BrE)the inexorable rise of oil pricesgeneral, overallglobal, worldwideconcomitant (formal), correspondingthe deterioration of our trade balance and the corresponding rise in protectionismannual, monthlytemperaturesea-levelinterest-rate, pay, price, tax, wage (all esp. BrE)The union is demanding a pay rise of 5%.PREPOSITIONon the rise (= rising)Crime is on the rise.rise ina twofold rise in pricesrise on (BrE)a rise on last year's levels

2 becoming more powerful/importantADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEmeteoric, quick, spectacular, swiftThat is the quickest rise to power I have ever seen.initialthe initial rise of a women's emancipation movementPREPOSITIONrise fromhis rise from the music halls into a beloved starrise ofthe rise of capitalismrise toHis swift rise to the national team surprised everyone.PHRASESthe rise and fall of sththe rise and fall of the Roman Empiresb's rise to fame, sb's rise to power, sb's rise to prominenceher meteoric rise to fame

II. verb1 move upwards2 stand up3 get out of bed4 increase1 move upwardsADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBmajesticallythe cliffs which rise majestically from the oceanupLush green mountains rise up behind the airport.PREPOSITIONfromSmoke rose from the chimney.intoTall chimneys rise into the air.

2 stand upADVERB | VERB + rise | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBslowlyabruptlyAdam rose abruptly from the table.stifflyshakily, unsteadilyShe rose unsteadily to her feet.VERB + risemake to, try toHe made to rise but found his legs were not strong enough to support him.manage toSomehow he managed to rise to a sitting position.be unable toPREPOSITIONfromShe rose slowly from her chair to greet us.PHRASESrise to your feetShe rose shakily to her feet and looked around.rise to your full heightHe rose to his full height and leaned across the table.

3 get out of bedADVERBADVERBearly, lateHe rose early and went for a walk.

4 increaseADVERB | VERB + rise | PREPOSITIONADVERBconsiderably, dramatically, markedly, sharply, significantly, steeply, substantiallyHouse prices have risen sharply in recent months.a little, slightly, etc.further, highersteadilygraduallyexponentially, fast, quickly, rapidlyThe cost of health care is rising faster than ever.VERB + risebe expected to, be likely to, be predicted to, be projected to, be set toEntry standards into the profession are set to rise further.be unlikely tobegin to, start tocontinue toPREPOSITIONaboveAir pollution has risen above an acceptable level.byUnemployment has risen by 25 000 this month.from, inGas rose in price.in line withPensions will rise in line with inflation.toInflation rose from 2% to 5% last year.

Rise is used with these nouns as the subject:

air, anger, barometer, blush, brow, bubble, chin, circulation, cliff, colour, concentration, confidence, consumption, cost, count, crime, currency, curtain, deficit, demand, density, dividend, dough, dust, employment, enrolment, excitement, expectation, expenditure, expense, export, eyebrow, fare, fee, flame, flush, fortune, funding, fury, hand, heat, hill, hope, humidity, import, income, index, inflation, investment, level, mist, moon, mountain, number, output, panic, parliament, peak, percentage, population, premium, pressure, price, production, productivity, profit, proportion, rate, rating, receipt, rent, reserve, revenue, river, salary, sale, sap, sea, share, sickness, skyscraper, slope, smoke, sob, spending, spirit, standing, stature, steam, stock, sun, support, takings, tax, temper, temperature, tension, tide, toll, total, turnover, unemployment, value, voice, volume, vote, wage, water, wave, wind, workforce, yield

Rise is used with these nouns as the object:

per cent, point

rise from

rise fromphr verb

Rise from is used with these nouns as the object:

chair, couch, obscurity, rank, seat, sofa

rise to

rise tophr verb

Rise to is used with these nouns as the object:

altitude, bait, challenge, crescendo, fame, foot, height, level, maximum, occasion, peak, pitch, power, prominence, rank, stardom, surface, top

rise towards

rise towardsphr verb

Rise towards/toward is used with these nouns as the object:

peak

rise up

rise upphr verb

Rise up is used with these nouns as the subject:

cliff

Rise up is used with these nouns as the object:

scale

rising

risingnounadj.

I. noun (esp. BrE)See also uprisingADJECTIVE | VERB + risingADJECTIVEpeasantVERB + risingtake part inleadcrush, put down, suppressThe government succeeded in crushing the military rising.

II. adj.

Rising is used with these nouns:

anger, cost, crime, damp, demand, expectation, frustration, generation, incidence, income, inequality, inflation, intonation, level, main, market, moon, number, panic, popularity, price, productivity, profit, proportion, prosperity, rate, rent, standard, star, sun, tension, tide, toll, unemployment, wage, water

risk

risknounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | … OF RISK | VERB + risk | risk + VERB | risk + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, considerable, enormous, grave, great, high, huge, major, serious, significant, substantial, terrible, tremendoushigh-risk patientsa major risk to livestockgoodbad, poorlow, minimal, slight, smalladded, additional, elevated, extra, heightened, increased, increasingdecreased, reducedgenuine, realattendant, inherent, possible, potentialStandards of hygiene have fallen, with all the attendant risks of disease.There are considerable risks inherent in the policy.long-term, short-termlifetimeoverallpersonalThey do their patriotic duty at great personal risk.politicalThey run great political risks by opposing him.relativeperceivedThe perceived risk is far greater than reality.unacceptable, unnecessary, unreasonableacceptable, moderateits judgment of what constitutes an acceptable riskcalculatedI take calculated risks but never gamble.commercial, credit, environmental, financial, fire, health, insurance, safety, securityThose old boxes in the corridor are a fire risk.He's a good insurance risk.cancer, cardiovascular, disease, heart-disease, HIV, mortality, strokesuicideHe is not a current suicide risk.flight (esp. AmE)His lawyer argued that he was not a flight risk (= that he would not try to run away, leave the country, etc.).… OF RISKdegree, levelelementThe operation carries an element of risk.VERB + riskface, run, takeIf you don't study, you run the risk of failing.I'm not prepared to take risks—I want the equipment thoroughly checked.carry, create, entail, incur, involve, pose, presentPollutants in the river pose a real risk to the fish.heighten, increase, raisedoubleSmoking doubles the risk of having a stroke.cut, decrease, diminish, lessen, limit, lower, minimize, mitigate, reduceCompanies can mitigate the risks of losing valuable data.avoid, eliminateassess, calculate, determine, evaluate, measure, weigh, weigh up (BrE)The directors will have to assess our credit risk.You have to weigh risks and benefits.know, understandI think you know the risks of your choices.identifyThey try to identify every possible risk.indicateestimate, predictmanageFarmers invest in irrigation to manage risk in drought years.addresssolutions to address security risks more effectivelyaccept, assume, bearThe lawyers are assuming all the financial risk.spreadThese funds spread the risk among different countries.outweighThe benefits outweigh the risks.justifyThe rewards may well justify the risks.be consideredHe is no longer considered a security risk in the State of California.risk + VERBoutweigh sthrisk + NOUNgroupMiners are a high risk group for certain types of gastric cancer.factorCigarette smoking is a risk factor for this disease.assessmentanalysislevelinvestors' assessments of overall risk levelscategoryYoung male drivers are a higher risk category compared to mature ladies and even women of the same age.mitigation (esp. AmE), reductionmanagementmanageraversion, avoidancethe strategies of risk avoidance that people practice in their everyday livestoleranceConsider your own risk tolerance. How many chances are you willing to take?behaviour/behavior (esp. AmE)efforts to persuade the public to reduce risk behaviorpremiuma big jump in the risk premium on corporate bondsPREPOSITIONat riskto put someone's life at riskat risk from, at risk ofJournalists in the zone are at serious risk of being kidnapped.at risk for (esp. AmE)Children are at greater risk for these diseases.at the risk ofAt the risk of sounding rude, don't you think you'd better change for the party?at risk toHe saved the child at considerable risk to himself.risk byHe knew he was taking a big risk by going skiing.risk for (esp. AmE)a reduced risk for heart diseaserisk froma risk from contaminated waterrisk inI was taking a big risk in lending her the money.risk ofa higher risk of stomach cancerrisk toa risk to healthPHRASESat your own riskThe building is unsafe—enter at your own risk.an increase in risk, a reduction in riskrisks and benefits, risks and rewardsthe risks and benefits of a drug

II. verbVERB + risk | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + riskcannot, dare not, not want to, would notI simply can't risk being seen there.I didn't want to risk being late.be prepared to, be willing toHe was prepared to risk everything in order to achieve his ambition.choose to, decide torefuse toI refuse to risk being hurt.PREPOSITIONforI am not risking my neck for anyone!onI wouldn't risk my money on this investment.PHRASESrisk itI knew I would be in trouble if I was found out, but I decided to risk it anyway.risk life and limbthe brave tourist who risks life and limb for adventurerisk losing sthfamilies who risk losing their homes

Risk is used with these nouns as the object:

backlash, career, chance, confrontation, death, dismissal, embarrassment, fine, friendship, health, injury, life, neck, penalty, possibility, prosecution, rejection, reputation, ridicule, safety, wrath

risk-adjusted

risk-adjustedadj.

Risk-adjusted is used with these nouns:

return

risk-averse

risk-averseadj.

Risk-averse is used with these nouns:

risk-taking

risk-takingadj.

Risk-taking is used with these nouns:

behaviour

risky

riskyadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, look, prove, seem, soundbecome, getconsider sth, deem sthADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.especially, highly, particularlyIt all sounds highly risky to me.increasinglya little, slightly, etc.inherentlyAll business activities are inherently risky.potentiallyfinancially, politically

Risky is used with these nouns:

behaviour, bet, business, gamble, investment, move, proposition, situation, sport, strategy, thing, undertaking, venture

risotto

risottonoun

Risotto is used after these nouns:

mushroom

rite

ritenoun

Rite is used after these nouns:

burial, funeral, initiation

ritual

ritualnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + ritual | ritual + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEancient, primitivetraditionaldaily, nightlySunday, etc.familyEating around the table was a family ritual that could not be broken.triballittleA cognac before bed is one of our little nightly rituals.elaborate, solemnbizarre, strangeemptyBargaining at the markets is now just an empty ritual.secretsecret rituals in the sacred forestmagical, religiouspublic, socialsacredCatholic, Hindu, Jewish, etc.pagan, satanic, shamanic, voodooburial, cleansing, courtship, fertility, funerary, healing, initiation, mating, mourning, purificationhazing (AmE)VERB + ritualconduct, do, enact, go through, hold, performShe had to go through the ritual of kissing the toys before her son would go to sleep.rituals performed by druids on Midsummer's DayundergoBoys undergo a circumcision ritual to usher them into adulthood.follow, observe, practise/practiceTheir funerals follow the rituals of the Catholic church.They practise/practice certain rituals in connection with rites of passage.completeIt takes several days to complete the ritual.beginJake began the evening ritual of asking about everyone's day.makeHe makes an elaborate ritual of washing the car.becomeHer visits to her aged father have become a ritual.ritual + VERBtake placePREPOSITIONin a/the ritualWomen's roles in the rituals of many religions have been limited.

II. adj.

Ritual is used with these nouns:

chant, dance, denunciation, magic, murder, prayer, sacrifice, slaughter, suicide, vessel

ritually

rituallyadv.

Ritually is used with these verbs:

slaughter

rival

rivalnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + rival | rival + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbitter, close, deadly (BrE), fierce, formidable, great, hated, powerful, serious, toughbiggest, chief, largest, leading, main, major, nearest, primary, principal, top (also arch-rival)long-time, old, traditionalThey're old political rivals.former, one-timenewThe business needed to revive profits and compete with new rivals.potentialShe is now regarded as the greatest potential rival to Hu.jealousfriendlyThose two have been friendly rivals since they first met.romanticThey wind up as romantic rivals for the same woman.foreign, internationalThe company is well equipped to compete with its international rivals.business, politicalpresidentialConservative, Democratic, etc.VERB + rivalhaveShe has no rivals for the job.faceThe company faces big rivals in Europe and Asia.beat, defeateliminateHe eliminated his rivals with brutal efficiency.rival + NOUNcandidateclan, faction, gang, group, tribecompany, firm, organizationbid, offerclaimtheoryPREPOSITIONrival forThey were rivals for her love.rival inThey were rivals in love.rival toGrand it may be, but this cathedral is no rival to the great cathedral of Amiens.

II. adj.

Rival is used with these nouns:

camp, claim, faction, fan, gang, team

rivalry

rivalrynoun

nounADJECTIVE | rivalry + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, bitter, fierce, great, heated, intensethe bitter rivalry that existed between themancient, long-standing, old, traditionalfriendlypettyinternational, local, regionalinternal, inter-service (esp. AmE)siblingethnic, personal, political, professional, religiousBitter ethnic rivalries within the region have grown in recent years.footballrivalry + VERBgrowPREPOSITIONrivalry among, rivalry betweenthe increasing rivalry among competitors in the industryrivalry between the army and the policerivalry forrivalry for the party leadershiprivalry inthe fiercest rivalry in professional sportsrivalry overrivalry over who is to head the delegationrivalry withrivalry with foreign companies

river

rivernoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + river | river + VERB | river + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbroad, great, large, long, mighty, widethe mighty River NileThe river was too wide to swim across comfortably.majormajor rivers such as the Congolittle, narrow, smalldeepshallowhighThe river is still high after the recent rain.lowfast-flowingraging, rushing, white-water, wildflowing, free-flowinglazy, slow-moving, sluggishfrozen, icymeandering, windingswollenThe river was swollen after the floods.navigableThe river is navigable by vessels of up to 90 tons.undergroundcoastal, mountainfreshwatertidalpollutedsacredthe Ganges and other sacred riverssalmonVERB + rivercross, ford, get acrossWe crossed the river by boat.How are we going to get across the river?swimWe had to swim the river. which is deep and very rapid.followI had decided to follow the river to my destination.bridgeThey've bridged the river at four points.spanThe bridge once spanned the river Serein.damWildlife groups are protesting against the proposal to dam the river.divertplans to divert the river further northdredgeThey're dredging the river to make it safer for larger boats.navigateThe rocks make the river hard to navigate.river + VERBflow, run, windThis river flows into the Gulf of Mexico.A river runs through the field.The river winds its way through the hills.riseThe river has risen with the rains.The river rises in central Africa.be in flood (BrE), burst its banks, flood (sth), overflow sthThe river had overflowed its banks.dry upThis river dried up long ago.river + NOUNbankbed, bottomwaterlevelwhen the river level is lowbasin, channel, delta, mouth, plain, valleysystemcrossingbarge, boat, steamertrafficcruise, triprock (esp. AmE)as smooth as river rockscity, port, towna river town in BorneoPREPOSITIONacross a/the riverThere's a bridge across the river.along a/the river, down a/the riverWe walked along the river.They sailed down the river.down by a/the river, down to a/the riverLet's go down to the river at sunset.into a/the riverHe dived into the river.in a/the riverTrout live in this river.on a/the riverThere was a boat on the river.up a/the riverWe were sailing up the river.river of (figurative)a river of lavaPHRASESthe banks, bottom, middle, side, surface, etc. of a river, the river's edgeThey were waiting for us on the other side of the river.a bend in the riverthe course of a river, the direction of a river

riverside

riversidenoun

Riverside is used before these nouns:

pub, walk

rivet

rivetverb

Rivet is used with these nouns as the object:

attention

RNA

RNAnoun

RNA is used before these nouns:

sample

road

roadnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + road | road + VERB | road + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbroad, widenarrowbusy, congestedclear, deserted, empty, lonely, quietLet's leave when the roads are clear.directThe airport's near here but there's no direct road.straightcurvy (AmE), twisting, twisty, winding, windysteepscenicasphalt, blacktop (AmE), cobbled, cobblestone (esp. AmE), flat, gravel, metalled (esp. BrE), paved, Tarmac™ (esp. BrE)good, smoothpassableAll main roads were passable with care.bad, bumpy (often figurative), dirt (esp. AmE), poor, rough, rutted, unmade (BrE), unpaveda bumpy road through the forestdangerous, difficult, hard, rocky, tough (all usually figurative)Bringing up a handicapped child can be a long and hard road.easy (often figurative)It isn't going to be an easy road for him.safeslick (AmE), slipperydusty, icy, muddy, snowy, wetfastdark (often figurative)long (often figurative), main, major, national, trunk (BrE)back, local, minor (esp. BrE), secondary, small, unclassified (BrE)oldthe old dirt road to the villagenewthe building of new roadsone-lane, two-lane, etc.single-track (BrE)country, ruralurban (esp. BrE)county (esp. AmE)residential (esp. BrE)tree-linedprivate, publicdead-end (often figurative)The government's policy on education is a dead-end road.openWe'll be able to go faster once we're out on the open road.right, wrongWe took the wrong road and had to turn back.It does appear we are on the right road to success. (figurative)east-west, etc.canyon (AmE), coast (esp. BrE), coastal, country, desert, forest, mountainloggingairportaccess, arterial (esp. BrE), bypass, feeder, frontage (AmE), perimeter, ring (BrE), side, slip (BrE)high, lowtollVERB + roadfollow, go downFollow the road around to the left.We have discussed privatization, but we would prefer not to go down that road. (figurative)take, turn into (BrE), turn ontoTake the next road on the right.Turn right into Harpes Road.Turn left onto the coastal road.turn offpull (out) into (BrE), pull (out) ontoHe was hit by another car as he pulled out onto the road.leave, pull offThey stopped in a forest, leaving the main road.The car left the road and slid to a halt.I pulled off the road for a rest.drive (esp. AmE), travel (also figurative), walk (esp. AmE, often figurative)I must have driven the back roads for half an hour.They have travelled/traveled the long, lonely road of exclusion.He walks a road filled with shadow and doubt.chooseWe have chosen the road of peace.cross, get acrossjoin, meet (esp. AmE)The track joins the main road just south of the town.block, block off (esp. AmE), blockade, close, cordon off (BrE)Angry farmers blocked the road with their tractors.Police cordoned off the road and diverted commuter traffic.clog, clog up (BrE)Traffic clogs the roads.clearThe crowd eventually cleared the road.They cleared the roads of snow.build, construct, rebuildmaintain, mend (BrE), repairpave, resurface (BrE), surface (BrE)widenlineHuge eucalyptuses lined the road.The crowds lined the roads for his triumphal entry.road + VERBgo, lead, runWhere does this road go?The road runs parallel to the river.stretchthe road stretched out before them.The road stretches off into the distance.bend (BrE), curve, turn, twist, windThe road twists and turns up the hillside.climbThe road climbs steeply from the beach.cross sthThe road crosses the river further up the valley.connect sth, link sththe road connecting Irado and Calla Aydabranch (esp. BrE), branch off, forkOur road branches off to the left just past the woods.narrow, widenThe road narrowed and turned into this dirt trail.road + NOUNatlas, mapmarkings, signintersection, junctionbridge, crossing, tunnelclosureblock (usually roadblock), blockadebump, hump (BrE) (usually speed humps in BrE, speed bumps in AmE)Road bumps have been laid down to limit the speed of cars.infrastructure, network, systemthe surrounding road systemlayout (BrE)access, linkThere is still no road access to the island.development, plan (esp. BrE), programme/program (esp. BrE), project, proposal (BrE), scheme (BrE)building, constructionloans for road construction and infrastructure developmentmaintenance, repairthe cost of road maintenanceimprovementssurfacejourney (esp. BrE), trip (informal, esp. AmE)accident, crash (esp. BrE), smash (BrE), traffic accidentsafetydeaths, fatalities (both esp. BrE)conditionssalttraffic, vehiclesraceracercoursebiketestengineer (esp. BrE)haulier (BrE) (hauler in AmE)haulage (BrE)sweeper (esp. BrE)pricing, tax (in the UK), toll (esp. BrE)Road tax is set to rise in next month's budget.Road tolls can make driving expensive.userhog (informal)warrior (esp. AmE)crewrageA man has been stabbed to death in a road-rage attack.manners, sense (both esp. BrE)poor driving standards and lack of road mannerskill (usually roadkill)scavengers that feed off roadkillrash (= scratches on the skin from falling from a bicycle) (AmE)She was treated for road rash.moviePREPOSITIONacross the roadThe house across the road is for sale.along the roadHe was walking along the road when he was attacked.by roadIt takes three hours by road (= driving).down the road, up the roadThey live down the road from us.in the roadThere was a dog in the road so we stopped.We live in Pinsley Road. (BrE)We live on Pinsley Road. (BrE, AmE)into the roadShe stepped out into the road without looking.off the roadMy car's off the road at the moment while I recondition the engine.on a/the roadThere's something lying on the road.There was a lot of traffic on the road this morning.on the road to DamascusMy car is back on the road (= is working) again.We'd been on the road since dawn and needed a rest.road along, road over, road throughthe main road through the townroad from, road tothe road to Acapulcoto be on the road to recovery/success (figurative)PHRASESat the side of the road (esp. BrE), by the side of the road, on the side of the roadthe bottom of the road (BrE), the top of the roadthe end of the road (often figurative)This latest disagreement could mean the end of the road for the band.a bend in the road, a fork in the road, a turn in the roadWe came to a fork in the road.the middle of the roadA dog was sitting in the middle of the road, so we stopped.the middle road (figurative)Kaufman has opted to travel the middle road.a stretch of roada notoriously dangerous stretch of roadhit the roadThe following spring I hit the road.

roadblock

roadblocknoun

noun1 barrier across a road2 (AmE) problem1 barrier across a roadADJECTIVE | VERB + roadblock | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEarmy, military, policeVERB + roadblockset upPolice set up a roadblock on the road to the capital.removePREPOSITIONat a/the roadblockThey were stopped at a roadblock leaving the city.through a/the roadblockThe truck drove through the roadblock at 100 mph.

2 (AmE) problemADJECTIVE | VERB + roadblock | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, majorFunding has been a major roadblock.potentialThe proposed merger is already facing potential roadblocks.politicalVERB + roadblockremoveencounter, hitThe company hit its first roadblock last year.facecreate, put up, throw upThis bill would create a roadblock for women.overcomePREPOSITIONup against a roadblockNo sooner had they celebrated their victory than they came up against a new roadblock.roadblock inI was hitting a roadblock in my personal work.roadblock toself-defeating beliefs and other roadblocks to happiness

roadside

roadsidenoun

Roadside is used before these nouns:

bomb, bombing, ditch, inn, parking, shrine, stall, stand, verge

roam

roamverb

verbADVERB | VERB + roam | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBfree, freelyThe animals were allowed to roam free.widelythe wild dog's instinct to roam widelyaimlesslyHe'd roamed aimlessly for a few hours.about (esp. BrE), aroundVERB + roamallow sb/sth to, let sb/sthPREPOSITIONabout (esp. BrE), aroundThey're roaming around the countryside.acrossWild camels roam across the country.overHer eyes roamed over him, assessing him.throughBears roam through the town at night.PHRASESthe freedom to roam, the right to roam (esp. BrE)Ramblers are calling for the right to roam to be made law.roam the earthwhen dinosaurs roamed the earth

Roam is used with these nouns as the subject:

dog, eye, gaze, hand, lion

Roam is used with these nouns as the object:

countryside, earth, hallway, neighbourhood, plain, sea, street

roar

roarnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + roar | roar + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEalmighty, deafening, ear-splitting, great, huge, loud, mighty, thunderous, tremendousThe lion let out a great roar.angry, fierce, terribleThe shouting grew into an angry roar.deep, lowdull, faint, muffledthroatythe throaty roar of the enginedistantthe distant roar of the seasuddenVERB + roargive, let outhearbecomeThe low rumble had become a roar.roar + VERBerupt, go upA mighty roar went up from the crowd as the home team scored.echoThe sound of a distant roar echoed over the plains.fill sthA loud roar filled the air around them.PREPOSITIONabove the roar, over the roarShe couldn't make herself heard over the roar of the engines.with a roarThe car sped off with an almighty roar.roar fromThere was a crash and a roar from the kitchen.roar ofa roar of applausea roar of laughter

II. verb

Roar is used with these nouns as the subject:

audience, cannon, crowd, engine, fire, flame, lion, monster, thunder, tiger, traffic, wave, wind

Roar is used with these nouns as the object:

approval

roaring

roaringadj.adv.

I. adj.

Roaring is used with these nouns:

bonfire, fire, flame, success, trade

II. adv.

Roaring is used with these adjectives:

drunk

roast

roastnounverbadj.

I. noun

Roast is used after these nouns:

pot

II. verb

Roast is used with these nouns as the object:

bean, beef, chicken, ham, joint, meat, pepper, potato, salmon, turkey, vegetables

III. adj.

Roast is used with these nouns:

beef, duck, goose, lamb, meat, pork, potato, turkey

roasted

roastedadj.

Roasted is used with these nouns:

barley, corn, duck, garlic, pepper, potato

roasting

roastingnoun

Roasting is used before these nouns:

dish, pan, tin

rob

robverb

Rob is used with these nouns as the object:

robber

robbernoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF ROBBERS | VERB + robber | robber + VERBADJECTIVEarmed, masked (esp. BrE)bank, traingrave, tombhighwaywould-be (esp. BrE)The would-be robber fled empty-handed.… OF ROBBERSband, gangVERB + robberchase, hunt (BrE), search forPolice are searching for the robbers.catchrobber + VERBhold sb/sth upRobbers held up a bank at gunpoint.snatch sth (esp. BrE), steal sth, take sthescape with sth, get away with sth, make off with sthRobbers escaped with $30 000.

robbery

robberynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + robbery | robbery + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEattempted, botched, bungled (esp. BrE), failedarmedbank, highway, street (esp. BrE), trainVERB + robberycommit, take part infoilHe was shot as he tried to foil a bank robbery.robbery + NOUNattemptchargesuspectPHRASESrobbery with violence (BrE, law)He was sentenced to four years in prison for robbery with violence.

robe

robenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + robe | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElongloose, voluminousbillowing, flowinga ghostly figure in flowing robes of whiterichThe emperor was clad in a rich robe encrusted with jewels.embroideredtraditionalceremonial, choir (esp. AmE), clerical, coronation (often with robes), graduation (AmE), judicial, priestly, royalVERB + robedon, slip onwearPREPOSITIONin a/the robean old man swathed in robes

robed

robedadj.

Robed is used with these nouns:

figure

rob of

rob ofphr verb

Rob of is used with these nouns as the subject:

Rob of is used with these nouns as the object:

dignity

robotic

roboticadj.

Robotic is used with these nouns:

mission

robust

robustadj.

Robust is used with these nouns:

debate, defence, economy, recovery

robustly

robustlyadv.

Robustly is used with these verbs:

defend

rock

rocknounverbadv.

I. noun1 hard, stony part of the earth2 (AmE) small stone; stone that can be thrown3 music1 hard, stony part of the earthADJECTIVE | … OF ROCK | VERB + rock | rock + VERB | rock + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEhard, solidSolid rock is broken down by weathering.softjagged, rough, sharpsmoothflatslipperyThe rocks were slippery as I tried to climb them.weatheredbare, barren, exposedAhead the vegetation broke into bare rock.sheer, steepThe river runs between walls of sheer rock.overhangingliquid, moltencrushedloosean avalanche of loose rockfallingSigns warn of the perils of falling rock.igneous, metamorphic, sedimentary, volcanicpermeable (esp. BrE), porous… OF ROCKchunk, lump, piece, slabVERB + rockformclimb, skip (AmE), skip overLars taught me to skip rocks.rock + VERBformrocks that formed beneath the seajut outA great rock jutted out into the water.rock + NOUNtypeformation, structurelayer, stratacliff, ledge, outcrop, outcropping (AmE)face, surface, wallcrevicedebris, dust, fragment, sample, specimenfall, slideThe path had been blocked by a rock fall.crystal, saltclimber, climbingpool (esp. BrE) (usually tide pool in AmE)Children were looking for crabs in the rock pools.quarrypileart, carvings, paintinggardenPHRASESas hard as a rock (esp. AmE), as hard as rock (esp. BrE)a layer of rock, an outcrop of rockThe castle is perched on a massive outcrop of rock.sleep like a rock (AmE)You slept like a rock last night.

2 (AmE) small stone; stone that can be thrownADJECTIVE | … OF ROCKS | VERB + rockADJECTIVElarge, smallheavy… OF ROCKSmound, pileVERB + rockpick uppelt sb with, throwProtesters pelted the soldiers with rocks.They used to throw rocks at neighborhood dogs.

3 musicADJECTIVE | rock + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEliveacid, alternative, arena (esp. AmE), blues, classic, country, folk, garage, glam, hard, heavy, indie, mainstream, modern, pop, progressive, psychedelic, punk, soft60s, 80s, etc.rock + NOUNanthem, ballad, number, riff, song, tunelyrics, musicalbum, CD, record, videoact, band, group, outfitconcert, festival, gig (esp. BrE)musical, opera, show, soundtrackclub, venuesceneone of the biggest bands on the rock sceneartist, drummer, guitarist, musician, singerguitarhero, icon, idol, legend, starstardomcriticinfluential rock criticsfanchickShe was a rock chick through and through.culture, historyradio, stationRyan changed the radio to a rock station.PHRASESrock and rollthe king of rock and roll

II. verbADVERBADVERBviolentlyThe boat rocked violently in the huge waves.gently, slightlyShe gently rocked the baby in her arms.The boat rocked slightly.slowlyback and forth, backwards and forwards, from side to side, to and froHe rocked back and forth in his chair.

Rock is used with these nouns as the subject:

blast, boat, earthquake, explosion, scandal

Rock is used with these nouns as the object:

baby, boat, chair, foundation, world

III. adv.

Rock is used with these adjectives:

solid, steady

rock-bottom

rock-bottomadj.

Rock-bottom is used with these nouns:

Rocket is used with these nouns as the subject:

rocket

rocketnounverb

I. noun1 spacecraft2 weapon1 spacecraftADJECTIVE | VERB + rocket | rocket + VERB | rocket + NOUNADJECTIVEspaceVERB + rocketlaunchrocket + VERBblast off, lift off, take offlandrocket + NOUNbooster, engine, motorfuellaunchflightshipscientist (often humorous)You don't have to be a rocket scientist (= very clever) to do this job.science (often humorous)Come on, it's not rocket science.

2 weaponADJECTIVE | VERB + rocket | rocket + VERB | rocket + NOUNADJECTIVElong-rangeanti-aircraft, anti-tankartilleryguided, unguidedconventional, nuclearVERB + rocketfire, shootrocket + VERBexplodehit sth, strike sthfire, launchrocket + NOUNattacklauncher, podartillery

II. verb

rate, rating, sale

rocket-propelled

rocket-propelledadj.

Rocket-propelled is used with these nouns:

grenade

rocket to

rocket tophr verb

Rocket to is used with these nouns as the object:

stardom

rocking

rockingadj.

Rocking is used with these nouns:

chair, horse, motion

rock-like

rock-likeadj.

Rock-like is used with these nouns:

consistency

rocky

rockyadj.

Rocky is used with these nouns:

beach, cave, cliff, coast, coastline, debris, ground, height, hill, hillside, landscape, ledge, mountain, patch, path, peak, planet, plateau, relationship, road, shore, slope, soil, start, summit, terrain, trail

rod

rodnoun

Rod is used after these nouns:

curtain, fishing, lightning, metal, stair

rodeo

rodeonoun

Rodeo is used before these nouns:

arena

rogue

rogueadj.

Rogue is used with these nouns:

elephant, nation, regime, state, wave

role

rolenoun

noun1 in a play, film/movie, etc.2 position and importance1 in a play, film/movie, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + role | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElead, leading, starring, titleHe has the starring role in the movie.She sings the title role in Tosca.bigLee began to get big roles in movies.principaldramaticmeaty, substantialthe chance to sink her teeth into the meaty role of femme fatale MargaretplumThis is the plum role in the play.smallsupportinglessercomic, tragicfemale, malea starring female rolecameostereotypicalone of his stereotypical action hero rolesthanklessEthan Hawke does a solid job in a thankless role.film (esp. BrE), movie (esp. AmE), television, TVVERB + roleassume, perform, play, takeIn the series, Smith assumes the role of the go-between.John's playing the leading role in this year's play.underplayWalken carefully underplays the role.fillThe supporting roles are filled by British actors.repriseMost of the original cast are reprising their roles.handleSbaraglia handles this difficult role well.get, land, winIt took her three years to land her first film role.cast sb ininterpretShe interprets the role as more tragic than I expected.dance, singDean Ely sings the title role.PREPOSITIONin the role (of)He was very good in the role.

2 position and importanceADJECTIVE | VERB + role | role + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, huge, large, substantialSmall businesses have a substantial role to play in keeping the economy buoyant.important, influential, instrumental, integral, powerful, prominent, significant, specialan area where national rivalries play a powerful rolecentral, dominant, key, lead, leading, main, major, pivotal, primaryMigrant workers played a central role in the state's prosperity.critical, crucial, decisive, essential, fundamental, vitalEconomic factors played a decisive role in the outcome of the war.usefulexpanded, greater, increasedthe expanded role of the federal governmentdiminished, limited, smallthe limited role of women in the churchminor, secondary, subordinate, subservientbackup, supportingHe may have to settle for a backup role.constructive, full (esp. BrE), meaningful, positive, useful, valuableactive, proactivepassivedirectclear, defined, distinct, exact, particular, specific, uniqueEvery member of staff must have a clear role.the specific role of calcium in preventing diseasedifferent, dual, multiple, variousShe has a dual role as principal and French teacher.Many staff perform multiple roles.traditionalchangingconflictingher conflicting roles as mother and manager of a large companyadvisory, consultative, managerial, regulatory, supervisoryleadershipmaternal, parental, parenting, paternalprotectiveTheir brother plays a protective role.caregiving (AmE)The caregiving role is still overwhelmingly a female one.economic, educational, military, peacekeeping, political, social, strategicthe economic role of small townsAdult education often serves an important social role.symbolicpossible, potentialSupervising elections is a possible role for the UN.genderessays that question gender roles in a patriarchal culturefemale, malethe views prevalent in society about female rolesVERB + rolehave, occupy, perform, play, serveRegional managers occupy a crucial role in developing a strategic framework.provideprovide sb/sth withadopt, assume, take, take onI've had to take on the role of mother in her absence.acceptI accepted the executive editor role at the magazine.They have to be willing to accept their roles as caregivers and not managers.resumeembrace, relishShe embraced her role as ruler of the country.fulfil/fulfillThe fighting has prevented the UN troops from fulfilling their role as peacekeepers.fillHe filled several governmental roles.handleWe are waiting to see if he can handle an expanded role.carve out, establishHe is trying to carve out a new role for himself.assign sb, cast sb in, give sbHe has been cast in the role of chief apologist for the government.reverseTraditional gender roles are reversed in their household.findWe need to find a useful role for the volunteers in the campaign.clarify, define, elucidate, redefinea clearly defined role within the groupanalyse/analyze, assess, evaluate, examine, explore, investigateThe paper examines the role of various institutions.emphasize, highlight, stressThe authors emphasized the role of the slave trade in the economic development of the New World.understandWe need to better understand the role of cold regions in the global climate system.acknowledge, appreciate, recognizePoliticians acknowledge the key roles that young people play in the country.determine, identifyWe will meet with them to determine individual roles.addressHe addressed the role of tradition in design.downplayThomas downplays the role of these letters as historical evidence.expandThey decided to expand the role that new technologies play at the hospital.increase, strengthenHe is looking for ways to strengthen his role in the business.fitI feel I can fit any role this team needs me to.swap (esp. BrE), switchrole + NOUNmodelreversalexpectation (esp. AmE)methods for exploring gender role expectationsconflict (esp. AmE)This role conflict can quickly escalate.PREPOSITIONin a/the roleShe has joined the team in a consultative role.role asthe teacher's role as instructorrole atHe assumed a conspicuous role at the new arts agency.role forThe new prime minister promised a greater role for women in government.role in, role withinPressure groups played a major role in bringing about the reforms.the opportunity to assume a leadership role within your organization

role-playing

role-playingnoun

Role-playing is used before these nouns:

exercise, game

roll

rollnounverb

I. noun1 bread2 list of names1 breadADJECTIVEADJECTIVEbreadcrusty, softdinner, finger (BrE), kaiser (AmE), morning (BrE), sub (AmE), submarinebrown (esp. BrE), white (esp. BrE), wholegrain, wholemeal (BrE), wholewheatsweetcinnamonbuttered, filled (BrE)cheese, ham, lobster (AmE), etc.

2 list of namesADJECTIVE | VERB + roll | roll + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEblog, honour/honor (esp. AmE), jobless (AmE), membership, registration, school, tax (esp. AmE), welfare (AmE)My daughter's grades improved and she made the honor roll. (AmE)electoral (BrE), voter (AmE), voting (AmE)falling (BrE)Falling rolls could lead to smaller class sizes.VERB + rollremove sb fromEligible voters had been removed from the voting rolls.call, takeThe chairman called the roll (= to see if everyone was present).roll + NOUNcallStaff evacuated the building and a roll call was taken outside.PREPOSITIONon (the) rollThere are 340 children on the school roll.PHRASESa roll of honour (BrE)Her name was engraved on sport's roll of honour.

II. verb1 move by turning over2 make sth into the shape of a ball/tube3 of a ship/plane1 move by turning overADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBslowlyquicklyHe quickly rolled over and got to his feet.gentlysmoothlyThe black car rolled smoothly down the street.lazilyShe lazily rolled her head on the pillow.easilyThe boulder easily rolled aside.along, around, away, back, backwards/backward, down, forward, overThe tigers rolled over and over in the mud.PREPOSITIONdownA tear rolled slowly down her cheek.off

2 make sth into the shape of a ball/tubeADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBtightlyShe carried the magazine tightly rolled up in her hand.upPREPOSITIONintoHe rolled the paper into a tight ball.

3 of a ship/planeADVERBADVERBheavily (BrE)slightly

Roll is used with these nouns as the subject:

ball, boat, camera, cart, cloud, credit, eye, mist, press, tank, thunder, train, truck, wagon, wave

Roll is used with these nouns as the object:

ball, cigarette, clay, dice, eye, hip, shoulder

roll back

roll backphr verb

Roll back is used with these nouns as the object:

roll down

roll downphr verb

Roll down is used with these nouns as the subject:

drop, tear

Roll down is used with these nouns as the object:

leg, sleeve, slope, window

rolled

rolledadj.

Rolled is used with these nouns:

gold, oats, steel, towel, umbrella

rolled-up

rolled-upadj.

Rolled-up is used with these nouns:

newspaper, sleeve, towel

roller

rollernoun

Roller is used before these nouns:

blind, hockey, shade, skating

Roller is used after these nouns:

roller-coaster

roller-coasteradj.

Roller-coaster is used with these nouns:

roll in

roll inphr verb

Roll in is used with these nouns as the subject:

fog, swell, wave

rolling

rollingnounadj.

I. noun

Rolling is used before these nouns:

paper, tobacco

II. adj.

Rolling is used with these nouns:

boil, cart, countryside, gait, hill, motion, plain, prairie, stock, suitcase, thunder, wave

roll into

roll intophr verb

Roll into is used with these nouns as the object:

roll-neck

roll-necknoun

Roll-neck is used before these nouns:

sweater

roll off

roll offphr verb

Roll off is used with these nouns as the object:

tongue

roll out

roll outphr verb

Roll out is used with these nouns as the object:

clay, dough, mat, pastry, version

roll up

roll upphr verb

Roll up is used with these nouns as the object:

carpet, leg, sleeve, window

roll up into

roll up intophr verb

Roll up into is used with these nouns as the object:

romaine

romainenoun

Romaine is used before these nouns:

lettuce

Roman

Romanadj.

Roman is used with these nouns:

alphabet, antiquity, Catholic, Catholicism, civilization, conquest, deity, empire, fort, god, goddess, imperialism, legend, myth, mythology, nose, relief, remains, temple, type, villa, world, writer

Roman Catholic

Roman Catholicadj.

Roman Catholic is used with these nouns:

archbishop

romance

romancenoun

noun1 love affair2 romantic feeling1 love affairADJECTIVE | VERB + romance | romance + VERBADJECTIVEbriefbrokenwhirlwindThey married after a whirlwind romance.buddingthe budding romance between Richard and Eliseholiday (BrE), summerofficeHave you ever had an office romance?onlineEveryone knows that online romances never work out.teenageinterracial (esp. AmE)We're seeing more interracial romances in the movies.fairy-taleIt ruined their perfect fairy-tale romance.real-lifethe true story of a real-life romancedoomedfailedHe was still recovering from a failed romance.VERB + romancehaveThey had a brief romance in the eighties.begin, startromance + VERBblossombeginend

2 romantic feelingADJECTIVE | VERB + romance | romance + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEtrueinterracial (esp. AmE)VERB + romancefindPeople find romance in strange places.romance + VERBbe in the airCould romance be in the air for the young prince?bloomPHRASESlove and romanceMost of her songs are about love and romance.

Romanesque

Romanesqueadj.

Romanesque is used with these nouns:

arch

romantic

romanticnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreat (esp. BrE), real, trueold (esp. BrE)hopeless, incurablePHRASESbe a romantic at heart

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, look, seem, soundbecome, getYou're getting very romantic in your old age!ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highlyhighly romantic notions of marriageincredibly, terribly, wildly, wonderfully

Romantic is used with these nouns:

ballet, adventure, affair, atmosphere, attachment, backdrop, bliss, comedy, couple, dinner, disappointment, drama, dream, encounter, era, evening, fantasy, feeling, fiction, gesture, hero, heroine, idea, ideal, illusion, imagination, interlude, lead, liaison, love, meeting, mood, movement, movie, myth, notion, novel, novelist, overture, painter, partner, passion, poet, poetry, relationship, rendezvous, restaurant, rival, scene, setting, soul, stroll, tale, temperament, touch, view, vision, walk, yearning

romantically

romanticallyadv.

Romantically is used with these adjectives:

entangled, inclined, involved

Romantically is used with these verbs:

romp to

romp tophr verb

Romp to is used with these nouns as the object:

victory, win

roof

roofnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + roof | roof + VERB | roof + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconical, flat, gabled, mansard, pitched, pointed, sloped (esp. AmE), sloping, steepcorrugated-iron (esp. BrE), corrugated-metal (AmE), glass, metal, slate, steel, thatched, tiled, tinleakyretractable, suncar, church, etc.VERB + roofsupportThe roof is supported by stone columns.coverThe roof was covered with red clay tiles.roof + VERBslopeThe roof slopes down to the top of the windows.cave in, collapse, fall inFive people were killed when the roof fell in.leakroof + NOUNspace (esp. BrE)The burglars removed tiles to climb into the roof space.covering, slate (esp. BrE), tilebeams, rafters, structure, timbers (esp. BrE)top (usually rooftop)A figure appeared on a nearby rooftop.insulationdeck (esp. AmE), garden, terraceThe hotel has a charming roof garden.rackPREPOSITIONin a/the roofThere are small windows in the roof.on a/the roofThere's a cat on the roof.under your roof (= in your house)I won't have that man under my roof again!PHRASESunder one roof, under the same roof (= in the same building)We're good friends but we could never live under the same roof.

roofing

roofingnoun

Roofing is used before these nouns:

contractor, nail

rooftop

rooftopnoun

Rooftop is used before these nouns:

antenna, protest, terrace

rookie

rookienoun

Rookie is used before these nouns:

goalkeeper, season, sensation, year

room

roomnoun

noun1 in a house/building2 space; enough space1 in a house/buildingADJECTIVE | VERB + room | room + VERB | room + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, cavernous, enormous, high, high-ceilinged, huge, large, spacious, vastcramped, little, low (BrE), low-ceilinged, narrow, small, tinyThe rooms are cramped and narrow.L-shapednorth-facing, south-facing, etc.airyairless, claustrophobic, stuffy, windowlessbrightdark, darkened, dim, dimly lit, dingy, pitch-black, shadowed, shadowydrearychilly, cold, draughty/drafty (esp. BrE)hot, warmclean, tidy (esp. BrE)dirty, dusty, messy, shabby, smellycomfortable, cosy/cozyattractive, beautiful, elegant, handsome, impressive, luxurious, magnificent, prettybare, bleak, emptybook-linedtiled, wood-panelled/wood-paneledcrowdedsmoke-filled, smokyquiet, silentprivatelockedadjacent, adjoining, nextattic, back, basement, downstairs, front, upstairsI was renting a tiny basement room at that time.first-floor, second-floor, etc.guest, spareOur guests are sleeping in the spare room.hotel, moteldouble, family, singledormbedsitting (BrE)rentedbreakfast, dining, drawing, living, main, reception, sitting (BrE), utilitylaundrydressing, make-up, rehearsalcontrolfitness, weight, weights (BrE)news, pressHe emailed his report back to the news room.committee, conference, meetingbreak (AmE)storage, store (usually storeroom)incident (BrE), interviewPolice have set up an incident room at the scene of the murder.changing (esp. BrE), locker, showeremergency (AmE), first-aid, hospital, medical, operating (AmE), recovery, treatmentwaitingcommon, lecture, reading, seminar, staff (usually staffroom)boiler, enginecomputerthroneVERB + roomburst into, come into, creep into, enter, go into, hurry into, march into, reach, run into, rush into, slip into, sneak into, step into, storm into, stride into, walk into, wander intoSuddenly Katie burst into the room.back out of, come out of, creep out of, exit, flounce out of, go out of, hurry out of, leave, march out of, run out of, rush out of, slip out of, step out of, storm out of, stride out of, walk out ofAs soon as the teacher left the room there was uproar.show sb to, usher sb intocrossgo around, go round (esp. BrE)wander around, wander round (esp. BrE), wander throughI wandered restlessly around my room.walk, walk around, walk round (esp. BrE)pace, pace around, pace round (esp. BrE)He was pacing the room nervously.prowl, prowl around, prowl round (esp. BrE)She prowled around the room like a caged tiger.echo around, echo round (esp. BrE), echo through, run around, run round (esp. BrE)A ripple of laughter ran around the room.glance around, glance round (esp. BrE), look around, look round (esp. BrE), scansearchfillclean, tidy (esp. BrE)decorate, painta room decorated with flowersa room decorated in pastel shades (BrE)air, air out (AmE), ventilatelighta room lit by one dusty light bulbshareI used to share a room with my sister.occupyvacateGuests are requested to vacate their rooms by 11 a.m.set asidea room set aside for quiet studybook, hire (esp. BrE), rentWe hired a room for the party.I rented a room while looking for a house to buy.room + VERBadjoin sth, face sth, overlook sthThe room adjoins the hotel kitchens.contain sthThe room contained little more than a table and chair.be crammed with sth, be filled with sth, be full of sthbe equipped with sth, be furnished with sth, have sthThe patient was in a private room equipped with bathroom and TV.measure stha room measuring 28 feet by 34darkenfall silent, go quiet, go silent, grow quietThe room fell silent as she rose to speak.smellThe room smelled of stale sweat and coffee.spin, swayShe felt sick and the room was spinning.room + NOUNkeynumberlightsmate (usually room-mate)servicetemperatureThis wine should be served at room temperature.ratesSoaring room rates have put tourists off visiting the city.PREPOSITIONaround a/the room, round a/the room (esp. BrE)from room to roomShe flew from room to room looking for the fire extinguisher.in a/the room, inside a/the room, into a/the room

2 space; enough spaceADJECTIVE | VERB + room | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEample, considerable, enough, sufficientinsufficient (esp. BrE)extrahead, leg (usually headroom, legroom)wiggle (= opportunity to make adjustments)There is some wiggle room for varying interpretations.VERB + roomfind, leave, makeWe had to move the furniture to make room for the piano.haveDo you have enough room?give sbPREPOSITIONroom forWill there be enough room for that dishwasher in your kitchen?The sales figures are good, but there is still room for improvement. (figurative)PHRASESroom for manoeuvre/maneuver

room-mate

room-matenoun

Room-mate is used after these nouns:

roomy

roomyadj.

Roomy is used with these nouns:

interior

roost

roostverb

Roost is used with these nouns as the subject:

bat, hen, owl, pigeon

root

rootnounverb

I. noun1 of a plant2 roots place where you feel you belong3 cause/source1 of a plantADJECTIVE | VERB + root | root + VERB | root + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdeep, shallowgnarledplant, treeVERB + rootdevelop, growput down, takeI hope those cuttings will take root.plantroot + VERBgrowroot + NOUNsystemballcrops, vegetablesgrowthPREPOSITIONby its/the rootsShe pulled the shrub out by its roots.

2 roots place where you feel you belongADJECTIVE | VERB + ROOTSADJECTIVEhumbleDespite his wealth, he never forgot his humble roots.strongculturalsevered from our cultural roots by industrializationworking-classAfrican, French, Scottish, etc.VERB + ROOTSget back to, go back to, return toMy husband wants to go back to his Irish roots.traceThey can trace their roots back to the 16th century.put downWe haven't been here long enough to put down roots.be cut off from, forget

3 cause/sourceADJECTIVE | VERB + root | root + VERB | root + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeep, strongverycommon, sameThe two languages share a common root.historicalVERB + roothaveexplore, find, get at, get to, go toI've spent months trying to get to the root of the problem.lie atroot + VERBbe planted in sthJazz's roots are firmly planted in African tradition.go backThe company's roots go back to the 18th century.root + NOUNcausePREPOSITIONat (the root of)It is a moral question at root.His fears of loneliness lay at the very root of his inability to leave.root inThe unrest has roots in religious differences.PHRASESthe root of all evilThey consider globalization to be the root of all evil.the root of the matter, the root of the problemI expect money is at the root of the matter.

II. verb

Root is used with these nouns as the subject:

cutting

rooted

rootedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecomeremainADVERBdeeplyfirmlyPREPOSITIONinHis problems are deeply rooted in his childhood experiences.

root out

root outphr verb

Root out is used with these nouns as the object:

corruption

rope

ropenoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF ROPE | VERB + ropeADJECTIVEstrongguy (esp. BrE), mooring (esp. BrE), towI tripped over the guy rope of the tent in the dark.jump (AmE), skipping (BrE)velvet (AmE)One of the bouncers lifted the velvet rope to let us enter the club.… OF ROPElength, piececoilVERB + ropeknot, tie (sth together with)He tied the planks together with a strong rope.untietightenloosencoil, coil uppull, pull at, pull oncutgrab, grab hold of, hold, take, take hold of

rosary

rosarynoun

Rosary is used before these nouns:

bead

rose

rosenoun

nounADJECTIVE | rose + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEpink, red, yellow, etc.climbing, rambling, shrublong-stemmedfreshShe put fresh roses in the vases.wildrose + NOUNgardenbedbushpetalsbowlPHRASESa bed of rosesa dozen rosesthe scent of a rose, the smell of a rose

rosebud

rosebudnoun

Rosebud is used before these nouns:

roster

rosternoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + rosterADJECTIVEimpressiveThe firm has built up an impressive roster of clients over the past ten years.dutyAll names should be listed on the duty roster.active (AmE)The team has ten rookies on the active roster.VERB + rosterfill, fill out (AmE)make (AmE)Kelly has an excellent chance of making the opening-day roster.

rosy

rosyadj.

Rosy is used with these nouns:

cheek, complexion, future, glow, outlook, picture, pink, scenario, view

rot

rotverb

Rot is used with these nouns as the subject:

meat, rubbish, timber, wood

Rot is used with these nouns as the object:

rota

rotanoun

noun (BrE)ADJECTIVE | VERB + rota | rota + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdaily, weekly, etc.dutycleaningVERB + rotahavedraw up, work outI've been asked to draw up the cleaning rota.rota + NOUNscheme, systemPREPOSITIONon the rotarota forAre you on the rota for cooking?PHRASESon a rota basisWe share the babysitting duties on a rota basis.

rotary

rotaryadj.

Rotary is used with these nouns:

Rotate is used with these nouns as the subject:

rotate

rotateverb

verbADVERB | VERB + rotate | PREPOSITIONADVERBquickly, rapidlygently, slowlyfreelyback and forthVERB + rotateallow sth toIt is best to allow the rotor to rotate freely.PREPOSITIONaroundThe blades rotate around a central point.onThe earth rotates on its axis.throughThe handle rotates through 360 degrees.

earth

Rotate is used with these nouns as the object:

crop, degree, hip, shoulder

rotate through

rotate throughphr verb

Rotate through is used with these nouns as the object:

angle

rotating

rotatingadj.

Rotating is used with these nouns:

exhibit, presidency

rotation

rotationnoun

Rotation is used after these nouns:

rotational

rotationaladj.

Rotational is used with these nouns:

movement, symmetry

rote

rotenoun

Rote is used before these nouns:

learning, repetition

rotor

rotornoun

Rotor is used before these nouns:

rotten

rottenadj.

Rotten is used with these nouns:

apple, deal, egg, food, fruit, luck, meat, mood, plank, timber, tomato, tooth, vegetables, weather, wood

rotting

rottingadj.

Rotting is used with these nouns:

corpse, flesh, garbage, leaf, log, meat, timber, vegetation, wood

rough

roughadj.

Rough is used with these nouns:

approximation, bark, calculation, childhood, cider, coat, consensus, country, crossing, deal, division, draft, edge, equivalent, estimate, exterior, figure, grass, ground, guess, guide, hand, handling, idea, indication, indicator, justice, landing, map, material, neighbourhood, night, ocean, outline, passage, patch, play, ride, road, rock, sea, sex, shape, sketch, skin, stone, stretch, surface, table, terrain, texture, timber, time, track, trail, translation, treatment, version, voice, water, weather, wood, wool

roughly roulette

roulettenoun

Roulette is used before these nouns:

Round is used with these nouns as the subject:

round

roundnounverbPHRASAL VERBadj.

I. noun1 series of events2 regular series of visits, etc.3 number of drinks4 part of a competition5 (in golf) one game6 bullets1 series of eventsADJECTIVE | VERB + round | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEendless, longLife to him was one long round of parties.fresh, further, latest, newearlier, previousVERB + roundbegin, startholdcompletePREPOSITIONround ofa fresh round of peace talks

2 regular series of visits, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + round | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdaily, weekly (esp. BrE)milk, paper (both BrE)VERB + rounddo, makeThe milkman does his round very early. (BrE)completePREPOSITIONon sb's round (esp. BrE)a doctor on his round

3 number of drinksVERB + round | PHRASESVERB + roundbuy, orderI bought the last round.PHRASESit's my round (= it's my turn to buy the drinks)a round of drinksWe just had time for one more round of drinks.

4 part of a competitionADJECTIVE | VERB + round | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfirst, second, etc.Italy qualified for the second round of the tournament by beating Germany.early, last, next, previousopening, preliminaryfinalqualifyingVERB + roundmake, reachHe has never made the fourth round of the tournament.winAli won the next round convincingly.losePREPOSITIONin a/the roundChina was knocked out in the second round.

5 (in golf) one gameADJECTIVE | VERB + round | PHRASESADJECTIVEpracticeI finished the practice round and went in to have lunch.VERB + roundhave, play, shootPHRASESa round of golfWe had a good round of golf today.

6 bulletsADJECTIVE | VERB + round | PHRASESADJECTIVEliveblankartillery, mortarVERB + roundfireThe soldiers fired several blank rounds into the crowd.PHRASESa round of ammunition

II. verb

PHRASAL VERBround sth offADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBnicely (esp. BrE)A coffee would round the meal off nicely.PREPOSITIONwithWe rounded off the day with a picnic.

Round is used with these nouns as the object:

bend, corner, curve, turn

III. adj.

Round is used with these nouns:

arch, belly, bracket, breast, end, face, figure, glasses, hole, hut, mirror, neck, shape, shoulder, spectacles, stone, sum, table, tower, trip

roundabout

roundaboutadj.

Roundabout is used with these nouns:

fashion, route, way

round-bottom

round-bottomadj.

Round-bottom is used with these nouns:

flask

rounded

roundedadj.

adj.1 having a round shape2 complete and balanced1 having a round shapeVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBgently, slightly, softlybeautifully, nicely, perfectlybeautifully rounded arches

2 complete and balancedVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBwellfullya fully rounded education

Rounded is used with these nouns:

arch, base, buttock, corner, edge, hill, shape, vowel

roundhouse

roundhouseadj.

Roundhouse is used with these nouns:

kick

rounding

roundingnoun

Rounding is used before these nouns:

error

roundly

roundlyadv.

Roundly is used with these verbs:

condemn, criticize, curse, defeat, denounce, reject

round-robin

round-robinadj.

Round-robin is used with these nouns:

round-table

round-tableadj.

Round-table is used with these nouns:

discussion, talk

round-the-clock

round-the-clockadj.

Round-the-clock is used with these nouns:

coverage, guard, surveillance, vigil

round-the-world

round-the-worldadj.

Round-the-world is used with these nouns:

trip, voyage

round trip

round tripnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + round trip | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVE25-mile, etc.two-hour, etc.daily (esp. AmE), etc.I have a daily round trip of three hours.VERB + round tripmakeIt took two days to make the round trip.PREPOSITIONround trip froma 300-mile round trip from Los Angeles to Palm Springsround trip to

round up

round upphr verb

Round up is used with these nouns as the object:

cattle, sheep, suspect

round-up

round-upnoun

Round-up is used after these nouns:

news

rouse

rouseverb

Rouse is used with these nouns as the object:

conscience, passion

rouse from

rouse fromphr verb

Rouse from is used with these nouns as the object:

rousing

rousingadj.

Rousing is used with these nouns:

cheer, chorus, finale, hymn, reception, speech, success, welcome

rout

routnounverb

I. nounVERB + routVERB + routbecome, turn intoThe game ended in a total rout.put sb toThey put the rebel army to rout.start (esp. BrE)complete (esp. BrE)

II. verb

Rout is used with these nouns as the object:

Route is used with these nouns as the object:

route

routenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + route | route + VERB | route + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfast, quick, shortThe shortest route home is along the shore.convenient, easybestlongdirectcircuitous, circular, indirect, roundabout, tortuous (esp. BrE)a circuitous route through the narrow side streetsdangerous, safeattractive, beautiful (esp. BrE), scenicWe had plenty of time so we took the scenic route.accessiblealternate (AmE), alternative, differentThe snow forced us to take an alternative route.main, major, trunk (esp. BrE)air, overland, seabus, cycle (BrE)shipping, supply, tradecoastaleast-west, southerly, southern, etc.transatlantic (esp. BrE), transcontinental (esp. AmE), etc.touristmigrationwell-travelled/well-traveledtraditionalaccessescapeparadeVERB + routefollow, go, take, usechoose, find, map out, plan, work outYou'll have to plan your route carefully.tryknowThe bus driver did not seem to know the route.traceretraceWe retraced our route in an attempt to get back on the right path.fly, travelThe airline currently flies this route twice a day.route + VERBcross sth, follow sth, go, pass through sth, run, take sbThe alternative route takes you along the river.turn (esp. BrE)leadlieOur route lay straight ahead and downhill.connect sth, link sththe trade routes linking Persia and Chinaroute + NOUNmapPREPOSITIONalong the routeThere are plenty of hotels along the route.on the routeWe live on the school bus route.route betweenthe most direct route between Bangkok and Chiang Mairoute fromthe air route from Berlin to Beijingroute througha scenic route through the south of Franceroute tothe shortest route to Manilathe best route to successPHRASESen route (= on the way)We'll stop for lunch en route.

II. verb

Routine is used with these nouns:

routine

routinenounadj.

I. noun1 normal order/way of doing things2 series of movements, jokes, etc.1 normal order/way of doing thingsADJECTIVE | VERB + routine | PHRASESADJECTIVEsetstrictdull, humdrum (esp. BrE), monotonousfamiliar, normal, old, regular, same, usuala break in my usual routinedaily, day-to-day, morningdomestic, school, workVERB + routineestablish, fall into, get into, settle intoIt took me a week to settle into a routine.follow, go throughWe go through the same old routine every morning.begin, startbreak, change, varyhaveEveryone has their own morning routine.knowI'm sure you know the routine by now.PHRASESa change from the routine, a change in routine, a change of routineThe children were confused by the change of routine.a matter of routineBags of all visitors to the museum are searched as a matter of routine.

2 series of movements, jokes, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + routineADJECTIVEcomedy, stand-updanceexercise, fitness, training, workoutVERB + routinelearnperform

II. adj.

administration, care, check, check-up, chore, collection, duty, enquiry, exam, examination, flight, inspection, job, maintenance, management, matter, mission, monitoring, nature, operation, patrol, physical, practice, procedure, scan, search, surveillance, task, test, use, vaccination, visit, work, X-ray

routinely

routinelyadv.

Routinely is used with these verbs:

beat, conduct, deny, dismiss, employ, engage, exceed, handle, ignore, immunize, monitor, perform, practise, prescribe, process, recommend, record, screen, test, torture, use, violate

rove

roveverb

Rove is used with these nouns as the subject:

roving

rovingadj.

Roving is used with these nouns:

ambassador, commission, reporter

row

rownoun¹noun²verb

I. noun¹ADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbottom, middle, topback, frontfirst, second, etc.horizontal, verticaldouble, singleneatShe arranged the chairs in two neat rows.longendlessendless rows of identical housesPREPOSITIONin a/the rowThe children stood in a row.It rained for five days in a row (= without a break).We have seats in the front row.row ofa long row of housesPHRASESthe end of the row, the middle of the rowrows and rows, row upon rowHe looked down at row upon row of eager faces.

II. noun² (informal, esp. BrE)ADJECTIVE | VERB + row | row + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEalmighty, awful, big, bitter, blazing, fearful, ferocious, fierce, flaming, furious, great, huge, major, serious, terrible, tremendous, unholy (BrE), violentWe had a blazing row over who should do the cooking.domestic, familystand-upA couple was having a stand-up row in the street.publicdrunkenlong-runningdiplomatic, politicalVERB + rowhavekick up (BrE)I'm going to kick up a row if I don't get my money back.causeget intorow + VERBblow up, break out, develop, eruptA row blew up over salary increases.go on, rage, rage onPREPOSITIONin a/the rowHe came to prominence in the row over defence policy.row about, row overCarol and I had a terrible row about how much money she spends.row betweena row between the left and right wings of the partyrow witha row with my mother

III. verb

Row is used with these nouns as the object:

boat, dinghy

rowdy

rowdyadj.

Rowdy is used with these nouns:

bunch, teenager

rowing

rowingnoun

Rowing is used before these nouns:

boat, machine, squad

royal

royaladj.

Royal is used with these nouns:

administration, aide, apartment, approval, army, assent, banquet, blood, blue, box, carriage, castle, chapel, charter, circle, coach, commission, court, crown, decree, dynasty, engagement, envoy, estate, family, favour, gala, guard, heir, household, icing, manor, mess, official, opening, palace, pardon, physician, portrait, prerogative, proclamation, residence, robe, seal, servant, summons, throne, treasure, vault, visit, warrant, wedding, yacht

royalty

royaltynoun

noun1 members of a royal family2 (usually royalties) money paid to an author, etc.1 members of a royal familyADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEminor (esp. BrE)PHRASESin the presence of royaltyShe behaved as if she were in the presence of royalty.

2 (usually royalties) money paid to an author, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + royalty | royalty + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEperformanceunpaid (esp. BrE)VERB + royaltypaycollect, earn, get, receivechargeroyalty + NOUNcheque/check, fee, paymentratePREPOSITIONin royaltysShe earns a lot in royalties.royalty from, royalty onHe has received royalties on previous inventions.PHRASESan advance against royalties, an advance on royalties

RPnoun

RP is used before these nouns:

accent

R-rated

R-ratedadj.

R-rated is used with these nouns:

Rub is used after these nouns:

rub

rubnounverb

I. noun

back, spice

II. verbADVERB | VERB + rub | PREPOSITIONADVERBhard, vigorouslyHe rubbed his face vigorously with the towel.wellPut a little cream onto each hand and rub it in well.gently, lightlyHe gently rubbed his swollen nose.slowlyShe rubbed her chin thoughtfully.absently (esp. AmE)in, togetherHe began to rub his hands together in glee.VERB + rubbegin toPREPOSITIONagainstThe cat rubbed against my legs.atShe stood up, rubbing at her back.intoRub the cream well into your skin.onShe rubbed her hands on her apron.withI rubbed my glasses with my handkerchief.

Rub is used with these nouns as the object:

back, beard, belly, butter, cheek, chin, dirt, eye, forehead, hand, head, jaw, neck, nose, oil, palm, penis, shin, stomach, temple, tummy, wrist

rubber

rubbernoun

Rubber is used before these nouns:

ball, boat, boot, bullet, dinghy, duck, glove, mat, mould, pad, plantation, raft, sandal, sheet, shoe, sole, stamp, truncheon, tube

rubbery

rubberyadj.

Rubbery is used with these nouns:

consistency

rubbish

rubbishnoun

noun1 (esp. BrE) waste material2 (BrE) sth that you think is bad/silly/wrongSee also garbage, trash1 (esp. BrE) waste materialADJECTIVE | … OF RUBBISH | VERB + rubbish | rubbish + VERB | rubbish + NOUNADJECTIVEdomestic, householdgarden… OF RUBBISHbag, piletonsVERB + rubbishput outI forgot to put the rubbish out last night.collect, remove, take awayThe rubbish is collected on Tuesdays.clear, clear out, dispose of, dump, throw, throw away, throw outHe's clearing rubbish out of the attic.Someone had dumped their rubbish by the road.Throw the rubbish in the bin.leaveDon't leave your rubbish on the bus.strew, strew around (both usually passive)There was rubbish strewn around everywhere.pick uprubbish + VERBdecay, rotrubbish + NOUNbag, bin, skipdump, heap, tipcollection, disposalchute

2 (BrE) sth that you think is bad/silly/wrongADJECTIVE | VERB + rubbish | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEabsolute, complete, total, utterThe film was absolute rubbish.worthlessMany critics see the paintings as worthless rubbish.oldThe antique shop was just full of old rubbish.VERB + rubbishtalkDon't talk such rubbish!PREPOSITIONrubbish aboutthe usual rubbish about his undiscovered talentsPHRASESa load of rubbishWhat he said was just a load of old rubbish.what rubbish!

rubble

rubblenoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF RUBBLE | VERB + rubble | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbuilding (esp. BrE)… OF RUBBLEheap, pileWhat was once a house was now a crumbling heap of rubble.VERB + rubblebe reduced toThe school was reduced to rubble.clear, clear awaysearch, search through, sift throughRescue workers are searching the rubble for survivors.Police sifted through the rubble looking for clues.PREPOSITIONamid the rubble, among the rubbleShe stood among the rubble left by the earthquake.beneath the rubble, under the rubbleOur car was buried somewhere under the rubble.in the rubbleSeveral people were trapped in the rubble.

rubella

rubellanoun

Rubella is used before these nouns:

vaccination, vaccine

rub in

rub inphr verb

Rub in is used with these nouns as the object:

butter, flour, lotion, margarine

rub into

rub intophr verb

Rub into is used with these nouns as the object:

rub off

rub offphr verb

Rub off is used with these nouns as the object:

rub on

rub onphr verb

Rub on is used with these nouns as the object:

ointment

rub out

rub outphr verb

Rub out is used with these nouns as the object:

ruby

rubyadj.

Ruby is used with these nouns:

red

rucksack

rucksacknoun

(BrE) nounSee also backpackVERB + rucksack | PREPOSITIONVERB + rucksackpackopenput on, shoulderslingShe slung her rucksack over her shoulder.pull off, take offcarry, have on, wearHe had a large rucksack on.PREPOSITIONin a/the rucksackHe had very little in his rucksack.

ruddy

ruddyadj.

Ruddy is used with these nouns:

complexion, face

rude

rudeadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, feel, seem, soundbecomeconsider sth, find sb, think sb/sthI hope you won't think me rude if I leave early.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.downright, incredibly, plain, terriblyHe wasn't just impolite—he was downright rude.a little, slightly, etc.PREPOSITIONaboutHe's very rude about her cooking.toDon't be so rude to your mother!

Rude is used with these nouns:

awakening, comment, gesture, interruption, manner, noise, remark, shock, sign, word

rudely

rudelyadv.

Rudely is used with these verbs:

interrupt, shatter, snub

rudimentary

rudimentaryadj.

Rudimentary is used with these nouns:

knowledge, understanding

rueful

ruefuladj.

Rueful is used with these nouns:

grin, laugh, smile

ruefully

ruefullyadv.

Ruefully is used with these verbs:

grin, laugh, note, reflect, remark, shake, smile, think

ruffle

ruffleverb

Ruffle is used with these nouns as the subject:

breeze

Ruffle is used with these nouns as the object:

composure, curl, feather, hair

rug

rugnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + rug | rug + VERBADJECTIVEhearth (usually hearthrug)oriental, PersianVERB + rugmake, weaverug + VERBcover sthA Persian rug covered the polished floor.

rugby

rugbynoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF RUGBY | VERB + rugby | rugby + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEamateur, professionalcompetitive, representativejunior (esp. BrE), school, student, youthseniorclub (esp. BrE), leaguefirst-class (esp. BrE), international, test, worldtouchwheelchairrunning (BrE)The crowd enjoyed the Fijians' running rugby.… OF RUGBYgameVERB + rugbyplaywatchrugby + NOUNscrum, tackleclub, side (esp. BrE), teamchampionship, game, international, matchtourball, postsboots (esp. BrE), jersey, shirtfield, pitch (BrE)forward, international, playerthe former rugby international, Serge Blancocoachofficialcareerseasonbuff, enthusiast, fan, follower, supportercircles, community, fraternity, peoplecountry, nationPHRASESRugby League, Rugby Union

rugged

ruggedadj.

Rugged is used with these nouns:

cliff, coast, coastline, countryside, face, feature, grandeur, hill, landscape, mountain, terrain

ruggedly

ruggedlyadv.

Ruggedly is used with these adjectives:

handsome

ruin

ruinnounverb

I. noun1 spoiled state2 end of success, hopes, etc.3 damaged building, town, etc.1 spoiled stateADJECTIVE | VERB + ruin | PHRASESADJECTIVEcomplete, utterVERB + ruinfall into, go toThe house gradually fell into ruin.PHRASESbe the ruin of sb/sthDrinking has been the ruin of her.go to rack and ruin (esp. BrE)They've let the house go to rack and ruin.

2 end of success, hopes, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + ruin | PHRASESADJECTIVEeconomic, financialVERB + ruinfaceThe company faces ruin over the new road plans.bring, lead to, mean, spellThe cost would have meant financial ruin for us.save fromPHRASESon the brink of ruin, on the verge of ruinthe road to ruinHe's on the road to political ruin.

3 damaged building, town, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + ruin | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEancient, oldcharred, smoking, smouldering/smolderingthe charred ruins of their homecrumblingcastle, temple, etc.VERB + ruinbe in ruins, lie in ruinsThe church now lies in ruins.leave sth in ruinsThe earthquake left the town in ruins.PREPOSITIONruins ofthe ancient ruins of Jericho

II. verbADVERB | VERB + ruinADVERBcompletely, totallyThe experience has completely ruined her life.nearlyeffectivelyfinanciallyThe long legal battle ruined him financially.VERB + ruinthreaten toA knee injury threatened to ruin her Olympic hopes.be going toAll this mud is going to ruin my shoes.

Ruin is used with these nouns as the object:

appetite, atmosphere, career, chance, dress, economy, ending, evening, friendship, fun, health, image, life, mood, party, plan, prospect, relationship, reputation, surprise, vacation

ruined

ruinedadj.

Ruined is used with these nouns:

castle, city, monastery, temple, tower

ruinously

ruinouslyadv.

Ruinously is used with these adjectives:

Rule is used with these nouns as the subject:

rule

rulenounverbPHRASAL VERB

I. noun1 what you can or cannot do, say, etc.2 what is usual3 government1 what you can or cannot do, say, etc.ADJECTIVE | … OF RULES | VERB + rule | rule + VERB | rule + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbasic, cardinal, first, fundamental, goldenground rulesYou and your room-mates should establish some ground rules.generalspecialformal, official, writteninformal, unspoken, unwrittenold, traditionalthe traditional rules of grammarcurrent, existingproposednewrigid, strict, stringentabsolute, hard and fastThere are no hard and fast rules when it comes to choosing a typeface.clearsimpleFollow these few simple rules, and you won't go far wrong.arbitrarypetty (esp. BrE)He made his children's lives a misery with all his petty rules.club, company, competition, house, school, union, etc.federal, global, internationalfederal rules on campaign fund-raisingcultural, ethical, legal, moral, socialaccounting, disciplinary, immigration, privacy (esp. AmE), safety, taxgrammar, grammatical… OF RULESsetThe aim is to get each member country to adhere to a single set of rules.VERB + rulecreate, develop, draw up, establish, formulate, impose, issue, lay down, make, set out, writeThe rules were drawn up to make it fair for everyone.You don't make the rules, you know.abide by, accept, adhere to, follow, go by, obey, observe, play by, stick toIf he wanted a loan he would have to play by the bank's rules.be in line with, conform toThe packaging does not conform to EU rules.haveThe sport has strict rules for player safety.be in breach of, break, disregard, fall foul of (BrE), flout, ignore, violateTheir action was in breach of Stock Exchange rules.apply, enforceThe referee applied the rules to the letter (= very strictly).adopt, usebend, relaxCouldn't they just bend the rules and let us in without a ticket?waivetighten upThe rules on claiming have been tightened up.change, rewriteThe Internet has changed the rules of business.The rules of dating have had to be rewritten, thanks to the movies.be bound by, be governed byEmployees are bound by rules of confidentiality.know, learn, rememberYou should know the rules by now.readexplaininterpret, understandThe punishment depends on how the umpire interprets the rules.rule + VERBapply, be applicable, operatecome into effect, come into forceNew accounting rules come into force next year.dictate sth, provide sth (formal), require sth, say sth, state sth, stipulate sthThe competition rules provide that a cash alternative may be given.govern sththe rules governing the importing of livestockallow sth, allow for sth, permit sthThe existing rules allow for some flexibility.forbid sth, prevent sth, prohibit sthlimit sth, restrict sthrules limiting importschangeThe rules keep changing.rule + NOUNbookThe officials went strictly by the rule book.changeSeveral proposed rule changes have been announced.PREPOSITIONaccording to the rulesAccording to the rules, no alcohol can be consumed on the premises.against the rules, contrary to the rulesTackling a player without the ball is against the rules.in accordance with the rulesThe music was turned off at midnight, in accordance with the rules.outside the rulesconduct which is outside the rulesunder a/the ruleUnder this rule, only full members of the club are entitled to vote.within the rulesI believed I was acting within the rules.rule about, rule concerning, rule on, rule regarding, rule relating toWhat are the school rules about dress?rule forThere seems to be one rule for the rich and another for the poor.What is the rule for forming plurals?rule ofthe rules of the gamePHRASESa breach of the rules, a violation of the rulesa body of rules, a code of rules, a system of rulesrespect for the rulesrules and regulationsrule of thumb (= a practical method of doing or measuring sth)

2 what is usualADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgeneralThere are few exceptions to the general rule that bars close at midnight.PREPOSITIONas a ruleAs a rule, hardly anybody uses this road.PHRASESbe the ruleAmong her friends, casual dress and a relaxed manner are the rule.

3 governmentADJECTIVE | VERB + rule | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEauthoritarian, harshdirect, indirectemergencyThe president imposed emergency rule following the riots.majorityone-partyCommunist, Labour, Republican, etc.colonial, imperialhomecivilian, militarypresidentialconstitutional, democraticmobthe lawless days of mob ruleVERB + ruleimposePREPOSITIONunder … ruleThe country remained under direct rule by the occupying powers.PHRASESthe rule of lawa society based on the rule of law

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBjustlyPREPOSITIONbythe president's powers to rule by decreeoverHe left his son to rule over Saragossa.PHRASESrule supremerule with an iron fist, rule with an iron hand, rule with a rod of iron (esp. BrE) (= control a person or group of people very severely)

PHRASAL VERBrule sth outADVERB | VERB + rule out | PREPOSITIONADVERBaltogether, categorically, completely, definitely (esp. BrE), entirely, totallyThis theory cannot be ruled out altogether.virtually (esp. BrE)effectivelyHis age effectively ruled him out as a possible candidate.apparentlyautomaticallyInfringement of this regulation would automatically rule you out of the championship.immediatelypreviously (esp. BrE)VERB + rule outcannot, refuse toWe cannot rule out the possibility of a recession.PREPOSITIONasPolice have now ruled her out as the killer.

chaos, court, dynasty, enquiry, judge, king, lord, magistrate, monarch, panel, queen, regime, tribunal, tyrant

Rule is used with these nouns as the object:

country, earth, empire, kingdom, land, territory, world

rule in

rule inphr verb

Rule in is used with these nouns as the object:

favour

rule out

rule outphr verb

Rule out is used with these nouns as the object:

foul play, possibility, redundancy

rule over

rule overphr verb

Rule over is used with these nouns as the subject:

king, queen

ruler

rulernoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgreateffective, good, powerful, strongweakenlightenedabsolutean absolute ruler who will tolerate no oppositionauthoritarian, autocratic, despoticsovereignsupremehereditary (esp. BrE)legitimate, rightfulindependent (esp. BrE)formercurrentnewfuturecolonial, militarylocalsecularPREPOSITIONunder a/the rulerThe country was finally united under one ruler.ruler overHe eventually became ruler over all Egypt.

ruling

rulingnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + ruling | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEauthoritative (esp. BrE), definitiveunanimousadversefavourable/favorable (esp. AmE)controversialimportantpreliminaryoriginalfinalprevious, recentcourt, judicial, legalfederalVERB + rulinggive, hand down, issue, makeoverturn, reverseThe court overturned the original ruling.upholdbase on sthThe judge's ruling is based on legal precedent.followappealPREPOSITIONruling againstthe European Court's ruling against detention without trialruling bythe ruling by the High Courtruling in favour/favor ofThe newspaper said that this was a ruling in favour/favor of freedom of speech.ruling onThe House will make a final ruling on the case next week.

II. adj.

Ruling is used with these nouns:

class, coalition, council, dynasty, elite, executive, junta, party, regime

rumble

rumblenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + rumble | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeep, lowdullloudfaint, softdistantominousVERB + rumblegive, let outhearfeelPREPOSITIONwith a rumbleThe door slid shut with a rumble.rumble ofPHRASESthe rumble of thunderWe could hear the distant rumble of thunder.

II. verb

Rumble is used with these nouns as the subject:

cart, stomach, thunder, traffic, train, truck, tummy

rumbling

rumblingadj.

Rumbling is used with these nouns:

stomach, thunder

rummage

rummagenoun

Rummage is used before these nouns:

rummage around in

rummage around inphr verb

Rummage around in is used with these nouns as the object:

handbag

rummage in

rummage inphr verb

Rummage in is used with these nouns as the object:

bag, drawer, handbag, pocket

rummage through

rummage throughphr verb

Rummage through is used with these nouns as the object:

closet, drawer, purse

rumour

rumournoun

(BrE) (AmE rumor) nounADJECTIVE | VERB + rumour/rumor | rumour/rumor + VERB | rumour/rumor + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEmalicious, nasty, scurrilous, ugly, viciousbaseless, false, unconfirmed, unfounded, unsubstantiated, wildpersistent, strong, widespreadtradeInternetVERB + rumour/rumorstartfuelHis lengthy absence will fuel rumours that he has been fired.spreadhearbelievedenyconfirmThe actor confirmed rumours that he will be leaving the series.quash, scotch (esp. BrE), silenceThe Chief Executive issued a statement to quash rumours of financial problems.rumour/rumor + VERBcirculate, get around, go around, go round (esp. BrE), spreadabound, be flying, be flying about (esp. BrE), be flying around, be rifeRumours about an impending divorce were rife.sweep sth (esp. BrE), sweep through sth (esp. AmE)The rumour quickly swept the town.persistrumour/rumor + NOUNfactory (BrE), millThe Washington rumour mill suggests the money changed hands illegally.PREPOSITIONamid rumoursThe manager resigned suddenly amidst rumours of misconduct.rumour about, rumour concerning, rumour surroundingrumours surrounding the closure of the hospitalrumour ofThere were persistent rumours of drug-taking among staff.PHRASESrumour has it that … Among the other employees, rumour has it that he was fired from his last job.there is no truth in the rumourThere is no truth in the rumour that she is about to resign.

rump

rumpnoun

Rump is used before these nouns:

rumpled

rumpledadj.

Rumpled is used with these nouns:

clothes, sheet

run

runnounverb

I. noun1 on foot2 of success/failure3 of a play, film/movie, etc.4 way things are/happen5 of product6 in sports7 attempt/practice8 attempt to win political office1 on footADJECTIVE | VERB + run | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfive-mile, etc.fun, sponsored (esp. BrE)The school has organized a two-mile fun run for charity.trainingrecord, record-breakingThe Ethiopian is aiming to produce his second record-breaking run of the week.VERB + rungo for, haveLet's go for a run before dinner.go onI'm going on a fun run tomorrow.break intoWhen he saw me he broke into a run.takeHe took a run at the wall and just managed to clear it.PREPOSITIONat a runShe took the stairs at a run.on the runThe prisoners have now been on the run (= escaping by running) for three days.I usually eat breakfast on the run (= while going somewhere).PHRASESmake a run for it (= escape by running)

2 of success/failureADJECTIVE | VERB + run | run + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbad, disappointing, disastrous, dismal, poorexcellent, fine, good, remarkable, successfulunbeaten, winningrecord-breakingVERB + runenjoy, haveSpurs have had a winning run of ten games.beginendManchester United have finally ended their run of victories.run + VERBbeginendPREPOSITIONrun ofa run of good/bad luck

3 of a play, film/movie, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + run | run + VERBADJECTIVEtheatrical (AmE)longshorteight-week, six-month, etc.successfulsell-outVERB + runhaveThe play had a long run in the West End.begin, endThey play began its run last June.extendThe show has had its run extended till March.run + VERBbeginend

4 way things are/happenADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEcommon, general, ordinary, usualShe was very different from the general run of American movie stars.In the normal run of things the only exercise he gets is climbing in and out of taxis.PHRASESagainst the run of play (BrE)Villa scored in the 15th minute against the run of play (= although the other team had seemed more likely to score).

5 of productADJECTIVEADJECTIVEprint, productiona print run of 20 000

6 in sportsADJECTIVE | VERB + run | run + NOUNADJECTIVEhomeplay-off, stretch (both AmE)VERB + runget, hit, make, play (AmE), scoreThey've scored another run!He's only made four home runs all season.be on, haveOur team is on 90 runs.allowrun + NOUNdefense, game, support (all AmE)

7 attempt/practiceADJECTIVEADJECTIVEdry, dummy, practice, trial

8 attempt to win political officeADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpresidentialPREPOSITIONrun forSenator Blake's run for the presidency

II. verb1 move quickly on foot2 manage sth3 work4 happen5 buses/trains6 (esp. AmE) be a candidate in an election1 move quickly on footADVERB | VERB + run | PREPOSITIONADVERBfast, quicklyJohn can run very fast.She ran quickly downstairs.blindly, headlongfranticallyaway, off, outhomedownstairs, upstairsVERB + runbegin to, start toget up and, jump up and, turn and, turn towant toHe just wanted to run away and hide.PREPOSITIONdownShe turned and ran blindly down the street.intoHe ran headlong into an enemy patrol.out ofHe ran out of the house.to, towards/toward, up, etc.

2 manage sthADVERB | VERB + runADVERBefficiently, properly, wellbadlya badly run companyprofessionallyprivatelyjointlyThe school is jointly run with the local parish.independentlyThe group is run independently of college authorities.VERB + runtry toStop trying to run my life for me.manage tohelp (to), help sb (to)

3 workADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBefficiently, smoothlyThe engine was running very smoothly.continuouslyPREPOSITIONonOur car only runs on unleaded.PHRASESbe up and runningWe soon had the sound system up and running.

4 happenADVERBADVERBsmoothlyThings ran very smoothly for a while.concurrently, consecutively, simultaneouslyHe was given two twelve-month sentences to run concurrently.in parallel, in tandemThe two experiments run in parallel.

5 buses/trainsADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBregularlyLocal buses run regularly to and from the school.lateThe train was running late, as usual.PREPOSITIONbetween, from, to

6 (esp. AmE) be a candidate in an electionADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBsuccessfully, unsuccessfullyHe ran unsuccessfully for the Senate in New York.PREPOSITIONforHe hopes to run for president in 2016.

Run is used with these nouns as the subject:

application, argument, blood, bus, cable, chip, college, colour, computer, course, crack, ditch, dog, electricity, engine, exhibit, exhibition, eye, ferry, footpath, footstep, generator, horse, hound, lane, lease, ledge, line, machine, magazine, make-up, mascara, meter, motor, mouse, murmur, nerve, nose, path, pipe, power, program, railway, reactor, river, road, route, scar, sentiment, servant, shiver, shower, software, spider, stream, street, stripe, system, tap, taste, term, tide, trail, train, tram, tremor, trust, tunnel, volunteer, water, wire, worker, year

Run is used with these nouns as the object:

ad, advert, advertisement, affair, airline, appliance, application, article, ball, bar, bath, blockade, blog, boutique, brothel, brush, business, cable, cafe, campaign, candidate, car, charity, check, class, clinic, club, column, comb, command, commercial, company, computer, contest, country, course, crèche, danger, deficit, department, desk, dishwasher, division, economy, editorial, election, empire, engine, enterprise, errand, estate, excerpt, excursion, experiment, factory, farm, feature, festival, fever, finance, finger, fingernail, firm, franchise, fund, gamut, garage, government, group, hand, headline, health service, home, hotel, hotline, household, inn, lap, length, lottery, machine, marathon, meeting, mile, mill, mine, ministry, mission, museum, network, newspaper, office, operation, palm, pipe, plant, play, playgroup, poll, practice, prison, program, programme, project, racket, raffle, railway, reactor, relay, restaurant, risk, scan, scheme, school, search, seminar, service, session, shop, simulation, site, software, stall, station, store, story, surplus, syndicate, system, tap, team, temperature, test, thing, tongue, train, trust, washing machine, website, wire, workshop

run along

run alongphr verb

Run along is used with these nouns as the subject:

Run along is used with these nouns as the object:

rail

run around

run aroundphr verb

Run around is used with these nouns as the object:

run at

run atphr verb

Run at is used with these nouns as the subject:

deficit, inflation

Run at is used with these nouns as the object:

speed

run away

run awayphr verb

Run away is used with these nouns as the subject:

imagination

runaway

runawayadj.

Runaway is used with these nouns:

hit, horse, inflation, slave, success, train, win, winner

run down

run downphr verb

Run down is used with these nouns as the subject:

battery, chill, corridor, perspiration, sweat, tear

Run down is used with these nouns as the object:

ball, flight, industry, stair, staircase, step

run-down

run-downadj.

Run-down is used with these nouns:

building, estate, neighbourhood, shack, shopping centre, state, tenement

run for

run forphr verb

Run for is used with these nouns as the object:

bus, cover, election, exit, mayor, office, presidency, president, seat, shelter, train

run from

run fromphr verb

Run from is used with these nouns as the subject:

year

run in

run inphr verb

Run in is used with these nouns as the object:

family, race, relay

run into

run intophr verb

Run into is used with these nouns as the object:

acquaintance, ambush, controversy, difficulty, opposition, problem, resistance, room, snag, trouble

runner

runnernoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEfast, good, great, powerful, topdistance, long-distance, marathon, middle-distancecross-country, fell (BrE)Olympicbase, pinch, route (all AmE)fancied (BrE)one of the fancied runners in today's racefront (often figurative)He is currently the front runner for the Democratic Party presidential nomination.

runner-up

runner-upnoun

Runner-up is used before these nouns:

finish, prize, spot

running

runningnounadj.

I. noun1 activity/sport2 management of business, etc.1 activity/sportADJECTIVE | running + NOUNADJECTIVEcross-country, fell (BrE)distance, long-distance, marathon, middle-distancerunning + NOUNevent, racegearclothes (AmE), pants (AmE), shoe, shorts, tights (AmE), vest (BrE)track

2 management of business, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + running | running + NOUNADJECTIVEefficient, smoothCareful planning is needed to ensure the smooth running of the event.day-to-dayVERB + runningbe involved in, be responsible forrunning + NOUNcosts, expenses

II. adj.

Running is used with these nouns:

battle, catch, commentary, dive, fight, footstep, gag, joke, jump, leap, play, repair, rugby, sore, speed, start, stitch, tap, total, water

runny

runnyadj.

Runny is used with these nouns:

consistency, honey, nose

run off

run offphr verb

Run off is used with these nouns as the subject:

printer

Run off is used with these nouns as the object:

copy

run-off

run-offnoun

Run-off is used before these nouns:

run on

run onphr verb

Run on is used with these nouns as the subject:

Run on is used with these nouns as the object:

battery, diesel, fuel, gasoline, petrol, rail, ticket

run-on

run-onadj.

Run-on is used with these nouns:

sentence

run onto

run ontophr verb

Run onto is used with these nouns as the object:

pitch

run out

run outphr verb

Run out is used with these nouns as the subject:

battery, food, funding, lease, licence, luck, patience, pen, supply, term, time, warranty

run out of

run out ofphr verb

Run out of is used with these nouns as the object:

ammunition, cash, excuse, fund, gasoline, money, patience, petrol, room, supply, time

run over

run overphr verb

Run over is used with these nouns as the subject:

run round

run roundphr verb

Run round is used with these nouns as the object:

run through

run throughphr verb

Run through is used with these nouns as the subject:

chill, excitement, hand, pipeline, ripple, shudder, theme, thought, thread

Run through is used with these nouns as the object:

checklist, curl, gamut, scene, tangle, vein

run to

run tophr verb

Run to is used with these nouns as the subject:

year

Run to is used with these nouns as the object:

fat, seed

run up

run upphr verb

Run up is used with these nouns as the subject:

chill

Run up is used with these nouns as the object:

bill, debt, deficit, flag, flight, overdraft, stair, staircase, step

run up against

run up againstphr verb

Run up against is used with these nouns as the object:

opposition

runway

runwaynoun

Runway is used before these nouns:

model, show

Runway is used after these nouns:

fashion

rupture

ruptureverb

Rupture is used with these nouns as the subject:

appendix

Rupture is used with these nouns as the object:

ligament, tank, tendon

ruptured

rupturedadj.

Ruptured is used with these nouns:

appendix

rural

ruraladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.largely, mainly, mostly, predominantlySri Lanka's predominantly rural population

Rural is used with these nouns:

area, character, charm, clinic, community, constituency, cottage, council, counterpart, countryside, county, craft, crime, culture, deprivation, development, dialect, district, dweller, economy, environment, estate, existence, farmer, fox, highway, household, housing, inhabitant, labourer, land, landscape, life, migrant, population, poverty, region, retreat, road, scene, school, sector, setting, settlement, slum, society, sociology, surroundings, town, transport, unemployment, village, voter, worker

ruse

rusenoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEclever, elaboratePREPOSITIONruse by sbThe attack may merely be a ruse by the enemy to distract our forces.

rush

rushnounverb

I. noun1 sudden movement or emotion2 busy period1 sudden movement or emotionADJECTIVE | VERB + rush | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEheadlong, suddenadrenalin, sugarNothing can beat that adrenalin rush.VERB + rushexperience, feelShe felt a rush of blood to her face.PREPOSITIONrush forThe movie ended, and there was a rush for the exits.rush ofA rush of water came from the burst pipe.She experienced a sudden rush of emotion.

2 busy periodADJECTIVE | VERB + rush | rush + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEawful, big, frantic, great, madsuddenlast-minuteChristmas, holiday (esp. AmE)gold (= rush to find gold in a particular place)VERB + rushavoidDo your Christmas shopping early and avoid the rush.rush + NOUNdecisionjobYou can see that the painting was a rush job.hourDuring rush hour the drive may take up to twice as long.PREPOSITIONin a rushI've been in a mad rush all day.rush fora last-minute rush for ticketsrush ofa sudden rush of tourist trafficPHRASEShave a rush onWe've had a rush on at the office, dealing with the backlog of orders.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBheadlong, madlya train rushing headlong down the trackquicklyimmediatelysuddenlydownstairs, upstairsabout (esp. BrE), around, back, forward, home, in, off, out, over, pastShe was rushing around madly looking for her bag.PREPOSITIONalong, from, into, out of, through, to, etc.A surge of joy rushed through her body.He was rushed to hospital.PHRASEScome rushing, go rushingTwo men came rushing into the room.rush to sb's rescue, rush to the rescueWhenever her little brother was upset, Jane rushed to the rescue.

Rush is used with these nouns as the subject:

air, blood, colour, crowd, servant, shopper, train, water

rush back to

rush back tophr verb

Rush back to is used with these nouns as the subject:

rush for

rush forphr verb

Rush for is used with these nouns as the object:

exit

rush hour

rush hournoun

Rush hour is used before these nouns:

crowd, traffic, train

Rush hour is used after these nouns:

evening, morning

rushing

rushingadj.

Rushing is used with these nouns:

river, stream, torrent, touchdown, water

rush into

rush intophr verb

Rush into is used with these nouns as the subject:

Rush into is used with these nouns as the object:

rush out of

rush out ofphr verb

Rush out of is used with these nouns as the object:

rush through

rush throughphr verb

Rush through is used with these nouns as the subject:

pain, wind

Rush through is used with these nouns as the object:

bill, vein

rush to

rush tophr verb

Rush to is used with these nouns as the object:

casualty, defence, hospital, rescue, scene

rush up

rush upphr verb

Rush up is used with these nouns as the subject:

Russian is used with these nouns:

Russian

Russiannounadj.

I. nounII. adj.

doll, literature, navy, salad

rust

rustnounverb

I. nounVERB + rust | rust + NOUN | PHRASESVERB + rustget off, remove, scrape offrust + NOUNspot, stainremoverbelt (= a region where many factories have closed) (esp. AmE)PHRASEScovered with rustThe lock was covered with rust.

II. verbADVERBADVERBbadlyaway, throughThe car had been rusting away in his garage for years.

Rust is used with these nouns as the subject:

iron, metal

rusted

rustedadj.

Rusted is used with these nouns:

rustic

rusticadj.

Rustic is used with these nouns:

charm, furniture

rustle

rustlenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + rustle | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfaint, gentle, slight, softVERB + rustlehearPREPOSITIONwith a rustleWith a rustle of wings the bird landed on the window ledge.rustle ofI heard a soft rustle of leaves.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBgently, slightly, softlythe sound of the leaves rustling softlyPREPOSITIONinThe wind rustled in the bushes.throughthe sound of their feet rustling through the grass

Rustle is used with these nouns as the subject:

breeze, leaf

Rustle is used with these nouns as the object:

rustler

rustlernoun

Rustler is used after these nouns:

rusty

rustyadj.

Rusty is used with these nouns:

brown, chain, iron, knife, metal, nail, tool, wire

rut

rutnoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdeepwheelwagon (esp. AmE)PREPOSITIONin a rut, into a rut (both figurative)My job bores me—I feel I'm in a rut.I got into a rut, cooking the same things week after week.out of a rut (figurative)Moving to San Francisco gave her the chance to get out of a rut.

ruthless

ruthlessadj.

Ruthless is used with these nouns:

character, determination, efficiency, exploitation, killer, murderer, repression, streak, suppression, tyrant

ruthlessly

ruthlesslyadv.

Ruthlessly is used with these adjectives:

ambitious, efficient, pragmatic

Ruthlessly is used with these verbs:

exploit, mock, suppress

rutted

ruttedadj.

Rutted is used with these nouns:

road, track

RVnoun

RV is used before these nouns:

park

rye

ryenoun

Rye is used before these nouns:

bread, flour, whisky

résumé

résuménoun

noun (AmE) record of education, jobs, etc. See also curriculum vitaeADJECTIVE | … OF RéSUMéS | VERB + RéSUMé | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEimpressivebrief, shortextensive, longonlineAn online résumé allows you to use the Internet to assist you in your job hunt.… OF RéSUMéSpile, stackVERB + RéSUMéupdatecreate, prepare, writesubmitemail, mail, sendpostYou can post your résumé on the website free of charge.receiveI received an unsolicited résumé from someone asking me to hire him.sift throughread, review, scanYes, I've read your résumé. Very impressive.buildI have been building my résumé by interning at various law firms.padHe padded his résumé in order to appear more experienced.PREPOSITIONin a résuméThere's still a glaring hole in his résumé.

sabbath

sabbathnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + sabbath | sabbath + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEJewish, Muslim, etc.VERB + sabbathkeep, observebreak, violatesabbath + NOUNday, holidayrestdinnercandlesprayerobservancePREPOSITIONon the sabbathIt was considered a sin to work or play on the Sabbath.PHRASESobservance of the SabbathThe speaker advocated a less austere observance of the Sabbath.

sabbatical

sabbaticalnoun

Sabbatical is used before these nouns:

leave, year

sabertooth

sabertoothnoun

Sabertooth is used before these nouns:

saber-toothed

saber-toothedadj.

Saber-toothed is used with these nouns:

Sabotage is used with these nouns as the object:

sabotage

sabotagenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | sabotage + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeliberateeconomic, industrialThey conducted a campaign of economic sabotage.computer, pipelinesabotage + NOUNattemptattack, campaignPREPOSITIONsabotage ofThe low levels of production were caused by sabotage of the northern pipeline.PHRASESan act of sabotage

II. verbADVERB | VERB + sabotageADVERBdeliberatelyThey accused him of deliberately sabotaging the peace talks.VERB + sabotageattempt to, try toThey had tried to sabotage our plans.

saboteur

saboteurnoun

Saboteur is used after these nouns:

hunt

sabretooth

sabretoothnoun

Sabretooth is used before these nouns:

sabre-toothed

sabre-toothedadj.

Sabre-toothed is used with these nouns:

sac

sacnoun

Sac is used after these nouns:

saccharine

saccharineadj.

Saccharine is used with these nouns:

sweetness

sack

sacknounverb

I. noun1 large bag2 the sack (BrE) dismissal from your job3 the sack (informal, esp. AmE) bed1 large bagADJECTIVE | VERB + sack | sack + VERB | sack + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbulging, heavybulging sacks of toysburlap (AmE), gunny (AmE), hessian (esp. BrE), leather, paper, plasticflour, mail, potatorefuse (BrE) (garbage bag in AmE)bivvy (AmE)VERB + sackempty, fillThey filled the sacks with potatoes.carry, drag, haul, heave, pullcarry sth in, put sth insack + VERBbe filled with sth, be full of sthsack + NOUNlunch (AmE)race (= a race in which the competitors jump forward inside a sack)PREPOSITIONin a/the sacksack ofa sack of coaltwo sacks of groceries (AmE)

2 the sack (BrE) dismissal from your jobVERB + the sackVERB + the sackget (BrE, AmE)She got the sack after 20 years of service.give sbbe threatened with, faceHundreds of postal workers are facing the sack.

3 the sack (informal, esp. AmE) bedVERB + the sack | PREPOSITIONVERB + the sackhitI decided to hit the sack (= go to bed) and have an early night.PREPOSITIONin the sackHe caught them in the sack together.

II. verb

Sack is used with these nouns as the object:

agent, assistant, employee, staff, worker

sackable

sackableadj.

Sackable is used with these nouns:

sacramental

sacramentaladj.

Sacramental is used with these nouns:

grace

sacred

sacredadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbebecomeremainconsider sth, deem sth, hold sth, regard sth asCertain animals were regarded as sacred.the feeling that all life should be held sacredADVERBabsolutelyalmostPREPOSITIONtoThe place was sacred to the Apaches.PHRASESsacred and profane

Sacred is used with these nouns:

art, cow, duty, geometry, ground, institution, mountain, music, mystery, oath, object, precinct, relic, ritual, river, scripture, shrine, site, space, symbol, temple, text, trust, vessel, vow, writing

sacrifice

sacrificenounverb

I. noun1 giving sth up2 part of a ceremony1 giving sth upADJECTIVE | VERB + sacrificeADJECTIVEbig, considerable, enormous, great, heavy, huge, real, tremendousfinancial, personalheroic, noblefinal, supreme, ultimateSoldiers who die for their country have made the supreme sacrifice.VERB + sacrificebeI know it's a sacrifice for you, but please try to understand.makeinvolve, mean, requireCompleting the course will require sacrifice.

2 part of a ceremonyADJECTIVE | VERB + sacrifice | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEanimal, humanpagan, religious, ritualbloodVERB + sacrificeperformoffer (sth as)PREPOSITIONsacrifice toFood and wine were offered as sacrifices to the gods.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + sacrifice | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBgladly, willinglyVERB + sacrificebe forced to, be obliged to, have tobe prepared to, be ready to, be willing toShe was prepared to sacrifice having a family in order to pursue her career.PREPOSITIONforsoldiers who sacrificed their lives for their countrytoIn her writing, clarity is sometimes sacrificed to (= for the sake of) brevity.PHRASESsacrifice sth for the sake of sthComfort has been sacrificed for the sake of improved performance.

Sacrifice is used with these nouns as the object:

animal, confidentiality, lamb, liberty, life, pride, quality

sacrificial

sacrificialadj.

Sacrificial is used with these nouns:

altar, lamb, offering, victim

sad

sadadj.

adj.1 unhappy2 causing unhappiness1 unhappyVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, feel, look, seem, soundbecome, get, grow, turnmake sbThis music always makes me sad.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.all, desperately, immensely, particularly, profoundly, unbearablyI called Dad, sounding all sad and pathetic.a little, slightly, etc.strangelyPREPOSITIONaboutShe was still feeling very sad about her father's death.

2 causing unhappinessVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemfind sthADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.an extremely sad storydeeply, incredibly, intensely, particularly, profoundly, terribly, unutterablya deeply sad occasiona little, slightly, etc.

Sad is used with these nouns:

affair, chapter, comment, day, demise, disappointment, end, ending, episode, event, excuse, expression, eye, face, fact, farewell, fate, indictment, irony, life, look, loser, loss, melody, memory, mood, news, note, occasion, part, plight, reality, reflection, reminder, saga, sight, smile, song, spectacle, story, tale, testament, thing, thought, time, truth, tune, voice

sadden

saddenverb

verbADVERBADVERBdeeply, greatly, profoundly, terriblyI was deeply saddened by his death.slightly, somewhat

saddle

saddlenounverb

I. noun

Saddle is used before these nouns:

bag, horse, soap, sore

II. verb

Saddle is used with these nouns as the object:

horse, pony

Sadie Hawkins

Sadie Hawkinsnoun

Sadie Hawkins is used before these nouns:

dance

sadistic

sadisticadj.

Sadistic is used with these nouns:

pleasure

sadly sadness

sadnessnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF SADNESS | VERB + sadness | sadness + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeep, great, overwhelming, profound, real… OF SADNESShint, tinge, touchThere was a hint of sadness in her voice.VERB + sadnessbe filled with, be full of, feelClaudia felt a deep sadness.hear, notice, see, senseHe saw the sadness on her face.express, showhidebring (sb)I had brought nothing but sadness to my family.be tinged withOur joy was tinged with sadness.sadness + VERBfill sthA deep sadness filled his heart.creep over sb, overcome sb, overwhelm sb, wash over sb, well up inside sbPREPOSITIONwith sadnessIt was with great sadness that we learned of his death.sadness about, sadness at, sadness overHe expressed his sadness about what had happened.sadness forKate felt a great sadness for those who had lost their houses.PHRASESan air of sadness, an aura of sadnessa lonely place with an air of sadnessa note of sadnessa feeling of sadness, a sense of sadness

safari

safarinoun

Safari is used before these nouns:

park, suit

safe

safenounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + safeADJECTIVEbank, hotel, officewallVERB + safeopenclose, lockbreak into, crack

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbe, feel, seembecomekeep, remain, staymake sth, render sthThe army experts made the bomb safe.keep sthKeep your money safe by carrying it in an inside pocket.consider sth, declare sth, deem sthThe water was not considered safe to drink.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.absolutely, completely, entirely, perfectly, quite, totallya completely safe and secure environment for young childrenThe woods are never entirely safe for women on their own.comparatively, reasonably, relativelyenoughYou should be safe enough, but don't go too far.inherently, intrinsicallyenvironmentallyan environmentally safe form of energyPREPOSITIONfromThey were safe from attack.withYour money will be safe with me.PHRASESbetter safe than sorryplay it safe, play safe (BrE)I decided to play it safe and wore a formal suit.safe and soundThey returned from their adventure safe and sound.

Safe is used with these nouns:

alternative, arrival, assumption, bet, confines, custody, delivery, disposal, distance, driver, driving, drug, environment, ground, guess, harbour, haven, home, house, investment, journey, landing, level, limit, manner, margin, navigation, neighbourhood, passage, place, practice, prediction, refuge, return, road, route, seat, sex, storage, trip, use, vaccine, water, zone

safe and sound

safe and soundadv.

Safe and sound is used with these verbs:

arrive

safeguard

safeguardnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + safeguard | safeguard + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEadequate, effective, proper, sufficientDoes the procedure provide adequate safeguards against corruption?appropriate, necessaryadded, additional, extra, furtherinadequateenvironmental, nuclearconstitutional, democratic, legal, proceduralVERB + safeguardimplement, introduce (BrE), put in placeprovideprovide sb withbuild in, build into sth, includeAppropriate safeguards would have to be built into the procedures to avoid abuses.safeguard + VERBbe in placeThe elections will go ahead, provided that adequate safeguards are in place.PREPOSITIONsafeguard againstThe credit agreement includes a safeguard against overcharging.safeguard forAny agreement must provide safeguards for minority rights.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + safeguard | PREPOSITIONADVERBadequately, properlyThis legislation does not adequately safeguard the rights of consumers.VERB + safeguardbe necessary tohelp (to)be designed to, be intended to, be meant to, be supposed totake steps toPREPOSITIONagainstWe must take steps to safeguard our environment against these threats.fromTry to safeguard the young plants from frost.

Safeguard is used with these nouns as the object:

environment, heritage, information, integrity, interest, job, liberty, privacy, right, viability

safely

safelyadv.

Safely is used with these verbs:

arrive, assume, confine, cross, deliver, drive, eject, escape, evacuate, install, invest, land, navigate, negotiate, nestle, perform, predict, rely, remove, rest, return, secure, sleep, store, stow, strap, tuck, use

safety

safetynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + safety | safety + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEadded, extra, greater, increasedThe seat is bolted in place for added safety.comparative, reasonable, relativeA blizzard forced the climbers back to the relative safety of their tents.complete, perfectWalkways allow visitors to enter the caves in perfect safety.long-term, temporarychild, passenger, patient, workerThe house will have to be rearranged with a view to child safety.personal, physical, publicfire, food, nuclear, etc.air, aviation, road, traffic, etc.environmental, home, industrial, occupational, workplacean organization for psychologists and other researchers in occupational safety and healthfirearm, gunVERB + safetyassure, ensure, guaranteeenhance, improve, increasecompromise, endanger, jeopardize, risk, threatenfear forPolice fear for the safety of the missing children.We fear for their safety.find, get to, make it to, reachThey thought they would never reach safety.leaveWhat made her leave the safety of her apartment?safety + NOUNtipscontrols, improvements, limits, measures, precautions, procedures, provisionscodes (esp. AmE), guidelines, laws, legislation, levels, policy, recommendations, regulations, requirements, rules, standardsa violation of safety codesNew safety legislation will be introduced next year.violation (AmE)hazard, riskcheck, inspectioninspector, officer, officialThe plan was rejected by the safety inspectors.recordconcerns, considerations, implications, issues, mattersaspect, factorawarenessa safety-awareness campaigncampaign, initiative, trainingbelt, equipment, features, glasses (esp. AmE), goggles, harness, helmet, ropeThe car has many safety features, including anti-skid braking.catch (esp. BrE), device, valvebarrier, curtain, net (often figurative)A national insurance system provides a safety net for the very poor.glass, pin, razor, seatPREPOSITIONfor safetyThe stairs are fitted with a handrail for safety.for your own safetyThe police gave him protection for his own safety.in safetyThe people want to be able to walk the streets in safety.to safetyWe managed to run to safety before the building collapsed.safety ofShe finally made it to the safety of her room.PHRASESfor safety reasonsThe building was evacuated for safety reasons.health and safetyThe company was fined by the health and safety inspectors.on safety groundsThe playground was closed down on safety grounds.a place of safetyThe refugees finally reached a place of safety.safety firstWhen operating machinery, remember: safety first.

sag

sagverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBa bit (esp. BrE), slightlyvisiblyShe seemed to visibly sag at the thought of what lay ahead.limplyAll she could do was sag limply in his arms.back, down, forwardMartin sighed and sagged back in his chair.Helga's body sagged forward.PREPOSITIONagainstShe sagged against the door.underThe shelf sagged under the weight of hundreds of volumes.PHRASESsag in the middlea mattress that was beginning to sag in the middle

Sag is used with these nouns as the subject:

mouth, shoulder, skin

saga

saganoun

nounADJECTIVE | saga + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcontinuing, ongoinglong, long-runningepic, extraordinarysad, sorry, terriblecomplicatedentire, wholeThis whole saga has been a pretty significant victory for truth.familysaga + VERBcontinuePREPOSITIONin a/the sagaHis suicide is the latest chapter in this terrible saga.

sage

sagenoun

Sage is used before these nouns:

sagely

sagelyadv.

Sagely is used with these verbs:

sagging

saggingadj.

Sagging is used with these nouns:

breast, economy, skin

sail

sailnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + sail | sail + VERB | sail + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEmain (usually mainsail)canvasVERB + sailhoist, raise, rigdrop, loweradjust, trimfillThe dinghy gathered speed as the wind filled her sails.reef, shortenfurl, unfurlsail + VERBbillow, flap, flutterThe bay was full of boats with billowing sails.fillhangThe white canvas sail hung limply against the mast.catch the air, catch the windThe sails caught the wind once more and they were on their way.sail + NOUNboat (usually sailboat) (AmE)PHRASESthe days of sailThe boat is preserved as a monument to the days of sail.in full sail, under full saila pirate ship under full sailset sail (for … )We set sail for France at first light.under sailThe ship came in under sail and anchored near us.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + sail | PREPOSITIONADVERBgracefully, serenely, smoothlysingle-handedto sail single-handed around the worldaway, back, off, on, out, pastThe boat sailed gracefully on into the distance.VERB + sailknow how tolearn toteach sb toPREPOSITIONacrossHe sailed across the Atlantic.around, round (esp. BrE)to sail around the worldforThe ferry sailed for Staten Island.from, toWe were sailing from Dover to Calais.

Sail is used with these nouns as the subject:

ball, boat, ferry, ship, vessel, yacht

Sail is used with these nouns as the object:

boat, dinghy, ocean, sea, ship, yacht

sailboat

sailboatnoun

noun (AmE)ADJECTIVE | sailboat + NOUN | sailboat + NOUNADJECTIVE42-foot, 65-footsailboat + NOUNraceI race sailboats for fun.sailboat + NOUNrace

sailing

sailingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + sailing | sailing + NOUNADJECTIVEdinghy (BrE)VERB + sailinggosailing + NOUNclub, schoolregattaholiday (BrE), tripboat (BrE) (sailboat in AmE), craft, dinghy (BrE), ship, vessel

sailor

sailornoun

nounADJECTIVE | sailor + NOUNADJECTIVEavid (AmE), keen (BrE)experienced, goodinexperiencedmerchantdrunkendrowned, shipwreckedsailor + NOUNoutfit (esp. AmE), suithat (sailor's hat in BrE)

saint

saintnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + saintADJECTIVEpatronSt Nicholas is the patron saint of children.Buddhist, Catholic, Christian, etc.VERB + saintcanonizeveneratebecome

salacious

salaciousadj.

Salacious is used with these nouns:

detail, gossip

salad

saladnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + salad | salad + NOUNADJECTIVEfreshcrisp, crunchydelicious, tastypasta, potato, rice, tomato, etc.chicken, egg, ham (esp. BrE), taco (esp. AmE), tuna, etc.Caesar, chef (AmE), chef's (AmE), garden (AmE), green, mixedGreek, RussianfruitsideIs the steak served with a side salad?cold, warmtossed (esp. AmE)VERB + saladeatmake, preparedress, tossShe tossed and dressed the salad.serve sth withcome withsalad + NOUNgreens, leavescream (BrE), dressinggarnish (BrE)The sandwiches came with a salad garnish.spinnerbowl, plate (AmE)fork, serversbar

salaried

salariedadj.

Salaried is used with these nouns:

employee, employment, worker

salary

salarynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + salary | salary + VERB | salary + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, generous, good, handsome, high, huge, large, topTop salaries are liable for a higher rate of tax.six-figure, seven-figure, etc.low, meagre/meager, modest, smallcompetitive, decent, reasonableaverage, median (AmE)annual, monthly, yearlybase (esp. AmE), basic (BrE)minimumgross, netstartingfinalYour pension will be based on a proportion of your final salary.currentseverance (AmE) (usually severance pay in BrE and AmE)He is entitled to one year of severance salary.pensionable (BrE)tax-freeVERB + salarypay (sb)command, earn, receiveUS tech workers command six-figure salaries.drawMr Kerry continued to draw his salary during the time of his absence.boost, increase, raiseShe raised his salary to $36 000.cut, slashdouble, triplesalary + VERBincrease, rise (BrE)salary + NOUNpackageThe position is rewarded with a generous salary package.hike (esp. AmE), increase, raise (AmE), rise (BrE)The school district gave teachers a 12% salary increase.cutlevelreviewband (BrE), grade, rangecapThe salary cap will be set at $49.5 million.scale, structurebill (esp. BrE), costsPREPOSITIONon a salaryIt's impossible to bring up a family on such a low salary.PHRASESan increase in salary, a raise in salary (AmE), a rise in salary (BrE)a cut in salary, a drop in salary (BrE)Workers are being asked to take a cut in salary.

sale

salenoun

noun1 act of selling sth; occasion when things are sold2 sales activity of selling things; amount sold3 period of reduced prices1 act of selling sth; occasion when things are soldADJECTIVE | VERB + sale | sale + VERB | sale + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEquickThe price is low to ensure a quick sale.illegalthe illegal sale of alcoholartbond, share, stockauction, bake (AmE), bring-and-buy (BrE), car boot (BrE), estate (AmE), garage, jumble (BrE), rummage (esp. AmE), tabletop (BrE), tag (AmE), yard (AmE)VERB + saleholdban, block, halt, prevent, prohibit, restrict, stopapproveclose, complete, makeIf we don't close this sale, we're out of business.loseannouncesale + VERBmake sth, realize sthThe bake sale made $358 for cancer research.go ahead, go through, proceedfall throughThe sale of the house fell through when the buyer pulled out.sale + NOUNpricePREPOSITIONfor saleI see their house is for sale.on saleThe new stamps are now on sale at post offices.PHRASESconditions of saleThe conditions of sale were posted up around the auction room.a contract of salepoint of salepromotional posters shown at the point of salethe proceeds from a sale, the profits from a saleAll proceeds from the sale of the book will go to charity.(on) sale or return (BrE)The novels are delivered to outlets on a sale or return basis.up for saleThe land has come up for sale again.

2 sales activity of selling things; amount soldADJECTIVE | … OF SALES | VERB + SALES | SALES + VERB | SALES + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgood, healthy, high, huge, massive, record, strongincreaseddisappointing, poorannual, quarterlyfirst-quarter, second-quarter, etc.high-street (BrE), over-the-counter, retailHigh-street sales have fallen for the fifth consecutive month.direct, telephoneDirect sales, by mail order, were up by 15%.Internet, onlinedomesticlocalexport, foreign, international, overseasglobal, overall, total, world, worldwidegross, netunit, volumeCD, DVD, PC, ticket, etc.home, house, land, property, real estate (AmE)auto (AmE), car, vehiclearms… OF SALESlevel, value, volumeThe high volume of sales makes the low pricing policy profitable.VERB + SALESachieve, havegenerate, rack up (esp. AmE)The advertising campaign generated massive sales.boost, drive, drive up, expand, increase, push, push up, spurLow interest rates pushed sales to a record in 2006.hurtLower consumer confidence could hurt PC sales.double, triple, etc.expect, projectreportThe company reported strong sales for May.SALES + VERBaccount for sthNorth American sales account for 40% of the worldwide market.amount to sth, reach sth, total sthsales amounting to over £4 millionSales failed to reach 10 000 units.exceed sthbe up, climb, go up, grow, improve, increase, jump, rise, rocket, skyrocket, soar, surgeSales of ice cream are up because of the hot weather.be down, decline, drop, fall, fall off, go down, slumpSALES + NOUNforce, people, personnel, staff, teamagent, department, officedirector, manager, rep (informal), representativeassistant, clerk (AmE)campaign, drive, effort, promotionstrategy, tactics, techniquepatter (BrE), pitch, talkan aggressive sales pitch from the company repestimates, projectionsdata, figures, levels, performance, revenue, targets, volumegrowthslumpThe factory was forced to shed jobs following a dramatic sales slump.conferencepresentationreporttax (esp. AmE)It sells for $50 plus sales tax and shipping.receipt, slip (both AmE)PREPOSITIONsales ofSales of VCRs have plummeted.in salesI work in sales (= in the sales department).PHRASESa decline in sales, a drop in sales, a fall in sales, a slowdown in sales, a slump in salesan increase in sales, a jump in sales, a rise in sales, a surge in sales, an upturn in salesgrowth in salessales and marketing

3 period of reduced pricesADJECTIVE | VERB + sale | sale + VERB | sale + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEafter-Christmas (AmE), annual, January (BrE), summer, winterclothing, furniture, etc.clearance, closing-down (BrE), fire, going-out-of-business (AmE)VERB + saleholdsale + VERBbegin, endsale + NOUNrack (AmE)pricesPREPOSITIONin a/the saleI got these shoes in the Bloomingdales sale.at the sales, in the sales (both BrE)I bought it at the winter sales.on sale (AmE)All video equipment is on sale today and tomorrow.

saleable

saleableadj.

Saleable is used with these nouns:

commodity

salesman

salesmannoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEgood, successfuldoor-to-door, travelling/travelingcar, computer, double-glazing (BrE), insurance, used-carsnake-oil (= a person who sells sth that is not effective or useful) (informal, esp. AmE)

salient

salientadj.

Salient is used with these nouns:

characteristic, example, fact, feature, point

saline

salineadj.

Saline is used with these nouns:

drip, solution

Salisbury

Salisburynoun

Salisbury is used before these nouns:

saliva

salivanoun

nounVERB + saliva | saliva + VERBVERB + salivaproduce, secreteswallowwipeI wiped the saliva off my mouth.saliva + VERBdribble, dripflow

salivary

salivaryadj.

Salivary is used with these nouns:

sallow

sallowadj.

Sallow is used with these nouns:

complexion, face, skin

salmon

salmonnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + salmon | salmon + VERB | salmon + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEfreshwildfarm (AmE), farm-raised (AmE), farmedsmokedcanned, tinned (BrE)pink, redAlaskan, Atlantic, Scottish, etc.VERB + salmoneat, havebake, cook, grill, poach, roastfish forcatch, landfarmsalmon + VERBmigratereturnSalmon return to these waters to spawn.spawnswimsalmon + NOUNfillet/filet, steakmousse, paste (BrE)farm, farming, fishery, fishingriver, run, streampinka salmon-pink shirtPHRASESa fillet/filet of salmon

salmonella

salmonellanoun

Salmonella is used before these nouns:

outbreak

salon

salonnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + salonADJECTIVEbeauty, hair, hairdressing, nail, tanninglocalprofessional, topVERB + salongo to, visit

saloon

saloonnoun

Saloon is used before these nouns:

bar, car, deck

salt

saltnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | … OF SALT | VERB + salt | salt + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEmineral, rock, seacommon, tablekosher (esp. AmE)celery, garlicacid, potassium, sodiumsoluble saltsbath salts, Epsom salts, liver salts, smelling saltsbile salts… OF SALTgrainpinchVERB + salttasteHe could taste the salt from the water in his mouth.add, put in, put on, season sth with, sprinkle (sth with)Don't put so much salt on your food!dissolveWhen salt is dissolved in water, it alters the properties of the water.containMost foodstuffs contain some salt.passCould you pass the salt, please?salt + NOUNcrystalssolutioncontentfoods with a high salt contentintakeHe wants to reduce his salt intake.cellar (esp. BrE), shaker (AmE)air, spray, waterI could smell the salt air as it whipped through my hair.flats, marsh, panminetruck (AmE)PHRASEShigh in salt, low in salta diet low in saltsalt and pepperAdd salt and pepper to taste (= in the quantity preferred).

II. adj.

Salt is used with these nouns:

beef, flat, lake, marsh, pork, spray, water

salt and vinegar

salt and vinegaradj.

Salt and vinegar is used with these nouns:

salted

saltedadj.

Salted is used with these nouns:

beef, butter, fish, herring, meat, nut, water

saltwater

saltwateradj.

Saltwater is used with these nouns:

fish, fishing, marsh, pool

salty

saltyadj.

Salty is used with these nouns:

flavour, sea, snack, taste, tear, water

salutary

salutaryadj.

Salutary is used with these nouns:

effect, experience, lesson, reminder, warning

salute

salutenounverb

I. noun1 military gesture2 action of respect or welcome1 military gestureADJECTIVE | VERB + saluteADJECTIVEmilitary, navalfascist, Nazicrisp (esp. AmE), sharp (esp. AmE), smartcasual, half-hearted, sloppymockVERB + salutegive (sb), snap (AmE), throw (AmE)The sentry gave a smart salute and waved us on.The Admiral snapped a sharp salute.acknowledge, returntake (BrE)The Queen took the salute as the guardsmen marched past.

2 action of respect or welcomeADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfinal, last21-gun, etc.triumphant, victoryPREPOSITIONin saluteThe guests raised their glasses in salute.salute fromThe retiring editor received a special salute from the local newspaper.salute toHis first words were a salute to the people of South Africa.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBcrisply (esp. AmE), sharply (esp. AmE), smartlyThe captain stood to attention and saluted smartly.PREPOSITIONwithHe saluted her with a graceful bend of his head.

Salute is used with these nouns as the object:

bravery, flag, hero, officer

salvage

salvagenounverb

I. noun

Salvage is used before these nouns:

operation, yard

II. verb

Salvage is used with these nouns as the object:

pride, reputation, situation, wreck

salvation

salvationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + salvation | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEindividual, personaluniversaleternalVERB + salvationbring, offerseekachieve, attain, findPREPOSITIONsalvation fromsalvation from sin

salve

salveverb

Salve is used with these nouns as the object:

conscience

samba

sambanoun

Samba is used before these nouns:

rhythm

same

sameadj.

adj., pron. the sameVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbe, feel, look, seem, smell, sound, tasteThey both taste just the same to me.remain, stayADVERBexactly, just, preciselyI had exactly the same experience.not altogether, not quiteThat's not quite the same thing, is it?almost, basically, broadly, essentially, more or less, nearly, practically, pretty much, roughly, substantially, virtuallyYour new job will be essentially the same as your old one.PREPOSITIONasYour dress is nearly the same as mine.PHRASESone and the sameIn his work, form and meaning are one and the same.

Same is used with these nouns:

degree, direction, fashion, fate, footing, frequency, gender, intensity, kind, opinion, pattern, position, root, routine, sex, sort, source, tack, time, way

same-day

same-dayadj.

Same-day is used with these nouns:

registration

same-gender

same-genderadj.

Same-gender is used with these nouns:

partner

same-sex

same-sexadj.

Same-sex is used with these nouns:

attraction, couple, desire, love, marriage, partner, partnership, relationship, union, wedding

samosa

samosanoun

Samosa is used after these nouns:

vegetables

sample

samplenounverb

I. noun1 people in a survey2 small quantity of sth tested to provide information3 small quantity of sth tried to see what it is like1 people in a surveyADJECTIVE | VERB + sample | sample + VERB | sample + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElarge, smalltotalpopulationnationalrandom, representativeclinical, non-clinicalVERB + sampledraw, selecta random sample drawn from men aged 35–40sample + VERBcomprise sth, consist of sthOur sample comprised 250 office workers.sample + NOUNsizeA larger sample size yields more reliable data.surveygroupPREPOSITIONsample fromThe research was based on samples from 29 populations.sample ofa wide sample of people

2 small quantity of sth tested to provide informationADJECTIVE | VERB + sample | sample + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEblood, faecal/fecal, serum, stool, tissue, urineDNA, RNArock, soil, watercontrolbiopsyVERB + samplecollect, obtain, takeprovideAll the athletes had to provide a urine sample.analyse/analyze, study, testsample + VERBcontainshowPREPOSITIONsample ofsamples of tissue

3 small quantity of sth tried to see what it is likeADJECTIVE | sample + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfreeThey're giving out free samples of the new toothpaste.sample + NOUNbookWe looked at sample books to choose the fabric.PREPOSITIONsample ofI'd like to see a sample of your work.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBrandomlyPREPOSITIONfromThe survey was done using a group of 100 children randomly sampled from the school population.

Sample is used with these nouns as the object:

cuisine, delicacy, delight, dish, fare

sampling

samplingnoun

Sampling is used before these nouns:

error, procedure

Samurai

Samurainoun

Samurai is used before these nouns:

sword

sanction

sanctionnounverb

I. noun1 (usually sanctions) punishment2 official permission1 (usually sanctions) punishmentADJECTIVE | VERB + sanction | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEeconomic, financial, military, tradecivil, criminal, disciplinarylegal, penal, socialinternational, UNsevere, strictpunitiveeffectiveVERB + sanctionapply, enforce, impose, useend, liftcall forthreatenPREPOSITIONsanction againstThe UN called for sanctions against the invading country.There were strict sanctions against absenteeism.sanction forEmployers imposed heavy sanctions for union activity.PHRASESthe imposition of sanctionsthe lifting of sanctionsa threat of sanctions

2 official permissionADJECTIVE | VERB + sanction | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgovernment, officialThe movement was first given official sanction in the 1960s.divine, religiousVERB + sanctiongive sthThe conference gave its official sanction to the change of policy.PREPOSITIONwith sb/sth's sanction, without sb/sth's sanctionNo decision can be taken without the sanction of the committee.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + sanctionADVERBofficiallylegally, sociallySlavery was once socially sanctioned.divinelyVERB + sanctionrefuse to

Sanction is used with these nouns as the object:

sanctioning

sanctioningadj.

Sanctioning is used with these nouns:

body

sanctuary

sanctuarynoun

noun1 safety and protection2 area for wild birds, animals, etc.1 safety and protectionVERB + sanctuary | PREPOSITIONVERB + sanctuaryseekThousands of refugees have sought sanctuary over the border.find, takeIn former times, criminals could take sanctuary inside a church.leaveHe was reluctant to leave the sanctuary of his bedroom.providegive sb, offer (sb)PREPOSITIONsanctuary fromIt had been built as a sanctuary from World War II bombs.sanctuary ofShe retreated swiftly to the sanctuary of her room.

2 area for wild birds, animals, etc.ADJECTIVEADJECTIVEanimal, bird, marine, wildlife

sand

sandnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | … OF SAND | VERB + sand | sand + VERB | sand + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcoarse, finea beach of fine golden sandhard, softdamp, moist, wetdryburning, hot, warmcoolblack, golden, silver, white, yellowbeach, desertthe burning desert sandsdrifting, loose, shifting… OF SANDgrainlayerhandfulpatch, stretch, stripcloudVERB + sandbrush off, dust offkicksink intosand + VERBblow, flyThe sand was flying everywhere.cover sthcling to sth, stick to sthsand + NOUNbeach, dunebank (usually sandbank), bar (usually sandbar)box (usually sandbox) (AmE), pit (usually sandpit) (BrE)castle (usually sandcastle)storm (usually sandstorm)PREPOSITIONin the sandThe children played happily in the sand.on the sandWe found her asleep on the sand.PHRASEScovered in sand, covered with sandAll my clothes were covered with sand.

II. verb

Sand is used with these nouns as the object:

edge

sandal

sandalnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF SANDALS | VERB + sandalADJECTIVEhigh-heeled, platformflat, low-heeledopen, open-toedstrappythong (AmE)plastic, rubber… OF SANDALSpairVERB + sandalkick offslip on

sandwich

sandwichnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF SANDWICHES | VERB + sandwich | sandwich + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcheese, ham, peanut butter, etc.jam (BrE), jelly (AmE)a peanut butter and jelly sandwichtoastedopen (BrE), open-faced (AmE)submarine (AmE)clubdeli (esp. AmE)… OF SANDWICHESplateround (BrE)VERB + sandwichmakeHe made two plates of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.ordereat, grab, havebite into, munch, take a bite ofsandwich + NOUNfillingbag, box (BrE)bar, shopPREPOSITIONin a/the sandwichWhat would you like in your sandwich?

sandy

sandyadj.

Sandy is used with these nouns:

bay, beach, blonde, earth, ground, hair, hill, shore, soil, track

sane

saneadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemremain, staykeep sbHaving that little bit of time to myself is what keeps me sane.ADVERBcompletely, perfectly, quiteShe seems perfectly sane to me.reasonably, relativelynot entirely

Sane is used with these nouns:

person

sanguine

sanguineadj.

Sanguine is used with these nouns:

sanitary

sanitaryadj.

Sanitary is used with these nouns:

condition, facility, napkin, pad, towel

sanitation

sanitationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | sanitation + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEinadequate, pooradequate, basic, good, improved, properpublicsanitation + NOUNfacility, services, systemdepartment (esp. AmE)engineer, worker (both esp. AmE)PHRASESlack of sanitationthe direct link between disease and lack of adequate sanitation

sanitizer

sanitizernoun

Sanitizer is used after these nouns:

Sap is used with these nouns as the object:

sanity

sanitynoun

nounVERB + sanity | sanity + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + sanitydoubt, questionThere were moments when he doubted his own sanity.fear forI fear for her sanity if this continues much longer.keep, maintain, preserve, retain, saveGetting away at weekends is the only way I can retain my sanity.loserecover, regainthreatenThe pace of city life threatens our sanity.bringWe need to bring some sanity to this issue.sanity + VERBreturnStock-market trading slowly settled down as sanity returned.prevailWe still hope that sanity will prevail.PREPOSITIONfor sb's sanitySuch a move is essential for the sanity of all concerned.PHRASESvoice of sanityHe was a voice of sanity in the Republican Party.

sap

sapnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + sap | sap + VERBADJECTIVEplant, treeVERB + sapcollect, extractMaple syrup is made from sap extracted from the sugar maple tree.sap + VERBflow, riseIt was spring, and the sap was rising.

II. verb

confidence, energy, morale, strength, will

sapphire

sapphirenoun

Sapphire is used before these nouns:

blue

sappy

sappyadj.

Sappy is used with these nouns:

Sarcastic is used with these nouns:

sarcasm

sarcasmnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF SARCASM | VERB + sarcasm | sarcasm + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbiting, bitter, heavyobviousdry (esp. AmE)I love him for his cutting wit and dry sarcasm.slight… OF SARCASMhint, note, tinge, touch, traceHe made the remark without a hint of sarcasm.VERB + sarcasmbe full of, be heavy with, drip, drip with (used about sb's voice)His voice dripped (with) sarcasm.catch, note, noticeJames caught the sarcasm in her voice.sarcasm + VERBdrip‘Great!’ she said, sarcasm dripping from her voice.PREPOSITIONwith sarcasm‘Your skills amaze me,’ she said, with heavy sarcasm.sarcasm inI detected a touch of sarcasm in his remarks.

sarcastic

sarcasticadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecome, getsoundADVERBextremely, rather, very, etc.a little, slightly, etc.The speaker's tone was slightly sarcastic.PREPOSITIONaboutHe was very sarcastic about my attempts at telling jokes.

comment, laugh, remark, reply, retort, tone, undertone, voice, wit

sarcastically

sarcasticallyadv.

Sarcastically is used with these verbs:

answer, ask, comment, drawl, enquire, laugh, mumble, murmur, mutter, remark, reply, respond, retort, say, snap

sardonic

sardonicadj.

Sardonic is used with these nouns:

comment, eyebrow, gleam, grin, humour, smile, tone, wit

sardonically

sardonicallyadv.

Sardonically is used with these verbs:

drawl, reply

sarin

sarinnoun

Sarin is used before these nouns:

gas

SARS

SARSnoun

SARS is used before these nouns:

sartorial

sartorialadj.

Sartorial is used with these nouns:

elegance

sash

sashnoun

Sash is used before these nouns:

SAT

SATnoun

SAT is used before these nouns:

exam, score

SAT™ is used before these nouns:

satanic

satanicadj.

Satanic is used with these nouns:

cult, ritual

sate

sateverb

Sate is used with these nouns as the object:

appetite

satellite

satellitenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + satellite | satellite + VERB | satellite + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcommercial, researchmilitary, reconnaissance, spymeteorological, weathercommunications, GPSartificialgeostationaryVERB + satellitelaunchput into orbit, send into orbitput into space, send into spacesatellite + VERBbe in orbit, orbit sthAbout 100 Russian satellites are orbiting the earth.detect sth, monitor sth, track stha new satellite that monitors changes in the environmentprovideAmerican reconnaissance satellites provide images of the earth.satellite + NOUNimage, imagery, photo, photograph, picturehigh-resolution satellite imagerybroadcastdatafeed, linkThe pictures are broadcast through a live satellite link with Tokyo.communications, system, technologydish, receiverphone, radio, television, TVnavigationbroadcaster, channel, company, provider (esp. AmE), stationPREPOSITIONfrom a/the satelliteimages from satellitesvia satelliteThe game will be broadcast via satellite.

satire

satirenoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbiting, dark, savagebrilliant, funny, hilariouspolitical, socialthe recent boom in political satirePREPOSITIONsatire onThe movie is a brilliant satire on Hollywood.

satirical

satiricaladj.

Satirical is used with these nouns:

magazine, novel, poem, show, sketch, swipe, verse

satisfaction

satisfactionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF SATISFACTION | VERB + satisfaction | satisfaction + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcomplete, deep, great, immenseoverallClients are asked to rate their overall satisfaction.evident, obviousgrim, perverse, smugquietmutual, personaljob, life (esp. AmE)emotional, marital (AmE), sexualclient, customer, employee, patient… OF SATISFACTIONlevelMy current level of job satisfaction is pretty low.VERB + satisfactionderive, feel, find, gain, get, have, takeHe derived great satisfaction from knowing that his son was happy.Although we didn't win, we were able to take some satisfaction from our performance.bring (sb), give sb, provide (sb with)expresssatisfaction + NOUNrating, scorelevel, ratePREPOSITIONin satisfactionShe watched in satisfaction as he opened the present.to sb's satisfactionThe matter was resolved to our general satisfaction.with satisfactionHe nodded with evident satisfaction.satisfaction ather deep satisfaction at seeing justice donesatisfaction inI find satisfaction in helping people.satisfaction ofI had the satisfaction of proving him wrong.satisfaction withBoth parties expressed their complete satisfaction with the decision.PHRASESa certain satisfactionShe felt a certain satisfaction in keeping him waiting.a grin of satisfaction, a look of satisfaction, a smile of satisfaction, a smirk of satisfactiona feeling of satisfaction, a sense of satisfactiona source of satisfactionThe children were a major source of satisfaction.

satisfactorily

satisfactorilyadv.

Satisfactorily is used with these verbs:

answer, explain, function, perform, progress, resolve, solve, work

satisfactory

satisfactoryadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, look, prove, seem, soundconsider sth, find sth, regard sth asADVERBhighly, most, veryIt was all most satisfactory.completely, fully, perfectly, quitefar from, less than, not altogether, not entirely, not totally, not whollyThe results were not entirely satisfactory.generallymutuallyThe arrangement has proved mutually satisfactory.PREPOSITIONtoWe hope this proposal is satisfactory to you.

Satisfactory is used with these nouns:

answer, arrangement, completion, conclusion, definition, explanation, manner, outcome, performance, progress, record, reply, resolution, response, result, settlement, situation, solution, substitute

satisfied

satisfiedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, feel, look, seemdeclare yourself, pronounce yourselfHe declared himself satisfied with the results.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.more than, wellI felt well satisfied with my day's work.completely, fully, perfectly, quite, thoroughly, totallyfar from, not entirely, not whollygenerally, reasonablyenough, sufficientlyHer parents seemed satisfied enough with her progress.apparentlyPREPOSITIONwithShe seemed satisfied with the arrangements.

Satisfied is used with these nouns:

customer, expression, grin, nod, sigh, smirk

satisfy

satisfyverb

verbVERB + satisfyVERB + satisfyhave to, must, shouldThe education system must satisfy the needs of all children.be able to, canNothing could satisfy his desire for power.We could never satisfy all their requestsbe unable toThe owners were unable to satisfy all the demands of the workers.seem toHis answer seemed to satisfy her.be enough to, be sufficient toHer description of events was not enough to satisfy the court.fail toThe meal failed to satisfy his hunger.

Satisfy is used with these nouns as the object:

appetite, aspiration, condition, consumer, craving, criterion, curiosity, customer, demand, desire, ego, equation, expectation, fan, fantasy, greed, hunger, instinct, judge, longing, lust, need, preference, regulation, requirement, taste, thirst, tribunal, urge, want, whim, yearning

satisfying

satisfyingadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbefind sthADVERBdeeply, eminently (esp. AmE), extremely, highly, immensely, profoundly, really, richly (esp. BrE), veryThere's something deeply satisfying about eating vegetables that you have grown yourself.particularlycompletely, quite, thoroughly, whollypersonallythe need for a personally satisfying set of beliefsmutuallya mutually satisfying relationshipemotionally, intellectually, musically, sexually

Satisfying is used with these nouns:

conclusion, crack, whole

saturate

saturateverb

Saturate is used with these nouns as the object:

market, marketplace

saturated

saturatedadj.

Saturated is used with these nouns:

colour, fat, solution

saturation

saturationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + saturation | saturation + NOUNADJECTIVEmarket, mediacolour/color, lightVERB + saturationapproach, be close to, nearThe company's sales are now close to saturation in many western countries.reachsaturation + NOUNlevel, pointDemand for the product has reached saturation point.coveragetelevision's saturation coverage of the Olympicsbombing

Saturday

Saturdaynoun

Sauté is used with these nouns as the object:

sauce

saucenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + sauce | sauce + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEthick, thinbuttery, creamyhot, rich, spicy, tangysavoury/savory, sweetsmoothhome-madelumpychilli/chili, mustard, peanut, pepper, etc.barbecue, Béarnaise, brown, curry, hollandaise, sweet-and-sour, white, etc.fish in white sauceTabasco™, Worcester, etc.fish, oyster, soycheese, chocolate, tomato, etc.dipping, pastaVERB + saucemake, preparereduce, thickenaddpour on sth, pour over sth, put on sth, spoon on sth, spoon over sthPour the sauce over the pasta.mix, stirtastesauce + NOUNboat (esp. BrE)bottlePREPOSITIONin saucechicken in peanut saucewith sauceWe had lamb with mint sauce.

saucepan

saucepannoun

noun (esp. BrE) See also pan, potADJECTIVE | VERB + saucepan | saucepan + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEnon-stickheavy, heavy-based, heavy-bottomed, thick-bottomedlarge, medium-sized, smallVERB + saucepancoverCover the saucepan and remove from the heat.put sth in, put sth intosaucepan + NOUNlidPREPOSITIONin a/the saucepan, into a/the saucepanHeat one tablespoon of oil in a saucepan.Strain the sauce into a saucepan.

saunter

saunterverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBcasually, slowlyaway, back, by, down, in, off, out, over, past, upShe sauntered over and said hello.PREPOSITIONinto, out ofthroughHe sauntered casually through the door.over to, up to

sausage

sausagenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + sausage | sausage + VERB | sausage + NOUNADJECTIVEblood, garlic, pork, etc.smokedvegetarianspicyVERB + sausageeat, havecook, fry, grillslicemakesausage + VERBsizzlesausage + NOUNmeat, skinlink (AmE), patty (AmE), roll (BrE), sandwich

sauté

sautéverbadj.

I. verb

bacon, mushroom, onion, potato, vegetables

II. adj.

Sauté is used with these nouns:

pan, potato

sautéed

sautéedadj.

Sautéed is used with these nouns:

potato

savage

savageverbadj.

I. verb

Savage is used with these nouns as the subject:

Savage is used with these nouns:

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, look, seembecomeADVERBparticularly, veryincreasinglyThe war became increasingly savage.rathera rather savage dog

assault, attack, beast, beating, cut, dog, murder, reprisal, satire

savagely

savagelyadv.

Savagely is used with these verbs:

attack, beat, kick, murder, snarl

save

savenounverb

I. noun in football/soccer, hockey, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + save | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbrilliant, excellent, fine, good, great, magnificent, outstanding, smart, spectacular, stunning, superbcrucial, important, vitaldiving, one-handed, reflexdoubleVERB + savemake, produce, pull offCasillas made some spectacular saves.PREPOSITIONsave by, save fromsome great saves from both goalkeepers

II. verb1 keep sb/sth safe2 not spend money3 in football/soccer, hockey, etc.1 keep sb/sth safeADVERB | VERB + save | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBsingle-handedlypossibly, potentially, probablyliterallyVERB + savebe able to, canNothing could save us from disaster.be unable tomay, mightIt's a trick that might just save us from total disaster.help (to), try toShe helped save my career.battle to, be determined to, be on a mission to, fight toDoctors battled to save the little boy's life.find a way to, manage toWe managed to save the animals from being put down.PREPOSITIONfromThey saved the paintings from destruction.PHRASESan attempt to save sth, an effort to save stha last desperate attempt to save his marriagea battle to save sth, a bid to save sth, a campaign to save sth, a fight to save sthbe responsible for saving sb/sthHe is responsible for saving the lives of the aircrew.beyond savingThe furniture was beyond saving.

2 not spend moneyADVERB | VERB + save | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBupI'm saving up to buy a new car.VERB + savelook to, try tomanage toPREPOSITIONforWe're trying to save up for our honeymoon.onThey're hoping to save on printing costs.PHRASESscrimp and saveWe scrimp and save to send our children to a private school.thereby savingWe use video conferencing for our meetings, thereby saving thousands in travel expenses.

3 in football/soccer, hockey, etc.ADVERBADVERBbrilliantly, superblybravely, comfortably

Save is used with these nouns as the subject:

firefighter

Save is used with these nouns as the object:

bother, breath, cash, civilization, country, coupon, document, earth, electricity, embarrassment, energy, environment, expense, file, fuel, hassle, honour, inconvenience, life, mankind, marriage, money, neck, penalty, place, planet, receipt, republic, reputation, sanity, seat, setting, shot, sight, soul, space, strength, time, trouble, victim, whale, wildlife, world

saved

savedadj.

Saved is used with these nouns:

document

save from

save fromphr verb

Save from is used with these nouns as the object:

anarchy, axe, closure, death, demolition, disaster, fate, oblivion, ruin, starvation

save on

save onphr verb

Save on is used with these nouns as the object:

disk

saver

savernoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEexistingOnly children whose parents are existing savers may open an account.smallSmall savers are being encouraged to invest in local companies.regularPREPOSITIONsaver withsavers with the United Bank

Saver is used after these nouns:

life, screen

save to

save tophr verb

Save to is used with these nouns as the object:

disk

saving

savingnoun

noun1 amount not used or wasted2 savings money saved in a bank, etc.1 amount not used or wastedADJECTIVE | VERB + saving | saving + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, considerable, great, huge, major, significant, substantialestimated, potential, projectedThe potential savings are enormous.totalnetcost, financialefficiency (BrE)energy, fuel, powerthe advantages of energy savingVERB + savingfind, identify (esp. BrE)We need to find savings of around €30 million.mean, represent, result inFor a family of four this can mean a saving of around $500.deliver, generate, give (sb), offer (sb), produce, yieldThis smart new design offers considerable savings in fuel efficiency.achieve, make, realizeWe need to see where financial savings can be made.increasepass onWe will pass on this saving to our customers.offsetCrushing fuel costs are offsetting other savings.saving + VERBcome from sth, result from sthThe major savings come from reduced costs.PREPOSITIONsaving fora saving for club memberssaving fromsavings from the use of the new technologysaving ina significant saving in energy costssaving ofaverage savings of 30%saving onYou can have all the benefits of membership while making a big saving on price.saving toThis represents a saving to businesses of about £175 million a year.with a savingThis was done, with a saving of 40% in staff costs.

2 savings money saved in a bank, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + SAVINGS | SAVINGS + VERB | SAVINGS + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVElife, pension, retirementhousehold (esp. AmE), personal, privatelong-termVERB + SAVINGShaveI don't have any savings.investputMy grandfather refused to put his savings in the bank.take out, withdrawdip intoboost, build up, increaseI was determined to build up some savings.spend, use, use uplive off, live onShe lost her job and had to live on her savings.loseThe couple lost their entire life savings on the venture.wipe outThe war had wiped out the family savings.SAVINGS + VERBgrowSAVINGS + NOUNaccount, bankbond, certificate (BrE)plan, product (BrE), scheme (BrE), vehiclerateratio (esp. BrE)PHRASESaccess to your savingsThe card gives you instant access to your savings.

saviour

saviournoun

(BrE) (AmE savior) nounADJECTIVE | VERB + saviour/savior | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpotential, would-bepersonalunlikelyVERB + saviour/savioracclaim sb as, hail sb as, see sb/sth asThe people clearly saw her as their saviour.PREPOSITIONsaviour ofHe was hailed as the saviour of the nation.

savoury

savouryadj.

Savoury/savory is used with these nouns:

dish, food, sauce, snack

savvy

savvyadj.

Savvy is used with these nouns:

buyer, investor, shopper

saw

sawnounverb

I. noun

Saw is used before these nouns:

Saw is used after these nouns:

Saw is used with these nouns as the object:

II. verb

log, wood

sawed-off

sawed-offadj.

Sawed-off is used with these nouns:

shotgun

sawn

sawnadj.

Sawn is used with these nouns:

log

sawn-off

sawn-offadj.

Sawn-off is used with these nouns:

shotgun

sax

saxnoun

Sax is used before these nouns:

player

Saxon

Saxonadj.

Saxon is used with these nouns:

fort

say

sayverb

verbADVERB | VERB + say | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBaloud, out loudloudlygently, quietly, softlygruffly, huskilyat onceat last, at length, finallysimply‘I am home,’ he said simply.hastily, hurriedly, quicklyslowlyabruptly, suddenlybriskly, curtly, shortly, terselyangrily, bitterly, crossly (esp. BrE), fiercely, sharply‘I don't know,’ she said crossly.bluntly, flatly, matter-of-factly, plainlyfirmly, weaklyharshly, sternlykindly, sweetlybrightly, cheerfully, cheerily, happilyenthusiasticallywith a grin, with a smile‘You'll see!’ Lianne said with a smile.with a smirk, with a winkwith a chuckle, with a laughwith a frown, with a shrug, with a sigh‘Well, at least we tried!’ he said with a shrug.miserably, sadlygravely, grimly, seriously, solemnlyairily, casually, lightly, nonchalantly, smoothly‘There's nothing wrong with him,’ she said airily.stifflyproudlysmuglythoughtfullyconversationallycalmly, evenly, mildlyimpatiently, patientlydefensively, indignantlypolitelysoothinglyapologetically, sheepishlyawkwardly, hesitantly, lamely, nervouslyjokingly, teasinglydrily, mockingly, sarcasticallycoldly, coolly, icilybreathlesslyabsentlyhonestly, sincerely, truthfullyCan you honestly say you're sorry?VERB + saybe about to, be going toI've forgotten what I was going to say.hasten tolong to, want toI want to say how much we have all enjoyed this evening.hate toI hate to say it, but I think Stephen may be right.dare (to)I dared not say a word about it to anyone.I dare say they she'll come to the wedding.suffice it to, suffice toSuffice it to say, I refused to get involved.be fair toIt is fair to say a considerable amount of effort went into the project.have nothing to, have something toBe quiet, I have something to say.hear sbI heard him say they were leaving tomorrow.PREPOSITIONaboutDo you have anything to say about this?toThat's not what he said to me.PHRASESbe quoted as saying sthA government spokesman was quoted as saying that they would take steps to restore order.a thing to sayThat was a very cruel thing to say.I have to say, I must sayI have to say I didn't expect it to be so good.it has to be saidShe wasn't at her best, it has to be said.needless to sayNeedless to say, it all went smoothly in the end.

Say is used with these nouns as the subject:

act, ad, advert, advertisement, advocate, article, banner, Bible, clock, computer, constitution, critic, document, email, estimate, expert, forecast, headline, horoscope, inscription, institute, judge, legend, letter, magazine, manifesto, manual, message, notice, observer, paragraph, poll, poster, report, researcher, resolution, rule, sceptic, scientist, sign, slogan, source, study, survey, tradition, watch, writer

Say is used with these nouns as the object:

blessing, congratulations, farewell, line, mass, pledge, prayer, thank you, thing, word, yes

saying

sayingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcommon, famous, popular, well-knownold, traditionalwisefavourite/favoriteone of my mother's favourite/favorite sayingsMy boss's favourite/favorite saying is ‘Don't work harder, work smarter’.PREPOSITIONsaying abouttraditional sayings about the weatherPHRASESas the saying goes‘Practice makes perfect’, as the old saying goes.

scaffolding

scaffoldingnoun

nounVERB + scaffolding | scaffolding + NOUN | PREPOSITIONVERB + scaffoldingerect, put upremove, take downclimb, climb upscaffolding + NOUNpolePREPOSITIONon the scaffoldingThere are several builders working on the scaffolding.

scalding

scaldingadj.adv.

I. adj.

Scalding is used with these nouns:

tea

II. adv.

Scalding is used with these adjectives:

Scale is used with these nouns as the object:

scale

scalenounverb

I. noun1 size/extent2 range of values3 relation between actual size and size of a map, etc.4 in music5 on a fish, etc.6 (AmE) machine for weighing1 size/extentADJECTIVE | VERB + scale | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfullIt was several days before the full scale of the accident became clear.big, considerable, epic, grand, greater, huge, large, mass, massive, monumental, vast, widemodest, smallsheerIt is difficult to comprehend the sheer scale of the suffering caused by the war.unprecedenteda misuse of presidential power on an unprecedented scaleambitious, lavishDo they always entertain on such a lavish scale?global, international, local, national, regional, worldcommercialThe dolls are now produced on a commercial scale.humanThe final building is realized on a human scale.The city would operate on a more human scale if cars were banned from the old town.VERB + scaleexpand, increaseThey plan to expand the scale and scope of their operations.reducematchassess, determineWe need to determine the scale of the problem.reveal, showappreciate, comprehend, realizeunderestimatePREPOSITIONscale ofthe scale of the disaster/destruction/problemthe scale of the project/taskin scaleThe paintings are small in scale.on a scalepollution on a massive scalePHRASESan economy of scaleEconomies of scale enable the larger companies to lower their prices.given the scale ofGiven the scale of the changes, it is essential that all managers familiarize themselves with the details.

2 range of valuesADJECTIVE | VERB + scale | scale + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfixedslidingBenefits are paid on a sliding scale according to family income.five-point, six-point, etc.ratingPatients were asked to state their level of anxiety on a 10-point rating scale.timeCan you give me any sort of time scale for the completion of the building work?evolutionary, socialpay, salary, wage (esp. BrE)The company has a five-point pay scale.Beaufort, Richter, etc.The earthquake measured 6.4 on the Richter scale.VERB + scaleuseconstruct, developgo up, move up, rise upHe has risen up the social scale from rather humble beginnings.go down, move downscale + VERBgo from … to … , range from … to … a scale ranging from ‘utterly miserable’ to ‘deliriously happy’be based ona sliding scale based on incomePREPOSITIONon a/the scaleWhere do birds come on the evolutionary scale?scale of … to … On a scale of 1 to 10, he scores 7.PHRASESthe bottom of the scale, the end of the scale, the top of the scaleAfter ten years, she had worked her way to the top of the pay scale.

3 relation between actual size and size of a map, etc.VERB + scale | scale + NOUN | PREPOSITIONVERB + scaledraw sth tohavescale + NOUNdrawing, modelHe's made a scale model of the Eiffel Tower.PREPOSITIONto scaleThe plan of the building is not drawn to scale.scale of … to … The map has a scale of one inch to the mile.a scale of 1 : 25 000

4 in musicADJECTIVE | VERB + scale | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEmajor, minorVERB + scaleplay, singpractise/practiceWe could hear her practising/practicing her scales.PREPOSITIONscale ofthe scale of C major

5 on a fish, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + scaleADJECTIVEoverlappingfine, thinarmoured/armoredfishVERB + scalebe covered in, be covered with

6 (AmE) machine for weighingSee also scales II. verb

cliff, fence, height, hill, ladder, mountain, peak, wall

scaled-down

scaled-downadj.

Scaled-down is used with these nouns:

scalene

scaleneadj.

Scalene is used with these nouns:

scales

scalesnoun

(AmE usually scale) nounADJECTIVE | … OF SCALES | VERB + scales | scales + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEweighing (esp. BrE)bathroom, kitchen… OF SCALESpair (esp. BrE), set (BrE)a pair of kitchen scalesVERB + scalesput sth on, put sth onto, weigh sth onget on, get onto, stand on, step on, step ontotilt, tipAt birth, she tipped the scales at a healthy 7 lb 9 oz.balancescales + VERBtip (in favour/favor of sb/sth), tip (towards/toward sb/sth) (figurative)At the moment the scales tip in favour of the Russians. (BrE)At the moment the scale tips in favor of the Russians. (AmE)PREPOSITIONon the scalesI had a shock when I stood on the scales.PHRASEStip the scales (in favour/favor of sb/sth), tip the scales (towards/toward sb/sth) (figurative)That last goal has tipped the scales towards/toward the Brazilians.

scalloped

scallopedadj.

Scalloped is used with these nouns:

edge

scalp

scalpnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + scalp | scalp + VERBADJECTIVEbalddryitchyflakyVERB + scalpmassagescratchscalp + VERBitchprickle, tingleHer scalp tingled with tension.

scalpel

scalpelnoun

Scalpel is used before these nouns:

scalper

scalpernoun

Scalper is used after these nouns:

ticket

scaly

scalyadj.

Scaly is used with these nouns:

hide, rash, skin

scam

scamnoun

Scam is used after these nouns:

scamper

scamperverb

Scamper is used with these nouns as the subject:

dog, squirrel

scan

scannounverb

I. noun1 examination by a machine2 quick look1 examination by a machineADJECTIVE | VERB + scan | scan + VERB | scan + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbody, whole-bodybone, brain, iris, retina, retinalCAT, CT, MRI, PET, ultrasoundantivirus, virusroutineVERB + scanget, have, obtain, undergocarry out, do, perform, run, takeorderinterpretscan + VERBconfirm sth, indicate sth, reveal sth, show sthA scan revealed a small fracture in the hip area.scan + NOUNdata, resultsPREPOSITIONscan ofThe doctors took a scan of his thigh bone.

2 quick lookADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcursory, quickA quick scan of the local paper revealed nothing.PREPOSITIONscan of

II. verb1 look2 copy using a scanner1 lookADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBcarefullyanxiously, frantically, nervouslyShe scanned the street nervously, looking for the two men.slowlybriefly, quickly, rapidlyconstantlymentally, visuallyPREPOSITIONforI scanned the paper for news.across, around, down, throughMy eyes scanned across the horizon.He scanned through the web pages.

2 copy using a scannerADVERBADVERBautomaticallydigitally, electronically, optically

Scan is used with these nouns as the subject:

Scan is used with these nouns as the object:

card, crowd, document, email, file, ground, headline, horizon, image, Internet, list, menu, negative, newspaper, page, photograph, résumé, room, schedule, shelf, sky, surroundings, text

scandal

scandalnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF SCANDALS | VERB + scandal | scandal + VERB | scandal + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, great, majorcurrent, recentnational, publicabuse, accounting, bribery, corporate, corruption, doping, drug (esp. AmE), drugs (esp. BrE), financial, political, sex, sexuala sex-abuse scandalthe prisoner-abuse scandalrealThe real scandal is that nothing has been done to make sure it doesn't happen again.… OF SCANDALSseries, spate, waveThe government was rocked by a series of scandals.VERB + scandalcause, createavoid, preventinvestigateexpose, reveal, uncovercover up, hush upbe embroiled in, be implicated in, be involved inThere have been calls for the resignation of the official involved in the sex scandal.scandal + VERBbe brewing (esp. AmE), break, develop, erupt, unfoldThe scandal broke on the front pages of all the papers the next day.rock sthinvolve sb/sthengulf sb/sth (esp. BrE), surround sb/sthfinancial scandals surrounding the governmentscandal + NOUNsheet (= a newspaper that publishes stories intended to shock the public)PREPOSITIONin a/the scandalHe was imprisoned for his part in the bribery scandal.scandal overthe scandals over corruption in public lifePHRASESthe centre/center of a scandalThe apartment was paid for by the bank at the centre/center of the scandal.a hint of scandal, a suggestion of scandalUntil the story was published there had been no hint of scandal.in the wake of a scandalIn the wake of recent accounting scandals, new cases have come to light.

scandalous

scandalousadj.

Scandalous is used with these nouns:

affair, excess

scan in

scan inphr verb

Scan in is used with these nouns as the object:

photograph, text

scanner

scannernoun

Scanner is used after these nouns:

fingerprint, laser, radar, virus

scant

scantadj.

Scant is used with these nouns:

attention, evidence, mention, regard, reward, sympathy

scantily

scantilyadv.

Scantily is used with these adjectives:

clad, clothed

Scantily is used with these verbs:

Scarce is used with these nouns:

scapegoat

scapegoatnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + scapegoat | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEconvenient, easyVERB + scapegoatbecomefindmake sb, use sb asHe has been made a scapegoat for the company's failures.PREPOSITIONscapegoat forThey are being made the scapegoats for all the ills of society.

scar

scarnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + scar | scar + VERB | scar + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdeep, large, longsmall, thinfaint, visiblejaggednasty, uglypermanentemotional, mental, psychologicalHer mental scars will take time to heal.acne, bulletbattleVERB + scarleavebear (often figurative)The countryside still bears the scars of the recent hurricane.expose, revealhidescar + VERBremainformfade, healrunShe had a long scar running down her face.scar + NOUNtissuePREPOSITIONscar onThe cut left a permanent scar on his arm.

II. verb (often be scarred)ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBbadly, deeply, heavily, hideouslyHis face was badly scarred by the fire.emotionally, mentally, physically, psychologicallyShe was both physically and mentally scarred by the accident.forever, permanentlyPREPOSITIONwith (figurative)Their minds were scarred with bitterness.PHRASESbe scarred for life, leave sb scarredThe accident left him permanently scarred.

scarce

scarceadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seembecome, get, growMedical supplies were growing scarce.remainADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.Money was extremely scarce after the war.increasingly, particularlySkilled workers were becoming increasingly scarce.

commodity, resource, water

scarcely scarcity

scarcitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | scarcity + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreatgrowing, increasingrelativeartificialfood, land, resource, waterscarcity + NOUNvalueOld properties in the town have acquired a scarcity value.PREPOSITIONscarcity ofThere is a great scarcity of food in the drought-stricken areas.PHRASESin times of scarcityIn times of scarcity, lions will travel great distances in search of food.

scare

scarenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + scare | scare + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEmajor, nasty, terriblea major health scarefood, healthAIDS, cancer, etc.pregnancybombterror, terrorism, terroristVERB + scarecausegive sbIt wasn't a serious heart attack, but it gave him a terrible scare.get, havescare + NOUNcampaign, story, tacticsThe ad uses scare tactics to get people to stop smoking.PREPOSITIONscare about, scare overthe scare over bird fluPHRASESa bit of a scare, quite a scareI got quite a scare when the police called me.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + scare | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBreallyeasilyHe doesn't scare easily.away, offHis name scares off a lot of people.VERB + scaretry to, want tostart toPREPOSITIONintoThey're just trying to scare us into letting out the secret.withYou don't scare me with your threats!PHRASESscare sb silly, scare sb stiff, scare sb to death (all informal)The very thought of flying scares me stiff.scare the life out of sb, scare the living daylights out of sb (both informal)You scared the life out of me, hiding like that!scare the pants off sb (informal, esp. AmE)

Scare is used with these nouns as the object:

scare away

scare awayphr verb

Scare away is used with these nouns as the object:

Scared is used with these nouns:

scared

scaredadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbe, be running (figurative), feel, look, seem, soundThey had their opponent running scared.getADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.a little, slightly, etc.deadjust, plainHe wasn't sick, Sophie decided. He was just plain scared.genuinelyPREPOSITIONaboutIt's only a little injection. It's nothing to be scared about.atI'm feeling a little scared at the thought of the operation.ofI'm really scared of heights.PHRASESscared out of your wits, scared stiff (informal), scared to death (informal)

scare into

scare intophr verb

Scare into is used with these nouns as the object:

scare off

scare offphr verb

Scare off is used with these nouns as the object:

Scarlet is used with these nouns:

scarf

scarfnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + scarf | scarf + VERBADJECTIVElong, thickcashmere, chiffon, silk, wool (esp. AmE), woollen/woolenknittedstriped, stripy (BrE)matchinghead (usually headscarf), neckcollege, football (both esp. BrE)VERB + scarfwind around sth, wrap around sthHe wrapped his scarf around his neck.knot, tieShe had a scarf tied over her head.unwind, unwrap (esp. AmE)pullShe pulled her scarf over her mouth.knitscarf + VERBcover sthHer hair was covered by a silk scarf.

scarlet

scarletadj.

adj., noun1 bright red2 red in the face1 bright redADJECTIVEADJECTIVEbright, brilliant, vivid

2 red in the faceVERBS | ADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeblush, flush, go, turnADJECTIVEbrightShe flushed bright scarlet.PREPOSITIONwithHe had gone scarlet with embarrassment.

fever

scarp

scarpnoun

Scarp is used after these nouns:

fault

Scart

Scartnoun

Scart is used before these nouns:

scary

scaryadj.

Scary is used with these nouns:

movie, part, prospect, thought

scathing

scathingadj.

Scathing is used with these nouns:

attack, comment, criticism, critique, indictment, look, rebuke, remark, reply, report, retort, review, tone

scathingly

scathinglyadv.

Scathingly is used with these verbs:

retort

scatter

scatterverbadj.

I. verb

Scatter is used with these nouns as the object:

ash, crumb, debris, piece, remains, wreckage

II. adj.

Scatter is used with these nouns:

cushion

scattered

scatteredadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, liefind sthADVERBliberallyLarge vases of flowers were liberally scattered around the room.randomlythinly (esp. BrE)widelyThe people live in widely scattered communities.everywherePREPOSITIONabout (esp. BrE), across, along, among, around, on, overBroken glass lay scattered over the floor.throughout, withThe whole area was scattered with debris.

Scattered is used with these nouns:

cloud, gunfire, shower

scavenge for

scavenge forphr verb

Scavenge for is used with these nouns as the object:

scavenger

scavengernoun

Scavenger is used before these nouns:

hunt

scenario

scenarionoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + scenario | scenario + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElikely, plausible, possible, realisticThe more likely scenario is that interest rates will rise.unlikelycommon, familiar, typicalfuture, hypotheticaloptimistic, rosybest-case, ideal, perfect, win-win (esp. AmE)frightening, grim, pessimisticapocalyptic, doomsday, nightmare, worst, worst-casedramatic, interestingalternative, differentsimilarVERB + scenarioconsider, imagineconstruct, create, developdescribe, outline, paint, presentthe scenario painted by some sections of the Western pressoffer, propose, suggestenact, play outHe enjoyed playing out the various scenarios in his own mind.scenario + VERBplay out (esp. AmE), unfoldSimilar scenarios are playing out across the country.PREPOSITIONin a/the scenarioIn a worst-case scenario, the disease will reach epidemic proportions.under a/the scenarioUnder any of these scenarios, the company will run into debt.

scene

scenenoun

noun1 place where sth happened2 what you see around you3 one part of book, play, etc.4 public display of anger, etc.5 area of activity1 place where sth happenedADJECTIVE | VERB + scene | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEaccident, crash, crime, murderfootprints found near the murder sceneVERB + sceneattend, be onA police officer attended the scene.arrive at, arrive on, reachAn ambulance soon arrived at the scene of the accident.return to, rush toflee, leavebe called toThe police were called to the scene.cordon off (esp. BrE)PREPOSITIONat the scenePolice say the man died at the scene.a gun found at the scene of the crimeon the scenePhotographers were on the scene in seconds.scene ofThe criminal often revisits the scene of the crime.

2 what you see around youADJECTIVE | VERB + scene | scene + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbeautiful, charming, idyllic, peaceful, picturesquebucolic, pastoralgrisly, gruesome, horrificappalling, distressingtouchingbizarre, extraordinary, strangeShe opened the door on an extraordinary scene of disorder.familiardomestica touching domestic scenecity, country, rural, streetnativityVERB + scenestare at, survey, watch, witnessHe surveyed the scene with horror.imagine, picturerecall, remember, replayI replayed the scene in my mind.describescene + VERBoccur, unfoldWe sat in horror watching the scenes of violence unfold before us.be reminiscent of sthParamedics tended the wounded in scenes reminiscent of wartime.PREPOSITIONamid scenes ofThe star arrived amidst scenes of excitement.in a/the scenescene fromscenes from Greek mythologyscene ofHe painted scenes of country life.The battlefield was a scene of utter carnage.PHRASESa change of scene (esp. BrE) (usually a change of scenery in AmE)You're exhausted. What you need is a complete change of scene.

3 one part of book, play, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + scene | scene + VERB | scene + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEopeningclimactic, final, lastdramatic, funny, romantic, steamy, touching, tragicThe movie has several steamy bedroom scenes.courtroom, crowdaction, battle, chase, fightbedroom, kissing, love, sexdeathcut, deletedVERB + sceneact, playShe plays the love scenes brilliantly.rehearse, run throughWe ran through the final scene again.recreatewritefilm, shootstagesetThe scene is set in the first paragraph with an account of Sally's childhood.stealThe little girl stole the scene from all the big stars.scene + VERBfeature sbdepict sth, show sthbegintake placeshiftThen the scene shifts to the kitchen.scene + NOUNchangePREPOSITIONin a/the sceneHe appears in the opening scene.scene betweenThere is a dramatic fight scene between the two brothers.PHRASESbehind the scenes (= behind the stage)The documentary takes a look behind the scenes at the making of the hit TV series.a change of scene

4 public display of anger, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + scene | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, littleangry (esp. BrE), terrible, ugly, unpleasantemotional, violentVERB + scenecause, create, makeQuiet! Don't make a scene!PREPOSITIONscene betweenThere have been a couple of ugly scenes between him and the manager.

5 area of activityADJECTIVE | VERB + scene | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEburgeoning, flourishing, livelycontemporaryinternational, local, worldart, arts, cultural, literary, music, musical, theatre/theaterHe is heavily involved in the local art scene.club, dancefashion, political, socialdating, singlesgaydrug (esp. AmE), drugs (esp. BrE), undergroundfolk, jazz, pop, rap, rock, etc.VERB + scenebe involved in, be part ofappear on, arrive on, come on, come ontoA new face has arrived on the South African literary scene.burst onto, explode ontovanish fromMany of the stars of the nineties have completely vanished from the music scene.dominatePREPOSITIONon the scene, onto the scenethe eruption of Cuban music onto the world scenePHRASESa newcomer to the sceneThe movie's director is a newcomer to the Hollywood scene.not your scene (informal)Hillwalking is not my scene, so I stayed at home.

scenery

scenerynoun

noun1 features of the countryside2 on stage1 features of the countrysideADJECTIVE | VERB + scenery | scenery + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElovely, nice, picturesque, prettybeautiful, breathtaking, dramatic, fantastic, gorgeous, magnificent, spectacular, stunning, wonderfulchanging, variedsurroundingThe town is charming and the surrounding scenery superb.passinglocalcoastal, mountain, naturalVERB + sceneryadmire, enjoy, look at, take inAn observation deck lets you take in the passing scenery.seewatchShe watched the passing scenery.scenery + VERBchangePREPOSITIONamid (the) scenery, in (the) sceneryThe hotel lies amid spectacular mountain scenery.through (the) sceneryThe train passes through some magnificent scenery.PHRASESthe beauty of the sceneryWe stopped to admire the beauty of the scenery around us.a change of sceneryFor a complete change of scenery, take a ferry out to one of the islands.

2 on stageVERB + scenery | PREPOSITIONVERB + sceneryset upchangePREPOSITIONscenery forThat table is part of the scenery for Act 2.

scenic

scenicadj.

Scenic is used with these nouns:

backdrop, beauty, drive, grandeur, road, route, splendour, trail, view

scent

scentnoun

noun1 pleasant smell2 smell that an animal/a person leaves behind1 pleasant smellADJECTIVE | VERB + scent | scent + VERBADJECTIVEheady, heavy, intoxicating, pungent, rich, sharp, strongthe heavy scent of Indian cookingdelicate, faint, softlingeringsweetbeautiful, delicious, lovely, pleasantfreshthe fresh scent of flowerswarmfloral, floweryjasmine, lavender, pine, etc.musky, spicyexoticFrank inhaled the exotic floral scent of her perfume.familiarVERB + scenthaveThis flower has no scent.be filled withThe air was filled with the scent of lilac.give off, releaseThe flowers give off a heady scent at night.breathe in, inhale, smellscent + VERBcome, drift, waftFrom the vine outside came the scent of honey.fill sthThe scent of pine filled the room.lingerThe scent of incense lingered in the air.

2 smell that an animal/a person leaves behindADJECTIVE | VERB + scent | scent + NOUNADJECTIVEbody, human, masculine, personal, sexualVERB + scentbe on, haveThe dog was on the scent of a rabbit.The hounds have the scent.leaveThe cat had left its scent on the sofa.catch, pick upOne of the hounds had picked up the scent of a fox.losefollowscent + NOUNglandmark, markingtrail

scented

scentedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeADVERBheavily, highly, powerfully, richly, stronglyrichly scented flowersdelicately, faintly, lightlythe delicately scented writing papersweetlyPREPOSITIONwithThe air was scented with the smell of pines.

Scented is used with these nouns:

candle, flower, oil, soap

sceptic

scepticnoun

(BrE) (AmE skeptic) nounADJECTIVE | VERB + sceptic/skeptic | sceptic/skeptic + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEhardenedVERB + sceptic/skepticconvince, win overHe has managed to convince even the sceptics.confound, defy, refute, silencesceptic/skeptic + VERBargue sth, claim sth, point out sth, say sthSceptics will argue that no such plan has ever proved successful.think sthdoubt sth, question sth, wonder sthPREPOSITIONsceptic aboutShe is a sceptic about the dangers of global warming.PHRASESprove the sceptics right, prove the sceptics wrongEvents since the elections have proved the sceptics right.

sceptical

scepticaladj.

(BrE) (AmE skeptical) adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, look, soundremainbecomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.deeply, highlyincreasinglya little, slightly, etc.I'm a little sceptical of these claims.naturally, understandablyThey remain understandably sceptical about her promises of improvement.initiallyPREPOSITIONaboutHe is deeply sceptical about the value of teaching poetry.as toMany were sceptical as to whether the plan would succeed.ofThey are highly sceptical of political leaders.

Sceptical is used with these nouns:

electorate, eyebrow, look, observer

sceptically

scepticallyadv.

Sceptically is used with these verbs:

ask, look

scepticism

scepticismnoun

(BrE) (AmE skepticism) nounADJECTIVE | … OF SCEPTICISM/SKEPTICISM | VERB + scepticism/skepticism | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEconsiderable, deep, extreme, greathealthygrowinggeneral, widespreadpublicinitialMy initial scepticism was replaced with respectful admiration.… OF SCEPTICISM/SKEPTICISMdegree, great dealI regard their press releases with a degree of scepticism.healthy doseThe President's claim must be regarded with a healthy dose of scepticism.VERB + scepticism/skepticismhaveShe has a healthy scepticism towards/toward the claims in the company's report.express, voiceshareSome attorneys share her scepticism about the new plan.be greeted with, be met with, be treated with, be viewed withThis claim has often been met with scepticism.PREPOSITIONwith scepticismThis theory was initially received with great scepticism by her fellow scientists.scepticism about, scepticism over, scepticism towards/towardHe expressed a great deal of scepticism about the value of psychoanalysis.

schedule

schedulenounverb

I. noun1 plan of work to be done2 (AmE) list showing times of events3 list of television programmes/programs1 plan of work to be doneADJECTIVE | VERB + schedule | schedule + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdaily, weekly, etc.currentnormal, regularambitious, busy, demanding, full, gruelling/grueling, heavy, hectic, punishing (esp. BrE), rigorous, tightrigid, strictflexibledelivery, development, payment, production, training, work, etc.filming, recording, shootingVERB + schedulehave, maintainShe has a very demanding schedule.arrange, design, draw up, establish, make, plan, prepare, work outadjust, alter, juggle (AmE), rearrangecheckkeep to, meet, stay on, stick toWe had to work a lot of overtime to meet the strict production schedule.be ahead of, run ahead ofinterrupt, take time out ofThe president took time out of his busy schedule to visit our school.fit sth intoI'm trying to fit everything into my busy schedule.schedule + VERBhave a schedule to keep (AmE)We have a tight schedule to keep.PREPOSITIONaccording to scheduleAt this stage everything is going according to schedule.behind scheduleWe're starting to slip behind schedule.in the scheduleAllow time in the schedule for sickness.off schedule (esp. AmE)We're five days off schedule.on scheduleThe project is right on schedule.

2 (AmE) list showing times of eventsSee also timetableADJECTIVE | VERB + scheduleADJECTIVEclass, course, exam, lecture, schoolbus, trainConnor checked the bus schedules for the day.flightdisruptions to flight schedules caused by the strikeracingVERB + schedulecheck, compare, look at, scan

3 list of television programmes/programsADJECTIVEADJECTIVEtelevision, TVprogramme (BrE), programming (esp. AmE)networkdaytime, evening, prime-time (esp. AmE), weekdayspring, summer, etc.Saturday, Sunday, etc.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBcurrentlyinitially, originallyThe meeting was originally scheduled for March 12.provisionally, tentativelyregularlyPREPOSITIONforThe movie is scheduled for release next month.PHRASESbe scheduled to begin, open, take place, etc.The Grand Prix is scheduled to take place on July 4.be scheduled to appear, compete, speak, etc.

Schedule is used with these nouns as the object:

appointment, audition, conference, election, event, fixture, hearing, interview, launch, meeting, session, visit, vote, workshop

scheduled

scheduledadj.

Scheduled is used with these nouns:

airline, appearance, appointment, arrival, delivery, departure, election, execution, flight, launch, maintenance, meeting, service, stop, visit

schematic

schematicadj.

Schematic is used with these nouns:

diagram, representation

schematically

schematicallyadv.

Schematically is used with these verbs:

represent, show

scheme

schemenoun

noun1 plan for getting an advantage, etc. for yourself2 way sth is designed or organized3 (BrE) plan for doing sth1 plan for getting an advantage, etc. for yourselfADJECTIVE | VERB + scheme | scheme + VERBADJECTIVEcrazy, hare-brainedShe's come up with a hare-brained scheme for getting her novel published.elaborateget-rich-quick, moneymakingThis is not one of those get-rich-quick schemes that you see on the Internet.money-laundering, Ponzi (AmE), pyramiddevious, diabolical, evil, fraudulent, nefariousVERB + schemeconcoct, devise, dream up, hatchHe concocted a scheme to steal 1.9 million shares.proposecrack, foil, thwart, uncoverscheme + VERBinvolve sth

2 way sth is designed or organizedADJECTIVE | VERB + scheme | PHRASESADJECTIVEcolour/color, decorating (AmE), lighting, paintrhymeThe poem's rhyme scheme, which Dante invented, is known as ‘terza rima’.classification, labelling/labeling, naming, numberingconceptual, organizational, regulatoryVERB + schemedesignchoosePHRASESin the grand scheme of things, in the great scheme of things, in the overall scheme of thingsIn the grand scheme of things, one missing page doesn't matter.

3 (BrE) plan for doing sthADJECTIVE | VERB + scheme | scheme + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEmajor, multi-million-poundambitious, grandiosecontroversialimaginative, ingenious, innovativesuccessfulcompulsory, voluntaryproposedpilotThe project is based on a successful pilot scheme in Glasgow.incentive, insurance, pension, recycling, share, statutory, trainingVERB + schemehaveHe has an ingenious scheme to attract funding.come up with, design, devise, draw up, plan, prepare, proposeoppose, supportapprove, rejectannounceestablish, initiate, introduce, launch, organize, pilot, set up, startThe government set up a scheme of limited public health assistance in 1992.administer, adopt, carry out, implement, operate, runback, finance, funda government-backed schemebe in, join, participate in, take part inuseabolish, wind upscheme + VERBoffer sth, provide sthallow sth, enable sthThe scheme allows customers to trade in their own computer against the cost of a new one.aim to, be aimed at sth, be designed for sth, be designed to do sth, involve stha scheme involving local librariesbe based onapply to sth, cover sthThe scheme applies to families with three or more children.go ahead, proceedThe scheme has been given approval to go ahead.come into effect, come into forcesucceed, workcollapse, failPREPOSITIONin a/the schemeSchools in the scheme will receive an annual grant.under a/the schemeUnder the scheme, land would be sold to building companies.scheme fora training scheme for unemployed teenagersscheme wherebya scheme whereby the elderly will be provided with help in the home

schizophrenia

schizophrenianoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + schizophrenia | schizophrenia + NOUNADJECTIVEchronicparanoidVERB + schizophreniahave, suffer fromdevelopdiagnosetreatschizophrenia + NOUNpatients

schizophrenic

schizophrenicadj.

Schizophrenic is used with these nouns:

symptom

scholar

scholarnoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEbrilliant, great, leading, outstandingdistinguished, eminent, famous, noted, prominent, renownedseniorvisitingcontemporary, modernconservative, feminist, Jewish, liberal, Muslim, Western, etc.biblical, classical, French, history, literary, religious, etc.

scholarly scholarship

scholarshipnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + scholarship | scholarship + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcollege (esp. AmE)student (AmE)academic (AmE), athletic (AmE), sportsbasketball, football, golf, etc. (esp. AmE)full (AmE)travelling (BrE)VERB + scholarshipearn (AmE), gain (BrE), get, obtain (BrE), receive, winaward (sb), give (sb), offerThe Fund awards four scholarships every year.scholarship + NOUNprogramme/program, scheme (BrE)studentexam, examination (both BrE)PREPOSITIONon a scholarshipTwo of the boys are on football scholarships.scholarship toShe was awarded a scholarship to Columbia University.

scholastic

scholasticadj.

Scholastic is used with these nouns:

chess

school

schoolnoun

noun See also high schoolADJECTIVE | VERB + school | school + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEnurserycomprehensive, first, grammar, junior, middle, prep, preparatory, senior (all in the UK)elementary, grade (informal), high, junior high, middle (all in the US)primary, secondary (both esp. BrE)charter (AmE), fee-paying, independent, private, public, state (BrE) (In Britain ‘public schools’ are private. In the US a public school is a free local school paid for by the government. In the UK, this type of free school is called a ‘state school’.)specialShe attends a special school for children with learning difficulties.coed (informal), co-educational, mixed (BrE)single-sexall-boys, all-girls, boys', girls'boarding, residential (BrE)dayfaith (BrE), mainstream, religiousCatholic, Christian, Islamic, Muslim, etc.Bible, Hebrew, Sundaysummerinner-city, local, neighbourhood/neighborhood, parochial (AmE), rural, village (BrE)night (old-fashioned)finishingprep, preparatory (= a school that prepares students for college) (in the US)grad, graduate (both AmE)trade, vocational (both AmE)trainingart, business, divinity (AmE), drama, film, law, med (informal, esp. AmE), medical, militarydance, driving, language, ridingprestigiousbeacon (BrE), magnet (AmE)failingIt is a failing school with some of the worst results in the city.VERB + schoolattend, go toenter (esp. AmE), startfinish, leave (BrE), quit (AmE)stay inbe expelled from, be kicked out of (esp. AmE)He was expelled from school for verbally abusing his teacher.drop out ofbunk off (BrE, informal), ditch (AmE), play hooky from (AmE), play truant from (BrE), skipbe off (BrE), stay home from (AmE), stay off (BrE)Eric is off school again.My parents let me stay home from school yesterday.My parents let me stay off school yesterday.keep sb home from (AmE), keep sb off (BrE)You don't need to keep your child home from school because of a cough.You don't need to keep your child off school because of a cough.teach (AmE)She teaches elementary school in Atlanta.runHe runs a karate school in San Jose, California.school + NOUNchild (usually schoolchildren), kid (informal) (usually schoolkids)boy, girl (usually schoolboy, schoolgirl)pupil (esp. BrE, becoming old-fashioned), studentfriend, mate (usually schoolmate) (both esp. BrE)teacher (usually schoolteacher)She's a middle-school teacher.master, mistress (usually schoolmaster, schoolmistress) (old-fashioned, esp. BrE)head teacher (BrE), principal (AmE)administrator, counselor (both AmE)governor (esp. BrE)auditorium (esp. AmE), building, classroom, hall, libraryplayground, yard (usually schoolyard) (AmE)dayThe next day was Monday, a school day.It was just a typical school day.semester (esp. AmE), term, yearholidays (BrE), vacation (AmE)busrun (= the journey that parents make to take their children to school) (BrE)dinners (BrE), lunch (esp. AmE), meals (BrE)rulesuniformassemblyagechildren of school ageschool-age childrendays (usually schooldays)She hadn't seen Laura since her schooldays.district (AmE)curriculumvoucher (AmE)PREPOSITIONafter schoolWe're going to play football after school.a range of after-school activitiesat (a/the) school (BrE)She didn't do very well at school.Their son's at the school near the station.in (a/the) schoolAre your children still in school? (AmE)the cleverest child in the schoolPHRASESbe on the way home from schoolget ready for schoolget out of schoolcome home from, get home fromdo well at school (BrE), do well in school (esp. AmE)Amy is doing extremely well in school and gets top marks in every class.leave for school

school-aged

school-agedadj.

School-aged is used with these nouns:

school board

school boardnoun

School board is used before these nouns:

schoolboy

schoolboynoun

Schoolboy is used before these nouns:

humour

schoolgirl

schoolgirlnoun

Schoolgirl is used before these nouns:

crush

schooling

schoolingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + schooling | schooling + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEgood, properShe received the best schooling the town could offer.poorMany children are disadvantaged by poor schooling.compulsoryCompulsory schooling ends at sixteen.formalprimary, secondary (both esp. BrE)home, privatemainstreamVERB + schoolingget, have, receiveHe has had no formal schooling.begincontinue, continue withShe continued with her schooling after a long period of illness.complete, finishschooling + VERBsufferWe will stay in this country, as we don't want her schooling to suffer.PHRASESyears of schoolingchildren's development in the early years of schooling

school-leaving

school-leavingadj.

School-leaving is used with these nouns:

age

schoolyard

schoolyardnoun

Schoolyard is used before these nouns:

bully, taunt

sciatic

sciaticadj.

Sciatic is used with these nouns:

science

sciencenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + science | science + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEmodernbad, junk (informal)This rule is based on bad science.good, hard, real, soundHis essay is not based on good science.exact, inexactPolitics is as much an art form as an exact science.populara writer of popular science booksadvanced, basicapplied, empirical, experimentalpure, theoreticalbiological, chemical, evolutionary, human, life, materials, mathematical, natural, physicalThe life sciences include biology and botany.agricultural, earth, environmental, food, marine, soilbiomedical, forensic, medical, veterinarybehavioural/behavioral, cognitive, political, socialcomputer, informationspacemanagement, sportscreationVERB + scienceadvanceResearch is critical to advancing medical science.understandour ability to understand the science of environmental degradationscience + NOUNcurriculumeducation, research, teachingexperiment, projectlab (informal), laboratorymajor (AmE)researcheradviserPresident Bill Clinton's science advisercorrespondent, editor, journalist, reporter (esp. AmE), writerbook, journal, textbookpolicy (esp. AmE)The society provides advice on science policy.community (esp. AmE) (usually scientific community in BrE and AmE)museum, parkfair (esp. AmE)PREPOSITIONscience ofMeteorology is the science of the weather.PHRASESthe advancement of science, the development of sciencethe history of sciencethe laws of sciencescience and technologythe world of scienceHis experiments have achieved notoriety in the world of science.

science fiction

science fictionnoun

Science fiction is used before these nouns:

novel, thriller, writer

scientific

scientificadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seem, soundADVERBhighlyIt all looks highly scientific!trulypurelyHer curiosity was purely scientific.not veryHis approach was not very scientific.

Scientific is used with these nouns:

accomplishment, accuracy, achievement, activity, advance, advancement, adviser, apparatus, approach, article, aspect, assessment, background, base, basis, bent, breakthrough, circle, colleague, community, concept, consensus, controversy, creativity, credentials, credibility, criticism, culture, curiosity, data, debate, development, discipline, discovery, endeavour, enquiry, enterprise, equipment, establishment, evidence, examination, excellence, expedition, experiment, expert, expertise, explanation, exploration, fact, finding, formula, foundation, genius, hypothesis, idea, illiteracy, innovation, institute, instrument, integrity, interest, investigation, jargon, journal, justification, know-how, knowledge, literature, logic, measurement, medicine, meeting, merit, method, misconduct, model, mystery, name, observation, orthodoxy, paper, point of view, precision, principle, procedure, progress, proof, publication, publishing, puzzle, reasoning, report, reputation, research, researcher, respectability, revolution, rigour, scrutiny, socialism, society, study, talent, technique, temperament, term, terminology, text, theory, thinker, thinking, thought, topic, training, truth, uncertainty, understanding, validity, verification, viewpoint, vocabulary, work, writing

scientifically scientist

scientistnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF SCIENTISTS | VERB + scientist | scientist + VERBADJECTIVEbrilliant, good, greatdistinguished, eminent, famous, leading, respectedseriousprofessional, trainedchief, senior, topmad (often humorous)She had an image of a mad scientist working in his laboratory.independentgovernmentfellowShe gave a lecture to 2 000 fellow scientists in Kyoto.researchnatural, physicalagricultural, earth, environmental, food, marine, nuclear, soilforensic, medicalbehavioural/behavioral, political, socialcomputeryounga contest for young scientists… OF SCIENTISTSgroup, teamVERB + scientistbaffle, intrigue, puzzlea mystery that has baffled scientists for many yearsscientist + VERBbe interested in sth, be involved in sth, examine sth, specialize in sth, study sth, work (on sth)scientists interested in Antarctic researchknow sthestimate sthThe scientists estimate that nearly two thirds of the continent has become drier over the past 60 years.argue sth, believe sth, claim sth, propose sth, say sth, suggest sth, warn of sth, warn that … Scientists warned of even greater eruptions to come.discover sth, find sth, identify sth, reveal sthagree sth, agree on sth, conclude sthdisagree on sthreport sthdevelop sthScientists have developed an injection that doesn't use a needle.

sci-fi

sci-finoun

Sci-fi is used before these nouns:

classic, film, movie, novel, writer

scissor

scissoradj.

Scissor is used with these nouns:

kick

scissors

scissorsnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF SCISSORS | VERB + scissors | scissors + VERBADJECTIVEblunt, sharpkitchennailsmall… OF SCISSORSpaira pair of nail scissorsVERB + scissorscut sth with, useDon't use these scissors to cut paper or cardboard.scissors + VERBcutThese scissors don't cut very well.

scoff at

scoff atphr verb

Scoff at is used with these nouns as the object:

Scold is used with these nouns as the object:

scold

scoldverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBgently, lightlysilentlyseverelyPREPOSITIONforRose scolded the child gently for being naughty.

Scoop is used after these nouns:

scoop

scoopnounverbadj.

I. noun

ice cream

II. verb

Scoop is used with these nouns as the object:

flesh, honour, jackpot

III. adj.

Scoop is used with these nouns:

neck

scoop out

scoop outphr verb

Scoop out is used with these nouns as the object:

flesh

scope

scopenoun

noun1 opportunity2 range/extent1 opportunityADJECTIVE | VERB + scope | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfullIn her new house she had full scope for her passion for gardening.ample, considerable, enormous, great, huge, tremendouslimitedVERB + scopehaveallow (sb), give sb, leave (sb), offer (sb), provide (sb with)These courses give students more scope for developing their own ideas.increase, reducePREPOSITIONscope forThere is limited scope for creativity in my job.

2 range/extentADJECTIVE | VERB + scope | scope + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbroad, wideepic, vastThis is a novel of epic scope and grand passions.global, international, nationalsheerThe sheer scope of the project was impressive.limited, narrowThe scope of the exhibition is disappointingly narrow.properthe proper scope of the criminal lawgeographic (esp. AmE), geographicalThe geographical scope of product markets has widened since the war.VERB + scopebroaden, enlarge, expand, extend, increase, widenlimit, narrow, reduce, restrictdefine, determineThese criteria were used to determine the scope of the curriculum.scope + VERBbroaden, expand, extend, increasePREPOSITIONbeyond the scope of, outside the scope ofThe subject lies outside the scope of this book.in (sth's) scopeThe survey is too limited in (its) scope.within the scope ofThese disputes fall within the scope of the local courts.

scorch

scorchadj.

Scorch is used with these nouns:

scorched

scorchedadj.

Scorched is used with these nouns:

earth

scorching

scorchingadj.adv.

I. adj.

Scorching is used with these nouns:

heat, summer, sun, sunlight

II. adv.

Scorching is used with these adjectives:

Score is used with these nouns as the subject:

score

scorenounverb

I. noun1 in a game, competition, etc.2 (esp. AmE) in a test3 written music1 in a game, competition, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + score | score + VERB | score + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, excellent, good, high, record, topwinningbad, low, pooraverageclose, levelThe score was close in the final game.aggregate (BrE), overall, totalfinal, half-timeindividual, teambasketball, football, etc.box (in baseball)VERB + scoreachieve, earn, finish with, get, havegive (sb)He got around the course in 72, giving him an average score of 70.make, takeA late goal made the score 4–2.A late goal took the score to 4–2.keep, recordI'll keep (the) score.level, tieGerrard struggled valiantly to level the score.score + VERBbe, stand atAt half-time the score stood at 3–0.score + NOUNboard (usually scoreboard), card (usually scorecard), sheet (BrE)The scoreboard showed we were in the lead.Inamoto failed to get his name on the score sheet (= failed to score).draw (BrE)PREPOSITIONscore againstthe best score for years against ItalyPHRASESbring the scores level, keep the scores level (both BrE)Ronaldo brought the scores level at 2–2.

2 (esp. AmE) in a testADJECTIVE | VERB + score | score + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEexcellent, good, high, perfect, record, topbad, low, pooraverage, mean, median, standardcombined, overall, totalIQ, SAT (AmE), testVERB + scoreachieve, get, have, obtain, receivecalculatecomparegive sbboost, improve, increaseThe article claims that vitamins will boost your child's IQ score.score + VERBindicate, reflect, showrangeMost ten-year-olds had scores ranging between 50 and 70.PREPOSITIONscore forShe got an unusually low score for creativity.

3 written musicADJECTIVE | VERB + score | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfullmusic, musicalorchestral, piano, vocalthe vocal score of ‘The Magic Flute’balletfilm, movie (esp. AmE)originalThe original score for the movie was composed by John Williams.VERB + scorecompose, play, read, writePREPOSITIONin a/the scorea mistake in the piano score

II. verb1 win points, goals, etc.2 gain marks in a test, survey, etc.1 win points, goals, etc.ADVERB | VERB + score | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBonce, twice, etc.nearlyeasilyCunningham broke away and scored easily.heavily (BrE)finallyVERB + scoretry tobe able to, manage tofail to, have yet toWalker has yet to score this season.be ready to (esp. AmE), look likely to (esp. BrE)Schumacher is ready to score at his home track again.Villa always looked likely to score.PREPOSITIONagainstThe crowd erupted when the Green Bay Packers scored against the Denver Broncos.forShe has not yet scored for her new team.PHRASEScome close to scoring (esp. BrE)It was Robertson who came closest to scoring.have a/the chance to score, have an/the opportunity to scoreWe had several chances to score in the second half.open the scoringRonaldinho opened the scoring in the seventh minute of the game.

2 gain marks in a test, survey, etc.ADVERBADVERBhighly, wellThe company scores highly on customer service.consistentlyWomen consistently scored higher than men in this test.

batsman, side

Score is used with these nouns as the object:

basket, coup, goal, hit, music, point, rating, run, success, touchdown, triumph, try, victory, win

scoreless

scorelessadj.

Scoreless is used with these nouns:

draw, streak

scoring

scoringnoun

Scoring is used before these nouns:

average, chance, drive, position, record, system

Scoring is used after these nouns:

credit

scorn

scornnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + scorn | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEwitheringShe reserved her most withering scorn for journalists.publicHe has suffered public scorn and humiliation.VERB + scornheap, pourAbuse and scorn were heaped upon the new tax.reserveHe reserved particular scorn for the director.deserveWhat have I done to deserve such scorn?PREPOSITIONwith scornHe stared with scorn at his interviewers.scorn forHe didn't try to hide his scorn for our way of doing things.PHRASESan object of scornHis poetry was the object of scorn.

scornful

scornfuladj.

Scornful is used with these nouns:

glance, laugh, look

scornfully

scornfullyadv.

Scornfully is used with these verbs:

laugh, mock

scorpion

scorpionnoun

Scorpion is used before these nouns:

sting, venom

Scotch

Scotchadj.

Scotch is used with these nouns:

egg, tape, whisky

scotch

scotchverb

Scotch is used with these nouns as the object:

myth, rumour

Scottish

Scottishadj.

Scottish is used with these nouns:

hospitality, root, salmon

scour

scourverb

Scour is used with these nouns as the subject:

Scour is used with these nouns as the object:

countryside, Internet, newspaper, shelf

scouring

scouringnoun

Scouring is used before these nouns:

pad

scout

scoutnoun

Scout is used before these nouns:

Scout is used after these nouns:

talent

scouting

scoutingnoun

Scouting is used before these nouns:

expedition, party

scowl

scowlnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + scowl | scowl + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdarkangrypermanentslightVERB + scowlweargive (sb)be set inHis face was set in a permanent scowl.scowl + VERBdarken, deepenPREPOSITIONin a scowlHer brows drew together in a scowl.with a scowlHe looked up at me with a scowl.PHRASEShave a scowl on your face

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBangrily, darkly, deeply, fiercelyShe scowled darkly and muttered something under her breath.slightlyPREPOSITIONatHe scowled at her before stalking out of the room.

scrabble for

scrabble forphr verb

Scrabble for is used with these nouns as the object:

foothold

scraggly

scragglyadj.

Scraggly is used with these nouns:

scraggy

scraggyadj.

Scraggy is used with these nouns:

neck

scramble

scramblenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdesperate, frantic, mad, undignified (esp. BrE)There was a mad scramble for the exits.PREPOSITIONin a/the scrambleI lost my sister in the scramble for a seat.scramble down, scramble over, scramble up, etc.an undignified scramble down the slopescramble fora scramble for tickets for the game

II. verbADVERB | VERB + scramble | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBdesperately, frantically, quicklyThey scrambled frantically over the piles of debris.around, away, back, offVERB + scramblemanage toPREPOSITIONdown, into, out of, over, through, up, etc.She managed to scramble over the wall.He scrambled up the stairs.PHRASESscramble for coverWe scrambled for cover and hid underneath the truck.scramble to your feetHe scrambled awkwardly to his feet.scramble to safety

Scramble is used with these nouns as the object:

egg, helicopter, jet, signal

scrambled

scrambledadj.

Scrambled is used with these nouns:

scramble to

scramble tophr verb

Scramble to is used with these nouns as the object:

foot

scrap

scrapnounverb

I. noun1 small piece or amount2 recyclable items or material3 (informal) fight1 small piece or amountADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElittle, small, tinyShe scribbled the address on a little scrap of paper.lastHe removed the last scraps of food from his plate.leftoverfood, kitchen, table (AmE)The pigs are fed on food scraps.PREPOSITIONscrap ofEvery scrap of land in the town has been built on.PHRASESevery last scrapHe ate every last scrap of the food.

2 recyclable items or material… OF SCRAP | VERB + scrap | scrap + NOUN… OF SCRAPpieceVERB + scrapsell sth as, sell sth forThe engine has been sold for scrap.scrap + NOUNiron, material, metal, paper, woodheap, yard (usually scrapyard)My first computer has been consigned to the scrap heap.dealer, merchant (BrE)valueThe scrap value of the car is around $200.

3 (informal) fightVERB + scrap | PREPOSITIONVERB + scrapget into, havePREPOSITIONin a/the scrapHe looks like he's been in a scrap.scrap withHe had a bit of a scrap with the boy next door.

II. verb

Scrap is used with these nouns as the object:

plan, programme, system

scrapbook

scrapbooknoun

Scrapbook is used before these nouns:

Scrape is used with these nouns as the subject:

scrape

scrapeverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBcarefully, gentlyShe carefully scraped away the top layer of paint.away, back, offI scraped the dirt off.PREPOSITIONagainstHe scraped the car against the garage wall.alongPatrick lifted the gate to prevent it from scraping along the ground.onI scraped my elbow on the wall as I went past.withI scraped the carrots with a knife.PHRASESscrape sth cleanThe wood had been scraped clean.

chair, fingernail, nail

Scrape is used with these nouns as the object:

dirt, knee, knuckle, living, pass, windscreen

scrape against

scrape againstphr verb

Scrape against is used with these nouns as the subject:

scrape along

scrape alongphr verb

Scrape along is used with these nouns as the subject:

scrape away

scrape awayphr verb

Scrape away is used with these nouns as the object:

varnish

scraped

scrapedadj.

Scraped is used with these nouns:

scrape off

scrape offphr verb

Scrape off is used with these nouns as the object:

paint, rust, varnish

scrape together

scrape togetherphr verb

Scrape together is used with these nouns as the object:

living

scrappy

scrappyadj.

Scrappy is used with these nouns:

Scratch is used with these nouns as the subject:

scratch

scratchnounverbadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + scratch | scratch + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdeep, long, nastylight, little, minor, slight, smallHis only injuries were some minor scratches above his eye.a few, numerouscatVERB + scratchhavegetleave, makePowdered cleansers will leave scratches on the glass.scratch + NOUNmarkPREPOSITIONwithout a scratchShe emerged from the wrecked vehicle without a scratch.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBbadlyThe table had been badly scratched.absently (esp. AmE)He absently scratched his head.lightlyPREPOSITIONatHe scratched at his beard for a few seconds.I could hear the dog scratching at the door.onI scratched my arm on a rose bush.withShe scratched his face with her nails.

cat, chicken, dog, hen, nail

Scratch is used with these nouns as the object:

back, beard, belly, chin, head, itch, living, nose, scalp, spot, surface

III. adj.

Scratch is used with these nouns:

mark, pad, paper, player

scratch at

scratch atphr verb

Scratch at is used with these nouns as the object:

itch

scratchings

scratchingsnoun

Scratchings is used after these nouns:

pork

scratchy

scratchyadj.

Scratchy is used with these nouns:

throat, voice

scrawl

scrawlverb

Scrawl is used with these nouns as the object:

graffiti, signature, word

scrawny

scrawnyadj.

Scrawny is used with these nouns:

kid, neck

scream

screamnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + scream | scream + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdeafening, ear-piercing, ear-splitting, high-pitched, loud, piercing, shrillmuffled, stifled, strangledagonizing, hysterical, terribleagonized, terrifiedVERB + screamhearemit, give, let outmuffle, stifle, suppressscream + VERBecho, ring outHis screams echoed through the empty house.come fromThe scream came from upstairs.PREPOSITIONwith a screamShe reacted to the news with hysterical screams.scream fora scream for helpscream ofscreams of laughterscreams of terror

II. verbADVERB | VERB + scream | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBaloudloudlysilentlyDespair shook him and he screamed silently in the darkness.hysterically, shrilly, wildlyalmost, practicallybackVERB + screamwant toI was so bored I wanted to scream.try tobegin tohear sbPREPOSITIONafterMarion screamed after them, ‘Stop! Stop!’atShe screamed at me to get out of the way.forThe trapped passengers screamed for help.inPeople ran for the exits, screaming out in terror.withPeople were staggering around, screaming with pain.PHRASESbegin screaming, start screamingscream your head offThe baby was screaming its head off.stop screaming

Scream is used with these nouns as the subject:

baby, child, crowd, engine, headline, muscle, seagull, siren, voice

Scream is used with these nouns as the object:

abuse, lyrics, obscenity, word

scream for

scream forphr verb

Scream for is used with these nouns as the object:

help, mercy

screaming

screamingnounadj.

I. noun

Screaming is used before these nouns:

fit, match

II. adj.

Screaming is used with these nouns:

baby, headline

screamingly

screaminglyadv.

Screamingly is used with these adjectives:

scree

screenoun

Scree is used before these nouns:

screech

screechverb

Screech is used with these nouns as the subject:

brake, owl, seagull, tyre

screech by

screech byphr verb

Screech by is used with these nouns as the subject:

screeching

screechingadj.

Screeching is used with these nouns:

halt

screech past

screech pastphr verb

Screech past is used with these nouns as the subject:

Screen is used with these nouns as the subject:

screen

screennounverb

I. noun1 on a TV, computer, etc.2 films/movies or television in general3 partition1 on a TV, computer, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + screen | screen + VERB | screen + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, giant, huge, largesmall, tinyblankI sat gazing at the blank screen, trying to think of something to write.full, splitcomputer, laptop, radar, television, TV, videodisplayprojection, projectorcolour/colorflat, wide (usually widescreen)a flat-screen TVLCD, plasmatouch17-inch, 48-inch, etc.VERB + screenfillThe star's face filled the screen.be glued to, gaze at, look at, stare at, watchscreen + VERBshowflash, flickerThe screen flickered, and then everything went dark.fadescreen + NOUNsaverimageresolution, sizenamePREPOSITIONon (the) screenInformation can be viewed on screen or printed out.The image came up on the screen for a few seconds.PHRASESgo black, go blankThe screen suddenly went black.

2 films/movies or television in generalADJECTIVE | VERB + screen | screen + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcinema (esp. BrE), movie (esp. AmE)big, smallbig-screen entertainment(= at the cinema)She appears regularly on the small screen (= on television).silver (= the film/movie industry) (old-fashioned)VERB + screenappear on, gracethe greatest comic actor ever to grace a movie screenbring sth toHenry James's novel was brought to the screen by director James Ivory.shareShe shares the screen with Nicole Kidman.screen + NOUNadaptation, versionNeil Simon's screen adaptation of his hit stage playactor, beauty (esp. BrE), legend, starThe film features screen legends James Stewart and Grace Kelly.personaBogart's screen persona as a cynical anti-heropresenceappearanceMarilyn Monroe's first screen appearancetimeDe Niro is only given a few minutes of screen time.testdebutcareerPREPOSITIONoff screenThey play deadly rivals in the show but they are good friends off screen.on (the) screenShe is remembered mainly for her performances on screen.PHRASESstage and screenstars of stage and screen

3 partitionADJECTIVE | VERB + screen | screen + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfoldingThe room was divided by a folding screen.privacy (esp. AmE), securityVERB + screenput upscreen + NOUNdoor, window (both AmE)I opened the screen door and stepped out onto the porch.PREPOSITIONbehind a/the screenHis desk was discreetly placed behind a screen.screen betweenThere is a screen between the two beds.

II. verb1 check sb/sth for faults/illnesses2 show sth on television or in a cinema/movie theater1 check sb/sth for faults/illnessesADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBcarefullyAll foster parents are carefully screened.routinelyPREPOSITIONforAll pregnant women are to be screened for the infection.

2 show sth on television or in a cinema/movie theaterADVERBADVERBliveThe race will be screened live on TV.

television

Screen is used with these nouns as the object:

applicant, application, baggage, call, candidate, employee, film, luggage, movie, passenger, programme, series, videotape

screener

screenernoun

Screener is used after these nouns:

airport

screen for

screen forphr verb

Screen for is used with these nouns as the object:

cancer, HIV

screening

screeningnoun

Screening is used before these nouns:

procedure, process, programme, test

Screening is used after these nouns:

baggage, breast, cancer, cholesterol, drug, press, preview

screenplay

screenplaynoun

Screenplay is used after these nouns:

screw

screwnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + screwADJECTIVEwoodlooseVERB + screwturnloosen, tightenremove

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBfirmly, tightlydown, togetherScrew the drain cover down tightly.PREPOSITIONintoShe screwed the lock into the door.on, ontoI screwed the lid back on the jar.toThe bed was screwed to the floor.PHRASESscrew sth in place, screw sth into positionI screwed the curtain rail in place.

screwball

screwballnoun

Screwball is used before these nouns:

comedy

screw down

screw downphr verb

Screw down is used with these nouns as the object:

screw into

screw intophr verb

Screw into is used with these nouns as the object:

screw on

screw onphr verb

Screw on is used with these nouns as the object:

cap, lid, nut, top

screw-top

screw-topadj.

Screw-top is used with these nouns:

screw up

screw upphr verb

Screw up is used with these nouns as the object:

eye, paper

screw up into

screw up intophr verb

Screw up into is used with these nouns as the object:

Scribble is used with these nouns as the object:

scribble

scribbleverb

verbADVERBADVERBfuriously, hastily, hurriedly, quicklyThe students were all scribbling away furiously.away, down, outShe hastily scribbled out a note.

note, signature, word

scribbled

scribbledadj.

Scribbled is used with these nouns:

scribble in

scribble inphr verb

Scribble in is used with these nouns as the object:

notebook

script

scriptnoun

noun1 text of a play, film/movie, etc.2 system/style of writing1 text of a play, film/movie, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + script | script + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdraft (esp. BrE)originalfinalcomedy, film (esp. BrE), movie (esp. AmE), radio, television, TVgood, great, well-writtenshootingVERB + scriptprepare, writeco-write, rewritereadscript + NOUNeditorwriter (usually scriptwriter)PREPOSITIONscript abouta script about a farmer's lifescript fora script for children's TV

2 system/style of writingADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEneatcursive, flowingphoneticArabic, Cyrillic, Hebrew, etc.PREPOSITIONin a/the scriptShe writes in a neat, flowing script.

scriptural

scripturaladj.

Scriptural is used with these nouns:

interpretation, passage, quotation

scripture

scripturenoun

noun (often scriptures)ADJECTIVE | … OF SCRIPTURE | VERB + scripture | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEholy, sacredthe sacred scripture of the BuddhistsancientBuddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, etc.… OF SCRIPTUREpassage, verse, wordsVERB + scriptureread, read fromShe read from the scriptures.interpretstudycite, quote, quote fromPREPOSITIONin the scripturesYou won't find this moral precept in the scriptures.

scroll down

scroll downphr verb

Scroll down is used with these nouns as the object:

scroll through

scroll throughphr verb

Scroll through is used with these nouns as the object:

document

scrub

scrubnounverb

I. noun1 small trees growing in a dry area2 cleaning1 small trees growing in a dry areaADJECTIVE | … OF SCRUB | VERB + scrubADJECTIVEdesertmiles of desert scrublowThe vegetation consisted of low scrub.dense, thick… OF SCRUBpatchThe horses stood near a patch of scrub.VERB + scrubbe covered in, be overgrown withThe mountain was covered in scrub.

2 cleaningADJECTIVE | VERB + scrub | scrub + NOUNADJECTIVEgoodI gave the table a good scrub.VERB + scrubgive sb/sthscrub + NOUNbrush (AmE) (scrubbing brush in BrE)

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBfuriously, vigorouslythoroughlyaway, down, outJosh was scrubbing out the fish tank.PREPOSITIONatShe scrubbed at the child's face with a tissue.from, offHe scrubbed the blood from his shoes.PHRASESfreshly scrubbedhis freshly scrubbed facescrub sth cleanThe table had been scrubbed clean.

Scrub is used with these nouns as the object:

bathroom, floor

scrubbed

scrubbedadj.

Scrubbed is used with these nouns:

scrubbing

scrubbingnoun

Scrubbing is used before these nouns:

brush

scrubby

scrubbyadj.

Scrubby is used with these nouns:

bush

scrub off

scrub offphr verb

Scrub off is used with these nouns as the object:

scruffy

scruffyadj.

Scruffy is used with these nouns:

appearance, beard, hair, jeans

scrum

scrumnoun

Scrum is used after these nouns:

rugby

scruples

scruplesnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + scruples | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEmoral, religiousa man of few moral scruplesVERB + scrupleshaveovercomeSome persuasion would be required to overcome her scruples.PREPOSITIONwithout scruplesA man who can behave like that must be completely without scruples.scruples aboutI don't have any scruples about telling her what I think.

scrupulous

scrupulousadj.

Scrupulous is used with these nouns:

attention, care, fairness

scrupulously

scrupulouslyadv.

Scrupulously is used with these adjectives:

careful, fair, honest, polite

Scrupulously is used with these verbs:

adhere, avoid, observe

scrutinize

scrutinizeverb

(BrE also -ise) verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBcarefully, closely, intenselyPREPOSITIONforAll parts of the aircraft are closely scrutinized for signs of wear or damage.

Scrutinize is used with these nouns as the subject:

scrutiny

scrutinynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + scrutiny | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcareful, close, critical, detailed, intense, rigorous, serious, strictThe company has come under intense scrutiny because of its environmental record.increasedinternational, judicial, media, public, scientificThe activities of the committee are subject to public scrutiny.congressional (in the US), parliamentary (in the UK)VERB + scrutinybe subjected to, come under, submit to, undergobe open to, be subject to, facedeserve, require, warrantbear, stand up to, withstandThe testimony of the chief witness doesn't stand up to scrutiny.avoid, escapePREPOSITIONunder scrutinyThe company is under scrutiny by the authorities.scrutiny byI realized I was being subjected to intense scrutiny by a group of children.

scuba

scubanoun

Scuba is used before these nouns:

diving

scud

scudverb

Scud is used with these nouns as the subject:

scudding

scuddingadj.

Scudding is used with these nouns:

Scuff is used before these nouns:

scuff

scuffnounverb

I. noun

Scuff is used with these nouns as the object:

II. verb

shoe, shot

scuffle

scufflenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + scuffle | scuffle + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbrieflittle, minorVERB + scufflebe involved inscuffle + VERBbreak outA scuffle broke out among people in the crowd.ensuePREPOSITIONin a/the scuffleHe was injured in a scuffle at the demonstration.scuffle betweena scuffle between rival gangsscuffle withHe was involved in a scuffle with photographers.

scullery

scullerynoun

Scullery is used before these nouns:

maid

sculpt

sculptverb

Sculpt is used with these nouns as the object:

sculptor

sculptornoun

nounADJECTIVE | sculptor + VERBADJECTIVEcelebrated, famous, great, influential, leading, renownedtalentedabstractcontemporary, modernsculptor + VERBcreate sth, work (on sth)a classical Greek figure created by the sculptor Polyclitus

sculptural

sculpturaladj.

Sculptural is used with these nouns:

sculpture

sculpturenoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF SCULPTURE | VERB + sculpture | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEabstract, figurativeancient, classical, modernreliefThe frieze shows ancient Greek relief sculpture at its most inventive.monumentalHe worked on the symbolic monumental sculpture for Oscar Wilde's tomb.Tombs remain the most important monumental sculpture of this period.life-sizepublicbronze, glass, ice, marble, metal, stone, woodenkinetic, sound… OF SCULPTUREpieceseriescollectionVERB + sculpturecreate, makeShe creates sculptures out of scrap materials.commissiondisplay, exhibitPREPOSITIONsculpture bya sculpture by Henry Mooresculpture ofa sculpture of a horse

scupper

scupperverb

Scupper is used with these nouns as the object:

chance, deal, plan

scurrilous

scurrilousadj.

Scurrilous is used with these nouns:

attack, rumour

scurry

scurryverb

Scurry is used with these nouns as the subject:

mouse, rat, servant, squirrel

scuttle

scuttlenounverb

I. noun

Scuttle is used after these nouns:

coal

II. verb

Scuttle is used with these nouns as the subject:

rat, spider

Scuttle is used with these nouns as the object:

ship

scything

scythingadj.

Scything is used with these nouns:

tackle

sea

seanoun

noun1 area of salt water2 large amount of sth1 area of salt waterADJECTIVE | VERB + sea | sea + VERB | sea + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcalma calm sea after the stormchoppy, heavy, mountainous (esp. BrE), raging, rough, stormyA week of heavy seas has created problems for fishermen.The sea was too rough for sailing in small boats.deep, shallowblue, grey/graycold, frozenwarmsaltyinlandopenThe fishing boats headed for the open sea.VERB + seacrossThousands of Haitians tried to cross the sea to Florida.roam, sailHe has sailed the seven seas.go to (= become a sailor)put out to, put toThe ship put to sea (= left port) in deteriorating weather conditions.be lost atThey were lost at sea when their ship sank en route for Madeira.stare out toShe stood on the cliff, staring out to sea.overlooka house overlooking the seasea + VERBriseIn recent years the sea has risen by a couple of inches.recedeThe sea has receded since the river was diverted.sea + NOUNwaterbed, bottom, floorlevelThe island is sinking into the ocean due to rising sea levels.conditionstreacherous sea conditions around Greenlandair, breezeicecreatureotter, trout, turtle, urchin, etc.port (usually seaport)voyagecliff, front, viewchantey (AmE), shanty (BrE)saltpowerthe rise of British sea power in the 17th and 18th centuriesPREPOSITIONat seaWe spent three weeks at sea.across the seaWe sailed across the Black Sea in a yacht.by seaWe sent our furniture by sea.by the seaThey live by the sea.down to the seaWe'll go down to the sea for a swim before dinner.in the sea, into the seaI love swimming in the sea!on the seathree ships sailing on the seaout to seaShe fell overboard and was swept out to sea.PHRASESthe bottom of the sea, the depths of the sea, the edge of the sea, the middle of the sea, the surface of the seaabove sea level, at sea level, below sea levelThe camp is situated 6 755 feet above sea level.on the high seasthe seven seas

2 large amount of sthADJECTIVE | VERB + sea | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEendless, vastVERB + seabe surrounded byThey were surrounded by a sea of boxes.PREPOSITIONsea ofShe scanned the vast sea of faces below her.

seafaring

seafaringadj.

Seafaring is used with these nouns:

seafood

seafoodnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + seafood | seafood + NOUNADJECTIVEfreshlocalVERB + seafoodeatcookserveseafood + NOUNdisha good wine to drink with fish or seafood dishescocktail, platter, saladchowder, soup, stew (all esp. AmE)restaurant

seafront

seafrontnoun

Seafront is used before these nouns:

seagoing

seagoingadj.

Seagoing is used with these nouns:

vessel

seagull

seagullnoun

noun… OF SEAGULLS | seagull + VERB… OF SEAGULLSflockseagull + VERBcircle, fly, wheelswoopcry, scream, screech, shriek

seal

sealnounverb

I. noun1 animal2 for a document1 animalADJECTIVE | VERB + seal | seal + VERB | seal + NOUNADJECTIVEbabyVERB + sealhuntclubThe ad criticized hunters for clubbing baby seals.cull (esp. BrE)Environmentalists claim there is no reason to cull seals.seal + VERBbaskseal + NOUNpupcolonycull (esp. BrE)hunt

2 for a documentADJECTIVE | VERB + seal | PHRASESADJECTIVEwaxan official-looking letter with a wax sealpresidential (esp. AmE), privy (BrE), royalVERB + sealbreakHe broke the seal and opened the envelope.PHRASESa/the sb's seal of approvalHer report was given the seal of approval by senior management.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBcarefully, properly, tightly, wellThe containers must be carefully sealed so that no air can get in.completelyThe unit is completely sealed.virtuallyeffectivelyhermeticallya hermetically sealed containeraway, in, off, upPolice sealed off the area.PREPOSITIONfromThe nuclear plant would be effectively sealed off from the world.withHe sealed the bag tightly with tape.

Seal is used with these nouns as the object:

border, chamber, crack, deal, edge, envelope, exit, fate, game, gap, jar, joint, letter, meat, opening, victory

sealed

sealedadj.

Sealed is used with these nouns:

bid, container, envelope, jar, lid, order, tube

sealed-bid

sealed-bidadj.

Sealed-bid is used with these nouns:

sealed-offer

sealed-offeradj.

Sealed-offer is used with these nouns:

sea level

sea levelnoun

Sea level is used before these nouns:

seal off

seal offphr verb

Seal off is used with these nouns as the object:

exit

seam

seamnoun

noun1 in fabric2 of coal, etc.1 in fabricVERB + seam | PHRASESVERB + seamsew, stitchShe sewed the seam with small neat stitches.pressripPHRASESbe bursting at the seams (often figurative)This city is bursting at the seams with would-be actors.come apart at the seams, fall apart at the seams (both often figurative)Their marriage was coming apart at the seams.

2 of coal, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + seamADJECTIVEcoalrichThey're still mining a rich seam of high-grade coal.narrowVERB + seamexploit (esp. AmE), mine (esp. BrE)The festival exploits a rich seam of talent in the local area. (figurative)

seaman

seamannoun

Seaman is used after these nouns:

merchant

seamless

seamlessadj.

Seamless is used with these nouns:

blend, integration, transition, web, whole

seamlessly

seamlesslyadv.

Seamlessly is used with these adjectives:

woven

Seamlessly is used with these verbs:

blend, connect, fit, flow, incorporate, integrate, weave, work

seamy

seamyadj.

Seamy is used with these nouns:

searchnounverb

I. noun1 an attempt to find sb/sth2 on a computer1 an attempt to find sb/sthADJECTIVE | VERB + search | search + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEexhaustive, extensive, painstaking, systematic, thoroughmajor, massive, nationwidedesperate, franticconstantrandomrandom security searchesfruitless, futileongoingroutinePolice conducted a routine search of all the houses in the area.illegal, warrantless (both AmE)The President could order warrantless searches for national security purposes.policehouse-to-housefingertip (BrE)A team of police officers did a fingertip search of the area.body, stripI was subjected to a body search by customs officials.VERB + searchbegin, initiate, launch, mount, startThe police immediately launched a nationwide search for the killer.prompt, spark, trigger (all esp. BrE)His disappearance prompted a week-long search.carry out, conduct, do, makeThe search for the missing men was conducted in poor weather conditions.leadInspector Binns is leading the search for the stolen paintings.continueabandon, call offThe search was called off when it began to get dark.resumenarrow, widensearch + NOUNoperationThe police mounted an extensive search operation.area (AmE)to narrow the search areaparty, teamThey sent out a search party to look for her.warrantcommittee (AmE)A search committee was established to help the President find his Supreme Court nominee.firm (esp. AmE)an executive search firmPREPOSITIONin search ofWe're constantly in search of new talent.Michael went off in search of another bottle of wine.search forthe search for oil off the coastPHRASESsearch and seizure (AmE)The Constitution forbids unreasonable searches and seizures.

2 on a computerADJECTIVE | VERB + search | search + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEquick, simplea quick search on the Internetcomputer, database, Internet, online, WebI did an Internet search for free music sites.advanced, keywordVERB + searchconduct, do, perform, runnarrow, refineYou can refine a search using Boolean parameters.search + NOUNengineThis is one of the fastest Internet search engines.boxType your domain name in the search box.featuresA number of advanced search features are available.technology, toolquery, termCompanies try to identify the most popular search terms.resultscompanyPREPOSITIONsearch for

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBcarefully, systematically, thoroughlyThe area has been thoroughly searched.activelyactively searching for something to keep the conversation goingdesperately, franticallyfruitlessly, in vain, unsuccessfully, vainlyaimlessly, blindlyFor the rest of the morning he searched aimlessly through the town.constantlyaroundI searched around for a thick stick.onlineYou can also search online for a job.PREPOSITIONamongWe searched among the rocks for crabs.forThey are still searching for the missing child.inHe searched in his pocket and found a few coins.throughI searched through a drawer for my passport.PHRASESsearch far and wide, search sth from top to bottomWe searched the house from top to bottom.search high and lowI have searched high and low and cannot find them.

searchable

searchableadj.

Searchable is used with these nouns:

archive, directory

search-and-destroy

search-and-destroyadj.

Search-and-destroy is used with these nouns:

mission

search engine

search enginenoun

Search engine is used before these nouns:

Search engine is used after these nouns:

search for

search forphr verb

Search for is used with these nouns as the object:

clue, evidence, food, love, robber, site, survivor, treasure, website

searching

searchingadj.

Searching is used with these nouns:

critique, gaze, look, question

searchingly

searchinglyadv.

Searchingly is used with these verbs:

searchlight

searchlightnoun

Searchlight is used before these nouns:

beam

search through

search throughphr verb

Search through is used with these nouns as the object:

debris, document, handbag, record, rubble

searing

searingadj.

Searing is used with these nouns:

heat, indictment, pain

sear through

sear throughphr verb

Sear through is used with these nouns as the subject:

Seaside is used with these nouns:

seaside

seasidenounadj.

I. noun (esp. BrE)VERB + seaside | seaside + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + seasidego to, visitEvery summer we went to the seaside for two months.seaside + NOUNresort, town, villageholiday (BrE)postcardPREPOSITIONat the seasideSummers were spent at the seaside.a day out at the seaside (BrE)by the seasideThey have a cottage by the seaside.PHRASESa trip to the seaside

II. adj.

home, hotel, resort, town, villa, village

season

seasonverbnoun

Season is used with these nouns as the object:

Seasonshave … Perhaps we will have a good summer this year.spend … I spent the winter indoors. … approachesThe days become longer and temperatures rise as spring approaches. … arrives, … begins, … comesWinter arrived early that year.winter sets inThe aid must reach the refugees before winter sets in. … passes, … wears on (usually used of summer or winter)As the summer wore on, food became scarce. … comes to an end, … ends (usually used of summer or winter)Winter was coming to an end at last. … months, summer/winter period, spring/summer/winter time (usually springtime, etc.)The museum is open daily during the summer months.It was springtime and the slopes were ablaze with almond blossoms. … day, … morning, … night, etc.It's hard to sleep on hot summer nights.during (the) … , in (the) … The woods are carpeted with flowers in spring.over the summer/winterThe repairs will be carried out over the summer.through (the) … , throughout (the) … The meat is salted so it keeps through the winter.for (the) … She's gone to Ireland for the summer.the … of 2008, etc.The winter of 2001 was especially cold.a summer's day, a summer's night, etc., a winter's day, a winter's morning, etc.a lazy summer's dayall summer long, all winter longIt rained all summer long.the height of summer, the depths of winterHe always wore a short-sleeved shirt, even in the depths of winter.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBlightly, wellPREPOSITIONwithSeason the meat well with salt and pepper.PHRASEShighly seasonedhighly seasoned food

timber

I. noun1 of the year2 period when an activity takes place3 period when a sport is played1 of the yearADJECTIVE | VERB + seasonADJECTIVEdry, hurricane, monsoon, rainy, wetIn this climate there are no real changes of temperature, just a wet and a dry season.summer, winter, etc.VERB + seasonbe in, come into (esp. AmE)Melons are in season right now.be out ofLobster's out of season right now.

2 period when an activity takes placeADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEholiday (= when people are on holiday/vacation) (BrE), touristhigh (esp. BrE), peakThe resort gets overcrowded in peak season.low, offThe hotel is almost empty in the off season.coming, forthcoming (BrE), upcoming (esp. AmE)breeding, mating, nestinggrowing, harvest, plantingclose (BrE), closedIt is illegal to fish for salmon during the closed season.open (often figurative)The media have declared open season on the congressman and his private life.political (esp. AmE)campaign, election, primary (all AmE)The Senator has led in the polls for most of the primary season.conference (BrE)The party conference season gets under way this week.silly (BrE)Fleet Street's silly season is upon us.flu (esp. AmE)This year's flu season has been relatively mild.movie, TV (both esp. AmE)Christmas, festive (BrE), holiday (= the time including Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year) (AmE)Best wishes for the festive season!I wished everyone a very happy holiday season.panto (informal), pantomime (both BrE)PHRASESthe height of the season

3 period when a sport is playedADJECTIVE | VERB + season | season + VERB | season + NOUNADJECTIVEbaseball, cricket, football, hunting, racing, etc.championship, leagueDecker played nine major league seasons. (AmE)junior, senior, sophomore (all AmE)debut (esp. BrE), rookie (AmE)inauguralThe Denver Broncos' inaugural season was 1960.regular (AmE)The Patriots won their last 12 games in the regular season.fullHe played a full season for West Ham.difficult, hard, tough (all esp. BrE)It was the final race of a hard season.outstanding, successful, undefeated (esp. AmE), winning (esp. AmE)disappointing, disastrous, poor (esp. BrE)coming, forthcoming (BrE), upcoming (esp. AmE)He is busily preparing for the coming season.close (BrE), off (AmE)The team trained hard during the close/off season.consecutive, successiveOur team won the trophy for the second successive season.VERB + seasonbegin, open, startWe opened the season with five straight losses.end, finishenterHe entered the season with 173 wins.season + VERBbegin, kick off (esp. BrE), startThe new Premiership season kicks off on August 17.endseason + NOUNticketseason ticket holdersopener (AmE)They played against the Celtics in the season opener.

seasonal

seasonaladj.

Seasonal is used with these nouns:

change, cycle, decline, decoration, demand, employee, employment, festivities, flow, flower, fluctuation, greeting, menu, migration, nature, peak, produce, promotion, rainfall, unemployment, variation, vegetables, visitor, worker

seasonally

seasonallyadv.

Seasonally is used with these verbs:

migrate

seasoned

seasonedadj.

Seasoned is used with these nouns:

campaigner, observer, performer, professional, timber, traveller, veteran, warrior, wood

season-ending

season-endingadj.

Season-ending is used with these nouns:

Seat is used with these nouns as the subject:

seat

seatnounverb

I. noun1 for sitting on2 in Parliament, Congress, etc.1 for sitting onADJECTIVE | VERB + seat | seat + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEavailable, empty, spare, vacantThere were no empty seats left in the hall.Do you have a spare seat in your car?comfortable, comfy (informal)plushcushioned, leatherplush leather seatsbicycle, carback, front, middle, rearI always feel sick if I sit in the back seat of the car.driver's (AmE), driving (BrE), passengerbucketI slid into the leather bucket seat and fastened my seat belt.booster, car, child (esp. BrE), safetyairline, theatre/theateraisle, windowI always ask for an aisle seat when I fly.front-row, good, ringsideI got to the concert early to get a good seat.We had ringside seats for the boxing match.bleacher (AmE) (usually just bleachers)Seating will consist of 2 140 bleacher seats and 1 610 chairs.benchlove (= a comfortable seat for two people to sit on) (AmE)ejection (AmE), ejector (esp. BrE)lavatory (BrE), loo (BrE, informal), toiletusualI took my usual seat at the front of the classroom.VERB + seatfind, get, grab (informal), have, takePlease take a seat.Is this seat taken?occupy, sit onThe best seats were occupied by the friends and families of the performers.It is very uncomfortable to sit on these seats.get (up) out of, leave, rise fromgive up, offer, vacateHe gave up his seat on the bus to a pregnant woman.resume, return toThe audience resumed their seats for the second half of the play.fillNot all theatres/theaters can fill their seats so easily.book (esp. BrE), reserveIs it possible to reserve seats for the play?saveCan you save me a seat if you get there first?lean back in, recline in, settle back inlean forward insettle intoWe had hardly settled into our seats when the first goal was scored.slide intoShe slid into the driver's seat.shift input back, reclineseat + NOUNcovercushionreservation (BrE)Seat reservations are free.an electronic seat-reservation systemPREPOSITIONin a/the seatThe man in the passenger seat seemed to be asleep.on a/the seatI found my gloves lying on the back seat.out of a/the seatHe leaped out of his seat when he saw the rat.seat forI managed to get some seats for the ballet.PHRASESthe best seat in the houseWe had the best seats in the house for the concert.lean back in your seat, settle back in your seatWe settled back into our seats and waited for the show to begin.on the edge of your seatWith two minutes to go before the end, I was on the edge of my seat.

2 in Parliament, Congress, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + seat | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcongressional, House, Senate (all in the US)Republicans won 52.7% of the House seats.Commons, parliamentary (both in the UK)council (BrE)boardthe search for finance chiefs to fill board seatsmarginal (esp. BrE)open (AmE)The Democrats captured 18 of the 30 open seats.safeDemocratic, Labour, Republican, Tory, etc.VERB + seatgain, pick up, secure, take (BrE), winRepublicans gained five seats in the Senate.The Liberals took seven seats from Labour.The Labour candidate took the seat with a majority of 163.loseHe lost his seat in the last election.hold, keep, retainThe party held the seat with a 10 000 majority.regain, win backcontest (esp. BrE), fight (BrE), run for (AmE)He has been selected to fight the seat at the next election.She is running for a seat in the New York State Assembly.defendtake (= begin your duties in Parliament) (BrE)She took her seat in Parliament as Britain's youngest MP.hold, occupyRepublicans currently hold 51 seats in the Senate.resign, vacatePREPOSITIONseat ina seat in Congressseat ona seat on the board

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBcomfortablyHe seated himself comfortably at the foot of the bed.The car seats six comfortably.PREPOSITIONatRamirez was seated at a table near the window.inThe old woman was seated in a chair.onShe seated herself on the sofa.PHRASESbe seatedPlease be seated.be seated cross-leggedremain seated, stay seatedPlease remain seated until your name is called.

auditorium, dining room

Seat is used with these nouns as the object:

guest, spectator

seat belt

seat beltnoun

(also safety belt) nounVERB + seat beltVERB + seat belthave on, wearBy law you are obliged to wear seat belts.buckle (AmE), fasten, put ontake off, unbuckle (AmE), undo, unfasten

seated

seatedadj.

Seated is used with these nouns:

figure

seating

seatingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + seating | seating + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcomfortableThe auditorium has comfortable seating and modern acoustics.outdoorallocated (BrE), assigned (AmE), reservedVERB + seatinghaveThe stadium has seating for less than 10 000.arrangeoffer, provideseating + NOUNareaarrangements, planWe need to work out the seating plan for the wedding.capacityPREPOSITIONseating forThere is seating for 250 people.

seaward

seawardadj.

Seaward is used with these nouns:

seaworthy

seaworthyadj.

Seaworthy is used with these nouns:

vessel

secessionist

secessionistadj.

Secessionist is used with these nouns:

Secluded is used with these nouns:

secluded

secludedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBfairly, very, etc.We managed to find a fairly secluded spot for our picnic.completelyrelatively

area, beach, corner, spot

seclusion

seclusionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcomplete, totalrelativeI prefer the relative seclusion of the countryside.quietShe fled to a life of quiet seclusion, living on a farm in rural Virginia.PREPOSITIONin (the seclusion of)I live very much in seclusion these days.He felt comfortable in the seclusion of the forest.seclusion fromseclusion from the outside world

second

secondnounverb

I. noun very short moment of timeADJECTIVE | VERB + second | second + VERB | second + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbrief, fleeting, mere (esp. AmE), splitI only saw the man for a split second as he ran past.I swam to the other shore in mere seconds.singlepreciousShe had wasted a few precious seconds.closing, dying (BrE)His goal in the dying seconds of the game secured Rangers a 3–2 victory.VERB + secondtakeThis will only take a second.haveDo you have a second, Miss White?hang on, hold on, waitWait a second—this letter's been sent to me by mistake.spendShe wanted to spend every second with him.second + VERBgo by, pass, tick byThe seconds ticked by.second + NOUNhandPREPOSITIONfor a secondFor a second I thought you were my mother.I hesitated for a second before speaking.in a secondI'll be with you in a second.in seconds, within secondsWithin seconds he had disappeared from view.PHRASESa couple of secondsIt took a couple of seconds to realize what was going on.a fraction of a secondIf he'd reacted a fraction of a second later, he would surely have died.a matter of secondsThe end of the game is only a matter of seconds away.count the secondsI was counting the seconds until the bell.in the final secondsThe game was lost in the final seconds.(only) seconds leftWe only have a few seconds left.We were three points behind with only seconds left in the game.with each passing second, with every passing secondThe room seemed to grow hotter with each passing second.

II. verb

Second is used with these nouns as the object:

motion

secondary

secondaryadj.

Secondary is used with these nouns:

care, colour, consideration, curriculum, education, importance, industry, infection, objective, phase, pupil, road, role, school, schooling, source, stage, stress, symptom, teacher, teaching, text

second-class

second-classadj.

Second-class is used with these nouns:

carriage, citizen, compartment, degree, fare, honour, mail, post, stamp, ticket

second-degree

second-degreeadj.

Second-degree is used with these nouns:

burn, felony, murder

second-generation

second-generationadj.

Second-generation is used with these nouns:

immigrant, migrant

second-hand

second-handadj.

Second-hand is used with these nouns:

book, car, clothes, clothing, copy, furniture, goods, report, smoke

second-person

second-personadj.

Second-person is used with these nouns:

pronoun

second thought

second thoughtnoun

nounVERB + second thought | PREPOSITIONVERB + second thoughthave second thoughtsnot give sthAs for the money, don't give it a second thought.PREPOSITIONon second thought (AmE), on second thoughts (esp. BrE)On second thoughts, maybe I won't apply for the job after all.without a second thoughtHe dismissed the allegations without a second thought.second thoughts aboutWe're beginning to have second thoughts about buying a car.

second-wave

second-waveadj.

Second-wave is used with these nouns:

feminism

secrecy

secrecynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + secrecy | secrecy + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEabsolute, complete, totalgreat, strict, utmostexcessivegovernment, officialVERB + secrecymaintainbe cloaked in, be shrouded inbe sworn toAll the researchers on the project are sworn to absolute secrecy.secrecy + VERBsurround sthPREPOSITIONin secrecyThe drugs squad operates in the greatest secrecy.secrecy aboutThe organization has managed to maintain secrecy about its activities.PHRASESa blanket of secrecy, a cloak of secrecy, a veil of secrecyA blanket of secrecy surrounded the tribunals.a culture of secrecy (esp. BrE)The Ministry of Defence must answer for its culture of secrecy.

secret

secretnounadj.

I. noun1 sth that must not be known by others2 only/best way of doing/achieving sth1 sth that must not be known by othersADJECTIVE | VERB + secret | secret + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, greatlittleclosely guarded, well-kepta charming museum that is one of the city's best-kept secrets (= that not many people know about)deep (esp. AmE), hidden, inner, innermost, intimateThat evening she had revealed many of her innermost secrets.openTheir affair is an open secret.dark, dirty, guilty, shameful, terriblefamily, military, nuclear, official, state, tradeVERB + secrethaveguard, keepCan you keep a secret?hideUncle Charlie hides a dark secret.betray, divulge, give awaylet sb in on, let sb into (BrE), reveal, share, tell sbShe let us into her secret—she was engaged.discover, find out, learn, uncover, unlockknowremainTheir relationship remained a secret.secret + VERBbe out, come out, get outHow did the secret get out?PREPOSITIONin secretThe stars were married in secret to avoid publicity.secret aboutThere was some secret about the source of his wealth.secret fromI have no secrets from you.PHRASESmake no secret of the fact that … , not make a secret of sthHe refuses to make any secret of his political allegiances.

2 only/best way of doing/achieving sthVERB + secret | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + secretreveal, tell sbknowholdThese animals may hold the secret to combating the virus.PREPOSITIONsecret behindShe revealed the secret behind her extraordinary success.secret ofthe secrets of staying healthyPHRASESthe secret of (sb's) success

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSberemain, staykeep sthADVERBhighly, top, verya top-secret meetingformerly, previouslyThe text of the previously secret treaty can now be revealed.supposedlyPREPOSITIONfromThey managed to keep the party more or less secret from Christine.

Secret is used with these nouns:

address, admirer, affair, agenda, agent, ambition, ballot, camera, chamber, code, compartment, corner, crush, deal, desire, diary, diplomacy, document, door, drawer, entrance, exit, fantasy, file, formula, handshake, hearing, identity, information, ingredient, intelligence, laboratory, life, location, longing, love, lover, meeting, memo, memorandum, message, mission, negotiation, panel, passage, passion, password, plan, pocket, police, recipe, rendezvous, report, retreat, ritual, service, shame, shopper, society, surveillance, talk, treasure, truth, tunnel, vault, vice, vote, weapon, wish, worry

secretarial

secretarialadj.

Secretarial is used with these nouns:

college, qualification, work

secretary

secretarynoun

noun1 person who works in an office2 head of a government department in the US3 government minister or assistant in the UK4 official of an organization1 person who works in an officeADJECTIVEADJECTIVEexecutive, legalmedicalpress, publicitypersonal, privatesocialschool

2 head of a government department in the USADJECTIVE | VERB + secretary | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeputydeputy secretary of agriculture in the Bush administrationassistantassistant secretary of commerce under President Clintonactingformerformer Treasury Secretary Lloyd BentsencabinetstateAgriculture, Commerce, Defence, Education, Health, Homeland Security, Interior, Labor, Transportation, Treasury, etc.VERB + secretaryresign asreplace (sb as)PREPOSITIONsecretary forthe Treasury Department's Assistant Secretary for Economic Policysecretary ofa former assistant secretary of defensePHRASESSecretary of Statethe US Secretary of State

3 government minister or assistant in the UKADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEpermanentformerthe former Secretary of State for Energy, Cecil Parkinsoncabinet, shadow (= a senior British politician of the opposition party) (BrE)parliamentaryAgriculture, Defence, Economic, Education, Employment, Energy, Environment, Financial, Foreign, Health, Home, Transport, Treasury, etc.PREPOSITIONsecretary tothe Financial Secretary to the TreasuryPHRASESSecretary of Statethe Secretary of State for Education

4 official of an organizationADJECTIVE | VERB + secretary | secretary + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEchief, firstthe First Secretary of the Communist Partyassistant, deputyhonoraryexecutive, generalbranch, district, group, national, party, regionalclub, companyVERB + secretaryresign aselectelect sb, elect sb asreplacereplace sb assecretary + NOUNGeneralUN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moonPREPOSITIONsecretary tosecretary to the Jockey ClubPHRASESthe post of secretary

secrete

secreteverb

Secrete is used with these nouns as the subject:

Secrete is used with these nouns as the object:

hormone, mucus, saliva

secretion

secretionnoun

Secretion is used after these nouns:

mucus

secretive

secretiveadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highlyhis highly secretive naturenotoriouslyPREPOSITIONaboutThey were very secretive about their plans.

secretly

secretlyadv.

Secretly is used with these adjectives:

delighted, glad, pleased, proud, relieved, surprised, thrilled

Secretly is used with these verbs:

admire, agree, arrange, believe, despise, envy, film, hanker, hide, hope, install, like, long, love, marvel, meet, negotiate, observe, plot, pray, record, relish, smuggle, watch, wish, yearn

sect

sectnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + sect | sect + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEreligiousevangelical, fundamentalist, radicaldissentingsplinter (AmE)This is a splinter sect that has no place in Judaism.Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, etc.VERB + sectbelong tojoinfoundsect + NOUNmemberleaderPHRASESa leader of a sect, a member of a sect

sectarian

sectarianadj.

Sectarian is used with these nouns:

conflict, divide, division, interest, murder, politics, strife, violence

section

sectionnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + section | section + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEopeningconcluding, final, middlefollowing, next, subsequentpreceding, previouslarge, smallLarge sections of the forest have been destroyed by acid rain.long, shorta long section of roadwaymainseparate, specialbusiness, entertainment, finance, news, travel, etc. (of a newspaper, website, etc.)biology, fiction, history, reference, etc. (in a library, bookshop/bookstore, etc.)brass, percussion, rhythm, string, wind, woodwind (in an orchestra)cello, horn, etc. (in an orchestra)tail (of a plane)VERB + sectiondedicate, devoteA whole section is devoted to mental illness.add, removeThe new edition of the dictionary adds a section on phrasal verbs.skipI skipped the section on garden design.divide sth intoThe book is divided into chapters, sections and subsections.section + NOUNleader, manager (esp. BrE) (in a company, an organization, etc.)PREPOSITIONin a/the sectionYou'll find the book in the music section.in sectionsThe table comes in sections.under section (relating to a section of a law, etc.)The case was the first prosecution under Section 3A of the Road Traffic Act 1988.PHRASESa section of societyan area populated largely by the poorer sections of society

sectional

sectionaladj.

Sectional is used with these nouns:

interest

sector

sectornoun

noun1 part of the business activity of a country2 part of an area or of a large group of people1 part of the business activity of a countryADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEimportant, keygrowing, growthindependent (BrE), privatepublic, statenon-profit (esp. AmE), voluntary (BrE)economic, industry, marketThe survey covers a wide range of industry sectors.agricultural, business, commercial, corporate, export, industrial, manufacturing, media, retail, servicebanking, financial, financial services (esp. BrE)energy, oilelectronics, high-tech, tech, technology, telecom (esp. AmE), telecommunications, telecoms (BrE)education, schools (BrE), university (esp. BrE)the chronic underfunding of the education sectorhealth, health-caretourism, tourist (esp. BrE)consumer, household (esp. AmE)PREPOSITIONin a/the sectorHe went on to a successful career in the private sector.employment opportunities in the higher education sectorPHRASESa sector of the economy, a sector of the industry, a sector of the market

2 part of an area or of a large group of peopleADJECTIVE | VERB + sector | PHRASESADJECTIVErural, urbannorthern, north-eastern, etc.VERB + sectordivide sth intoBerlin was divided into four sectors after the war.PHRASESa sector of the citya sector of society, a sector of the population

secular

secularadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBcompletely, entirely, purely, strictlyIt began as a religious organization, but these days it is purely secular.largely, mostlyWe live in a largely secular society.increasingly

Secular is used with these nouns:

authority, culture, elite, Jew, music, nationalism, power, regime, republic, ruler, society, world

secure

secureverbadj.

I. verb1 fix/lock sth firmly2 get/achieve sth1 fix/lock sth firmlyADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBfirmly, properly, tightlyPREPOSITIONtoThe crates had not been firmly secured to the truck.withShe secured the boat with a rope.

2 get/achieve sthADVERB | VERB + secure | PHRASESADVERBeasilyVictory was not going to be easily secured.safelyThe police safely secured the release of the youngster.eventually, finallyAfter much bargaining, Cheng finally secured the services of a teacher.therebyThe party won 399 seats, thereby securing a majority in the Assembly.In 1857, he established his progressive school and thereby secured his place in Japanese history.VERB + securebe able to, manage tofail toThey failed to secure the release of the prisoners.help (to)PHRASESan attempt to secure sth, an effort to secure sthbe aimed at securing stha chance of securing sthThis could improve your chances of securing employment.failure to secure sththe failure to secure public support for the projectin the hope of securing sth (esp. BrE), in hopes of securing sth (AmE)be successful in securing sth

Secure is used with these nouns as the object:

accommodation, acquittal, appointment, approval, backing, border, ceasefire, concession, confession, consent, contract, conviction, cooperation, deal, debt, draw, employment, foothold, freedom, fund, funding, future, homeland, improvement, liberty, livelihood, loan, majority, monopoly, network, nomination, passage, peace, pension, perimeter, permission, permit, place, position, reduction, release, representation, reputation, right, seat, settlement, silver, sponsorship, spot, succession, support, victory, vote

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbe, feelbecomemake sthkeep sthIt's important to keep your documents secure.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highlyabsolutely, completely, perfectly, totallyenough, sufficientlyI finally felt secure enough in myself to have a child of my own.economically, financiallyPREPOSITIONagainstThe house has been made secure against intruders.inWe left, secure in the knowledge that Mason was safe at home with his grandmother.He dropped the reins on the ground, secure in the knowledge that the horse would remain in place as trained.PHRASESsafe and secureShe felt safe and secure in his arms.

Secure is used with these nouns:

access, accommodation, base, compound, environment, foothold, footing, foundation, future, grip, hold, home, income, position, retirement, storage, tenancy, tenant, tenure, transaction, vault

secured

securedadj.

Secured is used with these nouns:

creditor, loan

securely

securelyadv.

Securely is used with these adjectives:

attached, fixed

Securely is used with these verbs:

anchor, attach, bolt, establish, fasten, fit, fix, hold, knot, pin, store, strap, tie, tuck, wrap

security

securitynoun

noun1 feeling safe/being free from worry2 to protect sb/sth from thieves, attack, war, etc.3 (esp. BrE) when you borrow money4 securities financial documents1 feeling safe/being free from worryADJECTIVE | VERB + security | security + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreateremotional, psychologicaleconomic, financialjobenergy, foodVERB + securityhaveThey have the security of a good home.give (sb), provide (sb with)He gave her the emotional security she needed.security + NOUNblanket (= an object that a child holds in order to feel safe) (often figurative)He clings to her like a security blanket.PHRASESa false sense of securityThe user will be lulled into a false sense of security.a feeling of security, a sense of securitysecurity of tenure (law, esp. BrE)

2 to protect sb/sth from thieves, attack, war, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + security | security + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEheightenedstrict, tightlaxcollectivedomestic (esp. AmE), homeland (AmE), internal, national, stateairline, airport, aviationborder, portpersonalhomecomputer, data, information, Internet, networklong-termVERB + securityprovide (sb with)ensure, guaranteeprotecta law to protect national securitybeef up (informal), improve, increase, strengthen, tighten, tighten upWe need to tighten security around the hotel during the president's visit.compromise, endanger, jeopardize, threaten, undermineThe leaking of state secrets has compromised national security.security + NOUNapparatus, forces, servicesadviser (esp. AmE), expert, guard, man, officer, official, personnel, staffa former national security adviser to President Clintonarrangements, matters, measures, policy, systemissue, situationconcerns, interestsour national security interestsrisk, threatbreachcheckcheckpointSoldiers stand at security checkpoints.clearanceHe lost his security clearance because he failed a lie-detector test.camera, device, van (BrE), videoPREPOSITIONsecurity againstThe bars are to provide security against break-ins.PHRASESfor security reasonsFor security reasons, passengers are requested not to leave any baggage unattended.a high level of securitypeace and securitya threat to security

3 (esp. BrE) when you borrow moneyVERB + security | PREPOSITIONVERB + securityput up (sth as)use sth ashold (sth as), take (sth as)PREPOSITIONagainst the security ofThe bank will make a loan against the security of the lender's house.as securityShe pledged her necklace as security for a loan.security for

4 securities financial documentsADJECTIVE | VERB + SECURITIES | SECURITIES + NOUNADJECTIVEagency (esp. AmE), company, corporate (esp. AmE), government, Treasury (esp. AmE)foreign ownership of US government securitiesforeign (esp. AmE)gilt-edged (BrE), high-yield, top-ratedlong-term, short-termVERB + SECURITIESissuebuy, purchaseselltradeSECURITIES + NOUNcompany, firmWall Street securities firmsmarketthe faltering securities marketbroker, lawyera securities lawyer with Tinson and Zelkins

Security Council

Security Councilnoun

Security Council is used before these nouns:

resolution

security guard

security guardnoun

Security guard is used after these nouns:

mall

sedan

sedannoun

Sedan is used after these nouns:

luxury

sedate

sedateadj.

Sedate is used with these nouns:

walk

sedation

sedationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdeep, heavymildPREPOSITIONunder sedationThe attack victim is currently in hospital, under heavy sedation.

sedative

sedativenounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + sedativeADJECTIVEpowerful, strongmildThe doctor gave her a mild sedative to help her sleep.VERB + sedativeadminister, give sb, prescribe (sb)take, use

II. adj.

Sedative is used with these nouns:

drug, effect

sedentary

sedentaryadj.

Sedentary is used with these nouns:

lifestyle

sedimentary

sedimentaryadj.

Sedimentary is used with these nouns:

deposit, rock

seditious

seditiousadj.

Seditious is used with these nouns:

libel

seductive

seductiveadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, become, look, seem, soundADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highlydangerously, strangelyalmostHis words had a soothing, almost seductive quality.

see

seeverb

verb1 become aware of sth using your eyes2 visit sb3 understand/realize sth4 find out1 become aware of sth using your eyesADVERB | VERB + see | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBclearly, easily, plainlydimly, faintlybarely, hardlyI could hardly see because of the smoke.justWe could just see the hotel in the distance.suddenlyfirst-hand, personallyHe saw first-hand the impact of colonialism.commonlyThis problem is commonly seen in young adults.VERB + seebe able to, canI could see the boat clearly now.go toI went to see a movie.get toI finally got to see them in concert.turn around to, turn toShe turned to see who it was.be amazed to, be shocked to, be surprised toHe was surprised to see Martha standing there.be relieved tobe keen to (esp. BrE)be delighted, be glad to, be happy to, be overjoyed to, be pleased toI'm glad to see that you're keeping well.be sad towould love toI'd love to see her win the gold medal.wait toI can't wait to see his face!We'll have to wait to see if sales hold up.expect toWe expect to see an increase of 50–60%.be likely tobe great to, be nice toIt's nice to see the children playing together.be interesting tolet sbA dolphin? Oh, let me see!Let me see the evidence!PREPOSITIONintoShe claims that she can see into the future.PHRASESget a/the chance to see, get an/the opportunity to seeI also got a chance to see what she looked like.have a/the chance to see, have an/the opportunity to seeonly to seeI looked up, only to see Tommy chatting to someone.see at a glanceYou can see at a glance if all is well.see with the naked eyeThe star is bright enough to see with the naked eye.see (sth) with your own eyesI know it's hard to believe but I saw it with my own eyes.

2 visit sbVERB + see | PREPOSITIONVERB + seecome toVeronica came to see him in prison.come around to, come over toLogan came around to see me about a job.He came over to see me after my surgery.go toShe went to see the doctor about it.want to, wish toWhat is it you want to see me about?be here toI'm here to see Lisa Daniels.PREPOSITIONaboutShe's gone to see the mechanic about getting her car repaired.

3 understand/realize sthVERB + seeVERB + seecanI can see why you were so angry about it.cannot, do notI don't see why she should get more money than the others.be easy tobe difficult to, be hard toIt is difficult to see how to get around this problem.fail toI fail to see how this idea will help anyone.

4 find outVERB + see | PHRASESVERB + seewant toI want to see how they'll react.come over, go over, look overHe came over to see what was going on.let sbLet's see what happens.PHRASESgo and see‘Is the taxi here?’ ‘I'll just go and see.’wait and see‘Is he going to get better?’ ‘I don't know, we'll just have to wait and see.’

See is used with these nouns as the subject:

century, decade, observer, viewer, year

See is used with these nouns as the object:

action, advert, advertisement, adviser, article, attraction, beginning, benefit, blossom, broadcast, cathedral, chance, change, clip, collection, combat, commercial, commotion, connection, conspiracy, continuation, correlation, counsellor, cruelty, culmination, danger, dawn, day, decline, demise, demonstration, destruction, deterioration, diagram, difference, dip, disappointment, disbelief, display, distinction, distress, documentary, downturn, duty, DVD, emergence, end, episode, erosion, escalation, establishment, evidence, example, exhibit, exhibition, explosion, expression, extent, face, fall, fault, fight, figure, film, flare, flash, flaw, flicker, folly, footprint, futility, game, gap, ghost, glint, headlights, headline, hesitation, hope, horror, humour, hurt, importance, improvement, incident, inconsistency, increase, indication, influx, injustice, issue, justification, likeness, logic, match, memo, menu, merit, miracle, mirage, motive, movie, necessity, need, news, niche, notice, opportunity, outline, parallel, patient, performance, play, plight, point, poll, possibility, post, posting, potential, preview, problem, programme, progress, proof, reason, recovery, reduction, reflection, relationship, relevance, replay, report, resemblance, review, revival, revolution, sadness, scenery, sense, service, shape, shift, show, showing, side, sight, sign, silhouette, similarity, snippet, specialist, spectre, suffering, surgeon, table, talent, tape, thing, tragedy, trail, trailer, trend, twinkle, upturn, variation, vet, video, website, wince, work, world

seed

seednounverb

I. noun1 from which a plant grows2 player in a sports competition1 from which a plant growsADJECTIVE | … OF SEEDS | VERB + seed | seed + VERB | seed + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEgrass, mustard, poppy, sesame, etc.bird (usually birdseed)bad (AmE, figurative)the transformation of Tracy from good girl to bad seed… OF SEEDSpacketVERB + seedplant, sowproduce, setThis tree produces very hard seeds.The plant will set seed in June.grow sth from, raise sth fromShe grew all the plants from seed.disperse, spreadMost seeds are spread by the wind.go to, run toCutting weeds before they go to seed will greatly reduce future weed problems.containEach fruit usually contains a single seed.He argued that capitalism contained the seeds of its own destruction. (figurative)removePeel the peppers and remove the seeds.seed + VERBgerminate, grow, sproutseed + NOUNhead, podpacket, traybank, catalogue, merchant (esp. BrE)corn, potatomoneyPHRASESa variety of seedsThe catalogue has hundreds of different varieties of seeds.

2 player in a sports competitionADJECTIVEADJECTIVEfirst, second, etc.number-one, number-two, etc.topShe was the top seed at the US Open this year.

II. verb

Seed is used with these nouns as the object:

seedless

seedlessadj.

Seedless is used with these nouns:

grape

seedling

seedlingnoun

Seedling is used after these nouns:

weed

seedy

seedyadj.

Seedy is used with these nouns:

hotel, motel, side, underworld

see in

see inphr verb

See in is used with these nouns as the object:

mirror, perspective

seek

seekverb

verbADVERB | VERB + seek | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBaggressively (esp. AmE), avidly, eagerly, keenly (esp. BrE)activelypeople who are unemployed and actively seeking work (BrE)desperately, urgentlyHe was desperately seeking a way to see her again.deliberatelyHe deliberately sought to expand his country's influence on the region.always, consistently, constantly, continuallyinitiallyThey initially sought to blame others for the disaster.currentlyThe developer is currently seeking funding for the project.successfullyin vain, unsuccessfully, vainlyWe sought in vain for a solution.VERB + seekcontinue toPREPOSITIONforWe're seeking for alternative materials which might bring the cost down.inthe answers she sought in those booksPHRASEShighly sought afterJobs in Paris are highly sought after.

Seek is used with these nouns as the subject:

hand, immigrant, movement, petition, plaintiff

Seek is used with these nouns as the object:

acceptance, access, accommodation, admission, advice, alliance, alternative, anonymity, answer, applicant, approval, armistice, assistance, assurance, asylum, audience, authorization, autonomy, backing, balance, challenge, clarification, clearance, closure, comfort, comment, companionship, company, compensation, compromise, confirmation, consent, consolation, consultation, convert, cooperation, counsel, counselling, cover, cure, custody, damage, deal, destruction, divorce, domination, employment, endorsement, equality, escape, exemption, explanation, extradition, fame, favour, feedback, forgiveness, fortune, freedom, fulfilment, funding, gain, guidance, help, immunity, improvement, independence, indulgence, information, injunction, input, inspiration, justice, liberation, limelight, love, mandate, membership, nomination, office, opinion, pardon, partner, partnership, peace, penalty, perfection, permission, permit, political asylum, promotion, protection, publicity, reassurance, recognition, reconciliation, recourse, redemption, reduction, reform, refuge, refund, registration, relief, remedy, removal, renewal, replacement, representation, resolution, respectability, respite, retribution, return, revenge, review, salvation, sanctuary, service, settlement, shelter, showdown, solace, solitude, solution, sponsor, sponsorship, support, tender, term, therapy, treatment, truth, understanding, undertaking, unity, vengeance, victory, warrant, way, wisdom, writ

seeker

seekernoun

Seeker is used after these nouns:

asylum, job, thrill

seeming

seemingadj.

Seeming is used with these nouns:

contradiction, ease, inability, indifference, lack, paradox

seemingly

seeminglyadv.

Seemingly is used with these adjectives:

arbitrary, benign, casual, contradictory, conventional, diverse, easy, effortless, empty, endless, exhaustive, futile, genuine, haphazard, harmless, helpless, hopeless, identical, immortal, immune, impenetrable, impersonal, impervious, impossible, incompatible, incongruous, indestructible, indifferent, inevitable, inexhaustible, inexplicable, infinite, innocent, innocuous, insignificant, insoluble, insurmountable, intelligent, intent, interminable, invincible, irrational, irreconcilable, irrelevant, irresistible, lifeless, magical, meaningless, mild, minor, miraculous, mundane, negative, normal, objective, oblivious, obvious, overwhelming, paradoxical, perfect, permanent, pointless, random, relaxed, reluctant, respectable, senseless, simple, sincere, solid, spontaneous, straightforward, suicidal, trivial, unable, unaffected, unavoidable, unaware, unbeatable, unconcerned, uncontrollable, unlimited, unprovoked, unscathed, useless

Seemingly is used with these verbs:

conflict, disappear

see off

see offphr verb

See off is used with these nouns as the object:

competition

see out

see outphr verb

See out is used with these nouns as the object:

see out of

see out ofphr verb

See out of is used with these nouns as the object:

Seep is used with these nouns as the subject:

seep

seepverb

verbADVERB | VERB + seep | PREPOSITIONADVERBgradually, slowlyaway, back, out, through, upThe power had gradually seeped away.VERB + seepbegin to, start toPREPOSITIONfromBlood was seeping slowly from the wound.into, out ofWater was seeping out of the tank.throughThe damp seeped through her thin shoes.

blood, liquid

seersucker

seersuckernoun

Seersucker is used before these nouns:

seethe

seetheverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBinwardly, privatelyInwardly she was seething, and vowed to get back at him.quietly, silentlyabsolutelyPREPOSITIONatShe was seething at the insult.withHe clenched his fists, seething with anger.

seething

seethingadj.

Seething is used with these nouns:

anger, rage, resentment

see through

see throughphr verb

See through is used with these nouns as the object:

deception, disguise, window

see-through

see-throughadj.

See-through is used with these nouns:

blouse, plastic

see to

see tophr verb

See to is used with these nouns as the object:

segment

segmentnoun

Segment is used after these nouns:

interview, market, orange

segregate

segregateverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBstrictlyPREPOSITIONaccording to, byJobs were strictly segregated by gender.fromThe women were segregated from the male workers in the factory.intoThe club was segregated into smoking and non-smoking areas.PHRASEShighly segregatedWomen's work has always been highly segregated.racially segregatedracially segregated schools

segregated

segregatedadj.

Segregated is used with these nouns:

neighbourhood

segregation

segregationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + segregation | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEracial, religious, residential, sex, socialto bring an end to sex segregation within the schoolcompletelegalVERB + segregationend, outlawenforcepractise/practicePREPOSITIONsegregation betweensegregation between students of different ethnic groupssegregation bysegregation by racesegregation within

seismic

seismicadj.

Seismic is used with these nouns:

activity, shift, survey, vibration, wave, zone

seize

seizeverb

verb1 take hold of sb/sth suddenly and firmly2 take sth1 take hold of sb/sth suddenly and firmlyADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBimmediately, suddenlyHe was immediately seized and thrown into prison.PREPOSITIONbyShe seized him by the arm.fromHe seized the book from her hand.PHRASESseize hold of sb/sthThe wrestlers try to seize hold of each other.

2 take sthADVERB | VERB + seize | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBimmediately, instantly, quickly, suddenlyShe promptly seized the opportunity his absence gave her.eagerlyVERB + seizebe quick to, be ready toHe was quick to seize on this idea.be determined toattempt to, try tofail toHe had failed to seize his chance.PREPOSITIONon, uponThe rumours/rumors were eagerly seized on by the local press.PHRASESan attempt to seize sththe power to seize sth, the right to seize sthWe have the legal right to seize his property.

Seize is used with these nouns as the subject:

authority, bailiff, engine, hand, officer, panic, rebel

Seize is used with these nouns as the object:

asset, booty, castle, chance, control, hold, hostage, imagination, initiative, land, moment, opportunity, ownership, passport, power, property, record, rein, shipment, throne, vessel, wrist

seize up

seize upphr verb

Seize up is used with these nouns as the subject:

seizure

seizurenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + seizure | PHRASESADJECTIVEbiggest, largestdrug (AmE), drugs (BrE)cocaine, heroin, etc.landVERB + seizuremakeCustoms have made their biggest ever seizure of heroin.PHRASESsearch and seizure (law)The Act confers powers of search and seizure on the police.

seldom

seldomadv.

Seldom is used with these verbs:

exceed, mention, venture

select

selectverbadj.

I. verbADVERB | VERB + select | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBcarefullyspecially, specificallydeliberatelyarbitrarily, at random, randomlyThe winning entry will be selected at random by computer.automaticallyThe program automatically selects and stores the most frequently used data.manuallypersonallyVERB + selectallow sb to, enable sb toPREPOSITIONaccording toStudents select modules according to their interests.asThey were selected as finalists for this year's awards.forShe has been selected for the team.fromYou can select goods from our catalogue.PHRASESbe selected on the basis ofThey were selected on the basis of size.well selectedThis anthology is well selected and presented.

Select is used with these nouns as the object:

applicant, cabinet, candidate, contractor, delegate, fact, gear, jury, location, mate, mode, nominee, option, panel, participant, replacement, representative, sample, site, successor, type, victim, winner

II. adj.

Select is used with these nouns:

audience, band, bibliography, circle, clientele, committee, group

selected

selectedadj.

Selected is used with these nouns:

poem, topic, writing

select from

select fromphr verb

Select from is used with these nouns as the object:

array, menu

selection

selectionnoun

noun1 process of choosing/being chosen2 number of people/things that have been chosen3 collection of things from which sth can be chosen1 process of choosing/being chosenADJECTIVE | VERB + selection | selection + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcarefulthe careful selection of building materialsrandominitialfinaljudicial (esp. AmE), juryteamDarwinian, natural, sexualNatural selection is a key element of Darwin's theory of evolution.VERB + selectionmakeShe took a long time to make her selection.base onSelection is based on standards of quality.win (esp. BrE)She hopes to win selection for the Olympic team.selection + NOUNcriteria, policy (esp. BrE)procedure, processbiasThese results may have been caused by selection bias.board, committee, panel (esp. BrE)pressureevolutionary selection pressuresPREPOSITIONselection ashis selection as candidate for the partyselection for

2 number of people/things that have been chosenADJECTIVE | VERB + selection | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEvaried, widerandomWe interviewed a random selection of teenagers.representativejudicious, well-chosenfinalThe final selection of winners will be announced at the end of the event.VERB + selectioncontain, includeThe catalogue includes a selection of his poetry.playShe played a selection of waltzes.PREPOSITIONselection from, selection ofa selection of hits from well-known musicals

3 collection of things from which sth can be chosenADJECTIVE | VERB + selection | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbroad, comprehensive, extensive, huge, large, vast, wideWe offer a broad selection of products.limited, poor, smallexcellent, fine, good, great, interesting, nice, superbmenu, wineThe wine selection isn't bad.The menu selection is very limited.musicalVERB + selectionofferThe restaurant offers a wide selection of cocktails.findYou'll find a good selection of paints at this store.featureTheir website features a large selection of photographs.choose fromPREPOSITIONselection of

selective

selectiveadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highlyincreasinglynecessarilyThe list provided here is necessarily selective.notoriouslyThe human memory is notoriously selective.PREPOSITIONaboutHe is quite selective about what he studies.inMost of the girls are extremely selective in their choice of boyfriends.

Selective is used with these nouns:

admission, bibliography, breeding, distribution, enforcement, memory, nature, perception, quotation, service, use

selectively

selectivelyadv.

Selectively is used with these verbs:

breed, enforce, inhibit, quote, use

self

selfnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + self | PHRASESADJECTIVEwholeHe put his whole self into the performance.real, trueinner, innermostownIt was the battle against my own self.private, publicHer private and public selves were vastly different.normal, usualotherHe has a running dialogue with his other self.former, old, pastShe knew that with a rest he would be back to his former self.newyoungerfuturebubbly, cheerful, happyHe's his usual cheerful self again.bettera book about reaching for one's better selfconsciousphysicalhigher, spiritualhuman, individualgood (humorous, esp. BrE)We look forward to seeing Mrs Brown and your good self this evening.VERB + selfrevealHe was afraid to reveal his innermost self.discover, finda movie about a boy who falls in love and finds his true self in the processexpressPHRASESa loss of selfa sense of selfa shadow of your former selfnote to selfI was very thirsty (note to self: bring water on walks!).

self-addressed

self-addressedadj.

Self-addressed is used with these nouns:

envelope

self-administered

self-administeredadj.

Self-administered is used with these nouns:

questionnaire

self-appointed

self-appointedadj.

Self-appointed is used with these nouns:

guardian, task

self-assurance

self-assurancenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + self-assuranceADJECTIVEnew-foundblusterymasculineVERB + self-assurancebe lacking in, lackexudeIn conversation she exudes wit and self-assurance.

self-catering

self-cateringadj.

Self-catering is used with these nouns:

apartment, villa

self-centred

self-centredadj.

Self-centred/self-centered is used with these nouns:

self-cleaning

self-cleaningadj.

Self-cleaning is used with these nouns:

oven

self-confessed

self-confessedadj.

Self-confessed is used with these nouns:

fanatic

self-confidence

self-confidencenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + self-confidence | PHRASESADJECTIVEenormous, great, supremegrowing, increasednew, renewednationalVERB + self-confidencehaveexude, ooze, showbe lacking in, lackgainlosegive sbLiving away from home has given him renewed self-confidence.boost, build, build up, develop, increaseA few kind words might boost her self-confidence.underminePHRASESan air of self-confidenceShe had an air of self-confidence that he admired.a lack of self-confidencea sense of self-confidence

self-conscious

self-consciousadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, lookbecome, get, growmake sbHe studied her in a way that made her very self-conscious.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.acutely (esp. BrE), overly, painfullya little, slightly, etc.PREPOSITIONaboutHe started to get self-conscious about his weight.

self-consciously

self-consciouslyadv.

Self-consciously is used with these adjectives:

poetic

self-contained

self-containedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.completely, entirely, fully, totallyThe flat is completely self-contained. (BrE)largelya largely self-contained communityrelatively

Self-contained is used with these nouns:

self-control

self-controlnoun

nounVERB + self-control | self-control + VERB | PHRASESVERB + self-controlhavelackloseregainkeepShe struggled to keep her self-control.exercise, practise/practiceYou should try exercising a little self-control!require, takeIt took all the self-control he had not to lose his temper.develop, learnself-control + VERBsnapPHRASESa lack of self-controla loss of self-controlpowers of self-control (BrE)a person exercising ordinary powers of self-control

self-defence

self-defencenoun

(BrE) (AmE self-defense) nounADJECTIVE | VERB + self-defence | self-defence/self-defense + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcollectivelegitimateVERB + self-defencelearnThe women learn self-defence to protect themselves.pleadAt his trial he will plead self-defence.self-defence/self-defense + NOUNclass, grouptechniqueinstructor, teacherPREPOSITIONfor self-defenceI own a gun for self-defence.in self-defenceHe told police that he had acted in self-defence.self-defence againstself-defence against armed assailantsPHRASESan act of self-defencethe art of self-defencethe right of self-defence

self-deprecating

self-deprecatingadj.

Self-deprecating is used with these nouns:

humour, shrug, wit

self-destruct

self-destructadj.

Self-destruct is used with these nouns:

self-destructive

self-destructiveadj.

Self-destructive is used with these nouns:

behaviour

self-employed

self-employedadj.

Self-employed is used with these nouns:

accountant, builder, electrician, painter, tradesman, worker

self-evident

self-evidentadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, seembecomeADVERBby no meansThese ideas were by no means self-evident when they were first suggested.almostfairlyPREPOSITIONtoIt was self-evident to her that anything so wonderful could not have evolved accidentally.

Self-evident is used with these nouns:

truth

self-fulfilling

self-fulfillingadj.

Self-fulfilling is used with these nouns:

prophecy

self-governing

self-governingadj.

Self-governing is used with these nouns:

colony

self-guided

self-guidedadj.

Self-guided is used with these nouns:

tour

self-help

self-helpadj.

Self-help is used with these nouns:

book, group, manual

self-imposed

self-imposedadj.

Self-imposed is used with these nouns:

exile, isolation, limitation, restriction

self-inflicted

self-inflictedadj.

Self-inflicted is used with these nouns:

wound

self-interest

self-interestnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + self-interest | PHRASESADJECTIVEenlightened, rationaleconomic, materialindividual, nationalnaked, purenarrowVERB + self-interestbe motivated bypursue your ownPHRASESact in self-interest, act out of self-interest (esp. BrE)in your own self-interestDirectors may be tempted to act in their own self-interest.the pursuit of self-interestthe theory that the pursuit of self-interest is the best way to help society as a whole

selfish

selfishadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, seem, soundI know I'm being selfish, but I can't help it.becomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.a very selfish attitudeincrediblycompletely, entirely, purely, totally, utterlyThese people are completely selfish.a little, slightly, etc.

Selfish is used with these nouns:

desire, end, interest, jerk, motive, reason, streak

selfishness

selfishnessnoun

nounADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEpure, utterhumanPHRASESan act of selfishnessan act of pure selfishnessgreed and selfishness

selfless

selflessadj.

Selfless is used with these nouns:

act, devotion, generosity, love

self-made

self-madeadj.

Self-made is used with these nouns:

self-pity

self-pitynoun

noun… OF SELF-PITY | VERB + self-pity | PHRASES… OF SELF-PITYwaveHe felt a sudden wave of self-pity.VERB + self-pitywallow inShe refused to wallow in self-pity.PHRASESfull of self-pitytears of self-pity

self-preservation

self-preservationnoun

Self-preservation is used before these nouns:

instinct

self-proclaimed

self-proclaimedadj.

Self-proclaimed is used with these nouns:

self-raising

self-raisingadj.

Self-raising is used with these nouns:

self-report

self-reportadj.

Self-report is used with these nouns:

questionnaire

self-respect

self-respectnoun

nounVERB + self-respectVERB + self-respecthaveShe has little self-respect.loseYou can't help but feel sorry for a man who has clearly lost all self-respect.regainkeepHe chose to resign to keep his self-respect.

self-rising

self-risingadj.

Self-rising is used with these nouns:

self-satisfied

self-satisfiedadj.

Self-satisfied is used with these nouns:

smirk

self-service

self-serviceadj.

Self-service is used with these nouns:

self-styled

self-styledadj.

Self-styled is used with these nouns:

self-sufficient

self-sufficientadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecomeADVERBcompletely, entirely, totally, whollyalmostlargelyeconomically, financiallyPREPOSITIONinThese people have now become almost self-sufficient in grain crops.

self-taught

self-taughtadj.

Self-taught is used with these nouns:

artist, musician, painter

sell

sellnounverbPHRASAL VERB

I. noun

Sell is used before these nouns:

Sell is used with these nouns as the subject:

II. verbADVERB | VERB + sell | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBcheaplyVERB + sellbe able to, canwant toplan totry toThey are still trying to sell their house.be expected to, expect toThe novel was expected to sell between 1 000 and 1 500 copies.be willing tobe forced toThe company has been forced to sell land to recoup some of the losses.be difficult to, be hard toIt will be hard to sell 3 000 tickets.The property was hard to sell.have the right to sellYour broker has the right to sell your shares.PREPOSITIONatWe sell these little notebooks at €1 each.forThey sold their house for $847 000.toShe sold her car to a friend.PHRASESsell sth at a discount, sell sth at a loss, sell sth at a premium, sell sth at a profitSome of these cars are actually being sold at a loss.be sold at auctionThe painting was sold at auction for $11.3 million.be sold over the counterThis medicine is sold over the counter.buy and sell (sth)Many banks are willing to buy and sell shares on behalf of customers.sell sb into slaveryThe boys were sold into slavery.

PHRASAL VERBsell sth offADVERBADVERBcheaplyDerelict inner-city sites could be sold off cheaply for housing.

company, dealer, firm, investor, shop, shopkeeper, stall, store

Sell is used with these nouns as the object:

asset, beef, beer, bond, business, company, cookie, copy, cottage, crop, currency, electricity, equipment, flat, food, franchise, goods, house, idea, insurance, interest, inventory, land, lease, liquor, merchandise, model, mortgage, painting, pension, possession, postcard, produce, product, property, record, right, security, service, share, slave, software, soul, stake, stock, ticket, timber, unit, wares

sell-by

sell-byadj.

Sell-by is used with these nouns:

date

seller

sellernoun

Seller is used after these nouns:

flower, newspaper, street

selling

sellingnoun

Selling is used before these nouns:

point, price

Selling is used after these nouns:

sell into

sell intophr verb

Sell into is used with these nouns as the object:

slavery

sell-out

sell-outnoun

Sell-out is used before these nouns:

concert, crowd, run, tour

sell to

sell tophr verb

Sell to is used with these nouns as the object:

buyer

semantic

semanticadj.

Semantic is used with these nouns:

distinction

semblance

semblancenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + semblance | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEvagueBrad had his emotions under a vague semblance of control.VERB + semblancehavelackThe movie lacks any semblance of realism.gainloseHe lost all semblance of dignity and rushed down the street after her.keep, maintain, preserve, retainbring, give sthShe struggled to bring a semblance of order to the meeting.regain, restore (sth to), return (sth) toPREPOSITIONin a/the semblance of, into a/the semblance ofShe bared her teeth in a semblance of a smile.semblance ofHe tried to restore some semblance of normality to their home life.PHRASESa/some semblance of controla/some semblance of order

semester

semesternoun

noun (esp. in the US)ADJECTIVE | VERB + semester | semester + VERB | semester + NOUNADJECTIVEfirst, secondthe end of the first-semester coursefall, spring, summerHis fall-semester grades were abysmal.last, nexta class I took last semesterfollowing, previousentire, wholeI spent an entire semester studying Chomsky.VERB + semesterspendI spent a semester at the University of Madrid.begincomplete, finishstudents completing all eight semesters of the programI was finishing my last semester in college and trying to look for a job.semester + VERBbegin, startThe new semester started on February 3.endsemester + NOUNbreakThe semester break had begun.hourThe total curriculum is 54 semester hours.credit hours, creditsThe course is worth 40 semester credit hours.

semi

seminoun

Semi is used before these nouns:

trailer, truck

semi-automatic

semi-automaticadj.

Semi-automatic is used with these nouns:

gun, pistol, rifle, weapon

semi-detached

semi-detachedadj.

Semi-detached is used with these nouns:

bungalow, home, house, property

semi-final

semi-finalnoun

Semi-final is used before these nouns:

match, showdown, stage, victory, win

Semi-final is used after these nouns:

seminal

seminaladj.

Seminal is used with these nouns:

article, contribution, event, moment, paper, work

seminar

seminarnoun

noun1 class at a university, etc.2 conference for discussion/training1 class at a university, etc.ADJECTIVE | … OF SEMINARS | VERB + seminar | seminar + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEweekly, etc.freshman (AmE), graduate, senior (AmE), undergraduateI taught a senior seminar titled ‘Working Class Literature’.online… OF SEMINARSseriesVERB + seminarconduct, give, teach (AmE)In spring 2006 I taught a seminar on Sappho.attend, go tobe entitled (esp. BrE), be titled (esp. AmE)Architect Ken Bonner presented a seminar titled ‘Elements of Design’.seminar + NOUNdiscussion, paperroomprogramme/program, seriesPREPOSITIONat a/the seminar, in a/the seminarThere was some lively debate at this week's seminar.seminar onProfessor Mackay will give a seminar on Pound's poetry.

2 conference for discussion/trainingADJECTIVE | VERB + seminar | seminar + VERB | seminar + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEall-day, half-day, weekendone-day, two-day, etc.annualthe eighteenth annual seminar on mineral photographybusiness, educational, management, trainingfreeI began to put on free seminars for the public.specialinternationalVERB + seminarhold, host, offer, organize, runsponsordo, presentleadI once led a seminar on motivation.attend, go toseminar + VERBtake placefocus on stha seminar focusing on Africaseminar + NOUNparticipantleaderPREPOSITIONseminar forI recently spoke at an educational seminar for judges.

semi-permeable

semi-permeableadj.

Semi-permeable is used with these nouns:

membrane

semi-precious

semi-preciousadj.

Semi-precious is used with these nouns:

semi-skilled

semi-skilledadj.

Semi-skilled is used with these nouns:

job, work, worker

semi-skimmed

semi-skimmedadj.

Semi-skimmed is used with these nouns:

senate

senatenoun

Senate is used before these nouns:

approval, committee, election, leader, leadership, race, report, resolution, seat, showdown, vote

Senate is used after these nouns:

faculty

senator

senatornoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + senator | PHRASESADJECTIVEAmerican, USDemocratic, Republicanconservative, liberaljunior, seniorstatea Republican state senatorformerthe former US Senator, James HurleyfellowHe was pilloried by his fellow Senators.key, leadingWe'll talk to two key senators on the Intelligence Committee.VERB + senatorelect, elect sb (as)becomeIn 1988 he became a US Senator.PHRASESsenators and congressmen, senators and representatives (both AmE)Write your senators and congressmen urging them to protect the US constitution.I sent off a few letters to my senators and representatives.senators on both sides of the aisle (= Democrats and Republicans) (AmE)

senatorial

senatorialadj.

Senatorial is used with these nouns:

constituency

send

sendverb

Send is used with these nouns as the subject:

transmitter

Send is used with these nouns as the object:

aid, ambassador, ambulance, apology, application, attachment, ball, barrage, beam, bill, bouquet, card, cheque, command, comment, communication, compliment, condolences, congratulations, contingent, copy, correspondence, coupon, courier, curriculum vitae, data, debris, delegate, delegation, deputation, detail, document, donation, draft, email, enquiry, entry, envelope, envoy, escort, expedition, fax, feedback, file, flare, fleet, force, gift, glare, greeting, impulse, inspector, instruction, invitation, invoice, jolt, letter, link, love, mail, manuscript, memo, memorandum, message, missile, mission, missionary, note, notice, notification, observer, order, package, parcel, petition, picture, postcard, present, questionnaire, résumé, regard, regret, reinforcement, relief, reminder, reply, report, reporter, representative, request, ripple, satellite, shipment, shiver, shower, shrapnel, shudder, signal, soldier, spacecraft, spark, spray, stream, submission, suggestion, summons, surge, team, telegram, traffic, tremor, troops, ultimatum, update, vibration, warning, wave, wish, word, wreath

send back

send backphr verb

Send back is used with these nouns as the object:

echo, reply, survey

send for

send forphr verb

Send for is used with these nouns as the object:

catalogue, doctor, help, reinforcement

send in

send inphr verb

Send in is used with these nouns as the object:

application, bailiff, entry, fleet, inspector, query, questionnaire, troops

send into

send intophr verb

Send into is used with these nouns as the object:

battle, combat, frenzy, orbit, spin, turmoil

send off

send offphr verb

Send off is used with these nouns as the subject:

referee

Send off is used with these nouns as the object:

coupon

send off for

send off forphr verb

Send off for is used with these nouns as the object:

catalogue

send on

send onphr verb

Send on is used with these nouns as the object:

errand, mission

send out send to

send tophr verb

Send to is used with these nouns as the object:

front, jail, prison, sleep

send up

send upphr verb

Send up is used with these nouns as the object:

prayer, shoot, spray

senior

seniornounadj.

I. noun

Senior is used after these nouns:

Senior is used with these nouns:

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeADVERBverya meeting of all the very senior officersfairly, quite, relativelyenoughShe wasn't senior enough to take such a decision.PREPOSITIONtoIs Mark senior to you?

adviser, aide, analyst, appointment, architect, assistant, athletics, attorney, author, barrister, biologist, bureaucrat, citizen, clerk, colleague, commander, consultant, correspondent, counsel, designer, diplomat, director, division, doctor, economist, editor, employee, envoy, executive, faculty, fellow, figure, football, grade, high school, hockey, instructor, judge, lawyer, leader, leadership, lecturer, level, librarian, magistrate, management, manager, member, minister, moment, negotiator, nurse, officer, official, partner, pastor, personnel, physician, policeman, politician, position, post, producer, professional, professor, programmer, psychiatrist, pupil, rank, reporter, representative, researcher, rugby, scholar, school, scientist, season, seminar, senator, soccer, social worker, staff, statesman, steward, supervisor, surgeon, teacher, team, technician, thesis, tour, tutor, writer, year

seniority

senioritynoun

nounVERB + seniority | seniority + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + seniorityhaveloseseniority + NOUNsystemIt is believed that the seniority system reduces competition between co-workers.PREPOSITIONby seniorityPromotion in the job was by seniority.seniority overShe had seniority over three members of the department.PHRASESin order of seniorityOn the death of the captain, the officer next in order of seniority assumed command.

sensation

sensationnoun

noun1 feeling2 great excitement, etc.; person that causes this1 feelingADJECTIVE | VERB + sensation | sensation + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbodily, physical, tactiledelicious, pleasant, pleasurable, wonderfulpainful, unpleasantintense, overwhelming, strongcurious (esp. BrE), eerie, odd, peculiar, strange, weirdI had a strange sensation in my leg.familiarburning, choking, prickling, stinging, tinglingcoldhot, warmsinkingShe felt a sinking sensation in the pit of her stomach.pain, tasteFor a special taste sensation, try our gourmet coffee.VERB + sensationexperience, feel, haveHe felt a tingling sensation down his side.I had the eerie sensation that I was not alone.She had no sensation in her hands.loseproduceenjoyMost people enjoy the sensation of eating.describeRossi described the sensation of plunging downhill at 130 mph.sensation + VERBcome backcome over sb, fill sth, spreadA strange sensation came over her.A warm tingling sensation spread to her fingers.A wonderful sensation filled his body.overwhelmHe was overwhelmed by a sensation of fear.PREPOSITIONsensation inLisa felt a burning sensation in her eyes.sensation ofthe sensation of sand between your toesthe sensation of being watched

2 great excitement, etc.; person that causes thisADJECTIVE | VERB + sensationADJECTIVEgreatovernightinternationalliterary, media, pop (esp. BrE), singing, tennis, etc.The series became a media sensation in the early 1950s.The young singer is hoping to become America's newest media sensation.rookie (AmE), teen, teenage (esp. BrE)Golf's latest teen sensation is 14-year-old Michael Woo.Teenage boxing sensation Amir Khan returned to Britain a hero.VERB + sensationcause, createThe movie caused a sensation among critics.become

sensational

sensationaladj.

Sensational is used with these nouns:

headline, report, revelation, story, trial, victory

sense

sensenounverb

I. noun1 sight, hearing, etc.2 feeling/awareness of sth3 understanding/ability to judge4 sensible or practical reason/judgement5 your senses normal state of mind6 meaning1 sight, hearing, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + sense | sense + VERB | sense + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEacute, developed, good, keenRaccoons have a highly developed sense of touch.poorsixthHe has a sixth sense when it comes to fashion.VERB + sensehaveHe has an acute sense of smell.loseShe lost her sense of hearing early in life.heighten, sharpendullThe drink must have dulled your senses.appeal toArt should appeal to the senses rather than the intellect.sense + VERBtell sbWhen she came to, her senses told her she was lying on a beach.reel, swimHer senses reeled as she fought for consciousness.sense + NOUNorganPREPOSITIONthrough the sensesAlthough he can't see, he learns a lot through his other senses.PHRASESthe five sensesthe sense of hearing, the sense of sight, the sense of smell, the sense of taste, the sense of touchan assault on the sensesthe evidence of your senses

2 feeling/awareness of sthADJECTIVE | VERB + sense | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeep, great, keen, overwhelming, palpable, pervasive, powerful, profound, strong, tremendousHe felt a deep sense of relief after the phone call.a palpable sense of dangerThey feel a pervasive sense of loss and longing.We felt a profound sense of alienation from Western culture.genuine, real, truebasic, underlyingclearHe lacked a clear sense of direction.growing, heightenednew-found (esp. AmE), renewedMany felt a renewed sense of purpose in the nation's war effort.general, overallAromatherapy is said to help foster a general sense of well-being.sharedWe have a shared sense of community.innerslight, vaguea vague sense of uneasenaggingPatti had a nagging sense of foreboding.VERB + senseexperience, feel, have, possessI experienced a new sense of freedom.gain, getI got the sense that she wasn't very pleased to see us.Readers gain a real sense of what life was like in the camp.display, showconveyThe music conveyed a sense of loss.bring, give sb, provideThe conviction may bring a sense of closure.create, develop, fosterClubs try to create a sense of community.keep, maintain, retainloselackheighten, sharpenPREPOSITIONsense ofHe seems to have lost his sense of reality.PHRASESa false sense of securityThe public has been lulled into a false sense of security.

3 understanding/ability to judgeADJECTIVE | VERB + sense | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgood, great, wonderfulShe had a great sense of style.bad, poorinnate, intuitive, naturala natural sense of justicemoralbusiness, dress, fashionHe has no dress sense.I have absolutely no fashion sense.VERB + sensehavePREPOSITIONsense ofa good sense of directiona poor sense of rhythma great sense of timing

4 sensible or practical reason/judgementADJECTIVE | VERB + sense | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcomplete, perfectIt all makes perfect sense (= is easy to understand).goodcommon, horse (esp. AmE)Common sense tells me I should get more sleep.business, economic, financialFamily-friendly policies make good business sense.intuitive, logicalThese results seem to make intuitive sense.VERB + sensehaveHe at least had the sense to call the police.display, showlackMeg is incredibly intelligent but she lacks common sense.makeThis paragraph doesn't make sense.seeI tried to make him see sense, but he just wouldn't listen.talkIf you can't talk sense, I'm leaving!PREPOSITIONsense inThere's a lot of sense in what he's saying.PHRASEShave more money than sense (esp. BrE)make little senseIt makes little sense to discuss this now.(not) an ounce of senseIf you had an ounce of sense, you'd never have agreed to help him.knock some sense into sb, talk sense into sb (esp. AmE)I'm going to try and knock some sense into him.We'll try and talk a little sense into her.there's no sense in sthThere's no sense in going home before the concert.

5 your senses normal state of mindVERB + SENSESVERB + SENSEScome to, regaintake leave ofHave you taken leave of your senses?bring sb to

6 meaningADJECTIVE | VERB + sense | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbroad, loose, wideThe novel is about education in its widest sense.certainIn a certain sense, justice was done.limited, narrow, strictfullThis is a tragedy in the fullest sense of the word.accepted, classic, conventional, traditionalI am not writing poetry in the traditional sense.These teachings do not constitute a religion in the conventional sense.general, ordinary, usualI don't have any friends in the usual sense of the word.Literacy, in a general sense, cannot be said to cause social development.meaningfulHe and I were no longer friends in any meaningful sense.negative, positivepracticalfigurative, metaphoricalliterallegal, technicalspiritualpejorativeVERB + sensehaveThat word has three senses.PREPOSITIONin a senseIn a sense, she's right.PHRASESin every sense of the word, in a very real senseIn a very real sense, post-war repression was the continuation of the war.in the true sense of the word

II. verbADVERBADVERBimmediatelyI immediately sensed something was wrong.clearly, stronglyHe clearly sensed that some points could be scored.I sensed very strongly that she was angry with me.dimly, vaguelyalmostSandra could almost sense the tension in the air.justMaybe she could just sense what I needed.apparentlyShe apparently sensed defeat was inevitable.intuitively

Sense is used with these nouns as the object:

apprehension, atmosphere, confusion, danger, disappointment, disapproval, disbelief, discomfort, distress, disturbance, emotion, frustration, hesitation, hint, hostility, impatience, magic, mood, movement, nervousness, pain, presence, relief, reluctance, sadness, tension, unease, vibration

senseless

senselessadj.

adj.1 having no meaning2 unconscious1 having no meaningVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemADVERBseeminglyabsolutely, completelyIt was a completely senseless act of violence.

2 unconsciousVERBSVERBSbeat sb, knock sbThe thugs beat him senseless with a baseball bat.The branch of a tree knocked one of the riders senseless.

Senseless is used with these nouns:

death, killing, murder, slaughter, violence, waste

sense of humour

sense of humournoun

(BrE) (AmE sense of humor) nounVERBS | ADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONVERBShave, possesskeep, maintain, retain (esp. BrE)I'm trying to keep a sense of humour about all of this.loselackHe seems to lack a sense of humour.ADJECTIVEgood, great, wonderfulHe had a keen sense of humour.mischievous, wickedthe playwright's wicked sense of humourdark, dry, wrygoofy (AmE), offbeat (esp. AmE), quirkyMichael and I share a quirky sense of humour.odd, strange, weirdsick, twisted, warpedThe band display their twisted sense of humour on songs like ‘Die Dead Die’.PREPOSITIONwith a sense of humourHe seemed to take most things with a sense of humour.

sensible

sensibleadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSappear, be, seem, soundThis approach seems very sensible to me.becomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.Ben's usually very sensible.eminently (esp. BrE)entirely, perfectly (both esp. BrE)In the state I was in, this seemed a perfectly sensible remark.hardlyAre you going out to search for it at this time of night? It seems hardly sensible.enoughThat advice sounds sensible enough.

Sensible is used with these nouns:

advice, answer, approach, arrangement, balance, clothes, clothing, compromise, decision, diet, lad, manner, move, person, policy, precaution, shoe, suggestion, thing

sensibly

sensiblyadv.

Sensibly is used with these verbs:

act, budget, decide, drink, eat, price, talk

sensitive

sensitiveadj.

adj.1 aware of other people's feelings2 reacting more than usual to sth; easily upset3 needing to be dealt with carefully4 able to measure very small changes1 aware of other people's feelingsVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecomemake sbHer experiences had made her sensitive to other people's troubles.remainResearchers tried to remain sensitive to local issues.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.deeply, unusuallya deeply sensitive, caring manPREPOSITIONtoHorses are very sensitive to their riders' moods.

2 reacting more than usual to sth; easily upsetVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seembecomeremainThey remain sensitive to accusations of neo-colonialism.make sb/sth sensitive (to sth)These drugs can make skin extremely sensitive to sunlight.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.acutely, deeply, highly, painfully, particularlyoverlyincreasinglya little, slightly, etc.PREPOSITIONaboutTeenagers are often very sensitive about their appearance.toHe was acutely sensitive to criticism.

3 needing to be dealt with carefullyVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbebecomeremainconsider, deemThe information was deemed too sensitive to be broadcast.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.an extremely sensitive questionhighlythis highly sensitive issuepotentiallyIt is not known how the Russians obtained such potentially sensitive information.commercially (esp. BrE), culturally (esp. AmE), ecologically (esp. AmE), environmentally, politicallycommercially sensitive informationculturally sensitive policies

4 able to measure very small changesVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeThe bat's hearing is remarkably sensitive.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.especially, exquisitely, highly, incredibly, remarkablyThe equipment is highly sensitive.enough, sufficientlyThe probe is sensitive enough to detect the presence of a single microbe.PREPOSITIONtosensitive to the slightest movement

Sensitive is used with these nouns:

area, barometer, document, ear, equipment, handling, index, indicator, information, instrument, material, matter, nature, nerve, nipple, nose, question, reading, site, skin, soul, spot, stomach, subject, topic, treatment

sensitively

sensitivelyadv.

Sensitively is used with these verbs:

respond

sensitivity

sensitivitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF SENSITIVITY | VERB + sensitivity | sensitivity + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEextreme, great, highThis is a matter of great sensitivity.a poet of great sensitivitylowa tool that has been criticized for its low sensitivityheightened, increasedreducedcultural, political… OF SENSITIVITYdegreeCollective living depends on a degree of sensitivity to what is happening around us.VERB + sensitivityhavedevelopdisplay, showMigrating birds show extreme sensitivity to air currents.be aware ofThe producers were aware of the sensitivity of the subject.reducelackMany doctors lack sensitivity when dealing with their patients.sensitivity + NOUNtraining (esp. AmE)Sensitivity training for teachers is always useful.PREPOSITIONwith sensitivityShe broke the news to us with great sensitivity.sensitivity aboutsensitivity about racial issuessensitivity inShe is not known for her sensitivity in dealing with complaints.sensitivity overThere is deep sensitivity over the treatment of minority groups.sensitivity toThe course teaches sensitivity to body language.sensitivity towards/towardthe need for sensitivity towards/toward the views of the childrenPHRASESa lack of sensitivity

sensor

sensornoun

Sensor is used after these nouns:

motion, pressure, temperature

sensory

sensoryadj.

Sensory is used with these nouns:

awareness, delight, deprivation, experience, nerve, organ, perception, stimulation, stimulus, system

sensual

sensualadj.

Sensual is used with these nouns:

curve, delight, mouth, pleasure

sensuous

sensuousadj.

Sensuous is used with these nouns:

Sentence is used with these nouns as the subject:

sentence

sentencenounverb

I. noun1 group of words2 punishment given by a judge1 group of wordsADJECTIVE | VERB + sentence | sentence + VERB | sentence + NOUNADJECTIVElong, shortTry to keep your sentences short.complete, wholebroken, incompletefullShe was a gifted child and could speak in full sentences at a very young age.singleThe argument can be distilled into a single sentence.grammatical, ungrammaticalcoherentaffirmative, declarative, negativecomplex, simplerun-on (AmE)openingthe opening sentence of the novel‘Once upon a time … ’—the opening sentence to some of our very best-loved fairy talesfollowingI came across the following sentence in a paper recently … VERB + sentencebeginfinishPeter finished Jane's sentence for her.completeComplete the following sentence: ‘I love dictionaries because … ’.endHe tells her not to end her sentences with prepositions.speak, utterTroy uttered one last sentence.The last sentence was spoken considerably more softly than the others.construct, form, formulate, string together, writeHe can barely form a grammatical sentence.Cooke was so nervous he could barely string a sentence together.parsepunctuate (usually figurative)She punctuated her sentence with a well-aimed kick at his right shin.readI kept reading the same sentence over and over again.sentence + VERBcontain sth, have sthDoes the sentence contain an adverb?sentence + NOUNstructure

2 punishment given by a judgeADJECTIVE | VERB + sentence | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEmaximum, minimumthe mandatory minimum sentence (AmE)averagelong, shortharsh, heavy, severe, stifflenient, lightreducedHe turned state's evidence in return for a reduced sentence.indeterminate (esp. BrE)appropriatemandatoryThe judge imposed the mandatory sentence for murder.suspendedjail, prisoncriminalHe suggested doubling the criminal sentences for company executives.custodial, non-custodial (both BrE)deathlifeVERB + sentencehand down, impose, pass, pronounceThe judge will pass sentence on the accused this afternoon.be given, get, receivebegin (esp. BrE)He has begun a life sentence for Carol's murder.serveHe will have to serve a life sentence.carry out, completeex-felons who have completed their sentencesawait (esp. BrE)He spent a week in custody awaiting sentence.faceShe could face a long prison sentence.suspendappeal (esp. AmE), appeal against (BrE)reviewcommute, reduceThe death sentence may be commuted to life imprisonment.overturn, quash (BrE)upholdThe US Supreme Court recently upheld both of these sentences.carryThis type of assault carries a maximum sentence of six months in prison.PREPOSITIONsentence foran eight-year sentence for burglaryPHRASESunder sentence of deathHe was imprisoned under sentence of death.He has been in prison for two months under sentence of death.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBherebyI hereby sentence you to death by hanging.(= as spoken by a judge)in absentia

He has been convicted and sentenced in absentia.(= he was not present at the trial.)PREPOSITIONfor

They had been sentenced for murder.toHe was sentenced to two years in prison.The judge sentenced her to life imprisonment.

court, judge, magistrate, tribunal

Sentence is used with these nouns as the object:

defendant, murderer, offender

sentence to

sentence tophr verb

Sentence to is used with these nouns as the object:

death, detention, imprisonment, probation

sentencing

sentencingnoun

Sentencing is used before these nouns:

guideline

Sentencing is used after these nouns:

sentient

sentientadj.

Sentient is used with these nouns:

being

sentiment

sentimentnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + sentiment | sentiment + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeep, stronggrowingcommon, general, prevailingfine, lofty, nobleAll these noble sentiments have little chance of being put into practice.national, popular, publicconsumer, investor (both esp. AmE)the University of Michigan's consumer sentiment indexbearish, bullish (= concerning stock markets, etc.) (both esp. AmE)There was a steep rise in bullish sentiment as foreign investors rushed in.nationalist, patrioticanti-American, anti-Western, etc.anti-government, anti-war, etc.pro-American, etc.racistpoliticalmoral, religiousThe people are renowned for their deep religious sentiment.mawkish (esp. BrE)The new movie is to be applauded for refusing to drift into mawkish sentiment.VERB + sentimentexpress, voiceagree with, endorse, shareHe agrees with the sentiments expressed in the editorial.echo, reflectI think his view reflects the sentiment of a lot of fans.disagree witharouse, inflameThese actions are likely to inflame anti-Western sentiment.understandsentiment + VERBrunIn the 19th century, anti-Catholic sentiment ran high.PREPOSITIONsentiments about, sentiments onIt would be a mistake to ignore their strong sentiments on the issue.sentiment againstThe killings helped arouse popular sentiment against the organization.sentiment amonganti-war sentiment among the civilian populationsentiment in favour/favor ofpublic sentiment in favour/favor of state ownershipsentiment towards/towardcritical sentiment towards/toward government policyPHRASESI, we, etc. appreciate the sentimentEven though I disagree with you, I appreciate the sentiments that prompt you to speak out.my sentiments exactly (= I agree)‘I don't see why we should change our plans just because of him.’ ‘My sentiments exactly.’

sentimental

sentimentaladj.

Sentimental is used with these nouns:

attachment, favourite, journey, reason, value

sentry

sentrynoun

Sentry is used before these nouns:

duty

separable

separableadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeADVERBeasily, readilyChurch and State were not easily separable in this period.completely, entirelyPREPOSITIONfromThe form of good literature is not separable from the content.

separate

separateverbadj.

I. verb1 move/keep people/things apart2 stop living together1 move/keep people/things apartADVERB | VERB + separate | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBcompletelycarefullyclearlyThese two branches of the science have now become clearly separated.effectivelyeasilyOne cannot easily separate moral, social and political issues.formallylegallymechanicallyMechanically separated meat made from cattle and sheep has now been banned.geographically, physically, spatiallyVERB + separateattempt to, try tobe difficult to, be hard to, be impossible toIt was impossible to separate the rival fans.PREPOSITIONfromThe boys are separated from the girls.intoI separated the documents into two piles.PHRASESsharply separated, totally separated, widely separatedThe disciplines of science and engineering are not always sharply separated.an island resort totally separated from the mainlandThe two groups became widely separated.The two populations are widely separated geographically.

2 stop living togetherADVERB | VERB + separate | PREPOSITIONADVERBlegallyrecentlyHe had recently separated from his wife.forciblySlave parents were forcibly separated from their children.VERB + separatedecide toPREPOSITIONfromShe is separated from her husband.

Separate is used with these nouns as the subject:

chasm, divide, gap, gulf, line, partition, strait, wall

Separate is used with these nouns as the object:

egg, strand, twin

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbebecomeremainkeep sb/sthThe women are kept separate from the men.consider sthADVERBsomewhat, veryI kept my two lives very separate.essentially, largelyThe two groups are essentially separate and independent.completely, entirely, quite, totally, whollyThe waste water is kept entirely separate from the rainwater.apparentlypreviouslyto merge the two previously separate businessesgeographically, physicallyPREPOSITIONfroma lifestyle which is quite separate from that of her parentsPHRASESgo your separate waysThey decided to go their separate ways after being together for five years.

Separate is used with these nouns:

account, bedroom, category, compartment, component, cubicle, direction, discipline, entity, entrance, existence, identity, incident, occasion, part, property, section, sheet, sphere, strand, volume, way

separately

separatelyadv.

Separately is used with these adjectives:

Separately is used with these verbs:

conduct, consider, deal, evolve, examine, house, live, negotiate, organize, store, test, travel, treat

separation

separationnoun

noun1 being apart2 when a married couple lives apart1 being apartADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcomplete, totalclear, rigid, strictlongShe is visiting her family after a long separation.physical, spatialconstitutionalthe constitutional separation of church and statePREPOSITIONseparation betweenthe clear separation of powers between the executive and the legislatureseparation fromthe separation of children from their parents during the warPHRASESseparation anxiety (= fear that a child feels when separated from its parents)A common example of separation anxiety occurs when children are left at day care.separation of powersthe constitutional principle of separation of powers

2 when a married couple lives apartADJECTIVE | separation + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEformal, judicial (BrE), legaltrialparental (esp. AmE)separation + NOUNagreement (esp. AmE)PREPOSITIONseparation betweenthe separation between Mary and her husbandseparation fromthe separation from his wife

separatist

separatistadj.

Separatist is used with these nouns:

guerrilla, movement, rebel

Sephardic

Sephardicadj.

Sephardic is used with these nouns:

Jew, Judaism

sepia

sepiaadj.

Sepia is used with these nouns:

photograph

September

Septembernoun

septic

septicadj.

Septic is used with these nouns:

tank

sequel

sequelnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + sequel | sequel + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElong-awaitedforthcoming (esp. BrE), upcoming (esp. AmE)inevitabledirectThe new movie is a direct sequel to the first, picking up the story where the original left off.worthyThe result is a worthy sequel to the original book.VERB + sequeldo, make, work on, writeShe was asked to make a sequel to ‘Peter Pan’.spawnThe film has spawned five sequels to date.sequel + VERBcome outThe sequel came out this spring.PREPOSITIONin a/the sequelSome important new characters appear in the sequel.sequel to

sequence

sequencenoun

noun1 set of actions, etc.; order of appearance2 part of a film/movie1 set of actions, etc.; order of appearanceADJECTIVE | VERB + sequence | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcomplete, entire, wholecontinuous, unbrokencomplexlong, shortcorrectspecificchronological, temporalThe article describes the chronological sequence of events.logical, randomchorda basic blues chord sequenceamino acid, proteinDNA, gene, genetic, genomea representative cross section of the entire human genome sequenceunbeaten, winning (both BrE)a remarkable winning sequence of gameslosing (BrE)The Shakers ended an eight-game losing sequence by defeating Swansea City 2–0.VERB + sequencecompleteComplete the following sequence: 1, 4, 8, 13 … repeatRepeat the entire sequence at least three times.followWe had to follow a complex sequence of movements.PREPOSITIONsequence ofPHRASESin sequence, out of sequenceThe book is more satisfying if you read each chapter in sequence.This article is out of sequence and belongs on page 57.a sequence of events

2 part of a film/movieADJECTIVE | VERB + sequence | sequence + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEopeningclimactic, closing, finaldramatic, excitingThe movie includes a few exciting action sequences.brilliant, greatimpressive, memorableThere were some very impressive underwater sequences.dance, musicalaction, battle, chase, fightThe movie begins with an extended car-chase sequence.animateddream, fantasy, flashbackcredit, titlethe opening credit sequenceextended, longshortVERB + sequencefilm, shootchoreographThe fight sequences were choreographed by Xin-Xin Xiong.sequence + VERBfeature, involve, showThis sequence features some impressive skydiving action.a dream sequence involving the central character working on the TitanicPREPOSITIONin a/the sequenceThe heroine dies in the closing sequence of the movie.

sequential

sequentialadj.

Sequential is used with these nouns:

narrative

sequentially

sequentiallyadv.

Sequentially is used with these adjectives:

Sequentially is used with these verbs:

sequester

sequesterverb

Sequester is used with these nouns as the object:

jury

sequinned

sequinnedadj.

Sequinned/sequined is used with these nouns:

serendipitous

serendipitousadj.

Serendipitous is used with these nouns:

discovery

serene

sereneadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, become, feel, look, seem, soundremainADVERBveryperfectly, quite, utterlyalmostoutwardlybeneath the outwardly serene surface

serenely

serenelyadv.

Serenely is used with these adjectives:

beautiful, confident

Serenely is used with these verbs:

serenity

serenitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + serenity | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEpeaceful, quietVERB + serenityachieve, findPREPOSITIONwith serenityShe was able to face death with serenity.PHRASESa feeling of serenitypeace and serenityMy Japanese garden is a haven of peace and serenity.

sergeant

sergeantnoun

noun1 in the army/air force2 in the police1 in the army/air forceADJECTIVEADJECTIVEarmydrillHe had a voice like a drill sergeant.supply (in the US)staffplatoonchief master, first, master (all in the US)We line up while platoon sergeants and the company's first sergeant confer at the head of the formation.gunnery (in the US)flight (in the UK)colour (in the UK)Accommodation was provided to Gurkhas holding the rank of colour sergeant or above.recruiting (usually figurative)a powerful recruiting sergeant for terrorist organizations

2 in the policeADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEpolicedetective (in the UK)Detective Sergeant Peter Wilesdesk, dutyVisitors to the police station should report to the duty sergeant.custody (in the UK)PHRASESthe rank of sergeant

serial

serialadj.

Serial is used with these nouns:

entrepreneur, killer, killing, murder, murderer, number, rapist

Serial is used after these nouns:

drama

series

seriesnoun

noun1 number of things that come one after another2 on radio, TV, etc.3 a set of sports games1 number of things that come one after anotherADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEentire, wholeHe had a whole series of tests.ongoingrecentendless, longcomplexa complex series of eventscontinuousinfiniteconcert, lecturetimea time series showing the pattern of global warmingPREPOSITIONin a/the seriesThe quartet will be performing in a series of lunchtime concerts.series ofa series of events/interviews/meetings/lecturesa series of experiments/studies/testsGuerrillas launched a series of attacks.The union staged a series of strikes in April.PHRASESthe first of a/the series, the last of a/the seriesthe first in a series, the latest in a series

2 on radio, TV, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + series | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEradio, television, TVbook, DVD, film, movie, videothe Harry Potter book seriescomedy, crime, documentary, drama, realityanimated, anime, cartoonhit, popularthe hit comedy series ‘Friends’long-runningclassicoriginalnewforthcoming (BrE), upcoming (esp. AmE)two-part, three-part, etc.weeklyspecialIn the first of a special two-part series on the economy … VERB + seriesfilmcommission (esp. BrE)The BBC has already commissioned a second series.broadcast, screenreleaseHBO has begun releasing the series on DVD.be based onan anime series based on novels by Hiroyuki MoriokaPREPOSITIONin a/the seriesShe has a small part in a drama series for radio.the final book in the seriesseries about, series onWe watched the final part of a series on Australian wildlife.PHRASESan episode of a series, a part of a series

3 a set of sports gamesADJECTIVE | VERB + series | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEracingWorld Series (in baseball)championship, Test (in cricket)Australia won the Test series against England.home (esp. in cricket)play-off (AmE)two-game, three-game, etc. (AmE)season, weekend (both AmE)VERB + serieslose, winlevel (BrE)India must win to level the series.PREPOSITIONin the seriesThey took the first two games in the series.series withThe Bronx Bombers won two of three in a weekend series with the Red Sox.

serious

seriousadj.

adj.1 bad/dangerous2 not joking1 bad/dangerousVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbe, look, seem, soundbecome, getBy this time the riots were getting serious.remainADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.particularly, really, terriblyThese are terribly serious allegations.potentiallyPREPOSITIONforThis situation could be very serious for her.PHRASESnothing serious‘Bob's sick.’ ‘Oh, I hope it's nothing serious.’serious enough to warrant sthThe crime is considered serious enough to warrant a jail term.

2 not jokingVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, look, soundCome on, be serious!become, grow, turnHe became serious all of a sudden.remain, stayPlease try to stay serious!ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.absolutely, completely, entirely, perfectly, quite, totallydeadly, terriblyJoe is deadly serious in his beliefs.PREPOSITIONaboutAre you serious about resigning?

Serious is used with these nouns:

accident, accusation, actor, actress, ailment, allegation, allergy, alternative, analysis, answer, artist, assault, attack, attempt, attention, attitude, bid, blow, blunder, bout, boyfriend, breach, breakdown, burn, business, case, casualty, challenge, challenger, charge, clash, collector, collision, commitment, competition, competitor, complaint, complication, concern, concussion, condition, conflict, confrontation, congestion, consequence, consideration, contamination, contemplation, contender, conversation, corruption, crack, crash, crime, criminal, crisis, criticism, damage, danger, debate, debt, decline, defeat, defect, deficiency, deficit, delay, dent, depression, deterioration, dialogue, difference, difficulty, dilemma, disability, disadvantage, disagreement, disappointment, discrepancy, discussion, disease, disorder, dispute, disruption, dissent, distortion, disturbance, doubt, downturn, drain, drawback, effect, effort, embarrassment, emergency, engagement, enquiry, erosion, error, escalation, expression, face, failing, failure, fashion, fault, felony, fiction, fighting, fire, flaw, foul play, fraud, gap, girlfriend, handicap, harm, hazard, heart attack, hindrance, historian, illness, imbalance, impact, impediment, implication, incident, inconsistency, inconvenience, indigestion, indiscretion, infection, infringement, injury, interest, irregularity, issue, lack, lapse, leak, limitation, look, loss, matter, menace, message, miscalculation, misconduct, misgivings, mishap, mistake, misunderstanding, misuse, mood, move, music, musician, need, neglect, negotiation, note, objection, obstacle, offence, omission, opposition, outbreak, overtone, peril, pest, possibility, prejudice, problem, quarrel, question, reading, recession, reflection, relationship, repercussion, reservation, resistance, responsibility, rethink, reverse, revolt, rift, riot, risk, rival, row, scientist, scrutiny, setback, shopper, shopping, shortage, shortcoming, side effect, situation, split, strait, stroke, study, subject, symptom, talk, test, thinker, thinking, thought, threat, tone, training, trouble, underestimate, undertaking, unrest, violation, violence, voice, weakness, worry, wound, writer

seriously

seriouslyadv.

Seriously is used with these adjectives:

alarmed, committed, concerned, damaging, defective, deficient, depressed, detrimental, disabled, disadvantaged, disturbed, flawed, handicapped, hurt, ill, inadequate, incomplete, injured, insane, interested, irritated, lacking, limited, misleading, mistaken, neglected, overweight, polluted, restricted, rich, shaken, sick, unbalanced, unwell, upset, wealthy, worried, worrying, wrong

Seriously is used with these verbs:

affect, aggravate, assault, believe, burn, challenge, complicate, compromise, consider, contemplate, curtail, damage, debate, delay, dent, deplete, deteriorate, discuss, disrupt, distort, divide, doubt, endanger, engage, entertain, erode, expect, hamper, harm, hinder, hurt, imagine, impair, impede, impinge, inconvenience, inhibit, injure, interfere, jeopardize, lag, limit, miscalculate, misjudge, mislead, misrepresent, neglect, negotiate, nod, overestimate, ponder, prejudice, propose, pursue, question, regret, reply, restrict, rethink, say, strain, suggest, tackle, take, talk, tell, test, think, threaten, train, treat, underestimate, undermine, weaken, wound

seriously ill

seriously illadj.

Seriously ill is used with these nouns:

seriousness

seriousnessnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + seriousness | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcomplete (esp. AmE), deadly (esp. BrE), deep, great, highHe maintained an attitude of high seriousness.mock‘You didn't know?’ he asked in mock seriousness.underlyingThe joke did not obscure the underlying seriousness of his point.moralVERB + seriousnessappreciate, grasp, realize, recognize, understandOnly later did he realize the full seriousness of his actions.demonstrate, showThe sentence imposed in this case demonstrates the seriousness of environmental crimes.downplaytreat sth withThe problem was not treated with the seriousness it deserved.PREPOSITIONwith seriousnessShe spoke with great seriousness of the hardships she had endured.PHRASESin all seriousnessYou can't in all seriousness think they'll give you the job!take, treat, etc. sth with the utmost seriousness

sermon

sermonnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + sermon | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfieryweeklylongVERB + sermondeliver, give, preach, readhearPREPOSITIONduring a/the sermon, in a/the sermonHe fell asleep during the sermon.sermon onShe preached a sermon on forgiveness.

serrated

serratedadj.

Serrated is used with these nouns:

blade, edge, knife

serried

serriedadj.

Serried is used with these nouns:

rank

serum

serumnoun

Serum is used before these nouns:

sample

servant

servantnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + servant | servant + VERB | servant + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdevoted, faithful, loyal, trustedhumble, obedientgoodHe has been a good servant to this club.female, malehiredindenturedpersonaldomestic, farm (esp. BrE), house (esp. AmE), householdpalace, royalcivil (esp. BrE), Crown (BrE, law), publica powerful committee of politicians and civil servantsTwo senior civil servants were sent from Whitehall to work within the Ministry of Home Affairs.VERB + servantemploy, havecallHe called his servant to light a candle in his study.orderservant + VERBserve sb, wait on sbAn army of servants waited on the general's household.workbustle, run, rush, scurryServants scurried around him.bowThe two servants bowed and left the room.servant + NOUNboy, girlPREPOSITIONservant toHe banishes Kent, a loyal servant to King Lear.PHRASESan army of servantsThe duchess arrived, surrounded by her army of servants.a servant of the Crown (BrE)a servant of the peoplea servant of Godservants' quarters

serve

serveverb

verb1 give sb food or drink2 work3 be useful1 give sb food or drinkADVERB | VERB + serve | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBimmediatelyPour the sauce over the pasta and serve immediately.VERB + servebe ready toCover and chill the salad until ready to serve.PREPOSITIONtoThey served a wonderful meal to more than 50 delegates.withThe delegates were served with a wonderful meal.Serve the lamb with new potatoes and green beans.PHRASESdinner is served‘Dinner is served!’ Katie announced.serve sth chilled, serve sth cold, serve sth hotThe quiche can be served hot or cold.

2 workADVERB | VERB + serve | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBfaithfully, loyally, wellShe served the family faithfully for many years (= as a servant).betterLet us know how we can better serve your needs.currentlyShe is currently serving as special adviser to the American Ambassador.previouslyVERB + servecontinue toPREPOSITIONasI shall continue to serve as a trustee.inShe served in the medical corps.to serve in the army/military/navyonI currently serve on the Board of Directors.to serve on the committee/jury/panelunderHe served under President Reagan in the 1980s.PHRASESif memory serves you, if memory serves (you) correctly, if memory serves you rightIf memory serves me right, we arrived on June 22, which was a Tuesday.serve in a … capacity, serve in this/that capacityShe has served in an advisory capacity for a number of groups.serve on active duty (esp. AmE)He served on active duty in the US Marine Corps.serve with distinctionHe served with distinction in the First World War.

3 be usefulADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBmerely, only, simplyThis only served to complicate the situation further.mainly, mostly, primarilyThe Declaration served primarily as a propaganda piece.wellThis strategy has always served him well.PREPOSITIONasThe texts ultimately serve as springboards for the artists' imagination.

Serve is used with these nouns as the subject:

cafe, clinic, dining room, felon, inmate, landlord, lift, main, officer, pastor, recipe, restaurant, servant, soldier, staff, troops, veteran, waiter, waitress

Serve is used with these nouns as the object:

ace, alcohol, beer, buffet, cause, church, client, clientele, cocktail, congregation, country, crown, cuisine, customer, dessert, detention, dish, drink, end, fare, fault, food, function, god, guest, interest, justice, king, liquor, lord, lunch, mankind, market, master, menu, nation, need, niche, notice, profession, public, purpose, refreshment, role, seafood, sentence, snack, soup, stint, summons, suspension, tea, term, turkey, warrant, wine, writ

serve out

serve outphr verb

Serve out is used with these nouns as the object:

suspension

server

servernoun

Server is used before these nouns:

disk, log, system

Server is used after these nouns:

database, email, file, Internet, network, salad, terminal, web

serve with

serve withphr verb

Serve with is used with these nouns as the object:

cream, mustard, salad

service

servicenounverb

I. noun1 system that provides sth the public needs2 work of serving a customer3 working for a country, company, etc.4 work done for sb; help given to sb5 the services the armed forces6 (esp. BrE) bus, train, etc.7 religious ceremony1 system that provides sth the public needsADJECTIVE | VERB + service | service + VERB | service + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEefficient, excellent, good, valuableadequatebad, inadequate, poor, terriblecomplete, comprehensive, fullstandardbasicfreepremiumpersonalized (esp. AmE), specializedspecialized services for the deaf and hard of hearingbackup, supportambulance (esp. BrE), emergency, fire (BrE), police (BrE), rescue (esp. BrE)A passer-by called the emergency services (= the ambulance/fire/police service). (BrE)essentialEssential services (= the supply of water, gas, electricity) will be maintained.vital (esp. BrE)paramedics who provide a vital service to the publicpublicavailableFind out what services are available in your area.Internet, online, Web, Web-basedan online dating servicebroadband, dial-up, high-speed, wirelesswireless Internet servicesdownloadThe studio launches its own digital music download service next month.messagingI typed my password into my instant messaging service.phone, telephonesatellitesubscriptionadvisory (esp. BrE), consulting (esp. AmE), counselling/counselinghealth, health-care, medical, etc.customs, diplomatic, foreign, library (esp. BrE), postal, prison (BrE), probation (BrE), prosecution (BrE), socialShe works for the social servicesinformation, news, wire (esp. AmE)banking, financialintelligence, secret, securitydating, escortVERB + serviceoffer (sb), provide (sb with)We offer a comprehensive service to home buyers.operate, runmaintainguaranteeimprovelaunchexpand, extendWe need to expand this valuable service to other cities.axe (BrE), cut, cut back, cut back on, suspendThis government has systematically cut back public services since it took office.restoreaccess, make use of, useThe new system will enable people to access the service more easily.people who use the health-care servicecomplain aboutservice + VERBimprovedeteriorateservice + NOUNproviderInternet service providersbusiness, companya financial services companyorganization (esp. AmE)social service organizationseconomy, industry, sectorpack (computing)PREPOSITIONservice formental health services for young peopleservice toThe company provides products and services to customers in 145 countries.PHRASESgoods and services, products and services

2 work of serving a customerADJECTIVE | VERB + service | service + NOUNADJECTIVEefficient, excellent, first-class, good, professional, qualitybad, poor, terribleprompt, quickslowfriendly, personalcustomerafter-sales (esp. BrE)We offer excellent after-sales service on all our goods.roomIf you would like a meal in your room, please call room service.We ordered room service.VERB + servicedeliver sth (to sb), give (sb), offer (sb), provide (sb with)Our main concern is to provide quality customer service.get, receiveimproveguaranteeWe guarantee first-class service.complain aboutI complained about the poor service.service + NOUNjob (AmE)worker (AmE)retail and food service workers

3 working for a country, company, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + service | service + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEmeritorious, outstandingfaithfullongactiveHe died on active service.military, national (esp. BrE), selective (AmE)domestica job in domestic servicecivil (esp. BrE), community, publica public-service announcementpublic-service broadcastingvoluntary (esp. BrE)jury (esp. BrE)available for jury serviceVERB + servicedoAll 18-year-old males are required to do a year's military service.see (esp. BrE)He saw service during the First World War.begin, enterThe aircraft entered service with the Swedish Air Force in 1997.leavetake sth out ofThe ship has been taken out of service for extensive cleaning.service + NOUNmember (AmE), personnelretired military service membersrecordhis military service record during the Vietnam WarPREPOSITIONservice toservice to the communityPHRASESconditions of servicein the service of your country, in the service of God

4 work done for sb; help given to sbADJECTIVE | VERB + service | service + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgreat, invaluable, valuableprofessionalVERB + servicebe of, do sb, perform, renderMay I be of service to you?You have done us a great service.payment for services renderedoffer (sb), provide (sb with)She offered her services as a babysitter.sellThey sold their services to a major airline.advertisea plastic surgeon advertising his services on the Internetneed, seekto seek the services of an attorneyservice + NOUNcharge, feePREPOSITIONat your serviceThe cabin staff are at your service throughout the flight.services ofWe need the services of a good lawyer.service toHe was given an award for his services to the disabled.

5 the services the armed forcesADJECTIVE | VERB + THE SERVICESADJECTIVEarmedVERB + THE SERVICESgo into, joinMost of the boys went straight into the services.

6 (esp. BrE) bus, train, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + service | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEefficient, good, reliablefastfrequent, regulardirect, non-stop (esp. AmE)fulllimited, reducedWe will be operating a reduced service while engineering work takes place.There is a limited service on these bus routes.scheduledchanges to scheduled servicesbus, car, coach (BrE), ferry, rail, subway (AmE), taxi, train, tram (BrE), tube (BrE), underground (BrE)VERB + servicelay on, offer (sb), provide (sb with)Bus companies are planning to lay on extra services.operate, runadd (AmE), extend, improveUS Airways also added service recently to the Dominican Republic.suspendaxe (BrE), cutrestoreusePREPOSITIONin serviceThis bus is not in service.out of serviceservice betweenThe company offers direct, fast and frequent services between large towns and cities.service from, service toservices from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

7 religious ceremonyADJECTIVE | VERB + service | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEchurch, religiousfuneral, marriage, memorialafternoon, evening, morningVERB + serviceattend, go toholdPREPOSITIONservice formemorial service for people killed in the attack

II. verbADVERB | VERB + service | PHRASESADVERBfully, properly (BrE)The car was fully serviced last month.regularlyA regularly serviced car will keep its value longer.VERB + servicecontinue toPHRASESget sth serviced, have sth servicedYou should get all gas appliances regularly serviced.

Service is used with these nouns as the object:

boiler, car, client, customer, debt, engine, machine

service area

service areanoun

Service area is used after these nouns:

motorway

service provider

service providernoun

Service provider is used after these nouns:

service station

service stationnoun

Service station is used after these nouns:

motorway

serving

servingnounadj.

I. noun

Serving is used before these nouns:

bowl, cart, dish, hatch, plate, size, spoon, tray

II. adj.

Serving is used with these nouns:

maid

sesame

sesamenoun

Sesame is used before these nouns:

oil, seed

session

sessionnoun

noun1 meeting of a court, parliament, etc.2 time spent doing an activity1 meeting of a court, parliament, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + session | session + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEinaugural, openingclosing, final, lastcurrentjointopen, public (esp. BrE)closed, closed-door (esp. AmE), privateThe board met in closed session.emergency, extraordinary (esp. AmE), specialfull, plenarya full session of the peace talksa plenary session of the committeefollow-upA follow-up session was held a month after the initial meeting.congressional, parliamentarylegislative (esp. AmE)executive (AmE)The Council met in executive session for the purpose of selecting a new general secretary.VERB + sessionholdattendboycottaddressThe president addressed a closed session of Congress.call (esp. AmE)The Governor called a special session of the Legislature.session + VERBconvene, take placebegin, openclose, endagree sthcall for sthPREPOSITIONat a/the sessionThe statute was approved at the 1985 session of the Texas Legislature.in a/the sessionin the opening sessionin sessionThe court is now in session.

2 time spent doing an activityADJECTIVE | VERB + session | session + VERB | session + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElengthy, longshort30-minute, two-hour, etc.all-day, all-night, late-nightearly, latedaily, regular, weekly, etc.bargaining, negotiatingbriefing (esp. BrE), question-and-answerbrainstormingbreakout (esp. AmE)coaching (esp. BrE), practice, training, tutoring (esp. AmE)one-to-oneI had a one-to-one session with one of the instructors at the gym.counselling/counseling, therapydrop-in (BrE)The case worker will talk to refugees at drop-in sessions and by appointment.Women who need a test can visit one of the drop-in sessions for help and advice.photo, photographic (esp. BrE)autographjam, jazz, recordingworkout, yogadrinking (esp. BrE)The man fell in the canal after a heavy drinking session.VERB + sessiondo, have, offer (sb), organize, provide (sb with), runThe college runs training sessions every afternoon.scheduleBoth sessions are scheduled for 10 o'clock.attendmissbegin, startend, finishShe had to abruptly end her session with a newspaper editor when they received word of the attacks.session + VERBtake placelastEach session lasted approximately 15 minutes.session + NOUNguitarist, musician, singer (esp. BrE), etc.PREPOSITIONsession ona session on remedial reading

set

setnounverbadj.

I. noun1 group of similar things2 scenery for play or film/movie3 in tennis1 group of similar thingsADJECTIVE | VERB + set | set + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcomplete, entire, full, wholebroad, comprehensive, huge, largecommonThese two species share a common set of characteristics.standardmatched, matchinga necklace with a matching set of earringsuniqueclosed, finiteWe have a finite set of options.A grammatical choice is drawn from a closed set of options.opencomplex, diversedata, instructiona computer's instruction setchemistry, chess, drum (esp. AmE), traindinner, teabox, boxed, DVDtwo-disc/two-disk, three-CD, etc.The series is available in a three-DVD box set.skillThis job requires a completely different skill set.VERB + setcompleteShe won a silver medal in the long jump to complete her set (= of all three types of medal).set + VERBcomprise sth, consist of sthcontainincludePREPOSITIONin a/the setThere are ten pictures in the set.set ofa set of clothes/doors/keys/stairs/toolsa set of conditions/guidelines/instructions/principles/rulesa set of beliefs/ideas/standards/valuesa set of circumstances/challenges/issues/problems/questionsa set of data/facts/figures/numbers/resultsPHRASESone of a set, part of a setThe plate is part of a set.

2 scenery for play or film/movieADJECTIVE | VERB + set | set + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfilm (esp. BrE), movie (esp. AmE), stage, studioVERB + setdesignbuild, constructset + NOUNdesign, designerThe locations and set designs were fabulous.PREPOSITIONoff setOff set, the two actors became close friends.on (the) setThe crew had a lot of fun on set.All the cast stayed on the set throughout.

3 in tennisVERB + set | set + NOUN | PHRASESVERB + setplayclinch (BrE), winlevel (BrE)She had two break points to level the set.loseset + NOUNpointPHRASESin straight setsNadal won in straight sets (= his opponent won none).

II. verb

Set is used with these nouns as the subject:

cement, concrete, custard, face, glue, jaw, jelly, moon, mouth, sun

Set is used with these nouns as the object:

agenda, aim, alarm, assignment, bail, boundary, budget, ceiling, clock, condition, course, criterion, date, deadline, dial, diamond, direction, exam, examination, example, expectation, fashion, fee, foundation, framework, fuse, goal, groundwork, harp, homework, jaw, level, lever, limit, lyrics, margin, mark, meeting, mood, objective, pace, paper, pattern, place, policy, precedent, price, priority, quota, rate, record, restriction, scene, seed, speed limit, stage, standard, stone, table, target, tariff, task, tempo, term, test, text, threshold, time, timetable, tone, trap, trend, value, VCR, video, wage, watch

III. adj.1 ready2 determined1 readyVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, look, seemget (used when starting a race)Get set … Go!ADVERBallAre you all set? Let's go!PREPOSITIONforThe Italian team looks set for victory.

2 determinedVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeADVERBdeadPREPOSITIONagainstHer father is dead set against the marriage.onThe government is now set on increasing taxes.

Set is used with these nouns:

book, face, fee, jaw, limit, lunch, menu, number, pattern, period, piece, routine, text

set about

set aboutphr verb

Set about is used with these nouns as the object:

set ahead

set aheadphr verb

Set ahead is used with these nouns as the object:

set aside

set asidephr verb

Set aside is used with these nouns as the object:

money, room, verdict, will

set back

set backphr verb

Set back is used with these nouns as the object:

clock, plan

setback

setbacknoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF SETBACKS | VERB + setback | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEtemporaryearly, initialbig, huge, major, serious, severe, significantminorunexpectedrecentfinancial, military, political… OF SETBACKSseriesVERB + setbackexperience, face, have, receive (esp. BrE), sufferHis research has suffered a temporary setback.She and her teammates experienced some setbacks along the way.deal (esp. AmE)The company was dealt a setback, when a federal judge ruled against them.overcomeHe is struggling to overcome the latest setbacks.representThat would represent a huge setback in the fight to change our criminal justice system.PREPOSITIONsetback fora further setback for the coal industrysetback toa serious setback to his chances of re-election

set down

set downphr verb

Set down is used with these nouns as the object:

basket, beaker, cup, glass, tray

set in set off

set offphr verb

Set off is used with these nouns as the subject:

expedition, procession

Set off is used with these nouns as the object:

alarm, bomb, explosion, explosive, fire alarm, firework, mine, reaction, rebellion, ripple

set off against

set off againstphr verb

Set off against is used with these nouns as the object:

set off on

set off onphr verb

Set off on is used with these nouns as the object:

expedition, march, quest, tour

set on

set onphr verb

Set on is used with these nouns as the object:

set out

set outphr verb

Set out is used with these nouns as the subject:

document, expedition, memorandum

Set out is used with these nouns as the object:

bait, case, condition, detail, guideline, plan, reason, requirement, rule, stall, strategy, timetable

set out in

set out inphr verb

Set out in is used with these nouns as the object:

set out on

set out onphr verb

Set out on is used with these nouns as the object:

expedition, journey, quest, voyage

settee

setteenoun

(BrE) nounADJECTIVE | VERB + settee | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcomfortable, comfy (informal)leather, etc.three-seater, two-seaterVERB + setteesit (down) onHe slumped down exhausted on the settee.lie onfall asleep onPREPOSITIONon the setteeShe found her glasses lying on the settee.PHRASESthe arm of a settee, the back of a settee

setting

settingnounadj.

I. noun1 place where sth happens2 of controls1 place where sth happensADJECTIVE | VERB + setting | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEnaturalwild animals in their natural settingattractive (esp. BrE), beautiful, ideal, idyllic, lovely (esp. BrE), magnificent (esp. BrE), perfect, picturesquedramaticpeaceful, tranquilintimate, romanticformal, informalappropriaterural, urbanoutdoorcontemporarybiblical stories in a contemporary settingpublic, social, workThe French Club offers the chance to improve your language skills in a social setting.In a work setting, more formal language would be used.clinical, experimental, hospital, institutional, laboratory, etc.academic, classroom, educational, schoolcultural, historicaldomestic, familyelderly people living in a domestic settingunfamiliar, unlikelyThe hospital is an unlikely setting for an art auction.VERB + settingcreate, make, provideThe park provides the perfect setting for the play.PREPOSITIONin a/the … settinga hotel in a beautiful mountain settingsetting forthe perfect setting for a picnicsetting inThe site creates a dramatic setting for the new building.a dramatic setting in Cornwallsetting ofthe urban setting of Manhattan

2 of controlsADJECTIVE | VERB + setting | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhigh, low, mediumdefault, standardadjustablenetwork, security (both computing)difficulty (= in computer games)The game has multiple difficulty settings.VERB + settingadjust, alter, change, modify, tweakincrease, reducechoosesave (computing)PREPOSITIONat a/the settingThe oven should be at a high setting.

II. adj.

Setting is used with these nouns:

Settle is used with these nouns as the subject:

settle

settleverbPHRASAL VERB

verb1 end an argument2 choose a permanent home3 make sb/yourself comfortable1 end an argumentADVERB | VERB + settle | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBamicably, peacefullyHopes of settling the conflict peacefully are fading.eventually, finallyThe matter has not yet been finally settled.out of courtThe company has agreed to settle out of court (= come to an agreement without going to court).VERB + settleattempt to, try toagree toPREPOSITIONforI ran well but still had to settle for second.onAfter much deliberation, he finally settled on a fur rug.withAfter six months the company finally settled with the unions.PHRASESan attempt to settle sth

2 choose a permanent homeADVERB | VERB + settle | PHRASESADVERBpermanentlyHe has now settled permanently in London.eventually, finallyhappilyVERB + settledecide to, intend toPHRASESbe densely settled, be sparsely settleda fertile area that was densely settled in early timesbe ready to settle downShe felt she wasn't yet ready to settle down.

3 make sb/yourself comfortableADVERB | VERB + settle | PHRASESADVERBcomfortably, happily, peacefullyHe settled himself more comfortably in his chair.quickly, soonslowlyVERB + settlebe unable to, cannotUnable to settle, she trailed around the house all day.He was anxious and couldn't settle.allow sb to, let sbShe kept fussing around, refusing to let him settle.help (to), help sb (to)I took a pill to help settle my nerves.PHRASESsettle down to do sthFinally they settled down to watch an old movie.

PHRASAL VERBsettle in, settle into sthADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBhappily, nicelyThe kids settled happily into their new school.quickly, soonPREPOSITIONforThey prepared to settle in for the night.

calm, dusk, dust, immigrant, silence, snow

Settle is used with these nouns as the object:

account, affair, argument, bill, case, charge, claim, conflict, controversy, debate, debt, difference, disagreement, dispute, estate, feud, frontier, grievance, issue, litigation, matter, nerve, problem, quarrel, question, squabble, stomach, strike, suit, territory, vendetta

settle back in

settle back inphr verb

Settle back in is used with these nouns as the object:

chair, seat

settle back into

settle back intophr verb

Settle back into is used with these nouns as the object:

settle back on

settle back onphr verb

Settle back on is used with these nouns as the object:

Settled is used with these nouns:

settled

settledadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, seemgetADVERBfairly, very, etc.She seems fairly settled in her new job already.comfortably, happily (esp. BrE)He is happily settled with his wife and their two children.

weather

settle in

settle inphr verb

Settle in is used with these nouns as the subject:

dusk, immigrant

Settle in is used with these nouns as the object:

chair, stomach

settle into

settle intophr verb

Settle into is used with these nouns as the object:

armchair, chair, rhythm, routine, seat

settlement

settlementnoun

noun1 official/legal agreement2 place where people have come to live1 official/legal agreementADJECTIVE | VERB + settlement | settlement + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfinallasting, long-term, permanentcomprehensivea lasting and comprehensive peace settlementearlytemporaryamicable, friendly (BrE), peacefuljust, reasonable, satisfactory (esp. BrE)compromisenegotiatedglobal (law)a proposed $100-million global settlement of a class action suitconstitutional (esp. BrE), diplomatic, financial, legal, politicalcompensation (esp. BrE), divorce, marriage (esp. BrE)out-of-courtgeneroushuge, largeThey signed away their legal rights for a large cash settlement.cashpeacepost-warpay (esp. BrE), wage (BrE)Nurses refused to accept a pay settlement less than the rate of inflation.disputeVERB + settlementachieve, agree, reach, secureBoth parties hope to reach an amicable settlement.makeThey made a financial settlement with the family in order to prevent a civil lawsuit.negotiate, produceThe union has negotiated a temporary settlement.seekLawyers are seeking an out-of-court settlement.offer, proposeacceptreceive, winThey won a settlement of $10.6 million.payThe company had to pay multi-million-dollar settlements to victims.settlement + NOUNagreementnegotiations for a final settlement agreementoffera $50 000 pretrial settlement offerPREPOSITIONsettlement ofthe peaceful settlement of a long-standing disputeunder a/the settlementa beneficiary under the settlementsettlement withThey have reached a settlement with the government.PHRASESin settlement ofThey agreed to pay $8 million in settlement of the claim by Duqual.a cheque in settlement of the amount owing (BrE)the terms of the settlement

2 place where people have come to liveADJECTIVE | VERB + settlement | settlement + VERB | settlement + NOUNADJECTIVEancient, earlylandagricultural, ruralurbancoastalisolated, outlyinglarge, smallhumanthe earliest urban human settlement in the worldEuropean, Jewish, etc.permanentillegalpenal (esp. BrE)VERB + settlementestablish, foundThe Romans established a settlement on the south shore.settlement + VERBgrow upA settlement grew up around the castle.settlement + NOUNpatternsearly settlement patterns in South Americasite (esp. BrE)

settle on

settle onphr verb

Settle on is used with these nouns as the subject:

Settle on is used with these nouns as the object:

chair, sofa

settle over

settle overphr verb

Settle over is used with these nouns as the subject:

peace

settler

settlernoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + settler | settler + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEearly, first, originalEnglish, European, Jewish, etc.VERB + settlerattractThe islands attracted more settlers than mainland colonies.settler + VERBarrive, comemove in, move into sthWhen the first settlers moved into the area they faced immense hardships.live, occupy sthintroduce sthBritish settlers introduced pigs to Virginia.establish sth, found sthFrench settlers founded New Orleans.PREPOSITIONsettler fromsettlers from Francesettler inDutch settlers in Cape Town

set to

set tophr verb

Set to is used with these nouns as the object:

music, work

set up

set upphr verb

Set up is used with these nouns as the subject:

Set up is used with these nouns as the object:

ambush, appointment, archive, assembly, barricade, barrier, base, branch, business, camera, camp, checkpoint, commission, committee, commune, company, convent, council, crèche, database, dictatorship, discussion, diversion, drip, enquiry, expectation, experiment, factory, farm, firm, force, foundation, fund, group, headquarters, health service, hotline, house, household, initiative, institute, league, machine, machinery, meeting, militia, mission, monarchy, monopoly, movement, network, panel, partnership, petition, programme, project, regime, roadblock, scenery, scheme, shop, site, society, stall, stand, sting, stress, system, target, task force, telescope, tent, trap, tribunal, trust, union, venture, website, workshop

set-up

set-upnoun

Set-up is used before these nouns:

set up in

set up inphr verb

Set up in is used with these nouns as the object:

business, practice

set upon

set uponphr verb

Set upon is used with these nouns as the subject:

seven-a-side

seven-a-sideadj.

Seven-a-side is used with these nouns:

seven-grain

seven-grainadj.

Seven-grain is used with these nouns:

sevens

sevensnoun

Sevens is used before these nouns:

seven-year

seven-yearadj.

Seven-year is used with these nouns:

itch

sever

seververb

Sever is used with these nouns as the object:

artery, bond, connection, limb, link, nerve, relation, tendon, tie, vein

several

severaladj.

Several is used with these nouns:

instance, occasion, reason, source, time, way

severally

severallyadv.

Severally is used with these adjectives:

liable

severance

severancenoun

Severance is used before these nouns:

package, pay, payment, salary

severe

severeadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seem, soundbecome, growremainADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.especially, exceptionally, particularly, unusuallyan exceptionally severe frostincreasinglymoderately, relativelywomen affected by mild to moderately severe symptoms

Severe is used with these nouns:

acne, allergy, arthritis, asthma, attack, beating, bleeding, blow, bout, bun, burn, case, chill, climate, competition, complication, concussion, condemnation, condition, congestion, consequence, constipation, constraint, cramp, crisis, critic, criticism, cut, cutback, damage, decline, defect, deficiency, deformity, dehydration, dent, depletion, depression, deprivation, diarrhoea, difficulty, disability, disadvantage, disappointment, discomfort, disease, disorder, disruption, distortion, distress, disturbance, doubt, downturn, drop, drought, earthquake, electric shock, embarrassment, episode, erosion, famine, fatigue, flood, form, frost, gale, haemorrhage, handicap, hardship, headache, hepatitis, illness, imbalance, impact, indigestion, infection, inflammation, injury, irritation, jolt, lack, limit, limitation, look, loss, malaria, malnutrition, migraine, nausea, outbreak, pain, paranoia, penalty, persecution, pneumonia, poisoning, poverty, punishment, reaction, recession, reduction, repercussion, repression, reprimand, restriction, sanction, sentence, setback, shock, shortage, sickness, side effect, slump, spasm, stammer, storm, strain, stress, stutter, swelling, symptom, test, tiredness, trauma, tremor, unemployment, weather, winter, wound

severed

severedadj.

Severed is used with these nouns:

artery, finger, head, limb

severely

severelyadv.

Severely is used with these adjectives:

autistic, congested, constrained, cracked, critical, damaging, defective, deficient, deformed, depressed, deprived, disabled, disadvantaged, disturbed, emaciated, handicapped, ill, indebted, inflamed, injured, lacking, limited, neglected, overcrowded, polluted, repressed, restricted, retarded, shaken, strained, subnormal

Severely is used with these verbs:

abuse, affect, afflict, aggravate, beat, burn, censure, compromise, cripple, criticize, curtail, cut, damage, dent, deplete, deteriorate, disfigure, disrupt, distort, erode, hamper, hinder, hit, impair, impede, incapacitate, inhibit, injure, jeopardize, limit, maul, mutilate, penalize, prejudice, prune, punish, reduce, reprimand, restrict, scold, strain, stretch, suffer, tarnish, test, threaten, torture, underestimate, undermine, weaken, wound

severely ill

severely illadj.

Severely ill is used with these nouns:

Sew is used with these nouns as the object:

severity

severitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + severityADJECTIVEgreatutmost (esp. BrE)moderateincreasingvaryingmockShe wagged her finger with mock severity.VERB + severityassess, determinereduceThe medicine can reduce the severity of symptoms.increasereflect (esp. BrE)The sentence passed today reflects the severity of the crime.

sew

sewverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBneatlyThe squares of fabric were all sewn neatly together.together, upHe sewed up the tear with a needle and thread.backHe had his partially severed ear sewn back on.PREPOSITIONintoThe jewel was sewn into the lining of his coat.ontoHe sewed the patch onto the back of his jeans.

clothes, costume, quilt, seam, stitch

sewage

sewagenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + sewage | sewage + NOUNADJECTIVEraw, untreatedtreatedVERB + sewagedischarge, dump, pumpIn some parts of the country raw sewage is pumped straight in the ocean.treatSewage should be treated in a proper disposal system.sewage + NOUNdisposal, treatmentfarm (BrE), plant (esp. AmE), works (BrE)a sewage treatment plantsystempipedischarge, effluent, sludgepollution

sewer

sewernoun

Sewer is used before these nouns:

line, rat, tunnel

sewing

sewingnoun

nounVERB + sewing | sewing + NOUNVERB + sewingdoI haven't done any sewing for a long time.take inShe took in sewing to supplement her income.sewing + NOUNbasket, kitneedle, threadmachineroom (esp. AmE)

sew on

sew onphr verb

Sew on is used with these nouns as the object:

button, patch

sew onto

sew ontophr verb

Sew onto is used with these nouns as the object:

patch

sex

sexnoun

noun1 male or female2 sexual intercourse1 male or femaleADJECTIVE | VERB + sex | sex + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfemale, maleoppositeAt that age they can start becoming shy with the opposite sex.samepeople of the same sexsame-sex couples/partnerssame-sex relationships/marriages/weddingsfair, fairer, gentle, weaker (= women; some women may find these terms offensive) (humorous)They tend to consider women as the weaker sex in need of care and protection.VERB + sexdetermineultrasound tests to determine the sex of a babySex is determined by chromosomal content.changeFor a long time I wanted to change my sex.be attracted toto be attracted to the opposite sexsex + NOUNchangeto have a sex changea sex-change operationequalityissues of sex equality in the officediscrimination, inequalityratiodifferenceThe theory predicts sex differences in the brain.chromosomethe X and Y sex chromosomeshormonePREPOSITIONbetween the sexesdifferences/inequalities/relations between the sexesPHRASESthe battle of the sexesThe quiz is a battle of the sexes between teams of male and female students.equality between the sexes, equality of the sexeson (the) grounds of sex (BrE)discrimination on grounds of sexirrespective of sex, regardless of sexThe word ‘man’ can refer to all humans, irrespective of sex.a member of the opposite sexThis will help us meet attractive members of the opposite sex.

2 sexual intercourseADJECTIVE | VERB + sex | sex + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEanal, oral, penetrative (esp. BrE), vaginal (esp. AmE)gay, homosexual, lesbianheterosexual, straightgood, great, hot, passionate, wildroughkinkysafeAlways practise/practice safe sex!unprotected, unsafeconsensual, non-consensualextramarital, illicit, premaritalanonymous, casual, promiscuousgrouppublic (= sex in public places)explicit, graphic, gratuitous, hard-core, steamyMovies containing scenes of explicit sex are banned.Internet, phoneunderage, unlawful (BrE)He was convicted of having unlawful sex with an underage girl.teen (esp. AmE), teenageVERB + sexengage in, haveShe had never had sex before.consent torefuseget, obtainsex + NOUNlifea healthy sex lifedrive, urgea low sex driveappealDespite his age, he still has a lot of sex appeal.actphotos showing sex actstherapist, therapypartner (esp. AmE)I have had several sex partners over the years.organeducationShe is an advocate of abstinence-only sex education. (AmE)comprehensive sex education (esp. AmE)scandalabuse, assault (esp. BrE), attack (BrE), crime, offence/offenseHe was arrested for sex crimes.fiend (informal), offender, pest (BrE, informal)convicted sex offendersregistered sex offendersaddict, maniacHe had a reputation of being a sex maniac.film, scene, showcomedykitten, symbolShe wants to be known as a singer rather than as a sex symbol.objectWomen are viewed as sex objects and exploited to sell products.club, shopaid, toyindustryworkerIn this zone, prostitution is legal, but sex workers must be at least 18.tourismtraffickingto crack down on international sex traffickingslavePREPOSITIONsex betweensex between consenting adultssex withsex with her husbandPHRASESsex, drugs and rock 'n' roll (humorous)sex and violencesex and violence in today's liberal mediasex outside of marriageThey teach that sex outside of marriage is wrong.sex sellsSex sells, the advertisers believe.

sexism

sexismnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + sexismADJECTIVEblatant, rampantShe was shocked by his blatant sexism.Sexism is rampant in many institutions.VERB + sexismfight, fight againstefforts to fight sexism in the workplace

sexist

sexistadj.

Sexist is used with these nouns:

joke, language, pig, prejudice, remark

sex offender

sex offendernoun

Sex offender is used before these nouns:

registry

sexual

sexualadj.

Sexual is used with these nouns:

abuse, act, activity, advance, adventure, affair, aggression, ambiguity, ambivalence, appetite, assault, attack, attitude, attraction, awakening, awareness, behaviour, characteristic, chemistry, climax, conduct, connotation, conquest, contact, content, crime, demand, desire, development, discrimination, display, dissatisfaction, drive, ecstasy, element, encounter, energy, equality, excitement, experience, exploit, exploitation, expression, fantasy, favour, feeling, fidelity, freedom, frustration, fulfilment, guilt, habit, harassment, health, history, humiliation, identity, imagery, impotence, impropriety, impulse, inadequacy, inclination, indiscretion, indulgence, inequality, inexperience, instinct, intercourse, interest, intimacy, jealousy, liaison, liberation, longing, love, lust, magnetism, maturity, minority, misconduct, moral, morality, motivation, nature, need, object, offence, offender, oppression, organ, orgy, overtone, overture, partner, passion, penetration, persuasion, perversity, pleasure, politics, potency, practice, preference, problem, prowess, purity, pursuit, relation, relationship, release, repression, reproduction, restraint, revolution, satisfaction, scandal, scent, selection, slang, slavery, slur, stereotype, stimulation, stimulus, symbol, symbolism, taboo, taste, temptation, tension, transmission, trauma, undertone, union, urge, violence

sexuality

sexualitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + sexualityADJECTIVEfemale, malehumangay, lesbianovertHer overt sexuality shocked movie audiences.VERB + sexualityexpressVictorian women were rarely allowed to express their sexuality.explore, questiondiscusscome to terms withHe couldn't come to terms with his sexuality.

sexually sexually motivated

sexually motivatedadj.

Sexually motivated is used with these nouns:

sexually transmitted

sexually transmittedadj.

Sexually transmitted is used with these nouns:

sexual orientation

sexual orientationnoun

Sexual orientation is used before these nouns:

discrimination

sexy

sexyadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, lookfind sb/sthADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.dead (informal, esp. BrE), incrediblyI find her dead sexy.He's just so incredibly sexy!

Sexy is used with these nouns:

blonde, figure, lady, laugh, outfit, underwear

shabbily

shabbilyadv.

Shabbily is used with these verbs:

dress, treat

shabby

shabbyadj.

Shabby is used with these nouns:

apartment, clothes, flat, house, room, treatment

shack

shacknoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEoldlittle, small, tinyone-room, two-roomdilapidated, run-down, tumbledowntin, woodenguard (AmE)She was waiting just outside the Air Force guard shack.PREPOSITIONin a /the shackHe lives in a shack in the middle of the woods.

shade

shadenounverb

I. noun1 area out of the sunlight2 type of colour3 (AmE) on a window1 area out of the sunlightADJECTIVE | … OF SHADE | VERB + shade | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcooldeepwelcomedappledafternoonpartialleafyin the leafy shade of a fig tree… OF SHADEpatchI searched for a patch of shade to rest in.VERB + shadegive (sb), offer (sb), provide (sb with)PREPOSITIONin (the) shadea plant that grows well in shadeI was sitting in the shade.into the shadeLet's move into the shade.under the shade ofThey were sitting under the shade of an umbrella.shade forthe need to ensure adequate shade for coffee plantsshade fromThe huge trees offered shade from the sun.PHRASESlight and shade

2 type of colourADJECTIVE | VERB + shade | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdelicate, light, muted, pale, pastel, soft, subtleThe rooms were decorated in delicate pastel shades.dark, deep, rich, strongHis face turned an even deeper shade of red.bright, brilliant, vividattractive, beautiful, lovely, nicestartling, stunninga room painted in startling shades of pink and orangenatural, neutral, warmTowels in warm shades can soften the room.variousvarious shades of greenVERB + shadebe available in, come inThis wool is available in ten stunning shades.PREPOSITIONin a shadeThe ocean glistened in shades of blue and emerald.shade forour new range of shades for lips and eyesshade ofHe threw out his old suits, all in various shades of brown.a word with various shades of meaning (figurative)PHRASESshades of opinion (figurative, esp. BrE)

3 (AmE) on a windowSee also blindADJECTIVE | VERB + shadeADJECTIVEwindowrollerVERB + shadeclose, draw, lowerpullHis room was dark, the shades pulled to block out the sun.open

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBcompletelydeeplylightly, partiallyThis plant prefers a lightly shaded position.PREPOSITIONagainstShe shaded her eyes against the fierce sun.fromWe were completely shaded from the sun by the trees.witha square shaded with trees

Shade is used with these nouns as the object:

shaded

shadedadj.

Shaded is used with these nouns:

arrow, terrace

shading

shadingnoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEdelicate, fine, light, subtlean effect that is achieved with subtle shadingdark, heavy

shadow

shadownounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + shadow | shadow + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdark, deep, dense, strongThe house lay in dark shadow.blackfaint, pale (figurative)The industry is a pale shadow of its former self.giant, longeerie, sinister, strange, terribledancing, flickeringthe flickering shadows of the flamesVERB + shadowcast, create, make, produce, throwThe boat's sail cast a shadow on the water.Use a desk light to produce a strong shadow.The candles on the table threw huge flickering shadows against the wall.fill sth with shadowsThe streets were now filled with terrible shadows.emerge from, move out of, step out from, step out ofSuddenly a large figure emerged from the shadows.move into, shrink into, slip intoShe shrank back into the shadows as the footsteps approached.lurk in, wait in, watch fromcriminals lurking in the shadowsshadow + VERBfall, lieThe evening shadows were beginning to fall.Deep shadows lay across the small clearing where they sat.get longer, grow longer, lengthenAs the shadows lengthened, the men drifted home.creep, move, passThe shadows of the clouds passed over us.loomA dark shadow loomed over her.dance, flicker, leapA dark shadow leaped out of nowhere.PREPOSITIONamong the shadowsan odd shape among the shadowsin the shadowsI could just make out a figure in the shadows.into the shadowsI backed into the shadows until the car had passed.in shadowHis face was in shadow.into shadowThe storm clouds threw the mountains into deep shadow.from the shadows, out of the shadowsA huge figure stepped out of the shadows.through the shadowsthe fears that kept crowding in on her as she hurried through the shadowsPHRASESlive in the shadow of sb/sth (figurative)She had always lived in the shadow of her older sister.

II. adj.

Shadow is used with these nouns:

cabinet, secretary

shadowed

shadowedadj.

Shadowed is used with these nouns:

corner, room

shadowy

shadowyadj.

Shadowy is used with these nouns:

corner, figure, interior, room, shape, silhouette, underworld

shady

shadyadj.

Shady is used with these nouns:

character, corner, deal, dealer, dealings, practice, spot, tree

shaft

shaftnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + shaft | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeepverticalnarrowelevator (AmE), lift (BrE)She almost fell down an elevator shaft.mine (usually mineshaft)air, ventilationVERB + shaftdig, drill, sinkPREPOSITIONdown a/the shaftThe body had been thrown down a disused shaft.in a/the shaft, into a/the shaftthrough a/the shaftThe workers go down to the tunnels through a vertical shaft sunk from the top of the cliff.PHRASESthe bottom of a shaft, the top of a shaftThey lowered him down to the bottom of the deep shaft.

shag

shagadj.

Shag is used with these nouns:

shaggy

shaggyadj.

Shaggy is used with these nouns:

bang, beard, coat, eyebrow, fur, hair, mane

shag pile

shag pilenoun

Shag pile is used before these nouns:

Shake is used with these nouns as the subject:

shake

shakenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + shake | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgood, vigorousGive the tablecloth a good shake before putting it away.firmviolentgentle, little, slight, smallquickmentalHe gave himself a mental shake and got down to work.VERB + shakegive sb/sthPREPOSITIONwith a shakeshake ofPHRASESa shake of your/the head

II. verb1 tremble2 move sb/sth from side to side, etc.3 your head4 sb's hand1 trembleADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBbadly, furiously, terribly, uncontrollably, violentlyHer hands were shaking so badly that she couldn't hold her glass.a little, slightly, etc.almost, practicallyHe was almost shaking with the intensity of what he was saying.Roxy was practically shaking with anger.literally, physicallyI was numb with dread. I was literally shaking.visiblynervouslyMy hands started shaking nervously.PREPOSITIONfromMy body was shaking from the cold.withShe was shaking with anger/fury/rage.to shake with fear/laughter/sobsPHRASESbe shaking all over, be shaking from head to toeHe was crying and shaking all over.be shaking in your boots (= be frightened), be shaking like a leaffind yourself shakingI found myself shaking uncontrollably with cold.start shakingI started shaking with fear.stop shakingI just couldn't stop shaking.

2 move sb/sth from side to side, etc.ADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBhard, roughly, vigorously, violentlyHe shook the blankets vigorously to get rid of the dust.She must have shaken the baby very violently to inflict such severe injuries.gently, lightly, slightlywellShake well before use.(instructions on a bottle of medicine, etc.)suddenlyPREPOSITIONby

He shook her gently by the shoulders.

3 your headADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBdecisively, emphatically, firmlyfiercely, furiously, vehemently, vigorously, violently, wildlya little, gently, lightly, slightlyquicklyslowlydismissively, impatientlydespairingly, desperately, helplessly, miserably, mournfully, regretfully, ruefully, sadly, sorrowfullywearilydisbelievingly, doubtfullyjust, merely, only, simplyHe merely shook his head.silentlyfrom side to sidePREPOSITIONatHe shook his head at her disbelievingly.inShe shook her head in disbelief.

4 sb's handADVERB | PHRASESADVERBfirmly, vigorouslywarmlyPHRASESshake sb by the handOur host shook each of us warmly by the hand.

arm, body, door, earth, earthquake, explosion, hand, knee, leg, shoulder, sob, thunder, tremor, voice

Shake is used with these nouns as the object:

belief, confidence, conviction, curl, dice, dirt, dust, faith, feeling, fist, foundation, ground, hand, head, hip, mane, world

shaken

shakenadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, look, seembe leftthe woman was left shaken by the attack.The experience left him deeply shaken.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.badly, deeply, profoundly, seriously, severely, thoroughlyShe was left badly shaken by her ordeal.a little, slightly, etc.Are you all right? You look a little shaken.clearly, obviously, visiblyHe was visibly shaken by what had happened.PREPOSITIONbyShe was visibly shaken by the news.

shake off

shake offphr verb

Shake off is used with these nouns as the object:

injury, jinx, lethargy, strain

shake out of

shake out ofphr verb

Shake out of is used with these nouns as the object:

shaker

shakernoun

Shaker is used after these nouns:

cocktail, pepper, salt

Shakespearean

Shakespeareanadj.

Shakespearean is used with these nouns:

actor, actress, allusion, tragedy

shake-up

shake-upnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + shake-up | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, huge, major, massivecomplete, wholesale (BrE), wide-rangingcontroversial, radicalproposedlong-awaitedurgentboardroom, government (BrE), managementVERB + shake-upneedcall forThe paper calls for an urgent shake-up in the health-care system.plan, promiseThe headline read ‘Local company plans shake-up’.face, have, undergoPolice forces face the biggest shake-up in their 150-year history.lead toThis case could lead to a shake-up of the prison system.PREPOSITIONin a/the shake-upthe posts that were scrapped in the recent shake-upshake-up ata major shake-up at the companyshake-up ina radical shake-up in the chemical industry

shakily

shakilyadv.

Shakily is used with these verbs:

laugh, rise, whisper

shaking

shakingadj.

Shaking is used with these nouns:

arm, finger, hand

shaky

shakyadj.

adj.1 shaking because you are frightened/sick2 not firm or strong1 shaking because you are frightened/sickVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, seem, soundbecome, get, goleave sb/sthThe experience had left him rather shaky.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.distinctlyallHis voice was all shaky.a little, slightly, etc.PREPOSITIONwithHer voice was low and shaky with emotion.

2 not firm or strongVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, lookremainADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.decidedly (esp. BrE), distinctlyFinancially, the arrangement was distinctly shaky.increasinglya little, slightly, etc.

Shaky is used with these nouns:

breath, finger, foundation, grasp, ground, hand, laugh, leg, start, step, voice

shallow

shallowadj.

adj.1 not deep2 not showing serious thought1 not deepVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, lookbecome, getThe water gets shallow closer to the shore.remainADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.Don't worry, the water's very shallow.comparatively, relativelyenough, sufficientlyFollow the south shore, crossing the river where it is shallow enough.

2 not showing serious thoughtVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemTony seemed very shallow and immature.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.exceedingly

Shallow is used with these nouns:

angle, approach, bay, bowl, breath, breathing, casserole, cave, container, crater, depression, depth, dish, ditch, dive, drawer, end, grave, groove, hollow, lake, pan, pit, pond, pool, recess, recession, river, root, sea, soil, stream, trench, trough, valley, water, well

shallowly

shallowlyadv.

Shallowly is used with these verbs:

breathe

shamanic

shamanicadj.

Shamanic is used with these nouns:

ritual

shame

shamenounverb

I. noun1 feeling that you have lost the respect of others2 a shame sth that makes you feel disappointed1 feeling that you have lost the respect of othersADJECTIVE | VERB + shame | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeepsecretThis is the secret shame I have carried around for decades.publicHe risked public shame and possible imprisonment.All she wanted was to escape so that she would not have to face this public shame.national (esp. BrE)It is a national shame that our prisons serve as mental institutions.VERB + shamebe filled with, feelbring, causeHis arrest for stealing brought shame on his family.die of (figurative)I nearly died of shame!PREPOSITIONfrom shameShe wept from the shame of having let everyone down.in shameShe shut her eyes in shame.to your shameTo my shame, I didn't tell Robert about the party.To my everlasting shame, I failed her when she needed me most.without shameHe had cried noisily and without shame at the news of Esther's death.with shameShe blushed with shame.shame about, shame atShe felt a flush of shame at what she'd said.shame forDo you feel no shame for what you've done?shame inThere's no shame in making an honest living.shame onShame on you for doubting me!shame overYou feel absolutely no shame over what you did, do you?PHRASESbow your head in shame, hang your head in shamea feeling of shame, a sense of shameHe was being held by two security guards, his head bowed in shame.

2 a shame sth that makes you feel disappointedADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEawful (esp. BrE), great, real, terriblecrying, damn, damned (all informal)PREPOSITIONshame aboutIt's a terrible shame about Steve losing his job.PHRASESa bit of a shame (esp. BrE), rather a shame (esp. BrE), such a shame, what a shameWhat a shame you can't come!

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBpubliclyThe people who did this all deserve to be publicly shamed.PREPOSITIONintoAn outcry from customers has shamed the company into lowering its prices.

shameful

shamefuladj.

Shameful is used with these nouns:

episode, secret

shameless

shamelessadj.

Shameless is used with these nouns:

exploitation

shamelessly

shamelesslyadv.

Shamelessly is used with these verbs:

exploit

shampoo

shampoonounverb

I. noun1 liquid soap for washing hair2 act of washing hair1 liquid soap for washing hairADJECTIVE | … OF SHAMPOO | VERB + shampoo | shampoo + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbaby, gentle, medicated, mild, moisturizinganti-dandruff, dandruff… OF SHAMPOObottleVERB + shampoouse, wash your hair withrinseShe rinsed the shampoo out of her hair.shampoo + NOUNbottlePREPOSITIONshampoo fora shampoo for greasy hair

2 act of washing hairVERB + shampooVERB + shampoogive sb/sthhave

II. verb

Shampoo is used with these nouns as the object:

shank

shanknoun

Shank is used after these nouns:

lamb

shanty

shantynoun

Shanty is used before these nouns:

town

Shanty is used after these nouns:

sea

shape

shapenounverb

I. noun1 physical outline2 structure/nature of sth3 good or bad condition1 physical outlineADJECTIVE | VERB + shape | shape + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbasic, simpleThe children cut the paper into various simple shapes.overallcharacteristic, distinctive, familiar, uniqueI recognized the distinctive shape of a 747.natural, normalinteresting, strange, unusual, weirdawkwardThe desk was an awkward shape and wouldn't fit through the door.originalgeometric, geometricalregular, symmetricalcomplexasymmetrical, irregularabstractodd, randomtiles of random shapesolid, three-dimensionalaerodynamicorganicShe drew inspiration from organic shapes in the surrounding landscape.desiredDraw the desired shape onto white paper,angular, circular, cone, conical, crescent, curved, cylindrical, diamond, dome, elliptical, elongated, hexagonal, oblong, oval, pyramid, rectangular, round, spherical, square, triangular, wedgerounded, smoothegg, heart, hourglass, pear, star, etc.The bruise was a sort of mushroom shape.L, V, etc.The road forms an L shape.blurred, ghostly, indistinct, shadowy, vaguehuge, large, massiveblack, dark, grey/grayhumanbodyYou can't change your natural body shape.face, facialOpt for a hairstyle to suit your face shape.VERB + shapecut out, draw, make, traceFold the paper to make the shape of a cone.First draw the rough shape of your chosen animal.carve sth in, carve sth into, cut sth into, make sth in, produce sth ina log carved into the shape of a fisha cheese similar to Brie but produced in a different shapecome in, haveTables come in various shapes.assume, form, make, take onOrdinary things assumed different shapes in the mist.hold, keep, maintain, retainThese garments will retain their shape even with repeated washing.regainchangelosedistortThe lens distorts shapes.distinguish, make out, seeI could just make out the shapes of animals in the field.shape + VERBappear, emerge, loomGhostly shapes loomed out of the fog.PREPOSITIONshape forthe optimum shape for a planein the shape ofa doormat in the shape of a catPHRASESall shapes and sizesT-shirts come in all shapes and sizes.People of all shapes and sizes work for our company.circular, hexagonal, oblong, rectangular, etc. in shapeThe island is roughly circular in shape.

2 structure/nature of sthADJECTIVE | VERB + shape | PHRASESADJECTIVEgeneral, overallchangingfinalfutureVERB + shapealter, change, determine, influenceHe did much to determine the shape of Asia's political map.takeA wonderful idea began to take shape in her brain.givethe words we use to give a shape to our feelingsPHRASESthe shape of things to comeThis new system could be the shape of things to come.in any shape or form (esp. BrE)I can't stand insects in any shape or form.

3 good or bad conditionADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdecent, excellent, fine, good, greatperfect, tip-top, top (esp. AmE)bad, poor, rough (esp. AmE), terribleAfter the night before, he was in rough shape.physicalHe's 64, but he's in better physical shape than I am.financialThe company is in good financial shape.PREPOSITIONshape forto be in good shape for combatPHRASESget sb/sth into shape, knock sb/sth into shape (esp. BrE), lick sb/sth into shape (BrE), whip sb/sth into shape (esp. AmE)Get your body into shape for the summer!Leave the boy with me—I'll soon knock him into shape!be in good, excellent, etc. shapeYou are in pretty good shape for your age.get in shape, get into shapeI need to get back into shape after the Christmas holiday.keep in shape, stay in shapeShe likes to stay in shape.be out of shape

II. verbADVERB | VERB + shape | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBdecisively, fundamentally, powerfully, profoundlyMemory can be profoundly shaped by subsequent experience.largelypartlyactively, deliberatelyactively shaping the history of their countryVERB + shapehelp (to)continue toThe fictional Capone has continued to shape America's vision of the 1920s.PREPOSITIONina crudely carved python shaped in a spiralintoThe dough is shaped into balls and fried.PHRASESbe a factor in shaping sth, be a force in shaping sthWork was an important factor in shaping their children's attitudes.be important in shaping sth, be influential in shaping sth, have influence in shaping sthThe media had great influence in shaping public opinion.have a hand in shaping sth, have a part in shaping sth, have a role in shaping sth, play a role in shaping sthEconomists had a direct hand in shaping government policy.Money played a major role in shaping his decision.the role that faith has played in shaping American societybe responsible for shaping sthHe was responsible for shaping my career.

Shape is used with these nouns as the subject:

influence

Shape is used with these nouns as the object:

attitude, behaviour, character, clay, course, culture, debate, decision, destiny, development, direction, dough, economy, environment, evolution, expectation, future, idea, identity, landscape, opinion, perception, personality, policy, politics, practice, preference, society, thinking, understanding, view, world

shaped

shapedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbeADVERBbeautifully, perfectlyher beautifully shaped mouthdifferently, similarlyDonkeys' hoofs are shaped differently from horses'.irregularlyawkwardlyAll the rooms in the house were awkwardly shaped.abnormally, curiously, oddly, strangelyan oddly shaped parceluniquelyspeciallyYou can buy specially shaped bricks for an arch.PHRASESbe shaped like sthcurious vases shaped like birds and animals

Shaped is used with these nouns:

eyebrow, ski

shape into

shape intophr verb

Shape into is used with these nouns as the object:

shapeless

shapelessadj.

Shapeless is used with these nouns:

shapely

shapelyadj.

Shapely is used with these nouns:

breast, hip, leg

sharenounverb

I. noun1 part of sth that has been divided2 in a company1 part of sth that has been dividedADJECTIVE | VERB + share | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbigger, greater, higher, large, the lion's, major, significant, substantialThe region receives a higher share of tax revenue than it raises.fullsmallmodesta modest share of total exportsgrowing, increasing5%, 10%, etc.The wife owns an 80% share of their second home.equaldisproportionateThe government devotes a disproportionate share of the budget to military expenditure.proportionateaudience, marketto lose market shareto win market shareThe supermarket giant has continued to gain market share.VERB + shareget, have, receive, takeYou should receive a large share of the profits.Hospitals take the lion's share of the budget.increase, reduceloseBroadcast networks are losing share to cable networks.be entitled toShe may be entitled to a share of his future earnings.claimEveryone wants to claim their share of fame and fortune.contribute, doWe must all do our share of the work.PREPOSITIONshare ofa reduced share of the voteI accept my share of the blame.PHRASESdo your share of sth, have your share of sth, see your share of sthHe had done his share of partying in college.She has seen her share of suffering.The industry has had its fair share of problems.a share of the spoils (BrE)She won a share of the spoils at the last competition.

2 in a companySee also stockADJECTIVE | VERB + share | share + VERB | share + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEordinary (BrE)preference (BrE), preferred (AmE)penny (BrE)outstandingThe stock dividend would increase the company's outstanding shares to a total of 1 100 000.additionalcompany'sThe company's shares slumped 11%.VERB + shareacquire, buy, get, invest in, purchasehave, hold (formal), owndump (informal), selldeal in, trade ina new company dealing in US sharesfloat, issueThe company has issued four classes of shares.share + VERBtradeThe shares were trading at $1.10.go up, riseAmerican shares rose 2.7% the next day.fallshare + NOUNprice, valueHong Kong share prices plunged.valuationcertificateportfolioindexthe FTSE 100 share indexcapitaloption, scheme (both BrE)The Chief Executive's share option has earned him over £2 million.ownershiptransaction, transferpurchasebuy-backThe group recently announced a £300 m share buy-back.issue, offer, offering, saleA share issue has been launched to finance the restoration of the building.dealingallegations of illegal share dealingsPREPOSITIONshare inI have a few shares in the gas compny.PHRASESa class of sharesstocks and shares (BrE)I have some money in stocks and shares.the value of your sharesWill this affect the value of my shares?

II. verbADVERB | VERB + share | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBfullyknowledge that others cannot fully shareequallyWe shared the money equally between the three of us.broadly, freelyan environment where information is freely sharedVERB + sharewant to, would like tobe prepared to, be willing toexperienced teachers willing to share their expertise with othersbe reluctant tobe forced to, have toagree torefuse tolet sbShe wished he would let her share his pain.PREPOSITIONamongThe patterns are shared among the potters.betweenResponsibility is shared between parents and teachers.inHe shared in our enthusiasm for rowing.withShe had to share a bedroom with her sister.PHRASESwidely sharedThese ideas are widely shared in the community.

Share is used with these nouns as the object:

affinity, ancestor, ancestry, anecdote, anxiety, apartment, appreciation, bed, bedroom, belief, bill, birthday, blame, bond, booty, border, bottle, boundary, burden, cab, characteristic, common ground, confidence, connection, conviction, cost, custody, data, descent, desire, detail, disappointment, duty, embrace, emotion, enthusiasm, experience, expertise, faith, fascination, fate, feature, feeling, file, flat, food, goal, grief, heritage, honour, hope, house, idea, ideal, identity, ideology, impression, information, insight, instinct, intelligence, interest, joke, joy, kiss, knowledge, laugh, liking, limelight, load, love, memory, misery, misgivings, money, name, needle, news, opinion, optimism, origin, pain, passion, philosophy, platform, point of view, power, prize, profit, prosperity, recipe, recollection, resource, responsibility, room, scepticism, screen, secret, sentiment, similarity, skill, sorrow, sovereignty, space, spoils, spotlight, stage, story, suffering, suspicion, syringe, taste, taxi, tent, thought, tradition, trait, value, view, viewpoint, vision, wealth, workload, worry

shared shareholder

shareholdernoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + shareholder | shareholder + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, large, major, substantialsmallmain, principalcontrolling, majorityThe government is still a majority shareholder in the industry.minoritycorporate, institutionalindividual, ordinary, privateHe was voicing the concerns of ordinary shareholders.existingHe has attracted new and existing shareholders to invest in his company.VERB + shareholderdefraudrewardshareholder + VERBvoteapproveCompany shareholders approved the merger.PREPOSITIONshareholder inthe major shareholders in the company

share in

Share in is used with these nouns as the object:

suffering

shareware

sharewarenoun

Shareware is used before these nouns:

program

share with

Share with is used with these nouns as the object:

sharia

sharianoun

Sharia is used before these nouns:

court, law

sharing

sharingnoun

Sharing is used after these nouns:

file, information, job, profit

shark

sharknoun

nounADJECTIVE | shark + VERB | shark + NOUNADJECTIVEkiller, man-eatingshark + VERBattack sbbite sbfeedcircleThe dark shapes of half a dozen sharks circled beneath the boat.cruiseshark + NOUNattackfin, tooth

shark-infested

shark-infestedadj.

Shark-infested is used with these nouns:

Sharp is used with these nouns:

sharp

sharpadj.

adj.1 having a fine edge or point2 very great or sudden3 able to think quickly4 angry; severe1 having a fine edge or pointVERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, feel, look, seemstaykeep sthADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.exceptionally, wickedly (esp. AmE)a display of wickedly sharp teethsurprisinglyThe picture is surprisingly sharp and clear.PHRASESas sharp as a razor

2 very great or suddenVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.a fairly sharp rise in the cost of livingparticularly

3 able to think quicklyVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemstayADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.

4 angry; severeVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, soundHer voice sounded rather sharp.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.suddenly‘Stick to the facts,’ said Romanov, his voice suddenly sharp.PREPOSITIONwithShe was very sharp with me when I talked during her lecture.

angle, apple, bark, beak, bend, blade, blow, break, breath, cheekbone, cheese, claw, click, conflict, contrast, corner, crack, crease, criticism, critique, cry, curve, cut, cutback, dagger, decline, decrease, departure, deterioration, difference, dig, dip, disagreement, disappointment, distinction, divide, division, downturn, drop, ear, edge, elbow, end, exchange, exclamation, eye, fall, fang, feature, fingernail, flavour, focus, frost, gasp, glance, hearing, hiss, horn, image, implement, improvement, increase, instrument, intake, intellect, jab, jerk, jolt, jump, kick, knife, knock, look, mind, nail, needle, nose, object, outline, pain, pang, peak, pencil, photograph, point, practice, pull, rebuff, rebuke, recession, reduction, relief, reminder, retort, reversal, rise, rock, salute, scent, scissors, slap, smell, sound, spine, stab, sting, stone, stop, swing, sword, tap, taste, tip, tone, tongue, tool, tooth, tug, turn, twinge, twist, upturn, vision, voice, whistle, wit, writing

sharpen

sharpenverb

Sharpen is used with these nouns as the subject:

Sharpen is used with these nouns as the object:

axe, blade, claw, edge, focus, knife, pencil, reflex, sense, skill, tool, vision, wit

sharpened

sharpenedadj.

Sharpened is used with these nouns:

sharpener

sharpenernoun

Sharpener is used after these nouns:

knife, pencil

sharpening

sharpeningnoun

Sharpening is used before these nouns:

sharply

sharplyadv.

Sharply is used with these adjectives:

critical, limited, polarized, silhouetted

Sharply is used with these verbs:

accelerate, ask, brake, climb, contrast, criticize, curtail, curve, cut, decline, decrease, define, demand, deteriorate, differ, dip, disagree, distinguish, diverge, divide, drop, escalate, eye, fall, focus, glance, increase, inhale, intensify, interrupt, jerk, lift, limit, look, narrow, rap, react, rebuke, reduce, reply, respond, restrict, retort, rise, salute, say, slow, snap, speak, swerve, swing, tilt, veer, widen

shatter

shatterverb

verb1 break into very small pieces2 destroy sth completely1 break into very small piecesADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBcompletelyPREPOSITIONintoThe bottle shattered into little shards of glass.PHRASESshatter (sth) into piecesThe mirror shattered into a thousand pieces.

2 destroy sth completelyADVERBADVERBcompletelyan event that completely shattered her lifeabruptly, instantly, suddenlyThe moment was abruptly shattered by the sound of Mia's loud voice.brutally, rudely

Shatter is used with these nouns as the subject:

glass, window, windscreen

Shatter is used with these nouns as the object:

belief, bone, calm, confidence, consensus, dream, glass, hope, illusion, myth, pane, peace, preconception, quiet, record, silence, skull, stereotype, taboo, unity, vase, window, windscreen

shattered

shatteredadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel (esp. BrE), lookADVERBabsolutely (esp. BrE), completely, totallyHis run had left him feeling totally shattered (= very tired). (BrE)emotionally, physically (esp. BrE)I felt drained and emotionally shattered after my ordeal.

Shattered is used with these nouns:

dream, nerve, remains, remnant, window

shave

shavenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + shaveADJECTIVEclean, close, smoothYou can get a really close, smooth shave with this new razor.quickwet (BrE)an old-fashioned barber who does wet shavesVERB + shaveneedHe badly needed a shave.get, haveHe had a bath and a quick shave first.give sb

II. verb

Shave is used with these nouns as the object:

beard, chest, hair, head, leg

shaved

shavedadj.

Shaved is used with these nouns:

shave off

shave offphr verb

Shave off is used with these nouns as the object:

beard, moustache

shaving

shavingnoun

Shaving is used before these nouns:

brush, cream, kit, mirror

Shaving is used after these nouns:

pencil, wood

shawl

shawlnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + shawl | shawl + VERBADJECTIVEheavylight, thincrocheted, knittedembroidered, fringedlace, silk, woollen/woolen, etc.pashminaprayerVERB + shawlbe draped in, be wrapped indrape, throw, wrapEllianne wrapped the shawl around her shoulders.Ruth draped a shawl over her shoulders.throw offdraw, pullShe pulled her shawl about her protectively.tieShe was wearing a shawl tied around her waist.shawl + VERBcover sth

shear

shearverb

Shear is used with these nouns as the object:

sheep

shearing

shearingnoun

Shearing is used after these nouns:

sheep

sheath

sheathnoun

Sheath is used before these nouns:

Sheath is used after these nouns:

nerve, penis

sheathe

sheatheverb

Sheathe is used with these nouns as the object:

blade, dagger, sword

shed

shednounverb

I. noun1 small simple building for keeping things in2 (esp. BrE) large industrial or agricultural building1 small simple building for keeping things inADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEwoodenlean-to (BrE)storageequipment, toolbicycle, bike (informal, both esp. BrE)garden, potting (both BrE)PREPOSITIONin a/the shed

2 (esp. BrE) large industrial or agricultural buildingADJECTIVEADJECTIVEengine, railway (BrE), trainmilkingpacking (esp. AmE)The packing shed is used for packing and sorting apples for shipment.machine (AmE)

II. verb

Shed is used with these nouns as the object:

baggage, blood, clothes, coat, fat, image, inhibition, job, leaf, light, load, pollen, reputation, shell, skin, tear, vestige, weight

sheep

sheepnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF SHEEP | VERB + sheep | sheep + VERB | sheep + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEhill (BrE), mountainlost (often figurative), straythe doleful cries of lost sheepHe sees it as his duty to take care of the lost sheep of the world.deaddomestic, wild… OF SHEEPflock, herdVERB + sheepfarm, keep, raise, rear (BrE)My grandfather used to raise sheep in Australia.tend, watchslaughtersheardrive, herd, round up (esp. BrE)The dogs herded the sheep into the pen.sheep + VERBgrazeThere were a lot of sheep grazing high up on the mountain.bleatsheep + NOUNfarm, ranch (AmE), stationa 4 000-acre sheep station in New South Walesfarmer, rancher (AmE)farming, industrydipdog (usually sheepdog)flockpasturepenshearingPHRASESa breed of sheep

sheepish

sheepishadj.

Sheepish is used with these nouns:

grin, look, smile

sheepishly

sheepishlyadv.

Sheepishly is used with these verbs:

answer, apologize, grin, laugh, mutter, reply, say, shrug, smile

sheepskin

sheepskinnoun

Sheepskin is used before these nouns:

jacket, slipper

sheer

sheeradj.

Sheer is used with these nouns:

abundance, accident, agony, amazement, annoyance, arrogance, beauty, bliss, boredom, bravado, breadth, brilliance, brutality, bulk, chance, cliff, coincidence, complexity, curiosity, curtain, delight, desperation, determination, disbelief, drop, ecstasy, elation, endurance, energy, enjoyment, enormity, exasperation, excitement, exhaustion, exuberance, fabric, fantasy, ferocity, folly, force, frustration, fun, genius, grandeur, greed, grit, happiness, heaven, hell, horror, ignorance, incompetence, indulgence, inertia, instinct, joy, lack, love, luck, luxury, madness, magic, magnetism, magnitude, misery, necessity, nonsense, novelty, number, panic, pantyhose, perfection, perseverance, persistence, perversity, pleasure, quantity, relief, rock, scale, scope, size, spectacle, speculation, spite, stocking, strength, stupidity, terror, tights, variety, vitality, volume, weight, will, willpower

sheet

sheetnoun

noun1 large piece of fabric used on a bed2 piece of paper3 flat thin piece of any material1 large piece of fabric used on a bedADJECTIVE | VERB + sheet | sheet + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEclean, crisp, fresha pile of clean sheetscrumpled, rumpled (esp. AmE)She had slept in her bed—the sheets were crumpled.whitecoolsoftcotton, linen, rubber, satin, silkbeddouble, singlefittedbottom, topVERB + sheetchange, fold, put on, tuck inShe changed the sheets on all the beds.Could you put some fresh sheets on the bed?climb between, climb underslide between, slide under, slip between, slip underI slipped under the sheets and was asleep in an instant.cover sb/sth with, wrap sb/sth inThe police had covered the body with a sheet.wrapI simply wrapped the sheet around her.pull back, pull over, pull upI pulled the sheet up over my nose.throw, throw backI threw a sheet over the sofa.He threw back the sheets and rolled out of bed.sheet + VERBcoverhangsheets hung on a linePREPOSITIONbeneath a/the sheet, under a/the sheetbetween the sheetsShe lay between the cool sheets.PHRASESsheets and blanketsbe white as a sheet (= look very pale)

2 piece of paperADJECTIVE | VERB + sheet | sheet + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEblank, cleanHe grabbed a blank sheet of paper and began to write.A3, A4, etc. (not in the US)largeprintedThe advertisement was a single printed sheet.loose, separate, singlefoldedcovera fax cover sheetanswer, data, fact, information, instruction (esp. AmE), record, score (BrE), sign-up (AmE), spec, stat (= statistics) (AmE), timeI sent for the free fact sheet on the disease.They all wrote their names on a sign-up sheet.balance (= record of company's finances)charge (BrE), rap (informal, esp. AmE)news (usually news-sheet), scandalcheat (esp. AmE), cribI need cheat sheets to help me cram for my exam.VERB + sheettake, useTake a clean sheet of paper and start again.rip, tearShe tore a sheet out of her notebook.sheet + NOUNmusicPREPOSITIONsheet ofa sheet of blotting paperPHRASESa sheet of paper

3 flat thin piece of any materialADJECTIVE | sheet + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEflat, largethick, thinbaking (BrE), cookie (AmE)dust (BrE)The furniture was covered in dust sheets.canvas, plastic, polytheneicethe Antarctic ice sheetsheet + NOUNmetal, steel, vinylsheet-metal workersrock (AmE)A wall of sheet rock was placed down the middle.lightningThe sky was lit up by great flashes of sheet lightning.PREPOSITIONsheet ofa sheet of glass/plastic/metalSheets of flame shot into the air. (figurative)

sheikh

sheikhnoun

Sheikh is used after these nouns:

Shell is used with these nouns as the object:

shelf

shelfnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + shelf | shelf + VERB | shelf + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEhigh, lowdeepbottom, middle, topHe took a book down from the top shelf.bare, emptyopendustyglass, metal, woodenbook (usually bookshelf), CD, DVD, videobathroom, kitchen, library, shop (BrE), store (esp. AmE), supermarketThe supermarket shelves were bare.closet (esp. AmE)VERB + shelfhaveThe cabinet has three shelves.build, put upShe soon learned how to put up her own shelves.arrange sth on, display sth on, put sth (back) on, replace sth on, return sth to, stack sth onI put the box back on the shelf.restock, stack (esp. BrE), stock (AmE)He has a job stacking/stocking shelves.fill, line, packThe shelves were packed with dolls of every shape and size.Hundreds of books lined the shelves.clearI've cleared a shelf in the bedroom for you.get sth (down) from, get sth (down) off, pick sth from, pick sth off, remove sth from, take sth (down) from, take sth (down) offThey immediately removed the product from their shelves.fit on, fit onto, go on, remain on, sit onSouvenirs filled the shelves.Her diaries just sat on the shelf for years (= nobody looked at them).browse, scan, scour, searchShe scanned the shelves of the library for new books.reachI can't reach the top shelf.reach forShe reached for the shelf next to the bed.shelf + VERBbe full of sth, contain sth, hold sthlineShelves lined the walls behind the long counter.shelf + NOUNspacelifeThe medicine has a shelf life of six months.PREPOSITIONoff a/the shelfI knocked it off the shelf by accident.on a/the shelfthe books on the shelvesshelf ofa shelf of books on economicsPHRASESbe filled with shelves, be lined with shelvesThe walls of her study were lined with shelves.a place on your shelvesThe book deserves a place on everyone's shelves.hit the shelves (figurative)Their new CD hits the shelves in May.fly off the shelves (both figurative)The DVD is flying off the shelves.

shell

shellnounverb

I. noun1 on eggs/nuts/some animals2 explosive weapon3 outer walls of a building1 on eggs/nuts/some animalsADJECTIVE | VERB + shellADJECTIVEempty, hard, outer, protective, thickShe had built up a protective shell around herself. (figurative)brokenegg (usually eggshell)sea (usually seashell)conch, cowrie, mussel, oyster, snail, tortoise (usually tortoiseshell)coconut, peanut, walnutVERB + shellhavecreatures that have shellscome out of, emerge from (both often figurative)He's really come out of his shell since he met Marie.go (back) into, retreat into, withdraw into (all often figurative)The snail went back into its shell.remove sth fromRemove the mussels from their shells.break (open), crack (open)shedMale crabs shed their shells twice a year.

2 explosive weaponADJECTIVE | VERB + shell | shell + VERB | shell + NOUNADJECTIVEunexplodedspenta heap of spent brass shells from a machine gunanti-aircraft, artillery, cannon, mortar, shotgun, tankdepleted uranium, high-explosivetank-busting guns that fired depleted uranium shellsincomingThe telltale sound of an incoming shell was heard.VERB + shellloadfireshell + VERBflyA shell flew over his head and exploded in front of him.fall, landburst, crash, explodehit sth, strike sthTwo shells hit the roof.shell + NOUNfireThey braved heavy shell fire to rescue the wounded.shocksoldiers suffering from shell shockcase, casing, fragments, splintercrater

3 outer walls of a buildingADJECTIVEADJECTIVEconcreteburned-out, empty, hollow (all often figurative)The fire reduced the school to a hollow shell.I had become a hollow shell.

II. verb

nut, pea

shell out

shell outphr verb

Shell out is used with these nouns as the object:

cash, money

shelter

shelternoun

noun1 protection from danger/bad weather2 small building that gives protection1 protection from danger/bad weatherVERB + shelter | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + shelterafford (sb), give (sb), offer (sb), provide (sb with)The great trees gave shelter from the wind.needfind, run for, seek, takerefuse sbThe nuns won't refuse you shelter.leaveWe had to leave the shelter of the trees.PREPOSITIONin the shelter of, under the shelter ofShe was standing in the shelter of the doorway.shelter fromThey tried to seek shelter from the rain.PHRASESshelter for the night

2 small building that gives protectionADJECTIVE | VERB + shelter | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEmakeshift, temporarystone, underground, woodenair-raid (BrE), bomb, bus, emergency, falloutanimalhomelessShe works as a volunteer at a homeless shelter.tax (figurative)These tax shelters allow people to invest in shares without paying tax.VERB + shelterbuild, construct, erect, make, put upThe earthquake victims were forced to build temporary shelters.PREPOSITIONin a/the shelterYou'll be safer in the shelter.shelter fora shelter for cattle

sheltered

shelteredadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, lookADVERBwellThe farmyard was well sheltered with buildings on three sides.fairly, quite, relatively

Sheltered is used with these nouns:

accommodation, bay, corner, existence, harbour, hollow, housing, life, spot, upbringing

shelter from

shelter fromphr verb

Shelter from is used with these nouns as the object:

reality, storm

shelve

shelveverb

Shelve is used with these nouns as the object:

bill, plan

sheriff

sheriffnoun

Sheriff is used before these nouns:

Sheriff is used after these nouns:

county

sherry

sherrynoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF SHERRY | VERB + sherry | sherry + NOUNADJECTIVEsmallcream, dry, fino, sweetcooking… OF SHERRYbottle, glassVERB + sherryhaveI'll have a small sherry, please.drink, sipsherry + NOUNglassvinegartrifle (BrE)

Sherry is used before these nouns:

glass

Shia

Shiaadj.

Shia is used with these nouns:

Islam, Muslim

shiatsu

shiatsunoun

Shiatsu is used before these nouns:

massage

shield

shieldnounverb

I. noun1 used to protect the body when fighting2 used for protecting yourself1 used to protect the body when fightingADJECTIVE | VERB + shield | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEriotVERB + shieldlower, raisebe armed with, be equipped with, carry, have, holdact asThe car had acted as a shield, protecting him from the blast.PREPOSITIONbehind a/the shielda row of police officers behind their riot shieldson a/the shieldShe did not recognize the coat of arms on his shield.

2 used for protecting yourselfADJECTIVE | VERB + shield | shield + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdefensive, protectivehumanmissile-defence/missile-defense, nuclearheat, radiation, wind (usually windshield) (esp. AmE)The nose of the space capsule is protected by a heat shield.face, gum (usually gumshield) (BrE)VERB + shielduse sb/sth asThey used 400 hostages as human shields.formprovideThe software provides a shield against hackers, worms and viruses.penetrateshield + VERBprotectA face shield protects your eyes from harmful chemicals.PREPOSITIONshield againstThe ozone layer forms a shield against harmful solar rays.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + shield | PREPOSITIONADVERBpartially, partlycarefullyHe carefully shielded the flame with his cupped hand.VERB + shieldtry toShe tried to shield the children from the full horrors of the war.PREPOSITIONagainstShe raised her hand to shield her eyes against the sun.fromnew laws to shield companies from foreign competitionwithHe shielded her with his body.

Shield is used with these nouns as the object:

shield from

shield fromphr verb

Shield from is used with these nouns as the object:

harm, ray, reality

shift

shiftnounverb

I. noun1 change2 division of the working day1 changeADJECTIVE | VERB + shift | shift + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdistinct, dramatic, fundamental, huge, important, major, marked, massive, profound, pronounced, radical, seismic, significant, substantialThere has been a major shift in the public's taste.a significant shift in policydiscernible, perceptibleslight, subtlegradualabrupt, rapid, suddendecisive, irreversible, long-termclimate, cultural, demographic, ideological, policy, population, powerparadigm (= an important change in the way sth is thought about)Einstein's theories caused a paradigm shift in scientific thought.VERB + shiftbe, mark, representThese proposals represent a dramatic shift in policy.indicate, reflect, signalThe moment signals a significant shift in attitudes to the war.showdetect, notice, observe, see, witnessI detected a subtle shift towards/toward our point of view.bring about, cause, drive, lead to, produce, result inexperience, undergoThe industry has undergone a fundamental shift in recent years.The toy industry is undergoing a seismic shift as more products are manufactured overseas.explainone factor which may explain the president's policy shiftshift + VERBoccur, take placeThese climate shifts occurred over less than a decade.PREPOSITIONshift betweenthe many shifts between verse and prose that occur in Shakespeareshift (away) fromthe shift away from direct taxationshift ina shift in public opiniona shift in attitude/opinion/perspectivea shift in emphasis/mood/tonea shift in direction/focus/policy/strategyshift toa sudden shift to the right in politicsshift towards/towarda shift towards/toward part-time farming

2 division of the working dayADJECTIVE | VERB + shift | shift + VERB | shift + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdouble, long, split (esp. BrE)I agreed to work double shifts for a few weeks.day, earlylate, swing (AmE)graveyard (esp. AmE), night, overnighteight-hour, ten-hour, etc.afternoon, evening, morning, weekendVERB + shiftdo, workI'm doing the early shift this week.He works the night shift.I didn't realize that I'd have to work shifts.be on, come on, go onbe off, come off, finish, go offchangeIt was 8 a.m. and the nurses were changing shifts.My husband changed his shifts from afternoons to nights.shift + VERBbegin (esp. BrE), start (esp. AmE)endchangeshift + NOUNworkmanager, supervisor, workerpattern, system (both BrE)They'd altered his shift pattern twice in the past month.changeThe shift change took place at 10 p.m.PREPOSITIONin shiftsThe clinic is staffed by ten doctors who work in shifts.on a/the shifta decision for the chief nurse on each shift

II. verb1 move2 change1 moveADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBslightlyJulie shifted her position slightly and smiled.impatiently, nervously, restlessly, uncomfortably, uneasilyShe shifted uncomfortably in her chair.awayPREPOSITIONfromShe shifted her gaze away from the group of tourists.ontoHe shifted his weight onto his left foot.toHer eyes shifted to his face.PHRASESshift from foot to footshift in your chair, shift in your seat

2 changeADVERB | VERB + shift | PREPOSITIONADVERBdramatically, markedly, radicallyThe emphasis has shifted markedly in recent years.slightlyeffectivelysimplyWe cannot simply shift the responsibility onto someone else.gradually, slowlyquickly, rapidlysuddenlyconstantly, continuallyconstantly shifting alliancesawayGovernment grants are being shifted away from the capital to the regions.VERB + shiftattempt to, try toThey tried to shift the blame onto the government.tend tobegin toPREPOSITION(away) fromI felt the advantage had suddenly shifted away from us.back, back and forthLike many plays, this one shifts back and forth in time and place.into (AmE)to shift into second gearout ofIn recent years, manufacturing has shifted out of the US.onto, toHis sympathies rapidly shifted to the side of the workers.towards/towardThese changes will shift the balance more towards/toward science subjects.

Shift is used with these nouns as the subject:

attention, attitude, balance, emphasis, eye, focus, gaze, mood, scene

Shift is used with these nouns as the object:

allegiance, attention, balance, blame, bulk, burden, debate, direction, emphasis, focus, gaze, gear, grip, loyalty, perception, perspective, position, responsibility, stance, tactic, weight

shift in

shift inphr verb

Shift in is used with these nouns as the object:

shifting

shiftingadj.

Shifting is used with these nouns:

allegiance, alliance, balance, sand, tide

shift into

shift intophr verb

Shift into is used with these nouns as the object:

gear

Shiite

Shiiteadj.

Shiite is used with these nouns:

Muslim

shimmer

shimmerverb

Shimmer is used with these nouns as the subject:

haze, sunlight

shimmering

shimmeringadj.

Shimmering is used with these nouns:

haze, heat

shin

shinnoun

nounVERB + shin | shin + NOUN | PREPOSITIONVERB + shinkick (sb in/on)I kicked him hard in the shins to shut him up.bang, bruise, hit, knockI banged my shin on a tree stump.rubshin + NOUNboneguard (esp. AmE), pad (BrE)splints (= sharp pains in the lower legs)I have been suffering from shin splints.PREPOSITIONon the/your shinShe had a nasty cut on her shin.

shine

shineverb

verbADVERB | VERB + shine | PREPOSITIONADVERBbrightly, brilliantlyThe sun was shining brightly.faintlybrieflydirectlyA spotlight was shining directly into her eyes.warmlydown, in, outSunlight shone in through the window.VERB + shineseem to (figurative)She seemed to shine with an inner radiance.make sthYou've really made that floor shine!PREPOSITIONatThe watchman shone his torch at us.from (figurative)Love and pride shone from her eyes.inThe water was shining faintly in the moonlight.likeThe dark wood shone like glass.on, uponThe light shone on his face.through, with (figurative)His dark eyes shone with excitement.

Shine is used with these nouns as the subject:

beam, eye, hair, headlights, lamp, lantern, light, moon, moonlight, ray, star, stone, sun, sunlight, tooth, torch, window

Shine is used with these nouns as the object:

beam, flashlight, lantern, light, ray, shoe, spotlight, torch

shine down

shine downphr verb

Shine down is used with these nouns as the subject:

ray

shine on

shine onphr verb

Shine on is used with these nouns as the subject:

ray, spotlight

shine through

shine throughphr verb

Shine through is used with these nouns as the object:

mist

shingle

shinglenoun

Shingle is used before these nouns:

shining

shiningadj.

Shining is used with these nouns:

example, expanse, jewel, metal, moment

Shinto

Shintoadj.

Shinto is used with these nouns:

shrine

shiny

shinyadj.

Shiny is used with these nouns:

apple, armour, brass, finish, hair, leaf, leather, metal, nose, paper, plastic, shoe, surface, toy

ship

shipnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | … OF SHIPS | VERB + ship | ship + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcruise, sailingcargo, container, factory, hospital, supply, transport, whalinga factory ship that is equipped for freezing and canningcivilian, commercial (esp. AmE), merchant, passengermilitary, naval, navy, troopenemyamphibious, landing, surfacemissiles from surface shipsocean-goingwoodenpassingThe crew was rescued by a passing ship.pirate, slavean 18th-century slave ship… OF SHIPSfleetVERB + shipboard, come aboard, come on board, go aboard, go on boardbe aboard, be on boardsailmanoeuvre/maneuver, pilot, steermoorThe ship is now permanently moored in Buenos Aires.commandbuild, launchload, unloadThe ship had already been unloaded.load sth onto, unload sth fromThe dockers were loading the cargo onto the ship.christen, nameabandonThe captain gave the order to abandon ship.go down withThe captain went down with his ship.scuttle, sink, torpedoattack, damage, destroyjumpSome of the crew jumped ship (= left it illegally) and disappeared.ship + VERBcarry sb/stha ship carrying more than a thousand peoplearrive, dockanchorThe ship anchored in the bay.be at anchor, lie at anchorTheir ship lay at anchor in the bay.depart, go, leave, put out to sea, put to sea, sail, set sailbe wrecked, run agroundcapsizego down, sinkcollide with sth, hit sthbe equipped for/with sthPREPOSITIONaboard a/the ship, on a/the ship, on board a/the shipThey are now on a ship bound for New York.by shipThere was no time to send the goods by ship.ship bound for, ship for, ship toPHRASESthe bow of a ship, the deck of a ship, the stern of a shipthe captain of a ship, the crew of a ship

II. verb

Ship is used with these nouns as the object:

merchandise

shipbuilding

shipbuildingnoun

Shipbuilding is used before these nouns:

industry, yard

shipment

shipmentnoun

noun1 quantity of goods sent from one place to another2 act of transporting goods1 quantity of goods sent from one place to anotherADJECTIVE | VERB + shipment | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEaid, arms, drug, food, fuel, oil, weapons, etc.cargo (esp. AmE)large, massiveillegalVERB + shipmentget, receivedeliver, senda contract to deliver large shipments of bananastrackCustomers can track a shipment over the Web.escortAn armed patrol boat will escort the shipment.intercept, seizeCustoms officers have seized a large shipment of cocaine.PREPOSITIONshipment ofa shipment of armsshipment fromto arrange a shipment from IndiaShipments from China are up 15%.

2 act of transporting goodsADJECTIVE | VERB + shipment | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbulkdirect (esp. AmE)VERB + shipmentawaitlarge quantities of food awaiting shipment to the worst-affected areasarrange, begin, makeban, halt, stop, suspendresumePREPOSITIONshipment toillegal shipment of arms to the Third World

shipping

shippingnoun

Shipping is used before these nouns:

channel, charge, container, cost, crate, dock, forecast, interest, news, route, tycoon

Shipping is used after these nouns:

merchant

shipwreck

shipwrecknoun

Shipwreck is used before these nouns:

survivor

shipwrecked

shipwreckedadj.

Shipwrecked is used with these nouns:

sailor

shire

shirenoun

Shire is used before these nouns:

shirk

shirkverb

Shirk is used with these nouns as the object:

duty, responsibility

shirt

shirtnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + shirt | shirt + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEcleancrisp, freshHe wears a crisp white shirt to the office every day.long-sleeved, short-sleevedsleevelessbutton-down, collared, collarlessopen-necked (esp. BrE), unbuttoned (esp. AmE)cotton, denim, flannel, oxford (AmE), silk, etc.dress, tuxedo (AmE)check (BrE), checked, checkered (AmE), plaid (AmE), plain, stripedbaggy, oversizedloose, tightdressfootball (BrE), golf (esp. AmE), polo, rugby, sport (AmE), sports, teamreplica (BrE)replica football shirts with Beckham's famous number 7HawaiianHe sported a floral Hawaiian shirt.muscle (= a T-shirt with very short or no sleeves, worn by men) (AmE)night (usually nightshirt) (esp. AmE)hair (= worn in the past by people who wished to punish themselves for religious reasons) (often figurative)VERB + shirtbutton, button up, unbuttonpull offtuck inHe tucked his shirt into his pants.washironshirt + NOUNbutton, collar, cuff, front, pocket, sleeve, tailnumber (esp. BrE)a footballer's shirt numberPHRASESshirt and tie

shit

shitnoun

Shit is used after these nouns:

horse, pigeon

shiver

shivernounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + shiver | shiver + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElittle, slight, smallinvoluntarysuddencold, icydeliciousa delicious shiver of pleasureVERB + shivergiveShe gave a little shiver and laughed.feelHe felt a shiver of excitement.sendHis appearance sent a cold shiver down her spine.suppressShe tried to suppress a shiver of anticipation.shiver + VERBgo, pass, runA shiver of unease ran through the audience.PREPOSITIONwith a shiver‘I'm scared!’ she admitted, with a shiver.shiver ofa shiver of fearPHRASESget the shiversI get the shivers when I think about it.give sb the shivers, send shivers down sb's spineJust thinking about flying gives me the shivers.Her beautiful voice sends shivers down your spine.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + shiver | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBuncontrollably, violentlya little, slightlyinvoluntarilyShe shivered involuntarily as he approached her.visiblyVERB + shiverbegin to, start tomake sbHis cruel and callous comments made me shiver.PREPOSITIONatHe shivered at the thought of it.from, inHer body ached and shivered from the frosty air.to shiver in fearwithI was shivering with cold.PHRASESshiver at the thought (of sth) (figurative)He shivered at the thought of having to run for election.

shock

shocknounverb

I. noun1 extreme surprise2 electric shock3 extreme weakness caused by injury or shock1 extreme surpriseADJECTIVE | VERB + shock | shock + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEawful (esp. BrE), big, considerable (esp. BrE), dreadful (esp. BrE), great, huge, major, massive, nasty, real, rude, terrible, tremendousDrivers could be in for a nasty shock when they see the cost of renewing their insurance policies.absolute, complete, pure, total, utter (esp. AmE)mild, slightfirst, initialOnce the initial shock had worn off, I got to like my new hairstyle.suddeneconomic, emotionalcultureIt was a bit of a culture shock when I first came to this country.sticker (AmE)Customers may experience sticker shock when they see the prices of the new SUVs (= they may be shocked by the prices).VERB + shockcome asfeel, get, have, receiveShe felt shock that he would be capable of such an act.I got a terrible shock when I saw him.give sbbe in forIf you think it's going to be easy, you're in for a shock!die of (informal)I nearly died of shock when your mother appeared.get over, recover fromexpressfeignimagineImagine my shock when I saw them kissing!shock + NOUNtacticsvalueThe scene was clearly added for shock value.jock (informal, esp. AmE)radio shock jock Howard SterntroopswaveThe news sent shock waves through the financial markets. (figurative)defeat, departure, exit (all BrE, sports)United suffered a shock defeat to Norwich.result, victory, win (all BrE, sports)announcement, decision, resignation (all BrE)PREPOSITIONin shockShe looked around in shock.with a shockShe realized with a sudden shock that she was being followed.shock at, shock onher shock on seeing him with another womanshock toThis news came as a great shock to me.PHRASESa bit of a shock, quite a shock, something of a shockin a state of shockI think I'm still in a state of shock.a feeling of shock, a sense of shockshock horror (BrE, humorous)The article reports on a celebrity who—shock horror—has gained weight!the shock of your life (informal)I got the shock of my life when she told me she was pregnant.a shock to the system (informal)The low salaries came as something of a shock to her system.

2 electric shockADJECTIVE | VERB + shock | shock + NOUNADJECTIVEmassive (esp. BrE), severemildHe gave himself a mild electric shock while changing a light bulb.painfulelectric (less often electrical)VERB + shockget, receivegive sbadministerThe guards would administer electric shocks to the inmates.shock + NOUNtherapy

3 extreme weakness caused by injury or shockADJECTIVE | VERB + shockADJECTIVEdeep, severemilddelayed (esp. BrE)anaphylacticshellsoldiers suffering from shell shockVERB + shockbe in, be suffering from, sufferHe was in deep shock after the accident.go intoHe had gone into shock and was shaking violently.be treated for

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBdeeply, reallyThe news had shocked her deeply.easilyHe had old-fashioned ideas and was easily shocked.PREPOSITIONintoThe news shocked her into action.

Shock is used with these nouns as the subject:

Shock is used with these nouns as the object:

conscience, nation, observer, viewer, world

shocked

shockedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, feel, look, soundADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.badly (esp. BrE), deeply (esp. BrE), genuinely, greatly, profoundly, terribly, trulyThe passengers were badly shocked but unharmed.absolutely, completely, thoroughly (esp. AmE), totally, utterly (esp. AmE)almosta little, slightly, etc.mildlyclearly, visiblyPREPOSITIONatThey were shocked at how the children had been treated.byShe was visibly shocked by the conditions she witnessed in the camp.

Shocked is used with these nouns:

disbelief, expression, face, gasp, look, silence, tone

shocking

shockingadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seem, soundfind sthADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.deeply, especially, genuinely, particularly, trulya deeply shocking and painful discoveryabsolutely, justHe recently did something that was just shocking.a little, slightly, etc.PREPOSITIONtoHis attitude was shocking to her.

Shocking is used with these nouns:

detail, murder, news, pink, revelation, story, truth, turn, twist, waste

shoddy

shoddyadj.

Shoddy is used with these nouns:

goods, journalism, work, workmanship

shoe

shoenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | … OF SHOES | VERB + shoe | shoe + VERB | shoe + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEheavy, stout (BrE), strong, sturdyclumpy (BrE), clunky (AmE)lightcomfortable, sensible, softold, worn, worn-outdirty, muddypatent-leather, polished, shinymatchingShe wore a dark blue dress with matching shoes.designer, fashionable, stylish, trendycasualdress, dressy (informal, esp. AmE), fancy (esp. AmE), smart (esp. BrE)open-toed, pointed, pointy (informal)flat, high-heeled, low-heeled, platformbuckled, lace-up, slip-on, strappycanvas, leather, rubber, suede, etc.boat (esp. AmE), deckcourt (BrE)oxford (AmE)athletic (AmE), gym, sports, training (BrE)climbing, running, track (esp. AmE), walkingbowling, golf, skate (= for skateboarding), tennisbasketball, soccer (both AmE)dancingballet, pointe, toe (esp. AmE)tapbaby… OF SHOESpaira sturdy pair of walking shoesVERB + shoeput on, slip onkick off, pull off, slip offtie, untie (both esp. AmE)lace, lace up, unlacebreak into break in a new pair of shoesreheel, repair, resoleI've had my shoes resoled.buff, clean, polish, shinescuffshoe + VERBfit (sb)pinch sthThe shoes, though elegant, pinched her feet terribly.squeakshoe + NOUNpolishsizeWhat's your shoe size?shop (BrE), store (AmE)repairleathercompany, designer, factory, maker (usually shoemaker), manufacturerbox, rackinsert (AmE), insoleFor her feet the doctor recommended shoe inserts.PHRASESthe heel of a shoe, the sole of a shoe, the toe of a shoe

II. verb

Shoe is used with these nouns as the object:

horse, pony

shoelace

shoelacenoun

(also lace) nounADJECTIVE | … OF SHOELACES | VERB + shoelace | shoelace + VERBADJECTIVEundone, untiedlooseknotteda tightly knotted shoelace… OF SHOELACESpairVERB + shoelacedo up (BrE), knot, tieHe's still a little young to tie his own shoelaces.undo, untieretie (AmE)breakshoelace + VERBbe undone, be untied (AmE)come undone, come untied (AmE)

shoestring

shoestringadj.

Shoestring is used with these nouns:

budget

shoo

shooverb

Shoo is used with these nouns as the object:

fly

shoo away

shoo awayphr verb

Shoo away is used with these nouns as the object:

fly

shoot

shootnounverb

I. noun1 new part of a plant2 occasion when you photograph sb/sth1 new part of a plantADJECTIVE | VERB + shoot | shoot + VERBADJECTIVEfresh, green, new, tender, younggrowingflowering, leafylateral, sidebambooVERB + shoothaveThis plant has no shoots yet.develop, produce, put out (esp. BrE), put up (esp. AmE), send out, send up (esp. AmE)These shrubs will need more light to produce flowering shoots.shoot + VERBappear, come up, develop, emerge, growKeep the bulbs in a cool dark place until shoots appear.

2 occasion when you photograph sb/sthADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcommercial, cover, fashion, film (esp. BrE), magazine, movie (esp. AmE), photo, photographic (BrE), videoa cover shoot for the September issue of Cosmopolitana five-day photo shoot in Cypruslocationnightan outdoor night shoot on a balcony in Pragueone-day, two-day, etc.PREPOSITIONon a/the shootHe goes out on photo shoots with very little equipment.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + shoot | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBaccurately, straightShe trained for days until she could shoot straight.accidentallyHe accidentally shot himself in the foot.fatallyFour policemen were fatally shot in the incident.summarilyIf caught, the men could be summarily shot as spies.backThe soldiers shot back at invading planes with rifles.downThe airliner was shot down near Korea.VERB + shootwant tothreaten tobe about to, be going toI thought for a moment that he was going to shoot.try toPREPOSITIONatThe soldiers were shooting at a target.inHe was shot in the back.intoTroops shot into the air to stop the rioting.withShe was shot with a small automatic pistol.PHRASESshoot (sb) on sightAny intruders will be shot on sight.shoot sb deadThe police shot him dead.Twenty wolves have been shot dead in Alaska.shoot to killThe soldiers were told to shoot to kill.a shoot-to-kill policyshot and killedFour protestors were shot and killed by police.shot to deathShe was shot to death for a crime she did not commit.

Shoot is used with these nouns as the subject:

arrow, bullet, cannon, eye, flame, gun, photographer, troops

Shoot is used with these nouns as the object:

adaptation, arrow, basket, beam, bow, bullet, cannon, demonstrator, elephant, episode, film, firework, glance, glare, gun, heroin, laser, look, model, movie, photograph, rabbit, rocket, round, scene, sequence, spark, vermin, video

shoot at

shoot atphr verb

Shoot at is used with these nouns as the object:

shoot down

shoot downphr verb

Shoot down is used with these nouns as the object:

aircraft, helicopter, missile, plane

shooter

shooternoun

Shooter is used after these nouns:

perimeter

shooting

shootingnounadj.

I. noun

Shooting is used before these nouns:

death, incident, jacket, range, schedule, script, spree, touch

Shooting is used after these nouns:

Shooting is used with these nouns:

II. adj.

pain, star

shoot off

shoot offphr verb

Shoot off is used with these nouns as the object:

firework

shoot out

shoot outphr verb

Shoot out is used with these nouns as the subject:

shoot-out

shoot-outnoun

Shoot-out is used after these nouns:

shoot through

shoot throughphr verb

Shoot through is used with these nouns as the subject:

shoot to

shoot tophr verb

Shoot to is used with these nouns as the object:

fame, prominence, stardom

shoot up

shoot upphr verb

Shoot up is used with these nouns as the subject:

eyebrow, hand, pain, price, rate, rating

Shoot up is used with these nouns as the object:

per cent, point

shop

shopnoun

noun (esp. BrE)See also storeADJECTIVE | … OF SHOPS | VERB + shop | shop + VERB | shop + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcorner (BrE), local, villagehigh-street (BrE)busyexclusive, expensive, fine, posh (BrE), smart (BrE), stylish, upmarket (BrE)excellent, good, wonderfulwell-stockedtrendyold-fashioned, traditionalcolourful/colorfulboarded-up, empty, vacantbutcher (AmE), butcher's, greengrocer's (BrE), etc.book (usually bookshop), gift (BrE, AmE), gun (esp. AmE), pet (BrE, AmE), shoe, souvenir (BrE, AmE), etc.electrical, photographic, etc.specialist, specialty (AmE)pro (= at a golf club, etc.) (AmE)duty-free (BrE, AmE)She bought 400 cigarettes at the airport duty-free shop.charity (BrE), thrift (AmE)I gave all my old books to a charity shop/thrift shop.antique (BrE, AmE), junk (BrE, AmE)betting (BrE)mobile (BrE)Mobile shops are invaluable to people in rural areas.retailrepair (BrE, AmE)barber (usually barbershop) (AmE)pawn (usually pawnshop) (BrE, AmE)one-stop (BrE, AmE)This is your one-stop shop for all your skiing needs.coffee (BrE, AmE)… OF SHOPSparade (BrE), rowThe post office is at the end of the row of shops.chainThe brothers opened a chain of electrical shops in the eighties.VERB + shophave, keep, own, runopen, set upShe opened a flower shop in the High Street.an area where many artists have set up shop (figurative)close, close up, shut, shut up (BrE)At 5.30 she shuts up shop and goes home.shop + VERBsell sthoffer sthThe shop offers a large selection of leather goods at reasonable prices.specialize in sthadvertise sthdisplay sthopenclose, shutshop + NOUNassistant, manager, manageress (BrE), owner, staff, workercounter, display, doorway, front, premises, shelves, sign, windowPREPOSITIONaround a/the shop, round a/the shop (esp. BrE)I went around all the shops but I couldn't find a present for him.at a/the shopThere was was a break-in at that new shop last night.in a/the shopShe works part-time in a shop.

shop floor

shop floornoun

Shop floor is used before these nouns:

shopkeeper

shopkeepernoun

nounADJECTIVE | shopkeeper + VERBADJECTIVEsmallan organization set up to help small shopkeepersindependentlocal, small-town (AmE), village (BrE)shopkeeper + VERBsell sth

shoplifting

shopliftingnoun

noun… OF SHOPLIFTING | shoplifting + NOUN | PHRASES… OF SHOPLIFTINGspate (esp. BrE)They installed cameras to halt a spate of shoplifting.shoplifting + NOUNspree (esp. BrE)They stole thousands of pounds' worth of goods in a two-day shoplifting spree.PHRASESbe arrested for shoplifting

shopper

shoppernoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF SHOPPERS | VERB + shopper | shopper + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEaveragewhat the average shopper spends her money onfrequent (AmE), regular (esp. BrE)localdisabled, elderly (both esp. BrE)late-night, morning, Saturday, weekendChristmas, festive (BrE), holiday (AmE)last-minutelast-minute shoppers on Christmas Evecity-centre (BrE), downtown (AmE), town-centre (BrE)personal (= sb you pay to do your shopping)mystery, secret (= person who pretends to be a customer) (AmE)A mystery shopper visits each branch every two weeks.Internet, online, Webgrocery (AmE), mall (AmE), supermarket (esp. BrE)We are a nation of supermarket shoppers.savvy, smart (both esp. AmE)A savvy shopper can purchase the gem for about €2 000 per carat.compulsive, frantic, frenziedseriousIf you're a serious shopper, this is the credit card for you.happyfellowI observed my fellow shoppers rushing from store to store.… OF SHOPPERScrowds, throngsThe cheap deals brought out big crowds of shoppers.VERB + shopperbe crowded with, be filled with, be packed with, be thronged withThe street was thronged with shoppers.attract, draw, encourage, lure, persuade, temptspecial offers designed to tempt shoppersdeter (esp. BrE), discourage, drive away, put off (esp. BrE)shopper + VERBrushShoppers rushed to catch the sales.PHRASESattractive to shoppersWindow displays are intended to be attractive to shoppers.

shopping

shoppingnoun

noun1 activity of shopping2 (esp. BrE) food, etc. bought in shops/storesSee also groceries1 activity of shoppingADJECTIVE | … OF SHOPPING | VERB + shopping | shopping + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVElate-night, morning, weekendback-to-school (AmE), Christmas, holiday (esp. AmE), last-minute, sales (BrE)the back-to-school shopping seasona bit of (esp. BrE), a littleI thought we'd do a little shopping before the show.family (BrE), food, grocery (esp. AmE), supermarket, weekly (esp. BrE)I do the weekly shopping on a Saturday.car, clothes, dress, etc.catalogue, home, Internet, onlinethe move to home shopping using your computerduty-free, tax-freecomparisonThis website is a valuable resource for comparison shopping.convenience (esp. BrE), one-stopthe consumers' demand for one-stop shopping(= buying all they need in one place)quality (esp. BrE)serious (humorous)

Jenny went directly to town for some serious shopping.heavy, light (both esp. BrE)compulsiveto suffer from compulsive shopping disorder… OF SHOPPINGafternoon, dayVERB + shoppingbe out, do, go, go outShe's doing some last-minute Christmas shopping.When shall I do the shopping? (BrE)We do our shopping on Saturdays.I have to go shopping in town this afternoon.cometake sbJade wants me to take her shopping for a new outfit.shopping + NOUNbag, basket, cart (esp. AmE), trolley (BrE)listarea, districtarcade (esp. BrE), complex, development (esp. BrE), mall (esp. AmE), parade (BrE), park (BrE), plaza (AmE), precinct (BrE), street (esp. BrE), strip (AmE)the town's main shopping street(see also shopping centre)facilities (esp. BrE), outlet (esp. BrE)channel, network (esp. AmE)

a home shopping networksite, websitean Internet shopping siteservicea personal shopping servicespace (esp. BrE)Developers plan to build 4 000 square feet of shopping space here.destinationNew York, the ultimate shopping destinationexcursion, expedition, spree, tripShe won £10 000 and immediately went on a shopping spree.day, hours, seasonOnly 22 shopping days left until Christmas!outside normal shopping hoursthe Christmas shopping seasonenvironment (esp. BrE), experienceWe ensure that our customers have an exceptional shopping experience.habitsdetailed portraits of consumers' shopping habitsvoucher (BrE)PHRASESbe on sb's shopping list (often figurative)A new car is on my shopping list.Improved electricity generation is one of the first things on the country's shopping list.

2 (esp. BrE) food, etc. bought in shops/storesSee also groceriesADJECTIVE | VERB + shoppingADJECTIVEheavyVERB + shoppingbe laden withcarryput away, unpackThey unpacked the shopping and put it away.

shopping centre

shopping centrenoun

(AmE shopping center) nounSee also mallADJECTIVE | VERB + SHOPPING-CENTRE/SHOPPING-CENTER | SHOPPING-CENTRE/SHOPPING-CENTER + NOUNADJECTIVEbig, huge, large, majorsmallmain, principalnewmodern, state-of-the-artKendal boasts a modern shopping centre and a museum.high-end, upscale (both AmE)run-down$10 million, £200 million, etc.busy, crowded, thrivingdistrict (BrE), downtown (AmE), high-street (BrE), local, neighborhood (AmE), out-of-town (BrE), regional, suburbanLocal shops are facing fierce competition from out-of-town shopping centres.strip (AmE)VERB + SHOPPING-CENTRE/SHOPPING-CENTERbuild, developA developer in this suburb of Phoenix plans to build a shopping centre.go to, visitSHOPPING-CENTRE/SHOPPING-CENTER + NOUNcar park (BrE), parking lot (AmE)developermanager

shop steward

shop stewardnoun

Shop steward is used after these nouns:

shore

shorenoun

noun1 land along the edge of a sea/lake2 shores particular country1 land along the edge of a sea/lakeADJECTIVE | VERB + shore | shore + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgolden, sandyon the golden shores of beautiful Balilake, ocean, sea (usually seashore)rockybarren, exposed, wilder (figurative)a Belgian artist from the wilder shores of Flemish nationalismdistant, far, farther, opposite, otherMeg was pointing to the far shore.neareast, north, etc.Lake Michigan's north shoreeastern, northern, etc.The path ran along the southern shore of the lake.lakeVERB + shoreapproach, reachleavefollow, hugWe sailed until midnight, hugging the shore.lineFour thousand spectators lined the shores.hit, lap, lap againstthe sound of waves lapping the shorebe found on, be washed up onA dolphin was found washed up on the shore.shore + NOUNbird, crableavesailors on shore leaveexcursionPREPOSITIONalong the shoreWe walked along the shores of the lake together.around the shore ofThe route goes around the shore of Derwent Water.at the shoreWe spent our vacation at the shore (= near the beach). (AmE)by the shoreWe strolled by the shore after dinner.close to the shore, near the shoreThe sea appears calm near the shore.from (a/the) shorejust a few miles from shoreHe waited, watching from the shore.on (a/the) shoreThe others were now safely on shore.There are a lot of rocks on that shore.on the shores ofThe hotel is situated on the sheltered shores of the Moray Firth.to the shore, towards/toward the shoreThe hotel's gardens stretch down to the lake shore.shore ofthe shores of the Mediterranean

2 shores particular countryADJECTIVE | VERB + SHORES | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEBritish, US, etc.foreign, nativeour, thesethe ship in which Columbus first sailed to these shoresVERB + SHORESarrive on, come to, grace (BrE), hit, reach, return tothe most thought-provoking movie to hit these shores in recent yearsHe was glad to return to his native shores.leavedefendWe will fight to the death to defend our shores.PREPOSITIONbeyond the shoreThe decisions concerning the future of the company will be taken beyond these shores.

shoreline

shorelinenoun

Shoreline is used before these nouns:

erosion

short

shortadj.adv.

I. adj.1 not measuring much from one end to the other2 not lasting a long time3 not having enough of what is needed1 not measuring much from one end to the otherVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, look, seemADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.comparatively, relativelya relatively short distance of 50 to 100 miles

2 not lasting a long timeVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, seembecome, getThe days are getting shorter and shorter.make sthkeep sthDo you mind if we keep the meeting short?ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.remarkably, surprisinglyreasonablycomparatively, relativelyIt was all over in a relatively short space of time.mercifullyThe interview was mercifully short.tragicallya young woman whose life was cut tragically short

3 not having enough of what is neededVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbe, lookOur team was one player short.become, getWe're getting short of funds.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.If space is very short, that door can be moved.terribly, woefullyHis performance was woefully short of conviction.United looked terribly short of menace in attack.a little, slightly, etc.PREPOSITIONofMike was a little short of cash just then.PHRASESin short supplySafe drinking water is in desperately short supply.

Short is used with these nouns:

account, acquaintance, address, answer, arm, article, ball, bang, bark, beak, bibliography, biography, blast, break, breath, breather, burst, call, career, ceremony, chase, chat, chimney, circuit, climb, clip, coat, conversation, cord, corner, corridor, course, crack, cut, delay, description, detour, distance, diversion, document, dress, drive, duration, excerpt, excursion, extract, fiction, film, flight, fuse, gap, gasp, grass, guide, hair, haircut, handle, haul, honeymoon, illness, interruption, interval, introduction, journey, labour, laugh, layover, lease, leg, letter, life, lifetime, limb, line, list, man, meeting, memory, message, monologue, month, nail, nap, neck, note, notice, odds, order, overview, pants, paragraph, pass, passage, pause, period, piece, poem, prayer, puff, questionnaire, résumé, rally, range, ration, recess, recession, reply, report, respite, rest, review, ride, route, run, section, sentence, sequence, session, shorts, siesta, silence, sketch, skirt, sleep, sleeve, slope, sock, solo, space, span, speech, spell, sprint, statement, stature, stay, stem, stick, stint, stop, story, stretch, stride, strike, stroke, stroll, summary, sword, syllable, tail, talk, temper, tenure, term, time, trek, trip, trousers, tunnel, update, vacation, version, visit, vowel, wait, walk, wall, war, wavelength, way, week, while, whistle, wing, year

II. adv.

Short is used with these verbs:

cut, stop

shortage

shortagenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + shortage | shortage + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEacute, chronic, critical, desperate, dire, serious, severethe current acute shortage of teachersgrowing, increasingfuture, impending, loominga looming housing shortage in the citygeneralnational, nationwide, worldthe world shortage of coffeecurrentwartimesupplycash, electricity, energy, food, fuel, gas, gasoline (AmE), housing, oil, petrol (BrE), power, waterlabour/labor, manpower, nursing, personnel (esp. AmE), skill, skills, staff, staffing, teacherVERB + shortagecause, create, lead to, result inbe affected by, be hampered by, experience, face, have, suffer, suffer fromIndustry is facing a serious skills shortage.alleviate, easeThe recent heavy rains have helped to ease the water shortage.address, deal with, fill, meet, overcome, solve, tackleexacerbateThe energy shortages were exacerbated by the severe winter.shortage + VERBoccurcause sth, lead to sthA shortage of resources has led to a cutback.PREPOSITIONbecause of a/the shortage, due to a/the shortageLives are being put at risk because of staff shortages.shortage inTheir economy continued to suffer shortages in raw materials.shortage ofa shortage of organ donors

shortbread

shortbreadnoun

Shortbread is used before these nouns:

biscuit

shortcoming

shortcomingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + shortcoming | shortcoming + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEalleged, perceivedobviousThere were obvious shortcomings in the report.fundamental, main, major, serious, significantminorpotentialsb's own, personalmethodological, technicalmoralVERB + shortcominghave, suffer fromcall attention to (esp. AmE), draw attention to (esp. BrE), expose, highlight, identify, point out, revealdeflect attention from, divert attention fromacknowledge, recognizebe aware ofThey are well aware of their own shortcomings.ignore, overlookThe committee was willing to overlook her shortcomings.address, compensate for, correct, make good (BrE), make up for, overcome, remedyTheir proposal seeks to remedy the shortcomings of the current system.shortcoming + VERBstem from sthNot all these shortcomings stem from inadequate resources.PREPOSITIONdespite sb/sth's shortcomings, in spite of sb/sth's shortcomingsDespite its obvious shortcomings, the plan was accepted.shortcoming inthe shortcomings in the lawPHRASESshortcomings on sb's part (esp. BrE)They said the accident was due to shortcomings on the part of the pilots.

shortcrust

shortcrustadj.

Shortcrust is used with these nouns:

pastry

short cut

short cutnoun

nounVERB + short cut | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + short cutbetakeuse sth asprovide (often figurative)Each saint was depicted with his or her symbols, which provided a short cut to recognition.find, knowPREPOSITIONshort cut across, short cut throughTake the short cut across the fields.short cut toThere are no short cuts to economic recovery.PHRASESthere are no short cuts (figurative)There are no short cuts when it comes to fitness.

shorten

shortenverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBconsiderably, dramatically, drastically, greatly, significantlyThe course has now been shortened considerably.slightlyPREPOSITIONbyHis driving ban has been shortened by a year.from, toThe waiting time has been shortened dramatically from eight weeks to just one week.

Shorten is used with these nouns as the subject:

odds

Shorten is used with these nouns as the object:

distance, duration, length, life, odds, period, sail, stay, stem, stride

shortened

shortenedadj.

Shortened is used with these nouns:

shorter

shorteradj.

Shorter is used with these nouns:

shortest

shortestadj.

Shortest is used with these nouns:

shortfall

shortfallnoun

Shortfall is used after these nouns:

budget, earnings, funding, pension

short-grain

short-grainadj.

Short-grain is used with these nouns:

short-haired

short-hairedadj.

Short-haired is used with these nouns:

shorthand

shorthandnoun

noun1 system of writing2 quick way of talking about sth1 system of writingVERB + shorthand | shorthand + NOUNVERB + shorthandlearndo (BrE), takeHer secretary was taking shorthand.take sth down in, write sth down inHe took the speech down in shorthand.shorthand + NOUNtypist, writer (both BrE)A shorthand writer will make a transcript.notesnotation

2 quick way of talking about sthADJECTIVE | VERB + shorthand | shorthand + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEconvenient, usefulvisualVERB + shorthanduse sth asbecomeSmoking became visual shorthand for ‘cool and rebellious’.Television drama had become popular shorthand for gloominess.shorthand + NOUNdescription, term‘Free trade’ was a shorthand term for a whole ideology.waya shorthand way of talking about this situationPREPOSITIONshorthand forThe term ‘machine’ is used as convenient shorthand for the total hardware and software system.

shorthold

shortholdnoun

Shorthold is used before these nouns:

tenancy

shorthorn

shorthornnoun

Shorthorn is used before these nouns:

short-line

short-lineadj.

Short-line is used with these nouns:

railway

shortlist

shortlistnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + shortlist | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfinalall-women (BrE, politics)VERB + shortlistcompile, draw up, makeThe interviewers have to draw up a shortlist of five or six people.put sb onI think we should put her on our shortlist.choose fromThey will choose from a shortlist of seven candidates.announcePREPOSITIONon a/the shortlistshortlist forThe movie is on the shortlist for Best Picture.shortlist ofa shortlist of threea shortlist of candidates

II. verb

Shortlist is used with these nouns as the object:

applicant

short-lived

short-livedadj.

Short-lived is used with these nouns:

recession, relief

shortly

shortlyadv.

Shortly is used with these verbs:

answer, arrive, begin, follow, laugh, release, reply, return, say

short-order

short-orderadj.

Short-order is used with these nouns:

cook

short-range

short-rangeadj.

Short-range is used with these nouns:

shorts

shortsnoun

noun1 outer clothing2 (AmE) underwear1 outer clothingADJECTIVE | … OF SHORTSADJECTIVEcut-off (esp. AmE), knee-lengthbaggy, loosetightlong, shortathletic, basketball, bike (esp. AmE), board (= for surfing) (AmE), cycling (BrE), football (BrE), gym (esp. AmE), running, soccer (AmE), swim (AmE), swimmingBermuda, cargo (esp. AmE), khaki, pajama (AmE)a pair of khaki cargo shortsdenim, jean (AmE)lycra, spandexcheer (= cheerleader) (AmE)… OF SHORTSpair

2 (AmE) underwearADJECTIVE | … OF SHORTSADJECTIVEloosetightboxer (BrE, AmE), boy (= for women) (esp. AmE), jockey (AmE)… OF SHORTSpair

short-sighted

short-sightedadj.

Short-sighted is used with these nouns:

short-sleeved

short-sleevedadj.

Short-sleeved is used with these nouns:

blouse, shirt, T-shirt

short-stay

short-stayadj.

Short-stay is used with these nouns:

parking

short story

short storynoun

Short story is used before these nouns:

anthology, writer

short-term

short-termadj.

Short-term is used with these nouns:

aim, benefit, care, change, confinement, consequence, contract, credit, debt, effect, employment, exposure, finance, fix, fluctuation, forecast, funding, future, gain, goal, impact, improvement, inconvenience, insurance, interest, investment, lease, loan, loss, measure, memory, objective, outlook, parking, planning, prisoner, profit, profitability, relief, rental, result, return, risk, security, solution, strategy, success, survival, tactic, threat

short-wave

short-waveadj.

Short-wave is used with these nouns:

radio, transmitter

shot

shotnoun

noun1 act of firing a gun2 person who shoots a gun, etc.3 act of kicking/hitting/throwing a ball4 photograph; picture in a film/movie5 (esp. AmE) injection of a drug1 act of firing a gunADJECTIVE | … OF SHOTS | VERB + shot | shot + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEexcellent, fine, good, well-placedcleanHe killed them with a clean shot to their heads.luckyrandomfatalwarningclearfirst, opening (often figurative)the opening shot in the election campaigncheap, parting (both figurative)cannon, gun, pistol, rifleI heard a pistol shot.headThat man fired the fatal head shot.… OF SHOTSvolleyA volley of shots rang out.VERB + shotaimfire, takeI took a few more shots at the target, but missed.shot + VERBring outhit sb/sth, strike sb/sthThe shot hit him in the chest.kill sb/sthmiss (sb/sth)PREPOSITIONshot froma shot from his rifleshot toShe was killed by a single shot to the head.

2 person who shoots a gun, etc.ADJECTIVEADJECTIVEcrack, excellent, goodShe is a crack shot with a rifle.bad, poor

3 act of kicking/hitting/throwing a ballADJECTIVE | VERB + shot | shot + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEexcellent, fine, good, great, superb (esp. BrE), well-placedawesome (esp. BrE), brilliant (esp. AmE) (both informal)errant (esp. AmE), poor, wayward (esp. BrE)long, long-rangeclose-range20-yard, 25-yard, etc.lowgame-winning (AmE)trickVERB + shotcrack (esp. BrE), get in, have, take, tryHe cracked a terrific shot into the bottom corner of the net.Go on—take another shot.missscuff (BrE)He scuffed a shot from the edge of the box.block, parry (esp. BrE), saveHe has blocked 850 shots in his NBA career.The goalkeeper parried his first shot but he scored from the rebound.shot + VERBbe on target (esp. BrE)go wide, missMy first shot went wide, but my second was right on target.PREPOSITIONshot at, shot onTheir captain tried a long shot on goal.shot fromhis right-footed shot from outside the penalty areaa superb shot from Rivaldo

4 photograph; picture in a film/movieADJECTIVE | … OF SHOTS | VERB + shot | shot + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcameraclose-up, long, mediumaerial, overhead, stilltracking, wide-angle, zoomexterior, locationestablishing, openingaction, crowdmoney (figurative, esp. AmE)fashion, publicitycoverscreen (usually screenshot) (= from a computer)mug (usually mugshot) (= photograph of sb's face kept by the police)… OF SHOTSseriesVERB + shotget, takeI got some great shots of the runners as they crossed the line.snapKate snapped a few shots with her camera through the window.shot + VERBshow stha wide-angle shot showing the Grand CanyonPREPOSITIONshot froma shot from a low angleshot ofa publicity shot of the band performing

5 (esp. AmE) injection of a drugADJECTIVE | VERB + shot | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEboosterallergy, flu, tetanusVERB + shotgive sbget, haveHave you had all your shots for your expedition yet?PREPOSITIONshot ofa shot of penicillinThe applause acted on her like a shot of adrenalin.

shotgun

shotgunnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + shotgun | shotgun + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVE12-bore (BrE), 12-gauge (AmE), double-barrelled/double-barreled, pump (AmE), pump-action, sawed-off (AmE), sawn-off (BrE)The men were armed with sawn-off/sawed-off shotguns.loadedVERB + shotguncockfirebe armed with, carry, have, holdpoint, raise, threaten sb withThe shotgun was pointed at me.load, reloadaimbe blasted withshotgun + NOUNlicence (BrE)cartridge, pellet, shellblastThe cause of death was a shotgun blast at close range.woundPREPOSITIONof a/the shotgunthe barrel of a shotgunwith a shotgunHe tried to blow his brains out with a shotgun.

Shotokan

Shotokannoun

Shotokan is used before these nouns:

karate

shoulder

shouldernounverb

I. noun1 part of the body2 shoulders the part between the two shoulders1 part of the bodyADJECTIVE | shoulder + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdislocated, fractured, frozen, injured, sore, woundedHis frozen shoulder has stopped him from playing tennis.shoulder + NOUNinjuryblade, bones, joint, muscle, socketThe bullet hit him squarely between the shoulder blades.height, levelharness, sling, strappadbagPREPOSITIONover your shoulderHe slung the sack over his shoulder and set off.PHRASESa pat on the shoulderHe gave me a reassuring pat on the shoulder.shoulder to shoulderThe route of the procession was lined with police officers standing shoulder to shoulder.tap sb on the shoulderI tapped the man on the shoulder and asked him to move.

2 shoulders the part between the two shouldersADJECTIVE | VERB + SHOULDERS | SHOULDERS + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbroad, huge, muscled, muscular, powerful, strong, widedelicate, slimnarrow, thinsquareroundbonybowedbaretense, tightVERB + SHOULDERSshrugWhen I asked him why he'd done it he just shrugged his shoulders.hunchHe hunched his shoulders against the cold wind.drop, relaxInhale, drop your shoulders and raise your chest.roll, rotateRoll your shoulders forward and take a deep breath.square, straightenIn an aggressive situation, we stand tall and square our shoulders.SHOULDERS + VERBbe bent, be bowed, be stoopedShe was crouched with her head forward and her shoulders bent.droop, drop, sag, slumpMy shoulders dropped with relief.lift, shrugHer shoulders lifted in a vague shrug.heave, shake, twitchHis broad shoulders heaved with sobs.stiffen, tense, tightenrelaxPREPOSITIONon sb's shouldersThe child sat on her father's shoulders to watch the parade go by.

II. verb1 accept the responsibility for sth2 push sb/sth with your shoulder1 accept the responsibility for sthVERB + shoulderVERB + shoulderhave to, mustShe had to shoulder the burden of childcare.be willing tobe unwilling toHe was unwilling to shoulder this responsibility alone.

2 push sb/sth with your shoulderADVERB | PHRASESADVERBroughlyWe were shouldered roughly out of the way.aside, out of the wayopenHe shouldered open the door.pastPHRASESshoulder your way past sb/sth, shoulder your way through sthShe shouldered her way through the crowd.

Shoulder is used with these nouns as the object:

backpack, bag, blame, burden, load, responsibility, rucksack, way

shoulder-fired

shoulder-firedadj.

Shoulder-fired is used with these nouns:

shoulder-length

shoulder-lengthadj.

Shoulder-length is used with these nouns:

Shout is used with these nouns as the subject:

shout

shoutnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | … OF SHOUTS | VERB + shout | shout + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgreat, loudfaint, muffleddistantsuddenangryjoyous, triumphantwarning… OF SHOUTSchorusVERB + shoutgive, let outhearI heard her warning shout too late.be greeted withgive sb (figurative)Give me a shout if you'd like to come with us.shout + VERBecho, go up, ring outA great shout of excitement went up as she crossed the line.PREPOSITIONwith a shoutWith a shout of pain, he pulled his hand away.shout fromThere were shouts of laughter from the crowd.shout ofa shout of anger/laughter/victory

II. verbADVERB | VERB + shout | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBaloud‘I'm done for!’ he shouted aloud.loudlyhoarselyfrantically, hysterically, wildlyangrily, furiouslyhappily, triumphantlyalmost, nearly, practicallyHe found he was almost shouting.suddenlyback‘Go on then!’ he shouted back at them.outdown, upJorge shouted up to her.VERB + shoutwant totry toopen your mouth toHe opened his mouth to shout, but no sound came out.begin to, start tohear sbI could hear him shouting into the telephone.PREPOSITIONaboutWhat were they shouting about?aboveWe had to shout above the noise of the engines.afterWe shouted after him, but he couldn't hear us.atThere's no need to shout at me!forWe shouted for help.into shout in anger/frustration/painoverEmily shouted over the din of the alarms.toHe shouted to the driver to stop.withto shout with delight/glee/joyPHRASESkeep on shouting, keep shoutingshout and screamThey were surrounded by people shouting and screaming.shout at the top of your lungs (AmE), shout at the top of your voice (BrE)shout in unisonThe crowd shouted back in unison.shout yourself hoarseShe shouted herself hoarse, cheering on the team.start shouting, stop shouting

mob, voice

Shout is used with these nouns as the object:

abuse, command, congratulations, encouragement, greeting, instruction, insult, obscenity, order, slogan, taunt, wares, warning, word

shout for

shout forphr verb

Shout for is used with these nouns as the object:

help

shout in

shout inphr verb

Shout in is used with these nouns as the object:

shouting

shoutingnoun

Shouting is used before these nouns:

match

shout out

shout outphr verb

Shout out is used with these nouns as the object:

order, warning

shove

shovenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + shove | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfriendly, gentle, light, little, playfulgood, hard, hefty (BrE), mighty, powerful, violentVERB + shovegive sb/sthHarry gave him a hefty shove and he fell down.PREPOSITIONwith a shoveShe sent him off with a little shove.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBforcefully, hard, roughlyI shoved hard until the door opened.gently, playfullypracticallyaside, away, backHe shoved me roughly aside.openShe shoved open the door.PREPOSITIONdown, inShe shoved the letter in a drawer.into, out of, throughA leaflet was shoved through my letter box. (BrE)A leaflet was shoved through my mail slot. (AmE)toHe was shoved to the ground.PHRASESpush and shoveThe crowd was pushing and shoving to get a better view.shove your hands in your pockets, shove your hands into your pocketsshove sb out of the wayshove your way past sb/sth, shove your way through sthWe shoved our way through the crowd.

Shove is used with these nouns as the object:

finger, fist, way

shove in

shove inphr verb

Shove in is used with these nouns as the object:

shove into

shove intophr verb

Shove into is used with these nouns as the object:

Shovel is used after these nouns:

shovel

shovelnounverb

I. noun

snow, steam

II. verb

Shovel is used with these nouns as the object:

coal, dirt, driveway, sidewalk, snow

show

shownounverb

I. noun1 on TV, radio, etc.2 performance on stage3 public display/exhibition4 outward expression of an emotion/attitude1 on TV, radio, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + show | show + VERB | show + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElive, recordedfamilycable (AmE), network (esp. AmE), radio, television, TVaward, breakfast, cookery (BrE), cooking (esp. AmE), cop, dating, game, makeover (esp. BrE), news (esp. AmE), quiz, reality, reunion (AmE)comedy, sketchsatirical, topicalchat (esp. BrE), talk (esp. AmE)call-in (AmE), phone-in (BrE)a radio phone-in/call-in showanimated (BrE), cartoonpre-game (AmE)one-off (esp. BrE), specialdaytime, late-night, lunchtime, morning, prime-time (esp. AmE)late-night talk showsdaily, nightly (esp. AmE), weeklyforthcoming (BrE), upcoming (esp. AmE)long-runningoriginalI watched the original show as a kid.classic, entertaining, funny, great, hot (esp. AmE), terrifica hot new dating showcheesyhit, popular, successful, top-rated (esp. AmE)a hit TV showaward-winningthe Emmy award-winning television talk showflagship (esp. BrE)sb's ownShe finally got her own TV show.syndicated (esp. AmE)a nationally syndicated radio showlocal, national (both esp. AmE)interactiveVERB + showsee, watchDid you see the Late Show?hostshow + VERBfeature sb/sth, star sba live show featuring the best of Irish talentshow + NOUNbusinessPREPOSITIONfrom a/the showa character from the showon a/the showI saw her on a news show yesterday.PHRASESthe star of the showThe dog was the real star of the show.

2 performance on stageADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcabaret, comedy, magic, musical, stand-up (esp. BrE), talent, varietyfloor, stagebenefit (esp. AmE), charity (BrE)film (BrE), light, slidePunch and Judy (BrE), puppetfreakpeepone-man, one-woman, soloroad, touring, travelling/travelingfringe (BrE)entertaining, great, spectaculara spectacular light showsold-outhalf-time (AmE)the Super Bowl half-time showPREPOSITIONfrom a/the showsongs from the showin a/the showone of the acts in the show

3 public display/exhibitionADJECTIVE | VERB + show | show + VERB | show + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, majorannual, spring, summerlocalprivateagricultural (BrE), flower (esp. BrE), horse, horticultural (BrE)boat, gun (esp. AmE), motor (esp. BrE), tradeair, bodybuilding, dogart, gallerycatwalk (esp. BrE), fashion, runway (AmE)pro (esp. AmE)a pro bodybuilding show in Californiadog-and-pony (= a complicated business presentation) (AmE)VERB + showhave, hold, organize, put onThey are holding a big fashion show at the Hilton tonight.attend, go toshow + VERBfeature sb/sthThe show features the work of local artists.show + NOUNringPREPOSITIONat a/the showThere were more than 500 exhibitors at the trade show.on showThe paintings are on show until April.

4 outward expression of an emotion/attitudeADJECTIVE | VERB + show | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, greatbravepublicVERB + showmake, put onAlthough she hated him, she put on a show of politeness.PREPOSITIONfor showShe pretends to be interested in opera, but it's only for show.show ofHe made a great show of welcoming us.PHRASESa show of force, a show of strengthThe Democrats organized a show of strength, a mass rally in Central Park.

II. verb1 make sth clear; let sb see sth2 be visible1 make sth clear; let sb see sthADVERB | VERB + show | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBclearly, conclusively, convincingly, plainlyThe figures clearly show that her claims are false.consistently, repeatedlydiagrammatically, graphically, schematicallyThe results are shown graphically in Figure 2.VERB + showappear to, seem togo toIt just goes to show what you can do when you really try.aim to, attempt to, seek to, try tobe expected to, be likely toThird-quarter figures are likely to show a further fall.refuse toLewis refused to show any emotion.be anxious to, be eager to, be happy to, be keen to (esp. BrE)Lee was happy to show her how it should be done.be designed tolet sbLet me show you on the map.PREPOSITIONtoShe showed her new toy to her friends.PHRASESa chance to show sthI'm giving him a chance to show what he can do.

2 be visibleADVERB | VERB + showADVERBhardlyIt's such a tiny mark, it hardly shows.VERB + showbegin tolet sthShe tried not to let her disappointment show.

Show is used with these nouns as the subject:

ad, advert, advertisement, amusement, analysis, argument, arrow, article, artist, autopsy, census, chart, compass, curve, data, detail, diagram, disappointment, display, document, drawing, estimate, evidence, exam, examination, example, exhibit, exhibition, experience, experiment, expression, eye, face, figure, film, finding, gallery, gauge, graph, history, illustration, image, incident, indication, indicator, inexperience, inscription, inspection, instance, investigation, irritation, line, map, mirror, monitor, movie, mural, painting, percentage, photograph, picture, plan, poll, post-mortem, postcard, poster, receipt, record, recording, referendum, reflection, replay, report, research, researcher, result, sample, scan, scene, score, screen, sequence, shot, simulation, spreadsheet, statistics, strain, study, survey, table, tape, test, trend, trial, videotape, watch, writing, X-ray

Show is used with these nouns as the object:

ability, acumen, ad, admiration, advert, advertisement, affection, affinity, aggression, agility, agitation, allegiance, ambivalence, amusement, anger, annoyance, appreciation, apprehension, approval, aptitude, arrogance, association, assurance, authority, balance, behaviour, bent, bias, bitterness, bravery, case, cause, change, character, claw, clip, collection, command, commercial, commitment, common sense, compassion, competence, complexity, concern, confidence, consideration, consistency, contempt, contrast, correlation, courage, courtesy, cowardice, creativity, cruelty, cunning, data, decrease, dedication, defect, deference, deficit, depth, detachment, detail, deterioration, determination, devotion, difference, diplomacy, dirt, disagreement, disappointment, disapproval, discipline, discomfort, discrepancy, discrimination, disdain, disgust, dislike, disloyalty, disparity, displeasure, disposition, disregard, disrespect, dissent, distaste, distress, distribution, distrust, document, documentary, dominance, effect, effectiveness, efficiency, emotion, empathy, endurance, enterprise, enthusiasm, envy, evidence, example, excerpt, exhibition, expansion, expression, extent, facility, faith, fall, fang, favour, favouritism, fear, feeling, film, flair, flexibility, flicker, folly, footwork, foresight, forgiveness, front, frustration, futility, gain, gallantry, generosity, genius, goodwill, gratitude, grief, grit, hand, heroism, hint, hospitality, hostility, identification, ignorance, image, imagination, impatience, imperfection, importance, improvement, inability, inadequacy, incidence, inclination, increase, independence, indifference, indignation, individuality, inexperience, influence, ingenuity, inhibition, initiative, insensitivity, insight, intelligence, intensity, interest, intolerance, irritation, judgement, kindness, knack, knowledge, leadership, leniency, limitation, link, location, love, loyalty, majority, manner, mastery, maturity, mercy, moderation, modesty, movie, nature, need, nervousness, openness, originality, painting, paper, parallel, pass, passport, patience, pattern, pedigree, perseverance, persistence, picture, piece, pity, poise, portrait, potential, power, preference, presence, proficiency, profit, programme, progress, promise, proof, prowess, quality, range, readiness, recognition, recovery, reduction, reflection, regard, regret, relation, relationship, reluctance, remorse, repentance, replay, representation, resemblance, resentment, resilience, resolution, respect, response, restraint, result, return, reverence, sadness, scale, self-confidence, sense, sensitivity, seriousness, shift, side, sign, similarity, sincerity, skill, slide, solidarity, sophistication, spirit, streak, stupidity, subtlety, superiority, support, surprise, symbol, sympathy, symptom, tact, talent, taste, tendency, tenderness, ticket, tolerance, tooth, trace, trait, trend, uncertainty, understanding, unease, utility, validity, valour, value, variability, variation, video, videotape, vulnerability, wares, warmth, way, weakness, wear, willingness, woman, work, world, zeal

showbiz

showbiznoun

Showbiz is used before these nouns:

marquee

showcase

showcaseverb

Showcase is used with these nouns as the subject:

gallery

Showcase is used with these nouns as the object:

art, artist, collection, product, skill, talent, wares, work

showdown

showdownnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + showdown | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEclimactic, finalThe scene was set for the final showdown.dramatic, ultimatelong-awaited, loomingmilitary, nuclearCommons, political, Senatecourtroom, High Court, Supreme Courtchampionship, quarter-final, semi-final, title, etc. (sports)relegation, winner-takes-all (both BrE, sports)VERB + showdownhaveavert, avoidface, head forforce, seekHe was now strong enough to force a showdown with them.PREPOSITIONshowdown againstthe showdown against Holland in Aprilshowdown betweenthe title showdown between Brazil and Franceshowdown overThe government is heading for a showdown over the new proposals.showdown withthe semi-final showdown with Australia last monthPHRASESit comes to a showdown (= a showdown happens)Of course I'll support you if it comes to a showdown.

shower

showernounverb

I. noun1 for washing your body2 of rain or snow3 of small objects4 (AmE) party to give presents1 for washing your bodyADJECTIVE | VERB + shower | shower + VERB | shower + NOUNADJECTIVEcold, coolhot, steaming, warmbrief, quickI'll just take a quick shower.refreshing, relaxingelectric (esp. BrE)poweren suite, privatestall (AmE), walk-incommunal, locker-room (AmE)outdoorVERB + showergrab (AmE), have (esp. BrE), take (esp. AmE)hit (esp. AmE)After the game, the boys hit the showers.shower + VERBrunHe could hear the shower running in the bathroom.shower + NOUNcubicle (BrE), curtain, room, stall (AmE), unit (esp. BrE)block (esp. BrE)The plans include changing facilities and shower blocks.door, head, trayHe left the shower door open.gelcap

2 of rain or snowADJECTIVE | VERB + shower | shower + VERBADJECTIVErain, sleet, snowheavy, lightintermittent, occasional, odd (BrE), scatteredfrequentblustery, squally (BrE), thundery (BrE), wintryApril, spring, summerVERB + showerbraveThey decided to brave the showers and headed for the coast.shower + VERBdie outScattered showers will die out by late evening.

3 of small objectsADJECTIVE | VERB + shower | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdust, meteorVERB + showersendA light exploded, sending a shower of sparks raining down.PREPOSITIONshower ofThe grinding wheel sent out a shower of sparks.

4 (AmE) party to give presentsADJECTIVE | VERB + shower | shower + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbabybridal, weddingVERB + showerhave, throwgive sbplan, plan forattendshower + NOUNinvitationI got a shower invitation from Katie.giftPREPOSITIONshower fora baby shower for my sister

II. verb

Shower is used with these nouns as the object:

confetti, praise, spark

shower with

shower withphr verb

Shower with is used with these nouns as the object:

abuse, kiss

showing

showingnoun

noun1 how sb/sth behaves or performs2 of a film/movie, etc.1 how sb/sth behaves or performsADJECTIVE | VERB + showing | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgood, impressive, respectable, strongdisappointing, disastrous (esp. BrE), dismal, lacklustre/lackluster, poor, weak (esp. AmE)the party's poor showing in the electionVERB + showingmake, put upThe opposing team put up a very strong showing.improve onThe team will have to improve on today's showing if it is to survive in the competition.PREPOSITIONon sb's showingOn its present showing, the party should win the election.showing againstthe euro's strong showing against the dollarshowing by, showing fromIt was a great showing by the Brazilian team.

2 of a film/movie, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + showingADJECTIVEprivate, publiclate-night, midnighta midnight showing of a B-movie at the Phoenixrepeata repeat showing of the series on Channel 9VERB + showingattend, go toThey attended a private showing of the new Disney movie.catch, seeget, have, receivegive sth

show into

show intophr verb

Show into is used with these nouns as the object:

showjumping

showjumpingnoun

Showjumping is used before these nouns:

arena

show off

show offphr verb

Show off is used with these nouns as the object:

knowledge, skill, suntan, talent, tan, wares

showroom

showroomnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + showroom | showroom + NOUNADJECTIVEcar, carpet, furnitureretaildealerVERB + showroomgo to, visitopenhit, reachThe new model hits showrooms in November.showroom + NOUNfloorBy the end of the decade these cars could be on the showroom floor.pricecondition (esp. BrE)He managed to find a second-hand Ferrari in showroom condition.model (BrE)They took 10% off the price of the computer as it was a showroom model.

show to

show tophr verb

Show to is used with these nouns as the object:

show up

show upphr verb

Show up is used with these nouns as the object:

imperfection

shrapnel

shrapnelnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF SHRAPNEL | VERB + shrapnel | shrapnel + VERB | shrapnel + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEflyingHe was hit in the arm by flying shrapnel.deadly… OF SHRAPNELpieceVERB + shrapnelbe hit by, be killed by, be wounded by, take (esp. AmE)He took shrapnel to his leg.haveShe still has shrapnel in her left arm.sendThe rocket sent shrapnel in every direction.removesurgery to remove shrapnelshrapnel + VERBflyThe bomb exploded, sending shrapnel flying through the trees.be lodgedAn air strike left him with shrapnel lodged in his chest.shrapnel + NOUNwoundPREPOSITIONshrapnel fromthe shrapnel from the grenadeshrapnel ina piece of shrapnel in her back

shred

shrednounverb

I. noun1 small thin piece of sth2 very small amount of sth1 small thin piece of sthADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfine, thintatteredthe tattered shreds of their flagPREPOSITIONin shreds, into shredsCut the orange peel into thin shreds.Their economy is in shreds. (figurative)shred ofJust a few shreds of cloth were left.PHRASEScut, rip, tear, etc. sth to shreds (figurative)Their case was torn to shreds by the lawyer.

2 very small amount of sthADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEeveryWith her had gone every shred of hope he had for the future.last, remainingShe was hanging on to the last remaining shreds of her reputation.one, single, slightest (all used in negative phrases)There is not one shred of evidence in this case.PREPOSITIONshred ofThere is not a shred of doubt in my mind that we will win.PHRASESwithout a shred of sthThis is an old story without a shred of truth to it.

II. verbADVERBADVERBfinelyShred the lettuce leaves finely.

Shred is used with these nouns as the object:

cabbage, paper

shredded

shreddedadj.

Shredded is used with these nouns:

beef, cabbage, carrot, cheese, coconut, lettuce

shredder

shreddernoun

Shredder is used after these nouns:

shrewd

shrewdadj.

Shrewd is used with these nouns:

businessman, businesswoman, comment, diplomacy, eye, judge, judgement, look, move, observation, observer, operator, politician

shrewdly

shrewdlyadv.

Shrewdly is used with these verbs:

calculate, eye, observe

shriek

shrieknounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + shriek | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEloudlittleShe gave a little shriek of delight.blood-curdling, ear-piercing, high-pitched, piercing, shrillVERB + shriekemit, give, let outstiflehearPREPOSITIONwith a shriekShe fell to the floor with a shriek of pain.shriek ofShrieks of laughter came from the bedroom.PHRASESa shriek of delight, a shriek of laughter, a shriek of pain, a shriek of rage

II. verbADVERB | VERB + shriek | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBaloud, loudlyouthappily, hystericallyalmost, nearly, practicallyHe almost shrieked when he saw her.VERB + shriekhear sbPREPOSITIONatStop shrieking at me!inShe shrieked in terror.withThe audience shrieked with laughter.PHRASESshriek at the top of your lungs (AmE)

Shriek is used with these nouns as the subject:

seagull

shrill

shrilladj.

Shrill is used with these nouns:

bell, blast, cry, laugh, scream, shriek, tone, voice, whistle

shrilly

shrillyadv.

Shrilly is used with these verbs:

scream

shrimp

shrimpnoun

Shrimp is used before these nouns:

boat, cocktail, farm

shrine

shrinenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + shrine | shrine + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhallowed, holy, religious, sacredThis shrine is sacred to the Hindu god Vishnu.Buddhist, Catholic, Muslim, Shinto, etc.makeshifta makeshift shrine near the spot where he diedancientancestral, family, household, nationalroadsideVERB + shrinebuild, create, erectturn sth intobecomededicatea shrine dedicated to the sea goddessgo on a pilgrimage to, make a pilgrimage to, visitOn his recovery he made a pilgrimage to the shrine of St John.shrine + NOUNcityroomPREPOSITIONat a/the shrineThe people worshipped at wayside shrines.shrine ofthe shrine of St Cuthbert at Durhamshrine toShe had turned the room into a shrine to her dead son.

shrink

shrinkverb

verb1 become smaller2 move away1 become smallerADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBconsiderably, dramatically, significantlya little, slightly, etc.furtherfast, rapidlyWe are competing in a market that is shrinking fast.gradually, slowlysteadilyPREPOSITIONbyTheir profits shrank by 4% last year.from, toTheir share of the market has shrunk from 14% to 5%.PHRASESshrink in sizeHouseholds have been shrinking in size but increasing in number.

2 move awayADVERB | VERB + shrink | PREPOSITIONADVERBa littleHe shrank a little at the sight of the blood.visiblyinstinctivelyaway, back, downVERB + shrinktry toPREPOSITIONagainstHe shrank back against the wall.inShe shrank back in terror.intoI shrank back into the shadows.fromShe shrank from his touch.

Shrink is used with these nouns as the subject:

base, company, deficit, economy, margin, market, population

Shrink is used with these nouns as the object:

deficit, per cent, size, tumour, window, workforce

shrinking

shrinkingadj.

Shrinking is used with these nouns:

market, pool

shrink into

shrink intophr verb

Shrink into is used with these nouns as the object:

shadow

shroud

shroudnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + shroud | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEburial, funeral, mourningVERB + shroudwrap sb inA human form lay there, wrapped in a shroud.PREPOSITIONin a/the shroudshroud of (figurative)The nuclear project was cloaked in a shroud of secrecy.a shroud of darkness/mist

II. verb

Shroud is used with these nouns as the subject:

fog, mist

shrub

shrubnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + shrub | shrub + VERB | shrub + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeciduous, evergreendwarf, large, low, medium-sized, small, tallspring, spring-flowering, etc.floweringthorny, woodydense, thickfast-growing, vigorousnativeornamental, wallovergrownVERB + shrubgrowplant, put indig out (AmE), dig up, take outreplantcut back, prune, trim (esp. AmE)Overgrown deciduous shrubs can be cut back at this time of year.shrub + VERBgrowThese shrubs don't grow well here.flowershrub + NOUNspeciesrosePHRASESbe planted with shrubsThe bed is planted with flowering shrubs.a variety of shrub

shrug

shrugnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + shrug | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElittle, slight, smallsimpleThe answer was a simple shrug.careless, indifferentcasual, nonchalantdismissivehalf-hearted, helpless, resignedwearyapologeticself-deprecatingmentalWith a mental shrug, he decided to tell the truth.Gallic (BrE)VERB + shruggiveThe boy gave a slight shrug and walked away.PREPOSITIONin a shrugShe lifted her shoulders in a little shrugwith a shrug‘I don't know!’ she said with a shrug.shrug ofa shrug of resignationPHRASESa shrug of the/your shouldersHe replied with a shrug of his shoulders.

II. verbADVERBADVERBlightly, slightlycarelessly, dismissively, indifferently, nonchalantly, offhandedlyShe shrugged nonchalantly and turned away.casuallywearilyuncomfortablyapologetically, awkwardly, sheepishlyhelplesslyHe shrugged helplessly and said nothing.innocently, modestlygood-naturedlyjust, merely, only, simplyHe merely shrugged his shoulders in reply.

Shrug is used with these nouns as the subject:

shoulder

Shrug is used with these nouns as the object:

shoulder

shrug into

shrug intophr verb

Shrug into is used with these nouns as the object:

jacket

shrug off

shrug offphr verb

Shrug off is used with these nouns as the object:

coat, jacket

shrug on

shrug onphr verb

Shrug on is used with these nouns as the object:

coat, jacket

shrug out of

shrug out ofphr verb

Shrug out of is used with these nouns as the object:

coat, jacket

shudder

shuddernounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + shudder | shudder + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElittle, slight, small, tinydeep, great, violentinvoluntaryVERB + shuddergiveShe gave a little shudder when she touched his clammy hand.feelrepress, suppressHe suppressed a shudder of disgust.sendThe sight of the body sent a shudder through him.shudder + VERBgo through sb/sth, pass through sb/sth, rack sb/sth, run through sb/sthA shudder of pain racked his body.PREPOSITIONwith a shudderHe remembered that awful moment with a shudder.shudder ofa shudder of relief

II. verbADVERB | VERB + shudder | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBconvulsively, uncontrollably, violentlyslightlyinvoluntarilyShe shuddered involuntarily as he approached her.inwardlyvisiblyVERB + shuddermake sbThe sight of the dead body made them shudder.PREPOSITIONatShe shuddered at the memory of school exams.inJoe shuddered in disgust.throughA deep sigh shuddered through her body.withHis whole body shuddered with fury.PHRASESshudder at the thought (of sth)I shuddered at the thought of going back to school.

Shudder is used with these nouns as the subject:

shuddering

shudderingadj.

Shuddering is used with these nouns:

breath, halt, sob

shuffle

shuffleverb

verb1 walk by sliding your feet along2 move your body/feet around1 walk by sliding your feet alongADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBquickly, slowlyawkwardlySimon shuffled awkwardly up to them.quietlyalong, away, back, forward, off, out, over, sidewaysThe crowd shuffled slowly forward.He slowly shuffled over to the bathroom.PREPOSITIONacross, down, into, out of, towards/toward, etc.

2 move your body/feet aroundADVERB | PHRASESADVERBnervously, uncomfortably, uneasilyShe shuffled nervously on the bench.about (esp. BrE), aroundThe boys shuffled around uncomfortably.PHRASESshuffle from foot to foot, shuffle from one foot to the othershuffle in your chair, shuffle in your seat

Shuffle is used with these nouns as the subject:

foot

Shuffle is used with these nouns as the object:

card, foot, pack, paper

shuffle through

shuffle throughphr verb

Shuffle through is used with these nouns as the object:

pile

shuffling

shufflingadj.

Shuffling is used with these nouns:

gait

shun

shunverb

Shun is used with these nouns as the object:

limelight, publicity, spotlight

shut

shutverbadj.

I. verb

Shut is used with these nouns as the subject:

door, eye, factory, gate, mouth, shop

Shut is used with these nouns as the object:

blind, boot, box, briefcase, curtain, door, drawer, ear, eye, factory, finger, gate, hatch, lid, mouth, shop, suitcase, window

II. adj.1 in a closed position2 (BrE) not open to the public1 in a closed positionVERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, lookbang, blow, clang, click, close, slam, slide, swingThe window blew shut.The doors closed shut behind me.The elevator door slid shut.remain, staybe clenched, be jammedHis jaw was clenched shut.clamp sthI clamped my mouth shut.be bolted, be glued, be nailed, be screwed, be sealed, be sewn, be weldedThe windows were sealed shut.bang sth, close sth, kick sth, pull sth, slam sth, slide sth, snap sthHe slammed the case shut.She snapped shut a file on her desk.be drawnThe curtains were drawn shut.leave sthI'll leave the window shut for now.keep sthThe gates are always kept shut.Afraid to ask seemingly stupid questions, I kept my mouth shut. (figurative)ADVERBfirmly, properly, tightlyThe door was firmly shut.PHRASESsqueeze your eyes shutShe squeezed her eyes shut to keep the tears from coming.

2 (BrE) not open to the publicSee also closedVERBS | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, lookThe bars all look shut to me.remainPREPOSITIONforThe park is now shut for the winter.

Shut is used with these nouns:

shut away from

shut away fromphr verb

Shut away from is used with these nouns as the object:

shut down

shut downphr verb

Shut down is used with these nouns as the subject:

computer, engine, factory

Shut down is used with these nouns as the object:

computer, engine, factory, reactor, work

shutdown

shutdownnoun

Shutdown is used after these nouns:

emergency, reactor

shut off

shut offphr verb

Shut off is used with these nouns as the subject:

Shut off is used with these nouns as the object:

engine, light

shut-off

shut-offadj.

Shut-off is used with these nouns:

shut out

shut outphr verb

Shut out is used with these nouns as the object:

daylight, world

shutter

shutternoun

noun1 cover for a window2 part of a camera1 cover for a windowADJECTIVE | VERB + shutter | shutter + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEclosed, openHe left the shutter open.metal, steel, woodensecurity (BrE), windowlouvred/louveredVERB + shutterhavefling open, fold back, open, throw back, throw openHe threw open the shutters to cool the room.close, pull down, put up (esp. BrE)The store had put up the shutters for the night.installshutter + VERBbe down, come downAll the shutters in the street were down.I could feel the shutters coming down in her mind. (figurative)PREPOSITIONbehind shutter a/theShe could be seen waiting for him behind half-closed shutters.through shutter a/theDaylight was filtering through the shutters when he woke up.

2 part of a cameraADJECTIVE | VERB + shutter | shutter + VERB | shutter + NOUNADJECTIVEcameraVERB + shutterclick, pressshutter + VERBclickYou could hear hundreds of camera shutters clicking.shutter + NOUNspeedYou will need a fast shutter speed to photograph racing.button, releaseto press the shutter release

shuttered

shutteredadj.

Shuttered is used with these nouns:

shuttle

shuttlenoun

noun1 plane/bus/train2 spacecraft1 plane/bus/trainADJECTIVE | VERB + shuttle | shuttle + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEairport, hotelVERB + shuttlecatch, fly on, get, takeshuttle + NOUNbus, flight, service, trainThe supermarket operates a complimentary shuttle service.diplomacy (= international talks carried out by sb who travels between two or more countries)PREPOSITIONon a/the shuttleWe'll fly up on the shuttle.shuttle betweenthe shuttle between Adrar and Oranshuttle from, shuttle toI took the shuttle from Washington to New York.

2 spacecraftADJECTIVE | VERB + shuttle | shuttle + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEspaceVERB + shuttlefly, launchshuttle + NOUNcraftcrewflight, missionlandingfleetcommander, pilotPREPOSITIONaboard the shuttle, on board the shuttle

shut up

shut upphr verb

Shut up is used with these nouns as the object:

shop

shy

shyverbadj.

I. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBviolentlyPREPOSITIONatHer horse shied violently at a gorse bush.

Shy is used with these nouns as the subject:

Shy is used with these nouns:

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, look, seem, soundPlease don't be shy—I won't eat you!become, get, growADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.desperately, excessively, painfully, terriblyAs a teenager I was painfully shy.allShe went all shy and hid behind her mother.almosta little, slightly, etc.naturallyHe is a naturally shy, retiring man.chronically (esp. BrE)PREPOSITIONaroundShe was terribly shy around strangers.ofI was a little shy of them at first.withYou don't have to be shy with me, you know.

grin, look, smile, teenager, type

shy away from

shy away fromphr verb

Shy away from is used with these nouns as the object:

controversy, spotlight

shyly

shylyadv.

Shyly is used with these verbs:

blush, reply, smile, wave

shyness

shynessnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + shyness | shyness + VERBADJECTIVEnaturalextreme, paralysing/paralyzinginitialVERB + shynessbe overcome with, haveHe was suddenly overcome with shyness.conceal (esp. BrE)conquer, forget, get over, lose, overcomeShe had to work very hard to overcome her shyness.She completely forgot her shyness in her fascination with what he was saying.cureshyness + VERBdisappear

Siamese

Siameseadj.

Siamese is used with these nouns:

Sibling is used before these nouns:

sibling

siblingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | sibling + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEelder, eldest, older, youngerThe younger children were badly treated by older siblings.adoptivefemale, malesibling + NOUNrivalryrelationshipAnna and Elena have a fairly typical sibling relationship.PREPOSITIONamong siblings, between siblingspoor relationships between siblings

rivalry

sick

sicknounadj.

I. noun the sickADJECTIVE | VERB + the sick | PHRASESADJECTIVEchronic, long-term (both esp. BrE)VERB + the sickvisitaid, care for, comfort, help, look after (esp. BrE), minister to, nurse, take care of, tendworkers who are caring for the sick and elderlytreatcure, healthe Church's mission to preach the gospel and heal the sickpray forPHRASESthe sick and woundedThe sick and wounded were evacuated from the war zone.

II. adj.1 not well2 (esp. BrE) wanting to vomit3 bored/disgusted/annoyed4 cruel/in bad taste1 not wellSee also illVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbe, lookbecome, fall (formal), get (esp. AmE)He fell sick with yellow fever.She was afraid she would get sick if she stayed in that place any longer.ADVERBchronically (esp. BrE), desperately, extremely, seriously, terribly, veryThe home has 20 chronically sick and disabled residents.a very sick woman in the next bedmentallyPREPOSITIONfromThe workers got sick from radiation exposure.withShe was sick with cancer.PHRASESbe off sickJohn's not in the office today. He's off sick.

2 (esp. BrE) wanting to vomitVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbe (BrE), feel, lookI was sick three times in the night.Dad, I feel sick!getI get sick if I sit in the back seat.make sbIf you eat all that chocolate it'll make you sick.ADVERBhorribly, very, violentlyHe leaned sideways and was violently sick.almostcontinuallyphysicallyEvery time I think about it I feel physically sick.PREPOSITIONwithLaura felt almost sick with embarrassment.PHRASESbe as sick as a dogsick to your stomach (AmE)I feel sick to my stomach just thinking about it.

3 bored/disgusted/annoyedVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbebecome, getI'm getting sick of all these delays.make sbHer attitude makes me sick.ADVERBheartily (esp. BrE), reallyHe was getting heartily sick of all the false sympathy.absolutely, thoroughlya bit, a little, pretty, ratherShe was getting a little sick of his moaning.PREPOSITIONofI'm getting sick of you leaving things in a mess.PHRASESsick and tired of sth, sick to the back teeth of sth (BrE), sick to death of sth(as) sick as a parrot (BrE)

4 cruel/in bad tasteVERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, seem, soundYou're really sick, you know that?ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.PHRASESsick in the headWhoever started the fire must be sick in the head.

Sick is used with these nouns:

bag, bay, day, father, feeling, freak, joke, leave, man, mind, mother, note, pay, people, person, relative, sense of humour

sickening

sickeningadj.

Sickening is used with these nouns:

crack, crash, feeling, jolt, lurch, sound, stench, thud

sickeningly

sickeninglyadv.

Sickeningly is used with these adjectives:

familiar, sweet

sickly

sicklyadj.adv.

I. adj.

Sickly is used with these nouns:

child, pallor, smell, sweetness, yellow

II. adv.

Sickly is used with these adjectives:

pale, sweet

sickness

sicknessnoun

noun1 state of being ill2 (esp. BrE) nausea3 particular type of illness1 state of being illADJECTIVE | VERB + sickness | sickness + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEchroniclong, long-term (esp. BrE)The policy includes long-term sickness cover.VERB + sicknessfeignI tricked my father by feigning sickness.sickness + NOUNabsence (BrE)benefit (BrE)cover, insurance (esp. BrE)levels, ratesStaff sickness rates are at record levels.PREPOSITIONdue to sickness, owing to sickness, through sicknessThe Personnel Department keeps a record of employees absent through sickness.

2 (esp. BrE) nauseaVERB + sickness | sickness + VERB | PHRASESVERB + sicknesssuffer, suffer fromsickness + VERBriseThe sickness rose inside him.PHRASESa feeling of sicknessSeveral workers complained of feelings of sickness and headaches.

3 particular type of illnessADJECTIVE | VERB + sicknessADJECTIVEacute, chronic, severeair, car, motion, sea (usually seasickness), travel (usually travel-sickness) (BrE)altitude, mountaindecompression, radiation, sleepingmorningVERB + sicknesscause, induceThis activity may induce motion sickness.experience, getpreventcure, treat

side

sidenoun

noun1 flat surface of sth thin2 either of the two parts of a place/object3 right/left part of your body4 aspect/quality of sb/sth5 in a war, argument, etc.6 (BrE) team1 flat surface of sth thinADJECTIVEADJECTIVEflip, reverseThe reverse side of the coin has a picture of a flower.

2 either of the two parts of a place/objectADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfar, opposite, otherAt the other side of the room, a group of people were clustered around the fire.nearright, wrongA car was coming in their direction on the wrong side of the road.left-hand, right-handthe left-hand side of the pageeast, west, etc.leeward, seaward, windwardthe sunny, leeward side of the islandport (= left side of a boat), starboardThe ship was damaged on her starboard side.driver's, passengerShe got in the passenger side of the car.PREPOSITIONside ofthe side of the roadat one side, at the sideSome people were standing at one side of the room.down one side, down the sideA long bench runs down one side of the room.from side to sideShe shook her head from side to side.The cat sat with its tail twitching from side to side.on the sidea factory on the west side of townon one side, to one side (= not in the middle)He stood with his head cocked to one side.She put her head to one side as she talked.PHRASESsunny side up (AmE)I'd like my eggs sunny side up.

3 right/left part of your bodyADJECTIVE | side + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEleft, left-hand, right, right-handthe right-hand side of the brainside + VERBache (often figurative), hurtI laughed until my sides ached.PREPOSITIONdown your sideHe felt a pain down his left side.in the/your sideI've a pain in my side.on your sideI always sleep on my side because I'm not comfortable on my back.Helen lay on her side in the bed, her face to the wall.onto your sideEmily turned onto her side and yawned.PHRASESat sb's sideHe rushed to be at her side.side by sideThe two sat side by side on the bench.a pain in your sideI felt a sharp pain in my side.a thorn in the side (figurative)The trade deficit is a thorn in the side of the US economy.

4 aspect/quality of sb/sthADJECTIVE | VERB + side | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbright, plus, positive, sunny (esp. AmE)When things go badly, try to look on the bright side. (BrE)Look at the bright side—you can spend more time at home. (AmE)dark, negative, seamy, seedy, uglyThis murder highlights the seamy side of Hollywood.The scandal has shown us the ugly side of politics.flip (esp. AmE)The flip side of nationalism is racism.caring, creative, feminineShe likes men who do not hide their feminine side.lighterBob is hoping to show off his lighter side.business, commercial, financial, management, marketingI had nothing to do with the financial side of the company.demand, supply (both business)What can we do on the supply side to make this market more competitive?VERB + sidehaveHe's usually very kind, but he has his less positive side too.showhideseeHe had never seen this side of her before.PREPOSITIONside toThere are two sides to every story.There are several sides to most problemsPHRASESsb's side of the storyThe book gave him the opportunity to give his side of the story.The book gave him the opportunity to put his side of the story. (BrE)see the funny side (of sth) (esp. BrE)Fortunately, Julie saw the funny side when I spilled coffee on her.

5 in a war, argument, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + side | side + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEopposinglosing, winningDemocratic, RepublicanVERB + sidechooseWar forces people to choose sides.switchHe switched sides and joined the opposition.side + VERBaccuse sbEach side accused the other of firing first.argue sthLet both sides argue their case.Both sides argued for increased literacy.want sthagree, disagreePREPOSITIONon sideHe was on the losing side.PHRASESon both sidesThere were casualties on both sides of the conflict.

6 (BrE) teamADJECTIVE | VERB + side | side + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEgood, strongfull-strengthFrance fielded a full-strength side.losing, winningaway, homeThe home side scored in the opening ten minutes.League, Test (in cricket)VERB + sidecaptain, skipper (informal)lead, steerHe steered his side to victory.beat, bowl, bowl out, dismiss (all often passive)The away side were dismissed for 192.fieldSussex are likely to field a strong side.side + VERBwin (sth)playbattle, clashdominate (sth)struggleBoth sides struggled to find any sort of form.scoreequalize, levelconcedeHis side conceded two goals in their last match.PHRASESlet the side down (figurative)I felt I was letting the side down by not going to the wedding.put your side ahead, put your side in frontLampard scored a goal to put his side ahead.

side by side

side by sideadv.

Side by side is used with these verbs:

place, sit

side effect

side effectnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + side effect | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcommonpossible, potentialadverse, bad, dangerous, debilitating, deleterious (esp. AmE), harmful, nasty, negative, toxic, undesirable, unexpected, unfortunate, unpleasant, unwanteddeadly, fatalmajor, serious, severe, significantmild, minimal, minorbeneficial, positivelong-termphysicaldrugknown, reportedThis drug has no known side effects.VERB + side effectcause, have, produceThe treatment has some unfortunate side effects.developexperience, sufferminimize, reducePREPOSITIONside effect fromThe patient suffered severe side effects from the drug.side effect ofThe drug has the beneficial side effect of lowering the patient's blood pressure.side effect onThe medication can have adverse side effects on the patient.

sideline

sidelinenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + sideline | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElittle, lucrative, nice, profitable, useful (all esp. BrE)He decided to turn his hobby into a lucrative sideline.He had found himself a nice little sideline painting windows.VERB + sidelinehavedevelopPREPOSITIONsideline forCider-making was a sideline for many farmers.sideline inShe is developing a nice little sideline in babysitting for friends.sideline toThe restaurant started out as a sideline to his main business.

II. verb

Sideline is used with these nouns as the subject:

sidelong

sidelongadj.

Sidelong is used with these nouns:

glance

side-saddle

side-saddleadv.

Side-saddle is used with these verbs:

side-splittingly

side-splittinglyadv.

Side-splittingly is used with these adjectives:

sidestep

sidestepverb

Sidestep is used with these nouns as the object:

side-to-side

side-to-sideadj.

Side-to-side is used with these nouns:

motion

side-view

side-viewadj.

Side-view is used with these nouns:

mirror

sidewalk

sidewalknoun

noun (AmE)See also pavementADJECTIVE | VERB + sidewalk | sidewalk + VERB | sidewalk + NOUNADJECTIVEcity, publicbusy, crowdeddeserted, emptyA handful of pedestrians walked down empty sidewalks.narrow, widecracked, unevenThe cracked and uneven sidewalks are lined with vendors.brick, cement, concrete, woodenicy, snow-covered, wetVERB + sidewalklineElm trees lined the sidewalks.litterNewspapers and broken glass litter the sidewalk.sweepthe hard-working neighbors who sweep the sidewalks in front of their housesblockcoverSnow covered the sidewalk.shovelIn the winter he worked shoveling sidewalks.sit on, stand on, step ontowalk, walk along, walk down, walk upAs she walked the sidewalks of the campus, Jillie thought about Leo.sidewalk + VERBlead (to sth)the sidewalk leading to her housesidewalk + NOUNcafetableThey relaxed over wine at a sidewalk table.vendorchalk

sideways

sidewaysadj.adv.

I. adj.

Sideways is used with these nouns:

glance, look, move, movement, swipe

II. adv.

Sideways is used with these verbs:

jerk, lean, lurch, shuffle, sit, slide, tilt, twist

sidings

sidingsnoun

Sidings is used after these nouns:

railway

siege

siegenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + siege | siege + VERB | siege + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElengthy, long, prolonged (esp. BrE)four-day, ten-hour, etc.armed, gun, police (esp. BrE)economic, militaryUnder military and economic siege, entire economic sectors have collapsed.VERB + siegelayAn angry mob laid siege to City Hall.The English forces laid siege to the city of Tournai.breakend, lift, raise, relieve (= arrive to help the people in a siege)The opposition pledged to lift a siege of government buildings.The royal forces marched south to lift the siege of Donnington Castle.withstandThis fortress could withstand a siege for years if necessary.survivesiege + VERBlastThe siege lasted two years.begin, endThe seven-hour armed siege at the school ended peacefully.siege + NOUNwarfareengine, tower, weaponmentality (figurative)His views are typical of the siege mentality of this administration.PREPOSITIONat a/the siegesoldiers wounded at the siege of Charlestonduring a/the siegeunder siegeAt the very end of the war, the city again came under siege.siege ofPHRASESa state of siegeThe police placed the city under a virtual state of siege.

siesta

siestanoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + siesta | siesta + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElittle, shortafternoon, middayVERB + siestahave, takeLots of people were taking a short siesta in the shade.siesta + NOUNtimePREPOSITIONfor a siestaI went upstairs for my afternoon siesta.

sieve

sievenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + sieve | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfine, largeVERB + sievestrain sth throughpass sth through, press sth through, push sth throughplace sth inPREPOSITIONin a/the sieveWash the rice in a sieve under cold running water.through a/the sieveStrain the cream through a fine sieve into the egg mixture.

II. verb

Sieve is used with these nouns as the object:

Sift is used with these nouns as the object:

sift

siftverb

verb examine sth very carefullyADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBcarefullyoutThey will try to sift out the winners and the losers.PREPOSITIONforHe's mentally sifting for truths.throughThey spent days carefully sifting through the evidence.PHRASESspend hours sifting through sth, spend time sifting through sthI spent hours sifting through those heavy art books.

sift through

sift throughphr verb

Sift through is used with these nouns as the object:

debris, note, résumé, rubble, wreckage

sigh

sighnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + sigh | sigh + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, deep, great, heavy, hugelittle, slight, small, softloud, quietaudible, silentThere was an audible sigh of relief when the news came through that nobody was hurt.inwardNancy heaved an inward sigh but did as her son suggested.exaggeratedlongexhausted, long-suffering, wearydefeated, resignedwistfulHis departure prompted a few wistful sighs and the odd tear from admirers.annoyed, exasperated, frustrated, irritated (esp. AmE)relievedcontented, satisfiedcollectiveThe crowd breathed a collective sigh of relief.VERB + sighbreathe, give, heave, let out, releaseI breathed a sigh of relief.hold back, repress, stifle, suppresshearsigh + VERBescape sbA weary sigh escaped him.comeA heavy sigh came from her mother.PREPOSITIONon a sighShe let out her breath on a sigh.with a sigh‘I suppose we'd better get back to work!’ he said with a heavy sigh.sigh ofShe gave a deep sigh of contentment.PHRASESa sigh of relief

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBdeeply, heavilyShe sighed heavily and sat down.softlyaudibly, loudlyinwardlya littlecontentedly, happilyShe looked at her son and sighed happily.dreamilyThe girl watching him sighed dreamily.dejectedly, sadly, wistfullyresignedlywearilyHe sighed wearily as he looked at the pile of work.angrily, exasperatedly, impatientlyPREPOSITIONinHe sighed in exasperation.withWe sighed with relief when the noise stopped.

sight

sightnounverb

I. noun1 ability to see2 act/moment of seeing sth3 position where sth can be seen4 sth that you see5 sights places of interest6 on gun/telescope7 sights your aim, attention, etc.1 ability to seeSee also eyesightVERB + sight | sight + VERB | sight + NOUN | PHRASESVERB + sighthaveShe has very little sight in her left eye.loseHe's lost the sight of one eye.regainsaveThe surgeons battled to save her sight.restoresight + VERBdeteriorate, fail, go (all esp. BrE)I think my sight is beginning to go.returnHis sight returned by degrees.sight + NOUNtest (BrE)defects (BrE), problemsloss (BrE)This disease is the main cause of sight loss among those aged 50 and over.PHRASESthe/your sense of sight

2 act/moment of seeing sthVERB + sight | sight + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + sightcatch, get, haveShe suddenly caught sight of the look on her mother's face.We will soon get our first sight of the Statue of Liberty.keepShe kept sight of him in her mirror.losesight + NOUNgagThe movie is filled with dozens of funny sight gags.PREPOSITIONat the sight (of)Her knees went weak at the sight of him.on sightSoldiers have been ordered to shoot looters on sight (= as soon as they see them).PHRASESat first sightHe looked at first sight like a tourist.It was love at first sight.cannot bear the sight of sth, cannot stand the sight of sth (= hate seeing sb/sth)I can't stand the sight of blood.a clear sight of sth (esp. BrE)He didn't shoot until he had a clear sight of the goal.know sb by sight (= to recognize sb without knowing them well)the mere sight of sb/sth, the very sight of sb/sthThe mere sight of her sitting there made his heart beat faster.sick of the sight of sb/sth (esp. BrE)We've shared an office for too long and we're sick of the sight of each other.sight unseenI bought it, sight unseen (= without seeing it).

3 position where sth can be seenVERB + sight | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERB + sightcome intoThen the towers of the castle came into sight.disappear from, vanish fromShe watched until the car disappeared from sight.block, block outhide (sth) from, remove sth fromI hid the papers from sight.PREPOSITIONin sightKeep their car in sight for as long as you can.The end is in sight (= will happen soon). (figurative)out of sightHe kept out of sight behind a pillar.You'd better stay out of sight until they go.within sight ofHer staff of 30 work in an industrial loft within sight of Logan Airport.PHRASESin full sight of sbHe tried to break into a car in full sight of a policeman.in plain sightThey waited until the enemy was in plain sight.be nowhere in sightHer father was nowhere in sight.come in sight of sb/sthAt last we came in sight of a few houses.no end in sightThe violence continues with no end in sight.not leave sb's sightHe won't let the children leave his sight.sb's line of sightShe was now standing just out of his line of sight.not let sb/sth out of your sightWhatever you do, don't let them out of your sight!

4 sth that you seeADJECTIVE | VERB + sight | sight + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEcommon, familiar, regular (esp. BrE)Tom was a pretty familiar sight around the casino.bizarre, odd, rare, strange, unexpected, unfamiliar, unlikely (esp. BrE), unusualamazing, awe-inspiring, awesome, beautiful, breathtaking, extraordinary, fine, impressive, inspiring, magnificent, spectacular, splendid (esp. BrE), unforgettable, wonderfuldepressing, pathetic, pitiful, sad, sorry, unedifying (BrE)He really did look a sorry sight, with his clothes covered in mud.disturbingghastly, gruesome, horrible, horrific, horrifying, terrible, terrifyingwelcomeDan's face was a welcome sight.VERB + sightbehold, see, witnessThis is a sight not often seen on concert stages in this country.I witnessed the awful sight of children drinking dirty water from puddles.look (BrE, informal)You look a sight in that hat!enjoyWho does not enjoy the sight and sounds of birds in the country?sight + VERBgreetAn appalling sight greeted her.PHRASESbe quite a sightThe military parade was quite a sight.be spared the sight of sthThankfully, we were spared the sight of his naked body.not a pretty sightI'm not a pretty sight when I get out of bed in the morning.sights and soundsThe sights and sounds of the city distracted her from her work.

5 sights places of interestADJECTIVE | VERB + SIGHTSADJECTIVEfamous, historicVERB + SIGHTSsee, take in, visitLet's get out of the hotel and see the sights.

6 on gun/telescopeADJECTIVE | VERB + sight | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgun (usually gunsight)adjustable, fixedoptical, telescopicnight, thermal, thermal-imaginglaserfront, rearVERB + sightadjust, alignto align the sights on the targetPREPOSITIONin your sightHe fixed the deer in his sights and pulled the trigger.

7 sights your aim, attention, etc.VERB + SIGHTS | PHRASESVERB + SIGHTShave sb/sth in, have sb/sth withinRossi has the defending champion in her sights in tomorrow's race.fix, train, turnShe turned her sights on Florida's adoption laws.lower, raiseAfter failing to get into college, he lowered his sights and got a job in a bar.PHRASEShave your sights set on sth, set your sights on sthShe has her sights set on becoming a writer.set your sights high, set your sights lowHe says he wants to win the trophy, but I think he's setting his sights too high.

II. verb

Sight is used with these nouns as the object:

sighting

sightingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + sighting | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEconfirmed, unconfirmedpossiblereportedrarecelebrity (AmE), UFOVERB + sightinghaveWe now have three confirmed sightings of an enemy plane.reportfollow up (esp. BrE), investigateThe police are now following up a reported sighting of the man's car.PREPOSITIONsighting of

sightless

sightlessadj.

Sightless is used with these nouns:

Sign is used with these nouns as the subject:

sightseeing

sightseeingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF SIGHTSEEING | VERB + sightseeing | sightseeing + NOUNADJECTIVEa little… OF SIGHTSEEINGdaythree days of sightseeing in BeijingVERB + sightseeingdo, goWe did some sightseeing in the morning.It's too hot to go sightseeing.sightseeing + NOUNtour, trip

sign

signnounverb

I. noun1 sth that shows that sth exists/may happen2 board, etc. giving information/a warning3 movement with a particular meaning4 mark/symbol with a particular meaning5 star sign1 sth that shows that sth exists/may happenADJECTIVE | VERB + sign | sign + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEclassic, clear, definite, distinct, obvious, real, sure, telltale, unmistakableHe displayed the classic signs of post-traumatic stress disorder.the telltale signs of drug abusetellingThe lack of interest in the media is a telling sign of the industry's health.subtleI detected the subtle signs of disapproval.external, outward, visibleAll the outward signs of growth in the market are there.tangibleearly, firstStrong dislikes of foods are early signs of pregnancy.increasingencouraging, good, healthy, hopeful, positive, promising, welcomeHe was silent. It was a good sign.bad, disturbing, troubling (esp. AmE)danger, ominous, warningThe warning signs were present from the start.Are appliances you buy safe? We point out the danger signs.vitalShe checked his vital signs and found that his pulse was slow.VERB + signbear, haveThe murder had all the signs of a crime of passion.betray, display, exhibit, give, showHis face betrayed no sign of emotion.By now the fish was showing signs of distress.point to sthEarly signs point to business improving.detect, find, notice, see, spotWe detected signs that they were less than enthusiastic about their honeymoon.missignoreHe ignored the warning signs of mounting health problems.interpret (sth as), read, recognize, see sth aslook for, watch forLook carefully for signs of damp.sign + VERBappear, comeThe first signs of spring appeared.indicate sth, point to sthAll the signs pointed to it being more than just a coincidence.PREPOSITIONat a/the signHe disappeared at the first sign of trouble.sign fromThe people regarded the earthquake as a sign from God.sign ofThis move will be seen as a sign of weakness.There's no sign of the snow stopping.PHRASESsign of lifeThere was no sign of life in the house (= there seemed to be nobody there).a sign of the timesIt's a real sign of the times: thirty small businesses face financial ruin this month.a sign of things to comeI hope this incident isn't a sign of things to come.not the least sign (of sb/sth), not the slightest sign (of sb/sth)He spoke up without the slightest sign of nervousness.the signs and symptomsGet this test if you have signs and symptoms of diabetes.

2 board, etc. giving information/a warningADJECTIVE | VERB + sign | sign + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEflashing, illuminated (esp. BrE), neonpaintedfadedShe spotted a faded sign in the window of a small restaurant.hand-lettered (AmE), handwrittenhome-made (esp. AmE)cardboard, woodenexitpub (BrE), shop (esp. BrE), store (esp. AmE), streetlawn, yard (both AmE)I put out a lawn sign in my yard (= to show political support).direction (esp. BrE), highway (esp. AmE), motorway (in the UK), road, trafficwarningpicket (AmE)He gets $300 a week from the union for carrying a picket sign.VERB + signerect, hang, hang out, hang up, place, post (esp. AmE), put upSomeone had put up a ‘For Sale’ sign.carry, hold up, wave (all esp. AmE)The demonstrators shouted and waved signs.wear (usually figurative)He might as well have been wearing a sign saying ‘I am a tourist’.see, spotreadignoreHe yelled at us for ignoring the stop sign.followJust follow the signs for Bridgend.sign + VERBread sthThe sign read ‘No Fishing’.announce sth, proclaim sth, say sth, state sth, tell sb sthbear sthhundreds of signs bearing the single word ‘Peace’indicate sth, mark sthThis sign indicates that photography is allowed.pointThe sign pointed down a narrow road.advertise sthwarnsigns warning against trespasshangflashA neon sign flashed above the door.PREPOSITIONsign for, sign toFollow the road and you'll see signs for the turn-off.

3 movement with a particular meaningADJECTIVE | VERB + sign | sign + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVErudepeace, thumbs-up, V (usually V-sign)She made a peace sign while having her picture taken.VERB + signgive (sb), makeShe gave me a thumbs-up sign.communicate throughThey had to communicate through signs and grunts.sign + NOUNlanguage, systemWe used sign language to talk.PREPOSITIONsign forthe sign for ‘woman’ in sign languagePHRASESmake the sign of the crossThe priest made the sign of the cross over the dead body.

4 mark/symbol with a particular meaningADJECTIVE | VERB + sign | sign + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdollar, euro, pound, etc. (In the US, the pound sign refers to ‘\#’. In the UK, it refers to the currency sign ‘£’.)equals, minus, plus, etc.peacea T-shirt with a peace sign on itcallBravo Two Zero was the call sign of an eight-man SAS team.a pilot who goes by the call sign BlazeVERB + signdrawHe drew a huge dollar sign on the paper.useI used the Chinese sign for ‘father’ instead of ‘uncle’.sign + VERBmean sthWhat does this sign mean?PREPOSITIONsign forI can't remember the sign for ‘square root’.

5 star signADJECTIVE | VERB + sign | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbirth, starastrological, zodiacthe twelve astrological signsMars rules the zodiac sign of Aries.VERB + signbe born underPREPOSITIONsign ofpeople born under the sign of GeminiPHRASESthe signs of the Zodiac

II. verbADVERB | VERB + sign | PREPOSITIONADVERBdulyOne copy of this letter should be duly signed and returned to us.formally, officiallypersonallya first edition of the book, personally signed by the authoronlineupYou can sign up online for language classes.VERB + signbe required to, have to, need toThis is the contract you will be required to sign.ask sb to, persuade sb toagree torefuse towant tobe willing toPREPOSITIONforThe courier asked me to sign for the parcel.

country, president, witness

Sign is used with these nouns as the object:

accord, agreement, armistice, artist, autograph, bill, card, ceasefire, charter, cheque, confession, consent, constitution, contract, convention, copy, deal, declaration, decree, directive, document, extension, form, initial, lease, legislation, letter, manifesto, memo, memorandum, minute, name, note, oath, order, pact, paper, paperwork, petition, pitcher, player, pledge, proclamation, receipt, register, slip, treaty, truce, undertaking, warrant, will

signal

signalnounverb

I. noun1 sign/action/sound that sends a message2 set of lights for drivers3 series of radio waves, chemical messages, etc.1 sign/action/sound that sends a messageADJECTIVE | VERB + signal | signal + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEclear, unmistakableagreed, prearrangedconflicting, confusing, contradictory, mixedwrongLaughing when you should be crying sends out the wrong signals to people.alarm, danger, distress, warninghand, non-verbal, smoke, visualturn (AmE)busy (AmE) (engaged tone in BrE)All I get is a busy signal when I dial his number.buy, sell (both business)A strong buy signal was issued to traders.VERB + signalgive (sb), make, send, send outWhen I give the signal, run!interpret, readThe brain interprets the signals from the retina as light.interpret sth asThe remark was interpreted as a signal that their government was ready to return to the peace talks.pick up, respond toInterviewers quickly learn to pick up non-verbal signals.act asThe insect's yellow spots act as a warning signal to its predators.signal + VERBcome from sthTry to read the signals coming from the patient.indicate sththe signals that can indicate dangerPREPOSITIONat a signal, on a signalAt a prearranged signal, everyone started cheering.signal forShe made a signal for the car to stop.signal from, signal toWait for the signal from the leader of your group.

2 set of lights for driversADJECTIVE | VERB + signal | signal + VERB | signal + NOUNADJECTIVErailroad (AmE), railway (BrE), trafficVERB + signaloperatesignal + VERBbe on red/green, be red/greenThe traffic signals were on red.failsignal + NOUNbox (BrE)failure (BrE)

3 series of radio waves, chemical messages, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + signal | signal + VERB | signal + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfaint, weakstronghigh-frequency, low-frequencyinput, outputacoustic, analogue/analog, audio, chemical, digital, electrical, electronic, GPS, light, radar, radio, satellite, sonar, sound, television, TV, video, wirelessVERB + signalcarry, pass, relayThe nerves carry these signals to the brain.amplify, boostconvert (sth into), scrambleThe signal is scrambled into code before it is sent.decode, encodeemit, generate, produce, send, transmitdetect, pick up, receive, respond toThis equipment can detect very low-frequency signals.block, jamIt is possible to jam GPS signals in battle.signal + VERBtravelThe digital signal travels down wires to the server.A light signal can travel well over 16 km before it halves in intensity.fadesignal + NOUNintensity, strengthPREPOSITIONsignal froma faint signal from the satellitesignal to

II. verb1 move your arms to give a signal2 show/mark sth1 move your arms to give a signalADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBfranticallyI saw her signal frantically to us.PREPOSITIONforHe raised his hand to signal for the waiter.toShe tried to signal to the bus driver to stop.

2 show/mark sthADVERB | VERB + signalADVERBclearlyThese changes clearly signal the end of the welfare state as we know it.effectively (esp. BrE)A change of mind effectively signals a change in overall policy.not necessarilyA fall in demand does not necessarily signal the death of the industry.VERB + signalappear to, seem toThese events appeared to signal the end of an era.try tobe intended to, be meant toThis address was meant to signal a change in policy.

Signal is used with these nouns as the subject:

Signal is used with these nouns as the object:

approach, arrival, beginning, dawn, desire, determination, emergence, end, move, onset, readiness, return, shift, start, turn, turning point, willingness

signal to

signal tophr verb

Signal to is used with these nouns as the object:

waiter, waitress

signatory

signatorynoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF SIGNATORIES | VERB + signatory | signatory + VERB | signatory + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfirst, originalauthorized (BrE)The document must be signed by an authorized signatory of the company.… OF SIGNATORIESlistThe public letter and list of signatories can be read here.VERB + signatoryrequireThe Convention requires signatories to punish genocide when it occurs.signatory + VERBagree sthSignatories agreed to support the nuclear test ban.includeThe signatories included Spain, Italy and Portugal.signatory + NOUNcountry, nation, statePREPOSITIONsignatory of, signatory tothe signatories to the treaty

signature

signaturenoun

noun1 written name2 quality that makes sth different1 written nameADJECTIVE | VERB + signatureADJECTIVEillegiblehandwrittenvalidforgeddigital, electronicThe law recognizes a digital signature for online transactions.VERB + signatureput, scrawl, scribble, writeWe both refused to put our signatures to the agreement.add, affix, appendwitnessYour signature must be witnessed by two people.recognizecheck, verify (esp. AmE)The salesperson verifies the signature by comparing it with the one on the card.collect, garner, gather, get, obtainThey collected over 1 000 signatures for the petition.bear, carryThe will bears her signature.forgerequireThe form requires the signatures of two witnesses.

2 quality that makes sth differentADJECTIVE | VERB + signature | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcharacteristic, distinctive, telltale, uniqueEach material has its own unique chemical signature.chemical, genetic, etc.VERB + signaturedetectbearEach song bears the signature of its performer.Every stroke of Picasso's brush bears his signature.leavePREPOSITIONsignature ofthe genetic signatures of natural selection

sign away

sign awayphr verb

Sign away is used with these nouns as the object:

right

signed

signedadj.

Signed is used with these nouns:

agreement, confession, consent, copy, document, photo, photograph, statement

sign for

sign forphr verb

Sign for is used with these nouns as the object:

package, team

significance

significancenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + significance | significance + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsiderable, cosmic, deep, enormous, great, historic, immense, major, profound, realbroader, full, general, universal, widerThe scientists are cautious about the wider significance of their findings.limited, minor (esp. BrE)particular, specialpotentialreal, trueThey failed to appreciate the true significance of these discoveries.functional, practical, statistical, strategic, symbolic, theoreticalcultural, economic, historical, moral, political, religious, social, spiritualVERB + significancehaveThe ceremony has great symbolic significance.acquire, assume, gain, take onSuddenly the relationship took on a new significance.attachLet us not attach too much significance to these meetings.assess, determineappreciate, be aware of, grasp, recognize, understandexaggeratedownplay (esp. AmE), minimize, play down (esp. BrE), underestimatesignificance + VERBlie in sthThe significance of this lies in the fact that he had previously denied all knowledge of the fund.attach to sthDoes any significance attach to the use of the technical terms?PREPOSITIONsignificance for, significance toa meal that has particular significance for a Jewish familyof significancea policy of special significance to womenPHRASESbe of little, no, etc. significance

significant

significantadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, provebecomeremainconsider sth (as), deem sth, find sth, regard sth as, see sth as, think sth, view sth asThe move was regarded as significant in Japan.make sthWhat makes this discovery significant is that it goes against our theory.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.deeply, highlyespecially, particularlypotentiallyequallyHis records are impressive, but equally significant are the methods that he used to achieve them.statisticallyThese differences are not statistically significant.biologically, culturally, historically, militarily, politically, etc.PREPOSITIONforThis development proved highly significant for the whole town.torituals which are deeply significant to Christians

Significant is used with these nouns:

accomplishment, achievement, addition, adjustment, advance, advantage, alteration, amendment, amount, aspect, bearing, benefit, bias, boost, breakthrough, burden, cause, challenge, change, complication, component, concession, consequence, contribution, contributor, correlation, cut, damage, danger, date, decline, decrease, degree, delay, dent, departure, depletion, deterioration, development, difference, dimension, disability, disadvantage, disagreement, discount, discovery, discrepancy, disruption, distinction, distress, downturn, drawback, drop, economy, effect, element, erosion, event, evidence, exception, expansion, expenditure, expense, extension, factor, fall, feature, find, finding, force, fraction, funding, gain, gap, growth, hurdle, impact, implication, improvement, inaccuracy, increase, indicator, influence, innovation, input, insight, investment, landmark, lead, level, limitation, link, loss, majority, measure, milestone, minority, modification, move, number, obstacle, omission, parallel, part, percentage, portion, presence, problem, progress, proportion, quantity, recovery, redistribution, reduction, reform, relation, relationship, repercussion, resource, respect, restriction, result, rise, risk, role, saving, setback, share, shift, shortcoming, side effect, similarity, slice, stake, step, stride, sum, threat, trend, turning point, uncertainty, underestimate, variation, victory, weakness

significantly

significantlyadv.

Significantly is used with these adjectives:

better, different, inferior, negative, related, slow, worse

Significantly is used with these verbs:

accelerate, advance, affect, alleviate, alter, benefit, boost, change, complicate, compromise, contribute, correlate, curtail, cut, decline, decrease, delay, deteriorate, deviate, differ, dilute, disrupt, diverge, drop, enhance, erode, evolve, exceed, expand, extend, fall, figure, gain, grow, help, impair, impede, improve, increase, influence, inhibit, lessen, limit, modify, narrow, prolong, reduce, restrict, rise, shorten, shrink, slow, stimulate, strengthen, underestimate, undermine, upgrade, vary, weaken, widen, worsen

signify

signifyverb

Signify is used with these nouns as the subject:

Signify is used with these nouns as the object:

beginning, end

signing

signingnoun

Signing is used before these nouns:

sign on

sign onphr verb

Sign on is used with these nouns as the object:

dole

signpost

signpostverb

Signpost is used with these nouns as the object:

diversion

sign to

sign tophr verb

Sign to is used with these nouns as the object:

label

sign upphr verb

recruit

sign-up

sign-upnoun

Sign-up is used before these nouns:

class, course, team

sign with

sign withphr verb

Sign with is used with these nouns as the object:

label, team

Sikh

Sikhadj.

Sikh is used with these nouns:

faith

silence

silencenounverb

I. noun1 quietness2 not saying anything about sth1 quietnessADJECTIVE | … OF SILENCE | VERB + silence | silence + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElengthy, long, prolongedbrief, momentary, a moment's, shortThere was a moment's silence before she replied.deep, hushedawedWe sat and watched in awed silence as she performed.absolute, complete, dead, deadly, deathly, total, utterWe sat in complete silence, save for the ticking of the clock.A deathly silence hung over the town.relativeThe rest of the trip passed in relative silence.shocked, stunnedHer comments were met with a stunned silence.awkward, embarrassed, embarrassing, strained, uncomfortable, uneasyAn awkward silence followed.heavy, ominous, oppressive, tensebrooding, thoughtfulShe fell into long, brooding silences.stony, sulleneerie, unnervingcompanionableThey walked in companionable silence.expectant, pregnantsuddenradioThe soldier had broken radio silence to contact his aircraft.… OF SILENCEmomentVERB + silencemaintainShe maintained a stony silence.break, interrupt, penetrate, pierce, punctuate, shatterLewis finally broke the long silence between them.Celeste's voice penetrated the silence.a silence punctuated only by the occasional sniff from the childrenlapse into, relapse into, retreat into, subside into, trail off into (all used only about people)He lapsed into a sullen silence.stun sb intoThe boys were stunned into silence by this news.be met withHer question was met with an uneasy silence.observe (= as a sign of respect for the dead, etc.)A minute's silence for the victims will be observed.fillShe filled the silence with music.silence + VERBcome over sth, descend, fall, fall over sth, settle, settle over sthA sudden silence fell over the room.hang, prevail, reignSilence reigned.lingerA heavy silence lingered in the air.envelop sth, fill sthSilence filled the room.ensue, followdeepen, grow, lengthen, spread, stretchHe thought for a moment, the silence lengthening.greet sthA stunned silence greeted her announcement.PREPOSITIONin (the) silenceThey ate their breakfast in silence.PHRASEStwo minutes' silence, three minutes' silence (esp. BrE)They observed two minutes' silence to remember the war dead.Countries throughout Europe held a three minutes' silence.

2 not saying anything about sthADJECTIVE | VERB + silence | silence + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeafeningThe government's only response has been a deafening silence.dignified (esp. BrE)deliberateVERB + silencekeep, maintainHe has so far kept a dignified silence on the subject.take asI took her silence as a no.silence + VERBsurrounda debate to break the silence surrounding domestic violencePREPOSITIONsilence fromThere seems to have been a deliberate silence from the newspapers.PHRASESa conspiracy of silence, a wall of silenceThere is a conspiracy of silence about what is happening (= nobody is willing to talk about it).a vow of silenceShe has broken her vow of silence on the issue.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + silence | PREPOSITIONADVERBcompletelyeffectivelyCriticism has now been effectively silenced.immediately, quicklyabruptly, instantlyHer scream was abruptly silenced.momentarily, temporarilyforeverA shot to the head silenced him forever.VERB + silencetry tomanage tofail toEven these improvements to the service failed to silence a grumbling chorus of complaints.PREPOSITIONwithShe silenced him with a glare.

Silence is used with these nouns as the object:

critic, criticism, dissent, gun, rumour, sceptic, voice

silenced

silencedadj.

Silenced is used with these nouns:

pistol

silent

silentadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, seembecome, fall, go, growThe crowd fell silent as she began to speak.The room grew silent as the men entered.keep, lie, remain, sit, stand, stayI could not keep silent any longer.The street lay silent and deserted.She sat silent throughout the meal.ADVERBabsolutely, completely, dead (informal, esp. AmE), entirely, perfectly, totally, utterlyalmost, nearly (esp. AmE), virtuallyThe new bus is virtually silent.largely, mostlyan issue about which the researchers are largely silentnotably, remarkablycuriously, uncharacteristically, unusuallydeadly, eerily, oddly, strangely, unnaturallyThe street was strangely silent.ominouslyThis is a subject about which the official documents are ominously silent.resolutely, stubbornlyLen remained obstinately silent.PREPOSITIONaboutThey had kept remarkably silent about their intentions.onThe report was silent on that subject.

Silent is used with these nouns:

auction, cinema, contemplation, epidemic, era, farewell, film, foot, fury, killer, laughter, letter, majority, meditation, menace, movie, partner, pause, prayer, rebuke, retreat, room, sigh, sob, spectator, tear, tribute, type, vigil, whistle, witness

silently

silentlyadv.

Silently is used with these verbs:

beg, close, creep, cry, curse, drift, eat, enter, file, follow, fume, grieve, groan, hand, laugh, listen, marvel, murmur, mutter, nod, pad, plead, ponder, pray, read, scold, scream, seethe, shake, sip, sit, slide, slither, sob, squirm, stand, stare, step, swear, urge, vow, wait, watch, weep

silhouette

silhouettenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + silhouette | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEblack, dark, starkghostly, shadowyShe focused on a shadowy silhouette in the haze.VERB + silhouetteseePREPOSITIONin silhouetteHe drew the city in silhouette.silhouette againstI could see its black silhouette against the evening sky.

silhouetted

silhouettedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, standA dark shape stood silhouetted against the bright morning sky.ADVERBclearly, sharply, starklyHe woke to see their two heads clearly silhouetted against his window.PREPOSITIONagainst

silicon

siliconnoun

Silicon is used before these nouns:

chip

silk

silknoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + silk | silk + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEheavydelicate, fine, thinsoftpureartificialricha drawing room decorated in rich blue and purple silksfadedwateredrawChinese, Thai, etc.VERB + silkwearproducefine silks produced in Italyspin, weavebe lined with, be trimmed withsilk + NOUNindustry, millmerchantmothPREPOSITIONin silk (= wearing clothes made of silk)ladies in silks and satinsof silkan evening dress of pure white silk

silky

silkyadj.adv.

I. adj.

Silky is used with these nouns:

coat, dress, fur, hair, mane, material, texture, voice

II. adv.

Silky is used with these adjectives:

smooth

sill

sillnoun

Sill is used after these nouns:

silly

sillyadj.

Silly is used with these nouns:

argument, crush, fool, game, grin, hat, joke, notion, question, remark, season, thing, voice, walk

silt

siltnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF SILT | VERB + silt | silt + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfineThe water contains fine silt.… OF SILTdeposit, layerThe wreck was covered in a fine layer of silt.VERB + siltdepositDuring the annual floods the river deposits its silt on the fields.removebe covered in, be covered withsilt + NOUNdepositPREPOSITIONwith siltThe tunnel had been blocked with silt.

silver

silvernounadj.

I. noun1 metal2 (also the silver) objects made of silver3 (also silver medal) in sports1 metalADJECTIVE | VERB + silver | silver + NOUNADJECTIVEpure, solidsterlingpolisheda knife with a polished silver casingVERB + silverextract, mineSilver is extracted from ore.set sth ina gemstone set in silversilver + NOUNoremineplate (= metal covered with a thin layer of silver)The chain was available in silver plate for $12.50.gold and silver plate

2 (also the silver) objects made of silverADJECTIVE | VERB + silverADJECTIVEfamily (esp. BrE, often figurative)He was forced to sell the family silver to pay for the repairs to the house.They accused the government of selling off the family silver to pay for their policies.VERB + silverpolish

3 (also silver medal) in sportsADJECTIVE | VERB + silverADJECTIVECommonwealth, OlympicVERB + silverbe awarded, earn, get, land (BrE, informal), secure, take, winShe got a silver in the long jump.Her run was enough to secure silver for the team.He took the silver this year.snatchShe managed to snatch the silver from the defending champion.

II. adj.

Silver is used with these nouns:

anniversary, bell, buckle, bullet, chain, coin, cord, cross, cup, dish, earring, flask, foil, hair, knife, lighter, mane, medal, metal, moonlight, pin, polish, ring, sand, screen, spoon, tray, vase, watch, wire

silverware

silverwarenoun

Silverware is used before these nouns:

silvery

silveryadj.

Silvery is used with these nouns:

grey, hair, metal

similar

similaradj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, feel, look, sound, tasteappear, seembecomeremainADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.remarkably, strikinglyThe three portraits are remarkably similar.basically, broadly, essentially, fundamentally, roughly, vaguelycountries with broadly similar characteristicssuperficiallyTheir experiences are superficially similar.qualitatively, substantiallysurprisinglyeerily, uncannilyThe scene in the picture was eerily similar to what I had seen in my dream.PREPOSITIONinThe two houses are similar in size.toSnake meat tastes similar to chicken.

Similar is used with these nouns:

background, fashion, fate, frequency, kind, pattern, position, predicament, proportion, scenario, size, sort, way

similarity

similaritynoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF SIMILARITY | VERB + similarity | similarity + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEclose, considerable, great, remarkable, strongthe close similarity in our agesclear, marked, obviouseerie, striking, uncannysignificantcertainbasic, fundamentalapparent, perceived, superficialbroad, generalcultural, physical, structural… OF SIMILARITYdegreeVERB + similaritybear, haveThe area bears a superficial similarity to Tokyo.reveal, showfind, note, notice, see, spothighlight, point outrecognizeshareThese theories share certain similarities.explaina route across the Pacific which may explain the similarity between the two culturessimilarity + VERBexistendHere the similarity with Western politics ends.PREPOSITIONsimilarity betweensimilarity inthe striking similarity in their appearancesimilarity tothe chimpanzee's similarity to humanssimilarity withThe panel shows marked similarities with mosaics found elsewhere.PHRASESa point of similarityThere are several points of similarity between the two cases.

similarly

similarlyadv.

Similarly is used with these verbs:

impressive, large, shaped

behave, dress, price, respond, structure

simmer

simmerverb

verbADVERB | VERB + simmer | PREPOSITIONADVERBgently, slowlyAllow the soup to simmer gently for ten minutes.quietly (figurative)She was still quietly simmering from her argument with Nathan.VERB + simmerallow sth to, leave sth to, let sthTurn the heat down and let it simmer for thirty minutes.PREPOSITIONina mixture of vegetables simmered in yogurt

simmering

simmeringadj.

Simmering is used with these nouns:

discontent

simple

simpleadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSappear, be, look, prove, seem, soundremainkeep sth, make sthWhen creating your design, keep it simple.Is all this technology making our lives simpler?find sthI found the work fairly simple.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.Don't worry—it's all very simple.amazingly, breathtakingly (esp. BrE), incredibly, remarkablydevastatingly (esp. BrE)The logic of the plan was devastatingly simple.comparatively, relativelyapparently, seeminglyThis seemingly simple task ended up taking hours.deceptively, disarmingly, surprisinglya deceptively simple techniquebeautifully, elegantlyThe engine design is elegantly simple.brilliantly, wonderfully (both esp. BrE)It is a brilliantly simple idea.refreshinglyTheir approach is refreshingly simple and direct.

Simple is used with these nouns:

addition, affair, analogy, answer, arithmetic, assertion, calculation, carbohydrate, case, ceremony, choice, chore, classification, command, common sense, comparison, component, compound, concept, construction, conversation, correlation, cottage, courtesy, creature, curiosity, decency, demonstration, description, design, device, diagram, dish, distinction, division, dress, economics, elegance, enjoyment, equation, errand, example, exercise, experiment, explanation, expression, fact, fairness, faith, fare, fix, folk, food, form, formula, fracture, funeral, gesture, graphics, greed, guide, guideline, idea, illusion, illustration, indicator, instruction, interest, joy, kindness, language, life, logic, luxury, majority, map, maths, matter, maxim, meal, measure, mechanics, mechanism, melody, menu, message, method, mistake, misunderstanding, model, molecule, motif, narrative, notion, observation, organism, outline, philosophy, pleasure, plot, precaution, presentation, problem, procedure, proposition, prose, question, questionnaire, reason, recipe, reflection, remedy, reply, request, rule, search, sentence, shape, shrug, situation, sketch, slogan, solution, soul, spreadsheet, statement, strategy, structure, subject, sugar, suggestion, system, tale, task, taste, technique, test, thank you, thing, tip, tool, trick, truth, way, word, word processing, yes

simplicity

simplicitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + simplicity | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEelegantextreme, greatstarkThe stage design is striking in its stark simplicity.relativeapparentDon't be fooled by the music's apparent simplicity.deceptivechildlikeHer views of the world have a childlike simplicity.VERB + simplicityhavePREPOSITIONsimplicity ofI find elegance in the simplicity of approach.for simplicityFor simplicity, I shall continue to use the accepted term.PHRASESbe simplicity itself (= to be very simple)His solution to the problem was simplicity itself.for simplicity's sake, for the sake of simplicityFor the sake of simplicity, we will focus on the two most common cases.

simplification

simplificationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + simplification | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEconsiderable, gross, radicalfurtherVERB + simplificationmakePREPOSITIONsimplification inHe made a number of simplifications in the taxation system.

simplified

simplifiedadj.

Simplified is used with these nouns:

representation, version

simplify

simplifyverb

verbADVERB | VERB + simplify | PHRASESADVERBconsiderably, greatly, radically, vastlyThe whole process has now been greatly simplified.The model must radically simplify a complex and changing world.drastically, grosslyHe presents the theory in a grossly simplified form.slightlyoverlyThis analysis is overly simplified.VERB + simplifyattempt to, try tobe designed toThe changes are designed to simplify grant applications.PHRASEShighly simplifiedThis is a highly simplified view of the economy.

Simplify is used with these nouns as the object:

code, design, implementation, management, matter, model, problem, procedure, process, system

simplistic

simplisticadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSappear, be, look, seem, soundADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.The graphics are somewhat simplistic.grossly, highly, incredibly, overlya highly simplistic generalizationa little, slightly, etc.dangerouslyThis interpretation of the history is dangerously simplistic.

Simplistic is used with these nouns:

approach, idea, interpretation, notion, view

simply

simplyadv.

Simply is used with these adjectives:

absurd, afraid, amazing, astonishing, awesome, awful, beautiful, breathtaking, concerned, curious, delightful, descriptive, dreadful, extraordinary, false, furnished, gorgeous, ignorant, impossible, inaccurate, inadequate, incapable, incompatible, incorrect, incredible, insufficient, irrelevant, irresistible, lovely, ludicrous, magical, magnificent, marvellous, perfect, phenomenal, ridiculous, splendid, staggering, stunned, stunning, stupid, superb, terrible, unable, unacceptable, unavoidable, unbelievable, unforgettable, unfounded, unthinkable, wonderful, wrong

Simply is used with these verbs:

abandon, adore, answer, assert, call, check, confirm, consist, declare, decorate, define, deny, describe, disagree, disappear, discard, dislike, dismiss, dress, dump, duplicate, echo, enjoy, ensure, entail, equate, evade, explain, express, hand, highlight, ignore, illustrate, imagine, imply, impose, inform, lack, laugh, love, need, nod, observe, perpetuate, prefer, pretend, push, put, reflect, refuse, reinforce, relax, rely, remind, repeat, replace, reply, reproduce, request, respond, reverse, say, serve, shake, shift, shrug, sit, slot, smile, snap, stare, state, stick, switch, tick, transfer, underline, vanish, wander, want, waste, watch, wave, wipe, wish, wither

simulate

simulateverb

verbADVERB | VERB + simulateADVERBaccurately, closelyThe device simulates conditions in space very closely.VERB + simulatebe designed to, be used toModels are used to simulate the workings of a real-life system.try to

Simulate is used with these nouns as the object:

condition, effect, motion, orgasm

simulated

simulatedadj.

Simulated is used with these nouns:

simulation

simulationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + simulation | simulation + VERB | simulation + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcomputer, computerized, digital, real-time, virtual, virtual-realitylaboratoryhistoricalflight, trainingrealisticsophisticatedVERB + simulationcarry out, conduct, perform, runTo test the model under different conditions, it is necessary to run simulations on a computer.create, developHis team created a computer simulation of the earthquake.usesimulation + VERBindicate sth, show sthsimulation + NOUNmodelSimulation models are used to predict earthquake patterns.program, softwaretechniquesexercise (esp. BrE), experimentgamePREPOSITIONin a/the simulationthe basic steps in the simulationthrough simulationThe pilot's skills are tested through simulation.simulation ofa virtual-reality simulation of a moon landing

simulator

simulatornoun

Simulator is used after these nouns:

flight

simultaneous

simultaneousadj.

Simultaneous is used with these nouns:

equation, orgasm, translation, transmission

simultaneously

simultaneouslyadv.

Simultaneously is used with these verbs:

conduct, explode, maintain, occur, run, test, use

sin

sinnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + sin | sin + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcardinal, deadly, mortalegregious (esp. AmE), grave, great, grievous, heinousunforgivable, unpardonablevenialoriginalthe Christian doctrine of original sinpastWe have repented for past sins. Now it's time to move on.VERB + sincommitconfessThey had confessed their sins and done their penance.repentexpiateThey would have to expiate their sins through suffering.wash awayThe holy water washes away their sins.forgivepunishconsider sthIt's considered a sin to be disrespectful to your parents.Usury is considered a sin.sin + NOUNtax (esp. AmE)sin taxes on cigarettes and alcoholbin (BrE, sports)Both sides lost a player to the sin bin just before the interval.PREPOSITIONsin againsta sin against Godsin ofthe sin of pridePHRASESthe forgiveness of sin, the forgiveness of sinsWe believe in the forgiveness of sins.the seven deadly sinsIdleness, in her book, was possibly the deadliest of the seven deadly sins.a sin of commission (= doing sth you should not do), a sin of omission (= not doing sth you should do)the sins of the fathersOur sons will pay for the sins of their fathers.the sins of the flesh (= sexual acts that you should not do)Even politicians are not immune from the sins of the flesh.

sincere

sincereadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, look, seem, soundADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.deeplythe warm, deeply sincere note in her voiceabsolutely, completely, entirely, perfectly, quite, totally, utterlyapparently, seemingly (esp. AmE)enoughHer protests seemed sincere enough.mostWe offer our most sincere apologies.painfullypainfully sincere declarations of lovePREPOSITIONabouthis refusal to be sincere about his feelingsinHave they been sincere in their efforts to resolve the crisis?

Sincere is used with these nouns:

admiration, apology, appreciation, belief, condolences, congratulations, desire, effort, gratitude, hope, love, regret, repentance, thanks, wish

sincerely

sincerelyadv.

Sincerely is used with these adjectives:

apologetic, sorry

Sincerely is used with these verbs:

apologize, appreciate, believe, hope, regret, repent, say, thank, wish

sincerity

sinceritynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + sincerity | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcomplete, deep, great, total, utmostgenuine, heartfeltfake, false, mock‘Of course!’ I replied with mock sincerity.apparentHe spoke these words with apparent sincerity.obviousemotionala sense of emotional sincerity in each songVERB + sinceritydoubt, questionThere seems no reason to doubt the sincerity of his beliefs.There was no questioning his sincerity.be convinced ofShe wasn't yet convinced of his sincerity.demonstrate, prove, showPREPOSITIONwith sinceritysincerity inHe could hear the sincerity in her voice.PHRASESin all sincerity, with all sincerity (AmE)‘Really?’ he asked in all sincerity.lack of sincerityHis eyes betrayed his utter lack of sincerity.

sine die

sine dieadv.

Sine die is used with these verbs:

adjourn

sing

singverb

verbADVERB | VERB + sing | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBloud, loudly, lustilyThe birds sang louder than ever.gently, quietly, softlyHe was singing quietly to himself.beautifully, sweetly, wellbadlycheerfully, happily, joyfully, merrilyBirds sang cheerfully in the trees.a bit (esp. BrE), a littleShe could sing a little and agreed to take part in the show.liveHave you ever heard the band sing live?professionallytogetherWe played and sang together.VERB + singbe able to, canI can't sing very well.PREPOSITIONaboutboy bands singing about lovetoShall I sing to you?PHRASESbe sung to the tune of sthThe lyrics were sung to the tune of the Beatles' ‘Eleanor Rigby’.sing at the top of your lungs (AmE), sing at the top of your voice (BrE)sing like an angelsing out of tuneUnfortunately, he was singing out of tune.sing sb to sleepHer mother sang her to sleep.

Sing is used with these nouns as the subject:

bird, choir, cricket, kettle, musician, singer, tenor, voice, whale

Sing is used with these nouns as the object:

bar, blues, chant, chorus, hymn, lead, lyrics, measure, melody, music, note, opera, part, piece, refrain, rhyme, role, scale, snatch, solo, song, soprano, tenor, tune, word

singalong

singalongnoun

Singalong is used before these nouns:

chorus

sing along with

sing along withphr verb

Sing along with is used with these nouns as the object:

tune

singer

singernoun

nounADJECTIVE | singer + VERBADJECTIVEaccomplished (esp. BrE), fine, good, great, talented, wonderfulchart-topping (BrE), famous, popular, well-knownlegendaryaspiring, buddingan aspiring concert singersoulfula soulful jazz singeramateur, professionalbacking (esp. BrE), backup (AmE), leadan interview with the band's lead singerguestShe will perform with two guest singers.choral, soloblues, country, folk, jazz, opera, pop, etc.carolcabaret, lounge (esp. AmE), nightclub, pub (BrE)I was just a lounge singer in a Key West bar.wedding (AmE)Our wedding singers are the best in Las Vegas.torch (esp. AmE)She worked as a torch singer, singing blues ballads in a nightclub.singer + VERBbelt sth out, sing (sth)A local singer belted out the national anthem.perform sthSingers took turns to perform songs they had written.sound, sound likea singer who sounds like Rufus Wainwright

singing

singingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + singing | singing + NOUNADJECTIVEbeautiful, fine, good, greatcarol, choralcommunal (esp. BrE), community (BrE), congregational, devotional (esp. AmE)solo, unaccompanied (esp. BrE)backup (AmE)VERB + singingleadThe minister led the singing.accompanyHer brother accompanied her singing on the piano.be good atI'm not that good at singing.singing + NOUNcareerlessonteachervoiceHe has a lovely singing voice.

single

singlenounadj.

I. noun1 CD, tape, etc.2 singles in tennis3 (BrE) ticket1 CD, tape, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + single | single + VERB | SINGLES + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEbest-selling, hit, smashnumber-one, top-tendebut, firstlead, lead-off (AmE)‘Breathe’ is the lead-off single from the album.breakthroughFollowing the success of their breakthrough single, a follow-up is planned.comeback (esp. BrE)the classic comeback single from Take Thatcurrent, latest, newdance, popcatchy (informal)Her catchy first single was a hit.VERB + singleplayThe radio stations play her new single several times a day.recordThe band has yet to record a hit single.produceput out, release (sth as)They put out a single in time for Christmas.The band later released this album track as a single.feature, includeHer new album features her single ‘Georgia Rain’.single + VERBcome outSINGLES + NOUNsingles chartnumber one in the singles chartsingles collection, singles compilationa 19-track singles collectionPHRASESsingle byIt was voted the best single by a solo artist.single fromthe new single from the band

2 singles in tennisADJECTIVE | VERB + SINGLES | SINGLES + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEjunior, men's, women'sVERB + SINGLESplayI prefer playing singles to doubles.winShe won the junior singles.SINGLES + NOUNchampionship, final, match, tournamentchampion, playertitlePHRASESin the singleShe decided not to play in the singles.

3 (BrE) ticketVERB + single | PREPOSITIONVERB + singlebuy, getI got a single to Birmingham.PREPOSITIONsingle toA single to Stratford, please.

II. adj.

Single is used with these nouns:

adult, bed, bedroom, bloom, blow, brandy, bulb, bullet, burst, carriageway, category, click, combat, copy, cream, crystal, currency, digit, document, dose, drop, duvet, dwelling, entity, exception, factor, fare, father, figure, focus, friend, garage, girl, individual, instant, item, layer, man, market, mattress, molecule, mother, mum, paragraph, parent, parenthood, payment, people, person, quote, room, row, second, sentence, sheet, shred, soul, source, strand, sweep, syllable, tear, ticket, track, unit, volume, whisky, whole, woman, year

single-action

single-actionadj.

Single-action is used with these nouns:

pistol, revolver

single-breasted

single-breastedadj.

Single-breasted is used with these nouns:

coat, jacket, suit

single-engined

single-enginedadj.

Single-engined is used with these nouns:

single-handed

single-handedadv.

Single-handed is used with these verbs:

single-handedly

single-handedlyadv.

Single-handedly is used with these adjectives:

responsible

Single-handedly is used with these verbs:

destroy, invent, save

single malt

single maltnoun

Single malt is used before these nouns:

single-minded

single-mindedadj.

Single-minded is used with these nouns:

dedication, determination, devotion, focus, pursuit

single-parent

single-parentadj.

Single-parent is used with these nouns:

family, home, household

single-person

single-personadj.

Single-person is used with these nouns:

household

single-room

single-roomadj.

Single-room is used with these nouns:

supplement

single-sex

single-sexadj.

Single-sex is used with these nouns:

education, school

single-shot

single-shotadj.

Single-shot is used with these nouns:

rifle

single-spaced

single-spacedadj.

Single-spaced is used with these nouns:

single-storey

single-storeyadj.

Single-storey/single-story is used with these nouns:

building, house

single-storeyed

single-storeyedadj.

Single-storeyed/single-storied is used with these nouns:

single-track

single-trackadj.

Single-track is used with these nouns:

lane, road

sing-song

sing-songadj.

Sing-song is used with these nouns:

singular

singularadj.

Singular is used with these nouns:

noun, pronoun, verb, vision

singularly

singularlyadv.

Singularly is used with these adjectives:

inappropriate, lacking

sinister

sinisteradj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, look, seem, soundfind sthADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.deeply, trulyalmosta little, slightly, etc.faintly, vaguelyI found his silence faintly sinister.somehow

Sinister is used with these nouns:

aspect, connotation, design, grin, implication, laugh, laughter, motive, shadow, undertone, underworld

sink

sinknounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + sink | sink + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbathroom (esp. AmE), kitchenblocked (esp. BrE), clogged (AmE)marble (esp. AmE), porcelain, stainless-steeldoubleThe kitchen had a double sink.VERB + sinkfillShe filled the sink with hot water.block (esp. BrE), clog (AmE)clear (esp. BrE), unblock (esp. BrE), unclog (AmE)installYou can install a new sink in the kitchen.sink + NOUNunit (BrE)plunger (BrE)I bought a sink plunger to clear the blocked kitchen sink.faucet (AmE), tap (BrE)counter (AmE)the sink counter in the bathroomPREPOSITIONat the sinkShe was at the sink, washing the dishes.down the sinkDon't pour coffee grounds down the kitchen sink.in the sinkPut the dishes in the sink.

II. verb1 in water, mud, etc.2 fall/sit down3 become weaker/worse1 in water, mud, etc.ADVERB | VERB + sink | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBslowlyfastDuane was in waist-deep and sinking fast.downShe sank down into the soft soil.deepHis boots sank deep into the mud.nearlyThe boat nearly sank under the increased weight.VERB + sinkbegin to, start toPREPOSITIONbelow, beneathWe watched the boat sink beneath the waves.intoOur feet sank deep into the soft sand as we walked.to, up toHe sank up to his knees in the mud.PHRASESsink like a stoneThe box sank like a stone.sink or swim (figurative)In a situation like this, you either sink or swim.sink to the bottom (of sth)The ship had sunk to the bottom of the sea.sink under the weight (of sth) (often figurative)The airline industry is sinking under the weight of its losses.sink without traceIt seemed as though the ship had sunk without trace.

2 fall/sit downADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBwearilygratefullyI sank gratefully into the warm, dry bed.gracefullylowThe sun was sinking lower.back, downDexter sank back into his seat.PREPOSITIONintoHe sank lower into his chair.ontoShe sank gracefully down onto a cushion at his feet.PHRASESsink below the horizonThe sun had sunk below the horizon.sink to the floor, sink to the groundShe sank to the ground and started to cry.sink to your kneesHe sank to his knees, grasping at his stomach.

3 become weaker/worseADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBquickly, rapidlyVirgil rapidly sank into depression.graduallyThe project gradually sank into oblivion.PREPOSITIONintoPHRASESsink to a new low, sink to new lows (both figurative)With this article the newspaper has sunk to a new low.

Sink is used with these nouns as the subject:

boat, foot, heart, index, ship, stock, submarine, sun, vessel

Sink is used with these nouns as the object:

basket, capital, claw, fang, jaw, money, nail, pint, shaft, ship, tooth, vessel, warship, well

sink back against

sink back againstphr verb

Sink back against is used with these nouns as the object:

pillow

sink back into

sink back intophr verb

Sink back into is used with these nouns as the object:

sink back on

sink back onphr verb

Sink back on is used with these nouns as the object:

couch, pillow

sink down into

sink down intophr verb

Sink down into is used with these nouns as the object:

chair, sofa

sink down on

sink down onphr verb

Sink down on is used with these nouns as the object:

sink down onto

sink down ontophr verb

Sink down onto is used with these nouns as the object:

sink in

sink inphr verb

Sink in is used with these nouns as the subject:

realization, word

sinking

sinkingadj.

Sinking is used with these nouns:

feeling, heart, sensation, sun

sink into

sink intophr verb

Sink into is used with these nouns as the subject:

Sink into is used with these nouns as the object:

apathy, bog, chair, coma, couch, gloom, oblivion, obscurity, recession, sand, sleep, sofa, stupor, unconsciousness

sink on

sink onphr verb

Sink on is used with these nouns as the object:

sink onto

sink ontophr verb

Sink onto is used with these nouns as the object:

sink to

sink tophr verb

Sink to is used with these nouns as the object:

bottom, knee, low

sip

sipnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + sip | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElittle, small, tinycareful, cautious, tentativequick, slowlarge, longnoisyfirstfinal, lastHe took a final sip of his coffee before leaving.VERB + sipdrink, have, takeI took a little sip of my drink.PREPOSITIONsip fromHe took a sip from his glass.sip ofa sip of coffeein sipsHe drank the brandy in sips.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + sip | PREPOSITIONADVERBslowlyquietly, silentlycalmly, casually‘Oh yes?’ she asked, calmly sipping her drink.She sat in the warm sun, casually sipping champagne.daintily, delicately, gingerlythoughtfullyVERB + sippause toShe paused to sip her tea.PREPOSITIONatHe sipped at his beer thoughtfully.fromShe sipped from her glass of water.onLuther continued sipping on his coffee.

Sip is used with these nouns as the object:

ale, beer, brandy, can, champagne, chocolate, cider, cocktail, coffee, coke, cup, drink, gin, glass, juice, liquid, mug, pint, sherry, soda, tea, water, whisky, wine

sip at

sip atphr verb

Sip at is used with these nouns as the object:

beer, can

sip from

sip fromphr verb

Sip from is used with these nouns as the object:

can

siphon

siphonnoun

Siphon is used after these nouns:

soda

siphon off

siphon offphr verb

Siphon off is used with these nouns as the object:

siren

sirennoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + siren | siren + VERBADJECTIVEapproachingThe cars had stopped at the sound of the approaching siren.distantblaring, wailingthe blaring sirens of ambulances and police carsair-raid, ambulance, emergency, fire, police, tornado (esp. AmE), warningVERB + sirenput on, sound, switch onThe ships all sounded their sirens.hearsiren + VERBgo (BrE), go off, sound, start, start upblare, scream, wailThe ambulance sped off with its siren wailing.

sirloin

sirloinnoun

Sirloin is used before these nouns:

sister

sisternoun

nounADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, elder, olderbaby, kid (informal), little, youngertwinfull (= sharing both parents)adopted, adoptivebeloved, darling, dearannoying, bratty (informal, esp. AmE)my bratty little sisterdead, deceased, latelong-losta refugee who traced his long-lost sisterunmarriedsorority (AmE)Carolyn's sorority sisters at Indiana UniversityPHRASESbrothers and sisters, brothers or sistersBrothers and sisters do not always get on.I have no brothers or sisters.like sistersThe two girls are so close, they're like sisters.

sisterly

sisterlyadj.

Sisterly is used with these nouns:

Sit is used with these nouns as the subject:

sit

sitverbPHRASAL VERB

verb1 on a chair, etc.2 seem right/not seem right1 on a chair, etc.ADVERB | VERB + sit | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBmotionless, stillJust sit still!quietlyHe would sit quietly and watch what was happening.in silence, silentlyWe sat in silence for a few moments.calmly, patientlyjust, merely, simplyShe just sat there staring into space.He simply sat there not speaking.comfortably, uncomfortablycross-legged, Indian-style (AmE), with your legs crossedThe children sat cross-legged on the floor.She was sitting in her chair with her legs crossed.sidewaysbolt upright, erect, straight, uprightHe sat bolt upright, hands folded in front of him.awkwardly, demurely, primly, stifflyShe sat primly on the edge of her chair.proudlyhappilyElmer was happily sitting in his high chair.downPlease sit down and let me talk to you.backJoan sat back in her chair.Just sit back and enjoy the show.aroundI hate to be sitting around doing nothing.side by side, togetheraloneVERB + sitlet sbSurely someone would stand up and let her sit down?gesture for sb to, gesture to sb to, motion sb to, motion for sb to, motion to sb toHe motioned the young officer to sit down.PREPOSITIONagainstHe was sitting against the wall.aroundThe kids sat around a campfire.astrideShe was sitting astride a horse.atWe sat at a table in the corner.behindThe manager sat behind his desk.besideShe went and sat beside him.inHe sat back in his chair and started to read.onCan I sit on this chair?oppositeThey sat opposite each other.underShe sat under an apple tree.PHRASESa place to sitAnn found a place to sit.sit down (with sb)I recently had a chance to sit down with Britain's Foreign Secretary.sit and … , sit back and … , sit idly by and … (figurative)How can you sit back and watch him suffer?We can't sit idly by and let this happen.

2 seem right/not seem rightADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBcomfortably (esp. BrE), easily (esp. BrE), happily, nicely, welluneasily (esp. BrE)PREPOSITIONwithHis views did not sit well with the management line.

PHRASAL VERBsit upADVERB | PHRASESADVERBabruptly, quickly, suddenlyimmediatelyslowlyShe slowly sat up and looked around.straightPHRASESsit up and take notice (figurative)Their actions have forced us to sit up and take notice.

building, judge, magistrate, parliament

Sit is used with these nouns as the object:

A level, exam, examination, final, paper, practical, test

sit around

sit aroundphr verb

Sit around is used with these nouns as the object:

sit at

sit atphr verb

Sit at is used with these nouns as the object:

desk, mirror, table

sit back on

sit back onphr verb

Sit back on is used with these nouns as the object:

sitcom

sitcomnoun

Sitcom is used after these nouns:

smash, television

sit-down

sit-downadj.

Sit-down is used with these nouns:

protest, restaurant, strike

sit down at

sit down atphr verb

Sit down at is used with these nouns as the object:

sit down in

sit down inphr verb

Sit down in is used with these nouns as the object:

chair, place

sit down on

sit down onphr verb

Sit down on is used with these nouns as the object:

bench, chair, couch, settee, sofa, stool

site

sitenoun

noun1 piece of land where a building was/is/will be2 place where sth happened or that is used for sth3 on the Internet1 piece of land where a building was/is/will beADJECTIVE | VERB + site | site + VERB | site + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgood, prime (esp. BrE)houses built on prime sites with stunning viewsdesignated, possible, potential, proposed, suitablesome potential sites for the new businessbuilding (esp. BrE), construction (esp. AmE), development (esp. BrE)demolitionderelict (BrE)industrial, manufacturingcommercialfactory, hospital, school, etc. (esp. BrE)protectedbrownfield, greenfield (both BrE)5-acre, 20-hectare, etc.VERB + siteallocate (BrE), choose, designate, earmark (BrE), selectThe site is designated for housing.The council has earmarked the site for possible redevelopment.find, identify, locate, look foracquire (esp. BrE), buy, purchaseA local company has recently acquired the site.lease (esp. BrE)The site was leased from another company.The supermarket chain agreed to lease the site to a non-food retailer.inspectclear, prepareThe site is being cleared for development.build on, developNothing can be built on this site.occupyThe site is presently occupied by offices.stand onThe school stands on the site of an ancient settlement.site + VERBbelong to sbsite + NOUNmanager (esp. BrE), supervisorownerinspectionPREPOSITIONat a/the siteThe factory will be built at a site to the north of the city.in a/the siteThe hotel is in a prime site overlooking the sea.on (a/the) siteHard hats must be worn on site.He was injured on a construction site.

2 place where sth happened or that is used for sthADJECTIVE | VERB + siteADJECTIVEancient, archaeological, historic, historical, prehistoricimportantholy, sacredsensitivean extremely sensitive site of national importanceremoteaccident, bomb, crash, disastercivic-amenity (BrE), dump, landfill (BrE), waste-disposalThe new civic-amenity sites will allow the recycling of 600 tons of material every year.a waste-disposal site on the edge of towntrainingburial, graveMany of these ancient burial sites were destroyed in the last century.excavationlanding, launchtestthe test site for the atom bombcamp (usually campsite), camping, caravan (all BrE)picnic (esp. BrE)allotment (BrE)dive, wreckGozo has some of the best dive sites in the Mediterranean.breeding, nest, nestingpark-and-ride (BrE)The park-and-ride site has been designed to reduce traffic congestion in central Manchester.VERB + sitevisitThe president is to visit the crash site later today.disturb, remove sth from, steal sth frompenalties for disturbing ancient sitesexcavate

3 on the InternetSee also websiteADJECTIVE | VERB + site | site + VERB | site + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEInternet, online, Web (usually website), WWWonline dating sitesofficialthe official website of the New York YankeespersonalI am redesigning my personal site this month.freea free site devoted to tropical fishhomemajormajor news sitesfavourite/favoriteinformative, usefulHarvard Law has a very useful and informative site.interactiveportal, searchone of the major search sitescontententertainment content sitesdownloada music download sitebusiness, commercial, corporate, e-commercegovernmentauction, gambling, gaming, media, music, news, newspaper, review, shopping, travelonline music review sitesblog, chat, community, dating, social-networkingadult, porn (informal), pornographicfana Harry Potter fan sitehateHe saw the photo on a right-wing hate site.destinationlinkedmirrorsisterYou can go to ePay Music, a music-specific sister site to ePay.password-protectedUsers log onto a password-protected Internet site.VERB + siteaccess, check, check out (informal), view, visitbrowse, navigate, search, surfTheir site is easy to navigate.search forcrawlThe search engine crawls the site for relevant keywords.find, identifybuild, create, design, develop, set upmaintain, operate, runupdateThe official site is updated on a regular basis.redesignhost, ownbookmarkI have bookmarked your site for future reading.rankSearch engines rank sites through a variety of methods.blockThe government tries to block foreign sites deemed subversive.promotesite + VERBbe dedicated to sth, be devoted to stha site devoted to health issuescontain sth, feature sth, include sthThe site contains information on local services.offer sthThe site offers used equipment for sale.link to sththe number of sites that link to your websitesite + NOUNmapA site map lists and links to all pages on your website.designcontentlinksearchadministrator, ownervisitordesignerPREPOSITIONat a/the siteAt this site you'll find all the latest news and gossip.in a/the siteCheck out the links in our home site.on a/the siteThe software sells on the site for $29.95.site aboutsites about Japansite forthe most popular sites for childrensite onI'm searching for sites on aromatherapy.

sited

sitedadj.

adj.ADVERBADVERBcarefully, strategicallyThe fence is strategically sited to prevent anyone getting onto the beach.appropriately, convenientlyinsensitivelyattractivelyThe hotel is attractively sited by a lake in a steep valley.badly

sit for

sit forphr verb

Sit for is used with these nouns as the subject:

model

Sit for is used with these nouns as the object:

exam, examination, picture, portrait

sit in

sit inphr verb

Sit in is used with these nouns as the object:

armchair, chair, parliament, place, traffic jam

sit in on

sit in onphr verb

Sit in on is used with these nouns as the object:

class

sit on

sit onphr verb

Sit on is used with these nouns as the object:

bed, bench, board, bum, chair, committee, couch, jury, knee, nest, potty, seat, settee, shelf, sidewalk, sofa, step, stool, swing

sit out

sit outphr verb

Sit out is used with these nouns as the object:

dance

sit round

sit roundphr verb

Sit round is used with these nouns as the object:

sitter

sitternoun

Sitter is used after these nouns:

pet

sitting

sittingadj.

Sitting is used with these nouns:

governor, position, president, target, tenant

situated

situatedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeADVERBbeautifully, delightfully, ideally, picturesquely, pleasantly, superbly, wellThe hotel is delightfully situated close to the waterfront.Zakro was well situated for trade with Greece.conveniently, inconvenientlycentrallyremotelyquietlyPREPOSITIONforideally situated for touring the country

situation

situationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + situation | situation + VERB | situation + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgeneral, overall, wholecurrent, immediate, presentinternational, local, national, worldactual, concrete, real, real-life, real-world (esp. AmE)hypothetical, unlikelyfavourable/favorable, happy (esp. BrE), healthy, idealsatisfactory (esp. BrE), stablechaotic, explosive, fluid, precarious, unstable, volatileawkward, delicate, difficult, embarrassing, problematic, sticky (informal), stressful, tense, tough (esp. AmE), tricky, uncomfortable, unfortunate, unpleasantI always seem to get into sticky situations.dangerous, hazardous, life-threatening, perilous, risky, vulnerabledeteriorating, worseningcrisis, emergency, life-and-death, life-or-deathhigh-pressure, pressureI've been in some pressure situations when I had to hit a great shot or lose the game.alarming, critical, desperate, dire, grave, serious, terrible, tragic, unhappy (esp. BrE)disgraceful (esp. BrE), intolerable, untenablecatch-22 (esp. BrE), hopeless, no-winWe were placed in a hopeless situation.lose-lose, win-winabsurd, bizarre, compromising, extraordinary, ludicrous (esp. BrE), novel, odd, paradoxical, ridiculous, strange, unique, unusualcomplex, complicatedsimplesocialDo you feel awkward in social situations?workdomesticemployment, housingeconomic, financial, legal, military, political, securitythe international political situationstrategic, tacticalcombat, conflict, warhostageVERB + situationbring about, create, lead to, result inbe faced with, be placed in, encounter, face, find yourself in, get intoI found myself in rather an awkward situation.avoidcomprehend, grasp, take in, understandShe found it difficult to take in the situation.analyse/analyze, appraise, assess, consider, discuss, evaluate, examine, judge, look at, monitor, ponder, review, size up, survey, take stock of, think about, weigh (esp. AmE), weigh up (esp. BrE)clarify, describe, explain, outline, sum upacceptaddress, be in control of, control, cope with, deal with, handle, respond to, take control oflearning strategies to cope with difficult situationsfitYou can adapt your knowledge to fit your particular situation.ameliorate (formal), calm, defuse, ease, help, improvecorrect, rectify, remedy, resolve, stabilizeThe peacekeepers are trained to defuse potentially explosive situations.salvageShe tried her best to salvage the situation.exploit, manipulate, take advantage ofHe saw she was confused and he took full advantage of the situation.lose control ofaffect, change, influence, transformaggravate, complicate, compound, exacerbate, inflame (esp. BrE), worsenInterfering now would only exacerbate the situation.reverseWhat would the Republicans be doing if the situation were reversed?situation + VERBarise, develop, occur, unfoldWe will deal with that if the situation arises.existcontinue, remainchangedeteriorate, escalate, worsenThe situation is deteriorating rapidly.improvestabilizedemand, requireThe situation requires immediate action.situation + NOUNcomedy (usually sitcom)TV's first modern situation comedyPREPOSITIONin a/the situationWhat would you do in this situation?PHRASESthe gravity of the situation, the seriousness of the situationGiven the gravity of the situation, I'm not surprised she's panicking.the reality of the situationShe was forced to confront the reality of the situation.a way out of the situationI was in trouble and I could see no way out of the situation.

situational

situationaladj.

Situational is used with these nouns:

sit up

sit upphr verb

Sit up is used with these nouns as the subject:

six-figure

six-figureadj.

Six-figure is used with these nouns:

income, salary, sum

six-inch

six-inchadj.

Six-inch is used with these nouns:

knife, nail

six-string

six-stringadj.

Six-string is used with these nouns:

sixth

sixthadj.

Sixth is used with these nouns:

sense

size

sizenoun

noun1 how big or small sth is2 one of a number of fixed measurements1 how big or small sth isADJECTIVE | VERB + size | size + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsiderable, enormous, fair, good, great, impressive, large, massive, substantial, vastThe kitchen is a fair size.The vast size of the country made it difficult to govern.compact, diminutive, limited, modest, smallThe unit's compact size makes it an ideal travel companion.The dog's diminutive size is attractive to many people.reducedthe reduced size of the showincreasedincreasingaverage, mean, mediummoderate, reasonable, sufficientoverall, totalsheerThe sheer size of these dinosaurs was their main weapon.appropriate, convenient, handy, manageableThe ladder is a handy size for using in the house.classes of manageable sizeoptimal, optimum (esp. BrE), perfectcorrect, rightwrongcomparable, equal, equivalent, similarrelativeThe relative size of the middle class has been steadily shrinking.normal, standard, uniformHer knee swelled to twice its normal size.The standard size for the tiles is 12 inches.varyingwindows of varying sizesmaximum, minimumThe fish grow to a maximum size of 50 cm.actual, full, lifeThe ring is shown actual size in the illustration.a life-size model of a Roman soldieradultOnly a limited number of the fish will grow to reach adult size.class, family, group, household, market, population, samplea model with constant population sizeportion, serving (AmE)The larger the serving size, the more you're likely to eat.physicalbody, brain, etc.He eats a lot in proportion to his body size.screen, windowVERB + sizeadjust, change, controlexpand, increaselimitdecrease, reduce, shrinkThe company is reducing the size of its workforce.to shrink the size of governmentdouble, treble (BrE), tripleShe has almost doubled the size of her investments.determineA city's size is determined by the extent of its market area.matchattain, grow to, reachestimate, guess, guess atI had to guess at the size of the batteries.overestimate, underestimatecalculate, determine, measurecomparesize + VERBgrow, increasedecline, decrease, fallrange from … to … varyThe size of her audience varied.allow sth, allow for sthTheir smaller size allowed for greater acceleration.PREPOSITIONfrom the size ofFrom the size of the crowds outside, it was a very good movie.in sizeHow do the samples compare in size?The city has doubled in size in the last twenty years.These insects range in size from one to two inches.Houses increase in size as you travel further from the city.in the size ofthe increase in the size of the populationPHRASESgiven the size of sthGiven the size of the task, he won't have time to do anything else.half the size of sth, two, three, etc. times the size of sthTheir house is twice the size of ours.relative to sb's/sth's sizeTheir weight is small relative to their size.shapes and sizes, sizes and shapes (often figurative)Our customers come in all shapes and sizes.size and scopeTheir website has grown in size and scope.

2 one of a number of fixed measurementsADJECTIVE | … OF SIZES | VERB + size | size + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElarge, medium, smallThe company is now going to make these products in larger sizes.variousBrushes come in various sizes.two-gallon, four-pound, etc.The half-gallon size comes in a metal can.imperial, metricNew radiators come in metric sizes.adult, children's, men's, women'sbust, chest, etc.XL fits chest sizes 44 to 50.bra, collar, shoefontI changed the font size on the document.… OF SIZESrange, varietyVERB + sizebe, take, wearWhat size are you (= for shoes or clothes)?What size do you take?Michael wears size 10 shoes.be available in, come inThe bricks come in four sizes.size + VERBfit sbChildren's sizes don't fit her any more.PREPOSITIONin a/your sizeDoes this dress come in a bigger size?I couldn't find the blouse in my size.PHRASESbe a size too big, small, etc.The jacket is several sizes too large for him.size mattersIn surfing, size matters: big waves are beautiful.

sizeable

sizeableadj.

Sizeable is used with these nouns:

chunk, donation, fraction, investment, lead, majority, minority, percentage, portion, proportion, slice, sum

size up

size upphr verb

Size up is used with these nouns as the object:

sizzle

sizzleverb

Sizzle is used with these nouns as the subject:

sausage

sizzling

sizzlingadv.

Sizzling is used with these adjectives:

skate

skatenoun

Skate is used before these nouns:

park, shoe, spot

Skate is used after these nouns:

hockey, ice

skateboard

skateboardnoun

Skateboard is used before these nouns:

park

skating

skatingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + skating | skating + NOUNADJECTIVEice, rollerin-line (esp. AmE)figure (usually figure-skating), speedpairVERB + skatinggoWe used to go skating on the lake in cold winters.skating + NOUNchampionships, competition, eventrinklessoncoachworldsome of the skating world's leading choreographers

skeletal

skeletaladj.

Skeletal is used with these nouns:

finger, muscle, remains, structure

skeleton

skeletonnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + skeleton | skeleton + VERBADJECTIVEdinosaur, fish, human, etc.external, internalcomplete, partiala partial skeleton of an undiscovered speciesVERB + skeletonformdiscover, find, uncover, unearthpreserveskeleton + VERBbelongThe other skeleton belonged to a young man.

skeptically

skepticallyadv.

Skeptically is used with these verbs:

ask, look

skeptic, skeptical, skepticism

(AmE) See sceptic, sceptical, scepticism

sketch

sketchnoun

noun1 quick drawing2 short description3 short comic scene1 quick drawingADJECTIVE | VERB + sketch | sketch + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElightning, quickrough, simpledetailedpreliminary, preparatoryinitial, originalthe artist's original sketchcharcoal, ink, oil, pen-and-ink, pencil, watercolour/watercolorcomposite (AmE)Police released a composite sketch of the suspect.VERB + sketchdo, draw, makesketch + NOUNbook (usually sketchbook), padmapplan (BrE)They have submitted an alternative sketch plan to the council.artist (esp. AmE)The judge will ban sketch artists from the courtroom.PREPOSITIONin a/the sketchThe family house appears in several of her sketches.sketch bya series of sketches by John Constablesketch forto make a sketch for an oil paintingsketch ofHe did some rough sketches of the costumes.

2 short descriptionADJECTIVE | VERB + sketch | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbrief, thumbnailThe talk began with a thumbnail sketch of the political situation at that time.biographical, characterhistoricalHe begins the tour with a brief historical sketch of the town.VERB + sketchgive sbPREPOSITIONsketch ofHe gave us character sketches of all his relations.

3 short comic sceneADJECTIVE | VERB + sketch | sketch + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEshortcomedy, comic, satiricalrevue (esp. BrE)The show sometimes feels like a university revue sketch.VERB + sketchdo, performwritesketch + NOUNcomedycomedy show (AmE), show (BrE)a one-hour TV sketch (comedy) showwriter (esp. BrE)group (AmE)I was in a sketch group for a couple of years.PREPOSITIONsketch abouta comedy sketch about a dead parrot

sketchy

sketchyadj.

Sketchy is used with these nouns:

skew

skewverb

Skew is used with these nouns as the object:

perception, result

skewed

skewedadj.

Skewed is used with these nouns:

distribution

ski

skinounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | … OF SKIS | VERB + ski | ski + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEalpine, backcountry (AmE), cross-countryBackcountry skis are carefully designed to save weight.powder, slalomshaped… OF SKISpairVERB + skiput onremove, take offhire (BrE), rentwaxHe told me to wax my skis because he thought I was going too slowly.ski + NOUNpole, stick (BrE)boot, jacket, mask, pants, suitequipmentinstructorlessonarea, run, slope, trailliftjumpresortseasonchalet, lodgeholiday (BrE), trip, vacation (AmE)She was on a ski trip in Colorado.PREPOSITIONon skisThe children go to school on skis.

II. adj.

Ski is used with these nouns:

area, boot, bum, cap, goggles, hill, instructor, jacket, jump, lift, mask, rental, resort, slope, suit, track, trail, vacation

skid

skidnounverb

I. nounVERB + skid | skid + NOUNVERB + skidget into, go intoThe bus went into a skid and crashed into the barrier.skid + NOUNmarkThe police examined the skid marks to see how fast the car had been going.

Skid is used before these nouns:

Skid is used with these nouns as the subject:

II. verb

car, wheel

skiing

skiingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + skiing | skiing + NOUNADJECTIVEalpine, downhillbackcountry (AmE), cross-country, Nordicdry-slopeoff-piste (BrE)VERB + skiinggohaveThe mountain regions have plenty of good skiing.skiing + NOUNaccidentholiday (BrE), trip (esp. BrE) (usually ski trip in AmE), vacation (usually ski vacation) (AmE)resort, season (both BrE) (usually ski resort, ski season in AmE)conditionstechniqueHe taught us how to improve our skiing technique.championchampionshipeventtheir first ever medal in an alpine skiing event

skilful

skilfuladj.

(BrE) (AmE skillful) adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highly, incredibly, particularlytechnicallyPREPOSITIONatI became skilful at drawing.inhighly skilful in his tactics

Skilful/skillful is used with these nouns:

diplomacy, finger, footballer, hand, manipulation, tackle, use

skilfully

skilfullyadv.

Skilfully/skillfully is used with these verbs:

direct, evade, execute, exploit, handle, manage, manipulate, manoeuvre, weave

skill

skillnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF SKILLS | VERB + skill | skill + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsiderable, consummate (esp. BrE), extraordinary, great, remarkableHe is a negotiator of considerable skill.With consummate skill, she steered the conversation away from any embarrassing subjects.superiorHolmes defeated Cooney with his superior boxing skills.good, poorShe has good organizational skills.basicthe basic skills of reading, writing and arithmeticessential, important, necessary, requisiteHe lacked the requisite skills for the job.marketable, practical, transferable (esp. BrE), usefultraining in problem-solving and other marketable skillsnew, oldto learn some new skillsanalytical, critical-thinking (esp. AmE), problem-solvingcognitive, motorAlcohol can impact cognitive and motor skills severely.copingHer therapist hopes to improve her coping skills.parentingspecial, specialist (esp. BrE)No special skills or knowledge are required for the job.diplomatic, entrepreneurial, leadership, management, managerial, negotiating, organizational, professionalShe displays excellent management skills.communication, conversational, interpersonal, social, verbalHe had poor social skills and often offended people.comprehension, linguistic, listening, literacy, reading, speaking, writingThe project will help to develop children's literacy skills.business, computer, design, language, math (AmE), mathematical, maths (BrE), research, study, survival, teachingIt is important to develop good study skills.athletic (esp. AmE), boxing, dribbling, footballing (BrE), martial-artscombat, fighting, manualacting, artistic, cooking, culinary, driving, medical, military, musical, political, tactical, technical… OF SKILLSrange, setShe had to develop a whole new set of skills when she changed jobs.VERB + skillhave, possesscombineVeterinarians combine the skills of a surgeon, radiologist, dietitian and much more.lackneed, require, takea feat requiring skill and patiencematchI decided to find a career to match my skills and abilities.acquire, develop, gain, learn, pick updemonstrate, display, exhibit, show, show off, showcaseexercise, practise/practiceapply, harness, use, utilizeThe manager must harness the skills of the workers to firm objectives.broaden, enhance, hone, improve, increase, polish, refine, sharpen, upgradeShe attends regular training weekends to sharpen her skills.master, perfectSchool helps children to master the skills necessary to live in our society.refresh, updatepool, shareassess, testa course that will test the skills of any golferteachskill + NOUNlevelsetThis work requires a different skill set.acquisition, development, trainingskills shortageThe country is facing a skills shortage.PREPOSITIONwith skillShe performed the task with great skill.skill asher skills as a doctorskill athis skill at paintingskill intheir skill in selecting the best designsskill ofthe basic skills of managing an officeskill withhis skill with a swordPHRASESa degree of skill, a level of skillan operation that calls for a high degree of skilla lack of skillI enjoy playing squash, despite my lack of skill.literacy and numeracy skills (BrE)School-leavers lacked basic literacy and numeracy skills.a mastery of skillsa mastery of basic language skills

skilled

skilledadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbebecomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.Interviewing is a very skilled job.especially, exceptionally, highly, particularly, remarkablya highly skilled workforceenough, sufficientlysocially, technicallyWe have a shortage of technically skilled workers.PREPOSITIONatskilled at needleworkinskilled in the basic techniqueswithShe wasn't very skilled with the camera yet.PHRASESskilled in the art (of sth)They were skilled in the art of war.

Skilled is used with these nouns:

craft, craftsman, craftsmanship, diplomat, employee, employment, engineer, finger, hand, help, immigrant, interviewer, job, labour, labourer, manpower, mechanic, negotiator, occupation, operator, performer, personnel, position, professional, programmer, staff, surgeon, teacher, technician, trade, tradesman, warrior, work, worker, workforce, workman

skillet

skilletnoun

noun (AmE)ADJECTIVE | VERB + skilletADJECTIVEnon-stickcast-iron8-inch, 10-inch, etc.large, medium, smalldeepVERB + skilletplacePlace the skillet over medium heat.heatHeat a skillet over medium-high heat.

skim

skimverbadj.

I. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBbarely (figurative)This report has barely skimmed the surface of the subject.onlylowA bird skimmed low over the water.PREPOSITIONacross, overWe skimmed across the water in a small boat.PHRASESskim the surface (figurative)Foreign films only skim the surface of Moroccan life.

Skim is used with these nouns as the object:

page, surface

II. adj.

Skim is used with these nouns:

skimmed

skimmedadj.

Skimmed is used with these nouns:

skim off

skim offphr verb

Skim off is used with these nouns as the object:

skimpy

skimpyadj.

Skimpy is used with these nouns:

bikini, clothes, clothing, dress, knickers, outfit, top, underwear

skim through

skim throughphr verb

Skim through is used with these nouns as the object:

book

skin

skinnounverb

I. noun1 covering of a human/animal body2 skin of an animal that has been removed3 covering of some fruits/ vegetables1 covering of a human/animal bodyADJECTIVE | VERB + skin | skin + VERB | skin + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbeautiful, clear, fine, flawless, good, healthy, perfectYou want clear, healthy skin.glowing, radiantKeep your skin radiant using creams and lotions.creamy, smooth, softthick, thintranslucentsupple, young, youthfulsagging, wrinkledhard, leathery, rough, toughdelicate, sensitivegreasy, oilymoistdry, flaky, scalyflaking, peelingblack, brown, dark, ebony, golden, olive, tanalabaster (literary), fair, ivory, light, milky, pale, porcelain (literary), whiteJenny is small and slender with porcelain skin.pallid, pasty, sallowbronzed, tannedsunburnedweatheredfreckledraw, tenderThere was a patch of raw skin on my back where the sun had burned it.itchyblotchybroken, damagedhairlessfacialBody skin is thicker than facial skin.bare, exposed, nakedThe sheets felt nice next to his bare skin.Wear clothing that protects all exposed skin.looseI picked up the kitten by the loose skin on its neck.outerdeadA lot of dust is made up of particles of dead skin.VERB + skinbreak, burn, damage, irritateprotectmoisturize, nourish, sootheThis cream moisturizes dry skin.dry, dry outexfoliateClean and exfoliate your skin before applying make-up.removeExfoliate to remove dead skin.penetrate, pierce, punctureThe needle pierced my skin.shedThis snake sheds its skin eight times a year.ageSmoking undoubtedly ages the skin.skin + VERBglisten, glowHer skin was glistening with sweat after her run.ageThey claim that this cream makes the skin age more slowly.hang, sagblister, burn, peelcrawl, tingleJust thinking about spiders makes my skin crawl.skin + NOUNallergy, burns, cancer, complaint (esp. BrE), condition, damage, disease, disorder (esp. AmE), infection, irritation, lesion, problems, rashgraftspecialist (esp. BrE)caremake-up and skin-care productscleanser, cream, lotion, products (esp. AmE)colour/color, tonetexturetypecells, tissuecontactAvoid skin contact with the glue.PREPOSITIONagainst the/your skinThe sheets felt rough against her skin.beneath the/your skinBeneath his skin, the muscles were tight with tension.on the/your skinblisters on the skinthrough the/your skinA network of veins showed through his skin.under the/your skinHe discovered a lump under his skin so he went to the doctor.PHRASESskin and bone (esp. BrE), skin and bones (esp. AmE)The dog was little more than skin and bone/bones.

2 skin of an animal that has been removedADJECTIVE | VERB + skinADJECTIVEanimalcrocodile, goat, leopard, etc.VERB + skincure, tan

3 covering of some fruits/ vegetablesADJECTIVE | VERB + skinADJECTIVEbanana, onion, potato, etc.VERB + skinpeel off, remove

II. verb

Skin is used with these nouns as the object:

fish, knee, rabbit

skincare

skincarenoun

Skincare is used before these nouns:

skinhead

skinheadnoun

Skinhead is used before these nouns:

skinned

skinnedadj.

Skinned is used with these nouns:

Skinny is used with these nouns:

skinny

skinnyadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, lookbecome, getADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.At school I was fairly skinny and undersized.incredibly, terriblyPHRASESon the skinny sideHe was a bit on the skinny side, and didn't look at all handsome.

arm, finger, frame, kid, leg

skintight

skintightadj.

Skintight is used with these nouns:

dress, jeans, pants

skip

skipnounverb

I. noun

Skip is used before these nouns:

Skip is used after these nouns:

rubbish

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBlightly, nimblyhappily, merrilypracticallyScott practically skipped home, he was so happy.alongaway, offShe skipped off to play with her friends.backPREPOSITIONdown, upHe skipped lightly up the stairs.toShe skipped to the door.PHRASESsb's heart skips a beat (figurative)What I saw made my heart skip a beat.

Skip is used with these nouns as the object:

bail, class, college, commercial, dessert, grade, introduction, lecture, lesson, lunch, page, paragraph, period, rock, school, section, town, workout

skip over

skip overphr verb

Skip over is used with these nouns as the object:

skipper

skipperverb

Skipper is used with these nouns as the object:

boat, side

skipping

skippingnoun

Skipping is used before these nouns:

rope

skirmish

skirmishnoun

nounADJECTIVE | skirmish + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbrief, little, minor, smallborderearly, first, openingan opening skirmish in the protracted media battle aheadskirmish + VERBbreak outMinor skirmishes broke out all along the border.go on, happen, occurcontinuePREPOSITIONin a/the skirmishHe was killed in a border skirmish.skirmish betweenskirmishes between the police and guerrillasskirmish overa skirmish over boundariesskirmish withThey were involved in a skirmish with rival fans.

skirt

skirtnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + skirt | skirt + VERB | skirt + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVElong, shortShe was wearing a short denim skirt.ankle-length, calf-length, knee-lengthtightcircular, flared, full, gathered, voluminousShe tucked up her voluminous skirts to make room for Jane.A-line, mini (usually miniskirt), pencil, straightpleated, wrap-aroundcotton, denim, linen, etc.plaid (esp. AmE), tartanShe wore the plaid skirt that was the uniform of her private school.grass, hulagirls in grass skirts from Hawaiimatchinga green jacket with a matching skirtVERB + skirthike up (esp. AmE), hitch up, lift, pick up, pull uppull downsmooth, smooth downShe sat down, smoothing her skirt.straightenskirt + VERBbillow, swirlHer full skirt billowed around her as she danced.ride upHer skirt rode up her thighs when she sat down.fallThe skirt falls just above the knee.skirt + NOUNlengthsuit (AmE)I've worn both skirt suits and pant suits to interviews.PHRASESthe hem of sb's skirtI lifted the hem of my skirt.

II. verb

Skirt is used with these nouns as the object:

edge

skull

skullnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + skull | skull + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEhumanthick, thinfracturedHe suffered a fractured skull in an accident in April.grinningthe angel of death with his grinning skullVERB + skullcrack, fracturecrush, shatter, smashskull + NOUNfracturePHRASESa fracture of the skull, a fracture to the skull (BrE)suffer a fractured skull (esp. BrE)He suffered a fractured skull in an accident in April.skull and crossbonesThe ship was flying a pirate flag with the skull and crossbones on it.

sky

skynoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF SKY | VERB + sky | sky + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, vast, wideopenWe slept under the open sky.emptybright, clear, cloudless, sunnya week of cloudless skieshazy, smoggycloudy, dull, overcaststormystar-filled, starlit, starry, star-studdedmoonlitdark, darkening, paleazure, blue, cerulean (esp. AmE)I opened my shutters and saw a brilliant blue sky.grey/gray, leadenblack, inky, moonlessthe pale moon in the inky night skymorning, night, etc.January, spring, winter, wintry, etc.northern, southern, etc.desertthe vast desert skies… OF SKYpatcha patch of blue skyVERB + skyilluminate, light upThe fireworks lit up the sky.fillFlocks of flamingoes fill the sky.scan, watchAstronomers scan the night skies for asteroids.patrolsky + VERBclear, clear up, lightenThe rain stopped and the skies cleared.cloud over (esp. BrE), darken, turn grey/grayThe afternoon sky turned orange.be streaked with sthThe sky was streaked with gold.glow (with sth), light up (with sth)The sky glows red with fire.open (= start raining)The skies opened and rain poured down.PREPOSITIONacross the skyBlack clouds spread across the sky.against the skyThe eagle was black against the morning sky.beneath a … sky, under a … skya ship tossing under a dark skyfrom the sky, out of the skyA strange object dropped out of the sky.in the skyThere was a kite high up in the sky.sky aboveA helicopter appeared in the sky above them.sky overto patrol the skies over the AtlanticPHRASEShigh in the sky, low in the skywhen the sun is low in the skythe sky above, the sky overheadSwallows darted about in the sky overhead.the sky is falling (figurative, esp. AmE)alarmists who claim that the sky is fallingreach for the sky (often figurative)My philosophy has always been to reach for the sky.take to the skies (= to go into the sky)Some vintage aircraft will be taking to the skies at this weekend's fair.

skylight

skylightnoun

Skylight is used before these nouns:

skyline

skylinenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + skyline | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdramaticcity, downtown (AmE)Manhattan, Tokyo, etc.northern, western, etc.VERB + skylinedominate, fillThe skyline is dominated by a power station.changeThese buildings have already changed skylines from Los Angeles to Hong Kong.breakThe skyline is broken by a water tower.PREPOSITIONacross the skylinesmall white clouds sweeping gently across the skylineagainst the skylinethe moving figures he could see against the skylinelights against along the Beirut skylinebelow the skylineThe sun slipped below the skyline.on the skylineThere are many construction cranes on the skyline.over skylineClouds of smoke floated over the skyline.PHRASESa view of the skylineThe roof commands a spectacular view of the skyline.

skyrocket

skyrocketverb

Skyrocket is used with these nouns as the subject:

price, rate, sale

skyscraper

skyscrapernoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF SKYSCRAPERS | VERB + skyscraper | skyscraper + VERBADJECTIVEgiant, huge, tall, toweringthe world's tallest skyscraperin the shadow of the towering skyscrapers of Manhattanmodern, newdowntown (AmE)20-storey/20-story, 30-storey/30-story, etc.glassgleamingChicago's skyline of gleaming skyscrapers… OF SKYSCRAPERSforestHe found himself approaching a forest of skyscrapers.VERB + skyscraperbuildsurrounda square surrounded by towering skyscrapersskyscraper + VERBloom, riseTall skyscrapers loomed above us.On all sides, skyscrapers rose like jagged teeth.tower above sb/sth, tower over sb/sthThe skyscraper towered over the surrounding buildings.

slab

slabnoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgreat, huge, largeThey were unloading great slabs of rock.thickthick slabs of meatflatpaving (BrE)mortuaryconcrete, marble, stone, etc.PREPOSITIONon a/the slabcorpses laid out on cold mortuary slabsslab ofa slab of butter/chocolate/concrete/meat

slack

slackadj.

adj.1 loose2 not busy3 lazy1 looseVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, look, seembecome, fall, goMy jaw fell slack in disbelief.Let the reins go slack.leave sthLeave the thread slightly slack to allow for movement.ADVERBvery, fairlycompletelySome of the ropes were completely slack.a little, slightly, etc.

2 not busyVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seembecomeremainThe antiques business remained slack.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.This season has been pretty slack for local hotels so far.

3 lazyVERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecome, getADVERBverya bit, ratherPREPOSITIONinShe knew she had been very slack in her church attendance recently.

Slack is used with these nouns:

business, jaw, mouth

slacken

slackenverb

verbADVERBADVERBa bit, a little, slightly, somewhat (esp. AmE)His grip slackened a little and she pulled away.neverWillis never slackened his pace.offSlacken off the ropes.Growth in the economy was beginning to slacken off.

Slacken is used with these nouns as the subject:

grip, muscle

Slacken is used with these nouns as the object:

grip, pace

slag

slagnoun

Slag is used before these nouns:

heap

slake

slakeverb

Slake is used with these nouns as the object:

thirst

slalom

slalomnoun

Slalom is used before these nouns:

ski

slam

slamnounverb

I. noun

Slam is used after these nouns:

poetry

II. verbADVERB | VERB + slam | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBhardShe ran out of the room and slammed the door as hard as she could.loudlyHe loudly slammed the door behind him.angrily, violentlyrepeatedlyHe repeatedly slammed the man's head against the wall.back, downHe said goodbye and slammed the phone down.VERB + slamhear sthPREPOSITIONagainstKath's heart slammed against her ribs.behindI heard the door slam behind him.intoThe car skidded and slammed into a tree.PHRASESslam sth home (BrE, sports)He slammed home the penalty for goal number two.slam on the brakesHe slammed on the brakes to avoid hitting another car.slam (sth) shutHe slammed the lid shut.The door slammed shut.

Slam is used with these nouns as the subject:

door, fist

Slam is used with these nouns as the object:

door, elbow, fist, palm

slam down

slam downphr verb

Slam down is used with these nouns as the object:

phone, receiver

slam into

slam intophr verb

Slam into is used with these nouns as the object:

first, gear

slam on

slam onphr verb

Slam on is used with these nouns as the object:

brake, pedal

slander

slandernoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + slander | slander + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgross (BrE), malicious, vicious, vileVERB + slanderbe guilty ofsue sb forslander + NOUNsuit (esp. AmE)I might have grounds for a slander suit.She could file a slander suit against him for making that statement.PREPOSITIONslander againstHe was found guilty of slander against his employers.slander onMany teachers saw the statement as a vicious slander on their profession.

slang

slangnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + slang | slang + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcurrent, moderncommonstreetThe gang members use street slang.hip-hoparmy (esp. BrE), militarysexualrhymingcockney rhyming slangVERB + slanguseslang + NOUNexpression, name, term, wordPREPOSITIONin slangin military slangslang for‘Woofy’ is slang for ‘good-looking’.

slant

slantnounverb

I. noun1 leaning position2 way of thinking about sth1 leaning positionPREPOSITIONPREPOSITIONat a slantThey held their spears at a slant.

2 way of thinking about sthADJECTIVE | VERB + slant | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdifferent, modern, newnegative, positivedefinite, obviousThe story has a definite liberal slant to it.overall (esp. AmE)the overall slant of newspaper coverage of the campaignyour own, personal, uniqueeditorialideological, politicalconservative, feminist, left-wing, liberal, rightward (esp. AmE), etc.VERB + slantgive sth, have, put, takeHe puts his own particular slant on everything.PREPOSITIONwith a … slantan article with a right-wing slantslant onThat's a different slant on the causes of the war.slant toThe story gives a new slant to his character.PHRASESa/sb's slant on thingsI've tried to put my own slant on things, even in the early songs.

II. verb

Slant is used with these nouns as the subject:

Slap is used with these nouns as the object:

slap

slapnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + slap | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgentle, light, little, playfulShe gave him a playful slap on the arm as everyone laughed.hard, painful, sharp, stingingresoundingfriendly, heartyHe gave his brother a hearty slap on the back to congratulate him.VERB + slapdeliver, give sbHer mother delivered a hard slap and sent her to bed.get, receivedeserve, needThat boy needs a slap!PREPOSITIONslap acrossHe received a slap across the face.slap onThey congratulated me with hearty slaps on the back.with a slapHe hit the water with a resounding slap.PHRASESa slap in the face (figurative)The closure of the school is a slap in the face to the local community.a slap on the wrist (figurative)We're hoping that she gets off with a slap on the wrist from the judge.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBhardgently, lightly, playfullyawayShe slapped his hand away.PREPOSITIONacrossThe officer slapped him hard across the face.onShe slapped the boy on the leg.PHRASESslap sb in the face (usually figurative)I felt like I had been slapped in the face.

bottom, forehead, hand, knee, order, palm, tariff

slap on

slap onphr verb

Slap on is used with these nouns as the object:

duty, label

slapstick

slapsticknoun

Slapstick is used before these nouns:

comedy, humour

slap-up

slap-upadj.

Slap-up is used with these nouns:

dinner, lunch, meal

slash

slashnounverb

I. noun

Slash is used before these nouns:

mark, wound

II. verb1 cut2 reduce1 cutADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBwildlyPREPOSITIONat, throughHe slashed through the rope.withHe slashed wildly at me with a knife.

2 reduceADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBdramatically, drasticallyThe company dramatically slashed its forecasts for annual profits.aggressivelyin halfInflation was slashed in half.PREPOSITIONbyHis salary was slashed by 20%.from, toThe discount could be slashed from 15% to 10%.

Slash is used with these nouns as the subject:

Slash is used with these nouns as the object:

benefit, budget, cost, dividend, fare, funding, inventory, pay, per cent, price, rate, salary, throat, tyre, workforce, wrist

slash-and-burn

slash-and-burnadj.

Slash-and-burn is used with these nouns:

agriculture

slasher

slashernoun

Slasher is used before these nouns:

film, movie

slate

slatenounverb

I. noun

Slate is used before these nouns:

grey, roof, tile

Slate is used after these nouns:

Slate is used with these nouns as the subject:

II. verb

Slaughter is used with these nouns as the object:

slaughter

slaughternounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + slaughter | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEindiscriminate, mass, wholesalethe indiscriminate slaughter of civiliansbrutal, senseless, terribleritualanimalhumane forms of animal slaughterhalal, kosherShe supports a ban on kosher and halal slaughter, believing that such methods are cruel.VERB + slaughterend, prevent, stopWe were helpless to stop the slaughter.banfederal legislation to ban horse slaughterorderOfficials ordered the slaughter of hundreds of animals.PREPOSITIONfor slaughterthe transporting of live horses for slaughterPHRASESthe slaughter of innocentsthe horrors of civil war and the slaughter of innocents

II. verb1 kill an animal2 kill a large number of people1 kill an animalADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBhumanelyThe animals are all humanely slaughtered.rituallyillegallyelephants illegally slaughtered by poachersPREPOSITIONforThousands of birds were slaughtered for their feathers.

2 kill a large number of peopleADVERBADVERBbrutally, cruellyHundreds of innocent civilians were cruelly slaughtered.indiscriminatelysystematicallyThousands of people were systematically slaughtered by their oppressors.

animal, cattle, cow, lamb, pig, sheep

slaughterhouse

slaughterhousenoun

Slaughterhouse is used before these nouns:

slave

slavenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + slave | slave + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEescaped, fugitive, runawayemancipated, freedformerthe son of former slavesdomestic, personalplantationgalleygalley slaves at the oars of Mediterranean shipswageThey work as wage slaves for 13 cents an hour.sexvirtualShe was forced to work as a virtual slave for a rich family.VERB + slavebecomehave, keep, ownexport, importbuy, take sb assell (sb as)use (sb as)treatHe treated the slaves like animals.emancipate, free, liberatelandowners who freed their slaves voluntarilyslave + NOUNlabour/laborWithout slave labour/labor, the tobacco industry would have collapsed.labourer/laborermaster, owner, tradermarket, trade, trafficthe abolition of the slave tradeshippopulationsocietystudies comparing slave societies throughout historystateVirginia was the largest slave state in the Union.plantationrebellion, revolt, uprisingquartersthe slave quarters at the rear of the housegirl, womanwages (figurative)I'll be working long hours for slave wages!PREPOSITIONslave ofa slave of habitslave toa slave to fashion

slavery

slaverynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + slavery | slavery + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEchattelthe system of chattel slaveryplantationdomesticTheir stated aim was to free women from domestic slavery.child, humanracialantebellum (= before the American Civil War) (esp. AmE)modern, modern-dayeconomic, wagesex, sexualThe women were sold into sexual slavery.virtualPoverty forces children into virtual slavery.VERB + slaveryestablish, introduceChios is said to have introduced slavery into Greece.abolish, ban, end, outlaw, prohibitThe Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery in 1865.condone, defend, justify, supportcondemn, denounce, opposesell sb intofree sb frombe born intoescapeslavery + NOUNreparationsThe Senate candidate now supports slavery reparations.issue, questionringThe organization has helped to expose human slavery rings.PREPOSITIONin slaveryThey were living in slavery and poverty.under slaveryconditions for children under slaveryPHRASESthe abolition of slavery, the end of slaverythe institution of slaverythe legacy of slaveryAlthough it ended in 1865, the legacy of slavery still remains.

Slavic

Slavicadj.

Slavic is used with these nouns:

people

slavish

slavishadj.

Slavish is used with these nouns:

adherence, devotion, imitation

slavishly

slavishlyadv.

Slavishly is used with these verbs:

copy, follow, stick

slay

slayverb

Slay is used with these nouns as the object:

monster

sled

slednoun

noun (esp. AmE)ADJECTIVE | VERB + sled | sled + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEplastic, woodendogHe explored Greenland on a dog sled.snowVERB + sleddrag, pulldrive, ridesled + NOUNdogteamridePREPOSITIONon a sledI went down a hill on a sled.

sledge

sledgenoun

(BrE) nounADJECTIVE | VERB + sledge | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdogVERB + sledgedrag, pullShe had to pull a 60-pound sledge across 200 miles.drivePREPOSITIONon a sledge

sleek

sleekadj.

Sleek is used with these nouns:

cat, design, hair

sleep

sleepnounverb

I. noun1 condition of rest2 period of sleep1 condition of restADJECTIVE | VERB + sleep | sleep + VERB | sleep + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeeplightmuch-neededI'm off to bed for some much-needed sleep.adequateREMVERB + sleepdrift into, drift off to, drop off to, fall back to (AmE), get to, go toShe turned over and went back to sleep.cry yourself toThere are nights when I cry myself to sleep.catch, get, snatchClose your eyes and get some sleep now.I snatched a few hours' sleep in the afternoon.needsurvive onThey seem to survive on only a few hours' sleep a night.induce, promotethe use of drugs to induce sleeplull sb to, send sb toThe quiet music soon sent her to sleep.drift in and out ofHe drifted in and out of sleep all night.lose (often figurative)Don't lose sleep over it—we'll sort everything out in the morning.disrupt, disturb, interruptcatch up onI used Saturday to catch up on my sleep.feignI feigned sleep when the nurse came around.sleep + VERBcomeSleep came to her in snatches.overcome sb, overtake sbSleep finally overtook me.sleep + NOUNcycle, pattern, schedule (esp. AmE)deprivation, lossdisorderapnoea/apneaaid (esp. AmE)the nation's most commonly prescribed sleep aidPREPOSITIONduring sleepa decreased heart rate during sleepin your sleepHe often walks and talks in his sleep.PHRASESa lack of sleepI was suffering from a lack of sleep.a wink of sleepI won't get a wink of sleep with that noise downstairs.

2 period of sleepADJECTIVE | VERB + sleep | PHRASESADJECTIVElonglittle, shortdead, deep, heavy, sounduninterruptedgood, restfullightdisturbed, exhausted, fitful, restless, troubled, uneasyI woke up early after a disturbed sleep.dreamless, peacefuldrunkenbeautySorry, but I need my beauty sleep.VERB + sleepneedhaveDid you have a good sleep?be inI was in a deep sleep when the phone rang.drift into, fall into, sink intoI immediately fell into a dead sleep.awake (sb) from, awaken (sb) from, wake (sb) fromHe woke from a fitful sleep with a headache.PHRASESa good, poor, etc. night's sleepYou'll feel better after a good night's sleep.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + sleep | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBproperly (esp. BrE), soundly, wellThe children were all sleeping soundly.Did you sleep well last night?You'll sleep better if you start to relax physically.comfortably, peacefully, quietly, safelyeasily, quieteasyWe can at least sleep easy at night, knowing that we are safe.When the murderer is caught we can all sleep easier in our beds at night.late, longLet them sleep late on Saturday morning if they want to.She scolded him for sleeping so long.badly, fitfully, poorly, uneasilydeeply, heavilyHe was exhausted and slept deeply.lightlyShe always slept very lightly so I had to be careful not to wake her.barely, hardlyShe felt as if she had hardly slept.a littlealonetogetherVERB + sleepbe unable to, cannotI couldn't sleep so I got up and went downstairs.try toYou must be very tired. Try to sleep a little.let sbput sb/sth toYou should always put babies to sleep on their backs.We had to have our dog put to sleep (= humanely killed).PREPOSITIONforI only slept for four hours that night.throughShe slept right through the storm.Very few babies sleep through the night (= without waking up).withEveryone knows she sleeps with the boss.PHRASEShave trouble sleepingI've been having trouble sleeping lately.not sleep a wink (= not sleep at all)I didn't sleep a wink last night.sleep like a baby, sleep like a log (= sleep very well)sleep on your back, sleep on your front, sleep on your side, sleep on your stomachI had to sleep on my back for the first few days after the accident.sleep overnightWe slept overnight at the beach.sleep outside, sleep rough (BrE)the problem of young people who sleep rough in the streets

Sleep is used with these nouns as the subject:

sleepaway

sleepawaynoun

Sleepaway is used before these nouns:

sleeper

sleepernoun

Sleeper is used before these nouns:

sleepily

sleepilyadv.

Sleepily is used with these verbs:

mumble, murmur, mutter, stir

sleeping

sleepingadj.

Sleeping is used with these nouns:

accommodation, arrangement, baby, bag, car, compartment, figure, form, habit, infant, mat, pad, partner, pill, position, quarter, sickness, tablet

sleepless

sleeplessadj.

Sleepless is used with these nouns:

night

sleepover

sleepovernoun

Sleepover is used before these nouns:

sleep with

sleep withphr verb

Sleep with is used with these nouns as the object:

boyfriend, girlfriend

sleepy

sleepyadj.

adj.1 ready to go to sleep2 very quiet1 ready to go to sleepVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, look, soundbecome, get, growmake sbThe alcohol was making him sleepy.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.a little, slightly, etc.She was beginning to get a little sleepy.

2 very quietVERBS | PHRASESVERBSbe, seemremainThe town remains sleepy despite the activity all around it.PHRASESsleepy littlea sleepy little fishing town

Sleepy is used with these nouns:

eye, town, village

sleet

sleetnoun

Sleet is used before these nouns:

shower

sleeve

sleevenoun

noun1 piece of clothing that covers arm2 envelope for a CD, etc.1 piece of clothing that covers armADJECTIVE | VERB + sleeve | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElong, shortleft, rightfull, widethree-quarter (esp. AmE), three-quarter lengthrolled-upcoat, jacket, shirt, etc.removableVERB + sleevepush back, push up, roll upShe rolled up her sleeves and got down to work.roll downtug at, tug onI looked around to see who was tugging at my sleeve.PREPOSITIONin … sleevesIt was sunny, and everyone was in short sleeves.on a/the sleeveThere's tomato on your sleeve.

2 envelope for a CD, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + sleeve | sleeve + NOUNADJECTIVEalbum, CD, DVD, recordcardboard, plasticprotectiveinner, outerThe inner sleeve folds out to reveal nine different covers.gatefoldVERB + sleevedesignHe designed record sleeves for the Rolling Stones.sleeve + NOUNnotesThe music is explained in the extensive sleeve notes.design

sleeveless

sleevelessadj.

Sleeveless is used with these nouns:

blouse, dress, pullover, shirt, T-shirt, top, undershirt, vest

sleigh

sleighnoun

Sleigh is used before these nouns:

Slender is used with these nouns:

slender

slenderadj.

adj.1 thin in an attractive way2 small in amount/size1 thin in an attractive wayVERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, lookADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.Those jeans make you look very slender.PHRASESlong slender … She had long slender fingers.

2 small in amount/sizeVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemremainADVERBfairly, pretty, rather

ankle, arm, back, body, build, chance, figure, finger, frame, hand, hip, leg, limb, majority, means, neck, physique, stem, thigh, volume, waist, wrist

slice

slicenounverb

I. noun1 flat piece of food2 part or share of sth1 flat piece of foodADJECTIVE | VERB + slice | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, generous, great, huge, large, thicklittle, small, thincheese, lemon, pizza, etc.VERB + slicecutShe cut a thin slice of lemon.eatPREPOSITIONin slicesThe sausage is also sold pre-packed in slices.slice ofa slice of bread/cake/pizza/toastPHRASEScut sth into slicesHe cut the meat into thick slices.

2 part or share of sthADJECTIVE | VERB + slice | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, huge, largefair, significant, sizeable, substantial (all esp. BrE)They spend a fair slice of the budget on research and development.narrow, small, tinyVERB + slicecarve, carve outThe company has managed to carve out a slice of the market for itself.get, grabMany investors are hoping to grab a slice of the action.PREPOSITIONslice ofThe agency takes a large slice of the profits.PHRASESa slice of lifeThis drama provides a slice of life in 1950s Connecticut.a slice of the actiona slice of the pieDifferent groups of people will demand a bigger slice of the pie.a slice of luck (BrE)He needed a large slice of luck to win the game.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBfinely (esp. BrE), thinlySlice the bread thinly.thicklyneatly (esp. AmE)cleanlyThe knife sliced cleanly through the flesh.off, upSlice up the mushrooms and fry them.PREPOSITIONintoThe blade sliced into her shoulder.offHe sliced pieces off the large steak.throughThe knife sliced through his ear.PHRASESslice sth in half, slice sth in twoSlice the onion in two.

Slice is used with these nouns as the subject:

Slice is used with these nouns as the object:

apple, avocado, banana, bread, carrot, celery, cheese, drive, finger, ham, lemon, lime, loaf, meat, mushroom, onion, pepper, potato, sausage, tomato, turkey

sliced

slicedadj.

Sliced is used with these nouns:

beef, bread, carrot, ham, loaf, onion, tomato

slicer

slicernoun

Slicer is used after these nouns:

slice through

slice throughphr verb

Slice through is used with these nouns as the subject:

Slick is used after these nouns:

slick

slicknounadj.

I. noun

Slick is used with these nouns:

II. adj.

presentation, road

slicker

slickernoun

Slicker is used after these nouns:

city

slickly

slicklyadv.

Slickly is used with these verbs:

Slide is used with these nouns as the subject:

slide

slidenounverb

I. noun1 in photography2 for use with a microscope3 change to a lower/worse condition1 in photographyADJECTIVE | VERB + slide | slide + NOUNADJECTIVEcolour/colorphotographicVERB + slideshowdevelopslide + NOUNfilmpresentation, showHe gave a fascinating slide show on climbing in the Himalayas.projector

2 for use with a microscopeADJECTIVE | VERB + slideADJECTIVEglassmicroscopeVERB + slidemount sth on

3 change to a lower/worse conditionADJECTIVE | VERB + slide | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdownhill, downwardinevitable, inexorablelong, slow, steadyher slow slide into drug addictionprecipitous, steepslippery (esp. BrE)the start of a slippery slide down to family breakdowneconomic, stock-marketVERB + slidebegincontinueThe country is continuing the slide into chaos and violence.halt, prevent, stopreversePREPOSITIONslide downHe began his slide down the slippery slope of alcohol abuse.slide into stop the slide in the dollarslide intoNo one could prevent the inexorable slide into war.slide towards/towardthe market's recent slide towards/toward panic

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBslowlyTears slid slowly down his pale cheek.quicklyeasilysmoothlya vehicle that will slide smoothly across snowgentlygracefullynoiselessly, quietly, silentlyThe moon slid silently behind a cloud.around, away, back, backwards/backward, down, forward, in, off, out, sidewaysThe drawers slide in and out easily.Her eyes slid away from his in embarrassment.downhill (often figurative)The economy is sliding rapidly downhill.PREPOSITIONacross, along, down, from, into, off, onto, out of, over, to, up, etc.The Hong Kong economy was sliding into recession.She took the note and slid it quickly into her pocket.He slid off the couch and walked over to me.PHRASESslide openThe doors slid open.

arm, eye, hand, snake, wheel

Slide is used with these nouns as the object:

hand, per cent

slide back

slide backphr verb

Slide back is used with these nouns as the object:

bolt

slide between

slide betweenphr verb

Slide between is used with these nouns as the object:

slide down

slide downphr verb

Slide down is used with these nouns as the subject:

Slide down is used with these nouns as the object:

slippery slope, spine

slide in

slide inphr verb

Slide in is used with these nouns as the object:

key

slide into

slide intophr verb

Slide into is used with these nouns as the object:

anarchy, chaos, oblivion, recession, seat

slide off

slide offphr verb

Slide off is used with these nouns as the object:

couch, ring

slide on

slide onphr verb

Slide on is used with these nouns as the object:

ring

slide to

slide tophr verb

Slide to is used with these nouns as the object:

halt

slide under

slide underphr verb

Slide under is used with these nouns as the object:

slide up

slide upphr verb

Slide up is used with these nouns as the object:

spine

sliding

slidingadj.

Sliding is used with these nouns:

door, motion, panel, partition, scale, tackle

slight

slightadj.

adj.1 very small in degree2 thin and delicate1 very small in degreeVERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSappear, be, seemADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.comparatively, relativelyPHRASESthe slightest of … She gave the slightest of smiles.

2 thin and delicateVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, lookShe looked very slight, almost fragile.ADVERBveryphysically

Slight is used with these nouns:

accent, accident, acquaintance, adjustment, alteration, amendment, angle, annoyance, apprehension, attack, bend, bias, blemish, blush, bow, breeze, bruise, build, bump, burn, chance, change, chill, chuckle, cold, concussion, confusion, cough, creak, curl, curve, cut, damage, decline, decrease, defect, deficiency, degree, delay, dent, depression, detour, difference, dip, disadvantage, disagreement, disappointment, discomfort, discrepancy, disgust, distortion, disturbance, doubt, downturn, drawback, drawl, drizzle, drop, edge, embarrassment, emphasis, exaggeration, excess, fall, favourite, fever, figure, flicker, flush, frame, frown, giggle, gradient, graze, grimace, grin, groan, grunt, headache, hesitation, hiccup, hill, hiss, hitch, hollow, hope, idea, impatience, imperfection, improvement, inclination, inconvenience, increase, indigestion, indiscretion, injury, irregularity, irritation, itch, jolt, laugh, lead, limp, loss, majority, miscalculation, mishap, mist, misunderstanding, modification, movement, murmur, nausea, nervousness, nod, noise, nuance, nudge, pain, pang, panic, paranoia, pause, preference, pretence, problem, pull, push, reaction, reduction, relaxation, resemblance, reservation, ripple, rise, risk, rustle, sarcasm, scowl, scratch, sense, shake, shift, shiver, shock, shrug, shudder, sigh, slip, slope, smile, smirk, snag, sneer, sniff, squint, stammer, stature, strain, stroke, stutter, surprise, swell, swelling, tap, temperature, tendency, tension, tilt, tinge, tint, touch, trace, tremor, tug, turn, twang, twinge, twinkle, twist, twitch, underestimate, unease, upturn, variation, vibration, wave, whiff, whimper, whisper, wind, worry

slightest

slightestadj.

Slightest is used with these nouns:

encouragement, excuse, hint, inkling, interest, justification, shred, suggestion, suspicion, thing

slightly

slightlyadv.

Slightly is used with these adjectives:

abashed, absurd, afraid, aggrieved, agitated, ajar, alarmed, alarming, aloof, ambiguous, amused, amusing, angry, annoyed, annoying, anxious, apologetic, apprehensive, artificial, ashamed, awkward, battered, bemused, bent, better, bewildered, bewildering, biased, big, bitter, bizarre, bored, boring, breathless, breezy, busy, careful, careless, cautious, chaotic, charred, chilly, claustrophobic, cloudy, comic, comical, common, complicated, concerned, confused, confusing, contrived, cool, cracked, crazy, creepy, critical, cross, crowded, cruel, curious, curly, cynical, damp, dangerous, daring, dark, dated, dazed, deaf, defective, defensive, deficient, deformed, degrading, dejected, depressed, depressing, deranged, desperate, despondent, detached, different, difficult, dirty, disadvantaged, disappointed, disappointing, disapproving, disconcerting, disgusted, disillusioned, dismissive, disorganized, disreputable, dissatisfied, distant, distasteful, distracted, disturbed, disturbing, doubtful, drunk, dry, dubious, dull, early, eccentric, edgy, eerie, embarrassed, embarrassing, enigmatic, envious, erratic, excessive, excited, expensive, extravagant, false, far-fetched, fast, fearful, fed up, fickle, fishy, flattered, flawed, flushed, foolish, foreign, formidable, frantic, frightened, frightening, frustrated, frustrating, funny, furtive, fuzzy, giddy, grey, guilty, handicapped, hard, harsh, hazy, hoarse, homesick, hot, humorous, hungry, hurt, hysterical, ill, illogical, immature, impatient, imperfect, impersonal, impressed, inaccurate, inclined, incongruous, inconvenient, indignant, inferior, inhibited, injured, insane, insecure, insensitive, insulting, ironic, irregular, irresponsible, irritated, irritating, jealous, lacking, lame, late, lazy, light-headed, limited, loaded, lonely, long, loose, low, mad, mean, menacing, misleading, moist, muddled, muddy, muted, naive, narrow, negative, nervous, noisy, obvious, odd, off-putting, oily, old-fashioned, one-sided, opaque, open, optimistic, overdrawn, overweight, pained, painful, pale, patchy, patronizing, peculiar, peeved, perplexed, perverse, pointless, prejudiced, preoccupied, purple, puzzled, radioactive, red, relieved, reluctant, reminiscent, repellent, repetitive, repressed, repulsive, resentful, retarded, ridiculous, risky, rounded, rude, sad, sarcastic, scared, sceptical, self-conscious, selfish, sensitive, shaken, shaky, shocked, shocking, short, shy, silly, simplistic, sinister, slack, sleepy, slimy, slippery, slow, small, smug, soft, soluble, sorry, sour, spicy, spooky, stale, startled, sticky, stiff, strained, strange, stressed, stressful, stunned, stupid, subdued, superior, surprised, surprising, suspect, suspicious, sweaty, sweet, swollen, tame, tanned, tearful, technical, tedious, temperamental, tender, tense, thin, threadbare, tight, tired, tough, transparent, troubled, unbalanced, uncertain, uncomfortable, undignified, undone, uneasy, unfair, unfit, unhappy, unlikely, unlucky, unnatural, unorthodox, unpleasant, unreal, unreasonable, unsure, untidy, unusual, upset, uptight, vague, warm, wary, weak, weary, weird, wet, wild, wobbly, worried, worrying, worse, wrinkled

Slightly is used with these verbs:

ache, adjust, affect, aggravate, alter, bend, blush, bob, bow, brighten, change, chuckle, concern, confuse, cool, cough, creak, crease, crush, curl, curve, damage, decline, decrease, delay, dent, deviate, differ, dilute, dip, distort, diverge, drop, ease, echo, enlarge, exaggerate, exceed, fall, falter, favour, fidget, flicker, flinch, flush, frown, gape, grimace, grin, groan, grow, growl, hesitate, hurt, illuminate, improve, incline, increase, influence, inhibit, injure, irritate, jump, laugh, leak, lean, lift, limp, lurch, moan, modify, narrow, nod, obscure, offend, outnumber, overlap, pant, perspire, pout, prefer, rain, recede, recoil, reduce, refine, relax, revise, rise, rock, roll, rustle, sadden, sag, scowl, shake, shift, shiver, shorten, shrink, shrug, shudder, simplify, slacken, slope, slow, smack, smell, smile, soften, spoil, stagger, stir, stumble, subside, surprise, sway, sweat, swell, tarnish, taste, tighten, tilt, trail, tremble, twist, twitch, underestimate, vary, vibrate, warm, wave, weaken, wet, whimper, widen, wince, worry, wound

slim

slimverbadj.

I. verb

Slim is used with these nouns as the object:

Slim is used with these nouns:

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, lookbecome, get (informal)dieters who get slim using these methodskeep, remain, stayShe works very hard to stay slim.make sbStep exercises can help make you slim.keep sbADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.PHRASEStall and slim

ankle, body, build, chance, figure, finger, hip, lead, majority, margin, neck, shoulder, thigh, volume, waist

slim down

slim downphr verb

Slim down is used with these nouns as the object:

Slimy is used with these nouns:

slime

slimenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + slime | slime + VERB | slime + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEthickprimeval, primordialthe primeval slime from which all life developedpondblack, green, etc.VERB + slimebe covered in, be covered withproduceFrogs produce slime to keep their skin moist.slime + VERBoozeslime + NOUNmould/moldThe organisms are a slime mould/mold.PHRASESa trail of slimeThe snail left a trail of slime along the floor.

slimy

slimyadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbe, feel, lookThe seaweed felt cold and slimy.ADVERBa little, slightly, etc.veryallThe walls were all slimy and green.PREPOSITIONwithThe steps were slimy with moss.PHRASEScold and slimy, wet and slimyThe wall of the cave was wet and slimy to the touch.

mess, substance

sling

slingnounverb

I. noun

Sling is used after these nouns:

shoulder

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBlooselycarelessly, casuallyHis jacket was carelessly slung over one shoulder.PREPOSITIONacross, around, in, on, over, round (esp. BrE), etc.PHRASESsling mud at sb (= criticize or accuse sb to damage their reputation)sling sth around sb's shouldersHe slung his arm around my shoulders.sling sth over your shoulderShe slung her bag over her shoulder.

Sling is used with these nouns as the object:

backpack, bag, jacket, pack, rucksack

slink

slinkverb

Slink is used with these nouns as the subject:

slinky

slinkyadj.

Slinky is used with these nouns:

Slip is used with these nouns as the subject:

slip

slipnounverb

I. noun1 mistake2 piece of paper1 mistakeADJECTIVE | VERB + slip | PHRASESADJECTIVElittle, slightunfortunateaccidentaloccasionalFreudian, verbalVERB + slipmakeShe made a couple of unfortunate slips during the talk.affordHis team cannot afford any slips.PHRASESa slip of the tongueI didn't mean to say that—it was just a slip of the tongue.

2 piece of paperADJECTIVE | VERB + slip | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVErejection (esp. BrE)He got fifty rejection slips before his novel was published.betting, voting (both BrE)permission (esp. AmE)credit, credit-card, deposita bank deposit slippay, wage (both BrE)blue (AmE, politics)The Senator returns the blue slip with an indication whether he or she supports or opposes the nominee.pink (= to say that sb must leave their job) (AmE)compliments (BrE)He sent his cheque with a compliments slip.VERB + slipsignHis father signed a permission slip for a school field trip.give sb, hand sbThousands of workers were handed pink slips.get, receivereturnPlease detach and return the slip below.PREPOSITIONon a/the slipHe wrote the address on a slip of paper.PHRASESa slip of paper

II. verb

arm, clutch, eye, foot, hand, horse, mask, rate, wheel

Slip is used with these nouns as the object:

collar, disc, mind, mooring, per cent

slip across

slip acrossphr verb

Slip across is used with these nouns as the object:

slip between

slip betweenphr verb

Slip between is used with these nouns as the object:

slip down

slip downphr verb

Slip down is used with these nouns as the subject:

slip from

slip fromphr verb

Slip from is used with these nouns as the object:

slip in

slip inphr verb

Slip in is used with these nouns as the object:

slip into

slip intophr verb

Slip into is used with these nouns as the object:

background, bag, coma, debt, deficit, doze, gear, obscurity, recession, room, shadow, unconsciousness

slip off

slip offphr verb

Slip off is used with these nouns as the object:

coat, jacket, ring, shoe, tongue

slip on

slip onphr verb

Slip on is used with these nouns as the object:

coat, handcuffs, jacket, ring, robe, sandal, shoe, slipper, sneaker

slip-on

slip-onnoun

Slip-on is used before these nouns:

slip out

slip outphr verb

Slip out is used with these nouns as the subject:

slip out of

slip out ofphr verb

Slip out of is used with these nouns as the object:

door, grasp, room

slip over

slip overphr verb

Slip over is used with these nouns as the object:

slipped

slippedadj.

Slipped is used with these nouns:

disc

slipper

slippernoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF SLIPPERS | VERB + slipper | PHRASESADJECTIVEbedroom, carpet (BrE), house (esp. AmE)comfortable, comfy (informal)oldfluffy (BrE), fuzzy (AmE)leather, satin, sheepskin, silk, etc.glassCinderella's glass slipperballet… OF SLIPPERSpairVERB + slipperslip onkick offPHRASESpipe and slippers (BrE)a pipe and slippers, the traditional image of retirement

slippery

slipperyadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbe, feel, lookbecome, getThe concrete gets slippery when it's wet.make sthThe oil made the ground slippery and treacherous to walk on.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.a little, slightly, etc.Watch out—the floor's a little slippery.notoriouslyInternational law is notoriously slippery.PREPOSITIONwithrocks that were slippery with seaweedPHRASESslippery when wetBathroom floors can become slippery when wet.wet and slipperyThe track was wet and slippery for the race.

Slippery is used with these nouns:

road, rock, slide, surface

slippery slope

slippery slopenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + slippery slope | SLIPPERY-SLOPE + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEverydangerousproverbialHe was on the proverbial slippery slope to bankruptcy.VERB + slippery slopego down, head down, slide downThis nation is sliding further down the slippery slope of repression.lead sb down, take sb downbe onSLIPPERY-SLOPE + NOUNargumentThe slippery-slope argument can be used against anything.PREPOSITIONslippery slope ofthe slippery slope of moral relativismslippery slope toa slippery slope to divorceslippery slope towards/towardPHRASESbe the start of a slippery slope, be the top of a slippery slopeThis is just the start of a slippery slope that ends with dictatorship.

slippery-slope

slippery-slopeadj.

Slippery-slope is used with these nouns:

argument

slip through

slip throughphr verb

Slip through is used with these nouns as the object:

net

slip under

slip underphr verb

Slip under is used with these nouns as the object:

Slit is used before these nouns:

slit

slitnounverb

I. noun

trench

Slit is used after these nouns:

arrow

II. verb

Slit is used with these nouns as the object:

throat, wrist

slither

slitherverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBsilentlyA snake was slithering silently along the floor.slowlyaway, offThe snake slithered away.alongZack slithered along on his belly.backIt slithered back down the drain.PREPOSITIONacross, along, around, down, into, onto, out of, over, through, to, towards/toward, up, etc.PHRASESslither its, his, etc. way along, over, etc. sth

Slither is used with these nouns as the subject:

snake

sloe

sloenoun

Sloe is used before these nouns:

gin

slogan

slogannoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + slogan | slogan + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcatchy (informal), snappypopularfamousnew, oldsimpleempty, hollowThe ‘freedom to learn’ has become just another one of the government's empty slogans.anti-government, anti-war, etc.ad (esp. AmE), advertising, marketingcampaign, election (esp. BrE), politicalpatriotic, revolutionarybumper-sticker (esp. AmE), T-shirtVERB + slogancoin, come up with, inventadopt (sth as), have (sth as), use (sth as)chant, shoutspoutThe Left was still spouting old Marxist slogans.bear, be emblazoned with, carry (esp. BrE)T-shirts bearing anti-war slogansThis year's safety campaign carries the slogan ‘Wear a seat belt—every time!’.daub, paint, writeSlogans had been daubed on the walls.be summed up by, be summed up inThe principle is summed up by the slogan ‘Trade, not aid’.slogan + VERBgo, sayWe switched the car stereo to WKTU, ‘the beat of New York’, as its slogan goes.PREPOSITIONon the sloganThey fought the election on the slogan ‘The time has come’.under a/the sloganThey protested under the slogan ‘When women stop, everything stops!’slogan forthe slogan for the 2012 London Olympicsslogan of

slop

slopnoun

Slop is used before these nouns:

bucket

slope

slopenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + slope | slope + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEprecipitous (formal), steepgentle, gradual, slightlong, shortdownhill, downwarduphill, upwardhigher, upperThere was snow on the higher slopes of the mountain.lowernorthern, north-facing, etc.The vineyards on the south-facing slopes get more sunshine.openforested, grassy, icy, smooth, snow-covered, snowy, woodedcraggy, rocky, scree (esp. BrE), talus (esp. AmE)mountaindry (BrE), skidry-slope skiingbunny (AmE), nursery (BrE)ski lessons on the bunny slope (AmE)skiing lessons on the nursery slope (BrE)negative, positiveThe unemployment-income curve on the graph has a negative slope.40-degree, 45-degree, etc.continentalthe continental slope off the American coastVERB + slopeascend, clamber up, climb, climb upWe clambered up the steep, rocky slope.clamber down, descendroll down, tumble downRocks and boulders rolled down the slopes of the crater.haveThe field has a slope of about three feet.hitShe plans to hit the ski slopes this winter.coverThe vineyard covers the slope.slope + VERBlead to stha slope leading down to the riverriseThe lower slopes rise quite gently.level off, level outoverlooka west-facing slope overlooking the riverPREPOSITIONdown a/the slopeI scrambled down the icy slope.of a/the slopethe steepness of the slopeon a/the slopeWe camped on an open mountain slope.up a/the slopeThere were more skiers further up the slope.slope ofthe slope of a hill/mountain/roofthe slope of a curve/linePHRASESthe bottom of a slope, the foot of a slope, the top of a slope

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBsteeplyThe ground slopes away steeply at the back of the house.gently, slightlyaway, down, downwards/downward, up, upwards/upwardPREPOSITIONtoThe field slopes down to a small river.towards/toward

Slope is used with these nouns as the subject:

sloped

slopedadj.

Sloped is used with these nouns:

ceiling, roof

sloping

slopingadj.

Sloping is used with these nouns:

ceiling, forehead, hill, roof

sloppy

sloppyadj.

Sloppy is used with these nouns:

handwriting, journalism, jumper, kiss, mess, pass, salute, work

slosh

sloshverb

Slosh is used with these nouns as the subject:

Slosh is used with these nouns as the object:

Slot is used after these nouns:

slot

slotnounverb

I. noun

card, mail, memory

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBeasily, neatly, simplytogetherThe panels slot together to make a box.backHe has slotted back into the role of being a second-in-command.PREPOSITIONin, intoHe slotted the magazines neatly into the rack.PHRASESslot (sth) into placeAll the pieces of the puzzle now slotted into place.

slotted

slottedadj.

Slotted is used with these nouns:

spoon

slow

slowverbadj.

I. verbADVERB | VERB + slow | PHRASESADVERBconsiderably, dramatically, markedly, noticeably, sharply, significantlySales have slowed down quite markedly.barely, hardlyThe roadblocks hardly slowed them at all.a little, slightly, etc.graduallyeventually, finallydeliberatelyShe very deliberately slowed her steps.down, upSlow down a little!VERB + slowbegin totry toRachel tried to slow her breathing.be expected toEconomic growth is expected to slow.seem toTime seemed to slow down as she fell.PHRASESslow to a crawl, slow to a snail's pace, slow to a walkI was nearing West Road when the traffic slowed to a crawl.slow to a halt, slow to a standstill, slow to a stopThe two of them had slowed almost to a stop.slow to a trickleThe flow of people into the building slowed to a trickle.slow your paceBill slowed his pace to allow her to catch up with him.

II. adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbe, prove, seemremainADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.incredibly, remarkablyconsiderably, noticeably, significantlyMy computer is noticeably slower than before.He was noticeably slow to respond.I was considerably slower than the other drivers.a little, slightly, etc.comparatively, relativelyagonizingly, desperately, excruciatingly, frustratingly, painfully, painstakinglyFilming was painfully slow.notoriouslyCivil court proceedings are notoriously slow.PREPOSITIONatThey are extremely slow at reaching decisions.PHRASESslow and steadyShe is showing a slow and steady improvement in her reading ability.

Slow is used with these nouns:

acceleration, accumulation, ascent, ball, bowler, bowling, breath, build-up, child, clap, climb, cooking, crawl, dance, dancing, day, death, decay, decline, deliberation, descent, deterioration, disintegration, drawl, drift, drip, erosion, evolution, footstep, fuse, gait, growth, jog, kiss, lane, leak, learner, march, melody, movement, onset, pace, passage, procession, progression, pulse, puncture, rate, reaction, reader, realization, recovery, reduction, response, rhythm, rise, service, sip, slide, song, speed, spin, spread, start, starvation, step, stride, stroke, subsidence, thaw, transition, tread, trickle, trot, walk, waltz, worker

slow down slowing

slowingadj.

Slowing is used with these nouns:

demand, economy

slowly

slowlyadv.

Slowly is used with these verbs:

accumulate, adjust, advance, answer, approach, ascend, awake, awaken, back, begin, bend, blink, breathe, brush, burn, caress, change, chew, chug, circle, clap, climb, cook, cool, crawl, creak, creep, cross, dance, dawn, decline, decrease, descend, destroy, deteriorate, digest, dip, disappear, disintegrate, dissolve, drain, drawl, dress, drift, drive, drop, dry, dwindle, ease, eat, ebb, edge, emerge, empty, enter, erode, evolve, expand, fade, fill, float, flow, fly, follow, gain, gather, go, grow, heal, heat, improve, increase, inhale, introduce, jog, kill, kiss, lift, limp, lower, mature, nod, occur, ooze, open, pace, pass, peer, penetrate, pick, pour, proceed, process, progress, pull, push, reach, react, realize, rebuild, recede, recover, regain, register, relax, release, remove, repeat, replace, reply, respond, retreat, return, reverse, ride, rise, rock, roll, rotate, rub, saunter, say, scan, seep, settle, shake, shift, shrink, shuffle, simmer, sink, sip, sit, slide, slither, speak, spread, stand, starve, step, stir, strangle, stroke, stroll, subside, succumb, swim, swing, thaw, tighten, tilt, trace, trail, transform, travel, trudge, twist, wade, waft, walk, wander, warm, widen, wither, work

slow motion

slow motionnoun

Slow motion is used before these nouns:

replay

slow-moving

slow-movingadj.

Slow-moving is used with these nouns:

river, traffic

SLR

SLRnoun

SLR is used before these nouns:

sludge

sludgenoun

Sludge is used after these nouns:

sewage

slugger

sluggernoun

Slugger is used after these nouns:

baseball

slugging

sluggingnoun

Slugging is used before these nouns:

average

sluggish

sluggishadj.

Sluggish is used with these nouns:

demand, economy, growth, market, river, start

sluice

sluicenoun

Sluice is used before these nouns:

gate

slum

slumnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + slum | slum + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcrowded, overcrowded, teemingsprawling, vastpoorfilthynotoriouscity, inner-city (esp. BrE), urbantenementruralimmigrant (esp. AmE)VERB + slumclear (esp. BrE), demolishlive in25% of the city lives in slums.slum + NOUNconditionsarea, district, neighbourhood/neighborhood, streetdwelling, housing (esp. BrE), property, tenementclearancechildren, dwellers, kids (informal)lifelandlord (esp. BrE) (slumlord in AmE)PREPOSITIONfrom the slumsa kid from the slumsin a/the slumsborn in the slums of East London

slumber

slumbernounverb

I. noun

Slumber is used before these nouns:

Slump is used with these nouns as the subject:

II. verbADVERBADVERBdeeplypeacefully, quietlyThe child slumbered peacefully in her arms.awayonThe residents slumbered on, unaware of what was happening.

slump

slumpnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEglobal, world, worldwideeconomic, price, property, stock-marketThe share-price slump has wiped about $10 billion off the company's value.current, recentprolongedThe economy is in a prolonged slump.deep, disastrous, severea severe slump in much-needed foreign investmentPREPOSITIONin a slumpThe economy is in a slump.into slumpThe industry is sinking into a slump.slump inInvestors were badly hit by the slump in property prices.

II. verb1 decrease suddenly2 fall/sit down suddenly and heavily1 decrease suddenlyADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBalarmingly, badly, dramatically, heavilyOil prices have slumped quite badly in recent months.PREPOSITIONbyProfits slumped by 70%.from, toShares in the company slumped from £2.75 to £1.54.

2 fall/sit down suddenly and heavilyADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBa littleforward, overShe was sitting with her head slumped forward.I walked in and saw him slumped over.back, downPREPOSITIONagainstHe slumped against the wall.inShe slumped back in her seat.in front ofBart was slumped in front of the TV.intoHe slumped down into a chair.ontoShe slumped onto the bed.overShe slumped dejectedly over the wheel.toShe slumped to the floor.PHRASESbe found slumped … He was found slumped in a pool of blood by security guards.lie slumped … , sit slumped … He lay slumped over the steering wheel.

market, price, receipt, sale, shoulder

Slump is used with these nouns as the object:

per cent

slump back in

slump back inphr verb

Slump back in is used with these nouns as the object:

slump back into

slump back intophr verb

Slump back into is used with these nouns as the object:

slump down in

slump down inphr verb

Slump down in is used with these nouns as the object:

slump down into

slump down intophr verb

Slump down into is used with these nouns as the object:

slump down on

slump down onphr verb

Slump down on is used with these nouns as the object:

slump down onto

slump down ontophr verb

Slump down onto is used with these nouns as the object:

slump in

slump inphr verb

Slump in is used with these nouns as the object:

slumping

slumpingadj.

Slumping is used with these nouns:

slump into

slump intophr verb

Slump into is used with these nouns as the object:

slump on

slump onphr verb

Slump on is used with these nouns as the object:

slump onto

slump ontophr verb

Slump onto is used with these nouns as the object:

Slur is used with these nouns as the object:

slur

slurnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + slur | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEracial, racist, sexualanti-gay, anti-Semitic, etc.VERB + slurcast, makeThe comments cast a slur on her character.He had made a series of racial slurs.PREPOSITIONslur against, slur onThe joke was seen as a slur against the mentally ill.a slur on his good name

II. verb

slurp

slurpverb

Slurp is used with these nouns as the object:

slurred

slurredadj.

Slurred is used with these nouns:

speech, voice

slush

slushnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + slush | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdirty, muddyThere was dirty brown slush all over the roads.frozen, icyVERB + slushturn toThe snow had turned to slush.PREPOSITIONthrough the slushA pair of wide tracks led through the slush and mud.PHRASESsnow and slusha long walk through the snow and slush to see my doctor

slushy

slushyadj.

Slushy is used with these nouns:

sly

slyadj.

Sly is used with these nouns:

dig, grin, humour, look, smile, wink, wit

slyly

slylyadv.

Slyly is used with these verbs:

ask, grin, smile, wink

smack

smacknounverbPHRASAL VERB

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + smack | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfirm (BrE), good, hardlightloud, resoundingHe landed with a loud smack.VERB + smackgive sb, land (sb)He longed to land her a good smack in the face.getPREPOSITIONwith a smackShe brought her hand down on the water with a smack.

II. verb1 (esp. BrE) hit sb as a punishment2 hit sb/sth1 (esp. BrE) hit sb as a punishmentADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBhardI'll smack you very hard if you do that again!PREPOSITIONonShe smacked the boy on the leg.

2 hit sb/sthADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBaccidentallyI accidentally smacked him in the face with a ruler.hardI smacked him hard across the face.PREPOSITIONagainst, intoHe turned around and smacked into a wall.PHRASESsmack sb across the face, smack sb in the face, smack sb on the shoulder, smack sb upside the head (AmE)He smacked me in the face.The teacher smacked me upside the head.

PHRASAL VERBsmack of sthADVERBADVERBa little, slightly, etc.This move smacks a little of desperation.justIt just smacks of paranoia.strongly, too muchToday's announcement smacks strongly of a government cover-up.

Smack is used with these nouns as the object:

bottom, fist, forehead, lip

small

smalladj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbe, feel, look, seembecome, get, growThe gap seemed to be getting smaller.The kite grew smaller and smaller and finally disappeared altogether.remain, stayChoose plants that will stay small.keep sth, make sthTechnology has made the world smaller.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.a little, slightly, etc.relativelyPREPOSITIONforMy coat was rather small for Bob.PHRASESbig and small, large and smallEmployers, large and small, face massive fines.smaller and smallerThe phones are getting smaller and smaller.

Small is used with these nouns:

accident, acquisition, ad, adjustment, airport, allowance, alteration, amendment, amount, apartment, appetite, area, arms, army, attic, audience, baby, bag, band, bank, batch, beak, bedroom, bet, birthmark, bit, block, boat, bomb, bouquet, bow, bowel, boy, brandy, breast, brother, budget, build, building, bump, bunch, bundle, business, businessman, businesswoman, campus, capacity, cast, catch, cave, celebration, chain, change, chapel, charge, child, chore, chunk, circle, circulation, city, claim, class, click, clientele, closet, clump, cluster, coke, collection, colony, comfort, commission, community, company, compensation, complaint, concession, confines, congregation, consolation, contingent, contribution, corner, correction, cottage, crack, craft, crater, creature, creek, crowd, crush, cry, crystal, cubicle, cupboard, cut, daughter, decrease, defect, deficit, degree, delegation, delivery, dent, depression, desk, detail, detour, diameter, difference, dimension, dining room, disappointment, discrepancy, distance, distributor, ditch, donation, dose, dowry, drop, earthquake, electric shock, employer, engine, enterprise, entrepreneur, envelope, errand, error, estate, exclamation, exhibit, exhibition, expedition, explosion, factory, fall, family, farm, farmer, favour, feat, fee, figure, fine, fireplace, firm, fist, flame, flap, flashlight, flat, flaw, fleet, flicker, flower, fluctuation, following, foot, force, format, fortune, fraction, frame, frown, fry, gadget, gain, gap, garden, gash, gasp, gathering, gesture, gift, giggle, gin, girl, government, grain, grant, graze, grimace, grin, groan, group, growl, grunt, gust, handful, heap, helping, herd, hiccup, hill, hint, hip, hoard, hole, hotel, hour, house, huddle, hut, improvement, incident, incision, income, increase, indulgence, inheritance, instrument, intestine, investment, investor, job, jump, kindness, kitchen, knife, lake, lane, laugh, lead, leak, leap, ledge, letter, library, loaf, loan, loss, lot, lump, luxury, magnitude, majority, mammal, manufacturer, margin, market, minority, miracle, moan, moon, mortgage, motel, motor, mound, mountain, moustache, mouth, movement, mystery, nail, nation, niche, nod, noise, nose, number, object, office, opening, operation, operator, orchestra, order, organization, outfit, outlay, package, painting, pan, pang, parcel, part, passage, pause, penis, pension, percentage, piece, pile, pizza, plane, pleasure, plot, pocket, pond, pool, population, portion, premium, print, procession, producer, profit, project, proportion, publisher, puff, quantity, rebellion, reception, recess, reduction, refrigerator, region, remnant, repertoire, replica, reserve, restaurant, retailer, return, ripple, rise, risk, river, road, rock, role, room, salary, sample, saucepan, saver, scale, scar, scissors, scrap, scratch, screen, section, selection, settlement, shack, shake, share, shareholder, sherry, shiver, shopkeeper, shopping centre, shrub, shrug, shudder, sigh, sip, size, skillet, skirmish, slice, smirk, snack, snag, sniff, snippet, snort, sob, son, space, specimen, splash, squeak, stake, statue, stature, step, stool, store, stream, stretch, subsidy, sum, supplier, supply, surcharge, surplus, swing, table, task, taste, theatre, thing, tip, token, touch, town, trace, trader, tree, tremor, trickle, triumph, tug, unit, user, valley, variation, victory, village, vocabulary, voice, volume, wage, waist, waterfall, wave, weakness, wedding, whimper, whisky, window, workforce, world, wrist, writing, yard, yelp

small claims

small claimsnoun

Small claims is used before these nouns:

Smallpox is used before these nouns:

smallpox

smallpoxnoun

noun… OF SMALLPOX | VERB + smallpox | smallpox + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASES… OF SMALLPOXattackIn 1742 he suffered a fatal attack of smallpox.case15 million cases of smallpox were reported worldwide.outbreakVERB + smallpoxhavebe infected with, catch, contract, getdie from, die oferadicatea worldwide campaign to eradicate smallpox by the use of mass vaccinationsbe inoculated against, be vaccinated againstEveryone has been vaccinated against smallpox.smallpox + NOUNvirusepidemic, outbreakvaccineinoculation, vaccinationPREPOSITIONagainst smallpox, for smallpoxmass vaccinations for smallpoxfrom smallpoxthe death rate from smallpoxPHRASESthe eradication of smallpoxThe eradication of smallpox ranks as one of the great triumphs of public health.

vaccination

small-scale

small-scaleadj.

Small-scale is used with these nouns:

agriculture, enterprise, entrepreneur, farmer, farming, manufacturing, map, producer, production, trader

small-time

small-timeadj.

Small-time is used with these nouns:

crook

small-town

small-townadj.

Small-town is used with these nouns:

charm, mayor, shopkeeper

smart

smartverbadj.

I. verb

Smart is used with these nouns as the subject:

Smart is used with these nouns:

II. adj. (esp. AmE) intelligentVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbelook, seem, soundbecome, getCompanies are getting smart about how they use corporate planes.make sbA little information makes you smarter.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.enoughShe's smart enough to know what works and what doesn't.

bomb, boutique, boy, businessman, businesswoman, card, choice, clothes, consumer, decision, fellow, guy, hotel, kid, lawyer, move, people, person, phone, remark, restaurant, salute, save, shoe, shop, shopper, suburb, suit, thing, uniform, woman

smart-ass

smart-assnoun

Smart-ass is used before these nouns:

comment

smartly

smartlyadv.

Smartly is used with these verbs:

dress, salute, step

smarts

smartsnoun

Smarts is used after these nouns:

Smash is used with these nouns as the subject:

smash

smashnounverb

I. noun1 breaking noisily into pieces2 (BrE) in a car, etc.3 in tennis4 song, film/movie, etc.1 breaking noisily into piecesADJECTIVE | VERB + smash | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEloudVERB + smashhearPREPOSITIONwith a smashThe plate hit the floor with a smash.smash ofHe heard the smash of breaking glass.

2 (BrE) in a car, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + smash | smash + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhead-onfatalTheir car was involved in a fatal smash with a stolen van.horrifichit-and-runa 20-year-old victim of a hit-and-run smashhigh-speedcar, motorbikerail, trainmotorway, roadtwo-car, three-vehicle, etc.VERB + smashhavecauseA teenage driver has been fined £300 for causing a road smash on the A127.smash + VERBhappenThe smash happened just before junction 13 of the M6.PREPOSITIONin a/the smashFour people were seriously injured in a head-on smash on the A45.

3 in tennisADJECTIVE | VERB + smashADJECTIVEpowerfuloverheadforearmVERB + smashhitHe can hit a powerful overhead smash.missHe misses a smash to hand Federer a 5–0 lead.

4 song, film/movie, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + smash | smash + NOUNADJECTIVEbox-officeclub, dance-floor (both BrE)the recent club smash, ‘Rocking Music’surpriseinstantThe comedy was an instant smash with critics.summerVERB + smashbe, becomesmash + NOUNalbum, singleseries, show, sitcomBridges starred on the smash sitcom ‘Diff'rent Strokes’.hitfilm (esp. BrE), movie (esp. AmE)

II. verb

fist, glass, vandal, wave, window

Smash is used with these nouns as the object:

barricade, fist, glass, mirror, pane, racket, record, skull, vase, window, windscreen

smash-and-grab

smash-and-grabadj.

Smash-and-grab is used with these nouns:

raid

smashed

smashedadj.

Smashed is used with these nouns:

smashing

smashingadj.

Smashing is used with these nouns:

lad, success

smash into

smash intophr verb

Smash into is used with these nouns as the subject:

bullet

smear

smearnounverb

I. noun1 mark2 lies about an important person3 medical test1 markADJECTIVE | VERB + smear | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgreasyVERB + smearleavePREPOSITIONsmear ofHis fingers left a smear of sweat on the wall.

2 lies about an important personADJECTIVE | smear + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpoliticalDemocratic, Republican, etc.smear + NOUNcampaign, tacticThey have conducted a vicious smear campaign against him.job (AmE, informal)a smear job on President Clintonmachine (AmE)the far-right smear machinePREPOSITIONsmear against, smear oncampaign smears against the socialist candidate

3 medical testADJECTIVE | VERBSADJECTIVEcervical (BrE), Pap (AmE)negative, positiveabnormalan abnormal smear test (BrE)an abnormal Pap smear test (AmE)VERBSget, have

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBliberallyShe smeared the cream liberally on her face.PREPOSITIONacross, on, over, withThe child had smeared peanut butter all over her face.His hands were smeared with blood.

Smear is used with these nouns as the subject:

lipstick, make-up, mascara

Smear is used with these nouns as the object:

blood, ink, lipstick, make-up, mascara

smell

smellnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + smell | smell + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEoverpowering, pervasive, pungent, rich, sharp, strongThere was an overpowering smell of burning rubber.faintdistinctdistinctive, particular, unmistakablefunny, peculiar, strange, unusualWhat's that funny smell?familiarlingeringaromatic, delectable, delicious, fragrant, fresh, lovely, nice, pleasant, sweet, wonderfulthe sweet smell of roseswarmawful, bad, disgusting, evil, foul, horrible, nasty, offensive, terrible, unpleasant, vileacrid, nauseating, noxious, putrid, rank, sicklyAn acrid smell filled the air.damp, musty, rancid, sour, stalethe sour smell of unwashed linenchemical, earthy, fishy, masculine, metallic, musky, smoky, spicyburning, cookingCooking smells drifted up from the kitchen.VERB + smellbe filled with, haveThe air was filled with a pervasive smell of chemicals.The house had a musty smell after being shut up over the winter.give offThe skunk gives off an unpleasant smell when attacked.catch, detect, noticeAs she walked into the house she detected the smell of gas.maskFragrance dispensers are designed to mask unpleasant smells.smell + VERBcome, drift, emanate, float, waftThe smell was coming from the kitchen.A delicious smell of freshly baked bread wafted across the lawn.fill sth, hang in the airThe smell of death hangs in the air.hit sbThen the pungent smell hit us—rotting fish and seaweed.PREPOSITIONsmell fromthe putrid smell from the slaughterhousesmell ofthe smell of smokePHRASESsense of smellDeer have a keen sense of smell.the sights, sounds and smells of … The sights, sounds and smells of Delhi stunned me.

II. verb1 notice/identify sth by using your nose2 have a particular smell1 notice/identify sth by using your noseADVERB | VERB + smellADVERBalmost, practicallySnow fell so that you could almost smell the cold.You could practically smell the danger around us.VERB + smellcanCan you smell gas?

2 have a particular smellADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBstronglyHis clothes smelled strongly of fish.faintly, slightly, vaguelyHe smelled faintly of sweat.PREPOSITIONlikeIt smells like rotten meat!ofThe kitchen smelled sweetly of herbs and fruit.

Smell is used with these nouns as the subject:

food, room

Smell is used with these nouns as the object:

air, aroma, blossom, booze, danger, food, fragrance, fumes, gasoline, odour, perfume, petrol, scent

smell of

smell ofphr verb

Smell of is used with these nouns as the object:

gasoline, oil, petrol

smelly

smellyadj.

Smelly is used with these nouns:

foot, nappy, room, sock

smelt

smeltverb

Smelt is used with these nouns as the object:

iron, ore

smelting

smeltingnoun

Smelting is used after these nouns:

copper

smile

smilenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | … OF A SMILE | VERB + smile | smile + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, bright, broad, huge, wideShe had a big smile on her face.faint, slight, thin, wan, weakbeaming, beatific, cheerful, dazzling, happy, radiant, sunny, warmthe warm smile in his eyesbeautiful, charming, cute (esp. AmE), engaging, friendly, gentle, sweet, winningShe has a beautiful smile.infectiousHe had an infectious smile that touched the lives of many people.disarming, enigmatic, mischievous, mocking, rueful, sardonic, sly, wryShe gave a wry smile.sadshyapologetic, sheepishencouraging, indulgent, reassuringpolitebeguilingeasy, readyShe had a keen wit and a ready smile.fake, fixed, forcedconspiratorial, knowinggrima grim smile of satisfactionhumourless/humorless, mirthlessShe suppressed a mirthless smile.goofy (informal, esp. AmE)He had a goofy smile plastered across his face.crooked, lopsidedtoothytoothless… OF A SMILEglimmer, hint, traceA trace of a smile played across her lips.VERB + smilehave, wearShe had a happy smile on her face.crack, flash (sb), give sb, smileI don't think he ever cracked a smile.He flashed her a disarming smile.She smiled a smile of dry amusement.manageShe managed a weak smile.returnShe returned his smile.hide, suppressThey had to hide their smiles.forceHer father forced a smile.raise (esp. BrE)Mention of this subject is guaranteed to raise a smile.smile + VERBfade, freeze, vanishHer sunny smile vanished as she read the letter.falterHis smile faltered slightly.come across sth, come over sth, come to sthA smile came to her lips.creep across sth, creep onto sth, creep over sthA wry smile crept over his face.cross sthflicker across sth, flicker on sth, flicker over sthA faint smile flickered across her face.light sth upShe got up immediately, a smile lighting up her face.play about sth (esp. BrE), play across sth, play on sthA small smile played on his lips.formgrow, spread, spread across sth, spread over sth, widenHer smile grew radiant.A gentle smile spread over her face.PREPOSITIONwith a smile‘Oh, hello!’ he said, with a smile.smile ofa smile of approvalPHRASEShave a smile on your faceShe always has a smile on her face.bring a smile to sb's face, put a smile on sb's faceIt is a beautiful song that puts a smile on your face.keep the smile off your faceHe could hardly keep the smile off his face.wipe the smile off sb's faceI'm going to wipe that smile off your face (= make you stop thinking this is funny).be all smilesTwelve hours later she was all smiles again.be wreathed in smilesHis face was wreathed in smiles.(have) a smile plastered across/on your faceThe little boy had a smile plastered across his face.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + smile | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBbroadly, widelyShe put down her tools and smiled broadly.faintly, slightly, thinly, wanly, weaklyHe looked at the mess and smiled weakly.brightly, dazzlingly, happily, radiantly, warmlyLawrence nodded, smiling happily.charmingly, gently, softly, sweetly, winninglyinnocentlybenignly, kindly, politelymerely, simplyI simply smiled at him and said ‘hi!’shylyencouragingly, indulgently, reassuringlyThe doctor smiled reassuringly.apologetically, sheepishlyruefully, wrylyMolly smiled rather wryly and said nothing.archly, enigmaticallyconspiratoriallymischievously, slylysadlygrimlyhumourlessly/humorlessly, mirthlesslysmugly, triumphantlycrookedly, lopsidedlybackHe winked at her, and she smiled back.alwaysGary is always smiling—he's so positive.VERB + smiletry tomanage tomake sbThe memory still made her smile.PREPOSITIONatHe turned and smiled at me.withShe smiled with pleasure.PHRASESsmile down at sb, smile up at sbShe smiled up at him.smile from ear to earsmile to yourselfShe smiled to herself, picturing how surprised her mother would be to see her.

Smile is used with these nouns as the subject:

eye, face

Smile is used with these nouns as the object:

greeting, grin, smile, thanks

smile at

smile atphr verb

Smile at is used with these nouns as the object:

antics, recollection

smile on

smile onphr verb

Smile on is used with these nouns as the subject:

fate, fortune

smile upon

smile uponphr verb

Smile upon is used with these nouns as the subject:

fate

smiley

smileyadj.

Smiley is used with these nouns:

smiling

smilingadj.

Smiling is used with these nouns:

face, mouth

smirk

smirknoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + smirk | smirk + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEarrogant, satisfied, self-satisfied, smug, triumphantamused, knowingplayfulevillittle, slight, smallHe gave a slight smirk.VERB + smirkhave, wearShe had a self-satisfied smirk on her face.giveShe gave a knowing smirk.conceal, hideHe made no attempt to conceal his smirk.smirk + VERBappear on sth, come across sth, come to sth, cross sth, play across sth, play on sthA small smirk crossed his face.‘What kept you?’ He asked, a smirk playing on his lips.grow, widenHer smirk grew wider.PREPOSITIONwith a smirk‘Comfortable?’ he asked with a smirk.smirk ofa smirk of triumphPHRASESwipe the smirk off sb's faceI longed to wipe the smug smirk off his face.

smog

smognoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF SMOG | VERB + smog | smog + NOUNADJECTIVEheavyurbanphotochemical… OF SMOGlayera layer of smog over the cityVERB + smogreducemeasures to reduce smogsmog + NOUNalertlevelSmog levels are high today.

smoggy

smoggyadj.

Smoggy is used with these nouns:

sky

smoke

smokenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | … OF SMOKE | VERB + smoke | smoke + VERB | smoke + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEdense, heavy, thickblack, blue, grey/gray, white, etc.billowingacrid, chokingstalethe smell of stale cigarette smoke on your clotheswoodcigar, cigarette, pipe, tobaccosecond-handHundreds of people die each year as a result of exposure to second-hand smoke (= smoke from other people's cigarettes, cigars, etc.).… OF SMOKEcloud, column, haze, pall, plume, puff, spiral, wispWe sat drinking in a haze of cigarette smoke.The witch disappeared in a puff of smoke.VERB + smokebelch, belch out, blow, emitThe car ahead was belching out black smoke.Don't blow smoke in my face!exhale, inhalebe wreathed inShe sat there wreathed in cigarette smoke.smoke + VERBbelch, billow, come, curl, drift, pour, riseBlue smoke curled up from her cigarette.Smoke rose into the sky.fill sthhangA pall of yellow smoke hung over the quarry.clearWhen the smoke cleared we saw the extent of the damage.smoke + NOUNplume, ringI taught myself to blow smoke rings.signalbomb, grenadealarm, detectorinhalationmachineThe club had a smoke machine and laser show.break (informal, esp. AmE)I was taking a smoke break outside.PHRASESgo up in smokeThe barn went up in smoke.full of smokethick with smokeThe bar was thick with stale tobacco smoke.

II. verb1 cigarette, pipe, etc.2 meat/fish/cheese1 cigarette, pipe, etc.ADVERB | PHRASESADVERBheavilyHe has always smoked heavily.openlyYou see kids openly smoking in the streets.PHRASESsmoke like a chimney (= smoke a lot)He smokes like a chimney.

2 meat/fish/cheeseADVERBADVERBheavilylightlyThe ham is cured, then lightly smoked.

Smoke is used with these nouns as the subject:

Smoke is used with these nouns as the object:

cannabis, cigar, cigarette, cocaine, dope, heroin, marijuana, opium, pipe, tobacco

smoked

smokedadj.

Smoked is used with these nouns:

bacon, cheese, fish, glass, ham, herring, meat, pork, salmon, sausage, trout, turkey

smoke-filled

smoke-filledadj.

Smoke-filled is used with these nouns:

smoke-free

smoke-freeadj.

Smoke-free is used with these nouns:

smokeless

smokelessadj.

Smokeless is used with these nouns:

coal, fuel

smoker

smokernoun

nounADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEchain, heavylightregularpack-a-day, two-pack-a-day, etc. (AmE)20-a-day, 40-a-day, etc. (BrE)A 20-a-day smoker spends around £1 800 a year on cigarettes.passive (BrE)the risk of lung cancer in passive smokersformera former smoker who quit 20 years agocigar, cigarette, pipecannabis (esp. BrE), marijuana (esp. AmE), pot (informal)PHRASESsmokers and non-smokersseparate rooms for smokers and non-smokersa smoker's cough

smoking

smokingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + smoking | smoking + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEchain, heavypassive (BrE)the dangers of passive smokingteen (esp. AmE), teenage, underageThe campaign aims to reduce teen smoking.cigar, cigarette, pipe, tobaccocannabis (esp. BrE), marijuana (esp. AmE)VERB + smokingstart, take upgive up (esp. BrE), quit (esp. AmE), stopI'm trying to stop smoking.cut down on (esp. BrE), reduceThe doctor advised me to cut down on smoking and alcohol.banallowsmoking + NOUNhabitbanA total smoking ban has been imposed throughout the building.roomPHRASESa ban on smokingthe dangers of smoking, the effects of smokinga study of the harmful effects of smokingno smokingThe company has a strict no-smoking policy.smoking-related deathsmoking-related disease, smoking-related illness (esp. BrE)

smoking-related

smoking-relatedadj.

smoky

smokyadj.

Smoky is used with these nouns:

atmosphere, bacon, flavour, haze, pub, room, smell

smoky bacon

smoky baconnoun

Smoky bacon is used before these nouns:

smolder

smolderverb

Smolder is used with these nouns as the subject:

smoldering

smolderingadj.

Smoldering is used with these nouns:

ash, fire, remains, resentment, ruin, wreckage

smooth

smoothverbadj.

I. verbADVERBADVERBcarefully, gentlyShe smoothed his hair gently.away, outUse an iron to smooth out any creases.back, downHer mother smoothed back Alice's hair.

Smooth is used with these nouns as the object:

crease, dress, hair, path, skirt, surface, transition, way, wrinkle

II. adj.1 without bumps2 without problems1 without bumpsVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, lookbecomemake sth, wear sthThe steps had been worn smooth by the thousands of passing feet.sand sthThe surface should be sanded smooth.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.beautifully, exceptionallyher beautifully smooth complexioncompletely, perfectlysilky, velvetyThis cream makes even the roughest hands silky smooth.almostdeceptivelythe deceptively smooth surface of the glacier

2 without problemsVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, look, seembecomeADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.a fairly smooth transition to democracyincredibly, particularly, remarkablyThe project got off to a remarkably smooth start.surprisinglycompletelynot always, not entirelyThe process of negotiation was not entirely smooth.

Smooth is used with these nouns:

arc, batter, cheek, chest, chin, coat, complexion, consistency, crossing, curve, custard, distribution, dough, edge, face, finish, flesh, flight, floor, flow, forehead, grain, implementation, landing, marble, motion, move, movement, muscle, operation, operator, passage, paste, progression, ride, road, rock, running, sauce, shape, shave, skin, slope, stone, stroke, surface, taste, texture, transfer, transition, voice, wood

smooth back

smooth backphr verb

Smooth back is used with these nouns as the object:

curl

smooth down

smooth downphr verb

Smooth down is used with these nouns as the object:

curl, skirt

smoothie

smoothienoun

Smoothie is used after these nouns:

fruit

smoothly

smoothlyadv.

Smoothly is used with these verbs:

accelerate, flow, function, go, operate, proceed, progress, roll, run, sail, say, slide, work

smooth on

smooth onphr verb

Smooth on is used with these nouns as the object:

lotion

smooth out

smooth outphr verb

Smooth out is used with these nouns as the object:

bump, crease, wrinkle

smother

smotherverb

Smother is used with these nouns as the object:

fire, flame, laugh, laughter

smoulder

smoulderverb

Smoulder is used with these nouns as the subject:

smouldering

smoulderingadj.

Smouldering is used with these nouns:

ash, fire, remains, resentment, ruin, wreckage

SMS

SMSnoun

SMS is used before these nouns:

Smudge is used after these nouns:

smudge

smudgenounverb

I. noun

Smudge is used with these nouns as the subject:

II. verb

lipstick, mascara

Smudge is used with these nouns as the object:

ink, lipstick, make-up, mascara

smug

smugadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSappear, be, feel, look, seem, soundgetNow don't get smug just because you've won a couple of games.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.incrediblythe incredibly smug expression on his facealmosta little, slightly, etc.annoyingly, insufferably, unbearablyHe is insufferably smug and arrogant.PREPOSITIONaboutWhat are you looking so smug about?

Smug is used with these nouns:

expression, grin, look, satisfaction, smirk

smuggle

smuggleverb

verbADVERB | VERB + smuggle | PREPOSITIONADVERBsecretlyillegallyaboard, in, outHe managed to smuggle out a note from prison.VERB + smuggletry tomanage toPREPOSITIONacrossWeapons are being smuggled across the border.intogoods which have been smuggled into Spainout ofFriends secretly smuggled him out of the country.

Smuggle is used with these nouns as the object:

immigrant, weapon

smuggling

smugglingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | smuggling + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEillegalcigarette, cocaine, diamond, drug, heroin, etc.alien (AmE), human (esp. AmE), people (esp. BrE)They have been charged with people/alien smuggling.nuclearpolicies to reduce the threat of nuclear smugglingsmuggling + NOUNattemptgang (esp. BrE), operation, racket (esp. BrE), ringThe two sailors are caught up in a diamond-smuggling racket.routePREPOSITIONsmuggling ofthe smuggling of narcotics into the country

smugly

smuglyadv.

Smugly is used with these verbs:

grin, reply, say, smile, tell

snack

snacknoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + snack | snack + NOUNADJECTIVElight, little, smallquickWe stopped for a quick snack.healthy, nutritiousdelicious, tastysalty, savoury/savory (esp. BrE)sugary, sweetcold, hotbedtime (esp. AmE), late-night, lunchtime, mid-afternoon, mid-morning, midnightbarOrder bar snacks with your drinks.VERB + snackeat, get, grab, havestop forfix (sb) (esp. AmE), make (sb), prepareI fixed myself a light snack.provide (sb with), serveA bar service provides drinks and snacks throughout the day.snack + NOUNfoodlunch, meal (both BrE)Most office staff prefer a snack lunch to a sit-down meal.timebar, countermachineI got a drink from the hotel snack machine.

snag

snagnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + snag | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, majorlittle, minor, slight, smallA minor snag is that it's expensive.one, onlyThere is just one snag—his boss might not let him go.The only snag is the price.possible, potentiallast-minutetechnicalVERB + snaghit, run intoWe've hit a technical snag—the printer isn't compatible with my PC.PREPOSITIONsnag inone of the snags in the plansnag on (esp. AmE)I ran into a few snags on my thesis.snag toThere is a snag to the job: you have to work at weekends.snag withI suddenly saw a major snag with the whole idea.

snail

snailnoun

nounADJECTIVE | snail + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEedibleaquatic, land, marine, pond, sea, watersnail + NOUNshellPHRASESslugs and snails (esp. BrE)the war with the slugs and snails in my garden(at) a snail's paceTraffic had slowed to a snail's pace.

snail mail

snail mailnoun

Snail mail is used before these nouns:

address

snake

snakenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | snake + VERB | snake + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeadlyone of the world's deadliest snakespoisonous, venomousgiant, huge, largedead, liveHe had a live snake draped over his shoulders.petHe keeps a pet snake that he lavishes with affection.sea, tree, watercoiled (often figurative)The men sit like coiled snakes that are ready to strike.snake + VERBbite sb/sth, strike sthShe was bitten by a snake while walking through long grass.The snake lifted up its head before striking its prey.slide, slither, wind, wind its wayA small green snake slithered across the wet road.The snake wound its way through the undergrowth.hiss, spitshed its skincoil around sth, coil itself around sth, curl upsnake + NOUNbite (usually snakebite)charmer, handlervenomPHRASESa snake in the grass (figurative)I came to realize that he's just a snake in the grass.

II. verb

Snake is used with these nouns as the object:

Snap is used before these nouns:

snap

snapnounverbadj.

I. noun

closure

Snap is used after these nouns:

Snap is used with these nouns as the subject:

II. verb1 break suddenly with a sharp noise2 move quickly with a sharp noise3 speak in a quick angry way4 lose control1 break suddenly with a sharp noiseADVERB | PHRASESADVERBsuddenlyThe branch suddenly snapped.easilyoffOne of the table's legs had been snapped off.PHRASESsnap (sth) in half, snap (sth) in twoShe picked up the pencil and snapped it in two.

2 move quickly with a sharp noisePHRASESPHRASESsnap (sth) open, snap (sth) shutShe snapped the lid shut.snap (sth) togetherThe plastic pieces snap together to make a replica of a dinosaur.

3 speak in a quick angry wayADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBangrily, harshly, impatiently, irritably, sarcastically, sharplyback‘How should I know?’ Jen snapped back.PREPOSITIONatHe lost his temper and snapped irritably at the children.

4 lose controlADVERBADVERBfinallyMy patience finally snapped.suddenlyTV reports of a man who suddenly snapped and killed himself and his familyjust, simplyI guess he just snapped.

dog, elastic, patience, photographer, self-control, twig

Snap is used with these nouns as the object:

finger, jaw, photo, picture, salute, shot, streak, twig

III. adj.

Snap is used with these nouns:

decision, judgement

snap away at

snap away atphr verb

Snap away at is used with these nouns as the subject:

photographer

snap off

snap offphr verb

Snap off is used with these nouns as the object:

twig

snap out of

snap out ofphr verb

Snap out of is used with these nouns as the object:

snappy

snappyadj.

Snappy is used with these nouns:

slogan

snap together

snap togetherphr verb

Snap together is used with these nouns as the subject:

snare

snarenoun

Snare is used before these nouns:

drum

snarky

snarkyadj.

Snarky is used with these nouns:

comment

snarl

snarlnounverb

I. noun

Snarl is used after these nouns:

Snarl is used with these nouns as the subject:

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBangrily, savagely, viciouslyHe snarled savagely at her.almostPREPOSITIONatA guard dog snarled at us as we walked by.

Snarl is used with these nouns as the object:

snarling

snarlingadj.

Snarling is used with these nouns:

beast

snatch

snatchnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + snatch | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbriefVERB + snatchcatch, hear, overhearWe caught snatches of conversation from the room next door.hum, singHe was humming a snatch of a song from ‘Cabaret’.PREPOSITIONin snatchesShe learned to sleep in brief snatches.PHRASESa snatch of conversation, a snatch of dialogue, a snatch of music, a snatch of song

II. verbADVERB | VERB + snatch | PREPOSITIONADVERBalmostquicklyaway, back, upShe snatched her hand back.She leaped to her feet, snatching up her bag.VERB + snatchtry toSomeone tried to snatch her purse.PREPOSITIONatHe snatched at her arm as she walked past.fromShe almost snatched the letter from my hand.out ofI snatched it out of his hands.

Snatch is used with these nouns as the subject:

robber, thief

Snatch is used with these nouns as the object:

bag, draw, handbag, purse, sleep, toy, victory

snatcher

snatchernoun

Snatcher is used after these nouns:

purse

snatch from

snatch fromphr verb

Snatch from is used with these nouns as the object:

grasp, silver

snatch up

snatch upphr verb

Snatch up is used with these nouns as the object:

receiver

sneak

sneakverbadj.

I. verb

Sneak is used with these nouns as the object:

look, peek

II. adj.

Sneak is used with these nouns:

attack, peek, preview, thief

sneaker

sneakernoun

noun (AmE)ADJECTIVE | … OF SNEAKERS | VERB + sneakerADJECTIVEnewbeaten-up, old, worn, worn-outa pair of worn canvas sneakersdesigner, stylishbasketball, high-topHe wears white high-top sneakers.canvas, leather… OF SNEAKERSpairVERB + sneakerpull on, slip onI pulled on my sneakers and headed out for a run.kick off, pull offlace up

sneaking

sneakingadj.

Sneaking is used with these nouns:

admiration, feeling, suspicion

sneak into

sneak intophr verb

Sneak into is used with these nouns as the object:

sneaky

sneakyadj.

Sneaky is used with these nouns:

feeling

sneer

sneernoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + sneer | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEarrogantfaint, slightVERB + sneergiveHe gave an arrogant sneer.curl into, turn into, twist intoThe smile slowly turned into a sneer.Her lips twisted into a sneer.hidePREPOSITIONwith a sneerPHRASESa sneer in your voicea sneer on sb's face

sneeze

sneezeverb

verbADVERB | VERB + sneeze | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBloudlySomeone sneezed loudly at the back of the hall.violentlyuncontrollablyVERB + sneezecause sb to, make sbThe smoke reached her and made her sneeze.PREPOSITIONonI sneezed on him.PHRASEScoughing and sneezingViruses can be spread through coughing and sneezing.the urge to sneezeShe suddenly felt the urge to sneeze.

sneezing

sneezingnoun

Sneezing is used before these nouns:

snide

snideadj.

Snide is used with these nouns:

comment, remark

snidely

snidelyadv.

Snidely is used with these verbs:

Sniff is used with these nouns as the subject:

sniff

sniffnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + sniff | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdeep, good, longlittle, slight, smallloudVERB + sniffgiveShe gave a loud sniff of disapproval.hearget, have, taketo get a sniff of fresh airPREPOSITIONbetween sniffs‘I'm sorry,’ he said between sniffs.with a sniff‘I'm fine,’ she said with a sniff.sniff atThe dog had a good sniff at the bushes.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBloudlyShe wiped her eyes and sniffed loudly.deeplya littlecarefully, delicatelyappreciativelyHe sniffed appreciatively. ‘Smells delicious. What is it?’disdainfully, haughtilysuspiciouslybackThe woman sniffed back her tears.PREPOSITIONatThe dog sniffed at his shoes.

Sniff is used with these nouns as the object:

air, cocaine, coke, glue, solvent

sniffer

sniffernoun

Sniffer is used before these nouns:

sniper

snipernoun

Sniper is used before these nouns:

bullet, fire, rifle

snippet

snippetnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + snippet | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbrief, little, smallbrief snippets of interviewsinterestingThe guidebook is full of interesting snippets of information.vocalvocal snippets in the background of the songVERB + snippetcatch, get, hearI heard snippets of conversation.read, seePREPOSITIONsnippet fromThe article gave a few snippets from her forthcoming memoirs.snippet ofsnippets of dialogue from the TV show

snobbery

snobberynoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcultural, intellectual, musicalclass, socialShe faced the twin barriers of class snobbery and racial discrimination.the elitism and social snobbery of the art worldpettyher obsession with petty social snobberiesinverted (BrE)His dismissive attitude to the rich is just inverted snobbery.PREPOSITIONsnobbery abouthis snobbery about mixing with people from other classessnobbery towards/towardsnobbery towards/toward electronic music

snobbish

snobbishadj.

Snobbish is used with these nouns:

disdain

snooker

snookernoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF SNOOKER | VERB + snooker | snooker + NOUNADJECTIVEprofessional… OF SNOOKERframe, gameWe played a couple of frames of snooker in the evening.VERB + snookerplaysnooker + NOUNball, cue, tableHe bought a a full-size snooker table.ace, champion, player, starclub, hall, roomchampionship, match, tournamentworldThe ex-miner stunned the snooker world by winning his first tournament.

snooty

snootyadj.

Snooty is used with these nouns:

disdain

snooze

snoozenoun

Snooze is used before these nouns:

Snort is used with these nouns as the subject:

snore

snoreverb

verbADVERB | VERB + snoreADVERBloudly, noisilygently, lightly, quietly, softlyShe was asleep in a chair and snoring gently.peacefullyHe began to snore peacefully.awayGrandma was snoring away in her bed.VERB + snorebegin to, start toLily began to snore loudly.

snort

snortnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + snort | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElittle, smallloudderisiveVERB + snortgive, let outHe gave a snort of contempt.hearstiflePREPOSITIONwith a snort‘What a mess they made of it!’ said Sam with a snort of derision.snort ofPHRASESa snort of derision, a snort of disgusta snort of laughter

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBloudlysoftlyangrily, contemptuously, derisively, impatiently, indignantlyHe snorted indignantly and walked away.PREPOSITIONatShe snorted at his suggestion.inCalvin snorted in disbelief.He snorted in disgust.withHe snorted with derision.Her friends snorted with laughter.

Snort is used with these nouns as the object:

cocaine, coke

snotty

snottyadj.

Snotty is used with these nouns:

nose

snow

snownounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | … OF SNOW | VERB + snow | snow + VERB | snow + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEheavy, thickfine, lightThe plants were covered in fine snow.deepwetcompacted, crisp, frozen, hard, icy, packedThe crisp snow crunched as we walked through it.The frozen snow was treacherous to walk on.powder, powdery, slushy, softdrifting, driving, falling, swirlingThey struggled on through the driving snow.melted, meltingfresh, freshly fallen, new, newly fallenfirstthe first snow of winterspring, winterartificial, fakeThey had to use artificial snow at the Winter Olympics.dirty… OF SNOWflakefall (esp. BrE), flurrypatchdustingThere was a light dusting of snow on the ground.blanket, carpet, layerpileThere were great big piles of snow on the road outside.foot, inchThe porch is currently covered in three feet of snow.Three inches of snow had fallen.handfulHe grabbed a handful of snow and threw it at Kate.VERB + snowbe covered inThe car was completely covered in snow.blow (AmE), clear (esp. BrE), plough/plow (esp. AmE), shovel (esp. AmE), sweepShe cleared the snow from the path.meltThe sun came out and melted all the snow.expectWe're expecting snow over the next few days.get, haveSouthern Europe rarely gets snow.struggle through, trudge through, walk throughI trudged through the snow and ice to the edge of town.snow + VERBcover sth, lie, pile, pile up, settleSnow covered everything from horizon to horizon.Snow had piled up against the walls of the house.It was too warm for the snow to settle.come down, drift, drive, fall, swirlThe heaviest snow is coming down in Maine.melt, thawsnow + NOUNflurry, shower, storm (usually snowstorm)conditionsThe snow conditions were excellent.fall (usually snowfall)a heavy snowfalla light snowfallan area of low snowfallcoverThe glacier provides skiers with year-round snow cover.line (usually snowline)animals that live above the snowlinebank, drift (usually snowdrift)He got his car stuck in a snowdrift.field (usually snowfield)slide (usually snowslide) (AmE) (avalanche in BrE)day (AmE)Growing up in New York, I had my share of snow days.blower (usually snowblower), plough/plow (usually snowplough/snowplow), shovelcannon (BrE), gunblindnesschains, tyre/tireshoe (usually snowshoe)globeShe bought a plastic snow globe with the Eiffel Tower inside.PREPOSITIONacross the snowWe walked across the snow to the road.in snow, into snowThe children are playing in the snow.through snowWe struggled through the deep snow back to the chalet.under snowThe steps were buried under the snow.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + snow | PHRASESADVERBhard, heavilyIt had been snowing heavily all night.lightlyoutsideIt looked to be snowing outside.overnightWe woke up to find that it had snowed overnight.VERB + snowbegin to, start toPHRASESstart snowing, stop snowingIt started snowing just as we were setting out.

snowball

snowballnoun

Snowball is used before these nouns:

fight

snow-capped

snow-cappedadj.

Snow-capped is used with these nouns:

mountain, peak, summit

snow-covered

snow-coveredadj.

Snow-covered is used with these nouns:

ground, hill, mountain, peak, sidewalk, slope

snowfall

snowfallnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + snowfallADJECTIVEheavylightannualaverage, meanWhat's the average snowfall for this region?firstthe first snowfalls of Novemberfresh, newA fresh snowfall had covered the ground.VERB + snowfallget, haveWe had a light snowfall last night.

snowflake

snowflakenoun

nounADJECTIVE | snowflake + VERBADJECTIVEwhitefluffyFluffy white snowflakes began to fall from the sky.snowflake + VERBdrift, fall, flutterSnowflakes slowly drifted down from the sky.melt

snowmobile

snowmobilenoun

Snowmobile is used before these nouns:

trail

snowy

snowyadj.

Snowy is used with these nouns:

field, ground, hill, morning, mountain, night, peak, road, slope

snub

snubnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + snub | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdeliberatea deliberate snub to the ambassadorapparentembarrassing, humiliatingVERB + snubdeliver sb (BrE)He took the opportunity to deliver us another snub.receiveinterpret sth as, regard sth as, see sth as, take sth asThese references were widely seen as a snub to the President.intend sth as, mean sth asIt was never intended as a snub.amount to, representThe deal amounts to something of a snub for the rival online music company.PREPOSITIONas a snubsnub bySome are suggesting that it was a snub by the French.snub for, snub toHis withdrawal from the event was seen as a deliberate snub to the organizers.snub of (esp. AmE)an unintentional snub of President Johnson

II. verbADVERB | PHRASESADVERBdeliberatelypubliclyrudelyPHRASESfeel snubbedHe was not invited to the party, and felt snubbed.

snuff

snuffnounverb

I. noun… OF SNUFF | VERB + snuff | snuff + NOUN… OF SNUFFpinchVERB + snuffinhale, takesnuff + NOUNbox

Snuff is used before these nouns:

Snuff is used with these nouns as the object:

II. verb

candle, flame

snuff out

snuff outphr verb

Snuff out is used with these nouns as the object:

candle, flame

snug

snugadj.

Snug is used with these nouns:

snuggle

snuggleverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBcloseShe slipped her arm through his and snuggled close.togetherWe snuggled up together on the couch.down, upI snuggled down in my bed.backPREPOSITIONagainstClaudia snuggled against him.intoShe snuggled into her sleeping bag and closed her eyes.underHe snuggled back under the covers.

snugly

snuglyadv.

Snugly is used with these verbs:

fit, tuck

soak

soakverb

verbADVERB | VERB + soak | PREPOSITIONADVERBcompletely, thoroughlyovernightLeave the beans to soak overnight.offPlace the jar in warm water to soak the label off.upLet the soil soak up the water.VERB + soakleave sth to, let sthI've left the clothes to soak overnight.PREPOSITIONinSoak the clothes in cold water.intoWater dripped off the table and soaked into the carpet.throughThe rain had soaked through every layer of his clothing.withHe soaked the cloth with kerosene.

Soak is used with these nouns as the subject:

blood, rain, sweat

Soak is used with these nouns as the object:

bean, contact lens

soaked

soakedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, lookgetADVERBabsolutely, completely, thoroughlythroughThe collar of my shirt was completely soaked through.PHRASESsoaked to the bone (AmE), soaked to the skinThere was a sudden shower and we got soaked to the skin.

soak in

soak inphr verb

Soak in is used with these nouns as the object:

bath, cloth, oil, tub

soaking

soakingadv.

Soaking is used with these adjectives:

wet

soak into

soak intophr verb

Soak into is used with these nouns as the subject:

soak up

soak upphr verb

Soak up is used with these nouns as the subject:

sponge

Soak up is used with these nouns as the object:

liquid, sun, sunshine

soap

soapnoun

noun1 substance used for washing21 substance used for washingADJECTIVE | … OF SOAP | VERB + soap | soap + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEgentle, mildperfumed, scentedliquidcarbolic (esp. BrE)antibacterialClean the wound with mild antibacterial soap.bar (AmE)I switched to liquid shower gel from bar soap.bath, hand (esp. AmE), toilet (BrE)dish, dishwashing, laundry (all AmE)I cleaned it with warm water and liquid dish soap.saddle… OF SOAPbar, cake (less frequent)VERB + soapuse, wash (sth) withsoap + NOUNpowder (BrE)bubble, sudsdish, dispenserPHRASESsoap and water

2See also soap opera

soap opera

soap operanoun

(also soapinformal) nounADJECTIVE | VERB + soap opera | SOAP + NOUNADJECTIVEradio, TVdaytime, night-time (esp. AmE), prime-time (esp. AmE)long-running (esp. BrE)a long-running TV soap operahit, popular, topteenHe worked on the popular teen soap ‘Dawson's Creek’.VERB + soap operawatchI don't watch many soaps.SOAP + NOUNstaran Aussie soap star

soapy

soapyadj.

Soapy is used with these nouns:

Soar is used with these nouns as the subject:

soar

soarverb

verb1 increase very fast2 fly high in the air1 increase very fastADVERB | VERB + soar | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBdramaticallyProfits have soared dramatically in recent months.VERB + soarbe expected to, be set toBorrowing is set to soar to an astonishing £60 billion.PREPOSITIONbyRetail sales soared by 10% in the twelve months to November.from, toInflation has soared from 5% to 15%.pastThe death toll soared past 100 000.upThis model will soar up the sales charts.PHRASESsend sth soaringThe fuel shortage sent prices soaring.soar to new heightsProperty stock has soared to new heights.

2 fly high in the airADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBhighoverheadA bird soared high overhead.up, upwards/upwardThe cliffs soared upward.PREPOSITIONabove, across, intoRockets soared into the sky.overan eagle soaring high above thempastThe ball went soaring past my head.throughShe stopped suddenly and her bag went soaring through the air.towards/toward

attendance, ball, bird, confidence, cost, deficit, eagle, investment, level, mountain, popularity, price, productivity, profit, rate, rating, sale, stock, temperature, unemployment, vulture

Soar is used with these nouns as the object:

per cent, point

soaring

soaringadj.

Soaring is used with these nouns:

cost, deficit, demand, flight, price

sob

sobnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + sob | sob + VERB | sob + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, deep, greatlittle, smallloudquiet, silent, softchoked, hoarse, muffled, stifled, strangledchoking, gasping, heaving, racking, shudderingI couldn't hold back the heaving sobs.dryVERB + sobgive, let outbreak (down) into, burst intoMy father broke down into sobs.be racked by, be racked with, heave with, shake withHer body was racked with sobs.choke back, hold back, muffle, stifleChoking back a sob, she ran to her father's chair.hearsob + VERBbreak from sb/sth, come from, escape sb/sthA sob escaped her lips.riseA choked sob rose in his throat.catchA dry sob caught in her throat.rack sth, shake sthDeep racking sobs shook his whole body.subsidesob + NOUNstoryYou can't expect me to believe this sob story!PREPOSITIONbetween sobs‘I don't want to go!’ she said between sobs.on a sobEllen choked on a sob before admitting the truth.through sobsHe continued his story through stifled sobs.with a sob‘Why didn't you tell me?’ she asked with a sob.sob froma sob from GeorgePHRASESa sob of despair, a sob of pain, a sob of reliefa great sob of despair

II. verbADVERB | VERB + sob | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBaloudloudlyquietly, silently, softlyhysterically, uncontrollably, wildlyalmostHe was pleading, almost sobbing, first silently and then aloud.VERB + sobbegin to, start toHe began to sob uncontrollably.hear sbI heard a child sob loudly.PREPOSITIONintoShe began sobbing into her pillow.withShe was sobbing with pain and fear.PHRASESsob your heart outbegin sobing, start sobingShe started sobbing hysterically.

sober

soberadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, feel, look, seembecome, getremain, stayShe wanted a drink, but she had to stay sober.keep sbOnly the thought of her kept him sober.ADVERBcompletely, entirely, perfectly, quite, stone-cold, totallynot entirelyalmost, fairly, pretty, reasonably, relativelyBy this time he felt reasonably sober again.enoughAt that point she was still sober enough to ask sensible questions.PHRASESclean and sober (esp. AmE)I've been clean and sober for four years.

Sober is used with these nouns:

mood, reflection

sobering

soberingadj.

Sobering is used with these nouns:

experience, reality, realization, reminder, thought

soberly

soberlyadv.

Soberly is used with these verbs:

so-called

so-calledadj.

So-called is used with these nouns:

expert, friend, terrorist

soccer

soccernoun

nounSee also footballADJECTIVE | … OF SOCCER | VERB + soccer | soccer + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEamateur, pro (AmE), professionaltop-classjunior, kids' (esp. AmE), senior, youth (esp. AmE)He played on the Irish junior soccer team.women'scollege, high-school, varsity (all AmE)league, non-league (BrE)international, national, worldcompetitivefive-a-side (esp. BrE)indoor… OF SOCCERgameVERB + soccerplaywatchsoccer + NOUNballfield, ground (BrE), pitch (BrE), stadiumgame, match, tournamentgoal (AmE)leagueclub, teamseason (esp. AmE)ace (BrE), hero (esp. BrE), legend, player, starboss (esp. BrE), coach, managermanagementofficial, refereefan, supporter (esp. BrE)mom (AmE)seasoncareerskillspracticeThe kids are at soccer practice.jersey (AmE), shirt, shorts, strip (BrE), uniform (AmE)He was wearing a yellow Brazil soccer jersey.cleats, shoes (both AmE)a pair of soccer cleatshooligan, thug (both esp. BrE)violencemagazinePHRASESbe on the soccer team (esp. AmE)He's on the soccer team.

social

socialadj.

Social is used with these nouns:

acceptance, acquaintance, activity, adjustment, administration, advance, advancement, advantage, affair, agenda, alienation, ambition, amenity, animal, anthropology, approval, arena, arrangement, aspect, aspiration, assistance, attitude, attribute, awareness, background, balance, behaviour, benefit, breakdown, calendar, call, capital, category, cause, censure, change, chaos, characteristic, charter, circle, circumstance, class, classification, climate, club, comment, commentary, commentator, commitment, competence, complexion, composition, condition, conflict, conformity, connection, conscience, consciousness, consensus, consequence, conservatism, conservative, context, control, convention, cooperation, cost, creature, crisis, critic, criticism, critique, currency, custom, decay, demand, deprivation, development, diary, difference, dilemma, dimension, disadvantage, disapproval, disaster, discipline, discontent, discord, discrimination, disease, disintegration, disorder, disruption, distance, distinction, distress, distribution, disturbance, divide, division, dominance, drinker, elite, embarrassment, encounter, end, engagement, engineering, enterprise, entity, environment, envy, equal, equality, esteem, ethics, etiquette, evening, event, evil, evolution, exclusion, existence, expectation, expenditure, explosion, fabric, facility, factor, ferment, force, formation, forum, framework, function, fund, gathering, geography, grievance, group, habit, harmony, hierarchy, historian, history, housing, ideal, identity, impact, implication, importance, improvement, inadequacy, inclusion, indicator, inequality, inferior, inferiority, influence, information, injustice, insect, instability, institution, insurance, integration, interaction, intercourse, intervention, isolation, issue, justice, ladder, landscape, legislation, liberal, liberalism, life, mechanism, message, mobility, morality, movement, nature, necessity, need, network, norm, nuance, obligation, occasion, oppression, order, organization, origin, outcast, outing, outsider, pact, perspective, phenomenon, philosopher, philosophy, phobia, poise, policy, politeness, position, practice, prejudice, pressure, prestige, problem, process, profile, progress, protest, psychologist, psychology, purpose, rank, realism, reality, realm, reason, recognition, reconstruction, reform, register, rehabilitation, relation, relationship, repercussion, repression, research, researcher, respectability, responsibility, restraint, restriction, revolution, ritual, role, rule, sanction, satire, scale, scene, science, scientist, secretary, segregation, service, setting, significance, situation, skill, snobbery, software, solidarity, space, spectrum, spending, sphere, stability, standing, stature, status, stereotype, stigma, stress, strife, structure, suicide, superior, superiority, support, system, taboo, teaching, tension, term, theory, tie, topic, training, transformation, trend, trust, turmoil, unit, unity, unrest, upheaval, utility, value, virtue, visit, welfare, well-being, whirl, whole, work, worker, world

social democratic

Social democratic is used with these nouns:

Social insurance is used before these nouns:

social insurance

Socialist is used with these nouns:

socialism

socialismnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + socialism | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdemocratic, revolutionary, scientificMarx claimed that his was the first scientific socialism.market, stateinternationalMarxistVERB + socialismbuild, establishThey are trying to build socialism in their own country.PREPOSITIONunder socialismThey believed that these problems would disappear under socialism.

socialist

socialistnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | socialist + VERBADJECTIVEcommitted, dedicated (esp. BrE), lifelong, staunch (esp. BrE), strong (esp. BrE)leadingHis father was a leading socialist in Germany.radical, revolutionaryliberalmoderatedemocraticsocialist + VERBcome to powerThe socialists came to power in 1981.

II. adj.

cause, country, credentials, deputy, economy, feminism, idea, ideal, ideology, mayor, movement, party, point of view, propaganda, realism, regime, republic, revolution, society, state, thinking, thought, writer

socialized

socializedadj.

Socialized is used with these nouns:

medicine

socially social networking

social networking

Social networking is used before these nouns:

social security

See also welfare… OF SOCIAL SECURITY | VERB + social security | SOCIAL-SECURITY + NOUN | PREPOSITION… OF SOCIAL SECURITYsystemVERB + social securitybe entitled to, claim, receiveIf you are unemployed you can claim social security.SOCIAL-SECURITY + NOUNprovision, scheme, systemplans to improve social-security provision for single parentsthe long term costs of the social-security systembenefit, paymentscontributionsAll people in work pay social-security contributions.claimantminister, officebudget, funds, spendingPREPOSITIONon social securityHe's out of work and on social security.

VERB + social security | social security + NOUNVERB + social securityapply for, be eligible forgetTeachers can get Social Security if they work in private industry.depend onMy wife and I are retired and depend on Social Security.pay intoHe has paid into Social Security throughout his 35-year career.privatize, reformthe plan to privatize Social Securitysocial security + NOUNnumbera list of workers' Social Security numberscardYou need ID such as a birth certificate or Social Security card.benefitscontributions, payments, taxThe current Social Security tax of 6.2% on workers.program, systemprivatization, reform

social worker

ADJECTIVEADJECTIVEsenior (BrE)approved (BrE), licensed (AmE), qualified (BrE), traineda licensed clinical social workerclinical, psychiatricShe could be assessed by a psychiatric social worker.hospital, residential (esp. BrE)

societal

societaladj.

Societal is used with these nouns:

acceptance, attitude, expectation, implication, norm

society

societynoun

noun1 people who have shared customs and laws2 organization formed for a particular purpose1 people who have shared customs and lawsADJECTIVE | VERB + society | society + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElarger, widerthe position of women within the family and the wider societyentire, wholeAn entire society has been corrupted.contemporary, moderntraditionalmainstreama place for people excluded from mainstream societynewHe wanted to create a new society.advancedthe role of women in an advanced industrial societyprimitivecomplexegalitarian, free, just, liberal, openclosedcivilized, good, humanea vision of the good societyaffluentthe consumerist values of the affluent societyconsumer, consumeristdisposable (esp. AmE), throwaway (esp. BrE)Our disposable society must be encouraged to recycle.permissivediverse, multicultural, multiracial, pluralisticthe celebration of a culturally diverse societydivided, stratifiedYears of high unemployment have left society deeply divided.civilthe relationship between the state and civil societysecularhumana theory on the basis of human societyclassclasslesstribalmatriarchal, patriarchalmale-dominatedbourgeoishighShe was marrying into Rio's high society.capitalist, democratic, feudal, political, socialist, etc.industrial, post-industrial, pre-industrialgovernments in the advanced industrial societiesagricultural, information, scientific, technologicalthe global information societyIslamic, Muslim, Western, etc.rural, urban, village (BrE)globaldecent, politeSuch language would not be used in polite society.VERB + societybuild, createthe struggle to build a just societychange, shape, transformbecomethe path to becoming a secular societypermeate, pervadethe greed that pervades modern societydominatefit intoPrisoners often have problems fitting into society on their release.live inWe live in a society dominated by men.polarizesociety + VERBbe based on stha society based on social justicebecomeUS society is becoming more unequal.PREPOSITIONin (a) society, within (a) societythe role of television in modern Western societyPHRASESa cross-section of societyThe clinic deals with a wide cross-section of society.the fabric of societyThe civil war tore apart the fabric of society.the higher echelons of society, the top echelons of societyOfficers were drawn largely from the top echelons of society.a level of society, a rank of society, a stratum of societyChild cruelty exists at all levels of society.a member of societywelfare reforms to protect the most vulnerable members of societyan outcast from society, an outcast of societyShe devoted herself to helping the outcasts of society.a pillar of societyHe considered himself to be a pillar of society.One of the pillars of society must be that everyone has access to the legal system.your place in society, your rank in societyA person's job is one of the factors that determines their place in society.a contributing member of society (esp. AmE), a productive member of societyWe help offenders to become productive members of society.the rest of societyHe felt isolated from the rest of society.a section of society, a sector of society, a segment of societyEvery section of society must have access to education.society as a wholeThe research examines minorities and their relation to society as a whole.society at largeHealth standards have risen in society at large.society in generalthe benefits for society in generalthe structure of societythe class structure of our society

2 organization formed for a particular purposeADJECTIVE | VERB + society | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdebating, drama (esp. BrE), dramatic (esp. BrE), historical, horticultural (BrE), music, musical (esp. BrE), religious, etc.a member of an amateur dramatic societymedical, professional, scientific, etc.He is a member of numerous professional societies.locala local historical societysecretVERB + societybelong toShe belongs to the historical society.become a member of, joincreate, establish, form, found, set up, startPREPOSITIONin a/the societyShe was active in the Society for Women's Suffrage.society fora society for the prevention of cruelty to animalssociety ofthe Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders

sociocultural

socioculturaladj.

Sociocultural is used with these nouns:

influence

socio-economic

socio-economicadj.

Socio-economic is used with these nouns:

background, class, development, disadvantage, indicator, inequality, status

socio-economically

socio-economicallyadv.

Socio-economically is used with these adjectives:

disadvantaged

sociological

sociologicaladj.

Sociological is used with these nouns:

enquiry, explanation, study

sociologically

sociologicallyadv.

Sociologically is used with these adjectives:

interesting

sociology

sociologynoun

nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEclassical, mainstreameconomic, historical, industrial, medical, political, rural, urban, etc.

sock

socknoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF SOCKS | VERB + sock | sock + NOUNADJECTIVEknee, knee-high, longankle (esp. BrE), shortthick, thinwhiteathletic, gym, sweat, tube (all AmE)a pair of white tube sockssports (BrE)argyle, bobbydresscottonwool (esp. AmE), woollen/woolen, woolly/wooly (esp. BrE)clean, dirtyold, smellymismatched (AmE), odd (BrE)He wore odd socks, one red and one yellow.… OF SOCKSpairVERB + sockpull on, pull uppull offknitdarn, mend (esp. BrE)He darned his own socks.sock + NOUNdrawerpuppet (esp. AmE, often figurative)He is a man of integrity, not a sock puppet taking orders from above.

socket

socketnoun

noun1 (BrE) for electricity2 in the body1 (BrE) for electricitySee also outletADJECTIVE | VERB + socket | socket + NOUNADJECTIVEelectric, electrical, light, mains, plug, poweraerial, earphone, headphone, phoneScart, USBstandardwallVERB + socketplug (sth) intoThe battery charger plugs into any mains socket.socket + NOUNoutlet

2 in the bodyADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEempty, hollow, sunkenarm, eye, hip, shoulder, toothPREPOSITIONin its socketHis eyes bulged madly in their sockets.

soda

sodanoun

noun1 (AmE) drink2 chemical1 (AmE) drinkADJECTIVE | … OF SODA | VERB + soda | soda + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEclub, cream (BrE, AmE), orangediet, regularice-cream… OF SODAbottle, canglasssip, swigVERB + sodadrink, sipget, grabI grabbed a soda from the refrigerator.orderopenpourspillsoda + NOUNwater (BrE, AmE)pop (AmE, old-fashioned)bottle, canmachinefountain (AmE), siphon (BrE)PHRASESa Scotch and soda (BrE, AmE)

2 chemicalADJECTIVE | soda + NOUNADJECTIVEcausticbakingwashingsoda + NOUNlimelake (technical)

sodium

sodiumnoun

Sodium is used before these nouns:

salt

sodium chloride

sodium chloridenoun

Sodium chloride is used before these nouns:

solution

sofa

sofanoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + sofa | sofa + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbatteredcomfortable, comfy (informal), plush, softoverstuffedAmy collapsed on her overstuffed leather sofa.deep, low-slung (AmE)She sank into the deep sofa.chintz, leather, etc.three-seater, two-seater, etc.convertible, sleeper (AmE)The convertible sofa means that the apartment can sleep four.living-roomI was lying on my living-room sofa.VERB + sofacollapse on/onto, flop (down) on/onto, settle (down) on, sink (down) into/on/onto, sit (down) on, slump (down) on/ontoHe slumped back on the sofa in tears.be sprawled (out) on, lie on, lounge on, recline on, stretch out onI spent the evening sprawled on the sofa, watching TV.get up from, jump up from, rise fromHe got up from the sofa to fetch some drinks.hide behindI might have to hide behind the sofa if the movie gets too scary!sofa + NOUNbedcushionPREPOSITIONon the sofaShe was curled up on the sofa.I fell asleep on the sofa.I don't mind sleeping on the sofa.PHRASESthe arm of a/the sofa, the back of a/the sofa, the edge of a/the sofa, the side of a/the sofa

soft

softadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, lookbecome, get, go, grow, turnstayHer skin had stayed soft and supple.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.beautifully, incredibly, wonderfullyThe fabric has a beautifully soft texture.allThese tomatoes have gone all soft.relativelya little, slightly, etc.

Soft is used with these nouns:

bed, blanket, breeze, brown, brush, caress, carpet, centre, chair, cheek, cheese, chuckle, clay, click, cloth, coal, colour, consistency, contact lens, cotton, couch, cover, cry, curl, curve, cushion, dirt, dough, drawl, drink, drug, earth, eye, fabric, feature, flesh, focus, fold, footstep, fruit, fur, glow, goal, grass, groan, ground, growl, grunt, hand, heart, hiss, hum, kiss, knock, landing, laugh, laughter, launch, leather, light, lighting, linen, margarine, material, mattress, melody, metal, moan, money, moonlight, mouth, mud, murmur, music, option, palate, palm, passage, patch, pencil, pillow, pornography, rain, ray, rock, roll, rumble, rustle, sand, scent, shade, sheet, shoe, sigh, silk, skin, snow, sob, sofa, sound, splash, surface, swell, tap, target, texture, thud, thump, tinkle, tissue, tone, towel, toy, tread, turf, velvet, voice, water, whimper, whisper, wire, wood, wool, word

soft-boiled

soft-boiledadj.

Soft-boiled is used with these nouns:

soft-bristled

soft-bristledadj.

Soft-bristled is used with these nouns:

brush

soft-centred

soft-centredadj.

Soft-centred is used with these nouns:

soft-core

soft-coreadj.

Soft-core is used with these nouns:

pornography

soften

softenverb

verb1 become/make sth softer/gentler2 make sth seem less severe1 become/make sth softer/gentlerADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBconsiderably, a lota bit, a little, slightly, somewhatHis smile softened slightly.I've softened somewhat in my advancing age.PREPOSITIONtowards/towardHer anger softened towards/toward him.

2 make sth seem less severeADVERB | VERB + soften | PHRASESADVERBslightly, somewhatVERB + softentry tohelp (to)PHRASESsoften the blow (of sth)I should try to soften the blow of this news.The bank may try to soften the blow somewhat with a cut in interest rates.soften into a smileHer face softened into a smile.

Soften is used with these nouns as the subject:

expression, eye, face, tone, voice

Soften is used with these nouns as the object:

blow, butter, effect, feature, image, impact, margarine, onion, outline, stance, tone

softened

softenedadj.

Softened is used with these nouns:

butter

softener

softenernoun

Softener is used after these nouns:

fabric

softly

softlyadv.

Softly is used with these adjectives:

golden, rounded

Softly is used with these verbs:

add, answer, ask, blow, breathe, brush, call, caress, chuckle, close, comment, cry, curse, drawl, echo, enquire, exclaim, finish, gasp, gleam, glow, groan, growl, grunt, hiss, hum, illuminate, kiss, knock, land, lap, laugh, light, massage, moan, mumble, murmur, mutter, pad, pant, patter, press, repeat, reply, respond, rest, rustle, say, sigh, sing, smile, snore, snort, sob, speak, stroke, swear, talk, tell, tread, vibrate, warn, weep, whimper, whine, whisper, whistle

softly-softly

softly-softlyadj.

Softly-softly is used with these nouns:

soft-spoken

soft-spokenadj.

Soft-spoken is used with these nouns:

software

softwarenoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF SOFTWARE | VERB + software | software + VERB | software + NOUNADJECTIVEcomputer, PCapplicationaccounting, blogging, design, editing, educational, enterprise, management, social, etc.character-recognition, handwriting-recognitionface-recognition, facial-recognitionspeech-recognition, voice-recognitionVoice-recognition software takes your speech and turns it into text.antivirus, filtering, securityproprietarySony's proprietary PC softwarefree, open-sourceWe use only open-source software.latestpiratedHe was arrested for selling pirated software.… OF SOFTWAREpiecean exciting piece of design softwareVERB + softwarerun, useMy PC isn't powerful enough to run that software.create, design, develop, make, writedownload, installbuy, sellupdateI updated my antivirus software last night.software + VERBrunThe software will run on most PCs.software + NOUNapplication, applications, package, product, program, system, tooldevelopment, engineeringdeveloper, engineercompany, firm, house, makergiantMicrosoft, the software giantbusiness, industry

softwood

softwoodnoun

Softwood is used before these nouns:

lumber

soggy

soggyadj.

Soggy is used with these nouns:

bread, fry, mess, pastry

soil

soilnounverb

I. noun1 earth2 part of a country1 earthADJECTIVE | VERB + soil | soil + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEdeepshallow, thinfertile, good, richinfertile, poorlightheavyloosecompacteddrydamp, moist, waterlogged, wetKeep the soil moist and fertilize weekly.well-drainedacid, acidicalkalinecontaminatedtop (usually topsoil)potting (AmE)She bought a bag of potting soil.chalky, clay, clayey, loam, loamy, peatyRich loamy soils produce the largest leeks.rocky, sandy, stonyalluvial, desert, forest, garden, volcanicVERB + soilcultivate, enrich, improvedig, dig in, dig up, till, turn, workfields of newly turned soilThe clay soils of the region are difficult to work.fertilizedrainloosensoil + NOUNconservationdegradation, erosionconditions, fertility, qualitydeclining soil fertilitymoisturetemperaturetypesurfacesampleSoil samples taken from the site revealed massive amounts of radiation.science, scientistPREPOSITIONin (the) soilThe flowers do well in sandy soil.

2 part of a countryADJECTIVE | VERB + soil | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEnativeforeignAmerican, British, etc.VERB + soilset foot onthe place where she first set foot on Canadian soilPREPOSITIONon … soilprotests over the siting of nuclear weapons on British soilPHRASESon home soil (sports, esp. BrE)England's first defeat on home soil against Australia

II. verb

Soil is used with these nouns as the object:

diaper

soiled

soiledadj.

Soiled is used with these nouns:

clothes, diaper, linen, nappy

soil-less

soil-lessadj.

Soil-less is used with these nouns:

mix

solace

solacenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + solace | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreatspiritualVERB + solacebring (sb), give sb, offer (sb), provideThe news brought no solace to the grieving relatives.find, takeUnable to leave his bed, he found some solace in reading about other people's travels.seekThey sought solace in religion from the harshness of their everyday lives.PREPOSITIONsolace inI take solace in the fact that he died in peace.PHRASESturn to sb/sth for solaceHis career took a nosedive and he turned to drugs for solace.

solar

solaradj.

Solar is used with these nouns:

cycle, eclipse, electricity, energy, flare, heating, panel, power, radiation, storm, wind

soldier

soldiernoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF SOLDIERS | VERB + soldier | soldier + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbrave, fine, good, greatThe president paid tribute to the brave soldiers who had lost their lives.trainedexperienced, veteranformer, old, retireddecorateda highly decorated soldieractive-dutyThe number of active-duty soldiers has continued to rise.childBoys are forced to become child soldiers.career, professional, regularcitizen (esp. AmE), volunteerconscriptcommon, ordinary, private, rank-and-fileWhat was life like for the common soldier?fellowHe was deeply affected by the death of one of his fellow soldiers.loyalsoldiers loyal to the presidentdead, fallen, injured, woundedarmedcombatThe army currently has 17 000 combat soldiers.foot, mountedarmymercenaryenemyAmerican, British, etc.Allied, coalition, Confederate, etc.government, rebeluniformedtoy… OF SOLDIERScompanygroupVERB + soldierbe, become, serve asSharon has served as a soldier.enlist asHe decided to enlist as a soldier.trainplaylittle boys playing soldierslead into battle, send into battleHe has led American soldiers into battle.soldier + VERBenlistThe number of soldiers enlisting has fallen dramatically.be stationed, servesoldiers serving in Germanymarchfight (sb)defend sth, guard sthopen fire (on sb)At least 19 people were killed when soldiers opened fire on a peaceful demonstration.be killed in action, diebe shot, be woundedbe missing in actionbe captured, be taken prisonerreturnsoldiers returning from the wardesertPREPOSITIONas a soldierhis time as a soldierPHRASESa soldier of fortunesoldiers in uniformWe saw very few enemy soldiers in uniform.soldiers at wara realistic portrait of soldiers at warsoldiers in the field, soldiers on the groundWe don't have enough soldiers in the field.

sold-out

sold-outadj.

Sold-out is used with these nouns:

concert, show, tour

sole

solenounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEthick, thinleather, rubberinnerPHRASESthe sole of your boot, the sole of your shoeThere's a hole in the sole of my shoe.the soles of your feetThe sand was so hot I got blisters on the soles of my feet.

II. adj.

Sole is used with these nouns:

aim, author, charge, command, criterion, custody, discretion, distributor, exception, explanation, focus, heir, means, motivation, object, occupant, owner, ownership, possession, prerogative, proprietor, province, purpose, reason, reliance, representative, responsibility, right, stockholder, supplier, survivor, trader, trustee

solely solemn

solemnadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, look, seem, soundShe usually had a smile on her face, but now she looked solemn.become, growHis face grew solemn.remainADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.He addressed them all in very solemn tones.Her mood was rather solemn.mostOur most solemn duty is to protect the public.

Solemn is used with these nouns:

ceremony, declaration, duty, eye, face, oath, occasion, procession, promise, ritual, tone, undertaking, vow, word

solemnity

solemnitynoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF SOLEMNITY | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgreatThe monument was unveiled with great solemnity.mockdue… OF SOLEMNITYair, senseAn air of solemnity hung over the event.PREPOSITIONwith solemnityI responded with due solemnity.

solemnly

solemnlyadv.

Solemnly is used with these verbs:

declare, nod, promise, say, swear

solicit

solicitverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBactivelyShe had actively solicited funds for her election campaign.PREPOSITIONforLocal companies were solicited for money.fromShe solicited support from other teachers.

Solicit is used with these nouns as the subject:

prostitute

Solicit is used with these nouns as the object:

bid, contribution, donation, feedback, fund, help, information, input, participation, prostitute, support

solicitor

solicitornoun

noun (BrE) lawyerADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEcompetent, goodqualifiedtraineeduty, practisingThere will be no court duty solicitor today.She is still a practising solicitor at the age of sixty-two.instructingI discussed the matter with my instructing solicitor.defencePHRASESa firm of solicitors

solid

solidadj.

adj.1 hard and firm/not hollow2 reliable and strong1 hard and firm/not hollowVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, look, seembecome, goIf you put it in the freezer, it will go solid.freezeThe water was frozen solid.make sb/sthADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.absolutely, completelyalmost, nearlyenoughThe ice felt solid enough.apparently, seemingly (esp. AmE)

2 reliable and strongVERBS | ADVERBVERBSappear, be, look, seembecomeremainADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.surprisinglyconsistentlyThe songwriting quality is consistently solid.absolutely, rockSupport for the plan remained rock solid.reasonably, relativelyThere is pretty solid evidence to show that the disease is caused by poor hygiene.

Solid is used with these nouns:

alibi, arrow, background, backing, base, basis, bloc, block, brass, breakfast, chance, citizen, colour, concrete, construction, core, credentials, defence, door, earth, evidence, favourite, food, footing, foundation, fuel, fundamentals, gain, geometry, gold, grasp, grip, ground, grounding, hour, lead, line, lump, majority, matter, metal, object, performance, performer, proof, record, reputation, return, rock, shape, silver, steel, structure, support, surface, timber, understanding, waste, wood

Solid is used with these verbs:

freeze

solidarity

solidaritynoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF SOLIDARITY | VERB + solidarity | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEinternational, nationalcommunal, community, socialclass, family, group, human, political, racial, union, working-class… OF SOLIDARITYexpression, gesture, showHospital staff staged a protest as a gesture of solidarity with the striking nurses.feeling, senseThe strike fostered a sense of solidarity among the workers.VERB + solidarityfeeldemonstrate, express, showbuild, foster, promotePREPOSITIONin solidarity withVarious other groups of workers went on strike in solidarity with the train drivers.solidarity againstunion solidarity against managementsolidarity among, solidarity betweenThe conflict fostered solidarity among Arab oil states.solidarity withHe expressed his solidarity with the miners.

solidify

solidifyverb

Solidify is used with these nouns as the object:

reputation

solidly

solidlyadv.

Solidly is used with these adjectives:

conservative

Solidly is used with these verbs:

ground, perform, rain

solitary

solitaryadj.

Solitary is used with these nouns:

animal, confinement, creature, existence, figure, tear, walk

solitude

solitudenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + solitude | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEabsolute, totalquietVERB + solitudeseekfindenjoy, preferHe enjoys the solitude of writing.PREPOSITIONin solitudeto pray in solitudein the solitude ofShe enjoyed a few days of peace in the solitude of the mountains.

solo

solonounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + soloADJECTIVEextended, lengthy, longbrief, shortbrilliant, greatopeningthe opening piano sologuitar, piano, violin, etc.soprano, tenor, etc.VERB + solodo, performdance, play, singfeature, includeThe song features an extended guitar solo.

II. adj.

Solo is used with these nouns:

act, album, artist, career, exhibit, exhibition, flight, instrument, passage, performance, performer, project, recital, record, show, singer, singing, track, venture, violin, voyage, work

solstice

solsticenoun

Solstice is used after these nouns:

summer, winter

soluble

solubleadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbebecomeADVERBhighly, veryIt is a highly soluble gas.easily, freely, readilycompletely, totallypartially, partly, slightlyPREPOSITIONinThe salt was easily soluble in water.

Soluble is used with these nouns:

aspirin, salt, substance

solution

solutionnoun

noun1 to a problem, difficult situation, etc.2 liquid in which a solid has been dissolved1 to a problem, difficult situation, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + solution | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcomplete, comprehensivepartialeffective, good, ideal, neat, optimal, perfect, realHis plan does not offer a real solution to the problem.acceptablesatisfactory, workablecorrect, righteasy, obvious, simplepossiblealternativefeasible, practical, realistic, viablecost-effectivecreative, imaginative, ingenious, innovativedrastic, radicalimmediate, instant, quick, speedyThe UN representative stressed the urgency of a speedy solution.final, lasting, long-term, permanent, ultimateinterim, short-term, temporaryproposedpragmaticcompromise, negotiateddiplomatic, peaceful, politicalmilitary, securitytechnical, technological, technology (esp. AmE)The industry needs to look for technological solutions to their problems.softwareVERB + solutionlook for, seek, work towards/towardachieve, agree, agree on, agree upon, arrive at, come up with, find, produce, reach, work outattempts to find a comprehensive political solution to the crisisdeveloppropose, put forward, suggestadoptoffer, providePREPOSITIONsolution fora quick solution for dealing with the paper shortagesolution toThey were seeking an ultimate solution to the city's traffic problem.PHRASESpart of the solutionEither you're part of the solution or part of the problem.

2 liquid in which a solid has been dissolvedADJECTIVE | solution + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEconcentrated, strongdilute, weaksaturatedacidalkalineaqueoussaline, saltbufferbicarbonate, sodium chloride, etc.solution + VERBcontainPREPOSITIONin solutioncarbon dioxide in solution

solve

solveverb

verbADVERB | VERB + solve | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBcompletelyThe mystery has not yet been completely solved.largelyhalf, partially, partlyhardlyactually, reallyIt doesn't really solve the problem.not necessarilyBeing with friends does not necessarily solve my problem.adequately, satisfactorilyThis question has never been satisfactorily solved.effectivelyeasily, readilyquicklyneatlymagically, somehoweventually, finallyneverVERB + solveattempt to, try tohelp (to), help sb (to)We were given clues to help us solve the puzzle.be designed toa plan designed to solve the housing problemfail tobe difficult toPREPOSITIONbyWe hope the difficulty can be solved by getting the two sides together to discuss the issues.withThe problem cannot be solved with spending cuts alone.PHRASESan attempt to solve sthbe aimed at solving sthresearch aimed at solving the growing problem of child obesitybe good at solving sthShe's really good at solving problems.focus on solving sthWe need to focus on solving the country's problem.help in solving sththeir appeal for help in solving the case

Solve is used with these nouns as the object:

case, challenge, conflict, crime, crisis, crossword, difficulty, dilemma, disagreement, disappearance, dispute, equation, murder, mystery, paradox, predicament, problem, puzzle, shortage

solvent

solventnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + solvent | solvent + VERB | solvent + NOUNADJECTIVEvolatilechlorinatedchemical, organiccleaning, industrialVERB + solventsniff (BrE)use asEther is commonly used as a solvent for oils and fats.dissolve insolvent + VERBevaporatesolvent + NOUNabuse (BrE)

II. adj.

Solvent is used with these nouns:

abuse

sombre

sombreadj.

(BrE) (AmE somber) adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, look, seemEveryone looked very sombre.become, grow, turnHis eyes grew sombre.The mood turned sombre.remainThe mood in the city remained sombre.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.She was in a somewhat sombre mood.suitablyThe funeral cortège passed, to suitably sombre music.

Sombre/somber is used with these nouns:

colour, mood, note

somehow sometimes

sometimesadv.

Sometimes is used with these adjectives:

fatal

Sometimes is used with these verbs:

occur, refer, think, visit, wish, wonder

somewhat

somewhatadv.

Somewhat is used with these adjectives:

absurd, academic, akin, alien, aloof, ambiguous, analogous, arbitrary, ashamed, bearable, bemused, better, bewildered, contradictory, cool, debatable, different, distracted, excessive, extravagant, extreme, flawed, forlorn, guilty, incompatible, incomplete, inconclusive, incongruous, inconsistent, inferior, irrational, irregular, irrelevant, lacking, misguided, misplaced, mixed, mystified, neglected, one-sided, opaque, overdrawn, paradoxical, partial, peculiar, pointless, presentable, random, redundant, reminiscent, responsible, ridiculous, separate, static, stunned, superior, uncertain, understandable, unexpected, unique, unnecessary

Somewhat is used with these verbs:

alleviate, confuse, cool, decline, decrease, delay, differ, dilute, ease, exaggerate, improve, lessen, modify, obscure, recede, resemble, sadden, slacken, soften, spoil, subside, tarnish, undermine, vary, wane, weaken

somewhere

somewhereadv.

Somewhere is used with these verbs:

son

sonnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + son | son + VERBADJECTIVEbaby, newborninfant, little, small, youngteenageadult (esp. AmE), grown-uponlyeldest, first-born, middle, oldest, youngestelder, youngersix-month-old, two-year-old, etc.legitimatebastard (old-fashioned), illegitimatean illegitimate son of Louis XVadopteddutiful, goodbelovedfine, strongThe queen bore him four fine sons.long-lost, prodigalThey welcomed me like a long-lost son.deadunbornhis wife and unborn sonsurvivingnative (esp. AmE)a native son of PhiladelphiaVERB + sonhaveThey have three young sons.bear (formal), give birth toHis wife bore him three sons.bring up, raise (esp. AmE)Trying to bring up a young son is no easy task.a single parent raising her son aloneson + VERBgrow up

sonar

sonarnoun

Sonar is used before these nouns:

song

songnoun

noun1 piece of music with words2 act of singing1 piece of music with wordsADJECTIVE | VERB + song | song + VERB | song + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbeautiful, good, greatcatchy (informal), memorableclassic, famous, popularhitHe had a string of hit songs in the 1970s.mournful, sadtraditionalblues, country, dance, folk, pop, rap, etc.an Irish folk songpatriotic, protest, religiousa protest song written in the sixtieslove, slow, torchThe band were still playing slow songs.emotional ballads and heartfelt torch songsbawdy (BrE), drinking, football (BrE), rugby (BrE)After a few drinks, they were all singing bawdy songs at the top of their voices.children'sChristmas, noveltyA Christmas novelty song was playing on the radio.theme, titlethe theme song from ‘The Godfather’the title song from the Beatles' album ‘Help!’signatureShe closed the concert by singing her signature song.cover, originalHe released an album of cover songs.siren (figurative)People can become vulnerable to the siren song of extremism.swan (usually swansong) (= last piece of work or last performance by an actor, musician, etc.)This film was the swansong for Basil Rathbone in the role of Sherlock Holmes.VERB + songcompose, writedo, make, perform, play, singThey performed another two songs as encores.Sing us a song, Susanna!recorddownloadI downloaded a song from the Internet.listen tosong + VERBcome on, playA rap song came on the radio.goHow does the song go?soundThe old songs sound like Gregorian chants.be calleda song called ‘Mona Lisa’song + NOUNlyric, lyricstitlewriter (usually songwriter)a singer-songwriterPREPOSITIONin (a/the) songImportant historical events were commemorated in song.song abouta song about lovePHRASESthe same old song (esp. AmE, often figurative)They continue to sing the same old song they have been singing for years.

2 act of singingVERB + song | PREPOSITIONVERB + songbreak into, burst intoHe strummed a couple of chords on the guitar and they all burst into song.PREPOSITIONin songHe heard voices raised in song.

sonic

sonicadj.

Sonic is used with these nouns:

boom

sonorous

sonorousadj.

Sonorous is used with these nouns:

soon

soonadv.

Soon is used with these adjectives:

apparent

Soon is used with these verbs:

arrive, begin, cease, disappear, discover, emerge, fade, finish, follow, forget, learn, notice, pass, realize, recover, regain, regret, release, resolve, restore, settle, spot, spread, subside, surpass, wane, warm, withdraw

soothe

sootheverb

Soothe is used with these nouns as the object:

anxiety, conscience, mind, muscle, nerve, pain, skin, worry

soothing

soothingadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, soundHer touch felt wonderfully soothing.ADVERBvery, wonderfullyquiteThere was something quite soothing about her being there.oddly, strangely

Soothing is used with these nouns:

bath, effect, massage, tone, voice, word

soothingly

soothinglyadv.

Soothingly is used with these verbs:

murmur, reply, say, speak

sooty

sootyadj.

Sooty is used with these nouns:

chimney

sophisticated

sophisticatedadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, look, seembecome, get, growThe software grows more sophisticated over time.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.highlyShe was a highly sophisticated and elegant woman.incredibly, remarkablyincredibly sophisticated computersincreasinglyenough, sufficientlytechnically, technologicallyintellectually, philosophically, politically

Sophisticated is used with these nouns:

computer, concept, consumer, design, device, electronics, equipment, fraud, instrument, investor, look, machine, machinery, palate, reader, simulation, system, taste, technique, technology, tool, understanding, version

sophistication

sophisticationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF SOPHISTICATION | VERB + sophistication | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsiderable, greatgrowing, increased, increasingcoolcultural, intellectual, musical, political, technical, technological, theoretical… OF SOPHISTICATIONdegree, levelComputers raised the level of sophistication of these maps.VERB + sophisticationhaveThe decor has a cool sophistication.demonstrate, showlackgrow inFinancial markets have grown in sophistication as well as size.PREPOSITIONwith sophisticationHe writes with increasing sophistication on the subject.PHRASESan air of sophisticationDespite her scruffy clothes, there was an air of sophistication about her.a lack of sophisticationHe felt people were contemptuous of his lack of sophistication.a veneer of sophistication (esp. BrE)She adopted an upper-class accent to give herself a veneer of sophistication.

sophomore

sophomorenoun

Sophomore is used before these nouns:

season, year

Sophomore is used after these nouns:

soporific

soporificadj.

Soporific is used with these nouns:

sopping

soppingadv.

Sopping is used with these adjectives:

wet

soprano

sopranonounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + soprano | soprano + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfirst, principal, secondboy, female, maleyoungcoloratura, dramatic, lyric, operatic, Wagnerianclear, pureVERB + sopranosingShe has sung soprano in many major operas.soprano + NOUNvoiceShe has a natural, clear soprano voice.partThe soprano part in this opera is very demandingPREPOSITIONin a sopranoShe sings in an exceptionally pure soprano.

II. adj.

Soprano is used with these nouns:

solo, voice

sordid

sordidadj.

Sordid is used with these nouns:

affair, detail, past, story, tale

sore

sorenounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + soreADJECTIVEfestering (often figurative), oozing, open, running (esp. BrE, often figurative)This issue is a festering sore between the two countries.The border dispute was a running sore in relations between the countries.coldI have a recurrent cold sore on my lip.canker (AmE)canker sores caused by biting the inside of your mouthbed (usually bedsore), pressure, saddleMany people in the care home have bedsores.I get saddles sores on the right side.VERB + sorecausedevelop, getThe patient developed pressure sores on the toes of both feet.have

II. adj.

Sore is used with these nouns:

arm, back, elbow, hip, joint, knee, limb, loser, mouth, muscle, neck, nipple, point, shoulder, spot, throat, wrist

sorely

sorelyadv.

Sorely is used with these adjectives:

disappointed, lacking, mistaken, neglected

Sorely is used with these verbs:

need, test

soreness

sorenessnoun

Soreness is used after these nouns:

sorority

sororitynoun

Sorority is used before these nouns:

member, party, sister

sorrow

sorrownoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + sorrow | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeep, genuine, great, immense, profound, terrible, tremendous, unbearableHe wrote to the dead man's mother expressing his deep sorrow.VERB + sorrowfeelI felt no sorrow for her.expressshareShe wanted to share his sorrow.hideI couldn't hide my sorrow and anger.drown (figurative)Alex decided to drown his sorrows in beer.bring, causeThe war brought sorrow to millions.PREPOSITIONto sb's sorrowTo his great sorrow he could not remember his mother.with sorrowThey accepted the decision with sorrow.sorrow athis sorrow at having to quit his jobPHRASESan expression of sorrow, a look of sorrowHis eyes took on an expression of sorrow.a feeling of sorrow, a pang of sorrowClaudia felt a deep pang of sorrow for her sister.full of sorrowHe looked at Katherine, his eyes full of sorrow.tears of sorrowTears of relief were mixed with tears of sorrow.a time of sorrowThis is a time of great sorrow for all the family.

sorrowfully

sorrowfullyadv.

Sorrowfully is used with these verbs:

shake

sorry

sorryadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESVERBSbe, feel, seem, soundmake sbI'll make you sorry you were ever born!ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.Beth was feeling fairly sorry for them.awfully, deeply, desperately, dreadfully, genuinely, sincerely, terribly, trulyI'm awfully sorry Jane can't come with us.I'm terribly sorry. I didn't catch your name.He was sincerely sorry for the distress he had caused.almostShe was almost sorry to stop work.a little, slightly, etc.Mitch felt slightly sorry for himself.PREPOSITIONaboutI'm sorry about the noise.I'm sorry about your mother. I hope she'll soon be better.forShe is obviously deeply sorry for what she has done.I feel really sorry for John.PHRASESbe sorry to disappoint sbI am sorry to disappoint you.be sorry to hear about sth/that … We were incredibly sorry to hear about his death.be sorry to interrupt (sb/sth)better safe than sorry

Sorry is used with these nouns:

affair, business, excuse, plight, record, saga, sight, spectacle, state, story, tale

sort

sortnounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbest, worstright, wrongsame, similardifferentfunny, odd, strangeHe was friendly in a funny sort of way.PREPOSITIONsort ofWe sell all sorts of books.

II. verb1 put things into different groups/places2 (esp. BrE) find an answer to a problem1 put things into different groups/placesADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBbusilyPREPOSITIONaccording toSort the books according to their subject matter.byThe most common way of grouping was to sort the children by ability.intoWe sorted the clothes into piles.throughShe was busily sorting through her clothes.PHRASESbegin sorting sth, start sorting sthbegin sorting through sth, start sorting through sthShe started sorting through the papers.

2 (esp. BrE) find an answer to a problemADVERB | VERB + sort | PHRASESADVERBoutSomeone will have to sort this problem out.VERB + sorthave totry tohelp to, help sb toleave sb toLeave them to sort it out among themselves.PHRASESget sth sorted (BrE), get sth sorted outIf he can't get his talk sorted out, we'll have to ask someone else.

Sort is used with these nouns as the object:

mail

sortie

sortienoun

Sortie is used after these nouns:

bombing

sort out

sort outphr verb

Sort out is used with these nouns as the object:

feeling, finance, mess, priority, problem, tangle, thing

sort through

sort throughphr verb

Sort through is used with these nouns as the object:

belongings, pile

soufflé

soufflénoun

Soufflé is used before these nouns:

dish

Soufflé is used after these nouns:

soul

soulnoun

noun1 part of sb believed to exist after body is dead2 part of sb/sth that shows its true nature3 deep feeling and thought4 person1 part of sb believed to exist after body is deadADJECTIVE | VERB + soul | PHRASESADJECTIVEeternal, immortaldeadThe messenger god, Hermes, leads dead souls into the underworld.damnedhuman, individualrationalpuregreatVERB + soulsaveMissionaries saw it as their task to save souls.sellto sell your soul to the DevilPHRASESa/the battle for sb's soul, a/the struggle for sb's soul (often figurative)a battle for the soul of the countryhave mercy on sb's soulMay God have mercy on my soul.God rest sb's soulGod rest his soul.the immortality of the soulan argument for the immortality of the soulthe souls of the dead

2 part of sb/sth that shows its true natureADJECTIVE | VERB + soul | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEveryThe plea touched him to his very soul.wholeinnerVERB + soulloseIn the process of being made into a movie, the story seemed to have lost its soul.bareHe bared his soul to her.searchI searched my soul for any malice that could have provoked his words, but found none.be good forLaughter is good for the soul.PREPOSITIONin your soulDeep in her soul she knew she had to return to her country.PHRASESbody and soulShe gave herself to him body and soul.from the depths of sb's soul, in the depths of sb's soulHe let out an anguished cry from the depths of his soul.heart and soulHe gave himself heart and soul to the cause.a part of sb's soulShe was a part of his soul.

3 deep feeling and thoughtVERB + soul | PREPOSITIONVERB + soulhavelackPREPOSITIONwith soulShe sang the song with passion and soul.

4 personADJECTIVE | VERB + soul | PHRASESADJECTIVElittlepoor little souloldgoodbadlonely, lost, poor, unfortunateinnocent, simplekindredThey recognized each other as kindred souls.dear, generous, gentle, kind, kindlya kind old soulsensitivebravehardy (esp. BrE)A few hardy souls braved the icy conditions.romanticrestless, tormented, tortured, troubledlivingThere was no other living soul to be seen.singleI don't know a single soul in this town.VERB + soulnot tellI will not tell a soul about this.PHRASESnot a soul in sightBy midnight, there wasn't a soul in sight.

soulful

soulfuladj.

Soulful is used with these nouns:

eye, singer

sound

soundverbadj.adv.noun

Sound is used with these nouns as the subject:

Soundsgive a … The dog gave a low growl.let out a … He let out a blood-curdling scream.hear … We heard the peal of church bells.with a … The vase fell to the ground with a great crash. … ofa roar of laughtera snort of derisionthe whine of an engine

II. verb

alarm, bell, buzzer, doorbell, explosion, fire alarm, footstep, horn, instrument, intercom, music, name, recording, singer, siren, song, thunder, tone, trumpet, warning, whistle

Sound is used with these nouns as the object:

alarm, alert, bell, call, cool, fanfare, fun, horn, note, retreat, siren, trumpet, warning, whistle

III. adj.1 in good condition2 sensible1 in good conditionVERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, look, seemADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.reasonablyThe roof is in reasonably sound condition.structurallyIs the building structurally sound?PHRASESsafe and sound (= not hurt)We finally arrived home safe and sound.

2 sensibleVERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, seemADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.That seems like fairly sound advice.perfectlyShe had a perfectly sound reason for acting as she did.basically, fundamentallyecologically, environmentally, financially, ideologically, scientifically, technically, theoreticallyIt was a financially sound investment.

Sound is used with these nouns:

advice, archive, argument, barrier, base, basis, capability, card, check, clip, common sense, economy, effect, engineer, file, finance, footing, foundation, fundamentals, investment, judgement, knowledge, management, mix, pattern, plan, practice, quality, reason, reasoning, recording, reflection, reproduction, science, sculpture, signal, sleep, start, strategy, studio, system, tape, technician, thrashing, vibration, wave

IV. adv.

Sound is used with these adjectives:

asleep

I. noun1 sth you hear2 the sound from TV, radio, etc.3 of musicians1 sth you hearADJECTIVE | VERB + sound | sound + VERB | sound + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, deafening, loud, powerfulWe need a big powerful sound from the trumpets in the final passage.audiblefaint, little, softhigh, high-pitcheddeep, lowclean, clear, sharpHe produces a good clean sound on his flute.piercingmuffledamazing, beautiful, good, lovely, pleasing, sweetHis film opens with the sweet sound of birdsong.awful, horrible, sickeningThere was a sickening sound as his head made contact with the concrete.familiardifferent, strangeWe experimented with different sounds.distinctivehauntingbeeping, booming, buzzing, clanking, clicking, etc.metallicelectronichollowdistorteddistantthe distant sound of church bellsmusicalguitar, piano, etc.She tried to describe what made a good guitar sound.speech, vowelnaturalthe mixing of recorded and natural soundambientThere's a lot of ambient sound in this film.VERB + soundhear, listen for, listen toHe listened for sounds of movement.emit, make, produce, pronounce, transmit, utterWhat's making that awful creaking sound?Three bones transmit sounds to the inner ear.He didn't utter a single sound throughout the meeting.useShe uses all the sounds available to a 21st-century composer.be filled withThe room was filled with the sound of laughter.awake to, be woken by, wake to, wake up toI awoke to the sound of rain.be interrupted byjump atHe jumped at the sound of my voice.sound + VERBcarry, travelSound carries well over calm water.comeA strange sound came from the box.My mouth moved but no sound came out.echo, fill, ring outA hollow sound echoed through the room.die away, fade, fade awaygrow loudersound + NOUNwaveeffectbiteAs a politician he is a master of the 30-second sound bite.PREPOSITIONat the sound ofHe turned around at the sound of footsteps behind him.without a soundThe door opened without a sound.sound ofthe sound of breaking glasssound fromThere was a strange sound from downstairs.PHRASESbreak the sound barrierthe speed of sound

2 the sound from TV, radio, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + sound | sound + NOUNADJECTIVEmono, stereo, surroundrecordedgreata game with good graphics and great soundVERB + soundturn down, turn off, turn upCan you turn the sound up?getsound + NOUNlevel, qualitysystema stereo sound systemrecordingengineercard

3 of musiciansADJECTIVE | VERB + soundADJECTIVEliveThe band developed a formidable live sound.different, new, uniquebeautiful, greatFranz Ferdinand have a great sound that's their own.signaturethe band's signature soundVERB + soundcreate, developThe Moog synthesizer created a whole new sound.

sound level

sound levelnoun

Sound level is used before these nouns:

meter

soundly

soundlyadv.

Soundly is used with these adjectives:

asleep

Soundly is used with these verbs:

beat, defeat, kiss, reject, sleep, thrash, whip

soundproof

soundproofadj.

Soundproof is used with these nouns:

box

soundtrack

soundtracknoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + soundtrack | soundtrack + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfilm (esp. BrE), movie (esp. AmE)originalThe original Japanese soundtrack is included with English subtitles.musicala musical soundtrack conceived by Quincy JonesVERB + soundtrackcompose, create, makelisten toprovide (often figurative)Abba provided the soundtrack to my teenage years.soundtrack + VERBfeatureThe movie has a soundtrack featuring music by Strauss.PREPOSITIONsoundtrack for, soundtrack of, soundtrack toShe composed the soundtracks to several hit movies.

soup

soupnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF SOUP | VERB + soup | soup + NOUNADJECTIVEcreamy, hearty, thickhearty vegetable soupclear, thincold, hothome-madecanned (esp. AmE), tinned (BrE)dried, packaged (AmE), packet (BrE)chicken, chicken noodle, miso, pea, tomato, vegetable, etc.a pea-soup fog (= a very thick fog)alphabet (often figurative)an alphabet soup of other government agencies (= used to say that their names consist of complicated abbreviations)bird's nest, shark fin, shark's fin (esp. BrE)the Chinese delicacy of shark fin soupprimordial (figurative)the emergence of life from the primordial soup on the Earth… OF SOUPbowl, cup, mug (BrE)can, tin (BrE)potVERB + soupcook, make, prepareheat, heat updrink, eat (Eat is the normal verb when the soup is served in a bowl.)slurpDon't slurp your soup!ladle, ladle out, pour, serveHe ladled out three bowls of soup.soup + NOUNbowl, plate, pot (AmE), tureenspooncanWarhol's paintings of Campbell's soup canskitchen (= a place where soup and other food is supplied free to people with no money)

sour

sournounverbadj.

I. noun

Sour is used after these nouns:

Sour is used with these nouns as the subject:

II. verb

relation

Sour is used with these nouns as the object:

atmosphere, relation

III. adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PHRASESVERBSbe, smell, tasteThe sauce tasted very sour.The milk smelled sour.go, turn (both also figurative)By the next day the wine had turned sour.Their relationship quickly turned sour.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.a little, slightly, etc.Their friendship has turned a little sour.PHRASESleave a sour taste in sb's mouth (figurative)The whole experience has really left a sour taste in my mouth.

Sour is used with these nouns:

apple, cherry, cream, disposition, flavour, milk, mood, note, orange, smell, taste, wine

source

sourcenoun

noun1 where you get sth from2 person, book, etc. that gives information1 where you get sth fromADJECTIVE | VERB + source | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEexcellent, fertile, good, great, lucrative, reliable, rich, valuablea fertile source of ideasa lucrative source of incomea rich source of vitaminsimportant, large, main, major, principalcheapa cheap source of proteinexternal, foreign, outsideDo you have any foreign sources of income?independentan independent source of fundingonly, singleThe only source of light was the fire.additional, alternative, different, new, otherWe need to look for alternative sources of energy.to develop new sources of revenuesamelikely, potentiala potential source of conflictunexpectedconstanta constant source of irritationnaturalrenewable, sustainableThe town obtains all its energy from renewable sources.energy, food, fuel, heat, light, power, protein, waterfunding, revenueVERB + sourcebe, constitute, prove, provideThe census constitutes the principal source of official statistics.These crustaceans provide a valuable food source for some fish.exploit, tap, tap into, use (as)The government hopes to tap new sources of employment in the area of health.find, identify, locateWe tried to locate the source of the sound.PREPOSITIONat source (BrE)Is your salary taxed at source (= by your employer)?source ofa source of income/revenuea source of inspiration/strengtha source of energy/food/lightPHRASESa variety of sourcesThe research was funded from a wide variety of sources.

2 person, book, etc. that gives informationADJECTIVE | VERB + source | source + VERB | source + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEinvaluable, useful, valuableauthoritative, informed, reliable, reputableunreliableoriginalindependentanonymous, confidential, unnamedhis refusal to reveal the identity of a confidential sourceprimary, secondarymultiple, several, variousThe evidence is corroborated by multiple sources.publishedbiographical, documentary, historical, literary, writtenmedia, newsdiplomatic, government, intelligence, military, official, policeIntelligence sources report a build-up of troops just inside the border.data, informationVERB + sourceuse (as)cite, quoteResearchers try to quote primary sources wherever possible.disclose, identify, name, revealThe police refused to reveal the source of their information.protectsource + VERBclaim sth, describe sth, disclose sth, indicate sth, report sth, reveal sth, say sth, suggest sth, tell sb sthGovernment sources indicated that a compromise might be reached.One source said: ‘We are angry at the way we have been treated.’deny sthsource + NOUNmaterialPREPOSITIONaccording to sourcesAccording to informed sources, a takeover bid is planned for next month.source ofThe press room was a valuable source of information for journalists.Do you know the source of this rumour/rumor?PHRASESsources close to sbSources close to the player claim he won't be entering this year's championship.

sourdough

sourdoughnoun

Sourdough is used before these nouns:

soured

souredadj.

Soured is used with these nouns:

cream

sourly

sourlyadv.

Sourly is used with these verbs:

mutter, reply

south

southnounadj.adv.

I. noun, adj.II. adj.

South is used with these nouns:

exit, face, pole, wing

III. adv.

South is used with these verbs:

flee, march

southbound

southboundadj.

Southbound is used with these nouns:

exit, lane, traffic, train

southerly

southerlyadj.

Southerly is used with these nouns:

direction, route

southern

southernadj.

Southern is used with these nouns:

accent, border, boundary, charm, climate, cooking, corner, counterpart, dialect, district, drawl, edge, horizon, hospitality, latitude, limit, neighbour, ocean, part, perimeter, portion, province, reach, region, route, sky, suburb, twang, water, zone

southernmost

southernmostadj.

Southernmost is used with these nouns:

south-facing

south-facingadj.

South-facing is used with these nouns:

room, window

southward

southwardadj.

Southward is used with these nouns:

march, migration

souvenir

souvenirnoun

Souvenir is used before these nouns:

mug, shop

sovereign

sovereignadj.

Sovereign is used with these nouns:

country, entity, grace, nation, republic, right, ruler, state, territory

sovereignty

sovereigntynoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + sovereignty | sovereignty + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEabsolute, full, unlimitedDemonstrators demanded full sovereignty for the self-proclaimed republic.limitedjoint, shared (both esp. BrE)national, popularBritish, Japanese, etc.consumer, economic, legal, parliamentary (esp. BrE), political, state, territorial, tribalNative American tribal sovereigntyVERB + sovereigntyexercise, haveChina exercises sovereignty over Hong Kong.shareclaim, establishgive sb/sth, grant sb/sthcede, give up, relinquish, surrender, transfer, turn over (esp. AmE)In 1949 the Dutch ceded sovereignty of the Dutch East Indies to the Indonesian Republic.recognize, respectWe must respect the sovereignty of member states.threatenviolatedefendsovereignty + VERBreside in sb/sth, reside with sb/sthSovereignty resides with the people.PREPOSITIONsovereignty overThe treaty gave Edward III sovereignty over Calais and the whole of Aquitaine.PHRASESthe handover of sovereignty, the return of sovereignty, the transfer of sovereigntythe handover of sovereignty to the new governmentfears about the transfer of sovereignty to the European Unionthe loss of sovereigntyPoliticians were alarmed over the potential loss of national sovereignty.the partial loss of sovereignty to supranational institutionsa claim to sovereigntyTwo countries have a claim to sovereignty over the islands.the sovereignty of Parliament (esp. BrE), the sovereignty of the peopleThis constitutes an attack on the sovereignty of Parliament.

Soviet

Sovietadj.

Soviet is used with these nouns:

bloc, communism, era, spy

sow

sowverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBearlySow early for an early crop.thinlySow the seeds thinly.PREPOSITIONwithWe'll sow that field with corn.

Sow is used with these nouns as the object:

barley, confusion, corn, crop, discord, field, oats, pea, seed, suspicion, terror, wheat

soy

soynoun

Soy is used before these nouns:

bean, milk, sauce

soya

soyanoun

Soya is used before these nouns:

bean, milk

soya bean

soya beannoun

Soya bean is used before these nouns:

farmer, oil

soybean

soybeannoun

Soybean is used before these nouns:

farmer, oil

spa

spanoun

Spa is used before these nouns:

resort, treatment

space

spacenounverb

I. noun1 empty area2 vast area containing planets, stars, etc.3 period of time1 empty areaADJECTIVE | … OF SPACE | VERB + space | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElarge, vast, wide-openShe left a large space empty at the bottom of the page.He loved the wide-open spaces of Australia.adequate, ample, enough, sufficientThe new house has ample living space.limited, little, small, tinynarrowthe narrow space between the sofa and the wallopenconfined, enclosedAvoid using the cleaner in a confined space.available, free, vacantThe exhibition takes up most of the available space in the gallery.I was looking for a free parking space.blank, empty, whiteFill in the blank spaces in the table.The page layout included plenty of white space.storagefloor, roof, shelf, wall, etc.crawl (AmE)the crawl space under my houselivingoffice, work (usually workspace)an open-plan workspaceinteriorparkingpersonal, privateShe moved out of the house because she wanted her own personal space.physicalsacredpublic, socialgreenThe inner residential areas don't have many green spaces.urbanair (usually airspace)The plane strayed into French airspace.diskad (informal), advertisingThe magazine is struggling to fill all its advertising space.commercial, retailexhibition, gallery… OF SPACEamounta large amount of spaceVERB + spacefill, occupymake use of, take up, useThe potted plants take up too much space.shareHe was sharing office space with a lawyer.create, make, provideThey moved the sofa to make space for the piano.wastesaveclearWe'd better clear a space for the new computer.fill, fill incompete for, fight for, jostle forA motley collection of ornaments jostled for space on the crowded shelf.stare into, stare off intoShe sat there motionless, staring into space.PREPOSITIONspace betweenthe space between the bookshelvesPHRASESbe short of space, run short of spaceI'm running short of disk space.time and spaceThe writer lacked the time and space to develop his idea fully.a waste of space (often figurative)You are a pathetic waste of space!

2 vast area containing planets, stars, etc.ADJECTIVE | VERB + space | space + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEdeepouterVERB + spacego intospace + NOUNexploration, programme/program, research, scienceflight, tourism, travelagencymissionThey intend to begin manned space missions next year.capsule, probe, rocket, ship (usually spaceship), shuttle, stationPREPOSITIONin spacethe first man in spacePHRASESthe depths of space, the edge of spacethese wonderful pictures from the edge of spacespace and timethe fabric of space and timethe vacuum of spacethe vastness of space

3 period of timeADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElongbrief, shorttwo-second, ten-minute, etc.The recording includes a five-second space between tracks.breathing (figurative)The extension of the deadline gives us a breathing space.PREPOSITIONfor the space ofThe job holder will be on probation for the space of six months.in the space of, within the space ofHe fell asleep in the space of a few minutes.space ofShe returned to top-class tennis after a space of two years.PHRASESa space of timeThey have achieved a great deal in a short space of time.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBat intervals, equally, evenly, regularlyThe nails should be spaced at regular intervals.Make sure the posts are spaced evenly apart.irregularlycloselywell, widelyapart, outThe fruits should be well spaced out so that they are not touching each other.PREPOSITIONalong

spacecraft

spacecraftnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + spacecraft | spacecraft + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEmanned, unmannedAn unmanned Chinese spacecraft has returned safely to Earth.orbitingVERB + spacecraftlaunch, sendThey plan to send a spacecraft to the moon.buildspacecraft + VERBlandorbit stha spacecraft orbiting the earthPREPOSITIONin a/the spacecraft, on a/the spacecraft

spacious

spaciousadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, feel, look, seemADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.deceptively (BrE), surprisinglyThe house benefits from a deceptively spacious kitchen (= that is larger than it seems).

Spacious is used with these nouns:

apartment, bathroom, bedroom, dining room, flat, hall, house, interior, kitchen, lounge, office, quarter, room

spade

spadenoun

noun1 tool for digging2 playing card1 tool for diggingADJECTIVE | VERB + spade | PHRASESADJECTIVEgardenThere was a garden spade in the shed.VERB + spadeuseHe dug a deep hole in the lawn with his spade.PHRASESbucket and spade (BrE)children playing in the sand with their buckets and spadescall a spade a spade (= to speak honestly and openly)I believe in calling a spade a spade.

2 playing card

spaghetti

spaghettinoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF SPAGHETTI | VERB + spaghetti | spaghetti + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEbolognese, carbonara (both only after noun)Her mum served spaghetti bolognese.home-madecanned (AmE), tinned (BrE)… OF SPAGHETTIstrandVERB + spaghetticookdrain, strainDrain the spaghetti well.spaghetti + NOUNsaucehoops (BrE)I opened a tin of spaghetti hoops.PHRASESspaghetti and meatballs (AmE)

Spaghetti is used before these nouns:

strap

spam

spamnoun

Spam is used before these nouns:

email, message

Spam is used after these nouns:

span

spannounverb

I. noun1 length2 length of time1 lengthADJECTIVEADJECTIVEfullbroad, widea broad span of interestsclearThe bridge has a clear span of 120 feet.15-foot, 500-metre/500-meter, etc.wing (usually wingspan)The bird has a three-foot wingspan.

2 length of timeADJECTIVE | VERB + span | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElongbrief, shortten-day, two-week, etc.entireallottedThe speech continued well beyond its allotted span.natural (esp. BrE)to prolong life beyond its natural spantimelife (usually lifespan)The average lifespan of an American is 75 years.the expected life span for boys born in the USattention, concentration (esp. BrE), memoryHe has a short attention span.a limited attention spanVERB + spancoverThe book covers the entire span of Arab history.PREPOSITIONover a/the spanDevelopments were monitored over a span of two years.PHRASESa span of time, a span of years

II. verb

Span is used with these nouns as the subject:

bridge, career, collection

Span is used with these nouns as the object:

century, continent, decade, distance, gamut, gap, globe, mile, period, range, river, spectrum, whole, width

spandex

spandexnoun

Spandex is used before these nouns:

shorts

Spanish

Spanishadj.

Spanish is used with these nouns:

conquest

spank

spankverb

Spank is used with these nouns as the object:

bottom

spanking

spankingadv.

Spanking is used with these adjectives:

new

spare

spareverbadj.

I. verb1 make sth available2 allow sb/sth not to be harmed1 make sth availableADVERB | VERB + spare | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBbarely, hardlyShe hardly spared him a second glance.VERB + sparecan, couldCan you spare a second to give me a hand?PREPOSITIONforCan you spare some money for the homeless?PHRASESto spareHave you any money to spare?We should get there with half an hour to spare.

2 allow sb/sth not to be harmedADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBlargelyThe storm largely spared Houston and surrounding districts.mercifullyPREPOSITIONfromThe children were spared from the virus.

Spare is used with these nouns as the object:

detail, embarrassment, feeling, life, minute, misery, moment, necessity, pain, thought

II. adj.

Spare is used with these nouns:

battery, bedroom, capacity, cash, clip, copy, key, minute, moment, part, room, seat, time, tyre, wheel

sparingly

sparinglyadv.

Sparingly is used with these verbs:

apply, eat, use

spark

sparknounverb

I. noun1 small bright piece of burning material/electric flash2 small amount of a quality/feeling1 small bright piece of burning material/electric flashADJECTIVE | VERB + spark | spark + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEtinyflyingelectricVERB + sparkemit, produce, send, send out, shower (sb with), strikeThe firework showered sparks all over the lawn.We were all showered with sparks.spark + VERBflare, flyignite sthFlying sparks ignited the dry grass.diePHRASESa shower of sparksThe grinding wheel sent a shower of sparks across the workbench.a spark of light

2 small amount of a quality/feelingADJECTIVE | VERB + spark | spark + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVElittle, tinyA tiny spark of rebellion flared within her.creative, divine, vital (esp. BrE)VERB + sparkhaveShe didn't have a spark of talent in her.lackHis performances lack that creative spark.loseadd, create, provideHer performance added a little spark to the movie.feelShe felt a little spark of anger.shoot (figurative)Her eyes shot sparks of contempt.spark + VERBflySparks flew (= people got angry) at the meeting.PREPOSITIONspark ofHe had kindled a spark of interest within her.a spark of hope/lifea spark of originality

II. verb

Spark is used with these nouns as the subject:

eye, incident

Spark is used with these nouns as the object:

alert, backlash, brawl, controversy, conversation, criticism, curiosity, demonstration, discussion, dispute, fire, flame, furore, fury, imagination, interest, memory, movement, offence, outcry, outrage, protest, reaction, revival, revolt, revolution, riot, search, storm, unrest, uprising, war, wave

sparkle

sparklenounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + sparkle | PHRASESADJECTIVEextraa littleAdd a little sparkle to the evening with a glass of champagne.oldShe has lost none of her old sparkle as a jazz singer.VERB + sparklehavelackloseadd, put, put backA live band added extra sparkle to the occasion.PHRASESa sparkle in sb's eyes

II. verb

Sparkle is used with these nouns as the subject:

diamond, eye, jewel, sun, sunlight

sparkle on

sparkle onphr verb

Sparkle on is used with these nouns as the subject:

sparkling

sparklingadj.

Sparkling is used with these nouns:

cider, eye, jewel, performance, personality, water, wine, wit

sparkly

sparklyadj.

Sparkly is used with these nouns:

spark off

spark offphr verb

Spark off is used with these nouns as the object:

controversy, crisis, debate, reaction, rebellion, unrest, uprising

sparring

sparringnoun

Sparring is used before these nouns:

match, partner

sparrow

sparrownoun

Sparrow is used after these nouns:

sparse

sparseadj.

Sparse is used with these nouns:

attendance, population, vegetation

sparsely

sparselyadv.

Sparsely is used with these adjectives:

covered, furnished, populated, wooded

Sparsely is used with these verbs:

decorate, distribute

spasm

spasmnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + spasm | spasm + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEsuddeninvoluntary, uncontrollableinvoluntary spasms of the nervous systemintense, violentpainful, severemuscle, muscularbackHe suffered a back spasm while playing football.VERB + spasmexperience, feel, sufferHe felt a spasm of panic sweeping over him.causego into (esp. BrE)The muscle goes into spasm, producing the symptom of cramp.spasm + VERBpass, stopPREPOSITIONin spasm (esp. BrE)She could not speak; her throat was in spasm.spasm ofHe kicked the chair in a spasm of impatience.PHRASESa spasm of pain

spasmodically

spasmodicallyadv.

Spasmodically is used with these verbs:

spatial

spatialadj.

Spatial is used with these nouns:

arrangement, awareness, dimension, distribution, metaphor, perception, proximity, relation, relationship, separation

spatially

spatiallyadv.

Spatially is used with these verbs:

disperse, separate

spatter

spatterverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBliberally (esp. BrE)PREPOSITIONagainstRain spattered against the window.onBlood was spattered on the walls and doors.overThe water had spattered all over her face.withHis clothes were spattered with mud.

Spatter is used with these nouns as the subject:

Spatter is used with these nouns as the object:

mud

spawn

spawnnounverb

I. noun

Spawn is used after these nouns:

frog

II. verb

Spawn is used with these nouns as the subject:

salmon, trout

Spawn is used with these nouns as the object:

sequel, tornado

spawning

spawningnoun

Spawning is used before these nouns:

ground

spay

spayverb

Spay is used with these nouns as the object:

cat, dog

speak

speakverb

verb1 have a conversation2 use your voice to say sth3 know a language1 have a conversationADVERB | VERB + speak | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBbrieflyWe spoke briefly on the phone.at lengthhardlyBen hardly spoke to me all evening.VERB + speakwant torefuse toThe president refused to speak to the waiting journalists.dare (to)No one had ever dared to speak to him like that before.PREPOSITIONabout, toI need to speak to Joseph about this matter.with (esp. AmE)Can I speak with you for a minute?PHRASESbe on speaking terms (with sb)We are still on speaking terms after the argument.a/the chance to speak, a/the opportunity to speakI didn't get a chance to speak to him.not be speaking (to sb)Ed and Dave aren't speaking at the moment.speaking of … Speaking of Brett, why isn't he here?

2 use your voice to say sthADVERB | VERB + speak | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBloudlyquietly, softlyclearlyYou must speak loudly and clearly on the stage.slowlycalmlybrieflyat lengthsuddenlyhardlyeloquently, movinglyShe spoke eloquently about the need for action.lovingly, soothingly, warmlydisparagingly, harshly, sharply, sternlyauthoritatively, forcefullyearnestlycoherently, intelligibly, meaningfullyfreely, openly, publiclydirectlyThe main character speaks directly into the camera.boldlyhesitantlyVERB + speakbe able to, be unable to, can (hardly)She was so moved she could hardly speak.be allowed tobegin to, open your mouth toShe opened her mouth to speak and found she couldn't.try tonot trust yourself toHe nodded, not trusting himself to speak.hear sbI heard him speak at the debating society.invite sb toShe was invited to speak at a Harvard conference.PREPOSITIONabout, onShe speaks on women's issues.againstHe spoke out against mismanagement.for, on behalf ofI speak for all my colleagues.I speak on behalf of many thousands of women.in favour/favor ofShe spoke in favour/favor of the new tax.ofHe speaks very warmly of you.toHe will be speaking to history students about the causes of war.PHRASESthe ability to speakHe lost his ability to speak.have the courage to speakThey had the courage to speak the truth.the right to speakEveryone should have the right to speak their mind.speak from experienceI'm speaking from experience, having been there often.

3 know a languageADVERB | VERB + speak | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBfluently, wellHe speaks German fluently.VERB + speakbe able to, canbe unable to, cannotlearn tothe benefits of learning to speak a foreign languageteach sb toPREPOSITIONinWould you prefer it if we spoke in French?PHRASESthe ability to speak sthThe ability to speak another language is a valued skill.

Speak is used with these nouns as the subject:

Speak is used with these nouns as the object:

blasphemy, dialect, jargon, language, sentence, tongue, truth, word

speak against

speak againstphr verb

Speak against is used with these nouns as the object:

motion

speak at

speak atphr verb

Speak at is used with these nouns as the object:

dinner, launch, rally

speaker

speakernoun

noun1 person who makes a speech2 person who speaks a particular language3 part of a radio, etc. that sounds comes out of1 person who makes a speechADJECTIVE | VERB + speaker | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbrilliant (esp. BrE), good, greatfeatured (esp. AmE), keynote, main, principalguest, invited, visitingpublicShe's a good public speaker.commencement (AmE)the commencement speaker at my graduationafter-dinner (BrE)conferencemotivational (esp. AmE)He makes his living as a motivational speaker.VERB + speakerfeatureEach month's service features a different speaker.invitePREPOSITIONspeaker ata keynote speaker at the Republican convention

2 person who speaks a particular languageADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfluentHe's a fluent Arabic speaker.native, non-nativea native speaker of EnglishJapanese, Russian, etc.non-EnglishPREPOSITIONspeaker ofspeakers of English

3 part of a radio, etc. that sounds comes out ofADJECTIVE | … OF SPEAKER | speaker + NOUNADJECTIVEleft, rightfront, rearsound effects coming from the rear speakersstereoThe computer has built-in stereo speakers.… OF SPEAKERseta new set of speakersspeaker + NOUNsystemphone (usually speakerphone)He put me on the speakerphone.

speak for

speak forphr verb

Speak for is used with these nouns as the subject:

speak from

speak fromphr verb

Speak from is used with these nouns as the object:

platform, point of view

speak in

speak inphr verb

Speak in is used with these nouns as the object:

accent, debate, dialect, favour, jargon, tone

speaking

speakingnounadj.

I. noun

Speaking is used before these nouns:

engagement, gig, skill, tour

II. adj.

Speaking is used with these nouns:

part, voice

speak into

speak intophr verb

Speak into is used with these nouns as the object:

speak on

speak onphr verb

Speak on is used with these nouns as the object:

platform, topic

speak out against

speak out againstphr verb

Speak out against is used with these nouns as the object:

injustice

speak through

speak throughphr verb

Speak through is used with these nouns as the object:

interpreter

speak to

speak tophr verb

Speak to is used with these nouns as the object:

adviser, journalist, reporter, vet

speak with

speak withphr verb

Speak with is used with these nouns as the object:

accent, reporter, stammer, stutter, twang

spear

spearnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + spear | spear + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEhuntingVERB + spearbe armed with, carry, hold, wieldThe tribesmen were armed with spears and shields.useraisebrandishhurl, throwdrive, thrustHe drove his spear through the creature's leg.spear + NOUNpointa 5 000-year-old stone spear pointPHRASESthe point of a spearShe had a fish impaled on the point of her spear.

spearhead

spearheadverb

Spearhead is used with these nouns as the object:

attack, campaign, development, drive, effort, fight, initiative, move, movement

spec

specnoun

Spec is used before these nouns:

Special is used with these nouns:

special

specialnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVEADJECTIVEdailyThe restaurant has an extensive menu and daily specials.television, TVThere are lots of TV Christmas specials for children this year.prime-time (esp. AmE)Christmas, holiday (esp. AmE)one-off (BrE)Eric Sykes returned with this one-off special for ITV.reunion (AmE)the Dick Van Dyke Show reunion specialafter-school (AmE)comedyelectionone-hour, two-hour, etc.

II. adj.

adaptation, advantage, adviser, affection, affinity, agent, ambassador, appeal, aptitude, arrangement, assignment, assistance, assistant, attachment, attention, attraction, award, blend, bond, bonus, brand, breed, care, case, category, celebration, ceremony, challenge, characteristic, charm, circumstance, class, clinic, cocktail, collection, commission, commissioner, committee, concession, condition, congratulations, consideration, constable, container, correspondent, counsel, day, delivery, diet, difficulty, discount, display, edition, education, effect, effort, election, emphasis, envoy, equipment, event, exception, exemption, exhibit, exhibition, expertise, facility, fascination, favour, favourite, feature, fitting, focus, fondness, force, friend, fund, gift, guest, honour, importance, incentive, ingredient, instruction, insurance, interest, invitation, issue, kind, knowledge, kudos, leave, library, licence, liking, measure, meeting, memento, memory, mention, menu, mission, nature, need, niche, occasion, offer, operation, outing, patrol, permission, permit, place, power, praise, prayer, precaution, preparation, presentation, privilege, prize, procedure, prominence, promotion, prosecutor, protection, provision, purpose, qualification, quality, reason, reception, recipe, recognition, reference, regard, regime, relationship, relevance, report, representative, request, requirement, resolution, responsibility, role, rule, school, section, seminar, series, session, show, significance, skill, stamp, status, stress, subject, summit, supplement, talent, task force, team, thank you, thanks, tool, train, training, treat, treatment, tribunal, tribute, trick, trip, urgency, welcome

special edition

special editionnoun

Special edition is used before these nouns:

DVD

special education

special educationnoun

Special education is used before these nouns:

special-interest

special-interestadj.

Special-interest is used with these nouns:

group, magazine

specialist

specialistnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + specialist | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEleading, topa leading cancer specialistexperienced, qualified, trainedindependentacademic, industry, professional, research, technicalclinical, hospital, medical, public-healthcancer, ear, ear, nose and throat, eye, fertility, heart, mental-health, skinfinance, financial, marketing, property (BrE), taxrecruitment (esp. BrE)development, education, foreign-policy, technologya rural-development specialistcommunications, computer, information-technology (abbreviated to IT), software, systemsintelligence, securitya new generation of computer security specialistsVERB + specialistbring in, hireThey brought in an outside specialist to install the computer system.consult, seeHe went to see a cancer specialist.PREPOSITIONspecialist inShe is a specialist in children's literature.specialist ona specialist on the history of this cityPHRASESa group of specialists, a team of specialistsa specialist in the fieldThe book is written by a noted specialist in the field.

II. adj.

Specialist is used with these nouns:

advice, editor, equipment, expertise, field, help, input, journal, knowledge, library, magazine, nature, nurse, outlet, producer, publication, publisher, qualification, reader, retailer, shop, skill, subject, surgeon, teacher, training, treatment

speciality

specialitynoun

(BrE) (also specialty AmE, BrE) nounADJECTIVE | speciality/specialty + NOUNADJECTIVElocal, regionalhouseThe drink is a house speciality prepared at the table.speciality/specialty + NOUNfood, productretailer, shop, storeYou can find their product in speciality retailers.

specialization

specializationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF SPECIALIZATION | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEincreased, increasingacademic, professionaleconomicThere has been increased economic specialization throughout the country.functional (technical)Within the brain there is a degree of functional specialization for pain.… OF SPECIALIZATIONdegreeThe production line involves a high degree of specialization.PREPOSITIONspecialization inHer degree is in French, with specialization in 17th-century literature.PHRASESan area of specializationThe company has gradually focused on its current areas of specialization.

specialized

specializedadj.

(BrE also -ised) adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeThese tools are very specialized.becomeADVERBhighly, verya job calling for highly specialized skillsincreasinglyPREPOSITIONforThis bird is highly specialized for eating fish.

Specialized is used with these nouns:

clinic, equipment, field, journal, knowledge, service, terminology, training, vocabulary

specialize in

specialize inphr verb

Specialize in is used with these nouns as the subject:

artist, attorney, clinic, firm, gallery, journalist, restaurant, scientist, shop

specially special needs

special needsnoun

Special needs is used before these nouns:

child, teacher

species

speciesnoun

nounADJECTIVE | species + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElivingextinctcommonexotic, raredifferent, distinctnewShe identified and described 998 new species of crab.relatedclosely related species of beetlenative, non-nativealieninvasivethe threat posed by non-native invasive specieswilddominantendangered, imperilled/imperiled (esp. AmE), threatenedprotectedanimal, bird, fish, insect, mammal, mammalian, plant, tree, etc.The area is rich in different plant species.humanthe development of the human speciesspecies + VERBbe found, grow, live, occurSimilar species of fish occur in Mongolia.become extinct, be threatened with extinction, die out, go extinctsurvivePREPOSITIONspecies ofa native species of fishPHRASESa member of a species

specific

specificadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbeCan you be a little more specific in your instructions?ADVERBfairly, rather, veryhighlyHighly specific instructions were issued.culturally, historicallyThese values are culturally specific, not naturally given.PREPOSITIONaboutShe was very specific about the type she wanted.toThese heart issues are specific to women.

Specific is used with these nouns:

aim, aspect, category, circumstance, context, date, diagnosis, direction, directive, emphasis, enquiry, example, exception, expertise, feature, focus, function, goal, grievance, guidance, guideline, information, instance, instruction, item, kind, limit, location, mention, nature, need, niche, objective, order, permission, policy, prediction, provision, purpose, question, recommendation, reference, regard, region, request, requirement, role, sequence, suggestion, target, term, timetable, topic, type, warning, warranty, wording

specifically

specificallyadv.

Specifically is used with these adjectives:

concerned, related, religious, trained

Specifically is used with these verbs:

address, aim, ask, breed, choose, cite, condemn, define, design, designate, devote, direct, engineer, examine, exclude, exempt, focus, forbid, formulate, gear, grant, highlight, identify, inhibit, instruct, link, market, mention, order, permit, prohibit, recommend, refer, reject, relate, remember, request, require, reserve, select, state, tailor, talk, target, warn, write

specification

specificationnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + specification | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEcomplete, detailed, fullexact, precisestandardhigh (esp. BrE)The yachts are built to the highest specifications.originaldesign, performance, product, technicalcustomercontract, job (both esp. BrE)The manager has drafted job specifications for each of the positions.VERB + specificationdevelop, draw up (esp. BrE), writeprovidehaveThe prototype has the same basic specifications.meetThe aircraft have to meet the strict specifications laid down by the FAA.PREPOSITIONaccording to the/your specifications, to the/your specificationsEach vehicle can be equipped according to your specifications.

specified

specifiedadj.

Specified is used with these nouns:

interval, limit, period

specify

specifyverb

verbADVERB | VERB + specifyADVERBclearlyfullycarefullyexactly, preciselyShe did not specify precisely how many people were involved in the incident.explicitlycorrectlyAre all the details correctly specified?uniquelyEach computer is uniquely specified by its serial number.otherwiseUnless otherwise specified, all fields have a maximum length of 20 characters.VERB + specifyallow sb torequire sb tobe difficult to

Specify is used with these nouns as the subject:

architect, article, regulation

Specify is used with these nouns as the object:

condition, nature, objective, requirement, type

specimen

specimennoun

noun1 example2 small amount of sth used for testing1 exampleADJECTIVE | VERB + specimen | specimen + NOUNADJECTIVElarge, smallbeautiful, fine, good, healthy, magnificent, perfect, prize (esp. BrE)This is a fine specimen of a walnut tree.living, preservedwell-preserved specimens of Homo erectuscomplete, incompleteadult, juvenilefemale, malerarephysicalVERB + specimenfindHe found two specimens of early humans.specimen + NOUNplant, tree

2 small amount of sth used for testingADJECTIVE | VERB + specimenADJECTIVEblood, urine, etc.VERB + specimencollect, takegive, provideThe motorist may be required to give a urine specimen.obtain

specious

speciousadj.

Specious is used with these nouns:

argument, reasoning

speck

specknoun

Speck is used after these nouns:

Spectacular is used with these nouns:

spectacle

spectaclenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + spectacle | PHRASESADJECTIVEdramatic, grand (esp. BrE), great, magnificentsad, sorry, unedifying (esp. BrE)the sad spectacle of him struggling to keep up with the younger playerssheerI attended solely to witness the sheer spectacle of a political rally.publicHangings took place outside the prison as a public spectacle.visualThe Olympics are a wonderful visual spectacle.mediasporting (esp. BrE)VERB + spectaclewatch, witnessenjoycreatePHRASESmake a spectacle of yourself (= make yourself look ridiculous in public)

spectacles

spectaclesnoun

noun (formal, esp. BrE)ADJECTIVE | … OF SPECTACLES | VERB + spectacles | spectacles + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEheavygold-rimmed, horn-rimmed, rimless, steel-rimmed, wire-framed, wire-rimmedthicktinted (BrE)half-moon, roundreading… OF SPECTACLESpairVERB + spectacleshave on, wearput ontake offpushShe pushed her spectacles further up her nose and sighed.adjustlook through, peer throughlook over, peer overHe peered at the waiter over his spectacles.spectacles + VERBbe perched on sth, perch on sthHer wire-framed spectacles were perched on the end of her nose.PREPOSITIONbehind your spectacles, through your spectacles

spectacular

spectacularadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, lookADVERBfairly, rather, veryreally, trulyabsolutely, quiteThe waterfall is truly spectacular.particularlyequally

advance, catch, coastline, countryside, coup, crash, display, example, fashion, feat, find, flop, gain, goal, growth, image, mountain, result, rise, save, scenery, show, sight, stunt, success, sunset, U-turn, view, waterfall

spectacularly

spectacularlyadv.

Spectacularly is used with these adjectives:

beautiful, successful, wrong

Spectacularly is used with these verbs:

backfire, explode, fail

spectator

spectatornoun

nounADJECTIVE | … OF SPECTATORS | VERB + spectator | spectator + VERB | spectator + NOUNADJECTIVEmere, passive, silentinterestedimpartialpayingvirtual (esp. BrE)He was rendered a virtual spectator for large parts of the game.football, sports, etc.… OF SPECTATORScrowdVERB + spectatorattract, drawThis year's festival attracted 87 000 spectators.seatThe stadium will seat 60 000 spectators.spectator + VERBgather, turn up (BrE)line sthSpectators lined the route of the president's walkabout.cheer (sb/sth)spectator + NOUNevent, sport

spectre

spectrenoun

(BrE) (AmE specter) nounADJECTIVE | VERB + spectre/specter | spectre/specter + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEgrim (esp. BrE), ominousThe grim spectre of terrorism cast its shadow.oldconstantloomingthe looming spectre of a financial crisistwinthe twin spectres of addiction and violenceVERB + spectre/specterevoke, invoke, raiseWall Street's collapse raised spectres of the 1987 stock-market crash.face, seebanish, exorcizean attempt to exorcize the spectre of povertyspectre/specter + VERBhang over sb/sth, haunt sb/sth, hover over sb/sth, loom, loom over sb/sthPREPOSITIONspectre ofThe terrible spectre of civil war hung over the country once again.

spectrum

spectrumnoun

noun1 range of light waves, etc.2 full or wide range1 range of light waves, etc.ADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEvisibleThese wavelengths correspond to red in the visible spectrum.Beyond the red end of the visible light spectrum is infrared.colour/color, electromagneticbroadcast, radioPHRASESthe colours/colors of the spectrumOther species can perceive colours/colors of the spectrum that are invisible to us.the … end of the spectrum, the … part of the spectrum, the … portion of the spectrum, the … region of the spectrumthe ultraviolet part of the spectrum

2 full or wide rangeADJECTIVE | VERB + spectrum | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcomplete, fullThe courses cover the full spectrum of levels.broad, widenarrowentire, wholeideological, political, socialage, incomeVERB + spectrumcover, spanrepresentThese thinkers represent a wide spectrum of political perspectives.PREPOSITIONacross the spectrumThere was consensus across the political spectrum.spectrum ofa wide spectrum of interestsPHRASESat one end of the spectrum, at the other end of the spectrumboth ends of the spectrum, opposite ends of the spectrumThe two speakers were chosen to represent opposite ends of the spectrum.a spectrum of opinionThe newspaper covers a broad spectrum of opinion.

speculate

speculateverb

verbADVERB | VERB + speculate | PREPOSITIONADVERBopenly, publiclyCommentators are openly speculating on whether the accusation is false.widelywildlyThe British press speculated wildly about his disappearance.VERB + speculatecan onlybe free to, feel free toBoth sides are free to speculate on the other's motives.decline to, refuse tobe interesting to, be tempting tobe possible to, be reasonable toIt would seem entirely reasonable to speculate that tribal loyalties influenced the outcome of the election.be premature toIt would be premature to speculate as to the outcome at this stage.be difficult toPREPOSITIONaboutThere was no point in speculating about the possibility of them getting back together.as toWe can only speculate as to this man's identity.on, uponHe refused to speculate on her reasons for leaving.

Speculate is used with these nouns as the subject:

newspaper

speculation

speculationnoun

noun1 making guesses about sth2 buying and selling for profit1 making guesses about sthADJECTIVE | VERB + speculation | speculation + VERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEconsiderable, intense, much, widespreadfurther, increasing, renewedcontinuing (esp. BrE), endlessrecentpuremere, sheerWhether or not he will get the job is mere speculation.wildmedia, pressmetaphysical, philosophicalVERB + speculationcause, encourage, fuel, give rise to, increase, intensify, invite, lead to, prompt, raisedampen (esp. BrE), dismiss, quash (esp. BrE)end, put an end toconfirmindulge inspeculation + VERBbe rife, run rampant (esp. AmE)Speculation was rife as to who would be chosen as a successor.With a lack of credible answers, speculation is running rampant.grow, mountSpeculation is mounting that a new tax will be introduced.centre/center on, surroundMuch speculation surrounds his role in the crisis.be based onamateur speculation based on questionable assumptionslink (esp. BrE)There has been a lot of speculation linking the defender with a move to Chelsea.PREPOSITIONamid speculationHe was dropped from the team amid speculation that he was sick.speculation amongThis issue has attracted a great deal of speculation among economists.There was wild speculation among the students as to the reason for postponing the lecture.speculation about, speculation as to, speculation on, speculation overThere has been increasing speculation over the company's future.PHRASESa matter for speculation (esp. BrE), a matter of speculation, a subject of speculationspeculation on sb's partThis is just speculation on my part.

2 buying and selling for profitADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEfinancialmarket, stock-market (esp. AmE)currency, land, property (esp. BrE), real estate (AmE), etc.PREPOSITIONspeculation inspeculation in oilspeculation onspeculation on the stock market

speculative

speculativeadj.

Speculative is used with these nouns:

developer, fiction, gleam, hypothesis, investment, venture

speculatively

speculativelyadv.

Speculatively is used with these verbs:

eye, look

speculator

speculatornoun

Speculator is used after these nouns:

currency

speech

speechnoun

noun1 speaking2 formal talk1 speakingADJECTIVE | speech + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEslurredShe could tell by his slurred speech that he had been drinking.clippedcasualconnected, continuous, fluentnatural, normal, ordinaryspontaneousdirectindirect, reportedfreeThe demonstrators were demanding free speech.hate, hateful (esp. AmE)racist hate speechconversational, everydaychildren's, human, etc.speech + NOUNpattern, styleHe learned to successfully mimic American speech patterns.defect (esp. BrE), impairment, impedimenttherapist, therapycommunity (technical)The members of a speech community share many cultural attitudes.recognitionThese computers are capable of speech recognition.code (esp. AmE)Speech codes have been instituted by some universities (= to stop language that is sexist, racist, etc.).act (technical)marks (esp. BrE)The author's punctuation goes outside speech marks.PREPOSITIONin speechthe use of language in everyday speechCertain grammatical rules must be followed when describing a conversation in reported speech.PHRASESa figure of speechWhen we say we're ‘dead tired’, it's just a figure of speech.freedom of speechthe right of/to freedom of speechthe power of speechHe temporarily lost the power of speech after the accident.

2 formal talkADJECTIVE | VERB + speech | speech + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbrief, little, shortinterminable, long, long-winded, ramblingkeynote, majoreloquent, excellent, goodemotional, impassioned, rousing, stirringboringimpromptupublictelevisedpoliticalpresidentialcampaign, conference (esp. BrE), convention (esp. AmE), floor (AmE), stump (AmE)a Senate floor speechThe candidates gave their standard stump speeches.Budget (BrE), inaugural, policy, State of the Union (AmE)George Washington's inaugural speechthe Chancellor's Budget speecha foreign policy speech delivered by the presidentPresident Bush delivered his 2004 State of the Union speech.acceptance, concession (AmE), farewell, resignation (esp. BrE), victoryThe prizewinner gave an emotional acceptance speech.maiden (esp. BrE)her maiden speech in the House of Commonscommencement (AmE), openingHe delivered the commencement speech at Notre Dame University.closing (esp. BrE)after-dinner (esp. BrE)VERB + speechdeliver, give, make, readThe President will deliver a major foreign-policy speech to the United Nations.broadcastHis speech was broadcast on national radio.writespeech + NOUNwriter (usually speech-writer)the Prime Minister's speech-writersPREPOSITIONin a/the speechspeech about, speech onShe gave a speech on the economy.She made a stirring campaign speech on improving the lot of the unemployed.speech toHe delivered his final speech to Congress.In her speech to the House of Commons, she outlined her vision of Britain in the 21st century.

speechless

speechlessadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERB | PREPOSITIONVERBSbe, remain, sit, standRachel stood speechless.leave sb, render sbThe news left us all speechless.ADVERBcompletely, totallyalmost, practicallyfor a moment, momentarily, temporarilyPREPOSITIONwithHe was almost speechless with anger.

speech-recognition

speech-recognitionadj.

Speech-recognition is used with these nouns:

Speed is used with these nouns as the subject:

speed

speednounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | … OF SPEED | VERB + speed | speed + VERB | speed + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEamazing, astonishing, breakneck, fast, good, great, high, incredible, lightning, phenomenal, remarkable, startling, surprising, terrific (esp. BrE)The new houses have been built with astonishing speed.He drove us to the hospital at breakneck speed.low, slowfull, maximum, top, warp (informal, humorous, esp. AmE)Business is moving at warp speed.excess90% of car accidents involve excess speed.constant, steadyaverage, normalincreasedoperating, processing, processor, runningthe increase in processor speeds for home computersThe machinery is regulated to a safe running speed.broadband, connection, downloadWe offer subscribers a download speed of 8 MB.cruising, flyingsupersonicjets flying at supersonic speedtraffic (esp. BrE), etc.air, windengineshutterThe camera will choose a fast shutter speed.… OF SPEEDburstThe Kenyan runner put on a sudden burst of speed over the last 50 yards.rate (AmE)He was traveling at a high rate of speed.VERB + speedattain, reachThe car reaches a speed of 60 miles per hour within five seconds.build up, gain, gather, increase, pick upThe train pulled out of the station, slowly gathering speed.losekill, reduceMotorists are asked to reduce their speed in wet conditions.maintainThe boat maintained a steady speed while the sea was calm.move at, run at, travel atThe glacier moves at an average speed of about six feet per day.Radio waves travel at the speed of light.measurespeed + VERBincreasedecreasespeed + NOUNcontrol, reduction, restriction (esp. BrE)recordHe set a new land speed record in this car.bump (esp. AmE), hump (BrE)camera (BrE), trapPREPOSITIONat speed (= fast)The car was moving at speed when the accident happened.at lightning speedin speeda significant increase in speedwith speedHedgehogs, though small, can move with surprising speed.speed ofThe ships have a maximum speed of 18 knots.PHRASESat full speed, full speedHe was running at full speed when a tendon snapped in his leg.full speed aheadThe boat can be brought to a stop from full speed ahead within her own length.the speed of light, the speed of soundConcorde crossed the Atlantic at twice the speed of sound.a turn of speed (BrE)For a small car it has a good turn of speed.

II. verb

traffic, train

Speed is used with these nouns as the object:

delivery, recovery

speed along

speed alongphr verb

Speed along is used with these nouns as the object:

speed by

speed byphr verb

Speed by is used with these nouns as the subject:

speedily

speedilyadv.

Speedily is used with these verbs:

deal, resolve

speeding

speedingnoun

nounVERB + speeding | speeding + NOUN | PHRASESVERB + speedingfine sb for (esp. BrE), pull sb over for (esp. AmE), stop sb forHe was pulled over for speeding.The driver had been stopped twice for speeding on the same day.speeding + NOUNconviction, offence/offense (both esp. BrE)fine (esp. BrE), ticket

He was obliged to pay a £40 speeding fine.(see also speed limit)PHRASESbe/get caught speeding, be done for speeding (BrE, informal)

speed limit

speed limitnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + speed limit | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhigh, lowlegal50-mph, 60-mph, etc.VERB + speed limitdrive (AmE), keep to, keep within, obey, observebreak, exceedMotorists can be fined on the spot for exceeding speed limits.setraiselower, reduce (esp. BrE)PREPOSITIONabove the speed limit, over the speed limitHe was driving over the 60 mph speed limit.below the speed limit, under the speed limit, within the speed limit (esp. BrE)You have to come down that hill in a low gear to keep within the speed limit.

speed past

speed pastphr verb

Speed past is used with these nouns as the subject:

speed up

speed upphr verb

Speed up is used with these nouns as the subject:

Speed up is used with these nouns as the object:

delivery, development, integration, process, production, rate, reaction, recovery, thing

speedy

speedyadj.

Speedy is used with these nouns:

completion, exit, passage, recovery, removal, return, solution

spell

spellnounverbPHRASAL VERB

I. noun1 period of time2 magical effect1 period of timeADJECTIVE | VERB + spell | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVElengthy (esp. BrE), long, prolongedbrief, shortfive-minute, ten-day, etc. (esp. BrE)goodbadHe's going through a bit of a bad spell at the moment.quietbarren, lean (both esp. BrE)Viera ended his barren spell with a goal against Parma.cold, dry, hot, mild, sunny (esp. BrE), warm, wetdizzy, faintingThe children began having dizzy spells from hunger.VERB + spellgo through, havePREPOSITIONduring a … spellShe managed to write a letter during a quiet spell at work.spell as (esp. BrE)He had a brief spell as ambassador to Turkey.PHRASESa spell of … weather (esp. BrE)a spell of sunny weather

2 magical effectADJECTIVE | VERB + spell | spell + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEmagic, magicalpowerfulhypnoticthe hypnotic spell of the cicadas singing in the treesVERB + spellbe under, come under, fall undercast, perform, put, weaveThe witch cast a spell on them.This place had woven its spell over them.break, removeShe uttered the magic word, and the spell was broken.spell + NOUNbookPREPOSITIONunder a/the spellSleeping Beauty was under a spell when the prince found her.under sb's spellThe audience was completely under his spell.

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBcorrectly, rightwronglybackwards/backward‘Nevaeh’ is ‘heaven’ spelled backwards/backward.PREPOSITIONasThe article spelled ‘survey’ as ‘servay’.withIs ‘necessary’ spelled with one ‘s’, or two?

PHRASAL VERBspell sth outADVERB | VERB + spell out | PREPOSITIONADVERBclearlyexplicitly, fully, in detailexactly, preciselyShe spelled out precisely what she wanted.VERB + spell outhave to, need to

PREPOSITIONforDo I really have to spell it out for you?toHis speech spelled out a clear message to the car industry.

Spell is used with these nouns as the object:

beginning, disaster, doom, end, name, ruin, trouble, word

spelling

spellingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + spelling | spelling + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEcorrect, incorrectconventional, proper, usualalternate (esp. AmE), alternative, different, variantoriginalAmerican, English, etc.phoneticVERB + spellingusecheckcorrectimprovespelling + NOUNerror, mistakebee (esp. AmE), testdictionary, rulevariantreformPREPOSITIONin … spellingIn American spelling ‘travelled’ only has one ‘l’.spelling for, spelling ofThe document uses the British spelling for caesium.PHRASESbe good, bad, etc. at spelling

spell out

spell outphr verb

Spell out is used with these nouns as the object:

Spend is used with these nouns as the subject:

spend

spendverb

verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBwiselyTry to spend your money wisely.freely, heavily, lavishlyannuallyPREPOSITIONonThe company spent a lot on advertising.perthe amount of money spent per studentPHRASESbe money well spentIt may seem expensive but it's money well spent.

consumer, council

Spend is used with these nouns as the object:

afternoon, age, allowance, birthday, budget, career, cash, childhood, Christmas, day, decade, Easter, energy, evening, fortnight, fortune, fund, holiday, honeymoon, hour, leave, life, lifetime, minute, moment, money, month, morning, night, recess, retirement, revenue, saving, second, semester, sum, time, total, vacation, voucher, week, weekend, year, youth

spending

spendingnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + spending | spending + VERB | spending + NOUN | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEtotalThere has been an increase in total government spending.high, lowadditional, increasedannual, monthly, etc.consumer, corporate, privatefederal, government, local, public, statedefence/defense, domestic (esp. AmE), education, military, R & D, social (AmE), welfare, etc.deficit, discretionary (esp. AmE)a reliance on deficit spending to maintain growthThe President wants to increase discretionary spending by 4%.capitalAn improvement in profitability leads to increased capital spending.VERB + spendingboost, increasecut, cut back, cut back on, reducefinanceThe government will finance its spending through taxes.spending + VERBrisefallgo toThree quarters of all federal spending goes to Social Security.spending + NOUNlevelplan, programme/program, targetbill (AmE)A military spending bill is currently being considered in Congress.cap (esp. AmE), cut, limitincreasemoneyHow much spending money are you taking with you?powerspree (esp. BrE)The boys went on a two-day spending spree with the stolen credit cards.habitsher husband's extravagant spending habitsPREPOSITIONspending onMore spending on education was promised.PHRASESa cut in spending, a reduction in spendingan increase in spending, a rise in spending

spent

spentadj.

Spent is used with these nouns:

conviction, fuel, shell

sperm

spermnoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + sperm | sperm + VERB | sperm + NOUNADJECTIVEdonatedfrozenVERB + spermproducedonatesperm + VERBfertilize sthThe sperm fertilizes the egg.sperm + NOUNcellcounta high/low/normal sperm countbank, donordonationproduction

spew

spewverb

Spew is used with these nouns as the subject:

Spew is used with these nouns as the object:

venom

spew out

spew outphr verb

Spew out is used with these nouns as the subject:

sphere

spherenoun

nounADJECTIVE | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEwiderHe wanted to spread his ideas to a wider sphere than the school.separateIn the novel, men and women enjoy separate spheres of action.academic, cultural, domestic, economic, financial, military, political, socialHis work is little known outside the academic sphere.private, publicPREPOSITIONin sb's/the sphere, within sb's/the sphereThe region is within the Russian sphere of influence.outside sb's/the sphereThe matter is outside my sphere of responsibility.sphere ofPHRASESa sphere of activitya sphere of influencea sphere of life

spherical

sphericaladj.

Spherical is used with these nouns:

spice

spicenounverb

I. noun1 flavour for food2 excitement and interest1 flavour for foodADJECTIVE | spice + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEgroundmixed (esp. BrE)exoticpumpkin, pumpkin pie (both AmE)spice + NOUNmix, mixture, rub (AmE)cakecupboard, jar, rackPHRASESherbs and spices

2 excitement and interestADJECTIVE | VERB + spice | PHRASESADJECTIVEextraThat result added extra spice to the game.VERB + spiceadd, giveThe danger added spice to their romance.PHRASESthe spice of life

II. verbPREPOSITION | PHRASESPREPOSITIONwithTheir bread is spiced with cinnamon.PHRASESheavily spiced, highly spicedI don't really like highly spiced food.lightly spiceda dish of lightly spiced rice

spiced

spicedadj.

Spiced is used with these nouns:

Spicy is used with these nouns:

spicy

spicyadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, smell, tasteThe soup tasted mildly spicy.ADVERBextremely, fairly, very, etc.a little, slightly, etc.lightly, mildlydeliciouslya deliciously spicy aroma

aroma, dish, flavour, food, fragrance, mustard, sauce, sausage, scent, smell, taste, wing

spider

spidernoun

nounADJECTIVE | spider + VERB | spider + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEbig, huge, largegianthairypoisonousspider + VERBmake a web, spin a web, weave a webcrawl, run, scuttlehunt sthcatch sthbite sb/sthI was bitten by a spider.lurkspider + NOUNsilkweb (esp. AmE)PHRASESa spider's web (esp. BrE)

spidery

spideryadj.

Spidery is used with these nouns:

handwriting, writing

spike

spikenounverb

I. noun

Spike is used before these nouns:

Spike is used after these nouns:

flower, price

II. verb

Spike is used with these nouns as the subject:

Spike is used with these nouns as the object:

drink

spiked

spikedadj.

Spiked is used with these nouns:

spiky

spikyadj.

Spiky is used with these nouns:

hair, haircut

spill

spillnounverb

I. noun

Spill is used after these nouns:

oil, tanker

II. verbADVERB | VERB + spill | PREPOSITIONADVERBalmostaccidentallyout, overAfter the clubs closed, the drinkers spilled out into the streets.He nodded, his tears spilling over.VERB + spilltry not tolet sthHe opened the curtains, letting the morning light spill into the room.PREPOSITIONacross, down, from, into, on, onto, out of, overI accidentally spilled my drink all over him.

Spill is used with these nouns as the subject:

beer, tanker, tear, water

Spill is used with these nouns as the object:

beer, blood, content, detail, drink, ink, juice, liquid, milk, soda, water

spillage

spillagenoun

Spillage is used after these nouns:

spill down

spill downphr verb

Spill down is used with these nouns as the subject:

spill out

spill outphr verb

Spill out is used with these nouns as the subject:

spill over

spill overphr verb

Spill over is used with these nouns as the subject:

spillover

spillovernoun

Spillover is used before these nouns:

Spin is used with these nouns as the subject:

spin

spinnounverb

I. noun1 fast turning movement2 on information1 fast turning movementADJECTIVE | VERB + spin | spin + NOUNADJECTIVEquick, rapidslowback, side, top (usually topspin, etc.) (sports)She puts heavy topspin on her serve.VERB + spingo intoHe had to stop the helicopter from going into a spin.come out ofput sb/sth in, put sb/sth into, send sb/sth into (all figurative)The president's death sent the stock market into a spin.give sthGive the clothes another spin.impart, putHow do you put more spin on the ball?spin + NOUNdryer (BrE)cycleWe stopped the washing machine before the spin cycle.After a bitter divorce, the two actors were thrown into a media spin cycle. (AmE,figurative)bowler, bowling (in cricket)

2 on informationADJECTIVE | VERB + spin | spin + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEnegative, positivedifferent, fresh, interesting, (whole) new, uniqueShe's put a whole new spin on the theme of corporate greed.contemporary, modernmedia, politicalLabour, Republican, etc.VERB + spinadd, give sth, putThe chairman tried to put a positive spin on the closure of the factory.spin + NOUNdoctorgovernment spin doctorsmachinethe government's spin machinePREPOSITIONwith a spinThe film retells the famous legend with a Marxist spin.

II. verbADVERB | VERB + spin | PHRASESADVERBfast, quickly, rapidlyThe blade spins very fast.freelyThe wheel can now spin freely.around, round (esp. BrE)He spun around to face her.away, backVERB + spinbegin to, start toPHRASESmake sb's head spin (figurative)The wine made my head spin.spin like a topThe dinghy spun like a top and a huge wave came at me.spin on its axisThe Earth spins on its axis once every 24 hours.spin on your heel (esp. AmE)She spun on her heel and walked out of the room.spin out of controlThe car spun out of control.

ball, car, earth, head, mind, room, wheel

Spin is used with these nouns as the object:

degree, dial, silk, tale, thread, tune, web, wool, yarn

spinal

spinaladj.

Spinal is used with these nouns:

cord, fracture, injury, meningitis, nerve

spindly

spindlyadj.

Spindly is used with these nouns:

leg

spine

spinenoun

noun1 backbone2 sharp point on some plants/animals1 backboneADJECTIVE | VERB + spine | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfracturedcervical, lumbarVERB + spinebend, curvestraightenbreak, damageslide down, slide up (both figurative)An icy chill slid up my spine.form (figurative)These speeches form the spine of his election campaign.stiffen (figurative)Their protests stiffened the spines of party activists.grow (AmE, figurative)The legislature must grow a spine and demand this.PREPOSITIONin the/your spinethe nerves in the spinePHRASESthe base of the spinethe length of sb's spinecurvature of the spinesend shivers down sb's spine

2 sharp point on some plants/animalsADJECTIVE | VERB + spineADJECTIVEsharpHedgehogs are covered with sharp spines.finepoisonous, venomousVERB + spinebear, have

spinner

spinnernoun

Spinner is used after these nouns:

salad

spin-off

spin-offnoun

nounADJECTIVE | spin-off + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEmovie, TVpositive (esp. BrE)The games will certainly have positive financial spin-offs for local companies.lucrative (esp. BrE)unexpected (esp. BrE)commercial, economic (both esp. BrE)spin-off + NOUNbenefit (esp. BrE)The contract is likely to have spin-off benefits for the aerospace business.business, companymovie, series, showThe show was so successful that it launched two spin-off series.PREPOSITIONspin-off from

spin on

spin onphr verb

Spin on is used with these nouns as the object:

spinster

spinsternoun

Spinster is used before these nouns:

aunt

spiral

spiralnounadj.

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + spiral | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEviciousdownward, upwarddeflationary, inflationarywage-pricedeath (AmE, figurative)The company has entered a death spiral.VERB + spiralcreate, triggerThere is a risk that the policy may trigger an inflationary spiral.continueThe economy continued its downward spiral.halt, stopPREPOSITIONspiral ofto halt the vicious downward spiral of drug abuse

II. adj.

Spiral is used with these nouns:

curl, dive, galaxy, notebook, stair, staircase

spiral-bound

spiral-boundadj.

Spiral-bound is used with these nouns:

notebook

spiralling

spirallingadj.

Spiralling/spiraling is used with these nouns:

cost, inflation

spire

spirenoun

Spire is used after these nouns:

cathedral

spirit

spiritnoun

noun1 mind or feelings2 spirits morale3 person4 courage/liveliness5 feelings of loyalty6 attitude/mood7 real/intended meaning of a rule, an agreement, etc.8 soul/ghost9 (esp. BrE) (usually spirits) strong alcoholic drink1 mind or feelingsADJECTIVE | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEhumanIt is a testimony to the triumph of the human spirit.PREPOSITIONin spiritI will be with you in spirit.

2 spirits moraleADJECTIVE | VERB + SPIRITS | SPIRITS + VERB | PHRASESADJECTIVEflagging (esp. BrE)VERB + SPIRITSkeep up, lift, raiseWe sang songs to keep our spirits up.revivebreak, dampenA string of defeats has failed to dampen the team's spirits.SPIRITS + VERBlift, risePHRASESin good, high, low, poor, etc. spiritsShe isn't in the best of spirits today.My mother was in excellent spirits.

3 personADJECTIVEADJECTIVEguiding, leading (esp. BrE), movingShe was a guiding spirit in primary education.generousmeanbrave, proudfree, independentkindredHe found kindred spirits in the peace movement.

4 courage/livelinessADJECTIVE | VERB + spirit | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEgreat, tremendous (esp. BrE)adventurous, competitive, fighting, indomitable, pioneer, pioneeringthe indomitable American spiritVERB + spiritbe full of, haveShe has plenty of fighting spirit.display, showbreakPREPOSITIONwith spiritHe sang with great spirit.PHRASESbroken in spiritThey tortured him until he was broken in spirit.

5 feelings of loyaltyADJECTIVE | VERB + spiritADJECTIVEcommunity, party, public, teamVERB + spirithavedevelop, foster, promote

6 attitude/moodADJECTIVE | VERB + spirit | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVErightThey have the right spirit!essential, genuine, truecarefreedemocratic, revolutionarycreativeentrepreneurialcan-do (informal, esp. AmE)Christmas, festive (esp. BrE), holiday (esp. AmE)VERB + spirithaveenter into, get intoI was just getting to the spirit of things when the party suddenly ended.bringThey brought the spirit of carnival to their concerts.capture, embody, reflect, representThat song really captures the spirit of the times.She embodies the spirit of revolution.PREPOSITIONin a spirit ofBoth sides have come together in a spirit of goodwill.They are all working together in a spirit of cooperation.spirit ofa spirit of adventurePHRASESbe closer in spirit to sth, be similar in spirit to sthbe faithful to the spirit of sth, be true to the spirit of sthThe movie is true to the spirit of the book.a generosity of spiritShe exudes a warmth and generosity of spirit.in the right spiritthe spirit of the age, the spirit of the timesthe spirit of Christmas, the spirit of the seasonI'm trying to get in the spirit of the holiday season.

7 real/intended meaning of a rule, an agreement, etc.VERB + spirit | PHRASESVERB + spiritobeybe against, be contrary to, go against, violatean edict that violates the spirit of the Geneva ConventionPHRASESthe spirit of the lawThe referee should try to obey the spirit as well as the letter of the law.

8 soul/ghostADJECTIVE | VERB + spirit | spirit + VERB | spirit + NOUN | PHRASESADJECTIVEancestralevil, malevolentrestlessOwls were believed to be restless spirits who had returned to earth.VERB + spiritconjure up, contact, invoke, summon, summon upexorcize, ward offShe slept with a cross under the pillow to ward off evil spirits.be possessed byspirit + VERBlive onMany people believe the spirit lives on after death.move sb (often figurative)Make a donation to the charity if the spirit moves you.spirit + NOUNguideMy spirit guide cares for me and protects me.worldPHRASESbody, mind and spirithealing for body, mind and spiritthe Holy Spiritthe spirits of the dead

9 (esp. BrE) (usually spirits) strong alcoholic drink… OF SPIRITS | VERB + SPIRITS… OF SPIRITSbottle, measure (BrE)a single measure of spiritsVERB + SPIRITSdrink

spirited

spiritedadj.

Spirited is used with these nouns:

debate, defence, display, exchange, performance, resistance

spiritual

spiritualadj.

adj.VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbeADVERBdeeply, truly, veryThis is a deeply spiritual piece of music.a truly spiritual experiencepurelyalmostThe music had an almost spiritual quality.

Spiritual is used with these nouns:

ancestor, anguish, aspect, awakening, awareness, belief, blessing, bond, care, comfort, communion, connection, conversion, crisis, delight, descendant, development, dimension, direction, discipline, essence, evolution, experience, force, fulfilment, growth, guidance, guide, heir, heritage, home, hunger, insight, journey, leader, leadership, life, matter, meaning, need, nourishment, path, perfection, pilgrimage, plane, practice, progress, pursuit, quality, quest, realm, reflection, renewal, retreat, self, sense, significance, solace, strength, successor, teacher, tradition, transformation, truth, union, vacuum, value, vision, well-being, world, writer, yearning

spiritually

spirituallyadv.

Spiritually is used with these adjectives:

uplifting

spit

spitverb

Spit is used with these nouns as the subject:

cat, snake

Spit is used with these nouns as the object:

mouthful, venom, word

spite

spitenoun

nounADJECTIVE | VERB + spite | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEpure, sheerpersonal (esp. BrE)VERB + spitebe full of, feelShe was angry and full of spite.vent (esp. BrE)He vented his spite on his grandfather.PREPOSITIONout of spiteShe killed her boss's dog out of pure spite.with spite‘Your cooking is hard to forget,’ he said with spite.spite towards/towardI felt no spite towards/toward her.

spit out

spit outphr verb

Spit out is used with these nouns as the object:

mouthful, word

spitting

spittingadj.

Spitting is used with these nouns:

image

spit up

spit upphr verb

Spit up is used with these nouns as the subject:

Splash is used with these nouns as the subject:

splash

splashnounverb

I. noun1 sound; amount of liquid2 area of colour/color, light, etc.1 sound; amount of liquidADJECTIVE | VERB + splash | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEbig, huge, largelittle, smallloudsoftVERB + splashmake (often figurative)She intended to make a big splash with her wedding.hearPREPOSITIONsplash ofa splash of cold water in the facewith a splashShe jumped into the pool with a splash.

2 area of colour/color, light, etc.ADJECTIVE | PHRASESADJECTIVEbold, brighta bold splash of redPHRASESa splash of colour/colorWindow boxes of tulips added a splash of colour/color to the street.a splash of light

II. verbADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBhappilyThe baby was splashing happily in the bathtub.about (esp. BrE), aroundThe children were splashing around in the river.PREPOSITIONagainstRain splashed against the window.on, ontoShe splashed some water onto the stain.overShe splashed some water over her boots to clean them.throughThey splashed through the puddles.withHer clean clothes were all splashed with mud.PHRASESbe splashed across the front page, be splashed on the coverThe next day his exploits were splashed across the front page.

blood, fountain, rain, water, wave

Splash is used with these nouns as the object:

splash across

splash acrossphr verb

Splash across is used with these nouns as the object:

splash with

splash withphr verb

Splash with is used with these nouns as the object:

splatter

splatterverb

Splatter is used with these nouns as the subject:

splatter with

splatter withphr verb

Splatter with is used with these nouns as the object:

splay

splayverb

Splay is used with these nouns as the object:

leg

splendid

splendidadj.

adj. (esp. BrE)VERBS | ADVERBVERBSbe, lookADVERBreallya really splendid eveningabsolutely, most, perfectly, quite, rather, simply, trulyThe meal was quite splendid!Thank you for a most splendid evening!

Splendid is used with these nouns:

castle, fellow, sight, time, try, view

splendidly

splendidlyadv.

Splendidly is used with these verbs:

equip, work

splendour

splendournoun

(BrE) (AmE splendor) nounADJECTIVE | VERB + splendour/splendor | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVEfullA butterfly emerged in its full splendour a week later.glorious, great, regalformer, originalfadedarchitectural, scenic, visualbaroque, gothic, medieval, etc.Edwardian, Victorian, etc.They have restored the building to its former Victorian splendour.VERB + splendour/splendorhaveThe hotel has the splendour of a 19th-century mansion.losematchNo other palace could match the splendour of the Taj Mahal.recapture, regainIt will take a lot of repair work before the building regains its former splendour.restore sth toThe house has been restored to its original splendour.PREPOSITIONin splendourThey dined in a special suite in glorious splendour.in sb's/sth's splendourThere below lay Paris in all its splendour.of splendoura castle of great splendoursplendours ofI've only just discovered the splendours of the countryside.PHRASESin solitary splendourThe castle rises in solitary splendour on the fringe of the desert.

splice

spliceverb

Splice is used with these nouns as the object:

film, tape

splinter

splinternounverb

I. nounADJECTIVE | VERB + splinter | splinter + VERB | splinter + NOUN | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEtinyglass, metal, wood, woodenVERB + splinterget, havepull out, remove, take outsplinter + VERBlodgesplinter + NOUNfaction, group, party (all figurative)a radical splinter group of the organizationPREPOSITIONsplinter ofA small splinter of metal had lodged in his thumb.

II. verb

Splinter is used with these nouns as the subject:

glass, wood

splintered

splinteredadj.

Splintered is used with these nouns:

bone

splints

splintsnoun

Splints is used after these nouns:

shin

split

splitnounverb

I. noun1 disagreement2 division between things1 disagreementADJECTIVE | VERB + split | split + VERB | PREPOSITIONADJECTIVEclear, deep, major, seriousA serious split in the ruling coalition appeared soon after the election.acrimonious, damagingTen years after their acrimonious split, the band has reformed.growingideologicalan ideological split within the partyVERB + splitcause, create, lead tosplit + VERBappear, occurPREPOSITIONsplit betweena split between the right and left wings of the partysplit in, split withinsplit overa growing split in the Church over the issue of gay priestssplit withMike's split with his wife

2 division between thingsADJECTIVEADJECTIVEevenIt's an even split; some love it, some hate it.two-way, three-way, etc. (esp. BrE)The initiative was funded in a three-way split between the sponsors, the League and the clubs.

II. verb1 break into two or more parts2 separate into different groups3 divide/share sth1 break into two or more partsADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERBeasilyPlastic splits very easily.apartopenThe ripe seed pod splits open and scatters the seeds.down the middle, in half, in twoThe lid had split down the middle.Split the coconut in half.PREPOSITIONintoHe split the log into several pieces.

2 separate into different groupsADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBeventually, finallyapart, away, off, upThe rock group split up last year.PREPOSITIONfromSeveral factions split from the party.intoIn 1993 Czechoslovakia split into two independent states.on, overThe party finally split over the issue of gun control.PHRASESbe deeply splitThe party is deeply split on this issue.

3 divide/share sthADVERB | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADVERBequally, evenlyPREPOSITIONamong, betweenThe cost has been split equally between three countries.PHRASESsplit sth two, three, etc. waysThe profit will be split three ways.split the differenceI offered €200 but he wanted €300. In the end, we split the difference and I paid him €250.split your time between sth and sthShe splits her time between Madrid and Washington.

Split is used with these nouns as the subject:

Split is used with these nouns as the object:

atom, bill, booty, check, country, difference, duty, infinitive, log, party, proceeds, profit, vote

split into

split intophr verb

Split into is used with these nouns as the object:

camp, grin, part

split-second

split-secondadj.

Split-second is used with these nouns:

decision, timing

splitting

splittingadj.

Splitting is used with these nouns:

headache

split up

split upphr verb

Split up is used with these nouns as the subject:

group

splutter

splutterverb

Splutter is used with these nouns as the subject:

Spoil is used before these nouns:

spoil

spoilnounverb

I. noun

heap

II. verb1 make sth useless/unsuccessful/not very good2 a child1 make sth useless/unsuccessful/not very goodADVERB | VERB + spoilADVERBcompletely, quiteHer selfish reaction completely spoiled the party.rather, slightly, somewhatVERB + spoilhate to, not be going to, not want toI don't want to spoil things for everyone else.be a pity toIt would be a pity to spoil the surprise.try tonot let sthDon't let the bad weather spoil your trip.

2 a childPREPOSITION | PHRASESPREPOSITIONwithHe spoils the children with expensive toys.PHRASESbe completely spoiled, be thoroughly spoiled, be utterly spoiledThose children are thoroughly spoiled!spoil sb rottenMy grandparents used to spoil me rotten.a spoiled brat, a spoiled child

Spoil is used with these nouns as the subject:

Spoil is used with these nouns as the object:

appetite, atmosphere, ballot, chance, child, effect, ending, enjoyment, evening, flavour, friendship, fun, joke, mood, party, plan, surprise, suspense, taste, thing

spoiled

spoiledadj.

Spoiled is used with these nouns:

ballot, child, milk

spoiling

spoilingadj.

Spoiling is used with these nouns:

spoils

spoilsnoun

nounVERB + spoils | PHRASESVERB + spoilsdivide, shareThe soldiers began to divide the spoils.claim, takeenjoyHe never sits back and enjoys the spoils of victory.PHRASESa division of the spoils, a share of the spoilsThey fought for a share of the spoils.the spoils of victory, the spoils of war

spoken

spokenadj.

Spoken is used with these nouns:

command, English, language, word

spoken-word

spoken-wordadj.

Spoken-word is used with these nouns:

spokesman, spokeswoman

spokesman, spokeswomannoun

Spokesman, spokeswoman is used after these nouns:

ambulance, coalition, company, department, embassy, environment, government, ministry, opposition, palace, police, press, transport, union

spokesperson

spokespersonnoun