nee eases ae etree centre sce be Se cal e ee eer 1 Over 25,000 terms clearly definecENGLISH DICTIONARY STUDENTS wr ik ad “FFE SEE i] a Lifesh bie a tibet Shanghai Foreign Language Education Press(8 45 AR (CIP) SH 4 9218 in] JL =Peter Collin English Dictionary for ike: EHSL Bene Students! YE) fY$K CCollin, P.) 4. f FFU MFL, 2000 ISBN 7-81046-786-7 1. Bier WL. fle TL Sein IV. H316 fs DAS PA 5 HCP Bi dis HK F-(2000) 45 14572 5 A=: 09-2000-0765 AR AIT: OR SNIS SRT ot RRB CHE SRM LTDA) HE: 200083 th iH: 021-65425300 (AHL) . 65422091 ¢ SEAT AB) HLF AR yib@sflep.com.cn Fa Lik. http://wwwisflep.com —_http://www.sflep.com.cn BERR: sets Ep will: HF RA A CA & PP TSG EAT OT ci F BBIXTID4 1/32 CHK 28.875 SER 2509 TH Pi YR: 20008 6 HHS TN — 200047 6 JE 1 ACCU Ep BH: 5 000 8 S: ISBN 7-81046-786-7/H + 663 = + 54.00 Fe AWE Td 4 ETRE A a BL, AS ALENGLISH DICTIONARY FOR STUDENTSFirst published in Great Britain 1999 Published by Peter Collin Publishing Led 1 Cambridge Road, Teddington, Middlesex, TW 8DT © Copyright PH Collin, F Collin, SMH Collin 1999 All rights reserved. No p: be reproduced in any form or by any n 1 of this publication may ans without the permission of the publishers. General editor PH Collin Editorial contributors Hazel Curties, Stephen Curtis, Rupert Livesey, Martin Mellor Liz Greasby, Readers Gill Francis, Frangoise Laurendeau, Elizabeth Manning. Christina Rammell . John Williams This edition of English Dictionary for Students is published by ar- rangement with the Syndicate of Peter Collin Publishing, United Kingdom. Licensed for sale in the People’s Republic of China only, not for sale elsewhere AS CMM SEGA SL) ee SS Le HR a SACRE A MOR MRR AEE A BR SE SEPreface to the first edition This dictionary aims to provide a modern vocabulary of British, American and International English for the student The vocabulary of over 25,000 words and phrases has been selected firstly according to various word frequency counts available both in Europe and in the USA, then by looking at the various syllabuses for national examinations. The words and phrases have then been supplemented with a wider selection of more specialized words and phrases (such as greenhouse gases, peace process, search and replace) which are very common in current English usage. Each word, even derived words such as adverbs, is clearly defined, and we have also given examples of each word and phrase in simple illustrative contexts, so as to show how the words can be used in practice. Because the dictionary is aimed at a wide spectrum of students, especially older students, we have inciuded over 300 encyclopaedic comments on cultural and historical matters (Pancake Day. weddings, Estuary English, Guy Fawkes, Magna Carta, Stonehenge, and so on) and on more technical subjects (search engines, the periodic table, the Internet, the metric system, etc.) which may be of interest Some words in the dictionary are trademarks, and these have been indicated as such. Layout of the dictionary We have tried to lay the dictionary out as clearly as possible, in order to make it as easy as possible for the student to use. Each entry begins with a main word, followed by the pronunciation in international phonetic symbols; this is followed by the part of speech. Entries where the same word occurs as two or more different parts of speech are split by numbers. Within each entry, major differences of meaning are highlighted by letter divisions. ‘The meanings of the words are written as simply as possible, using only a small defining vocabulary, supplemented as necessary by other words which appear in the dictionary. For most words we give examples of usage. and for the commonest words we give very many examples, all set in contexts which are easy to understand. Common idiomatic expressions and collocations are highlighted, explained, and examples are given for them also. ‘Throughout the book, usage notes (beginning with the word NOTE:) give irregular forms, British vs American usage, constructions, registers, derived words, words which can be confused, etc. These notes are also used to give information about the countries of the world which appear as entries. Some words have fuller encyclopaedic comments in boxes, und these give more information than can be given within a simple definitionPhonetics ‘The following symbols have been used to show the pronunciation of the main words in the dictionary. Stress has been indicated by a main stress mark (' ), but these are only guides as the stress of the word may change according to its position in the sentence. Vowels back a harm > stop ar type au how aia hire aus hour 2: course 21 loyalty e head eo fair er make 2 abroad 20 float 2u9 lower e word i: keep 1 fit 12 near u supreme uu: pool vu book 4 shut Consonants WN gc ON a oe UES gO Te meOaT buck dead other jump fare gold head yellow cab leave mix nil bring post rule save shop take change loch theft value work zone measureAa A, a [eI] first letter of the alphabet, followed by B: do you mean ‘dependant’ spelt with an ‘a’ or with an “e’?; from A to Z = completely. all the way through: the A to Z = street guide for a town, especially one for London: you can find us in the A to Z , AN [er or en) article (8) one: I want a cup of tea she’s bought a new car, an enormous hole: we had to wait an hour for the bus; a useful guidebook (b) for each or to each: apples cost 50p a kilo: the car was travelling at 50 kilometres an hour; he earns £100 a day (NOTE: an Is used in front of words beginning with a, 0, W and with h ifthe h is not pronounced (an apple: ‘an hour); a is used in tront ofall other letters and also in front of 'u where u is pronounced [ju:] (a useful ‘guidebook)) AA ['e1'ex} AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION aback [s!bek] adverb taken aback = surprised and shocked by something unpleasant; she was somewhat taken aback when he asked her to pay for the meal batt [s'ba:ft] adverb (nautical) (a) towards the stem ‘ofa ship (b) behind another ship abandon [s'bendan) verb (a) 10 leave: he ‘abandoned his wife and children: the crew abandoned the sinking fishing boat (b) to give up. to stop doing something: the company has decided to abandon the Brajet-we abandoned he idea of sting up a London office abandoned [='bendand) adjective no longer used lived ins sauaners moved ine the abandoned farmhouse abandonment [s'bendenmont} noun giving up: the abandonment of a project abate (2'beit) verb (formal) to become less strong; the winds will abate during the next twenty-four hours: they waited for the rain to abate before starting their walk abatement [2’bertmant} nown (a) reduction; Noise ‘Abatement Society = society which aims to reduce noise (b) tax abatement = decrease in tax abbess [‘zbes} noun woman in charge of a convent; @ new abbess was elected as head of the convent (NOTE: plural is abbesees) abbey ['ebi) noun religious establishment for monks ‘or nuns; when you goo Yorkshire, don’t miss a visit to Fountains Abbey; Westminster Abbey is near the Houses of Parliament abbot (‘ebat] noun man in charge of a monastery; the abbot is quite elderly abbreviate (2'bri:vieit] verb (a) to shorten a word by leaving out some of the letters: ‘Limited Company’ is usually abbreviated to “Ltd” (b) to shorten a piece of writing by leaving out part of it; this isthe abbreviated version of the text abbreviation [sbri:vi'esfn] noun shortened form of ‘ word; ‘Mr’ is the abbreviation for ‘Mister’; NATO is not_an abbreviation but an acronym; compare ACRONYM ABC [eibis'sis] noun the alphabet (trom the first letiers ‘of the Roman alphabet); my litle sister is learning her ABC. it's as easy as ABC = it’s very easy abdomen [‘ebdamen] noun (formal) part of body the space in the front part of the body, below the digphragm. containing the stomach, intestines, liver and other organs: the child is complaining of severe pain in the right lower part of the abdornen abdominal [2b'dominl} adjective referring to the abdomen; these exercises are meant to sirengthen the abdominal muscles. abdominal cavity = space in the body below the chest: abdominal pain = pain in the abdomen caused by indigestion or something more serious; he’s feverish and is complaining of abdominal pain abduct [2b'dakt] verb to tke a person away. usually by force: kidnappers abducted the president’s daughter at gunpoint: a woman abducted a two-day old baby from the Maternity Hospital abduction [ab'dakn] noun taking someone away. vusually by force: every single newspaper mentions the abduction of the president's daughter abductor (2b'dakta} nown (a) person who abducts someone, usually by force: the child abductors collected the ransom and were never caught: she was able to give a fairly good description of her abductor (b) abductor muscle = muscle which pulls a part of the body aberrant [2'berant) adjective not normal aberration {«eba'tei{n] noun action or thing which is not normal: chromosome aberration is an abnormality in the number or arrangement of chromosomes mental aberration = mistake made by doing something without thinking: in @ moment of mental aberration, she answered her home phone as if she were still at the office abhor [ab'hor] verb format) to hate something. to feel horror tor something: don’t ever offer him cucumber sandwiches, he absolutely abhors them abhorrence [ob'horans] noun hatred, horror: everyone is aware of his abhorrence of racial discrimination abhorrent (ab'horant} adjective horrible. disgusting is there @ crime more abhorrent than child abuse? ablde [s'baid] verb (a) to abide by = to follow rules, orders, ete.; you must abide By the rules of the game: we have to abide by the decision of the referee: to abide by a promise = to keep a promise (b) (with negative) can’t abide something = to dislike something or someone, not to be able to put up with something: I can’t abide the smell of cigars. if you can't abide him, why do you accept his invitation? abiding {s'baidiy] adjective which stays for a long time: an abiding feeling of shame: his abiding interest in gardening will always be remembered by his friends abllity [a'biliti) noun (a) having the force to do something; he has many abilities but singing isn't one of them (NOTE: piural in this meaning is abiities) (b)abject 2 being clever, he’s @ man of great or outstanding ability; P11 do it to the best of my ability = I'l do it as well ay Fan abject [‘zbdsekt] adjecuse (a) abject poverty = being poor und very miserable; the refugees were living in abject poverty (b) cowardly, which makes you ashamed: ke made an abject apology ablaze (s'ble:z] adverb (a) on fire: thirty hectares of woodland were ablaze (b) shining brightly, Oxford Street was ablaze with lights able [‘eib!] adjective to be able to do something = 10 have the capability or chance to do something: she wasn't able to breathe = she could not breathe: will you be able to come to the meeting? = can you come to the meeting”: they weren’t able to find the house (NOTE: able is only used with to and a verb) ablutions [a'blufenz] noun (formal, usually humorous) to perform one's ablutions = 1 wash yourself abnormal {2b'no:ml) adjective not normal; is this ‘abnormal or is it something that happens often?: the ‘animal's behaviour seemed slightly abnormal to me abnormality (zebno:'meliti} noun (a) state of being abnormal; everyone recognizes the abnormality of the situation’ (b) something which ‘s abnormal; the slightest abnormality will show up on the sean (NOTE: plurals abnormalities) abnormally (zb'no:meli] adierh sn a way which is Jifferent from normal; the number of absentees is abnormally high aboard [s'bo:d] adverb & preposition on a ship or other vehicle; the train ran into a bus with twenty passengers aboard; the passengers went aboard the “Queen Elizabeth’ at 10 p.m.; when the ship docked, customs officers came aboard to inspect the cargo: all aboard! = everyone get on. please! abolish [2'boii{] verb to get rid of (a law, a right); Parliament voted to abolish capital punishment abolition [zba'liin] noun act of abolishing: to campaign for the abolition of the death penalty aboriginal [zboindgmal) 1 adjective referring to aborigines: « museum of aboriginal art and artefacts 2 noun aborigine, otiginal inhabitant aborigine [2ba'rdgini] noun original inhabitant of a place, usually referring to the original inhabitants of Austalia; the early settlers drove the aborigines from their tribal lands abort ['bo:t] verb (a) to stop something taking place: the space mission was aborted (b) to perform an abortion: the doctors decided to abort the fetus (¢) (of a woman) to have an abortion; she was pregnant, but she was aborted at ten weeks (d) (of woman) to have 4 miscarriage: she was pregnant, but she aborted at ten weeks abortion [2'boyfn] noun ending of a woman's pregnancy: she did not want the baby, so asked to have «an abortion abortive [sot] adjective unsuccessful; leaders of the abortive coup were arrested abound [3'baund] verb to abound in or with = to be {ull of: the forests abound in game about [2'baut] 1 preposition (a) referring ‘0: he told ‘me all about his operation; what do you want to speak the absence to the doctor about?: she’s worried about her heart problems (b) to be about to do something = to be just going to do something: we were about to go home when you arrived 2 adverb (a) approximately: the table is about two metres long: I’ve been waiting for about four hours; she’s only about fifteen years old (b) in various places: there were papers lying about on the floor: there is a lot of flu about during the winter months about-turn o about-face —[obauttsn or abaut fers] noun (a) (in the army) order to turn to face the opposite direction (b) changing your plans or policy to the opposite of what you did before; the government has done a complete about-turn on pensioners’ rights (NOTE: you can also say U-turn in this meaning) above [2'bav] 1 preposition higher than; the plane was flying above the clouds; the temperature in the street was above 30 degrees: at prices above £2.00, nobody will buy it; f you are above 18, you have to pay the full fare 2 noun the above = people mentioned earlier; all the above have passed the test above board (s'bav 'bo:d] adjective open and legal as everyone can see: everything’s completely above board regarding the contract abrasive [a'breiziv] 1 adjective (a) which rubs away a surface; they rubbed the surface of the metal with abrasive paper; use abrasive cleaning powder to get rrid of these stains (b) sharp way of speaking; his ‘manner sounded very abrasive on the phone 2 noun substance which rubs away surface; avoid using abrasives to clean this surface abreast [o'brest] adverb (a) side by side; they were ycling three abreast (b) to keep abreast of something = to keep up to date with something: she wants to keep abreast of the latest developments in cancer therapy abridge [2'brids} verb to shorten a book, play, etc.: the text is too long - it really needs to be abridged abridged [o'bridsd] adjective shortened; I’m reading an abridged version of ‘War and Peace’ abridgement [a'bridsmant] noun shortened version of a book, play, etc. didn’t read the whole book, just an abridgement abroad [storo:d] adverb in another country: to another country; he travels abroad a lot on business they've gone abroad on holiday; holidays abroad are more and more popular. she lives abroad and only comes back here for her holidays abrupt [brapt] adjective (a) sudden; the committee made an abrupt change of plan; the bus made an abrupt turn (b) short and not very polite; his reply was ‘abrupt and to the point abscess [‘ebses] noun collection of pus in the body: the dentist said he had an abscess under his tooth: the doctor decided to lance the abscess (NOTE: plural is ‘abacesses) abscond [ab/skond] verb to run away; fwo of the prisoners have absconded absence (‘xbsons] noun (a) being away from a place: she did not explain her absence from the meeting: the former president was sentenced in his ‘absence: in the absence of = without someone being there: in the absence of the chairman, his deputy took the chair; leave of absence = permission to be away from work; he asked for leave of absence to vist hisabsent wife in hospital (b) lack of something: in the absence of any town plans we had to ask our way absent adjective ['ebsant] not there; the chairman was absent from the meeting: ten of the staff are absent with flu; let's drink a toast to absent friends absentee {'dzept] verb (a) to change something so that it fits: the play has Been adapted for the cinema: she adapted the story for TV: the car has been adapted for the disabled (b) 10 change to become more suitable: the country will have to adapt to the new political system adaptable [o'deptabl] adjective who is able to change to deal with a new situation; she’s very ‘adaptable, I'm sure that she will accept to alter her timetable adaptation [zedap'te1{n] noun (a) change which fits new conditions: like everyone else, he'll have 10 g0 through a period of adaptation when he starts his new Job: the adaptation of the eye 10 different levels of ‘rightness (b) film, play, etc.. which has been adapted trom another: it is an adaptation of a play by Shakespeare: a new adaptation of ‘Pickwick Papers’ for television adaptor or adapter {a'depta) noun (a) person who adapts (a play, etc.) (b) device which allows 1wo or more pieces of equipment to be connected together: adaptor plug = plug which allows a piece of equipment to be plugged into a ditferent sized socket: my hair-drier won't work here in France, because I haven't brought my adaptor add {ced} verb (a) to make a total of numbers: if you ‘add all these numbers together it should make fifty (NOTE, add is usualy shown by the sign + : 10+ 62 14: say ‘ten add tour equals fourteen’) (b) to join to something else: interest is added 10 the account monthly; add two cupfuls of sugar: put some tea into the pot and add boiling water: by building the annexe, they have added thirty rooms to the hotel: this paint is to0 thick - add some water to it added [‘zdid) adjective which has been added: not only did we have a puncture on the motorway, but we had the added problem of not being able to speak German: this marmalade has no added sugar adder [‘xda] noun type of poisonous European snake (NOTE: also called a viper) addict (‘edikt} noun person who cannot stop doing something; drug addict = person who takes drugs as habit: a eentre for drug addicts addicted fo'diktd) adjective qperson) who cannot stop doing something: people addicted to alcohol can be treated at the censre addiction {2'dikjn} nun being unuble o stop doing something: alcohol addiction: drug addiction. addiction to heroin addictive [s'diktv] adjective (a) which is habit-forming. which people can become addicted to: certain narcotic drugs are addictive (b) which you can get used to doing: watching the Olympics on TV can become addictive addition [a'difn} noun (a) action of adding figures to make a total: you don’t need a calculator to de a simple addition (b) thing or person added: the latest addition to the family; he showed us the additions to his collection of paintings (c) in addition = also: inadditional addition to = as well as; there are twelve registered letters to be sent in addition to this parcel additional {2'dijansl) adjective more; additional duty will have to be paid additionally [2'difanali] adverb in addition; the price includes the camera, the case and additionally Six free films additive [‘editv] noun substance which is added: the orange juice contains a number of additives; be sure 10 buy a brand of ice cream which is additive-free COMMENT: colour additives are added to food to improve tts appearance. Some are natural organic substances iike sattron, carrot juice or caramel, ut other colour additives are synthetic. Other substances are added to food to prevent decay or to keep the food in the right form: these can be ‘emulsifiers, which bind differant foods together as mixtures in sauces, for example, ar stabilizers, from separating into solids and European Community allows certain additives to be added to food and these are given E numbers address [2'dres] 1 noun (a) details of the number of a hovse, the name of a street and the town where someone lives or works; what is the doctor’s address?: he wrote his address on a piece of paper: our address is: 1 Cambridge Rood, Teddington, Middlesex: accommodation address = address used for receiving messages but which is not the real address of a company; business address = address of a business (as ‘opposed to private address): my business address and phone number are printed on the card: home address ‘or private address = address of a house or flat where someone lives; please send the plane tickets to my home address; address book = special notebook, with columns printed in such a way that names, addresses and phone numbers can be entered; address list = list of addresses (b) formal speech: he made an address to the Parliament (NOTE: plural is addresses) 2 verb (a) to write the devas of name, street, town, etc, ona letter or parcel: that letter is addressed to me - don’t open it! (b) 10 speak to, to write to: please address your inquiries to the information office: teachers are not normally addressed as ‘Sir’ in the USA (e) to make a formal speech: the chairman addressed the meeting (d) 10 examine a problem; this is an important issue which must be addressed at the next meeting; the committee failed to address the question of sexual harassment add up ['xd ‘np] verb (a) to put several figures together to make a total: just add up this column of figures; the waiter added up the bill wrongly. the ‘figures do not add up = the total given is not correct (b) it doesn’t add up = it doesn't make sense, it is confusing; the story she told the police simply did not add up add up to ('ed ‘ap tu] verb to make a total of: the otal cost adds up to more than £1,000 adept [‘edept) 1 adjective skilful at doing something: she’s adept at avoiding paying her bills 2 noun person who is skilful at doing something; he’s an adept at car maintenance adequacy [‘edikwasi) noun being adequate; no one even thought of questioning the adequacy of the alarm system adjunct adequate (‘xdikwat] adjective enough: his salary is barely adequate to support his family; we don't have adequate supplies for the whole journey adhere to {ad'hisa 'tu} verb (@) to stick to: this ype of glue won't adhere to china: the suction pads allow the mackine to adhere firmiy to the bench (b) to follow rules; she refused to adhere to the conditions attached to the competition adherence [2d hi:rans] noun closely following: our adherence to the principle of non-interference adherent [adhizant) noun person who supports 4 policy or a religion: the government persecuted the adherents of the old religion adhesive [ad'hizv) 1 adjective which sticks: adhesive tape: adhesive plaster; self-adhesive = which Sticks 10 itself; selfpadhesive envelopes 2 noun glue: a tube of adhesive ad hoc (‘2d ‘hok] Lovin phrase (meaning “for this particular purpose’) (a) arranged for a particular case: an ad hoc decision, an ad hoc committee = a temporary committee set up 10 study a particular problem (b) on an ad hoc basis = done without planning: the decision was taken on an ad hoc basis adjacent [s'dsersant] adjective very close to, almoxt touching: we weat to the museum and parked in the adjacent car park; adjacent 10 = very near (0: the house is adjacent to the garden centre adjectival [edsek'tar!] adjective used like an adjective: the adjectival use of nouns and verbs és common in English; an adjectival phrase is usualty made up of an adverb and an adjective, such as ‘completely silent’ adjective [‘edsektv] noun word which describes a noun; in the phrase ‘a big black cloud’, ‘big’ and ‘Black’ are both adjectives adjoin {5'ds0m] verb to be next to: here is your ‘bedroom, and there is an adjoining bathroom. the back of the office adjoins the garden of the French restaurant; adjoining rooms = rooms which are next to each other: they asked 10 be put in adjoining rooms adjourn (2'd32:n} verb to postpone toa later date; the meeting was adjourned until the 25th. the court adjourned for lunch: the appeal was adjourned while ‘further evidence was being produced; let's adjourn to ‘the bar = let's go on talking in the bar adjudicate [2'dsudikert} verb (a) to give an official decision (in a dispute): he was asked to adjudicate in the argument between the management and unions: he was adjudicated bankrupt (b) to act asthe judge in a competition; she adjudicated the poetry competition adjudication {adsud'keifn) noun (a) official decision in a dispute; we have fo wait until next month for the adjudication (b) judging of a competition: the ‘adjudication of the poetry competition is taking place in the town hall adjudicator [s'dzudikerta} noun (a) person who ives an official decision in a dispute: the case was referred to an adjudicator: he has been appointed an adjudicator in the industrial dispute (b) person who Judges a competition: one of the adjudicators is ill so the result of the competition has had to be postponed adjunct (‘edsapkt] noun an adjunct to something = something which is joined to something else: a report and its adjunctsadjust 10 adjust (2'd5ast] verb (a) 10 make a slight change to: if the trousers are {00 tight, we can easily adjust the fiting (b) to adjust to = to change and adupt to: it's difficult adjusting to living in a tropical climate adjustable [s'dzastabl) adjective which can be adjusted: the height of these office chairs is adjustable adjustable spanner = spanner which can be screwed to fit different nuts (NOTE: also called monkey wrench) adjustment [e'd3asmant] noun slight change to make something work well; he made a slight adjustment to the central heating pump admin (‘edmm) noun (informal) (a) work of administration, paperwork; allthis admin takes up a lot of time: the admin people have asked for more figures {b) staff dealing with administration: admin say they want the report by four o'clock administer {ad'mmista} verb (a) fa couniry, an “office, a company) to manage, to organize: the province was administered by Portugal for many years (b) to give: 10 administer a drug to a patient (0) to administer an oath = 10 make someone swear an oath administration [sdmin''streifn] noun (a) action of organizing: haspital administration must be improved: who's in charge of administration here? (b) the administration = the government, the Reagan Administration (c) the administration of justice = providing ju administrative (ad'ministrativ] adjective referring to administration; his duties are almost entirely administrative: administrative expenses are rising all the time: there are more administrative staff than workers administrator [od'mmistreita} noun (a) ruler, governor; the country’s administrators are to blame for what hes happened (b) person who runs an ‘organization: we are advertising for a new chief administrator for the society admirable (‘edmarabl] adjective which must be admired: her work is entirely admirable, an admirable display of courage admiral ['edmoral] noun (a) high naval officer: her father was an admiral in the French Navy (b) red ‘admiral = common summer butterfly with black and red wings admiration (zedms'reifn} noun respect for; T have great admiration for her. everyone looked on in ‘admiration as she showed how to toss pancakes admire {2dmais) verb to look at someone ur something with respect: we admired his garden: everyone admires her paintings: he was admired for Ais skill as a violinist, a much-admired chief minister admirer [>d:maior9] nown person who loves someone or is attracted by someone: he’s had a Valentine card froma secret admirer admission [ad:mijn} now (a) being allowed to center: there is a £1 admission charge: admission to the exhibition is free on Sundays: my friend was refused admission to the restaurant because he was not wearing a tie (b) statement saying that something is true: his admission of fraud: her admission that she hhad taken the watch admit [ad'mit} verb (a) to allow someone to go in: children are admitted free, but adults have to pay: this ticket admits three persons (b) to sey that something is adorn trae: he admitted stealing the car. she admitted she had taken the watch (NOTE: admitting - admitted) admittance {adimtans) noun (formal) allowing someone to go into a place: ‘No admittance except on business’: he gained admitance 10 the building by a side door which had been left unlocked admittedly (ad'mitodli adverb admituing that this is irae; admittedly, the restaurant didn’t charge us for the glasses that the children broke: he is admittedly one of the leading experts in the field admonish {admonif} verb (formal) wo criticize or warn: mo one admonished her for her rudeness to the president's wife admonishment [2dmonifimant] noun (formals warning given to someone; he received no ‘admonishment admonition [adma'nfs) noun formal) warcing given to someone: the admonition came in the form of 4 letter signed by the dean of the faculty adolescence [zda'lesns] noun period between childhood and adulthood, between the ages of 12 and 18; adolescence is a period of strong emotional changes: wait until she reaches adolescence, that’s when real problems will start: skin troubles in adolescence must be taken seriously adolescent [zda\lesant) 1 adjective referring to the period between childhood and adulthood: she teaches a class of adolescent boys 2 noun young person between 12 and 18:all adolescents rebel against authority adopt (2'dopt] verb (a) to take legally as a son or daughter; they have adopted a little boy (b) to take: the opposition parties have adopted a different line of argument: he adopted an air of superiority (c) tell all students to use: the Book has been adopted for use in all English classes (A) (of @ political party) io choose a candidate; James Black was adopted as the candidate for our constituency adopted (2'doptid] adjective adopted child = child who ‘has been taken legally as someone's son or daughter; heir adopted son has won a scholarship adoption [s'dop{a) noun (a) legally taking as son or daughter; she adoption papers were signed yesterday. to put up for adoption = to offer a child to be adopted (b) choosing as an official candidate: there were 250 local party memabers at the adoption meeting adoptive [s'dopt) adjective adoptive parents parents who have adopted a child as a son or daughter adorable [o'ds:robl] adjective lovely and auracuve: what an adorable little cottage! our litle granddaughter is adorable adoration (da'reifn] noun (a) admiration. love: his ‘adoration for his young wife (b) (art) the Adoration of the Magi = painting showing the Three Wise Men coming to present gifts to the infant Jesus adore [31d2:] verb to like very much; he adored his father. she adores Italian food. we adore going shopping in Bond Street adoring [2'doirig] adjective who or which adores. he was surrounded by his adoring family: the adoring glances of his sisters, the pop group was greeted by shrieks from their adoring fans adorn [3'do:n} verb to decorate with ornaments: the walls of the cave were adorned with paintings of deeradornment WV adverse and elephants; there was a period when ladies wore ‘huge hats adorned with feathers adornment [s'donmant) nun decorating with ‘omaments: she wore no adornment except a large brooch adrenalin {s4drenalin} noun hormone secreted by glands in the body; an injection of adrenalin may be needed if the body doesn't produce enough naturally: to get the adrenalin going or flowing = to make someone excited and energetic: the preparation for the reat race got the adrenalin going COMMENT: adrenalin is produced when a person or animal is experiencing surprise, shock, fear, excitement: it speeds up the heartbeat and raises the blood pressure Adrlatic (‘eidri’ztk] noun sea to the east of Iialy: we spent the summer cruising in the Adriatic. Dubrovnik is one of the most beautiful towns on the Adriatic adritt [a'dnft] adverb (a) drifting. not being steered by anyone: the mutineers took over the ship and set the officers adrift in a small boat (b) not connected; it won't work because the wire has come adrift from the lug (C) (informal) not correct; I think we are about £250 adrift in our calculations adrolt [2drot] adjective clever. especially in negotiating: he showed himself to be particularly ‘adroit at dealing with the unions adroltly [adroit] adverb skilfully: he adroitly avoided answering the reporters’ questions adulation [zedju'lerjn] noun excessive praise; she ‘enjoys the adulation of the teenage audiences adult ‘edalt} 1 adjective (@) fully grown: an adult tiger (b) referring to grown-up people: adult education: ‘adult fiction 2 noun grown-up person: children are admitted free, but adults have to pay adulterate (9'daltoreit] verb (a) to add water to milk, wine: wine can be adulterated by simply adding water (b) to make something fess pure by adding an inferior substance to it: pure alcohol is adulterated by an addition of methyl alcohol to make it unpleasant to drink adulteration (adaits'reifn] noun making something less pure: adulteration of wine by adding water happens in some restaurants adulterer »” adulteress [a'daktara or a'daltaras] ‘noun person who commits adultery adulterous [s'daitaras] adjective referring w adultery; her adulterous relationship with the owner Of the local garage: he was accused of having an ‘adulterous liaison with one of his staff adultery (a'daltri] noun (of married person) sexual intercourse with someone who is not your husband or wife: she committed adultery with the ski instructor: he was found guilty of adultery adulthood [‘edalthud] noun period when someone is adult; im theory, young people reach adulthood at the age of 18 advance [od'va:ns] 1 noun (a) movement forwards. the police have made some advances in their fight ‘against crime (b) in advance = early: if you want io get ‘00d seats for the play, you need to book three weeks ‘in advance: you must phone well in advance to make an appointment: they asked us to pay £200 in advance (€) money paid as a loan or as a part of a payment t0 be made later; she received an advance from the purchaser: can I have an advance of £50 ogainst next ‘month’s salary? 2 verb (a) to go forward: the police slowly advanced across the square (b) to pay 84 loan: he advanced me £100 (¢) to bring a date forward: the date of the meeting has been advanced by a week (3) to move a clock to a later time; when crossing from England to France, watches should be advanced by ‘one hour: see also PUT FORWARD advanced [od'va:nst] adjective (a) which is studied after studying for several years": he is taking advanced ‘mathematics: she is studying for an advanced degree’ advanced level examination (A level) = examination taken at about 18, a the end of secondary schoo}, which is uved as @ basis for entry 10 university or college (b) which has moved forward: in an advanced state of decay advancement {ad vansmant] noun (a) moving something forwards: it contributes to the advancement of human knowledge (b) promotion: his advancement ‘has been blocked by his boss advantage [ad'vantids} noun thing which will help ‘you to be successful; being able to drive a car is an advantage: knowledge of two foreign languages is an ‘advantage in this job: she has several advantages over the other candidates for the job: to take advantage of 1o profit from; they took advantage of the cheap fares on offer. to take advantage of someone = to ‘cheat someone: he took advantage of the old lady: to advantage = to make someone look perfect; her dress shows off her figure to advantage: to use to great ‘advantage = to use ina way which helps you win advantageous —[edvan'erdgas]_—_ adjective profitable, likely to help: the contract would certainly be advantageous to us advent (‘edvent] noun arrival; the advent of spring. the advent of the industrial revolution changed the world adventure [ad'vent{a} noun new. exciting and dangerous experience: I must tell you about our adventures in the Gobi desert adventurer [ad'ventfara} noun person who travels in dangerous parts of the world; crossing the Sahara desert is the dream of any young adventurer adventurous [ad ventjaras) adjective (8) (person) bold. happy to do something risky: my sister is not very adventurous, she's never been any further than the south coast; investing in the Far East can be an adventurous undertaking: she’s quite adventurous, she's decided to learn to fly (b) exciting. full of adventure: he leads an adventurous life studying polar bears in the North Pole adverb [‘edv3ib] noun word which modifies a verb, an adjective, another adverb or a whole sentence: in the phrase ‘he walked slowly, because the snow was very thick’, ‘slowly’ and ‘very’ are both adverbs adversary {‘edvasri] noun opponent, the person you are fighting: his first adversary in the ring was known as ‘Man Mountain’ (NOTE: piuralis adversaries) adverse ['xdvsis] adjective (8) (wind) which blows against you; adverse winds prevented the ships leaving the harbour (b) (conditions) which go against you: will the plan have any adverse effects?: his condition is an adverse reaction to the drug which he has beenadversity 12 prescribed: adverse balance of trade = situation where ‘8 country imports more than it exports adversity (2d vz: have to face all sor ti] noun difficult times, when you of problems: in his adversity he ‘had the support of his wife advert [‘edvst] noun GB informal) = ADVERTISEMENT advertise [‘edvataiz] verb to make sure that people know that something is for sale, that something is going. to happen, that a show is on: there are posters all over the town advertising the circus; I sent away for a watch which I saw advertised in the paper: did you see that the restaurant is advertising cheap meals on Sundays?; the company is advertising for secretaries advertisement [ad'vs:trzmant] noun announcement which tries to make sure that people know that something is for sale, that something is going to happen, that a show is on; he put an advertisement in the paper, she answered an advertisement in the Paper. classified advertisements = advertisements fisted in a newspaper under special headings, such as “property for sale’ or ‘jobs wanted" advertiser (edvataiza] noun person who advertises: the advertiser will pay for postage on orders placed before the end of the month advertising {‘edvatarzin) noun the action of making sure that people know that something is for sale, that something is going to happen. that a show is on: they spent millions on the advertising campaign: the ‘company has increased the amount of money it spends on advertising: advertising agency = agency which ‘organizes advertisements for other companies advice (2d'vais] nown saying what should be done; he went to the bank manager for advice on how to pay his debts: they would not listen to the doctor’s advice; my grandfather gave me a very useful piece of advice; his mother’s advice was o stay in bed: she took or followed the doctor’s advice and stopped smoking (NOTE: no plural: some advice; for one item say a piece of advice) advisable [2d'vaz2bl] adjective which ic recommended: itis advisable to take warm clothing: I didn’t think it advisable to tell her the bad news just before her interview advise (2d'varz] verb to suggest what should be done; the advised her to put all her money into a deposit account advise against [ad'varz agenst] verb t0 suggest that something should not be done: he advised against buying the house advisedly {od'varzadli] adverb deliberately, after a lot of thought: the police advisedly refused to publish the photograph of the suspect adviser or advisor [ad'vaiza} noun person who gives advice; he is consulting his financial adviser advisory {advarzari] adjective giving advice; she ‘acts in an advisory capacity; the council runs an advisory service for immigrants; Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) = British government service which arbitrates in disputes between management and employees advocacy [‘edvakosi) noun support for a cause; er advocacy of the cause of homeless families affair advocate 1 noun ('edvakat} person who pleads for a cause: the advocates of capital punishment 2 [advakeit] verb to recommend: she advocates the ineroduction of capital punishment aerlal ('earial} 1 adjective referring to the air: aerial spraying = spraying from the air 2 noun device tor receiving radio or TV signals: we have fired a TV aerial on the roof (NOTE: American English is antenna) Fle [sari] US = EYRIE roble [ea'raubik] adjective using or needing oxygen: aerobic exercises help keep you fit. the bacillus which causes tetanus is an aerobic bacillus (NOTE: opposite is anaerobic) aerobles {ea'roubiks} awn active exercises which aim to increase the amount of oxygen taken into the body: I don't like doing aerobics, I'd rather cycle or run: we both missed our aerobics class last Friday aerodrome [‘esradroum] noun small airfield: the local aerodrome is used by small executive aircraft aerodynamic {esrodarnaemik] adjective referring to the ‘movement of objects through the air: the aerodynamic design of a car aerodynamics [carsdar'nemiks) noun (a) science of the movement of objects through the air: knowledge of aerodynamics is necessary for the design of aircraft (b) way in which a machine moves through the air: the aerodynamics of the car are superb aeroplane [‘earapiein} noun plane or aircrati, « machine which flies in the air, carrying passengers or cargo: we all got into the little aeroplane and it ook off Aerosol ['earasol} noun (a) can which sprays aliquid such as an insecticide, medicine, etc... the form of tiny drops: don’t throw the empty aerosol into the fire: it’s much easier to use an aerosol to spray the insecticide on the plants; paint is spread more evenly with an aerosol (b) tiny panicles of a chemical in the air; an insecticide in aerosol form aerospace [‘corsuspeis] noun the space around the earth; the aerospace industry = the industry involved in making and flying planes aesthetic USesthetlc [is'Geuk] adjective pleasant, from an artistic point of view: they criticized the plane from a practical point of view but didn't ‘mention its aesthetic merits; the colour scheme shocks ‘my aesthetic sense aesthetically USesthetically —_[is'@euki adverb from an antstic point of view; the whole town is aesthetically very pleasing aesthetics USesthetics {i'setks) noun science of and study of beauty. especially in ar; this design goes against all the rules of aesthetics: the colour scheme shocks my sense of aesthetics afar [3'fa:] adverb (formal) from afar = from a long way away; travellers came from afar to the great market at Samarkand affabllity (zefo'ulti] noun being pleasant and easy to talk to; he is well-known for his affability affable [‘efabi] adjective pleasant and easy (0 talk to: the old boss always had an affable word for each member of staff affair (fea) noun (a) thing which concerns someone that’s his affair - it’s nothing to do with me; it’s an ‘affair for the police; she’s always sticking her nose into other people’s affairs: his business affairs wereaffect 13 very complicated (b) (love) affai sexual relationship: he’s having an affair with his boss’s wife {(¢) state of affairs = general situation: the present state of affairs (d) affairs of state = government business affect (2'fekt] verb to have an influence on, to change: the new regulations have affected our business; train services have been seriously affected by the strike affecting [s'fektin) adjective which touches your emotions: she made an affecting appeal to the judge affection ('fekfn] noun liking or love: she felt great ‘affection for her youngest grandson affectionate [a'fekfanat] adjective showing love ‘our dog is wonderfully affectionate with the children. he gave her an affectionate kiss affidavit (2effdervit} noun written statement which is signed and swom before a solicitor and which can then be used as evidence in cour: the solicitor came in with the affidavit which had to be signed affillate (o'filiert] 1 noun company linked to another ‘one: we have affiliates in several European countries 2 verb to link to a larger group: a union which is ‘affiliated 10 the Labour Party: the college is affiliated toan American university affillated (2'filieiud) adjective affitiated to or with = linked to or with; he runs one of our affiliated companies: one of their affiliated companies has had to close down affiliation (ofil'eijn] noun being affiliated: political affiliation = link to a particular political party: because of his strong political affiliations, he cannot be considered as an independent advisor affinity [o'finwti] noun being similar in character: a certain degree of affinity exists between the two organizations; to feel an affinity for = to feel a special link with: she feels an affinity for homeless people: affinity card = credit card which pays a percentage of tumover 10 a charity (NOTE: plural is affinities) affirm [3'f2m] verb (formal) (a) to state publicly that something is true: he continued to affirm his innocence (b) to make a statement in court that you will tell the truth, though this is not sworn on oath affirmation [efo'merjn) noun (a) statement that something is true; despite her affirmation that she was away when I called, f am fairly sure she was at home all the time: in spite of all his affirmations to the contrary, the evidence seems to show that he knew the money had been stofen (b) staiement in court that you will tell the truth, though this is not sworn on oath, affirmative (s'fmativ) 1 adjective meaning ‘yes’: we are waiting for an affirmative response from our German partners; US affirmative action program = program to avoid racial or sexual discrimination (NOTE: the Brtish lent 's equal opportunities) 2 noun meaning ‘yes’; the answer is in the affirmative = the answer is affix [a'fiks] ver (formal) to fix something: he affixed the seal to the contract: there is no need to affix a stamp on a prepaid envelope afflict [a'firkt} verb (a) to make someone very sad: she was much afflicted by the news of her father's death {b) to make someone suffer. the country has been afflicted by civil wars and natural disasters affliction [s'fikjn) noun suffering or pain, or something that causes suffering or pain: in moments of after affliction itis good to know that your friends will stand by you: no affliction can be more depressing than Alzheimer’s disease: I hope I'll never have to face the afflictions of old age affluence [‘efluans} noun wealth: the country is ‘poor but the capital shows signs of great affluence affluent [‘efluant) adjective very rich: affluent people are not always those who give most generously 10 good causes: affluent society = society where most people are rich; who doesn’t want to live in an affluent society? afford [a'foxd) rerh to have enough money to pay for we can't afford to run a large car these days: he couldn't afford the time to take a holiday (NOTE: only used after can, cannot, could, could not, able to} attordable [2'fodobl] adjective which can be afforded: the price of the meal was quite affordable we are looking for more affordable air fares to Spain. living in London is not affordable any more affront (o'feant] 1 noun (formal) action which insults he considered it an affront to be made to stand in a queue 2 verb to insult: did not expect him to feel so affronted by my remarks atleld {2'fi:ld] adverb far afield = a long way away people come from far afield to visit the grave afloat [>'laut} adverb (a) floating. not sinking: she kept afloat by holding on to a piece of wood: our boat was driven onto the beach by the storm, but we managed to get it afloat again (b) (of company) n0% in difficulties: I wonder how they manage to stay afloat when the market is so difficult afoot [s'fut) adverb in the process of being planned there’s a plan afoot aforementioned [2'fs:menfnd) _tfermal) 1 adjective mentioned earlier, the aforementioned company was awarded the contract 2 noun someone 0 something mentioned earlier: none of the ‘aforementioned must be allowed to leave the country afraid [a'freid] adjective (a) to be afraid of something =to be trightened of something: J am afraid of snakes: she is afraid of going out alone. he's afraid 10 climb the ladder (b) to be afraid (that) = o be sorry to say; I'm afraid that all the cakes have been sold: ‘you can't see the boss - I'm afraid he's ill: have you ‘got a pocket calculator? - no, I’m afraid not (NOTE ‘Afraid cannot be used in front of a noun: the girl's atraig but a frightened girl) Africa [ftika] proper nan large cominent, to the south of the Mediterranean, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean, they want to go to Africa on holiday; after ten days at sea, they saw the coast of North Africa in the distance African (zefrikan] 1 adjecuve referring to Africa; the African jungle: African elephant = type of elephant, with large ears (the other type is the Indian elephant) 2 ‘noun person trom Attica: the guitarist is an African aft [o:fi] adverh in the back of a ship or plane: they went aft; you will find the toilets aft (NOTE. the opposite is forward) after [‘o:fta} 1 preposition (a) Following or next order: what's che leter after Q in the alphaber?. today is Tuesday, the day after tomorrow is Thursday: they spoke one after the other ; after you = you go first. after you with the milk = pass me the milk when you have finished with it (b) later than; we arrived after sixafter all o'clock: he should be in bed - it's after ten a’clock: we don’t let the children go out alone after dark (c) to be after someone = (i) to be looking for someone: (ii) tw be angry with someone: the police are after him: if you leave mud all over the kitchen floor, your mother will be after you; what’s she after? = what does she want” 2 conjunction later than a time; after the snow fell, the motorways were blocked; afier the driver had got in, the coach started; phone me after you get home (NOTE: after is used with many verbs: look after, take atter, tc.) after all (‘cia ‘2: adverb (a) in spite of everything: she changed her mind and decided to come with us afterall (b) the fact is: I think I'll go out in the car - after all, it’s a fine day and I’ve finished my work aftercare [c:ftakea) noun care of a patient alter an operation, etc.; aftercare treatment also involves helping a patient to look after himself again after-effects [axta'fekts] noun effects which follow after something; the after-effects of the bomb lasted for years; the operation can have some unpleasant after-effects after-hours ['a:fta'avaz} adjective after-hours trading = trading after a stock exchange has closed aftermath ('o:ftama:0] noun time after a catastrophe: they had to clear up in the aftermath of the typhoon: the scene after the office party resembled the aftermath of the Battle of Waterloo afternoon {o:fts'nu:n] nown time between lunchtime and the evening: he always has a little sleep in the afternoon; the shop is closed on Wednesday afternoons: can we meet this afiernoon?: there is an afternoon flight to Paris: I'm playing tennis tomorrow afternoon, afternoon tea = meal taken in the afiemoon, usually with small sandwiches, cakes, and tea afters [‘o:ftaz) noun GB finformal) dessert course: what do you want for afters?; what's on the menu for afters? (NOTE. vety informal, used often by children, but also sometimes by adults as a joke) after-school [(aifts'sku:l] adjective taking place when school has finished; he takes part in lots of after-school activities, such as the astronomy club afterthought (‘:fta@s:t] nour thing which you only think of or do later; as an afterthought = showing that ‘you have just thought of something new: he signed the letter and as an afterthought added a row of kisses: the last chapter of the book was an afterthought and it changes the emphasis totally afterwards [‘o:ftawadz} adverb tater: we'll have lunch first and go shopping afterwards: she felt fine before dinner but was ill aflerwards again (s'gen] adverb (a) another time, once more: he wrote again to say he was ill: we'd love to come to see ‘you again: he had to take his driving test again (D) back as you were betore: although I like going on holiday, I'm always glad to be home again. she brought the jeans back again to the shop because they didn't fit 0 once again [‘wans agein] another time: once ‘again, the train was late yet again [et sigein} once more after many times: she's taking her driving test yet again agalnst {o'genst] preposition (a) touching: he was leaning against the wall: she hit her head against the 14 aggressor Jow doorway (b) not as someone proposes: it’s against the rules or against the law = it's not as the rules say or as the law says: is against the law to drive in the dark without lights; you musin’t hold the football in your hands - it’s against the rules; what do you have against the plan? = why don't you agree with the plan?: she was against the idea of going fo the cinema (©) opposite; England is playing against South Africa tomorrow it’s hard cycling uphill against the wind (d) as part of: can I have an advance against next month's salary? age [eids] noun (a) the number of years which you have lived: what age will he be on his next birthday?, she is thirty years of age: he looks younger than his ‘age: old age = period when you are old; under age = younger than the legal age to do something: under-age drinkers (p) ages = a very long time: I’ve been waiting here for ages: i took us ages to get served aged adjective (a) (erd3d) with the age of: a girl aged nine; she died last year, aged 83 (b) ['exd3id] very old: ‘an aged man age group [‘eids ‘grusp) now all people of a certain age: the Book is aimed ai the 13-16 age group ageing USaging ['eid3m) adiective which is becoming older: the ageing population agency [‘eidsansi) noun office which represents another firm: we have the agency for Ford cars: an advertising agency: estate agency = office which arranges for the sale of houses. flats, ec: travel ageney ffice which sells air tickets. organizes tours, et (NOTE: plural is agencies) agenda [2'd3enda} nor list of points for discussion: we will now take item five on the agenda: afier two hours we were still discussing the first item on the ‘agenda: what's on the agenda? = what are we going to discuss? agent [‘etd3ont] now: person who works for or represents someone else: our head office is in London but we have an agent in Paris: travel agent = person who sells tickets, organizes (ours, etc: T bought my plane tickets at the travel agent's aggravate [‘zgravert] verh to make something worse: playing football aggravates his knee injury: the treatment seems to aggravate the disease: aggravated damages = extra damages awarded by a cour against a detendant who has behaved particularly baslly aggregate (‘xcrigst} noun (a) grand total: the aggregate of the team’s scores: on aggregate or in the aggregate = as a final total: Liverpool won 7 -2 on ‘aggregate (b) mixture of sand and gravel tsed to make roads: lorries transporting aggregate 10 the building site aggression [2grefn) noun feeling of anger against someone: she had never experienced aggression from her husband before: an act of aggression = an attack fon someone aggressive {a'gresiv] udjecrive ready to attack: he’s very aggressive towards his family: why are you getting so aggressive? aggressively [a'gresivli] adver as if wanting to allack: she glared at him aggressively aggressor [s'gresa} noun person or country that attacks another: they were the aggressors in the civil war: the girl said that the boy next door was the ‘aggressoraggrieved 15 ailing aggrieved [2'gri:vd] adjective annoyed because you have been badly treated: she was aggrieved because she had not been invited to the wedding; (legal) aggrieved party = party who has been harmed; the aggrieved party was not represented in court agile [‘edsail} adjective that can move easly: he’s very agile - he can climb up a rope easily agitate (‘edsitert] verb to agitate for or against = to stir up public opinion for or against something: they are agitating for a change in the law agitated [aedsiteiid] adjective very nervous, worried or upset, not able to keep still: the police tried 10 calm the agitated relatives of the miners trapped in the mine agitation [zdsrteifn) noun (a) nervous worry: she came to see me in a state of considerable agitation (b) political agitation = struggle for political change; the lection campaign has begun against a background of widespread political agitation agitator [‘edyiteits] noun person who stirs up political unrest; the current political unrest is he work of a handful of agitators AGM [er asi: ‘em] = ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING agnostic (xgnostik] 1 adjective believing that no cone can know if God exists; no agnostic writer could defend that theory 2 noun person who believes that no cone can know if God exists: agnostics see no point in going to church; compare ATHEIST Ago [s'g2u) adverb in the past: he phoned a few minutes ago: she came to England two years ago: this all happened a long time ago (NOTE: ago always follows a word meaning time) agonizing (‘eganarziq} adjective (a) very sharp: an agonizing pain (b) very painful and difficult; the family went through an agonizing time while the police were searching for the missing girl, an ‘agonizing decision = a decision which is difficult to take; i was an agonizing decision whether to have the ‘operation or not agony [‘xgoni} noun (a) exireme pain; after the accident, she was in agony for weeks; she went through agonies of worry, waiting to see if had got the ob (0) azony aunt = person who writes an agony column; agony column = newspaper column giving advice on personal problems agrarlan [s'grearion] adjective referring to farming: agrarian reform = land reform agree [o'gri:) verb (a) 10 say yes: we asked her to ‘come with us and she agreed: he nodded to show that he agreed; most of the group agreed with her suggestion: after some discussion he agreed to our lan (NOTE: you agree to or on a plan) (b) to agree with someone = to think the same way as someone; 1 agree with you that most people drive too fast (c) not to agree with someone = to make someone ill: all this Trich food does not agree with me (d) to agree to do something = to say that you will do something: she agreed to babysit for us; the bank will never agree to lend the company £250,000 agreeable (3'grizsbl] adjective (a) pleasant; we spent a very agreeable weekend by the sea (b) (formal) {to be agreeable to = to be in agreement with: are they ail agreeable to the plan? agreed [a'grid] adjective which has been accepted: the deal was struck on agreed terms; the agreed ‘amount we will pay for your old car is £1500 agreement [3'gri:mant) noun (a) thinking the same: 10 reach an agreement or to come to an agreement on salaries: agreement between the two sides is still a Jong way off: they are in agreement with our plan = they agree with our plan; we discussed the plan with them and they are in agreement (b) contract, we Signed an agreement with the Italian company. 10 draw up or to draft an agreement agricultural [xgr'kalt{aral) adjective referring to agriculture; agriculmural machinery agriculture [egnkalt{a) noun growing crops or raising animals on farms, not many people work in agriculture compared with fifty years ago: the country's agriculture is Based on wheat agronomist {2'gronamist] nown person who studies agronomy: agronomists were sent to the region to ensure that the new methods of cultivation were correctly implemented agronomy [2'gronami) nown scientific study of soit management and the cultivation of crops; this is the only university in the country which has a faculty of agronomy aground (s'graund} adverb stuck on sand or rocks. not afloat: the ship ran aground or went aground = the ship hit sand or rocks: the emergency services received a message saying that the ship had run aground during the storm ‘ah (a:] 1 interjection showing surprise; AK! Wi show nice to see you!: the audience let out ‘oohs’ and “ahs” as they watched the lion samers 2 verb see UM ahead [shed] adverb in front; our team was losing, ‘but now we are ahead again; run on ahead and find some seats for us: you need io go straight ahead, and then turn left; full steam ahead! = g0 forwards as fast as possible: to draw ahead = to become the leader in race, etc. ahead of [shed 'ov} preposizion (@) in front of; ahead of us was a steep hill: you have a mass of work ahead of you: they ran on ahead of the others (b) informal) before; they drafted in extra police ahead of the international match ald {eid} noun (a) help: aid to Third World countries. aid agency: aid worker (b) first aid = help for injured people; we keep a first-aid kit in the office (c) in aid of = to help: we give money in aid of the Red Cross: they are collecting money in aid of refugees (informal) what's all this in aid of? = what's all the fuss about? (@) device which helps: he wears a hearing aid: food processors are useful aids in the kitchen alde [eid] nown assistant to an important person: the minister came with two of his aides AIDS {eid7) = ACQUIRED IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME viral infection which breaks down the body's immune system: he died from AIDS: a clinic ‘for people with AIDS alferon [‘eilaron] noun flap on the wing of an aircraft, the pilot noticed that one of the ailerons wasn’t functioning property ailing [eilin] adjective (a) sick: she spends all her time looking after her ailing parents (b) in financial ifticulties: the government is planning to help the ailing bankaliment [‘eilmant} nown illness, though not generally a very serious one: measles is one of the common childhood ailments: it’s only a minor ailment, nothing 10 be worried about alm [erm] 1 noun what you are trying to do; his aim is 10 do well at school and then go to university: one of our aims is to increase the speed of service 2 verb (a) to plan to do something: we aim fo go on holiday in June (b) to point a weapon at something: he was not ‘aiming at the target aimless [eimlss) adjective without any particular plan; the chairman tried to put an end to the aimless discussion; his aimless wanderings round the streets brought him to the British Museum aimlessly (‘eiiasii] adverb without any particular plan: she wandered airalessly round the museum ain't [emt] verb (slang) = IS NOT: it ain't fair alr (e9] noun (a) mixture of gases (mainly oxygen and nitrogen) which cannot be seen, but which is all around usand which every animal breathes: his breath was like steam in the cold air: the mountain air feels cold: he threw the ball up into the air (b) method of travelling (or sending goods) using aircraft; air fares = different types of fares charged for travel on aircraft; air letter = 4 special sheet of thin blue paper which when folded can be sent by air mail without an envelope © by ale (‘bai ‘ea] in an aircraft; we are going 10 France by ferry, not by air, send the letter by air if you want it to arrive before Christmas alr bag ['¢2 ‘beeg] ows bag in a car which inflates when there is an accident and protects the driver or passenger: some people say that air bags can be dangerous for babies airborne {‘esbain] adjective (a) carried in the air airborne infection (b) carried by an aircraft, an airborne invasion air-conditioned ['e0 kan'difand] adjective having the temperature controlled by an air-conditioner: the office is air-conditioned air-conditioner [2 kanidifona] now: device which filters and cools the air in a room, Aow can we: turn the air-conditioner off? air-conditioning ['e> kan'difanin} noun system of controlling the temperature in a room or office or train, cic: if you hire a car in Texas, make sure it has air-conditioning: to turn the air-conditioning on = to star the cooling: to turn the air-conditioning off = to stop the cooling: to turn the air-conditioning down to make a room warmer: to turn the air-conditioning up = to make a room cooler aircraft (‘eakra:ft] noun machine which Mies in the aur. the passengers got into the aircraft: the airline has a fleet of ten aircraft; the president came down the aircraft steps (NOTE: plural is aireratt: one aircraft, six aireraft) alrcratt carrler (‘eakra:t ‘keria] noun warship which carries aircraft: an American aircraft carrier could be seen in the distance aircrew [‘eskru:] noun crew of an aircraft; none of the aircrew survived the crash airfield [eafild) noun small, usually military. airport: the military airfield is no longer operational 16 airstream alrflow [‘eaflay} noun movement of ait in a certain direction; the prevailing westerly airflow across the country alr force ['e2 ‘fo:s] noun a country’s military air organization; he’s joined the Belgian Air Force American Air Force fighters alr hostess ['e0 ‘houstas} noun woman who serves Food and drinks to passengers on an aircrati: a friend of ‘mine became an air hostess because she wanted an ‘opportunity 10 work and travel (NOTE: also calles a stewardess; the torm for a man who does this joD 1s a steward) airless [ealas) adjective without any airsa hot airless day, when all you want 10 do is sit by the swimming poo! alrlift (‘eolift] 1 noun emergency transport by aie: an airlift of emergency supplies 2 verb wo transport emergency supplies, etc. by air: the climbers were airlifted to safety airline [‘eslan} nous company which runs air services: which airline are you flying with?: he’s an airline pilot. the airline has been voted the most popular with business travellers airliner {ealaina] noun large aircraft that cares passengers: the airliner crashed in thick jungle alrmall (‘eomet!] 1 now way of sending letters or parcels by air: we sent the package by airmail; airmail envelope = very light envelope for sending airmail Jeers: airmail sticker = blue sticker with the words “by air mail" which can be stuck t an envelope or packet (© show it is being sent by ait 2 veri to send letters oF parcels by air, we airmailed the documents 10 New York aleman [aman] noun man who serves in an At Force: he was an airman during the war (NOTE: plura is airmen) airplane [‘caplein) noun US aeroplane. aircratt: a four-engined airplane; the president came down the ‘airplane steps airport (‘eapo:t} non place where aircraft land and take off: you can take the underground to the airport, we are due to arrive at London Airport at midday: we leave from London Airport at 10.00: airport bus = buy which takes passengers to and from an airport: there is ‘an airport bus which takes pascemgers to the centre of town alr power ['e9 ‘pava) noun strength of an Air Force the enemy air power was stronger than we expected alr raid ('e2 ‘reid] mown auack by military aircraft people had to hide in underground stations during the air raids on London: his father built an air raid shelter in the garden airship [‘eafip] mm large balloon driven by an engine, the R-100 was a famous airship alrsick [easik] adjective sick when travelling by air. take one of these tablets if you're feeling airsick alrsickness [‘easiknas] now: feeling o! being aisick: take some airsickness tablets before the plane takes off airstream [‘castrizm] noun flow of air in a certain direction: a westerly airstream is flowing across the countryair strike alr strike (‘ca ‘strark] noun sudden attack by military aircraft; bombers carried out a series of air strikes on the capital alrstrip [‘castrip] noun small runway; they landed on ‘an airstrip in the jungle alrtight (‘eatart} adjective which does not allow air to et in Or oUt: the flees must be Kept in airtight boxes alr traffic controller (eo ‘trefik kon'traula) now person at an airport who controls the movements of aircraft as they land or take off: we can’t fly to Paris because of a strike by the French air traffic controllers alrwaves ['cowervz] noun (oid) on the airwaves = ‘on the radio: his was a familiar voice on the airwaves in the 1950s alrway [‘cawei} noun (@) name given to an airline British Airways; Virgin Atlantic Airways (b) passage for air: the glottis is an opening in the larynx between the vocal cords, the entry to the main airway alry [eori) adjective (a) full of fresh air: light airy rooms (b) vague: he made a lot of airy promises (NOTE: airier -airiest) alle (211) noun (a) gangway between seats (in a plane theatre, church, etc.) please do not put luggage in the aisles; aisle seat = seat which is next to an aisle: £ ‘always ask for an aisle seat on long-distance flights (NOTE: the opposites a window seat) (b) side pan of a church; the church was ruined in the earthquake - only one aisle and part of the nave are left (NOTE: do not confuse with iste) akin (s'kin} adjective akin to = similar to; she ‘experienced a sensation akin to burning on her skin this situation is not akin to anything I’ve experienced before Ala mode [zlz'mnd] adverb US served with ice cream. do you want apple pie dla mode? alarm (a'ta:mj 1 noun (a) loud warning: an alarm will sound if someone touches the wire. to raise the alarm = to war everyone of danger: it was only a false alarm it was only a wrong warning (b) burglar alarm = device which rings if someone enters a building, fire alarm = bell which sounds if there is a fire; alarm (Clock) = clock which can ring at a certain time; I set ‘my alarm for 5.30 because I had t0 catch the 7 o'clock plane: se¢ also BELL (¢) being afraid: the expression on his face increased her alarm; there’s no cause for alarm, the injection won't hurt at all 2 verb \o warn or frighten: I don't want fo alarm you, but the police say a dangerous criminal has been Seen in the village larmed [2'to:md] adjective worried and frightened: wey were alarmed to see that their car was missing with the baby in it: don’t leave without telling your parents, they'll just get alarmed alarming (o'la:min) adjective frightening: what was ‘most alarming was to see soldiers on the village green: going up in a hot-air balloon was not such an alarming experience after all: we are using up the earth's diminishing sources of energy at an alarming rate alas (2'les| interjection showing sadness; he died in the war, alas: alas, there is no time left to continue the discussion albatross {'xbatros] noun very large white sea bird. which flies for tong distances but is awkward when 17 alias walking on the ground; it’s part of sea fore that it « unlucky to kill an albatross albelt [oil bist) conjunction formal) although: he's still an excellent tennis player, albeit a rather elderly one album (‘elbom) now: (a) large book: an album of photos or a photo album: he showed me his stamp album (b) collections of songs on a CD, cassette. etc this is her latest album alcohol [etkaho!) noun intoxicating liquid. beer wine. etc: they will not serve alcohol to anyone under the age of 18 alcoholic (elka'holk] 1 adjective referring alcohol; an alcoholic drink 2 noun person who is addicted to alcohol, she went 10 a clinic for alcoholics alcoholism [‘elksholizm) now: drinking so much alcohol that i becomes addictive: aleoholism is a very serious social problem alcove [‘elkauv] noun recess, part of the wall of room which is set back: the large stone urn stands in the alcove by the doorway. the statues were removed {from the alcoves on either side of the altar ale [etl] noun British-type beer. expecially bitter beer ‘but not lager. ale is stronger, darker and more bitter than lager alert [o'lsa} 1 adjective watchful, on your guard: after a short sleep he was bright and alert: the guard must remain alert at all times 2 noun warning signal, he gave the alert; to be on the alert = to watch out for something 3 verb to alert someone to = to wam someone of something: she was alerted to the dangers of smoking ALevel [ei ‘leval] = ADVANCED LEVEL ‘examination taken at about 18, at the end of secondary school: if you pass your A Levels, you can go on 10 higher education alfresco [el'reskau} adjective in the open air: we thad an alfresco meal on the terrace overlooking the ‘sea (NOTE: do not confuse with fresco) algae ['2ldsi:) noun tiny plants living in water or in moist conditions. which contain chlorophyll and have no stems or roots or leaves: the old pasts are green with algae; he careful, the rocks are covered with algae and car be very slippery algebra (‘eld3ibra} noun type of mathematics where letters are used to represent quantities: algebra was the branch of mathematics I always enjoyed at school algebraic {xldsi'brenk] adjective refering algebra: try and memorize these algebraic symbols Algerla (21/dsi-aria} noun country in North Africa on the Mediterranean, east of Morocea and west of ‘Tunisia; she travelled @ lot in Algeria when she was young: he has 10 go to Algeria on a business trip (NOTE: capital: Algiers; people: Algerians; language Arable; currency: Algerian diner) Algerian [el dsi;srion] 1 adjective referring to Algeria: have you ever tasted typically Algerian food?; the Algerian ambassador was interviewed on the radio this. morning 2 now person from Algeria: three Algerians were killed in the accident allas [elias] 4 adverb otherwise known as: John Smith, alias ‘The Bulldog’ 2 nown assumed name: he travelled under the alias of Dupont: the confidence trickster used several aliases (NOTE: plural is allaees)