EN Vocabulary - 3000 Words

Common words beginning A

a
/ə/
/eɪ/
determiner
  1. Used when referring to someone or something for the first time in a text or conversation.
    • example - a man came out of the room
  2. Used to indicate membership of a class of people or things.
    • example - he is a lawyer
  3. In, to, or for each; per (used when expressing rates or ratios)
    • example - typing 60 words a minute
/əˈband(ə)n/
verb
  1. Cease to support or look after (someone); desert.
    • example - her natural mother had abandoned her at an early age
    • synonyms - desert, leave, leave high and dry, turn one"s back on, cast aside, break with, break up with
  2. Give up completely (a practice or a course of action)
    • example - he had clearly abandoned all pretence of trying to succeed
    • synonyms - renounce, relinquish, dispense with, forswear, disclaim, disown, disavow, discard, wash one"s hands of
  3. Allow oneself to indulge in (a desire or impulse)
    • example - they abandoned themselves to despair
    • synonyms - indulge in, give way to, give oneself up to, yield to, lose oneself in, lose oneself to
noun
  • Complete lack of inhibition or restraint.
    • example - she sings and sways with total abandon
    • synonyms - uninhibitedness, recklessness, lack of restraint, lack of inhibition, unruliness, wildness, impulsiveness, impetuosity, immoderation, wantonness
/əˈbɪlɪti/
noun
  1. Possession of the means or skill to do something.
    • example - the manager had lost his ability to motivate the players
    • synonyms - capacity, capability, potential, potentiality, power, faculty, aptness, facility, propensity, wherewithal, means, preparedness
  2. Talent, skill, or proficiency in a particular area.
    • example - a man of exceptional ability
    • synonyms - talent, skill, expertise, expertness, adeptness, aptitude, skilfulness, prowess, mastery, artistry, calibre, accomplishment
/ˈeɪb(ə)l/
adjective
  1. Having the power, skill, means, or opportunity to do something.
    • example - he was able to read Greek at the age of eight
    • synonyms - allowed to, free to, in a position to
  2. Having considerable skill, proficiency, or intelligence.
    • example - the dancers were technically very able
    • synonyms - intelligent, clever, brilliant, talented, skilful, skilled, accomplished, gifted, masterly, virtuoso, expert
/əˈbaʊt/
preposition
  1. On the subject of; concerning.
    • example - I was thinking about you
    • synonyms - regarding, concerning, with reference to, referring to, with regard to, with respect to, respecting, relating to, on, touching on, dealing with, relevant to, with relevance to, connected with, in connection with, on the subject of, in the matter of, apropos, re
  2. Used to indicate movement within a particular area.
    • example - she looked about the room
    • synonyms - around, round, throughout, over, through, all over, in all parts of, on every side of, encircling, surrounding
  3. Used to express location in a particular place.
    • example - rugs were strewn about the hall
    • synonyms - around, in circulation, in existence, current, going on, prevailing, prevalent, widespread, pervasive, endemic, happening, in the air, abroad
adverb
  1. Used to indicate movement within an area.
    • example - men were floundering about
    • synonyms - around, here and there, to and fro, back and forth, from place to place, hither and thither, in every direction, in all directions, abroad
  2. Used to express location in a particular place.
    • example - there was a lot of flu about
    • synonyms - near, nearby, around, about the place, hereabouts, not far away, not far off, close by, in the vicinity, in the neighbourhood, at hand, within reach, on the doorstep, around the corner, just around the corner
  3. (used with a number or quantity) approximately.
    • example - reduced by about 5 per cent
    • synonyms - approximately, roughly, around, round about, in the neighbourhood of, in the region of, in the area of, of the order of, something like
/əˈbʌv/
preposition
  1. In extended space over and not touching.
    • example - a display of fireworks above the town
  2. At a higher level or layer than.
    • example - from his flat above the corner shop
  3. Higher than (a specified amount, rate, or norm)
    • example - the food was well above average
    • synonyms - greater than, more than, higher than, exceeding, in excess of, over, over and above, beyond, surpassing, upwards of
adverb
  • At a higher level or layer.
    • example - place a quantity of mud in a jar with water above
    • synonyms - overhead, at the top, on the top, at a higher place, on a higher place, high up, on high, up above, in the sky, up in the sky, high above one"s head, aloft, in the heavens, up in the heavens
/əˈbrɔːd/
adverb
  1. In or to a foreign country or countries.
    • example - we usually go abroad for a week in May
    • synonyms - overseas, out of the country, in foreign parts, to foreign parts, in a foreign country, in a foreign land, to a foreign country, to a foreign land, over the sea, beyond the seas
  2. In different directions; over a wide area.
    • example - millions of seeds are annually scattered abroad
    • synonyms - widely, far and wide, everywhere, here, there, and everywhere, in all directions
  3. Out of doors.
    • example - few people ventured abroad from their warm houses
  4. Wide of the mark; in error.
noun
  • Foreign countries considered collectively.
    • example - servicemen returning from abroad
/ˈabsəluːt/
adjective
  1. Not qualified or diminished in any way; total.
    • example - absolute secrecy
    • synonyms - complete, total, utter, out-and-out, outright, entire, perfect, pure, decided
  2. Viewed or existing independently and not in relation to other things; not relative or comparative.
    • example - absolute moral standards
    • synonyms - universal, fixed, independent, non-relative, non-variable, absolutist
  3. (of a construction) syntactically independent of the rest of the sentence, as in dinner being over, we left the table.
noun
  • A value or principle which is regarded as universally valid or which may be viewed without relation to other things.
    • example - good and evil are presented as absolutes
/ˈabsəluːtli/
adverb
  1. With no qualification, restriction, or limitation; totally.
    • example - she trusted him absolutely
    • synonyms - completely, totally, utterly, perfectly, entirely, wholly, fully, quite, thoroughly, unreservedly
  2. Not viewed in relation to other things.
    • example - white-collar crime increased both absolutely and in comparison with other categories
  3. (of a verb) without a stated object.
/akəˈdɛmɪk/
adjective
  1. Relating to education and scholarship.
    • example - academic achievement
    • synonyms - educational, scholastic, instructional, pedagogical
  2. Not of practical relevance; of only theoretical interest.
    • example - the debate has been largely academic
    • synonyms - theoretical, conceptual, notional, philosophical, unpragmatic, hypothetical, speculative, conjectural, conjectured, suppositional, putative
noun
  • A teacher or scholar in a university or other institute of higher education.
    • example - the EU offers grants to academics for research on approved projects
    • synonyms - scholar, lecturer, don, teacher, educator, instructor, trainer, tutor, professor, fellow, man of letters, woman of letters, highbrow, thinker, bluestocking
/əkˈsɛpt/
verb
  1. Consent to receive or undertake (something offered)
    • example - he accepted a pen as a present
    • synonyms - receive, agree to receive, welcome, take, take receipt of, get, gain, obtain, acquire, come by
  2. Believe or come to recognize (a proposition) as valid or correct.
    • example - this tentative explanation came to be accepted by the men
    • synonyms - recognized, acknowledged, traditional, orthodox, habitual, confirmed, set, fixed, settled
/əkˈsɛptəb(ə)l/
adjective
  1. Able to be agreed on; suitable.
    • example - the electoral arrangements must be acceptable to the people
    • synonyms - suitable, appropriate, acceptable, fitting, fit, correct, proper, desirable, preferable, ideal
  2. Able to be tolerated or allowed.
    • example - pollution in the city had reached four times the acceptable level
    • synonyms - bearable, tolerable, allowable, admissible, supportable, sustainable, justifiable, defensible, defendable
/ˈaksɛs/
noun
  1. The means or opportunity to approach or enter a place.
    • example - the staircase gives access to the top floor
    • synonyms - entrance, entry, way in, means of entry, ingress
  2. An attack or outburst of an emotion.
    • example - I was suddenly overcome with an access of rage
    • synonyms - fit, attack, bout, outpouring, eruption, explosion, outburst, burst, outbreak, flare-up, blow-up, blaze, spasm, paroxysm, seizure, rush
verb
  1. Approach or enter (a place)
    • example - single rooms have private facilities accessed via the balcony
  2. Obtain or retrieve (computer data or a file)
    • example - information can be accessed from several files and displayed at the same time
    • synonyms - retrieve, gain, gain access to, acquire, obtain
/ˈaksɪd(ə)nt/
noun
  1. An unfortunate incident that happens unexpectedly and unintentionally, typically resulting in damage or injury.
    • example - he had an accident at the factory
    • synonyms - mishap, misfortune, misadventure, mischance, unfortunate incident, injury, disaster, tragedy, catastrophe, contretemps, calamity, blow, trouble, problem, difficulty
  2. An event that happens by chance or that is without apparent or deliberate cause.
    • example - the pregnancy was an accident
    • synonyms - chance, mere chance, coincidence, twist of fate, freak, hazard
  3. (in Aristotelian thought) a property of a thing which is not essential to its nature.
    • example - The new element is existence, which Avicenna regarded as an accident, a property of things.
/əkɒməˈdeɪʃ(ə)n/
noun
  1. A room, group of rooms, or building in which someone may live or stay.
    • example - they were living in temporary accommodation
    • synonyms - housing, lodging, lodgings, living quarters, quarters, rooms, chambers
  2. A convenient arrangement; a settlement or compromise.
    • example - the prime minister was seeking an accommodation with Labour
    • synonyms - arrangement, understanding, settlement, accord, deal, bargain, compromise
  3. The process of adapting or adjusting to someone or something.
    • example - accommodation to a separate political entity was not possible
    • synonyms - adjustment, adaptation, attunement, fitting in, habituation, acclimatization, acclimation, acculturation, inurement, hardening, seasoning, conditioning, familiarization, assimilation, integration, domestication, naturalization
/əˈkʌmpəni/
verb
  1. Go somewhere with (someone) as a companion or escort.
    • example - the two sisters were to accompany us to London
    • synonyms - go with, go along with, travel with, keep someone company, tag along with, partner, escort, chaperone, attend, follow, conduct, lead, take, show, see, guide, steer, usher, pilot, convoy, help, assist, show someone the way
  2. Be present or occur at the same time as (something else)
    • example - the illness is often accompanied by nausea
    • synonyms - occur with, co-occur with, coincide with, coexist with, go with, go along with, go together with, go hand in hand with, appear with
  3. Play a musical accompaniment for.
    • example - he would play his violin, and Mother used to accompany him on our organ
    • synonyms - back, play a musical accompaniment for, play with, play for, support
/əˈkɔːdɪŋ/
adverb
  1. As stated by or in.
    • example - the outlook for investors is not bright, according to financial experts
    • synonyms - as stated by, as maintained by, as claimed by, on the authority of, on the report of, in the opinion of
  2. Depending on whether.
    • example - the distribution of his property differed widely according as it was real or personal estate
/əˈkaʊnt/
noun
  1. A report or description of an event or experience.
    • example - a detailed account of what has been achieved
    • synonyms - description, report, version, story, narration, narrative, statement, news, explanation, exposition, interpretation, communiqué, recital, rendition, sketch, delineation, portrayal, tale
  2. A record or statement of financial expenditure and receipts relating to a particular period or purpose.
    • example - the barman was doing his accounts
    • synonyms - financial record, book, ledger, journal, balance sheet, financial statement, results
  3. An arrangement by which a body holds funds on behalf of a client or supplies goods or services to them on credit.
    • example - a bank account
    • synonyms - bank account
  4. An arrangement by which a user is given personalized access to a computer, website, or application, typically by entering a username and password.
    • example - we"ve reset your password to prevent others from accessing your account
  5. Importance.
    • example - money was of no account to her
    • synonyms - importance, import, significance, consequence, moment, momentousness, substance, note, mark, prominence, value, weightiness, weight, concern, interest, gravity, seriousness
verb
  1. Consider or regard in a specified way.
    • example - her visit could not be accounted a success
    • synonyms - consider, regard as, reckon, hold to be, think, think of as, look on as, view as, see as, take for, judge, adjudge, count, deem, rate, gauge, interpret as
  2. Prepare or present a record an account of money given or received.
    • example - in order that he may be able to account accurately, the trustee should not mingle the trust property with other property
/ˈakjʊrət/
adjective
  1. (especially of information, measurements, or predictions) correct in all details; exact.
    • example - accurate information about the illness is essential
    • synonyms - correct, precise, exact, right, errorless, error-free, without error, faultless, perfect, valid, specific, detailed, minute, explicit, clear-cut, word for word, unambiguous, meticulous, authoritative, reliable, canonical
  2. (with reference to a weapon, missile, or shot) capable of or successful in reaching the intended target.
    • example - reliable, accurate rifles
    • synonyms - well aimed, precise, on target, unerring, deadly, lethal, sure, true, on the mark, careful, meticulous, painstaking, precision
/əˈkjuːz/
verb
  • Charge (someone) with an offence or crime.
    • example - he was accused of murdering his wife"s lover
    • synonyms - charge with, indict for, arraign for, take to court for, put on trial for, bring to trial for, prosecute for
/əˈtʃiːv/
verb
  • Successfully bring about or reach (a desired objective or result) by effort, skill, or courage.
    • example - he achieved his ambition to become a press photographer
    • synonyms - attain, reach, arrive at
/əˈtʃiːvm(ə)nt/
noun
  1. A thing done successfully with effort, skill, or courage.
    • example - to reach this stage is a great achievement
    • synonyms - attainment, reaching, gaining, winning, acquirement, procurement
  2. The process or fact of achieving something.
    • example - the achievement of professional recognition
    • synonyms - implementation, carrying out, accomplishment, performance, effecting, bringing off, bringing about, achievement, carrying off, carrying through, completion, enactment, enforcement, discharge, prosecution, engineering, attainment, realization, fulfilment
  3. A representation of a coat of arms with all the adjuncts to which a bearer of arms is entitled.
    • example - The achievement is very complex, with twelve sections representing 12 families linked by marriage.
/əkˈnɒlɪdʒ/
verb
  1. Accept or admit the existence or truth of.
    • example - the plight of the refugees was acknowledged by the authorities
    • synonyms - admit, accept, grant, allow, concede, confess, own, appreciate, recognize, realize, be aware of, be conscious of
  2. Recognize the importance or quality of.
    • example - the art world has begun to acknowledge his genius
  3. Show that one has noticed or recognized (someone) by making a gesture or greeting.
    • example - she refused to acknowledge my presence
    • synonyms - greet, salute, address, hail, accost
/əˈkwʌɪə/
verb
  1. Buy or obtain (an asset or object) for oneself.
    • example - I managed to acquire all the books I needed
    • synonyms - obtain, come by, come to have, get, receive, gain, earn, win, come into, come in for, take possession of, take receipt of, be given
  2. Learn or develop (a skill, habit, or quality)
    • example - you must acquire the rudiments of Greek
    • synonyms - learn, learn thoroughly, become proficient in, know inside out, know backwards, become expert in, acquire, pick up, grasp, understand
/əˈkrɒs/
preposition
  1. From one side to the other of (a place, area, etc.)
    • example - I ran across the street
    • synonyms - to the other side of, from one side of … to the other, over, throughout the expanse of, throughout the width of, covering, everywhere on, on all parts of
  2. Expressing position or orientation in relation to (an area or passage)
    • example - they lived across the street from one another
    • synonyms - on the other side of, over, beyond, past
adverb
  1. From one side to the other of a place, area, etc.
    • synonyms - to the other side of, from one side of … to the other, over, throughout the expanse of, throughout the width of, covering, everywhere on, on all parts of
  2. Used to express position or orientation.
    • example - he looked across at me
    • synonyms - on the other side of, over, beyond, past
  3. Referring to a crossword answer which reads horizontally.
act
/akt/
verb
  1. Take action; do something.
    • example - they urged Washington to act
    • synonyms - take action, take steps, take measures, take the initiative, move, make a move, react, do something, proceed, go ahead
  2. Behave in the way specified.
    • example - they challenged a man who was seen acting suspiciously
    • synonyms - behave, function, react, perform
  3. Take effect; have a particular effect.
    • example - blood samples are analysed to find out how the drug acts in the body
    • synonyms - affect, have an effect on, influence, exert influence on, work on, have an impact on, impact on, alter, change, modify, transform, condition, control
  4. Perform a role in a play, film, or television.
    • example - she acted in her first professional role at the age of six
    • synonyms - perform, play, play a part, take part, be an actor, be an actress, be one of the cast, appear
noun
  1. A thing done; a deed.
    • example - a criminal act
    • synonyms - deed, action, gesture, feat, exploit, move, performance, undertaking, manoeuvre, stunt, operation, venture, effort, enterprise, achievement, accomplishment
  2. A pretence.
    • example - she was putting on an act and laughing a lot
    • synonyms - pretence, false display, show, front, facade, masquerade, charade, guise, posture, pose, affectation, appearance
  3. A written law passed by Parliament, Congress, etc.A document attesting a legal transaction.The recorded decisions or proceedings of a committee or an academic body.
    • example - the 1989 Children Act
    • synonyms - law, decree, statute, bill, Act of Parliament, edict, fiat, dictum, dictate, enactment, resolution, ruling, rule, judgement, canon, ordinance, proclamation, command, commandment, mandate, measure, stipulation, direction, requirement
  4. A main division of a play, ballet, or opera.
    • example - the first act
    • synonyms - division, section, subsection, portion, part, segment, component, bit
/ˈakʃ(ə)n/
noun
  1. The fact or process of doing something, typically to achieve an aim.
    • example - ending child labour will require action on many levels
    • synonyms - steps, measures, activity, movement, work, working, effort, exertion, operation
  2. A thing done; an act.
    • example - she frequently questioned his actions
    • synonyms - deed, act, activity, move, gesture, undertaking, exploit, manoeuvre, achievement, accomplishment, venture, enterprise, endeavour, effort, exertion
  3. The way in which something works or moves.
    • example - the weapon has a smooth action
  4. Armed conflict.
    • example - servicemen listed as missing in action during the war
    • synonyms - fighting, hostilities, battle, conflict, armed conflict, combat, warfare, war, bloodshed
  5. Legal proceedings; a lawsuit.
    • example - a civil action for damages
    • synonyms - lawsuit, legal action, suit, suit at law, case, cause, prosecution, litigation, legal dispute, legal contest
verb
  • Take action on; deal with.
    • example - your request will be actioned
    • synonyms - deal with, attend to, see to, sort out, handle, take care of, action, organize, manage
/ˈaktɪv/
adjective
  1. Engaging or ready to engage in physically energetic pursuits.
    • example - although he was seventy he was still robust and active
    • synonyms - mobile, energetic, agile, sporty, nimble, vigorous, vital, dynamic, sprightly, spry, lively, animated, bouncy, bubbly, perky, frisky, zestful, spirited
  2. Pursuing an occupation or activity at a particular place or in a particular way.
    • example - the artist was active in the 1920s
  3. (of a thing) working; operative.
    • example - the old watermill was active until 1960
    • synonyms - operative, working, functioning, functional, operating, operational, in action, in operation, in force, live
  4. Denoting a voice of verbs in which the subject is typically the person or thing performing the action and which can take a direct object (e.g. she loved him as opposed to the passive form he was loved).
    • example - Be ruthless with clutter, write in the active voice, place each idea into a sentence of its own, and lastly, get your punctuation right.
noun
  • An active form of a verb.
    • example - By the way, they discuss many different kinds of bias on the part of the news agency, not just choice between actives and passives.
/akˈtɪvɪti/
noun
  1. The condition in which things are happening or being done.
    • example - there has been a sustained level of activity in the economy
  2. A thing that a person or group does or has done.
    • example - the firm"s marketing activities
    • synonyms - pursuit, occupation, venture, undertaking, enterprise, project, scheme, business, job, affair, task, campaign
  3. A thermodynamic quantity representing the effective concentration of a particular component in a solution or other system, equal to its concentration multiplied by an activity coefficient.
/ˈaktə/
noun
  1. A person whose profession is acting on the stage, in films, or on television.
    • example - Fincher usually gets great performances from his actors, and this film was no different.
    • synonyms - performer, player, trouper, theatrical, dramatic artist, thespian, member of the cast, artist, artiste
  2. A participant in an action or process.
    • example - employers are key actors within industrial relations
/ˈaktrəs/
noun
  • A woman whose profession is acting on stage, in films, or on television.
    • example - she is one of the great actresses of her generation
    • synonyms - actor, performer, player, trouper, theatrical, dramatic artist, thespian, member of the cast, artist, artiste
/ˈaktʃʊəl/
adjective
  1. Existing in fact; real.
    • example - the estimate was much less than the actual cost
    • synonyms - real, true, genuine, authentic, verified, attested, confirmed, definite, hard, plain, clear, clear-cut, undeniable, veritable
  2. Existing now; current.
    • example - using actual income to measure expected income
    • synonyms - current, present, existing, existent, actual, extant
/ˈaktʃəli/
/ˈaktʃʊəli/
adverb
  1. As the truth or facts of a situation; really.
    • example - we must pay attention to what young people are actually doing
    • synonyms - indeed, you could say, possibly, more precisely, veritably, in truth, actually, or rather, nay
  2. Used to emphasize that something someone has said or done is surprising.
    • example - he actually expected me to be pleased about it!
    • synonyms - literally, to all intents and purposes, in effect
ad
/əˈdapt/
verb
  • Make (something) suitable for a new use or purpose; modify.
    • example - hospitals have had to be adapted for modern medical practice
    • synonyms - modify, alter, make alterations to, change, adjust, make adjustments to, convert, transform, redesign, restyle, refashion, remodel, reshape, revamp, rework, redo, reconstruct, reorganize
add
/ad/
verb
  1. Join (something) to something else so as to increase the size, number, or amount.
    • example - I"ve started a petition so if you would like to add your name, email me
    • synonyms - attach, build on, add on, put on, put in, append, adjoin, join, affix, connect, annex
  2. Put in (an additional element, ingredient, etc.)
    • example - chlorine is added to the water to kill bacteria
  3. Put together (two or more numbers or amounts) to calculate their total value.
    • example - in this example, all the odd numbers between 1 and 10 are added together
    • synonyms - add up, add together, total, count, count up, figure up, compute, calculate, reckon, tally, enumerate, find the sum of
  4. Say as a further remark.
    • example - ‘I hope we haven"t been too much trouble,’ she added politely
    • synonyms - go on to say, state further, continue, carry on
/əˈdɪʃ(ə)n/
noun
  1. The action or process of adding something to something else.
    • example - the hotel has been extended with the addition of more rooms
    • synonyms - inclusion, adding, adding in, incorporation, introduction, insertion
  2. The process of calculating the total of two or more numbers or amounts.
    • example - she began with simple arithmetic, addition and then subtraction
    • synonyms - adding up, counting, totalling, computation, calculation, reckoning, tallying, summation
/əˈdɪʃ(ə)n(ə)l/
adjective
  • Added, extra, or supplementary to what is already present or available.
    • example - we require additional information
    • synonyms - extra, added, supplementary, supplemental, further, auxiliary, ancillary, subsidiary, secondary, attendant, accessory
/əˈdrɛs/
noun
  1. The particulars of the place where someone lives or an organization is situated.
    • example - they exchanged addresses and agreed to keep in touch
    • synonyms - inscription, label, mark, superscription
  2. A formal speech delivered to an audience.
    • example - an address to the European Parliament
    • synonyms - speech, lecture, talk, monologue, dissertation, discourse, oration, peroration
  3. Skill, dexterity, or readiness.
    • example - he rescued me with the most consummate address
    • synonyms - skill, skilfulness, ability, capability, proficiency, expertise, expertness, mastery, talent, genius, artistry, art, craftsmanship, craft
verb
  1. Write the name and address of the intended recipient on (an envelope, letter, or parcel)
    • example - I addressed my letter to him personally
    • synonyms - label, direct, inscribe, superscribe
  2. Speak to (a person or an assembly)
    • example - she addressed the open-air meeting
    • synonyms - talk to, give a talk to, give an address to, speak to, make a speech to, lecture, give a lecture to, hold forth to, give a discourse to, give a dissertation to, give an oration to, declaim to
  3. Think about and begin to deal with (an issue or problem)
    • example - a fundamental problem has still to be addressed
    • synonyms - attend to, tackle, see to, deal with, confront, grapple with, attack, buckle down to, get to grips with, embark on, settle down to, direct one"s attention to, turn to, get down to, concentrate on, focus on, apply oneself to, devote oneself to
  4. Take up one"s stance and prepare to hit (the ball)
    • example - ensure that your weight is evenly spread when you address the ball
    • synonyms - take aim at, aim at, face
adj
/adʒ/
abbreviation
  • Adjutant.
/ədmɪnɪˈstreɪʃ(ə)n/
noun
  1. The process or activity of running a business, organization, etc.
    • example - the day-to-day administration of the company
    • synonyms - management, managing, direction, directing, command, commanding, control, controlling, charge, conduct, conducting, operation, regulation, regulating, handling, running, leadership, government, governing, superintendence, supervision, supervising, overseeing, oversight, orchestration, orchestrating, guidance, care
  2. The management of public affairs; government.
    • example - the inhabitants of the island voted to remain under French administration
    • synonyms - government, cabinet, ministry, regime, executive, authority, directorate, council, leadership, management
  3. The action of dispensing, giving, or applying something.
    • example - the oral administration of the antibiotic
    • synonyms - dispensation, dispensing, delivering, issuing, giving, provision, providing, application, applying, discharge, allotment, distribution, apportionment, apportioning, dealing out, handing out, meting out, measuring out, doling out, disbursement, disbursing, bestowal
/ədˈmʌɪə/
verb
  • Regard with respect or warm approval.
    • example - I admire your courage
    • synonyms - applaud, praise, express admiration for, commend, approve of, express approval for, favour, look on with favour, think highly of, appreciate
/ədˈmɪt/
verb
  1. Confess to be true or to be the case.
    • example - the Home Office finally admitted that several prisoners had been injured
    • synonyms - acknowledge, confess, reveal, make known, disclose, divulge, make public, avow, declare, profess, own up to, make a clean breast of, bring into the open, bring to light, give away, blurt out, leak
  2. Allow (someone) to enter a place.
    • example - old-age pensioners are admitted free to the museum
    • synonyms - let in, allow entry, permit entry, grant entrance to, give right of entry to, give access to, give admission to, accept, take in, usher in, show in, receive, welcome
  3. Accept as valid.
    • example - the courts can refuse to admit police evidence which has been illegally obtained
  4. Allow the possibility of.
    • example - the need to inform him was too urgent to admit of further delay
    • synonyms - allow, permit, authorize, sanction, condone, indulge, agree to, accede to, approve of
/əˈdɒpt/
verb
  1. Legally take (another"s child) and bring it up as one"s own.
    • example - there are many people eager to adopt a baby
  2. Choose to take up, follow, or use.
    • example - this approach has been adopted by many big banks
    • synonyms - embrace, take on, acquire, affect, espouse, assume, appropriate, arrogate
  3. Take on or assume (an attitude or position)
    • example - he adopted a patronizing tone
  4. (of a local authority) accept responsibility for the maintenance of (a road).
    • example - A Wiltshire County Council spokesman said plans were in hand for the council to adopt the road as a highway in a year"s time.
/ˈadʌlt/
/əˈdʌlt/
noun
  • A person who is fully grown or developed.
    • example - children should be accompanied by an adult
    • synonyms - grown person, grown man, grown woman, grown-up person, grown-up, mature person, mature man, mature woman, person of mature age
adjective
  • Fully grown or developed.
    • example - an adult woman
    • synonyms - mature, grown-up, fully grown, full-grown, fully developed, fully fledged, of age, having reached one"s majority
verb
  • Behave in a way characteristic of a responsible adult, especially by accomplishing mundane but necessary tasks.
adv
  • No definition found!
/ədˈvɑːns/
verb
  1. Move forwards in a purposeful way.
    • example - he advanced towards the dispatch box
    • synonyms - move forward, proceed, move along, press on, push on, push forward, make progress, make headway, forge on, forge ahead, gain ground, approach, come closer, move closer, move nearer, draw nearer, near
  2. Make or cause to make progress.
    • example - our knowledge is advancing all the time
    • synonyms - promote, further, forward, help, aid, assist, facilitate, boost, strengthen, improve, make better, benefit, foster, cultivate, encourage, support, back
  3. Put forward (a theory or suggestion)
    • example - the hypothesis I wish to advance in this article
    • synonyms - put forward, present, come up with, submit, suggest, propose, introduce, put up, offer, proffer, adduce, moot
  4. Lend (money) to (someone)
    • example - the building society advanced them a loan
    • synonyms - lend, loan, credit, pay in advance, supply on credit
noun
  1. A forward movement.
    • example - the rebels" advance on Madrid was well under way
    • synonyms - progress, headway, moving forward, forward movement
  2. A development or improvement.
    • example - advances in engineering techniques
    • synonyms - breakthrough, development, step forward, step in the right direction, leap, quantum leap, find, finding, discovery, invention, success
  3. An amount of money paid before it is due or for work only partly completed.
    • example - the author was paid a £250,000 advance
    • synonyms - down payment, advance against royalty, deposit, retainer, prepayment, front money, money up front
  4. An approach made to someone with the aim of initiating sexual or amorous relations.
    • example - her tutor made advances to her
    • synonyms - sexual approaches, overtures, moves
adjective
  • Done, sent, or supplied beforehand.
    • example - advance notice
    • synonyms - preliminary, leading, forward, foremost, at the fore, sent ahead, sent on ahead, first, exploratory, explorative, pilot, vanguard, test, trial
/adˈvɑːnst/
adjective
  1. Modern and recently developed.
    • example - the team developed advanced techniques for measuring and controlling the noise of the submarines
    • synonyms - state-of-the-art, new, modern, up to date, up to the minute, the newest, the latest, recently developed, newly discovered, newfangled, ultra-modern, futuristic
  2. Far on or ahead in development or progress.
    • example - negotiations are at an advanced stage
  3. (of a clock or watch) showing a time ahead of the correct time.
/ədˈvɑːntɪdʒ/
noun
  • A condition or circumstance that puts one in a favourable or superior position.
    • example - companies with a computerized database are at an advantage
    • synonyms - upper hand, edge, lead, head, whip hand, trump card
verb
  • Put in a favourable or superior position.
    • example - Are we simply caught in a spiral here that will be destructive of our interests while, obviously, significantly advantaging theirs?
/ədˈvɛntʃə/
noun
  • An unusual and exciting or daring experience.
    • example - her recent adventures in Italy
    • synonyms - exploit, escapade, deed, feat, trial, experience, incident, occurrence, event, happening, episode, affair
verb
  • Engage in daring or risky activity.
    • example - they had adventured into the forest
/ˈadvətʌɪzɪŋ/
noun
  • The activity or profession of producing advertisements for commercial products or services.
    • example - an advertising agency
/ədˈvʌɪs/
noun
  1. Guidance or recommendations offered with regard to prudent future action.
    • example - my advice is to see your doctor
    • synonyms - guidance, advising, counselling, counsel, help, direction, instruction, information, enlightenment
  2. A formal notice of a financial transaction.
    • example - remittance advices
  3. Information; news.
    • example - the want of fresh advices from Europe
    • synonyms - news, information, word, intelligence, intimation
/ədˈvʌɪz/
verb
  • Offer suggestions about the best course of action to someone.
    • example - I advised him to go home
    • synonyms - counsel, give counsel, give counselling, give guidance, guide, make recommendations, offer suggestions, offer opinions, give hints, give tips, give pointers, direct, give direction, give directions, instruct, give instruction, illuminate, educate
/əˈfɛː/
noun
  1. An event or sequence of events of a specified kind or that has previously been referred to.
    • example - the board admitted responsibility for the affair
    • synonyms - event, incident, happening, occurrence, phenomenon, eventuality, episode, interlude, circumstance, set of circumstances, adventure, experience, case, matter, business, thing
  2. A sexual relationship between two people, one or both of whom are married to someone else.
    • example - his wife is having an affair
    • synonyms - relationship, love affair, romance, fling, flirtation, dalliance, liaison, entanglement, romantic entanglement, involvement, attachment, affair of the heart, intrigue
  3. An object of a particular type.
/əˈfɛkt/
verb
  • Have an effect on; make a difference to.
    • example - the dampness began to affect my health
    • synonyms - affect, influence, exert influence on, act on, work on, condition, touch, interact with, have an impact on, impact on, take hold of, attack, infect, strike, strike at, hit
/əˈfɔːd/
verb
  1. Have enough money to pay for.
    • example - the best that I could afford was a first-floor room
    • synonyms - pay for, bear the expense of, meet the expense of, spare the price of, have the money for, be rich enough for, have the wherewithal for
  2. Provide or supply (an opportunity or facility)
    • example - the rooftop terrace affords beautiful views
    • synonyms - provide, supply, present, purvey, make available, offer, give, impart, bestow, furnish, render, grant, yield, produce, bear
/əˈfreɪd/
adjective
  • Feeling fear or anxiety; frightened.
    • example - I"m afraid of dogs
    • synonyms - frightened, scared, scared stiff, terrified, fearful, petrified, nervous, scared to death
/ˈɑːftə/
preposition
  1. In the time following (an event or another period of time)
    • example - shortly after their marriage they moved to Colorado
    • synonyms - following, subsequent to, succeeding, at the close of, at the end of, in the wake of, later than
  2. Behind.
    • example - she went out, shutting the door after her
    • synonyms - behind, following, in the rear of
  3. In pursuit or quest of.
    • example - they"re chasing after something that doesn"t exist
    • synonyms - in pursuit of, in someone"s direction, following, on the track of, in the tracks of, in someone"s footsteps
  4. Next to and following in order or importance.
    • example - in their order of priorities health comes after housing
    • synonyms - next to, beside, besides, following, nearest to, below, immediately inferior to
  5. In allusion to (someone or something with the same or a related name)
    • example - they named her Pauline, after Barbara"s mother
    • synonyms - in honour of, as a tribute to, as a mark of respect to, the same as
conjunction
  • During the period of time following an event.
    • example - bath time ended in a flood after the taps were left running
    • synonyms - later, following, afterwards, after that, after this, subsequently
adverb
  • At a later or future time; afterwards.
    • example - Duke Frederick died soon after
    • synonyms - later, following, afterwards, after that, after this, subsequently
adjective
  1. Later.
    • example - he was sorry in after years
    • synonyms - subsequent, following, succeeding, future, upcoming, to come, ensuing, next
  2. Nearer the stern of a ship.
    • example - the after cabin
/ɑːftəˈnuːn/
noun
  • The time from noon or lunchtime to evening.
    • example - I telephoned this afternoon
adverb
  • In the afternoon; every afternoon.
/ˈɑːftəwədz/
adverb
  • At a later or future time.
    • example - the offender was arrested shortly afterwards
    • synonyms - later, later on, subsequently, then, after, after that, after this, following that, following this, at a later date, at a later time, next, eventually, after a period of time, in due course
/əˈɡɛn/
/əˈɡeɪn/
adverb
  • Another time; once more.
    • example - it was great to meet old friends again
    • synonyms - once more, one more time, another time, a second time, afresh, anew
/əˈɡɛnst/
/əˈɡeɪnst/
preposition
  1. In opposition to.
    • example - the fight against crime
    • synonyms - opposed to, in opposition to, hostile to, averse to, antagonistic towards, inimical to, unsympathetic to, resistant to, at odds with, in disagreement with, contra
  2. In anticipation of and preparation for (a problem or difficulty)
    • example - he gritted his teeth against the pain
    • synonyms - in case of, as provision for, in provision for, in preparation for, in anticipation of, in expectation of
  3. In or into physical contact with (something), so as to be supported by or collide with it.
    • example - she stood with her back against the door
    • synonyms - touching, in contact with, close up to, up against, abutting, on, adjacent to
  4. In conceptual contrast to.
    • example - the benefits must be weighed against the costs
    • synonyms - against, in opposition to, contrary to, at variance with, in defiance of, in contravention of, contrarily, contrariwise, conversely
age
/eɪdʒ/
noun
  1. The length of time that a person has lived or a thing has existed.
    • example - he died from a heart attack at the age of 51
    • synonyms - number of years, lifetime, duration, length of life
  2. A distinct period of history.
    • example - an age of technological growth
    • synonyms - era, epoch, period, time, aeon, span
verb
  • Grow old or older.
    • example - the tiredness we feel as we age
/eɪdʒd/
/ˈeɪdʒɪd/
adjective
  1. Having lived for a specified length of time; of a specified age.
    • example - young people aged 14 to 18
  2. Having lived or existed for a long time; very old.
    • example - aged men with white hair
    • synonyms - elderly, old, mature, older, senior, ancient, venerable
  3. Having been subjected to ageing.
    • example - replica guitar with aged finish
/ˈeɪdʒ(ə)nsi/
noun
  1. A business or organization providing a particular service on behalf of another business, person, or group.
    • example - an advertising agency
    • synonyms - business, organization, company, firm, office, bureau, concern, service
  2. Action or intervention producing a particular effect.
    • example - canals carved by the agency of running water
    • synonyms - action, activity, effect, influence, force, power, work
/əˈdʒɛndə/
noun
  1. A list of items to be discussed at a formal meeting.
    • example - the question of nuclear weapons had been removed from the agenda
  2. An appointment diary.
    • example - Alter people"s agendas so that no two contain any common item.
    • synonyms - appointment book, engagement book, organizer, personal organizer, calendar, agenda
/ˈeɪdʒ(ə)nt/
noun
  1. A person who acts on behalf of another person or group.
    • example - in the event of illness, a durable power of attorney enabled her nephew to act as her agent
    • synonyms - representative, negotiator, business manager, emissary, envoy, factor, go-between, proxy, surrogate, trustee, liaison, broker, delegate, spokesperson, spokesman, spokeswoman, frontman, mouthpiece
  2. A person or thing that takes an active role or produces a specified effect.
    • example - universities are usually liberal communities that often view themselves as agents of social change
    • synonyms - medium, means, instrument, vehicle
/əˈɡrɛsɪv/
adjective
  • Ready or likely to attack or confront; characterized by or resulting from aggression.
    • example - he"s very uncooperative and aggressive
    • synonyms - hostile, belligerent, bellicose, antagonistic, truculent
ago
/əˈɡəʊ/
adverb
  • Before the present; earlier (used with a measurement of time)
    • example - he went five minutes ago
    • synonyms - in the past, before the present, before, earlier, back, in time gone by, since, formerly, previously
/əˈɡriː/
verb
  1. Have the same opinion about something; concur.
    • example - I completely agree with your recent editorial
    • synonyms - concur, be of the same mind, be of the same opinion, see eye to eye, be in sympathy, sympathize, be united, be as one man, accord
  2. Say that one will do something which has been suggested by another person.
    • example - she had agreed to go and see a movie with him
    • synonyms - consent, assent, accede
  3. Be consistent with.
    • example - your body language does not agree with what you are saying
    • synonyms - match, match up, accord, correspond, conform, coincide, fit, tally, harmonize, be in harmony, be in agreement, be consistent, be compatible, be consonant, be congruous, be in tune, equate, be equivalent, dovetail, chime, correlate, be parallel
  4. (of food, conditions, etc.) be healthy or appropriate for (someone)
    • example - she"s eaten something that didn"t agree with her
    • synonyms - be agreeable to, be good for, be healthy for, be acceptable to, suit
/əˈɡriːm(ə)nt/
noun
  • Harmony or accordance in opinion or feeling.
    • example - the governments failed to reach agreement
    • synonyms - accord, concurrence, consensus, harmony, accordance, unity, unison, concord, like-mindedness, rapport, sympathy
ah
/ɑː/
exclamation
  • Used to express a range of emotions including surprise, pleasure, sympathy, and realization.
    • example - ah, there you are!
/əˈhɛd/
adverb
  1. Further forward in space; in the line of one"s forward motion.
    • example - the road ahead
    • synonyms - forwards, towards the front, frontwards
  2. In the lead.
    • example - he was slightly ahead on points
    • synonyms - leading, winning, in the lead, in front, out in front, to the fore, first, coming first
  3. Higher in number, amount, or value than previously.
    • example - profits were slightly ahead
aid
/eɪd/
noun
  1. Help, typically of a practical nature.
    • example - he saw the pilot slumped in his cockpit and went to his aid
    • synonyms - assistance, support
  2. A grant of subsidy or tax to a king or queen.
    • example - In 1678, he spoke in favour of giving an aid to the king, and the following month obtained a commission for raising an independent company of foot, and was appointed governor of Bridlington.
verb
  • Help or support (someone or something) in the achievement of something.
    • example - women were aided in childbirth by midwives
    • synonyms - help, assist, abet, come to the aid of, give assistance to, lend a hand to, be of service to
aim
/eɪm/
verb
  1. Point or direct (a weapon or camera) at a target.
    • example - aim the camcorder at some suitable object
    • synonyms - point, direct, train, sight, focus, level, line up, position
  2. Have the intention of achieving.
    • example - the programme will aim at deepening understanding
    • synonyms - work towards, be after, set one"s sights on, try for, strive for, pursue, seek, aspire to, endeavour to achieve, have in view, have designs on, wish for, want
noun
  1. A purpose or intention; a desired outcome.
    • example - our primary aim is to achieve financial discipline
    • synonyms - objective, object, goal, end, target, grail, holy grail, design, desire, desired result, intention, intent, plan, purpose, idea, point, object of the exercise
  2. The directing of a weapon or missile at a target.
    • example - his aim was perfect
air
/ɛː/
noun
  1. The invisible gaseous substance surrounding the earth, a mixture mainly of oxygen and nitrogen.
    • example - The surface tension of water is increased, and even the density of air surrounding the Earth ebbs and flows like the tides in the sea.
  2. An impression of a quality or manner given by someone or something.
    • example - she answered with a faint air of boredom
    • synonyms - expression, appearance, look, impression, aspect, manner, bearing, mien, countenance
  3. A tune or short melodious song.
    • example - traditional Scottish airs sung in the Gaelic tongue
    • synonyms - tune, melody, song, theme, strain, refrain, piece, aria
  4. A jump off the ground on a snowboard or skateboard.
    • example - I love to watch Richie ride; he"s my fave, some style and clean airs.
verb
  1. Express (an opinion or grievance) publicly.
    • example - a meeting in which long-standing grievances were aired
    • synonyms - express, voice, make public, vent, ventilate, articulate, state, declare, give expression to, give voice to
  2. Expose (a room) to the open air in order to ventilate it.
    • example - the window sashes were lifted regularly to air the room
    • synonyms - ventilate, aerate, freshen, refresh, cool, air-condition
/ˈɛːkrɑːft/
noun
  • An aeroplane, helicopter, or other machine capable of flight.
    • example - Launched with this jumbo team aboard for a test flight, the aircraft failed to gain height.
/ˈɛːlʌɪn/
noun
  1. An organization providing a regular public service of air transport on one or more routes.
    • example - airline pilot
  2. A pipe supplying air.
    • example - use an air line to inflate those tyres
/ˈɛːpɔːt/
noun
  • A complex of runways and buildings for the take-off, landing, and maintenance of civil aircraft, with facilities for passengers.
    • example - It is worth checking, too, for seasonal charter flights from Scottish airports.
    • synonyms - airfield, airstrip, landing strip, runway
/əˈlɑːm/
noun
  • An anxious awareness of danger.
    • example - the boat tilted and the boatmen cried out in alarm
    • synonyms - fear, anxiety, apprehension, trepidation, nervousness, unease, distress, agitation, consternation, disquiet, perturbation, fright, panic, dread, horror, shock, terror
verb
  1. Make (someone) feel frightened, disturbed, or in danger.
    • example - the government was alarmed by an outbreak of unrest
    • synonyms - frighten, scare, panic, startle, unnerve, distress, agitate, upset, fluster, ruffle, disconcert, shock, daunt, dismay, disturb, work up, terrify, terrorize, petrify, make someone"s blood run cold
  2. Be fitted or protected with an alarm.
    • example - this door is locked and alarmed between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m
/ˈalbəm/
noun
  1. A blank book for the insertion of photographs, stamps, or pictures.
    • example - the wedding pictures had pride of place in the family album
  2. A collection of recordings issued as a single item on CD, record, or another medium.
    • example - his debut album was very much influenced by the jazz sound
    • synonyms - album
/ˈalkəhɒl/
noun
  • A colourless volatile flammable liquid which is produced by the natural fermentation of sugars and is the intoxicating constituent of wine, beer, spirits, and other drinks, and is also used as an industrial solvent and as fuel.
    • example - it is an offence to drive if you have more than 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood
/alkəˈhɒlɪk/
adjective
  1. Containing or relating to alcohol.
    • example - alcoholic liquor
    • synonyms - intoxicating, inebriating, containing alcohol
  2. Suffering from alcoholism.
    • example - his alcoholic daughter was the cause of his anxiety
noun
  • A person suffering from alcoholism.
    • example - The vast majority of amnesic patients are chronic alcoholics, suffering from Korsakoff"s syndrome.
    • synonyms - dipsomaniac, drunk, drunkard, hard drinker, heavy drinker, serious drinker, problem drinker, drinker, alcohol-abuser, alcohol addict, person with a drink problem
/əˈlʌɪv/
adjective
  1. (of a person, animal, or plant) living, not dead.
    • example - hopes of finding anyone still alive were fading
    • synonyms - living, live, having life, not dead
  2. Alert and active; animated.
    • example - Ken comes alive when he hears his music played
    • synonyms - animated, lively, full of life, alert, active, energetic, vigorous, spry, sprightly, vital, vibrant, vivacious, buoyant, exuberant, ebullient, zestful, spirited, enthusiastic, eager, bouncy, bubbly, perky, sparkling
  3. Aware of and interested in; responsive to.
    • example - she was always alive to new ideas
    • synonyms - alert to, awake to, aware of, sensitive to, conscious of, mindful of, heedful of, watchful of, responsive to
  4. Swarming or teeming with.
    • example - in spring those cliffs are alive with auks and gulls
    • synonyms - teeming, swarming, thronged, overflowing, overrun, bristling, bustling, rife, infested, thick, crowded, packed
all
/ɔːl/
predeterminer, determiner, & pronoun
  • Used to refer to the whole quantity or extent of a particular group or thing.
    • example - all the people I met
    • synonyms - each of, each one of the, every one of the, every single one of the
adverb
  1. Completely.
    • example - dressed all in black
    • synonyms - completely, fully, entirely, totally, wholly, absolutely, utterly, outright, thoroughly, altogether, quite, in every respect, in all respects, without reservation, without exception
  2. (in games) used after a number to indicate an equal score.
    • example - after extra time it was still two all
/əˈlaʊ/
verb
  1. Let (someone) have or do something.
    • example - the dissident was allowed to leave the country
    • synonyms - permit, let, authorize, give someone permission to, give authorization to, give leave to, sanction, grant, grant someone the right, license, empower, enable, entitle, qualify
  2. Give the necessary time or opportunity for.
    • example - they agreed to a ceasefire to allow talks with the government
  3. Admit the truth of; concede.
    • example - he allowed that the penalty appeared too harsh for the crime
    • synonyms - admit, acknowledge, recognize, agree, accept, concede, grant, own, confess, accede
/ˈɔːlməʊst/
adverb
  • Not quite; very nearly.
    • example - he almost knocked Georgina over
    • synonyms - nearly, just about, about, more or less, practically, virtually, all but, as good as, next to, close to, near, nigh on, not far from, not far off, to all intents and purposes, approaching, bordering on, verging on, nearing
/əˈləʊn/
adjective
  • Having no one else present.
    • example - she was alone that evening
    • synonyms - all alone, solo, lone, solitary, single
adverb
  1. On one"s own.
    • synonyms - by oneself, on one"s own, solo, singly
  2. Indicating that something is confined to the specified subject or recipient.
    • example - he is answerable to Parliament alone
    • synonyms - only, solely, just, uniquely, exclusively
/əˈlɒŋ/
preposition
  1. Moving in a constant direction on (a road, path, or any more or less horizontal surface)
    • example - soon we were driving along a narrow road
    • synonyms - down, throughout the length of, from one end of … to the other, through, across
  2. Extending in a more or less horizontal line on.
    • example - cars were parked along the grass verge
    • synonyms - beside, by the side of, on the edge of, alongside, next to, adjacent to, close by, in a line by, one after the other by
adverb
  1. Moving in a constant direction on a road, path, or any more or less horizontal surface.
    • example - he continued to plod along
    • synonyms - onwards, on, ahead, forwards, further
  2. In or into company with others.
    • example - he had brought along a friend of his
    • synonyms - as company, with one, to accompany one, as a partner, in company
/ɔːlˈrɛdi/
adverb
  1. Before or by now or the time in question.
    • example - Anna has suffered a great deal already
    • synonyms - by that time, by this time, by now, by then, thus far, so far, hitherto, before, before now, before then, previously, earlier, earlier on, until now, until then, up to now, up to then
  2. Used after a word or phrase to express impatience.
/ˈɔːlsəʊ/
adverb
  • In addition; too.
    • example - a brilliant linguist, he was also interested in botany
    • synonyms - too, as well, besides, in addition, additionally, furthermore, further, moreover, into the bargain, on top, on top of that, over and above that, what"s more, to boot, else, then, equally
/ˈɔːltə/
verb
  • Change in character or composition, typically in a comparatively small but significant way.
    • example - Eliot was persuaded to alter the passage
    • synonyms - change, make changes to, make different, make alterations to, adjust, make adjustments to, adapt, amend, improve, modify, convert, revise, recast, reform, reshape, refashion, redesign, restyle, revamp, rework, remake, remodel, remould, redo, reconstruct, reorganize, reorder, refine, reorient, reorientate, vary, transform, transfigure, transmute, evolve
/ɔːlˈtəːnətɪv/
adjective
  1. (of one or more things) available as another possibility or choice.
    • example - the various alternative methods for resolving disputes
    • synonyms - different, other, another, second, possible, substitute, replacement
  2. Relating to activities that depart from or challenge traditional norms.
    • example - an alternative lifestyle
    • synonyms - unorthodox, unconventional, non-standard, unusual, uncommon, unwonted, out of the ordinary, radical, revolutionary, nonconformist, unconforming, irregular, offbeat, off-centre, avant-garde
noun
  • One of two or more available possibilities.
    • example - audiobooks are an interesting alternative to reading
    • synonyms - option, choice, other possibility
/ɔːlˈðəʊ/
conjunction
  • In spite of the fact that; even though.
    • example - although the sun was shining it wasn"t that warm
    • synonyms - in spite of the fact that, despite the fact that, notwithstanding the fact that, notwithstanding that, even though, even if, for all that, while, whilst
/ˈɔːlweɪz/
adverb
  1. At all times; on all occasions.
    • example - the sun always rises in the east
    • synonyms - every time, each time, at all times, all the time, on every occasion, on all occasions, consistently, invariably, without fail, without exception, regularly, repeatedly, habitually, unfailingly, infallibly, inevitably
  2. As a last resort; failing all else.
    • example - if the marriage doesn"t work out, we can always get divorced
    • synonyms - as a last resort, whatever the circumstances, no matter what, in any event, in any case, come what may
/əˈmeɪzd/
adjective
  • Greatly surprised; astonished.
    • example - I was amazed that he could remember me
    • synonyms - astonished, astounded, staggered, surprised, startled, stunned, thunderstruck, aghast, taken aback, confounded, dumbfounded, stupefied, dazed, nonplussed, dumbstruck, open-mouthed, agape, lost for words, at a loss for words, speechless, wide-eyed, awed, awestruck, wonderstruck, filled with astonishment, filled with amazement, filled with awe, filled with wonder
/əˈmeɪzɪŋ/
adjective
  • Causing great surprise or wonder; astonishing.
    • example - an amazing number of people registered
    • synonyms - astonishing, astounding, surprising, bewildering, stunning, staggering, shocking, startling, stupefying, breathtaking, perplexing, confounding, dismaying, disconcerting, shattering
/amˈbɪʃ(ə)n/
noun
  • A strong desire to do or achieve something.
    • example - her ambition was to become a pilot
    • synonyms - aspiration, intention, goal, aim, objective, object, purpose, intent, plan, scheme, mission, calling, vocation, desire, wish, design, target, end, dream, hope
/amˈbɪʃəs/
adjective
  • Having or showing a strong desire and determination to succeed.
    • example - a ruthlessly ambitious workaholic
    • synonyms - aspiring, determined, forceful, pushy, enterprising, pioneering, progressive, eager, motivated, driven, enthusiastic, energetic, zealous, committed, go-ahead, go-getting, purposeful, assertive, aggressive, hungry, power-hungry
/əˈmʌŋ/
preposition
  1. Situated more or less centrally in relation to (several other things)
    • example - flowers hidden among the roots of the trees
    • synonyms - surrounded by, in the company of, amid, in the middle of, between, in the thick of
  2. Being a member or members of (a larger set)
    • example - a British woman was among the 54 victims of the disaster
    • synonyms - included in, one of, some of, in the group of, in the number of, out of
  3. Occurring in or shared by (some members of a group or community)
    • example - a drop in tooth decay among children
  4. Indicating a division, choice, or differentiation involving three or more participants.
    • example - the old king called the three princesses to divide his kingdom among them
    • synonyms - between, to each of
/əˈmaʊnt/
noun
  • A quantity of something, especially the total of a thing or things in number, size, value, or extent.
    • example - sport gives an enormous amount of pleasure to many people
    • synonyms - quantity, number, total, aggregate, sum, quota, group, size, mass, weight, volume, bulk, load, consignment
verb
  • Come to be (the total) when added together.
    • example - losses amounted to over 10 million pounds
    • synonyms - add up to, come to, run to, number, be, make, total, equal, be equal to, be equivalent to, represent, count as
/ˈan(ə)lʌɪz/
verb
  1. Examine (something) methodically and in detail, typically in order to explain and interpret it.
    • example - we need to analyse our results more clearly
    • synonyms - examine, inspect, survey, scan, study, scrutinize, look over, peruse
  2. Psychoanalyse (someone).
    • example - He must have realized that trying to analyse someone who was not ill and not asking for help was a futile exercise from the patient"s point of view, though not from his own.
/əˈnalɪsɪs/
noun
  1. Detailed examination of the elements or structure of something.
    • example - statistical analysis
    • synonyms - examination, investigation, inspection, survey, scanning, study, scrutiny, perusal
  2. short for psychoanalysis
    • example - other schools of analysis have evolved out of the original disciplines established by Freud
/ˈeɪnʃ(ə)nt/
adjective
  • Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence.
    • example - the ancient civilizations of the Mediterranean
    • synonyms - of long ago, earliest, first, early, past, former, bygone
noun
  • An old man.
    • example - a solitary ancient in a tweed jacket
and
/ənd/
/(ə)n/
/and/
conjunction
  1. Used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly.
    • example - bread and butter
    • synonyms - together with, along with, with, as well as, in addition to, including, also, too
  2. Used to introduce an additional comment or interjection.
    • example - if it came to a choice—and this was the worst thing—she would turn her back on her parents
    • synonyms - as well as, together with, along with, in addition to, added to, and, not to mention, besides, coupled with, with
  3. Used after some verbs and before another verb to indicate intention, instead of ‘to’
noun
  • A Boolean operator which gives the value one if and only if all the operands are one, and otherwise has a value of zero.
/ˈaŋɡə/
noun
  • A strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or hostility.
    • example - she could barely restrain her anger at this comment
    • synonyms - annoyance, vexation, exasperation, crossness, irritation, irritability, indignation, pique, displeasure, resentment
verb
  • Fill (someone) with anger; provoke anger in.
    • example - she was angered by his terse answer
    • synonyms - annoy, irritate, exasperate, irk, vex, put out, provoke, pique, gall, displease
/ˈaŋɡ(ə)l/
noun
  1. The space (usually measured in degrees) between two intersecting lines or surfaces at or close to the point where they meet.
    • example - in any triangle, the longest side is opposite the largest angle
  2. A particular way of approaching or considering an issue or problem.
    • example - discussing the problems from every conceivable angle
    • synonyms - perspective, way of looking at something, point of view, viewpoint, standpoint, position, side, aspect, slant, direction, approach, outlook, light
  3. Each of the four cardinal points of a chart, from which the first, fourth, seventh, and tenth houses extend anticlockwise respectively.
    • example - The horary chart had fixed signs on all four angles.
  4. Angle iron or a similar constructional material made of another metal.
    • example - the supporting frame is usually of aluminium angle bolted together
verb
  • Direct or incline at an angle.
    • example - he angled his chair so that he could watch her
    • synonyms - tilt, slant
/ˈaŋɡri/
adjective
  • Feeling or showing strong annoyance, displeasure, or hostility; full of anger.
    • example - an angry customer
    • synonyms - irate, annoyed, cross, vexed, irritated, exasperated, indignant, aggrieved, irked, piqued, displeased, provoked, galled, resentful
/ˈanɪm(ə)l/
noun
  • A living organism that feeds on organic matter, typically having specialized sense organs and nervous system and able to respond rapidly to stimuli.
    • example - wild animals adapt badly to a caged life
    • synonyms - animal, beast, brute
adjective
  1. Relating to or characteristic of animals.
    • example - the evolution of animal life
  2. Relating to or denoting the pole or extremity of an embryo that contains the more active cytoplasm in the early stages of development.
    • example - In a similar fashion, the final stage of animal cytokinesis is based on de novo formation of the plasma membrane via the interdigitating microtubules known as the midbody.
/ˈaŋk(ə)l/
noun
  • The joint connecting the foot with the leg.
    • example - Jennie fell downstairs, breaking her ankle
verb
  1. Walk.
  2. Flex the ankles while cycling in order to increase pedalling efficiency.
    • example - at higher cadences, the feet tend to flap when you are attempting to ankle
/anɪˈvəːs(ə)ri/
noun
  • The date on which an event took place or an institution was founded in a previous year.
    • example - the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Britain
    • synonyms - jubilee, commemoration
/əˈnaʊns/
verb
  • Make a formal public statement about a fact, occurrence, or intention.
    • example - the President"s office announced that the siege would be lifted
    • synonyms - make public, make known, report, issue a statement about, declare, state, set forth, give out, put out, post, notify, give notice of, publicize, broadcast, publish, advertise, circulate, proclaim, promulgate, trumpet, noise abroad
/əˈnaʊnsm(ə)nt/
noun
  • A formal public statement about a fact, occurrence, or intention.
    • example - the minister was about to make an announcement
    • synonyms - statement, report, declaration, proclamation, pronouncement
/əˈnɔɪ/
verb
  1. Make (someone) a little angry; irritate.
    • example - the decision really annoyed him
    • synonyms - irritate, vex, make angry, make cross, anger, exasperate, irk, gall, pique, put out, displease, get someone"s back up, put someone"s back up, antagonize, get on someone"s nerves, rub up the wrong way, ruffle, ruffle someone"s feathers, make someone"s hackles rise, raise someone"s hackles
  2. Harm or attack repeatedly.
/əˈnɔɪd/
adjective
  • Slightly angry; irritated.
    • example - Kelly was annoyed with him
/əˈnɔɪɪŋ/
adjective
  • Causing irritation or annoyance.
    • example - annoying habits
    • synonyms - irritating, infuriating, exasperating, maddening, trying, tiresome, troublesome, bothersome, irksome, vexing, vexatious, galling, provoking, displeasing
/ˈanjʊəl/
adjective
  • Occurring once every year.
    • example - the sponsored walk became an annual event
    • synonyms - yearly, once-a-year, every twelve months
noun
  1. A book or magazine that is published once a year under the same title but with different contents.
    • example - a Christmas annual
  2. An annual plant.
    • example - sow annuals in spring
/əˈnʌðə/
determiner
  1. Used to refer to an additional person or thing of the same type as one already mentioned or known about; one more; a further.
    • example - have another drink
    • synonyms - one more, a further, an additional, a second
  2. Used to refer to a different person or thing from one already mentioned or known about.
    • example - come back another day
    • synonyms - different, other, another, second, possible, substitute, replacement
pronoun
  1. An additional person or thing of the same type as one already mentioned or known about.
    • example - the British poet Philip Larkin is another of his favourite writers
    • synonyms - a different, some other, not the same, an alternative
  2. A different person or thing from one already mentioned or known about.
    • example - they kept moving from one place to another
/ˈɑːnsə/
noun
  1. A thing that is said, written, or done as a reaction to a question, statement, or situation.
    • example - he knocked and entered without waiting for an answer
    • synonyms - reply, response, rejoinder, return, reaction
  2. A solution to a problem or dilemma.
    • example - the answer to poverty and unemployment is a properly funded range of services
    • synonyms - solution, remedy, way of solving the problem, way out
  3. A person or thing regarded as the equivalent to a better-known one from another place.
    • example - the press called her Britain"s answer to Marilyn Monroe
    • synonyms - counterpart, parallel, alternative, match, complement, analogue, double, twin, opposite number
verb
  1. Say or write something as a reaction to someone or something.
    • example - ‘Of course I can,’ she answered
    • synonyms - reply, respond, say in response, speak in response, make a rejoinder, rejoin
  2. Act in reaction to (a sound such as a phone ringing or a knock or ring on a door)
    • example - Digby answered the door
  3. Defend oneself against (a charge, accusation, or criticism)
    • example - he said he would return to Spain to answer all charges
    • synonyms - rebut, refute, defend oneself against
  4. Be suitable for fulfilling (a need); satisfy.
    • example - entrepreneurship is necessary to answer the needs of national and international markets
    • synonyms - satisfy, meet, fulfil, fill, serve, suit, measure up to, match up to
/ˈaŋ(k)ʃəs/
adjective
  1. Feeling or showing worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome.
    • example - she was extremely anxious about her exams
    • synonyms - worried, concerned, apprehensive, fearful, uneasy, ill at ease, perturbed, troubled, disquieted, bothered, disturbed, distressed, fretful, fretting, agitated, in a state of agitation, nervous, in a state of nerves, edgy, on edge, tense, overwrought, worked up, keyed up, strung out, jumpy, afraid, worried sick, with one"s stomach in knots, with one"s heart in one"s mouth, on pins and needles, stressed, under stress, in suspense, flurried
  2. Very eager or concerned to do something or for something to happen.
    • example - the company was anxious to avoid any trouble
    • synonyms - eager, keen, desirous, impatient, itching, longing, yearning, aching, dying
any
/ˈɛni/
determiner
  1. Used to refer to one or some of a thing or number of things, no matter how much or how many.
    • example - I don"t have any choice
    • synonyms - some, a piece of, a part of, a bit of
  2. Used to express a lack of restriction in selecting one of a specified class.
    • example - these constellations are visible at any hour of the night
    • synonyms - the slightest bit of, the smallest amount of, a scrap of, a shred of, a particle of, an atom of, an iota of, a jot of, a whit of
pronoun
  1. One or some of a thing or number of things, no matter how much or how many.
    • example - someone asked him for a match, but Joe didn"t have any
    • synonyms - a single one, one, even one
  2. Whichever of a specified class might be chosen.
    • example - the illness may be due to any of several causes
    • synonyms - a single one, one, even one
adverb
  • At all; in some degree (used for emphasis)
    • example - he wasn"t any good at basketball
    • synonyms - at all, in the least, to any extent, to some extent, somewhat, in any degree, to some degree
/ˈɛnɪbɒdi/
pronoun
  • Anyone.
    • example - there wasn"t anybody around
    • synonyms - anyone, anybody
/ˈɛnɪwʌn/
pronoun
  1. Any person or people.
    • example - there wasn"t anyone there
    • synonyms - anyone, anybody
  2. A person of importance or authority.
    • example - they are read by anyone who"s anyone
/ˈɛnɪθɪŋ/
pronoun
  • Used to refer to a thing, no matter what.
    • example - nobody was saying anything
/ˈɛnɪweɪ/
adverb
  1. Used to confirm or support a point or idea just mentioned.
    • example - I told you, it"s all right, and anyway, it was my fault
    • synonyms - anyway, in any case, in any event, at any rate, at all events, no matter what, regardless
  2. Used to end a conversation, to change the subject, or to resume a subject after interruption.
    • example - ‘Anyway, Dot, I must dash.’
  3. Used to indicate that something happened or will happen in spite of something else.
    • example - nobody invited Miss Honey to sit down but she sat down anyway
    • synonyms - in spite of everything, in spite of that, nonetheless, even so, however, but, still, yet, though, be that as it may, for all that, despite everything, despite that, after everything, having said that, that said, just the same, all the same, at the same time, in any event, come what may, at any rate, notwithstanding, regardless, anyway, anyhow
/ˈɛnɪwɛː/
adverb
  • In or to any place.
    • example - he couldn"t be found anywhere
pronoun
  • Any place.
    • example - he doesn"t have anywhere to live
/əˈpɑːt/
adverb
  1. (of two or more people or things) separated by a specified distance in time or space.
    • example - two stone gateposts some thirty feet apart
    • synonyms - away from each other, distant from each other
  2. To or on one side; at a distance from the main body.
    • example - Isabel stepped away from Joanna and stood apart
    • synonyms - to one side, aside, to the side
  3. So as to be shattered; into pieces.
    • example - he leapt out of the car just before it was blown apart
    • synonyms - to pieces, to bits, in pieces
/əˈpɑːtm(ə)nt/
noun
  • A flat, typically one that is well appointed or used for holidays.
    • example - self-catering holiday apartments
/əˈpɒlədʒʌɪz/
verb
  • Express regret for something that one has done wrong.
    • example - I must apologize for disturbing you like this
    • synonyms - say sorry, express regret, be apologetic, make an apology, ask forgiveness, beg forgiveness, beg someone"s forgiveness, ask for pardon, beg pardon, beg someone"s pardon
app
/ap/
noun
  1. An application, especially as downloaded by a user to a mobile device.
    • example - I"ve just installed the app on my phone
  2. An application or application form.
/əˈpar(ə)nt/
adjective
  1. Clearly visible or understood; obvious.
    • example - for no apparent reason she laughed
    • synonyms - evident, plain, obvious, clear, manifest, visible, discernible, perceptible, perceivable, noticeable, detectable, recognizable, observable
  2. Seeming real or true, but not necessarily so.
    • example - his apparent lack of concern
    • synonyms - seeming, ostensible, outward, superficial, surface, supposed, presumed, so-called, alleged, professed, avowed, declared, claimed, purported, pretended, feigned
/əˈparəntli/
adverb
  • As far as one knows or can see.
    • example - the child nodded, apparently content with the promise
    • synonyms - seemingly, evidently, it seems, it seems that, it would seem, it would seem that, it appears, it appears that, it would appear, it would appear that, as far as one knows, by all accounts, so it seems
/əˈpiːl/
verb
  1. Make a serious, urgent, or heartfelt request.
    • example - police are appealing for information about the incident
    • synonyms - ask earnestly, ask urgently, request earnestly, request urgently, make an earnest request, make an urgent request, call, make a plea, plead, beg
  2. Apply to a higher court for a reversal of the decision of a lower court.
    • example - he said he would appeal against the conviction
  3. Be attractive or interesting.
    • example - the range of topics will appeal to youngsters
    • synonyms - attract, be attractive to, interest, be of interest to, please, take someone"s fancy, charm, engage, fascinate, intrigue, tempt, entice, allure, beguile, lure, invite, draw, whet someone"s appetite
noun
  1. A serious, urgent, or heartfelt request.
    • example - his mother made an appeal for the return of the ring
  2. An application to a higher court for a decision to be reversed.
    • example - he has 28 days in which to lodge an appeal
    • synonyms - retrial, reconsideration, re-examination
  3. A request for donations to support a charity or cause.
    • example - a public appeal to raise £120,000
  4. The quality of being attractive or interesting.
    • example - the popular appeal of football
    • synonyms - attraction, attractiveness, interest, allure, charm, enchantment, fascination, beauty, charisma, magnetism, temptation, seductiveness, drawing power, enticement
/əˈpɪə/
verb
  1. Come into sight; become visible or noticeable, especially without apparent cause.
    • example - smoke appeared on the horizon
    • synonyms - become visible, come into view, come into sight, materialize, take shape
  2. Seem; give the impression of being.
    • example - she appeared not to know what was happening
    • synonyms - seem, look, give the impression of being, have the air of being, have the appearance of being, come across as being, look as though one is, look to be, strike someone as
/əˈpɪər(ə)ns/
noun
  1. The way that someone or something looks.
    • example - she checked her appearance in the mirror
    • synonyms - look, looks, air, aspect, mien, outward form
  2. An act of performing or participating in a public event.
    • example - he is well known for his television appearances
  3. An act of arriving or becoming visible.
    • example - the sudden appearance of her daughter startled her
    • synonyms - arrival, advent, coming, coming into view, emergence, materialization, surfacing
/ˈap(ə)l/
noun
  1. The round fruit of a tree of the rose family, which typically has thin green or red skin and crisp flesh.
    • example - It could be something specific, Victoria plum skins or green apples.
  2. The tree bearing apples, with hard pale timber that is used in carpentry and to smoke food.
    • example - The whole house is covered in Virginia creeper and among the trees are an apple tree, cedar, Japanese cedar and large cypress.
/aplɪˈkeɪʃ(ə)n/
noun
  1. A formal request to be considered for a position or to be allowed to do or have something, submitted to an authority, institution, or organization.
    • example - an application for leave
    • synonyms - request, appeal, petition, entreaty, plea, solicitation, supplication, requisition, suit, approach, inquiry, claim, demand
  2. The action of putting something into operation.
    • example - the application of general rules to particular cases
    • synonyms - implementation, use, exercise, employment, administration, utilization, practice, applying, discharge, exertion, execution, prosecution, enactment, carrying out, accomplishment, putting into operation, putting into practice
  3. The action of applying something to a surface.
    • example - paints suitable for application on fabric
    • synonyms - putting on, rubbing in, spreading, smearing
  4. Sustained effort; hard work.
    • example - the job takes a great deal of patience and application
    • synonyms - diligence, industriousness, industry, assiduity, commitment, dedication, devotion, conscientiousness, perseverance, persistence, tenacity, doggedness, sedulousness
  5. A program or piece of software designed to fulfil a particular purpose.
    • example - a database application
    • synonyms - program, software, routine, use
/əˈplʌɪ/
verb
  1. Make a formal application or request.
    • example - you need to apply to the local authority for a grant
    • synonyms - put in an application, put in, try, bid, appeal, petition, make an entreaty, sue, register, audition
  2. Be applicable or relevant.
    • example - prices do not apply to public holiday periods
    • synonyms - be relevant, have relevance to, have a bearing on, bear on, appertain, pertain, relate, concern, be concerned with, have to do with
  3. Put or spread (a substance) on a surface.
    • example - the sealer can be applied to new wood
    • synonyms - put on, rub in, spread, smear, cover with, work in
  4. Give one"s full attention to a task; work hard.
    • example - for two years, she applied herself to her studies with dedication
    • synonyms - be diligent, be industrious, be assiduous, show commitment, show dedication
/əˈpɔɪntm(ə)nt/
noun
  1. An arrangement to meet someone at a particular time and place.
    • example - she made an appointment with my receptionist
    • synonyms - meeting, engagement, interview, arrangement, consultation, session
  2. An act of assigning a job or position to someone.
    • example - his appointment as President
    • synonyms - nomination, naming, designation, designating, installation, commissioning, engagement, adoption, co-option
  3. Furniture or fittings.
    • example - the room was spartan in its appointments
    • synonyms - furnishings, furniture, units, fixtures, fitments, equipment, appointments, accoutrements, appurtenances
/əˈpriːʃɪeɪt/
verb
  1. Recognize the full worth of.
    • example - she feels that he does not appreciate her
    • synonyms - value, respect, prize, cherish, treasure, admire, hold in high regard, hold in esteem, rate highly, think highly of, think much of, have a high opinion of, set store by, set great store by
  2. Understand (a situation) fully; grasp the full implications of.
    • example - they failed to appreciate the pressure he was under
    • synonyms - acknowledge, recognize, realize, know
  3. Rise in value or price.
    • example - the dollar appreciated against the euro by 15 per cent
    • synonyms - increase, gain, grow, build up, rise, go up, mount, inflate, escalate, soar, rocket
/əˈprəʊtʃ/
verb
  1. Come near or nearer to (someone or something) in distance or time.
    • example - the train approached the main line
    • synonyms - proceed towards, come towards, go towards, advance towards, go near, go nearer, come near, come nearer, draw near, draw nearer, come close, come closer, go close, go closer, draw close, draw closer, move near, move nearer, edge near, edge nearer, near, draw near
  2. Speak to (someone) for the first time about a proposal or request.
    • example - the department had been approached about funding
    • synonyms - speak to, talk to, make conversation with, engage in conversation
  3. Start to deal with (a situation or problem) in a certain way.
    • example - one must approach the matter with caution
    • synonyms - set about, tackle, begin, start, commence, embark on, make a start on, address oneself to, undertake, get down to, launch into, go about, get to grips with
noun
  1. A way of dealing with a situation or problem.
    • example - we need a whole new approach to the job
    • synonyms - attitude, slant, perspective, point of view, viewpoint, outlook, line of attack, line of action
  2. An initial proposal or request made to someone.
    • example - the landowner made an approach to the developer
    • synonyms - proposal, proposition, submission, motion, offer, application, appeal, plea
  3. The action of coming near or nearer to someone or something in distance or time.
    • example - the approach of winter
    • synonyms - advance, coming near, coming nearer, coming, nearing, advent
/əˈprəʊprɪət/
/əˈprəʊprɪeɪt/
adjective
  • Suitable or proper in the circumstances.
    • example - this isn"t the appropriate time or place
    • synonyms - suitable, proper, fitting, apt
verb
  1. Take (something) for one"s own use, typically without the owner"s permission.
    • example - the accused had appropriated the property
    • synonyms - seize, commandeer, expropriate, annex, arrogate, sequestrate, sequester, take possession of, take over, assume, secure, acquire, wrest, usurp, claim, lay claim to, hijack
  2. Devote (money or assets) to a special purpose.
    • example - there can be problems in appropriating funds for legal expenses
    • synonyms - allocate, assign, allot, earmark, set apart, set aside, devote, apportion, budget
/əˈpruːv(ə)l/
noun
  • The action of approving something.
    • example - the road schemes have been given approval
    • synonyms - acceptance, agreement, consent, assent, acquiescence, compliance, concurrence
/əˈpruːv/
verb
  1. Officially agree to or accept as satisfactory.
    • example - the budget was approved by parliament
    • synonyms - accept, agree to, consent to, assent to, acquiesce in, concur in, accede to, give one"s blessing to, bless, give one"s seal of approval to, give one"s stamp of approval to, rubber-stamp, say yes to
  2. Prove; show.
    • example - he approved himself ripe for military command
/əˈprɒksɪmətli/
adverb
  • Used to show that something is almost, but not completely, accurate or exact; roughly.
    • example - a journey of approximately two hours
    • synonyms - roughly, about, around, just about, round about, or so, or thereabouts, more or less, in the neighbourhood of, in the region of, in the area of, in the vicinity of, of the order of, something like, or thereabouts, give or take, give or take a few, in round numbers, rounded down, rounded up
/ˈeɪpr(ɪ)l/
noun
  • The fourth month of the year, in the northern hemisphere usually considered the second month of spring.
    • example - the prison was to close in April
/ˈɑːkɪtɛkt/
noun
  1. A person who is qualified to design buildings and to plan and supervise their construction.
    • example - an architect takes into consideration all of the constraints involved in building a house
    • synonyms - designer, planner, builder, building consultant, draughtsman
  2. A person who designs hardware, software, or networking applications and services of a specified type for a business or other organization.
verb
  • Design and configure (a program or system)
    • example - few software packages were architected with Ethernet access in mind
/ˈɑːkɪtɛktʃə/
noun
  1. The art or practice of designing and constructing buildings.
    • example - schools of architecture and design
    • synonyms - building design, planning, building, construction
  2. The complex or carefully designed structure of something.
    • example - the chemical architecture of the human brain
/ˈɛːrɪə/
noun
  1. A region or part of a town, a country, or the world.
    • example - rural areas of Britain
    • synonyms - district, region, zone, sector, quarter
  2. The extent or measurement of a surface or piece of land.
    • example - the area of a triangle
    • synonyms - expanse, extent, size, scope, compass
  3. A subject or range of activity or interest.
    • example - the key areas of science
    • synonyms - domain, sector, department, province, territory, compartment, line
  4. A sunken enclosure giving access to the basement of a building.
/ˈɑːɡjuː/
verb
  1. Give reasons or cite evidence in support of an idea, action, or theory, typically with the aim of persuading others to share one"s view.
    • example - sociologists argue that inequalities in industrial societies are being reduced
    • synonyms - contend, assert, declare, maintain, state, proclaim, advance, insist, hold, claim, aver, avow, reason, attest, expostulate, testify, swear, certify
  2. Exchange or express diverging or opposite views, typically in a heated or angry way.
    • example - the two men started arguing in a local pub
    • synonyms - quarrel, disagree, row, squabble, bicker, fight, wrangle, dispute, feud, have a row, bandy words, have words, cross swords, lock horns, be at each other"s throats
/ˈɑːɡjʊm(ə)nt/
noun
  1. An exchange of diverging or opposite views, typically a heated or angry one.
    • example - I"ve had an argument with my father
    • synonyms - quarrel, disagreement, squabble, fight, difference of opinion, dispute, wrangle, clash, altercation, feud, dissension, war of words, contretemps, exchange of views
  2. A reason or set of reasons given in support of an idea, action or theory.
    • example - there is a strong argument for submitting a formal appeal
    • synonyms - reasoning, line of reasoning, logic, case
  3. An independent variable associated with a function or proposition and determining its value. For example, in the expression y = F(x₁, x₂), the arguments of the function F are x₁ and x₂, and the value is y.
    • example - Abel"s theorem states that any such sum can be expressed as a fixed number p of these integrals, with integration arguments that are algebraic functions of the original arguments.
  4. Any of the noun phrases in a clause that are related directly to the verb, typically the subject, direct object, and indirect object.
    • example - It does not contain a semantic predicate, either, because the anaphor is not an argument of the verb.
  5. A summary of the subject matter of a book.
    • synonyms - theme, topic, subject matter
/əˈrʌɪz/
verb
  1. (of a problem, opportunity, or situation) emerge; become apparent.
    • example - new difficulties had arisen
    • synonyms - come to light, become apparent, make an appearance, appear, emerge, crop up, turn up, come about, surface, spring up, enter into the picture
  2. Get or stand up.
    • example - he arose at 9.30
    • synonyms - stand up, rise, get to one"s feet, get up, jump up, leap up, spring up
arm
/ɑːm/
noun
  1. Each of the two upper limbs of the human body from the shoulder to the hand.
    • example - she held the baby in her arms
    • synonyms - upper limb, forelimb, appendage
  2. A thing comparable to an arm in form or function, typically something that projects from a larger structure.
    • example - cables will secure the boom to steel arms installed near the top of the tower
  3. A branch or division of a company or organization.
    • example - the political arm of the separatist group
    • synonyms - branch, section, department, division, subdivision, wing, sector, chapter, lodge, detachment, agency, office, bureau, offshoot, satellite, extension
  4. Each of the lines enclosing an angle.
    • example - One of the arms of angle [alpha] and one of the arms of angle [beta] are extended by the same amount.
/ɑːmd/
adjective
  1. Equipped with or carrying a firearm or firearms.
    • example - heavily armed troops
    • synonyms - fighting, service, army, armed, defence, warrior, soldierly, soldier-like, martial
  2. Having claws, a beak, etc. of a specified tincture.
/ɑːmz/
plural noun
  1. Weapons; armaments.
    • example - arms and ammunition
    • synonyms - weapons, weapons of war, weaponry, firearms, guns, ordnance, cannon, artillery, armaments, munitions, instruments of war, war machines, military supplies, materiel
  2. Distinctive emblems or devices originally borne on shields in battle and now forming the heraldic insignia of families, corporations, or countries.
    • synonyms - crest, emblem, heraldic device, coat of arms, armorial bearing, insignia, escutcheon, shield, heraldry, blazonry
/ˈɑːmi/
noun
  1. An organized military force equipped for fighting on land.
    • example - the two armies were in position
    • synonyms - armed force, fighting force, defence force, military force, the military, land force, soldiery, infantry, militia, horde
  2. A large number of people or things.
    • example - an army of photographers
    • synonyms - crowd, swarm, multitude, horde, host, mob, gang, throng, stream, mass, body, band, troop, legion, flock, herd, pack, drove, sea, array
/əˈraʊnd/
adverb
  1. Located or situated on every side.
    • example - the mountains towering all around
    • synonyms - on every side, on all sides, in all directions, throughout, all over, all over the place, everywhere, about, here and there
  2. So as to face in the opposite direction.
    • example - Guy seized her by the shoulders and turned her around
    • synonyms - in the opposite direction, in the reverse direction, to face the other way, backwards, to the rear
  3. In or to many places throughout a locality.
    • example - word got around that he was on the verge of retirement
  4. Aimlessly or unsystematically; here and there.
    • example - one of them was glancing nervously around
    • synonyms - from place to place, around, about, to and fro, hither and thither, back and forth, in all directions, from pillar to post
  5. Present, living, in the vicinity, or in active use.
    • example - there was no one around
    • synonyms - nearby, near, about, close by, close, at hand, close at hand, in the vicinity, in the neighbourhood, on the doorstep, round the corner, just round the corner, within reach, within easy reach, at close range, hard by
  6. (used with a number or quantity) approximately.
    • example - software costs would be around £1,500
    • synonyms - approximately, about, round about, roughly, in the region of, something like, in the area of, in the neighbourhood of, of the order of, or so, or thereabouts, there or thereabouts, more or less, give or take a few, plus or minus a few
preposition
  1. On every side of.
    • example - the palazzo is built around a courtyard
    • synonyms - on every side of, on all sides of, about, circling, encircling, surrounding, encompassing, framing
  2. In or to many places throughout (a community or locality)
    • example - cycling around the village
    • synonyms - all over, about, here and there in, everywhere in, in all parts of, to all parts of
  3. So as to pass (a place or object) in a curved or approximately circular route.
    • example - he walked around the airfield
  4. So as to encircle or embrace (someone or something)
    • example - he put his arm around her
    • synonyms - on every side of, on all sides of, about, circling, encircling, surrounding, encompassing, framing
/əˈreɪn(d)ʒ/
verb
  1. Put (things) in a neat, attractive, or required order.
    • example - she had just finished arranging the flowers
    • synonyms - put in order, order, set out, lay out, spread out, array, present, put out, display, exhibit, group, sort, organize, tidy, position, dispose
  2. Organize or make plans for (a future event)
    • example - they hoped to arrange a meeting
    • synonyms - organize, fix, plan, schedule, pencil in, devise, contrive
  3. Adapt (a musical composition) for performance with instruments or voices other than those originally specified.
    • example - songs arranged for viola and piano
    • synonyms - adapt, set, score, orchestrate, instrument, harmonize
  4. Settle (a dispute or claim)
    • synonyms - put in order, sort out, straighten out, tidy up, order, arrange, organize, adjust, clear up, set to rights, regulate, systematize
/əˈreɪn(d)ʒm(ə)nt/
noun
  1. The action, process, or result of arranging or being arranged.
    • example - the arrangement of the furniture in the room
    • synonyms - positioning, disposition, marshalling, ranging, ordering
  2. A plan or preparation for a future event.
    • example - all the arrangements for the wedding were made
    • synonyms - arrangements, planning, plans, provision, preparatory measures, preliminaries, necessary steps, groundwork, spadework, foundation, gearing up
  3. A musical composition arranged for performance with instruments or voices differing from those originally specified.
    • example - Mozart"s symphonies in arrangements for cello and piano
    • synonyms - adaptation, setting, scoring, orchestration, instrumentation, reduction, harmonization
  4. A settlement of a dispute or claim.
/əˈrɛst/
verb
  1. Seize (someone) by legal authority and take them into custody.
    • example - the police arrested him for possession of marijuana
    • synonyms - apprehend, take into custody, seize, take in, take prisoner, detain, put in jail, throw in jail
  2. Stop or check (progress or a process)
    • example - the spread of the disease can be arrested
    • synonyms - stop, halt, end, bring to a standstill, check, block, hinder, hamper, delay, hold up, hold back, restrict, limit, interrupt, prevent, obstruct, inhibit, impede, interfere with, thwart, balk, curb, put a brake on, slow, slow down, retard, nip in the bud
  3. Attract the attention of (someone)
    • example - the church"s stillness arrested her
    • synonyms - attract, capture, catch, catch hold of, hold, grip, engage
noun
  1. The action of seizing someone and taking them into custody.
    • example - I have a warrant for your arrest
    • synonyms - detention, apprehension, seizure, capture, taking into custody
  2. A stoppage or sudden cessation of motion.
    • example - a respiratory arrest
    • synonyms - stoppage, halt, interruption
/əˈrʌɪv(ə)l/
noun
  • The action or process of arriving.
    • example - Ruth"s arrival in New York
    • synonyms - coming, advent, appearance, entrance, entry, materialization, approach
/əˈrʌɪv/
verb
  1. Reach a place at the end of a journey or a stage in a journey.
    • example - we arrived at his house and knocked at the door
    • synonyms - come, get here, get there, reach one"s destination, make it, appear, put in an appearance, make an appearance, come on the scene, come up, approach, enter, present oneself, turn up, be along, come along, materialize
  2. (of an event or a particular moment) happen or come.
    • example - we will be in touch with them when the time arrives
    • synonyms - happen, occur, take place, come about, transpire, ensue, present itself, crop up
  3. Reach (a conclusion or decision)
    • example - they arrived at the same conclusion
    • synonyms - achieve, attain, reach, gain, accomplish
  4. (of a baby) be born.
    • example - he will feel jealous when a new baby arrives
  5. Achieve success or recognition.
    • synonyms - succeed, achieve success, be successful, be a success, do well, get ahead, reach the top, make good, prosper, flourish, thrive, advance, triumph, be victorious, break through, become famous, achieve recognition
art
/ɑːt/
noun
  1. The expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.
    • example - the art of the Renaissance
    • synonyms - fine art, artwork, creative activity
  2. The various branches of creative activity, such as painting, music, literature, and dance.
    • example - the visual arts
  3. Subjects of study primarily concerned with human creativity and social life, such as languages, literature, and history (as contrasted with scientific or technical subjects)
    • example - the belief that the arts and sciences were incompatible
  4. A skill at doing a specified thing, typically one acquired through practice.
    • example - the art of conversation
    • synonyms - skill, craft, technique
/ˈɑːtɪk(ə)l/
noun
  1. A particular item or object.
    • example - small household articles
    • synonyms - object, thing, item, unit, artefact, piece of merchandise, commodity, product
  2. A piece of writing included with others in a newspaper, magazine, or other publication.
    • example - an article about middle-aged executives
    • synonyms - essay, report, account, story, write-up, feature, item, piece, piece of writing, composition, column, paper, tract, study, review, commentary, treatise, analysis, disquisition, discourse
  3. A separate clause or paragraph of a legal document or agreement, typically one outlining a single rule or regulation.
    • example - it is an offence under Article 7 of the Treaty
    • synonyms - clause, section, subsection, point, item, paragraph, division, subdivision, heading, part, bit, passage, portion, segment
  4. A period of training with a firm as a solicitor, architect, surveyor, or accountant.
    • example - he is already in articles
  5. The definite or indefinite article.
    • example - Literally translated into English, without articles, definite or indefinite, it becomes ‘return home occasional book’.
verb
  • Bind (a trainee solicitor, architect, surveyor, or accountant) to undergo a period of training with a firm in order to become qualified.
    • example - he was articled to a firm of solicitors in York
/ɑːtɪˈfɪʃ(ə)l/
adjective
  1. Made or produced by human beings rather than occurring naturally, especially as a copy of something natural.
    • example - her skin glowed in the artificial light
    • synonyms - artificial, synthetic, manufactured, machine-made, fabricated
  2. (of a person or their behaviour) insincere or affected.
    • example - she gave an artificial smile
    • synonyms - feigned, insincere, false, affected, mannered, unnatural, stilted, contrived, pretended, put-on, exaggerated, actorly, overdone, overripe, forced, laboured, strained, hollow, spurious
  3. (of a bid) conventional as opposed to natural.
    • example - the Italian team began with an artificial club
/ˈɑːtɪst/
noun
  1. A person who creates paintings or drawings as a profession or hobby.
    • example - There he met all the other famous artists like Henri Matisse, Joan Miro and George Braques.
    • synonyms - creator, originator, designer, producer, fine artist
  2. A person who habitually practises a specified reprehensible activity.
/ɑːˈtɪstɪk/
adjective
  • Having or revealing natural creative skill.
    • example - my lack of artistic ability
    • synonyms - creative, imaginative, inventive, original
as
/az/
/əz/
adverb
  • Used in comparisons to refer to the extent or degree of something.
    • example - go as fast as you can
conjunction
  1. Used to indicate that something happens during the time when something else is taking place.
    • example - Frank watched him as he ambled through the crowd
    • synonyms - while, just as, even as, at the time that, at the same time that, at the moment that, during the time that, just when
  2. Used to indicate by comparison the way that something happens or is done.
    • example - they can do as they wish
    • synonyms - in the way that, in the same way that, the way, the same way, in the manner that, in the same manner that
  3. Because; since.
    • example - I must stop now as I have to go out
    • synonyms - because, since, seeing that, seeing as, considering that, on account of the fact that, in view of the fact that, owing to the fact that
  4. Even though.
    • example - sweet as he is, he doesn"t pay his bills
    • synonyms - although, though, even if, even though, in spite of the fact that, despite the fact that, notwithstanding the fact that, notwithstanding that, for all that, while, whilst, albeit, however
preposition
  1. Used to refer to the function or character that someone or something has.
    • example - it came as a shock
    • synonyms - in the guise of, with the appearance of, in the character of, so as to appear to be
  2. During the time of being (the thing specified)
    • example - he had often been ill as a child
/əˈʃeɪmd/
adjective
  • Embarrassed or guilty because of one"s actions, characteristics, or associations.
    • example - you should be ashamed of yourself
    • synonyms - sorry, shamefaced, abashed, sheepish, guilty, conscience-stricken, guilt-ridden, contrite, remorseful, repentant, penitent, hangdog, regretful, rueful, apologetic
ask
/ɑːsk/
verb
  1. Say something in order to obtain an answer or some information.
    • example - I asked her what she meant
    • synonyms - inquire, inquire of, query, want to know, question, put a question to, interrogate, quiz, cross-question, cross-examine, catechize
  2. Say to (someone) that one wants them to do or give something.
    • example - Mary asked her father for money
    • synonyms - request, demand, appeal to, apply to, petition, call on, entreat, beg, implore, exhort, urge, enjoin, importune, pray, solicit, beseech, plead with, sue, supplicate
  3. Invite (someone) to one"s home or a function.
    • example - it"s about time we asked Pam to dinner
    • synonyms - invite, bid, have someone over, have someone round, summon
noun
  1. A demand or situation that requires a specified degree of effort or commitment.
  2. A request, especially for a donation.
/əˈsliːp/
adjective
  • In a state of sleep.
    • example - she had been asleep for over three hours
    • synonyms - sleeping, fast asleep, sound asleep, slumbering, napping, catnapping, dozing, resting, reposing, drowsing, dormant, comatose
/ˈaspɛkt/
noun
  1. A particular part or feature of something.
    • example - personal effectiveness in all aspects of life
    • synonyms - feature, facet, side, characteristic, particular, detail, point, ingredient, strand
  2. The positioning of a building or other structure in a particular direction.
    • example - a greenhouse with a southern aspect
    • synonyms - outlook, view, exposure, direction, situation, position, location
  3. A category or form which expresses the way in which time is denoted by a verb.
    • example - the semantics of tense and aspect
verb
  • (of a planet) form an aspect with (another celestial body)
    • example - the sun is superbly aspected by your ruler Mars on the 19th
/əˈsɛs/
verb
  • Evaluate or estimate the nature, ability, or quality of.
    • example - the committee must assess the relative importance of the issues
    • synonyms - evaluate, judge, gauge, rate, estimate, appraise, form an opinion of, check out, form an impression of, make up one"s mind about, get the measure of, determine, weigh up, analyse
/əˈsɛsmənt/
noun
  • The action of assessing someone or something.
    • example - the assessment of educational needs
    • synonyms - evaluation, judgement, gauging, rating, estimation, appraisal, opinion, analysis
/əˈsʌɪnm(ə)nt/
noun
  1. A task or piece of work allocated to someone as part of a job or course of study.
    • example - a homework assignment
    • synonyms - task, piece of work, piece of business, job, duty, chore, charge, labour, function, commission, mission, errand, engagement, occupation, undertaking, exercise, business, office, responsibility, detail, endeavour, enterprise
  2. The allocation of someone or something as belonging to a particular group or category.
    • example - the assignment of individuals to particular social positions
    • synonyms - allocation, allotment, issuing, issuance, awarding, grant, granting, administration, earmarking, designation, setting aside, budgeting
  3. An act of making a legal transfer of a right or liability.
    • example - an assignment of leasehold property
    • synonyms - transfer, making over, giving, passing on, handing down, conveyance, consignment, alienation
/əˈsɪst/
verb
  • Help (someone), typically by doing a share of the work.
    • example - a senior academic would assist him in his work
    • synonyms - help, aid, abet, lend a hand to, lend a helping hand to, give assistance to, be of use to, oblige, accommodate, serve, be of service to, do someone a service, do someone a favour, do someone a good turn, bail someone out, come to someone"s rescue
noun
  • An act of giving help, typically by providing money.
    • example - the budget must have an assist from tax policies
/əˈsɪst(ə)nt/
noun
  • A person who ranks below a senior person.
    • example - the managing director and his assistant
    • synonyms - subordinate, deputy, auxiliary, second, second in command, number two, lieutenant, right-hand man, right-hand woman, wingman, aide, personal assistant, PA, attendant, mate, apprentice, junior
/əˈsəʊʃɪeɪt/
/əˈsəʊʃɪət/
verb
  • Connect (someone or something) with something else in one"s mind.
    • example - I associated wealth with freedom
    • synonyms - link, connect, couple, relate, identify, equate, bracket, think of together
noun
  1. A partner or companion in business or at work.
    • example - a close associate of the Minister
    • synonyms - partner, colleague, co-worker, fellow worker, workmate, compatriot, comrade, friend, ally, supporter, wingman, confederate, connection, contact, acquaintance
  2. A person with limited or subordinate membership of an organization.
    • example - an Associate of the Linnaean Society
    • synonyms - subscriber, associate, representative, attender, insider, fellow, comrade, adherent, life member, founder member, card-carrying member
  3. A concept connected with another.
    • example - the patient was asked to commit to memory a list of five paired associates
adjective
  • Connected with an organization or business.
    • example - an associate company
/əˈsəʊʃɪeɪtɪd/
adjective
  • (of a person or thing) connected with something else.
    • example - two associated events
    • synonyms - related, connected, linked, correlated, analogous, similar, alike, kindred, corresponding
/əsəʊʃɪˈeɪʃ(ə)n/
/əsəʊsɪˈeɪʃ(ə)n/
noun
  1. (often in names) a group of people organized for a joint purpose.
    • example - the National Association of Probation Officers
    • synonyms - alliance, consortium, coalition, union, league, guild, syndicate, corporation, federation, confederation, confederacy, conglomerate, cooperative, partnership, amalgamation, merger
  2. A connection or cooperative link between people or organizations.
    • example - he developed a close association with the university
    • synonyms - relationship, relation, interrelation, connection, interconnection, link, bond, tie, attachment, interdependence, union
  3. A mental connection between things.
    • example - the word bureaucracy has unpleasant associations
/əˈsjuːm/
verb
  1. Suppose to be the case, without proof.
    • example - topics which assume detailed knowledge of local events
    • synonyms - presume, suppose, take it, take for granted, take as read, take it as given, presuppose, conjecture, surmise, conclude, come to the conclusion, deduce, infer, draw the inference, reckon, reason, guess, imagine, think, fancy, suspect, expect, accept, believe, be of the opinion, understand, be given to understand, gather, glean
  2. Take or begin to have (power or responsibility)
    • example - he assumed full responsibility for all organizational work
    • synonyms - accept, shoulder, bear, undertake, take on, take up, take on oneself, manage, handle, deal with, get to grips with, turn one"s hand to
  3. Begin to have (a specified quality, appearance, or extent)
    • example - militant activity had assumed epidemic proportions
    • synonyms - acquire, take on, adopt, come to have
at
/at/
/ət/
preposition
  1. Expressing location or arrival in a particular place or position.
    • example - they live at Conway House
  2. Expressing the time when an event takes place.
    • example - the children go to bed at nine o"clock
  3. Denoting a particular point or level on a scale.
    • example - prices start at £18,500
  4. Expressing a particular state or condition.
    • example - his ready smile put her at ease
  5. Expressing the object of a look, thought, action, or plan.
    • example - I looked at my watch
  6. Expressing the means by which something is done.
    • example - holding a prison officer at knifepoint
/ˈaθliːt/
noun
  • A person who is proficient in sports and other forms of physical exercise.
    • example - he had the broad-shouldered build of a natural athlete
    • synonyms - sportswoman, sportsman, sportsperson
/ˈatməsfɪə/
noun
  1. The envelope of gases surrounding the earth or another planet.
    • example - part of the sun"s energy is absorbed by the earth"s atmosphere
    • synonyms - air, aerosphere, airspace, sky
  2. The pervading tone or mood of a place, situation, or creative work.
    • example - the hotel has won commendations for its friendly, welcoming atmosphere
    • synonyms - ambience, aura, climate, air, mood, feel, feeling, character, tone, overtone, undertone, tenor, spirit, quality, aspect, element, undercurrent, flavour, colour, colouring, look, impression, suggestion, emanation
/əˈtatʃ/
verb
  1. Join or fasten (something) to something else.
    • example - attach your safety line to the bridge
    • synonyms - fasten, fix, affix, join, connect, couple, link, secure, make fast, tie, tie up, bind, fetter, strap, rope, tether, truss, lash, hitch, moor, anchor, yoke, chain
  2. Attribute importance or value to.
    • example - he doesn"t attach too much importance to fixed ideas
    • synonyms - lay, pin, place, impose, fix
  3. Seize (a person or property) by legal authority.
    • example - the Earl Marshal attached Gloucester for high treason
    • synonyms - seize, confiscate, commandeer, requisition, appropriate, expropriate, take possession of, take away, take, sequester, sequestrate
/əˈtak/
verb
  1. Take aggressive military action against (a place or enemy forces) with weapons or armed force.
    • example - in February the Germans attacked Verdun
    • synonyms - begin an assault, charge, pounce, strike, begin hostilities, ambush
  2. Criticize or oppose fiercely and publicly.
    • example - he attacked the government"s defence policy
    • synonyms - criticize, censure, condemn, castigate, chastise, lambast, pillory, savage, find fault with, fulminate against, abuse
  3. Begin to deal with (a problem or task) in a determined and vigorous way.
    • example - a plan of action to attack unemployment
    • synonyms - attend to, address, see to, deal with, grapple with, confront, direct one"s attention to, focus on, concentrate on, apply oneself to
  4. (in sport) make a forceful attempt to score a goal or point or otherwise gain an advantage against an opposing team or player.
    • example - Crystal Palace attacked swiftly down the left
  5. (of a reagent or reactive species) approach and interact with (an atom, group, or bond in a molecule), thereby breaking a bond or forming a new bond.
noun
  1. An aggressive and violent act against a person or place.
    • example - he was killed in an attack on a checkpoint
    • synonyms - assault, onslaught, offensive, strike, blitz, raid, sortie, sally, storming, charge, rush, drive, push, thrust, invasion, incursion, inroad
  2. An instance of fierce public criticism or opposition.
    • example - he launched a stinging attack on the Prime Minister
    • synonyms - criticism, censure, rebuke, admonition, admonishment, reprimand, reproval
  3. A sudden short bout of an illness or stress.
    • example - an attack of nausea
    • synonyms - fit, seizure, spasm, convulsion, paroxysm, outburst, flare-up
  4. (in sport) an aggressive attempt to score a goal or point or otherwise gain an advantage.
    • example - a Cardiff attack broke down inside Llanelli"s 22
/əˈtɛm(p)t/
verb
  • Make an effort to achieve or complete (something difficult)
    • example - she attempted a comeback in 2001
    • synonyms - try, strive, aim, venture, endeavour, seek, set out, do one"s best, do all one can, do one"s utmost, make an effort, make every effort, spare no effort, give one"s all, take it on oneself
noun
  • An effort to achieve or complete a difficult task or action.
    • example - an attempt to halt the bombings
    • synonyms - effort, endeavour, try, bid, venture, trial, experiment
/əˈtɛnd/
verb
  1. Be present at (an event, meeting, or function)
    • example - the whole sales force attended the conference
    • synonyms - be present at, be at, be there at, sit in on, take part in
  2. Deal with.
    • example - he muttered that he had business to attend to
    • synonyms - deal with, cope with, see to, address, manage, organize, orchestrate, make arrangements for, sort out, handle, take care of, take charge of, take responsibility for, take in hand, take forward, take up, undertake, tackle, give one"s attention to, apply oneself to
  3. Escort and wait on (a member of royalty or other important person)
    • example - Her Royal Highness was attended by Mrs Jane Stevens
    • synonyms - escort, accompany, guard, chaperone, squire, convoy, guide, lead, conduct, usher, shepherd, follow, shadow
  4. Occur with or as a result of.
    • example - people feared that the switch to a peacetime economy would be attended by a severe slump
    • synonyms - be accompanied by, be associated with, be connected with, be linked with, go hand in hand with
/əˈtɛnʃ(ə)n/
noun
  1. Notice taken of someone or something; the regarding of someone or something as interesting or important.
    • example - he drew attention to three spelling mistakes
    • synonyms - awareness, notice, observation, consciousness, heed, recognition, regard, scrutiny, surveillance, attentiveness
  2. The action of dealing with or taking special care of someone or something.
    • example - her business needed her attention
    • synonyms - observation, attentiveness, intentness, notice, concentration, heed, heedfulness, mindfulness, regard, scrutiny
  3. A position assumed by a soldier, standing very straight with the feet together and the arms straight down the sides of the body.
    • example - Saunders stood stolidly to attention
/ˈatɪtjuːd/
noun
  1. A settled way of thinking or feeling about something.
    • example - he was questioned on his attitude to South Africa
    • synonyms - point of view, view, viewpoint, vantage point, frame of mind, way of thinking, way of looking at things, school of thought, outlook, angle, slant, perspective, reaction, stance, standpoint, position, inclination, orientation, approach
  2. Truculent or uncooperative behaviour.
  3. The orientation of an aircraft or spacecraft, relative to the direction of travel.
    • example - Although the pilot cannot deliberately overshoot the attitude limitation, the aircraft can.
/əˈtrakt/
verb
  • Cause to come to a place or participate in a venture by offering something of interest or advantage.
    • example - a campaign to attract more visitors to Shetland
/əˈtrakʃ(ə)n/
noun
  • The action or power of evoking interest in or liking for someone or something.
    • example - the timeless attraction of a good tune
    • synonyms - appeal, attractiveness, desirability, seductiveness, seduction, allure, allurement, magnetism, animal magnetism, sexual magnetism, charisma, charm, beauty, good looks, glamour, magic, spell
/əˈtraktɪv/
adjective
  • Pleasing or appealing to the senses.
    • example - an attractive village
/ˈɔːdɪəns/
noun
  1. The assembled spectators or listeners at a public event such as a play, film, concert, or meeting.
    • example - he asked for questions from members of the audience
    • synonyms - spectators, listeners, viewers, onlookers, concertgoers, theatregoers, patrons
  2. A formal interview with a person in authority.
    • example - he demanded an audience with the Pope
    • synonyms - meeting, discussion, conference, question and answer session, examination, evaluation, interrogation
  3. Formal hearing.
    • synonyms - meeting, consultation, conference, hearing, reception, interview, question and answer session, exchange, dialogue, discussion
/ɔːˈɡʌst/
adjective
  • Respected and impressive.
    • example - she was in august company
    • synonyms - distinguished, respected, eminent, venerable, hallowed, illustrious, prestigious, renowned, celebrated, honoured, acclaimed, esteemed, exalted, highly regarded, well thought of, of distinction, of repute
/ɑːnt/
noun
  • The sister of one"s father or mother or the wife of one"s uncle.
    • example - she was brought up by her aunt and uncle
    • synonyms - relative, relation, blood relation, blood relative, family member, one"s own flesh and blood, next of kin
/ˈɔːθə/
noun
  • A writer of a book, article, or document.
    • example - he is the author of several books on the subject
    • synonyms - writer, man of letters, woman of letters, wordsmith
verb
  • Be the author of (a book or piece of writing)
    • example - she has authored several articles on wildlife
/ɔːˈθɒrɪti/
noun
  1. The power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience.
    • example - he had absolute authority over his subordinates
    • synonyms - power, jurisdiction, command, control, mastery, charge, dominance, dominion, rule, sovereignty, ascendancy, supremacy, domination
  2. A person or organization having political or administrative power and control.
    • example - health authorities issued a worldwide alert
    • synonyms - officials, officialdom, the people in charge, the government, the administration, the establishment, the bureaucracy, the system
  3. The power to influence others, especially because of one"s commanding manner or one"s recognized knowledge about something.
    • example - he has the natural authority of one who is used to being obeyed
    • synonyms - power, jurisdiction, command, control, mastery, charge, dominance, dominion, rule, sovereignty, ascendancy, supremacy, domination
/ˈɔːtəm/
noun
  • The season after summer and before winter, in the northern hemisphere from September to November and in the southern hemisphere from March to May.
    • example - the countryside is ablaze with colour in autumn
    • synonyms - decline, waning, downturn, ebb
/əˈveɪləb(ə)l/
adjective
  • Able to be used or obtained; at someone"s disposal.
    • example - refreshments will be available all afternoon
    • synonyms - obtainable, accessible, to be had, ready for use, at hand, to hand, at one"s disposal, at one"s fingertips, within easy reach, handy, convenient
/ˈav(ə)rɪdʒ/
noun
  1. A number expressing the central or typical value in a set of data, in particular the mode, median, or (most commonly) the mean, which is calculated by dividing the sum of the values in the set by their number.
    • example - the proportion of over-60s is above the EU average of 19 per cent
    • synonyms - mean, median, mode, midpoint, centre
  2. The apportionment of financial liability resulting from loss of or damage to a ship or its cargo.
    • example - Particular average signifies the damage or partial loss happening to the ship, or cargo, or freight.
adjective
  • Constituting the result obtained by adding together several amounts and then dividing this total by the number of amounts.
    • example - the average temperature in May was 4°C below normal
    • synonyms - mean, median, medial, middle
verb
  • Amount to or achieve as an average rate or amount over a period of time; mean.
    • example - annual inflation averaged 2.4 per cent
/əˈvɔɪd/
verb
  1. Keep away from or stop oneself from doing (something)
    • example - avoid excessive exposure to the sun
    • synonyms - keep away from, stay away from, steer clear of, circumvent, give a wide berth to, give something a miss, keep at arm"s length, fight shy of
  2. Repudiate, nullify, or render void (a decree or contract)
    • example - if the original owner had avoided his contract with the rogue, ownership of the goods would have reverted to him
/əˈwɔːd/
verb
  • Give or order the giving of (something) as an official payment, compensation, or prize to (someone)
    • example - he was awarded the Military Cross
    • synonyms - give, grant
noun
  • A prize or other mark of recognition given in honour of an achievement.
    • example - the company"s annual award for high-quality service
    • synonyms - prize, trophy, medal
/əˈwɛː/
adjective
  • Having knowledge or perception of a situation or fact.
    • example - most people are aware of the dangers of sunbathing
    • synonyms - conscious of, acquainted with, informed about, informed of, apprised of, cognizant of, mindful of, sensible of, familiar with, conversant with, no stranger to, alive to, awake to, alert to, sensitive to
/əˈweɪ/
adverb
  1. To or at a distance from a particular place, person, or thing.
    • example - she landed badly, and crawled away
    • synonyms - aside, off, to one side
  2. Into an appropriate place for storage or safekeeping.
    • example - he put away the pistol
    • synonyms - at a distance, apart, isolated
  3. Into non-existence.
    • example - Marie felt her distress ebbing away
    • synonyms - elsewhere, abroad, not at home, not here, gone, absent
  4. Constantly, persistently, or continuously.
    • example - there was Morrissey crooning away
adjective
  • (of a sports fixture) played at the opponents" ground.
    • example - tomorrow night"s away game at Leicester
noun
  • An away match or win.
    • example - It certainly will prove a stark contrast to recent league aways the Hatters have enjoyed at the likes of Molineux, Maine Road and Hillsborough.
/ˈɔːf(ə)l/
adjective
  1. Very bad or unpleasant.
    • example - the place smelled awful
    • synonyms - very unpleasant, disgusting, nasty, terrible, dreadful, ghastly, horrid, horrible, vile, foul, abominable, appalling, atrocious, horrendous, hideous, offensive, objectionable, obnoxious, frightful, loathsome, revolting, repulsive, repellent, repugnant, odious, sickening, nauseating, nauseous
  2. Used to emphasize the extent of something, especially something unpleasant or negative.
    • example - I"ve made an awful fool of myself
  3. Inspiring reverential wonder or fear.
    • example - He is not always the evil, ghoulish, awful, frightening character that sometimes the Satanists would picture him to be.
    • synonyms - awe-inspiring, awesome, impressive, amazing
adverb
  • Awfully; very.
    • synonyms - very, extremely, really, exceedingly, immensely, thoroughly, decidedly, terribly, frightfully, dreadfully, fearfully, exceptionally, uncommonly, remarkably, eminently, extraordinarily, most, positively, particularly