EN Vocabulary - 3000 Words

Common words beginning I

I
/ʌɪ/
crossReference
  • The imaginary quantity equal to the square root of minus one.
ice
/ʌɪs/
noun
  1. Frozen water, a brittle transparent crystalline solid.
    • example - she scraped the ice off the windscreen
    • synonyms - frozen water
  2. An ice cream, ice lolly, or portion of water ice.
    • example - Oh, and there"s treacle tart or very creamy home-made ices for pudding.
    • synonyms - ice cream
  3. Diamonds.
verb
  1. Decorate (a cake or biscuit) with icing.
    • example - If they can"t wait long enough to ice fairy cakes, have some extra that can be eaten immediately.
    • synonyms - cover with icing, glaze
  2. Clinch (something such as a victory or deal).
  3. Kill.
    • synonyms - murder, cause the death of, end the life of, take the life of, do away with, make away with, assassinate, do to death, eliminate, terminate, dispatch, finish off, put to death, execute
/ʌɪˈdɪə/
noun
  1. A thought or suggestion as to a possible course of action.
    • example - the idea of linking pay to performance has caught on
    • synonyms - plan, design, scheme, project, proposal, proposition, suggestion, recommendation, aim, intention, objective, object, purpose, end, goal, target
  2. The aim or purpose.
    • example - I took a job with the idea of getting some money together
    • synonyms - purpose, point, aim, object, objective, goal, intention, end, end in view, design, reason, use, utility, sense, motive
  3. (in Platonic thought) an eternally existing pattern of which individual things in any class are imperfect copies.
    • example - For example, the "Form" or "Idea" of a horse is intelligible, abstract, and applies to all horses.
/ʌɪˈdɪəl/
adjective
  1. Satisfying one"s conception of what is perfect; most suitable.
    • example - the swimming pool is ideal for a quick dip
    • synonyms - perfect, best possible, consummate, supreme, absolute, complete, copybook, flawless, faultless, without fault, exemplary, classic, archetypal, model, ultimate, quintessential
  2. Existing only in the imagination; desirable or perfect but not likely to become a reality.
    • example - in an ideal world, we might have made a different decision
    • synonyms - unattainable, unachievable, impracticable, unworkable, unfeasible
noun
  • A person or thing regarded as perfect.
    • example - you"re my ideal of how a man should be
    • synonyms - perfection, paragon, epitome, ne plus ultra, beau idéal, nonpareil, crème de la crème, the last word, the ultimate, a dream
/ʌɪˈdɛntɪfʌɪ/
verb
  1. Establish or indicate who or what (someone or something) is.
    • example - the judge ordered that the girl should not be identified
    • synonyms - recognize, single out, pick out, spot, point out, pinpoint, pin down, put one"s finger on, put a name to, name, place, know, know again, know by sight, discern, distinguish, discover, find, locate
  2. Associate someone or something closely with; regard as having strong links with.
    • example - he was equivocal about being identified too closely with the peace movement
    • synonyms - associate, link, connect, couple, relate, bracket, think of together
/ʌɪˈdɛntɪti/
noun
  1. The fact of being who or what a person or thing is.
    • example - he knows the identity of the bombers
    • synonyms - name
  2. A close similarity or affinity.
    • example - an identity between the company"s own interests and those of the local community
    • synonyms - identicalness, sameness, selfsameness, oneness, congruity, congruence, indistinguishability, interchangeability
  3. A transformation that leaves an object unchanged.An element of a set which, if combined with another element by a specified binary operation, leaves that element unchanged.
    • example - Any object, indeed any molecule, will contain at least one of these symmetry elements - the operation C 1 known as the identity operation - a rotation of 360°, the equivalent of doing nothing.
  4. The equality of two expressions for all values of the quantities expressed by letters, or an equation expressing this, e.g. (x + 1)² = x² + 2x + 1.
if
/ɪf/
conjunction
  1. (introducing a conditional clause) on the condition or supposition that; in the event that.
    • example - if you have a complaint, write to the director
    • synonyms - on condition that, provided, provided that, providing, providing that, presuming, presuming that, supposing, supposing that, assuming, assuming that, on the assumption that, allowing, allowing that, as long as, given that, with the provision that, with the proviso that, on the understanding that, with the understanding that, if and only if, contingent on, in the event that, allowing that
  2. Despite the possibility that; no matter whether.
    • example - if it takes me seven years, I shall do it
  3. (often used in indirect questions) whether.
    • example - he asked if we would like some coffee
    • synonyms - whether, whether or not
  4. Expressing a polite request.
    • example - if I could just use the phone, I"ll get a taxi
  5. Expressing an opinion.
    • example - that"s a jolly long walk, if you don"t mind my saying so
  6. Expressing surprise or regret.
    • example - well, if it isn"t Frank!
  7. (with implied reservation) and perhaps not.
    • example - the new leaders have little if any control
noun
  • A condition or supposition.
    • example - there are so many ifs and buts in the policy
    • synonyms - uncertainty, doubt, lack of certainty, hesitation, vagueness
/ɪɡˈnɔː/
verb
  • Refuse to take notice of or acknowledge; disregard intentionally.
    • example - he ignored her outraged question
    • synonyms - disregard, take no notice of, pay no attention to, pay no heed to, pass over, shut one"s eyes to, be oblivious to, turn a blind eye to, turn a deaf ear to, brush aside, shrug off, push aside, never mind
ill
/ɪl/
adjective
  1. Suffering from an illness or disease or feeling unwell.
    • example - he was taken ill with food poisoning
    • synonyms - unwell, sick, not well, not very well, ailing, poorly, sickly, peaky, afflicted, indisposed, infirm, liverish
  2. Poor in quality.
    • example - ill judgement dogs the unsuccessful
    • synonyms - bad, poor, unsatisfactory, incompetent, unacceptable, inadequate, deficient, defective, faulty, unskilful, inexpert, amateurish
adverb
  1. Badly, wrongly, or imperfectly.
    • example - the street is dominated by ill-lit shops
    • synonyms - poorly, badly, imperfectly
  2. Only with difficulty; hardly.
    • example - she could ill afford the cost of new curtains
    • synonyms - barely, scarcely, hardly, just, only just, just possibly, narrowly
noun
  • A problem or misfortune.
    • example - a lengthy work on the ills of society
    • synonyms - problems, troubles, difficulties, misfortunes, strains, trials, tribulations, trials and tribulations, worries, anxieties, concerns
/ɪˈliːɡ(ə)l/
adjective
  • Contrary to or forbidden by law, especially criminal law.
    • example - illegal drugs
    • synonyms - unlawful, illicit, illegitimate, against the law, criminal, lawbreaking, actionable, felonious
noun
  • A person living in a country without official authorization.
/ˈɪlnəs/
noun
  • A disease or period of sickness affecting the body or mind.
    • example - he died after a long illness
    • synonyms - sickness, disease, ailment, disorder, complaint, malady, affliction, attack, infection, contagion, disability, indisposition
/ˈɪləstreɪt/
verb
  1. Provide (a book, newspaper, etc.) with pictures.
    • example - the guide is illustrated with full-colour photographs
    • synonyms - with illustrations, with pictures, with drawings, with sketches, pictorial
  2. Serve as an example of.
    • example - the World Cup illustrated what high standards our players must achieve
    • synonyms - exemplify, show, demonstrate, display, instance, encapsulate, represent
/ɪləˈstreɪʃ(ə)n/
noun
  1. A picture illustrating a book, newspaper, etc.
    • example - an illustration of a yacht
    • synonyms - picture, drawing, sketch, figure, graphic
  2. The action or fact of illustrating something.
    • example - by way of illustration, I refer to the following case
    • synonyms - exemplification, demonstration, showing, instancing
/ˈɪmɪdʒ/
noun
  1. A representation of the external form of a person or thing in art.
    • example - her work juxtaposed images from serious and popular art
    • synonyms - likeness, resemblance
  2. The general impression that a person, organization, or product presents to the public.
    • example - she strives to project an image of youth
    • synonyms - public perception, public conception, public impression, persona, profile, face, identity, front, facade, mask, guise, role, part
  3. A simile or metaphor.
    • example - he uses the image of a hole to describe emotional emptiness
    • synonyms - simile, metaphor, metonymy
verb
  • Make a representation of the external form of.
    • example - artworks which imaged women"s bodies
/ɪˈmadʒɪn(ə)ri/
adjective
  1. Existing only in the imagination.
    • example - Chris had imaginary conversations with her
    • synonyms - unreal, non-existent, fictional, fictitious, pretend, make-believe, mythical, mythological, legendary, storybook, fanciful, fantastic
  2. (of a number or quantity) expressed in terms of the square root of a negative number (usually the square root of −1, represented by i or j).
    • example - What was most perplexing was that in using these subtle and imaginary numbers it was possible to solve cubic equations.
/ɪˌmadʒɪˈneɪʃ(ə)n/
noun
  • The faculty or action of forming new ideas, or images or concepts of external objects not present to the senses.
    • example - she"d never been blessed with a vivid imagination
    • synonyms - imaginative faculty, creative power, fancy
/ɪˈmadʒɪn/
verb
  1. Form a mental image or concept of.
    • example - she imagined him at his desk, his head in his hands
    • synonyms - visualize, envisage, envision, picture, form a picture of, see in the mind"s eye, conjure up, conceptualize
  2. Suppose or assume.
    • example - after Ned died, everyone imagined that Mabel would move away
    • synonyms - assume, presume, expect, take it, take it for granted, take it as read, take it as given, presuppose
/ɪˈmiːdɪət/
adjective
  1. Occurring or done at once; instant.
    • example - the authorities took no immediate action
    • synonyms - instant, instantaneous, on-the-spot, prompt, swift, speedy, rapid, quick, expeditious
  2. Nearest in time, relationship, or rank.
    • example - no changes are envisaged in the immediate future
    • synonyms - recent, not long past, just gone
  3. (of knowledge or reaction) gained or shown without reasoning; intuitive.
    • example - Hume had shown that no immediate knowledge of causes is possible, for we have no impression of necessary connection.
/ɪˈmiːdɪətli/
adverb
  1. At once; instantly.
    • example - I rang immediately for an ambulance
    • synonyms - straight away, at once, right away, right now, instantly, now, directly, promptly, forthwith, that minute, this minute, that very minute, this very minute, that instant, this instant, there and then, here and now, in a flash, without delay, without hesitation, without further ado, post-haste
  2. Without any intervening time or space.
    • example - she was sitting immediately behind me
conjunction
  • As soon as.
/ˈɪmɪɡr(ə)nt/
noun
  • A person who comes to live permanently in a foreign country.
    • example - he"s a recent immigrant to the US from Germany
    • synonyms - newcomer, settler, incomer, new arrival, migrant, emigrant
/ˈɪmpakt/
/ɪmˈpakt/
noun
  1. The action of one object coming forcibly into contact with another.
    • example - there was the sound of a third impact
    • synonyms - collision, crash, smash, clash, bump, bang, knock, jolt, thump, whack, thwack, slam, smack
  2. A marked effect or influence.
    • example - our regional measures have had a significant impact on unemployment
    • synonyms - effect, influence, impression, footprint
verb
  1. Come into forcible contact with another object.
    • example - the shell impacted twenty yards away
    • synonyms - crash into, smash into, collide with, be in collision with, hit, strike, ram, smack into, slam into, bang into, cannon into, plough into, meet head-on, dash against
  2. Have a strong effect on someone or something.
    • example - high interest rates have impacted on retail spending
    • synonyms - affect, influence, have an effect, have an influence, exert influence, make an impression, act, work
/ɪmˈpeɪʃ(ə)nt/
adjective
  1. Having or showing a tendency to be quickly irritated or provoked.
    • example - an impatient motorist blaring his horn
    • synonyms - irritated, annoyed, angry, testy, tetchy, snappy, cross, crabby, moody, grumpy, querulous, fretful, peevish, peeved, piqued, discontented, displeased, disgruntled
  2. Restlessly eager.
    • example - they are impatient for change
    • synonyms - restless, restive, agitated, nervous, anxious, ill at ease, fretful, edgy, jumpy, jittery, worked up, keyed up
/ɪmˈplʌɪ/
verb
  • Indicate the truth or existence of (something) by suggestion rather than explicit reference.
    • example - salesmen who use jargon to imply superior knowledge
    • synonyms - insinuate, suggest, hint, intimate, implicate, say indirectly, indicate, give someone to understand, give someone to believe, convey the impression, signal
/ɪmˈpɔːt/
/ˈɪmpɔːt/
verb
  1. Bring (goods or services) into a country from abroad for sale.
    • example - supermarkets may no longer import cheap jeans from Bulgaria
    • synonyms - buy from abroad, bring from abroad, bring in, buy in, ship in, source from abroad
  2. Indicate or signify.
noun
  1. A commodity, article, or service brought in from abroad for sale.
    • example - cheap imports from eastern Europe
    • synonyms - imported commodity, foreign commodity, non-domestic commodity
  2. The implicit meaning or significance of something.
    • example - the import of her message is clear
    • synonyms - meaning, sense, essence, gist, drift, purport, message, thrust, substance, sum and substance, implication, signification, point, burden, tenor, spirit
/ɪmˈpɔːt(ə)ns/
noun
  • The state or fact of being of great significance or value.
    • example - the importance of a good education
    • synonyms - significance, momentousness, import, consequence, note, noteworthiness, substance, value
/ɪmˈpɔːt(ə)nt/
adjective
  • Of great significance or value.
    • example - important habitats for wildlife
    • synonyms - main, chief, principal, key, major, salient, prime, dominant, foremost, supreme, predominant, paramount, overriding, cardinal, crucial, vital, indispensable, critical, essential, significant, urgent
/ɪmˈpəʊz/
verb
  1. Force (an unwelcome decision or ruling) on someone.
    • example - the decision was theirs and was not imposed on them by others
    • synonyms - foist, force, thrust, inflict, obtrude, press, urge
  2. Take advantage of someone by demanding their attention or commitment.
    • example - she realized that she had imposed on Mark"s kindness
    • synonyms - take advantage of, abuse, exploit, take liberties with, misuse, ill-treat, treat unfairly, manipulate
  3. Arrange (pages of type) so as to be in the correct order after printing and folding.
/ɪmˈpɒsɪb(ə)l/
adjective
  • Not able to occur, exist, or be done.
    • example - a seemingly impossible task
    • synonyms - not possible, beyond the bounds of possibility, out of the question, not worth considering
/ɪmˈprɛs/
/ˈɪmprɛs/
verb
  1. Make (someone) feel admiration and respect.
    • example - they immediately impressed the judges
    • synonyms - make an impression on, have an impact on, influence, affect, leave a mark on, move, stir, rouse, excite, inspire, galvanize
  2. Make a mark or design on (an object) using a stamp or seal.
    • example - the company should impress the cards with a stamp
  3. Fix an idea in the mind of (someone)
    • example - nobody impressed on me the need to save
    • synonyms - emphasize to, stress to, bring home to, establish in someone"s mind, fix deeply in someone"s mind, instil in, inculcate in, drum into, knock into, drive into, din into, ingrain in, leave in no doubt
  4. Apply (an electric current or potential) from an external source.
    • example - At this point the capacitor is fully charged and it carries the full impressed voltage.
noun
  • An act of making an impression or mark.
    • example - bluish marks made by the impress of his fingers
/ɪmˈprɛst/
adjective
  1. Feeling or showing admiration or respect for someone or something.
    • example - I was very impressed with the results
  2. (of a mark) applied to something using pressure.
  3. (of an electric current or potential) applied from an external source.
/ɪmˈprɛʃ(ə)n/
noun
  1. An idea, feeling, or opinion about something or someone, especially one formed without conscious thought or on the basis of little evidence.
    • example - his first impressions of Manchester were very positive
    • synonyms - feeling, sense, fancy, suspicion, sneaking suspicion, inkling, intuition, hunch, apprehension
  2. An imitation of a person or thing, done to entertain.
    • example - he did an impression of Shirley Bassey
    • synonyms - impersonation, imitation, mimicry
  3. A mark impressed on a surface.
    • example - the impression of his body on the leaves
    • synonyms - indentation, dent, hollow, concavity, depression, dip, mark, outline, stamp, stamping, imprint
  4. The printing of a number of copies of a book, periodical, or picture for issue at one time.
    • synonyms - edition, issue, copy
  5. An instance of a pop-up or other online advertisement being seen on an internet user"s monitor.
    • example - Lycos currently do not provide keyword, impression or click-through stats, although they do intend to offer them in the near future.
/ɪmˈprɛsɪv/
adjective
  • Evoking admiration through size, quality, or skill; grand, imposing, or awesome.
    • example - an impressive view of the mountains
    • synonyms - magnificent, majestic, imposing, splendid, spectacular, grand, august, awe-inspiring, stirring, stunning, breathtaking
/ɪmˈpruːv/
verb
  • Make or become better.
    • example - efforts to improve relations between the countries
    • synonyms - make better, better, ameliorate, upgrade, refine, enhance, boost, build on, help, raise, revamp, brush up, polish up, perk up, tweak
/ɪmˈpruːvm(ə)nt/
noun
  • An example of improving or being improved.
    • example - an improvement in East–West relations
    • synonyms - advance, development, upgrade, change for the better, refinement, enhancement, furtherance, advancement, forwarding
in
/ɪn/
preposition
  1. Expressing the situation of something that is or appears to be enclosed or surrounded by something else.
    • example - I"m living in London
    • synonyms - inside, within, in the middle of, within the bounds of, within the confines of
  2. Expressing a period of time during which an event happens or a situation remains the case.
    • example - they met in 1885
    • synonyms - during, in the course of, in the time of, over
  3. Expressing the length of time before a future event is expected to happen.
    • example - I"ll see you in fifteen minutes
    • synonyms - after, at the end of, following, subsequent to
  4. (often followed by a noun without a determiner) expressing a state or condition.
    • example - to be in love
  5. Expressing inclusion or involvement.
    • example - I read it in a book
  6. Indicating someone"s occupation or profession.
    • example - she works in publishing
  7. Indicating the language or medium used.
    • example - say it in French
  8. As an integral part of (an activity)
    • example - in planning public expenditure it is better to be prudent
  9. Expressing a value as a proportion of (a whole)
    • example - a local income tax running at six pence in the pound
    • synonyms - to, per, every, each
adverb
  1. Expressing movement with the result that someone or something becomes enclosed or surrounded by something else.
    • example - come in
    • synonyms - inside, indoors, into the interior, into the building, into the house, into the room, within
  2. Expressing the situation of being enclosed or surrounded by something.
    • example - we were locked in
  3. Expressing arrival.
    • example - the train got in very late
  4. (of the tide) rising or at its highest level.
    • example - The tide was in, and the breakers were a good twenty feet high when they hit the harbour wall.
    • synonyms - high, at its highest level, rising
adjective
  1. Present at one"s home or office.
    • example - we knocked at the door but there was no one in
    • synonyms - present, home, at home
  2. Fashionable.
    • synonyms - fashionable, in fashion, in vogue, voguish, stylish, in style, popular, up to date, bang up to date, up to the minute, modern, modish, trendsetting, chic
  3. (of the ball in tennis and similar games) landing within the designated playing area.
    • example - Before I even came off the pick, I felt the shot was in.
  4. Batting.
    • example - which side is in?
noun
  • A position of influence with someone powerful or famous.
/ɪn(t)ʃ/
noun
  1. A unit of linear measure equal to one twelfth of a foot (2.54 cm)
    • example - the toy train is four inches long
  2. (as a unit of rainfall) a quantity that would cover a horizontal surface to a depth of one inch, equivalent to 253.7 cubic metres per hectare.
    • example - more than four inches of rain is expected
verb
  • Move along slowly and carefully.
    • example - he inched away as I approached
    • synonyms - move slowly, ease, inch, edge, move, manoeuvre, steer, slip, squeeze, slide
/ˈɪnsɪd(ə)nt/
noun
  1. An instance of something happening; an event or occurrence.
    • example - several amusing incidents
    • synonyms - event, occurrence, occasion, episode, experience, happening, proceeding, eventuality, affair, business
  2. A privilege, burden, or right attaching to an office, estate, or other holding.
    • example - It is to do with the incidents that attach to such an estate.
adjective
  1. Liable to happen because of; resulting from.
    • example - the changes incident to economic development
  2. (especially of light or other radiation) falling on or striking something.
    • example - when an ion beam is incident on a surface
/ɪnˈkluːd/
verb
  1. Comprise or contain as part of a whole.
    • example - the price includes dinner, bed, and breakfast
    • synonyms - incorporate, comprise, encompass, cover, embrace, involve, take in, number, contain
  2. Make part of a whole or set.
    • example - we have included some hints for beginners in this section
    • synonyms - add, insert, put in, append, enter, build in
/ɪnˈkluːdɪd/
adjective
  • Contained as part of a whole being considered.
    • example - all of Europe (Britain included)
    • synonyms - included in, one of, some of, in the group of, in the number of, out of
/ɪnˈkluːdɪŋ/
preposition
  • Containing as part of the whole being considered.
    • example - languages including Welsh and Gaelic
    • synonyms - which include, which includes, inclusive of, counting
/ˈɪnkʌm/
noun
  • Money received, especially on a regular basis, for work or through investments.
    • example - he has a nice home and an adequate income
    • synonyms - earnings, salary, pay, remuneration, wages, stipend, emolument
/ɪnˈkriːs/
/ˈɪŋkriːs/
verb
  • Become or make greater in size, amount, or degree.
    • example - car use is increasing at an alarming rate
    • synonyms - grow, get bigger, get larger, become greater, enlarge, expand, swell
noun
  • A rise in the size, amount, or degree of something.
    • example - an increase of 28.3 per cent
    • synonyms - growth, rise, enlargement, expansion, extension, multiplication, elevation, swelling, inflation
/ɪnˈkriːsɪŋli/
adverb
  • To an increasing extent; more and more.
    • example - increasingly, attention is paid to health
    • synonyms - more and more, progressively, to an increasing extent, steadily more, continuously more, gradually more, growingly
/ɪnˈkrɛdɪb(ə)l/
adjective
  1. Impossible to believe.
    • example - an almost incredible tale of triumph and tragedy
    • synonyms - unbelievable, beyond belief, hard to believe, scarcely credible, unconvincing, far-fetched, strained, laboured, implausible, improbable, highly unlikely, not in the least likely, questionable, dubious, doubtful, inconceivable, unthinkable, unimaginable, impossible, astonishing, astounding, breathtaking, staggering, absurd, preposterous, phenomenal, extraordinary
  2. Difficult to believe; extraordinary.
    • example - the noise from the crowd was incredible
    • synonyms - magnificent, wonderful, marvellous, spectacular, remarkable, phenomenal, prodigious, miraculous, sublime
/ɪnˈkrɛdɪbli/
adverb
  1. To a great degree; extremely.
    • example - Michele was incredibly brave
    • synonyms - extremely, very, really, thoroughly, exceedingly, immensely, incredibly, amazingly, remarkably, exceptionally, uncommonly, extraordinarily, perfectly, truly, simply, positive, positively, downright
  2. Used to introduce a statement that is hard to believe; strangely.
    • example - incredibly, he was still alive
/ɪnˈdiːd/
adverb
  1. Used to emphasize a statement or response confirming something already suggested.
    • example - it was not expected to last long, and indeed it took less than three weeks
    • synonyms - as expected, to be sure, in fact, in point of fact, as a matter of fact, in truth, truly, actually, really, in reality, as it happened, as it happens, certainly, surely, for sure, undeniably, veritably, nay, if truth be told, you could say
  2. Used to introduce a further and stronger or more surprising point.
    • example - the idea is attractive to many men and indeed to many women
  3. Used in a response to express interest, surprise, or contempt.
    • example - ‘A ghost indeed! I"ve never heard anything so silly.’
/ɪndɪˈpɛnd(ə)nt/
adjective
  1. Free from outside control; not subject to another"s authority.
    • example - an independent nuclear deterrent
    • synonyms - freethinking, individualistic, unconventional, maverick
  2. Not depending on another for livelihood or subsistence.
    • example - I wanted to remain independent in old age
    • synonyms - self-sufficient, self-supporting, self-sustaining, self-reliant, self-standing, able to stand on one"s own two feet
  3. Capable of thinking or acting for oneself.
    • example - advice for independent travellers
  4. Not connected with another or with each other; separate.
    • example - treating each factory as an independent unit of production
    • synonyms - unconnected, unrelated, unassociated, dissociated, unattached, separate
noun
  • An independent person or body.
    • example - one of the few independents left in the music business
/ˈɪndɪkeɪt/
verb
  1. Point out; show.
    • example - dotted lines indicate the text"s margins
    • synonyms - designate, specify, stipulate
  2. Suggest as a desirable or necessary course of action.
    • example - treatment for shock may be indicated
    • synonyms - advisable, desirable, recommended, suggested, desired, preferable, best, sensible, wise, commonsensical, prudent
  3. (of a driver or motor vehicle) signal an intention to change lanes or turn using an indicator.
    • example - Cal indicated and moved across the road
/ɪndɪˈrɛkt/
adjective
  1. Not directly caused by or resulting from something.
    • example - full employment would have an indirect effect on wage levels
    • synonyms - incidental, accidental, unintended, secondary, subordinate, ancillary, collateral, concomitant, accompanying, contingent, resulting, resultant, consequential, derived, derivative
  2. (of a route) not straight; not following the shortest way.
    • example - he took a careful, indirect route home from his dockside rendezvous
    • synonyms - roundabout, circuitous, deviant, divergent, wandering, meandering, serpentine, winding, curving, tortuous, zigzag
  3. Avoiding direct mention or exposition of a subject.
    • example - an indirect attack on the Archbishop
    • synonyms - oblique, inexplicit, roundabout, circuitous
/ɪndɪˈvɪdʒʊ(ə)l/
/ɪndɪˈvɪdjʊ(ə)l/
adjective
  1. Single; separate.
    • example - individual tiny flowers
    • synonyms - single, separate, discrete, independent
  2. Of or for a particular person.
    • example - the individual needs of the children
noun
  • A single human being as distinct from a group.
    • example - boat trips for parties and individuals
/ˈɪndɔː/
adjective
  • Situated, conducted, or used within a building or under cover.
    • example - indoor sports
/ɪnˈdɔːz/
adverb
  • Into or within a building.
    • example - they went indoors and explored the house
    • synonyms - inside, indoors, into the interior, into the building, into the house, into the room, within
noun
  • The area or space inside a building.
    • example - the rain makes indoors feel so warm and safe
    • synonyms - present, home, at home
/ɪnˈdʌstrɪəl/
adjective
  1. Relating to or characterized by industry.
    • example - industrial waste
    • synonyms - manufacturing, factory
  2. Very great in extent or amount.
    • example - we are seeing tax avoidance on an industrial scale
  3. Relating to or denoting a type of harsh, uncompromising rock music incorporating sounds resembling those produced by industrial machinery.
    • example - noisy, industrial dance music
noun
  • Shares in industrial companies.
    • example - Even with the Nasdaq off 9%, its stock price has soared 60% this year, to 70, outperforming the rest of the Dow Jones industrials.
/ˈɪndəstri/
noun
  1. Economic activity concerned with the processing of raw materials and manufacture of goods in factories.
    • example - new investment incentives for British industry
    • synonyms - manufacturing, production, fabrication, construction
  2. Hard work.
    • example - the kitchen became a hive of industry
    • synonyms - hard work, industriousness, diligence, assiduity, application, sedulousness, sedulity, conscientiousness, steadiness, tirelessness, persistence, pertinacity, perseverance, dedication, determination, rigour, rigorousness
/ɪnˈfɛkʃ(ə)n/
noun
  • The process of infecting or the state of being infected.
    • example - strict hygiene will limit the risk of infection
    • synonyms - contamination, poison
/ˈɪnflʊəns/
noun
  1. The capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behaviour of someone or something, or the effect itself.
    • example - the influence of television violence
    • synonyms - effect, impact
  2. Electrical or magnetic induction.
    • example - When the twentieth century began we knew of only two types of natural force: gravitation and the intertwined influence of electricity and magnetism.
verb
  • Have an influence on.
    • example - government regulations can influence behaviour, but often without changing underlying values and motivations
    • synonyms - affect, have an effect on, exert influence on
/ɪnˈfɔːm/
verb
  1. Give (someone) facts or information; tell.
    • example - he wrote to her, informing her of the situation
    • synonyms - tell, let someone know, notify, apprise, advise, announce to, impart to, communicate to
  2. Give an essential or formative principle or quality to.
    • example - religion informs every aspect of their lives
    • synonyms - suffuse, pervade, permeate, infuse, imbue, saturate
/ɪnˈfɔːm(ə)l/
adjective
  1. Having a relaxed, friendly, or unofficial style, manner, or nature.
    • example - an informal atmosphere
    • synonyms - casual, relaxed, easy-going, natural, unceremonious, unofficial, non-formal, unstudied, unaffected
  2. Denoting the grammatical structures, vocabulary, and idiom suitable to everyday language and conversation rather than to official or formal contexts.
    • example - The content of websites can be written in formal as well as informal language.
    • synonyms - colloquial, vernacular, idiomatic, demotic, non-standard, popular, dialectal, non-literary
  3. (of economic activity) carried on by self-employed or independent people on a small scale, especially unofficially or illegally.
    • example - Peru"s huge and dense informal sector of street vendors and cottage industries
    • synonyms - unofficial, irregular, grey, black, back-door, illegal, illicit
/ɪnfəˈmeɪʃ(ə)n/
noun
  1. Facts provided or learned about something or someone.
    • example - a vital piece of information
    • synonyms - details, particulars, facts, figures, statistics, data
  2. What is conveyed or represented by a particular arrangement or sequence of things.
    • example - genetically transmitted information
/ɪnˈɡriːdɪənt/
noun
  • Any of the foods or substances that are combined to make a particular dish.
    • example - mix all of the ingredients together
/ɪˈnɪʃ(ə)l/
adjective
  • Existing or occurring at the beginning.
    • example - our initial impression was favourable
    • synonyms - beginning, opening, commencing, starting, inceptive, embryonic, fledgling
noun
  • The first letter of a name or word, typically a person"s given name or a word forming part of a phrase.
    • example - they carved their initials into the tree trunk
    • synonyms - initial letter, beginning letter
verb
  • Mark or sign (a document) with one"s initials in order to authorize or validate it.
    • example - the man initialled the three warrants
    • synonyms - put one"s initials on, sign, countersign, autograph, endorse, put one"s mark on, inscribe, superscribe, witness
/ɪˈnɪʃ(ə)li/
adverb
  • At first.
    • example - initially, he thought the new concept was nonsense
    • synonyms - at first, at the start, at the outset, at the beginning, in the beginning, to begin with, to start with, originally, in the early stages, in the first instance
/ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/
noun
  1. The ability to assess and initiate things independently.
    • example - use your initiative, imagination, and common sense
    • synonyms - enterprise, inventiveness, resourcefulness, capability
  2. The power or opportunity to act or take charge before others do.
    • example - anti-hunting groups have seized the initiative in the dispute
    • synonyms - advantage, upper hand, edge, lead, whip hand, trump card
  3. An act or strategy intended to resolve a difficulty or improve a situation; a fresh approach to something.
    • example - a new initiative against car crime
    • synonyms - plan, scheme, strategy, stratagem, measure, technique, proposal, step, action, act, manoeuvre, gambit
  4. (especially in Switzerland and some US states) the right of citizens outside the legislature to originate legislation.
    • example - Every state constitution has been amended far more often by the legislature than by initiative.
/ˈɪndʒə/
verb
  1. Do physical harm or damage to (someone)
    • example - the explosion injured several people
    • synonyms - hurt, wound, harm, damage, disable
  2. Harm or impair (something)
    • example - a libel calculated to injure the company"s reputation
    • synonyms - harm, damage, impair, undermine, diminish, impede, weaken, enfeeble
/ˈɪndʒəd/
adjective
  1. Harmed, damaged, or impaired.
    • example - a road accident left him severely injured
    • synonyms - hurt, wounded, harmed, sore, damaged, bruised, on the sick list, disabled
  2. Offended.
    • example - his injured pride
    • synonyms - wronged, offended, abused, maltreated, mistreated, ill-treated, ill-used, harmed
/ˈɪn(d)ʒ(ə)ri/
noun
  1. An instance of being injured.
    • example - she suffered an injury to her back
    • synonyms - wound, bruise, cut, gash, tear, rent, slash, gouge, scratch, graze, laceration, abrasion, contusion, lesion, sore
  2. Damage to a person"s feelings.
    • synonyms - offence, abuse
/ˈɪnə/
adjective
  1. Situated inside or further in; internal.
    • example - an inner courtyard
    • synonyms - internal, interior, inside, inmost, innermost, intramural
  2. Mental or spiritual.
    • example - a test of inner strength
    • synonyms - mental, intellectual, psychological, psychic, spiritual, emotional
noun
  • The inner part of something.
    • example - using his rock shoes as inners for his double boots
/ˈɪnəs(ə)nt/
adjective
  1. Not guilty of a crime or offence.
    • example - the prisoners were later found innocent
    • synonyms - guiltless, guilt-free, not guilty, blameless, not to blame, in the clear, unimpeachable, irreproachable, above suspicion, beyond criticism, without fault, faultless
  2. Not responsible for or directly involved in an event yet suffering its consequences.
    • example - an innocent bystander
  3. Free from moral wrong; not corrupted.
    • example - an innocent child
    • synonyms - virtuous, pure, sinless, free of sin, moral, decent, righteous, upright, wholesome, demure, modest, chaste, virginal, virgin, impeccable, pristine, spotless, stainless, unblemished, unsullied, incorrupt, uncorrupted, uncontaminated, undefiled
  4. Not involving or intended to cause harm or offence; harmless.
    • example - an innocent mistake
    • synonyms - harmless, innocuous, safe, non-injurious, unobjectionable, inoffensive, playful
noun
  1. A pure, guileless, or naive person.
    • example - a young innocent abroad
    • synonyms - unworldly person, naive person
  2. A person involved by chance in a situation, especially a victim of crime or war.
    • example - they are prepared to kill or maim innocents in pursuit of a cause
/ˈɪnsɛkt/
noun
  • A small arthropod animal that has six legs and generally one or two pairs of wings.
    • example - insect pests
/ɪnˈsʌɪd/
/ˈɪnsʌɪd/
noun
  1. The inner side or surface of something.
    • example - wipe the inside of the windscreen
    • synonyms - interior, inner part, inner side, inner surface
  2. The inner part; the interior.
    • example - the inside of the car was like an oven
adjective
  1. Situated on or in the inside.
    • example - an inside pocket
    • synonyms - inner, interior, internal, inmost, innermost
  2. Known or done by someone within a group or organization.
    • example - they were accused of selling shares while in possession of inside information
    • synonyms - confidential, classified, restricted, reserved, privileged, private, internal, secret, top secret, exclusive, off the record, not for publication
preposition
  1. Situated with the boundaries or confines of.
    • synonyms - inside, within, in the middle of, within the bounds of, within the confines of
  2. In less than (the period of time specified)
    • example - the oven will have paid for itself inside 18 months
adverb
  • Within the boundaries or confines of a place.
    • example - Mr Jackson is waiting for you inside
/ˈɪnsʌɪt/
noun
  • The capacity to gain an accurate and deep understanding of someone or something.
    • example - his mind soared to previously unattainable heights of insight
    • synonyms - intuition, perception, awareness, discernment, understanding, comprehension, apprehension, appreciation, cognizance, penetration, acumen, astuteness, perspicacity, perspicaciousness, sagacity, sageness, discrimination, judgement, shrewdness, sharpness, sharp-wittedness, acuity, acuteness, flair, breadth of view, vision, far-sightedness, prescience, imagination
/ɪnˈsɪst/
verb
  • Demand something forcefully, not accepting refusal.
    • example - she insisted on carrying her own bag
    • synonyms - stand firm, be firm, stand one"s ground, make a stand, stand up for oneself, be resolute, be determined, show determination, hold on, hold out, be emphatic, not take no for an answer, brook no refusal
/ɪnˈspʌɪə/
verb
  1. Fill (someone) with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.
    • example - his philosophy inspired a later generation of environmentalists
    • synonyms - stimulate, motivate, cause, incline, persuade, encourage, influence, rouse, move, stir, spur, spur on, goad, energize, galvanize, incite, impel
  2. Breathe in (air); inhale.
    • example - they can expand their lungs and inspire enough gas to satisfy oxygen requirements
    • synonyms - breathe in, draw in, suck in, sniff in, gasp, gulp, inspire, drink in
/ɪnˈstɔːl/
verb
  1. Place or fix (equipment or machinery) in position ready for use.
    • example - we"re planning to install a new shower
    • synonyms - put, position, place, put in place, set in place, fix, fit, locate, situate, station, site, lodge, establish
  2. Place (someone) in a new position of authority, especially with ceremony.
    • example - he was installed as Prime Minister in 1966
    • synonyms - swear in, induct, instate, inaugurate, invest, institute, introduce, appoint, admit to office, take on
/ˈɪnst(ə)ns/
noun
  • An example or single occurrence of something.
    • example - a serious instance of corruption
    • synonyms - example, occasion, occurrence, case, representative case, typical case, case in point, illustration, specimen, sample, exemplar, exemplification
verb
  • Cite (a fact, case, etc.) as an example.
    • example - I instanced Bob as someone whose commitment had certainly got things done
    • synonyms - cite, quote, refer to, make reference to, mention, allude to, adduce, give, give as an example, point to, point out
/ɪnˈstɛd/
adverb
  • As an alternative or substitute.
    • example - do not use lotions, but put on a clean dressing instead
    • synonyms - as an alternative, as a substitute, as a replacement, in lieu, alternatively
/ˈɪnstɪtjuːt/
noun
  1. An organization having a particular purpose, especially one that is involved with science, education, or a specific profession.
    • example - the Institute of Architects
    • synonyms - organization, establishment, institution, foundation, centre
  2. A commentary, treatise, or summary of principles, especially concerning law.
    • example - Coke"s Institutes of the Laws of England
    • synonyms - disquisition, essay, paper, work, piece of writing, exposition, discourse, dissertation, thesis, monograph, study, critique
verb
  1. Introduce or establish (a scheme, undertaking, or policy)
    • example - the state instituted a national lottery
    • synonyms - set in motion, put in motion, get under way, get going, get off the ground, get in operation, start, begin, initiate, launch, lay the foundations of, lay the first stone of, sow the seeds of, set up, inaugurate, found, establish, put in place, organize, get working, get functioning, activate, actuate, generate, cause, bring about
  2. Appoint (someone) to a position, especially as a cleric.
    • example - his sons were instituted to the priesthood
    • synonyms - install, instate, induct, invest, inaugurate, introduce, admit into office, swear in, initiate
/ɪnstɪˈtjuːʃ(ə)n/
noun
  1. An organization founded for a religious, educational, professional, or social purpose.
    • example - an academic institution
    • synonyms - organization, establishment, institute, foundation, centre
  2. An established law or practice.
    • example - the institution of marriage
    • synonyms - practice, custom, phenomenon, fact, procedure, convention, usage, tradition, rite, ritual, fashion, use, habit, wont
  3. The action of instituting something.
    • example - a delay in the institution of proceedings
    • synonyms - installation, instatement, induction, investiture, inauguration, introduction, swearing in, initiation
/ɪnˈstrʌkʃ(ə)n/
noun
  1. A direction or order.
    • example - he issued instructions to the sheriff
    • synonyms - order, command, directive, direction, decree, edict, injunction, mandate, dictate, commandment, diktat, demand, bidding, requirement, stipulation, charge, ruling, mandate, pronouncement
  2. Detailed information about how something should be done or operated.
    • example - always study the instructions supplied
    • synonyms - directions, key, guide, recipe, specification
  3. Teaching; education.
    • example - instruction in the Roman Catholic faith
    • synonyms - teaching, tuition, coaching, tutoring, education, schooling, tutelage, pedagogy, andragogy
/ɪnˈstrʌktə/
noun
  • A person who teaches something.
    • example - a driving instructor
    • synonyms - trainer, teacher, tutor, coach, demonstrator, adviser, counsellor, guide
/ˈɪnstrʊm(ə)nt/
noun
  1. A tool or implement, especially one for precision work.
    • example - a surgical instrument
    • synonyms - implement, tool, utensil, device, apparatus, contrivance, gadget, contraption, appliance, mechanism
  2. A measuring device used to gauge the level, position, speed, etc. of something, especially a motor vehicle or aircraft.
    • example - a new instrument for measuring ozone levels
    • synonyms - measuring device, gauge, meter, measure
  3. An object or device for producing musical sounds.
    • example - the value of learning to play a musical instrument
  4. A formal or legal document.
    • example - execution involves signature and unconditional delivery of the instrument
verb
  • Equip (something) with measuring instruments.
    • example - engineers have instrumented rockets to study the upper atmosphere
/ɪnˈʃʊər(ə)ns/
noun
  1. An arrangement by which a company or the state undertakes to provide a guarantee of compensation for specified loss, damage, illness, or death in return for payment of a specified premium.
    • example - many new borrowers take out insurance against unemployment or sickness
    • synonyms - indemnity, indemnification, protection, financial protection, security, surety, cover
  2. A thing providing protection against a possible eventuality.
    • example - jackets were hung on the back of their chairs, insurance against an encounter with air-conditioning
    • synonyms - protection, defence, safeguard, safety measure, shelter, security, precaution, provision, preventive measure, immunity
/ɪnˈtɛlɪdʒ(ə)ns/
noun
  1. The ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills.
    • example - an eminent man of great intelligence
    • synonyms - intellectual capacity, mental capacity, intellect, mind, brain, brains, brainpower, powers of reasoning, judgement, reason, reasoning, understanding, comprehension, acumen, wit, sense, insight, perceptiveness, perception, perspicaciousness, perspicacity, penetration, discernment, sharpness, quickness of mind, quick-wittedness, smartness, canniness, astuteness, intuition, acuity, alertness, cleverness, brilliance, aptness, ability, giftedness, talent
  2. The collection of information of military or political value.
    • example - the chief of military intelligence
    • synonyms - information gathering, surveillance, observation, reconnaissance, spying, espionage, undercover work, infiltration, ELINT, cyberespionage, humint
/ɪnˈtɛlɪdʒ(ə)nt/
adjective
  • Having or showing intelligence, especially of a high level.
    • example - Anna is intelligent and hard-working
    • synonyms - clever, bright, brilliant, sharp, quick, quick-witted, quick on the uptake, smart, canny, astute, intuitive, thinking, acute, alert, keen, insightful, perceptive, perspicacious, penetrating, discerning
/ɪnˈtɛnd/
verb
  1. Have (a course of action) as one"s purpose or intention; plan.
    • example - the company intends to cut 400 jobs
    • synonyms - plan, mean, have every intention, have the intention, have in mind, have in view, have plans, aim, propose, aspire, hope, expect, be looking, be going, be resolved, have resolved, be determined, have set out, purpose, be plotting
  2. Design or destine something for a particular purpose.
    • example - this one-roomed cottage was intended to accommodate a family
    • synonyms - plan, mean, have every intention, have the intention, have in mind, have in view, have plans, aim, propose, aspire, hope, expect, be looking, be going, be resolved, have resolved, be determined, have set out, purpose, be plotting
/ɪnˈtɛndɪd/
adjective
  • Planned or meant.
    • example - the intended victim escaped
    • synonyms - deliberate, intentional, calculated, conscious, done on purpose, planned, considered, studied, knowing, wilful, wanton, purposeful, purposive, premeditated, pre-planned, thought out in advance, prearranged, preconceived, predetermined
noun
  • The person one intends to marry; one"s fiancé or fiancée.
    • synonyms - fiancée, fiancé, wife-to-be, husband-to-be, bride-to-be, future husband, future wife, prospective husband, prospective wife, prospective spouse
/ɪnˈtɛns/
adjective
  1. Of extreme force, degree, or strength.
    • example - the job demands intense concentration
    • synonyms - great, acute, enormous, fierce, severe, extreme, high, exceptional, extraordinary, harsh, strong, powerful, potent, vigorous
  2. Having or showing strong feelings or opinions; extremely earnest or serious.
    • example - an intense young woman, passionate about her art
    • synonyms - passionate, impassioned, ardent, earnest, fervent, fervid, hot-blooded, zealous, vehement, fiery, heated, feverish, emotional, heartfelt, eager, keen, enthusiastic, excited, animated, spirited, vigorous, strong, energetic, messianic, fanatical, committed
/ɪnˈtɛnʃ(ə)n/
noun
  1. A thing intended; an aim or plan.
    • example - she was full of good intentions
    • synonyms - aim, purpose, intent, objective, object, goal, target, end
  2. The healing process of a wound.
  3. Conceptions formed by directing the mind towards an object.
/ˈɪnt(ə)rɪst/
noun
  1. The feeling of wanting to know or learn about something or someone.
    • example - she looked about her with interest
    • synonyms - attentiveness, undivided attention, absorption, engrossment, heed, regard, notice, scrutiny
  2. Money paid regularly at a particular rate for the use of money lent, or for delaying the repayment of a debt.
    • example - the monthly rate of interest
    • synonyms - dividends, profits, returns
  3. The advantage or benefit of a person or group.
    • example - the merger is not contrary to the public interest
    • synonyms - of benefit to, to the advantage of, for the sake of, for the benefit of
  4. A stake or involvement in an undertaking, especially a financial one.
    • example - holders of voting rights must disclose their interests
    • synonyms - stake, share, portion, claim, investment, stock, equity
  5. A group or organization having a common concern, especially in politics or business.
    • example - food interests in Scotland must continue to invest
verb
  • Excite the curiosity or attention of (someone)
    • example - I thought the book might interest Eliot
    • synonyms - be of interest to, appeal to, attract, be attractive to, intrigue, fascinate
/ˈɪnt(ə)rɪstɪd/
adjective
  1. Showing curiosity or concern about something or someone; having a feeling of interest.
    • example - I had always been interested in history
    • synonyms - attentive, intent, focused, absorbed, engrossed, fascinated, riveted, gripped, captivated, rapt, agog, intrigued, inquiring, inquisitive, curious, burning with curiosity
  2. Having an interest or involvement; not impartial.
    • example - seeking views from all interested parties
    • synonyms - concerned, involved, implicated, affected, connected, related
/ˈɪnt(ə)rɪstɪŋ/
adjective
  • Arousing curiosity or interest; holding or catching the attention.
    • example - an interesting debate
    • synonyms - absorbing, engrossing, fascinating, riveting, gripping, compelling, compulsive, spellbinding, captivating, engaging, enthralling, entrancing, beguiling
/ɪnˈtəːn(ə)l/
adjective
  1. Of or situated on the inside.
    • example - the tube had an internal diameter of 1.1 mm
    • synonyms - inner, interior, inside, intramural
  2. (of a student) attending a university as well as taking its examinations.
plural noun
  • Inner parts or features.
    • example - all the weapon"s internals are well finished and highly polished
/ɪntəˈnaʃ(ə)n(ə)l/
adjective
  • Existing, occurring, or carried on between nations.
    • example - international trade
    • synonyms - global, worldwide, intercontinental
noun
  1. A game or contest between teams representing different countries in a sport.
    • example - the Murrayfield rugby international
  2. Any of four associations founded (1864–1936) to promote socialist or communist action.
    • example - The International raised solidarity and support for the Paris Commune, but it was crushed by the ruling class.
/ˈɪntənɛt/
noun
  • A global computer network providing a variety of information and communication facilities, consisting of interconnected networks using standardized communication protocols.
    • example - the guide is also available on the internet
/ɪnˈtəːprɪt/
verb
  1. Explain the meaning of (information or actions)
    • example - the evidence is difficult to interpret
    • synonyms - explain, elucidate, expound, explicate, clarify, make clear, make plain, illuminate, shed light on, throw light on
  2. Translate orally or into sign language the words of a person speaking a different language.
    • example - I agreed to interpret for Jean-Claude
    • synonyms - translate, transcribe, transliterate, rewrite, convert
/ɪntəˈrʌpt/
verb
  1. Stop the continuous progress of (an activity or process)
    • example - the buzzer interrupted his thoughts
    • synonyms - cut in, cut in on, break in, break in on, barge in, barge in on, intrude, intrude on, interfere, interfere with, intervene, intervene in, chip in
  2. Break the continuity of (a line or surface)
    • example - the coastal plain is interrupted by chains of large lagoons
    • synonyms - break up, break, punctuate, intersperse
/ˈɪntəvjuː/
noun
  • A meeting of people face to face, especially for consultation.
    • example - I tried having meetings, disciplinary interviews and discussing issues, but they still do nothing.
    • synonyms - meeting, discussion, conference, question and answer session, examination, evaluation, interrogation
verb
  • Hold an interview with (someone)
    • example - she was interviewed by a reporter from the Daily News
    • synonyms - talk to, have a discussion with, have a dialogue with, hold a meeting with, confer with
/ˈɪntʊ/
/ˈɪntə/
preposition
  1. Expressing movement or action with the result that someone or something becomes enclosed or surrounded by something else.
    • example - cover the bowl and put it into the fridge
    • synonyms - infatuated with, besotted with, smitten with, in love with, head over heels in love with, hopelessly in love with, obsessed with, enamoured of, very attracted to, very taken with, devoted to, charmed by, captivated by, enchanted by, enthralled by, bewitched by, beguiled by, under someone"s spell
  2. Expressing movement or action with the result that someone or something makes physical contact with something else.
    • example - he crashed into a parked car
  3. Indicating a route by which someone or something may arrive at a particular destination.
    • example - the narrow road which led down into the village
    • synonyms - enthusiastic about, interested in, passionate about, fascinated by
  4. Indicating the direction towards which someone or something is turned when confronting something else.
    • example - with the wind blowing into your face
  5. Indicating an object of attention or interest.
    • example - a clearer insight into what is involved
  6. Expressing a change of state.
    • example - a peaceful protest which turned into a violent confrontation
  7. Expressing the result of an action.
    • example - they forced the club into a humiliating special general meeting
  8. Expressing division.
    • example - three into twelve goes four
  9. (of a person) taking a lively and active interest in (something)
    • synonyms - into, inside, into the interior of
/ɪntrəˈdjuːs/
verb
  1. Bring (something, especially a product, measure, or concept) into use or operation for the first time.
    • example - various new taxes were introduced
    • synonyms - institute, initiate, launch, inaugurate, establish, found, instigate, put in place
  2. Make (someone) known by name to another in person, especially formally.
    • example - I must introduce you to my wife
    • synonyms - present, present formally, make known
  3. Insert or bring into something.
    • example - a device which introduces chlorine into the pool automatically
    • synonyms - insert, inject, put, place, push, force, drive, shoot, feed
  4. Occur at the start of; open.
    • example - a longer, more lyrical opening which introduces a courting song
/ˌɪntrəˈdʌkʃ(ə)n/
noun
  1. The action of introducing something.
    • example - issues arising from the introduction of new technology
    • synonyms - institution, establishment, initiation, launch, inauguration, foundation, instigation
  2. A formal presentation of one person to another, in which each is told the other"s name.
    • example - he returned to his desk, leaving Michael to make the introductions
    • synonyms - presentation, formal presentation
  3. A thing preliminary to something else, especially an explanatory section at the beginning of a book, report, or speech.
    • example - your talk will need an introduction which states clearly what you are talking about and why
    • synonyms - foreword, preface, preamble, prologue, prelude, front matter, lead-in
/ɪnˈvɛnt/
verb
  • Create or design (something that has not existed before); be the originator of.
    • example - he invented an improved form of the steam engine
    • synonyms - originate, create, innovate, design, devise, contrive, formulate, develop
/ɪnˈvɛnʃ(ə)n/
noun
  • The action of inventing something, typically a process or device.
    • example - the invention of printing in the 15th century
    • synonyms - origination, creation, innovation, devising, contriving, contrivance, formulation, development, design
/ɪnˈvɛst/
verb
  1. Put (money) into financial schemes, shares, property, or a commercial venture with the expectation of achieving a profit.
    • example - the company is to invest £12 m in its manufacturing site at Linlithglow
    • synonyms - put money into, sink money into, lay out money on, plough money into
  2. Provide or endow someone or something with (a particular quality or attribute)
    • example - the passage of time has invested the words with an unintended humour
    • synonyms - imbue, infuse, perfuse, charge, steep, saturate, suffuse, pervade, fill, endow
  3. Clothe or cover with a garment.
    • synonyms - dress, attire, outfit, array, rig, rig out, turn out, fit out, costume, trick out, trick up, robe, garb, deck out, drape, accoutre
  4. Surround (a place) in order to besiege or blockade it.
    • example - Fort Pulaski was invested and captured
    • synonyms - besiege, lay siege to, beleaguer, beset, surround, enclose
/ɪnˈvɛstɪɡeɪt/
verb
  • Carry out a systematic or formal inquiry to discover and examine the facts of (an incident, allegation, etc.) so as to establish the truth.
    • example - police are investigating a claim that the man was beaten unconscious by a gang
    • synonyms - inquire into, look into, go into, look over, probe, explore, scrutinize, conduct an investigation into, conduct an inquiry into, make inquiries about, try to get to the bottom of
/ɪnˌvɛstɪˈɡeɪʃ(ə)n/
noun
  • The action of investigating something or someone; formal or systematic examination or research.
    • example - he is under investigation for receiving illicit funds
    • synonyms - examination, inquiry, study, inspection, exploration, consideration, analysis, appraisal
/ɪnˈvɛs(t)m(ə)nt/
noun
  1. The action or process of investing money for profit.
    • example - a debate over private investment in road-building
    • synonyms - investing, speculation
  2. The surrounding of a place by a hostile force in order to besiege or blockade it.
/ɪnvɪˈteɪʃ(ə)n/
noun
  • A written or verbal request inviting someone to go somewhere or to do something.
    • example - a wedding invitation
    • synonyms - request, call, bidding, summons
/ɪnˈvʌɪt/
/ˈɪnvʌɪt/
verb
  • Make a polite, formal, or friendly request to (someone) to go somewhere or to do something.
    • example - we were invited to a dinner at the Embassy
    • synonyms - ask, bid, summon
noun
  • An invitation.
    • synonyms - invitation, request, call, bidding, summons
/ɪnˈvɒlv/
verb
  • Have or include (something) as a necessary or integral part or result.
    • example - my job involves a lot of travelling
    • synonyms - require, necessitate, demand, call for
/ɪnˈvɒlvd/
adjective
  • Difficult to understand; complicated.
    • example - a long, involved conversation
    • synonyms - complicated, intricate, complex, elaborate
/ˈʌɪən/
noun
  1. A strong, hard magnetic silvery-grey metal, the chemical element of atomic number 26, much used as a material for construction and manufacturing, especially in the form of steel.Used figuratively as a symbol or type of firmness, strength, or resistance.
    • example - This shining metal was not raw iron but hard steel, which bent the softer wrought-iron blades of the Gauls.
    • synonyms - made of iron
  2. A tool or implement now or originally made of iron.
    • example - a caulking iron
    • synonyms - tool, implement, utensil, device, apparatus, appliance, contrivance, contraption, mechanism
  3. A handheld implement, typically an electrical one, with a heated flat steel base, used to smooth clothes, sheets, etc.
    • example - Using an electric iron, the sheets were pressed flat.
    • synonyms - flat iron, electric iron, steam iron, smoothing iron
  4. A golf club with a metal head (typically with a numeral indicating the degree to which the head is angled in order to loft the ball)
    • example - a four-iron
  5. A meteorite containing a high proportion of iron.
verb
  • Smooth (clothes, sheets, etc.) with an iron.
    • example - In fact, my mother and I also washed and ironed his clothes in case the Minister has forgotten that part of his story.
    • synonyms - press
/ˈʌɪlənd/
noun
  1. A piece of land surrounded by water.
    • example - the island of Crete
    • synonyms - isle, islet
  2. A thing regarded as resembling an island, especially in being isolated, detached, or surrounded in some way.
    • example - the university is the last island of democracy in this country
  3. A detached portion of tissue or group of cells.
    • example - Stromal retraction between tumor islands and dermal connective tissue was observed in 12 cases.
/ˈɪʃuː/
/ˈɪsjuː/
noun
  1. An important topic or problem for debate or discussion.
    • example - the issue of racism
    • synonyms - matter, matter in question, affair, business, subject, topic, question, point, point at issue, item, thing, case, concern, theme
  2. The action of supplying or distributing an item for use, sale, or official purposes.
    • example - the issue of notes by the Bank of England
    • synonyms - issuing, issuance, publication, publishing
  3. A result or outcome of something.
    • example - the chance of carrying such a scheme to a successful issue was small
    • synonyms - result, outcome, consequence, end result, net result, upshot, effect, after-effect, aftermath, conclusion, end, denouement
  4. The action of flowing or coming out.
    • example - a point of issue
    • synonyms - discharge, emission, release, outflow, outflowing, outpouring, outrush, rush, flood, deluge, spurt, jet, cascade, stream, torrent, gush
  5. Children of one"s own.
    • example - the earl died without male issue
    • synonyms - offspring, descendants, heirs, successors, children, sons or daughters, progeny, scions, family, youngsters, babies
verb
  1. Supply or distribute (something) for use or sale.
    • example - licences were issued indiscriminately to any company
    • synonyms - supply, provide, furnish, arm, equip, fit out, rig out, accoutre, outfit, fit up
  2. Come, go, or flow out from.
    • example - exotic smells issued from a nearby building
    • synonyms - emanate, emerge, proceed, exude, discharge, flow, flow forth, flow out, pour, pour forth, pour out, gush, gush forth, gush out, come, come forth, come out, seep, seep forth, seep out, ooze, ooze forth, ooze out, spread out
IT
/ɪt/
pronoun
  1. Used to refer to a thing previously mentioned or easily identified.
    • example - a room with two beds in it
  2. Used to identify a person.
    • example - it"s me
  3. Used in the normal subject position in statements about time, distance, or weather.
    • example - it"s half past five
  4. Used in the normal subject or object position when a more specific subject or object is given later in the sentence.
    • example - it is impossible to assess the problem
  5. Used to emphasize a following part of a sentence.
    • example - it is the child who is the victim
  6. The situation or circumstances; things in general.
    • example - no one can stay here—it"s too dangerous now
  7. Exactly what is needed or desired.
    • example - they thought they were it
  8. Sex appeal.
  9. Denoting a person or thing that is exceptionally fashionable, popular, or successful at a particular time.
  10. (in children"s games) the player who has to catch the others.
/ˈʌɪtəm/
noun
  • An individual article or unit, especially one that is part of a list, collection, or set.
    • example - the items on the agenda
    • synonyms - thing, article, object, unit, module, artefact, piece, commodity, product, bit
adverb
  • Used to introduce each item in a list.
its
/ɪts/
possessive determiner
  • Belonging to or associated with a thing previously mentioned or easily identified.
    • example - turn the camera on its side
/ɪtˈsɛlf/
pronoun
  1. Used as the object of a verb or preposition to refer to a thing or animal previously mentioned as the subject of the clause.
    • example - his horse hurt itself
  2. Used to emphasize a particular thing or animal mentioned.
    • example - the roots are several inches long, though the plant itself is only a foot tall