EN Vocabulary - 3000 Words

Common words beginning P

/peɪs/
noun
  1. A single step taken when walking or running.
    • example - Kirov stepped back a pace
    • synonyms - step, stride, footstep
  2. Speed in walking, running, or moving.
    • example - he"s an aggressive player with plenty of pace
    • synonyms - speed, rate, swiftness, quickness, rapidity, velocity, tempo, momentum
verb
  1. Walk at a steady speed, especially without a particular destination and as an expression of anxiety or annoyance.
    • example - we paced up and down in exasperation
    • synonyms - walk, stride, tread, march, pound, patrol, walk up and down, walk back and forth, cross, traverse
  2. Move or develop (something) at a particular rate or speed.
    • example - the action is paced to the beat of a perky march
/pak/
noun
  1. A small cardboard or paper container and the items contained within it.
    • example - a pack of cigarettes
    • synonyms - packet, container, package, box, crate, carton, parcel
  2. A group of wild animals, especially wolves, living and hunting together.
    • example - a pack of wolves will encircle an ailing prey
    • synonyms - group, herd, troop
  3. A rucksack.
    • example - we picked up our packs and trudged off
    • synonyms - backpack, rucksack, knapsack, kitbag, duffel bag, bag, satchel, load, luggage
  4. An expanse of large pieces of floating ice driven together into a nearly continuous mass, as occurs in polar seas.
    • example - It is also unlikely that he could have gotten the idea by encountering an ice island on the polar pack, even if he had actually travelled a long distance on it.
  5. A hot or cold pad of absorbent material, especially as used for treating an injury.
    • example - Frostbite is a recognized danger of the use of cold packs of ice therapy for sports injuries and soft tissue trauma.
verb
  1. Fill (a suitcase or bag) with clothes and other items needed for travel.
    • example - I packed a bag and left
    • synonyms - fill, fill up, put things in, load, stuff, cram
  2. Cram a large number of things into.
    • example - it was a large room, packed with beds jammed side by side
  3. Carry (a gun)
/ˈpakɪdʒ/
noun
  1. An object or group of objects wrapped in paper or packed in a box.
    • example - someone had left a suspicious package
    • synonyms - parcel, packet, container, box, carton
  2. A set of proposals or terms offered or agreed as a whole.A package holiday.
    • example - a package of measures announced by the government
    • synonyms - collection, bundle, lot
  3. A collection of programs or subroutines with related functionality.
    • example - CAD and banking packages
verb
  1. Put into a box or wrapping for sale or transport.
    • example - choose products which are packaged in recyclable materials
    • synonyms - wrap, wrap up, gift-wrap
  2. Present (someone or something) in an attractive or advantageous way.
    • example - the singer is being packaged to appeal to teenagers
/peɪdʒ/
noun
  • One or both sides of a sheet of paper in a book, magazine, newspaper, or other collection of bound sheets.
    • example - a book of not less than 40 pages
    • synonyms - folio, sheet, side, leaf
verb
  1. Look through the pages of (a book, magazine, etc.)
    • example - she was paging through a pile of Sunday newspapers
  2. Divide (a piece of software or data) into sections, keeping the most frequently accessed in main memory and storing the rest in virtual memory.
    • example - Also, nVidia announced that with the driver release on May 21st, there would be a significant boost in performance during audio operations, as less bandwidth would be taken up due to memory paging optimizations in the drivers.
  3. Assign numbers to the pages in (a book or periodical); paginate.
    • example - Some of the references are incorrectly paged.
/peɪn/
noun
  1. Highly unpleasant physical sensation caused by illness or injury.
    • example - she"s in great pain
    • synonyms - suffering, agony, affliction, torture, torment, discomfort, soreness
  2. Great care or trouble.
    • example - she took pains to see that everyone ate well
    • synonyms - care, effort, bother, trouble, labour, exertion, strain, struggle
verb
  • Cause mental or physical pain to.
    • example - it pains me to say this
    • synonyms - hurt, cause pain, be painful, be sore, ache, throb, smart, burn, prickle, sting, pinch, twinge, cause discomfort, be tender
/ˈpeɪnfʊl/
adjective
  • (of a part of the body) affected with pain.
    • example - her ankle was very painful
    • synonyms - sore, hurting, hurt, tender, aching, throbbing, smarting, burning, irritating, agonizing, excruciating
/peɪnt/
noun
  1. A coloured substance which is spread over a surface and dries to leave a thin decorative or protective coating.
    • example - a tin of paint
    • synonyms - colouring, colourant, tint, dye, stain, pigment, wash, colour
  2. A piebald horse.
    • example - a paint mare
  3. The rectangular area marked near the basket at each end of the court.
    • example - the two players jostled in the paint
verb
  1. Cover the surface of (something) with paint.
    • example - the ceiling was painted dark grey
    • synonyms - colour, apply paint to, decorate, tint, dye, stain, distemper, whitewash, emulsion, gloss, spray, spray-paint, airbrush, roller, coat, cover
  2. Depict (someone or something) or produce (a picture) with paint.
    • example - I painted a woman sitting next to a table lamp
    • synonyms - portray, picture, paint a picture of, depict, delineate, draw, sketch, represent, catch, catch a likeness of
  3. Display a mark representing (an aircraft or vehicle) on a radar screen.
    • example - flying behind hills lessens the enemy"s ability to paint you with radar
/ˈpeɪntə/
noun
  1. An artist who paints pictures.
    • example - a German landscape painter
  2. A person whose job is painting buildings.
    • example - a self-employed painter and decorator
/ˈpeɪntɪŋ/
noun
  • The action or skill of using paint, either in a picture or as decoration.
    • example - pastels require a different approach to painting
/pɛː/
noun
  1. A set of two things used together or regarded as a unit.
    • example - a pair of gloves
    • synonyms - set of two, set, matching set, matched set, two of a kind
  2. An article consisting of two joined or corresponding parts not used separately.
    • example - a pair of jeans
    • synonyms - set of two, set, matching set, matched set, two of a kind
  3. Either or both of two members of a legislative assembly on opposite sides who absent themselves from voting by mutual arrangement, leaving the relative position of the parties unaffected.
    • example - one minister was flatly refused a pair by his Tory opposite number
verb
  1. Put together or join to form a pair.
    • example - she wore a cardigan paired with a matching skirt
    • synonyms - match, put together, couple, twin, partner, marry up
  2. Give (a member of a legislative assembly) another member as a pair, to allow both to absent themselves from a vote without affecting the result.
    • example - arrangements are usually made between the party whips for an absent member on one side to be paired with an absentee on the other
  3. Wirelessly connect (an electronic device) to another via Bluetooth.
/ˈpalɪs/
noun
  • A large and impressive building forming the official residence of a ruler, pope, archbishop, etc.
    • example - the royal palace
    • synonyms - official residence, royal residence, castle, mansion, stately home
/peɪl/
adjective
  1. Light in colour or shade; containing little colour or pigment.
    • example - choose pale floral patterns for walls
    • synonyms - light, light-coloured, pastel, neutral, light-toned, muted, subtle, soft, low-key, restrained
  2. Inferior or unimpressive.
    • example - the new cheese is a pale imitation of continental cheeses
    • synonyms - inferior, poor, feeble, weak, insipid, wishy-washy, vapid, bland, puny, flat, inadequate, ineffectual, ineffective, half-hearted
verb
  1. Become pale in one"s face from shock or fear.
    • example - I paled at the thought of what she might say
    • synonyms - go white, turn white, become pale, grow pale, turn pale, blanch, blench, lose colour
  2. Seem or become less important.
    • example - all else pales by comparison
    • synonyms - decrease in importance, lose significance, pale into insignificance
pan
/pan/
noun
  1. A metal container used for cooking food in.
    • example - heat the olive oil in a heavy pan
    • synonyms - saucepan, frying pan, pot, casserole, wok, skillet, bain-marie, fish kettle, pressure cooker, poacher, chafing dish
  2. A hollow in the ground in which water may collect or in which a deposit of salt remains after water has evaporated.
    • example - This should be done when the soil is as dry as possible, and aims to break through any pre-existing hard pans and to open up the subsoil to facilitate rapid and deep penetration of the vine roots.
    • synonyms - hollow, pit, basin, depression, dip, indentation, crater, cavity, concavity
  3. A hard stratum of compacted soil.
    • example - heavy spikes can be useful in breaking a surface pan in grassland
  4. A person"s face.
verb
  1. Criticize severely.
    • synonyms - criticize, censure, attack, lambast, condemn, find fault with, give a bad press to, flay, savage, shoot down, bring under fire
  2. Wash gravel in a pan to separate out (gold)
    • example - the old-timers panned gold
    • synonyms - sift for, search for, look for
/ˈpan(ə)l/
noun
  1. A flat or curved component, typically rectangular, that forms or is set into the surface of a door, wall, or ceiling.
    • example - a layer of insulating material should be placed between the panels and the wall
    • synonyms - panel, sheet, layer, lamina, leaf, pane, slab
  2. A flat board on which instruments or controls are fixed.
    • example - a control panel
    • synonyms - console, instrument panel, fascia, board, dashboard
  3. A small group of people brought together to investigate or decide on a particular matter.
    • example - an interview panel
    • synonyms - group, advisory group, team, body, committee, jury, council, board, commission
  4. A person or people charged with an offence.
verb
  • Cover (a wall or other surface) with panels.
    • example - we panelled the wall around the window
/pan(t)s/
plural noun
  1. Underpants or knickers.
    • example - The chaps Tom and I have styled all bought pants or boxers and vests and have all reported back that they are soft, fit really well and that their women think they look much better.
    • synonyms - underpants, briefs, boxer shorts, boxers, long johns, bikini briefs
  2. Trousers.
    • example - corduroy pants
    • synonyms - trousers, slacks
  3. Rubbish; nonsense.
    • synonyms - substandard, poor, inferior, second-rate, second-class, unsatisfactory, inadequate, unacceptable, not up to scratch, not up to par, deficient, imperfect, defective, faulty, shoddy, amateurish, careless, negligent
/ˈpeɪpə/
noun
  1. Material manufactured in thin sheets from the pulp of wood or other fibrous substances, used for writing, drawing, or printing on, or as wrapping material.
    • example - a sheet of paper
    • synonyms - writing paper, notepaper
  2. A sheet of paper with something written or printed on it.
    • example - he riffled through the papers on his desk
    • synonyms - piece of paper, scrap of paper, paper, sheet, note
  3. A set of examination questions to be answered at one session.
    • example - we had to sit a three-hour paper
    • synonyms - exam, examination, test
  4. An essay or dissertation, especially one read at an academic lecture or seminar or published in an academic journal.
    • example - he published a highly original paper on pattern formation
    • synonyms - essay, article, composition, monograph, thesis, work, dissertation, treatise, study, report, analysis, tract, critique, exegesis, review, disquisition, discourse, piece of writing
  5. Free passes of admission to a theatre or other entertainment.
    • synonyms - voucher, chit, slip, paper, ticket, coupon, pass
verb
  1. Apply wallpaper to (a wall or room)
    • example - the walls were papered in a Regency stripe
    • synonyms - wallpaper, hang wallpaper on, line
  2. Fill (a theatre) by giving out free tickets.
/ˈparəɡrɑːf/
noun
  • A distinct section of a piece of writing, usually dealing with a single theme and indicated by a new line, indentation, or numbering.
    • example - the concluding paragraph
    • synonyms - section, subdivision, part, subsection, division, portion, segment, bit, passage, clause
verb
  • Arrange (a piece of writing) in paragraphs.
    • example - his style deploys a lack of conventional paragraphing
/ˈpɛːr(ə)nt/
noun
  • A person"s father or mother.
    • example - the parents of the bride
    • synonyms - mother, father
verb
  • Be or act as a parent to (a child)
    • example - all children are special to those who parent them
    • synonyms - bring up, be the parent of, look after, take care of, rear, raise, nurture
/pɑːk/
noun
  1. A large public garden or area of land used for recreation.
    • example - a walk round the park
    • synonyms - public garden, recreation ground, playground, play area, municipal park, public park
  2. An area devoted to a specified purpose.
    • example - an industrial park
  3. (in a car with automatic transmission) the position of the gear selector in which the gears are locked, preventing the vehicle"s movement.
    • example - I jammed the gear shift into park and jumped out of the car, wiping my pants off.
verb
  • Bring (a vehicle that one is driving) to a halt and leave it temporarily, typically in a car park or by the side of the road.
    • example - he parked his car outside her house
    • synonyms - leave, station, position
/pɑːk/
noun
  1. A large public garden or area of land used for recreation.
    • example - a walk round the park
    • synonyms - public garden, recreation ground, playground, play area, municipal park, public park
  2. An area devoted to a specified purpose.
    • example - an industrial park
  3. (in a car with automatic transmission) the position of the gear selector in which the gears are locked, preventing the vehicle"s movement.
    • example - I jammed the gear shift into park and jumped out of the car, wiping my pants off.
verb
  • Bring (a vehicle that one is driving) to a halt and leave it temporarily, typically in a car park or by the side of the road.
    • example - he parked his car outside her house
    • synonyms - leave, station, position
/ˈpɑːləm(ə)nt/
noun
  1. (in the UK) the highest legislature, consisting of the Sovereign, the House of Lords, and the House of Commons.The members of Parliament between one dissolution and the next.A legislature similar to the UK Parliament in other nations and states.
    • example - the Secretary of State will lay proposals before Parliament
  2. A group of rooks or owls.
    • example - it is uncommon to see a parliament of owls in the wild
/pɑːt/
noun
  1. An amount or section which, when combined with others, makes up the whole of something.
    • example - divide the circle into three equal parts
    • synonyms - bit, slice, chunk, lump, hunk, wedge, fragment, scrap, segment, piece
  2. Some but not all of something.
    • example - the painting tells only part of the story
  3. A role played by an actor or actress.
    • example - she played a lot of leading parts
    • synonyms - role, theatrical role, character, persona, representation, portrayal, depiction
  4. The contribution made by someone or something to an action or situation.
    • example - he played a key part in ending the revolt
    • synonyms - involvement, role, function, hand, job, task, work, responsibility, capacity, post, position, office, participation, bit, contribution, concern, province
  5. Abilities.
  6. A line of scalp revealed in a person"s hair by combing the hair away in opposite directions on either side; a parting.
    • example - the part in her hair was white and straight
verb
  1. (of two things) move away from each other.
    • example - his lips parted in a smile
  2. Leave someone"s company.
    • example - there was a good deal of kissing before we parted
    • synonyms - leave, take one"s leave, say adieu, say farewell, say goodbye, say one"s goodbyes, make one"s farewells, say one"s farewells, separate, break up, go one"s ways, go one"s separate ways, take oneself off, set off, be on one"s way, go, go away, get going, depart, be off
  3. Give up possession of; hand over.
    • example - even quite small companies parted with large sums
    • synonyms - give up, relinquish, forgo, surrender, hand over, deliver up, let go of, renounce, give away, dispose of, discard, abandon, sacrifice, yield, cede
  4. Separate (the hair of the head on either side of the parting) with a comb.
    • example - his hair was centrally parted
adverb
  • To some extent; partly (often used to contrast different parts of something)
    • example - the city is now part slum, part consumer paradise
    • synonyms - to a certain degree, to a certain extent, to a limited degree, to a limited extent, to some degree, to some extent, partly, partially, in part, half, in some measure, relatively, comparatively, moderately, to a point, up to a point, a little, somewhat
/pɑːˈtɪsɪp(ə)nt/
noun
  • A person who takes part in something.
    • example - staff are to be active participants in the decision-making process
    • synonyms - participator, contributor, sharer, party, member, partaker
/pɑːˈtɪsɪpeɪt/
verb
  1. Take part in an action or endeavour.
    • example - thousands participated in a nationwide strike
    • synonyms - take part, engage, join, get involved, share, play a part, play a role, be a participant, partake
  2. Have or possess (a particular quality)
    • synonyms - benefit from, have the benefit of, reap the benefits of, have the advantage, have the use of, have available, avail oneself of, be blessed with, be favoured with, be endowed with, be born with, be possessed of
/pəˈtɪkjʊlə/
adjective
  1. Used to single out an individual member of a specified group or class.
    • example - the action seems to discriminate against a particular group of companies
    • synonyms - specific, certain, distinct, separate, isolated
  2. Especially great or intense.
    • example - when handling or checking cash the cashier should exercise particular care
    • synonyms - special, extra special, especial, exceptional, unusual, marked, singular, uncommon, notable, noteworthy, remarkable, outstanding, unique
  3. Insisting that something should be correct or suitable in every detail; fastidious.
    • example - she is very particular about cleanliness
    • synonyms - fussy, fastidious, meticulous, punctilious, discriminating, selective, painstaking, exacting, demanding, critical, over-particular, over-fastidious, finicky, faddish, finical, dainty
noun
  1. A detail.
    • example - he is wrong in every particular
    • synonyms - detail, item, point, fine point, specific, specification, element, aspect, respect, regard, particularity, fact, feature, circumstance, thing
  2. An individual item, as contrasted with a universal quality.
    • example - universals can be simultaneously exemplified by different particulars in different places
/pəˈtɪkjʊləli/
adverb
  1. To a higher degree than is usual or average.
    • example - I don"t particularly want to be reminded of that time
    • synonyms - especially, specially, very, extremely, exceptionally, singularly, peculiarly, distinctly, unusually, extraordinarily, extra, uncommonly, uniquely, remarkably, strikingly, outstandingly, amazingly, incredibly, awfully, terribly, really, notably, markedly, decidedly, surprisingly, conspicuously
  2. So as to give special emphasis to a point; specifically.
    • example - he particularly asked that I should help you
    • synonyms - specifically, explicitly, expressly, in particular, especially, specially
/ˈpɑːtli/
adverb
  • To some extent; not completely.
    • example - the result is partly a matter of skill and partly of chance
    • synonyms - to a certain degree, to a certain extent, to some degree, to some extent, to a limited degree, to a limited extent, in part, partially, a little, somewhat, not totally, not wholly, not entirely, not fully, relatively, moderately, to a point, up to a point, half, in some measure, comparatively, slightly
/ˈpɑːtnə/
noun
  1. Either of a pair of people engaged together in the same activity.
    • example - arrange the children in pairs so that each person has a partner
  2. Either member of a married couple or of an established unmarried couple.
    • example - she lived with her partner
    • synonyms - husband and wife, twosome
  3. A person with whom one has sex; a lover.
    • example - make sure that you or your partner are using an effective method of contraception
    • synonyms - spouse, husband, wife, mate, consort
verb
  • Be the partner of.
    • example - young farmers who partnered Isabel to the village dance
    • 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
/ˈpɑːti/
noun
  1. A social gathering of invited guests, typically involving eating, drinking, and entertainment.
    • example - an engagement party
    • synonyms - social gathering, gathering, social occasion, social event, social function, function, get-together, celebration, reunion, festivity, jamboree, reception, at-home, soirée, social
  2. A formally constituted political group that contests elections and attempts to form or take part in a government.
    • example - draft the party"s election manifesto
    • synonyms - faction, political party, group, grouping, side, alliance, affiliation, association, coalition, movement, cabal, junta, bloc, camp, set, caucus, sect
  3. A person or people forming one side in an agreement or dispute.
    • example - a contract between two parties
    • synonyms - litigant, plaintiff, defendant
verb
  • Enjoy oneself at a party or other lively gathering, typically with drinking and music.
    • synonyms - celebrate, have fun, enjoy oneself, have a party, have a good time, have a wild time, rave it up, carouse, make merry
/pɑːs/
verb
  1. Move or cause to move in a specified direction.
    • example - he passed through towns and villages
    • synonyms - go, proceed, move, progress, make one"s way, travel, drive, fly
  2. Go past or across; leave behind or on one side in proceeding.
    • example - on the way to the station she passed a cinema
  3. (of time) elapse; go by.
    • example - the day and night passed slowly
    • synonyms - elapse, go by, go past, proceed, progress, advance, wear on, slip by, slip away, roll by, glide by, tick by
  4. Transfer (something) to someone, especially by handing or bequeathing it to the next person in a series.
    • example - your letter has been passed to Mr Rich for action
    • synonyms - hand, let someone have, give, hand over, hand round, reach
  5. (of a candidate) be successful in (an examination, test, or course)
    • example - she passed her driving test
    • synonyms - be successful in, succeed in, gain a pass in, get through, come through, meet the requirements of, pass muster in
  6. (of a legislative or other official body) approve or put into effect (a proposal or law) by voting on it.
    • example - the bill was passed despite fierce opposition
  7. Pronounce (a judgement or judicial sentence)
    • example - passing judgement on these crucial issues
    • synonyms - declare, pronounce, utter, express, deliver, issue, set forth
  8. Discharge (something, especially urine or faeces) from the body.
    • example - she may have difficulty in passing urine
    • synonyms - discharge, excrete, eliminate, evacuate, expel, emit, void, release, let out
  9. Forgo one"s turn in a game or an offered opportunity to do or have something.
    • example - we pass on pudding and have coffee
noun
  1. An act or instance of moving past or through something.
    • example - repeated passes with the swipe card
  2. A success in an examination, test, or course.
    • example - an A-level pass in Music
  3. A card, ticket, or permit giving authorization for the holder to enter or have access to a place, form of transport, or event.
    • example - a bus pass
    • synonyms - permit, warrant, authorization, licence
  4. (in soccer, rugby, and other games) an act of kicking, hitting, or throwing the ball to another player on the same side.
    • example - his cross-field pass to Giggs
    • synonyms - kick, hit, throw, shot, header
  5. An amorous or sexual advance made to someone.
    • synonyms - make sexual advances to, make advances to, make sexual overtures to, proposition, make a sexual approach to
  6. A rejection or dismissal.
  7. A state or situation of a specified, usually undesirable, nature.
    • example - things came to such a pass that these gentlemen sat coldly at the meetings not daring to speak out freely and honestly
    • synonyms - reach a bad state, reach a regrettable state, reach a bad state of affairs, reach a regrettable state of affairs, be in a worrying state, be in a sad plight, be in troubled circumstances, be in dire straits
  8. An act of refraining from bidding during the auction.
    • example - The bidding ends after two consecutive passes.
exclamation
  • Said when one does not know the answer to a question, for example in a quiz.
    • example - to the enigmatic question we answered ‘Pass’
/ˈpasɪdʒ/
/paˈsɑːʒ/
noun
  1. The action or process of moving through or past somewhere on the way from one place to another.
    • example - there were moorings for boats wanting passage through the lock
    • synonyms - transit, progress, passing, movement, moving, motion, going, crossing, travelling, traversal, traverse
  2. A narrow way allowing access between buildings or to different rooms within a building; a passageway.
    • example - the larger bedroom was at the end of the passage
    • synonyms - corridor, passageway, hall, hallway, entrance hall, entrance, walkway, aisle, gangway
  3. The process of transition from one state to another.
    • example - an allegory on the theme of the passage from ignorance to knowledge
    • synonyms - transition, development, progress, progression, move, change, shift, conversion, metamorphosis
  4. A short extract from a book or other printed material.
    • example - he picked up the newspaper and read the passage again
    • synonyms - extract, excerpt, quotation, quote, citation, cite, reading, section, piece, selection, part, snippet, fragment, portion
  5. The propagation of microorganisms or cells in a series of host organisms or culture media, so as to maintain them or modify their virulence.
    • example - cultured cells can replicate on serial passage for predictable periods of time
verb
  • Subject (a strain of microorganisms or cells) to a passage.
    • example - each recombinant virus was passaged nine times successively
/ˈpasɪndʒə/
noun
  • A traveller on a public or private conveyance other than the driver, pilot, or crew.
    • example - more than 50 passengers escaped injury when a train was derailed
    • synonyms - traveller, commuter, voyager, rider, fare payer, fare
/ˈpaʃ(ə)n/
noun
  1. Strong and barely controllable emotion.
    • example - a man of impetuous passion
    • synonyms - sensibilities, sensitivities, self-esteem, ego, pride
  2. The suffering and death of Jesus.
    • example - meditations on the Passion of Christ
    • synonyms - crucifixion, pain, suffering, agony, martyrdom
/ˈpɑːspɔːt/
noun
  • An official document issued by a government, certifying the holder"s identity and citizenship and entitling them to travel under its protection to and from foreign countries.
    • example - a British citizen with a valid passport does not need a visa to visit the US
    • synonyms - travel document, travel papers, papers, travel permit, visa, identity card, ID, laissez-passer
/pɑːst/
adjective
  • Gone by in time and no longer existing.
    • example - the danger is now past
    • synonyms - gone by, over, over and done with, no more, gone, done, dead and buried, finished, ended, forgotten, bygone, former, old, of old, earlier, long-ago, ancient, defunct, extinct
noun
  1. The time before the moment of speaking or writing.
    • example - she found it hard to make ends meet in the past
    • synonyms - formerly, previously, in days gone by, in times gone by, in years gone by, in bygone days, back in the day, in former times, in the old days, in the good old days, at one time, in days of old, in the olden days, in olden times
  2. A past tense or form of a verb.
    • example - a simple past of the first conjugation
preposition
  1. To or on the further side of.
    • example - he rode on past the crossroads
    • synonyms - into and out of, to the far side of, to the other side of, from one side of … to the other, from end to end of, between, past, by, down, along, across, by way of, via
  2. Beyond in time; later than.
    • example - by this time it was past 3.30
    • synonyms - beyond, beyond the limits of, in excess of
  3. Beyond a particular point, stage, or limit.
    • example - he feels his opponent is past his prime
adverb
  1. So as to pass from one side of something to the other.
    • example - a flotilla of glossy limousines swept past
    • synonyms - along, by, on
  2. Used to indicate the lapse of time.
    • example - a week went past and nothing changed
/pɑːθ/
noun
  • A way or track laid down for walking or made by continual treading.
    • example - the path continues alongside the river for half a mile
    • synonyms - footpath, pathway, track, jogging track, trail, trackway, ride, riding, towpath, walk, walkway, promenade, esplanade, avenue, lane, alley, alleyway, passage, passageway, byway, sidetrack, berm, causeway, right of way
/ˈpeɪʃ(ə)nt/
adjective
  • Able to accept or tolerate delays, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious.
    • example - be patient, your time will come
    • synonyms - forbearing, uncomplaining, tolerant, long-suffering, resigned, stoical
noun
  1. A person receiving or registered to receive medical treatment.
    • example - many patients in the hospital were more ill than she was
    • synonyms - sick person, case, sufferer, victim
  2. The semantic role of a noun phrase denoting something that is affected or acted upon by the action of a verb.
/ˈpat(ə)n/
noun
  1. A repeated decorative design.
    • example - a neat blue herringbone pattern
    • synonyms - design, decoration, motif, marking, ornament, ornamentation, device, figure
  2. A model or design used as a guide in needlework and other crafts.
    • example - make a pattern for the zigzag edge
    • synonyms - sample, specimen, swatch
  3. An example for others to follow.
    • example - he set the pattern for subsequent study
    • synonyms - precedent, lead, guide, model, pattern, blueprint, template, paradigm, exemplar, ideal, standard
verb
  1. Decorate with a repeated design.
    • example - he was sitting on a soft carpet patterned in rich colours
  2. Give a regular or intelligible form to.
    • example - the brain not only receives information, but interprets and patterns it
    • synonyms - shape, influence, form, model, fashion, mould, style
pay
/peɪ/
verb
  1. Give (someone) money that is due for work done, goods received, or a debt incurred.
    • example - the traveller paid a guide to show him across
    • synonyms - reward, reimburse, recompense, give payment to, settle up with, remunerate, tip, indemnify
  2. Suffer a misfortune as a consequence of an action.
    • example - they paid for his impatience
    • synonyms - suffer, suffer the consequences, be punished, pay a penalty, atone, make atonement, pay the price, get one"s deserts, take one"s medicine
  3. Give (attention, respect, or a compliment) to (someone)
    • example - no one paid them any attention
    • synonyms - bestow, present, grant, give, hand out, extend, offer, proffer, render, afford
noun
  • The money paid to someone for regular work.
    • example - an entitlement to sickness pay
    • synonyms - salary, wages, wage, take-home pay, gross pay, net pay, payment
/ˈpeɪm(ə)nt/
noun
  1. The action or process of paying someone or something or of being paid.
    • example - ask for a discount for payment by cash
    • synonyms - remittance, remission, settlement, discharge, clearance, liquidation, reckoning
  2. An amount paid or payable.
    • example - a compensation payment of £2500
    • synonyms - instalment, premium, amount, remittance
/piːs/
noun
  1. Freedom from disturbance; tranquillity.
    • example - he just wanted to drink a few beers in peace
    • synonyms - tranquillity, calm, calmness, restfulness, peace and quiet, peacefulness, quiet, quietness, quietude, silence, soundlessness, hush, noiselessness, stillness, still
  2. A state or period in which there is no war or a war has ended.
    • example - the Straits were to be open to warships in time of peace
    • synonyms - law and order, lawfulness, order, peacefulness, peaceableness, harmony, harmoniousness, accord, concord, amity, amicableness, goodwill, friendship, cordiality, non-aggression, non-violence
  3. A ceremonial handshake or kiss exchanged during a service in some Churches (now usually only in the Eucharist), symbolizing Christian love and unity.
    • example - The incomprehensible sermon was long past, and the handshake of peace was next.
exclamation
  1. Used as a friendly greeting.
  2. Used as an order to remain silent.
verb
  • Leave.
/ˈpiːsfʊl/
adjective
  1. Free from disturbance; tranquil.
    • example - everything was so quiet and peaceful in the early morning
    • synonyms - tranquil, calm, restful, pleasant, quiet, still, relaxing, soothing, sleepy, silent, soundless, hushed, noiseless, undisturbed, untroubled, private, secluded, solitary, isolated, free from disturbance, free from interference, free from interruption
  2. Not involving war or violence.
    • example - there were no violent incidents reported and it was a peaceful protest
    • synonyms - harmonious, at peace, strife-free, peaceable, conflict-free, on good terms, amicable, friendly, cordial, non-violent, unwarlike
pen
/pɛn/
noun
  1. An instrument for writing or drawing with ink, typically consisting of a metal nib or ball, or a nylon tip, fitted into a metal or plastic holder.
    • example - These include a cuddly toy, a ball, pens, pencils and paper, a toothbrush and toothpaste.
  2. The tapering cartilaginous internal shell of a squid.
    • example - It has no backbone, but rather a quill-like pen located beneath its mantle, or body.
verb
  • Write or compose.
    • example - Olivia penned award-winning poetry
/ˈpɛns(ə)l/
noun
  1. An instrument for writing or drawing, consisting of a thin stick of graphite or a similar substance enclosed in a long thin piece of wood or fixed in a cylindrical case.
    • example - have a pencil and paper ready
  2. A set of light rays, lines, etc. converging to or diverging narrowly from a single point.
    • example - The thin line of his pencil transcribes the desert light and, for the first time in this exhibition, a unique and unmistakable vision appears.
verb
  • Write, draw, or colour with a pencil.
    • example - a previous owner has pencilled their name inside the cover
    • synonyms - write, write down, jot down, note, set down, take down, inscribe
/ˈpɛni/
noun
  1. A British bronze coin and monetary unit equal to one hundredth of a pound.A former British coin and monetary unit equal to one twelfth of a shilling and 240th of a pound.A one-cent coin.(in biblical use) a denarius.
    • example - calls are charged at fifty pence a minute
  2. A small sum of money.
    • example - any chance to save a few pennies is welcome
/ˈpɛnʃ(ə)n/
noun
  • A regular payment made by the state to people of or above the official retirement age and to some widows and disabled people.A regular payment made during a person"s retirement from an investment fund to which that person or their employer has contributed during their working life.A regular payment made to a royal favourite or to an artist or scholar to enable them to carry on work of public interest or value.
    • example - men can draw a pension from the age of sixty-five
    • synonyms - annuity, superannuation
verb
  • Dismiss someone from employment, typically because of age or ill health, and pay them a pension.
    • example - he was pensioned off from the army after the war
/ˈpiːp(ə)l/
plural noun
  1. Human beings in general or considered collectively.
    • example - the earthquake killed 30,000 people
    • synonyms - human beings, persons, individuals, humans, mankind, humankind, the human race, Homo sapiens, humanity, the human species, mortals, souls, living souls, personages, men, women, and children
  2. The members of a particular nation, community, or ethnic group.
    • example - the native peoples of Canada
    • synonyms - race, tribe, clan, ethnic group, strain, stock, caste, nation, country, population, populace
  3. The supporters or employees of a person in a position of power or authority.
    • example - I"ve had my people watching the house for some time now
verb
  • (of a group of people) inhabit (a place)
    • example - an arid mountain region peopled by warring clans
    • synonyms - populate, settle, settle in, colonize, establish oneself in, inhabit, live in, occupy
/ˈpɛpə/
noun
  1. A pungent hot-tasting powder prepared from dried and ground peppercorns, used as a spice or condiment to flavour food.
    • example - season to taste with salt and pepper
  2. A capsicum, especially a sweet pepper.
    • example - Gently fry the bacon, add 2 tablespoons olive oil and then sauté onion, peppers, garlic, fennel and saffron.
  3. A climbing vine with berries that are dried as black or white peppercorns.
  4. A practice game in which a fielder throws at close range to a batter who hits back to the fielder.
verb
  1. Sprinkle or season (food) with pepper.
    • example - I salted and peppered the beef before I browned it
  2. Cover or fill with a liberal amount of scattered items.
    • example - the script is peppered with four-letter words
    • synonyms - sprinkle, fleck, intersperse, dot, spot, bespatter, dab, bestud, stipple, pock, freckle, scatter
per
/pəː/
preposition
  1. For each (used with units to express a rate)
    • example - he charges £2 per square yard
    • synonyms - to, per, every, each
  2. By means of.
  3. Divided by a line in the direction of.
/pəˈsɛntɪdʒ/
noun
  • A rate, number, or amount in each hundred.
    • example - the percentage of Caesareans at the hospital was three per cent higher than the national average
    • synonyms - rating, grade, mark, percentage
/ˈpəːfɪkt/
/pəˈfɛkt/
adjective
  1. Having all the required or desirable elements, qualities, or characteristics; as good as it is possible to be.
    • example - life certainly isn"t perfect at the moment
    • synonyms - ideal, model, without fault, faultless, flawless, consummate, quintessential, exemplary, best, best-example, ultimate, copybook
  2. Absolute; complete (used for emphasis)
    • example - a perfect stranger
    • synonyms - absolute, complete, total, real, out-and-out, thorough, thoroughgoing, downright, utter, sheer, consummate, unmitigated, unqualified, veritable, in every respect, unalloyed
  3. (of a number) equal to the sum of its positive divisors, e.g. the number 6, whose divisors (1, 2, 3) also add up to 6.
    • example - Prior to publishing, he also found an upper bound on the least prime divisor of an odd perfect number.
  4. (of a tense) denoting a completed action or a state or habitual action which began in the past. The perfect tense is formed in English with have or has and the past participle, as in they have eaten and they have been eating (present perfect), they had eaten (past perfect), and they will have eaten (future perfect).
    • example - It has seven vowels, it has no perfect tenses, it is chock-a-block with suffixes and its syntax is baroque.
  5. (of a flower) having both stamens and carpels present and functional.
verb
  • Make (something) completely free from faults or defects; make as good as possible.
    • example - he"s busy perfecting his bowling technique
    • synonyms - improve, make perfect, bring to perfection, better, polish, polish up, burnish, hone, refine, consummate, put the final touches to, put the finishing touches to, ameliorate, brush up, fine-tune
noun
  • The perfect tense.
/ˈpəːfɪk(t)li/
adverb
  • In a manner or way that could not be better.
    • example - the ring fitted perfectly
    • synonyms - superbly, superlatively, excellently, flawlessly, faultlessly, to perfection, without fault, ideally, wonderfully, marvellously, magnificently, sublimely, admirably, inimitably, incomparably, impeccably, immaculately, exquisitely, consummately
/pəˈfɔːm/
verb
  1. Carry out, accomplish, or fulfil (an action, task, or function)
    • example - I have my duties to perform
    • synonyms - carry out, do, execute, discharge, bring about, bring off, accomplish, achieve, fulfil, complete, conduct, effect, dispatch, work, implement
  2. Present (a form of entertainment) to an audience.
    • example - the play has already been performed in Britain
    • synonyms - stage, put on, present, mount, enact, act, represent, do, produce
/pəˈfɔːm(ə)ns/
noun
  1. An act of presenting a play, concert, or other form of entertainment.
    • example - Don Giovanni had its first performance in 1787
    • synonyms - show, production, showing, presentation, entertainment, staging, act
  2. The action or process of performing a task or function.
    • example - the continual performance of a single task reduces a man to the level of a machine
    • synonyms - carrying out, execution, discharge, conducting, conduct, effecting, accomplishment, achievement, completion, fulfilment, dispatch, implementation
/pəˈhaps/
adverb
  • Used to express uncertainty or possibility.
    • example - perhaps I should have been frank with him
    • synonyms - maybe, for all I know, for all you know, it could be, it could be that, it may be, it may be that, it is possible, it is possible that, possibly, conceivably, feasibly
/ˈpɪərɪəd/
noun
  1. A length or portion of time.
    • example - he had long periods of depression
    • synonyms - time, spell, interval, stretch, term, span, phase, session, bout, run, space, duration, chapter, stage
  2. The interval of time between successive occurrences of the same state in an oscillatory or cyclic phenomenon, such as a mechanical vibration, an alternating current, a variable star, or an electromagnetic wave.
  3. A flow of blood and other material from the lining of the uterus, occurring in non-pregnant women at intervals of about 28 days between puberty and the menopause and typically lasting for a few days.
    • example - she"s got her period
    • synonyms - menstruation, menstrual flow
  4. A punctuation mark (.) used at the end of a sentence or an abbreviation; a full stop.
    • synonyms - point, stop
  5. A set of elements occupying a horizontal row in the periodic table.
    • example - The horizontal rows or periods also have predictable trends in characteristics because as you move left to right in a row only one electron is added changing the atomic number by one.
  6. A complex sentence, especially one consisting of several clauses, constructed as part of a formal speech or oration.
adjective
  • Belonging to or characteristic of a past historical time, especially in style or design.
    • example - an attractive and beautifully modernized period house
    • synonyms - in period style, period, nostalgic, evocative, of yesteryear, olde worlde
/ˈpəːm(ə)nənt/
adjective
  • Lasting or intended to last or remain unchanged indefinitely.
    • example - a permanent ban on the dumping of radioactive waste at sea
    • synonyms - lasting, enduring, indefinite, continuing, perpetual, everlasting, eternal, abiding, constant, persistent, irreparable, irreversible, lifelong, indissoluble, indelible, standing, perennial, unending, endless, never-ending, immutable, unchangeable, unalterable, invariable, unchanging, changeless, undying, imperishable, indestructible, ineradicable
noun
  • A perm for the hair.
    • example - a woman with a home permanent
/pəˈmɪʃ(ə)n/
noun
  • The action of officially allowing someone to do a particular thing; consent or authorization.
    • example - they had entered the country without permission
    • synonyms - authorization, consent, leave, authority, sanction, licence, dispensation, assent, acquiescence, agreement, approval, seal of approval, approbation, endorsement, blessing, imprimatur, clearance, acceptance, allowance, tolerance, sufferance, empowerment, freedom, liberty
/pəˈmɪt/
/ˈpəːmɪt/
verb
  • Officially allow (someone) to do something.
    • example - the law permits councils to monitor any factory emitting smoke
    • synonyms - allow, let, authorize, give someone authorization, give someone leave, give someone permission, sanction, grant, grant someone the right, license, empower, enable, entitle, qualify
noun
  • An official document giving someone authorization to do something.
    • example - he is only in Britain on a work permit
    • synonyms - authorization, licence, pass, voucher, ticket, warrant, document, certification
/ˈpəːs(ə)n/
noun
  1. A human being regarded as an individual.
    • example - the porter was the last person to see her prior to her disappearance
    • synonyms - human being, individual, man, woman, human, being, living soul, soul, mortal, creature, fellow
  2. A category used in the classification of pronouns, possessive determiners, and verb forms, according to whether they indicate the speaker (first person), the addressee (second person), or a third party (third person).
    • example - When civilians addressed a soldier, they did so in the second person singular, as to a child or pet.
  3. Each of the three modes of being of God, namely the Father, the Son, or the Holy Ghost, who together constitute the Trinity.
    • example - The same idea must be carried further and applied not only to the Logos himself, but to the other persons of the holy Trinity.
/ˈpəːs(ə)n(ə)l/
adjective
  1. Belonging to or affecting a particular person rather than anyone else.
    • example - her personal fortune was recently estimated at £37 million
    • synonyms - distinctive, characteristic, unique, individual, one"s own, particular, private, peculiar, exclusive, idiosyncratic, individualized, personalized
  2. Of or concerning one"s private life, relationships, and emotions rather than one"s career or public life.
    • example - the book describes his sporting career and gives little information about his personal life
    • synonyms - private, confidential, one"s own business, intimate, secret
  3. Relating to a person"s body.
    • example - personal hygiene
  4. Of or denoting one of the three persons.
    • example - Yes, that"s why I used the personal pronoun - stating a personal opinion.
  5. Existing as a self-aware entity, not as an abstraction or an impersonal force.
    • example - he rejected the notion of a personal God
noun
  • An advertisement or message in the personal column of a newspaper.
    • example - They found each other through a personals advertisement Ehud placed in an Indian newspaper.
/pəːsəˈnalɪti/
noun
  1. The combination of characteristics or qualities that form an individual"s distinctive character.
    • example - she had a sunny personality that was very engaging
    • synonyms - character, nature, disposition, temperament, make-up, persona, psyche, identity
  2. A celebrity or famous person.
    • example - an official opening by a famous personality
    • synonyms - celebrity, VIP, star, superstar, celebutante, name, famous name, household name, big name, somebody, leading light, notable, personage, luminary, notability, worthy
  3. The quality or fact of being a person as distinct from a thing or animal.
  4. Disparaging remarks about an individual.
/ˈpəːs(ə)n(ə)li/
adverb
  1. With the personal presence or action of the individual specified; in person.
    • example - she stayed to thank O"Brien personally
    • synonyms - in person, oneself
  2. From one"s personal standpoint; subjectively rather than objectively.
    • example - he had spoken personally and emotionally
    • synonyms - for my part, for my own part, for myself, according to my way of thinking, to my mind, in my estimation, as far as I am concerned, in my opinion, in my view, in my own opinion, in my own view, from my own point of view, from where I stand, from my standpoint, as I see it, if you ask me, for my money, in my book
/pəˈspɛktɪv/
noun
  1. The art of representing three-dimensional objects on a two-dimensional surface so as to give the right impression of their height, width, depth, and position in relation to each other.
    • example - the theory and practice of perspective
  2. A particular attitude towards or way of regarding something; a point of view.
    • example - most guidebook history is written from the editor"s perspective
    • synonyms - outlook, view, viewpoint, point of view, standpoint, position, stand, stance, angle, slant, attitude, frame of mind, frame of reference, approach, way of looking, way of thinking, vantage point, interpretation
  3. An apparent spatial distribution in perceived sound.
/pəˈsweɪd/
verb
  • Induce (someone) to do something through reasoning or argument.
    • example - it wasn"t easy, but I persuaded him to do the right thing
    • synonyms - prevail on, talk someone into, coax, convince, make, get, press someone into, induce, win someone over, bring someone round, argue someone into, pressure someone into, pressurize someone into, coerce, influence, sway, prompt, inveigle, entice, tempt, lure, cajole, wheedle someone into, get round, blarney, prod someone into, reason someone into
pet
/pɛt/
noun
  • A domestic or tamed animal kept for companionship or pleasure.
    • example - the pony was a family pet
verb
  • Stroke or pat (an animal) affectionately.
    • example - the cats came to be petted
    • synonyms - stroke, caress, fondle, pat
/ˈpɛtr(ə)l/
noun
  1. A light fuel oil that is obtained by distilling petroleum and used in internal combustion engines.
    • example - petrol fumes
  2. A shade of greenish or greyish blue.
    • example - Harmer sells a range of contemporary pendant lighting, including the Icon glass dome light shades, in colours from petrol blue to cardinal red, priced £109.
/feɪz/
noun
  1. A distinct period or stage in a series of events or a process of change or development.
    • example - the final phases of the war
    • synonyms - stage, period, chapter, episode, part, step, point, time, juncture
  2. Each of the aspects of the moon or a planet, according to the amount of its illumination, especially the new moon, the first quarter, the full moon, and the last quarter.
    • example - The second condition is that the Sun, Earth and the Moon must also be lined up, corresponding to the phase of the New Moon.
    • synonyms - aspect, shape, form, appearance, state, condition
  3. A genetic or seasonal variety of an animal"s coloration.
  4. A distinct and homogeneous form of matter (i.e. a particular solid, liquid, or gas) separated by its surface from other forms.
    • example - solid carbon dioxide passes directly into the gas phase without becoming a liquid
  5. The relationship in time between the successive states or cycles of an oscillating or repeating system (such as an alternating electric current or a light or sound wave) and either a fixed reference point or the states or cycles of another system with which it may or may not be in synchrony.
    • example - there are two output channels, one fixed in phase and the other variable in phase between 0 and 360 degrees
  6. (in systemic grammar) the relationship between a catenative verb and the verb that follows it, as in she hoped to succeed and I like swimming.
    • example - For talking about two actions or states, which are closely linked, we use two verbs together in phase.
verb
  1. Carry out (something) in gradual stages.
    • example - the work is being phased over a number of years
  2. Adjust the phase of (something), especially so as to synchronize it with something else.
    • example - about 70% of the reflections were phased by this method
/fəˈnɒmɪnən/
noun
  1. A fact or situation that is observed to exist or happen, especially one whose cause or explanation is in question.
    • example - glaciers are interesting natural phenomena
    • synonyms - occurrence, event, happening, fact, situation, circumstance, experience, case, incident, episode, sight, appearance, thing
  2. A remarkable person or thing.
    • example - the band was a pop phenomenon just for their sales figures alone
    • synonyms - marvel, sensation, wonder, prodigy, miracle, rarity, nonpareil, curiosity, spectacle
  3. The object of a person"s perception.
    • example - No empirical phenomena seem to demand a notion of backward causation for our understanding of them.
/fɪˈlɒsəfi/
noun
  1. The study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence, especially when considered as an academic discipline.
    • example - Theology ‘is an academic discipline like philosophy, English literature or the classics,’ he said.
  2. A theory or attitude that acts as a guiding principle for behaviour.
    • example - don"t expect anything and you won"t be disappointed, that"s my philosophy
    • synonyms - beliefs, credo, faith, convictions, ideology, ideas, thinking, notions, theories, doctrine, tenets, values, principles, ethics, attitude, line, view, viewpoint, outlook, world view, school of thought
/fəʊn/
noun
  1. A telephone.
    • example - a few seconds later the phone rang
    • synonyms - telephone, mobile phone, mobile, cell phone, car phone, radiotelephone, cordless phone, videophone, extension
  2. Headphones or earphones.
verb
  • Contact someone by phone.
    • example - he phoned her at work
    • synonyms - telephone, call, call up, give someone a call, give someone a ring, ring, get someone on the phone, get on the phone to, get, reach, dial, make a call, place a call, make a call to, place a call to
/ˈfəʊtəʊ/
noun
  • A photograph.
    • example - He asked residents to send in any photos, slides or images of the area from bygone days.
    • synonyms - picture, photo, shot, snap, snapshot, likeness, image, portrait, study, print, slide, transparency, negative, positive, plate, film, bromide, frame, exposure, still, proof, enlargement
verb
  • Take a photograph of.
/ˈfəʊtəɡrɑːf/
noun
  • A picture made using a camera, in which an image is focused on to light-sensitive material and then made visible and permanent by chemical treatment, or stored digitally.
    • example - a photograph of her father
    • synonyms - picture, photo, shot, snap, snapshot, likeness, image, portrait, study, print, slide, transparency, negative, positive, plate, film, bromide, frame, exposure, still, proof, enlargement
verb
  • Take a photograph of.
    • example - she has photographed all of the major ballet companies worldwide
    • synonyms - take someone"s photo, take someone"s picture, get a picture of, take a picture of, get a snap of, get a snapshot of, take a snap of, take a snapshot of, take, snap, shoot, get a shot of, take a shot of, take a likeness of, record, film, capture on celluloid, capture on film, record on celluloid, record on film
/fəˈtɒɡrəfə/
noun
  • A person who takes photographs, especially as a job.
    • example - a freelance press photographer
    • synonyms - lensman, paparazzo, documentarian
/fəˈtɒɡrəfi/
noun
  • The art or practice of taking and processing photographs.
    • example - The firm has just branched out into doing canvas prints and fine art photography.
/freɪz/
noun
  • A small group of words standing together as a conceptual unit, typically forming a component of a clause.
    • example - ‘to improve standards’ is the key phrase here
    • synonyms - expression, group of words, word group, construction, clause, locution, wording, term, turn of phrase, idiom, idiomatic expression, set phrase, phrasal idiom, phrasal verb
verb
  • Put into a particular form of words.
    • example - it"s important to phrase the question correctly
    • synonyms - express, put into words, put, word, style, formulate, couch, frame, set forth, utter, say, tell, articulate, verbalize, communicate, convey, get across, put across
/ˈfɪzɪk(ə)l/
adjective
  1. Relating to the body as opposed to the mind.
    • example - a range of physical and mental challenges
    • synonyms - bodily, corporeal, corporal, fleshly, in the flesh
  2. Relating to things perceived through the senses as opposed to the mind; tangible or concrete.
    • example - the physical world
    • synonyms - material, substantial, solid, concrete, tangible, palpable, visible, real, actual
  3. Relating to physics or the operation of natural forces generally.
    • example - physical laws
noun
  1. A medical examination to determine a person"s bodily fitness.
    • example - at fifty-something, each year"s physical was a kind of lottery
  2. Stocks held in actual commodities for immediate exchange, for example as opposed to futures.
    • example - the exchange of futures for physicals
/ˈfɪzɪks/
plural noun
  • The branch of science concerned with the nature and properties of matter and energy. The subject matter of physics includes mechanics, heat, light and other radiation, sound, electricity, magnetism, and the structure of atoms.
    • example - One of the most contentious subjects in modern physics has been quantum mechanics.
/pɪˈanəʊ/
noun
  • A large keyboard musical instrument with a wooden case enclosing a soundboard and metal strings, which are struck by hammers when the keys are depressed. The strings" vibration is stopped by dampers when the keys are released and can be regulated for length and volume by two or three pedals.
    • example - I like to use pianos and strings and brass as I feel that they are the most precious instruments to use.
/pɪk/
verb
  1. Detach and remove (a flower, fruit, or vegetable) from where it is growing.
    • example - I went to pick some flowers for Jenny"s room
    • synonyms - harvest, gather, gather in, collect, take in, pluck, pull, dig, crop, reap, bring home
  2. Choose (someone or something) from a number of alternatives.
    • example - maybe I picked the wrong career after all
    • synonyms - choose, select, pick out, single out, include, hand-pick, decide on, settle on, fix on
  3. Make (a hole) in fabric by pulling at it with one"s fingers.
    • example - she picked a hole in her tights
  4. Pluck the strings of (a guitar or banjo)
    • example - people were singing and picking guitars
    • synonyms - strum, twang, thrum, pluck, finger
noun
  1. An act or the right of selecting something from a number of alternatives.
    • example - take your pick from our extensive menu
    • synonyms - choice, selection, option, decision
  2. An act of blocking or screening a defensive player from the ball handler.
    • example - In the triangle, players don"t set picks off the ball.
/ˈpɪktʃə/
noun
  1. A painting or drawing.
    • example - draw a picture of a tree
    • synonyms - painting, drawing, sketch, print, canvas, delineation, cartoon, portrait, portrayal, illustration, artist"s impression, artwork, depiction, likeness, representation, image, icon
  2. An impression of something formed from a description.
    • example - a full picture of the disaster had not yet emerged
    • synonyms - concept, idea, impression, mental picture, view, image, mental image, vision, visualization, notion, theory, abstraction
  3. A person or thing resembling another closely.
    • example - ‘How excessively like her brother Miss Morland is!’ ‘The very picture of him, indeed!’
    • synonyms - personification, embodiment, epitome, essence, perfect example, soul, model
verb
  • Represent in a photograph or picture.
    • example - he is pictured with party guests
    • synonyms - photograph, get a photo of, get a photograph of, take a photo of, take a photograph of, take someone"s photo, take someone"s picture, get a picture of, take a picture of, get a snap of, get a snapshot of, take a snap of, take a snapshot of, take, snap, shoot, get a shot of, take a shot of
/piːs/
noun
  1. A portion of an object or of material, produced by cutting, tearing, or breaking the whole.
    • example - a piece of cheese
    • synonyms - bit, section, slice, chunk, segment, lump, hunk
  2. A written, musical, or artistic creation.
    • example - a haunting piece of music
    • synonyms - work of art, work
  3. An instance or example.
    • example - a crucial piece of evidence
    • synonyms - example, specimen, sample, instance, illustration, occurrence, case
  4. A coin of specified value.
    • example - a 10p piece
    • synonyms - piece, bit
  5. A figure or token used to make moves in a board game.
    • example - a chess piece
    • synonyms - token, counter, man, disc, chip, marker
  6. A firearm.
  7. A woman.
    • synonyms - lady, adult female, female
  8. A sandwich or other item of food taken as a snack.
verb
  1. Assemble something from parts or pieces.
    • example - the dinosaur was pieced together from 119 bones
    • synonyms - put together, assemble, compose, construct, join up, fit together, join, unite, reassemble, reconstruct, put back together, mend, repair, patch up, sew, sew up
  2. Extend something.
    • example - his coming and assisting them was like a cordial given to a dying man, which doth piece out his life
  3. Patch (something)
    • example - if it be broken it must be pieced
pig
/pɪɡ/
noun
  1. An omnivorous domesticated hoofed mammal with sparse bristly hair and a flat snout for rooting in the soil, kept for its meat.
    • example - With the advent of farming in the Neolithic, a number of animal species were domesticated, starting with sheep, goats, pigs, and cattle.
    • synonyms - hog, boar, sow, porker, swine, piglet
  2. A greedy, dirty, or unpleasant person.
    • synonyms - glutton, guzzler, gobbler, gorger, gourmand, gourmandizer, binge eater
  3. A police officer.
  4. An oblong mass of iron or lead from a smelting furnace.
    • example - One indication of its importance is the incidence of lead pigs or ingots, many stamped with the emperor"s name or that of a lessee, which have been found across Britain.
  5. A device which fits snugly inside an oil or gas pipeline and is sent through it to clean or test the inside, or to act as a barrier.
    • example - I thought the miniature pig laser tests we did for NASA on the ISS were crazy.
verb
  1. Gorge oneself with food.
    • synonyms - stuff, cram, fill
  2. (of a sow) give birth to piglets; farrow.
    • example - The patron of the hospital was held in such esteem, that when any person"s sow pigged, one was set apart, and fed as fat as they could make it, to give to the brethren of St. Anthony.
  3. Operate a pig within an oil or gas pipeline.
    • example - they will carry out all trenching and pigging
/pʌɪl/
noun
  1. A heap of things laid or lying one on top of another.
    • example - he placed the books in a neat pile
    • synonyms - heap, stack, mound, pyramid, mass, quantity, bundle, clump, bunch, jumble
  2. A large imposing building or group of buildings.
    • example - a Victorian Gothic pile
    • synonyms - mansion, stately home, hall, manor, big house, manor house, country house, castle, palace
  3. A series of plates of dissimilar metals laid one on another alternately to produce an electric current.
  4. A nuclear reactor.
    • example - In the basement of the unused football stadium of the University of Chicago, scientists Enrico Fermi and Arthur Compton built an atomic pile and in December 1942 produced the first chain reaction in uranium.
verb
  1. Place (things) one on top of the other.
    • example - she piled all the groceries on the counter
    • synonyms - heap, heap up, stack, stack up, make a heap of, make a pile of, make a stack of
  2. (of a group of people) get into or out of a vehicle or space in a disorganized manner.
    • example - ten of us piled into the minibus
    • synonyms - crowd, climb, charge, tumble, stream, flock, flood, pack, squeeze, push, shove, jostle, elbow, crush, jam
/ˈpʌɪlət/
noun
  1. A person who operates the flying controls of an aircraft.
    • example - a strike by local airline pilots
    • synonyms - airman, airwoman, flyer, aeronaut
  2. A television or radio programme made to test audience reaction with a view to the production of a series.
    • example - he returns to our TV screens in a pilot for a Channel 4 sitcom
    • synonyms - trial episode, pilot episode, pilot programme
  3. An unmodulated reference signal transmitted with another signal for the purposes of control or synchronization.
    • example - In an embodiment of the invention, a particular mobile station transmits a pilot strength measurement message to the base station.
  4. another term for cowcatcher
    • example - Today, people in the railroad industry frown upon the term "cow catcher," but the pilot is still in use.
adjective
  • Done as an experiment or test before being introduced more widely.
    • example - a pilot scheme for training workers
    • synonyms - experimental, exploratory, trial, test, sample, model, tentative, speculative, preliminary
verb
  1. Be the pilot of (an aircraft or ship)
    • example - he piloted the helicopter from Paris to Deauville
    • synonyms - fly, be at the controls of, control, handle, manoeuvre, drive, operate, steer, regulate, monitor, direct, captain
  2. Test (a scheme, project, etc.) before introducing it more widely.
    • example - one-day workshops for part-time staff were piloted in June
    • synonyms - test, trial, put to the test, try out, carry out trials on, experiment with, assess, investigate, examine, appraise, evaluate, check out
pin
/pɪn/
noun
  1. A thin piece of metal with a sharp point at one end and a round head at the other, used for fastening pieces of cloth, paper, etc.
    • example - One of them cleverly decorates a vase by drawing plant leaves using a sharp pin, while another shapes small frog-like figures to be put on ashtrays.
    • synonyms - tack, safety pin, nail, staple, skewer, spike, brad, fastener
  2. A metal projection from a plug or an integrated circuit which makes an electrical connection with a socket or another part of a circuit.
    • example - a three-pin plug
  3. A stick with a flag placed in a hole to mark its position.
    • example - His third shot out of the sand sees the ball roll 20 feet past the pin but he holes the tricky par putt.
  4. A skittle in bowling.
    • example - Wandering among its pillars, I felt like an ant among the pins of a bowling alley: 134 awesome skittles, each more elaborately decorated than the last.
  5. A person"s legs.
  6. An attack on a piece or pawn which is thereby pinned.
    • example - In order to differentiate between the White and Black pieces, the Black ones have small pins or pips on the top.
  7. A half-firkin cask for beer.
verb
  1. Attach or fasten with a pin or pins.
    • example - he pinned the badge on to his lapel
    • synonyms - attach, fasten, affix, fix, stick, tack, nail, staple, clip, join, link, secure
  2. Hold (someone) firmly in a specified position so they are unable to move.
    • example - she was standing pinned against the door
    • synonyms - hold, restrain, press, pinion, constrain, hold fast, hold down, immobilize
  3. Hinder or prevent (a piece or pawn) from moving because of the danger to a more valuable piece standing behind it along the line of an attack.
    • example - the black rook on e4 is pinned
/pɪŋk/
adjective
  1. Of a colour intermediate between red and white, as of coral or salmon.
    • example - bright pink lipstick
    • synonyms - rosy, rose, rose-coloured, rosé, pale red, salmon, salmon-pink, shell-pink
  2. Having or showing left-wing tendencies.
  3. Of or associated with gay people.
    • example - a boom in the pink economy
noun
  1. Pink colour, pigment, or material.
    • example - soft pastel shades of pink and blue
  2. The best condition or degree.
    • example - the economy is not in the pink of health
    • synonyms - prime, perfection, best, finest, top form, height, highest level, upper limit, limit
verb
  1. Become pink.
    • example - Cheryl"s cheeks pinked with sudden excitement
  2. Shear (a sheep) so closely that the colour of the skin is visible.
/pʌɪp/
noun
  1. A tube used to convey water, gas, oil, or other fluid substances.
    • example - Roads, bridges, utility lines, water and sewer pipes, and other supporting services have to be rebuilt.
    • synonyms - tube, conduit, hose, main, duct, line, channel, canal, conveyor, pipeline, drain, tubing, piping, siphon, cylinder
  2. A device for smoking tobacco, consisting of a narrow tube made from wood, clay, etc. with a bowl at one end in which the tobacco is burned, the smoke from which is drawn into the mouth.
    • example - a smell of pipe tobacco
    • synonyms - tobacco pipe, briar, briar pipe, meerschaum, clay pipe
  3. A wind instrument consisting of a single tube with holes along its length that are covered by the fingers to produce different notes.
    • example - the tone of a reed pipe
    • synonyms - whistle, penny whistle, flute, recorder, fife
  4. A command which causes the output from one routine to be the input for another.
    • example - You can use the pipe to redirect the file"s output.
  5. A cask for wine, especially as a measure equal to two hogsheads, usually equivalent to 105 gallons (about 477 litres)
    • example - a fresh pipe of port
verb
  1. Convey (water, gas, oil, or other fluid substances) through a pipe or pipes.
    • example - water from the lakes is piped to Manchester
    • synonyms - convey, channel, siphon, run, feed, lead, bring
  2. Play (a tune) on a pipe or pipes.
    • example - he believed he"d heard music—a tune being piped
    • synonyms - play on a pipe
  3. (of a bird) sing in a high or shrill voice.
    • example - outside at the back a curlew piped
    • synonyms - chirp, cheep, chirrup, twitter, chatter, warble, trill, peep, sing, shrill, squeal, squeak
  4. Decorate (clothing or soft furnishings) with thin cord covered in fabric and inserted into a seam.
    • example - I saw a cute little waistcoat in a Burda magazine, done in gingham fabric, piped all around the edges, and on the back was a placket done up with ties.
  5. Arrange (food, particularly icing or cream) in decorative lines or patterns.
    • example - she had been piping cream round a flan
  6. Propagate (a pink or similar plant) by taking a cutting at the joint of a stem.
    • synonyms - breed, grow, cultivate, generate
/pɪtʃ/
noun
  1. The quality of a sound governed by the rate of vibrations producing it; the degree of highness or lowness of a tone.
    • example - her voice rose steadily in pitch
    • synonyms - tone, timbre, sound, key, tonality, modulation, frequency
  2. The steepness of a slope, especially of a roof.
    • example - Keeping a steep roof pitch and adding dormers to the new second story are good options.
    • synonyms - steepness, angle, gradient, slope, slant, tilt, incline, cant, rake, dip, inclination
  3. A level of the intensity of something, especially a high level.
    • example - the media furore reached such a pitch that the company withdrew the product
    • synonyms - level, intensity, point, degree, height, extent
  4. An area of ground marked out or used for play in an outdoor team game.
    • example - a football pitch
    • synonyms - playing field, field, ground, sports field
  5. A delivery of the ball by the pitcher.
    • example - Sometimes five wild pitches in one inning aren"t enough to keep a team from a win.
    • synonyms - throw, cast, fling, hurl, toss, delivery, lob
  6. A form of words used when trying to persuade someone to buy or accept something.
    • example - he put over a very strong sales pitch
    • synonyms - patter, talk
  7. A place where a street vendor or performer stations themselves or sets up a stall.
    • example - the traders had already reserved their pitches
    • synonyms - site, place, spot, station
  8. A swaying or oscillation of a ship, aircraft, or vehicle around a horizontal axis perpendicular to the direction of motion.
    • example - the pitch and roll of the ship
    • synonyms - lurch, pitching, lurching, roll, rolling, plunging, reeling, swaying, rocking, list, wallowing, labouring
  9. The distance between successive corresponding points or lines, for example between the teeth of a cogwheel.
    • example - One of the belt"s major design improvements is the pitch, or the distance between belt teeth.
verb
  1. Set (one"s voice or a piece of music) at a particular pitch.
    • example - you"ve pitched the melody very high
  2. Throw roughly or casually.
    • example - he crumpled the page up and pitched it into the fireplace
    • synonyms - throw, toss, fling, hurl, cast, lob, launch, flip, shy, dash, aim, direct, propel, bowl
  3. Throw (the ball) for the batter to try to hit.
    • example - He threw the ball back to her and she gave the batter a whole two seconds before pitching the same ball.
  4. Make a bid to obtain a contract or other business.
    • example - I"ve been pitching for this account for over a month
  5. Set up and fix in position.
    • example - we pitched camp for the night
    • synonyms - put up, set up, erect, raise, position, fix in position, place, locate
  6. (of a moving ship, aircraft, or vehicle) rock or oscillate around a lateral axis, so that the front moves up and down.
    • example - the little steamer pressed on, pitching gently
    • synonyms - lurch, toss, toss about, plunge, roll, reel, sway, rock, flounder, keel, list, wallow, labour
  7. Cause (a roof) to slope downwards from the ridge.
    • example - the roof was pitched at an angle of 75 degrees
  8. Pave (a road) with stones.
    • example - another sort of stone is used for pitching streets
  9. (in brewing) add yeast to (wort) to induce fermentation.
    • example - The hot wort is then chilled, filtered, aerated and, finally, pitched with yeast.
/pleɪs/
noun
  1. A particular position, point, or area in space; a location.
    • example - I can"t be in two places at once
    • synonyms - location, site, spot, scene, setting, position, point, situation, area, region, whereabouts, locale
  2. A portion of space designated or available for or being used by someone.
    • example - they hurried to their places at the table
    • synonyms - seat, chair, position, space
  3. A position in a sequence or series, typically one ordered on the basis of merit.
    • example - his score left him in ninth place
  4. A square or short street.
    • example - the lecture theatre is in New Burlington Place
verb
  1. Put in a particular position.
    • example - a newspaper had been placed beside my plate
    • synonyms - put down, put, set, set down, lay down, deposit, position, plant, rest, stand, sit, settle, station, situate, leave, stow, prop, lean
  2. Find a home or employment for.
    • example - the children were placed with foster-parents
    • synonyms - find employment for, find a job for
  3. Identify or classify as being of a specified type or as holding a specified position in a sequence or hierarchy.
    • example - a survey placed the company 13th for achievement
    • synonyms - rank, order, put in order, grade, group, arrange, sort, class, classify, categorize
  4. Score (a goal) by a place kick.
    • example - Both teams had great difficulty in scoring from play with nearly all the scores coming from placed balls.
/pleɪn/
adjective
  1. Not decorated or elaborate; simple or basic in character.
    • example - good plain food
    • synonyms - simple, ordinary, unadorned, undecorated, unembellished, unornamented, unpretentious, unostentatious, unfussy, homely, homespun, basic, modest, unsophisticated, penny plain, without frills
  2. Having no pretensions; not remarkable or special.
    • example - a plain, honest man with no nonsense about him
    • synonyms - straightforward, unpretentious, simple, ordinary, average, unassuming, unaffected, honest-to-goodness, ingenuous, artless, guileless, sincere
  3. Easy to perceive or understand; clear.
    • example - the advantages were plain to see
    • synonyms - obvious, clear, crystal clear, as clear as crystal, evident, apparent, manifest, patent, visible, discernible, perceptible, perceivable, noticeable, detectable, recognizable, observable, unmistakable, transparent, palpable, distinct, pronounced, marked, striking, conspicuous, overt, self-evident, indisputable
  4. (of a person) not beautiful or attractive.
    • example - a plain, round-faced woman
    • synonyms - unattractive, unprepossessing, as plain as a pikestaff, ugly, ill-favoured, unlovely, ordinary-looking
  5. Sheer; simple (used for emphasis)
    • example - the main problem is just plain exhaustion
    • synonyms - sheer, pure, downright, out-and-out, unmitigated, rank, nothing other than
  6. Denoting or relating to a type of knitting stitch produced by putting the needle through the front of each stitch from left to right.
    • example - She offered a more varied needlework curriculum of plain work, marking, openwork, and embroidery along with reading and writing.
adverb
  1. Used for emphasis.
    • synonyms - downright, utterly, absolutely, completely, totally, really, thoroughly, positively, profoundly, categorically, simply, incontrovertibly, unquestionably, undeniably
  2. Clearly or unequivocally.
noun
  • A large area of flat land with few trees.
    • example - the coastal plain
    • synonyms - grassland, flatland, lowland, pasture, meadowland, open country, prairie, savannah, steppe
/plan/
noun
  1. A detailed proposal for doing or achieving something.
    • example - the UN peace plan
    • synonyms - scheme, plan of action, idea, master plan, game plan, proposal, proposition, ploy, suggestion, project, programme, system, method, procedure, strategy, stratagem, formula, recipe, scenario, arrangement, schedule, agenda
  2. An intention or decision about what one is going to do.
    • example - I have no plans to retire
    • synonyms - intention, aim, idea, intent, objective, object, goal, target, hope, aspiration, ambition
  3. A detailed map or diagram.
    • example - a street plan
verb
  1. Decide on and make arrangements for in advance.
    • example - they were planning a trip to Egypt
    • synonyms - organize, arrange, work out, think out, design, line up, outline, sketch out, map out, chalk out, draft, prepare, schedule, programme, formulate, frame, project, develop, set up, fix up, shape, build, devise, concoct, contrive
  2. Design or make a plan of (something to be made or built)
    • example - she had planned the garden from scratch
    • synonyms - design, draw up a plan of, make a drawing of, draw up a layout of, sketch out, make a map of, map out, make a representation of
/pleɪn/
noun
  1. A flat surface on which a straight line joining any two points on it would wholly lie.
    • example - the horizontal plane
    • synonyms - flat surface, level surface
  2. A level of existence, thought, or development.
    • example - everything is connected on the spiritual plane
    • synonyms - level, stage, degree, standard, stratum
adjective
  • Completely level or flat.
    • example - a plane surface
    • synonyms - flat, level, horizontal, even, flush, levelled, true
verb
  • (of a bird or an airborne object) soar without moving the wings; glide.
    • example - seagulls swooped and planed overhead
    • synonyms - soar, glide, float, drift, wheel
/ˈplanɪt/
noun
  • A celestial body moving in an elliptical orbit round a star.
    • example - Kepler showed that a planet moves round the Sun in an elliptical orbit which has the Sun in one of its two foci.
    • synonyms - planet, satellite, moon, star, heavenly body, orb
/ˈplanɪŋ/
noun
  • The process of making plans for something.
    • example - mass production methods call for detailed planning
    • synonyms - preparation, preparations, organization, arrangement, forethought, design, designing, drafting, working out, setting up, groundwork
/plɑːnt/
noun
  1. A living organism of the kind exemplified by trees, shrubs, herbs, grasses, ferns, and mosses, typically growing in a permanent site, absorbing water and inorganic substances through its roots, and synthesizing nutrients in its leaves by photosynthesis using the green pigment chlorophyll.
    • example - Eventually, it melts to supply water and nutrients to plants and aquatic organisms.
    • synonyms - herb, flower, vegetable, shrub, weed
  2. A place where an industrial or manufacturing process takes place.
    • example - a giant car plant
    • synonyms - factory, works, foundry, mill, workshop, shop, yard, industrial unit, business unit
  3. A person placed in a group as a spy or informer.
    • example - we thought he was a CIA plant spreading disinformation
    • synonyms - spy, informant, informer, undercover agent, secret agent, agent, mole, infiltrator, operative
  4. A shot in which the cue ball is made to strike one of two touching or nearly touching balls with the result that the second is potted.
verb
  1. Put (a seed, bulb, or plant) in the ground so that it can grow.
    • example - we planted a lot of fruit trees
    • synonyms - sow, scatter, seed, put in the ground
  2. Set or place in a particular position.
    • example - he planted himself squarely in front of her
    • synonyms - put, place, set, position, station, situate, settle, stick, fix
/ˈplastɪk/
noun
  • A synthetic material made from a wide range of organic polymers such as polyethylene, PVC, nylon, etc., that can be moulded into shape while soft, and then set into a rigid or slightly elastic form.
    • example - mains pipes should be made of plastic or copper
adjective
  1. Made of plastic.
    • example - plastic bottles
  2. (of a substance or material) easily shaped or moulded.
    • example - rendering the material more plastic
    • synonyms - malleable, mouldable, shapable, pliable, pliant, ductile, flexible, soft, workable, supple, bendable
/pleɪt/
noun
  1. A flat dish, typically circular and made of china, from which food is eaten or served.
    • example - he pushed his empty plate to one side and sipped his wine
    • synonyms - dish, platter, bowl, salver
  2. Dishes, bowls, cups, and other utensils made of gold, silver, or other metal.
    • example - an exhibition of the plate belonging to the college
  3. A thin, flat sheet or strip of metal or other material, typically one used to join or strengthen things or forming part of a machine.
    • example - he underwent surgery to have a steel plate put into his leg
    • synonyms - panel, sheet, layer, lamina, leaf, pane, slab
  4. A thin, flat organic structure or formation.
    • example - the fused bony plates protect the tortoise"s soft parts
    • synonyms - plate
  5. Each of the several rigid pieces of the earth"s lithosphere which together make up the earth"s surface.
    • example - the Pacific Ocean plate
  6. A sheet of metal, plastic, or other material bearing an image of type or illustrations from which multiple copies are printed.
    • example - the correct alignment of the plates in four-colour printing
  7. A thin piece of plastic moulded to the shape of a person"s mouth and gums, to which artificial teeth or another orthodontic appliance are attached.
    • example - Like anyone of my generation, I guess, I have an absolute horror of false teeth, dental plates, dentures (there I said it).
  8. A thin piece of metal that acts as an electrode in a capacitor, battery, or cell.
    • example - The tank circuit is a tightly wrapped coil of wire that is connected at each end to a capacitor - two metal plates separated by an insulator.
verb
  1. Cover (a metal object) with a thin coating of a different metal.
    • example - The nickel is plated on the alloy or steel by using heat and chemistry.
    • synonyms - cover, coat, overlay, laminate, veneer
  2. Serve or arrange (food) on a plate or plates.
    • example - overcooked vegetables won"t look appetizing, no matter how they are plated
    • synonyms - dish out, dish up, give out, distribute, set out, plate up, spoon out, ladle out
  3. Score or cause to score (a run or runs)
    • example - Matt Wignot plated two of Clarkson"s runs
  4. Inoculate (cells or infective material) on to a culture plate, especially with the object of isolating a particular strain of microorganisms or estimating viable cell numbers.
    • example - Samples of 2.5x10 cells were also plated from exponentially growing cultures as control samples.
/ˈplatfɔːm/
noun
  1. A raised level surface on which people or things can stand.
    • example - there are viewing platforms where visitors may gape at the chasm
  2. The declared policy of a political party or group.
    • example - seeking election on a platform of low taxes
    • synonyms - policy, programme, party line, manifesto, plan, plan of action, principles, tenets, objectives, aims
  3. A shoe with very thick soles.
    • example - a pair of chunky platforms
/pleɪ/
verb
  1. Engage in activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than a serious or practical purpose.
    • example - the children were playing by a pool
    • synonyms - amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun, have a good time, relax, rest, be at leisure, occupy oneself, divert oneself, play games, frolic, frisk, gambol, romp, cavort, caper
  2. Take part in (a sport)
    • example - I play squash and badminton
    • synonyms - take part in, participate in, engage in, be involved in, join in, compete in, do
  3. Be cooperative.
    • example - he needs financial backing, but the building societies won"t play
    • synonyms - cooperate, collaborate, play along, play the game, go along with the plan, show willing, be willing, help, lend a hand, assist, be of assistance, contribute, reciprocate, respond
  4. Represent (a character) in a theatrical performance or a film.
    • example - early in her career she played Ophelia
    • synonyms - act the part of, play the part of, act, take the role of, enact, represent, perform, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, pretend to be, execute, render, interpret
  5. Perform on (a musical instrument)
    • example - a man was playing a guitar
  6. Move lightly and quickly, so as to appear and disappear; flicker.
    • example - little beams of light played over the sea
    • synonyms - move lightly, dance, flit, dart, ripple, lick, touch
  7. Allow (a fish) to exhaust itself pulling against a line before reeling it in.
    • example - no fisherman ever played a bonita more carefully or with greater wile
noun
  1. Activity engaged in for enjoyment and recreation, especially by children.
    • example - a child at play may use a stick as an aeroplane
    • synonyms - amusement, entertainment, relaxation, recreation, enjoyment, pleasure, diversion, distraction, leisure, fun, games, fun and games
  2. The conducting of a sporting match.
    • example - rain wrecked the second day"s play
  3. A dramatic work for the stage or to be broadcast.
    • example - the actors put on a new play
    • synonyms - drama, stage play, stage show, theatrical work, theatrical piece, radio play, television play, teleplay, screenplay, comedy, tragedy, farce, sketch
  4. The space in or through which a mechanism can or does move.
    • example - the steering rack was loose, and there was a little play
    • synonyms - movement, freedom of movement, free motion, slack, give
  5. Light and constantly changing movement.
    • example - the artist exploits the play of light across the surface
/ˈpleɪə/
noun
  1. A person taking part in a sport or game.
    • example - a tennis player
    • synonyms - participant, contestant, competitor, contender, team member
  2. A person who plays a musical instrument.
    • example - a guitar player
    • synonyms - musician, performer, instrumentalist, soloist, virtuoso, artist, artiste
  3. An actor.
    • example - there are moments of tenderness beautifully expressed by the players
    • synonyms - actor, actress, performer, thespian, entertainer, artist, artiste, trouper
/ˈplɛz(ə)nt/
adjective
  • Giving a sense of happy satisfaction or enjoyment.
    • example - a very pleasant evening
    • synonyms - enjoyable, pleasing, pleasurable, nice, agreeable, satisfying, gratifying, welcome, good, acceptable, to one"s liking
/pliːz/
verb
  1. Cause to feel happy and satisfied.
    • example - he arranged a fishing trip to please his son
    • synonyms - nice, agreeable, pleasant, pleasurable, satisfying, gratifying, welcome, good, acceptable, to one"s liking, enjoyable, entertaining, amusing, delightful, fine
  2. Take only one"s own wishes into consideration in deciding how to act or proceed.
    • example - this is the first time in ages that I can just please myself
adverb
  • Used in polite requests or questions.
    • example - please address letters to the Editor
    • synonyms - if you please, if you wouldn"t mind, if you would be so good
/pliːzd/
adjective
  • Feeling or showing pleasure and satisfaction, especially at an event or a situation.
    • example - both girls were pleased with their new hairstyles
    • synonyms - happy, glad, delighted, gratified, grateful, thankful, content, contented, satisfied, well pleased, thrilled, elated, as pleased as Punch, overjoyed, cock-a-hoop, like a dog with two tails, like a child with a new toy
/ˈplɛʒə/
noun
  • A feeling of happy satisfaction and enjoyment.
    • example - she smiled with pleasure at being praised
    • synonyms - happiness, delight, joy, gladness, rapture, glee, satisfaction, gratification, fulfilment, contentment, contentedness, enjoyment, amusement
adjective
  • Used or intended for entertainment rather than business.
    • example - pleasure boats
verb
  • Give sexual enjoyment or satisfaction to.
    • example - tell me what will pleasure you
/ˈplɛnti/
pronoun
  • A large or sufficient amount or quantity; more than enough.
    • example - I would have plenty of time to get home before my parents arrived
    • synonyms - a lot of, many, a great deal of, a good deal of, a large amount of, a large number of, a plethora of, quantities of, enough, more than enough, enough and to spare, no lack of, sufficient, a wealth of, a feast of, a cornucopia of
noun
  • A situation in which food and other necessities are available in sufficiently large quantities.
    • example - such natural phenomena as famine and plenty
    • synonyms - prosperity, affluence, wealth, opulence, comfort, well-being, luxury
adverb
  • Used to emphasize the degree of something.
    • synonyms - very much, much, by a considerable amount, considerably, to a great extent, substantially, appreciably, significantly, markedly, sizeably, seriously, materially, signally, profoundly, to a great degree, to a great extent
/plɒt/
noun
  1. A plan made in secret by a group of people to do something illegal or harmful.
    • example - there"s a plot to overthrow the government
    • synonyms - conspiracy, intrigue, secret plan, secret scheme, stratagem
  2. The main events of a play, novel, film, or similar work, devised and presented by the writer as an interrelated sequence.
    • example - the plot consists almost entirely of a man and woman falling in love
    • synonyms - storyline, story, chain of events, scenario, action, thread
  3. A small piece of ground marked out for a purpose such as building or gardening.
    • example - a vegetable plot
    • synonyms - piece of ground, patch, area, location, parcel, tract, allotment, acreage
  4. A graph showing the relation between two variables.
    • example - Interpreting that information is not like interpreting a simple plot or graph.
verb
  1. Secretly make plans to carry out (an illegal or harmful action)
    • example - the two men are serving sentences for plotting a bomb campaign
    • synonyms - plan, scheme, arrange, organize, lay, hatch, concoct, devise, frame, think up, dream up, cook up, brew, conceive
  2. Devise the sequence of events in (a play, novel, film, or similar work)
    • example - she would plot a chapter as she drove
  3. Mark (a route or position) on a chart.
    • example - he started to plot lines of ancient sites
    • synonyms - mark, chart, map, indicate, represent, graph
/plʌs/
preposition
  1. With the addition of.
    • example - two plus four is six
    • synonyms - and, added to, increased by, with the addition of
  2. (of temperature) above zero.
    • example - the temperature is frequently plus 35 degrees at midday
adjective
  1. (after a number or amount) at least.
    • example - companies put losses at $500,000 plus
  2. (before a number) above zero; positive.
    • example - plus 60 degrees centigrade
  3. Having a positive electric charge.
noun
  1. A mathematical operation of addition.
  2. An advantage.
    • example - knowing the language is a decided plus
    • synonyms - advantage, good point, plus point, asset, pro, benefit, added advantage, additional benefit, fringe benefit, bonus, extra, added extra, perk, dividend, attraction, attractive feature, beauty
conjunction
  • Furthermore; also.
    • synonyms - also, as well, in addition, additionally, into the bargain, besides, furthermore, moreover, yet, on top of that, to boot
/ˈpɒkɪt/
noun
  1. A small bag sewn into or on clothing so as to form part of it, used for carrying small articles.
    • example - she fished for her door key in her coat pocket
    • synonyms - bag, purse, wallet, sack, sac, pocket, container, receptacle
  2. A small patch of something.
    • example - some of the gardens still had pockets of dirty snow in them
    • synonyms - area, patch, small area, isolated area, district, region, island, cluster, centre
adjective
  • Of a suitable size for carrying in a pocket.
    • example - a pocket German dictionary
    • synonyms - minute, small-scale, scaled-down, mini, baby, toy, pocket, fun-size, petite, dwarfish, knee-high, miniature, minuscule, microscopic, nanoscopic, infinitesimal, micro, microscale, diminutive, pocket-sized, reduced, Lilliputian
verb
  • Put into one"s pocket.
    • example - she watched him lock up and pocket the key
    • synonyms - steal, take for oneself, help oneself to, appropriate, misappropriate, thieve, purloin, embezzle, expropriate
/ˈpəʊɪm/
noun
  • A piece of writing in which the expression of feelings and ideas is given intensity by particular attention to diction (sometimes involving rhyme), rhythm, and imagery.
    • example - the sun is an important symbol in this poem
    • synonyms - verse, song, rhyme, piece of poetry, verse composition, metrical composition
/ˈpəʊɪt/
noun
  • A person who writes poems.
    • example - The radio play became an art form in its own right and attracted novelists and poets as well as dramatists.
    • synonyms - verse writer, versifier, verse-maker, rhymester, rhymer, sonneteer, lyricist, lyrist, elegist
/ˈpəʊɪtri/
noun
  • Literary work in which the expression of feelings and ideas is given intensity by the use of distinctive style and rhythm; poems collectively or as a genre of literature.
    • example - he felt a desire to investigate through poetry the subjects of pain and death
    • synonyms - poems, verse, verses, versification, metrical composition, rhythmical composition, rhymes, rhyming, balladry
/pɔɪnt/
noun
  1. The tapered, sharp end of a tool, weapon, or other object.
    • example - the point of his dagger
    • synonyms - tip, sharp end, tapered end, end, extremity
  2. A dot or other punctuation mark, in particular a full stop.
    • example - Footnote numbering in the text should be placed after the full point at the end of a sentence.
  3. A particular spot, place, or position in an area or on a map, object, or surface.
    • example - turn left at the point where you see a sign to Appleford
    • synonyms - place, position, location, site, spot, area, locality, locale
  4. A single item or detail in an extended discussion, list, or text.
    • example - the main points of the Edinburgh agreement
    • synonyms - detail, item, particular, fact, thing, piece of information, idea, argument, consideration, factor, element, aspect, regard, respect
  5. (in sports and games) a mark or unit of scoring awarded for success or performance.
    • example - he kicked a penalty goal to put Bangor eight points ahead
  6. Each of thirty-two directions marked at equal distances round a compass.
    • example - Arrayed around it like points on the compass rose were sections of the house.
  7. A narrow piece of land jutting out into the sea.
    • example - the boat came round the point
    • synonyms - promontory, headland, head, foreland, cape, peninsula, bluff, ness, horn, bill
  8. A junction of two railway lines, with a pair of linked tapering rails that can be moved laterally to allow a train to pass from one line to the other.
    • example - the train gave a lurch as it passed over the points
  9. A unit of measurement for type sizes and spacing (in the UK and US 0.351 mm, in Europe 0.376 mm).
    • example - Because monitors display at different resolutions, 12-point type on one screen could approximate 14-point type on another.
  10. A fielding position on the off side near the batsman.
    • example - You will usually find the best fielder in the team fielding at point.
  11. (in a motor vehicle) each of a set of electrical contacts in the distributor.
    • example - If the points need to be replaced you must remove the flywheel.
  12. A small leading party of an advanced guard of troops.
    • example - They were advancing slowly in three points across the Realm, wiping out anything that stood against them.
  13. The extremities of an animal, typically a horse or cat, such as the face, paws, and tail of a Siamese cat.
    • example - a pure white dog with black points
    • synonyms - extremity, furthermost part, limit, margin, edge, border, boundary, periphery
  14. A spot to which a straight run is made.
    • example - These marshy channels are the invariable point of any hunted boar.
  15. A tagged piece of ribbon or cord used for lacing a garment or attaching a hose to a doublet.
    • example - He began to untruss his points.
  16. A short piece of cord at the lower edge of a sail for tying up a reef.
    • example - The top-sails are always reefed with points.
  17. The action or position of a dog in pointing.
    • example - a bird dog on point
  18. An important phrase or subject, especially in a contrapuntal composition.
    • example - Stokowski changes gear at points as if he decided tempos needed geared up.
verb
  1. Direct someone"s attention towards something by extending one"s finger or something held in one"s hand.
    • example - the lads were nudging each other and pointing at me
  2. Give force or emphasis to (words or actions)
    • example - he wouldn"t miss the opportunity to point a moral
  3. Extend (the toes or feet) in line with the leg by tensing the foot and ankle in such a way as to form a point.
    • example - reach up with your arms and point your toes
  4. Fill the joints of (brickwork or masonry) with smoothly finished mortar.
    • example - the bricks have been poorly pointed
  5. Give a sharp, tapered point to.
    • example - he twisted and pointed his moustache
  6. Insert points in (written text of Semitic languages).
    • example - Some manuscripts are pointed with what looks like the Land of Israel system written with Tiberian symbols.
/ˈpɔɪntɪd/
adjective
  1. Having a sharpened or tapered tip or end.
    • example - his face tapers to a pointed chin
    • synonyms - sharp, spearlike, needle-like, spear-shaped, V-shaped, tapering, tapered, cone-shaped, conic, conical, acute, sharp-cornered, wedge-shaped, sharp-edged, edged, jagged, spiky, spiked, barbed
  2. (of a remark or look) expressing criticism in a direct and unambiguous way.
    • example - pointed comments were made about racial discrimination within the army
    • synonyms - cutting, trenchant, biting, incisive, acid, acerbic, tart, caustic, scathing, mordant, razor-edged, venomed, venomous, piercing, penetrating
/ˈpɔɪz(ə)n/
noun
  1. A substance that is capable of causing the illness or death of a living organism when introduced or absorbed.
    • example - he killed himself with poison
    • synonyms - toxin, venom
  2. A substance that reduces the activity of a catalyst.
verb
  1. Administer poison to (a person or animal), either deliberately or accidentally.
    • example - someone had tried to poison me
    • synonyms - administer poison to, give poison to
  2. (of a substance) reduce the activity of (a catalyst).
    • example - The cells worked well initially, but any traces of carbon monoxide in the hydrogen fuel quickly poisoned the catalyst.
/ˈpɔɪzənəs/
adjective
  • (of a substance or plant) causing or capable of causing death or illness if taken into the body.
    • example - poisonous chemicals
    • synonyms - toxic, deadly, fatal, lethal, mortal, death-dealing, virulent, noxious, environmentally unfriendly
/pəˈliːs/
noun
  • The civil force of a state, responsible for the prevention and detection of crime and the maintenance of public order.
    • example - when someone is killed, the police have to be informed
    • synonyms - police force, police officers, policemen, policewomen, officers of the law, the forces of law and order, law enforcement officers, law enforcement agency
verb
  • (of a police force) have the duty of maintaining law and order in or at (an area or event).
    • example - We will be policing this event appropriately, to make sure the rally passes off without incident.
    • synonyms - maintain law and order in, keep the peace in, keep guard over, keep watch on, watch over, guard, protect, defend, patrol, make the rounds of
/pəˈliːsmən/
noun
  • A male member of a police force.
    • example - The threat of litigation against a police force would not make a policeman more efficient.
/ˈpɒlɪsi/
noun
  • A course or principle of action adopted or proposed by an organization or individual.
    • example - the government"s controversial economic policies
    • synonyms - plans, strategy, proposed action, blueprint, approach, scheme, stratagem, programme, schedule, code, system, guidelines, intentions, notions, theory, line, position, stance, attitude
/pəˈlʌɪt/
adjective
  • Having or showing behaviour that is respectful and considerate of other people.
    • example - they thought she was wrong but were too polite to say so
    • synonyms - well mannered, civil, courteous, respectful, deferential, well behaved, well bred, gentlemanly, ladylike, chivalrous, gallant, genteel, cultivated, gracious, urbane, well brought up
/pəˈlɪtɪk(ə)l/
adjective
  1. Relating to the government or public affairs of a country.
    • example - a period of political and economic stability
    • synonyms - governmental, government, local government, ministerial, parliamentary, party political, diplomatic, legislative, policy-making, constitutional, public, civic, state, administrative, bureaucratic
  2. Done or acting in the interests of status or power within an organization rather than as a matter of principle.
/pɒlɪˈtɪʃ(ə)n/
noun
  • A person who is professionally involved in politics, especially as a holder of an elected office.
    • example - a veteran communist politician
    • synonyms - legislator, Member of Parliament, MP, representative, minister, statesman, stateswoman, political leader, lawmaker, public servant, elected official, office-bearer
/ˈpɒlɪtɪks/
plural noun
  1. The activities associated with the governance of a country or area, especially the debate between parties having power.
    • example - the party quickly gained influence in French politics
    • synonyms - government, local government, affairs of state, public affairs, diplomacy, party politics
  2. Activities aimed at improving someone"s status or increasing power within an organization.
    • example - yet another discussion of office politics and personalities
/pəˈluːʃ(ə)n/
noun
  • The presence in or introduction into the environment of a substance which has harmful or poisonous effects.
    • example - the level of pollution in the air is rising
    • synonyms - contamination, contaminating, adulteration, adulterating, tainting, impurity, fouling, befouling, foulness, dirtiness, dirtying, soiling, filthiness, infection, infecting
/puːl/
noun
  • A small area of still water, typically one formed naturally.
    • example - The natural lake water interchanges with the pool area water, keeping it clean.
    • synonyms - puddle, pond
verb
  • (of liquid) form a pool on the ground or another surface.
    • example - sweat pooled in the hollow of my back
/pɔː/
/pʊə/
adjective
  1. Lacking sufficient money to live at a standard considered comfortable or normal in a society.
    • example - they were too poor to afford a telephone
    • synonyms - poverty-stricken, impoverished, necessitous, beggarly, in penury, penurious, impecunious, indigent, needy, needful, in need, in want, badly off, low-paid, in reduced circumstances, in straitened circumstances, destitute, hard up, short of money, on one"s beam-ends, unable to make ends meet, underprivileged, deprived, penniless, without a sou, as poor as a church mouse, moneyless
  2. Of a low or inferior standard or quality.
    • example - many people are eating a very poor diet
    • synonyms - substandard, below standard, below par, bad, deficient, defective, faulty, imperfect, inferior, mediocre
  3. (of a person) deserving of pity or sympathy.
    • example - they enquired after poor Dorothy"s broken hip
    • synonyms - unfortunate, unlucky, luckless, unhappy, hapless, ill-fated, ill-starred, pitiable, pitiful, wretched
pop
/pɒp/
verb
  1. Make a light explosive sound.
    • example - corks popped and glasses tinkled
    • synonyms - go bang, go off with a bang, go off, crack, snap, burst, explode
  2. Go somewhere for a short time, often without notice.
    • example - she popped in to see if she could help
    • synonyms - go, drop by, drop in, drop into, drop round, stop by, visit
  3. (of a person"s eyes) open wide and appear to bulge, especially with surprise.
    • example - the man"s eyes popped in disbelief
  4. Appear brighter or more striking in juxtaposition with something of a different or complementary colour.
    • example - she added a slick of red lipstick to make the outfit pop
  5. Take or inject (a drug)
  6. Pawn (something)
noun
  1. A light explosive sound.
    • example - there were a few pops, perhaps from pistols
    • synonyms - bang, crack, snap, boom, explosion, report
  2. A sweet fizzy drink such as lemonade.
    • synonyms - fizzy drink, soft drink, carbonated drink
  3. A patch of bright colour.
    • example - I like wearing a neutral outfit with one pop of yellow
  4. A ball hit high in the air but not far from the home plate, providing an easy catch.
    • example - he caught a pop fly for the third out of the seventh inning
adverb
  • With a light explosive sound.
    • example - the champagne went pop
/pɒpjʊˈlarəti/
noun
  • The state or condition of being liked, admired, or supported by many people.
    • example - he was at the height of his popularity
    • synonyms - fashionableness, vogue, stylishness
/pɒpjʊˈleɪʃ(ə)n/
noun
  1. All the inhabitants of a particular place.
    • example - the island has a population of about 78,000
    • synonyms - inhabitants, residents, people, citizens, citizenry, public, community, populace, society, natives, occupants, occupiers
  2. A community of animals, plants, or humans among whose members interbreeding occurs.
    • example - fluctuations in populations of voles and lemmings
    • synonyms - population, community
  3. A finite or infinite collection of items under consideration.
    • example - They would not have been significant by using conventional statistical tests for infinite populations.
  4. Each of three groups (designated I, II, and III) into which stars can be approximately divided on the basis of their manner of formation.
    • example - the motions of Population II objects
/pɔːt/
noun
  • A town or city with a harbour or access to navigable water where ships load or unload.
    • example - the French port of Toulon
    • synonyms - seaport, port city, port town
/ˈpɔːtrət/
/ˈpɔːtreɪt/
noun
  1. A painting, drawing, photograph, or engraving of a person, especially one depicting only the face or head and shoulders.
    • example - a portrait of George III
    • synonyms - painting, picture, drawing, sketch, likeness, image, study, representation, portrayal, depiction, canvas
  2. Denoting a format of printed matter which is higher than it is wide.
    • example - you can print landscape and portrait pages in the same document
/pəʊz/
verb
  1. Present or constitute (a problem or danger)
    • example - the sheer number of visitors is posing a threat to the area
    • synonyms - constitute, present, create, cause, produce, give rise to, lead to, result in
  2. Assume a particular position in order to be photographed, painted, or drawn.
    • example - the prime minister posed for photographers
    • synonyms - be a model, model, sit, take up a position, assume an attitude, strike a pose
  3. Pretend to be (someone or something)
    • example - an armed gang posed as policemen to ambush a postman
    • synonyms - pretend to be, impersonate, pass oneself off as, be disguised as, masquerade as, profess to be, purport to be, set oneself up as, assume the identity of, feign the identity of, pass for, represent oneself as
  4. Behave affectedly in order to impress others.
    • example - some people like to drive kit cars, but most just like to pose in them
    • synonyms - behave affectedly, strike an attitude, strike a pose, posture, attitudinize, put on airs, put on an act
noun
  1. A way of standing or sitting, especially in order to be photographed, painted, or drawn.
    • example - photographs of boxers in ferocious poses
    • synonyms - posture, position, stance, attitude, bearing
  2. A particular way of behaving adopted in order to impress or to give a false impression.
    • example - the man dropped his pose of amiability
    • synonyms - pretence, act, affectation, facade, show, front, display, masquerade, posture
/pəˈzɪʃ(ə)n/
noun
  1. A place where someone or something is located or has been put.
    • example - the distress call had given the ship"s position
    • synonyms - location, place, situation, spot, site, locality, locale, scene, setting, area, point
  2. A particular way in which someone or something is placed or arranged.
    • example - he moved himself into a reclining position
    • synonyms - posture, stance, attitude, pose
  3. A situation, especially as it affects one"s power to act.
    • example - the company"s financial position is grim
    • synonyms - situation, state, condition, circumstances, set of circumstances, state of affairs, case
  4. A person"s point of view or attitude towards something.
    • example - the party"s position on abortion
    • synonyms - point of view, viewpoint, opinion, way of thinking, outlook, attitude, stand, standpoint, stance, posture, angle, perspective, approach, slant, thinking, policy, thoughts, ideas, sentiments, feelings
  5. The extent to which an investor, dealer, or speculator has made a commitment in the market by buying or selling securities.
    • example - traders were covering short positions
  6. A proposition laid down or asserted; a tenet or assertion.
    • example - The first is that inconsistency is readily avoided by a little care in the formulation of the sceptical position.
    • synonyms - argument, claim, plea, submission, allegation
verb
  • Put or arrange (someone or something) in a particular place or way.
    • example - he pulled out a chair and positioned it between them
    • synonyms - put, place, locate, situate, set, site, stand, station
/ˈpɒzɪtɪv/
adjective
  1. Consisting in or characterized by the presence rather than the absence of distinguishing features.
    • example - Mitomycin C and cyclophosphamide were used as positive controls in the absence and presence of S9, respectively.
  2. Constructive, optimistic, or confident.
    • example - there needs to be a positive approach to young offenders
    • synonyms - constructive, practical, useful, pragmatic, productive, helpful, worthwhile, beneficial, effective, efficacious
  3. With no possibility of doubt; definite.
    • example - he made a positive identification of a glossy ibis
    • synonyms - definite, conclusive, certain, categorical, unequivocal, incontrovertible, indisputable, undeniable, incontestable, unmistakable, unambiguous, indubitable, unquestionable, irrefutable, beyond question, beyond a doubt, absolute, reliable, persuasive, convincing, concrete, tangible, clear, clear-cut, precise, direct, explicit, express, firm, decisive, real, actual
  4. (of a quantity) greater than zero.
    • example - He defines limits of positive variable quantities using ideas that he had used in looking at limits of series.
  5. Containing, producing, or denoting an electric charge opposite to that carried by electrons.
    • example - each battery has a positive and negative terminal
  6. (of a photographic image) showing lights and shades or colours true to the original.
    • example - This kind of photograph is a unique positive picture produced on a thin sheet of iron blackened by tar.
  7. Denoting the primary degree of an adjective or adverb, which expresses simple quality without qualification.
  8. Dealing only with matters of fact and experience; not speculative or theoretical.
    • example - In other words, it attempts to form a positive conception of noumena.
  9. Relating to or denoting any of the air or fire signs, considered active in nature.
noun
  1. A desirable or constructive quality or attribute.
    • example - take your weaknesses and translate them into positives
  2. A positive photographic image, especially one printed from a negative.
    • example - the photographic process involves separate runs with the red, green, and blue separation positives
  3. A result of a test or experiment indicating that a certain substance or condition is present or exists.
    • example - let us look at the distribution of those positives
  4. The part of an electric circuit that is at a higher electrical potential than another point designated as having zero electrical potential.
  5. A number greater than zero.
  6. An adjective or adverb in the positive degree.
/pəˈzɛs/
verb
  1. Have as belonging to one; own.
    • example - I do not possess a television set
    • synonyms - own, have, be the owner of, have in one"s possession, be in possession of, be the possessor of, have to one"s name, hold
  2. (of a demon or spirit, especially an evil one) have complete power over (someone) and be manifested through their speech or actions.
    • example - she was possessed by the Devil
    • synonyms - take control of, have power over, take over, have mastery over, cast a spell over, bewitch, enchant, enthral, control, dominate, influence
  3. (of a man) have sexual intercourse with.
  4. Maintain (oneself or one"s mind or soul) in a state of patience or quiet.
    • example - I tried to possess my soul in patience
/pəˈzɛʃ(ə)n/
noun
  1. The state of having, owning, or controlling something.
    • example - she had taken possession of the sofa
    • synonyms - ownership, proprietorship, control, hands, keeping, care, custody, charge, hold, title, guardianship
  2. Something that is owned or possessed.
    • example - I had no money or possessions
    • synonyms - asset, thing, article, item owned, chattel
  3. The state of being controlled by a demon or spirit.
    • example - they said prayers to protect the people inside the hall from demonic possession
/ˌpɒsɪˈbɪlɪti/
noun
  • A thing that may happen or be the case.
    • example - relegation remains a distinct possibility
    • synonyms - chance, likelihood, probability, prospect, hope
/ˈpɒsɪb(ə)l/
adjective
  1. Able to be done or achieved.
    • example - surely it"s not possible for a man to live so long?
    • synonyms - feasible, able to be done, practicable, viable, within the bounds of possibility, within the realms of possibility, attainable, achievable, realizable, within reach, workable, manageable
  2. That may exist or happen, but that is not certain or probable.
    • example - the possible effects of global warming
    • synonyms - conceivable, plausible, imaginable, thinkable, believable, likely, potential, probable, credible, tenable, odds-on
noun
  • A potential candidate for a job or team.
    • example - I have marked five possibles with an asterisk
    • synonyms - applicant, job applicant, job-seeker, prospective employee
/ˈpɒsɪbli/
adverb
  1. Perhaps (used to indicate doubt or hesitancy)
    • example - he found himself alone, possibly the only survivor
    • synonyms - perhaps, maybe, it could be, it may be, it is possible, it is conceivable, for all one knows, feasibly, very likely
  2. In accordance with what is likely or achievable.
    • example - Men are possibly more likely to be unwilling to report it, and are much less likely to be believed if they do.
/pəʊst/
noun
  1. A long, sturdy piece of timber or metal set upright in the ground and used as a support or marker.
    • example - follow the blue posts until the track meets a road
    • synonyms - pole, stake, upright, shaft, prop, support, picket, strut, pillar, pale, paling, column, piling, standard, stanchion, pylon, stave, rod, newel, baluster, jamb, bollard, mast
  2. A piece of writing, image, or other item of content published online, typically on a blog or social media website or application.
    • example - in a recent post, he cautioned investors to be wary of these predictions
verb
  1. Display (a notice) in a public place.
    • example - a curt notice had been posted on the door
    • synonyms - affix, attach, fasten, hang, display, pin, pin up, put up, stick, stick up, tack, tack up, nail, nail up
  2. Publish (a piece of writing, image, or other item of content) online, typically on a blog or social media website or application.
    • example - she posted a photo of herself with the singer on Twitter
  3. Announce or publish (something, especially a financial result)
    • example - the company posted a £460,000 loss
    • synonyms - announce, report, make known, advertise, publish, publicize, circulate, broadcast
  4. (of a player or team) achieve or record (a particular score or result)
    • example - Smith and Lamb posted a century partnership
/ˈpəʊstə/
noun
  1. A large printed picture used for decoration.
    • example - Art is not alien; we all have pictures, posters and decorations hanging on our walls at home.
  2. A person who publishes something online, typically on a blog or social media website or application.
    • example - Do a search and you will find newsgroups posters exclaiming the phrases and leaving puzzled and angry observers.
verb
  • Put up posters in an area.
    • example - they even got a little overzealous, and postered over some election signs
pot
/pɒt/
noun
  1. A rounded or cylindrical container, typically of metal, used for cooking.
    • example - pots and pans hung from a rack
    • synonyms - cooking utensil, container, receptacle, vessel
  2. The total sum of the bets made on a round in poker, brag, etc.
    • example - Jim raked in half the pot
    • synonyms - bank, kitty, pool, purse, stakes, ante, jackpot
  3. A prize in a sporting contest, especially a silver cup.
  4. A pot belly.
    • synonyms - paunch, pot belly, belly, beer belly, gut, fat stomach, protruding stomach
  5. An engine cylinder.
  6. A shot in which a player strikes a ball into a pocket.
    • example - he put together a 36 clearance to blue which was full of difficult pots
verb
  1. Plant in a flowerpot.
    • example - pot individual cuttings as soon as you see new young leaves
  2. Preserve (food, especially meat or fish) in a sealed pot or jar.
    • example - venison can be potted in the same way as tongue
  3. Strike (a ball) into a pocket.
    • example - he failed to pot a red at close range
  4. Hit or kill by shooting.
  5. Make articles from earthenware or baked clay.
    • example - why not paint or pot in the sun this winter?
  6. Sit (a young child) on a potty.
  7. Encapsulate (an electrical component or circuit) in a synthetic resin or similar insulating material which sets solid.
    • example - Methods of designing and fabricating integrated circuits which take into account capacitive loading by the intergrated circuit potting material
/pəˈteɪtəʊ/
noun
  1. A starchy plant tuber which is one of the most important food crops, cooked and eaten as a vegetable.
    • example - roast potatoes
  2. The plant of the nightshade family which produces potatoes on underground runners.
    • example - The turnips did fine in ground previously inhabited by beans, beets, lettuce and potatoes.
  3. A large hole in a sock or stocking, especially one in the heel.
/pə(ʊ)ˈtɛnʃ(ə)l/
adjective
  • Having or showing the capacity to develop into something in the future.
    • example - a campaign to woo potential customers
    • synonyms - possible, likely, prospective, future, probable, budding, in the making
noun
  1. Latent qualities or abilities that may be developed and lead to future success or usefulness.
    • example - a young broadcaster with great potential
    • synonyms - possibilities, potentiality, prospects
  2. The quantity determining the energy of mass in a gravitational field or of charge in an electric field.
    • example - a change in gravitational potential
/paʊnd/
noun
  1. A unit of weight equal to 16 oz. avoirdupois (0.4536 kg), or 12 oz. troy (0.3732 kg).
    • example - A short ton is the standard U.S. ton of 2,000 pounds and measures weight.
  2. The basic monetary unit of the UK, equal to 100 pence.The basic monetary unit of several Middle Eastern countries, equal to 100 piastres.The former basic monetary unit of Cyprus, equal to 100 cents.The basic monetary unit of Sudan.
    • example - The only exceptions to this convention are quotes in relation to the euro, the pound sterling and the Australian dollar - these three are quoted as dollars per foreign currency.
    • synonyms - pound sterling, £
/pɔː/
verb
  1. Flow rapidly in a steady stream.
    • example - water poured off the roof
    • synonyms - stream, flow, run, gush, cascade, course, spout, jet, spurt, flood, surge, spill, rush, well, spew, discharge
  2. Come or go in a steady stream and in large numbers.
    • example - people poured out of the train
    • synonyms - throng, crowd, swarm, stream, flood, gush, teem
  3. (of rain) fall heavily.
    • example - the storm clouds gathered and the rain poured down
    • synonyms - rain hard, rain heavily, teem down, pelt down, tip down, beat down, lash down, sheet down, come down in sheets, come down in torrents, rain cats and dogs
/ˈpɒvəti/
noun
  1. The state of being extremely poor.
    • example - thousands of families are living in abject poverty
    • synonyms - penury, destitution, indigence, pennilessness, privation, deprivation, impoverishment, neediness, need, want, hardship, impecuniousness, impecuniosity, hand-to-mouth existence, beggary, pauperism, straitened circumstances, bankruptcy, insolvency
  2. The state of being inferior in quality or insufficient in amount.
    • example - the poverty of her imagination
    • synonyms - scarcity, deficiency, dearth, shortage, paucity, insufficiency, inadequacy, absence, lack, want, deficit, meagreness, limitedness, restrictedness, sparseness, sparsity
/ˈpaʊdə/
noun
  1. Fine, dry particles produced by the grinding, crushing, or disintegration of a solid substance.
    • example - add four tablespoons of cocoa powder
    • synonyms - dust, fine particles, fine grains
  2. Loose, dry, newly fallen snow.
    • example - in Aspen, blue skies and good powder drew in record numbers
verb
  1. Apply cosmetic powder to (the face or body)
    • example - she powdered her face and put on a dab of perfume
    • synonyms - dust, cover with powder, dredge with powder, sprinkle with powder, talc
  2. Reduce (a substance) to a powder by drying or crushing it.
    • example - then the rose petals are dried and powdered
    • synonyms - dried, freeze-dried, dehydrated
/ˈpaʊə/
noun
  1. The ability or capacity to do something or act in a particular way.
    • example - the power of speech
    • synonyms - ability, capacity, capability, potential, potentiality, faculty, property, competence, competency
  2. The capacity or ability to direct or influence the behaviour of others or the course of events.
    • example - a political process that offers people power over their own lives
    • synonyms - influence, power, authority, weight, sway, control, say, ascendancy, dominance, advantage, pressure, edge, standing, prestige, rank
  3. Physical strength and force exerted by something or someone.
    • example - the power of the storm
    • synonyms - strength, powerfulness, might, force, forcefulness, mightiness, weight, vigour, energy, intensity, potency
  4. Energy that is produced by mechanical, electrical, or other means and used to operate a device.
    • example - generating power from waste
    • synonyms - energy, electrical power, nuclear power, solar power, steam power, water power
  5. The rate of doing work, measured in watts or less frequently horse power.
    • example - Spectral analysis provides a measure of power in the different frequency bands in the EEG.
  6. The product obtained when a number is multiplied by itself a certain number of times.
    • example - 2 to the power of 4 equals 16
  7. A large number or amount of something.
    • example - there"s a power of difference between farming now and when I was a lad
    • synonyms - a great deal of, a lot of, much
verb
  1. Supply (a device) with mechanical or electrical energy.
    • example - the car is powered by a fuel-injected 3.0-litre engine
    • synonyms - electrified, charged, powered, connected, active, switched on
  2. Move or travel with great speed or force.
    • example - he powered round a bend
    • synonyms - power, propel, move, push
/ˈpaʊəfʊl/
adjective
  • Having great power or strength.
    • example - a fast, powerful car
    • synonyms - strong, muscular, muscly, sturdy, strapping, robust, mighty, hefty, brawny, burly, husky, athletic, manly, well built, Herculean, tough, solid, substantial, lusty
adverb
  • Very.
    • synonyms - very, extremely, exceedingly, exceptionally, especially, tremendously, immensely, vastly, hugely
/ˈpraktɪk(ə)l/
adjective
  1. Of or concerned with the actual doing or use of something rather than with theory and ideas.
    • example - there are two obvious practical applications of the research
    • synonyms - empirical, hands-on, pragmatic, real, actual, active, applied, experiential, experimental, non-theoretical, in the field
  2. (of an idea, plan, or method) likely to succeed or be effective in real circumstances; feasible.
    • example - neither of these strategies are practical for smaller businesses
    • synonyms - feasible, practicable, realistic, viable, workable, possible, within the bounds of possibility, within the realms of possibility, reasonable, sensible, useful, helpful, constructive
  3. So nearly the case that it can be regarded as so; virtual.
    • example - for all practical purposes, she"s his girlfriend
    • synonyms - virtual, effective, in effect
noun
  • An examination or lesson in which theories and procedures learned are applied to the actual making or doing of something.
    • example - It means they are on their own on the final hurdle of a seemingly endless slog of course work, mock examinations, orals, practicals and revision which began in year nine.
    • synonyms - test, exam, paper, question paper, oral, practical, assessment
/ˈpraktɪs/
noun
  1. The actual application or use of an idea, belief, or method, as opposed to theories relating to it.
    • example - the principles and practice of teaching
    • synonyms - application, exercise, use, operation, implementation, execution, enactment, action, doing
  2. The customary, habitual, or expected procedure or way of doing of something.
    • example - product placement is common practice in American movies
    • synonyms - custom, procedure, policy, convention, tradition, fashion, habit, wont, method, system, routine, institution, way, rule
  3. Repeated exercise in or performance of an activity or skill so as to acquire or maintain proficiency in it.
    • example - it must have taken a lot of practice to become so fluent
    • synonyms - training, rehearsal, repetition, preparation, exercise, drill, study
/ˈpraktɪs/
verb
  1. Perform (an activity) or exercise (a skill) repeatedly or regularly in order to acquire, improve or maintain proficiency in it.
    • example - I need to practise my French
    • synonyms - rehearse, run through, go through, go over, work on, work at, repeat
  2. Carry out or perform (a particular activity, method, or custom) habitually or regularly.
    • example - we still practise some of these rituals today
    • synonyms - carry out, perform, do, observe, put into practice, execute, follow, exercise
  3. Scheme or plot for an evil purpose.
    • example - what a tangled web we weave when we first practise to deceive
/preɪz/
verb
  1. Express warm approval or admiration of.
    • example - we can"t praise Chris enough—he did a brilliant job
    • synonyms - commend, express approval of, express admiration for, applaud, pay tribute to, speak highly of, eulogize, compliment, congratulate, celebrate, sing the praises of, praise to the skies, rave about, go into raptures about, heap praise on, wax lyrical about, say nice things about, make much of, pat on the back, take one"s hat off to, throw bouquets at, lionize, admire, hail, cheer, flatter
  2. Express one"s respect and gratitude towards (a deity), especially in song.
    • example - we praise God for past blessings
    • synonyms - worship, glorify, honour, exalt, adore, pay tribute to, pay homage to, give thanks to, venerate, reverence, hallow, bless
noun
  1. The expression of approval or admiration for someone or something.
    • example - the audience was full of praise for the whole production
    • synonyms - approval, acclaim, admiration, approbation, acclamation, plaudits, congratulations, commendation, applause, flattery, adulation
  2. The expression of respect and gratitude as an act of worship.
    • example - give praise to God
    • synonyms - honour, thanks, glory, glorification, worship, devotion, exaltation, adoration, veneration, reverence, tribute
/preɪ/
verb
  • Address a prayer to God or another deity.
    • example - the whole family are praying for Michael
    • synonyms - say one"s prayers, be at prayer, make one"s devotions
adverb
  • Used as a preface to polite requests or instructions.
    • synonyms - please, if you please, if you would be so good, if you wouldn"t mind, have the goodness to, pray
/prɛː/
noun
  • A solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God or another deity.
    • example - I"ll say a prayer for him
    • synonyms - invocation, intercession, devotion
/prɪˈdɪkt/
verb
  • Say or estimate that (a specified thing) will happen in the future or will be a consequence of something.
    • example - it is too early to predict a result
    • synonyms - forecast, foretell, foresee, prophesy, divine, prognosticate, anticipate, see, say, tell in advance, project, speculate, envision, envisage, imagine, picture, estimate, conjecture, guess, hazard a guess
/prɪˈdɪkʃ(ə)n/
noun
  • A thing predicted; a forecast.
    • example - a prediction that economic growth would resume
    • synonyms - forecast, prophecy, divination, prognosis, prognostication, augury
/prɪˈfəː/
verb
  1. Like (one thing or person) better than another or others; tend to choose.
    • example - I prefer Venice to Rome
    • synonyms - like better, would rather, would rather have, would sooner, would sooner have, favour, be more partial to, incline towards, lean towards, think preferable
  2. Submit (a charge or a piece of information) for consideration.
    • example - the police will prefer charges
    • synonyms - bring, press, file, lodge, tender, present, place, lay, submit, put forward, proffer, offer, propose
  3. Promote or advance (someone) to a prestigious position.
    • synonyms - promote, upgrade, advance, raise, move up, elevate, aggrandize
/ˈprɛɡnənt/
adjective
  1. (of a woman or female animal) having a child or young developing in the uterus.
    • example - she was heavily pregnant with her second child
    • synonyms - expecting a baby, having a baby, with a baby on the way, having a child, expectant, carrying a child
  2. Full of meaning; significant or suggestive.
    • example - a pregnant pause
    • synonyms - filled, charged, heavy, fraught, replete, teeming
/ˌprɛpəˈreɪʃ(ə)n/
noun
  1. The action or process of preparing or being prepared for use or consideration.
    • example - the preparation of a draft contract
    • synonyms - devising, putting together, thinking up, drawing up, construction, composing, composition, editing, fashioning, concocting, production, getting ready, making ready, arrangement, development, assembling, assembly
  2. A substance that is specially made up, especially a medicine or food.
    • example - there are several effective preparations you can buy over the counter
    • synonyms - mixture, compound, concoction, composition, blend, amalgam, solution, suspension, emulsion, tincture, medicine, potion, cream, ointment, lotion
  3. (in conventional harmony) the sounding of the discordant note in a chord in the preceding chord where it is not discordant, lessening the effect of the discord.
  4. fuller form of prep (sense 1 of the noun)
/prɪˈpɛː/
verb
  1. Make (something) ready for use or consideration.
    • example - prepare a brief summary of the article
    • synonyms - make ready, get ready, put together, draw up, produce, arrange, develop, assemble, construct, compose, edit, devise, work out, think up, conceive, formulate, concoct, fashion, work up, lay
  2. Make (someone) ready or able to do or deal with something.
    • example - schools should prepare children for life
    • synonyms - ready, set, all set, equipped, primed, in a fit state
  3. (in conventional harmony) lead up to (a discord) by means of preparation.
/prɪˈpɛːd/
adjective
  1. Made ready for use.
  2. Ready to do or deal with something.
    • synonyms - ready, set, all set, equipped, primed, in a fit state
/ˈprɛz(ə)ns/
noun
  • The state or fact of existing, occurring, or being present.
    • example - my presence in the flat made her happy
    • synonyms - existence, being there
/ˈprɛz(ə)nt/
adjective
  1. In a particular place.
    • example - a doctor must be present at the ringside
    • synonyms - in attendance, attending, here, there, near, nearby, at hand, close at hand, near at hand, adjacent, available, ready
  2. Existing or occurring now.
    • example - she did not expect to find herself in her present situation
    • synonyms - current, present-day, existing, contemporary, immediate
noun
  1. The period of time now occurring.
    • example - they are happy and at peace, refusing to think beyond the present
    • synonyms - now, today, the present time, the here and now, this day and age, the present moment, the time being
  2. A present tense.
    • example - the verbs are all in the present
/prɛz(ə)nˈteɪʃ(ə)n/
noun
  1. The giving of something to someone, especially as part of a formal ceremony.
    • example - the presentation of certificates to new members
    • synonyms - awarding, presenting, giving, handing over, dispensing, handing out, conferral, bestowal, granting, donation, award, according, extending, entrusting, furnishing
  2. A speech or talk in which a new product, idea, or piece of work is shown and explained to an audience.
    • example - a sales presentation
    • synonyms - demonstration, talk, lecture, address, speech, show, exhibition, display, introduction, launch, launching, unveiling, parading
  3. A formal introduction of someone, especially at court.
    • example - after her presentation to Queen Victoria, he had escorted his sister to numerous balls
    • synonyms - introduction, making known, acquainting
  4. The position of a fetus in relation to the cervix at the time of delivery.
    • example - a breech presentation
  5. The coming forward of a patient for initial examination and diagnosis.
    • example - all patients in this group were symptomatic at initial presentation
  6. another term for Candlemas
    • example - Christmas was soon complemented by the feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple, forty days after his birth.
/prɪˈzəːv/
verb
  1. Maintain (something) in its original or existing state.
    • example - all records of the past were zealously preserved
    • synonyms - conserve, protect, maintain, care for, take care of, look after, save, safeguard, keep
  2. Treat (food) to prevent its decomposition.
    • example - freezing and canning can be reliable methods of preserving foods
    • synonyms - conserve, bottle, tin, can, pot, chill, freeze, freeze-dry, quick-freeze, dry, desiccate, dehydrate
noun
  1. A foodstuff made with fruit preserved in sugar, such as jam or marmalade.
    • example - a jar of cherry preserve
    • synonyms - jam, jelly, marmalade, conserve, confection
  2. A sphere of activity regarded as being reserved for a particular person or group.
    • example - the civil service became the preserve of the educated middle class
    • synonyms - domain, area, field, sphere, orbit, arena, realm, province, speciality, specialism, territory, department
  3. A place where game is protected and kept for private hunting or shooting.
    • example - National forests present more challenges than do private game preserves.
    • synonyms - sanctuary, reserve, reservation, game reserve
/ˈprɛzɪd(ə)nt/
noun
  1. The elected head of a republican state.
    • example - the Irish president
    • synonyms - head of state, chief of state, elected head of a country
  2. The celebrant at a Eucharist.
    • example - The old typology understands the president at the Eucharist not in terms of a bare symbolism, but in terms of a symbolic realism.
/prɛs/
verb
  1. Move or cause to move into a position of contact with something by exerting continuous physical force.
    • example - he pressed his face to the glass
    • synonyms - push, push down, press down, thumb, depress, bear down on, lean on, lower, pin, pinion, hold down, force, ram, thrust, cram, squeeze, compress, wedge
  2. Apply pressure to (something) to flatten, shape, or smooth it, typically by ironing.
    • example - she pressed her nicest blouse
    • synonyms - smooth, iron, smooth out, remove creases from, put creases in
  3. Forcefully put forward (an opinion, claim, or course of action)
    • example - Rose did not press the point
    • synonyms - plead, urge, advance insistently, file, prefer, lodge, tender, present, place, lay, submit, put forward
  4. Raise (a specified weight) by lifting it to shoulder height and then gradually pushing it upwards above the head.
    • example - Perform the exercise as you normally would, except press the weight up as fast as you can and release the bar from your hands at the top.
  5. Try too hard to achieve distance with a shot, at the risk of inaccuracy.
noun
  1. A device for applying pressure to something in order to flatten or shape it or to extract juice or oil.
    • example - a flower press
  2. A printing press.
    • example - Windows are added at street level so that passers-by can watch the press and printmakers at work.
    • synonyms - printing press, printing machine
  3. Newspapers or journalists viewed collectively.
    • example - the incident was not reported in the press
    • synonyms - the media, the newspapers, the papers, the news media, journalism, the newspaper world, the newspaper business, the print media, the fourth estate
  4. An act of pressing something.
    • example - the system summons medical help at the press of a button
  5. An act of raising a weight to shoulder height and then gradually pushing it upwards above the head.
    • example - Start your shoulder workout with heavy presses of some sort and bump front dumbbell raises to number three or four in your exercise order.
  6. A large cupboard.
    • example - The fitted kitchen/breakfast room features a number of built-in presses, worktops and cupboards and plenty of food preparation space.
/ˈprɛʃə/
noun
  1. Continuous physical force exerted on or against an object by something in contact with it.
    • example - the gate was buckling under the pressure of the crowd outside
  2. The use of persuasion or intimidation to make someone do something.
    • example - backbenchers put pressure on the government to provide safeguards
    • synonyms - coercion, force, compulsion, constraint, duress, oppression, enforcement, insistence, demand, entreaty, goading, pestering, provocation, harassment, nagging, harrying, badgering, intimidation, arm-twisting, pressurization, persuasion, influence
verb
  • Attempt to persuade or coerce (someone) into doing something.
    • example - it might be possible to pressure him into resigning
    • synonyms - coerce, pressurize, press, push, persuade, influence, force, squeeze, bulldoze, hound, harass, nag, harry, badger, goad, prod, pester, browbeat, brainwash, bully, bludgeon, intimidate, dragoon, twist someone"s arm, strong-arm
/prɪˈtɛnd/
verb
  1. Behave so as to make it appear that something is the case when in fact it is not.
    • example - I closed my eyes and pretended I was asleep
    • synonyms - make as if, profess, affect
  2. Lay claim to (a quality or title)
    • example - he cannot pretend to sophistication
    • synonyms - lay claim to, say that one owns, assert ownership of, formally request
adjective
  • Not really what it is represented as being; imaginary.
    • synonyms - imaginary, imagined, pretended, make-believe, made-up, fantasy, fantasized, fancied, dream, dreamed-up, unreal, fanciful, invented, fictitious, fictive, mythical, feigned, fake, mock, imitative, sham, simulated, artificial, ersatz, dummy, false, faux, spurious, bogus, counterfeit, fraudulent, forged, pseudo
/ˈprɪti/
adjective
  1. (of a person, especially a woman or child) attractive in a delicate way without being truly beautiful.
    • example - a pretty little girl with an engaging grin
    • synonyms - attractive, lovely, good-looking, nice-looking, fetching, prepossessing, appealing, charming, delightful, nice, engaging, pleasing
  2. Used ironically to express annoyance or displeasure.
adverb
  • To a moderately high degree; fairly.
    • example - he looked pretty fit for his age
    • synonyms - quite, rather, somewhat, fairly, reasonably, moderately, comparatively, relatively, tolerably, passably, adequately, satisfactorily, decently, respectably
noun
  • An attractive thing, especially a trinket.
verb
  • Make pretty or attractive.
    • example - she"ll be all prettied up and ready to go in an hour
    • synonyms - beautify, make attractive, make pretty, prettify, pretty up, adorn, ornament, embellish, smarten, glamorize, prink, preen, primp
/prɪˈvɛnt/
verb
  1. Keep (something) from happening.
    • example - action must be taken to prevent further accidents
    • synonyms - stop, put a stop to, avert, nip in the bud, fend off, turn aside, stave off, ward off, head off, shut out, block, intercept, halt, arrest, check, stay
  2. (of God) go before (someone) with spiritual guidance and help.
/ˈpriːvɪəsli/
adverb
  • At a previous or earlier time; before.
    • example - museums and art galleries which had previously been open to the public
    • synonyms - formerly, earlier, earlier on, before, until now, until then, hitherto, once, at one time, in the past, in days gone by, in years gone by, in times gone by, in bygone days, in times past, in former times, time was when
/prʌɪs/
noun
  1. The amount of money expected, required, or given in payment for something.
    • example - land could be sold for a high price
    • synonyms - cost, asking price, selling price, charge, fee, terms, payment, rate, fare, levy, toll, amount, sum, total, figure
  2. An unwelcome experience or action undergone or done as a condition of achieving an objective.
    • example - the price of their success was an entire day spent in discussion
    • synonyms - consequence, result, cost, toll, penalty, sacrifice, forfeit, forfeiture
verb
  1. Decide the amount required as payment for (something offered for sale)
    • example - the watches are priced at £55
    • synonyms - fix the price of, set the price of, put a price on, cost, value, rate, evaluate, assess, estimate, appraise, assay
  2. Discover or establish the price of (something for sale).
    • example - She believed it to be a modest hovel, although many of the items she had acquired over the years were priced at a point many would gasp at.
/priːst/
noun
  1. An ordained minister of the Catholic, Orthodox, or Anglican Church, authorized to perform certain rites and administer certain sacraments.
    • example - the priest celebrated mass at a small altar off the north transept
    • synonyms - clergyman, clergywoman, minister, minister of religion, cleric, ecclesiastic, pastor, parson, churchman, churchwoman, man of the cloth, woman of the cloth, man of God, woman of God, father
  2. A mallet used to kill fish caught when angling.
    • example - If taking a fish for the pot then it should be killed quickly and cleanly with a priest or knife then bagged out of sight.
verb
  • Ordain to the priesthood.
    • example - he was made deacon in 1990 and priested in 1994
/ˈprʌɪm(ə)ri/
adjective
  1. Of chief importance; principal.
    • example - the government"s primary aim is to see significant reductions in unemployment
    • synonyms - main, chief, key, prime, central, principal, foremost, first, most important, predominant, paramount, overriding, major, ruling, dominant, master, supreme, cardinal, pre-eminent, ultimate
  2. Earliest in time or order.
    • example - the primary stage of their political education
    • synonyms - original, earliest, initial, beginning, first
  3. Not derived from, caused by, or based on anything else; original.
    • example - his expert handling of the primary and secondary literature is clear on every page
  4. (of an organic compound) having its functional group located on a carbon atom which is bonded to no more than one other carbon atom.
    • example - a primary alcohol
  5. Denoting or relating to organisms that produce organic compounds from simple substances such as water and carbon dioxide, typically by photosynthesis.
    • example - the organic matter is formed by primary producers such as plants and plankton
  6. Relating to or denoting the input side of a transformer or other inductive device.
    • example - These two pins are the primary winding of the transformer.
  7. former term for Palaeozoic
    • example - First came the Primitive or Primary rocks, then the Secondary, than finally the Alluvial or Tertiary.
noun
  1. (in the US) a preliminary election to appoint delegates to a party conference or to select the candidates for a principal, especially presidential, election.
    • example - these two republicans should win their primaries easily
  2. A primary colour.
    • example - In dealing with pigment the primaries are red, blue, and yellow, not green.
  3. The Palaeozoic era.
verb
  • (in the US) run against (the current holder of a political office) in the preliminary election a party uses to select its candidate for the main election.
    • example - I"m not primarying the president, and no one else should either unless we want to lose the White House
/prʌɪm/
adjective
  1. Of first importance; main.
    • example - a nurse"s prime concern is the well-being of the patient
    • synonyms - main, chief, key, primary, central, principal, foremost, first, most important, paramount, major, dominant, supreme, overriding, cardinal, pre-eminent, ultimate
  2. Of the best possible quality; excellent.
    • example - prime cuts of meat
    • synonyms - top-quality, highest quality, top, top-tier, best, first-class, first-rate, high-grade, grade A, superior, supreme, flawless, choice, select, finest, superlative, peak, optimal, model
  3. (of a number) divisible only by itself and unity (e.g. 2, 3, 5, 7, 11).
    • example - Both 13 and 17 are prime numbers, divisible only by themselves and 1.
noun
  1. The state or time of greatest vigour or success in a person"s life.
    • example - you"re in the prime of life
    • synonyms - heyday, best days, best years, day, time, prime of one"s life, maturity
  2. A service forming part of the Divine Office of the Western Church, traditionally said at the first hour of the day (i.e. 6 a.m.), but now little used.
  3. A prime number.
    • example - These are the Fibonacci numbers that are primes.
  4. A symbol (ʹ) written after a letter or symbol as a distinguishing mark or after a figure as a symbol for minutes or feet.
    • example - In fact, the elimination of semantic priming by letter search of the prime is ambiguous with regard to lexical activation.
  5. The first of eight parrying positions, used to protect the upper inside of the body, with the sword hand at head height in pronation and the tip of the blade pointing downwards.
    • example - The parry of prime which was effectual enough when a heavy cut was to be stopped was too slow and cumbrous to keep pace with the nimbler thrust.
  6. A special section in a cycle race, attracting a special prize.
    • example - Bishopthorpe-based Kay was awarded the most aggressive rider trophy having won four of the seven primes (lap prizes).
/prɪns/
noun
  • The son of a monarch.
    • example - I was anticipating a marvelous story with a princess waiting for her prince in her royal castle.
/prɪnˈsɛs/
noun
  1. The daughter of a monarch.
    • example - Her name is R"jas un Z"kovn Sy"yski and she is the Muse princess, daughter of Prince Noyus and next in line for the throne.
  2. A spoiled or arrogant young woman.
  3. A form of address used by a man to a girl or woman.
/ˈprɪnsɪp(ə)l/
noun
  1. A fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behaviour or for a chain of reasoning.
    • example - the basic principles of justice
    • synonyms - truth, proposition, concept, idea, theory, postulate
  2. A general scientific theorem or law that has numerous special applications across a wide field.
    • example - Physics has a big advantage here, since the ability to derive interesting conclusions from general principles comes earlier in physics than in other sciences.
  3. A fundamental source or basis of something.
/prɪnt/
verb
  1. Produce (books, newspapers, etc.), especially in large quantities, by a mechanical process involving the transfer of text or designs to paper.
    • example - a thousand copies of the book were printed
    • synonyms - set in print, send to press, run off, preprint, reprint, pull, proof, copy, reproduce
  2. Write (text) clearly without joining the letters together.
    • example - print your name and address on the back of the cheque
  3. Mark (a surface, typically a fabric or garment) with a coloured design or pattern.
    • example - a delicate fabric printed with roses
    • synonyms - imprint, impress, stamp, mark, brand
noun
  1. The text appearing in a book, newspaper, or other printed publication, especially with reference to its size, form, or style.
    • example - she forced herself to concentrate on the tiny print
    • synonyms - type, printing, letters, lettering, characters, type size, typeface, face, font
  2. An indentation or mark made on a surface or soft substance.
    • example - there were paw prints everywhere
    • synonyms - impression, fingerprint, mark
  3. A picture or design printed from a block or plate or copied from a painting by photography.
    • example - the walls were hung with sporting prints
    • synonyms - reproduction, copy, replica, imitation, facsimile, duplicate
  4. A piece of fabric or clothing with a coloured pattern or design printed on it.
    • example - light summer prints
    • synonyms - printed cloth, printed fabric, printed material, patterned cloth, patterned fabric, patterned material, chintz
/ˈprɪntə/
noun
  • A person whose job or business is commercial printing.
    • example - Their success brought so much business to the printers that they were unable to cope with the demand.
/ˈprɪntɪŋ/
noun
  • The production of books, newspapers, or other printed material.
    • example - the invention of printing
/prʌɪˈɒrɪti/
noun
  • The fact or condition of being regarded or treated as more important than others.
    • example - the safety of the country takes priority over any other matter
    • synonyms - prime concern, first concern, most important consideration, most pressing matter, matter of greatest importance, primary issue
/ˈprɪz(ə)n/
noun
  • A building in which people are legally held as a punishment for a crime they have committed or while awaiting trial.
    • example - he died in prison
    • synonyms - jail, penal institution, place of detention, lock-up, place of confinement, guardhouse, detention centre
verb
  • Imprison.
    • example - the young man was prisoned behind the doors
/ˈprɪz(ə)nə/
noun
  • A person legally committed to prison as a punishment for a crime or while awaiting trial.
    • example - a prisoner serving a life sentence
    • synonyms - convict, inmate
/ˈprɪvəsi/
noun
  • A state in which one is not observed or disturbed by other people.
    • example - she returned to the privacy of her own home
    • synonyms - seclusion, privateness, solitude, isolation, retirement, peace, peace and quiet, peacefulness, quietness, lack of disturbance, lack of interruption, freedom from interference
/ˈprʌɪvət/
adjective
  1. Belonging to or for the use of one particular person or group of people only.
    • example - all bedrooms have private facilities
    • synonyms - personal, one"s own, individual, particular, special, exclusive, privately owned
  2. (of a person) having no official or public role or position.
    • example - the paintings were sold to a private collector
  3. (of a service or industry) provided or owned by an individual or an independent, commercial company rather than the state.
    • example - this research was carried out by private industry
    • synonyms - independent, non-state-controlled, non-state-run, privatized, denationalized, non-public, commercial, private-enterprise
noun
  1. The lowest rank in the army, below lance corporal or private first class.
    • example - He enlisted in the Army in 1980 and was first assigned as a young private as a supply clerk in Germany.
    • synonyms - private soldier, common soldier
  2. short for private parts
/prʌɪz/
noun
  1. A thing given as a reward to the winner of a competition or in recognition of an outstanding achievement.
    • example - Britain"s most prestigious prize for contemporary art
    • synonyms - award, reward, premium
  2. An enemy ship captured during the course of naval warfare.
    • example - the sloop had been taken as a prize
adjective
  • Having been or likely to be awarded a prize in a competition.
    • example - a prize bull
    • synonyms - champion, award-winning, prize-winning, winning, top, top-class, top-tier, first-class, first-rate, choice, quality, select, best
verb
  • Value extremely highly.
    • example - the berries were prized for their healing properties
    • synonyms - value, place a high value on, set a high value on, set great store by, rate highly, attach great importance to, esteem, hold in high regard, think highly of, treasure, cherish, hold dear, appreciate greatly
/ˈprɒbəbli/
adverb
  • Almost certainly; as far as one knows or can tell.
    • example - she would probably never see him again
    • synonyms - in all likelihood, in all probability, as likely as not, very likely, most likely, likely, as like as not, ten to one, the chances are, doubtless, no doubt, all things considered, taking all things into consideration, all things being equal, possibly, perhaps, maybe, it may be, presumably, on the face of it, apparently
/ˈprɒbləm/
noun
  1. A matter or situation regarded as unwelcome or harmful and needing to be dealt with and overcome.
    • example - they have financial problems
    • synonyms - difficulty, issue, trouble, worry, complication, difficult situation, mess, muddle, mix-up
  2. An inquiry starting from given conditions to investigate or demonstrate a fact, result, or law.
    • example - Under his influence Dirac worked on some problems in statistical mechanics.
/prəˈsiːdʒə/
noun
  • An established or official way of doing something.
    • example - the police are now reviewing procedures
    • synonyms - course of action, line of action, plan of action, policy, series of steps, plan, method, system, strategy, stratagem, way, approach, formula, mechanism, methodology, MO, modus operandi, SOP, standard operating procedure, technique, means, measure, process, proceeding, operation, agenda
/ˈprəʊsɛs/
noun
  1. A series of actions or steps taken in order to achieve a particular end.
    • example - military operations could jeopardize the peace process
    • synonyms - procedure, operation, action, activity, exercise, affair, business, job, task, undertaking, proceeding
  2. A summons or writ requiring a person to appear in court.
    • example - The plaintiff must issue his process and must serve it on the defendant.
    • synonyms - summons, writ, subpoena
  3. A natural appendage or outgrowth on or in an organism, such as a protuberance on a bone.
    • example - Triangular processes occurred in both bones of pairs 58 times from a total of 334 paired scapulae.
verb
  • Perform a series of mechanical or chemical operations on (something) in order to change or preserve it.
    • example - the salmon is quickly processed after harvest to preserve the flavour
/prəˈdjuːs/
/ˈprɒdjuːs/
verb
  1. Make or manufacture from components or raw materials.
    • example - the company have just produced a luxury version of the aircraft
    • synonyms - manufacture, make, construct, build, fabricate, put together, assemble, turn out, bring out, process, create
  2. Cause (a particular result or situation) to happen or exist.
    • example - no conventional drugs had produced any significant change
    • synonyms - give rise to, bring about, cause, occasion, generate, engender, lead to, result in, effect, induce, initiate, start, set off
  3. Show or provide (something) for consideration, inspection, or use.
    • example - he produced a sheet of paper from his pocket
    • synonyms - present, offer, proffer, show, display, exhibit
  4. Administer the financial and managerial aspects of (a film or broadcast) or the staging of (a play, opera, etc.)
    • example - the video was produced and directed by film-maker Neil Campbell
    • synonyms - stage, put on, mount, present, put before the public, show, perform
  5. Extend or continue (a line)
noun
  • Agricultural and other natural products collectively.
    • example - dairy produce
    • synonyms - food, foodstuff, foodstuffs
/prəˈdjuːsə/
noun
  1. A person, company, or country that makes, grows, or supplies goods or commodities for sale.
    • example - an oil producer
    • synonyms - manufacturer, maker, builder, fabricator, creator
  2. A person responsible for the financial and managerial aspects of the making of a film or broadcast or for staging a play, opera, etc.
    • example - a film producer
    • synonyms - impresario, manager, administrator, promoter, regisseur
  3. An organism that produces organic compounds from simple substances such as water and carbon dioxide; an autotroph.
/ˈprɒdʌkt/
noun
  1. An article or substance that is manufactured or refined for sale.
    • example - food products
    • synonyms - object, thing, item, unit, artefact, piece of merchandise, commodity, product
  2. A thing or person that is the result of an action or process.
    • example - her perpetual suntan was the product of a solarium
    • synonyms - result, consequence, outcome, effect, upshot, fruit, by-product, spin-off, legacy, issue
  3. A quantity obtained by multiplying quantities together, or from an analogous algebraic operation.
    • example - The total claimed on the work order is 63 hours and the amount charged is simply the product of that number multiplied by the hourly rate.
/prəˈdʌkʃ(ə)n/
noun
  1. The action of making or manufacturing from components or raw materials, or the process of being so manufactured.
    • example - banning the production of chemical weapons
    • synonyms - manufacture, manufacturing, making, producing, construction, building, fabrication, assembly, creation
  2. The provision of something for consideration, inspection, or use.
    • example - members are entitled to a discount on production of their membership card
    • synonyms - presentation, offering, proffering, showing, display, exhibition
  3. The process of or management involved in making a film, play, or record.
    • example - the film was still in production
/prəˈfɛʃ(ə)n/
noun
  1. A paid occupation, especially one that involves prolonged training and a formal qualification.
    • example - his chosen profession of teaching
    • synonyms - career, occupation, calling, vocation, line of work, line of employment, line, métier
  2. An act of declaring that one has a particular feeling or quality, especially when this is not the case.
    • example - his profession of delight rang hollow
    • synonyms - declaration, affirmation, statement, announcement, proclamation, assertion, avowal, vow, claim, allegation, protestation
  3. A declaration of belief in a religion.
    • example - a profession of faith in Jesus Christ
    • synonyms - statement, sworn statement, affidavit, attestation, affirmation, assertion
/prəˈfɛʃ(ə)n(ə)l/
adjective
  1. Relating to or belonging to a profession.
    • example - young professional people
    • synonyms - white-collar, executive, non-manual
  2. Engaged in a specified activity as one"s main paid occupation rather than as a pastime.
    • example - a professional boxer
    • synonyms - paid, salaried, non-amateur, full-time
  3. Worthy of or appropriate to a professional person; competent, skilful, or assured.
    • example - their music is both memorable and professional
    • synonyms - expert, accomplished, skilful, adept, masterly, masterful, excellent, fine, polished, finished, skilled, proficient, competent, capable, able, efficient, experienced, practised, trained, seasoned, slick, businesslike, deft, dexterous
noun
  1. A person engaged or qualified in a profession.
    • example - professionals such as lawyers and surveyors
    • synonyms - white-collar worker, professional worker, office worker
  2. A person engaged in a specified activity, especially a sport, as a main paid occupation rather than as a pastime.
    • example - his first season as a professional
    • synonyms - professional player, non-amateur, paid player
  3. A person competent or skilled in a particular activity.
    • example - she was a real professional on stage
    • synonyms - expert, master, maestro, past master, trooper, adept, virtuoso, old hand, skilled person, authority
/prəˈfɛsə/
noun
  1. A university academic of the highest rank; the holder of a university chair.An associate professor or an assistant professor.
    • example - Professor Goodwin
    • synonyms - holder of a chair, chair, head of faculty, head of department
  2. A person who affirms a faith in or allegiance to something.
    • example - the professors of true religion
/ˈprəʊfʌɪl/
noun
  1. An outline of something, especially a person"s face, as seen from one side.
    • example - the man turned and she caught his profile
    • synonyms - side view, outline, silhouette, contour, shape, form, figure, lines
  2. A short article giving a description of a person or organization.
    • example - a profile of a Texas tycoon
    • synonyms - description, account, study, portrait, portrayal, depiction, rundown, sketch, outline
  3. The extent to which a person or organization attracts public notice.
    • example - raising the profile of women in industry
  4. A graphical or other representation of information relating to particular characteristics of something, recorded in quantified form.
    • example - a sleep profile for someone on a shift system
verb
  1. Describe (a person or organization) in a short article.
    • example - he was to profile a backbench MP
    • synonyms - describe, write about, write an article about, give an account of, characterize, portray, depict, outline, sketch
  2. Represent in outline from one side.
/ˈprɒfɪt/
noun
  1. A financial gain, especially the difference between the amount earned and the amount spent in buying, operating, or producing something.
    • example - record pre-tax profits
    • synonyms - financial gain, gain, return, returns, payback, dividend, interest, yield, surplus, excess
  2. Advantage; benefit.
    • synonyms - advantage, benefit, value, use, gain, good, avail, worth, usefulness
verb
  • Obtain a financial advantage or benefit.
    • example - the only people to profit from the episode were the lawyers
    • synonyms - make money, make a killing, make a profit
/ˈprəʊɡram/
noun
  1. A set of related measures or activities with a particular long-term aim.
    • example - an extensive programme of reforms
    • synonyms - scheme, plan, plan of action, initiative, series of measures, project, strategy, solution
  2. A series of coded software instructions to control the operation of a computer or other machine.
    • example - Processing power, therefore, is increasingly determined by software that compiles computer programs into machine code.
    • synonyms - program, software, routine, use
  3. A presentation or item on television or radio, especially one broadcast regularly between stated times.
    • example - a nature programme
    • synonyms - broadcast, production, show, presentation, transmission, performance, telecast, simulcast, videocast, podcast
  4. A sheet or booklet giving details of items or performers at an event or performance.
    • example - a theatre programme
    • synonyms - guide, list of artistes, list of performers, list of players
verb
  1. Provide (a computer or other machine) with coded instructions for the automatic performance of a task.Write computer programs.Input (instructions for the automatic performance of a task) into a computer or other machine.Cause (a person or animal) to behave in a predetermined way.
    • example - it is a simple matter to program the computer to recognize such symbols
  2. Arrange according to a plan or schedule.
    • synonyms - arrange, organize, schedule, plan, map out, lay out, timetable, line up, prearrange
  3. Broadcast (an item)
    • example - the station does not program enough contemporary works
/ˈprəʊɡram/
noun
  1. A set of related measures or activities with a particular long-term aim.
    • example - an extensive programme of reforms
    • synonyms - scheme, plan, plan of action, initiative, series of measures, project, strategy, solution
  2. A series of coded software instructions to control the operation of a computer or other machine.
    • example - Processing power, therefore, is increasingly determined by software that compiles computer programs into machine code.
    • synonyms - program, software, routine, use
  3. A presentation or item on television or radio, especially one broadcast regularly between stated times.
    • example - a nature programme
    • synonyms - broadcast, production, show, presentation, transmission, performance, telecast, simulcast, videocast, podcast
  4. A sheet or booklet giving details of items or performers at an event or performance.
    • example - a theatre programme
    • synonyms - guide, list of artistes, list of performers, list of players
verb
  1. Provide (a computer or other machine) with coded instructions for the automatic performance of a task.Write computer programs.Input (instructions for the automatic performance of a task) into a computer or other machine.Cause (a person or animal) to behave in a predetermined way.
    • example - it is a simple matter to program the computer to recognize such symbols
  2. Arrange according to a plan or schedule.
    • synonyms - arrange, organize, schedule, plan, map out, lay out, timetable, line up, prearrange
  3. Broadcast (an item)
    • example - the station does not program enough contemporary works
/ˈprəʊɡrɛs/
/prəˈɡrɛs/
noun
  1. Forward or onward movement towards a destination.
    • example - the darkness did not stop my progress
    • synonyms - forward movement, onward movement, progression, advance, advancement, headway, passage
  2. Development towards an improved or more advanced condition.
    • example - we are making progress towards equal rights
    • synonyms - development, advance, advancement, headway, step forward, steps forward, progression, improvement, betterment, growth
verb
  1. Move forward or onward in space or time.
    • example - as the century progressed the quality of telescopes improved
    • synonyms - go, make one"s way, move, move forward, go forward, proceed, continue, advance, go on, make progress, make headway, press on, gain ground, push forward, forge ahead, go ahead, work one"s way
  2. Develop towards an improved or more advanced condition.
    • example - work on the pond is progressing
    • synonyms - develop, make progress, advance, make headway, take steps forward, make strides, get better, come on, come along, move on, get on, gain ground, shape up, improve, thrive, prosper, blossom, flourish
/ˈprɒdʒɛkt/
/prəˈdʒɛkt/
noun
  1. An individual or collaborative enterprise that is carefully planned to achieve a particular aim.
    • example - a research project
    • synonyms - scheme, plan, plan of action, programme, enterprise, undertaking, venture, activity, operation, campaign
  2. A government-subsidized housing development with relatively low rents.
    • example - her family still lives in the projects
verb
  1. Estimate or forecast (something) on the basis of present trends or data.
    • example - spending was projected at £72,900 million
    • synonyms - forecast, predict, estimate, calculate, gauge, reckon, expect, extrapolate
  2. Extend outwards beyond something else; protrude.
    • example - I noticed a slip of paper projecting from the book
    • synonyms - stick out, jut out, jut, protrude, extend, stand out, hang over, overhang, bulge out, poke out, lap over, ride over, thrust out, obtrude, cantilever
  3. Throw or cause to move forward or outward.
    • example - seeds are projected from the tree
    • synonyms - throw, cast, fling, hurl, toss, lob, launch, discharge, propel, shoot
  4. Present or promote (a particular view or image)
    • example - he strives to project an image of youth
    • synonyms - convey, put across, put over, communicate, present, promote
  5. Draw straight lines through (a given figure) to produce a corresponding figure on a surface or a line.
  6. Make a projection of (the earth, sky, etc.) on a plane surface.
/ˈprɒmɪs/
noun
  1. A declaration or assurance that one will do something or that a particular thing will happen.
    • example - what happened to all those firm promises of support?
    • synonyms - word of honour, word, assurance, pledge, vow, guarantee, oath, bond, undertaking, agreement, commitment, contract, covenant, compact
  2. The quality of potential excellence.
    • example - he showed great promise even as a junior officer
    • synonyms - potential, ability, aptitude, capability, capacity, potentiality
verb
  1. Assure someone that one will definitely do something or that something will happen.
    • example - he promised to forward my mail
    • synonyms - give one"s word, swear, pledge, vow, undertake, guarantee, assure, contract, engage, give an undertaking, give an assurance, commit oneself, bind oneself, cross one"s heart, cross one"s heart and hope to die, swear an oath, take an oath, covenant
  2. Give good grounds for expecting (a particular occurrence)
    • example - forthcoming concerts promise a feast of music
    • synonyms - indicate, give an indication of, give every indication of, lead one to expect, give good grounds for expecting, point to, denote, signify, be a sign of, be evidence of, show signs of, hint at, suggest, give hope of, hold out hopes of, bespeak, presage, be a presage of, augur, herald, bode, foreshadow, portend
/prəˈməʊt/
verb
  1. Support or actively encourage (a cause, venture, etc.); further the progress of.
    • example - some regulation is still required to promote competition
    • synonyms - encourage, further, advance, assist, aid, help, contribute to, foster, nurture, develop, boost, stimulate, forward
  2. Raise (someone) to a higher position or rank.
    • example - she was promoted to General Manager
    • synonyms - advance, upgrade, give promotion to, give a higher position to, elevate, move up, raise, improve the position of, improve the status of, aggrandize
  3. (of an additive) act as a promoter of (a catalyst).
    • example - During the 1930s, catalysts were introduced to promote chemical reactions during cracking.
/prəˈnaʊns/
verb
  1. Make the sound of (a word or part of a word) in the correct or a particular way.
    • example - Gerry pronounced the hero"s name ‘Cahoolin’
    • synonyms - say, enunciate, articulate, utter, express, voice, vocalize, get one"s tongue round, sound
  2. Declare or announce in a formal or solemn way.
    • example - allow history to pronounce the verdict
    • synonyms - announce, proclaim, declare, rule, decree, ordain, adjudicate, lay down, affirm, assert, state, judge
/pruːf/
noun
  1. Evidence or argument establishing a fact or the truth of a statement.
    • example - you will be asked to give proof of your identity
    • synonyms - evidence, verification, corroboration, authentication, confirmation, certification, validation, attestation, demonstration, substantiation, witness, testament
  2. A trial impression of a page, taken from type or film and used for making corrections before final printing.
    • example - I was scheduled to spend much of the day correcting the final proofs of my forthcoming biography, Nehru: The Invention of India.
    • synonyms - page proof, galley proof, galley, pull, slip, trial print
  3. The strength of distilled alcoholic spirits, relative to proof spirit taken as a standard of 100.
    • example - powerful 132-proof rum
  4. A test or trial of something.
    • synonyms - criterion, proof, indication, yardstick, touchstone, standard, measure, litmus test, barometer
  5. A trial or a civil case before a judge without a jury.
adjective
  1. Able to withstand something damaging; resistant.
    • example - the marine battle armour was proof against most weapons
    • synonyms - resistant, impenetrable, impervious, repellent
  2. Denoting a trial impression of a page or printed work.
    • example - a proof copy is sent up for checking
verb
  1. Make (fabric) waterproof.
    • example - if you are using a piece of lightweight canvas it will be necessary to proof the fabric when complete
  2. Make a proof of (a printed work, engraving, etc.)
    • example - proof each plate and print it on acetate first
    • synonyms - set in print, send to press, run off, preprint, reprint, pull, proof, copy, reproduce
  3. Activate (yeast) by the addition of liquid.
    • example - proof the yeast with the teaspoon of sugar
/ˈprɒpə/
adjective
  1. Denoting something that is truly what it is said or regarded to be; genuine.
    • example - she"s never had a proper job
    • synonyms - real, genuine, actual, true, bona fide
  2. Of the required or correct type or form; suitable or appropriate.
    • example - an artist needs the proper tools
    • synonyms - right, correct, accepted, orthodox, conventional, established, official, formal, regular, acceptable
  3. Belonging or relating exclusively or distinctively to; particular to.
    • example - the two elephant types proper to Africa and to southern Asia
    • synonyms - belonging, relating, pertaining, related, relevant, unique, peculiar
  4. In the natural colours.
  5. (of a person) good-looking.
  6. Denoting a subset or subgroup that does not constitute the entire set or group, especially one that has more than one element.
    • example - The second is that all mathematical proofs can be recast as logical proofs or, in other words, that the theorems of mathematics constitute a proper subset of those of logic.
adverb
  • Satisfactorily or correctly.
noun
  • The part of a church service that varies with the season or feast.
    • example - we go to the High Mass, with plainsong propers sung by the Ritual Choir
/ˈprɒp(ə)li/
adverb
  1. Correctly or satisfactorily.
    • example - ensuring the work is carried out properly
    • synonyms - correctly, rightly, right, all right
  2. In the strict sense; exactly.
    • example - algebra is, properly speaking, the analysis of equations
  3. Thoroughly; completely.
    • synonyms - in every respect, to the core
/ˈprɒpəti/
noun
  1. A thing or things belonging to someone; possessions collectively.
    • example - she wanted Oliver and his property out of her flat
    • synonyms - possessions, belongings, things, goods, worldly goods, effects, personal effects, stuff, chattels, movables
  2. An attribute, quality, or characteristic of something.
    • example - the property of heat to expand metal at uniform rates
    • synonyms - quality, attribute, characteristic, feature, power, trait, mark, hallmark
/prəˈpəʊz(ə)l/
noun
  1. A plan or suggestion, especially a formal or written one, put forward for consideration by others.
    • example - a set of proposals for a major new high-speed rail link
    • synonyms - scheme, plan, project, programme, manifesto, motion, bid, proposition, presentation, submission, approach, suggestion, overture, draft, recommendation, tender, terms
  2. An offer of marriage.
    • example - surely a woman as beautiful as you has had proposals?
/prəˈpəʊz/
verb
  1. Put forward (a plan or suggestion) for consideration by others.
    • example - he proposed a new nine-point peace plan
    • synonyms - put forward, suggest, advance, offer, present, move, submit, prefer, file, lodge, initiate, bring, bring forward, come up with, tender, bid, project, recommend, advocate, propound, proffer, posit
  2. Make an offer of marriage to someone.
    • example - I have already proposed to Sarah
    • synonyms - ask someone to marry you, make an offer of marriage, offer marriage, ask for someone"s hand in marriage
/ˈprɒspɛkt/
/prəˈspɛkt/
noun
  1. The possibility or likelihood of some future event occurring.
    • example - there was no prospect of a reconciliation
    • synonyms - likelihood, hope, expectation, anticipation, chance, good chance, poor chance, chances, odds, probability, possibility, likeliness, promise, lookout
  2. A person regarded as likely to succeed or as a potential customer, client, etc.
    • example - Norwich"s unbeaten heavyweight prospect
    • synonyms - candidate, possibility
  3. An extensive view of landscape.
    • example - a viewpoint commanding a magnificent prospect of the estuary
    • synonyms - view, vista, outlook, perspective, panorama, aspect, scene
verb
  • Search for mineral deposits, especially by drilling and excavation.
    • example - the company is also prospecting for gold
    • synonyms - inspect, survey, make a survey of, explore, search, scout, reconnoitre, examine, check out
/prəˈtɛkt/
verb
  • Keep safe from harm or injury.
    • example - he tried to protect Kelly from the attack
    • synonyms - keep safe, keep from harm, save, safeguard, shield, preserve, defend, cushion, shelter, screen, secure, fortify, guard, mount guard on, stand guard on
/prəˈtɛkʃ(ə)n/
noun
  • The action of protecting, or the state of being protected.
    • example - the B vitamins give protection against infection
    • synonyms - defence, shielding, shelter, preservation, conservation, safe keeping, safeguarding, safety, security, sanctuary, refuge, lee, immunity, insurance, indemnity
/ˈprəʊtɛst/
/prəˈtɛst/
noun
  1. A statement or action expressing disapproval of or objection to something.
    • example - the British team lodged an official protest
    • synonyms - objection, exception, complaint, disapproval, disagreement, opposition, challenge, dissent, demurral, remonstration, expostulation, fuss, outcry
  2. A written declaration, typically by a notary public, that a bill has been presented and payment or acceptance refused.
verb
  1. Express an objection to what someone has said or done.
    • example - before Muriel could protest, he had filled both glasses
    • synonyms - express opposition, raise objections, object, make a protest, dissent, take issue, make a stand, take a stand, put up a fight, kick, take exception, complain, express disapproval, disagree, express disagreement, demur, remonstrate, expostulate, make a fuss
  2. Declare (something) firmly and emphatically in response to doubt or accusation.
    • example - ‘I"m not being coy!’ Lucy protested
    • synonyms - insist on, claim, maintain, declare, announce, profess, proclaim, assert, affirm, argue, vow, avow, aver, pledge, swear, swear to, testify to
  3. Write or obtain a protest in regard to (a bill).
/praʊd/
adjective
  1. Feeling deep pleasure or satisfaction as a result of one"s own achievements, qualities, or possessions or those of someone with whom one is closely associated.
    • example - a proud grandma of three boys
    • synonyms - pleased, pleased with, glad, glad about, glad at, happy, happy about, happy at, happy with, delighted, delighted about, delighted at, delighted with, joyful, joyful at, overjoyed, overjoyed at, overjoyed over, thrilled, thrilled about, thrilled at, thrilled by, thrilled with, well pleased, well pleased with, satisfied, satisfied with, gratified, gratified at, content, content at, appreciative, appreciative of
  2. Having or showing a high or excessively high opinion of oneself or one"s importance.
    • example - he was a proud, arrogant man
    • synonyms - haughty, conceited, hubristic, self-important, opinionated, egotistic, full of oneself, superior
  3. Slightly projecting from a surface.
    • example - balls standing proud of the fabric
    • synonyms - projecting, sticking out, sticking up, jutting, jutting out, protruding, prominent, raised, convex, elevated
/pruːv/
verb
  1. Demonstrate the truth or existence of (something) by evidence or argument.
    • example - the concept is difficult to prove
    • synonyms - demonstrate, show, show beyond doubt, show to be true, manifest, produce proof, submit proof, produce evidence, submit evidence, establish evidence, evince
  2. Demonstrate to be the specified thing by evidence or argument.
    • example - if they are proved guilty we won"t trade with them
  3. (of bread dough) become aerated by the action of yeast; rise.
    • example - Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with clingfilm and leave to prove for about two hours in a warm area.
  4. Subject (a gun) to a testing process.
    • example - firearms proved for black powder should not be used with smokeless ammunition
/prəˈvʌɪd/
verb
  1. Make available for use; supply.
    • example - these clubs provide a much appreciated service for this area
    • synonyms - supply, give, issue, furnish, lay out, come up with, dispense, bestow, impart, produce, yield, bring forth, bear, deliver, donate, contribute, pledge, advance, spare, part with, allocate, distribute, allot, assign, put forward, put up, proffer, present, extend, render
  2. Make adequate preparation for (a possible event)
    • example - new qualifications must provide for changes in technology
    • synonyms - prepare, allow, make provision, make preparations, be prepared, anticipate, arrange, make arrangements, get ready, plan, make plans, cater
  3. Stipulate in a will or other legal document.
    • example - the order should be varied to provide that there would be no contact with the father
    • synonyms - stipulate, lay down, have as a condition, make it a condition, require, order, ordain, demand, prescribe, state, set out, specify
  4. Appoint an incumbent to (a benefice).
    • example - Sometime after April 18, 1378, he was provided to the bishopric by Urban, and consecrated before March 26, 1379.
/sʌɪˈkɒlədʒɪst/
noun
  • An expert or specialist in psychology.
    • example - psychologists are being called in to help employees cope with job losses
    • synonyms - adviser, consultant, guide, mentor, confidant, confidante
/sʌɪˈkɒlədʒi/
noun
  1. The scientific study of the human mind and its functions, especially those affecting behaviour in a given context.
    • example - He studied Jungian and transpersonal psychology and took a special interest in allergic diseases.
    • synonyms - study of the mind, science of the mind, science of the personality, study of the mental processes
  2. The mental characteristics or attitude of a person or group.
    • example - the psychology of child-killers
    • synonyms - mindset, mind, mental processes, thought processes, way of thinking, cast of mind, frame of mind, turn of mind, mentality, persona, psyche, (mental) attitude(s), make-up, character, disposition, temperament, temper, behaviour
pub
/pʌb/
noun
  • An establishment for the sale of beer and other drinks, and sometimes also food, to be consumed on the premises.
    • example - let"s go to the pub
    • synonyms - tavern, bar, hostelry, taproom
verb
  • Frequent pubs.
/ˈpʌblɪk/
adjective
  1. Of or concerning the people as a whole.
    • example - public concern
    • synonyms - popular, general, common, communal, collective, shared, joint, universal, widespread
  2. Done, perceived, or existing in open view.
    • example - he wanted a public apology in the Wall Street Journal
    • synonyms - known, widely known, overt, plain, obvious, in circulation, published, publicized, exposed
  3. Of or provided by the state rather than an independent, commercial company.
    • example - public spending
    • synonyms - state, national, federal, government
  4. Of, for, or acting for a university.
    • example - public examination results
noun
  1. Ordinary people in general; the community.
    • example - the library is open to the public
    • synonyms - people, citizens, subjects, general public, electors, electorate, voters, taxpayers, residents, inhabitants, citizenry, population, populace, community, society, country, nation, world
  2. short for public bar or public house
/ˌpʌblɪˈkeɪʃ(ə)n/
noun
  • The preparation and issuing of a book, journal, or piece of music for public sale.
    • example - the publication of her first novel
    • synonyms - issuing, announcement, publishing, printing, notification, reporting, declaration, communication, proclamation, broadcasting, publicizing, advertising, distribution, spreading, dissemination, promulgation, issuance, appearance, emergence
/ˈpʌblɪʃ/
verb
  1. Prepare and issue (a book, journal, piece of music, etc.) for public sale, distribution, or readership.
    • example - we publish practical reference books
    • synonyms - issue, bring out, produce, print
  2. Communicate (a libel) to a third party.
    • example - And if the matter published is contained in a written or printed document the publisher is guilty of publishing a seditious libel.
/pʊl/
verb
  1. Exert force on (someone or something) so as to cause movement towards oneself.
    • example - he pulled them down on to the couch
    • synonyms - tug, haul, drag, draw, trail, tow, heave, lug, strain at, jerk, lever, prise, wrench, wrest, twist
  2. Move steadily in a specified direction or manner.
    • example - the bus was about to pull away
  3. Attract (someone) as a customer; cause to show interest in something.
    • example - anyone can enter the show if they have a good act and the ability to pull a crowd
    • synonyms - attract, draw, pull in, bring in, lure, charm, engage, enchant, captivate, bewitch, seduce, catch the eye of, entice, tempt, beckon, interest, fascinate
  4. Bring out (a weapon) for use against someone.
    • example - it"s not every day a young woman pulls a gun on a burglar
    • synonyms - take out, draw, pull, draw out, bring out, get out, withdraw, fish out, produce
  5. Damage (a muscle, ligament, etc.) by abnormal strain.
    • example - he pulled a calf muscle in the first half of the game and had to be replaced
    • synonyms - strain, sprain, turn, wrench, rick, stretch, tear
  6. Cancel or withdraw (an entertainment or advertisement)
  7. Play (the ball) round to the leg side from the off.
    • example - After pulling the ball over midwicket, Cairns showed he was no one-trick pony.
  8. (of a lineman) withdraw from and cross behind the line of scrimmage to block opposing players and clear the way for a runner.
    • example - he may be their best ever lineman—he can run and pull with the best
  9. Print (a proof).
    • example - A proof sheet would be pulled, and read against the manuscript.
    • synonyms - set in print, send to press, run off, preprint, reprint, pull, proof, copy, reproduce
noun
  1. An act of pulling something.
    • example - give the hair a quick pull and it comes out by the roots
    • synonyms - tug, haul, jerk, heave
  2. A force drawing someone or something in a particular direction.
    • example - the pull of the water tore her away
    • synonyms - tug, towing, haul, pull, drawing, drag, trailing, trawl
  3. (in sport) a pulling stroke.
    • example - Proficient with all strokes, his best scoring stroke was the pull, played all along the ground between mid on to backward square leg.
  4. A printer"s proof.
    • example - Proof ‘pulls’ of World War propaganda posters are quite rare.
    • synonyms - page proof, galley proof, galley, pull, slip, trial print
/ˈpʌnɪʃ/
verb
  • Inflict a penalty or sanction on (someone) as retribution for an offence, especially a transgression of a legal or moral code.
    • example - I have done wrong and I"m being punished for it
    • synonyms - penalize, discipline, mete out punishment to, bring someone to book, teach someone a lesson, make an example of
/ˈpʌnɪʃm(ə)nt/
noun
  • The infliction or imposition of a penalty as retribution for an offence.
    • example - crime demands just punishment
    • synonyms - penalizing, punishing, disciplining
/ˈpjuːpɪl/
/ˈpjuːp(ə)l/
noun
  • A person who is taught by another, especially a schoolchild or student in relation to a teacher.
    • example - they are former pupils of the school
    • synonyms - student, schoolchild, schoolboy, schoolgirl, scholar
/ˈpəːtʃɪs/
verb
  1. Acquire (something) by paying for it; buy.
    • example - Mr Gill spotted the manuscript at a local auction and purchased it for £1,500
    • synonyms - buy, acquire, obtain, pick up, snap up, take, secure, procure, come by, pay for, shop for, invest in, put money into
  2. Haul up (a rope, cable, or anchor) by means of a pulley or lever.
noun
  1. The action of buying something.
    • example - the large number of videos currently available for purchase
  2. Firm contact or grip.
    • example - the horse"s hooves fought for purchase on the slippery pavement
    • synonyms - grip, firm contact, attachment, hold, foothold, footing, toehold, fingerhold, anchorage, support, grasp
/pjʊə/
adjective
  1. Not mixed or adulterated with any other substance or material.
    • example - cars can run on pure alcohol
    • synonyms - unmixed, unalloyed, unadulterated, unblended, uncontaminated, sterling, solid, refined, one hundred per cent, 100%
  2. (of a sound) perfectly in tune and with a clear tone.
    • example - these small cymbals produce a quiet but high pitched and very pure note
  3. Wholesome and untainted by immorality, especially that of a sexual nature.
    • example - our fondness for each other is pure and innocent
    • synonyms - virtuous, moral, ethical, good, righteous, angelic, saintly, pious, honourable, reputable, wholesome, clean, honest, upright, upstanding, exemplary, above reproach, irreproachable, innocent
  4. (of a subject of study) dealing with abstract concepts and not practical application.
    • example - a theoretical discipline such as pure physics
    • synonyms - theoretical, abstract, conceptual, academic, hypothetical, philosophical, speculative, conjectural, non-practical, non-technical
  5. Involving or containing nothing else but; sheer (used for emphasis)
    • example - a shout of pure anger
    • synonyms - sheer, utter, simple, absolute, downright, out-and-out, rank, complete, thorough, total, perfect, consummate, unmitigated, unqualified, palpable, patent
  6. (of a vowel) not joined with another to form a diphthong.
    • example - You will sound fairly good if your teacher"s modeling elicits a free sound that is well-focused on pure vowels.
/ˈpəːp(ə)l/
noun
  1. A colour intermediate between red and blue.
    • example - the painting was mostly in shades of blue and purple
  2. A crimson dye obtained from some molluscs, formerly used for fabric worn by an emperor or senior magistrate in ancient Rome or Byzantium.(in ancient Rome or Byzantium) clothing made from fabric dyed with Tyrian purple.(in ancient Rome) a position of rank, authority, or privilege.The scarlet official dress of a cardinal.
    • example - The region around Tyre was well known in the ancient world for its purple dye (Tyrian purple) made from the murex grandaris mollusc.
adjective
  • Of a colour intermediate between red and blue.
    • example - a faded purple T-shirt
    • synonyms - ornate, fancy, very elaborate, curlicued, over-elaborate, extravagant, baroque, fussy, busy, ostentatious, showy, wedding-cake, gingerbread
verb
  • Make or become purple in colour.
    • example - Edmund"s cheeks purpled
/ˈpəːpəs/
noun
  1. The reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.
    • example - the purpose of the meeting is to appoint a trustee
    • synonyms - motive, motivation, grounds, cause, impetus, occasion, reason, point, basis, justification
  2. A person"s sense of resolve or determination.
    • example - there was a new sense of purpose in her step as she set off
    • synonyms - determination, resoluteness, resolution, resolve, firmness, firmness of purpose, steadfastness, backbone, drive, push, thrust, enthusiasm, ambition, initiative, enterprise, motivation, single-mindedness, commitment, conviction, dedication
verb
  • Have as one"s intention or objective.
    • example - God has allowed suffering, even purposed it
    • synonyms - intend, mean, aim, plan, design, have the intention, have in mind, have a mind
/pəˈsjuː/
verb
  1. Follow or chase (someone or something)
    • example - the officer pursued the van
    • synonyms - go after, run after, follow, chase, give chase to
  2. Continue or proceed along (a path or route)
    • example - the road pursued a straight course over the scrubland
/pʊʃ/
verb
  1. Exert force on (someone or something) in order to move them away from oneself.
    • example - she pushed her glass towards him
    • synonyms - shove, thrust, propel, impel
  2. Move forward by using force to pass people or cause them to move aside.
    • example - she pushed her way through the crowded streets
    • synonyms - force, force one"s way, shove, thrust, squeeze, jostle, elbow, shoulder
  3. Compel or urge (someone) to do something, especially to work hard.
    • example - she believed he was pushing their daughter too hard
    • synonyms - assertive, thrusting, pushing, ambitious, driven, aggressive, forceful, forward, obtrusive, bold, brash, bumptious, arrogant, officious, bossy, presumptuous, full of oneself, self-assertive, overbearing, domineering, confident, overconfident, cocksure
  4. Promote the use, sale, or acceptance of.
    • synonyms - advertise, publicize, promote, give publicity to, bang the drum for, beat the drum for, popularize
  5. Prepare (a stack) to receive a piece of data on the top.
  6. Develop (a film) so as to compensate for deliberate underexposure.
noun
  1. An act of pushing someone or something in order to move them away from oneself.
    • example - he closed the door with a push
    • synonyms - shove, thrust, ram, bump, knock, hit, jolt, butt, prod, poke, elbow, nudge, shoulder, jostle
  2. A vigorous effort to do or obtain something.
    • example - many clubs are joining in the fund-raising push
    • synonyms - endeavour, striving, effort, exertion, labour, work, toiling, pains
put
/pʊt/
verb
  1. Move to or place in a particular position.
    • example - I put my hand out towards her
    • synonyms - place, set, put down, set down, lay, lay down, deposit, situate, position, settle
  2. Bring into a particular state or condition.
    • example - they tried to put me at ease
  3. Throw (a shot or weight) as an athletic sport.
    • example - she set a women"s record by putting the shot 56" 7"
  4. (of a river) flow in a particular direction.
    • example - A small river puts into Warner Lakes from the southwest.
noun
  1. A throw of a shot or weight.
    • example - Nichols recorded a put of 61.05 on his third attempt.
  2. short for put option
    • example - If you sell a put, you"ve agreed to buy stock at a certain price from the owner of the put.