cambridge learner’s dictionary

CambridgeLearner’s Dictionary

P U B L I S H E D B Y T H E P R E S S S Y N D I C AT E O F T H E U N I V E R S I T Y O F C A M B R I D G E

The Pitt Building, Trumpington Street, Cambridge, United Kingdom

C A M B R I D G E U N I V E R S I T Y P R E S S

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© Cambridge University Press 2004

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First published 2001Second edition published 2004

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Contents

page 5 Introduction

6 How to use this dictionary

8 More information on using the dictionary

8 Grammar labels 11 Pronunciation10 Usage labels 12 Regular inflections10 UK/US labels

13 The dictionary, A–Z

751 Appendices

752 Common first names 760 Irregular verbs753 Geographical names 763 Word beginnings and endings758 Regular verb tenses 765 Word building

CENTRE PAGES

Colour topic pictures

Centre 1 The Bathroom 9 Hair 2 The Body 10 The Kitchen3 Car 11 The Living Room4 The Classroom 12 The Office5 Clothes 13 Phrasal Verbs6 Colours 14 Quantities7 Food 15 Sports8 Fruits and Vegetables

17 Study pages

18 Adjectives 31 Modal verbs19 Checking your work 33 Numbers20 Classroom language 34 Phrasal verbs21 Collocations 36 Pronunciation

(words that go together) 37 Punctuation22 Countable and 38 Spelling

uncountable nouns 40 Transport and travel 24 Family and relationships 41 UK and US English 25 Food and eating 42 Verb patterns 26 Idioms 43 Word formation27 The Internet 45 Writing letters29 Measurements 47 Answer key30 The media

AA, a /e/ the first letter of the alphabet

Fa (also an) strong form /e/ weak form /ə/ deter-miner 1 BEFORE NOUN used before a noun torefer to a single thing or person but not a par-ticular thing or person or not one that youhave referred to before I need a new car. � Ibought a nice coat yesterday. � I saw a womanspeaking to him. 2 ONE one a hundred dollars� a dozen eggs 3 EVERY/EACH every or each Achild needs love. � Take one tablet three times a(= each) day. 4 TYPE used to say what type ofthing or person something or someone is It’s aguinea-pig. � She’s a doctor. 5 AN ACTION usedbefore some action nouns when referring toone example of the action I’m just going tohave a wash. � Take a look at this. 6 TWONOUNS used before the first of two nouns thatare often used together a cup and saucer7 AMOUNTS used before some phrases sayinghow much of something there is a few days � abit of sugar 8 NAME used before a person’sname when referring to someone you do notknow There’s a Ms Leeming to see you.

COMMON LEARNER ERROR

a or an?Remember to use an in front of words which begin witha vowel sound. These are words which start with the let-ters a, e, i, o, u, or a sound like those letters.a car, an orange, an hour

aback /ə�b�k/ adv be taken aback to be verysurprised or shocked I was rather taken abackby her honesty.

abacus /��bəkəs/ noun [C] a square object withsmall balls on wires, used for counting

abandon /ə�b�ndən/ verb [T] 1 to leave some-one or something somewhere, sometimes notreturning to get them They were forced toabandon the car. � He was abandoned by hismother as a baby. 2 to stop doing somethingbefore it is finished, or to stop following aplan, idea, etc The match was abandonedbecause of rain. � abandoned adj � abandonmentnoun [U]

abate /ə�bet/ verb [I] formal to become lessstrong By the weekend, the storms had abated.

abattoir /��bətwɑ�r/ UK (UK/US slaughter-house) noun [C] a place where animals arekilled for meat

abbey /��bi/ noun [C] a group of buildings thatis or was a home for monks or nuns (= religiousmen or women who live separately from otherpeople)

abbreviate /ə�bri�viet/ verb [T] to make a wordor phrase shorter The word ‘street’ is oftenabbreviated to ‘St’.

abbreviation /ə�bri�vi�eʃən/ noun [C] a shorterform of a word or phrase, especially used inwriting A doctor is often called a ‘GP’, an ab-breviation for ‘general practitioner’.

abdicate /��bdket/ verb 1 [I] If a king orqueen abdicates, they choose to stop beingking or queen. 2 abdicate responsibility formalto decide not to be responsible for somethingany more � abdication /��bd�keʃən/ noun [C,U]

abdomen /��bdəmən/ noun [C] formal thelower part of a person or animal’s body, con-taining the stomach and other organs � abdom-inal /�b�dɒmnəl/ adj abdominal pains

abduct /əb�dkt/ verb [T] to take someone awayillegally He was abducted and murdered by aterrorist group. � abduction /əb�dkʃən/ noun[C,U]

aberration /��bə�reʃən/ noun [C] formal a tem-porary change from what usually happens

abet /ə�bet/ verb abetting, past abetted 7See aid2

and abet (sb).abhor /əb�hɔ�r/ verb [T] abhorring, past abhorredformal to hate something or someone verymuch � abhorrence /əb�hɒrəns/ noun [U] formal

abhorrent /əb�hɒrənt/ adj formal morally verybad an abhorrent crime

abide /ə�bad/ verb can’t abide sb/sth tostrongly dislike someone or something I can’tabide rudeness.abide by sth to obey a rule Staff who refusedto abide by the rules were fired.

abiding /ə�badŋ/ adj [always before noun] Anabiding feeling or memory is one that youhave for a long time. My abiding memory is ofhim watering his plants in the garden. 7Seealso: law-abiding.

WORDS THAT GO WITH ability

have/lack/possess ability � innate/remarkable/uncan-ny ability

Fability /ə�bləti/ noun [C,U] the physical or men-tal skill or qualities that you need to do some-thing athletic/academic ability � [+ to do sth] Hehad the ability to explain things clearly andconcisely. � The report questions the technicalability of some of the staff. 7Opposite inability7Compare disability.

abject /��bd�ekt/ adj 1 abject misery/poverty/terror, etc when someone is extremely un-happy, poor, afraid, etc 2 showing that youare very ashamed of what you have done anabject apology

ablaze /ə�blez/ adj [never before noun] burningstrongly

Fable /�ebl/ adj 1 be able to do sth to have theability to do something or the possibility ofdoing something He’ll be able to help you. � Iwouldn’t be able to come at that time anyway.7Opposite be unable to do sth. 2 clever or goodat doing something Even the most able stu-dents found the test difficult. � ably adv Robson,ably assisted by Anderson, has completelyrebuilt the team.

able-bodied /�ebl�bɒdd/ adj having all thephysical abilities that most people have

abnormal /�b�nɔ�məl/ adj different from whatis normal or usual, in a way which is strangeor dangerous abnormal behaviour/weather� They found abnormal levels of lead in thewater. � abnormally adv abnormally hightemperatures

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abnormal13F Important words to learn� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �

� jyes � k cat � ŋ ring � ʃ she � θ thin � ð this � � decision � d� jar � tʃ chip � æ cat � e bed � ə ago � sit � i cosy � ɒ hot � run � υ put �

abnormality /��bnɔ��m�ləti/ noun [C,U] some-thing abnormal, usually in the body a geneticabnormality

aboard /ə�bɔ�d/ adv, preposition on or onto aplane, ship, bus, or train Welcome aboardflight BA109 to Paris.

abode /ə�bəυd/ noun [C] formal a homeabolish /ə�bɒlʃ/ verb [T] to officially end some-thing, especially a law or system National Ser-vice was abolished in Britain in 1962. � abolition/��bə�lʃən/ noun [U] the abolition of slavery

abominable /ə�bɒmnəbl/ adj extremely badabominable behaviour/conditions � abominablyadv

Aboriginal /��bə�rd�ənəl/ adj relating or be-longing to the original race of people wholived in Australia � Aborigine /��bə�rd�əni/noun [C] an Aboriginal person

abort /ə�bɔ�t/ verb [T] 1 to stop a process beforeit has finished The take-off was aborted due tobad weather. 2 to end a pregnancy that is notwanted using a medical operation

abortion /ə�bɔ�ʃən/ noun [C,U] a medical oper-ation to end a pregnancy when the baby is stilltoo small to live to have an abortion

abortive /ə�bɔ�tv/ adj [always before noun] Anabortive attempt or plan fails before it is com-plete.

abound /ə�baυnd/ verb [I] formal to exist inlarge numbers Rumours abound about a pos-sible change of leadership.

Fabout1 /ə�baυt/ preposition 1 relating to a par-ticular subject or person a book about theSpanish Civil War � What was she talkingabout? 2 UK (US around) to or in different partsof a place, often without purpose or orderThey were creeping about the garden. � Weheard someone moving about outside.3 what/how about ...? a used to make a sugges-tion How about France for a holiday? b used toask for someone’s opinion on a particularsubject What about Ann – is she nice?

Fabout2 /ə�baυt/ adv 1 APPROXIMATELY used be-fore a number or amount to mean approxi-mately It happened about two months ago.2 DIRECTION UK (US around) to or in differentparts of a place, often without purpose ororder She’s always leaving her clothes lyingabout. 3 NEAR UK informal (US around) If some-one or something is about, they are near to theplace where you are now. Is Kate about? 4 beabout to do sth to be going to do somethingvery soon I stopped her just as she was about toleave.

Fabove1 /ə�bv/ adv, preposition 1 HIGHER POS-ITION in or to a higher position than somethingelse There’s a mirror above the washbasin. � Icould hear music coming from the room above.2 MORE more than an amount or level It sayson the box it’s for children aged three andabove. � Rates of pay are above average.3 RANK in a more important or advanced pos-ition than someone else Sally’s a grade aboveme. 4 TOO IMPORTANT too good or important forsomething No one is above suspicion in thismatter. 5 above all most importantly Aboveall, I’d like to thank everyone.

above2 /ə�bv/ adj, adv higher on the same

page the above diagram � the address shownabove

a�bove �board adj [never before noun] honestand legal We hired a lawyer to make sure theagreement was all above board.

abrasive /ə�bresv/ adj 1 An abrasive sub-stance is rough and can be used for rubbingsurfaces, to make them clean or smooth.2 speaking or behaving in a rude and unpleas-ant way an abrasive manner

abreast /ə�brest/ adv 1 keep (sb) abreast of sthto make sure you or someone else knowsabout the most recent changes in a subject orsituation I’ll keep you abreast of any develop-ments. 2 two/three/four, etc abreast If peoplewho are moving are two/three, etc abreast,that number of people are next to each other,side by side. They were cycling four abreast,completely blocking the road.

abridged /ə�brd�d/ adj An abridged book orother piece of writing has been made shorter.7Opposite unabridged. � abridge /ə�brd�/ verb [T]

Fabroad /ə�brɔ�d/ adv in or to a foreign countryHe goes abroad a lot with his job.

abrupt /ə�brpt/ adj 1 sudden and not expectedOur conversation came to an abrupt end be-cause Jean was called away. 2 dealing withpeople in a quick way that is unfriendly orrude She has a rather abrupt manner.� abruptly adv

abscess /��bses/ noun [C] a painful, swollenarea on the body which contains a yellowliquid

abscond /əb�skɒnd/ verb [I] formal to leavesomewhere suddenly without permissionbecause you want to escape, or because youhave stolen something

absence /��bsəns/ noun 1 [C,U] a time whenyou are not in a particular place Lisa will beacting as manager in Phil’s absence (= whilePhil is not here). � A large number of ab-sences from work are caused by back prob-lems. 2 [U] when something does not exist Inthe absence of any proof, it is impossible toaccuse her.

absent /��bsənt/ adj not in the place where youare expected to be, especially at school orwork He has been absent from school all week.

absentee /��bsən�ti�/ noun [C] someone who isnot in a place where they should be � absentee-ism noun [U] when someone is often absentfrom work or school

absently /��bsəntli/ adv without thinkingabout what you are doing He stared absently atthe television screen.

absent-minded /��bsənt�mandd/ adj oftenforgetting things � absent-mindedly adv� absent-mindedness noun [U]

absolute /��bsəlu�t/ adj [always before noun]1 complete absolute power/control � The partywas an absolute disaster. 2 definite There wasno absolute proof of fraud.

Fabsolutely /��bsə�lu�tli/ adv 1 completely Thefood was absolutely delicious. � She absolutelyhated the place. � There’s absolutely nothing (=nothing at all) left. 2 Absolutely. used tostrongly agree with someone "Do you think ithelped his career?" "Absolutely." 3 Absolutely

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abnormality 14 F Important words to learn� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �

� ɑ� arm � �� her � i� see � ɔ� saw �u� too � a my � aυ how � eə hair � e day �əυ no �ə near �ɔ boy �υə poor �aə fire �aυə sour �

not. used to strongly disagree with someone orto agree with something negative "Are yousuggesting that we should just ignore theproblem?" "No, absolutely not."

absolve /əb�zɒlv/ verb [T] formal to formallysay that someone is not guilty of something,or to forgive someone

absorb /əb�zɔ�b/ verb [T] 1 LIQUID If a substanceabsorbs a liquid, it takes it in through its sur-face and holds it. The fabric absorbs all themoisture, keeping your skin dry. 2 be absorbedin sth to give all your attention to somethingthat you are doing Simon was so absorbed inhis computer game, he didn’t notice me come in.3 REMEMBER to understand and rememberfacts that you read or hear It’s hard to absorbso much information. 4 BECOME PART OF Ifsomething is absorbed into something else, itbecomes part of it. The drug is quicklyabsorbed into the bloodstream.

absorbent /əb�zɔ�bənt/ adj An absorbent sub-stance can take liquids in through its surfaceand hold them.

absorbing /əb�zɔ�bŋ/ adj very interesting anabsorbing book/game

abstain /əb�sten/ verb [I] 1 formal to not dosomething that you enjoy because it is bad orunhealthy The doctor suggested that heabstain from alcohol. 2 to choose not to votefor or against something 63 members voted infavour, 39 opposed and 5 abstained. � abstention/əb�stenʃən/ noun [C,U]

abstinence /��bstnəns/ noun [U] formal whenyou do not do something that you enjoybecause it is bad or unhealthy

abstract /��bstr�kt/ adj 1 relating to ideasand not real things an abstract concept2 Abstract art involves shapes and coloursand not images of real things or people.

absurd /əb�z��d/ adj very silly an absurd situ-ation/suggestion � absurdity noun [C,U]� absurdly adv

abundance /ə�bndəns/ noun [U, no plural] for-mal a lot of something an abundance of flowers� There was food in abundance (= a lot offood).

abundant /ə�bndənt/ adj existing in largequantities an abundant supply of food� abundantly adv

abuse1 /ə�bju�s/ noun 1 WRONG USE [C,U] whensomething is used for the wrong purpose in away that is harmful or morally wrong drug/alcohol abuse � abuse of public money2 VIOLENCE [U] violent, cruel treatment of some-one child abuse � sexual abuse 3 LANGUAGE [U]rude and offensive words said to another per-son Rival fans shouted abuse at each other.

abuse2 /ə�bju�z/ verb [T] 1 VIOLENCE to treatsomeone cruelly and violently He was physic-ally abused by his alcoholic father. 2 WRONGUSE to use something for the wrong purpose ina way that is harmful or morally wrong toabuse alcohol 3 LANGUAGE to say rude andoffensive words to someone The crowd startedabusing him. � abuser noun [C]

abusive /ə�bju�sv/ adj saying rude and offen-sive words to someone an abusive phone call� He was drunk and abusive.

abysmal /ə�bzməl/ adj very bad, especially ofbad quality the team’s abysmal performancelast season � abysmally adv

abyss /ə�bs/ noun [C] 1 a very bad situationwhich will not improve [usually singular] Thecountry is sinking into an abyss of violenceand bloodshed. 2 literary a very deep hole

academia /��kə�di�miə/ noun [U] the people andorganizations, especially universities, in-volved in studying

academic1 /��kə�demk/ adj 1 EDUCATIONrelated to education, schools, universities, etcacademic ability/standards � It’s the start ofthe academic year. 2 SUBJECTS related to sub-jects which involve thinking and studying andnot technical or practical skills academic sub-jects 3 CLEVER clever and good at studying4 NOT REAL If what someone says is academic,it has no purpose because it relates to a situ-ation that does not exist. The whole discussionis academic since management won’t even listento us. � academically adv

academic2 /��kə�demk/ noun [C] someone whoteaches at a university or college or is paid tostudy there

academy /ə�k�dəmi/ noun [C] 1 a collegewhich teaches people the skills needed for aparticular job a military academy 2 an organ-ization whose purpose is to encourage and de-velop an art, science, language, etc the RoyalAcademy of Music

accelerate /ək�seləret/ verb 1 [I] to start todrive faster 2 [I,T] to start to happen morequickly, or to make something start to happenmore quickly Inflation is likely to acceleratethis year. � acceleration /ək�selə�reʃən/ noun [U]

accelerator /ək�seləretər/ (also US gas pedal)noun [C] the part of a car which you push withyour foot to make it go faster 7See colour pictureCar on page Centre 3.

accent /��ksənt/ noun [C] 1 PRONUNCIATION theway in which someone pronounces words, in-fluenced by the country or area they comefrom, or their social class an American accent� a French accent � He speaks with a strongnorthern accent. 2 WRITTEN MARK a mark abovea letter to show you how to pronounce it, forexample (a) and (e) 3 WORD EMPHASIS the wordor part of a word that you emphasize whenyou are speaking In the word ‘impossible’ theaccent is on the second syllable. 4 the accenton sth particular importance or attention thatyou give to something a wonderful menu withthe accent on fresh fish

accentuate /ək�sentʃuet/ verb [T] to emphasizesomething so that people notice it make-up toaccentuate the eyes

Faccept /ək�sept/ verb 1 AGREE [I,T] to agree totake something that is offered to you to acceptan invitation/offer � to accept a job � He won’taccept advice from anyone. � Do you acceptcredit cards? 2 ADMIT [T] to admit that some-thing is true, often something unpleasant[+ (that)] He refuses to accept that he’s made amistake. 3 ALLOW TO JOIN [T] to allow someoneto join an organization or become part of agroup She’s been accepted by two universities.� Many of the refugees have now been accepted

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accept15F Important words to learn� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �


into the local community. 4 accept responsibil-ity/blame to admit that you caused somethingbad that happened The company has now ac-cepted responsibility for the accident. 5 UNDER-STAND [T] to understand that you cannotchange a very sad or unpleasant situation Thehardest part is accepting the fact that you’llnever see that person again.


accept or agree?When you accept an invitation, job, or offer, you say yesto something which is offered. Accept is never followedby another verb.They offered me the job and I’ve accepted it.

They offered me the job and I’ve accepted to take it.

When you agree to do something, you say that you willdo something which someone asks you to do.They offered me the job and I agreed to take it.

Facceptable /ək�septəbl/ adj 1 good enoughwork of an acceptable standard � We still hopeto find a solution which is acceptable to bothsides. 2 allowed or approved of Smoking is lessand less socially acceptable. 7Opposite unaccept-able. � acceptability /ək�septə�bləti/ noun [U]

acceptance /ək�septəns/ noun [C,U] when youaccept something his acceptance of the award� There is a growing public acceptance of alter-native medicine.

accepted /ək�septd/ adj agreed or approvedby most people an accepted spelling

access1 /��kses/ noun [U] 1 when you have theright or opportunity to use or see something Idon’t have access to that kind of information.� Do you have Internet access? 2 the way inwhich you can enter a place or get to a placeThe only access to the village is by boat. � betteraccess for the disabled

access2 /��kses/ verb [T] to find or see informa-tion, especially using a computer You canaccess the files over the Internet.

accessible /ək�sesəbl/ adj 1 easy to find orreach Information such as this is freely access-ible to the public. � The hotel is in a quiet buteasily accessible part of the resort. 7Opposite in-accessible. 2 easy to understand They are at-tempting to make opera accessible to a wideraudience. � accessibility /ək�sesə�bləti/ noun [U]

accessory /ək�sesəri/ noun [C] 1 somethingextra which is not necessary but is attractiveor useful [usually plural] They sell belts andscarves and other fashion accessories.� bathroom accessories � computer accessories2 formal someone who helps a criminal tocommit a crime an accessory to murder

�access pro�vider noun [C] a company thatmakes you able to use the Internet, so that youcan use email and see or show documents

WORDS THAT GO WITH accident

have/be involved in an accident � an accident hap-pens/occurs � a fatal/serious/tragic accident � killed,paralyzed, etc in an accident

Faccident /��ksdənt/ noun [C] 1 something bad

which happens that is not intended and whichcauses injury or damage a car/traffic accident� (UK) He was involved in a road accident amonth ago. � She had an accident in thekitchen. � I didn’t mean to spill his drink. Itwas an accident. 2 by accident without beingintended I deleted the wrong file by accident.

accidental /��ks�dentəl/ adj not intendedaccidental damage � accidentally adv Sheaccidentally knocked over a glass of red wine.

accident-prone /��ksdənt�prəυn/ adj Some-one who is accident-prone often has accidents.

acclaim /ə�klem/ noun [U] praise from a lot ofpeople international/public acclaim

acclaimed /ə�klemd/ adj praised by a lot ofpeople the acclaimed singer and songwriter

acclimatize (also UK -ise) /ə�klamətaz/ verb[I,T] to start to feel happy with the weather, theway of life, etc in a new place, or to makesomeone do this � acclimatization /ə�klaməta��zeʃən/ noun [U]

accolade /��kəled/ noun [C] formal a prize orpraise given to someone because they are verygood at something

accommodate /ə�kɒmədet/ verb [T] 1 HAVESPACE FOR to have enough space somewhere fora number of things or people We need moreroads to accommodate the increase in traffic.2 HELP to do what someone wants, often byproviding them with something He requiresspecial equipment and, where possible, we’veaccommodated those needs. 3 GIVE A HOME toprovide someone with a place to live or stayThe athletes will be accommodated in a specialOlympic village.

accommodating /ə�kɒmədetŋ/ adj willingto change your plans in order to help people

Faccommodation /ə�kɒmə�deʃən/ noun [U](also US accommodations [plural]) a place whereyou live or stay rented accommodation � Theprice includes travel and accommodation.

accompaniment /ə�kmpənmənt/ noun 1 [C]formal something that is nice to eat or drinkwith a particular food or drink salmon with anaccompaniment of green salad 2 [C,U] musicthat is played with the main instrument orwith a singing voice a song with pianoaccompaniment

accompany /ə�kmpəni/ verb [T] 1 GO WITHformal to go somewhere with someone Weaccompanied her back to her hotel. 2 HAPPENTOGETHER to happen or exist at the same timeas something else The teachers’ book is accom-panied by a video cassette. 3 MUSIC to play amusical instrument with someone else who isplaying or singing

accomplice /ə�kmpls/ noun [C] someone whohelps a criminal to commit a crime

accomplish /ə�kmplʃ/ verb [T] to succeed indoing something good I feel as if I’ve accom-plished nothing all day.

accomplished /ə�kmplʃt/ adj having a lot ofskill in art, music, writing, etc an accom-plished musician/painter

accomplishment /ə�kmplʃmənt/ noun 1 [U]when you succeed in doing something goodFinishing the course gave me a great sense ofaccomplishment. 2 [C] formal a skill in art,

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acceptable 16 F Important words to learn� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �


music, writing, etcaccord1 /ə�kɔ�d/ noun 1 of your own accord Ifyou do something of your own accord, youchoose to do it and no one else forces you.Luckily, she left of her own accord. 2 [C] anofficial agreement, especially betweencountries a peace/trade accord

accord2 /ə�kɔ�d/ verb [T] formal to treat some-one specially, usually by showing respect therespect accorded to doctors

accordance /ə�kɔ�dəns/ noun formal in accord-ance with sth agreeing with a rule, law, orwish Both companies have insisted that theywere acting in accordance with the law.

accordingly /ə�kɔ�dŋli/ adv in a way that issuitable We’ll wait until we hear the decisionand act accordingly.

Faccording to /ə�kɔ�dŋtu�/ preposition 1 assaid by someone or shown by somethingAccording to Susie, he didn’t even have agirlfriend. � According to our records, she wasabsent last Friday. 2 based on a particularsystem or plan Children are allocated toschools according to the area in which they live.

accordion /ə�kɔ�diən/ noun [C] a musicalinstrument with a folding centre part andkeyboards at both ends which you play bypushing the two ends together

accost /ə�kɒst/ verb [T] If someone you do notknow accosts you, they move towards you andstart talking to you in an unfriendly way.

account1 /ə�kaυnt/ noun [C] 1 REPORT a writtenor spoken description of something that hashappened They gave conflicting accounts ofthe events. � The documents provide a detailedaccount of the town’s early history. 2 BANK (alsobank account) an arrangement with a bank tokeep your money there and to let you take itout when you need to I paid the money into myaccount this morning. 3 SHOP an agreementwith a shop or company that allows you to buythings and pay for them later 4 take sth intoaccount; take account of sth to consider some-thing when judging a situation You have totake into account the fact that he is less experi-enced when judging his performance. 5 onaccount of sth formal because of something Hedoesn’t drink alcohol on account of his health.6 by all accounts as said by a lot of people Theparty was, by all accounts, a great success. 7 onmy account just for or because of me Pleasedon’t change your plans on my account. 8 on noaccount; not on any account UK not for anyreason or in any situation On no account mustthese records be changed. 7See also: checkingaccount, current account, deposit account.

account2 /ə�kaυnt/ verbaccount for sth 1 to be part of a total numberof something Oil accounts for 40% of Norway’sexports. 2 to be the reason for something, or toexplain the reason for something He’d had anargument with Caroline, which accounts forhis bad mood this morning. � She was asked toaccount for the missing money.

accountable /ə�kaυntəbl/ adj [never before noun]having to be responsible for what you do andable to explain your actions Hospitals must beheld accountable for their mistakes. � Politi-

cians should be accountable to the public thatelects them. 7Opposite unaccountable. � account-ability /ə�kaυntə�bləti/ noun [U]

accountancy /ə�kaυntənsi/ UK (US accounting)noun [U] the job of being an accountant

accountant /ə�kaυntənt/ noun [C] someonewhose job is to keep or examine the financialrecords of a company or organization

accounts /ə�kaυnts/ noun [plural] an officialrecord of all the money a company ororganization has received or paid

accreditation /ə�kred�teʃən/ noun [U] officialapproval of an organization � accredited/ə�kredtd/ adj officially approved

accumulate /ə�kju�mjəlet/ verb [I,T] to in-crease in amount over a period of time, or tomake something increase over a period oftime The chemicals accumulate in your body.� to accumulate wealth/debts � accumulation/ə�kju�mjə�leʃən/ noun [U]

accuracy /��kjərəsi/ noun [U] how correct orexact something is The new system should helpto improve the accuracy of weather forecasts.

Faccurate /��kjərət/ adj correct or exact accur-ate information/measurements � She was ableto give police a fairly accurate description of theman. 7Opposite inaccurate. � accurately adv

accusation /��kjυ�zeʃən/ noun [C] when yousay that someone has done something bad Hemade a number of accusations against hisformer colleagues.

Faccuse /ə�kju�z/ verb [T] to say that someonehas done something bad He was falselyaccused of murder. � [+ of + doing sth] She ac-cused Andrew of lying to her. � accuser noun [C]

the accused /ə�kju�zd/ noun formal the personor people who are accused of a crime in acourt of law

accusing /ə�kju�zŋ/ adj showing that youthink someone is responsible for somethingbad Why are you giving me that accusing look?� accusingly adv She looked at me accusingly.

accustom /ə�kstəm/ verbaccustom yourself to sth/doing sth toexperience something often enough for it toseem normal to you

accustomed /ə�kstəmd/ adj accustomed tosth/doing sth If you are accustomed to some-thing, you have experienced it often enoughfor it to seem normal to you. I’ve workednights for years now so I’ve grown accus-tomed to it. � She isn’t accustomed to dealingwith so much media attention.

ace1 /es/ noun [C] 1 a playing card with onesymbol on it, that has the highest or lowestvalue in many games 2 when the first shot bya tennis player is too good for the other playerto hit back

ace2 /es/ adj informal very goodache1 /ek/ noun [C] a feeling of pain over anarea of your body which continues for a longtime There’s a dull ache in my right shoulder.7See also: stomach ache.

ache2 /ek/ verb [I] If a part of your body aches,it is painful. My legs are aching after all thatexercise.

Fachieve /ə�tʃi�v/ verb [T] to succeed in doingsomething good, usually by working hard to

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achieve17F Important words to learn� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �


achieve an ambition � I’ve been working allday but I feel I’ve achieved nothing. � achievableadj possible to achieve achievable goals� achiever noun [C] He’s from a family of highachievers (= very successful people).

WORDS THAT GO WITH achievement

a great/notable/remarkable/outstanding achievement� sb’s crowning achievement � a sense of achieve-ment

Fachievement /ə�tʃi�vmənt/ noun 1 [C] some-thing good that you achieve This film is hisgreatest achievement to date. 2 [U] when yousucceed in doing something good, usually byworking hard You get such a sense of achieve-ment when you finish the course.

acid1 /��sd/ noun [C,U] one of several liquidsubstances which react with other substances,often burning or dissolving them hydrochloricacid � acidity /ə�sdəti/ noun [U]

acid2 /��sd/ adj 1 (also acidic /ə�sdk/) contain-ing acid, or having similar qualities to an acidacid soil � an acid smell/taste 2 acid remark/comment, etc an unkind remark that criticizessomeone

�acid �rain noun [U] rain that contains chem-icals from pollution and damages plants, etc

acknowledge /ək�nɒld�/ verb [T] 1 ACCEPT toaccept that something is true or exists [+ (that)]At least he acknowledged that there was aproblem. 2 LETTER to tell someone, usually in aletter, that you have received something theysent you They sent a letter acknowledgingreceipt of my application. 3 SAY HELLO to letsomeone know that you have seen them, usu-ally by saying hello She didn’t even acknow-ledge my presence.

acknowledgement (also acknowledgment)/ək�nɒld�mənt/ noun 1 ACCEPT [C,U] when youaccept that something is true or exists Therewas no acknowledgement of the extent of theproblem. 2 LETTER [C] a letter telling you thatsomeone has received something that you sentthem 3 BOOK [C] something written at thefront of a book by the author to thank peoplewho have helped them [usually plural] His nameappears in the acknowledgements.

acne /��kni/ noun [U] a skin problem that youngpeople often have that causes spots on the face

acorn /�ekɔ�n/ noun [C] an oval nut whichgrows on oak trees

acoustic /ə�ku�stk/ adj 1 [always before noun] Anacoustic musical instrument does not use elec-tricity. an acoustic guitar 2 relating to soundand hearing

acoustics /ə�ku�stks/ noun [plural] the way inwhich the shape of a room affects the qualityof sound The acoustics of the hall were terrible.

acquaintance /ə�kwentəns/ noun [C] someonewho you know but do not know well He’s justa business acquaintance.

acquainted /ə�kwentd/ adj [never before noun]formal 1 If you are acquainted with someone,you have met them but do not know themwell. We’re already acquainted – we met atElaine’s party. 2 be acquainted with sth toknow about something I’m afraid I’m not yet

acquainted with the system.acquiesce /��kwi�es/ verb [I] formal to agree tosomething, often when you do not want to� acquiescence noun [U] formal

acquire /ə�kwaər/ verb [T] 1 to get something Imanaged to acquire a copy of the report. � Hisfamily acquired (= bought) the property in 1985.2 to learn something to acquire knowledge/skills

acquisition /��kw�zʃən/ noun 1 [U] theprocess of learning or getting somethingchildren’s acquisition of language 2 [C] some-thing that you get, usually by buying it Andthe hat – is that a recent acquisition?

acquit /ə�kwt/ verb [T] acquitting, past acquitted Ifsomeone is acquitted of a crime, a court of lawdecides that they are not guilty. [often passive]Both men were acquitted of murder.

acquittal /ə�kwtəl/ noun [C,U] when a court oflaw decides that someone is not guilty of acrime

acre /�ekər/ noun [C] a unit for measuring area,equal to 4047 square metres

acrid /��krd/ adj An acrid smell is unpleasantand causes a burning feeling in your throat.

acrimonious /��kr�məυniəs/ adj involving alot of anger, disagreement, and bad feelings anacrimonious debate/divorce � acrimony/��krməni/ noun [U] angry, bad feelingsbetween people

acrobat /��krəb�t/ noun [C] someone who en-tertains people by performing difficult physic-al acts, such as walking on a wire high abovethe ground � acrobatic /��krə�b�tk/ adj� acrobatics /��krə�b�tks/ noun [plural] theactions of an acrobat

acronym /��krəυnm/ noun [C] a word madefrom the first letters of other words AIDS isthe acronym for ‘acquired immune deficiencysyndrome’.

Facross /ə�krɒs/ adv, preposition 1 SIDES fromone side of something to the other I was walk-ing across the road. � They’ve built a new bridgeacross the river. 2 OPPOSITE on the opposite sideof There’s a library just across the street.3 MEASURE used after a measurement to showhow wide something is The window measurestwo metres across.

acrylic /ə�krlk/ adj made of a materialproduced by a chemical process acrylic paint� an acrylic sweater

Fact1 /�kt/ verb 1 BEHAVE [I] to behave in aparticular way to act responsibly � Jeff’s beenacting strangely recently. � Stop acting like achild! 2 DO SOMETHING [I] to do something,especially in order to solve a problem We haveto act now to stop the spread of this disease.3 PERFORM [I,T] to perform in a play or film He’sacted in a number of successful Hollywoodfilms.act as sth 1 to do a particular job, especiallyone you do not normally do He was asked toact as an adviser on the project. 2 to have aparticular effect Caffeine acts as a stimulant.act sth out to perform the actions and wordsof a situation or story The children acted out averse from their favourite poem.act up If someone, especially a child, acts up,

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achievement 18 F Important words to learn� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �


they behave badly.

WORDS THAT GO WITH act

an act of sth � commit an act � a barbaric/cowardlyact � a criminal//terrorist act

act2 /�kt/ noun 1 DO [C] something that some-one does an act of terrorism/kindness 2 LAW[C] a law made by a government an act of Con-gress/Parliament 3 THEATRE [C] one of the partsa play is divided into Her character doesn’t ap-pear until Act 2. 4 PERFORMERS [C] one or sev-eral performers who perform for a short whilein a show a comedy double act 5 FALSE BEHAV-IOUR [no plural] behaviour which hides yourreal feelings or intentions Was she really upsetor was that just an act? 6 in the act (of doingsth) doing something wrong I caught him inthe act of opening one of my letters. 7 get youract together informal to organize your activ-ities so that you can make progress 8 get in onthe act informal to become involved in some-thing successful that someone else has started

acting1 /��ktŋ/ adj acting chairman/director,etc someone who does a job for a short timewhile the person who usually does it is notthere

acting2 /��ktŋ/ noun [U] the job of performingin plays and films He’s trying to get into acting.

Faction /��kʃən/ noun 1 DO [C,U] something thatyou do She has to accept the consequences ofher actions. � We must take action (= do some-thing) before the problem gets worse. � So whatdo you think is the best course of action (=way of dealing with the situation)? � It was thefirst time I’d seen firemen in action (= doing aparticular activity). 2 ACTIVITY [U] thingswhich are happening, especially exciting orimportant things He likes films with a lot ofaction. 7Opposite inaction. 3 out of actiondamaged or hurt and not able to operate orplay sports I’m afraid my car’s out of action.� They’ve got three players out of action. 4 legalaction a legal process in a court They are plan-ning to take legal action against the com-pany. 5 FIGHTING [U] fighting in a war He waskilled in action (= while fighting). 6 PROCESS[no plural] a movement or natural process Therocks are smoothed by the action of water. 7Seealso: industrial action, be all talk2 and no action.

action-packed /��kʃən�p�kt/ adj An action-packed film or story has a lot of excitingevents.

�action �replay UK (US instant replay) noun [C]when part of a film of a sporting event isshown again, often more slowly

activate /��ktvet/ verb [T] to make somethingstart working The alarm can be activated by alaser beam.

Factive /��ktv/ adj 1 INVOLVED very involved inan organization or planned activity an activemember of the church � He played an activerole in the campaign. 2 BUSY doing a lot ofthings, or moving around a lot Even at the ageof 80 she’s still very active. 3 GRAMMAR Anactive verb or sentence is one in which thesubject of the verb is the person or thing doingthe action. For example ‘Andy drove the car.’

is an active sentence. 7Compare passive. 4 VOL-CANO An active volcano could throw outrocks, fire, etc at any time.

actively /��ktvli/ adv in a way that causessomething to happen He actively encouragesme to spend money.

activist /��ktvst/ noun [C] someone who triesto cause social or political change a politicalactivist � activism noun [U]

WORDS THAT GO WITH activity

do/perform an activity � frantic/strenuous activity� outdoor/leisure activity � a flurry of activity

Factivity /�k�tvəti/ noun 1 EVENT [C] somethingwhich you do for enjoyment, especially anorganized event The centre offers a range ofactivities, such as cycling, swimming, andtennis. 2 WORK [C,U] the work of a group ororganization to achieve an aim criminal/terrorist activities 3 MOVEMENT [U] when a lot ofthings are happening or people are movingaround There was a sudden flurry of activity(= short period of activity) at the back of thehall. 7Opposite inactivity.

Factor /��ktər/ noun [C] someone, especially aman, whose job is to perform in plays andfilms

Factress /��ktrəs/ noun [C] a woman whose jobis to perform in plays and films

Factual /��ktʃuəl/ adj 1 real, not guessed orimagined We were expecting about fifty people,though the actual number was a lot higher. 2in actual fact UK really It was due to start atten, but in actual fact, it didn’t begin untilnearly eleven.


actual or current?Use actual when you mean ‘real’.His friends call him Jo-Jo, but his actual name is John.Use current to talk about things which are happening orwhich exist now.She started her current job two years ago.

the current economic situation

the actual economic situation

Factually /��ktʃuəli/ adv 1 TRUTH used whenyou are saying what is the truth of a situationHe didn’t actually say anything important.� So what actually happened? 2 SURPRISE usedwhen you are saying something surprisingShe sounds English but she’s actually Spanish.3 MISTAKE mainly UK used when you aredisagreeing with someone or saying no to arequest "You didn’t tell me." "Actually, Idid." � "Do you mind if I smoke?" "Actually, I’drather you didn’t."

acumen /��kjυmən/ noun [U] the ability tomake good judgments and decisions business/political acumen

acupuncture /��kjυpŋktʃər/ noun [U] a way oftreating pain or illness by putting thin needlesinto different parts of the body

acute /ə�kju�t/ adj 1 EXTREME An acute problemor negative feeling is extreme. There’s an

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acute19F Important words to learn� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �


acute shortage of medical staff. � acute pain� acute embarrassment/anxiety 2 ANGLE Anacute angle is less than 90 degrees. 3 QUICK TONOTICE quick to notice or understand things anacute mind � Dogs rely on their acute sense ofsmell.

acutely /ə�kju�tli/ adv very strongly I wasacutely aware of how Alex felt about thesituation.

AD /�e�di�/ abbreviation for Anno Domini: usedto show that a particular year came after thebirth of Christ 1066 AD

ad /�d/ noun [C] an advertisement 7See also:classified ad.

adamant /��dəmənt/ adj very sure of whatyou think and not willing to change your opin-ion [+ (that)] They are adamant that they havenot broken any rules. � adamantly adv

Adam’s apple /��dəmz��pl/ noun [C] the lumpin a man’s throat that you can see moving upand down when he speaks or swallows

adapt /ə�d�pt/ verb 1 CHANGE BEHAVIOUR [I] tochange your behaviour so that it is suitablefor a new situation It takes time to adapt to anew working environment. 2 CHANGE SOMETHING[T] to change something so that it is suitablefor a different use or situation Courses have tobe adapted for different markets. 3 BOOK [T] tochange a book or play so that it can be madeinto a film or television programme Bothnovels have been adapted for television.

adaptable /ə�d�ptəbl/ adj able to change tosuit different situations or uses � adaptability/ə�d�ptə�bləti/ noun [U]

adaptation /��d�p�teʃən/ noun 1 [C] a film,television programme, or play which has beenmade from a book 2 [C,U] the process or act ofchanging to suit a new situation Evolutionoccurs as a result of adaptation to newenvironments.

adapter (also adaptor) /ə�d�ptər/ noun [C] some-thing that is used for connecting two or morepieces of electrical equipment to an electricalsupply

Fadd /�d/ verb 1 PUT WITH [T] to put somethingwith something else Add the eggs to thecream. � Could you add apples to your shop-ping list? 2 INCREASE [I,T] to increase an amountor level Then there’s the service charge whichadds another ten percent to the bill. � His voicejust adds to his appeal. 3 SAY MORE [T] to sayanother thing [+ that] She said she liked himbut added that he was difficult to work with.4 CALCULATE [T] to put two or more numbers oramounts together to get a total 7See also: addinsult2 to injury.add (sth) up to put numbers together in orderto reach a total When you add up everythingwe’ve spent, it’s cost well over £200.not add up informal If something does not addup, you cannot believe it is true. She gave mean explanation but somehow it doesn’t add up.

adder /��dər/ noun [C] a small, poisonous snakeaddict /��dkt/ noun [C] 1 someone who cannotstop taking a drug a heroin/drug addict2 informal someone who likes something verymuch and does it or has it very often a TV/computer game addict

addicted /ə�dktd/ adj 1 not able to stop tak-ing a drug He later became addicted to heroin.2 informal liking something very much anddoing or having it too often He’s addicted tochocolate/football.

addiction /ə�dkʃən/ noun [C,U] when you can-not stop doing or taking something becauseyou are addicted to it

addictive /ə�dktv/ adj If something is addict-ive, it makes you want more of it so that youbecome addicted. Tobacco is highly addictive.

addition /ə�dʃən/ noun 1 in addition (to sth)added to what already exists or happens, ormore than you already do or have In additionto teaching, she works as a nurse in the holi-days. 2 [U] the process of adding numbers oramounts together in order to get a total 3 [C] anew or extra thing which is added to some-thing Defender Matt Smith is the latestaddition to the team.

additional /ə�dʃənəl/ adj extra to what alreadyexists We plan to take on an additional tenemployees over the next year. � additionally adv

additive /��dtv/ noun [C] a chemical which isadded to food in order to make it taste or lookbetter or to keep it fresh

add-on /��dɒn/ noun [C] a piece of equipmentthat can be connected to a computer to give itan extra use

Faddress1/ə�dres/ �US /��dres/ noun [C] 1 BUILDINGDETAILS the details of where a building is, in-cluding the building number, road name,town, etc 2 ELECTRONIC a series of letters, signs,or numbers used to send email to someone orto reach a page of information on the Internetan email/web address 3 SPEECH a formalspeech to a group of people 7See also: forward-ing address, public address system.

address2 /ə�dres/ verb [T] 1 BUILDING DETAILS towrite a name or address on an envelope orparcel A parcel arrived addressed to Emma.2 DEAL WITH to deal with a problem We have toaddress the problem before it gets worse.3 SPEAK formal to speak to someone, or to givea speech to an audience Today she will beaddressing a major conference in London.4 address sb as sth formal to give someonea particular name or title when you speak orwrite to them Do you think I should addresshim as ‘Mr Benson’ or ‘Albert’?

adept /��dept/ adj good at doing somethingdifficult She’s very adept at dealing with themedia.

adequate /��dkwət/ adj 1 enough I didn’thave adequate time to prepare. 2 good enough,but not very good The sound quality isn’texceptional but it’s adequate for everyday use.7Opposite inadequate. � adequately adv Makesure you are adequately equipped for thejourney.

adhere /əd�hər/ verb [I] formal to stick to asurfaceadhere to sth to obey a rule or principle Wealways adhere strictly to the guidelines.

adherence /əd�hərəns/ noun [U] formal whensomeone obeys a set of rules or principles� adherent noun [C] formal someone who obeysa particular set of rules, principles, etc

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acutely 20 F Important words to learn� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �


adhesive /əd�hi�sv/ noun [C] a substance usedfor sticking things together � adhesive adj

ad hoc /��d�hɒk/ adj not regular or planned,but happening only when necessary We meeton an ad hoc basis.

adjacent /ə�d�esənt/ adj formal If two thingsare adjacent, they are next to each other. Thefire started in an adjacent building. � They livein a house adjacent to the railway.

Fadjective /��d�ktv/ noun [C] a word that de-scribes a noun or pronoun. The words ‘big’,‘boring’, ‘purple’, and ‘obvious’ are all adjec-tives. � adjectival /��d�k�tavəl/ adj containingor used like an adjective an adjectival phrase

adjoining /ə�d�ɔnŋ/ adj next to and joined tosomething an adjoining room

adjourn /ə�d��n/ verb [I,T] formal to stop ameeting, especially a legal process, for aperiod of time or until a later date The judgeadjourned the case until March 31. � adjourn-ment noun [C]

adjudicate /ə�d�u�dket/ verb [I,T] formal tomake an official judgment or decision about acompetition or disagreement Occasionally, hehas to adjudicate on a pensions matter.� adjudication /ə�d�u�d�keʃən/ noun [U]� adjudicator noun [C]

adjust /ə�d�st/ verb 1 [T] to change somethingslightly so that it works better, fits better, or ismore suitable You can adjust the heat usingthis switch here. � She adjusted her hat in themirror. � The figures need to be adjusted forinflation. 2 [I] to change the way you behaveor think in order to suit a new situationThey found it hard adjusting to life in a newcountry.

adjustable /ə�d�stəbl/ adj able to be changedslightly in order to suit different people orsituations an adjustable seat

adjustment /ə�d�stmənt/ noun [C,U] a slightchange that you make to something so that itworks better, fits better, or is more suitableWe’ve made a few adjustments to theschedule.

ad lib /��d�lb/ verb [I,T] to speak in publicwithout having planned what to say I had noscript so I had to ad lib.

admin /��dmn/ noun [U] UK short for adminis-tration

administer /əd�mnstər/ verb [T] 1 to organizeor arrange something to administer a pro-gramme/test � The fund is administered by theEconomic Development Agency. 2 formal togive medicine or medical help to someone toadminister first aid

administration /əd�mn�streʃən/ noun 1 [U]the work of organizing and arranging theoperation of something, such as a companyThe job involves a lot of administration. 2 [C]mainly US the President and politicians whogovernacountryataparticulartime,oraperiodof government the Clinton administration

administrative /əd�mnstrətv/ adj relatingto the organization and management of some-thing The work is largely administrative.

administrator /əd�mnstretər/ noun [C] some-one who helps to manage an organization

admirable /��dmərəbl/ adj If something is ad-

mirable, you respect or approve of it. He hasmany admirable qualities. � admirably adv

admiral /��dmərəl/ noun [C] an officer of veryhigh rank in the navy

WORDS THAT GO WITH admiration

express/feel/have admiration � enormous/great/grudging/profound admiration � admiration for sb

Fadmiration /��dmə�reʃən/ noun [U] when youadmire someone or something My admir-ation for him grows daily.

Fadmire /əd�maər/ verb [T] 1 to respect or ap-prove of someone or something You have toadmire him for being so determined. � I reallyadmire people who can go out and work in suchdifficult conditions. 2 to look at something orsomeone, thinking how attractive they are Westood for a few minutes, admiring the view. � Iwas just admiring your shirt. � admirer noun [C]

admissible /əd�msəbl/ adj formal allowed oracceptable, especially in a court of law admis-sible evidence

admission /əd�mʃən/ noun 1 MONEY [U] themoney that you pay to enter a place Art exhib-ition – admission free. 2 TRUTH [C] when youagree that you did something bad, or thatsomething bad is true She is, by her own ad-mission, lazy. � His departure was seen bymany as an admission of guilt. 3 PERMISSION[C,U] when someone is given permission toenter somewhere or to become a member of aclub, university, etc She’s applied for admis-sion to law school.

Fadmit /əd�mt/ verb admitting, past admitted 1 [I,T]to agree that you did something bad, or thatsomething bad is true [+ doing sth] Both menadmitted taking illegal drugs. � [+ to + doing sth]She admitted to stealing the keys. � I waswrong – I admit it. � [+ (that)] He finally admit-ted that he couldn’t cope. 2 [T] to allow someoneto enter somewhere, especially to take some-one who is ill into hospital (UK) to beadmitted to hospital/(US) to be admitted tothe hospital � It says on the ticket ‘admits 2’.

admittance /əd�mtəns/ noun [U] permission toenter a place

admittedly /əd�mtdli/ adv used when youare agreeing that something is true althoughyou do not want to Admittedly I was partly toblame but it wasn’t all my fault.

admonish /əd�mɒnʃ/ verb [T] formal to gentlytell someone that they have done somethingwrong

ado /ə�du�/ noun without further/more adowithout waiting any more

adolescence /��dəl�esəns/ noun [U] the periodof time in someone’s life between being a childand an adult

adolescent /��dəl�esənt/ noun [C] a youngperson who is between being a child and anadult � adolescent adj

adopt /ə�dɒpt/ verb 1 [I,T] to legally become theparents of someone else’s child 2 [T] to acceptor start using something new I soon adoptedthe Mediterranean habit of taking a siesta afterlunch. � adopted adj an adopted son � adoption/ə�dɒpʃən/ noun [C,U]

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adopt21F Important words to learn� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �


adorable /ə�dɔ�rəbl/ adj very attractive, oftenbecause of being small They have an adorablelittle boy.

adore /ə�dɔ�r/ verb [T] 1 to love someone andhave a very good opinion of them Sarahadored her father. 2 to like something verymuch I adore travelling. � adoration /��də��reʃən/ noun [U]

adorn /ə�dɔ�n/ verb [T] formal to decorate some-thing The room was adorned with flowers.� adornment noun [C,U]

adrenalin (also adrenaline) /ə�drenəln/ noun [U]a substance that your body produces whenyou are angry, excited, or frightened whichmakes your heart beat faster

adrift /ə�drft/ adj 1 [never before noun] If a boatis adrift, it floats around in the water and isnot tied to anything. The engine failed, leavingthe boat adrift a long way off shore. 2 comeadrift to become loose and not joined to any-thing A few bricks in the garden wall had comeadrift.

adulation /��djυ�leʃən/ noun [U] great praiseand admiration for someone, often which theydo not deserve

Fadult1 /��dlt, ə�dlt/ noun [C] a person oranimal that has finished growing and is notnow a child

adult2 /��dlt, ə�dlt/ adj 1 NOT A CHILD havingfinished growing an adult male rat 2 RELATINGTO ADULTS [always before noun] for or relating toadults adult education � adult life 3 SEXUALAdult books, films, etc show naked people orsexual acts and are not for children.

adultery /ə�dltəri/ noun [U] sex between amarried person and someone who is not theirhusband or wife � adulterous adj an adulterousaffair

adulthood /��dlthυd/ �US /ə�dlthυd/ noun [U]the part of your life when you are an adult

advance1 /əd�vɑ�ns/ noun 1 in advance before aparticular time You need to book your ticket atleast 14 days in advance. 2 PROGRESS [C,U] newdiscoveries and inventions technological/scientific advances 3 MONEY [C] a paymentgiven to someone before work has been com-pleted, or before the usual time 4 FORWARD [C]a movement forward, especially by an army

advance2 /əd�vɑ�ns/ verb 1 [I,T] to develop orprogress, or to make something develop orprogress He moved to New York with hopes ofadvancing his career. � Research has advancedour understanding of the virus. 2 [I] to moveforward to a new position, especially whilefighting Rebel soldiers advanced on thecapital.

advance3 /əd�vɑ�ns/ adj [always before noun]happening or ready before an event advanceplanning/warning � an advance booking

advanced /əd�vɑ�nst/ adj 1 having developedor progressed to a late stage advanced technol-ogy � The disease was at an advanced stage.2 at a higher, more difficult level an advancedEnglish course

advancement /əd�vɑ�nsmənt/ noun [C,U]progress career advancement � technologicaladvancements

advances /əd�vɑ�nsz/ noun sb’s advances

things that someone says and does to try tostart a sexual relationship with someone

WORDS THAT GO WITH advantage

a big/enormous/main/major advantage � an unfairadvantage � take advantage of sth � the advantage ofsth

Fadvantage /əd�vɑ�ntd�/ noun [C,U] 1 some-thing good about a situation that helps youOne of the advantages of living in town ishaving the shops so near. 2 something that willhelp you to succeed These new routes will givethe airline a considerable advantage over itscompetitors. � By half time we had a 2-0 advan-tage (= were winning by two points). � If wecould start early it would be to our advantage(= help us to succeed). 7Opposite disadvantage.3 take advantage of sth to use the good thingsin a situation I thought I’d take advantage ofthe sports facilities while I’m here. 4 takeadvantage of sb/sth to treat someone badly inorder to get what you want

advantageous /��dvən�ted�əs/ adj helping tomake you more successful

advent /��dvent/ noun 1 the advent of sth thestart or arrival of something new the advent ofthe Internet 2 Advent the religious period be-fore Christmas (= a Christian holiday) in theChristian year

WORDS THAT GO WITH adventure

have an adventure � be looking for adventure � abig//exciting adventure � an adventure holiday/play-ground

Fadventure /əd�ventʃər/ noun [C,U] an excitingand sometimes dangerous experience It’s afilm about the adventures of two friends travel-ling across Africa. � adventurer noun [C]

adventurous /əd�ventʃərəs/ adj 1 willing totry new and often difficult things I’m trying tobe more adventurous with my cooking. 2 excit-ing and often dangerous He led an adventur-ous life.

Fadverb /��dv��b/ noun [C] a word thatdescribes or gives more information abouta verb, adjective, phrase, or other adverb. Inthe sentences ‘He ate quickly.’ and ‘It wasextremely good.’, ‘quickly’ and ‘extremely’ areboth adverbs.

adversary /��dvəsəri/ noun [C] formal someonewho you are fighting or competing against

adverse /��dv��s/ adj formal 1 adverse condi-tions/effects/impact things that cause prob-lems or danger adverse weather conditions� Pollution levels like these will certainly havean adverse effect on health. 2 adverse comment/publicity/reaction, etc something negative thatis said or written about someone or something� adversely adv

adversity /əd�v��səti/ noun [C,U] formal anextremely difficult situation She showed agreat deal of courage in adversity.

advert /��dv��t/ noun [C] UK an advertisementadvertise /��dvətaz/ verb 1 [I,T] to tell peopleabout a product or service, for example innewspapers or on television, in order to

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adorable 22 F Important words to learn� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �


persuade them to buy it Companies are notallowed to advertise cigarettes on television anymore. 2 [I] to put information in a newspaperor on the Internet, asking for someone orsomething that you need The university isadvertising for administrative staff.� advertiser [C] a company that advertises things

advertisement /əd�v��tsmənt/�US /��dvər�taz�mənt/ noun [C] a picture, short film, song,etc which tries to persuade people to buy aproduct or service a newspaper/television ad-vertisement

Fadvertising /��dvətazŋ/ noun [U] the busi-ness of trying to persuade people to buy prod-ucts or services an advertising agency/cam-paign � She works in advertising.

WORDS THAT GO WITH advice

ask for/give/offer/provide/seek advice � take sb’s ad-vice � bad/conflicting/expert/good advice � adviceon/about sth

Fadvice /əd�vas/ noun [U] suggestions aboutwhat you think someone should do or howthey should do something She asked me foradvice about writing a book. � There’s a book-let giving advice on how to set up your ownclub. � I took your advice (= did what you sug-gested) and went home early. � Can I give you apiece of advice?


adviceRemember that this word is not countable.I need some advice.

I need an advice.To make advice singular, say a piece of advice.


advice or advise?Be careful not to confuse the noun advice with the verbadvise.I advise you to see a lawyer.

I advice you to see a lawyer.

advisable /əd�vazəbl/ adj [never before noun] Ifsomething is advisable, it will avoid problemsif you do it. It is advisable to book seats at leasta week in advance.

Fadvise /əd�vaz/ verb 1 [I,T] to make a sugges-tion about what you think someone should door how they should do something [+ to do sth]His doctor advised him to take time off work.� They advise the government on environmen-tal matters. � The government is advisingagainst travelling in the area. � [+ that]They’re advising that children be kept out ofthe sun altogether. 2 [T] formal to give someoneofficial information about something Theywere advised of their rights.

adviser (also advisor) /əd�vazər/ noun [C] some-one whose job is to give advice about a subjecta financial adviser

advisory1 /əd�vazəri/ adj advisory committee/panel/board, etc a group of people whose pur-

pose is to give adviceadvisory2 /əd�vazəri/ noun [C] US an officialannouncement that contains advice, informa-tion, or a warning [usually plural] weather/traveladvisories

advocate1 /��dvəket/ verb [T] to express sup-port for a particular idea or way of doingthings I certainly wouldn’t advocate the use ofviolence. � advocacy /��dvəkəsi/ noun [U] whensomeone advocates something

advocate2 /��dvəkət/ noun [C] 1 someone whosupports a particular idea or way of doingthings He has always been an advocate ofstricter gun controls. 2 UK a lawyer who de-fends someone in court

aerial1 /�eəriəl/ UK (US antenna) noun [C] a pieceof metal that is used for receiving televisionor radio signals 7See colour picture Car on pageCentre 3.

aerial2 /�eəriəl/ adj [always before noun] in orfrom the air, especially from an aircraft anaerial photograph/view

aerobic /eə�rəυbk/ adj Aerobic exercise is in-tended to make your heart stronger.

aerobics /eə�rəυbks/ noun [U] physical exer-cises that you do to music, especially in aclass She goes to aerobics (= to aerobicsclasses).

aerodynamic /�eərəυda�n�mk/ adj having ashape that moves quickly through the air� aerodynamics noun [U] the study of how ob-jects move through the air

aeroplane UK, airplane US

aeroplane /�eərəplen/ UK (US airplane) noun[C] a vehicle that flies and has an engine andwings

aerosolaerosol /�eərəsɒl/noun [C] a metalcontainer thatforces a liquid outin small dropswhen you press abutton

aerospace/�eərəυspes/ noun [U]the design andproduction of air-craft an aerospaceengineer

aesthetic (also USesthetic) /es�θetk/adj relating tobeauty and the way something looks the aes-thetic appeal of cats � aesthetically adv

aesthetics (also US esthetics) /es�θetks/ noun[U] the study of beauty, especially in art

AFAIK Internet abbreviation for as far as Iknow: used when you believe that something

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AFAIK23F Important words to learn� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �


is true, but you are not completely certainafar /ə�fɑ�r/ adv literary from afar from a longdistance He had admired her from afar.

affable /��fəbl/ adj pleasant and friendlyaffair /ə�feər/ noun 1 [C] a situation or set ofrelated events, especially bad ones The govern-ment’s handling of the affair has been widelycriticized. 2 [C] a sexual relationship betweentwo people when one or both of them is mar-ried to someone else He’s been having anaffair with a woman at work. 3 be sb’s affairIf something is your affair, it is private andyou do not want anyone else to be involved orknow about it. 7See also: love affair.

affairs /ə�feəz/ noun [plural] situations or sub-jects that involve you He refused to discuss hisfinancial affairs. 7See also: current affairs, stateof affairs.

Faffect /ə�fekt/ verb [T] 1 to influence someoneor something, or cause them to change It’s adisease which affects many older people. � Thebuilding was badly affected by the fire. 2 tocause a strong emotion, especially sadness[often passive] I was deeply affected by the film.7See Common learner error at effect.


affect someone or somethingRemember that you do not need a preposition after theverb affect.

The problem affects everyone.

The problem affects to everyone.

affectation /��fek�teʃən/ noun [C,U] a way ofspeaking or behaving that is not natural tosomeone

affected /ə�fektd/ adj behaving or speakingin a way that is not natural or sincere

affection /ə�fekʃən/ noun [C,U] a feeling ofliking or loving someone Ann’s affection forher grandfather was obvious.

affectionate /ə�fekʃənət/ adj showing thatyou like or love someone an affectionate littlegirl � He’s very affectionate. � affectionately adv

affiliate /ə�fliet/ verb be affiliated to/with sthto be officially connected to, or a member of, alarger organization a college affiliated to theUniversity of London � affiliation /ə�fli�eʃən/noun [C,U]

affinity /ə�fnəti/ noun 1 [no plural] a feelingthat you like and understand someone orsomething She seems to have a natural affin-ity for/with water. 2 [C,U] a similarity Thereare affinities between this poem and some ofhis earlier work.

affirm /ə�f��m/ verb [T] formal to say that some-thing is true He gave a speech affirming thegovernment’s commitment to education.� affirmation /��fə�meʃən/ noun [C,U]

affirmative /ə�f��mətv/ adj formal Inlanguage, an affirmative word or phraseexpresses the meaning ‘yes’. an affirmativeanswer

affix /��fks/ noun [C] a group of letters thatyou add to the beginning or the end of a wordto make another word. In the word ‘non-

alcoholic’, ‘non-’ is an affix. 7Compare prefix,suffix.

afflict /ə�flkt/ verb [T] formal If an illness orproblem afflicts you, it makes you suffer. [oftenpassive] a country afflicted by civil war � It is anillness that afflicts women more than men.� affliction /ə�flkʃən/ noun [C,U] something thatmakes you suffer

affluent /��fluənt/ adj having a lot of moneyaffluent families/neighbourhoods � affluence/��fluəns/ noun [U]

Fafford /ə�fɔ�d/ verb [T] 1 can afford to haveenough money to buy something or enoughtime to do something I can’t afford a new com-puter. � [+ to do sth] Can we afford to go away?� I’d love to come out but I can’t afford the time.2 can afford to do sth If you can afford to dosomething, it is possible for you to do it with-out causing problems. We can’t afford to takethat risk.


afford to do somethingWhen afford is followed by a verb, it is always in the to+ infinitive form.

We can’t afford to go on holiday this year.

We can’t afford going on holiday this year.

affordable /ə�fɔ�dəbl/ adj cheap enough formost people affordable housing/prices

affront /ə�frnt/ noun [C] something that is of-fensive or insulting to someone He regardedthe comments as an affront to his dignity.

afield /ə�fi�ld/ adv mainly UK far/further afieldaway from the place where you are We hired acar so we could travel further afield.

afloat /ə�fləυt/ adj 1 floating on water 2 stayafloat to have enough money to continue abusiness Many small business are strugglingto stay afloat.

afoot /ə�fυt/ adj [never before noun] beingplanned, or happening now There are plansafoot to launch a new radio station.

Fafraid /ə�fred/ adj [never before noun] 1 I’mafraid used to politely tell someone bad newsor to politely disagree with someone Wehaven’t got any tickets left, I’m afraid.� [+ (that)] I’m afraid that I’ve broken your vase.2 frightened She’s afraid of water. 3 worriedthat something bad might happen [+ (that)]Many people are afraid that they might losetheir jobs. � [+ of + doing sth] He was afraid ofupsetting Clare.

afresh /ə�freʃ/ adv If you do something afresh,you do it again in a different way. Juan toreup the letter he was writing and startedafresh.

African /��frkən/ adj relating or belonging toAfrica African art/music � African noun [C]someone from Africa

African-American /��frkənə�merkən/ (alsoAfro-American /��frəυə�merkən/) adj relating orbelonging to American people whose familiescame from Africa in the past the African-American community � African-American (alsoAfro-American) noun [C] a 25-year-old African-American

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afar 24 F Important words to learn� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �


Afro-Caribbean /��frəυk�r�bi�ən/ adj UKrelating to people from the Caribbean whosefamilies originally came from Africa Afro-Caribbean art/music

Fafter1 /�ɑ�ftər/ preposition 1 TIME/EVENT when atime or event has happened We went swim-ming after lunch. � I’m seeing her the day aftertomorrow. � Let’s get the shopping. After that,we can have coffee. 2 LIST following in orderH comes after G in the alphabet. 3 TIME US (UK/US past) used to say how many minutes pastthe hour it is It’s five after three. 4 BECAUSE OFbecause of something that happened I’ll nevertrust her again after what she did to me. 5 DES-PITE despite I can’t believe he was so unpleasantafter you gave him so much help. 6 FOLLOWfollowing someone or something We ran afterhim, but he escaped. 7 after 5 minutes/2 weeks,etc when five minutes, two weeks, etc havepassed The bus arrived after twenty minutes. 8day after day/year after year, etc continuingfor a long time, or happening many times I’mbored with going to school day after day.9 NAMED FOR used when giving someone orsomething the same name as another personor thing It was called the Biko building, afterthe famous South African. 10 after all a NOTEXPECTED used to say that something happenedor was true although you did not expect it tohappen or be true Helen couldn’t come to theparty after all. b EMPHASIZE TRUTH used to addinformation that shows that what you havejust said is true You can’t expect to be perfect –after all, it was only your first lesson. 11 beafter sth informal to be trying to get somethingWhat type of job are you after? 12 be after sbinformal to be looking for someone The policeare after him.

Fafter2 /�ɑ�ftər/ conjunction at a later time thansomething else happens We arrived after thegame had started. � My computer went wronga week after I bought it. � After further discus-sion, we decided to call the police.

after3 /�ɑ�ftər/ adv later than someone or some-thing else He had the operation on Monday andI saw him the day after.

aftermath /�ɑ�ftəmɑ�θ/ noun [no plural] a situ-ation that is the result of an accident, crime,or other violent event There are calls fortighter airport security in the aftermath oflast week’s bombing.

Fafternoon /�ɑ�ftə�nu�n/ noun 1 [C,U] the timebetween the middle of the day, and the even-ing I played tennis on Saturday afternoon.� The train arrives at 3 o’clock in the after-noon. � What are you doing this afternoon(= today in the afternoon)? 2 (Good) afternoon.used to say hello to someone in the afternoon


afternoonIf you talk about what happens during the afternoon,use the preposition in.

In the afternoon I phoned my girlfriend.

At the afternoon I phoned my girlfriend.

If you say a day of the week before ‘afternoon’, use thepreposition on.

I’m going to the dentist on Tuesday afternoon.

aftershave /�ɑ�ftəʃev/ noun [C,U] a liquid witha pleasant smell that men put on their facesafter shaving (= removing hair)

aftertaste /�ɑ�ftətest/ noun [C] the taste that afood or drink leaves in your mouth when youhave swallowed it [usually singular] a bitter/sweetaftertaste

afterthought /�ɑ�ftəθɔ�t/ noun [C] somethingthat you say or do later [usually singular] Sheonly asked me to the party as an afterthought.

afterwards /�ɑ�ftəwədz/ (also US afterward)adv at a later time, after something else hashappened I did my homework and went swim-ming afterwards.

Fagain /ə��en/ adv 1 once more I’ll ask heragain. � I’ll see you again next week. 2 asbefore Get some rest and you’ll soon be wellagain. 3 again and again many times Heplayed the same song again and again. 4 allover again repeated from the beginning Wehad to start all over again. 5 then/there againused when adding a fact to something youhave just said I failed my history test – but thenagain, I didn’t do much studying for it.

Fagainst /ə��enst/ preposition 1 NOT AGREE dis-agreeing with a plan or activity Andrew wantsto change offices but I’m against it. � Therewere 70 votes for the new proposal and 30against. 2 COMPETE competing with or oppos-ing someone or something Liverpool is playingagainst AC Milan. � the fight against racism3 TOUCH touching something Push the bedagainst the wall. 4 PROTECT protecting youfrom something bad Fresh fruit in the diet mayprotect against cancer. 5 OPPOSITE DIRECTION inthe opposite direction to the way something ismoving I was cycling against the wind. 6against the law/the rules forbidden by a law orby rules It’s against the law to leave youngchildren alone in the house. 7 against sb’s ad-vice/wishes, etc If you do something againstsomeone’s advice, wishes, etc, you do it al-though they have said you should not or mustnot. He flew there against his doctor’s advice. 8have sth against sb/sth to have a reason not tolike someone or something I’ve got nothingagainst him personally, I just don’t think he’sthe right man for the job.

Fage1 /ed�/ noun 1 HOW OLD [C,U] the number ofyears that someone has lived, or that some-thing has existed The show appeals to people ofall ages. � She left India at the age of 12.� Children under 10 years of age must be ac-companied by an adult. � She’s about your age(= the same age as you). 7See common learnererror at year. 2 HISTORY [C] a period of historythe Ice Age � We’re living in the age of elec-tronic communication. 3 OLD [U] when some-thing is old Some wines improve with age. 4under age too young to do something legally7See also: the Middle Ages, old age.

age2 /ed�/ verb [I,T] (UK) ageing (US) aging, pastaged to become older or to make someone seemolder Dad has aged a lot recently.

aged1 /ed�d/ adj having a particular age They

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aged25F Important words to learn� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �


have one daughter, aged three. 7See also: mid-dle-aged.

aged2 /�ed�d/ adj old an aged dog � improvedhealth care for the aged

�age �group noun [C] people of a particularage job training for people in the 16-24 agegroup

ageing1 UK (US aging) /�ed�ŋ/ adj becomingolder an ageing population

ageing2 UK (US aging) /�ed�ŋ/ noun [U] theprocess of becoming older the ageing process

agency /�ed�ənsi/ noun [C] 1 a business thatprovides a service an advertising agency 2 aninternational organization or governmentdepartment an international developmentagency 7See also: travel agency.

agenda /ə�d�endə/ noun [C] 1 a list of subjectsthat people will discuss at a meeting There areseveral items on the agenda. 2 important sub-jects that have to be dealt with The issue ofrail safety is back on the political agenda.� The government has put education at the topof its agenda (= considers it most important).

agent /�ed�ənt/ noun [C] 1 someone whose jobis to deal with business for someone else Thecompany has agents all over the world. � aliterary agent 2 (also secret agent) someonewho tries to find out secret information, espe-cially about another country 7See also: estateagent UK, real estate agent US, travel agent.

ages /�ed�z/ noun [plural] informal a very longtime I’ve been waiting here for ages. � It takesages to cook.

aggravate /��rəvet/ verb [T] 1 to make asituation or condition worse His commentsonly aggravated the problem. 2 to annoy some-one She’s starting to really aggravate me.� aggravating adj � aggravation /��rə�veʃən/noun [C,U]

aggregate /��r�ət/ noun [C,U] a total (UK)Liverpool won 2-0 on aggregate (= in total).

aggression /ə��reʃən/ noun [U] angry orviolent behaviour towards someone an act ofaggression

aggressive /ə��resv/ adj 1 behaving in anangry and violent way towards another per-son He was drunk and aggressive. � aggressivebehaviour 2 using forceful methods and deter-mined to succeed an aggressive marketingcampaign � aggressively adv

aggressor /ə��resər/ noun [C] someone whostarts a fight or war with someone else

aggrieved /ə��ri�vd/ adj upset or angrybecause someone has treated you unfairly

aghast /ə��ɑ�st/ adj [never before noun] veryshocked She looked at him aghast.

agile /��d�al/ �US /��d�əl/ adj 1 able to moveyour whole body easily and quickly 2 able tothink quickly in an intelligent way an agilemind � agility /ə�d�ləti/ noun [U]

aging /�ed�ŋ/ noun, adj US spelling of ageingagitate /��d�tet/ verb [I] to argue stronglyabout something in order to achieve social orpolitical changes They continued to agitatefor changes to the legal system. � agitator noun[C]

agitated /��d�tetd/ adj very anxious orupset He seemed agitated, as if something was

worrying him. � agitation /��d��teʃən/ noun [U]agnostic /��nɒstk/ noun [C] someone whobelieves that we cannot know if God exists ornot � agnostic adj

Fago /ə��əυ/ adv ten minutes/six years/a longtime ago used to refer to a time in the pastThey moved to London ten years ago. � I wentto China a long time ago.

agonize (also UK -ise) /��ənaz/ verb [I] tospend a lot of time worrying about a decisionLee agonized over what to buy his girlfriend.

agonizing (also UK -ising) /��ənazŋ/ adjcausing you a lot of pain or worry an agoniz-ing choice

agony /��əni/ noun [C,U] extreme suffering,either physical or mental She lay on the bed inagony.

�agony �aunt noun [C] UK someone who givesadvice on personal problems, in a newspaperor magazine

Fagree /ə��ri�/ verb agreeing, past agreed 1 SAMEOPINION [I,T] to have the same opinion as some-one I agree with you. � "She’s definitely theright person for the job." "I agree." � [+ (that)]We all agreed that mistakes had been made.� We agree about most things. 2 SAY YES [I] tosay you will do something that someone asksyou to do [+ to do sth] She agreed to help him.7See common learner error at accept. 3 DECIDE [I,T]to decide something with someone We couldn’tagree on what to buy. � [+ to do sth] Theyagreed to meet on Sunday. � [+ (that)] We agreedthat they would deliver the sofa in the morning.4 DESCRIPTION [I] If two descriptions agree, theyare the same. 7Opposite disagree.agree with sth to think that something ismorally acceptable I don’t agree with hunting.

agreeable /ə��ri�əbl/ adj formal 1 pleasant ornice an agreeable young man 7Opposite dis-agreeable. 2 be agreeable to sth to be willingto do or accept something If Harvey is agree-able to the proposal, we’ll go ahead. � agreeablyadv

WORDS THAT GO WITH agreement

reach/sign an agreement � a draft/written agreement� an agreement between sb

Fagreement /ə��ri�mənt/ noun 1 [C] a promiseor decision made between two or more peoplean international agreement � It was difficult toreach an agreement. 2 [U] when people havethe same opinion as each other Not everyonewas in agreement. 7Opposite disagreement.

agriculture /��rkltʃər/ noun [U] the workand methods of growing crops and lookingafter animals which are then used for food� agricultural /��r�kltʃərəl/ adj

aground /ə��raυnd/ adv run aground If a shipruns aground, it cannot move because thewater is not deep enough.

ah /ɑ�/ exclamation 1 used to show sympathy orto show pleasure at seeing a baby or attractiveanimal Ah, you poor thing! � Ah, look at thatlittle kitten! 2 used to show that you have justunderstood something Ah, now I see whatyou’re saying!

aha /ə�hɑ�/ exclamation used when you suddenly

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aged 26 F Important words to learn� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �


understand or find something Aha! That’swhere I left my keys!

Fahead /ə�hed/ adj, adv 1 IN FRONT in front Theroad ahead is very busy. � Rick walked aheadof us. 2 FUTURE in the future She has a difficulttime ahead of her. 3 MORE POINTS having morepoints than someone else in a competitionBarcelona was ahead after ten minutes. 4 MOREPROGRESS making more progress than someoneor something else Sue is ahead of everyoneelse in French. 5 go ahead informal used toallow someone to do something "Can I useyour phone?" "Sure, go ahead." 6 ahead oftime/schedule before the time that wasplanned We finished the project ahead of sched-ule. 7See also: be one step1 ahead (of sb), be streets(street) ahead (of sb/sth), be ahead of your time1.

aid1 /ed/ noun 1 [U] money, food, or equipmentthat is given to help a country or group ofpeople Emergency aid was sent to the floodvictims. � aid workers 2 in aid of sb/sth UK inorder to collect money for a group of peoplewho need it a concert in aid of famine relief 3with the aid of sth using something to help youShe can walk with the aid of a stick. 4 come/goto sb’s aid to go to someone and help themLuckily a policeman came to my aid. 5 [C] apiece of equipment that helps you to do some-thing teaching aids such as books and videos7See also: Band-Aid, first aid, visual aid.

aid2 /ed/ verb formal 1 [T] to help someone2 aid and abet (sb) in law, to help someone dosomething that is illegal

aide /ed/ noun [C] someone whose job is to helpsomeone important, especially in the govern-ment a former aide to the President

AIDS, aids /edz/ noun [U] abbreviation foracquired immune deficiency syndrome: aserious disease that destroys the body’s abilityto fight infection 7Compare HIV.

ailing /�elŋ/ adj weak or ill an ailing com-pany/economy � I’m going to visit my ailingfather.

ailment /�elmənt/ noun [C] an illness Treatminor ailments yourself.

Faim1 /em/ noun 1 [C] the purpose of doingsomething, and what you hope to achieve Theaim of the film was to make people laugh.� [+ of + doing sth] He went to Paris with theaim of improving his French. 2 sb’s aimsomeone’s ability to hit an object by throwingsomething or shooting at something 3 takeaim to point a weapon towards someone orsomething

Faim2 /em/ verb 1 aim for/at sth; aim to do sth tointend to achieve something I aim to arrive atthree o’clock. � We’re aiming for a 10% increasein sales. 2 be aimed at sb to be intended to in-fluence or affect a particular person or groupadvertising aimed at students � I think the com-ment was aimed at Lesley. 3 be aimed at doingsth to be intended to achieve a particularthing a plan aimed at reducing traffic 4 [I,T] topoint a weapon towards someone or some-thing He aimed the gun at the lion.

aimless /�emləs/ adj with no purpose� aimlessly adv

ain’t /ent/ informal short for am not, is not, are

not, have not, or has not. This word is not con-sidered correct by most people. "Is Terryhere?" "No, I ain’t seen him all day."

Fair1 /eər/ noun 1 GAS [U] the mixture of gasesaround the Earth which we breathe air pollu-tion � He went outside to get some fresh air(= clean, cool air). 2 the air the space aboveand around things He fired his gun into the air.3 TRAVEL [U] travel in an aircraft I like travel-ling by air. � air safety 4 QUALITY [no plural] aparticular appearance or quality He has anair of authority. 5 be on air to be broadcastingon television or radio 6 clear the air If an argu-ment or discussion clears the air, people feelless angry or upset after it. 7 disappear/vanishinto thin air to suddenly disappear in a mys-terious way 8 be up in the air If something isup in the air, no decision has been made. Ourplans for the summer are still up in the air.7See also: a breath of fresh air, mid-air.

air2 /eər/ verb 1 BROADCAST [T] to broadcastsomething on radio or television 2 air youropinions/views, etc to say what your opinionsare The meeting will give everyone a chance toair their views. 3 ROOM [T] to make a roomsmell better by opening a door or window4 CLOTHES [I,T] If clothes air, or if you air them,you hang them up with a lot of air aroundthem.

airbag /�eəb��/ noun [C] a bag in the front of acar that protects people in an accident by fill-ing with air passenger/twin airbags

airbase /�eəbes/ noun [C] a military airportairborne /�eəbɔ�n/ adj moving in, or carried bythe air airborne troops � an airborne virus

�air con�ditioner noun [C] a machine thatkeeps the air cool in a building or a car

�air con�ditioning noun [U] a system thatkeeps the air cool in a building or car � air-con-ditioned /�eəkən�dʃənd/ adj having air condi-tioning an air-conditioned office

aircraft /�eəkrɑ�ft/ noun [C] plural aircraft avehicle that can fly

�aircraft �carrier noun [C] a ship on whichaircraft can take off and land

airfare /�eəfeər/ noun [C] the cost of a ticket tofly somewhere

airfield /�eəfi�ld/ noun [C] a place where smallor military aircraft can take off and land

�air �force noun [C] the part of a country’smilitary organization that uses aircraft tofight wars

�air ho�stess UK (UK/US flight attendant) noun[C] someone whose job is to serve passengerson an aircraft and to make sure that safetyrules are obeyed

�airing �cupboard noun [C] UK a warm cup-board where you keep sheets, clean clothes,etc

airless /�eələs/ adj An airless room does nothave enough fresh air.

airlift /�eəlft/ noun [C] when people or thingsare moved by aircraft because it is too diffi-cult or too slow to travel by road an airlift ofmedical supplies � airlift verb [T] [often passive]Three small children were airlifted to safety.

airline /�eəlan/ noun [C] a company that pro-vides regular flights to places

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airline27F Important words to learn� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �


airliner /�eəlanər/ noun [C] a large plane forcarrying people

airmail /�eəmel/ noun [U] the sending of lettersor parcels by plane an airmail letter

airman /�eəmən/ noun [C] plural airmen a manwho flies an aircraft in a country’s air force

airplane /�eəplen/ US (UK aeroplane) noun [C] avehicle that flies and has an engine and wings7See picture at aeroplane.

Fairport /�eəpɔ�t/ noun [C] a place where planestake off and land, with buildings for passen-gers to wait in

�air �raid noun [C] an attack by military planesairspace /�eəspes/ noun [U] the sky above acountry that belongs to that country

airstrike /�eəstrak/ noun [C] an attack bymilitary planes

airtight /�eətat/ adj An airtight containerdoes not allow air in or out.

airy /�eəri/ adj An airy room or building ispleasant because it has a lot of space and air.

aisle

aisle /al/ noun [C] a passage between the linesof seats or goods in a plane, church, super-market, etc

ajar /ə�d�ɑ�r/ adj [never before noun] If a door isajar, it is slightly open.

aka /�eke�e/ adv abbreviation for also knownas: used when giving the name that a person isgenerally known by, after giving their realname Peter Parker, aka Spiderman

akin /ə�kn/ adj formal be akin to sth to besimilar to something

a la carte /��lə�kɑ�t/ adj, adv choosing food asseparate items from a menu (= list of food),not as a meal with a fixed price

alacrity /ə�l�krəti/ noun [U] formal If you dosomething with alacrity, you do it in a veryquick and willing way.

alarm1 /ə�lɑ�m/ noun 1 WARNING [C] a loud noisethat warns you of danger a fire alarm � to setoff an alarm 2 CLOCK [C] (also alarm clock) aclock that makes a noise to wake you 3 WORRY[U] a sudden feeling of fear or worry that some-thing bad might happen There’s no need foralarm – it is completely safe. 4 raise the alarmto warn someone of a dangerous situation Herparents raised the alarm when she failed to re-turn home. 7See also: burglar alarm, false alarm.

alarm2 /ə�lɑ�m/ verb [T] to make someone wor-ried or frightened I don’t want to alarm you

but he really should be here by now.a�larm �clock noun [C] a clock that makes anoise to wake you I’ve set the alarm clock forsix.

alarmed /ə�lɑ�md/ adj worried or frightenedby something I was a bit alarmed at thenumber of people in the audience.

alarming /ə�lɑ�mŋ/ adj making you feel wor-ried or frightened alarming news

alas /ə�l�s/ exclamation literary used to showsadness

albeit /ɔ�l�bi�t/ conjunction formal although Hetried, albeit without success.

albino /�l�bi�nəυ/ �US /�l�banəυ/ noun [C] aperson or animal with white skin, white hairor fur, and pink eyes

album /��lbəm/ noun [C] 1 several songs orpieces of music on a CD, a record, etc Have youheard their new album? 2 a book in which youkeep photographs, stamps, etc

alcohol /��lkəhɒl/ noun [U] 1 drinks such aswine and beer that can make you drunk 2 aliquid that has no colour and is in drinks thatmake you drunk

alcoholic1 /��lkə�hɒlk/ noun [C] someone whoregularly drinks too much alcohol and cannotstop the habit

alcoholic2 /��lkə�hɒlk/ adj 1 containingalcohol alcoholic drinks 2 [always before noun]regularly drinking too much alcohol andunable to stop the habit She lived with heralcoholic father.

alcoholism /��lkəhɒlzəm/ noun [U] thecondition of being an alcoholic

alcove /��lkəυv/ noun [C] a part of a wall in aroom that is further back than the rest of thewall

ale /el/ noun [C,U] a type of beeralert1 /ə�l��t/ adj quick to notice and react tothings around you A young dog should be alertand playful. � Teachers need to be alert tosudden changes in students’ behaviour. � alert-ness noun [U]

alert2 /ə�l��t/ verb [T] to warn someone of a pos-sibly dangerous situation Six hours later shestill wasn’t home so they alerted the police.

alert3 /ə�l��t/ noun 1 [C] a warning about apossibly dangerous situation a bomb alert 2 beon full/red alert to be expecting problems andready to deal with them Police in the regionwere on full alert against further attacks.

�A �level noun [C] in England and Wales, anexam taken at the age of eighteen, or thequalification itself

algae /��ld�i�/ noun [U,group] a plant with nostem or leaves that grows in or near water

algebra /��ld�brə/ noun [U] a type of math-ematics in which numbers and amounts areshown by letters and symbols

alias1 /�eliəs/ noun [C] a false name, especiallyone used by a criminal

alias2 /�eliəs/ preposition used when giving thename that a person is generally known by,after giving their real name Grace Kelly, aliasPrincess Grace of Monaco

alibi /��lba/ noun [C] proof that someone wasnot in the place where a crime happened andso cannot be guilty

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airliner 28 F Important words to learn� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �


alien1 /�eliən/ adj 1 strange and not familiarThe custom was totally alien to her. 2 [alwaysbefore noun] relating to creatures from anotherplanet an alien spacecraft

alien2 /�eliən/ noun [C] 1 a creature from an-other planet 2 formal someone who does notlegally belong to the country where they liveor work

alienate /�eliənet/ verb [T] 1 to make someonestop supporting and liking you Thegovernment’s comments have alienated manyteachers. 2 to make someone feel that they aredifferent and do not belong to a groupDisagreements can alienate teenagers fromtheir families. � alienation /�eliə�neʃən/ noun [U]

alight1 /ə�lat/ adj [never before noun] mainly UKburning Vandals set the car alight (= made itburn).

alight2 /ə�lat/ verb [I] formal to get out of a bus,train, etc He alighted from the taxi.

align /ə�lan/ verb 1 [T] to put things in an exactline or make them parallel 2 align yourselfwith sb; be aligned with sb to support the opin-ions of a political group, country, etc Manyvoters are not aligned with any party. � align-ment noun [C,U]

alike1 /ə�lak/ adj [never before noun] similar Thechildren look so alike.

alike2 /ə�lak/ adv 1 in a similar way We thinkalike. 2 used to say that two people or groupsare included It is a disease which affects menand women alike.

alimony /��lməni/ noun [U] money that some-one must pay regularly to their wife or hus-band after the marriage has ended

Falive /ə�lav/ adj [never before noun] 1 NOT DEADliving, not dead Are your grandparents stillalive? 2 PLACE full of activity and excitementThe bar was alive with the sound of laughter.� The city comes alive at night. 3 CONTINUINGcontinuing to exist Local people are fighting tokeep the language alive. 4 be alive and kick-ing/well to continue to be popular or success-ful Despite rumours to the contrary, feminismis alive and kicking.

Fall1 /ɔ�l/ pronoun, determiner 1 EVERY ONE everyperson or thing in a group We were all dan-cing. � I’ve watched all of the programmes inthe series. 2 WHOLE AMOUNT the whole amountof something Who’s eaten all the cake? � Hespends all of his money on clothes. 3 WHOLETIME the whole of a period of time all week/month/year � He’s been studying all day.4 ONLY THING the only thing All I remember iswaking up in hospital. � I’m sorry, this is all Ican offer you. 5 at all in any way He hasn’tchanged at all. � (UK) Can I help at all? 6 in allin total There were twenty people at the meetingin all.


all + period of timeYou do not say ‘the’ when you use all + a period oftime.

all day/morning/week/year/summer

all the day/morning/week/year/summer

Fall2 /ɔ�l/ adv 1 completely or very You’re allwet! � I’m all excited now. 2 all over a in everyplace Lee has travelled all over the world. b fin-ished It was all over very quickly. 3 2/5/8, etcall used to say that two players or teams havethe same number of points in a game It was 3all at half time. 4 all along from the beginningof a period of time I said all along that it was amistake. 5 all but almost The film was all butover by the time we arrived. 6 all the better/easier/more exciting, etc much better, easier,etc The journey was all the more dangerousbecause of the bad weather. 7 all in all consider-ing everything All in all, I think she did verywell.

Allah /��lə/ noun the name of God for Muslimsallay /ə�le/ verb formal allay sb’s concerns/fears/suspicions, etc to make someone feel lessworried or frightened, etc I tried to allay hisfears about the interview.

allegation /��l��eʃən/ noun [C] when you saythat someone has done something wrong orillegal, without proof that this is true allega-tions of corruption � [+ that] He denied allega-tions that he had cheated.

allege /ə�led�/ verb [T] to say that someone hasdone something wrong or illegal, but notprove it [often passive] The teacher is alleged tohave hit a student. � [+ (that)] He alleges thatBates attacked him.

alleged /ə�led�d/ adj [always before noun]believed to be true, but not proved an allegedattack � allegedly /ə�led�dli/ adv He was arrest-ed for allegedly stealing a car.

allegiance /ə�li�d�əns/ noun [U] loyalty and sup-port To become a citizen, you have to pledge/swear allegiance to (= say you will be loyalto) the United States.

allegory /��l�əri/ noun [C,U] a story, poem, orpainting that has a hidden meaning, especial-ly a moral one � allegorical /��l��ɒrkəl/ adj

allergic /ə�l��d�k/ adj 1 [never before noun]having an allergy I’m allergic to eggs.2 [always before noun] caused by an allergy anallergic reaction

allergy /��ləd�i/ noun [C] a medical conditionin which your body reacts badly to somethingthat you eat, breathe, or touch an allergy todogs

alleviate /ə�li�viet/ verb [T] to make problemsor suffering less extreme She’s been givensome tablets to alleviate the pain. � alleviation/ə�li�vi�eʃən/ noun [U]

alley /��li/ (also alleyway /��liwe/) noun [C] 1 anarrow road between buildings 2 be right upsb’s alley US informal (UK be right up sb’s street)to be exactly the type of thing that someoneknows about or likes to do I’ve got a questionhere which should be right up your alley.

alliance /ə�laəns/ noun [C] an agreementbetween countries or political parties to worktogether to achieve something an alliancebetween France and Britain

allied /��lad/ adj 1 [always before noun] joined bya formal agreement the allied powers 2 beallied to/with sth to be related to something agroup closely allied with the Green Party

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allied29F Important words to learn� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �


alligatoralligator /��l�etər/noun [C] a big reptilewith a long mouthand sharp teeth, thatlives in lakes andrivers

allocate /��ləket/verb [T] to give sometime, money, space,etc to be used for aparticular purposeThe government haspromised to allocateextra money forhealth care. � Morepolice time should beallocated to crimeprevention.

allocation /��ləkeʃən/ noun 1 [C] an amount ofmoney, time, space, etc that is allocated 2 [U]when money, time, space, etc is allocated theallocation of money

allot /ə�lɒt/ verb [T] allotting, past allotted to givesomeone a particular amount of something[often passive] They were allotted seats on thefront row.

allotment /ə�lɒtmənt/ noun 1 [C] in Britain, asmall area of land that people rent and growvegetables and flowers on 2 [C,U] the process ofsharing something, or the amount that you get

all-out /�ɔ�l�aυt/ adj [always before noun] completeand with as much effort as possible an all-outbattle/effort

Fallow /ə�laυ/ verb [T] 1 GIVE PERMISSION to givesomeone permission for something [often pas-sive] Smoking is not allowed in the restaurant.� Are dogs allowed in the hotel? � [+ to do sth]You are not allowed to use calculators in theexam. � [+ two objects] Patients are not allowedvisitors after nine o’clock. 2 NOT PREVENT to notprevent something from happening [+ to do sth]They have allowed the problem to get muchworse. 3 MAKE POSSIBLE to make it possible forsomeone to do something [+ to do sth] The extramoney will allow me to upgrade my computer.4 TIME/MONEY to plan to use a particularamount of money, time, etc for somethingAllow three hours for the whole journey.


allow or let?Allow and let have similar meanings. Allow is used inmore formal or official situations, especially when talk-ing about rules and laws. Verb patterns – allow some-one to do something / allow something to happen.

The new legislation allows companies to charge for thisservice.

We can’t allow this situation to continue.

Let is used in more informal and spoken situations. Verbpatterns – let someone do something /let somethinghappen.

Dad never lets anyone else drive his car.

She let her hair grow longer.

allow for sth to consider or include some-thing when you are making plans The journey

should take about two hours, allowing fordelays.

allowance /ə�laυəns/ noun [C] 1 money thatyou are given regularly, especially to pay for aparticular thing a clothing allowance 2 anamount of something that you are allowed Theluggage allowance is 25 kilos. 3 make allow-ances for sb/sth to remember that someone hasa disadvantage which is not their fault whenyou are judging their behaviour or work Theymade allowances for the fact that he had beenill.

alloy /��lɔ/ noun [C] a metal that is a mixtureof two or more metals

�all �right 1 (also alright) adj, adv [never beforenoun] 1 good enough, although not very goodThe hotel wasn’t brilliant but it was all right.� It’s a cheap wine but it tastes all right. 2 safeor well I’m all right thanks. How are you?� Did you get home all right last night? 3 that’sall right a used as an answer when someonethanks you "Thanks for cleaning the kitchen.""That’s all right." b something you say whensomeone says sorry to show that you are notangry "I’m sorry – I forgot all about it." "That’sall right."

�all �right 2 (also alright) exclamation used toagree to a suggestion or request "How aboutgoing out for dinner?" "All right."

all-time /�ɔ�l�tam/ adj [always before noun] Ifsomething is at an all-time best/high/low, etc,it is the best/highest/lowest, etc it has everbeen.

allude /ə�lu�d/ verballude to sb/sth formal to refer to someone orsomething but not directly

allure /ə�ljυər/ noun [U] an attractive or excit-ing quality the allure of the city � alluring adjattractive or exciting an alluring image

allusion /ə�lu��ən/ noun [C,U] formal when yourefer to someone or something but not directlya play full of allusions to Shakespeare

ally1 /��la/ noun [C] 1 someone who supportsyou, especially when other people are againstyou 2 a country that has agreed to help an-other country, especially in a war

ally2 /ə�la/ verbally yourself to/with sb to join someone andsupport them

almighty /ɔ�l�mati/ adj 1 [always before noun]very strong or forceful All of a sudden I heardan almighty bang in the kitchen. 2 having thepower to do everything, like a god AlmightyGod

almond /�ɑ�mənd/ noun [C,U] a flat, oval nut,often used in cooking

Falmost /�ɔ�lməυst/ adv 1 If something almosthappens, it does not happen but it is veryclose to happening. I almost missed the bus.2 almost always/everyone/half, etc not always/everyone/half, etc but very close to it He’salmost always late. � Almost everyone I knowlikes chocolate.

Falone /ə�ləυn/ adj, adv 1 [never before noun] with-out other people She lives alone. � We’re allalone. 2 [always after noun] used to emphasizethat only one person or thing is involved Lastyear alone the company made a million dollars.

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alligator 30 F Important words to learn� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �


� You alone know how you feel. 3 leave sbalone to stop talking to someone or annoyingthem Leave him alone, he’s tired. 4 leave sthalone to stop touching something Leave yourhair alone! 7See also: let alone.


alone or lonely?Alone means without other people. If you feel sad be-cause you are alone, you are lonely.

Sometimes I like to be alone to think.

She has been very lonely since her husband died.

Falong1 /ə�lɒŋ/ preposition 1 DIRECTION from onepart of a road, river, etc to another a romanticwalk along the beach 2 NEXT TO in a line nextto something long a row of new houses alongthe river 3 PARTICULAR PLACE at a particularplace on a road, river, etc Somewhere alongthis road there’s a garage.

Falong2 /ə�lɒŋ/ adv 1 forward We were justwalking along, chatting. 2 be/come along toarrive somewhere You wait ages for a bus andthen three come along at once. 3 bring/take sbalong to take someone with you to a place Sheasked if she could bring some friends along tothe party. 4 along with sb/sth in addition tosomeone or something else California alongwith Florida is probably the most popularAmerican holiday destination.

alongside /ə�lɒŋ�sad/ adv, preposition 1 nextto someone or something A car pulled upalongside ours. 2 together with someone Sheenjoyed working alongside such famous actors.

aloof /ə�lu�f/ adj 1 not friendly, especiallybecause you think you are better than otherpeople He seems arrogant and aloof. 2 notinvolved in something He tried to remainaloof from family arguments.

aloud /ə�laυd/ adv in a way that other peoplecan hear to laugh aloud � The author readaloud from his new book.

alphabet /��lfəbet/ noun [C] a set of lettersused for writing a language The Englishalphabet starts at A and ends at Z.

alphabetical /��lfə�betkəl/ adj arranged inthe same order as the letters of the alphabetPut the names in alphabetical order. � alpha-betically adv

alpine /��lpan/ adj [always before noun] existingin, or relating to high mountains an alpinevillage

Falready /ɔ�l�redi/ adv 1 before now, or before aparticular time in the past I’ve already toldhim. � By the time we arrived, he’d already left.2 used to say that something has happenedearlier than you expected I’m already full andI’ve only eaten one course.

alright /ɔ�l�rat/ adj, adv, exclamation anotherspelling of all right

Falso /�ɔ�lsəυ/ adv in addition She speaks Frenchand also a little Spanish. � The book also has achapter on grammar.

altar /�ɔ�ltər/ noun [C] a table used for religiousceremonies, especially in a Christian church

alter /�ɔ�ltər/ verb [I,T] to change, or to makesomeone or something change We’ve had to

alter our plans. � Your life alters completelywhen you have kids.

alteration /�ɔ�ltər�eʃən/ noun [C,U] a change, orthe process of changing something We’vemade a few alterations to the kitchen.

alternate1 /ɔ�l�t��nət/ adj 1 alternate days/weeks/years, etc one out of every two days,weeks, years, etc I work alternate Saturdays.2 with first one thing, then another thing, andthen the first thing again, etc a dessert with al-ternate layers of chocolate and cream 3 [alwaysbefore noun] US An alternate plan, method, etcis one that you can use if you do not want touse another one. � alternately adv

alternate2 /�ɔ�ltənet/ verb 1 [I] If two thingsalternate, one thing happens, then the otherthing happens, then the first thing happensagain, etc. She alternates between cheerful-ness and deep despair. 2 alternate sth with sthto use or do one thing then another thing andthen the first thing again, etc They alternateclassical pieces with more modern works.� alternating adj alternating moods of anger andsadness

Falternative1 /ɔ�l�t��nətv/ noun [C] one of twoor more things that you can choose betweenIt’s a low-fat alternative to butter. � After thepublic protests the government had no alter-native but to change its policy.

alternative2 /ɔ�l�t��nətv/ adj [always beforenoun] 1 (also US alternate) An alternative plan,method, etc is one that you can use if you donot want to use another one. We can makealternative arrangements if necessary. 2 differ-ent to what is usual or traditional alternativecomedy/medicine

alternatively /ɔ�l�t��nətvli/ adv used to give asecond possibility We could go there by trainor, alternatively, I could drive us.

Falthough /ɔ�l�ðəυ/ conjunction 1 despite thefact that She walked home by herself, althoughshe knew it was dangerous. 2 but He’s comingthis evening, although I don’t know exactlywhen.

altitude /��lttju�d/ noun [C,U] the height ofsomething above sea level flying at an altitudeof 8000 metres.

alto /��ltəυ/ noun [C] a woman or boy with alow singing voice

Faltogether /�ɔ�ltə��eðər/ adv 1 COMPLETELYcompletely The train slowed down and thenstopped altogether. � I’m not altogether sureabout the idea. 2 TOTAL in total There weretwenty people there altogether. 3 GENERALLYwhen you consider everything Altogether, I’dsay the party was a great success.

aluminium /��ljə�mniəm/ UK (US aluminum/ə�lu�mnəm/) noun [U] a light, silver-colouredmetal used for making containers, cookingequipment, and aircraft parts aluminiumcans/foil

Falways /�ɔ�lwez/ adv 1 EVERY TIME every time,or at all times Diane is always so cheerful. � Ialways walk to work. 2 UNTIL NOW at all timesin the past We’ve always lived here. 3 FOREVERforever I will always remember you. 4 MANYTIMES again and again, usually in an annoyingway [+ doing sth] He’s always losing his keys. 5

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always31F Important words to learn� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �


can/could always do sth used to suggest some-thing You can always stay with us if you missyour train.

Fa.m. (also am) /�e�em/ used to refer to a timebetween 12 o’clock in the night and 12 o’clock inthe day We’re open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

am strong form /�m/ weak forms /əm, m/ presentsimple I of be

amalgamate /ə�m�l�əmet/ verb [I,T] If two ormore organizations amalgamate, they join tobecome one, and if you amalgamate them, youmake them do this. a decision to amalgamatewith another school � amalgamation /ə�m�l�ə��meʃən/ noun [C,U]

amass /ə�m�s/ verb [T] formal to get a lot ofmoney or information over a period of time Heamassed a fortune in the diamond trade.

amateur1 /��mətər/ adj doing something as ahobby and not as your job an amateur photog-rapher

amateur2 /��mətər/ noun [C] 1 someone whodoes something as a hobby and not as their job2 someone who is not good at what they do Iwon’t be giving them any more work – they’re abunch of amateurs.

amateurish /��mətərʃ/ �US /��mə�t��rʃ/ adjdone without skill or attention

amaze /ə�mez/ verb [T] to make someone verysurprised It amazes me how much energy thatwoman has.

amazed /ə�mezd/ adj extremely surprised Iwas amazed at the price. � [+ (that)] I wasamazed that Paul recognized me.

amazement /ə�mezmənt/ noun [U] extremesurprise Jana looked at him in amazement.� To his amazement they offered him the job.

Famazing /ə�mezŋ/ adj very surprising [+ ques-tion word] It’s amazing how many people can’tread. � amazingly adv She looked amazinglywell.

ambassador /�m�b�sədər/ noun [C] the mainofficial sent by the government of a country torepresent it in another country the Frenchambassador to Britain

amber /��mbər/ noun [U] 1 a colour betweenyellow and orange 2 a hard, clear yellowish-brown substance, used for making jewellery� amber adj an amber traffic light

ambience (also ambiance) /��mbiəns/ noun [U,no plural] the qualities of a place and the way itmakes you feel Lighting adds a lot to the ambi-ence of a room.

ambiguity /��mb��ju�əti/ noun [C,U] whensomething has more than one possible mean-ing Legal documents must be free of ambiguity.

ambiguous /�m�b�juəs/ adj having morethan one possible meaning an ambiguousstatement � ambiguously adv

Fambition /�m�bʃən/ noun 1 [C] something youwant to achieve in your life My ambition is toretire at forty. 2 [U] a strong feeling that youwant to be successful or powerful My sisteralways had more ambition than me.

ambitious /�m�bʃəs/ adj 1 wanting to be suc-cessful or powerful an ambitious young lawyer2 An ambitious plan will need a lot of workand will be difficult to achieve. This is ourmost ambitious project so far.

ambivalent /�m�bvələnt/ adj having two dif-ferent feelings about something He was am-bivalent about moving to London. � ambiva-lence /�m�bvələns/ noun [U]

amble /��mbl/ verb amble along/around/through, etc to walk somewhere in a slow andrelaxed way We ambled home across the fields.

ambulance /��mbjələns/ noun [C] a vehiclethat takes people to hospital when they are illor hurt

ambush /��mbυʃ/ verb [T] to attack a person orvehicle after hiding somewhere and waitingfor them to arrive [often passive] The bus wasambushed by a gang of youths. � ambush noun[C] Two policemen were killed in a terrorist am-bush.

ambush

ameliorate /ə�mi�liəret/ verb [T] formal tomake a problem or bad situation better

amen /�ɑ��men/ exclamation something thatChristians say at the end of a prayer

amenable /ə�mi�nəbl/ adj willing to do oraccept something She may be more amenableto the idea now.

amend /ə�mend/ verb [T] to slightly change thewords of a document [often passive] The contracthas now been amended.

amendment /ə�mendmənt/ noun [C,U] a changein the words of a document, or the process ofdoing this to make an amendment to thehuman rights law

amends /ə�mendz/ noun make amends to dosomething nice for someone to show that youare sorry for something that you have done Iwant to make amends for the worry I’vecaused you.

amenity /ə�mi�nəti/ �US /ə�menəti/ noun [C] abuilding, piece of equipment, or service that isprovided for people’s comfort or enjoyment[usually plural] The campsite’s amenities includea pool and three restaurants.

American /ə�merkən/ adj 1 relating to theUnited States of America an American accent2 North/South American relating to one ormore of the countries of North/South Americathe North American Free Trade agreement� American noun [C] someone who comes fromthe United States of America 7See also: NativeAmerican.

A�merican �football UK (US football) noun[U] a game for two teams of eleven players inwhich each team tries to kick, run with, orthrow an oval ball across the opposing team’s

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a.m. 32 F Important words to learn� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �


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