sunyuting1－－4、5星单词英语字典内容

1.A, a      
1     A, a   A's, a's
  A is the first letter of the English alphabet.
  N-VAR
 
2     A, a   A's, a's
  In music, A is the sixth note in the scale of C major.
  N-VAR
 
3     A, a   A's, a's
  If you get an A as a mark for a piece of work or in an exam, your work is extremely good.
  N-VAR
 
4     A, a
  A or a is used as an abbreviation for words beginning with a, such as `acceleration', `ampere', or `answer'.
 
 
5     A, a
  People talk about getting from A to B when they are referring generally to journeys they need to make, without saying where the journeys will take them.
    Cars are for getting people from A to B in maximum safety.
  PHR: PHR after v
 
(c) HarperCollins Publishers.

2.ability     (4)  
1     ability
  Your ability to do something is the fact that you can do it.
    The public never had faith in his ability to handle the job.
    He has the ability to bring out the best in others.
  N-SING: N to-inf, oft with poss
  = capability
2     ability   abilities
  Your ability is the quality or skill that you have which makes it possible for you to do something.
    Her drama teacher spotted her ability.
    I have confidence in the ability of the players.
    They repeatedly questioned his leadership abilities.
    Does the school cater for all abilities?
  N-VAR: oft with poss
 
3     ability
  If you do something to the best of your abilities or to the best of your ability, you do it as well as you can.
    I take care of them to the best of my abilities.
    They tackled them to the best of their ability.
  PHR
 
(c) HarperCollins Publishers.

3. able      
1     able
  If you are able to do something, you have skills or qualities which make it possible for you to do it.
    The older child should be able to prepare a simple meal.
    The company say they're able to keep pricing competitive.
    They seemed able to work together very efficiently.
  PHR-MODAL
  = can * be unable to
2     able
  If you are able to do something, you have enough freedom, power, time, or money to do it.
    You'll be able to read in peace.
    Have you been able to have any kind of contact?.
    It would be nice to be able to afford to retire earlier.
  PHR-MODAL
  = can * be unable to
3     able   abler   ablest
  Someone who is able is very clever or very good at doing something.
    ...one of the brightest and ablest members of the government...
    They are bright, intelligent, able and confident.
  ADJ-GRADED
  = clever, gifted
(c) HarperCollins Publishers.

4. about      
    In addition to the uses shown below, about is used after some verbs, nouns, and adjectives to introduce extra information. About is also often used after verbs of movement, such as `walk' and `drive', and in phrasal verbs such as `mess about' and `set about', especially in British English.
1     about
  You use about to introduce who or what something relates to or concerns.
    She came in for a coffee, and told me about her friend Shona.
    She knew a lot about food.
    ...advice about exercise and diet...
    He never complains about his wife.
  PREP
 
2     about
  When you mention the things that an activity or institution is about, you are saying what it involves or what its aims are.
    Leadership is about the ability to implement change.
  PREP
 
3     about
  You use about after some adjectives to indicate the person or thing that a feeling or state of mind relates to.
    `I'm sorry about Patrick,' she said.
    I feel so guilty and angry about the whole issue.
  PREP
 
4     about
  If you do something about a problem, you take action in order to solve it.
    Rachel was going to do something about Jacob.
    He said he'd ask Nina for a divorce, but he never did anything about it.
  PREP
 
5     about
  When you say that there is a particular quality about someone or something, you mean that they have this quality.
    There was a warmth and passion about him I never knew existed..
    I think there's something a little peculiar about the results of your test.
  PREP
 
6     about
  About is used in front of a number to show that the number is not exact.
    In my local health centre there's about forty parking spaces.
    The rate of inflation is running at about 2.7 percent.
  ADV: ADV num
  = approximately * precisely
7     about
  If someone or something moves about, they keep moving in different directions.
    The house isn't big, what with three children running about.
  ADV: ADV after v
  = around
+     about
  Also a preposition.
    From 1879 to 1888 he wandered about Germany, Switzerland, and Italy.
    His hair was drifting about his shoulders like dirty snow.
  PREP: v PREP n
  = around
8     about
  If you put something about a person or thing, you put it around them.
    Helen threw her arms about him.
    She was elegantly dressed with a double strand of pearls about her neck.
  PREP
  = round, around
9     about
  If someone or something is about, they are present or available.
    There's lots of money about these days for schemes like this.
  ADJ: v-link ADJ
 
10     about
  If you are about to do something, you are going to do it very soon. If something is about to happen, it will happen very soon.
    I think he's about to leave.
    Argentina has lifted all restrictions on trade and visas are about to be abolished.
    The film was about to start.
  ADJ: v-link ADJ to-inf
 
11     about
  If someone is out and about, they are going out and doing things, especially after they have been unable to for a while.
    Despite considerable pain she has been getting out and about almost as normal.
    The regulations were relaxed and the prisoners could get out and about a bit.
  PHR: usu PHR after v, also v-link PHR
 
12     about
  If someone is out and about, they are going to a lot of different places, often as part of their job.
    They knew that I was again on the scene because they saw me out and about.
  PHR: usu PHR after v, also v-link PHR
 
(c) HarperCollins Publishers.
5. absolutely     (4)  
1     absolutely
  Absolutely means totally and completely.
    Jill is absolutely right.
    I absolutely refuse to get married.
    There is absolutely no difference!
  ADV: usu ADV adj/adv, also ADV with v emphasis
 
2     absolutely
  Some people say absolutely as an emphatic way of saying yes or of agreeing with someone. They say absolutely not as an emphatic way of saying no or of disagreeing with someone.
    `It's worrying that they're doing things without training though, isn't it?'n`Absolutely.'.
    `Did they approach you?'n`No, absolutely not.'
  ADV: ADV as reply emphasis
 
(c) HarperCollins Publishers.


6.(4) abuse      
1     abuse
  Abuse of someone is cruel and violent treatment of them.
    ...investigation of alleged child abuse.
    ...victims of sexual and physical abuse.
    ...controversy over human rights abuses.
  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl, usu with supp
 
2     abuse
  Abuse is extremely rude and insulting things that people say when they are angry.
    I was left shouting abuse as the car sped off.
    Raft repeatedly hurled verbal abuse at his co-star.
  N-UNCOUNT
  = insults
3     abuse   abuses
  Abuse of something is the use of it in a wrong way or for a bad purpose.
    What went on here was an abuse of power.
    ...drug and alcohol abuse.
  N-VAR: with supp
 
4     abuse   abuses   abusing   abused
  If someone is abused, they are treated cruelly and violently.
    Janet had been abused by her father since she was eleven.
    ...parents who feel they cannot cope or might abuse their children.
    ...those who work with abused children.
  VB
 
    abuser   abusers
    ...a convicted child abuser.
  N-COUNT
 
5     abuse   abuses   abusing   abused
  You can say that someone is abused if extremely rude and insulting things are said to them.
    He alleged that he was verbally abused by other soldiers.
  VB
  = insult
6     abuse   abuses   abusing   abused
  If you abuse something, you use it in a wrong way or for a bad purpose.
    He showed how the rich and powerful can abuse their position.
  VB
 
    abuser
    ...the treatment of alcohol and drug abusers.
  N-COUNT
 
(c) HarperCollins Publishers.
7. accept      
1     accept   accepts   accepting   accepted
  If you accept something that you have been offered, you say yes to it or agree to take it.
    Eventually Stella persuaded her to accept an offer of marriage.
    Your old clothes will be gratefully accepted by jumble sale organisers.
    All those invited to next week's peace conference have accepted.
  VB
 
2     accept   accepts   accepting   accepted
  If you accept an idea, statement, or fact, you believe that it is true or valid.
    I do not accept that there is any kind of crisis in British science.
    I don't think they would accept that view.
    He did not accept this reply as valid.
    ...a workforce generally accepted to have the best conditions in Europe.
  VB
  = acknowledge
3     accept   accepts   accepting   accepted
  If you accept a plan or an intended action, you agree to it and allow it to happen.
    ...Britain's reluctance to accept a proposal for a single European currency...
    The Council will meet to decide if it should accept his resignation.
  VB
  * reject
4     accept   accepts   accepting   accepted
  If you accept an unpleasant fact or situation, you get used to it or recognize that it is necessary or cannot be changed.
    People will accept suffering that can be shown to lead to a greater good.
    Urban dwellers often accept noise as part of city life.
    I wasn't willing to accept that her leaving was a possibility.
  VB
 
5     accept   accepts   accepting   accepted
  If a person, company, or organization accepts something such as a document, they recognize that it is genuine, correct, or satisfactory and agree to consider it or handle it.
    We took the unusual step of contacting newspapers to advise them not to accept the advertising.
    Cheques can only be accepted up to the value guaranteed on the card.
    Proof of postage will not be accepted as proof of receipt.
  VB
  * reject
6     accept   accepts   accepting   accepted
  If an organization or person accepts you, you are allowed to join the organization or use the services that are offered.
    All-male groups will not be accepted.
    ...incentives to private landlords to accept young people as tenants.
  VB
  * reject
7     accept   accepts   accepting   accepted
  If a person or a group of people accepts you, they begin to be friendly towards you and are happy with who you are or what you do.
    As far as my grandparents were concerned, they've never had a problem accepting me.
    Many men still have difficulty accepting a woman as a business partner.
    Stephen Smith was accepted into the family like an adopted brother.
  VB
  * reject
8     accept   accepts   accepting   accepted
  If you accept the responsibility or blame for something, you recognize that you are responsible for it.
    The company cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage.
  VB
  * reject
9     accept   accepts   accepting   accepted
  If you accept someone's advice or suggestion, you agree to do what they say.
    The army refused to accept orders from the political leadership.
    Don't automatically accept the solicitor recommended by the broker.
  VB
  * reject
10     accept   accepts   accepting   accepted
  If someone's body accepts a transplanted organ, the organ becomes part of the body and starts to function normally.
    ...drugs which will fool the body into accepting transplants.
  VB
  * reject
11     accept   accepts   accepting   accepted
  If a machine accepts a particular kind of thing, it is designed to take it and deal with it or process it.
    The telephone booths accept 10 and 20 pence coins.
  VB
 
(c) HarperCollins Publishers.

8.(4) accepted      
    accepted
  Accepted ideas are agreed by most people to be correct or reasonable.
    There is no generally accepted definition of life.
    It is accepted wisdom that the rise of science has been partly responsible for the decline of religious beliefs.
  ADJ: oft adv ADJ
 
    See also accept.
(c) HarperCollins Publishers.

8. accord      
1     accord   accords
  An accord between countries or groups of people is a formal agreement, for example to end a war.
    ...UNITA, legalised as a political party under the 1991 peace accords.
  N-COUNT: usu with supp, oft n N
 
2     accord   accords   according   accorded
  If you are accorded a particular kind of treatment, people act towards you or treat you in that way. (FORMAL)
    His predecessor was accorded an equally tumultuous welcome.
    On his return home, the government accorded him the rank of Colonel.
    The treatment accorded to a United Nations official was little short of insulting.
  VB
  = grant
3     accord   accords   according   accorded
  If one fact, idea, or condition accords with another, they are in agreement and there is no conflict between them. (FORMAL)
    Such an approach accords with the principles of socialist ideology.
    ...scientific evidence that did not fully accord with the facts uncovered by the police.
  VB
  = correspond
4     accord
  If one person, action, or fact is in accord with another, they are in agreement and there is no conflict between them. You can also say that two people or things are in accord. (FORMAL)
    ...this military action, taken in accord with United Nations resolutions...
    Old enemies can become new friends even if all their national interests are not in complete accord.
  PHR: v-link PHR, PHR after v, oft PHR with n
 
5     accord
  If something happens of its own accord, it seems to happen by itself, without anyone making it happen.
    In many cases the disease will clear up of its own accord.
  PHR: PHR after v
 
6     accord
  If you do something of your own accord, you do it because you want to, without being asked or forced.
    He did not quit as France's prime minister of his own accord.
  PHR: PHR after v
  = voluntarily
7     accord
  If a number of people do something with one accord, they do it together or at the same time, because they agree about what should be done. (LITERARY)
    With one accord they turned and walked back over the grass.
  PHR
 
(c) HarperCollins Publishers.

9. according to      
1     according to
  If someone says that something is true according to a particular person, book, or other source of information, they are indicating where they got their information.
    Philip stayed at the hotel, according to Mr Hemming.
    He and his father, according to local gossip, haven't been in touch for years.
  PHR-PREP
 
2     according to
  If something is done according to a particular set of principles, these principles are used as a basis for the way it is done.
    They both played the game according to the rules.
    They must take their own decision according to their own legal advice.
  PHR-PREP
 
3     according to
  If something varies according to a changing factor, it varies in a way that is determined by this factor.
    Prices vary according to the quantity ordered.
    The route that the boatmen choose varies according to the water level.
  PHR-PREP
 
4     according to
  If something happens according to plan, it happens in exactly the way that it was intended to happen.
    If all goes according to plan, the first concert will be Tuesday evening.
  PHR: usu PHR after v
 
(c) HarperCollins Publishers.

10.(4) accuse      
1     accuse   accuses   accusing   accused
  If you accuse someone of doing something wrong or dishonest, you say or tell them that you believe that they did it.
    My mum was really upset because he was accusing her of having an affair with another man.
    Talk things through in stages. Do not accuse or apportion blame.
  VB
 
2     accuse   accuses   accusing   accused
  If you are accused of a crime, a witness or someone in authority states or claims that you did it, and you may be formally charged with it and put on trial.
    Her assistant was accused of theft and fraud by the police.
    He faced a total of seven charges, all accusing him of lying in his testimony.
    The accused men have been given relatively light sentences.
  VB
 
3     accuse
  If someone stands accused of something, they have been accused of it.
    The candidate stands accused of breaking promises even before he's in office.
    Today, Rostov stands accused of extortion and racketeering.
  PHR: V inflects, PHR of n/-ing
 
(c) HarperCollins Publishers.

11.(4) achieve      
    achieve   achieves   achieving   achieved
  If you achieve a particular aim or effect, you succeed in doing it or causing it to happen, usually after a lot of effort.
    There are many who will work hard to achieve these goals.
    We have achieved what we set out to do.
  VB
  = accomplish
(c) HarperCollins Publishers.
12. across      
    In addition to the uses shown below, across is used in phrasal verbs such as `come across', `get across', and `put across'.
1     across
  If someone or something goes across a place or a boundary, they go from one side of it to the other.
    She walked across the floor and lay down on the bed.
    He watched Karl run across the street to Tommy.
    ...an expedition across Africa.
  PREP
 
+     across
  Also an adverb.
    Richard stood up and walked across to the window.
  ADV: ADV after v
 
2     across
  If something is situated or stretched across something else, it is situated or stretched from one side of it to the other.
    ...the floating bridge across Lake Washington in Seattle...
    He scrawled his name across the bill.
    Lucy had strung a banner across the wall saying `Welcome Home Daddy'.
  PREP
 
+     across
  Also an adverb.
    Trim toenails straight across using nail clippers.
  ADV: ADV after v
 
3     across
  If something is lying across an object or place, it is resting on it and partly covering it.
    She found her clothes lying across the chair.
    The wind pushed his hair across his face.
  PREP
  = over
4     across
  Something that is across something such as a street, river, or area is on the other side of it.
    Anyone from the houses across the road could see him.
    When I saw you across the room I knew I'd met you before.
  PREP
 
+     across
  Also an adverb.
    They parked across from the Castro Theatre.
    He pulled up a chair and sat down across from Michael.
  ADV: ADV after v, usu ADV from n
 
5     across
  If you look across at a place, person, or thing, you look towards them.
    He glanced across at his sleeping wife.
    She rose from the chair and gazed across at him.
    ...breathtaking views across to the hills.
  ADV: ADV after v, oft ADV prep
 
6     across
  You use across to say that a particular expression is shown on someone's face.
    An enormous grin spread across his face.
    For a moment a shadow seemed to pass across Roy's face.
  PREP
  = over
7     across
  If someone hits you across the face or head, they hit you on that part.
    Graham hit him across the face with the gun, then pushed him against the wall.
  PREP
 
8     across
  When something happens across a place or organization, it happens equally everywhere within it.
    The film `Hook' opens across America on December 11.
    Thousands of farmers from across Europe have held a huge demonstration in the centre of Brussels.
    2,000 workers across all state agencies are to be fired by March 31st.
  PREP
 
9     across
  When something happens across a political, religious, or social barrier, it involves people in different groups.
    ...parties competing across the political spectrum...
    We want to promote cosmetics that appeal across the colour barrier.
  PREP
 
    across the board: see board.
10     across
  Across is used in measurements to show the width of something.
    This hand-decorated plate measures 30cm across and costs s11.50.
    The snails are no larger than one centimetre across.
  ADV: amount ADV
 
(c) HarperCollins Publishers.

13. act      
1     act   acts   acting   acted
  When you act, you do something for a particular purpose.
    The deaths occurred when police acted to stop widespread looting and vandalism.
    I have no reason to doubt that the bank acted properly in the best interests of the depositors.
  VB
 
2     act   acts   acting   acted
  If you act on advice or information, you do what has been advised or suggested.
    A patient will usually listen to the doctor's advice and act on it.
  VB
 
3     act   acts   acting   acted
  If someone acts in a particular way, they behave in that way.
    ...a gang of youths who were acting suspiciously...
    He acted as if he hadn't heard any of it.
    Open wounds act like a magnet to flies in hot weather.
  VB
  = behave
4     act   acts   acting   acted
  If someone or something acts as a particular thing, they have that role or function.
    Among his other duties, he acted both as the ship's surgeon and as chaplain for the men.
    ...the Cunard Princess, which acted as a support ship for American forces.
  VB
 
5     act   acts   acting   acted
  If someone acts in a particular way, they pretend to be something that they are not.
    Chris acted astonished as he examined the note.
    Kenworthy had tried not to act the policeman.
  VB
 
6     act   acts   acting   acted
  When professionals such as lawyers act for you, or act on your behalf, they are employed by you to deal with a particular matter.
    Daniel Webster acted for Boston traders while still practicing in New Hampshire.
    Because we travelled so much, Sam and I asked a broker to act on our behalf.
  VB
 
7     act   acts   acting   acted
  If a force or substance acts on someone or something, it has a certain effect on them.
    He's taking a dangerous drug: it acts very fast on the central nervous system.
    A hypnotist can act upon the unconscious mind directly.
  VB
 
8     act   acts   acting   acted
  If you act, or act a part in a play or film, you have a part in it.
    She confessed to her parents her desire to act.
    Roberto introduced Ingrid to Helen, whose husband was acting in Roberto's films.
  VB
 
9     act   acts
  An act is a single thing that someone does. (FORMAL)
    Language interpretation is the whole point of the act of reading.
    My insurance excludes acts of sabotage and damage done by weapons of war.
  N-COUNT: oft N of n
 
10     act
  If you say that someone's behaviour is an act, you mean that it does not express their real feelings.
    There were moments when I wondered: did she do this on purpose, was it all just a game, an act?.
    His anger was real. It wasn't an act.
  N-SING
  = pretence
11     act   acts
  An Act is a law passed by the government.
    ...an Act of Parliament.
  N-COUNT
 
12     act   acts
  An act in a play, opera, or ballet is one of the main parts into which it is divided.
    Act II contained one of the funniest scenes I have ever witnessed.
  N-COUNT: oft N num
 
13     act   acts
  An act in a show is a short performance which is one of several in the show.
    This year numerous bands are playing, as well as comedy acts.
  N-COUNT
 
14     act
  If you catch someone in the act, you discover them doing something wrong or committing a crime.
    The men were caught in the act of digging up buried explosives.
  PHR: V inflects
 
15     act
  If someone who has been behaving badly cleans up their act, they start to behave in a more acceptable or responsible way. (INFORMAL)
    The nation's advertisers need to clean up their act.
  PHR: V inflects
 
16     act
  If you get in on the act, you take part in or take advantage of something that was started by someone else. (INFORMAL)
    In the 1970s Kodak, anxious to get in on the act, launched its own instant camera.
  PHR: V inflects
 
17     act
  You say that someone was in the act of doing something to indicate what they were doing when they were seen or interrupted.
    Ken was in the act of paying his bill when Neil came up behind him.
  PHR: v-link PHR -ing
 
18     act
  If you get your act together, you organize your life or your affairs so that you are able to achieve what you want or to deal with something effectively. (INFORMAL)
    The Government should get its act together.
    We have to get our act togethermwe have to organize ourselves.
  PHR: V inflects
 
(c) HarperCollins Publishers.

14. action      
1     action
  Action is doing something for a particular purpose.
    The government is taking emergency action to deal with a housing crisis.
    What was needed, he said, was decisive action to halt what he called these savage crimes.
  N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp
 
2     action   actions
  An action is something that you do on a particular occasion.
    As always, Peter had a reason for his action.
    Jack was the sort of man who did not like his actions questioned.
  N-COUNT
 
3     action   actions
  To bring a legal action against someone means to bring a case against them in a court of law. (LEGAL)
    Two leading law firms are to prepare legal actions against tobacco companies.
    ...a libel action brought by one of France's bureaucrats.
  N-COUNT
  = suit, case
4     action
  The action of a chemical is the way in which it works, or the effects that it has.
    Her description of the nature and action of poisons is amazingly accurate.
  N-UNCOUNT
 
5     action
  The action is all the important and exciting things that are happening in a situation. (INFORMAL)
    Hollywood is where the action is now.
  N-SING: the N
 
6     action
  The fighting which takes place in a war can be referred to as action.
    Leaders in America have generally supported military action if it proves necessary.
    13 soldiers were killed and 10 wounded in action.
  N-UNCOUNT: oft in N
 
7     action
  An action movie is a film in which a lot of dangerous and exciting things happen. An action hero is the main character in one of these films.
    Stallone wants to break away from his action-hero image.
  ADJ: ADJ n
 
8     action
  If someone or something is out of action, they are injured or damaged and cannot work or be used.
    He's been out of action for 16 months with a serious knee injury.
    They were trapped after the lifts went out of action.
  PHR: v-link PHR, PHR after v
 
9     action
  If someone wants to have a piece of the action or a slice of the action, they want to take part in an exciting activity or situation, usually in order to make money or become more important.
    Holiday spots have seen a dramatic revival and tourist chiefs are competing for a slice of the action.
  PHR
 
10     action
  If you put an idea or policy into action, you begin to use it or cause it to operate.
    They have excelled in learning the lessons of business management theory, and putting them into action.
  PHR: V inflects
 
(c) HarperCollins Publishers.

15. active      
1     active
  Someone who is active moves around a lot or does a lot of things.
    Having an active youngster about the house can be quite wearing.
    ...a long and active life.
  ADJ-GRADED
  * sedentary
2     active
  If you have an active mind or imagination, you are always thinking of new things.
    ...the tragedy of an active mind trapped by failing physical health.
  ADJ-GRADED
  = lively
3     active
  If someone is active in an organization, cause, or campaign, they do things for it rather than just giving it their support.
    We should play an active role in politics, both at national and local level.
    I am an active member of the Conservative Party.
    He is active on Tyler's behalf.
  ADJ-GRADED: oft ADJ prep
  * passive
    actively
    They actively campaigned for the vote.
  ADV
 
4     active
  Active is used to emphasize that someone is taking action in order to achieve something, rather than just hoping for it or achieving it in an indirect way.
    ...if companies do not take active steps to increase exports.
    ...active discouragement from teachers.
  ADJ: ADJ n emphasis
  = positive
    actively
    They have never been actively encouraged to take such risks.
    ...the White House says the president is not actively considering such a move.
  ADV: usu ADV with v
 
5     active
  If you say that a person or animal is active in a particular place or at a particular time, you mean that they are performing their usual activities or performing a particular activity.
    Guerrilla groups are active in the province.
    ...animals which are active at night.
    ...men who are sexually active.
  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, usu ADJ prep
 
6     active
  An active volcano has erupted recently or is expected to erupt quite soon.
    ...molten lava from an active volcano.
  ADJ: usu ADJ n
  * extinct
7     active
  An active substance has a chemical or biological effect on things.
    The active ingredient in some of the mouthwashes was simply detergent.
  ADJ: usu ADJ n
 
8     active
  In grammar, the active or the active voice means the forms of a verb which are used when the subject refers to a person or thing that does something. For example, in `I saw her yesterday', the verb is in the active. Compare passive.
  N-SING: the N
 
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16. actually      
1     actually
  You use actually to indicate that a situation exists or happened, or to emphasize that it is true.
    One afternoon, I grew bored and actually fell asleep for a few minutes.
    Interest is only payable on the amount actually borrowed.
  ADV: ADV before v, ADV group emphasis
 
2     actually
  You use actually when you are correcting or contradicting someone.
    No, I'm not a student. I'm a doctor, actually.
    `So it's not a family show then?'n`Well, actually, I think that's exactly what it is.'
  ADV: ADV with cl emphasis
 
3     actually
  You can use actually when you are politely expressing an opinion that other people might not have expected from you.
    `Do you think it's a good idea to socialize with one's patients?'n`Actually, I do, I think it's a great idea.'.
    I would be surprised, actually, if he left Birmingham.
  ADV: ADV with cl politeness
 
4     actually
  You use actually to introduce a new topic into a conversation.
    Well actually, John, I rang you for some advice.
    Actually, let's just read this little bit where you've made them bump into each other.
  ADV: ADV with cl
 
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17. add      
1     add   adds   adding   added
  If you add one thing to another, you put it in or on the other thing, to increase, complete, or improve it.
    Add the grated cheese to the sauce.
    Since 1908, chlorine has been added to drinking water.
    He wants to add a huge sports complex to Binfield Manor.
  VB
 
2     add   adds   adding   added
  If you add numbers or amounts together, you calculate their total.
    Banks add all the interest and other charges together.
    Two and three added together are five.
  VB
  * subtract
+     add up   adds up; adding up; added up
  Add up means the same as add.
    More than a quarter of seven year-olds cannot add up properly.
    We just added all the numbers up and divided one by the other.
    He said the numbers simply did not add up.
  PHR-V-ERG
 
3     add   adds   adding   added
  If one thing adds to another, it makes the other thing greater in degree or amount.
    Overnight bed-rest in a clinic adds substantially to the cost of cosmetic surgery.
    Smiles, nods, and cheerful faces added to the general gaiety.
  VB
 
4     add   adds   adding   added
  To add a particular quality to something means to cause it to have that quality.
    The generous amount of garlic adds flavour.
    A delicious blend of cider and delicate fruit juices adds a little sparkle to any occasion.
  VB
 
5     add   adds   adding   added
  If you add something when you are speaking, you say something more.
    `You can tell that he is extremely embarrassed,' Mr Brigden added.
    The Italian central bank added that the aim was to provide stability.
    Hunt added his congratulations, saying `Nigel has made a cracking job of it'.
  VB
 
6     add
  You use added to this or added to that to introduce a fact that supports or widens what you are saying.
    More than 750 commercial airliners were involved in fatal accidents last year. Added to that were the 1,550 smaller aircraft.
  PHR: V inflects
 
    add insult to injury: see insult.
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18.(4) addition      
1     addition
  You use in addition when you want to mention another item connected with the subject you are discussing.
    The Met Office Web site provides regional reports, a shipping forecast and gale warnings. In addition, visitors can download satellite images of the UK.
    There's a postage and packing fee in addition to the repair charge.
  PHR: PHR with cl, oft PHR to n
 
2     addition   additions
  An addition to something is a thing which is added to it.
    This is a fine book; a worthy addition to the Cambridge Encyclopedia series.
    This plywood addition helps to strengthen the structure.
  N-COUNT: usu with supp, oft N to n
 
3     addition
  The addition of something is the fact that it is added to something else.
    It was completely refurbished in 1987, with the addition of a picnic site.
  N-UNCOUNT: the N of n
  * removal
4     addition
  Addition is the process of calculating the total of two or more numbers.
    ...simple addition and subtraction problems using whole numbers.
  N-UNCOUNT
 
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19. address      
1     address   addresses
  Your address is the number of the house, flat, or apartment and the name of the street and the town where you live or work.
    The address is 2025 M Street, Northwest, Washington, DC, 20036.
    We require details of your name and address.
  N-COUNT: usu poss N
 
2     address   addresses   addressing   addressed
  If a letter, envelope, or parcel is addressed to you, your name and address have been written on it.
    Applications should be addressed to: The business affairs editor.
  VB: usu passive
 
3     address   addresses   addressing   addressed
  If you address a group of people, you give a speech to them.
    He is due to address a conference on human rights next week.
  VB
 
+     address   addresses
  Also a noun.
    He had scheduled an address to the American people for the evening of May 27.
  N-COUNT
 
4     address   addresses   addressing   addressed
  If you address someone or address a remark to them, you say something to them. (FORMAL)
    The two foreign ministers did not address each other directly when they last met.
    He addressed his remarks to Eleanor, ignoring Maria.
  VB
 
5     address   addresses   addressing   addressed
  If you address someone by a name or a title such as `sir', you call them that name or title when you talk or write to them.
    I heard him address her as darling.
    The Duchess should be addressed as Your Grace.
  VB
 
6     address   addresses   addressing   addressed
  If you address a problem or task or if you address yourself to it, you try to understand it or deal with it.
    Mr King sought to address those fears when he spoke at the meeting.
    Throughout the book we have addressed ourselves to the problem of ethics.
  VB
  * ignore
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20.(4) administration      
1     administration
  Administration is the range of activities connected with organizing and supervising the way that an organization or institution functions.
    Too much time is spent on administration.
    ...a master's degree in business administration.
  N-UNCOUNT
 
2     administration
  The administration of something is the process of organizing and supervising it.
    Standards in the administration of justice have degenerated.
    The cost of administration is around s500.
  N-UNCOUNT
 
3     administration
  The administration of a company or institution is the group of people who organize and supervise it.
    They would like the college administration to exert more control over the fraternity.
  N-SING: the N, usu n N
 
4     administration   administrations
  You can refer to a country's government as the administration; used especially in the United States.
    O'Leary served in federal energy posts in both the Ford and Carter administrations.
    He urged the administration and Congress to come up with a credible package to reduce the budget deficit.
  N-COUNT: oft the n N
 
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21.(4) admit      
1     admit   admits   admitting   admitted
  If you admit that something bad, unpleasant, or embarrassing is true, you agree, often unwillingly, that it is true.
    I am willing to admit that I do make mistakes.
    Up to two thirds of 14 to 16 year olds admit to buying drink illegally.
    I'd be ashamed to admit feeling jealous.
    None of these people will admit responsibility for their actions.
    `Actually, most of my tennis is at club level,' he admitted.
  VB
  = confess * deny
2     admit   admits   admitting   admitted
  If someone is admitted to hospital, they are taken into hospital for treatment and kept there until they are well enough to go home.
    She was admitted to hospital with a soaring temperature.
    He was admitted yesterday for treatment of blood clots in his lungs.
  VB: usu passive
 
3     admit   admits   admitting   admitted
  If someone is admitted to an organization or group, they are allowed to join it.
    He was admitted to the Academie Culinaire de France.
    The Parachute Regiment could be forced to admit women.
  VB
 
4     admit   admits   admitting   admitted
  To admit someone to a place means to allow them to enter it.
    Embassy security personnel refused to admit him or his wife.
    Journalists are rarely admitted to the region.
  VB
 
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22.(4) adopt      
1     adopt   adopts   adopting   adopted
  If you adopt a new attitude, plan, or way of behaving, you begin to have it.
    The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution calling on all parties in the conflict to seek a political settlement.
    Pupils should be helped to adopt a positive approach to the environment.
  VB
 
    adoption
    ...the adoption of Japanese management practices by British manufacturing.
  N-UNCOUNT
 
2     adopt   adopts   adopting   adopted
  If you adopt someone else's child, you take it into your own family and make it legally your son or daughter.
    There are hundreds of people desperate to adopt a child.
    The adopted child has the right to see his birth certificate.
  VB
 
    adopter   adopters
    A social worker is appointed to interview the prospective adopters.
  N-COUNT
 
    adoption   adoptions
    They gave their babies up for adoption.
    The majority of adoptions are successful.
  N-VAR
 
3     adopt   adopts   adopting   adopted
  If you adopt a physical position, you move yourself into it. (FORMAL)
    I tried to adopt a curled-up position to avoid damaging my limbs.
  VB
 
4     adopt   adopts   adopting   adopted
  If you adopt a country, you choose it as a place to live.
    Podulski had joined the U.S. Navy as an aviator, adopting a new country and a new profession.
    ...their adopted home in England.
  VB
 
5     adopt   adopts   adopting   adopted
  If you adopt an accent or a particular tone of voice, you speak differently from normal, especially to create an effect in a particular situation.
    He has adopted the accent of a Second World War newscaster.
    The girl was uncertain what to do, or what tone of voice to adopt.
  VB
 
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23.(4) advance      
1     advance   advances   advancing   advanced
  To advance means to move forward, often in order to attack someone.
    Reports from Chad suggest that rebel forces are advancing on the capital.
    According to one report, the water is advancing at a rate of between 5cm and 7cm a day.
    The Daily Telegraph carries a picture of a man throwing himself before an advancing tank.
  VB
 
2     advance   advances   advancing   advanced
  To advance means to make progress, especially in your knowledge of something.
    Now that medical technology has advanced to its present state, more people are aware of how long one can be kept alive.
    Japan has advanced from a rural, feudal society to an urban, industrial power.
  VB
  = progress
    See also advanced.
3     advance   advances   advancing   advanced
  If you advance someone a sum of money, you lend it to them, or pay it to them earlier than arranged.
    I advanced him some money, which he would repay on our way home.
    The bank advanced $1.2 billion to help the country with debt repayments.
  VB
  = lend
4     advance   advances
  An advance is money which is lent or paid to someone before they would normally receive it.
    She was paid a s100,000 advance for her next two novels.
  N-COUNT
 
5     advance   advances   advancing   advanced
  To advance an event, or the time or date of an event, means to bring it forward to an earlier time or date.
    Too much protein in the diet may advance the ageing process.
    The country's election commission has advanced the date of parliamentary elections by three days.
  VB
  = bring forward * put back
6     advance   advances   advancing   advanced
  If you advance a cause, interest, or claim, you support it and help to make it successful.
    When not producing art of his own, Oliver was busy advancing the work of others.
  VB
  = further * hinder
7     advance   advances   advancing   advanced
  When a theory or argument is advanced, it is put forward for discussion.
    Many theories have been advanced as to why some women suffer from depression.
    An important set of ideas have been advanced by the biologist Rupert Sheldrake.
  VB: usu passive
  = put forward
8     advance   advances
  An advance is a forward movement of people or vehicles, usually as part of a military operation.
    In an exercise designed to be as real as possible, they simulated an advance on enemy positions.
    The defences are intended to obstruct any advance by tanks and other vehicles.
  N-VAR
  = attack * retreat
9     advance   advances
  If you make advances to someone, you try to start a sexual relationship with them. (OLD-FASHIONED)
    Mark had for some time been making advances towards her.
    She rejected his advances during the trip to Cannes.
  N-PLURAL
 
10     advance   advances
  An advance in a particular subject or activity is progress in understanding it or in doing it well.
    Air safety has not improved since the dramatic advances of the 1970s.
    Their progress at work was mirrored by their children's educational advance.
  N-VAR
  = development
11     advance
  If something is an advance on what was previously available or done, it is better in some way.
    This could be an advance on the present situation.
  N-SING: usu a N on n
 
12     advance
  Advance booking, notice, or warning is done or given before an event happens.
    They don't normally give any advance notice about which building they're going to inspect.
    The event received little advance publicity.
  ADJ: ADJ n
 
13     advance
  An advance party or group is a small group of people who go on ahead of the main group.
    The 20-strong advance party will be followed by another 600 soldiers as part of UN relief efforts.
  ADJ: ADJ n
  = expeditionary
14     advance
  If one thing happens or is done in advance of another, it happens or is done before the other thing.
    I had asked everyone to submit questions in advance of the meeting.
  PHR-PREP
  = ahead
15     advance
  If you do something in advance, you do it before a particular date or event.
    The subject of the talk is announced a week in advance.
  PHR: PHR after v
 
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24.(4) advantage      
1     advantage   advantages
  An advantage is something that puts you in a better position than other people.
    They are deliberately flouting the law in order to obtain an advantage over their competitors.
    A good crowd will be a definite advantage to me and the rest of the team.
  N-COUNT
  * disadvantage
2     advantage
  Advantage is the state of being in a better position than others who are competing against you.
    Men have created a social and economic position of advantage for themselves over women.
  N-UNCOUNT
 
3     advantage   advantages
  An advantage is a way in which one thing is better than another.
    The great advantage of home-grown oranges is their magnificent flavour.
    This custom-built kitchen has many advantages over a standard one.
  N-COUNT: oft N of n
  * disadvantage
4     advantage
  If you take advantage of something, you make good use of it while you can.
    I intend to take full advantage of this trip to buy the things we need.
  PHR: V inflects, PHR n
 
5     advantage
  If someone takes advantage of you, they treat you unfairly for their own benefit, especially when you are trying to be kind or to help them.
    She took advantage of him even after they were divorced.
  PHR: V inflects, PHR n
 
6     advantage
  If you use or turn something to your advantage, you use it in order to benefit from it, especially when it might be expected to harm or damage you.
    The government have not been able to turn today's demonstration to their advantage.
  PHR: PHR after v
 
7     advantage
  If something is shown to good advantage or to best advantage, it is shown in a way that reveals its best features.
    The walls were painted in muted tones to show the pictures to good advantage.
  PHR: PHR after v
 
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25.(4) affair      
1     affair
  If an event or a series of events has been mentioned and you want to talk about it again, you can refer to it as the affair.
    The government has mishandled the whole affair.
    The affair began when customs officials inspected a convoy of 60 tankers.
    The industry minister described the affair as `an absolute scandal'.
  N-SING: the N
  = business, matter
2     affair
  You can refer to an important or interesting event or situation as `the ... affair'. (mainly JOURNALISM)
    ...the damage caused to the CIA and FBI in the aftermath of the Watergate affair.
    ...confidential Bank of England documents relating to the BCCI affair.
  N-SING: usu the n-proper N
 
3     affair
  You can describe the main quality of an event by saying that it is a particular kind of affair.
    Michael said that his planned 10-day visit would be a purely private affair.
    Breakfast will be a cheerless affair for the Prime Minister this morning.
  N-SING: usu supp N
 
4     affair
  You can describe an object as a particular kind of affair when you want to draw attention to a particular feature, or indicate that it is unusual.
    All their beds were distinctive; Mac's was an iron affair with brass knobs.
    He tried dividing it into two bundles, tying them to his walking stick, and slinging the whole affair across his back.
  N-SING: supp N
 
5     affair   affairs
  If two people who are not married to each other have an affair, they have a sexual relationship.
    Married male supervisors were carrying on affairs with female subordinates in the office.
  N-COUNT
 
    See also love affair.
6     affair   affairs
  You can use affairs to refer to all the important facts or activities that are connected with a particular subject.
    He does not want to interfere in the internal affairs of another country.
    With more details, here's our foreign affairs correspondent.
  N-PLURAL: usu supp N
 
    See also current affairs, state of affairs.
7     affair   affairs
  Your affairs are all the matters connected with your life which you consider to be private and normally deal with yourself.
    He was rational and consistent in the conduct of his affairs.
    The unexpectedness of my father's death meant that his affairs were not entirely in order.
  N-PLURAL: usu poss N
 
8     affair
  If you say that a decision or situation is someone's affair, you mean that it is their responsibility, and other people should not interfere.
    If you wish to make a fool of yourself and damage your career here, that is your affair.
    If they want to stay and fight, then I guess that's their affair.
  N-SING: poss N
  = business
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26.(4) affect      
1     affect   affects   affecting   affected
  If something affects a person or thing, it influences them or causes them to change in some way.
    Nicotine adversely affects the functioning of the heart and arteries.
    More than seven million people have been affected by drought.
    ...the worst affected areas of East Central China.
  VB
 
2     affect   affects   affecting   affected
  If a disease affects someone, it causes them to become ill.
    Arthritis is a crippling disease which affects people all over the world.
  VB
  = afflict
3     affect   affects   affecting   affected
  If something or someone affects you, they make you feel a strong emotion, especially sadness or pity.
    If Jim had been more independent, the divorce would not have affected him as deeply.
    Gregor loved his sister, and her loss clearly still affects him.
  VB
 
4     affect   affects   affecting   affected
  If you affect a particular characteristic or way of behaving, you pretend that it is genuine, or natural for you. (LITERARY)
    He listened to them, affecting an amused interest.
    Ms. Redgrave affects a heavy Italian accent.
  VB
 
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27.(4) African      
1     African
  African means belonging or relating to the continent of Africa, or to its countries or people.
    ...the African continent...
    Some African countries have also expressed the wish to participate.
  ADJ
 
2     African
  African means belonging or relating to black people who come from Africa.
    ...traditional African culture.
    ...dance music with African roots.
  ADJ
 
3     African
  African is used to describe someone, usually a black person, who comes from Africa.
    ...African women.
  ADJ
 
+     African   Africans
  An African is someone who is African.
    Fish is a staple in the diet of many Africans.
  N-COUNT
 
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28. after      
    In addition to the uses shown below, after is used in phrasal verbs such as `ask after', `look after', and `take after'.
1     after
  If something happens after a particular date or event, it happens during the period of time that follows that date or event.
    After 19 May, strikes were occurring on a daily basis.
    After breakfast Amy ordered the local taxi to take her to the station.
    It wasn't until after Christmas that I met Paul.
  PREP
  * before
+     after
  Also a conjunction.
    After Don told me this, he spoke of his mother.
    Marina cared for him after he seriously injured his eye several years ago.
  CONJ-SUBORD
 
2     after
  If you do one thing after doing another, you do it during the period of time that follows the other thing.
    After completing and signing it, please return the form to us in the envelope provided.
    ...women who have changed their mind after deciding not to have children...
    After flying from Los Angeles to London, allow four full days to adjust.
  PREP: PREP -ing
  * before
3     after
  You use after when you are talking about time. For example, if something is going to happen during the day after or the weekend after a particular time, it is going to happen during the following day or during the following weekend.
    She's leaving the day after tomorrow.
    ...the party's annual conference, to be held the week after next.
  PREP: n PREP n
 
+     after
  Also an adverb.
    Tomorrow. Or the day after.
  ADV: ADV after v
 
4     after
  If you go after someone, you follow or chase them.
    Alice said to Gina, `Why don't you go after him, he's your son.'
    ...people who were after him for large amounts of money.
  PREP
 
5     after
  If you are after something, you are trying to get it.
    They were after the money.
    I did eventually find what I was after.
  PREP
 
6     after
  If you call, shout, or stare after someone, you call, shout, or stare at them as they move away from you.
    `Come back!' he called after me.
    Claire stared after him until he disappeared around a corner.
  PREP
 
7     after
  If you do something after someone, you do it for them, because they cannot or will not do it for themselves.
    She used to mess up the floor and I had to clean up after her.
  PREP
  = for
8     after
  If you tell someone that one place is a particular distance after another, you mean that it is situated beyond the other place and further away from you.
    Seven kilometres after the sharp bends and before the village of Piccione, turn right to Montelabate.
  PREP
  = past * before
9     after
  If one thing is written after another thing on a page, it is written following it or underneath it.
    I wrote my name after Penny's at the bottom of the page.
  PREP
  = following
10     after
  You use after in order to give the most important aspect of something when comparing it with another aspect.
    After Germany, America is Britain's second-biggest customer.
    Methane is often regarded as the second most important greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide.
  PREP
 
11     after
  To be named after someone means to be given the same name as them. (BRIT; in AM use for)
    Phillimore Island is named after Sir Robert Phillimore.
    He persuaded Virginia to name the baby after him.
  PREP
 
12     after

7     against  
  If you do something in order to protect yourself against something unpleasant or harmful, you do something which will make its effects on you less serious if it happens.
    Any business needs insurance against ordinary risks such as fire, flood, and breakage.
    It has been claimed that wine helps protect against heart disease.
  PREP
 
8     against  
  If you have something against someone or something, you dislike them.
    Have you got something against women, Les?.
    I have nothing against foreigners.
  PHR: V inflects, PHR n
 
9     against  
  If something is against the law or against the rules, there is a law or a rule which says that you must not do it.
    It is against the law to detain you against your will for any length of time.
    We thought cheating was against the rules.
  PREP
 
10     against  
  If you are moving against a current, tide, or wind, you are moving in the opposite direction to it.
    ...swimming upstream against the current...
    They were going to sail around the little island, against the tide.
  PREP
  * with
11     against  
  If something happens or is considered against a particular background of events, it is considered in relation to those events, because those events are relevant to it.
    The Pope has sent a message appealing for unity in his homeland, against a background of divisions in the Solidarity movement.
    The profits rise was achieved against a backdrop of falling metal prices.
  PREP
 
12     against  
  If something is measured or valued against something else, it is measured or valued by comparing it with the other thing.
    Our policies have to be judged against a clear test: will it improve the standard of education?.
    Check the operator's productivity against agreed targets.
    The US dollar is down against most foreign currencies today.
  PREP
 
13     against  
  If you discuss a particular set of facts or figures as against another set, you are comparing or contrasting the two sets of facts or figures.
    Only about 60% of voters were firm in their intention at the start of the campaign, as against 80% before.
  PHR
 
14     against  
  The odds against something happening are the chances or odds that it will not happen.
    The odds against him surviving are incredible.
  PREP: n PREP
  * for
+     against  
  Also an adverb.
    What were the odds against?
  ADV: n ADV
  * for
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32. age      
1     age   ages
  Your age is the number of years that you have lived.
    She has a nephew who is just ten years of age.
    At the age of sixteen he qualified for a place at the University of Hamburg.
    I admired him for being so confident at his age.
  N-VAR The spelling aging is also used, mainly in American English
 
2     age   ages
  The age of a thing is the number of years since it was made.
    Everything in the room looks in keeping with the age of the building.
  N-VAR The spelling aging is also used, mainly in American English
 
3     age
  Age is the state of being old or the process of becoming older.
    Perhaps he has grown wiser with age.
    This cologne, like wine, improves with age.
    The worst sign of age was in the fabric which looked decidedly ancient.
  N-UNCOUNT The spelling aging is also used, mainly in American English
  * youth
4     age   ages   aging   aged
  When someone ages, or when something ages them, they seem much older and less strong or less alert.
    He had always looked so young, but he seemed to have aged in the last few months.
    He was only in his mid-thirties, but already worry had aged him.
  V-ERG The spelling aging is also used, mainly in American English
 
5     age   ages   aging   aged
  When food or alcohol is aged or when it ages, it is left to get older before being eaten or drunk, so that it develops a better flavour.
    Balsamic vinegar is aged in wood for at least 10 years and the flavour is wonderful.
    Whisky loses strength as it ages.
  V-ERG The spelling aging is also used, mainly in American English
 
6     age   ages
  An age is a period in history.
    ...the age of steam and steel.
    ...items of Bronze Age pottery.
  N-COUNT: usu with supp The spelling aging is also used, mainly in American English
 
7     age   ages
  You can say an age or ages to mean a very long time. (INFORMAL)
    He waited what seemed an age.
    The bus took absolutely ages to arrive.
  N-COUNT The spelling aging is also used, mainly in American English
  = forever, years
8     age
  If someone tells you to act your age, they are telling you to behave in a way that is suitable for someone your age, because they think you are behaving in a childish way.
  PHR: V inflects The spelling aging is also used, mainly in American English disapproval
 
9     age
  If something comes of age, it reaches an important stage of development and is accepted by a large number of people.
    Recycling is an issue that has come of age in Britain in the last decade.
  PHR: V inflects The spelling aging is also used, mainly in American English
 
10     age
  When someone comes of age, they become legally an adult.
    The company was now officially owned by Eddie, but held in trust until he came of age.
  PHR: V inflects The spelling aging is also used, mainly in American English
 
11     age
  Someone who is under age is not legally old enough to do something, for example to buy an alcoholic drink.
    Because she was under age, her parents were still responsible for her.
    ...under age smoking.
  PHR: usu v-link PHR, PHR n The spelling aging is also used, mainly in American English
 
(c) HarperCollins Publishers.

33. agent      
1     agent   agents
  An agent is a person who looks after someone else's business affairs or does business on their behalf.
    You are buying direct, rather than through an agent.
    ...a written declaration by someone, authorizing another person to act as his agent.
  N-COUNT
  = representative, rep
    See also estate agent, press agent, travel agent.
2     agent   agents
  An agent in the arts world is a person who gets work for an actor or musician, or who sells the work of a writer to publishers.
  N-COUNT
 
3     agent   agents
  An agent is a person who works for a country's secret service.
    All these years he's been an agent for the East.
  N-COUNT
 
4     agent   agents
  If you refer to someone or something as the agent of a particular effect, you mean that they cause this effect.
    In many societies young men regard themselves as highly active, the agents of change, shapers of the world.
  N-COUNT: N of n
  = instrument
5     agent   agents
  A chemical that has a particular effect or is used for a particular purpose can be referred to as a particular kind of agent.
    ...the bleaching agent in white flour.
    ...fibrinogen, a blood clotting agent.
  N-COUNT: supp N
 
(c) HarperCollins Publishers.

34. ago      
    ago
  You use ago when you are referring to past time. For example, if something happened one year ago, it is one year since it happened. If it happened a long time ago, it is a long time since it happened.
    He was killed a few days ago in a skiing accident.
    The meeting is the first ever between the two sides since the war there began 14 years ago.
    Harry's daughter is dead. She died long ago.
  ADV: ADV with v, n ADV, long ADV
 
(c) HarperCollins Publishers.

35.(4) agreement      
1     agreement   agreements
  An agreement is a formal decision about future action which is made by two or more countries, groups, or people.
    It looks as though a compromise agreement has now been reached.
    The two countries signed an agreement in 1988 to jointly launch and develop satellites.
    ...a new defence agreement between Greece and the United States.
  N-COUNT: oft N to-inf, N prep
 
2     agreement
  Agreement on something is a joint decision that a particular course of action should be taken.
    A spokesman said, however, that the two men had not reached agreement on the issues discussed.
    But instead of ending in agreement, the talks broke up in acrimony at the end of the week.
  N-UNCOUNT: oft N on n
  * disagreement
3     agreement
  If you are in agreement with someone, you have the same opinion as they have.
    The judge kept nodding in agreement.
    There was general agreement that every effort should be made to prevent the war from spreading.
    Not all scholars are in agreement with her, however.
    We were in basic agreement on this point.
  PHR: usu v-link PHR, v PHR, oft PHR with n
 
4     agreement
  If you are in agreement with a plan or proposal, you approve of it.
    The clinic doctor will then write to your GP to get his agreement.
    The president was in full agreement with the proposal.
  PHR: v-link PHR, usu PHR with n
 
5     agreement
  If there is agreement between two accounts of an event or two sets of figures, they are the same or are consistent with each other.
    Many other surveys have produced results essentially in agreement with these figures.
  N-UNCOUNT
  = concurrence
6     agreement
  In grammar, agreement refers to the way that a word has a form appropriate to the number or gender of the noun or pronoun it relates to.
  N-UNCOUNT
  = concord
(c) HarperCollins Publishers.

36. aid      
1     aid
  Aid is money, equipment, or services that are provided for people, countries, or organizations who need them but cannot provide them for themselves.
    ...regular flights carrying humanitarian aid to Cambodia...
    They have already pledged billions of dollars in aid.
    ...food aid convoys.
  N-UNCOUNT: oft supp N, N to n
 
2     aid   aids   aiding   aided
  To aid a country, organization, or person means to provide them with money, equipment, or services that they need.
    ...US efforts to aid Kurdish refugees.
    ...a charitable organization that has spent millions aiding pharmaceutical research.
  VB
 
    -aided
    ...grant-aided factories.
    ...state-aided schools.
  COMB in ADJ
 
3     aid   aids   aiding   aided
  To aid someone means to help or assist them. (WRITTEN)
    ...a software system to aid managers in advanced decision-making...
    The hunt for her killer will continue, with police aided by the army and air force.
  VB
  = help, assist
+     aid
  Also a noun.
    He was forced to turn for aid to his former enemy.
  N-UNCOUNT
  = assistance
4     aid
  If you perform a task with the aid of something, you need or use that thing to perform that task.
    He succeeded with the aid of a completely new method he discovered.
    Gently raise your upper body to a sitting position, without the aid of your hands.
  N-UNCOUNT: usu with/without the N of n
  = help
5     aid   aids
  An aid is an object, device, or technique that makes something easier to do.
    The new law gives authorities a responsibility to provide aids to the disabled.
    The book is an invaluable aid to teachers of literature.
    Colonel Hardy would like to see every tank with a computerized aid.
  N-COUNT: oft N to n
 
6     aid   aids   aiding   aided
  If something aids a process, it makes it easier or more likely to happen.
    The survey suggests that the export sector will continue to aid the economic recovery.
    Calcium may aid in the prevention of colon cancer.
  VB
 
7     aid
  An activity or event in aid of a particular cause or charity is intended to raise money for that cause or charity. (mainly BRIT)
    ...a charity performance in aid of Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital.
  PHR: PHR n
 
8     aid
  If you come or go to someone's aid, you try to help them when they are in danger or difficulty.
    We're coming to the aid of the people of Somalia at the request of the United Nations.
    Horrified neighbours rushed to his aid as he fell.
  PHR: V inflects
 
(c) HarperCollins Publishers.

37. air      
1     air
  Air is the mixture of gases which forms the earth's atmosphere and which we breathe.
    Draughts help to circulate air.
    Keith opened the window and leaned out into the cold air.
    ...water and air pollutants.
  N-UNCOUNT
 
2     air
  The air is the space around things or above the ground.
    Government troops broke up the protest by firing their guns in the air.
    People's cigarette smoke seemed to hang in the air.
  N-SING: the N
 
3     air
  Air is used to refer to travel in aircraft.
    Air travel will continue to grow at about 6% per year.
    The United Nations have been unable to distribute food around the country, other than by air.
  N-UNCOUNT: usu N n, by N
 
4     air   airs
  An air is a simple tune which can be easily recognized and remembered. (OLD-FASHIONED)
  N-COUNT: usu with supp
 
5     air
  If you say that someone or something has a particular air, you mean that they give this general impression.
    Jennifer took a drag on her cigarette, regarding him with an air of faint amusement.
    The meal gave the occasion an almost festive air.
  N-SING: with supp, oft N of n
 
6     air   airs
  If you say that someone is putting on airs or giving themselves airs, you are criticizing them for behaving as if they are better than other people. (INFORMAL)
    We're poor and we never put on airs.
  N-PLURAL disapproval
 
7     air   airs   airing   aired
  If a broadcasting company airs a television or radio programme, they show it on television or broadcast it on the radio. (mainly AM)
    Tonight PBS will air a documentary called `Democracy In Action'.
  VB
  = broadcast
    airing
    Switzer said his program and his university could not tolerate the airing of this material.
  N-SING
 
8     air   airs   airing   aired
  If you air your opinions, you make them known to people.
    They sat for more than six hours, and both sides agreed they had aired all their differences.
    The whole issue was thoroughly aired at the meeting.
  VB
  = express
    airing
    While we're able to broach the subject of sex, money rarely gets an airing.
  N-SING: a N
 
9     air   airs   airing   aired
  If you air a room or building, you let fresh air into it.
    One day a week her mother systematically cleaned and aired each room.
  VB
 
    airing
    Open all the windows of the bedroom and give it a good airing.
  N-SING: a N
 
10     air   airs   airing   aired
  If you air clothing or bedding, you put it somewhere warm to make sure that it is completely dry.
    When the shirts were clean, I ironed them myself, aired them and placed them in drawers in his room.
  VB
 
11     air
  If you do something to clear the air, you do it in order to resolve any problems or disagreements that there might be.
    ...an inquiry just to clear the air and settle the facts of the case.
  PHR: V inflects
 
12     air
  If you refer to someone's airs and graces, you mean that they behave in a way that shows that they think they are more important than other people.
    The old cliche of the customer being always right is what gives them airs and graces.
  PHR disapproval
 
13     air
  If something is in the air it is felt to be present, but it is not talked about.
    There was great excitement in the air.
    She walked away and left the question hanging in the air.
  PHR
 
14     air
  If someone is on the air, they are broadcasting on radio or television. If a programme is on the air, it is being broadcast on radio or television. If it is off the air, it is not being broadcast.
    Singer Dani Behr, 17, is going on the air as presenter of Channel 4's `The Word'.
    Rockwell hopes the program can be on the air within a year.
    This message did not reach me until after the programme went off the air.
  PHR: v-link PHR, PHR after v
 
15     air
  If someone or something disappears into thin air, they disappear completely. If someone or something appears out of thin air, they appear suddenly and mysteriously.
    `But where could they have gone?' he demanded. `They can't just vanish into thin air!'.
    He had materialized out of thin air; I had not seen or heard him coming.
  PHR: PHR after v
 
16     air
  If you say that a decision or a situation is up in the air, you mean that it has not yet been completely settled or planned.
    He told reporters today that the president's trip to Moscow is up in the air.
  PHR: v-link PHR
  = undecided * settled
17     air
  If you say that you are walking on air or floating on air, you mean that you feel extremely happy about something.
    As soon as I know I'm in the team it's like I'm walking on air.
  PHR: V inflects
 
(c) HarperCollins Publishers.

38.(4) aircraft      
    aircraft
  An aircraft is a vehicle which can fly, for example an aeroplane or a helicopter.
    The return flight of the aircraft was delayed.
    At least three military aircraft were destroyed.
  N-COUNT aircraft is both the singular and the plural form
 
(c) HarperCollins Publishers.

39.(4) airline      
    airline   airlines
  An airline is a company which provides regular services carrying people or goods in aeroplanes.
    Eleven of Europe's 15 busiest routes are controlled by only two national airlines.
  N-COUNT: oft in names
 
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40.(4) album      
1     album   albums
  An album is a record with about 25 minutes of music on each side. You can also refer to a collection of songs that is available on a record, cassette, or CD as an album.
    Chris likes music and has a large collection of albums and cassettes.
  N-COUNT
  = LP
2     album   albums
  An album is a book in which you keep things such as photographs or stamps that you have collected.
    Theresa showed me her photo album.
  N-COUNT: oft n N
 
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41. Algerian      
1     Algerian
  Algerian means belonging or relating to Algeria, or its people or culture.
    ...the Algerian desert.
    ...a young Algerian actor.
  ADJ
 
2     Algerian   Algerians
  An Algerian is an Algerian citizen or a person of Algerian origin.
  N-COUNT
 
(c) HarperCollins Publishers.

42.(4) alleged      
    alleged
  An alleged fact has been stated but has not been proved to be true. (FORMAL)
    They have begun a hunger strike in protest at the alleged beating.
    ...a list of alleged war criminals.
  ADJ: ADJ n
 
    allegedly
    His van allegedly struck the two as they were crossing a street.
  ADV
 
(c) HarperCollins Publishers.

43. allow      
1     allow   allows   allowing   allowed
  If someone is allowed to do something, it is all right for them to do it and they will not get into trouble.
    The children are not allowed to watch violent TV programmes.
    The Government will allow them to advertise on radio and television.
    They will be allowed home.
    Smoking will not be allowed.
  VB
  = permit, let * forbid
2     allow   allows   allowing   allowed
  If you are allowed something, you are given permission to have it or are given it.
    Gifts like chocolates or flowers are allowed.
    He should be allowed the occasional treat.
  VB
  = permit * forbid
3     allow   allows   allowing   allowed
  If you allow something to happen, you do not prevent it.
    He won't allow himself to fail.
    If the soil is allowed to dry out the tree could die.
  VB
  = permit * prevent
4     allow   allows   allowing   allowed
  If one thing allows another thing to happen, the first thing creates the opportunity for the second thing to happen.
    The compromise will allow him to continue his free market reforms.
    ...an attempt to allow the Moslem majority a greater share of power...
    She said this would allow more effective planning.
  VB
  = permit, let * prevent
5     allow   allows   allowing   allowed
  If you allow a particular length of time or a particular amount of something for a particular purpose, you include it in your planning.
    Please allow 28 days for delivery.
    Allow about 75ml (3fl oz) per six servings.
  VB
 
6     allow   allows   allowing   allowed
  If you allow that something is true, you admit or agree that it is true. (FORMAL)
    Warren also allows that capitalist development may, in its early stages, result in increased social inequality.
  VB
  = acknowledge
7     allow
  Some people say `Allow me' as a polite way of offering to do something for someone. (FORMAL)
    Allow me to buy you a drink at the bar.
  PHR politeness
  = permit me
8     allow
  Some people use Allow me to... as a way of introducing something that they want to say or do. (FORMAL)
    Allow me to introduce Dr Amberg.
  PHR
  = permit me to
(c) HarperCollins Publishers.

44.(4) all right      
1     all right
  If you say that someone or something is all right, you mean that you find them satisfactory or acceptable.
    I consider you a good friend, and if it's all right with you, I'd like to keep it that way.
    `How was this school you attended?'n`It was all right.'
  ADJ: v-link ADJ (BRIT) also alright
  = okay
+     all right
  Also used before a noun. (INFORMAL)
    He's an all right kind of guy really.
  ADJ: ADJ n (BRIT) also alright
 
2     all right
  If you say that something happens or goes all right, you mean that it happens in a satisfactory or acceptable manner.
    Things have thankfully worked out all right.
    `Can you walk all right?' the nurse asked him.
  ADV: ADV after v (BRIT) also alright
  = okay
3     all right
  If someone or something is all right, they are well or safe.
    All she's worried about is whether he is all right.
    Are you feeling all right now?
  ADJ: v-link ADJ (BRIT) also alright
  = okay
4     all right
  If you say that something is true all right or something will happen all right, you are emphasizing that there is no doubt that it is true or that it will happen. (INFORMAL)
    It's an isolated spot all right.
    It looks like water down there all right.
    I remember him, all right.
  PHR: cl PHR (BRIT) also alright emphasis
 
5     all right
  You say `all right' when you are agreeing to something.
    `I think you should go now.'n`All right.'.
    `I'll explain later.'n`All right then.'
  CONVENTION (BRIT) also alright formulae
  = okay
6     all right
  You say `all right?' after you have given an instruction or explanation to someone when you are checking that they have understood what you have just said, or checking that they agree with or accept what you have just said.
    Peter, you get half the fees. All right?.
    I'll see you tomorrow, all right?.
    `We'll see what other prisoner officers think, all right?'
  CONVENTION (BRIT) also alright
  = okay
7     all right
  If someone in a position of authority says `all right', and suggests talking about or doing something else, they are indicating that they want you to end one activity and start another.
    All right, Bob. You can go now.
    All right, boys and girls, let's meet again next week.
  CONVENTION (BRIT) also alright
 
8     all right
  You say `all right' during a discussion to show that you understand something that someone has just said, and to introduce a statement that relates to it.
    I said there was no room in my mother's house, and he said, `All right, come to my studio and paint.'
  CONVENTION (BRIT) also alright
  = okay
9     all right
  You say all right before a statement or question to indicate that you are challenging or threatening someone.
    All right, who are you and what are you doing in my office?.
    All right, let's stop playing games. Hand over the goods right now.
  CONVENTION (BRIT) also alright
  = okay
(c) HarperCollins Publishers.

45.(4) ally      
1     ally   allies
  A country's ally is another country that has an agreement to support it, especially in war.
    Washington would not take such a step without its allies' approval.
    The United States is a close ally of South Korea, and maintains forces there for its defence.
  N-COUNT: with supp
  * enemy
2     ally   allies
  The Allies were the armed forces that fought against Germany and Japan in the Second World War.
  N-PLURAL: the N
 
3     ally   allies
  If you describe someone as your ally, you mean that they help and support you, especially when other people are opposing you.
    He is a close ally of the Prime Minister.
    She will regret losing a close political ally.
  N-COUNT: with supp
  = supporter, friend * enemy
4     ally   allies   allying   allied
  If you ally yourself with someone or something, you give your support to them.
    He will have no choice but to ally himself with the new movement.
  VB
 
(c) HarperCollins Publishers.
46. almost      
    almost
  You use almost to indicate that something is not completely the case but is nearly the case.
    The couple had been dating for almost three years.
    Storms have been hitting almost all of Britain recently.
    The effect is almost impossible to describe.
    He was almost as tall as Pete, but skinnier.
    The arrested man will almost certainly be kept at this police station.
    He contracted Spanish flu, which almost killed him.
  ADV: ADV group, ADV before v
  = nearly
(c) HarperCollins Publishers.

47.(4) alone      
1     alone
  When you are alone, you are not with any other people.
    There is nothing so fearful as to be alone in a combat situation.
    He was all alone in the middle of the hall, looking at no-one.
  ADJ: v-link ADJ
 
+     alone
  Also an adverb.
    She has lived alone in this house for almost five years now.
    He was sitting alone at a table in a wine bar, smoking a big cigar.
  ADV: ADV after v
 
2     alone
  If one person is alone with another person, or if two or more people are alone, they are together, without anyone else present.
    I couldn't imagine why he would want to be alone with me.
    My brother and I were alone with Vincent.
  ADJ: v-link ADJ, oft ADJ with n
 
3     alone
  If you say that you are alone or feel alone, you mean that nobody who is with you, or nobody at all, cares about you.
    Never in her life had she felt so alone, so abandoned.
    He found himself alone in a hostile world.
  ADJ-GRADED: v-link ADJ
 
4     alone
  You say that one person or thing alone does something when you are emphasizing that only one person or thing is involved.
    You alone should determine what is right for you.
    They were convicted on forensic evidence alone.
  ADV: n ADV emphasis
 
5     alone
  If you say that one person or thing alone is responsible for part of an amount, you are emphasizing the size of that part and the size of the total amount.
    The BBC alone is sending 300 technicians, directors and commentators.
    Megastars like Jack Nicholson, who made s50 million from Batman alone, are unlikely to be affected.
  ADV: n ADV emphasis
 
6     alone
  If someone is alone in doing something, they are the only person doing it, and so are different from other people.
    Newcastle is far from alone. Colleges around the country have developed programmes of student support.
    Am I alone in recognising that these two statistics have quite different implications?
  ADJ: v-link ADJ, oft ADJ in -ing/n
  = unique
+     alone
  Also an adverb.
    Alone among the major candidates, Gaviria expressed a determination to continue the campaign to defeat the drugs cartels.
    I alone was sane, I thought, in a world of crazy people.
  ADV: ADV prep, n ADV
 
7     alone
  When someone does something alone, they do it without help from other people.
    Bringing up a child alone should give you a sense of achievement.
    He was working alone and did not have an accomplice.
  ADV: ADV after v
 
8     alone
  If you go it alone, you do something without any help from other people. (INFORMAL)
    I missed the stimulation of working with others when I tried to go it alone.
  PHR: V inflects
 
(c) HarperCollins Publishers.

48. along      
    In addition to the uses shown below, along is used in phrasal verbs such as `go along with', `play along', and `string along'.
1     along
  If you move or look along something such as a road, you move or look towards one end of it.
    Newman walked along the street alone.
    The young man led Mark Ryle along a corridor.
    I looked along the length of the building.
  PREP
 
2     along
  If something is situated along a road, river, or corridor, it is situated in it or beside it.
    ...enormous traffic jams all along the roads.
    ...houses built on piles along the river...
    Along each wall stretched green metal filing cabinets.
  PREP
 
3     along
  When someone or something moves along, they keep moving in a particular direction.
    She skipped and danced along.
    He raised his voice a little, talking into the wind as they walked along.
    The wide road was blocked solid with traffic that moved along sluggishly.
  ADV: ADV after v
 
4     along
  If you say that something is going along in a particular way, you mean that it is progressing in that way.
    ...the negotiations which have been dragging along interminably...
    Everything was coming along fine after all.
    My life is going along nicely.
  ADV: ADV after v
 
5     along
  If you take someone or something along when you go somewhere, you take them with you.
    This is open to women of all ages, so bring along your friends and colleagues.
    Wives will have to bring along their marriage certificate.
  ADV: ADV after v
 
6     along
  If someone or something is coming along or is sent along, they are coming or being sent to a particular place.
    She invited everyone she knew to come along.
    He had the material tested and sent along the results.
  ADV: ADV after v
 
7     along
  You use along with to mention someone or something else that is also involved in an action or situation.
    The baby's mother escaped from the fire along with two other children.
    There are 32 different kinds of chocolate on sale along with the bread and cakes.
  PHR-PREP
 
8     along
  If something has been true or been present all along, it has been true or been present throughout a period of time.
    I've been fooling myself all along.
    I think she had been planning all along to leave Hungary.
  PHR: PHR with cl, PHR after v
 
(c) HarperCollins Publishers.

49. already      
1     already
  You use already to show that something has happened, or that something had happened before the moment you are referring to. Speakers of British English use already with a verb in a perfect tense, putting it after `have', `has', or `had', or at the end of a clause. Some speakers of American English use already with the simple past tense of the verb instead of a perfect tense.
    They had already voted for him at the first ballot.
    The group has already shed 10,000 jobs.
    She says she already told the neighbors not to come over for a couple of days.
    They've spent nearly a billion dollars on it already.
  ADV: ADV before v, cl ADV
 
2     already
  You use already to show that a situation exists at this present moment or that it exists at an earlier time than expected. You use already after the verb `be' or an auxiliary verb, or before a verb if there is no auxiliary. When you want add emphasis, you can put already at the beginning of a sentence.
    The authorities believe those security measures are already paying off.
    He was already rich.
    He was already late for his appointment.
    She also tried to make a mockery of our already tarnished justice system.
    Already, he has a luxurious, secluded villa in the swish community of Formello.
  ADV: ADV before v, ADV with group
 
(c) HarperCollins Publishers.

50. also      
1     also
  You can use also to give more information about a person or thing, or to add another relevant fact.
    It is the work of Ivor Roberts-Jones, who also produced the statue of Churchill in Parliament Square.
    He is an asthmatic who was also anaemic three months ago.
    She has a reputation for brilliance. Also, she is gorgeous.
  ADV: ADV before v, ADV with cl/group
 
2     also
  You can use also to indicate that something you have just said about one person or thing is true of another person or thing.
    General Geichenko was a survivor. His father, also a top-ranking officer, had perished during the war.
    This rule has also been applied in the case of a purchase of used tires and tubes.
    Not only cancer, but also heart and lung disease are influenced by smoking.
  ADV: ADV before v, ADV with group
 
(c) HarperCollins Publishers.

51.(4) alternative      
1     alternative   alternatives
  If one thing is an alternative to another, the first can be found, used, or done instead of the second.
    New ways to treat arthritis may provide an alternative to painkillers.
  N-COUNT: oft N to n
 
2     alternative
  An alternative plan or offer is different from the one that you already have, and can be done or used instead.
    There were alternative methods of travel available.
    They had a right to seek alternative employment.
  ADJ: ADJ n
  = other, alternate
3     alternative
  Alternative is used to describe something that is different from the usual things of its kind, or the usual ways of doing something, in modern Western society. For example, an alternative lifestyle does not follow conventional ways of living and working.
    ...unconventional parents who embraced the alternative lifestyle of the Sixties...
    If you like alternative comedy you'll love this book.
  ADJ: ADJ n The form alternate is sometimes used, especially in American English, instead of alternative
  * conventional
4     alternative
  Alternative medicine uses traditional ways of curing people, such as medicines made from plants, massage, and acupuncture.
    ...alternative health care.
  ADJ: ADJ n The form alternate is sometimes used, especially in American English, instead of alternative
 
5     alternative
  Alternative energy uses natural sources of energy such as the sun, wind, or water for power and fuel, rather than oil, coal, or nuclear power.
  ADJ: ADJ n The form alternate is sometimes used, especially in American English, instead of alternative
 
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52. always      
1     always
  If you always do something, you do it whenever a particular situation occurs. If you always did something, you did it whenever a particular situation occurred.
    Whenever I get into a relationship, I always fall madly in love.
    She's always late for everything.
    We've always done it this way. In fact, we've never done it any other way.
    Always lock your garage.
  ADV: ADV before v
  * never
2     always
  If something is always the case, was always the case, or will always be the case, it is, was, or will be the case all the time, continuously.
    We will always remember his generous hospitality.
    He has always been the family solicitor.
    He was always cheerful.
  ADV: ADV before v, ADV group
  * never
3     always
  If you say that something is always happening, especially something which annoys you, you mean that it happens repeatedly.
    She was always moving things around.
  ADV: ADV before v-cont
  = forever
4     always
  You use always in expressions such as can always or could always when you are making suggestions or suggesting an alternative approach or method.
    If you can't find any decent apples, you can always try growing them yourself.
    `What are you going to do?'n`I don't know. I could always go back in the Navy or something.'
  ADV: can/could ADV inf
 
5     always
  You can say that someone always was, for example, awkward or lucky to indicate that you are not surprised about what they are doing or have just done.
    She's going to be fine. She always was pretty strong.
    You always were a good friend.
  ADV: ADV before v
 
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53.(4) American      
    American
  An American person or thing belongs to or comes from the United States of America.
    ...the American Ambassador at the United Nations...
    It was very pleasant to sit in the summer in open air theaters and see American movies.
  ADJ
 
    See also Latin American.
+     American   Americans
  An American is someone who is American.
    The 1990 Nobel Prize for medicine was won by two Americans.
  N-COUNT
 
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54. among      
1     among
  Someone or something that is situated or moving among a group of things or people is surrounded by them.
    ...youths in their late teens sitting among adults...
    They walked among the crowds in Red Square.
    ...a garden of semi-tropical vegetation set among pools and waterfalls.
  PREP The form amongst is also used, but is more literary
  = amidst
2     among
  If you are among people of a particular kind, you are with them and having contact with them.
    Things weren't so bad, after all. I was among friends again.
    I was brought up among people who read and wrote a lot.
  PREP The form amongst is also used, but is more literary
 
3     among
  If someone or something is among a group, they are a member of that group and share its characteristics.
    A fifteen year old girl was among the injured.
    Also among the speakers was the new American ambassador to Moscow.
  PREP The form amongst is also used, but is more literary
 
4     among
  If you want to focus on something that is happening within a particular group of people, you can say that it is happening among that group.
    Homicide is the leading cause of death among black men.
    ...discussions among the world leaders who are in Paris for the European security conference.
  PREP The form amongst is also used, but is more literary
 
5     among
  If something happens among a group of people, it happens within the whole of that group or between the members of that group.
    The calls for reform come as intense debate continues among the leadership over the next five-year economic plan.
    Much of the talk of political disaster had been among intellectuals.
  PREP The form amongst is also used, but is more literary
 
6     among
  If something such as a feeling, opinion, or situation exists among a group of people, most of them have it or experience it.
    There was some concern among book and magazine retailers after last Wednesday's news.
    The resort is popular among ski enthusiasts.
  PREP The form amongst is also used, but is more literary
 
7     among
  You use among before a noun to mention a group when talking about a smaller group within it.
    Among those 18 and over, 510,000 benefit claimants were not unemployed.
    Among the varieties available, my preference stays with the old and lovely pink-flowered variety, `Apple Blossom'.
  PREP The form amongst is also used, but is more literary
 
8     among
  If something applies to a particular person or thing among others, it also applies to other people or things.
    ...a news conference attended among others by our foreign affairs correspondent...
    She knew many theatrical personalities and had worked, among others, with George Bernard Shaw.
  PREP The form amongst is also used, but is more literary
 
9     among
  If something is shared among a number of people, some of it is given to all of them.
    Most of the furniture was left to the neighbours or distributed among friends.
    She tried to ensure her affection was equally shared among all three children.
  PREP The form amongst is also used, but is more literary
 
10     among
  If people talk, fight, or agree among themselves, they do it together, without involving anyone else.
    European farm ministers disagree among themselves.
    The directors have been arguing among themselves.
  PREP: PREP pron-refl The form amongst is also used, but is more literary
  = amongst
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55.(4) amount      
1     amount   amounts
  The amount of something is how much there is, or how much you have, need, or get.
    He needs that amount of money to survive.
    I still do a certain amount of work for them.
    Postal money orders are available in amounts up to $700.
  N-VAR: usu N of n
 
2     amount   amounts   amounting   amounted
  If something amounts to a particular total, all the parts of it add up to that total.
    Consumer spending on sports-related items amounted to s9.75 billion.
  VB
 
3     amount
  If you say that there is any amount of something, there is a lot of it. If you say that there are any amount of people or things, there are many people or things.
    I'm able to lay my hands on any amount of cash at a minute's notice.
    There are any amount of clubs you could join.
  PHR
 
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56.(4) analyst      
1     analyst   analysts
  An analyst is a person whose job is to analyse a subject and give opinions about it.
    ...a political analyst.
  N-COUNT
 
2     analyst   analysts
  An analyst is someone, usually a doctor, who examines and treats people who are emotionally disturbed.
  N-COUNT
  = psychoanalyst
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57. analyst      
1     analyst   analysts
  An analyst is a person whose job is to analyse a subject and give opinions about it.
    ...a political analyst.
  N-COUNT
 
2     analyst   analysts
  An analyst is someone, usually a doctor, who examines and treats people who are emotionally disturbed.
  N-COUNT
  = psychoanalyst
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58.(4) animal      
1     animal   animals
  An animal is a living creature such as a dog, lion, or rabbit, rather than a bird, fish, insect, or human being.
    He was attacked by wild animals.
    He had a real knowledge of animals, birds and flowers.
  N-COUNT
 
2     animal   animals
  Any living creature other than a human being can be referred to as an animal.
    Language is something which fundamentally distinguishes humans from animals.
    ...a habitat for plants and animals.
  N-COUNT
 
3     animal   animals
  Any living creature, including a human being, can be referred to as an animal.
    Watch any young human being, or any other young animal.
  N-COUNT
 
4     animal
  Animal products come from animals rather than from plants.
    The illegal trade in animal products continues to flourish.
    Cut down on animal fats found in red meat, hard cheeses and so on.
  ADJ
 
5     animal   animals
  If you say that someone is an animal, you find their behaviour disgusting or very unpleasant.
    This man is an animal, a beast.
    He was an animal in his younger days.
  N-COUNT disapproval
 
6     animal
  Animal qualities, feelings, or abilities relate to someone's physical nature and instincts rather than to their mind.
    There was no doubting the animal magnetism of the man.
    You feel an animal panic to run and hide.
  ADJ
 
7     animal   animals
  You can refer to someone as a particular type of animal in order to say what their interests are or what their typical behaviour is.
    You're quite a party animal aren't you, out there every night.
    The entrepreneur at twenty-five is a different animal from the entrepreneur at fifty.
  N-COUNT: supp N
 
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59. announce      
1     announce   announces   announcing   announced
  If you announce something, you tell people about it publicly or officially.
    He will announce tonight that he is resigning from office.
    She was planning to announce her engagement to Peter.
    It was announced that the groups have agreed to a cease-fire.
  VB
 
2     announce   announces   announcing   announced
  If you announce a piece of news or an intention, especially something that people may not like, you say it loudly and clearly, so that everyone you are with can hear it.
    Peter announced that he had no intention of wasting his time at any university.
    `I'm having a bath and going to bed,' she announced, and left the room.
  VB
  = declare
3     announce   announces   announcing   announced
  If an airport or railway employee announces something, they tell the public about it by means of a loudspeaker system.
    Station staff announced the arrival of the train over the tannoy.
    They announced his plane was delayed.
  VB
 
4     announce   announces   announcing   announced
  If a letter, sound, or sign announces something, it informs people about it.
    The next letter announced the birth of another boy.
    His entrance was announced by a buzzer connected to the door.
  VB
 
5     announce   announces   announcing   announced
  If a meal or a guest is announced by a servant at a formal party, the servant says clearly that the meal is ready or the guest has arrived.
    Dinner was announced, and served.
  VB: usu passive
 
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