A2 (Elementary)

air

air [noun] (GAS)

the mixture of gases that surrounds the Earth and that we breathe

/er/

/eər/

Example:

I went outside to get some fresh air.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

air

noun (no plural)

1 the mixture of gases that surrounds the earth and that you take in through your nose and mouth when you breathe:
Please open a window — I need some fresh air.

2 the space around and above things:
He threw the ball up into the air.

3 travel or transport in an aircraft:
It's more expensive to travel by air than by train.
an air ticket

on air, on the air on the radio or on television:
This radio station is on the air 24 hours a day.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

air

I. air¹ S1 W1 /eə $ er/ BrE AmE noun
[Sense 1-7, 9: Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: Latin aer, from Greek]
[Sense 8: Date: 1500-1600; Origin: Probably a translation of Italian aria; ⇨ ↑aria]
1. GAS [uncountable] the mixture of gases around the Earth, that we breathe:
Let’s go outside and get some fresh air.
You need to put some air in the tyres.
in the air
There was a strong smell of burning in the air. ⇨ a breath of fresh air at ↑breath(2)
2. SPACE ABOVE THE GROUND the air the space above the ground or around things
into the air
Flames leapt into the air.
through the air
He fell 2,000 metres through the air without a parachute.
3. PLANES
a) by air travelling by, or using, a plane:
I’d prefer to travel by air.
b) relating to or involving planes:
the victims of Britain’s worst air disaster
Air travel was growing rapidly.
air traffic congestion
His brother died in an air crash.
4. be in the air
a) if a feeling is in the air, a lot of people feel it at the same time:
There was a sense of excitement in the air.
b) to be going to happen very soon:
Change is in the air.
5. APPEARANCE [singular] if something or someone has an air of confidence, mystery etc, they seem confident, mysterious etc
air of
She had an air of quiet confidence.
She looked at him with a determined air.
6. be up in the air if something is up in the air, no decision has been made about it yet:
Our trip is still very much up in the air.
7. be on/off (the) air to be broadcasting on the radio or television at the present moment, or to stop broadcasting:
We’ll be on air in three minutes.
8. MUSIC [countable] a simple tune, often used in the title of a piece of ↑classical music
9. airs [plural] a way of behaving that shows someone thinks they are more important than they really are
put on airs/give yourself airs
Trudy is always putting on airs.
an actor with no airs and graces
10. be walking/floating on air to feel very happy
⇨ ↑hot air, ↑on-air, ⇨ clear the air at ↑clear²(15), ⇨ disappear/vanish into thin air at ↑thin¹(15), ⇨ out of thin air at ↑thin¹(16)
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ adjectives
▪ fresh She opened the window to let in some fresh air.
▪ clean London’s air is cleaner than it has been at any time since 1585.
▪ warm/hot Warm air rises and is replaced by cooler and denser air. | I felt a sudden rush of hot air.
▪ cool/cold The air had turned a little cooler.
▪ crisp (=pleasantly cool) the crisp autumn air
▪ clear I looked up to the stars in the clear night air.
▪ damp/humid Damp air causes condensation.
▪ polluted The air in Mexico City is heavily polluted.
▪ stale (=not fresh and often full of smoke) The room was full of stale air and tobacco smoke.
▪ the air is thin (=there is less oxygen because you are in a high place) People cannot live up there because the air is too thin and there is not enough oxygen to breathe.
▪ the morning/evening/night air He stepped out and breathed in the cold morning air.
▪ the sea/mountain/country air the salty smell of the sea air
▪ the still air (=air in which there is no wind) Smoke from the chimneys hung in the still air.
■ air + NOUN
▪ air pollution Most air pollution is caused by cars.
▪ the air quality The air quality is very poor on hot days.
▪ the air pressure The air pressure had dropped.
■ phrases
▪ a breath of air I went outside for a breath of air.
▪ a rush/blast/stream of air There was a cold rush of air as she wound down her window.
▪ a current of air The birds are able to glide on a current of warm air.
■ verbs
▪ breathe in the air She breathed in the cool mountain air.
▪ fight/gasp for air (=try to breathe with difficulty) He clutched his throat as he fought for air.
▪ let in some air (=let fresh air into a room) It would be nice to open the door and let in some air.
▪ put air into something (=fill a tyre, balloon etc with air) I need to put some air in the tyres.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

air

air [air airs aired airing] noun, verb [eə(r)] [er]

noun

GAS
1. uncountable the mixture of gases that surrounds the earth and that we breathe
• air pollution
• Let's go out for some fresh air.
• I need to put some air in my tyres.
• currents of warm air
• whales coming up for air (= in order to breathe)

• The act lays down a minimum standard for air quality.

SPACE

2. uncountable (usually the air) the space above the ground or that is around things
• I kicked the ball high in/into the air.
• Spicy smells wafted through the air.
• Music filled the night air.

see also open air

FOR PLANES

3. uncountable the space above the earth where planes fly
• It only takes three hours by air (= in a plane).
• air travel/traffic
• The temple was clearly visible from the air.

• A surprise air attack (= from aircraft) was launched at night.

IMPRESSION

4. singular the particular feeling or impression that is given by sb/sth; the way sb does sth
• The room had an air of luxury.
• She looked at him with a defiant air.

• There was an air of complete confidence about her.

TUNE

5. countable (old-fashioned) (often used in the title of a piece of music) a tune

• Bach's Air on a G string

BEHAVIOUR

6. airs plural (disapproving) a way of behaving that shows that sb thinks that they are more important, etc. than they really are
• I hate the way she puts on airs.
more at a breath of (fresh) air at breath, (build) castles in the air at castle, clear the air at clear _v., with your nose in the air at nose _n., pluck sth out of the air at pluck _v., disappear, vanish, etc. into thin airout of thin air at thin _adj.
Word Origin:
Middle English (in senses 1-3 of noun): from Old French air, from Latin aer, from Greek aēr, denoting the gas. Senses 4 and 6 of the noun are from French air, probably from Old French aire ‘site, disposition’, from Latin ager, agr- ‘field’ (influenced by senses 1-3). Sense 5 of the noun comes from Italian aria, from Latin aer ‘air’.
Example Bank:
• He drew in another breath of air.
• He had an air of mystery about him.
• He leaned over to Melissa with an air of confidentiality.
• He punched the air in triumph.
• I hate the way she puts on airs.
• I kicked the ball high into the air.
• I sat for a moment, inhaling the fresh forest air.
• It only takes three hours by air.
• It's difficult carrying such heavy loads in the thin air of the mountains.
• Land crabs breathe air and cannot swim.
• Nothing moved in the still air.
• She gulped in the fresh mountain air.
• She was gasping for air as she ran out of the burning house.
• Spicy smells wafted through the air.
• Suddenly a scream pierced the air.
• The air was sweet with incense.
• The air was thick with cigarette smoke.
• The argument helped to clear the air between them.
• The cool night air wafted in the open windows.
• The dog stretched and sniffed the air.
• The hideout is clearly visible from the air.
• The market is held in the open air.
• The tang of some wild herb hung in the air.
• The two planes collided in mid-air.
• There are regulatory requirements for clean air and water.
• They have developed an engine powered by compressed air.
• Three buildings were bombed last night in an air strike on the city.
• We are cleared by Air Traffic Control to taxi and take off.
• We felt a blast of cold air as she opened the door.
• We need some fresh air in this stuffy room!
• You have an air of authority.
• equipment to monitor air quality
• the musty smell of stale air
• the polluted air of our cities
• warm currents of air
• A surprise air attack was launched at night.
• air travel/traffic/fares
Idioms: airs and graces ▪ in the air ▪ on air ▪ up in the air ▪ walk on air

Derived: air out ▪ air something out

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

air / eə r / / er / noun (GAS)

A2 [ U ] the mixture of gases that surrounds the Earth and that we breathe:

I went outside to get some fresh air.

You should put some air in your tyres - they look flat to me.

the air B2 [ S ] the space above the ground, especially high above the ground:

The air was filled with the scent of roses.

Throw your gun down and put your hands in the air.

The police fired into the air to clear the demonstrators from the streets.

air / eə r / / er / noun [ U ] (AIRCRAFT)

A2 travel in an aircraft:

I don't travel much by air.

an air crash/disaster

air travel

air / eə r / / er / noun [ S ] (MANNER)

C2 manner or appearance:

She has an air of confidence about her.

air / eə r / / er / noun (BROADCAST)

be on/off (the) air C1 If a programme or a person is on/off (the) air, they are/are not broadcasting on radio or television:

The radio station is on air from 6 a.m.

As soon as the war started, any broadcasts with a military theme were taken off the air.

air / eə r / / er / noun [ C ] (TUNE)

a simple tune:

Bach's Air on a G String

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

air

[e͟ə(r)]

airs, airing, aired
1) N-UNCOUNT 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.
2) N-SING: the N 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.
3) N-UNCOUNT: usu N n, by N 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.
4) N-COUNT: usu with supp An air is a simple tune which can be easily recognized and remembered. [OLD-FASHIONED]
5) N-SING: with supp, oft N of n 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.
6) N-PLURAL (disapproval) 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.
7) VERB If a broadcasting company airs a television or radio programme, they show it on television or broadcast it on the radio. [mainly AM]
  [V n] Tonight PBS will air a documentary called `Democracy In Action'.
  Syn:
  broadcast
  Derived words:
  airing N-SING Switzer said his program and his university could not tolerate the airing of this material.
8) VERB If you air your opinions, you make them known to people.
  [V n] They sat for more than six hours, and both sides agreed they had aired all their differences...
  [V n] The whole issue was thoroughly aired at the meeting.
  Syn:
  express
  Derived words:
  airing N-SING a N While we're able to broach the subject of sex, money rarely gets an airing.
9) VERB If you air a room or building, you let fresh air into it.
  [V n] One day a week her mother systematically cleaned and aired each room.
  Derived words:
  airing N-SING a N Open all the windows of the bedroom and give it a good airing.
10) VERB If you air clothing or bedding, you put it somewhere warm to make sure that it is completely dry.
  [V n] When the shirts were clean, I ironed them myself, aired them and placed them in drawers in his room.
11) PHRASE: V inflects 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.
12) PHRASE (disapproval) 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 cliché of the customer being always right is what gives them airs and graces.
13) PHRASE 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.
14) PHRASE: v-link PHR, PHR after v 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.
15) PHRASE: PHR after v 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.
16) PHRASE: v-link PHR 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.
  Syn:
  undecided
  Ant:
  settled
17) PHRASE: V inflects 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.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

air

²air verb airs; aired; air·ing
1 a : to place something in an open area where there is a lot of moving air to make it cool, dry, or clean

[+ obj]

• air a blanket
• air damp clothing

[no obj]

• The blankets were left outside to air.
b : to allow air from the outside to enter something (such as a room) so that it becomes fresher or cleaner

[+ obj]

• She opened the windows to air the room.
- usually + out in U.S. English
• She opened the windows to air out the room.
• air out a closet

[no obj]

- usually + out in U.S. English
• She opened the windows to let the room air out.
2 [+ obj] : to make (something) known in public : to state (something) publicly
• The company had a meeting so that employees could air their complaints/grievances.
• publicly airing their differences
• Let's not air our dirty laundry [=discuss our problems, make our problems known] in public.
3 : to broadcast something on radio or television

[+ obj]

• air a program
• The interview will be aired tomorrow.

[no obj]

• The program airs daily.
• The interview will air tomorrow.

¹air /ˈeɚ/ noun, pl airs
1 [noncount]
a : the invisible mixture of gases (such as nitrogen and oxygen) that surrounds the Earth and that people and animals breathe
• These laws are meant to produce cleaner air.
• A delicious smell filled the air.
• I like to dine outdoors in the open air.
• cool/warm air
• fresh air
• a sudden gust of air [=wind]
• polluted air
• stale air
• the hot summer air
• He can't breathe! Everybody move back and give him some air!
• High in the mountains the air is thin and it can be hard to breathe.
• He pumped air into the bicycle tire.
• My keys seem to have vanished/disappeared into thin air. [=to have vanished in a very sudden and mysterious way]
• He seemed to appear out of thin air. [=in a very sudden and mysterious way]
- see also a breath of fresh air at breath
b : the space or sky that is filled with air
• land, water, and air
• The city is wonderful seen from the air.
• the fish of the sea and the birds of the air
• The balloon rose up into the air and then floated through/in the air.
• There has been heavy fighting on the ground and in the air.
2 [noncount] : methods of travel that involve flying
• travel by air [=by flying in airplanes]
- often used before another noun
• an air attack
• air safety
• air travel/travelers
3 [singular] : a quality that a person or thing has
• a dignified air
- often + of
• an air of dignity
• The new furniture has given the hotel an air of luxury.
• He has an air of mystery about him. [=he has a mysterious quality]
4 [count] old-fashioned : a song or tune
• a pleasing air
5 [noncount] US : air-conditioning
• a house with central air
clear the air : to talk about problems, feelings, etc., in order to reach agreement or understanding
• They cleared the air (between them) by discussing their differences.
floating on air or walking on air : feeling very happy
• After he won the election, he was walking on air.
give yourself airs or put on airs : to act in a way that shows you think you are better than other people
• Some of her old friends have accused her of putting on airs since she became wealthy.
• She's very rich, but she doesn't give herself airs.
✦In British English, the phrase airs and graces describes an overly superior or proud way of behaving.
• She's very rich, but she doesn't give herself any airs and graces. = She doesn't have any airs and graces. = She doesn't put on any airs and graces.
hang in the air
- see hang in at ¹hang
in the air
1 : felt or sensed by many people
• There was a great sense of anticipation in the air as game time approached.
2 : expected to happen soon
• Many changes are in the air.
nose in the air
- see ¹nose
off the air of a radio or television station, program, etc. : not being broadcast
• The station is now off the air.
• They took him off the air because of his extreme views.
• It was my favorite show, but it went off the air [=stopped being broadcast] last year.
on the air also on air of a radio or television station, program, etc. : being broadcast
• The interview will be on the air tomorrow. [=the interview will air tomorrow; the interview will be broadcast tomorrow]
• an interview being shown on air
• a show that first came/went on the air [=started being broadcast] five years ago
• The President went on the air to defend his policies.
up in the air : not yet settled or decided
• Our vacation plans are still up in the air.
- air·less /ˈeɚləs/ adj
• a hot, airless room

American English

British English

Specific chemicals

chemical compounds and gases

A2 (Elementary)

noun

player

player [noun] (SOUNDS/PICTURES)

a machine for playing music, sound, or pictures

/ˈpleɪ.ɚ/

/ˈpleɪ.ər/

Example:

a CD/DVD player

Oxford Essential Dictionary

player

noun

1 a person who plays a game:
football players

2 a person who plays a musical instrument:
a trumpet player

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

player

I. play‧a /ˈpleɪjʌ/ BrE AmE (also player) noun [countable] spoken informal
a man who is good at meeting women and persuading them to have sex with him
II. play‧er S2 W1 /ˈpleɪə $ -ər/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
[Word Family: noun: ↑play, ↑interplay, ↑replay, ↑player, ↑playfulness; verb: ↑play, ↑outplay, ↑replay; adjective: ↑playful, ↑playable; adverb: ↑playfully]
1. someone who takes part in a game or sport:
a basketball player
2. one of the important people, companies, countries etc that is involved in and influences a situation, especially one involving competition
a major/dominant/key etc player
a firm that is a dominant player on Wall Street
player in/on
a key player in world affairs
3. a CD/record/video etc player a machine that is used to play CDs, videos etc
4. someone who plays a musical instrument:
a guitar player
5. a man who has sexual relationships with many different women
6. old-fashioned an actor
⇨ key mover/player at ↑key²

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

player

play·er [player players] [ˈpleɪə(r)] [ˈpleɪər] noun
1. a person who takes part in a game or sport
• a tennis/rugby/chess, etc. player
• a game for four players
• a midfield player

• We've lost two key players through injury.

2. a company or person involved in a particular area of business or politics
• The company has emerged as a major player in the London property market.

see also team player

3. (in compounds) a machine for reproducing sound or pictures that have been recorded on CDs, etc

• a CD/DVD/cassette/record player

4. (usually in compounds) a person who plays a musical instrument

• a trumpet player

5. (old-fashioned) (especially in names) an actor
• Phoenix Players present ‘Romeo and Juliet’.
Thesaurus:
player noun C
• She's one of the country's top tennis players.
athlete • • runner • |especially BrE sportsman • • sportswoman • • sportsperson • |AmE, informal, sometimes disapproving jock •
a top/great/keen player/athlete/runner/sportsman, etc.
a/an all-round/amateur/professional player/athlete/sportsman, etc.
a/an player/athlete/runner/sportsman, etc. competes (in sth)
Example Bank:
• The club was forced to sell their star player.
• The team has drafted some good players in recent years.
• Their company is a major player in the London property market.
• These boots are for the professional rather than for the average player.
• one of the country's top tennis players
• At that time, he was one of the most famous baseball players in America.
• He proved an excellent chess player.
• She's a former international netball player for New Zealand.
• They're both attacking players who've scored 37 of the team's 40 goals this season.

• We've lost two key players through injury.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

player / ˈpleɪ.ə r / / -ɚ / noun [ C ] (SOUNDS/PICTURES)

A2 a person who plays a musical instrument:

a recorder/piano player

A2 a machine for playing music, sound, or pictures:

a CD/DVD player

player / ˈpleɪ.ə r / / -ɚ / noun [ C ] (ACTING)

old use an actor used in the names of some theatre companies:

the Shakespeare Players

player / ˈpleɪ.ə r / / -ɚ / noun [ C ] (GAME)

A1 someone who takes part in a game or sport:

Each player takes three cards.

The team has many talented players.

someone who is very involved in an activity or organization:

She was a leading/key player in the reorganization of the health service.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

player

[ple͟ɪə(r)]

players
1) N-COUNT A player in a sport or game is a person who takes part, either as a job or for fun.
  ...his greatness as a player...
  She was a good golfer and tennis player.
  ...top chess-players.
2) N-COUNT You can use player to refer to a musician. For example, a piano player is someone who plays the piano.
  ...a professional trumpet player.
3) N-COUNT: oft supp N, N in n If a person, country, or organization is a player in something, they are involved in it and important in it.
  Big business has become a major player in the art market...
  America is not a party to the negotiations, yet it is a key player...
4) N-COUNT A player is an actor.
  ...a company of players...
  Oscar nominations went to all five leading players.
5) → See also cassette player, CD player, record player, team player

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

player

play·er /ˈplejɚ/ noun, pl -ers [count]
1 : a person who plays a sport or game
• She's one of the team's best players.
• a star baseball player
• professional poker players
- see also team player
2 : a person who performs music usually on a particular instrument
• The band's lead guitar player hurt his hand and couldn't play.
• Piano players are called pianists.
3 : a machine that causes recorded sounds or pictures to be heard or seen
• a record/DVD/CD player
4 : a person who participates in a usually competitive field or activity
• She is a key/major/top player in genetics research.
• one of the industry's inside players
5 old-fashioned : an actor or actress
• a traveling band of players
• Even the movie's bit players [=people who perform very small roles] are excellent.
6 US slang : a person and especially a man who has sexual relationships with more than one person at the same time
• That guy's a player.

American English

British English

audio and video equipment

A2 (Elementary)

noun

healthful

healthful [adjective]

helping to produce good health

/ˈhelθ.fəl/

Example:

A healthful diet includes lots of green vegetables.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

healthful

health‧ful /ˈhelθfəl/ BrE AmE adjective formal
likely to make you healthy:
healthful mountain air

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

healthful

health·ful [healthful healthfully] [ˈhelθfl] [ˈhelθfl] adjective usually before noun (formal or NAmE)
good for your health

Derived Word: healthfully

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

healthful / ˈhelθ.f ə l / adjective US

helping to produce good health:

A healthful diet includes lots of green vegetables.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

healthful

[he̱lθfʊl]
ADJ-GRADED
Something that is healthful is good for your health.
Does the college cafeteria provide a healthful diet?...
Chinese cooking is both low in calories and healthful.
Syn:
healthy

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

healthful

health·ful /ˈhɛlɵfəl/ adj [more ~; most ~] : good for your health : healthy
• healthful living
• a healthful lifestyle/diet
• The meal was both healthful and satisfying.
- health·ful·ly adv
- health·ful·ness noun [noncount]

earphones

earphones [noun]

a piece of electronic equipment that you put over or in your ears so that you can listen privately to radio, recorded music, etc.

/ˈɪr.foʊnz/

/ˈiə.fəʊnz/

Example:

a pair/set of earphones

Oxford Essential Dictionary

earphones

noun (plural) = headphones

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

earphone

ear‧phone /ˈɪəfəʊn $ ˈɪrfoʊn/ BrE AmE noun [usually plural]
a small piece of equipment connected by a wire to a radio, ↑personal stereo etc, which you put in or over your ears so that only you can listen to it

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

earphones

ear·phones [earphones] [ˈɪəfəʊnz] [ˈɪrfoʊnz] noun plural
= headphones
Example Bank:
• She was listening to a personal stereo through earphones.

• She was listening to her MP3 player through earphones.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

earphones / ˈiə.fəʊnz / / ˈɪr.foʊnz / noun [ plural ]

a piece of electronic equipment that you put over or in your ears so that you can listen privately to radio, recorded music, etc.:

a pair/set of earphones

See picture earphones

See picture music listening

American English

British English

amplifiers

microphones and speakers

A2 (Elementary)

noun

special

special [noun] (NOT USUAL)

not ordinary or usual

/ˈspeʃ.əl/

Example:

The car has a number of special safety features.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

special

adjective

1 not usual or ordinary; important for a reason:
It's my birthday today so we are having a special dinner.

2 for a particular person or thing:
He goes to a special school for deaf children.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

special

I. spe‧cial¹ S1 W1 /ˈspeʃəl/ BrE AmE adjective
[Word Family: noun: ↑special, ↑specialist, SPECIALITY/SPECIALTY, ↑specialization, ↑specialism; adjective: ↑special, ↑specialized; verb: ↑specialize; adverb: ↑specially]
[Date: 1100-1200; Language: Old French; Origin: especial, from Latin specialis 'particular', from species; ⇨ ↑species]
1. not ordinary or usual, but different in some way and often better or more important:
a special place in the classroom for reading
No one receives special treatment.
Maria’s special recipe for apple pie
The good china was used only on special occasions.
Each village has its own special charm.
anything/something/nothing special
Are you doing anything special for Christmas?
2. particularly important to someone and deserving attention, love etc:
a party with a few special friends
a teacher who made every child feel special
Her second son had a special place in her heart.
3. [only before noun] a special position or job has a particular purpose or aim, and continues only until that purpose or aim is achieved:
Mitchell acted as a special envoy in the Northern Ireland peace talks.
4. [only before noun] more than usual SYN particular:
Pay special attention to how you clean the wound.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

special

spe·cial [special specials] adjective, noun [ˈspeʃl] [ˈspeʃl]

adjective
1. usually before noun not ordinary or usual; different from what is normal
Syn: exceptional
• The school will only allow this in special circumstances.
• Some of the officials have special privileges.
• There is something special about this place.

• This type of wood needs special treatment.

2. more important than others; deserving or getting more attention than usual
• What are your special interests?
• She's a very special friend.
• Our special guest on next week's show will be…

• Don't lose it — it's special.

3. organized or intended for a particular purpose
• a special event
• These teachers need special training.

• Dr Pearce is the special adviser on environmental issues.

4. used by or intended for one particular person or group of people
• She has a special way of smiling.

• He sent a special message to the men.

5. only before noun better or more than usual
• As an only child she got special attention.
• Please take special care of it.
compare especial
Word Origin:
Middle English: shortening of Old French especial ‘especial’ or Latin specialis, from species ‘appearance’, from specere ‘to look’.
Thesaurus:
special adj.
1. usually before noun
• Journalists were given no special privileges.
exceptional • • particular • |formal extraordinary •
Opp: ordinary
a special/an exceptional case/situation
special/exceptional circumstances
of special/particular concern/importance/interest
2.
• She has a special way of smiling.
unique • • distinctive • • peculiar • • idiosyncratic • |usually approving individual •
sth special/unique/distinctive/individual about sth
a/an special/unique/distinctive/peculiar/idiosyncratic/individual style/character
sb/sth's special/unique/distinctive/peculiar brand of sth
Example Bank:
• He was usually to be found in the cafe at his own special table by the window.
• In special circumstances candidates without these qualifications may be considered.
• It's the author's special way of paying homage to an earlier poet.
• Journalists were given no special privileges.
• Police advised residents to take special precautions because of the increase in burglaries.
• The President ended with a special message for the people of Texas.
• The choreographer created a special style of dance for each character.
• The director received a special ovation from the actors.
• The directors have their own special pension fund.
• The merger was approved at a special meeting of shareholders.
• The oil industry was treated as a special case.
• The speaker paid special tribute to the founder of the organization.
• There really is something special about the place.

Idiom: on special

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

special / ˈspeʃ. ə l / adjective (NOT USUAL)

A2 not ordinary or usual:

The car has a number of special safety features.

Is there anything special that you'd like to do today?

Passengers should tell the airline in advance if they have any special dietary needs.

I don't expect special treatment - I just want to be treated fairly.

Full details of the election results will be published in a special edition of tomorrow's newspaper.

I have a suit for special occasions .

There's a special offer on peaches ( UK also peaches are on special offer ) (= they are being sold at a reduced price) this week.

A2 especially great or important, or having a quality that most similar things or people do not have:

Could I ask you a special favour?

I'm cooking something special for her birthday.

special / ˈspeʃ. ə l / adjective [ before noun ] (PARTICULAR)

B1 having a particular purpose:

Firefighters use special breathing equipment in smoky buildings.

Some of the children have special educational needs.

You need special tyres on your car for snow.

She works as a special adviser to the president.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

special

[spe̱ʃ(ə)l]

specials
1) ADJ-GRADED Someone or something that is special is better or more important than other people or things.
  You're very special to me, darling...
  There are strong arguments for holidays at Easter and Christmas because these are special occasions...
  Just to see him was something special...
  My special guest will be comedian Ben Elton.
  Ant:
  ordinary
2) ADJ: ADJ n Special means different from normal.
  In special cases, a husband can deduct the travel expenses of his wife who accompanies him on a business trip...
  So you didn't notice anything special about him?...
  There is nothing worse than trying to relax and eat a special meal only to find clouds of cigarette smoke drifting over you.
  ...`Little Scarlet' strawberry jam, made from a special variety of strawberry.
  Ant:
  normal
3) ADJ: ADJ n You use special to describe someone who is officially appointed or who has a particular position specially created for them.
  Due to his wife's illness, he returned to the State Department as special adviser to the President...
  Frank Deford is a special correspondent for Newsweek magazine.
4) ADJ: ADJ n Special institutions are for people who have serious physical or mental problems.
  Police are still searching for a convicted rapist, who escaped from Broadmoor special hospital yesterday.
5) ADJ: ADJ n You use special to describe something that relates to one particular person, group, or place.
  Every anxious person will have his or her own special problems or fears.
  ...it requires a very special brand of courage to fight dictators.
  Syn:
  unique
6) N-COUNT A special is a product, programme, or meal which is not normally available, or which is made for a particular purpose.
  ...complaints about the BBC's Hallowee̱n special, `Ghostwatch'...
  Grocery stores have to offer enough specials to bring people into the store.
  ...talk shows and news specials.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

¹spe·cial /ˈspɛʃəl/ adj
1 [more ~; most ~] : different from what is normal or usual
• This is a special case and I want you to handle it personally.
• Only under special circumstances will you be allowed to retake the test.
• Is there any special [=particular] reason why you're not coming? especially; : unusual in a good way : better or more important than others
• Your many years of service put you in a special category.
• Why should you receive any special treatment?
• It takes a special quality to do what he did.
• This is a very special occasion.
• Are you doing anything special over the holidays?
• The movie was nothing special. [=was not particularly good]
• We have a special guest tonight—the mayor.
2 [more ~; most ~] : especially important or loved
• a special friend
• No one is more special to me than my wife.
• He always made her feel special.
• He holds a special place in her heart.
3 always used before a noun
a : more than is usual
• Pay special attention to the last paragraph.
• Take special care on the way down the stairs.
• They showed special concern for the children.
• The report places special emphasis on new technology.
b : additional or extra
• a special edition of a newspaper
• He won't tell us the special ingredient in his salad dressing.
• This camera has a special feature that lets you take panoramic views.
4 always used before a noun : relating to or intended for a particular purpose
• a special diet
• He was on special assignment for the government.
• special election coverage
• I was given special orders not to let you in.
• To clean the oven, I had to wear special gloves. [=a particular kind of glove]
• Do you have any special instructions for the babysitter?
• a special correspondent/prosecutor

lucky

lucky [adjective]

having good things happen to you by chance

/ˈlʌk.i/

Example:

"I'm going on holiday." "Lucky you!"

Oxford Essential Dictionary

lucky

adjective (luckier, luckiest)

1 having good luck:
She is lucky to be alive after the accident.
opposite unlucky

2 bringing success or good luck:
My lucky number is 3.
opposite unlucky

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

lucky

luck‧y S2 W3 /ˈlʌki/ BrE AmE adjective (comparative luckier, superlative luckiest)
[Word Family: adjective: ↑lucky ≠ ↑unlucky, ↑luckless; noun: ↑luck; adverb: ↑luckily ≠ ↑unluckily]
1. having good luck SYN fortunate OPP unlucky
be lucky to do/be something
The children were lucky to survive the fire which destroyed their home.
lucky enough to do something
those of us lucky enough to own our own homes
lucky if
I’ll be lucky if I get any of my money back.
lucky (that)
I was tremendously lucky that I didn’t die in the accident.
lucky with
We’ve been very lucky with the weather.
count/consider/think yourself lucky
Count yourself lucky you’ve got a husband like Jack.
get lucky (=be lucky on a particular occasion)
You might get lucky and find a bargain.
2. resulting from good luck:
I didn’t really know your name – it was just a lucky guess.
A middle-aged woman had a lucky escape when a tree crashed down onto her car.
it is lucky (that)
It’s lucky that no-one was hurt.
3. bringing good luck:
a lucky charm
4. lucky you/me etc spoken used to say that someone is fortunate to be able to do something:
‘My husband’s a rich man, and devoted to me.’ ‘Lucky you.’
5. be sb’s lucky day spoken used to say that something good and often unexpected will happen to someone:
We’re going to win. I just know it’s our lucky day
6. you’ll/you’d be lucky! spoken used to tell someone that what they want probably will not happen:
‘£50 should be enough.’ ‘You’ll be lucky!’
7. I/you should be so lucky! spoken used to tell someone that what they want is not likely to happen, especially because it is unreasonable:
You want three weeks holiday? You should be so lucky!
⇨ strike it lucky at ↑strike¹(19), ⇨ thank your lucky stars at ↑thank(3), ⇨ third time lucky at ↑third¹(2)
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ verbs
▪ feel lucky I feel so incredibly lucky to have had that experience.
▪ get lucky informal (=be lucky) They’re not a great team - they just got lucky.
▪ count/consider/think yourself lucky (=believe that you are lucky in a particular situation) You should count yourself lucky you weren’t seriously hurt.
▪ strike (it) lucky informal (=be lucky) I applied for twenty jobs before I struck lucky.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

lucky

lucky [lucky luckier luckiest] [ˈlʌki] [ˈlʌki] adjective (luck·ier, lucki·est)
1. having good luck
Syn: fortunate
• ~ (to do sth) His friend was killed and he knows he is lucky to be alive.
• She was lucky enough to be chosen for the team.
• ~ (that…) You were lucky (that) you spotted the danger in time.
• You can think yourself lucky you didn't get mugged.
• She counted herself lucky that she still had a job.
• Mark is one of the lucky ones — he at least has somewhere to sleep.

• the lucky winners

2. ~ (for sb) (that…) being the result of good luck
• It was lucky for us that we were able to go.
• That was the luckiest escape of my life.

• a lucky guess

3. bringing good luck
• a lucky charm
more at strike (it) lucky at strike _v., thank your lucky stars at thank, third time lucky at third
Idioms: lucky you/me ▪ you should be so lucky ▪ you'll be lucky
Derived Word: luckily
Thesaurus:
lucky adj.
1.
• Sam knew he was lucky to be alive.
fortunate • • in luck •
Opp: unlucky
lucky/fortunate that…
lucky/fortunate to do sth
feel/consider yourself/count yourself/think yourself lucky/fortunate
2.
• It was lucky for us that he didn't see us.
fortunate • • happy • • timely •
Opp: unlucky
lucky/fortunate/timely for sb/sth
lucky/fortunate/timely that…
a lucky/fortunate/happy coincidence/chance
Example Bank:
• It was lucky for you that no one saw you.
• She hopes that some day she'll get lucky and win the jackpot.
• She is incredibly lucky to be alive.
• That was just plain lucky.
• We certainly struck it lucky with the weather.
• We've been pretty lucky so far.
• A lucky find on the edge of the Cotswolds is helping archaeologists discover what life was like in Roman Britain.
• I didn't know he was there— it was just a lucky guess.

• It was lucky for us that he didn't see us.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

lucky / ˈlʌk.i / adjective

A2 having good things happen to you by chance:

"I'm going on holiday." "Lucky you!"

The lucky winner will be able to choose from three different holidays.

[ + to infinitive ] They're lucky to have such a nice office to work in.

He's lucky that he wasn't fired.

It sounds as if you had a lucky escape (= by good chance you were able to avoid something dangerous or unpleasant) .

We'll be lucky if we get there by midnight at this rate (= we might get there by midnight or it might be later) .

B1 bringing good luck:

a lucky charm

Six is my lucky number.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

lucky

[lʌ̱ki]
luckier, luckiest
1) ADJ-GRADED: oft ADJ to-inf You say that someone is lucky when they have something that is very desirable or when they are in a very desirable situation.
  I am luckier than most. I have a job...
  I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the Earth...
  He is incredibly lucky to be alive...
  Those who are lucky enough to be wealthy have a duty to give to the hungry.
  Syn:
  fortunate
2) ADJ-GRADED Someone who is lucky seems to always have good luck.
  Some people are born lucky aren't they?...
  He had always been lucky at cards.
3) ADJ-GRADED If you describe an action or experience as lucky, you mean that it was good or successful, and that it happened by chance and not as a result of planning or preparation.
  They admit they are now desperate for a lucky break...
  He was lucky that it was only a can of beer that knocked him on the head.
4) ADJ: usu ADJ n A lucky object is something that people believe helps them to be successful.
  He did not have on his other lucky charm, a pair of green socks.
5) → See also happy-go-lucky
6) PHRASE: V inflects, usu PHR if, PHR to-inf If you say that someone will be lucky to do or get something, you mean that they are very unlikely to do or get it, and will definitely not do or get any more than that.
  You'll be lucky if you get any breakfast...
  Those remaining in work will be lucky to get the smallest of pay increases...
  You'll be lucky to have change out of ₤750.
7) PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR to-inf/that If you say that someone can count themselves lucky, you mean that the situation they are in or the thing that has happened to them is better than it might have been or than they might have expected.
  She counted herself lucky to get a job in one of Edinburgh's department stores...
  At the end of two days, you may count yourself lucky that you don't have to live here.
8) CONVENTION You can use lucky in expressions such as `Lucky you' and `Lucky devil' when you are slightly jealous of someone else's good luck or success, or surprised at it. [INFORMAL]
  `The thing about Mr Kemp is that he always treats me like a lady.' - `Lucky old you.'
9) PHRASE: V inflects If you strike lucky or strike it lucky, you have some good luck. [mainly BRIT, INFORMAL]
  You may strike lucky and find a sympathetic and helpful clerk, but, there again, you might not.
10) PHRASE: usu v-link PHR If you say that it is third time lucky for someone, you mean that they have tried to do a particular thing twice before and that this time they will succeed.
  I've had two runners-up medals with Monaco and AC Milan, but I hope it will be third time lucky and I get a winners' medal with Rangers.
11) to thank one's lucky stars → see star

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

lucky

lucky /ˈlʌki/ adj luck·i·er; -est
1 : having good luck : fortunate
• We're lucky that things turned out as well as they did.
• You're lucky to have a choice. = You're lucky that you have a choice.
• I feel lucky to be alive.
• I count/consider myself lucky to know you.
• Aren't you the lucky one! [=you are a lucky person]
• “I managed to get a ticket!” “Lucky you! They were all sold out by the time I got there.”
• Tickets were available only for the lucky few.
• The lucky winner will be given a brand new car.
• I know you'll enjoy the show if you're lucky enough to get a ticket.
• Congratulations on getting the job, you lucky dog/devil.
• (chiefly US) He's a lucky stiff. [=he's very lucky]
• He was always lucky in love. [=he was always lucky in his romantic relationships]
2 : producing a good result by chance : resulting from good luck
• He scored a goal on a lucky shot.
• Their meeting was a lucky accident.
• We got a lucky break.
• It was a lucky coincidence that we were both there at the same time.
• a lucky find/guess
• It's lucky for us that the weather is so good. = We're lucky that the weather is so good.
• a lucky coin/charm
• This must be your lucky day. [=a day when something good happens because of good luck]
• You should thank your lucky stars [=you should be very grateful] that you have a friend like her.
get lucky
1 : to have good luck : to succeed because of good luck
• We thought all the tickets might have already been sold, but we got lucky—there were still a few left when we arrived.
2 informal : to succeed in finding or getting someone to have sex with you
• He's hoping to get lucky tonight.
third time lucky
- see ¹third

American English

British English

good luck and bad luck

A2 (Elementary)

adjective

healthy

healthy [adjective] (HEALTH)

strong and well

/ˈhel.θi/

Example:

She's a normal healthy child.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

healthy

adjective (healthier, healthiest)

1 well; not often ill:
healthy children

2 helping to make or keep you well:
healthy food
opposite unhealthy

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

healthy

health‧y S3 W3 /ˈhelθi/ BrE AmE adjective (comparative healthier, superlative healthiest)
[Word Family: noun: ↑health, ↑healthiness; adverb: ↑healthily ≠ ↑unhealthily; adjective: ↑healthy ≠ ↑unhealthy]
1. PERSON/ANIMAL/PLANT physically strong and not likely to become ill or weak:
a healthy baby boy
I’ve always been perfectly healthy until now.
2. GOOD FOR YOUR BODY good for your body:
a healthy lifestyle
a healthy diet
the importance of healthy eating
3. SHOWING GOOD HEALTH showing that you are healthy:
Her face had a healthy glow.
All of our kids have healthy appetites (=they like to eat a lot).
4. BEHAVIOUR/ATTITUDE used to describe an attitude, feeling, or behaviour that is natural, normal, and sensible:
I don’t think it’s healthy for her to spend so much time alone.
healthy respect/disrespect/scepticism etc
a healthy disrespect for silly regulations
5. COMPANY/RELATIONSHIP ETC a healthy company, society, relationship, ↑economy etc is working effectively and successfully:
a healthy economy with a well-trained workforce
6. AMOUNT large and showing that someone is successful – used about amounts of money:
a healthy profit
a healthy bank balance
—healthily adverb
—healthiness noun [uncountable]
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ healthy having good health: A good diet keeps you healthy. | They tested the drug on healthy volunteers.
▪ well used especially when describing or asking about how someone feels or looks: I don’t feel well. | How was James – did he look well?
▪ fine spoken used in a reply to a question about your health, or when talking about someone else’s health. Use fine only in replies, not in questions or statements: ‘Hi, Tom, how are you?’ ‘Fine, thanks.’ | She had a bad cold, but she’s fine now.
▪ all right/OK spoken not ill or injured. These expressions are very commonly used in everyday spoken English: You look pale – are you feeling all right? | He’s had an accident but he’s OK.
▪ better less ill than you were, or no longer ill: I’m feeling a lot better now. | Don’t come back to school until you’re better.
▪ fit healthy, especially because you exercise regularly: She keeps fit by cycling everywhere. | Police officers have to be physically fit and have good eyesight.
▪ in (good) shape healthy and fit: Jogging keeps me in pretty good shape.
▪ robust literary healthy and strong, and not likely to become ill: He had a robust constitution (=a strong and healthy body). | robust plants | a robust girl, wearing a thick woollen sweater
▪ be/look a picture of health to look very healthy: She looked a picture of health as she posed for the cameras.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

healthy

healthy [healthy healthier healthiest] [ˈhelθi] [ˈhelθi] adjective (health·ier, healthi·est)
1. having good health and not likely to become ill/sick
• a healthy child/animal/tree
• Keep healthy by eating well and exercising regularly.

Opp: unhealthy

2. usually before noun good for your health
• a healthy diet/climate/lifestyle

Opp: unhealthy

3. usually before noun showing that you are in good health
• to have a healthy appetite

• a shampoo that keeps hair looking healthy

4. normal and sensible
• The child showed a healthy curiosity.
• She has a healthy respect for her rival's talents.
• It's not healthy the way she clings to the past.

Opp: unhealthy

5. successful and working well
• a healthy economy

• Your car doesn't sound very healthy.

6. usually before noun large and showing success
• a healthy bank balance
• a healthy profit
Derived Words: healthily ▪ healthiness
Thesaurus:
healthy adj.
1.
• Keep healthy with good food and exercise.
strong • |especially BrE fit • |especially spoken well • • fine •
Opp: sickly, Opp: unhealthy
feel/look healthy/strong/fit/well/fine
keep (sb) healthy/fit/well
fit and healthy/strong/well
2. usually before noun
• Many people are adopting a healthy lifestyle.
good • • nutritious • • nourishing •
Opp: unhealthy
a healthy/good/nutritious/nourishing meal/diet
healthy/good/nutritious/nourishing food
Synonyms:
well
all right • OK • fine • healthy • strong • fit
These words all describe sb who is not ill and is in good health.
well • [not usually before noun] (rather informal) in good health: ▪ I'm not feeling very well. ◊ ▪ Is he well enough to travel?
Well is used especially to talk about your own health, to ask sb about their health or to make a comment on it.
all right • [not before noun] (rather informal) not feeling ill; not injured: ▪ Are you feeling all right?
OK • [not before noun] (informal) not feeling ill; not injured: ▪ She says she's OK now, and will be back at work tomorrow.
all right or ok?
These words are slightly less positive than the other words in this group. They are both used in spoken English to talk about not actually being ill or injured, rather than being positively in good health. Both are rather informal but OK is slightly more informal than all right.
fine • [not before noun] (not used in negative statements) (rather informal) completely well: ▪ ‘How are you?’ ‘Fine, thanks.’
Fine is used especially to talk about your health, especially when sb asks you how you are. It is also used to talk about sb's health when you are talking to sb else. Unlike well it is not often used to ask sb about their health or make a comment on it: Are you keeping fine?
healthy • in good health and not likely to become ill: ▪ Keep healthy by exercising regularly.
strong • in good health and not suffering from an illness: ▪ After a few weeks she was feeling stronger.
Strong is often used to talk about becoming healthy again after an illness.
fit • (especially BrE) in good physical health, especially because you take regular physical exercise: ▪ I go swimming every day in order to keep fit.
all right/OK/fit for sth
all right/OK/fit to do sth
to feel/look well/all right/OK/fine/healthy/strong/fit
to keep (sb) well/healthy/fit
perfectly well/all right/OK/fine/healthy/fit
physically well/healthy/strong/fit
Example Bank:
• Her good diet had kept her healthy.
• She looked pale, but otherwise healthy.
• The economy is extremely healthy at the moment.
• The rare disorder strikes apparently healthy boys between the ages of five and twelve.
• Their lifestyle is quite healthy.
• We have a very healthy diet.
• Working in the open air has made him very healthy.
• You look disgustingly healthy! How do you manage it?
• a new diet which is considered much healthier than previous ones
• He says he's ill, but he looks perfectly healthy to me.
• Here are ten tips for a healthy heart.
• I feel much healthier since I gave up smoking.
• Keep healthy by eating well and exercising regularly.
• Many people today are adopting a healthy lifestyle.
• More public awareness of healthy eating has made us think more about our diet.
• She gave birth to a healthy boy.

• The condition can affect otherwise healthy adults.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

healthy / ˈhel.θi / adjective (HEALTH)

A2 strong and well:

She's a normal healthy child.

He looks healthy enough.

showing that you are strong and well:

The walk had given her a healthy glow.

a healthy appetite

A2 good for your health:

a healthy diet

a good healthy walk

healthily / -θɪ.li / adverb

Eat healthily (= eat foods that are good for you) and take plenty of exercise.

healthy / ˈhel.θi / adjective (SUCCESSFUL)

C2 successful and strong:

a healthy economy

healthily / -θɪ.li / adverb

Eat healthily (= eat foods that are good for you) and take plenty of exercise.

healthy / ˈhel.θi / adjective (NORMAL)

normal and showing good judgment:

a healthy disrespect for authority

healthily / -θɪ.li / adverb

Eat healthily (= eat foods that are good for you) and take plenty of exercise.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

healthy

[he̱lθi]
♦♦♦
healthier, healthiest
1) ADJ-GRADED Someone who is healthy is well and is not suffering from any illness.
  Most of us need to lead more balanced lives to be healthy and happy...
  She had a normal pregnancy and delivered a healthy child.
  Derived words:
  healthily [he̱lθɪli] ADV-GRADED usu ADV after v What I really want is to live healthily for as long as possible.
2) ADJ-GRADED: usu ADJ n If a feature or quality that you have is healthy, it makes you look well or shows that you are well.
  ...the glow of healthy skin.
  ...young adults with healthy appetites.
3) ADJ-GRADED: usu ADJ n Something that is healthy is good for your health.
  ...a great healthy outdoor pursuit.
  ...a healthy diet.
4) ADJ-GRADED: usu ADJ n A healthy organization or system is successful.
  ...an economically healthy socialist state.
5) ADJ-GRADED: usu ADJ n A healthy amount of something is a large amount that shows success.
  He predicts a continuation of healthy profits in the current financial year.
  ...a healthy bank account.
  Syn:
  substantial
6) ADJ-GRADED: oft it v-link ADJ to-inf If you have a healthy attitude about something, you show good sense.
  She has a refreshingly healthy attitude to work...
  It's very healthy to be afraid when there's something to be afraid of.
  Derived words:
  healthily ADV ADV adj I had never seen bombing on such a scale, and I was healthily apprehensive.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

healthy

healthy /ˈhɛlɵi/ adj health·i·er; -est [also more ~; most ~]
1 a : having good health : not sick or injured : well
• healthy babies
• tips for staying healthy
b : showing good health
• a healthy complexion
• He has a healthy [=hearty, large] appetite.
2 : good for your health : healthful
• a healthy lifestyle/diet
• healthy living
• Those foods aren't healthy (for you). = It's not healthy (for you) to eat those foods.
3 : doing well : successful or growing
• a healthy economy
• The company is financially healthy.
4 : large in size or amount
• A healthy number of her poems were published in the magazine.
• She has a healthy bank account.
• This line of work requires a healthy dose of self-discipline.
• His business earns a healthy profit.
5 : sensible or natural
• The students have a healthy curiosity about the world.
• a healthy respect for dangerous animals
- health·i·ly /ˈhɛlɵəli/ adv
• living healthily
• healthily active people
- health·i·ness /ˈhɛlɵinəs/ noun [noncount]
- healthy adv informal
• He eats healthy.
• She lives healthy by exercising and eating right.

perfect

perfect [adjective] (WITHOUT FAULT)

complete and correct in every way, of the best possible type or without fault

/ˈpɝː.fekt/

/ˈpɜː.fekt/

Example:

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Oxford Essential Dictionary

perfect

adjective

1 so good that it cannot be better; with nothing wrong:
Her English is perfect.
It's perfect weather for a picnic.

2 made from 'has', 'have' or 'had' and the past participle of a verb:
perfect tenses

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

perfect

I. per‧fect¹ S2 W2 /ˈpɜːfɪkt $ ˈpɜːr-/ BrE AmE adjective
[Word Family: noun: ↑perfection ≠ ↑imperfection, ↑perfectionist, ↑perfectionism, ↑perfectibility; adjective: ↑perfect ≠ ↑imperfect, ↑perfectible, ↑perfectionist; verb: ↑perfect; adverb: ↑perfectly ≠ ↑imperfectly]
[Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: parfit, from Latin perfectus, past participle of perficere 'to do completely, finish']
1. not having any mistakes, faults, or damage OPP imperfect:
His English was perfect.
The car was in perfect condition.
You’re very lucky to have perfect teeth.
a perfect performance
In a perfect world, we wouldn’t need an army.
2. as good as possible, or the best of its kind:
The weather was perfect the whole week.
a perfect example of Gothic architecture
The clothes were a perfect fit.
a perfect solution to the problem
Ronnie was in perfect health.
perfect timing (=used when something happens at exactly the right time)
Good, you’re home. Perfect timing – dinner’s on the table.
3. exactly what is needed for a particular purpose, situation, or person SYN ideal:
That’s perfect! Just the way I wanted it to look.
Crusty bread is the perfect accompaniment to this soup.
perfect for
The land is perfect for sheep farming.
perfect way/place/time etc to do something
She thought she’d found the perfect place to live.
perfect day/place/person etc for something
a perfect day for a picnic
the perfect actor for the part
4. nobody’s perfect spoken said when you are answering someone who has criticized you or someone else:
So I made a mistake! Nobody’s perfect.
5. have a perfect right to do something used to emphasize that it is reasonable for someone to do something:
He has a perfect right to know what’s happening.
6. perfect stranger/fool/angel etc used to emphasize that someone has a particular quality completely SYN complete, total:
I felt a perfect idiot.
⇨ ↑perfectly, ⇨ practice makes perfect at ↑practice(9), ⇨ ↑present perfect, ↑past perfect
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meanings 1, 2 & 3)
■ adverbs
▪ absolutely perfect His sight is absolutely perfect.
▪ quite perfect written (=absolutely perfect) The old bottle was very dark blue and quite perfect.
▪ almost/nearly/near perfect His collection included an almost perfect skeleton of an armadillo. | Her performance was near perfect.
▪ less than perfect (=not perfect) So many excellent writers, for example Byron and Keats, were less than perfect spellers.
▪ far from perfect (=not at all perfect) The weather conditions were far from perfect.
▪ technically perfect The system was technically perfect.
• • •
THESAURUS
■ without anything wrong
▪ perfect used about something that is very good in every way, and could not be better: We had a wonderful vacation - the weather was perfect. | The meal was absolutely perfect. | She has perfect teeth.
▪ flawless/faultless without any mistakes or faults: His English was flawless. | a faultless performance
▪ impeccable so good that you cannot find anything wrong with it – used especially about someone’s behaviour, taste, or experience: The food was excellent and the service impeccable. | a man of impeccable manners, charm, and sensibility | her mother's impeccable taste in clothing | The commission was composed of economists with impeccable credentials (=very impressive qualifications and experience, which are impossible to criticize).
▪ unspoiled (also unspoilt British English) an unspoiled area has not been changed or had ugly buildings, roads etc built on it: a beautiful area of unspoiled countryside
■ most suitable
▪ perfect completely suitable for something or someone: It’s the perfect place to relax after a hard day at work. | It was a perfect day for going to the beach. | I think she would be perfect for him.
▪ ideal very suitable and exactly what you want – often used about someone or something that you imagine, but which does not really exist: What would be your ideal job? | She still hasn’t found her ideal man. | It is the ideal place for a vacation.
▪ just right especially spoken very good or suitable in every way: The weather was just right for a day at the beach. | The dress is just right for you.
▪ be just the thing/person informal to be exactly what is needed or wanted: Cold lemonade is just the thing on a hot day. | He’s just the person for the job.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

perfect

per·fect [perfect perfects perfected perfecting] adjective, verb, noun

adjective [ˈpɜːfɪkt] ; [ˈpɜːrfɪkt]
1. having everything that is necessary; complete and without faults or weaknesses
• in perfect condition
• a perfect set of teeth

• Well I'm sorry— but nobody's perfect (= used when sb has criticized you).

2. completely correct; exact and accurate
• She speaks perfect English.
• a perfect copy/fit/match
• What perfect timing!

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

perfect / ˈpɜː.fekt / / ˈpɝː- / adjective (WITHOUT FAULT)

A2 complete and correct in every way, of the best possible type or without fault:

a perfect day

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

This church is a perfect example of medieval architecture.

You have a perfect English accent.

The car is five years old but is in almost perfect condition.

She thought at last she'd found the perfect man.

C2 used to emphasize a noun:

It makes perfect sense.

a perfect stranger

B1 exactly right for someone or something:

You'd be perfect for the job.

The weather's just perfect for swimming.

perfect / ˈpɜː.fekt / / ˈpɝː- / adjective specialized (PAST TENSE)

of or relating to a verb indicating a completed action:

the present perfect tense

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

perfect

♦♦
perfects, perfecting, perfected
(The adjective is pronounced [pɜ͟ː(r)fɪkt]. The verb is pronounced [pə(r)fe̱kt].)
1) ADJ-GRADED Something that is perfect is as good as it could possibly be.
practice makes perfect → see practice
  He spoke perfect English...
  Hiring a nanny has turned out to be the perfect solution...
  It's a perfect example of a house reflecting the person who lives there...
  Nobody is perfect.
2) ADJ-GRADED: oft ADJ for n (emphasis) If you say that something is perfect for a particular person, thing, or activity, you are emphasizing that it is very suitable for them or for that activity.
  Carpet tiles are perfect for kitchens because they're easy to take up and wash...
  So this could be the perfect time to buy a home.
  Syn:
  ideal
3) ADJ If an object or surface is perfect, it does not have any marks on it, or does not have any lumps, hollows, or cracks in it.
  Use only clean, Grade A, perfect eggs.
  ...their perfect white teeth.
  Syn:
  flawless
4) ADJ: ADJ n (emphasis) You can use perfect to give emphasis to the noun following it.
  She was a perfect fool...
  Some people are always coming up to perfect strangers and asking them what they do...
  What he had said to her made perfect sense.
  Syn:
  complete
5) VERB If you perfect something, you improve it so that it becomes as good as it can possibly be.
  [V n] We perfected a hand-signal system so that he could keep me informed of hazards...
  [V n] I removed the fibroid tumours, using the techniques that I have perfected.
  [V n] ...girls who needed to perfect their English.
6) ADJ: ADJ n The perfect tenses of a verb are the ones used to talk about things that happened or began before a particular time, as in `He's already left' and `They had always liked her'. The present perfect tense is sometimes called the perfect tense.
→ See also future, present perfect, past perfect

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

¹per·fect /ˈpɚfɪkt/ adj
1 [more ~; most ~]
a : having no mistakes or flaws
• a perfect [=flawless] diamond
• Your teeth are perfect.
• The car is in perfect [=mint] condition.
• The performance was perfect.
• I'm not perfect [=I make mistakes], but at least I can admit when I'm wrong.
• He thought he had committed the perfect crime. [=a crime that is done so carefully that the criminal will never be caught]
• Yes, you made a mistake, but it's okay; nobody's perfect. [=everyone makes mistakes]
• Students who have perfect attendance [=who have been present at every class] will get 10 extra points.
• If you want to be a good writer, you should write every day. Remember, practice makes perfect. [=you become better at something if you practice it often]
- see also picture-perfect
b : completely correct or accurate
• She spoke perfect English.
• He drew a perfect circle.
• a perfect replica
c : having all the qualities you want in that kind of person, situation, etc.
• She's a perfect baby. She hardly cries and she sleeps through the night.
• His behavior is a perfect example of what not to do.
• In a perfect world [=in the best possible situation], there would be no need for weapons.
2 [more ~; most ~] : exactly right for a particular purpose, situation, or person
• This is a perfect time/place/day to have a wedding.
• Going to the museum was a perfect way to spend a rainy day.
• “Is that a big enough piece of pie?” “Yes, it's perfect, thanks.”
• You have perfect timing. [=your timing is exactly right; you are present, ready, etc., at exactly the right time] I just took dinner out of the oven.
- often + for
• I found the perfect [=ideal] gift for you.
• They are a perfect match for each other.
• That picture is perfect for this room.
• The weather was perfect for a day at the beach.
3 always used before a noun : complete and total - used for emphasis
• a perfect stranger/fool/angel/gentleman
• You have a perfect right to be angry.
• My cat and dog live together in perfect harmony.

American English

British English

perfect and faultless

A2 (Elementary)

adjective

roast

roast [adjective]

Roast meat or vegetables have been cooked in an oven or over a fire

/roʊst/

/rəʊst/

Example:

roast beef/chicken/potatoes

Oxford Essential Dictionary

roast adjective:
roast beef and roast potatoes

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

III. roast³ BrE AmE adjective [only before noun]
roasted:
roast chicken

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

adjective only before noun
cooked in an oven or over a fire
• roast chicken
Word Origin:

Middle English: from Old French rostir, of West Germanic origin.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

roast / rəʊst / / roʊst / adjective [ before noun ] ( also roasted )

A2 Roast meat or vegetables have been cooked in an oven or over a fire:

roast beef/chicken/potatoes

roasted red pepper sauce

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

roast

[ro͟ʊst]
roasts, roasting, roasted
1) VERB When you roast meat or other food, you cook it by dry heat in an oven or over a fire.
  [V n] I personally would rather roast a chicken whole.
2) ADJ: ADJ n Roast meat has been cooked by roasting.
  They serve the most delicious roast beef.
3) N-COUNT A roast is a piece of meat that is cooked by roasting.
  Come into the kitchen. I've got to put the roast in.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

roast

³roast adj always used before a noun : cooked by roasting
• roast [=roasted] chicken/pork/potatoes

American English

British English

preparing food using heat

A2 (Elementary)

adjective

mixed

mixed [adjective]

consisting of several different types of things or people

/mɪkst/

Example:

a mixed salad

Oxford Essential Dictionary

mixed

adjective
containing different kinds of people or things:
a mixed salad
Is their school mixed (= with boys and girls together)?

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

mixed

mixed S2 /mɪkst/ BrE AmE adjective
[Word Family: noun: ↑mix, ↑mixer, ↑mixture; verb: ↑mix; adjective: ↑mixed]
1. [only before noun] consisting of several different types of things or people:
a very mixed group of women
a mixed salad
2. mixed feelings/emotions if you have mixed feelings or emotions about something, you are not sure whether you like, agree with, or feel happy about it
mixed feelings/emotions about
I had mixed feelings about meeting Laura again.
He watched with mixed emotions.
3. mixed reaction/response/reviews etc if something gets a mixed reaction etc, some people say they like it or agree with it, but others dislike it or disagree with it:
The film has had mixed reviews from the critics.
Media coverage of the event was mixed.
4. especially British English for both males and females:
a mixed school
5. a mixed blessing something that is good in some ways but bad in others:
Having your parents living nearby is a mixed blessing.
6. a mixed bag
a) a group of things or people that are all very different from each other
a mixed bag of
The concert was a mixed bag of classical and modern music.
Club-goers are a mixed bag these days, and so are the places they go clubbing.
b) something that includes both good and bad parts:
The meat was very good, but the vegetables were rather a mixed bag.
7. (of) mixed race having parents of different races:
children of mixed race
8. in mixed company when you are with people of both sexes:
It’s not the sort of joke you tell in mixed company.
⇨ mixed metaphor at ↑metaphor(2)

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

mixed

mixed [mɪkst] [mɪkst] adjective
1. having both good and bad qualities or feelings
• The weather has been very mixed recently.
• I still have mixed feelings about going to Brazil (= I am not sure what to think).
• The play was given a mixed reception by the critics (= some liked it, some did not).

• British athletes had mixed fortunes in yesterday's competition.

2. only before noun consisting of different kinds of people, for example, people from different races and cultures
• a mixed community
• people of mixed race

• a mixed marriage (= between two people of different races or religions)

3. only before noun consisting of different types of the same thing

• a mixed salad

4. usually before noun of or for both males and females
• a mixed school
• I'd rather not talk about it in mixed company.
Word Origin:
late Middle English mixt: from Old French mixte, from Latin mixtus, past participle of miscere ‘to mix’.
Thesaurus:
mixed [mixed] adj. only before noun
• a mixed-ability class
diverse • • assorted • • miscellaneous • |often approving varied • |formal heterogeneous • • eclectic • |especially written, often disapproving motley •
Opp: homogeneous
a/an mixed/diverse/assorted/miscellaneous/varied/heterogeneous/motley group
a/an mixed/diverse/miscellaneous/varied/heterogeneous/motley collection
racially/ethnically/culturally/socially mixed/diverse/varied
Example Bank:
• In his world view, art and religion were inextricably mixed.
• an ethnically mixed community
• Do you have experience of teaching mixed-ability classes?
• She was born to parents of mixed race.

• a mixed marriage

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

mixed

[mɪ̱kst]

1) ADJ-GRADED: usu ADJ n If you have mixed feelings about something or someone, you feel uncertain about them because you can see both good and bad points about them.
  I came home from the meeting with mixed feelings...
  There has been a very mixed reaction to the decision.
2) ADJ-GRADED A mixed group of people consists of people of many different types.
  I found a very mixed group of individuals some of whom I could relate to and others with whom I had very little in common...
  The community is very mixed, not least because there are plenty of small industrial enterprises.
3) ADJ: usu ADJ n Mixed is used to describe something that involves people from two or more different races.
  ...a woman of mixed race...
  She had attended a racially mixed school.
4) ADJ: usu ADJ n Mixed education or accommodation is intended for both males and females.
  Girls who have always been at a mixed school know how to stand up for themselves...
  The spa has 6 indoor pools, 2 for women only, 2 for men only, and 2 for mixed bathing.
  Syn:
  co-ed
5) ADJ: ADJ n Mixed is used to describe something which includes or consists of different things of the same general kind.
  ...a small mixed salad...
  The mixed forest is cut commercially but is also carefully conserved to look good.
  ...a teaspoon of mixed herbs.
6) a mixed blessing → see blessing

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

mixed

mixed /ˈmɪkst/ adj
1 always used before a noun : made of different kinds of things mixed together or combined
• a can of mixed nuts
• bags of mixed candy
• We ate salads of mixed greens.
2 a : including or involving people of different races or religions
• They live in a mixed neighborhood.
• She's of mixed African and European ancestry.
• children of mixed race/races
• people of mixed racial origin/ancestry
• a racially mixed couple
b : including or involving people of both sexes
• She went to a mixed school. [=a school for both boys and girls]
• a mixed chorus
• playing mixed doubles in tennis [=a game of doubles in which each team has a man and a woman]
✦When people are in mixed company, they are with both men and women.
• The women never spoke of sex or pregnancy in mixed company. [=when men were present]
3 : both good and bad, favorable and unfavorable, etc.
• The play received mixed reviews. = The play's reviews were mixed. [=some critics liked the play, while other critics did not]
• His decision got a mixed reaction from the family.
• The experiment got mixed results.
✦When people have mixed emotions or mixed feelings about something, they have both good and bad thoughts or feelings about it.
• He had mixed emotions [=he was both happy and sad] about the end of his trip.
• I'm having mixed feelings about this class.
mixed messages/signals
✦Someone gives mixed messages or mixed signals by showing a thought or feeling and then showing another very different thought or feeling.
• I don't know if he likes me; he keeps giving me mixed messages.
• She's sending mixed signals about her feelings.

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