B1 (Intermediate)

deserving and deserved

verb

0

fool

fool [noun] (PERSON)

a person who behaves in a silly way without thinking

US

/fuːl/

UK

/fuːl/

Example:

He's a fool if he thinks she still loves him.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

I. fool¹ /fuːl/ BrE AmE noun
[Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: fol, from Latin follis 'bag for blowing air']
1. STUPID PERSON [countable] a stupid person or someone who has done something stupid SYN idiot:
What a fool she had been to think that he would stay.
Like a fool, I accepted straight away.
You silly old fool!
2. make a fool of yourself to do something stupid that you feel embarrassed about afterwards and that makes you seem silly:
Sorry I made such a fool of myself last night. I must have been drunk.
3. make a fool of somebody to deliberately do something to make someone else seem stupid:
I suddenly realised that I was being made a fool of.
4. any fool can do something spoken used to say that it is very easy to do something or to see that something is true:
Any fool could have seen what would happen.
5. be no/nobody’s fool to be difficult to trick or deceive, because you have a lot of experience and knowledge about something:
Katherine was nobody’s fool when it came to money.
6. gooseberry/strawberry etc fool British English a sweet food made of soft cooked fruit mixed with cream
7. more fool you/him etc British English spoken used to say that you think someone was stupid to do something, and it is their own fault if this causes trouble:
‘Jim smashed up my car.’ ‘More fool you for letting him borrow it!’
8. not suffer fools gladly if you say that someone doesn’t suffer fools gladly, they do not have any patience with people who they think are stupid
9. be living in a fool’s paradise to feel happy and satisfied, and believe there are no problems, when in fact this is not true
10. play/act the fool to behave in a silly way, especially in order to make people laugh:
Stop playing the fool! You’ll fall.
11. (send somebody on) a fool’s errand to make someone go somewhere or do something for no good reason
12. fools rush in (where angels fear to tread) used to say that people are stupid if they do something immediately without thinking about it first
13. a fool and his money are soon parted used to say that stupid people spend money quickly without thinking about it
14. ENTERTAINER [countable] a man whose job was to entertain a king or other powerful people in the past, by doing tricks, singing funny songs etc SYN jester
⇨ ↑April fool

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

fool [fool fools fooled fooling] noun, verb, adjective [fuːl] [fuːl]

noun
1. countable a person who you think behaves or speaks in a way that lacks intelligence or good judgement
Syn: idiot
• Don't be such a fool!
• I felt a fool when I realized my mistake.

• He told me he was an actor and I was fool enough to believe him.

2. countable (in the past) a man employed by a king or queen to entertain people by telling jokes, singing songs, etc.

Syn: jester

3. uncountable, countable (BrE) (usually in compounds) a cold light dessert (= a sweet dish) made from fruit that is cooked and crushed and mixed with cream or custard
• rhubarb fool
more at not suffer fools gladly at suffer
Word Origin:
n. senses 1 to 2 and v. adj. Middle English Old French fol ‘fool, foolish’ Latin follis ‘bellows, windbag’ ‘empty-headed person’
n. sense 3 late 16th cent. fool ‘foolish’

Thesaurus:
fool noun C (sometimes offensive)
• Don't be such a fool!
sometimes offensive idiot • |BrE, informal, sometimes offensive prat • |especially AmE, informal, sometimes offensive dork • |offensive moron • |especially AmE, informal, offensive jerk •
a complete fool/idiot/prat/dork/moron/jerk
feel/look like a/an fool/idiot/prat/dork/moron/jerk
make a fool/idiot/prat/dork of yourself
Synonyms:
cheat
fool • deceive • betray • take in • trick • con
These words all mean to make sb believe sth that is not true, especially in order to get what you want.
cheat • to make sb believe sth that is not true, in order to get money or sth else from them: ▪ She is accused of attempting to cheat the taxman. ◊ ▪ He cheated his way into the job.
Cheat also means to act in a dishonest way in order to gain an advantage, especially in a game, competition or exam: ▪ You're not allowed to look at the answers— ▪ that's cheating ▪.
fool • to make sb believe sth that is not true, especially in order to laugh at them or to get what you want: ▪ Just don't be fooled into investing any money with them.
deceive • to make sb believe sth that is not true, especially sb who trusts you, in order to get what you want: ▪ She deceived him into handing over all his savings.
betray • to hurt sb who trusts you, especially by deceiving them or not being loyal to them: ▪ She felt betrayed when she found out the truth about him.
take sb in • [often passive] to deceive sb, usually in order to get what you want: ▪ I was taken in by her story.
trick • to deceive sb, especially in a clever way, in order to get what you want.
con • (informal) to deceive sb, especially in order to get money from them or get them to do sth for you: ▪ They had been conned out of £100 000.
which word?
Many of these words involve making sb believe sth that is not true, but some of them are more disapproving than others. Deceive is probably the worst because people typically deceive friends, relations and others who know and trust them. People may feel cheated/betrayed by sb in authority who they trusted to look after their interests. If sb takes you in, they may do it by acting a part and using words and charm effectively. If sb cheats/fools/tricks/cons you, they may get sth from you and make you feel stupid. However, sb might fool you just as a joke; and to trick sb is sometimes seen as a clever thing to do, if the person being tricked is seen as a bad person who deserves it.
to cheat/fool/trick/con sb out of sth
to cheat/fool/deceive/betray/trick/con sb into doing sth
to feel cheated/fooled/deceived/betrayed/tricked/conned
to fool/deceive yourself
to cheat/trick/con your way into sth
Example Bank:
• He thought that being an actor only involved tap dancing and playing the fool.
• I felt like a fool when I realized what I'd done.
• I thought it was safe to leave my suitcase there. More fool me.
• Like a fool, I told her everything.
• She doesn't suffer fools gladly.
• She was angry at having been made a fool of.
• She's nobody's fool. She had the car checked by a mechanic before buying it.
• Stop acting the fool and be serious!
• Stop behaving like a fool!
• That fool of a doctor has prescribed me the wrong medicine!
• The poor old fool was imprisoned on my account.
• They had left me looking like a fool.
• You silly little fool!
• You're an even bigger fool than I thought.
• court fools who used to provide entertainment in the royal court
• Don't be such a fool!
• I made a complete fool of myself in front of everyone.
• You must take me for a fool!
Idioms: act the fool ▪ any fool can ▪ fool and his money are soon parted ▪ fools rush in ▪ make a fool of somebody ▪ make a fool of yourself ▪ more fool somebody ▪ no fool ▪ no fool like an old fool ▪ you could have fooled me

Derived: fool around

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

fool

[fu͟ːl]

fools, fooling, fooled
1) N-COUNT (disapproval) If you call someone a fool, you are indicating that you think they are not at all sensible and show a lack of good judgement.
  `You fool!' she shouted...
  He'd been a fool to get involved with her!
  Syn:
  idiot
2) ADJ: ADJ n (disapproval) Fool is used to describe an action or person that is not at all sensible and shows a lack of good judgement. [mainly AM, INFORMAL]
  What a damn fool thing to do!...
  What can that fool guard be thinking of?
3) VERB If someone fools you, they deceive or trick you.
  [V n] Art dealers fool a lot of people...
  [V n] Don't be fooled by his appearance...
  [V n into -ing] They tried to fool you into coming after us.
  Syn:
  trick, con
4) VERB If you say that a person is fooling with something or someone, you mean that the way they are behaving is likely to cause problems.
  [V with n] What are you doing fooling with such a staggering sum of money?...
  [V with n] He kept telling her that here you did not fool with officials.
5) N-COUNT: usu the N In the courts of kings and queens in medieval Europe, the fool was the person whose job was to do silly things in order to make people laugh.
  Syn:
  jester
6) N-VAR Fool is a dessert made by mixing soft cooked fruit with whipped cream or with custard. [BRIT]
  ...gooseberry fool.
7) PHRASE: V and N inflect If you make a fool of someone, you make them seem silly by telling people about something stupid that they have done, or by tricking them.
  Your brother is making a fool of you...
  He'd been made a fool of.
8) PHRASE: V and N inflect If you make a fool of yourself, you behave in a way that makes other people think that you are silly or lacking in good judgement.
  He was drinking and making a fool of himself.
9) PHRASE (disapproval) If you say to someone `More fool you' when they tell you what they have done or what they plan to do, you are indicating that you think that it is silly and shows a lack of judgement. [BRIT]
  Most managers couldn't care less about information technology. More fool them.
10) PHRASE: V inflects If you play the fool or act the fool, you behave in a playful, childish, and foolish way, usually in order to make other people laugh.
  They used to play the fool together, calling each other silly names and giggling.
  Syn:
  mess about
11) to suffer fools gladly → see suffer
  Phrasal Verbs:
  - fool about
  - fool around

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

¹fool /ˈfuːl/ noun, pl fools [count]
1 : a person who lacks good sense or judgment : a stupid or silly person
• those fools who ride motorcycles without wearing helmets
• Only a fool would ask such a silly question.
• You'd be a fool to believe what he tells you.
• You're making yourself look like a fool.
• A fool and his money are soon parted. [=a foolish person spends money too quickly on unimportant things]
• Any fool can see [=anyone can see] that he's lying.
• I never thought you'd be fool enough to believe him. = I never thought you'd be enough of a fool to believe him.
• (informal) Only that fool of a brother [=that foolish brother] of yours would ask such a silly question!
• (informal) Some (damn/damned) fool of a driver kept trying to pass me!
• Fools rush in (where angels fear to tread). [=it is foolish to take action if you do not know much about what you are doing]
• (Brit, informal) (The) more fool you if you believe him. = (The) more fool you for believing him. [=you would be a fool to believe him]
• (Brit, informal) More fool him for trusting her.
• There's no fool like an old fool. [=a foolish old person is especially foolish because an old person should have learned from experience not to make the kind of mistakes a young person makes]
✦A smart or clever person can be described as no fool or as nobody's fool.
• He may not look very smart, but he's no fool.
• Don't try to trick her—she's nobody's fool.
2 US informal : a person who enjoys something very much
• He's a dancing fool. [=he loves to dance]
• He's a fool for candy. [=he loves to eat candy]
3 chiefly Brit : a dessert made with cooked fruit and cream or a thick sauce
• a strawberry fool
4 : jester
act/play the fool : to behave in a silly or foolish way
• If you keep playing the fool by asking silly questions, people won't take you seriously.
make a fool of yourself : to behave in a very foolish or silly way
• He got drunk at the party and made a fool of himself.
• He's making a fool of himself over that woman.
make a fool (out) of : to cause (someone) to look stupid or foolish
• She made a fool of me by insulting me in front of my friends.

- see also april fools' day

stupid and silly people

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limit

limit [noun]

the greatest amount, number, or level of something that is either possible or allowed

US

/ˈlɪm.ɪt/

UK

/ˈlɪm.ɪt/

Example:

I won't have any more - I know my limit!

Oxford Essential Dictionary

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

limit

I. lim‧it¹ S2 W2 /ˈlɪmət, ˈlɪmɪt/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
[Word Family: noun: ↑limit, ↑limitation, ↑delimitation; adjective: ↑limited ≠ ↑unlimited, ↑limiting, ↑limitless; verb: ↑limit, ↑delimit]
[Date: 1300-1400; Language: French; Origin: limite, from Latin limes 'edge, boundary']
1. GREATEST/LEAST ALLOWED the greatest or least amount, number, speed etc that is allowed:
a 55 mph speed limit
limit for
There’s no age limit for applicants.
limit to/on
My wife and I set a limit on how much we spend on clothes.
above/over/below a limit
Pesticide levels in drinking water are already above legal limits in many areas.
2. GREATEST AMOUNT POSSIBLE (also limits) the greatest possible amount of something that can exist or be obtained
limit of
the limits of human knowledge
He’d reached the limit of his patience.
Our finances are already stretched to the limit (=we do not have any extra money).
There’s no limit to what you can do if you try.
3. PLACE (also limits) the furthest point or edge of a place, often one that must not be passed:
He had not been outside the limits of the prison walls for 20 years.
The public is not allowed within a 2-mile limit of the missile site.
Los Angeles city limits
4. off limits
a) beyond the area where someone is allowed to go:
That area of beach was off limits to us ‘city kids’.
b) beyond what you are allowed to do or have:
His private life is off limits to the press.
5. within limits within the time, level, amount etc considered acceptable:
You can come and go when you want – within limits.
6. be over the limit to have drunk more alcohol than is legal or safe for driving
7. know your limits informal to know what you are good at doing and what you are not good at:
I know my limits. I’m not an administrator.
8. have your limits spoken to have a set of rules about what is reasonable behaviour, and to not accept behaviour that does not follow these rules:
I have my limits. You will not use that kind of nasty language in class.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ verbs
▪ set a limit (also impose a limit formal) Set a time limit for the completion of the task.
▪ put a limit on something We have to put a limit on the number of participants.
▪ exceed a limit (=go beyond a limit) He reported a driver for exceeding the speed limit.
▪ go over a limit (=go beyond a limit) Borrowers who go over the spending limit set by the credit card company are penalised.
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + limit
▪ an upper/lower limit (=the highest/lowest amount allowed) There is no upper limit on the amount you can borrow. | Ensure the temperature in the aquarium does not fall below the lower limit.
▪ a strict limit There are strict limits on spending.
▪ a legal limit (=a limit set by law) The alcohol in his blood was four times more than the legal limit.
▪ the speed limit Too many people go over the speed limit in residential areas.
▪ a time limit The time limit for making a claim is three months.
▪ an age limit The lower age limit for entering the Royal Marines is sixteen.
▪ a weight/height limit The weight limit per bag is 20 kilos.
▪ spending limits There are strict spending limits imposed by law on all candidates.
▪ term limits American English (=limits on how much time a politician can spend in office) Should Senators be subject to term limits?
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ limit the highest number, speed, temperature etc that is allowed by a law or rule: He borrowed money up to the limit that the bank allowed. | The speed limit is 65 m.p.h. | There’s no limit on the amount of money that may be brought into the US. | Pollution levels are over the official limit. | Some families set limits on how much they spend on each other’s Christmas present.
▪ restrictions rules or laws that strictly control what you are allowed to do: Travel restrictions might reduce the spread of the disease. | Unions are pressing for restrictions on steel imports from Japan. | Because of restrictions on reporting, newspapers were not allowed to cover the story. | New restrictions have been imposed on immigration.
▪ limitations limits on what a person or thing is able to do – used especially when you would like to be able to do more: The president was unwilling to accept limitations on his power. | the limitations of the computer system | Hikers should know their physical limitations and not take unnecessary risks.
▪ constraints facts or conditions that limit what you can do, for example not having enough time, money etc: Financial constraints are forcing many people in their twenties to live with their parents. | The last part of the show had to be cut because of time constraints. | The constraints of prison life are sometimes too much for people to bear.
▪ maximum the largest number or amount that is possible, normal, or allowed: Classes have a maximum of twenty students. | What’s the maximum you can earn before you have to pay tax?
▪ minimum the smallest number or amount that is possible or allowed: He was sentenced to a minimum of 25 years in prison. | Our aim is to reduce the number of accidents to an absolute minimum.
▪ ceiling the largest number or amount of something that is officially allowed: There is a ceiling on the amount of foreign investment. | Import quotas may rise from the present ceiling of 18.5 million to 20 million. | Congress was once again considering raising the federal debt ceiling.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

¹lim·it /ˈlɪmət/ noun, pl -its [count]
1 : a point beyond which it is not possible to go
• He has reached the limit of his endurance.
• In training, she pushed her body to its physical limits.
• He tries to be creative within the limits of conventional journalism.
• Space travel tests the (outer) limits of human capabilities.
• It's important to exercise, but you need to know your limits. [=you need to know how much you are able to do]
• I'm trying to be patient with him, but I've just about reached my limit. [=reached the point where I can no longer be patient]
• There are limits to what I can put up with from him!
• There's no limit to what we can accomplish [=we can accomplish anything] if we work hard enough.
• There seems to be no limit to his enthusiasm. = His enthusiasm seems to know no limit(s).
2 : a point beyond which someone is not allowed to go
• Parents need to set limits for their children. = Parents need to set/place/impose limits on (the behavior of) their children.
• They must not go beyond these limits. = They must not exceed these limits.
3 : an amount or number that is the highest or lowest allowed
• Two drinks is my limit. [=I stop after having two drinks]
• When you take the test, you'll have a time limit. [=you will have to complete the test within a certain amount of time]
• The lower age limit for voting is 18. [=you cannot vote unless you are at least 18 years old]
- see also off-limits, speed limit
4 : an area or line that is at the outer edge of something - usually plural
• There are three high schools within the city limits. [=within the city]
• They ventured far beyond the limits of civilization.
• at the outer limits of the solar system
over the limit Brit : having more alcohol in the blood than is legally allowed for someone who is driving
• He was arrested for driving over the limit.
the limit informal + old-fashioned : a very annoying or upsetting person or thing
• He keeps forgetting his wife's birthday: he really is the limit! [=too much]
• He forgot his wife's birthday again. Isn't that the limit!
the sky's the limit
- used to say that there are no limits and that anything is possible
• You can achieve anything if you really want to. The sky's the limit.
to the limit : to the greatest possible point : as much as possible
• Our resources have been stretched to the limit. [=we have used all of our resources]
• My schedule is filled to the limit. [=my schedule is completely filled]
within limits : without going beyond what is considered reasonable or allowable
• They told us that we could do whatever we liked, within (certain) limits.
without limit : without being controlled or stopped : without being limited
• allowing costs to increase without limit

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

¹lim·it /ˈlɪmət/ noun, pl -its [count]
1 : a point beyond which it is not possible to go
• He has reached the limit of his endurance.
• In training, she pushed her body to its physical limits.
• He tries to be creative within the limits of conventional journalism.
• Space travel tests the (outer) limits of human capabilities.
• It's important to exercise, but you need to know your limits. [=you need to know how much you are able to do]
• I'm trying to be patient with him, but I've just about reached my limit. [=reached the point where I can no longer be patient]
• There are limits to what I can put up with from him!
• There's no limit to what we can accomplish [=we can accomplish anything] if we work hard enough.
• There seems to be no limit to his enthusiasm. = His enthusiasm seems to know no limit(s).
2 : a point beyond which someone is not allowed to go
• Parents need to set limits for their children. = Parents need to set/place/impose limits on (the behavior of) their children.
• They must not go beyond these limits. = They must not exceed these limits.
3 : an amount or number that is the highest or lowest allowed
• Two drinks is my limit. [=I stop after having two drinks]
• When you take the test, you'll have a time limit. [=you will have to complete the test within a certain amount of time]
• The lower age limit for voting is 18. [=you cannot vote unless you are at least 18 years old]
- see also off-limits, speed limit
4 : an area or line that is at the outer edge of something - usually plural
• There are three high schools within the city limits. [=within the city]
• They ventured far beyond the limits of civilization.
• at the outer limits of the solar system
over the limit Brit : having more alcohol in the blood than is legally allowed for someone who is driving
• He was arrested for driving over the limit.
the limit informal + old-fashioned : a very annoying or upsetting person or thing
• He keeps forgetting his wife's birthday: he really is the limit! [=too much]
• He forgot his wife's birthday again. Isn't that the limit!
the sky's the limit
- used to say that there are no limits and that anything is possible
• You can achieve anything if you really want to. The sky's the limit.
to the limit : to the greatest possible point : as much as possible
• Our resources have been stretched to the limit. [=we have used all of our resources]
• My schedule is filled to the limit. [=my schedule is completely filled]
within limits : without going beyond what is considered reasonable or allowable
• They told us that we could do whatever we liked, within (certain) limits.
without limit : without being controlled or stopped : without being limited
• allowing costs to increase without limit

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niece

niece [noun]

a daughter of your brother or sister, or a daughter of your husband's or wife's brother or sister

US

/niːs/

UK

/niːs/

Example:

If he's my uncle, then I'm his niece.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

family relations in general

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happiness

happiness [noun]

the feeling of being happy

US

/ˈhæp.i.nəs/

UK

/ˈhæp.i.nəs/

Example:

It was only later in life that she found happiness and peace of mind

Oxford Essential Dictionary

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

pleasure and happiness

0

appearance

appearance [noun] (WAY YOU LOOK)

the way a person or thing looks to other people

US

/əˈpɪr.əns/

UK

/əˈpɪə.rəns/

Example:

There was nothing unusual about/in her physical appearance.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

appearance

ap‧pear‧ance W2 /əˈpɪərəns $ əˈpɪr-/ BrE AmE noun
[Word Family: verb: ↑appear ≠ ↑disappear, ↑reappear; noun: ↑appearance ≠ ↑disappearance, ↑reappearance]
1. WAY SOMEBODY/SOMETHING LOOKS [uncountable and countable] the way someone or something looks to other people:
He was always criticising his wife’s appearance.
appearance of
They’ve changed the appearance of the whole building.
We are often attracted to somebody first by their physical appearance.
Women, in general, tend to be more concerned than men about their personal appearance.
She had an outward appearance of calm, but deep down she was really worried.
The metal posts spoiled the appearance of the garden.
A garnish helps to enhance the appearance of any dish.
She’s the kind of woman who takes pride in her appearance.
You shouldn’t judge by appearances.
They work hard at school without giving the appearance of being particularly hard-working.
The case had all the appearances of a straightforward murder.
The pupils looked angelic – but appearances can be deceptive.
He was, to all appearances, a respectable, successful businessman.
2. SOMEBODY TAKES PART IN A PUBLIC EVENT [countable] when a famous person takes part in a film, concert, or other public event:
It was his first public appearance since the election.
He made his last appearance for the club in the Cup Final.
appearance money/fee (=money paid to a famous person to attend an event)
3. SOMETHING NEW STARTS TO EXIST [singular] when something new begins to exist or starts being used
appearance of
The industry has changed greatly with the appearance of new technologies.
the appearance of buds on the trees
4. ARRIVAL [countable usually singular] the unexpected or sudden arrival of someone or something
appearance of
Eileen was deep in concentration, and the sudden appearance of her daughter startled her.
5. keep up appearances to dress and behave in the way in which people expect you to, especially to hide your true situation:
She just wanted to keep up appearances for the kids.
6. for appearances’ sake/for the sake of appearances if you do something for appearances’ sake, you are trying to behave how people expect you to, especially to hide your true situation or feelings
7. put in an appearance/make an appearance to go to an event for a short time, because you think you should rather than because you want to:
At least Marc managed to put in an appearance at the party.
8. AT A LAW COURT/MEETING [countable] an occasion when someone goes to a court of law or official meeting to give information, answer questions etc:
He is due to make another court appearance on Monday.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

appearance

[əpɪ͟ərəns]
♦♦
appearances
1) N-COUNT: usu with supp, oft supp N When someone makes an appearance at a public event or in a broadcast, they take part in it.
  It was the president's second public appearance to date...
  Keegan made 68 appearances in two seasons for Southampton, scoring 37 times.
2) N-SING: with supp Someone's or something's appearance is the way that they look.
  She used to be so fussy about her appearance...
  He had the appearance of a college student...
  A flat-roofed extension will add nothing to the value or appearance of the house.
3) N-SING: with supp, oft N of n The appearance of someone or something in a place is their arrival there, especially when it is unexpected.
  The sudden appearance of a few bags of rice could start a riot.
  ...last Christmas, when there'd been the welcome appearance of Cousin Fred.
4) N-SING: with supp, oft N of n The appearance of something new is its coming into existence or use.
  Flowering plants were making their first appearance, but were still a rarity...
  Fears are growing of a cholera outbreak following the appearance of a number of cases in the city.
5) N-SING: with supp If something has the appearance of a quality, it seems to have that quality.
  We tried to meet both children's needs without the appearance of favoritism or unfairness...
  The US president risked giving the appearance that the US was taking sides.
6) PHRASE: PHR with cl/group If something is true to all appearances, from all appearances, or by all appearances, it seems from what you observe or know about it that it is true.
  He was a small and to all appearances an unassuming man.
7) PHRASE: V inflects If you keep up appearances, you try to behave and dress in a way that people expect of you, even if you can no longer afford it.
  His parents' obsession with keeping up appearances haunted his childhood.
8) PHRASE: V inflects If you put in an appearance at an event, you go to it for a short time although you may not really want to, but do not stay.
  You must put in an appearance, at least, or she'll think you're avoiding her.
  Syn:
  show your face

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

appearance

ap·pear·ance /əˈpirəns/ noun, pl -anc·es
1 somewhat formal : the way that someone or something looks

[count]

• The room has a neat/fresh/clean appearance. [=look]
• The general appearance of the house is quite good.
• The museum restored the painting to its original appearance.
• lotions that improve your skin's appearance and texture
• It minimizes the appearance of wrinkles. [=it makes wrinkles more difficult to see]
• You shouldn't judge a man by his appearance.
• Have you noticed any changes in her appearance?
• He's very proud of his physical appearance. [=the way he looks]

[noncount]

• He is still very youthful in appearance. [=he still looks very young]
• They are very similar in appearance. [=they look the same]
2 [count] : a way of looking that is not true or real
• He appears to be happy, but appearances can be deceptive/deceiving.
• Their expensive home created a false appearance of success and happiness.
• The furniture has the appearance of being made by hand. [=the furniture was not made by hand but it looks/appears as if it was]
• Despite appearances, her company is very successful. = Appearances to the contrary, her company is very successful. [=her company is very successful even though it does not appear to be]
• She is only attending the banquet for the sake of appearances. [=because people think that she should attend]
• He was, to/by all (outward) appearances, a happily married man. [=he seemed to be a happily married man, but he wasn't]
• Their meetings tend to take on the appearance of [=to look like] family gatherings.
• His white beard gave him the appearance of an old man. [=made him look like an old man]
• The playground gives every appearance of being a safe place for children [=the playground appears to be a safe place for children], but a tragic accident occurred there recently.
3 [count] : the action of appearing : the fact that something or someone arrives or begins to be seen - usually singular
• The appearance of buds on the trees tells us that spring has arrived.
• We were surprised by the appearance of smoke in the distance.
• I wasn't expecting him to come and was surprised by his sudden appearance. [=I was surprised when he suddenly appeared/arrived]
4 [count] : the time when something begins to exist or is seen for the first time - usually singular
• The appearance [=creation] of the Internet has changed our culture in many ways.
• The technology made its first appearance [=appeared for the first time] in the early 1980s.
• Before the appearance of the telephone, people sent messages by telegraph.
5 [count] : an act of being seen or heard by the public as an actor, politician, athlete, etc.
• He has announced that this will be his final/last appearance with the band. [=the last time that he will perform in public with the band]
• This is her first appearance [=the first time that she has competed] at/in the national championships.
- often used with make
• She is making her first appearance at/in the national championships.
• Tonight, he is making his first public appearance since winning the award.
• He'll be making a special guest appearance [=performing as a guest] on the popular television show next fall.
6 [count] : the formal act of going in front of a person or group to speak, answer questions, etc.
• One man has been convicted of the crime, and two others are awaiting court appearances. [=waiting to go to court]
- often + before
• He is awaiting his appearance before a judge.
• She made an appearance before Congress last year.
keep up appearances : to hide something bad by pretending that nothing is wrong
• Although they were getting a divorce, my parents thought it was important to keep up appearances.
make an appearance or put in an appearance : to go to an event, gathering, etc., usually for a short period of time
• The candidate made an appearance at the rally.
• The governor put in an appearance at the party

conditions and characteristics

0

grateful

grateful [adjective]

showing or expressing thanks, especially to another person

US

/ˈɡreɪt.fəl/

UK

/ˈɡreɪt.fəl/

Example:

I'm so grateful ( to you) for all that you've done.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

grateful

grate·ful [ˈɡreɪtfl] [ˈɡreɪtfl] adjective
1. feeling or showing thanks because sb has done sth kind for you or has done as you asked
• ~ (to sb) (for sth) I am extremely grateful to all the teachers for their help.
• We would be grateful for any information you can give us.
• ~ (to do sth) She seems to think I should be grateful to have a job at all.
• ~ (that…) He was grateful that she didn't tell his parents about the incident.
• Grateful thanks are due to the following people for their help…

• Kate gave him a grateful smile.

2. used to make a request, especially in a letter or in a formal situation
• I would be grateful if you could send the completed form back as soon as possible.
• I would be most grateful if you would keep this matter confidential.
see grateful/thankful for small mercies at small _adj.
Derived Word: gratefully
Word Origin:
mid 16th cent.: from obsolete grate ‘pleasing, thankful’ (from Latin gratus) + -ful.
Thesaurus:
grateful [grateful gratefully] adj.
• I am grateful to everyone for their help.
thankful • • glad • • relieved • • appreciative • |formal indebted •
Opp: ungrateful
grateful/thankful for sth
grateful/indebted to sb
grateful/thankful/glad/relieved that…
Word Family:
grateful adjective (≠ ungrateful)
gratefully adverb
gratitude noun (≠ ingratitude)
Example Bank:
• I am more than grateful for their generous response.
• I'll be forever grateful for your help.
• I'm eternally grateful that we managed to go there before the war.
• I'm immensely grateful to you for your support.
• I'm just grateful the injury is not as bad as we'd feared.
• Thank you for your help. I really am most grateful.
• We are deeply grateful to you and your family.
• He was grateful that she didn't tell his parents about the incident.
• I would be grateful if you could send the completed form back as soon as possible.

• Kate gave him a grateful look.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

relieved and thankful

adjective

0

lecture

lecture [noun]

a formal talk on a serious subject given to a group of people, especially students

US

/ˈlek.tʃɚ/

UK

/ˈlek.tʃər/

Example:

We went to a lecture on Italian art.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

lecture

I. lec‧ture¹ S2 W3 /ˈlektʃə $ -ər/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
[Word Family: noun: ↑lecture, ↑lecturer, ↑lectureship; verb: ↑lecture]
[Date: 1200-1300; Language: Late Latin; Origin: lectura 'act of reading', from Latin legere 'to read']
1. a long talk on a particular subject that someone gives to a group of people, especially to students in a university ⇨ speech
lecture on
He regularly gives lectures on modern French literature.
2. an act of criticizing someone or warning them about something in a long serious talk, in a way that they think is unfair or unnecessary
lecture on/about
My father caught me and gave me a long lecture about the dangers of drink.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ verbs
▪ give a lecture (also deliver a lecture formal) She gave a fascinating lecture on crime in the 1800s. | He delivered the lecture at the London School of Economics.
▪ do a lecture informal: He’s doing a lecture on modern poetry.
▪ go to a lecture (also attend a lecture formal) Have you been to any of Professor MacPherson’s lectures? | I recently attended a lecture by a noted historian.
▪ listen to a lecture Most students spend about a quarter of their time listening to lectures.
■ lecture + NOUN
▪ a lecture hall/room (also a lecture theatre British English) The lecture hall was packed.
▪ lecture notes Can I borrow your lecture notes?
▪ a lecture tour (=a trip that someone takes to many different places to give a lecture) He’s on a lecture tour of the US.
■ phrases
▪ a series of lectures (also a course of lectures British English) a series of lectures on the history of art
■ adjectives
▪ a public lecture (=a lecture which the general public are allowed to go to) He’s going to deliver a public lecture on politics in the Middle East.
▪ an illustrated lecture (=a lecture with pictures such as slides) Mrs Robinson gave a fascinating illustrated lecture on Spanish history.
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ speech a talk, especially a formal one about a particular subject, given to a group of people: The bridegroom usually makes a speech after the wedding. | In her speech, she proposed major changes to the welfare system. | the opening speech of the conference
▪ address formal a speech that a very important person gives to a large group of people: the President's address to the nation | He was surrounded by security officers as he made his address.
▪ talk an occasion when someone speaks to a group of people giving them information about a particular subject or about their experiences: I went to an interesting talk on the wildlife of Antarctica. | He's been asked to give a talk about his trip to India.
▪ lecture a talk, especially on an ↑academic subject and given to students in a university: a lecture on 17th century French literature | Professor Black is giving the lecture.
▪ presentation a talk in which you describe or explain a new product or idea, especially one you give for your company: I had to give a presentation to the board of directors. | He's making a presentation to the management of a well-known manufacturing company.
▪ sermon a talk given by a priest or a religious leader: The vicar preached a sermon about the need for forgiveness.
▪ statement a spoken or written announcement that someone makes in public, often to ↑journalists: The minister issued a short statement in which he said he had no plans to resign.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

lecture

c·ture AW [lecture lectures lectured lecturing] noun, verb [ˈlektʃə(r)] [ˈlektʃər]

noun ~ (to sb) (on/about sth)
1. a talk that is given to a group of people to teach them about a particular subject, often as part of a university or college course
• to deliver/give a lecture to first-year students
• to attend a series of lectures on Jane Austen

• a lecture room/hall

2. a long angry talk that sb gives to one person or a group of people because they have done sth wrong
• I know I should stop smoking— don't give me a lecture about it.
Word Origin:
late Middle English (in the sense ‘reading, a text to read’): from Old French, or from medieval Latin lectura, from Latin lect- ‘read, chosen’, from the verb legere.
Thesaurus:
lecture noun C
• Dr Lee gave a lecture on public art.
talk • • speech • • address • • sermon •
a/an inaugural/farewell/keynote lecture/speech/address
an informal lecture/talk
give/deliver a/an lecture/talk/speech/address/sermon
write/prepare a/an lecture/talk/speech/address/sermon
Collocations:
Education
Learning
acquire/get/lack (an) education/training/(BrE) (some) qualifications
receive/provide sb with training/tuition
develop/design/plan a curriculum/(especially BrE) course/(NAmE) program/syllabus
give/go to/attend a class/lesson/lecture/seminar
hold/run/conduct a class/seminar/workshop
sign up for/take a course/classes/lessons
School
go to/start preschool/kindergarten/nursery school
be in the first, second, etc. (NAmE) grade/(especially BrE) year (at school)
study/take/drop history/chemistry/German, etc.
(BrE) leave/finish/drop out of/ (NAmE) quit school
(NAmE) graduate high school/college
Problems at school
be the victim/target of bullying
(BrE) play truant from/ (both BrE, informal) bunk off/skive off school (= not go to school when you should)
(both especially NAmE) skip/cut class/school
(BrE) cheat in/(NAmE) cheat on an exam/a test
get/be given a detention (for doing sth)
be expelled from/be suspended from school
Work and exams
do your homework/(BrE) revision/a project on sth
work on/write/do/submit an essay/a dissertation/a thesis/an assignment/(NAmE) a paper
finish/complete your dissertation/thesis/studies/coursework
hand in/ (NAmE) turn in your homework/essay/assignment/paper
study/prepare/ (BrE) revise/ (NAmE) review/ (NAmE, informal) cram for a test/an exam
take/ (both BrE) do/sit a test/an exam
(especially BrE) mark/ (especially NAmE) grade homework/a test
(BrE) do well in/ (NAmE) do well on/ (informal, especially NAmE) ace a test/an exam
pass/fail/ (informal, especially NAmE) flunk a test/an exam/a class/a course/a subject
University
apply to/get into/go to/start college/(BrE) university
leave/graduate from law school/college/(BrE) university (with a degree in computer science)
study for/take/ (BrE) do/complete a law degree/a degree in physics
(both NAmE) major/minor in biology/philosophy
earn/receive/be awarded/get/have/hold a master's degree/a bachelor's degree/a PhD in economics
Synonyms:
speech
lecture • address • talk • sermon
These are all words for a talk given to an audience.
speech • a formal talk given to an audience: ▪ Several people made speeches at the wedding.
lecture • a talk given to a group of people to tell them about a particular subject, often as part of a university or college course: ▪ a lecture on the Roman army ◊ ▪ a course/series of lectures
address • a formal speech given to an audience: ▪ a televised presidential address
speech or address?
A speech can be given on a public or private occasion; an address is always public: He gave an address at the wedding.
talk • a fairly informal session in which sb tells a group of people about a subject: ▪ She gave an interesting talk on her visit to China.
sermon • a talk on a moral or religious subject, usually given by a religious leader during a service: ▪ to preach a sermon
a long/short speech/lecture/address/talk/sermon
a keynote speech/lecture/address
to write/prepare/give/deliver/hear a(n) speech/lecture/address/talk/sermon
to attend/go to a lecture/talk
Example Bank:
• I don't need any lectures from you on responsibility.
• I don't take lectures from anyone on how to behave.
• I got a lecture from Dad about coming home on time.
• I have a lecture at nine tomorrow.
• Professor Pearson gave the inaugural lecture in the new lecture theatre.
• She gave me a stern lecture on ingratitude.
• She referred to Professor Jones's work in her lecture on Shakespeare's imagery.
• She wasn't at the lecture.
• The fire alarm went during his lecture.
• The society is putting on a series of lectures on the subject next term.
• a familiar figure on the international lecture circuit
• a lecture by Professor Snow
• a lecture entitled ‘How to Prevent Food Poisoning’
• a lecture to the Darwin Society
• He gave a very interesting and informative lecture on the Roman army.
• I know I should stop smoking— don't give me a lecture about it.
• a lecture room/hall

• a lecture theatre

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

classes - courses and coursework