B1 (Intermediate)

deserve

deserve [verb]

to have earned or to be given something because of the way you have behaved or the qualities you have

US /dɪˈzɝːv/ 
UK /dɪˈzɜːv/ 
Example: 

After all that hard work, you deserve a holiday.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

deserve

 verb (deserves, deserving, deserved )
to be good or bad enough to have something:
You have worked very hard and you deserve a rest.
They stole money from old people, so they deserve to go to prison.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

deserve

deserve S3 W3 /dɪˈzɜːv $ -ɜːrv/ BrE AmE verb [transitive]
[Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: Latin deservire 'to serve very keenly', from servire 'to serve']
1. to have earned something by good or bad actions or behaviour:
What have I done to deserve this?
deserve to do something
We didn’t deserve to win.
richly/fully/thoroughly etc deserve something
the success he so richly deserves
I’m sorry for the kids. They deserve better (=deserve to be treated in a better way).
deserve a rest/break/holiday etc
I think we deserve a rest after all that hard work.
Ledley deserves a place in the team.
Paula deserves a special mention for all the help she has given us.
I would never hit anyone, even if they deserved it.
What has he done to deserve this punishment?
deserve all/everything you get (=deserve any bad things that happen to you)
He deserves all he gets for being so dishonest.
People who are sent to prison for drunk-driving get what they deserve.
2. deserve consideration/attention etc if a suggestion, idea, or plan deserves consideration, attention etc, it is good enough to be considered, paid attention to etc SYN merit:
This proposal deserves serious consideration.
3. somebody deserves a medal spoken used to say that you admire the way someone dealt with a situation or problem
somebody deserves a medal for
You deserve a medal for putting up with Ian’s constant demands.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ nouns
deserve a rest/break/holiday etc Once the students have done their exams they deserve a break.
deserve a chance Everybody deserves a second chance.
deserve respect Our police officers deserve our respect.
deserve credit/praise The team played really well and they deserve credit for it.
deserve support This is a splendid proposal which deserves our support.
deserve recognition (=public respect and thanks) The teaching profession deserves more recognition.
deserve better (also deserve a better deal) (=deserve to be treated better or to be in a better situation) They treated him badly at work and I thought he deserved better.
deserve a (special) mention (=used especially in speeches to mention someone's good work or actions) Richard deserves a special mention for all his hard work on this project.
deserve a place You need top grades to deserve a place at the best universities.
deserve punishment If you commit a crime, you have deserved punishment.
■ adverbs
thoroughly/fully deserve something He didn't work so he thoroughly deserved his poor marks.
richly deserve something (=greatly deserve something good that happens) Her success was richly deserved.
well deserved The restaurant has a well deserved reputation for excellent fish.
■ phrases
get what you deserve (=experience something bad after you have behaved badly) I like films where the bad guys get what they deserve.
deserve all/everything you get (=deserve any bad things that happen to you) She's behaved really stupidly and she deserves all she gets.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

deserve

de·serve [deserve deserves deserved deserving]   [dɪˈzɜːv]    [dɪˈzɜːrv]  verb
(not used in the progressive tenses) if sb/sth deserves sth, it is right that they should have it, because of the way they have behaved or because of what they are
~ sth You deserve a rest after all that hard work.
The report deserves careful consideration.
One player in particular deserves a mention.
What have I done to deserve this?
~ to do sth They didn't deserve to win.
He deserves to be locked up for ever for what he did.
~ doing sth Several other points deserve mentioning.
more at one good turn deserves another at  turn  n.
Idioms: deserve all you get  get what you deserve  somebody deserves a medal
Verb forms:

 
Word Origin:
Middle English: from Old French deservir, from Latin deservire ‘serve well or zealously’.  
Thesaurus:
deserve verb T
You deserve a rest after all that work.
earn|formal merit
deserve/earn a rest/drink
deserve/merit a mention
deserve/merit attention/consideration/recognition
Deserve or earn? Deserve can be used to talk about either sth pleasant sb should have for doing good, or a punishment for sth bad; earn is only used to talk about sth good.  
Example Bank:
He finally received the recognition that he so richly deserved.
His work received only a tiny mention in the journal; he deserves better.
It's true she made a mistake but she hardly deserves to lose her job.
Philip's efforts clearly deserve praise.
She deserves some reward for all her hard work.
This hotel fully deserves its four-star grading.
• You really deserve a medal!

• They didn't deserve to win.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

deserve / dɪˈzɜːv /   / -ˈzɝːv / verb [ T not continuous ]

B1 to have earned or to be given something because of the way you have behaved or the qualities you have:

After all that hard work, you deserve a holiday.

Chris deserves our special thanks for all his efforts.

I hope they get the punishment they deserve.

[ + to infinitive ] They certainly deserved to win that match.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

deserve

[dɪzɜ͟ː(r)v]
 deserves, deserving, deserved
 1) VERB If you say that a person or thing deserves something, you mean that they should have it or receive it because of their actions or qualities.
  [V n] Government officials clearly deserve some of the blame as well...
  [V n] They know the sport inside out, and we treat them with the respect they deserve...
  [V to-inf] These people deserve to make more than the minimum wage...
  [V to-inf] His children's books are classics that deserve to be much better known...
  [V compar] By the time I left he'd become pretty hostile. I felt I deserved better than that...
  [V-ed] The Park Hotel has been in business since 1834 and has a well-deserved reputation.
 2) PHRASE (feelings) If you say that someone got what they deserved, you mean that they deserved the bad thing that happened to them, and you have no sympathy for them.
  One of them said the two dead joy riders got what they deserved.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

deserve

de·serve /dɪˈzɚv/ verb -serves; -served; -serv·ing [+ obj]
- used to say that someone or something should or should not have or be given something
• She deserves another chance.
• He doesn't deserve the award.
• Every defendant deserves a fair trial.
• The newspaper deserves a lot of credit for calling attention to the problem.
• I think the idea deserves [=merits] consideration.
• The story deserves telling. [=the story should be told; the story is important enough to tell]
• What did I do to deserve this kind of harsh treatment? [=you should not treat me this way]
• She believes that people eventually get what they deserve.
• He deserves a medal for coming up with a solution so quickly. [=he did something very good and impressive by coming up with a solution so quickly]
- often followed by to + verb
• Anyone who will not use a map deserves to get lost.
• They deserve to be punished.
• He deserves to win.
- deserved /dɪˈzɚvd/ adj
• a well-deserved vacation/break
• a deserved win/victory/reputation
• The award/criticism was not deserved.
- de·serv·ed·ly /dɪˈzɚvədli/ adv
• She was deservedly praised for her generosity.
• He has been accused of being selfish, and deservedly so. [=he deserves to be called selfish; it is reasonable to call him selfish because of his behavior]

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

 noun
a person who is silly or who does something silly:
You fool! You forgot to lock the door!

make a fool of yourself to do something that makes you look silly in front of other people:
He always makes a fool of himself at parties.

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.
cheatto 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 .
foolto 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.
deceiveto 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.
betrayto 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.
trickto 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

fool / fuːl / noun (PERSON)

B1 [ C ] a person who behaves in a silly way without thinking:

[ as form of address ] You fool, you've missed your chance!

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

[ + to infinitive ] He's a fool to think she still loves him.

He's fool enough to think she still loves him.

My fool of a (= silly) husband has gone out and taken my keys!

[ C ] in the past, a person who was employed in the court of a king or queen to make them laugh by telling jokes and doing funny things act/play the fool to behave in a silly way, often intentionally to make people laugh:

Stop acting the fool, I'm trying to talk to you.

any fool anyone:

Any fool could tell that she was joking.

make a fool of sb

B2 to trick someone or make them appear stupid in some way

make a fool of yourself B2 to do something that makes other people think you are silly or not to be respected:

I got a bit drunk and made a fool of myself.

more fool sb mainly UK said to mean that you think someone is being unwise:

"I lent Rhoda $100 and she hasn't paid me back." "More fool you - you know what she's like!"

be no fool ( also be nobody's fool ) to not be stupid or easily deceived:

I notice Ed didn't offer to pay for her - he's no fool.

fool / fuːl / noun [ C or U ] (SWEET DISH)

a sweet, soft food made of crushed fruit, cream, and sugar:

gooseberry fool

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 gladlysee 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

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

 noun
the most that is possible or allowed:
There is a limit to the amount of pain we can bear.
What is the speed limit (= how fast are you allowed to go)?

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

limit

I. limit1 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

limit / ˈlɪm.ɪt / noun

B1 [ C ] the greatest amount, number, or level of something that is either possible or allowed:

Is there a limit on the amount of money you can claim?

I think we ought to put a strict limit on the amount of time we can spend on the project.

There's a limit to the number of times I can stop what I'm doing just so I can help him!

We set a time limit of 30 minutes for the test.

[ U ] informal the amount of something that is enough and not too much:

Three cocktails are my limit.

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

the limit old-fashioned informal something that is very annoying or not convenient:

And now you're cutting your toenails in bed! - That really is the limit!

the largest amount of alcohol that is legally allowed to be present in the blood while a person is driving a vehicle:

She was definitely driving over the limit.

limits [ plural ] limit:

I'd like to play squash, but I'm 60 and I know my limits.

His genius knows no limits.

The pay rise was in excess of spending limits imposed/set by the government.

Word partners for limit noun

impose / put / set a limit • reach / exceed a limit • an age / height / speed / time limit • a lower / maximum / upper limit • a strict limit • a limit on / to sth

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

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

niece

 noun
the daughter of your brother or sister Look at nephew.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

niece

niece /niːs/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
[Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: Late Latin neptia 'granddaughter, niece']
the daughter of your brother or sister, or the daughter of your wife’s or husband’s brother or sister ⇨ nephew, aunt, uncle

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

niece

niece [niece nieces]   [niːs]    [niːs]  noun
the daughter of your brother or sister; the daughter of your husband's or wife's brother or sister
compare  nephew  
Word Origin:

Middle English: from Old French, based on Latin neptis ‘granddaughter’, feminine of nepos ‘nephew, grandson’, from an Indo-European root shared by Dutch nicht, German Nichte.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

niece / niːs / noun [ C ]

B1 a daughter of your brother or sister, or a daughter of your husband's or wife's brother or sister

→  Compare nephew

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

niece

[ni͟ːs]
 nieces
 N-COUNT: oft poss N
 Someone's niece is the daughter of their sister or brother.
  ...his niece from America, the daughter of his eldest sister.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

niece

niece /ˈniːs/ noun, pl niec·es [count] : a daughter of your brother or sister
• If he's my uncle, then I'm his niece.
- compare nephew

 

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

happiness

 noun (no plural)
the feeling of being happy

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

happiness

happiness /ˈhæpinəs, ˈhæpinɪs/ BrE AmE noun [uncountable]
[Word Family: noun: ↑happiness ≠ ↑unhappiness; adverb: ↑happily ≠ ↑unhappily; adjective: ↑happy ≠ ↑unhappy]
the state of being happy:
Juliet’s eyes shone with happiness.
We want our children to have the best possible chance of happiness.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

happiness

hap·pi·ness [happiness happinesses]   [ˈhæpinəs]  ;   [ˈhæpinəs]  noun uncountable

to find true happiness

Her eyes shone with happiness.

Their grandchildren are a constant source of happiness.

Main entry: happyderived

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

happiness / ˈhæp.i.nəs / noun [ U ]

B1 the feeling of being happy:

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

formal Will you join me in wishing the bride and groom every happiness?

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

happiness

hap·pi·ness /ˈhæpinəs/ noun, pl -ness·es
1 [noncount] : the state of being happy : joy
• They made a toast to long life and happiness.
• They found happiness together.
2 [count] somewhat formal : an experience that makes you happy
• I wish them every happiness. [=I hope that they will be very happy

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

appearance

 noun

1 the way that somebody or something looks or seems:
A new hairstyle can completely change your appearance.

2 the coming of somebody or something; when somebody or something is seen:
Jane's appearance at the party surprised everybody.
Is this your first appearance on television?

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

appearance

appearance 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

appearance / əˈpɪə.rəns /   / -ˈpɪr. ə ns / noun (WAY YOU LOOK)

B1 [ C or U ] the way a person or thing looks to other people:

a middle-aged man of smart appearance

You can alter/change the whole appearance of a room just by lighting it in a certain way.

There was nothing unusual about/in her physical appearance.

The large car outside the house gave the appearance of wealth (= suggested wealthy people lived there) .

Appearances can be deceptive.

to/from all appearances judging from what can be seen:

To all appearances their marriage is fine, but I think she gives him a bad time in private.

Word partners for appearance (BEING PRESENT)

a brief / fleeting / sudden appearance • a rare / recent / regular appearance • sb's farewell / final / first appearance • a personal / public appearance • make / put in an appearance • sb's appearance as sth • sb's appearance in sth

Word partners for appearance (WAY YOU LOOK)

the external / outward appearance • sb's personal / physical appearance • a dishevelled / scruffy / unkempt appearance • a striking appearance • improve your/sth's appearance

 

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

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

grateful

 adjective
If you are grateful, you feel or show thanks to somebody:
We are grateful to you for the help you have given us.
The noun is gratitudeopposite ungrateful

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

grateful

grateful S3 W3 /ˈɡreɪtfəl/ BrE AmE adjective
[Word Family: noun: ↑gratitude ≠ ↑ingratitude, ↑ingrate; adverb: ↑gratefully; adjective: ↑grateful ≠ ↑ungrateful]
[Date: 1500-1600; Origin: grate 'pleasing, thankful' (16-17 centuries), from Latin gratus]
1. feeling that you want to thank someone because of something kind that they have done, or showing this feeling OPP ungrateful
grateful for
I’m so grateful for all your help.
grateful to
I am very grateful to all those who took the trouble to write to me.
grateful (that)
She should be grateful that he was making things easier for her.
extremely/deeply/eternally etc grateful
I am extremely grateful for the assistance your staff have provided.
Our grateful thanks go to all who participated.
She gave me a grateful look.
REGISTER
In everyday English, people usually say I appreciate it rather than I’m grateful:
Thanks, I’m really grateful. ➔ Thanks, I really appreciate it.
| I’m grateful for everything you've done. ➔ I appreciate everything you've done.
2. I would be grateful if you could/would ... formal used to make a request:
I would be most grateful if you could send me an invoice in due course.

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.
thankfulgladrelievedappreciative|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

grateful / ˈɡreɪt.f ə l / adjective

B1 showing or expressing thanks, especially to another person:

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

If you could get that report finished by Thursday I'd be very grateful.

After the earthquake we felt grateful to be alive.

I'm just grateful that I'm not still working for him.

formal I would be most grateful if you would send me the book immediately.

→  Opposite ungrateful

 

gratefully / -i / adverb

She smiled at me gratefully.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

grateful

[gre͟ɪtfʊl]
 ADJ-GRADED: usu v-link ADJ, usu ADJ to n, ADJ for n/-ing
 If you are grateful for something that someone has given you or done for you, you have warm, friendly feelings towards them and wish to thank them.
  She was grateful to him for being so good to her...
  I should like to extend my grateful thanks to all the volunteers.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

grate·ful /ˈgreɪtfəl/ adj [more ~; most ~] : feeling or showing thanks
• She was grateful (that) she didn't have to work on the holiday.
• the grateful [=thankful] recipient of a new heart
• The college sent us a grateful acknowledgment of our donation. : feeling or showing thanks to someone for some helpful act
• I'm grateful to you for your help.
• He's grateful for the attention.
• I'm grateful (to you) for this opportunity. = I'm grateful to have this opportunity. = I'm grateful that I have this opportunity.
• a grateful smile
- opposite ungrateful

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

lecture

 noun
a talk to a group of people to teach them about something:
She gave a fascinating lecture on Spanish history.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

lecture

I. lecture1 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.
talkspeechaddresssermon
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.
speecha formal talk given to an audience: Several people made speeches at the wedding.
lecturea 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
addressa 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.
talka fairly informal session in which sb tells a group of people about a subject: She gave an interesting talk on her visit to China.
sermona 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

lecture / ˈlek.tʃə r /   / -tʃɚ / noun [ C ]

B1 a formal talk on a serious subject given to a group of people, especially students:

We went to a lecture on Italian art.

Who's giving the lecture this afternoon?

→  Compare seminar

an angry or serious talk given to someone in order to criticize their behaviour:

My dad gave me a lecture on the evils of alcohol last night.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

[le̱ktʃə(r)]
 ♦♦♦
 lectures, lecturing, lectured

 1) N-COUNT A lecture is a talk someone gives in order to teach people about a particular subject, usually at a university or college.
  ...a series of lectures by Professor Eric Robinson...
  In his lecture Riemann covered an enormous variety of topics.
 2) VERB If you lecture on a particular subject, you give a lecture or a series of lectures about it.
  [V on/in n] She then invited him to Atlanta to lecture on the history of art...
  She has danced, choreographed, lectured and taught all over the world...
  [V n on n] Wendy Rigby was recently invited to lecture a group of doctors on the benefits of aromatherapy.
 3) VERB If someone lectures you about something, they criticize you or tell you how they think you should behave.
  [V n about/on n] He used to lecture me about getting too much sun...
  [V n] Chuck would lecture me, telling me to get a haircut...
  She was no longer interrogating but lecturing. [Also V n to-inf]
 N-COUNT
 Lecture is also a noun. Our captain gave us a stern lecture on safety.

 

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

1lec·ture /ˈlɛkʧɚ/ noun, pl -tures [count]
1 : a talk or speech given to a group of people to teach them about a particular subject
• a lecture about/on politics
• She's planning to give/deliver a series of lectures on modern art.
• Several hundred people are expected to attend the lecture.
2 : a talk that criticizes someone's behavior in an angry or serious way
• I came home late and got a lecture from my parents.
• I gave her a lecture about doing better in school.

rule

rule [noun] (INSTRUCTION)

an accepted principle or instruction that states the way things are or should be done, and tells you what you are allowed or are not allowed to do

US /ruːl/ 
UK /ruːl/ 
Example: 

A referee must know all the rules of the game.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

noun

1 (plural rules) something that tells you what you must or must not do:
It's against the school rules to smoke.
to break a rule (= do something that you should not do)

2 (no plural) government:
The country is under military rule.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

rule

I. rule1 S1 W1 /ruːl/ BrE AmE noun
[Word Family: noun: ↑rule, ↑ruler, ↑ruling, ↑unruliness; adjective: ↑ruling, ↑unruly, ↑ruled; verb: ↑rule, ↑overrule]
[Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: reule, from Latin regula; ⇨ ↑regular1]
1. ABOUT WHAT IS ALLOWED [countable] an official instruction that says how things must be done or what is allowed, especially in a game, organization, or job
rule of
the rules of the game
under the rules/according to the rules
Under the rules, the company must publish its annual accounts.
2. ABOUT WHAT YOU SHOULD DO [countable] what you should do in a particular situation, or a statement about this:
There are no hard and fast rules (=clear and definite rules) about what to wear to classes.
rule of
There are two basic rules of survival.
The rule is: if you feel any pain you should stop exercising immediately.
3. NORMAL/USUAL [singular] something that is normal or usually true
as a (general) rule
As a general rule most students finish their coursework by the end of May.
Early marriage used to be the rule in that part of the world.
A series of payments used to be the exception rather than the rule.
Unfortunately there is an exception to every rule.
4. GOVERNMENT [uncountable] the government of a country or area by a particular group of people or using a particular system
under ... rule
people living under communist rule
the end of colonial rule
a period of military rule
direct rule from Westminster
the restoration of majority rule (=government by the party that most people have voted for) to Northern Ireland
5. IN GRAMMAR/SCIENCE ETC [countable] a statement about what is usually allowed in a particular system, such as the grammar of a language, or a science
rule of
the rules of English punctuation
6. the rule of law a situation in which the laws of a country are obeyed:
We are here to uphold the rule of law.
7. the rules of natural justice what people believe to be right and fair:
The governor failed to observe the rules of natural justice.
8. rule of thumb a rough figure or method of calculation, based on practical experience:
As a general rule of thumb, children this age should not spend more than one hour on homework.
9. make it a rule (to do something) to try to make sure that you always do something:
I make it a rule never to mix business with pleasure.
10. FOR MEASURING [countable] old-fashioned a ↑ruler
⇨ ↑golden rule, ↑ground rules, ↑home rule, ↑slide rule, ⇨ work to rule at ↑work1(32)
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ verbs
break a rule (also violate a rule formal) (=not obey it) He had clearly broken the official rules. | Any one who violates this rule will be severely punished.
obey/follow a rule She wasn’t going to obey their silly rules.
comply with/abide by/observe a rule formal (=obey it) All members must comply with the rules of the organization. | There is little that one country can do if another fails to abide by the rules. | We expect you to observe the general rules of conduct as set out below.
stick to/go by the rules informal (=obey them) We all have to stick to the rules.
make the rules I’m only an assistant manager – I don’t make the rules.
the rule says ... The rule says that you must be standing inside the line.
the rule stipulates that ... formal (=it says that something must be done) The rules stipulate that clubs must field the strongest team available.
the rule prohibits/forbids something The rule forbids women from becoming members of the club.
the rule requires (that) ... formal (=it says that people must do something) School rules required all girls to tie back their hair.
the rule applies to somebody/something (=it concerns them) Everyone thinks that the rule doesn’t apply to them.
play by the rules (=do what is expected and agreed) The system works well enough — as long as everyone plays by the rules.
bend/stretch the rules (=allow someone to do something that is not normally allowed) They bend the rules to suit themselves.
relax the rules (=make them less strict) Britain relaxed its immigration rules.
tighten (up) the rules (=make them stricter) The EU has tightened the rules on the quality of drinking water.
enforce a rule (=make sure that it is obeyed) The planning office does not always enforce its own rules.
flout a rule (=break it, without trying to hide what you are doing) The party continues to flout its own rules.
be bound by rules (=have to obey them) Solicitors are bound by strict rules that regulate their professional conduct.
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + rule
strict They have very strict rules about gambling.
simple The rules of the game are quite simple.
petty (=unreasonable rules about unimportant things) There are hundreds of petty rules.
a school/prison/club etc rule He had broken one of the school rules.
an unwritten rule (=a rule of behaviour that everyone in a group understands) There’s an unwritten rule that you never call an actor before 10 a.m.
health and safety rules You should follow any health and safety rules which apply to your workplace.
■ phrases
be against the rules (=not be allowed) It was against the rules to talk in class.
the rules concerning/governing/relating to something formal (=the rules about something) the rules governing food labeling
a change in the rules I didn’t realise that there had been a change in the rules.
a breach of the rules formal (=something that is against the rules) a serious breach of the rules
rules and regulations The government keeps introducing more and more rules and regulations.
rules are rules spoken (=a rule must be obeyed) Rules are rules and you have to abide by them.
• • •
THESAURUS
rule an instruction that says what people are allowed to do or not allowed to do, for example in a game, school, or company: the rules of baseball | He disobeyed the school rules.
law an official rule that everyone in a country, city, or state must obey: It is against the law to carry a concealed weapon. | The law requires motorcyclists to wear helmets.
regulation an official rule or order, which is part of a set of rules made by a government or organization: the regulations for applying for a passport | building regulations | environmental regulations on air pollution
restriction an official rule that limits what people can do: new restrictions on immigration | The government is planning to impose regulations on the amount of alcohol you can bring into the country.
guidelines rules or instructions about the best way to do something: the Department of Health’s guidelines for a healthy diet | guidelines for classroom teachers
code a set of rules that people or organizations agree to obey but are not forced to obey: The school has a dress code for its students. | the company’s code of conduct
statute formal a law that has been officially approved by a parliament, council etc, and written down: The statute banned corporal punishment.
ordinance American English a law, made by a city or town, that forbids or restricts an activity: A local ordinance limited speed in the parks to ten miles an hour.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

rule

rule [rule rules ruled ruling] noun, verb   [ruːl]    [ruːl]

noun  

OF ACTIVITY/GAME
1. countable a statement of what may, must or must not be done in a particular situation or when playing a game
to follow/obey/observe the rules
It's against all rules and regulations.
to break a rule (= not follow it)
This explains the rules under which the library operates.
Without unwritten rules civilized life would be impossible.
Normal competition rules apply.
• She laid down strict rules for her tenants including prompt payment of rent.

see also  ground rule  

ADVICE

2. countable a statement of what you are advised to do in a particular situation
There are no hard and fast rules for planning healthy meals.
• The first rule is to make eye contact with your interviewer.

see also  golden rule  

HABIT/NORMALLY TRUE

3. countable, usually singular a habit; the normal state of things; what is true in most cases
He makes it a rule never to borrow money.
I go to bed early as a rule.
Cold winters here are the exception rather than the rule (= are rare).

As a general rule vegetable oils are better for you than animal fats.  

OF SYSTEM

4. countable a statement of what is possible according to a particular system, for example the grammar of a language

• the rules of grammar  

 

GOVERNMENT/CONTROL

5. uncountable the government of a country or control of a group of people by a particular person, group or system
under Communist/civilian/military, etc. rule
majority rule (= government by the political party that most people have voted for)
The 1972 act imposed direct rule from Westminster.

see also  home rule  

 

MEASURING TOOL

6. countable a measuring instrument with a straight edge
see also  slide rule 
more at the exception proves the rule at  exception  
Word Origin:
Middle English: from Old French reule (noun), reuler (verb), from late Latin regulare, from Latin regula ‘straight stick’.  
Thesaurus:
rule noun
1. C
Tackling a player without the ball is against the rules.
regulationlawlegislationactstatutecommandment
the rules/regulations/laws on sth
against the rules/regulations/laws
obey a rule/the regulations/a law/a commandment
break a rule/regulation/law/commandment
2. U
The country was in the process of a return to civilian rule.
controlpowerauthoritycommand|formal jurisdiction
rule/control/power/authority/command/jurisdiction over sb/sth
be under sb's rule/control/authority/command/jurisdiction
direct rule/control/authority/command 
Example Bank:
Among her friends, casual dress and a relaxed manner are the rule.
As a rule, hardly anybody uses this road.
Couldn't they just bend the rules and let us in without a ticket?
Employees are bound by rules of confidentiality.
Follow these few simple rules, and you won't go far wrong.
He made his children's lives a misery with all his petty rules.
I believed I was acting within the rules.
If he wanted a loan he would have to play by the bank's rules.
New accounting rules come into force next year.
Several proposed rule changes have been announced.
Tackling a player without the ball is against the rules.
The Internet has changed the rules of business.
The aim is to get each member country to adhere to a single set of rules.
The competition rules provide that a cash alternative may be given.
The country remained under direct rule by the occupying powers.
The existing rules allow for some flexibility.
The music was turned off at midnight, in accordance with the rules.
The officials went strictly by the rule book.
The packaging does not conform to EU rules.
The president imposed emergency rule following the riots.
The punishment depends on how the umpire interprets the rules.
The referee applied the rules to the letter.
The rules keep changing.
The rules of dating have had to be rewritten, thanks to the movies.
The rules on claiming have been tightened up.
The rules were drawn up to make it fair for everyone.
The sport has strict rules for player safety.
Their action was in breach of Stock Exchange rules.
There are few exceptions to the general rule that bars close at midnight.
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to choosing a typeface.
There seems to be one rule for the rich and another for the poor.
Under this rule, only full members of the club are entitled to vote.
What are the school rules about dress?
What is the rule for forming plurals?
You and your flatmates should establish some ground rules.
You don't make the rules, you know.
You should know the rules by now.
a society based on the rule of law
behaviour which is outside the rules
federal rules on campaign fund-raising
rules limiting imports
the lawless days of mob rule
the rules governing the importing of livestock
the traditional rules of grammar
Communist/military rule
He occasionally allowed himself to break his own rule.
He was punished for breaking school rules.
He's a writer who doesn't seem to know the most basic rules of English grammar.
I make it a rule never to mix business with pleasure.
I've made it a rule not to talk to the press.
It was an unspoken rule in my family that my mother was always right.
It's one of my rules not to get into debt.
Potatoes at the front of the stall and fruit at the back— that was his golden rule.
She laid down strict rules for her tenants including prompt payment of rent.
The first rule of interviews is to make eye contact with the interviewer.
The golden rule of teaching is to remember that all children learn at different rates.
There are no hard and fast rules for planning healthy meals.
There are several exceptions to the rule ‘i” before “e” except after “c’.
There was a gradual process of returning the country to civilian rule.
Without unwritten rules civilized life would be impossible.
a return to civilian/democratic/majority rule
colonial/British/Ottoman rule
Idioms: bend the rules  play by somebody's rules  play by the rules  rule of law  rule of thumb  rule the roost  rule with a rod of iron  rules of the game  work to rule

Derived: rule off  rule somebody out  rule somebody out of something  rule something off 

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

rule / ruːl / noun [ C usually plural ] (INSTRUCTION)

B1 an accepted principle or instruction that states the way things are or should be done, and tells you what you are allowed or are not allowed to do:

A referee must know all the rules of the game.

The first/most important rule in life is always to appear confident.

Before you start your own business you should be familiar with the government's rules and regulations .

You must follow/obey/observe the rules.

You must not break the rules.

In special cases the manager will bend/stretch the rules (= allow the rules to be broken) .

You can trust Ruth because she always plays (it) by/goes by/does things by the rules (= follows instructions, standards, or rules) .

[ + to infinitive ] It's against the rules ( of/in boxing) to hit below the belt.

[ + that ] It's a club rule that new members must sing a song.

Word partners for rule noun

apply / enforce a rule • break / flout / violate a rule • bend / relax / stretch / waive a rule • follow / obey / observe the rules • establish / lay down / make a rule • a rule forbids / prevents / prohibits sth • rules governing sth • a strict / unwritten rule • a rule against sth • be against the rules
 

rule / ruːl / noun [ U ] (CONTROL)

C2 a period of time during which a particular person or group is in control of a country:

The period of Fascist rule is one people try to forget.

We don't want one-party rule - we want rule by the people.

→  See also misrule

Word partners for rule noun

apply / enforce a rule • break / flout / violate a rule • bend / relax / stretch / waive a rule • follow / obey / observe the rules • establish / lay down / make a rule • a rule forbids / prevents / prohibits sth • rules governing sth • a strict / unwritten rule • a rule against sth • be against the rules

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

rule

[ru͟ːl]
 
 rules, ruling, ruled

 1) N-COUNT: oft N of n, N num Rules are instructions that tell you what you are allowed to do and what you are not allowed to do.
  ...a thirty-two-page pamphlet explaining the rules of basketball...
  Sikhs were expected to adhere strictly to the religious rules concerning appearance...
  Strictly speaking, this was against the rules.
  ...the amendment to Rule 22.
 2) N-COUNT: oft N for/of n A rule is a statement telling people what they should do in order to achieve success or a benefit of some kind.
  An important rule is to drink plenty of water during any flight...
  By and large, the rules for healthy eating are the same during pregnancy as at any other time.
 3) N-COUNT: oft N of n The rules of something such as a language or a science are statements that describe the way that things usually happen in a particular situation.
  It is a rule of English that adjectives generally precede the noun they modify.
  ...according to the rules of quantum theory.
 4) N-SING: the N If something is the rule, it is the normal state of affairs.
  However, for many Americans today, weekend work has unfortunately become the rule rather than the exception.
 5) VERB The person or group that rules a country controls its affairs.
  [V n] For four centuries, he says, foreigners have ruled Angola...
  He ruled for eight months.
  [V over n] ...the long line of feudal lords who had ruled over this land.
 N-UNCOUNT: usu supp N
 Rule is also a noun. ...demands for an end to one-party rule.
 6) VERB If something rules your life, it influences or restricts your actions in a way that is not good for you.
  [V n] Scientists have always been aware of how fear can rule our lives and make us ill.
 7) VERB When someone in authority rules that something is true or should happen, they state that they have officially decided that it is true or should happen. [FORMAL]
  [V that] The court ruled that laws passed by the assembly remained valid...
  [V on n] The Israeli court has not yet ruled on the case...
  [V n adj/n] A provincial magistrates' court last week ruled it unconstitutional...
  [V against n] Kenneth Clarke, the home secretary, ruled against her being allowed to stay in Britain. [Also V in favour of n]
  Syn:
  pronounce
 8) VERB If you rule a straight line, you draw it using something that has a straight edge.
  [V-ed] ...a ruled grid of horizontal and vertical lines. [Also V n]
 9) → See also golden rule, ground rule, ruling, slide rule
 10) PHRASE: PHR with cl If you say that something happens as a rule, you mean that it usually happens.
  As a rule, however, such attacks have been aimed at causing damage rather than taking life.
  As a general rule, burglars are wary about gaining entry from the front or side of a building.
  Syn:
  generally, usually
 11) PHRASE: V inflects If someone in authority bends the rules or stretches the rules, they do something even though it is against the rules.
  There happens to be a particular urgency in this case, and it would help if you could bend the rules.
 12) PHRASE: rule inflects A rule of thumb is a rule or principle that you follow which is not based on exact calculations, but rather on experience.
  A good rule of thumb is that a broker must generate sales of ten times his salary if his employer is to make a profit...
  As a rule of thumb, a cup of filter coffee contains about 80mg of caffeine.
 13) PHRASE: V inflects If workers work to rule, they protest by working according to the rules of their job without doing any extra work or taking any new decisions. [BRIT]
  Nurses are continuing to work to rule.
  Phrasal Verbs:
  - rule in
  - rule out
  - rule out of

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

1rule /ˈruːl/ noun, pl rules
1 [count]
a : a statement that tells you what is or is not allowed in a particular game, situation, etc.
• I understand the basic rules of chess.
• As long as you're living under our roof, you'll follow/obey our rules.
• The college has strict rules for qualifying for financial assistance.
• The new rule allows/permits employees to dress casually on Fridays.
• Under the new rules, casual dress is now allowed.
• the company's rules and regulations
• It's important to learn the rules of the road before taking your driving test.
• It's against the rules to eat during class.
• He violated the unwritten/unspoken rule that you must thank your host before you leave a party.
• We cannot bend/stretch the rules [=change or ignore the rules] just for you.
• If you break the rules, you'll be asked to leave.
- see also gag rule, ground rule synonyms seelaw
b : a statement that tells you what is allowed or what will happen within a particular system (such as a language or science)
• the rules of grammar
• the rules of geometry
2 [count] : a piece of advice about the best way to do something
• Your speech will go well as long as you follow one simple rule: be confident.
• The first rule of driving is to pay attention.
• A good rule to follow when traveling is to do as the locals do.
3 [singular] : the way something usually is done or happens
As a rule, I don't drive in the snow. [=I don't usually drive in the snow]
As a general rule, electronic gadgets become smaller as they develop.
• Friendly customer service seems to be the exception rather than the rule nowadays. [=friendly customer service seems to be rare these days]
• They make it a rule to treat everyone fairly. [=they always treat everyone fairly]
4 [noncount] : the control and power that a particular person, group, or government has over a country or area
• Today we celebrate the anniversary of the country's independence from colonial rule.
• Under her rule, the country prospered.
- see also home rule, majority rule
5 [count] old-fashioned : a stick used for measuring things : ruler
- see also slide rule
by the rules : in the way that is most common, expected, and acceptable
• After years of boredom, he grew tired of living by the rules.
• She has always played by the rules throughout her career.
rule of law : a situation in which the laws of a country are obeyed by everyone
• The courts uphold the rule of law.
rule of thumb
1 : a method of doing something that is based on experience and common sense rather than exact calculation
• A good rule of thumb for keeping your closet organized is to get rid of any clothes you haven't worn in the past year.
2 : a principle that is believed and followed and that is based on the way something usually happens or is done
• As a rule of thumb, stocks that involve greater risk also have the potential of earning you more money.

light

light [noun] (BRIGHTNESS)

the brightness that comes from the sun, fire, etc. and from electrical devices, and that allows things to be seen

US /laɪt/ 
UK /laɪt/ 
Example: 

a bright light

Oxford Essential Dictionary

noun

1 (no plural)

pronunciation
The word light sounds like white.

the energy from the sun, a lamp, etc. that allows us to see things:
Strong sunlight is bad for the eyes.
The light was not very good so it was difficult to read.

2 (plural lights) a thing that gives light, for example an electric lamp

which word?
A light can be on or off. You can put, turn or switch a light on, off or out: Turn the lights off before you go to bed.It's getting dark. Shall I switch the light on?

Look also at traffic lights.

3 (plural lights) something, for example a match, that you use to start a cigarette burning:
Do you have a light?

set light to something to make something start to burn

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

light

I. light1 S1 W1 /laɪt/ BrE AmE noun
[Word Family: noun: ↑light, ↑lighter, ↑lighting, ↑lightness; adjective: ↑light, ↑lighted, ↑unlit; verb: ↑light, ↑lighten; adverb: ↑lightly, ↑light]
[Language: Old English; Origin: leoht]
1. NATURAL/ARTIFICIAL LIGHT
a) [uncountable] the energy from the Sun, a flame, a lamp etc that allows you to see things:
We saw a flash of light.
in/by the light of something
Everything looked grey in the dim light of the oil lamp.
I read by the light of the fire.
in/into the light
The man moved forward into the light.
b) [countable] a particular type of light, with its own particular colour, level of brightness etc:
The colours look different in different lights.
2. LAMP/ELECTRIC LIGHT ETC [countable]
a) something that produces light, especially electric light, to help you to see:
Ahead of us we could see the lights of the city.
We’re having a mixture of wall lights and ceiling lights in different parts of the house.
turn/switch/put on a light
I switched on the light in the bedroom.
turn/switch/put off a light
Don’t forget to switch the lights off when you go out.
turn/switch/put out a light
Can you turn the light out downstairs?
a light is/comes/goes on
The lights in the office were still on.
The street lights were just beginning to come on.
He left a light on in the kitchen.
a light is off/out
Make sure all the lights are off when you leave.
Suddenly all the lights in the house went out.
Can you turn the light down (=make it less bright) a bit? ⇨ the bright lights at ↑bright(13)
b) something such as a lamp that you can carry to give you light:
Shine a light over here, will you?
3. TRAFFIC CONTROL [countable usually plural] one of a set of red, green, and yellow lights used for controlling traffic SYN traffic lights:
We waited for the lights to change.
Eventually the lights turned green.
The driver had failed to stop at a red light. ⇨ ↑green light, ↑red-light district
4. ON A VEHICLE [countable usually plural] one of the lights on a car, bicycle etc that help you to see at night:
He was dazzled by the lights of oncoming traffic.
You’ve left your lights on. ⇨ ↑brake light, ↑headlight, ↑parking light
5. first light literary the time when light first appears in the morning sky:
We set out at first light the next day.
6. be/stand in sb’s light to prevent someone from getting all the light they need to see or do something:
Could you move to the left a little – you’re standing in my light.
7. FOR A CIGARETTE a light a match or something else to light a cigarette:
Have you got a light, please?
8. IN SB’S EYES [singular] literary an expression in someone’s eyes that shows an emotion or intention SYN gleam:
There was a murderous light in his eyes.
9. set light to something to make something start burning:
The candle fell over and set light to the barn.
10. come to light/be brought to light if new information comes to light, it becomes known:
This evidence did not come to light until after the trial.
The mistake was only brought to light some years later.
11. throw/shed/cast light on something to provide new information that makes a difficult subject or problem easier to understand:
Melanie was able to shed some light on the situation.
These discoveries may throw new light on the origins of the universe.
12. in the light of something British English, in light of something American English if you do or decide something in the light of something else, you do it after considering that thing:
In light of this tragic event, we have canceled the 4th of July celebrations.
13. in a new/different/bad etc light if someone or something is seen or shown in a particular light, people can see that particular part of their character:
I suddenly saw my father in a new light.
This incident will put the company in a very bad light.
14. see the light
a) to suddenly understand something:
At last doctors have seen the light!
b) to begin to believe in a religion very strongly
15. see the light (of day)
a) if an object sees the light of day, it is taken from the place where it has been hidden, and becomes publicly known:
Some of these documents will probably never see the light of day.
b) if a law, decision etc sees the light of day, it comes into existence for the first time
16. light at the end of the tunnel something that gives you hope for the future after a long and difficult period:
It’s been a hard few months, but we’re finally beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
17. have your name in lights informal to be successful and famous in theatre or films
18. go/be out like a light informal to go to sleep very quickly because you are very tired:
I went straight to bed and went out like a light.
19. a leading light in/of something informal someone who is important in a particular organization:
She’s one of the leading lights of the local dramatic society.
20. the light of sb’s life the person that someone loves more than anyone else:
Her son was the light of her life.
21. WINDOW [countable] a window in a roof or wall that allows light into a room
hide your light under a bushel at ↑bushel, ⇨ be all sweetness and light at ↑sweetness(3), ⇨ in the cold light of day at ↑cold1(9)
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + light
bright/strong The light was so bright he had to shut his eyes.
blinding/dazzling (=extremely bright) The white buildings reflected a blinding light.
dim (=not bright) Gradually her eyes became accustomed to the dim light.
good (=bright enough) Stand over here where the light is good.
poor/bad (=not bright enough) The light was too poor for me to read.
soft/warm (=light that seems slightly yellow or orange) the soft light of the candles
cold/harsh (=light that seems slightly blue) the cold light of the moon
the morning/dawn light The flowers glowed brightly in the morning light.
natural light (=light produced by the sun) The only natural light came from two high windows.
artificial light (=light produced by lamps) The office was windowless, lit only by artificial light.
■ verbs
light shines The light from the streetlamp shone through the curtains.
light comes from somewhere The only light came from the fire.
light streams/floods in (=a large amount of light comes in) Light streamed in through the window.
light falls on/across etc something The light fell on her book.
light illuminates something formal (=makes it bright or able to be seen) The light from the screen illuminated the people gathered round it.
the light is fading (=it is getting darker as the sun is going down)
produce light (also emit light technical) the light produced by the sun
cast light (=send light onto something) the gold circle of light cast by the lamp
reflect light Snow reflects a lot of light.
something is bathed in light literary (=something has a lot of light shining on it) The fields and woods were bathed in golden light.
■ phrases
a beam/ray/shaft of light (=a thin line of light) There was a shaft of light from the doorway.
a flash of light (=a bright light that appears suddenly for a very short time) A flash of light caught his attention.
a pool/circle of light (=an area of light) They stood in the pool of light cast by the streetlamp.
• • •
THESAURUS (for Meaning 2)
light something that produces light, especially electric light, to help you to see: She switched the kitchen light on. | The lights in the house were all off.
lamp an object that produces light by using electricity, oil, or gas - often used in names of lights: a bedside lamp | a street lamp | a desk lamp | a table lamp | an old oil lamp | a paraffin lamp
lantern a lamp that you can carry, consisting of a metal container with glass sides that surrounds a flame or light: The miners used lanterns which were lit by candles.
torch British English, flashlight American English a small electric lamp that you carry in your hand: We shone our torches around the cavern.
candle a stick of wax with a string through the middle, which you burn to give light: The restaurant was lit by candles.
bulb the glass part of an electric light, that the light shines from: a 100 watt bulb | an energy-saving light bulb
■ on a car
headlight (also headlamp) one of the two large lights at the front of a vehicle: It was getting dark so she switched the headlights on.
sidelight British English, parking light American English one of the two small lights next to the main lights, at the front and back of a car
tail light one of the two red lights at the back of a vehicle
indicator British English, turn signal American English one of the lights on a car that flash to show which way the car is turning

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

light

light [light lights lit lighted lighting] noun, adjective, verb, adverb   [laɪt]    [laɪt]

noun
FROM SUN/LAMPS
1. uncountable the energy from the sun, a lamp, etc. that makes it possible to see things
bright/dim light
a room with good natural light
in the fading light of a summer's evening
The light was beginning to fail (= it was beginning to get dark).
She could just see by the light of the candle.
Bring it into the light so I can see it.
a beam/ray of light
The knife gleamed as it caught the light (= as the light shone on it).

see also  first light

2. countable a particular type of light with its own colour and qualities
• A cold grey light crept under the curtains.

see also  Northern Lights  

LAMP

3. countable a thing that produces light, especially an electric light
to turn/switch the lights on/off
to turn out the light(s)
Suddenly all the lights went out.
It was an hour before the lights came on again.
to turn down/dim the lights
A light was still burning in the bedroom.
ceiling/wall lights
Keep going— the lights (= traffic lights) are green.
• Check your car before you drive to make sure that your lights are working.

see also  brake light, green light, headlight, leading light, red light  

FOR CIGARETTE

4. singular a match or device with which you can light a cigarette: (BrE) Have you got a light?

(NAmE, BrE) Do you have a light?  

EXPRESSION IN EYES

5. singular an expression in sb's eyes which shows what they are thinking or feeling

• There was a soft light in her eyes as she looked at him.  

IN PICTURE

6. uncountable light colours in a picture, which contrast with darker ones

• the artist's use of light and shade  

WINDOW

7. countable (architecture) a window or an opening to allow light in
leaded lights
see also  skylight 
more at the bright lights at  bright  adj., in the cold light of day at  cold  adj., hide your light under a bushel at  hide  v., jump the lights at  jump  v., be (all) sweetness and light at  sweetness  
Word Origin:
n. and v. adj. senses 1 to 2 Old English lēoht līht līhtan Germanic Dutch licht German Licht Indo-European Greek leukos ‘white’ Latin lux ‘light’
adj. senses 3 to 17 Old English lēocht līht lēohte Germanic Dutch licht German leicht Indo-European lung
 
Thesaurus:
light noun
1. U, sing.
She could just see by the light of the candle.
brightnesslighting
Opp: darkness, Opp: the dark, Opp: shade
light/brightness from sth
in the light/brightness
good/bright/strong/poor/electric light/lighting
give light/brightness to sth
2. C
Turn on the lights!
lampcandlelantern|BrE torch|especially AmE flashlight
switch on/off a light/lamp/torch/flashlight
shine a light/lantern/torch/flashlight on sth
a light/lamp/lantern/torch/flashlight shines  
Which Word?:
light / lighting
The noun light has several different meanings and is used in many phrases. Lighting can only be used to talk about the type of light in a place or how lights are used to achieve a particular effect: the lighting system the movie’s interesting lighting effects The lighting at the disco was fantastic.  
Example Bank:
A warning light goes on when the battery is running low.
Bring it into the light and we'll have a look at it.
Could you give me a light?
For the first time since the start of his treatment, we can now see light at the end of the tunnel.
He flashed his lights to warn the oncoming cars.
In full light, you could see Alison was well over forty.
Light from a tall lamp fell in a pool on the desk.
Nothing can travel faster than the speed of light.
She held up the letter against the light.
Some cars already had their lights on.
Some of his paintings never even saw the light of day.
Someone shone a light in my face.
The blue light was flashing.
The car was stopped at the side of the road with its hazard lights flashing.
The lamp was the only source of light in the room.
The light flickered a couple of times then went out.
The light reflecting off the snow was dazzling.
The pilot could just make out the runway landing lights.
The place looked calm in the golden evening light.
The warning light came on.
There was a flash of light followed by an explosion.
They managed to see where the door was by the light of the moon.
We could hardly see the ball in the failing light.
We were momentarily blinded by the light of the sun.
You could see the imperfections in the repair when the light caught it.
film that is sensitive to ultraviolet light
in the cold light of morning
light emitted by a star
the bright lights of the city
the light from the kitchen window
Check your car before you drive to make sure that your lights are working.
Examine the artist's use of light and shade.
He squinted in the bright light.
It was getting dark and the street lights had come on.
Keep going— the lights are green.
Suddenly all the lights went out.
The light was beginning to fail.
The lights dimmed and the curtain rose.
Turn on the lights!
We could only just make out the path in the dim light.
a beam/ray of light
Idioms: according to somebody's lights  bring something to light  cast light on something  come to light  in a good/bad/favourable light  in somebody's light  in the light of something  light at the end of the tunnel  light dawned  light of somebody's life  light on something  light touch  lights are on but nobody's home  make light of something  make light work of something  out like a light  run a light  run the lights  see the light  set light to something
Derived Word: lightness

Derived: light on something  light something up  light up 

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

light / laɪt / noun (BRIGHTNESS)

B1 [ U ] the brightness that comes from the sun, fire, etc. and from electrical devices, and that allows things to be seen:

a bright light

fluorescent/ultraviolet light

a beam/ray of light

Light was streaming in through the open door.

It's a north-facing room so it doesn't get much light (= brightness from the sun) .

A2 [ C ] a piece of equipment that produces light, such as a lamp or a bulb:

Could you switch/turn the light on/off , please?

She could see the city lights in the distance.

As the lights went down, the audience grew quiet.

My front bike light isn't working.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

light

I [la͟ɪt]BRIGHTNESS OR ILLUMINATION
 ♦♦

 lights, lighting, lit, lighted, lighter, lightest
 (The form lit is the usual past tense and past participle, but the form lighted is also used.)
 1) N-UNCOUNT: also the N Light is the brightness that lets you see things. Light comes from sources such as the sun, moon, lamps, and fire.
  Cracks of light filtered through the shutters...
  Light and water in embassy buildings were cut off...
  It was difficult to see in the dim light.
  ...ultraviolet light.
  Ant:
  darkness
 2) N-COUNT A light is something such as an electric lamp which produces light.
  The janitor comes round to turn the lights out...
  You get into the music, the lights and the people around you.
  ...street lights.
 3) N-PLURAL You can use lights to refer to a set of traffic lights.
  ...the heavy city traffic with its endless delays at lights and crossings.
 4) VERB If a place or object is lit by something, it has light shining on it.
  [V n] It was dark and a giant moon lit the road so brightly you could see the landscape clearly...
  [V n] The room was lit by only the one light...
  [V n with n] The low sun lit the fortress walls with yellow light.
  [V-ed] ...the little lighted space at the bottom of the stairwell.
  Syn:
  illuminate
 5) ADJ-GRADED If it is light, the sun is providing light at the beginning or end of the day.
  It was still light when we arrived at Lalong Creek...
  He would often rise as soon as it was light and go into the garden.
  ...light summer evenings.
  Ant:
  dark
 6) ADJ-GRADED If a room or building is light, it has a lot of natural light in it, for example because it has large windows.
  It is a light room with tall windows...
  Her house is light and airy, crisp and clean.
  Syn:
  bright
  Ant:
  dark
  Derived words:
  lightness N-UNCOUNT usu with supp The dark green spare bedroom is in total contrast to the lightness of the large main bedroom.
 7) V-ERG If you light something such as a cigarette or fire, or if it lights, it starts burning.
  [V n] Stephen hunched down to light a cigarette...
  If the charcoal does fail to light, use a special liquid spray and light it with a long taper.
  [V-ed] ...a lighted candle.
 8) N-SING: a N If someone asks you for a light, they want a match or cigarette lighter so they can start smoking. [INFORMAL]
  Have you got a light anybody?
 9) N-COUNT: with supp If something is presented in a particular light, it is presented so that you think about it in a particular way or so that it appears to be of a particular nature.
  He has worked hard in recent months to portray New York in a better light.
 10) N-SING: the N of n You can refer to the type of influence that something has on situations, people, or things as the light of that situation, person, or thing. [WRITTEN]
  ...the harsh light of reality.
 11) N-PLURAL: prep poss N You say that something is done or is acceptable according to someone's lights when you mean that it is done or is acceptable according to their own ideas and standards. [FORMAL]
  They can get on with running the school system according to their own lights and in their own interests.
 12) N-SING: usu N in n If there is a light in someone's eyes, there is an expression in their eyes that shows you the mood they are in or what they are thinking about. [LITERARY]
  I remembered the curious expectant light in his eyes.
  Syn:
  glint
 13) → See also lighter, lighting, bright lights, night light, pilot light, red light
 14) PHRASE: V inflects If something comes to light or is brought to light, it becomes obvious or is made known to a lot of people.
  Nothing about this sum has come to light...
  The truth is unlikely to be brought to light by the promised enquiry.
 15) PHRASE: V inflects If light dawns on you, you begin to understand something after a period of not being able to understand it.
  At last the light dawned. He was going to marry Phylis!
 16) PHRASE First light is the time in the early morning when light first appears and before the sun rises. [LITERARY]
  Three hours before first light Fuentes gave orders for the evacuation of the camp.
  Syn:
  daybreak
 17) PHRASE: PHR after v, v-link PHR If someone in authority gives you a green light, they give you permission to do something.
  The food industry was given a green light to extend the use of these chemicals...
  Other countries are eagerly awaiting an American green light to lift the sanctions altogether.
 18) PHR-PREP If something is possible in the light of particular information, it is only possible because you have this information.
  In the light of this information it is now possible to identify a number of key issues.
 19) PHRASE: v-link PHR, PHR after v If someone goes out like a light, they fall asleep or become unconscious very quickly or immediately. [INFORMAL]
  `Why didn't somebody come and tell me?' - `Because you were out like a light.'
 20) PHRASE: V inflects If you say that an object sees the light of day or sees the light, you mean that it is taken out of the place where it is stored.
  Museum basements are stacked full of objects which never see the light of day.
 21) PHRASE: V inflects If something sees the light of day at a particular time, it comes into existence or is made known to the public at that time.
  This extraordinary document first saw the light of day in 1966.
 22) PHRASE: V inflects If someone sees the light, they finally realize something or change their attitude or way of behaving to a better one.
  I saw the light, ditched him and now live with a man who loves me and my body.
 23) PHRASE: V inflects: PHR n If you set light to something, you make it start burning. [mainly BRIT]
  They had poured fuel through the door of the flat and had then set light to it.(in AM, use set fire to)
 24) PHRASE: V inflects, PHR n To shed light on, throw light on, or cast light on something means to make it easier to understand, because more information is known about it.
  A new approach offers an answer, and may shed light on an even bigger question.
  Syn:
  clarify
 25) PHRASE When you talk about the light at the end of the tunnel, you are referring to the end of the difficult or unpleasant situation that you are in at the moment.
  All I can do is tell her to hold on, that there's light at the end of the tunnel.
 26) all sweetness and lightsee sweetness
  Phrasal Verbs:
  - light on
  - light upon
  - light up
  - light uponII [la͟ɪt]NOT GREAT IN WEIGHT, AMOUNT, OR INTENSITY
 ♦♦♦

 lighter, lightest
 1) ADJ-GRADED Something that is light does not weigh very much, or weighs less than you would expect it to.
  Modern tennis rackets are now apparently 20 per cent lighter.
  ...weight training with light weights...
  Try to wear light, loose clothes.
  Ant:
  heavy
  Derived words:
  lightness N-UNCOUNT usu with supp The toughness, lightness, strength, and elasticity of whalebone gave it a wide variety of uses.
 2) ADJ-GRADED Something that is light is not very great in amount, degree, or intensity.
  It's a Sunday like any other with the usual light traffic in the city...
  Trading was very light ahead of yesterday's auction.
  ...a light breeze.
  Derived words:
  lightly ADV-GRADED usu ADV -ed, also ADV after v Put the onions in the pan and cook until lightly browned. ...the small and lightly armed UN contingent.
 3) ADJ: ADJ n Light equipment and machines are small and easily moved, especially because they are not heavy.
  ...a convoy of light armoured vehicles...
  They used light machine guns and AK forty-sevens.
 4) ADJ-GRADED Soil that is light is easy to dig, because it has a loose texture and is not sticky or solid.
  Less chemical gets into the sub-soil which is particularly important with the light, tropical soils.
 5) ADJ-GRADED Something that is light is very pale in colour.
  The walls are light in colour and covered in paper...
  He is light haired with gray eyes.
  Syn:
  pale
 COMB in COLOUR
 Light is also a combining form. We know he has a light green van. ...a light blue box.
 6) ADJ-GRADED: ADJ n A light sleep is one that is easily disturbed and in which you are often aware of the things around you. If you are a light sleeper, you are easily woken when you are asleep.
  She had drifted into a light sleep...
  She was usually a light sleeper.
  Ant:
  heavy
  Derived words:
  lightly ADV-GRADED ADV after v He was dozing lightly in his chair.
 7) ADJ-GRADED A light sound, for example someone's voice, is pleasantly quiet.
  The voice was sweet and light.
 8) ADJ-GRADED A light meal is small in quantity.
  ...a light, healthy lunch.
  ...wine and cheese or other light refreshment.
  Derived words:
  lightly ADV-GRADED ADV after v She found it impossible to eat lightly.
 9) ADJ-GRADED Food that is light has a delicate flavour and is easy to digest.
  Berti's clear tomato soup is deliciously light...
  Bake salmon in foil or poach in a light stock for 8-10 minutes.
  ...light table wines.
 10) ADJ-GRADED: usu ADJ n Light work does not involve much physical effort.
  He was on the training field for some light work yesterday.
 11) ADJ-GRADED If you describe the result of an action or a punishment as light, you mean that it is less serious or severe than you expected.
  She confessed her astonishment at her light sentence when her father visited her at the jail.
  Syn:
  lenient
  Derived words:
  lightly ADV-GRADED ADV after v One of the accused got off lightly in exchange for pleading guilty to withholding information from Congress.
 12) ADJ-GRADED Movements and actions that are light are graceful or gentle and are done with very little force or effort.
  Use a light touch when applying cream or make-up...
  There was a light knock at the door.
  Derived words:
  lightly ADV-GRADED ADV with v He kissed her lightly on the mouth... Knead the dough very lightly.
  lightness N-UNCOUNT She danced with a grace and lightness that were breathtaking.
 13) → See also lighterIII [la͟ɪt]UNIMPORTANT OR NOT SERIOUS
 ♦♦♦

 lighter, lightest
 (Please look at category 5 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.)
 1) ADJ-GRADED: usu ADJ n If you describe things such as books, music, and films as light, you mean that they entertain you without making you think very deeply.
  He doesn't like me reading light novels.
  ...light classical music.
  ...a light entertainment programme.
  Ant:
  deep
 2) ADJ-GRADED: usu ADJ n If you say something in a light way, you sound as if you think that something is not important or serious.
  Talk to him in a friendly, light way about the relationship.
  ...to finish on a lighter note.
  Ant:
  serious
  Derived words:
  lightly ADV-GRADED ADV after v `Once a detective, always a detective,' he said lightly.
  lightness N-UNCOUNT `I'm not an authority on them,' Jessica said with forced lightness.
 3) ADJ-GRADED: usu with brd-neg If you say that something is not a light matter, you mean that it should be treated or considered as being important and serious.
  It can be no light matter for the Home Office that so many young prisoners should have wanted to kill or injure themselves.
  Derived words:
  lightly ADV-GRADED ADV with v His allegations cannot be lightly dismissed.
 4) PHRASE: V inflects If you make light of something, you treat it as though it is not serious or important, when in fact it is.
  Roberts attempted to make light of his discomfort.
  Syn:
  play down
 5) → See also lighter
 to make light work ofsee work

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

1light /ˈlaɪt/ noun, pl lights
1 [noncount] : the form of energy that makes it possible to see things : the brightness produced by the sun, by fire, a lamp, etc.
• The light was bright/dazzling.
• The landscape was bathed/awash in light.
• a ray/shaft/beam of light
• a source of light = a light source
• a photograph taken in low/dim light
• the light of the moon
• a mixture of light and shadow
• The windows let fresh air and light into the room.
• a plant that grows best in direct/indirect light [=with light shining directly/indirectly on it]
natural light [=sunlight]
artificial light [=light produced by electric lamps]
- sometimes used figuratively
• He hates the harsh light of publicity.
2 [count]
a : a source of light (such as an electric lamp)
• turn/switch on/off the light
• a fluorescent light
• a light fixture [=a lamp that is permanently attached to a wall, ceiling, etc.]
• a warning light
• The lights suddenly went out.
• The lights suddenly came on.
• the twinkling lights of the city below
• the bright lights of Broadway
• a light switch [=a switch for turning lights on and off]
• The lights are on, so there must be somebody at home.
- see also nightlight
b : a light on a vehicle
• His car's battery died because he left his lights on.
3 [singular] : a way of showing or understanding something or someone
• The situation looks less serious when looked at in a certain light. [=in a certain way]
• I see things in a different light now. [=I see/understand things differently now]
• The defendants were shown/depicted in a bad light [=in a way that made them seem bad] by the lawyer.
• The news about his marital problems does not place/put him in a good light. [=does not make him appear to be a good person]
• She tried to explain her behavior in the best light possible. [=in a way that would make her appear as good as possible]
4 [count] : a light or set of lights used to control traffic : traffic light
• Turn left at the next light.
• The light was red.
• We were waiting for the light to turn green.
5 [singular] informal : a flame for lighting a cigarette
• I need a light for my cigarette.
• Do you have a light?
• I didn't have any matches, but a stranger gave me a light. [=lit my cigarette for me]
6 [noncount] formal : daylight 1
• Things look different by the light of day.
• We woke up at first light. [=at dawn; at sunrise; when the sun came up]
- see also see the light of day (below)
7 [singular] : a quality in a person's eyes that shows emotion
• I saw the light of recognition in her eye.
8 lights [plural]
a : light colors : colors that are more white than black
• the composition of lights and darks in the painting/photograph
b : light-colored clothes
• Wash the lights and the darks separately.
according to your lights formal : according to your idea of what is right
• You know my views on the matter; but of course you must act according to your (own) lights. [=you must be guided by your own opinions about what is right]
a light at the end of the tunnel : a reason to believe that a bad situation will end soon or that a long and difficult job will be finished soon
• They are falling deeper into debt, and there is no light at the end of the tunnel.
• The work on our house has been going on for months, but we're finally starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel.
bring (something) to light : to tell people about (something) : to make (something) known
• Many new facts were brought to light during the investigation.
cast/shed/throw light on : to help to explain (something) : to make it possible to understand or know more about (something)
• She is developing new theories that might shed some light on these unusual phenomena.
• I hope my explanation throws light on their behavior.
come to light : to become known
• Other details have come to light because of this investigation.
• She was angry when it came to light that some people were being promoted unfairly.
hide your light under a bushel
- see bushel
in someone's light : blocking the light that someone needs to see or read something
• She asked him to move back a few steps because he was in her light.
in the cold light of day
- see 1cold
in the light of or US in light of
1 : while thinking about (something that affects the way you see or understand things)
• You should think about their advice in light of your own needs.
• It is impossible to come to a conclusion in the light of the data we have here.
• You should read the story in light of your own experiences.
2 : because of (something)
• It's a particularly important topic in light of recent events.
light dawns
✦When people suddenly understand something that they had not understood before, (a/the) light dawns (on them).
• When she saw the guilty look on her husband's face, a light dawned, and she knew he had been lying to her.
more heat than light
- see 1heat
out like a light informal
1 : asleep
• As soon as my head hit the pillow, I was out like a light.
2 : unconscious
• He took one punch to the jaw and was out like a light.
punch someone's lights out
- see 1punch
see the light informal : to suddenly understand or realize the truth of something
• Many people doubted his theory, but most of them have now finally seen the light. [=most of them now realize that his theory is correct]
see the light of day
1 : to be seen or used
• our fine china, which hasn't seen the light of day in at least 10 years
2 : to become publicly known
• Important documents in this case have never seen the light of day.
• Her theory first saw the light of day in a well-respected magazine.
set light to chiefly Brit : to cause (something) to begin burning
• used a match to set light to [=set fire to] the paper
the light of your life : a person you love very much and who makes you happy
• His daughter is the light of his life.
trip the light fantastic
- see 2trip

- see also green light, leading light, northern lights, southern lights sweetness and light at sweetness

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