B1 (Intermediate)

waste

waste [verb] (USE BADLY)

to use too much of something or use something badly when there is a limited amount of it

/weɪst/

Example:

You waste a lot of water by having a bath instead of a shower.

verb (wastes, wasting, wasted)
to use too much of something or not use something in a good way:
She wastes a lot of money on sweets.
He wasted his time at university – he didn't do any work.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

II. waste² S2 W3 BrE AmE verb [transitive]
[Word Family: noun: ↑wastage, ↑waste, ↑wastefulness, ↑waster, ↑wastrel; adjective: ↑waste, ↑wasteful, ↑wasted, ↑wasting; verb: ↑waste; adverb: ↑wastefully]
[Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old North French; Origin: waster, from Latin vastare; ⇨ ↑devastate]
1. NOT USE SENSIBLY to use more money, time, energy etc than is useful or sensible:
Leaving the heating on all the time wastes electricity.
waste something on somebody/something
Don’t waste your money on that junk!
2. NOT USE FULLY [usually passive] to not make full use of someone or something:
Hannah’s wasted in that clerical job.
His talents were being wasted as a lawyer.
3. be wasted on somebody if something is wasted on someone, they do not understand how good or useful it is:
Her good advice was wasted on the children.
4. waste your breath spoken to say something that has no effect:
Don’t try to reason with Paul – you’re wasting your breath.
5. waste no time (in) doing something to do something as quickly as you can because it will help you:
He wasted no time in introducing himself.
6. waste not, want not spoken used to say that if you use what you have carefully, you will still have some of it if you need it later
7. HARM SOMEBODY American English informal to kill someone, severely injure them, or defeat them
waste away phrasal verb
to gradually become thinner and weaker, usually because you are ill

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

waste

waste [waste wastes wasted wasting] verb, noun, adjective [weɪst] [weɪst]

verb

NOT USE WELL
1. to use more of sth than is necessary or useful
• ~ sth to waste time/food/energy
• ~ sth on sth Why waste money on clothes you don't need?
• We got straight down to business without wasting time on small talk.
• ~ sth (in) doing sth She wasted no time in rejecting the offer (= she rejected it immediately).

• You're wasting your time trying to explain it to him (= because he will not understand).

2. ~ sth (on sb/sth) to give, say, use, etc. sth good where it is not valued or used in the way that it should be
• Don't waste your sympathy on him— he got what he deserved.

• Her comments were not wasted on Chris (= he understood what she meant).

3. usually passive to not make good or full use of sb/sth
• ~ sb/sth It was a wasted opportunity.
• His talents are wasted in that job.

• ~ sb/sth as sth You're wasted as a sales manager— you should have been an actor.

KILL SB

4. ~ sb (informal, especially NAmE) to get rid of sb, usually by killing them

DEFEAT SB
5. ~ sb (NAmE, informal) to defeat sb very badly in a game or competition

Word Origin:
Middle English: from Old Northern French wast(e) (noun), waster (verb), based on Latin vastus ‘unoccupied, uncultivated’.
Example Bank:
• Don't waste your money on a hotel room.
• He didn't want to waste valuable time in idle gossip.
• Hurry up— there's no time to waste!
• I'm not going to waste any more time on the problem.
• In the end her efforts were not entirely wasted.
• Their father hated to waste energy.
• You're just wasting your breath. She never listens.
• Don't waste your sympathy on her— she got what she deserved.
• Her comments were not wasted on Chris.
• She wasted no time in rejecting the offer.
• The health authority wasted millions of pounds on a computer system that never worked.
• Why waste money on clothes you don't need?
• You're wasted as a sales manager— you should have been an actor.
• You're wasting your time trying to explain it to him.
Idioms: lay something waste ▪ lay waste something ▪ waste not, want not ▪ waste of space ▪ waste your breath

Derived: waste away

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

waste / weɪst / verb [ T ] (USE BADLY)

B1 to use too much of something or use something badly when there is a limited amount of it:

You waste a lot of water by having a bath instead of a shower.

Come on, let's get started - we've wasted enough time already.

Don't waste your money on me, love, keep it for yourself.

waste / weɪst / verb [ T ] US slang (KILL)

to kill someone

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

waste

[we͟ɪst]
♦♦
wastes, wasting, wasted
1) VERB If you waste something such as time, money, or energy, you use too much of it doing something that is not important or necessary, or is unlikely to succeed.
  [V n -ing] There could be many reasons and he was not going to waste time speculating on them...
  [V n on n] I resolved not to waste money on a hotel...
  [V n] The system wastes a large amount of water.
N-SING: a N of n
Waste is also a noun. It is a waste of time going to the doctor with most mild complaints... I think that is a total waste of money.
2) N-UNCOUNT Waste is the use of money or other resources on things that do not need it.
  The packets are measured to reduce waste...
  I hate waste. Two weeks was reasonable, but this is far too much.
3) N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl Waste is material which has been used and is no longer wanted, for example because the valuable or useful part of it has been taken out.
  Congress passed a law that regulates the disposal of waste...
  Up to 10 million tonnes of toxic wastes are produced every year in the UK.
  ...the process of eliminating body waste.
4) VERB If you waste an opportunity for something, you do not take advantage of it when it is available.
  [V n] Let's not waste an opportunity to see the children...
  [V-ed] It was a wasted opportunity.
5) VERB: usu passive If you say that something is wasted on someone, you mean that there is no point giving it or telling it to them as they will not appreciate, understand, or pay any attention to it.
  [be V-ed on n] All the well-meant, sincere advice is largely wasted on him.
  Syn:
  be lost on
6) ADJ: usu ADJ n Waste land is land, especially in or near a city, which is not used or looked after by anyone, and so is covered by wild plants and rubbish.
  There was a patch of waste land behind the church...
  Yarrow can be found growing wild in fields and on waste ground.
7) N-PLURAL: adj N, N of n Wastes are a large area of land, for example a desert, in which there are very few people, plants, or animals.
  ...the barren wastes of the Sahara.
8) → See also wasted
9) PHRASE: V inflects If something goes to waste, it remains unused or has to be thrown away.
  So much of his enormous effort and talent will go to waste if we are forced to drop one hour of the film...
  Mexican cookery is economical, she says. Nothing goes to waste.
  Syn:
  be wasted
10) PHRASE: V inflects, PHR n If something or someone lays waste an area or town or lays waste to it, they completely destroy it.
  The war has laid waste large regions of the countryside.
  ...cities laid waste by the decline of traditional industries...
  The aphid is now laying waste to the wheat and barley fields.
  Syn:
  annihilate
11) PHRASE The expression waste not, want not means that if you do not use too much of something now you will have some left later when you need it.
  ...a nation that prides itself on its `waste not, want not' thrift and its environmental conscience.
12) to waste your breath → see breath
to waste no time → see time
  Phrasal Verbs:
  - waste away

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

²waste verb wastes; wast·ed; wast·ing [+ obj]
1 : to use (something valuable) in a way that is not necessary or effective : to use more of (something) than is necessary
• Don't waste water during the summer drought.
• He always wasted his money on useless gadgets.
• Turn off the lights so we don't waste electricity.
• I think he's just wasting my time.
• We can't afford to waste so much food.
2 : to use (something or someone) in a way that does not produce a valuable result or effect : to fail to use (something or someone) in an appropriate or effective way
• We can't afford to waste this opportunity.
• She's a good writer but she's wasting her talent. [=she's not using her talent to do the things that she should be doing]
- often used as (be) wasted
• My efforts were wasted.
• He was wasted in that job. [=his talents/skills were not being used in the job]
3 slang : to kill or murder (someone)
• Someone wasted him.
waste away [phrasal verb] : to become thinner and weaker because of illness or lack of food
• The disease caused her to waste away.
waste no time : to do something quickly
• We wasted no time getting our tickets. [=we hurried to get our tickets]
waste not, want not
- used to say that if you never waste things you will always have what you need;
waste your breath
- see breath

count

count [verb] (NUMBER)

to say numbers one after the other in order, or to calculate the number of people or things in a group

/kaʊnt/

Example:

Count your money carefully to make sure it's all there.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

verb (counts, counting, counted)

1 to say numbers one after the other in the correct order:
The children are learning to count from one to ten.

2 to look at people or things to see how many there are:
I have counted the chairs – there are 32.

3 to include somebody or something when you are finding a total:
There were twenty people on the bus, not counting the driver.

4 to be important or accepted:
Every point in this game counts.
Your throw won't count if you go over the line.

count on somebody or something to feel sure that somebody or something will do what you want:
Can I count on you to help me?

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

count

I. count¹ S2 W3 /kaʊnt/ BrE AmE verb
[Word Family: noun: ↑count, ↑recount, ↑counter; verb: ↑count, ↑recount; adjective: ↑countable ≠ ↑uncountable, ↑countless]
[Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: conter, from Latin computare; ⇨ ↑compute]
1. FIND THE TOTAL [transitive] (also count up) to calculate the total number of things or people in a group:
I was amazed at the number of plants – I counted 147.
count (up) how many
Count up how many ticks are in each box.
2. SAY NUMBERS [intransitive] (also count up) to say numbers in order, one by one or in groups
count to
Sarah can count up to five now.
count by twos/fives etc
It’s quicker to count by tens (=saying 10, 20, 30 ...).
3. BE ALLOWED [intransitive and transitive] to be allowed or accepted, or to allow or accept something, according to a standard, set of ideas, or set of rules:
A linesman had his flag up so the kick did not count.
count as
Locally produced sales by American firms in Japan do not count as exports.
Today’s session is counted as training, so you will get paid.
count towards
Results from the two rounds count towards championship points.
4. INCLUDE [transitive] to include someone or something in a total:
There are more than two thousand of us, not counting the crew.
count somebody/something among something
I count Jules and Ady among my closest friends.
5. CONSIDER SOMETHING [transitive] to consider someone or something in a particular way
count somebody/something as something
I don’t count him as a friend any more.
You should count yourself lucky that you weren’t hurt.
6. IMPORTANT [intransitive not in progressive] to be important or valuable:
First impressions really do count.
count for
His promises don’t count for much.
His overseas results count for nothing.
7. I/you can count somebody/something on (the fingers of) one hand spoken used to emphasize how small the number of something is:
The number of cougar attacks on humans can be counted on the fingers of one hand.
8. don’t count your chickens (before they’re hatched) spoken used to say that you should not make plans that depend on something good happening, because it might not:
I wouldn’t count your chickens, Mr Vass. I’ve agreed to sign the contract, but that’s all.
9. count your blessings spoken used to tell someone to be grateful for the good things in their life
10. be counting (down) the minutes/hours/days to be waiting eagerly for something to happen:
I'm counting the days until I see you again.
11. count the cost to start having problems as a result of your earlier decisions or mistakes:
We’re now counting the cost of not taking out medical insurance.
12. who’s counting? used to say that you are not worried about the number of times something happens – often used humorously:
Apparently the next Star Trek film (number six, but who’s counting?) will definitely be the last.
13. and counting especially spoken used to say that an amount is continuing to increase:
At eight days and counting, this is the longest strike so far.
14. count sheep to imagine a line of sheep jumping over a fence, one at a time, and count them as a way of getting to sleep
⇨ stand up and be counted at ↑stand¹(5), ⇨ it’s the thought that counts at ↑thought²(12)
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ calculate formal to find out an amount, price, or value by adding numbers together: The students calculated the cost of printing 5000 copies of their book.
▪ work out to calculate something. Work out is less formal than calculate, and is more common in everyday English: You need to work out how much you will need to borrow.
▪ figure out (also figure American English) informal to calculate an amount: We still haven't figured out how much it's all going to cost. | the method for figuring welfare payments
▪ count to find out the total number of things or people in a group by looking at each one and adding them all together: The teacher counted the children as they got on the bus.
▪ total (also total up) to add a number of things together to get a final number: Once the scores have been totaled, we will announce the winner. | Okay, now let's total up who had the most points.
▪ quantify formal to say how much something costs, how much of it there is, how serious or effective it is etc: I think it's difficult to quantify the cost at the moment, for a variety of reasons. | How do you quantify the benefits of the treatment? | a reliable method for quantifying the amount of calcium in the blood
▪ assess formal to calculate what the value or cost of something is, or decide how good, bad etc something is: The value of the paintings was assessed at $20 million. | They are still assessing the damage. | We need to have a better way of assessing students' progress.
▪ estimate to guess an amount, price, or number as exactly as you can, based on the knowledge you have: The police department estimates that the number of violent crimes will decrease by 2%.
▪ put a figure on something to say what you think the exact total amount or value of something is, especially when it is a lot: It's hard to put a figure on it, but the final cost is likely to be over £225 million. | The company has refused to put a figure on its losses.
▪ project to calculate what an amount will be in the future, using the information you have now: The company projects sales of $4 million this year.
count somebody in phrasal verb
to include someone in an activity:
When the game gets started, you can count me in.
count on/upon somebody/something phrasal verb
1. to depend on someone or something, especially in a difficult situation:
You can count on me.
With luck, you might cover your costs, but don’t count on it.
count on (somebody/something) doing something
We’re all counting on winning this contract.
They were counting on him not coming out of hospital.
count on somebody/something to do something
You can count on Dean to ruin any party.
2. to expect something:
The presence of Paula was one thing he hadn’t counted on.
count on (somebody/something) doing something
We didn’t count on so many people being on vacation.
count somebody/something out phrasal verb
1. to not include someone or something in an activity:
I’m sorry, you’ll have to count me out tonight.
2. to decide that someone or something is not important or worth considering:
I wouldn’t count him out. If anybody can make a comeback, he can.
3. count something ↔ out to put things down one by one as you count them:
The teller counted out ten $50 bills.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

count

count [count counts counted counting] verb, noun [kaʊnt] [kaʊnt]

verb

SAY NUMBERS
1. intransitive to say numbers in the correct order
• Billy can't count yet.
• ~ to/up to sth She can count up to 10 in Italian.

• ~ (from sth) to/up to sth to count from 1 to 10

FIND TOTAL

2. transitive, intransitive to calculate the total number of people, things, etc. in a particular group
• ~ sth (up) The diet is based on counting calories.
• Count the ‘yes’ votes and the ‘no’ votes separately.
• ~ (up) how many… She began to count up how many guests they had to invite.

• ~ from… There are 12 weeks to go, counting from today.

INCLUDE

3. transitive ~ sb/sth to include sb/sth when you calculate a total

• We have invited 50 people, not counting the children.

MATTER

4. intransitive (not used in the progressive tenses) to be important
Syn: matter
• Every point in this game counts.
• It's the thought that counts (= used about a small but kind action or gift).

• ~ for sth The fact that she had apologized counted for nothing with him.

ACCEPT OFFICIALLY

5. intransitive, transitive to be officially accepted; to accept sth officially
• Don't go over that line or your throw won't count.

• ~ sth Applications received after 1 July will not be counted.

CONSIDER

6. intransitive, transitive ~ as sb/sth | ~ sb/sth (as) sb/sth to consider sb/sth in a particular way; to be considered in a particular way
• ~ (sb/sth) as sb/sth For tax purposes that money counts/is counted as income.
• ~ sb/sth/yourself + adv./prep. I count him among my closest friends.
• ~ sb/sth/yourself + adj. I count myself lucky to have known him.
• ~ sb/sth/yourself + noun She counts herself one of the lucky ones.

Word Origin:
n. senses 1 to 5 and v. Middle English Old French counte counter computare ‘calculate’ com- ‘together’ putare ‘to settle (an account)’
n. sense 6 late Middle English Old French conte Latin comes comit- ‘companion, overseer, attendant’ late Latin ‘person holding a state office’ com- ‘together with’ it- ‘gone’ ire ‘go’

Thesaurus:
count verb T, I
• She counted up how many guests had been invited.
add • • calculate • • total • • tally • • work sth out • • figure sth out • |AmE figure • |BrE, informal tot sth up • |formal compute •
count/add/total/tally/tot up
count up/add up/calculate/total up/tally up/work out/figure out/figure/tot up/compute how much/how many …
count/add/calculate/tally/work out/figure out/figure/tot up/compute the number of sth
count/add up/calculate/total/tally/tot up sb's points/score
Synonyms:
trust
depend on sb/sth • rely on sb/sth • count on sb/sth • believe in sb
These words all mean to believe that sb/sth will do what you hope or expect of them or that what they tell you is correct or true.
trust • to believe that sb is good, honest, sincere, etc. and that they will do what you expect of them or do the right thing; to believe that sth is true or correct: ▪ You can trust me not to tell anyone. ◊ ▪ Don't trust what you read in the newspapers!
depend on/upon sb/sth • (often used with can/cannot/could/could not) to trust sb/sth to do what you expect or want, to do the right thing, or to be true or correct: ▪ He was the sort of person you could depend on. ◊ ▪ Can you depend on her version of what happened?
rely on/upon sb/sth • (used especially with can/cannot/could/could not and should/should not) to trust sb/sth to do what you expect or want, or to be honest, correct or good enough: ▪ Can I rely on you to keep this secret? ◊ ▪ You can't rely on any figures you get from them.
trust, depend or rely on/upon sb/sth?
You can trust a person but not a thing or system. You can trust sb's judgement or advice, but not their support. You can depend on sb's support, but not their judgement or advice. Rely on/upon sb/sth is used especially with you can/could or you should to give advice or a promise: I don't really rely on his judgement. ◊ ▪ You can't really rely on his judgement.
count on sb/sth • (often used with can/cannot/could/could not) to be sure that sb will do what you need them to do, or that sth will happen as you want it to happen: ▪ I'm counting on you to help me. ◊ ▪ We can't count on the good weather lasting.
believe in sb • to feel that you can trust sb and/or that they will be successful: ▪ They need a leader they can believe in.
to trust/depend on/rely on/count on sb/sth to do sth
to trust/believe in sb/sth
to trust/rely on sb's advice/judgement
to depend on/rely on/count on sb's support
to completely trust/depend on/rely on/believe in sb/sth
Example Bank:
• He can now count from one to twenty.
• She carefully counted the remaining coins and put them to one side.
• We counted up our money.
• We counted up to fifty, then set off to look for our friends.
• Count the ‘yes’ votes and the ‘no’ votes separately.
• Everyone needs to stand up and be counted in order to make them see the strength of our conviction.
• For tax purposes that money counts/is counted as income.
• I count myself lucky to have known him.
Idioms: able to count somebody on one hand ▪ at the last count ▪ count sheep ▪ count the cost ▪ count your blessings ▪ don't count your chickens ▪ keep count ▪ lose count ▪ out for the count ▪ stand up and be counted ▪ who's counting? ▪ … and counting

Derived: count against somebody ▪ count down ▪ count on somebody ▪ count somebody in ▪ count somebody out ▪ count something against somebody ▪ count toward something

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

count / kaʊnt / verb (NUMBER)

B1 [ I or T ] to say numbers one after the other in order, or to calculate the number of people or things in a group:

Let's count out loud (= speak the words) from one to ten.

The teachers counted the students as they got on to the coach.

Count your money carefully to make sure it's all there.

[ + question word ] We need to count wh o's here, so we can make sure that no one's missing.

There'll be eight for dinner, counting (= including) ourselves.

We're still waiting for the votes to be counted (up).

count heads to count the number of people present somewhere:

There look to be about 50 people present - I haven't counted heads yet.

count / kaʊnt / verb [ I ] (HAVE VALUE)

B2 to have value or importance:

I've always believed that happiness counts more than money.

My opinion doesn't count for anything around here (= no one values my opinion) .

→ Synonym matter verb

count / kaʊnt / verb [ I or T ] (CONSIDER)

C2 to consider or be considered as:

I count my self fortunate to have had such a good education.

I've had three jobs in the last five years, but one of them was unpaid, so it doesn't count (= cannot be considered as a real job) .

I've always counted Lucy among my closest friends.

I didn't think his grudging remarks really counted as an apology.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

count

[ka͟ʊnt]
♦♦
counts, counting, counted
1) VERB When you count, you say all the numbers one after another up to a particular number.
  He was counting slowly under his breath...
  [V to num] Brian counted to twenty and lifted his binoculars.
2) VERB If you count all the things in a group, you add them up in order to find how many there are.
  [V n] At the last family wedding, George's wife counted the total number in the family...
  [V n] I counted the money. It was more than five hundred pounds...
  [V num] I counted 34 wild goats grazing...
  [V-ed] With more than 90 percent of the votes counted, the Liberals should win nearly a third of the seats. [Also V]
  Derived words:
  counting N-UNCOUNT usu the N of n The counting of votes is proceeding smoothly.
PHRASAL VERB
Count up means the same as count. Also V n P V P n (not pron) Couldn't we just count up our ballots and bring them to the courthouse?
3) N-COUNT: usu supp N A count is the action of counting a particular set of things, or the number that you get when you have counted them.
  The final count in last month's referendum showed 56.7 per cent in favour...
  At the last count the police in the Rimini area had 247 people in custody.
4) N-COUNT: n N You use count when referring to the level or amount of something that someone or something has.
→ See also blood count, pollen count
  A glass or two of wine will not significantly add to the calorie count...
  My husband had a very low sperm count.
5) N-SING: N of num You use count in expressions such as a count of three or a count of ten when you are measuring a length of time by counting slowly up to a certain number.
  Hold your breath for a count of five, then slowly breathe out...
  The fight ended when Mendoza landed a hard right to the chin of Palacios, who went down for a count of eight.
6) VERB If something or someone counts for something or counts, they are important or valuable.
  Surely it doesn't matter where charities get their money from: what counts is what they do with it...
  It's as if your opinions, your likes and dislikes just don't count...
  [V for amount] When I first came to college I realised that brainpower didn't count for much...
  [V for amount] Experience counts for a lot in poker.
  Syn:
  matter
7) V-ERG If something counts or is counted as a particular thing, it is regarded as being that thing, especially in particular circumstances or under particular rules.
  [V as n/-ing/adj] No one agrees on what counts as a desert...
  [be V-ed as n/-ing/adj] Any word that's not legible will be counted as wrong...
  Two of the trucks were stopped because they had tents in them, and under the commanders' definition of humanitarian aid, that didn't count...
  [be V-ed n/adj] It can be counted a success, in that it has built up substantial sales. [Also V n n/adj, V n as n/-ing/adj]
8) VERB If you count something when you are making a calculation, you include it in that calculation.
  [V n] It's under 7 percent only because statistics don't count the people who aren't qualified to be in the work force...
  [be V-ed as n] The years before their arrival in prison are not counted as part of their sentence. [Also V n as n]
  Syn:
  include
9) N-COUNT: on supp N You can use count to refer to one or more points that you are considering. For example, if someone is wrong on two counts, they are wrong in two ways.
  `You drink Scotch,' she said. `All Republicans drink Scotch.' - `Wrong on both counts. I'm a Democrat, and I drink bourbon.'
10) N-COUNT: usu N of n In law, a count is one of a number of charges brought against someone in court.
  He was indicted by a grand jury on two counts of murder.
11) PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR of n If you keep count of a number of things, you note or keep a record of how many have occurred. If you lose count of a number of things, you cannot remember how many have occurred.
  The authorities say they are not able to keep count of the bodies still being found as bulldozers clear the rubble...
  She'd lost count of the interviews she'd been called for.
12) PHRASE: v-link PHR If someone is out for the count, they are unconscious or very deeply asleep. [INFORMAL]
13) PHRASE If you say that someone should stand up and be counted, you mean that they should say publicly what they think, and not hide it or be ashamed of it.
  Those involved and benefiting from it must be prepared to stand up and be counted.
14) to count your blessings → see blessing
  Phrasal Verbs:
  - count against
  - count in
  - count on
  - count upon
  - count out
  - count towards
  - count up
  - count upon

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

¹count /ˈkaʊnt/ verb counts; count·ed; count·ing
1 a : to add (people or things) together to find the total number

[+ obj]

• Count the plates on the table.
• She made sure to count her change.
• Count how many fingers I am holding up.
• He counted seven deer in the field.
• When it comes to books, I have too many to count. [=I have a lot of books]
• She is counting calories. [=she counts the number of calories in the food she eats so that she won't eat too much]
- often + up
• She was counting up the money in the envelope.
• All the votes were counted up, and he was the winner.

[no obj]

• There are 10 days left until the end of school, counting from today.
• Keep counting until there are no more left to count.
• Don't interrupt me. I'm counting.
b [no obj] : to say numbers in order
• Can your daughter count yet?
• The teacher taught the students to count by 10s. [=to say “10, 20, 30,” etc.]
- often + to or up to
• My son can count to one hundred.
• He counted up to 10 and then stopped.
2 [+ obj] : to include (someone or something) in a total
• She counts [=numbers] several musicians among her friends. [=her friends include musicians]
• There will be 150 people at the wedding, not counting children.
3 [no obj] : to be accepted or allowed officially
• There was a penalty on the play, so the goal does not count. [=the goal is not allowed]
4 a [+ obj] : to consider or regard (someone or something) in a specified way
• I count myself lucky.
- often + as
• I don't count him as my friend anymore.
• She was counted as absent from school that day.
b [no obj] : to be considered or regarded as something
• A laptop computer counts as a piece of luggage on the plane.
• The job is so easy that it hardly counts as work. [=it can hardly be considered to be work]
5 [no obj] : to have value or importance
• Every vote counts.
• He played well in the play-offs, when it really counted. [=mattered]
- often + for
• My effort in class has to count for something!
• Her promises don't count for much. [=her promises don't have much value]
6 always followed by an adverb or preposition : to be considered in a specified way when a person or thing is being judged

[no obj]

• His experience counts in his favor. [=his experience is a good thing that is in his favor]
• His lack of experience counts against him.
• A wrong answer on the quiz will not count against [=will not hurt] your final grade.

[+ obj]

• They counted his lack of job experience against him.
• A wrong answer on the quiz will not be counted against your final grade.
and counting : with more to come
• He is 47 years old and counting.
• They have been in business for 50 years and counting.
count down [phrasal verb]
1 : to count numbers in a reverse order from higher numbers to lower ones
• He counted down from 10 to 1.
2 count down (something) also count (something) down : to pay close attention to the number of (days, miles, etc.) that remain until a particular moment or event is reached
• He is counting down the days left in the school year. [=he is eagerly looking forward to the end of the school year]
• We were counting down the miles as we approached our destination.
count heads : to count how many people are present at a place
• The coach counted heads before the bus left.
count in [phrasal verb] count (someone) in : to plan to include (someone) in an activity : to consider (someone) as one of the people who will be doing something
• “Do you want to go to the beach with us?” “Yes! Count me in!”
count off [phrasal verb]
1 : to count numbers that are spaced a certain number apart
• The students counted off by twos. [=counted 2, 4, 6, 8, etc.]
2 count off (something) or count (something) off : to list (something) out loud
• She counted off all the things she wanted to do.
count on/upon [phrasal verb]
1 count on/upon (someone)
a : to trust (someone) : to rely or depend on (someone) to do something
• He isn't someone you can count on all the time.
• I am counting on you to help me through this difficult time.
• She is counted on [=trusted] as a leader.
b : to expect (someone) to do something
• I wouldn't count on him to win the match.
2 count on/upon (something) : to expect (something) to happen
• My parents might loan me some money, but I can't count on it.
• She is counting on a big tax refund this year.
• The kids are counting on going to the movies. Don't disappoint them!
• They were not counting on getting a flat tire on the way to the restaurant.
count out [phrasal verb]
1 count (someone) out : to not include (someone) in an activity
• If you are looking for people to help you clean the house today, count me out. [=don't include me; I won't be helping you]
2 count (someone or something) out or count out (someone or something) : to decide that (someone or something) cannot win or succeed
• Don't count out our team just yet. They could still win.
count the cost : to feel the bad effects of a mistake, accident, etc.
• He was careless and now he's counting the cost. = Now he's counting the cost of his carelessness.
count toward/towards [phrasal verb] count toward/towards (something) or count (something) toward/towards (something) : to have value as a credit or payment in relation to (something)
• The credits you earned for this class count toward your degree. [=they are added to the total number of credits you have earned for your degree]
- often used as (be) counted toward/towards
• Fifty dollars will be counted towards [=credited to] your next bill.
count your blessings
- see blessing
count your chickens before they hatch
- see ¹chicken
stand up and be counted
- see ¹stand
who's counting? informal + humorous
- used to say that you do not care about how large a number is
• Tomorrow's my 80th birthday, but who's counting?

American English

British English

numbering and counting

B1 (Intermediate)

verb

butterfly

butterfly [noun] (INSECT)

a type of insect with large, often brightly coloured wings

/ˈbʌt̬.ɚ.flaɪ/

/ˈbʌt.ə.flaɪ/

Example:

butterflies and moths

Oxford Essential Dictionary

butterfly

noun (plural butterflies)
an insect with big coloured wings

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

butterfly

but‧ter‧fly /ˈbʌtəflaɪ $ -ər-/ BrE AmE noun (plural butterflies) [countable]
[Language: Old English; Origin: buterfleoge, from butere ( ⇨ ↑butter¹) + fleoge 'fly'; perhaps because many types of butterfly are yellow, or because people believed that butterflies steal milk and butter]
1. a type of insect that has large wings, often with beautiful colours
2. have/get butterflies (in your stomach) informal to feel very nervous before doing something:
I always get butterflies before an exam.
3. the butterfly a way of swimming by lying on your front and moving your arms together over your head while your legs move up and down
4. someone who usually moves on quickly from one activity or person to the next:
Gwen’s a real social butterfly.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

butterfly

but·ter·fly [butterfly butterflies] [ˈbʌtəflaɪ] [ˈbʌtərflaɪ] noun
(pl. but·ter·flies)
1. countable a flying insect with a long thin body and four large, usually brightly coloured, wings
• butterflies and moths

• She's like a butterfly. She flits in and out of people's lives.

2. uncountable a swimming stroke in which you swim on your front and lift both arms forward at the same time while your legs move up and down together
• She was third in the 200m butterfly (= a swimming race).
Idiom: have butterflies
Word Origin:
Old English, from butter + the insect fly; perhaps from the cream or yellow colour of common species, or from an old belief that the insects stole butter.
Example Bank:

• The butterfly emerged from the pupa.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

butterfly / ˈbʌt.ə.flaɪ / / ˈbʌt̬.ɚ- / noun [ C ] (INSECT)

butterfly

B1 a type of insect with large, often brightly coloured wings

butterfly / ˈbʌt.ə.flaɪ / / ˈbʌt̬.ɚ- / noun [ C ] disapproving (PERSON)

a person who is not responsible or serious, and who is likely to change activities easily or only be interested in pleasure:

She's such a social butterfly.

butterfly / ˈbʌt.ə.flaɪ / / ˈbʌt̬.ɚ- / noun [ C ] (JEWELLERY)

the small metal part put on the back of a stud (= piece of jewellery worn in the ear) that keeps it in place

butterfly / ˈbʌt.ə.flaɪ / / ˈbʌt̬.ɚ- / noun [ C ] [ S or U ] (SWIMMING)

the butterfly stroke

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

butterfly

[bʌ̱tə(r)flaɪ]
butterflies
1) N-COUNT A butterfly is an insect with large colourful wings and a thin body.
2) N-UNCOUNT: also the N Butterfly is a swimming stroke which you do lying on your front, kicking your legs and bringing your arms over your head together.
3) PHRASE If you have butterflies in your stomach or have butterflies, you are very nervous or excited about something. [INFORMAL]
An exam, or even an exciting social event may produce butterflies in the stomach.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

¹but·ter·fly /ˈbʌtɚˌflaɪ/ noun, pl -flies
1 [count] : a kind of insect that has a long thin body and brightly colored wings and that flies mostly during the day - see color picture
- compare moth
2 [count] often disapproving : a person who goes to many parties and other social events
• a social butterfly
3 [singular] : a way of swimming in which the swimmer's face is in the water and the arms move together in a circular motion while the legs kick up and down
• swimmers doing the butterfly also; : a race in which the swimmers do the butterfly
• They competed in the butterfly.
4 butterflies [plural] informal : a nervous feeling in your stomach
• Even experienced musicians sometimes get butterflies before a performance.
• I have butterflies in my stomach.

last

last [verb]

to continue to exist

/læst/

/lɑːst/

Example:

He's working very efficiently at the moment, but it won't last.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

last

verb (lasts, lasting, lasted)

1 to continue for a time:
The film lasted for three hours.
How long did the game last?

2 to be enough for a certain time:
We have enough food to last us till next week.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

IV. last⁴ S1 W2 BrE AmE verb
[Language: Old English; Origin: læstan 'to last, follow']
1. [intransitive always + adverb/preposition, transitive] to continue for a particular length of time
last for/until/through etc
The hot weather lasted for the whole month of June.
last an hour/ten minutes etc
Each lesson lasts an hour.
The ceasefire didn’t last long.
2. [intransitive and transitive] to continue to exist, be effective, or remain in good condition for a long time:
This good weather won’t last.
last (somebody) two days/three weeks etc
A good coat will last you ten years.
Cut flowers will last longer if you put flower food in the water.
3. [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] (also last out (something) British English) to manage to remain in the same situation, even when this is difficult:
They won’t be able to last much longer without fresh supplies.
If you go into the job with that attitude, you won’t last long.
She feared she might not be able to last out the afternoon in court without fainting.
4. [intransitive, transitive always + adverb/preposition] to be enough for someone for a period of time SYN do
last (somebody) for/until/to etc
The batteries should last for 20 hours playing time.
We only had $50 to last us the rest of the month.
• • •
THESAURUS
■ to continue to happen
▪ continue to happen without stopping: The good weather seems likely to continue. | Unless there are serious negotiations, the fighting will continue. | Some people have lost work, and this will continue to happen until the computer system is fixed. | The review process is expected to continue for several weeks.
▪ last to continue – use this to say how long something continues for: I know my good luck won’t last forever. | It’s not certain how long the ceasefire will last. | The trial lasted for six days. | The meeting lasted until lunchtime. | The training period lasted from July 2 to August 25.
▪ go on to continue, especially for a long time: Disputes between neighbours can go on for years.
▪ carry on British English to continue, especially when there are problems: The game carried on despite the injury of two players.
▪ drag on to continue for much longer than necessary or for longer than you want: The meeting dragged on for another hour. | The talks dragged on, with no apparent hope of achieving a peaceful solution.
▪ persist formal if something bad persists, it continues to exist or happen: See your doctor if the symptoms persist. | If adverse weather conditions persist, the game will be cancelled.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

verb
1. intransitive (not used in the progressive tenses) to continue for a particular period of time
• The meeting only lasted (for) a few minutes.
• Each game lasts about an hour.

• How long does the play last?

2. intransitive, transitive to continue to exist or to function well
• This weather won't last.
• He's making a big effort now, and I hope it lasts.

• ~ sb These shoes should last you till next year.

3. intransitive, transitive to survive sth or manage to stay in the same situation, despite difficulties
• She won't last long in that job.
• ~ (out) Can you last (out) until I can get help?
• ~ (out) sth Doctors say that she probably won't last out the night (= she will probably die before the morning).

• He was injured early on and didn't last the match.

4. intransitive, transitive to be enough for sb to use, especially for a particular period of time
• ~ (out) Will the coffee last out till next week?
• ~ sb (out) We've got enough food to last us (for) three days.
Verb forms:

Thesaurus:
last verb I (not used in the progressive tenses)
• Each game lasts about an hour.
take • |especially written continue • |especially spoken go on • • keep on • |especially BrE, especially spoken carry on • |disapproving drag on •
last/continue/go on/keep on/carry on/drag on for hours/a week/two years, etc.
last/continue/go on/keep on/carry on/drag on until morning/next year, etc.
last/take a few minutes/an hour/all day/years, etc.
Which Word?:
last / take
Last and take are both used to talk about the length of time that something continues.
Last is used to talk about the length of time that an event continues: ▪ How long do you think this storm will last? ◊ ▪ The movie lasted over two hours. Last does not always need an expression of time: ▪ His annoyance won’t last. Last is also used to say that you have enough of something: ▪ We don’t have enough money to last until next month.
Take is used to talk about the amount of time you need in order to go somewhere or do something. It must be used with an expression of time: ▪ It takes (me) at least an hour to get home from work. ◊ ▪ How long will the flight take? ◊ ▪ The water took ages to boil.
Example Bank:
• Even when cut, the flowers last very well.
• Happiness never lasts.
• I always thought his popularity was unlikely to last.
• Interest rates are at their lowest level for a decade. I suggest you enjoy it while it lasts.
• Make the most of this feeling while it lasts.
• Nothing lasts forever.
• She hoped they had enough firewood to last through the night.
• The celebrations lasted well into the next week.
• The effort began in November and lasted through February.
• The flight seemed to last forever.
• The good weather couldn't last.
• The kids are all very enthusiastic, but it won't last— it never does.
• The storm could last quite a long time.
• The trial is expected to last until the end of the week.
• The war lasted for three years.
• This house was built to last.
• This type of happiness rarely lasts.
• With care, the vines will last indefinitely.
• Your car will last longer if you look after it.
• a bruise that was sure to last for days
• Each game lasts (for) about an hour.
• He's making a big effort now, and I hope it lasts.
• The meeting only lasted a few minutes.

• This weather won't last.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

last / lɑːst / / læst / verb [ I , L only + noun ]

B1 to continue to exist:

The meeting lasted two hours.

The drought lasted for several months.

They say the snow will last until the end of next week.

I can't see the ceasefire lasting.

They haven't had an argument for two weeks, but it's too good to last (= they'll have an argument soon) .

I doubt their enthusiasm will last.

He's working very efficiently at the moment, but it won't last.

C1 to continue being good or suitable:

There's no point buying something that isn't going to last.

The cheaper washing machines should last about five years.

This pen should last (you) a lifetime if you look after it.

Her previous secretary only lasted a month (= left after this period) .

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

last

[lɑ͟ːst, læ̱st]
♦
lasts, lasting, lasted
1) DET You use last in expressions such as last Friday, last night, and last year to refer, for example, to the most recent Friday, night, or year.
  I got married last July...
  He never made it home at all last night...
  Last month a shopkeeper's nephew was shot dead...
  It is not surprising they did so badly in last year's elections.
2) ADJ: det ADJ The last event, person, thing, or period of time is the most recent one.
  Much has changed since my last visit...
  At the last count inflation was 10.9 per cent...
  I split up with my last boyfriend three years ago...
  The last few weeks have been hectic.
PRON
Last is also a pronoun. The next tide, it was announced, would be even higher than the last.
3) ADV: ADV with v If something last happened on a particular occasion, that is the most recent occasion on which it happened.
  When were you there last?...
  The house is a little more dilapidated than when I last saw it...
  Hunting on the trust's 625,000 acres was last debated two years ago.
4) ORD The last thing, person, event, or period of time is the one that happens or comes after all the others of the same kind.
  This is his last chance as prime minister.
  ...the last three pages of the chapter...
  She said it was the very last house on the road...
  They didn't come last in their league.
  Ant:
  first
PRON
Last is also a pronoun. It wasn't the first time that this particular difference had divided them and it wouldn't be the last... The trickiest bits are the last on the list.
5) ADV: ADV after v If you do something last, you do it after everyone else does, or after you do everything else.
  I testified last...
  I was always picked last for the football team at school...
  The foreground, nearest the viewer, is painted last.
6) PRON: PRON to-inf If you are the last to do or know something, everyone else does or knows it before you.
  She was the last to go to bed...
  Riccardo and I are always the last to know what's going on.
7) ADJ: det ADJ Last is used to refer to the only thing, person, or part of something that remains.
  Jed nodded, finishing off the last piece of pizza.
  ...the freeing of the last hostage.
N-SING: the N of n
Last is also a noun. He finished off the last of the wine... The last of the ten inmates gave themselves up after twenty eight hours on the roof of the prison.
8) ADJ: det ADJ You use last before numbers to refer to a position that someone has reached in a competition after other competitors have been knocked out.
  Sampras reached the last four at Wimbledon.
  ...the only woman among the authors making it through to the last six.
9) ADJ: det ADJ (emphasis) You can use last to indicate that something is extremely undesirable or unlikely.
  The last thing I wanted to do was teach...
  He would be the last person who would do such a thing.
PRON: PRON to-inf
Last is also a pronoun. I would be the last to say that science has explained everything.
10) PRON: the PRON that The last you see of someone or the last you hear of them is the final time that you see them or talk to them.
  She disappeared shouting, `To the river, to the river!' And that was the last we saw of her...
  I had a feeling it would be the last I heard of him.
  Ant:
  first
11) VERB If an event, situation, or problem lasts for a particular length of time, it continues to exist or happen for that length of time.
  [V for n] The marriage had lasted for less than two years...
  [V n] The games lasted only half the normal time...
  Enjoy it because it won't last. [Also V adv]
12) VERB If something lasts for a particular length of time, it continues to be able to be used for that time, for example because there is some of it left or because it is in good enough condition.
  [V for n] You only need a very small blob of glue, so one tube lasts for ages...
  [V n] The repaired sail lasted less than 24 hours...
  [V adv] The implication is that this battery lasts twice as long as batteries made by other battery makers...
  [V adv] If you build more plastics into cars, the car lasts longer. [Also V]
13) VERB You can use last in expressions such as last the game, last the course, and last the week, to indicate that someone manages to take part in an event or situation right to the end, especially when this is very difficult for them.
  [V n] They wouldn't have lasted the full game...
  [V n] I almost lasted the two weeks. I only had a couple of days to do.
  Syn:
  get through
PHRASAL VERB
To last out means the same as to last. V P n (not pron) It'll be a miracle if the band lasts out the tour... V P A breakfast will be served to those who last out till dawn!
14) → See also lasting
15) PHRASE: PHR with cl If you say that something has happened at last or at long last you mean it has happened after you have been hoping for it for a long time.
  I'm so glad that we've found you at last!...
  Here, at long last, was the moment he had waited for...
  At last the train arrived in the station...
  `All right', he said at last. `You may go.'
  Syn:
  finally
16) PHRASE You use expressions such as the night before last, the election before last and the leader before last to refer to the period of time, event, or person that came immediately before the most recent one in a series.
  It was the dog he'd heard the night before last...
  In the budget before last a tax penalty on the mobile phone was introduced.
17) PHRASE: V inflects If someone breathes their last, they die. [LITERARY]
18) PHRASE: PHR n, PHR after v You can use phrases such as the last but one, the last but two, or the last but three, to refer to the thing or person that is, for example, one, two, or three before the final person or thing in a group or series.
  It's the last but one day in the athletics programme...
  The British team finished last but one.
19) PHRASE: PHR n (emphasis) You use every last to emphasize that you are talking about all the people or things in a group or all the parts of something.
  I'd spent all I had, every last penny...
  You'll never quite get rid of every last bit of grit...
  My tape recorder did not catch every last word.
20) PHRASE The expression last in, first out is used to say that the last person who started work in an organization should be the first person to leave it, if fewer people are needed.
  Workers will go on a `last in, first out' basis.
21) PHRASE: PHR with cl You can use expressions such as the last I heard and the last she heard to introduce a piece of information that is the most recent that you have on a particular subject.
  The last I heard, Joe and Irene were still happily married.
22) PHRASE: V inflects If you leave something or someone until last, you delay using, choosing, or dealing with them until you have used, chosen, or dealt with all the others.
  I have left my best wine until last...
  I picked first all the people who usually were left till last.
23) PHRASE: V inflects If you see the last of someone, you do not expect to see them or deal with them again.
  I honestly thought I'd seen the last of you.
24) PHRASE: PHR after v If you say that something goes on happening to the last, you mean that it happens throughout the whole of a book, film, or event.
  ...a highly readable political thriller with plenty of twists of plot to keep you guessing to the last.
25) PHRASE: group PHR (emphasis) If you say that someone is a particular kind of person to the last, you are emphasizing that they continue to be that kind of person.
  A gentleman to the last, he did not run, but merely attempted to stroll away...
  Armstrong was tall and handsome to the last.
26) PHRASE: PHR after v You use expressions such as to the last detail and to the last man to indicate that a plan, situation, or activity includes every single person, thing, or part involved.
  Every movement, no matter how casual and spontaneous, needs to be worked out to the last detail...
  Our troops are being used up to the last man.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

¹last /ˈlæst, Brit ˈlɑːst/ verb lasts; last·ed; last·ing
1 a [no obj] : to continue in time
• How long does the movie last?
• The movie lasts (for) about two hours. [=the movie is about two hours long]
• The conference starts on Monday and it lasts until Friday.
• The game lasted (for) three hours.
• Don't worry, the storm won't/can't last. [=the storm will end soon]
b [no obj] : to continue in good condition
• The car should last 10 years.
• I doubt that those boots will last (much longer).
• That bridge will last a long time.
• Our products are built to last.
c [no obj] : to continue to be available
• These oranges are on sale while they/supplies last. [=they are on sale until they have all been sold]
d : to continue to be enough for the needs of someone

[no obj]

• We have enough food to last (for) the rest of the week.

[+ obj]

• We have enough food to last us (for) the rest of the week.
• That car should last you ten years. [=you should not have to get another car for ten years]
2 [no obj]
a : to be able to continue in a particular situation or condition
• I am not sure he will last in his new job.
• Can you last a whole day without cigarettes?
b : to continue to live
• My father is very ill. He may not last much longer.
• He may not last (through) the night. [=he may die before the night has ended]
• (chiefly Brit) He may not last out the night.
last the distance
- see ¹distance

moment

moment [noun] (OCCASION)

a particular time or occasion

/ˈmoʊ.mənt/

/ˈməʊ.mənt/

Example:

When would be the best moment to tell the family?

Oxford Essential Dictionary

moment

noun
a very short time same meaning minute:
He thought for a moment before he answered.
Can you wait a moment?

at the moment now:
She's on holiday at the moment, but she'll be back next week.

in a moment very soon:
He'll be here in a moment.

the moment as soon as:
Tell Jim to phone me the moment he arrives.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

moment

mo‧ment S1 W1 /ˈməʊmənt $ ˈmoʊ-/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
[Word Family: noun: ↑moment, ↑momentum; adjective: ↑momentary, ↑momentous; adverb: ↑momentarily]
[Date: 1300-1400; Language: French; Origin: Latin momentum; ⇨ ↑momentum]
1. POINT IN TIME a particular point in time:
It was one of the most exciting moments in his life.
at this/that moment (=used for emphasis)
Just at that moment there was a knock on the door.
She may be in trouble at this very moment and trying to call you.
I remember the moment when I first saw him after the operation.
Quinn always seems to be in the right place at the crucial moment.
I just this moment (=only a very short time ago) arrived and already Dan wants to know when I’m leaving.
At this moment in time it would be inappropriate to comment on the situation.
From that moment on (=after that time) we were the best of friends.
► Do not say 'in that moment' when you mean ‘at that particular time’. Say at that moment: At that moment, everything stopped.
2. SHORT TIME a very short period of time:
He was here a moment ago.
Can you spare a few moments to answer some questions?
in a moment (=very soon)
I’ll come back to that point in a moment.
for a moment
It was quiet for a moment, then Rae spoke.
after a moment
‘I don’t understand,’ said Louise after a moment.
A moment later we heard a splash.
wait/just a moment (=used when you want someone to wait a short time while you do or say something)
Just a moment; let me put these away first.
We have to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice (=very quickly).
3. at the moment British English especially spoken, American English formal now:
Julia’s on holiday in Spain at the moment.
At the moment, the situation in Haiti is very tense.
4. for the moment used to say that something is happening or is true now but will probably change in the future:
Well, for the moment we’re just friends.
For the moment the rain had stopped.
5. the moment (that) somebody does something as soon as someone does something:
He said he’d phone you the moment he got home.
6. the last moment if you do something at the last moment or if something happens at the last moment, it happens at the last possible time
at the last moment
The operation was cancelled at the last moment.
She always leaves everything to the last moment.
7. (at) any moment extremely soon:
The plumber should be here any moment now.
The roof could collapse at any moment.
8. OPPORTUNITY [usually singular] a particular time when you have a chance to do something:
His wife Denise was there to share his big moment (=opportunity to do something great).
choose/pick your moment (=try to choose the best time to do something)
He picked his moment carefully to tell them the news.
This was her moment and she knew she had to take it.
9. moment of madness/weakness/panic etc a short period of time when you do not feel or behave as normal and often do or say something which you later wish you had not done or said
in a moment of something
In a moment of madness I agreed to go with him.
He experienced a brief moment of panic.
10. one moment ... the next/from one moment to the next used to say that a situation changes very suddenly, often in a way which you do not expect or cannot explain:
One moment she’s kissing me, the next she doesn’t want to see me again.
You never know what’s going to happen from one moment to the next.
11. not believe/think/do something for a/one moment especially spoken used to say that you did not believe, expect etc something at all:
He didn’t fool me for a moment.
She had never for one moment imagined that it could happen to her.
12. of the moment the person, idea, word etc of the moment is the one that is most important or popular at the present time:
They interview personalities on a topic of the moment.
the mood of the moment
13. have its/your moments to have periods of being good or interesting:
a movie that had its moments
14. not a moment too soon almost too late:
The ambulance finally arrived, and not a moment too soon.
15. the moment of truth the time when you will find out if something will work properly, be successful etc
16. of great moment old-fashioned important
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 1)
■ adjectives
▪ right/perfect I’m just waiting for the right moment to tell her. | The moment is not quite right just yet.
▪ an opportune moment (=a good time to do something) I was waiting for an opportune moment to leave.
▪ a historic moment (=a moment that is important in history) The fall of the Berlin wall was a historic moment.
▪ a memorable moment There have been many memorable moments in this year’s Olymics.
▪ the exact/precise moment Her stomach chose that precise moment to make a loud noise.
▪ the very moment (=used for emphasizing that something happened at a particular time) I could tell something was wrong from the very moment I walked in through the front door.
▪ the present moment (=now) At the present moment, there are 500 students at the school.
▪ an important moment This was probably the most important moment in his life.
▪ a critical/crucial moment (=a very important moment) This was a critical moment in the country’s history.
▪ a defining moment (=something that shows the real character or purpose of something) The win was a defining moment in the boxer’s career.
▪ sb’s finest moment (=when someone was most successful or admired) The performance was one of the band’s finest moments.
▪ sb’s proudest moment (=when someone did the thing they are most proud of) My proudest moment was when my daughter was born.
▪ the worst moment Standing on the edge waiting to do your bungee jump is the worst moment.
■ verbs
▪ capture the moment (=to take a picture, describe something etc that will remind you of a particular time) They captured the moment on film.
▪ enjoy the moment She found herself laughing with him, enjoying the moment.
▪ savour the moment (=enjoy the moment) He seemed to savour every moment of their conversation.
▪ relive the moment (=experience something again by thinking about it, talking about it etc) In court she had to relive the moment her son was murdered.
▪ choose a moment to do something (=do something at a particular time) She always seemed to choose the worst moment to interrupt his thoughts.
▪ dread a moment (=feel anxious or worried about something that will happen) She was dreading the moment when she would have to fire him.
■ phrases
▪ just this/that moment (=only a very short time ago) I had just that moment arrived.
▪ at this moment in time (=now) At this moment in time we cannot proceed with the proposal.
▪ from that moment on (=after that time) From that moment on I saw very little of Dean.
▪ moment to moment/moment by moment (=used for emphasizing that something changes quickly) The colours of the sunset changed moment to moment.
▪ every waking moment (=all the time you are awake) He spent every waking moment in the lab.
▪ at a given moment (=at any particular time) There was no variety at all - you knew exactly what you would be doing at any given moment of the week.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 2)
■ verbs
▪ take a moment (=use a short time) Coleman took a moment to reply.
▪ have a moment (=have a short time to use) Can you come and see me when you have a moment?
▪ wait a moment Wait a moment while I get my coat.
▪ pause a moment (=stop speaking or doing something for a short time) Lisa paused a moment, then said 'yes'.
▪ hesitate a moment (=not speak or do something for a short time because you are unsure of what to say or do) Paul hesitated a moment then followed her.
▪ spare a moment (=used when asking someone if they have a short time available to spend with you) Can you spare a moment to go through some figures with me?
■ phrases
▪ just a moment (=used when telling someone to wait) Just a moment, I’ll go and get her.
▪ at a moment’s notice (=very quickly) Fire fighters need to be able to get ready at a moment’s notice.
▪ a moment ago I saw him outside just a moment ago.
▪ there’s never a dull moment (=something is always exciting or full of activity) There’s never a dull moment with Chris around!
■ adjectives
▪ a brief moment For a brief moment, he looked directly at her.
▪ a fleeting moment (=a very short time) For a fleeting moment she wanted to run away.
▪ a long moment He was silent for a long moment before replying.
▪ a spare moment (=short period of time when you are not doing other things) She spent every spare moment in the library.
• • •
THESAURUS
■ a time when something happens
▪ time a time when something happens or when you should do something: The last time I saw her she was in high school. | It’s time for you to go to bed. | The best time to visit Scotland is in late May.
▪ occasion a time when something happens. Occasion is more formal than time: They have been seen together on several occasions. | The last occasion the two teams met, the Giants won easily.
▪ moment a particular point in time when something happens: At that moment (=at exactly that time), the door bell rang. | The next moment she was gone.
▪ point a particular time during a longer period of time: At one point during the play she completely forgot her lines. | the lowest point of the holiday

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

moment

mo·ment [moment moments] [ˈməʊmənt] [ˈmoʊmənt] noun
1. a very short period of time
• Could you wait a moment, please?
• One moment, please (= Please wait a short time).
• He thought for a moment before replying.
• I'll be back in a moment.
• We arrived not a moment too soon (= almost too late).
• Moments later (= a very short time later), I heard a terrible crash.

see also senior moment

2. singular an exact point in time
• We're busy at the moment (= now).
• I agreed in a moment of weakness.
• At that very moment, the phone rang.

• From that moment on, she never felt really well again.

3. countable a particular occasion; a time for doing sth
• I'm waiting for the right moment to tell him the bad news.
• That was one of the happiest moments of my life.
• Have I caught you at a bad moment?
more at the evil hour/day/moment at evil, just a minute/moment/second at just _adv., the last minute/moment at last _det., at a moment's notice at notice _n., the psychological moment at psychological, on the spur of the moment at spur _n., wait a minute/moment/second at wait _v.
Idioms: any moment ▪ at this moment in time ▪ for the moment ▪ have its moments ▪ moment of truth ▪ moment … ▪ not for a moment ▪ of moment ▪ of the moment
Word Origin:
late Middle English: from Latin momentum, from movimentum, from movere ‘to move’.
Thesaurus:
moment noun
1. C
• He thought for a moment before replying.
minute • • second • • instant • • split second • |especially BrE, especially spoken bit • |informal, spoken sec •
in/for a/an moment/minute/instant/second/split second/bit/sec
at/from that moment/minute/second/instant
hang on/hold on/wait a moment/minute/second/sec
Moment, minute or second? In many cases you can use any of these words
• Wait/Hang on/Just a moment/minute/second.
Minute is the most frequent in spoken English; it is more usual to use moment in written English, especially when telling a story.
2. sing.
• At that very moment, the phone rang.
instant • • point • • hour • • time • • occasion •
a moment/the point/sb's hour/a time of sth
at the moment/that instant/that point/the time
for the moment/time/occasion
the very/precise moment/instant/hour/time
3. C (especially spoken)
• I'm waiting for the right moment to tell him the bad news.
chance • • opportunity • • occasion • |especially business window •
a suitable moment/opportunity/occasion
have a/an moment/chance/opportunity/occasion
wait for the moment/a chance/an opportunity/an occasion
Example Bank:
• A moment later, the ceiling fell in.
• After a moment we followed him.
• Afterwards she relived every moment in her head.
• At that very moment the phone rang.
• At the present moment, we do not have a choice.
• Could you look through this report when you have a spare moment?
• Could you wait a few moments?
• For one heart-stopping moment, we thought she was going to fall.
• He might wake up at any moment.
• He opened his mouth to say he loved her, but the moment passed.
• He was here just a moment ago.
• He's in a bad mood today— you need to choose your moment carefully.
• Her finest moment came when she won Wimbledon.
• Her finest moment came when she won the Nobel Prize.
• I can only spare you a moment, I'm afraid— I'm terribly busy.
• I couldn't stand it a moment longer.
• I didn't want to screw up my big moment.
• I don't expect to spend every waking moment at work.
• I don't think this is the right moment to ask for a bonus.
• I dread the moment when she finds out.
• I felt at home here from the very moment I arrived.
• I loved her from the first moment I met her.
• I managed to capture the moment on film.
• I spent a few moments thinking what I was going to say.
• I stood there for a moment or two.
• I treasure the moments we spent together.
• I'll be back in a moment.
• In the heat of the moment she forgot what she wanted to say.
• It was a bad time to have a senior moment.
• It was the proudest moment of my entire life.
• She let the news slip by mistake, in an unguarded moment.
• She paused a moment to reflect.
• That was a bad moment in my life.
• The feeling only lasted a moment.
• The moment had finally come to make a move.
• There was a moment of silence.
• There's never a dull moment in this job.
• They were making the most of those last precious moments together.
• This is one of the book's funniest moments.
• This won't take a moment.
• Victory was sweet, and he wanted to savour every moment.
• We have reached a critical moment in the negotiations.
• Why do you leave it until the last possible moment before getting ready to leave?
• You need to be aware of what you are doing at any given moment.
• a great moment in the country's history
• at the moment of death
• in her rare moments of leisure
• Could you wait a moment, please?
• From that moment on, she never felt really well again.
• I haven't finished. I'm still waiting for a quiet moment.
• I'm waiting for the right moment to tell him the bad news.
• Moments later, I heard a terrible crash.
• One moment, please.
• We arrived not a moment too soon.

• We're busy at the moment.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

moment / ˈməʊ.mənt / / ˈmoʊ- / noun (OCCASION)

B1 [ C ] a particular time or occasion:

When would be the best moment to tell the family?

Don't leave it to/till the last moment (= the latest time possible) .

If you want a private conversation with her you'll have to choose your moment (= find a suitable time) .

The moment (that) (= as soon as) I get the money I'll send the ticket.

at the moment A2 now:

I'm afraid she's not here at the moment.

for the moment B2 If you do something for the moment, you are doing it now, but might do something different in the future:

Let's carry on with what we agreed for the moment.

at this moment in time formal now:

I can give no information at this precise moment in time.

moment / ˈməʊ.mənt / / ˈmoʊ- / noun [ C ] (SHORT TIME)

A2 a very short period of time:

Can you wait a moment?

I'll be ready in just a moment.

A car drew up outside and a few moments later the doorbell rang.

I'm expecting her to come at any moment (= very soon) .

Have you got a moment (= are you busy or have you got time to speak to me) ?

moment / ˈməʊ.mənt / / ˈmoʊ- / noun (IMPORTANCE)

of (great) moment formal very important:

a decision of great moment

→ See also momentous

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

moment

[mo͟ʊmənt]
♦
moments
1) N-COUNT You can refer to a very short period of time, for example a few seconds, as a moment or moments.
  In a moment he was gone...
  She stared at him a moment, then turned away...
  Stop for one moment and think about it!...
  In moments, I was asleep once more.
  Syn:
  minute, second
2) N-COUNT: with supp A particular moment is the point in time at which something happens.
  At this moment a car stopped at the house...
  Many people still remember the moment when they heard that President Kennedy had been assassinated.
  ...a decision that may have been made in a moment of panic.
  Syn:
  instant
3) PHRASE (emphasis) If you say that something will or may happen at any moment or any moment now, you are emphasizing that it is likely to happen very soon.
  They ran the risk of being shot at any moment...
  He'll be here to see you any moment now.
  Syn:
  at any minute
4) PHRASE You use expressions such as at the moment, at this moment, and at the present moment to indicate that a particular situation exists at the time when you are speaking.
  At the moment, no one is talking to me...
  This is being planned at the present moment...
  He's touring South America at this moment in time.
  Syn:
  now, currently
5) PHRASE: with brd-neg, PHR with v (emphasis) If you say that you do not believe for a moment or for one moment that something is true, you are emphasizing that you do not believe that it could possibly be true.
  I don't for a moment think there'll be a divorce.
  Syn:
  for a minute
6) PHRASE: PHR with cl You use for the moment to indicate that something is true now, even if it will not be true in the future.
  For the moment, however, the government is happy to live with it.
  Syn:
  for now
7) PHRASE: V inflects If you say that someone or something has their moments, you are indicating that there are times when they are successful or interesting, but that this does not happen very often.
  The film has its moments...
  He's not the thoroughly outgoing character you'd predict, although he has his moments.
8) PHRASE: prep PHR If someone does something at the last moment, they do it at the latest time possible.
  They changed their minds at the last moment and refused to go.
  Syn:
  the last minute
9) PHRASE (emphasis) You use the expression the next moment, or expressions such as `one moment he was there , the next he was gone', to emphasize that something happens suddenly, especially when it is very different from what was happening before.
  The next moment there was an almighty crash...
  He is unpredictable, weeping one moment, laughing the next.
  Syn:
  the next minute
10) PHRASE: n PHR You use of the moment to describe someone or something that is or was especially popular at a particular time, especially when you want to suggest that their popularity is unlikely to last long or did not last long.
  He's the man of the moment, isn't he?...
  He calls it a `contraption', using his favourite word of the moment.
11) PHRASE: PHR that (emphasis) If you say that something happens the moment something else happens, you are emphasizing that it happens immediately after the other thing.
  The moment I closed my eyes, I fell asleep.
  Syn:
  the minute, as soon as
12) spur of the moment → see spur

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

moment

mo·ment /ˈmoʊmənt/ noun, pl -ments
1 [count] : a very short period of time
• The sunshine that was here a moment [=minute, second] ago is gone.
• The sun was shining. Moments later, it began to rain.
• It was a moment before she realized what had happened.
• She stopped for a moment and peeked into the window.
• It should only take a moment to fix the problem.
• Do you have a (spare) moment? [=do you have some free time so we can talk to each other briefly?]
• I'm very busy and I don't have a moment to spare.
• The doctor arrived not a moment too soon. [=the doctor arrived just in time to help]
• I'll explain that in a moment. [=shortly, soon]
• The crowd observed a moment of silence [=a short period of silent thought or prayer] for those who died in the tragedy.
2 [count] : a particular time : a precise point in time
• One moment it was sunny; the next it was pouring rain.
• We enjoyed every moment of the play. [=we enjoyed all of the play]
• The moment for us to act has arrived.
• The moment is ripe for action. [=this is the right time for action]
• War seemed unavoidable at that moment in history.
• She knew exactly the right moment to ask for a raise.
• We had an exciting vacation. There was never a dull moment.
3 a [noncount] : the present time
• At the moment [=right now, at the current time] she is working on a novel.
• We aren't prepared at this moment [=at this time, now] to say what our plans are.
• As of this moment [=as of now, right now], there's nothing you can do.
✦Something that is true for the moment is true now but might not be true for long.
• For the moment, it is the world's largest city. [=it is the world's largest city now, but that may not be true much longer]
• He's staying out of trouble for the moment.
• For the moment, at least, I had the room to myself.
✦Someone or something that is of the moment is very popular at a particular time.
• the vacation destination of the moment [=the vacation destination that is now most popular]
• the man/woman of the moment [=the man/woman who is now very popular and admired]
b [count] : a time of importance or success
• She took the time to relish her moment of triumph.
• He's not the best player on the team, but he has his moments. [=he has times when he is extremely good, successful, etc.]
• It was a defining moment for him.
• It was a crowning moment in his presidency.
any moment
✦If something could happen (at) any moment (now), it could happen very soon.
• He could lose his temper at any moment.
• The war could begin at any moment.
• She should be arriving at any moment now.
at/on a moment's notice
- see ¹notice
from moment to moment or from one moment to the next or moment by moment : very quickly as time passes
• The weather kept changing from one moment to the next. = The weather kept changing from moment to moment. [=from minute to minute]
hold/hang on a moment or wait/just a moment informal
- used to tell someone to wait or to stop for a brief time
• “Aren't you finished yet?” “Hold on a moment. I'm almost done.”
• Hang on a moment—I don't understand.
moment of truth : the time when you have to do or decide something
• The moment of truth came early, when we had to decide whether to stay or go.
• It was her moment of truth, when she needed to show that she had the talent to succeed.
not for a/one moment : at no time : not at all
• I did not believe her for one moment. [=I never believed her]
of moment formal : having importance
• an event of great moment [=a very important event]
• There is no news of any moment to report.
on the spur of the moment
- see ¹spur
the last moment : the latest possible time : the last minute
• Our flight was canceled at the last moment.
• She finished her paper at the last moment.
• Many people wait until the last (possible) moment before shopping for Christmas presents.
the moment : as soon as
• The moment the cameras are turned off, he is able to relax.
• Everything stops the moment she walks in the room.
within moments : very quickly : within a very short amount of time
• Within moments, dozens of people had gathered.

beauty

beauty [noun] (BEING BEAUTIFUL)

the quality of being pleasing, especially to look at, or someone or something that gives great pleasure, especially when you look at it

/ˈbjuː.t̬i/

/ˈbjuː.ti/

Example:

This is an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

beauty

noun (no plural)
the quality of being beautiful:
She was a woman of great beauty.
the beauty of the mountains

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

beauty

beau‧ty S3 W2 /ˈbjuːti/ BrE AmE noun (plural beauties)
[Word Family: noun: ↑beautician, ↑beauty; adverb: ↑beautifully; adjective: ↑beautiful]
[Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: biauté, from bel, biau 'beautiful', from Latin bellus 'pretty']
1. APPEARANCE [uncountable] a quality that people, places, or things have that makes them very attractive to look at:
her beauty and grace
an area of outstanding natural beauty
Millions of dollars are spent each year on beauty products.
2. WOMAN [countable] a woman who is very beautiful:
She was considered a great beauty in her youth.
3. POEM/MUSIC/EMOTION ETC [uncountable] a quality that something such as a poem, song, emotion etc has that gives you pleasure or joy
beauty of
the beauty of Shakespeare’s verse
4. ADVANTAGE the beauty of something a particularly good quality that makes something especially suitable or useful:
The beauty of e-mail is its speed and ease of use.
5. [countable] spoken a very good, large etc example of something:
You should have seen the boat – a real beauty.
6. beauty is in the eye of the beholder used to say that different people have different opinions about what is beautiful
7. beauty is only skin-deep used to say that how someone looks is not as important as a good character
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ beauty the quality of being very attractive to look at - used about people, objects, and places: She was greatly admired for her beauty and intelligence. | the natural beauty of the landscape. | The Ancient Greeks created statues of outstanding beauty and dignity.
▪ sb’s good looks someone’s attractive appearance, especially their face and features: With his dark good looks, Jason could have been a film star.
▪ glamour an exciting quality which makes someone or something seem attractive and connected with wealth and success: Men loved her for her beauty and her glamour. | Add a black lace top for a touch of glamour.
▪ aesthetic adjective connected with beauty and the study of beauty: The aesthetic value of their work is easy to appreciate. | the declining aesthetic standards of our civiliization | The aesthetic qualities in a Buddhist sculpture are similar to those in any other work of art.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

beauty

beauty [beauty beauties] [ˈbjuːti] [ˈbjuːti] noun (pl. beauties)
1. uncountable the quality of being pleasing to the senses or to the mind
• the beauty of the sunset/of poetry/of his singing
• a woman of great beauty
• The woods were designated an area of outstanding natural beauty.
• beauty products/treatment (= intended to make a person more beautiful)

• The sheer beauty of the scenery took my breath away.

2. countable a person or thing that is beautiful

• She had been a beauty in her day.

3. countable an excellent example of its type

• That last goal was a beauty!

4. countable a pleasing feature
Syn: advantage
• One of the beauties of living here is that it's so peaceful.
• The project will require very little work to start up; that's the beauty of it.
Idioms: beauty is in the eye of the beholder ▪ beauty is only skin-deep
Word Origin:
Middle English: from Old French beaute, based on Latin bellus ‘beautiful, fine’.
Example Bank:
• He met a blonde beauty named Cindy.
• Her art challenges conventions of feminine beauty.
• Her beauty faded as she got older.
• Isn't she a little beauty?
• My new car's a real beauty!
• She was a contestant in the Miss World beauty pageant.
• She was known as a great beauty in her time.
• She was still a radiant beauty.
• She works in a beauty salon.
• The beauty of the city amazed her.
• The film argues that inner beauty, not physical appearance, is most important.
• The film-maker magnificently captures the beauty of the changing seasons.
• There is a stark beauty to the desert terrain.
• They took a walk, enjoying the beauty of the landscape.
• They were captivated by the ethereal beauty of the music.
• an area of breathtaking beauty
• an exotic beauty with raven hair
• the classical beauty of her face
• the timeless beauty of this ancient landscape
• She was a woman of great beauty.
• The woods were designated an area of outstanding natural beauty.
• We all admired the beauty of the sunset.

• We stock a wide range of beauty products.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

beauty / ˈbjuː.ti / / -t̬i / noun (BEING BEAUTIFUL)

B1 [ C or U ] the quality of being pleasing, especially to look at, or someone or something that gives great pleasure, especially when you look at it:

This is an area of outstanding natural beauty.

The piece of music he played had a haunting beauty.

beauty products/treatments

She was a great beauty (= a beautiful woman) when she was young.

Word partners for beauty

natural / physical beauty • great / outstanding / sheer / stunning beauty • beauty products / treatments • beauty secrets / tips • a thing of beauty • the beauty of sth

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

beauty

[bju͟ːti]
♦♦♦
beauties
1) N-UNCOUNT Beauty is the state or quality of being beautiful.
  ...an area of outstanding natural beauty...
  Everyone admired her elegance and her beauty.
2) N-COUNT A beauty is a beautiful woman. [JOURNALISM]
  She is known as a great beauty.
  Syn:
  belle
3) N-COUNT You can say that something is a beauty when you think it is very good. [INFORMAL]
  It was the one opportunity in the game - the pass was a real beauty, but the shot was poor.
  Syn:
  peach
4) N-COUNT: usu pl, with supp The beauties of something are its attractive qualities or features. [LITERARY]
  He was beginning to enjoy the beauties of nature.
  Syn:
  glories
5) ADJ: ADJ n Beauty is used to describe people, products, and activities that are concerned with making women look beautiful.
  Additional beauty treatments can be booked in advance.
6) N-COUNT: usu the N of n If you say that a particular feature is the beauty of something, you mean that this feature is what makes the thing so good.
  There would be no effect on animals - that's the beauty of such water-based materials.
  Syn:
  boon

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

beauty

beau·ty /ˈbjuːti/ noun, pl -ties
1 [noncount] : the quality of being physically attractive
• Her beauty is beyond compare. [=she is very beautiful; no one is as beautiful as she is]
- sometimes used before another noun
• beauty products [=soaps, makeup, and other things that help make people more physically attractive]
• a beauty treatment
2 : the qualities in a person or a thing that give pleasure to the senses or the mind

[noncount]

• the beauty [=loveliness] of the stars
• We explored the natural beauty of the island.
• I'm learning to appreciate the beauty of poetry.
• We have different ideas/notions/conceptions of beauty. [=different opinions about what makes things beautiful]
• “A thing of beauty is a joy for ever…” John Keats, Endymion (1818) -

[plural]

• We explored the natural beauties of the island.
3 [count] : a beautiful woman
• She was one of the great beauties of her time.
• She was no beauty.
4 [count] informal : a very good thing : a very good example of something
• That was a beauty of a fight. [=that was an excellent fight]
• Dad and I went fishing and we caught a couple of beauties.
- often used in an ironic way to describe a bad thing or person
• That mistake was a beauty.
5 : a good or appealing part of something

[noncount]

• The beauty of the game is that everyone can play.
• No one knows when it's going to happen, and that's the beauty of it!

[count]

• One of the beauties of the system is that it allows you to adjust the schedule easily.

American English

British English

beauty and attractiveness

B1 (Intermediate)

noun

style

style [noun] (WAY)

a way of doing something, especially one that is typical of a person, group of people, place, or period

/staɪl/

Example:

He wouldn't try to mislead you - it's not his style.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

style

noun

1 a way of doing, making or saying something:
I don't like his style of writing.

2 the shape or kind of something:
This shop has all the latest styles.
a new hairstyle

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

style

I. style¹ S2 W1 AC /staɪl/ BrE AmE noun
[Word Family: noun: ↑style, ↑styling, ↑stylishness, ↑stylist, ↑stylistics, ↑stylization; adjective: ↑stylish, ↑stylistic, ↑stylized; adverb: ↑stylishly, ↑stylistically; verb: ↑style]
[Date: 1200-1300; Language: Latin; Origin: stilus 'pointed stick, stylus, style of writing']
1. WAY OF DOING SOMETHING [uncountable and countable] a particular way of doing, designing, or producing something, especially one that is typical of a particular place, period of time, or group of people:
an attempt to use Japanese management style in a European business
style of
different styles of handwriting
Baroque-/Swedish-/country- etc style
Cuban-style black beans and rice
a Colonial-style house
The dinner will be served buffet-style.
2. SB’S WAY OF BEHAVING [countable] the particular way that someone behaves, works, or deals with other people:
Children have different styles of learning: some learn by seeing, some by hearing, some by doing.
be more sb’s style (=used to say that you prefer something)
I don’t think the parachuting weekend is for me – the art class is more my style.
I like your style (=approve of the way you do things), Simpson.
I can’t ask a man out – it’s not my style (=it is not the way I usually behave).
3. ART/LITERATURE/MUSIC [uncountable and countable] a typical way of writing, painting etc that is used by a particular person or during a particular period of time:
The paintings are in an expressionistic style.
Hemingway’s direct style
in the style of somebody/something
a play in the style of classical Greek tragedy
4. FASHION/DESIGN
a) [countable] a particular design or fashion for something such as clothes, hair, furniture etc SYN fashion:
Car styles have changed radically in the past 20 years.
traditional/modern style
The rooms are furnished in a modern style.
b) [uncountable] the quality of being fashionable:
young women interested in style rather than comfort
in/out of style
Long skirts are back in style.
5. ATTRACTIVE QUALITY [uncountable] a confident and attractive quality that makes people admire you, and that is shown in your appearance, or the way you do things ⇨ stylish:
You may not like her, but she certainly has style.
The team played with style. ⇨ ↑stylish
6. CORRECT WRITING [uncountable] a way of using words or spelling that is considered correct:
It’s not good style to use abbreviations in an essay.
7. in style done in a way that people admire, especially because it is unusual, shows great determination, or involves spending a lot of money
in great/grand/fine etc style
Nadal won the match in fine style, not losing a single game.
⇨ cramp sb’s style at ↑cramp², ⇨ ↑lifestyle

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

style

style AW [style styles styled styling] noun, verb [staɪl] [staɪl]

noun

WAY STH IS DONE
1. countable, uncountable ~ (of sth) the particular way in which sth is done
• a style of management
• a management style
• furniture to suit your style of living
• a study of different teaching styles
• I like your style (= I like the way you do things).
• Caution was not her style (= not the way she usually behaved).
• I'm surprised he rides a motorbike— I'd have thought big cars were more his style (= what suited him).

see also lifestyle

DESIGN OF CLOTHES/HAIR

2. countable a particular design of sth, especially clothes
• We stock a wide variety of styles and sizes.
• Have you thought about having your hair in a shorter style?
• a style that was popular in the 1950s

see also hairstyle

3. uncountable the quality of being fashionable in the clothes that you wear
• style-conscious teenagers
• Short skirts are back in style (= fashionable).

• My husband has no sense of style.

BEING ELEGANT

4. uncountable the quality of being elegant and made to a high standard
• The hotel has been redecorated but it's lost a lot of its style.

• She does everything with style and grace.

OF BOOK/PAINTING/BUILDING

5. countable, uncountable the features of a book, painting, building, etc. that make it typical of a particular author, artist, historical period, etc
• a style of architecture
• a fine example of Gothic style
• a parody written in the style of Molière

• The palace was rebuilt in the same style.

USE OF LANGUAGE

6. uncountable, countable the correct use of language
• It's not considered good style to start a sentence with ‘but’.

• Please follow house style (= the rules of spelling, etc. used by a particular publishing company).

-STYLE

7. (in adjectives) having the type of style mentioned
• Italian-style gardens
• a buffet-style breakfast

see also old-style

IN A PLANT

8. (biology) the long thin part of a flower that carries the stigma
more at cramp sb's style at cramp _v.
Word Origin:
Middle English (denoting a stylus, also a literary composition, an official title, or a characteristic manner of literary expression): from Old French stile, from Latin stilus. The verb dates (first in sense 2) from the early 16th cent.
Collocations:
Clothes and fashion
Clothes
be wearing a new outfit/bright colours/fancy dress/fur/uniform
be (dressed) in black/red/jeans and a T-shirt/your best suit/leather/silk/rags (= very old torn clothes)
be dressed for work/school/dinner/a special occasion
be dressed as a man/woman/clown/pirate
wear/dress in casual/designer/second-hand clothes
wear jewellery/(especially US) jewelry/accessories/a watch/glasses/contact lenses/perfume
have a cowboy hat/red dress/blue suit on
put on/take off your clothes/coat/shoes/helmet
pull on/pull off your coat/gloves/socks
change into/get changed into a pair of jeans/your pyjamas/(especially US) your pajamas
Appearance
change/enhance/improve your appearance
create/get/have/give sth a new/contemporary/retro look
brush/comb/shampoo/wash/blow-dry your hair
have/get a haircut/your hair cut/a new hairstyle
have/get a piercing/your nose pierced
have/get a tattoo/a tattoo done (on your arm)/a tattoo removed
have/get a makeover/cosmetic surgery
use/wear/apply/put on make-up/cosmetics
Fashion
follow/keep up with (the) fashion/the latest fashions
spend/waste money on designer clothes
be fashionably/stylishly/well dressed
have good/great/terrible/awful taste in clothes
update/revamp your wardrobe
be in/come into/go out of fashion
be (back/very much) in vogue
create a style/trend/vogue for sth
organize/put on a fashion show
show/unveil a designer's spring/summer collection
sashay/strut down the catwalk/(NAmE also) runway
be on/do a photo/fashion shoot
Example Bank:
• He adapted his acting style to suit the material.
• He evolved his style of painting while working as a magazine illustrator.
• He has a certain style.
• His aggressive style of play sometimes gets him in trouble.
• I like your style! It shows real courage.
• Long velvet curtains add a touch of style to the main room.
• She was dressed in casual style.
• The 16th century house has been renovated and furnished in contemporary style.
• The article is written in a conversational style.
• The new houses have been built in a traditional style.
• The pianist had to tailor his style to suit the vocalist's distinctive voice.
• The two artists have radically different styles.
• The whole house just oozed style.
• They celebrated in style by popping open a bottle of champagne.
• Whatever she did, she did it with style.
• a casual style of speech
• a chain of bars which has developed its own house style
• a flamboyant style of dress
• a wide range of musical styles
• an autocratic style of leadership
• an old style of management
• her inimitable personal style
• her inimitable style of humour
• his innate sense of style
• to arrive/go out/travel in style
• very utilitarian in style
• Caution was not her style.
• He attempted to sing the song in the style of Elvis Presley.
• Her style differs from that of many of her contemporaries.
• I don't like his style of management.
• Short skirts are back in style.
• The city contains many different styles of architecture.
• The hotel has been redecorated but it's lost a lot of its style.
• They were told to write the passage in the style of Hemingway.
• This is a fine example of the Gothic style.
• We sell furniture to suit all styles of living.
• What's her teaching style like?
• Why not have your hair cut in a shorter style?
• hot tips for style-conscious teenagers
Idiom: in style

Derived: style yourself on somebody

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

style / staɪl / noun (WAY)

B1 [ C or U ] a way of doing something, especially one that is typical of a person, group of people, place, or period:

Jones favours a dynamic, hands-on style of management.

His office is very utilitarian in style, with no decoration.

be your style informal to be the type of thing that you would do:

He wouldn't try to mislead you - it's not his style.

style / staɪl / noun [ C or U ] (FASHION)

B1 fashion, especially in clothing:

a style consultant

I read the fashion pages in the newspapers to keep up with the latest styles.

The classic black dress is always in style.

style / staɪl / noun [ C ] (DESIGN)

B1 a particular shape or design, especially of a person's hair, clothes, or a piece of furniture:

a formal style of hat

Her hair was cut in a really nice style.

→ See also hairstyle

style / staɪl / noun [ U ] approving (HIGH QUALITY)

B2 high quality in appearance, design, or behaviour:

That car' s got real style, which is no surprise considering how much it cost.

When she decides to do something, she always does it in/with great style.

style / staɪl / noun [ C ] specialized (FLOWER PART)

the middle part of the carpel (= female part) of a flower, connecting the ovary to the stigma

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

style

[sta͟ɪl]
♦♦
styles, styling, styled
1) N-COUNT: with supp, also in adj N The style of something is the general way in which it is done or presented, which often shows the attitudes of the people involved.
  Our children's different needs and learning styles created many problems...
  Belmont Park is a broad sweeping track which will suit the European style of running...
  Sam celebrated in fine style.
2) N-UNCOUNT: oft in N If people or places have style, they are smart and elegant.
  Bournemouth, you have to admit, has style...
  Both love doing things in style...
  She had not lost her grace and style.
3) N-VAR The style of a product is its design.
  His 50 years of experience have given him strong convictions about style...
  Several styles of hat were available.
4) N-COUNT: usu with supp In the arts, a particular style is characteristic of a particular period or group of people.
  ...six scenes in the style of a classical Greek tragedy.
  ...a mixture of musical styles.
  ...the revival of the gothic style.
5) VERB: usu passive If something such as a piece of clothing, a vehicle, or someone's hair is styled in a particular way, it is designed or shaped in that way.
  [be V-ed] His thick blond hair had just been styled before his trip.
  [V-ed] ...classically styled clothes.
6) → See also old-style, self-styled, styling
7) PHRASE: v-link PHR If you say that something is not someone 's style, you mean that it is not the way in which they usually do things, or it is different from the sort of thing they usually like.
to cramp someone's style → see cramp
  Mr Blair was not off guard. That is not his style...
  To be honest, the house is not quite our style.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

¹style /ˈstajəl/ noun, pl styles
1 : a particular way in which something is done, created, or performed

[count]

• I don't like the flowery style of his writing.
• She has a unique style of singing.
• a baseball pitcher with an unusual style

[noncount]

• She writes with more attention to style than to content.
• The room was decorated in modern style.
2 [count] : a particular form or design of something
• The car is available in several different styles.
• a new dress style
• the Greek style of architecture
• The range of clothing styles has become more varied.
• Victorian-style drapes
3 [count] : a way of behaving or of doing things
• His management style is abrasive.
• Openly criticizing a fellow worker is just not my style. [=I would never openly criticize a fellow worker]
• You're a good negotiator. I like your style. [=I like the way you do things]
4 [noncount] : a particular way of living
• He has been living in high style. [=he has been living the way rich people live]
- see also lifestyle
5 [noncount] : the quality that makes things attractive, fashionable, etc.
• He has a real sense of style.
• She's a woman of style. [=she's a stylish woman]
6 [noncount] : an easy and graceful manner
• It was an awkward moment but she handled it with style.
7 [count] : the way that written words are spelled, capitalized, etc.
• Each newspaper had its own style.
• a style guide
cramp your style
- see ²cramp
in style
1 : popular or fashionable
• clothes that are always in style [=in fashion]
2 : in a way that is impressive or admired because it shows talent, good taste, etc. : in a stylish way
• When she travels she likes to do it in style.
• He finished the tournament in style by winning his last match very quickly and easily.
out of style : not popular or fashionable : not stylish
• a fad that has fallen/gone out of style

American English

British English

ways of achieving things

B1 (Intermediate)

noun

garbage

garbage [noun]

waste material or unwanted things that you throw away nonsense or stupid ideas

/ˈɡɑːr.bɪdʒ/

/ˈɡɑː.bɪdʒ/

Example:

He talks a lot of garbage about education.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

garbage

American English for rubbish

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

garbage

gar‧bage S3 /ˈɡɑːbɪdʒ $ ˈɡɑːr-/ BrE AmE noun [uncountable]
[Date: 1400-1500; Language: Anglo-French]
1. especially American English waste material, such as paper, empty containers, and food thrown away SYN rubbish British English:
Can you take out the garbage when you go?
2. stupid words, ideas etc SYN rubbish British English:
You’re talking garbage.
3. garbage in, garbage out used to say that if the ↑data (=information) you put into a computer is bad, the results you get back will be bad, even if the computer program you use works properly
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ rubbish especially British English things that people throw away, such as old food, dirty paper etc: People are being encouraged to recycle their household rubbish. | the rubbish bin
▪ garbage/trash American English rubbish: The garbage is collected every Tuesday. | There were piles of trash in the backyard. | a black plastic garbage bag
▪ refuse formal rubbish: The strike has disrupted refuse collection. | It’s a site which is used for domestic refuse.
▪ litter empty bottles, pieces of paper etc that people have dropped on the ground: Parents should teach children not to drop litter. | There was a lot of litter on the beach.
▪ waste rubbish, or materials that need to be dealt with after they have been used in industrial processes: nuclear waste | toxic waste | household waste | The company was fined for dumping toxic waste in the sea.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

garbage

gar·bage [ˈɡɑːbɪdʒ] [ˈɡɑːrbɪdʒ] noun uncountable
1. (especially NAmE) waste food, paper, etc. that you throw away
• garbage collection

• Don't forget to take out the garbage.

2. (especially NAmE) a place or container where waste food, paper, etc. can be placed

• Throw it in the garbage.

3. (informal) something stupid or not true
Syn: rubbish
• ‘You mean you believe all that garbage?’ he said.
Idiom: garbage in, garbage out
Word Origin:
late Middle English (in the sense ‘offal’): from Anglo-Norman French, of unknown ultimate origin.
Thesaurus:
garbage [garbage] noun
1. U (especially AmE)
• The canal is full of garbage and bits of wood.
waste • • litter • • scrap • |especially BrE rubbish • |AmE trash • |formal refuse • • debris •
household/domestic garbage/waste/rubbish/trash/refuse
dump garbage/waste/rubbish/trash/refuse/debris
produce garbage/waste/rubbish/trash/debris
Which word? Use rubbish in British English and garbage or trash in American English for the everyday things that we throw away. Waste is used especially to talk about large amounts and in the context of industry.
2. U (especially AmE, informal)
• Don't believe all the garbage in the papers!
nonsense • • lies • • story • • fiction • |BrE, informal rubbish • |especially AmE, slang bull • |taboo, slang bullshit • • crap •
garbage/nonsense/lies/stories/rubbish/bull/bullshit/crap about sth
believe the/a garbage/nonsense/lies/story/fiction/rubbish/bull/bullshit/crap
a load/lot of garbage/nonsense/rubbish/bull/crap
3. U (AmE, informal)
• She just watches garbage on TV all day.
informal trash • |BrE, informal rubbish • |taboo, slang crap •
absolute/complete/total garbage/trash/rubbish/crap
read/watch/listen to garbage/trash/rubbish
British/American:
rubbish / garbage / trash / refuse
Rubbish is the usual word in BrE for the things that you throw away because you no longer want or need them. Garbage and trash are both used in NAmE. Inside the home, garbage tends to mean waste food and other wet material, while trash is paper, cardboard and dry material.
In BrE, you put your rubbish in a dustbin in the street to be collected by the dustmen. In NAmE, your garbage and trash goes in a garbage/trash can in the street and is collected by garbage men/collectors.
Refuse is a formal word and is used in both BrE and NAmE. Refuse collector is the formal word for a dustman or garbage collector.
Collocations:
The environment
Environmental damage
cause/contribute to climate change/global warming
produce pollution/CO2/greenhouse (gas) emissions
damage/destroy the environment/a marine ecosystem/the ozone layer/coral reefs
degrade ecosystems/habitats/the environment
harm the environment/wildlife/marine life
threaten natural habitats/coastal ecosystems/a species with extinction
deplete natural resources/the ozone layer
pollute rivers and lakes/waterways/the air/the atmosphere/the environment/oceans
contaminate groundwater/the soil/food/crops
log forests/rainforests/trees
Protecting the environment
address/combat/tackle the threat/effects/impact of climate change
fight/take action on/reduce/stop global warming
limit/curb/control air/water/atmospheric/environmental pollution
cut/reduce pollution/greenhouse gas emissions
offset carbon/CO2 emissions
reduce (the size of) your carbon footprint
achieve/promote sustainable development
preserve/conserve biodiversity/natural resources
protect endangered species/a coastal ecosystem
prevent/stop soil erosion/overfishing/massive deforestation/damage to ecosystems
raise awareness of environmental issues
save the planet/the rainforests/an endangered species
Energy and resources
conserve/save/consume/waste energy
manage/exploit/be rich in natural resources
dump/dispose of hazardous/toxic/nuclear waste
dispose of/throw away litter/(especially BrE) rubbish/(especially NAmE) garbage/(NAmE) trash/sewage
use/be made from recycled/recyclable/biodegradable material
recycle bottles/packaging/paper/plastic/waste
promote/encourage recycling/sustainable development/the use of renewable energy
develop/invest in/promote renewable energy
reduce your dependence/reliance on fossil fuels
get/obtain/generate/produce electricity from wind, solar and wave power/renewable sources
build/develop a (50-megawatt/offshore) wind farm
install/be fitted with/be powered by solar panels
Example Bank:
• During the crisis, garbage was not collected.
• His ideas were discarded like worthless garbage.
• I put the broken glass in the garbage can.
• It's mostly the same old garbage.
• Someone just dumped their garbage into my backyard.
• The second series was a piece of garbage.
• There was garbage strewn around everywhere.
• This movie is pure garbage.
• We picked up all the garbage we could find.
• Don't believe all that garbage the government tells you.
• She just watches garbage on TV all day.
• That's complete garbage!
• The canal is full of garbage and bits of wood.
• The garbage cans had just been emptied.
• There was a lot of garbage reported about me in the newspapers.

• You could see the rats moving about on the garbage dump.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

garbage / ˈɡɑː.bɪdʒ / / ˈɡɑːr- / noun [ U ]

B1 US ( UK rubbish ) waste material or unwanted things that you throw away nonsense or stupid ideas:

He talks a lot of garbage about education.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

garbage

[gɑ͟ː(r)bɪʤ]
1) N-UNCOUNT Garbage is rubbish, especially waste from a kitchen. [mainly AM]
  This morning a bomb in a garbage bag exploded and injured 15 people.
  ...rotting piles of garbage.
  Syn:
  rubbish
2) N-UNCOUNT (disapproval) If someone says that an idea or opinion is garbage, they are emphasizing that they believe it is untrue or unimportant. [INFORMAL]
  I personally think this is complete garbage...
  Furious government officials branded her story `garbage'.
  Syn:
  rubbish

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

garbage

gar·bage /ˈgɑɚbɪʤ/ noun [noncount]
1 chiefly US
a : things that are no longer useful or wanted and that have been thrown out : trash
• The park was littered with garbage.
• Please take out the garbage.
• Raccoons were going through the garbage.
- often used to refer specifically to food waste that is being thrown out
• the smell of rotting garbage
b : a container where people put things that are being thrown out
• Throw the can in the garbage.
2 informal : something that is worthless, unimportant, or of poor quality
• Maybe you should read a book instead of watching that garbage [=rubbish] on TV.
3 informal : foolish or untrue words or ideas : nonsense
• If you ask me, what he said is a bunch/load of garbage.

solve

solve [verb]

to find an answer to a problem

/sɑːlv/

/sɒlv/

Example:

to solve a problem

Oxford Essential Dictionary

solve

verb (solves, solving, solved )
to find the answer to a question or problem:
The police are still trying to solve the crime.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

solve

solve S2 W3 /sɒlv $ sɑːlv/ BrE AmE verb [transitive]
[Word Family: noun: ↑solution, ↑solvent, ↑solubility, ↑insolvency; adjective: ↑soluble ≠ ↑insoluble, ↑unsolved, ↑solvent ≠ ↑insolvent, ↑solvable ≠ ↑insolvable; verb: ↑solve; adverb: ↑insolvably]
[Date: 1400-1500; Language: Latin; Origin: solvere 'to loosen, solve, dissolve, pay']
1. to find or provide a way of dealing with a problem ⇨ solution:
Charlie thinks money will solve all his problems.
the best way of solving our dilemma
2. to find the correct answer to a problem or the explanation for something that is difficult to understand ⇨ solution
solve a crime/mystery/case etc
More than 70% of murder cases were solved last year.
attempts to solve a mathematical equation
solve a puzzle/riddle
—solvable adjective
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 1)
■ nouns
▪ solve a problem He solved the problem by moving the aggressive fish to a separate tank.
▪ solve a crisis Congress had not been able to solve the financial crisis.
▪ solve a dispute/conflict They have agreed to solve their disputes solely by peaceful means.
▪ solve a dilemma Can you solve my dilemma?
▪ solve somebody's difficulties You can't solve your difficulties by running away.
▪ solve a question Did they really think the Jerusalem question would be solved in a week?
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 2)
■ nouns
▪ solve a crime/case The crime was never solved.
▪ solve a murder Police have called for witnesses to help them solve the murder.
▪ solve a mystery Staff at the library think they have solved the mystery.
▪ solve a puzzle You progress through the game by solving puzzles.
▪ solve a riddle They still haven't really solved the riddle of how the pyramids were built.
▪ solve an equation At the age of six, he could solve complicated mathematical equations.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

solve

solve [solve solves solved solving] [sɒlv] [sɑːlv] [sɔːlv] verb
1. ~ sth to find a way of dealing with a problem or difficult situation
• Attempts are being made to solve the problem of waste disposal.

• You can't solve anything by just running away.

2. ~ sth to find the correct answer or explanation for sth
• to solve an equation/a puzzle/a riddle
• to solve a crime/mystery

Word Origin:
late Middle English (in the sense ‘loosen, dissolve, untie’): from Latin solvere ‘loosen, unfasten’.
Thesaurus:
solve verb
1. T
• You can't solve your difficulties by running away.
resolve • • settle • • straighten sb/sth out • |especially BrE, especially spoken sort sth out • • sort •
solve/resolve/settle/straighten out/sort out problem/situation/dispute/crisis
solve/resolve/settle things
straighten/sort things out
2. T
• The mystery has not yet been solved.
do • • clear sth up • • crack • |especially BrE, especially spoken work sth out • |especially AmE, especially spoken figure sb/sth out •
solve/do/work out a/an puzzle/equation
solve/clear up/crack a case/mystery
solve/clear up a crime/murder/investigation
Example Bank:
• Being with friends does not necessarily solve my problem.
• Being with peers and friends does not necessarily solve this feeling of loneliness.
• It doesn't really solve the problem.
• She's really good at solving problems.
• The mystery has not yet been completely solved.
• The problem cannot be solved with spending cuts alone.
• This question has never been satisfactorily solved.
• We hope the difficulty can be solved by getting the two sides together to discuss the issues.
• We need to focus on solving the country's problem.
• We were given clues to help us solve the puzzle.
• a plan designed to solve the housing problem
• research aimed at solving the growing problem of child obesity
• their appeal for help in solving the case
• Attempts are being made to solve the problem of waste disposal in the town.
• The Board met several times last week to try to solve the firm's financial crisis.
• Unemployment will not be solved by offering low-paid jobs in call centres.

• You can't solve all your difficulties by running away.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

solve / sɒlv / / sɑːlv / verb [ T ]

B1 to find an answer to a problem:

to solve a problem

to solve a mystery/puzzle

Just calm down - shouting won't solve anything!

This strategy could cause more problems than it solves.

Police are still no nearer to solving the crime.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

solve

[sɒ̱lv]
♦♦♦
solves, solving, solved
VERB
If you solve a problem or a question, you find a solution or an answer to it.
[V n] Their domestic reforms did nothing to solve the problem of unemployment...
[V n] We may now be able to get a much better idea of the true age of the universe, and solve one of the deepest questions of our origins.
Syn:
resolve

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

solve

solve /ˈsɑːlv/ verb solves; solved; solv·ing [+ obj]
1 : to find a way to deal with and end (a problem)
• They are working to solve the traffic problem.
• If they'll lend us the money we need, all our problems will be solved.
2 a : to find the correct answer to (something, such as a riddle)
• She solved the riddle/puzzle.
• He couldn't solve the math problem.
b : to find the correct explanation for (something, such as a mystery)
• The mystery/crime has been solved.
• The FBI has been trying to solve the case for years.
- solv·able /ˈsɑːlvəbəl/ adj
• an easily solvable mystery
- solv·er noun, pl -ers [count]
• She's a good problem solver.