B2 (Upper-intermediate)

widow

widow [noun]

a woman whose husband or wife has died and who has not married again

US /ˈwɪd.oʊ/ 
UK /ˈwɪd.əʊ/ 
Example: 

He married a rich widow.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

widow

 noun
a woman whose husband is dead

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

widow

widow /ˈwɪdəʊ $ -doʊ/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
[Language: Old English; Origin: wuduwe]
1. a woman whose husband has died and who has not married again:
an elderly widow who was attacked and robbed last month
a wealthy widow
2. football/golf etc widow a woman whose husband spends all his free time watching football, playing golf etc – used humorously
• • •
THESAURUS
■ husband/wife etc
husband/wife the man/woman you are married to: My wife’s a teacher.
partner the person you live with and have a sexual relationship with. Partner is often used when people are not married, or when you do not know if they are married. It is also used when talking about same-sex couples: He lives with his partner Ruth and their eight-month-old son.
fiancé/fiancée the man/woman you are engaged to: He and fiancée Wendy Hodgson will marry in July.
divorcee a woman who is divorced: The Prince announced his intention to marry Mrs Wallis Simpson, an American divorcee.
widow/widower a woman or man whose husband or wife has died: Imelda Marcos, the widow of the former President
spouse formal your spouse is your husband or wife: The rule applies to spouses and children of military personnel.
estranged wife/husband formal someone’s estranged husband or wife is one who they do not live with anymore: She is trying to get her sons back from her estranged husband.
 

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

widow

 

widow [widow widows widowed widowing] noun, verb   [ˈwɪdəʊ]    [ˈwɪdoʊ] 

 

noun
a woman whose husband has died and who has not married again
She gets a widow's pension.  
Word Origin:
Old English widewe, from an Indo-European root meaning ‘be empty’; compare with Sanskrit vidh ‘be destitute’, Latin viduus ‘bereft, widowed’, and Greek ēitheos ‘unmarried man’.

Derived Word: widowed 

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

widow / ˈwɪd.əʊ /   / -oʊ / noun [ C ]

B2 a woman whose husband or wife has died and who has not married again

 

fishing/football/golf widow informal humorous

a woman whose partner is often not at home because he or she is fishing or playing football or golf

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

widow

[wɪ̱doʊ]
 widows
 N-COUNT
 A widow is a woman whose husband has died and who has not married again.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

widow

wid·ow /ˈwɪdoʊ/ noun, pl -ows [count]
1 : a woman whose husband has died
2 informal : a woman whose husband often leaves her alone while he plays sports or is involved in other activities
• a football widow [=a woman whose husband spends a lot of time watching football]
• Everyone joked that she was a golf widow. [=a woman whose husband is often away playing golf]

- see also black widow

- wid·ow·hood /ˈwɪdoʊˌhʊd/ noun [noncount]
• She had a hard time during her first year of widowhood.

envy

envy [verb]

to wish that you had something that another person has

US /ˈen.vi/ 
UK /ˈen.vi/ 
Example: 

I envy her ability to talk to people she's never met before.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

envy

 noun (no plural)
a sad or angry feeling of wanting what another person has same meaning jealousy:
I couldn't hide my envy of her success.
They looked with envy at her new clothes.

>> envy verb (envies, envying, envied /, has envied) :
I envy you! You always seem so happy!

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

envy

I. envy1 /ˈenvi/ BrE AmE verb (past tense and past participle envied, present participle envying, third person singular envies) [transitive]
1. to wish that you had someone else’s possessions, abilities etc:
I really envy you and Ian, you seem so happy together.
She has a lifestyle which most people would envy.
envy somebody something
He envied Rosalind her youth and strength.
2. I don’t envy you/her etc spoken used to say that you are glad that you are not in the bad situation that someone else is in

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

verb (en·vies, envy·ing, en·vied, en·vied)
1. to wish you had the same qualities, possessions, opportunities, etc. as sb else
~ sb He envied her— she seemed to have everything she could possibly want.
~ sth She has always envied my success.
~ sb sth I envied him his good looks.

~ sb doing sth I envy you having such a close family.

2. to be glad that you do not have to do what sb else has to do
not ~ sb It's a difficult situation you're in. I don't envy you.
not ~ sb sth I don't envy her that job.
Verb forms:
 
Word Origin:
Middle English (also in the sense ‘hostility, enmity’): from Old French envie (noun), envier (verb), from Latin invidia, from invidere ‘regard maliciously, grudge’, from in- ‘into’ + videre ‘to see’.  
Example Bank:
I secretly envied her for her good looks.
• I don't envy Ed that job.

• She had always envied my success.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

envy / ˈen.vi / verb [ T ]

B2 to wish that you had something that another person has:

I envy her ability to talk to people she's never met before.

[ + two objects ] I don't envy you the job of cooking for all those people.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

envy

[e̱nvi]
 envies, envying, envied
 1) N-UNCOUNT Envy is the feeling you have when you wish you could have the same thing or quality that someone else has.
  Gradually he began to acknowledge his feelings of envy towards his mother...
  They gazed in a mixture of envy and admiration at the beauty of the statue.
 2) VERB If you envy someone, you wish that you had the same things or qualities that they have.
  [V n] I don't envy the young ones who've become TV superstars and know no other world...
  [V n] I have a rich brother and a lot of people envy the fact...
  [V n n] He envied Caroline her peace...
  [V n n] `You must've seen the world by now,' said Frannie, `I envy you that.'
 3) N-SING: the N of n If a thing or quality is the envy of someone, they wish very much that they could have or achieve it.
  Britain is now the envy of the world's record companies.
  ...an economic expansion that was the envy of many other states.
 4) green with envysee green

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

envy
 

2envy verb -vies; -vied; -vy·ing [+ obj] : to feel a desire to have what someone else has : to feel envy because of (someone or something)
• I envy you for your large group of friends.
• They envied his success. = They envied him for his success.
• I envy the way you've made so many friends.
• I don't envy you your dental problems. [=I'm glad that I don't have your dental problems]

 

pace

pace [noun] (SPEED)

the speed at which someone or something moves, or with which something happens or changes

US /peɪs/ 
UK /peɪs/ 
Example: 

For many years this company has set the pace (= has been the most successful company) in the communications industry.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

 noun

1 (no plural) how fast you do something or how fast something happens:
We started at a steady pace.

2 (plural paces) a step:
Take two paces forward.

keep pace with somebody or something to go as fast as somebody or something:
She couldn't keep pace with the other runners.
 

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

pace

I. pace1 W3 /peɪs/ BrE AmE noun
[Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: pas 'step', from Latin passus]
1. SPEED OF EVENTS/CHANGES [singular] the speed at which something happens or is done
pace of
The pace of change in our lives is becoming faster and faster.
at a steady/slow etc pace
Public spending continues to rise at a steady pace.
2. WALK/RUN [singular] the speed at which someone walks, runs, or moves
pace of
You need to step up the pace of your exercises.
at a slow/leisurely/brisk etc pace
Lucy set off at a leisurely pace back to the hotel.
He quickened his pace, longing to be home.
Traffic slowed to a walking pace.
3. STEP [countable] a single step when you are running or walking, or the distance you move in one step
pace backwards/towards/forwards etc
He took a pace towards the door.
Rebecca walked a few paces behind her mum.
4. keep pace (with something/somebody) to change or increase as fast as something else, or to move as fast as someone else:
Salaries have not always kept pace with inflation.
The supply of materials cannot keep pace with demand.
Slow down! I can’t keep pace with you.
5. go through your paces (also show your paces) to show how well you can do something
6. put somebody/something through their paces to make a person, vehicle, animal etc show how well they can do something:
The test driver puts all the cars through their paces.
7. set the pace
a) if a company sets the pace, it does something before its competitors or to a better standard
set the pace in
Japanese firms have been setting the pace in electronic engineering.
b) (also set a brisk/cracking etc pace British English) to go faster than the other competitors in a race, who then try to achieve the same speed:
The Italians set the pace for the first eight laps.
8. force the pace to make something happen or develop more quickly than it would do normally
force the pace on
measures designed to force the pace on alternative energy policies
9. be able to stand the pace to be able to deal with situations where you are very busy and have to think and act very quickly:
If you can stand the pace, working in advertising pays well.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + pace
rapid/fast The rapid pace of change creates uncertainty.
slow The pace of life in the countryside is slower.
a steady pace The economy was growing at a slow but steady pace.
at your own pace (=at the pace that suits you) This allows each child to learn at his or her own pace.
at a snail’s pace (=very slowly) Reform is proceeding at a snail’s pace.
a breakneck pace (=extremely fast) Singapore prospered and modernized at a breakneck pace.
a hectic/frantic pace (=a very fast and hurried speed) We worked at a hectic pace.
■ verbs
the pace quickens/accelerates The pace of change is quickening.
the pace slows/slackens After a surge in exports, the pace slackened considerably the following year.
gather pace (=happen more quickly) Support for the campaign is gathering pace.
keep up the pace (=continue to do something or happen as quickly as before) China's society is transforming but can it keep up the pace?
keep up with the pace (=do something as fast as something else is happening or being done) It's essential that we constantly update our skills and keep up with the pace of change.
■ phrases
the pace of change The pace of change accelerated dramatically in the early 1980s.
the pace of life Here, the sun shines every day and the pace of life is slower.
the pace of development The pace of development in computer graphics is amazing.
the pace of reform Some senior party figures favor a slower pace of reform.
■ COMMON ERRORS
► Do not say 'in your own pace' or 'on your own pace'. Say at your own pace.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

noun
1. singular, uncountable the speed at which sb/sth walks, runs or moves
to set off at a steady/gentle/leisurely pace
Congestion frequently reduces traffic to walking pace.
The ball gathered pace as it rolled down the hill.

• The runners have noticeably quickened their pace.

2. singular, uncountable ~ (of sth) the speed at which sth happens
It is difficult to keep up with the rapid pace of change.
We encourage all students to work at their own pace (= as fast or as slow as they can).
I prefer the relaxed pace of life in the country.

• Rumours of corruption and scandal gathered pace (= increased in number).

3. countable an act of stepping once when walking or running; the distance travelled when doing this
Syn:  step
She took two paces forward.
• To be a really good runner he needs to lengthen his pace a little.

• Competitors must stand at a distance of 20 paces from each other.

4. uncountable the fact of sth happening, changing, etc. quickly
He gave up his job in advertising because he couldn't stand the pace.
The novel lacks pace (= it develops too slowly).
a pace bowler (= in cricket, a person who bowls the ball fast)
see also  pacy 
more at force the pace at  force  v., at a snail's pace at  snail  
Word Origin:
Middle English Old French pas Latin passus ‘stretch (of the leg)’ pandere ‘to stretch’
 
Thesaurus:
pace noun
1. sing., U
We set off at a leisurely pace.
speedratemomentum|written tempo
at a … pace/speed/rate
increase the pace/speed/rate/momentum/tempo
maintain the pace/speed/rate/momentum
2. C
She took two paces forward.
stepstridefootstep
take a few paces/steps/strides back/forward/to sth/towards sth
take a pace/step backwards
take a pace/step/stride 
Example Bank:
He's a skilful player with a good turn of pace.
I set off at a snail's pace to conserve my energy for later in the race.
I stopped a few paces from the edge of the cliff.
I try to get away at weekends for a change of pace.
She kept up a pace of ten miles an hour.
Step back three paces.
Take two paces forward.
The pace of change means that equipment has to be constantly replaced.
The pace of life is much slower on the islands.
The project had a slow start, but is now gathering pace.
The students work at their own pace.
The younger children struggled to keep pace with the older ones.
They set off at a blistering pace.
Thinking that she was being followed, she quickened her pace.
Two bodyguards remained a couple of paces behind the president throughout the walkabout.
You shouldn't have such a job if you can't stand the pace.
the slow pace of economic reform
Competitors must stand at a distance of twenty paces from each other.
He gave up his job in advertising because he couldn't stand the pace
I prefer the more relaxed pace of life in the country.
Jean followed a few paces behind.
Rumours of corruption and scandal gathered pace.
The novel lacks pace.
Traffic was reduced to walking pace.
We encourage all students to work at their own pace.
You can get a device that counts how many paces you take in an average day.
Idioms: go through your paces  keep pace  off the pace  put somebody through its paces  set the pace  show your paces

Derived: pace something off 

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

pace / peɪs / noun (SPEED)

B2 [ U ] the speed at which someone or something moves, or with which something happens or changes:

a slow/fast pace

When she thought she heard someone following her, she quickened her pace.

Could you slow down a bit - I can't keep pace with (= walk or run as fast as) you.

For many years this company has set the pace (= has been the most successful company) in the communications industry.

These changes seem to me to be happening at too fast a pace.

I don't like the pace of modern life.

→  See also pacemaker (RUNNER)

force the pace

to make other people in a race go faster by going faster yourself

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

pace

[pe͟ɪs]
 paces, pacing, paced
 1) N-SING: usu with supp The pace of something is the speed at which it happens or is done.
  Many people were not satisfied with the pace of change.
  ...people who prefer to live at a slower pace...
  They could not stand the pace or the workload...
  Interest rates would come down as the recovery gathered pace.
  Syn:
  speed
 2) N-SING: usu with supp Your pace is the speed at which you walk.
  He moved at a brisk pace down the rue St Antoine...
  Their pace quickened as they approached their cars.
 3) N-COUNT: usu with supp A pace is the distance that you move when you take one step.
  He'd only gone a few paces before he stopped again...
  I took a pace backwards.
 4) VERB If you pace a small area, you keep walking up and down it, because you are anxious or impatient.
  [V n] As they waited, Kravis paced the room nervously...
  [V prep/adv] He found John pacing around the flat, unable to sleep...
  She stared as he paced and yelled.
 5) VERB If you pace yourself when doing something, you do it at a steady rate.
  [V pron-refl] It was a tough race and I had to pace myself.
 6) PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR with n If something keeps pace with something else that is changing, it changes quickly in response to it.
  Farmers are angry because the rise fails to keep pace with inflation.
  ...a world changing far too fast for her to keep pace.
  Syn:
  keep up
 7) PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR with n If you keep pace with someone who is walking or running, you succeed in going as fast as them, so that you remain close to them.
  With four laps to go, he kept pace with the leaders...
  Daisy strode alongside her, breathing heavily but keeping pace.
  Syn:
  keep up
 8) PHRASE: PHR after v If you do something at your own pace, you do it at a speed that is comfortable for you.
  The computer will give students the opportunity to learn at their own pace...
  She was going too fast so I decided to keep riding at my own pace.
  Syn:
  at your own speed
 9) PHRASE: V inflects If you put someone through their paces or make them go through their paces, you get them to show you how well they can do something.
  The eleven boxers are in the hands of the British coach, who is putting them through their paces...
  A group of the world's best waterskiers will be going through their paces.
 10) at a snail's pacesee snail
  Phrasal Verbs:
  - pace out
  - pace off

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

1pace /ˈpeɪs/ noun, pl pac·es
1 [singular]
a : the speed at which someone or something moves
• He can run at a decent pace. [=he can run fairly fast]
• We walked at a leisurely pace along the shore.
• I told the kids to pick/step up the pace. [=go faster]
• He rode his bike up the hill at a snail's pace. [=very slowly]
• We encourage you to hike the trail at your own pace. [=at a speed that suits you and lets you be comfortable]
b : the speed at which something happens
• The pace of the story was slow.
• His new album is selling at a blistering/breakneck/dizzying pace.
• Despite quickly advancing medical technology, the pace [=(more commonly) rate] of change in her field remained slow and steady.
• She liked the fast pace of life in the city. [=she liked the fast way things happened in the city]
- see also change of pace
2 [count] : a single step or the length of a single step - usually plural
• The tree is about 30 paces from the front door.
• The dog walked a few paces behind us.
go through your paces : to do something in order to show others how well you do it
• The athletes went through their paces as the coaches looked on.
• a show horse going through its paces for the judges
keep pace with : to go or make progress at the same speed as (someone or something else)
• Our production can't keep pace with [=keep up with] the orders coming in.
• The law has not kept pace with technology. [=the law has not changed fast enough to reflect changes in technology]
• She struggles to keep pace with her classmates.
off the pace US : behind in a race, competition, etc.
• The winner finished in 4 minutes, 30 seconds, and the next runner was three seconds off the pace. [=finished three seconds later]
• The other runners were way off the pace.
put someone or something through his/her/its paces : to test what someone or something can do
• We brought home three different computers and put them through their paces.
set the pace : to be the one that is at the front in a race and that controls how fast the other racers have to go
• As our fastest runner, he usually sets the pace for the rest of the team.
- often used figuratively
• The company's advanced equipment sets the pace for the recording industry.
- see also pacesetter

overcome

overcome [verb] (UNABLE TO ACT)

to prevent someone from being able to act or think in the usual way

US /ˌoʊ.vɚˈkʌm/ 
UK /ˌəʊ.vəˈkʌm/ 
Example: 

They were overcome by fumes from the fire and had to be carried out of their houses.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

overcome

 verb (overcomes, overcoming, overcame /, has overcome)
to find an answer to a difficult thing in your life; to control something:
He overcame his fear of flying.

 

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

overcome

overcome W3 /ˌəʊvəˈkʌm $ ˌoʊvər-/ BrE AmE verb (past tense overcame /-ˈkeɪm/, past participle overcome) [transitive]
[Language: Old English; Origin: ofercuman]
1. to successfully control a feeling or problem that prevents you from achieving something:
He struggled to overcome his shyness.
Her financial problems could no longer be overcome.
2. [usually passive] if smoke or gas overcomes someone, they become extremely sick or unconscious because they breathe it:
The engineer was working on the freezer when he was overcome by gas.
3. if an emotion overcomes someone, they cannot behave normally because they feel the emotion so strongly
overcome with
Charles was overcome with grief.
4. to fight and win against someone or something SYN defeat:
Australia overcame the Netherlands 2–1.
 

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

overcome

over·come [overcome overcomes overcame overcoming]   [ˌəʊvəˈkʌm]    [ˌoʊvərˈkʌm]  verb (over·came   [ˌəʊvəˈkeɪm]  ;   [ˌoʊvərˈkeɪm]  over·come)
1. ~ sth to succeed in dealing with or controlling a problem that has been preventing you from achieving sth
She overcame injury to win the Olympic gold medal.
The two parties managed to overcome their differences on the issue.
• He finally managed to overcome his fear of flying

• He overcame a strong temptation to run away.

2. ~ sb/sth to defeat sb

• In the final game Sweden easily overcame France.

3. usually passive ~ sb to be extremely strongly affected by sth
Syn:  overwhelm
Her parents were overcome with grief at the funeral.
Overcome by curiosity, the boy looked through the window.
The dead woman had been overcome by smoke.
Verb forms:

Word Origin:
Old English ofercuman (see over-, come).  
Thesaurus:
overcome verb T
She overcame her fear of flying.
controlbring/get/keep sth under controlget over sth|informal beat|written conquer
overcome/control/get over/beat/conquer a problem
bring/get/keep a problem under control
overcome/control/get over/conquer a fear
overcome/get over a difficulty/hurdle  
Example Bank:
He was suddenly overcome with remorse for the harm he had done.
Several firefighters had been overcome by smoke and fumes.
She felt almost overcome by a tide of relief.
She felt quite overcome by their kindness.
The officers on duty were visibly overcome, many of them in tears.
Therapy helped her overcome her fear.
These problems were never entirely overcome.
methods designed to overcome these problems
In the final, Sweden easily overcame France.
She overcame strong opposition to take the title.
There are at least two major obstacles that must be overcome.
They managed to overcome their differences on the issue.
• This could be the year that he finally overcomes his great rival and clinches the championship.

• This problem is largely overcome by printing out a new set of data.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

overcome / ˌəʊ.vəˈkʌm /   / ˌoʊ.vɚ- / verb [ T usually passive ] ( overcame , overcome ) (UNABLE TO ACT)

C2 to prevent someone from being able to act or think in the usual way:

They were overcome by fumes from the fire and had to be carried out of their houses.

Overcome with/by emotion, she found herself unable to speak for a few minutes.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

overcome

[o͟ʊvə(r)kʌ̱m]
 
 overcomes, overcoming, overcame
 (The form overcome is used in the present tense and is also the past participle.)
 1) VERB If you overcome a problem or a feeling, you successfully deal with it and control it.
  [V n] Molly had fought and overcome her fear of flying...
  [V n] Find a way to overcome your difficulties.
 2) VERB If you are overcome by a feeling or event, it is so strong or has such a strong effect that you cannot think clearly.
  [be V-ed] The night before the test I was overcome by fear and despair...
  [V n] A dizziness overcame him, blurring his vision.
  Syn:
  overwhelm
 3) VERB: usu passive If you are overcome by smoke or a poisonous gas, you become very ill or die from breathing it in.
  [be V-ed] The residents were trying to escape from the fire but were overcome by smoke.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

overcome

over·come /ˌoʊvɚˈkʌm/ verb -comes; -came /-ˈkeɪm/ ; -come; -com·ing [+ obj]
1 : to defeat (someone or something)
• After a tough battle, they overcame the enemy.
2 : to successfully deal with or gain control of (something difficult)
• a story about overcoming adversity
• She overcame a leg injury and is back running again.
• He overcame [=conquered] his fear of heights and climbed the ladder.
3 : to affect (someone) very strongly or severely - usually used as (be) overcome
• The people trapped in the burning building were overcome by the heat and smoke.
• The family was overcome [=overwhelmed] by grief.

inner

inner [adjective]

inside or contained within something else

US /ˈɪn.ɚ/ 
UK /ˈɪn.ər/ 
Example: 

Leading off the main hall is a series of small inner rooms.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

inner

 adjective
inside; towards or close to the centre:
the inner ear
 opposite outer

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

inner

inner S3 W2 /ˈɪnə $ -ər/ BrE AmE adjective [only before noun]
[Language: Old English; Origin: innera, from inne 'inside']
1. on the inside or close to the centre of something OPP outer:
an inner room
inner London
the inner ear
2. inner thoughts or feelings are ones that you feel strongly but do not always show to other people:
Yoga gives me a sense of inner calm.
She’ll need great inner strength to get over the tragedy.
She never shared her inner thoughts with anyone.
3. relating to things which happen or exist but are not easy to see:
the inner workings of the film industry
the fascinating inner life of a political party
4. inner circle the few people in an organization, political party etc who control it or share power with its leader:
members of the president’s inner circle
5. sb’s inner voice thoughts or feelings inside your head which seem to warn or advise you:
My inner voice told me to be cautious.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

inner

inner [inner inners]   [ˈɪnə(r)]    [ˈɪnər]  adjective only before noun
1. inside; towards or close to the centre of a place
an inner courtyard
inner London
• the inner ear

Opp:  outer

2. (of feelings, etc.) private and secret; not expressed or shown to other people
She doesn't reveal much of her inner self.
An inner voice told him that what he was doing was wrong.  
Word Origin:
Old English innerra, innra, comparative of in.  
Example Bank:
• He has to fight an inner turmoil even to step onto a plane.

• She doesn't reveal much of her inner self.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

inner / ˈɪn.ə r /   / -ɚ / adjective [ before noun ]

B2 inside or contained within something else:

Leading off the main hall is a series of small inner rooms.

humorous Few people ever managed to penetrate the director's inner sanctum (= very private room) .

B2 Inner feelings or thoughts are ones that you do not show or tell other people:

Sarah seemed to have a profound sense of inner peace.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

inner

[ɪ̱nə(r)]
 
 1) ADJ: ADJ n The inner parts of something are the parts which are contained or are enclosed inside the other parts, and which are closest to the centre.
  She got up and went into an inner office...
  Wade stepped inside and closed the inner door behind him.
  Ant:
  outer
 2) ADJ: ADJ n Your inner feelings are feelings which you have but do not show to other people.
  Loving relationships that a child makes will give him an inner sense of security...
  Michael needed to express his inner tensions.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

inner

in·ner /ˈɪnɚ/ adj always used before a noun
1 : located toward the inside of something : not on or at the edge or outside of something
• She led the guests to an inner room.
• the inner face of the arch
• the inner lining of the jacket
- opposite outer
2 : not known to or seen by most people
• the poem's inner meaning
• He wanted to experience the inner workings of the political campaign. [=the parts of the campaign that are only known by the people who work on it]
3 a : of or relating to a person's mind or spirit
inner peace/conflict
• his inner life/self
• listening to her inner voice
• a person's inner beauty
b : existing as a part of a person's character
• He's trying to get in touch with his inner artist. [=the part of his character that is artistic]

circumstance

circumstance [noun]

a fact or event that makes a situation the way it is

US /ˈsɝː.kəm.stæns/ 
UK /ˈsɜː.kəm.stɑːns/ 
Example: 

I think she coped very well under the circumstances.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

circumstance

circumstance S2 W1 AC /ˈsɜːkəmstæns, -stəns $ ˈsɜːr-/ BrE AmE noun
[Date: 1100-1200; Language: Old French; Origin: Latin circumstantia, from circumstare 'to stand around', from circum- (CIRCUM-) + stare 'to stand']
1. [countable usually plural] the conditions that affect a situation, action, event etc:
The Soviet Union had been forced by circumstances to sign a pact with Nazi Germany.
I can’t imagine a circumstance in which I would be willing to steal.
in ... circumstances
The rules can only be waived in exceptional circumstances.
under ... circumstances
Prisoners can only leave their cells under certain circumstances.
2. under no circumstances (also in no circumstances British English) used to emphasize that something must definitely not happen:
Under no circumstances are you to go out.
3. under/given the circumstances (also in the circumstances British English) used to say that a particular situation makes an action, decision etc necessary, acceptable, or true when it would not normally be:
It’s the best result that could be expected under the circumstances.
4. [uncountable] formal the combination of facts, events etc that influence your life, and that you cannot control:
He was a victim of circumstance.
5. circumstances [plural] formal the conditions in which you live, especially how much money you have
economic/financial/personal etc circumstances
Whether or not you qualify for a loan will depend on your financial circumstances.
people living in difficult social circumstances
in reduced circumstances old-fashioned (=with much less money than you used to have)
pomp and circumstance at ↑pomp
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ adjectives
in/under certain circumstances (=if particular conditions exist) In certain circumstances you may be refused a visa.
exceptional/special circumstances The court may allow this evidence in exceptional circumstances.
normal circumstances In normal circumstances, a child’s language will develop naturally.
particular circumstances (=special or specific) There may be particular circumstances in which this rule will not apply.
difficult circumstances Many teachers are doing a very good job under difficult circumstances.
suspicious circumstances (=making you think something illegal has happened) Officers said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
mysterious circumstances (=strange or suspicious) One of their colleagues had vanished in mysterious circumstances.
unusual circumstances There were several unusual circumstances that night.
unforeseen circumstances (=that you did not realize would happen) The tragedy was the result of a series of unforeseen circumstances.
tragic circumstances (=extremely sad and unfortunate) Both parents had died in tragic circumstances.
extenuating/mitigating circumstances (=conditions that make it reasonable for someone to break the rules or law) Hunger and poverty are not treated by the courts as extenuating circumstances.
■ phrases
a set/combination of circumstances This was a very unusual set of circumstances.
the circumstances surrounding something Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident.
due to circumstances beyond sb’s control Occasionally flights are cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

circumstance

 

cir·cum·stance AW [circumstance circumstances]   [ˈsɜːkəmstəns]    [ˈsɜːkəmstɑːns]    [ˈsɜːkəmstæns]    [ˈsɜːrkəmstæns]  noun
1. countable, usually plural the conditions and facts that are connected with and affect a situation, an event or an action
The company reserves the right to cancel this agreement in certain circumstances.
changing social and political circumstances
I know I can trust her in any circumstance.
Police said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the boy's death.
• The ship sank in mysterious circumstances.

• She never discovered the true circumstances of her birth.

2. circumstances plural the conditions of a person's life, especially the money they have
Grants are awarded according to your financial circumstances.

family/domestic/personal circumstances

3. uncountable (formal) situations and events that affect and influence your life and that are not in your control
a victim of circumstance (= a person who has suffered because of a situation that they cannot control)
He had to leave the country through force of circumstance (= events made it necessary).
We were simply thrown together by circumstance on the long journey.
more at pomp and circumstance at  pomp, reduced circumstances at  reduce
Idioms: in no circumstances  in the circumstances  
Word Origin:
Middle English: from Old French circonstance or Latin circumstantia, from circumstare ‘encircle, encompass’, from circum ‘around’ + stare ‘stand’.  
Thesaurus:
circumstance noun C, usually pl.
She did the job very well in the circumstances.
conditionssituationpositionthe casestate of affairs|informal, especially spoken things
in the/a circumstances/particular situation/position/state of affairs
the general/current/present/real circumstances/conditions/situation/position/state of affairs
sb's economic/financial/social circumstances/conditions/situation/position
describe/explain the circumstances/situation/position/state of affairs/things
Circumstances or conditions? Circumstances refers to sb's financial situation; conditions refers to things such as food, shelter, or the working environment. The circumstances that affect an event are the facts surrounding it; the conditions are usually physical things, such as the weather.  
Synonyms:
situation
circumstances position conditions things the case state of affairs
These are all words for the conditions and facts that are connected with and affect the way things are.
situationall the things that are happening at a particular time and in a particular place: the present economic situation
circumstancesthe facts that are connected with and affect a situation, an event or an action; the conditions of a person's life, especially the money they have: The ship sank in mysterious circumstances.
positionthe situation that sb is in, especially when it affects what they can and cannot do: She felt she was in a position of power.
conditionsthe circumstances in which people live, work or do things; the physical situation that affects how sth happens: We were forced to work outside in freezing conditions.
circumstances or conditions?
Circumstances refers to sb's financial situation; conditions are things such as the quality and amount of food or shelter they have. The circumstances that affect an event are the facts surrounding it; the conditions that affect it are usually physical ones, such as the weather.
things(rather informal) the general situation, as it affects sb: Hi, Jane! How are things? Think things over before you decide.
the casethe true situation: If that is the case (= if the situation described is true) , we need more staff.
state of affairsa situation: How did this unhappy state of affairs come about?
situation or state of affairs?
State of affairs is mostly used with this. It is also used with adjectives describing how good or bad a situation is, such as happy, sorry, shocking, sad and unhappy, as well as those relating to time, such as present and current. Situation is much more frequent and is used in a wider variety of contexts.
in (a) particular situation/circumstances/position/state of affairs
the/sb's economic/financial/social situation/circumstances/position/conditions
(a/an) happy/unhappy situation/circumstances/position/state of affairs
to look at/review the situation/circumstances/conditions/things 
Example Bank:
Due to unforeseen circumstances, we have had to reschedule the concert.
He died in tragic circumstances.
He was a writer living in straitened circumstances.
He was simply a victim of circumstance.
His sentence was reduced because of the extenuating circumstances.
I felt that circumstances were conspiring against me.
In normal circumstances I would let you use my car, but today I need it.
In the circumstances, you'd better call the police.
Only if the circumstances are exceptional will we accept late applications.
She died in rather suspicious circumstances.
The amount paid will vary according to circumstances.
The bank will investigate the circumstances surrounding the robbery.
The delays were due to circumstances beyond our control.
The plan might work better with more favourable/favorable circumstances.
The survivors ate plants and insects by force of circumstance.
Under no circumstances should you leave the door unlocked.
We lost our position in the market due to a combination of circumstances.
an unfortunate set of circumstances that made her life difficult
life in the changing economic circumstances of China
people facing adverse circumstances
the tragic circumstances of his early life
Don't open the door, in any circumstances.
Grants are awarded according to your financial circumstances.
He had to leave the country through force of circumstance.
• Police said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the boy's death.

• Under the circumstances, it seemed better not to tell him about the accident.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

circumstance / ˈsɜː.kəm.stɑːns /   / ˈsɝː.kəm.stæns / noun

B2 [ C usually plural ] a fact or event that makes a situation the way it is:

I think she coped very well under the circumstances.

Obviously we can't deal with the problem until we know all the circumstances.

She died in suspicious circumstances.

We oppose capital punishment in/under any circumstances.

Under no circumstances should you (= you should not) approach the man.

The meeting has been cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control.

 

[ U ] formal events that change your life, over which you have no control:

They were victims of circumstance.

We were obliged to go by force of circumstance.

circumstances how much money someone has:

Grants are available depending on your circumstances.

By now she was alone and living in reduced circumstances (= with little money) .

 

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

circumstance

[sɜ͟ː(r)kəmstæns]
 
 circumstances
 1) N-COUNT: usu pl, with supp The circumstances of a particular situation are the conditions which affect what happens.
  Recent opinion polls show that 60 percent favor abortion under certain circumstances...
  The strategy was too dangerous in the explosive circumstances of the times...
  I wish we could have met under happier circumstances.
 2) N-PLURAL: with supp, oft the N of n The circumstances of an event are the way it happened or the causes of it.
  I'm making inquiries about the circumstances of Mary Dean's murder...
  Hundreds of people had died there in terrible circumstances during and after the revolution.
 3) N-PLURAL: usu with poss Your circumstances are the conditions of your life, especially the amount of money that you have.
  ...help and support for the single mother, whatever her circumstances...
  I wouldn't have expected to find you in such comfortable circumstances.
  Syn:
  situation
 4) N-UNCOUNT Events and situations which cannot be controlled are sometimes referred to as circumstance.
  There are those, you know, who, by circumstance, end up homeless...
  You might say that we've been victims of circumstance.
 5) PHRASE: PHR with cl (emphasis) You can emphasize that something must not or will not happen by saying that it must not or will not happen under any circumstances.
  Racism is wholly unacceptable under any circumstances...
  She made it clear that under no circumstances would she cancel the trip.
 6) PHRASE: PHR with cl You can use in the circumstances or under the circumstances before or after a statement to indicate that you have considered the conditions affecting the situation before making the statement.
  Under the circumstances, a crash was unavoidable...
  In the circumstances, Paisley's plans looked highly appropriate.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

circumstance

cir·cum·stance /ˈsɚkəmˌstæns/ noun, pl -stanc·es
1 [count] : a condition or fact that affects a situation
• I can't imagine a circumstance in/under which I would do that.
- usually plural
• If our business is to survive, we must be able to adapt to changing circumstances.
• It is impossible under these circumstances to meet our deadline.
• Do not, under any circumstances, open that door. = Under no circumstances are you to open that door. [=no matter what happens, do not open that door]
• Due to circumstances beyond our control [=things that have happened that we cannot change or influence], the flight is canceled.
• There is nothing we can do under the circumstances. [=in this specific situation]
Given the circumstances, I think we did well. [=when you consider how everything went, I think we did well]
2 circumstances [plural] : the way something happens : the specific details of an event
• The circumstances of his death are suspicious.
3 : an event or situation that you cannot control

[noncount]

• She says that her client is a victim of circumstance and should not be blamed for the accident.

[plural]

• He was a victim of circumstances.
4 circumstances [plural] : the conditions in which someone lives
• Their circumstances changed dramatically after she lost her job.
• I don't know anything about his financial circumstances. [=about how much money he has]
• They have been forced to live in reduced circumstances. [=to live with less money]
pomp and circumstance
- see pomp

outward

outward [adjective] (ON OUTSIDE)

relating to how people, situations, or things seem to be, rather than how they are inside

US /ˈaʊt.wɚd/ 
UK /ˈaʊt.wəd/ 
Example: 

The outward appearance of the building has not changed at all in 200 years.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

outward

 adjective

1 connected with the way things seem to be:
Despite her cheerful outward appearance, she was in fact very unhappy.

2 travelling away from a place that you will return to later:
There were no delays on the outward journey.

 

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

outward

outward /ˈaʊtwəd $ -wərd/ BrE AmE adjective
1. [only before noun] relating to how a person or situation seems to be, rather than how it really is OPP inward:
The economy and outward appearance of the area have changed considerably.
His clenched fist was the only outward sign of his anger.
2. outward journey/voyage etc a journey in which you are travelling away from home
3. [only before noun] directed towards the outside or away from a place:
the outward flow of oil
 

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

outward

out·ward   [ˈaʊtwəd]    [ˈaʊtwərd]  adjective only before noun
1. connected with the way people or things seem to be rather than with what is actually true
Mark showed no outward signs of distress.
She simply observes the outward forms of religion.
To all outward appearances (= as far as it was possible to judge from the outside) they were perfectly happy.
• There were no outward signs that the house was inhabited.

Opp:  inward

2. going away from a particular place, especially one that you are going to return to

• the outward voyage/journey

3. away from the centre or a particular point
outward movement
outward investment (= in other countries)
Managers need to become more outward-looking (= more open to new ideas).
Opp:  inward  
Word Origin:
[outward] Old English ūtweard (see out-, -ward).  
Example Bank:

• To all outward appearances they were perfectly happy.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

outward / ˈaʊt.wəd /   / -wɚd / adjective [ before noun ] (ON OUTSIDE)

relating to how people, situations, or things seem to be, rather than how they are inside:

The outward appearance of the building has not changed at all in 200 years.

If he is suffering, he certainly shows no outward sign of it.

To all outward appearances everything was fine, but under the surface the marriage was very shaky.

→  Compare inward adjective (INSIDE)

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

outward

[a͟ʊtwə(r)d]
 1) ADJ: ADJ n An outward journey is a journey that you make away from a place that you are intending to return to later.
  Tickets must be bought seven days in advance, with outward and return journey dates specified.
  Ant:
  return
 2) ADJ: ADJ n The outward feelings, qualities, or attitudes of someone or something are the ones they appear to have rather than the ones that they actually have.
  In spite of my outward calm I was very shaken...
  What the military rulers have done is to restore the outward appearance of order.
 3) ADJ: ADJ n The outward features of something are the ones that you can see from the outside.
  Mark was lying unconscious but with no outward sign of injury.
 4) → See also outwards

 

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

1out·ward /ˈaʊtwɚd/ adj always used before a noun
1 : of or relating to the way that someone or something looks or seems on the outside
• Despite her outward [=apparent] calm, she was extremely nervous about the interview.
• They showed no outward signs of fear, but they must have been afraid.
• She was waiting for some outward expression of his love.
• To/By/From all outward appearances, their marriage was quite normal.
2 : able to be seen
• He has great outward [=physical] beauty, but is he beautiful on the inside? [=is he a good person?]
• There was no outward [=visible] evidence that the parents abused the child.
outward symptoms of the disease
3 : moving or directed away from something
• The outward migration of people from the city has hurt the city's economy greatly.
• He made a slight outward movement with his right hand.
- opposite inward

exploit

exploit [verb] (USE UNFAIRLY)

to use someone or something unfairly for your own advantage

US /ɪkˈsplɔɪt/ 
UK /ɪkˈsplɔɪt/ 
Example: 

Laws exist to stop companies exploiting their employees.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

exploit

 verb (exploits, exploiting, exploited)
to treat somebody badly to get what you want:
Some employers exploit foreign workers, making them work long hours for low pay.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

exploit

I. exploit1 AC /ɪkˈsplɔɪt/ BrE AmE verb [transitive]
[Date: 1500-1600; Language: Old French; Origin: esploit 'result, success', from Latin explicitus, from explicare; ⇨ ↑explicate]
1. to treat someone unfairly by asking them to do things for you, but giving them very little in return – used to show disapproval:
Homeworkers can easily be exploited by employers.
2. to try to get as much as you can out of a situation, sometimes unfairly:
The violence was blamed on thugs exploiting the situation.
3. to use something fully and effectively:
The new TV companies are fully exploiting the potential of satellite transmission.
4. to develop and use minerals, forests, oil etc for business or industry:
the urgent need to exploit the resources of the Irish Sea
—exploitable adjective
—exploiter noun [countable]
• • •
THESAURUS
use: Do you mind if I use your phone? | They rebuilt the church using local stone. | We use a range of different methods.
make use of something to use something that is available to you: Staff can make use of a wide range of facilities. | She made full use of her contacts within the organization.
employ formal to use a particular method or skill in order to achieve something: The surgeons employed a new technique. | They employed every means at their disposal (=every available method).
utilize formal to use something that is available to you, for a practical purpose: The company has developed a new way to utilize solar energy. | a better way of utilizing the space
exploit to use something as fully and effectively as possible, or to use something that will give you an advantage over your opponent: The country’s natural resources have not yet been fully exploited. | He was quick to exploit any weakness in his opponent’s argument.
apply to use something such as a method, idea, or system in a particular situation: New technology is being applied to almost every industrial process. | I wanted to apply the things that I had learned on the course.
draw on something to use information, knowledge, or experience that you have learned in the past: He was able to draw on his own experience as a diplomat when he was writing the book. | Journalists draw on information from many different sources.
resort to something to use violence, force, threats etc as a way of achieving something: Extremists on both sides resort to violence. | We are prepared to resort to force if necessary.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

exploit

ex·ploit AW [exploit exploits exploited exploiting] verb, noun

 

verb   [ɪkˈsplɔɪt]  ;   [ɪkˈsplɔɪt]
1. ~ sth (disapproving) to treat a person or situation as an opportunity to gain an advantage for yourself
He exploited his father's name to get himself a job.
• She realized that her youth and inexperience were being exploited.

• The opposition parties will always exploit government problems to their own advantage.

2. ~ sb (disapproving) to treat sb unfairly by making them work and not giving them much in return

• What is being done to stop employers from exploiting young people?

3. ~ sth to use sth well in order to gain as much from it as possible
• She fully exploits the humour of her role in the play.

• Teachers should be exploiting computers in education.

4. to develop or use sth for business or industry
~ sth No minerals have yet been exploited in Antarctica.
~ sth for sth countries exploiting the rainforests for hardwood
Verb forms:
 
Word Origin:
Middle English: from Old French esploit (noun), based on Latin explicare ‘unfold’, from ex- ‘out’ + plicare ‘to fold’. The early notion of ‘success, progress’ gave rise to the sense ‘attempt to capture’, ‘military expedition’, hence the current sense of the noun. Verb senses (mid 19th cent.) are from modern French exploiter.  
Thesaurus:
exploit verb T (usually disapproving)
Some employers are exploiting immigrants.
disapproving abuseuse|formal misuse
exploit/abuse your position
abuse/misuse drugs/alcohol/solvents
exploit/use sb/sth for your own ends  
Example Bank:
Birds exploit these wind patterns to the fullest.
Companies are moving in to exploit the natural resources of the area.
He pursued his own interests, cynically exploiting his privileged position as trustee.
He was determined to exploit the potential of this new discovery.
She was eager to exploit her discovery commercially.
The architect has cleverly exploited new materials and building techniques.
The company has been successful in exploiting new technology to the full.
The team were quick to exploit their competitive advantage.
The workers are ruthlessly exploited by their employers.
They were quick to exploit the economic possibilities of the situation.
He exploited his father's name to get himself a job.
They were hoping to exploit any weaknesses the other team might have.
This legal loophole has been ruthlessly exploited by many unscrupulous investors.
• What is being done to stop employers from exploiting immigrants?

Derived Word: exploiter 

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

exploit / ɪkˈsplɔɪt / verb [ T ] (USE UNFAIRLY)

B2 to use someone or something unfairly for your own advantage:

Laws exist to stop companies exploiting their employees.

 

exploit / ɪkˈsplɔɪt / verb [ T ] (USE WELL)

B2 to use something for advantage:

We need to make sure that we exploit our resources as fully as possible.
 

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

exploit

 exploits, exploiting, exploited
 (The verb is pronounced [ɪksplɔ͟ɪt]. The noun is pronounced [e̱ksplɔɪt].)
 1) VERB If you say that someone is exploiting you, you think that they are treating you unfairly by using your work or ideas and giving you very little in return.
  [V n] Critics claim he exploited black musicians for personal gain.
  [V-ed] ...the plight of the exploited sugar cane workers.
  Derived words:
  exploitation [e̱ksplɔɪte͟ɪʃ(ə)n] N-UNCOUNT Extra payments should be made to protect the interests of the staff and prevent exploitation.
 2) VERB (disapproval) If you say that someone is exploiting a situation, you disapprove of them because they are using it to gain an advantage for themselves, rather than trying to help other people or do what is right.
  [V n] The government and its opponents compete to exploit the troubles to their advantage.
  Derived words:
  exploitation N-SING N of n ...the exploitation of the famine by local politicians.
 3) VERB If you exploit something, you use it well, and achieve something or gain an advantage from it.
  [V n] You'll need a good aerial to exploit the radio's performance...
  [V n] Cary is hoping to exploit new opportunities in Europe...
  [V n] So you feel that your skills have never been fully appreciated or exploited?
 4) VERB To exploit resources or raw materials means to develop them and use them for industry or commercial activities.
  [V n] I think we're being very short sighted in not exploiting our own coal.
  Derived words:
  exploitation N-UNCOUNT usu N of n ...the planned exploitation of its potential oil and natural gas reserves.
 5) N-COUNT: usu pl, with poss If you refer to someone's exploits, you mean the brave, interesting, or amusing things that they have done.
  His wartime exploits were later made into a film and a television series.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

exploit

2ex·ploit /ɪkˈsploɪt/ verb -ploits; -ploit·ed; -ploit·ing [+ obj]
1 : to get value or use from (something)
• He has never fully exploited his talents.
• Top athletes are able to exploit their opponents' weaknesses.
• We need to exploit [=take advantage of] this opportunity/situation.
exploit natural resources
2 : to use (someone or something) in a way that helps you unfairly
• They were accused of exploiting [=taking advantage of] migrant workers.
• She said the tragedy had been exploited by the media.
- ex·ploit·able /ɪkˈsploɪtəbəl/ adj [more ~; most ~]
exploitable resources
- ex·ploi·ta·tion /ˌɛkˌsploɪˈteɪʃən/ noun [noncount]
• a victim of exploitation

sweep

sweep [verb] (REMOVE)

to remove and/or take in a particular direction, especially in a fast and powerful way

US /swiːp/ 
UK /swiːp/ 
Example: 

A large wave swept away half the sandcastle.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

sweep

 verb (sweeps, sweeping, swept /, has swept)

1 to clean something by moving dirt or rubbish away with a brush:
I've swept the floor.

2 to push something along or away quickly and strongly:
The bridge was swept away by the floods.

sweep up, sweep something up to remove dirt or rubbish using a brush:
I swept up the broken glass.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

sweep

I. sweep1 W3 /swiːp/ BrE AmE verb (past tense and past participle swept /swept/)
[Date: 1200-1300; Origin: Probably from sweop, the past tense of Old English swapan 'to sweep']
1. CLEAN SOMETHING [transitive] to clean the dust, dirt etc from the floor or ground, using a brush with a long handle SYN brush:
Bert swept the path in front of the house.
sweep something off/out/up etc
Will you sweep the leaves off the patio?
2. PUSH SOMETHING SOMEWHERE [transitive always + adverb/preposition] to move things from a surface with a brushing movement:
I swept the papers quickly into the drawer.
3. PUSH SOMEBODY/SOMETHING WITH FORCE [transitive always + adverb/preposition] to force someone or something to move in a particular direction:
The windsurfer was swept out to sea.
Jessie was swept along by the angry crowd.
4. GROUP MOVES [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] if a group of people or animals sweep somewhere, they quickly move there together
sweep through/along etc
The crowd swept through the gates of the stadium.
5. WIND/WAVES ETC [intransitive, transitive always + adverb/preposition] if winds, waves, fire etc sweep a place or sweep through, across etc a place, they move quickly and with a lot of force:
Thunderstorms swept the country.
sweep across/through etc
Ninety-mile per hour winds swept across the plains.
6. BECOME POPULAR [intransitive, transitive always + adverb/preposition] written if an idea, feeling, or activity sweeps a group of people or a place, it quickly becomes very popular or common
sweep the country/nation/state etc
a wave of nationalism sweeping the country
sweep across/through etc
the latest craze sweeping through the teenage population
7. FEELING [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] if a feeling sweeps over you, you are suddenly affected by it
sweep over
A feeling of isolation swept over me.
8. PERSON [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] if someone sweeps somewhere, they move quickly and confidently, especially because they are impatient or like to seem important
sweep into/through etc
Eva swept into the meeting and demanded to know what was going on.
9. POLITICS [intransitive and transitive] to win an election easily and in an impressive way
sweep to power/victory
Nixon and Agnew swept to victory with 47 million votes.
Herrera was swept into office on the promise of major reforms.
10. SPORTS [transitive] American English to win all of the games in a series of games against a particular team:
Houston swept Orlando to become NBA champions.
11. sweep the board British English to win everything that can be won, especially very easily
12. FORM A CURVE [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] to form a long curved shape
sweep down/along etc
The hills swept down to the sea.
13. LOOK [intransitive, transitive always + adverb/preposition] to look quickly at all of something:
The general’s eyes swept the horizon.
sweep over/across/around etc
the beam from the lighthouse sweeping across the sea
14. sweep somebody off their feet to make someone feel suddenly and strongly attracted to you in a romantic way:
Jill’s been swept off her feet by an older man.
15. sweep/brush something under the carpet (also sweep something under the rug American English) to try to keep something a secret, especially something you have done wrong
16. HAIR [transitive always + adverb/preposition] to pull your hair back from your face
sweep something back/up
Kerry swept her hair back into a ponytail.
sweep somebody along phrasal verb
to ↑sweep someone ↑away
sweep something ↔ aside phrasal verb
to refuse to pay attention to something someone says:
Branson swept all the objections aside.
sweep somebody/something away phrasal verb
1. sweep something ↔ away to completely destroy something or make something disappear:
houses swept away by the floods
A sudden feeling of grief swept all my anger away.
2. sweep somebody away (also sweep somebody along) [usually passive] if a feeling or idea sweeps you away or along, you are so excited that you do not think clearly or you forget about other things:
We couldn’t help being swept away by Bette’s enthusiasm.
Nineteenth-century scientists were swept along on the tide of Darwin’s theories.
sweep up phrasal verb
1. to clean the dust, dirt etc from the floor or ground using a brush with a long handle:
The janitor was just sweeping up as I left the building.
sweep something ↔ up
Jan was sweeping up the bits of paper and broken glass.
2. sweep somebody ↔ up to pick someone up in one quick movement:
Harriet swept the child up in her arms and hugged her.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

sweep

sweep [sweep sweeps swept sweeping] verb, noun   [swiːp]    [swiːp] 

verb (swept, swept   [swept]  ;   [swept]  ) 

WITH BRUSH OR HAND
1. transitive, intransitive to clean a room, surface, etc. using a broom (= a type of brush on a long handle)
~ (sth) to sweep the floor
• Chimneys should be swept regularly.

~ sth + adj. The showroom had been emptied and swept clean.

2. transitive ~ sth + adv./prep. to remove sth from a surface using a brush, your hand, etc
She swept the crumbs into the wastebasket.
• He swept the leaves up into a pile.

• She swept the clothes onto the floor and invited him to sit down.

MOVE QUICKLY/WITH FORCE

3. transitive ~ sb/sth + adv./prep. to move or push sb/sth suddenly and with a lot of force
The little boat was swept out to sea.
• Their tent was swept away in the storm.

• She let herself be swept along by the crowd.

4. intransitive, transitive (of weather, fire, etc.) to move suddenly and/or with force over an area or in a particular direction
+ adv./prep. Rain swept in through the broken windows.
• A fire swept through the store on Tuesday night.

~ sth Strong winds regularly sweep the islands.  

OF A PERSON

5. intransitive + adv./prep. to move quickly and/or smoothly, especially in a way that impresses or is intended to impress other people
• Without another word she swept out of the room.

(figurative) He swept into the lead with an almost perfect performance.

6. transitive ~ sth + adv./prep. to move sth, especially your hand or arm, quickly and smoothly in a particular direction

• He rushed to greet her, sweeping his arms wide.  

OF FEELINGS

7. intransitive + adv./prep. to suddenly affect sb strongly
• A wave of tiredness swept over her.

• Memories came sweeping back.  

OF IDEAS/FASHIONS

8. intransitive, transitive to spread quickly
+ adv./prep. Rumours of his resignation swept through the company.

~ sth the latest craze sweeping America  

LOOK/MOVE OVER AREA

9. intransitive, transitive to move over an area, especially in order to look for sth
+ adv./prep. His eyes swept around the room.
The car headlights swept across the front of the building.
~ sth Searchlights swept the sky.

• She swept the crowd with her binoculars.  

TOUCH SURFACE

10. transitive ~ sth to move, or move sth, over a surface, touching it lightly

• Her dress swept the ground as she walked.  

HAIR

11. transitive ~ sth + adv./prep. to brush, comb, etc. your hair in a particular direction

• Her hair was swept back from her face.  

OF LANDSCAPE

12. intransitive + adv./prep. to form a long smooth curve

• The hotel gardens sweep down to the beach.  

IN SPORT

13. transitive ~ sth (NAmE) to win all the games in a series of games against another team or all the parts of a contest
The Blue Jays have a chance to sweep the series.
New Jersey swept Detroit last season.
Verb forms:
 
Word Origin:
Old English swāpan (verb), of Germanic origin; related to German schweifen ‘sweep in a curve’.  
Example Bank:
A pair of golden eagles swept across the sky.
She swept a hand through her hair.
The traveller swept a hand toward the endless expanse of water.
Two police motorcycles swept through the village.
Without another word, she swept out of the room.
to sweep the floor/street/stairs
Idioms: sweep somebody off their feet  sweep something under the carpet  sweep the board  sweep to power  sweep to victory

Derived: sweep somebody away  sweep somebody up  sweep something aside  sweep something away  sweep something out 

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

sweep / swiːp / verb [ T usually + adv/prep ] ( swept , swept ) (REMOVE)

B2 to remove and/or take in a particular direction, especially in a fast and powerful way:

A large wave swept away half the sandcastle.

She swept the pile of papers and books into her bag.

The boat was swept out to sea (= away from land) by the tide.

Government troops swept aside the rebel forces (= caused them to move away from the area in which they were) .

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

sweep

[swi͟ːp]
 sweeps, sweeping, swept
 1) VERB If you sweep an area of floor or ground, you push dirt or rubbish off it using a brush with a long handle.
  [V n] The owner of the store was sweeping his floor when I walked in...
  [V n prep/adv] She was in the kitchen sweeping crumbs into a dust pan...
  Norma picked up the broom and began sweeping. [Also V n with adv]
 2) VERB If you sweep things off something, you push them off with a quick smooth movement of your arm.
  [V n prep/adv] I swept rainwater off the flat top of a gravestone...
  [V n prep/adv] With a gesture of frustration, she swept the cards from the table...
  [V n prep/adv] `Thanks friend,' he said, while sweeping the money into his pocket.
 3) VERB If someone with long hair sweeps their hair into a particular style, they put it into that style.
  [V n prep/adv] ...stylish ways of sweeping your hair off your face...
  [V-ed] Her long, fine hair was swept back in a ponytail.
 4) V-ERG If your arm or hand sweeps in a particular direction, or if you sweep it there, it moves quickly and smoothly in that direction.
  [V prep/adv] His arm swept around the room...
  [V n prep/adv] Daniels swept his arm over his friend's shoulder.
  [V-ing] ...the long sweeping arm movements of a violinist.
 N-COUNT
 Sweep is also a noun. With one sweep of her hand she threw back the sheets.
 5) VERB If wind, a stormy sea, or another strong force sweeps someone or something along, it moves them quickly along.
  [V n prep/adv] ...landslides that buried homes and swept cars into the sea...
  [V n prep/adv] Suddenly, she was swept along by the crowd.
 6) VERB If you are swept somewhere, you are taken there very quickly.
  [be V-ed prep/adv] The visitors were swept past various monuments...
  [V n prep/adv] A limousine swept her along the busy freeway to the airport.
 7) VERB If something sweeps from one place to another, it moves there extremely quickly. [WRITTEN]
  [V prep/adv] An icy wind swept through the streets...
  [V prep/adv] The car swept past the gate house.
 8) VERB If events, ideas, or beliefs sweep through a place, they spread quickly through it.
  [V through/across n] A flu epidemic is sweeping through Moscow.
  [V n] ...the wave of patriotism sweeping the country.
 9) VERB If someone sweeps into a place, they walk into it in a proud confident way, often when they are angry. [WRITTEN]
  [V prep/adv] She swept into the conference room...
  [V prep/adv] Scarlet with rage, she swept past her employer and stormed up the stairs...
  [V prep/adv] The Chief turned and swept out.
 10) VERB If a person or thing sweeps something away or aside, they remove it quickly and completely.
  [V n with adv] The commission's conclusions sweep away a decade of denials and cover-ups...
  [V n with adv] In times of war, governments often sweep human rights aside...
  [V n prep] He swept the names from his mind.
 11) VERB If lights or someone's eyes sweep an area, they move across the area from side to side. [mainly WRITTEN]
  [V n] Helicopters with searchlights swept the park which was sealed off...
  [V prep/adv] Her gaze sweeps rapidly around the room.
 12) VERB If land or water sweeps somewhere, it stretches out in a long, wide, curved shape.
  [V prep/adv] The land sweeps away from long areas of greenery.
  [V prep/adv] ...the arc of countries that sweeps down from South Korea to Indonesia.
 13) N-COUNT: with supp A sweep of land or water forms a long, wide, curved shape.
  The ground fell away in a broad sweep down to the river.
  ...the great sweep of the bay.
 14) VERB If a person or group sweeps an election or sweeps to victory, they win the election easily.
  [V n] ...a man who's promised to make radical changes to benefit the poor has swept the election...
  [V to n] In both republics, centre-right parties swept to power, defeating the communists.
  [V n to n] ...voters nostalgic for the free-spending policies of the 1980s swept his Socialists back to power.
  [V-ing] ...a sweeping victory.
 15) N-COUNT: usu sing If someone makes a sweep of a place, they search it, usually because they are looking for people who are hiding or for an illegal activity.
  Two of the soldiers swiftly began making a sweep of the premises...
  There may be periodic police `sweeps' of crime in the area.
 16) N-SING: with supp If you refer to the sweep of something, you are indicating that it includes a large number of different events, qualities, or opinions.
  ...the whole sweep of German social and political history.
 17) → See also sweeping, chimney sweep
 18) PHRASE: V inflects If someone sweeps something bad or wrong under the carpet, or if they sweep it under the rug, they try to prevent people from hearing about it.
  For a long time this problem has been swept under the carpet.
 19) PHRASE: PHR n, usu v PHR If you make a clean sweep of something such as a series of games or tournaments, you win them all.
  ...the first club to make a clean sweep of all three trophies.
 20) PHRASE: V inflects If someone sweeps you off your feet, you fall in love with them very quickly because you find them very attractive or exciting.
  I was swept off my feet. I had always dreamed of being an officer's wife.
 21) to sweep the boardsee board
  Phrasal Verbs:
  - sweep up

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

1sweep /ˈswiːp/ verb sweeps; swept /ˈswɛpt/; sweep·ing
1 a always followed by an adverb or preposition [+ obj] : to remove (something, such as dust or dirt) from a surface with a broom or brush or with a quick movement of your hand, fingers, etc.
• He swept the dirt off the driveway.
• He swept the crumbs from the table.
b : to remove dust, dirt, etc., from (something) with a broom or brush

[+ obj]
• She swept the floor.
• I need to sweep the kitchen.
• Are you finished sweeping the porch?

[no obj]
• Have you swept yet?
- see also sweep out (below), sweep up (below)
2 always followed by an adverb or preposition
a [no obj] : to move or pass quickly, forcefully, or smoothly
• A storm swept across the plains.
• Fires swept through the forest.
- often used figuratively
• She swept to victory on a wave of popularity.
b [no obj] : to move or walk in a smooth, quick, and impressive way
• She proudly swept into the room.
• The limo swept up to the door.
c [+ obj] : to push or move (something) quickly or forcefully
• He swept the curtains aside.
• She swept the books off the desk.
d [+ obj] : to push, carry, or lift (someone or something) with great force
• The debris was swept [=carried] out to sea by the tide.
• She was swept toward the door by the crowd.
• He swept her into his arms.
- often used figuratively
• We were swept along/away by her enthusiasm.
• The party was swept into power in the last election.
3 always followed by an adverb or preposition [no obj] of a feeling or emotion : to be felt suddenly
• Fear swept over/through her. [=she suddenly felt afraid]
• A feeling of relief swept over him.
4 always followed by an adverb or preposition [+ obj] : to move (your hand, arm, etc.) in a wide, curving motion
• He swept his arm across the table.
5 [+ obj] : to pass over (all of an area or place) in a continuous motion
• The teacher's gaze swept the classroom.
• A searchlight swept the area.
• Strong winds sweep the mountainside.
6 [+ obj] : to become very popular or common suddenly in (a particular place)
• It's the latest craze sweeping the nation.
7 [+ obj] : to win everything that can be won in (something, such as an election) in an easy or impressive way
• The opposition party swept the election.
8 [+ obj] US sports : to win all of the games in a series of games against another team
• They swept their rivals in a three-game series.
• They swept the series/doubleheader.
• They were swept in the play-offs last year.
9 always followed by an adverb or preposition [+ obj] : to brush or pull (your hair) away from your face
• She swept her hair up/back and clipped it in place.
10 always followed by an adverb or preposition [no obj] : to form a long, smooth curve
• The property sweeps down to the water's edge.
sweep aside [phrasal verb] sweep (something) aside or sweep aside (something) : to treat (something) as not important : to ignore (something)
• He swept aside [=brushed aside] questions about his son's arrest.
• He swept aside [=dismissed] their objections, refusing to change his plans.
sweep away [phrasal verb] sweep (something) away or sweep away (something) : to destroy or remove (something) completely
• Floods swept away several houses.
• an ancient civilization swept away by war
• His performance today swept away any doubts about his ability to play.
sweep out [phrasal verb] sweep (something) out or sweep out (something) : to remove dust, dirt, etc., from (something) by using a broom or brush
• Please sweep out the room when you're done working.
sweep (someone) off his/her feet : to make (someone) suddenly become very attracted to you in a romantic way
• She says that he swept her off her feet, and they were married six months later.
sweep (something) under the rug US or chiefly Brit sweep (something) under the carpet : to hide (something that is illegal, embarrassing, or wrong)
• He tried to sweep his past mistakes under the rug.
• This is not something we can just sweep under the rug.
sweep the board chiefly Brit : to win everything that can be won in a competition
• She swept the board at the awards ceremony.
sweep up [phrasal verb]
1 sweep up or sweep (something) up or sweep up (something)
a : to remove dust, dirt, etc., from (something) by using a broom or brush
• When I was sweeping up, I found an earring that I had lost.
• Can you please sweep up the porch?
b sweep (something) up or sweep up (something) : to remove (something, such as dust, dirt, etc.) from a surface by using a broom or brush
• She swept up the broken glass.
2 sweep (someone or something) up or sweep up (someone or something) : to pick up (someone or something) in one quick, continuous motion
• She swept the baby up and carried her to the crib.

sister-in-law

sister-in-law [noun]

the wife of your brother or sister, or the sister of your husband or wife, or the wife of the brother or sister of your husband or wife

US /ˈsɪs.tɚ.ɪn.lɑː/ 
UK /ˈsɪs.tə.rɪn.lɔː/ 

Oxford Essential Dictionary

sister-in-law

 noun (plural sisters-in-law)

1 the sister of your wife or husband

2 the wife of your brother

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

sister-in-law

ˈsister-in-ˌlaw BrE AmE noun (plural sisters-in-law) [countable]
1. the sister of your husband or wife
2. your brother’s wife
3. the wife of the brother of your husband or wife

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

sister-in-law

ˈsister-in-law [sister-in-law sisters-in-law]       noun (pl. sisters-in-law)
the sister of your husband or wife; your brother's wife; the wife of your husband or wife's brother

compare  brother-in-law

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

sister-in-law

 sisters-in-law
 N-COUNT: oft poss N
 Someone's sister-in-law is the sister of their husband or wife, or the woman who is married to their brother.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

sister-in-law

 

sis·ter–in–law /ˈsɪstɚrənˌlɑː/ noun, pl sis·ters–in–law /ˈsɪstɚzənˌlɑ/ [count]
1 : the sister of your husband or wife
2 : the wife of your brother

 

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