the husband of your sister or brother, or the brother of your husband or wife, or the man who is married to the sister or brother of your wife or husband
brother-in-law
noun (plural brothers-in-law)
1 the brother of your wife or husband
2 the husband of your sister
Look at sister-in-law.
brother-in-law
ˈbrother-in-law BrE AmE noun (plural brothers-in-law) [countable]
1. the brother of your husband or wife
2. the husband of your sister
3. the husband of your husband or wife’s sister
⇨ sister-in-law
brother-in-law
ˈbrother-in-law [brother-in-law brothers-in-law] (pl. brothers-in-law) noun
the brother of your husband or wife; your sister's husband; the husband of your husband or wife's sister
compare sister-in-law
ˈ brother-in-law / ˈbrʌð.ə.rɪn.lɔː / / -ɚ.ɪn.lɑː / noun [ C ] ( plural brothers-in-law )
B2 the husband of your sister or brother, or the brother of your husband or wife, or the man who is married to the sister or brother of your wife or husband
brother-in-law
brothers-in-law
N-COUNT: usu poss N
Someone's brother-in-law is the brother of their husband or wife, or the man who is married to their sister.
brother-in-law
broth·er–in–law /ˈbrʌðɚrənˌlɑː/ noun, pl broth·ers–in–law /ˈbrʌðɚzənˌlɑː/ [count]
1 : the brother of your husband or wife
2 : the husband of your sister
to look for someone or something, especially for a long time until you find them
While he was at the library, Steve decided to seek out some information on accommodation in the area.
seek sb/sth out — phrasal verb with seek / siːk / verb ( sought , sought ) formal
to look for someone or something, especially for a long time until you find them:
While he was at the library, Steve decided to seek out some information on accommodation in the area.
seek out
PHRASAL VERB
If you seek out someone or something or seek them out, you keep looking for them until you find them.
[V P n (not pron)] Now is the time for local companies to seek out business opportunities in Europe...
[V n P] Ellen spent the day in the hills and sought me out when she returned.
seek
seek /ˈsiːk/ verb seeks; sought /ˈsɑːt/; seek·ing [+ obj] somewhat formal
1 : to search for (someone or something) : to try to find (someone or something)
• He is seeking employment. [=he is looking for a job]
• The office is seeking a salesperson.
• The prince is seeking a wife.
• Snakes seek the sun to warm their bodies.
• thrill-seeking travelers [=travelers who want to have very exciting/thrilling experiences]
2 : to ask for (help, advice, etc.)
• You should visit your doctor and seek his advice.
• You should seek medical help immediately if you experience any chest pain or shortness of breath.
• The church is seeking donations/volunteers.
3 a : to try to get or achieve (something)
• He sought revenge for his son's murder.
• During the war, she sought asylum in Spain.
• They sought refuge in Canada.
• The company is seeking new ways to improve service.
• The mayor is seeking reelection.
• She seeks perfection in her work.
• attention-seeking behavior
• Immigrants come to America to seek their fortune. [=to try to become rich]
• They are seeking compensation/damages [=they are trying to get money] for their loss.
b : to make an attempt to do something
• Doctors have been seeking [=trying] to find a cure.
• The builders sought to make the bridge stronger.
seek out [phrasal verb] seek (someone or something) out or seek out (someone or something) : to search for and find (someone or something)
• His parents sought out the best doctors in the field.
• White blood cells seek out and destroy infections.
- see also heat-seeking
- seek·er noun, pl -ers [count]
• seekers of perfection
• job/thrill/pleasure/autograph seekers
a difficult or unlucky situation or event
She was always cheerful in adversity.
adversity
ad‧ver‧si‧ty /ədˈvɜːsəti, ədˈvɜːsɪti $ -ɜːr-/ BrE AmE noun [uncountable]
a situation in which you have a lot of problems that seem to be caused by bad luck:
his courage in the face of adversity
adversity
ad·ver·sity [adversity adversities] [ədˈvɜːsəti] [ədˈvɜːrsəti] noun uncountable, countable (pl. ad·ver·sities)(formal)
a difficult or unpleasant situation
• courage in the face of adversity
• He overcame many personal adversities.
Word Origin:
Middle English: from Old French adversite, from Latin adversitas, from advertere ‘turn towards’ from ad- ‘to’ + vertere ‘to turn’.
Example Bank:
• courage in the face of adversity
• patience in adversity
adversity / ədˈvɜː.sə.ti / / -ˈvɝː.sə.t̬i / noun [ U or C ]
a difficult or unlucky situation or event:
She was always cheerful in adversity.
The road to happiness is paved with adversities.
adversity
[ædvɜ͟ː(r)sɪti]
adversities
N-VAR: oft in/of N
Adversity is a very difficult or unfavourable situation.
He showed courage in adversity.
Syn:
misfortune
adversity
ad·ver·si·ty /ædˈvɚsəti/ noun, pl -ties : a difficult situation or condition : misfortune or tragedy
[noncount]
• He showed courage in the face of adversity.
• We had to learn to deal with adversity.
[count]
• They overcame many adversities.
to accept, tolerate, or endure something, especially something unpleasant
The strain must have been enormous but she bore it well.
verb (bears, bearing, bore /, has borne )
1 to be able to accept something unpleasant without complaining:
The pain was difficult to bear.
2 to hold somebody or something up so that they do not fall:
The ice is too thin to bear your weight.
can't bear somebody or something to hate somebody or something:
I can't bear this music.
He can't bear having nothing to do.
bear
I. bear1 S2 W2 /beə $ ber/ BrE AmE verb (past tense bore /bɔː $ bɔːr/, past participle borne /bɔːn $ bɔːrn/) [transitive]
[Word Family: verb: ↑bear; noun: ↑bearer; adverb: ↑bearably ≠ ↑unbearably; adjective: ↑bearable ≠ ↑unbearable]
[Language: Old English; Origin: beran]
1. DEAL WITH SOMETHING to bravely accept or deal with a painful, difficult, or upsetting situation SYN stand:
She was afraid she wouldn’t be able to bear the pain.
Overcrowding makes prison life even harder to bear.
Make the water as hot as you can bear.
The humiliation was more than he could bear.
Black people continue to bear the brunt of most racial violence (=have to deal with the most difficult or damaging part).
Passengers could be insulting, and stewardesses just had to grin and bear it (=accept it without complaining).
Experts were worried the financial system would not be able to bear the strain.
REGISTER
In everyday English, people usually say that they can’t stand something, rather than that they can't bear it:
▪ I couldn’t stand the noise any longer.
2. can’t bear something spoken
a) to be so upset about something that you feel unable to accept it or let it happen SYN can’t stand:
Please don’t leave me. I couldn’t bear it.
can’t bear the thought of (doing) something
I just can’t bear the thought of having to start all over.
can’t bear to do something
I can’t bear to see her cry.
can’t bear doing something
I couldn’t bear not seeing him again.
b) to dislike something or someone very much, often so that they make you feel annoyed or impatient SYN can’t stand:
Oh, I really can’t bear him.
can’t bear somebody doing something
He can’t bear people smoking while he’s eating.
can’t bear doing something
I can’t bear being cold.
3. bear (something) in mind to remember a fact or piece of information that is important or could be useful in the future SYN keep (something) in mind
bear in mind (that)
Bear in mind that some children will need help.
4. ACCEPT/BE RESPONSIBLE FOR formal to be responsible for or accept something
bear the costs/burden
Each company will bear half the costs of development.
Fares have gone up, perhaps to more than the market will bear.
bear the responsibility/blame etc
Developed countries bear much of the responsibility for environmental problems.
5. SUPPORT to be under something and support it SYN hold:
My leg was painful, and I wasn’t sure it would bear my weight.
a tray bearing a bottle and several glasses
a load-bearing wall
6. SIGN/MARK formal to have or show a sign, mark, or particular appearance, especially when this shows that something has happened or is true SYN have:
The letter bore no signature.
a car bearing diplomatic license plates
The labels bear a yellow and black symbol.
The town still bears the scars of the bombings during the war.
The store bears the hallmarks (=it has the qualities) of a family-owned business.
7. bear a resemblance/relation to somebody/something to be similar to someone or something else:
The child bore a striking resemblance to his father.
The things she says bear little relation to what she actually does.
8. BABY formal to give birth to a baby:
She might never be able to bear children.
bear somebody a child/son/daughter
She bore him three sons.
9. bear fruit
a) if a plan, decision etc bears fruit, it is successful, especially after a long period of time:
Charles’s diplomacy eventually bore fruit.
b) if a tree bears fruit, it produces fruit
10. ABLE TO BE EXAMINED/COMPARED ETC [often in negatives] to be suitable or good enough to be examined, compared, repeated etc without failing or being wrong:
The production figures did not bear scrutiny.
We believe our pupils’ results will bear comparison with any in Scotland.
The story is well known, but it certainly bears repeating.
11. something doesn’t bear thinking about used to say that something is so upsetting or shocking that you prefer not to think about it:
The long-term consequences of a nuclear leak don’t bear thinking about.
12. bear interest if a bank account, ↑investment etc bears interest, the bank pays you a particular amount of money for keeping your money in the account
13. CARRY literary to carry someone or something, especially something important:
The wedding guests arrived, bearing gifts.
The US Constitution states that the people have a right to bear arms.
14. bring pressure/influence to bear (on somebody/something) to use your influence or power to get what you want:
Unions can bring pressure to bear on governments.
15. bear witness/testimony to something formal to show that something is true or exists:
The empty workshops bear witness to the industrial past.
16. HAVE FEELINGS formal to have a particular feeling, especially a bad feeling
bear (somebody) a grudge (=continue to feel annoyed after a long time)
It was an accident. I don’t bear any grudges.
bear somebody no malice/ill will etc (=not feel angry)
He was just doing his job, and I bore him no malice.
17. bear right/left to turn towards the right or left:
When you reach the fork in the trail, bear left.
18. bear yourself formal to walk, stand etc in a particular way, especially when this shows your character:
She bore herself with great dignity.
19. WIND/WATER literary if wind, water, or air bears something, it carries it somewhere:
The sound of music was borne along on the wind.
20. NAME/TITLE formal to have a particular name or title:
He bore the name ‘Magnus’.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ bear + NOUN
▪ bear the pain He knew that he couldn’t bear the pain much longer.
▪ bear the heat/cold Some people find it hard to bear the heat in the summer.
▪ bear the strain/pressure Mark couldn’t bear the pressure of the job any longer.
■ phrases
▪ can hardly bear something (=find something very difficult or upsetting to do) He was so ashamed that he could hardly bear to look at her.
▪ be unable to bear something Fiona was unable to bear the thought of selling the house.
▪ be hard to bear The situation was very hard to bear.
▪ be more than somebody can bear He sometimes felt the grief was more than he could bear.
▪ bear the brunt of something (=be in the worst position and have to deal with it) Shareholders will bear the brunt of the company’s financial troubles.
▪ grin and bear it (=accept it without complaining) It was a horrible job but she had to grin and bear it.
bear down phrasal verb
1. bear down on somebody/something
a) to move quickly towards a person or place in a threatening way:
a storm bearing down on the island
b) to behave in a threatening or controlling way towards a person or group:
Federal regulators have been bearing down on campaign contributors.
2. to use all your strength and effort to push or press down on something
bear on/upon something phrasal verb formal
to relate to and possibly influence something:
the national policies which bear on these problems
bear somebody/sth↔ out phrasal verb
if facts or information bear out a claim, story, opinion etc, they help to prove that it is true SYN support:
Evidence bears out the idea that students learn best in small groups.
bear up phrasal verb
to show courage or determination during a difficult or unpleasant time:
How is he bearing up since the accident?
bear with somebody/something phrasal verb
1. bear with me spoken used to ask someone politely to wait while you find out information, finish what you are doing etc:
Bear with me a minute, and I’ll check if Mr Garrard’s in.
2. to be patient or continue to do something difficult or unpleasant:
It’s boring, but please bear with it.
bear / beə r / / ber / verb ( bore , borne or US also born ) (ACCEPT)
B2 [ T ] to accept, tolerate, or endure something, especially something unpleasant:
The strain must have been enormous but she bore it well.
Tell me now! I can't bear the suspense !
It's your decision - you must bear the responsibility if things go wrong.
[ + to infinitive ] He couldn't bear to see the dog in pain.
[ + -ing verb ] I can't bear be ing bored.
not bear thinking about to be too unpleasant or frightening to think about:
"What if she'd been travelling any faster?" "It doesn't bear thinking about."
bear / beə r / / ber / verb [ T ] ( bore , borne or US also born ) (HAVE)
C1 to have or continue to have something:
Their baby bears a strong resemblance/an uncanny likeness to its grandfather.
The stone plaque bearing his name was smashed to pieces.
On display were boxing gloves that bore Rocky Marciano's signature.
[ + two objects ] I don't bear them any ill feeling (= I do not continue to be angry with or dislike them) .
Thank you for your advice, I'll bear it in mind (= will remember and consider it) .
bear / beə r / / ber / verb [ T ] ( bore , borne or US also born ) (SUPPORT)
to hold or support something:
The chair, too fragile to bear her weight , collapsed.
bear / beə r / / ber / verb [ T ] ( bore , borne or US also born ) formal (PRODUCE)
C2 to give birth to young, or (of a tree or plant) to give or produce fruit or flowers:
She had borne six children by the time she was 30.
[ + two objects ] When his wife bore him a child he could not hide his delight.
Most animals bear their young in the spring.
The pear tree they planted has never borne fruit .
bear / beə r / / ber / verb [ T ] ( bore , borne or US also born ) formal (BRING)
to carry and move something to a place:
At Christmas the family descend on the house bearing gifts .
Countless waiters bore trays of drinks into the room.
The sound of the ice cream van was borne into the office on the wind.
bear / beə r / / ber / verb [ I usually + adv/prep ] ( bore , borne or US also born ) (CHANGE DIRECTION)
C1 to change direction slightly so that you are going in a particular direction:
The path followed the coastline for several miles, then bore inland.
After you go past the church keep bearing left/right .
bear / beə r / / ber / verb ( bore , borne or US also born ) (SAY)
bear testimony/witness formal to say you know from your own experience that something happened or is true:
She bore witness to his patience and diligence.
If something bears testimony to a fact, it proves that it is true:
The iron bridge bears testimony to the skills developed in that era.
bear false witness old use
to lie
bear
I [be͟ə(r)]VERB USES
bears, bearing, bore, borne
(Please look at category 19 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.)
1) VERB If you bear something somewhere, you carry it there or take it there. [LITERARY]
[V n adv/prep] They bore the oblong hardwood box into the kitchen and put it on the table.
Syn:
carry
Derived words:
-bearing COMB in ADJ ...food-bearing lorries.
2) VERB If you bear something such as a weapon, you hold it or carry it with you. [FORMAL]
[V n] ...the constitutional right to bear arms.
Derived words:
-bearing COMB in ADJ ...rifle-bearing soldiers. ...hundreds of flag-bearing marchers.
3) VERB If something bears the weight of something else, it supports the weight of that thing.
[V n] The ice was not thick enough to bear the weight of marching men.
Syn:
support
Derived words:
-bearing COMB in ADJ ...the load-bearing joints of the body.
4) VERB If something bears a particular mark or characteristic, it has that mark or characteristic.
[V n] The houses bear the marks of bullet holes and the streets are practically deserted.
[V n] ...note paper bearing the Presidential seal.
[V n] ...a corporation he owned that bore his name...
[V n] The room bore all the signs of a violent struggle.
5) VERB If you bear an unpleasant experience, you accept it because you are unable to do anything about it.
[V n] They will have to bear the misery of living in constant fear of war...
[V n] He bore his sufferings manfully.
Syn:
endure
6) VERB: with neg If you can't bear someone or something, you dislike them very much.
[V n/-ing] I can't bear people who make judgements and label me...
[V n/-ing] I can't bear having to think what I'm going to say...
[V to-inf] He can't bear to talk about it, even to me.
7) VERB If someone bears the cost of something, they pay for it.
[V n] Patients should not have to bear the costs of their own treatment.
8) VERB If you bear the responsibility for something, you accept responsibility for it.
[V n] If a woman makes a decision to have a child alone, she should bear that responsibility alone.
Syn:
accept
9) VERB: usu with brd-neg If one thing bears no resemblance or no relationship to another thing, they are not at all similar.
[V n] Their daily menus bore no resemblance whatsoever to what they were actually fed...
[V n] For many software packages, the price bears little relation to cost.
Syn:
have
10) VERB When a plant or tree bears flowers, fruit, or leaves, it produces them.
[V n] As the plants grow and start to bear fruit they will need a lot of water.
Syn:
produce
Derived words:
-bearing COMB in ADJ ...a strong, fruit-bearing apple tree.
11) VERB If something such as a bank account or an investment bears interest, interest is paid on it.
[V n] The eight-year bond will bear annual interest of 10.5%.
Derived words:
-bearing COMB in ADJ ...interest-bearing current accounts.
12) VERB When a woman bears a child, she gives birth to him or her. [OLD-FASHIONED]
[V n] Emma bore a son called Karl...
[V n n] She bore him a daughter, Suzanna.
13) VERB If you bear someone a feeling such as love or hate, you feel that emotion towards them. [LITERARY]
[V n] She bore no ill will. If people didn't like her, too bad...
[V n n] I have lived with him on the best terms and bear him friendship.
14) VERB If you bear yourself in a particular way, you move or behave in that way. [LITERARY]
[V pron-refl adv/prep] There was elegance and simple dignity in the way he bore himself.
Syn:
carry
15) VERB If you bear left or bear right when you are driving or walking along, you turn and continue in that direction.
[V adv] Go left onto the A107 and bear left into Seven Sisters Road.
Syn:
veer
16) → See also bore, borne
17) PHRASE: V inflects If you bring something to bear on a situation, you use it to deal with that situation.
British scientists have brought computer science to bear on this problem.
18) PHRASE: V inflects If you bring pressure or influence to bear on someone, you use it to try and persuade them to do something.
His companions brought pressure to bear on him, urging him to stop wasting money.
19) bear the brunt of → see brunt
bear comparison → see comparison
bear fruit → see fruit
grin and bear it → see grin
bear in mind → see mind
bear witness → see witness
Phrasal Verbs:
- bear down
- bear out
- bear up
- bear withII [be͟ə(r)]NOUN USES
bears
(Please look at category 3 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.)
1) N-COUNT A bear is a large, strong wild animal with thick fur and sharp claws.
2) N-COUNT: usu pl On the stock market, bears are people who sell shares in expectation of a drop in price, in order to make a profit by buying them back again after a short time. Compare bull.
3) teddy bear → see teddy
→ See also polar bear
bear
2bear verb bears; bore /ˈboɚ/; borne /ˈboɚn/; bear·ing
1 : to accept or endure (something)
[+ obj]
• He bore [=tolerated] their insults patiently.
- usually used in questions and negative statements with can, can't, could, and couldn't
• He could hardly bear [=stand] the pain.
• I can't bear cold weather. [=I strongly dislike cold weather]
• I couldn't bear the suspense.
• I can't bear it if/when people behave like that!
• I can't bear doing this. = I can't bear to do this.
• How can you bear to see him again after the way he's treated you?
• I couldn't bear you to get the wrong idea.
• I couldn't bear his behavior. = His behavior was more than I could bear.
• I couldn't bear the thought/idea of moving again.
[no obj]
(US) - + for
• I couldn't bear for you to get the wrong idea.
2 [+ obj] : to be worthy of (something) : to deserve or allow (something)
• a joke too silly to bear repeating [=a joke that is too silly to be worth repeating]
• It's so horrible it doesn't bear thinking about! [=it's so horrible that I don't want to think about it]
• a symphony that can bear comparison with Beethoven's best
• a plan that will not bear [=withstand] close scrutiny/examination
• suspicious behavior that bears watching [=that should be watched]
3 [+ obj] : to assume or accept (something, such as cost or responsibility)
• The company agreed to bear the costs/expenses.
• The criminals must bear full responsibility for the deaths of these innocent people.
• Who will bear the blame for this tragedy?
4 [+ obj] somewhat formal + literary : to move while holding up and supporting (something) : carry
• The demonstrators bore banners and sang songs.
• They arrived bearing gifts.
• The leaves were borne aloft/away by the wind.
• disease-bearing germs [=germs that carry and spread diseases]
• germ-borne diseases [=diseases that are carried and spread by germs]
• He believes that citizens should have the right to bear arms. [=to carry weapons]
✦If something is borne in on/upon you, it is made very clear to you. This is a formal phrase.
• It was borne in on us by the new evidence that prompt action was very important. [=the new evidence strongly indicated that prompt action was very important]
5 [+ obj]
a : to have (something) as a feature or characteristic
• His leg was badly injured in the accident and it still bears [=shows] the scars/wounds/marks.
• His face bears marks/signs of suffering.
• Your conclusion bears [=has] no relation to the evidence.
• She bore a resemblance to her aunt. [=she looked like her aunt]
b : to have a surface on which something is written, drawn, etc.
• The cornerstone bears a Latin inscription.
• a letter bearing the date of 1900
• a shield bearing strange symbols
c : to have (a name, price, etc.)
• He bore the name (of) John.
• The store sells imported goods bearing [=having, with] high prices.
d : to have or hold (a feeling) in the mind
• She still bears a grudge against him. = She still bears him a grudge.
• She says she bears him no resentment for the way he treated her.
• I can't deny the love I still bear [=feel] for her.
6 [+ obj]
a formal : to give birth to (a child)
• She has borne three children.
• She has borne her husband three children.
b : to produce (something)
• a bank account that bears interest = an interest-bearing bank account
• a bush that bears red flowers
• trees that bear fruit
- see also bear fruit (below)
7 [+ obj] : to support the weight of (something)
• How much weight is that wall able to bear?
8 [no obj] : to go, move, or turn in a specified direction
• Bear south.
• The road bears (to the) right.
• When you get to the fork in the road, you should bear [=turn] left.
Do not confuse bear with bare.
bear down [phrasal verb] US : to use all of your strength and effort to do something : to try very hard to do something
• The pitcher bore down and struck out the last batter.
• If we're going to finish on time, we really have to bear down.
bear down on [phrasal verb]
1 bear down on (something) : to push or lean down on (something)
• The old man bore down heavily on his cane.
• She bore down hard on her pencil.
2 bear down on (someone) : to place pressure on (someone)
• Don't let your problems bear down too hard on you. [=don't let your problems weigh you down]
3 bear down on (someone or something) : to approach or move toward (something or someone) quickly and in a frightening or impressive way
• The enemy battleship bore down on us.
bear fruit : to produce a desired result or reward
• All his plans have finally borne fruit. [=all his plans have finally been realized]
- see also 2bear 6b (above)
bear in mind
- see 1mind
bear on [phrasal verb] bear on (something) formal
1 : to have an effect on (something)
• Personal feelings did not bear on our decision. [=did not affect or influence our decision]
2 : to apply or relate to (something)
• What are the facts bearing directly on this matter?
bear out [phrasal verb] bear out (something or someone) or bear (something or someone) out : to show the correctness of (something or someone)
• The facts bore out [=confirmed] her story. [=the facts showed that her story was true]
• Research has fully borne him out. [=has shown that he was completely correct]
bear up [phrasal verb] : to not be overwhelmed during a time of trouble, pain, etc.
• She's been going through a tough time, but she's bearing up pretty well.
- often + under
• She has found it hard to bear up under the strain.
bear with [phrasal verb] bear with (someone) : to be patient with (someone)
• I'll have that information for you soon. Just bear with me for another minute or two.
bear witness
- see 1witness
bear yourself formal : to move, stand, or behave in a specified way
• The soldier bore himself [=carried himself] stiffly upright.
• The soldier never failed to bear himself [=conduct himself, behave] courageously on the battlefield.
• He always bore himself [=behaved] like a gentleman.
bring (something) to bear : to cause (something) to have an effect or influence
• The company's new president brings 30 years of experience to bear.
• If we hope to resolve these issues, more resources must be brought to bear.
- often used with on
• They will bring their considerable skills/talent/experience/knowledge to bear on the problem.
• The demonstrators will continue to bring pressure to bear on the government.
cross to bear
- see 1cross
grin and bear it
- see grin
to be designed or made in a way that is copied from something else
The exam system is patterned after the one used in Japan.
pattern
noun
1 the way in which something happens or develops:
Her days all seemed to follow the same pattern.
2 shapes and colours on something:
The curtains had a pattern of flowers and leaves.
3 a thing that you copy when you make something:
I bought some material and a pattern to make a new skirt.
II. pattern2 BrE AmE verb [transitive]
1. be patterned on/after something to be designed or made in a way that is copied from something else:
The exam system is patterned after the one used in Japan.
2. literary to form a pattern on something:
Tiny white flowers patterned the ground like confetti.
verb
1. ~ sth to form a regular arrangement of lines or shapes on sth
• Frost patterned the window.
• a landscape patterned by vineyards
2. ~ sth (technical) to cause a particular type of behaviour to develop
• Adult behaviour is often patterned by childhood experiences.
Verb forms:
Word Origin:
Middle English patron ‘something serving as a model’, from Old French from Latin patronus ‘protector of clients, defender’, from pater, patr- ‘father’. The change in sense is from the idea of a patron giving an example to be copied. By 1700 patron ceased to be used of things, and the two forms became differentiated in sense.
pattern
[pæ̱tə(r)n]
patterns
1) N-COUNT: oft the N of n A pattern is the repeated or regular way in which something happens or is done.
All three attacks followed the same pattern...
A change in the pattern of his breathing became apparent.
2) N-COUNT A pattern is an arrangement of lines or shapes, especially a design in which the same shape is repeated at regular intervals over a surface.
...a golden robe embroidered with red and purple thread stitched into a pattern of flames.
3) N-COUNT A pattern is a diagram or shape that you can use as a guide when you are making something such as a model or a piece of clothing.
...cutting out a pattern for trousers...
Send for our free patterns to knit yourself.
...sewing patterns.
pattern
2pattern verb -terns; -terned; -tern·ing [+ obj]
1 : to make or design (something) so that it is similar to something else of the same type - usually used as (be) patterned + on or (US) after
• Her garden is patterned on [=modeled on] one she saw on her travels.
• The new program is patterned after an earlier one.
2 : to decorate or mark (something) with a design : to form a pattern on (something)
• Animals tracks patterned the mud.
pattern yourself on or US pattern yourself after : to try to be like and to behave like (someone you admire)
• When he started his own business, he patterned himself after [=modeled himself after] his father. [=he tried to do the things that his father would do]
the quality of being true
There would seem to be some truth in what she says.
truth
noun (no plural)
being true; what is true:
There is no truth in these rumours.
We need to find out the truth about what happened.
Are you telling me the truth?
truth
truth S1 W2 /truːθ/ BrE AmE noun
[Word Family: adverb: ↑truly, ↑truthfully ≠ ↑untruthfully, ↑true; noun: ↑truth ≠ ↑untruth, ↑truthfulness; adjective: ↑true ≠ ↑untrue, ↑truthful ≠ ↑untruthful]
[Language: Old English; Origin: treowth 'faithfulness']
1. TRUE FACTS the truth the true facts about something, rather than what is untrue, imagined, or guessed OPP lie, falsehood, untruth:
How do we know you’re telling us the truth?
the truth about
She hoped to find out the truth about her family.
the truth behind
We’ll never know the truth behind what happened.
2. BEING TRUE [uncountable] the state or quality of being true
truth in
There was some truth in the accusations.
grain/element of truth (=small amount of truth)
There wasn’t a grain of truth in what he said.
There was an element of truth (=a small amount of truth) in what he said.
There is no truth in the rumour.
3. IMPORTANT IDEAS [countable usually plural] formal an important fact or idea that is accepted as being true:
The experience has taught us some basic truths.
an unhappy/unpleasant/unwelcome truth (=an unpleasant or disappointing fact)
It is in his interest to hide unhappy truths about his agency’s performance.
4. in truth in fact SYN really:
Early independence leaders were in truth little better than rebels.
5. if (the) truth be known/told used when telling someone the real facts about a situation, or your real opinion:
If the truth be known, I felt a little left out at school.
6. to tell (you) the truth spoken used when giving your personal opinion or admitting something:
To tell the truth, I was frightened to death.
7. nothing could be further from the truth used to say that something is definitely not true
8. the truth will out old-fashioned used to say that even if you try to stop people from knowing something, they will find out in the end
⇨ ↑half-truth, ↑home truth, ⇨ the moment of truth at ↑moment(15)
truth
truth [truth truths] [truːθ] [truːθ] noun (pl. truths [truːðz] ; [truːðz] )
1. the truth singular the true facts about sth, rather than the things that have been invented or guessed
• Do you think she's telling the truth?
• We are determined to get at (= discover) the truth.
• The truth (of the matter) is we can't afford to keep all the staff on.
• I don't think you are telling me the whole truth about what happened.
• The awful truth about his disappearance finally dawned on her.
• It's the gospel truth! (= completely true)
• The sad truth is that, at 72, he is past his prime.
2. uncountable the quality or state of being based on fact
• There is no truth in the rumours.
• There is not a grain of truth in what she says.
• His version of events does contain an element of truth.
Opp: falsity
3. countable a fact that is believed by most people to be true
• universal truths
• She was forced to face up to a few unwelcome truths about her family.
compare untruth
see also half-truth, home truth
more at bend the truth at bend v., economical with the truth at economical, the moment of truth at moment
Idioms: if truth be told ▪ in truth ▪ nothing could be further from the truth ▪ tell the truth ▪ truth is stranger than fiction ▪ truth will out
Word Origin:
Old English trīewth, trēowth ‘faithfulness, constancy’ (see true, -th).
Example Bank:
• Dare anyone deny the truth of what we have said?
• Finally the moment of truth will be upon you.
• He realized the truth in Adam's words.
• He was reminded of his duty to speak the truth when questioned in court.
• He was too fragile to handle the truth.
• His evidence was a blend of smears, half truths and downright lies.
• His explanation has a ring of truth to it.
• I know you think she's mean, but nothing could be further from the truth.
• I'm sure she's telling the truth.
• If the truth be known, I was afraid to tell anyone.
• It still doesn't make sense to me— I don't think he's told us the whole truth.
• It's a good film but contains little historical truth.
• It's time we told him a few home truths about sharing a house.
• Lawyers distorted the truth about the deal.
• Science, like theology, reveals transcendent truths about a changing world.
• She takes everything she reads in the paper as gospel truth.
• She was determined to discover the truth about her boss.
• She would later find out the truth about her husband.
• So now you know the truth.
• The awful truth suddenly dawned on her.
• The journalist protested that he was only trying to get at the truth.
• The police doubt the truth of his statement.
• The sad truth is he never loved her.
• The simple truth is he's lost his job.
• The truth of the matter is we can't afford to keep all the staff on.
• There is no truth in the rumour.
• There may have been a grain of truth in what he said.
• They claim to be the arbiters of sacred truth.
• They were motivated by the pursuit of the truth.
• To tell you the truth, I'm rather dreading his return.
• Towards the end of the letter the cruel truth emerged.
• We are examining the matter to see where the truth lies.
• We hold these truths to be self-evident…
• We're going to try to get the truth out of this boy.
• What's the truth behind all the gossip?
• You've been hiding the truth from me!
• a man on a journey seeking the truth about God and humanity
• finding out the truth about her husband
• in search of the eternal truths of life
• seekers after divine truth
• the deeper truths that often go unspoken
• the hidden truth behind the events of the last four years
• the plain unvarnished truth
• the revealed truth of God
• the shocking truth about heroin addiction among the young
truth / truːθ / noun
B2 [ U ] the quality of being true:
There would seem to be some truth in what she says.
There is no truth in the reports of his resignation.
You cannot question the truth of his alibi.
And yet what he says contains at least a grain of (= a small amount of) truth.
the truth B1 [ S ] the real facts about a situation, event, or person:
But was he telling the truth?
I don't suppose we'll ever know the truth about what happened that day.
To tell (you) the truth (= speaking honestly) I'm quite pleased he's not coming.
in truth formal used to show or emphasize that something is true:
In truth we feared for her safety although we didn't let it be known.
C2 [ C ] formal a fact or principle that is thought to be true by most people:
It would seem to be a general truth that nothing is as straightforward as it at first seems.
The entire system of belief is based on a few simple truths.
Word partners for truth
tell the truth • discover / find out / learn / uncover the truth • confess / reveal the truth • conceal / hide / withhold the truth • the truth comes out / emerges • the truth dawns on sb • the awful / honest / simple / whole truth • an element / grain of truth • the ring of truth • the truth about sb/sth
truth
[tru͟ːθ]
truths
1) N-UNCOUNT The truth about something is all the facts about it, rather than things that are imagined or invented.
Is it possible to separate truth from fiction?...
I must tell you the truth about this business...
The truth of the matter is that we had no other choice...
In the town very few know the whole truth.
...judgements of truth or falsity.
2) N-UNCOUNT: oft N of/in n If you say that there is some truth in a statement or story, you mean that it is true, or at least partly true.
There is no truth in this story...
Is there any truth to the rumors?...
The criticisms have at least an element of truth and validity.
3) N-COUNT A truth is something that is believed to be true.
It is an almost universal truth that the more we are promoted in a job, the less we actually exercise the skills we initially used to perform it.
4) → See also home truth, moment of truth
5) PHRASE: PHR with cl You say in truth in order to indicate that you are giving your honest opinion about something.
In truth, we were both unhappy.
6) PHRASE: PHR with cl You say to tell you the truth or truth to tell in order to indicate that you are telling someone something in an open and honest way, without trying to hide anything.
To tell you the truth, I was afraid to see him...
Truth to tell, John did not want Veronica at his wedding.
Syn:
to be honest
truth
truth /ˈtruːɵ/ noun, pl truths /ˈtruːðz, ˈtruːɵs/
1 the truth : the real facts about something : the things that are true
• Are you telling (me) the truth?
• At some point you have to face the simple/hard/honest/plain/naked truth that we failed.
• Their explanation was simpler but came closer to the truth.
• The article explains the truth about global warming.
• A reporter soon discovered/revealed/uncovered the truth.
• Do you swear to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth?
• I know you think I don't care, but nothing could be further from the truth. [=that is absolutely not true]
• The truth of the matter is (that) you failed the exam and it's going to be reflected in your final grade.
• To tell (you) the truth, I liked her first book better than this one. [=I am being honest when I say that I liked her first book better]
• “When was the last time you went to New York?” “To tell you the truth, I don't remember.” [=I have to admit that I don't remember]
• I told her I liked the restaurant but the truth is that the food was pretty bad. = I told her I liked the restaurant but, truth be told/known, the food was pretty bad.
2 [noncount] : the quality or state of being true
• There's no truth in anything he says. [=nothing he says is true]
• I doubt the truth of their accusations. [=I doubt that their accusations are true]
• Her story contains a grain/kernel of truth but also lots of exaggeration.
3 [count] : a statement or idea that is true or accepted as true - usually plural
• Her experience taught her some basic/fundamental/eternal/universal truths about human nature.
• mathematical truths
- see also half-truth, home truth, untruth
bend the truth
- see 1bend
in truth : in fact : actually or really
• She said she was feeling fine, but in truth she was very ill.
moment of truth
- see moment
extremely or strongly
I'm deeply grateful to you.
deeply
adverb
strongly or completely:
They were deeply disturbed by the accident.
He is sleeping very deeply.
deeply
deep‧ly W3 /ˈdiːpli/ BrE AmE adverb
[Word Family: noun: ↑deep, ↑depth; adjective: ↑deep, deepening; verb: ↑deepen; adverb: ↑deeply]
1. used to emphasize that a belief, feeling, opinion etc is very strong, important, or sincere:
Her lies hurt my father deeply.
She is deeply upset.
He loves her deeply.
Teachers are deeply divided on this issue.
deeply held religious beliefs
2. in a serious, careful way:
Most doctors think deeply about what their patients want.
3. a long way into something
deeply into
John kept sinking more deeply into the mud.
4. breathe deeply to take a large breath of air into your lungs
5. sleep deeply to be in a deep sleep, from which it is hard to wake up
deeply
deep·ly [deeply] [ˈdiːpli] [ˈdiːpli] adverb
1. very; very much
• She is deeply religious.
• They were deeply disturbed by the accident.
• Opinion is deeply divided on this issue.
• deeply rooted customs/ideas
• deeply held beliefs/convictions/views (= that sb feels very strongly)
2. used with some verbs to show that sth is done in a very complete way
• to breathe/sigh/exhale deeply (= using all of the air in your lungs)
• sleep deeply (= in a way that makes it difficult for you to wake up)
• to think deeply (= about all the aspects of sth)
3. to a depth that is quite a long way from the surface of sth
• to drill deeply into the wood
Which Word?:
deep / deeply
The adverbs deep and deeply can both mean ‘a long way down or into something’. Deep can only mean this and is more common than deeply in this sense. It is usually followed by a word like into or below: ▪ We decided to go deeper into the jungle.
Deeply usually means ‘very much’: ▪ deeply in love ◊ ▪ deeply shocked. You can use deep down (but not deeply) to talk about a person’s real nature: ▪ She can seem stern, but deep down she’s a very kind person. ◊ She can seem stern, but deeply she’s a very kind person.
deeply / ˈdiːp.li / adverb
B2 extremely or strongly:
I'm deeply grateful to you.
He found her comments deeply irritating/offensive.
We don't want to get too deeply involved with these people.
After 20 years of marriage, they're still deeply in love.
deeply
deep·ly /ˈdiːpli/ adv [more ~; most ~]
1 : in a way that is very complete, extreme, strongly felt, etc. : in a deep way
• They fell deeply in love.
• The car expenses sent him even more deeply into debt.
• He asked us to think deeply [=to think seriously and for a long time] about the issue, because he felt it was very important.
• I'm deeply [=very, extremely] sorry.
• He came from a deeply religious family.
• They're deeply [=sharply] divided on the issues.
• I thought the movie was deeply moving/disturbing. = I was deeply moved/disturbed by the movie.
• a deeply flawed design
• The senator gave a deeply personal speech last night.
• We are all deeply committed to peace.
• The beliefs are deeply ingrained/embedded/entrenched in American culture.
• deeply held beliefs/values
• deeply felt emotions
• She cares very deeply about/for him.
• These traditions are deeply rooted in the past. = They are rooted deeply in the past.
2 : far into or below the surface of something
• The designs are carved/cut deeply into the wooden chairs.
• deeply buried beneath the snow
- often used figuratively
• You'll have to dig/delve deeply into the library to find that information.
3
✦If you breathe deeply or sigh deeply, you take a large amount of air into your lungs when you breathe or sigh.
4
✦If you are sleeping deeply, you are thoroughly asleep and it is hard to wake you up.
to stop being involved in a situation because it is difficult to deal with or does not give you any advantages
You can't just walk away from a marriage at the first sign of a problem.
walk away
walk away phrasal verb (see also ↑walk)
1. to leave a bad or difficult situation, instead of trying to make it better
walk away from
You can’t just walk away from 15 years of marriage!
When the business started to have problems, it was very tempting to walk away.
2. to come out of an accident or very bad situation without being harmed:
Miraculously, both drivers walked away without a scratch.
walk away (from somebody)
ˌwalk aˈway (from sb/sth) derived
to leave a difficult situation or relationship, etc. instead of staying and trying to deal with it
• He was tempted to walk away from the problem.
Main entry: walkderived
walk away disapproving (DIFFICULT SITUATION) — phrasal verb with walk / wɔːk / / wɑːk / verb
to stop being involved in a situation because it is difficult to deal with or does not give you any advantages:
You can't just walk away from a marriage at the first sign of a problem.
walk away (ACCIDENT) — phrasal verb with walk / wɔːk / / wɑːk / verb
to escape an accident without being badly hurt:
She overturned the car, but walked away from it without a scratch .
walk away
PHRASAL VERB
If you walk away from a problem or a difficult situation, you do nothing about it or do not face any bad consequences from it.
[V P from n] The most appropriate strategy may simply be to walk away from the problem...
[V P] No one knows you're a part of this. You can just walk away.
walk away [phrasal verb]
1 : to decide not to do or be involved in something
• If you don't like the deal, you can just walk away.
- often + from
• He walked away from a chance to play professional baseball to join the Peace Corps.
• You can't just walk away from your responsibilities!
• She is not one to walk away from a challenge.
2 walk away with (something) informal : to win (something) especially in a easy way
• She walked away with the election.
• He walked away with first place.
• She had the winning ticket and walked away with $50,000!
famous, powerful, or important as one of a particular type
a great politician/leader/artist/man/woman
great
adjective (greater, greatest)
pronunciation
The word great sounds like late.
1 very large:
It's a great pleasure to meet you.
2 important or special:
Einstein was a great scientist.
3 (informal) very; very good:
He knows a great many people.
There's a great big dog in the garden!
They are great friends.
4 (informal) very nice or enjoyable same meaning wonderful:
I had a great weekend.
It's great to see you!
great
I. great1 S1 W1 /ɡreɪt/ BrE AmE adjective (comparative greater, superlative greatest)
[Word Family: noun: ↑greatness, ↑great; adverb: ↑greatly; adjective: ↑great]
[Language: Old English]
1. LARGE [usually before noun] very large in amount or degree:
The movie was a great success.
The news came as possibly the greatest shock of my life.
The paintings cost a great deal (=a lot) of money.
John always takes great care over his work.
It gives me great pleasure (=I am very pleased) to introduce tonight’s speaker.
It’s a great pity that none of his poems survive.
The temptation was too great to resist.
2. EXCELLENT especially spoken
very good SYN wonderful, fantastic:
The weather here is great.
It’s great to be home.
a great day out for all the family
sound/taste/smell/feel etc great
I worked out this morning and I feel great.
You look great in that dress.
great for doing something
Email’s great for keeping in touch.
the great thing about somebody/something (=the very good thing about someone or something)
The great thing about Alex is that he’s always willing to explain things to you.
3. IMPORTANT
a) [usually before noun] important or having a lot of influence:
one of the greatest scientific achievements of our time
What makes a novel truly great?
great historical events
b) used in the title of a person or event that was very important in the past
Peter/Catherine etc the Great
I’m reading a biography of Alexander the Great.
the Great Depression
the Great War old-fashioned (=World War I)
4. GENEROUS very good or generous in a way that people admire:
a great humanitarian gesture
5. EXTREMELY SKILFUL famous for being able to do something extremely well:
Ali was undoubtedly one of the greatest boxers of all time.
a book about the lives of the great composers
6. BIG written very big SYN huge:
A great crowd had gathered.
A great iron stove filled half the room.
7. great big spoken very big:
Get your great big feet off my table!
8. DOING SOMETHING A LOT used to emphasize that someone does something a lot
a great talker/reader/admirer etc
Anthony’s a great talker – sometimes you just can’t get a word in.
Len was a great believer in the power of positive thinking.
be a great one for doing something
She’s a great one for telling stories about her schooldays.
9. to a greater or lesser extent used to emphasize that something is always true, even though it is more true or noticeable in some situations than others:
Most companies operate in conditions that are to a greater or lesser extent competitive.
10. be no great shakes informal to not be very good, interesting, or skilful:
The work’s no great shakes, but at least I’m earning.
11. be going great guns informal to be doing something extremely well:
After a slow start, the Tigers are going great guns.
12. BAD spoken informal used when you are disappointed or annoyed about something:
‘Daniel’s cancelled the party.’ ‘Oh great!’
13. ANIMAL/BIRD/PLANT ETC used in the names of some animals or plants, especially when they are bigger than other animals or plants of the same type:
the Great Crested Grebe
14. the great outdoors informal the countryside, considered as enjoyable and healthy:
He had a taste for adventure and the great outdoors.
15. great minds (think alike) spoken used humorously when you and another person have had the same idea
16. the greater good a general advantage that you can only gain by losing or harming something that is considered less important:
Some wars are fought for the greater good.
17. the great apes the different types of animals that are similar to large monkeys, considered as a group:
Alone of the great apes, the gorilla is not very efficient at using tools.
18. the great divide a situation in which there is a big difference between groups in society, areas of a country etc, for example a big difference between their wealth or attitudes:
The great divide between north and south seems to be as unbridgeable as ever.
19. Greater London/Los Angeles/Manchester etc London, Los Angeles etc and its outer areas
20. huge/enormous great British English spoken used to emphasize how big something is
21. great Scott!/great Heavens! spoken old-fashioned used to express shock or surprise
22. great with child literary very soon to have a baby
—greatness noun [uncountable]:
She was destined for greatness.
great / ɡreɪt / adjective approving (FAMOUS)
B2 famous, powerful, or important as one of a particular type:
a great politician/leader/artist/man/woman
This is one of Rembrandt's greatest paintings.
Who do you think is the greatest modern novelist?
great / ɡreɪt / adjective (BIG)
A2 large in amount, size, or degree:
an enormous great hole
A great crowd had gathered outside the president's palace.
The improvement in water standards over the last 50 years has been very great.
A great many people would agree.
The great majority of (= almost all) people would agree.
formal It gives us great pleasure to announce the engagement of our daughter Maria.
formal It is with great sorrow that I inform you of the death of our director.
I have great sympathy for you.
I spent a great deal of time there.
[ before noun ] used in names, especially to mean large or important:
a Great Dane (= large type of dog)
Catherine the Great
the Great Wall of China
the Great Bear (= group of stars)
great / ɡreɪt / adjective (EXTREME)
B1 extreme:
great success/difficulty
great / ɡreɪt / adjective (GOOD)
A1 informal very good:
a great idea
We had a great time last night at the party.
It 's great to see you after all this time!
"I'll lend you the car if you like." "Great! Thanks a lot!"
"What's your new teacher like?" "Oh, he's great."
"How are you feeling now?" "Great."
informal used to mean that something is very bad:
Oh great ! That's all I need - more bills!
great
[gre͟ɪt]
♦
greater, greatest, greats
1) ADJ-GRADED: ADJ n You use great to describe something that is very large. Great is more formal than big.
The room had a great bay window.
...a great hall as long and high as a church.
2) ADJ-GRADED Great means large in amount or degree.
I'll take great care of it...
Benjamin Britten did not live to a great age.
3) ADJ-GRADED You use great to describe something that is important, famous, or exciting.
...the great cultural achievements of the past...
America can be great again.
Derived words:
greatness N-UNCOUNT A nation must take certain risks to achieve greatness.
4) ADJ-GRADED: usu ADJ n You can describe someone who is successful and famous for their actions, knowledge, or skill as great.
Wes Hall was once one of the West Indies' great cricketers.
...the great George Padmore.
Derived words:
greatness N-UNCOUNT Abraham Lincoln achieved greatness.
5) N-PLURAL: with supp The greats in a particular subject or field of activity are the people who have been most successful or famous in it. [JOURNALISM]
...all the greats of Hollywood.
...cycling's all-time greats.
6) N-PLURAL The greats of popular modern music are records that have been successful and that continue to be popular. [JOURNALISM]
...a medley of rock'n'roll greats.
7) ADJ (approval) If you describe someone or something as great, you approve of them or admire them. [INFORMAL]
Arturo has this great place in Cazadero...
They're a great bunch of guys...
I think she's great.
8) ADJ: feel ADJ If you feel great, you feel very healthy, energetic, and enthusiastic.
I feel just great.
9) ADJ-GRADED (emphasis) You use great in order to emphasize the size or degree of a characteristic or quality.
...a great big Italian wedding.
...her sense of colour and great eye for detail.
10) EXCLAM (feelings) You say great in order to emphasize that you are pleased or enthusiastic about something.
Oh great! That'll be good for Fergus.
11) EXCLAM (feelings) You say great in order to emphasize that you are angry or annoyed about something.
`Oh great,' I thought. `Just what I need.'
12) N-IN-NAMES Great is used as part of the name of a species of plant or animal when there is another species of the same plant or animal which is smaller and has different characteristics.
→ See also greater
...the great bustard.
1great /ˈgreɪt/ adj great·er; -est
1 a : very large in size : very big
• all creatures great and small
- usually used before a noun
• a great beast
• We were surprised by the great size of the auditorium.
• They traveled through a great stretch of wilderness.
• a great cloud of smoke
• A great crowd had formed in the city square.
• the Great Wall of China
• the Great Lakes
• (US) The house has a large great room. [=a large room used for several different purposes]
• (informal) They live in a great big house. [=a very large house]
• (chiefly Brit) a huge/whopping great elephant
b
- used in the names of animals that are larger than similar animals
• the great white shark
• the great horned owl
2 : very large in amount or extent
• The project will require a great amount of time and money.
• He lived to a great age. [=he lived to be very old]
• The show was a great [=big, huge] success.
• It's been a great [=long] while since we last saw them.
• He amassed a great [=large] fortune.
• The building was restored at great expense.
• a great quantity of fish
• He explained in great [=much] detail how they had met.
• These topics need to be discussed in greater [=more] depth and at greater length.
• Our speed/strength/power became greater (and greater) as we went on.
• He made a great deal of money. [=he made a large amount of money]
• Things could be a great deal worse. [=things could be much worse]
• He is supported by the great majority of voters. [=by most voters]
3 a : very strong
• The low cost of these products gives them great appeal.
• There is a very great need for reform.
• They're in no great hurry to finish.
• There is a great demand for his services.
• She takes a great [=considerable] interest in everything her children do.
• an actress of great charm
• with great [=strongly felt] sadness/admiration/love
• Is there any love greater than that between parent and child?
• The whole matter must be treated with great care. [=very carefully]
• His comments are true to a great extent. [=most of his comments are true]
• This new tax affects everyone to a greater or lesser degree/extent. [=to some degree/extent]
b
- used for emphasis before a noun that describes someone
• I've always been a great admirer of his work. [=I have always admired his work very much]
• They are great friends. [=they are very friendly]
• I'm a great believer in the value of patience. [=I believe very much in the value of patience]
c : very important
• This room is only used for great occasions. [=grand occasions, very important and formal occasions]
d : very bad : very extreme or severe
• The storm caused great damage/destruction.
• He was obviously in great pain/discomfort.
• She has suffered a great loss.
• It would be a great mistake to ignore these problems.
• a great disaster/misfortune
• great difficulties
• a very great error
4 : better than good: such as
a : of the highest quality
• great (works of) art/literature
• great music
b : very important and admired
• a great poet/artist
• a great leader/scientist/thinker/woman
• He was a great but flawed man.
• a great discovery/invention
• great achievements
c : very talented or successful
• My brother is a great golfer.
• She's a great judge of character.
• My brother is great at (playing) golf. [=my brother plays golf very well]
• She is great at Chinese cooking.
d informal : very enjoyable, favorable, etc. : excellent
• “How was the movie?” “It was (really) great!”
• It was the greatest.
• The movie got great reviews.
• We are having great weather this summer.
• We had a great time on our vacation.
• a great party/lecture/performance
• an actress with great [=very good-looking] legs
• It's great to see you again. = It's great seeing you again.
• This restaurant is great for a quick meal. = This is a great restaurant for a quick meal.
• The food tastes great!
• Great work, everybody!
• “I've passed the exam!” “That's great!”
- often used in the phrases feel great and look great
• You look great in that hat. = That hat looks great on you.
• Things aren't looking so great at this point.
• He came home early because he wasn't feeling too great. [=he wasn't feeling well]
• I feel great just being with her!
- sometimes used in an ironic way to describe something that is very bad or upsetting
• “I can't find the tickets.” “That's (just) great! What are we supposed to do now?”
• Oh, great. Now I've lost the tickets.
5 always used before a noun : more distant in a family relationship by one generation
• My great aunt/uncle is my father's/mother's aunt/uncle.
- usually used in combination
• My great-grandfather is my grandfather's father.
• My great-great-grandmother is my great-grandfather's mother.
• a gift sent to Great-Uncle Mike
a great one for informal
✦If you are a great one for (doing) something, you do it often or enjoy doing it very much.
• He's a great one for (playing) golf.
• She's a great one for getting other people to do her work.
go great guns
- see 1gun
go to great pains
- see 1pain
great with child old-fashioned + literary : pregnant
no great shakes
- see 2shake
to stop something
The company has decided to cease all UK operations after this year.
cease
verb (ceases, ceasing, ceased ) (formal)
to stop:
Fighting in the area has now ceased.
cease
I. cease1 W3 AC /siːs/ BrE AmE verb [intransitive and transitive]
[Word Family: noun: ↑cessation, ↑cease; verb: ↑cease; adverb: ↑ceaselessly; adjective: ↑ceaseless]
[Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: cesser, from Latin cessare 'to delay', from cedere; ⇨ ↑cede]
1. formal to stop doing something or stop happening
cease to do something
He ceased to be a member of the association.
The things people will do for charity never cease to amaze me (=I am always surprised by them).
cease doing something
the decision to cease using CFCs in packaging
The rain ceased and the sky cleared.
cease trading/production/operations etc (=stop operating a business)
The company ceased production at their Norwich plant last year.
cease fire! (=used to order soldiers to stop shooting)
REGISTER
In everyday English, people usually use stop rather than cease:
▪ They have stopped using CFCs in packaging.
▪ The rain stopped just as the fireworks began.
2. cease and desist law to stop doing something
⇨ ↑ceasefire, ⇨ wonders will never cease at ↑wonder2(5)
cease / siːs / verb [ I or T ] formal
B2 to stop something:
Whether the protests will cease remains to be seen.
The company has decided to cease all UK operations after this year.
[ + to infinitive ] Workplace nurseries will cease to be liable for tax.
cease
[si͟ːs]
♦♦♦
ceases, ceasing, ceased
1) VERB If something ceases, it stops happening or existing. [FORMAL]
At one o'clock the rain had ceased.
Syn:
stop
2) VERB If you cease to do something, you stop doing it. [FORMAL]
[V to-inf] He never ceases to amaze me...
[V to-inf] The secrecy about the President's condition had ceased to matter...
[V -ing] A small number of firms have ceased trading.
3) VERB If you cease something, you stop it happening or working. [FORMAL]
[V n] The Tundra Times, a weekly newspaper in Alaska, ceased publication this week.
Syn:
stop
cease
cease /ˈsiːs/ verb ceas·es; ceased; ceas·ing formal
1 [no obj] : to stop happening : to end
• The fighting along the border has temporarily ceased.
• The conversation abruptly ceased. [=halted]
• The noise ceased [=stopped] altogether.
• when the weary cease from their labors [=when people who are very tired stop working]
• The company was ordered by the court to cease and desist from selling the photographs. [=was ordered to immediately stop selling the photographs]
- see also cease and desist order
2 [+ obj] : to stop doing (something)
• The factory ceased operations last year.
• The child would not cease his constant whining/complaining.
• The soldiers were ordered to cease fire. [=to stop shooting their weapons]
- often followed by to + verb
• The program would cease to exist without private funding.
• He had long ceased to have any regrets.
• Her courage never ceases to amaze me. [=I am always amazed by her courage]
- see also cease-fire
wonders never cease
- see 1wonder
