B2 (Upper-intermediate)

define

define [verb] (DIRECTLY SHOW)

to show or describe (someone or something) clearly and completely

US /dɪˈfaɪn/ 
UK /dɪˈfaɪn/ 
Example: 

He was defined by his passions.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

define

 verb (defines, defining, defined )
to say what a word means:
How do you define 'rich'?

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

define

define S2 W2 AC /dɪˈfaɪn/ BrE AmE verb [transitive]
[Word Family: verb: ↑define; noun: ↑definition; adverb: ↑definitely ≠ ↑indefinitely; adjective: ↑definite ≠ ↑indefinite]
[Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: definer, from Latin definire, from finire 'to limit, end']
1. to describe something correctly and thoroughly, and to say what standards, limits, qualities etc it has that make it different from other things:
the ability to define clients’ needs
The duties of the post are difficult to define.
clearly/well defined
The tasks will be clearly defined by the tutor.
define something as something
70% of the workers can be defined as low-paid.
2. to explain exactly the meaning of a particular word or idea ⇨ definition:
I’ll now try to define the term ‘popular culture’.
define something as something
A budget is defined as ‘a plan of action expressed in money terms’.
Define precisely what you mean by ‘crime’.
3. to show the edge or shape of something clearly ⇨ definition:
The bird has sharply defined black and rust markings.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

define

de·fine AW [define defines defined defining]   [dɪˈfaɪn]    [dɪˈfaɪn]  verb
1. to say or explain what the meaning of a word or phrase is
~ sth The term ‘mental illness’ is difficult to define.

~ sth as sth Life imprisonment is defined as 60 years under state law.

2. to describe or show sth accurately
~ sth We need to define the task ahead very clearly.
The difficulty of a problem was defined in terms of how long it took to complete.

~ what, how, etc… It is difficult to define what makes him so popular.

3. ~ sth to show clearly a line, shape or edge
The mountain was sharply defined against the sky.
Derived Word: definable
 
Word Origin:
late Middle English (also in the sense ‘bring to an end)’: from Old French definer, from a variant of Latin definire, from de- (expressing completion) + finire ‘finish’ (from finis ‘end’).  
Thesaurus:
define verb T
The term ‘mental illness’ is difficult to define.
explaininterpretspell sth out|formal clarifyexpound
define/explain/spell out/clarify how/what…
define/explain/clarify the position/role/nature/meaning of sth
clearly define/explain/spell out/expound sth 
Language Bank:
define
Defining terms
It is important to clarify what is meant by climate change.
Climate change can / may be defined as ‘the long-term fluctuations in temperature, precipitation, wind and other aspects of the earth's climate’.
A generally accepted definition of global warming is the gradual increase in the overall temperature of the earth's atmosphere due to the greenhouse effect.
The greenhouse effect is defined by the author as the process by which heat from the sun is trapped in the earth's atmosphere, causing the temperature of the earth to rise.
The author uses the term climate change to refer to any significant change in measures of climate lasting for an extended period.
The term ‘carbon footprint’ refers to the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of the activities of an individual or organization.
Scientists suggest that increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will result in an increase in global temperatures, and the term ‘global warming’ is used to describe this phenomenon.
Language Bank at first  
Example Bank:
Social values are not easy to define.
There may be problems if responsibilities are not adequately defined.
This type of lymphoma is defined by the presence of specific malignant cells.
Thread count is defined as the number of threads in one square inch of fabric.
We have chosen to define the scope of our study quite broadly.

the culturally defined role of women

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

define / dɪˈfaɪn / verb [ T ] (EXPLAIN)

B2 to say what the meaning of something, especially a word, is:

In this dictionary 'reality' is defined as 'the state of things as they are, rather than as they are imagined to be'.

Before I answer your question, could you define your terms a little more (= explain what you mean by the words you have used) ?

→  See also well defined

B2 to explain and describe the meaning and exact limits of something:

Your rights and responsibilities are defined in the citizens' charter.

Your role in the project will be strictly defined (= limited to particular areas) .

I'd hate to feel that I was defined by (= that my life got its meaning and importance only from) my job.

 

definable / dɪˈfaɪ.nə.bl̩ / adjective

definable rules of grammar/syntax

 

define / dɪˈfaɪn / verb [ T ] (CLEARLY SHOW)

to show clearly the edge of something:

The outline of the castle on the hill was clearly defined against the evening sky.

 

definable / dɪˈfaɪ.nə.bl̩ / adjective

definable rules of grammar/syntax

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

define

[dɪfa͟ɪn]
 ♦♦♦
 defines, defining, defined

 1) VERB If you define something, you show, describe, or state clearly what it is and what its limits are, or what it is like.
  [V wh] The Supreme Court decision could define how far Congress can go in trying to determine the outcome of court cases...
  [V n] I tried to define my own attitude: I found Rosie repulsive, but I didn't hate her.
  Derived words:
  defined ADJ-GRADED usu adv ADJ ...a party with a clearly defined programme and strict rules of membership.
 2) VERB If you define a word or expression, you explain its meaning, for example in a dictionary.
  [V n] When people are asked `What is intelligence?' they tend to reply: `I don't know how to define it, but I can certainly recognize it when I see it.'...
  [V n as n] Collins English Dictionary defines a workaholic as `a person obsessively addicted to work'.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

define

de·fine /dɪˈfaɪn/ verb -fines; -fined; -fin·ing [+ obj]
1 : to explain the meaning of (a word, phrase, etc.)
• How would you define (the word) “grotesque”?
• a term that is difficult to define
2 : to show or describe (someone or something) clearly and completely
• The government study seeks to define urban poverty.
• Her book aims to define acceptable social behavior.
• He was defined by his passions. [=his passions showed what kind of person he was]
• She believes that success should be defined in terms of health and happiness.
• Tigers are broadly/loosely defined [=described very generally] as large cats.
• He narrowly defines [=describes very specifically] a hero as someone who has earned a medal in battle.
3 : to show the shape, outline, or edge of (something) very clearly
• That fence defines the far edge of the property.
- de·fin·able /dɪˈfaɪnəbəl/ adj [more ~; most ~]
• an easily definable word
definable risk factors
- defined adj [more ~; most ~]
• a clearly defined neighborhood
• Her cheekbones are well-defined.
- defining adj always used before a noun
• That was the campaign's defining moment. [=the moment that showed very clearly what kind of campaign it was]

tough

tough [adjective] (STRONG)

strong; not easily broken or made weaker or defeated

US /tʌf/ 
UK /tʌf/ 
Example: 

You have to be tough to be successful in politics.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

tough

 adjective (tougher, toughest)

1 difficult same meaning hard:
This is a tough job.

2 strict or firm same meaning hard:
He's very tough on his children.
 opposite soft

3 very strong:
You need to be tough to go climbing in winter.

4 Tough meat is difficult to cut and eat. opposite tender

5 difficult to break or tear:
a tough pair of boots

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

tough

I. tough1 S2 W2 /tʌf/ BrE AmE adjective (comparative tougher, superlative toughest)
[Word Family: adverb: ↑toughly, ↑tough, ↑toughly; verb: ↑toughen; noun: ↑toughness; adjective: ↑tough]
[Language: Old English; Origin: toh]
1. DIFFICULT difficult to do or deal with:
It was a tough race.
She’s had a tough life.
The company admitted that it had been a tough year.
Tough decisions will have to be made.
The reporters were asking a lot of tough questions.
have a tough time (of it) (=face a lot of difficult problems)
The family has had a tough time of it these last few months.
it’s tough doing something
It’s tough being married to a cop.
be tough on somebody (=cause problems for someone or make their life difficult)
Having to stay indoors all day is tough on a kid.
It was a tough call (=a difficult decision), but we had to cancel the game because of the weather.
I find his books pretty tough going (=difficult to read).
Gage predicted the president’s proposal would be a tough sell (=something that is difficult to persuade someone about) before Congress. American English
when the going gets tough (the tough get going) informal (=used to say that when a situation becomes difficult, strong people take the necessary action to deal with it)
2. STRONG PERSON physically or emotionally strong and able to deal with difficult situations:
The men who work on the oil rigs are a tough bunch.
tough cookie/customer informal (=someone who is very determined to do what they want and not what other people want)
as tough as nails/as tough as old boots (=very tough)
He’s as tough as nails – a good man to have on the team.
3. STRONG MATERIAL not easily broken or made weaker:
tough, durable plastic
a very tough, hard-wearing cloth
4. STRICT/FIRM very strict or firm
tough on/with
My mother was very tough on my sister.
It’s time to get tough with drunk drivers.
The EU is taking a tough line with the UK over this issue.
5. VIOLENT AREA a tough part of a town has a lot of crime or violence
tough neighborhood/area/part of town etc
a tough area of Chicago
6. tough!/that’s tough! spoken used when you do not have any sympathy with someone:
‘I’m getting wet.’ ‘Tough! You should’ve brought your umbrella.’
She didn’t tell us she was coming, so if this screws up her plans that’s just tough.
7. tough luck! spoken
a) used when you do not have any sympathy for someone’s problems:
Well, that’s just their tough luck! It was their mistake.
b) British English used when you feel sympathy about something bad that has happened to someone:
You didn’t get the job? Oh, tough luck!
8. tough shit! spoken not polite used when you do not have any sympathy for someone’s problems
9. VIOLENT PERSON likely to behave violently and having no gentle qualities:
one of football’s most notorious tough guys
tough young thugs looking for trouble
10. FOOD difficult to cut or eat OPP tender:
The meat was tough and hard to chew.
the tough outer leaves of the cabbage
11. tough love a way of helping someone to change their behaviour by treating them in a kind but strict way

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

tough

tough [tough toughs] adjective, noun, verb   [tʌf]    [tʌf] 

 

adjective (tough·er, tough·est

DIFFICULT
1. having or causing problems or difficulties
a tough childhood
It was a tough decision to make.
She's been having a tough time of it (= a lot of problems) lately.
• He faces the toughest test of his leadership so far.

• It can be tough trying to juggle a career and a family.  

STRICT/FIRM

2. demanding that particular rules be obeyed and showing a lack of sympathy for any problems or suffering that this may cause
~ (on sb/sth) Don't be too tough on him— he was only trying to help.
~ (with sb/sth) It's about time teachers started to get tough with bullies.
The school takes a tough line on (= punishes severely) cheating.
• Local traders are calling for tougher action against vandals.

Opp:  soft  

STRONG

3. strong enough to deal successfully with difficult conditions or situations
a tough breed of cattle
• He's not tough enough for a career in sales.

• She's a tough cookie/customer (= sb who knows what they want and is not easily influenced by other people).

4. (of a person) physically strong and likely to be violent
• You think you're so tough, don't you?

• He plays the tough guy in the movie.  

MEAT

5. difficult to cut or chew

Opp:  tender  

NOT EASILY DAMAGED

6. not easily cut, broken, torn, etc
• a tough pair of shoes

• The reptile's skin is tough and scaly.  

UNFORTUNATE

7. ~ (on sb) (informal) unfortunate for sb in a way that seems unfair
It was tough on her being dropped from the team like that.
(ironic) ‘I can't get it finished in time.’ ‘Tough! (= I don't feel sorry about it.)
more at a hard/tough act to follow at  act  n., when the going gets tough (the tough get going) at  going  n., hang tough at  hang  v., a hard/tough nuta hard/tough nut (to crack) at  nut  n., talk tough at  talk  v.  
Word Origin:
Old English tōh, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch taai and German zäh.  
Example Bank:
Has the government been tough enough on polluters?
He may find it tough to pursue his plans.
It's very tough on the wives when the husbands go off like that.
It's very tough on the wives when the husbands leave.
The government has promised to get tough on crime.
The meat was a bit tough.
The strong dollar has made it tough for small businesses.
Then this guy started acting tough.
Things were pretty tough at first.
You have to be tough with these young thugs.
Don't be too tough on him— he was only trying to help.
He had a tough childhood.
It's about time teachers started to get tough with bullies.
It's tough out there in the real world.
She's been having a tough time of it.
The next couple of months will be tough, but I'm sure we'll cope.
The school takes a tough line on cheating.
There will be tough new controls on car emissions.
We must take a tough stance against terrorism.
Idioms: tough as nails  tough as old boots  tough luck
Derived Words: toughly  toughness

Derived: tough something out 

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

tough / tʌf / adjective (STRONG)

B2 strong; not easily broken or made weaker or defeated:

These toys are made from tough plastic.

Children's shoes need to be tough.

You have to be tough to be successful in politics.

informal Their lawyer is a real tough customer/nut (= person) .

C2 strong and determined:

Tough new safety standards have been introduced for cars.

There have been calls for tougher controls/restrictions on what newspapers are allowed to print.

After some tough bargaining, we finally agreed on a deal.

I think it's time the police got tougher on/with (= treated more severely) people who drink and drive.

The government is continuing to take a tough line on terrorism.

 

toughly / ˈtʌf.li / adverb

These boots are very toughly (= strongly) made.

The newspaper published a toughly worded article about racist behaviour.

We live in a toughly competitive world.

 

toughness / ˈtʌf.nəs /

C2

She has a reputation for toughness (= being strong and determined) .

They can't face the toughness of the competition .

 

tough / tʌf / adjective (DIFFICULT)

B2 difficult to do or to deal with:

They've had an exceptionally tough life.

They will be a tough team to beat.

The company is going through a tough time at the moment.

We've had to make some very tough decisions .

My boss has given me a tough job/assignment .

Many homeless people are facing a tough winter .

 

toughly / ˈtʌf.li / adverb

These boots are very toughly (= strongly) made.

The newspaper published a toughly worded article about racist behaviour.

We live in a toughly competitive world.

 

toughness / ˈtʌf.nəs /

C2

She has a reputation for toughness (= being strong and determined) .

They can't face the toughness of the competition .
 

tough / tʌf / adjective (FOOD)

B2 describes food that is difficult to cut or eat:

This steak is very tough.

These apples have tough skins.

 

toughness / ˈtʌf.nəs /

C2

She has a reputation for toughness (= being strong and determined) .

They can't face the toughness of the competition .
 

tough / tʌf / adjective (VIOLENT)

likely to be violent or to contain violence; not kind or pleasant:

a tough neighbourhood

Many of the country's toughest criminals are held in this prison.

 

toughly / ˈtʌf.li / adverb

These boots are very toughly (= strongly) made.

The newspaper published a toughly worded article about racist behaviour.

We live in a toughly competitive world.

 

toughness / ˈtʌf.nəs /

C2

She has a reputation for toughness (= being strong and determined) .

They can't face the toughness of the competition .

 

tough / tʌf / adjective (UNLUCKY)

C2 informal unlucky:

"I've been told I've got to work late today because I'm very behind on my work." "Oh, tough luck !"

It's tough on Geoff that he's going to miss the party.

informal sometimes used to show that you have no sympathy for someone's problems or difficulties:

"I haven't got any money left." "Well, ( that's just) tough - you shouldn't have spent it all on cigarettes."

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

tough

[tʌ̱f]
 ♦♦
 tougher, toughest, toughs, toughing, toughed

 1) ADJ-GRADED A tough person is strong and determined, and can tolerate difficulty or suffering.
  He built up a reputation as a tough businessman...
  She is tough and ambitious.
  Derived words:
  toughness N-UNCOUNT Mrs Potter has won a reputation for toughness and determination on her way to the top.
 2) ADJ-GRADED If you describe someone as tough, you mean that they are rough and violent.
  He had shot three people dead earning himself a reputation as a tough guy.
 N-COUNT
 A tough is a tough person. Three burly toughs elbowed their way to the front.
 3) ADJ-GRADED: usu ADJ n A tough place or area is considered to have a lot of crime and violence.
  She doesn't seem cut out for this tough neighbourhood...
  Arthur grew up in a tough city.
  Syn:
  rough
 4) ADJ-GRADED: usu ADJ n A tough way of life or period of time is difficult or full of suffering.
  She had a pretty tough childhood...
  It's been a tough day...
  He was having a really tough time at work.
  Syn:
  rough
 5) ADJ-GRADED: oft it v-link ADJ to-inf, ADJ to-inf A tough task or problem is difficult to do or solve.
  It was a very tough decision but we feel we made the right one...
  Whoever wins the election is going to have a tough job getting the economy back on its feet...
  It may be tough to raise cash...
  Change is often tough to deal with.
  Syn:
  hard
 6) ADJ-GRADED Tough policies or actions are strict and firm.
  He is known for taking a tough line on security...
  He announced tough measures to limit the money supply.
  Syn:
  strict
 7) ADJ-GRADED A tough substance is strong, and difficult to break, cut, or tear.
  In industry, diamond can form a tough, non-corrosive coating for tools.
  ...dark brown beans with a rather tough outer skin.
 8) ADJ-GRADED Tough meat is difficult to cut and chew.
  The steak was tough and the peas were like bullets.
 9) PHRASE: V inflects If someone who is trying to achieve something hangs tough, they remain determined and do not give up, even when there are difficulties or problems. [AM, INFORMAL]
  The White House is hanging tough for a good agreement to be reached.
 10) a tough row to hoesee hoe
 tough lucksee luck
 a tough nutsee nut
  Phrasal Verbs:
  - tough out

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

1tough /ˈtʌf/ adj tough·er; tough·est
1 : very difficult to do or deal with
• a tough [=hard] assignment/problem
tough choices
• She had a tough time in college.
• It's been a tough year for our family. = This year has been tough on [=hard on] our family.
- often followed by to + verb
• It was tough to quit smoking.
• The problem was tough to solve.
2 a : physically and emotionally strong : able to do hard work, to deal with harsh conditions, etc.
tough soldiers
• Are you tough enough for the job?
b : physically strong and violent
tough criminals
• He's been hanging around with a bunch of tough guys.
3 a : strong and not easily broken or damaged
tough fibers
• The rug is made of tough material.
b : difficult to cut or chew
tough meat
4 : very strict
• a tough law/policy
• He's a tough boss/teacher, but fair.
• The candidates both vow to get tough on crime. [=to deal harshly with criminals]
5 : having a lot of crime or danger
• a tough neighborhood
6 : hard to influence or persuade
• She's a tough bargainer/negotiator.
7 informal : unfortunate in a way that seems unfair
• It's tough that he lost that job.
- often used in an ironic way to show that you do not feel sympathy for someone
• “He failed the test.” “Well, that's tough. Maybe if he'd studied a little he would have passed.”
• He failed the test? Tough! [=too bad] He should have studied more than he did.
- see also tough luck at 1luck
(as) tough as nails
- see 1nail
(as) tough as old boots Brit informal : very tough
• This steak is as tough as old boots.
• Don't worry about her—she's as tough as old boots.
a tough act to follow
- see follow
a tough nut (to crack)
- see nut
a tough row to hoe
- see 1row

control

control [noun] (POWER)

the act of controlling something or someone, or the power to do this

US /kənˈtroʊl/ 
UK /kənˈtrəʊl/ 
Example: 

You need to stay in control of your emotions.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

>> controller noun a person who controls something:
an air traffic controller

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

control

I. control1 S1 W1 /kənˈtrəʊl $ -ˈtroʊl/ BrE AmE noun
[Word Family: adjective: controlling, ↑controllable ≠ ↑uncontrollable, ↑controlled ≠ ↑uncontrolled; noun: ↑control, ↑controller; verb: ↑control; adverb: uncontrollably]
1. MAKE SOMEBODY/SOMETHING DO WHAT YOU WANT [uncountable] the ability or power to make someone or something do what you want or make something happen in the way you want:
The disease robs you of muscle control.
control of/over
Babies are born with very little control over their movements.
Artists like to have some control over where their works are hung in a gallery.
She’s a good teacher who has control of her class.
Students are encouraged to take control of their own learning, rather than just depending on the teacher.
Excessive drinking can make you lose control of your own life.
‘Do you need any help?’ ‘No. It’s under control, thanks.’
Dogs are allowed on the trails if they are kept under control.
The car spun out of control and hit a tree.
Flight delays do occur, for reasons that are outside our control.
2. POWER [uncountable] the power to make the decisions about how a country, place, company etc is organized or what it does:
The press was freed from political control.
control of
Jordan asked for editorial control of the project.
in control (of something)
Anti-government forces are still in control of the area.
By the end of the year, the rebels had control over the northern territories.
The Johnson family has effective control of the company, owning almost 60% of the shares.
China gained control of the island in 1683.
His son is being trained to take control of the family business.
The Democrats lost control of Congress in the last election.
under the control of somebody
The college was under the control of a group of trustees.
The whole of this area came under Soviet control after World War II.
The Conservatives are hoping to regain control of the city council.
3. WAY OF LIMITING SOMETHING [uncountable and countable] an action, method, or law that limits the amount or growth of something, especially something that is dangerous:
pest control
control of
the control of inflation
control on
The authorities imposed strict controls on the movement of cattle.
an agreement on arms control (=control of the amount of weapons a country has)
under control
Firefighters had the blaze under control by 9:44 p.m.
Shea used diet and exercise to bring her weight under control.
The Federal Reserve Bank raised interest rates to keep inflation under control.
rent/price/wage etc controls
Rent controls ensured that no one paid too much for housing.
tight/rigid controls (=strict controls)
the introduction of tighter controls on immigration
Police used fire hoses and dogs for crowd control.
4. ABILITY TO STAY CALM [uncountable] the ability to remain calm even when you feel very angry, upset, or excited:
There were sudden tears in his eyes and he paused, fighting for control.
Davidson lost control of himself and started yelling.
Small children can’t be expected to have the same self-control (=ability to control their emotions and behaviour) as an adult.
under control
Her voice is under control, but she is almost shaking with anger.
in control
I felt calm and in control.
5. MACHINE/VEHICLE [countable] the thing that you press or turn to make a machine, vehicle, television etc work:
the TV remote control
the volume control on the radio
a car with manual controls
at the controls (=controlling a vehicle or aircraft)
Belton, at the controls, made a perfect landing.
6. PEOPLE WHO ORGANIZE AN ACTIVITY [singular, uncountable] the people who direct an activity or who check that something is done correctly, the place where this is done, or the process of doing it:
air-traffic control
Please stop at passport control.
computers used for stock control
7. SCIENTIFIC TEST [countable]
a) a person, group etc against which you compare another person or group that is very similar, in order to see if a particular quality is caused by something or happens by chance
control group/population/sample etc
A control group of non-smoking women was compared to four groups of women smokers.
b) a thing that you already know the result for that is used in a scientific test, in order to show that your method is working correctly ⇨ ↑controlled experiment
8. COMPUTER [singular] (also control key) a particular button on a computer that allows you to do certain operations:
Press control and F2 to exit.
⇨ ↑birth control, ↑quality control, ↑remote control

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

control

con·trol [control controls controlled controlling] noun, verb   [kənˈtrəʊl]    [kənˈtroʊl]

noun  

POWER
1. uncountable ~ (of/over sb/sth) the power to make decisions about how a country, an area, an organization, etc. is run
The party is expecting to gain control of the council in the next election.
The Democrats will probably lose control of Congress.
A military junta took control of the country.
The city is in the control of enemy forces.

• The city is under enemy control.

2. uncountable ~ (of/over sb/sth) the ability to make sb/sth do what you want
The teacher had no control over the children.
She struggled to keep control of her voice.
She lost control of her car on the ice.
He got so angry he lost control (= shouted and said or did things he would not normally do).
Owing to circumstances beyond our control, the flight to Rome has been cancelled.
The coach made the team work hard on ball control (= in a ball game).

see also  self-control  

LIMITING/MANAGING

3. uncountable, countable ~ (of/on sth) (often in compounds) the act of restricting, limiting or managing sth; a method of doing this
traffic control
talks on arms control
government controls on trade and industry
A new advance has been made in the control of malaria.
Price controls on food were ended.
• a pest control officer

see also  birth control, quality control  

IN MACHINE

4. countable, usually plural the switches and buttons, etc. that you use to operate a machine or a vehicle
the controls of an aircraft
the control panel
the volume control of a CD player
The co-pilot was at the controls when the plane landed.
a car with dual control(s) (= one set of controls for the driver and one for the instructor ).

see also  remote control  

IN EXPERIMENT

5. countable (technical) a person, thing or group used as a standard of comparison for checking the results of a scientific experiment; an experiment whose result is known, used for checking working methods
• The study showed that women with the disease have had fewer children than the controls.

• One group was treated with the new drug, and the control group was given a sugar pill.  

PLACE

6. singular a place where orders are given or where checks are made; the people who work in this place
air traffic control
• We went through passport control and into the departure lounge.

• This is Mission Control calling the space shuttle Discovery.  

ON COMPUTER

7. uncountable (also conˈtrol key singular) (on a computer keyboard) a key that you press when you want to perform a particular operation 
Word Origin:
late Middle English (as a verb in the sense ‘check or verify accounts’, especially by referring to a duplicate register): from Anglo-Norman French contreroller ‘keep a copy of a roll of accounts’, from medieval Latin contrarotulare, from contrarotulus ‘copy of a roll’, from contra- ‘against’ + rotulus ‘a roll’. The noun is perhaps via French contrôle.  
Thesaurus:
control noun
1. U
The city is under enemy control.
powerruleauthoritycommandholdgraspdiscipline|formal jurisdiction
in control/power/authority/command
be under sb's control/rule/authority/command/jurisdiction
have/give sb control/power/authority/command/a hold/jurisdiction over sb/sth
2. U, C
government controls on trade and industry
limitlimitationrestrictionconstraintrestraintcheckceilingcurb
controls/limits/limitations/restrictions/constraints/restraints/checks/a ceiling/curbs on sth
without controls/limits/limitations/restrictions/constraints/restraints/checks
impose controls/limits/limitations/restrictions/constraints/restraints/checks/a ceiling/curbs
3. C, usually pl.
the controls of an aircraft
buttonswitchdialwheelleverknob
be at/take the controls/wheel
adjust the controls/dial
the controls/wheel operates sth 
Synonyms:
limit
restriction control constraint restraint limitation
These are all words for sth that limits what you can do or what can happen.
limitthe greatest or smallest amount of sth that is allowed: The EU has set strict limits on pollution levels. the speed limit
restriction(rather formal) a rule or law that limits what you can do: There are no restrictions on the amount of money you can withdraw.
control(often in compounds) the act of limiting or managing sth; a method of doing this: arms control
constraint(rather formal) a fact or decision that limits what you can do: We have to work within severe constraints of time and money.
restraint(rather formal) a decision, a rule, an idea, etc. that limits what you can do; the act of limiting sth because it is necessary or sensible to do so: The government has imposed export restraints on some products. The unions are unlikely to accept any sort of wage restraint.
limitationthe act or process of limiting sth; a rule, fact or condition that limits sth: They would resist any limitation of their powers.
restriction, constraint, restraint or limitation?
These are all things that limit what you can do. A restriction is rule or law that is made by sb in authority. A constraint is sth that exists rather than sth that is made, although it may exist as a result of sb's decision. A restraint is also sth that exists: it can exist outside yourself, as the result of sb else's decision; but it can also exist inside you, as a fear of what other people may think or as your own feeling about what is acceptable: moral/social/cultural restraints. A limitation is more general and can be a rule that sb makes or a fact or condition that exists.
limits/restrictions/controls/constraints/restraints/limitations on sth
limits/limitations to sth
severe limits/restrictions/controls/constraints/restraints/limitations
tight limits/restrictions/controls/constraints
to impose/remove limits/restrictions/controls/constraints/restraints/limitations
to lift restrictions/controls/constraints/restraints 
Example Bank:
Chief Air Officer Sedley was at the controls of the Boeing 707.
Editors do not exercise control over large sections of their newspapers.
Enemy forces have now regained control of the area.
Everything is under control
He defended the tradition of civilian control over the military.
He lost control of the car when he swerved to avoid a bicycle.
He wants to hand over control of social security to the private sector.
He's a real control freak.
I had this feeling that things were out of control.
Many teenagers have poor impulse control.
New crime control measures have failed.
Once we were in the air, I was allowed to take the controls.
Parking is outside my control.
The car went out of control on the icy road.
The country has tightened its border controls.
The department was under the control of Bryce Thompson.
The elected government is back in control.
The event has been cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control.
The government has imposed strict controls on new building.
The idea is to give councils full control of their own budgets.
The police are experts in crowd control.
They have introduced controls on public spending.
They have little control over that side of the business.
They soon got the situation under control.
Weeds should be kept under strict control.
a programmable control unit
attempts to wrest control of the town from government forces
calls for tougher export controls
government plans to centralize control of schools
plans to relax price controls
the air traffic control tower
the water pressure control valve
A pest control officer was called in to deal with the rat problem.
He got so angry he lost control.
Practical measures such as quality control and testing are very important in the manufacturing process.
The aim is to give people more control over their own lives.
The city is under enemy control.
The coach made the team work hard on ball control.
The family has sold most of its shares and will lose control of the company.
• a reliable method of birth control

Idioms: get something under control  in control  out of control  under control 

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

control / kənˈtrəʊl /   / -ˈtroʊl / noun (POWER)

B2 [ C or U ] the act of controlling something or someone, or the power to do this:

She's got no control over that child - it's terrible.

He wants the government to impose strict controls on dog ownership.

The dictator took control of the country in 1933.

He felt he was losing control of events.

You need to stay in control of your emotions.

The car skidded and went out of control, crashing into an oncoming truck.

There was nothing we could do about it - the situation was out of/beyond/outside our control.

She criticized the police's methods of crowd control.

under control B2 being dealt with or limited successfully:

It seems that the disease is now under control.

Everything is under control, sir.

It took them two hours to bring/get the fire under control.

Word partners for control noun

assume / have / take control • lose / relinquish control • gain / get / seize control • impose / strengthen / tighten controls on sth • complete / direct / full / total control • firm / strict / tight control • control of / on / over sb/sth • beyond / out of / under sb's control

 

control / kənˈtrəʊl /   / -ˈtroʊl / noun (SWITCH)

B2 [ C ] a switch or other device used to operate a machine such as a vehicle:

The main instruments are in the centre of the control panel .

Captain Firth sat at the controls of the aircraft.

[ C usually singular ] ( also control key , written abbreviation Ctrl ) a key on a computer keyboard that you press at the same time as other keys to make the keyboard operate in a particular way:

Press and hold down the control key while you press 9.

I pressed Control Alt Delete but nothing happened.

Word partners for control noun

assume / have / take control • lose / relinquish control • gain / get / seize control • impose / strengthen / tighten controls on sth • complete / direct / full / total control • firm / strict / tight control • control of / on / over sb/sth • beyond / out of / under sb's control
 

control / kənˈtrəʊl /   / -ˈtroʊl / noun [ C ] specialized (IN AN EXPERIMENT)

in an experiment, an object or system that is not changed so that you can compare it with similar objects or systems that are intentionally changed

Word partners for control noun

assume / have / take control • lose / relinquish control • gain / get / seize control • impose / strengthen / tighten controls on sth • complete / direct / full / total control • firm / strict / tight control • control of / on / over sb/sth • beyond / out of / under sb's control

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

control

[kəntro͟ʊl]
 
 controls, controlling, controlled

 1) N-UNCOUNT: oft N of/over n Control of an organization, place, or system is the power to make all the important decisions about the way that it is run.
  The restructuring involves Mr Ronson giving up control of the company...
  The first aim of his government would be to establish control over the republic's territory.
  ●
  PHRASE: usu v-link PHR, usu PHR of n If you are in control of something, you have the power to make all the important decisions about the way it is run.
  Nobody knows who is in control of the club...
  In the West, people feel more in control of their own lives.
  PHRASE: PHR after v, v-link PHR If something is under your control, you have the power to make all the important decisions about the way that it is run.
  All the newspapers were taken under government control.
 2) N-UNCOUNT: oft N of/over n If you have control of something or someone, you are able to make them do what you want them to do.
  He lost control of his car...
  Some teachers have more control over pupils than their parents have.
 3) N-UNCOUNT If you show control, you prevent yourself behaving in an angry or emotional way.
  He had a terrible temper, and sometimes he would completely lose control...
  He was working hard to keep control of himself.
 4) VERB The people who control an organization or place have the power to take all the important decisions about the way that it is run.
  [V n] He now controls the largest retail development empire in southern California...
  [V n] Almost all of the countries in Latin America were controlled by dictators...
  [V-ing] Minebea ended up selling its controlling interest in both firms.
  Derived words:
  -controlled COMB in ADJ AGA Gas is Swedish-controlled. ...the state-controlled media.
 5) VERB To control a piece of equipment, process, or system means to make it work in the way that you want it to work.
  [V n] ...a computerised system to control the gates...
  [V n] Scientists would soon be able to manipulate human genes to control the ageing process.
  [V-ed] ...the controlled production of energy from sugar by a cell.
  Derived words:
  -controlled COMB in ADJ ...computer-controlled traffic lights.
 6) VERB When a government controls prices, wages, or the activity of a particular group, it uses its power to restrict them.
  [V n] The federal government tried to control rising health-care costs.
  [V n] ...measures to control illegal mining.
 N-UNCOUNT: with supp
 Control is also a noun. Control of inflation remains the government's absolute priority.
 7) VERB If you control yourself, or if you control your feelings, voice, or expression, you make yourself behave calmly even though you are feeling angry, excited, or upset.
  [V pron-refl] Jo was advised to learn to control herself...
  [V n] I just couldn't control my temper.
  Syn:
  restrain
  Derived words:
  controlled ADJ-GRADED Her manner was quiet and very controlled.
 8) VERB To control something dangerous means to prevent it from becoming worse or from spreading.
  [V n] ...the need to control environmental pollution...
  [V n] One of the biggest tasks will be to control the spread of malaria.
 9) N-COUNT A control is a device such as a switch or lever which you use in order to operate a machine or other piece of equipment.
  I practised operating the controls.
  ...the control box.
  ●
  PHRASE If someone is at the controls of a machine or other piece of equipment, they are operating it.
  He died of a heart attack while at the controls of the plane.
 10) N-VAR Controls are the methods that a government uses to restrict increases, for example in prices, wages, or weapons.
  Critics question whether price controls would do any good...
  Their talks are expected to focus on arms control...
  They have very strict gun control in Sweden.
 11) N-VAR: n N The word control is used to refer to a place where your documents or luggage are officially checked when you enter a foreign country.
  He went straight through Passport Control without incident.
  ...an agreement to abolish border controls.
 12) → See also air traffic control, birth control, quality control, remote control, stock control
 13) PHRASE: usu v PHR, v-link PHR If something is out of control, no-one has any power over it.
  The fire is burning out of control...
  I'm dealing with customers all the time who have let their debts get out of control.
 14) PHRASE: v-link PHR, PHR after v If something harmful is under control, it is being dealt with successfully and is unlikely to cause any more harm.
  The situation is under control...
  If the current violence is to be brought under control, the government needs to act.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

control

2control noun, pl -trols
1 [noncount] : the power to make decisions about how something is managed or done
• The city wanted local control of education.
• The troops had no control [=choice] over where they would be stationed.
• The tribes fought for control over the territory.
• He took control of the family farm.
• She hired an accountant to take control of her money.
• Two-thirds of the market is in the control of three companies. [=is controlled by three companies]
• He always wants to be in control. [=he wants to be the one who makes decisions]
• The team is under the control of a new coach. [=a new coach is in charge of the team; the team has a new coach]
• The weather is not in/under our control. = The weather is beyond our control. [=we cannot control the weather]
2 [noncount] : the ability to direct the actions of someone or something
• He lost all muscle control in his left arm.
• She no longer has control of her (mental) faculties. [=she is no longer able to think clearly or make rational decisions]
• The soccer player showed good control of the ball.
• a teacher with good control of her students
• The driver lost control (of the car) and hit a tree.
✦If you lose control or lose control of yourself, you become very angry, upset, or excited.
• He lost control of himself and yelled at his students.
✦If people or things are out of control, they cannot be handled or managed with success.
• The car went out of control and crashed.
• The child was out of control. She ran around the store screaming.
• The campfire got out of control and started a forest fire.
• The situation got out of control, and a fight started.
3 : an action, method, or law that limits the amount or growth of something

[count]

• The farmer used an organic pest control on his crops.
• To cut down on competition, the government passed price controls on prescription drugs.
• The President wants stricter controls on immigration.

[noncount]

• The two nations talked about arms control. [=control of the amount of weapons a country has]
• population control
- see also biological control, birth control, gun control, quality control, rent control damage control at 1damage
4 [count] : a device or piece of equipment used to operate a machine, vehicle, or system
• the volume control on a television
• the controls of the aircraft
• a car with manual controls
• a control panel
✦If you are at the controls, you are controlling a vehicle.
• The copilot was at the controls when the plane landed.
- see also remote control
5 [singular] : the group of people who direct or control something (such as the flight of an aircraft)
• pilots communicating with air traffic control
• a control tower/room
- see also mission control
6 [count] : a person, thing, or group that is not treated with something that is being tested in an experiment in order to allow comparison with a treated person, thing, or group
• The effects of the drug were clear when the test group was compared with the control group.
in control
1 : having control of something
• She will still be in control of the sales department.
• He managed to stay in control of his emotions.
2 : not overly upset or excited : calm and able to think and act in a sensible way
• In spite of the pressure to pass the test, he felt calm and in control.
under control : able to be handled or managed with success : not out of control
• She remained calm and kept the situation under control.
• A year after the divorce, he finally got his life back under control. [=he finally regained control of his life]
• The firefighters got the fire under control.
• You need to get your drinking/gambling/anger under control.
• Don't worry—I have everything under control.

artificial

artificial [adjective]

made by people, often as a copy of something natural

US /ˌɑːr.t̬əˈfɪʃ.əl/ 
UK /ˌɑː.tɪˈfɪʃ.əl/ 
Example: 

clothes made of artificial fibres

Oxford Essential Dictionary

artificial

 adjective
not natural or real, but made by people:
artificial flowers

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

artificial

artificial S3 /ˌɑːtəˈfɪʃəl◂, ˌɑːtɪˈfɪʃəl◂ $ ˌɑːr-/ BrE AmE adjective [usually before noun]
[Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: artificiel, from Latin artificialis, from artificium; ⇨ ↑artifice]
1. not real or not made of natural things but made to be like something that is real or natural SYN false OPP natural:
artificial flowers
artificial light
artificial fertilizers
2. an artificial situation or quality exists because someone has made it exist, and not because it is really necessary:
artificial distinctions
artificial barriers of gender and race
3. artificial behaviour is not sincere – used to show disapproval OPP genuine:
an artificial smile
—artificially adverb:
Food prices are being kept artificially low.
—artificiality /ˌɑːtəfɪʃiˈæləti, ˌɑːtɪfɪʃiˈæləti $ ˌɑːr-/ noun [uncountable]
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ nouns
artificial light/lighting Energy is being wasted by using artificial lighting when daylight is adequate.
artificial sweeteners (=used to make food or drink taste sweeter) Diet drinks contain artificial sweeteners like saccharin.
artificial colours (=used in food) I try to buy food that is free from artificial colours.
artificial flavours Ice cream often has artificial flavours in it.
artificial additives (=used to give food more colour or taste) Artificial additives such as colourings, sweeteners and flavour enhancers aren’t permitted in baby foods.
artificial preservatives (=used to preserve food) This jam has no artificial preservatives.
artificial flowers a vase of stiff-looking artificial flowers
an artificial environment Animals hate being confined in an artificial environment.
artificial grass artificial grass tennis courts
artificial snow Some ski resorts use huge amounts of artificial snow.
an artificial pitch British English The club is building a new artificial training pitch at its sports ground.
• • •
THESAURUS
artificial not real or natural, but made to look or work like something real or natural: artificial flowers | He was given an artificial heart.
synthetic made using chemical processes rather than by natural processes: synthetic fabrics | a synthetic version of the drug
man-made made by people – used especially about geographical features and materials: a man-made lake | man-made fibres
fake made to look or seem like something else, especially in order to deceive people: a fake passport | fake fur
imitation made to look like something, but not real – used especially about guns, jewellery, and leather: imitation firearms | imitation pearls
false artificial – used especially about teeth, ↑eyelashes, and ↑beards: a set of false teeth
simulated not real, but made to look, sound, or feel real, especially by means of special computers or machines: a simulated space flight
virtual made, done, seen etc on a computer, rather than in the real world: a virtual tour of the garden

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

artificial

ar·ti·fi·cial   [ˌɑːtɪˈfɪʃl]    [ˌɑːrtɪˈfɪʃl]  adjective
1. made or produced to copy sth natural; not real
an artificial limb/flower/sweetener/fertilizer

artificial lighting/light

2. created by people; not happening naturally
• A job interview is a very artificial situation.

• the artificial barriers of race, class and gender

3. not what it appears to be
Syn:  fake
artificial emotion
Derived Words: artificiality  artificially  
Word Origin:
late Middle English: from Old French artificiel or Latin artificialis, from artificium ‘handicraft’, based on ars, art- ‘art’ + facere ‘make’.  
Thesaurus:
artificial adj.
1.
free from artificial colours and flavours
syntheticman-madefalsefakeimitation
Opp: natural
artificial/synthetic/man-made fabrics/fibres/materials/products
artificial/synthetic/fake/imitation fur/leather
artificial/synthetic/false/fake/imitation diamonds/pearls
2.
A job interview is a very artificial situation.
disapproving forcedstrainedlabouredcontrived
a/an artificial/contrived situation/example
a forced/strained smile
sound forced/strained/laboured/contrived 
Synonyms:
artificial
synthetic false man-made fake imitation
These words all describe things that are not real, or not naturally produced or grown.
artificialmade or produced to copy sth natural; not real: artificial flowers artificial light
syntheticmade by combining chemical substances rather than being produced naturally by plants or animals: synthetic drugs shoes with synthetic soles
falsenot natural: false teeth a false beard
man-mademade by people; not natural: man-made fibres such as nylon
fakemade to look like sth else; not real: a fake-fur jacket
imitation[only before noun] made to look like sth else; not real: She would never wear imitation pearls.
artificial/synthetic/man-made fabrics/fibres/materials/products
artificial/synthetic/fake/imitation fur/leather
artificial/synthetic/false/fake/imitation diamonds/pearls  
Example Bank:
a patently artificial contrivance
All food served in the restaurant is completely free from any artificial colours and flavours.
I don't like having to do detailed work in artificial light.
It would be entirely artificial to try and divorce the two issues.
• The patient was kept alive by the artificial heart for nearly two months.

• They use rather artificial examples.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

artificial / ˌɑː.tɪˈfɪʃ. ə l /   / ˌɑːr.t̬ɪ- / adjective

B2 made by people, often as a copy of something natural:

clothes made of artificial fibres

an artificial heart

an artificial lake

artificial fur/sweeteners/flowers

C2 disapproving not sincere:

Their cheerfulness seemed rather strained and artificial.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

artificial

[ɑ͟ː(r)tɪfɪ̱ʃ(ə)l]
 1) ADJ Artificial objects, materials, or processes do not occur naturally and are created by human beings, for example using science or technology.
  ...a wholefood diet free from artificial additives, colours and flavours...
  The city is dotted with small lakes, natural and artificial...
  He did not want his life to be prolonged by artificial means.
  Syn:
  synthetic
  Ant:
  natural
  Derived words:
  artificially ADV usu ADV with v, also ADV adj ...artificially sweetened lemonade. ...drugs which artificially reduce heart rate.
 2) ADJ-GRADED: usu ADJ n An artificial state or situation exists only because someone has created it, and therefore often seems unnatural or unnecessary.
  Even in the artificial environment of an office, our body rhythms continue to affect us...
  He foresaw an open society without artificial barriers of background, religion or race.
  Derived words:
  artificiality [ɑ͟ː(r)tɪfɪ̱ʃiælɪti] N-UNCOUNT oft N of n ...another example of the capriciousness and artificiality of our adversarial system of justice.
  artificially ADV-GRADED ADV adj, ADV with v ...state subsidies that have kept retail prices artificially low.
 3) ADJ-GRADED (disapproval) If you describe someone or their behaviour as artificial, you disapprove of them because they pretend to have attitudes and feelings which they do not really have.
  The voice was patronizing and affected, the accent artificial.
  Derived words:
  artificiality N-UNCOUNT oft N of n ...the novel's use of homosexuality to suggest the artificiality of all relationships in that nervous city.
 4) ADJ-GRADED If you say that food tastes or looks artificial, you do not like it because its taste or appearance does not seem genuine, and seems to be created by added substances.
  The meat was chewy and the sauce was glutinous and tasted artificial.
  ...complaints that their tinned peas were an artificial shade of green.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

artificial

 

ar·ti·fi·cial /ˌɑɚtəˈfɪʃl̩/ adj
1 : not natural or real : made, produced, or done to seem like something natural
artificial lighting/plants
• the world's first artificial heart
• This product contains no artificial colors/flavors/sweeteners—only natural substances are used.
2 : not happening or existing naturally : created or caused by people
artificial price inflation
• The country's borders are artificial, and were set with no consideration for the various ethnic groups in the region.
3 [more ~; most ~] : not sincere
• an artificial smile
• Her concern seemed a bit artificial. [=forced]

self-confidence

self-confidence [noun]

If you have self-confidence, you behave confidently because you feel sure of your abilities or value.

US /ˌselfˈkɑːn.fə.dəns/ 
UK /ˌselfˈkɒn.fɪ.dəns/ 
Example: 

Richard's self confidence is growing steadily.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

self-confidence

See main entry: ↑self-confident
 

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

self-confidence

ˌself-ˈconfidence    ;    noun uncountable

He constantly tried to undermine her self-confidence.

He has no self-confidence.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

ˌ self- ˈ confident / ˌselfˈkɒn.fɪ.d ə nt /   / -ˈkɑːn- / adjective approving

B2 behaving calmly because you have no doubts about your ability or knowledge:

At school he was popular and self-confident, and we weren't surprised at his later success.

 

ˌ self- ˈ confidence / ˌselfˈkɒn.fɪ.d ə ns /   / -ˈkɑːn- / noun [ U ]

 

ˌ self- ˈ confidently / ˌselfˈkɒn.fɪ.d ə nt.li /   / -ˈkɑːn- / adverb

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

self-confidence

 N-UNCOUNT
 If you have self-confidence, you behave confidently because you feel sure of your abilities or value.
  With the end of my love affair, I lost all the self-confidence I once had...
  Richard's self confidence is growing steadily.
 Syn:
 self-assurance

stadium

stadium [noun]

a large building, usually without a roof, where people watch sports events such as football matches or races

US /ˈsteɪ.di.əm/ 
UK /ˈsteɪ.di.əm/ 
Example: 

 the new Olympic Stadium

Oxford Essential Dictionary

stadium

 noun
a place with seats around it where you can watch sport:
a football stadium

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

stadium

stadium /ˈsteɪdiəm/ BrE AmE noun (plural stadiums or stadia /-diə/) [countable]
[Date: 1300-1400; Language: Latin; Origin: Greek stadion 'unit of length, racetrack']
a building for public events, especially sports and large rock music concerts, consisting of a playing field surrounded by rows of seats:
the new Olympic Stadium
• • •
THESAURUS
■ places where people do sport
field (also pitch British English) a large area of ground, usually covered with grass, where team sports are played: A few kids were playing on the football field. | a hockey field
stadium a large sports field with seats all around it for people to watch team sports or track and field competitions: The atmosphere in the Olympic Stadium was amazing. | a football stadium
ground British English a sports field and the seats and buildings around it, belonging to a particular football, rugby, or cricket team: I met my friends inside the ground.
ballpark/park American English a stadium where baseball is played: Busch Stadium is one of the newest ballparks in Major League.
court an area with lines painted on the ground, for tennis, badminton, basketball, or volleyball: The hotel has four tennis courts and a volleyball court.
diamond the area in a baseball field that is within the shape formed by the four bases. The diamond can also be the whole field: The pitcher stands in the middle of the diamond. | There’s a playground, a picnic area, and a baseball diamond.
track a circular path with lines on it, for running on: In the relay, each runner runs once around the track.
gym a room with machines which you can use to do exercises: He spends an hour in the gym every day.
pool/swimming pool a place where you can swim: He jumped into the deep end of the pool. | I’ll meet you outside the swimming pool.
sports centre British English, sports center American English a building where you can play many types of indoor sports: Why not do exercise classes at your local sports centre?
health club a small sports centre, where you pay to be a member: How much does it cost to join a health club?

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

stadium

sta·dium [stadium stadiums stadia]   [ˈsteɪdiəm]    [ˈsteɪdiəm]  noun (pl. sta·diums or sta·dia   [ˈsteɪdiə]  ;   [ˈsteɪdiə]  )
a large sports ground surrounded by rows of seats and usually other buildings
a football/sports stadium
an all-seater stadium  
Word Origin:
late Middle English (originally referring to an ancient Roman or Greek measure of length): via Latin from Greek stadion. The current sense dates from the mid 19th cent.  
Example Bank:
The Reds are building a new stadium.
Thousands packed into the stadium to watch the final.
the home stadium of the New York Giants
It is a domed stadium with artificial turf.
They're planning to turn the football ground into an all-seater stadium.

Thousands of football fans packed into the stadium to watch the game.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

stadium / ˈsteɪ.di.əm / noun [ C ] ( plural stadiums or stadia )

B2 a large closed area of land with rows of seats around the sides and often with no roof, used for sports events and musical performances:

Thousands of football fans packed into the stadium to watch the match.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

stadium

[ste͟ɪdiəm]
 ♦♦♦
 stadiums, stadia (plural) [pr][ste͟ɪdiə][/pr]
 N-COUNT: oft in names after n

 A stadium is a large sports ground with rows of seats all round it.
  ...a baseball stadium...
  A concert in his honour will take place at Wembley Stadium.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

stadium

sta·di·um /ˈsteɪdijəm/ noun, pl -ums [count] : a very large usually roofless building that has a large open area surrounded by many rows of seats and that is used for sports events, concerts, etc.

undressed

undressed [verb]

not wearing any clothes

US /ʌnˈdres/ 
UK /ʌnˈdres/ 
Example: 

got undressed and got into the bath.

 

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

undressed

undressed /ˌʌnˈdrest◂/ BrE AmE adjective
[Word Family: noun: ↑dress, ↑dresser, ↑dressing; adjective: ↑dressed ≠ ↑undressed, ↑dressy; verb: ↑dress ≠ ↑undress]
1. [not before noun] not wearing any clothes:
He started to get undressed (=to take his clothes off).
2. an undressed wound has not been covered to protect it
• • •
THESAURUS
naked not wearing any clothes or not covered by clothes - used especially when this seems rather shocking: a naked man | He got out of bed naked, and answered the telephone. | his naked chest
have nothing on/not have anything on to not be wearing any clothes. This phrase is very commonly used in everyday English instead of saying that someone is naked: Can you wait a minute? I've got nothing on! | The little boy didn’t have anything on when he answered the door!
bare used about feet, legs, arms etc that are not covered by clothes: The sand was too hot to walk on in bare feet.
nude naked – used especially when talking about naked people in paintings, films etc: a nude portrait of his wife
undressed [not before noun] not wearing any clothes, especially because you have just taken them off in order to go to bed, have a bath etc: Sara was undressed and ready for bed but Jenny was fully clothed. | Wearily she got undressed and stepped into the shower.
topless if a woman is topless, she is not wearing any clothes on the upper part of her body, so that her breasts are not covered: a topless waitress
in the nude not wearing any clothes: Men and women swam together in the nude and thought nothing of it.
in your birthday suit informal humorous not wearing any clothes: He likes to sleep in his birthday suit. He says pyjamas are uncomfortable.
go commando informal humorous to not wear any underwear: In summertime, he likes to go commando.
in the buff informal not wearing any clothes - a very informal use: a beach where you can sunbathe in the buff

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

undressed

un·dressed [undressed]   [ʌnˈdrest]    [ʌnˈdrest]  adjective not usually before noun
not wearing any clothes
She began to get undressed (= remove her clothes).
He was half undressed when he answered the door.
Opp:  dressed  
Example Bank:
He was half undressed when the doorbell rang.
She felt undressed without her hat.
He said he felt undressed without a hat.

She began to get undressed.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

undressed / -ˈdrest / adjective [ usually after verb ]

B2

You two kids get undressed, and I'll run the bath.

 

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

undressed

[ʌ̱ndre̱st]
 ADJ
 If you are undressed, you are wearing no clothes or your night clothes. If you get undressed, you take off your clothes.
  Fifteen minutes later he was undressed and in bed...
  He got undressed in the bathroom.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

undressed

un·dressed /ˌʌnˈdrɛst/ adj
1 not used before a noun : wearing no clothing : not dressed
• I was undressed when the fire alarm went off.
• She got undressed [=took off her clothes] and went to bed.
2 : not cared for or covered
• an undressed wound
3 technical : not finished : not prepared for use
undressed hides/stones

 

courtesy

courtesy [noun]

polite behaviour, or a polite action or remark

US /ˈkɝː.t̬ə.si/ 
UK /ˈkɜː.tə.si/ 
Example: 

You might get on better with your parents if you showed them some courtesy.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

courtesy

 noun (no plural)
polite behaviour that shows respect for other people

 

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

courtesy

I. courtesy1 /ˈkɜːtəsi, ˈkɜːtɪsi $ ˈkɜːr-/ BrE AmE noun (plural courtesies)
[Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: corteisie, from corteis; ⇨ ↑courteous]
1. [uncountable] polite behaviour and respect for other people SYN politeness OPP discourtesy:
It’s a matter of common courtesy to acknowledge letters.
have the courtesy to do something
He didn’t even have the courtesy to call and say he couldn’t come.
2. [countable] something you do or say to be polite:
The two men exchanged courtesies before getting down to business.
3. (by) courtesy of somebody by someone’s permission or kindness, rather than by paying them:
photographs supplied courtesy of Blenheim Palace
4. (by) courtesy of something if one thing happens courtesy of another, the second thing caused the first:
Healy received a deep cut on his left hand, courtesy of Nicole’s ice skate.
5. do somebody the courtesy of doing something to be polite enough to do something for someone:
At least do me the courtesy of telling the truth.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

courtesy

cour·tesy [courtesy courtesies] noun, adjective   [ˈkɜːtəsi]    [ˈkɜːrtəsi] 

noun (pl. cour·tesies)
1. uncountable polite behaviour that shows respect for other people
Syn:  politeness
I was treated with the utmost courtesy by the staff.
We asked them, as a matter of courtesy, if we could photograph their house.

It's only common courtesy to tell the neighbours that we'll be having a party (= the sort of behaviour that people would expect).

2. countable, usually plural (formal) a polite thing that you say or do when you meet people in formal situations
an exchange of courtesies before the meeting  
Word Origin:
Middle English: from Old French cortesie, from corteis, based on Latin cohors ‘yard, retinue’.  
Example Bank:
He listened to all the complaints with great courtesy.
It's a matter of courtesy to write and thank people after a party.
It's common courtesy to give up your seat for elderly people.
It's common courtesy to warn your neighbours if your children are going to have a party.
She contacts clients regularly as a professional courtesy.
She might have done me the courtesy of replying to my letter.
You could at least have had the courtesy to let me know.
her unfailing courtesy to everyone
He bowed his head with exaggerated courtesy.
It's only common courtesy to tell the neighbours that we'll be having a party.
The prime minister was welcomed with the usual courtesies.
We asked them as a matter of courtesy.

Idioms: courtesy of somebody  do somebody the courtesy of doing something  have the courtesy to do something 

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

courtesy / ˈkɜː.tə.si /   / ˈkɝː.t̬ə- / noun [ U or C ]

B2 polite behaviour, or a polite action or remark:

You might get on better with your parents if you showed them some courtesy.

[ + to infinitive ] He could at least have had the courtesy to say sorry.

The president welcomed the Queen with the usual courtesies.

(by) courtesy of by permission of:

Jessie J appears courtesy of Universal Records.

because of:

Did the Conservatives win courtesy of the division of the opposition vote between Labour and the Liberal Democrats?

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

courtesy

[kɜ͟ː(r)tɪsi]
 courtesies
 1) N-UNCOUNT Courtesy is politeness, respect, and consideration for others. [FORMAL]
  ...a gentleman who behaves with the utmost courtesy towards ladies...
  He did not even have the courtesy to reply to my fax.
  Syn:
  politeness
  Ant:
  rudeness
 2) N-SING: usu the N of -ing/n If you refer to the courtesy of doing something, you are referring to a polite action. [FORMAL]
  By extending the courtesy of a phone call to my clients, I was building a personal relationship with them...
  At least if they're arguing, they're doing you the courtesy of being interested.
 3) N-COUNT: usu pl Courtesies are polite, conventional things that people say in formal situations. [FORMAL]
  Hugh and John were exchanging faintly barbed courtesies.
  Syn:
  formalities
 4) ADJ: ADJ n Courtesy is used to describe services that are provided free of charge by an organization to its customers, or to the general public.
  A courtesy shuttle bus operates between the hotel and the town.
  ...a courtesy phone.
 5) ADJ: ADJ n A courtesy call or a courtesy visit is a formal visit that you pay someone as a way of showing them politeness or respect.
  The President paid a courtesy call on Emperor Akihito.
 6) N-UNCOUNT: N n, by N A courtesy title is a title that someone is allowed to use, although it has no legal or official status.
  Both were accorded the courtesy title of Lady...
  My title, by courtesy only, is the Honourable Amalia Lovell.
 7) PHR-PREP If something is provided courtesy of someone or by courtesy of someone, they provide it. You often use this expression in order to thank them.
  The waitress brings over some congratulatory glasses of champagne, courtesy of the restaurant...
  Illustrations by courtesy of the National Gallery.
 8) PHR-PREP If you say that one thing happens courtesy of another or by courtesy of another, you mean that the second thing causes or is responsible for the first thing.
  The air was fresh, courtesy of three holes in the roof...
  As millions will have seen, by courtesy of the slow motion re-runs, the referee made a mistake.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

1cour·te·sy /ˈkɚtəsi/ noun, pl -sies
1 [noncount] : polite behavior that shows respect for other people
• They treated us with courtesy and kindness.
• He didn't even have the common courtesy [=he was not even as polite as people can usually be expected to be] to say goodbye when he left.
2 [count]
a : something that you do because it is polite, kind, etc.
• She did it as a courtesy, not because she had to.
b : something that you say to be polite especially when you meet someone
• Everyone knows each other here, so we won't bother with the usual courtesies.
• They shook hands and exchanged courtesies before beginning their discussion.
courtesy of
✦If you say that something has been provided through the courtesy of or (by) courtesy of a person, organization, business, etc., you are politely saying that they paid for it, gave it, or let it be used.
• The flowers were provided through the courtesy of a local florist.
• This program is brought to you courtesy of our sponsors. [=it has been paid for by our sponsors] The word courtesy is sometimes used informally by itself in this way.
• Photo courtesy Helen Jones. [=Helen Jones is allowing the photograph to be used] The phrase courtesy of is sometimes also used informally to indicate the cause of something.
• I have a bad cold now, courtesy of my brother. [=I have a bad cold that I caught from my brother]

English translation unavailable for productively.

come up with sth

come up with sth [phrasal verb]

to suggest or think of an idea or plan

US /kʌm/ 
UK /kʌm/ 
Example: 

She's come up with some amazing scheme to double her income.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

come up with something phrasal verb

1 to think of an idea, answer etc

 Is that the best excuse you can come up with? 

We’ve been asked to come up with some new ideas.

2 informal to produce an amount of money 

We wanted to buy the house but we couldn’t come up with the cash. 

How am I supposed to come up with $10,000?

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

come up with sth — phrasal verb with come / kʌm / verb ( came , come )

B2 to suggest or think of an idea or plan:

She's come up with some amazing scheme to double her income.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

come up with

 1) PHRASAL VERB If you come up with a plan or idea, you think of it and suggest it.
  [V P P n] Several of the members have come up with suggestions of their own...
  [V P P n] 30 years ago, scientists came up with the theory that protons and neutrons are composed of three smaller particles.
 2) PHRASAL VERB If you come up with a sum of money, you manage to produce it when it is needed.
  [V P P n] If Warren can come up with the $15 million, we'll go to London.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

come up with something

[no passive] to find or produce an answer, a sum of money, etc.

She came up with a new idea for increasing sales.

How soon can you come up with the money?

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