adjective

pink

/pɪŋk/

A pale red colour

Persian equivalent:

Example:

Pretty pink flowers

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Oxford Essential Dictionary

pink

adjective
with a light red colour:
a pink jumper

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

pink

I. pink¹ S2 W3 /pɪŋk/ BrE AmE adjective
[Date: 1600-1700; Origin: Probably from ⇨ ↑pink²(2)]
1. pale red:
bright pink lipstick
Hannah’s face went pink. ⇨ ↑shocking pink
2. [only before noun] British English relating to people who are ↑homosexual

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

pink

pink [pink pinks pinked pinking pinker pinkest] adjective, noun, verb [pɪŋk] [pɪŋk]

adjective
1. pale red in colour
• pale pink roses
• She went bright pink with embarrassment.

• The sun was now just a pink glow in the evening sky.

2. only before noun (BrE) connected with homosexual people

• the pink pound (= money spent by homosexuals as an influence in the economy)

3. (politics) (informal, disapproving) having or showing slightly left-wing political views
• pale pink politics
compare red _adj.
see be tickled pink at tickle _v.
Word Origin:
adj. and n. sense 1 mid 17th cent. pink
n. sense 2 late 16th cent. pink eye ‘small or half-shut eye’ French oeillet ‘little eye’
v. early 20th cent.

Example Bank:
• He was pink with anger.
• She could feel herself going pink.
• The western sky was glowing pink.
Idiom: in the pink

Derived Word: pinkness

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

pink / pɪŋk / adjective (COLOUR)

A2 of a pale red colour:

pretty pink flowers

Have you been in the sun? Your nose is a bit pink.

pinkness / ˈpɪŋk.nəs / noun [ U ]

pink / pɪŋk / adjective old-fashioned disapproving (POLITICS)

(slightly) supporting socialist ideas and principles

pink / pɪŋk / adjective (GAY)

connected with gay people:

the growth in the pink economy

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

pink

/pɪŋk/
(pinker, pinkest, pinks)

Frequency: The word is one of the 1500 most common words in English.

1.
Pink is the colour between red and white.
...pink lipstick.
...white flowers edged in pink.
...sweaters in a variety of pinks and blues.
COLOUR
• pink‧ish
Her nostrils were pinkish, as though she had a cold.
ADJ
• pink‧ness
Meat which has been cooked thoroughly shows no traces of pinkness.
N-UNCOUNT

2.
If you go pink, your face turns a slightly redder colour than usual because you are embarrassed or angry, or because you are doing something energetic.
She went pink again as she remembered her mistake.
= flush
COLOUR: usu v-link COLOUR

3.
Pink is used to refer to things relating to or connected with homosexuals.
Businesses are now more aware of the importance of the ‘pink pound’.
ADJ

4.
Pinks are small plants that people grow in their gardens. They have sweet-smelling pink, white, or red flowers.
N-COUNT: usu pl

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

²pink adj : of the color pink
• pink roses
• Her dress is pale/salmon pink.
tickled pink

sunny

sunny [adjective] (BRIGHT)

/ˈsʌn.i/

Example:

It was a sunny day when we met for the first time.

Bright because of light from the sun

Persian equivalent:

Example:

It was a sunny day when we met for the first time.

Theme, CEFR level & Tags

Theme:

describing good weather

Level:

A1 (Basic)

Region:

Oxford Essential Dictionary

sunny

adjective (sunnier, sunniest)
bright and warm with light from the sun:
a sunny day
Tomorrow will be warm and sunny.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

sunny

sun‧ny /ˈsʌni/ BrE AmE adjective
1. having a lot of light from the sun SYN bright:
a warm sunny day
a sunny morning
a nice sunny room
I hope it’s sunny tomorrow.
sunny periods/spells/intervals (=periods when it is sunny)
Tuesday will be dry with sunny spells.
2. informal happy and friendly:
a sunny smile
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ sunny if the weather is sunny, the sun is shining: When we arrived in Hong Kong, it was warm and sunny. | a lovely sunny afternoon
▪ fine especially British English not raining, and with no clouds or only a few clouds in the sky: a period of fine weather | Next week will be fine but a little cooler.
▪ nice (also lovely especially British English) spoken pleasantly warm and sunny: It’s a lovely day – why don’t we go for a walk? | If it’s nice, we’ll go to the beach.
▪ bright if the weather is bright, the sun is shining and there is plenty of light: a bright sunny morning | It was bright earlier on in the day.
▪ beautiful/glorious used when the weather is very good and there is a lot of sunshine: a glorious autumn day | The weather has been beautiful all week.
▪ clear with no clouds or mist: It was a clear June morning. | a clear blue sky
▪ cloudless especially literary with no clouds: The sun shone from a cloudless sky. | It was a beautiful cloudless morning.
▪ dry with no rain: a period of dry weather | Tomorrow will be mostly dry.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

sunny

sunny [sunny sunnier sunniest] [ˈsʌni] [ˈsʌni] adjective (sun·nier, sun·ni·est)
1. with a lot of bright light from the sun
• a sunny day
• sunny weather
• The outlook for the weekend is hot and sunny.
• a sunny garden

• Italy was at its sunniest.

2. cheerful and happy
• a sunny disposition
Example Bank:
• a brilliantly sunny day
• a gloriously sunny morning
• He had a sunny disposition and was always fun to be with.
• She flashed him her sunniest smile.
• The outlook for the weekend is warm and sunny.
• These plants grow best in a sunny spot.

• Throughout the week, the weather was fine and sunny.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

sunny / ˈsʌn.i / adjective (BRIGHT)

A2 bright because of light from the sun:

We're having the party in the garden, so I'm praying it'll be sunny.

sunny / ˈsʌn.i / adjective (HAPPY)

describes someone who is usually happy and relaxed and does not usually get worried or angry:

She has a very sunny disposition.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

sunny

/sʌni/
(sunnier, sunniest)

1.
When it is sunny, the sun is shining brightly.
The weather was surprisingly warm and sunny...
There is a chance of sunny spells in the West.
= bright
ADJ

2.
Sunny places are brightly lit by the sun.
Most roses like a sunny position in a fairly fertile soil.
ADJ

3.
Someone who has a sunny disposition is usually cheerful and happy.
He was a nice lad–bright and with a sunny disposition...
The staff wear big sunny smiles.
= cheery
ADJ

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

sunny

sun·ny /ˈsʌni/ adj sun·ni·er; -est
1 : having plenty of bright sunlight
• a sunny room/day
• sunny weather
• the sunniest parts of the country
• We found a sunny place/spot to have lunch.
• If it's sunny later, we can go to the park.
2 : cheerful and happy
• a sunny smile/disposition

snowy

snowy [adjective]

/ˈsnoʊ.i/

/ˈsnəʊ.i/

Example:

Children always like snowy weather.

Full of or like snow

Persian equivalent:

Example:

Children always like snowy weather.

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Level:

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Oxford Essential Dictionary

snowy

adjective (snowier, snowiest)
with a lot of snow:
snowy weather

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

snowy

snow‧y /ˈsnəʊi $ ˈsnoʊi/ BrE AmE adjective
1. with a lot of snow:
the snowy fields
one snowy January day
2. literary pure white, like snow:
snowy hair

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

snowy

snowy [snowy snowier snowiest] [ˈsnəʊi] [ˈsnoʊi] adjective (snow·ier, snowi·est)
1. usually before noun covered with snow

• snowy fields

2. (of a period of time) when a lot of snow falls
• a snowy weekend

• The weather in January is often cold and snowy.

3. (literary) very white, like new snow
• snowy hair
Example Bank:

• snowy fields/peaks

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

snowy / ˈsnəʊ.i / / ˈsnoʊ- / adjective

full of or like snow:

We've had a very snowy winter this year.

I remember him as an old man with a snowy- white (= pure white) beard.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

snowy

/snoʊi/
(snowier, snowiest)

A snowy place is covered in snow. A snowy day is a day when a lot of snow has fallen.
...the snowy peaks of the Bighorn Mountains.

ADJ: usu ADJ n

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

snowy

snowy /ˈsnowi/ adj snow·i·er; -est [also more ~; most ~]
1 a : having a lot of snow
• a snowy day
• This is the snowiest winter in years.
b : covered in snow
• snowy mountaintops/streets/fields
2 : white like snow
• snowy hair
• snowy white flower petals

weak

/wiːk/

not strong, or not strong enough to work, last, succeed, persuade, or be effective

Persian equivalent:

weakness and vulnerability

Example:

He has a weak heart.

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Oxford Essential Dictionary

weak

adjective (weaker, weakest)

pronunciation
The word weak sounds just like week.

1 not powerful or strong:
She felt very weak after her long illness.
He is too weak to be a good leader.
opposite strong

2 Something that is weak can break easily:
The bridge is too weak to carry heavy traffic.

3 (used about a drink) containing a lot of water; not strong in taste:
I like my tea quite weak.
opposite strong

>> weakly adverb:
She smiled weakly at them.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

weak

weak S3 W2 /wiːk/ BrE AmE adjective
[Word Family: noun: weakling, weakness; verb: weaken; adverb: weakly; adjective: weak]
[Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old Norse; Origin: veikr]
1. PHYSICAL not physically strong:
The illness left her feeling weak.
Poor light produces weak plants.
be too weak to do something
She’s too weak to feed herself.
weak with/from
Nina was weak with hunger.
The animal was weak from loss of blood.
weak heart/lungs etc
My grandfather had a weak heart.
2. LIKELY TO BREAK unable to support much weight:
a weak bridge
too weak to do something
The branch was too weak to support his weight.
3. CHARACTER easily influenced by other people – used to show disapproval:
a weak indecisive man
4. WITHOUT POWER not having much power or influence
weak leader/ruler/king etc
a weak and ineffective president
The party was left weak and divided.
The country is in a weak position economically.
5. WITHOUT INTEREST without the power to interest or amuse people:
The play is well acted but the plot is weak.
a weak joke
6. WITHOUT ENERGY done without energy or confidence:
He managed a weak smile.
7. NOT GOOD AT DOING SOMETHING not good at a particular skill or subject, or in a particular area of activity or knowledge
weak in
New Zealand was weak in defense.
weak on
She speaks quite fluently but she’s weak on grammar.
Be honest about your weak points (=your faults or the things you do not do well).
8. MONEY not financially successful
weak currency/economy etc
The pound was weak against the dollar.
9. ARGUMENT/IDEA not likely to make people believe that something is true or right:
She’s washing her hair? That sounds like a weak excuse!
There are some weak points in her argument.
The defence lawyer clearly knew that his case was weak.
10. DRINK weak tea, beer etc contains a lot of water and has little taste OPP strong
11. LIGHT/SOUND difficult to see or hear SYN faint:
a weak radio signal
He had only a weak light to see by.
12. weak points/spots the parts of something that can easily be attacked or criticized:
Check your house for weak spots where a thief could enter.
13. weak at the knees feeling strange because of strong emotions:
His smile made her go weak at the knees.
14. weak moment a time when you can be persuaded more easily than usual:
Dave caught me at a weak moment and I lent him £10.
15. the weak/weakest link the person or thing in a situation that is less strong, skilful etc than the others:
Goalkeeper Gouter proved to be the weakest link.
16. weak verb technical a verb that forms regular past tenses OPP strong verb
17. weak consonant/syllable one that is not emphasized
—weakly adverb:
‘I’m sorry,’ she said, smiling weakly.
He sank down weakly beside her.
• • •
THESAURUS
■ not physically strong
▪ weak not physically strong, sometimes because you are ill: Tom’s had flu and he’s still feeling weak. | The doctors said she was too weak to have an operation. | He suffered constantly from a weak chest.
▪ frail weak and thin, especially because you are old: a frail 85-year-old lady | My grandfather’s becoming quite frail now.
▪ shaky feeling weak in your legs and only able to walk slowly and unsteadily: When I came out of hospital I was a bit shaky for a while.
▪ puny /ˈpjuːni/ especially disapproving small, thin, and looking very weak: his puny white arms | He was a puny little boy who was often bullied at school.
▪ feeble especially written weak and unable to do much because you are very ill, very old or young: For a week she was too feeble to get out of bed. | a tiny, feeble baby
▪ delicate weak and often becoming ill easily: a delicate child | She had rather a delicate constitution (=her body easily became ill).
▪ infirm formal weak or ill for a long time, especially because you are old: a residential home for people who are elderly and infirm | There are special facilities for wheelchair users and infirm guests.
▪ malnourished formal weak or ill because you have not had enough good food to eat: Half a million people there are severely malnourished. | The organization provides emergency feeding for malnourished children.
■ likely to break
▪ weak unable to support much weight, and likely to break: The foundations of the building are rather weak. | an old chair with weak legs
▪ fragile made of a thin material that is easy to break or damage – used when something needs to be handled carefully: a fragile china vase | Be careful of those glasses – they’re very fragile.
▪ delicate easy to break or damage – used especially about soft materials, skin etc: Wash delicate fabrics separately. | This soap is good for delicate skin.
▪ flimsy not well-made from strong materials and so easily damaged – used about furniture, houses etc: a flimsy plastic table | This keyboard’s very cheap but it’s a bit flimsy.
▪ rickety /ˈrɪkəti, ˈrɪkɪti/ in very bad condition and likely to break – used about a building, piece of furniture, vehicle etc: a rickety old bicycle | He lived in a rickety hut on the beach for several years.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

weak

weak [weak weaker weakest] [wiːk] [wiːk] adjective (weaker, weakest)

NOT PHYSICALLY STRONG
1. not physically strong
• She is still weak after her illness.
• His legs felt weak.

• She suffered from a weak heart.

LIKELY TO BREAK

2. that cannot support a lot of weight; likely to break

• That bridge is too weak for heavy traffic.

WITHOUT POWER

3. easy to influence; not having much power
• a weak and cowardly man
• In a weak moment (= when I was easily persuaded) I said she could borrow the car.
• a weak leader

• The unions have always been weak in this industry.

POOR/SICK PEOPLE

4. the weak noun plural people who are poor, sick or without power

CURRENCY/ECONOMY
5. not financially strong or successful
• a weak currency

• The economy is very weak.

NOT GOOD AT STH

6. not good at sth
• a weak team

• ~ in sth I was always weak in the science subjects.

NOT CONVINCING

7. that people are not likely to believe or be persuaded by
Syn: unconvincing
• weak arguments

• I enjoyed the movie but I thought the ending was very weak.

HARD TO SEE/HEAR

8. not easily seen or heard

• a weak light/signal/sound

WITHOUT ENTHUSIASM

9. done without enthusiasm or energy
• a weak smile

• He made a weak attempt to look cheerful.

LIQUID

10. a weak liquid contains a lot of water

• weak tea

POINT/SPOT

11. ~ point/spot the part of a person's character, an argument, etc. that is easy to attack or criticize
• The team's weak points are in defence.

• He knew her weak spot where Steve was concerned.

GRAMMAR

12. a weak verb forms the past tense and past participle by adding a regular ending and not by changing a vowel. In English this is done by adding -d, -ed or -t (for example walk, walked)

PHONETICS
13. (of the pronunciation of some words) used when there is no stress on the word. For example, the weak form of and is /[ən] / or /[n] /, as in bread and butter /[ˌbred n ˈbʌtə(r)] /.
Opp: strong
more at the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak at spirit _n.
Idioms: weak at the knees ▪ weak link
Word Origin:
Old English wāc ‘pliant’, ‘of little worth’, ‘not steadfast’, reinforced in Middle English by Old Norse veikr, from a Germanic base meaning ‘yield, give way’.
Example Bank:
• He was weak with hunger.
• He's weak in English.
• Her legs felt suddenly weak.
• She was weak from shock.
• She's rather weak at languages.
• The essay was a bit weak on detail.
• The judge decided the evidence was inherently weak and inconsistent.
• When the spasm passed, it left him weak and sweating.
• The case for the prosecution was rather weak.
• The weak winter sunlight spread across the lake.

• weak arguments/evidence

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

weak / wiːk / adjective (NOT STRONG)

B1 not strong, or not strong enough to work, last, succeed, persuade, or be effective:

It's not surprising you feel weak if you haven't eaten properly for days.

The electromagnetic field strength becomes weaker as you move further away from high voltage cables.

He was a weak king surrounded by corrupt advisers.

Any evidence that exists to support the hypothesis is fairly weak.

He gave the weakest of excuses when asked why he was late.

B2 describes a drink that contains a lot of water compared to its other contents, so that it does not have a strong flavour:

I can't stand weak coffee/tea.

specialized describes an acid, alkali, or chemical base that does not produce many ions (= atoms with an electrical charge) when it is dissolved in water

weakly / -li / adverb

"The pain seems to have eased a little with these new tablets," he said weakly.

weak / wiːk / adjective (NOT GOOD)

B1 not good enough, especially in ability, skill, or quality:

He was always weak at/in languages but strong at/in science.

Our quiz team is a bit weak on sport.

In the end I think the film was spoilt by a weak story line.

weakly / -li / adverb

"The pain seems to have eased a little with these new tablets," he said weakly.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

weak

[wi͟ːk]
♦♦
weaker, weakest
1) ADJ-GRADED If someone is weak, they are not healthy or do not have good muscles, so that they cannot move quickly or carry heavy things.
  I was too weak to move or think or speak...
  His arms and legs were weak.
  Ant:
  strong
  Derived words:
  weakly ADV-GRADED ADV with v `I'm all right,' Max said weakly, but his breathing came in jagged gasps... He weakly pressed his arms against her sides.
  weakness N-UNCOUNT Symptoms of anaemia include weakness, fatigue and iron deficiency.
2) ADJ-GRADED If someone has an organ or sense that is weak, it is not very effective or powerful, or is likely to fail.
  Until the beating, Cantanco's eyesight had been weak, but adequate...
  She tired easily and had a weak heart.
3) ADJ-GRADED If you describe someone as weak, you mean that they are not very confident or determined, so that they are often frightened or worried, or easily influenced by other people.
  He was a nice doctor, but a weak man who wasn't going to stick his neck out...
  You have been conditioned to believe that it is weak to be scared.
  Ant:
  strong
  Derived words:
  weakness N-UNCOUNT Many people felt that admitting to stress was a sign of weakness.
4) ADJ-GRADED If you describe someone's voice or smile as weak, you mean that it not very loud or big, suggesting that the person lacks confidence, enthusiasm, or physical strength.
  His weak voice was almost inaudible...
  He managed a weak smile.
  Syn:
  feeble
  Derived words:
  weakly ADV-GRADED ADV after v He smiled weakly at reporters.
5) ADJ-GRADED If an object or surface is weak, it breaks easily and cannot support a lot of weight or resist a lot of strain.
  The owner said the bird may have escaped through a weak spot in the aviary...
  Swimming is helpful for bones that are porous and weak.
  Ant:
  strong
6) ADV-GRADED A weak physical force does not have much power or intensity.
  The molecules in regular liquids are held together by relatively weak bonds...
  Strong winds can turn boats when the tide is weak.
  ...the weak winter sun.
  Ant:
  strong
  Derived words:
  weakly ADV-GRADED ADV adj/-ed, ADV after v The mineral is weakly magnetic... Down through the trees the wind whooshed weakly, like a sick child.
7) ADJ-GRADED If individuals or groups are weak, they do not have any power or influence.
  The council was too weak to do anything about it.
  Syn:
  powerless
  Derived words:
  weakness N-UNCOUNT It made me feel patronised, in a position of weakness.
N-PLURAL: the N
The weak are people who are weak. He voiced his solidarity with the weak and defenceless.
8) ADJ-GRADED A weak government or leader does not have much control, and is not prepared or able to act firmly or severely.
  The changes come after mounting criticism that the government is weak and indecisive...
  The chief editorial writer also blames weak leadership for the current crisis.
  Ant:
  strong
  Derived words:
  weakly ADV-GRADED ...the weakly-led movement for reform.
  weakness N-UNCOUNT Officials fear that he might interpret the emphasis on diplomacy as a sign of weakness.
9) ADJ-GRADED If you describe something such a country's currency, economy, industry, or government as weak, you mean that it is not successful, and may be likely to fail or collapse.
  The weak dollar means American goods are relative bargains for foreigners...
  When the economy is weak, it's very hard for suppliers to raise their prices.
  Ant:
  strong
  Derived words:
  weakness N-UNCOUNT usu with poss The weakness of his regime is showing more and more... The pound's weakness compounded the widespread gloom in the City.
10) ADJ-GRADED If something such as an argument or case is weak, it is not convincing or there is little evidence to support it.
  Do you think the prosecution made any particular errors, or did they just have a weak case?...
  The claim exposed a weak point in the structure of facts upon which his argument rested...
  The evidence against him was weak and insufficient.
  Syn:
  flimsy
  Ant:
  strong
  Derived words:
  weakly ADV-GRADED ADV before v The doctor also rather weakly puts the case that the mother-to-be has many relatives.
  weakness plural N-VAR ...the strengths and weaknesses of the government's case... The Law recognises the weakness of claims based on retrospective knowledge.
11) ADJ-GRADED A weak drink, chemical, or drug contains very little of a particular substance, for example because a lot of water has been added to it.
  Grace poured a cup of weak tea...
  You can neutralise the smell by wiping the plaster with a very weak bleach solution.
  Ant:
  strong
12) ADJ-GRADED: oft ADJ on n Your weak points are the qualities or talents you do not possess, or the things you are not very good at.
  You may very well be asked what your weak points are. Don't try to claim you don't have any...
  Geography was my weak subject...
  His short stories tend to be weak on plot.
  Ant:
  strong
  Derived words:
  weakness N-VAR His only weakness is his temperament... There's some weakness in their teaching ability.
13) ADJ-GRADED You can say that someone has a weak chin to indicate that their chin is not large, especially when you want to suggest that they do not have a strong character.
  She was a plain-looking woman with a weak chin.
  Ant:
  strong
14) → See also weakness

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

weak

weak /ˈwiːk/ adj weak·er; -est [also more ~; most ~]
1 : having little physical power or ability : not strong
• He has a weak throwing arm.
• The illness left her too weak to stand up.
• The child was born with weak lungs.
• weak eyes/eyesight
2 : having little power or force
• The batter hit a weak ground ball.
• a weak punch
• weak winds
• She uttered her reply in a weak voice.
3 : likely to break or stop working properly : not able to handle weight, pressure, or strain
• The door's hinge is weak.
• a weak rope
4 disapproving
a : having little power or influence
• He proved to be a weak and ineffectual leader.
b : not able to make good decisions or deal with difficult situations
• Some see compromise as a sign of a weak character.
• In a weak moment [=during a brief time when I had bad judgment] I told them my secret.
5 a : lacking enough or the usual amount of an important ingredient
• This tea is weak. [=it has little tea flavor]
• weak cocktails [=cocktails that contain less than the usual amount of alcohol]
• a weak bleach solution [=a mixture of water and a small amount of bleach]
b : not powerful in action or effect
• a weak drug
• a country with weak environmental laws
• a weak radio signal
6 : not likely to persuade or convince people that something is true, real, correct, etc.
• Her arguments in support of the theory were weak.
• He gave a weak excuse for being late.
• The prosecution has a weak case.
7 : not having enough skill or ability
• Many of the students are weak in math and science.
• The team is weak on defense.
8 : failing to produce the result that is wanted : not effective
• The pun was a weak attempt at humor.
• The novel's plot was weak. [=it did not make sense, did not seem realistic, etc.]
9 : showing little confidence or enthusiasm
• He gave only a weak smile.
10 a : having a value that is small or is not increasing : less valuable
• The dollar is weak.
b : in a poor financial condition
• a weak economy
• a weak housing market [=a situation in which few people are buying houses]
11 : dull or pale
• The weak winter light shone through the window.
• weak colors
12 : smaller than the usual size
• a man with a weak chin
13 grammar : following the normal patterns by which the past tenses of verbs are usually formed : regular
• Since “work” is a weak verb, its past tense is “worked.”
a weak stomach
- see ¹stomach
the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
- see ¹spirit
the weak : weak people
• the weak and the powerful
weak at/in the knees : so nervous or powerfully affected that it is difficult for you to stand
• The announcement made me weak at the knees.
• She said hello to me and I went weak in the knees.
- weak·ly adv
• He smiled weakly at me. synonyms weak, feeble, and frail mean lacking strength. weak is a general word that can describe either a temporary or permanent lack of strength.
• He felt weak after his illness.
• I'm too weak to lift that heavy box by myself. feeble stresses the kind of very great weakness that often makes other people feel pity or sympathy.
• Feeble with hunger, the dog was found wandering in the streets. frail is usually used to describe a very weak person who is easily injured especially because of illness or age.
• a frail and sickly child
• She became very frail in her old age.

weak

waking

/ˈweɪ.kɪŋ/

describes a period of time or an experience during which you are awake

Persian equivalent:

not sleeping and not unconscious

Example:

I spend all my waking hours on learning English.

Theme, CEFR level & Tags

Theme:

Level:

Region:

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

waking

wak‧ing /ˈweɪkɪŋ/ BrE AmE adjective written
waking hours/life/day etc all the time when you are awake:
His face haunted her every waking moment!

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

waking

▪ I. wak·ing [waking] [ˈweɪkɪŋ] [ˈweɪkɪŋ] adjective only before noun
used to describe time when you are awake
• She spends all her waking hours caring for her mother.

• He thought of her every waking moment.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

waking / ˈweɪ.kɪŋ / adjective [ before noun ]

describes a period of time or an experience during which you are awake:

Children are in school for 15 percent of their waking hours/life between birth and the age of 16.

She seems to spend every waking moment/minute/hour (= all her available time) at the piano.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

waking

waking adj always used before a noun of time : passing while you are awake and able to think and act
• I spent every waking hour/moment [=every hour/moment when I was awake] thinking about how to fix the problem.

waking

unimaginable

/ˌʌn.ɪˈmædʒ.ɪ.nə.bəl/

describes something that is difficult to imagine because it is so bad, good, big, etc.

Persian equivalent:

Example:

unimaginable wealth

Theme, CEFR level & Tags

Theme:

serious and unpleasant

Level:

C2 (Proficient)

Region:

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

unimaginable

un‧i‧ma‧gin‧a‧ble /ˌʌnɪˈmædʒənəbəl◂, ˌʌnɪˈmædʒɪnəbəl◂/ BrE AmE adjective
[Word Family: adjective: imaginable ≠ unimaginable, imaginary, imaginative ≠ unimaginative, unimagined; noun: imagination, imaginings; adverb: unimaginably, imaginatively; verb: imagine]
not possible to imagine:
unimaginable wealth
—unimaginably adverb

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

unimaginable

un·imagin·able [unimaginable unimaginably] [ˌʌnɪˈmædʒɪnəbl] [ˌʌnɪˈmædʒɪnəbl] adjective (formal)
impossible to think of or to believe exists; impossible to imagine
• unimaginable wealth
• This level of success would have been unimaginable just last year.
Opp: imaginable

Derived Word: unimaginably

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

unimaginable / ˌʌn.ɪˈmædʒ.ɪ.nə.bl̩ / adjective

C2 describes something that is difficult to imagine because it is so bad, good, big, etc.:

unimaginable pain/wealth

unimaginably / -bli / adverb

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

unimaginable

[ʌ̱nɪmæ̱ʤɪnəb(ə)l]
ADJ-GRADED (emphasis)
If you describe something as unimaginable, you are emphasizing that it is difficult to imagine or understand properly, because it is not part of people's normal experience.
  The scale of the fighting is almost unimaginable...
  The children here have lived through unimaginable horrors.
Syn:
unbelievable
  Derived words:
  unimaginably [ʌ̱nɪmæ̱ʤɪnəbli] ADV-GRADED ADV adj Conditions in prisons out there are unimaginably bad.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

unimaginable

un·imag·in·able /ˌʌnəˈmæʤənəbəl/ adj [more ~; most ~] : not possible to imagine : beyond what you would normally imagine
• the unimaginable horrors of war
• a disaster of almost unimaginable proportions
• This technology would have been unimaginable five years ago.
- un·imag·in·ably /ˌʌnəˈmæʤənəbli/ adv
• unimaginably large numbers

unimaginable

negative

/ˈneɡ.ə.t̬ɪv/

/ˈneɡ.ə.tɪv/

not expecting good things, or likely to consider only the bad side of a situation

Persian equivalent:

Example:

a negative reply

Theme, CEFR level & Tags

Theme:

Level:

Region:

Oxford Essential Dictionary

adjective

1 bad or harmful:
The whole experience was definitely more positive than negative.
opposite positive

2 only thinking about the bad qualities of somebody or something:
If you go into the match with a negative attitude, you'll never win.
opposite positive

3 using words like 'no', 'not' and 'never':
'I don't like British food' is a negative sentence.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

negative

I. neg‧a‧tive¹ S2 W2 AC /ˈneɡətɪv/ BrE AmE adjective
1. BAD harmful, unpleasant, or not wanted OPP positive:
My drinking was starting to have a negative effect on my work.
the negative aspects of ageing
On the negative side, it will cost a lot.
2. NOT LIKING SOMEBODY/SOMETHING considering only the bad qualities of a situation, person etc and not the good ones OPP positive:
students with a negative attitude to school
They have a uniformly negative image of the police.
Jean rarely sounded so negative about her mother.
3. NO/NOT
a) saying or meaning ‘no’
negative answer/reply/response
He gave a negative answer without any explanation.
b) containing one of the words ‘no’, ‘not’, ‘nothing’, ‘never’ etc OPP affirmative
4. SCIENTIFIC TEST not showing any sign of the chemical or medical condition that was being looked for OPP positive:
The pregnancy test was negative.
A person can be recently infected by HIV and have a negative result.
5. ELECTRICITY technical a negative ↑charge is carried by ↑electrons OPP positive
6. NUMBER/QUANTITY less than zero SYN minus OPP positive:
negative numbers
a negative return on our investment (=a loss)
7. BLOOD technical used in the names of blood types, meaning not having the ↑Rhesus factor OPP positive
—negatively adverb

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

negative

nega·tive AW [negative negatives] adjective, noun, verb [ˈneɡətɪv] [ˈneɡətɪv]

adjective

BAD
1. bad or harmful
• The crisis had a negative effect on trade.
• The whole experience was definitely more positive than negative.

Opp: positive

NOT HOPEFUL

2. considering only the bad side of sth/sb; lacking enthusiasm or hope
• Scientists have a fairly negative attitude to the theory.
• ‘He probably won't show up.’ ‘Don't be so negative.’

Opp: positive

3. expressing the answer ‘no’
• His response was negative.
• They received a negative reply.

Opp: affirmative

GRAMMAR

4. containing a word such as ‘no’, ‘not’, ‘never’, etc

• a negative form/sentence

SCIENTIFIC TEST

5. (abbr. neg.) not showing any evidence of a particular substance or medical condition
• Her pregnancy test was negative.

Opp: positive

ELECTRICITY

6. (technical) containing or producing the type of electricity that is carried by an electron
• a negative charge/current
• the negative terminal of a battery

Opp: positive

NUMBER/QUANTITY

7. less than zero
• a negative trade balance
Opp: positive
Word Origin:
late Middle English: from late Latin negativus, from negare ‘deny’.
Thesaurus:
negative adj.
1.
• The crisis had a negative effect on trade.
damaging • • bad • • ill • • destructive • |formal harmful • • detrimental • • pernicious •
Opp: positive
a negative/damaging/bad/destructive/harmful/detrimental/pernicious effect /ill effects
a negative/damaging/bad/destructive/pernicious influence
negative/damaging/bad/harmful publicity
2.
• He's been rather negative about the idea.
pessimistic • • gloomy • • bleak • • dark • • depressing • • miserable • • black • |informal downbeat •
Opp: positive
negative/pessimistic/miserable about sth
a negative/pessimistic/gloomy/bleak outlook
negative/gloomy/dark/depressing/black thoughts
paint a negative/pessimistic/gloomy/bleak/depressing picture (of sb/sth)
Example Bank:
• He tested negative for HIV infection.
• He's been rather negative about the idea.
• Reaction to last night's attack was uniformly negative.
• She spoke in entirely negative terms.
• Some people have accused me of being overly negative.
• The antibody test proved negative.
• The urine tests were negative for protein.
• Their attitude was highly negative.
• the strongly negative implications of these survey results
• ‘He probably won't show up.’ ‘Don't be so negative.’
• I don't want to sound unduly negative, but I simply couldn't see the point.
• Negative side effects of the drug can occur and include drowsiness and headaches.
• Scientists have a fairly negative attitude to the theory.
• The whole experience was definitely more positive than negative.
• We try to pinpoint the cause of any negative feelings.

Derived Word: negatively

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

negative / ˈneɡ.ə.tɪv / / -t̬ɪv / adjective (NO)

B2 expressing "no":

We received a negative answer to our request.

→ Opposite affirmative

A2 A negative sentence or phrase is one that contains a word such as "not", "no", "never", or "nothing":

"I've never seen him in my life" is a negative sentence.

"Don't" and "do not" are negative forms of "do".

negatively / -li / adverb

negative / ˈneɡ.ə.tɪv / / -t̬ɪv / adjective (WITHOUT HOPE)

B1 not expecting good things, or likely to consider only the bad side of a situation:

a negative attitude

You're so negative about everything!

→ Compare positive (HOPEFUL)

negatively / -li / adverb

negative / ˈneɡ.ə.tɪv / / -t̬ɪv / adjective (BAD)

B2 bad or harmful:

The poor weather has had a very negative effect/impact on tourism.

negative / ˈneɡ.ə.tɪv / / -t̬ɪv / adjective (ELECTRICITY)

of the type of electrical charge that is carried by electrons

→ Opposite positive (ELECTRICITY)

negatively / -li / adverb

negative / ˈneɡ.ə.tɪv / / -t̬ɪv / adjective (TEST RESULTS)

(of a medical test) showing that the patient does not have the disease or condition for which he or she has been tested:

a negative pregnancy test

The results of his HIV test were negative.

→ Opposite positive (TEST RESULTS)

negative / ˈneɡ.ə.tɪv / / -t̬ɪv / adjective (BELOW ZERO)

(of a number or amount) less than zero:

negative numbers

→ Opposite positive (ABOVE ZERO)

negative / ˈneɡ.ə.tɪv / / -t̬ɪv / adjective (BLOOD TYPE)

not having the rhesus factor in the blood:

Her blood type is O negative.

→ Opposite positive (BLOOD TYPE)

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

negative

[ne̱gətɪv]
♦♦♦
negatives
1) ADJ-GRADED A fact, situation, or experience that is negative is unpleasant, depressing, or harmful.
  The news from overseas is overwhelmingly negative...
  All this had an extremely negative effect on the criminal justice system.
  Ant:
  positive
  Derived words:
  negatively ADV-GRADED ADV with v This will negatively affect the result over the first half of the year.
2) ADJ-GRADED If someone is negative or has a negative attitude, they consider only the bad aspects of a situation, rather than the good ones.
  When asked for your views about your current job, on no account must you be negative about it...
  Why does the media present such a negative view of this splendid city?
  Ant:
  constructive
  Derived words:
  negatively ADV-GRADED usu ADV after v A few weeks later he said that maybe he viewed all his relationships rather negatively.
  negativity [ne̱gətɪ̱vɪti] N-UNCOUNT I loathe negativity. I can't stand people who moan.
3) ADJ A negative reply or decision indicates the answer `no'.
  Dr Velayati gave a vague but negative response...
  Upon a negative decision, the applicant loses the protection offered by Belgian law...
  The Tory response to that was negative.
  Ant:
  affirmative
  Derived words:
  negatively ADV ADV after v 60 percent of the sample answered negatively... Stein shook his head slowly, negatively.
4) N-COUNT A negative is a word, expression, or gesture that means `no' or `not'.
  In the past we have heard only negatives when it came to following a healthy diet.
5) ADJ In grammar, a negative clause contains a word such as `not', `never', or `no-one'.
6) ADJ If a medical test or scientific test is negative, it shows no evidence of the medical condition or substance that you are looking for.
  So far 57 have taken the test and all have been negative.
  ...negative test results.
  Ant:
  positive
7) N-COUNT In photography, a negative is an image that shows dark areas as light and light areas as dark. Negatives are made from a camera film, and are used to print photographs.
8) ADJ A negative charge or current has the same electrical charge as an electron.
  Stimulate the injury or site of greatest pain with a small negative current.
  Ant:
  positive
  Derived words:
  negatively ADV ADV -ed As these electrons are negatively charged they will attempt to repel each other.
9) ADJ: usu ADJ n A negative number, quantity, or measurement is less than zero.
  Difficult texts record a positive score and simple ones score negative numbers.
  Syn:
  minus
10) PHRASE: PHR after v If an answer is in the negative, it is `no' or means `no'.
  The Council answered those questions in the negative...
  Seventy-nine voted in the affirmative, and none in the negative.
11) PHRASE: v-link PHR If a sentence is in the negative, it contains a word such as `not', `never', or `no-one'.
  `I went' in the negative is `I did not go'.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

¹neg·a·tive /ˈnɛgətɪv/ adj
1 [more ~; most ~] : harmful or bad : not wanted
• Car exhaust has a negative effect/impact on the environment.
• the negative effects of the drug
• We had a very negative [=unpleasant] experience at the restaurant.
- opposite positive
2 [more ~; most ~] : thinking about the bad qualities of someone or something : thinking that a bad result will happen : not hopeful or optimistic
• She has a negative attitude about the new plan. [=she only thinks about the things that can go wrong with the new plan]
• Why do you have such a negative outlook on the merger? [=why do you think the merger won't work?]
• “I know we're going to lose.” “Don't be so negative.” [=pessimistic]
- opposite positive
3 a : expressing dislike or disapproval
• The reviews were mostly negative. [=unfavorable]
• The feedback about the new product was all negative.
• There are no negative feelings between us. [=we do not dislike each other]
- opposite positive
b : showing or talking about the bad qualities of someone or something
• The senator is running a negative campaign. [=a campaign that criticizes the other candidate instead of saying what good things the senator wants to do]
• negative advertising [=advertising that criticizes competitors]
4 [more ~; most ~] : expressing denial or refusal
• a negative reply/answer [=a reply of “no”]
• negative words like “no” and “not”
• “I didn't hear anything” is a negative phrase/construction/statement.
- opposite affirmative
5 a mathematics : less than zero
• My checking account has a negative balance.
• -2 is a negative number.
- opposite positive
b : less than the amount of money spent or invested
• We got a negative return on the investment. [=we lost money on the investment]
- opposite positive
6 technical
a : containing or producing electricity that is charged by an electron
• a negative charge/current
- opposite positive
b : having more electrons than protons
• a negative particle
- opposite positive
7 : not showing the presence of a particular germ, condition, or substance
• a negative HIV test
• Her pregnancy test was negative. [=her test showed that she was not pregnant]
- opposite positive
- neg·a·tive·ly adv
• a negatively charged particle
• The patient reacted negatively to the new drug. [=the patient had harmful side effects from the drug]
• Customers responded negatively to the new product. [=customers did not like the new product]

negative

positive

positive [adjective] (HOPEFUL)

/ˈpɑː.zə.t̬ɪv/

/ˈpɒz.ə.tɪv/

Example:

a positive answer

full of hope and confidence, or giving cause for hope and confidence

Persian equivalent:

Example:

a positive answer

Theme, CEFR level & Tags

Theme:

hoping and hopefulness

Level:

Region:

Oxford Essential Dictionary

positive

adjective

1 thinking or talking about the good parts of a situation:
It's important to stay positive.
The teacher was very positive about my work.
opposite negative

2 completely certain same meaning sure:
Are you positive that you closed the door?

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

positive

I. pos‧i‧tive¹ S2 W2 AC /ˈpɒzətɪv, ˈpɒzɪtɪv $ ˈpɑː-/ BrE AmE adjective
[Word Family: noun: positive; adverb: positively; adjective: ↑positive]
[Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: positif, from Latin positivus, from positus; ⇨ position¹]
1. ATTITUDE if you are positive about things, you are hopeful and confident, and think about what is good in a situation rather than what is bad OPP negative
positive about
You’ve got to be more positive about your work.
positive attitude/approach/outlook etc
She’s got a really positive attitude to life.
the power of positive thinking
‘Think positive!’ she advised herself.
2. GOOD THING good or useful OPP negative:
At least something positive has come out of the situation.
Write down all the positive things about your life.
The rural environment was having a positive effect on the children’s health.
It’s been a very positive experience for her.
TV can be a positive influence.
the positive contribution to the community made by many older people
It’s been a difficult time but, on the positive side, I feel physically fine.
Women should be portrayed in a more positive light.
3. ACTION if you take positive action, you do something definite in order to try to achieve something:
We need to take positive steps to improve the situation of families in poverty.
Positive action was required.
It’s a relief to know that something positive is being done.
4. SUPPORT expressing support, agreement, or approval OPP negative
positive response/reaction
The response we’ve had from the public has been very positive.
We’ve had a lot of positive feedback from the people of this city.
positive about
Most people have been very positive about the show.
5. SURE [not before noun] very sure, with no doubt at all that something is right or true SYN certain
positive (that)
Are you absolutely positive you locked the door?
‘Are you sure about that?’ ‘Positive.’
6. SIGN showing that something is likely to succeed or improve:
The fact that he’s breathing on his own again is a positive sign.
7. PROOF positive proof/evidence/identification etc proof etc that shows that there is no doubt that something is true:
The witness made a positive identification.
8. SCIENTIFIC TEST showing signs of the medical condition or chemical that is being looked for OPP negative:
The test results came back positive.
athletes who had tested positive for banned substances
children who are HIV positive
9. EMPHASIS [only before noun] spoken used to emphasize how good or bad something is SYN total:
The journey was a positive nightmare.
10. NUMBER technical a positive number is more than zero OPP negative
11. ELECTRICITY technical having the type of electrical charge that is carried by ↑protons OPP negative:
a positive charge
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 1)
■ nouns
▪ a positive attitude/outlook Having a positive attitude makes life so much better.
▪ a positive approach This is just the positive approach that the school needs.
▪ a positive view He takes a fairly positive view of the future.
▪ a positive thought Think positive thoughts.
▪ positive thinking Many people believe that positive thinking can help your recovery from serious illnesses.
■ verbs
▪ think positive (=think positive thoughts) Cheer up and think positive.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 2)
■ nouns
▪ a positive thing That's not a very positive thing to say.
▪ a positive aspect There are a lot of positive aspects to retirement.
▪ a positive effect/impact Exercise has a positive effect on health.
▪ a positive influence His mother was a strong positive influence.
▪ a positive contribution Most refugees are determined to make a positive contribution to their new country.
▪ a positive result/outcome We hope there will be a positive outcome to the talks.
▪ a positive experience Working here has been a very positive experience for me.
▪ a positive role model We should provide girls with more positive role models.
▪ a positive image It's important to promote a positive image of our industry to young people.
■ phrases
▪ see/present something in a positive light (=see or present something as good) If you spend a year travelling after school, employers often see this in a positive light. | The merger was presented to the world in a positive light.
▪ on the positive side (=used when saying what is good about something) On the positive side, the company’s financial condition remains strong.
II. positive² BrE AmE noun [countable]
[Word Family: noun: ↑positive; adverb: ↑positively; adjective: ↑positive]
a quality or feature that is good or useful OPP negative:
You can find positives in any situation.
Always emphasise the positive.
⇨ false positive

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

positive

posi·tive AW [positive positives] adjective, noun [ˈpɒzətɪv] [ˈpɑːzətɪv]

adjective

CONFIDENT
1. thinking about what is good in a situation; feeling confident and sure that sth good will happen
• a positive attitude/outlook
• the power of positive thought
• ~ (about sth) She tried to be more positive about her new job.
• On the positive side, profits have increased.
• The report ended on a positive note.

Opp: negative

EFFECTIVE/USEFUL

2. directed at dealing with sth or producing a successful result
• We must take positive steps to deal with the problem.
• It will require positive action by all in the industry.

Opp: negative

3. expressing agreement or support
• We've had a very positive response to the idea.

Opp: negative

4. good or useful
• to make a positive contribution to a discussion
• His family have been a very positive influence on him.
• Overseas investment has had a positive effect on exports.

Opp: negative

SURE/DEFINITE

5. not before noun (of a person) completely sure that sth is correct or true
• ~ (about sth) I can't be positive about what time it happened.
• ~ (that…) She was positive that he had been there.

• ‘Are you sure?’ ‘Positive.’

6. only before noun (informal) complete and definite
Syn: absolute
• He has a positive genius for upsetting people.

• It was a positive miracle that we survived.

7. giving clear and definite proof or information
Syn: conclusive
• We have no positive evidence that she was involved.

• (formal) This is proof positive that he stole the money.

SCIENTIFIC TEST

8. showing clear evidence that a particular substance or medical condition is present
• a positive pregnancy test
• The athlete tested positive for steroids.
• to be HIV positive

Opp: negative

NUMBER/QUANTITY

9. greater than zero

Opp: negative

ELECTRICITY

10. (technical) containing or producing the type of electricity that is carried by a proton
• a positive charge
• the positive terminal of a battery
Opp: negative
Word Origin:
late Middle English: from Old French positif, -ive or Latin positivus, from posit- ‘placed’, from the verb ponere. The original sense referred to laws as being formally ‘laid down’, which led to the sense ‘explicitly laid down and admitting no question’, hence ‘certain’.
Thesaurus:
positive adj.
1.
• She tried to be more positive about her new job.
optimistic • • hopeful • |especially business bullish • • upbeat •
Opp: negative
positive/optimistic/hopeful/bullish/upbeat about sth
a/an positive/optimistic/hopeful/bullish view
a/an positive/optimistic/bullish/upbeat mood/note
2.
• We got very positive feedback on the idea.
good • • approving • • appreciative • • complimentary • • glowing • |BrE favourable • |AmE favorable •
Opp: negative
positive/complimentary about sb/sth
a/an positive/good/approving/appreciative/complimentary/favourable comment
a positive/good/favourable opinion/impression/reaction/response
show sb/sth in a positive/good/favourable light
3.
• He made a positive contribution to the debate.
helpful • • valuable • • good • • constructive • • worthwhile • |BrE favourable • |AmE favorable • |formal beneficial •
Opp: negative
positive/helpful/valuable/good/constructive suggestions/advice
a positive/valuable/good/constructive/worthwhile/beneficial experience
a positive/good/constructive/beneficial effect
4. (especially spoken)
• ‘Are you sure?’ ‘Positive.’
sure • • certain • • convinced • • confident • • clear • • satisfied •
positive/sure/certain/convinced/confident/clear about sth
positive/sure/certain/convinced/confident/clear/satisfied that…
feel positive/sure/certain/convinced/confident/satisfied
5.
• We have no positive evidence that he was involved.
concrete • • absolute • • firm • • hard • • definite • • definitive • • final • • proven • |formal categorical •
positive/concrete/absolute/firm/hard/definite/definitive evidence
positive/concrete/absolute/firm/definite/definitive/final proof
Synonyms:
sure
confident • convinced • certain • positive • clear
These words all describe sb who knows without doubt that sth is true or will happen.
sure • [not before noun] without any doubt that you are right, that sth is true, that you will get sth or that sth will happen: ▪ ‘Is that John over there?’ ‘I'm not sure.’ ◊ ▪ Are you sure about that? ◊ ▪ England must win this game to be sure of qualifying.
Sure is often used in negative statements and questions, because there is some doubt or anxiety over the matter. If there is no doubt, people often say quite sure: ▪ I'm quite sure (that) I left my bag here ▪ (= I have no doubt about it) ▪.
confident • completely sure that sth will happen in the way that you want or expect: ▪ I'm quite confident that you'll get the job. ◊ ▪ The team feels confident of winning.
Confident is a stronger and more definite word than sure and is more often used in positive statements, when you feel no anxiety.
convinced • [not before noun] completely sure that sth is true or right, especially because the evidence seems to prove it or sb else has persuaded you to believe it: ▪ I'm convinced that she's innocent.
certain • [not usually before noun] sure that you are right or that sth is true: ▪ Are you absolutely certain about this?
sure or certain?
Like sure, certain is often used in negative statements and questions. It is slightly more formal than sure; sure is more frequent, especially in spoken English.
positive • [not before noun] (rather informal) completely sure that sth is true: ▪ She was positive that he'd been there. ◊ ▪ ‘Are you sure?’ ‘Positive.’
clear • (often used in negative statements and questions) having no doubt or confusion about sth: ▪ My memory isn't really clear on that point.
sure/confident/convinced/certain/positive/clear about sth
sure/confident/convinced/certain of sth
sure/confident/convinced/certain/positive/clear that…
sure/certain/clear who/what/how, etc.
to feel sure/confident/convinced/certain/positive
quite/absolutely/completely/fairly/pretty sure/confident/convinced/certain/positive/clear
not altogether sure/confident/convinced/certain/clear
Example Bank:
• He sounded very positive about his chances.
• He tested positive for HIV.
• He took a highly positive view of the matter.
• I'm absolutely positive it was him.
• She seemed fairly positive about it.
• The test proved positive.
• Friendlier relations between the countries had a positive effect on exports.
• I can't be positive about what time it happened.
• Local residents made a very positive contribution to the debate.
• Most of his remarks were positive, but there were a few criticisms.
• On the positive side, profits have increased.
• She was positive that he'd been there.
• The feedback from the public was very positive.
• Try to have a positive attitude.
• We got a very positive response to the idea.

• You should try to be a bit more positive about your students.

noun

GOOD QUALITY
1. countable, uncountable a good or useful quality or aspect
• Take your weaknesses and translate them into positives.

• To manage your way out of recession, accentuate the positive.

IN PHOTOGRAPHY

2. countable (technical) a developed film showing light and dark areas and colours as they actually were, especially one printed from a negative

RESULT OF TEST
3. countable the result of a test or an experiment that shows that a substance or condition is present
Opp: negative
Word Origin:

late Middle English: from Old French positif, -ive or Latin positivus, from posit- ‘placed’, from the verb ponere. The original sense referred to laws as being formally ‘laid down’, which led to the sense ‘explicitly laid down and admitting no question’, hence ‘certain’.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

positive / ˈpɒz.ə.tɪv / / ˈpɑː.zə.t̬ɪv / adjective (HOPEFUL)

B1 full of hope and confidence, or giving cause for hope and confidence:

a positive attitude

On a more positive note, we're seeing signs that the housing market is picking up.

The past ten years have seen some very positive developments in East-West relations.

There was a very positive response to our new design - people seemed very pleased with it.

→ Opposite negative adjective (WITHOUT HOPE)

positiveness / -nəs / noun [ U ]

positive / ˈpɒz.ə.tɪv / / ˈpɑː.zə.t̬ɪv / adjective (CERTAIN)

B2 certain and without any doubt:

[ + (that) ] Are you positive (that) you saw me switch the iron off?

"Are you sure it's okay for me to use your mother's car?" "Positive."

"It was him - I saw him take it." "Are you positive about that?"

positive / ˈpɒz.ə.tɪv / / ˈpɑː.zə.t̬ɪv / adjective (TEST RESULTS)

C2 (of a medical test) showing that a person has the disease or condition for which they are being tested:

a positive pregnancy test

He's HIV positive.

She tested positive for hepatitis.

→ Opposite negative adjective (TEST RESULTS)

positive / ˈpɒz.ə.tɪv / / ˈpɑː.zə.t̬ɪv / adjective [ before noun ] (COMPLETE)

(used to add force to an expression) complete:

Far from being a nuisance, she was a positive joy to have around.

positive / ˈpɒz.ə.tɪv / / ˈpɑː.zə.t̬ɪv / adjective (ABOVE ZERO)

(of a number or amount) more than zero:

Two is a positive number.

→ Opposite negative adjective (BELOW ZERO)

positive / ˈpɒz.ə.tɪv / / ˈpɑː.zə.t̬ɪv / adjective (ELECTRICITY)

being the type of electrical charge that is carried by protons

→ Opposite negative adjective (ELECTRICITY)

positive / ˈpɒz.ə.tɪv / / ˈpɑː.zə.t̬ɪv / adjective (BLOOD TYPE)

having the rhesus factor in the blood:

My blood type is O positive.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

positive

[pɒ̱zɪtɪv]
♦♦
1) ADJ-GRADED: usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ about n If you are positive about things, you are hopeful and confident, and think of the good aspects of a situation rather than the bad ones.
  Be positive about your future and get on with living a normal life...
  Her husband became much more positive and was soon back in full-time employment.
  ...a positive frame of mind.
  Syn:
  optimistic
  Ant:
  negative
  Derived words:
  positively ADV-GRADED ADV after v You really must try to start thinking positively.
2) ADJ-GRADED: usu ADJ n A positive fact, situation, or experience is pleasant and helpful to you in some way.
  The parting from his sister had a positive effect on John...
  Working abroad should be an exciting and positive experience for all concerned.
  Syn:
  constructive
  Ant:
  negative
N-SING: the N
The positive in a situation is the good and pleasant aspects of it. Work on the positive, creating beautiful, loving and fulfilling relationships.
3) ADJ-GRADED: usu ADJ n If you make a positive decision or take positive action, you do something definite in order to deal with a task or problem.
  There are positive changes that should be implemented in the rearing of animals...
  He was expected to make a very positive contribution to the 1996 Games organisation...
  Having a good diet gives me a sense that I'm doing something positive and that I'm in control.
  Ant:
  negative
4) ADJ-GRADED: usu ADJ n A positive response to something indicates agreement, approval, or encouragement.
  There's been a positive response to the UN Secretary-General's recent peace efforts.
  Ant:
  negative
  Derived words:
  positively ADV ADV after v He responded positively and accepted the fee of ₤1000 I had offered.
5) ADJ-GRADED: v-link ADJ If you are positive about something, you are completely sure about it.
  I'm as positive as I can be about it...
  `She's never late. You sure she said eight?' - `Positive.'
  Syn:
  certain
6) ADJ: ADJ n Positive evidence gives definite proof of the truth or identity of something.
  There was no positive evidence that any birth defects had arisen as a result of Vitamin A intake.
  Syn:
  conclusive
  Derived words:
  positively ADV ADV with v He has positively identified the body as that of his wife.
7) ADJ If a medical or scientific test is positive, it shows that something has happened or is present.
HIV positive → see HIV
  If the test is positive, a course of antibiotics may be prescribed...
  He was stripped of his Olympic Hundred Metres gold medal after testing positive for steroids.
  Ant:
  negative
8) ADJ: ADJ n (emphasis) You can use positive to emphasize a noun. [OLD-FASHIONED]
→ See also positively
  Good day to you, Bernard! It's a positive delight to see you...
  He was in a positive fury...
  The man was being a positive embarrassment.
  Syn:
  real
9) ADJ: ADJ n A positive number is greater than zero.
  It's really a simple numbers game with negative and positive numbers.
  Ant:
  negative
10) ADJ: usu ADJ n If something has a positive electrical charge, it has the same charge as a proton and the opposite charge to an electron. [TECHNICAL]
  Ant:
  negative
  Derived words:
  positively ADV ADV adj The atom was pictured as a small positively charged core or nucleus.
11) proof positive → see proof

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

¹pos·i·tive /ˈpɑːzətɪv/ adj
1 [more ~; most ~] : good or useful
• Did you have a positive [=pleasant] experience working with that company?
• The book had a positive influence on me.
• He has been a positive role model for his brother.
• Nothing positive came out of that experience.
• What are some of the positive things about your job?
• The low unemployment rate is a positive sign for the economy.
• The company took positive steps to create a safer workplace.
- opposite negative
2 [more ~; most ~] : thinking about the good qualities of someone or something : thinking that a good result will happen : hopeful or optimistic
• You've got to have a positive attitude/outlook to do well in life.
• You should try to be more positive about the whole situation.
• On the positive side, you will be making more money.
• To end on a positive note, we are seeing an increase in sales this month.
- opposite negative
3 not used before a noun : completely certain or sure that something is correct or true
• We were positive that we would win the game.
• “That is the street we need to take.” “Are you sure?” “(I'm) Positive.”
• I'm not (absolutely) positive, but I think they won the World Series in 1954.
4 [more ~; most ~] : showing or expressing support, approval, or agreement
• Most of the response from the public has been positive [=favorable] so far.
• The reviews were mostly positive.
• positive feedback
• The new Web site has received a positive response from its visitors.
- opposite negative
5 : unable to be doubted : certainly true
• There is no positive [=definite, conclusive] proof that life exists on other planets.
• The police have not yet made a positive identification of the victim.
• The fact that the DNA samples did not match is proof positive that he is not the father.
6 : showing the presence of a particular germ, condition, or substance
• He tested positive for steroids. [=the test showed that he had used steroids]
• The test results were positive.
• HIV positive patients
- opposite negative
7 a mathematics : greater than zero
• a positive integer
- opposite negative
b : more than the amount of money spent or invested
• We got a positive return on our investment. [=we made a profit on our investment]
- opposite negative
8 technical
a : containing or producing electricity that is charged by a proton
• a positive charge/current
- opposite negative
b : having more protons than electrons
• a positive ion/particle
- opposite negative
9 always used before a noun informal : absolute or complete - used to make a statement more forceful
• The way poor people are treated in this country is a positive disgrace.

proud

/praʊd/

feeling pleasure and satisfaction because you or people connected with you have done or got something good

Persian equivalent:

feeling pleasure and happiness

Example:

I am proud of you.

Theme, CEFR level & Tags

Theme:

Level:

Region:

Oxford Essential Dictionary

proud

adjective (prouder, proudest)

1 pleased about something that you or others have done or about something that you have:
They are very proud of their new house.

2 thinking that you are better than other people:
She was too proud to say she was sorry.
The noun is pride.

>> proudly adverb:
'I made this myself,' he said proudly.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

proud

proud S2 W3 /praʊd/ BrE AmE adjective (comparative prouder, superlative proudest)
[Date: 1100-1200; Language: Old French; Origin: prod, prud, prou 'good, brave', from Late Latin prode 'advantage, advantageous', from Latin prodesse 'to be advantageous']
1. PLEASED feeling pleased about something that you have done or something that you own, or about someone or something you are involved with or related to ⇨ pride OPP ashamed
proud of
Her parents are very proud of her.
You should be proud of yourself.
His past record is certainly something to be proud of.
be justly/rightly proud of something (=have good reasons for being proud)
The company is justly proud of its achievements.
proud to do/be something
Seven-year-old Ian is proud to have earned his red belt in karate.
proud (that)
She was proud that the magazine had agreed to publish one of her stories.
Seth was the proud owner of a new sports car.
2. proudest moment/achievement/possession the moment etc that makes you feel most proud:
His proudest moment was winning the European Cup final.
3. TOO HIGH OPINION thinking that you are more important, skilful etc than you really are – used to show disapproval ⇨ pride:
a proud man who would not admit his mistakes
4. GREAT SELF-RESPECT having respect for yourself, so that you are embarrassed to ask for help when you are in a difficult situation ⇨ pride:
Some farmers were too proud to ask for government help.
5. do somebody proud
a) informal to make people feel proud of you by doing something well:
I tried to do my country proud.
b) old-fashioned to treat someone well by providing them with good food or entertainment
6. IMPRESSIVE literary tall and impressive
—proudly adverb
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ adverbs
▪ very/really proud Your family must be very proud of you.
▪ justifiably/justly/rightly proud (=with good reason) He is justifiably proud of what he and his father achieved.
▪ fiercely proud They are fiercely proud of their native land.
▪ immensely/intensely/inordinately proud (=extremely proud) He said he was immensely proud to have been elected Prime Minister. | She was intensely proud of being Japanese.
■ nouns
▪ the proud owner (of something) (also the proud possessor of something formal) She is now the proud owner of a four-bedroomed house.
▪ a proud mother/father/parent Mark is the proud father of a three-week-old baby boy.
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ proud very pleased with what you, your family, or your country have achieved, or of something you own: I felt so proud when my son graduated from college. | Judith’s very proud of her new Ferrari.
▪ pleased with yourself feeling pleased because something good has happened, especially because you think you have been very clever, skilful etc: He was smoking a big cigar and was obviously pleased with himself. | I’d made a big profit and was feeling pretty pleased with myself.
▪ arrogant disapproving behaving in an unpleasant and annoying way, because you think you are better or know more than other people, and that your opinions are always right: He was arrogant and regarded people who disagreed with him as fools. | his arrogant attitude to women
▪ vain disapproving too proud of your appearance, in a way that annoys other people: He’s so vain – he thinks all the girls fancy him.
▪ conceited/big-headed disapproving proud of yourself because you think you are very intelligent, skilful, beautiful etc, especially without good reason and in a way that annoys people: Stewart’s the most arrogant conceited person I’ve ever known. | She was offered a brilliant job and became incredibly big-headed overnight.
▪ pompous disapproving thinking that you are much more important than you really are, and using very long and formal words to try to sound important: The clerk was a pompous little man with glasses. | a pompous speech
▪ smug disapproving pleased with yourself in a quiet but annoying way because you think you are in a better position than other people: Milly was looking very smug about coming top of the class. | a smug expression
▪ self-satisfied disapproving pleased with what you have achieved and showing it clearly in an annoying way: She glared angrily into his self-satisfied face. | a self-satisfied grin

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

proud

proud [proud prouder proudest] adjective, adverb [praʊd] [praʊd]

adjective (proud·er, proud·est)

PLEASED
1. feeling pleased and satisfied about sth that you own or have done, or are connected with
• proud parents
• the proud owner of a new car
• ~ of sb/sth/yourself Your achievements are something to be proud of.
• He was proud of himself for not giving up.
• ~ to be/have sth I feel very proud to be a part of the team.
• ~ that… She was proud that her daughter had so much talent.

see also house-proud

2. only before noun causing sb to feel pride
• This is the proudest moment of my life.
• It was a proud day in the nation's history

• The car had been his proudest possession.

FEELING TOO IMPORTANT

3. (disapproving) feeling that you are better and more important than other people
Syn: arrogant

• She was too proud to admit she could be wrong.

HAVING SELF-RESPECT

4. having respect for yourself and not wanting to lose the respect of others
• They were a proud and independent people.

• Don't be too proud to ask for help.

BEAUTIFUL/TALL

5. (literary) beautiful, tall and impressive
• The sunflowers stretched tall and proud to the sun.
see also pride
Word Origin:
late Old English prūt, prūd ‘having a high opinion of one's own worth’, from Old French prud ‘valiant’, based on Latin prodesse ‘be of value’.
Thesaurus:
proud adj.
1.
• She was very proud of her achievements.
pleased • • delighted • • happy •
proud/pleased/delighted/happy that…
proud/pleased/delighted/happy to see/hear/find/know
proud/pleased/delighted/happy to say (that…)
2. (disapproving)
• He was too proud to admit that he was wrong.
arrogant • • vain • • conceited • • pompous • • self-important • • boastful • • superior • |informal cocky • |especially written haughty •
Opp: humble, Opp: modest
a/an proud/arrogant/vain/conceited/pompous/self-important/haughty man
a/an proud/arrogant/vain/conceited/haughty woman
3. (often approving)
• They were a proud and independent people.
self-respecting • |approving dignified •
a proud/self-respecting/dignified man/woman
Synonyms:
glad
happy • pleased • delighted • proud • relieved • thrilled
These words all describe people feeling happy about sth that has happened or is going to happen.
glad • [not usually before noun] happy about sth or grateful for it: ▪ He was glad he'd come. ◊ ▪ She was glad when the meeting was over.
happy • pleased about sth nice that you have to do or sth that has happened to sb: ▪ We are happy to announce the engagement of our daughter.
pleased • [not before noun] happy about sth that has happened or sth that you have to do: ▪ She was very pleased with her exam results. ◊ ▪ You're coming? I'm so pleased.
glad, happy or pleased?
Feeling pleased can suggest that you have judged sb/sth and approve of them. Feeling glad can be more about feeling grateful for sth. You cannot be ‘glad with sb’: The boss should be glad with you. Happy can mean glad, pleased or satisfied.
delighted • very pleased about sth; very happy to do sth; showing your delight: ▪ I'm delighted at your news.
Delighted is often used to accept an invitation: ▪ ‘Can you stay for dinner?’ ‘I'd be delighted (to).’
proud • pleased and satisfied about sth that you own or have done, or are connected with: ▪ proud parents ◊ ▪ He was ▪ proud of ▪ himself for not giving up.
relieved • feeling happy because sth unpleasant has stopped or has not happened; showing this: ▪ You'll be relieved to know your jobs are safe.
thrilled • [not before noun] (rather informal) extremely pleased and excited about sth: ▪ I was thrilled to be invited.
delighted or thrilled?
Thrilled may express a stronger feeling than delighted, but delighted can be made stronger with absolutely, more than or only too. Thrilled can be made negative and ironic with not exactly or less than: ▪ She was ▪ not exactly thrilled ▪ at the prospect of looking after her niece.
glad/happy/pleased/delighted/relieved/thrilled about sth
pleased/delighted/relieved/thrilled at sth
glad/happy/pleased/delighted/thrilled for sb
glad/happy/pleased/delighted/proud/relieved/thrilled that…/to see/hear/find/know…
very glad/happy/pleased/proud/relieved
absolutely delighted/thrilled
Example Bank:
• He seemed almost proud of his practical incompetence.
• He was more than a little proud of himself.
• He was not vain, but he was quietly proud of his achievements.
• He was tremendously proud of himself.
• Londoners have long been perversely proud of a health service that does not serve them well.
• She was fiercely proud of family traditions and continuity.
• We are all really proud of you!
• What has become of this once proud nation?
• Don't be too proud to ask for advice.
• He was too proud now to be seen with his former friends.
• She's a very proud woman who refuses to ask for help.
• Your achievements are something to be proud of.

Idioms: do somebody proud ▪ do yourself proud

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

proud / praʊd / adjective (SATISFIED)

B1 feeling pleasure and satisfaction because you or people connected with you have done or got something good:

You must be very proud of your son.

We're particularly proud of our company's environmental record.

When she received her prize I think I was the proudest parent on the face of the earth.

[ + to infinitive ] I'm very proud to have been involved in this project.

[ + (that) ] I was so proud (that) my son had been chosen for the national team.

→ See also houseproud

proud / praʊd / adjective approving (RESPECTING YOURSELF)

having or showing respect for yourself:

We Albanians are a proud people.

He might be poor but he's also proud, and he won't be pushed around by anyone.

proud / praʊd / adjective disapproving (FEELING IMPORTANT)

B2 feeling that you are better and more important than other people:

Come on, admit you're wrong and don't be so proud.

She knows she's lost, but she's too proud to admit it.

proud / praʊd / adjective , adverb mainly UK specialized

sticking out from the surrounding area:

Sand the surface with abrasive paper until no flakes of paint stand proud of the surface.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

proud

[pra͟ʊd]
♦♦♦
prouder, proudest
1) ADJ-GRADED: oft ADJ of n, ADJ that/to-inf If you feel proud, you feel pleased about something good that you possess or have done, or about something good that a person close to you has done.
  I felt proud of his efforts...
  They are proud that she is doing well at school...
  I am proud to be a Canadian...
  Derek is now the proud father of a bouncing baby girl.
  Ant:
  ashamed
  Derived words:
  proudly ADV-GRADED ADV with v `That's the first part finished,' he said proudly.
2) ADJ-GRADED: ADJ n, usu ADJ-superl Your proudest moments or achievements are the ones that you are most proud of.
  This must have been one of the proudest moments of his busy and hard working life.
3) ADJ-GRADED Someone who is proud has respect for themselves and does not want to lose the respect that other people have for them.
  He was too proud to ask his family for help and support...
  We are a proud people. We are not used to begging or taking things.
4) ADJ-GRADED (disapproval) Someone who is proud feels that they are better or more important than other people.
  She was said to be proud and arrogant.
  Syn:
  arrogant, vain
  Ant:
  humble
5) ADJ: ADJ after v If one object stands proud of another object that it is attached to or next to, it extends beyond it. [BRIT, OLD-FASHIONED]
  The handles stand proud of the doors of the car.
6) PHRASE: V inflects If someone does you proud, they treat you very well, for example by welcoming you and giving you good food and entertainment. [INFORMAL]
  The hotel has indeed done them proud.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

proud

proud /ˈpraʊd/ adj proud·er; -est [or more ~; most ~]
1 a : very happy and pleased because of something you have done, something you own, someone you know or are related to, etc. : feeling pride
• They are the proud parents of a hero.
• I was proud that I never gave in.
• She's the proud owner of a new car.
- often + of
• I am proud of what we have accomplished.
• She's very proud of her daughter.
• He has a record to be proud of.
- sometimes followed by to + verb
• I'm proud to know him.
b : causing someone to feel very happy and pleased : causing a feeling of pride
• It was one of the proudest moments of my life. [=when I felt most proud]
• Her proudest accomplishment was to finish school.
2 disapproving : having or showing the attitude of people who think that they are better or more important than others : having or showing too much pride
• He has a proud manner.
• a proud and opinionated person
3 : not wanting to lose the respect of other people : not willing to accept help from other people
• She's too proud to accept their charity.
4 : excellent or impressive
• They have a proud record of public service.
• a proud [=large and impressive] castle
5 literary of an animal : having a lot of strength and spirit
• a proud horse/stallion
do (someone) proud : to give someone a reason to feel proud
• It did me proud [=made me feel proud] to watch her graduate from college.
• She did her family proud by standing up for her beliefs.
• His performance in the game did us (all) proud.
• She did herself proud. [=she did well; she did something that she can be proud of]
- proud·ly adv
• The new citizen was standing proudly and happily with his family.
• He spoke proudly of his son's achievements.
• She proudly showed off her awards.
• The building stands proudly on a hillside.

proud