adjective

only

I. on‧ly1 S1 W1 /ˈəʊnli $ ˈoʊn-/ adverb
1. not more than a particular number, age etc:
Naomi was only 17 when she got married.
There are only a few cars on the island.
It’s only eight o'clock.
2. used to say that something or someone is not very important, serious etc:
It was only a joke.
It’s an interesting job, but it’s only temporary.
They’re only small cuts, nothing life-threatening.
3. nothing or no one except a particular person or thing:
Only the president can authorize a nuclear attack.
We use only the best ingredients.
women/men/residents etc only
The car park is for staff only.
4. used to say that something happens or is possible in one particular situation or place and no others, or for one particular reason:
I’ll tell you, but only if you don’t tell anyone else.
I ate the food, but only because I was starving.
The transfer takes place only when the data is complete.
GRAMMAR
You can put a phrase or clause beginning with only first, to emphasize it. You put the subject after an auxiliary in the main clause:
▪ Only in London did I find a purpose in life.
▪ Only by changing themselves can organizations continue to succeed.
5. no earlier than a particular time
only yesterday/last week/recently
‘When did you email her?’ ‘Only yesterday.’
only then did/would/could etc somebody do something (=at that moment and not before)
Only then did she tell him about the attack.
6. only just British English
a) a very short time ago:
She’s only just got up.
b) almost not SYN barely:
I only just finished my essay in time.
7. can only hope/wait etc used to say that it is not possible to do more than hope etc:
We can only hope it won’t rain on the day.
8. I can only think/suppose/assume (that) spoken used when you are giving a reason for something, to say that you do not know something for certain but think that this is the only possible reason:
I can only assume that it was a mistake.
9. I only wish/hope spoken used to express a strong wish or hope:
‘What’s happening?’ ‘I only wish I knew.’
10. if only spoken used to express a strong wish:
If only he’d call!
11. you’ll only spoken used to tell someone that what they want to do will have a bad effect:
Don’t interfere – you’ll only make things worse.
12. you only have to read/look at/listen to etc something spoken used to say that it is easy to know that something is true because you can see or hear things that prove it:
You only have to look at the statistics to see that things are getting worse.
13. only to used to say that someone did something, with a disappointing or surprising result:
I arrived only to find that the others had already left.
14. only too very:
Prices have risen sharply, as we know only too well.
Mark was only too happy to agree with her.
⇒ not only ... but (also) at not(4), ⇒ only have eyes for somebody at eye1(32), ⇒ for sb’s eyes only at eye1(25)
II. only2 S1 W1 adjective [only before noun]
[Language: Old English; Origin: anlic, from an; ⇒ one3]
1. used to say that there is one person, thing, or group in a particular situation and no others:
I was the only woman there.
He is our only child.
I was the only one who disagreed.
Cutting costs is the only solution.
She’s the only person for this job.
2. the only thing/problem is ... spoken used when you are going to mention a problem or disadvantage:
I could take you. The only thing is Dan might need the car.
3. an only child a child who has no brothers or sisters ⇒ the one and only at one4(2), ⇒ (only) time will tell at time1(36)
III. only3 conjunction spoken
used like ‘but’ to give the reason why something is not possible SYN except (that):
I’d offer to help, only I’m really busy just now.

imaginative

i‧ma‧gi‧na‧tive /ɪˈmædʒənətɪv, ɪˈmædʒɪnətɪv/ adjective
  [Word Family: adjective: imaginable ≠ unimaginable, imaginary, imaginative ≠ unimaginative, unimagined; noun: imagination, imaginings; adverb: unimaginably, imaginatively; verb: imagine]
 1. containing new and interesting ideas:
   • an imaginative use of computer technology
   • children’s imaginative play
   • an imaginative solution to the litter problem
 2. good at thinking of new and interesting ideas:
   • an imaginative child
 —imaginatively adverb

educated

ed‧u‧cat‧ed /ˈedjʊkeɪtəd, ˈedjʊkeɪtɪd $ ˈedʒə-/ BrE AmE adjective
[Word Family: noun: education, educationalist, educationist, educator; adjective: educated ≠ uneducated, educational, educable ≠ ineducable, educative; verb: educate; adverb: educationally]
1. having been well taught and learned a lot:
a highly educated woman
2. university-educated/well-educated/privately-educated etc having had a particular type of education
3. educated guess a guess that is likely to be correct because it is based on some knowledge:
Investors must make an educated guess as to the company’s potential.

hungry

hun‧gry S2 /ˈhʌŋɡri/ adjective (comparative hungrier, superlative hungriest)
  [Word Family: noun: hunger; adverb: hungrily; adjective: hungry]
 1. wanting to eat something ⇨ thirsty:
   • I was cold, tired, and hungry.
   • If you get hungry, there’s some cold chicken in the fridge.
   • Do you still feel hungry?
 2. ill or weak as a result of not having enough to eat for a long time:
   • We can’t justify wasting food when half the world is hungry.
 3. go hungry to not have enough to eat:
   • Thousands of families go hungry every day.
 4. wanting or needing something very much SYN eager
  hungry for
   • She is hungry for success.
  hungry to do something
   • Stan was hungry to learn.
 5. the hungry [plural] people who do not have enough food to eat
 6. power-hungry/news-hungry etc wanting power, news etc very much:
   • a power-hungry politician
     • • •

THESAURUS

■ wanting to eat

   ▪ hungry wanting to eat something: • We were really hungry after our long walk. | • It’s hard work cooking for a bunch of hungry kids.
   ▪ peckish [not before noun] British English informal a little hungry: • I’m feeling a bit peckish. What’s in the fridge?
   ▪ starving/ravenous /ˈrævənəs/ (also starved American English) [not before noun] spoken very hungry and wanting to eat as soon as possible: • I missed lunch and I’m absolutely starving. | • Sam’s always ravenous when he gets home from school.
   ▪ famished very hungry. Famished is less common and sounds a little more formal than starving or ravenous: • Everyone was famished by the time they arrived.
   ▪ I could eat a horse! spoken used to say that you are very hungry: • ‘Are you hungry?’ ‘Yeah, I could eat a horse.’
   ▪ appetite the desire for food that you have when you are hungry: • Exercise usually gives me an appetite. | • It’s healthy to have a good appetite.

■ ill because of lack of food

   ▪ hungry ill or weak because of not having enough to eat: • terrible pictures of hungry children in Africa
   ▪ starving not having had enough food for a long time and likely to die soon without food: • Because of the drought, millions of people were starving. | • the starving refugees from the war
   ▪ malnourished formal unhealthy and thin because you have not had the right kinds of food over a long period of time: • According to the report, one-fifth of the world’s population are malnourished. | • malnourished infants

effective

ef‧fec‧tive S2 W1 /ɪˈfektɪv/ adjective
  [Word Family: noun: effect, effectiveness ≠ ineffectiveness; adjective: effective ≠ ineffective, effectual ≠ ineffectual; verb: effect; adverb: effectively ≠ ineffectively]
 1. successful, and working in the way that was intended OPP ineffective:
   • The cheaper drugs are just as effective in treating arthritis.
   • the painting’s highly effective use of colour
   • Training is often much less effective than expected.
   • the most effective ways of reducing inner city congestion
  REGISTER
   In everyday English, people usually say that something works (well), rather than say that it is effective:
   ▪ • The cheaper drugs work just as well.
 2. [no comparative, not before noun] if a law, agreement, or system becomes effective, it officially starts
  effective from
   • The cut in interest rates is effective from Monday.
 3. [no comparative, only before noun] real rather than what is officially intended or generally believed:
   • The rebels are in effective control of the city.
 —effectiveness noun [uncountable]
     • • •

COLLOCATIONS

■ adverbs

   ▪ extremely/highly effective • The company launched a highly effective advertising campaign.

■ nouns

   ▪ an effective way • What’s the most effective way to control crime?
   ▪ an effective method • Exams are not the most effective method of assessing students’ abilities.
   ▪ an effective means • Is reducing the speed limit an effective means of reducing accidents?
   ▪ effective action • The police must take effective action to protect the public.
   ▪ an effective solution • The most effective solution to traffic congestion is to build more roads.
   ▪ an effective treatment • Antibiotics are still the most effective treatment for this disease.
   ▪ an effective system • The country has a simple but effective welfare system.
     • • •

THESAURUS

   ▪ successful achieving what you wanted, or having the effect or result you intended: • He applied for a visa three times and in the end he was successful. | • The treatment was successful. | • It was a highly successful campaign.
   ▪ effective having the effect or result that was wanted - used especially about treatments, drugs, or methods: • The drug is effective against a range of diseases. | • We still haven't found an effective way to solve the problem.
   ▪ victorious successful as a result of winning in a game, election, war etc: • the captain of the victorious team | • She emerged victorious in the second round of voting.
   ▪ promising likely to be very successful in the future, used especially about someone who is good at a job, sport, art etc: • a promising young athlete | • He gave up a promising career in banking.
   ▪ thriving very successful – used about a company, industry, or organization that is doing well at a particular time: • The area has a thriving tourist industry. | • The school is thriving academically.
   ▪ booming extremely successful – used about an economy, or when business or trade is increasing: • the booming economy in China | • Business is booming.

energetic

en‧er‧get‧ic AC /ˌenəˈdʒetɪk◂ $ -ər-/ adjective
  [Word Family: adjective: energetic, energizing; verb: energize; noun: energy; adverb: energetically]
  having or needing a lot of energy or determination:
   • an energetic man
   • an energetic drive to get more customers
  energetic in doing something
   • We need to be more energetic in promoting ourselves abroad.
 —energetically /-kli/ adverb:
   • He fought energetically against apartheid.
     • • •

THESAURUS

   ▪ energetic having a lot of energy: • If you’re feeling energetic, we could go out for a run.
   ▪ full of energy/bursting with energy energetic and ready to work hard or do a lot of things: • I admire her because she’s so full of energy and enthusiasm. | • When she first started at the college she was bursting with energy and full of new ideas.
   ▪ dynamic very energetic and always wanting to do new things: • What this country needs is a dynamic new leader.
   ▪ hyperactive having more energy than is normal or good, because you cannot keep still or quiet for very long – used especially about children: • Our youngest daughter was hyperactive, and it had a damaging effect on the whole family.
   ▪ tireless working with a lot of energy in a determined way, especially to achieve a particular thing: • She was a tireless campaigner against apartheid in South Africa.
   ▪ full of beans informal feeling energetic and happy and showing this in the way you behave: • He’s one of those people who leap out of bed full of beans every morning.

loose

I. loose1 S3 W3 /luːs/ BrE AmE adjective
[Date: 1100-1200; Language: Old Norse; Origin: lauss]
1. NOT FIRMLY ATTACHED not firmly fastened in place:
a loose floorboard
This tooth feels very loose.
The screw has come loose (=became loose).
► Do not confuse the adjective loose /luːs/ with the verb lose /luːz/ (=stop having something, become unable to find something etc): They thought they might lose their jobs.
2. NOT ATTACHED not attached to anything else:
loose papers
His rear wheel spun on the loose stones.
The potatoes are sold loose (=not packed in a container).
The driver had forgotten to fasten the safety chain and the trailer came loose (=became unattached).
3. NOT TIED TIGHTLY not tied or fastened very tightly:
a loose knot
4. HAIR if your hair is loose, it hangs freely rather than being tied back:
Her hair fell loose around her shoulders.
5. CLOTHES loose clothes are big and do not fit your body tightly SYN loose-fitting, baggy OPP tight:
a loose sweatshirt
6. FREE free from being controlled or held in a cage, prison, or institution
break/get loose (=escape)
A 34-year-old inmate broke loose from the sheriff’s office yesterday.
turn/let/set something loose (=let something go free)
Don’t let your dog loose on the beach.
7. NOT EXACT [usually before noun] not exact or thoroughly done:
a loose translation
a loose interpretation of the law
8. NOT VERY CONTROLLED not strictly controlled or organized
loose federation/alliance/group etc
a loose federation of political groups
loose arrangement (=an arrangement that can easily be changed)
9. NOT SOLID not pressed tightly together in a solid mass
loose soil/earth
10. SPORT not under the control of either team in a game of football, ↑rugby etc:
Sheringham was the first player to reach the loose ball.
11. cut loose
a) to free yourself from someone or something, or their influence
cut yourself loose (from something)
He cut himself loose from the constraints of family life.
b) American English informal to start enjoying yourself in a happy noisy way after a period of controlled behaviour:
I’m ready to cut loose and enjoy the weekend.
12. let (something ↔) loose to speak or behave in an uncontrolled way:
She let loose a string of four-letter words.
13. let somebody loose on something to allow someone to deal with something in the way they want to, when you think they will make mistakes or do something wrong:
Whatever you do, don’t let Derek loose on the garden.
14. be at a loose end (also be at loose ends American English) to have nothing to do:
I was at a loose end so I decided to go see an old movie.
15. loose ends parts of something that have not been completed or correctly done:
We’ve nearly finished, but there are still a few loose ends to be tied up (=dealt with or completed).
16. loose change coins that you have in your bag or pocket
17. loose cannon someone who cannot be trusted because they say or do things you do not want them to
18. hang/stay loose American English spoken used to tell someone to stay calm, or not to worry about something
19. BODY WASTE having a problem in which the waste from your ↑bowels has too much liquid in it:
loose bowels
20. IMMORAL old-fashioned behaving in a way that is considered to be sexually immoral:
a loose woman
loose morals
21. TALK old-fashioned not careful about what you say or who is listening:
There’s been a bit of loose talk about it.
—loosely adverb:
A towel was loosely wrapped around his neck.
The film is loosely based on the novel.
—looseness noun [uncountable]

new

new S1 W1 /njuː $ nuː/ BrE AmE adjective
[Word Family: adjective: ↑new, ↑renewable, ↑renewed, ↑newsy; noun: ↑news, ↑renewal; verb: ↑renew; adverb: ↑newly]
[Language: Old English; Origin: niwe]
1. RECENTLY MADE recently made, built, invented, written, designed etc OPP old:
the city’s new hospital
the new issue of ‘Time’ magazine
new products on the market
The hardest part of this job is understanding the new technology.
a new range of drugs
2. RECENTLY BOUGHT recently bought:
Do you like my new dress?
They’ve just moved into their new home.
3. NOT THERE BEFORE having just developed:
new leaves on the trees
a young man with new ideas
a new generation of women writers
new hope/confidence/optimism etc (=hope etc that you have only just started to feel)
a medical breakthrough that offers new hope to cancer patients
4. NOT USED BEFORE not used or owned by anyone before OPP used, second hand:
New and second-hand books for sale.
I got a used video camera for £300 – it would have cost £1,000 if I’d bought it new.
Jake arrived in his brand new (=completely new) car.
a spanking new (=completely new) conference centre
5. like new/as good as new in excellent condition:
Your watch just needs cleaning and it’ll be as good as new.
6. UNFAMILIAR not experienced before:
Learning a new language is always a challenge.
Living in the city was a new experience for Philip.
new to
This idea was new to him.
that’s a new one on me spoken (=used to say that you have never heard something before)
‘The office is going to be closed for six weeks this summer.’ ‘Really? That’s a new one on me.’
7. RECENTLY ARRIVED having recently arrived in a place, joined an organization, or started a new job:
You’re new here, aren’t you?
new to/at
Don’t worry if you make mistakes. You’re still new to the job.
new member/employee/student etc
training for new employees
new kid on the block informal (=the newest person in a job, school etc)
It’s not always easy being the new kid on the block.
the new boy/girl British English (=the newest person in a job, organization etc – used humorously)
8. RECENTLY CHANGED recently replaced or different from the previous one OPP old:
Have you met Keith’s new girlfriend?
I’ll let you have my new phone number.
the new regime in Beijing
9. RECENTLY DISCOVERED recently discovered:
the discovery of a new planet
new oilfields in Alaska
important new evidence that may prove her innocence
10. MODERN modern:
the new breed of politicians
11. VEGETABLES [only before noun] new potatoes, ↑carrots etc are grown early in the season and eaten when young
12. new life/day/era a period that is just beginning, especially one that seems to offer better opportunities:
They went to Australia to start a new life there.
13. be/feel like a new man/woman to feel much healthier and have a lot more energy than before, or to have a different attitude:
I lost 19 pounds and felt like a new man.
14. new arrival
a) someone who has recently arrived or started work somewhere
b) a new baby:
The children are thrilled with the new arrival.
15. new blood new members of a group or organization who will bring new ideas and be full of energy:
What we need in this company is some new blood.
16. new broom someone who has just started work in a high position in an organization and who is expected to make a lot of changes:
The company seems set to make a fresh start under a new broom.
17. what’s new? spoken especially American English used as a friendly greeting to mean ‘how are you?’
18. the new new ideas, styles etc:
This charming hotel is a delightful blend of the old and the new.
19. something ... is the new ... British English used to say that something is thought to be the new fashion that will replace an existing thing:
Don’t you know that vodka is the new water, my dear?
20. new-made/new-formed/new-laid etc recently made, formed etc
⇨ a new lease of life at ↑lease1(2), ⇨ turn over a new leaf at ↑leaf1(3)
—newness noun [uncountable]
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ new: a new sports centre | a new edition of the book | an entirely new theory of time and space
▪ brand new completely new: a brand new car | The house looks brand new.
▪ recent made, produced etc a short time ago: recent research into brain chemistry
▪ the latest [only before noun] the most recent: Have you seen his latest film? | the latest fashions from Paris
▪ modern different from earlier things of the same kind because of using new methods, equipment, or designs: modern technology | modern farming methods | a modern kitchen
▪ original new and completely different from what other people have done or thought of before, especially in a way that seems interesting: The play is highly original. | His style is completely original.
▪ fresh fresh ideas, evidence, or ways of doing things are new and different, and are used instead of previous ones: We need a fresh approach to the problem. | They want young people with fresh ideas. | Police think they may have found some fresh evidence that links him to the murder.
▪ novel new and different in a surprising and unusual way – used especially about a suggestion, experience, or way of doing something: The club have come up with a novel way of raising cash. | The King was passionately in love, which was a novel experience for him.
▪ innovative completely new and showing a lot of imagination – used especially about a design or way of doing something: an attractive website with an innovative design | They came up with an innovative approach to the problem.
▪ revolutionary completely new in a way that has a very big effect – used especially about an idea, method, or invention: a revolutionary treatment for breast cancer | His theories were considered to be revolutionary at the time.
▪ new-fangled [only before noun] used about something that is new and modern but which you disapprove of: My grandfather hated all this newfangled technology.

extra

I. ex‧tra1 S1 W2 /ˈekstrə/ BrE AmE adjective
[Date: 1600-1700; Origin: Probably from extraordinary]
1. [only before noun] more of something, in addition to the usual or standard amount or number:
Could you get an extra loaf of bread?
Allow extra time for your journey.
Drivers are advised to take extra care.
Residents can use the gym at no extra cost.
an extra ten minutes/three metres etc
I asked for an extra two weeks to finish the work.
2. [not before noun] if something is extra, it is not included in the price of something and you have to pay more for it OPP included:
Dinner costs $15 but wine is extra.
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ extra in addition to the usual or standard cost, time, amount etc: They let the kids stay up an extra hour. | Some stores charge extra for delivery. | Postage is extra.
▪ additional [only before noun] more than the basic amount or the amount that you expected or agreed. Additional is more formal than extra: An evening job would provide additional income. | There may be an additonal charge for paying bills by credit card.
▪ added [only before noun ] extra – used when talking about something that makes something better or more effective: an added benefit | an added precaution | It was a beautiful place, and the good weather was an added bonus. | Use a sunscreen for added protection.
▪ spare [only before noun] kept in addition to the one you usually use, so that it is available if the one you usually use breaks, gets lost etc: a spare key | a spare tyre | a spare set of clothes

large

I. large1 S1 W1 /lɑːdʒ $ lɑːrdʒ/ BrE AmE adjective (comparative larger, superlative largest)
[Word Family: noun: ↑enlargement, ↑enlarger; adjective: ↑large, ↑largish; verb: ↑enlarge; adverb: ↑largely]
[Date: 1100-1200; Language: Old French; Origin: Latin largus]
1. big in size, amount, or number OPP small:
Los Angeles is the second largest city in the US.
The T-shirt comes in Small, Medium and Large.
a large ovenproof pan
large sums of money
those who drink large amounts of coffee
A large number of students have signed up for the course.
2. a large person is tall and often fat OPP small
3. be at large if a dangerous person or animal is at large, they have escaped from somewhere or have not been caught:
The escaped prisoners are still at large.
4. the population/public/society/world etc at large people in general:
The chemical pollution poses a threat to the population at large.
5. the larger issues/question/problem/picture more general facts, situations, or questions related to something:
The book helps to explain the larger picture in the Middle East.
6. in large part/measure formal mostly:
Their success was due in large part to their ability to speak Spanish.
7. (as) large as life British English spoken used when someone has appeared or is present in a place where you did not expect to see them:
I turned a corner and there was Joe, as large as life.
8. larger than life someone who is larger than life is very amusing or exciting in an attractive way
9. by and large used when talking generally about someone or something:
Charities, by and large, do not pay tax.