noun

target sports

archery

archery [noun]

the art or sport of shooting arrows

/ˈɑːr.tʃɚ.i/

/ˈɑː.tʃər.i/

Example:

He took up archery eight years ago.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

archery

ar‧cher‧y /ˈɑːtʃəri $ ˈɑːr-/ BrE AmE noun [uncountable]
the sport of shooting ↑arrows from a ↑bow

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

archery

arch·ery [ˈɑːtʃəri] [ˈɑːrtʃəri] noun
uncountable
the art or sport of shooting arrows with a bow
Word Origin:
[archery] late Middle English: from Old French archerie, from archier, based on Latin arcus ‘bow’.
Example Bank:
• He took up archery eight years ago.

• Neither had practised archery before last year.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

archery / ˈɑː.tʃə.ri / / ˈɑːr.tʃɚ.i / noun [ U ]

archery

the art or sport of shooting arrows

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

archery

[ɑ͟ː(r)tʃəri]
N-UNCOUNT
Archery is a sport in which people shoot arrows at a target using a bow.
...a traditional national festival of horse racing, wrestling and archery.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

archery

ar·chery /ˈɑɚʧəri/ noun [noncount] : the sport or skill of shooting with a bow and arrow - often used before another noun
• an archery competition/contest
• archery equipment

chain

chain [noun] (CONNECTED THINGS)

a set of connected or related things

/tʃeɪn/

Example:

She has built up a chain of 180 bookshops across the country.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

noun
a line of metal rings that are joined together:
Round her neck she wore a gold chain.
My bicycle chain is broken.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

chain

I. chain¹ S3 W2 /tʃeɪn/ BrE AmE noun
[Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: chaeine, from Latin catena]
1. JOINED RINGS [uncountable and countable] a series of metal rings which are joined together in a line and used for fastening things, supporting weights, decoration etc ⇨ link:
She had a gold chain around her neck.
a length of heavy chain
the Mayor’s chain of office (=a decoration worn by some British officials at ceremonies)
pull the chain British English (=flush the toilet)
a bicycle chain (=that makes the wheels turn) ⇨ ↑jewellery
2. CONNECTED EVENTS [countable] a connected series of events or actions, especially which lead to a final result:
the chain of events that led to World War I
The salesmen are just one link in the chain (=part of a process) of distribution.
a rather complicated chain of reasoning ⇨ ↑chain of command, ↑food chain
3. SHOPS/HOTELS [countable] a number of shops, hotels, cinemas etc owned or managed by the same company or person
chain of
a chain of restaurants
hotel/restaurant/retail etc chain
several major UK supermarket chains ⇨ ↑chain store
4. CONNECTED LINE [countable] people or things which are connected or next to each other forming a line
mountain/island chain
the Andean mountain chain
chain of atoms/molecules etc technical:
a chain of amino acids
They formed a human chain (=a line of people who pass things from one person to the next) to move the equipment.
daisy chains (=flowers tied together)
5. PRISONERS [countable usually plural] metal chains fastened to the legs and arms of a prisoner, to prevent them from escaping
in chains
He was led away in chains.
ball and chain (=a chain attached to someone’s ankle at one end with a heavy metal ball at the other)
6. BUYING A HOUSE [countable usually singular] British English a number of people buying houses, where each person must complete the sale of their own house before they can buy the next person’s house
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 3)
■ types of chain
▪ a big/major/large chain It is one of Europe’s biggest clothing chains.
▪ a hotel chain Hilton is an international hotel chain.
▪ a supermarket chain Many people buy all their food at one of the major supermarket chains.
▪ a retail chain (=one whose business is buying and selling goods) Large retail chains usually want to expand and build more stores.
▪ a department store/video store/food store etc chain Morgan was the owner of a computer store chain.
▪ a restaurant chain the Pizza Hut restaurant chain
▪ a grocery chain These are two of Florida’s largest grocery chains.
▪ a fast-food chain the fast-food chain, Burger King
▪ a national/nationwide chain He was head of a national chain of grocery stores.
■ phrases
▪ be part of a chain The hotel is part of the MacDonald chain.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 4)
■ types of chain
▪ a mountain chain The town of Besançon lies at the end of the Jura mountain chain.
▪ an island chain the island chain from Asia to Australasia
▪ a human chain (=a large number of people who form a line, a circle etc to do something) Riot police formed human chains to block demonstrators.
▪ a chain of atoms/molecules etc technical: Most fabrics are made of long chains of molecules.
■ verbs
▪ form a chain They formed a human chain passing buckets of water to the fire.
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ mountain a very high hill: the highest mountain in Austria
▪ hill an area of land that is higher than the land around it, which is like a mountain but smaller and usually has a rounded top: We went for a walk in the hills. | The house is surrounded by woods, farmland and gentle hills.
▪ Mount (also Mt written abbreviation) used in the names of mountains. Don’t say ‘Fuji Mountain’ – say ‘Mount Fuji’: Mount Everest
▪ cliff the steep side of an area of land, often next to the sea: the white cliffs of Dover
▪ precipice especially literary a very steep and dangerous cliff: They were standing on the edge of a precipice.
▪ crag a high steep rock or mountain: An eagle sailed over the high crags.
▪ ridge a long narrow area of high ground, especially at the top of a mountain: I could see a group of climbers high up on a ridge.
▪ knoll a small round hill: a grassy knoll
▪ volcano a mountain with a large hole at the top, through which ↑lava (=hot liquid rock) is sometimes forced out: the eruption of a volcano
▪ summit the very highest point of a mountain: the summit of Mt Everest
▪ peak especially literary the top of a mountain: the snow-covered peaks of the Himalayas | a distant peak
▪ range/chain a group of mountains or hills arranged in a line: the mountain range that is part of the border between Norway and Sweden
▪ foothills a group of smaller hills below a range of high mountains: the Sierra foothills

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

chain

chain [chain chains chained chaining] noun, verb [tʃeɪn] [tʃeɪn]

noun

METAL RINGS
1. countable, uncountable a series of connected metal rings, used for pulling or fastening things; a length of chain used for a particular purpose
• a short length of chain
• She wore a heavy gold chain around her neck.
• The mayor wore his chain of office.
• a bicycle chain

• The prisoners were kept in chains (= with chains around their arms and legs, to prevent them from escaping).

CONNECTED THINGS

2. countable a series of connected things or people
• to set in motion a chain of events
• a chain of command (= a system in an organization by which instructions are passed from one person to another)
• mountain/island chains
• Volunteers formed a human chain to rescue precious items from the burning house.

see also food chain

OF SHOPS/HOTELS

3. countable a group of shops/stores or hotels owned by the same company

• a chain of supermarkets/a supermarket chain

RESTRICTION

4. countable, usually plural (formal or literary) a thing that restricts sb's freedom or ability to do sth

• the chains of fear/misery

IN HOUSE BUYING

5. countable, usually singular (BrE) a situation in which a number of people selling and buying houses must each complete the sale of their house before buying from the next person
see ball and chain at ball _n., a link in the chain at link _n., the weak link (in the chain) at weak
Word Origin:
Middle English: from Old French chaine, chaeine, from Latin catena ‘a chain’.
Thesaurus:
chain noun C
• It was all part of a chain of events.
series • • sequence • • string • • succession • • line • |especially BrE catalogue •
a chain/series/sequence/string/succession/line/catalogue of sth
a chain/series/sequence/string/succession of events
a/an long/endless/continuous/unbroken chain/series/sequence/string/succession/line
Example Bank:
• Let the dog off its chain.
• Our suppliers are the weakest link in the chain.
• Put the chain on the door before you go to bed.
• She wore a long gold chain around her neck.
• The mayor was wearing his chain of office.
• The people formed a human chain to pass the supplies up the beach.
• The prisoner was led away in chains.
• There has been an unbroken chain of great violinists in the family.
• They kept the dog on a chain all day long.
• This hotel is part of a large chain.
• a chain of clothes shops
• a chain of department stores
• a chain of volcanic islands
• efforts to ensure that dioxins do not enter the food chain
• the complex chain of events that led to the war
• I was next in the chain of command.
• If any part of the chain of infection is broken, the spread of the disease will be stopped.
• It's important to make sure the chain of communication is not broken.
• Middlemen are important links in the chain.
• She was personally involved in this chain of events.

• Volunteers formed a human chain to pass buckets of water to each other.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

chain / tʃeɪn / noun [ C ] (CONNECTED THINGS)

B2 a set of connected or related things:

She has built up a chain of 180 bookshops across the country.

His resignation was followed by a remarkable chain of events .

chain / tʃeɪn / noun (RINGS)

A2 [ C or U ] (a length of) rings usually made of metal that are connected together and used for fastening, pulling, supporting, or limiting freedom, or as jewellery:

The gates were locked with a padlock and a heavy steel chain.

Put the chain on the door if you are alone in the house.

Mary was wearing a beautiful silver chain around her neck.

See picture plug

in chains tied with chains:

The hostages were kept in chains for 23 hours a day.

[ plural ] a fact or situation that limits a person's freedom:

At last the country has freed itself from the chains of the authoritarian regime.

chain / tʃeɪn / noun UK (HOUSE SALE)

[ C ] a situation in which someone selling their house cannot complete the sale because the person who wants to buy it needs to sell their house first:

Some sellers refuse to exchange contracts with buyers who are in a chain.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

chain

[tʃe͟ɪn]
♦♦♦
chains, chaining, chained
1) N-COUNT A chain consists of metal rings connected together in a line.
  His open shirt revealed a fat gold chain...
  The dogs were leaping and growling at the full stretch of their chains.
2) N-PLURAL: in N If prisoners are in chains, they have thick rings of metal round their wrists or ankles to prevent them from escaping.
  He'd spent four and a half years in windowless cells, much of the time in chains.
3) N-PLURAL: oft N of n You can refer to feelings and duties which prevent you from doing what you want to do as chains. [LITERARY]
  He had to break right now the chains of habit that bound him to the present.
  Syn:
  fetters
4) VERB If a person or thing is chained to something, they are fastened to it with a chain.
  [be V-ed to n] The dog was chained to the leg of the one solid garden seat...
  [V n to n] She chained her bike to the railings...
  [V n to n] Some demonstrators chained themselves to railings inside the court building...
  [V-ed] We were sitting together in our cell, chained to the wall. [Also V n adv/prep]
  Syn:
  tie
PHRASAL VERB
Chain up means the same as chain. V n P I'll lock the doors and chain you up... V-ed P They kept me chained up every night and released me each day... Also V P n (not pron) V-ed P All the rowing boats were chained up.
5) N-COUNT: N of n A chain of things is a group of them existing or arranged in a line.
  ...a chain of islands known as the Windward Islands...
  Students tried to form a human chain around the parliament.
6) N-COUNT: with supp A chain of shops, hotels, or other businesses is a number of them owned by the same person or company.
  ...a large supermarket chain.
  ...Italy's leading chain of cinemas.
7) N-SING: N of n A chain of events is a series of them happening one after another.
  ...the bizarre chain of events that led to his departure in January 1938.
  Syn:
  series
8) → See also food chain
  Phrasal Verbs:
  - chain up

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

¹chain /ˈʧeɪn/ noun, pl chains
1 a : a series of usually metal links or rings that are connected to each other in a line and used for supporting heavy things, for holding things together, for decoration, etc.

[count]
• The neighbor's dog is kept on a chain. [=is connected to a chain that keeps it from getting away]
• She wore a beautiful gold chain [=necklace] around her neck.
• the ship's anchor chain
• a bicycle chain

[noncount]
• We'll need 25 feet of chain for the pulley.
- see pictures on page C11 and at bicycle; see also choke chain, key chain
b [count] : a chain that is attached to the arms or legs of a prisoner - usually plural
• The prisoners were kept in chains while being transferred to the new jail.
- often used figuratively
• The contract would keep the employees in chains, unable to leave the company for at least five years.
- see also ball and chain
2 [count] : a series or group of things or people that are connected to each other in some way
• a chain of islands
• The world's longest mountain chain [=group of mountains that form a long line] is the Andes.
• The new book chronicles the chain of events leading up to the crime.
• Protesters formed a human chain [=they stood next to each other with their arms linked] around the ancient tree to prevent it from being cut down.
- see also daisy chain, food chain
3 [count] : a group of businesses (such as stores, restaurants, or hotels) that have the same name and basic appearance and sell the same products or services
• They own a chain of organic grocery stores.
• fast-food/clothing chains also; : the company that owns such a group of businesses
• The hotel chain recently opened a new hotel in Hong Kong.
- see also chain store
4 [count] Brit : a number of people who each want to buy a house but must first sell their current house before moving to the next one - usually singular
• Both houses are currently vacant so there is no chain to worry about.
pull the chain Brit : to flush a toilet
pull/yank someone's chain US informal : to deceive someone in a friendly or playful way
• I thought he really won the lottery but he was only pulling my chain. [=he was only playing a joke on me]

groups and collections of things

habit

habit [noun] (REPEATED ACTION)

something that you do often and regularly, sometimes without knowing that you are doing it

/ˈhæb.ɪt/

Example:

His eating habits are extraordinary.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

habit

noun
something that you do very often:
Smoking is a bad habit.
She's got a habit of phoning me when I'm in bed.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

habit

hab‧it S3 W3 /ˈhæbət, ˈhæbɪt/ BrE AmE noun
[Word Family: noun: ↑habit, ↑habitué; verb: ↑habituate; adverb: ↑habitually; adjective: ↑habitual]
[Date: 1100-1200; Language: Old French; Origin: Latin habitus 'condition, character', from habere 'to have']
1. USUAL/REGULAR [uncountable and countable] something that you do regularly or usually, often without thinking about it because you have done it so many times before:
Regular exercise is a good habit.
Thinking negatively can become a habit.
She has a habit of playing with her hair when she’s nervous.
Some people drink alcohol as much from habit as from desire.
by/from/out of habit (=because this is what you usually do in this situation)
I did it out of habit.
2. DRUGS [countable] a strong physical need to keep taking a drug regularly:
A lot of drug addicts get into petty crime to support their habit.
heroin/cocaine etc habit
His cocaine habit ruined him physically and financially.
3. not make a habit of (doing) something spoken used to say that someone does not usually do something bad or wrong, or should not do it again:
You’re ten minutes late. I hope you’re not going to make a habit of this.
4. I’m not in the habit of doing something spoken used when you are annoyed, to say that you would not do something:
I’m not in the habit of lying to my friends.
5. have a habit of doing something if something has a habit of doing something, it usually or often does it – used humorously:
Life has a habit of springing surprises.
6. old habits die hard used to say that it is difficult to make people change their attitudes or behaviour:
She knew it probably wasn’t necessary any more, but old habits die hard.
7. habit of thought/mind the way someone usually thinks about something, or their usual attitudes
8. CLOTHING [countable] a long loose piece of clothing worn by people in some religious groups:
a nun’s habit
⇨ a creature of habit at ↑creature(3)
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ verbs
▪ have a habit (of doing something) He has a habit of being late.
▪ something becomes a habit Once you you have been driving for a few weeks, it becomes a habit.
▪ get into a habit (=start doing something regularly or often) Try to get into the habit of walking for 30 minutes each day.
▪ get out of a habit (=stop doing something regularly or often) She couldn’t get out of the habit of saying 'sorry'.
▪ break/kick a habit (=stop doing something that is bad for you) I’ve smoked for years, but I really want to kick the habit.
▪ develop/form a habit I developed a habit of eating porridge for breakfast.
▪ change your habits It's sometimes difficult for people to change their habits.
■ adjectives
▪ a good/bad habit Eating healthy food as snacks is a good habit to get into.
▪ eating/drinking habits (=the kinds of things you eat or drink regularly) You need to change your eating habits.
▪ buying/spending habits (=the kinds of things you buy regularly) The recession will mean that many people will be changing their spending habits.
▪ viewing habits (=the kinds of television shows you regularly watch) Parents try to control their children’s viewing habits.
▪ sexual habits (=what you normally do in sexual relationships) a survey of the sexual habits of gay men
▪ personal habits (=the things you normally do each day, for example keeping yourself clean or whether you smoke) Some of his personal habits were unpleasant.
▪ social habits (=the things people normally do when they are with other people) Television changed some of our social habits.
▪ an annoying/unpleasant/nasty habit He had the unpleasant habit of eating with his mouth open.
▪ a strange/peculiar/odd habit He had a lot of peculiar habits, one of them being to stare at you without blinking.
■ phrases
▪ be in the habit of doing something On Friday evenings Carrie was in the habit of visiting her parents.
▪ (by/from) force of habit (=used about a habit that is difficult to change) I still walk by his house each day - force of habit, I suppose.
▪ change/break the habits of a lifetime (=stop doing the things you have done for many years) It is hard to change the habits of a lifetime, but you must eat more healthily or you will have a heart attack.
▪ have the unfortunate habit of doing something (=do something that makes other people feel embarrassed or offended) Teenage girls have the unfortunate habit of laughing too loudly.
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ habit something you do regularly, often without thinking about it: Biting your nails is a bad habit. | I always go to the same supermarket, out of habit.
▪ mannerism a way of speaking or a small movement of your face or body that is part of your usual behaviour: Even her mannerisms are the same as her sister’s.
▪ custom something that people in a particular society do because it is traditional or the accepted thing to do: In Japan it is the custom to take off your shoes when you enter a house.
▪ tradition a belief, custom, or way of doing something that has existed for a long time: The tradition of giving Easter eggs goes back hundreds of years. | In many countries, it’s a tradition for the bride to wear white. | It was a family tradition to go for a walk on Christmas Day.
▪ practice something that people often do, especially as part of their work or daily life: The hotel has ended the practice of leaving chocolates in guests’ rooms.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

habit

habit [habit habits] [ˈhæbɪt] [ˈhæbɪt] noun
1. countable a thing that you do often and almost without thinking, especially sth that is hard to stop doing
• You need to change your eating habits.
• good/bad habits
• He has the irritating habit of biting his nails.
• It's all right to borrow money occasionally, but don't let it become a habit.
• I'd prefer you not to make a habit of it.
• I'm not in the habit of letting strangers into my apartment.
• I've got into the habit of turning on the TV as soon as I get home.
• I'm trying to break the habit of staying up too late.

• These things have a habit of coming back to haunt you.

2. uncountable usual behaviour
• I only do it out of habit.

• I'm a creature of habit (= I have a fixed and regular way of doing things).

3. countable (informal) a strong need to keep using drugs, alcohol or cigarettes regularly
• He began to finance his habit through burglary.
• She's tried to give up smoking but just can't kick the habit.

• a 50-a-day habit

4. countable a long piece of clothing worn by a monk or nun
see force of habit at force _n.
Word Origin:
Middle English: from Old French abit, habit, from Latin habitus ‘condition, appearance’, from habere ‘have, consist of’. The term originally meant ‘dress, attire’, later coming to denote physical or mental constitution.
Thesaurus:
habit noun C, U
• I got into the habit of calling my aunt every night.
practice • • ways • • ritual • • rule • |formal policy •
be sb's habit/practice/policy to do sth
the/sb's usual habit/practice/ritual/policy
change your habit/practice/policy/ways
Example Bank:
• Don't let eating between meals become a habit.
• Ellington's work habits were a marvel to all.
• Even last year the nation's eating habits changed significantly.
• He had an irritating habit of singing tunelessly about the house.
• He turned to crime to support his habit.
• Healthy lifestyle habits begin when you're young.
• Horses are creatures of habit and like to have a daily routine.
• I found some of his personal habits rather disconcerting.
• I got out of the habit of getting up early.
• I had fallen into my old bad habit of leaving everything until the last minute.
• I had got out of the habit of going to the pub.
• I just did it from habit.
• I sat in my old seat purely out of habit.
• I'm trying to kick the smoking habit.
• It was a nervous habit she'd had for years.
• It's hard to change the habit of a lifetime.
• Life has a nasty habit of repeating itself.
• Make a habit of noting down any telephone messages.
• Mental habits are not easily changed.
• Mr Norris bellowed from force of habit.
• Mr Norris woke up early from force of habit.
• Much of what we do in daily life is done by habit.
• She had been in the habit of drinking five or six cups of coffee a day.
• She has some very annoying habits.
• The children are developing unhealthy eating habits.
• The pills affected your sleeping habits.
• Try to get into good habits and eat regular healthy meals.
• You must break yourself of the habit.
• a difficult habit to break
• an effort to change the buying habits of the British public
• deeply ingrained habits of thought
• her charming habit of setting fire to cats
• one of his more endearing habits
• poor eating habits
• women's television viewing habits
• I do it out of habit.
• I got into the habit of going there every night for dinner.
• I'd prefer you not to make a habit of calling late at night.
• I'm not in the habit of letting strangers into my apartment.
• It's all right to borrow money occasionally, but don't let it become a habit.
• The majority of smokers want to give up the habit.
• Try to break the habit of of adding salt at the table.

• When it comes to clothes, men are creatures of habit.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

habit / ˈhæb.ɪt / noun (REPEATED ACTION)

B1 [ C or U ] something that you do often and regularly, sometimes without knowing that you are doing it:

I always buy the same brand of toothpaste just out of (= because of) habit.

I'm trying not to get into (= start) the habit of always having biscuits with my coffee.

I used to swim twice a week, but I seem to have got out of (= ended) the habit recently.

I was taught to drive by my boyfriend and I'm afraid I've picked up (= caught) some of his bad habits.

His eating habits are extraordinary.

I'm trying to get him to break (= end intentionally) the habit of switching on the TV when he comes home at night.

I don't mind being woken up once or twice in the middle of the night by my flatmate so long as she doesn't make a habit of it (= do it frequently) .

I'm not really in the habit of looking at (= I don't usually look at) other people's clothes, but even I noticed that awful suit!

B2 [ C ] something annoying that someone often does:

She has a habit of finishing off other people's sentences.

B2 [ C ] a strong physical need to keep having a particular drug:

a cocaine habit

figurative humorous I'm afraid I've got a chocolate habit.

Word partners for habit

have a habit • get into / get out of the habit of doing sth • have / make a habit of doing sth • sth becomes a habit • acquire / develop / pick up a habit • break / kick a habit • an annoying / bad / good / nasty habit • be in the habit of doing sth • do sth from / out of / through habit

habit / ˈhæb.ɪt / noun [ C ] (CLOTHING)

a special piece of long clothing worn by monks and nuns

Word partners for habit

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

habit

[hæ̱bɪt]
♦♦♦
habits
1) N-VAR: oft N of -ing A habit is something that you do often or regularly.
  He has an endearing habit of licking his lips when he's nervous...
  Many people add salt to their food out of habit, without even tasting it first.
  ...a survey on eating habits in the UK.
2) N-COUNT: oft N of -ing A habit is an action which is considered bad that someone does repeatedly and finds it difficult to stop doing.
  A good way to break the habit of eating too quickly is to put your knife and fork down after each mouthful...
  After twenty years as a chain smoker Mr Nathe has given up the habit.
3) N-COUNT: supp N A drug habit is an addiction to a drug such as heroin or cocaine.
  She became a prostitute in order to pay for her cocaine habit.
4) N-COUNT A habit is a piece of clothing shaped like a long loose dress, which a nun or monk wears.
5) PHRASE: creature inflects, usu v-link PHR If you say that someone is a creature of habit, you mean that they usually do the same thing at the same time each day, rather than doing new and different things.
6) PHRASE: v-link PHR -ing If you are in the habit of doing something, you do it regularly or often. If you get into the habit of doing something, you begin to do it regularly or often.
  They were in the habit of giving two or three dinner parties a month...
  I got into the habit of calling in on Gloria on my way home from work.
7) PHRASE: V inflects, PHR -ing/n If you make a habit of doing something, you do it regularly or often.
  You can phone me at work as long as you don't make a habit of it.
8) PHRASE: habit inflects If someone has a particular habit of mind, they usually think in that particular way.
  In accent, mannerism and habit of mind he appeared to be completely Eastern European.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

habit

hab·it /ˈhæbət/ noun, pl -its
1 : a usual way of behaving : something that a person does often in a regular and repeated way

[count]

• It was his habit to take a nap after dinner every evening.
• It's important that parents teach their children good study/eating habits.
• He fell/got into some bad habits after graduating from college.
• It's never easy to break/kick a bad habit.
• Old habits die hard. [=it is hard to stop doing things that you have been doing for a long time]
- often followed by of + -ing verb
• He had a habit of coughing when he was nervous.
• He has an annoying/irritating habit of cracking his knuckles.
• Things have a nasty habit of not turning out the way you expect them to. [=things often do not turn out the way you expect them to]

[noncount]

• He still gets up early every day from habit.
• She always closed the door softly out of habit.
• He reached into his pocket for his keys by/from force of habit. [=he did it without thinking because it is what he usually does]
• I'm a creature of habit. [=I always do the same things in the same way]
✦If you are in the habit of doing something, you do it often or usually.
• I'm in the habit of reading before I go to bed.
✦If you say that you are not in the habit of doing something, you mean that you do not do it or that you do not usually do it.
• I'm not in the habit of getting involved in other people's arguments.
• I'm not in the habit of making predictions, but I don't think there's much doubt about who will win this election.
✦To get in/into the habit of doing something means to do something in a regular or repeated way so that it becomes a habit.
• I had gotten into the habit of reading before going to bed.
• She got in the habit of leaving her keys on the counter so she wouldn't forget them.
✦To fall/slip into the habit of doing something is to begin to do something in a regular way without realizing that you are doing it.
• It's easy to fall into the habit of not eating enough for breakfast.
✦If you make a habit of doing something or make it a habit to do something, you do it often.
• They have made a habit of criticizing each other whenever possible.
• The team has made a habit of winning the crucial games.
• Yes, you can leave work early today, but don't make a habit of it.
2 [count] : a strong need to use a drug, to smoke cigarettes, etc.
• He hasn't been able to kick his cocaine habit.
• I used to have a three-pack-a-day cigarette habit. [=I used to smoke three packs of cigarettes a day]
3 [count] : a piece of clothing worn by members of a religious group
• a monk's/nun's habit

the status quo

the status quo [noun]

the present situation

/ˌsteɪ.t̬əs ˈkwoʊ/

/ˌsteɪ.təs ˈkwəʊ/

Example:

Certain people always want to maintain the status quo.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

the status quo

the state of a situation as it is

maintain/preserve/defend the status quo (=not make any changes)

Will the West use its influence to maintain the status quo and not disrupt the flow of oil?

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

the status quo / ˌsteɪ.təsˈkwəʊ / / -t̬əsˈkwoʊ / noun [ S ]

the present situation:

Certain people always want to maintain the status quo.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

status quo

(steɪtəs kwoʊ )

singular noun

The status quo is the state of affairs that exists at a particular time, especially in contrast to a different possible state of affairs.

By 492 votes to 391, the federation voted to maintain the status quo.

They have no wish for any change in the status quo.

We must not return to the status quo.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

the status quo

noun

Definition of the status quo

: the current situation : the way things are nowHe's content with the status quo and isn't looking for change.She wants to maintain the status quo.

adjustment

adjustment [noun] (CHANGE)

a small change

/əˈdʒʌst.mənt/

Example:

The family counselor advised the couple to make some minor adjustments to the way they treated each other.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

adjustment

ad‧just‧ment AC /əˈdʒʌstmənt/ BrE AmE noun [uncountable and countable]
[Word Family: verb: ↑adjust; noun: ↑adjustment; adjective: ↑adjustable]
1. a small change made to a machine, system, or calculation
adjustment for
Once we make the adjustments for inflation, the fall in interest rates is quite small.
adjustment to
a slight adjustment to the mechanism
minor/slight adjustment
It just needs a few minor adjustments.
2. a change in the way that someone behaves or thinks:
a period of adjustment
adjustment to
her adjustment to her new role

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

adjustment

ad·just·ment AW [adjustment adjustments] [əˈdʒʌstmənt] [əˈdʒʌstmənt] noun countable, uncountable
1. a small change made to sth in order to correct or improve it
• I've made a few adjustments to the design.

• Some adjustment of the lens may be necessary.

2. a change in the way a person behaves or thinks
• She went through a period of emotional adjustment after her marriage broke up.
Example Bank:
• The dosage may need adjustment to suit the individual.
• The mechanic made the necessary adjustments to the engine.
• The process of adjustment to life in another country can be very difficult.
• There was a long period of adjustment under the new boss.
• a cut of 1.5% in real terms (after adjustment for inflation)
• a few minor adjustments to the schedule
• adjustments in the exchange rates

• I've made a few adjustments to the design.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

adjustment / əˈdʒʌst.mənt / noun [ C or U ] (CHANGE)

B2 a small change:

She made a few minor adjustments to the focus of her camera.

adjustment / əˈdʒʌst.mənt / noun [ C or U ] (BECOMING FAMILIAR)

the ability to become more familiar with a new situation:

He has so far failed to make the adjustment from school to work.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

adjustment

/ədʒʌstmənt/
(adjustments)

1.
An adjustment is a small change that is made to something such as a machine or a way of doing something.
Compensation could be made by adjustments to taxation...
Investment is up by 5.7% after adjustment for inflation.
N-COUNT: oft N to/for/in n

2.
An adjustment is a change in a person’s behaviour or thinking.
He will have to make major adjustments to his thinking if he is to survive in office.
N-COUNT: oft N to n

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

ad·just·ment
1 : the act or process of adjusting
2 : a settlement of a claim or debt in a case in which the amount involved is uncertain or full payment is not made
3 : the state of being adjusted
4 : a means (as a mechanism) by which things are adjusted one to another
5 : a correction or modification to reflect actual conditions
–ad·just·men·tal \ə-ˌjəs(t)-'men-t^əl, ˌa-ˌjəs(t)-\ adjective

change and changes

amendment

amendment [noun]

a change or changes made to the words of a text

/əˈmend.mənt/

Example:

In that session, almost all of the faculty members passed an amendment to the dean, requesting some special facilities.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

amendment

a‧mend‧ment AC /əˈmendmənt/ BrE AmE noun
[Word Family: verb: ↑amend; noun: ↑amendment]
[uncountable and countable] a small change, improvement, or addition that is made to a law or document, or the process of doing this:
constitutional amendments
amendment to
an amendment to the resolution

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

amendment

amend·ment AW [amendment amendments] [əˈmendmənt] [əˈmendmənt] noun
1. countable, uncountable a small change or improvement that is made to a law or a document; the process of changing a law or a document
• to introduce/propose/table an amendment (= to suggest it)
• Parliament passed the bill without further amendment.

• ~ to sth She made several minor amendments to her essay.

2. Amendment countable a statement of a change to the Constitution of the US
• The 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote.
Word Origin:
Middle English (in the sense ‘improvement, correction’): from Old French amendement, from amender, based on Latin emendare, from e- (variant of ex-) ‘out of’ + menda ‘a fault’.
Culture:
In the US the first ten amendments to the Constitution are called the Bill of Rights. Each amendment to the US Constitution needs a two-thirds majority in each House and must be approved by 75% of the states.
Example Bank:
• He is simply exercising his First-Amendment rights.
• He moved an amendment limiting capital punishment to certain very serious crimes.
• In total 217 MPs backed the rebel amendment opposing the government.
• On a free vote, the amendment was carried by 292 votes to 246.
• Parliament accepted the amendment and the bill was passed.
• She withdrew her amendment and left the meeting.
• The Senate added numerous amendments to the bill.
• The amendment passed in 2001.
• The committee does not adequately consult others when drafting amendments.
• The new clause was accepted without amendment.
• The programme is subject to amendment.
• They have proposed an amendment to the federal constitution.
• a call to repeal the 22nd amendment to the Constitution
• a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage

• an amendment to the Clean Water Act

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

amendment / əˈmend.mənt / noun

C2 [ U or C ] a change or changes made to the words of a text:

He insisted that the book did not need amendment.

I've made a few last-minute amendments to the article.

Presidential power was reduced by a constitutional amendment in 1991.

[ C ] a change to a law that is not yet in operation and is still being discussed:

An amendment to the bill was agreed without a vote.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

amendment

/əmendmənt/
(amendments)

Frequency: The word is one of the 3000 most common words in English.

1.
An amendment is a section that is added to a law or rule in order to change it.
...an amendment to the defense bill.
N-VAR

2.
An amendment is a change that is made to a piece of writing.
= alteration
N-COUNT

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

amendment

amend·ment /əˈmɛndmənt/ noun, pl -ments
1 [count] : a change in the words or meaning of a law or document (such as a constitution)
• constitutional amendments
- often + to
• They proposed an amendment to the law. [=they officially suggested that a change be made to the law]
• an amendment to section 37(a) of the tax code
✦The names of the amendments that have been made to the U.S. Constitution are usually capitalized.
• The first 10 Amendments to the Constitution of the United States are called the Bill of Rights.
• Our right to free speech is protected by the First Amendment (of the U.S. Constitution).
2 [noncount] : the act or process of changing the words or meaning of a law or document : the act or process of amending something
• rights that were granted by amendment of the Constitution

legislation and law-making

C2 (Proficient)

revolution

revolution [noun] (CHANGE)

a very important change in the way that people do things

/ˌrev.əˈluː.ʃən/

Example:

Urban planning in this area requires a revolution in the whole system.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

revolution

noun

1 a fight by people against their government in order to put a new government in its place:
The French Revolution was in 1789.

2 a big change in the way of doing things:
the Industrial Revolution

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

revolution

rev‧o‧lu‧tion S3 W2 AC /ˌrevəˈluːʃən/ BrE AmE noun
[Word Family: noun: ↑revolution, ↑revolutionary; verb: ↑revolutionize; adjective: ↑revolutionary]
[Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: Latin revolutio, from revolvere; ⇨ ↑revolve]
1. [countable] a complete change in ways of thinking, methods of working etc
revolution in
In the last ten years there has been a revolution in education.
social/cultural/sexual etc revolution
the biggest social revolution we have had in this country
the sexual revolution of the 1960s ⇨ ↑Industrial Revolution
2. [uncountable and countable] a time when people change a ruler or political system by using force or violence ⇨ revolt, rebellion:
the French Revolution of 1789
The role of women has changed since the revolution.
The country seems to be heading towards revolution. ⇨ ↑counter-revolution
3.
a) [uncountable and countable] a circular movement around something ⇨ revolve
revolution around
the planets’ revolution around the sun
b) [countable] one complete circular spinning movement, made by something such as a wheel attached to a central point ⇨ revolve:
a speed of 100 revolutions per minute
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ revolt/rebellion/uprising an attempt by a large group of people at revolution: a popular uprising (=involving ordinary people, not the army)
▪ coup /kuː/ an occasion when a group of people, especially soldiers, suddenly take control of a country: a military coup

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

revolution

revo·lu·tion AW [revolution revolutions] [ˌrevəˈluːʃn] [ˌrevəˈluːʃn] noun
1. countable, uncountable an attempt, by a large number of people, to change the government of a country, especially by violent action
• a socialist revolution
• the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789
• to start a revolution
• a country on the brink of revolution

see also counter-revolution, revolt

2. countable a great change in conditions, ways of working, beliefs, etc. that affects large numbers of people
• a cultural/social/scientific, etc. revolution
• ~ in sth A revolution in information technology is taking place.

see also Industrial Revolution

3. countable, uncountable ~ (around/on sth) a complete circular movement around a point, especially of one planet around another
• the revolution of the earth around the sun

see also revolve

4. (also informal rev) countable a circular movement made by sth fixed to a central point, for example in a car engine
• rotating at 300 revolutions per minute
See also: rev
Word Origin:
late Middle English: from Old French, or from late Latin revolutio(n-), from revolvere ‘roll back’, from re- ‘back’ (also expressing intensive force) + volvere ‘roll’.
Thesaurus:
revolution noun
1. C, U
• The shooting of 30 people started a revolution.
coup • • uprising • • revolt • • rebellion • • mutiny • |formal insurgency •
a/an revolution/coup/uprising/revolt/rebellion against sb/sth
(a) violent revolution/uprising/rebellion
stage/lead a/an revolution/coup/revolt/rebellion/mutiny
2. C
• A technological revolution is taking place.
reversal • • turnaround • • a change of heart • |written sea change • |informal, especially journalism U-turn •
a revolution/reversal/turnaround/sea change /U-turn in sth
undergo a revolution/change of heart/sea change
represent a revolution/reversal/turnaround/change of heart
bring about a revolution/reversal/change of heart
Collocations:
Politics
Power
create/form/be the leader of a political party
gain/take/win/lose/regain control of Congress
start/spark/lead/be on the brink of a revolution
be engaged/locked in an internal power struggle
lead/form a rival/breakaway faction
seize/take control of the government/power
bring down/overthrow/topple the government/president/regime
abolish/overthrow/restore the monarchy
establish/install a military dictatorship/a stable government
be forced/removed/driven from office/power
resign/step down as party leader/an MP/president/prime minister
enter/retire from/return to political life
Political debate
spark/provoke a heated/hot/intense/lively debate
engage in/participate in/contribute to (the) political/public debate (on/over sth)
get involved in/feel excluded from the political process
launch/start/lead/spearhead a campaign/movement
join/be linked with the peace/anti-war/feminist/civil rights movement
criticize/speak out against/challenge/support the government
lobby/put pressure on the government (to do sth)
come under fire/pressure from opposition parties
Policy
call for/demand/propose/push for/advocate democratic/political/land reform(s)
formulate/implement domestic economic policy
change/influence/shape/have an impact on government/economic/public policy
be consistent with/be in line with/go against/be opposed to government policy
reform/restructure/modernize the tax system
privatize/improve/deliver/make cuts in public services
invest (heavily) in/spend sth on schools/education/public services/(the) infrastructure
nationalize the banks/the oil industry
promise/propose/deliver/give ($80 billion in/significant/substantial/massive) tax cuts
a/the budget is approved/ (especially NAmE) passed by parliament/congress
Making laws
have a majority in/have seats in Parliament/Congress/the Senate
propose/sponsor a bill/legislation/a resolution
introduce/bring in/draw up/draft/adopt/pass a bill/a law/legislation/measures
amend/repeal an act/a law/legislation
veto/vote against/oppose a bill/legislation/a measure/a proposal/a resolution
get/require/be decided by a majority vote
more collocations at economy, voting
Example Bank:
• As the 18th century wore on, an agricultural revolution took place.
• Doctors have welcomed the fitness revolution.
• He achieved a virtual revolution in the way music is recorded.
• How long does it take for the planet Jupiter to make a complete revolution around the sun?
• Jupiter makes a complete revolution around the sun every 12 years.
• Marketing has undergone a revolution in recent years.
• One full revolution of the knob will open the hatch.
• Some Marxists still believe that socialism will one day triumph through world revolution.
• The activists were charged with fomenting revolution.
• The coming of television brought about a revolution in people's leisure activities.
• The computer revolution has transformed the workplace.
• The earth turns through one complete revolution approximately every twenty-four hours.
• The last decade has seen a revolution in telecommunications.
• There has been a quiet revolution in the way writing is taught.
• There has been a revolution going on in farming during the last five years.
• Thousands of people were killed in the bloody revolution that toppled the government.
• a revolution against communist rule
• the failed 1911 revolution
• the revolution which overthrew the old regime
• The French Revolution brought about great changes in the society and government of France.
• The country appears to be on the brink of revolution.
• The disk rotates at up to 500 revolutions per minute.
• The revolution of the earth around the sun takes one year.
• The shooting and killing of thirty people started a revolution.

• a cultural/social/scientific revolution

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

revolution / ˌrev.əˈluː.ʃ ə n / noun [ C or U ] (POLITICS)

B2 a change in the way a country is governed, usually to a different political system and often using violence or war:

The French Revolution changed France from a monarchy to a republic.

The country seems to be heading towards revolution.

revolution / ˌrev.əˈluː.ʃ ə n / noun [ C ] (CHANGE)

B2 a very important change in the way that people do things:

a technological revolution

Penicillin produced a revolution in medicine.

revolution / ˌrev.əˈluː.ʃ ə n / noun (CIRCULAR MOVEMENT)

[ S ] a circular movement:

The revolution of the Earth around the sun was proposed by Copernicus.

[ C ] one complete circular movement of something, for example a wheel:

Engine speed can be measured in revolutions per minute ( abbreviation rpm ).

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

revolution

/revəlu:ʃ(ə)n/
(revolutions)

Frequency: The word is one of the 3000 most common words in English.

1.
A revolution is a successful attempt by a large group of people to change the political system of their country by force.
The period since the revolution has been one of political turmoil.
N-COUNT

2.
A revolution in a particular area of human activity is an important change in that area.
The nineteenth century witnessed a revolution in ship design and propulsion.
N-COUNT: with supp

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

revolution

rev·o·lu·tion /ˌrɛvəˈluːʃən/ noun, pl -tions
1 a : the usually violent attempt by many people to end the rule of one government and start a new one

[count]
• the American/French Revolution
• The group started a revolution.

[noncount]
• The king knew that there was a threat of revolution.
- see also counterrevolution
b [count] : a sudden, extreme, or complete change in the way people live, work, etc.
• This new theory could cause a revolution in elementary education.
• the computer revolution [=the changes created by the widespread use of computers]
• The growth of the middle class forced a social revolution. [=a major change in society]
• the sexual revolution [=a major change in people's attitudes about sex]
- see also industrial revolution
2 technical
a : the action of moving around something in a path that is similar to a circle : rotation

[count]

• the revolution of the Earth around the Sun

[noncount]

• The period of revolution of the Earth around the Sun is equal to one year.
b [count] : a complete turn that is made by something around its center point or line
• The Earth makes one revolution on its axis in about 24 hours.
• This motor operates at a speed of 5,000 revolutions per minute.

change and changes