noun

Internet

Inter·net (also inter·net)  [ˈɪntənet]    [ˈɪntərnet]  noun (usually the Internet) (also informal the Net) singular
an international computer network connecting other networks and computers from companies, universities, etc
• I looked it up on the Internet.
• You can buy our goods over the Internet.
• All the rooms have access to the Internet/Internet access.
• an Internet service provider (= a company that provides you with an Internet connection and services such as email, etc.)
see also  intranet, WWW
See also: internet  
Word Origin:
[Internet] 1970s (denoting a computer network connecting two or more smaller networks): from inter-  ‘reciprocal, mutual’ + network.  
Collocations:
Email and the Internet
Email
receive/get/open an email
write/send/answer/forward/delete an email
check/read/access your email
block/filter (out) junk/spam/unsolicited email
exchange email addresses
open/check your inbox
junk mail fills/floods/clogs your inbox
have/set up an email account
open/send/contain an attachment
sign up for/receive email alerts
Connecting to the Internet
use/access/log onto the Internet/the Web
go online/on the Internet
have a high-speed/dial-up/broadband/wireless (Internet) connection
access/connect to/locate the server
use/open/close/launch a/your web browser
browse/surf/search/scour the Internet/the Web
send/contain/spread/detect a (computer/email) virus
update your anti-virus software
install/use/configure a firewall
accept/enable/block/delete cookies
Using the Internet
visit/check a website/an Internet site/sb's blog
create/design/launch a website/social networking site
start/write/post/read a blog
update your blog/a website
be in/meet sb in/go into/enter an Internet chat room
download/upload music/software/a song/a podcast/a file/a copy of sth
share information/data/files
post a comment/message on a website/an online message board/a web forum/an internet chat room
stream video/audio/music/content over the Internet
join/participate in/visit/provide a (web-based/web/online/Internet/discussion) forum
generate/increase/monitor Internet traffic 
Example Bank:
• Attempts to regulate the Internet are usually doomed to failure.
• He likes watching movies, reading, and surfing the Internet.
• It is possible to earn a degree over the Internet.
• Many of the sites launched at the peak of the Internet boom have now disappeared.
• More and more people are shopping on the Internet.
• Registering an Internet domain name is now an essential part of setting up a company.
• She likes to go on the Internet in the evenings.
• She often talks to fans via live Internet chats.
• She went on the Internet to check air fares.
• The auction was held in Paris with an Internet link to New York.
• They began scouring the Internet for information about his condition.
• Thousands logged on to view the live Internet broadcast of the concert.
• Travellers can check their email at the Internet cafe in the square.
• a broadband/high-speed Internet connection
• issues facing the music industry in the Internet age
• software for downloading Internet files
• the bank's Internet arm
• the challenges of providing Internet connectivity to rural communities
• the laying of fast networks to carry Internet traffic

• unlimited/unmetered Internet access

trait

trait [trait traits]   [treɪt]    [treɪt]  noun
a particular quality in your personality
• personality traits
• Awareness of class is a typically British trait.  
Word Origin:
mid 16th cent.: from French, from Latin tractus ‘drawing, draught’, from trahere ‘draw, pull’. An early sense was ‘stroke of the pen or pencil in a picture’, giving rise to the sense ‘a particular feature of mind or character’ (mid 18th cent.).  
Example Bank:
• She shares several character traits with her father.
• We do not know which behavioural traits are inherited and which acquired.
• a collection of traits associated with schizophrenia
• the composer's stylistic traits

• personality/character traits

optimism

op·ti·mism   [ˈɒptɪmɪzəm]    [ˈɑːptɪmɪzəm]  noun uncountable ~ (about/for sth)
a feeling that good things will happen and that sth will be successful; the tendency to have this feeling
• optimism about/for the future
• We may now look forward with optimism.
• a mood of cautious optimism
• There are very real grounds for optimism.
• Both sides have expressed optimism about the chances of an early agreement.
Opp:  pessimism  
Word Origin:
[optimism] mid 18th cent.: from French optimisme, from Latin optimum ‘best thing’, neuter (used as a noun) of optimus ‘best’.  
Example Bank:
• Despite the crisis a cautious optimism prevailed.
• Her optimism turned out to be misplaced.
• I find it hard to share his optimism.
• The 1970s began still full of optimism.
• The government expressed optimism about the success of the negotiations.
• The news caused a wave of optimism.
• There are now very real grounds for optimism.
• There was a note of optimism in his voice.
• We can look to the future with considerable optimism.
• When the 1970s began, we were still full of optimism.
• great optimism for the future
• renewed optimism among mortgage lenders
• He returned with renewed optimism about the future.

• Some people talked of a mood of cautious optimism.

3. used to give or talk about a reason
• That's why I left so early.
• I know you did it— I just want to know why.
• The reason why the injection needs repeating every year is that the virus changes.  
Word Origin:
Old English hwī, hwȳ ‘by what cause’, instrumental case of hwæt ‘what’, of Germanic origin.

Idioms: why ever ▪ why not? ▪ whys and wherefores 

exclamation (old-fashioned or NAmE) used to express surprise, lack of patience, etc.
• Why Jane, it's you!
• Why, it's easy— a child could do it!  
Word Origin:
Old English hwī, hwȳ ‘by what cause’, instrumental case of hwæt ‘what’, of Germanic origin.

noun 
Word Origin:
Old English hwī, hwȳ ‘by what cause’, instrumental case of hwæt ‘what’, of Germanic origin.

responsibility

re·spon·si·bil·ity [responsibility responsibilities]   [rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti]    [rɪˌspɑːnsəˈbɪləti]  noun (pl. re·spon·si·bil·ities)
1. uncountable, countable a duty to deal with or take care of sb/sth, so that you may be blamed if sth goes wrong
• ~ (for sth) We are recruiting a sales manager with responsibility for the European market.
• ~ (for doing sth) They have responsibility for ensuring that the rules are enforced.
• The responsibility for doing this rests with the department managers.
• ~ (to do sth) It is their responsibility to ensure that the rules are enforced.
• parental rights and responsibilities
• to take/assume overall responsibility for personnel
• I don't feel ready to take on new responsibilities.
• to be in a position of responsibility

• I did it on my own responsibility (= without being told to and being willing to take the blame if it had gone wrong).

2. uncountable ~ (for sth) blame for sth bad that has happened
• The bank refuses to accept responsibility for the mistake.
• Nobody has claimed responsibility for the bombing.
• We must all bear some responsibility for what happened.

see also  diminished responsibility

3. uncountable, countable a duty to help or take care of sb because of your job, position, etc
• ~ (to/towards sb) She feels a strong sense of responsibility towards her employees.
• ~ (to do sth) I think we have a moral responsibility to help these countries.  
Thesaurus:
responsibility noun
1. U, C
• It is their responsibility to see that the rules are enforced.
duty • • charge • • burden • • obligation • • commitment • |informal job • |formal accountability • |especially business law liability •
a responsibility/duty towards sb
responsibility/accountability/liability for sth
have a responsibility/a duty/charge/an obligation/a commitment/the job/liability
accept responsibility/a duty/the burden/an obligation/liability
2. U
• The bank refuses to accept responsibility for the error.
fault • • blame • • guilt •
the responsibility/blame/guilt for sth
bear/accept/share/absolve sb from/shift the responsibility/blame/guilt
the responsibility/blame/fault lies/rests with sb
Responsibility or fault? People typically accept/share/admit/claim/deny responsibility for sth:  ¤ The bank refuses to accept fault for the error. Fault is usually used in the phrases my/your/his/her/our/their/sb's (own) fault or sb is at fault:
• It was her fault that we were late.
 ¤ It was her responsibility that we were late.  
Example Bank:
• Full responsibility for the fiasco lies with the PR department.
• Governors carry a special burden of responsibility.
• He attributed responsibility for the killing to the secret service.
• He feels a responsibility to his community.
• He feels a strong sense of responsibility towards his parents.
• He seems unwilling to face up to his responsibilities as a father.
• He was found not guilty of murder on the grounds of diminished responsibility.
• I don't feel ready to take on new responsibilities.
• It is a great responsibility caring for other people's children.
• No organization has yet claimed responsibility for the bomb attack.
• Responsibility is devolved down to the people who are affected.
• She has responsibility for public spending.
• She juggled the competing responsibilities of family and work.
• The assistants were handling their responsibilities in the only way they could.
• The club has a responsibility to its members.
• The government of the time placed responsibility for the poor on the Church.
• The heads of school departments have particular responsibilities for the curriculum.
• The sergeant assumed his command responsibilities.
• They wanted to shift responsibility for the failure onto their employees.
• Ultimate responsibility rests with the president.
• We retain all responsibility for any shortcomings.
• What are the main responsibilities in your job?
• Will you take responsibility for arranging the food?
• With great power comes great responsibility.
• an obligation to meet family responsibilities
• devolving responsibility downwards so decisions are taken nearer to the people they will affect
• people on the verge of assuming adult responsibilities
• to shift legal responsibility for the correct labelling of goods onto the shopkeeper

• I'm not ready to be in a position of responsibility.

holiday

holi·day [holiday holidays holidayed holidaying] noun, verb   [ˈhɒlədeɪ]    [ˈhɒlədi]    [ˈhɑːlədeɪ] 

noun
1. uncountable (also holidays plural) (both BrE) (NAmE vac·ation) a period of time when you are not at work or school
• the school/summer/Christmas, etc. holidays
• I'm afraid Mr Walsh is away on holiday this week.
• The package includes 20 days' paid holiday a year.
• holiday pay

• a holiday job (= done by students during the school holidays)

2. countable (BrE) (NAmE vac·ation) a period of time spent travelling or resting away from home
• a camping/skiing/walking, etc. holiday
• an adventure holiday
• a family holiday
• a foreign holiday
• a holiday cottage/home/resort
• the holiday industry
• a holiday romance
• Where are you going for your holidays this year?
• a two-week holiday in the sun
• They met while on holiday in Greece.
• We went on holiday together last summer.
• I haven't had a decent holiday for years.

see also  busman's holiday, package tour

3. countable a day when most people do not go to work or school, especially because of a religious or national celebration
• a national holiday
• Today is a holiday in Wales.

see also  bank holiday, public holiday

4. holidays plural (NAmE) the time in December and early January that includes Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year
• Happy Holidays!  
Word Origin:
Old English hāligdæg ‘holy day’.  
Culture:
holidays and vacations
Holiday in American English means a day that is special for some reason. Most people do not go to work on an important holiday, but may do so on a minor one. Few people have to work on federal (= national) holidays such as New Year's Day or Independence Day, though they may celebrate St Valentine's Day or Groundhog Day but still go to work or school. Apart from the main federal holidays each state decides its own holidays. The period from Thanksgiving to the end of the year when there are several important holidays is called the holiday season or simply the holidays (e.g. Stores are getting ready for the holiday season.). In British English, special days like New Year’s Day are called bank holidays or public holidays.
Holiday in British English also means a period of time spent away from work or school, usually of a week or longer. This is called a vacation in American English. So, the period of several weeks around Christmas when schools are closed is called the Christmas holiday in Britain and the Christmas vacation in the US.
Holiday and vacation are also used to refer to the period when people go away for a time to a beach resort or to the country, or go travelling. British people have about four weeks’ paid leave from their jobs. Most take their main holiday in the summer. People without children of school age often go on holiday in the off season when prices are lower and there are fewer other holidaymakers. Some people stay in Britain for their holiday, but many rent a cottage in the country or go to beach resorts in Europe for one or two weeks. Some travel to the US or visit India, the Far East and other parts of the world. Many British people going abroad buy package holidays sold on the Internet or through high-street travel agents, which include transport, accommodation and sometimes excursions in the price. Some people see their holidays as an opportunity to relax in the sun, but others prefer activity holidays during which they can visit famous buildings or go walking in the countryside. A few go to a holiday centre, often called a holiday village, which provides entertainment for all the family. People often arrange their holiday a long time in advance and look forward to it through the winter. Many people also have a short break, usually three or four days, e.g. at a country cottage in Britain or in a European city.
Americans have less paid vacation, typically two weeks. People with important jobs or who have worked in their company for many years may have longer vacations. People with low-paid jobs in shops, fast food restaurants, etc, often have no paid vacation at all.
The typical family vacation in the US involves driving to a destination within the country. Some people visit relatives or go sightseeing in cities like Washington, DC, or New York. The national parks, like Yellowstone National Park or the Grand Canyon, are also popular, and people sometimes rent a cabin (BrE cottage) in the country. Families often go to amusement parks like Disney World in Florida. People who do not drive usually fly to a place as air fares are relatively cheap. Package tours are not very common and most Americans arrange their transport and accommodation separately.
Many Americans have not been on vacation outside North America. However, Europe has always been a popular destination for people wanting to travel further, and trips to South America and the Far East are increasingly common, especially with younger travellers. Cruises (= journeys by ship, visiting different places) to the Caribbean or Alaska have also become very popular. 
Thesaurus:
holiday noun
1. U
• She's on holiday this week.
leave • • break • • time off • • day off • |BrE holidays • |AmE vacation •
during the holidays/break/vacation
be on holiday/leave/vacation
(the) summer/Christmas holiday/vacation
2. C (BrE)
• The neighbours are away on holiday.
break • |AmE vacation • |informal getaway •
a great/relaxing holiday/break/vacation/getaway
go/be on holiday/vacation
a week's/three-day, etc. holiday/break/vacation 
British/American:
holiday / vacation
You use holiday (or holidays) in BrE and vacation in NAmE to describe the regular periods of time when you are not at work or school, or time that you spend travelling or resting away from home: ▪ I get four weeks’ holiday/vacation a year. ◊ ▪ He’s on holiday/vacation this week. ◊ ▪ I like to take my holiday/vacation in the winter. ◊ ▪ the summer holidays/vacation.
In NAmE a holiday (or a public holiday) is a single day when government offices, schools, banks and businesses are closed: ▪ The school will be closed Monday because it’s a holiday. This is called a bank holiday in BrE.
The holidays is used in NAmE to refer to the time in late December and early January that includes Christmas, Hanukkah and the New Year.
Vacation in BrE is used mainly to mean one of the periods when universities are officially closed for the students. 
Collocations:
Travel and tourism
Holidays/vacations
have/take (BrE) a holiday/(NAmE) a vacation/a break/a day off/(BrE) a gap year
go on/be on holiday/vacation/leave/honeymoon/safari/a trip/a tour/a cruise/a pilgrimage
go backpacking/camping/hitchhiking/sightseeing
plan a trip/a holiday/a vacation/your itinerary
book accommodation/a hotel room/a flight/tickets
have/make/cancel a reservation/(especially BrE) booking
rent a villa/(both BrE) a holiday home/a holiday cottage
(especially BrE) hire/ (especially NAmE) rent a car/bicycle/moped
stay in a hotel/a bed and breakfast/a youth hostel/a villa/(both BrE) a holiday home/a caravan
cost/charge $100 a/per night for a single/double/twin/standard/(BrE) en suite room
check into/out of a hotel/a motel/your room
pack/unpack your suitcase/bags
call/order room service
cancel/cut short a trip/holiday/vacation
Foreign travel
apply for/get/renew a/your passport
take out/buy/get travel insurance
catch/miss your plane/train/ferry/connecting flight
fly (in)/travel in business/economy class
make/have a brief/two-day/twelve-hour stopover/(NAmE also) layover in Hong Kong
experience/cause/lead to delays
check (in)/collect/get/lose (your) (especially BrE) luggage/(especially NAmE) baggage
be charged for/pay excess baggage
board/get on/leave/get off the aircraft/plane/ship/ferry
taxi down/leave/approach/hit/overshoot the runway
experience/hit/encounter severe turbulence
suffer from/recover from/get over your jet lag/travel sickness
The tourist industry
attract/draw/bring tourists/visitors
encourage/promote/hurt tourism
promote/develop ecotourism
build/develop/visit a tourist/holiday/(especially BrE) seaside/beach/ski resort
work for/be operated by a major hotel chain
be served by/compete with low-cost/(especially NAmE) low-fare/budget airlines
book sth through/make a booking through/use a travel agent
contact/check with your travel agent/tour operator
book/be on/go on a package deal/holiday/tour
buy/bring back (tacky/overpriced) souvenirs 
Example Bank:
• Have you booked your summer holiday yet?
• I go back a couple of times a year to celebrate the holidays with my family.
• I got ill and had to cancel my holiday.
• I have three weeks' holiday a year.
• I learned to windsurf on an activity holiday.
• I really need a holiday!
• I'm afraid Mr Adamek is on holiday this week.
• I'm just trying to spread a little holiday cheer.
• I'm taking the rest of my holiday in October.
• It can be difficult to keep children occupied during the long summer holidays.
• My aunt's coming to stay in the holidays.
• She had a holiday job as a gardener when she was a student.
• She spent her holiday decorating the flat.
• The centre is now closed for the Christmas holidays.
• The pool is open throughout the holiday season.
• The recession hit the package holiday business hard.
• The roads will be busy on Monday as it's a holiday weekend.
• Their holiday romance turned into a lasting relationship.
• They also have a holiday home at the seaside.
• They met while on holiday in Spain.
• This holiday season was the worst in 25 years for retailers.
• This is your chance to win the holiday of a lifetime.
• We always spend the holidays together.
• We had a disastrous camping holiday.
• We're going on holiday to France this summer.
• What would be your dream holiday?
• You are entitled to 24 days' paid holiday per year.
• You should take out holiday insurance before you leave.
• a popular seaside holiday resort
• All we could afford was a week's holiday at my parents' place.
• Book your winter holiday now.
• Choose from over 200 great holiday destinations!
• Have a fantastic holiday!
• Have you ever been on a camping holiday?
• He's never had a holiday abroad.
• How do you usually spend your holiday?
• How many days' holiday do you get a year?
• I picked up a few holiday brochures on the way home.
• I've never been one for holiday romances.
• If you win, we'll send you on a holiday of a lifetime!
• It's a popular holiday destination.
• It's the school holidays at the moment.
• Let's have a look at your holiday photos.
• Make sure you have holiday insurance.
• More and more people are taking foreign holidays.
• My assistant is on holiday this week.
• Package holidays are generally becoming less popular.
• She doesn't get any paid holiday.
• She works as a holiday rep.
• She works for a holiday company.
• The neighbours are away on holiday.
• The president's birthday was declared a national holiday.
• The town is now a bustling holiday resort.
• Today is a holiday in Scotland.
• Try us first for your best family holiday ever!
• We had to cancel our holiday at the last minute.
• We supply everything you will need for your adventure holiday.
• We're going away over the Christmas holidays.
• We're going on a skiing holiday in Austria.
• What are you going to do during the summer holidays?
• Win a dream holiday to the Bahamas.
• You are entitled to four weeks' annual holiday.

• Your holiday entitlement is 25 days a year.

reason

rea·son [reason reasons reasoned reasoning] noun, verb   [ˈriːzn]    [ˈriːzn]

noun
1. countable a cause or an explanation for sth that has happened or that sb has done
• ~ (why…) I'd like to know the reason why you're so late.
• Give me one good reason why I should help you.
• ~ (that…) We aren't going for the simple reason that we can't afford it.
• ~ (for sth) She gave no reasons for her decision.
• ~ (for doing sth) I have no particular reason for doubting him.
• He said no but he didn't give a reason.
• For some reason (= one that I don't know or don't understand) we all have to come in early tomorrow.
• The man attacked me for no apparent reason.
• She resigned for personal reasons.
• For reasons of security the door is always kept locked.
• He wants to keep them all in his office for reasons best known to himself.
• people who, for whatever reason, are unable to support themselves
• ‘Why do you want to know?’ ‘ No reason ’ (= I do not want to say why).
• ‘Why did she do that?’ ‘She must have her reasons ’ (= secret reasons which she does not want to tell).

• (formal) He was excused by reason of (= because of) his age.

2. uncountable a fact that makes it right or fair to do sth
• ~ (to do sth) They have reason to believe that he is lying.
• We have every reason (= have very good reasons) to feel optimistic.
• You have no reason to accuse him of laziness.
• ~ (why…) There is no reason why we should agree to this.
• ~ (for sth/for doing sth) This result gives us all the more reason for optimism.

• She complained, with reason (= rightly), that she had been underpaid.

3. uncountable the power of the mind to think in a logical way, to understand and have opinions, etc
• Only human beings are capable of reason (= of thinking in a logical way, etc.).
• to lose your reason (= become mentally ill)

• the conflict between faith and reason

4. uncountable what is possible, practical or right
• I can't get her to listen to reason.
• Why can't they see reason?
• to be open to reason (= to be willing to accept sensible advice)
• He's looking for a job and he's willing to do anything within reason.
more at there's no rhyme or reason to/for sthwithout rhyme or reason at  rhyme  _n.  
Word Origin:
Middle English: from Old French reisun (noun), raisoner (verb), from a variant of Latin ratio(n-), from the verb reri ‘consider’.  
Thesaurus:
reason noun
1. C, U
• I'd like to know the reason why you're so late.
explanation • • motive • • need • • cause • • grounds • • basis • • argument • • case • • excuse • • justification • • pretext •
(a/an) reason/explanation/motive/need/cause/grounds/basis/argument/case/excuse/justification/pretext for sth
the reason/motive behind sth
the reason/grounds/basis/argument/excuse/justification/pretext that…
(a) good/valid reason/explanation/motive/cause/grounds/argument/case/excuse/justification
give/offer (sb) a/an reason/explanation/excuse/justification/pretext
2. U
• I can't get her to listen to reason.
logic • • rationality • • reasoning •
the reason/logic/rationality in sth
see/defy reason/(the) logic 
Language Bank:
therefore
Ways of saying ‘For this reason…’
▪ Today's children eat more junk food and get less exercise than previous generations of children. It is not surprising, therefore ▪, that rates of childhood obesity are on the increase.
▪ Children who grow up on a diet of junk food find it difficult to change this habit later in life. It is essential, therefore ▪, that parents encourage healthy eating from an early age.
▪ Children who grow up on a diet of junk food find it difficult to change this habit later in life. For this reason ▪, / This is why ▪ it is essential that children eat healthily from an early age.
▪ Eating habits formed in childhood tend to continue into adult life. Thus ▪, the best way to prevent heart disease among adults is to encourage healthy eating from an early age.
▪ Eating habits formed in childhood tend to continue into adult life, hence ▪ the importance of encouraging healthy eating from an early age.
Language Banks at because of, cause, consequently, emphasis, vital  
Synonyms:
reason
explanation • grounds • basis • excuse • motive • justification • pretext
These are all words for a cause or an explanation for sth that has happened or that sb has done.
reason • a cause or an explanation for sth that has happened or that sb has done; a fact that makes it right or fair to do sth: ▪ He said no but he didn't give a reason.
explanation • a statement, fact or situation that tells you why sth has happened; a reason given for sth: ▪ The most likely explanation is that his plane was delayed. ◊ ▪ She left the room abruptly without explanation.
grounds • (rather formal) a good or true reason for saying, doing or believing sth: ▪ You have no grounds for complaint.
basis • (rather formal) the reason why people take a particular action: ▪ On what basis will this decision be made?
excuse • a reason, either true or invented, that you give to explain or defend your behaviour; a good reason that you give for doing sth that you want to do for other reasons: ▪ Late again! What's your excuse this time? ◊ ▪ It gave me an excuse to take the car.
motive • a reason that explains sb's behaviour: ▪ There seemed to be no motive for the murder.
justification • (rather formal) a good reason why sth exists or is done: ▪ I can see no possible justification for any further tax increases.
grounds or justification?
Justification is used to talk about finding or understanding reasons for actions, or trying to explain why it is a good idea to do sth. It is often used with words like little, no, some, every, without, and not any. Grounds is used more for talking about reasons that already exist, or that have already been decided, for example by law: moral/economic grounds.
pretext • (rather formal) a false reason that you give for doing sth, usually sth bad, in order to hide the real reason: ▪ He left the party early on the pretext of having to work.
(a/an) reason/explanation/grounds/basis/excuse/motive/justification/pretext for sth
the reason/motive behind sth
on the grounds/basis/pretext of/that…
(a) good/valid reason/explanation/grounds/excuse/motive/justification 
Example Bank:
• For reasons of security, you are requested to keep your baggage with you at all times.
• For some odd reason, he found it really funny.
• For some unexplained reason the pilot jettisoned all his fuel shortly after take-off.
• For unknown reasons, the ship sank in the middle of the ocean.
• He got angry for no reason.
• He married her for all the wrong reasons.
• He saw many reasons to be hopeful.
• He seems to have lost all sense and reason.
• He was attacked for no apparent reason.
• He was beyond all reason.
• He was found not guilty by reason of insanity.
• I can think of several reasons why this might happen.
• I don't know why he did that, but I'm sure he had his reasons.
• I don't see any reason why you can't come with us.
• I have no reason to believe that she was lying to me.
• I know you're angry with me, and you have every reason to be.
• I tried to persuade her, but she just wouldn't listen to reason.
• I was never good at playing the trumpet for the simple reason that I never practised.
• I'll lend you the money you need— within reason, of course!
• If he's unwell, that's all the more reason to go and see him.
• In the letter she carefully set out her reasons for leaving.
• Isolation and loneliness are common reasons for depression.
• It stands to reason that she wouldn't want them to find out about her personal problems.
• It stands to reason= it is logical that she wouldn't want them to find out about her personal problems.
• It's difficult to pinpoint the reasons for her success.
• People buy things for all sorts of reasons.
• She did not tell him the real reason for her change of heart.
• She was always the voice of reason, persuading him not to buy things they couldn't afford.
• Sometimes he does things that defy reason.
• Surely there is no earthly reason why you wouldn't want to come with us?
• The company's stated reason for firing him was misconduct.
• The only reason I didn't become a professional golfer was because of my family commitments.
• The reasons for her decision soon became clear.
• The residents hope that an appeal to reason will end the rioting.
• The residents hope that an appeal to reason= asking the rioters to be reasonable will end the rioting.
• The underlying reasons for these differences will be explored in depth in the next chapter.
• There are obvious reasons against such a move.
• There is ample reason to be optimistic about the economy.
• There is an assumption that a state will protect its citizens. That is the very reason for the existence of states.
• There's no rhyme or reason to the new opening hours.
• There's no rhyme or reason= logic to the new opening hours.
• There's one big reason why this won't work: cost.
• They complained about the food, and with good reason.
• They didn't give any reason for the delay.
• This article lists the most common reasons why people pay too much tax.
• Tom's problem was that he lacked confidence; Ed failed for precisely the opposite reason.
• We are trying to uncover the reasons behind her decision.
• We possess the human faculty of reason.
• We see no reason why this band shouldn't be a huge success.
• You don't have any reason to complain.
• You have little reason to be pleased with yourself.
• You're asking me to help, and that's the exact reason I came.
• dismissal for reasons unconnected with misconduct
• people who, for whatever reason, are unable to support themselves
• persons in need of care by reason of old age
• procedures carried out for reasons of national security
• ‘Why did she do that?’ ‘She must have her reasons’.
• For reasons of security the door is always kept locked.
• For some reason we all have to come in early tomorrow.
• He said no but he didn't give a reason.
• He wants to keep them all in his office for reasons best known to himself.
• I can't get her to listen to reason.
• I'd like to know the reason why you're so late.
• I'm willing to do anything — within reason — to get my case heard.
• It stands to reason that people leave if you don't pay them enough.
• She complained, with reason, that she had been underpaid.
• She resigned for personal reasons.
• We aren't going for the simple reason that we can't afford it.
• Why can't they see reason?
Idiom: it stands to reason

Derived: reason something out ▪ reason with somebody 

night

night [night nights]   [naɪt]    [naɪt]  noun uncountable, countable
1. the time between one day and the next when it is dark, when people usually sleep
• These animals only come out at night.
• They sleep by day and hunt by night.
• The accident happened on Friday night.
• on the night of 10 January/January 10
• Did you hear the storm last night?
• I lay awake all night.
• Where did you spend the night?
• You're welcome to stay the night here.
• What is he doing calling at this time of night?
• You'll feel better after you've had a good night's sleep.
• The trip was for ten nights.
• The hotel costs €65 per person per night.
• the night train/boat/flight

• Night fell (= it became dark).

2. the evening until you go to bed
• Let's go out on Saturday night.
• Bill's parents came for dinner last night.
• She doesn't like to walk home late at night.
• I saw her in town the other night (= a few nights ago).
• I'm working late tomorrow night.

see also  goodnight

3. an evening when a special event happens
• the first/opening night (= of a play, film/movie, etc.)
• a karaoke night
• an Irish/a Scottish, etc. night (= with Irish/Scottish music, entertainment, etc.)
see also  stag night 
more at it'll be all right on the night at  all right  _adj., dance the night away at  dance  _v., in the/at dead of night at  dead  _n., morning, noon and night at  morning, spend the night togetherspend the night with sb at  spend  _v., the still of the night at  still  _n., things that go bump in the night at  thing
Idioms: day and night ▪ have a bad night ▪ have a night on the tiles ▪ have an a late night ▪ night and day ▪ night night ▪ night out
Derived Word: nights  
Word Origin:
Old English neaht, niht, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch nacht and German Nacht, from an Indo-European root shared by Latin nox and Greek nux.  
Thesaurus:
night noun
1. U, C
• Where did you spend the night?
night-time • • the middle of the night • • midnight • • the early hours • |informal the small hours •
Opp: day
in the night/night-time/middle of the night/early hours/small hours
at night/night-time/midnight
(well) into the night/early hours/small hours
Night, night-time or the middle of the night? A night can be seen as either a completed or a continuing period of time; night-time is seen as a continuing, not a completed period; the middle of the night is a point in time during the night:
• I lay awake all night.
• during the night/night-time
 ¤ during the middle of the night
2. U, C
• She came round for dinner last night.
evening • • dusk • • twilight • • sunset • |especially AmE, especially written sundown • |literary nightfall •
Opp: morning
at night/dusk/twilight/sunset/sundown/nightfall
tomorrow/yesterday/Monday night/evening
night/evening/dusk falls
Night or evening? Evening emphasizes the earlier hours, from about 6 pm onwards; night emphasizes the later part of the evening and can include the early hours of the next day
• We were up late last night and didn't get to bed till 2 am.
Night can also mean the whole time till it gets light
• I'm going to my sister's for the evening (= and coming back later in the evening).
• I'm going to my sister's for the night (= and not coming back until the morning).
 
Example Bank:
• Ask your Mum if you can stay the night.
• Fancy a night out?
• He had plans to spend a quiet night at home.
• He spent another lonely night in front of the television.
• I lie awake at night worrying.
• I saw her the other night.
• I think I'll have an early night.
• I was getting myself ready for a night out.
• I woke in the night.
• One fateful night he was involved in an accident that changed his life forever.
• Paris by night
• She doesn't like to walk home late at night.
• She kissed him good night.
• The hotel costs €265 per person per night.
• The night fell quickly.
• They decided to make a night of it and went on to a club.
• They spent the night in Bristol.
• a drunken night of partying
• the last night of the play's run
• Did you hear the storm last night?
• I lay awake all night.
• I'm taking the night train.
• I'm working late tomorrow night.
• My mother-in-law came for dinner last night.
• Some nights he comes home late.
• These animals only come out at night.
• They sleep by day and hunt by night.
• What is he doing calling at this time of night?
• Where did you spend the night?
• Where were you on the night of 10 January?
• You'll feel better after a good night's sleep.
• You're welcome to stay the night here.
 
Example Bank:

• She works nights.

fraud

fraud [fraud frauds]   [frɔːd]    [frɔːd]  noun
1. uncountable, countable the crime of cheating sb in order to get money or goods illegally
• She was charged with credit card fraud.
• property that has been obtained by fraud

• a $100 million fraud

2. countable a person who pretends to have qualities, abilities, etc. that they do not really have in order to cheat other people
• He's nothing but a liar and a fraud.

• She felt a fraud accepting their sympathy (= because she was not really sad).

3. countable something that is not as good, useful, etc. as people claim it is 
Word Origin:
Middle English: from Old French fraude, from Latin fraus, fraud- ‘deceit, injury’.  
Thesaurus:
fraud noun
1. U
• The property had been obtained by fraud.
dishonesty • • deceit • • deception •
be guilty of/accuse sb of fraud/dishonesty/deceit/deception
practise/obtain sth by fraud/deceit/deception
use/admit/confess to/deny fraud/deception
2. C
• He helped prevent a $100 million fraud.
informal scam • • racket • • game • • con •
a $100 million fraud/scam/racket
a/an insurance/financial fraud/scam
operate/run/be involved in a fraud/scam/racket
control a fraud/racket 
Collocations:
Crime
Committing a crime
commit a crime/a murder/a violent assault/a brutal killing/an armed robbery/fraud
be involved in terrorism/a suspected arson attack/people smuggling/human trafficking
engage/participate in criminal activity/illegal practices/acts of mindless vandalism
steal sb's wallet/purse/(BrE) mobile phone/(NAmE) cell phone
rob a bank/a person/a tourist
break into/ (BrE) burgle/ (NAmE) burglarize a house/a home/an apartment
hijack a plane/ship/bus
smuggle drugs/weapons/arms/immigrants
launder drug money (through sth)
forge documents/certificates/passports
take/accept/pay sb/offer (sb) a bribe
run a phishing/an email/an Internet scam
Fighting crime
combat/fight crime/terrorism/corruption/drug trafficking
prevent/stop credit-card fraud/child abuse/software piracy
deter/stop criminals/burglars/thieves/shoplifters/vandals
reduce/tackle/crack down on knife/gun/violent/street crime; (especially BrE) antisocial behaviour
foil a bank raid/a terrorist plot
help/support/protect the victims of crime
Investigating crime
report a crime/a theft/a rape/an attack/(especially BrE) an incident to the police
witness the crime/attack/murder/incident
investigate a murder/(especially NAmE) a homicide/a burglary/a robbery/the alleged incident
conduct/launch/pursue an investigation (into…); (especially BrE) a police/murder inquiry
investigate/reopen a criminal/murder case
examine/investigate/find fingerprints at the crime scene/the scene of crime
collect/gather forensic evidence
uncover new evidence/a fraud/a scam/a plot/a conspiracy/political corruption/a cache of weapons
describe/identify a suspect/the culprit/the perpetrator/the assailant/the attacker
question/interrogate a suspect/witness
solve/crack the case
more collocations at justice  
Example Bank:
• detectives from the fraud squad
• He helped prevent a $100 million fraud.

• It was said that the property had been obtained by fraud.

gossip

gos·sip [gossip gossips gossiped gossiping] noun, verb   [ˈɡɒsɪp]    [ˈɡɑːsɪp] 

noun
1. uncountable (disapproving) informal talk or stories about other people's private lives, that may be unkind or not true
• Don't believe all the gossip you hear.
• Tell me all the latest gossip!
• The gossip was that he had lost a fortune on the stock exchange.
• It was common gossip (= everyone said so) that they were having an affair.

• She's a great one for idle gossip (= she enjoys spreading stories about other people that are probably not true).

2. countable, usually singular a conversation about other people and their private lives

• I love a good gossip.

3. countable (disapproving) a person who enjoys talking about other people's private lives 
Word Origin:
late Old English godsibb, ‘godfather, godmother, baptismal sponsor’, literally ‘a person related to one in God’, from god ‘God’ + sibb ‘a relative’ (see sib). In Middle English the sense was ‘a close friend, a person with whom one gossips’, hence ‘a person who gossips’, later (early 19th cent.) ‘idle talk’ (from the verb, which dates from the early 17th cent.).  
Synonyms:
discussion
conversation • dialogue • talk • debate • consultation • chat • gossip
These are all words for an occasion when people talk about sth.
discussion • a detailed conversation about sth that is considered to be important: ▪ Discussions are still taking place between the two leaders.
conversation • a talk, usually a private or informal one, involving two people or a small group; the activity of talking in this way: ▪ a telephone conversation
dialogue • conversations in a book, play or film: ▪ The novel has long descriptions and not much dialogue. A dialogue is also a formal discussion between two groups, especially when they are trying to solve a problem or end a dispute: ▪ The President told waiting reporters there had been a constructive dialogue.
talk • a conversation or discussion, often one about a problem or sth important for the people involved: ▪ I had a long talk with my boss about my career prospects.
debate • a formal discussion of an issue at a public meeting or in a parliament. In a debate two or more speakers express opposing views and then there is often a vote on the issue: ▪ a debate on prison reform
consultation • a formal discussion between groups of people before a decision is made about sth: ▪ There have been extensive consultations between the two countries.
chat • a friendly informal conversation; informal talking. The countable use of chat is especially British English: ▪ I just called in for a chat about the kids.
gossip • a conversation about other people and their private lives: ▪ We had a good gossip about the boss.
a discussion/conversation/dialogue/talk/debate/consultation/chat/gossip about sth
a discussion/conversation/dialogue/debate/consultation on sth
in (close) discussion/conversation/dialogue/debate/consultation with sb
to have a discussion/conversation/dialogue/talk/debate/consultation/chat/gossip with sb
to hold a discussion/conversation/debate/consultation 
Synonyms:
speaker
communicator • gossip • talker
These are all words for a person who talks or who is talking, especially in a particular way.
speaker • a person who is or was speaking; a person who speaks a particular language: ▪ I looked around to see who the speaker was. ◊ ▪ a fluent Arabic speaker
communicator • (rather formal) a person who is able to describe their ideas and feelings clearly to others: ▪ The ideal candidate will be an effective communicator.
gossip • (disapproving) a person who enjoys talking about other people's private lives: ▪ Myra is a dear, but she's also a terrible gossip.
talker • a person who talks in a particular way or who talks a lot: ▪ He's a very persuasive talker. ◊ ▪ She's a (great) talker ▪ (= she talks a lot) ▪.
speaker or talker?
Talker is used when you are talking about how much sb talks or how well they talk. It is not used for the person who is or was talking: I looked round to see who the talker was. You can say that sb is a good/persuasive speaker but that means that they are good at making speeches. If you mean that they speak well in conversation, use talker.
a good/great speaker/communicator/talker
an effective/excellent speaker/communicator 
Example Bank:
• A piece of silly gossip was going round the school.
• He knows all the juicy gossip.
• I heard an interesting bit of gossip yesterday.
• I saw it in the gossip column of the local newspaper.
• It's common gossip in the office that she's about to leave her husband.
• She's having a gossip with Maria.
• Someone has been spreading malicious gossip about me.
• We had a good gossip about the boss.
• You shouldn't listen to idle gossip.
• a magazine full of gossip about famous people
• I was having a gossip with Maggie when he arrived.
• It was common gossip that they were having an affair.
• Myra is a dear, but she's also a terrible gossip.
• She's a great one for idle gossip.
• Tell me all the latest gossip!
• office gossip

Derived Word: gossipy