American English

person

person [noun] (HUMAN)

a man, woman, or child

/ˈpɝː.sən/

/ˈpɜː.sən/

Example:

Who was the first person to swim the English Channel?

Oxford Essential Dictionary

person

noun (plural people )
a man or woman:
I think she's the best person for the job.
We've invited a few people to dinner.

in person seeing somebody, not just speaking on the telephone or writing a letter:
I want to speak to her in person.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

person

per‧son S1 W1 /ˈpɜːsən $ ˈpɜːr-/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
[Word Family: noun: ↑person, ↑personality, ↑persona, ↑personage, the personals, ↑personification, ↑personnel; adjective: ↑personal ≠ ↑impersonal, ↑personalized, ↑personable; verb: ↑personalize, ↑personify; adverb: ↑personally ≠ ↑impersonally]
[Date: 1100-1200; Language: Old French; Origin: persone, from Latin persona 'actor's mask, character in a play, person', probably from Etruscan phersu 'mask']
1. (plural people /ˈpiːpəl/) a human being, especially considered as someone with their own particular character:
He was a very nice person, always pleasant and friendly.
The only person who really said anything helpful was Jack.
kind/type/sort of person
David was not the sort of person who found it easy to talk about his feelings.
I like her as a person, but not as a boss.
I still know quite a lot of people in the village.
a group of young people
city/cat/night etc person (=someone who likes a particular kind of thing)
I’m not a morning person.
2. in person if you do something in person, you go somewhere and do it yourself, instead of doing something by letter, asking someone else to do it etc:
You have to sign for it in person.
3. businessperson/salesperson etc someone who works in business, who sells things etc ⇨ ↑chairperson, ↑spokesperson
4. (plural persons) formal or law someone who is not known or not named:
The police are appealing for any person who was in the area at this time to contact them.
murder by person or persons unknown
All 115 persons on board were killed.
5. on/about your person formal if you have something on or about your person, you have it in your pockets or attached to you:
Customs officers found a gun concealed about his person.
6. in the person of somebody formal used before the name of someone who you have just mentioned in a more general way:
I was met by the police in the person of Sergeant Black.
⇨ ↑first person, ↑missing person, ↑person-to-person, ↑second person, ↑third person
• • •
GRAMMAR
The plural of person is usually people:
▪ Sixty-four people (NOT persons) died in the fire.
Persons is also used, but only in formal notices, documents, and situations:
▪ All persons born in the United States are citizens of the United States.
People meaning 'more than one person' is already plural and cannot form a plural with 's':
▪ A lot of British people (NOT peoples) are employed by foreign firms.
People meaning 'race' or 'nation' is countable and you can add 's' to form a plural in the normal way:
▪ African peoples

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

person / ˈpɜː.s ə n / / ˈpɝː- / noun [ C ] ( plural people or formal persons ) (HUMAN)

A1 a man, woman, or child:

Who was the first person to swim the English Channel?

A meal at the restaurant costs about $70 for two people.

legal Four persons have been charged with the murder.

used when describing someone and their particular type of character:

She's an extremely kind person.

He's nice enough as a person, but he's not the right man for this job.

informal I don't think of him as a book person (= a person who likes books) .

in person B2 If you do something or go somewhere in person, you do it or go there yourself:

If you can't be there in person, the next best thing is watching it on TV.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

person

[pɜ͟ː(r)s(ə)n]

people, persons
(The usual word for `more than one person' is people. The form persons is used as the plural in formal or legal language.)
1) N-COUNT A person is a man, woman, or child.
  At least one person died and several others were injured...
  Everyone knows he's the only person who can do the job...
  My great-grandfather was a person of some importance here...
  The amount of sleep we need varies from person to person...
  They were both lovely, friendly people...
  At least fifty four people have been killed and a further fifty are missing.
2) N-PLURAL Persons is used as the plural of person in formal, legal, and technical writing.
  ...removal of the right of accused persons to remain silent...
  Persons who wish to adopt a child may contact their local social services department.
  ...persons with neck problems.
3) N-COUNT If you talk about someone as a person, you are considering them from the point of view of their real nature.
  I've a lot of time for him as a person now...
  Robin didn't feel good about herself as a person.
4) N-COUNT: a supp N If someone says, for example,`I'm an outdoor person' or `I'm not a coffee person', they are saying whether or not they like that particular activity or thing. [mainly SPOKEN]
  I am not a country person at all. I prefer the cities.
5) PHRASE: PHR after v If you do something in person, you do it yourself rather than letting someone else do it for you.
  You must collect the mail in person and take along some form of identification...
  She went to New York to receive the award in person.
6) PHRASE: PHR after v If you meet, hear, or see someone in person, you are in the same place as them, rather than, for example, speaking to them on the telephone, writing to them, or seeing them on television.
  It was the first time she had seen him in person.
  ...a trip to Hollywood to meet his favorite actor in person...
  She wanted to hear him sing in person.
7) N-COUNT: poss N Your person is your body. [FORMAL]
  The suspect had refused to give any details of his identity and had carried no documents on his person.
8) PHRASE: PHR n You can use in the person of when mentioning the name of someone you have just referred to in a more general or indirect way. [WRITTEN]
  We had a knowledgeable guide in the person of George Adams.
9) N-COUNT: usu supp N In grammar, we use the term first person when referring to `I' and `we', second person when referring to `you', and third person when referring to `he', `she', `it', `they', and all other noun groups. Person is also used like this when referring to the verb forms that go with these pronouns and noun groups.
→ See also first person, second person, third person

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

person

per·son /ˈpɚsn̩/ noun, pl people or per·sons [count]
✦The plural of person is usually people except in formal or legal contexts, where the plural is often persons.
1 a : a human being
• She is a very nice/shy/interesting person.
• I saw a person standing on the dock.
• Any person who wants a refund must have a receipt.
• Most people here are quite friendly.
• The tickets are $25 per person.
• The person at the front desk will be able to help you.
• The tax break is only applicable to persons in a high income bracket.
• I like her as a person, but she is not a very good writer.
• The disease is easily transmitted from person to person.
- sometimes used in compounds to avoid using man or woman
• a spokesperson
• salespeople
- see also missing person
b : a person who likes or enjoys something specified
• Our new friends are real party people. [=our new friends like parties]
• I'm just not a city person. [=I do not like the city very much]
• She's always been a cat person. [=she likes cats a lot]
- see also people person
2 pl persons law : the body or clothing of a person especially when considered as a place to hide things
• He was arrested for having a gun on his person without a permit. [=he was arrested for carrying a gun without having a gun permit]
• The dogs discovered that the men were hiding drugs about their persons.
in person
- used to say that a person is actually present at a place
• The president appeared in person at the ceremony.
• They met in person after speaking on the phone.
• You will need to sign for the package in person.
in the person of formal
- used to say that someone is the person who does something, provides something, etc.
• Relief during the blackout arrived in the person of my brother, who brought flashlights and candles.

- see also first person, second person, third person

advantage

advantage [noun]

a condition giving a greater chance of success

/ədˈvæn.t̬ɪdʒ/

/ədˈvɑːn.tɪdʒ/

Example:

The advantage of book ing tickets in advance is that you get better seats.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

advantage

noun
something that helps you or that is useful:
One advantage of camping is that it's cheap.
opposite disadvantage

take advantage of something to make good use of something to help yourself:
Buy now and take advantage of these special prices!

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

advantage

ad‧van‧tage S2 W1 /ədˈvɑːntɪdʒ $ ədˈvæn-/ BrE AmE noun
[Word Family: noun: ↑advantage ≠ ↑disadvantage, the disadvantaged; adjective: ↑advantageous ≠ ↑disadvantageous, ↑advantaged ≠ ↑disadvantaged; verb: ↑disadvantage; adverb: ↑advantageously ≠ ↑disadvantageously]
[Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: avantage, from avant 'before', from Latin abante; ⇨ ↑advance²]
1. [uncountable and countable] something that helps you to be more successful than others, or the state of having this OPP disadvantage
advantage over
Her experience meant that she had a big advantage over her opponent.
Younger workers tend to be at an advantage (=have an advantage) when applying for jobs.
It might be to your advantage (=it might help you) to take a computer course of some kind.
2. [uncountable and countable] a good or useful feature that something has
advantage of
One of the many advantages of living in New York is that you can eat out at almost any time of day.
advantage over
This printer has several advantages over conventional printers.
3. take advantage of somebody to treat someone unfairly in order to get what you want, especially someone who is generous or easily persuaded:
Don’t lend them the car – they’re taking advantage of you!
4. take advantage of something (to do something) to use a particular situation to do or get what you want:
I took advantage of the good weather to paint the shed.
You’ll want to take full advantage of the beach-front clubs.
5. use/turn something to your/good advantage to use something that you have or that happens in order to achieve something:
How could he turn the situation to his advantage?
Burns used his family connections to good advantage.
6. show something to (good/great) advantage to make the best features of someone or something very noticeable:
Her dress showed her tanned skin to great advantage.
7. advantage somebody used in tennis to show that the person named has won the next point after the score was 40–40

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

advantage

▪ I. ad·van·tage [advantage advantages advantaged advantaging] noun, verb [ədˈvɑːntɪdʒ] [ədˈvæntɪdʒ]

noun countable, uncountable
1. a thing that helps you to be better or more successful than other people
• a big/great/definite advantage
• an unfair advantage (= sth that benefits you, but not your opponents)
• She had the advantage of a good education.
• You will be at an advantage (= have an advantage) in the interview if you have thought about the questions in advance.
• ~ over sb Being tall gave him an advantage over the other players.
• companies seeking competitive advantage over their trading rivals

Opp: disadvantage

2. a quality of sth that makes it better or more useful
• A small car has the added advantage of being cheaper to run.
• One advantage of/One of the advantages of living in the country is the fresh air.
• Each of these systems has its advantages and disadvantages.

Opp: disadvantage

3. (in tennis) the first point scored after a score of 40–40
• Advantage Federer.
Word Origin:
Middle English: from Old French avantage, from avant ‘in front’, from late Latin abante ‘in front’, from ab ‘from’ + ante ‘before’. The initial a- was mistakenly assimilated to ad- in the 16th cent.
Thesaurus:
advantage noun
1. sing.
• Being tall gave him an advantage over the other players.
edge • • lead • • the upper hand • • head start •
Opp: disadvantage
an advantage/an edge/a lead/the upper hand/a head start over sb/sth
an advantage/an edge/a lead/the upper hand/a head start in sth
have/give sb an advantage/an edge/a lead/the upper hand/a head start
2. C, U
• the advantages of having a degree
benefit • • strength • • good • • asset • • good point • |informal plus •
Opp: disadvantage
some/any/no advantage/benefit in sth
be to sb's advantage/benefit
considerable/great/real/relative advantages/benefits/strengths/good/assets
Advantage or benefit? A benefit is sth that you get or that comes from sth that you do. An advantage is sth that a person, thing, plan or action has as a quality.
Example Bank:
• Breastfeeding offers a clear advantage to your baby.
• East coast resorts have the advantage over west coast ones.
• He would gain considerable advantage from staying in that job.
• I took complete advantage of the situation.
• It is to your advantage to delay things for as long as possible.
• The bright lighting showed the jewels to their best advantage.
• The commanders were anxious to press home their advantage with a further offensive in the north.
• The company has an unfair advantage over its competitors.
• The company was able to gain a competitive advantage over its rivals by reducing costs.
• The new design gives us a clear advantage over our competitors.
• The plan would be to our mutual advantage.
• There may be some advantage in laying down a clearer procedure.
• These computers have the added advantage of being cheap.
• They argue that the possible risks attached to such vaccines vastly outweigh any advantages.
• the advantage to both countries of closer economic ties
• the natural advantages of a fertile soil
• the natural advantages of countries with low labour costs
• Being tall gave him a definite advantage over the other players.
• Having a degree is a huge advantage when it comes to getting a job.
• Is there any advantage in getting there early?
• The bill will give US tuna processors a competitive advantage in the US tuna market.
• Their better training gave the French troops a decisive advantage.
• They took an early lead and held onto their advantage right to the end.
• With good cooperation we should be able to exploit this opportunity to our mutual advantage.
• You will be at an advantage if you have thought about the interview questions in advance.

Idioms: take advantage of somebody ▪ to your advantage ▪ turn something to your advantage

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

advantage / ədˈvɑːn.tɪdʒ / / -ˈvæn.t̬ɪdʒ / noun

B1 [ C or U ] a condition giving a greater chance of success:

The advantage of book ing tickets in advance is that you get better seats.

Despite the twin advantages of wealth and beauty, she did not have a happy life.

[ + to infinitive ] It would be to your advantage (= it would improve the situation for you) to agree to his demands.

For a goalkeeper, it 's a great advantage to have big hands.

His height and reach give him a big advantage over (= make him better than) other boxers.

UK formal "Do you know how old I am?" "I'm afraid you have the advantage of me there (= you know the answer but I do not) ."

take advantage of sth B1 to use the good things in a situation:

I thought I'd take advantage of the sports facilities while I'm here.

take advantage of sb / sth B2 disapproving to treat someone badly in order to get something good from them:

I think she takes advantage of his good nature.

I know she's offered to babysit, but I don't want her to think we're taking advantage of her.

[ U ] the word used in tennis when a player has won the point after deuce:

Advantage Miss Williams!

Word partners for advantage

a big / great / major / obvious advantage • the main advantage • an unfair advantage • have an advantage • give sb an advantage • the advantage of sth • put sb/ be at an advantage • be / work to sb's advantage

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

advantage

[ædvɑ͟ːntɪʤ, -væ̱n-]
advantages
1) N-COUNT An advantage is something that puts you in a better position than other people.
  They are deliberately flouting the law in order to obtain an advantage over their competitors...
  A good crowd will be a definite advantage to me and the rest of the team.
  Ant:
  disadvantage
2) N-UNCOUNT Advantage is the state of being in a better position than others who are competing against you.
  Men have created a social and economic position of advantage for themselves over women.
3) N-COUNT: oft N of n An advantage is a way in which one thing is better than another.
  The great advantage of home-grown oranges is their magnificent flavour...
  This custom-built kitchen has many advantages over a standard one.
  Ant:
  disadvantage
4) PHRASE: V inflects, PHR n If you take advantage of something, you make good use of it while you can.
  I intend to take full advantage of this trip to buy the things we need.
5) PHRASE: V inflects, PHR n If someone takes advantage of you, they treat you unfairly for their own benefit, especially when you are trying to be kind or to help them.
  She took advantage of him even after they were divorced.
6) PHRASE: PHR after v If you use or turn something to your advantage, you use it in order to benefit from it, especially when it might be expected to harm or damage you.
  The government have not been able to turn today's demonstration to their advantage.
7) PHRASE: PHR after v If something is shown to good advantage or to best advantage, it is shown in a way that reveals its best features.
  The walls were painted in muted tones to show the pictures to good advantage.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

advantage

ad·van·tage /ədˈvæntɪʤ, Brit ədˈvɑːntɪʤ/ noun, pl -tag·es
1 [count]
a : something (such as a good position or condition) that helps to make someone or something better or more likely to succeed than others
• Higher ground gave the enemy the/an advantage.
• He has/enjoys an unfair advantage over us because of his wealth.
• His plan has the advantage of being less expensive than other options.
• He lacked the advantages of an advanced education.
• Speed is an advantage in most sports.
• The company's only advantage over the competition is its location.
• Applicants for this job will find that previous experience is an advantage.
• The union should be at an advantage [=should have an advantage] in the negotiations.
b : a good or desirable quality or feature
• Being able to set your own schedule is one of the advantages of owning a business.
• Among the advantages of a small college is its campus life.
- opposite disadvantage
2 [noncount] : benefit or gain
• There isn't any advantage in/to leaving early.
• She used her position for personal advantage. [=for personal gain; to help herself]
• The error was to our advantage. [=we were helped by the error]
- opposite disadvantage
✦If you turn/use something to your advantage or to good advantage, you use something in a way that is helpful to you.
• Is there a way to turn this situation to our advantage? [=is there a way to exploit this situation?; is there a way to take advantage of this situation?]
3 [noncount] tennis : the first point won after the score is tied at 40–40 - used to announce the person who has won the point
• Advantage Mr. Jones.
take advantage of
1 : to use (something, such as an opportunity) in a way that helps you : to make good use of (something)
• We took advantage of the warm weather and did some yard work.
• They are taking advantage of an opportunity to travel.
• You should take (full) advantage of this opportunity while you can.
2 a : to ask for or expect more than is fair or reasonable from (someone) : to treat (someone who is generous or helpful) unfairly
• After a while, I began to think she was taking advantage of me.
b : to use (something) unfairly for personal gain
• He took advantage of [=exploited] my lack of knowledge.
• She took advantage of our generosity.
to advantage : in an attractive and appealing way
• The display shows off the collection to (good/best) advantage.

American English

British English

advantage and disadvantage

B1 (Intermediate)

noun

inner

inner [adjective]

inside or contained within something else

/ˈɪn.ɚ/

/ˈɪn.ər/

Example:

Leading off the main hall is a series of small inner rooms.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

inner

adjective
inside; towards or close to the centre:
the inner ear
opposite outer

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

inner

in‧ner S3 W2 /ˈɪnə $ -ər/ BrE AmE adjective [only before noun]
[Language: Old English; Origin: innera, from inne 'inside']
1. on the inside or close to the centre of something OPP outer:
an inner room
inner London
the inner ear
2. inner thoughts or feelings are ones that you feel strongly but do not always show to other people:
Yoga gives me a sense of inner calm.
She’ll need great inner strength to get over the tragedy.
She never shared her inner thoughts with anyone.
3. relating to things which happen or exist but are not easy to see:
the inner workings of the film industry
the fascinating inner life of a political party
4. inner circle the few people in an organization, political party etc who control it or share power with its leader:
members of the president’s inner circle
5. sb’s inner voice thoughts or feelings inside your head which seem to warn or advise you:
My inner voice told me to be cautious.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

inner

inner [inner inners] [ˈɪnə(r)] [ˈɪnər] adjective only before noun
1. inside; towards or close to the centre of a place
• an inner courtyard
• inner London
• the inner ear

Opp: outer

2. (of feelings, etc.) private and secret; not expressed or shown to other people
• She doesn't reveal much of her inner self.
• An inner voice told him that what he was doing was wrong.
Word Origin:
Old English innerra, innra, comparative of in.
Example Bank:
• He has to fight an inner turmoil even to step onto a plane.

• She doesn't reveal much of her inner self.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

inner / ˈɪn.ə r / / -ɚ / adjective [ before noun ]

B2 inside or contained within something else:

Leading off the main hall is a series of small inner rooms.

humorous Few people ever managed to penetrate the director's inner sanctum (= very private room) .

B2 Inner feelings or thoughts are ones that you do not show or tell other people:

Sarah seemed to have a profound sense of inner peace.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

inner

[ɪ̱nə(r)]

1) ADJ: ADJ n The inner parts of something are the parts which are contained or are enclosed inside the other parts, and which are closest to the centre.
  She got up and went into an inner office...
  Wade stepped inside and closed the inner door behind him.
  Ant:
  outer
2) ADJ: ADJ n Your inner feelings are feelings which you have but do not show to other people.
  Loving relationships that a child makes will give him an inner sense of security...
  Michael needed to express his inner tensions.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

inner

in·ner /ˈɪnɚ/ adj always used before a noun
1 : located toward the inside of something : not on or at the edge or outside of something
• She led the guests to an inner room.
• the inner face of the arch
• the inner lining of the jacket
- opposite outer
2 : not known to or seen by most people
• the poem's inner meaning
• He wanted to experience the inner workings of the political campaign. [=the parts of the campaign that are only known by the people who work on it]
3 a : of or relating to a person's mind or spirit
• inner peace/conflict
• his inner life/self
• listening to her inner voice
• a person's inner beauty
b : existing as a part of a person's character
• He's trying to get in touch with his inner artist. [=the part of his character that is artistic]

American English

British English

in and at

B2 (Upper-intermediate)

adjective

capitalism

capitalism [noun]

an economic, political, and social system in which property, business, and industry are privately owned, directed towards making the greatest possible profits for successful organizations and people

/ˈkæp.ə.t̬əl.ɪ.zəm/

/ˈkæp.ɪ.təl.ɪ.zəm/

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

capitalism

cap‧i‧tal‧is‧m /ˈkæpətl-ɪzəm, ˈkæpɪtl-ɪzəm/ BrE AmE noun [uncountable]
an economic and political system in which businesses belong mostly to private owners, not to the government ⇨ communism, socialism

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

capitalism

cap·it·al·ism [capitalism] [ˈkæpɪtəlɪzəm] [ˈkæpɪtəlɪzəm] noun uncountable
an economic system in which a country's businesses and industry are controlled and run for profit by private owners rather than by the government
• the growth of industrial capitalism in the West
compare socialism
Example Bank:
• He predicted the fall of world capitalism.
• He was one of the leading advocates of laissez-faire capitalism.
• She deplored unbridled capitalism as much as communism.
• a protest against global capitalism

• a study of the development of agriculture under capitalism

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

capitalism / ˈkæp.ɪ.t ə l.ɪ.z ə m / / -t̬ ə l- / noun [ U ]

C2 an economic, political, and social system in which property, business, and industry are privately owned, directed towards making the greatest possible profits for successful organizations and people

→ Compare communism , socialism

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

capitalism

[kæ̱pɪtəlɪzəm]
N-UNCOUNT
Capitalism is an economic and political system in which property, business, and industry are owned by private individuals and not by the state.
...the two fundamentally opposed social systems, capitalism and socialism.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

capitalism

cap·i·tal·ism /ˈkæpətəˌlɪzəm/ noun [noncount] : a way of organizing an economy so that the things that are used to make and transport products (such as land, oil, factories, ships, etc.) are owned by individual people and companies rather than by the government - compare communism, socialism

American English

British English

systems of government

C2 (Proficient)

noun

necessity

necessity [noun]

the need for something

/nəˈses.ə.t̬i/

/nəˈses.ə.ti/

Example:

You can come early if you want to, but there's no necessity for it.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

necessity

noun (plural necessities)
something that you must have:
Food and clothes are necessities of life.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

necessity

ne‧ces‧si‧ty /nəˈsesəti, nɪˈsesəti/ BrE AmE noun (plural necessities)
[Word Family: noun: ↑necessity, the necessaries, the necessary; verb: ↑necessitate; adverb: ↑necessarily ≠ ↑unnecessarily; adjective: ↑necessary ≠ ↑unnecessary]
[Date: 1300-1400; Language: French; Origin: necessité, from Latin necessitas, from necesse; ⇨ ↑necessary]
1. [countable] something that you need to have in order to live OPP luxury:
She saw books as a necessity, not a luxury.
A car is an absolute necessity if you live in the country.
the basic/bare necessities
A lot of families cannot even afford to buy the basic necessities of life.
2. [uncountable] when something is necessary
necessity for
He emphasized the necessity for good planning and management.
the necessity of (doing) something
This illustrates the necessity of keeping accurate records of your work.
Many teachers are now questioning the necessity of formal exams.
through/out of necessity
He only remained with the group out of necessity.
economic/practical/political etc necessity
I’m afraid it’s become a matter of economic necessity.
3. [countable] something that must happen, even if it is unpleasant:
Taxes are a regrettable necessity.
4. of necessity formal used when something happens in a particular way because that is the only possible way it can happen:
Many of the jobs are, of necessity, temporary.
5. necessity is the mother of invention used to say that if someone really needs to do something, they will find a way of doing it

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

necessity

ne·ces·sity [necessity necessities] [nəˈsesəti] [nəˈsesəti] noun
1. uncountable the fact that sth must happen or be done; the need for sth
• ~ (for sth) We recognize the necessity for a written agreement.
• ~ (of sth/of doing sth) We were discussing the necessity of employing more staff.
• ~ (for sb) to do sth There had never been any necessity for her to go out to work.
• There is absolutely no necessity for you to be involved.

• This is, of necessity, a brief and incomplete account.

2. countable a thing that you must have and cannot manage without
• Many people cannot even afford basic necessities such as food and clothing.

• Air-conditioning is an absolute necessity in this climate.

3. countable, usually singular a situation that must happen and that cannot be avoided
• Living in London, he felt, was an unfortunate necessity.
more at make a virtue of necessity at virtue
Idiom: necessity is the mother of invention
Word Origin:
late Middle English: from Old French necessite, from Latin necessitas, from necesse ‘be needful’.
Example Bank:
• Culling of the animals was born out of the necessity for successful conservation.
• Driven by financial necessity, she decided to give up her writing career.
• Food is a necessity of life.
• He argued that nuclear weapons were a political necessity.
• He is changing job out of necessity, not because he particularly wants to.
• I've never felt the necessity to rely on such a strict rule.
• Most disputes can be resolved without the necessity of going to court.
• Most of the women are forced, through economic necessity, to work in part-time low-paid jobs.
• Mrs R has been spared the necessity of having to give evidence.
• Necessity forced an urgent solution.
• Observers stressed the necessity for the ceasefire to be observed.
• Policies which address these issues are an urgent necessity.
• She saw the necessity to make an immediate impression on him.
• Sleep is an absolute necessity for life.
• The company sees no necessity for a more cautious approach to investment.
• The people in the rural areas use mud bricks only as an immediate, practical necessity.
• The visit will, of necessity, be brief.
• There's no necessity for you to come.
• These animals don't like water but will swim if the necessity arises.
• They have accepted the necessity of greater state intervention.
• They have nothing but the barest necessities.
• This rule is carried no farther than necessity requires.
• Where necessity demands, we can seat more guests in the gallery.
• You can dial direct without the necessity of going through the operator.
• the necessity to earn a living

• Living in London he felt, was an unfortunate necessity.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

necessity / nəˈses.ɪ.ti / / -ə.t̬i / noun

C1 [ U ] the need for something:

You can come early if you want to, but there's no necessity for it.

[ + to infinitive ] Is there any necessity to reply to her letter?

The report stresses the necessity of eat ing plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.

With a personal fortune of six million pounds, she certainly doesn't work out of necessity (= because she needs to) .

We'll employ extra staff to help out as and when the necessity arises (= when we need to) .

C1 [ C ] something that you need, especially in order to live:

We brought only the bare necessities with us.

He regarded music as one of life's necessities.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

necessity

[nɪse̱sɪti]
necessities
1) N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp The necessity of something is the fact that it must happen or exist.
  There is agreement on the necessity of reforms...
  As soon as the necessity for action is over the troops must be withdrawn...
  Most women, like men, work from economic necessity...
  Some people have to lead stressful lifestyles out of necessity.
  ●
  PHRASE: usu PHR before v, PHR n/adj/adv If you say that something is of necessity the case, you mean that it is the case because nothing else is possible or practical in the circumstances. [FORMAL]
  The assembly line of necessity kept moving...
  Negotiations between the enemies are of necessity indirect.
  Syn:
  inevitably
2) N-COUNT A necessity is something that you must have in order to live properly or do something.
  Water is a basic necessity of life.
  ...food, fuel and other daily necessities.
  Syn:
  essential
  Ant:
  luxury
3) N-COUNT: usu sing A situation or action that is a necessity is necessary and cannot be avoided.
  The President pleaded that strong rule from the centre was a regrettable, but temporary necessity.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

necessity

ne·ces·si·ty /nɪˈsɛsəti/ noun, pl -ties
1 [count] : something that you must have or do : something that is necessary
• Sunscreen is an absolute necessity for the beach.
• food, clothes, and other basic necessities
• Getting plenty of rest is a necessity.
• Without a car, living close to work is a necessity.
• All we took with us on our hiking trip were the bare necessities.
• Many families cannot even afford the basic/bare necessities of life. [=things that a person must have in order to survive]
2 [noncount] formal : the quality of being necessary - usually + of or for
• She talked about the necessity of having the right training. [=she said that having the right training is necessary]
• He questioned the necessity for the change. [=he questioned whether the change was necessary]
by necessity or out of necessity : because of conditions that cannot be changed
• The process is by necessity a slow one. [=the process is necessarily slow; the slowness of the process cannot be avoided]
• He works two jobs out of necessity. [=because it is necessary]
make a virtue (out) of necessity
- see virtue
necessity is the mother of invention
- see ¹mother
of necessity formal
- used to say that something must happen or must be the way it is
• Further changes to the company will occur of necessity.

American English

British English

essential or necessary

C1 (Advanced)

noun

circumstance

circumstance [noun]

a fact or event that makes a situation the way it is

/ˈsɝː.kəm.stæns/

/ˈsɜː.kəm.stɑːns/

Example:

I think she coped very well under the circumstances.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

circumstance

cir‧cum‧stance S2 W1 AC /ˈsɜːkəmstæns, -stəns $ ˈsɜːr-/ BrE AmE noun
[Date: 1100-1200; Language: Old French; Origin: Latin circumstantia, from circumstare 'to stand around', from circum- (CIRCUM-) + stare 'to stand']
1. [countable usually plural] the conditions that affect a situation, action, event etc:
The Soviet Union had been forced by circumstances to sign a pact with Nazi Germany.
I can’t imagine a circumstance in which I would be willing to steal.
in ... circumstances
The rules can only be waived in exceptional circumstances.
under ... circumstances
Prisoners can only leave their cells under certain circumstances.
2. under no circumstances (also in no circumstances British English) used to emphasize that something must definitely not happen:
Under no circumstances are you to go out.
3. under/given the circumstances (also in the circumstances British English) used to say that a particular situation makes an action, decision etc necessary, acceptable, or true when it would not normally be:
It’s the best result that could be expected under the circumstances.
4. [uncountable] formal the combination of facts, events etc that influence your life, and that you cannot control:
He was a victim of circumstance.
5. circumstances [plural] formal the conditions in which you live, especially how much money you have
economic/financial/personal etc circumstances
Whether or not you qualify for a loan will depend on your financial circumstances.
people living in difficult social circumstances
in reduced circumstances old-fashioned (=with much less money than you used to have)
⇨ pomp and circumstance at ↑pomp
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ adjectives
▪ in/under certain circumstances (=if particular conditions exist) In certain circumstances you may be refused a visa.
▪ exceptional/special circumstances The court may allow this evidence in exceptional circumstances.
▪ normal circumstances In normal circumstances, a child’s language will develop naturally.
▪ particular circumstances (=special or specific) There may be particular circumstances in which this rule will not apply.
▪ difficult circumstances Many teachers are doing a very good job under difficult circumstances.
▪ suspicious circumstances (=making you think something illegal has happened) Officers said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
▪ mysterious circumstances (=strange or suspicious) One of their colleagues had vanished in mysterious circumstances.
▪ unusual circumstances There were several unusual circumstances that night.
▪ unforeseen circumstances (=that you did not realize would happen) The tragedy was the result of a series of unforeseen circumstances.
▪ tragic circumstances (=extremely sad and unfortunate) Both parents had died in tragic circumstances.
▪ extenuating/mitigating circumstances (=conditions that make it reasonable for someone to break the rules or law) Hunger and poverty are not treated by the courts as extenuating circumstances.
■ phrases
▪ a set/combination of circumstances This was a very unusual set of circumstances.
▪ the circumstances surrounding something Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident.
▪ due to circumstances beyond sb’s control Occasionally flights are cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

circumstance

cir·cum·stance AW [circumstance circumstances] [ˈsɜːkəmstəns] [ˈsɜːkəmstɑːns] [ˈsɜːkəmstæns] [ˈsɜːrkəmstæns] noun
1. countable, usually plural the conditions and facts that are connected with and affect a situation, an event or an action
• The company reserves the right to cancel this agreement in certain circumstances.
• changing social and political circumstances
• I know I can trust her in any circumstance.
• Police said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the boy's death.
• The ship sank in mysterious circumstances.

• She never discovered the true circumstances of her birth.

2. circumstances plural the conditions of a person's life, especially the money they have
• Grants are awarded according to your financial circumstances.

• family/domestic/personal circumstances

3. uncountable (formal) situations and events that affect and influence your life and that are not in your control
• a victim of circumstance (= a person who has suffered because of a situation that they cannot control)
• He had to leave the country through force of circumstance (= events made it necessary).
• We were simply thrown together by circumstance on the long journey.
more at pomp and circumstance at pomp, reduced circumstances at reduce
Idioms: in no circumstances ▪ in the circumstances
Word Origin:
Middle English: from Old French circonstance or Latin circumstantia, from circumstare ‘encircle, encompass’, from circum ‘around’ + stare ‘stand’.
Thesaurus:
circumstance noun C, usually pl.
• She did the job very well in the circumstances.
conditions • • situation • • position • • the case • • state of affairs • |informal, especially spoken things •
in the/a circumstances/particular situation/position/state of affairs
the general/current/present/real circumstances/conditions/situation/position/state of affairs
sb's economic/financial/social circumstances/conditions/situation/position
describe/explain the circumstances/situation/position/state of affairs/things
Circumstances or conditions? Circumstances refers to sb's financial situation; conditions refers to things such as food, shelter, or the working environment. The circumstances that affect an event are the facts surrounding it; the conditions are usually physical things, such as the weather.
Synonyms:
situation
circumstances • position • conditions • things • the case • state of affairs
These are all words for the conditions and facts that are connected with and affect the way things are.
situation • all the things that are happening at a particular time and in a particular place: ▪ the present economic situation
circumstances • the facts that are connected with and affect a situation, an event or an action; the conditions of a person's life, especially the money they have: ▪ The ship sank in mysterious circumstances.
position • the situation that sb is in, especially when it affects what they can and cannot do: ▪ She felt she was in a position of power.
conditions • the circumstances in which people live, work or do things; the physical situation that affects how sth happens: ▪ We were forced to work outside in freezing conditions.
circumstances or conditions?
Circumstances refers to sb's financial situation; conditions are things such as the quality and amount of food or shelter they have. The circumstances that affect an event are the facts surrounding it; the conditions that affect it are usually physical ones, such as the weather.
things • (rather informal) the general situation, as it affects sb: ▪ Hi, Jane! ▪ How are things? ◊ ▪ Think things over before you decide.
the case • the true situation: ▪ If that is the case ▪ (= if the situation described is true) ▪, we need more staff.
state of affairs • a situation: ▪ How did this unhappy state of affairs come about?
situation or state of affairs?
State of affairs is mostly used with this. It is also used with adjectives describing how good or bad a situation is, such as happy, sorry, shocking, sad and unhappy, as well as those relating to time, such as present and current. Situation is much more frequent and is used in a wider variety of contexts.
in (a) particular situation/circumstances/position/state of affairs
the/sb's economic/financial/social situation/circumstances/position/conditions
(a/an) happy/unhappy situation/circumstances/position/state of affairs
to look at/review the situation/circumstances/conditions/things
Example Bank:
• Due to unforeseen circumstances, we have had to reschedule the concert.
• He died in tragic circumstances.
• He was a writer living in straitened circumstances.
• He was simply a victim of circumstance.
• His sentence was reduced because of the extenuating circumstances.
• I felt that circumstances were conspiring against me.
• In normal circumstances I would let you use my car, but today I need it.
• In the circumstances, you'd better call the police.
• Only if the circumstances are exceptional will we accept late applications.
• She died in rather suspicious circumstances.
• The amount paid will vary according to circumstances.
• The bank will investigate the circumstances surrounding the robbery.
• The delays were due to circumstances beyond our control.
• The plan might work better with more favourable/favorable circumstances.
• The survivors ate plants and insects by force of circumstance.
• Under no circumstances should you leave the door unlocked.
• We lost our position in the market due to a combination of circumstances.
• an unfortunate set of circumstances that made her life difficult
• life in the changing economic circumstances of China
• people facing adverse circumstances
• the tragic circumstances of his early life
• Don't open the door, in any circumstances.
• Grants are awarded according to your financial circumstances.
• He had to leave the country through force of circumstance.
• Police said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the boy's death.

• Under the circumstances, it seemed better not to tell him about the accident.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

circumstance / ˈsɜː.kəm.stɑːns / / ˈsɝː.kəm.stæns / noun

B2 [ C usually plural ] a fact or event that makes a situation the way it is:

I think she coped very well under the circumstances.

Obviously we can't deal with the problem until we know all the circumstances.

She died in suspicious circumstances.

We oppose capital punishment in/under any circumstances.

Under no circumstances should you (= you should not) approach the man.

The meeting has been cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control.

[ U ] formal events that change your life, over which you have no control:

They were victims of circumstance.

We were obliged to go by force of circumstance.

circumstances how much money someone has:

Grants are available depending on your circumstances.

By now she was alone and living in reduced circumstances (= with little money) .

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

circumstance

[sɜ͟ː(r)kəmstæns]

circumstances
1) N-COUNT: usu pl, with supp The circumstances of a particular situation are the conditions which affect what happens.
  Recent opinion polls show that 60 percent favor abortion under certain circumstances...
  The strategy was too dangerous in the explosive circumstances of the times...
  I wish we could have met under happier circumstances.
2) N-PLURAL: with supp, oft the N of n The circumstances of an event are the way it happened or the causes of it.
  I'm making inquiries about the circumstances of Mary Dean's murder...
  Hundreds of people had died there in terrible circumstances during and after the revolution.
3) N-PLURAL: usu with poss Your circumstances are the conditions of your life, especially the amount of money that you have.
  ...help and support for the single mother, whatever her circumstances...
  I wouldn't have expected to find you in such comfortable circumstances.
  Syn:
  situation
4) N-UNCOUNT Events and situations which cannot be controlled are sometimes referred to as circumstance.
  There are those, you know, who, by circumstance, end up homeless...
  You might say that we've been victims of circumstance.
5) PHRASE: PHR with cl (emphasis) You can emphasize that something must not or will not happen by saying that it must not or will not happen under any circumstances.
  Racism is wholly unacceptable under any circumstances...
  She made it clear that under no circumstances would she cancel the trip.
6) PHRASE: PHR with cl You can use in the circumstances or under the circumstances before or after a statement to indicate that you have considered the conditions affecting the situation before making the statement.
  Under the circumstances, a crash was unavoidable...
  In the circumstances, Paisley's plans looked highly appropriate.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

circumstance

cir·cum·stance /ˈsɚkəmˌstæns/ noun, pl -stanc·es
1 [count] : a condition or fact that affects a situation
• I can't imagine a circumstance in/under which I would do that.
- usually plural
• If our business is to survive, we must be able to adapt to changing circumstances.
• It is impossible under these circumstances to meet our deadline.
• Do not, under any circumstances, open that door. = Under no circumstances are you to open that door. [=no matter what happens, do not open that door]
• Due to circumstances beyond our control [=things that have happened that we cannot change or influence], the flight is canceled.
• There is nothing we can do under the circumstances. [=in this specific situation]
• Given the circumstances, I think we did well. [=when you consider how everything went, I think we did well]
2 circumstances [plural] : the way something happens : the specific details of an event
• The circumstances of his death are suspicious.
3 : an event or situation that you cannot control

[noncount]

• She says that her client is a victim of circumstance and should not be blamed for the accident.

[plural]

• He was a victim of circumstances.
4 circumstances [plural] : the conditions in which someone lives
• Their circumstances changed dramatically after she lost her job.
• I don't know anything about his financial circumstances. [=about how much money he has]
• They have been forced to live in reduced circumstances. [=to live with less money]
pomp and circumstance
- see pomp

American English

British English

situations and circumstances

B2 (Upper-intermediate)

noun

outward

outward [adjective] (ON OUTSIDE)

relating to how people, situations, or things seem to be, rather than how they are inside

/ˈaʊt.wɚd/

/ˈaʊt.wəd/

Example:

The outward appearance of the building has not changed at all in 200 years.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

outward

adjective

1 connected with the way things seem to be:
Despite her cheerful outward appearance, she was in fact very unhappy.

2 travelling away from a place that you will return to later:
There were no delays on the outward journey.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

outward

out‧ward /ˈaʊtwəd $ -wərd/ BrE AmE adjective
1. [only before noun] relating to how a person or situation seems to be, rather than how it really is OPP inward:
The economy and outward appearance of the area have changed considerably.
His clenched fist was the only outward sign of his anger.
2. outward journey/voyage etc a journey in which you are travelling away from home
3. [only before noun] directed towards the outside or away from a place:
the outward flow of oil

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

outward

out·ward [ˈaʊtwəd] [ˈaʊtwərd] adjective only before noun
1. connected with the way people or things seem to be rather than with what is actually true
• Mark showed no outward signs of distress.
• She simply observes the outward forms of religion.
• To all outward appearances (= as far as it was possible to judge from the outside) they were perfectly happy.
• There were no outward signs that the house was inhabited.

Opp: inward

2. going away from a particular place, especially one that you are going to return to

• the outward voyage/journey

3. away from the centre or a particular point
• outward movement
• outward investment (= in other countries)
• Managers need to become more outward-looking (= more open to new ideas).
Opp: inward
Word Origin:
[outward] Old English ūtweard (see out-, -ward).
Example Bank:

• To all outward appearances they were perfectly happy.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

outward / ˈaʊt.wəd / / -wɚd / adjective [ before noun ] (ON OUTSIDE)

relating to how people, situations, or things seem to be, rather than how they are inside:

The outward appearance of the building has not changed at all in 200 years.

If he is suffering, he certainly shows no outward sign of it.

To all outward appearances everything was fine, but under the surface the marriage was very shaky.

→ Compare inward adjective (INSIDE)

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

outward

[a͟ʊtwə(r)d]
1) ADJ: ADJ n An outward journey is a journey that you make away from a place that you are intending to return to later.
  Tickets must be bought seven days in advance, with outward and return journey dates specified.
  Ant:
  return
2) ADJ: ADJ n The outward feelings, qualities, or attitudes of someone or something are the ones they appear to have rather than the ones that they actually have.
  In spite of my outward calm I was very shaken...
  What the military rulers have done is to restore the outward appearance of order.
3) ADJ: ADJ n The outward features of something are the ones that you can see from the outside.
  Mark was lying unconscious but with no outward sign of injury.
4) → See also outwards

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

¹out·ward /ˈaʊtwɚd/ adj always used before a noun
1 : of or relating to the way that someone or something looks or seems on the outside
• Despite her outward [=apparent] calm, she was extremely nervous about the interview.
• They showed no outward signs of fear, but they must have been afraid.
• She was waiting for some outward expression of his love.
• To/By/From all outward appearances, their marriage was quite normal.
2 : able to be seen
• He has great outward [=physical] beauty, but is he beautiful on the inside? [=is he a good person?]
• There was no outward [=visible] evidence that the parents abused the child.
• outward symptoms of the disease
3 : moving or directed away from something
• The outward migration of people from the city has hurt the city's economy greatly.
• He made a slight outward movement with his right hand.
- opposite inward

American English

British English

seeming and purporting to be

B2 (Upper-intermediate)

adjective

corrupt

corrupt [verb] (MAKE BAD)

to make someone or something become dishonest or immoral

/kəˈrʌpt/

Example:

The study claimed that violence on television corrupts the minds of children.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

II. corrupt² BrE AmE verb [transitive]
1. to encourage someone to start behaving in an immoral or dishonest way:
Young prisoners are being corrupted by the older, long-term offenders.
2. to change the traditional form of something, such as a language, so that it becomes worse than it was:
The culture has been corrupted by Western influences.
3. to change the information in a computer, so that the computer does not work properly any more:
a virus which corrupts the data on your hard drive

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

verb
1. transitive ~ sb to have a bad effect on sb and make them behave in an immoral or dishonest way
• He was corrupted by power and ambition.

• the corrupting effects of great wealth

2. transitive, often passive ~ sth to change the original form of sth, so that it is damaged or spoiled in some way

• a corrupted form of Buddhism

3. transitive, intransitive ~ (sth) (computing) to cause mistakes to appear in a computer file, etc. with the result that the information in it is no longer correct
• The program has somehow corrupted the system files.
• corrupted data
• The disk will corrupt if it is overloaded.
Verb forms:

Word Origin:

Middle English: from Latin corruptus, past participle of corrumpere ‘mar, bribe, destroy’, from cor- ‘altogether’ + rumpere ‘to break’.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

corrupt / kəˈrʌpt / verb [ T ] (MAKE BAD)

C1 to make someone or something become dishonest or immoral:

The study claimed that violence on television corrupts the minds of children.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

corrupt

[kərʌ̱pt]
corrupts, corrupting, corrupted
1) ADJ-GRADED Someone who is corrupt behaves in a way that is morally wrong, especially by doing dishonest or illegal things in return for money or power.
  ...to save the nation from corrupt politicians of both parties.
  ...corrupt police officers...
  He had accused three opposition members of corrupt practices.
  Ant:
  fair, honest, just
  Derived words:
  corruptly ADV-GRADED ADV with v ...several government officials charged with acting corruptly.
2) VERB: usu passive If someone is corrupted by something, it causes them to become dishonest and unjust and unable to be trusted.
  [be V-ed] It is sad to see a man so corrupted by the desire for money and power.
3) VERB To corrupt someone means to cause them to stop caring about moral standards.
  [V n] ...warning that television will corrupt us all...
  Cruelty depraves and corrupts.
4) VERB: usu passive If something is corrupted, it becomes damaged or spoiled in some way.
  [be V-ed] Some of the finer type-faces are corrupted by cheap, popular computer printers...
  [be V-ed] They can ensure that traditional cuisines are not totally corrupted by commercial practices.
  [V-ed] ...corrupted data.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

¹cor·rupt /kəˈrʌpt/ verb -rupts; -rupt·ed; -rupt·ing
1 : to cause (someone or something) to become dishonest, immoral, etc.

[+ obj]

• He believes that violence on television and film is corrupting our children. [=teaching bad beliefs and behaviors to our children]
• a politician corrupted by greed
• music that corrupts the morals of children
• corrupting the country's legal system

[no obj]

• the corrupting influence/effects of power
2 [+ obj] : to change (something) so that it is less pure or valuable
• He's convinced that the Internet is corrupting [=ruining] the English language.
• Their idealism has been corrupted by cynicism.
3 [+ obj] : to change (a book, computer file, etc.) from the correct or original form
• The file has been corrupted and no longer works properly.
• corrupted databases/files
• a corrupted version of the ancient text
- cor·rupt·er noun, pl -ers [count]
• a corrupter of our nation's youth
- cor·rupt·ibil·i·ty /kəˌrʌptəˈbɪləti/ noun [noncount]
- cor·rupt·ible /kəˈrʌptəbəl/ adj [more ~; most ~]
• young people who are easily corruptible

exploit

exploit [verb] (USE UNFAIRLY)

to use someone or something unfairly for your own advantage

/ɪkˈsplɔɪt/

Example:

Laws exist to stop companies exploiting their employees.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

exploit

verb (exploits, exploiting, exploited)
to treat somebody badly to get what you want:
Some employers exploit foreign workers, making them work long hours for low pay.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

exploit

I. ex‧ploit¹ AC /ɪkˈsplɔɪt/ BrE AmE verb [transitive]
[Date: 1500-1600; Language: Old French; Origin: esploit 'result, success', from Latin explicitus, from explicare; ⇨ ↑explicate]
1. to treat someone unfairly by asking them to do things for you, but giving them very little in return – used to show disapproval:
Homeworkers can easily be exploited by employers.
2. to try to get as much as you can out of a situation, sometimes unfairly:
The violence was blamed on thugs exploiting the situation.
3. to use something fully and effectively:
The new TV companies are fully exploiting the potential of satellite transmission.
4. to develop and use minerals, forests, oil etc for business or industry:
the urgent need to exploit the resources of the Irish Sea
—exploitable adjective
—exploiter noun [countable]
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ use: Do you mind if I use your phone? | They rebuilt the church using local stone. | We use a range of different methods.
▪ make use of something to use something that is available to you: Staff can make use of a wide range of facilities. | She made full use of her contacts within the organization.
▪ employ formal to use a particular method or skill in order to achieve something: The surgeons employed a new technique. | They employed every means at their disposal (=every available method).
▪ utilize formal to use something that is available to you, for a practical purpose: The company has developed a new way to utilize solar energy. | a better way of utilizing the space
▪ exploit to use something as fully and effectively as possible, or to use something that will give you an advantage over your opponent: The country’s natural resources have not yet been fully exploited. | He was quick to exploit any weakness in his opponent’s argument.
▪ apply to use something such as a method, idea, or system in a particular situation: New technology is being applied to almost every industrial process. | I wanted to apply the things that I had learned on the course.
▪ draw on something to use information, knowledge, or experience that you have learned in the past: He was able to draw on his own experience as a diplomat when he was writing the book. | Journalists draw on information from many different sources.
▪ resort to something to use violence, force, threats etc as a way of achieving something: Extremists on both sides resort to violence. | We are prepared to resort to force if necessary.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

exploit

ex·ploit AW [exploit exploits exploited exploiting] verb, noun

verb [ɪkˈsplɔɪt] ; [ɪkˈsplɔɪt]
1. ~ sth (disapproving) to treat a person or situation as an opportunity to gain an advantage for yourself
• He exploited his father's name to get himself a job.
• She realized that her youth and inexperience were being exploited.

• The opposition parties will always exploit government problems to their own advantage.

2. ~ sb (disapproving) to treat sb unfairly by making them work and not giving them much in return

• What is being done to stop employers from exploiting young people?

3. ~ sth to use sth well in order to gain as much from it as possible
• She fully exploits the humour of her role in the play.

• Teachers should be exploiting computers in education.

4. to develop or use sth for business or industry
• ~ sth No minerals have yet been exploited in Antarctica.
• ~ sth for sth countries exploiting the rainforests for hardwood
Verb forms:

Word Origin:
Middle English: from Old French esploit (noun), based on Latin explicare ‘unfold’, from ex- ‘out’ + plicare ‘to fold’. The early notion of ‘success, progress’ gave rise to the sense ‘attempt to capture’, ‘military expedition’, hence the current sense of the noun. Verb senses (mid 19th cent.) are from modern French exploiter.
Thesaurus:
exploit verb T (usually disapproving)
• Some employers are exploiting immigrants.
disapproving abuse • • use • |formal misuse •
exploit/abuse your position
abuse/misuse drugs/alcohol/solvents
exploit/use sb/sth for your own ends
Example Bank:
• Birds exploit these wind patterns to the fullest.
• Companies are moving in to exploit the natural resources of the area.
• He pursued his own interests, cynically exploiting his privileged position as trustee.
• He was determined to exploit the potential of this new discovery.
• She was eager to exploit her discovery commercially.
• The architect has cleverly exploited new materials and building techniques.
• The company has been successful in exploiting new technology to the full.
• The team were quick to exploit their competitive advantage.
• The workers are ruthlessly exploited by their employers.
• They were quick to exploit the economic possibilities of the situation.
• He exploited his father's name to get himself a job.
• They were hoping to exploit any weaknesses the other team might have.
• This legal loophole has been ruthlessly exploited by many unscrupulous investors.
• What is being done to stop employers from exploiting immigrants?

Derived Word: exploiter

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

exploit / ɪkˈsplɔɪt / verb [ T ] (USE UNFAIRLY)

B2 to use someone or something unfairly for your own advantage:

Laws exist to stop companies exploiting their employees.

exploit / ɪkˈsplɔɪt / verb [ T ] (USE WELL)

B2 to use something for advantage:

We need to make sure that we exploit our resources as fully as possible.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

exploit

exploits, exploiting, exploited
(The verb is pronounced [ɪksplɔ͟ɪt]. The noun is pronounced [e̱ksplɔɪt].)
1) VERB If you say that someone is exploiting you, you think that they are treating you unfairly by using your work or ideas and giving you very little in return.
  [V n] Critics claim he exploited black musicians for personal gain.
  [V-ed] ...the plight of the exploited sugar cane workers.
  Derived words:
  exploitation [e̱ksplɔɪte͟ɪʃ(ə)n] N-UNCOUNT Extra payments should be made to protect the interests of the staff and prevent exploitation.
2) VERB (disapproval) If you say that someone is exploiting a situation, you disapprove of them because they are using it to gain an advantage for themselves, rather than trying to help other people or do what is right.
  [V n] The government and its opponents compete to exploit the troubles to their advantage.
  Derived words:
  exploitation N-SING N of n ...the exploitation of the famine by local politicians.
3) VERB If you exploit something, you use it well, and achieve something or gain an advantage from it.
  [V n] You'll need a good aerial to exploit the radio's performance...
  [V n] Cary is hoping to exploit new opportunities in Europe...
  [V n] So you feel that your skills have never been fully appreciated or exploited?
4) VERB To exploit resources or raw materials means to develop them and use them for industry or commercial activities.
  [V n] I think we're being very short sighted in not exploiting our own coal.
  Derived words:
  exploitation N-UNCOUNT usu N of n ...the planned exploitation of its potential oil and natural gas reserves.
5) N-COUNT: usu pl, with poss If you refer to someone's exploits, you mean the brave, interesting, or amusing things that they have done.
  His wartime exploits were later made into a film and a television series.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

exploit

²ex·ploit /ɪkˈsploɪt/ verb -ploits; -ploit·ed; -ploit·ing [+ obj]
1 : to get value or use from (something)
• He has never fully exploited his talents.
• Top athletes are able to exploit their opponents' weaknesses.
• We need to exploit [=take advantage of] this opportunity/situation.
• exploit natural resources
2 : to use (someone or something) in a way that helps you unfairly
• They were accused of exploiting [=taking advantage of] migrant workers.
• She said the tragedy had been exploited by the media.
- ex·ploit·able /ɪkˈsploɪtəbəl/ adj [more ~; most ~]
• exploitable resources
- ex·ploi·ta·tion /ˌɛkˌsploɪˈteɪʃən/ noun [noncount]
• a victim of exploitation

American English

British English

treating people or animals badly

B2 (Upper-intermediate)

verb

conrtol

control [verb]

to order, limit, or rule something, or someone's actions or behaviour

Example:

You're going to have to learn to control your temper.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

control

verb (controls, controlling, controlled )
to make people or things do what you want:
He can't control his dog.
This switch controls the heating.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

verb: ↑control; adverb: uncontrollably]
1. MAKE SOMEBODY/SOMETHING DO WHAT YOU WANT [uncountable] the ability or power to make someone or something do what you want or make something happen in the way you want:
The disease robs you of muscle control.
control of/over
Babies are born with very little control over their movements.
Artists like to have some control over where their works are hung in a gallery.
She’s a good teacher who has control of her class.
Students are encouraged to take control of their own learning, rather than just depending on the teacher.
Excessive drinking can make you lose control of your own life.
‘Do you need any help?’ ‘No. It’s under control, thanks.’
Dogs are allowed on the trails if they are kept under control.
The car spun out of control and hit a tree.
Flight delays do occur, for reasons that are outside our control.
2. POWER [uncountable] the power to make the decisions about how a country, place, company etc is organized or what it does:
The press was freed from political control.
control of
Jordan asked for editorial control of the project.
in control (of something)
Anti-government forces are still in control of the area.
By the end of the year, the rebels had control over the northern territories.
The Johnson family has effective control of the company, owning almost 60% of the shares.
China gained control of the island in 1683.
His son is being trained to take control of the family business.
The Democrats lost control of Congress in the last election.
under the control of somebody
The college was under the control of a group of trustees.
The whole of this area came under Soviet control after World War II.
The Conservatives are hoping to regain control of the city council.
3. WAY OF LIMITING SOMETHING [uncountable and countable] an action, method, or law that limits the amount or growth of something, especially something that is dangerous:
pest control
control of
the control of inflation
control on
The authorities imposed strict controls on the movement of cattle.
an agreement on arms control (=control of the amount of weapons a country has)
under control
Firefighters had the blaze under control by 9:44 p.m.
Shea used diet and exercise to bring her weight under control.
The Federal Reserve Bank raised interest rates to keep inflation under control.
rent/price/wage etc controls
Rent controls ensured that no one paid too much for housing.
tight/rigid controls (=strict controls)
the introduction of tighter controls on immigration
Police used fire hoses and dogs for crowd control.
4. ABILITY TO STAY CALM [uncountable] the ability to remain calm even when you feel very angry, upset, or excited:
There were sudden tears in his eyes and he paused, fighting for control.
Davidson lost control of himself and started yelling.
Small children can’t be expected to have the same self-control (=ability to control their emotions and behaviour) as an adult.
under control
Her voice is under control, but she is almost shaking with anger.
in control
I felt calm and in control.
5. MACHINE/VEHICLE [countable] the thing that you press or turn to make a machine, vehicle, television etc work:
the TV remote control
the volume control on the radio
a car with manual controls
at the controls (=controlling a vehicle or aircraft)
Belton, at the controls, made a perfect landing.
6. PEOPLE WHO ORGANIZE AN ACTIVITY [singular, uncountable] the people who direct an activity or who check that something is done correctly, the place where this is done, or the process of doing it:
air-traffic control
Please stop at passport control.
computers used for stock control
7. SCIENTIFIC TEST [countable]
a) a person, group etc against which you compare another person or group that is very similar, in order to see if a particular quality is caused by something or happens by chance
control group/population/sample etc
A control group of non-smoking women was compared to four groups of women smokers.
b) a thing that you already know the result for that is used in a scientific test, in order to show that your method is working correctly ⇨ ↑controlled experiment
8. COMPUTER [singular] (also control key) a particular button on a computer that allows you to do certain operations:
Press control and F2 to exit.
⇨ ↑birth control, ↑quality control, ↑remote control
II. control² S2 W1 BrE AmE verb (past tense and past participle controlled, present participle controlling) [transitive]
[Word Family: adjective: controlling, ↑controllable ≠ ↑uncontrollable, ↑controlled ≠ ↑uncontrolled; noun: ↑control, ↑controller; verb: ↑control; adverb: uncontrollably]
[Date: 1400-1500; Language: Anglo-French; Origin: contreroller 'to keep a copy of an official document in rolled-up form', from Medieval Latin contrarotulare, from contrarotulus 'copy of a roll', from Latin contra- ( ⇨ ↑contra-) + rotulus 'roll']
1. POWER to have the power to make the decisions about how a country, place, company etc is organized or what it does:
The Democrats continued to control the Senate until last year.
a huge company controlling half the world’s coffee trade
Labour-/Republican-/Democrat- etc controlled
2. LIMIT to limit the amount or growth of something, especially something that is dangerous:
a chemical used to control weeds
an economic plan to control inflation
Development in areas of outstanding natural beauty is strictly controlled.
Strict measures were taken to control the spread of foot and mouth disease.
3. MAKE SOMEBODY/SOMETHING DO WHAT YOU WANT to make someone or something do what you want, or make something happen in the way that you want:
Police had to be called in to control the crowds.
a skilled rider controlling a spirited horse
4. EMOTION if you control your emotions, your voice, your expression etc, you succeed in behaving calmly and sensibly, even though you feel angry, upset, or excited:
Sarah took a deep breath, trying to control her anger.
He controlled the urge to laugh.
control yourself
Newman controlled himself with an effort.
5. MACHINE/PROCESS/SYSTEM to make a machine, process, or system work in a particular way:
a radio-controlled toy car
A thermostat controls the temperature in the building.
control how/what/which etc
The valves in the heart control how quickly the blood is pumped around the body.
6. CHECK SOMETHING to make sure that something is done correctly SYN check, monitor:
The company strictly controls the quality of its products.
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ control to have power over a country, place, company etc, and decide what happens there: The Democrats controlled the US Congress. | Government forces now control the city.
▪ run to make the important everyday decisions concerning a company, organization, country etc, so that it can continue to operate: He runs a software company in New York. | The parents want to run the school themselves. | The government is unfit to run the country. | The charity runs a medical clinic in one of the poorest parts of the city.
▪ be in charge of somebody/something to have control over something, or responsibility for a group of people: She is in charge of training new employees. | I left him in charge of the children while I was out.
▪ manage to be in charge of a company, especially one that someone else owns: In 1963, she opened a furniture store, and her son has managed it since 1985.
▪ be in power if a group or leader is in power, they have political control of a country: Abe resigned after less than a year in power. | It was the first time a democratically elected government had been in power.
▪ rule if a leader or political group rules a country, they have political control of that country: President Assad ruled the country for almost 30 years. | The same party has ruled Japan for many years.
▪ supervise to be in charge of a group of workers or students and make sure that they do their work properly: Professor Braude supervised the research team. | He’s supervising the building work.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

verb (-ll-)

HAVE POWER
1. ~ sb/sth to have power over a person, company, country, etc. so that you are able to decide what they must do or how it is run
• By the age of 21 he controlled the company.
• The whole territory is now controlled by the army.
• Can't you control your children?

• a multi-national company based in Britain but controlled from South Africa

LIMIT/MANAGE

2. to limit sth or make it happen in a particular way
• ~ sth government attempts to control immigration
• Many biological processes are controlled by hormones.
• Try to control your breathing.

• ~ what/how, etc… Parents should control what their kids watch on television.

3. ~ sth to stop sth from spreading or getting worse
• Firefighters are still trying to control the blaze.

• She was given drugs to control the pain.

MACHINE

4. ~ sth to make sth, such as a machine or system, work in the way that you want it to
• This knob controls the volume.

• The traffic lights are controlled by a central computer.

STAY CALM

5. to manage to make yourself remain calm, even though you are upset or angry
• ~ yourself I was so furious I couldn't control myself and I hit him.
• ~ sth He was finding it difficult to control his feelings.
Verb forms:

Word Origin:
late Middle English (as a verb in the sense ‘check or verify accounts’, especially by referring to a duplicate register): from Anglo-Norman French contreroller ‘keep a copy of a roll of accounts’, from medieval Latin contrarotulare, from contrarotulus ‘copy of a roll’, from contra- ‘against’ + rotulus ‘a roll’. The noun is perhaps via French contrôle.
Thesaurus:
control verb
1. T
• By the age of 25 he controlled the company.
run • • manage • • be in charge • • direct • • be responsible for sb/sth • • administer • • command •
control/run/manage a/an company/business/organization
control/run/manage/direct/be responsible for/administer a project
control/run/manage/be in charge of/direct/be responsible for operations
2. T
• Can't you control your dog?
manage • • handle •
control/manage a child
be easy/difficult to control/manage/handle
control/manage/handle sb/sth properly
3. T
• new measures to control immigration
limit • • restrict • • curb • • check • • keep/hold sth in check • • rein sth in • |especially BrE cap • |written contain • • suppress •
control/limit/restrict/curb/check/rein in/cap spending
keep/hold spending in check
control/limit/curb/check/contain the spread of sth
control/limit/restrict the size/number/extent/amount of sth
4. T
• She was given drugs to control the pain.
overcome • • bring/get/keep sth under control • • get over sth • |informal beat • |written conquer •
control/overcome/get over/beat/conquer a problem
control/overcome/get over/conquer a fear
control a fire /bring a fire under control
5. T
• The lights are controlled by a computer.
operate • • run • |especially spoken work • |formal manipulate •
control/operate/run/work a machine
control/operate/run a/an engine/motor
Control, operate or run? A person operates or runs a machine; machines are often controlled by the controls, such as a computer, knob or lever.
6. T
• She struggled to control her temper.
restrain • • hold sth back • • suppress • • repress • • stifle • • curb • |written contain • • check •
control/restrain/contain/check yourself
control/restrain/hold back/suppress/repress/contain/check your anger
control/restrain/suppress/repress/stifle/curb/check an impulse
control/curb/contain your temper
Example Bank:
• Conditions in the greenhouse are carefully controlled.
• Expenditure within the company is tightly controlled.
• The shutters can be electronically controlled.
• You can easily control the speed of the fan.
• Can't you control your children?
• Each school is controlled by a Board of Governors.
• Government forces have proved incapable of controlling the rebels.
• He had an emergency operation in which surgeons attempted to control the bleeding.
• He was finding it hard to control his feelings.
• His diabetes can be controlled by diet.
• I was so furious I couldn't control myself and I hit him.
• It is a multi-national company based in Britain but controlled from South Africa.
• Mounted police had been called to control the crowds.
• She was struggling to control her temper.
• Symptoms can be controlled in most patients.
• The National Bank is directly controlled by the government.
• The clerk could scarcely control his excitement.
• The clubs were found guilty of failing to control their fans.
• The government has announced new measures to control immigration
• This government has failed to control inflation.

• Time out is an effective way of controlling aggressive behaviour.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

control / kənˈtrəʊl / / -ˈtroʊl / verb [ T ] ( -ll- )

B1 to order, limit, or rule something, or someone's actions or behaviour:

If you can't control your dog, put it on a lead!

You're going to have to learn to control your temper.

The temperature is controlled by a thermostat.

The laws controlling drugs are very strict in this country.

The government is trying to control spending.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

control

[kəntro͟ʊl]

controls, controlling, controlled
1) N-UNCOUNT: oft N of/over n Control of an organization, place, or system is the power to make all the important decisions about the way that it is run.
  The restructuring involves Mr Ronson giving up control of the company...
  The first aim of his government would be to establish control over the republic's territory.

  PHRASE: usu v-link PHR, usu PHR of n If you are in control of something, you have the power to make all the important decisions about the way it is run.
  Nobody knows who is in control of the club...
  In the West, people feel more in control of their own lives.
  PHRASE: PHR after v, v-link PHR If something is under your control, you have the power to make all the important decisions about the way that it is run.
  All the newspapers were taken under government control.
2) N-UNCOUNT: oft N of/over n If you have control of something or someone, you are able to make them do what you want them to do.
  He lost control of his car...
  Some teachers have more control over pupils than their parents have.
3) N-UNCOUNT If you show control, you prevent yourself behaving in an angry or emotional way.
  He had a terrible temper, and sometimes he would completely lose control...
  He was working hard to keep control of himself.
4) VERB The people who control an organization or place have the power to take all the important decisions about the way that it is run.
  [V n] He now controls the largest retail development empire in southern California...
  [V n] Almost all of the countries in Latin America were controlled by dictators...
  [V-ing] Minebea ended up selling its controlling interest in both firms.
  Derived words:
  -controlled COMB in ADJ AGA Gas is Swedish-controlled. ...the state-controlled media.
5) VERB To control a piece of equipment, process, or system means to make it work in the way that you want it to work.
  [V n] ...a computerised system to control the gates...
  [V n] Scientists would soon be able to manipulate human genes to control the ageing process.
  [V-ed] ...the controlled production of energy from sugar by a cell.
  Derived words:
  -controlled COMB in ADJ ...computer-controlled traffic lights.
6) VERB When a government controls prices, wages, or the activity of a particular group, it uses its power to restrict them.
  [V n] The federal government tried to control rising health-care costs.
  [V n] ...measures to control illegal mining.
N-UNCOUNT: with supp
Control is also a noun. Control of inflation remains the government's absolute priority.
7) VERB If you control yourself, or if you control your feelings, voice, or expression, you make yourself behave calmly even though you are feeling angry, excited, or upset.
  [V pron-refl] Jo was advised to learn to control herself...
  [V n] I just couldn't control my temper.
  Syn:
  restrain
  Derived words:
  controlled ADJ-GRADED Her manner was quiet and very controlled.
8) VERB To control something dangerous means to prevent it from becoming worse or from spreading.
  [V n] ...the need to control environmental pollution...
  [V n] One of the biggest tasks will be to control the spread of malaria.
9) N-COUNT A control is a device such as a switch or lever which you use in order to operate a machine or other piece of equipment.
  I practised operating the controls.
  ...the control box.

  PHRASE If someone is at the controls of a machine or other piece of equipment, they are operating it.
  He died of a heart attack while at the controls of the plane.
10) N-VAR Controls are the methods that a government uses to restrict increases, for example in prices, wages, or weapons.
  Critics question whether price controls would do any good...
  Their talks are expected to focus on arms control...
  They have very strict gun control in Sweden.
11) N-VAR: n N The word control is used to refer to a place where your documents or luggage are officially checked when you enter a foreign country.
  He went straight through Passport Control without incident.
  ...an agreement to abolish border controls.
12) → See also air traffic control, birth control, quality control, remote control, stock control
13) PHRASE: usu v PHR, v-link PHR If something is out of control, no-one has any power over it.
  The fire is burning out of control...
  I'm dealing with customers all the time who have let their debts get out of control.
14) PHRASE: v-link PHR, PHR after v If something harmful is under control, it is being dealt with successfully and is unlikely to cause any more harm.
  The situation is under control...
  If the current violence is to be brought under control, the government needs to act.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

¹con·trol /kənˈtroʊl/ verb -trols; -trolled; -trol·ling [+ obj]
1 : to direct the behavior of (a person or animal) : to cause (a person or animal) to do what you want
• The parents could not control their child.
• The police controlled the crowd.
• The small boy could not control the big dog.
2 : to have power over (something)
• Her family controls the business.
• One country controls the whole island.
• The rebel army now controls nearly half the country.
3 a : to direct the actions or function of (something) : to cause (something) to act or function in a certain way
• The lights on stage are controlled by this computer.
• She struggled to control the cart as it rolled before her down the steep, bumpy road.
b : to set or adjust the amount, degree, or rate of (something)
• He controlled the volume by turning the radio's knob.
• A thermostat controls the room's temperature.
• The dam controls the flow of the river.
4 : to limit the amount or growth of (something)
• The farmer used insecticides to control the pests.
• The state allowed hunting in the area to control the deer population.
• The government made new laws to control pollution.
• The firefighters worked all night to control the fire.
5 a : to keep (emotions, desires, etc.) from becoming too strong or from being shown
• Please control your temper. [=keep yourself calm]
• He tried hard to control his laughter. [=to avoid laughing]
• I was hungry, but I controlled my appetite [=I resisted the desire to eat] and waited for dinner.
b : to keep or make (yourself) calm especially when you are angry, upset, or excited
• He couldn't control himself any longer.
- con·trol·la·ble /kənˈtroʊləbəl/ adj [more ~; most ~]
• The temperature of the room is controllable.
• The lighter drill was more controllable than the heavier one.

American English

British English

controlling and being in charge

B1 (Intermediate)

verb

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