American English

0

cease

cease [verb]

to stop something

US /siːs/ 
UK /siːs/ 
Example: 

The company has decided to cease all UK operations after this year.

Related quotes: 
A great democracy has got to be progressive, or it will soon cease to be either great or a democracy

Oxford Essential Dictionary

cease

 verb (ceases, ceasing, ceased ) (formal)
to stop:
Fighting in the area has now ceased.

 

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

cease

I. cease1 W3 AC /siːs/ BrE AmE verb [intransitive and transitive]
[Word Family: noun: ↑cessation, ↑cease; verb: ↑cease; adverb: ↑ceaselessly; adjective: ↑ceaseless]
[Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: cesser, from Latin cessare 'to delay', from cedere; ⇨ ↑cede]
1. formal to stop doing something or stop happening
cease to do something
He ceased to be a member of the association.
The things people will do for charity never cease to amaze me (=I am always surprised by them).
cease doing something
the decision to cease using CFCs in packaging
The rain ceased and the sky cleared.
cease trading/production/operations etc (=stop operating a business)
The company ceased production at their Norwich plant last year.
cease fire! (=used to order soldiers to stop shooting)
REGISTER
In everyday English, people usually use stop rather than cease:
▪ They have stopped using CFCs in packaging.
▪ The rain stopped just as the fireworks began.
2. cease and desist law to stop doing something
⇨ ↑ceasefire, ⇨ wonders will never cease at ↑wonder2(5)

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

cease / siːs / verb [ I or T ] formal

B2 to stop something:

Whether the protests will cease remains to be seen.

The company has decided to cease all UK operations after this year.

[ + to infinitive ] Workplace nurseries will cease to be liable for tax.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

cease

[si͟ːs]
 ♦♦♦
 ceases, ceasing, ceased
 1) VERB If something ceases, it stops happening or existing. [FORMAL]
  At one o'clock the rain had ceased.
  Syn:
  stop
 2) VERB If you cease to do something, you stop doing it. [FORMAL]
  [V to-inf] He never ceases to amaze me...
  [V to-inf] The secrecy about the President's condition had ceased to matter...
  [V -ing] A small number of firms have ceased trading.
 3) VERB If you cease something, you stop it happening or working. [FORMAL]
  [V n] The Tundra Times, a weekly newspaper in Alaska, ceased publication this week.
  Syn:
  stop

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

cease

cease /ˈsiːs/ verb ceas·es; ceased; ceas·ing formal
1 [no obj] : to stop happening : to end
• The fighting along the border has temporarily ceased.
• The conversation abruptly ceased. [=halted]
• The noise ceased [=stopped] altogether.
• when the weary cease from their labors [=when people who are very tired stop working]
• The company was ordered by the court to cease and desist from selling the photographs. [=was ordered to immediately stop selling the photographs]
- see also cease and desist order
2 [+ obj] : to stop doing (something)
• The factory ceased operations last year.
• The child would not cease his constant whining/complaining.
• The soldiers were ordered to cease fire. [=to stop shooting their weapons]
- often followed by to + verb
• The program would cease to exist without private funding.
• He had long ceased to have any regrets.
• Her courage never ceases to amaze me. [=I am always amazed by her courage]
- see also cease-fire
wonders never cease
- see 1wonder

American English
British English
causing something to end
B2 (Upper-intermediate)
verb
0

progressive

progressive [adjective] (GRADUAL)

developing or happening gradually

US /prəˈɡres.ɪv/ 
UK /prəˈɡres.ɪv/ 
Example: 

There's been a progressive decline in the standard of living over the past few years.

Related quotes: 
A great democracy has got to be progressive, or it will soon cease to be either great or a democracy

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

progressive

I. pro‧gres‧sive1 /prəˈɡresɪv/ BrE AmE adjective
[Word Family: noun: ↑progress, ↑progression, ↑progressive; verb: ↑progress; adverb: ↑progressively; adjective: ↑progressive]
1. supporting new or modern ideas and methods, especially in politics and education:
a progressive administration
progressive and forward-looking policies
2. happening or developing gradually over a period of time
progressive decline/reduction/increase etc
the progressive increase in population
Britain’s progressive decline as a world power
3. technical the progressive form of a verb is used to show that an action or activity is continuing to happen. In English, it consists of the verb ‘be’ followed by the ↑present participle, as in ‘I was waiting for the bus’. SYN continuous

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

progressive

pro·gres·sive [progressive progressives] adjective, noun   [prəˈɡresɪv]    [prəˈɡresɪv] 

adjective
1. in favour of new ideas, modern methods and change
• progressive schools

Opp:  retrogressive

2. happening or developing steadily
• a progressive reduction in the size of the workforce

• a progressive muscular disease

3. (also con·tinu·ous) (grammar) connected with the form of a verb (for example I am waiting or It is raining) that is made from a part of be and the present participle. Progressive forms are used to express an action that continues for a period of time. 
Word Origin:
early 17th cent.: from French progressif, -ive or medieval Latin progressivus, from progress- ‘gone forward’, from the verb progredi, from pro- ‘forward’ + gradi ‘to walk’.  
Example Bank:
• highly progressive in outlook
• Are you in favour of progressive teaching methods?
• He is progressive, open-minded, and sincerely concerned with civil-rights struggles.

Derived Word: progressivism 

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

progressive / prəˈɡres.ɪv / adjective (GRADUAL)

C1 developing or happening gradually:

There's been a progressive decline in the standard of living over the past few years.

a progressive disease   

 

progressive / prəˈɡres.ɪv / adjective (MODERN)

B2 describes ideas or systems that are new and modern, encouraging change in society or in the way that things are done:

progressive ideas/attitudes

The left of the party is pressing for a more progressive social policy.

 

a progressive school

progressive / prəˈɡres.ɪv / adjective (TAX)

describes a tax system in which the rate of tax is higher on larger amounts of money

 

progressive / prəˈɡres.ɪv / adjective (GRAMMAR)

describes the form of a verb that is used to show that the action is continuing. It is formed with the verb 'be' followed by the present participle (= -ing form of the verb) :

'He's working hard at the moment' is an example of the present progressive form of the verb 'work'.

'I was eating when the phone rang' is an example of the past progressive.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

progressive

[prəgre̱sɪv]
 progressives
 1) ADJ-GRADED Someone who is progressive or has progressive ideas has modern ideas about how things should be done, rather than traditional ones.
  ...a progressive businessman who had voted for Roosevelt in 1932 and 1936...
  Willan was able to point to the progressive changes he had already introduced...
  The children go to a progressive school.
  Ant:
  conservative
 N-COUNT
 A progressive is someone who is progressive. The Republicans were deeply split between progressives and conservatives.
 2) ADJ: usu ADJ n A progressive change happens gradually over a period of time.
  One prominent symptom of the disease is progressive loss of memory.
  ...the progressive development of a common foreign and security policy.
  Syn:
  gradual
  Ant:
  sudden
  Derived words:
  progressively ADV ADV compar, ADV with v Her symptoms became progressively worse... The amount of grant the council received from the Government was progressively reduced.
 3) ADJ: ADJ n In grammar, progressive means the same as continuous.

 

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

1pro·gres·sive /prəˈgrɛsɪv/ adj
1 : moving forward
• the progressive movements of the hands of a clock
2 : happening or developing gradually over a period of time
• a progressive disease
3 [more ~; most ~] : using or interested in new or modern ideas especially in politics and education
• a progressive community/school
• a progressive candidate
4 grammar : of or relating to the progressive tense of a verb
• a progressive verb form

American English
British English
making progress and advancing
C1 (Advanced)
adjective
0

powerful

powerful [adjective] (CONTROL)

having a lot of power to control people and events

US /ˈpaʊ.ɚ.fəl/ 
UK /ˈpaʊə.fəl/ 
Example: 

The president is more powerful than the prime minister.

Related quotes: 
Don’t waste words on people who deserve your silence. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can say is nothing at all.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

powerful

 adjective

1 having a lot of strength or power:
The car has a very powerful engine.
The president is very powerful.

2 having a strong effect:
a powerful drug

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

powerful

pow‧er‧ful S3 W2 /ˈpaʊəfəl $ ˈpaʊr-/ BrE AmE adjective
[Word Family: noun: ↑power, ↑superpower, ↑powerlessness, ↑empowerment; adjective: ↑powerful ≠ ↑powerless, ↑overpowering, ↑power, ↑powered; verb: ↑power, ↑empower, ↑overpower; adverb: ↑powerfully ≠ ↑powerlessly, ↑overpoweringly]
1. IMPORTANT a powerful person, organization, group etc is able to control and influence events and other people’s actions ⇨ powerless:
He was one of the most powerful men in Bohemia.
a very influential and powerful family
rich and powerful nations
2. SPEECH/FILM ETC having a strong effect on someone’s feelings or opinions:
a powerful speech
powerful reasons/arguments (=reasons that make you think that something must be true)
Good teamwork is a powerful tool (=very effective method) for effective management.
3. FEELING/EFFECT a powerful feeling or effect is very strong or great:
Immigrants have had a powerful influence on the local culture.
a powerful sense of tradition
4. MACHINE/WEAPON ETC a powerful machine, engine, weapon etc is very effective and can do a lot:
a new generation of more powerful PCs
a machine that is immensely powerful
a powerful 24-valve engine
a powerful telescope
5. PHYSICALLY STRONG physically strong:
Jed was a powerful, well-built man.
The females are smaller and less powerful than the males.
6. A LOT OF FORCE a powerful blow, explosion etc has a lot of force:
an explosion ten times more powerful than the Hiroshima bomb
a powerful right-foot shot on goal
winds powerful enough to uproot trees
7. MEDICINE a powerful medicine or drug has a very strong effect on your body
8. TEAM/ARMY ETC a powerful team, army etc is very strong and can easily defeat other teams or armies:
a powerful fighting force
9. QUALITY very strong, bright, loud etc:
a powerful singing voice
the powerful headlights

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

powerful

power·ful   [ˈpaʊəfl]    [ˈpaʊərfl]  adjective
1. (of people) being able to control and influence people and events
Syn:  influential
• an immensely powerful organization
• one of the most powerful directors in Hollywood
• a rich and powerful man

• Only the intervention of powerful friends obtained her release.

2. having great power or force; very effective
• powerful weapons
• a powerful engine
• a powerful voice
• a powerful telescope

• I traded my computer in for a more powerful model.

3. having a strong effect on your mind or body
• a powerful image/drug/speech
• Television may have a powerful influence on children.
• Fear is a powerful emotion.

• There is a powerful argument for changing the law.

4. (of a person or an animal) physically strong
Syn:  muscular
• a powerful body
• a powerful athlete
Derived Word: powerfully  
Thesaurus:
powerful [powerful powerfully] adj.
1.
• She is one of the most powerful women in politics.
influential • • important • • great • • dominant • • high-powered • |approving strong •
Opp: weak, Opp: powerless
a/an powerful/influential/important/great/dominant/strong figure/leader/position
a/an powerful/influential/important/dominant individual/group
a/an powerful/important/great/dominant/strong influence
Which word? Powerful people such as politicians use their position to control events. Influential people change other people's opinions or behaviour because people respect and listen to them. Important people influence other people or events because people respect them or because their position means their actions have a great effect. Strong people are confident and have leadership qualities.
2. (especially written, usually approving)
• He was lithe and powerful as an athlete.
strong • • muscular •
Opp: weak
(a) powerful/strong/muscular build/body/arms/legs
powerful/strong muscles/jaws  
Example Bank:
• a politically powerful figure
• locally powerful landowners
• He is one of the most powerful directors in Hollywood.
• He was lithe and powerful as an athlete.
• He was the most powerful man in the country after the king.
• It is a country where religious leaders are often more powerful than politicians.
• This extremist movement has become increasingly powerful in recent years.
• When she trots she covers ground like a powerful horse rather than a pony.

• Why are there still so few women in politically powerful positions?

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

powerful / ˈpaʊə.f ə l /   / ˈpaʊɚ- / adjective (CONTROL)

B1 having a lot of power to control people and events:

The president is more powerful than the prime minister.

She's the most powerful person in the organization.

 

powerfully / -i /   / ˈpaʊɚ- / adverb

B2

He argued powerfully and persuasively against capital punishment.

She kicked the ball so powerfully that it flew over the hedge.

Klaus is a very powerfully built man (= has a body with large strong muscles) .

 

powerful / ˈpaʊə.f ə l /   / ˈpaʊɚ- / adjective (STRENGTH)

B1 having a lot of strength or force:

She's an extremely powerful runner.

The picture quality is bad because the TV signal isn't powerful enough.

B2 having a very great effect:

a powerful drug

Her speech about cruelty to children was very powerful.

 

powerfully / -i /   / ˈpaʊɚ- / adverb

B2

He argued powerfully and persuasively against capital punishment.

She kicked the ball so powerfully that it flew over the hedge.

Klaus is a very powerfully built man (= has a body with large strong muscles) .

 

powerful / ˈpaʊə.f ə l /   / ˈpaʊɚ- / adjective (IMAGE SIZE)

having the power to increase the size of an image of something that is very small or far away many times:

You'd need an extremely powerful microscope to see something so small.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

powerful

[pa͟ʊə(r)fʊl]
 ♦♦
 1) ADJ-GRADED A powerful person or organization is able to control or influence people and events.
 → See also all-powerful
  You're a powerful man - people will listen to you.
  ...Russia and India, two large, powerful countries.
  ...Hong Kong's powerful business community.
  Syn:
  influential
  Ant:
  powerless
 2) ADJ-GRADED You say that someone's body is powerful when it is physically strong.
  Hans flexed his powerful muscles...
  It's such a big powerful dog.
  Syn:
  strong
  Ant:
  weak
  Derived words:
  powerfully ADV-GRADED ADV with v He is described as a strong, powerfully-built man of 60... You can contract your muscles more powerfully by linking up your breathing to the exercise.
 3) ADJ-GRADED: usu ADJ n A powerful machine or substance is effective because it is very strong.
  The more powerful the car the more difficult it is to handle.
  ...powerful computer systems...
  Alcohol is also a powerful and fast-acting drug.
  Derived words:
  powerfully ADV ADV adj Crack is a much cheaper, smokable form of cocaine which is powerfully addictive.
 4) ADJ-GRADED: usu ADJ n A powerful smell is very strong.
  There was a powerful smell of stale beer.
  ...tiny creamy flowers with a powerful scent.
  Syn:
  strong
  Derived words:
  powerfully ADV-GRADED ADV after v The railway station smelt powerfully of cats and drains.
 5) ADJ-GRADED A powerful voice is loud and can be heard from a long way away.
  At that moment Mrs. Jones's powerful voice interrupted them, announcing a visitor.
  Syn:
  loud
 6) ADJ-GRADED You describe a piece of writing, speech, or work of art as powerful when it has a strong effect on people's feelings or beliefs.
  ...Bleasdale's powerful 11-part drama about a corrupt city leader.
  ...one of the world's most powerful and moving operas, Verdi's `Otello'.
  ...a powerful new style of dance-theatre.
  Derived words:
  powerfully ADV-GRADED ADV -ed, ADV after v It's a play - painful, funny and powerfully acted.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

powerful

pow·er·ful /ˈpawɚfəl/ adj [more ~; most ~]
1 : having the ability to control or influence people or things
• rich and powerful people
• a powerful ally
• The country is becoming more and more powerful.
2 : having a strong effect on someone or something
• powerful drugs that attack cancer cells
• The cash bonus provides a powerful incentive to workers.
• powerful emotions/images
• The perfume has a powerful smell.
• It's a very powerful movie.
• He gave a powerful [=moving] speech.
• a powerful [=convincing, compelling] argument
3 : having or producing a lot of physical strength or force
• powerful magnets
• a powerful machine/motor/force
• The dog has a powerful body.
• She has a powerful voice.
• The weapons are very powerful.
• The aardvark uses its powerful claws to dig for food.
4 : capable of doing many things in a fast and efficient way
• His new computer is more powerful than the one I have.
the powerful : powerful people
• the weak and the powerful
- pow·er·ful·ly adv
• a powerfully built man [=a man with a body that looks very strong]
• a powerfully written speech/book

American English
British English
physically strong and powerful
B1 (Intermediate)
adjective
0

deserve

deserve [verb]

to have earned or to be given something because of the way you have behaved or the qualities you have

US /dɪˈzɝːv/ 
UK /dɪˈzɜːv/ 
Example: 

After all that hard work, you deserve a holiday.

Related quotes: 
Don’t waste words on people who deserve your silence. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can say is nothing at all.
Sometimes you have to walk away from what you want in order to find what you deserve.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

deserve

 verb (deserves, deserving, deserved )
to be good or bad enough to have something:
You have worked very hard and you deserve a rest.
They stole money from old people, so they deserve to go to prison.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

deserve

de‧serve S3 W3 /dɪˈzɜːv $ -ɜːrv/ BrE AmE verb [transitive]
[Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: Latin deservire 'to serve very keenly', from servire 'to serve']
1. to have earned something by good or bad actions or behaviour:
What have I done to deserve this?
deserve to do something
We didn’t deserve to win.
richly/fully/thoroughly etc deserve something
the success he so richly deserves
I’m sorry for the kids. They deserve better (=deserve to be treated in a better way).
deserve a rest/break/holiday etc
I think we deserve a rest after all that hard work.
Ledley deserves a place in the team.
Paula deserves a special mention for all the help she has given us.
I would never hit anyone, even if they deserved it.
What has he done to deserve this punishment?
deserve all/everything you get (=deserve any bad things that happen to you)
He deserves all he gets for being so dishonest.
People who are sent to prison for drunk-driving get what they deserve.
2. deserve consideration/attention etc if a suggestion, idea, or plan deserves consideration, attention etc, it is good enough to be considered, paid attention to etc SYN merit:
This proposal deserves serious consideration.
3. somebody deserves a medal spoken used to say that you admire the way someone dealt with a situation or problem
somebody deserves a medal for
You deserve a medal for putting up with Ian’s constant demands.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ nouns
▪ deserve a rest/break/holiday etc Once the students have done their exams they deserve a break.
▪ deserve a chance Everybody deserves a second chance.
▪ deserve respect Our police officers deserve our respect.
▪ deserve credit/praise The team played really well and they deserve credit for it.
▪ deserve support This is a splendid proposal which deserves our support.
▪ deserve recognition (=public respect and thanks) The teaching profession deserves more recognition.
▪ deserve better (also deserve a better deal) (=deserve to be treated better or to be in a better situation) They treated him badly at work and I thought he deserved better.
▪ deserve a (special) mention (=used especially in speeches to mention someone's good work or actions) Richard deserves a special mention for all his hard work on this project.
▪ deserve a place You need top grades to deserve a place at the best universities.
▪ deserve punishment If you commit a crime, you have deserved punishment.
■ adverbs
▪ thoroughly/fully deserve something He didn't work so he thoroughly deserved his poor marks.
▪ richly deserve something (=greatly deserve something good that happens) Her success was richly deserved.
▪ well deserved The restaurant has a well deserved reputation for excellent fish.
■ phrases
▪ get what you deserve (=experience something bad after you have behaved badly) I like films where the bad guys get what they deserve.
▪ deserve all/everything you get (=deserve any bad things that happen to you) She's behaved really stupidly and she deserves all she gets.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

deserve

de·serve [deserve deserves deserved deserving]   [dɪˈzɜːv]    [dɪˈzɜːrv]  verb
(not used in the progressive tenses) if sb/sth deserves sth, it is right that they should have it, because of the way they have behaved or because of what they are
• ~ sth You deserve a rest after all that hard work.
• The report deserves careful consideration.
• One player in particular deserves a mention.
• What have I done to deserve this?
• ~ to do sth They didn't deserve to win.
• He deserves to be locked up for ever for what he did.
• ~ doing sth Several other points deserve mentioning.
more at one good turn deserves another at  turn  n.
Idioms: deserve all you get ▪ get what you deserve ▪ somebody deserves a medal
Verb forms:

 
Word Origin:
Middle English: from Old French deservir, from Latin deservire ‘serve well or zealously’.  
Thesaurus:
deserve verb T
• You deserve a rest after all that work.
earn • |formal merit •
deserve/earn a rest/drink
deserve/merit a mention
deserve/merit attention/consideration/recognition
Deserve or earn? Deserve can be used to talk about either sth pleasant sb should have for doing good, or a punishment for sth bad; earn is only used to talk about sth good.  
Example Bank:
• He finally received the recognition that he so richly deserved.
• His work received only a tiny mention in the journal; he deserves better.
• It's true she made a mistake but she hardly deserves to lose her job.
• Philip's efforts clearly deserve praise.
• She deserves some reward for all her hard work.
• This hotel fully deserves its four-star grading.
• You really deserve a medal!

• They didn't deserve to win.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

deserve / dɪˈzɜːv /   / -ˈzɝːv / verb [ T not continuous ]

B1 to have earned or to be given something because of the way you have behaved or the qualities you have:

After all that hard work, you deserve a holiday.

Chris deserves our special thanks for all his efforts.

I hope they get the punishment they deserve.

[ + to infinitive ] They certainly deserved to win that match.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

deserve

[dɪzɜ͟ː(r)v]
 deserves, deserving, deserved
 1) VERB If you say that a person or thing deserves something, you mean that they should have it or receive it because of their actions or qualities.
  [V n] Government officials clearly deserve some of the blame as well...
  [V n] They know the sport inside out, and we treat them with the respect they deserve...
  [V to-inf] These people deserve to make more than the minimum wage...
  [V to-inf] His children's books are classics that deserve to be much better known...
  [V compar] By the time I left he'd become pretty hostile. I felt I deserved better than that...
  [V-ed] The Park Hotel has been in business since 1834 and has a well-deserved reputation.
 2) PHRASE (feelings) If you say that someone got what they deserved, you mean that they deserved the bad thing that happened to them, and you have no sympathy for them.
  One of them said the two dead joy riders got what they deserved.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

deserve

de·serve /dɪˈzɚv/ verb -serves; -served; -serv·ing [+ obj]
- used to say that someone or something should or should not have or be given something
• She deserves another chance.
• He doesn't deserve the award.
• Every defendant deserves a fair trial.
• The newspaper deserves a lot of credit for calling attention to the problem.
• I think the idea deserves [=merits] consideration.
• The story deserves telling. [=the story should be told; the story is important enough to tell]
• What did I do to deserve this kind of harsh treatment? [=you should not treat me this way]
• She believes that people eventually get what they deserve.
• He deserves a medal for coming up with a solution so quickly. [=he did something very good and impressive by coming up with a solution so quickly]
- often followed by to + verb
• Anyone who will not use a map deserves to get lost.
• They deserve to be punished.
• He deserves to win.
- deserved /dɪˈzɚvd/ adj
• a well-deserved vacation/break
• a deserved win/victory/reputation
• The award/criticism was not deserved.
- de·serv·ed·ly /dɪˈzɚvədli/ adv
• She was deservedly praised for her generosity.
• He has been accused of being selfish, and deservedly so. [=he deserves to be called selfish; it is reasonable to call him selfish because of his behavior]

American English
British English
deserving and deserved
B1 (Intermediate)
verb
0

fool

fool [noun] (PERSON)

a person who behaves in a silly way without thinking

US /fuːl/ 
UK /fuːl/ 
Example: 

He's a fool if he thinks she still loves him.

Related quotes: 
Wise men speak because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

 noun
a person who is silly or who does something silly:
You fool! You forgot to lock the door!

make a fool of yourself to do something that makes you look silly in front of other people:
He always makes a fool of himself at parties.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

I. fool1 /fuːl/ BrE AmE noun
[Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: fol, from Latin follis 'bag for blowing air']
1. STUPID PERSON [countable] a stupid person or someone who has done something stupid SYN idiot:
What a fool she had been to think that he would stay.
Like a fool, I accepted straight away.
You silly old fool!
2. make a fool of yourself to do something stupid that you feel embarrassed about afterwards and that makes you seem silly:
Sorry I made such a fool of myself last night. I must have been drunk.
3. make a fool of somebody to deliberately do something to make someone else seem stupid:
I suddenly realised that I was being made a fool of.
4. any fool can do something spoken used to say that it is very easy to do something or to see that something is true:
Any fool could have seen what would happen.
5. be no/nobody’s fool to be difficult to trick or deceive, because you have a lot of experience and knowledge about something:
Katherine was nobody’s fool when it came to money.
6. gooseberry/strawberry etc fool British English a sweet food made of soft cooked fruit mixed with cream
7. more fool you/him etc British English spoken used to say that you think someone was stupid to do something, and it is their own fault if this causes trouble:
‘Jim smashed up my car.’ ‘More fool you for letting him borrow it!’
8. not suffer fools gladly if you say that someone doesn’t suffer fools gladly, they do not have any patience with people who they think are stupid
9. be living in a fool’s paradise to feel happy and satisfied, and believe there are no problems, when in fact this is not true
10. play/act the fool to behave in a silly way, especially in order to make people laugh:
Stop playing the fool! You’ll fall.
11. (send somebody on) a fool’s errand to make someone go somewhere or do something for no good reason
12. fools rush in (where angels fear to tread) used to say that people are stupid if they do something immediately without thinking about it first
13. a fool and his money are soon parted used to say that stupid people spend money quickly without thinking about it
14. ENTERTAINER [countable] a man whose job was to entertain a king or other powerful people in the past, by doing tricks, singing funny songs etc SYN jester
⇨ ↑April fool

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

fool [fool fools fooled fooling] noun, verb, adjective   [fuːl]    [fuːl] 

noun
1. countable a person who you think behaves or speaks in a way that lacks intelligence or good judgement
Syn:  idiot
• Don't be such a fool!
• I felt a fool when I realized my mistake.

• He told me he was an actor and I was fool enough to believe him.

2. countable (in the past) a man employed by a king or queen to entertain people by telling jokes, singing songs, etc.

Syn:  jester

3. uncountable, countable (BrE) (usually in compounds) a cold light dessert (= a sweet dish) made from fruit that is cooked and crushed and mixed with cream or custard
• rhubarb fool
more at not suffer fools gladly at  suffer  
Word Origin:
n. senses 1 to 2 and v. adj. Middle English Old French fol ‘fool, foolish’ Latin follis ‘bellows, windbag’ ‘empty-headed person’
n. sense 3 late 16th cent. fool  ‘foolish’
 
Thesaurus:
fool noun C (sometimes offensive)
• Don't be such a fool!
sometimes offensive idiot • |BrE, informal, sometimes offensive prat • |especially AmE, informal, sometimes offensive dork • |offensive moron • |especially AmE, informal, offensive jerk •
a complete fool/idiot/prat/dork/moron/jerk
feel/look like a/an fool/idiot/prat/dork/moron/jerk
make a fool/idiot/prat/dork of yourself  
Synonyms:
cheat
fool • deceive • betray • take in • trick • con
These words all mean to make sb believe sth that is not true, especially in order to get what you want.
cheat • to make sb believe sth that is not true, in order to get money or sth else from them: ▪ She is accused of attempting to cheat the taxman. ◊ ▪ He cheated his way into the job.
Cheat also means to act in a dishonest way in order to gain an advantage, especially in a game, competition or exam: ▪ You're not allowed to look at the answers— ▪ that's cheating ▪.
fool • to make sb believe sth that is not true, especially in order to laugh at them or to get what you want: ▪ Just don't be fooled into investing any money with them.
deceive • to make sb believe sth that is not true, especially sb who trusts you, in order to get what you want: ▪ She deceived him into handing over all his savings.
betray • to hurt sb who trusts you, especially by deceiving them or not being loyal to them: ▪ She felt betrayed when she found out the truth about him.
take sb in • [often passive] to deceive sb, usually in order to get what you want: ▪ I was taken in by her story.
trick • to deceive sb, especially in a clever way, in order to get what you want.
con • (informal) to deceive sb, especially in order to get money from them or get them to do sth for you: ▪ They had been conned out of £100 000.
which word?
Many of these words involve making sb believe sth that is not true, but some of them are more disapproving than others. Deceive is probably the worst because people typically deceive friends, relations and others who know and trust them. People may feel cheated/betrayed by sb in authority who they trusted to look after their interests. If sb takes you in, they may do it by acting a part and using words and charm effectively. If sb cheats/fools/tricks/cons you, they may get sth from you and make you feel stupid. However, sb might fool you just as a joke; and to trick sb is sometimes seen as a clever thing to do, if the person being tricked is seen as a bad person who deserves it.
to cheat/fool/trick/con sb out of sth
to cheat/fool/deceive/betray/trick/con sb into doing sth
to feel cheated/fooled/deceived/betrayed/tricked/conned
to fool/deceive yourself
to cheat/trick/con your way into sth 
Example Bank:
• He thought that being an actor only involved tap dancing and playing the fool.
• I felt like a fool when I realized what I'd done.
• I thought it was safe to leave my suitcase there. More fool me.
• Like a fool, I told her everything.
• She doesn't suffer fools gladly.
• She was angry at having been made a fool of.
• She's nobody's fool. She had the car checked by a mechanic before buying it.
• Stop acting the fool and be serious!
• Stop behaving like a fool!
• That fool of a doctor has prescribed me the wrong medicine!
• The poor old fool was imprisoned on my account.
• They had left me looking like a fool.
• You silly little fool!
• You're an even bigger fool than I thought.
• court fools who used to provide entertainment in the royal court
• Don't be such a fool!
• I made a complete fool of myself in front of everyone.
• You must take me for a fool!
Idioms: act the fool ▪ any fool can ▪ fool and his money are soon parted ▪ fools rush in ▪ make a fool of somebody ▪ make a fool of yourself ▪ more fool somebody ▪ no fool ▪ no fool like an old fool ▪ you could have fooled me

Derived: fool around 

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

fool / fuːl / noun (PERSON)

B1 [ C ] a person who behaves in a silly way without thinking:

[ as form of address ] You fool, you've missed your chance!

He's a fool if he thinks she still loves him.

[ + to infinitive ] He's a fool to think she still loves him.

He's fool enough to think she still loves him.

My fool of a (= silly) husband has gone out and taken my keys!

[ C ] in the past, a person who was employed in the court of a king or queen to make them laugh by telling jokes and doing funny things act/play the fool to behave in a silly way, often intentionally to make people laugh:

Stop acting the fool, I'm trying to talk to you.

any fool anyone:

Any fool could tell that she was joking.

make a fool of sb

B2 to trick someone or make them appear stupid in some way

make a fool of yourself B2 to do something that makes other people think you are silly or not to be respected:

I got a bit drunk and made a fool of myself.

more fool sb mainly UK said to mean that you think someone is being unwise:

"I lent Rhoda $100 and she hasn't paid me back." "More fool you - you know what she's like!"

be no fool ( also be nobody's fool ) to not be stupid or easily deceived:

I notice Ed didn't offer to pay for her - he's no fool.

fool / fuːl / noun [ C or U ] (SWEET DISH)

a sweet, soft food made of crushed fruit, cream, and sugar:

gooseberry fool

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

fool

[fu͟ːl]
 
 fools, fooling, fooled
 1) N-COUNT (disapproval) If you call someone a fool, you are indicating that you think they are not at all sensible and show a lack of good judgement.
  `You fool!' she shouted...
  He'd been a fool to get involved with her!
  Syn:
  idiot
 2) ADJ: ADJ n (disapproval) Fool is used to describe an action or person that is not at all sensible and shows a lack of good judgement. [mainly AM, INFORMAL]
  What a damn fool thing to do!...
  What can that fool guard be thinking of?
 3) VERB If someone fools you, they deceive or trick you.
  [V n] Art dealers fool a lot of people...
  [V n] Don't be fooled by his appearance...
  [V n into -ing] They tried to fool you into coming after us.
  Syn:
  trick, con
 4) VERB If you say that a person is fooling with something or someone, you mean that the way they are behaving is likely to cause problems.
  [V with n] What are you doing fooling with such a staggering sum of money?...
  [V with n] He kept telling her that here you did not fool with officials.
 5) N-COUNT: usu the N In the courts of kings and queens in medieval Europe, the fool was the person whose job was to do silly things in order to make people laugh.
  Syn:
  jester
 6) N-VAR Fool is a dessert made by mixing soft cooked fruit with whipped cream or with custard. [BRIT]
  ...gooseberry fool.
 7) PHRASE: V and N inflect If you make a fool of someone, you make them seem silly by telling people about something stupid that they have done, or by tricking them.
  Your brother is making a fool of you...
  He'd been made a fool of.
 8) PHRASE: V and N inflect If you make a fool of yourself, you behave in a way that makes other people think that you are silly or lacking in good judgement.
  He was drinking and making a fool of himself.
 9) PHRASE (disapproval) If you say to someone `More fool you' when they tell you what they have done or what they plan to do, you are indicating that you think that it is silly and shows a lack of judgement. [BRIT]
  Most managers couldn't care less about information technology. More fool them.
 10) PHRASE: V inflects If you play the fool or act the fool, you behave in a playful, childish, and foolish way, usually in order to make other people laugh.
  They used to play the fool together, calling each other silly names and giggling.
  Syn:
  mess about
 11) to suffer fools gladly → see suffer
  Phrasal Verbs:
  - fool about
  - fool around

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

1fool /ˈfuːl/ noun, pl fools [count]
1 : a person who lacks good sense or judgment : a stupid or silly person
• those fools who ride motorcycles without wearing helmets
• Only a fool would ask such a silly question.
• You'd be a fool to believe what he tells you.
• You're making yourself look like a fool.
• A fool and his money are soon parted. [=a foolish person spends money too quickly on unimportant things]
• Any fool can see [=anyone can see] that he's lying.
• I never thought you'd be fool enough to believe him. = I never thought you'd be enough of a fool to believe him.
• (informal) Only that fool of a brother [=that foolish brother] of yours would ask such a silly question!
• (informal) Some (damn/damned) fool of a driver kept trying to pass me!
• Fools rush in (where angels fear to tread). [=it is foolish to take action if you do not know much about what you are doing]
• (Brit, informal) (The) more fool you if you believe him. = (The) more fool you for believing him. [=you would be a fool to believe him]
• (Brit, informal) More fool him for trusting her.
• There's no fool like an old fool. [=a foolish old person is especially foolish because an old person should have learned from experience not to make the kind of mistakes a young person makes]
✦A smart or clever person can be described as no fool or as nobody's fool.
• He may not look very smart, but he's no fool.
• Don't try to trick her—she's nobody's fool.
2 US informal : a person who enjoys something very much
• He's a dancing fool. [=he loves to dance]
• He's a fool for candy. [=he loves to eat candy]
3 chiefly Brit : a dessert made with cooked fruit and cream or a thick sauce
• a strawberry fool
4 : jester
act/play the fool : to behave in a silly or foolish way
• If you keep playing the fool by asking silly questions, people won't take you seriously.
make a fool of yourself : to behave in a very foolish or silly way
• He got drunk at the party and made a fool of himself.
• He's making a fool of himself over that woman.
make a fool (out) of : to cause (someone) to look stupid or foolish
• She made a fool of me by insulting me in front of my friends.

- see also april fools' day

American English
British English
stupid and silly people
B1 (Intermediate)
noun
0

wise

wise [adjective]

approving having or showing the ability to make good judgments, based on a deep understanding and experience of life

US /waɪz/ 
UK /waɪz/ 
Example: 

I think you made a wise choice.

Related quotes: 
Wise men speak because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

wise

 adjective (wiser, wisest)
knowing and understanding a lot about many things:
a wise old man
Do you think this is wise?

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

wise

I. wise1 S3 /waɪz/ BrE AmE adjective
[Language: Old English; Origin: wis]
1. DECISION/IDEA ETC wise decisions and actions are sensible and based on good judgment SYN sensible
it is wise to do something
It’s wise to check whether the flight times have changed before you leave for the airport.
be wise to do something
I think you were wise to leave when you did.
a wise precaution
I don’t think that would be a very wise move (=not be a sensible thing to do).
2. PERSON someone who is wise makes good decisions, gives good advice etc, especially because they have a lot of experience of life:
a wise old man
At the time I thought he was wonderful, but I’m older and wiser now.
As a manager, Sanford was wise in the ways of (=knew a lot about) company politics.
3. be none the wiser/not be any the wiser
a) to not understand something even after it has been explained to you:
Charlie explained how the system works, but I’m still none the wiser.
b) used for saying that no one will find out about something bad that someone has done:
He could easily have taken the money and no one would have been any the wiser.
4. get/be wise to somebody/something informal to realize that someone is being dishonest:
Teachers quickly get wise to students who are cheating. ⇨ wise up at ↑wise2
5. wise guy especially informal American English an annoying person who thinks they know more than they really do:
OK, wise guy, shut up and listen!
6. be wise after the event to realize what you should have done in a situation after it has happened:
It’s easy to be wise after the event.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

wise

wise [wise wises wised wising wiser wisest] adjective, verb   [waɪz]    [waɪz] 

adjective (wiser, wis·est)
1. (of people) able to make sensible decisions and give good advice because of the experience and knowledge that you have
• a wise old man

• I'm older and wiser after ten years in the business.

2. (of actions and behaviour) sensible; based on good judgement
Syn:  prudent
• a wise decision
• It was very wise to leave when you did.
• The wisest course of action is just to say nothing.
• I was grateful for her wise counsel.  
Word Origin:
Old English wīs, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch wijs and German weise.  
Example Bank:
• It was not considered wise to move her to another hospital.
• He was known to be a wise and gentle ruler.
• He was too wise and experienced to try to escape.
• I'm older and wiser after ten years in the business.
• It was very wise of you to leave when you did.
• Locking your car doors is always a wise precaution.
Idioms: none the wiser ▪ not be any the wiser ▪ put somebody wise ▪ wise after the event ▪ wise to somebody
Derived Word: wisely

Derived: wise up 

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

wise / waɪz / adjective

B2 approving having or showing the ability to make good judgments, based on a deep understanding and experience of life:

I think you made a wise choice.

"I never drink more than three glasses of wine." "How wise."

Looking at the weather, I think we made a wise decision not to go to the coast this weekend.

I think it would be wiser to wait and see how much money you've got left before you make any decisions.

I never used to save money but now I'm a little older and wiser I can see the sense in it.

Was it Thomas More who said that the wise man learns from the experience of others?

wise to sth informal understanding a dishonest situation or way of doing something:

I used to be scrupulously honest then I got wise to the system.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

wise

[wa͟ɪz]
 ♦♦♦
 wises, wising, wised, wiser, wisest
 1) ADJ-GRADED A wise person is able to use their experience and knowledge in order to make sensible decisions and judgements.
  She has the air of a wise woman...
  You're a wise old man: tell me what to do.
  Ant:
  foolish
  Derived words:
  wisely ADV-GRADED ADV with v The three of us stood around the machine nodding wisely.
 2) ADJ-GRADED: oft it v-link ADJ to-inf A wise action or decision is sensible.
  It's never wise to withhold evidence...
  She had made a very wise decision...
  It is wise to seek help and counsel as soon as possible.
  Syn:
  sensible
  Derived words:
  wisely ADV-GRADED usu ADV with v They've invested their money wisely... Our man had wisely decided to be picked up at the farm.
 3) PHRASE: PHR to-inf If someone says to you that it would be wise to do something, they are advising you to do it, because it is the most sensible and reasonable action or decision in a particular situation.
  It would be wise to get his eyes checked to ensure there is no problem.
 4) PHRASE: V inflects, PHR n If you get wise to something, you find out about it, especially when someone has been trying to keep it secret. [INFORMAL]
  Dealers have already got wise to the trend and increased their prices accordingly.
  Syn:
  wise up to
 5) PHRASE: v-link PHR If you say that someone is none the wiser after an event or an explanation, or that nobody is any the wiser after it, you mean that they have failed to understand it, or are not fully aware of what happened.
  The brewers are still none the wiser about the shape the Government envisages for the industry...
  We could have stolen the original from the warehouse without you being any the wiser.
  Phrasal Verbs:
  - wise up

 

[-waɪz]
 1) COMB in ADV: ADV with cl -wise is added to nouns to form adverbs indicating that something is the case when considering the particular thing mentioned.
  Career-wise, this illness couldn't have come at a worse time...
  It was a much better day weather-wise...
  Because the work was voluntary it was flexible, time-wise.
 2) COMB in ADV: ADV after v -wise is added to nouns to form adverbs indicating that someone behaves in the same way as the person or thing that is mentioned.
  We were housed student-wise in dormitory rooms...
  Kenny, struggling with too many chairs, moved crabwise towards the door.
  Syn:
  -like

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

1wise /ˈwaɪz/ adj wis·er; -est
1 : having or showing wisdom or knowledge usually from learning or experiencing many things
• a wise old woman
• a wise saying
• I'm a little wiser now than I was back then.
- see also penny-wise, streetwise
2 : based on good reasoning or information : showing good sense or judgment
• The wisest course of action would be to leave.
• It was wise of you to ask permission first. = You were wise to ask permission first.
• That was a wise choice.
• Many have benefited from her wise counsel/advice.
3 US informal : saying things that are rude or insulting
• Don't you get wise [=smart, fresh] with me, young man!
a word to the wise
- see 1word
crack wise
- see 1crack
none the wiser or not any the wiser
1 : not knowing or understanding anything more about something
• The investigation has been going on for months, and we're still none the wiser about the true cause of the accident. [=we still don't know anything more about the true cause]
2 also never the wiser
- used to describe someone who is not at all aware of something that has happened
• I borrowed his car and returned it, and he was none the wiser. [=he did not know that I had borrowed his car]
• We left early, and no one was any the wiser. [=no one noticed that we had left]
wise in the ways of : having knowledge about or experience with (someone or something)
• Don't worry. They're wise in the ways of finances.
• She is wise in the ways of the world.
wise to informal : not fooled by (someone or something)
• I'm wise to you. = I'm wise to what you're doing. [=I know what you're doing; I know that you are trying to do something dishonest] : aware of (something, especially something dishonest)
• When she got wise to [=became aware of] his scheme, she left.
• He told me I'd better get wise to what was happening.
• (chiefly US) Let me put/make you wise to [=tell you about] their plans.
- wise·ly adv [more ~; most ~]
• The witness wisely refused to answer the question.
• If you invest wisely, you can make a lot of money.
• Try to choose your words more wisely.

American English
British English
wise and sensible
B2 (Upper-intermediate)
adjective
0

father-in-law

father-in-law [noun]

the father of your husband or wife

US /ˈfɑː.ðɚ.ɪn.lɑː/ 
UK /ˈfɑː.ðər.ɪn.lɔː/ 

Oxford Essential Dictionary

father-in-law

 noun (plural fathers-in-law)
the father of your husband or wife

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

father-in-law

ˈfather-in-ˌlaw BrE AmE noun (plural fathers-in-law) [countable]
the father of your husband or wife

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

father-in-law

ˈfather-in-law [father-in-law fathers-in-law]       noun (pl. fathers-in-law)

the father of your husband or wife

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

ˈ father-in-law / ˈfɑː.ðə r .ɪn.lɔː /   / -ðɚ.ɪn.lɑː / noun [ C ] ( plural ^fathers-in-law )

B2 the father of your husband or wife

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

father-in-law

 fathers-in-law
 N-COUNT: usu poss N
 Someone's father-in-law is the father of their husband or wife.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

father-in-law

fa·ther–in–law /ˈfɑːðɚənˌlɑː/ noun, pl fa·thers–in–law /ˈfɑːðɚzənˌlɑː/ [count] : the father of your husband or wife

American English
British English
non-blood relations
B2 (Upper-intermediate)
noun
0

mother-in-law

mother-in-law [noun]

the mother of your husband or wife

US /ˈmʌð.ɚ.ɪn.lɑː/ 
UK /ˈmʌð.ə.rɪn.lɔː/ 
Example: 

The comedian told an endless stream of mother-in-law jokes.

 

Oxford Essential Dictionary

mother-in-law

 noun (plural mothers-in-law)
the mother of your husband or wife

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

mother-in-law

ˈmother-in-ˌlaw BrE AmE noun (plural mothers-in-law) [countable]
the mother of your wife or husband
 

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

mother-in-law

ˈmother-in-law [mother-in-law mothers-in-law]       noun (pl. mothers-in-law)
the mother of your husband or wife
compare  father-in-law  
Example Bank:

• The comedian told an endless stream of mother-in-law jokes.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

ˈ mother-in-law / ˈmʌð.ə.rɪn.lɔː /   / -ɚ.ɪn.lɑː / noun [ C ] ( plural mothers-in-law )

B2 the mother of your husband or wife

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

mother-in-law

 mothers-in-law
 N-COUNT: oft poss N
 Someone's mother-in-law is the mother of their husband or wife.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

mother-in-law

moth·er–in–law /ˈmʌðɚrənˌlɑː/ noun, pl moth·ers–in–law /ˈmʌðɚzənˌlɑː/ [count] : the mother of your husband or wife

American English
British English
non-blood relations
B2 (Upper-intermediate)
noun
0

believe

believe [verb] (MEANING)

to think that something is true, correct, or real

US /bɪˈliːv/ 
UK /bɪˈliːv/ 
Example: 

She's arriving tomorrow, I believe.

Related quotes: 
The only limits you have are the limits you believe.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

believe

 verb (believes, believing, believed )

1 to feel sure that something is true; to feel sure that what somebody says is true:
Long ago, people believed that the earth was flat.
She says she didn't take the money. Do you believe her?

2 to think that something is true or possible, although you are not certain:
'Does Mick still work here?' 'I believe so.'

believe in somebody or something to feel sure that somebody or something exists:
Do you believe in ghosts?

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

believe

be‧lieve S1 W1 /bəˈliːv, bɪˈliːv/ BrE AmE verb
[Word Family: noun: ↑belief, ↑disbelief, ↑believer; adjective: ↑believable ≠ ↑unbelievable, ↑disbelieving; verb: ↑believe ≠ ↑disbelieve; adverb: ↑unbelievably]
[Language: Old English; Origin: belefan, from lyfan, lefan 'to allow, believe']
1. [transitive not in progressive] to be sure that something is true or that someone is telling the truth:
You shouldn’t believe everything you read.
I believed him, even though his story sounded unlikely.
believe (that)
I don’t believe he’s only 25.
I don’t believe a word of it (=I think it is completely untrue).
2. [transitive not in progressive] to think that something is true or possible, although you are not completely sure
believe (that)
Detectives believe that the victim knew his killer.
it is believed (that)
It is believed that the house was built in 1735.
believe so (=think that something is true)
‘Have they arrived yet?’ ‘Yes, I believe so.’
be believed to be something
At 115, Mrs Jackson is believed to be the oldest person in the country.
The four men are widely believed (=believed by a lot of people) to have been killed by their captors.
Did you honestly believe that I’d be stupid enough to do that?
I firmly believe that the business will be a success.
3. it’s difficult/hard to believe (that) used when you are surprised that something is true:
Sometimes, it’s hard to believe we’ve been married for 50 years.
• • •
SPOKEN PHRASES
4. can’t/don’t believe something used when you are very surprised or shocked by something:
I can’t believe he’s expecting us to work on Sunday!
I couldn’t believe it when he told me what had happened.
can hardly/scarcely believe something
I could scarcely believe my luck.
5. believe it or not used when you are saying something that is true but surprising:
He enjoys school, believe it or not.
6. would you believe it! (also I don’t believe it!) used when you are surprised or angry about something:
And then he just walked out. Would you believe it!
7. believe (you) me used to emphasize that something is definitely true:
There’ll be trouble when they find out about this, believe you me!
8. you’d better believe it! used to emphasize that something is true
9. don’t you believe it! used to emphasize that something is definitely not true
10. can’t believe your eyes/ears used to say that someone is very surprised by something they see or hear
11. if you believe that, you’ll believe anything used to say that something is definitely not true, and that anyone who believes it must be stupid
12. seeing is believing (also I’ll believe it when I see it) used to say that you will only believe that something happens or exists when you actually see it
13. [intransitive] to have a religious faith:
She says those who believe will go to heaven.
⇨ make believe at ↑make1(19)
• • •
THESAURUS
■ to believe something
▪ believe to be sure that something is true or that someone is telling the truth: I believed her when she said that she loved me. | Don’t believe anything he tells you.
▪ accept to believe that something is true, especially because someone has persuaded you to believe it: His wife accepted his explanation for why he was late. | Leah had slowly come to accept her brother’s version of events.
▪ take sb’s word for it especially spoken to believe what someone says is true, even though you have no proof or experience of it: I don’t know anything about him, so I’ll just have to take your word for it. | You don’t have to take my word for it – go and see for yourself. | ‘Cakes are very easy to make.’ ‘I’ll take your word for it.’
▪ give somebody the benefit of the doubt to believe what someone says, even though you think it might not be true: Unless you have proof, you should give him the benefit of the doubt.
■ to believe something that is untrue
▪ be taken in (also fall for something informal) to be tricked into believing something that is not true: A lot of people were taken in by these claims. | I can’t believe she fell for that old excuse!
▪ swallow informal to believe a story or explanation that is not true, especially when this makes you seem silly: His aunt had swallowed his story unquestioningly. | Police refused to swallow his story, and put him in a cell.
believe in somebody/something phrasal verb
1. to be sure that someone or something exists:
Do you believe in God?
2. to think that something is effective or right:
I don’t believe in these diets.
believe in doing something
The school believes in letting children learn at their own pace.
3. to trust someone and be confident that they will be successful:
The people want a president they can believe in.
Believe in yourself, or you’ll never succeed.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

believe

 

be·lieve [believe believes believed believing]   [bɪˈliːv]    [bɪˈliːv]  verb

(not used in the progressive tenses) 

 

FEEL CERTAIN
1. transitive to feel certain that sth is true or that sb is telling you the truth
• ~ sb I don't believe you!
• The man claimed to be a social worker and the old woman believed him.
• Believe me, she's not right for you.
• ~ sth I believed his lies for years.
• I find that hard to believe.
• Don't believe a word of it (= don't believe any part of what sb is saying).
• ~ (that)… People used to believe (that) the earth was flat.
• He refused to believe (that) his son was involved in drugs.

• I do believe you're right (= I think sth is true, even though it is surprising).  

 

 

THINK POSSIBLE

2. intransitive, transitive to think that sth is true or possible, although you are not completely certain
• ‘Where does she come from?’ ‘Spain, I believe.’
• ‘Does he still work there?’ ‘I believe so/not.’
• ~ (that)… Police believe (that) the man may be armed.
• it is believed (that)… It is believed that the couple have left the country.
• ~ sb/sth to be, have, etc. sth The vases are believed to be worth over $20 000 each.

• ~ sb/sth + adj. Three sailors are missing, believed drowned.  

 

 

HAVE OPINION

3. transitive ~ (that)… to have the opinion that sth is right or true
• The party believes (that) education is the most important issue facing the government.

• She believes that killing animals for food or fur is completely immoral.  

 

 

BE SURPRISED/ANNOYED

4. transitive don't/can't ~ used to say that you are surprised or annoyed at sth
• ~ (that)… She couldn't believe (that) it was all happening again.
• I don't believe I'm doing this!

• ~ how, what, etc… I can't believe how much better I feel.  

 

 

RELIGION

5. intransitive to have a religious faith
• The god appears only to those who believe.
more at give sb to believe/understand at  give  v.
Idioms: I don't believe it! ▪ believe it or not ▪ believe me ▪ don't you believe it! ▪ if you believe that, you'll believe anything ▪ make believe ▪ not believe your ears ▪ seeing is believing ▪ would you believe? ▪ you better believe it!
Derived: believe in somebody ▪ believe in something ▪ believe something of somebody
Verb forms:

 
Word Origin:
late Old English belȳfan, belēfan, alteration of gelēfan, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch geloven and German glauben.  
Thesaurus:
believe verb
1. T, I
• I don't believe you!
• Do you believe in God?
trust • • have confidence in sb/sth • • have faith in sb/sth •
Opp: doubt, (formal) Opp: disbelieve
believe/trust/have confidence/have faith in sb/sth
2. T
• She believes that eating meat is wrong.
think • • feel • • consider • • be under the impression that… • |especially BrE, informal reckon • |formal hold •
believe/think/feel/consider/be under the impression/reckon/hold that…
Believe or think? When you are talking about an idea of what is true or possible, use believe to talk about other people and think to talk about yourself
• Police believe (that) the man may be armed.
• I think this is their house, but I'm not sure.
Use believe to talk about matters of principle; use think to talk about practical matters or matters of personal taste
• I believe we have a responsibility towards the less fortunate in society.
• I think we should reserve seats in advance.
• I don't think he's funny at all.
 
Language Bank:
according to
Reporting someone's opinion
▪ Photography is, according to ▪ Vidal, the art form of untalented people.
For ▪ Vidal, photography is the art form of untalented people.
▪ His view is that ▪ photography is not art but merely the mechanical reproduction of images.
▪ Smith takes the view that ▪ photography is both an art and a science.
In ▪ Brown's view ▪, photography should be treated as a legitimate art in its own right.
▪ James is of the opinion that ▪ a good painter can always be a good photographer if he or she so decides.
▪ Emerson believed that ▪ a photograph should only reflect what the human eye can see.
Language Banks at argue, opinion  
Language Bank:
opinion
Giving your personal opinion
In my opinion ▪, everyone should have some understanding of science.
▪ Everyone should, in my opinion ▪, have some understanding of science.
It seems to me that ▪ many people in this country have a poor understanding of science.
▪ This is, in my view ▪, the result of a failure of the scientific community to get its message across.
▪ Another reason why so many people have such a poor understanding of science is, I believe ▪, the lack of adequate funding for science in schools.
▪ Smith argues that science is separate from culture. My own view is that ▪ science belongs with literature, art, philosophy and religion as an integral part of our culture.
In this writer's opinion ▪, the more the public know about science, the less they will fear and distrust it.
Synonyms at think
Language Banks at according to, argue, impersonal, nevertheless, perhaps  
Synonyms:
think
believe • feel • reckon • be under the impression
These words all mean to have an idea that sth is true or possible or to have a particular opinion about sb/sth.
think • to have an idea that sth is true or possible, although you are not completely certain; to have a particular opinion about sb/sth: ▪ Do you think (that) they'll come? ◊ ▪ Well, I like it. What do you think?
believe • to have an idea that sth is true or possible, although you are not completely certain; to have a particular opinion about sb/sth: ▪ Police believe (that) the man may be armed.
think or believe?
When you are expressing an idea that you have or that sb has of what is true or possible, believe is more formal than think. It is used especially for talking about ideas that other people have; think is used more often for talking about your own ideas: ▪ Police believe… ◊ ▪ I think… When you are expressing an opinion, believe is stronger than think and is used especially for matters of principle; think is used more for practical matters or matters of personal taste.
feel • to have a particular opinion about sth that has happened or about what you/sb ought to do: ▪ We all felt (that) we were unlucky to lose.
reckon • (informal) to think that sth is true or possible: ▪ I reckon (that) I'm going to get that job.
be under the impression that… • to have an idea that sth is true: ▪ I was under the impression that the work had already been completed.
to think/believe/feel/reckon/be under the impression that…
It is thought/believed/reckoned that…
to be thought/believed/felt/reckoned to be sth
to think/believe/feel sth about sb/sth
to sincerely/honestly/seriously/mistakenly think/believe/feel 
Synonyms:
trust
depend on sb/sth • rely on sb/sth • count on sb/sth • believe in sb
These words all mean to believe that sb/sth will do what you hope or expect of them or that what they tell you is correct or true.
trust • to believe that sb is good, honest, sincere, etc. and that they will do what you expect of them or do the right thing; to believe that sth is true or correct: ▪ You can trust me not to tell anyone. ◊ ▪ Don't trust what you read in the newspapers!
depend on/upon sb/sth • (often used with can/cannot/could/could not) to trust sb/sth to do what you expect or want, to do the right thing, or to be true or correct: ▪ He was the sort of person you could depend on. ◊ ▪ Can you depend on her version of what happened?
rely on/upon sb/sth • (used especially with can/cannot/could/could not and should/should not) to trust sb/sth to do what you expect or want, or to be honest, correct or good enough: ▪ Can I rely on you to keep this secret? ◊ ▪ You can't rely on any figures you get from them.
trust, depend or rely on/upon sb/sth?
You can trust a person but not a thing or system. You can trust sb's judgement or advice, but not their support. You can depend on sb's support, but not their judgement or advice. Rely on/upon sb/sth is used especially with you can/could or you should to give advice or a promise: I don't really rely on his judgement. ◊ ▪ You can't really rely on his judgement.
count on sb/sth • (often used with can/cannot/could/could not) to be sure that sb will do what you need them to do, or that sth will happen as you want it to happen: ▪ I'm counting on you to help me. ◊ ▪ We can't count on the good weather lasting.
believe in sb • to feel that you can trust sb and/or that they will be successful: ▪ They need a leader they can believe in.
to trust/depend on/rely on/count on sb/sth to do sth
to trust/believe in sb/sth
to trust/rely on sb's advice/judgement
to depend on/rely on/count on sb's support
to completely trust/depend on/rely on/believe in sb/sth 
Example Bank:
• I couldn't believe what I was hearing.
• I didn't believe a word of what he said.
• I personally believe that it's important.
• I'm inclined to believe you.
• I've long believed that a good reputation is the most valuable asset you can have in business.
• It's hard to believe that this campaign has been going on for ten years.
• No one seriously believes that this war will happen.
• Paul thinks he's happy, but his mother believes otherwise.
• The ad led us to believe that all prices had been cut.
• The boss gave me to believe that we would all get a pay rise.
• We have reason to believe that the escaped prisoner may be hiding in this house.
• ‘Does he still work there?’ ‘I believe so/not.’
• ‘Where does she come from?’ ‘Spain, I believe.’
• Believe me, she's not right for you.
• Don't believe a word of it.
• He refuses to believe his son was involved with drugs.
• I believe that we have a responsibility towards the less fortunate in society.
• I don't believe you!
• I find that very hard to believe.
• It was generally believed that evil spirits lived in the forest.
• No one seriously believed that the war would happen.
• People used to believe that the earth was flat.
• Police believe…
• She believes that killing animals for food or fur is completely immoral.
• The paintings are believed to be worth over $20 000 each.

• We believe (that) education is the most important issue facing the government.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

believe / bɪˈliːv / verb [ T ]

A2 to think that something is true, correct, or real:

Strangely, no one believed us when we told them we'd been visited by a creature from Mars.

[ + that ] He believes that all children are born with equal intelligence.

She's arriving tomorrow, I believe.

"Is she coming alone?" "We believe not/so (= we think she is not/is) ."

[ + obj + to infinitive ] I believe her to be the finest violinist in the world.

[ + obj + adj ] All the crew are missing, believed dead.

not believe a word of it to not believe that something is true:

He told me she was just a friend, but I don't believe a word of it!

believe it or not B1 ( also would you believe it? ) said when telling someone about something that is true, although it seems unlikely:

He's upstairs doing his homework, believe it or not.

if you believe that, you'll believe anything! informal something that you say to emphasize that something is obviously not true:

He said the car in front backed into him, and if you believe that, you'll believe anything!

make believe to pretend or imagine:

Let's make believe (that) we're pirates.

→  See also make-believe

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

believe

[bɪli͟ːv]
 ♦
 believes, believing, believed
 1) VERB If you believe that something is true, you think that it is true, but you are not sure. [FORMAL]
  [V that] Experts believe that the coming drought will be extensive...
  [V that] I believe you have something of mine...
  [V that] The main problem, I believe, lies elsewhere...
  [V n to-inf] We believe them to be hidden here in this apartment...
  [V so/not] `You've never heard of him?' - `I don't believe so.' [Also V n adj]
  Syn:
  think
 2) VERB If you believe someone or if you believe what they say or write, you accept that they are telling the truth.
  [V n] He did not sound as if he believed her...
  [V n] Never believe anything a married man says about his wife...
  [V n] Don't believe what you read in the papers.
  Ant:
  disbelieve
 3) VERB If you believe in fairies, ghosts, or miracles, you are sure that they exist or happen. If you believe in a god, you are sure of the existence of that god.
  [V in n] I don't believe in ghosts...
  [V in n] Do you believe in magic? [Also V]
 4) VERB If you believe in a way of life or an idea, you are in favour of it because you think it is good or right.
  [V in n] He believed in marital fidelity.
  [V in n] ...decent candidates who believed in democracy.
 5) VERB If you believe in someone or what they are doing, you have confidence in them and think that they will be successful.
  [V in n] If you believe in yourself you can succeed.
 6) VERB: with brd-neg (feelings) Believe is used in expressions such as I can't believe how or it's hard to believe that in order to express surprise, for example because something bad has happened or something very difficult has been achieved.
  [V wh] Many officers I spoke to found it hard to believe what was happening around them...
  [V wh] I was a physical and emotional wreck - I still can't believe how I ever got any work done. [Also V that]
 7) PHRASE: V inflects, with brd-neg (emphasis) If you say that you cannot believe your eyes or cannot believe your ears, you are emphasizing that you are very surprised about something you have seen or heard.
  I could not believe my eyes. She was far more beautiful than I had imagined.
 8) PHRASE: PHR with cl (emphasis) You can use believe it or not to emphasize that what you have just said is surprising.
  That's normal, believe it or not.
 9) PHRASE: PHR with cl (emphasis) If you say would you believe it, you are emphasizing your surprise about something.
  And would you believe it, he's younger than me!
 10) PHRASE: PHR with cl (emphasis) You can use believe you me to emphasize that what you are saying is true.
  It's absolutely amazing, believe you me.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

believe

be·lieve /bəˈliːv/ verb not used in progressive tenses -lieves; -lieved; -liev·ing
1 [+ obj]
a : to accept or regard (something) as true
• The scientists believed the reports.
• Many people seem to believe that theory, but I find it hard/difficult to believe.
• You shouldn't believe everything you read.
• I knew that he was a liar and so I didn't believe a word he said. [=I didn't believe anything he said]
• I did not want to believe (that) it could happen.
• He says he'll help us, but I don't believe what he says.
• They were tricked into believing that he was a doctor.
- opposite disbelieve
b : to accept the truth of what is said by (someone)
• He says he'll help us, but I don't believe him.
- opposite disbelieve
2 [+ obj] : to have (a specified opinion) : think
• I'm beginning to believe (that) this war will never end.
• I used to believe (that) I was the only one who felt that way but now I know (that) there are others like me.
• He clearly/firmly/honestly believes (that) it is possible. = He clearly/firmly/honestly believes it (to be) possible.
• He had reason to believe that they would accept his offer. = He had reason for believing that they would accept his offer.
• She was widely believed to be guilty. [=many people believed that she was guilty]
• We were led to believe it was true. [=we heard, saw, or read something that made us think it was true]
• “Has he accepted the job?” “I believe so.” = “So I believe.”
• “Has he accepted the job?” “I believe not.” = “I don't believe so.”
3 [no obj] : to regard the existence of God as a fact : to have religious beliefs
• She went to church because her family expected it, but she didn't really believe.
4 [no obj] : to have trust in the ability, worth, etc., of someone or something
• The team hasn't won a championship in many years, but their fans still believe. [=their fans still believe in them; their fans still believe that they will win]
5 informal
- used for emphasis in phrases that express certainty, surprise, annoyance, etc.
• “Do you think they can win?” “You/You'd better believe it!” [=yes, I definitely think so]
• Believe me, he can really play the game. = Believe you me, he can really play the game.
• I can't believe how ugly that dress is. [=what an ugly dress]
• You broke the window? I can't believe you guys! [=I'm annoyed and shocked by what you did] How could you do such a thing?
• I can't believe [=I am amazed/surprised] that that terrible restaurant is still in business.
• That terrible restaurant is still in business, if you can believe it/that.
• Can/Would you believe it?! That terrible restaurant is still in business.
• You won't believe what I just heard! [=you will be very surprised by what I just heard]
• You wouldn't believe how long it took us to get here. [=it took us a surprisingly long/short time to get here]
• I don't believe it! I swept the floor 10 minutes ago, and it's already dirty again!
• I could not believe my good fortune/luck.
• It's hard to believe that he's gone.
• His latest movie, believe it or not, is a romantic comedy about a group of lawyers. [=it is surprising but true that his latest movie is a romantic comedy about a group of lawyers]
• “I hear that their marriage is in trouble.” “Don't you believe it! [=that is completely untrue] They're the happiest couple I know!”
• “He says he's going to become a doctor.” “If you believe that, you'll believe anything!” [=it would be very foolish to believe that he is going to become a doctor]
• “He says he's going to become a doctor.” “I'll believe that when I see it!”
believe in [phrasal verb]
1 believe in (something)
a : to have faith or confidence in the existence of (something)
• Do you believe in ghosts?
b : to have trust in the goodness or value of (something)
• She believes in (the value of) regular exercise.
• They believed in liberty for all.
• I believe in working hard to achieve success.
• She doesn't believe in using pesticides. [=she doesn't believe that it's right to use pesticides; she believes that pesticides do more harm than good]
2 believe in (someone) : to have trust in the goodness or ability of (someone)
• Despite his problems, his parents still believe in him.
• She believes in herself and in her abilities.
can't believe your eyes/ears
✦If you can't believe your eyes/ears or can hardly/scarcely believe your eyes/ears, you are very surprised at or upset by what you are seeing or hearing.
• I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw what he was wearing.
make believe : to act as though something that is not true or real is true or real : pretend
• When we were children we used to make believe (that) we were soldiers fighting in a war.
• He isn't really angry, he's just making believe (that he is).
• They want to make believe that everything is all right.
- see also make-believe
seeing is believing
✦The expression seeing is believing means that when you actually see something, you have to believe that it exists or is true.
• I didn't think it could happen, but seeing is believing. [=I saw it happen, so now I believe it's possible]
- be·liev·able /bəˈliːvəbəl/ adj [more ~; most ~]
• The novel's ending is not very believable.
• His excuse was barely/scarcely believable.
- be·liev·ably /bəˈliːvəbli/ adv
• The characters are all believably portrayed.
- be·liev·er noun, pl -ers [count]
• a believer in religion
• devout believers
• She's a firm/great/strong believer in adult education. [=she firmly/strongly believes in the value of adult education; she thinks adult education is very useful and important]
• I was doubtful that he could run his own company, but he's made a believer out of me. = He's made me a believer. [=he's convinced me that he can run his own company]

American English
British English
believing
A2 (Elementary)
verb
0

limit

limit [noun]

the greatest amount, number, or level of something that is either possible or allowed

US /ˈlɪm.ɪt/ 
UK /ˈlɪm.ɪt/ 
Example: 

I won't have any more - I know my limit!

Related quotes: 
The only limits you have are the limits you believe.
The limits of my language means the limits of my world.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

 noun
the most that is possible or allowed:
There is a limit to the amount of pain we can bear.
What is the speed limit (= how fast are you allowed to go)?

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

limit

I. lim‧it1 S2 W2 /ˈlɪmət, ˈlɪmɪt/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
[Word Family: noun: ↑limit, ↑limitation, ↑delimitation; adjective: ↑limited ≠ ↑unlimited, ↑limiting, ↑limitless; verb: ↑limit, ↑delimit]
[Date: 1300-1400; Language: French; Origin: limite, from Latin limes 'edge, boundary']
1. GREATEST/LEAST ALLOWED the greatest or least amount, number, speed etc that is allowed:
a 55 mph speed limit
limit for
There’s no age limit for applicants.
limit to/on
My wife and I set a limit on how much we spend on clothes.
above/over/below a limit
Pesticide levels in drinking water are already above legal limits in many areas.
2. GREATEST AMOUNT POSSIBLE (also limits) the greatest possible amount of something that can exist or be obtained
limit of
the limits of human knowledge
He’d reached the limit of his patience.
Our finances are already stretched to the limit (=we do not have any extra money).
There’s no limit to what you can do if you try.
3. PLACE (also limits) the furthest point or edge of a place, often one that must not be passed:
He had not been outside the limits of the prison walls for 20 years.
The public is not allowed within a 2-mile limit of the missile site.
Los Angeles city limits
4. off limits
a) beyond the area where someone is allowed to go:
That area of beach was off limits to us ‘city kids’.
b) beyond what you are allowed to do or have:
His private life is off limits to the press.
5. within limits within the time, level, amount etc considered acceptable:
You can come and go when you want – within limits.
6. be over the limit to have drunk more alcohol than is legal or safe for driving
7. know your limits informal to know what you are good at doing and what you are not good at:
I know my limits. I’m not an administrator.
8. have your limits spoken to have a set of rules about what is reasonable behaviour, and to not accept behaviour that does not follow these rules:
I have my limits. You will not use that kind of nasty language in class.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ verbs
▪ set a limit (also impose a limit formal) Set a time limit for the completion of the task.
▪ put a limit on something We have to put a limit on the number of participants.
▪ exceed a limit (=go beyond a limit) He reported a driver for exceeding the speed limit.
▪ go over a limit (=go beyond a limit) Borrowers who go over the spending limit set by the credit card company are penalised.
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + limit
▪ an upper/lower limit (=the highest/lowest amount allowed) There is no upper limit on the amount you can borrow. | Ensure the temperature in the aquarium does not fall below the lower limit.
▪ a strict limit There are strict limits on spending.
▪ a legal limit (=a limit set by law) The alcohol in his blood was four times more than the legal limit.
▪ the speed limit Too many people go over the speed limit in residential areas.
▪ a time limit The time limit for making a claim is three months.
▪ an age limit The lower age limit for entering the Royal Marines is sixteen.
▪ a weight/height limit The weight limit per bag is 20 kilos.
▪ spending limits There are strict spending limits imposed by law on all candidates.
▪ term limits American English (=limits on how much time a politician can spend in office) Should Senators be subject to term limits?
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ limit the highest number, speed, temperature etc that is allowed by a law or rule: He borrowed money up to the limit that the bank allowed. | The speed limit is 65 m.p.h. | There’s no limit on the amount of money that may be brought into the US. | Pollution levels are over the official limit. | Some families set limits on how much they spend on each other’s Christmas present.
▪ restrictions rules or laws that strictly control what you are allowed to do: Travel restrictions might reduce the spread of the disease. | Unions are pressing for restrictions on steel imports from Japan. | Because of restrictions on reporting, newspapers were not allowed to cover the story. | New restrictions have been imposed on immigration.
▪ limitations limits on what a person or thing is able to do – used especially when you would like to be able to do more: The president was unwilling to accept limitations on his power. | the limitations of the computer system | Hikers should know their physical limitations and not take unnecessary risks.
▪ constraints facts or conditions that limit what you can do, for example not having enough time, money etc: Financial constraints are forcing many people in their twenties to live with their parents. | The last part of the show had to be cut because of time constraints. | The constraints of prison life are sometimes too much for people to bear.
▪ maximum the largest number or amount that is possible, normal, or allowed: Classes have a maximum of twenty students. | What’s the maximum you can earn before you have to pay tax?
▪ minimum the smallest number or amount that is possible or allowed: He was sentenced to a minimum of 25 years in prison. | Our aim is to reduce the number of accidents to an absolute minimum.
▪ ceiling the largest number or amount of something that is officially allowed: There is a ceiling on the amount of foreign investment. | Import quotas may rise from the present ceiling of 18.5 million to 20 million. | Congress was once again considering raising the federal debt ceiling.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

limit / ˈlɪm.ɪt / noun

B1 [ C ] the greatest amount, number, or level of something that is either possible or allowed:

Is there a limit on the amount of money you can claim?

I think we ought to put a strict limit on the amount of time we can spend on the project.

There's a limit to the number of times I can stop what I'm doing just so I can help him!

We set a time limit of 30 minutes for the test.

[ U ] informal the amount of something that is enough and not too much:

Three cocktails are my limit.

I won't have any more - I know my limit!

the limit old-fashioned informal something that is very annoying or not convenient:

And now you're cutting your toenails in bed! - That really is the limit!

the largest amount of alcohol that is legally allowed to be present in the blood while a person is driving a vehicle:

She was definitely driving over the limit.

limits [ plural ] limit:

I'd like to play squash, but I'm 60 and I know my limits.

His genius knows no limits.

The pay rise was in excess of spending limits imposed/set by the government.

Word partners for limit noun

impose / put / set a limit • reach / exceed a limit • an age / height / speed / time limit • a lower / maximum / upper limit • a strict limit • a limit on / to sth

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

 

1lim·it /ˈlɪmət/ noun, pl -its [count]
1 : a point beyond which it is not possible to go
• He has reached the limit of his endurance.
• In training, she pushed her body to its physical limits.
• He tries to be creative within the limits of conventional journalism.
• Space travel tests the (outer) limits of human capabilities.
• It's important to exercise, but you need to know your limits. [=you need to know how much you are able to do]
• I'm trying to be patient with him, but I've just about reached my limit. [=reached the point where I can no longer be patient]
• There are limits to what I can put up with from him!
• There's no limit to what we can accomplish [=we can accomplish anything] if we work hard enough.
• There seems to be no limit to his enthusiasm. = His enthusiasm seems to know no limit(s).
2 : a point beyond which someone is not allowed to go
• Parents need to set limits for their children. = Parents need to set/place/impose limits on (the behavior of) their children.
• They must not go beyond these limits. = They must not exceed these limits.
3 : an amount or number that is the highest or lowest allowed
• Two drinks is my limit. [=I stop after having two drinks]
• When you take the test, you'll have a time limit. [=you will have to complete the test within a certain amount of time]
• The lower age limit for voting is 18. [=you cannot vote unless you are at least 18 years old]
- see also off-limits, speed limit
4 : an area or line that is at the outer edge of something - usually plural
• There are three high schools within the city limits. [=within the city]
• They ventured far beyond the limits of civilization.
• at the outer limits of the solar system
over the limit Brit : having more alcohol in the blood than is legally allowed for someone who is driving
• He was arrested for driving over the limit.
the limit informal + old-fashioned : a very annoying or upsetting person or thing
• He keeps forgetting his wife's birthday: he really is the limit! [=too much]
• He forgot his wife's birthday again. Isn't that the limit!
the sky's the limit
- used to say that there are no limits and that anything is possible
• You can achieve anything if you really want to. The sky's the limit.
to the limit : to the greatest possible point : as much as possible
• Our resources have been stretched to the limit. [=we have used all of our resources]
• My schedule is filled to the limit. [=my schedule is completely filled]
within limits : without going beyond what is considered reasonable or allowable
• They told us that we could do whatever we liked, within (certain) limits.
without limit : without being controlled or stopped : without being limited
• allowing costs to increase without limit

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

1lim·it /ˈlɪmət/ noun, pl -its [count]
1 : a point beyond which it is not possible to go
• He has reached the limit of his endurance.
• In training, she pushed her body to its physical limits.
• He tries to be creative within the limits of conventional journalism.
• Space travel tests the (outer) limits of human capabilities.
• It's important to exercise, but you need to know your limits. [=you need to know how much you are able to do]
• I'm trying to be patient with him, but I've just about reached my limit. [=reached the point where I can no longer be patient]
• There are limits to what I can put up with from him!
• There's no limit to what we can accomplish [=we can accomplish anything] if we work hard enough.
• There seems to be no limit to his enthusiasm. = His enthusiasm seems to know no limit(s).
2 : a point beyond which someone is not allowed to go
• Parents need to set limits for their children. = Parents need to set/place/impose limits on (the behavior of) their children.
• They must not go beyond these limits. = They must not exceed these limits.
3 : an amount or number that is the highest or lowest allowed
• Two drinks is my limit. [=I stop after having two drinks]
• When you take the test, you'll have a time limit. [=you will have to complete the test within a certain amount of time]
• The lower age limit for voting is 18. [=you cannot vote unless you are at least 18 years old]
- see also off-limits, speed limit
4 : an area or line that is at the outer edge of something - usually plural
• There are three high schools within the city limits. [=within the city]
• They ventured far beyond the limits of civilization.
• at the outer limits of the solar system
over the limit Brit : having more alcohol in the blood than is legally allowed for someone who is driving
• He was arrested for driving over the limit.
the limit informal + old-fashioned : a very annoying or upsetting person or thing
• He keeps forgetting his wife's birthday: he really is the limit! [=too much]
• He forgot his wife's birthday again. Isn't that the limit!
the sky's the limit
- used to say that there are no limits and that anything is possible
• You can achieve anything if you really want to. The sky's the limit.
to the limit : to the greatest possible point : as much as possible
• Our resources have been stretched to the limit. [=we have used all of our resources]
• My schedule is filled to the limit. [=my schedule is completely filled]
within limits : without going beyond what is considered reasonable or allowable
• They told us that we could do whatever we liked, within (certain) limits.
without limit : without being controlled or stopped : without being limited
• allowing costs to increase without limit

American English
British English
maximum and minimum
B1 (Intermediate)
noun

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