to look for someone or something, especially for a long time until you find them
While he was at the library, Steve decided to seek out some information on accommodation in the area.
seek sb/sth out — phrasal verb with seek / siːk / verb ( sought , sought ) formal
to look for someone or something, especially for a long time until you find them:
While he was at the library, Steve decided to seek out some information on accommodation in the area.
seek out
PHRASAL VERB
If you seek out someone or something or seek them out, you keep looking for them until you find them.
[V P n (not pron)] Now is the time for local companies to seek out business opportunities in Europe...
[V n P] Ellen spent the day in the hills and sought me out when she returned.
seek
seek /ˈsiːk/ verb seeks; sought /ˈsɑːt/; seek·ing [+ obj] somewhat formal
1 : to search for (someone or something) : to try to find (someone or something)
• He is seeking employment. [=he is looking for a job]
• The office is seeking a salesperson.
• The prince is seeking a wife.
• Snakes seek the sun to warm their bodies.
• thrill-seeking travelers [=travelers who want to have very exciting/thrilling experiences]
2 : to ask for (help, advice, etc.)
• You should visit your doctor and seek his advice.
• You should seek medical help immediately if you experience any chest pain or shortness of breath.
• The church is seeking donations/volunteers.
3 a : to try to get or achieve (something)
• He sought revenge for his son's murder.
• During the war, she sought asylum in Spain.
• They sought refuge in Canada.
• The company is seeking new ways to improve service.
• The mayor is seeking reelection.
• She seeks perfection in her work.
• attention-seeking behavior
• Immigrants come to America to seek their fortune. [=to try to become rich]
• They are seeking compensation/damages [=they are trying to get money] for their loss.
b : to make an attempt to do something
• Doctors have been seeking [=trying] to find a cure.
• The builders sought to make the bridge stronger.
seek out [phrasal verb] seek (someone or something) out or seek out (someone or something) : to search for and find (someone or something)
• His parents sought out the best doctors in the field.
• White blood cells seek out and destroy infections.
- see also heat-seeking
- seek·er noun, pl -ers [count]
• seekers of perfection
• job/thrill/pleasure/autograph seekers
a difficult or unlucky situation or event
She was always cheerful in adversity.
adversity
ad‧ver‧si‧ty /ədˈvɜːsəti, ədˈvɜːsɪti $ -ɜːr-/ BrE AmE noun [uncountable]
a situation in which you have a lot of problems that seem to be caused by bad luck:
his courage in the face of adversity
adversity
ad·ver·sity [adversity adversities] [ədˈvɜːsəti] [ədˈvɜːrsəti] noun uncountable, countable (pl. ad·ver·sities)(formal)
a difficult or unpleasant situation
• courage in the face of adversity
• He overcame many personal adversities.
Word Origin:
Middle English: from Old French adversite, from Latin adversitas, from advertere ‘turn towards’ from ad- ‘to’ + vertere ‘to turn’.
Example Bank:
• courage in the face of adversity
• patience in adversity
adversity / ədˈvɜː.sə.ti / / -ˈvɝː.sə.t̬i / noun [ U or C ]
a difficult or unlucky situation or event:
She was always cheerful in adversity.
The road to happiness is paved with adversities.
adversity
[ædvɜ͟ː(r)sɪti]
adversities
N-VAR: oft in/of N
Adversity is a very difficult or unfavourable situation.
He showed courage in adversity.
Syn:
misfortune
adversity
ad·ver·si·ty /ædˈvɚsəti/ noun, pl -ties : a difficult situation or condition : misfortune or tragedy
[noncount]
• He showed courage in the face of adversity.
• We had to learn to deal with adversity.
[count]
• They overcame many adversities.
a very great success, achievement, or victory (= when you win a war, fight, or competition) , or a feeling of great satisfaction or pleasure caused by this
The signing of the agreement was a personal triumph for the prime minister.
triumph
noun
great success:
The race ended in triumph for the German team.
triumph
I. tri‧umph1 /ˈtraɪəmf/ BrE AmE noun
[Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: triumphe, from Latin triumphus]
1. [countable] an important victory or success after a difficult struggle:
Winning the championship is a great personal triumph.
triumph for
a tremendous diplomatic triumph for France
triumph over
the triumph over hardship
2. [uncountable] a feeling of pleasure and satisfaction that you get from victory or success:
a shout of triumph
in triumph
He rode in triumph to the Tsar.
3. [singular] a very successful example of something
triumph of
The gallery is a triumph of design.
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ victory noun [uncountable and countable] a situation in which you win a battle, game, election, or ↑dispute: The crowds celebrated Italy’s victory against England. | The party won a comfortable victory in the general election. | We’re very confident of victory.
▪ win noun [countable] a victory in a sports game or in a competition: It was an important win for the Yankees. | A couple from London are celebrating a big lottery win.
▪ triumph noun [countable] written an important victory, especially in war or politics: Thatcher’s greatest triumph was becoming the UK’s first female Prime Minister.
▪ conquest noun [countable] a situation in which one country wins a war against another country and takes control of it: the Spanish conquest of Mexico | Caesar is well-known for his military conquests.
▪ landslide noun [countable] an election victory in which one party or ↑candidate gets far more votes than their opponents: In 1945, there was a Labour landslide.
▪ walkover especially British English, cakewalk American English noun [countable] informal a very easy victory: The match was expected to be a walkover for Brazil.
▪ upset noun [countable] a situation in which the person, team, party etc that was expected to win is defeated: Truman pulled off the greatest election upset in United States history.
triumph / ˈtraɪ.əmf / noun [ C or U ]
C1 a very great success, achievement, or victory (= when you win a war, fight, or competition) , or a feeling of great satisfaction or pleasure caused by this:
The book celebrates the hostages' remarkable triumph over appalling adversity.
The signing of the agreement was a personal triumph for the prime minister.
It was the Republican Party's third election triumph in a row.
The eradication of smallpox by vaccination was one of medicine's greatest triumphs.
The constitutional changes have been hailed as a triumph for democracy.
The match ended in triumph for the French team.
He returned in triumph from the sales with a half-price stereo system.
triumph
[tra͟ɪʌmf]
triumphs, triumphing, triumphed
1) N-VAR A triumph is a great success or achievement, often one that has been gained with a lot of skill or effort.
The championships proved to be a personal triumph for the coach, Dave Donovan...
Cataract operations are a triumph of modern surgery, with a success rate of more than 90 percent...
In the moment of triumph I felt uneasy.
2) N-UNCOUNT Triumph is a feeling of great satisfaction and pride resulting from a success or victory.
Her sense of triumph was short-lived...
He was laughing with triumph.
3) VERB If someone or something triumphs, they gain complete success, control, or victory, often after a long or difficult struggle.
All her life, Kelly had stuck with difficult tasks and challenges, and triumphed...
[V over n] The whole world looked to her as a symbol of good triumphing over evil.
1tri·umph /ˈtrajəmf/ noun, pl -umphs
1 [count]
a : a great or important victory
• They earned/gained a magnificent triumph over the invading army.
• They celebrated their triumph with a parade through the steets of the city.
• They were able to achieve an important triumph against their chief rivals.
b : a great success or achievement
• Quitting smoking was a personal triumph for her.
• The party was a triumph.
• The bridge is an engineering triumph.
2 [noncount] : the very happy and joyful feeling that comes from victory or success
• They had a feeling of triumph after finishing the project.
• shouts of triumph
• They stood atop the mountain in triumph.
3 [count] : something good that is an excellent example of a particular method, quality, etc.
• The design is a triumph of simplicity. [=the design is very good and simple]
to accept, tolerate, or endure something, especially something unpleasant
The strain must have been enormous but she bore it well.
verb (bears, bearing, bore /, has borne )
1 to be able to accept something unpleasant without complaining:
The pain was difficult to bear.
2 to hold somebody or something up so that they do not fall:
The ice is too thin to bear your weight.
can't bear somebody or something to hate somebody or something:
I can't bear this music.
He can't bear having nothing to do.
bear
I. bear1 S2 W2 /beə $ ber/ BrE AmE verb (past tense bore /bɔː $ bɔːr/, past participle borne /bɔːn $ bɔːrn/) [transitive]
[Word Family: verb: ↑bear; noun: ↑bearer; adverb: ↑bearably ≠ ↑unbearably; adjective: ↑bearable ≠ ↑unbearable]
[Language: Old English; Origin: beran]
1. DEAL WITH SOMETHING to bravely accept or deal with a painful, difficult, or upsetting situation SYN stand:
She was afraid she wouldn’t be able to bear the pain.
Overcrowding makes prison life even harder to bear.
Make the water as hot as you can bear.
The humiliation was more than he could bear.
Black people continue to bear the brunt of most racial violence (=have to deal with the most difficult or damaging part).
Passengers could be insulting, and stewardesses just had to grin and bear it (=accept it without complaining).
Experts were worried the financial system would not be able to bear the strain.
REGISTER
In everyday English, people usually say that they can’t stand something, rather than that they can't bear it:
▪ I couldn’t stand the noise any longer.
2. can’t bear something spoken
a) to be so upset about something that you feel unable to accept it or let it happen SYN can’t stand:
Please don’t leave me. I couldn’t bear it.
can’t bear the thought of (doing) something
I just can’t bear the thought of having to start all over.
can’t bear to do something
I can’t bear to see her cry.
can’t bear doing something
I couldn’t bear not seeing him again.
b) to dislike something or someone very much, often so that they make you feel annoyed or impatient SYN can’t stand:
Oh, I really can’t bear him.
can’t bear somebody doing something
He can’t bear people smoking while he’s eating.
can’t bear doing something
I can’t bear being cold.
3. bear (something) in mind to remember a fact or piece of information that is important or could be useful in the future SYN keep (something) in mind
bear in mind (that)
Bear in mind that some children will need help.
4. ACCEPT/BE RESPONSIBLE FOR formal to be responsible for or accept something
bear the costs/burden
Each company will bear half the costs of development.
Fares have gone up, perhaps to more than the market will bear.
bear the responsibility/blame etc
Developed countries bear much of the responsibility for environmental problems.
5. SUPPORT to be under something and support it SYN hold:
My leg was painful, and I wasn’t sure it would bear my weight.
a tray bearing a bottle and several glasses
a load-bearing wall
6. SIGN/MARK formal to have or show a sign, mark, or particular appearance, especially when this shows that something has happened or is true SYN have:
The letter bore no signature.
a car bearing diplomatic license plates
The labels bear a yellow and black symbol.
The town still bears the scars of the bombings during the war.
The store bears the hallmarks (=it has the qualities) of a family-owned business.
7. bear a resemblance/relation to somebody/something to be similar to someone or something else:
The child bore a striking resemblance to his father.
The things she says bear little relation to what she actually does.
8. BABY formal to give birth to a baby:
She might never be able to bear children.
bear somebody a child/son/daughter
She bore him three sons.
9. bear fruit
a) if a plan, decision etc bears fruit, it is successful, especially after a long period of time:
Charles’s diplomacy eventually bore fruit.
b) if a tree bears fruit, it produces fruit
10. ABLE TO BE EXAMINED/COMPARED ETC [often in negatives] to be suitable or good enough to be examined, compared, repeated etc without failing or being wrong:
The production figures did not bear scrutiny.
We believe our pupils’ results will bear comparison with any in Scotland.
The story is well known, but it certainly bears repeating.
11. something doesn’t bear thinking about used to say that something is so upsetting or shocking that you prefer not to think about it:
The long-term consequences of a nuclear leak don’t bear thinking about.
12. bear interest if a bank account, ↑investment etc bears interest, the bank pays you a particular amount of money for keeping your money in the account
13. CARRY literary to carry someone or something, especially something important:
The wedding guests arrived, bearing gifts.
The US Constitution states that the people have a right to bear arms.
14. bring pressure/influence to bear (on somebody/something) to use your influence or power to get what you want:
Unions can bring pressure to bear on governments.
15. bear witness/testimony to something formal to show that something is true or exists:
The empty workshops bear witness to the industrial past.
16. HAVE FEELINGS formal to have a particular feeling, especially a bad feeling
bear (somebody) a grudge (=continue to feel annoyed after a long time)
It was an accident. I don’t bear any grudges.
bear somebody no malice/ill will etc (=not feel angry)
He was just doing his job, and I bore him no malice.
17. bear right/left to turn towards the right or left:
When you reach the fork in the trail, bear left.
18. bear yourself formal to walk, stand etc in a particular way, especially when this shows your character:
She bore herself with great dignity.
19. WIND/WATER literary if wind, water, or air bears something, it carries it somewhere:
The sound of music was borne along on the wind.
20. NAME/TITLE formal to have a particular name or title:
He bore the name ‘Magnus’.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ bear + NOUN
▪ bear the pain He knew that he couldn’t bear the pain much longer.
▪ bear the heat/cold Some people find it hard to bear the heat in the summer.
▪ bear the strain/pressure Mark couldn’t bear the pressure of the job any longer.
■ phrases
▪ can hardly bear something (=find something very difficult or upsetting to do) He was so ashamed that he could hardly bear to look at her.
▪ be unable to bear something Fiona was unable to bear the thought of selling the house.
▪ be hard to bear The situation was very hard to bear.
▪ be more than somebody can bear He sometimes felt the grief was more than he could bear.
▪ bear the brunt of something (=be in the worst position and have to deal with it) Shareholders will bear the brunt of the company’s financial troubles.
▪ grin and bear it (=accept it without complaining) It was a horrible job but she had to grin and bear it.
bear down phrasal verb
1. bear down on somebody/something
a) to move quickly towards a person or place in a threatening way:
a storm bearing down on the island
b) to behave in a threatening or controlling way towards a person or group:
Federal regulators have been bearing down on campaign contributors.
2. to use all your strength and effort to push or press down on something
bear on/upon something phrasal verb formal
to relate to and possibly influence something:
the national policies which bear on these problems
bear somebody/sth↔ out phrasal verb
if facts or information bear out a claim, story, opinion etc, they help to prove that it is true SYN support:
Evidence bears out the idea that students learn best in small groups.
bear up phrasal verb
to show courage or determination during a difficult or unpleasant time:
How is he bearing up since the accident?
bear with somebody/something phrasal verb
1. bear with me spoken used to ask someone politely to wait while you find out information, finish what you are doing etc:
Bear with me a minute, and I’ll check if Mr Garrard’s in.
2. to be patient or continue to do something difficult or unpleasant:
It’s boring, but please bear with it.
bear / beə r / / ber / verb ( bore , borne or US also born ) (ACCEPT)
B2 [ T ] to accept, tolerate, or endure something, especially something unpleasant:
The strain must have been enormous but she bore it well.
Tell me now! I can't bear the suspense !
It's your decision - you must bear the responsibility if things go wrong.
[ + to infinitive ] He couldn't bear to see the dog in pain.
[ + -ing verb ] I can't bear be ing bored.
not bear thinking about to be too unpleasant or frightening to think about:
"What if she'd been travelling any faster?" "It doesn't bear thinking about."
bear / beə r / / ber / verb [ T ] ( bore , borne or US also born ) (HAVE)
C1 to have or continue to have something:
Their baby bears a strong resemblance/an uncanny likeness to its grandfather.
The stone plaque bearing his name was smashed to pieces.
On display were boxing gloves that bore Rocky Marciano's signature.
[ + two objects ] I don't bear them any ill feeling (= I do not continue to be angry with or dislike them) .
Thank you for your advice, I'll bear it in mind (= will remember and consider it) .
bear / beə r / / ber / verb [ T ] ( bore , borne or US also born ) (SUPPORT)
to hold or support something:
The chair, too fragile to bear her weight , collapsed.
bear / beə r / / ber / verb [ T ] ( bore , borne or US also born ) formal (PRODUCE)
C2 to give birth to young, or (of a tree or plant) to give or produce fruit or flowers:
She had borne six children by the time she was 30.
[ + two objects ] When his wife bore him a child he could not hide his delight.
Most animals bear their young in the spring.
The pear tree they planted has never borne fruit .
bear / beə r / / ber / verb [ T ] ( bore , borne or US also born ) formal (BRING)
to carry and move something to a place:
At Christmas the family descend on the house bearing gifts .
Countless waiters bore trays of drinks into the room.
The sound of the ice cream van was borne into the office on the wind.
bear / beə r / / ber / verb [ I usually + adv/prep ] ( bore , borne or US also born ) (CHANGE DIRECTION)
C1 to change direction slightly so that you are going in a particular direction:
The path followed the coastline for several miles, then bore inland.
After you go past the church keep bearing left/right .
bear / beə r / / ber / verb ( bore , borne or US also born ) (SAY)
bear testimony/witness formal to say you know from your own experience that something happened or is true:
She bore witness to his patience and diligence.
If something bears testimony to a fact, it proves that it is true:
The iron bridge bears testimony to the skills developed in that era.
bear false witness old use
to lie
bear
I [be͟ə(r)]VERB USES
bears, bearing, bore, borne
(Please look at category 19 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.)
1) VERB If you bear something somewhere, you carry it there or take it there. [LITERARY]
[V n adv/prep] They bore the oblong hardwood box into the kitchen and put it on the table.
Syn:
carry
Derived words:
-bearing COMB in ADJ ...food-bearing lorries.
2) VERB If you bear something such as a weapon, you hold it or carry it with you. [FORMAL]
[V n] ...the constitutional right to bear arms.
Derived words:
-bearing COMB in ADJ ...rifle-bearing soldiers. ...hundreds of flag-bearing marchers.
3) VERB If something bears the weight of something else, it supports the weight of that thing.
[V n] The ice was not thick enough to bear the weight of marching men.
Syn:
support
Derived words:
-bearing COMB in ADJ ...the load-bearing joints of the body.
4) VERB If something bears a particular mark or characteristic, it has that mark or characteristic.
[V n] The houses bear the marks of bullet holes and the streets are practically deserted.
[V n] ...note paper bearing the Presidential seal.
[V n] ...a corporation he owned that bore his name...
[V n] The room bore all the signs of a violent struggle.
5) VERB If you bear an unpleasant experience, you accept it because you are unable to do anything about it.
[V n] They will have to bear the misery of living in constant fear of war...
[V n] He bore his sufferings manfully.
Syn:
endure
6) VERB: with neg If you can't bear someone or something, you dislike them very much.
[V n/-ing] I can't bear people who make judgements and label me...
[V n/-ing] I can't bear having to think what I'm going to say...
[V to-inf] He can't bear to talk about it, even to me.
7) VERB If someone bears the cost of something, they pay for it.
[V n] Patients should not have to bear the costs of their own treatment.
8) VERB If you bear the responsibility for something, you accept responsibility for it.
[V n] If a woman makes a decision to have a child alone, she should bear that responsibility alone.
Syn:
accept
9) VERB: usu with brd-neg If one thing bears no resemblance or no relationship to another thing, they are not at all similar.
[V n] Their daily menus bore no resemblance whatsoever to what they were actually fed...
[V n] For many software packages, the price bears little relation to cost.
Syn:
have
10) VERB When a plant or tree bears flowers, fruit, or leaves, it produces them.
[V n] As the plants grow and start to bear fruit they will need a lot of water.
Syn:
produce
Derived words:
-bearing COMB in ADJ ...a strong, fruit-bearing apple tree.
11) VERB If something such as a bank account or an investment bears interest, interest is paid on it.
[V n] The eight-year bond will bear annual interest of 10.5%.
Derived words:
-bearing COMB in ADJ ...interest-bearing current accounts.
12) VERB When a woman bears a child, she gives birth to him or her. [OLD-FASHIONED]
[V n] Emma bore a son called Karl...
[V n n] She bore him a daughter, Suzanna.
13) VERB If you bear someone a feeling such as love or hate, you feel that emotion towards them. [LITERARY]
[V n] She bore no ill will. If people didn't like her, too bad...
[V n n] I have lived with him on the best terms and bear him friendship.
14) VERB If you bear yourself in a particular way, you move or behave in that way. [LITERARY]
[V pron-refl adv/prep] There was elegance and simple dignity in the way he bore himself.
Syn:
carry
15) VERB If you bear left or bear right when you are driving or walking along, you turn and continue in that direction.
[V adv] Go left onto the A107 and bear left into Seven Sisters Road.
Syn:
veer
16) → See also bore, borne
17) PHRASE: V inflects If you bring something to bear on a situation, you use it to deal with that situation.
British scientists have brought computer science to bear on this problem.
18) PHRASE: V inflects If you bring pressure or influence to bear on someone, you use it to try and persuade them to do something.
His companions brought pressure to bear on him, urging him to stop wasting money.
19) bear the brunt of → see brunt
bear comparison → see comparison
bear fruit → see fruit
grin and bear it → see grin
bear in mind → see mind
bear witness → see witness
Phrasal Verbs:
- bear down
- bear out
- bear up
- bear withII [be͟ə(r)]NOUN USES
bears
(Please look at category 3 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.)
1) N-COUNT A bear is a large, strong wild animal with thick fur and sharp claws.
2) N-COUNT: usu pl On the stock market, bears are people who sell shares in expectation of a drop in price, in order to make a profit by buying them back again after a short time. Compare bull.
3) teddy bear → see teddy
→ See also polar bear
bear
2bear verb bears; bore /ˈboɚ/; borne /ˈboɚn/; bear·ing
1 : to accept or endure (something)
[+ obj]
• He bore [=tolerated] their insults patiently.
- usually used in questions and negative statements with can, can't, could, and couldn't
• He could hardly bear [=stand] the pain.
• I can't bear cold weather. [=I strongly dislike cold weather]
• I couldn't bear the suspense.
• I can't bear it if/when people behave like that!
• I can't bear doing this. = I can't bear to do this.
• How can you bear to see him again after the way he's treated you?
• I couldn't bear you to get the wrong idea.
• I couldn't bear his behavior. = His behavior was more than I could bear.
• I couldn't bear the thought/idea of moving again.
[no obj]
(US) - + for
• I couldn't bear for you to get the wrong idea.
2 [+ obj] : to be worthy of (something) : to deserve or allow (something)
• a joke too silly to bear repeating [=a joke that is too silly to be worth repeating]
• It's so horrible it doesn't bear thinking about! [=it's so horrible that I don't want to think about it]
• a symphony that can bear comparison with Beethoven's best
• a plan that will not bear [=withstand] close scrutiny/examination
• suspicious behavior that bears watching [=that should be watched]
3 [+ obj] : to assume or accept (something, such as cost or responsibility)
• The company agreed to bear the costs/expenses.
• The criminals must bear full responsibility for the deaths of these innocent people.
• Who will bear the blame for this tragedy?
4 [+ obj] somewhat formal + literary : to move while holding up and supporting (something) : carry
• The demonstrators bore banners and sang songs.
• They arrived bearing gifts.
• The leaves were borne aloft/away by the wind.
• disease-bearing germs [=germs that carry and spread diseases]
• germ-borne diseases [=diseases that are carried and spread by germs]
• He believes that citizens should have the right to bear arms. [=to carry weapons]
✦If something is borne in on/upon you, it is made very clear to you. This is a formal phrase.
• It was borne in on us by the new evidence that prompt action was very important. [=the new evidence strongly indicated that prompt action was very important]
5 [+ obj]
a : to have (something) as a feature or characteristic
• His leg was badly injured in the accident and it still bears [=shows] the scars/wounds/marks.
• His face bears marks/signs of suffering.
• Your conclusion bears [=has] no relation to the evidence.
• She bore a resemblance to her aunt. [=she looked like her aunt]
b : to have a surface on which something is written, drawn, etc.
• The cornerstone bears a Latin inscription.
• a letter bearing the date of 1900
• a shield bearing strange symbols
c : to have (a name, price, etc.)
• He bore the name (of) John.
• The store sells imported goods bearing [=having, with] high prices.
d : to have or hold (a feeling) in the mind
• She still bears a grudge against him. = She still bears him a grudge.
• She says she bears him no resentment for the way he treated her.
• I can't deny the love I still bear [=feel] for her.
6 [+ obj]
a formal : to give birth to (a child)
• She has borne three children.
• She has borne her husband three children.
b : to produce (something)
• a bank account that bears interest = an interest-bearing bank account
• a bush that bears red flowers
• trees that bear fruit
- see also bear fruit (below)
7 [+ obj] : to support the weight of (something)
• How much weight is that wall able to bear?
8 [no obj] : to go, move, or turn in a specified direction
• Bear south.
• The road bears (to the) right.
• When you get to the fork in the road, you should bear [=turn] left.
Do not confuse bear with bare.
bear down [phrasal verb] US : to use all of your strength and effort to do something : to try very hard to do something
• The pitcher bore down and struck out the last batter.
• If we're going to finish on time, we really have to bear down.
bear down on [phrasal verb]
1 bear down on (something) : to push or lean down on (something)
• The old man bore down heavily on his cane.
• She bore down hard on her pencil.
2 bear down on (someone) : to place pressure on (someone)
• Don't let your problems bear down too hard on you. [=don't let your problems weigh you down]
3 bear down on (someone or something) : to approach or move toward (something or someone) quickly and in a frightening or impressive way
• The enemy battleship bore down on us.
bear fruit : to produce a desired result or reward
• All his plans have finally borne fruit. [=all his plans have finally been realized]
- see also 2bear 6b (above)
bear in mind
- see 1mind
bear on [phrasal verb] bear on (something) formal
1 : to have an effect on (something)
• Personal feelings did not bear on our decision. [=did not affect or influence our decision]
2 : to apply or relate to (something)
• What are the facts bearing directly on this matter?
bear out [phrasal verb] bear out (something or someone) or bear (something or someone) out : to show the correctness of (something or someone)
• The facts bore out [=confirmed] her story. [=the facts showed that her story was true]
• Research has fully borne him out. [=has shown that he was completely correct]
bear up [phrasal verb] : to not be overwhelmed during a time of trouble, pain, etc.
• She's been going through a tough time, but she's bearing up pretty well.
- often + under
• She has found it hard to bear up under the strain.
bear with [phrasal verb] bear with (someone) : to be patient with (someone)
• I'll have that information for you soon. Just bear with me for another minute or two.
bear witness
- see 1witness
bear yourself formal : to move, stand, or behave in a specified way
• The soldier bore himself [=carried himself] stiffly upright.
• The soldier never failed to bear himself [=conduct himself, behave] courageously on the battlefield.
• He always bore himself [=behaved] like a gentleman.
bring (something) to bear : to cause (something) to have an effect or influence
• The company's new president brings 30 years of experience to bear.
• If we hope to resolve these issues, more resources must be brought to bear.
- often used with on
• They will bring their considerable skills/talent/experience/knowledge to bear on the problem.
• The demonstrators will continue to bring pressure to bear on the government.
cross to bear
- see 1cross
grin and bear it
- see grin
a heavy load that you carry
The little donkey struggled under its heavy burden.
anguish
an‧guish /ˈæŋɡwɪʃ/ BrE AmE noun [uncountable] written
[Date: 1100-1200; Language: Old French; Origin: angoisse, from Latin angustiae 'extreme upset', from angustus 'narrow']
mental or physical suffering caused by extreme pain or worry:
the anguish of not knowing what had happened to her
—anguished adjective:
an anguished cry for help
• • •
THESAURUS
■ the feeling of being worried
▪ worry the feeling of not being happy or relaxed and thinking a lot about a problem or something that is wrong: She was sick with worry over her daughter. | the look of worry on his face
▪ anxiety the feeling of being worried because you think that something bad has happened or will happen, and you feel that you have no control over the situation: The thought of having to give a speech filled me with anxiety. | The increase in heating costs is causing a lot of anxiety among elderly people.
▪ concern a worried feeling – use this especially when many people are worried about a problem that affects everyone: The shortage of water is beginning to cause widespread concern.
▪ stress the feeling of being worried all the time, for example about work or personal problems, which can make you ill or very tired: Her financial problems were causing her a lot of stress.
▪ anguish a feeling of extreme mental suffering caused by worry: How could her parents survive the anguish of not knowing what had happened to her? | When she spoke, her voice was full of anguish.
▪ angst a strong feeling of worry and anxiety because you are worried about your life, your future, or what you should do in a particular situation: The letter was full of teenage angst - would she ever be able to find another boyfriend? | There was much angst about the decision.
anguish
an·guish [anguish anguishes anguished anguishing] [ˈæŋɡwɪʃ] [ˈæŋɡwɪʃ] noun uncountable (formal)
severe pain, mental suffering or unhappiness
• He groaned in anguish.
• Tears of anguish filled her eyes.
Derived Word: anguished
Word Origin:
Middle English: via Old French from Latin angustia ‘tightness’, (plural) ‘distress’, from angustus ‘narrow’.
Example Bank:
• He looked across at Kate's anguished face.
• Jack looked anguished, almost desperate.
• She read the letter, gave an anguished cry and collapsed.
Example Bank:
• He suffered the anguish of watching his son go to prison.
• His mouth felt dry with anguish.
• In her anguish, she turned to her father for help.
• The loss of a pet can cause some people real anguish.
• his anguish at the death of his son
• to cry out/groan/scream in anguish
burden / ˈbɜː.d ə n / / ˈbɝː- / noun [ C ]
a heavy load that you carry:
The little donkey struggled under its heavy burden.
C1 something difficult or unpleasant that you have to deal with or worry about:
the burden of responsibility
My elderly mother worries that she's a burden to me.
Buying a house often places a large financial burden on young couples.
anguish
[æ̱ŋgwɪʃ]
N-UNCOUNT
Anguish is great mental suffering or physical pain. [WRITTEN]
A cry of anguish burst from her lips...
Mark looked at him in anguish.
anguish
an·guish /ˈæŋgwɪʃ/ noun [noncount] : extreme suffering, grief, or pain
• tears/cries of anguish
• He experienced the anguish of divorce after 10 years of marriage.
• mental anguish
• They watched in anguish as fire spread through the house.
- an·guished /ˈæŋgwɪʃt/ adj [more ~; most ~]
• She looked at me with an anguished expression.
• I will never forget their anguished cries.
extreme unhappiness caused by physical or mental suffering
His anguish at the outcome of the court case was very clear.
anguish
an‧guish /ˈæŋɡwɪʃ/ BrE AmE noun [uncountable] written
[Date: 1100-1200; Language: Old French; Origin: angoisse, from Latin angustiae 'extreme upset', from angustus 'narrow']
mental or physical suffering caused by extreme pain or worry:
the anguish of not knowing what had happened to her
—anguished adjective:
an anguished cry for help
• • •
THESAURUS
■ the feeling of being worried
▪ worry the feeling of not being happy or relaxed and thinking a lot about a problem or something that is wrong: She was sick with worry over her daughter. | the look of worry on his face
▪ anxiety the feeling of being worried because you think that something bad has happened or will happen, and you feel that you have no control over the situation: The thought of having to give a speech filled me with anxiety. | The increase in heating costs is causing a lot of anxiety among elderly people.
▪ concern a worried feeling – use this especially when many people are worried about a problem that affects everyone: The shortage of water is beginning to cause widespread concern.
▪ stress the feeling of being worried all the time, for example about work or personal problems, which can make you ill or very tired: Her financial problems were causing her a lot of stress.
▪ anguish a feeling of extreme mental suffering caused by worry: How could her parents survive the anguish of not knowing what had happened to her? | When she spoke, her voice was full of anguish.
▪ angst a strong feeling of worry and anxiety because you are worried about your life, your future, or what you should do in a particular situation: The letter was full of teenage angst - would she ever be able to find another boyfriend? | There was much angst about the decision.
anguish
an·guish [anguish anguishes anguished anguishing] [ˈæŋɡwɪʃ] [ˈæŋɡwɪʃ] noun uncountable (formal)
severe pain, mental suffering or unhappiness
• He groaned in anguish.
• Tears of anguish filled her eyes.
Derived Word: anguished
Word Origin:
Middle English: via Old French from Latin angustia ‘tightness’, (plural) ‘distress’, from angustus ‘narrow’.
Example Bank:
• He looked across at Kate's anguished face.
• Jack looked anguished, almost desperate.
• She read the letter, gave an anguished cry and collapsed.
Example Bank:
• He suffered the anguish of watching his son go to prison.
• His mouth felt dry with anguish.
• In her anguish, she turned to her father for help.
• The loss of a pet can cause some people real anguish.
• his anguish at the death of his son
• to cry out/groan/scream in anguish
anguish / ˈæŋ.ɡwɪʃ / noun [ U ]
extreme unhappiness caused by physical or mental suffering:
His anguish at the outcome of the court case was very clear.
In her anguish she forgot to leave a message.
anguished / ˈæŋ.ɡwɪʃt / adjective
an anguished cry
anguish
[æ̱ŋgwɪʃ]
N-UNCOUNT
Anguish is great mental suffering or physical pain. [WRITTEN]
A cry of anguish burst from her lips...
Mark looked at him in anguish.
anguish
an·guish /ˈæŋgwɪʃ/ noun [noncount] : extreme suffering, grief, or pain
• tears/cries of anguish
• He experienced the anguish of divorce after 10 years of marriage.
• mental anguish
• They watched in anguish as fire spread through the house.
- an·guished /ˈæŋgwɪʃt/ adj [more ~; most ~]
• She looked at me with an anguished expression.
• I will never forget their anguished cries.
the state of being lonely
loneliness
See main entry: lonely
lonely
lone‧ly S3 /ˈləʊnli $ ˈloʊn-/ BrE AmE adjective (comparative lonelier, superlative loneliest)
1. unhappy because you are alone or do not have anyone to talk to SYN lonesome American English:
a lonely old man
Don’t you get lonely being on your own all day?
► Do not use lonely to mean ‘without anyone else’. Use alone: She is afraid to travel alone (NOT travel lonely).
2. a lonely experience or situation makes you unhappy because you are alone or do not have anyone to talk to:
a lonely journey
lonely life/existence
He led a lonely life with few friends.
3. the lonely [plural] people who are lonely
4. a lonely place is a long way from where people live and very few people go there SYN lonesome American English, remote, desolate
lonely place/road/spot etc
—loneliness noun [uncountable]
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ lonely (also lonesome American English) unhappy because you are alone or do not have any friends: Tammy felt very lonely when she first arrived in New York. | Our neighbor George is a very lonely man. | I get so lonesome here with no one to talk to.
▪ isolated lonely because your situation makes it difficult for you to meet people: People caring for sick relatives often feel very isolated. | Children of very rich parents can grow up isolated from the rest of society.
▪ alienated feeling that you do not belong in a particular place or group: She felt very alienated as the only woman in the company. | In high school she felt somehow different and alienated from other students.
▪ homesick unhappy because you are a long way from your home and the people who live there: When I first went to Germany, I was very homesick.
▪ miss somebody used when saying that you feel unhappy because someone is not there with you: I miss you. | She misses her friends.
loneliness
lone·li·ness [ˈləʊnlinəs] ; [ˈloʊnlinəs] noun uncountable
• a period of loneliness in his life
Main entry: lonelyderived
loneliness / ˈləʊn.li.nəs / / ˈloʊn- / noun [ U ]
C1 the state of being lonely
loneliness
[lo͟ʊnlinəs]
N-UNCOUNT
Loneliness is the unhappiness that is felt by someone because they do not have any friends or do not have anyone to talk to.
I have so many friends, but deep down, underneath, I have a fear of loneliness.
lonely
lone·ly /ˈloʊnli/ adj lone·li·er; -est [also more ~; most ~]
1 : sad from being apart from other people
• He was/felt lonely without his wife and children.
• a lonely old man
• feeling lonely
• She was a lonely child with few friends.
2 : causing sad feelings that come from being apart from other people
• It was lonely living out in the country.
• She spent too many lonely nights at home.
• She had a lonely childhood.
• It's lonely at the top. [=powerful and successful people often have few friends]
3 : not visited by or traveled on by many people
• a lonely spot in the woods
• a lonely stretch of road
- lone·li·ness /ˈloʊnlinəs/ noun [noncount]
to be designed or made in a way that is copied from something else
The exam system is patterned after the one used in Japan.
pattern
noun
1 the way in which something happens or develops:
Her days all seemed to follow the same pattern.
2 shapes and colours on something:
The curtains had a pattern of flowers and leaves.
3 a thing that you copy when you make something:
I bought some material and a pattern to make a new skirt.
II. pattern2 BrE AmE verb [transitive]
1. be patterned on/after something to be designed or made in a way that is copied from something else:
The exam system is patterned after the one used in Japan.
2. literary to form a pattern on something:
Tiny white flowers patterned the ground like confetti.
verb
1. ~ sth to form a regular arrangement of lines or shapes on sth
• Frost patterned the window.
• a landscape patterned by vineyards
2. ~ sth (technical) to cause a particular type of behaviour to develop
• Adult behaviour is often patterned by childhood experiences.
Verb forms:
Word Origin:
Middle English patron ‘something serving as a model’, from Old French from Latin patronus ‘protector of clients, defender’, from pater, patr- ‘father’. The change in sense is from the idea of a patron giving an example to be copied. By 1700 patron ceased to be used of things, and the two forms became differentiated in sense.
pattern
[pæ̱tə(r)n]
patterns
1) N-COUNT: oft the N of n A pattern is the repeated or regular way in which something happens or is done.
All three attacks followed the same pattern...
A change in the pattern of his breathing became apparent.
2) N-COUNT A pattern is an arrangement of lines or shapes, especially a design in which the same shape is repeated at regular intervals over a surface.
...a golden robe embroidered with red and purple thread stitched into a pattern of flames.
3) N-COUNT A pattern is a diagram or shape that you can use as a guide when you are making something such as a model or a piece of clothing.
...cutting out a pattern for trousers...
Send for our free patterns to knit yourself.
...sewing patterns.
pattern
2pattern verb -terns; -terned; -tern·ing [+ obj]
1 : to make or design (something) so that it is similar to something else of the same type - usually used as (be) patterned + on or (US) after
• Her garden is patterned on [=modeled on] one she saw on her travels.
• The new program is patterned after an earlier one.
2 : to decorate or mark (something) with a design : to form a pattern on (something)
• Animals tracks patterned the mud.
pattern yourself on or US pattern yourself after : to try to be like and to behave like (someone you admire)
• When he started his own business, he patterned himself after [=modeled himself after] his father. [=he tried to do the things that his father would do]
a thought or belief about something or someone
What's your opinion about/on the matter?
opinion
noun
what you think about something same meaning view:
In my opinion, she's wrong.
What's your opinion of his work?
He had strong opinions on everything.
opinion
o‧pin‧ion S1 W2 /əˈpɪnjən/ BrE AmE noun
[Date: 1300-1400; Language: French; Origin: Latin opinio]
1. [uncountable and countable] your ideas or beliefs about a particular subject
opinion of
What’s your opinion of Cathy?
opinion on
He asked his wife’s opinion on every important decision.
opinion about
The two women had very different opinions about drugs.
in my opinion (=used when giving your opinion)
In my opinion, the law should be changed. ⇨ ↑view1(1)
REGISTER
In everyday English, people usually say I think ... rather than my opinion is ... or in my opinion .... In questions, people usually ask what do you think? rather than what is your opinion?:
▪ What do you think of Cathy?
2. [countable] judgement or advice from a professional person about something:
When choosing an insurance policy it’s best to get an independent opinion.
My doctor says I need an operation, but I’ve asked for a second opinion (=advice from a second doctor to make sure that the first advice is right).
They took the painting to get an expert opinion (=an opinion from someone who knows a lot).
3. have a high/low/good/bad etc opinion of somebody/something to think that someone or something is very good or very bad:
They have a very high opinion of Paula’s work.
4. be of the opinion (that) to think that something is true:
I was firmly of the opinion that we should not give Jackson any more money.
opinion
opin·ion [opinion opinions] [əˈpɪnjən] [əˈpɪnjən] noun
1. countable your feelings or thoughts about sb/sth, rather than a fact
Syn: view
• ~ (about/of/on sb/sth) We were invited to give our opinions about how the work should be done.
• I've recently changed my opinion of her.
• Everyone had an opinion on the subject.
• ~ (that…) The chairman expressed the opinion that job losses were inevitable.
• He has very strong political opinions.
• In my opinion, it's a very sound investment.
• (formal) It is our opinion that he should resign.
• If you want my opinion, I think you'd be crazy not to accept.
2. uncountable the beliefs or views of a group of people
• legal/medical/political opinion (= the beliefs of people working in the legal, etc. profession)
• There is a difference of opinion (= people disagree) as to the merits of the plan.
• Opinion is divided (= people disagree) on the issue.
• There is a wide body of opinion that supports this proposal.
• Which is the better is a matter of opinion (= people have different opinions about it).
see also public opinion
3. countable advice from a professional person
• They called in a psychologist to give an independent opinion.
• I'd like a second opinion (= advice from another person) before I make a decision.
more at your considered opinion at consider
Idioms: have a good/bad/high/low opinion of somebody ▪ of the opinion that …
Word Origin:
Middle English: via Old French from Latin opinio(n-), from the stem of opinari ‘think, believe’.
Thesaurus:
opinion noun C, U
• In my opinion he should resign.
view • • point of view • • belief • • idea • • feeling • • judgement • • point • • attitude • • stance • • position • • line • • conviction • |formal sentiment •
sb's opinion/view/beliefs/ideas/feelings/judgement/point/conviction/sentiments about sb/sth
sb's opinion/view/ideas/feelings/stance/position/line on sb/sth
have a/an opinion/view/point of view/belief/idea/feeling/attitude/line/conviction
express your opinion/view/point of view/beliefs/ideas/feelings/conviction/sentiments
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
Example Bank:
• ‘Miami is wonderful.’ ‘That's a matter of opinion.’
• Contrary to popular opinion, many adult cats dislike milk.
• Contrary to popular opinion, not all of Hitchcock's movies were great.
• He asked me for my opinion of the course.
• He has a very high opinion of your work.
• He writes an opinion piece in the ‘New York Times’.
• I don't share your opinion of his ability.
• I don't trust her, if you want my honest opinion.
• I formed the opinion that he was not to be trusted.
• If in doubt about your diagnosis, get a second opinion.
• If you want my honest opinion, I think the book is awful.
• In my opinion, golf is a dull sport.
• Opinion among doctors is that the medication is safe.
• Opinions are mixed regarding genetically-modified food.
• Opinions differ as to when this wine should be drunk.
• Prevailing local opinion is against the new road proposals.
• Public opinion is divided on the subject of capital punishment.
• She holds strong opinions on education.
• The bishop spoke without passing any opinion on the scandal.
• The country's government appears disdainful of world opinion.
• The meeting will give people the chance to voice their opinions on the matter.
• This view is supported by a growing body of professional opinion.
• a genuine difference of opinion between the experts
• all shades of political opinion
• attempts to shape public opinion
• in the present climate of opinion
• opinions as to the merits of the plan
• ‘I think she's great.’ ‘Well, that's a matter of opinion’.
• Everyone had a different opinion on the matter.
• I didn't ask for your opinion!
• I think you should keep your opinions to yourself.
• I've recently changed my opinion of her.
• If you want my opinion, I think you'd be crazy to accept the offer.
• In my opinion it's a very sound investment.
• It's our opinion that he should resign.
• Medical opinion differs as to whether the condition has any psychological causes.
• Opinion is divided about whether to join the new currency.
• Public opinion is shifting in favour of change.
• There is a difference of opinion as to the merits of the plan.
• We try to represent all shades of opinion.
• You can always ask for a second opinion if you're not sure.
• You need to be able to distinguish between fact and opinion.
opinion / əˈpɪn.jən / noun
B1 [ C ] a thought or belief about something or someone:
What's your opinion about/on the matter?
People tend to have strong opinions on capital punishment.
He didn't express/give an opinion on the matter.
Who, in your opinion, (= who do you think) is the best football player in the world today?
He's very much of the opinion that alternative medicine is a waste of time.
B2 [ U ] the thoughts or beliefs that a group of people have:
Eventually, the government will have to take notice of public opinion.
There is a diverse range of opinion on the issue.
There was a difference of opinion as to the desirability of the project.
Opinion is divided as to whether the treatment actually works.
Both performances were excellent, it's simply a matter of opinion as to whose was better.
B1 [ C ] a judgment about someone or something:
Her opinion of Adam changed after he'd been so helpful at the wedding.
She has a good/high opinion of his abilities (= thinks he is good) .
I have a rather bad/low/poor opinion of my sister's boyfriend (= I do not like or approve of him) .
He has a very high opinion of himself (= thinks he is very skilled/clever in a way that is annoying) .
B1 [ C ] a judgment made by an expert:
My doctor has referred me to a specialist for a second opinion on the results of my blood test.
Word partners for opinion
have / hold an opinion • express / give / voice an opinion • conflicting / differing / strong opinions • sb's considered / personal opinion • in sb's opinion • sb's opinion about sth • be of the opinion (that)
opinion
[əpɪ̱njən]
opinions
1) N-COUNT: oft poss N, N that Your opinion about something is what you think or believe about it.
I wasn't asking for your opinion, Dick...
He held the opinion that a government should think before introducing a tax...
Most who expressed an opinion spoke favorably of Thomas.
2) N-SING: usu supp N, N of n Your opinion of someone is your judgement of their character or ability.
That improved Mrs Goole's already favourable opinion of him.
Syn:
estimation
3) N-UNCOUNT You can refer to the beliefs or views that people have as opinion.
Some, I suppose, might even be in positions to influence opinion...
There is a broad consensus of opinion about the policies which should be pursued.
4) N-COUNT: usu sing An opinion from an expert is the advice or judgement that they give you in the subject that they know a lot about.
Even if you have had a regular physical check-up recently, you should still seek a medical opinion.
5) → See also public opinion, second opinion
6) PHRASE: PHR with cl You add expressions such as `in my opinion' or `in their opinion' to a statement in order to indicate that it is what you or someone else thinks, and is not necessarily a fact.
The book is, in Henry's opinion, the best book on the subject...
Well he's not making a very good job of it in my opinion.
7) PHRASE: v-link PHR that If someone is of the opinion that something is the case, that is what they believe. [FORMAL]
Frank is of the opinion that the 1934 yacht should have won.
8) a matter of opinion → see matter
opinion
opin·ion /əˈpɪnjən/ noun, pl -ions
1 : a belief, judgment, or way of thinking about something : what someone thinks about a particular thing
[count]
• Why ask (for) my opinion if you have already decided?
• I value your opinion. [=I respect the way you think about things]
• We asked for their opinions about/on the new stadium.
• In my opinion, it's the best car on the market.
• Most of the people surveyed have a high/low opinion of the organization. [=most of the people surveyed think that the organization is good/bad]
• She has enough knowledge of the system to offer an informed opinion [=an opinion based on information] of why it isn't working.
• The meeting will give residents a chance to listen to some expert opinions. [=opinions of experts]
[noncount]
• The owner of the store is often there to offer customers expert opinion. [=an expert's opinion]
• Which one is better is a matter of opinion. [=people have different opinions about which one is better]
• I'm glad that we can have a difference of opinion [=we can disagree] and still be friends.
• The general opinion is that the players are paid too much. [=most people think that the players are paid too much]
• The company has been unsuccessful in its efforts to sway/change public opinion. [=to change what most people think]
• Contrary to popular opinion [=despite what many people think], fame does not always bring happiness.
2 [count] : advice from someone with special knowledge : advice from an expert
• We're still seeking medical opinions [=advice from doctors] on the cause of the pain.
• My doctor says I need surgery, but I'm going to get a second opinion. [=advice from a second doctor to make sure advice from the first doctor is correct]
3 [count] technical : a formal statement by a judge, court, etc., explaining the reasons a decision was made according to laws or rules
• The article discusses two recent Supreme Court opinions.
be of the opinion : to have a specifed opinion or belief
• They are of the opinion [=they think/believe] that the accident was caused by faulty wiring.
the court of public/world opinion
- see 1court
something you say that you know is not true
I told a lie when I said I liked her haircut.
lie
noun
something you say that you know is not true:
She told me a lie.
III. lie3 S3 BrE AmE noun
[Word Family: noun: ↑liar, ↑lie; verb: lie; adjective: lying]
1. [countable] something that you say or write that you know is untrue:
I always know when he’s telling lies.
lie about
I knew that soon she would hear the lies about me.
2. give the lie to something formal to show that something is untrue:
This report gives the lie to the company’s claims.
3. the lie of the land
a) the way that a situation is developing at a particular time:
I'll talk to him and get the lie of the land before we go over.
b) the way an area of land has been formed and the physical features it has
4. (I) tell a lie British English spoken used when you realize that something you have just said is not correct:
It was £25, no, tell a lie, £35.
⇨ live a lie at ↑live1(16)
noun
a statement made by sb knowing that it is not true
• to tell a lie
• The whole story is nothing but a pack of lies.
• a barefaced lie (= a lie that is deliberate and shocking)
see also white lie
more at live a lie at live1, a tissue of lies at tissue
Thesaurus:
lie noun C
• The story is a pack of lies.
story • • nonsense • • fiction • |informal fib • |BrE, informal, disapproving rubbish • |especially AmE, informal, disapproving garbage • |formal fabrication • • falsehood • |law perjury • |taboo, slang, disapproving bullshit •
(a) complete lie/nonsense/fiction/rubbish/garbage/fabrication/falsehood/bullshit
tell (sb) a lie/story/fib/falsehood
believe a lie/a story/that nonsense/a fiction/that rubbish/that garbage/that bullshit
Example Bank:
• He lived a lie for thirty years, ‘married’ to two women.
• He lived a lie for thirty years, pretending to be the faithful husband of two different women living in two different towns.
• He told a big fat lie!
• He told a whopping great lie!
• How could she swallow such a blatant lie?
• That's a downright lie!
• That's a lie— I never said that!
• a web of elaborate lies
• As usual, the party's leaflet is full of barefaced lies.
• I couldn't tell her a lie.
• The whole story is nothing but a pack of lies.
• What's the harm in telling a little white lie?
lie / laɪ / noun [ C ]
B1 something you say that you know is not true:
I told a lie when I said I liked her haircut.
lie
I [la͟ɪ]POSITION OR SITUATION
lies, lying, lay, lain
(Please look at category 11 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.)
1) VERB If you are lying somewhere, you are in a horizontal position and are not standing or sitting.
[V prep/adv] There was a child lying on the ground...
[V adj] The injured man was lying motionless on his back...
[V adj] He lay awake watching her for a long time.
2) VERB If an object lies in a particular place, it is in a flat position in that place.
[V prep/adv] ...a newspaper lying on a nearby couch...
[V adj] Broken glass lay scattered on the carpet.
[V adj] ...a two-page memo lying unread on his desk.
3) VERB If you say that a place lies in a particular position or direction, you mean that it is situated there.
[V prep/adv] The islands lie at the southern end of the Kurile chain.
Syn:
sit
4) V-LINK You can use lie to say that something is or remains in a particular state or condition. For example, if something lies forgotten, it has been and remains forgotten.
[V adj] She turned back to the Bible lying open in her lap...
[V adj] The picture lay hidden in the archives for over 40 years...
[V prep] His country's economy lies in ruins.
Syn:
sit
5) VERB You can use lie to say what position a competitor or team is in during a competition. [mainly BRIT]
[V ord] I was going well and was lying fourth...
[V in n] Blyth Tait is lying in second place.
6) VERB You can talk about where something such as a problem, solution, or fault lies to say what you think it consists of, involves, or is caused by.
[V prep/adv] The problem lay in the large amounts spent on defence...
[V prep/adv] They will only assume that, as a woman, the fault lies with me...
[V prep/adv] He realised his future lay elsewhere...
[V prep/adv] We must be clear about where the responsibility lies.
Syn:
rest
7) VERB You use lie in expressions such as lie ahead, lie in store, and lie in wait when you are talking about what someone is going to experience in the future, especially when it is something unpleasant or difficult.
[V prep/adv] She'd need all her strength and bravery to cope with what lay in store...
[V prep/adv] The President's most serious challenges lie ahead.
8) VERB Lie is used in formal English, especially on gravestones, to say that a dead person is buried in a particular place.
[V prep/adv] The inscription reads: Here lies Catin, the son of Magarus...
[V prep/adv] My father lies in the small cemetery a few miles up this road.
9) VERB If you say that light, clouds, or fog lie somewhere, you mean that they exist there or are spread over the area mentioned. [LITERARY]
[V prep/adv] It had been wet overnight, and a morning mist lay on the field.
10) N-SING: with supp, oft N of n The lie of an object or area is its position or the way that it is arranged.
The actual site of a city is determined by the natural lie of the land.
11) to let sleeping dogs lie → see dog
to lie in state → see state
to take something lying down → see take
Phrasal Verbs:
- lie around
- lie back
- lie behind
- lie downII [la͟ɪ]THINGS THAT ARE NOT TRUE
lies, lying, lied
1) N-COUNT A lie is something that someone says or writes which they know is untrue.
→ See also white lie
`Who else do you work for?' - `No one.' - `That's a lie.'...
I've had enough of your lies...
All the boys told lies about their adventures.
2) VERB If someone is lying, they are saying something which they know is not true.
I know he's lying...
[V about n] If asked, he lies about his age...
[V to n] She lied to her husband so she could meet her lover...
[V-ing] He reportedly called her `a lying little twit'.
Derived words:
lying N-UNCOUNT Lying is something that I will not tolerate.
3) VERB If you say that something lies, you mean that it does not express or represent something accurately.
The camera sometimes lies.
4) → See also lying
5) PHRASE: V inflects, PHR n If something gives the lie to a statement, claim, or theory, it suggests or proves that it is not true.
This survey gives the lie to the idea that Britain is moving towards economic recovery.
6) PHRASE: V inflects, usu cont If you say that someone is living a lie, you mean that in every part of their life they are hiding the truth about themselves from other people.
My mother never told my father the truth about me. We've been living a lie all this time.
7) CONVENTION People sometimes say `I tell a lie' when they have just made a mistake in something that they are saying and immediately correct it. [BRIT]
It is the first scene of the play chronologically. I tell a lie, it's actually strictly speaking the second scene.
Syn:
sorry
lie
4lie noun, pl lies [count] : something untrue that is said or written to deceive someone
• She told a lie to her parents.
• He has been accused of telling lies about his military record.
• a bold/brazen/barefaced lie
• a complete lie
• The accusations are lies, all lies.
• The claims he has made are nothing but a pack of lies.
• (chiefly Brit) He has woven a tissue of lies [=he has told many lies] about his military record.
- see also white lie
give the lie to formal : to show that (something) is not true
• Her success has given the lie to the notion that women cannot compete with men.
I tell a lie Brit informal
- used to correct something you have just said
• I saw him just yesterday. No, I tell a lie. It was two days ago.
live a lie : to live in a false or deceptive way : to live in a way that does not show who you truly are or what your feelings truly are
• Their friends thought that they had a happy marriage, but they were living a lie. [=their marriage was not happy]
- compare 2lie
