airport
a place where aircraft regularly take off and land, with buildings for passengers to wait in
Our flight arrived at Delhi airport over 2 hours late.
a place where aircraft regularly take off and land, with buildings for passengers to wait in
Our flight arrived at Delhi airport over 2 hours late.
airport
noun
a place where people get on and off planes, with buildings where passengers can wait:
I'll meet you at the airport.
airport
air‧port S3 W3 /ˈeəpɔːt $ ˈerpɔːrt/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
a place where planes take off and land, with buildings for passengers to wait in ⇨ airfield:
The plane landed at Heathrow Airport.
Her family went to see her off at the airport.
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ terminal a big building where people wait to get onto planes: The airline uses terminal 4. | Smoking is prohibited inside the terminal building.
▪ runway a long hard surface on which aircraft land and take off: The plane was taxiing along the runway.
▪ the tarmac an area covered with tarmac outside airport buildings: He stepped off the plane onto the tarmac.
▪ check-in (desk) a place where you report your arrival at an airport
▪ departure lounge the place where you wait until your plane is ready to leave
▪ departure gate the place you go through to get on your plane: Will passengers for flight BA670 please go to the departure gate.
▪ baggage reclaim (also baggage claim) American English the place where you collect your cases and bags after a flight
▪ immigration the place where officials check the documents of everyone entering the country: Be prepared for long queues at immigration.
▪ customs the place where your bags are checked for illegal goods when you enter a country: We had our bags checked at customs.
airport
air·port [airport airports] [ˈeəpɔːt] [ˈerpɔːrt] noun
a place where planes land and take off and that has buildings for passengers to wait in
• Gatwick Airport
• waiting in the airport lounge
Example Bank:
• Airport screeners failed to spot the fake bomb.
• Most major hub airports have three or four runways.
• The pilot made the decision to return to the departure airport.
• The plane touched down at Glasgow airport just before midday.
• They were waiting at the airport.
• We fly from Guarulhos airport.
• We will fly from Chicago's O'Hare airport.
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
airport / ˈeə.pɔːt / / ˈer.pɔːrt / noun [ C ]
A2 a place where aircraft regularly take off and land, with buildings for passengers to wait in:
an international airport
a military airport
Gatwick Airport
an airport terminal/runway
See picture travel (air)
airport
[e͟ə(r)pɔː(r)t]
♦♦
airports
N-COUNT: oft in names
An airport is a place where aircraft land and take off, which has buildings and facilities for passengers.
...Heathrow Airport, the busiest international airport in the world.
airport
air·port /ˈeɚˌpoɚt/ noun, pl -ports [count] : a place where aircraft land and take off and where there are buildings for passengers to wait in and for aircraft to be sheltered
a large building, usually without a roof, where people watch sports events such as football matches or races
the new Olympic Stadium
stadium
noun
a place with seats around it where you can watch sport:
a football stadium
stadium
sta‧di‧um /ˈsteɪdiəm/ BrE AmE noun (plural stadiums or stadia /-diə/) [countable]
[Date: 1300-1400; Language: Latin; Origin: Greek stadion 'unit of length, racetrack']
a building for public events, especially sports and large rock music concerts, consisting of a playing field surrounded by rows of seats:
the new Olympic Stadium
• • •
THESAURUS
■ places where people do sport
▪ field (also pitch British English) a large area of ground, usually covered with grass, where team sports are played: A few kids were playing on the football field. | a hockey field
▪ stadium a large sports field with seats all around it for people to watch team sports or track and field competitions: The atmosphere in the Olympic Stadium was amazing. | a football stadium
▪ ground British English a sports field and the seats and buildings around it, belonging to a particular football, rugby, or cricket team: I met my friends inside the ground.
▪ ballpark/park American English a stadium where baseball is played: Busch Stadium is one of the newest ballparks in Major League.
▪ court an area with lines painted on the ground, for tennis, badminton, basketball, or volleyball: The hotel has four tennis courts and a volleyball court.
▪ diamond the area in a baseball field that is within the shape formed by the four bases. The diamond can also be the whole field: The pitcher stands in the middle of the diamond. | There’s a playground, a picnic area, and a baseball diamond.
▪ track a circular path with lines on it, for running on: In the relay, each runner runs once around the track.
▪ gym a room with machines which you can use to do exercises: He spends an hour in the gym every day.
▪ pool/swimming pool a place where you can swim: He jumped into the deep end of the pool. | I’ll meet you outside the swimming pool.
▪ sports centre British English, sports center American English a building where you can play many types of indoor sports: Why not do exercise classes at your local sports centre?
▪ health club a small sports centre, where you pay to be a member: How much does it cost to join a health club?
stadium
sta·dium [stadium stadiums stadia] [ˈsteɪdiəm] [ˈsteɪdiəm] noun (pl. sta·diums or sta·dia [ˈsteɪdiə] ; [ˈsteɪdiə] )
a large sports ground surrounded by rows of seats and usually other buildings
• a football/sports stadium
• an all-seater stadium
Word Origin:
late Middle English (originally referring to an ancient Roman or Greek measure of length): via Latin from Greek stadion. The current sense dates from the mid 19th cent.
Example Bank:
• The Reds are building a new stadium.
• Thousands packed into the stadium to watch the final.
• the home stadium of the New York Giants
• It is a domed stadium with artificial turf.
• They're planning to turn the football ground into an all-seater stadium.
• Thousands of football fans packed into the stadium to watch the game.
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
stadium / ˈsteɪ.di.əm / noun [ C ] ( plural stadiums or stadia )
B2 a large closed area of land with rows of seats around the sides and often with no roof, used for sports events and musical performances:
Thousands of football fans packed into the stadium to watch the match.
stadium
[ste͟ɪdiəm]
♦♦♦
stadiums, stadia (plural) [pr][ste͟ɪdiə][/pr]
N-COUNT: oft in names after n
A stadium is a large sports ground with rows of seats all round it.
...a baseball stadium...
A concert in his honour will take place at Wembley Stadium.
stadium
sta·di·um /ˈsteɪdijəm/ noun, pl -ums [count] : a very large usually roofless building that has a large open area surrounded by many rows of seats and that is used for sports events, concerts, etc.
a way of doing something, especially one that is typical of a person, group of people, place, or period
He wouldn't try to mislead you - it's not his style.
style
noun
1 a way of doing, making or saying something:
I don't like his style of writing.
2 the shape or kind of something:
This shop has all the latest styles.
a new hairstyle
style
I. style1 S2 W1 AC /staɪl/ BrE AmE noun
[Word Family: noun: ↑style, ↑styling, ↑stylishness, ↑stylist, ↑stylistics, ↑stylization; adjective: ↑stylish, ↑stylistic, ↑stylized; adverb: ↑stylishly, ↑stylistically; verb: ↑style]
[Date: 1200-1300; Language: Latin; Origin: stilus 'pointed stick, stylus, style of writing']
1. WAY OF DOING SOMETHING [uncountable and countable] a particular way of doing, designing, or producing something, especially one that is typical of a particular place, period of time, or group of people:
an attempt to use Japanese management style in a European business
style of
different styles of handwriting
Baroque-/Swedish-/country- etc style
Cuban-style black beans and rice
a Colonial-style house
The dinner will be served buffet-style.
2. SB’S WAY OF BEHAVING [countable] the particular way that someone behaves, works, or deals with other people:
Children have different styles of learning: some learn by seeing, some by hearing, some by doing.
be more sb’s style (=used to say that you prefer something)
I don’t think the parachuting weekend is for me – the art class is more my style.
I like your style (=approve of the way you do things), Simpson.
I can’t ask a man out – it’s not my style (=it is not the way I usually behave).
3. ART/LITERATURE/MUSIC [uncountable and countable] a typical way of writing, painting etc that is used by a particular person or during a particular period of time:
The paintings are in an expressionistic style.
Hemingway’s direct style
in the style of somebody/something
a play in the style of classical Greek tragedy
4. FASHION/DESIGN
a) [countable] a particular design or fashion for something such as clothes, hair, furniture etc SYN fashion:
Car styles have changed radically in the past 20 years.
traditional/modern style
The rooms are furnished in a modern style.
b) [uncountable] the quality of being fashionable:
young women interested in style rather than comfort
in/out of style
Long skirts are back in style.
5. ATTRACTIVE QUALITY [uncountable] a confident and attractive quality that makes people admire you, and that is shown in your appearance, or the way you do things ⇨ stylish:
You may not like her, but she certainly has style.
The team played with style. ⇨ ↑stylish
6. CORRECT WRITING [uncountable] a way of using words or spelling that is considered correct:
It’s not good style to use abbreviations in an essay.
7. in style done in a way that people admire, especially because it is unusual, shows great determination, or involves spending a lot of money
in great/grand/fine etc style
Nadal won the match in fine style, not losing a single game.
⇨ cramp sb’s style at ↑cramp2, ⇨ ↑lifestyle
style
style AW [style styles styled styling] noun, verb [staɪl] [staɪl]
noun
WAY STH IS DONE
1. countable, uncountable ~ (of sth) the particular way in which sth is done
• a style of management
• a management style
• furniture to suit your style of living
• a study of different teaching styles
• I like your style (= I like the way you do things).
• Caution was not her style (= not the way she usually behaved).
• I'm surprised he rides a motorbike— I'd have thought big cars were more his style (= what suited him).
see also lifestyle
DESIGN OF CLOTHES/HAIR
2. countable a particular design of sth, especially clothes
• We stock a wide variety of styles and sizes.
• Have you thought about having your hair in a shorter style?
• a style that was popular in the 1950s
see also hairstyle
3. uncountable the quality of being fashionable in the clothes that you wear
• style-conscious teenagers
• Short skirts are back in style (= fashionable).
• My husband has no sense of style.
BEING ELEGANT
4. uncountable the quality of being elegant and made to a high standard
• The hotel has been redecorated but it's lost a lot of its style.
• She does everything with style and grace.
OF BOOK/PAINTING/BUILDING
5. countable, uncountable the features of a book, painting, building, etc. that make it typical of a particular author, artist, historical period, etc
• a style of architecture
• a fine example of Gothic style
• a parody written in the style of Molière
• The palace was rebuilt in the same style.
USE OF LANGUAGE
6. uncountable, countable the correct use of language
• It's not considered good style to start a sentence with ‘but’.
• Please follow house style (= the rules of spelling, etc. used by a particular publishing company).
-STYLE
7. (in adjectives) having the type of style mentioned
• Italian-style gardens
• a buffet-style breakfast
see also old-style
IN A PLANT
8. (biology) the long thin part of a flower that carries the stigma
more at cramp sb's style at cramp v.
Word Origin:
Middle English (denoting a stylus, also a literary composition, an official title, or a characteristic manner of literary expression): from Old French stile, from Latin stilus. The verb dates (first in sense 2) from the early 16th cent.
Collocations:
Clothes and fashion
Clothes
be wearing a new outfit/bright colours/fancy dress/fur/uniform
be (dressed) in black/red/jeans and a T-shirt/your best suit/leather/silk/rags (= very old torn clothes)
be dressed for work/school/dinner/a special occasion
be dressed as a man/woman/clown/pirate
wear/dress in casual/designer/second-hand clothes
wear jewellery/(especially US) jewelry/accessories/a watch/glasses/contact lenses/perfume
have a cowboy hat/red dress/blue suit on
put on/take off your clothes/coat/shoes/helmet
pull on/pull off your coat/gloves/socks
change into/get changed into a pair of jeans/your pyjamas/(especially US) your pajamas
Appearance
change/enhance/improve your appearance
create/get/have/give sth a new/contemporary/retro look
brush/comb/shampoo/wash/blow-dry your hair
have/get a haircut/your hair cut/a new hairstyle
have/get a piercing/your nose pierced
have/get a tattoo/a tattoo done (on your arm)/a tattoo removed
have/get a makeover/cosmetic surgery
use/wear/apply/put on make-up/cosmetics
Fashion
follow/keep up with (the) fashion/the latest fashions
spend/waste money on designer clothes
be fashionably/stylishly/well dressed
have good/great/terrible/awful taste in clothes
update/revamp your wardrobe
be in/come into/go out of fashion
be (back/very much) in vogue
create a style/trend/vogue for sth
organize/put on a fashion show
show/unveil a designer's spring/summer collection
sashay/strut down the catwalk/(NAmE also) runway
be on/do a photo/fashion shoot
Example Bank:
• He adapted his acting style to suit the material.
• He evolved his style of painting while working as a magazine illustrator.
• He has a certain style.
• His aggressive style of play sometimes gets him in trouble.
• I like your style! It shows real courage.
• Long velvet curtains add a touch of style to the main room.
• She was dressed in casual style.
• The 16th century house has been renovated and furnished in contemporary style.
• The article is written in a conversational style.
• The new houses have been built in a traditional style.
• The pianist had to tailor his style to suit the vocalist's distinctive voice.
• The two artists have radically different styles.
• The whole house just oozed style.
• They celebrated in style by popping open a bottle of champagne.
• Whatever she did, she did it with style.
• a casual style of speech
• a chain of bars which has developed its own house style
• a flamboyant style of dress
• a wide range of musical styles
• an autocratic style of leadership
• an old style of management
• her inimitable personal style
• her inimitable style of humour
• his innate sense of style
• to arrive/go out/travel in style
• very utilitarian in style
• Caution was not her style.
• He attempted to sing the song in the style of Elvis Presley.
• Her style differs from that of many of her contemporaries.
• I don't like his style of management.
• Short skirts are back in style.
• The city contains many different styles of architecture.
• The hotel has been redecorated but it's lost a lot of its style.
• They were told to write the passage in the style of Hemingway.
• This is a fine example of the Gothic style.
• We sell furniture to suit all styles of living.
• What's her teaching style like?
• Why not have your hair cut in a shorter style?
• hot tips for style-conscious teenagers
Idiom: in style
Derived: style yourself on somebody
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
style / staɪl / noun (WAY)
B1 [ C or U ] a way of doing something, especially one that is typical of a person, group of people, place, or period:
Jones favours a dynamic, hands-on style of management.
His office is very utilitarian in style, with no decoration.
be your style informal to be the type of thing that you would do:
He wouldn't try to mislead you - it's not his style.
style / staɪl / noun [ C or U ] (FASHION)
B1 fashion, especially in clothing:
a style consultant
I read the fashion pages in the newspapers to keep up with the latest styles.
The classic black dress is always in style.
style / staɪl / noun [ C ] (DESIGN)
B1 a particular shape or design, especially of a person's hair, clothes, or a piece of furniture:
a formal style of hat
Her hair was cut in a really nice style.
→ See also hairstyle
style / staɪl / noun [ U ] approving (HIGH QUALITY)
B2 high quality in appearance, design, or behaviour:
That car' s got real style, which is no surprise considering how much it cost.
When she decides to do something, she always does it in/with great style.
style / staɪl / noun [ C ] specialized (FLOWER PART)
the middle part of the carpel (= female part) of a flower, connecting the ovary to the stigma
style
[sta͟ɪl]
♦♦
styles, styling, styled
1) N-COUNT: with supp, also in adj N The style of something is the general way in which it is done or presented, which often shows the attitudes of the people involved.
Our children's different needs and learning styles created many problems...
Belmont Park is a broad sweeping track which will suit the European style of running...
Sam celebrated in fine style.
2) N-UNCOUNT: oft in N If people or places have style, they are smart and elegant.
Bournemouth, you have to admit, has style...
Both love doing things in style...
She had not lost her grace and style.
3) N-VAR The style of a product is its design.
His 50 years of experience have given him strong convictions about style...
Several styles of hat were available.
4) N-COUNT: usu with supp In the arts, a particular style is characteristic of a particular period or group of people.
...six scenes in the style of a classical Greek tragedy.
...a mixture of musical styles.
...the revival of the gothic style.
5) VERB: usu passive If something such as a piece of clothing, a vehicle, or someone's hair is styled in a particular way, it is designed or shaped in that way.
[be V-ed] His thick blond hair had just been styled before his trip.
[V-ed] ...classically styled clothes.
6) → See also old-style, self-styled, styling
7) PHRASE: v-link PHR If you say that something is not someone 's style, you mean that it is not the way in which they usually do things, or it is different from the sort of thing they usually like.
to cramp someone's style → see cramp
Mr Blair was not off guard. That is not his style...
To be honest, the house is not quite our style.
1style /ˈstajəl/ noun, pl styles
1 : a particular way in which something is done, created, or performed
[count]
• I don't like the flowery style of his writing.
• She has a unique style of singing.
• a baseball pitcher with an unusual style
[noncount]
• She writes with more attention to style than to content.
• The room was decorated in modern style.
2 [count] : a particular form or design of something
• The car is available in several different styles.
• a new dress style
• the Greek style of architecture
• The range of clothing styles has become more varied.
• Victorian-style drapes
3 [count] : a way of behaving or of doing things
• His management style is abrasive.
• Openly criticizing a fellow worker is just not my style. [=I would never openly criticize a fellow worker]
• You're a good negotiator. I like your style. [=I like the way you do things]
4 [noncount] : a particular way of living
• He has been living in high style. [=he has been living the way rich people live]
- see also lifestyle
5 [noncount] : the quality that makes things attractive, fashionable, etc.
• He has a real sense of style.
• She's a woman of style. [=she's a stylish woman]
6 [noncount] : an easy and graceful manner
• It was an awkward moment but she handled it with style.
7 [count] : the way that written words are spelled, capitalized, etc.
• Each newspaper had its own style.
• a style guide
cramp your style
- see 2cramp
in style
1 : popular or fashionable
• clothes that are always in style [=in fashion]
2 : in a way that is impressive or admired because it shows talent, good taste, etc. : in a stylish way
• When she travels she likes to do it in style.
• He finished the tournament in style by winning his last match very quickly and easily.
out of style : not popular or fashionable : not stylish
• a fad that has fallen/gone out of style
the activity of buying things from shops
I'm going shopping this afternoon.
shopping
noun (no plural)
1 buying things from shops:
She does her shopping after work.
I usually go shopping at the weekend.
2 the things that you have bought in a shop:
Will you carry my shopping for me?
shopping
shop‧ping S2 W3 /ˈʃɒpɪŋ $ ʃɑː-/ BrE AmE noun [uncountable]
[Word Family: noun: ↑shop, ↑shopper, ↑shopping; verb: ↑shop]
1. the activity of going to shops and buying things:
Late-night shopping is becoming very popular.
shopping expedition/trip
She’s gone on a shopping trip to New York.
I went on a shopping spree (=went shopping and bought a lot of things) at the weekend and spent far too much money.
I’ve got to do some last-minute shopping.
the busy Christmas shopping season ⇨ ↑window-shopping
2. do the shopping to go shopping to buy food and other things you need regularly:
I hate doing the shopping at weekends.
3. British English the things that you have just bought from a shop:
Can you help me carry the shopping, please?
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ verbs
▪ go shopping She skipped lunch in order to go shopping.
▪ do some/the/your shopping I thought you wanted to do some shopping.
■ NOUN + shopping
▪ Christmas shopping So you've done all your Christmas shopping, have you?
▪ grocery shopping She even enjoys grocery shopping.
▪ home shopping (=buying things at home, for example from a catalogue)
■ shopping + NOUN
▪ a shopping expedition/trip His shopping trip with Uncle Billy had been a thorough success.
▪ a shopping spree (=when you buy a lot of things) He admits to going on a shopping spree with someone else's credit card.
▪ a shopping list (=a list of what you need to buy, especially of food) Always take a shopping list so you are not tempted to buy things you do not need.
shopping
shop·ping [shopping] [ˈʃɒpɪŋ] [ˈʃɑːpɪŋ] noun uncountable
1. the activity of going to shops/stores and buying things
• to go shopping
• (BrE) When shall I do the shopping?
• (BrE) We do our shopping on Saturdays.
• a shopping basket
• a shopping trolley
• (NAmE) a shopping cart
see also window-shopping
2. (especially BrE) the things that you have bought from shops/stores
• to put the shopping in the car
Collocations:
Shopping
Shopping
go/go out/be out shopping
go to (especially BrE) the shops/(especially NAmE) a store/(especially NAmE) the mall
do (BrE) the shopping/(especially NAmE) the grocery shopping/a bit of window-shopping
(NAmE, informal) hit/hang out at the mall
try on clothes/shoes
indulge in some retail therapy
go on a spending spree
cut/cut back on/reduce your spending
be/get caught shoplifting
donate sth to/take sth to/find sth in (BrE) a charity shop/(NAmE) a thrift store
buy/sell/find sth at (BrE) a car boot sale/(BrE) a jumble sale/a garage sale/(NAmE) a yard sale
find/get/pick up a bargain
At the shop/store
load/push/wheel (BrE) a trolley/(NAmE) a cart
stand in/wait in (BrE) the checkout queue/(NAmE) the checkout line
(NAmE) stand in line/ (BrE) queue at the checkout
bag (especially NAmE) (your) groceries
pack (away) (especially BrE) your shopping
stack/stock/restock the shelves at a store (with sth)
be (found) on/appear on supermarket/shop/store shelves
be in/have in/be out of/run out of stock
deal with/help/serve customers
run a special promotion
be on special offer
Buying goods
make/complete a purchase
buy/purchase sth online/by mail order
make/place/take an order for sth
buy/order sth in bulk/in advance
accept/take credit cards
pay (in) cash/by (credit/debit) card/(BrE) with a gift voucher/(NAmE) with a gift certificate
enter your PIN number
ask for/get/obtain a receipt
return/exchange an item/a product
be entitled to/ask for/demand a refund
compare prices
offer (sb)/give (sb)/get/receive a 30% discount
Example Bank:
• A new car is on my shopping list.
• Developers plan to build 4 000 square feet of shopping space here.
• I do my weekly shopping on a Saturday.
• I have to go shopping in town this afternoon.
• I thought we'd do a little shopping before the show.
• Improved electricity generation is one of the first things on the country's shopping list.
• Jade wants me to take her shopping for a new outfit.
• Jenny went directly to town for some serious shopping.
• New York, the ultimate shopping destination
• Only 22 shopping days left until Christmas!
• She won £10 000 and immediately went on a shopping spree.
• She's doing some last-minute Christmas shopping.
• They unpacked the shopping and put it away.
• This website is a valuable resource for comparison shopping.
• We ensure that our customers have an exceptional shopping experience.
• When shall I do the shopping?
• a home shopping network
• a personal shopping service
• an Internet shopping site
• detailed portraits of consumers' shopping habits
• outside normal shopping hours
• the Christmas shopping season
• the back-to-school shopping season
• the consumers' demand for one-stop shopping
• the move to home shopping using your computer
• the town's main shopping street
• to suffer from compulsive shopping disorder
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
shopping / ˈʃɒp.ɪŋ / / ˈʃɑː.pɪŋ / noun [ U ]
A1 the activity of buying things from shops:
The store is open for late night shopping on Wednesdays.
I'm going shopping this afternoon.
My granddaughter does my weekly shopping for me.
Christmas shopping
A2 goods that you have bought from shops, especially food:
She had so many bags of shopping that she could hardly carry them.
I forgot my shopping list .
shopping
[ʃɒ̱pɪŋ]
♦♦♦
1) N-UNCOUNT When you do the shopping, you go to shops and buy things.
→ See also window shopping
I'll do the shopping this afternoon.
2) N-UNCOUNT Your shopping is the things that you have bought from shops, especially food.
We put the shopping away.
shopping
shopping noun [noncount]
1 : the activity of visiting places where goods are sold in order to look at and buy things (such as food, clothing, etc.)
• We do (our) grocery shopping once a week. = We go grocery shopping once a week. [=we shop for groceries once a week]
• I can do your shopping for you.
• When are you going to do the shopping?
• I'm going shopping. [=(Brit) going to the shops]
• We went shopping for a gift at the mall.
- often used before another noun
• a shopping area/basket/cart
• We're going on a shopping trip in New York City.
• a shopping bag [=(Brit) carrier bag; a bag that a store gives you to carry any items you have bought there]
• We went on a shopping spree. [=we bought a lot of things in a short period of time]
2 Brit : the things that are bought at a shop or store
• Put the shopping in the car.
a container, flatter than a bowl and sometimes with a lid, from which food can be served or which can be used for cooking
Have you done/washed the dishes?
noun (plural dishes)
1 a container for food. You can use a dish to cook food in an oven, or to put food on the table.
2 the dishes (plural) all the plates, bowls, cups, etc. that you must wash after a meal:
I'll wash the dishes.
3 a part of a meal:
We had a fish dish and a vegetarian dish.
dish
I. dish1 S2 W3 /dɪʃ/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
[Language: Old English; Origin: disc, from Latin discus 'disk, plate']
1. a flat container with low sides, for serving food from or cooking food in ⇨ bowl:
a serving dish
an ovenproof dish
dish of
a large dish of spaghetti
2. the dishes all the plates, cups, bowls etc that have been used to eat a meal and need to be washed
do/wash the dishes
I’ll just do the dishes before we go.
REGISTER
In everyday English, people often use the expression do the washing-up (BrE) or do the dishes (AmE), rather than wash the dishes.
3. food cooked or prepared in a particular way as a meal:
a wonderful pasta dish
The menu includes a wide selection of vegetarian dishes.
This soup is substantial enough to serve as a main dish (=the biggest part of a meal).
4. something that is shaped like a dish:
a soap dish
5. informal old-fashioned someone who is sexually attractive
⇨ ↑side dish, ↑satellite dish
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ food noun [uncountable and countable] things that people and animals eat: You can buy good fresh food in the market. | Do you like Japanese food?
▪ dish noun [countable] a type of food that is cooked in a particular way: a traditional English dish | They also offer vegetarian dishes.
▪ speciality British English, specialty American English noun [countable] a type of food that a restaurant or place is famous for: Fish dishes are a specialty of the region. | Home made pies are one of the hotel’s specialities.
▪ delicacy noun [countable] an unusual food which people in a particular place like to eat: The local delicacies include laverbread (boiled seaweed). | I was keen to try out the local delicacies.
▪ diet noun [countable] the type of food that someone usually eats: You shouldn’t have too much salt in your diet. | In the Andes, the main diet is beans, potatoes, and corn.
▪ cooking noun [uncountable] food made in a particular way, or by a particular person: Herbs are used a lot in French cooking. | I love my Mum’s home cooking.
▪ cuisine /kwɪˈziːn/ noun [countable] formal the food you can eat in a particular restaurant, country, or area: Italian cuisine | Trying the local cuisine is all part of the fun of travelling.
▪ nutrition noun [uncountable] food considered as something that is necessary for good health and growth: a book on nutrition | Many homeless people suffer from poor nutrition.
▪ nourishment /ˈnʌrɪʃmənt $ ˈnɜː-, ˈnʌ-/ noun [uncountable] goodness that you get from food, which helps your body to stay healthy: There's not much nourishment in fast food.
▪ fare noun [uncountable] formal the kind of food that is served in a place – used especially when saying how interesting it is: In China you can feast on bird’s nest soup and other exotic fare. | Dinner was pretty standard fare (=the usual kind of food).
dish
dish [dish dishes dished dishing] noun, verb [dɪʃ] [dɪʃ]
noun
1. countable a flat shallow container for cooking food in or serving it from
• a glass dish
• an ovenproof dish
• a baking/serving dish
• They helped themselves from a large dish of pasta.
2. the dishes plural the plates, bowls, cups, etc. that have been used for a meal and need to be washed
• I'll do the dishes (= wash them).
3. countable food prepared in a particular way as part of a meal
• a vegetarian/fish dish
• This makes an excellent hot main dish.
• I can recommend the chef's dish of the day.
see also side dish
4. countable any object that is shaped like a dish or bowl
• a soap dish
see also satellite dish
5. countable (informal) a sexually attractive person
• What a dish!
Word Origin:
Old English disc ‘plate, bowl’ (related to Dutch dis, German Tisch ‘table’), based on Latin discus, from Greek diskos.
Thesaurus:
dish noun C
• Arrange the salad on a serving dish.
bowl • • plate • • platter •
a dish/bowl/plate/platter of sth
on a dish/plate/platter
in a dish/bowl
Example Bank:
• Arrange the salad in a serving dish.
• Do you have a favourite dish?
• Goulash is a meat dish.
• He dried the dishes and put them away.
• I can recommend the chef's dish of the day.
• It's your turn to do the dishes.
• Kedgeree makes a wonderful supper dish.
• Serve one or two main dishes with a choice of salads and nibbles.
• She cooked us a delicious French dish with pork and tomatoes.
• The dirty breakfast dishes were still in the sink when we got home.
• The national dish is ‘bigos’— hunter's stew.
• The national dish is ‘feijoada’— pork with beans.
• They sampled all the local dishes.
• a restaurant that serves traditional Indian dishes
• a simple dish, beautifully prepared
• your pet's food dish
• I'll do the dishes.
Idioms: dish it out ▪ dish the dirt
Derived: dish something out ▪ dish something up ▪ dish up ▪ dish up something
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
dish / dɪʃ / noun (CONTAINER)
dish
A2 [ C ] a container, flatter than a bowl and sometimes with a lid, from which food can be served or which can be used for cooking:
an oven-proof dish
→ See also satellite dish
the dishes A2 [ plural ] all the plates, glasses, knives, forks, etc. that have been used during a meal:
Have you done/washed the dishes?
dish / dɪʃ / noun [ C ] (FOOD)
A2 food prepared in a particular way as part of a meal:
a chicken/vegetarian dish
dish / dɪʃ / noun [ S ] old-fashioned (ATTRACTIVE PERSON)
a sexually attractive person:
He's gorgeous - what a dish!
dish
[dɪ̱ʃ]
♦♦♦
dishes, dishing, dished
1) N-COUNT A dish is a shallow container with a wide uncovered top. You eat and serve food from dishes and cook food in them.
...plastic bowls and dishes...
Pile potatoes into a warm serving dish.
2) N-COUNT: usu N of n The contents of a dish can be referred to as a dish of something.
Nicholas ate a dish of spaghetti.
3) N-COUNT Food that is prepared in a particular style or combination can be referred to as a dish.
This dish is best served cold...
There are plenty of vegetarian dishes to choose from.
...a delicious fish dish.
4) N-PLURAL All the objects that have been used to cook, serve, and eat a meal can be referred to as the dishes.
There were dirty dishes in the sink...
He'd cooked dinner and washed the dishes.
5) N-COUNT: usu with supp You can use the word dish to refer to anything that is round and hollow in shape with a wide uncovered top.
...a dish used to receive satellite broadcasts.
6) → See also satellite dish, side dish
7) PHRASE: V inflects If you do the dishes, you wash the dishes.
to dish the dirt → see dirt
I hate doing the dishes.
Phrasal Verbs:
- dish out
- dish up
1dish /ˈdɪʃ/ noun, pl dish·es
1 [count]
a : a shallow container that you cook or serve food in
• a baking/serving dish [=a container used to bake/serve food]
• a casserole/pie dish [=a container used to bake a casserole/pie] specifically; : a shallow bowl
• a candy dish [=a container used to serve candy]
• the cat's food/water dish
b : the food served in a dish
• a dish of strawberries
• a small dish of ice cream
2 [count] : food that is prepared in a particular way
• Each person made a dish for the potluck supper.
• The restaurant serves some of my favorite dishes.
• a fish/pasta/potato dish [=food that has fish/pasta/potatoes as a main ingredient]
• The main dish [=the biggest dish of a meal] was poached salmon, and it was served with a side dish [=a food that is served at the same time as the main dish] of spinach.
3 dishes [plural] : all the things (such as plates, forks, glasses, pans, cooking utensils, etc.) that are used to prepare, serve, and eat a meal
• We piled all the dishes in the sink after dinner.
• Will you wash the breakfast dishes, please?
• a sink full of dirty dishes
• It's your turn to do the dishes. [=wash the dishes]
4 [count]
a : a shallow container that holds something other than food
• a soap dish
b : something that is shaped like a shallow bowl
• Do you have cable TV or a dish? [=an antenna shaped like a dish that receives television signals from a satellite]
• a dish antenna
- see also petri dish, satellite dish
5 [singular] informal + old-fashioned : a sexually attractive person
• I hear your cousin is a dish. [=hottie]
to take part in a game or other organized activity
Do you want to play cards/football ( with us)?
verb (plays, playing, played )
1 to have fun; to do something to enjoy yourself:
The children were playing with their toys.
2 to take part in a game:
I like playing tennis.
Do you know how to play chess?
3 to make music with a musical instrument:
My sister plays the piano very well.
grammar
Note that we usually say 'play the violin, the piano, etc.': I'm learning to play the clarinet.
4 to put a record, CD, DVD, etc. in a machine and listen to it:
Shall I play the CD again?
5 to act the part of somebody in a play:
Who wants to play the policeman?
play
I. play1 S1 W1 /pleɪ/ BrE AmE verb
[Word Family: noun: ↑play, ↑interplay, ↑replay, ↑player, ↑playfulness; verb: ↑play, ↑outplay, ↑replay; adjective: ↑playful, ↑playable; adverb: ↑playfully]
[Language: Old English; Origin: plegan]
1. CHILDREN [intransitive and transitive] when children play, they do things that they enjoy, often with other people or with toys:
Kids were playing and chasing each other.
play catch/house/tag/school etc
Outside, the children were playing cowboys and Indians.
play with
Did you like to play with dolls when you were little?
Parents need to spend time just playing with their children.
2. SPORTS/GAMES
a) [intransitive and transitive] to take part or compete in a game or sport:
Karen began playing basketball when she was six.
If you feel any pain, you shouldn’t play.
Men were sitting in the park, playing cards.
play against
Bristol will play against Coventry next week.
She’s playing Helen Evans in the semi-final (=playing against her).
play for
Moxon played for England in ten test matches.
b) [transitive] to use a particular piece, card, person etc in a game or sport:
Harrison played a ten of spades.
The Regents played Eddie at center (=used him as a player in that position) in the game against Arizona.
c) [intransitive and transitive] to take a particular position on a team:
Garvey played first base for the Dodgers.
d) [transitive] to hit a ball in a particular way or to a particular place in a game or sport:
She played the ball low, just over the net.
MUSIC [intransitive and transitive]
to perform a piece of music on a musical instrument:
He’s learning to play the piano.
She played a Bach prelude.
Haden has played with many jazz greats.
A small orchestra was playing.
4. RADIO/CD ETC [intransitive and transitive] if a radio, CD etc plays, or if you play it, it produces sound, especially music:
The bedside radio played softly.
play a record/CD/tape etc
DJs playing the latest house and techno tracks
5. THEATRE/FILM
a) [transitive] to perform the actions and say the words of a particular character in a theatre performance, film etc:
Streep plays a shy, nervous woman.
play a role/part/character etc
Playing a character so different from herself was a challenge.
b) [intransitive] if a play or film is playing at a particular theatre, it is being performed or shown there:
‘Macbeth’ is playing at the Theatre Royal in York.
c) [transitive] if actors play a theatre, they perform there in a play
6. play a part/role to have an effect or influence on something
play a part/role in
A good diet and fitness play a large part in helping people live longer.
7. play ball
a) to throw, kick, hit, or catch a ball as a game or activity:
Jim and Karl were playing ball in the backyard.
b) to do what someone wants you to do:
So far, the company has refused to play ball, preferring to remain independent.
8. PRETEND [linking verb] to behave as if you are a particular kind of person or have a particular feeling or quality, even though it is not true:
the accusation that scientists are playing God
Some snakes fool predators by playing dead.
‘What do you mean?’ ‘Don’t play dumb (=pretend you do not know something).'
Don’t play the innocent (=pretend you do not know about something) with me – we both know what happened.
play the idiot/the teacher etc
Susan felt she had to play the good wife.
He played the fool (=behaved in a silly way) at school instead of working.
9. BEHAVE [transitive always + adverb/preposition] to behave in a particular way in a situation, in order to achieve the result or effect that you want:
How do you want to play this meeting?
Play it safe (=avoid risks) and make sure the eggs are thoroughly cooked.
play it carefully/cool etc
If you like him, play it cool, or you might scare him off.
10. play games to hide your real feelings or wishes in order to achieve something in a clever or secret way – used to show disapproval:
Stop playing games, Luke, and tell me what you want.
11. play something by ear
a) to decide what to do according to the way a situation develops, without making plans before that time:
We’ll see what the weather’s like and play it by ear.
b) if someone can play a musical instrument by ear, they can play a tune without looking at written music
12. play a joke/trick/prank on somebody to do something to someone as a joke or trick
13. play the game
a) to do things in the way you are expected to do them or in a way that is usual in a particular situation:
If you want a promotion, you’ve got to play the game.
b) British English to behave in a fair and honest way
14. play the race/nationalist/environmentalist etc card to use a particular subject in politics in order to gain an advantage:
a leader who is skilfully playing the nationalist card to keep power
15. play your cards right to say or do things in a situation in such a way that you gain as much as possible from it:
Who knows? If you play your cards right, maybe he’ll marry you.
16. play your cards close to your chest to keep secret what you are doing in a situation
17. play into sb’s hands to do what someone you are competing with wants you to do, without realizing it:
If we respond with violence, we’ll be playing into their hands, giving them an excuse for a fight.
18. play for time to try to delay something so that you have more time to prepare for it or prevent it from happening:
The rebels may be playing for time while they try to get more weapons.
19. play tricks (on you) if your mind, memory, sight etc plays tricks on you, you feel confused and not sure about what is happening:
It happened a long time ago, and my memory might be playing tricks on me.
20. play the market to risk money on the ↑stock market as a way of trying to earn more money
21. play the system to use the rules of a system in a clever way, to gain advantage for yourself:
Accountants know how to play the tax system.
22. play second fiddle (to somebody) to be in a lower position or rank than someone else
23. play hard to get to pretend that you are not sexually interested in someone so that they will become more interested in you
24. SMILE [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] written if a smile plays about someone’s lips, they smile slightly
25. play hooky American English, play truant British English to stay away from school without permission
26. play with fire to do something that could have a very dangerous or harmful result:
Dating the boss’s daughter is playing with fire.
27. play to your strengths to do what you are able to do well, rather than trying to do other things:
It is up to us to play to our strengths and try to control the game.
28. LIGHT [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] written if light plays on something, it shines on it and moves on it:
the sunlight playing on the water
29. WATER [intransitive] written if a ↑fountain plays, water comes from it
30. play a hose/light on something to point a ↑hose or light towards something so that water or light goes onto it
31. play the field to have sexual relationships with a lot of different people
32. play fast and loose with something to not be careful about what you do, especially by not obeying the law or a rule:
They played fast and loose with investors’ money.
33. play happy families British English to spend time with your family, doing normal things, especially so that your family appears to be happy when it is not
play around (also play about British English) phrasal verb
1. to have a sexual relationship with someone who is not your usual partner
play around with
Wasn’t she playing around with another man?
It was years before I realized he’d been playing around.
2. to try doing something in different ways, to see what would be best, especially when this is fun
play around with
Play around with the ingredients if you like.
3. to behave in a silly way or waste time, when you should be doing something more serious SYN fool around:
When the teacher wasn’t looking, we used to play about a lot.
play around with something (also play about with somethingBritish English) phrasal verb
to keep moving or making changes to something in your hands SYN fiddle with:
Will you stop playing around with the remote control!
play along phrasal verb
1. to pretend to agree to do what someone wants, in order to avoid annoying them or to get an advantage:
She felt she had to play along or risk losing her job.
2. play somebody along British English to tell someone something that is not true because you need their help in some way
play at something phrasal verb
1. What is somebody playing at? British English spoken used when you do not understand what someone is doing or why they are doing it, and you are surprised or annoyed:
What do you think you’re playing at?
2. if you play at doing something, you do not do it properly or seriously
play at doing something
He’s still playing at being an artist.
3. British English if children play at doctors, soldiers etc, they pretend to be doctors, soldiers etc
play at being something
a 14-year-old playing at being a grown woman
play something ↔ back phrasal verb
to play something that has been recorded on a machine so that you can listen to it or watch it:
He played back his answering machine messages.
play something ↔ down phrasal verb
to try to make something seem less important or less likely than it really is:
Management has been playing down the possibility of job losses.
play down the importance/seriousness/significance of something
The White House spokeswoman sought to play down the significance of the event.
play off phrasal verb
1. British English if people or teams play off, they play the last game in a sports competition, in order to decide who is the winner:
The top two teams will play off at Twickenham for the county title.
2. play off somebody/something American English to deliberately use a fact, action, idea etc in order to make what you are doing better or to get an advantage:
The two musicians played off each other in a piece of inspired improvisation.
play somebody off against somebody phrasal verb
to encourage one person or group to compete or argue with another, in order to get some advantage for yourself:
The house seller may try to play one buyer off against another, to raise the price.
play on/upon something phrasal verb
to use a feeling, fact, or idea in order to get what you want, often in an unfair way:
The ad plays on our emotions, showing a doctor holding a newborn baby.
play something ↔ out phrasal verb
1. if an event or situation is played out or plays itself out, it happens:
It will be interesting to see how the election plays itself out.
2. if people play out their dreams, feelings etc, they express them by pretending that a particular situation is really happening:
The weekend gives you a chance to play out your fantasies.
play up phrasal verb
1. play something ↔ up to emphasize something, sometimes making it seem more important than it really is:
Play up your strongest arguments in the opening paragraph.
2. play (somebody) up British English informal if children play up, they behave badly:
Jordan’s been playing up in school.
I hope the kids don’t play you up.
3. play (somebody) up British English informal to hurt you or cause problems for you:
My knee’s been playing me up this week.
The car’s playing up again.
play up to somebody phrasal verb
to behave in a very polite or kind way to someone because you want something from them:
Connie always plays up to her parents when she wants money.
play with somebody/something phrasal verb
1. to keep touching something or moving it:
Stop playing with the light switch!
2. to try doing something in different ways to decide what works best:
Play with the design onscreen, moving text and pictures until you get a pleasing arrangement.
3. to consider an idea or possibility, but not always very seriouslySYN toy with:
After university, I played with the idea of teaching English in China.
4. money/time/space etc to play with money, time etc that is available to be used:
The budget is very tight, so there isn’t much money to play with.
5. play with yourself to touch your own sex organs for pleasureSYN masturbate
6. play with words/language to use words in a clever or amusing way
play
play [play plays played playing] verb, noun [pleɪ] [pleɪ]
verb
OF CHILDREN
1. intransitive, transitive to do things for pleasure, as children do; to enjoy yourself, rather than work
• You'll have to play inside today.
• There's a time to work and a time to play.
• ~ with sb/sth A group of kids were playing with a ball in the street.
• I haven't got anybody to play with!
• ~ sth Let's play a different game.
2. transitive, no passive, intransitive to pretend to be or do sth for fun
• ~ sth Let's play pirates.
• ~ at doing sth They were playing at being cowboys.
TRICK
3. transitive ~ a trick/tricks (on sb) to trick sb for fun
SPORTS/GAMES
4. transitive, intransitive ~ (sth) (with/against sb) to be involved in a game; to compete against sb in a game
• ~ sth to play football/chess/cards, etc.
• ~ sb France are playing Wales tomorrow.
• ~ sb at sth Have you played her at squash yet?
• ~ for sb He plays for Cleveland.
• ~ against sb France are playing against Wales on Saturday.
• + adv./prep. Evans played very well.
5. intransitive to take a particular position in a sports team
• + adv./prep. Who's playing on the wing?
• + noun I've never played right back before.
6. transitive ~ sb (+ adv./prep.) to include sb in a sports team
• I think we should play Matt on the wing.
7. transitive ~ sth to make contact with the ball and hit or kick it in the way mentioned
• She played the ball and ran forward.
• He played a backhand volley.
8. transitive ~ sth (in chess) to move a piece in chess, etc
• She played her bishop.
9. transitive, intransitive ~ (sth) (in card games) to put a card face upwards on the table, showing its value
• to play your ace/a trump
• He played out of turn!
MUSIC
10. transitive, intransitive ~ (sth) (on sth) to perform on a musical instrument; to perform music
• ~ (sth) to play the piano/violin/flute, etc.
• In the distance a band was playing.
• ~ sth (on sth) He played a tune on his harmonica.
• ~ sth to sb Play that new piece to us.
• ~ sb sth Play us that new piece.
11. transitive, intransitive to make a tape, CD, etc. produce sound
• ~ sth (for sb) Play their new CD for me, please.
• ~ (sb sth) Play me their new CD, please.
• My favourite song was playing on the radio.
• For some reason this CD won't play.
DVD/VIDEO
12. intransitive, transitive (of a DVD or video) to start working; to make a DVD or video start working
• This DVD won't play on my computer.
• ~ sth Click below to play videos.
• Nothing happens when I try to play a DVD.
• A short video was played to the court showing the inside of the house.
ACT/PERFORM
13. transitive ~ sth to act in a play, film/movie, etc; to act the role of sb
• The part of Elizabeth was played by Cate Blanchett.
• He had always wanted to play Othello.
14. intransitive to pretend to be sth that you are not
• + adj. I decided it was safer to play dead.
• + noun She enjoys playing the wronged wife.
15. intransitive ~ (to sb) to be performed
• A production of ‘Carmen’ was playing to packed houses.
HAVE EFFECT
16. transitive ~ a part/role (in sth) to have an effect on sth
• The media played an important part in the last election.
SITUATION
17. transitive ~ sth + adv./prep. to deal with a situation in the way mentioned
• He played the situation carefully for maximum advantage.
OF LIGHT/A SMILE
18. intransitive + adv./prep. to move or appear quickly and lightly, often changing direction or shape
• Sunlight played on the surface of the lake.
OF FOUNTAIN
19. intransitive when a fountain plays, it produces a steady stream of water
• Two huge fountains were playing outside the entrance.
Rem: Most idioms containing play are at the entries for the nouns and adjectives in the idioms, for example play the game is at game.
Word Origin:
Old English pleg(i)an ‘to exercise’, plega ‘brisk movement’, related to Middle Dutch pleien ‘leap for joy, dance’.
Thesaurus:
play verb
1. I, T
• There's a time to work and a time to play.
enjoy yourself • • have fun • • celebrate • |informal have a good/great time • • party • • live it up •
Let's play/enjoy ourselves/have fun/celebrate/have a good time/party/live it up.
2. T, I
• He plays football in a local team.
compete • • go in for sth • • enter •
play/compete in a competition, etc.
play/compete against sb
3. T, I
• Who played the part of Juliet?
• I could hear a band playing in the distance.
perform • • act • |especially spoken do •
play/perform/do a piece
play/act a role/part
a band/musician plays/performs/does sth
Play or act? When you are talking about drama act can be used with an object (act a part) as well as without (He just can't act.); play can only be used with an object (play a part) and is more commonly used in this way than act.
Synonyms:
entertainment
fun • recreation • relaxation • play • pleasure • amusement
These are all words for things or activities used to entertain people when they are not working.
entertainment • films, television, music, etc. used to entertain people: ▪ There are three bars, with live entertainment seven nights a week.
fun • (rather informal) behaviour or activities that are not serious but come from a sense of enjoyment: ▪ It wasn't serious— it was all done ▪ in fun ▪. ◊ ▪ We didn't mean to hurt him. It was just ▪ a bit of fun ▪. ◊ ▪ The lottery provides ▪ harmless fun ▪ for millions.
recreation • (rather formal) things people do for enjoyment when they are not working: ▪ His only form of recreation is playing football.
relaxation • (rather formal) things people do to rest and enjoy themselves when they are not working; the ability to relax: ▪ I go hill-walking for relaxation.
recreation or relaxation?
Both these words can be used for a wide range of activities, physical and mental, but relaxation is sometimes used for gentler activities than recreation: ▪ I play the flute in a wind band for recreation. ◊ ▪I listen to music for relaxation.
play • things that people, especially children, do for enjoyment rather than as work: ▪ the happy sounds of children ▪ at play
pleasure • the activity of enjoying yourself, especially in contrast to working: ▪ Are you in Paris ▪ for business or pleasure ▪?
amusement • the fact of being entertained by sth: ▪ What do you do for amusement round here?
to do sth for entertainment/fun/recreation/relaxation/pleasure/amusement
to provide entertainment/fun/recreation/relaxation/amusement
Example Bank:
• Have you ever heard her play?
• He plays for Aston Villa.
• He plays for the Chicago Bears.
• I'm learning to play sax.
• I've never played John at tennis.
• Let's play at pirates!
• She has played in every game this season.
• She was playing cards with her mother.
• The band will be playing live in the studio.
• The little girl was playing with her toys.
• The other children wouldn't let him play.
• These guys make the team very difficult to play against.
• United are difficult to play against.
• a piece that is relatively easy to play
• learning to play the violin
• Do you want to play cards with me?
• Have you ever played her at chess?
• I haven't got anybody to play with!
• I've never played right back before.
• Let's play a different game.
• The part of the Queen was played by Helen Mirren.
• There's a time to work and a time to play.
• They play football on Saturday mornings.
• Who's playing on the wing?
• You'll have to play inside today.
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
play / pleɪ / verb (GAME)
A1 [ I or T ] to take part in a game or other organized activity:
Do you want to play cards/football ( with us)?
Irene won't be able to play in the match on Saturday.
Which team do you play for ?
Luke plays centre-forward (= plays in that position within the team) .
B1 [ T ] to compete against a person or team in a game:
Who are Aston Villa playing next week?
[ T ] to hit or kick a ball in a game:
He played the ball back to the goalkeeper.
A good snooker player takes time deciding which shot to play.
[ T ] to choose a card, in a card game, from the ones you are holding and put it down on the table:
She played the ace of spades.
© Cambridge University Press 2013
play
/pleɪ/
(plays, playing, played)
Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English.
1.
When children, animals, or perhaps adults play, they spend time doing enjoyable things, such as using toys and taking part in games.
They played in the little garden...
Polly was playing with her teddy bear.
VERB: V, V with n
2.
When you play a sport, game, or match, you take part in it.
While the twins played cards, Francis sat reading...
Alain was playing cards with his friends...
I used to play basketball...
I want to play for my country...
He captained the team but he didn’t actually play.
V-RECIP: pl-n V n, V n with n, V n (non-recip), V for n (non-recip), V (non-recip)
3.
When one person or team plays another or plays against them, they compete against them in a sport or game.
Northern Ireland will play Latvia...
I’ve played against him a few times.
VERB: V n, V against n
4.
When you play the ball or play a shot in a game or sport, you kick or hit the ball.
Think first before playing the ball...
I played the ball back slightly.
VERB: V n, V n adv
5.
If you play a joke or a trick on someone, you deceive them or give them a surprise in a way that you think is funny, but that often causes problems for them or annoys them.
Someone had played a trick on her, stretched a piece of string at the top of those steps...
I thought: ‘This cannot be happening, somebody must be playing a joke’.
VERB: V n on n, V n
6.
If you play with an object or with your hair, you keep moving it or touching it with your fingers, perhaps because you are bored or nervous.
She stared at the floor, idly playing with the strap of her handbag.
VERB: V with n
8.
If an actor plays a role or character in a play or film, he or she performs the part of that character.
...Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, in which he played Hyde...
His ambition is to play the part of Dracula.
VERB: V n, V n
9.
You can use play to describe how someone behaves, when they are deliberately behaving in a certain way or like a certain type of person. For example, to play the innocent, means to pretend to be innocent, and to play deaf means to pretend not to hear something.
Hill tried to play the peacemaker...
So you want to play nervous today?
= act
V-LINK: V n, V adj
10.
You can describe how someone deals with a situation by saying that they play it in a certain way. For example, if someone plays it cool, they keep calm and do not show much emotion, and if someone plays it straight, they behave in an honest and direct way.
Investors are playing it cautious, and they’re playing it smart.
VERB: V it adj/adv
11.
If you play a musical instrument or play a tune on a musical instrument, or if a musical instrument plays, music is produced from it.
Nina had been playing the piano...
He played for me...
Place your baby in her seat and play her a lullaby...
The guitars played.
VERB: V n, V for n, V n n, V
12.
If you play a record, a CD, or a tape, you put it into a machine and sound is produced. If a record, CD, or tape is playing, sound is being produced from it.
She played her records too loudly...
There is classical music playing in the background.
VERB: V n, V, also V n n
13.
If a musician or group of musicians plays or plays a concert, they perform music for people to listen or dance to.
A band was playing...
He will play concerts in Amsterdam and Paris.
VERB: V, V n
14.
If you ask what someone is playing at, you are angry because you think they are doing something stupid or wrong. (INFORMAL)
What the hell are you playing at?
PHRASE: V inflects [feelings]
15.
When something comes into play or is brought into play, it begins to be used or to have an effect.
The real existence of a military option will come into play...
PHRASE: V inflects
16.
If something or someone plays a part or plays a role in a situation, they are involved in it and have an effect on it.
The UN would play a major role in monitoring a ceasefire.
...the role played by diet in disease.
PHRASE: V inflects, usu PHR in n
1play /ˈpleɪ/ verb plays; played; play·ing
1 : to do activities for fun or enjoyment
[no obj]
• The children were playing in the yard.
• Can Sara come out and play?
• He played by himself in his room.
- often + with
• She's outside playing with her friends.
• You already have lots of toys to play with.
• a baby playing with his toes
[+ obj]
✦If children play teacher/school (etc.), they play by pretending to be adults.
• She likes to play teacher/doctor with her sisters.
- see also play house at 1house
2 a : to participate in (a game or sport)
[+ obj]
• Did you play any sports in high school?
• She plays soccer.
• Do you want to play (a game of) cards/poker?
• No one dares to play chess with/against him.
• It's not whether you win or lose (that's important), it's how you play the game.
• The children were playing hide-and-seek.
[no obj]
• I have a chess set. Do you want to play?
• It's your turn to play.
• She hurt her wrist but decided to continue playing.
• He played in every major tournament this year.
• He's always dreamed of playing on a professional hockey team.
- often + for
• We never play for money.
• I'm on a basketball team at school, but I also play for fun with my friends.
✦If you play for a particular team, you are a member of that team.
• Babe Ruth played for the Yankees.
• He used to play for Boston but got traded to New York.
b : to compete against (someone) in a game
[+ obj]
• The Yankees are playing the Red Sox tonight at Yankee Stadium.
• No one dares to play him at chess.
• When Tom and I are finished with this game, you can play the winner.
[no obj]
• The Yankees and the Red Sox are playing at Yankee Stadium.
• She has played against some of the best tennis players in the world.
✦If you play (someone) for (something), you play a game in which the winner will be able to take or keep something.
• “Is that the last can of soda?” “Yeah, I'll play you for it.”
c [+ obj] : to have (a particular position on a sports team)
• He dreamed about playing quarterback in the National Football League.
• She played center field in their last game.
• He plays third base.
• What position does he play?
d [+ obj] : to allow (someone) to play during a game especially in a particular position
• Her coach didn't play her in yesterday's game.
• They decided to play him at first base.
e [+ obj] : to place (a playing card) on the table during your turn in a card game
• I played the ace of hearts.
- often used figuratively
• lawyers who play the race card to defend their clients [=who say that their clients were treated unfairly because of their race]
- see also play your cards close to the chest/vest at 1card play your cards right at 1card
f [+ obj] : to move (a piece) during your turn in a chess game
• He played his rook/bishop/queen for the win.
g [+ obj] : to hit, kick, throw, or catch (a ball, puck, etc.)
• You have to play the ball where it lies.
• He played a wedge shot to the green.
• He played a great shot to his opponent's forehand.
• The shortstop played the ball perfectly.
3 [+ obj]
a : to bet money on (something)
• I used to gamble a lot. Mostly, I played the races/horses/slots.
• She only plays the lottery when there's a large jackpot.
b : to invest money in (the stock market) in order to try to earn money
• You can lose a lot of money playing the (stock) market.
4 a : to perform music on (an instrument)
[+ obj]
• She's been playing the violin since she was 10 years old.
• Where did you learn to play the piano?
• He can play guitar and drums.
[no obj]
• He played while she sang.
• Would you play for us?
• He plays in a band.
b [no obj] of an instrument : to produce music
• I could hear a guitar playing in the distance.
c [+ obj] : to perform (a song, a piece of music, etc.) on an instrument
• Would you play something for us?
• The band played their new hit song.
• The conductor had us play the piece again from the beginning.
• The band played a waltz.
• She started her career playing country music.
d [+ obj] : to perform music written by (a particular composer)
• The orchestra will be playing Mozart tonight.
e : to perform music in (a particular place)
[+ obj]
• It was her dream to play Carnegie Hall.
• She prefers playing small concert halls rather than big stadiums.
• The band has been playing bars and nightclubs.
[no obj]
• We mostly play in bars and nightclubs.
5 : to cause (a song, a piece of music, a movie, etc.) to be heard or seen
[+ obj]
• You kids are playing your music too loud.
• The radio station plays mostly hip-hop and R&B.
• Who decides which songs get played on the radio?
• We're waiting for you to play the movie.
• I asked him to play the album/CD/DVD for me.
[no obj]
• Our favorite song was playing on the radio.
• Classical music played softly in the background.
• The movie/DVD is already playing.
6 [no obj] : to be shown or performed usually more than one time
• The film is now playing [=is now being shown] in theaters across the country.
• What's playing at the theater/movies?
• The show has been playing to full/packed houses.
7 a [+ obj] : to act the part of (a particular character) in a film, play, etc.
• He played the lead role in Hamlet.
• Her character is being played by a relatively unknown actress.
• She's not a doctor, but she plays one on TV.
- often used figuratively
• My wife never disciplines the children. She gets to play the good guy while I have to play the bad guy. [=I have to discipline the children]
• I survived a terrible tragedy, but I don't want to play the victim. [=I don't want to act like a victim]
- often used with part or role
• Luck played an important part in their success. [=a lot of their success was because of luck]
• The essay discusses the role that television plays in modern society. [=the effect that television has on modern society]
• He's been playing the part/role of the jealous husband. [=he has been acting like a jealous husband]
• We all have a part/role to play in the future of this company. [=we all will be involved in an important way in the future of this company]
- see also role-play
b [no obj] : to pretend that you have a particular quality or are in a particular condition
• Don't play [=act] all innocent with me!
• She tried to teach her dog to play dead. [=to lie on its back and pretend to be dead]
• If anyone asks you about it, play dumb. [=act like you do not know anything about it]
8 : to act or behave in a particular way
[no obj]
• It's a very competitive business, and not everyone plays fair. = Not everyone plays by the rules.
• If you play smart [=if you make good decisions], you should be able to graduate in four years.
[+ obj]
• She didn't want to seem too eager, so she decided to play it cool. [=to act calm]
• If you play it smart, you should be able to graduate in four years.
• I decided to play it safe [=to be careful and avoid risk or danger] and leave early so that I would be sure to arrive on time.
- see also play by ear at 1ear
9 [no obj] : to do or say things in a joking way
• Don't take it so seriously. He was just playing. [=kidding, joking]
- often + around
• I was just playing around. I didn't really mean it.
• Stop playing around and talk to me seriously for a moment.
10 [+ obj] : to do (something) to someone in order to amuse yourself or others
• He's known for playing pranks, so I wouldn't trust him if I were you.
- usually + on
• Let's play a joke on her.
• The students got in trouble for playing a trick on their teacher.
• I can't believe what I'm seeing. My eyes must be playing tricks onme.
11 [+ obj] informal : to use or control (someone or something) in a clever and unfair way
• I'm never going to let anyone play me again.
• She played you like a fool.
- often + for
• She realized too late that she had been played for a fool.
• They had been playing the guy for a sucker all along.
12 [+ obj] : to base a decision or action on (something)
• Sometimes you just have to play your luck [=to take a chance] and hope that everything turns out okay.
• The coach was playing the odds that his pitcher would get through the inning without giving up a run.
• Criminal investigators need to play [=to act on] their hunches.
13 [no obj] US : to be accepted or received in a particular way
• The script looked good on paper but didn't play well on Broadway.
- often + with
• His idea did not play well with the committee. [=the committee did not like his idea]
14 [no obj] : to move in a lively and irregular way
• A knowing smile played on/about her lips.
• We watched the moonlight playing on the water.
play along [phrasal verb] : to agree to do or accept what other people want
• They wanted me to cooperate with them, but I refused to play along. [=go along]
• If I pretend to be sick, will you play along and tell everyone that I had to go to the doctor?
- often + with
• I refused to play along with them.
• Will you play along with my plan?
play around also Brit play about [phrasal verb]
1 : to have sex with someone who is not your husband, wife, or regular partner
• He's not the kind of guy who plays around. [=fools around, messes around]
- often + on
• She's been playing around on her husband.
- often + with
• She's been playing around with one of her coworkers.
2 : to deal with or treat something in a careless way
• When it comes to protecting his family, he doesn't play around. [=fool around, mess around]
- often + with
• You can't play around with diabetes; it's a very serious disease.
3 : to use or do something in a way that is not very serious
• It's time to stop playing around [=fooling around] and get busy.
- often + on
• I spent the evening playing around on the piano/computer/Internet.
- often + with
• I'm not really a painter; I just like to play around with paints.
4 play around with (something) : to move or change (something) or to think about (something) in different ways often in order to find out what would work best
• I see you've been playing around with the living room furniture again.
• The supervisor played around with our work schedules this week.
• We played around with the idea for a while but eventually realized that it just wouldn't work.
- see also 1play 9 (above)
play at [phrasal verb] play at (something)
1 : to do (something) in a way that is not serious
• They were only playing at trying to fix the problem.
2 chiefly Brit : to play by pretending to be (someone or something)
• (Brit) She liked to play at doctors and nurses as a child.
- often used in the phrase play at being (something)
• boys playing at being soldiers
3 Brit
- used to say in an annoyed way that you do not know the reason for someone's behavior
• What is he playing at?
• I have no idea what he was playing at.
play back [phrasal verb] play back (something) or play (something) back : to cause (recorded sounds or pictures) to be heard or seen
• The machine allows you to record and play back sounds.
• We finished recording our first take and played it back to hear how it sounded.
• He played the tape back to/for us.
- see also playback
play ball
- see 1ball
play down [phrasal verb] play down (something) or play (something) down : to make (something) seem smaller or less important
• She played down [=downplayed] her role in the research.
• It was a significant mistake though our CEO tried to play it down.
play fast and loose : to behave in a clever and dishonest way - usually + with
• He was accused of playing fast and loose with the truth. [=of being dishonest]
• reporters playing fast and loose with the facts
play for laughs or play (something) for laughs : to act in a funny way that makes people laugh
• She's fantastic in serious roles, but she also knows how to play for laughs.
• Most performers would have taken a serious tone during the scene, but he decided to play it for laughs.
play for time : to try to make something happen later instead of sooner : to try to delay something
• They're just playing for time, hoping that the situation will resolve itself.
play games
- see 1game
play God usually disapproving : to make decisions that have a very powerful and important effect on other people's lives
• lawyers who play God with people's lives
play hard to get : to pretend that you are not interested in having a romantic or sexual relationship with someone in order to make that person more attracted to you
• She's been playing hard to get, but I can tell that she likes me.
play into [phrasal verb] play into (something) : to help support (something, such as an idea)
• This new evidence plays into their theory quite nicely.
• Her methods play into the stereotype that lawyers are dishonest.
play into someone's hands or play into the hands of someone: to do something that you do not realize will hurt you and help someone else
• You're only playing into their hands by making such ridiculous accusations.
play off [phrasal verb]
1 chiefly Brit : to participate in a game that decides a winner from people or teams that had the same results in an earlier game : to play in a play-off
• The two teams played off for third place.
- see also play-off
2 play off (someone or something) US : to react to (someone or something) in a pleasing way : to combine with (someone or something) in a way that makes each part better
• In this scene, the two actors play off each other extremely well.
• The sweetness of the wine plays off the sharp flavor of the cheese.
3 play (someone or something) off against (someone or something) : to cause two people or groups to fight or compete with each other in a way that helps you
• They have been playing him off against his old enemies. [=causing him to fight with his old enemies]
• He played one side off against the other.
play on also play upon [phrasal verb] play on/upon (something) : to make people do what you want by using (their emotions, fears, concerns, etc.) in an unfair way
• The company plays on [=takes advantage of] the concerns of parents in order to sell their products.
• Politicians often win votes by playing on [=exploiting] people's emotions.
play out [phrasal verb]
1 a : to happen or occur in usually a gradual way
• Let's wait and see how things play out. [=take place, develop]
• The consequences of the error will play out for several years to come.
• Their personal tragedy was being played out in public.
b play out (something) or play (something) out : to make (something) happen
• She got to play out [=realize] her fantasy of being on TV.
• We watch professional athletes play out [=act out, live out] our dreams on the field.
• This scene plays itself out [=happens] daily in every large city in this country.
2 play out (something) or play (something) out : to finish (something)
• Her coach let her play out the rest of the season but said she wouldn't be allowed on the team next year.
• We'll stop the game after we play out this hand.
• playing out dangerous experiments
• That style of music had played itself out [=stopped being current or popular] and the record companies wanted something new.
- see also played-out
play the field : to have romantic or sexual relationships with more than one person at a time : to date more than one person
• He wanted to play the field a bit before he got married and settled down.
play the fool
- see 1fool
play to [phrasal verb]
1 play to (someone or something) : to behave or perform in a particular way for (someone or something) in order to get approval or attention
• He didn't mean what he was saying. He was just playing to the crowd.
• He loves publicity and plays to the cameras every chance he gets.
2 play to (something) : to make use of (something)
• a film that plays to stereotypes of housewives
• In his latest album, he once again plays to his strengths as a classical musician.
play to the gallery
- see gallery
play up [phrasal verb]
1 play up (something) or play (something) up
a : to talk about or treat (something) in a way that gives it special importance : to emphasize or stress (something)
• During the interview, try to play down your weaknesses and play up your strengths.
b : to make (something) seem bigger or more important
• It was only a small achievement though our CEO tried to play it up.
2 play up or play (someone) up Brit : to cause problems or pain
• The children have been playing up [=misbehaving, acting up] again.
• The camera started playing up [=acting up] after I dropped it.
• Whenever it rains, my arthritis starts playing up. [=acting up]
• My back has been playing me up again.
play with [phrasal verb] play with (something)
1 : to move or handle (something) with your hands or fingers often without thinking
• She played with her hair while she talked on the phone.
• Stop playing with your food and eat.
2 : to handle, change, or deal with (something) in a careless way
• I played [=fiddled, messed] with the radio for a while but couldn't get it to work.
• It's important to teach your children not to play withguns/fire/matches.
• Don't play with [=play around with] my heart/emotions.
• You have to take this seriously. You're playing with people's lives!
• They're playing with other people's money.
3 : to think about (something) briefly and not very seriously
• Management has been playing with [=toying with] the idea of moving to a different building.
• I played with the idea of moving to Chicago but ended up staying in New York.
play with fire : to do something that is risky or dangerous
• People who use drugs are playing with fire.
play with words/language : to use words that sound similar or that have several different meanings especially in a clever or funny way
• a writer who enjoys playing with words
play with yourself : to touch your own sex organs for sexual pleasure : masturbate
not wearing any clothes
got undressed and got into the bath.
undressed
un‧dressed /ˌʌnˈdrest◂/ BrE AmE adjective
[Word Family: noun: ↑dress, ↑dresser, ↑dressing; adjective: ↑dressed ≠ ↑undressed, ↑dressy; verb: ↑dress ≠ ↑undress]
1. [not before noun] not wearing any clothes:
He started to get undressed (=to take his clothes off).
2. an undressed wound has not been covered to protect it
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ naked not wearing any clothes or not covered by clothes - used especially when this seems rather shocking: a naked man | He got out of bed naked, and answered the telephone. | his naked chest
▪ have nothing on/not have anything on to not be wearing any clothes. This phrase is very commonly used in everyday English instead of saying that someone is naked: Can you wait a minute? I've got nothing on! | The little boy didn’t have anything on when he answered the door!
▪ bare used about feet, legs, arms etc that are not covered by clothes: The sand was too hot to walk on in bare feet.
▪ nude naked – used especially when talking about naked people in paintings, films etc: a nude portrait of his wife
▪ undressed [not before noun] not wearing any clothes, especially because you have just taken them off in order to go to bed, have a bath etc: Sara was undressed and ready for bed but Jenny was fully clothed. | Wearily she got undressed and stepped into the shower.
▪ topless if a woman is topless, she is not wearing any clothes on the upper part of her body, so that her breasts are not covered: a topless waitress
▪ in the nude not wearing any clothes: Men and women swam together in the nude and thought nothing of it.
▪ in your birthday suit informal humorous not wearing any clothes: He likes to sleep in his birthday suit. He says pyjamas are uncomfortable.
▪ go commando informal humorous to not wear any underwear: In summertime, he likes to go commando.
▪ in the buff informal not wearing any clothes - a very informal use: a beach where you can sunbathe in the buff
undressed
un·dressed [undressed] [ʌnˈdrest] [ʌnˈdrest] adjective not usually before noun
not wearing any clothes
• She began to get undressed (= remove her clothes).
• He was half undressed when he answered the door.
Opp: dressed
Example Bank:
• He was half undressed when the doorbell rang.
• She felt undressed without her hat.
• He said he felt undressed without a hat.
• She began to get undressed.
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
undressed / -ˈdrest / adjective [ usually after verb ]
B2
You two kids get undressed, and I'll run the bath.
undressed
[ʌ̱ndre̱st]
ADJ
If you are undressed, you are wearing no clothes or your night clothes. If you get undressed, you take off your clothes.
Fifteen minutes later he was undressed and in bed...
He got undressed in the bathroom.
undressed
un·dressed /ˌʌnˈdrɛst/ adj
1 not used before a noun : wearing no clothing : not dressed
• I was undressed when the fire alarm went off.
• She got undressed [=took off her clothes] and went to bed.
2 : not cared for or covered
• an undressed wound
3 technical : not finished : not prepared for use
• undressed hides/stones
polite behaviour, or a polite action or remark
You might get on better with your parents if you showed them some courtesy.
courtesy
noun (no plural)
polite behaviour that shows respect for other people
courtesy
I. cour‧te‧sy1 /ˈkɜːtəsi, ˈkɜːtɪsi $ ˈkɜːr-/ BrE AmE noun (plural courtesies)
[Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: corteisie, from corteis; ⇨ ↑courteous]
1. [uncountable] polite behaviour and respect for other people SYN politeness OPP discourtesy:
It’s a matter of common courtesy to acknowledge letters.
have the courtesy to do something
He didn’t even have the courtesy to call and say he couldn’t come.
2. [countable] something you do or say to be polite:
The two men exchanged courtesies before getting down to business.
3. (by) courtesy of somebody by someone’s permission or kindness, rather than by paying them:
photographs supplied courtesy of Blenheim Palace
4. (by) courtesy of something if one thing happens courtesy of another, the second thing caused the first:
Healy received a deep cut on his left hand, courtesy of Nicole’s ice skate.
5. do somebody the courtesy of doing something to be polite enough to do something for someone:
At least do me the courtesy of telling the truth.
courtesy
cour·tesy [courtesy courtesies] noun, adjective [ˈkɜːtəsi] [ˈkɜːrtəsi]
noun (pl. cour·tesies)
1. uncountable polite behaviour that shows respect for other people
Syn: politeness
• I was treated with the utmost courtesy by the staff.
• We asked them, as a matter of courtesy, if we could photograph their house.
• It's only common courtesy to tell the neighbours that we'll be having a party (= the sort of behaviour that people would expect).
2. countable, usually plural (formal) a polite thing that you say or do when you meet people in formal situations
• an exchange of courtesies before the meeting
Word Origin:
Middle English: from Old French cortesie, from corteis, based on Latin cohors ‘yard, retinue’.
Example Bank:
• He listened to all the complaints with great courtesy.
• It's a matter of courtesy to write and thank people after a party.
• It's common courtesy to give up your seat for elderly people.
• It's common courtesy to warn your neighbours if your children are going to have a party.
• She contacts clients regularly as a professional courtesy.
• She might have done me the courtesy of replying to my letter.
• You could at least have had the courtesy to let me know.
• her unfailing courtesy to everyone
• He bowed his head with exaggerated courtesy.
• It's only common courtesy to tell the neighbours that we'll be having a party.
• The prime minister was welcomed with the usual courtesies.
• We asked them as a matter of courtesy.
Idioms: courtesy of somebody ▪ do somebody the courtesy of doing something ▪ have the courtesy to do something
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
courtesy / ˈkɜː.tə.si / / ˈkɝː.t̬ə- / noun [ U or C ]
B2 polite behaviour, or a polite action or remark:
You might get on better with your parents if you showed them some courtesy.
[ + to infinitive ] He could at least have had the courtesy to say sorry.
The president welcomed the Queen with the usual courtesies.
(by) courtesy of by permission of:
Jessie J appears courtesy of Universal Records.
because of:
Did the Conservatives win courtesy of the division of the opposition vote between Labour and the Liberal Democrats?
courtesy
[kɜ͟ː(r)tɪsi]
courtesies
1) N-UNCOUNT Courtesy is politeness, respect, and consideration for others. [FORMAL]
...a gentleman who behaves with the utmost courtesy towards ladies...
He did not even have the courtesy to reply to my fax.
Syn:
politeness
Ant:
rudeness
2) N-SING: usu the N of -ing/n If you refer to the courtesy of doing something, you are referring to a polite action. [FORMAL]
By extending the courtesy of a phone call to my clients, I was building a personal relationship with them...
At least if they're arguing, they're doing you the courtesy of being interested.
3) N-COUNT: usu pl Courtesies are polite, conventional things that people say in formal situations. [FORMAL]
Hugh and John were exchanging faintly barbed courtesies.
Syn:
formalities
4) ADJ: ADJ n Courtesy is used to describe services that are provided free of charge by an organization to its customers, or to the general public.
A courtesy shuttle bus operates between the hotel and the town.
...a courtesy phone.
5) ADJ: ADJ n A courtesy call or a courtesy visit is a formal visit that you pay someone as a way of showing them politeness or respect.
The President paid a courtesy call on Emperor Akihito.
6) N-UNCOUNT: N n, by N A courtesy title is a title that someone is allowed to use, although it has no legal or official status.
Both were accorded the courtesy title of Lady...
My title, by courtesy only, is the Honourable Amalia Lovell.
7) PHR-PREP If something is provided courtesy of someone or by courtesy of someone, they provide it. You often use this expression in order to thank them.
The waitress brings over some congratulatory glasses of champagne, courtesy of the restaurant...
Illustrations by courtesy of the National Gallery.
8) PHR-PREP If you say that one thing happens courtesy of another or by courtesy of another, you mean that the second thing causes or is responsible for the first thing.
The air was fresh, courtesy of three holes in the roof...
As millions will have seen, by courtesy of the slow motion re-runs, the referee made a mistake.
1cour·te·sy /ˈkɚtəsi/ noun, pl -sies
1 [noncount] : polite behavior that shows respect for other people
• They treated us with courtesy and kindness.
• He didn't even have the common courtesy [=he was not even as polite as people can usually be expected to be] to say goodbye when he left.
2 [count]
a : something that you do because it is polite, kind, etc.
• She did it as a courtesy, not because she had to.
b : something that you say to be polite especially when you meet someone
• Everyone knows each other here, so we won't bother with the usual courtesies.
• They shook hands and exchanged courtesies before beginning their discussion.
courtesy of
✦If you say that something has been provided through the courtesy of or (by) courtesy of a person, organization, business, etc., you are politely saying that they paid for it, gave it, or let it be used.
• The flowers were provided through the courtesy of a local florist.
• This program is brought to you courtesy of our sponsors. [=it has been paid for by our sponsors] The word courtesy is sometimes used informally by itself in this way.
• Photo courtesy Helen Jones. [=Helen Jones is allowing the photograph to be used] The phrase courtesy of is sometimes also used informally to indicate the cause of something.
• I have a bad cold now, courtesy of my brother. [=I have a bad cold that I caught from my brother]
very beautiful and delicate
Look at this exquisite painting
exquisite
adjective
extremely beautiful:
She has an exquisite face.
exquisite
ex‧qui‧site /ɪkˈskwɪzət, ɪkˈskwɪzɪt, ˈekskwɪ-/ BrE AmE adjective
[Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: exquisitus, past participle of exquirere 'to search out', from quaerere 'to look for']
1. extremely beautiful and very delicately made:
the most exquisite craftsmanship
2. very sensitive and delicate in the way you behave or do things:
She has exquisite taste in art.
3. literary exquisite pain or pleasure is felt very strongly
—exquisitely adverb
—exquisiteness noun [uncountable]
• • •
THESAURUS
■ place/thing etc
▪ beautiful used to describe something that looks, feels, sounds etc so good that it gives you a lot of pleasure: a beautiful tropical beach | a beautiful song | The weather was beautiful.
▪ lovely especially British English spoken used when saying that something looks, feels, or sounds very nice: What a lovely day! | a lovely voice | a lovely perfume
▪ pretty pleasant to look at – often used about things that are not big or impressive: a pretty little pink dress | a pretty village
▪ attractive pleasant to look at. Attractive sounds more formal than pretty: an attractive white-painted cottage with green shutters | an attractive city
▪ magnificent very big, beautiful, and impressive – used about buildings, objects, and views: The Taj Mahal always looks magnificent. | a magnificent Persian carpet | There were magnificent views over the old city.
▪ picturesque written pleasant to look at – used in written descriptions of towns, buildings, and places: the picturesque harbour town of Castleton | Regensburg Cathedral occupies a picturesque position on the River Danube in Bavaria.
▪ stunning/breathtaking extremely beautiful and impressive – used especially about views: All around is a stunning view of Cape Town. | The landscape is breathtaking.
▪ exquisite /ɪkˈskwɪzət, ɪkˈskwɪzɪt, ˈekskwɪ-/ used to describe things that have very beautiful small details, especially things that have been made with a lot of skill: an exquisite piece of jewellery | an exquisite flower | an exquisite picture of a bird of paradise
▪ elegant designed in a way that looks very attractive and has a lot of style: an elegant Neo-Classical building | a long and elegant staircase
exquisite
ex·quis·ite [ɪkˈskwɪzɪt] [ɪkˈskwɪzɪt] [ˈekskwɪzɪt] [ˈekskwɪzɪt] adjective
1. extremely beautiful or carefully made
• exquisite craftsmanship
• Her wedding dress was absolutely exquisite.
2. (formal) (of a feeling) strongly felt
Syn: acute
• exquisite pain/pleasure
3. (formal) delicate and sensitive
• The room was decorated in exquisite taste.
• an exquisite sense of timing
Derived Word: exquisitely
Word Origin:
[exquisite exquisitely] late Middle English (in the sense ‘precise’): from Latin exquisit- ‘sought out’, from the verb exquirere, from ex- ‘out’ + quaerere ‘seek’.
Example Bank:
• Look at the exquisite craftsmanship in this vase.
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
exquisite / ɪkˈskwɪz.ɪt / adjective (BEAUTIFUL)
C2 very beautiful and delicate:
an exquisite piece of china
Look at this exquisite painting
She has exquisite taste.
exquisite
[ɪkskwɪ̱zɪt, e̱kskwɪzɪt]
1) ADJ-GRADED Something that is exquisite is extremely beautiful or pleasant, especially in a delicate way.
The Indians brought in exquisite beadwork to sell...
Mr Zhang's photography is exquisite.
...her exquisite manners.
Derived words:
exquisitely ADV-GRADED usu ADV adj/-ed ...exquisitely crafted dolls' houses. ...an exquisitely beautiful young woman.
2) ADJ: ADJ n (emphasis) Exquisite is used to emphasize that a feeling or quality is very great or intense. [LITERARY]
The words issuing from her lips gave exquisite pleasure as they flowed over him...
She peeled it with exquisite care.
exquisite
ex·quis·ite /ɛkˈskwɪzət, ˈɛkskwɪzət/ adj [more ~; most ~]
1 : finely done or made
• exquisite workmanship
• a move executed with exquisite precision : very beautiful or delicate
• exquisite flowers
• Her singing voice is truly exquisite.
2 : very sensitive or fine
• They have exquisite [=excellent] taste in furniture.
• The scenes are described in exquisite detail. [=with a lot of very fine details]
3 : extreme or intense
• exquisite pain/agony
• He chose his words with exquisite care.
the feeling or quality of being grateful
he sent them a present to show/express her gratitude.
gratitude
noun (no plural)
the feeling of wanting to thank somebody for something:
We gave David a present to show our gratitude for all his help.
gratitude
grat‧i‧tude /ˈɡrætətjuːd, ˈɡrætɪtjuːd $ -tuːd/ BrE AmE noun [uncountable]
[Word Family: noun: ↑gratitude ≠ ↑ingratitude, ↑ingrate; adverb: ↑gratefully; adjective: ↑grateful ≠ ↑ungrateful]
[Date: 1400-1500; Language: French; Origin: Latin gratitudo, from gratus; ⇨ ↑grateful]
the feeling of being grateful OPP ingratitude:
Tears of gratitude filled her eyes.
gratitude to/towards
She had a deep gratitude towards David, but she did not love him.
gratitude for
The committee expressed its gratitude for the contribution he had made.
in gratitude for something
Will you let me take you out to dinner tomorrow in gratitude for what you’ve done?
with gratitude
She accepted his offer with gratitude.
⇨ debt of gratitude at ↑debt(4)
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ verbs
▪ express your gratitude We would like to express our gratitude to everyone for their generous donations.
▪ show your gratitude Her face showed her gratitude.
▪ feel gratitude He felt a certain gratitude to Eleanor for giving him this idea.
▪ earn somebody's gratitude The useful service she performed raising money has earned our gratitude.
■ adjectives
▪ somebody's eternal/undying gratitude (=used to emphasize how extremely grateful you are) The doctors who saved my daughter have my undying gratitude.
▪ somebody's deep gratitude (also profound gratitude formal) My only emotions afterward were relief and deep gratitude.
▪ somebody's sincere gratitude First, I must express our sincere gratitude for all you have done.
▪ somebody's immense gratitude (=being very grateful) He would like everyone to know about his immense gratitude for all their work.
■ phrases
▪ a feeling/sense of gratitude She had a sudden feeling of gratitude towards him.
▪ owe somebody a debt of gratitude I owe my former teacher a deep debt of gratitude.
gratitude
grati·tude [ˈɡrætɪtjuːd] [ˈɡrætɪtuːd] noun uncountable
the feeling of being grateful and wanting to express your thanks
• He smiled at them with gratitude.
• ~ (to sb) (for sth) I would like to express my gratitude to everyone for their hard work.
• She was presented with the gift in gratitude for her long service.
• a deep sense of gratitude
• I owe you a great debt of gratitude (= feel extremely grateful).
Opp: ingratitude
Word Origin:
[gratitude] late Middle English: from Old French, or from medieval Latin gratitudo, from Latin gratus ‘pleasing, thankful’.
Example Bank:
• His kindness and support earned him her eternal gratitude.
• I remember them with gratitude.
• I sent him some money as a token of my gratitude.
• I would like to express my deep sense of gratitude to the staff for their patience.
• They deserve our gratitude for all the work they do.
• We owe her a deep debt of gratitude for her services.
• You have our undying gratitude.
• my gratitude at her thoughtfulness
• the very deep gratitude I felt towards her
• He smiled at them with gratitude.
• I feel a deep sense of gratitude to her.
• I owe you a great debt of gratitude.
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
gratitude / ˈɡræt.ɪ.tjuːd / / ˈɡræt̬.ə.tuːd / noun [ U ] ( also gratefulness )
the feeling or quality of being grateful:
deep/eternal gratitude
She sent them a present to show/express her gratitude.
Take this as a token of my gratitude for all your help.
gratitude
[græ̱tɪtjuːd, AM -tuːd]
N-UNCOUNT: oft N for/to n
Gratitude is the state of feeling grateful.
...a sense of gratitude...
I wish to express my gratitude to Kathy Davis for her immense practical help.
gratitude
grat·i·tude /ˈgrætəˌtuːd, Brit ˈgrætəˌtjuːd/ noun [noncount] : a feeling of appreciation or thanks
• Let me express my sincere gratitude for all your help.
• We remember with gratitude those who died defending our country.
• We owe them a debt of gratitude [=we should be grateful to them] for all the help they've given us.
- opposite ingratitude