0
funky
funky [adjective] (FASHIONABLE)
fashionable in an unusual and noticeable way
US
/ˈfʌŋ.ki/
UK
/ˈfʌŋ.ki/
Example:
She has some really funky clothes.
fashionable in an unusual and noticeable way
She has some really funky clothes.
funky
funk‧y /ˈfʌŋki/ BrE AmE adjective informal
[Date: 1700-1800; Origin: ⇨ ↑funk(3)]
1. modern, fashionable, and interesting:
Add a touch of style with these functional yet funky wall lights.
2. funky music is simple with a strong ↑rhythm that is easy to dance to
3. American English having a bad smell or a dirty appearance
funky
funky [funky funkier funkiest] [fʌŋki] [fʌŋki] adjective (funk·ier, funki·est)(informal)
1. (of pop music) with a strong rhythm that is easy to dance to
• a funky disco beat
2. (approving) fashionable and unusual
• She wears really funky clothes.
3. (NAmE) having a strong unpleasant smell
Word Origin:
late 18th cent. (in the sense ‘smelling strong or bad’): from the noun funk.
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
funky / ˈfʌŋ.ki / adjective slang (FASHIONABLE)
fashionable in an unusual and noticeable way:
She has some really funky clothes.
funky / ˈfʌŋ.ki / adjective (MUSIC)
describes a style of music, usually for dancing to, with a strong rhythm based on jazz and a tune that repeats:
Have you heard their new record? It's really funky.
funky
[fʌ̱ŋki]
funkier, funkiest
1) ADJ-GRADED Funky jazz, blues, or pop music has a very strong, repeated bass part.
It's a funky sort of rhythm.
2) ADJ-GRADED (approval) If you describe something or someone as funky, you like them because they are unconventional or unusual. [mainly AM, INFORMAL]
It had a certain funky charm, I guess, but it wasn't much of a place to raise a kid.
funky
funky /ˈfʌŋki/ adj funk·i·er; -est
1 : having the style or feeling of funk music
• funky music
• The music had a funky beat.
2 informal : stylish or appealing in an unusual way
• We had dinner at a funky little Italian restaurant.
• a funky bar
3 US : having a strange or unpleasant odor
• Something in the closet smells a little funky.
of a high quality in appearance, design, or behaviour
The film's direction is subtle and stylish.
stylish
adjective
fashionable and attractive:
Jane's very stylish.
stylish
styl‧ish AC /ˈstaɪlɪʃ/ BrE AmE adjective
[Word Family: noun: ↑style, ↑styling, ↑stylishness, ↑stylist, ↑stylistics, ↑stylization; adjective: ↑stylish, ↑stylistic, ↑stylized; adverb: ↑stylishly, ↑stylistically; verb: ↑style]
attractive in a fashionable way:
a stylish woman in her forties
Jack is quite stylish.
a stylish restaurant in the West End
—stylishly adverb
—stylishness noun [uncountable]
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ fashionable popular at a particular time: fashionable clothes | It was fashionable to have red hair. | His theories were fashionable in the 1980s.
▪ trendy informal modern and fashionable – often used in a slightly disapproving or joking way: a trendy tie | a trendy restaurant | The area has become very trendy and a lot of artists live there.
▪ stylish adjective fashionable and well-designed in an attractive way: She was wearing a stylish two-piece suit. | The furniture looked very stylish and modern.
▪ cool adjective informal fashionable – used especially when you think someone or something looks good: Michael looked very cool in his dark jacket and sunglasses. | a cool shirt
▪ happening [only before noun] informal adjective a happening place is fashionable and lively: London has always been a happening place.
▪ be in fashion verb phrase to be fashionable at a particular time: The Sixties look is back in fashion.
▪ in adjective informal fashionable at a particular time. In is not used before a noun, except in the phrases below: Pale colours are in. | New York was the in place to be. | Yoga has become the in thing to do.
stylish
styl·ish AW [stylish stylishly stylishness] [ˈstaɪlɪʃ] [ˈstaɪlɪʃ] adjective (approving)
fashionable; elegant and attractive
Syn: classy
• his stylish wife
• a stylish restaurant
• It was a stylish performance by both artists.
Derived Words: stylishly ▪ stylishness
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
stylish / ˈstaɪ.lɪʃ / adjective approving
B1 of a high quality in appearance, design, or behaviour:
The film's direction is subtle and stylish.
stylish
[sta͟ɪlɪʃ]
ADJ-GRADED
Someone or something that is stylish is smart, elegant, and fashionable.
...a very attractive and very stylish woman of 27.
...a varied choice of stylish designs.
Syn:
fashionable
Derived words:
stylishly ADV-GRADED ...stylishly dressed middle-aged women.
stylishness N-UNCOUNT ...a thoroughly modern Italian stylishness.
stylish
styl·ish /ˈstaɪlɪʃ/ adj [more ~; most ~] : following the popular style : fashionable
• She wears stylish clothes. = She's a stylish dresser.
• a stylish apartment/house
[ before noun ] complete, whole, or containing a lot of detail
Please give your full name and address.
full
adjective (fuller, fullest)
1 with a lot of people or things in it, so that there is no more space:
My glass is full.
The bus was full so we waited for the next one.
These socks are full of holes.
2 (British also full up) having had enough to eat:
'Would you like anything else to eat?' 'No thank you, I'm full.'
3 complete; with nothing missing:
Please tell me the full story.
4 as much, big, etc. as possible:
The train was travelling at full speed.
in full completely; with nothing missing:
Please write your name in full.
full
I. full1 S1 W1 /fʊl/ BrE AmE adjective
[Language: Old English]
1. NO SPACE containing as much or as many things or people as possible, so there is no space left ⇨ empty:
The train was completely full.
Don’t talk with your mouth full.
The class is full, but you can register for next term.
full of
The kitchen was full of smoke.
be crammed/stuffed/packed etc full of something
Ted’s workshop was crammed full of old engines.
half-full/three-quarters full etc
McQuaid filled his glass until it was three-quarters full.
The bath was full to the brim (=completely full) with hot water.
full (up) to bursting British English informal (=completely full)
The filing cabinet was full to bursting.
REGISTER
In everyday English, people often say that a place is packed when it is full of people:
▪ The trains are always packed in the rush hour.
2. INCLUDING EVERYTHING [only before noun] complete and including all parts or details:
Please write your full name and address on the form.
The Health Centre offers a full range of services.
Lotus will not reveal full details until the Motor Show.
The BBC promised a full investigation.
I don’t think he’s telling us the full story (=everything he knows about the matter).
3. HIGHEST AMOUNT/LEVEL [only before noun] the greatest amount or highest level of something that is possible SYN maximum:
rising prosperity and full employment
The charity helps disabled children reach their full potential.
Few customers take full advantage of off-peak fares.
Parker was driving at full speed when he hit the wall.
in full leaf/bloom
The roses were now in full bloom.
4. HAVING A LOT OF SOMETHING be full of something
a) to contain many things of the same kind:
a garden full of flowers
His essay was full of mistakes.
The music papers were full of gossip about the band.
Life’s full of surprises, isn’t it?
b) to feel, express, or show a lot of a particular emotion or quality
full of excitement/energy/hope etc
Lucy was a happy child, always full of life.
He was full of praise for the work of the unit.
c) to talk or think a lot about a particular thing:
She was full of plans for the wedding.
5. FOOD (also full up British English) [not before noun] having eaten so much food that you cannot eat any more:
No more, thanks. I’m full.
6. EMPHASIS [only before noun] used to emphasize an amount, quantity, or rate
three/six etc full days/years/pages etc
We devote five full days a month to training.
His pants rose a full three inches off his shoes.
7. BUSY busy and involving lots of different activities:
Before her illness, Rose enjoyed a full life.
Go to bed. You’ve a full day tomorrow.
8. RANK having or giving all the rights, duties etc that belong to a particular rank or position
full professor/member/colonel etc
Only full members have the right to vote.
a full driving licence
9. be full of yourself to have a high opinion of yourself – used to show disapproval:
My first impression was that he was a bit full of himself.
10. be full of crap/shit/it not polite a rude expression used to say that someone often says things that are wrong or stupid:
Don’t listen to Jerry. He’s full of it.
11. CLOTHES made using a lot of material and fitting loosely:
a dress with a full skirt
12. BODY large and rounded in an attractive way
full figure/face/breasts etc
clothes for the fuller figure
13. TASTE having a strong satisfying taste:
Now you can enjoy Nescafé's fuller flavour in a decaffeinated form. ⇨ ↑full-bodied
14. SOUND pleasantly loud and deep:
the rich full sound of the cello
15. full price not a reduced price:
If you’re over 14, you have to pay full price.
16. in full view of somebody so that all the people in a place can see, especially when this is embarrassing or shocking:
The argument happened on stage in full view of the audience.
17. be in full swing if an event or process is in full swing, it has reached its highest level of activity:
By 8.30, the party was in full swing.
18. full speed/steam ahead doing something with as much energy and effort as possible:
With last season’s misery behind them, it’s full steam ahead for the Bears.
19. be full of beans to be excited and have lots of energy
20. (at) full blast informal as strongly, loudly, or quickly as possible:
The heater was on full blast but I was still cold.
a car stereo playing Wagner at full blast
21. (at) full tilt/pelt moving as fast as possible:
She ran full tilt into his arms.
22. be in full cry if a group of people are in full cry, they are criticizing someone very strongly:
Anyone who’s seen the world’s press in full cry can understand how Diana felt.
23. to the full (also to the fullest American English) in the best or most complete way:
Ed believes in living life to the full.
24. come/go/turn full circle to be in the same situation in which you began, even though there have been changes during the time in between:
Fashion has come full circle and denim is back.
⇨ ↑fully, ⇨ have your hands full at ↑hand1(29), ⇨ draw yourself up to your full height at ↑draw up(4)
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ full containing as much or as many things or people as possible, so there is no space left: The train was nearly full. | The cupboard was full of clothes. | He spilled a full cup of coffee on the carpet.
▪ filled with something full of something – use this about a container when a lot of things have been put into it: The envelopes were filled with cash.
▪ stuffed full of something completely full of something – use this about a container when lots of things have been put into it, often in an untidy way: The case was stuffed full of clothes.
▪ packed completely full of people – use this about a room, train etc: a packed restaurant | The courtroom will be packed with journalists.
▪ bursting (with something) extremely full of something: Her wardrobe was bursting with coats and shoes. | a small garden bursting with fruit and flowers
▪ crammed so full that you cannot fit anyone or anything else in – often used when you think there are too many people or things: In summer, the hotels are crammed with tourists. | The resort’s crammed beaches are uncomfortable in summer.
▪ teeming (with something) /ˈtiːmɪŋ/ full of people, animals etc that are all moving around: The rivers are teeming with fish.
▪ overflowing used about a container that is so full that the liquid or things inside it come out over the top: an overflowing bathtub | The drawers were overflowing with magazines.
▪ overloaded used about a vehicle or a ship which has too many people or things in it: an overloaded fishing boat | The trucks are often grossly overloaded (=far too overloaded).
full
full [full fulls fulled fulling fuller fullest] adjective, adverb [fʊl] [fʊl]
adjective (full·er, fullest)
WITH NO EMPTY SPACE
1. ~ (of sth) containing or holding as much or as many as possible; having no empty space
• a full bottle of wine
• She could only nod, because her mouth was full.
• My suitcase was full of books.
• There were cardboard boxes stuffed full of clothes.
• (BrE) Sorry, the hotel is full up tonight.
HAVING A LOT
2. ~ of sth having or containing a large number or amount of sth
• The sky was full of brightly coloured fireworks.
• Life is full of coincidences.
• Our new brochure is crammed full of inspirational ideas.
• animals pumped full of antibiotics
• She was full of admiration for the care she had received.
• He smiled, his eyes full of laughter.
TALKING A LOT
3. ~ of sth (of a person) thinking or talking a lot about a particular thing
• He was full of his new job and everything he'd been doing.
WITH FOOD
4. (BrE also ˌfull ˈup) having had enough to eat
• No more for me, thanks— I'm full up.
• The kids still weren't full, so I gave them an ice cream each.
• You can't run on a full stomach.
COMPLETE
5. usually before noun complete; with nothing missing
• Full details are available on request.
• I still don't think we've heard the full story.
• a full English breakfast
• A full refund will be given if the item is faulty.
• Fill in your full name and address.
• The country applied for full membership of the European Union.
• It is too early to assess the full extent of the damage.
• They sell a full range of hair and beauty products.
AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE
6. usually before noun to the highest level or greatest amount possible
Syn: maximum
• Many people don't use their computers to their full potential.
• measures to achieve full employment
• Students should take full advantage of the university's facilities.
• She came round the corner at full speed.
BUSY
7. busy; involving a lot of activities
• He'd had a very full life.
• Her life was too full to find time for hobbies.
FOR EMPHASIS
8. only before noun used to emphasize an amount or a quantity
• She is a full four inches shorter than her sister.
MOON
9. appearing as a complete circle
• The moon was full, the sky clear.
see also full moon
FAT
10. (of a person or part of the body) large and round. ‘Full ’ is sometimes used to avoid saying ‘fat’
• He kissed her full sensual lips.
• They specialize in clothes for women with a fuller figure.
CLOTHES
11. made with plenty of cloth; fitting loosely
• a full skirt
TONE/VOICE/FLAVOUR
12. deep, strong and rich
• He draws a unique full sound from the instrument.
• the full fruity flavour of the wine
Rem: Most idioms containing full are at the entries for the nouns and verbs in the idioms, for example full of the joys of spring is at joy.
Word Origin:
Old English, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch vol and German voll.
Thesaurus:
full adj.
1.
• There were boxes full of clothes.
packed • • crammed • • crowded • |informal stuffed • |disapproving overcrowded • • congested •
Opp: empty
full/packed/crammed/crowded/overcrowded/congested with sb/sth
packed/crammed/stuffed full of sb/sth
2.
• We haven't heard the full story.
whole • • complete • • entire • • total •
Opp: partial
a/an full/whole/complete/entire day/set
the full/whole/complete truth/story
full/complete details
3.
• He led a very full life.
busy • • hectic • • eventful • |especially BrE lively •
Opp: empty
a/an full/busy/hectic/eventful day/weekend/week/life
a full/busy/hectic/lively programme
a full/busy/hectic schedule/timetable
Full, busy or hectic? Busy is the most general of these words. A period of time that is full is busy in a good way; if it is hectic then it is usually too busy,
Example Bank:
• Her wine glass was still fairly full.
• I'm full up. I can't eat another thing.
• The bottle was half full of mineral water.
• The garage has got full of junk again.
• The kitchen was absolutely full of flies!
• The reservoirs are all virtually full.
• He'd had a very full life.
• I ordered a full English breakfast.
• I still don't think we've heard the full story.
• I've always believed in living life to the full.
• Life is full of coincidences.
• Many people don't use their computers to their full potential.
• No more for me, thanks— I'm full up.
• Our new brochure is crammed full of inspirational ideas.
• She came round the corner at full speed.
• Students should take full advantage of the college's facilities.
• The kids still weren't full, so I gave them an ice cream each.
• You shouldn't swim on a full stomach.
• measures to achieve full employment
Idioms: full of it ▪ full of yourself ▪ in full ▪ the full
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
full / fʊl / adjective (CONTAINING A LOT)
A2 (of a container or a space) holding or containing as much as possible or a lot:
This cup is very full so be careful with it.
My plate was already full.
I tried to get in the cinema last night but it was full.
Don't talk with your mouth full!
The shelves were full of books.
When she looked at him her eyes were full of tears.
I tried to get on the 8.45 train but it was full (up) .
Don't fill your glass too full or you'll spill it.
The theatre was only half full.
A2 containing a lot of things or people or a lot of something:
This sweater is full of holes.
His essay was full of spelling errors.
I'm full of admiration for you.
You're always so full of energy.
involving a lot of activities:
I've got rather a full week next week - could we postpone our meeting?
She has a very full life.
be full of sth to be talking or thinking a lot about something that you have enjoyed or found exciting:
"Did the kids enjoy their trip to the zoo?" "Oh, yes, they were full of it when they got back this afternoon."
be full of your own importance disapproving to think and act as if you are very important:
Since he got his new job, he's been very full of his own importance.
be full of yourself C2 disapproving to think that you are very important in a way that annoys other people:
I can't stand her - she's so full of herself.
full / fʊl / adjective (COMPLETE)
A2 [ before noun ] complete, whole, or containing a lot of detail:
Please give your full name and address.
We do not yet have full details of the story.
Few journalists have managed to convey the full horror of the situation.
The full impact of the tax changes is yet to be felt.
Today's my last full day in Paris.
He unwound the rope to its full extent.
Are you a full member (= do you have all the membership rights) of the club?
Some plants need to be in full sun (= to have the sun shining on them) all the time.
in full B1 completely:
The bill must be paid in full by the end of the month.
in full flow If an activity is in full flow, it is happening fast and with energy:
Preparations for the event are now in full flow.
be in full swing If an event is in full swing, it has already been happening for a period of time and there is a lot of activity:
The party was in full swing by the time we arrived.
in full view able to be seen by other people:
Andy and Vicki had a furious row outside their house, in full view of the neighbours.
full / fʊl / adjective [ before noun ] (GREATEST POSSIBLE)
B1 the greatest possible:
James is very bright, but he doesn't make full use of his abilities.
Nobody got full marks (= all the answers right) in the spelling test.
It doesn't seem likely that we will see a return to full employment (= that all the people in the country will have a job) in the near future.
full / fʊl / adjective (FOOD)
B2 ( also full up ) having eaten so much food that you cannot eat any more:
No more cake for me, thanks, I'm full.
on a full stomach ( also full up ) having recently eaten:
Never go swimming on a full stomach.
full / fʊl / adjective (LARGE)
(of clothing) loose or containing a lot of material, or (of parts of the body) quite large and rounded:
a full skirt
Women often have full faces /become full in the face when they're pregnant.
She has wonderful full lips.
used to avoid saying 'fat':
They advertise clothes 'for the fuller figure '.
full / fʊl / adjective (STRONG)
(of a flavour, sound, smell, etc.) strong or deep:
This wine has a full fruity flavour.
A cello has a fuller sound than a violin.
full
/fʊl/
(fuller, fullest)
Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English.
1.
If something is full, it contains as much of a substance or as many objects as it can.
Once the container is full, it stays shut until you turn it clockwise.
...a full tank of petrol.
≠ empty
ADJ
2.
If a place or thing is full of things or people, it contains a large number of them.
The case was full of clothes...
The streets are still full of debris from two nights of rioting.
...a useful recipe leaflet full of ideas for using the new cream.
= filled
ADJ: v-link ADJ of n
3.
If someone or something is full of a particular feeling or quality, they have a lot of it.
I feel full of confidence and so open to possibilities...
Mom’s face was full of pain.
...an exquisite mousse, incredibly rich and full of flavour.
ADJ: v-link ADJ of n
4.
You say that a place or vehicle is full when there is no space left in it for any more people or things.
The main car park was full when I left about 10.45...
They stay here a few hours before being sent to refugee camps, which are now almost full...
The bus was completely full, and lots of people were standing.
ADJ: usu v-link ADJ
5.
If your hands or arms are full, you are carrying or holding as much as you can carry.
Sylvia entered, her arms full of packages...
People would go into the store and come out with their arms full.
ADJ: v-link ADJ
6.
If you feel full, you have eaten or drunk so much that you do not want anything else.
It’s healthy to eat when I’m hungry and to stop when I’m full.
ADJ: v-link ADJ
• full‧ness
High fibre diets give the feeling of fullness.
N-UNCOUNT
7.
You use full before a noun to indicate that you are referring to all the details, things, or people that it can possibly include.
Full details will be sent to you once your application has been accepted...
May I have your full name?...
= complete
ADJ: ADJ n
8.
Full is used to describe a sound, light, or physical force which is being produced with the greatest possible power or intensity.
From his study came the sound of Mahler, playing at full volume...
Then abruptly he revved the engine to full power.
ADJ: ADJ n
•
Full is also an adverb.
...a two-seater Lotus, parked with its headlamps full on.
ADV: ADV adv
9.
You use full to emphasize the completeness, intensity, or extent of something.
We should conserve oil and gas by making full use of other energy sources...
Television cameras are carrying the full horror of this war into homes around the world...
The lane leading to the farm was in full view of the house windows...
ADJ: ADJ n [emphasis]
10.
A full statement or report contains a lot of information and detail.
Mr Primakov gave a full account of his meeting with the President.
...the enormous detail in this very full document.
ADJ: usu ADJ n
11.
If you say that someone has or leads a full life, you approve of the fact that they are always busy and do a lot of different things.
You will be successful in whatever you do and you will have a very full and interesting life.
ADJ: usu ADJ n [approval]
12.
You use full to emphasize the force or directness with which someone or something is hit or looked at.
She kissed him full on the mouth...
ADV: ADV prep [emphasis]
13.
You use full to refer to something which gives you all the rights, status, or importance for a particular position or activity, rather than just some of them.
How did the meeting go, did you get your full membership?...
ADJ: ADJ n
14.
A full flavour is strong and rich.
Italian plum tomatoes have a full flavour, and are best for cooking.
ADJ: ADJ n
15.
If you describe a part of someone’s body as full, you mean that it is rounded and rather large.
The Juno Collection specialises in large sizes for ladies with a fuller figure.
...his strong chin, his full lips, his appealing mustache.
ADJ: usu ADJ n
16.
A full skirt or sleeve is wide and has been made from a lot of fabric.
My wedding dress has a very full skirt.
ADJ: usu ADJ n
• full‧ness
The coat has raglan sleeves, and is cut to give fullness at the back.
N-UNCOUNT
17.
When there is a full moon, the moon appears as a bright, complete circle.
ADJ: usu ADJ n
18.
You say that something has been done or described in full when everything that was necessary has been done or described.
The medical experts have yet to report in full...
= fully
PHRASE: PHR after v
19.
If you say that a person knows full well that something is true, especially something unpleasant, you are emphasizing that they are definitely aware of it, although they may behave as if they are not.
He knew full well he’d be ashamed of himself later.
PHRASE: V inflects [emphasis]
20.
Something that is done or experienced to the full is done to as great an extent as is possible.
She probably has a good mind, which should be used to the full...
PHRASE: PHR after v
1full /ˈfʊl/ adj full·er; -est
1 : containing or holding as much or as many as possible
• a full bottle
• The disk is full.
• The plane was carrying a full load of passengers.
• The theater was full to capacity.
- often + of
• a bottle full of milk
• a bin full of corn
2 always used before a noun
a : not lacking anything : complete in number, amount, etc.
• We bought a full set of dishes.
• They waited for three full months.
• He has a full array of stereo equipment.
• The soldiers were wearing full combat gear.
• This will be his first full season with the team.
✦The phrase a full is often used to stress the large size of an amount.
• He won the match by a full seven strokes.
• It was a full three months before they made a decision.
• He's a full foot taller than his wife.
b : not limited in any way
• His theories have not yet found full acceptance.
• I have full [=complete] confidence in your honesty.
• I hope that you'll give us your fullest cooperation.
• Please give me your full attention.
• We need to take full advantage of this opportunity.
• She's expected to make a full recovery.
• They're not making full use of these resources.
• He's now a full member of the club. = He now has full membership in the club.
• the rights of full citizenship
• a full professor
• We're still waiting to hear the full story of what happened.
• She deserves full credit for meeting the deadline.
c : not reduced or shortened
• He doesn't like having to pay full price.
• We could feel the full impact of every bump.
• What is your full name?
d : existing or working at the highest or greatest degree : developed as much as possible
• The flowers were in full bloom.
• The machine was running at full power/speed.
• The factory is operating at full capacity.
• The tree has not yet reached full size.
• The stereo was at full volume. [=was playing as loudly as possible]
• After the meeting, he had a fuller understanding of the job.
• It'll be a few minutes before you feel the full effect of the drug.
• He hasn't yet realized his full potential as a writer.
3 a always used before a noun : including many things
• She has a full range of interests. [=she is interested in many different things]
• The store carries a full line of products.
b : involving many activities
• We have a full schedule of events planned.
• We have a full day of work ahead of us. : very active
• She lived a very full and satisfying life.
4 : having a rounded shape : not thin or narrow
• She has a full face.
• a woman with a full figure = a full-figured woman
• full lips
5 : having or containing a great number or amount of something
• The room was full of pictures.
• Despite his problems, he was still full of hope.
• full of enthusiasm
• food full of flavor
• He says the charges against him are full of lies.
6 a : having eaten all that is wanted
• No dessert for me, thank you. I'm full. [=(chiefly Brit) full up]
b always used before a noun : large enough to satisfy hunger
• I like to start the day with a full breakfast.
• a full meal
7 a : having a large amount of material
• a full skirt/dress
b : having a large amount of hair
• He has a full [=thick] head of hair.
• a full beard
8 : thinking of something all the time
• He was full of his own concerns.
✦If you are full of yourself, you think of yourself more than you should.
• She is certainly very full of herself.
9 : having a strong and pleasing quality
• a food/wine of full flavor
• His voice is a full, rich baritone.
10 of the moon : appearing as a bright circle
• The moon is full tonight.
full blast
- see 1blast
full count
- see 2count
full of beans
- see bean
full of crap/shit informal + offensive : not to be believed : saying things that are not true
• That guy is full of shit.
full of it informal + sometimes offensive : not to be believed
• His story was so exaggerated that I thought he was full of it.
• Oh, you're so full of it.
full steam/speed ahead
- used to say that something is being done with as much speed and power as possible
• The work started slowly, but now it's full steam ahead.
• The campaign is going full speed ahead.
have your hands full
- see 1hand
not playing with a full deck
- see 1deck
to the fullest : in a very active and energetic way
• She likes to live life to the fullest.
- full·ness also ful·ness noun [noncount]
• the fullness of her voice
• The conditioner added fullness to her hair.
• I expected it would happen in the fullness of time. [=it would happen eventually]
to keep something, especially money, for use in the future
Tom's been saving his pocket money every week.
save
verb (saves, saving, saved )
1 to take somebody or something away from danger:
He saved me from the fire.
The doctor saved her life.
2 (also save up) to keep or not spend money so that you can buy something later:
I've saved enough money to buy a car.
I'm saving up for a new bike.
3 to keep something to use in the future:
Save some of the meat for tomorrow.
4 to use less of something:
She saves money by making her own clothes.
5 to stop somebody from scoring a goal, for example in football
6 (computing) to store information in a computer by giving it a special instruction:
Don't forget to save the file before you close it.
save
I. save1 S1 W1 /seɪv/ BrE AmE verb
[Word Family: noun: ↑save, ↑saver, ↑saving, savings, SAVIOUR/SAVIOR; verb: ↑save]
[Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: salver, from Late Latin salvare, from Latin salvus; ⇨ ↑safe1]
1. FROM HARM/DANGER [transitive] to make someone or something safe from danger, harm, or destruction ⇨ rescue:
Emergency aid could save millions threatened with starvation.
a new treatment that could save his life
She was determined to save her marriage.
the campaign to save the rain forests
save somebody/something from something
He saved the child from drowning.
2. MONEY [intransitive and transitive] (also save up) to keep money in a bank so that you can use it later, especially when you gradually add more money over a period of time:
He managed to save enough to buy a small house.
So far, I’ve saved about £500.
save for
I’m saving up for a new car. ⇨ ↑saver
3. NOT WASTE [transitive] (also save on something) to use less money, time, energy etc so that you do not waste any OPP waste:
We’ll save a lot of time if we go by car.
Everyone is being encouraged to save energy.
ways to save money on heating bills
energy-saving/time-saving etc
money-saving ideas
4. TO USE LATER [transitive] to keep something so that you can use or enjoy it in the future:
We’ll save the rest of the food and have it later.
save something for something
I had a bottle of champagne which I’d been saving for a special occasion.
5. COLLECT [transitive] (also save something ↔ up) to keep all the objects of a particular kind that you can find, so that you can use them:
I’m saving up vouchers to get a cheap air ticket to the States.
6. HELP TO AVOID [transitive] to help someone by making it unnecessary for them to do something that they do not want to do:
If you lent me £5, it would save me a trip to the bank.
save somebody doing something
I’ll take the shopping home in the car to save you carrying it.
save somebody the trouble/bother (of doing something)
I’ll get a taxi from the station to save you the trouble of coming to collect me.
7. KEEP FOR SOMEBODY [transitive] to stop people from using something so that it is available for someone else:
Will you save me a seat?
save something for somebody
We’ll save some dinner for you if you’re late.
8. COMPUTER [intransitive and transitive] to make a computer keep the work that you have done on it:
Don’t forget to save before you close the file.
Did you save the changes that you made?
9. SPORT [intransitive and transitive] to stop the other team from scoring in a game such as football:
The goalkeeper just managed to save the shot.
10. you saved my life spoken used to thank someone who has helped you out of a difficult situation or solved a problem for you:
Thanks again for the loan – you really saved my life.
11. save sb’s skin/neck/bacon informal to help someone to escape from an extremely difficult or dangerous situation:
He lied in court to save his own skin.
12. save the day to stop things from going badly and make a situation end successfully:
A local businessman saved the day by donating £30,000 to the school.
13. save face to do something that will stop you from looking stupid or feeling embarrassed:
A compromise must be found which will allow both sides in the dispute to save face. ⇨ ↑face-saving
14. saving grace the one good thing that makes someone or something acceptable:
His sense of humour was his only saving grace.
15. somebody can’t do something to save his/her life informal to be completely unable to do something:
He couldn’t draw to save his life!
16. save your breath spoken used to tell someone that it is not worth saying anything, because nothing they say will make any difference to the situation:
I tried to explain, but she told me to save my breath.
17. save somebody from themselves to prevent someone from doing something that they want to do but that you think is harmful
18. RELIGION [intransitive and transitive] in the Christian church, to free someone from the power of evil and bring them into the Christian religion:
Jesus came to save sinners.
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ save to gradually collect money by not spending all the money you have, especially when you regularly put some of it in a bank: She doesn’t earn much, but she still manages to save a few dollars each week. | We’re saving for a deposit to buy a house.
▪ set/put aside to regularly save part of the money you earn, especially over a long period of time: You should start setting aside part of your earnings as retirement savings.
▪ scrimp and save to try to save money by spending less on the things you need and by saving what you can, especially when you do not earn very much: My parents scrimped and saved for years to send me to college.
▪ squirrel something away informal to keep something, especially money, in a safe place to be used later: I wanted to surprise her, so I squirreled away a couple of dollars a week to spend on a present.
▪ economize to spend less money by buying only the things that you really need, or by buying cheaper things: Weddings can be expensive, but you can economize by doing some things yourself.
save
save [save saves saved saving] verb, noun, preposition, conjunction [seɪv] [seɪv]
verb
KEEP SAFE
1. transitive to keep sb/sth safe from death, harm, loss, etc
• ~ sb/sth to save sb's life
• Doctors were unable to save her.
• He's trying to save their marriage.
• She needs to win the next two games to save the match.
• (figurative) Thanks for doing that. You saved my life (= helped me a lot).
• ~ sb/sth (from sth) to save a rare species (from extinction)
• Money from local businesses helped save the school from closure.
• ~ sb/sth from doing sth She saved a little girl from falling into the water.
MONEY
2. intransitive, transitive to keep money instead of spending it, especially in order to buy a particular thing
• I'm not very good at saving.
• ~ (up) (for sth) I'm saving for a new bike.
• We've been saving up to go to Australia.
• ~ sth (up) (for sth) You should save a little each week.
• I've saved almost £100 so far.
COLLECT STH
3. transitive ~ sth to collect sth because you like it or for a special purpose
• I've been saving theatre programmes for years.
• If you save ten tokens you can get a T-shirt.
KEEP FOR FUTURE
4. transitive to keep sth to use or enjoy in the future
• ~ sth (for sth/sb) He's saving his strength for the last part of the race.
• We'll eat some now and save some for tomorrow.
• Save some food for me.
• ~ sb sth Save me some food.
NOT WASTE
5. transitive, intransitive to avoid wasting sth or using more than necessary
• ~ sth We'll take a cab to save time.
• Book early and save £50!
• We should try to save water.
• ~ sth on sth The government is trying to save £1 million on defence.
• ~ sb sth (on sth) If we go this way it will save us two hours on the trip.
• ~ on sth I save on fares by walking to work.
AVOID STH BAD
6. transitive to avoid doing sth difficult or unpleasant; to make sb able to avoid doing sth difficult or unpleasant
• ~ sb from doing sth The prize money saved her from having to find a job.
• ~ sth She did it herself to save argument.
• ~ sb sth Thanks for sending that letter for me— it saved me a trip.
• ~ doing sth He's grown a beard to save shaving.
• ~ sb doing sth If you phone for an appointment, it'll save you waiting.
IN SPORT
7. transitive, intransitive ~ (sth) (in football ( soccer ), etc.) to prevent an opponent's shot from going in the goal
• to save a penalty
• The goalie saved Johnson's long-range shot.
• (BrE) The goalie saved brilliantly from Johnson's long-range shot.
COMPUTING
8. transitive, intransitive ~ (sth) to make a computer keep work, for example by putting it on a disk
• Save data frequently.
Word Origin:
v. and n. Middle English Old French sauver late Latin salvare Latin salvus ‘safe’
conj. and prep. Middle English Old French sauf sauve Latin salvo salva salvus ‘safe’ salvo jure, salva innocentia ‘with no violation of right or innocence’
Thesaurus:
save verb
1. T
• They launched a campaign to save the school from closure.
rescue • • preserve • • protect • • defend • • safeguard • • bail sb out • |formal, religion redeem •
Opp: endanger
save/rescue/preserve/protect/defend/redeem sb/sth from sth
save/redeem sinners/mankind
save/preserve/protect/safeguard jobs
save/preserve/protect a species
2. I
• I'm saving up for a new car.
budget • • economize • • skimp • |informal tighten your belt •
Opp: spend
save up/budget for sth
economize/skimp on sth
3. T
• I've saved almost £100 so far.
put/set sth aside • • deposit • • bank •
Opp: waste
save/put aside/deposit/bank money, £100, etc.
save/deposit cash
4. T
• I'll save you a seat.
reserve • • hold • |especially BrE keep •
save/reserve/hold/keep sth for sb/sth
save/reserve/hold/keep a seat/place for sb/sth
save/keep some food for sb
Save, reserve or keep? Reserve is used especially when sth is officially saved for sb/sth. Keep and save are more often used if sth is saved for you unofficially, for example by a friend.
5. T, I
• We'll take a cab to save time.
formal conserve •
Opp: waste
save/conserve energy/water/fuel
Synonyms:
save
budget • economize • tighten your belt
These words all mean to spend less money.
save • to keep money instead of spending it, often in order to buy a particular thing: ▪ I'm saving for a new car.
budget • to be careful about the amount of money you spend; to plan to spend an amount of money for a particular purpose: ▪ If we budget carefully we'll be able to afford the trip.
economize • to use less money, time, etc. than you normally use
tighten your belt • (rather informal) to spend less money because there is less available: ▪ With the price increases, we are all having to tighten our belts.
to save up/budget for sth
to have to save/budget/economize/tighten our belts
to try to/manage to save/budget/economize
Synonyms:
save
rescue • bail out • redeem
These words all mean to prevent sb/sth from dying, losing sth, being harmed or embarrassed.
save • to prevent sb/sth from dying, being harmed or destroyed or losing sth: ▪ Doctors were unable to save him. ◊ ▪ a campaign to save the panda from extinction
rescue • to save sb/sth from a dangerous or harmful situation: ▪ They were rescued by a passing cruise ship.
bail sb out • to rescue sb/sth from a difficult situation, especially by providing money: ▪ Don't expect me to bail you out if it all goes wrong.
redeem • (formal, religion) to save sb from the power of evil: ▪ He was a sinner, redeemed by the grace of God.
Redeem is also used in non-religious language in the phrase redeem a situation, which means to prevent a situation from being as bad as it might be.
to save/rescue/redeem sb/sth from sth
to save/rescue/redeem a situation
to save/redeem sinners/mankind
to rescue sb/bail sb out financially
Example Bank:
• Doctors battled to save the little boy's life.
• He is responsible for saving the lives of the aircrew.
• I'm saving up to buy a new car.
• I'm trying to save up for my holiday.
• It's a trick that might just save us from total disaster.
• Nothing could save us from disaster.
• She helped save my career.
• The furniture was beyond saving.
• They saved the paintings from destruction.
• They're hoping to save on printing costs.
• We managed to save the animals from being put down.
• We scrimp and save to send our children to a private school.
• We use video conferencing for our meetings, thereby saving thousands in travel expenses.
• We're trying to save up for our honeymoon.
• a last desperate attempt to save his marriage
• He's saving his strength for the last part of the race.
• I won't save you a seat if you're late.
• I've saved some food for you.
• We'll eat some now and save some for tomorrow.
• Doctors were unable to save him.
• Factory and farm managers were told to save electricity during peak hours.
• Gerrard's late goal saved the day for Liverpool.
• I'm not very good at saving.
• I'm saving for a new bike.
• I've saved almost £100 so far.
• She tried to get the boy to run away and save himself, not try to help her.
• She was fired, but she saved face by telling everyone she'd resigned.
• Thanks for doing that— you saved my life!.
• There's no doubt that the firefighters saved my daughter's life.
• They're launching a campaign to save the eagle from extinction.
• This new system could save us a lot of money.
• We made one last attempt to save our marriage.
• We'll take a cab to save time.
• We've been saving up to go to Australia.
Idioms: not be able to do something to save your life ▪ save face ▪ save somebody's neck ▪ save the day ▪ save your breath ▪ save your skin
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
save / seɪv / verb (KEEP)
A2 [ I or T ] to keep something, especially money, for use in the future:
Tom's been saving his pocket money every week.
We're saving (up) for a new car.
I save all my old letters in case I want to read them again.
Save me a place at your table, will you?
A2 [ T ] to put information on a computer onto a computer disk
save / seɪv / verb (MAKE SAFE)
B1 [ T ] to stop someone or something from being killed, injured, or destroyed:
Wearing seat belts has saved many lives.
He fell in the river but his friend saved him from drown ing .
He had to borrow money to save his business.
He was desperately trying to save their failing marriage.
We all need to do our bit to save the planet .
The former tennis champion was now serving to save the match (= to win the next point so that the other player did not win this part of the competition) .
save sb's life B1 to stop someone from being killed informal to help someone escape from a difficult or unpleasant situation:
Thanks for helping me with that report - you saved my life!
save / seɪv / verb [ I or T ] (NOT WASTE)
B1 to prevent time, money, or effort being wasted or spent:
You'll save time if you take the car.
[ + two objects ] Thanks for your help - it saved me a lot of work.
[ + -ing verb ] I'll lend you a bag for your trip - it'll save you buy ing one specially.
informal Can you save it for later (= tell me your news later when I am less busy) ?
save / seɪv / verb [ T ] (SPORT)
B2 in football and similar games, to stop the ball from going into the goal when a player on the other team has kicked or hit it
save
/seɪv/
(saves, saving, saved)
Frequency: The word is one of the 1500 most common words in English.
1.
If you save someone or something, you help them to avoid harm or to escape from a dangerous or unpleasant situation.
...a final attempt to save 40,000 jobs in Britain’s troubled aero industry...
A new machine no bigger than a 10p piece could help save babies from cot death...
The national health system saved him from becoming a cripple.
VERB: V n, V n from n/-ing, V n from n/-ing
• -saving
His boxing career was ended after two sight-saving operations.
COMB in ADJ
2.
If you save, you gradually collect money by spending less than you get, usually in order to buy something that you want.
The majority of people intend to save, but find that by the end of the month there is nothing left...
Tim and Barbara are now saving for a house in the suburbs...
They could not find any way to save money.
VERB: V, V for n, V n
•
Save up means the same as save.
Julie wanted to put some of her money aside for holidays or save up for something special...
People often put money aside in order to save up enough to make one major expenditure.
PHRASAL VERB: V P for n, V P n (not pron)
3.
If you save something such as time or money, you prevent the loss or waste of it.
It saves time in the kitchen to have things you use a lot within reach...
I’ll try to save him the expense of a flight from Perth...
I got the fishmonger to skin the fish which helped save on the preparation time.
≠ waste
VERB: V n, V n n, V on n
• -saving
...labor-saving devices.
COMB in ADJ
4.
If you save something, you keep it because it will be needed later.
Drain the beans thoroughly and save the stock for soup...
VERB: V n
5.
If someone or something saves you from an unpleasant action or experience, they change the situation so that you do not have to do it or experience it.
The scanner will save risk and pain for patients...
She was hoping that something might save her from having to make a decision...
He arranges to collect the payment from the customer, thus saving the client the paperwork.
VERB: V n, V n from n/-ing, V n n
6.
If you save data in a computer, you give the computer an instruction to store the data on a tape or disk. (COMPUTING)
Try to get into the habit of saving your work regularly...
Import your scanned images from the scanner and save as a JPG file.
VERB: V n, V as n
7.
If a goalkeeper saves, or saves a shot, they succeed in preventing the ball from going into the goal.
He saved one shot when the ball hit him on the head.
VERB: V n
•
Save is also a noun.
Spurs could have had several goals but for some brilliant saves from John Hallworth.
N-COUNT
8.
You can use save to introduce the only things, people, or ideas that your main statement does not apply to. (FORMAL)
There is almost no water at all in Mochudi save that brought up from bore holes.
= apart from
PREP
•
Save for means the same as save.
The parking lot was virtually empty save for a few cars clustered to one side.
= apart from
PREP-PHRASE
1save /ˈseɪv/ verb saves; saved; sav·ing
1 [+ obj]
a : to keep (someone or something) safe : to stop (someone or something) from dying or being hurt, damaged, or lost
• He risked his life to save his friend (from drowning).
• The organization is dedicated to saving [=protecting] endangered animals.
• We need to save the rain forests (from destruction).
• He grabbed her arm to save her from falling. [=to stop/prevent her from falling so that she would not be hurt]
• The doctors managed to save the soldier's wounded leg. [=to keep the leg from having to be cut off]
b : to stop (something) from ending or failing : to make (something that is in danger of failing) successful
• He is trying to save his marriage by going to counseling for his drug addiction.
• The new CEO saved the company (from bankruptcy).
• She saved a tense situation by staying calm.
2 : to keep (something) from being lost or wasted
[+ obj]
• This new plan will help us save time. = The new plan will save us some time.
• Thinner computer monitors save space.
[no obj]
- + on
• A more efficient furnace will save on energy.
3 a : to keep money instead of spending it : to put money away especially in a bank so that you will have it in the future
[no obj]
• She would rather save than spend.
• He has been saving (up) for a new car.
[+ obj]
• Save a little money for later.
• She saves part of her pay every week.
• I saved $20,000 for a down payment on the house.
b : to spend less money
[no obj]
• Buy now and save!
- often + on
• Save on everything in the store!
• He saved on [=spent less money for] his car insurance by switching to a different insurance company.
[+ obj]
• She saved $15 at the grocery store by using coupons.
- often + on
• We're trying to save money on our electric bill.
4 [+ obj]
a : to keep (something) available for use in the future
• Be sure to save some cookies for your sister.
• You need to save (up) your energy for tomorrow.
• He saves his best jacket for special occasions. [=he only wears his best jacket on special occasions]
• The runners saved their energy for the last lap. = The runners saved themselves for the last lap.
b : to keep (something) for someone to use or have
• She saved a seat for her friend.
• Please save the next dance for me. = Please save me the next dance. [=please don't plan to dance the next dance with anyone but me]
5 [+ obj] : to make (something) unnecessary
• Check that you have everything before you leave. It will save your having to go back again.
• The shortcut saves an hour's driving.
6 [+ obj] : to keep (someone) from doing something
• Thanks for sending out that package. It saved me a trip to the post office.
• I'll make the appointment for you to save you the trouble/bother. [=so that you don't have to do it yourself]
- often + from
• You should cut up the vegetables to save you from doing it later when the guests are here.
7 [+ obj] : to collect or keep (something)
• She saved all his letters.
8 : to store (data) in a computer or on a storage device (such as a CD) so that it can be used later
[+ obj]
• You should save your work on/to a disk.
• save a file
[no obj]
• Don't forget to save before you close the file.
9 [+ obj] sports
a : to stop (an opponent's shot) from scoring a goal
• He saved the penalty kick/shot.
b : to keep (a game) from being lost to an opponent
• The relief pitcher saved the game.
10 in Christianity : to protect or free (someone) from sin or evil
[+ obj]
• He believes that Jesus Christ will save him.
[no obj]
• Jesus saves.
a penny saved (is a penny earned)
- see penny
save face
- see 1face
save someone's bacon/hide/neck/skin informal : to save someone : to help someone get out of a dangerous or difficult situation
• You really saved my bacon by helping out yesterday.
• He doesn't care what happens to us. All he's worried about is saving his own skin/neck. [=saving himself]
save someone's life
1 or save a life : to stop (someone) from dying or being killed : to rescue (someone) who is in terrible danger
• She thanked the firefighters who saved her life. [=rescued her]
• a surgical procedure that has saved the lives of thousands of people
• The use of seat belts can save lives.
• If you donate blood, you might save a life.
2 informal : to help (someone) in an important way - often used to thank someone who helped you
• Thanks for covering for me. You really saved my life.
save the day : to make a bad situation end successfully
• Just when things looked hopeless, my brother came along and saved the day.
save your breath
- see breath
to save your life informal
✦If you cannot do something to save your life, you are completely unable to do it.
• She can't sing to save her life. [=she is a very bad singer]
the use of money, time, or effort
We've just had a new garage built at great expense.
expense
noun
1 the cost of something:
Having a car is a big expense.
2 expenses (plural) money that you spend on a certain thing:
The company pays our travelling expenses.
expense
ex‧pense S3 W2 /ɪkˈspens/ BrE AmE noun
[Word Family: noun: ↑expenditure, ↑expense, expenses; verb: ↑expend; adverb: ↑expensively ≠ ↑inexpensively; adjective: ↑expensive ≠ ↑inexpensive]
1. [uncountable and countable] the amount of money that you spend on something:
He borrowed £150,000 and used the money for legal expenses.
Conference rooms were equipped at great expense.
2. expenses money that you spend on things such as travel and food while you are doing your job, and which your employer then pays to you
on expenses
Can you claim this meal on expenses?
3. at the expense of somebody/something if something is done at the expense of someone or something else, it is only achieved by doing something that could harm the other person or thing:
the growth in short breaks, at the expense of longer package holidays
4. at sb’s expense
a) if you do something at someone’s expense, they pay for you to do it:
Her mansion was refurnished at taxpayers’ expense.
b) if you make jokes at someone’s expense, you laugh about them and make them seem stupid or silly:
Louis kept making jokes at his wife’s expense.
5. all expenses paid having all of your costs for hotels, travel, meals etc paid for by someone else:
The prize is an all-expenses-paid trip to Rio.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 1)
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + expense
▪ the extra/additional expense Is it worth the extra expense to get a room with a sea view?
▪ an unnecessary expense Paying extra for leather seats seemed like an unnecessary expense.
▪ living expenses (=money that you spend on rent, food, and things such as electricity, gas etc) She receives £80 a week, from which she must pay for all her living expenses.
▪ operating expenses (=money that a company spends on running its business) We must reduce our operating expenses.
▪ legal/medical expenses We had to get a loan to pay for my husband’s medical expenses. | The tenant can incur considerable legal expenses.
▪ household expenses (=money spent looking after a house and the people in it) Unfortunately, household expenses don’t go away just because you’re in hospital or out of work.
▪ funeral expenses (=the cost of arranging a funeral) She had a small insurance policy to cover the funeral expenses.
■ phrases
▪ at great/huge/considerable/vast expense (=used when saying that something costs a lot of money) The tiles were imported at great expense from Italy. | Recently, and at vast expense to the taxpayer, the bridge was rebuilt.
▪ at your own expense (=used when saying that you pay for something yourself) He had copies of the book printed at his own expense.
▪ at (the) public expense (=paid for by the public through taxes) The bridge was built at public expense.
▪ go to the expense of doing something (=do something that costs a lot of money) The council must now decide whether to go to the expense of appealing through the courts.
▪ spare no expense (in doing something) (=spend a lot of money to buy the best things) Her parents spared no expense in arranging the wedding. | Everything has been provided tonight – no expense has been spared!
■ verbs
▪ incur an expense formal (=have to pay for something) Potential buyers incur the expense of a survey and legal fees.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 2)
■ NOUN + expenses
▪ travel/travelling expenses The company will pay the travelling expenses involved in getting to and from the meeting.
▪ entertainment/business expenses The president receives an unspecified allowance for business and entertainment expenses.
▪ relocation/moving expenses Successful candidates will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes relocation expenses if needed.
■ verbs
▪ pay sb’s expenses They agreed to pay my travel expenses and initial accommodation costs.
▪ claim expenses (=officially ask your employer to pay you back money that you have spent while doing your job) If you have to stay overnight, you will be able to claim any expenses back.
▪ reimburse sb’s expenses (=pay the money someone has spent for business purposes back to them) Your expenses will usually be reimbursed within one month of receiving the claim.
expense
ex·pense [expense expenses] [ɪkˈspens] [ɪkˈspens] noun
1. uncountable the money that you spend on sth
• The garden was transformed at great expense.
• No expense was spared (= they spent as much money as was needed) to make the party a success.
• He's arranged everything, no expense spared.
• She always travels first-class regardless of expense.
• The results are well worth the expense.
2. countable, usually singular something that makes you spend money
• Running a car is a big expense.
3. expenses plural money spent in doing a particular job, or for a particular purpose
• living/household/medical/legal, etc. expenses
• Can I give you something towards expenses?
• financial help to meet the expenses of an emergency
• The payments he gets barely cover his expenses.
4. expenses plural money that you spend while you are working and which your employer will pay back to you later
• You can claim back your travelling/travel expenses.
• (BrE) to take a client out for a meal on expenses
• an all-expenses-paid trip
more at expense, money, etc. is no object at object n.
Idioms: at somebody's expense ▪ at the expense of somebody ▪ go to a lot of expense ▪ go to the expense of of doing something ▪ put somebody to a lot of expense ▪ put somebody to the expense of of doing something
Word Origin:
late Middle English: from Anglo-Norman French, alteration of Old French espense, from late Latin expensa (pecunia) ‘(money) spent’, from Latin expendere ‘pay out’, from ex- ‘out’ + pendere ‘weigh, pay’.
Thesaurus:
expense noun
1. U, C, usually sing.
• They had the house redecorated at great expense.
price • • cost •
the considerable/enormous expense/cost
increase/reduce the expense/price/cost
2. pl.
• You can claim back your travel expenses.
costs • • spending • • expenditure • • outlay • |especially BrE overheads • |especially AmE overhead •
increase/reduce expenses/costs/spending/expenditure/the outlay/overheads
control/cover/cut expenses/costs/spending/expenditure/overheads
meet expenses/costs/expenditure/overheads
incur expenses/costs/expenditure
Synonyms:
costs
spending • expenditure • expenses • overheads • outlay
These are all words for money spent by a government, an organization or a person.
costs • the total amount of money that needs to be spent by a business: ▪ labour/production costs ◊ ▪ rising costs
spending • the amount of money that is spent, especially by a government or an organization: ▪ public spending ◊ ▪ More spending on health was promised.
expenditure • (rather formal) an amount of money spent by a government, an organization or a person: ▪ expenditure on education
expenses • money that has to be spent by a person or an organization; money that you spend while you are working which your employer will pay back to you later: ▪ legal expenses ◊ ▪ travel expenses
overhead(s) • the regular costs of running a business or organization, such as rent, electricity and wages: ▪ High overheads mean small profit margins.
outlay • the money that you have to spend in order to start a new business or project, or in order to save yourself money or time later: ▪ The best equipment is costly but is well worth the outlay.
spending/expenditure/outlay on sth
high/low costs/spending/expenditure/expenses/overheads
total costs/spending/expenditure/expenses/overheads/outlay
capital costs/spending/expenditure/expenses/outlay
household costs/spending/expenditure/expenses
government/public/education/health costs/spending/expenditure
to increase/reduce costs/spending/expenditure/expenses/overheads/the outlay
Synonyms:
price
cost • value • expense • worth
These words all refer to the amount of money that you have to pay for sth.
price • the amount of money that you have to pay for an item or service: ▪ house prices ◊ ▪ How much are these? They don't have a price on them. ◊ ▪ I can't afford it ▪ at that price ▪.
cost • the amount of money that you need in order to buy, make or do sth: ▪ A new computer system has been installed at a cost of £80 000.
value • how much sth is worth in money or other goods for which it can be exchanged: ▪ The winner will receive a prize ▪ to the value of ▪ £1 000.
Especially in British English, value can also mean how much sth is worth compared with its price: ▪ This restaurant is excellent value ▪ (= is worth the money it costs) ▪.
price, cost or value?
The price is what sb asks you to pay for an item or service: ▪ to ask/charge a high price ◊ to ask/charge a high cost/value. Obtaining or achieving sth may have a cost; the value of sth is how much other people would be willing to pay for it: ▪ house prices ◊ ▪ the cost of moving house ◊ ▪ The house now has a market value of one million pounds.
expense • the money that you spend on sth; sth that makes you spend money: ▪ The garden was transformed ▪ at great expense ▪. ◊ ▪ Running a car is a big expense.
worth • the financial value of sb/sth: ▪ He has a personal net worth of $10 million.
Worth is more often used to mean the practical or moral value of sth.
the high price/cost/value
the real/true price/cost/value/worth
to put/set a price/value on sth
to increase/reduce the price/cost/value/expense
to raise/double/lower the price/cost/value
to cut the price/cost
Example Bank:
• He was given a sum of money to cover his travel expenses.
• I think we deserve a night out on expenses.
• Insurance is an ongoing expense.
• It emerged that they had received free first-class travel at the taxpayer's expense.
• Look for a fund with low expenses.
• Medical expenses can be quite high if you are not insured.
• Meetings, and the time for them, are a considerable management expense.
• My expenses are constantly rising and my income stays the same.
• Net interest expense increased to $5.9 million from $4.1 million.
• No expense was spared to make the party a success.
• No expense was spared= they spent as much money as was needed to make the party a success.
• Operating expenses rose by more than 23% last year.
• Put the cost of the meal on your expense account.
• Relocated employees received grants towards incidental expenses like buying carpets.
• Save the expense of calling out a plumber by learning some of the basics yourself.
• She had to meet the expense herself.
• Start keeping track of deductible expenses such as charitable contributions.
• The accommodation package includes admission to the golf course at no extra expense.
• The bridge was built at public expense.
• The garden was transformed at great expense.
• The guides are unpaid except for basic expenses.
• The process turned out to be a significant capital expense.
• They are claiming expenses for travel and meals.
• They had to repair the damage at their own expense.
• Total employee expenses were up about 6%.
• We will recoup our expenses within 24 months.
• When it came to the wedding, no expense was spared.
• You can claim back the tax on legitimate business expenses.
• You can expect to receive compensation for all expenses arising out of the accident.
• You can reduce your expenses by selling your old car at a good price.
• You will have to pay income tax on the rent you receive, although you can deduct expenses such as insurance.
• You will receive expense reimbursement for up to $5 000 for legal representation.
• Your monthly housing expense should not be greater than 28% of your income.
• a claim large enough to justify the expense of insurance policy premiums
• a commercial traveller staying at the hotel on expenses
• a two-day, all expenses paid trip to London
• in an effort to reduce expenses and boost profits
• your ongoing expenses such as your employees' salaries
• He's arranged everything: no expense spared.
• The real expense of the trip was the flights.
• We were taken out for a meal at the company's expense.
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
expense / ɪkˈspens / noun
B2 [ U ] the use of money, time, or effort:
Buying a bigger car has proved to be well worth the expense.
We've just had a new garage built at great expense.
We went on holiday at my father's expense (= he paid for it) .
It's silly to go to the expense of (= spend money on) buying new clothes when you don't really need them.
[ C ] something that makes you spend money:
Our biggest expense this year was our summer holiday.
We need to cut down on our expenses.
expenses C1 [ plural ] money that you spend when you are doing your job, that your employer will pay back to you:
I need to get my expenses approved.
UK Don't worry about the cost of lunch - it's on expenses.
expense
/ɪkspens/
(expenses)
Frequency: The word is one of the 3000 most common words in English.
1.
Expense is the money that something costs you or that you need to spend in order to do something.
He’s bought a specially big TV at vast expense so that everyone can see properly...
It was not a fortune but would help to cover household expenses.
N-VAR
2.
Expenses are amounts of money that you spend while doing something in the course of your work, which will be paid back to you afterwards. (BUSINESS)
As a member of the International Olympic Committee her fares and hotel expenses were paid by the IOC...
Can you claim this back on expenses?
N-PLURAL: oft poss N
3.
If you do something at someone’s expense, they provide the money for it.
Should architects continue to be trained for five years at public expense?...
PHRASE: PHR after v
4.
If someone laughs or makes a joke at your expense, they do it to make you seem foolish.
I think he’s having fun at our expense.
PHRASE: PHR after v
5.
If you achieve something at the expense of someone, you do it in a way which might cause them some harm or disadvantage.
According to this study, women have made notable gains at the expense of men.
PHRASE: PHR after v, PHR n
6.
If you say that someone does something at the expense of another thing, you are expressing concern at the fact that they are not doing the second thing, because the first thing uses all their resources.
The orchestra has more discipline now, but at the expense of spirit.
PHRASE: PHR after v, PHR n [disapproval]
7.
If you go to the expense of doing something, you do something which costs a lot of money. If you go to great expense to do something, you spend a lot of money in order to achieve it.
Why go to the expense of buying an electric saw when you can hire one?...
PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR of -ing, PHR to-inf
expense
ex·pense /ɪkˈspɛns/ noun, pl -pens·es
1 [noncount] : the amount of money that is needed to pay for or buy something
• I'd like to save the time and expense [=cost] of redoing the whole thing.
• I don't think a first-class ticket is worth the added/extra expense.
- often used after at
• These items were imported at great/considerable/enormous expense. [=it cost a lot to import them]
• We were able to fix the problem at very little expense. [=for very little money]
• The repairs were made at no expense to us. [=without costing us anything]
- see also at someone's expense (below)
✦If you spare no expense, you spend as much money as you need to in order to make something as good as possible.
• When they go on vacation, they spare no expense.
• They spared no expense in building the house.
2 [count] : an amount of money that must be spent especially regularly to pay for something
• The annual fee is simply an expense of doing business.
- usually plural
• Their expenses [=expenditures] were getting far ahead of their income.
• We need to find a way to control expenses.
• cutting back on expenses
• legal/medical/household expenses [=costs]
• I'm concerned about the project's hidden expenses.
• You'll have to pay your own travel/traveling expenses.
• an all-expenses paid trip [=a journey for which all costs are already paid]
3 [count] : something on which money is spent
• A new car is a major expense.
• My new computer was a business expense. [=something I had to buy in order to do business]
at someone's expense
1 : paid for by someone
• a fancy dinner at my parents' expense
• a stadium built at the taxpayers' expense = a stadium built at taxpayer expense [=with money from taxes]
• The tour is free, but all meals are at your own expense. [=you must pay for your meals]
2
✦If someone makes a joke about you or laughs at you, the joke or laughter is said to be at your expense.
• Everyone had a good laugh at my expense.
at the expense of : in a way that harms (something or someone)
• Malls flourished at the expense of small stores downtown.
• She acquired power at the expense of friendships.
• He argues that the tax cut will benefit the rich at the expense of the poor.
go to (the) expense : to spend money on something
• Why go to the expense of installing something you'll never use?
• She went to great expense to have this party.
to make certain that you know what is happening or has happened to someone or something
My sister has had so many different jobs, I find it hard to keep track ( of what she's doing).
keep/lose track of somebody/somethingto pay attention to someone or something, so that you know where they are or what is happening to them, or to fail to do this It’s difficult to keep track of all the new discoveries in genetics. I just lost all track of time.
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
keep track
C1 to make certain that you know what is happening or has happened to someone or something:
My sister has had so many different jobs, I find it hard to keep track ( of what she's doing).
14.
If you keep track of a situation or a person, you make sure that you have the newest and most accurate information about them all the time.
With eleven thousand employees, it’s very difficult to keep track of them all...
PHRASE: V inflects, PHR n
idiom
: to be aware of how something is changing, what someone is doing, etc.There's so much going on that it's hard to keep track.—usually + ofKeep track of your little brother for me, will you?It's her job to keep track of how the money is spent.I watch the news to keep track of current events.
money, for example from an income, that allows you to buy things
He has the means to buy half the houses in the street if he wanted to.
means
noun (plural means)
a way of doing something; a way of going somewhere:
Do you have any means of transport (= a car, a bicycle etc.)?
by means of something by using something:
We crossed the river by means of a small bridge.
by no means not at all:
I am by no means certain that I can come.
means
means S2 W2 /miːnz/ BrE AmE noun (plural means)
1. METHOD [countable] a way of doing or achieving something
means of
For most people, the car is still their main means of transport.
The only means of communication was sign language.
The window was our only means of escape.
Do you have any means of identification?
art as a means of expression
Homework should not be used as a means of controlling children.
I had no means of telling him I would be late.
Brian was prepared to use any means to get what he wanted.
They had entered the country by unlawful means.
the means by which performance is assessed
2. MONEY [plural] the money or income that you have
have the means to do something
I don’t have the means to support a family.
Paying for your children to go to a private school is beyond the means of most people (=too expensive for most people).
Try to live within your means (=only spending what you can afford).
His father was a man of means (=a rich man).
3. by all means! spoken used to mean ‘of course’ when politely allowing someone to do something or agreeing with a suggestion:
‘Can I bring Alan?’ ‘By all means!’
4. by no means/not by any means not at all:
It is by no means certain that the game will take place.
She’s not a bad kid, by any means.
5. by means of something formal using a particular method or system:
The blocks are raised by means of pulleys.
6. a means to an end something that you do only to achieve a result, not because you want to do it or because it is important:
For Geoff, the job was simply a means to an end.
7. the means of production the material, tools, and equipment that are used in the production of goods
⇨ ways and means at ↑way1(1)
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ adjectives
▪ an effective/efficient means Speed bumps are an effective means of stopping cars from going too fast.
▪ a useful means Local radio is a useful means of advertising.
▪ the only means Then, horses and carts were the only means of transport available.
▪ the best means Is this really the best means of achieving our goal?
▪ an important means Surveys are an important means of gathering information.
▪ lawful/legal means Their protests will continue, but only by legal means.
▪ unlawful/illegal means He was accused of attempting to overthrow the government using unlawful means.
▪ unfair means Anyone trying to use unfair means in an examination will be reported to the University.
■ phrases
▪ a means of transport British English, a means of transportation American English (=a way of travelling, for example using a car, bus, bicycle etc) The tram is an efficient means of transport.
▪ a means of communication (=a way of talking to someone, for example by phone, writing etc) Newspapers are still an important means of communication.
▪ a means of expression (=a way of expressing your feelings or opinions) Music and art are important means of expression.
▪ a means of identification (=an official document that shows who you are) Do you have any means of identification?
▪ the means of production (=factories and equipment used for producing goods - used especially in Marxism) the class of people which owns the means of production
▪ the end justifies the means (=the result you achieve is more important than the way you do it) It’s too bad if people get hurt - the end justifies the means.
▪ a means to an end (=something you do only to achieve a result, not because you want to do it or because it is important) Many of the students saw the course as a means to an end: a way of getting a good job.
▪ (whether) by fair means or foul (=using unfair methods if necessary) They were determined to achieve victory, by fair means or foul.
■ verbs
▪ have no/any/some means of doing something There was no path, and they had no means of knowing where they were.
▪ use any/every means to do something (=use any method or many methods) He will use any means to get what he wants.
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ method a way of doing something, especially one that is well known and often used: You can choose whichever method of payment you prefer. | an environmentally friendly method for treating household waste
▪ way a set of actions that you use in order to do something. Way is more informal than method and is used more often in everyday English: What’s the best way to remove wine stains? | a new way of treating the disease | There are lots of ways of cooking mushrooms.
▪ means something that you use to do something or achieve something: Their main means of transport is their car. | E-mail is often the most convenient means of communication. | He looked around for a means of escape. | Education and training are the most efficient means of improving the nation’s economy.
▪ approach a way of dealing with a particular problem or situation, especially a way that has been carefully thought about or planned: Today’s approach to raising children is very different from 40 years ago. | I think we need to try a different approach.
▪ technique a particular way of doing something, for which you need a skill that has to be learned and practised: tips on how to improve your exam technique | More patients are surviving thanks to improved surgical techniques.
▪ tactics methods that you use in order to achieve what you want, especially in a game or competition: There were complaints about police tactics used to clear demonstrators. | The team was discussing tactics for the game.
▪ strategy a set of carefully planned methods for achieving something that is difficult and may take a long time: our sales strategy | a strategy to reduce the level of teenage smoking
▪ mode formal a particular way of doing something: For him, painting is just another mode of expression. | You can choose between several different modes of operation. | the most efficient mode of transportation | Withdrawing a child from class is still the preferred mode of providing extra help to that child.
means
means [miːnz] [miːnz] noun (pl. means)
1. countable ~ (of sth/of doing sth) an action, an object or a system by which a result is achieved; a way of achieving or doing sth
• Television is an effective means of communication.
• Is there any means of contacting him?
• Have you any means of identification?
• We needed to get to London but we had no means of transport.
2. plural the money that a person has
• People should pay according to their means.
• He doesn't have the means to support a wife and child.
• Private school fees are beyond the means of most people (= more than they can afford).
• Are the monthly repayments within your means (= can you afford them)?
• Try to live within your means (= not spend more money than you have).
• a man of means (= a rich man)
more at the end justifies the means at end n., by fair means or foul at fair adj., ways and means at way n.
Idioms: by all means ▪ by means of something ▪ by no means ▪ means to an end ▪ not by any means
Word Origin:
late Middle English: plural of mean (noun), the early sense being ‘intermediary’.
Thesaurus:
means [means] noun C
• TV is a highly effective means of communication.
method • • way • • system • • mechanism • • technique • • process •
a means/method/system/mechanism/technique/process for (doing) sth
a means/way/method/system/technique of (doing) sth
use a means/method/system/technique/process
devise/develop a means/method/way/system/technique/process
Example Bank:
• Eligibility for the benefit was determined by a means test.
• Gold has been the preferred means of exchange for centuries.
• He saw his education merely as a means to an end.
• In the case of torture, the end can never justify the means.
• Infringement of copyright includes distribution by electronic means.
• My English teacher provided me with the means to enjoy reading poetry.
• Oil lamps were the sole means of illumination.
• Painting had become his primary means of self-expression.
• Private school fees are beyond the means of most people.
• She finds it difficult to live within her means.
• She must have independent means to live in such style.
• The stone was lifted by means of a rope and pulley.
• There are ways and means of raising money.
• They cannot achieve their goal through legal means.
• War is famously ‘the continuation of policy by other means’.
• We have no means of knowing how they will react.
• We will use every possible means to achieve our objective.
• a means of access/communication/transport
• a means of getting what you want
• an effective means of mass communication
• people who lack visible means of support
• the means for achieving happiness
• Do you have any means of identification?
• He did not have the means to support a family.
• I don't believe that in this case the means justified the end.
• People should pay according to their means.
• TV is a highly effective means of communication.
• The study aims to provide a means of testing the theory.
• Try to live within your means.
• We must look for an alternative means of escape.
• We will use whatever means are necessary.
• What means of transport did they use?
• a man/woman of means
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
means / miːnz / noun ( plural means ) (METHOD)
B2 [ C ] a method or way of doing something:
They had no means of communication.
We need to find some other means of transportation.
We must use every means at our disposal.
She tried to explain by means of sign language.
There is no means of tracing the debt at all.
The family had no means of support (= way of getting money) .
means / miːnz / noun ( plural means ) (MONEY)
C2 [ plural ] money, for example from an income, that allows you to buy things:
[ + to infinitive ] He has the means to buy half the houses in the street if he wanted to.
live beyond your means
to spend more money than you receive as income
live within your means
to spend less money than you receive as income
a man/woman of means
a rich man/woman
means
/mi:nz/
Frequency: The word is one of the 1500 most common words in English.
1.
A means of doing something is a method, instrument, or process which can be used to do it. Means is both the singular and the plural form for this use.
The move is a means to fight crime...
The army had perfected the use of terror as a means of controlling the population...
Business managers are focused on increasing their personal wealth by any available means.
N-COUNT: with supp
2.
You can refer to the money that someone has as their means. (FORMAL)
...a person of means...
He did not have the means to compensate her.
N-PLURAL
3.
If someone is living beyond their means, they are spending more money than they can afford. If someone is living within their means, they are not spending more money than they can afford.
The more gifts she received, the more she craved, until he was living beyond his means...
PHRASE: v PHR, v-link PHR
4.
If you do something by means of a particular method, instrument, or process, you do it using that method, instrument, or process.
This is a two year course taught by means of lectures and seminars...
PREP-PHRASE
5.
You can say ‘by all means’ to tell someone that you are very willing to allow them to do something.
‘Can I come and have a look at your house?’—‘Yes by all means’.
CONVENTION [formulae]
6.
You use expressions such as ‘by no means’, ‘not by any means’, and ‘by no manner of means’ to emphasize that something is not true.
This is by no means out of the ordinary...
They were not finished, however, not by any means.
PHRASE: PHR with cl/group, PHR before v [emphasis]
7.
If you say that something is a means to an end, you mean that it helps you to achieve what you want, although it may not be enjoyable or important itself.
We seem to have lost sight of the fact that marketing is only a means to an end.
PHRASE: usu v-link PHR
means
means /ˈmiːnz/ noun, pl means
1 [count] : a way of doing something or of achieving a desired result
• trains, buses, and other means of transportation
• a means of communication/expression
• using fingerprints as a means of identification
• “What's the best means of getting there?” “Public transportation.”
• The property was obtained by illegal means.
• He vowed that he would succeed by any means necessary. [=by doing whatever was needed]
• He would use all/any manner of means to succeed.
• For her, marrying a rich man was just a means to an end. [=something done only to produce a desired result] All she really cared about was money.
• How can she survive when she has no visible means of support? [=she has no apparent way to pay for the things that she needs to live]
- see also ways and means the end justifies the means at 1end
2 [plural] : the money that someone has : wealth
• He has the means to give you everything you want.
• His means are enough to pay for college.
• a man/woman of means [=a wealthy man/woman]
• She is a woman of independent means. [=she has enough money to support herself without help from others]
• He enjoys a style of living that is beyond the means of all but the wealthiest people. [=that only the wealthiest people can afford]
• She was living beyond her means. [=she was spending more money than she could afford to spend]
• He began to save money when he finally learned to live within his means. [=to spend money only on what he could afford]
by all means : of course : certainly
• “May I come in?” “By all means!”
• By all means feel free to get a second opinion.
by means of : through the use of (something)
• He got out of trouble by means of a clever trick.
by no means or not by any means also not by any manner of means : in no way : not at all
• It's by no means certain that he'll come. = It's not by any means certain that he'll come.
• This is by no means the first time we have had this problem.
• I was not happy about the arrangements by any means, but I agreed to do it.
• This issue has not been resolved yet by any manner of means.
very great and rare natural ability or skill, especially in a particular area such as science or art, or a person who has this
Einstein was a (mathematical) genius.
genius
noun (plural geniuses)
a very clever person:
Einstein was a genius.
genius
ge‧ni‧us /ˈdʒiːniəs/ BrE AmE noun
[Date: 1300-1400; Language: Latin; Origin: 'spirit who guards a person or place', from gignere; ⇨ ↑genital]
1. [uncountable] a very high level of intelligence, mental skill, or ability, which only a few people have:
The film reveals Fellini’s genius.
work/writer/man etc of genius
Wynford was an architect of genius.
a stroke of genius (=a very clever idea)
At the time, his appointment seemed a stroke of genius.
a work of pure genius
2. [countable] someone who has an unusually high level of intelligence, mental skill, or ability:
Freud was a genius.
musical/comic/mathematical etc genius
a genius at (doing) something
My father was a genius at storytelling.
3. a genius for (doing) something special skill at doing something:
That woman has a genius for organization.
Warhol’s genius for publicity
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ skill [uncountable and countable] an ability to do something well, especially because you have learned and practised it: He plays the piano with great skill. | communication/language/computer etc skills | The course will help you improve your communication skills.
▪ talent [uncountable and countable] a natural ability to do something well which can be developed with practice: She was a young artist with a lot of talent. | She showed a talent for acting from an early age. | He is a man of many talents.
▪ genius [uncountable] very great ability, which only a few people have: The opera shows Mozart’s genius as a composer. | Picasso was a painter of genius.
▪ gift [countable] a natural ability to do something very well, which you were born with: You can see that he has a gift for the game. | Winterson has great gifts as a writer.
▪ flair [singular, uncountable] skill for doing something, especially something that needs imagination and creativity: The job does require some creative flair. | She has a flair for languages.
▪ expertise [uncountable] specialized knowledge of a technical subject, which you get from experience of doing that type of work: The technical expertise for building the dam is being provided by a US company.
▪ a/the knack /næk/ [singular] informal a special skill for doing a particular thing, especially a simple everyday thing: Breadmaking is easy once you get the knack. | He has a knack for making people feel relaxed.
genius
ge·nius [genius geniuses genii] [ˈdʒiːniəs] [ˈdʒiːniəs] noun (pl. ge·niuses)
1. uncountable unusually great intelligence, skill or artistic ability
• the genius of Shakespeare
• a statesman of genius
• Her idea was a stroke of genius.
2. countable a person who is unusually intelligent or artistic, or who has a very high level of skill, especially in one area
• a mathematical/comic, etc. genius
• He's a genius at organizing people.
• You don't have to be a genius to see that they are in love!
3. singular ~ for sth/for doing sth a special skill or ability
• He had a genius for making people feel at home.
Idiom: somebody's good genius
Word Origin:
late Middle English: from Latin, attendant spirit present from one's birth, innate ability or inclination, from the root of gignere ‘beget’. The original sense ‘spirit attendant on a person’ gave rise to a sense ‘a person's characteristic disposition’ (late 16th cent.), which led to a sense ‘a person's natural ability’, and finally ‘exceptional natural ability’ (mid 17th cent.).
Thesaurus:
genius noun C
• He was a comic genius.
prodigy • • brain • • mastermind •
Opp: dunce
the genius/brains/mastermind behind sth
a true/child genius/prodigy
a great/scientific genius/brain
Example Bank:
• In a flash of pure genius, she realized the answer to the problem.
• It was a stroke of genius on my part to avoid such awkward questions.
• She has a genius for sorting things out.
• a work which shows real genius
• a writer of genius
• his genius for pinpointing the absurd
• He was a man of great genius.
• He was undoubtedly the greatest comic genius of his age.
• In flash of pure genius, the answer came to her.
• It's undoubtedly a work of genius.
• She was at the peak of her creative genius.
• She's a genius at getting things organized.
• Some people say that there is only ever one true genius born in each generation.
• That was a stroke of genius.
• You don't have to be a genius to see that this plan is not going to work.
• You're an absolute genius!
» About this dictionary, how to enable pronunciations,... click here to view details.
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
genius / ˈdʒiː.ni.əs / noun [ C or U ] ( plural geniuses )
C1 very great and rare natural ability or skill, especially in a particular area such as science or art, or a person who has this:
(an) artistic/creative/musical genius
Einstein was a (mathematical) genius.
From the age of three, she showed signs of genius.
It was such a brilliant idea - a real stroke of genius.
evil genius literary a person who has a strong bad influence over other people:
The film was about an evil genius who wanted to control the world.
have a genius for sth to be especially skilled at a particular activity:
She has a genius for raising money.
genius
/dʒi:niəs/
(geniuses)
1.
Genius is very great ability or skill in a particular subject or activity.
This is the mark of her real genius as a designer...
The man had genius and had made his mark in the aviation world...
Its very title is a stroke of genius.
N-UNCOUNT
2.
A genius is a highly talented, creative, or intelligent person.
Chaplin was not just a genius, he was among the most influential figures in film history.
N-COUNT
genius
ge·nius /ˈʤiːnjəs/ noun, pl -nius·es
1 [count]
a : a very smart or talented person : a person who has a level of talent or intelligence that is very rare or remarkable
• Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton were great scientific geniuses.
• a musical/artistic/creative genius
• You don't have to be a genius to see that this plan will never work.
b : a person who is very good at doing something
• He was a genius at handling the press.
2 a [noncount] : great natural ability : remarkable talent or intelligence
• She's now widely recognized as an artist of genius.
• He's admired for his comic/artistic/scientific genius.
b [singular] : a great or unusual talent or ability - usually + for
• She has a genius for knowing what will sell.
• He had a genius for getting into trouble. [=he often got into trouble]
3 [singular]
a : a very clever or smart quality
• The (sheer) genius of his theory was not immediately recognized.
b : a part of something that makes it unusually good or valuable
• My plan is simple—that's the genius of it.
• The genius of these new computers is their portability.
a stroke of genius : a brilliant and successful idea or decision
• Deciding to relocate the company was a stroke of genius.
the state of being silly or unwise
Her stupidity is beyond belief sometimes.
stupidity
stu‧pid‧i‧ty /stjuːˈpɪdəti, stjuːˈpɪdɪti $ stuː-/ BrE AmE noun (plural stupidities)
[Word Family: noun: ↑stupidity, ↑stupid; adverb: ↑stupidly; adjective: ↑stupid]
1. [uncountable and countable] behaviour or actions that show a lack of good sense or good judgment:
all the horrors and stupidities of war
2. [uncountable] the quality of being stupid
stupidity
stu·pid·ity [stupidity stupidities] [stjuːˈpɪdəti] [stuːˈpɪdəti] noun (pl. stu·pid·ities)
1. uncountable, countable, usually plural behaviour that shows a lack of thought or good judgement
• I couldn't believe my own stupidity.
• the errors and stupidities of youth
• The police were astonished at the sheer stupidity of drivers in going so fast in the fog.
2. uncountable the state or quality of being slow to learn and not clever or intelligent
• He faked stupidity to try to escape punishment for the crime.
Example Bank:
• Her answer showed the most incredible stupidity.
• I can't believe the stupidity of some people.
• I now realize the stupidity of that statement.
• It was sheer stupidity on the part of the crew.
• It's hard to know if it's corruption or just plain stupidity by the authorities.
• Through his own stupidity, he missed an excellent opportunity.
• I couldn't believe my own stupidity.
• The police were astonished at the sheer stupidity of drivers going so fast in the fog.
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
stupidity / stjuːˈpɪd.ɪ.ti / / stuːˈpɪd.ə.t̬i / noun [ U ]
C2 the state of being silly or unwise:
a moment/act of stupidity
Her stupidity is beyond belief sometimes.
It was sheer stupidity to refuse at the price they were offering.
• stu‧pid‧ity (stupidities)
I stared at him, astonished by his stupidity.
N-VAR: usu with poss
stupidity
stu·pid·i·ty /stʊˈpɪdəti, Brit stjʊˈpɪdəti/ noun, pl -ties
1 [noncount] : the state of being foolish or unintelligent : the condition of being stupid
• I was shocked by the stupidity of their decision/behavior.
2 [count] : a stupid idea or action - usually plural
• the stupidities of war
the structures below the surface of the ground that support a building
The foundations will have to be reinforced to prevent the house from sinking further into the ground
foundation
noun
1 foundations (plural) the bricks or stones that form the solid base of a building, under the ground
2 (no plural) the act of starting a new organization
foundation
foun‧da‧tion W2 AC /faʊnˈdeɪʃən/ BrE AmE noun
1. BUILDING [countable] the solid layer of ↑cement, bricks, stones etc that is put under a building to support it:
It took the builders three weeks to lay the foundations.
The earthquake shook the foundations of the house.
2. BASIC IDEA [countable] a basic idea, principle, situation etc that something develops from
foundation of
All theories should be built on a foundation of factual knowledge.
solid/firm foundation
The course gives students a solid foundation in the basics of computing.
3. ORGANIZATION [countable] an organization that gives or collects money to be used for special purposes, especially for ↑charity or for medical ↑research:
the British Heart Foundation
4. ESTABLISHMENT [uncountable] the establishment of an organization, business, school etc SYN founding:
The school has served the community since its foundation in 1835.
5. be without foundation (also have no foundation) formal if a statement, idea etc is without foundation, there is no proof that it is true SYN be groundless:
Davis dismissed the allegations as being without foundation.
6. lay/provide the foundation(s) for something to provide the conditions that will make it possible for something to be successful:
Careful planning laid the foundations for the nation’s economic miracle.
7. SKIN [uncountable] a cream in the same colour as your skin that you put on before the rest of your ↑make-up
8. shake/rock the foundations of something (also shake/rock something to its foundations) to completely change the way something is done or the way people think by having a completely new idea:
Darwin’s theory rocked the scientific establishment to its foundations.
foundation
foun·da·tion AW [foundation foundations] [faʊnˈdeɪʃn] [faʊnˈdeɪʃn] noun
1. countable, usually plural a layer of bricks, concrete, etc. that forms the solid underground base of a building
• The builders are now beginning to lay the foundations of the new school.
• The explosion shook the foundations of the houses nearby.
2. countable, uncountable a principle, an idea or a fact that sth is based on and that it grows from
• Respect and friendship provide a solid foundation for marriage.
• The rumour is totally without foundation (= not based on any facts).
• These stories have no foundation (= are not based on any facts).
3. countable an organization that is established to provide money for a particular purpose, for example for scientific research or charity
• The money will go to the San Francisco AIDS Foundation.
4. uncountable the act of starting a new institution or organization
Syn: establishment
• The organization has grown enormously since its foundation in 1955.
• She used the money to go towards the foundation of a special research group.
5. uncountable a skin-coloured cream that is put on the face underneath other make-up
Idioms: rock something to its foundations ▪ rock the foundations of something
Word Origin:
late Middle English: from Old French fondation, from Latin fundatio(n-), from fundare ‘to lay a base for’, from fundus ‘bottom, base’.
Thesaurus:
foundation noun
1. C, usually pl.
• They started to lay the foundations of the new school.
base • • bottom •
(a) firm/solid/strong foundations/base
have (a) foundations/base/bottom
2. C, usually sing.
• Friendship provides a solid foundation for marriage.
basis • • base •
the foundation/basis/base for/of sth
a/an ideological/intellectual/philosophical/theoretical/economic foundation/basis/base
form/have sth as/establish/use sth as a/the foundation/basis/base of sth
Foundation or basis? Foundation is often used to talk about larger and more important things than basis
• He laid the foundation of Japan's modern economy.
• These figures formed the basis of their pay claim.
Synonyms:
basis
foundation • base
These are all words for the ideas or facts that sth is based on.
basis • [usually sing.] a principle, an idea or a fact that supports sth and that it can develop from: ▪ This article will form the basis for our discussion.
foundation • [C, U] a principle, an idea or a fact that supports sth and that it develops from: ▪ Respect and friendship provide a solid foundation for marriage. ◊ ▪ The rumour is totally without foundation ▪ (= is not based on any facts) ▪.
basis or foundation?
Foundation is often used to talk about larger or more important things than basis: ▪ He laid the foundations of Japan 's modern economy. ◊ ▪ These figures formed the basis of their pay claim.
base • [usually sing.] an idea, a fact or a situation from which sth is developed: ▪ His arguments have a sound economic base.
a/the basis/foundation/base for/of sth
a secure/solid/sound/strong/weak basis/foundation/base
to form the basis/foundation/base of sth
to be without basis/foundation
Synonyms:
bottom
base • foundation • foot
These are all words for the lowest part of sth.
bottom • [usually sing.] the lowest part of sth: ▪ Footnotes are given at the bottom of each page. ◊ ▪ I waited for them at the bottom of the hill.
base • [usually sing.] the lowest part of sth, especially the part or surface on which it rests or stands: ▪ The lamp has a heavy base.
foundation • [usually pl.] a layer of bricks, concrete, etc. that forms the solid underground base of a building: ▪ to ▪ lay the foundations ▪ of the new school
foot • [sing.] the lowest part of sth: ▪ At the foot of the stairs she turned to face him.
bottom or foot?
Foot is used to talk about a limited number of things: it is used most often with tree, hill/mountain, steps/stairs and page. Bottom can be used to talk about a much wider range of things, including those mentioned above for foot. Foot is generally used in more literary contexts.
at/near/towards the bottom/base/foot of sth
on the bottom/base of sth
(a) firm/solid/strong base/foundation(s)
Example Bank:
• Concrete foundations have been laid.
• He believes terrorism undermines the very foundations of our society.
• In 1853 Queen Victoria laid the foundation stone of the new palace.
• Rumours of his resignation are entirely without foundation.
• The Fine Arts degree starts with a foundation year.
• The foundation stone was laid in 1911.
• The peace treaty rests on shaky foundations.
• The scandal rocked the legal establishment to its foundations.
• The thunder seemed to shake the very foundations of the building.
• They had dug too deep and undermined the foundations of the house.
• This agreement laid a sound foundation for future cooperation between the two countries.
• We now have a firm foundation to build on.
• a charitable foundation established in 1983
• a private foundation for sport and the arts
• an event which rocked the foundations of British politics
• digging trenches and laying concrete foundations
• malicious gossip which has no foundation
• malicious rumours which have no foundation
• providing a solid foundation for this new democracy
• He laid the foundation of Japan's modern economy.
• Many of the hospitals were originally established by religious foundations.
• The research centre was set up by a charitable foundation.
• The rumour is totally without foundation.
• Worship is the foundation of all the Church's activities.
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
foundation / faʊnˈdeɪ.ʃ ə n / noun (BUILDING)
foundations [ plural ] the structures below the surface of the ground that support a building:
The foundations will have to be reinforced to prevent the house from sinking further into the ground.
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
foundation / faʊnˈdeɪ.ʃ ə n / noun (BEGIN)
C1 [ U ] an occasion when an organization, state, etc. is established:
the foundation of a new state
C1 [ C ] an organization that has been created in order to provide money for a particular group of people in need of help or for a particular type of study:
the British Heart Foundation
the Environmental Research Foundation
[ U ] UK the first year of infant school, previously known as reception:
a foundation class/teacher
Her youngest child starts (in) foundation in September.
foundation / faʊnˈdeɪ.ʃ ə n / noun (UNTRUE)
be without foundation [ U ] ( also have no foundation ) C2 to be untrue:
These allegations are completely without foundation.
foundation / faʊnˈdeɪ.ʃ ə n / noun [ U ] (MAKE-UP)
a type of make-up that is spread over the skin of the face, usually before other make-up is put on, giving it a better and more even colour and hiding unwanted marks
foundation
[faʊnde͟ɪʃ(ə)n]
♦♦♦
foundations
1) N-COUNT: usu the N of/for n The foundation of something such as a belief or way of life is the things on which it is based.
Best friends are the foundation of my life...
The issue strikes at the very foundation of our community...
This laid the foundations for later modern economic growth.
●
PHRASE: V inflects If an event shakes the foundations of a society or a system of beliefs, it causes great uncertainty and makes people question their most deeply held beliefs.
The destruction of war and the death of millions of young people shook the foundations of Western idealism...
Emotional conflict may shake the foundations of even the strongest relationship.
2) N-PLURAL The foundations of a building or other structure are the layer of bricks or concrete below the ground that it is built on.
3) N-COUNT A foundation is an organization which provides money for a special purpose such as research or charity.
...the National Foundation for Educational Research.
4) N-UNCOUNT: with brd-neg If a story, idea, or argument has no foundation, there are no facts to prove that it is true.
The allegations were without foundation...
Each complaint is analysed very closely, and if it has no foundation it is rejected.
5) N-MASS Foundation is a skin-coloured cream that you put on your face before putting on the rest of your make-up.
foundation
foun·da·tion /faʊnˈdeɪʃən/ noun, pl -tions
1 [count]
a : a usually stone or concrete structure that supports a building from underneath
• The inspector discovered a crack in the house's foundation.
• pour/lay/dig the foundation
b : something (such as an idea, a principle, or a fact) that provides support for something
• He insists that these charges are without foundation. [=are unfounded]
• These charges have no foundation in fact. [=there are no facts that support these charges]
• The book explains the moral foundations on which her political career was built.
• These problems threaten the very foundations of modern society.
• The scandal has shaken the government to its foundations.
• Her early research laid the foundation [=provided the basis] for many important medical discoveries.
2 [count] : an organization that is created and supported with money that people give in order to do something that helps society
• They established a foundation to help orphaned children.
• set up a foundation
• a charitable/nonprofit/private foundation
3 [count, noncount] : a special cream that is the color of your skin and that you spread on your face and neck before putting on other makeup
4 [noncount] : the act of founding something
• the foundation of a new school
