0
no-brainer
no-brainer [noun]
Something such as a decision that is very easy or obvious
US
/ˌnoʊˈbreɪ.nɚ/
UK
/ˌnəʊˈbreɪ.nər/
Example:
The decision was a complete no-brainer.
Something such as a decision that is very easy or obvious
The decision was a complete no-brainer.
no-brainer
ˌno-ˈbrainer BrE AmE noun [singular]
a decision that is easy, and that you do not need to think about, used when you want to emphasize that it is really very easy:
Joining the savings plan is a no-brainer. Just do it.
no-brainer
ˌno-ˈbrain·er 7 [no-brainer] noun (informal)
a decision or a problem that you do not need to think about much because it is obvious what you should do
• The question of who to support in this election should be a no-brainer.
• Providing a survivor benefit for a spouse is a no-brainer for most people
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
no-brainer / ˌnəʊˈbreɪ.nə r / / ˌnoʊˈbreɪ.nɚ / noun [ S ] slang
something such as a decision that is very easy or obvious:
The decision was a complete no-brainer.
© Cambridge University Press 2013
no-brainer
/noʊ breɪnə(r)/
(no-brainers)
1.
If you describe a question or decision as a no-brainer, you mean that it is a very easy one to answer or make. (AM INFORMAL)
If it’s illegal for someone under 21 to drive, it should be illegal for them to drink and drive. That’s a no-brainer.
N-COUNT
2.
If you describe a person or action as a no-brainer, you mean that they are stupid. (AM INFORMAL)
N-COUNT [disapproval]
no-brainer
no–brain·er /ˈnoʊˈbreɪnɚ/ noun, pl -ers [count] informal : a decision or choice that is very easy to make and requires very little thought
• The offer of a full scholarship made his choice of colleges a no-brainer.
Stupid
What sort of brainless idiot would do that?
brainless
brain‧less /ˈbreɪnləs/ BrE AmE adjective
completely stupid:
What a brainless thing to do!
brainless
brain·less [brainless] [ˈbreɪnləs] [ˈbreɪnləs] adjective
stupid; not able to think or talk in an intelligent way
• Her husband's colleagues were brainless bores.
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
brainless / ˈbreɪn.ləs / adjective informal
stupid:
What sort of brainless idiot would do that?
© Cambridge University Press 2013
brainless
/breɪnləs/
If you describe someone or something as brainless, you mean that you think they are stupid.
I got treated as if I was a bit brainless.
= stupid
ADJ [disapproval]
brainless
brain·less /ˈbreɪnləs/ adj [more ~; most ~] informal : very stupid or silly
• He thought most of his coworkers were brainless.
• The plot of the new movie is brainless and the acting is terrible.
- brain·less·ly adv
- brain·less·ness noun [noncount]
To make certain that something or someone is correct, safe, or suitable by examining it or them quickly
You should always check your oil, water, and tyres before taking your car on a long trip.
verb (checks, checking, checked )
1 to look at something to see that it is right, good or safe:
Do the sums and then use a calculator to check your answers.
Before driving off, I checked the oil and water.
Check that all the windows are closed before you leave.
2 American English for tick1?
check in to tell the person at the desk in a hotel or an airport that you have arrived:
I have to check in an hour before my flight.
check out to pay your bill and leave a hotel
check
I. check1 S1 W2 /tʃek/ BrE AmE verb
1. FIND OUT [intransitive and transitive] to do something in order to find out whether something really is correct, true, or in good condition:
Check the tiles carefully before you buy them.
A first rule in solving any mystery is to check the facts.
Fill in the cash book carefully and always check your calculations.
check (that)
Check that all the doors are locked securely.
check whether/how/who etc
Let me just check whether the potatoes are cooked.
They paused to check how the other climbers were getting on.
check (something) for something
I checked the typing for errors.
Turn the tap on and check for leaks.
check something against/with something (=compare something with something else to see whether they are the same)
You must check the evidence against other sources and decide if it is reliable.
Positive test results are double-checked (=looked at twice) to make absolutely sure.
2. ASK SOMEBODY [intransitive and transitive] to ask someone whether something is correct, true, or allowed:
I’m not authorized to give you a refund – I’ll have to check first.
check (that)
Make a phone call to check that you’re writing to the right person.
check whether/how/who etc
Call the factory to check whether the beds can be delivered today.
check with
Check with your doctor before going on a diet.
3. NOT DO SOMETHING [transitive] to suddenly stop yourself from saying or doing something because you realize it would be better not to:
I had to check the urge to laugh out loud.
check yourself
He grinned, and then checked himself, not wanting to upset Jack.
4. STOP SOMETHING [transitive] to stop something bad from getting worse or continuing to happen:
The police are failing to take adequate measures to check the growth in crime.
5. BAGS/CASES ETC [transitive] American English, check in British English to leave your bags at an official place so they can be put on a plane or a train, or to take someone’s bags in order to do this:
Any luggage over five kilos must be checked.
6. MAKE A MARK [transitive] American English to make a mark (✓ ) next to an answer, something on a list etc to show you have chosen it, that it is correct, or that you have dealt with it SYN tick British English
7. Check especially American English spoken say this when someone mentions each thing on a list, to tell them that you have it or have done it:
‘Passport?’ ‘Check.’ ‘Ticket?’ ‘Check’.
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ check to look at something carefully and thoroughly in order to make sure that it is correct, safe, or working properly: I’ll just check the water level in the battery. | The immigration officer checked their passports. | We need to check the building for structural damage.
▪ examine to look at something carefully and thoroughly because you want to find out something about it: Experts who examined the painting believe it is genuine. | The police will examine the weapon for fingerprints.
▪ inspect to look at something carefully and thoroughly in order to make sure that it is correct, safe, or working properly, especially when it is your job to do this: The building is regularly inspected by a fire-safety officer. | Some insurance people have already been here to inspect the damage caused by the storm.
▪ go through something to examine something such as a document or plan from beginning to end, especially in order to check that it is correct: You should go through the contract before you sign. | I’ve finished my essay, but I just need to go through it to check for spelling mistakes.
▪ double-check to check something again so that you are completely sure it is correct, safe, or working properly: I double-checked all my calculations and they seemed fine. | Travellers should double-check flight information before setting off today.
▪ test to examine or use something in order to find out whether it works or what its qualities are, or in order to check that it is satisfactory: Test your brakes to check they are working correctly. | These products have not been tested on animals.
▪ monitor to carefully watch or keep checking someone or something in order to see what happens over a period of time: Doctors monitored her progress during the night. | Observers have been monitoring the situation in Burma closely.
check in phrasal verb
1. if you check in or are checked in at a hotel or airport, you go to the desk and report that you have arrived:
Check in two hours before the flight.
check in at
He checked in at the Europa Hotel.
check somebody ↔ in
Airline employees were checking in passengers. ⇨ ↑check-in
2. check something ↔ in to leave your bags at an official place so they can be put on a plane or a train, or to take someone’s bags in order to do this:
I said goodbye and went to check in my suitcases.
3. American English to call someone to tell them that you are safe or where you are:
He just called to check in and tell them how he was doing.
check something ↔ off phrasal verb
to write a mark next to something on a list to show that you have chosen it, dealt with it, or made sure that it is correct:
One by one he checked them off on his register.
check on somebody/something phrasal verb
1. to make sure that someone or something is safe, is in a satisfactory state, or is doing what they should be doing:
Honey, can you go upstairs and check on the kids?
My neighbour comes in once a week to check on things and feed the fish.
2. to try to find out if something is true or correct:
He wanted to check on the girl’s story.
check out phrasal verb
1. MAKE SURE
a) check something ↔ out to make sure that something is actually true, correct, or acceptable SYN investigate:
I made a phone call to check out his address.
check something ↔ out with
Check it out with your boss before you do anything.
b) if information checks out, it is proved to be true, correct, or acceptable:
His credit record checks out.
2. LOOK AT SOMEBODY/SOMETHING check somebody/something ↔ out to look at someone or something because they are interesting or attractive:
If I hear about a website that sounds interesting, I check it out.
Hey, check out that car!
3. GET INFORMATION check somebody ↔ out informal to get information about someone, especially to find out if they are suitable for something:
I’ll check them out as potential employers.
4. HOTEL to leave a hotel after paying the bill:
We checked out at noon. ⇨ ↑checkout
5. BOOKS check something ↔ out American English to borrow a book from a library:
The library allows you to check out six books at a time.
check something/somebody ↔ over phrasal verb
1. to look closely at something to make sure it is correct or acceptable:
They spent the rest of the morning checking over their equipment.
2. to examine someone to make sure they are healthy:
I’d like the doctor to check you over and do a few tests.
check up on somebody/something phrasal verb
1. to try to find out if someone is doing what they said they would do or what you want them to do:
Don’t worry; no one is going to check up on you.
2. to make sure that something is true or correct:
Dustin called me to check up on some facts.
check
check [check checks checked checking] verb, noun, exclamation [tʃek] [tʃek]
verb
EXAMINE
1. transitive ~ sth (for sth) to examine sth to see if it is correct, safe or acceptable
• Check the container for cracks or leaks.
• She gave me the minutes of the meeting to read and check.
• Check the oil and water before setting off.
• Check your work before handing it in.
• Customs officers have the right to check all luggage going through customs.
MAKE SURE
2. intransitive, transitive to find out if sth/sb is present, correct or true or if sth is how you think it is
• ‘Is Mary in the office?’ ‘Just a moment. I'll go and check.’
• ~ sth Hang on— I just need to check my email.
• ~ (that)… Go and check (that) I've locked the windows.
• ~ (with sb) (what/whether, etc…) You'd better check with Jane what time she's expecting us tonight.
see also cross-check, double-check
CONTROL
3. transitive ~ sth to control sth; to stop sth from increasing or getting worse
• The government is determined to check the growth of public spending.
• She tied some strips of cloth around the wound to check the bleeding.
4. transitive to stop yourself from saying or doing sth or from showing a particular emotion
• ~ sth to check your anger/laughter/tears
• ~ yourself She wanted to tell him the whole truth but she checked herself— it wasn't the right moment.
COATS/BAGS/CASES
5. transitive ~ sth (NAmE) to leave coats, bags, etc. in an official place (called a checkroom) while you are visiting a club, restaurant, etc
• Do you want to check your coats?
6. transitive ~ sth (NAmE) to leave bags or cases with an official so that they can be put on a plane or train
• How many bags are you checking?
MAKE MARK
7. transitive ~ sth (NAmE) (BrE tick) to put a mark (✓) next to an item on a list, an answer, etc
• Check the box next to the right answer.
Word Origin:
v. and exclam. n. senses 1 to 4 and n. senses 6 to 10 Middle English Old French eschec medieval Latin scaccus Arabic Persian šāh ‘king’ Old French eschequier ‘play chess, put in check’ ‘stop or control’ ‘examine the accuracy of’
n. sense 5 late Middle English
Thesaurus:
check verb
1. T
• Check your work before handing it in.
inspect • • examine • • go over sth • • check over sb/sth • • check through sth • • look at sth • |business audit •
check/inspect/examine/check over/check through sth for sth
check/inspect/examine/look at sth to see if/whether…
check/inspect/examine/go over/check over/check through/look at sth carefully
Check, inspect or examine? These words can all be used when you are looking for possible problems. Only check is used about looking for mistakes: ¤ Inspect/Examine your work before handing it in. Only examine is used when looking for the cause of a problem:
• The doctor examined her but could find nothing wrong.
¤ The doctor checked/inspected her but could find nothing wrong.
2. I, T
• Go and check that I've locked the windows.
make sure • |formal verify • • assure yourself •
check/verify sth with sb
check/make sure/verify/assure yourself that…
check/verify what/whether…
Synonyms:
check
examine • inspect • go over sth
These words all mean to look closely to make sure that everything is correct, in good condition, or acceptable.
check • to look at sth closely to make sure that everything is correct, in good condition, safe or satisfactory: ▪ Check your work before handing it in.
examine • to look at sb/sth closely to see if there is anything wrong or to find the cause of a problem: ▪ The goods were examined for damage on arrival.
inspect • to look at sb/sth closely to make sure that everything is satisfactory; to officially visit a school, factory, etc. in order to check that rules are being obeyed and that standards are acceptable: ▪ Make sure you inspect the goods before signing for them. ◊ ▪ The Tourist Board inspects all recommended hotels at least once a year.
check, examine or inspect?
All these words can be used when you are looking for possible problems, but only check is used for mistakes: Examine/Inspect your work before handing it in. Only examine is used when looking for the cause of a problem: The doctor checked/inspected her but could find nothing wrong. Examine is used more often about a professional person: ▪ The surveyor examined the walls for signs of damp. Inspect is used more often about an official: ▪ Public health officials were called in to inspect the restaurant.
go over sth • to check sth carefully for mistakes, damage or anything dangerous: ▪ Go over your work for spelling mistakes before you hand it in.
to check/examine/inspect/go over (sth) for sth
to check/examine/inspect/go over sth to see if/whether…
to check/examine/inspect/go over sth carefully/thoroughly
Example Bank:
• Always check that the electricity is switched off before you start.
• Check the engine oil level regularly.
• Check the roof for loose slates.
• He was just checking to see if I was in my room.
• I checked with her to see if she needed any help.
• I'll need to check these figures against last year's.
• It's worth checking that there is no rust on the car.
• She began mentally checking off the things on her to-do list.
• The cartons were all checked off as they were unloaded.
• To take advantage of this extra bonus offer, simply check the box on your order form.
• We had better check that all the doors are locked.
• ‘Is Mary in the office?’ ‘Just a moment. I'll go and check.’
• Check the oil and water in the car before setting off.
• Go and check that I've locked the windows.
• She made no effort to check her tears and just let them run down her face.
• She wanted to tell him the whole truth but she checked herself.
• The active ingredient checks the growth of bacteria.
• You'd better check with Jane what time she's expecting us.
Idiom: hold something in check
Derived: check in ▪ check into … ▪ check on somebody ▪ check out ▪ check over something ▪ check somebody off ▪ check somebody out ▪ check something in ▪ check something out ▪ check up on somebody ▪ check up on something
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
check / tʃek / verb [ I or T ] (EXAMINE)
A2 to make certain that something or someone is correct, safe, or suitable by examining it or them quickly:
You should always check your oil, water, and tyres before taking your car on a long trip.
Customs stopped us and checked (= searched) our bags for alcohol and cigarettes.
After I'd finished the exam, I checked my answers for mistakes.
The doctor will call next week to check on your progress.
My wife checks on (= visits) our elderly neighbour every few days to make sure that he's alright.
[ + (that) ] I always check (that) I've shut the windows before I leave the house.
He double- checked all the doors (= checked them all twice) before leaving the house.
→ See also crosscheck
B1 to find out about something:
[ + question word ] I rang them yesterday to check wh en they were arriving.
[ + to infinitive ] If you're near the garage, could you check to see (= ask) if the car's ready?
If you're unsure of your legal rights, I would check with (= ask) a lawyer.
check / tʃek / verb [ T ] (STOP)
to stop someone from doing or saying something, or to prevent something from increasing or continuing:
They have begun to vaccinate children in an attempt to check the spread of the disease.
check / tʃek / verb [ T ] US (LEAVE)
to leave something with someone at a particular place, so that they can take care of it for a short time:
It was hot so we checked our coats before going round the gallery.
check / tʃek / verb [ I ] mainly US (AGREE)
If information checks, it agrees with other information:
Her statement checks with most of the eye-witness reports.
check / tʃek / verb [ I or T ] (MARK)
A1 US for tick noun (MARK)
check / tʃek / verb [ T ] specialized (CHESS)
in the game of chess, to put the other player's king under direct attack, so that the other player is forced to defend against the attack in their next move
© Cambridge University Press 2013
check
/tʃek/
(checks, checking, checked)
Frequency: The word is one of the 1500 most common words in English.
1.
If you check something such as a piece of information or a document, you make sure that it is correct or satisfactory.
Check the accuracy of everything in your CV...
I think there is an age limit, but I’d have to check...
She hadn’t checked whether she had a clean ironed shirt...
He checked that he had his room key...
I shall need to check with the duty officer.
VERB: V n, V, V wh, V that, V with n
see also cross-check
•
Check is also a noun.
He is being constantly monitored with regular checks on his blood pressure.
...a security check.
N-COUNT: usu with supp
2.
If you check on someone or something, you make sure they are in a safe or satisfactory condition.
He decided to check on things at the warehouse.
VERB: V on n
3.
If you check something that is written on a piece of paper, you put a mark, like a V with the right side extended, next to it to show that something is correct or has been selected or dealt with. (AM; in BRIT, usually use tick)
Frequently, men who check answer (b) have not actually had the experience of being repeatedly rejected by women.
VERB: V n
4.
To check something, usually something bad, means to stop it from spreading or continuing.
Sex education is also expected to help check the spread of AIDS.
= curb
VERB: V n
5.
If you check yourself or if something checks you, you suddenly stop what you are doing or saying.
He was about to lose his temper but checked himself in time...
I held up one finger to check him.
VERB: V pron-refl, V n
6.
When you check your luggage at an airport, you give it to an official so that it can be taken on to your plane.
We arrived at the airport, checked our baggage and wandered around the gift shops...
VERB: V n
•
To check in your luggage means the same as to check it.
They checked in their luggage and found seats in the departure lounge.
PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V n P
7.
The check in a restaurant is a piece of paper on which the price of your meal is written and which you are given before you pay. (mainly AM; in BRIT, use bill)
= bill
N-COUNT
8.
In a game of chess, you say check when you are attacking your opponent’s king.
CONVENTION
9.
A pattern of squares, usually of two colours, can be referred to as checks or a check.
Styles include stripes and checks.
...a red and white check dress.
N-COUNT: oft N n
10.
If something or someone is held in check or is kept in check, they are controlled and prevented from becoming too great or powerful.
Life on Earth will become unsustainable unless population growth is held in check...
PHRASE: V inflects
11.
A check is the same as a cheque. (AM)
1check /ˈʧɛk/ verb checks; checked; check·ing
1 : to look at (something) carefully to find mistakes, problems, etc., or to make sure there is nothing wrong with it
[+ obj]
• Make sure to check your spelling.
• She checked her makeup in the mirror.
• We should check the equipment to make sure that it's working properly.
• I checked the tires for wear. [=to see if they are worn down/out]
• The guards checked my passport.
[no obj]
- + for
• Be careful to check for any mistakes.
• The border guards checked in my luggage for contraband.
- see also cross-check, double-check, spot-check
2 a : to get information by looking at something, asking about something, etc.
[+ obj]
• He checked his watch and saw that it was almost noon.
• I'll just check the map to see where we are.
• I'll check the newspaper to see when the movie starts.
[no obj]
• We were out of milk last time I checked. [=looked]
• “Do you have these shoes in a larger size?” “I don't know. Let me check.” [=take a look]
• I think the door is locked, but I'll have to check (to be sure).
- often followed by to + verb
• Did you check to see where the movie was playing?
• I checked to make sure the door was locked.
b : to look at or in (a place) in order to find or get something or someone
[+ obj]
• If you're looking for a spoon, check the top drawer.
• I checked his office but he wasn't there.
[no obj]
• If you're looking for the umbrella, check in the closet.
c [+ obj] : to find out if you have any (mail, messages, etc.)
• Did you check the mail yet today?
• She checked [=listened to] her phone messages when she got home.
• He logged on and checked [=read] his e-mail.
3 : to talk with someone in order to get approval, information, etc., about something
[no obj]
• I'll have to check with the manager before I can let you in.
• Check with your doctor to find out which drugs are safe.
[+ obj]
• I'm not sure when you should arrive. I'll have to check that with my wife.
4 [+ obj]
a : to slow or stop (something or someone) from doing something
• She started to speak but then checked [=stopped] herself.
• The batter checked his swing. [=the batter started to swing and then stopped]
b hockey : to stop or hit (an opponent) in order to steal the ball or puck, defend the goal, etc.
• He was checked by the defender.
5 [+ obj] US
a : to leave (something you own) with a worker at a restaurant, hotel, etc., who keeps it in a special area or room (called a checkroom) while you are there
• I checked my hat and coat in the restaurant's checkroom.
b : to give (your bags, suitcases, etc.) to a worker so that they can be loaded onto a plane or train
• We checked our bags before boarding.
c : to take (someone's bags, suitcases, etc.) to load them onto a plane or train
• The airline checked our bags before we boarded.
- see also check in 3 (below)
6 [+ obj] US : to mark (something) with a check (✓) to show that it has been done, approved, etc.
• You should check [=(chiefly Brit) tick] each item on the list after you've completed it.
- often + off
• You should check off [=(chiefly Brit) tick off] each item on the list after you've completed it.
7 [no obj] US informal : to be proven to be true, accurate, etc. - usually used in negative statements
• Her story didn't check. [=the evidence did not support her story]
- see also check out 2 (below)
check back [phrasal verb] informal : to return to a place, person, etc., in order to try something again or to get additional information
• We are not hiring today, but check back next month.
• I'll check back with you [=talk to you again] in about a week.
check in [phrasal verb]
1 : to report to someone when you arrive at a place (such as an airport or convention) to let them know you are there
• Passengers must check in one hour before the flight leaves.
• Where do I have to check in? especially; : to arrive at and be given a room in a hotel, motel, etc.
• check in [=register] at a hotel
• Guests cannot check in before 4:00 PM.
- see also check-in
2 US informal : to talk with someone in order to report or find out new information
• I'm just checking in to see how things are going.
- usually + with
• I have to go to a meeting now, but I'll check in with you later.
3 check (something) in or check in (something) : to leave or take bags, suitcases, etc., so that they can be loaded onto a plane or train
• We checked our bags in at the station.
• The airline checked in our luggage.
check into [phrasal verb] check into (something)
1 : to arrive at and be given a room in (a hotel, motel, etc.)
• We checked into a hotel.
2 : to look for information about (something) : to find out the truth about (something) by getting information
• The police are checking into [=checking on, checking up on] his activities. [=the police are investigating his activities]
• A problem like that should really be checked into carefully.
check off on [phrasal verb] check off on (something) US informal : to give official approval for (something)
• My boss will have to check off on [=authorize, approve] my decision.
check on [phrasal verb] check on (someone or something)
1 : to look at or examine (someone or something) to see if there are any problems
• The nurse checked on the patients regularly.
2 : to look for information about (someone or something) : to find out the truth about (someone or something) by getting information
• The police are checking on [=checking up on] him.
• I asked the waiter to check on [=find out what was happening with] my order.
check out [phrasal verb]
1 a : to leave and pay for your room at a hotel, motel, etc.
• We checked out (of the hotel) early.
- see also checkout
b US informal : to die
• There are still a lot of things I want to accomplish in life before I finally check out.
2 US informal
a : to be proven to be accurate, true, etc.
• I didn't believe her at first, but her story checked out.
• The description checked out when we compared it with the photograph. [=we saw that the description was accurate when we compared it with the photograph]
b check out (something) or check (something) out : to find out if (something) is true
• The police are still trying to check out [=investigate, confirm] his alibi.
3 check out (something or someone) or check (something or someone) out
a : to look at (something or someone) in order to find problems, mistakes, etc.
• We carefully checked out the car for defects.
• He had problems with his computer and asked the technician to check it out.
• He needs to get checked out by a doctor.
b informal : to look at (someone or something that is attractive or interesting)
• When she walked into the room, all the guys were checking her out.
• Just check out his new car!
• We're going to the mall to check out that new clothing store.
- often used in the phrase check it out to direct someone's attention to something
• Check it out—they've got that new book in stock.
4 check out (something) or check (something) out
a : to borrow (something) from a library
• He checked out [=took out, borrowed] a book on farming.
b US : to add up the cost of the goods that someone buys in a store (such as a supermarket) and accept payment for them
• She got a job checking out groceries at the supermarket. also; : to pay for the goods that you buy in a store
• There was a long line of people waiting to check out their groceries.
• She was able to check out quickly using her debit card.
- see also checkout
check over [phrasal verb] check (something or someone) over or check over (something or someone) : to look at (something or someone) in a careful way to find problems, mistakes, etc.
• checking the new cars over
• The doctors checked him over for bruises.
• Be sure to check over each item on the list for any mistakes.
• She checked herself over [=she looked at herself carefully] in the mirror before going to the party.
check through [phrasal verb] check through (something) : to look at the parts of (a group of things)
• I checked through all his letters but found nothing useful.
check up on [phrasal verb] check up on (someone or something) : to find or look for information about (someone or something) often in order to find out the truth
• My parents are always checking up on me.
• The police are checking up on his alibi.
- check·able adj
• an easily checkable fact
Sad
Melancholy autumn days
melancholy
I. mel‧an‧chol‧y1 /ˈmelənkəli $ -kɑːli/ BrE AmE adjective
very sad:
The music suited her melancholy mood.
adjective
very sad or making you feel sadness
Syn: mournful, Syn: sombre
• melancholy thoughts/memories
• The melancholy song died away.
Word Origin:
Middle English: from Old French melancolie, via late Latin from Greek melankholia, from melas, melan- ‘black’ + kholē ‘bile’, an excess of which was formerly believed to cause depression.
Example Bank:
• She began to feel more and more melancholy.
• He was a tall man with a long, melancholy face.
• I grew very melancholy and weary.
• She was in a melancholy mood.
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
melancholy / ˈmel.əŋ.kɒl.i / / -kɑː.li / adjective
sad:
melancholy autumn days
a melancholy piece of music
© Cambridge University Press 2013
melancholy
/melənkɒli/
1.
You describe something that you see or hear as melancholy when it gives you an intense feeling of sadness.
The only sounds were the distant, melancholy cries of the sheep...
ADJ
2.
Melancholy is an intense feeling of sadness which lasts for a long time and which strongly affects your behaviour and attitudes. (LITERARY)
I was deeply aware of his melancholy as he stood among the mourners...
N-UNCOUNT
3.
If someone feels or looks melancholy, they feel or look very sad. (LITERARY)
It was in these hours of the late afternoon that Tom Mulligan felt most melancholy...
He fixed me with those luminous, empty eyes and his melancholy smile.
ADJ
melancholy
2melancholy adj [more ~; most ~] : feeling or showing sadness : very unhappy
• She was in a melancholy mood.
• He became quiet and melancholy as the hours slowly passed.
• melancholy [=sad, depressing] music/thoughts
The fact of something such as a bomb exploding
The fire was thought to have been caused by a gas explosion.
explosion
noun
the sudden bursting and loud noise of something such as a bomb exploding:
There was an explosion and pieces of glass flew everywhere.
The verb is explode.
explosion
ex‧plo‧sion W3 /ɪkˈspləʊʒən $ -ˈsploʊ-/ BrE AmE noun
[Word Family: adjective: exploding, ↑explosive, ↑exploded, ↑unexploded; noun: ↑explosion, ↑explosive; verb: ↑explode; adverb: ↑explosively]
1. [countable] a loud sound and the energy produced by something such as a bomb bursting into small pieces ⇨ explode
bomb/gas/nuclear explosion
Several people were injured in a bomb explosion.
We heard a loud explosion.
huge/massive etc explosion
A massive explosion ripped through the building.
2. [uncountable and countable] a process in which something such as a bomb is deliberately made to explode:
Police carried out a controlled explosion of the device.
3. [countable] a sudden or quick increase in the number or amount of something:
the population explosion in India
explosion of
the recent explosion of interest in Latin music and dance
4. [countable] a sudden expression of emotion, especially anger SYN outburst
5. [countable] a sudden very loud noise
explosion of
an explosion of laughter
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meanings 1 & 2)
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + explosion
▪ a big explosion There has been a big explosion in the centre of Paris.
▪ a huge/massive/enormous explosion An enormous explosion tore the roof off the building.
▪ a tremendous explosion (=very big and powerful) The torpedo struck the side of the ship, followed by a tremendous explosion.
▪ a powerful explosion The powerful explosion was heard from Portland, Maine to Albany, New York.
▪ a major explosion formal We are getting reports of a major explosion at the oil refinery.
▪ a loud explosion We heard several loud explosions followed by an eerie silence.
▪ a deafening explosion (=extremely loud) The building collapsed in a deafening explosion.
▪ an almighty explosion old-fashioned (=extremely loud) There was an almighty explosion and I was knocked to the ground.
▪ a muffled explosion (=one that is not heard very clearly) We could just make out a muffled explosion from deep inside the mine.
▪ a nuclear/atomic explosion This is the site of the first ever nuclear explosion.
▪ a gas explosion Firefighters say that a gas explosion destroyed the building.
▪ a volcanic explosion (=one caused by a volcano) You could see where a volcanic explosion had blown the mountain peak away.
■ verbs
▪ cause an explosion The police do not yet know what caused the explosion.
▪ set off/trigger an explosion (=cause an explosion) Investigators believe a fuel leak may have triggered the explosion.
▪ carry out an explosion (=cause one deliberately) By 1942, the United States had carried out test explosions with nuclear bombs.
▪ hear an explosion Marie was reading in bed when she heard the explosion.
▪ an explosion takes place/happens The largest explosion took place at the main post office.
▪ an explosion occurs formal The explosion occurred just off the coast of Greece.
▪ an explosion shakes something A series of explosions shook the building.
▪ an explosion destroys something Seven people died when the explosion destroyed the bus.
▪ an explosion kills somebody Last year, an underground explosion killed 82 miners.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 3)
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + explosion
▪ a sudden explosion Henry thought she was going to laugh, but then there was a sudden explosion of sobbing.
▪ a population explosion The decision not to plant the fields led to a population explosion in rabbits.
■ phrases
▪ an explosion of interest in something There has been an explosion of interest in networking websites in the last few years.
▪ an explosion of violence The army had to cope with the explosion of violence that followed the elections.
▪ an explosion of anger The verdict was greeted by an explosion of public anger.
▪ an explosion of colour literary After the rain, the desert bloomed in an explosion of color.
• • •
THESAURUS
■ a very big increase
▪ explosion noun [countable] a sudden very large increase in the amount or number of something: There has been an explosion in the number of fast food restaurants. | The country experienced a population explosion. | The book caused an explosion of interest in Renaissance Italy.
▪ boom noun [singular] a sudden large increase in trade, profits or sales, with the result that a country, company, or industry becomes very successful. Boom is also used about a sudden increase in interest in something, with the result that it becomes very popular: the German economic boom of the 1960s | the Internet boom | There has been a boom in sales of diet books and videos.
explosion
ex·plo·sion [explosion explosions] [ɪkˈspləʊʒn] [ɪkˈsploʊʒn] noun
1. countable, uncountable the sudden violent bursting and loud noise of sth such as a bomb exploding; the act of deliberately causing sth to explode
• a bomb/nuclear/gas explosion
• There were two loud explosions and then the building burst into flames.
• Bomb Squad officers carried out a controlled explosion of the device.
• 300 people were injured in the explosion.
2. countable a large, sudden or rapid increase in the amount or number of sth
• a population explosion
• an explosion of interest in learning Japanese
• an explosion in oil prices
3. countable (formal) a sudden, violent expression of emotion, especially anger
Syn: outburst
• Do you know what brought on that explosion?
• Demonstrators clashed with riot police in an explosion of anger at live animal exports.
Word Origin:
early 17th cent.: from Latin explosio(n-) ‘scornful rejection’, from the verb explodere ‘drive out by clapping, hiss off the stage’, from ex- ‘out’ + plaudere ‘to clap’.
Thesaurus:
explosion noun C
• The explosion destroyed the building.
journalism blast •
a loud/deafening/powerful/massive/huge explosion/blast
a bomb/gas/chemical/nuclear explosion/blast
a/an explosion/blast rips through/rocks sth
Example Bank:
• 3 people were injured in the explosion.
• A huge explosion rocked the entire building.
• A loud explosion echoed around the valley.
• A massive explosion erupted behind him.
• A massive explosion ripped through the chemical works.
• An explosion blew out the front windows.
• Bomb disposal experts carried out a controlled explosion on the suspect package.
• How can we keep up with the information explosion?
• I believe we will see an explosion in lawsuits of this kind.
• If no action is taken, the country runs the risk of a social explosion.
• In the 1860s a veritable explosion of major scientific publications took place.
• The build-up of gas caused a small explosion.
• The explosion came 20 minutes after a coded warning to the police.
• The explosion caused major structural damage.
• The explosion occurred just after midday.
• The explosion shook nearby homes.
• The floor shook with a distant explosion.
• The shock waves of this political explosion engulfed the whole of Europe.
• There was a muffled explosion somewhere on their right.
• a great explosion of creativity
• a nuclear test explosion
• a sudden explosion in the number of students
• a sudden explosion of anger
• The explosion sent a large cloud of smoke and dust into the air.
• The world changed with the explosion of the first atomic bomb.
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
explosion / ɪkˈspləʊ.ʒ ə n / / -ˈsploʊ- / noun [ C or U ] (BURST)
explosion
B2 the fact of something such as a bomb exploding:
The fire was thought to have been caused by a gas explosion.
The explosion (= the intentional exploding) of nuclear devices in the Bikini Atoll was stopped in 1958.
© Cambridge University Press 2013
explosion
/ɪksploʊʒ(ə)n/
(explosions)
Frequency: The word is one of the 3000 most common words in English.
1.
An explosion is a sudden, violent burst of energy, for example one caused by a bomb.
After the second explosion, all of London’s main train and subway stations were shut down...
Three people have been killed in a bomb explosion in northwest Spain.
= blast
N-COUNT
2.
Explosion is the act of deliberately causing a bomb or similar device to explode.
Bomb disposal experts blew up the bag in a controlled explosion...
N-VAR
3.
An explosion is a large rapid increase in the number or amount of something.
The study also forecast an explosion in the diet soft-drink market...
The spread of the suburbs has triggered a population explosion among America’s deer.
N-COUNT: with supp
4.
An explosion is a sudden violent expression of someone’s feelings, especially anger.
Every time they met, Myra anticipated an explosion...
= outburst
N-COUNT
5.
An explosion is a sudden and serious political protest or violence.
...the explosion of protest and violence sparked off by the killing of seven workers.
N-COUNT
explosion
ex·plo·sion /ɪkˈsploʊʒən/ noun, pl -sions [count]
1 : the sudden, loud, and violent release of energy that happens when something (such as a bomb) breaks apart in a way that sends parts flying outward
• The filmmakers staged the car's explosion.
• The island was rocked by a series of volcanic explosions.
• set off an explosion
2 a : a sudden and very fast increase
• The region has experienced a population explosion.
• an explosion of interest
b : a sudden expression of some strong emotion
• an explosion of anger
c : a sudden occurrence of laughter
• His comments prompted an explosion of laughter from the crowd.
To pull apart; to tear or be torn violently and quickly
She excitedly ripped the parcel open .
rip
verb (rips, ripping, ripped )
to pull or tear something quickly and suddenly:
I ripped my shirt on a nail.
Joe ripped the letter open.
rip somebody off (informal) to cheat somebody by making them pay too much for something:
Tourists complained that they were being ripped off by local taxi drivers.
The noun is rip-off.
rip something up to tear something into small pieces:
She ripped the photo up.
rip
I. rip1 S3 /rɪp/ BrE AmE verb (past tense and past participle ripped, present participle ripping)
[Date: 1300-1400; Origin: Probably from Flemish rippen 'to tear off roughly']
1. [intransitive and transitive] to tear something or be torn quickly and violently:
Her clothes had all been ripped.
The sails ripped under the force of the wind.
Impatiently, Sue ripped the letter open.
2. [transitive always + adverb/preposition] to remove something quickly and violently, using your hands
rip something out/off/away/down
Gilly ripped out a sheet of paper from her notebook.
The buttons had been ripped off.
3. rip something/somebody to shreds
a) to destroy something or damage it badly by tearing it in many places:
Jill’s kitten is ripping her sofa to shreds.
b) informal to strongly criticize someone, or criticize their opinions, remarks, behaviour etc:
I expected to have my argument ripped to shreds.
4. [transitive] to copy music from a CD to an ↑MP3 player or computer
5. let rip informal to speak or behave violently or emotionally:
Fran took a slow deep breath, then let rip, yelling and shouting at him.
6. let it/her rip informal to make a car, boat etc go as fast as it can:
Put your foot on the gas and let her rip!
rip something ↔ apart phrasal verb
to tear or pull something to pieces:
He was ripped apart by savage beasts in the forest.
rip somebody/something ↔ off phrasal verb informal
1. to charge someone too much money for something SYN overcharge:
The agency really ripped us off.
2. to steal something:
Somebody had come in and ripped off the TV and stereo.
3. to take words, ideas etc from someone else’s work and use them in your own work as if they were your own ideas SYN plagiarize
⇨ ↑rip-off(2)
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ tear to damage paper or cloth by pulling it too hard, or letting it touch something sharp: She unwrapped the present carefully, trying not to tear the paper. | I tore a hole in my jacket, climbing over the fence.
▪ rip to tear something quickly or violently: Beth excitedly ripped open the package. | Stop pulling my dress! You’ll rip it!
▪ split to tear your trousers or shirt when you put them on, because they are too tight for you: He bent down and split his trousers. | Oh no, now I’ve split my shirt.
▪ ladder British English if a woman ladders her ↑tights or STOCKINGS, she tears them so that a long thin line appears in them: Damn! I’ve laddered my tights!
▪ snag to catch a piece of clothing on something rough or sharp so that it tears slightly: I snagged my shirt on a nail.
▪ shred to deliberately destroy letters, documents etc by cutting them into thin pieces, often by using a special machine: In order to prevent fraud, it’s best to shred your bank statements. | I went through all my papers shredding things I didn’t need.
▪ frayed torn a little along the edges – used about clothes, carpets etc that have been used a lot: He was wearing an old pair of frayed jeans. | The rug was a little frayed around the edges. | The jacket was a little frayed at the cuffs.
rip on somebody/something phrasal verb American English informal
to complain a lot about someone or something
rip through something phrasal verb
to move through a place quickly and with violent force:
A wave of bombings ripped through the capital’s business district.
rip something ↔ up phrasal verb
to tear something into pieces:
Sue ripped his photo up into tiny bits.
rip
rip [rip rips ripped ripping] verb, noun [rɪp] [rɪp]
verb (-pp-)
1. transitive, intransitive to tear sth or to become torn, often suddenly or violently
• ~ (sth) I ripped my jeans on the fence.
• The flags had been ripped in two.
• The nail ripped a hole in my jacket.
• I heard the tent rip.
• ~ sth + adj. She ripped the letter open.
2. transitive ~ sth + adv./prep. to remove sth quickly or violently, often by pulling it
• He ripped off his tie.
• The carpet had been ripped from the stairs.
• Half of the house was ripped away in the explosion.
3. transitive ~ sth (computing) to copy sound or video files from a website or CD on to a computer
4. (computing) = rasterize
more at tear/rip the heart out of sth at heart, tear/rip sb limb from limb at limb
Word Origin:
v. and n. sense 1 late Middle English reap
n. sense 2 late 18th cent. rip
Example Bank:
• A huge fire ripped through the factory.
• He ripped open the plastic bag.
• I ripped my coat on a nail.
• The dog had ripped a cushion to shreds.
• The hounds fell on the fox and ripped it apart.
• He ripped up the letter.
• She'll rip you to pieces if you try to keep her cub from her.
• The flag had been ripped in two
• countries ripped apart by fighting
Idioms: let rip ▪ let something rip ▪ rip somebody to to bits
Derived: rip at something ▪ rip into somebody ▪ rip somebody off ▪ rip something off ▪ rip something up
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
rip / rɪp / verb ( -pp- ) (TEAR)
B2 [ I or T ] to pull apart; to tear or be torn violently and quickly:
His new trousers ripped when he bent down.
I ripped my shirt on a nail.
[ + obj + adj ] She excitedly ripped the parcel open .
The wind ripped the flag to/into shreds (= into little pieces) .
C1 [ T + adv/prep ] to remove something quickly, without being careful:
I wish the old fireplaces hadn't been ripped out .
We ripped up the carpets and laid a new wooden floor.
rip / rɪp / verb [ T ] ( -pp- ) (COPY)
to copy pictures or sounds from a CD or DVD onto a computer:
How do I rip a DVD movie to my hard drive?
© Cambridge University Press 2013
rip
/rɪp/
(rips, ripping, ripped)
1.
When something rips or when you rip it, you tear it forcefully with your hands or with a tool such as a knife.
I felt the banner rip as we were pushed in opposite directions...
I tried not to rip the paper as I unwrapped it.
= tear
VERB: V, V n
2.
A rip is a long cut or split in something made of cloth or paper.
Looking at the rip in her new dress, she flew into a rage.
= tear
N-COUNT
3.
If you rip something away, you remove it quickly and forcefully.
He ripped away a wire that led to the alarm button...
He ripped the phone from her hand.
= tear
VERB: V n with adv, V n prep
4.
If something rips into someone or something or rips through them, it enters that person or thing so quickly and forcefully that it often goes completely through them.
A volley of bullets ripped into the facing wall...
= tear
VERB: V prep/adv
5.
If you let rip, you do something forcefully and without trying to control yourself. (INFORMAL)
Turn the guitars up full and let rip...
PHRASE: let inflects
6.
If you let something rip, you do it as quickly or as forcefully as possible. You can say ‘let it rip’ or ‘let her rip’ to someone when you want them to make a vehicle go as fast as it possibly can.
The ecological disaster is partly a product of letting everything rip in order to increase production.
PHRASE: let inflects
rip off
If someone rips you off, they cheat you by charging you too much money for something or by selling you something that is broken or damaged. (INFORMAL)
The Consumer Federation claims banks are ripping you off by not passing along savings on interest rates...
The airlines have been accused of ripping off customers.
PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V P n (not pron)
1rip /ˈrɪp/ verb rips; ripped; rip·ping
1 a [+ obj] : to tear, split, or open (something) quickly or violently
• She ripped the fabric in half.
• He ripped open the package.
• The dog ripped the pillow to shreds/pieces.
• The dog ripped a hole [=made a hole] in the pillow.
• The force of the explosion ripped a hole in the wall.
b [no obj] : to become torn or split
• Her coat ripped when it caught on the doorknob.
• The seam has ripped.
2 always followed by an adverb or preposition [+ obj] : to remove (something) quickly or violently
• I ripped the poster off the wall.
• The sink had been ripped from the wall.
• He ripped the page out of the magazine.
• She ripped off her mask.
• He ripped the letter from my hands.
3 [no obj] : to go or move very quickly through or into something
• The fire ripped through the forest.
• an epidemic that ripped through the region
• The bullet ripped into her leg.
4 [+ obj] : to criticize (someone or something) in a very harsh or angry way
• (US) The coach ripped [=ripped into] his team for their sloppy play.
• His latest movie was ripped to shreds/pieces by the critics.
let rip informal
1 : to do something in a way that is full of anger or energy
• For the concert finale, the band let rip with a fantastic version of the song that made them famous.
• I don't think anyone expected the senator to let rip at the press conference like that. [=to speak in such an angry way]
2 let (something) rip : to make (a car, boat, machine, etc.) go very fast - usually used in phrases like let it rip and let her/'er rip
• Once we got the boat out into the open water, we let it rip.
rip apart [phrasal verb]
1 rip (something) apart or rip apart (something) : to completely destroy (something) by tearing it into pieces
• The child ripped the toy apart.
• Strong winds had ripped apart many of the little beach bungalows.
- often used figuratively
• a tragedy/scandal that almost ripped the family apart
2 rip (someone or something) apart or rip apart (someone or something) : to criticize (someone or something) in a very harsh or angry way especially by describing weaknesses, flaws, etc.
• Critics ripped the author's latest novel apart.
• an article that rips apart the mayor's plan
rip into [phrasal verb] rip into (someone or something) : to criticize (someone or something) in a very harsh or angry way
• The coach ripped into [=tore into] the team after the game.
• She ripped into the band's last performance.
rip off [phrasal verb] informal
1 rip (someone) off or rip off (someone) : to steal from or cheat (someone)
• Hundreds of people were ripped off in a scam involving two people who claimed to be collecting money for disaster victims.
• The store had been ripping customers off for years.
• I wasn't trying to rip you off. I thought $50 was a fair price.
2 rip (something) off or rip off (something)
a : to steal (something)
• The organization's treasurer ripped off almost $6,000 before being caught.
• Somebody ripped off [=stole] all our equipment. = All our equipment got ripped off. [=stolen]
b disapproving : to copy or imitate (something) improperly : to make something that is too much like (something made by someone else)
• The film has done well, but its makers have been accused of ripping off another movie made 30 years ago.
- see also rip-off
rip up [phrasal verb] rip (something) up or rip up (something) : to completely destroy (something) by tearing it into pieces
• He ripped up the letter.
A small ball of dough (= flour and water mixed together) , cooked, and eaten with meat and vegetables a small amount of fruit covered in a sweet dough and baked
apple dumplings
dumpling
dump‧ling /ˈdʌmplɪŋ/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
[Date: 1600-1700; Origin: Perhaps from lump]
1. a round lump of flour and fat mixed with water, cooked in boiling liquid and served with meat:
chicken and dumplings
2. a sweet dish made of ↑pastry filled with fruit:
apple dumplings
dumpling
dump·ling [dumpling dumplings] [ˈdʌmplɪŋ] [ˈdʌmplɪŋ] noun
1. a small ball of dough (= a mixture of flour, fat and water) that is cooked and served with meat dishes
• chicken with herb dumplings
2. a small ball of pastry, often with fruit in it, eaten as a dessert
• apple dumplings
Word Origin:
early 17th cent.: apparently from the rare adjective dump ‘of the consistency of dough’, although dumpling is recorded much earlier.
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
dumpling / ˈdʌm.plɪŋ / noun [ C ]
a small ball of dough (= flour and water mixed together) , cooked, and eaten with meat and vegetables a small amount of fruit covered in a sweet dough and baked:
apple dumplings
© Cambridge University Press 2013
dumpling
/dʌmplɪŋ/
(dumplings)
Dumplings are small lumps of dough that are cooked and eaten, either with meat and vegetables or as part of a sweet pudding.
N-VAR
dumpling
dump·ling /ˈdʌmplɪŋ/ noun, pl -lings [count]
1 : a small lump of dough that is boiled or steamed
• chicken and dumplings
2 : a piece of food that is wrapped in dough and cooked
• We had vegetarian/pork dumplings as an appetizer.
• an apple dumpling
To show a television programme, film, etc. again
The James Bond films are always being rerun on television.
فیلم های جیمز باند همیشه در تلویزیون مجدداً پخش می شود.
II. re‧run2 /riːˈrʌn/ BrE AmE verb (past tense reran /-ˈræn/, past participle rerun, present participle rerunning) [transitive]
[Word Family: noun: ↑run, ↑rerun, ↑runner, ↑running, ↑overrun; verb: ↑run, ↑outrun, ↑overrun, ↑rerun; adjective: ↑running, ↑runny; adverb: ↑running]
1. to show a film or television programme again on television SYN repeat
2. to do something in the same way as before SYN repeat
3. to arrange for a race or competition to be held again SYN repeat
verb [ˌriːˈrʌn] ; [ˌriːˈrʌn] (re·run·ning, reran [ˌriːˈræn] ; [ˌriːˈræn] rerun)
1. ~ sth to show a film/movie, television programme, etc. again
2. ~ sth to do sth again in a similar way
• to rerun an experiment
3. ~ sth to run a race again
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
rerun / ˌriːˈrʌn / verb [ T ] ( present participle rerunning , past tense reran , past participle rerun )
to show a television programme, film, etc. again:
The James Bond films are always being rerun on television.
© Cambridge University Press 2013
rerun
2re·run /riˈrʌn/ verb -runs; -ran /-ˈræn/ ; -run; -run·ning [+ obj]
1 : to show (a television program or movie) again
• Last week's show is being rerun tomorrow night.
2 : to do or run (something) again
• They reran the race, but the result was the same.
• He reran the software on my computer.
• They reran [=repeated] the lab tests.
great sadness felt because someone has died
Shops will be closed today as a sign of mourning for the king.
mourning
mourn‧ing /ˈmɔːnɪŋ $ ˈmɔːr-/ BrE AmE noun [uncountable]
1. great sadness because someone has died:
The Armenian authorities declared May 29 a national day of mourning.
in mourning (=feeling great sadness)
It was the custom to visit those in mourning and sit quietly with them.
2. black clothes worn to show that you are very sad that someone has died:
She was recently widowed and wearing mourning.
mourning
mourn·ing [mourning] [ˈmɔːnɪŋ] [ˈmɔːrnɪŋ] noun uncountable
1. sadness that you show and feel because sb has died
Syn: grief
• The government announced a day of national mourning for the victims.
• She was still in mourning for her husband.
2. clothes that people wear to show their sadness at sb's death
• The queen was dressed in mourning.
Example Bank:
• She was still in full mourning six months after her son's death.
• a day of mourning for the victims of the tragedy
• The government has announced a day of national mourning for the victims.
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
mourning / ˈmɔː.nɪŋ / / ˈmɔːr- / noun [ U ]
great sadness felt because someone has died:
Shops will be closed today as a sign of mourning for the king.
He was in mourning for his wife.
the usually black clothes that are worn in some countries as an expression of sadness about someone's death a loud crying that people in some countries make when someone dies:
The mourning could be heard all day and all night.
© Cambridge University Press 2013
mourning
[mɔ͟ː(r)nɪŋ]
1) N-UNCOUNT Mourning is behaviour in which you show sadness about a person's death.
The period of mourning and bereavement may be long...
Expect to feel angry, depressed and confused. It's all part of the mourning process...
Human rights groups declared what they called a day of mourning and protest.
2) PHRASE: usu v-link PHR If you are in mourning, you are dressed or behaving in a particular way because someone you love or respect has died.
Yesterday the whole of Greece was in mourning...
The boys wore black tail coats in mourning for George III.
mourning
mourn·ing /ˈmoɚnɪŋ/ noun [noncount]
1 : the act of mourning for someone who has died
• a day of national mourning
• She is still in mourning for her dead husband.
• The whole town was in mourning.
• She went into mourning for her dead husband. [=she began to mourn for her dead husband]
2 : great sadness felt because someone has died
• a period of deep mourning
3 : black clothing that is worn to show that you are mourning for someone who has died
• His widow was dressed in mourning.
an accident that happens when two vehicles hit each other with force
Two drivers were killed in a head-on (= direct) collision between a car and a taxi last night.
collision
noun
when things or people collide same meaning crash:
The driver of the car was killed in the collision.
collision
col‧li‧sion /kəˈlɪʒən/ BrE AmE noun [uncountable and countable]
[Date: 1400-1500; Language: Latin; Origin: collisio, from collidere; ⇨ ↑collide]
1. an accident in which two or more people or vehicles hit each other while moving in different directions ⇨ collide
collision with
The school bus was involved in a collision with a truck.
Two people were killed in a head-on collision (=between two vehicles that are moving directly towards each other) on highway 218.
2. a strong disagreement between two people or groups
collision between
a collision between the two countries over fishing rights
3. be on a collision course
a) to be likely to have serious trouble because your aims are very different from someone else’s:
The two nations are on a collision course that could lead to war.
b) to be moving in a direction in which you will hit something:
an asteroid on a collision course with Earth
THESAURUS
▪ accident an event in which a vehicle is damaged and often someone is hurt: Her father died in a car accident. | Hugh had an accident on his way to work.
▪ crash a serious accident in which a vehicle hits something else: Rees-Jones was the only person to survive the crash. | a car/plane/train crash | He was killed in a plane crash.
▪ collision an accident in which two or more cars, trains etc hit each other: His car was involved in a collision with a train. | a head-on collision (=between vehicles that are driving towards each other): The actor was killed in a head-on collision while driving his new sports car.
▪ disaster a serious accident involving a train, plane, or boat, in which a lot of people are killed or injured: It was Britain’s worst air disaster.
▪ wreck American English an accident in which a car or train is badly damaged: Ben nearly died in a car wreck.
▪ pile-up an accident that involves several cars or trucks: The pile-up happened in thick fog. | There was a 12-car pile-up on the motorway.
▪ fender-bender American English informal, prang British English informal a car accident in which little damage is done: Atkinson was involved in a fender-bender in the hotel parking lot. | At 15, he borrowed his parents’ car and had a prang.
collision
col·li·sion [collision collisions] [kəˈlɪʒn] [kəˈlɪʒn] noun countable, uncountable ~ (with sb/sth) | ~ (between/of A and B)
1. an accident in which two vehicles or people crash into each other
• a collision between two trains
• Stewart was injured in a collision with another player.
• a head-on collision (= between two vehicles that are moving towards each other)
• a mid-air collision (= between two aircraft while they are flying)
• His car was in collision with a motorbike.
• Wind and ice were blamed for the collision involving up to 12 vehicles.
2. (formal) a strong disagreement between two people or between opposing ideas, opinions, etc; the meeting of two things that are very different
• a collision between two opposing points of view
• In his work we see the collision of two different traditions.
Idiom: on a collision course
Word Origin:
late Middle English: from late Latin collisio(n-), from Latin collidere ‘strike together’, from col- ‘together’ + laedere ‘to strike’.
Example Bank:
• I had a collision with a bus.
• She was injured in a collision.
• The car was in collision with a lorry.
• The collision occurred near the hospital.
• a head-on collision between two cars
• Australian food is an exciting collision of native, Asian and European cuisines.
• The problem comes from a collision between two opposing points of view.
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
collision / kəˈlɪʒ. ə n / noun [ C or U ] (ACCIDENT)
an accident that happens when two vehicles hit each other with force:
There has been a collision on the southbound stretch of the motorway.
Two drivers were killed in a head-on (= direct) collision between a car and a taxi last night.
The cyclist was in collision with a bus.
collision / kəˈlɪʒ. ə n / noun [ C ] (DIFFERENCE)
a strong disagreement:
There was a collision of interests/opinions.
© Cambridge University Press 2013
collision
[kəlɪ̱ʒ(ə)n]
collisions
1) N-VAR: oft N with/between n A collision occurs when a moving object crashes into something.
They were on their way to the Shropshire Union Canal when their van was involved in a collision with a car...
I saw a head-on collision between two aeroplanes.
Syn:
crash
2) N-COUNT: oft N of/between/with n A collision of cultures or ideas occurs when two very different cultures or people meet and conflict.
It's the collision of disparate ideas that alters one's perspective...
The play represents the collision of three generations.
Syn:
clash
collision
col·li·sion /kəˈlɪʒən/ noun, pl -sions [count] : an act of colliding: such as
a : a crash in which two or more things or people hit each other
• The car was destroyed in the collision.
• There was nothing I could do to avoid a head-on collision. [=a crash of two vehicles that are moving directly toward each other]
- often + between or with
• He was injured in a collision between a car and an SUV.
• She hurt her shoulder in a collision with another player.
b : a situation in which people or groups disagree : a clash or conflict - often + between
• He reported on the latest collision between the two leaders.
