British English

canadian

canadian [adjective]

Relating to Canada or its people

US /kəˈneɪ.di.ən/ 
UK /kəˈneɪ.di.ən/ 

کانادایی

Example: 

Canadian Army Forces

نیروهای ارتش کانادا

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

Canadian

I. See main entry: ↑Canada
II. Canadian1 /kəˈneɪdiən/ BrE AmE adjective
relating to Canada or its people

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Canadian

I. Can·adian 7 [Canadian Canadians] adjective, noun   [kəˈneɪdiən]    [kəˈneɪdiən]

adjective

from or connected with Canada

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

Canadian

Ca·na·di·an /kəˈneɪdijən/ noun, pl -ans [count] : a person born, raised, or living in Canada - see also french canadian
- Canadian adj
• the Canadian government
• a Canadian accent
• a Canadian artist/author/film

search

search [verb]

To look somewhere carefully in order to find something

US /sɝːtʃ/ 
UK /sɜːtʃ/ 

جستجو کردن

Example: 

He searched in his pocket and found a few coins.

او جیب هایش را گشت و چند تا سکه پیدا کرد.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

verb (searches, searching, searched )
to look carefully because you are trying to find somebody or something:
I searched everywhere for my pen.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

II. search2 W3 BrE AmE verb
[Word Family: noun: ↑search, ↑research, ↑researcher; verb: ↑search, ↑research; adverb: ↑searchingly; adjective: ↑searching]
[Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: cerchier 'to go around, examine, search', from Late Latin circare 'to go around', from Latin circum 'around']
1. LOOKING [intransitive and transitive] to try to find someone or something by looking very carefully:
It was too dark to search further.
The area was thoroughly searched.
search for
An RAF plane searched for the missing men.
I’ve searched high and low (=everywhere) for my glasses.
search something for something
Detectives are searching the yard for clues.
search in/under/through etc
Alice bent to search through a heap of clothes.
2. COMPUTER [transitive] to use a computer to find information
search something for something
Search the Web for cheap flights.
3. PERSON [transitive] if someone in authority searches you or the things you are carrying, they look for things you might be hiding
search somebody for something
He was searched by the guards for weapons.
4. SOLUTION [intransitive] to try to find an explanation or solution
search for
Scientists are still searching for a cure.
She paused, searching for inspiration.
5. search me! spoken used to tell someone that you do not know the answer to a question:
‘Where is she?’ ‘Search me!’
6. EXAMINE [transitive] to examine something carefully in order to find something out, decide something etc:
Anya searched his face anxiously.
—searcher noun [countable]
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ adverbs
search something carefully We searched the whole house carefully, but didn’t find anything.
search something thoroughly They searched the garden thoroughly.
search frantically/desperately (=in a hurried way, because you feel very worried) Panic-stricken parents frantically searched for their children.
search high and low (=search everywhere) We searched high and low for him, but couldn’t find him.
search something from top to bottom (=search all the rooms in a building) They searched the house from top to bottom.
search in vain He searched in vain for a means of escape.
• • •
THESAURUS
search to look carefully for someone or something: Detectives continue to search for clues. | She searched through all his clothes.
look for somebody/something to try to get someone or something you want or need: I’m looking for something to wear for my sister’s wedding. | The band is looking for a singer. | He’s decided to look for a new career.
try to find somebody/something used especially when someone or something is difficult to find: I spent half an hour trying to find a parking space. | She was in the kitchen, trying to find something to eat that wasn’t raw carrot.
seek formal to try to find something or someone. Used especially about jobs, help, or information. Also used in newspaper advertisements when trying to find a suitable person: They went there seeking work. | She decided to seek help. | Tall blond 18-year-old male seeks female 17+ for friendship.
hunt to look for someone or something. Used when you look very carefully and thoroughly, or in the phrase house/job/bargain hunting: I’ve hunted everywhere, but I can’t find a recipe for French onion soup. | She’s gone out bargain-hunting in the sales.
be on the lookout for somebody/something to be continuously looking for someone or something: I’m always on the lookout for a good bargain.
leave no stone unturned to look for someone or something in every possible place: The police say they will leave no stone unturned in their search for the killer.
search something ↔ out phrasal verb
to find something by searching:
We were too tired to search out extra blankets.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

verb
1. intransitive, transitive to look carefully for sth/sb; to examine a particular place when looking for sb/sth
~ (for sth/sb) She searched in vain for her passport.
Police searched for clues in the area.
+ adv./prep. The customs officers searched through our bags.
I've searched high and low for those files.
I found these photos while searching among some old papers.
~ sth His house had clearly been searched and the book was missing.
~ sth for sth/sb Police searched the area for clues.
Firefighters searched the buildings for survivors.

searching the Web for interesting sites

2. transitive (especially of the police) to examine sb's clothes, their pockets, etc. in order to find sth that they may be hiding
~ sb Visitors are regularly searched as they enter the building.
~ sb for sth The youths were arrested and searched for anything that would incriminate them.

see also  strip-search

3. intransitive ~ (for sth) to think carefully about sth, especially in order to find the answer to a problem
He searched desperately for something to say.
The committee has been searching for new ways to tackle youth unemployment.
see also  soul-searching
 
Word Origin:
Middle English: from Old French cerchier (verb), from late Latin circare ‘go round’, from Latin circus ‘circle’.  
Thesaurus:
search verb I, T
He searched everywhere for his passport.
lookhuntscout|formal seek|written foragecast about/around for sth
search/look/hunt/scout/seek/forage for sth
search/look/hunt for clues
police/detectives search for/look for/seek/hunt sb/sth 
Example Bank:
For the rest of the morning he searched aimlessly through the town.
He searched in his pocket and found a few coins.
I have searched high and low and cannot find them.
I searched around for a thick stick.
I searched through a drawer for my passport.
Police are still searching for the missing child.
The area has been thoroughly searched.
We searched among the rocks for crabs.
We searched the house from top to bottom.
You can also search online for a job.
actively searching for something to keep the conversation going
searching through a drawer
Firefighters searched the building for survivors.
I found out more about the company by searching online.
I was searching this history website for something about Alexander the Great.
I've searched high and low for those files, but I can't find them anywhere.
It's a software tool for searching documents and retrieving information.
Search the index to find the address of the data file.

The customs officers searched through her bag.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

search / sɜːtʃ /   / sɝːtʃ / verb

B1 [ I or T ] to look somewhere carefully in order to find something:

The police searched the woods for the missing boy.

She searched his face for some sign of forgiveness, but it remained expressionless.

He searched (in/through) his pockets for some change.

I've searched high and low (= everywhere) , but I can't find my birth certificate.

The detectives searched the house from top to bottom (= all over it) , but they found no sign of the stolen goods.

figurative She searched her mind/memory for the man's name, but she couldn't remember it.

figurative People who are searching after inner peace sometimes turn to religion.

C1 [ I ] to try to find the answer to a problem:

Philosophers have searched for millennia but they haven't found the meaning of life.

B2 [ T ] A police officer who searches you or your possessions looks for something you might be hiding:

The men were searched for drugs and then released.

B1 [ I or T ] to look for information on a computer, the internet, etc.:

I searched the internet for the best deal.

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

search

/sɜ:(r)tʃ/
(searches, searching, searched)

Frequency: The word is one of the 1500 most common words in English.

1.
If you search for something or someone, you look carefully for them.
The Turkish security forces have started searching for the missing men...
Nonetheless there are signs that both sides may be searching for a compromise.
VERB: V for n, V for n

2.
If you search a place, you look carefully for something or someone there.
Armed troops searched the hospital yesterday...
She searched her desk for the necessary information...
Relief workers are still searching through collapsed buildings looking for victims.
VERB: V n, V n for n, V prep

3.
A search is an attempt to find something or someone by looking for them carefully.
There was no chance of him being found alive and the search was abandoned...
Egypt has said there is no time to lose in the search for a Middle East settlement.
N-COUNT: oft N for n

4.
If a police officer or someone else in authority searches you, they look carefully to see whether you have something hidden on you.
The man took her suitcase from her and then searched her...
His first task was to search them for weapons.
VERB: V n, V n for n

5.
If you search for information on a computer, you give the computer an instruction to find that information. (COMPUTING)
You can use a directory service to search for people on the Internet.
VERB: V for n

Search is also a noun.
He was doing a computer search of local news articles.
N-COUNT

6.
see also searching, strip-search

7.
If you go in search of something or someone, you try to find them.
Miserable, and unexpectedly lonely, she went in search of Jean-Paul...
The law already denies entry to people in search of better economic opportunities.
PHRASE: PHR after v, PHR n

8.
You say ‘search me’ when someone asks you a question and you want to emphasize that you do not know the answer. (INFORMAL)
CONVENTION [emphasis]

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

search

2search verb searches; searched; search·ing
1 a [no obj] : to carefully look for someone or something : to try to find someone or something
• They haven't found him yet, so they have to keep searching.
• They searched among/through the wreckage (for survivors).
• We searched [=looked] everywhere but we couldn't find the keys.
- often + for
• They're still searching for the lost child.
- often used figuratively
• Scientists are searching for a cure. [=are doing research to try to find a cure]
• He searched for the words to comfort her. [=he tried to think of words that he could say to comfort her]
• She searched for an answer to his question.
b [+ obj] : to carefully look for someone or something in (something)
• Police searched the vehicle.
- often + for
• He searched his room for his wallet.
c [+ obj] : to carefully look through the clothing of (someone) for something that may be hidden
• The police searched her for concealed weapons.
• He was searched by the guard before he was allowed to enter the courtroom.
2 : to use a computer to find information in (a database, network, Web site, etc.)

[+ obj]

• The software allows you to search thousands of sites at the same time.
- often + for
• She searched the Web for information about the car.

[no obj]

• She searched for information on the Web.
3 [+ obj] : to look carefully at (something) in order to get information about it
• He searched her face, hoping to see some glimmer of emotion.
search me informal
- used in speech to say that you do not know the answer to a question
• “Why did they do that?” “Search me.” [=I don't know]
search out [phrasal verb] search (someone or something) out or search out (someone or something) : to find (someone or something) by carefully looking
• She searched out the relevant information.
- search·er noun, pl -ers [count]
Searchers couldn't find the lost hikers.

sad

sad [adjective] (NOT HAPPY)

Unhappy or sorry

US /sæd/ 
UK /sæd/ 

ناراحت، غمگین

Example: 

 

.We are very sad to hear that you are leaving

خیلی ناراحتیم که شنیدیم داری میری.

آهنگ وترانه: 
You Are The Reason - Chris De Burgh

Oxford Essential Dictionary

sad

 adjective (sadder, saddest)
unhappy or making you feel unhappy:
We are very sad to hear that you are leaving.
a sad story

>> sadly adverb:
She looked sadly at the empty house.

>> sadness noun (no plural):
Thoughts of him filled her with sadness.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

sad

sad S2 W3 /sæd/ BrE AmE adjective (comparative sadder, superlative saddest)
[Word Family: noun: ↑sadness, ↑saddo; adjective: ↑sad, ↑saddening; verb: ↑sadden; adverb: ↑sadly]
[Language: Old English; Origin: sæd 'having had enough']
1. FEELING UNHAPPY not happy, especially because something unpleasant has happened OPP happy
feel/look/sound sad
Dad looked sad and worried as he read the letter.
be sad to hear/see/read etc something
I was very sad to hear that he had died.
sad that
Lilly felt sad that Christmas was over.
sad about
I was sad about the friends I was leaving behind.
sad smile/face/expression etc
There was such a sad look in her eyes.
2. MAKING YOU UNHAPPY a sad event, situation etc makes you feel unhappy:
Sorry to hear the sad news.
It was a sad case. The boy ended up in prison.
sad story/song/film etc
a story with a sad ending
it is sad to see/hear etc something
It was sad to see them arguing.
sad time/day/moment etc
This is a sad day for us all.
3. NOT SATISFACTORY very bad or unacceptable:
There aren’t enough teachers, which is a sad state of affairs (=bad situation).
it’s sad that/when/if ...
It’s sad if people are too afraid to go out alone at night.
the sad fact is (that) spoken:
The sad fact is that prejudice still exists.
Sad to say (=unfortunately), the country is heading towards civil war.
4. LONELY a sad person has a dull, unhappy, or lonely life:
She’s a sad character – without any friends at all.
5. BORING informal boring or not deserving any respect:
Stay in on Saturday night? What a sad idea!
6. sadder and/but wiser having learned something from an unpleasant experience:
He came out of the relationship sadder but wiser.
⇨ ↑sadness
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 2)
■ nouns
a sad story/song/film He had listened patiently to his client’s sad story about her awful life.
sad news It was with great shock that we heard the sad news that he had died.
a sad fact It’s a sad fact that a significant amount of crime is committed by young people.
the sad truth The sad truth is that the new law will not deter criminals.
a sad day/time I’m really disappointed that this happened. It’s a sad day for football.
a sad case Take the sad case of Gary Marsh, who was badly injured during a match.
a sad ending The film has a sad ending.
the sad thing (=the sad part of a situation) The sad thing is that there’s little we can do about the situation now.
• • •
THESAURUS
sad not happy: She felt sad as she waved goodbye. | a sad and lonely figure | a sad face | a sad film
unhappy sad, especially for a long time – used about people and periods of time: I was unhappy at school. | an unhappy childhood | He’s obviously a deeply unhappy person.
homesick [not before noun] sad because you are away from your home, family, and friends: She sometimes felt homesick when she first arrived in Japan.
down [not before noun] informal feeling sad for a few hours or days, often for no reason: Whenever I’m feeling down, I go out and buy myself some new clothes. | She’s been kind of down since that argument with Jack.
gloomy looking or sounding sad and without hope – used about people, places, and weather: Why are you all looking so gloomy? | the gloomy immigration office | a gloomy afternoon in February
dejected/downcast looking sad and disappointed because something you hoped for did not happen: ‘I didn’t pass,’ he said, looking dejected. | a downcast expression | He was understandably downcast after the team’s loss.
mournful especially literary looking or sounding sad: the dog’s big mournful eyes | the mournful sound of the church bell | a mournful expression
glum looking sad and disappointed: Don’t look so glum! Maybe you’ll win next time. | They sat in glum silence.
wistful especially literary looking a little sad and thoughtful, because you wish that the situation was different: She looked at him with a wistful smile.
■ very sad
miserable very sad, especially because you are lonely, cold, ill, or upset – used about people and periods of time: I felt miserable and blamed myself for what had happened. | Her life was miserable. | I had a miserable time at college.
depressed very sad and without hope for a long time, because things are wrong in your life or because of a medical condition: After his wife left him, he became depressed and refused to talk to anyone.
heartbroken extremely sad because of something that has happened to someone or something that you care about very much: She was heartbroken when her dog died.
distressed/distraught very upset because of something bad that has happened, so that you cannot think clearly: She was very distressed when he left her. | The boy’s hospital bed was surrounded by distraught relatives.
devastated [not before noun] extremely sad and shocked, because something very bad has happened: The whole town was devastated by the tragedy.
■ COLLOCATIONS CHECK
sad person/expression/story/song/film
unhappy person/expression/childhood/marriage
gloomy person/expression/place/weather
dejected/downcast person/expression
mournful sound/eyes/expression

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

sad

sad [sad sadder saddest]   [sæd]    [sæd]  adjective (sad·der, sad·dest)

 
UNHAPPY
1. unhappy or showing unhappiness
~ (to do sth) We are very sad to hear that you are leaving.
~ (that…) I was sad that she had to go.
~ (about sth) I felt terribly sad about it.
She looked sad and tired.
• He gave a slight, sad smile.

• The divorce left him sadder and wiser (= having learned from the unpleasant experience).

2. that makes you feel unhappy
a sad story
~ (to do sth) It was sad to see them go.
~ (that…) It is sad that so many of his paintings have been lost.
We had some sad news yesterday.
He's a sad case— his wife died last year and he can't seem to manage without her.
It will be a sad day for all of us if the theatre is forced to close.

Sad to say (= unfortunately) the house has now been demolished.  

UNACCEPTABLE

3. unacceptable; deserving blame or criticism
Syn:  deplorable
a sad state of affairs
It's a sad fact that many of those killed were children.

It's a sad reflection on life that it takes danger and suffering to bring people closer together.  

BORING

4. (informal) boring or not fashionable
• You sad old man.

• You'd have to be sad to wear a shirt like that.  

IN POOR CONDITION

5. in poor condition
The salad consisted of a few leaves of sad-looking lettuce.
see also  sadly, sadness  
Word Origin:
Old English sæd ‘sated, weary’, also ‘weighty, dense’, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch zat and German satt, from an Indo-European root shared by Latin satis ‘enough’. The original meaning was replaced in Middle English by the senses ‘steadfast, firm’ and ‘serious, sober’, and later ‘sorrowful’.  
Thesaurus:
sad adj.
1.
I felt so sad that she had to go.
unhappymiserablegloomyglumdepressedheartbroken|informal down|especially written mournfuldespondent|literary melancholy
Opp: happy
sad/unhappy/miserable/gloomy/glum/depressed/heartbroken/despondent about sth
sad/unhappy/miserable/depressed/heartbroken when/that…
feel sad/unhappy/miserable/gloomy/depressed/despondent
look sad/unhappy/miserable/mournful/gloomy/glum/depressed
Sad or unhappy? You usually feel unhappy about sth that has happened to you; you feel sad about sth that has happened to sb else. A period of your life can be unhappy; sth that you see or hear can be sad
an unhappy childhood
sad news
2.
The sad truth is, he never loved her.
patheticpainfulupsettingdistressingtragicheartbreaking
sad/painful/upsetting/distressing/tragic/heartbreaking for sb
sad/painful/upsetting/heartbreaking to do sth
a sad/pathetic/tragic/heartbreaking story  
Example Bank:
I called Mum, sounding all sad and pathetic.
It would be a pretty sad individual who didn't feel that they were unique.
She was still feeling very sad about her father's death.
This music always makes me sad.
a deeply sad occasion
a rather sad story
an extremely sad story
He's a sad case— his wife died last year and he can't seem to manage without her.
I find it sad that our open spaces are disappearing.
It is sad that so many of his paintings have been lost.
It was sad to see them go.
It's a sad fact that many of those killed were children.
It's a sad reflection on life that it takes danger and suffering to bring people closer together.
It's a terribly sad story.
Sad to say the house has now been demolished.
The divorce left him sadder and wiser.
The sad truth is, he never loved her.
• This sad state of affairs does not have to continue.

• We are sad to hear that you are leaving.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

sad / sæd / adjective ( sadder , saddest ) (NOT HAPPY)

A1 unhappy or sorry:

I've just received some very sad news.

She gave a rather sad smile.

[ + (that) ] It's sad (that) the trip had to be cancelled.

I'm so sad (that) you can't come.

[ + to infinitive ] It's sad to see so many failures this year.

I was sad to hear that they'd split up.

informal If something looks sad, it looks worse than it should because it is not being cared for:

Give those flowers some water - they're looking a bit sad.

 

sadness / ˈsæd.nəs / noun [ U ]

B2

Her sadness at her grandfather's death was obvious.
 

sad / sæd / adjective ( sadder , saddest ) (UNPLEASANT)

[ before noun ] not satisfactory or pleasant:

The sad fact/truth is we can't afford to provide homes for all.

a very sad state of affairs

sad to say C1 something you say when you are telling someone about something bad that happened:

Sad to say, the ring was never found.
 

sad / sæd / adjective ( sadder , saddest ) UK slang (BORING)

showing that you are not fashionable or interesting or have no friends:

You enjoy reading timetables? You sad man!

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

sad

/sæd/
(sadder, saddest)

Frequency: The word is one of the 1500 most common words in English.

1.
If you are sad, you feel unhappy, usually because something has happened that you do not like.
The relationship had been important to me and its loss left me feeling sad and empty...
I’m sad that Julie’s marriage is on the verge of splitting up...
I’d grown fond of our little house and felt sad to leave it...
I’m sad about my toys getting burned in the fire.
happy
ADJ: oft ADJ that/to-inf, ADJ about n
sad‧ly
Judy said sadly, ‘He has abandoned me.’
ADV: usu ADV with v
sad‧ness
It is with a mixture of sadness and joy that I say farewell.
happiness
N-UNCOUNT

2.
Sad stories and sad news make you feel sad.
I received the sad news that he had been killed in a motor-cycle accident.
ADJ: usu ADJ n

3.
A sad event or situation is unfortunate or undesirable.
It’s a sad truth that children are the biggest victims of passive smoking.
ADJ
sad‧ly
Sadly, bamboo plants die after flowering...
ADV: usu ADV adj, ADV with cl

4.
If you describe someone as sad, you do not have any respect for them and think their behaviour or ideas are ridiculous. (INFORMAL)
...sad old bikers and youngsters who think that Jim Morrison is God.
= pathetic
ADJ: usu ADJ n [disapproval]
 

seasonal affective disorder

Seasonal affective disorder is a feeling of tiredness and sadness that some people have during the autumn and winter when there is very little sunshine. The abbreviation SAD is often used.

N-UNCOUNT

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

sad
sad /ˈsæd/ adj sad·der; -dest [also more ~; most ~]
1 : not happy : feeling or showing grief or unhappiness
• He's feeling sad because his pet died.
• People were sad that he was leaving.
• The experience left her sadder but wiser.
• big sad eyes
2 : causing a feeling of grief or unhappiness
• Have you heard the sad news about his wife's illness?
• It'll be a sad day when you leave us.
• a sad love song
• a sad poem
• a movie with a sad ending
• He lived a sad life.
3 : causing feelings of disappointment or pity
• The sad fact/truth of the matter is that they are right.
• I live a pretty sad [=pathetic] life. I never go out on the weekend.
• The government is in sad [=bad] shape.
• The new version is a sad imitation of the original movie.
• He's a sad excuse for a father. [=he's not a good father]
• a sad-looking birthday cake
• We needed more money but, sad to say, there wasn't any.
Sad but true, we couldn't afford to go away for even a weekend at the beach.
- see also sad sack
- sad·ness noun

[noncount]

• His leaving caused much sadness.

[singular]

• I felt a deep sadness upon hearing the news.

talk

talk [verb] (SAY WORDS)

To say words aloud; to speak to someone

US /tɑːk/ 
UK /tɔːk/ 

 

حرف زدن، صحبت کردن

Example: 

We talked on the phone for over an hour. 

ما با تلفن بیشتر از یک ساعت صحبت کردیم. 

آهنگ وترانه: 
You Are The Reason - Chris De Burgh

Oxford Essential Dictionary

verb (talks, talking, talked )
to speak to somebody; to say words:
She is talking to her friend on the telephone.
We talked about our holiday.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

talk

I. talk1 S1 W1 /tɔːk $ tɒːk/ BrE AmE verb
[Word Family: noun: ↑talk, talks, ↑talker; verb: ↑talk; adjective: ↑talkative]
[Date: 1200-1300; Origin: Probably from Old English talian 'to count, consider, tell']
1. CONVERSATION [intransitive] to say things to someone as part of a conversation:
I could hear Sarah and Andy talking in the next room.
talk about
English people love to talk about the weather.
All through the afternoon, they sat and talked about their trip.
talk to
She spent a long time talking to him.
She’s very easy to talk to.
talk with
I got the truth from talking with Elena.
talk together
They were talking together in the hall.
Sue and Bob still aren’t talking (=are refusing to talk to each other).
talk in a low voice/a whisper etc
They were talking in low voices, and I couldn’t catch what they were saying.
talk of (=used especially in formal or literary contexts)
We talked of old times.
2. SERIOUS SUBJECT [intransitive] to discuss something serious or important with someone:
Joe, we need to talk.
Is there somewhere we can talk in private?
talk to
You should talk to a lawyer.
talk about
We’ve been talking about getting married.
talk with
Parents should talk with their children about drug abuse.
talk sport/politics/business etc
‘Let’s not talk politics now,’ said Hugh impatiently.
REGISTER
In written English, people usually say that they are going to discuss, deal with, or address a subject rather than talk about it:
▪ In this essay I will discuss the problem of over-population.
3. SAY WORDS [intransitive] to produce words and express thoughts, opinions, ideas etc:
She was talking so fast I could hardly understand her.
How do babies learn to talk?
Some residents were frightened to talk publicly.
talk (in) French/German etc
They started talking in Spanish.
Don’t let Dad hear you talking like that (=expressing things in a particular way).
4. A SPEECH [intransitive] to give a speech
talk on/about
Professor Davis will talk about ‘Trends in Network Computing’.
5. SECRET INFORMATION [intransitive] if someone who has secret information talks, they tell someone else about it:
Even under torture, Maskell refused to talk.
He tried to stop his ex-wife from talking on live TV.
We should stop meeting like this. People will talk.
6. talk sense/rubbish/nonsense etc especially British English spoken used to say that you think someone is saying something sensible, something stupid etc:
You do talk rubbish sometimes, Jules.
7. talk (some) sense into somebody to persuade someone to behave sensibly:
She hoped Father McCormack would be able to talk some sense into her son.
8. talk to yourself to say your thoughts out loud:
‘What did you say?’ ‘Sorry, I was just talking to myself.’
9. know what you are talking about spoken to know a lot about a particular subject:
I worked in hotels for years, so I know what I’m talking about.
10. talk the hind leg(s) off a donkey informal to talk a lot, especially about unimportant things
11. talk about lazy/cheap/hungry etc spoken used to emphasize that someone or something is very lazy, cheap, hungry etc:
Talk about lucky. That’s the second time he’s won this week!
12. talking of/about something spoken used to say more about a subject that someone has just mentioned:
Talking of Venice, have you seen the masks I bought there last year?
13. what are you talking about? spoken used when you think what someone has said is stupid or wrong:
What are you talking about? We got there in plenty of time.
14. I’m talking to you! spoken used when you are angry that the person you are talking to is not paying attention:
Rob! I’m talking to you!
15. be like talking to a brick wall spoken used to say that it is annoying to speak to someone because they do not pay attention to you
16. talk sb’s ear off American English spoken to talk too much to someone
17. talk trash American English informal to say rude or offensive things to or about someone, especially to opponents in a sports competition:
Both teams were talking trash on the court.
18. talk the talk American English informal to say the things that people expect or think are necessary in a particular situation:
She didn’t talk the talk of feminism, but her career was the most important thing in her life. ⇨ walk the walk at ↑walk1(12)
19. I’m/we’re/you’re talking (about) something spoken used in conversation to emphasize a fact or remind someone of it:
I’m not talking about ancient history, I’m talking about last season’s performance.
20. now you’re talking spoken used to say that you think someone’s suggestion is a good idea:
‘Fancy an ice cream?’ ‘Now you’re talking.’
21. look who’s talking, you’re a fine one to talk, you can talk spoken used to tell someone they should not criticize someone else’s behaviour because their own behaviour is just as bad:
‘Peggy shouldn’t smoke so much.’ ‘Look who’s talking!’
22. we’re/you’re talking £500/three days etc spoken used to tell someone how much something will cost, how long something will take to do etc:
To do a proper job, you’re talking £750 minimum.
23. talk your way out of something informal to escape from a bad or embarrassing situation by giving explanations, excuses etc:
She’s good at talking her way out of trouble.
24. talk nineteen to the dozen British English informal, talk a blue streak American English informal to talk very quickly without stopping
25. talk in riddles to deliberately talk in a strange and confusing way:
Stop talking in riddles and explain what’s going on.
26. talk tough (on something) informal to give people your opinions very strongly:
The President is talking tough on crime.
27. talk shop if people talk shop, they talk about their work when there are people present who are not interested or involved in it – used to show disapproval:
Are you two going to talk shop all night?
28. talk dirty (to somebody) informal to talk in a sexual way to someone in order to make them feel sexually excited
29. be talking through your hat British English informal if someone is talking through their hat, they say stupid things about something that they do not understand
30. talk smack American English informal to criticize someone or something in an unpleasant way
31. talk to the hand spoken informal used to tell someone rudely that you do not want to listen to anything he or she is going to say to you. When people use this expression, they also usually turn their face away from the other person and hold the ↑palm of their hand out towards them.
• • •
THESAURUS
talk to use words to communicate with someone about something: I need to talk to you about your work. | She always enjoyed talking to Jim. | Can we talk?
speak to talk. Speak is a little more formal than talk. You often use it when saying that someone speaks in a particular way, or that you will speak to someone in order to try to get something done. You only use speak when saying that someone speaks a language: He spoke with confidence and authority. | She was speaking quietly so she didn’t disturb anyone. | I’d like to speak to the manager. | Do you speak German?
go on/drone on/ramble to talk too much or for too long about something, in a way that makes people bored: He went on about how great the team was. | I’d better stop rambling and let you get on with your work.
waffle /ˈwɒfəl $ ˈwɑː-/ British English disapproving informal to talk using a lot of words but without saying anything important: I wish he would stop waffling and get to the point!
prattle on disapproving informal to talk continuously about silly and unimportant things: She prattled on about her boyfriend for the entire journey. | What’s he prattling on about now?
■ to talk about everyday things
have a conversation to talk to someone for a long time about everyday things: She was having a conversation with one of her friends. | When I arrived, Joe and Jane were deep in conversation (=very involved in a conversation). | I can order food in a restaurant in French, but not have a conversation.
chat/have a chat informal to have a friendly informal conversation about things that are not very important: The girls were chatting outside the house. | It’s been nice having a chat with you.
gossip to talk about other people’s private lives when they are not there, especially about things that you have heard, which are not completely true: What are you two gossiping about?
visit with somebody American English informal to have a conversation with someone: I visited with him last week.
converse formal to have a conversation with someone: We met once and conversed briefly.
■ to talk seriously
discuss to talk seriously about problems, ideas, or plans: They met to discuss how the building should be designed. | She refuses to discuss the matter.
talk something over to discuss something with someone because it will affect them, especially someone close to you: Before you accept the job, talk it over with your family. | You two need to sit down and talk things over.
debate to discuss a subject formally when you are trying to make a decision or solve a problem: The issue will be debated on Tuesday. | The UN Security Council debated whether to impose sanctions.
talk around/round phrasal verb British English
1. talk somebody around/round to persuade someone to change their opinion about something:
Leave Betty to me. I’ll soon talk her round.
2. talk around/round something to discuss a problem without really dealing with the important parts of it:
They had spent half the night talking round the subject.
talk back phrasal verb
to answer someone in authority such as a teacher or parent in a rude or impolite way
talk somebody/something ↔ down phrasal verb
1. British English to make something seem less successful, interesting, good etc than it really is:
the pessimists who are talking down Britain
2. to help a ↑pilot land an aircraft by giving them instructions from the ground by radio
talk down to somebody phrasal verb
to talk to someone as if they are stupid, although they are not SYN patronize:
The students felt that they were talked down to as though they were children.
talk somebody into something phrasal verb
to persuade someone to do something
talk somebody into doing something
My husband talked me into going skiing.
talk something ↔ out phrasal verb informal
1. to discuss a problem thoroughly in order to solve it:
We need to spend a little time talking this out.
talk something ↔ out with
It might help if you talked it out with Dad.
2. British English if politicians talk out a proposal, they talk about it for a long time deliberately so that there will not be enough time to vote on it SYN filibuster:
The Land Protection Bill was talked out by MPs from rural areas.
talk somebody out of something phrasal verb
to persuade someone not to do something
talk somebody out of doing something
Can’t you talk them out of selling the house?
talk something ↔ over phrasal verb
to discuss a problem with someone before deciding what to do
talk something ↔ over with
Talk over any worries with your GP.
talk through something phrasal verb
1. talk something ↔ through to discuss something thoroughly so that you are sure you understand it:
Allow time to talk through any areas of difficulty.
2. talk somebody through something to help someone understand a process, method etc by explaining it to them carefully before they use it:
Trevor talked me through loading the software.
talk something ↔ up phrasal verb
to make something appear more important, interesting, successful etc than it really is:
Jones talked up the idea at the meeting.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

talk

talk [talk talks talked talking] verb, noun   [tɔːk]    [tɔːk]

verb  

SPEAK TO SB
1. intransitive, transitive to say things; to speak in order to give information or to express feelings, ideas, etc
Stop talking and listen!
We talked on the phone for over an hour.
~ (to/with sb) (about sb/sth) Who were you talking to just now?
We looked around the school and talked with the principal.
Ann and Joe aren't talking to each other right now (= they refuse to speak to each other because they have argued).
When they get together, all they talk about is football.
What are you talking about? (= used when you are surprised, annoyed and/or worried by sth that sb has just said)
I don't know what you're talking about (= used to say that you did not do sth that sb has accused you of).
~ of sth Mary is talking of looking for another job.

~ yourself + adj. We talked ourselves hoarse, catching up on all the news.  

DISCUSS

2. intransitive, transitive to discuss sth, usually sth serious or important
This situation can't go on. We need to talk.
The two sides in the dispute say they are ready to talk.
~ (to/with sb) (about sth) Talk to your doctor if you're still worried.

~ sth to talk business  

SAY WORDS

3. intransitive, transitive to say words in a language
The baby is just starting to talk.
~ in sth We couldn't understand them because they were talking in Chinese.

~ sth Are they talking Swedish or Danish?  

SENSE/NONSENSE

4. transitive ~ sth to say things that are/are not sensible
She talks a lot of sense.
(BrE) You're talking rubbish!

• See if you can talk some sense into him (= persuade him to be sensible).  

FOR EMPHASIS

5. transitive be talking sth (informal) used to emphasize an amount of money, how serious sth is, etc.
• We're talking £500 for three hours' work.

• Do you know what this will cost? We're talking megabucks here.  

ABOUT PRIVATE LIFE

6. intransitive to talk about a person's private life
Syn:  gossip

• Don't phone me at work— people will talk.  

GIVE INFORMATION

7. intransitive to give information to sb, especially unwillingly
The police questioned him but he refused to talk.
more at speak/talk of the devil at  devil, know what you're talking about at  know  v., speak/talk the same language at  language, money talks at  money, knock/talk some sense into sb at  sense  n., speak/talk out of turn at  turn  n.
 
Word Origin:
Middle English: frequentative verb from the Germanic base of tale  or tell.  
Synonyms:
talk
discuss speak communicate debate consult
These words all mean to share news, information, ideas or feelings with another person or other people, especially by talking with them.
talkto speak in order to give information, express feelings or share ideas: We talked on the phone for over an hour.
discuss(rather formal) to talk and share ideas on a subject or problem with other people, especially in order to decide sth: Have you discussed the problem with anyone?
You cannot say ‘discuss about sth’: I'm not prepared to discuss about this on the phone.
speakto talk to sb about sth; to have a conversation with sb: I've spoken to the manager about it. ‘Can I speak to Susan?’ ‘Speaking.’ (= at the beginning of a telephone conversation)
talk or speak?
Speak can suggest a more formal level of communication than talk. You speak to sb about sth to try to achieve a particular goal or to tell them to do sth. You talk to sb in order to be friendly or to ask their advice: Have you talked to your parents about the problems you're having? I've spoken to Ed about it and he's promised not to let it happen again.
communicate(rather formal) to exchange information or ideas with sb: We only communicate by email. Dolphins use sound to communicate with each other.
Communicate is often used when the speaker wants to draw attention to the means of communication used.
debateto discuss sth, especially formally, before making a decisionor finding a solution: Politicians will be debating the bill later this week.
consult(rather formal) to discuss sth with sb in order to get their permission for sth, or to help you make a decision: You shouldn't have done it without consulting me.
to talk/discuss sth/speak/communicate/debate/consult with sb
to talk/speak to sb
to talk/speak to sb/consult sb about sth
to talk/speak of sth 
Example Bank:
All they talk about is clothes.
Bruce Springsteen has agreed to talk exclusively to our reporter about his life.
He had talked vaguely of going to work abroad.
He was so easy to talk to.
I can't talk about it just now.
I loved to hear him talk about the old days.
I need to talk to you.
I think you'd better talk directly to my manager.
I'll talk to John this afternoon.
I've talked with him on the telephone.
Just shut up and let me talk for a minute.
Let's talk sensibly about this.
She talked quite freely about her work.
Talking of Joe, I met his new boyfriend last week.
The police questioned him for four hours, trying to make him talk.
The senior managers talk a good game about customer relations, but really they don't care about the customer.
We often talked of the war.
You can talk the talk, but can you walk the walk?
a group of students talking earnestly
talking about their new clothes
Alex can't talk yet— he's only just one year old.
Ann and Joe aren't talking to each other right now.
He talked excitedly of his plans.
Talk to your doctor if you're still worried.
They spent the whole evening talking business.
This situation can't go on. We need to talk.
When they get together, all they talk about is football
You're talking nonsense!
Idioms: look who's talking  now you're talking  talk a good game  talk about …  talk dirty  talk of something  talk shop  talk the hind leg off a donkey  talk the talk  talk through your hat  talk tough  talk turkey  talk your way out of of doing something  talking of somebody  you can talk  you're a fine one to talk

Derived: talk at somebody  talk back  talk down to somebody  talk round something  talk somebody down  talk somebody out of something  talk somebody round  talk somebody through something  talk somebody up  talk something down  talk something out  talk something over  talk something through 

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

talk / tɔːk /   / tɑːk / verb [ I ] (SAY WORDS)

A1 to say words aloud; to speak to someone:

We were just talking about Simon's new girlfriend.

My little girl has just started to talk.

She talks to her mother on the phone every week.
 

talk / tɔːk /   / tɑːk / verb [ I ] (DISCUSS)

B2 to discuss something with someone, often to try to find a solution to a disagreement:

The two sides have agreed to talk.

talk business, politics, etc. C1 to discuss a particular subject:

Whenever they're together, they talk politics.
 

talk / tɔːk /   / tɑːk / verb [ I ] (LECTURE)

B2 to give a lecture on a subject:

The next speaker will be talking about endangered insects.

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

talk

/tɔ:k/
(talks, talking, talked)

Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English.

1.
When you talk, you use spoken language to express your thoughts, ideas, or feelings.
He was too distressed to talk...
The boys all began to talk at once...
VERB: V, V

Talk is also a noun.
That’s not the kind of talk one usually hears from accountants.
N-UNCOUNT

2.
If you talk to someone, you have a conversation with them. You can also say that two people talk.
We talked and laughed a great deal...
I talked to him yesterday...
When she came back, they were talking about American food...
Can’t you see I’m talking? Don’t interrupt.
V-RECIP: pl-n V, V to/with n, pl-n V about n, V (non-recip), also V to n about n

Talk is also a noun.
We had a long talk about her father, Tony, who was a friend of mine.
= conversation
N-COUNT

3.
If you talk to someone, you tell them about the things that are worrying you. You can also say that two people talk.
Your first step should be to talk to a teacher or school counselor...
We need to talk alone...
Do ring if you want to talk about it...
I have to sort some things out. We really needed to talk.
V-RECIP: V to n, pl-n V, V about n (non-recip), V (non-recip)

Talk is also a noun.
I think it’s time we had a talk.
N-COUNT

4.
If you talk on or about something, you make an informal speech telling people what you know or think about it.
She will talk on the issues she cares passionately about including education and nursery care...
He intends to talk to young people about the dangers of AIDS.
= speak
VERB: V on/about n, V to n

Talk is also a noun.
A guide gives a brief talk on the history of the site...
N-COUNT: oft N on/about n

5.
Talks are formal discussions intended to produce an agreement, usually between different countries or between employers and employees.
Talks between striking railway workers and the Polish government have broken down...
N-PLURAL: oft N with/between n, N on/about n

6.
If one group of people talks to another, or if two groups talk, they have formal discussions in order to do a deal or produce an agreement.
We’re talking to some people about opening an office in London...
The company talked with many potential investors...
It triggered broad speculation that GM and Jaguar might be talking.
V-RECIP: V to n about n/-ing, V with/to n, pl-n V

7.
When different countries or different sides in a dispute talk, or talk to each other, they discuss their differences in order to try and settle the dispute.
The Foreign Minister said he was ready to talk to any country that had no hostile intentions...
They are collecting information in preparation for the day when the two sides sit down and talk...
John Reid has to find a way to make both sides talk to each other...
The speed with which the two sides came to the negotiating table shows that they are ready to talk.
V-RECIP: V to n, pl-n V, V to/with pron-recip, V (non-recip)

8.
If people are talking about another person or are talking, they are discussing that person.
Everyone is talking about him...
People will talk, but you have to get on with your life.
VERB: V about/of n, V

Talk is also a noun.
There has been a lot of talk about me getting married...
N-UNCOUNT: usu N about/of n/-ing, N that

9.
If someone talks when they are being held by police or soldiers, they reveal important or secret information, usually unwillingly.
They’ll talk, they’ll implicate me.
VERB: V

10.
If you talk a particular language or talk with a particular accent, you use that language or have that accent when you speak.
You don’t sound like a foreigner talking English...
They were amazed that I was talking in an Irish accent.
VERB: no passive, V n, V prep/adv

11.
If you talk something such as politics or sport, you discuss it.
The guests were mostly middle-aged men talking business.
VERB: no passive, V n

12.
You can use talk to say what you think of the ideas that someone is expressing. For example, if you say that someone is talking sense, you mean that you think the opinions they are expressing are sensible.
You must admit George, you’re talking absolute rubbish.
VERB: V n

13.
You can say that you are talking a particular thing to draw attention to your topic or to point out a characteristic of what you are discussing. (SPOKEN)
We’re talking megabucks this time.
VERB: no passive, V n

14.
If you say that something such as an idea or threat is just talk, or all talk, you mean that it does not mean or matter much, because people are exaggerating about it or do not really intend to do anything about it.
Has much of this actually been tried here? Or is it just talk?...
N-UNCOUNT

15.
You can say talk about before mentioning a particular expression or situation, when you mean that something is a very striking or clear example of that expression or situation. (INFORMAL)
Took us quite a while to get here, didn’t it? Talk about Fate moving in a mysterious way!...
PHRASE: PHR n/-ing [emphasis]

16.
You can use the expression talking of to introduce a new topic that you want to discuss, and to link it to something that has already been mentioned.
Belvoir Farms produce a delicious elderflower tea. Talking of elderflower, you might wish to try Elderflower Champagne.
PHRASE: PHR n/-ing

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

1talk /ˈtɑːk/ verb talks; talked; talk·ing
1 a : to say words in order to express your thoughts, feelings, opinions, etc., to someone

[no obj]

• She never talks at the meetings.
• He did most of the talking during dinner.
• He loves to hear himself talk.
- often + to
• You shouldn't talk to your mother that way.
- often + about
• She still talks about your wedding and how perfect it was.

[+ obj]

• I think she's talking a lot of nonsense/rubbish/drivel.
• You should listen to her; she's talking (good) sense. [=she's saying sensible things]
b [no obj] : to have a conversation or discussion with someone
• We need to talk.
• I can't talk right now. I'm running late.
• They were talking in Spanish.
• We talked on the phone until midnight.
• Both sides in the dispute are now willing to talk.
- often + to
• They talked to each other in a whisper.
• Who were you talking to on the phone?
• I could hear her talking to herself as she studied.
- often + with
• The coach refused to talk with the reporters.
• May I talk with you privately?
- often + about
• You might feel better if you talked to someone about your problems.
• The teacher talked with him about his poor grades.
• When they get together, all they do is talk about sports.
c [+ obj] : to have a conversation about (something)
• They are in the conference room talking business.
• They were talking baseball/politics.
• They like to talk shop [=to talk about work] during lunch. synonyms seespeak
2 [no obj] : to use your voice to say words : speak
• She had laryngitis and couldn't talk.
• I can't understand you. You're talking too fast.
• No talking during the performance, please!
• Would you please stop talking. I'm trying to watch the movie.
• She talks very loud.
• He is teaching the parrot to talk.
• She started talking when she was only eight months old.
3 [no obj] : to be willing to talk to someone after having an argument, disagreement, fight, etc., with that person - always used as (be) talking
• It's been two weeks and they're still not talking (to each other).
4 [no obj] : to talk about the personal lives of other people
• It's rude to talk [=gossip] about people behind their back(s).
• If you continue behaving like that, people are bound to talk.
5 [no obj] : to tell secret information to someone
• The police forced him to talk.
6 [no obj] : to give information without speaking : to communicate with signs, numbers, etc.
• They were talking to each other in sign language.
• When she gets excited, she talks with her hands. [=she moves her hands when she talks]
• The computer is talking to the printer.
7 always followed by an adverb or preposition [+ obj] : to talk until (someone or something) is in a specified state
• He talked himself hoarse. [=he talked so much that his voice became hoarse]
• She talked herself into a corner. [=she put herself in a bad position by talking too much]
• We talked the night away. [=we talked throughout the night]
- see also sweet-talk
8 [no obj] : to criticize someone
✦This sense of talk is often used in phrases like look who's talking, you're one to talk, and you should talk to say that someone should not criticize another person because he or she has the same faults as that other person.
• “She's way too skinny.” “You're one to talk. You need to gain some weight, too.”
9 [+ obj] informal
- used to describe or suggest the size or amount of something; always used as (be) talking
• To fix the car, you're talking at least $500. [=it will cost at least $500 to fix the car]
• The heat was awful. I'm talking 100-degree weather and no air-conditioning.
know what you are talking about
- see 1know
money talks
- see money
now you're talking informal
- used to say that someone has said or suggested something that you think is good, worth doing, etc.
• “You don't want hamburgers. Well, how about steak?” “Yeah, now you're talking.”
talk a blue streak
- see 1blue
talk about
1
✦The phrase what are you talking about? can be used to show that you are confused, worried, upset, etc., about something that someone has just said.
What are you talking about? I did what you told me to do.
2 informal
- used to emphasize the size, amount, or extent of something
Talk about rain! I've never seen it rain like this in my entire life!
Talk about having a bad day. I had the worst day ever!
Talk about short. She's only four feet tall!
- see also 1talk 1a, b (above)
talk a good game informal : to say things that make people believe that you can do something or that something is true about you even though it is not true
• They talk a good game, but they're not really ready for the championship.
• She talks a good game about protecting the environment, but she doesn't even recycle.
talk around also chiefly Brit talk round [phrasal verb]
1 talk around/round (something) : to avoid talking about (a particular subject) especially because it is difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing
• They've been talking around the real issue rather than addressing it directly.
2 talk (someone) around/round : to cause (someone) to accept and support something (such as an idea) after opposing it
• She says she doesn't agree with it, but we'll talk her around eventually. [=we'll eventually convince/persuade her to support it]
- often + to
• We can talk her round to our way of thinking.
talk at [phrasal verb] informal talk at (someone) : to speak to (someone) without listening to what he or she says to you in reply
• My dad is always talking at me.
• You need to talk to your children, not talk at them.
talk back [phrasal verb] : to answer (someone) in a rude way that does not show proper respect
• Don't talk back!
- often + to
• She was punished for talking back to her parents.
talk down [phrasal verb]
1 talk down to (someone) : to talk to (someone) in an overly simple way which suggests that he or she is not intelligent
• Many politicians are guilty of talking down to voters.
• Don't talk down to me. I'm not stupid.
2 talk down (something or someone) or talk (something or someone) down
a : to describe (something or someone) as unimportant
• He talked down [=downplayed] his accomplishments.
b : to cause (the price of something) to be lower by talking to someone
• She managed to talk down his asking price for the car. : to convince (someone) to lower the price of something
• She talked him down 500 dollars.
3 talk (someone) down : to convince (someone who is standing on a high place and threatening to jump) to come down and not to commit suicide
• He tried to talk her down from the ledge. [=to convince her to not jump from the ledge]
- sometimes used figuratively
• He was about to quit his job in anger, but she managed to talk him down. [=to convince him not to do it]
talk into [phrasal verb] talk (someone) into (something) : to get (someone) to do something by talking about the good reasons for doing it : to convince or persuade (someone) to do something
• The salesman talked us into buying the car.
• Her friends couldn't talk her into going on the trip.
talk nineteen to the dozen Brit informal : to speak rapidly and without stopping
• He showed us around the house while talking nineteen to the dozen. [=(US) talking a blue streak]
talk of [phrasal verb] talk of (someone or something) : to speak or write about (someone or something) : to mention (a subject) in speech or writing
• It was the first time she talked of going to law school.
• She never talks of [=talks about, speaks of] her suffering during the war.
• In the letter, he talked of feeling ill.
• (Brit) Talking of [=speaking of] Jill, where is she?
talk of the devil
- see devil
talk out [phrasal verb] talk out (something) or talk (something) out : to talk about (something) in order to find a solution
• The teacher told him to talk out the problem.
talk out of [phrasal verb]
1 talk (someone) out of (something) : to prevent (someone) from doing (something) by talking about the good reasons for not doing it : to persuade or convince (someone) not to do (something)
• He talked her out of quitting school.
2 talk (yourself) out of (something) or talk your way out of (something) : to avoid (something unpleasant or undesirable) by saying things to make other people forgive or excuse you
• She talked herself out of trouble. = She talked her way out of trouble. [=she got herself out of trouble by talking]
• He talked his way out of staying to clean up after the party.
talk over [phrasal verb] talk (something) over or talk over (something) : to discuss (something) with someone in order to make a decision or reach an agreement
• We need some time to talk over the offer.
- usually + with
• I need to talk it over with my wife, first.
talk someone's ear off US informal : to talk to someone for a very long period of time
• He talks my ear off every time I call him.
talk (some) sense into/to
- see 1sense
talk the hind leg(s) off a donkey Brit informal : to talk for a long time
• She rarely spoke, but her brother could talk the hind legs off a donkey. [=he was very talkative]
talk the same language
- see language
talk the talk : to say that you will do things
• Sure, she talks the talk, but can she walk the walk? [=she says that she will do things, but will she actually do them?]
talk through [phrasal verb]
1 talk (someone) through (something) : to help (someone) understand or do something by explaining its steps in a careful way
• The woman on the phone talked me through the procedure.
2 talk (something) through : to discuss (something) with someone in order to make a decision or reach an agreement
• Have you talked this through with your family?
3 informal + old-fashioned
✦If you are talking through your hat, you are saying incorrect, foolish, or illogical things.
• If he says that there's no problem, he's talking through his hat.
talk tough : to say that you will act in a forceful and aggressive way
• When the subject is national security, all the candidates talk tough. [=they say that they will act aggressively to support national security]
- often + on
• The new mayor talks tough on crime.
talk trash
- see 1trash
talk turkey
- see turkey
talk up [phrasal verb] talk up (someone or something) or talk (someone or something) up : to describe (someone or something) in a favorable way
• The salesperson talked up the car's safety features.
• He's being talked up as the next big pop star.

strong

strong [adjective] (NOT WEAK)

Powerful; having or using great force or control

US /strɑːŋ/ 
UK /strɒŋ/ 

قوی، نیرومند

Example: 

He's strong enough to lift a car!

او به اندازه ای قدرتمند است که می تواند یک ماشین را بلند کند!

Oxford Essential Dictionary

strong

 adjective (stronger, strongest)

1 A strong person has a powerful body, and can carry heavy things:
I need somebody strong to help me move this piano.

2 A strong object does not break easily:
Don't stand on that chair – it's not very strong.

3 A strong opinion or belief is not easy to change:
There was strong opposition to the plan.

4 powerful:
strong winds
The current was very strong.

5 having a big effect on the mind or the body:
I like strong tea (= with not much milk in it).
a strong smell of oranges

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

strong

strong S1 W1 /strɒŋ $ strɒːŋ/ BrE AmE adjective (comparative stronger, superlative strongest)
[Word Family: verb: ↑strengthen; noun: ↑strength; adverb: ↑strongly; adjective: ↑strong]
[Language: Old English; Origin: strang]
1. ABLE TO LIFT HEAVY THINGS/DO HARD WORK having a lot of physical power so that you can lift heavy things, do hard physical work etc:
He was a big strong man.
Jack was tall and strong.
strong hands/arms/muscles etc
He picked her up in his big strong arms.
I’m not strong enough to fight him. ⇨ see Thesaurus box on P. 1752
2. NOT EASILY BROKEN OR DAMAGED not easily broken or damaged:
good strong shoes
The locks on the doors were solid and strong.
3. ABLE TO DEAL WITH DIFFICULTY determined and able to deal with a difficult or upsetting situation:
I’m not strong enough to take insults and hatred.
Laura had a strong character.
4. POWERFUL having a lot of power or influence:
The Fifth French Republic was established with a strong president in 1958.
a strong national army
Our party is the strongest as we come up to the election.
5. FEELINGS/OPINIONS strong emotions, opinions, beliefs etc are ones that you feel or believe a lot and are very serious about:
He had a strong sense of responsibility to his vocation of preaching.
There has been strong support for the strike.
The proposal has met with strong opposition from local people.
strong feelings/views/opinions
Many people have strong feelings about the issue.
6. AFFECT/INFLUENCE a strong desire, influence etc affects you very much:
He had a strong desire for power.
Such feelings may have a strong influence over your decisions.
The temptation is very strong.
7. RELATIONSHIP a strong relationship, friendship etc is very loyal and likely to last a long time:
He maintained strong links with the world of the deaf.
She still has a strong relationship with her mother.
I have a strong commitment to the quality of teaching.
8. ARGUMENT/REASON ETC likely to persuade other people that something is true or the correct thing to do:
There is a strong case for an energy conservation programme.
They need strong evidence to secure a conviction.
a strong argument
9. LIKELY likely to succeed or happen:
She’s a strong candidate for the party leadership.
strong possibility/chance/probability
A year ago, there was a strong possibility that he wouldn’t live.
10. HEALTHY healthy, especially after you have been ill:
I don’t think her heart is very strong.
You’ve been blessed with a strong constitution (=you are healthy and do not easily become ill).
11. be in a strong position (also gain a strong position) to be in a situation where you have power over other people or are likely to get what you want:
The company have gained a strong position in the cheese market.
12. strong wind/current/tide wind, water etc that moves with great force:
A strong wind was blowing across the lake.
13. GOOD AT SOMETHING very good at something:
His writing was strong on description.
We beat a team that was much stronger than ourselves.
be sb’s strong point/suit (=the thing that someone is especially good at)
Tact never was my strong point.
14. TASTE/SMELL having a taste or smell that you notice easily:
strong coffee
This cheese has a very strong flavour.
a strong smell of petrol
15. ALCOHOL/DRUGS ETC having a lot of a substance, such as alcohol, that gives something its effect:
extra strong beer
strong painkillers
I haven’t touched strong drink (=alcoholic drinks) for years.
16. LIGHT/COLOUR bright and easy to see:
The light was not very strong.
17. strong language speech or writing that contains a lot of swearing:
This film is not suitable for children under 12 as it contains strong language.
18. strong accent the way that someone pronounces words that shows clearly that they come from a particular area or country:
a strong German accent
19. strong nose/chin/features a nose etc that is large and noticeable, especially in an attractive way:
She has the same strong features as her mother.
20. MONEY a strong ↑currency (=the type of money used in a country) does not easily lose its value compared with other currencies
21. 600/10,000 etc strong [only after number] used to give the number of people in a crowd or organization:
the company’s 2,200 strong workforce
The crowd was 10,000 strong.
22. be going strong to continue to be active or successful, even after a long time:
He celebrated his ninetieth birthday this month, and he’s still going strong.
come on strong at ↑come on(10)
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meanings 5 & 6)
■ nouns
strong views/opinions/ideas She has strong views on education.
a strong feeling I have a lot of strong feelings on the issue.
a strong belief We have a strong belief that everyone has the right to worship freely.
a strong sense of something There is a strong sense of community here.
strong support The idea won strong support in rural areas.
strong opposition There had been strong opposition to the scheme from the national park authority.
a strong interest in something At 16, he developed a strong interest in archaeology.
a strong commitment to something Since its establishment in 1945 the College has had a strong commitment to research.
a strong desire for something/to do something People have a strong desire for personal independence.
a strong influence The experience of living there had a strong influence on me.
a strong impression She made a strong impression on me.
a strong temptation There’s always a strong temptation to put off doing difficult tasks.
• • •
THESAURUS
■ having a strong body
strong having a lot of physical strength: It took four strong men to lift the piano. | You open it – you’re stronger than I am.
powerful very strong – used about someone’s body, arms, muscles etc: his big powerful shoulders | He was a tall man with a powerful physique.
muscular having big muscles and looking strong: She liked men who were big and muscular. | He had a firm muscular body.
well-built a well-built man is strong and tall and has a big body: Police say the man they are looking for is 36 years old, 6 feet tall, and well-built.
hunky informal strong and attractive: She married hunky Hollywood star Brad Pitt. | He looks hunky, but he’s not really my type.
■ not easily broken or damaged
strong not easily broken or damaged: The bags are made of strong black plastic. | We need a strong rope for this job.
tough strong – used especially about something that can be used a lot without damaging it or making it weaker: a pair of tough leather boots | Kitchen floors need to be tough enough to withstand heavy use.
heavy-duty [only before noun] extremely strong – used about materials, tools, machines etc that are made especially to be used a lot without being easily damaged: heavy-duty rubber gloves | a heavy-duty carpet for the hallway
sturdy strong and often thick, and not likely to fall over or get broken: a fence made with sturdy wooden posts | The furniture is simple but sturdy.
unbreakable extremely strong and impossible to break: Babies need to have unbreakable dishes and cups.
indestructible impossible to break, damage, or destroy, and lasting forever: Gold is virtually indestructible. | The pyramids were built as indestructible tombs for the Pharaohs.
hard-wearing British English, long-wearing American English used about materials and products that will remain in good condition for a long time even when they are used a lot: Ceramic tiles are easy to keep clean and hard-wearing. | a hard-wearing fabric
durable especially written used about materials and products that will remain in good condition for a long time – often used on product labels: The jacket has a durable nylon lining. | Varnish is more durable than paint.
robust especially written strongly made – used especially about the structure of something, for example a vehicle or machine: a mountain bike with a robust frame | The hardware for the computer must be robust and inexpensive.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

strong

strong [strong stronger strongest]   [strɒŋ]    [strɔːŋ]  adjective (strong·er   [strɒŋɡə(r)]  ;   [strɔːŋɡər]  , strong·est   [strɒŋɡɪst]  ;   [strɔːŋɡɪst]  )

 
HAVING PHYSICAL POWER
1. (of people, animals, etc.) having a lot of physical power so that you can lift heavy weights, do hard physical work, etc
strong muscles
She wasn't a strong swimmer (= she could not swim well).

• He's strong enough to lift a car!

2. (of a natural or physical force) having great power
Stay indoors in the middle of the day, when the sun is strongest.
a strong wind/current

• a strong magnet

3. having a powerful effect on the body or mind

• a strong drug  

HAVING POWER OVER PEOPLE

4. having a lot of power or influence

• a strong leader/government

5. the strong plural people who are rich or powerful  

HARD TO RESIST/DEFEAT/ATTACK
6. very powerful and difficult for people to fight against or defeat
• a strong team

(figurative) The temptation to tell her everything was very strong.

7. (of an argument, evidence, etc.) difficult to attack or criticize
• There is strong evidence of a link between exercise and a healthy heart.

• You have a strong case for getting your job back.  

OPINION/BELIEF/FEELING

8. only before noun (of a person) holding an opinion or a belief very firmly and seriously
Syn:  firm

• a strong supporter/opponent of the government

9. (of an opinion, a belief or a feeling) very powerful
• strong support for the government

• People have strong feelings about this issue.  

NOT EASILY BROKEN

10. (of objects) not easily broken or damaged; made well

• a strong chair  

NOT EASILY UPSET

11. not easily upset or frightened; not easily influenced by other people
You need strong nerves to ride a bike in London.
It's difficult, I know. But be strong!
a strong personality
• She's had a strong will since she was a baby.

see also  headstrong, strong-minded, strong-willed  

LIKELY TO SUCCEED

12. likely to succeed or happen
a strong candidate for the job
You're in a strong position to negotiate a deal.

• There's a strong possibility that we'll lose the game.  

GOOD AT STH

13. good at sth
• The play has a very strong cast.

• Mathematics was never my strong point (= I was never very good at it).  

NUMBER

14. great in number

• There was a strong police presence at the demonstration.

15. used after numbers to show the size of a group
• a 5 000-strong crowd

• The crowd was 5 000 strong.  

HEALTHY

16. (of a person) not easily affected by disease; healthy

• Are you feeling stronger now after your rest?  

FIRMLY ESTABLISHED

17. firmly established; difficult to destroy
• a strong marriage

• The college has strong links with local industry.  

BUSINESS

18. (of prices, an economy, etc.) having a value that is high or increasing
• strong share prices

• The euro is getting stronger against the dollar.

19. (of a business or an industry) in a safe financial position

• Their catering business remained strong despite the recession.  

EASY TO SEE/HEAR/FEEL/SMELL

20. easy to see, hear, feel or smell; very great or intense
a strong smell
a strong feeling of nausea
a strong voice (= loud)
strong colours
a face with strong features (= large and noticeable)
• She spoke with a strong Australian accent.

• He was under strong pressure to resign.  

FOOD

21. having a lot of flavour

• strong cheese  

DRINKS

22. containing a lot of a substance

• strong black coffee  

WORDS

23. (of words or language) having a lot of force, often causing offence to people

• The movie has been criticized for strong language (= swearing).  

GRAMMAR

24. usually before noun (of a verb) forming the past tense and past participle by changing a vowel, not by adding a regular ending, for example sing, sang  

PHONETICS
25. usually before noun used to describe the way some words are pronounced when they have stress. For example, the strong form of and is / [ænd] / .
Opp:  weak 
more at sb's best/strongest/winning card at  card  n.
Idioms: a bit strong  come on strong  going strong  have a strong stomach  somebody's strong suit  strong on something
Derived Word: strongly  
Word Origin:
Old English, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch and German streng, also to string.  
Thesaurus:
strong adj.
1.
He's strong enough to lift a car!
muscular|especially written, usually approving powerful
Opp: weak
(a) strong/muscular/powerful build/body/arms/legs
strong/powerful muscles/jaws
2.
Stay indoors when the sun is strongest.
brightdazzlingbrilliantboldintense|disapproving harshglaring
Opp: weak
strong/bright/dazzling/brilliant/intense/harsh/glaring light
strong/bright/dazzling/brilliant/bold/harsh/glaring colours
strong/bright/dazzling/brilliant/glaring sunshine
3. (approving)
The country needs a strong leader.
powerfulimportantinfluentialgreatdominant
Opp: weak
a/an strong/powerful/important/influential/great/dominant figure/leader/position
a/an strong/powerful/influential lobby
a/an strong/powerful/important/great/dominant influence
Which word? Strong people are confident and have leadership qualities. Powerful people such as politicians use their position to control events. Important people influence other people or events because people respect them or because their position means their actions have a great effect. Influential people change other people's opinions or behaviour because people respect and listen to them.
4.
You have a strong case for getting your job back.
convincingpersuasiveforcefulcompelling|formal cogent
Opp: weak
a strong/convincing/persuasive/forceful/compelling/cogent argument
strong/convincing/persuasive/compelling/cogent evidence
a strong/convincing/persuasive/compelling/cogent reason/case
5.
You need vitamins to keep you strong and healthy.
healthygood|especially BrE fit|especially spoken wellfine
Opp: weak
get strong/fit/well
physically strong/healthy/fit/well
fit and strong/healthy/well
6.
strong cheese/coffee
hotspicy
Opp: mild, Opp: weak
a strong/hot/spicy flavour
a strong/spicy taste
strong/hot mustard  
Word Family:
strong adjective
strongly adverb
strength noun
strengthen verb  
Synonyms:
well
all right OK fine healthy strong fit
These words all describe sb who is not ill and is in good health.
well[not usually before noun] (rather informal) in good health: I'm not feeling very well. Is he well enough to travel?
Well is used especially to talk about your own health, to ask sb about their health or to make a comment on it.
all right[not before noun] (rather informal) not feeling ill; not injured: Are you feeling all right?
OK[not before noun] (informal) not feeling ill; not injured: She says she's OK now, and will be back at work tomorrow.
all right or ok?
These words are slightly less positive than the other words in this group. They are both used in spoken English to talk about not actually being ill or injured, rather than being positively in good health. Both are rather informal but OK is slightly more informal than all right.
fine[not before noun] (not used in negative statements) (rather informal) completely well: ‘How are you?’ ‘Fine, thanks.’
Fine is used especially to talk about your health, especially when sb asks you how you are. It is also used to talk about sb's health when you are talking to sb else. Unlike well it is not often used to ask sb about their health or make a comment on it: Are you keeping fine?
healthyin good health and not likely to become ill: Keep healthy by exercising regularly.
strongin good health and not suffering from an illness: After a few weeks she was feeling stronger.
Strong is often used to talk about becoming healthy again after an illness.
fit(especially BrE) in good physical health, especially because you take regular physical exercise: I go swimming every day in order to keep fit.
all right/OK/fit for sth
all right/OK/fit to do sth
to feel/look well/all right/OK/fine/healthy/strong/fit
to keep (sb) well/healthy/fit
perfectly well/all right/OK/fine/healthy/fit
physically well/healthy/strong/fit 
Example Bank:
Don't try to go back to work before you are physically strong enough.
He exerts an extremely strong influence on his classmates.
Sales were surprisingly strong in the second half of the year.
The box looks strong enough.
The business is still going strong.
The men's golf team finished strong on Saturday.
The party lacks a strong enough local base.
This news helped keep the dollar relatively strong today.
We must stand strong in the face of adversity.
After a few weeks she was feeling stronger.
He felt that the evidence was sufficiently strong to make the claims he did.
He's strong enough to lift a car!
It's difficult, I know, but be strong!
She has long been one of the strongest advocates of sanctions.
She is the leader of one of the country's strongest trade unions.
She wasn't a strong swimmer.
Stay indoors in the middle of the day, when the sun is strongest.
The report recommended a strong role for the governing board in school policy on discipline.
There is strong evidence of a link between exercise and a healthy heart.
These vitamins are meant to keep you healthy and strong.
This traditional Cheddar is a treat for lovers of strong farmhouse cheese.
We hope to see you well and strong again soon.
What the country needs right now is a strong government.
Will this damage his image as a strong leader?
• You'll need to use plenty of strong French mustard.

• a cup of strong black coffee

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

strong / strɒŋ /   / strɑːŋ / adjective (NOT WEAK)

A2 powerful; having or using great force or control:

She must be very strong to carry such a weight on her back.

It is surely the duty of the stronger members in a society to help those who are weak.

My grandmother had a strong influence/effect on my early childhood.

Strong winds are forecast in the area for the next few days.

It's surprising what strong memories a photograph can produce.

Get Carl to lift it - he's as strong as an ox (= very strong) .

B2 effective; of a good quality or level and likely to be successful:

We will need strong policies if our economic problems are to be solved.

I can give you stronger pain-killing drugs if these aren't strong enough.

Strong trading links exist between us and many South American countries.

B2 clever or good at doing things:

Without a doubt, she's the strongest candidate we've interviewed for the post.

As a guitarist, he's strong on (= good at) technique but perhaps lacks feeling in some pieces.
 

strong / strɒŋ /   / strɑːŋ / adjective (DETERMINED)

B2 difficult to argue with; firm and determined:

She has strong opinions about religion.

He has a strong personality , but don't let him bully you.

Most of the group have strong views on the subject of divorce.

 

strong / strɒŋ /   / strɑːŋ / adjective (NOTICEABLE)

B1 If a taste, smell, etc. is strong, it is very noticeable or powerful:

A strong light was shining straight in my eyes.

There's a really strong smell of bleach in the corridor.

I don't like coffee/tea if it's too strong.

The room was decorated in very strong colours.

What a strong likeness there is between the brothers.
 

strong / strɒŋ /   / strɑːŋ / adjective (DIFFICULT TO BREAK)

B1 difficult to break, destroy, or make sick, or able to support a heavy weight or force:

a strong box/chair

The window is made from very strong glass - it won't shatter.

He's never been very strong, and I'm afraid all the excitement was too much for him.

He had such a strong will to live - he simply refused to die.

→  See also strength (POWER)
 

strong / strɒŋ /   / strɑːŋ / adjective (LIKELY)

very likely to happen:

There's a strong possibility/likelihood of finding the child within the next few hours.

The treatment's chances of success are stronger if it is started as soon as the disease is diagnosed.
 

strong / strɒŋ /   / strɑːŋ / adjective [ after noun ] (IN NUMBER)

having the stated number of people, members, etc.:

Our social club is currently about 80 strong.

→  See also strength (NUMBER)

 

strong / strɒŋ /   / strɑːŋ / adjective specialized (CHEMISTRY)

describes an acid, alkali, or chemical base that produces many ions (= atoms with an electrical charge) when it is dissolved in water

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

strong

/strɒŋ, AM strɔ:ŋ/
(stronger /strɒŋgə(r), AM strɔ:ŋgər/, strongest /strɒŋgɪst, AM strɔ:ŋgɪst/)

Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English.

1.
Someone who is strong is healthy with good muscles and can move or carry heavy things, or do hard physical work.
I’m not strong enough to carry him...
I feared I wouldn’t be able to control such a strong horse.
weak
ADJ

2.
Someone who is strong is confident and determined, and is not easily influenced or worried by other people.
He is sharp and manipulative with a strong personality...
It’s up to managers to be strong and do what they believe is right...
weak
ADJ

3.
Strong objects or materials are not easily broken and can support a lot of weight or resist a lot of strain.
The vacuum flask has a strong casing, which won’t crack or chip...
Glue the mirror in with a strong adhesive...
weak
ADJ
strong‧ly
The fence was very strongly built, with very large posts.
ADV: ADV -ed

4.
A strong wind, current, or other force has a lot of power or speed, and can cause heavy things to move.
Strong winds and torrential rain combined to make conditions terrible for golfers in the Scottish Open...
A fairly strong current seemed to be moving the whole boat...
= powerful
ADJ
strong‧ly
The metal is strongly attracted to the surface.
ADV: ADV with v

5.
A strong impression or influence has a great effect on someone.
We’re glad if our music makes a strong impression, even if it’s a negative one...
Teenage idols have a strong influence on our children...
ADJ
strong‧ly
He is strongly influenced by Spanish painters such as Goya and El Greco...
ADV: ADV with v

6.
If you have strong opinions on something or express them using strong words, you have extreme or very definite opinions which you are willing to express or defend.
She is known to hold strong views on Cuba...
There has been strong criticism of the military regime...
It condemned in extremely strong language what it called Britain’s iniquitous campaign...
ADJ: usu ADJ n
strong‧ly
Obviously you feel very strongly about this...
We are strongly opposed to the presence of America in this region...
ADV: usu ADV with v

7.
If someone in authority takes strong action, they act firmly and severely.
The government has said it will take strong action against any further strikes...
ADJ: usu ADJ n

8.
If there is a strong case or argument for something, it is supported by a lot of evidence.
The testimony presented offered a strong case for acquitting her on grounds of self-defense...
The evidence that such investment promotes growth is strong...
ADJ
strong‧ly
He argues strongly for retention of NATO as a guarantee of peace...
These are conditions said by doctors to be strongly indicative of heart failure.
ADV: ADV with v, ADV adj/adv

9.
If there is a strong possibility or chance that something is true or will happen, it is very likely to be true or to happen.
There is a strong possibility that the cat contracted the condition by eating contaminated pet food.
ADJ

10.
Your strong points are your best qualities or talents, or the things you are good at.
Discretion is not Jeremy’s strong point...
Cynics argue that the EU is stronger on rhetoric than on concrete action.
ADJ: ADJ n, v-link ADJ on n

11.
A strong competitor, candidate, or team is good or likely to succeed.
She was a strong contender for Britain’s Olympic team...
ADJ: usu ADJ n

12.
If a relationship or link is strong, it is close and likely to last for a long time.
He felt he had a relationship strong enough to talk frankly to Sarah...
Delhi first began to develop strong ties with Moscow in the 1950s.
ADJ

13.
A strong currency, economy, or industry has a high value or is very successful.
The US dollar continued its strong performance in Tokyo today...
The local economy is strong and the population is growing...
= robust
weak
ADJ

14.
If something is a strong element or part of something else, it is an important or large part of it.
We are especially encouraged by the strong representation, this year, of women in information technology disciplines...
ADJ

15.
You can use strong when you are saying how many people there are in a group. For example, if a group is twenty strong, there are twenty people in it.
Ukraine indicated that it would establish its own army, 400,000 strong.
...a 1,000-strong crowd.
ADJ: num ADJ

16.
A strong drink, chemical, or drug contains a lot of the particular substance which makes it effective.
Strong coffee or tea late at night may cause sleeplessness...
ADJ

17.
A strong colour, flavour, smell, sound, or light is intense and easily noticed.
As she went past there was a gust of strong perfume...
The wine goes with strong and mild cheese alike.
ADJ
strong‧ly
He leaned over her, smelling strongly of sweat...
ADV: ADV with v

18.
If someone has a strong accent, they speak in a distinctive way that shows very clearly what country or region they come from.
‘Good, Mr Ryle,’ he said in English with a strong French accent.
= pronounced
slight
ADJ

19.
You can say that someone has strong features or a strong face if their face has large, distinctive features.
He had a strong Greek nose and olive-black eyes.
ADJ

20.
If someone or something is still going strong, they are still alive, in good condition, or popular after a long time. (INFORMAL)
The old machinery was still going strong.
PHRASE: v-link PHR

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

strong

strong /ˈstrɑːŋ/ adj strong·er /ˈstrɑːŋgɚ/; strong·est /ˈstrɑːŋgəst/
1 : having great physical power and ability : having a lot of strength
• a big strong kid
• an athlete with strong muscles/legs
• He's as strong as an ox.
- opposite weak
2 : not easy to break or damage
• The table should be strong enough to survive the trip.
• The builder added supports to make the walls stronger.
3 : not sick or injured : healthy
• He'll return to work when he's feeling a little stronger.
4 : very noticeable
• He speaks with a strong accent.
• She has strong features like her father.
• He bears a strong resemblance to his father.
5 : having great power or force
• a strong breeze/wind
• a good strong kick
6 a : very powerful in action or effect
• Morphine is a strong drug.
• a strong detergent
• He needs strong glasses for reading.
b : having a powerful and sometimes unpleasant taste or smell
strong cheese
• The spices are too strong for me.
• a strong perfume
• A strong smell came from the basement.
7 : containing a large amount of an important ingredient (such as alcohol)
• I could use a strong drink.
• She drank nothing stronger than iced tea.
• a strong cup of coffee
8 : having a lot of power or influence
• a strong leader/government
9 : likely to persuade or convince people that something is true, real, correct, etc.
• He made a strong [=compelling, persuasive] argument/case for keeping the center open.
strong evidence
10 : very confident and able to deal with difficult situations
• a strong character/personality
• I don't think I'm strong enough to handle this by myself.
• Her spirit remained strong throughout her illness.
11 : felt, believed, or expressed in a very definite and powerful way
• an especially strong conviction/commitment
• She is a woman of strong and independent opinions.
• a strong desire/liking/hatred
• He has a strong sense of responsibility.
• I had a strong desire/temptation/urge to call him.
• He has a strong need for control.
• The proposal has faced strong opposition.
• He thanked them for their strong support.
12 : powerful and effective in supporting something, opposing something, etc.
• She is a strong advocate for child welfare.
• a strong opponent of the proposal
13 : well established and likely to continue
strong traditions
strong friendships/relationships/ties
14 : likely to succeed or to happen
• a strong candidate/contender
• There is a strong [=very good] possibility/chance that he will be promoted.
15 a : great in number
• There was a strong turnout for the election. [=a large number of people voted in the election]
b
- used to indicate the number of people in a large group
• The army was ten thousand strong. [=there were 10,000 soldiers in the army]
16 a : having a value that is great or that is increasing
• The dollar has been strong.
b : in a good financial condition : doing well
• The business remains strong despite the setbacks.
• The economy is strong.
17 : very forceful and sometimes obscene or offensive
• The movie contains some strong language. [=swearing]
18 : very bright
• She likes strong colors.
• a strong light
a bit strong Brit informal : unfair or too critical
• Weren't you a bit strong on him?
a strong stomach
- see 1stomach
come on strong
- see 1come
going strong : very active, healthy, or successful
• The company has been going strong for nearly a century.
• He's 92 years old and still going strong.
strong on
1 : very good at (something)
• She's strong on vocabulary but not grammar.
• The author is not strong on characterization.
2 : containing a lot of (something)
• The explanation was strong on detail.
- strong·ly /ˈstrɑːŋli/ adv [more ~; most ~]
• I feel very strongly about this.
• She spoke strongly against the idea.
• I strongly agree/disagree with her.
• I strongly advise you to see a doctor.
• The kitchen smelled strongly of baking.
strongly flavored
• a strongly worded letter of complaint

close

close [verb] (NOT OPEN)

To (cause something to) change from being open to not being open

US /kloʊz/ 
UK /kləʊz/ 

بستن

Example: 

Hardy closed the gate behind her.

هاردی دروازه را پشت سر او بست.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

verb (closes, closing, closed )

pronunciation
When the word close is a verb, it has a sound as in grows or nose. When the word close is an adjective, it has an sound as in dose.

1 to shut:
Please close the window.
Close your eyes!
The door closed quietly.

2 to stop being open, so that people cannot go there:
What time does the bank close?
 opposite open

close down, close something down to stop all business at a shop, factory, etc.:
The shop closed down when the owner died.
Health inspectors have closed the restaurant down.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

close

I. close1 S1 W1 /kləʊz $ kloʊz/ BrE AmE verb
[Word Family: noun: close, ↑closure, ↑closing; adjective: ↑closed, ↑closing; verb: ↑close]
[Word Family: adverb: ↑close, ↑closely; verb: ↑close; noun: ↑closeness; adjective: ↑close]
[Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: clos, past participle of clore 'to close', from Latin claudere]
1. SHUT [intransitive and transitive] to shut something in order to cover an opening, or to become shut in this way SYN shut OPP openclosed:
Would you mind if I closed the window?
She closed the curtains.
Let me do the car door – it won’t close properly.
Beth closed her eyes and tried to sleep.
She heard the door close behind her.
2. MOVE PARTS TOGETHER [intransitive and transitive] to move the parts of something together so that there is no longer a space between them:
Anne closed her book and stood up.
3. SHUT FOR PERIOD OF TIME [intransitive and transitive] (also close up) if a shop or building closes, or you close it, it stops being open to the public for a period of time OPP open SYN shut British Englishclosed:
The shops close at six.
Harry usually closes the store completely when he goes on vacation.
4. STOP OPERATING [intransitive and transitive] (also close down) if a company, shop etc closes, or you close it, it stops operating permanently SYN shut downclosed:
We have reluctantly decided to close the factory.
The shop closed down some time last year.
5. END [intransitive and transitive] to end or to make something end, especially in a particular way
close something with/by etc
I will now close the meeting by asking you to join me in a final toast.
close with
The movie closes with an emotional reunion in Prague.
closing remarks (=something you say at the end of a speech)
In her closing remarks, the judge urged the jury to consider the facts only.
6. close an account to stop having and using a bank account or other financial account:
My husband closed all my credit card accounts without even asking me.
7. IN MONEY MARKETS [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] to be worth a particular amount of money at the end of a day’s ↑trading (=the buying and selling of shares) on the ↑stock exchange
close at
The dollar closed at 64p against the pound.close up/down
Their shares closed 27p up (=worth 27p more).
8. close a deal/sale/contract etc to successfully agree a business deal, sale etc
9. OFFER FINISHES [intransitive] to finish on a particular date SYN end:
Our special offer closes on June 3.
10. MAKE DISTANCE/DIFFERENCE SMALLER [intransitive and transitive] to make the distance or difference between two things smaller:
an attempt to close the gap between the rich and poor
close on
The other car was closing on us fast.
11. MAKE SOMETHING UNAVAILABLE [intransitive and transitive] to make taking part in an activity or using an opportunity no longer possible ⇨ closed:
Bidding for the painting will close on Friday.
The country has now closed its borders to all foreign nationals (=will not let foreigners in).
The legislation aims to close a lot of legal loopholes.
12. be closed if a subject is closed, you are no longer willing to discuss it:
It was a regrettable incident but I now consider the matter closed.
13. close your doors (to somebody) to stop operating permanently:
In 1977 the Skyfame Aircraft Museum closed its doors to the public for the last time.
14. close your mind to/against something to refuse to think about something:
She wanted to close her mind to the outside world.
15. HOLD SOMETHING [intransitive always + adverb/preposition, transitive] if someone’s hands, arms etc close around something, or are closed around something, they hold it firmly
close (something) around/round/over etc something
Her left hand closed over his arm.
She closed her hand tightly around her bag.
16. WOUND [intransitive and transitive] (also close up) if a wound closes, or if someone closes it, the edges grow together again or are sewn together:
The surgeon closed the incision neatly.
17. close ranks
a) if people close ranks, they join together to protect each other, especially because their group, organization etc is being criticized
b) if soldiers close ranks, they stand closer together
18. close the book on something to stop working on something, especially a police operation, because it is not making any progress:
Detectives had closed the book on the Hornsey Murders case three years previously.
⇨ ↑closing date, ↑closing time, ⇨ close/shut the door on something at ↑door(9), ⇨ close your eyes to something at ↑eye1(16)
• • •
THESAURUS
close to stop being open, or to make something stop being open. You use close and shut especially about your eyes, your mouth, a door, a window, or a container: Can I close the window? | Her eyes slowly closed. | He closed the door gently, so as not to wake the children.
shut to close something . Shut sometimes has a feeling of doing something quickly and firmly, whereas close sounds more careful: He shut the door with a loud bang. | Shut your eyes and go to sleep.
slam to close a door or lid quickly and noisily, especially because you are angry: She left the room, slamming the door behind her.
draw the curtains to close curtains by pulling them across a window: The curtains were still drawn at ten o'clock in the morning.
put the lid on something to close a container by putting a lid onto it: Did you put the lid on the cookie jar?
seal to close something so that no air or water can get in or out: In this experiment, the chamber must be completely sealed.
close down phrasal verb
1. close something ↔ down if a company, shop etc closes down or is closed down, it stops operating permanently:
Paramount closed down its London office in 1968.
2. British English to stop broadcasting radio or television programmes at the end of the day:
BBC 2 closes down at 12:45 tonight.
close in phrasal verb
1. to move closer to someone or something, especially in order to attack them:
The snake closed in for the kill.
close in on/around/upon etc
enemy soldiers closing in on them from all sides
2. if the night, bad weather etc closes in, it becomes darker or gets worse:
The sun had set and dusk was closing in.
3. if the days close in, they become shorter because it is autumn
close something ↔ off phrasal verb
to separate a road, room etc from the area around it so that people cannot go there or use it:
The roads into the docks were closed off by iron gates.
close on somebody/something phrasal verb
1. to get nearer to someone or something that is moving in front or ahead of you:
The patrol car was rapidly closing on us.
2. American English to successfully arrange a ↑loan, especially in order to buy a house
close something ↔ out phrasal verb American English
1. to finish in a particular way:
The bond market closed out the week on a strong note.
2. if a store closes out a type of goods, they sell all of them cheaply:
We’re closing out this line of swimwear.
close up phrasal verb
1. close something ↔ up if a shop or building closes up or is closed up, it stops being open to the public for a period of time:
The resorts are all closed up for the season.
2. close up shop to stop doing something for a period of time or permanently:
When it rains, there is no alternative but to close up shop.
3. if a group of people close up, they move closer together
4. close something ↔ up if a wound closes up or if someone closes it up, the edges grow together again or are sewn together:
The scar is closing up nicely – it’ll soon be time to take the stitches out.
5. to become narrower or to shut:
The flowers close up at night.
Occasionally the channel widened then closed up tight again.
6. to refuse to talk to someone about something:
The moment I said I was a police officer, everyone would close up like a clam.
close with somebody/something phrasal verb
1. to agree a business deal with someone:
It was such a good offer that I closed with him on the spot.
2. literary to move towards someone in order to fight with them

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

close

I. close 1 [close closes closed closing] verb, noun   [kləʊz]    [kloʊz] 

verb  
WINDOW/DOOR, ETC.
1. transitive, intransitive ~ (sth) to put sth into a position so that it covers an opening; to get into this position
Syn:  shut
Would anyone mind if I closed the window?
She closed the gate behind her.
It's dark now— let's close the curtains.
I closed my eyes against the bright light.
• The doors open and close automatically.

Opp:  open  

BOOK/UMBRELLA, ETC.

2. transitive ~ sth (up) to move the parts of sth together so that it is no longer open
Syn:  shut
• to close a book/an umbrella

Opp:  open  

SHOP/STORE/BUSINESS, ETC.

3. transitive, often passive, intransitive to make the work of a shop/store, etc. stop for a period of time; to not be open for people to use
~ sth (for sth) The museum has been closed for renovation.
~ sth (to sb/sth) The road was closed to traffic for two days.
~ (for sth) What time does the bank close?
• We close for lunch between twelve and two.

Opp:  open

4. transitive, intransitive ~ (sth) (also ˌclose ˈdown, ˌclose sthˈdown) if a company, shop/store, etc. closes, or if you close it, it stops operating as a business
The club was closed by the police.
The hospital closed at the end of last year.
• The play closed after just three nights.

Opp:  open  

END

5. transitive, intransitive to end or make sth end
The meeting will close at 10.00 p.m.
The offer closes at the end of the week.
~ sth to close a meeting/debate
to close a case/an investigation
to close an account (= to stop keeping money in a bank account)
The subject is now closed (= we will not discuss it again).

Opp:  open  

FINANCE

6. intransitive ~ (at sth) to be worth a particular amount at the end of the day's business
• Shares in the company closed at 265p.

• closing prices  

DISTANCE/DIFFERENCE

7. transitive, intransitive ~ (sth) to make the distance or difference between two people or things smaller; to become smaller or narrower
These measures are aimed at closing the gap between rich and poor.

• The gap between the two top teams is closing all the time.  

HOLD FIRMLY

8. transitive, intransitive ~ (sth) about/around/over sb/sth to hold sth/sb firmly
She closed her hand over his.
Her hand closed over his.
more at close/shut the door on sth at  door, shut/close your ears to sth at  ear, shut/close your eyes to sthwith your eyes shut/closed at  eye  n.
 
Word Origin:
Middle English Old French clos- clore Latin claudere ‘to shut’
 
Thesaurus:
close verb
1. T, I
She closed the gate behind her.
shutdrawslamlockbolt
Opp: open
close/shut/slam/lock/bolt a door/gate
close/shut/lock a window/drawer/case/suitcase
close/shut a/an/your box/lid/eyes/mouth/flap/valve/book/umbrella
close/draw the curtains/blinds
Close or shut? Close often suggests a more slow or gentle action than shut
Close your eyes and go to sleep.
2. I, T
It was a pity the business closed.
close (sth) downfailcollapsego bankruptfoldcrash|informal go bustflop|formal, business cease trading
Opp: open
a firm/company closes/closes down/fails/collapses/goes bankrupt/folds/crashes/goes bust/ceases trading
an industry closes down/collapses
an factory/newspaper/operation/shop closes/closes down
a play/show closes/folds/flops
Close or close down? Both these two words can be used to talk about a business or service, but only close can be used to talk about a play or show:
The play closed after just two nights.
 ¤ The play closed down after just two nights
3. T, I
The offer closes at the end of the week.
endfinishwind (sth) up|formal conclude
Opp: open
close/end/finish/wind up/conclude a meeting  
Which Word?:
close / shut
You can close and shut doors, windows, your eyes, mouth, etc.
Shut can suggest more noise and is often found in phrases such as slammed shut, banged shut, snapped shut.
Shut is also usually used for containers such as boxes, suitcases, etc.
To talk about the time when shops, offices, etc. are not open, use close or shut: What time do the banks close/shut? A strike has shut the factory. You can also use closed or shut (NAmE usually closed): The store is closed/shut today. Especially in NAmE, shut can sound less polite.
Closed is used in front of a noun, but shut is not: a closed window.
We usually use closed about roads, airports, etc: The road is closed because of the snow.
Close is also used in formal English to talk about ending a meeting or conversation. 
Example Bank:
He closed the door firmly.
She gently closed the door behind her.
That factory's been closed down now.
The museum has been temporarily closed to the public.
Tomorrow college officially closes for the vacation.
A police spokesman said that the case was now closed.
Can you help me close this umbrella?
It was a pity the business closed.
It's dark now— let's close the curtains.
Mr Hunt then closed the debate for the government.
She closed her eyes and fell asleep immediately.
The meeting will close at 10 p.m.
The subject is now closed.
They are closing their Liverpool factory.
Idioms: close its doors  close ranks  close the book on something  close your mind to something

Derived: close down  close in  close out something  close over somebody  close something down  close something off  close something up  close up 

noun singular (formal)
the end of a period of time or an activity
at the close of the 17th century
His life was drawing to a close.
Can we bring this meeting to a close?
By the close of London trading, Wall Street was up 9.78 points.
The West Indies were 98 for 3 at the close of play (= at the end of the day's play in a cricket  match).  
Word Origin:
Middle English Old French clos- clore Latin claudere ‘to shut’
 
Example Bank:
At the close of trading, he had lost thousands of pounds on the stock market.
The chairperson brought the meeting to a close.
The decade drew to a close with the threat of war hanging over Europe.
At the close of play, the scores were almost level.
• At the close of the first day, things were looking good for the home team.

• Can we bring this meeting to a close?

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

close / kləʊz /   / kloʊz / verb (NOT OPEN)

A1 [ I or T ] to (cause something to) change from being open to not being open:

Could you close the door/window please?

Close your eyes - I've got a surprise for you.

A2 [ I ] When a shop, restaurant, or public place closes, people cannot go into it:

The banks had closed ( to customers) so I couldn't get any money out.

The museum closes at 5.30.

We can't get a drink! It's after ( pub ) closing time .
 

close / kləʊz /   / kloʊz / verb (END)

C2 [ I or T ] to (cause something to) end:

The play closed with the tragic death of both hero and heroine.

She closed the meeting with a short speech.

The pound closed at (= was worth) $1.47 at the end of the day's trading.

B2 [ I or T ] to (cause a business, organization, or business arrangement to) stop operating:

I closed that bank account when I came to London.

The factory closed over ten years ago.

close a deal to make a successful business arrangement with someone:

We closed a deal with a major supermarket.

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

close

I. SHUTTING OR COMPLETING

/kloʊz/

(closes, closing, closed)
Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English.
Please look at category 12 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.
1.
When you close something such as a door or lid or when it closes, it moves so that a hole, gap, or opening is covered.
If you are cold, close the window...
Zacharias heard the door close...
Keep the curtains closed.
= shut
open
VERB: V n, V, V-ed
2.
When you close something such as an open book or umbrella, you move the different parts of it together.
Slowly he closed the book.
VERB: V n
3.
If you close something such as a computer file or window, you give the computer an instruction to remove it from the screen. (COMPUTING)
To close your document, press CTRL+W on your keyboard.
VERB: V n
4.
When you close your eyes or your eyes close, your eyelids move downwards, so that you can no longer see.
Bess closed her eyes and fell asleep...
When we sneeze, our eyes close.
VERB: V n, V
5.
When a place closes or is closed, work or activity stops there for a short period.
Shops close only on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day...
It was Saturday; they could close the office early...
Government troops closed the airport...
The restaurant was closed for the night.
= shut
open
VERB: V, V n, V n, V-ed
6.
If a place such as a factory, shop, or school closes, or if it is closed, all work or activity stops there permanently.
Many enterprises will be forced to close...
If they do close the local college I’ll have to go to Worcester.
VERB: V, V n

Close down means the same as close.
Minford closed down the business and went into politics...
Many of the smaller stores have closed down.
PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V P, also V n P
clos‧ing
...since the closing of the steelworks in nearby Duquesne in 1984.
= closure
N-SING
7.
To close a road or border means to block it in order to prevent people from using it.
They were cut off from the West in 1948 when their government closed that border crossing.
VERB: V n
8.
To close a conversation, event, or matter means to bring it to an end or to complete it.
Judge Isabel Oliva said last night: ‘I have closed the case. There was no foul play.’...
The Prime Minister is said to now consider the matter closed.
...the closing ceremony of the National Political Conference.
VERB: V n, V-ed, V-ing
9.
If you close a bank account, you take all your money out of it and inform the bank that you will no longer be using the account.
He had closed his account with the bank five years earlier.
open
VERB: V n
10.
On the stock market or the currency markets, if a share price or a currency closes at a particular value, that is its value at the end of the day’s business. (BUSINESS)
Dawson shares closed at 219p, up 5p...
The US dollar closed higher in Tokyo today.
open
VERB: V prep/adv, V adj-compar
11.
The close of a period of time or an activity is the end of it. To bring or draw something to a close means to end it.
By the close of business last night, most of the big firms were hailing yesterday’s actions as a success...
Brian’s retirement brings to a close a glorious chapter in British football history...
= end
N-SING: oft the N of n, to a N
12.
to close the door on something: see door
to close your eyes to something: see eye
to close ranks: see rank
see also closed, closing

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

1close /ˈkloʊz/ verb clos·es; closed; clos·ing
✦The opposite of close is open in every sense except senses 3b and 9.
1 : to move (a door, window, etc.) so that things cannot pass through an opening : shut

[+ obj]

• Please close the door.
• We had better close the windows; it looks like it's going to rain.
• I forgot to close the gate.
• She was having trouble closing the drawer.
Close the lid on the box tightly.

[no obj]

• The door opened and closed so quietly that I didn't notice he had come in the room.
• The box's lid closed with a bang.
2 [+ obj] : to cover the opening of (something) : shut
• Remember to close the box of cereal when you're done.
3 a : to bring together the parts or edges of (something open)

[+ obj]

• Please close your books and put them under your desks.
Close your mouth.
Close your eyes and go to sleep.
• I closed my fists and got ready to fight.
close an umbrella

[no obj]

• This suitcase just won't close!
• Her eyes closed, and she drifted off to sleep.
• My throat closed and I felt like I couldn't breathe.
b : to bring together the edges of (a wound) so that it can heal

[+ obj]

• It took 10 stitches to close the wound on his head.

[no obj]

• The cut eventually closed [=closed up, healed over] on its own.
4 : to not allow (a road, park, etc.) to be used for a period of time

[+ obj]

• The city closed [=closed off] the beach during the storm.
• They closed the bridge to traffic. [=they did not allow cars to use the bridge]

[no obj]

• The park closes every evening at dusk.
5 a : to stop the services or activities of (a business, school, etc.) for a period of time

[+ obj]

• They closed the school today because of the storm.
• We'll be closing the theater while we make the necessary repairs.

[no obj]

• The store closes for lunch from 1 to 2 p.m.
• The airport closed for two hours yesterday due to icy conditions.
• The bank closes at noon on Saturdays.
• What time does the library close?
b : to stop the services or activities of (a business, school, etc.) permanently

[+ obj]

• They closed [=closed down, shut down] the school/factory/office last year.

[no obj]

• The restaurant has closed for lack of business.
• The play closed [=it stopped being performed] after 112 performances.
6 : to end (something)

[+ obj]

• The minister closed [=concluded] the services with a short prayer.
• She closed the meeting by thanking everyone for their help.
• Investigators closed the case after concluding that his death was an accident.

[no obj]

• The services closed [=concluded] with a short prayer.
• I'd like to close by thanking you all for your help.
7 [+ obj] : to stop keeping money in (an account at a bank)
• I closed [=closed out] my savings account and opened up a new one at another bank.
8 [+ obj] : to end the use of (a file, document, or program) on a computer
• Remember to save the file before closing it.
9 [+ obj] : to formally accept (an agreement)
• They just closed a deal to take ownership of a new restaurant.
• the custom of closing a deal by shaking hands
- see also close on (below)
10 [no obj] : to reach a specified price or level at the end of the day
• The stock opened at $19 a share and closed at $22.
• Stocks opened weak but closed strong.
11 : to reduce the amount of distance or difference between two things, people, or groups

[+ obj]

• The challenger has closed [=narrowed] the champion's lead to within two points.
closing the distance to the lead runner
• These changes will help close the gap between the richest and the poorest countries.

[no obj]

• She has closed to within two points of the champion.
close down [phrasal verb]
1 a : to permanently stop operating : close
• The factory closed down in the 1980s.
b Brit : to stop broadcasting from a radio or television station for the day
• We're closing down for the night: tune in again tomorrow morning!
2 close down (something) or close (something) down : to permanently stop the services or activities of (a business, school, etc.)
• They closed down [=closed, shut down] the school due to financial problems.
- see also closedown
close in [phrasal verb] : to come or move nearer or closer
• The storm is closing in [=approaching] fast.
• Enemy troops are closing in all around us!
• The lions closed in for the kill.
• I felt that the world was closing in around me.
• The air became colder as night/darkness closed in. [=as darkness fell, as the night became dark]
- often + on
• The fire was closing in on their neighborhood.
• The camera slowly closed in on the actor's face.
• Police were closing in on the two men.
• Researchers are closing in on [=they are close to finding] a cure for the disease.
• She's closing in on 40. [=she is almost 40 years old]
close off [phrasal verb] close off (something) or close (something) off : to not allow (something) to be used for a period of time : close
• The city closed off the beach to tourists.
closing off a road with barriers
• Half of the museum was closed off while they made the changes.
- sometimes used figuratively
• He closes himself off to new experiences. [=he does not allow himself to have new experiences]
close on [phrasal verb] close on (something) US : to formally and legally agree to and complete (an important financial arrangement, such as the purchase of a house)
• We're going to close on our house next Friday.
• They closed on the deal.
- see also 1close 9 (above)
close out [phrasal verb] close out (something)
1 US : to quickly sell (all of a particular type of product in a store) at a lower price
• We're closing out our entire stock of children's clothing! Come and pick up some bargains!
- see also closeout
2 : to stop keeping money in (a bank account)
• She withdrew all her money and closed out [=closed] her account.
3 : to end (something) in a specified way
• The team closed out the series with a 2–1 win over New York.
• She closed out her remarkable career with a final grand performance.
close ranks
- see 1rank
close the door on
- see door
close up [phrasal verb]
1 a : to close and lock all the doors of a building usually for a short period of time
• Businesses closed up [=closed] early so employees could attend the parade.
• We've closed up for the day. Please come back tomorrow.
b close (something) up or close up (something) : to close and lock all the doors of (a house, store, etc.)
• They closed up the house and left town.
✦To close up shop is to go out of business forever or stop performing all services or activities for a period of time.
• Rather than closing up shop entirely, the company laid off half of its workers.
• The restaurant has already closed up shop for the winter.
2 : to move closer together
• The troops closed up and prepared to begin the attack.
3 of a wound : to become completely healed
• The cut eventually closed up [=closed] on its own.
4 : to become quiet : to stop talking about your thoughts or emotions with other people
• She closes up when people ask her about her parents.
5 close (something) up or close up (something) : to bring (people or things) closer together
Close up the spaces between the lines.

night

night [noun] (DARK PERIOD)

The part of every 24-hour period when it is dark because there is very little light from the sun

US /naɪt/ 
UK /naɪt/ 

شب

Example: 

These animals only come out at night.

این حیوانات فقط شبها بیرون می آیند.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

night

 noun

1 the part of the day when it is dark and most people sleep:
These animals come out at night.
The baby cried all night.
She stayed at my house last night.

2 the part of the day between the afternoon and when you go to bed:
We went to a party on Saturday night.
He doesn't get home until 8 o'clock at night.
Tonight means the night or evening of today.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

night

night S1 W1 /naɪt/ BrE AmE noun [uncountable and countable]
[Word Family: noun: ↑night, ↑midnight, ↑nightie; adverb: ↑overnight, ↑nightly; adjective: ↑nightly, ↑overnight]
[Language: Old English; Origin: niht]
1. WHEN IT IS DARK the dark part of each 24-hour period when the sun cannot be seen and when most people sleep OPP day:
It was a cold moonlit night.
I didn’t sleep too well last night.
at night
At night the temperature drops below zero.
in/during the night
He woke up twice during the night.
by night
Many animals hunt by night.
(on) Friday night/that night etc
There was a storm on Friday night.
GRAMMAR
Use at night when talking about what generally or regularly happens then:
▪ The noise of the traffic keeps me awake at night.
Use in the night when talking about an event that happens at some time during the night:
▪ There had been heavy rain in the night.
Use by night to say what a person or animal does at night:
▪ We travelled by night.
When you are mentioning a time before midnight, use at night:
▪ ten o'clock at night
When you are mentioning a time after midnight, use in the morning:
▪ four in the morning
2. EVENING the time during the evening until you go to bed:
We had a really good meal last night.
They stay in and watch television every night.
She recognised him from the night before (=the previous evening).
My parents are coming for dinner tomorrow night.
Friday/Saturday etc night
There’s a party at Ben’s place on Saturday night.
We were on our way back from a night out (=an evening when you go to a party, restaurant, theatre etc) at the theatre.
Anna doesn’t like him walking home late at night.
quiz night/student night etc (=an evening when a particular event happens, especially at a bar, club etc)
3. nights if you do something nights, you do it regularly or often at night:
I work nights, so I’m usually asleep during the day.
4. night! spoken used to say goodbye to someone when it is late in the evening or when they are going to bed SYN good night:
Night! See you tomorrow!
5. night night! spoken used to say goodbye to someone, especially a child, when they are going to bed
6. night and day/day and night all the time:
The store is guarded day and night.
We had to work night and day to get it finished.
7. night or day/day or night at any time:
You can call me any time, night or day.
8. night after night every night for a long period:
He’s out drinking night after night.
9. first night/opening night the first performance of a play or show ⇨ premiere:
We saw ‘Riverdance’ on its opening night.
10. spend the night with somebody/spend the night together to sleep with someone and have sex with them:
And you thought we spent the night together?
11. a good night’s sleep a night when you sleep well:
You’ll feel better after a good night’s sleep.
12. (have a) late/early night to go to bed later or earlier than usual:
I think I’ll have an early night. ⇨ ↑late-night
13. last thing at night at the end of the day, just before you go to bed:
You should water plants either first thing in the morning or last thing at night.
⇨ ↑nightly
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + night
last night It rained last night.
tomorrow night I should be back by tomorrow night.
Friday/Saturday etc night I haven't seen him since Thursday night.
an early night (=when you go to bed early) I'm really tired - I need an early night.
a late night (=when you go to bed late) We had a late night last night.
a long night (=a night when you do not sleep or you work hard) Everyone was tired and grumpy. It had been a long night.
a sleepless night She had spent a sleepless night wondering what to do.
■ verbs
spend a night somewhere (=sleep somewhere) We spent two nights at the Grand Hotel.
stay the night (=sleep at someone's house) You're welcome to stay the night if you like.
have a bad night (=not sleep well, especially when you are ill) I had a bad night last night.
night falls written (=it starts to become dark) It grew colder as night fell.
the night wears on (=continues) The pain gradually got better as the night wore on.
■ night + NOUN
the night sky We looked up at the stars in the night sky.
the night air The night air was scented with pine wood.
a night train/bus/flight I took the night train to Fort William.
■ phrases
all night He looked as if he'd been up all night.
all night long (=used to emphasize that something continues for the whole night) The noise continued all night long!
late at night We often get to bed very late at night.
at this time of night (=used when something happens very late at night, and you are surprised) Why are you calling me at this time of night?
late/far into the night (=until very late at night) Staff worked late into the night to make necessary repairs.
in the middle of the night She woke up suddenly in the middle of the night.
in/at the dead of night literary (=in the middle of the night when it is quiet) He drove through the countryside in the dead of night.
day and night/night and day (=all the time) The phones rang day and night.
morning, noon, and night (=all the time) She nagged at him morning, noon, and night.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

night

night [night nights]   [naɪt]    [naɪt]  noun uncountable, countable
1. the time between one day and the next when it is dark, when people usually sleep
These animals only come out at night.
They sleep by day and hunt by night.
The accident happened on Friday night.
on the night of 10 January/January 10
Did you hear the storm last night?
I lay awake all night.
Where did you spend the night?
You're welcome to stay the night here.
What is he doing calling at this time of night?
You'll feel better after you've had a good night's sleep.
The trip was for ten nights.
The hotel costs €65 per person per night.
the night train/boat/flight

Night fell (= it became dark).

2. the evening until you go to bed
Let's go out on Saturday night.
Bill's parents came for dinner last night.
She doesn't like to walk home late at night.
I saw her in town the other night (= a few nights ago).
I'm working late tomorrow night.

see also  goodnight

3. an evening when a special event happens
the first/opening night (= of a play, film/movie, etc.)
a karaoke night
an Irish/a Scottish, etc. night (= with Irish/Scottish music, entertainment, etc.)
see also  stag night 
more at it'll be all right on the night at  all right  adj., dance the night away at  dance  v., in the/at dead of night at  dead  n., morning, noon and night at  morning, spend the night togetherspend the night with sb at  spend  v., the still of the night at  still  n., things that go bump in the night at  thing
Idioms: day and night  have a bad night  have a night on the tiles  have an a late night  night and day  night night  night out
Derived Word: nights  
Word Origin:
Old English neaht, niht, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch nacht and German Nacht, from an Indo-European root shared by Latin nox and Greek nux.  
Thesaurus:
night noun
1. U, C
Where did you spend the night?
night-timethe middle of the nightmidnightthe early hours|informal the small hours
Opp: day
in the night/night-time/middle of the night/early hours/small hours
at night/night-time/midnight
(well) into the night/early hours/small hours
Night, night-time or the middle of the night? A night can be seen as either a completed or a continuing period of time; night-time is seen as a continuing, not a completed period; the middle of the night is a point in time during the night:
I lay awake all night.
during the night/night-time
 ¤ during the middle of the night
2. U, C
She came round for dinner last night.
eveningdusktwilightsunset|especially AmE, especially written sundown|literary nightfall
Opp: morning
at night/dusk/twilight/sunset/sundown/nightfall
tomorrow/yesterday/Monday night/evening
night/evening/dusk falls
Night or evening? Evening emphasizes the earlier hours, from about 6 pm onwards; night emphasizes the later part of the evening and can include the early hours of the next day
We were up late last night and didn't get to bed till 2 am.
Night can also mean the whole time till it gets light
I'm going to my sister's for the evening (= and coming back later in the evening).
I'm going to my sister's for the night (= and not coming back until the morning).
 
Example Bank:
Ask your Mum if you can stay the night.
Fancy a night out?
He had plans to spend a quiet night at home.
He spent another lonely night in front of the television.
I lie awake at night worrying.
I saw her the other night.
I think I'll have an early night.
I was getting myself ready for a night out.
I woke in the night.
One fateful night he was involved in an accident that changed his life forever.
Paris by night
She doesn't like to walk home late at night.
She kissed him good night.
The hotel costs €265 per person per night.
The night fell quickly.
They decided to make a night of it and went on to a club.
They spent the night in Bristol.
a drunken night of partying
the last night of the play's run
Did you hear the storm last night?
I lay awake all night.
I'm taking the night train.
I'm working late tomorrow night.
My mother-in-law came for dinner last night.
Some nights he comes home late.
These animals only come out at night.
They sleep by day and hunt by night.
What is he doing calling at this time of night?
Where did you spend the night?
Where were you on the night of 10 January?
You'll feel better after a good night's sleep.
You're welcome to stay the night here.
 
Example Bank:

• She works nights.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

night / naɪt / noun [ C or U ] (DARK PERIOD)

A1 the part of every 24-hour period when it is dark because there is very little light from the sun:

It gets cold at night.

I slept really badly last night.

I spent the night at Ted's.

He took the night ferry/train.

 

night / naɪt / noun (EVENING)

A1 [ C or U ] the period of time between the late afternoon and going to bed; the evening:

Shall we go dancing on Saturday night?

We've been out every night this week.

She's a singer in a bar by night and a secretary by day.

[ S ] the evening on which a special event happens:

When's the last night of your show?

The first/opening night of her new film was a great success.

night-night child's expression

used as another way of saying good night, usually by or to children

the other night on one evening recently:

I saw Naomi at the club the other night.

a night out an evening spent at a restaurant, theatre, etc. rather than staying at home:

Let's have a night out together on Saturday - we could go dancing.

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

night

/naɪt/
(nights)

Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English.

1.
The night is the part of each day when the sun has set and it is dark outside, especially the time when people are sleeping.
He didn’t sleep a wink all night...
The fighting began in the late afternoon and continued all night...
Our reporter spent the night crossing the border from Austria into Slovenia...
Finally night fell.
N-VAR

2.
The night is the period of time between the end of the afternoon and the time that you go to bed, especially the time when you relax before going to bed.
So whose party was it last night?...
Demiris took Catherine to dinner the following night.
N-COUNT

3.
A particular night is a particular evening when a special event takes place, such as a show or a play.
The first night crowd packed the building.
...election night.
N-COUNT: supp N

4.
If it is a particular time at night, it is during the time when it is dark and is before midnight.
It’s eleven o’clock at night in Moscow...
He works obsessively from 7.15 am to 9 or 10 at night.
PHRASE: num PHR

5.
If something happens at night, it happens regularly during the evening or night.
He was going to college at night, in order to become an accountant...
The veranda was equipped with heavy wooden rain doors that were kept closed at night.
PHRASE: PHR after v

6.
If something happens day and night or night and day, it happens all the time without stopping.
Dozens of doctors and nurses have been working day and night for weeks...
He was at my door night and day, demanding my attention.
PHRASE: usu PHR after v

7.
If you have an early night, you go to bed early. If you have a late night, you go to bed late.
I’ve had a hell of a day, and all I want is an early night...
In spite of the travelling and the late night, she did not feel tired.
PHRASE: N inflects

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

1night /ˈnaɪt/ noun, pl nights
1 : the time of darkness between one day and the next : the part of the day when no light from the sun can be seen and most people and animals sleep

[noncount]

• Who are you calling at this time of night?
• It's eleven o'clock at night.
• She and her husband both work at night and sleep during the day.
• The store's open all night.
• They were up all night long playing video games.
• People keep coming back night after night. [=every night for a period of time]

[count]

• Let's stop for the night and get a hotel.
• a cold, rainy night in the city
• Where were you (on) the night of June 20th?
• The room costs $100 a/per night. = The room costs $100 for one night.
• I stayed up late five nights in a row.
• We were woken up in the middle of the night by a loud crash. = (less commonly) We were woken up in the dead of night by a loud crash.
• Did you have a good night's sleep? [=did you sleep well during the night?]
Last night, I had the strangest dream.
• I had a late night [=I stayed up very late] last night.
• Let's call it an early night. = Let's make an early night of it. [=let's go home or go to bed early tonight]
• Let's call it a night. [=let's go home or go to bed now]
• She'll have to spend/stay the night in the hospital. [=she will have to sleep overnight in the hospital]
• He spent many sleepless nights worrying about his children. [=he lay awake at night worrying about his children]
Spend six nights and seven days on a tropical island in the Caribbean!
• He spent the night with [=had sex with and slept with] her.
• They decided to spend the night together. [=they decided to have sex and sleep together]
2 [noncount] : the darkness that occurs during the nighttime
• They walked out into the night.
• Her eyes were as black/dark as (the) night.
• animals that hunt by night [=in darkness]
• When night fell [=when the sky became dark for the night; at nightfall], we walked back to our car.
3 [count] : the final part of the day that is usually after work, school, etc., and before you go to bed : the early part of the night : evening
• They go bowling every Tuesday night.
• Friday nights, we play cards with the neighbors.
• What did you have for dinner last night?
• He planned a night of dinner and dancing.
• We've planned a night out. [=an evening that you spend outside of your home doing something fun]
4 [count]
a : an evening or night that has a special event
• Poetry night [=the night when people read poetry aloud] at the café is every Saturday at eight o'clock.
• Wednesday night is our family night. [=the night that our family does things together]
• Tuesday night is ladies' night at the ballpark/bar. [=on Tuesday evening, women get a special benefit at the ballpark/bar, such as paying only half price for something]
• Tomorrow is the play's opening night. [=the play will be performed in front of an audience for the first time tomorrow night]
b : the part of a special day that occurs during the nighttime
• Christmas night
• They spent their wedding night in a hotel.
- compare eve 2
day and night or night and day
- see day
night night or nighty night
- used by a child or when speaking to a child as a way of saying “good night”
• “Night night, dear.” “Nighty night, Mommy.”
the still of the night

download

download [verb]

To copy or move programs or information into a computer's memory, especially from the internet or a larger computer

US /ˈdaʊn.loʊd/ 
UK /ˌdaʊnˈləʊd/ 

دانلود

Example: 

Software ​updates can be downloaded from the company's ​website.

به روز رسانی نرم افزار از سایت شرکت قابل دانلود است.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

download

 verb (downloads, downloading, downloaded)
(computing) If you download a computer program or information from the Internet, you make a copy of it on your own computer:
I downloaded some music files from the Internet.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

download

I. download1 /ˌdaʊnˈləʊd $ ˈdaʊnloʊd/ BrE AmE verb [transitive]
to move information or programs from a computer network to a small computer:
games that can be downloaded free from the Internet

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

download

down·load [download downloads downloaded downloading] verb, noun

verb   [ˌdaʊnˈləʊd]  ;   [ˌdaʊnˈloʊd]  ~ sth (computing)
to move data to a smaller computer system from a larger one
Opp:  upload 
compare  load

Collocations:
Email and the Internet
Email
receive/get/open an email
write/send/answer/forward/delete an email
check/read/access your email
block/filter (out) junk/spam/unsolicited email
exchange email addresses
open/check your inbox
junk mail fills/floods/clogs your inbox
have/set up an email account
open/send/contain an attachment
sign up for/receive email alerts
Connecting to the Internet
use/access/log onto the Internet/the Web
go online/on the Internet
have a high-speed/dial-up/broadband/wireless (Internet) connection
access/connect to/locate the server
use/open/close/launch a/your web browser
browse/surf/search/scour the Internet/the Web
send/contain/spread/detect a (computer/email) virus
update your anti-virus software
install/use/configure a firewall
accept/enable/block/delete cookies
Using the Internet
visit/check a website/an Internet site/sb's blog
create/design/launch a website/social networking site
start/write/post/read a blog
update your blog/a website
be in/meet sb in/go into/enter an Internet chat room
download/upload music/software/a song/a podcast/a file/a copy of sth
share information/data/files
post a comment/message on a website/an online message board/a web forum/an internet chat room
stream video/audio/music/content over the Internet
join/participate in/visit/provide a (web-based/web/online/Internet/discussion) forum
generate/increase/monitor Internet traffic

Derived Word: downloadable 

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

download / ˌdaʊnˈləʊd / / ˈdaʊn.ləʊd /   / ˈdaʊn.loʊd / verb [ I or T ]

A2 to copy or move programs or information into a computer's memory, especially from the internet or a larger computer

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

download

/daʊnloʊd/
(downloads, downloading, downloaded)

To download data means to transfer it to or from a computer along a line such as a telephone line, a radio link, or a computer network. (COMPUTING)
Users can download their material to a desktop PC.

VERB: V n

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

1down·load /ˈdaʊnˌloʊd/ verb -loads; -load·ed; -load·ing computers : to move or copy (a file, program, etc.) from a usually larger computer system to another computer or device

[+ obj]
• He downloaded the files onto his computer.
• She downloads songs from/off the Internet.

[no obj]
• The software downloads quickly.
• The new program makes downloading faster.
- compare upload
- down·load·able /ˈdaʊnˌloʊdəbəl/ adj
downloadable files

hot

hot [adjective] (VERY WARM)

Having a high temperature

US /hɑːt/ 
UK /hɒt/ 

گرم

Example: 

Please drink this tea while it's hot. 

لطفاً این چای رو تا گرم هست بنوش.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

hot

 adjective (hotter, hottest)

1 having a high temperature:
I'm hot. Can you open the window?
It's hot today, isn't it?
hot water
 opposite cold

word building
Warm, hot or boiling? Warm means quite hot, especially in a pleasant way: Sit by the fire. You'll soon be warm. Boiling means extremely hot, often in an unpleasant way: Turn the heating down – it's boiling in here!

2 Hot food has a strong, burning taste. same meaning spicy:
a hot curry

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

hot

I. hot1 S1 W2 /hɒt $ hɑːt/ BrE AmE adjective (comparative hotter, superlative hottest)
[Language: Old English; Origin: hat]
1. HIGH TEMPERATURE
a) something that is hot has a high temperature – used about weather, places, food, drink, or objects OPP cold:
a hot day in July
It’s so hot in here. Can I open the window?
Be careful, the water’s very hot.
The bar serves hot and cold food.
people who live in hot countries (=where the weather is usually hot)
scorching/baking/roasting hot (also boiling/broiling hot )American English (=used about weather that is very hot)
a scorching hot week in August
stifling/sweltering/unbearably hot (=used about weather that is very hot and uncomfortable)
The office gets unbearably hot in summer.
boiling/scalding/steaming hot (=used about liquid that is extremely hot)
The coffee was scalding hot.
piping hot (=used about food that is nice and hot)
Serve the soup piping hot.
red hot (=used to describe an object or surface that is very hot)
The handle was red hot.
white hot (=used to describe metal that is extremely hot)
He held the metal in the flame until it became white hot.
b) if you feel hot, your body feels hot in a way that is uncomfortable:
I was hot and tired after the journey.
The wine made her feel hot.
c) if clothes are hot, they make you feel too hot in a way that is uncomfortable:
This sweater’s too hot to wear inside.
2. SPICY food that tastes hot has a burning taste because it contains strong spices OPP mild:
a hot curry
3. VERY POPULAR/FASHIONABLE informal something or someone that is hot is very popular or fashionable, and everyone wants to use them, see them, buy them etc:
one of the hottest young directors in Hollywood
Michael Owen is already one of soccer’s hottest properties (=actors or sports players who are very popular).
The movie is going to be this summer’s hot ticket (=an event that is very popular or fashionable, and that everyone wants to go and see).
be the hottest thing since (sliced bread) (=used about someone or something that is very good and popular, so that everyone wants them)
4. GOOD informal very good, especially in a way that is exciting:
a hot young guitar player
a hot piece of software
His new film is hot stuff (=very good).
be hot at doing something
She’s pretty hot at swimming, too.
not so hot/not very hot informal (=not very good)
Some of the tracks on the record are great, but others are not so hot.
be hot shit American English informal not polite (=used about someone or something that people think is very good)
5. SEXY
a) informal someone who is hot is very attractive sexually:
The girls all think he’s hot stuff.
b) informal a film, book, photograph etc that is hot is sexually exciting:
his hot and steamy first novel
c) a hot date informal a meeting with someone who you feel very attracted to sexually:
She has a hot date with Michel.
d) be hot on/for somebody informal to be sexually attracted to someone
6. DIFFICULT/DANGEROUS [not before noun] informal difficult or dangerous to deal with:
If things get too hot (=a situation becomes too difficult or dangerous to deal with), I can always leave.
Wilkinson found his opponent a little too hot to handle (=too difficult to deal with or beat).
The climate was too hot politically to make such radical changes.
7. a hot issue/topic etc a subject that a lot of people are discussing, especially one that causes a lot of disagreement:
The affair was a hot topic of conversation.
one of the hottest issues facing medical science
8. in the hot seat in an important position and responsible for making difficult decisions
9. in hot water if someone is in hot water, they are in trouble because they have done something wrong:
The finance minister found himself in hot water over his business interests.
land/get yourself in hot water
She got herself in hot water with the authorities.
10. ANGRY
a) get hot under the collar spoken to become angry – used especially when people get angry in an unreasonable way about something that is not important:
I don’t understand why people are getting so hot under the collar about it.
b) have a hot temper someone who has a hot temper becomes angry very easily ⇨ ↑hot-tempered
11. hot and bothered informal upset and confused because you have too much to think about or because you are in a hurry:
People were struggling with bags and cases, looking hot and bothered.
12. have/hold something in your hot little hand informal used to emphasize that you have something:
You’ll have the report in your hot little hands by Monday.
13. RECENT/EXCITING NEWS hot news is about very recent events and therefore interesting or exciting:
Do you want to hear about all the latest hot gossip?
14. be hot off the press if news or a newspaper is hot off the press, it has just recently been printed
15. CHASING SOMEBODY/SOMETHING CLOSELY
a) in hot pursuit following someone quickly and closely because you want to catch them:
The car sped away, with the police in hot pursuit.
b) hot on sb’s trail/tail close to and likely to catch someone you have been chasing:
The other car was hot on his tail.
c) hot on sb’s heels following very close behind someone:
Mrs Bass’s dog was already hot on his heels.
16. come/follow hot on the heels of something to happen or be done very soon after something else:
The news came hot on the heels of another plane crash.
17. hot on the trail of something very close to finding something:
journalists hot on the trail of a news story
18. blow/go hot and cold to keep changing your mind about whether you like or want to do something:
She keeps blowing hot and cold about the wedding.
19. go hot and cold to experience a strange feeling in which your body temperature suddenly changes, because you are very frightened, worried, or shocked
20. I don’t feel too hot/so hot/very hot spoken informal I feel slightly ill:
I’m not feeling too hot today.
21. be hot on something informal
a) to know a lot about something:
He’s pretty hot on aircraft.
b) British English to be very strict about something SYN tight:
The company is very hot on security.
22. be hot for something informal to be ready for something and want it very much:
Europe is hot for a product like this.
He was hot for revenge.
23. be hot to trot informal
a) to be ready to do something or be involved with something
b) to feel sexually excited and want to have sex with someone
24. hot competition if the competition between people or companies is hot, they are all trying very hard to win or succeed:
Competition for the best jobs is getting hotter all the time.
25. hot favourite the person, team, horse etc that people think is most likely to win
26. hot tip a good piece of advice about the likely result of a race, business deal etc:
a hot tip on the stock market
27. STOLEN GOODS informal goods that are hot have been stolen
28. MUSIC informal music that is hot has a strong exciting ↑rhythm
29. more something than you’ve had hot dinners British English spoken humorous used to say that someone has had a lot of experience of something and has done it many times:
She’s delivered more babies than you’ve had hot dinners.
30. hot money money that is frequently moved from one country to another in order to make a profit
⇨ ↑hotly, ↑hots
• • •
THESAURUS
■ person
hot used especially when you feel uncomfortable: I feel really hot. | The travellers were hot, tired, and thirsty.
warm a little hot, especially in a way that feels comfortable: Are you warm enough? | We had to keep moving in order to keep warm.
boiling (hot) spoken very hot: You must be boiling in that sweater! | ‘I’m going for a swim,' said Gary. ’I’m boiling.' | I felt boiling hot and tried to open one of the windows.
feverish feeling very hot because you are ill: His head ached and he felt feverish. | Hannah was slightly feverish, so we decided to call the doctor.
■ weather
hot used especially when you feel uncomfortable: a hot day | It’s too hot to do any work.
warm a little hot, especially in a way that seems pleasant: a warm summer’s evening | It’s supposed to be a bit warmer tomorrow.
boiling (hot) spoken very hot: The weather was boiling hot. | a boiling hot day | It was absolutely boiling this lunchtime.
baking (hot) British English very hot and dry: a baking hot afternoon | The weather was baking hot and conditions at the camp became unbearable. | It’s baking out there in the garden – I need a drink.
scorching (hot) very hot: It was another scorching hot July day. | When we got there, the weather was scorching. | Arizona is scorching hot every day.
humid/muggy hot and damp: This week sees a return to more humid conditions. | Hong Kong gets very humid at this time of year. | In June the weather was often muggy in the evenings. | It was a warm muggy afternoon, and it looked like it would rain.
■ room
hot used especially when you feel uncomfortable: The office was uncomfortably hot. | The meeting was in a tiny hot room with no air conditioning.
warm a little hot, especially in a way that seems pleasant: It’s nice and warm by the fire. | They were all sitting in the warm kitchen, sipping mugs of cocoa.
boiling (hot) spoken very hot: It’s boiling in here. Can I open the window? | a boiling hot New York recording studio
like an oven much too hot in a way that is uncomfortable – used about rooms and buildings: The inside of the shed was like an oven.
■ food/liquid/something you touch
hot: a hot drink | hot meals | Eat your food while it’s hot.
warm a little hot, especially in a way that seems pleasant: The bread was still warm from the oven. | the warm waters of the Caribbean
boiling (hot) spoken very hot: The water’s boiling hot. | Boiling-hot steam shoots out from underground. | The mud in the pools is boiling.
lukewarm /ˌluːkˈwɔːm◂ $ -ˈwɔːrm◂/ slightly warm, but not hot enough – used about liquids: a cup of lukewarm coffee | The bath water was lukewarm.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

hot

hot [hot hotter hottest hots hotted hotting] adjective, verb   [hɒt]    [hɑːt]

adjective (hot·ter, hot·test

TEMPERATURE
1. having a high temperature; producing heat
Do you like this hot weather?
It's hot today, isn't it?
It was hot and getting hotter.
It was the hottest July on record.
a hot dry summer
Be careful— the plates are hot.
All rooms have hot and cold water.
a hot bath
a hot meal (= one that has been cooked)
I couldn't live in a hot country (= one which has high average temperatures).
Cook in a very hot oven.
Eat it while it's hot.
• I touched his forehead. He felt hot and feverish.

see also  baking hot, boiling hot, piping hot, red-hot, white-hot

2. (of a person) feeling heat in an unpleasant or uncomfortable way
Is anyone too hot?
• I feel hot.

• Her cheeks were hot with embarrassment.

3. making you feel hot
• London was hot and dusty.

• a long hot journey  

FOOD WITH SPICES

4. containing pepper and spices and producing a burning feeling in your mouth
hot spicy food
You can make a curry hotter simply by adding chillies.
• hot mustard

Opp:  mild  

CAUSING STRONG FEELINGS

5. involving a lot of activity, argument or strong feelings
Today we enter the hottest phase of the election campaign.
• The environment has become a very hot issue.

• Competition is getting hotter day by day.  

DIFFICULT/DANGEROUS

6. difficult or dangerous to deal with and making you feel worried or uncomfortable
• When things got too hot most journalists left the area.

• They're making life hot for her.  

POPULAR

7. (informal) new, exciting and very popular
This is one of the hottest clubs in town.
• They are one of this year's hot new bands.

• The couple are Hollywood's hottest property.  

NEWS

8. fresh, very recent and usually exciting
• I've got some hot gossip for you!

• a story that is hot off the press (= has just appeared in the newspapers)  

TIP/FAVOURITE

9. only before noun likely to be successful
She seems to be the hot favourite for the job.

• Do you have any hot tips for today's race?  

GOOD AT STH/KNOWING A LOT

10. not before noun ~ at/on sth (informal) very good at doing sth; knowing a lot about sth

• Don't ask me— I'm not too hot on British history.  

ANGER

 

11. if sb has a hot temper they become angry very easily  

SEXUAL EXCITEMENT
12. feeling or causing sexual excitement
• You were as hot for me as I was for you.

• I've got a hot date tonight.  

SHOCKING/CRITICAL

13. containing scenes, statements, etc. that are too shocking or too critical and are likely to cause anger or disapproval
Some of the nude scenes were regarded as too hot for Broadway.
• The report was highly critical of senior members of the Cabinet and was considered too hot to publish.

see also  hot stuff  

STRICT

14. not before noun ~ on sth thinking that sth is very important and making sure that it always happens or is done

• They're very hot on punctuality at work.  

MUSIC

 

15. (of music, especially jazz) having a strong and exciting rhythm  

GOODS
16. stolen and difficult to get rid of because they can easily be recognized

• I'd never have touched those CDs if I'd known they were hot.  

IN CHILDREN'S GAMES

17. not before noun used in children's games to say that the person playing is very close to finding a person or thing, or to guessing the correct answer
You're getting hot!
more at blow hot and cold at  blow  v., like a cat on hot bricks at  cat, (hard/hot) on sb's/sth's heels at  heel  n., strike while the iron is hot at  strike  v.  
Word Origin:
Old English hāt, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch heet and German heiss.  
Thesaurus:
hot adj.
1.
I'll feel better after a hot bath.
warmheatedburningboilinghumidsultryred-hot
Opp: cold
hot/warm/humid/sultry weather/conditions
hot/warm sunshine/water
hot/burning/red-hot coals
2.
a hot curry with plenty of chillies
spicystrong
Opp: mild
a hot/spicy/strong flavour
hot/strong mustard
a hot/spicy curry  
Example Bank:
Don't you feel hot so close to the fire?
His face grew hot at the memory of his embarrassment.
His forehead was burning hot.
I love really hot food.
I was boiling hot and sweaty.
It was unbearably hot in the car.
Make sure the fat is sizzling hot.
Serve hot or cold accompanied by bread and a salad.
She was beginning to get uncomfortably hot.
That was a pretty hot curry!
The containers keep the food hot for five hours.
The food should stay hot until we're ready to eat.
The ground was hot enough to fry an egg on.
The sun shone fiercely down and it grew hotter and hotter.
This weather's a bit hot for me.
Wash the tablecloth in fairly hot soapy water.
a boiling hot summer day
a bowl of piping hot soup
white-hot metal
Eat it while it's hot.
He brought out a plate of sausages covered in hot mustard.
Her cheeks grew hot with embarrassment.
I couldn't live in a hot country.
I touched his forehead. It was burning hot.
I was feeling a bit hot so I went outside for a moment.
I'll feel better after a hot bath.
It had been a long hot journey.
It's hot today, isn't it?
Leave the pie in the oven for about half an hour, until piping hot.
The canteen provides hot meals as well as salads and snacks.
The couple are Hollywood's hottest property.
They are one of this year's hot new bands on the rock scene.
Idioms: go hot and cold  go like hot cakes  hot and bothered  hot on somebody's heels  hot on somebody's trail  hot to trot  hot under the collar  in hot pursuit  in into hot water  not so hot

Derived: hot up 

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

hot / hɒt /   / hɑːt / adjective ( hotter , hottest ) (VERY WARM)

A1 having a high temperature:

a hot sunny day

hot weather

a hot drink/meal

It's too hot in here, can we turn down the heating?

Bake the cake in a hot oven, about 220°C, for 30 minutes.

The food was piping hot (= very hot) .

 

hot / hɒt /   / hɑːt / adjective ( hotter , hottest ) (SPICY)

B1 describes food that causes a burning feeling in the mouth:

a hot curry

hot spicy food

→  Opposite mild adjective (FOOD)

 

hot / hɒt /   / hɑːt / adjective ( hotter , hottest ) (CAUSING DISAGREEMENT)

C1 describes a subject that causes a lot of disagreement or discussion:

Global warming has become a very hot issue.
 

hot / hɒt /   / hɑːt / adjective ( hotter , hottest ) (NEW/EXCITING)

C1 new and exciting:

Hollywood's hottest new actress

hot gossip

This 21-year-old actor has become Hollywood's hottest property .
 

hot / hɒt /   / hɑːt / adjective [ after verb ] ( hotter , hottest ) informal (SKILFUL)

knowing a lot or skilful:

I'm not too hot on Russian history.
 

hot / hɒt /   / hɑːt / adjective ( hotter , hottest ) (MOST LIKELY)

hot tip informal an accurate piece of advice about who will win a race:

Have you got any hot tips for this afternoon's race?

hot favourite the person or animal that is most likely to win a race, competition, election, etc.:

He's the hot favourite to win the election.
 

hot / hɒt /   / hɑːt / adjective ( hotter , hottest ) (DEMANDING)

be hot on sth informal to think that a particular thing is very important and to demand that it is done well or correctly:

They're very hot on dress at work so she always looks very smart for the office.
 

hot / hɒt /   / hɑːt / adjective ( hotter , hottest ) slang (STOLEN)

describes goods that have been recently stolen and are therefore difficult to sell or dangerous to deal with because the police are still looking for them

 

hot / hɒt /   / hɑːt / adjective ( hotter , hottest ) informal (SEXY)

sexually attractive, or feeling sexually excited:

She's hot alright.

I'm hot for you, baby.

I've got a hot date tonight.

 

hot / hɒt /   / hɑːt / adjective ( hotter , hottest ) (ANGRY)

hot temper

If someone has a hot temper, they are easily made angry.

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

hot

/hɒt/
(hotter, hottest, hots, hotting, hotted)

Frequency: The word is one of the 1500 most common words in English.

1.
Something that is hot has a high temperature.
When the oil is hot, add the sliced onion...
What he needed was a hot bath and a good sleep...
cold, cool
ADJ

2.
Hot is used to describe the weather or the air in a room or building when the temperature is high.
It was too hot even for a gentle stroll...
It was a hot, humid summer day...
chilly, cold
ADJ

3.
If you are hot, you feel as if your body is at an unpleasantly high temperature.
I was too hot and tired to eat more than a few mouthfuls...
cold
ADJ: usu v-link ADJ

4.
You can say that food is hot when it has a strong, burning taste caused by chillies, pepper, or ginger.
...hot curries.
...a dish that’s spicy but not too hot.
= spicy
mild
ADJ

5.
A hot issue or topic is one that is very important at the present time and is receiving a lot of publicity. (JOURNALISM)
The role of women in war has been a hot topic of debate in America since the Gulf conflict.
ADJ: usu ADJ n

6.
Hot news is new, recent, and fresh. (INFORMAL)
...eight pages of the latest movies, video releases and the hot news from Tinseltown.
ADJ: usu ADJ n

7.
You can use hot to describe something that is very exciting and that many people want to see, use, obtain, or become involved with. (INFORMAL)
The hottest show in town was the Monet Exhibition at the Art Institute...
ADJ: usu ADJ n

8.
You can use hot to describe something that no one wants to deal with, often because it has been illegally obtained and is very valuable or famous. (INFORMAL)
If too much publicity is given to the theft of important works, the works will become too hot to handle and be destroyed.
ADJ: usu v-link ADJ

9.
You can describe a situation that is created by a person’s behaviour or attitude as hot when it is unpleasant and difficult to deal with. (INFORMAL)
When the streets get too hot for them, they head south in one stolen car after another.
ADJ: usu v-link ADJ

10.
A hot contest is one that is intense and involves a great deal of activity and determination. (INFORMAL)
It took hot competition from abroad, however, to show us just how good Scottish cashmere really is.
= fierce
ADJ: usu ADJ n

11.
If a person or team is the hot favourite, people think that they are the one most likely to win a race or competition.
Atlantic City is the hot favourite to stage the fight.
ADJ: ADJ n

12.
Someone who has a hot temper gets angry very quickly and easily.
His hot temper was making it increasingly difficult for others to work with him.
ADJ: usu ADJ n
see also hot-tempered

13.
If someone blows hot and cold, they keep changing their attitude towards something, sometimes being very enthusiastic and at other times expressing no interest at all.
The media, meanwhile, has blown hot and cold on the affair.
PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR on/over/about n

14.
If you are hot and bothered, you are so worried and anxious that you cannot think clearly or behave sensibly.
Ray was getting very hot and bothered about the idea.
PHRASE: v-link PHR, oft PHR about n

15.
If you say that one person has the hots for another, you mean that they feel a strong sexual attraction to that person. (INFORMAL)
I’ve had the hots for him ever since he came to college.
PHRASE: V inflects

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

1hot /ˈhɑːt/ adj hot·ter; hot·test
1 a : having a high temperature
hot August nights
hot and humid weather
• taking a hot bath/shower
• a hot climate/country
• It is/gets hot in the summer and cold in the winter.
• The baked potatoes were too hot to handle with our bare hands.
• We worked all afternoon in/under the hot sun.
• The chicken was fried in hot oil.
• Your forehead feels hot. I think you might have a fever.
• a blazing/sizzling/steaming hot afternoon
• boiling/burning/fiery hot
- see also red-hot, white-hot
b : having a feeling of high body heat
• I was feeling hot and tired.
c of food or drink : heated to a hot or warm temperature : served at a hot or warm temperature
hot cereal
• a hot meal
• a selection of hot beverages
- see also piping hot
2 informal
a : currently liked or wanted by many people
• The new toys are so hot that stores can't keep them in stock.
• a hot new restaurant
• He's considered a hot [=appealing, desirable] prospect. : currently very active or strong
• Her new book is a hot seller.
• She spoke about the latest hot trends in the computer industry. : currently causing a lot of interest or discussion
• reporters pursuing a hot story
• a hot concept/idea
• His decision has been a hot topic of conversation.
✦Something or someone that is a hot commodity/item/property is currently very valuable or popular.
• Exotic mushrooms are a hot commodity.
• The success of her latest movie has made her a hot property in Hollywood.
• Computer games are a hot item in stores this year.
b : very good - usually used in negative statements
• I don't think that's such a hot idea. [=I don't think it's a good idea]
• He came home early because he wasn't feeling too hot. [=he wasn't feeling well]
• Things aren't looking so hot at this point.
c : having a period of unusual success or good luck
• The team has been hot recently. = The team has recently been on a hot streak. [=the team has been winning a lot recently]
When you're hot, you're hot. [=when you are having good luck, you keep winning or succeeding repeatedly]
3 a : marked by anger or strong feelings
• a hot [=heated] argument
• His decision has been a topic of hot debate.
• This is an area of hot dispute.
✦An issue or topic that is too hot to handle causes so much anger or controversy that people avoid discussing or dealing with it.
b always used before a noun : easily excited or angered
• He's known for his hot [=bad] temper.
c : angry
• He was starting to get pretty hot about the delays.
• You shouldn't allow these little delays to get you all hot and bothered. [=to make you angry and upset]
- see also hot under the collar (below)
4 of food : having a spicy or peppery flavor
hot chilis
hot sauce/mustard
• Do you prefer your curry hot or mild?
5 informal
a : sexually excited by or interested in someone - + for
• Everyone knows she's hot for the new guy in her office.
b : sexually attractive
• The girl he's dating is really hot.
• He was voted the hottest [=sexiest] actor in Hollywood.
c : exciting in a sexual or romantic way
• He's nervous because he has a hot date tonight.
d of sex : very intense or exciting
hot sex
e : eager
- usually followed by to + verb
• She's hot to party.
- sometimes + for
• The students are hot for reform.
6 music : having an exciting rhythm
hot jazz
7 informal : very strong or determined
• We're going to face some hot competition.
8 : newly made : fresh and warm
• bread hot from the oven
✦Something, such as a story or book, that is hot off the press has just recently been completed, published, or printed.
• His new book is hot off the press.
9 : following closely
• The police are in hot pursuit of the escaped convicts. [=the police are chasing the convicts and are close to catching them]
✦To be hot on the heels of or hot on the trail of someone is to be chasing someone very closely.
• The escaped convicts are heading south, but the police are hot on their heels.
• The police are hot on the trail of the escaped convicts. To be/follow/come hot on the heels of something is to come or happen immediately or very soon after something.
• Their second album is coming hot on the heels of the first. To be hot on the trail of something is to be very close to doing, finding, or getting something.
• The company says it is hot on the trail of a new cancer treatment.
10 : very bright
hot colors
hot pink
11 : carrying electric current
• The black wire is hot.
12 informal : recently stolen
hot jewels
13 informal : dangerous and difficult : difficult to deal with because of danger
• criminals who leave town when things get hot [=when there is too much danger that they will be caught by the police]
blow hot and cold
- see 1blow
hot and heavy informal : sexually intense, active, or exciting
• They have a very hot and heavy relationship.
hot on informal : strongly favoring or liking (something)
• The company president is very hot on [=big on] the idea of developing new products.
hot tip informal : a valuable piece of information about something (such as the stock market or a horse race) that can help someone get money or an advantage
hot to trot informal : very eager to have sex
• a movie about a couple of college students who are hot to trot
hot under the collar informal : angry or upset
• He tends to get a little hot under the collar when his wife keeps him waiting.
like a hot knife through butter
- see 1knife
strike while the iron is hot
- see 1strike
- hot·ly adv
• a hotly contested election
• a hotly debated issue
• He hotly denied any involvement in the controversy.
- hot·ness noun [noncount]
• the hotness [=spiciness] of the pepper

once

once [adverb] (ONE TIME)

One single time

US /wʌns/ 
UK /wʌns/ 

یکبار، یک مرتبه

Example: 

We met only once

ما فقط‌ يك‌ بار ملاقات‌ كرديم‌.‏

Oxford Essential Dictionary

 adverb

1 one time:
I've only been to Spain once.
He phones us once a week (= once every week).

2 at some time in the past:
This house was once a school.

at once

1 immediately same meaning now:
Come here at once!

2 at the same time:
I can't do two things at once!

for once this time only:
For once I agree with you.

once again, once more again; one more time:
Can you explain it to me once more?

once or twice a few times; not often:
I've only met them once or twice.

once upon a time (used at the beginning of a children's story) a long time ago:
Once upon a time there was a beautiful princess …

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

once

I. once1 S1 W1 /wʌns/ BrE AmE adverb
[Date: 1200-1300; Origin: one]
1. on one occasion only:
I’ve only met her once.
Paul’s been to Wexford once before.
(just) the once British English spoken:
Mrs Peterson came in to see Ruth just the once.
2. once a week/once every three months etc one time every week etc, as a regular activity or event:
Staff meetings take place once a week.
They took separate holidays at least once every two years.
3. at some time in the past, but not now:
Sonya and Ida had once been close friends.
She and her husband had once owned a house like this.
once-great/proud etc
It was sad to see the once-great man looking so frail.
the once-mighty steel industry
4. in the past, at a time that is not stated:
I once ran 21 miles.
Marx once described religion as the ‘opium of the people’.
5. at once
a) immediately or without delay:
Now, go upstairs at once and clean your room!
When I saw him I recognized him at once.
b) together, at the same time:
I can’t do two things at once!
Don’t all talk at once.
REGISTER
In everyday English, when people mean 'immediately', they usually say right away or, in British English, straight away rather than at once:
▪ I recognized him right away.
6. once more/once again
a) again, after happening several times before:
I looked at myself in the mirror once more.
Once again she’s refusing to help.
b) used to say that a situation changes back to its previous state:
The crowds had all gone home and the street was quiet once more.
c) formal used before you repeat something that you said before:
Once again, it must be stressed that the pilot was not to blame.
7. all at once
a) if something happens all at once, it happens suddenly when you are not expecting it:
All at once there was a loud banging on the door.
b) together, at the same time:
A lot of practical details needed to be attended to all at once.
8. (every) once in a while sometimes, although not often:
I do get a little anxious once in a while.
I saw her in the shop every once in a while.
9. never once/not once used to emphasize that something has never happened:
I never once saw him get angry or upset.
Not once did they finish a job properly.
10. (just) for once used to say that something unusual happens, especially when you wish it would happen more often:
Be honest for once.
Just for once, let me make my own decision.
For once Colin was speechless.
11. once and for all
a) if you deal with something once and for all, you deal with it completely and finally:
Let’s settle this matter once and for all.
b) British English spoken used to emphasize your impatience when you ask or say something that you have asked or said many times before:
Once and for all, will you switch off that television!
12. once or twice a few times:
I wrote to him once or twice, but he didn’t answer.
13. (just) this once spoken used to emphasize that this is the only time you are allowing something, asking for something etc, and it will not happen again:
Go on, lend me the car, just this once.
I’ll make an exception this once.
14. once upon a time
a) spoken at a time in the past that you think was much better than now:
Once upon a time you used to be able to leave your front door unlocked.
b) a long time ago – used at the beginning of children’s stories
15. once in a blue moon informal very rarely:
It only happens like this once in a blue moon.
16. do something once too often to repeat a bad, stupid, or dangerous action with the result that you get punished or cause trouble for yourself:
He tried that trick once too often and in the end they caught him.
17. once a ..., always a ... spoken used to say that people stay the same and cannot change the way they behave and think:
Once a thief, always a thief.
18. once is/was enough spoken used to say that after you have done something one time you do not need or want to do it again
19. once bitten, twice shy used to say that people will not do something again if it has been a bad experience

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

once

once adverb, conjunction   [wʌns]    [wʌns]

adverb
1. on one occasion only; one time
I've only been there once.
He cleans his car once a week.
She only sees her parents once every six months.

(informal) He only did it the once.

2. at some time in the past
I once met your mother.
• He once lived in Zambia.

• This book was famous once, but nobody reads it today.

3. used in negative sentences and questions, and after if to mean ‘ever’ or ‘at all’
He never once offered to help.
If she once decides to do something, you won't change her mind.  
Word Origin:
Middle English ones, genitive of one. The spelling change in the 16th cent. was in order to retain the unvoiced sound of the final consonant.

Idioms: all at once  at once  for once  going once, going twice, sold  just this once  once a …, always a …  once again  once and for all  once bitten, twice shy  once in a blue moon  once in a while  once more  once or twice  once too often  once upon a time 

 

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

once / wʌns / adverb (ONE TIME)

A2 one single time:

I went sailing once, but I didn't like it.

We have lunch together once a month.

at once C1 at the same time:

They all started talking at once.

for once B2 used when something happens that does not usually happen:

For once, the bus came on time.

just this once used to say that you will only do or request something on this particular occasion:

All right, I'll give you a lift - just this once.

once again ( also once more ) B1 again, as has happened before:

Once again, racist attacks are increasing across Europe.

once more B1 one more time:

I'd like to visit the colleges once more before we leave.

again, as has happened before:

I'm pleased that Daniel's working with us once more.

once or twice a few times:

I've seen him once or twice in town.

(every) once in a while B2 sometimes but not often:

We meet for lunch once in a while.

once and for all C2 completely and in a way that will finally solve a problem:

Our intention is to destroy their offensive capability once and for all.

once in a lifetime only likely to happen once in a person's life:

An opportunity as good as this arises once in a lifetime.

→  See also once-in-a-lifetime

the once on a single occasion:

I've only played rugby the once, and I never want to play it again.
 

once / wʌns / adverb (PAST)

B1 in the past, but not now:

This house once belonged to my grandfather.

Computers are much cheaper nowadays than they once were.

Once-thriving villages stand deserted and in ruins.

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

once

/wʌns/

Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English.

1.
If something happens once, it happens one time only.
I met Wilma once, briefly...
Since that evening I haven’t once slept through the night...
Mary had only been to Manchester once before.
ADV: ADV with v

Once is also a pronoun.
‘Have they been to visit you yet?’—‘Just the once, yeah.’...
Listen to us, if only this once.
PRON: the/this PRON

2.
You use once with ‘a’ and words like ‘day’, ‘week’, and ‘month’ to indicate that something happens regularly, one time in each day, week, or month.
Lung cells die and are replaced about once a week...
We arranged a special social event once a year to which we invited our major customers.
ADV: ADV a n

3.
If something was once true, it was true at some time in the past, but is no longer true.
The culture minister once ran a theatre...
I lived there once myself, before I got married...
The house where she lives was once the village post office...
My memory isn’t as good as it once was.
ADV: ADV with v, ADV with be, ADV with group/cl

4.
If someone once did something, they did it at some time in the past.
I once went camping at Lake Darling with a friend...
We once walked across London at two in the morning...
Diana had taken that path once.
ADV: ADV with v

5.
If something happens once another thing has happened, it happens immediately afterwards.
The decision had taken about 10 seconds once he’d read a market research study...
Once customers come to rely on these systems they almost never take their business elsewhere...
CONJ

6.
If something happens all at once, it happens suddenly, often when you are not expecting it to happen.
All at once there was someone knocking on the door.
= all of a sudden
PHRASE: PHR with cl

7.
If you do something at once, you do it immediately.
I have to go, I really must, at once...
Remove from the heat, add the parsley, toss and serve at once...
The audience at once greeted him warmly.
= immediately
PHRASE: PHR with v

8.
If a number of different things happen at once or all at once, they all happen at the same time.
You can’t be doing two things at once...
No bank could ever pay off its creditors if they all demanded their money at once...
PHRASE: PHR after v, PHR adj/n and adj/n

9.
For once is used to emphasize that something happens on this particular occasion, especially if it has never happened before, and may never happen again.
For once, dad is not complaining...
His smile, for once, was genuine.
PHRASE: PHR with cl [emphasis]

10.
If something happens once again or once more, it happens again.
Amy picked up the hairbrush and smoothed her hair once more...
Once again an official inquiry has spoken of weak management and ill-trained workers.
PHRASE: PHR with v, PHR with cl

11.
If something happens once and for all, it happens completely or finally.
We have to resolve this matter once and for all...
If we act fast, we can once and for all prevent wild animals in Britain from suffering terrible cruelty.
PHRASE: PHR with v [emphasis]

12.
If something happens once in a while, it happens sometimes, but not very often.
Earrings need to be taken out and cleaned once in a while.
= occasionally
PHRASE: PHR with cl

13.
If you have done something once or twice, you have done it a few times, but not very often.
I popped my head round the door once or twice...
Once or twice she had caught a flash of interest in William’s eyes...
PHRASE: PHR with cl, PHR with v

14.
Once upon a time is used to indicate that something happened or existed a long time ago or in an imaginary world. It is often used at the beginning of children’s stories.
‘Once upon a time,’ he began, ‘there was a man who had everything.’...
Once upon a time, asking a woman if she has a job was quite a straightforward question.
PHRASE: PHR with cl

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

1once /ˈwʌns/ adv
1 : one time only
• I will repeat the question once.
• We try to get together (at least) once every month.
• The play was performed only once.
• He had ridden a horse only once (before).
• We go to the movies once or twice a month. [=we go to the movies a few times a month]
• I've only seen her once or twice. [=I have only seen her a few times]
2 : at any one time : ever
• She didn't once thank me.
• He didn't look at me once.
3 : at some time in the past
• It was once done that way.
• A river once flowed through this canyon.
• It was once a booming mining town.
• Their music was once very popular.
- sometimes used in combination
• a once-successful actor
• a once-popular restaurant
once again/more : for another time : one more time : again
• Let me explain the problem once again.
Once again, you've ignored my instructions.
• Could I hear the question once more?
once and for all : now and for the last time
• Let's settle this problem once and for all.
• Winning its fourth straight championship game, the team proved once and for all that they are the best.
• I'm asking you once and for all.
• Please, once and for all, stop worrying.
once bitten, twice shy
- see 1bite
once in a blue moon
- see blue moon
once in a while : sometimes but not often : occasionally
• We spend most of our time at home and go out once in a while.
Every once in a while, we have wine with dinner.
once upon a time : at some time in the past
• He was a famous actor once upon a time.
Once upon a time is the traditional way to begin a fairy tale.
Once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess named Snow White.

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